bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the HI-TRAC VW Transfer Cask Dose Rates for Spent Fuel Assemblies Loaded in Nuclear Power Plant Krsko Storage Campaign One
Authors: Grgić Davor , Matijević Mario , Dučkić Paulina , Ječmenica Radomir
Published: June 2021

In this paper, shielding analysis was performed to determine neutron and gamma dose rates around the transfer cask HI-TRAC VW (Holtec International Transfer Cask Variable Weight) loaded with spent fuel assemblies (SFA) from nuclear power plant (NPP) Krsko spent fuel dry storage (SFDS) campaign one. The HI-TRAC VW is a multilayered cylindrical vessel designed to accept a multipurpose canister (MPC) during loading, unloading, and transfer to dry storage building. The MPC can contain up to 37 spent fuel assemblies. The analysis was divided into two steps. The first step was the source term generation using origen-s module of the scale code package. The source was calculated based on the operating history of spent fuel assemblies currently located in the NPP Krsko spent fuel pool. The obtained particle intensities and source spectra of the SFA were used in the second step to calculate the dose rates around the transfer cask. A comprehensive hybrid shielding analysis included the calculation of dose rates resulting from fuel neutrons and gammas, neutron-induced gammas (n-γ reaction), and hardware activation gammas under normal conditions and during accident scenario. To obtain the dose rates within the acceptable uncertainties, forward weighted consistent adjoint driven importance sampling (FW-CADIS) variance reduction scheme, as implemented in advantg code, was adopted for accelerating final mcnp6.2 calculations. The dose rates around HI-TRAC VW cask were calculated using mcnp6.2 code for all 16 cask loadings belonging to campaign one in order to illustrate the impact of fuel assembly selection schemes proposed by company responsible for project realization - Holtec International (HI).
Evaluation of the High Cycle Fatigue Properties of Double-Side-Welded AISI 321 Plates Using GTAW Process for Pressure Vessels
Authors: Kumar S. Mohan , Kannan A. Rajesh , Pramod R. , Kumar N. Pravin , Shanmugam N. Siva , Rajendran Sharath
Published: June 2021

Titanium-stabilized AISI 321 material (UNS S32100) is generally preferred in the pressure vessel industry as it is not sensitive to intergranular corrosion. In critical applications, the fatigue behavior of weld seams is among the most stringent requirements. The microstructural characteristics and fatigue performance double-side-welded AISI 321 plate having 6 mm thickness was evaluated in this work. AISI 321 was welded with double-side-gas tungsten arc welding (DS-GTAW) process. The fatigue behavior was examined with a loading ratio of R = 0.1 and frequency of 15 Hz for two different specimens: base metal (BM) and weld metal (WM). Monotonic tensile results shows the improved tensile properties of WM compared to BM samples. The fatigue strength of WM (150 MPa) was 25% higher than that of BM (120 MPa) specimen and is attributed to the increase in ferrite volume along with dendritic microstructure. The change in the fraction of low angle grain boundaries (LABs) and high angle grain boundaries (HABs) improved the tensile and fatigue properties. The stress amplitudes influenced the degree of striations in the BM and WM. Final fracture surfaces were characterized with dimples and microvoids, revealing the ductile mode of fatigue fracture. The fatigue rupture surfaces of BM and WM samples at different stress regimes are discussed.
Analysis of Auto-Ignition Chemistry in Aeroderivative Premixers at Engine Conditions
Authors: Jella Sandeep , Bourque Gilles , Gauthier Pierre , Versailles Philippe , Bergthorson Jeffrey , Park Ji-Woong , Lu Tianfeng , Panigrahy Snehashish , Curran Henry
Published: June 2021

The minimization of auto-ignition risk is critical to the design of premixers of high power aeroderivative gas turbines as an increased use of highly reactive future fuels (for example, hydrogen or higher hydrocarbons) is anticipated. Safety factors based on ignition delays of homogeneous mixtures are generally used to guide the choice of a residence time for a given premixer. However, auto-ignition chemistry under aeroderivative conditions is fast (0.5–2 ms) and can be initiated within typical premixer residence times. The analysis of what takes place in this short period necessarily involves the study of low-temperature auto-ignition precursor chemistry, but precursors can change with fuel and local reactivity. Chemical explosive modes (CEMs) are a natural alternative to study this as they can provide a measure for auto-ignition risk by considering the whole thermochemical state in the framework of an eigenvalue problem. When transport effects are included by coupling the evolution of the chemical explosive modes to turbulence, it is possible to obtain a measure of spatial auto-ignition risk where both chemical (e.g., ignition delay) and aerodynamic (e.g., local residence time) influences are unified. In this article, we describe a method that couples large eddy simulation (LES) to newly developed, reduced auto-ignition chemical kinetics to study auto-ignition precursors in an example premixer representative of real life geometric complexity. A blend of pure methane and di-methyl ether (DME), a common fuel used for experimental auto-ignition studies, was transported using the reduced mechanism (38 species/238 reactions) under engine conditions at increasing levels of DME concentrations until exothermic auto-ignition kernels were formed. The resolution of species profiles was ensured by using a thickened flame model where dynamic thickening was carried out with a flame sensor modified to work with multistage heat release. This paper is outlined as follows: First, a reduced mechanism is constructed and validated for modeling methane as well as DME auto-ignition. Second, sensitivity analysis is used to show the need for chemical explosive modes. Third, the thickened flame model modifications are described and then applied to an example premixer at 25 bar/890 K preheat. The chemical explosive mode analysis closely follows the large thermochemical changes in the premixer as a function of DME concentrations and identifies where the premixer is sensitive and flame anchoring is likely to occur.
Atomic-Level, Energy-Conversion Heat Transfer
Authors: Kaviany M.
Published: June 2021

Heat is stored in quanta of kinetic and potential energies in matter. The temperature represents the equilibrium and excited occupation (boson) of these energy conditions. Temporal and spatial temperature variations and heat transfer are associated with the kinetics of these equilibrium excitations. During energy-conversion (between electron and phonon systems), the occupancies deviate from equilibria, while holding atomic-scale, inelastic spectral energy transfer kinetics. Heat transfer physics reaches nonequilibrium energy excitations and kinetics among the principal carriers, phonon, electron (and holes and ions), fluid particle, and photon. This allows atomic-level tailoring of energetic materials and energy-conversion processes and their efficiencies. For example, modern thermal-electric harvesters have transformed broad-spectrum, high-entropy heat into a narrow spectrum of low-entropy emissions to efficiently generate thermal electricity. Phonoelectricity, in contrast, intervenes before a low-entropy population of nonequilibrium optical phonons becomes a high-entropy heat. In particular, the suggested phonovoltaic cell generates phonoelectricity by employing the nonequilibrium, low-entropy, and elevated temperature optical-phonon produced population—for example, by relaxing electrons, excited by an electric field. A phonovoltaic material has an ultranarrow electronic bandgap, such that the hot optical-phonon population can relax by producing electron-hole pairs (and power) instead of multiple acoustic phonons (and entropy). Examples of these quanta and spectral heat transfer are reviewed, contemplating a prospect for education and research in this field.
High-Performance Planar Thermal Diode With Wickless Components
Authors: Damoulakis George , Jafari Gukeh Mohamad , Koukoravas Theodore P. , Megaridis Constantine M.
Published: June 2021

The characterization “thermal diode” (TD) has been used to portray systems that spread heat very efficiently in a specific direction but obstruct it from flowing in the opposite direction. In this study, a planar vapor chamber (VC) with a wickless, wettability-patterned side and an opposing wick-lined side is fabricated and tested as a thermal diode. When the chamber operates in the forward mode, heat is naturally driven away from the heat source; in the reverse mode, the system blocks heat flow, thus acting as a thermal diode. The low-profile assembly takes advantage of the phase-changing properties of water inside a sealed chamber. The wettability-patterned plate—when on the cooled side, e.g., forward operation mode—enables spatially controlled dropwise condensation (high heat transfer rate) and filmwise condensation (high drainage rate), thus facilitating an efficient transport mechanism of the condensed medium on superhydrophilic wedge tracks by way of Laplace pressure-driven capillary forces. The same chamber acts as a thermal blocker when the wick-covered plate is on the cooled side (reverse operating mode), trapping the condensate in the wick pores and blocking heat flow to the opposite side. The system's thermal behavior is similar to the theoretical electrical diode. This work explores the effect of the condenser's wettability pattern design and the chamber's fluid charging ratio (CR). With this system, thermal diodicities exceeding 20 have been achieved, and are tunable by altering the wettability pattern. The thermal rectification concept and its proper quantification in terms of possible definitions are discussed. The present vapor chamber—thermal diode design could be well-suited for an extensive range of thermal-management applications, ranging from aerospace, spacecraft, and smart-building construction materials, to electronics protection, electronics packaging, refrigeration, thermal control during energy harvesting, thermal isolation, etc.
33 Days in Lockdown: Covid-19 Reflections from New Zealand
Authors: Trnka Susanna Helen
Published: June 2021

New Zealand’s 33-day, ‘level 4 lockdown’ in response to covid-19 invites anthropological reflection across a number of themes. What follows are extracts of an online anthropological diary examining the first month of the crisis as it unfolded, suggesting how social and political responses to the pandemic invite reflection upon anthropological concepts as diverse as states of emergency; healing spaces; embodiment and movement; soundscapes; the constitution of collective affect; crises and historical temporality; museum artefacts; globalism; collective pain; surveillance; and imagined biographies.
(Alter)narratives of ‘winning’: Supermarket and healthcare workers’ experiences of COVID19 in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Appleton Nayantara Sheoran , Long Nicholas J , Aikman Pounamu Jade , Davies Sharyn Graham , Deckert Antje , Fehoko Edmond , Holroyd Eleanor , Jivraj Naseem , Laws Megan , Martin-Anatias Nelly , Roguski Michael , Simpson Nikita , Sterling Rogena , Trnka Susanna , Tunufa'i Laumua
Published: June 2021

COVID-19 stories, especially from Aotearoa New Zealand as one of the leading nations ‘winning’ over the virus will be important historical documentation. The ‘team of 5 million’ is writing its narratives of life with/out COVID-19 – stories of ‘living in bubbles’, of ‘being kind’ and ‘being in it together.’ These are narratives of success which need to be examined alongside the narratives that have been absent from public national discourse but complicate understandings of ‘winning.’ To that end, in this article we map out (alter)narratives from supermarket and healthcare workers and highlight their stories of living and caring under lockdown. We posit that we need to pay attention to (alter)narratives of winning over COVID-19 in order to pay attention to the bodies and spaces that are often invisible but make winning possible. Thus, we see (Alter)narratives not as counter or anti to the nation’s winning narrative, but rather essential and adjacent.
A Comparison of Physical Activity Levels, Sleep Disrupting Behavior, and Stress/Affective Distress as Predictors of Sleep as Indexed by Actigraphy
Authors: Eid Shireen W. , Brown Rhonda F. , Birmingham Carl L. , Maloney Shane K.
Published: June 2021

Background: Several behaviors have been reported to interfere with sleep in otherwise healthy adults, including low physical activity (PA) levels. However, few studies have compared low PA with the other behavioral risk factors of objective sleep impairment, despite the behavior tending to cooccur in highly stressed and affectively distressed individuals. Thus, the authors compared objective and subjective measures of PA and other potential sleep disrupting behaviors as predictors of objective sleep (sleep onset latency, actual sleep time, total sleep duration, awake time, and sleep efficacy) at baseline (T1) and 3 months later (T2).Methods: A community-derived sample of 161 people aged 18–65 years were asked about PA, other behavior (ie, night eating, electronic device use, watching television, caffeine and alcohol use), stress, affective distress (ie, anxiety, depression), and demographics including shift work and parenting young children in an online questionnaire at T1 and T2. PA and sleep were also monitored for 24 hours each at T1 and T2 using actigraphy.Results: Multiple regression analyses indicated that sleep at T1 was associated with PA (ie, total number of steps, metabolic equivalents/time, time spent travelling) after controlling mean ambient temperature and relevant demographics. At T2, longer sleep onset latency was predicted by parenting young children and night time television viewing; shorter sleep duration was predicted by female gender; and awake time and sleep efficacy were predicted by alcohol intake after controlling T1 sleep measures, demographics, and mean ambient temperature.Conclusion: The risk factors for objective sleep impairment included parenting young children and watching television at night, whereas better sleep outcomes were associated with greater engagement with PA.
Genomic Epidemiology of Carbapenemase-Producing
Enterobacterales
at a Hospital System in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 2007 to 2018
Authors: Jamal Alainna J. , Mataseje Laura F. , Williams Victoria , Leis Jerome A. , Tijet Nathalie , Zittermann Sandra , Melano Roberto G. , Mulvey Michael R. , Katz Kevin , Allen Vanessa G. , McGeer Allison J.
Published: June 2021

At a hospital system (H1) in ON, Canada, we investigated whether whole-genome sequencing (WGS) altered initial epidemiological interpretation of carbapenemase-producing
Enterobacterales
(CPE) transmission. We included patients with CPE colonization/infection identified by population-based surveillance from October 2007 to August 2018 who received health care at H1 in the year before/after CPE detection. H1 reported epidemiological transmission clusters.
Unveiling the Virulent Genotype and Unusual Biochemical Behavior of Escherichia coli ST59
Authors: Santos Ana Carolina de Mello , Fuga Bruna , Esposito Fernanda , Cardoso Brenda , Santos Fernanda Fernandes , Valiatti Tiago Barcelos , Santos-Neto José Francisco , Gales Ana Cristina , Lincopan Nilton , Silva Rosa Maria , Gomes Tânia Aparecida Tardelli
Published: June 2021

The use of selective and differential media is a rule that guides presumptive bacterial identification based on specific metabolic traits that are specific to each bacterial species. When a bacterial specimen displays an unusual phenotype in these media, this characteristic may lead to bacterial misidentification or a significant delay in its identification, putting a patient at risk depending on the infection type.
Stockpiling versus Composting: Effectiveness in Reducing Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Resistance Genes in Beef Cattle Manure
Authors: Staley Zachery R. , Woodbury Bryan L. , Stromer Bobbi S. , Schmidt Amy M. , Snow Daniel D. , Bartelt-Hunt Shannon L. , Wang Bing , Li Xu
Published: June 2021

Proper treatment of manure is essential to reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance and protect human health. Stockpiling and composting are two manure storage methods which can reduce antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes, although few field-scale studies have examined the relative efficiency of each method.
Echinococcoses in Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan: Old Diseases in the New Millennium
Authors: Borhani Mehdi , Fathi Saeid , Darabi Enayat , Jalousian Fatemeh , Simsek Sami , Ahmed Haroon , Kesik Harun Kaya , Hosseini Seyed Hossein , Romig Thomas , Harandi Majid Fasihi , Mobedi Iraj
Published: June 2021

Echinococcosis is considered a cosmopolitan zoonosis caused by different species of small taeniid tapeworms of the genusEchinococcusand is regarded as a neglected zoonosis. Cystic and alveolar echinococcoses are endemic diseases of Tibetan, Pamir, and Iranian plateaus.
Control of the serine integrase reaction: roles of the coiled-coil and helix E regions in DNA site synapsis and recombination
Authors: Mandali Sridhar , Johnson Reid C.
Published: June 2021

Bacteriophage serine integrases catalyze highly specific recombination reactions between defined DNA segments called
att
sites. These reactions are reversible depending upon the presence of a second phage-encoded directionality factor. The bipartite C-terminal DNA binding region of integrases includes a recombinase domain (RD) connected to a zinc-binding domain (ZD), which contains a long flexible coiled-coil (CC) motif that extends away from the bound DNA. We directly show that the identities of the phage A118 integrase
att
sites are specified by the DNA spacing between the RD and ZD DNA recognition determinants, which in turn, directs the relative trajectories of the CC motifs on each subunit of the
att
-bound integrase dimer. Recombination between compatible dimer-bound
att
sites requires minimal length CC motifs and 14 residues surrounding the tip where pairing of CC motifs between synapsing dimers occurs. Our alanine-scanning data suggests that molecular interactions between CC motif tips may differ in integrative (
attP
x
attB
) and excisive (
attL
x
attR
) recombination reactions. We identify mutations in 5 residues within the integrase oligomerization helix that control the remodeling of dimers into tetramers during synaptic complex formation. Whereas most of these gain-of-function mutants still require the CC motifs for synapsis, one mutant efficiently, but indiscriminantly, forms synaptic complexes without the CC motifs. However, the CC motifs are still required for recombination, suggesting a function for the CC motifs after initial assembly of the integrase synaptic tetramer.

Importance

The robust and exquisitely-regulated site-specific recombination reactions promoted by serine integrases are integral to the life cycle of temperate bacteriophage, and in the case of the A118 prophage, are an important virulence factor by
Listeria monocytogenes
. The properties of these recombinases have led to their repurposing into tools for genetic engineering and synthetic biology. In this report, we identify determinants regulating synaptic complex formation between correct DNA sites, including the DNA architecture responsible for specifying the identity of recombination sites, features of the unique coiled-coil structure on the integrase that are required to initiate synapsis, and amino acid residues on the integrase oligomerization helix that control the remodeling of synapsing dimers into a tetramer active for DNA strand exchange.
Prior Heterologous Flavivirus Exposure Results in Reduced Pathogenesis in a Mouse Model of Zika Virus Infection
Authors: Hassert Mariah , Steffen Tara L. , Scroggins Stephen , Coleman Abigail K. , Shacham Enbal , Brien James D. , Pinto Amelia K.
Published: June 2021

The emergence and reemergence of various vector-borne diseases in recent years highlights the need to understand the mechanisms of protection for each pathogen. In this study, we investigated the impact of prior exposure to Zika virus, dengue virus serotypes 2 or 3, or the vaccine strain of yellow fever on pathogenesis and disease outcomes in a mouse model of Zika virus infection.
Increased Production of Outer Membrane Vesicles by Salmonella Interferes with Complement-Mediated Innate Immune Attack
Authors: Dehinwal Ruchika , Cooley Danielle , Rakov Alexey V. , Alugupalli Akhil S. , Harmon Joey , Cunrath Olivier , Vallabhajosyula Prashanth , Bumann Dirk , Schifferli Dieter M.
Published: June 2021

Bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) mediate critical bacterium-bacterium and host-microbial interactions that influence pathogenesis through multiple mechanisms, including the elicitation of inflammatory responses, delivery of virulence factors, and enhancement of biofilm formation. As such, there is a growing interest in understanding the underlying mechanisms of OMV production.
Nutrient Loading and Viral Memory Drive Accumulation of Restriction Modification Systems in Bloom-Forming Cyanobacteria
Authors: Papoulis Spiridon E. , Wilhelm Steven W. , Talmy David , Zinser Erik R.
Published: June 2021

Harmful algal blooms (HABs), caused by cyanobacteria like
Microcystis aeruginosa
, are a global threat to water quality and use across the planet. Researchers have agreed that nutrient loading is a major contributor to HAB persistence.
Comparative Biofilm Assays Using Enterococcus faecalis OG1RF Identify New Determinants of Biofilm Formation
Authors: Willett Julia L. E. , Dale Jennifer L. , Kwiatkowski Lucy M. , Powers Jennifer L. , Korir Michelle L. , Kohli Rhea , Barnes Aaron M. T. , Dunny Gary M.
Published: June 2021

E. faecalis
is an opportunistic pathogen and a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections, in part due to its ability to form biofilms. A complete understanding of the genes required for
E. faecalis
biofilm formation as well as specific features of biofilm morphology related to nutrient availability and growth conditions is crucial for understanding how
E. faecalis
biofilm-associated infections develop and resist treatment in patients.
Phylogeny Reveals Novel HipA-Homologous Kinase Families and Toxin-Antitoxin Gene Organizations
Authors: Gerdes Kenn , Bærentsen Rene , Brodersen Ditlev E.
Published: June 2021

Bacterial multidrug tolerance and persistence are problems of increasing scientific and medical significance. The first gene discovered to confer persistence was
hipA
, encoding the kinase toxin of the
hipBA
toxin-antitoxin (TA) module of
E. coli
.
Isolation and Genomic Analysis of the Phage vB_PaeP_fHoPae04 Infecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Patpatia Sheetal , Yilmaz Ozgenur , Ylänne Matti , Kiljunen Saija
Published: June 2021

Here, we report the genomic sequence of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
phage vB_PaeP_fHoPae04, isolated from hospital wastewater in Helsinki, Finland. The phage genome is 45,491 bp long, has a G+C content of 52.2%, and contains 70 protein-coding genes and 3 tRNA genes.
Draft Genome Sequences of Vibrio vulnificus Strains Recovered from Moribund Tilapia
Authors: Carmona-Salido Héctor , Fouz Belén , Sanjuán Eva , Carda-Diéguez Miguel , Delannoy Christian M. J. , García-González Neris , González-Candelas Fernando , Amaro Carmen
Published: June 2021

Potentially zoonotic
Vibrio vulnificus
strains were isolated from vibriosis outbreaks occurring on eastern Mediterranean tilapia farms between 2016 and 2019. In this work, the draft genome sequences of three representative isolates are presented.
Draft Genome Sequences of Five Fungal Strains Isolated from Kefir
Authors: Marcišauskas Simonas , Kim Yongkyu , Blasche Sonja , Patil Kiran R. , Ji Boyang , Nielsen Jens
Published: June 2021

We present the annotated draft genome sequences of five fungal strains isolated from kefir grains. These isolates included three ascomycetous (
Candida californica
,
Kazachstania exigua
, and
Kazachstania unispora
) and one basidiomycetous (
Rhodotorula mucilaginosa
) species. The results revealed a detailed overview of the metabolic features of kefir fungi that will be potentially useful in biotechnological applications.
The influence of scientific knowledge on mollusk and arthropod illustration
Authors: Sendino* Consuelo
Published: June 2021

Our attraction to fossils is almost as old as humans themselves, and the way fossils are represented has changed and evolved with technology and with our knowledge of these organisms. Invertebrates were the first fossils to be represented in books and illustrated according to their original form. The first worldwide illustrations of paleoinvertebrates by recognized authors, such as Christophorus Encelius and Conrad Gessner, considered only their general shape. Over time, paleoillustrations became more accurate and showed the position of organisms when they were alive and as they had appeared when found. Encyclopedic works such as those of the Sowerbys or Joachim Barrande have left an important legacy on fossil invertebrates, summarizing the knowledge of their time. Currently, new discoveries, techniques, and comparison with extant specimens are changing the way in which the same organisms are shown in life position, with previously overlooked taxonomically important elements being displayed using modern techniques. This chapter will cover the history of illustrations, unpublished nineteenth-century author illustrations, examples showing fossil reconstructions, new techniques and their influence on taxonomical work with regard to illustration, and the evolution of paleoinvertebrate illustration.
Development of paleontological art in Poland
Authors: Krzywiec* Piotr , Arndt* Aleksandra
Published: June 2021

The first illustrations of geo-objects—different crystals of salt—from Poland were included by U. Aldrovandi in his Musaeum Metallicum (1648). The first publications containing paleontological sketches of fossil remains of animals and plants appeared in the early eighteenth century. G.A. Helwing, in his Lithographia Angerburgica (1717) and Lithographiae Angerburgicae Pars II (1720), included drawings of fossils of various ages from the Peri-Baltic area. G.A. Volkmann’s Silesia Subterranea (1720) was extensively illustrated by elaborate sketches of fossils including Carboniferous plants from the Lower Silesia region. In 1764, J.-É. Guettard published an important paper on the geology of Poland that contained detailed illustrations of fossils from various parts of the country. S. Staszic, in his two seminal books published in 1805 and 1815, provided detailed illustrations of animal remains, mainly bones of large, extinct mammals. This “pioneering era” of development of paleontological art came to an end with publications by two geologists that laid the foundations of modern paleontology in Poland: Polens Paläontologie by G.G. Pusch (1836) and Paleontologia Polska (1846) by L. Zejszner. In less than 150 years, paleontological art evolved from simple illustrations of “curious objects” from the subsurface to scientific drawings that marked the birth of modern paleontology.
Metabolic mayhem. The advantage of keeping your nose both in the books and in the nappy!
Authors: Buzakuk Buthaina , van der Voort Judith
Published: June 2021

This case presentation takes you on a journey of diagnostic hurdles, covering a common neonatal presentation: abdominal distention with failure to pass meconium, followed by a presentation in infancy with metabolic, renal and electrolyte abnormalities. The article provides a systematic approach to the different clinical problems, allowing interpretation of results, making differential diagnoses and deciding on investigations and management.
Extensive right-sided infectious endocarditis due toStreptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Rocha Patrícia , Rodrigues Pedro Fernandes , Lima Silva Ana , Gomes Pedro Lourenço
Published: June 2021

Streptococcus pneumoniaeis a rare cause of infectious endocarditis. Most cases have an acute and aggressive evolution, with a high mortality rate. We report the case of a 36-year-old man, with a history of unrepaired ventricular septal defect, who came to the emergency department with fever, cough and asthenia with 3 months of evolution. Blood cultures were positive forStreptococcus pneumoniae. Echocardiogram showed large vegetation on septum, free wall and outflow tract of the right ventricle. Thoracic CT revealed septic pulmonary embolism. Antimicrobial therapy and surgical treatment was performed and the patient presented a favourable evolution.
Statin therapy for patients with aortic stenosis who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a report from a Japanese multicentre registry
Authors: Yashima Fumiaki , Hara Masahiko , Inohara Taku , Jinzaki Masahiro , Shimizu Hideyuki , Fukuda Keiichi , Tanaka Makoto , Yamamoto Masanori , Watanabe Yusuke , Naganuma Toru , Shirai Shinichi , Yamawaki Masahiro , Tada Norio , Yamanaka Futoshi , Mizutani Kazuki , Ueno Hiroshi , Tabata Minoru , Takagi Kensuke , Hayashida Kentaro
Published: June 2021

Objective

Data on statin for patients with aortic stenosis (AS) who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are limited. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of statin on midterm mortality of TAVI patients.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

This study included patients with AS from a Japanese multicentre registry who underwent TAVI.

Participants

The overall cohort included 2588 patients (84.4±5.2 years); majority were women (69.3%). The Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk score was 6.55% (IQR 4.55%–9.50%), the Euro II score was 3.74% (IQR 2.34%–6.02%) and the Clinical Frailty Scale score was 3.9±1.2.

Interventions

We classified patients based on statin at admission and identified 936 matched pairs after propensity score matching.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The outcomes were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

Results

The median follow-up was 660 days. Statin at admission was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality (adjusted HR (aHR) 0.76, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.99, p=0.04) and cardiovascular mortality (aHR 0.64, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.97, p=0.04). In the octogenarians, statin was associated with significantly lower all-cause mortality (aHR 0.87, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.99, p=0.04); however, the impact in the nonagenarians appeared to be lower (aHR 0.84, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.13, p=0.25). Comparing four groups according to previous coronary artery disease (CAD) and statin, there was a significant difference in all-cause mortality, and patients who did not receive statin despite previous CAD showed the worst prognosis (aHR 1.33, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.57 (patients who received statin without previous CAD as a reference), p<0.01).

Conclusions

Statin for TAVI patients will be beneficial even in octogenarians, but the benefits may disappear in nonagenarians. In addition, statin will be essential for TAVI patients with CAD. Further research is warranted to confirm and generalise our findings since this study has the inherent limitations of an observational study and included only Japanese patients.

Trial registration number

UMIN000020423.
Transradial approach using a distal access catheter without guiding support for symptomatic intracranial vertebral artery and basilar artery stenosis: a multicenter experience and technical procedure
Authors: Guo Xu , Wang Lifeng , Liu Jialin , Yu Lei , Ma Yudong , Fan Chengzhe , Zhang Nan , Song Ligang , Miao Zhongrong
Published: June 2021

Background

There is little consensus on endovascular treatment for symptomatic intracranial posterior circulation stenosis via the transradial approach (TRA). We report our multicenter experience and technical procedures that directly used a distal access catheter (DAC) via TRA for the treatment of symptomatic intracranial vertebral (VA) and basilar (BA) artery stenosis.

Methods

From January 2019 to December 2020, 92 consecutive patients with severe symptomatic intracranial VA or BA stenosis were retrospectively collected and divided into two groups (TRA group and transfemoral approach (TFA) group) for neurointerventional treatment. The percentages of catheters reaching the V3/V4 segment of the VA and technical success, postoperative care conditions, preoperative outcomes and complications, long term clinical outcomes, and imaging follow-ups were observed.

Results

The catheter, CAT 5, reached the V4 segment of the VA in 37 TRA patients (88.1%). The duration of the procedure was significantly shorter in the TRA group than in the TFA group (median 48.0 min vs 55.5 min, p=0.037). More patients in the TRA group could walk within 2 hours after the procedure (85.7% vs 10.0%, p=0.000), and the duration of retaining catheterization in the TRA group was shorter (3.0±1.2 hours vs 11.7±5.6 hours, p=0.000).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the potential feasibility and safety of using a DAC via the TRA without guiding support for the treatment of symptomatic intracranial VA and BA stenosis. The TRA demonstrated some advantages over the standard TFA in terms of patient comfort. Further randomized controlled trials comparing the TRA and TFA for posterior circulation stenosis are needed.
Centrifuge modelling of gas pipelines undergoing freeze–thaw cycles
Authors: Dayarathne Rajith , Hawlader Bipul , Phillips Ryan
Published: June 2021

Frost heave and thaw settlement are two critical factors that need to be considered in the design of chilled gas pipelines in cold regions. Due to the variation in seasonal temperature and operating conditions (e.g., pressure and temperature at the compressor stations), the pipeline temperature in some segments might vary from subzero to above zero during winter and summer, respectively. This study examines the freezing and thawing for cyclic and constant temperatures at the pipeline and ground surfaces based on the response of 14 model pipes tested in a geotechnical centrifuge. The cyclic (temperature) operation reduces the frost heave rate per year and causes net settlement in some cases. When the thaw bulb resulting from an above-zero operating temperature is less than the previously developed frost bulb, upward water flow occurs through the thawed soil, which could alter the pipeline–soil interaction behaviour. Five types of freeze-thaw-induced vertical displacement of the pipe have been identified from the centrifuge test results.
Influence of high-energy particles on copper and stainless steel in fusion reactor materials
Authors: Radwan Samah , El-Khabeary H.
Published: June 2021

Many studies have focused on the effect of fusion plasma particles onto the structural materials of future nuclear fusion reactors. In this paper, the effect of the products of the first-generation fuel reaction on structural fusion materials, such as copper and 316-stainless steel target materials, was studied. Firstly, the effect of 14.1 MeV neutrons produced from D–T neutron generator for different irradiation times, 10, 20, 30, 50, and 60 min, was investigated. Hence, this effect was analyzed and characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, surface roughness test, scanning electron microscope, and Vickers hardness. Secondly, the effect of 3.5 MeV α-particles on these target materials by different incident angles, 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 85°, using SRIM code was studied. Also, SRIM code was used to calculate α-particles’ trajectories, projected and straggle ranges, skewness, kurtosis, target ionization/phonons, and total displacements for copper and 316-stainless steel target materials.
Microgel that swims to the beat of light
Authors: Mourran Ahmed , Jung Oliver , Vinokur Rostislav , Möller Martin
Published: June 2021

Complementary to the quickly advancing understanding of the swimming of microorganisms, we demonstrate rather simple design principles for systems that can mimic swimming by body shape deformation. For this purpose, we developed a microswimmer that could be actuated and controlled by fast temperature changes through pulsed infrared light irradiation. The construction of the microswimmer has the following features: (i) it is a bilayer ribbon with a length of 80 or 120 $$\upmu $$
μ
m, consisting of a thermo-responsive hydrogel of poly-N-isopropylamide coated with a 2-nm layer of gold and equipped with homogeneously dispersed gold nanorods; (ii) the width of the ribbon is linearly tapered with a wider end of 5 $$\upmu $$
μ
m and a tip of 0.5 $$\upmu $$
μ
m; (iii) a thickness of only 1 and 2 $$\upmu $$
μ
m that ensures a maximum variation of the cross section of the ribbon along its length from square to rectangular. These wedge-shaped ribbons form conical helices when the hydrogel is swollen in cold water and extend to a filament-like object when the temperature is raised above the volume phase transition of the hydrogel at $$32\,^{\circ } \hbox {C}$$

32

∘

C

. The two ends of these ribbons undergo different but coupled modes of motion upon fast temperature cycling through plasmonic heating of the gel-objects from inside. Proper choice of the IR-light pulse sequence caused the ribbons to move at a rate of 6 body length/s (500 $$\upmu $$
μ
m/s) with the wider end ahead. Within the confinement of rectangular container of 30 $$\upmu $$
μ
m height and 300 $$\upmu $$
μ
m width, the different modes can be actuated in a way that the movement is directed by the energy input between spinning on the spot and fast forward locomotion.

Graphic abstract
Modelling nonlinear dynamics of interacting tipping elements on complex networks: the PyCascades package
Authors: Wunderling Nico , Krönke Jonathan , Wohlfarth Valentin , Kohler Jan , Heitzig Jobst , Staal Arie , Willner Sven , Winkelmann Ricarda , Donges Jonathan F.
Published: June 2021

Tipping elements occur in various systems such as in socio-economics, ecology and the climate system. In many cases, the individual tipping elements are not independent of each other, but they interact across scales in time and space. To model systems of interacting tipping elements, we here introduce the PyCascades open source software package for studying interacting tipping elements (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4153102). PyCascades is an object-oriented and easily extendable package written in the programming language Python. It allows for investigating under which conditions potentially dangerous cascades can emerge between interacting dynamical systems, with a focus on tipping elements. With PyCascades it is possible to use different types of tipping elements such as double-fold and Hopf types and interactions between them. PyCascades can be applied to arbitrary complex network structures and has recently been extended to stochastic dynamical systems. This paper provides an overview of the functionality of PyCascades by introducing the basic concepts and the methodology behind it. In the end, three examples are discussed, showing three different applications of the software package. First, the moisture recycling network of the Amazon rainforest is investigated. Second, a model of interacting Earth system tipping elements is discussed. And third, the PyCascades modelling framework is applied to a global trade network.
Average path length and degree distribution of networks generated by random sequence
Authors: Wang Daohua , Xue Yumei
Published: June 2021

Considering that many real networks do not have strict self-similarity property, compared with deterministic evolutionary fractal networks, networks with random sequence structure may be more in accordance with the properties of real networks. In this paper, we generate a hierarchical network by a random sequence based on BRV model. Using the encoding method, we present a way to judge whether two nodes are neighbors and calculate the total path length of the network. We get the degree distribution and limit formula of the average path length of a class of networks, which are obtained by analytical method and iterative calculation.
Sums of element orders in groups of odd order
Authors: Herzog Marcel , Longobardi Patrizia , Maj Mercede
Published: June 2021

For a finite group [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] denote the sum of element orders of [Formula: see text]. If [Formula: see text] is a positive integer let [Formula: see text] be the cyclic group of order [Formula: see text]. It is known that [Formula: see text] is the maximum value of [Formula: see text] on the set of groups of order [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] if and only if [Formula: see text] is cyclic of order [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we investigate the second largest value of [Formula: see text] on the set of groups of order [Formula: see text] and the structure of groups [Formula: see text] of order [Formula: see text] with this value of [Formula: see text] when [Formula: see text] is odd.
Ground state and excited state multinucleon transfer channels in interactions of 28Si with 90,94Zr in near barrier region
Authors: Kalkal S. , Mandal S. , Madhavan N. , Jhingan A. , Nath S. , Prasad E. , Sandal Rohit , Goyal Savi , Saxena Mansi , Mohanto Gayatri , Verma S. , Behera B. R. , Kumar Suresh , Datta U. , Sinha A. K. , Singh R. , Noor Shoaib
Published: June 2021

Multinucleon transfer reactions were measured in interactions of 28Si with 90,94Zr at a near barrier energy using recoil mass separator, Heavy Ion Reaction Analyzer (HIRA) at Inter University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), New Delhi. The effects of shell closure, positive Q-value transfer channels on the relative strengths of ground state and excited state transfer in multinucleon transfer processes were investigated. The kinematic coincidence technique was employed to reduce the background. The m/q ambiguity was resolved by time of flight (TOF) technique. Based on the Q-value considerations, it was observed that pickup channels were predominantly of neutron transfer, whereas, stripping channels were mainly of proton transfer. A 14-element BGO array was used to extract the relative strength of excited state transfer. In interactions of 28Si with 90Zr, it was observed that the ground state and excited states competes for populating all the transfer channels. In reactions of 28Si with 94Zr, nearly similar behavior was observed except for two-neutron pickup channel, where excited state transfer was dominant and four-neutron pickup channel where ground state transfer was dominant.
OAT EXTRACT AS A NATURAL CORROSION INHIBITOR FOR MILD STEEL IN 3% NaCl SOLUTION
Authors: ZAABAR A. , AITOUT R. , AMOURA D. , MAIZIA R. , ABDESSELAM D. AIT , MAKHLOUFI L. , SAIDANI B.
Published: June 2021

In this work, we have tested a new inhibitor formulation that is effective, economically efficient and in accordance with environmental legislation. The inhibitor tested is the crude extract of the oat plant (denoted as OE) obtained by the reflux method in the water. This extract is then used as a corrosion inhibitor of mild steel in 3% NaCl. This study was carried out by using electrochemical polarizations, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and gravimetric techniques. The results obtained showed that this extract satisfactorily inhibits the dissolution rate of mild steel. The inhibition efficiency increases with inhibitor concentration and reaches 72% at 5[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]L[Formula: see text] of oat extract. Polarization data indicate that the extract acted as mixed type. The adsorption of the inhibitor on the mild steel surface in 3% NaCl follows the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. SEM analysis of the electrode surface condition confirms the results obtained.
Feature Recognition of Abstract Art Painting Multilevel Based Convolutional Ancient Recognition Neural Network Method
Authors: Li Chaofeng , Raj Ebin Deni
Published: June 2021

Art can be used to spread an inspirational message to encourage people and accomplish great things in life. The art of communication among people can be a mode of communication to concentrate on common issues to improve humankind. The challenging characteristics in art painting include such as degradation, cracking, and flaking is considered an essential factor. In this paper, the Multilevel Based Convolutional Ancient Recognition Neural Network Method (M-CARNNM) has been proposed to incorporate experts’ suggestions, helping artists envisage how the ancient painting may have looked after restoration. Mid-frequency analysis is introduced to reinforce the rough estimation of complete images by adding missing regions and the nearest neighbor pixels to match the maps. A domain-specific pyramid network is used to capture various space context amounts. Experimental results effectively predict the proposed method for large areas of lack of information and produce controllable vector graphics, photographic painting, and high-frequency results.
A nonisospectral integrable model of AKNS hierarchy and KN hierarchy, as well as its extended system
Authors: Wang Haifeng , Zhang Yufeng
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we first introduce a nonisospectral problem associate with a loop algebra. Based on the nonisospectral problem, we deduce a nonisospectral integrable hierarchy by solving a nonisospectral zero curvature equation. It follows that the standard AKNS hierarchy and KN hierarchy are obtained by reducing the resulting nonisospectral hierarchy. Then, the Hamiltonian system of the resulting nonisospectral hierarchy is investigated based on the trace identity. Additionally, an extended integrable system of the resulting nonisospectral hierarchy is worked out based on an expanded higher-dimensional Loop algebra.
Thermally stable single atom catalysts: From concept to in situ study
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhao Xin , Yang Xusheng , Wang Kun , Yang Feng
Published: June 2021

Pursuing maximum atom utilization efficiency and high selectivity of the metal catalysts is our ultimate goal to design the heterogeneous catalysts. Single atom catalysts (SACs) have gained widespread attention owing to their unexpected catalytic activity and specific selectivity. Large number of approaches came up over the last decade to obtain such a distinct class of catalysts. However, metal atoms tend to agglomerate into clusters or nanoparticles during the reaction process due to their high surface energy. Hence, SACs with high thermally stable ability should be developed to meet their practical applications. This paper summarizes the current state-of-the-art emerging synthesis strategies to get the thermally stable SACs. We systemically discuss the synthesis methods with different metals over series carriers and understand the formation mechanism with in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Finally, we point out some drawbacks and current challenges for the present studies and propose some key issues that are usually ignored for future studies.
Numerical study of forced imbibition phenomenon in fluid flow through a water-wet porous media
Authors: Kesarwani Juhi , Meher Ramakanta
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a mathematical model to study forced imbibition and examine the correlation between spontaneous and forced imbibition in a water-wet heterogeneous porous media. An explicit approximate analytical method with its convergence analysis is proposed here to obtain an analytic expression for the saturation profile of the wetting phase along with its case study to discuss the potential effects and reliability of the viscosity ratio, wettability state of the medium, capillary pressure and relative permeability of the phases on forced imbibition phenomenon. Finally, the simulation results investigate the impact of all parameters on the hydrocarbon reservoir’s saturation rate and recovery rate during the forced imbibition process.