bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Binaural filterbank hearing aid simulation V5
Authors: Muralimanohar Ramesh Kumar , Kates James M. , Arehart Kathryn
Published: November 2021

In this presentation, we describe the Binaural Filterbank Hearing Aid Simulation (BFHAS) which is a MATLAB-based package that simulates commonly available hearing aid signal processing. This package allows the user to process custom audio signals (e.g., noisy speech; music) with a suite of hearing aid algorithms. Linear or non-linear fitting prescription fitting formulae can be used for gain compensation. The hearing-aid algorithms include spectral-subtraction noise suppression, wide dynamic-range compression (WDRC), and frequency compression based on sinusoidal modeling of the high frequencies of the signal. Users can vary signal processing settings like number of bands; add/modify spectral subtraction; gains, knee points, attack and release times for WDRC; compression ratios and cutoffs for frequency compression etc. The simulation provides the processed hearing aid output that includes the compensation and hearing aid quality and intelligibility metrics for the input stimuli. Future updates will include the room-simulations and built-in noise generators to simulate different levels of signal degradation. We also provide a user guide and examples illustrating the use of different package modules. This package will be made available for download. [Work supported by NIH R01 DC012289 and by a grant from GN ReSound to University of Colorado.]
Direct transmissibility and structural acoustics
Authors: Bonomo Anthony L. , Craun Matthew
Published: November 2021

Direct transmissibility is a useful concept developed for transfer path analysis of linear systems. Defined loosely as the quotient between the responses at degrees-of-freedom i and j when i is excited and all other degrees of freedom are blocked, the direct transmissibility provides information on the connectivity of a system that more conventional transmissibility quantities cannot. Despite its apparent usefulness, the application of the direct transmissibility concept to structural acoustics has been somewhat limited. In this talk, the definition of direct transmissibility will be reviewed and the utility of this concept will be demonstrated through application to a few canonical structural acoustics systems. The extension of the direct transmissibility concept from spatial to modal coordinates will also be explored. [Work supported by ONR.]
Analysis of modified structures by Rayleigh quotient
Authors: Kaminski Allison , McDaniel James
Published: November 2021

In structural vibrations, the Rayleigh quotient may be used to calculate the natural frequency (or eigenvalue) of a structure given the corresponding mode shape (or eigenvector). Previous works have shown that the eigenvalue may be calculated relatively accurately using the Rayleigh quotient as long as an appropriate guess is made for the eigenvector. Typically, the Rayleigh quotient is used to predict the eigenvalues when the structure does not change. However, in this work the structure will be modified and the change in the eigenvalue will be predicted using the Rayleigh quotient. In order to use the Rayleigh quotient a guess for the eigenvector must be made. Here, the displacement vector of the nominal structure forced near a resonance will be used as the guess. Analysis and computations will be done for an undamped beam that is harmonically forced. To modify the structure, the stiffness elements will be scaled. Using this approach, it will be demonstrated that changes in the natural frequencies can be predicted relatively quickly for a modified structure. In addition, this method provides insight into which elements should be scaled to get the greatest frequency change. [Work supported by ONR under Grant N00014-19-1-2100.]
Inclusive machine intelligence and its promise for speech-centered societal application
Authors: Narayanan Shrikanth , Byrd Dani
Published: November 2021

Developments across the machine intelligence ecosystem, from sensing and computing to data sciences, are enabling new possibilities in advancing speech science and the creation of speech-centric societal technologies. A critical aspect of this endeavor requires addressing two intertwined challenges: illuminating the rich diversity in the speech across people and contexts and creating inclusive, trustworthy technologies that work for everyone. This talk will highlight three specific areas of advancement. The first is the capturing and modeling the human vocal instrument during speaking and selected related technological and clinical applications that leverage this technology (Hagedorn et al., 2019). The second relates to speech-based informatics tools for supporting screening, diagnosis and treatment of behavioral and mental health with broad access and scale. For example, remote multimodal sensing of speech cues can enable new ways for screening and tracking behaviors (e.g., stress) that can progress to treatment (e.g., for depression) and offer just-in-time support (Bone et al., 2017). The final domain highlights the use of speech machine intelligence tools to analyze media, including film, television shows, news and advertisements. These tools provide insights about representation and portrayals of individuals along dimensions of inclusion such as gender, age, ability, and other attributes (Somandepalli et al., 2021).
Biogeoacoustic sediment properties along a horizontal sand-mud gradient
Authors: Venegas Gabriel R. , Frey Madeline R. , Lee Kevin M. , Ballard Megan S. , Clemo W. Cyrus , Dorgan Kelly M.
Published: November 2021

Whether deposited from the water column or generated by benthic infauna, interstitial organic matter is a ubiquitous constituent of marine sediment and is particularly prevalent in sediments with significant silt/clay fractions. Interstitial organic matter suspends silt and clay particles in the sediment matrix, adsorbs onto mineral surfaces, and resides between mineral contacts, all of which are hypothesized to alter geoacoustic properties. However, the extent to which interstitial organics alter geoacoustic properties is understudied and warrants further investigation. To address this, diver cores were collected along a horizontal sand-mud gradient in Mobile Bay, Alabama. The sediment was subsequently processed in the laboratory, where compressional wave speed (10 kHz to 1 MHz), compressional wave attenuation (100 kHz to 1 MHz), density, porosity, grain-size distribution, and organic carbon and nitrogen content were measured. In addition, physics-based geoacoustic models, such as VGS(λ) and mCREB, were fit to the wide range of sediment types. Measured geoacoustic properties and fit parameters inherent to each sediment acoustics model are compared with organic sediment properties. The extent to which organics control sediment geoacoustic properties and considerations to include organics in future modeling efforts will be discussed. [Work sponsored by ONR.]
Observations of the variability of the New England shelf break by shipboard echosounders
Authors: Loranger Scott , Zhuang Zhaozhong , Jech J. Michael , Zhang Weifeng G. , Lavery Andone C.
Published: November 2021

The New England Shelf Break is a dynamic region where warm salty slope water meets with colder less saline shelf water to form a distinct front. The position and shape of the front is modified by a range of processes on differing temporal and spatial scales. While seasonal changes are well documented, the influence of shorter time scale processes throughout the water column are less well understood. Of interest is the influence of meso-scale physical oceanographic processes such as meanders in the Gulf Stream and warm core rings and eddies. From March to June 2021 five cruises to the New England Shelf Break were conducted as part of the ONR Task Force Oceans New England Shelf Break Acoustics Experiments. The shipboard broadband echo sounders on the R/V Neil Armstrong were used to ensonify the front during each of these five cruises. Significant changes were observed, especially during the transit of a warm core eddy through the study area. Groups of scatterers in the study area were targeted by Deep-See (a broadband tow sled) and a broadband echo sounder equipped REMUS 600 to enable ensonification of individual targets to aide in acoustic identification of biology at the shelf break front.
A burst wave lithotripsy system for urinary stones in pet cats
Authors: Maxwell Adam , Kim Ga Won , Lynch Elizabeth , MacConaghy Brian , Furrow Eva , Lulich Jody , Borofsky Michael , Bailey Michael R.
Published: November 2021

Upper urinary tract stones are becoming more prevalent in cats. Surgery to address obstructing stones has poor outcomes and such stones can rarely be treated with medical therapy. Burst wave lithotripsy (BWL) is a non-invasive, ultrasound-guided, handheld focused ultrasound technology to disintegrate urinary stones, which is now in human clinical trials. In this project, we created a scaled version of the system for use on pet cats, adjusting geometric parameters and frequency of the transducer to account for differences in anatomic scale and stone size. A 650-kHz prototype transducer was fabricated, calibrated, and tested on 25 natural feline stones 2–5 mm applying 20-cycle pulses at 10 Hz pulse repetition rate with three different focal pressure amplitudes ≤8.9 MPa in an in vitro tissue phantom. The fragments were sieved in 10-min intervals to assess breakage. The results demonstrated that between 73%–96% of the stone mass was reduced to fragments i<1 mm in a 30-min exposure, with only 2/25 stones showing no visible fragmentation. These data suggest BWL can fragment feline ureteral stones and that a high-frequency system can produce small fragments more likely to pass through the small ureter of a cat. [Work supported by NIDDK P01 DK043881.]
Randomized control trial of ultrasonic propulsion to facilitate clearance of residual kidney stone fragments
Authors: Sorensen Mathew D. , Dai Jessica C. , Chen Tony T. , Sunaryo Peter , Dunmire Barbrina , Thiel Jeff , Porter Michael , Levchak Branda , Burke Barbara , Popchoi Christina , Cunitz Bryan W. , Liu Ziyue , Bailey Michael R. , Harper Jonathan D.
Published: November 2021

The goal is to test effectiveness and safety of transcutaneous ultrasound pulses for facilitating clearance of residual urinary stone fragments in a randomized control trial (RCT). The study is conducted in a clinic setting with the control and treatment arms undergoing all the same activities with the exception of the ultrasonic propulsion procedure and associated pain questionnaire. Subjects are followed 90 days for assessment of adverse events and for up to 5 years for stone growth and symptomatic stone visits. Twenty-six of 33 subjects have been recruited in each arm The most recent treatment is reported. The subject received shock wave lithotripsy and did not pass any fragments for 17 months. The subject was randomized to the treatment arm. Fragments began moving with the third 3-s propulsion pulse at output 2 of 5 levels. Fifty-two percent of propulsion pulses (41 of 79) resulted in fragment movement. The subject reported no pain at the beginning or end of the procedure and telephoned within 2 h to report passing 9 fragments, no hematuria, and no adverse events. The treatment results of this RCT are compelling as an immediate and casual effect was measured. [Work supported by NIH-P01-DK043881 and VA Puget Sound resources.]
Particle contact dynamics as the origin for noninteger power expansion rheology in attractive suspension networks
Authors: Natalia Irene , Ewoldt Randy H. , Koos Erin
Published: November 2021

We show that Hertzian particle contacts are the underlying cause of the as-yet-unexplained noninteger power laws in weakly nonlinear rheology. In the medium amplitude oscillatory shear (MAOS) region, the cubic scaling of the leading order nonlinear shear stress (σ3∼γ0m3, m3=3) is the standard expectation. Expanding on the work by Natalia et al. [J. Rheol. 64, 625–635 (2020)], we report an extensive data set of noncubical, noninteger power law scalings m3 for particle suspensions in two immiscible fluids with a capillary attractive interaction, known as capillary suspensions. Here, we show that distinct power law exponents are found for the storage and loss moduli and these noninteger scalings occur at every secondary fluid concentration for two different contact angles. These compelling results indicate that the noninteger scalings are related to the underlying microstructure of capillary suspensions. We show that the magnitude of the third harmonic elastic stress scaling m3,elastic originates from Hertzian-like contacts in combination with the attractive capillary force. The related third harmonic viscous stress scaling m3,viscous is found to be associated with adhesive-controlled friction. These observations, conducted for a wide range of compositions, can help explain previous reports of noninteger scaling for materials involving particle contacts and offers a new opportunity using the variable power law exponent of MAOS rheology to reveal the physics of particle bonds and friction in the rheological response under low deformation instead of at very high shear rates.
Observation of Pauli blocking in light scattering from quantum degenerate fermions
Authors: Deb Amita B. , Kjærgaard Niels
Published: November 2021

Photons not welcome

Two identical fermions cannot occupy the same quantum state, or so says the Pauli principle. For a cold gas of fermionic atoms, this means that all states up to the Fermi energy will be occupied, with only the atoms with the highest energy able to change their state. Such conditions have long been predicted to suppress light scattering off gases because the atoms receiving a kick from collisions with photons would have no state to move to. Deb
et al
., Margalit
et al
., and Sanner
et al
. now describe this so-called Pauli blocking of light scattering. —JS
Pauli blocking of atom-light scattering
Authors: Sanner Christian , Sonderhouse Lindsay , Hutson Ross B. , Yan Lingfeng , Milner William R. , Ye Jun
Published: November 2021

Photons not welcome

Two identical fermions cannot occupy the same quantum state, or so says the Pauli principle. For a cold gas of fermionic atoms, this means that all states up to the Fermi energy will be occupied, with only the atoms with the highest energy able to change their state. Such conditions have long been predicted to suppress light scattering off gases because the atoms receiving a kick from collisions with photons would have no state to move to. Deb
et al
., Margalit
et al
., and Sanner
et al
. now describe this so-called Pauli blocking of light scattering. —JS
Quantum mechanical double slit for molecular scattering
Authors: Zhou Haowen , Perreault William E. , Mukherjee Nandini , Zare Richard N.
Published: November 2021

Double slits with molecular states

Despite decades of research, the role of quantum mechanical effects in molecular scattering has not yet been fully investigated and can still demonstrate fascinating results, even for simple triatomic systems. Zhou
et al
. show that the entangled bond axis orientations in the biaxial state of a deuterium molecule can act as the two slits of a double-slit interferometer for rotationally inelastic collision with a helium atom, giving rise to quantum interference between two indistinguishable pathways (see the Perspective by Wang and Yang). The present work presents an elegant example of quantum interference in molecular scattering that is conceptually similar to the famous Young’s optical double-slit experiment. The proposed molecular interferometer could be used to coherently control the phases in various molecular processes in future experiments. —YS
Getting the big picture of biodiversity
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: November 2021

Satellites and other remote sensing tools offer new ways to study ecosystems—and maybe even save them
Complete Genome Sequence of a Fowl Adenovirus D Strain Isolated from Chickens with Inclusion Body Hepatitis in Japan
Authors: Mase Masaji , Iseki Hiroshi , Watanabe Satoko
Published: November 2021

We report the complete genome sequence of fowl adenovirus D (FAdV-D) strain JP/Tokushima/2010IBH, which was isolated from chickens with inclusion body hepatitis in Japan. This FAdV-D isolate was genetically highly similar to recent isolates from China, suggesting a common origin.
Sediment Microbiota in Response to Circuitry of Sediment Microbial Fuel Cells, Revealed by 16S rRNA Gene Amplicon Sequencing
Authors: Takemura Yasuyuki , Aoki Masataka , Tran P. Thao , Tomioka Noriko , Kubota Keiichi , Matsuura Norihisa , Syutsubo Kazuaki
Published: November 2021

Information about sediment microbiota affected by sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFC) is limited. A laboratory-scale SMFC was applied to a eutrophic lake sediment under closed-circuit/open-circuit conditions. We analyzed the prokaryotes in the sediment adhering to the anode material. The archaeal family
Methanoperedenceae
was a predominant group under closed-circuit conditions.
Association between systolic blood pressure course and outcomes after stroke thrombectomy
Authors: Matusevicius Marius , Cooray Charith , Holmin Staffan , Bottai Matteo , Ahmed Niaz
Published: November 2021

Background

Systolic blood pressure (SBP) after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for large artery occlusive stroke is dynamic, requiring adaptable early prediction tools for improving outcomes. We investigated if post-EVT SBP course was associated with outcomes.

Methods

EVT-treated patients who had a stroke at Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, were included in the study during 12 February 2018–11 February 2020. SBP was recorded during the first 24 hours after EVT. Primary outcome was functional independence defined by a Modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2 at 3 months. Secondary outcomes were death by 3 months, symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage and any intracranial haemorrhage. Patients with favourable outcomes were used as a reference SBP course in mixed linear effects models and compared with SBP courses of patients with unfavourable outcomes using the empirical best linear unbiased predictor, measuring deviations from the reference SBP course using the random effects. We tested model predictive stability for SBP measurements of only 18, 12 or 6 hours after EVT.

Results

374 patients were registered, with mean age 71, median NIHSS score of 15, and 53.2% men. Deviating from a linear SBP course starting at 130 mm Hg and decreasing to 123 mm Hg at 24 hours after EVT was associated with lower chances of functional independence (adjusted OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.88, for reaching either 99 or 147 mm Hg at 24 hours after EVT). All SBP course models for the remaining outcomes did not show statistical significance. Functional independence models showed stable predictive values for all time periods.

Conclusion

Deviating from a linear SBP course was associated with lower chances of 3-month functional independence.
For whom the T cells troll? Bispecific T-cell engagers in glioblastoma
Authors: Singh Kirit , Hotchkiss Kelly M , Mohan Aditya A , Reedy Jessica L , Sampson John H , Khasraw Mustafa
Published: November 2021

Glioblastoma is the the most common primary brain tumor in adults. Onset of disease is followed by a uniformly lethal prognosis and dismal overall survival. While immunotherapies have revolutionized treatment in other difficult-to-treat cancers, these have failed to demonstrate significant clinical benefit in patients with glioblastoma. Obstacles to success include the heterogeneous tumor microenvironment (TME), the immune-privileged intracranial space, the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and local and systemic immunosuppressions. Monoclonal antibody-based therapies have failed at least in part due to their inability to access the intracranial compartment. Bispecific T-cell engagers are promising antibody fragment-based therapies which can bring T cells close to their target and capture them with a high binding affinity. They can redirect the entire repertoire of T cells against tumor, independent of T-cell receptor specificity. However, the multiple challenges posed by the TME, immune privilege and the BBB suggest that a single agent approach may be insufficient to yield durable, long-lasting antitumor efficacy. In this review, we discuss the mechanism of action of T-cell engagers, their preclinical and clinical developments to date. We also draw comparisons with other classes of multispecific antibodies and potential combinations using these antibody fragment therapies.
Learning while leading: a realist evaluation of an academic leadership programme
Authors: Li Shelly-Anne , Chen Ruth , Tong X Catherine , Wong Anne K , Chan Teresa M
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Many academic health centres and universities have implemented leadership development programmes; however, their potential impact in different contexts in healthcare remains unknown. We assessed the impact of an academic leadership development programme on the self-reported leadership activities of faculty leaders in their respective work contexts.

Methods

Ten faculty leaders who participated in a 10-month leadership development programme between 2017 and 2020 were interviewed. The realist evaluation approach was used to guide deductive content analysis, allowing concepts related to what works for whom, why and when to emerge from the data.

Results

Faculty leaders benefited in different ways depending on the organisational context (eg, culture) in which they reside and their individual contexts (eg, personal aspirations as a leader). Faculty leaders who have minimal mentorship in their leadership role gained an increased sense of community and belongingness with peer leaders and received validation in their personal leadership approach from the programme. Faculty leaders with accessible mentors were more likely than their peers to apply the knowledge they learnt to their work settings. Prolonged engagement among faculty leaders in the 10-month programme fostered continuity of learning and peer support that extended beyond programme completion.

Conclusions

This academic leadership programme included participation of faculty leaders in different contexts, resulted in varying impacts on participants’ learning outcomes, leader self-efficacy and application of acquired knowledge. Faculty administrators should look for programmes with a multitude of learning interfaces to extract knowledge, hone leadership skills and build networks.
Impact of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block on outcomes after lumbar spinal fusion: a retrospective propensity score matched study of 242 patients
Authors: Soffin Ellen M , Okano Ichiro , Oezel Lisa , Arzani Artine , Sama Andrew A , Cammisa Frank P , Girardi Federico P , Hughes Alexander P
Published: November 2021

Background

We evaluated the impact of bilateral ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane blocks on pain and opioid-related outcomes within a standardized care pathway for lumbar fusion.

Methods

A retrospective propensity score matched cohort study. Clinical data were extracted from the electronic medical records of patients who underwent lumbar fusion (January 2019–July 2020). Propensity score matching based on common confounders was used to match patients who received or did not receive blocks in a 1:1 ratio. Primary outcomes were Numeric Rating Scale pain scores (0–10) and opioid consumption (morphine equivalent dose) in the first 24 hours after surgery (median (IQR)). Secondary outcomes included length of stay and opioid-related side effects.

Results

Of 1846 patients identified, 242 were matched and analyzed. Total 24-hour opioid consumption was significantly lower in the erector spinae plane block group (30 mg (0, 144); without-blocks: 45 mg (0, 225); p=0.03). There were no significant differences in pain scores in the postanesthesia care unit (with blocks: 4 (0, 9); without blocks: 4 (0,8); p=0.984) or on the nursing floor (with blocks: 4 (0,8); without blocks: 4 (0,8); p=0.134). Total length of stay was 5 hours shorter in the block group (76 hours (21, 411); without blocks: 81 (25, 268); p=0.001). Fewer patients who received blocks required postoperative antiemetic administration (with blocks: n=77 (64%); without blocks: n=97 (80%); p=0.006).

Conclusions

Erector spinae plane blocks were associated with clinically irrelevant reductions in 24-hour opioid consumption and no improvement in pain scores after lumbar fusion. The routine use of these blocks in the setting of a comprehensive care pathway for lumbar fusion may not be warranted.
Comparing trauma mortality of injured patients in India and the USA: a risk-adjusted analysis
Authors: Amato Stas , Bonnell Levi , Mohan Monali , Roy Nobhojit , Malhotra Ajai
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Comparisons of risk-adjusted trauma mortality between high-income countries and low and middle-income countries (LMICs) can be used to identify specific patient populations and injury patterns for targeted interventions. Due to a paucity of granular patient and injury data from LMICs, there is a lack of such comparisons. This study aims to identify independent predictors of trauma mortality and significant differences between India and the USA.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of two trauma databases was conducted. Demographic, injury, physiologic, anatomic and outcome data were analyzed from India’s Towards Improved Trauma Care Outcomes project database and the US National Trauma Data Bank from 2013 to 2015. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine significant independent predictors of mortality.

Results

687 407 adult trauma patients were included (India 11 796; USA 675 611). Patients from India were significantly younger with greater male preponderance, a higher proportion presented with physiologic abnormalities and suffered higher mortality rates (23.2% vs. 2.8%). When controlling for age, sex, physiologic abnormalities, and injury severity, sustaining an injury in India was the strongest predictor of mortality (OR 13.85, 95% CI 13.05 to 14.69). On subgroup analyses, the greatest mortality difference was seen in patients with lower Injury Severity Scores.

Conclusion

After adjusting for demographic, physiologic abnormalities, and injury severity, trauma-related mortality was found to be significantly higher in India. When compared with trauma patients in the USA, the odds of mortality are most notably different among patients with lower Injury Severity Scores. While troubling, this suggests that relatively simple, low-cost interventions focused on standard timely trauma care, early imaging, and protocolized treatment pathways could result in substantial improvements for injury mortality in India, and potentially other LMICs.

Level of evidence

Level 3, retrospective cohort study.
Is the whole greater than the sum of its parts? The implementation and outcomes of a whole blood program in Ecuador
Authors: Himmler Amber , Galarza Armijos Monica Eulalia , Naranjo Jeovanni Reinoso , Patiño Sandra Gioconda Peña , Sarmiento Altamirano Doris , Lazo Nube Flores , Pino Andrade Raul , Aguilar Hernán Sacoto , Fernández de Córdova Lenin , Augurto Cecibel Cevallos , Raykar Nakul , Puyana Juan Carlos , Salamea Juan Carlos
Published: November 2021

Background

Hemorrhagic shock is a major cause of mortality in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Many institutions in LMICs lack the resources to adequately prescribe balanced resuscitation. This study aims to describe the implementation of a whole blood (WB) program in Latin America and to discuss the outcomes of the patients who received WB.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of patients resuscitated with WB from 2013 to 2019. Five units of O+ WB were made available on a consistent basis for patients presenting in hemorrhagic shock. Variables collected included gender, age, service treating the patient, units of WB administered, units of components administered, admission vital signs, admission hemoglobin, shock index, Revised Trauma Score in trauma patients, intraoperative crystalloid (lactated Ringer’s or normal saline) and colloid (5% human albumin) administration, symptoms of transfusion reaction, length of stay, and in-hospital mortality.

Results

The sample includes a total of 101 patients, 57 of which were trauma and acute care surgery patients and 44 of which were obstetrics and gynecology patients. No patients developed symptoms consistent with a transfusion reaction. The average shock index was 1.16 (±0.55). On average, patients received 1.66 (±0.80) units of WB. Overall mortality was 13.86% (14 of 101) in the first 24 hours and 5.94% (6 of 101) after 24 hours.

Discussion

Implementing a WB protocol is achievable in LMICs. WB allows for more efficient delivery of hemostatic resuscitation and is ideal for resource-restrained settings. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a WB program implemented in a civilian hospital in Latin America.

Level of evidence

Level IV.
Evaluating the effects of fibrolytic enzymes on rumen fermentation, omasal nutrient flow, and production performance in dairy cows during early lactation
Authors: Refat Basim , Christensen David A. , Ismael Aya , Feng Xin , Rodríguez-Espinosa María E. , Guevara-Oquendo Victor H. , Yang Jenchieh , AlZahal Ousama , Yu Peiqiang
Published: November 2021

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of pre-treating a barley-silage-based diet with an exogenous fibrolytic enzyme derived from Trichoderma reesei (FETR, a mixture of xylanase and cellulase) on lactation performance, omasal nutrient flow and digestibility, rumen fermentation characteristics, and rumen pH profile in Holstein dairy cows during early lactation. The dairy trial was conducted using nine Holstein dairy cows (averaging 46 ± 24 days in milk and 697 ± 69 kg body weight, six cows were fitted with a rumen cannula, and three were non-cannulated). Two groups of cows were randomly assigned to each of the dietary treatments in a crossover design: control (without FETR supplementation) and supplemented [with 0.75 mL of FETR·kg−1 dry matter (DM) of the diet based on our previous study]. The application of FETR tended to decrease the DM intake compared with control. There were no effects of FETR (P > 0. 10) on omasal nutrient flow and digestibility, rumen fermentation characteristics, and rumen pH profile. In conclusion, this study lacks evidence that the fibrolytic enzyme (at a level of 0.75 mL of FETR·kg−1 DM) can affect nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and the performance of early-lactation cows. Further study with larger animal trials are needed.
Analysis of laminar boundary-layer separation in retarded flow over bodies of revolution
Authors: Mehmood Ahmer , Shah Babar Hussain , Usman Muhammad , Raza Iqrar
Published: November 2021

The laminar boundary-layer separation phenomenon is an interesting and important aspect of boundary-layer flows. It occurs in various physical situations because of a decrease in wall shear stress caused by retarded flow velocity, among other things. Flow separation can be prevented or delayed by utilizing bodies of revolution because the surface transverse curvature produces a favorable pressure gradient, which in turn increases the wall shear stress that keeps the flow attached to the surface. Bodies of revolution, whose body contours follow a power-law form, also play a vital role in delaying flow separation. Bodies of revolution of varying cross sections and involving surface transverse curvature are utilized to examine their effects on flow separation. In particular, a convex transverse curvature has been considered owing to its effects on the nature of the favorable pressure gradient, which delays the flow separation. A Görtler-type retarded flow velocity was considered in this study to investigate the flow separation process. A detailed analysis is provided to understand the flow separation by calculating the separation points under various assumptions. It has been observed that the body contour exponent n and the convex transverse curvature parameter k play an assistive role in the delay of boundary-layer separation even under the influence of strong retardation. The results are presented through various tables and graphs to highlight the role of the power-law exponent of external velocity m, convex transverse curvature parameter k, and body contour exponent n on the separation points.
Trimethylamine N-oxide promotes hyperlipidemia acute pancreatitis via inflammatory response
Authors: Yang Guodong , Zhang Xiaoying
Published: November 2021

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a metabolite of gut microbiota, is involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism and inflammatory response; however, the role of TMAO in hyperlipidemia acute pancreatitis (HAP) is not clear. In this study, HAP mice were used as an animal model to explore the effects and possible mechanism of TMAO on HAP, which may provide new ideas for the treatment of HAP. Results found that the levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, nonestesterified fatty acid, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, α-amylase, TMAO, and flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 were significantly increased, the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and insulin were significantly decreased, and there was an obvious pancreatic injury and inflammatory response in the model group. The choline analogue 3,3-dimethyl-1-butanol (DMB) treatment reversed the changes of serum biochemical parameters, alleviated the pancreatic tissue injury, and reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Further studies of toll-like receptor (TLR)/p-glycoprotein 65 (p65) pathway found that the expressions of TLR2, TLR4, and p-p65/p65 in the model group were significantly increased, which was more obvious after Escherichia coli (Migula) Castellani & Chalmers treatment, while activation of the TLR/p65 pathway was inhibited by DMB. The results indicated that TMAO promotes HAP by promoting inflammatory response through TLR/p65 signaling pathway, suggesting that TMAO may be a potential target of HAP.
Microstructure evolution, thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of hot-rolling Al–Si–Fe–Mg alloy under different reductions
Authors: Guo Yu , Wang Ye , Jiang Bo , Chen Hongtao , Xu Hongyu , Hu Maoliang , Ji Zesheng
Published: November 2021

To further improve the properties of the Al–11.5Si–0.4Fe–0.35Mg, the effects of different reductions of hot-rolling (HR) Al–Si–Fe–Mg alloy on microstructure, thermal conductivity (TC), and mechanical properties were investigated in this paper. The results show that the eutectic silicon phases are broken and moved during the HR process. The average size of eutectic silicon phase decreases. Meanwhile, the aspect ratio of eutectic silicon phase closer to 1 and the distribution of that are more uniform with the increase of HR reduction. In addition, the ternary Al–Fe–Si phases are also broken after HR. It indicates that the action of shear force induced by the HR process is beneficial to promote refinement and spheroidization of the eutectic silicon phase, hence further improves the properties of the alloy. Apparently, the fine and dispersed distribution of spherical silicon particles can minimize the splitting of the [Formula: see text]-Al matrix, decrease the scattering effect on free electrons, and increase the number of free-electron transport channel. Therefore, the overall performance of HR Al–Si–Fe–Mg alloy with a reduction of 71.25% is the best with the TC of 170.24 W/m[Formula: see text]K, the tensile strength of 241.98 MPa and elongation of 8.73%, respectively.
Reduced finitary incidence algebras and their automorphisms
Authors: Dugas Manfred , Herden Daniel , Rebrovich Jack
Published: November 2021

Let [Formula: see text] denote the incidence algebra of a locally finite poset [Formula: see text] over a field [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] some equivalence relation on the set of generators of [Formula: see text]. Then [Formula: see text] is the subset of [Formula: see text] of all the elements that are constant on the equivalence classes of [Formula: see text]. If [Formula: see text] satisfies certain conditions, then [Formula: see text] is a subalgebra of [Formula: see text] called a reduced incidence algebra. We extend this notion to finitary incidence algebras [Formula: see text] for any poset [Formula: see text]. We investigate reduced finitary incidence algebras [Formula: see text] and determine their automorphisms in some special cases.
EFFECTS OF OVERLOAD AND SUPPLYING OIL ON CRACK GROWTH BEHAVIOR IN MG ALLOYS
Authors: ZHANG XUECHAO , MAKABE CHOBIN , MIYAZAKI TATSUJIRO
Published: November 2021

A single overload was applied during the crack growth process under constant stress amplitude, and retardation of crack growth was observed in the case of magnesium alloys as well as carbon steel, aluminum alloys, etc. The retardation of crack growth was related to crack closure, the fracture surface roughness, and crack tip deformation. In addition, the effects of supplying oil into the crack on crack growth behavior of an overloaded specimen were investigated in this study. The crack growth rate in the case of supplying oil became lower than in the case without supplying oil. In the case of the magnesium alloy AZ31, powder of oxide magnesium appeared from the crack after overloading. It is one of the typical behaviors of AZ31. In the case of AZ31 and AZX912, the crack growth behavior after overloading was slightly different due to the deformation of the crack tip.
Estimation of Seismic Energy Dissipation for Steel Slit Shear Walls Considering Out-of-Plane Buckling
Authors: Ma Yiming , He Liusheng , Li Ming
Published: November 2021

Steel slit shear walls (SSSWs), made by cutting slits in steel plates, are increasingly adopted in seismic design of buildings for energy dissipation. This paper estimates the seismic energy dissipation capacity of SSSWs considering out-of-plane buckling. In the experimental study, three SSSW specimens were designed with different width-thickness ratios and aspect ratios and tested under quasi-static cyclic loading. Test results showed that the width-thickness ratio of the links dominated the occurrence of out-of-plane buckling, which produced pinching in the hysteresis and thus reduced the energy dissipation capacity. Out-of-plane buckling occurred earlier for the links with a larger width-thickness ratio, and vice versa. Refined finite element model was built for the SSSW specimens, and validated by the test results. The concept of average pinching parameter was proposed to quantify the degree of pinching in the hysteresis. Through the parametric analysis, an equation was derived to estimate the average pinching parameter of the SSSWs with different design parameters. A new method for estimating the energy dissipation of the SSSWs considering out-of-plane buckling was proposed, by which the predicted energy dissipation agreed well with the test results.
Suitability of Iron (Fe)-Doped Tungsten Oxide (WO3) Nanomaterials for Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Applications
Authors: Thirumoorthi G. , Gnanavel B. , Kalaivani M. , Ragunathan Abirami , Venkatesan Hariharan
Published: November 2021

Pure and “Fe ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]wt.%)-doped” WO[Formula: see text] nanoparticles were prepared by facile microwave irradiation method and that was investigated for strong photo catalytic and antibacterial activity applications for the first time. The primary aim of this work is to reveal the great importance of oxygen vacancies ([Formula: see text] due to dopant (Fe[Formula: see text] for photo catalytic and antibacterial activity applications. This work also discusses the contribution of oxygen vacancies and their dependence on surface area and phase formation which are of great research interest for water purification and biological sciences. Herein, pure and “Fe ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]wt.%)-doped” WO[Formula: see text] nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by facile microwave irradiation (MWI) method (2.45 GHz/240W/10min) in ambient atmosphere. The phase formation and the crystalline nature of the prepared products were evaluated using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). It confirmed the phase formation of orthorhombic and monoclinic phase formations for the pure (WO[Formula: see text]H2O) and annealed samples (W[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text] and WO[Formula: see text], respectively. Optical behavior of the samples from UV-Vis diffuse reflectance analysis revealed that W[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text] has remarkable bandgap values (1.96[Formula: see text]eV) that clearly emphasizes the transfer of oxygen ions which helps in the movement of oxygen vacancies inside the crystalline domain. The morphological nature of the prepared products was observed by FE-SEM analysis and the average dimension was found to be 0.2–3.2[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m and 2–4[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m for the pure and annealed products, respectively. The specific surface area from BET analysis explored that W[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text] having 55.16[Formula: see text]m2g[Formula: see text] was found to be higher than that of commercially available WO3. The photocatalytic behavior of the prepared compounds morphologies was investigated via Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation under visible light irradiation. These results showed “Fe-doped” annealed WO3 nanoparticles have degradation efficiency of 86.9% along with high stable nature. On the other hand, to identify the suitability of the prepared products for antibacterial activity, the microbial strains of Gram-positive Bacillus sp. and Gram-negative strains of Pseudomonassp. and Salmonellasp. were used for the antimicrobial assay[Formula: see text] The results indicated that W[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text] showed enhanced antibacterial nature when compared to that of Stoichiometry tungsten oxide (WO[Formula: see text] nanomaterials. From these observations, this work emphasizes the importance of oxygen vacancies for antibacterial activity applications.
Digital Image Evolution of Artwork Without Human Evaluation Using the Example of the Evolving Mona Lisa Problem
Authors: Garbaruk Julia , Logofatu Doina , Badica Costin , Leon Florin
Published: November 2021

Whether for optimizing the speed of microprocessors or for sequence analysis in molecular biology — evolutionary algorithms are used in astoundingly many fields. Also, the art was influenced by evolutionary algorithms — with principles of natural evolution works of art that can be created or imitated, whereby initially generated art is put through an iterated process of selection and modification. This paper covers an application in which given images are emulated evolutionary using a finite number of semi-transparent overlapping polygons, which also became known under the name “Evolution of Mona Lisa”. In this context, different approaches to solve the problem are tested and presented here. In particular, we want to investigate whether Hill Climbing Algorithm in combination with Delaunay Triangulation and Canny Edge Detector that extracts the initial population directly from the original image performs better than the conventional Hill Climbing and Genetic Algorithm, where the initial population is generated randomly.
I3rab: A New Arabic Dependency Treebank Based on Arabic Grammatical Theory
Authors: Halabi Dana , Fayyoumi Ebaa , Awajan Arafat
Published: November 2021

Treebanks are valuable linguistic resources that include the syntactic structure of a language sentence in addition to part-of-speech tags and morphological features. They are mainly utilized in modeling statistical parsers. Although the statistical natural language parser has recently become more accurate for languages such as English, those for the Arabic language still have low accuracy. The purpose of this article is to construct a new Arabic dependency treebank based on the traditional Arabic grammatical theory and the characteristics of the Arabic language, to investigate their effects on the accuracy of statistical parsers. The proposed Arabic dependency treebank, called I3rab, contrasts with existing Arabic dependency treebanks in two main concepts. The first concept is the approach of determining the main word of the sentence, and the second concept is the representation of the joined and covert pronouns. To evaluate I3rab, we compared its performance against a subset of Prague Arabic Dependency Treebank that shares a comparable level of details. The conducted experiments show that the percentage improvement reached up to 10.24% in UAS and 18.42% in LAS.
Neuroendocrine Control of Reproduction in Teleost Fish: Concepts and Controversies
Authors: Trudeau Vance L.
Published: November 2021

During the teleost radiation, extensive development of the direct innervation mode of hypothalamo-pituitary communication was accompanied by loss of the median eminence typical of mammals. Cells secreting follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone cells are directly innervated, distinct populations in the anterior pituitary. So far, ∼20 stimulatory and ∼10 inhibitory neuropeptides, 3 amines, and 3 amino acid neurotransmitters are implicated in the control of reproduction. Positive and negative sex steroid feedback loops operate in both sexes. Gene mutation models in zebrafish and medaka now challenge our general understanding of vertebrate neuropeptidergic control. New reproductive neuropeptides are emerging. These include but are not limited to nesfatin 1, neurokinin B, and the secretoneurins. A generalized model for the neuroendocrine control of reproduction is proposed. Hopefully, this will serve as a research framework on diverse species to help explain the evolution of neuroendocrine control and lead to the discovery of new hormones with novel applications.
Electrochemical Study on MgO as an Additive in Molten Li2CO3-Na2CO3 for Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells
Authors: Kim Chan Mi , Kim In Ui , Yoon Sung Pil , Cho Sung Ki
Published: November 2021

This study investigates the effect of MgO as an additive in molten Li2CO3-Na2CO3 electrolyte for molten carbonate fuel cells through electrochemical analyses. Addition of MgO (1∼5 mol%) increased the electrochemical response in cyclic voltammogram of peroxide in molten Li2CO3-Na2CO3. The diffusion coefficient of peroxide in molten Li2CO3-Na2CO3 containing MgO was determined via the comparison between the peak currents of cyclic voltammograms from microwire electrode and macrowire electrode. The addition of MgO did not impact the diffusion coefficient, indicating that the increase in the electrochemical response with the addition of MgO might be attributed to the increase in the peroxide concentration. The change in peroxide concentration was also confirmed by electrochemical impedance analyses, which exhibited a decrease in the charge transfer resistance. The increase in the concentration of peroxide with the addition of MgO might be associated with the high thermal decomposition constant of MgCO3, implying the high concentration of oxide ion in the molten Li2CO3-Na2CO3. This study suggests that MgO might be an effective additive for increasing the oxygen solubility in the molten Li2CO3-Na2CO3, and subsequently for enhancing the performance of molten carbonate fuel cells.