bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lagrangian filtered density function modeling of a turbulent stratified flame combined with flamelet approach
Authors: Baik S.-J. , Inanc E. , Rieth M. , Kempf A. M.
Published: June 2022

To simulate turbulent flames with high accuracy at low computational cost, Rieth et al. [“A hybrid flamelet finite-rate chemistry approach for efficient LES with a transported FDF,” Combust. Flame 199, 183–193 (2019)] have developed a hybrid method combining a combustion sub-grid model with assumed filtered density function (FDF) with a transported FDF approach. The present paper extends the hybrid approach to a stratified flame from the Cambridge stratified flame series. In contrast to the conventional Lagrangian FDF transport approach, the hybrid model applies Lagrangian particles to solve FDF transport only in selected regions, while an assumed FDF is applied in the remaining domain. With the hybrid model, the overall number of particles is strongly reduced compared to the conventional Lagrangian FDF transport model, promising great savings in computational cost. To provide a basis for the comparisons, simulations with assumed FDF or transported FDF only have also been performed. The present work aims to show the advantage of the Lagrangian transported FDF and the hybrid approach for a highly stratified flame, one of the most challenging members of the well-known Cambridge stratified flame series. Different criteria are tested for triggering the switch-over between the methods to maximize the efficiency of the hybrid approach, where basic flame quantities such as mixture fraction were predicted well with the assumed FDF model, and the temperature and mass fraction of carbon monoxide were predicted better by the hybrid method, featuring the transported FDF technique.
A three-dimensional magnetic field sensor based on a single spin–orbit-torque device via domain nucleation
Authors: Guo Zhe , Li Ruofan , Zhang Shuai , Tian Yufeng , Hong Jeongmin , You Long
Published: June 2022

Detecting a three-dimensional (3D) magnetic field by a compact and simple structure or device has always been a challenging work. The recent discovery of 3D magnetic field sensing through the single spin–orbit torque device consisting of the Ta/CoFeB/MgO heterostructure, based on the domain wall motion, offers a revolutionary way to tackle this problem. Here, we demonstrate a 3D magnetic field sensor based on the W/CoFeB/MgO heterostructure via domain nucleation dominated magnetization reversal. In such a heterostructure, the in-plane (IP) and out-of-plane (OOP) magnetic field components drive the grains reversal with different manners, enabling the distinguishment of the contributions from IP and OOP components. The linear modulations of anomalous Hall resistance by x, y, and z components of magnetic fields have been obtained, respectively, with the same linear range of −20 to +20 Oe for each component. Typically, a higher linearity is realized in this work compared with the previous domain wall motion based sensor, which is a critical characteristic for the magnetic field sensor.
Affections of dynamic ductility and molecular friction for kinetic properties of bio-molecules in multidimensional landscape model
Authors: Zheng Yue , Zhao Yanyu , Xu Junjun , Tang Ke
Published: June 2022

Because of affections from fluctuation, the migration or reaction rate of bio-molecules is mainly related to the time-memory effect. This kinetic phenomenon is primarily dominated by dynamic ductility and molecular crowding in the solvent. These two important elements directly connect with the affections of the random force and systematic friction (ζ) in a real solvent. They can affect fluctuation characteristics of bio-molecules. Properties of bio-molecular kinetics are mainly submitted to the configuration quality and random collision. The multidimensional landscape must be needed in typical research processes for kinetics of bio-molecules. The random collision affection in the x dimension and the typical ductility for the free-energy surface in the Q dimension have been abstracted in our work. The two-dimensional generalized Langevin equation including fractional Gaussian noise or white noise is used to study the migration rate or the mean waiting time. The essential quality of the bio-molecules’ kinetic properties can be revealed by the comparative study between dynamic disorder (DD) and common diffusion. We have found that there are sharp dynamic differences between DD and normal kinetics. Moreover, dynamic ductility and solvent friction can lead to great affections to the bio-molecular dynamics.
Determination of the charge carrier density in organic solar cells: A tutorial
Authors: Vollbrecht Joachim , Tokmoldin Nurlan , Sun Bowen , Brus Viktor V. , Shoaee Safa , Neher Dieter
Published: June 2022

The increase in the performance of organic solar cells observed over the past few years has reinvigorated the search for a deeper understanding of the loss and extraction processes in this class of device. A detailed knowledge of the density of free charge carriers under different operating conditions and illumination intensities is a prerequisite to quantify the recombination and extraction dynamics. Differential charging techniques are a promising approach to experimentally obtain the charge carrier density under the aforementioned conditions. In particular, the combination of transient photovoltage and photocurrent as well as impedance and capacitance spectroscopy have been successfully used in past studies to determine the charge carrier density of organic solar cells. In this Tutorial, these experimental techniques will be discussed in detail, highlighting fundamental principles, practical considerations, necessary corrections, advantages, drawbacks, and ultimately their limitations. Relevant references introducing more advanced concepts will be provided as well. Therefore, the present Tutorial might act as an introduction and guideline aimed at new prospective users of these techniques as well as a point of reference for more experienced researchers.
Freezing density scaling of fluid transport properties: Application to liquefied noble gases
Authors: Khrapak S. A. , Khrapak A. G.
Published: June 2022

A freezing density scaling of transport properties of the Lennard-Jones fluid is rationalized in terms of Rosenfeld’s excess entropy scaling and isomorph theory of Roskilde-simple systems. Then, it is demonstrated that the freezing density scaling operates reasonably well for viscosity and thermal conductivity coefficients of liquid argon, krypton, and xenon. Quasi-universality of the reduced transport coefficients at their minima and at freezing conditions is discussed. The magnitude of the thermal conductivity coefficient at the freezing point is shown to agree remarkably well with the prediction of the vibrational model of heat transfer in dense fluids.
Terminating spiral waves with a single designed stimulus: Teleportation as the mechanism for defibrillation
Authors: DeTal Noah , Kaboudian Abouzar , Fenton Flavio H.
Published: June 2022

We identify and demonstrate a universal mechanism for terminating spiral waves in excitable media using an established topological framework. This mechanism dictates whether high- or low-energy defibrillation shocks succeed or fail. Furthermore, this mechanism allows for the design of a single minimal stimulus capable of defibrillating, at any time, turbulent states driven by multiple spiral waves. We demonstrate this method in a variety of computational models of cardiac tissue ranging from simple to detailed human models. The theory described here shows how this mechanism underlies all successful defibrillation and can be used to further develop existing and future low-energy defibrillation strategies.
Intranasal inoculation of an MVA-based vaccine induces IgA and protects the respiratory tract of hACE2 mice from SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Americo Jeffrey L. , Cotter Catherine A. , Earl Patricia L. , Liu Ruikang , Moss Bernard
Published: June 2022

Current vaccines have greatly diminished the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, even though they do not entirely prevent infection and transmission, likely due to insufficient immunity in the upper respiratory tract. Here, we compare intramuscular and intranasal administration of a live, replication-deficient modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA)–based Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike (S) vaccine to raise protective immune responses in the K18-hACE2 mouse model. Using a recombinant MVA expressing firefly luciferase for tracking, live imaging revealed luminescence of the respiratory tract of mice within 6 h and persisting for 3 d following intranasal inoculation, whereas luminescence remained at the site of intramuscular vaccination. Intramuscular vaccination induced S-binding–Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and neutralizing antibodies in the lungs, whereas intranasal vaccination also induced Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and higher levels of antigen-specific CD3
+
CD8
+
IFN-γ
+
T cells. Similarly, IgG and neutralizing antibodies were present in the blood of mice immunized intranasally and intramuscularly, but IgA was detected only after intranasal inoculation. Intranasal boosting increased IgA after intranasal or intramuscular priming. While intramuscular vaccination prevented morbidity and cleared SARS-CoV-2 from the respiratory tract within several days after challenge, intranasal vaccination was more effective as neither infectious virus nor viral messenger (m)RNAs were detected in the nasal turbinates or lungs as early as 2 d after challenge, indicating prevention or rapid elimination of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, we determined that neutralizing antibody persisted for more than 6 mo and that serum induced to the Wuhan S protein neutralized pseudoviruses expressing the S proteins of variants, although with less potency, particularly for Beta and Omicron.
L2 tolerance of pragmatic violations of informativeness
Authors: Feng Shuo
Published: June 2022

This study sets out to investigate second language (L2) speakers’ derivation of pragmatic inferences and tolerance
of violations of informativeness in two types of inferences, i.e., ad hoc implicatures and contrastive inference. The results of a
graded judgment task revealed that pragmatic tolerance is inference-specific: L2 speakers were overly tolerant of underinformative
statements in ad hoc implicatures than in contrastive inference. In addition, L2 speakers were found to be more relaxed with
overinformativeness than underinformativeness in contrastive inference. The fact that L2 speakers tend to be redundant
(overinformative) than ambiguous (underinformative) is further discussed with the Pragmatic Principles Violation Hypothesis (Lozano, 2016). This study hopes to contribute to a more find-grained understanding of L2
speakers’ abilities of deriving pragmatic inferences.
Machine learning enhanced electrical impedance tomography for 2D materials
Authors: Coxson Adam , Mihov Ivo , Wang Ziwei , Avramov Vasil , Barnes Frederik Brooke , Slizovskiy Sergey , Mullan Ciaran , Timokhin Ivan , Sanderson David , Kretinin Andrey , Yang Qian , Lionheart William R B , Mishchenko Artem
Published: June 2022

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that reconstructs the interior conductivity distribution of samples from a set of voltage measurements performed on the sample boundary. EIT reconstruction is a non-linear and ill-posed inverse problem. Consequently, the non-linearity results in a high computational cost of solution, while regularisation and the most informative measurements must be used to overcome ill-posedness. To build the foundation of future research into EIT applications for 2D materials, such as graphene, we designed and implemented a novel approach to measurement optimisation via a machine learning adaptive electrode selection algorithm (A-ESA). Furthermore, we modified the forward solver of a python-based EIT simulation software, pyEIT, to include the complete electrode model (CEM) and employed it on 2D square samples (Liu B et al 2018 SoftwareX 7 304–8; Somersalo E et al 1992 SIAM J. Appl. Math.
52 1023–40). In addition, the deep D-Bar U-Net convolutional neural network architecture was applied to post-process conductivity map reconstructions from the GREIT algorithm (Hamilton and Hauptmann 2018 IEEE Trans. Med. Imaging
37 2367–77; Adler et al 2009 Physiol. Meas.
30 S35). The A-ESA offered around 20% lower reconstruction losses in fewer measurements than the standard opposite–adjacent electrode selection algorithm, on both simulated data and when applied to a real graphene-based device. The CEM enhanced forward solver achieved a 3% lower loss compared to the original pyEIT forward model. Finally, an experimental evaluation was performed on a graphene laminate film. Overall, this work demonstrates how EIT could be applied to 2D materials and highlights the utility of machine learning in both the experimental and analytical aspects of EIT.
Variation of receiver code biases under the influence of the receiver type and antenna configuration in the IGS network
Authors: Li Luohong , Zhang Xinyu , Yuan Yunbin
Published: June 2022

Receiver code biases (RCBs) are known to be time delays within the receiver caused by their hardware imperfections. To better understand the characteristics of RCBs, the un-combined (UC) and ionosphere-free (IF) precise point positioning functional models are adapted and re-parameterized to estimate the variation of RCBs as a time-variant parameter. In this study, we analytically studied the temporal variations of RCBs; although there exists a benchmark difference between the UC and IF models, their estimates are in accordance with each other. Additionally, this contribution assesses the inter-day stability of RCBs with weekly observations from 165 globally distributed international global navigation satellite system service stations equipped the receivers of three mainly types. The inter-day stability results of RCB revealed that the RCBs of POL2 and OUS2 have better stability over consecutive 7 d and the single differenced (SD) RCBs can reach 0.2 m in the best case. The results show that 74.83% of the stations are equipped with Trimble receivers under the condition that the mean SD RCB values are between −0.5 and 0.5 m, while 85.57% of the stations are equipped with Septentrio receivers and the stations equipped with Javad can reach 84.35% under this condition. The RCB estimates are also relatively stable for the case in which the receiver hardware device stays unchanged. The relationship between RCBs, receiver type, and antenna configuration is found using six groups of receivers. A strong correlation exists between RCBs, receiver type, and antenna configuration, which is more obvious among Septentrio receivers. The results show that the Pearson correlation coefficients were all higher than 0.9, and the standard deviation of between-receiver RCBs was smaller than 0.327 m when equipped with Septentrio receivers. We concluded that there is a strong relationship between the receiver-related pseudorange biases and the receiver and antenna setup.
Application of multi-angle millimeter-wave radar detection in human motion behavior and micro-action recognition
Authors: Zhang Zhaolin , Meng Wugang , Song Mingqi , Liu Yuhan , Zhao Yinan , Feng Xiang , Li Fengcong
Published: June 2022

Millimeter-wave radar is widely used in family safety, rehabilitation, and assisted living due to its ability to operate in all weathers and all day. To address the problem whereby the radar detection angle significantly impacts human behavior recognition, a recognition method based on multi-angle radar observation is adopted. We proposed a novel radar selection method called the energy domain ratio method to choose a radar with more sensitive features. Then, local tangent space alignment and an adaptive extreme learning machine (ELM) are presented to enhance the recognition rate of the model in a high-noise environment. A multi-angle entropy feature and an improved ELM are developed to identify human micro-motion in a low-noise indoor environment. The effect of observation distance on the recognition effect was also explored. The experimental results show that the proposed model has a more than 86% recognition rate for human behavior in outdoor scenes and a recognition accuracy of more than 98% for indoor micro-action.
Large area silicon drift detectors system for high precision timed x-ray spectroscopy
Authors: Miliucci M , Iliescu M , Sgaramella F , Bazzi M , Bosnar D , Bragadireanu M , Carminati M , Cargnelli M , Clozza A , Curceanu C , Deda G , De Paolis L , Del Grande R , Fiorini C , Guaraldo C , Iwasaki M , King P , Levi Sandri P , Marton J , Moskal P , Napolitano F , Niedźwiecki S , Piscicchia K , Scordo A , Shi H , Silarski M , Sirghi D , Sirghi F , Skurzok M , Spallone A , Tüchler M , Vazquez Doce O , Zmeskal J
Published: June 2022

The current work presents the optimization of large area silicon drift detectors developed by the SIDDHARTA-2 collaboration for high precision x-ray measurements of light exotic atom transitions. Two different radiation sources were employed in the study: an x-ray tube, for investigating the energy resolution and the charge collection efficiency of the device in the range 4000 eV–13 000 eV, and a β
−
90Sr radioactive source for measuring the timing response, thus qualifying the charge drift parameters inside the semiconductor. The study reports the spectroscopic response optimization, together with the tuning of the electron dynamics for the given Silicon technology, by adjusting the applied electric field and the working temperature, which allow a good control of the device’s performances for high precision, timed x-ray spectroscopy applications.
Facile synthesis of S-doped LiFePO4@N/S-doped carbon core–shell structured composites for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Baoquan , Wang Shuzhong , Liu Lu , Wang Jinlong , Liu Wei , Yang Jianqiao
Published: June 2022

Heteroatom-doped carbon can significantly improve the electrochemical performance of LiFePO4 cathodes, but it is limited by the complex preparation process and expensive dopants. A self-assembled S-doped LiFePO4@N/S-doped C core–shell structured composites were synthesized by a convenient solvothermal method are reported. The structure and the electrochemical performance of the composites were characterized. In the S-doped LiFePO4@N/S-doped C composites, the glucose-derived carbon microspheres were attached by LiFePO4/C particles to form secondary particles in the core–shell structure. The thioacetamide regulated the morphology of LiFePO4/C particles and provided N and S atoms to dope the composites. The S-doped LiFePO4@N/S-doped C composites delivered specific discharge capacities of 157.81 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and 121.26 mAh g−1 at 5 C, and capacity retention of 99.88% after 100 charge/discharge cycles. The excellent electrochemical performance of the S-doped LiFePO4@N/S-doped C composites can be attributed to the synergism of thioacetamide and glucose.
Comment on ‘Does a container of an ideal gas increase its temperature when accelerated and stopped?’
Authors: Persson Rasmus A X
Published: June 2022

Goh (2022 Phys. Educ.

57

023005) has very recently offered what may be construed as a mechanical proof of Joule’s principle (conversion of mechanical work to heat). Curiously, the proof takes no account of viscosity and uses only deterministic mechanics. We identify an error in his proof and offer some pedagogical clarification.
Precession of a ball rolling in a circular path
Authors: Cross Rod
Published: June 2022

If a ball rolls in a circular path on a horizontal surface at constant speed then its horizontal rotation axis changes direction with time. A simple experiment is presented showing that the torque applied to the ball is equal to the rate of change of its angular momentum, even though the magnitudes of its angular velocity and angular momentum remain constant in time.
Dual energy CT for a small animal radiation research platform using an empirical dual energy calibration
Authors: Duda Manuela Anna , Grad Andreas , Kampfer Severin , Dobiasch Sophie , Combs Stephanie Elisabeth , Wilkens Jan Jakob
Published: June 2022

Objective. Dual energy computed tomography (DECT) has been shown to provide additional image information compared to conventional CT and has been used in clinical routine for several years. The objective of this work is to present a DECT implementation for a Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP) and to verify it with a quantitative analysis of a material phantom and a qualitative analysis with an ex-vivo mouse measurement. Approach. For dual energy imaging, two different spectra are required, but commercial small animal irradiators are usually not optimized for DECT. We present a method that enables dual energy imaging on a SARRP with sequential scanning and an Empirical Dual Energy Calibration (EDEC). EDEC does not require the exact knowledge of spectra and attenuation coefficients; instead, it is based on a calibration. Due to the SARRP geometry and reconstruction algorithm, the calibration is done using an artificial CT image based on measured values. The calibration yields coefficients to convert the measured images into material decomposed images. Main results. To analyze the method quantitatively, the electron density and the effective atomic number of a material phantom were calculated and compared with theoretical values. The electron density showed a maximum deviation from the theoretical values of less than 5% and the atomic number of slightly more than 6%. For use in mice, DECT is particularly useful in distinguishing iodine contrast agent from bone. A material decomposition of an ex-vivo mouse with iodine contrast agent was material decomposed to show that bone and iodine can be distinguished and iodine-corrected images can be calculated. Significance. DECT is capable of calculating electron density images and effective atomic number images, which are appropriate parameters for quantitative analysis. Furthermore, virtual monochromatic images can be obtained for a better differentiation of materials, especially bone and iodine contrast agent.
Reliable evaluation method for interface state density and effective channel mobility in lateral 4H-SiC MOSFETs
Authors: Valletta Antonio , Roccaforte Fabrizio , La Magna Antonino , Fortunato Guglielmo , Fiorenza Patrick
Published: June 2022

The electrical performance of silicon carbide metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors (4H-SiC MOSFETs) are strongly related to the presence of interface states at the silicon dioxide (SiO2)/4H-SiC interface, whose density is much higher than in the Si/SiO2 system. In particular, the charged interface states determine a degradation of the carrier mobility in the channel of the MOSFET with respect to the bulk mobility. A reliable and consistent method for the evaluation of the interface state density (D
it) and the effective channel mobility (μ
ch) in these devices is presented in this work. The two quantities are simultaneously extracted by a combined fit of the current–voltage (I–V) and capacitance–voltage (C–V) electrical characteristics collected on a single device. The simultaneous fit of the I–V and C–V characteristics, which can be easily measured on the same device, noticeably improve the reliability of D
it and μ
ch estimation. The results obtained at different temperatures indicate an increase of the μ
ch with T, in agreement with a dominance of the Coulomb scattering effect as the degradation mechanism of the carrier channel mobility induced by the presence of charged interface states.
Gap probability and full counting statistics in the one-dimensional one-component plasma
Authors: Flack Ana , Majumdar Satya N , Schehr Grégory
Published: June 2022

We consider the 1d one-component plasma in thermal equilibrium, consisting of N equally charged particles on a line, with pairwise Coulomb repulsion and confined by an external harmonic potential. We study two observables: (i) the distribution of the gap between two consecutive particles in the bulk and (ii) the distribution of the number of particles N

I
in a fixed interval I = [−L, +L] inside the bulk, the so-called full-counting-statistics (FCS). For both observables, we compute, for large N, the distribution of the typical as well as atypical large fluctuations. We show that the distribution of the typical fluctuations of the gap g is described by the scaling form

P

gap,bulk

(

g
,
N

)

∼
N

H

α

(

g

N

)

, where α is the interaction coupling and the scaling function H

α
(z) is computed explicitly. It has a faster than Gaussian tail for large z:

H

α

(

z

)

∼

e

−

z

3

/

(

96
α

)

as z → ∞. Similarly, for the FCS, we show that the distribution of the typical fluctuations of N

I
is described by the scaling form

P

FCS

(

N

I

,
N

)

∼
2
α

U

α

[

2
α

(

N

I

−

N

¯

I

)

]

, where

N

¯

I

=
L
N
/

(

2
α

)

is the average value of N

I
and the scaling function U

α
(z) is obtained explicitly. For both observables, we show that the probability of large fluctuations is described by large deviations forms with respective rate functions that we compute explicitly. Our numerical Monte-Carlo simulations are in good agreement with our analytical predictions.
Performance evaluation of an airfoil under ice accretion using CFD simulations
Authors: Bodenlle-Toral Daniel , García-Regodeseves Pedro , Pandal-Blanco Adrián
Published: June 2022

The profiles used in wind turbine blades have a great effect on aerodynamic behavior. The incorporation in engineering methods of the three-dimensional and rotation effects obtained through numerical simulations has allowed to substantially improve the design of the blades. A further advance in the improvement of the models is the modification of the surface state of the profile due to environmental effects. The presence of erosion, dirt, or snow on the leading edge reduces the aerodynamic behavior of the profiles. Therefore, incorporating its effects would improve predictions. However, the implementation of these effects in numerical models is complex. In this work, only the effect of the ice/snow accretion will be taken into account. The study is made using the NREL PHASE VI experimental horizontal-axis turbine with the S809 profile. The BEM theory is applied to conduct accurate 2D numerical simulations firstly, of a clean profile (unmodified) and afterwards of accreted profile. The latter is constructed by the modification of the profile in advance, following indications of the Icing ANSYS Fluent tool. Simulations are conducted under a RANS numerical approach through an SST k-ω model, which properly predicts boundary layer behavior. CFD results are evaluated at different sections of the profile and compared against predictions from other authors in terms of aerodynamic coefficients. The simulations consistently predict an increase in the drag coefficient (CD +33%), and a decrease in the lift coefficient (CL -9%). The presence of ice accretion affects the airfoil performance along the whole blade span, being slightly more pronounced towards the root of the blade. This work presents a new engineering methodology able to accurately predict airfoil performance under ice accretion at a reduced computational cost.
A dynamic disastrous CGE model to optimize resource allocation in post-disaster economic recovery: post-typhoon in an urban agglomeration area, China
Authors: Li Hongwei , Xu Erqi , Zhang Hongqi , Zhong Shuai
Published: June 2022

Optimizing the allocation schemes of post-disaster recovery resources can promote the sustainable development of a regional economy. However, previous studies determined the inputs and allocation schemes of recovery resources based on direct economic (DE) loss while neglecting indirect economic (IDE) loss, which restricted economic recovery. This study considered DE and IDE loss, and used a dynamic disastrous computable general equilibrium (CGE) model to simulate multiple scenarios with different inputs and allocation schemes to identify a better economic recovery strategy. Taking Super Typhoon Mangkhut’s landing in Guangdong Province in 2018 as an example, the results showed that the IDE loss had a long-term impact and dynamic accumulation without post-disaster recovery, reaching 15.25 times the DE loss by 2022. In the baseline scenario, the recovery resource inputs, including relief funds, reconstruction funds, and natural disaster commercial insurance, were limited, leading to a cumulative loss recovery rate of less than 2% in 2018–2022. According to our findings, recovery resources needed a 15-fold increase to recover to pre-disaster levels. Considering the impacts of sector connections on IDE loss, six allocation schemes were established based on DE loss, IDE loss, and industrial structure. Compared with the typical allocation scheme based on DE loss, allocating recovery resources according to the diffusion coefficient substantially improved the loss recovery rate and recovery resource utilization efficiency. The dynamic disastrous CGE model conducted multi-scenario simulations to identify the optimal recovery resource allocation scheme that supported rapid and efficient post-disaster economic recovery.
2022 Roadmap on aqueous batteries
Authors: Wu Daxiong , Li Xiu , Liu Xiaoyu , Yi Jin , Acevedo-Peña Próspero , Reguera Edilso , Zhu Kai , Bin Duan , Melzack N , Wills R G A , Huang Jianhang , Wang Xiaotong , Lin Xiaofeng , Yu Dingshan , Ma Jianmin
Published: June 2022

The development of efficient electrochemical energy storage devices is crucial for future renewable energy management. Aqueous rechargeable batteries (ARBs) are considered to be one of the most sustainable battery technologies due to their low cost, ease of manufacture, high safety and environmental friendliness. However, some tough issues, such as the narrow electrochemical stability window of water, chemical instability of electrode materials, uncontrollable dendrite growth and poor cycling lifespan, severely limit the development of high-energy aqueous batteries with stability and infallible safety. This article mainly summarizes current and future challenges and the advanced science and technology to meet these challenges of various ARBs, such as aqueous Li/Na/K/Mg/Ca/Al/-ion batteries, aqueous flow batteries and photo-responsive batteries. In addition, the potential direction and prospect of the further development of these system batteries are discussed. Finally, given the various technologies and their associated technical challenges, we are motivated to develop a 2022 roadmap on aqueous batteries.
Study of cylindrical and spherical dust acoustic solitons and quasiperiodic structures in a quantum dusty plasma
Authors: Emadi Elham , Zahed Hossein
Published: June 2022

The solitonic and quasiperiodic structures of dust acoustic (DA) waves are investigated in a three components quantum dusty plasma composed of mobile negative dust grains, ions, and inertialess electrons. The reductive perturbation method is employed to derive A deformed Korteweg–de Vries (dKdV) equation in planar and nonplanar geometries, and its numerical solutions are obtained using the two level finite difference approximation method. The influence of geometries on DA solitons is discussed. It is observed that in nonplanar geometries, DA solitons travel at different speeds in comparison to one-dimensional planar ones. Furthermore, in the planar geometry, the bifurcation of DA traveling waves has been analyzed on the framework of the dKdV equation. By adding an external periodic force to the derived dKdV equation, the quasiperiodic behaviors of DA waves are presented.
A Modified Palpebral Marginal Incision Technique Using Levator Aponeurotic Flap in Blepharoplasty
Authors: Qiu Yucheng , Zhou Xianyu , Jin Yan , Liu Fei , Ouyang Tianxiang , Lin Dengwen
Published: June 2022

Background

Double-eyelid surgery is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries performed in Asians. The palpebral marginal incision technique (PMIT) conceals the incision scar and creates natural-looking double-eyelids. However, the amount of eyelid skin removed by conventional PMIT is limited, which potentially results in an unnatural crease or inferior skin below the palpebral crease that appears swollen.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to introduce a modified PMIT which creates scarless, dynamic, and natural double-eyelids with a limited amount of eyelid skin excision.

Methods

From January 2018 to December 2020, 382 patients (764 eyelids) underwent double-eyelid surgeries with the described technique. The key point was to form a pretarsal levator aponeurotic flap, acting as a soft motor transmission to bridge tarsus, orbicularis oculi muscle, and skin dermis. Satisfaction with the overall aesthetic outcomes—as assessed by surgeon and patients—and complications were postoperatively evaluated at various follow-ups.

Results

The mean follow-up period was 7.6 months (range, 6-12 months). Of the patients, 332 (86.9%) reported self-assessment of outcomes as satisfactory and 37 (9.7%) as fair. Secondary operations were required for 13 (3.4%) patients for double-eyelid asymmetry or crease curve malformations. Early-stage hematoma (12 cases) and lagophthalmos (19 cases) were observed and completely recovered within 1 month.

Conclusions

Our modified PMIT technique was capable of achieving scarless and natural-looking double-eyelids with a biomimetic anatomic structure.

Level of Evidence: 4
Phage Therapy of Mycobacterium Infections: Compassionate Use of Phages in 20 Patients With Drug-Resistant Mycobacterial Disease
Authors: Dedrick Rebekah M , Smith Bailey E , Cristinziano Madison , Freeman Krista G , Jacobs-Sera Deborah , Belessis Yvonne , Whitney Brown A , Cohen Keira A , Davidson Rebecca M , van Duin David , Gainey Andrew , Garcia Cristina Berastegui , Robert George C R , Haidar Ghady , Ip Winnie , Iredell Jonathan , Khatami Ameneh , Little Jessica S , Malmivaara Kirsi , McMullan Brendan J , Michalik David E , Moscatelli Andrea , Nick Jerry A , Tupayachi Ortiz Maria G , Polenakovik Hari M , Robinson Paul D , Skurnik Mikael , Solomon Daniel A , Soothill James , Spencer Helen , Wark Peter , Worth Austen , Schooley Robert T , Benson Constance A , Hatfull Graham F
Published: June 2022

Background

Nontuberculous Mycobacterium infections, particularly Mycobacterium abscessus, are increasingly common among patients with cystic fibrosis and chronic bronchiectatic lung diseases. Treatment is challenging due to intrinsic antibiotic resistance. Bacteriophage therapy represents a potentially novel approach. Relatively few active lytic phages are available and there is great variation in phage susceptibilities among M. abscessus isolates, requiring personalized phage identification.

Methods

Mycobacterium isolates from 200 culture-positive patients with symptomatic disease were screened for phage susceptibilities. One or more lytic phages were identified for 55 isolates. Phages were administered intravenously, by aerosolization, or both to 20 patients on a compassionate use basis and patients were monitored for adverse reactions, clinical and microbiologic responses, the emergence of phage resistance, and phage neutralization in serum, sputum, or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.

Results

No adverse reactions attributed to therapy were seen in any patient regardless of the pathogen, phages administered, or the route of delivery. Favorable clinical or microbiological responses were observed in 11 patients. Neutralizing antibodies were identified in serum after initiation of phage delivery intravenously in 8 patients, potentially contributing to lack of treatment response in 4 cases, but were not consistently associated with unfavorable responses in others. Eleven patients were treated with only a single phage, and no phage resistance was observed in any of these.

Conclusions

Phage treatment of Mycobacterium infections is challenging due to the limited repertoire of therapeutically useful phages, but favorable clinical outcomes in patients lacking any other treatment options support continued development of adjunctive phage therapy for some mycobacterial infections.
First-in-man concomitant mitral valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting using a single minimally invasive access
Authors: Miazza Jules , Koechlin Luca , Jeger Raban V , Reuthebuch Oliver T
Published: June 2022

We present the case of a 78-year-old woman suffering from coronary artery disease and secondary severe mitral valve regurgitation due to left ventricular and annular distention. The interdisciplinary heart team recommended a simultaneous hybrid procedure consisting of minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting with subsequent transapical mitral valve replacement using the Tendyne prosthesis via the same small anterolateral thoracotomy. The operation was performed using a heart-team approach with close collaboration between heart surgeons and cardiologists in the hybrid operating theatre. The intra- and postoperative courses were uneventful. Predischarge transthoracic echocardiography on postoperative day 8 revealed the immaculate functioning of the implanted valve without para- or transvalvular insufficiency, a mean gradient of 2 mmHg, no left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and a stable ejection fraction of 50%.

The combination of minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting revascularization with concomitant transapical mitral valve replacement is feasible and enables a further step towards minimally invasive therapy, even in complex situations. It shows that the modern heart-team approach exceeds mere decision making and expands towards a hybrid treatment for patients.
Perioperative diabetes mellitus affects the outcomes of lung transplant recipients
Authors: Yamada Yoshito , Sato Tosiya , Harada Norio , Kayawake Hidenao , Tanaka Satona , Yutaka Yojiro , Hamaji Masatsugu , Nakajima Daisuke , Ohsumi Akihiro , Date Hiroshi
Published: June 2022

OBJECTIVES

Identifying the risks for chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) after lung transplantation (LTx) is beneficial to the patient. We hypothesized that diabetes mellitus (DM) is relevant to CLAD development. Our study aimed to clarify if DM is a risk for poor post-LTx outcomes.

METHODS

The records of patients first undergoing LTx in our institution between 2010 and 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. Patient characteristics and postoperative outcomes were analysed. We established 6 months post-LTx as the landmark point for predicting overall survival (OS) and CLAD development. To identify perioperative DM, we evaluated the patient for DM at 6 months post-LTx.

RESULTS

A total of 172 patients were investigated. DM and CLAD occurred in 76 and 39 patients, respectively, and 40 died. At 6 months post-LTx, the unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios of DM for OS were 3.36 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.67–6.73] and 2.78 (95% CI = 1.35–5.75), respectively. The unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios of DM for CLAD-free survival were 2.20 (95% CI = 1.27–3.80) and 2.15 (95% CI = 1.24–3.74). The patients with DM were older and had a higher body mass index and more incidents of post-LTx malignant disease than the non-DM patients. The 5-year OS and CLAD-free survival rates of the patients with or without DM were 57.2% vs 86.5% and 50.1% vs 72.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative DM was identified as an independent adverse factor for OS and CLAD-free survival. Perioperative management of DM should be emphasized in the clinical setting of LTx.
Potential probiotic approaches to control Legionella in engineered aquatic ecosystems
Authors: Cavallaro Alessio , Rhoads William J , Huwiler Simona G , Stachler Elyse , Hammes Frederik
Published: June 2022

Opportunistic pathogens belonging to the genus Legionella are among the most reported waterborne-associated pathogens in industrialized countries. Legionella colonize a variety of engineered aquatic ecosystems and persist in biofilms where they interact with a multitude of other resident microorganisms. In this review, we assess how some of these interactions could be used to develop a biological-driven “probiotic” control approach against Legionella. We focus on: (i) mechanisms limiting the ability of Legionella to establish and replicate within some of their natural protozoan hosts; (ii) exploitative and interference competitive interactions between Legionella and other microorganisms; and (iii) the potential of predatory bacteria and phages against Legionella. This field is still emergent, and we therefore specifically highlight research for future investigations, and propose perspectives on the feasibility and public acceptance of a potential probiotic approach.
Political Risk and Economic Sectors: Chinese Overseas Public and Private Investment in the Developing World
Authors: Biglaiser Glen , Lu Kelan
Published: June 2022

This article compares Chinese public and private overseas foreign direct investment (FDI) to determine how political risk affects an authoritarian developing country. Using panel data for up to 118 developing countries from 2003 to 2017, and studying different economic investment sectors (i.e., primary, secondary, and tertiary; energy/non-energy), we find that political risk has varying effects on Chinese overseas FDI. Chinese state firms appear to invest in higher political risk countries regardless of the economic sector, while Chinese private firms tend to invest in states who share similar political ideologies when investing in the energy/primary sector. We also find that both public and private Chinese firms choose geographically proximate countries for economically riskier investments. Our sectoral investment study offers insights into differences in Chinese public and private firms’ political risk tolerance.
Lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio is a short-term predictive marker of ulcerative colitis after induction of advanced therapy
Authors: Ishida Natsuki , Asai Yusuke , Miyazu Takahiro , Tamura Satoshi , Tani Shinya , Yamade Mihoko , Iwaizumi Moriya , Hamaya Yasushi , Osawa Satoshi , Furuta Takahisa , Sugimoto Ken
Published: June 2022

Advanced therapies for patients with mild-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC) may result in treatment failure. We examined whether the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (L/M ratio) could predict the failure of advanced therapies. This retrospective, observational, cohort study included 73 patients who were treated with advanced therapies at the Hamamatsu University School of Medicine (Shizuoka, Japan) between February 2011 and November 2020. The patients were divided into the non-failure and failure groups, and their leukocyte counts and ratios before induction were examined. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the prognostic factors. Advanced therapies failed within 3 months in 15 (20.5%) patients. Only the L/M ratio was significantly lower in the failure group than in the non-failure group (P = 0.004). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that an L/M ratio of ≤3.417 was predictive of treatment failure; the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.747 (95% CI, 0.620–0.874). Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that the failure-free rate was significantly lower in the group with an L/M ratio of ≤3.417 than in the group with an L/M ratio of >3.417 (log-rank test P = 0.002). Cox proportional hazard regression analysis identified an L/M ratio of ≤3.417 as an independent risk factor for failure within 3 months after the induction of advanced therapies. Furthermore, ROC analysis of patients who did not receive immunomodulators also revealed that the cut-off L/M ratio was 3.417 and the AUC was 0.796 (95% CI, 0.666–0.925). In patients receiving advanced therapies for active UC, the L/M ratio can predict treatment failure within 3 months. L/M ratios could facilitate the transition from advanced therapies to subsequent treatments.
Profiles in Dementia-Related Anxiety: A Latent Profile Analysis
Authors: Maxfield Molly , Pituch Keenan A
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Dementia-related anxiety (DRA) is the concern about current or future cognitive decline and potential diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias (ADRD). Existing research suggests that DRA likely develops due to diverse reasons (e.g., family ADRD history, self-perceived risk, and health-related anxiety), and approaches to managing DRA likely differ as well (e.g., future planning). This study aimed to identify profiles in DRA.

Method

In a cross-sectional study, a convenience sample of U.S. adults ranging in age from 18 to 82 (N = 492, Mage = 49.25, standard deviation [SDage] = 15.43) completed online assessments of characteristics associated with DRA. Latent profile analysis was used to uncover distinct DRA profiles and promote understanding of individual characteristics associated with varying levels of DRA; multinomial regression assessed if the profiles are further distinguished by covariates.

Results

The resulting four-profile model reveals profile differences are largely due to DRA, self-perceived ADRD risk, and preparedness for future care needs; health-related anxiety, age, ADRD exposure, and anticipated ADRD stigma contribute to profile differences as well. Profiles of the youngest and oldest groups reported the lowest and highest levels of preparedness for future care, along with the lowest DRA and self-perceived risk. Several covariates, particularly those assessing general psychological functioning, were also related to profile membership.

Discussion

The resulting profiles point to several factors associated with elevated anxiety about ADRD, which do not fully match the risk factors for ADRD.
Bayesian tomography with prior-knowledge-based parametrization and surrogate modelling
Authors: Meles Giovanni Angelo , Linde Niklas , Marelli Stefano
Published: June 2022

We present a Bayesian tomography framework operating with prior-knowledge-based parametrization that is accelerated by surrogate models. Standard high-fidelity forward solvers (e.g. finite-difference time-domain schemes) solve wave equations with natural spatial parametrizations based on fine discretization. Similar parametrizations, typically involving tens of thousand of variables, are usually employed to parametrize the subsurface in tomography applications. When the data do not allow to resolve details at such finely parametrized scales, it is often beneficial to instead rely on a prior-knowledge-based parametrization defined on a lower dimension domain (or manifold). Due to the increased identifiability in the reduced domain, the concomitant inversion is better constrained and generally faster. We illustrate the potential of a prior-knowledge-based approach by considering ground penetrating radar (GPR) traveltime tomography in a crosshole configuration with synthetic data. An effective parametrization of the input (i.e. the permittivity distributions determining the slowness field) and compression in the output (i.e. the traveltime gathers) spaces are achieved via data-driven principal component decomposition based on random realizations of the prior Gaussian-process model with a truncation determined by the performances of the standard solver on the full and reduced model domains. To accelerate the inversion process, we employ a high-fidelity polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) surrogate model. We investigate the impact of the size of the training set on the performance of the PCE and show that a few hundreds design data sets is sufficient to provide reliable Markov chain Monte Carlo inversion at a fraction of the cost associated with a standard approach involving a fine discretization and physics-based forward solvers. Appropriate uncertainty quantification is achieved by reintroducing the truncated higher order principle components in the original model space after inversion on the manifold and by adapting a likelihood function that accounts for the fact that the truncated higher order components are not completely located in the null space.