bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Flow Physics During the Transition of a Variable Pitch Fan From Nominal Operation to Reverse Thrust Mode
Authors: Vitlaris Dimitrios , Rajendran David John , Tunstall Richard , Whurr John , Pachidis Vassilios
Published: October 2023

The flow field during the transition of variable pitch fans (VPFs) from nominal operation to reverse thrust mode at typical “Approach Idle” engine power setting and aircraft touchdown speed of 140 knots is described in this work. An integrated airframe-engine-VPF research model that features a future 40,000 lbf geared high bypass ratio engine installed on a twin-engine airframe in landing configuration is used to explore the flow field in a fully transient unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) simulation with imposed wall motion. A novel methodology that implements an adaptation of a mesh displacement equation to mimic the fan blade airfoil rotation is developed. The implementation of this method with gradual, small-step deformation along with an automated mesh update routine enables a high quality, near “real-time” simulation of the complete transition. The flow field during transition is characterized by the evolution from full typical forward flow through the engine to the development of massive recirculation regions at the feather pitch setting and finally to development of a reverse flow from the bypass nozzle to the fan passages. In the paper, the transient development of the various flow features through different stations of the engine flow path apropos the fan blade airfoil rotation to reverse thrust mode are discussed in detail. Also, the temporal development of the mass flow ingested through the engine, airframe decelerating force, and distorted flow at the core engine inlet are described. A hitherto unresolved fan power peaking during the middle of the transition and higher power requirement at reverse thrust mode is captured. The effect of fan rotational speed in terms of engine power setting and the aircraft touchdown velocity on the transition flow physics is explored. A comparison of this fully transient approach with discrete steady-state runs for different stagger angle settings is presented. The flow physics during transition to reverse thrust mode as described in this study is critical in understanding the feasibility of using VPF for reverse thrust in future aircraft. The new capability to study the transition in a fully transient simulation can be used as a design development aid to define design and control characteristics of the reverse thrust VPF.
A Comprehensive Study on Characterization of Residual Stress of Build-Up Layer and Prediction of Chip Warpage
Authors: Cai Chongyang , Wang Huayan , Yang Junbo , Yin Pengcheng , Park S. B
Published: October 2023

Better understanding and control of residual stress in the chip build-up layer are becoming more and more important for the assembly process. To estimate the chip warpage and characterize the residual stress, different methods are proposed. However, most of them have high cost or some limitations for the upper build-up material. In this study, an innovative method is proposed to characterize the residual stress and predict the chip warpage behavior of different size chips at different temperatures. The method combines experimental inspection of chip warpage and finite element analysis. By reducing the silicon die thickness, the influence of residual stress in the build-up layer can be amplified. The residual stress can be obtained by inspecting the increased warpage when the silicon dies are reduced to different thicknesses. Correlating the thermal increase warpages of thinner chips can help characterize the effective modulus and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the build-up layer. This study can help better understand the commonly classified build-up layer information. The results show good agreements between two types of samples under the same upstream process flow.
A Novel Axial Energy-Imparting Turbomachine for High-Enthalpy Gas Heating: Robustness of the Aerodynamic Design
Authors: Karefyllidis Nikolas , Rubini Dylan , Rosic Budimir , Xu Liping , Purola Veli-Matti
Published: October 2023

Hard-to-abate industrial processes, such as petrochemicals and cement production, have long been considered technically challenging to decarbonize. In response to the urgent demand to eliminate industrial CO2 emissions, a new class of energy-imparting turbomachines has been developed. These devices aim to convert mechanical into internal energy instead of pressurizing the gas, which enables high-temperature gas heating (up to 1700 ∘C) for a variety of applications. This article is organized into three parts. First, this article aims to demonstrate the capabilities of the novel, high-capacity, customizable, repeating-stage axial turbo-heater architecture for a hydrocarbon cracking example application. The study presents the new design requirements and working principles of this energy-imparting concept. The radically different objectives compared to a compressor enable ultra-high loading stage designs by avoiding the stability and efficiency constraints imposed on compressors. Within this new design space, the turbo-heater is able to achieve a loading coefficient ψ ≥ 4.0. Second, detailed numerical simulations of a multistage axial turbo-reactor with various vaneless space lengths are conducted. This work conclusively demonstrates the robustness and flexibility of the aerodynamic design despite employing a uniform blade design. It is emphasized that the concept is tolerant to unsteady interstage turbulent disturbances, enabling nominal work input conditions to be achieved even for the most compact arrangements. Finally, having confirmed that the aerothermal restrictions on the vaneless space length can be removed, the designer is free to tailor the design to optimize the chemical reaction by (1) tailoring the residence time distribution to improve the yield and coking rate, (2) homogenizing reaction progress by mixing-out concentration gradients, and (3) adjusting the rotational speed to account for variations in the reaction dynamics for different feedstocks.
Effect of Deflector on the Combustion Characteristics of a Micro-Combustor With a Controlled Centrally Slotted Bluff Body
Authors: Srinivasa Raghavan K. A. , Srinivasa Rao S. , Raju V. R. K.
Published: October 2023

Flame tip-opening in a micro-combustor with a controlled centrally slotted bluff body adversely affects the combustion characteristics, leading to reduced average combustion efficiency and exhaust gas temperature. To minimize the adverse effects of the flame tip-opening, a deflector is introduced in the micro-combustor, downstream to the bluff body, and its effect on various combustion parameters is studied. The insertion of a deflector significantly increases the exhaust gas temperatures in the central region by establishing a secondary flame root. However, sudden changes in the flow direction caused by the insertion of deflector induce a sudden expansion-compression strain on the flame front, thereby slightly reducing the temperature of the flame zones on either side of the central region. A downstream shift in the position of the deflector marginally mitigates the adverse effects of sudden expansion-compression strain on the exhaust gas temperature, as they are induced within the secondary reaction flame zones. On the other hand, the downstream shift of the deflector negatively impacts the exhaust gas temperature in the central region due to the reduced length available for near-complete combustion downstream of the secondary flame root. In conclusion, the deflector positioned farther from the outlet is found to result in better overall combustion characteristics at higher controllable flow ratios.
An Investigation on the Steady and Unsteady Wake Flow Regimes and Aerodynamic Characteristics of the Trapezoidal Cylinders Using Immersed Boundary-Lattice Boltzmann Method
Authors: Bhunia Akash , Sikdar Prabir , Dash Sunil Manohar
Published: October 2023

In this study, the flow physics of the forward-facing (FF) and backward-facing (BF) trapezoidal cylinders (TC) subjected to two-dimensional, incompressible, and laminar flow is investigated using an in-house developed flexible forcing immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann solver. The Reynolds number (Re) is defined based on the cylinder's characteristic length D. For the steady and unsteady flow regimes, Re is varied in the ranges of 10–40 and 75–125, respectively. The TCs shape is varied by modifying its nondimensional axial H/D and transverse Y/D length scales, between 0.5 to 2 and 0 to 1, respectively. Here, TCs horizontal central axis is always aligned along the incoming flow direction. It is observed that the flow separation points on the FF-TC and BF-TC are strongly influenced by the geometric (H/D and Y/D) and flow parameters (Re). Based on the boundary layer separation point, we have categorized the wake flow regimes behind the FF-TC and BF-TC into four types. In addition, the effect of the geometric and flow parameters on the drag coefficient (Cd), vortex shedding frequency, and steady and unsteady wake characteristics are thoroughly investigated here. Furthermore, by performing nonlinear regression analysis, we have proposed a set of correlation equations for the Cd and Strouhal number (St), using which the aerodynamic characteristics of differently shaped TC can be derived in the considered Re range without performing rigorous numerical simulations or experiments.
A Time Domain Model to Predict Dynamic Response of Multiple Floating Bodies Connected With Hinges Based on the Kane Method
Authors: Liu Junyi , Chen Xujun , Ji Song , Huang Heng , Chen Xi , Tu Qunzhang
Published: October 2023

A two-dimensional model to estimate the hydrodynamic response of hinged multiple floating body systems in the time domain is established based on the Kane method. The reduced Kane equations applicable to the dynamic response of multi-floating body system with hinges are first deduced. The issue of hinge constraint in the system is addressed by defining the corresponding generalized speeds as zeros, while the wave actions are considered based on the potential flow theory. Then the corresponding calculation program is developed prior to undertaking the model test. Verification of the Kane-based model and the veracity of the program developed is performed through a series of contrastive analyses on a hinged floating bridge in various cases including regular waves, moving loads, and their combinations. The predictions obtained by the proposed model show satisfactory agreements with the model test measurements. The related results indicate that the motion responses of the first pontoon are greatest in a hinged floating bridge, and its motion amplitudes descend nonlinearly with the increment of wave frequency. The time-history motion responses of hinged multi-floating bodies in the middle present saddle shapes with some fluctuations as a whole under the combined effect of wave and moving loads. The Kane-based model is convenient to analyze the dynamic characteristics of a hinged multi-floating body system in regular waves, and it could be further extended to consider the effects of irregular waves, inhomogeneous sea conditions, as well as the nonlinear connections on the system.
Electrochromic properties of NiO films prepared by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Su Xi , Tu Zexin , Ji Liwei , Wu Hao , Xu Hongxing , Liu Chang
Published: October 2023

Nickel oxide (NiO) films were prepared on ITO-coated glass substrates by atomic layer deposition at different temperatures. NiO films exhibit good anodic electrochromic properties because of their polycrystalline structures. The optical modulation observed at 550 nm was around 44%, changing color from transparent to black. The largest coloration efficiency at 550 nm was calculated to be 31.7 cm2/C.
Saturation mutagenesis of α-synuclein reveals monomer fold that modulates aggregation
Authors: Chlebowicz Julita , Russ William , Chen Dailu , Vega Anthony , Vernino Steven , White Charles L. , Rizo Josep , Joachimiak Lukasz A. , Diamond Marc I.
Published: October 2023

α-Synuclein (aSyn) aggregation underlies neurodegenerative synucleinopathies. aSyn seeds are proposed to replicate and propagate neuronal pathology like prions. Seeding of aSyn can be recapitulated in cellular systems of aSyn aggregation; however, the mechanism of aSyn seeding and its regulation are not well understood. We developed an mEos-based aSyn seeding assay and performed saturation mutagenesis to identify with single-residue resolution positive and negative regulators of aSyn aggregation. We not only found the core regions that govern aSyn aggregation but also identified mutants outside of the core that enhance aggregation. We identified local structure within the N terminus of aSyn that hinders the fibrillization propensity of its aggregation-prone core. Based on the screen, we designed a minimal aSyn fragment that shows a ~4-fold enhancement in seeding activity and enabled discrimination of synucleinopathies. Our study expands the basic knowledge of aSyn aggregation and advances the design of cellular systems of aSyn aggregation to diagnose synucleinopathies based on protein conformation.
Metabolic versatility of soil microbial communities below the rocks of the hyperarid Dalangtan Playa
Authors: Liu Li , Chen Yan , Shen Jianxun , Pan Yongxin , Lin Wei
Published: October 2023

Microbial assemblages inhabiting soils sheltered by rocks are widespread in the hyperarid and hypersaline Dalangtan Playa, which could contribute significantly to the ecological processes in this desert ecosystem. Here, we performed geochemical and metagenomic analyses of soils below and beside rocks in the Dalangtan Playa. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra show more evident signals of organic aromatic molecules in soils below rocks than in nearby bare soils. Soils below rocks harbor distinct microbial communities and much higher biomass and
Cyanobacteria
abundance in comparison to soils beside rocks. High-quality genomes recovered by hybrid short- and long-read assembly reveal the previously underappreciated contribution of
Actinobacteriota
in sheltered soils to the primary production of desert ecosystems. In contrast to bare soil communities, the metabolic versatility of sheltered soil communities indicates their critical roles in carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycling in the Dalangtan Playa. Trace gases (CO and H
2
) could be significant energy sources for the respiration and sometimes carbon fixation of both bare and sheltered soil microorganisms in nutrient-deprived environments. The presence of multiple stress response genes against DNA damage, oxidative stress, and osmotic stress, as well as pathways for the biosynthesis and uptake of compatible solutes in genomes across all samples, reveals their capacity for tolerating polyextreme conditions.

IMPORTANCE

The hyperarid Dalangtan Playa in the western Qaidam Basin, northwestern China, is a unique terrestrial analog of Mars. Despite the polyextreme environments of this area, habitats below translucent rocks capable of environmental buffering could serve as refuges for microbial life. In this study, the hybrid assembly of Illumina short reads and Nanopore long reads recovered high-quality and high-continuity genomes, allowing for high-accuracy analysis and a deeper understanding of extremophiles in the sheltered soils of the Dalangtan Playa. Our findings reveal self-supporting and metabolically versatile sheltered soil communities adapted to a hyperarid and hypersaline playa, which provides implications for the search for life signals on Mars.
Transcending the challenge of evolving resistance mechanisms in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
through β-lactam-enhancer-mechanism-based cefepime/zidebactam
Authors: Hujer Andrea M. , Marshall Steven H. , Mack Andrew R. , Hujer Kristine M. , Bakthavatchalam Yamuna Devi , Umarkar Kushal , Palwe Snehal R. , Takalkar Swapna , Joshi Prashant R. , Shrivastava Rahul , Periasamy Hariharan , Bhagwat Sachin S. , Patel Mahesh V. , Veeraraghavan Balaji , Bonomo Robert A.
Published: October 2023

Multi-drug resistant (MDR)
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
harbor a complex array of β-lactamases and non-enzymatic resistance mechanisms. In this study, the activity of a β-lactam/β-lactam-enhancer, cefepime/zidebactam, and novel β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations was determined against an MDR phenotype-enriched, challenge panel of
P. aeruginosa
(
n
= 108). Isolates were multi-clonal as they belonged to at least 29 distinct sequence types (STs) and harbored metallo-β-lactamases, serine β-lactamases, penicillin binding protein (PBP) mutations, and other non-enzymatic resistance mechanisms. Ceftazidime/avibactam, ceftolozane/tazobactam, imipenem/relebactam, and cefepime/taniborbactam demonstrated MIC
90
s of >128 mg/L, while cefepime/zidebactam MIC
90
was 16 mg/L. In a neutropenic-murine lung infection model, a cefepime/zidebactam human epithelial-lining fluid-simulated regimen achieved or exceeded a translational end point of 1−log
10
kill for the isolates with elevated cefepime/zidebactam MICs (16–32 mg/L), harboring VIM-2 or KPC-2 and alterations in PBP2 and PBP3. In the same model, to assess the impact of zidebactam on the pharmacodynamic (PD) requirement of cefepime, dose-fractionation studies were undertaken employing cefepime-susceptible
P. aeruginosa
isolates. Administered alone, cefepime required 47%–68%
f
T >MIC for stasis to ~1 log
10
kill effect, while cefepime in the presence of zidebactam required just 8%–16% for >2 log
10
kill effect, thus, providing the pharmacokinetic/PD basis for in vivo efficacy of cefepime/zidebactam against isolates with MICs up to 32 mg/L. Unlike β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors, β-lactam enhancer mechanism-based cefepime/zidebactam shows a potential to transcend the challenge of ever-evolving resistance mechanisms by targeting multiple PBPs and overcoming diverse β-lactamases including carbapenemases in
P. aeruginosa
.

IMPORTANCE

Compared to other genera of Gram-negative pathogens,
Pseudomonas
is adept in acquiring complex non-enzymatic and enzymatic resistance mechanisms thus remaining a challenge to even novel antibiotics including recently developed β-lactam and β-lactamase inhibitor combinations. This study shows that the novel β-lactam enhancer approach enables cefepime/zidebactam to overcome both non-enzymatic and enzymatic resistance mechanisms associated with a challenging panel of
P. aeruginosa
. This study highlights that the β-lactam enhancer mechanism is a promising alternative to the conventional β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor approach in combating ever-evolving MDR
P. aeruginosa
.
Diversity and evolution of an abundant ICE
clc
family of integrative and conjugative elements in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Benigno Valentina , Carraro Nicolas , Sarton-Lohéac Garance , Romano-Bertrand Sara , Blanc Dominique S. , van der Meer Jan Roelof
Published: October 2023

Integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) are widespread autonomous mobile DNA elements, containing the genes necessary for their excision, conjugative transfer, and insertion into a new host cell. ICEs can carry additional genes that are non-essential for their transfer but can confer adaptive phenotypes to the host. Our aim here was to better characterize the presence, distribution, and variation of ICEs related to the well-described ICE
clc
among
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
clinical isolates within a geographically restrained environment to understand the factors contributing to their evolution. We examined a total of 181
P
.
aeruginosa
genome sequences obtained from patient or hospital environment isolates, most of which were obtained from a single hospital during 20 years of sampling. More than 90% of the isolates carried one or more ICE
clc
-like elements, with different degrees of conservation to the known ICE
clc
lifestyle and transfer genes. ICE clones closely matched their host clonal phylogeny, but not exclusively, indicating that both clonal evolution and ICE horizontal transfer are occurring in the hospital environment. ICEs from this singular hospital environment were mainly associated to three clone types found worldwide, suggesting an enrichment of local clones. Variable gene regions among the clinical
P. aeruginosa
ICE
clc
-type elements were notably enriched for heavy metal resistance genes, toxin-anti-toxin systems, potential efflux systems and multidrug resistance proteins, a metalloprotease and for a variety of regulatory systems, but not for specific recognizable antibiotic-resistance cassettes. Clonal persistence suggests adaptive benefits of these functional categories, and micro-patterns of gene gain and loss indicate ongoing ICE evolution within the
P. aeruginosa
hosts.

IMPORTANCE

Microbial populations swiftly adapt to changing environments through horizontal gene transfer. While the mechanisms of gene transfer are well known, the impact of environmental conditions on the selection of transferred gene functions remains less clear. We investigated ICEs, specifically the ICE
clc
-type, in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
clinical isolates. Our findings revealed co-evolution between ICEs and their hosts, with ICE transfers occurring within strains. Gene functions carried by ICEs are positively selected, including potential virulence factors and heavy metal resistance. Comparison to publicly available
P. aeruginosa
genomes unveiled widespread antibiotic-resistance determinants within ICE
clc
clades. Thus, the ubiquitous ICE
clc
family significantly contributes to
P. aeruginosa
’s adaptation and fitness in diverse environments.
Subduction initiation recorded in the Dadeville Complex of Alabama and Georgia, southeastern United States
Authors: Becker Naomi A. , George Freya R. , Guice George L. , Crowley James L. , Nelson Wendy R. , Browning-Hanson Joseph F. , Roy Supratik , Viete Daniel R.
Published: October 2023

The Dadeville Complex of Alabama and Georgia (southeastern United States) represents the largest suite of exposed mafic-ultramafic rocks in the southern Appalachians. Due to poor preservation, chemical alteration, and tectonic reworking, a specific tectonic origin for the Dadeville Complex has been difficult to deduce. We obtained new whole-rock and mineral geochemistry coupled with zircon U-Pb geochronology to investigate the magmatic and metamorphic processes recorded by the Dadeville Complex, as well as the timing of these processes. Our data reveal an up-stratigraphic evolution in the geochemistry of the volcanic rocks, from forearc basalts to boninites. Our new U-Pb zircon crystallization data—obtained from three amphibolite samples—place the timing of forearc/protoarc volcanism no later than ca. 467 Ma. New thermobarometry suggests that the Dadeville Complex rocks subsequently experienced deep, high-grade metamorphism, at pressure-temperature conditions of >7 kbar and >760 °C. The data presented here support a model for formation of the Dadeville Complex in the forearc region of a subduction zone during subduction initiation and protoarc development, followed by deep burial/underthrusting of the complex during orogenesis.
Tool to assess risk of bias in studies estimating the prevalence of mental health disorders (RoB-PrevMH)
Authors: Tonia Thomy , Buitrago-Garcia Diana , Peter Natalie Luise , Mesa-Vieira Cristina , Li Tianjing , Furukawa Toshi A , Cipriani Andrea , Leucht Stefan , Low Nicola , Salanti Georgia
Published: October 2023

Objective

There is no standard tool for assessing risk of bias (RoB) in prevalence studies. For the purposes of a living systematic review during the COVID-19 pandemic, we developed a tool to evaluate RoB in studies measuring the prevalence of mental health disorders (RoB-PrevMH) and tested inter-rater reliability.

Methods

We decided on items and signalling questions to include in RoB-PrevMH through iterative discussions. We tested the reliability of assessments by different users with two sets of prevalence studies. The first set included a random sample of 50 studies from our living systematic review. The second set included 33 studies from a systematic review of the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorders, major depression and generalised anxiety disorder. We assessed the inter-rater agreement by calculating the proportion of agreement and Kappa statistic for each item.

Results

RoB-PrevMH consists of three items that address selection bias and information bias. Introductory and signalling questions guide the application of the tool to the review question. The inter-rater agreement for the three items was 83%, 90% and 93%. The weighted kappa scores were 0.63 (95% CI 0.54 to 0.73), 0.71 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.85) and 0.32 (95% CI −0.04 to 0.63), respectively.

Conclusions

RoB-PrevMH is a brief, user-friendly and adaptable tool for assessing RoB in studies on prevalence of mental health disorders. Initial results for inter-rater agreement were fair to substantial. The tool’s validity, reliability and applicability should be assessed in future projects.
Does radiofrequency ablation of the lower oesophagus allow for clonal expansion of highly mutated neosquamous epithelium?
Authors: Akarca Fahire Goknur , Shaheen Nicholas J , Stachler Matthew D
Published: October 2023

Objective

In Barrett’s oesophagus (BE), after radiofrequency ablation (RFA), the oesophagus can be repopulated with a stratified ‘neosquamous epithelium’ (NeoSE). While histologically normal, the origin and clonal make-up of this NeoSE is unknown. An increased understanding of NeoSE is important as some studies suggest that NeoSE is biologically abnormal. The aim of this study was to determine whether there were major differences in the mutational landscape or clonal size in NeoSE versus normal squamous epithelium and determine whether NeoSE shares any pathogenic mutations with BE.

Methods and analysis

10 patients who underwent RFA and 10 samples from 8 control patients were sequenced using a clinical targeted sequencing platform (cohort 1). An additional, eight patients with paired preablation BE and postablation NeoSE were also sequenced (cohort 2). Patient advocates will be used to disseminate the findings of this study.

Results

NeoSE samples had a mean of 2.2 pathogenic mutations per sample, including 50% of samples with anNOTCH1and 30% of samples with aTP53mutation. The normal oesophagus samples had 1.5 mutations per sample, including 40% of samples withNOTCH1and 10% of samples withTP53mutations. There was no difference in mutational allele fractions between NeoSE and normal squamous samples. When we compared paired BE and NeoSE samples, no shared mutations were identified.

Conclusion

While there was a trend for moreTP53mutations in NeoSE, overall, the mutational profile and clonal sizes (allele fractions) were very similar, suggesting NeoSE is genomically similar to the normal oesophageal squamous epithelium.
The English National Lynch Syndrome transformation project: an NHS Genomic Medicine Service Alliance (GMSA) programme
Authors: Monahan Kevin J , Ryan Neil , Monje-Garcia Laura , Armstrong Ruth , Church David N , Cook Jackie , Elghobashy Alaa , Lalloo Fiona , Lane Sally , McDermott Frank D , Miles Tracie , Hardy Steven A , Tyson Adele , Wang Valerie Ya Wen , Kim Anna , Gelinas Simone , Faravelli Francesca , Elmslie Frances , Shaw Adam C
Published: October 2023

Objective

In England, through the Genomic Medicine Service Alliances (GMSAs), a national transformation project aims to embed robust pathways to deliver universal Lynch syndrome (LS) testing for patients with colorectal and endometrial cancers. Prior to commencement of the project, there was evidence of variation and low testing levels in eligible patients which is consistent with other health systems; however, we believe this is amenable to systematic improvement with responsibility for testing delivery by local cancer teams supported by regional infrastructure.

Methods and analysis

A project team and national oversight group was formed in May 2021 with membership including 21×cancer alliances, 7×GMSAs, charities and other stakeholders who agreed key performance indicators. ‘LS champions’ within each cancer team were identified and surveyed. Workforce training focused on effective identification of eligible patients, overcoming barriers and mainstreamed constitutional genetic testing. Comprehensive pathway data analysis was performed in conjunction with the National Disease Registration Service.

Results

Survey and baseline testing data illustrated variation, and a disparity between practice and perception, in levels of testing. The main reported barriers related to funding streams and systematic approaches. Multifaceted training programmes were produced to support workforce development. Champions responsible for testing delivery were appointed in >95% of cancer teams. We identified >9000 historically diagnosed LS patients to support ascertainment for a nationally coordinated screening programme.

Conclusion

This ongoing transformational project is strongly supported by stakeholders in England. Significant quality improvement has been implemented, facilitating systematic delivery of universal testing for LS nationally and reduction in variation in care.
Turning point in COVID-19 severity and fatality during the pandemic: a national cohort study in Qatar
Authors: Chemaitelly Hiam , Ayoub Houssein H , Faust Jeremy Samuel , Coyle Peter , Tang Patrick , Hasan Mohammad R , Yassine Hadi M , Al-Khatib Hebah A , Al Thani Asmaa A , Al-Kanaani Zaina , Al-Kuwari Einas , Jeremijenko Andrew , Kaleeckal Anvar Hassan , Latif Ali , Shaik Riyazuddin Mohammad , Abdul-Rahim Hanan F , Nasrallah Gheyath K , Al-Kuwari Mohamed Ghaith , Butt Adeel Ajwad , Al-Romaihi Hamad , Al-Thani Mohamed H , Al-Khal Abdullatif , Bertollini Roberto , Abu-Raddad Laith J
Published: October 2023

Objective

To assess the evolution of COVID-19 severity and fatality in a unique setting that consistently applied, throughout the pandemic, rigorous and standardised criteria for defining severe COVID-19 outcomes.

Methods and analysis

We conducted a national cohort study on 312 109 Qatari citizens to investigate incidence of severe, critical or fatal COVID-19 classified according to the WHO criteria between 28 February 2020 and 21 April 2023. Incidence rates for severe, critical or fatal COVID-19 were estimated during the pre-omicron phase, first omicron wave, combined phases and throughout the pandemic.

Results

Cumulative incidence of severe, critical or fatal COVID-19 after 3.14 years of follow-up was 0.45% (95% CI 0.43% to 0.47%). Incidence rate for severe, critical or fatal COVID-19 throughout the pandemic was 1.43 (95% CI 1.35 to 1.50) per 1000 person years. In the pre-omicron phase, first omicron wave, and combined phases, it was 2.01 (95% CI 1.90 to 2.13), 3.70 (95% CI 3.25 to 4.22) and 2.18 (95% CI 2.07 to 2.30) per 1000 person years, respectively. The post-first omicron phase saw a drastic drop to 0.10 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.14) per 1000 person years, a 95.4% reduction. Among all severe, critical and fatal cases, 99.5% occurred during the primary infection. Cumulative incidence of fatal COVID-19 was 0.042% (95% CI 0.036% to 0.050%), with an incidence rate of 0.13 (95% CI 0.11 to 0.16) per 1000 person years. In the post-first omicron phase, incidence rate of fatal COVID-19 decreased by 90.0% compared with earlier stages. Both severity and fatality exhibited an exponential increase with age and a linear increase with the number of coexisting conditions.

Conclusion

The conclusion of the first omicron wave was a turning point in the severity of the pandemic. While vaccination and enhanced case management reduced severity gradually, the rapid accumulation of natural immunity during the first omicron wave appears to have played a critical role in driving this shift in severity.
Impact ofHelicobacter pyloriinfection status on outcomes among patients with advanced gastric cancer treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Magahis Patrick T , Maron Steven B , Cowzer Darren , King Stephanie , Schattner Mark , Janjigian Yelena , Faleck David , Laszkowska Monika
Published: October 2023

Background

Gut microbiota composition can influence cancer immunotherapy response. Recent evidence suggestsHelicobacter pyloriinfection may reduce immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) efficacy in lung cancer and melanoma, but thorough characterization of this association in patients with gastric cancer is lacking. We aimed to determine the impact ofH. pylorion survival in this population.

Methods

This single-center, retrospective study included all ICI-treated individuals with metastatic gastric cancer and documentedH. pyloristatus at Memorial Sloan Kettering between July 2013 and October 2021.H. pylori-positive status was defined as history of infection obtained via breath test, stool antigen test, histopathology, and/or chart documentation. Negative status was defined as explicitly negative testing, histopathology, and/or chart documentation. Primary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

Of 215 included patients, 49 had documented history ofH. pyloriinfection. Compared withH. pylori-negative patients, positive individuals tended to be younger, non-white, and Hispanic with non-cardia and intestinal-type gastric cancer.H. pylori-positive patients had significantly shorter median PFS (3.2 vs 6.8 months, HR 1.96, p<0.01) and OS (9.8 vs 17.9 months, HR 1.54, p=0.02). Multivariable analysis confirmedH. pyloriinfection as an independent predictor of PFS (HR 3.04, p<0.01) and OS (HR 2.24, p=0.01).

Conclusions

In this largest study of its kind,H. pyloriinfection was associated with inferior survival in ICI-treated patients with gastric cancer. This suggestsH. pyloristatus may be a prognostic marker of immune responsiveness. Future studies are needed to elucidate immunoregulatory mechanisms and whether treatment of active infections would improve immunotherapy outcomes.
Efficacy of non-conventional synthetic DMARDs for patients with rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yuan Haoming , Cui Shaoxin , Yang Lin , Cui Jiehan , Wang Xiaoping , Ding Meng , Jin Lu , Wang Yanru , Chang Fei , Jin Hongtao , Ma Jun , Shi Min , Liu Aijing
Published: October 2023

Objectives

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the efficacy of non-conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (ncs-DMARD) strategies on patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched for relevant articles from inception to 1 June 2022. The results obtained from the analysis were expressed as mean difference (MD), effect size and 95% CI.

Results

A total of 17 studies, including 1315 patients with RA-ILD, were eligible. The ncs-DMARDs included abatacept, rituximab, tocilizumab, tumour necrosis factor and Janus kinase inhibitors. Compared with the baseline, there were no significant changes in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) values in the pooled data after ncs-DMARD treatment (alone or combined with conventional therapy) (p=0.36 for FVC; p=0.96 for FEV1and p=0.46 for DLCO). Of note, FVC was obviously increased in rituximab subgroup (MD=−4.62, 95% CI −8.90 to −0.33, p=0.03). Also, high-resolution CT non-progression rate and fatality rate due to ILD progression in patients with RA-ILD were 0.792 (95% CI 0.746 to 0.834, p=0.015) and 0.049 (95% CI 0.035 to 0.065, p=0.000), respectively.

Conclusion

ncs-DMARDs alone or combined with conventional therapy might be an optimal and promising treatment for stabilising or improving ILD in patients with RA-ILD.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022356816.
Low micronutrient intake in nursing home residents, a cross-sectional study
Authors: Borkent J.W. , Manders M. , Nijhof A. , Naumann E. , Feskens E.J.M. , de van der Schueren M.A.E.
Published: October 2023

Low intake of micronutrients is associated with health-related problems in nursing home residents. As their food intake is generally low, it is expected that their micronutrient intake will be low as well. The nutrient intake of 189 residents (mean age 85.0 years (SD: 7.4)) in five different Dutch nursing homes was measured based on 3-day direct observations of intake. Micronutrient intake, without supplementation, was calculated using the Dutch food composition table, and SPADE software was used to model habitual intake. Intake was compared to the estimated average requirement (EAR) or adequate intake (AI) as described in the Dutch dietary reference values. A low intake was defined as >10% not meeting the EAR or when the P50 (median) intake was below the AI. Vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, B6, folate, B12, C, D, E, copper, iron, zinc, calcium, iodine, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and selenium were investigated. Our data showed that vitamin and mineral intake was low for most assessed nutrients. An AI was only seen for vitamin B12 (men only), iodine (men only), and phosphorus. A total of 50% of the population had an intake below the EAR for riboflavin, vit B6, folate, and vitamin D. For reference values expressed in AI, P50 intake of vitamin E, calcium, iodine, magnesium, potassium, and selenium was below the AI. To conclude: micronutrient intake in nursing home residents is far too low in most of the nursing home population. A “food-first” approach could increase dietary intake, but supplements could be considered if the “food-first” approach is not successful.
Wave-packet effects: a solution for isospin anomalies in vector-meson decay
Authors: Ishikawa Kenzo , Jinnouchi Osamu , Nishiwaki Kenji , Oda Kin-ya
Published: October 2023

There is a long-standing anomaly in the ratio of the decay width for $$\psi (3770)\rightarrow D^0\overline{D^0}$$

ψ

(
3770
)

→

D
0

D
0

¯

to that for $$\psi (3770)\rightarrow D^+D^-$$

ψ

(
3770
)

→

D
+

D
-

at the level of $$9.5\,\sigma $$

9.5

σ

. A similar anomaly exists for the ratio of $$\phi (1020)\rightarrow K_\text {L}^0K_\text {S}^0$$

ϕ

(
1020
)

→

K
L
0

K
S
0

to $$\phi (1020)\rightarrow K^+K^-$$

ϕ

(
1020
)

→

K
+

K
-

at $$2.1\,\sigma $$

2.1

σ

. In this study, we reassess the anomaly through the lens of a Gaussian wave-packet formalism. Our comprehensive calculations include the localization of the overlap of the wave packets near the mass thresholds and the composite nature of the initial-state vector mesons. The results align within a $$\sim 1 \sigma $$

∼
1
σ

confidence level with the Particle Data Group’s central values for a physically reasonable value of the form-factor parameter, indicating a resolution to these anomalies. We also check the deviation of a wave-packet resonance from the Briet–Wigner shape and find that wide ranges of the wave-packet size are consistent with the experimental data.
The cryogenic RWELL: a stable charge multiplier for dual-phase liquid argon detectors
Authors: Tesi A. , Leardini S. , Moleri L. , Gonzalez-Diaz D. , Jash A. , Breskin A. , Bressler S.
Published: October 2023

The operation of a cryogenic Resistive WELL (RWELL) in liquid argon vapor is reported for the first time. It comprises a Thick Gas Electron Multiplier (THGEM) structure coupled to a resistive Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) anode deposited on an insulating substrate. The multiplier was operated at cryogenic temperature (90 K, 1.2 bar) in saturated argon vapor and characterized in terms of charge gain and electrical stability. A comparative study with standard, non-resistive THGEM (a.k.a LEM) and WELL multipliers confirmed the RWELL advantages in terms of discharge quenching – i.e. superior gain and stability.
FConvNet: Leveraging Fused Convolution for Household Garbage Classification
Authors: Liang Guihuang , Guan Jingtao
Published: October 2023

Confronted with the fast social development, the speed of garbage generation has increased. Therefore, from every aspect, especially staying green and healthy, it is urgent and vital to ensure accurate and stable garbage classification. In the field of garbage classification, household garbage has a large volume and the classification process still requires manual intervention. Besides, most of the current studies focus on industrial waste and medical waste, while the existing studies on household garbage are not effective enough. Furthermore, these studies are mostly trained and validated in self-built datasets, making the experimental results insufficiently representative and severely limiting the development of research. Aiming to facilitate the study of household garbage classification, this paper proposes a simple yet effective network model (FConvNet) to improve classification performance. In this paper, an effective convolution block with fused convolution is designed to enhance the potential correlation of the features in the spatial dimension, and then a lightweight symmetric structure is constructed to infer more information about the feature representation. The experiments on public datasets have justified the effectiveness of FConvNet with accuracy rates of 95%, 95% and 97%, achieving better performance on public datasets compared to baselines. Additionally, an online system based on the WeChat mini program framework is designed to provide convenient household garbage classification services and enable the collection of uploaded images to perform model optimizations.
Understanding Feeling-of-Knowing in Information Search: An EEG Study
Authors: Michalkova Dominika , Rodriguez Mario Parra , Moshfeghi Yashar
Published: October 2023

The realisation and the variability of information needs (IN) with respect to a searcher’s gap in knowledge is driven by the perceived Anomalous State of Knowledge (ASK). The concept of Feeling-of-Knowing (FOK), as the introspective feeling of knowledge awareness, shares the characteristics of an ASK state. From an IR perspective, FOK as a premise to trigger IN is unexplored. Motivated by the neuroimaging studies in IR, we investigate the neurophysiological drivers associated with FOK, to provide evidence validating FOK as a distinctive state in IN realisation. We employ Electroencephalography to capture the brain activity of 24 healthy participants performing a textual Question Answering IR scenario. We analyse the evoked neural patterns corresponding to three states of knowledge: i.e., (1)“I know”, (2)“FOK”, (3)“I do not know”. Our findings show the distinct neurophysiological signatures (N1, P2, N400, P6) in response to information segments processed in the context of our three levels. They further reveal that the brain manifestation associated with “FOK” does not significantly differ from the ones associated with “I do not know”, indicating their association with recognition of a gap in knowledge and as such could further inform the IN formation on different levels of knowing.
English Listening Teaching Mode under Artificial Intelligence Speech Synthesis Technology
Authors: Yu Cui , Wu Lili , Li Junyan , Li Shuang
Published: October 2023

To discuss the application of artificial intelligence (AI) speech synthesis technology and wireless network technology in English listening teaching, firstly, the present situation of English listening teaching is analyzed. Secondly, a questionnaire is designed to investigate the feasibility of AI speech synthesis technology in English listening teaching. Finally, the control group (a traditional mode of English listening teaching) and experimental group (AI speech synthesis technology) are set up, compared, and analyzed. The survey shows that for natural fluency, speech synthesis has the lowest score. The textbook audio score is the highest, with an average score of 4.23. According to the mean opinion score (MOS), the AI speech synthesis technology belongs to high-quality speech coding. Therefore, the English audio generated by combining AI speech synthesis technology under wireless network technology also has high quality. Meanwhile, 113 people in the survey consider that the clear articulation of the synthesized audio is full marks, which is clearer than the English audio matching the textbook, indicating that students think the English audio of the supporting textbook is poor in the clear articulation, which affects students’ listening. Moreover, the English listening scores of the experimental group are notably better than those of the control group. It is hoped that the traditional teaching mode can be better integrated with wireless networks and AI technology, thereby improving the clarity of English listening, providing mobile learning, and advancing students' English performance and learning efficiency.
Multigranularity Pruning Model for Subject Recognition Task under Knowledge Base Question Answering When General Models Fail
Authors: Wang Ziming , Xu Xirong , Song Xiaoying , Li Haochen , Wei Xiaopeng , Huang Degen
Published: October 2023

In general knowledge base question answering (KBQA) models, subject recognition (SR) is usually a precondition of finding an answer, and it is a common way to employ a general named entity recognition (NER) model such as BERT‐CRF to recognize the subject. However, in previous researches, the difference between a NER task and a SR task is usually ignored, and a wrong entity recognized by the NER model will certainly lead to a wrong answer in the KBQA task, which is one bottleneck for KBQA performance. In this paper, a multigranularity pruning model (MGPM) is proposed to answer a question when general models fail to recognize a subject. In MGPM, the set of all possible subjects in the Knowledge Base (KB) is pruned by 4 multigranularity pruning submodels successively based on the constraint of relation (domain and tuple), string similarity, and semantic similarity. Experimental results show that our model is compatible with various KBQA models for both single‐relation and complex questions answering. The integrated MGPM model (with the BERT‐CRF model) achieves a SR accuracy of 94.4% on the SimpleQuestions dataset, 68.6% on the WebQuestionsSP dataset, and 63.7% on the WebQuestions dataset, which outperforms the original model by a margin of 3.6%, 8.6%, and 5.3%, respectively.
Mechanical Properties and Mesostructure Evolution of Fibre-Reinforced Loess under Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Authors: Zhang Longfei , Hu Zaiqiang , Li Hongru , She Haicheng , Wang Xiaoliang , Han Xiaoning , Yang Xi
Published: October 2023

The strength of loess in seasonal frozen soil areas decreases evidently due to the freeze-thaw cycle, which even leads to some engineering and geological problems. Fibre reinforcement is very effective in improving the mechanical properties of soil. Triaxial tests under different water contents, freezing temperatures, and number of freeze-thaw cycles were carried out for fibre-reinforced loess to study the ability of fibre reinforcement to improve the resistance of loess to freeze-thaw damage; scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also conducted. The effects of freeze and thaw deterioration and reinforcement were discussed by comparing the strength parameters under different test conditions, and the influence mechanism of freezing temperature, number of freeze-thaw cycles, and reinforcement on loess strength was explained. Results show that a lower freezing temperature indicates a more evident decrease in strength after thawing. Under the action of the first five freeze-thaw cycles, the degree of decrease is more prominent. The fibre reinforcement can reduce the fragmentation of aggregates in loess, thereby effectively restraining the deterioration effect of loess during freeze-thaw cycles. Finally, the strength parameter prediction model under different freeze-thaw cycles of reinforced loess is established, thereby providing theoretical support for engineering application and numerical simulation of fibre-reinforced loess.