bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Big Micro-Electromechanical Systems for Thermal Measurement
Authors: He Haiyu , Wang Yuxi , Jiang Zhiyao , Song Bai 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The rapid development of various micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) over the past few decades has served as a cornerstone for precisely probing thermal transport in a rich variety of nanomaterials and nanostructures, all the way down to single-walled carbon nanotubes and monolayer graphene. However, numerous materials that are macroscopic (millimeter scale and above) at least in one dimension, such as metal wires, carbon fibers, and polymer fibers/films, have remained largely inaccessible by MEMS-based experimental approaches. In light of the great fundamental and technological value of these materials, we propose the concept of “big-MEMS” here as an effort to fill this notable gap. The idea is to create macroscopic measurement devices through standard MEMS design and fabrication techniques. For demonstration, we present a novel process that enables silicon-based suspended heater/calorimeter devices of millimeter to centimeter dimensions to be fabricated reliably, reconfigurably, and at low cost. In particular, the beam thermal conductance of our big-MEMS devices can be tuned from around 1.1 to 0.2 mW/K. Combined with a temperature resolution down to about 20 μK, these devices are suitable for characterizing materials spanning a broad range of thermal conductivity. As an example, the thermal conductivity of platinum wires with a diameter of 20 μm and lengths up to 3.5 mm are measured. Moreover, intriguing transport phenomena such as divergent thermal conductivity in low-dimensional materials and heat flow mediated by surface polaritons can be explored considering their inherent need for multiscale analysis. In principle, our concept of big-MEMS can also be applied to the study of thermal diffusivity, heat capacity, charge transport, and beyond.
Thickened Flame Model Extension for Dual Gas Turbine Combustion: Validation Against Single Cup Atmospheric Test
Authors: Meloni R. , Babazzi G. , Giannini N. , Castellani S. , Nassini P. C. , Picchi A. , Galeotti S. , Becchi R. , Andreini A. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The development of predictive combustion models is more and more strategic in the design definition of gas turbine (GT) combustor. The thickened flame model (TFM), despite its high computational cost, is one of the most accurate approach available in literature since it can naturally take into account the nonequilibrium effects into the flame brush (i.e., strain and heat losses) as well as preferential diffusion when hydrogen is employed. Conversely, the original formulation of this combustion model needs several adjustments to accommodate the properties of the mixture when different streams of fuels and/or oxidizers are present in the system. The present work represents a first step in the extension of this combustion model to handle multiple streams of fuels and oxidizers. More specifically, an industrial burner fed with two different fuel streams and air as oxidizer is considered. The pilot fuel line is fed with microhydrogen injections with the aim to enhance the lean blow-out margin, while the main one is with pure methane. Dedicated tests are performed at the Technology for High Temperature laboratory (University of Florence) to retrieve the main information characterizing the burner (emissions, temperature, and pressure pulsations) as well as OH* chemiluminescence for the flame shape and position at the same operating conditions. The comparison between the numerical results and the experimental data will provide highlights about the ability of the extended-TFM to capture the main features of the flame stabilization mechanisms.
Insights Into the Role of Anti-Counter Rotating Vortices on Film Cooling Efficiency
Authors: Verma Abhishek , Mishra Debi Prasad 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Cooling techniques are extensively employed to protect turbine components from damage due to extremely high operating temperatures. Despite the availability of multiple cooling geometries, the focus is on investigating the thermal and flow characteristics of cylindrical and fan-shaped injection hole designs. Using a realizable k–ε model, we compare the thermal and flow characteristics of these geometries under identical operating conditions. The research analyzes the impact of vortex interactions and momentum flux ratio on overall (area-averaged) film cooling effectiveness. The study explores the flow structure, vortex interactions, and the effects of blowing ratio (BR = 0.2–2.0) and momentum flux ratio (MR = 0.3–3.5) on film cooling. Additionally, the formation and dynamics of the anti-counter rotating vortex pair (anti-CRVP) in a fan-shaped arrangement are elucidated. The findings indicate that in the fan-shaped case, jet core length is important for enhancing cooling performance. The formation of distinct vortices, such as anti-CRVPs, at higher BRs significantly improves cooling by delaying flow separation. The favorable impact of the anti-CRVP is most pronounced at higher BRs in the fan-shaped configuration. This study also reveals that the geometrical shape of the cooling holes greatly affects the overall film cooling effectiveness, which improves with increasing BR and MR for fan-shaped holes.
The Effect of a Synthetic-Grass Sport Surface on Physiology and Perception During Intermittent Exercise in Hot Conditions
Authors: Singh Gurpreet , Bennett Kyle J.M. , McGuigan Hannah , Goddard Scott G. , Stevens Christopher J. 
Published: September 2024

Purpose: The current study aimed to determine the effect of a synthetic-grass sport surface on core body temperature, skin temperature, heart rate, thermal sensation, thermal comfort, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during intermittent exercise in hot conditions. Methods: Using a randomized crossover design, 13 trained/developmental team-sport athletes completed two 50-minute standardized intermittent running protocols on a synthetic and a natural-grass surface, on separate days (control-condition air temperature 32.6 °C [1.3 °C], relative humidity 43.2% [5.3%]). Results: Final skin temperature was significantly higher on synthetic compared with natural grass at the calf (40.1 °C [2.5 °C] vs 33.4 °C [0.6 °C]; P < .001), shoulder (36.6 °C [1.7 °C] vs 33.7 °C [0.7 °C]; P < .001), and chest (33.2 °C [1.1 °C] vs 31.8 °C [1.2 °C]; P = .02). Thermal sensation (median: 2.3; interquartile range [0.5] vs 2.2 [0.5], P = .03) and sweat rate (1.5 [0.4] L·h−1 vs 1.2 [0.3] L·h−1; P = .02) were also significantly higher on synthetic grass. While final core body temperature was significantly higher on the natural than synthetic grass (38.4 °C [0.3 °C] vs 38.2 °C [0.4 °C]), there were no significant differences in delta core temperature, as well as heart rate, thermal comfort, or RPE. Conclusions: Higher skin temperatures, thermal sensation, and sweat rates suggest that exercising on synthetic grass in hot conditions may increase some markers of heat strain during exercise. However, delta core body temperature, heart rate, thermal comfort, and RPE remained unaffected.
Identifying Multicomponent Patterns and Correlates of Accelerometry-Assessed Physical Behaviors Among Postmenopausal Women: The Women’s Health Accelerometry Collaboration
Authors: Evenson Kelly R. , Howard Annie Green , Wen Fang , Di Chongzhi , Lee I-Min 
Published: September 2024

Understanding the simultaneous patterning of accelerometer-measured physical activity and sedentary behavior (physical behaviors) can inform targeted interventions. This cross-sectional study described multicomponent patterns and correlates of physical behaviors using accelerometry among diverse postmenopausal women. The Women’s Health Accelerometry Collaboration combined two United States-based cohorts of postmenopausal women with similar accelerometry protocols and measures. Women (n = 22,612) aged 62–97 years enrolled in the Women’s Health Study (n = 16,742) and the Women’s Health Initiative Objective Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health Study (n = 5,870) wore an ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer on their hip for 1 week. Awake-time accelerometry data were summarized using the accelerometer activity index into sedentary behavior, light (low, high), and moderate to vigorous physical activity. Latent class analysis was used to classify physical behavior hour-by-hour. Five unique patterns were identified with higher total volume of physical activity and lower sedentary behavior with each successively higher class number based on percentage of the day in physical activity/sedentary behavior per hour over 7 days. The percentage assignment was 16.3% Class 1, 33.9% Class 2, 20.2% Class 3, 18.0% Class 4, and 11.7% Class 5. The median posterior probabilities ranged from 0.99 to 1.00. Younger age, higher education and general health, normal weight, never smokers, weekly drinking, and faster self-reported walking speed generally had higher-class assignments compared with their counterparts. History of diabetes and cardiovascular disease generally had lower-class assignments compared with those without these conditions. These results can inform targeted interventions based on common patterns of physical behaviors by time of day among postmenopausal women.
Inhibition of diastatic yeasts by
Saccharomyces
killer toxins to prevent hyperattenuation during brewing
Authors: Zhong Victor , Ketchum Nicholas , Mackenzie James K. , Garcia Ximena , Rowley Paul A. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Secondary fermentation in beer can result in undesirable consequences, such as off-flavors, increased alcohol content, hyperattenuation, gushing, and the spontaneous explosion of packaging. Strains of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. diastaticus
are a major contributor to such spoilage due to their production of extracellular glucoamylase enzyme encoded by the
STA1
gene.
Saccharomyces
yeasts can naturally produce antifungal proteins named “killer” toxins that inhibit the growth of competing yeasts. Challenging diastatic yeasts with killer toxins revealed that 91% of strains are susceptible to the K1 killer toxin produced by
S. cerevisiae
. Screening of 192 killer yeasts identified novel K2 toxins that could inhibit all K1-resistant diastatic yeasts. Variant K2 killer toxins were more potent than the K1 and K2 toxins, inhibiting 95% of diastatic yeast strains tested. Brewing trials demonstrated that adding killer yeast during a simulated diastatic contamination event could prevent hyperattenuation. Currently, most craft breweries can only safeguard against diastatic yeast contamination by good hygiene and monitoring for the presence of diastatic yeasts. The detection of diastatic yeasts will often lead to the destruction of contaminated products and the aggressive decontamination of brewing facilities. Using killer yeasts in brewing offers an approach to safeguard against product loss and potentially remediate contaminated beer.

IMPORTANCE

The rise of craft brewing means that more domestic beer in the marketplace is being produced in facilities lacking the means for pasteurization, which increases the risk of microbial spoilage. The most damaging spoilage yeasts are “diastatic” strains of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
that cause increased fermentation (hyperattenuation), resulting in unpalatable flavors such as phenolic off-flavor, as well as over-carbonation that can cause exploding packaging. In the absence of a pasteurizer, there are no methods available that would avert the loss of beer due to contamination by diastatic yeasts. This manuscript has found that diastatic yeasts are sensitive to antifungal proteins named “killer toxins” produced by
Saccharomyces
yeasts, and in industrial-scale fermentation trials, killer yeasts can remediate diastatic yeast contamination. Using killer toxins to prevent diastatic contamination is a unique and innovative approach that could prevent lost revenue to yeast spoilage and save many breweries the time and cost of purchasing and installing a pasteurizer.
PULSE Ambassadors program: empowering departments to transform STEM education for inclusion and student success
Authors: Fink Alix D. Dowling , Allen Taylor , Arriola Paul E. , Barea-Rodriguez Edwin J. , Jacob Nitya P. , Kelrick Michael Ira , Otto Joann , Reiness C. Gary , Washington Jacqueline 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

The Partnership for Undergraduate Life Sciences Education (PULSE) is a non-profit educational organization committed to promoting the transformation of undergraduate STEM education by supporting departments in removing barriers to access, equity, and inclusion and in adopting evidence-based teaching and learning practices. The PULSE Ambassadors Campus Workshop program enables faculty and staff members of host departments to 1) develop communication, shared leadership, and inclusion skills for effective team learning; 2) implement facilitative leadership skills (e.g., empathic listening and collaboration); 3) create a shared vision and departmental action plan; and 4) integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in the department and curriculum. From the first workshop in 2014, teams of trained Ambassadors conducted workshops at 58 institutions, including associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral institutions. In their workshop requests, departments cited several motivations: desire to revise and align their curriculum with
Vision and Change
recommendations, need for assistance with ongoing curricular reform, and wish for external assistance with planning processes and communication. Formative assessments during and immediately following workshops indicated that key outcomes were met. Post-workshop interviews of four departments confirm progress achieved on action items and development of individual department members as agents of change. The PULSE Ambassadors program continues to engage departments to improve undergraduate STEM education and prepare departments for the challenges and uncertainties of the changing higher education landscape.
How to introduce a new bacteriophage on the block: a short guide to phage classification
Authors: Valencia-Toxqui Guadalupe , Ramsey Jolene 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Bacteriophage (phage) studies established the field of molecular biology and continue to propel life science research forward due to their diversity, abundance, and potential applications. In this Gem article, we orient newcomers to four common ways phages are currently classified: infection cycle, morphology, taxonomy, and supergroup. By using these classifications, researchers can determine where any novel phage fits into the scheme of the known “phage-verse”.
Sequencing of historic samples provides complete coding sequences of chicken calicivirus from the United States
Authors: Goraichuk Iryna V. , Davis James F. , Afonso Claudio L. , Suarez David L. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Here, we report the coding-complete genomic sequences of two chicken caliciviruses from US poultry flocks in 2003 and 2004. They show the same genomic organization as that of other members of the
Bavovirus
genus and have the highest nucleotide identity (~88%) with strains from clinically normal chickens from Germany in 2004 and Netherlands in 2019.
Effectiveness of modified vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic vaccine against mpox infection: emulation of a target trial
Authors: Navarro Christine , Lau Cindy , Buchan Sarah A , Burchell Ann N , Nasreen Sharifa , Friedman Lindsay , Okpokoro Evaezi , Austin Peter C , Tan Darrell H S , Gubbay Jonathan B , Kwong Jeffrey C , Mishra Sharmistha 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
To estimate the real world effectiveness of modified vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN) vaccine against mpox infection.

Design
Emulation of a target trial.

Setting
Linked databases in Ontario, Canada.

Participants
9803 men aged ≥18 years with a history of being tested for syphilis and a laboratory confirmed bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the previous year, or who filled a prescription for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in the previous year. On each day between 12 June 2022 and 27 October 2022, those who had been vaccinated 15 days previously were matched 1:1 with unvaccinated men by age, geographical region, past HIV diagnosis, number of bacterial STI diagnoses in the previous three years, and receipt of any non-MVA-BN vaccine in the previous year.

Main outcome measure
The main outcome measure was vaccine effectiveness ((1–hazard ratio)×100) of one dose of subcutaneously administered MVA-BN against laboratory confirmed mpox infection. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratios to compare the rate of laboratory confirmed mpox between the two groups.

Results
3204 men who received the vaccine were matched to 3204 unvaccinated controls. A total of 71 mpox infections were diagnosed, with 0.09 per 1000 person days (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.05 to 0.13) in the vaccinated group and 0.20 per 1000 person days (0.15 to 0.27) in the unvaccinated group over the study period of 153 days. Estimated vaccine effectiveness of one dose of MVA-BN against mpox infection was 58% (95% CI 31% to 75%).

Conclusion
The findings of this study, conducted in the context of a targeted vaccination programme and evolving outbreak of mpox, suggest that one dose of MVA-BN is moderately effective in preventing mpox infection.
Effect of laughter exercise versus 0.1% sodium hyaluronic acid on ocular surface discomfort in dry eye disease: non-inferiority randomised controlled trial
Authors: Li Jing , Liao Yinglin , Zhang Shi-Yao , Jin Ling , Congdon Nathan , Fan Zixin , Zeng Yangfa , Zheng Yingfeng , Liu Zuguo , Liu Yizhi , Liang Lingyi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
To assess efficacy and safety of laughter exercise in patients with symptomatic dry eye disease.

Design
Non-inferiority randomised controlled trial.

Setting
Recruitment was from clinics and community and the trial took place at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, the largest ophthalmic centre in China, between 18 June 2020 to 8 January 2021.

Participants
People with symptomatic dry eye disease aged 18-45 years with ocular surface disease index scores ranging from 18 to 80 and tear film break-up time of eight seconds or less.

Interventions
Participants were randomised 1:1 to receive laughter exercise or artificial tears (0.1% sodium hyaluronic acid eyedrop, control group) four times daily for eight weeks. The laughter exercise group viewed an instructional video and participants were requested to vocalise the phrases “Hee hee hee, hah hah hah, cheese cheese cheese, cheek cheek cheek, hah hah hah hah hah hah” 30 times per five minute session. Investigators assessing study outcomes were masked to group assignment but participants were unmasked for practical reasons.

Main outcome measures
The primary outcome was the mean change in the ocular surface disease index (0-100, higher scores indicating worse ocular surface discomfort) from baseline to eight weeks in the per protocol population. The non-inferiority margin was 6 points of this index score. Main secondary outcomes included the proportion of patients with a decrease from baseline in ocular surface disease index score of at least 10 points and changes in dry eye disease signs, for example, non-invasive tear break up time at eight weeks.

Results
299 participants (mean age 28.9 years; 74% female) were randomly assigned to receive laughter exercise (n=149) or 0.1% sodium hyaluronic acid (n=150). 283 (95%) completed the trial. The mean change in ocular surface disease index score at eight weeks was −10.5 points (95% confidence interval (CI) −13.1 to −7.82) in the laughter exercise group and −8.83 (−11.7 to −6.02) in the control group. The upper boundary of the CI for difference in change between groups was lower than the non-inferiority margin (mean difference −1.45 points (95% CI −5.08 to 2.19); P=0.43), supporting non-inferiority. Among secondary outcomes, the laughter exercise was better in improving non-invasive tear break up time (mean difference 2.30 seconds (95% CI 1.30 to 3.30), P<0.001); other secondary outcomes showed no significant difference. No adverse events were noted in either study group.

Conclusions
The laughter exercise was non-inferior to 0.1% sodium hyaluronic acid in relieving subjective symptoms in patients with dry eye disease with limited corneal staining over eight weeks intervention.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT04421300
.
Online yoga programme for resident physicians in Québec: an evaluation of feasibility and impact on mental health
Authors: Bélisle Marie-Pier , Dupuis Gilles , Fleet Richard 
Published: September 2024

ObjectivesTo evaluate the feasibility of the Bali Yoga Programme for Residents (PYB-R), an 8-week virtual yoga-based intervention and determine its impact on the mental health of resident physicians.DesignSingle-group repeated measures study.SettingAssociations from the four postgraduate medical education programmes in Québec, Canada.ParticipantsOverall, 55 resident physicians were recruited to participate of which 53 (96.4%) completed the assessment pre-PYB-R. The postintervention assessment was completed by 43 residents (78.2%) and 39 (70.9%) completed all phases (including 3-month follow-up). Most were in their first year (43.4%) or second year (32.1%) of residency. The majority were female (81.1%) with a mean age of 28±3.6 years.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome measure was feasibility as measured by participation in the PYB-R. Secondary outcome measures were psychological variables (anxiety, depression, burn-out, emotional exhaustion, compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction) and satisfaction with the PYB-R. Residents were further subgrouped based on the quality of work life and a number of PYB-R sessions attended.ResultsThe attrition rate for programme completion was 19%. Of the 43 residents who completed the PYB-R, 90.6% attended between 6 and 8 sessions. Repeated-measures analysis of variances (ANOVAs) at three time points (baseline, PYB-R completion and 3-month follow-up) confirmed a decrease in scores for depression and anxiety, and an increase in scores for compassion satisfaction. No changes were observed in the other psychological variables evaluated. ANOVAs also confirmed that a better quality of life at work helps develop compassion satisfaction, a protective factor to compassion fatigue. Most participants (92.9%) indicated they were satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of the programme.ConclusionsA virtual yoga-based programme is feasible and has lasting positive effects for up to 3 months on the mental health of resident physicians. Further research is warranted to validate these findings using a larger sample of residents with a control group.