bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
European Pediatric Surgeons' Association Survey on the Use of Splenic Embolization in Blunt Splenic Trauma in Children
Authors: Dariel Anne , Soyer Tutku , Dingemann Jens , Pini-Prato Alessio , Martinez Leopoldo , Faure Alice , Oumarou Mamane , Hassid Sophie , Dabadie Alexia , De Coppi Paolo , Gorter Ramon , Doi Tkashi , Antunovic Sanja Sindjic , Kakar Mohit , Morini Francesco , Hall Nigel J.
Published: July 2022

Introduction This article assesses (1) access to splenic embolization (SE), (2) indications for SE, and (3) post-embolization management in high-grade splenic trauma in children.

Materials and Methods An online questionnaire was sent in 2021 to all members of European Pediatric Surgeons' Association.

Results There were a total of 157 responses (50 countries, 83% academic hospitals). Among them, 68% have access to SE (SE) and 32% do not (nSE). For a hemodynamic stable patient with high-grade isolated splenic trauma without contrast extravasation (CE) on computed tomography (CT) scan, 99% SE and 95% nSE respondents use nonoperative management (NOM). In cases with CE, NOM decreases to 50% (p = 0.01) and 51% (p = 0.007) in SE and nSE centers, respectively. SE respondents report a significant reduction of NOM in stable patients with an associated spine injury requiring urgent surgery in prone position, both without and with CE (90 and 28%, respectively). For these respondents, in stable patients the association of a femur fracture only tends to decrease the NOM, both without and with CE (93 and 39%, respectively). There was no significant difference in NOM in group nSE with associated injuries with or without CE. After proximal SE with preserved spleen vascularization on ultrasound Doppler, 44% respondents prescribe antibiotics and/or immunizations.

Conclusion Two-thirds of respondents have access to SE. For SE respondents, SE is used even in stable patients when CE showed on initial CT scan and its use increased with the concomitant need for spinal surgery. There is currently a variation in the use of SE and antibiotics/immunizations following SE.
SARS-CoV-2: The Self-Nonself Issue and Diagnostic Tests
Authors: Kanduc Darja
Published: July 2022

Objective At present, false negatives/positives have been reported in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) diagnostics. Searching for the molecular basis of such tests' unreliability, this study aimed at defining how specific are the sequences used in serological and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to detect SARS-CoV-2.

Materials and Methods Analyses were performed on the leading SARS-CoV-2 biomarker spike glycoprotein (gp). Sharing of peptide sequences between the spike antigen and the human host was analyzed using the Peptide Search program from Uniprot database. Sharing of oligonucleotide sequences was investigated using the nucleotide Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLASTn) from National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).

Results Two main points stand out: (1) a massive pentapeptide sharing exists between the spike gp and the human proteome, and only a limited number of pentapeptides (namely 107) identify SARS-CoV-2 spike gp as nonself when compared with the human proteome, and (2) the small phenetic difference practically disappears at the genetic level. Indeed, almost all of the 107 pentadecameric nucleotide sequences coding for the pentapeptides unique to SARS-CoV-2 spike gp are present in human nucleic acids too.

Conclusion The data are of immunological significance for defining the issue of the viral versus human specificity and likely explain the fact that false positives can occur in serological and PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
Cystic Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor: A Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: Osama Md Ali , Mathayoth Meera , Agarwal Shilpi , Chatterjee Priti
Published: July 2022

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are typically solid neoplasms but in rare instances may present as cystic lesions. Preoperative diagnosis of a cystic pancreatic lesion is challenging and requires a multidisciplinary and multimodal approach. We hereby describe an elderly female who came with complaints of abdominal lump. Radiologically, it appeared to be a pancreatic hydatid cyst located at the head of the pancreas, following which resection was done. Histopathological study of the lesion turned out to be a cystic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. Thus, we present this unique case due to its rarity and diagnostic challenge.
Antibiogram Pattern and Virulence Trait Characterization of Enterococcus Species Clinical Isolates in Eastern India: A Recent Analysis
Authors: Mohanty Srujana , Behera Bijayini
Published: July 2022

Objective We aimed to evaluate the current antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and characterize putative virulence traits among Enterococcus species isolates from various clinical specimens in view of their increased isolation rates in both community-related and serious nosocomial infections, as well as resistance to many antibiotics.

Methods Study (April 2017–March 2018) included consecutive, nonrepeated, discrete, and clinically significant isolates of enterococci. Susceptibility testing included detection of high-level aminoglycoside-resistant (HLAR) and glycopeptide-resistant enterococci (GRE). All screen-positive GRE isolates were investigated by polymerase chain reaction for species confirmation and presence of vanA/vanB genes. Virulence genes ace, asa1, cyt, efa, esp, gelE, and hyl were investigated by molecular methods. Hemolysin and biofilm production were studied using phenotypic methods.

Results Of 111 isolates, 89 (80.1%), 16 (14.4%), and 6 (5.4%) were from urine, pus, and blood, respectively, consisting predominantly of E. faecalis (67, 60.4%) and E. faecium (32, 28.8%). E. hirae (5, 4.5%) was the predominant non-E. faecalis non-E. faecium isolate. Other species were E. durans (4, 3.6%), E. avium (2, 1.8%), and E. mundtii (1, 0.9%). Seven (6.3%) out of the 111 isolates were GRE, all vanA genotype. HLAR was observed in 70 (63.1%) isolates, significantly higher in E. faecium than E. faecalis (81.2 vs. 58.2%; p < 0.05). All were susceptible to daptomycin. Hemolysin activity and biofilm production were observed in 38 (34.2%) and 36 (32.4%) isolates. Most frequent virulence genes were efa (77, 69.4%), ace (71, 63.9%), asa1 (67, 60.3%), and gelE (66, 59.4%). There was a predominant association of esp and hyl genes with E. faecium and that of the other genes with E. faecalis.

Conclusion The study will contribute to the existing limited data on virulence trait characterization of clinical E. spp. isolates in India. At the same time, it will help to serve as a guide in the choice of empirical therapy in enterococcal infections leading to favorable clinical outcomes by decreasing the clinical failure, microbiological persistence, and associated mortality, and will lead to future studies on controlling the spread of virulent and multiresistant isolates.
Parent-Reported Health-Related Quality of Life of Pediatric Burn Patients 5 to 7 Years after Burn Injuries: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Spronk Inge , Trommel Nicole , Baartmans Martin , Polinder Suzanne , van Baar Margriet ,   on behalf of the Burden of Burn Injuries Study Group
Published: July 2022

Background Pediatric burns significantly impact the short-term health-related quality of life (HRQL) of children. Knowledge regarding the long-term impact is scarce. We therefore evaluated the parent-reported HRQL in pediatric burn patients 5 to 7 years after burns.

Methods We invited parents of eligible children admitted to a Dutch Burn Center between August 2011 and September 2012. This sample was enriched with children with severe burns (> 10% of total body surface area [TBSA] burned) admitted between January 2010 and March 2013. The EQ-5D was completed by parents 5 to 7 years postburn. Outcomes and predictive factors were studied and compared between children with minor/moderate and severe burns.

Results We included 130 children (mean TBSA burned 7%): 102 children with mild/intermediate burns and 28 with severe burns. Mean EQ-5D summary was 0.96 and EQ visual analogue scale (VAS) 93.1. These outcomes were significantly better in children with minor/moderate burns (0.97; 94.4) compared with children with severe burns (0.93; 88.3) (p < 0.05). Nineteen percent of the children with minor/moderate burns and 43% of those with severe burns reported any problems. The most frequently reported problem was anxiety/depression for both groups. Pain/discomfort (p = 0.012) and cognition (p = 0.035) were statistically significantly worse in children with severe burns compared with those with minor/moderate burns. Full thickness burns and number of surgeries were found to predict long-term HRQL impairment.

Conclusion Five to seven years postburn, the majority of children in our study (76%) did not experience long-term problems with HRQL. In a minority of the children, burns showed to have a prolonged negative impact, especially in those being severely burned and who had to undergo surgery for their burns. Most experienced problems were related to anxiety/depression. These important insights could be used to inform children and their parents about the expected long-term HRQL after pediatric burns.
Improving electrical energy storage in extreme and atypical environments
Authors: Lim Alane
Published: July 2022

Highlighting the importance of studying energy storage devices under duress.
Parametric dependencies of resonant layer responses across linear, two-fluid, drift-MHD regimes
Authors: Park Jong-Kyu
Published: July 2022

Non-axisymmetric magnetic fields arising in a tokamak either by external or internal perturbations can induce complex non-ideal MHD responses in their resonant surfaces while remaining ideally evolved elsewhere. This layer response can be characterized in a linear regime by a single parameter called the inner-layer Δ, which enables outer-layer matching and the prediction of torque balance to non-linear island regimes. Here, we follow strictly one of the most comprehensive analytic treatments including two-fluid and drift MHD effects and keep the fidelity of the formulation by incorporating the numerical method based on the Riccati transformation when quantifying the inner-layer Δ. The proposed scheme reproduces not only the predicted responses in essentially all asymptotic regimes but also with continuous transitions as well as improved accuracies. In particular, the Δ variations across the inertial regimes with viscous or semi-collisional effects have been further resolved, in comparison with additional analytic solutions. The results imply greater shielding of the electromagnetic torque at the layer than what would be expected by earlier work when the viscous or semi-collisional effects can compete against the inertial effects, and also due to the intermediate regulation by kinetic Alfvén wave resonances as rotation slows down. These are important features that can alter the non-axisymmetric plasma responses including the field penetration by external fields or island seeding process in rotating tokamak plasmas.
Multiscale characterization of damage tolerance in barium titanate thin films
Authors: Mathews N. G. , Saxena A. K. , Venkataramani N. , Dehm G. , Jaya B. N.
Published: July 2022

Barium titanate is a brittle, lead free ferroelectric and piezoelectric ceramic used in patterned and thin film forms in micro- and nano-scale electronic devices. Both during deposition and eventually during service, this material system develops stresses due to different loads acting on the system, which can lead to its failure due to cracking in the films and/or interface delamination. In situ microcantilever bending based fracture experiments and tensile tests based on shear lag tests in combination with digital image correlation were used to understand the cracking behavior of barium titanate films when deposited on flexible substrates. For the first time, the fracture behavior of these nanocrystalline barium titanate films has been quantified in terms of fracture toughness, fracture strength, and interface shear stresses for different film thicknesses. Critical defect size is estimated using the above information as a function of film thickness. It is found that damage tolerance in terms of fracture strength depends on film thickness. Furthermore, compared to a bulk single crystal, barium titanate fracture resistance of the nanocrystalline thin films is reduced. Both effects need to be considered in engineering design of reliable devices employing micro- and nano-scale barium titanate thin film structures.
High resolution magnetic microscopy based on semi-encapsulated graphene Hall sensors
Authors: Li Penglei , Collomb David , Lim Zhen Jieh , Dale Sara , Shepley Philippa , Burnell Gavin , Bending Simon J.
Published: July 2022

The realization of quantitative, noninvasive sensors for ambient magnetic imaging with high spatial and magnetic field resolution remains a major challenge. To address this, we have developed a relatively simple process to fabricate semi-encapsulated graphene/hBN Hall sensors assembled by dry transfer onto pre-patterned gold contacts. 1 μm-sized Hall cross sensors at a drive current of 0.5 μA exhibit excellent room temperature sensitivity, SI ∼ 700 V/AT, and good minimum detectable fields, Bmin = 0.54 G/Hz0.5 at a measurement frequency of 1 kHz, with considerable scope for further optimization of these parameters. We illustrate their application in an imaging study of labyrinth magnetic domains in a ferrimagnetic yttrium iron garnet film.
Machine learning estimation of magnetic parameters and classification of magnetic vortex states
Authors: Mehmood Nasir , Wang Jianbo , Liu Qingfang
Published: July 2022

Analysis of properties related to spin textures, such as the magnetic vortex state, is mainly based on spin configuration data, which is directly related to magnetic parameters involved in the system's Hamiltonian. Here, we focus on magnetic parameter estimation by implementing the machine learning (ML) approach, especially on magnetic force microscopy (MFM) images of vortex states within nanodots generated by micromagnetic simulation. The exchange constant Aex and saturation magnetization Ms as well as exchange length as a reduced parameter Lex(Aex, Ms) are estimated by different convolutional neural network (CNN) models. We also evaluated the CNN models, trained on simulated MFM images with non-zero temperature, on a reference experimental MFM image and found the performance to a satisfactory level of accuracy. Moreover, the same CNN models, trained for binary classification of vortex states based on helicity from MFM images, successfully identified the vortex helicity from simulated as well as experimental MFM images. These findings show the possible application of ML in magnetic parameter estimation and the analysis of magnetic vortex states simply with images obtained from this commonly used imaging technique that is significant in efficient investigation of material properties based on intrinsic parameters for spintronic device applications.
Molecular simulation of hopping mechanisms of nanoparticles in regular cross-linked polymer networks
Authors: Zhao Bo-Ran , Li Bin
Published: July 2022

We use coarse-grained simulations to explore the diffusion mechanism of nanoparticles with different sizes at various nanoparticle–polymer interactions in regular cross-linked polymer networks. The long time diffusivities of nanoparticles show a non-monotonic tendency at various nanoparticle–polymer interactions due to the intermittent hopping of nanoparticles through network cells. The preferred locations of small nanoparticles switch from the cell centers to the corners of cells as they interact with the network more strongly, which results in the hopping energy barrier between different cells switching from cell center localization to adsorption on networks. Steric hindrance seriously hampers large nanoparticles from hopping to neighboring network cells, and the interactions between the nanoparticle and network enhance the network deformability and also affect the hopping of nanoparticles. The multiple constraint mechanisms result in the non-monotonic diffusivities of nanoparticles with different interactions and non-Brownian motions at different time scales. Our work illustrates the hopping mechanisms of nanoparticles in polymer networks from thermodynamic and dynamic points of view.
Effect of ventilation and climatic conditions on COVID-19 transmission through respiratory droplet transport via both airborne and fomite mode inside an elevator
Authors: Pal Anish , Biswas Riddhideep , Sarkar Sourav , Mukhopadhyay Achintya
Published: July 2022

A numerical analysis using OpenFOAM has been performed in this work to investigate the infection risk due to droplet dispersal in an enclosed environment resembling an elevator, since infection risk in such confined places is very high. The effect of two scenarios on droplet dispersal, namely, the quiescent and the fan-driven ventilation, both subjected to various climatic conditions (of temperature and humidity) ranging from cold–humid (15 °C, 70% relative humidity) to hot–dry (30 °C, 30% relative humidity) have been studied. A risk factor derived from a dose–response model constructed upon the temporally averaged pathogen quantity existing around the commuter's mouth is used to quantify the risk of infection through airborne mode. It is found that the hot, dry quiescent scenario poses the greatest threat of infection (spatio-averaged risk factor 42%), whereas the cold–humid condition poses the least risk of infection (spatio-averaged risk factor 30%). The proper fan speed is determined for the epidemiologically safe operation of the elevator. The fan ventilation scenario with 1100 RPM (having a spatio-averaged risk factor of 10%) decreases the risk of infection by 67% in a hot, dry climatic condition as compared to a quiescent scenario and significantly in other climatic ambiences as well. The deposition potential of aerosolized droplets in various parts of the respiratory tract, namely, the extrathoracic and the alveolar and bronchial regions, has been analyzed thoroughly because of the concomitant repercussions of infection in various depths of the respiratory region. In addition, the airborne mode of infection and the fomite mode of infection (infection through touch) have also been investigated for both the ventilation scenarios.
Bioinspired stretchable molecular composites of 2D-layered materials and tandem repeat proteins
Authors: Vural Mert , Mazeed Tarek , Li Dong , Colak Oguzhan , Hamilton Reginald F. , Gao Huajian , Demirel Melik C.
Published: July 2022

Protein based composites, such as nacre and bone, show astounding evolutionary capabilities, including tunable physical properties. Inspired by natural composites, we studied assembly of atomistically thin inorganic sheets with genetically engineered polymeric proteins to achieve mechanically compliant and ultra-tough materials. Although bare inorganic nanosheets are brittle, we designed flexible composites with proteins, which are insensitive to flaws due to critical structural length scale (∼2 nm). These proteins, inspired by squid ring teeth, adhere to inorganic sheets via secondary structures (i.e., β-sheets and α-helices), which is essential for producing high stretchability (59 ± 1% fracture strain) and toughness (54.8 ± 2 MJ/m
3
). We find that the mechanical properties can be optimized by adjusting the protein molecular weight and tandem repetition. These exceptional mechanical responses greatly exceed the current state-of-the-art stretchability for layered composites by over a factor of three, demonstrating the promise of engineering materials with reconfigurable physical properties.
ZAP isoforms regulate unfolded protein response and epithelial- mesenchymal transition
Authors: Ly Phuong Thao , Xu Shaohai , Wirawan Melissa , Luo Dahai , Roca Xavier
Published: July 2022

Human ZAP inhibits many viruses, including HIV and coronaviruses, by binding to viral RNAs to promote their degradation and/or translation suppression. However, the regulatory role of ZAP in host mRNAs is largely unknown. Two major alternatively spliced ZAP isoforms, the constitutively expressed ZAPL and the infection-inducible ZAPS, play overlapping yet different antiviral and other roles that need further characterization. We found that the splicing factors hnRNPA1/A2, PTBP1/2, and U1-snRNP inhibit ZAPS production and demonstrated the feasibility to modulate the ZAPL/S balance by splice-switching antisense oligonucleotides in human cells. Transcriptomic analysis of ZAP-isoform–specific knockout cells revealed uncharacterized host mRNAs targeted by ZAPL/S with broad cellular functions such as unfolded protein response (UPR), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and innate immunity. We established that endogenous ZAPL and ZAPS localize to membrane compartments and cytosol, respectively, and that the differential localization correlates with their target-RNA specificity. We showed that the ZAP isoforms regulated different UPR branches under resting and stress conditions and affected cell viability during ER stress. We also provided evidence for a different function of the ZAP isoforms in EMT-related cell migration, with effects that are cell-type dependent. Overall, this study demonstrates that the competition between splicing and IPA is a potential target for the modulation of the ZAPL/S balance, and reports new cellular transcripts and processes regulated by the ZAP isoforms.
QTQTN motif upstream of the furin-cleavage site plays a key role in SARS-CoV-2 infection and pathogenesis
Authors: Vu Michelle N. , Lokugamage Kumari G. , Plante Jessica A. , Scharton Dionna , Bailey Aaron O. , Sotcheff Stephanea , Swetnam Daniele M. , Johnson Bryan A. , Schindewolf Craig , Alvarado R. Elias , Crocquet-Valdes Patricia A. , Debbink Kari , Weaver Scott C. , Walker David H. , Russell William K. , Routh Andrew L. , Plante Kenneth S. , Menachery Vineet D.
Published: July 2022

The furin cleavage site (FCS), an unusual feature in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, has been spotlighted as a factor key to facilitating infection and pathogenesis by increasing spike processing. Similarly, the QTQTN motif directly upstream of the FCS is also an unusual feature for group 2B coronaviruses (CoVs). The QTQTN deletion has consistently been observed in in vitro cultured virus stocks and some clinical isolates. To determine whether the QTQTN motif is critical to SARS-CoV-2 replication and pathogenesis, we generated a mutant deleting the QTQTN motif (ΔQTQTN). Here, we report that the QTQTN deletion attenuates viral replication in respiratory cells in vitro and attenuates disease in vivo. The deletion results in a shortened, more rigid peptide loop that contains the FCS and is less accessible to host proteases, such as TMPRSS2. Thus, the deletion reduced the efficiency of spike processing and attenuates SARS-CoV-2 infection. Importantly, the QTQTN motif also contains residues that are glycosylated, and disruption of its glycosylation also attenuates virus replication in a TMPRSS2-dependent manner. Together, our results reveal that three aspects of the S1/S2 cleavage site—the FCS, loop length, and glycosylation—are required for efficient SARS-CoV-2 replication and pathogenesis.
Developing high-affinity decoy receptors to treat multiple myeloma and diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Authors: Miao Yu Rebecca , Thakkar Kaushik , Cenik Can , Jiang Dadi , Mizuno Kazue , Jia Chenjun , Li Caiyun Grace , Zhao Hongjuan , Diep Anh , Xu Yu , Zhang Xin Eric , Yang Teddy Tat Chi , Liedtke Michaela , Abidi Parveen , Leung Wing-sze , Koong Albert C. , Giaccia Amato J.
Published: July 2022

Disease relapse and treatment-induced immunotoxicity pose significant clinical challenges for patients with hematological cancers. Here, we reveal distinctive requirements for neutralizing TNF receptor ligands APRIL and BAFF and their receptor activity in MM and DLBCL, impacting protein translation and production in MM cells and modulating the translation efficiency of the ATM interactor (ATMIN/ACSIZ). Therapeutically, we investigated the use of BCMA decoy receptor (sBCMA-Fc) as an inhibitor of APRIL and BAFF. While wild-type sBCMA-Fc effectively blocked APRIL signaling in MM, it lacked activity in DLBCL due to its weak BAFF binding. To expand the therapeutic utility of sBCMA-Fc, we engineered an affinity-enhanced mutant sBCMA-Fc fusion molecule (sBCMA-Fc V3) 4- and 500-fold stronger in binding to APRIL and BAFF, respectively. The mutant sBCMA-Fc V3 clone significantly enhanced antitumor activity against both MM and DLBCL. Importantly, we also demonstrated an adequate toxicity profile and on-target mechanism of action in nonhuman primate studies.
Transport spectroscopy from Hubbard bands of dopant-induced quantum dot array to one-dimensional conduction subband
Authors: Zhang Xiaodi , Chen Jundong , Han Weihua , Ge Yandong , Guo Yangyan , Dong Xianzi , Duan Xuanming , Zheng Meiling , Yang Fuhua
Published: July 2022

Arrays of dopant-induced quantum dots (QDs) are promising candidates as quantum bit platforms. We have achieved quantum transport spectroscopy of a junctionless silicon (Si) nanowire transistor with dual physical channels with a diameter of 10 nm fabricated by novel femtosecond laser projection exposure together with thermal oxidation. The spectroscopy demonstrates the evolution of the quantum transport process from Hubbard bands of dopant-induced QD array to one-dimensional (1D) conduction subbands. Eight pairs of current splitting peaks were observed at the initial stage of the drain current, representing the upper and lower Hubbard bands formed by the coupling of eight QDs. The current oscillation peaks in the 1D conduction subband elucidate the interference of reflected electron waves between the gate-defined barriers, which are proved by the mean wave vector interval matching the gate length. Our experimental results demonstrate the evolution of the quantum transport process in sub 10 nm dual Si channels with randomly doped dopant atoms, opening a new perspective for quantum states by dopant band engineering in Si nanoscale devices for scalable quantum computation.
Surface decontamination by atmospheric pressure plasma jet: key biological processes
Authors: Zhang Liyang , Zhang Dongheyu , Guo Yuntao , Zhou Qun , Luo Haiyun , Tie Jinfeng
Published: July 2022

In this work, surface decontamination of bacteria by argon atmospheric-pressure plasma jet was systematically studied. The chemical modifications and etching characteristics of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria under direct plasma jet exposure were inspected by in-situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Etching rather than chemical modifications dominates the infrared spectral variations. The etching rate of bacteria is comparable to the cell wall constituents. By using the green fluorescence protein-expressing Escherichia coli, it is found that cellular envelope destruction by plasma etching is the main cause of bacterial inactivation. The tailing phenomenon of the survival curve is more pronounced when the initial bacterial density is higher than ∼1 × 107 CFU cm−2, indicating the limited penetration depth of reactive species into bacterial deposits. Finally, three dominant biological processes key to surface decontamination were put forward according to our results.
Emergence of dynamic contractile patterns in slime mold confined in a ring geometry
Authors: Busson Valentin , Saiseau Raphaël , Durand Marc
Published: July 2022

Coordination of cytoplasmic flows on large scales in space and time are at the root of many cellular processes, including growth, migration or division. These flows are driven by organized contractions of the actomyosin cortex. In order to elucidate the basic mechanisms at work in the self-organization of contractile activity, we investigate the dynamic patterns of cortex contraction in true slime mold Physarum polycephalum confined in ring-shaped chambers of controlled geometrical dimensions. We make an exhaustive inventory of the different stable contractile patterns in the absence of migration and growth. We show that the primary frequency of the oscillations is independent of the ring perimeter, while the wavelength scales linearly with it. We discuss the consistence of these results with the existing models, shedding light on the possible feedback mechanisms leading to coordinated contractile activity.
Study of thermoelectric performance and intrinsic defect of promising n-type half-Heusler FeGeW
Authors: Xu Yazhu , Sun Jianmin , Jian Miaomiao , Ye Xianfeng , Zhao Gaofeng , Feng Zhenzhen
Published: July 2022

Half-Heusler (HH) compounds are considered promising thermoelectric materials for high-temperature power generation due to their good electrical properties and thermal stability. Some new HHs with excellent thermoelectric properties are found to be p-type, the discovery of competitive n-type HH materials has been extremely challenging. Here, we report a new HH compound FeGeW through first-principles calculation, which exhibits a high ZT of 2.36 at 1000 K. Systematically studied its thermoelectric performance indicates that a large dispersion or small band effective mass of conduction band can efficiently improve the electrical conductivity of n-type FeGeW. From the calculated formation energy of intrinsic point defects, we find that positive charged Fe interstitial are found to be the dominant defect at Fe-rich/Ge-poor condition, which account for the n-type conduction. Moreover the transition levels of Fe interstitial defect is shallow, which means that this donor defect does not damage electrical conductivity and thermoelectric performance. These results not only find a new n-type HH compound FeGeW, but also are helpful for understanding the roles of point defects in FeGeW, which is expected to encourage more experimental and theoretical investigations to study this kind of n-type HH thermoelectric material and seek out strategies to optimize thermoelectric performance using intrinsic point defect.
2D gapless topological superfluids generated by pairing phases
Authors: Zhuang Jiapei , Huang Ching-Yu , Chang Po-Yao , Wang Daw-Wei
Published: July 2022

We systematically investigate the ground state phase diagram and the finite temperature phase transitions for a Rydberg-dressed Fermi gas loaded in a bilayer optical lattice. When an effective finite-ranged attraction is induced, our self-consistent mean-field calculation shows that the gapped topological (p-wave) superfluids in each layer are coupled together by the s-wave pairing in an intermediate inter-layer distance with a spontaneously modulated phases between these two order parameters. The obtained ground state is a gapless topological superfluid with quantized topological charges characterizing the gapless points, leading to a zero energy flat band at the edges. Finally, we calculate the finite temperature phase diagrams of this two-dimensional gapless superfluid and observe two distinct critical temperatures, demonstrating the fruitful many-body effects on a paired topological superfluids.
Development of a novel dynamic torque generation machine based on the principle of a Kibble balance
Authors: Hamaji Misaki , Nishino Atsuhiro , Ogushi Koji
Published: July 2022

This paper presents a novel dynamic torque generator based on the principle of a Kibble balance. A generator is developed to dynamically calibrate torque-measuring devices (TMDs) for the measurement of dynamic torque. Unlike conventional gravity-based deadweight torque standards, this method uses electromagnetic force to generate a dynamic torque traceable to the International System of Units. Dynamic torque is generated by dynamically changing the electric current supplied to the coil. Consequently, dynamic torque is generated up to 100 Hz. Furthermore, a system is developed to simultaneously measure the electric current and output of a TMD to verify the evaluation method of the dynamic characteristics of the TMD.
Defects engineering on CrOOH by Ni doping for boosting electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhao Jinxiu , Tian Liang , Liang Huixin , Du Bing , Li Yuyang , Wei Qin , Wu Dan
Published: July 2022

The design and construction of active centres are key to exploring advanced electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In this work, we demonstrate the in situ construction of point defects on CrOOH by Ni doping (Ni-CrOOH/NF). Compared with pure CrOOH/NF, Ni-CrOOH/NF showed enhanced OER activity. The effect of the amount of Ni introduced on the OER performance was investigated. Ni0.2-CrOOH/NF, the best introduction of Ni, uses a low overpotential of 253 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm–2 with a high turnover frequency of 0.27 s–1 in 1.0 M NaOH. In addition, the electrocatalytic performance of Ni0.2-CrOOH/NF showed little deterioration after 1000-cycle cyclic voltammetry scanning. In the potentiostatic test, activity was stable for at least 20 h.
Effect of positive end-expiratory pressure on central venous pressure in the closed and open thorax
Authors: Jha Lalit , Lata Suman , Jha Ajay Kumar , Prasad Sreevathsa KS
Published: July 2022

Objective. The magnitude and mechanism of the rise of central venous pressure (CVP) after positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) among patients with cardiac disease is poorly understood. Therefore, the study aimed to compare the magnitude of change in CVP after PEEP in patients with TR (tricuspid regurgitation), high CVP, and high PCWP (pulmonary capillary wedge pressure) and in those with no TR, low CVP, and low PCWP. Additionally, we hypothesized that PEEP in the open thorax would also lead to a rise in CVP. Approach. This prospective, quasi-experimental study was conducted in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Three consecutive readings of variables were obtained at 1 min intervals after PEEP (5 and 10 cm H2O) application in the closed and open thorax. Patients were stratified a priori into low CVP (<10 cm H2O) and high CVP (≥10 cm H2O), no TR and TR, and low PCWP (<15 mm Hg) and high PCWP (≥15 mm Hg) in the closed and open thorax. Main Results. Sixty-two patients were eligible for final analysis. The mean difference (MD) in ΔCVP (CVP10 cm H2O of PEEP—CVP zero end-expiratory pressure) was 2.33 ± 1.13 (95% CI, 2.04–2.62, P = 0.000) and 1.02 ± 0.77 (95% CI, 0.82–1.22, P = 0.000) in the closed and open thorax, respectively. The increase in CVP was higher among patients who had a lower CVP (2.64 ± 0.9 mm Hg versus 1.45 ± 1.17 mm Hg; p=0.000), in patients without TR (2.64 ± 0.97 mm Hg versus 2.14 ± 1.2 mm Hg, p=0.09) and in patients with a lower PCWP (2.4 ± 0.9 mm Hg versus 2.3 ± 1.4 mm Hg, p=0.67) at 10 cm H2O PEEP in the closed thorax. Significance. The rise in CVP was higher among patients without TR, low CVP, and low PCWP. Zero intrathoracic pressure in the open thorax did not abolish the effect of PEEP on CVP rise altogether.
Foundations of plasma photonics: lamps, lasers, and electromagnetic devices
Authors: Nijdam Sander , Desai Kavita V , Park Sung-Jin , Sun Peter P , Sakai Osamu , Lister Graeme , Eden J Gary
Published: July 2022

The enduring contributions of low temperature plasmas to both technology and science are largely a result of the atomic, molecular, and electromagnetic (EM) products they generate efficiently such as electrons, ions, excited species, and photons. Among these, the production of light has arguably had the greatest commercial impact for more than a century, and plasma sources emitting photons over the portion of the EM spectrum extending from the microwave to soft x-ray regions are currently the workhorses of general lighting (outdoor and indoor), photolithography for micro- and nano-fabrication of electronic devices, disinfection, frequency standards (atomic clocks), lasers, and a host of other photonic applications. In several regions of the EM spectrum, plasma sources have no peer, and this article is devoted to an overview of the physics of several selected plasma light sources, with emphasis on thermal arc and fluorescent lamps and the more recently-developed microcavity plasma lamps in the visible and ultraviolet/vacuum ultraviolet regions. We also briefly review the physics of plasma-based metamaterials and plasma photonic crystals in which low temperature plasma tunes the EM properties of filters, resonators, mirrors, and other components in the microwave, mm, and sub-mm wavelength regions.
Synergistic self-healing effect of fiber and bio-capsule on mortar cracks
Authors: Wu Mingyue , Hu Xiangming , Zhang Qian , Liang Yuntao , Zhao Yanyun , Wang Wei , Qin Botao
Published: July 2022

Self-healing is an effective technique to prolong the service life of cement-based materials. In this study, the porous volcanic rock was used as the carrier to prepare the bio-capsules, and the waterproofness and storage stability of the bio-capsules were studied by weighing method. The influence of different dosage of bio-capsules on mortar strength was studied by three-point bending and uniaxial compression. Then, PVA and sisal fibers containing a large amount of –OH and bio-capsules were placed in cement mortar, and the self-healing effect of mortar cracks, as well as the synergistic heal mechanisms of both fibers and bio-capsules on the formation of cracks were studied by using water permeability, gas permeability, crack healing width and healing area. The results show that the bio-capsules have good waterproofness and storage stability. When the content of bio-capsules was 12%, the compressive and flexural strengths of the mortar could be increased by 32.01% and 14.39%, respectively. The water permeability of the mortar was reduced by two orders of magnitude (from 1.63 × 10−4 to 7.55 × 10−6 cm s−1) after crack healing. At the end of testing (28 days), most cracks with widths of 0–600 μm were completely healed, leading to an area healing rate of 100% for sample C–BH. The presence of large amounts of –OH in the fiber could keep the crack area in the water environment, as well as accelerate the rate of bacterial mineralization and the fiber as the nucleation site can make the mineralization product form three-dimensional networking structures in the cracked areas.
Gamma-ray shielding, electrical, and magnetic properties of α-Fe2O3/Al/HDPE nanocomposites
Authors: Reda A M , Azab A A , Turky G M
Published: July 2022

In this work, different ratios of iron oxide (α-Fe2O3) and aluminum metal (Al) nanoparticles in powder shape have been used to prepare HDPE nanocomposites for γ-rays shielding applications. The electrical and magnetic properties of prepared samples were investigated. The WinXCom and MCNP5 programs have been used to calculate the mass attenuation coefficients (μ ρ
−1) of γ-rays for the prepared samples. The μ ρ
−1 for the prepared samples have been measured experimentally via a narrow beam of γ-rays at energies of 662, 1173, and 1332 keV from 131Cs and 60Co radioactive sources. The impact of α-Fe2O3 and Al on the γ-ray shielding ability of prepared composites have been clarified. The exposure buildup factor (EBF) has been calculated at energies of 0.015, 0.1, 1, and 10 MeV using MCNP5 program. The results indicated that the fillers affected the EBF at photon energies less than 0.1 MeV. HDPE as a polymeric matrix shows very stability with non-polar features against temperature and frequency. However, the prepared nanocomposites show a remarkable enhancement of their dielectric and electrical properties. Furthermore, the magnetic measurements depict unsaturated weak ferromagnetic behavior for α-Fe2O3 nanocomposites, and diamagnetic characteristics for HDPE and Al. The HDPE-based nanocomposites showed improved electrical and magnetic properties along with improved ability to attenuate low-energy γ-rays compared to pure HDPE.
Simulation Study of Network Reconfiguration and Load-balancing Method for the Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory Data Center
Authors: Wang Jie , Zhang Hailong , Wang Na , Ye Xinchen , Wang Wanqiong , Li Jia , Zhang Meng , Zhang Yazhou , Du Xu
Published: July 2022

The Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory Data Center faces issues related to delay-affected services. As a result, these services cannot be implemented in a timely manner due to the overloading of transmission links. In this paper, the software-defined network technology is applied to the Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory Data Center Network (XAO-DCN). Specifically, a novel reconfiguration method is proposed to realise the software-defined Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory Data Center Network (SDXAO-DCN), and a network model is constructed. To overcome the congestion problem, a traffic load-balancing algorithm is designed for fast transmission of the service traffic by combining three factors: network structure, congestion level and transmission service. The proposed algorithm is compared with current commonly load-balancing algorithms which are used in data center to verify its efficiency. Simulation experiments show that the algorithm improved transmission performance and transmission quality for the SDXAO-DCN.
Winners and losers in brain computer interface competitive gaming: directional connectivity analysis
Authors: Putri Finda , Susnoschi Luca Ioana , Garcia Pedro Jorge Abdullah , Ding Hao , Vučković Aleksandra
Published: July 2022

Objective. To characterize the direction within and between brain connectivity in winning and losing players in a competitive brain-computer interface game. Approach. Ten dyads (26.9 ± 4.7 yr old, eight females and 12 males) participated in the study. In a competitive game based on neurofeedback, they used their relative alpha (RA) band power from the electrode location Pz, to control a virtual seesaw. The players in each pair were separated into winners (W) and losers (L) based on their scores. Intrabrain connectivity was analyzed using multivariate Granger causality (GC) and directed transfer function, while interbrain connectivity was analyzed using bivariate GC. Main results. Linear regression analysis revealed a significant relationship (p < 0.05) between RA and individual scores. During the game, W players maintained a higher RA than L players, although it was not higher than their baseline RA. The analysis of intrabrain GC indicated that both groups engaged in general social interactions, but only the W group succeeded in controlling their brain activity at Pz. Group L applied an inappropriate metal strategy, characterized by strong activity in the left frontal cortex, indicative of collaborative gaming. Interbrain GC showed a larger flow of information from the L to the W group, suggesting a higher capability of the W group to monitor the activity of their opponent. Significance. Both innate neurological indices and gaming mental strategies contribute to game outcomes. Future studies should investigate whether there is a causal relationship between these two factors.
Equilibrium effects on the structure of island divertor and its impact on the divertor heat flux distribution in Wendelstein 7-X
Authors: Zhou S. , Liang Y. , Knieps A. , Suzuki Y. , Geiger J. , Dinklage A. , Langenberg A. , Pasch E. , Jakubowski M. , Pablant N. , Wang N.C. , Drews P. , Bozhenkov S. , Liu S. , Xu S. , Gao Y. , Ding Y.H. , Huang Z. , the W7-X Team
Published: July 2022

To support the planning of high-performance long-pulse plasma operation for W7-X, the role of equilibrium effects for the structure of island divertor and its profound impacts on the divertor heat flux distribution have been investigated. Finite-beta full-field three-dimensional equilibria for the four most important configurations of W7-X (‘standard’, ‘high-mirror’, ‘high-iota’ and ‘low-iota’) were obtained with the HINT code. Equilibrium calculations show a strong dependence of the edge stochastization on the magnetic configurations. Parameterization to estimate equilibrium effects on edge stochastization and plasma shape was attempted for individual functions. The results indicate that a more stochastic boundary can be attained with increasing plasma beta, except for the low-iota configuration. According to fully diffusive heat-load estimations, it turns out that equilibrium effects are beneficial for spreading the heat flux on the divertor target. The interactions of the beta effects with effects driven by the toroidal plasma current are also analyzed for the standard configuration. Infrared camera measurements confirm the predictions concerning global heat load distributions.
From optimal to robust climate strategies: expanding integrated assessment model ensembles to manage economic, social, and environmental objectives
Authors: Ferrari Luca , Carlino Angelo , Gazzotti Paolo , Tavoni Massimo , Castelletti Andrea
Published: July 2022

Cost-benefit integrated assessment models generate welfare-maximizing mitigation pathways under a set of assumptions to deal with deep uncertainty in future scenarios. These assumptions include socio-economic projections, the magnitude and dynamics of climate impacts on the economy, and physical climate response. As models explore the uncertainty space within the boundaries of their objective functions, they risk providing scenarios which are too narrow and not sufficiently robust. Here, we apply robust and multi-objective decision-making methods to extract relevant information from a large ensemble of optimal emissions-reduction pathways generated by a regionalized cost-benefit integrated assessment model under deterministic welfare optimization. We show that shifting the focus from optimal to robust solutions reduces the uncertainty in mitigation strategies and aligns them toward the Paris goals. Moreover, we analyze the trade-offs between climatic (temperature), social (inequality) and economic (welfare) objectives and illustrate four robust pathways under various decision-making criteria. We show that robust mitigation strategies can lead to regional emission-reduction strategies which are fair. Our results show how to extract more comprehensive climate strategies from available scenario ensembles and that the highest discrepancies at the local level policies are found in the developing and most-impacted regions.
New solutions in the technology of low-fat cheeses
Authors: Vakhrusheva D S , Sviridenko G M , Mordvinova V A , Delitskaya I N
Published: July 2022

Low-fat cheeses with the reduced calorie content are of interest both for consumers seeking to reduce the calorie content of the diet, without deteriorating the product taste, and for cheese manufacturers. However, low-fat cheeses made from cow's milk using traditional technologies usually have a mild taste, aroma and coarse consistency. The unsatisfactory quality of this group of cheeses has highlighted the need to search for new methods, including the use of biotechnological means. One of the directions of research is the use, along with the main acid-forming starter microflora, of adjunct cultures, capable of intensifying enzymatic processes during cheese ripening. The article presents the research results of the influence of adjunct cultures of propionic acid bacteria of Propionibacterium freudenreichii in combination with different ripening conditions on the organoleptic characteristics of cheeses with reduced calorie content. It was found that the best result in terms of consistency, taste and aroma was obtained in cheese made with the addition of propionic acid bacteria and ripening at a temperature of 12±1 °C. Ripening of cheeses using a three-stage temperature regime, including 14 days of ageing in a warm ripening room, ensures the formation of eyes of the correct rounded shape, but leads to a deterioration in other organoleptic characteristics.