bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental Investigation on a Sliding-Vane Expander for Steam Applications
Authors: Costanzo I , Murgia S , Valenti G , Fasani F 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
There are many industrial plants that use steam as an energy vector at different pressure levels, in which pressure reduction is commonly performed by a throttling valve, resulting a totally irreversible process. It is possible to recover this energy through an expander that generates mechanical or electric energy. This work is focused on the analysis of a highly innovative steam expander based on sliding-vane technology. The design principles of the sliding-vane expander and two experimental campaigns are presented. The first experimental campaign allows to assess the reliability of the system with steam as working fluid, the second campaign leads to assess the stability during long-run and the performance of the system. A maximum expander mechanical power of 28 kW is measured. The pressure-Volume diagram of the expansion process is also measured and presented.
Baseline testing of a variable-speed water-cooling Chiller according AHRI standard 550/590
Authors: Hoess A J , Salts N P , Ziviani D , Braun J E , Groll E A 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
A new experimental test facility was designed to test vapor compression chillers of up to 145.9 refrigeration tons (approximately 513 kW). To implement such a large-capacity test facility in a university laboratory research environment, the system design is based on regenerative shell and tube heat exchangers. The capacity load on the chiller can be controlled via a bypass valve that allows a flow change over the internal heat exchangers. In addition to the internal sensors of the chiller, a variety of sensors in the system ensures a detailed recording of data as well as an automation of the test procedure.
The test facility is constructed and commissioned to execute the performance according the AHRI Standard 550/590. The chiller has been tested in full load and part load rating conditions to achieve a characteristic performance line of the machine. Recorded data is averaged and evaluated according to the requirements of the AHRI standard. The results of the baseline testing and the data processing are presented in this paper. A detailed analysis of the outcomes allows a comparison with the manufacturer rated efficiency values.
Finally, the potential instabilities of the test systems that caused problems during the test runs and their reasons are discussed, as well as possibilities to overcome them. The given ability of the test facility for a rapid change between different load conditions allows the arrangement of test cycles to investigate the performance degradation of the twin-screw chiller over time.
Thermodynamic analysis of volume flow rate ratio on the performance of a NH3/CO2 cascade refrigeration system
Authors: Yang Q C , Liu L , Liu G B , Zhao Y Y , Li L S 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
NH3/CO2 cascade refrigeration system is the most potential and promising selection in low temperature applications. To meet the cooling demands of CRS at various working conditions, the capacity regulation of the screw refrigeration compressor is needed. This paper specifically studied the impacts volume flow rate ratio of high temperature cycle (HTC) and low temperature cycle (LTC) on the system performance. The simulation model of CRS including energy and exergy analysis was established. Based on the obtained results with the models, it can be found that there exists an optimum volume flow ratio that makes the maximum COP and exergy efficiency and the optimum volume flow ratio value is different under various working conditions. When the evaporation temperature is -55°C the optimum volume rate ratio is about 2.4 and corresponding maximum COP and exergy efficiency of CRS is 1.031 and 0.346, respectively. The optimum condensing temperature of LTC is -9.75°C. When the volume flow ratio is increasing, which means the motor frequency or rotational speed of HTC compressor increases while the rotational speed of LTC compressor is fixed, the optimum intermediate temperature decreases and the discharge temperature of HTC compressor increases proportionally. The cooling capacity could be enhanced by increasing the volume flow ratio. The obtained results are helpful for the screw refrigeration compressor regulation in CRS under various working conditions and cooling demands.
Conjugate Heat Transfer Simulation and Cooling Optimization of the Flow inside a Screw Compressor
Authors: Willie J F 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) as a predictive tool is playing an increasing role in the design and optimization process at Compressors and Vacuum Pumps Systems (CVS) Engineering GmbH. Design optimization using Design of Experiment (DoE) and continuous improvement of our products has led to an increase in the use of CFD and other predictive tools. This paper investigates the use of CFD combined with Conjugate Heat Transfer (CHT) to optimize the flow and the cooling inside a rotary screw compressor.
Preferences of newly qualified healthcare professionals for working with people with dementia: a qualitative study
Authors: Hebditch Molly , Banerjee Sube , Wright Juliet , Daley Stephanie 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
there is little research on preferences in students and newly qualified healthcare professionals for working with people with dementia. Understanding the development of these preferences can help inform strategies to increase workforce capacity in response to current suboptimal dementia care and the increasing numbers of people with dementia.

Objective
to explore the factors that influence career preferences in relation to working with people with dementia. Specifically, to understand how these factors relate to early career doctors’ and nurses’ preferences and how they influence decisions and perspectives on their careers.

Methods
qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 27 newly qualified doctors and nurses within 2 years of graduation. This included a subset of participants that had taken part in a dementia educational intervention during their undergraduate training. Transcripts were analysed using grounded theory methods.

Results
the results present six main categories representing complex interlinked factors influencing preferences for working with people with dementia as well as exploring the definition of a career working with people with dementia. The factors include the importance of making a difference; seeing dementia care as a different type of care; its perceived alignment with personal characteristics; perceptions of people with dementia; care environments and career characteristics.

Discussion
this is the first study to explore the factors influencing preferences for working with people with dementia in newly qualified healthcare professionals. It provides useful data to inform workforce planning, and curriculum and practice development to stimulate interest and drive improved quality of care.
Measuring Structural Racism: A Guide for Epidemiologists and Other Health Researchers
Authors: Adkins-Jackson Paris B , Chantarat Tongtan , Bailey Zinzi D , Ponce Ninez A 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThere have been over 100 years of literature discussing the deleterious influence of racism on health. Much of the literature describes racism as a driver of social determinants of health, such as housing, employment, income, and education. More recently, increased attention has been given to measuring the structural nature of a system that advantages one racialized group over others rather than solely relying on individual acknowledgement of racism. Despite these advances, there is still a need for methodological and analytical approaches to complement the aforementioned. This commentary calls on epidemiologists and other health researchers at large to engage the discourse on measuring structural racism. First, we address the conflation between race and racism in epidemiologic research. Next, we offer methodological recommendations (linking of interdisciplinary variables and data sets and leveraging mixed-method and life-course approaches) and analytical recommendations (integration of mixed data, use of multidimensional models) that epidemiologists and other health researchers may consider in health equity research. The goal of this commentary is to inspire the use of up-to-date and theoretically driven approaches to increase discourse among public health researchers on capturing racism as well as to improve evidence of its role as the fundamental cause of racial health inequities.
Regulatory variants at 2q33.1 confer schizophrenia risk by modulating distal gene TYW5 expression
Authors: Li Shiwu , Li Jiao , Liu Jiewei , Wang Junyang , Li Xiaoyan , Huo Yongxia , Li Yifan , Liu Yixing , Li Ming , Xiao Xiao , Luo Xiong-Jian 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Genome-wide association studies have shown that genetic variants at 2q33.1 are strongly associated with schizophrenia. However, potential causal variants in this locus and their roles in schizophrenia remain unknown. Here, we identified two functional variants (rs796364 and rs281759) that disrupt CTCF, RAD21 and FOXP2 binding at 2q33.1. We systematically investigated the regulatory mechanisms of these two variants with serial experiments, including reporter gene assays and electrophoretic mobility shift assay.
Intriguingly, these two single nucleotide polymorphisms physically interacted with TYW5 and showed the most significant associations with TYW5 expression in human brain. Consistently, CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome editing confirmed the regulatory effect of the two single nucleotide polymorphisms on TYW5 expression. Additionally, expression analysis indicated that TYW5 was significantly upregulated in brains of schizophrenia cases compared with controls, suggesting that rs796364 and rs281759 might confer schizophrenia risk by modulating TYW5 expression.
We over-expressed TYW5 in mouse neural stem cells and rat primary neurons to mimic its upregulation in schizophrenia and found significant alterations in the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells, as well as dendritic spine density following TYW5 overexpression, indicating its important roles in neurodevelopment and spine morphogenesis.
Furthermore, we independently confirmed the association between rs796364 and schizophrenia in a Chinese cohort of 8202 subjects. Finally, transcriptome analysis revealed that TYW5 affected schizophrenia-associated pathways. These lines of evidence consistently revealed that rs796364 and rs281759 might contribute to schizophrenia risk by regulating the expression of TYW5, a gene whose expression dysregulation affects two important schizophrenia pathophysiological processes (i.e. neurodevelopment and dendritic spine formation).
Early dynamics of circulating tumor DNA predict chemotherapy responses for patients with esophageal cancer
Authors: Fujisawa Ryosuke , Iwaya Takeshi , Endo Fumitaka , Idogawa Masashi , Sasaki Noriyuki , Hiraki Hayato , Tange Shoichiro , Hirano Tomomi , Koizumi Yuka , Abe Masakazu , Takahashi Tomoko , Yaegashi Mizunori , Akiyama Yuji , Masuda Mari , Sasaki Akira , Takahashi Fumiaki , Sasaki Yasushi , Tokino Takashi , Nishizuka Satoshi S 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
We investigated whether early circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) changes, measured using digital PCR (dPCR), can predict later chemotherapy responses in esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC). We compared the dynamics of ctDNA and tumor volumes during chemotherapy in 42 ESCC. The accuracy of predictions of later chemotherapy responses was evaluated by the ratio of the variant allele frequency of ctDNA (post-/pre-ctDNA) and the total tumor volume (post-/pre-volume) before and after an initial chemotherapy cycle using a receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis. Total positive and negative objective responses (ORs) were defined as either &gt;50 or ≤50% reductions, respectively, in the total tumor volume at the end of first-line chemotherapy. Mutation screening of 43 tumors from 42 patients revealed 96 mutations. The pretreatment dPCR-ctDNA data were informative in 38 patients, using 70 selected mutations (1–3 per patient). The areas under the curve (AUCs) for the post-/pre-volume and post-/pre-ctDNA levels used in predicting the total OR were 0.85 and 0.88, respectively. The optimal cutoff value of post-/pre-ctDNA was 0.13. In 20 patients with post-/pre-volume ≥50%, the total OR could be predicted by the post-/pre-ctDNA with high accuracy; the AUC by post-/pre-ctDNA was higher than that by post-/pre-volume (0.85 versus 0.76, respectively). Patients with low post-/pre-ctDNA (n = 18) had a significantly better overall survival rate than those with high post-/pre-ctDNA (n = 20; P = 0.03). Early ctDNA changes after an initial cycle of chemotherapy predict later responses to treatment with high accuracy in ESCC patients.
Layer 6A Pyramidal Cell Subtypes Form Synaptic Microcircuits with Distinct Functional and Structural Properties
Authors: Yang Danqing , Qi Guanxiao , Ding Chao , Feldmeyer Dirk 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Neocortical layer 6 plays a crucial role in sensorimotor co-ordination and integration through functionally segregated circuits linking intracortical and subcortical areas. We performed whole-cell recordings combined with morphological reconstructions to identify morpho-electric types of layer 6A pyramidal cells (PCs) in rat barrel cortex. Cortico-thalamic (CT), cortico-cortical (CC), and cortico-claustral (CCla) PCs were classified based on their distinct morphologies and have been shown to exhibit different electrophysiological properties. We demonstrate that these three types of layer 6A PCs innervate neighboring excitatory neurons with distinct synaptic properties: CT PCs establish weak facilitating synapses onto other L6A PCs; CC PCs form synapses of moderate efficacy, while synapses made by putative CCla PCs display the highest release probability and a marked short-term depression. For excitatory-inhibitory synaptic connections in layer 6, both the presynaptic PC type and the postsynaptic interneuron type govern the dynamic properties of the respective synaptic connections. We have identified a functional division of local layer 6A excitatory microcircuits which may be responsible for the differential temporal engagement of layer 6 feed-forward and feedback networks. Our results provide a basis for further investigations on the long-range CC, CT, and CCla pathways.
Complexity of Genomic Epidemiology of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates in Colombia Urges the Reinforcement of Whole Genome Sequencing-Based Surveillance Programs
Authors: Saavedra Sandra Yamile , Bernal Johan Fabian , Montilla-Escudero Efraín , Arévalo Stefany Alejandra , Prada Diego Andrés , Valencia María Fernanda , Moreno Jaime , Hidalgo Andrea Melissa , García-Vega Ángela Sofía , Abrudan Monica , Argimón Silvia , Kekre Mihir , Underwood Anthony , Aanensen David M , Duarte Carolina , Donado-Godoy Pilar ,   NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Genomic Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance, Abudahab Khalil , Harste Harry , Muddyman Dawn , Taylor Ben , Wheeler Nicole , David Sophia , Beltran Gabriel , Delgadillo Felipe , Osma Erik C D , Ravikumar K L , Nagaraj Geetha , Shamanna Varun , Govindan Vandana , Prabhu Akshata , Sravani D , Shincy M R , Rose Steffimole , Ravishankar K N , Okeke Iruka N , Oaikhena Anderson O , Afolayan Ayorinde O , Ajiboye Jolaade J , Ewomazino Odih Erkison , Carlos Celia , Lagrada Marietta L , Macaranas Polle Krystle V , Olorosa Agnettah M , Gayeta June M , Herrera Elmer M , Molloy Ali , Stelling John , Vegvari Carolin 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is an emerging public health problem. This study explores the specifics of CRKP epidemiology in Colombia based on whole genome sequencing (WGS) of the National Reference Laboratory at Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS)’s 2013–2017 sample collection.

Methods
A total of 425 CRKP isolates from 21 departments were analyzed by HiSeq-X10®Illumina high-throughput sequencing. Bioinformatic analysis was performed, primarily using the pipelines developed collaboratively by the National Institute for Health Research Global Health Research Unit (GHRU) on Genomic Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), and AGROSAVIA.

Results
Of the 425 CRKP isolates, 91.5% were carbapenemase-producing strains. The data support a recent expansion and the endemicity of CRKP in Colombia with the circulation of 7 high-risk clones, the most frequent being CG258 (48.39% of isolates). We identified genes encoding carbapenemases blaKPC-3, blaKPC-2, blaNDM-1, blaNDM-9, blaVIM-2, blaVIM-4, and blaVIM-24, and various mobile genetic elements (MGE). The virulence of CRKP isolates was low, but colibactin (clb3) was present in 25.2% of isolates, and a hypervirulent CRKP clone (CG380) was reported for the first time in Colombia. ST258, ST512, and ST4851 were characterized by low levels of diversity in the core genome (ANI &gt; 99.9%).

Conclusions
The study outlines complex CRKP epidemiology in Colombia. CG258 expanded clonally and carries specific carbapenemases in specific MGEs, while the other high-risk clones (CG147, CG307, and CG152) present a more diverse complement of carbapenemases. The specifics of the Colombian situation stress the importance of WGS-based surveillance to monitor evolutionary trends of sequence types (STs), MGE, and resistance and virulence genes.
MMP-2 knockdown blunts age-dependent carotid stiffness by decreasing elastin degradation and augmenting eNOS activation
Authors: Diaz-Canestro Candela , Puspitasari Yustina M , Liberale Luca , Guzik Tomasz J , Flammer Andreas J , Bonetti Nicole R , Wüst Patricia , Costantino Sarah , Paneni Francesco , Akhmedov Alexander , Varga Zsuzsanna , Ministrini Stefano , Beer Jürg H , Ruschitzka Frank , Hermann Matthias , Lüscher Thomas F , Sudano Isabella , Camici Giovanni G 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Aims
Arterial stiffness is a hallmark of vascular ageing that precedes and strongly predicts the development of cardiovascular diseases. Age-dependent stiffening of large elastic arteries is primarily attributed to increased levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). However, the mechanistic link between age-dependent arterial stiffness and MMP-2 remains unclear. Thus, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of MMP-2 knockdown using small-interfering RNA (siRNA) on age-dependent arterial stiffness.

Methods and results
Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was assessed in right carotid artery of wild-type (WT) mice from different age groups. MMP-2 levels in the carotid artery and plasma of young (3 months) and old (20–25 months) WT mice were determined. Carotid PWV as well as vascular and circulating MMP-2 were elevated with increasing age in mice. Old WT mice (18- to 21-month old) were treated for 4 weeks with either MMP-2 or scrambled (Scr) siRNA via tail vein injection. Carotid PWV was assessed at baseline, 2 and 4 weeks after start of the treatment. MMP-2 knockdown reduced vascular MMP-2 levels and attenuated age-dependent carotid stiffness. siMMP-2-treated mice showed increased elastin-to-collagen ratio, lower plasma desmosine (DES), enhanced phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and higher levels of vascular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). An age-dependent increase in direct protein–protein interaction between MMP-2 and eNOS was also observed. Lastly, DES, an elastin breakdown product, was measured in a patient cohort (n = 64, 23–86 years old), where carotid-femoral PWV was also assessed; here, plasma levels of DES directly correlated with age and arterial stiffness.

Conclusion
MMP-2 knockdown attenuates age-dependent carotid stiffness by blunting elastin degradation and augmenting eNOS bioavailability. Given the increasing clinical use of siRNA technology, MMP2 knockdown should be investigated further as a possible strategy to mitigate age-dependent arterial stiffness and related CV diseases.
Videoconference microscopy is a reliable alternative to conventional microscopy in the evaluation of Barrett’s esophagus: Zooming into a new era
Authors: Axley Page , Mitchell Rachel , Council Leona , Patel Chirag , Tracht Jessica , Collingwood Robin , Harrison Devin , Redden David , Beasely Mark , Kabir Baig Kondal Kyanam R , Al Diffalha Sameer , Peter Shajan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Telepathology, practicing pathology from a distance, allows experts to review cases without the need to transfer glass slides. Due to significant intra- and inter-observer variabilities in the histological evaluation of Barrett’s esophagus (BE), current guidelines recommend expert consultation in cases of dysplasia. We aimed to determine whether telepathology using microscope videoconferencing can be reliably used for evaluation of BE. Biopsies from 62 patients with endoscopic findings of salmon colored mucosa extending ≥1 cm proximal to the gastroesophageal junction were randomly selected to represent benign esophagus, non-dysplastic BE, low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia, and adenocarcinoma. Three gastrointestinal-trained pathologists reviewed the cases via videoconference microscopy followed by conventional microscopy. Intra-observer and pairwise inter-observer agreements between the conventional microscopy and videoconference methodologies were calculated for each of the three pathologists using Fleiss-Cohen weighted kappa (K) analysis. The intra-observer agreement for each pathologist’s assessment of videoconference microscopy and glass slide readings showed very good reliability (K = 0.94, 95% confidence interval = 0.89–0.99; 0.88, 95% confidence interval = 0.79–0.98; 0.93, 95% confidence interval = 0.90–0.97). Mean pairwise inter-observer agreement was 0.90 for videoconference and 0.91 for conventional microscopy. Diagnosis and grading of BE using videoconference microscopy show similar reliability as conventional microscopy. Based on our findings, we propose that videoconferencing pathology is a valid instrument for evaluating BE.