bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Analysis and Machine Learning Prediction of a Nonuniform Slot Air Bearing System
Authors: Wang Cheng-Chi , Lin Chih-Jer
Published: November 2022

Nonuniform slot air bearing (NSAB) systems have two major advantages, the external air supply and slot restrictor design, and their inherent multidirectional supporting forces and stiffness that provide excellent rotational stability. However, NSAB systems are prone to vibration from nonperiodic or chaotic motion caused by nonlinear pressure distribution within the gas film, gas supply imbalance, or simply inappropriate design. It is necessary to determine under which conditions these nonperiodic motions arise, and to design a NSAB system that will resist these vibrations. The dynamic behavior of a rotor supported by an NSAB system was studied using spectral response, bifurcation, Poincaré map, and the maximum Lyapunov exponent. The numerical results showed that chaos in an NSAB system occurred within specific ranges of rotor mass and bearing number. For example, the chaotic regions where the maximum Lyapunov exponents were greater than zero occurred in the intervals of rotor mass 20.84 ≦ mf < 24.1 kg with a bearing number of Λ = 3.45. In addition, the coupling effect of rotor mass and bearing number was also investigated. To predict chaotic behavior, ensemble regression, and the back propagation neural network were used to forecast the occurrence of chaos. It was found that ensemble regression using dataset of 26 × 121 gave the best results and most accurate prediction for this NSAB system. The results may make a valuable contribution to the design of NSAB systems for use in a wide variety of industrial applications.
Isobaric Heat Capacity and Density of Supercritical H2O/CO2 Mixtures: Measurements in a Multifunction Apparatus
Authors: Zhang Hanlin , Wu Haomin , Li Sha , Liu Dong , Li Qiang
Published: November 2022

Studies on the thermophysical properties of H2O/CO2 mixtures for supercritical conditions, typical for a promising power generation system are far fewer than those for typical conditions of CO2 capture and storage (lower temperatures and pressures). In the previous heat transfer studies, we have setup a high-temperature and high-pressure apparatus. Here, we have extended it to a multifunction apparatus to enable the measurements of both the isobaric heat capacity and density that are important for the understanding and prediction of heat transfer behaviors, besides the design of the power generation system. For the experimental conditions, the pressure is 24 MPa, the temperatures range from 300 °C to 410 °C, and the CO2 mass fractions are 10%, 15%, and 18.5%. The isobaric heat capacities have been measured using the flow calorimeter method. The expanded relative uncertainty is 8.2% for temperatures beyond ±4 °C from the pseudocritical point and is 18.2% near the pseudocritical point. The densities were obtained from the measurements of the pressure drops with an expanded relative uncertainty of 4.8%. These two methods were validated by supercritical pure water experiments. The isobaric heat capacity and density data given in this work, as well as our previous heat transfer data, are self-consistent regarding the pseudocritical temperatures of supercritical H2O/CO2 mixtures.
Numerical Investigation of the Effect of Heat Sinks With Various Fin Geometries on the Performance of a Thermoelectric Generator
Authors: Ozbektas Seyda , Sungur Bilal , Topaloğlu Bahattin
Published: November 2022

In this study, the effect of heat sink geometries on the performance of a thermoelectric generator was researched. In this context, fins with different geometries (flat fin, square pin fin, hexagonal pin fin, and circle pin fin) placed on an aluminum heat sink, and their effects on heat transfer and electricity generation were investigated numerically. Calculations were carried out according to three different hot surface temperatures and five different air velocities. As a result of this study, it was determined that the electrical output increased with the increase in air velocity and hot surface temperature in all geometries. The highest electrical outputs were obtained at 150 °C hot surface temperatures and 15,000 Reynolds numbers, while the lowest electrical outputs were obtained at 50 °C hot surface temperatures and 5000 Reynolds numbers in all geometries. The best thermal and electrical performance was obtained with a flat fin heat sink, and the worst performance was seen in the thermoelectric generator (TEG) system without a heat sink. The highest power outputs of the flat fin heat sink and without heat sink TEG systems were 6.42 W and 1.12 W, respectively. In addition, the highest conversion efficiencies of the flat fin heat sink and without heat sink TEG systems were 14.94% and 5.54%, respectively.
Effects of Jet-to-Target Surface Spacing and Pin-Fin Height on Jet Impingement Heat Transfer in a Rectangular Channel
Authors: Alzahrani Yasser S. , Wright Lesley M. , Han Je-Chin
Published: November 2022

An experimental study was completed to quantify heat transfer enhancement, pressure loss, and crossflow effect within a channel of inline impinging jets. The jet diameter is 5.08 mm; the jet-to-jet spacings in the streamwise and spanwise directions are fixed at x/d = 11.1 and y/d = 5.9, respectively. The effect of jet-to-target surface spacing was considered with z/d = 3 and 6. For both jet-to-target surface spacings, smooth, short pin-finned, and long pin-finned target surfaces were investigated. Both roughened surfaces have a staggered array of 120 copper pin-fins. The pin-to-jet diameter ratio is fixed at D/d = 0.94. The pin height-to-jet diameter ratio for the short and long pins are H1/d = 1.5 and H2/d = 2.75, respectively. Regionally averaged heat transfer coefficient distributions were measured on the target surface, and these distributions were coupled with pressure measurements through the array. The heat transfer augmentation and pressure penalty were investigated over a range of jet Reynolds numbers (10k–70k). The results show high discharge coefficients for all the cases. The channels with the small jet-to-target surface spacing experience double the crossflow effect of the large spacing channels. The addition of surface roughness showed a negligible effect on the crossflow. The best heat transfer performance was observed in the narrow impingement channel with the long pins.
A Special Electrode Can Be Bonded to Stainless Steel for High Temperature Application in MEMS Structure
Authors: Liu Yi-Yen , Lin Shun-Chiu , Wu Wen-Jong
Published: November 2022

In the fabrication process of micro piezoelectric energy harvester (MPEH), the high annealing temperature, 520 degrees Celsius is crucial to ensure the quality of the piezoelectric thick film deposited with Aerosol deposition method. In this paper, different electrode stack composition with different thicknesses are investigated. The goal is to find an electrode stack that can sustain the high annealing temperature, be well bonded to the stainless steel, resist high pull-off forces with soldered bonding wire, and have the least expensive platinum (Pt) usage. A set of experiments are designed to investigated different composition of electrode stack, and the soldered binding wire pull-off force was tested to find out the optimized stack configuration.
Feedback Control for Traveling Wave Generation With Bending Actuators
Authors: Bhayadia Amit , Olivett Anthony , Karami M. Amin
Published: November 2022

Travelling wave generation in finite structures is an engaging topic that has given rise to various research opportunities. A number of feed-forward techniques including two mode excitation, impedance matching and active sink have been developed to generate travelling waves in solids. Although these techniques have shown to be adequate in laboratory settings, especially for long, slender beams, they require laborious tuning procedures which do not guarantee desired trajectories and are followed in light of interference from noise and unwanted perturbations. By all account, a robust travelling wave device is one that can handle unwanted perturbations and noise in real time using feedback control. A closed loop back-stepping control method attenuated with two mode excitation is utilised to generate desired travelling waves on a finite structure. The method utilises piezoelectric patches for actuation and sensing. The orthogonality of the longitudinal modes is exploited to decompose the modal vibrations of two consecutive modes. The modal vibrations are then regulated using an feedback control scheme such that the two consecutive modes have the same amplitude and a phase difference of 90°, which is a required condition to obtain a travelling wave in finite structures. A parameter estimation method using orthogonal decomposition is utilised to calculate the modal amplitude from the beam displacement and also to calculate the excitation forces required to regulate the modal amplitude of two consecutive modes. The closed loop method is implemented on a fixed-fixed Euler Bernoulli beam model to verify the feedback control strategy and test the modal estimation method.
Design Optimization of a Piezocomposite Ornithopter Wing Planform Using a Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Katibeh Mohammad , Bilgen Onur
Published: November 2022

A mechanism-free ornithopter, also referred to as a “solid-state” ornithopter, works based on utilizing piezocomposite actuators to achieve heaving and pitching motions for producing lift and thrust. A set of piezocomposite actuators are attached to a composite substrate, and as the piezocomposite devices are excited, a flapping motion is generated due to the induced strain. Previously, parametric studies were conducted on a rectangular wing model as well as a wing-like planform using the finite element method. In this article, a new parameterized model for the wing planform is introduced. This model makes it possible to analyze the response of a parametric wing to variations of critical shape parameters. A preliminary analysis is conducted based on the model to explore the effects of each parameter on flight performance metrics. Furthermore, an optimization framework is developed to search for the optimal set of parameters that achieve best performance. The framework utilizes a single objective genetic algorithm optimizer, and the response is predicted using a parameterized finite element model. The convergence of the genetic algorithm is checked using well-known test functions with similar input space and specifications as the wing models considered. Parameters of the genetic algorithm are tuned to achieve convergence to global optima. The framework is used to optimize the geometry of the wing planform for a variety of performance metrics.
Design and Testing of a Variable Stiffness Honeycomb Composite
Authors: Squibb Carson , Philen Michael
Published: November 2022

Shape Memory Polymer (SMPs) have been of interest for use in morphing structures. Owing to their low cost and density, large stiffness change in excess of 1000X, and easy tailorability, they are an attractive option as a variable stiffness material and in variable stiffness structures. One limitation of these polymers, however, is that they are generally too compliant for high force applications, with maximum moduli less than 3 GPa. It is of interest then to develop methods to increase the modulus of these materials while preserving their stiffness change. In this research a novel multimaterial smart carbon fiber honeycomb is designed as a reinforcement for a styrene SMP infill, creating a variable modulus honeycomb composite. A unit cell finite element model is created, and parametric studies are completed to explore the design space of the composite. Selected cell geometries are fabricated and tested to validate the fabrication method and determine their the in-plane effective modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and stiffness change through SMP activation. The results find increases in modulus over the SMP alone of up to 400%, and modulus close to those of the SMP are found to be possible. Modulus changes of nearly 450X are demonstrated, which is found to be an underprediction owing to experimental uncertainty. The predicted and measured performance of this type of composite, along with the ease of tailoring the cell geometry, represent a potentially attractive option for variable stiffness SMP composites and morphing structures.
Investigation of Transformation Temperatures, Microstructure, and Deformation Behavior of a Pseudoelastic Cu-Based Shape Memory Alloy
Authors: Krancher Christian , Schelnberger Benjamin , Hoffmann Fabian , Krieg Romina , Theiß Ralf , Dültgen Peter
Published: November 2022

Cu-based shape memory alloys are a promising alternative to the widely used nitinol. The challenge for their use is related to the application temperature, shape memory properties as well as fabrication, and further processing. Knowledge of the transformation temperatures, microstructure, and deformation behavior is of fundamental importance. Research suggested that Cu-Al-Mn shape memory alloys could fulfill this combination of properties excellent.

For this purpose, a Cu-Al-Mn-Ni shape memory alloy was melted, cast, and the produced cast rods were subsequently heat treated. For a first idea of whether the chosen composition is a promising alloy depending on the homogenization time, the transformation temperatures and the resulting microstructure were investigated. The transformation behavior was determined by dynamic differential calorimetry. Microstructure investigations were performed by optical microscopy. In addition, to get a first knowledge concerning the deformation behavior the material was characterized by quasi-static compression tests. To this end, cylindrical specimens were turned from the cast bars.

The investigation demonstrates a pseudoelastic behavior of the chosen Cu-Al-Mn-Ni shape memory alloy. The study proves the influence of the homogenization time on the microstructure. Furthermore, excellent deformation behavior and good shape memory properties under compressive loading are shown.
A Novel Compact Concept Design of an SMA Based Endoscope
Authors: Goergen Yannik , Britz Rouven , Mandolino Michele , Rizzello Gianluca , Motzki Paul
Published: November 2022

Since continuum robots are applicable in many areas, including industry and medicine, research interest in this field is continuously increasing. A crucial aspect to effectively control their complex motion is the type of actuators. Common solutions are characterized by bulky driving units placed at the base of the robot. Although these solutions allow preserving the lightweight nature of the active part, they affect the weight, size, and mobility of the total system. This paper presents a novel concept of a fully integrated continuum robotic endoscope driven by shape memory alloy (SMA) wire actuators. These unconventional actuators are integrated within the flexible structure, resulting in a compact and lightweight overall robotic structure. The mechanical design and assembly are first described in detail showing the unique features. Furthermore, the design of an SMA driven autofocus system is described. In the future, the autofocus should be integrated within the tip of the robot and allows adjusting the focus of a camera.
Design and Control Strategy of Tip Manipulation for Shape Memory Alloy Actuated Steerable Needle
Authors: Acharya Sharad Raj , Hutapea Parsaoran
Published: November 2022

In a minimally invasive percutaneous procedure like biopsy, brachytherapy, and tissue ablation, the inner soft tissue is accessed through surgical needle-puncture of the skin. This process reduces tissue damage and risk of infection and improves patient recovery time. However, its effectiveness depends on the needle’s ability to travel on a curved path, avoid obstacles, and maintain high targeting accuracy. Conventional needles are passive and have limited steerability and trajectory correction capability. This has motivated researchers to develop actuation mechanisms to create active needles. In this study, an innovative active steerable needle with a single shape memory alloy (SMA) wire actuator is designed, fabricated, and tested for maneuver. A closed-loop Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controller with position feedback is developed to control needle tip deflection in air and tissue-mimicking gels. The needle tip is deflected up to 5.75 mm in the air medium. In tissue-mimicking gel, it is deflected up to 15 mm in a predefined trajectory during a 100 mm insertion depth. Our results show that needle tip deflection control has an average root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.72 mm in the air and 1.26 mm in the tissue-mimicking gel. The trajectory tracking performance of the designed SMA actuated needle and its control system show the effectiveness of the active needle in the percutaneous procedures. Future work includes testing the needle’s performance in the biological tissues.
Aerodynamic Modeling and Analysis of a Variable Camber Piezocomposite Rotor
Authors: Shah Bharg , Bilgen Onur
Published: November 2022

The so-called solid-state (mechanism-free) rotor concept can be applied to various rotary systems such as rotorcraft and wind turbines, to name a few. In this paper, the theoretical aerodynamic performance of a variable camber piezocomposite rotor is analyzed and presented. Two aerodynamic parameters, namely, the blade pitch angle, and the blade camber are analyzed. Coefficients of thrust and torque are taken into consideration as performance metrics. Two types of modeling are used to quantify the theoretical performance of the variable camber rotor: an analytical model, and an XROTOR model. The analytical model for prediction of coefficients of thrust and torque is based on the blade element momentum theory. For the XROTOR model, the rotor performance parameters are identified by for the use of simulations for a range of rotational speeds. Benchtop experiments are used to identify the parameters for the theoretical models.
Threshold switching stabilization of NbO2 films via nanoscale devices
Authors: Sullivan M. C. , Robinson Zachary R. , Beckmann Karsten , Powell Alex , Mburu Ted , Pittman Katherine , Cady Nathaniel
Published: November 2022

The stabilization of the threshold switching characteristics of memristive NbOx is examined as a function of sample growth and device characteristics. Sub-stoichiometric Nb2O5 was deposited via magnetron sputtering and patterned in nanoscale (50×50–170×170nm2) W/Ir/NbOx/TiN devices and microscale (2×2–15×15μm2) crossbar Au/Ru/NbOx/Pt devices. Annealing the nanoscale devices at 700 °C removed the need for electroforming the devices. The smallest nanoscale devices showed a large asymmetry in the IV curves for positive and negative bias that switched to symmetric behavior for the larger and microscale devices. Electroforming the microscale crossbar devices created conducting NbO2 filaments with symmetric IV curves whose behavior did not change as the device area increased. The smallest devices showed the largest threshold voltages and most stable threshold switching. As the nanoscale device area increased, the resistance of the devices scaled with the area as R∝A−1, indicating a crystallized bulk NbO2 device. When the nanoscale device size was comparable to the size of the filaments, the annealed nanoscale devices showed similar electrical responses as the electroformed microscale crossbar devices, indicating filament-like behavior in even annealed devices without electroforming. Finally, the addition of up to 1.8% Ti dopant into the films did not improve or stabilize the threshold switching in the microscale crossbar devices.
Epitaxial growth of the first two members of the Ban+1InnO2.5n+1 Ruddlesden–Popper homologous series
Authors: Hensling Felix V. E. , Smeaton Michelle A. , Show Veronica , Azizie Kathy , Barone Matthew R. , Kourkoutis Lena F. , Schlom Darrell G.
Published: November 2022

We demonstrate the epitaxial growth of the first two members, and the n=∞ member of the homologous Ruddlesden–Popper series of Ban+1InnO2.5n+1 of which the n=1 member was previously unknown. The films were grown by suboxide molecular-beam epitaxy where the indium is provided by a molecular beam of indium-suboxide [In2O (g)]. To facilitate ex situ characterization of the highly hygroscopic barium indate films, a capping layer of amorphous SiO2 was deposited prior to air exposure. The structural quality of the films was assessed by x-ray diffraction, reflective high-energy electron diffraction, and scanning transmission electron microscopy.
Impact of Dolutegravir-Based Antiretroviral Therapy on Piperaquine Exposure following Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnant Women Living with HIV
Authors: Banda Clifford G. , Nkosi Dumisile , Allen Elizabeth , Workman Lesley , Madanitsa Mwayiwawo , Chirwa Marumbo , Kapulula Mayamiko , Muyaya Sharon , Munharo Steven , Tarning Joel , Phiri Kamija S. , Mwapasa Victor , ter Kuile Feiko O. , Maartens Gary , Barnes Karen I.
Published: November 2022

Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine, an artemisinin-based combination therapy, has been identified as a promising agent for intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy. However, in pregnant women living with HIV (PLWH), efavirenz-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) significantly reduces the plasma exposure of piperaquine.
Extracellular DNAses Facilitate Antagonism and Coexistence in Bacterial Competitor-Sensing Interference Competition
Authors: Ogawa Aoi , Golé Christophe , Bermudez Maria , Habarugira Odrine , Joslin Gabrielle , McCain Taylor , Mineo Autumn , Wise Jennifer , Xiong Julie , Yan Katherine , Vriezen Jan A. C.
Published: November 2022

Ever since the first observation of antagonism by microorganisms by Ernest Duchesne (E. Duchesne, Contribution à l’étude de la concurrence vitale chez les microorganisms. Antagonism entre les moisissures et les microbes, These pour obtenir le grade de docteur en medicine, Lyon, France, 1897), many scientists successfully identified and applied bacteriogenic bioactive compounds from soils to cure infection.
Identification of KPC-112 from an ST15 Klebsiella pneumoniae Strain Conferring Resistance to Ceftazidime-Avibactam
Authors: Shen Siquan , Tang Chengkang , Ding Li , Han Renru , Yin Dandan , Yang Weiwei , Guo Yan , Hu Fupin
Published: November 2022

Carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacterales
(CRE) are one of the most serious antimicrobial resistance problems in the world, listed as an “urgent” threat by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Diagnostic Yield and Impact on Antimicrobial Management of 16S rRNA Testing of Clinical Specimens
Authors: Eamsakulrat Pruke , Santanirand Pitak , Phuphuakrat Angsana
Published: November 2022

16S rRNA gene sequencing has been increasingly used in clinical practice. Using the final diagnosis as a gold standard, the sensitivity of 16S rRNA gene sequencing was fair. In the setting with no 16S rRNA gene sequencing test ordering restrictions, only small percentages of the test results had an impact on antimicrobial management. Restrictions on test requests should be developed to maximize the benefit of the test.
Usefulness of Combining Sputum and Nasopharyngeal Samples for Viral Detection by Reverse Transcriptase PCR in Adults Hospitalized with Acute Respiratory Illness
Authors: Kim Keun Ju , Yun Seung Gyu , Cho Yunjung , Nam Myung-Hyun , Lee Chang Kyu
Published: November 2022

This study reveals that RT-PCR utilizing sputum significantly increased the detection rate for respiratory viral nucleic acids among adult patients admitted to the hospital, compared to nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS). Notably, combined samples of sputum and NPS maintained the majority of the improved sputum detection rate with only a few positive signal losses from NPS samples.
Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of endometriosis
Authors: Horne Andrew W , Missmer Stacey A
Published: November 2022

Endometriosis affects approximately 190 million women and people assigned female at birth worldwide. It is a chronic, inflammatory, gynecologic disease marked by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, which in many patients is associated with debilitating painful symptoms. Patients with endometriosis are also at greater risk of infertility, emergence of fatigue, multisite pain, and other comorbidities. Thus, endometriosis is best understood as a condition with variable presentation and effects at multiple life stages. A long diagnostic delay after symptom onset is common, and persistence and recurrence of symptoms despite treatment is common. This review discusses the potential genetic, hormonal, and immunologic factors that lead to endometriosis, with a focus on current diagnostic and management strategies for gynecologists, general practitioners, and clinicians specializing in conditions for which patients with endometriosis are at higher risk. It examines evidence supporting the different surgical, pharmacologic, and non-pharmacologic approaches to treating patients with endometriosis and presents an easy to adopt step-by-step management strategy. As endometriosis is a multisystem disease, patients with the condition should ideally be offered a personalized, multimodal, interdisciplinary treatment approach. A priority for future discovery is determining clinically informative sub-classifications of endometriosis that predict prognosis and enhance treatment prioritization.
Impact of patient and public (PPI) involvement in the Life After Prostate Cancer Diagnosis (LAPCD) study: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Brett Jo , Davey Zoe , Matley Fiona , Butcher Hugh , Keenan John , Catton Darryl , Watson Eila , Wright Penny , Gavin Anna , Glaser Adam W
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Standardised reporting of patient and public involvement (PPI) in research studies is needed to facilitate learning about how to achieve effective PPI. The aim of this evaluation was to explore the impact of PPI in a large UK study, the Life After Prostate Cancer Diagnosis (LAPCD) study, and to explore the facilitators and challenges experienced.

Design

Mixed-methods study using an online survey and semistructured interviews. Survey and topic guide were informed by systematic review evidence of the impact of PPI and by realist evaluation. Descriptive analysis of survey data and thematic analysis of interview data were conducted. Results are reported using the GRIPP2 (Guidance for Reporting Involvement of Patients and the Public, Version 2) reporting guidelines.

Setting

LAPCD study, a UK-wide patient-reported outcome study.

Participants

User Advisory Group (UAG) members (n=9) and researchers (n=29) from the LAPCD study.

Results

Impact was greatest on improving survey design and topic guides for interviews, enhancing clarity of patient-facing materials, informing best practices around data collection and ensuring steering group meetings were grounded in what is important to the patient. Further impacts included ensuring patient-focused dissemination of study findings at conference presentations and in lay summaries.

Facilitating context factors included clear aims, time to contribute, confidence to contribute, and feeling valued and supported by researchers and other UAG members. Facilitating mechanisms included embedding the UAG within the study as a separate workstream, allocating time and resources to the UAG reflecting the value of input, and putting in place clear communication channels. Hindering factors included time commitment, geographical distance, and lack of standardised feedback mechanisms.

Conclusion

Including PPI as an integral component of the LAPCD study and providing the right context and mechanisms for involving the UAG helped maximise the programme’s effectiveness and impact.
Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy in Germany: a prospective cohort study protocol
Authors: Scholten Nadine , Leisse Charlotte , Brandes Vanessa , Oberröhrmann Charlotte , Ihle Peter , Peter Sophie , Hagemeier Anna , Hellmich Martin , Lindemann Christoph H. , Samel Christina , Pfaff Holger , Lehmann Clara
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) means intravenous administration of antibiotics outside the hospital. The antibiotics are administered at the patient’s home. The advantages are the shortening of the inpatient stay, which means that patients can remain in their familiar environment, the reduction of nosocomial infections as well as the reduction of hospital and therapy costs. Nevertheless, OPAT is rarely performed in Germany, despite its international application. Therefore, systematic data on OPAT are not available in Germany. The project objective is to investigate the medical care using OPAT under medical, epidemiological and economic aspects within the framework of the Cologne Network of Infectious Diseases.

Methods and analysis

Observational study with mixed-methods approach, qualitative analysis to identify physician-side factors to assess the attitude of general practitioners in Cologne with regard to possible implementation barriers of an OPAT. Longitudinal analysis of an OPAT patient cohort with respect to clinical and patient-relevant outcomes using descriptive and conclusive statistics.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Cologne, Germany (19-1284-1). Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. The results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at one or more scientific conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT04002453.
Collaborative improvement project to decrease maternal mortality rate across five hospitals in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Nassif Mohamed , Bissen Teresa , Alotaibi Yasser K , Alnowaiser Noura , Alzahrani Ahmed , Wang Mawahib
Published: November 2022

Maternal morbidities and mortalities remain high globally, yet are preventable events. Maternal haemorrhage is a primary cause of both maternal morbidity and mortality. In this collaborative project, multipronged evidence-based interventions, inclusive of embedded morbidity surveillance trigger tools were implemented to increase maternal morbidity reporting and improve the safety culture, while structured morbidity and mortality reviews aided in the reduction maternal mortality.
Development of a coordinated registry network for pelvic organ prolapse technologies
Authors: Baird Courtney E , Chughtai Bilal , Bradley Catherine S , Kobashi Kathleen , Jung Mary , Sedrakyan Art , Andrews Sharon , Ferriter Ann , Cornelison Terri , Marinac-Dabic Danica
Published: November 2022

Objectives

The accumulation of data through a prospective, multicenter Coordinated Registry Network (CRN) could be a robust and cost-effective way to gather real-world evidence on the performance of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) technologies for device-based and intervention-based studies. To develop the CRN, a group of POP experts consisting of representatives from professional societies, the Food and Drug Administration, academia, industry, and the patient community, was convened to discuss the role and feasibility of the CRN and to identify the core data elements important to assess POP technologies.

Design

A Delphi method approach was employed to achieve consensus on a core minimum dataset for the CRN. A series of surveys were sent to the panel and answered by each expert anonymously and individually. Results from the surveys were collected, collated, and analyzed by the study design team from Weill Cornell Medicine. Questions for the next round were based on the analysis process and discussed with group members via conference call. This process was repeated twice over a 6-month time period during which consensus was achieved.

Results

Twenty-one experts participated in the effort and proposed 120 data elements. Participation rates in the first and second round of the Delphi survey were 95.2% and 71.4%, respectively. The working group reached final consensus among responders on 90 data elements capturing relevant general medical and surgical history, procedure and discharge, short-term and long-term follow-up, device factors, and surgery and surgeon factors.

Conclusions

The CRN successfully developed a set of core data elements to support the study of POP technologies through convening an expert panel on POP technologies and using the Delphi method. These standardized data elements have the potential to influence patient and provider decisions about treatments and include important outcomes related to efficacy and safety.
Ancestry,ACKR1and leucopenia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Chung Cecilia P , Karakoc Gul , Liu Ge , Gamboa Jorge L , Mosley Jonathan D , Cox Nancy J , Stein C Michael , Kawai Vivian
Published: November 2022

Objective

SLE is more prevalent in populations of African (AA) than European ancestry (EA) and leucopenia is common. A homozygous variant inACKR1(rs2814778-CC) is associated with lower white cell counts; the variant is common in AA but not EA populations. We hypothesised that in SLE: (1) leucopenia is more frequent in patients of AA than EA, and (2) theACKR1-CC genotype accounts for the higher frequency of leucopenia in AA patients.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study in patients with SLE at a tertiary care system. Ancestry was defined by genetic principal components. We compared the rate of leucopenia, thrombocytopenia and anaemia between (a) EA and AA patients, and (b)ACKR1-CT/TT and CC genotype in AA patients.

Results

The cohort included 574 patients of EA and 190 of AA;ACKR1-CC genotype was common in AA (70%) but not EA (0%) patients. Rates of leucopenia for ancestry and genotype were AA 60.0% vs EA 36.8 % (p=1.9E-08); CC 67.7% vs CT/TT 42.1% (p=9.8E-04). The rate of leucopenia did not differ by ancestry comparing EA patients versus AA with CT/TT genotype (p=0.59). Thrombocytopenia (22.2% vs 13.2%, p=0.004) and anaemia (88.4% vs 66.2%, p=3.7E-09) were more frequent in AA patients but were not associated withACKR1genotype (p=0.82 and p=0.84, respectively).

Conclusions

SLE of AA had higher rates of anaemia, leucopenia, and thrombocytopenia than those of EA; only the difference in leucopenia was explained byACKR1-CC genotype. This genotype could affect clinical practice.
Does recovery from submaximal exercise predict response to cardiac resynchronisation therapy?
Authors: Wouters Philippe , Schoots Thijs , Niemeijer Victor , Spee Ruud F , Kemps Hareld
Published: November 2022

Background

Exercise parameters are not routinely incorporated in decision making for cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT). Submaximal exercise parameters better reflect daily functional capacity of heart failure patients than parameters measured at maximal exertion, and may therefore better predict response to CRT. We compared various exercise parameters, and sought to establish which best predict CRT response.

Methods

In 31 patients with chronic heart failure (61% male; age 68±7 years), submaximal and maximal cycling testing was performed before and 3 months after CRT. Submaximal oxygen onset (τVO2onset) and recovery kinetics (τVO2recovery), peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) where measured. Response was defined as ≥15% relative reduction in end-systolic volume.

Results

After controlling for age, New York Heart Association and VO2peak, fast submaximal VO2kinetics were significantly associated with response to CRT, measured either during onset or recovery of submaximal exercise (area under the curve, AUC=0.719 for both; p<0.05). By contrast, VO2peak (AUC=0.632; p=0.199) and OUES (AUC=0.577; p=0.469) were not associated with response. Among patients with fast onset and recovery kinetics, below 60 s, a significantly higher percentage of responders was observed (91% and 92% vs 43% and 40%, respectively).

Conclusions

Impaired VO2kinetics may serve as an objective marker of submaximal exercise capacity that is age-independently associated with non-response following CRT, whereas maximal exercise parameters are not. Assessment of VO2kinetics is feasible and easy to perform, but larger studies should confirm their clinical utility.
Defect and degree of the Alexander polynomial
Authors: Lanina E. , Morozov A.
Published: November 2022

Defect characterizes the depth of factorization of terms in differential (cyclotomic) expansions of knot polynomials, i.e. of the non-perturbative Wilson averages in the Chern-Simons theory. We prove the conjecture that the defect can be alternatively described as the degree in $$q^{\pm 2}$$

q

±
2

of the fundamental Alexander polynomial, which formally corresponds to the case of no colors. We also pose a question if these Alexander polynomials can be arbitrary integer polynomials of a given degree. A first attempt to answer the latter question is a preliminary analysis of antiparallel descendants of the 2-strand torus knots, which provide a nice set of examples for all values of the defect. The answer turns out to be positive in the case of defect zero knots, what can be observed already in the case of twist knots. This proved conjecture also allows us to provide a complete set of C-polynomials for the symmetrically colored Alexander polynomials for defect zero. In this case, we achieve a complete separation of representation and knot variables.
Quark unitarity triangles
Authors: Rebeca Juárez Wysozka S. , Kielanowski Piotr , Vázquez Mercado Liliana
Published: November 2022

The angles and the lengths of the sides of all unitarity triangles of the Cabibbo–Kobayashi–Maskawa (CKM) matrix are determined with very high precision from the experimental data. Our analysis is independent of parameterization of the CKM matrix and it is based on the predictions of the unitarity for the angles and the areas of the unitarity triangles. We note that the lengths of the sides of the three unitarity triangles determined from the experimental data do not form a triangle. We resolve this incompatibility by performing a constrained fit, assuming the equality of the area of the unitarity triangles. We demonstrate that the measured data are compatible with the predictions of the unitarity of the CKM matrix. We show that the angles of the unitarity triangles obtained by the multiplication of the rows of the CKM matrix can be obtained from the angles obtained by the multiplication of the columns. The equality of those two types of angles is a simple, but a very powerful test of the general structure of the Standard Model.
Elucidating the jet cross-section in pp and pPb collisions at sNN = 5.02TeV
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Tabassam Uzma , Ul Abidin Zain , Ajaz Muhammad , Suleymanov Mais , Khubrani Ahmed M. , Waqas Muhammad , Waqas Muhammad
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we present the charged particles jet cross-section study in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] collisions at [Formula: see text],TeV using PYTHIA8 (PYTHIA8.186 and PYTHIA8.306) and HIJING 2.0 models, in kinematic range of [Formula: see text],GeV/c for [Formula: see text] collisions and [Formula: see text],GeV/c for [Formula: see text] collisions. The jets are reconstructed for [Formula: see text], 0.3, 0.4 and 0.6 for the pseudorapidity interval of [Formula: see text] 0.9-R. The jets algorithms: cell jet and slow jet inside PYTHIA8.186 and anti-[Formula: see text] algorithm using HIJING 2.0 have been used for Monte Carlo simulations. The simulation results are then compared with measurements of the ALICE experiment. It is observed that all models’ predictions are lower than experimental data up to [Formula: see text],GeV/c; after that, the Monte Carlo study of Cell and slow jet satisfies the experimental data. The CR tunes could not explain the ALICE data at high [Formula: see text] values due to nonperturbative QCD effects. We have also calculated the nuclear modification factor [Formula: see text], and no clear suppression has been seen in the case of [Formula: see text] collisions. The results from the models indicate that the QGP is not formed and that the cold nuclear matter effect exists in pPb collisions.
Pattern Matching-Based Structural Damage Identification Using Mode Shape Difference Ratio with Limited Sensors
Authors: Xiang Hong , Nie Zhenhua , Gao Ruofan , Ma Hongwei
Published: November 2022

In order to rapidly identify structural damage, a pattern matching-based structural damage identification using mode shape difference ratio with limited sensors is proposed. The mode shape difference ratio is proposed as the damage indicator for pattern matching. The natural frequencies and mode shapes of the structure under different damage scenarios are obtained by the numerical simulation with finite element software. Using the simulation results, the damage pattern library based on mode shape difference ratio matrix is constructed. Afterwards, for the real structure to be test, the response power spectrum ratio is calculated with the measured acceleration responses. Then the mode shape difference ratio matrix of real structure is constructed using the power spectrum ratio of the measured responses with limited sensors. With the reciprocal of correlation coefficient difference (ROCCD) used as the pattern matching approach, the actual structural damage pattern is matched with the pattern in the damage pattern library. The pattern in the library corresponding to the maximum value of ROCCD is considered to be the damage condition of the structure. Finally, the numerical simulation and experiment of a four-layer interlayer shear model are investigated. The results show that the proposed method well determines the damage location and severity of the structure, and possesses excellent practicability.
Modal Characteristic and Nonlinear Dynamic Response of Suspension Bridge with Lateral Asymmetric Stiffness
Authors: Hui Yi , Xia Chao , Li Ke , Qin Jingwei , Xu Liang
Published: November 2022

Asymmetric stiffness in transverse direction of suspension bridge can be easily induced by many causes during its long-term service. Such phenomenon may cause the coupling effect between vertical and torsional vibrations. A cross-section model of suspension bridge with seven-degree of freedom is proposed, to investigate the asymmetry effect on the dynamic behavior of the system. Corresponding modal analysis is firstly carried out. Results show that the asymmetric stiffness will induce veering phenomenon when natural frequency loci of vertical and torsional modes approach each other. In the veering region, mode hybridization phenomenon can be observed between these two modes. In addition, asymmetry-induced nonlinear vibration of hybrid vertical and torsional modes is studied using the extended incremental harmonic balance method. The effect of asymmetry extent is also investigated in this study. Results show that both hybrid modes can be excited by either the vertical or torsional excitation. Moreover, the energy can be transferred between these two modes, because of the nonlinear stiffness introduced by the significant swaying motion of hanger and cable.
Skew McCoy rings and σ-compatibility
Authors: Lee Kyu Sang
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we study [Formula: see text]-skew McCoy rings under the [Formula: see text]-compatible or the [Formula: see text]-semicompatible conditions. We show that if [Formula: see text] is a semicommutative right or left artinian ring which is [Formula: see text]-semicompatible with an epimorphism [Formula: see text], then the Jacobson radical [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-skew McCoy. As a corollary, we get that the Jacobson radical of a semicommutative artinian ring is right McCoy. We also show that every [Formula: see text]-compatible right duo ring is [Formula: see text]-skew McCoy and that for [Formula: see text]-compatible regular rings, the notions of the [Formula: see text]-skew McCoy and the right McCoy coincide. In addition, we show that every [Formula: see text]-semicompatible semicommutative ring is linearly [Formula: see text]-skew Camillo and that every matrix ring over a division ring is linearly [Formula: see text]-skew Camillo for any endomorphism [Formula: see text].
Melting and Crystallization of Free Copper and Nickel Nanoclusters using Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Samantaray M. P. , Sarangi S. S.
Published: November 2022

Molecular dynamics simulations with second nearest neighbor modified embedded atom method have been performed on free-standing copper and nickel nanoclusters composed of 2048 atoms. Thermo-dynamical, dynamical and structural properties of the nanoclusters have been investigated during melting and crystallization process. Variation of potential energy, specific heat and self-diffusion coefficient of atoms during the phase transition have been used to determine the melting and crystallization points. Radial distribution function is used to characterize the structural changes of the nanoclusters. The melting and solidification profiles of both the nanoclusters showed hysteresis behavior, which is attributed to the undercooling effect during the solidification process. The melting temperature is about few hundreds of Kelvins higher than the crystallization temperature. The result shows that the melting and crystallization temperature of copper nanocluster are 1360[Formula: see text]K[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]5[Formula: see text]K and 1090[Formula: see text]K[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]5[Formula: see text]K, respectively, and those of the nickel nanoclusters are 1710[Formula: see text]K[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]5[Formula: see text]K and 1390[Formula: see text]K[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]5[Formula: see text]K, respectively.
Enhanced Electrochemical Properties of d-Ti3C2Tx Anode by h-BN Addition for Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery
Authors: Du X. , Wang L. , Xia Q. , Hu Q. , Zhou A.
Published: November 2022

For lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with high energy density, it is critical to develop reliable and high-capacity anode materials. In this work, d-Ti3C2Tx/h-BN hybrid layered nanocomposites with uniform distribution are synthesized using a simple liquid phase blending method and investigated as an anode material for LIBs. The results reveal that the uniformly dispersed h-BN anchored on the d-Ti3C2Tx nanosheets can effectively prevent the d-Ti3C2Tx nanosheets from restacking during charging and discharging processes, as well as improve the electronic conductivity. The studies show that the electrochemical performance, such as the capacity and cyclic stability, of d-Ti3C2Tx/h-BN electrode is better than that of pure d-Ti3C2Tx materials.
UbiChromics: Enabling Ubiquitously Deployable Interactive Displays with Photochromic Paint
Authors: Alkayyali Amani , Iravantchi Yasha , Herskovitz Jaylin , Sample Alanson P.
Published: November 2022

Pervasive and interactive displays promise to present our digital content seamlessly throughout our environment. However, traditional display technologies do not scale to room-wide applications due to high per-unit-area costs and the need for constant wired power and data infrastructure. This research proposes the use of photochromic paint as a display medium. Applying the paint to any surface or object creates ultra-low-cost displays, which can change color when exposed to specific wavelengths of light. We develop new paint formulations that enable wide area application of photochromic material. Along with a specially modified wide-area laser projector and depth camera that can draw custom images and create on-demand, room-wide user interfaces on photochromic enabled surfaces. System parameters such as light intensity, material activation time, and user readability are examined to optimize the display. Results show that images and user interfaces can last up to 16 minutes and can be updated indefinitely. Finally, usage scenarios such as displaying static and dynamic images, ephemeral notifications, and the creation of on-demand interfaces, such as light switches and music controllers, are demonstrated and explored. Ultimately, the UbiChromics system demonstrates the possibility of extending digital content to all painted surfaces.