bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mass Transport Across Droplet Interfaces by Atomistic Simulations
Authors: Heinen Matthias , Homes Simon , Guevara-Carrion Gabriela , Vrabec Jadran
Published: August 2022

Due to availability of powerful computers and efficient algorithms, physical processes occurring at the micrometer scale can nowadays be studied with atomistic simulations. In the framework of the collaborative research center SFB-TRR75 “Droplet dynamics under extreme ambient conditions”, investigations of the mass transport across vapour-liquid interfaces are conducted. Non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation is employed to study single- and two-phase shock tube scenarios for a simple noble gas-like fluid. The generated data show an excellent agreement with computational fluid dynamics simulations. Further, particle and energy flux during evaporation are sampled and analysed with respect to their dependence on the interface temperature, employing a newly developed method which ensures a stationary process. In this context, the interface properties between liquid nitrogen and hydrogen under strong gradients of temperature and composition are investigated. Moreover, the Fick diffusion coefficient of strongly diluted species in supercritical CO$$_{2}$$

2

is predicted by equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation and the Green-Kubo formalism. These results are employed to assess the performance of several predictive equations from the literature.
Numerical Simulation of Heat Transfer and Evaporation During Impingement of Drops onto a Heated Wall
Authors: Sontheimer Henrik , Schlawitschek Christiane , Batzdorf Stefan , Stephan Peter , Gambaryan-Roisman Tatiana
Published: August 2022

In this study, hydrodynamics and heat transport during the impact of single and multiple drops onto a hot wall are studied numerically. The heat transfer in the vicinity of the three-phase contact line, where solid, liquid and vapour meet, contributes significantly to the global heat transfer. The microscale processes in the region of the three-phase contact line are analysed using a lubrication approximation. The results in the form of correlations are integrated into an overall model. The impingement of drops on a macro scale is simulated using a numerical model developed within the OpenFOAM library. The influence of dimensionless parameters, i.e., the Reynolds, Weber, Bond, Prandtl and Jakob numbers, as well as the influence of pressure, on the transport phenomena is discussed. The analysis of the influence of drop frequency and substrate thickness during the vertical coalescence and the influence of the drop spacing during the horizontal coalescence of drops on the hot surface complete the study. The results contribute to a better understanding of the complex mechanisms of spray cooling.
Impact of Supercooled Drops onto Cold Surfaces
Authors: Gloerfeld Mark , Schremb Markus , Criscione Antonio , Jakirlic Suad , Tropea Cameron
Published: August 2022

Ice accretion resulting from the impact of supercooled water drops is a hazard for structures exposed to low temperatures, for instance aircraft wings and wind turbine blades. Despite a multitude of studies devoted to the involved phenomena, the underlying physical processes are not yet entirely understood. Hence, modelling of the conditions for ice accretion and prediction of the ice accretion rate are presently not reliable. The research conducted in this study addresses these deficiencies in order to lend insight into the physical processes involved. While presenting an overview of results obtained during the first funding periods of this project, new results are also presented, relating to the impact of supercooled drops onto a cold surface in a cold air flow. The experiments are conducted in a dedicated icing wind tunnel and involve measuring the residual mass after impact of a liquid supercooled drop exhibiting corona splash as well as the impact of dendritic frozen drops onto a solid surface.
Interaction of Drops and Sprays with a Heated Wall
Authors: Schmidt Johannes Benedikt , Breitenbach Jan , Roisman Ilia V. , Tropea Cameron
Published: August 2022

Spray-wall interactions take place in many technical applications such as spray cooling, combustion processes, cleaning, wetting of surfaces, coating and painting, etc. The outcome of drop impact onto hot surfaces depends on a variety of parameters like for example material and thermal properties of the liquid and wall, substrate wetting properties, surrounding conditions which determine the saturation temperature, spray impact parameters and surface temperature. The aim of the current project is to improve knowledge of the underlying physics of spray-wall interactions. As an important step towards spray impact modeling first a single drop impact onto hot substrates is considered in detail. Various regimes of single drop impact, such as thermal atomization, magic carpet breakup, nucleate boiling and thermosuperrepellency, observed at different wall temperatures, ambient pressures and impact velocities, have been investigated experimentally and modelled theoretically during the project period. The heat flux, an important parameter for spray cooling, has been modeled not only for single drop impacts but also for sprays within many regimes. The models show a good agreement with experimental data as well as data from literature.
Interactive Visualization of Droplet Dynamic Processes
Authors: Heinemann Moritz , Sadlo Filip , Ertl Thomas
Published: August 2022

This article presents an overview of visual analysis techniques specifically developed for high-resolution direct numerical multiphase simulations in the droplet dynamic context. Visual analysis of such data covers a large range of tasks, starting from observing physical phenomena such as energy transport or collisions for single droplets to the analysis of large-scale simulations such as sprays and jets. With an increasing number of features, coalescence and breakup events might happen, which need to be visually presented in an interactive explorable way to gain a deeper insight into physics. But also the task of finding relevant structures, features of interest, or a general dataset overview becomes non-trivial. We present an overview of new approaches developed in our SFB-TRR 75 project A1 covering work from the last decade to the current work-in-progress. They are the basis for relevant contributions to visualization research as well as useful tools for close collaborations within the SFB.
Development of Numerical Methods for the Simulation of Compressible Droplet Dynamics Under Extreme Ambient Conditions
Authors: Jöns Steven , Fechter Stefan , Hitz Timon , Munz Claus-Dieter
Published: August 2022

The computation of two-phase flow scenarios in a high pressure and temperature environment is a delicate task, for both the physical modeling and the numerical method. In this article, we present a sharp interface method based on a level-set ghost fluid approach. Phase transition effects are included by the solution of the two-phase Riemann problem at the interface, supplemented by a phase transition model based on classical irreversible thermodynamics. We construct an exact Riemann solver, as well as an approximate Riemann solver. We compare numerical results against molecular dynamics data for an evaporation shock tube and a stationary evaporation case. In both cases, our numerical method shows a good agreement with the reference data.
Stopping Droplet Rebound with Polymer Additives: A Molecular Viewpoint
Authors: Lee Eunsang , Krishna Chilukoti Hari , Müller-Plathe Florian
Published: August 2022

The origin of rebound suppression of an impacting droplet by a small amount of polymer additive has been tentatively explained by various physical concepts including the dynamic surface tension, the additional energy dissipation by non-Newtonian elongational viscosity, the elastic force of stretched polymer, and the additional friction on a receding contact line. To better understand the role of polymer on a molecular level, we performed multi-body dissipative particle dynamics simulations of droplets impacting on solvophobic surfaces. The rebound suppression is achieved by the elastic force of stretched polymer during the hopping stage, and the additional friction on the contact line during the retraction stage. Both slow-hopping and slow-retraction mechanisms coexist in a wide range of simulation parameters, but the latter is prevailing for large droplets, and for the strong attraction strength between polymer and surface. The increased polymer adsorption, which maybe achieved by a higher polymer concentration or a larger molecular weight, stimulates both mechanisms. Also, the molecular evidence of the additional friction on the receding contact line is shown from the relation between the contact angle and the contact line velocity where the slope of the fitted line is an indication of the additional friction.
Modelling of Droplet Dynamics in Strong Electric Fields
Authors: Gjonaj Erion , Ouedraogo Yun , Schöps Sebastian
Published: August 2022

We describe a modelling approach for the simulation of droplet dynamics in strong electric fields. The model accounts for electroquasistatic fields, convective and conductive currents, contact angle dynamics and charging effects associated with droplet breakup processes. Two classes of applications are considered. The first refers to the problem of water droplet oscillations on the surface of outdoor high-voltage insulators. The contact angle characteristics resulting from this analysis provides a measure for the estimation of the electric field inception thresholds for electrical discharges on the surface. The second class of applications consists in the numerical characterization of electrosprays. Detailed simulations confirm the scaling law for the first electrospray ejection and, furthermore, provide insight on the charge-radius characteristics for transient as well as steady state electrosprays.
Modelling and Numerical Simulation of Binary Droplet Collisions Under Extreme Conditions
Authors: Potyka Johanna , Kromer Johannes , Liu Muyuan , Schulte Kathrin , Bothe Dieter
Published: August 2022

The complexity of binary droplet collisions strongly increases in case of immiscible liquids with the occurrence of triple lines or for high energetic collisions, where strong rim instabilities lead to the spattering of satellite droplets. To cope with such cases, the Volume of Fluid method is extended by an efficient interface reconstruction, also applicable to multi-material cells of arbitrary configuration, as well as an enhanced continuous surface stress model for accurate surface force computations, also applicable to thin films. For collisions of fully wetting liquids, excellent agreement to experimental data is achieved in different collision regimes. High-resolution simulations predict droplet collisions in the spattering regime and provide detailed insights into the evolution of the rim instability. Another challenge is the numerical prediction of the collision outcome in the bouncing or coalescence region, where the rarefied gas dynamics in the thin gas film determines the collision result. To this end, an important step forward became possible by modelling the pressure in the gas film. With the introduction of an interior collision plane within the flow domain, it is now possible to simulate droplet collisions with gas film thickness reaching the physically relevant length scale.
Afterword: Man Up/Stand Up
Authors: Almassi Ben
Published: August 2022

To conclude, we contrast feminist allyship masculinity with a familiar expression of hegemonic masculinity: the exhortation to “man up!” Both have normative force; both capture and convey expectations (patriarchal, feminist, or otherwise) of how men should be. But what differentiates feminist allyship as nontoxic masculinity is the sort of normative direction it gives: not to man up, but to stand up for gender justice from our situated positions and distinctive capacities as men in patriarchal societies.
Use of Commercial SaaS Solutions in Swedish Public Sector Organisations under Unknown Contract Terms
Authors: Lundell Björn , Gamalielsson Jonas , Katz Andrew , Lindroth Mathias
Published: August 2022

Lawful and appropriate use of cloud-based globally provided Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions by a public sector organisation (PSO) for data processing and maintenance of digital assets presupposes an investigation of all relevant contract terms. Having obtained, analysed, and filed all relevant contract terms when using a SaaS solution is a prerequisite for good administration. Identifying and obtaining all relevant contract terms for a SaaS solution involves significant obstacles which in practice may be impossible to overcome for each PSO. This paper addresses how PSOs investigate contract terms prior to adoption, and why PSOs use a globally provided SaaS solution without having identified and obtained all relevant contract terms. Through a review of responses to questions and public documents from Swedish PSOs we analysed how each PSO had investigated contract terms and licences for the Microsoft 365 (M365) solution prior to adoption and use of the solution in each PSO. We find that no PSO had investigated all relevant contract terms prior to use of M365, which implies that each PSO uses M365 under unknown contract terms. Further, we find that all PSOs use M365 for data processing of its digital assets under unknown contract terms and that each PSO has significant dependence and trust in its supplier.
Conceptual Framework: Sociological Neo-Institutionalism, Legitimacy, and Public Relations
Authors: Marschlich Sarah
Published: August 2022

In order to examine the role of corporate diplomacy in building organizational legitimacy, the current research builds on a theoretical and conceptual framework consisting of sociological neo-institutionalism, legitimacy and media frames, and public relations theory. In this chapter, the theoretical approaches and central constructs will be introduced, defined, and discussed.
Corporate Diplomacy at the Intersection of Public Relations and Public Diplomacy
Authors: Marschlich Sarah
Published: August 2022

Since the concept of corporate diplomacy is at the core of this dissertation, this chapter will offer an extensive review of the previous literature on corporate diplomacy to derive a concise definition of corporate diplomacy, guiding this thesis. Corporate diplomacy originates to a large extent from public diplomacy. Therefore, this chapter will first introduce public diplomacy by outlining significant conceptualizations of the term and comparing public diplomacy with public relations to distinguish the two fields from each other.
State of Research: Previous Findings on Corporate Diplomacy, the Media, and Organizational Legitimacy
Authors: Marschlich Sarah
Published: August 2022

Now that this thesis has introduced the theoretical framework and discussed the related main concepts of corporate diplomacy, public relations, legitimacy and the role of the media, and institutional linkages, the fourth chapter reviews previous research on these constructs. The chapter firstly presents previous findings on corporate diplomacy and secondly on public relations as a legitimation strategy. Subsequently, previous research on the media’s role in gaining legitimacy and institutional linkages in the organizational legitimation process are reviewed.
Study Context: The Case of the UAE
Authors: Marschlich Sarah
Published: August 2022

This chapter portrays the UAE’s particularities in terms of political, economic, cultural, and media systems are presented and linked to public relations and corporate diplomacy. By outlining the features of the economic, political, and media systems as well as cultural characteristics and discussing these in the context of public relations and corporate diplomacy, this chapter provides a comprehensive contextualization of this thesis.
Method
Authors: Marschlich Sarah
Published: August 2022

Four different research questions guide this research project. A mixed-method research design with qualitative and quantitative empirical methods was chosen since it enables an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon of corporate diplomacy. This thesis used a triangulation of methods to study corporate diplomacy on the organizational, media, and general audience levels. This chapter presents each method and the procedure of every study in detail.
Results
Authors: Marschlich Sarah
Published: August 2022

This subchapter presents the results of the first study, which sought to answer, firstly, to what extent and how is corporate diplomacy in the UAE performed as engagement with its social environment? and, secondly, to what extent and how is corporate diplomacy in the UAE used to gain organizational legitimacy?
Conclusion
Authors: Marschlich Sarah
Published: August 2022

In today’s world, MNCs not only have great financial power but an immense impact on the communities in the host countries where they operate. In many cases, MNCs have an even greater effect on society than the local government does. However, organizations are constantly observed and scrutinized by different actors in their environment, including the media, NGOs, and governments in their home country as well as in their host countries. A summary of the conducted studies is provided hereafter to answer the research questions presented at the beginning of this thesis.
Academic Practices: Current Strategies to Attract and Retain Indigenous Higher Degree by Research Students in Australia
Authors: Anderson Peter , Blue Levon , Pham Thu , Saward Melanie
Published: August 2022

The number of Indigenous higher degree by research (HDR) students has increased steadily over the past decade. Support for Indigenous students from the Australian government, universities and Indigenous Support Units has been documented in Australian higher education. Unfortunately, a range of barriers continue to hinder Indigenous HDR students to completion in their research journey. Presented in this book chapter is the literature review of barriers, including lack of academic skill set and research skills to pursue a research degree program, lack of social and academic support for Indigenous HDR students, the student—supervisor relationship issues and challenges relating to health, family and community responsibilities. Simultaneously, our review identified current strategies and initiatives to retain Indigenous HDR students in their research degree programs and to support them to completion, highlighting the roles of the Indigenous Postgraduate Support Officer and the National Indigenous Research and Knowledges Network. This review, we suggest, should move further to analyse the effectiveness of current strategies and initiatives provided for Indigenous HDR students in detail to inform Indigenous students of the available support resources and how to access to these resources.
Capacity-Building Support for Indigenous HDR Students via the National Indigenous Research and Knowledges Network
Authors: Anderson Peter , Blue Levon , Pham Thu , Saward Melanie
Published: August 2022

Since 2013, Indigenous higher degree by research (HDR) students have had an opportunity to participate in capacity-building workshops conducted by the National Indigenous Research and Knowledges Network (NIRAKN). The workshops included basic information about completing a research degree, including how to navigate academia, how to read and write critically and an introduction to Indigenous research methodologies. In this chapter, an overview of what NIRAKN set out to achieve and what has been accomplished is discussed. Evaluation forms completed by Indigenous HDR students (n = 78) who attended capacity-building workshops were analysed to understand what students found to be beneficial when participating in NIRAKN events. Here, we share the findings and offer insights into ways higher education institutions can support Indigenous HDR students in the successful completion of their degrees.
The Role of Agency in Higher Education: Acquiring Academic Capital
Authors: Anderson Peter , Blue Levon , Pham Thu , Saward Melanie
Published: August 2022

Indigenous higher degree by research (HDR) students navigating higher education institutions continue to face additional challenges that are not associated with the research degree they are pursuing. Racism continues to be identified as a barrier present in academic settings and society. The impact of racism may affect an individual’s agency and their ability to acquire academic capital. Both agency and academic capital may also influence how an individual is supported throughout their candidature and ultimately become a factor in the success of the HDR student’s research degree. In this chapter, we discuss the role of agency and academic capital among Indigenous HDR students and then connect our findings to how Indigenous HDR students (n = 99) report that agency and/or how academic capital has influenced their experience in higher education. This chapter is also informed by insights from supervisors of Indigenous HDR students (n = 33).
Indigenous Higher Degree by Research Students’ Needs and Experiences
Authors: Anderson Peter , Blue Levon , Pham Thu , Saward Melanie
Published: August 2022

This chapter focuses on the needs and experiences of Indigenous higher degree by research (HDR) students in academia. The study employed qualitative research methods, including group discussions and individual written responses (n = 34) and an online survey (n = 32). The participants were Indigenous HDR students from different disciplinary fields from across Australia who participated in this research during 2018 and 2020. Specifically, this research project explored the students’ needs and experiences during their candidature. We found that the role of supervisors in the students’ HDR journey impacted their sense of agency and their opportunities for mentorship and networking within their discipline. Indigenous HDR student specifically reported the need for: (1) quality supervision; (2) mentoring opportunities; and (3) access to research training. The reported needs bring the spotlight on how increasing retention rates of Indigenous HDR students might be possible.
Intensivpflegerische Versorgung von Patient:innen mit [infarktbedingtem], kardiogenen Schock
Authors: Hermes C. , Ochmann T. ,   Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internistische Intensivmedizin und Notfallmedizin e. V. (DGIIN), Keienburg C. ,   Deutsche Gesellschaft für Fachkrankenpflege und Funktionsdienste e. V. (DGF), Kegel M. ,   Deutsche Gesellschaft Interdisziplinäre Notfall- und Akutmedizin e. V. (DGINA), Schindele D. ,   Deutsche Interdisziplinäre Vereinigung für Intensiv- und Notfallmedizin e. V. (DIVI), Klausmeier J. ,   Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kardiologie – Herz- und Kreislaufforschung e. V. (DGK), Adrigan E. ,   Österreichische Gesellschaft für Internistische und Allgemeine Intensivmedizin und Notfallmedizin e. V. (ÖGIAIN)
Published: August 2022

Hintergrund

Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen und der (infarktbedingte) kardiogene Schock zählen zu den häufigsten Todesursachen in Deutschland. Eine adäquate klinische Versorgung stellt die Krankenhäuser oft vor große Herausforderungen. Die komplexe Versorgung der Patient:innen im multiprofessionellen Team stellt hohe Anforderungen an alle am Versorgungsprozess Beteiligten. Da besonders die Pflegefachpersonen im engen Patient:innenkontakt stehen und die Therapie maßgeblich mitgestalten und steuern, ist eine nationale, (intensiv)pflegerische Leitlinie dringend erforderlich.

Methoden

Im Rahmen des Leitlinienprogramms der Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften e. V. (AWMF) wurde unter Beteiligung von sechs Fachgesellschaften eine S1-Leitlinie entwickelt und im Mai 2022 veröffentlicht. Die Leitliniengruppe legte relevante Themengebiete fest, die durch eine systematische Literaturrecherche in Peer-Review-Journalen bearbeitet wurden. Aufgrund der S1-Klassifikation wurde keine gesonderte Evidenzaufbereitung vorgenommen.  Zur Einstufung der Empfehlungen wurde ein formaler Konsensbildungsprozess durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Die Leitlinie enthält 36 Empfehlungen, die sich von der pflegerischen Versorgung in der Zentralen Notaufnahme über das Herzkatheterlabor und die Intensivstation bis zur Nachsorge erstrecken. Zudem werden Empfehlungen zu notwendigen Qualifikationen und strukturellen Voraussetzungen in den jeweiligen Bereichen getroffen, um einen qualitativ hochwertigen (pflegerischen) Versorgungsprozess zu gewährleisten.

Fazit

Dies ist die erste nationale intensivpflegerische Leitlinie. Sie richtet sich an Pflegefachpersonen, die in die Versorgung von Patient:innen mit (infarktbedingtem) kardiogenen Schock involviert sind. Die Leitlinie ist bis zum 30.12.2026 gültig.
Conceptual design of an innovative gas–gas ceramic compact heat exchanger suitable for high temperature applications
Authors: Zavattoni Simone A. , Cornolti Luca , Puragliesi Riccardo , Arrivabeni Edoardo , Ortona Alberto , Barbato Maurizio C.
Published: August 2022

The development of an innovative and highly efficient heat exchanger (HE) solution for gas–gas heat recovery is one of the major objectives of the HYDROSOL-beyond project which aims at enhancing the process efficiency for producing hydrogen from water dissociation with concentrated sunlight. Because of the very high temperature level of the process (up to 1400 °C), an innovative ceramic HE design was proposed with an integrated lattice structure, as secondary surface, to maximize the heat transfer. To assist the design of the HE, a multiscale approach was adopted: a 1D model based on global correlations was developed and a 3D computational fluid dynamics model of the secondary surfaces were generated. The former was applied to assess the performance of the entire HE; while, the latter was exploited to study in detail the thermo-fluid dynamics behavior of a HE core element and to provide the global correlations to be integrated into the 1D model. In this work, the effect of several parameters and operating conditions, namely, number of channels, number of lattice layers located into each channel, solid material exploited for the HE structure, parting plates thickness, heat transfer fluid velocity, radiation heat transfer and solid material emissivity, on the HE effectiveness are reported and accurately described. Furthermore, based upon the results obtained, guidelines on the HE design to maximize its performance are also provided.
Functional association of NR4A3 downregulation with impaired differentiation in myeloid leukemogenesis
Authors: Lin Shih-Chiang , Yao Chi-Yuan , Hsu Cheng-An , Lin Chien-Ting , Calkins Marcus J. , Kuo Yuan-Yeh , Tang Jih-Luh , Tien Hwei-Fang , Wu Shang-Ju
Published: August 2022

The coincident downregulation of NR4A1 and NR4A3 has been implicated in myeloid leukemogenesis, but it remains unknown how these two genes function in myeloid cells and how their combined downregulation promotes myeloid leukemogenesis. Since NR4A1 abrogation is thought to confer a survival and proliferation advantage to myeloid cells, we hypothesized that downregulation of NR4A3 may have a complementary effect on myeloid cell differentiation. First, we tested the association between differentiation status of leukemic cells and NR4A3 expression using two large clinical datasets from patients with different acute myeloid leukemia (AML) subtypes. The analysis revealed a close association between differentiation status and different subtypes of AML Then, we probed the effects of differentiation-inducing treatments on NR4A3 expression and NR4A3 knockdown on cell differentiation using two myeloid leukemia cell lines. Differentiation-inducing treatments caused upregulation of NR4A3, while NR4A3 knockdown prevented differentiation in both cell lines. The cell culture findings were validated using samples from chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients at chronic, accelerated and blastic phases, and in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients before and after all trans-retinoic acid (ATRA)-based differentiation therapy. Progressive NR4A3 downregulation was coincident with impairments in differentiation in patients during progression to blastic phase of CML, and NR4A3 expression was increased in APL patients treated with ATRA-based differentiating therapy. Together, our findings demonstrate a tight association between impaired differentiation status and NR4A3 downregulation in myeloid leukemias, providing a plausible mechanistic explanation of how myeloid leukemogenesis might occur upon concurrent downregulation of NR4A1 and NR4A3.
Spatiotemporal characterization of cellular tau pathology in the human locus coeruleus–pericoerulear complex by three-dimensional imaging
Authors: Gilvesy Abris , Husen Evelina , Magloczky Zsofia , Mihaly Orsolya , Hortobágyi Tibor , Kanatani Shigeaki , Heinsen Helmut , Renier Nicolas , Hökfelt Tomas , Mulder Jan , Uhlen Mathias , Kovacs Gabor G. , Adori Csaba
Published: August 2022

Tau pathology of the noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC) is a hallmark of several age-related neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. However, a comprehensive neuropathological examination of the LC is difficult due to its small size and rod-like shape. To investigate the LC cytoarchitecture and tau cytoskeletal pathology in relation to possible propagation patterns of disease-associated tau in an unprecedented large-scale three-dimensional view, we utilized volume immunostaining and optical clearing technology combined with light sheet fluorescence microscopy. We examined AT8+ pathological tau in the LC/pericoerulear region of 20 brains from Braak neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) stage 0–6. We demonstrate an intriguing morphological complexity and heterogeneity of AT8+ cellular structures in the LC, representing various intracellular stages of NFT maturation and their diverse transition forms. We describe novel morphologies of neuronal tau pathology such as AT8+ cells with fine filamentous somatic protrusions or with disintegrating soma. We show that gradual dendritic atrophy is the first morphological sign of the degeneration of tangle-bearing neurons, even preceding axonal lesions. Interestingly, irrespective of the Braak NFT stage, tau pathology is more advanced in the dorsal LC that preferentially projects to vulnerable forebrain regions in Alzheimer’s disease, like the hippocampus or neocortical areas, compared to the ventral LC projecting to the cerebellum and medulla. Moreover, already in the precortical Braak 0 stage, 3D analysis reveals clustering tendency and dendro-dendritic close appositions of AT8+ LC neurons, AT8+ long axons of NFT-bearing cells that join the ascending dorsal noradrenergic bundle after leaving the LC, as well as AT8+ processes of NFT-bearing LC neurons that target the 4th ventricle wall. Our study suggests that the unique cytoarchitecture, comprised of a densely packed and dendritically extensively interconnected neuronal network with long projections, makes the human LC to be an ideal anatomical template for early accumulation and trans-neuronal spreading of hyperphosphorylated tau.
Timing of antenatal steroid administration for imminent preterm birth: results of a prospective observational study in Germany
Authors: Humbeck Charlotte , Jonassen Sinje , Bringewatt Arne , Pervan Mascha , Rody Achim , Bossung Verena
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the timing of antenatal steroid administration and associated medical interventions in women with imminent preterm birth.

Methods

We performed a prospective observational study at a single tertiary center in Germany from September 2018 to August 2019. We included pregnant women who received antenatal steroids for imminent preterm birth and evaluated the interval from administration to birth. 120 women with antenatal steroid application were included into our analysis. Descriptive statistics were performed to analyze factors influencing the timing of antenatal steroids and to evaluate additional medical interventions which women with imminent preterm birth experience.

Results

Of the 120 women included into our study, 35.8% gave birth before 34/0 weeks and 64.2% before 37/0 weeks of gestation. Only 25/120 women (20.8%) delivered within the optimal time window of 1–7 days after antenatal steroid application. 5/120 women (4.2%) only received one dose of antenatal steroids before birth and 3/120 (2.5%) gave birth within 8 to 14 days after antenatal steroids. Most women gave birth more than 14 days after steroid application (72.5%, 87/120). Women with preeclampsia (60%), PPROM (31%), and FGR (30%) had the highest rates of delivery within the optimal time window. Women of all timing groups received additional interventions and medications like antibiotics, tocolytics, or anticoagulation.

Conclusion

Our observational data indicate that most pregnant women do not give birth within 7 days after the administration of antenatal steroids. The timing was best for preterm birth due to preeclampsia, PPROM, and FGR. Especially for women with symptoms of preterm labor and bleeding placenta previa, antenatal steroids should be indicated more restrictively to improve neonatal outcome and reduce untimely and unnecessary interventions.
Role of the cerebro-placental-uterine ratio in predicting adverse perinatal outcome in low-risk pregnancies at term
Authors: Graupner Oliver , Meister Markus , Lecker Linda , Karim-Payab Sepideh , Franz Cordula , Carow Juliane , Enzensberger Christian
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) is associated with adverse perinatal outcome (APO) in low-risk pregnancies near term. A Doppler parameter, which also includes information from the uterine vessels could potentially improve detection of subclinical placental dysfunction. The aim of this study is to investigate the performance of cerebro-placental-uterine ratio (CPUR) related to APO prediction in low-risk term pregnancies in > 40 + 0 weeks.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study. All low-risk pregnancies in which feto-maternal Doppler was examined from 40 + 0 weeks and an appropriate for gestational age fetus was present were included. ROC (receiver operating characteristic curves) analyses were performed to assess the predictive value of CPUR. The presence of at least one of the following outcome parameters was defined as composite APO (CAPO): operative delivery (OD) due to intrapartum fetal compromise (IFC), admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, umbilical cord arterial pH ≤ 7.15, 5 min APGAR ≤ 7.

Results

A total of n = 114 cases were included. Mean gestational age at examination and delivery were 40 + 3 weeks and 40 + 6 weeks, respectively. Overall, CAPO occurred in 38 of 114 cases (33.3%). ROC analyses showed a significant association of CPUR (AUC = 0.67, p = 0.004) and CPR (AUC = 0.68, p = 0.002) with CAPO. Additionally, CPUR (AUC = 0.64, p = 0.040) showed a predictive value for OD due to IFC.

Conclusion

The CPUR in > 40 + 0 weeks showed a predictive value for CAPO and OD due to IFC in low-risk pregnancies. However, the extent to which CPUR can be used to optimize delivery management warrants further investigations in prospective interventional studies.
Examining the effect size and duration of retrieval-induced facilitation
Authors: Oliva Mercedes T. , Storm Benjamin C.
Published: August 2022

Under certain conditions, the retrieval of some information can increase the recall of other information, a phenomenon known as retrieval-induced facilitation. Chan (Journal of Memory and Language 61:153–170, 2009) proposed two moderating factors to account for why retrieval causes facilitation in some situations and forgetting in others: (1) integration at the time of encoding and (2) the delay between retrieval practice and final test. Chan found a 9–11% facilitation effect when the materials were well integrated and the final test occurred after a 24-h delay. Two sets of experiments sought to replicate and extend Chan’s study by examining retrieval-induced facilitation not only following a 24-h delay but after longer delays (i.e., 1 or 2 weeks). A meta-analysis including these replications and the original experiments was also conducted. The results provide additional evidence of retrieval-induced facilitation, with no evidence that the effect varies as a function of the final delay. However, the size of the effect was found to be somewhat smaller than previously observed.
Surrogate modelling for the forecast of Seveso-type atmospheric pollutant dispersion
Authors: Kocijan Juš , Hvala Nadja , Perne Matija , Mlakar Primož , Grašič Boštjan , Božnar Marija Zlata
Published: August 2022

This paper presents a framework for the development of a computationally-efficient surrogate model for air pollution dispersion. Numerical simulation of air pollution dispersion is of fundamental importance for the mitigation of pollution in Seveso-type accidents, and, in extreme cases, for the design of evacuation scenarios for which long-range forecasting is necessary. Due to the high computational load, sophisticated simulation programs are not always useful for prompt computational studies and experimentation in real time. Surrogate models are data-driven models that mimic the behaviour of more accurate and more complex models in limited conditions. These models are computationally fast and enable efficient computer experimentation with them. We propose two methods. The first method develops a grid of independent dynamic models of the air pollution dispersion. The second method develops a reduced grid with interpolation of outputs. Both are demonstrated in an example of a realistic, controlled experiment with limited complexity based on an approximately 7 km radius around the thermal power plant in Šoštanj, Slovenia. The results show acceptable matching of behaviour between the surrogate and original model and noticeable improvement in the computational load. This makes the obtained surrogate models appropriate for further experimentation and confirms the feasibility of the proposed method.
A structural equation model in adults with type 1 and 2 diabetes: exploring the interplay of psychological states and diabetes outcomes, and the mediating effect of resilience
Authors: Pate Rosalind , Caswell Noreen , Gardner Kathryn Jane , Holyoak Lynda
Published: August 2022

Aims

Type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM and T2DM) can lead to emotional distress and cognitive impairments, often caused by psychological factors such as low mood or anxiety; yet, few studies have explored the theoretical mechanisms underlying these relationships and within one study. This study explored the relationships between psychological states (anxiety/worry, fatigue) and diabetes outcomes (diabetes distress, cognitive dysfunction), and whether resilience mediated the association between these in T1DM and T2DM.

Methods

A sample of 307 UK adults with a clinical diagnosis of diabetes (T1DM = 129; T2DM = 178) completed a cross-sectional online survey, composed of six questionnaires. Associations between variables were investigated using Pearson’s correlations and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM).

Results

Psychological states were significantly correlated with diabetes outcomes, and resilience was significantly related to both psychological states and diabetes outcomes. The SEM model achieved an acceptable model fit with a significant mediating effect of resilience between psychological states (anxiety/worry, fatigue) and diabetes outcomes (diabetes distress, cognitive dysfunction), with no significant differences between diabetes type.

Conclusions

We propose a new theoretical model of T1DM and T2DM that could be used to provide guidance for those designing interventions. These findings help to understand the complex nature of diabetes management, suggesting resilience could be a key factor in managing psychological states and diabetes outcomes.
Coupled Hydro-Mechanical Modeling of Swelling Processes in Clay–Sulfate Rocks
Authors: Taherdangkoo Reza , Nagel Thomas , Tang Anh Minh , Pereira Jean-Michel , Butscher Christoph
Published: August 2022

Swelling of clay–sulfate rocks is a serious and devastating geo-hazard, often causing damage to geotechnical structures. Therefore, understanding underlying swelling processes is crucial for the safe design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure. Planning appropriate countermeasures to the swelling problem requires a thorough understanding of the processes involved. We developed a coupled hydro-mechanical (HM) model to reproduce the observed heave in the historic city of Staufen in south-west Germany, which was caused by water inflow into the clay–sulfate bearing Triassic Grabfeld Formation (formerly Gipskeuper = “Gypsum Keuper”) after geothermal drilling. Richards’ equation coupled to a deformation process with linear kinematics was used to describe the hydro-mechanical behavior of clay–sulfate rocks. The mathematical model is implemented into the scientific open-source framework OpenGeoSys. We compared the model calculations with the measured long-term heave records at the study site. We then designed a sensitivity analysis to achieve a deeper insight into the swelling phenomena. The synthetic database obtained from the sensitivity analysis was used to develop a machine learning (ML) model, namely least-squares boosting ensemble (LSBoost) model coupled with a Bayesian optimization algorithm to rank the importance of parameters controlling the swelling. The HM model reproduced the heave observed at Staufen with sufficient accuracy, from a practical point of view. The ML model showed that the maximum swelling pressure is the most important parameter controlling the swelling. The other influential parameters rank as Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, overburden thickness, and the initial volumetric water content of the swelling layer.
Multiple Lines of Rockfall Net Fences: A Design Proposal of the System
Authors: Marchelli Maddalena
Published: August 2022

Net fences constitute a valuable and widely adopted solution for mitigating rockfall risk. Nevertheless, in complex morphological situation with several rocky cliffs, a single line cannot be effective, and a double line of net fences is thus often required. At present, the existing design procedure has been conceived for a single line, only. In the present work, a design procedure for double line of net fences is introduced, considering the double line as a system, in which the upslope line stops, or at least decelerates, the great majority of the blocks, while the downslope line stops the remaining part. As a system, the effects of actions and resistances should be evaluated as a whole. The integrative trajectory analyses are required to optimise the design in terms of necessary energy absorption capacity, height of the lines, and maintenance planning. This system is suitable for mitigating rockfall risk, especially in very complex situations.
Re-examination of nepovirus polyprotein cleavage sites highlights the diverse specificities and evolutionary relationships of nepovirus 3C-like proteases
Authors: Sanfaçon Hélène
Published: August 2022

Plant-infecting viruses of the genus Nepovirus (subfamily Comovirinae, family Secoviridae, order Picornavirales) are bipartite positive-strand RNA viruses with each genomic RNA encoding a single large polyprotein. The RNA1-encoded 3C-like protease cleaves the RNA1 polyprotein at five sites and the RNA2 polyprotein at two or three sites, depending on the nepovirus. The specificity of nepovirus 3C-like proteases is notoriously diverse, making the prediction of cleavage sites difficult. In this study, the position of nepovirus cleavage sites was systematically re-evaluated using alignments of the RNA1 and RNA2 polyproteins, phylogenetic relationships of the proteases, and sequence logos to examine specific preferences for the P6 to P1’ positions of the cleavage sites. Based on these analyses, the positions of previously elusive cleavage sites, notably the 2a-MP cleavage sites of subgroup B nepoviruses, are now proposed. Distinct nepovirus protease clades were identified, each with different cleavage site specificities, mostly determined by the nature of the amino acid at the P1 and P1’ positions of the cleavage sites, as well as the P2 and P4 positions. The results will assist the prediction of cleavage sites for new nepoviruses and help refine the taxonomy of nepoviruses. An improved understanding of the specificity of nepovirus 3C-like proteases can also be used to investigate the cleavage of plant proteins by nepovirus proteases and to understand their adaptation to a broad range of hosts.
Clinical profiles and antimicrobial resistance patterns of invasive Salmonella infections in children in China
Authors: Song Wen , Shan Qingwen , Qiu Yue , Lin Xianyao , Zhu Chunhui , Zhuo Zhiqiang , Wang Caihong , Tong Jianning , Li Rui , Wan Chaomin , Zhu Yu , Chen Minxia , Xu Yi , Lin Daojiong , Wu Shouye , Jia Chunmei , Gao Huiling , Yang Junwen , Zhao Shiyong , Zeng Mei ,   Collaborative Working Group of the Pediatric Subgroup of the China Society of Infectious Diseases
Published: August 2022

Invasive Salmonella infections result in a significant burden of disease including morbidity, mortality, and financial cost in many countries. Besides typhoid fever, the clinical impact of non-typhoid Salmonella infections is increasingly recognized with the improvement of laboratory detection capacity and techniques. A retrospective multicenter study was conducted to analyze the clinical profiles and antimicrobial resistance patterns of invasive Salmonella infections in hospitalized children in China during 2016–2018. A total of 130 children with invasive Salmonella infections were included with the median age of 12 months (range: 1–144 months). Seventy-nine percent of cases occurred between May and October. Pneumonia was the most common comorbidity in 33 (25.4%) patients. Meningitis and septic arthritis caused by nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS) infections occurred in 12 (9.2%) patients and 5 (3.8%) patients. Patients < 12 months (OR: 16.04) and with septic shock (OR: 23.4), vomit (OR: 13.33), convulsion (OR: 15.86), C-reactive protein (CRP) ≥ 40 g/L (OR: 5.56), and a higher level of procalcitonin (PCT) (OR: 1.05) on admission were statistically associated to an increased risk of developing meningitis. Compared to 114 patients with NTS infections, 16 patients with typhoid fever presented with higher levels of CRP and PCT (P < 0.05). The rates of resistance to ampicillin, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, ciprofloxacin, and ceftriaxone among Salmonella Typhi and NTS isolates were 50% vs 57.3%, 9.1% vs 24.8%, 0% vs 11.2%, and 0% vs 9.9%, respectively. NTS has been the major cause of invasive Salmonella infections in Chinese children and can result in severe diseases. Antimicrobial resistance among NTS was more common.