bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fetal Ovarian Torsion Presenting with Fetal Abdominal Solid Mass and
Ascites
Authors: Mutlu Sütcüoğlu Bengü , Karçaaltıncaba Deniz , Guler Ismail
Published: November 2022

Fetal ovarian torsion is quite a rare event during the antenatal period and
usually seen because of an ovarian cyst complication. In this case report, we
present a case of fetal ovarian torsion without any ovarian cyst or underlying
detectable causes. A 27-year-old primigravid woman with no significant past
medical history had a routine prenatal ultrasound at 30 weeks’
gestation. The ultrasound showed abdominal ascites and a 47×42-cm
intraabdominal solid diffuse mass at the left side under the stomach. Doppler
examination showed no blood flow on the mass. Paracentesis was performed,
cytological examination reported no abnormality. Based on these findings, the
diagnosis was thought to be fetal ovarian torsion. There is lack of consistent
recommendations to guide the prenatal and the postnatal management of cases with
in-utero diagnosis of ovarian torsion. A “wait-and-see” policy
is usually preferred, as in our case.
Urine Desmosine as a Novel Biomarker for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia and Postprematurity Respiratory Disease in Extremely Preterm or Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Hirata Katsuya , Nishikawa Masanori , Nozaki Masatoshi , Kitajima Hiroyuki , Yanagihara Itaru , Wada Kazuko , Fujimura Masanori
Published: November 2022

Objective This study aimed to evaluate whether elevated urine desmosine levels at 3 weeks of age were associated with severe radiological findings, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and post-prematurity respiratory disease (PRD) in extremely preterm (EP) or extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants.

Study Design This study recruited 37 EP (22–27 completed weeks) or ELBW (<1,000 g) infants. Urine was collected between 21 and 28 postnatal days, and desmosine was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit; the urine creatinine level was also measured. Bubbly/cystic lungs were characterized by emphysematous chest X-rays on postnatal day 28. Furthermore, provision of supplemental oxygen or positive-pressure respiratory support at 40 weeks' postmenstrual age defined BPD, and increased medical utilization at 18 months of corrected age defined PRD. The desmosine/creatinine threshold was determined by receiver operating characteristic analysis. The adjusted risk and 95% confidence interval (CI) for elevated urine desmosine/creatinine levels were estimated by logistic regression analysis.

Results Elevated urine desmosine/creatinine levels higher than the threshold were significantly associated with bubbly/cystic lungs (8/13 [61.5%] vs. 2/24 [8.3%], p = 0.001), BPD (10/13 [76.9%] vs. 8/24 [33.3%], p = 0.02), and PRD (6/13 [46.2%] vs. 2/24 [8.3%], p = 0.01). After adjusting for gestational age, birth weight, and sex, the urine desmosine/creatinine levels were significantly higher in those who were highly at risk of bubbly/cystic lungs (odds ratio [OR], 13.2; 95% CI, 1.67–105) and PRD (OR, 13.8; 95% CI, 1.31–144).

Conclusion Elevated urine desmosine/creatinine levels on the third postnatal week were associated with bubbly/cystic lungs on day 28 and PRD at 18 months of corrected age in EP or ELBW infants.

Key Points
Long-Term Outcomes of Endoscopic Resection versus Open Surgery for Locally Advanced Sinonasal Malignancies in Combination with Radiotherapy
Authors: Liu Qian , Huang Xiaodong , Chen Xuesong , Zhang Jianghu , Wang Jingbo , Qu Yuan , Wang Kai , Wu Runye , Zhang Ye , Xiao Jianping , Yi Junlin , Luo Jingwei
Published: November 2022

Objective Our objective was to compare the long-term outcomes of endoscopic resection versus open surgery in combination with radiotherapy for locally advanced sinonasal malignancies (SNMs).

Methods Data for continuous patients with sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma who received surgery (endoscopic or open surgery) combined with radiotherapy in our center between January 1999 and December 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. A 1:1 matching with propensity scores was performed. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and local recurrence rate (LRR) were evaluated.

Results We identified 267 eligible patients, 90 of whom were included after matching: 45 patients in the endoscopy group and 45 in the open group. The median follow-up time was 87 months. In the endoscopic group, 84.4% of patients received intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), with a mean gross tumor volume (GTV) dose of 68.28 Gy; in the open surgery group, 64.4% of patients received IMRT, with a mean GTV dose of 64 Gy. The 5-year OS, PFS, and LRR were 69.9, 58.6, and 24.5% in the endoscopic group and 64.6, 54.4, and 31.8% in the open surgery group, respectively. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that the surgical approach was not associated with lower OS, PFS, or LRR. The overall postoperative complications were 13% in the endoscopic group, while 21.7% in the open group.

Conclusion For patients with locally advanced SNMs, minimally invasive endoscopic resection, in combination with a higher radiation dose and new radiation techniques such as IMRT, yields survival outcomes similar to those of open surgery in combination with radiotherapy.
Global trends in training and credentialing guidelines for gastrointestinal endoscopy: a systematic review
Authors: Sabrie Nasruddin , Khan Rishad , Seleq Samir , Homsi Hoomam , Gimpaya Nikko , Bansal Rishi , Scaffidi Michael A. , Lightfoot David , Grover Samir C.
Published: November 2022

Background and study aims Credentialing, the process through which an institution assesses and validates an endoscopist’s qualifications to independently perform a procedure, can vary by region and country. Little is known about these inter-societal and geographic differences. We aimed to systematically characterize credentialing recommendations and requirements worldwide.

Methods We conducted a systematic review of credentialing practices among gastrointestinal and endoscopy societies worldwide. An electronic search as well as hand-search of World Endoscopy Organization members’ websites was performed for credentialing documents. Abstracts were screened in duplicate and independently. Data were collected on procedures included in each document (e. g. colonoscopy, ERCP) and types of credentialing statements (procedural volume, key performance indicators (KPIs), and competency assessments). The primary objective was to qualitatively describe and compare the available credentialing recommendations and requirements from the included studies. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data when appropriate.

Results We screened 653 records and included 20 credentialing documents from 12 societies. Guidelines most commonly included credentialing statements for colonoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), and ERCP. For colonoscopy, minimum procedural volumes ranged from 150 to 275 and adenoma detection rate (ADR) from 20 % to 30%. For EGD, minimum procedural volumes ranged from 130 to 1000, and duodenal intubation rate of 95 % to 100%. For ERCP, minimum procedural volumes ranged from 100 to 300 with selective duct cannulation success rate of 80 % to 90 %. Guidelines also reported on flexible sigmoidoscopy, capsule endoscopy, and endoscopic ultrasound.

Conclusions While some metrics such as ADR were relatively consistent among societies, there was substantial variation among societies with respect to procedural volume and KPI statements.
Exciton distribution-induced efficiency droop in green microscale light-emitting diodes at cryogenic temperatures
Authors: Zheng Xi , Guo Weijie , Tong Changdong , Zeng Peixin , Chen Canbin , Gao Yulin , Chen Guolong , Ke Zhijie , Zheng Zhenyao , Zhu Lihong , Lu Yijun , Chen Zhong
Published: November 2022

The anomalous droop in the external quantum efficiency (EQE) induced by the localization of excitons in GaN/InGaN green micro-light-emitting diodes (micro-LEDs) has been demonstrated at temperatures ranging from 25 to 100 K. At cryogenic temperatures, the random distribution of excitons among local potential energy minima limits the radiative recombination and reduces the EQE of green micro-LEDs. As the temperature increases from 25 to 100 K, the hopping of excitons from shallow potential energy minima to the potential energy valley contributes to the enhancement of radiative recombination. The distribution of excitons among local potential energy minima at cryogenic temperatures is also affected by the current density due to the influence of Coulomb screening of the polarization field and the band-filling effect.
Design of a high-efficient metamaterial X-band absorber composed of a dielectric cylinder combined with a thin magnetic cylinder unit
Authors: Liu Yutong , Zhou Yuhao , Si Kaixuan , Bie Shaowei , Jiang Jianjun
Published: November 2022

High-efficient microwave absorbers (MAs) with excellent absorption performance and lightweight characteristics have important applications in the military and civil. Here, we propose a dielectric-magnetic hybrid microwave absorber composed of a lattice of dielectric cylinders combined with thin magnetic cylinders backed by a perfect electrical conductor ground plane. The dielectric material that is designed as the dielectric cylinder is based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes-epoxy (MWCNT-EP). The MWCNT-EP is prepared and the S-parameters are measured by the standard transmission/reflection (T/R) method. The thin magnetic cylinder is based on a commercial magnetic material with a height of only 1 mm. With the coaction of magnetic loss and dielectric loss, the proposed microwave absorber’s reflection loss is less than −20 dB under normal incident with a total height of 5 mm in the X-band. Besides, the dielectric-magnetic microwave absorber can maintain good absorption performance with different incident angles and polarizations. In this work, we provide a method to combine the properties of magnetic and dielectric material to construct the MA with high-efficient absorption performance.
Enhanced epitaxial growth of Ga2O3 using an ultrathin SnO2 layer
Authors: Karg A. , Kracht M. , Vogt P. , Messow A. , Braud N. , Schörmann J. , Rohnke M. , Janek J. , Falta J. , Eickhoff M.
Published: November 2022

The tin-enhanced growth of Ga2O3 on (0001) Al2O3 by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy using an ultrathin δ-layer of SnO2 is demonstrated. It is shown that this growth method results in a significantly reduced incorporation of residual Sn in the Ga2O3 film compared to the case of permanent Sn-supply. The ultrathin SnO2 layer, pre-deposited on the substrate, is sufficient to initiate phase pure growth of ε-Ga2O3 in metal-rich growth conditions where otherwise no growth occurs. The chemical and morphological properties of the δ-layer are analyzed and the presence of SnO2 on the surface during the entire growth process is demonstrated. Furthermore, we show that this layer is stable during Ga-induced back-etching of a Ga2O3 film. Its impact on the kinetics of Ga2O3 growth is also discussed.
FlowSRNet: A multi-scale integration network for super-resolution reconstruction of fluid flows
Authors: Bi Xiaojun , Liu Ankang , Fan Yiwei , Yu Changdong , Zhang Zefeng
Published: November 2022

A wide range of research problems in physics and engineering involve the acquisition of high-resolution data. Recently, deep learning has proved to be a prospective technique for super-resolution (SR) reconstruction of fluid flows. General deep learning methods develop temporal multi-branch networks to improve SR accuracy while ignoring computational efficiency. Further, the generalization ability of the deep learning model in different fluid flow scenarios is still an unstudied issue. In this article, we propose an efficient multi-scale integration network called FlowSRNet to reconstruct the high-resolution flow fields. Specifically, we elaborately design a lightweight multi-scale aggregation block (LMAB) to capture multi-scale features of fluid data, which contains a parallel cascading architecture and feature aggregation module. The residual backbone of FlowSRNet is built by cascading the LMABs (cascaded blocks number N = 8) in a serial manner. Also, we present a small architecture LiteFlowSRNet (cascaded blocks number N = 2) for comparison. In addition, a corresponding SR dataset is constructed to train and test the proposed model, which contains different kinds of fluid flows. Finally, extensive experiments are performed on different fluid data to evaluate the performance of the proposed model. The results demonstrate that our approach achieves state-of-the-art SR performance on various fluid flow fields. Notably, our method enjoys merit of lightweight, which facilitates the development of the complicated calculation in computational fluid dynamics.
A review on deep reinforcement learning for fluid mechanics: An update
Authors: Viquerat J. , Meliga P. , Larcher A. , Hachem E.
Published: November 2022

In the past couple of years, the interest of the fluid mechanics community for deep reinforcement learning techniques has increased at fast pace, leading to a growing bibliography on the topic. Due to its ability to solve complex decision-making problems, deep reinforcement learning has especially emerged as a valuable tool to perform flow control, but recent publications also advertise the great potential for other applications, such as shape optimization or microfluidics. The present work proposes an exhaustive review of the existing literature and is a follow-up to our previous review on the topic. The contributions are regrouped by the domain of application and are compared together regarding algorithmic and technical choices, such as state selection, reward design, time granularity, and more. Based on these comparisons, general conclusions are drawn regarding the current state-of-the-art, and perspectives for future improvements are sketched.
Large-eddy simulation and analytical modeling study of the wake of a wind turbine behind an abrupt rough-to-smooth surface roughness transition
Authors: Kethavath Naveen N. , Mondal Kingshuk , Ghaisas Niranjan S.
Published: November 2022

The evolution of a wind turbine wake situated downstream of an abrupt change in surface roughness is investigated using large-eddy simulations (LES). The results are compared with the evolution of the wake of a turbine sited on a homogeneously rough surface, and with the flow over a surface undergoing an abrupt roughness transition without a turbine. The changed surface roughness affects the turbulent statistics such as streamwise velocity, turbulence intensity, and shear stress. Different velocity deficits can be constructed based on different definitions of “background” velocity. The usual definition, that is, the difference between the velocity upstream and downstream of a turbine, attains negative values over a significant portion of the turbine wake, rendering it difficult to model using the usual Gaussian radial shape-based framework. An alternative definition, that is, the difference between the velocity over a heterogeneous surface in the absence and in the presence of a turbine, has mostly positive values and is amenable to modeling. A new model accounting for streamwise and vertical variations of the background velocity profile is developed. The new model yields more accurate predictions of the LES results than the existing Gaussian wake-shape model, which is applicable only for turbines sited on homogeneously rough surfaces.
Microfluidic-assisted fiber production: Potentials, limitations, and prospects
Authors: Abrishamkar Afshin , Nilghaz Azadeh , Saadatmand Maryam , Naeimirad Mohammadreza , deMello Andrew J.
Published: November 2022

Besides the conventional fiber production methods, microfluidics has emerged as a promising approach for the engineered spinning of fibrous materials and offers excellent potential for fiber manufacturing in a controlled and straightforward manner. This method facilitates low-speed prototype synthesis of fibers for diverse applications while providing superior control over reaction conditions, efficient use of precursor solutions, reagent mixing, and process parameters. This article reviews recent advances in microfluidic technology for the fabrication of fibrous materials with different morphologies and a variety of properties aimed at various applications. First, the basic principles, as well as the latest developments and achievements of microfluidic-based techniques for fiber production, are introduced. Specifically, microfluidic platforms made of glass, polymers, and/or metals, including but not limited to microfluidic chips, capillary-based devices, and three-dimensional printed devices are summarized. Then, fiber production from various materials, such as alginate, gelatin, silk, collagen, and chitosan, using different microfluidic platforms with a broad range of cross-linking agents and mechanisms is described. Therefore, microfluidic spun fibers with diverse diameters ranging from submicrometer scales to hundreds of micrometers and structures, such as cylindrical, hollow, grooved, flat, core–shell, heterogeneous, helical, and peapod-like morphologies, with tunable sizes and mechanical properties are discussed in detail. Subsequently, the practical applications of microfluidic spun fibers are highlighted in sensors for biomedical or optical purposes, scaffolds for culture or encapsulation of cells in tissue engineering, and drug delivery. Finally, different limitations and challenges of the current microfluidic technologies, as well as the future perspectives and concluding remarks, are presented.
Longitudinal flight dynamics modeling and a flight stability analysis of a monocopter
Authors: Tong Shengxiang , Shi Zhiwei , Yun Tao , Dong Yizhang
Published: November 2022

A monocopter, which is a biology-inspired aircraft based on the samara, has been proved to have passive flight stability. However, due to the asymmetry of its configurations and the constant rotation during flight, its flight dynamics equation is complex. In this paper, the longitudinal stability of a monocopter is systematically analyzed. The longitudinal motion of the monocopter is used as the main research object in this paper. By transforming the body axis coordinate frame to the semi-body axis coordinate frame, its longitudinal dynamics equation is greatly simplified. Then, a fourth-order state space matrix of the longitudinal motion of the monocopter is established, and its longitudinal stability is analyzed at different pitch angles of the wing. Furthermore, the fourth-order state space matrix is simplified into a third-order matrix, and the Rouse criterion is used to analyze the stability of the simplified state space. A set of sufficient conditions is obtained as the criterion for longitudinal stability. Based on this criterion, it is found that the product of inertia Iyzb is a very important factor affecting the stability. Then, the inertial parameters of the aircraft are modified, which greatly expands the range of the pitch angle that maintains longitudinal stability. Finally, the six-degree-of-freedom nonlinear flight dynamic simulation is performed to verify the rationality of the longitudinal stability criterion.
Emotions of Japanese language learners in and out of class
Authors: Yoshida Reiko
Published: November 2022

There is growing recognition of the need to investigate second/foreign language learners’ emotions related to their language learning, because both positive and negative emotions affect a learner’s motivation and performance. However, research has not sufficiently explored the emotions of learners of languages other than English and other European languages, nor the emotions associated with learning experiences outside of the language class. The present research examines the emotions of 12 intermediate-level learners of Japanese and the causes of their emotions over 13 weeks, both in and out of class. Rates of positive emotions were higher outside the class than in lessons. The most frequent cause of the positive and negative emotions related to students’ L2 identity. The findings are discussed in relation to the language learning context of the university. The study suggests that learners’ emotions are closely associated with their learning contexts, including the content of lessons, and that more studies about learner emotions in different contexts are necessary, especially outside of language classes.
Isotype of the conquest
Authors: Navarro María del Mar
Published: November 2022

This article introduces the Codices of The School of Huejotzingo as early examples of data visualization from sixteenth-century colonial México. The glyphs in the Codices and the technique of repetition are used to represent quantities. A similar approach was introduced four hundred years later in 1930s Vienna that would become known as Isotype. Similar to the Codices, Isotype used pictograms and repetition to represent quantities. A set of principles were established to design Isotype charts that were engaging and memorable. The Codices are analyzed using the principles of Isotype to contextualize and introduce them into the data visualization timeline.
Hárman, sokan, mindannyian
Authors: Schvarcz Brigitta R.
Published: November 2022

This paper examines the semantics of -AN-suffixed numerals and quantifiers in Hungarian. The main aim is to
provide a compositional analysis that captures the wide variety of uses of -AN-marked numerals. While in the literature -AN has
been treated as an adverbial suffix, I claim that the -AN-marking on numerals and quantifiers is a different mechanism than its
phonologically similar adverbial counterpart. I present a number of grammatical phenomena in support of the assumption that -AN is
associated with the [+plural] and [+human] features and I propose that they are realized as a presupposition. I argue that -AN is
a predicate at type , λx: HUMANS.(x) and show that -AN-suffixed numerals are complex predicates that presuppose a
plurality of human beings and have the cardinality property provided by the numeral. In accounting for all positions -AN-marked
numerals and quantifiers occur in, two main categories emerge: the predicative position and adnominal pronominal
constructions.
Ordinals, reflexives and unaccusatives
Authors: den Dikken Marcel
Published: November 2022

This paper presents a unified outlook on the syntax of constructions featuring the reflexive clitic se,
with particular emphasis on the uniform morphosyntax of the Hungarian element -ik, treated as an exponent of
se both in the verbal domain and in the nominal domain (in ordinal numeral constructions). The analysis is couched in
the syntax of predication proposed in Den Dikken (2006), with se represented
as the subject of a reverse predication.
Language conflicts and securitization in multilingual societies
Authors: Haslinger Peter
Published: November 2022

Societal multilingualism is an essential aspect of political communication. This applies in particular to the management
of security issues and language conflicts in multilingual states. As this article demonstrates, these processes of securitization set in
much earlier than just in situations of open conflict. They can lead to a spiral of competitive securitization. It is therefore
surprising that so far hardly any theoretical considerations have been made to explore the intersection between conflict dynamics,
securitization processes and multilingualism. This article therefore examines this theoretical gap and identifies questions and requirements
for future theoretical work. The aim is to open new avenues for studying multilingualism through the prism of securitization and conflict
theory.
Qualitative ISLA research methodologies and methods
Authors: De Costa Peter I. , Randez Robert A. , Cinaglia Carlo , Montgomery D. Philip
Published: November 2022

In this chapter, we introduce the principles and practices underlying qualitative methodologies (e.g., ethnography, case studies, action research) and qualitative methods (e.g., field observations, interviews) that are compatible with socioculturally-oriented SLA theories (e.g., language socialization, identity theory, Vygotskian sociocultural theory). We highlight the exploratory and interpretive nature of qualitative research in that it intends to explain phenomena through the experiences and perspectives of learners and teachers by providing rich descriptions of the learning and teaching contexts in which these learners and teachers are socially situated. Working on the premise that SLA theories need to be aligned with methodologies and research paradigms, we also explain and detail how these theories have been applied to better understand and conduct classroom-based research involving language learners and teachers. Further, we break down qualitative methodology into steps, outlining common methods and instruments used for collecting data, and highlighting ethical and procedural considerations associated with this research approach.
Writing
Authors: Leow Ronald P. , Manchón Rosa M. , Polio Charlene
Published: November 2022

This chapter first provides a brief overview of the current state of L2 writing research conducted in or relevant for L2 learning programs in three areas: (1) L2 learning processes and outcomes associated with instructional interventions via the manipulation of tasks; (2) L2 learning processes and outcomes of classroom learners’ processing of written corrective feedback; and (3) written L2 development in instructed settings. We then analyze key methodological considerations associated with empirical research in these strands, together with a discussion of ways of assessing and interpreting the results from the perspective of language learning. In the final part we discuss methodological challenges facing future empirical investigations in each of the three areas identified and provide suggestions for addressing these challenges.
Dialect contact and change in the Arabic feminine ending morpheme
Authors: Horesh Uri , Al-Wer Enam , Alammar Deema , Al-Bohnayyah Moayyad
Published: November 2022

The unbound feminine ending for nouns and adjectives in Arabic has two main forms: an a-type vowel and an e-type vowel. We examine processes of language change vis-à-vis this morphophonemic variable in four dialects, two in the Levant and two in the Arabian Peninsula. We show that somewhat similar processes occur across these dialects, but also that each individual dialect exhibits its own rate of change and that in each dialect the change is at a different stage in its development. Juxtaposing these four case studies together enables us to formulate generalizations regarding variation and change in Arabic, as well as standardization and koinéization, without resorting to over-generalizations. When we attempt to generalize about variation and change in Arabic dialects, we must do so on the basis of this kind of data. We caution against making generalizations that are too broad, of the type “Arabic vernaculars are changing in such-and-such a direction.” Rather, different dialect clusters exhibit different trajectories, which we can only discern upon examining specific features in individual dialects, as we have done here. In the spirit of Eckert (1989, 2000), we aim to theorize about variation and change at a higher analytical node, where we examine community-specific scenarios of interaction between social factors, which may be shared by some groups of dialects but not others.
The imperfective verb and the progressive aspect in Arabic
Authors: Ouali Hamid
Published: November 2022

This paper discusses how Arabic dialects disambiguate between the progressive and the habitual aspect, using grammaticalized participles of the verbs for ‘sit’ and/or ‘work’ to mark the progressive aspect. These grammaticalized aspect markers appear in full and truncated forms. Synchronic data from various Arabic dialects suggest that there is an ongoing grammaticalization process of the progressive aspect (Caubet, 1991; Camilleri & Sandler, 2017). A syntactic analysis is offered to explain the distribution of the full forms arguing that they are merged low in the structure and then undergo raising to Asp. The reduced form is directly merged as Aspect head. This difference in behavior follows from the directionality of the diachronic change and is motivated by principles of Economy (Roberts & Roussou, 2003; van Gelderen, 2011). The proclitics used with the imperfective verb in some dialects, such as bi- in Egyptian Arabic and Levantine Arabic dialects, and ka- in Moroccan Arabic (MA), have received different treatments in the literature, including describing them as progressive aspect markers. The paper discusses the different environments where bi and ka morphemes are found and suggests that even though they do not have a clear grammatical function, they started their existence as grammaticalized progressive aspect markers as evidenced by data from Makkan Arabic.
The effect of time and dimensions of collocational relationship on phraseological accuracy
Authors: Spina Stefania
Published: November 2022

This study investigates if and to what extent time affects phraseological accuracy in Chinese learners of Italian. The longitudinal analysis focuses on lexical combinations within the adjectival modifier dependency (noun + adjective and adjective + noun) and the verb + direct object dependency. In addition, the effect on accuracy of different dimensions of collocational relationship is considered. To date, little empirical evidence has been made available about the degree to which some of these dimensions (the repetition, strength, exclusivity and directionality, represented by the measures of frequency, Mutual Information, logDice and DeltaP) affect phraseological accuracy. Results of a mixed-effect model show that time and logDice are significant predictors of phraseological accuracy, and that the time effect varies as a function of combination type.
A novel function for the sperm adhesion protein IZUMO1 in cell–cell fusion
Authors: Brukman Nicolas G. , Nakajima Kohdai P. , Valansi Clari , Flyak Kateryna , Li Xiaohui , Higashiyama Tetsuya , Podbilewicz Benjamin
Published: November 2022

Mammalian sperm–egg adhesion depends on the trans-interaction between the sperm-specific type I glycoprotein IZUMO1 and its oocyte-specific GPI-anchored receptor JUNO. However, the mechanisms and proteins (fusogens) that mediate the following step of gamete fusion remain unknown. Using live imaging and content mixing assays in a heterologous system and structure-guided mutagenesis, we unveil an unexpected function for IZUMO1 in cell-to-cell fusion. We show that IZUMO1 alone is sufficient to induce fusion, and that this ability is retained in a mutant unable to bind JUNO. On the other hand, a triple mutation in exposed aromatic residues prevents this fusogenic activity without impairing JUNO interaction. Our findings suggest a second function for IZUMO1 as a unilateral mouse gamete fusogen.
Room temperature quantum anomalous Hall insulator in honeycomb lattice, RuCS3, with large magnetic anisotropy energy
Authors: Zhao Yong-Chun , Zhu Ming-Xin , Li Sheng-Shi , Li Ping
Published: November 2022

The quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) effect has attracted enormous attention since it can induce topologically protected conducting edge states in an intrinsic insulating material. For practical quantum applications, the main obstacle is the non-existent room temperature QAH systems, especially with both large topological band gap and robust ferromagnetic order. Here, according to first-principles calculations, we predict the realization of the room temperature QAH effect in a two-dimensional (2D) honeycomb lattice, RuCS3 with a non-zero Chern number of C = 1. Especially, the nontrivial topology band gap reaches up to 336 meV for RuCS3. Moreover, we find that RuCS3 has a large magnetic anisotropy energy (2.065 meV) and high Curie temperature (696 K). We further find that the non-trivial topological properties are robust against the biaxial strain. The robust topological and magnetic properties make RuCS3 have great applications in room temperature spintronics and nanoelectronics.
Superconducting properties of the C15-type Laves phase ZrIr2 with an Ir-based kagome lattice
Authors: Yang Qing-Song , Ruan Bin-Bin , Zhou Meng-Hu , Gu Ya-Dong , Ma Ming-Wei , Chen Gen-Fu , Ren Zhi-An
Published: November 2022

We report systematic studies on superconducting properties of the Laves phase superconductor ZrIr2. It crystallizes in a C15-type (cubic MgCu2-type, space group

F
d

3
¯

m

) structure in which the Ir atoms form a kagome lattice, with cell parameters a = b = c = 7.3596(1) Å. Resistivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that ZrIr2 is a type-II superconductor with a transition temperature of 4.0 K. The estimated lower and upper critical fields are 12.8 mT and 4.78 T, respectively. Heat capacity measurements confirm the bulk superconductivity in ZrIr2. ZrIr2 is found to possibly host strong-coupled s-wave superconductivity with the normalized specific heat change ΔC
e/γ T
c ∼ 1.86 and the coupling strength Δ0/k
B
T
c ∼ 1.92. First-principles calculations suggest that ZrIr2 has three-dimensional Fermi surfaces with simple topologies, and the states at Fermi level mainly originate from the Ir-5d and Zr-4d orbitals. Similar to SrIr2 and ThIr2, spin–orbit coupling has dramatic influences on the band structure in ZrIr2.
Life Cycle Assessment for a solar cooling plant
Authors: Buonomo B , Manca O , Nardini S , Plomitallo R E , Vigna S
Published: November 2022

This work aims to evaluate the environmental loads of a hypothetical solar cooling plant making a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis. In this study, an LCA of a solar cooling plant for a cold room installed in a fruit and vegetable company is performed. The plant is equipped with an absorption chiller of 150 kW and an auxiliary boiler of 50 kW. The hot water storage tank is 5000 l as the cold water one. The solar thermal field is 250 m2 using evacuated tube collectors. The functional unit of the study is the entire plant. The entire life cycle is evaluated assuming that the lifetime is equal to 20 years. The Ecoinvent v3.8 database is used to collect data and SimaPro v.9 software is used to perform the analysis. IPCC 2013 and ReCiPe 2016 are chosen as impact assessment methods and their results are evaluated. The results show that the total CO2 equivalent emissions that are given by the Global Warming Potential evaluation using IPCC 2013 method increase when solar fraction decrease. Therefore, reducing gas consumption and, also, improving plant solar fraction is the most important way to reduce the total emission. However, the solar plant emissions are related to the installation, maintenance and use phases.
Investigating the economic and environmental impacts of a technological shift towards hydrogen-based solutions for steel manufacture in high-renewable electricity mix scenarios for Italy
Authors: Conte Marco , Rinaldi Lorenzo , Tonini Francesco , Fumagalli Tommaso , Lorenzin Giacomo , Piras Paolo , Sommariva Gian Giacomo , Rocco Matteo Vincenzo , Colombo Emanuela
Published: November 2022

Steel production is one of the most carbon-intensive industrial sectors, responsible for 8% of European CO2 emissions. While traditional furnaces strongly rely on the consumption of coal or natural gas, potential opportunities for decarbonization stand in the adoption of alternative technologies such as hydrogen-based Direct Reduction Iron (DRI) coupled with Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF). This work focuses on the Italian steel sector and aims at assessing the potential economic and environmental impact of a switch towards such hydrogen-based technology. Three scenarios have been analyzed, all of which are grounded on the common assumption that hydrogen is produced by employing electrolyzers purchasing electricity from the grid. In the first scenario, the share of electricity production from renewable sources (RES) in the national electricity mix coincides with the one in the current Italian situation. The second scenario reflects the national target of 55% of electricity generated by low-carbon technologies. In the last scenario, the RES share in the electricity mix is 100%, meaning steel production plants are fully supplied with green hydrogen. The analysis is carried out by adopting a multi-regional input-output model for sectorial LCA, which allows to highlight the interlinkages of the steel industry with other sectors in different regional areas. The results show that a switch to DRI with EAF technology, coupled with the increase of RES penetration, allows to reduce the CO2 emissions of the Italian steel sector up to 14%, leading to an increase in employment of about 12 thousand units. It is also worth noting that a larger penetration of electricity produced from RES, which are mostly local, would be a significant improvement in terms of energy security of the steel sector, lowering its dependence on foreign fossil resources.
Assessment of the volume and material container influence on juice cooling process
Authors: Suman A , Zanini N , Friso R , Pinelli M , Bottos L
Published: November 2022

The quality of bottled beverages depends on the thermal process they undergo during the bottling process. The thermal history of the bottled beverage impacts the conservation of the product itself indeed. The temperature variation is related to specific aspects, such as the thermophysical properties, the heat exchange regime, and the possible simultaneous presence of more phases in the beverage itself. For instance, the behavior of the fluid inside the container might change according to the percentage of solid phases (e.g., pulp for juices). The present work addresses the cooling process on a processing line for beverage containers. This process aims to reduce the fluid temperature to preserve organoleptic characteristics and allows a stable and safe storage phase. The analysis has been carried out with a purpose-designed test bench to mimic the cooling process. Two juices with different percentages of solids (15 % and 50 %) are investigated for two container volumes (250 ml and 330 ml) and two container materials (glass and aluminum). The results show the influence of the pulp content on the cooling performance. The changes in the heat transfer performance determine different outlet temperature values and a different sensitivity to the container characteristics.
Energy cost and parmesan cheese. An overview in the different energy fluxes needed to produce a parmesan wheel
Authors: Puglia Marco , Allesina Giulio , Pedrazzi Simone , Raguzzoni Filippo
Published: November 2022

Agriculture is responsible for up to 30% of the greenhouse gases emission, and cattle breeding is the main contributor making up almost 10% of the total. For this reason, this sector is a key player toward a complete decarbonization. To take the proper action to reduce climate impact of cattle breeding, it is necessary to know the energy requirements of the industry. This work focuses on the energy mapping of a parmesan cheese production, with reference to an agricultural company situated in Modena province with about six hundred animals. Knowing the electrical and thermal energy requirements to produce a wheel of cheese gives the possibility to the farmers to identify and reduce the energy wastage as well as starting the implementation of a strategy for fossil fuel substitution. In this study, a comprehensive monitoring campaign is presented together with the proposal of some possible improvements. The analysis showed that, considering the actual situation, about 64 kWh of electrical energy and 94 kWh of thermal energy are needed to produce a parmesan cheese wheel, while the fuel used to feed the agricultural machinery (e.g., tractors) accounts for around 174 kWh. In this context, the implementation of biogas and solar photovoltaic can greatly contribute to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels.
Prognostic implications of myocardial perfusion imaging by 82-rubidium positron emission tomography in male and female patients with angina and no perfusion defects
Authors: Rauf Maira , Hansen Kim W , Galatius Søren , Wiinberg Niels , Brinth Louise Scouborg , Højstrup Signe , Talleruphuus Ulrik , Prescott Eva
Published: November 2022

Aims

Myocardial perfusion imaging with 82-rubidium positron emission tomography (82Rb-PET) is increasingly used to assess stable coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of 82Rb-PET-derived parameters in patients with symptoms suggestive of CAD but no significant reversible or irreversible perfusion defects.

Methods and results

Among 3726 consecutive patients suspected of stable CAD who underwent 82Rb-PET between January 2018 and August 2020, 2175 had no regional perfusion defects. Among these patients, we studied the association of 82Rb-PET-derived parameters with a composite endpoint of all-cause mortality, hospitalization for unstable angina pectoris, acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, or ischaemic stroke. During a median follow up of 1.7 years (interquartile range 1.1–2.5 years), there were 148 endpoints. Myocardial blood flow (MBF) reserve (MFR), MBF during stress, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), LVEF-reserve, heart rate reserve, and Ca score were associated with adverse outcomes. In multivariable Cox model adjusted for patient and 82Rb-PET characteristics, MFR < 2 (hazard ratio (HR) 1.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24–2.48), LVEF (HR 1.38 per 10% decrease, 95% CI 1.24–1.54), and LVEF-reserve (HR 1.19 per 5% decrease, 95% CI 1.07–1.31) were significant predictors of endpoints. Results were consistent in subgroups defined by gender, history of ischaemic heart disease, low LVEF, and atrial fibrillation.

Conclusion

MFR, LVEF, and LVEF-reserve derived from 82Rb-PET provide prognostic information on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with no perfusion defects. This may aid in identifying patients at risk and might provide an opportunity for preventive interventions.
Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on secondary care for cardiovascular disease in the UK: an electronic health record analysis across three countries
Authors: Wright F Lucy , Cheema Kate , Goldacre Raph , Hall Nick , Herz Naomi , Islam Nazrul , Karim Zainab , Moreno-Martos David , Morales Daniel R , O'Connell Daniel , Spata Enti , Akbari Ashley , Ashworth Mark , Barber Mark , Briffa Norman , Canoy Dexter , Denaxas Spiros , Khunti Kamlesh , Kurdi Amanj , Mamas Mamas , Priedon Rouven , Sudlow Cathie , Morris Eva J A , Lacey Ben , Banerjee Amitava
Published: November 2022

Background

Although morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 have been widely reported, the indirect effects of the pandemic beyond 2020 on other major diseases and health service activity have not been well described.

Methods and results

Analyses used national administrative electronic hospital records in England, Scotland, and Wales for 2016–21. Admissions and procedures during the pandemic (2020–21) related to six major cardiovascular conditions [acute coronary syndrome (ACS), heart failure (HF), stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA), peripheral arterial disease (PAD), aortic aneurysm (AA), and venous thromboembolism(VTE)] were compared with the annual average in the pre-pandemic period (2016–19). Differences were assessed by time period and urgency of care.

In 2020, there were 31 064 (−6%) fewer hospital admissions [14 506 (−4%) fewer emergencies, 16 560 (−23%) fewer elective admissions] compared with 2016–19 for the six major cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) combined. The proportional reduction in admissions was similar in all three countries. Overall, hospital admissions returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2021. Elective admissions remained substantially below expected levels for almost all conditions in all three countries [−10 996 (−15%) fewer admissions]. However, these reductions were offset by higher than expected total emergency admissions [+25 878 (+6%) higher admissions], notably for HF and stroke in England, and for VTE in all three countries. Analyses for procedures showed similar temporal variations to admissions.

Conclusion

The present study highlights increasing emergency cardiovascular admissions during the pandemic, in the context of a substantial and sustained reduction in elective admissions and procedures. This is likely to increase further the demands on cardiovascular services over the coming years.
Adaptability of wine yeast to ethanol-induced protein denaturation
Authors: Furutani Noboru , Izawa Shingo
Published: November 2022

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Dr Louis Pasteur (1822–1895), who revealed that alcoholic fermentation is performed by yeast cells. Subsequently, details of the mechanisms of alcoholic fermentation and glycolysis in yeast cells have been elucidated. However, the mechanisms underlying the high tolerance and adaptability of yeast cells to ethanol are not yet fully understood. This review presents the response and adaptability of yeast cells to ethanol-induced protein denaturation. Herein, we describe the adverse effects of severe ethanol stress on intracellular proteins and the responses of yeast cells. Furthermore, recent findings on the acquired resistance of wine yeast cells to severe ethanol stress that causes protein denaturation are discussed, not only under laboratory conditions, but also during the fermentation process at 15°C to mimic the vinification process of white wine.
Cluster analysis of velocity models around the Hudson Bay region, Eastern Canada
Authors: Kharita Akash , Gilligan Amy
Published: November 2022

Understanding deep crustal structure can provide us with insights into tectonic processes and how they affect the geological record. The deep crustal structure can be studied using a suite of seismological techniques such as receiver function analysis, body and surface wave tomography. Using models of crustal structure derived from these methods, it is possible to delineate tectonic boundaries and regions that may have been affected by similar processes. However, often velocity models are grouped in a somewhat subjective manner, potentially meaning that some geological insight may be missed. Cluster analysis, based on unsupervised machine learning, can be used to more objectively group similar velocity profiles and, thus, put additional constraints on the deep crustal structure. In this study, we apply hierarchical agglomerative clustering to the shear wave velocity profiles obtained by previous studies focused on the region from the joint inversion of receiver functions and surface wave dispersion data at 59 sites surrounding the Hudson Bay. This location provides an ideal natural laboratory to study the Precambrian tectonic processes, including the 1.8Ga Trans-Hudson Orogen. We use Ward linkage to define the distance between clusters, as it gives the most physically realistic results, and after testing the number of clusters from 2 to 10, we find there are 5 main stable clusters of velocity models. We then compare our results with different inversion parameters, clustering schemes (K-means and GMM), as well as results obtained for profiles from receiver functions in different azimuths and find that, overall, the clustering results are consistent. The clusters that form correlate well with the surface geology, crustal thickness, regional tectonics and previous geophysical studies concentrated on specific regions. The profiles in the Archean domains (Rae, Hearne and Superior) are clearly distinguished from the profiles in regions influenced by Proterozoic orogenic events (Southern Baffin Island and Ungava Peninsula). Further, the crust of Melville Peninsula is found to be in the same cluster as the crust of the western coast of Ungava Peninsula, suggesting a similar crustal structure. Our study shows the promising use of unsupervised machine learning in interpreting deep crustal structures to gain new geological insights.