Kaikki aineistot
Lisää
Abstract This paper presents an investigation on the effect of ground granulated blast furnace slag on the geopolymerization of low reactive volcanic ash. Volcanic ash was blended up to 50 wt% with slag at 10% intervals. The fresh geopolymer samples were cured at 25 and 60 °C for 3, 7 and 28 days. XRD, FTIR, TG and SEM were used for phases analysis. The results outlined that only 10 wt% of slag was enough to reduce the initial setting time of the geopolymer from more than 7 days to couple of hours (6.7 h). At 25 °C, the 28 days compressive strength increased with the addition of slag in the system until an optimum value of about 85 MPA. This strength development was suggested to arise from a synergetic formation of C-A-S-H/N-A-S-H gel. At 60 °C, curing for periods longer than 7 days was not beneficial for strength development. These results are of interest for the valorization of low reactive volcanic ashes in the development of structural geopolymers, with related environmental and socioeconomic benefits.
Abstract STUDY QUESTION: When do the differences in birth weights become apparent between singletons born after frozen embryo transfer (FET) and fresh embryo transfer (fresh ET)? SUMMARY ANSWER: Mean birth weights after FET become significantly higher starting from gestational week (GW) 33 among boys and from GW 34 among girls. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: In recent years, there has been a steep rise in recorded FET treatments, enabling widespread use of elective single embryo transfer, thus reducing the risks associated with multiple gestations. However, singletons born after FET are heavier and there is a higher risk of large-for-gestational-age (LGA) (birth weight > 90 percentiles) compared to fresh ET. In contrast, risk of small-for-gestational-age (SGA, birth weight < 10 percentiles) is lower in singletons born after FET compared to fresh ET. The reasons, timing and consequences of these differences remain largely unclear. There is limited evidence about whether this difference in growth develops before the last trimester of pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This retrospective Nordic register-based cohort study compared singletons born after FET (n = 17 500) to singletons born after fresh ET (n = 69 510) and natural conception (NC, n = 3 311 588). All live born singletons born between the years 2000 and 2015 in Denmark, Norway and Sweden at gestational age ≥22 weeks were included from the population-based Committee of Nordic ART and Safety (CoNARTaS) study population. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Children born after FET were compared to those born after fresh ET and NC for mean birth weight and proportion of LGA and SGA for each GW at birth. Chi-square test and tests for relative proportions were used to compare categorical variables and Student’s t-test was used to compare continuous variables. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for LGA and SGA were calculated using logistic regressions, adjusting for year of birth, maternal age, parity, BMI, chronic hypertension, diabetes, smoking and offspring sex. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Mean birth weights were significantly higher after FET compared to fresh ET starting from GW 33 (range from 75 g to 228 g by week) for boys and starting from GW 34 (range from 90 g to 236 g by week) for girls. Boys born after FET had a significantly higher proportion of LGA (11.0–15.1%) at birth between GW 36 and 42, compared to those born after fresh ET (7.1–9.4%) (range from P < 0.001 to P = 0.048 by week). For girls born after FET, the difference was seen between GW 37 and 42 (10.6–13.4%) compared to those born after fresh ET (6.6–8.0%) (range from P < 0.001 to P = 0.009 by week). The proportion of SGA was significantly lower among boys born after FET (7.6–8.7%) compared to fresh ET (11.9–13.6%) between GW 36 and 42 (range from P < 0.001 to P = 0.016 by week). For girls born after FET, the difference was seen between GW 38 and 42 (7.0–9.3%) compared to those born after fresh ET (13.0–14.6%) (P < 0.001). The proportion of LGA (12.3–15.1%) was significantly higher for boys born after FET between GW 38 and 41 (P < 0.001) and for girls born after FET (12.6–13.4%) between GW 37 and 40 (range from P < 0.001 to P = 0.018 by week), compared to naturally conceived boys (9.7–9.9%) and girls (9.0–10.0%). All singletons born after FET had a higher risk of LGA compared to singletons born after fresh ET (aOR 1.87, 95% CI 1.76–1.98) and singletons born after NC (aOR 1.28, 95% CI 1.22–1.35). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: There may be residual confounding factors that we were not able to control for, most importantly the causes of preterm birth, which may also influence foetal growth. A further limitation is that we have no knowledge on growth patterns between implantation and GW 22. Finally, the number of children born extremely preterm or post-term was limited even in this large study population. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: This is, to date, the largest study on birth weights among preterm and term ART singletons with a population-based design and NC control group. The results suggest that the freeze–thaw process is associated with higher birthweights and greater risk of LGA at least in the last trimester of pregnancy. This is an important aspect of the safety profile of ART. More research is needed on the long-term outcome of these children.
Abstract Silica-based luminescent materials have gained significant attention over the last several years primarily to be used under integrated photonics. In this context Ce-doped silica are particularly interesting due to their potential to be used as Si-based light emitting sources [1]. In this work we have prepared a Ce-doped silica fiber that is drawn from a preform which is prepared using standard MCVD technology. In this work we study the spontaneous lifetime and fluorescence parameters of a Ce-doped silica fiber when pumped with 405 nm continuous wave laser.
VI curves of resistively shunted single Josephson junctions with different capacitances and tunneling resistances are found to display a crossover between two types of VI curves: one without and another with a resistance bump (negative second derivative) at zero bias. The crossover corresponds to the dissipative phase transition (superconductor-insulator transition) at which macroscopic quantum tunneling delocalizes the Josephson phase and destroys superconductivity. Our measured phase diagram does not agree with the diagram predicted by the original theory, but does coincide with a theory that takes into account the accuracy of voltage measurements and thermal fluctuations.
VI curves of resistively shunted single Josephson junctions with different capacitances and tunneling resistances are found to display a crossover between two types of VI curves: one without and another with a resistance bump (negative second derivative) at zero bias. The crossover corresponds to the dissipative phase transition (superconductor-insulator transition) at which macroscopic quantum tunneling delocalizes the Josephson phase and destroys superconductivity. Our measured phase diagram does not agree with the diagram predicted by the original theory, but does coincide with a theory that takes into account the accuracy of voltage measurements and thermal fluctuations.
We have investigated the asymptotic behavior of normal tunnel junctions at voltages where even the best Ohmic environments start to look like RC transmission lines. In the experiments, this is manifested by an exceedingly slow approach to the linear behavior above the Coulomb gap. As expected on the basis of the quantum theory taking into account interaction with the environmental modes, better fits are obtained using 1/√V than 1/V dependence for the asymptote. These results agree with the horizon picture if the frequency-dependent phase velocity is employed instead of the speed of light in order to determine the extent of the surroundings seen by the junction.
The effect of uniaxial stress on iron losses of M400-50A grade non-oriented electrical steel sheets cut by punching process is experimentally studied. Samples cut along the rolling and transverse directions and having different number of cutting edges are used for this purpose. Measurements are carried out in the range of 10-100 Hz frequency of sinusoidal excitations at different magnetization levels under varying uniaxial stress by using a single sheet tester. The iron losses are obtained from the measurements and comparative analyses are made for different cases. The study shows that the effect of stress on the iron losses of the punched samples varies depending on the degradation level that the samples have after the cutting process. By considering this varying effect, when the combined effect of stress and punching is analysed, it is observed that the iron losses increased up to 55.2% under compressive stress. It is also observed that the increase in the losses due to the effect of cutting can be recovered by applying tensile stress.
Abstract Structural disorder and low crystallinity render it challenging to characterise the atomic-level structure of layered double hydroxides (LDH). We report a novel multi-step, first-principles computational workflow for the analysis of paramagnetic solid-state NMR of complex inorganic systems such as LDH, which are commonly used as catalysts and energy storage materials. A series of 13CO32−-labelled Mg2−xNixAl-LDH, x ranging from 0 (Mg2Al-LDH) to 2 (Ni2Al-LDH), features three distinct eigenvalues δ11, δ22 and δ33 of the experimental 13C chemical shift tensor. The δii correlate directly with the concentration of the paramagnetic Ni2+ and span a range of |δ11 − δ33| ≈ 90 ppm at x = 0, increasing to 950 ppm at x = 2. In contrast, the isotropic shift, δiso(13C), only varies by −14 ppm in the series. Detailed insight is obtained by computing (1) the orbital shielding by periodic density-functional theory involving interlayer water, (2) the long-range pseudocontact contribution of the randomly distributed Ni2+ ions in the cation layers (characterised by an ab initio susceptibility tensor) by a lattice sum, and (3) the close-range hyperfine terms using a full first-principles shielding machinery. A pseudohydrogen-terminated two-layer cluster model is used to compute (3), particularly the contact terms. Due to negative spin density contribution at the 13C site arising from the close-by Ni2+ sites, this step is necessary to reach a semiquantitative agreement with experiment. These findings influence future NMR investigations of the formally closed-shell interlayer species within LDH, such as the anions or water. Furthermore, the workflow is applicable to a variety of complex materials.
Abstract We investigate the fluorescence characteristics of a purely Ce-doped silica fiber and demonstrate broad-bandwidth fluorescence across the visible and near-infrared. The Ce-doped fiber is fabricated using standard modified chemical vapor deposition technology. Trace metal analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry confirmed the purity of Ce-doping. The Ce valence state of 3+ was revealed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The optimum pump wavelength for the broadest luminescence from a fiber is scanned between 405 nm to 440 nm wavelength of diode lasers operating under continuous-wave regime. The strongest pump absorption is observed at the wavelength of 405 nm. Variation of pump power and fiber length results in the demonstration of broad-bandwidth fluorescence with spectral widths up to 301 nm (at -10 dB). The measured fluorescence spectra cover the wavelength range from ∼458 nm to ∼819 nm with spectral power densities of up to 2.4 nW/nm.
Abstract Digital diaphanoscopy method has potential to separate normal and pathological conditions of the maxillary sinuses. The entirety of all the features of the investigated area (the presence or absence of pathology, its etiology and morphological features) affects the resulting images of the maxillary sinuses by the digital diaphanoscopy. In this work, the MonteCarlo numerical simulation method was used to determine the patterns of propagation of light radiation in biological tissue. A biologically heterogeneous environment, represented by structures of the skull and maxillary sinuses, as well as pathological changes in them was modelled in the TracePro software.
Abstract Solar cells based on c-Si/porous-Si/CdS/ZnxCd1−xO heterojunctions were synthesized by depositing CdS films on c-Si/porous-Si (PS) substrates by electrochemical deposition (ED). PS layers with systematically varied pore diameter (8÷45 nm) and were fabricated on p-type c-Si wafers using electrochemical etching. The window layers of ZnxCd1−xO with several Zn concentrations(x=0.2; 0.4; 0.5 and 0.6) were also deposited on the CdS buffer layers by ED. The photoelectrical properties of heterojunctions were studied as functions of PS pore size and Zn content in ZnxCd1−xO. The optimal pore size and Zn contents were found to be 10 nm and x=0.6, respectively. These yielded a solar cell sample exhibiting an efficiency of 9.9%, the maximum observed in this study.
Abstract River meandering and anabranching have become major problems in many large rivers that carry significant amounts of sediment worldwide. The morphodynamics of these rivers are complex due to the temporal variation of flows. However, the availability of remote sensing data and geographic information systems (GISs) provides the opportunity to analyze the morphological changes in river systems both quantitatively and qualitatively. The present study investigated the temporal changes in the river morphology of the Deduru Oya (river) in Sri Lanka, which is a meandering river. The study covered a period of 32 years (1989 to 2021), using Landsat satellite data and the QGIS platform. Cloud-free Landsat 5 and Landsat 8 satellite images were extracted and processed to extract the river mask. The centerline of the river was generated using the extracted river mask, with the support of semi-automated digitizing software (WebPlotDigitizer). Freely available QGIS was used to investigate the temporal variation of river migration. The results of the study demonstrated that, over the past three decades, both the bend curvatures and the river migration rates of the meandering bends have generally increased with time. In addition, it was found that a higher number of meandering bends could be observed in the lower (most downstream) and the middle parts of the selected river segment. The current analysis indicates that the Deduru Oya has undergone considerable changes in its curvature and migration rates.
Abstract Antimony (Sb) is a common contaminant in natural peatlands used as treatment wetlands for water influenced by metal mining in cold-climate regions. However, while other metalloids such as arsenic have been well studied, little is known about removal and retention of Sb in northern wetlands under challenging environmental conditions. In this study we assessed short-term, long-term and seasonal variations in mobility, removal, and retention of Sb from mining-influenced water in two peat based natural wetlands with different loading and physical conditions. Analyses based on 10 years of water quality data and data on contaminant accumulation in the peat soil revealed that the wetland with significantly lower hydraulic load and Sb areal load achieved adequate Sb removal, but with a slight decline in recent years. Antimony concentrations at the wetland outlet were slightly lower in summers than in winters. Dilution due to high rainfall during summer may be the likely reason for low outlet concentrations towards the end of summer. Outlet Sb concentrations were on the rise after inlet water quality was significantly improved through enhanced pre-treatment indicating mobilization of accumulated Sb. In comparison, the smaller wetland with higher hydraulic and Sb loading had very low Sb removal and a stronger decrease in Sb concentration through dilution due to snowmelt. The results highlight the challenges in Sb retention which should get more attention when treatment wetlands are designed for Sb rich waters such as mine waters and there are changes in water treatment arrangement in specific cases.
Abstract The odd-Z 251Md nucleus was studied using combined γ-ray and conversion-electron in-beam spectroscopy. Besides the previously observed rotational band based on the [521]1/2− configuration, another rotational structure has been identified using γ−γ coincidences. The use of electron spectroscopy allowed the rotational bands to be observed over a larger rotational frequency range. Using the transition intensities that depend on the gyromagnetic factor, a [514]7/2− single-particle configuration has been inferred for this band, i.e., the ground-state band. A physical background that dominates the electron spectrum with an intensity of ≃60% was well reproduced by simulating a set of unresolved excited bands. Moreover, a detailed analysis of the intensity profile as a function of the angular momentum provided a method for deriving the orbital gyromagnetic factor, namely \(g_{K}=0.69^{+0.19}_{−0.16}\) for the ground-state band. The odd-Z 249Md was studied using γ-ray in-beam spectroscopy. Evidence for octupole correlations resulting from the mixing of the Δl=Δj=3 [521]3/2− and [633]7/2+ Nilsson orbitals were found in both 249,251Md. A surprising similarity of the251Md ground-state band transition energies with those of the excited band of 255Lr has been discussed in terms of identical bands. Skyrme-Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov calculations were performed to investigate the origin of the similarities between these bands.
Abstract Aim: Plant functional groups are widely used in community ecology and earth system modelling to describe trait variation within and across plant communities. However, this approach rests on the assumption that functional groups explain a large proportion of trait variation among species. We test whether four commonly used plant functional groups represent variation in six ecologically important plant traits. Location: Tundra biome. Time period: Data collected between 1964 and 2016. Major taxa studied: 295 tundra vascular plant species. Methods: We compiled a database of six plant traits (plant height, leaf area, specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content, leaf nitrogen, seed mass) for tundra species. We examined the variation in species‐level trait expression explained by four traditional functional groups (evergreen shrubs, deciduous shrubs, graminoids, forbs), and whether variation explained was dependent upon the traits included in analysis. We further compared the explanatory power and species composition of functional groups to alternative classifications generated using post hoc clustering of species‐level traits. Results: Traditional functional groups explained significant differences in trait expression, particularly amongst traits associated with resource economics, which were consistent across sites and at the biome scale. However, functional groups explained 19% of overall trait variation and poorly represented differences in traits associated with plant size. Post hoc classification of species did not correspond well with traditional functional groups, and explained twice as much variation in species‐level trait expression. Main conclusions: Traditional functional groups only coarsely represent variation in well‐measured traits within tundra plant communities, and better explain resource economic traits than size‐related traits. We recommend caution when using functional group approaches to predict tundra vegetation change, or ecosystem functions relating to plant size, such as albedo or carbon storage. We argue that alternative classifications or direct use of specific plant traits could provide new insights for ecological prediction and modelling.
Abstract Objective: To conduct a secondary analysis to study the effects, those 4 months of aquatic resistance training have on self‐assessed symptoms and quality of life in post‐menopausal women with mild knee osteoarthritis (OA), after the intervention and after a 12‐month follow‐up period. Methods: A total of 87 post‐menopausal volunteer women, aged 60‐68 years, with mild knee OA were recruited in a randomized, controlled, 4‐month aquatic training trial (RCT) and randomly assigned to an intervention (n = 43) and a control (n = 44) group. The intervention group participated in 48 supervised aquatic resistance training sessions over 4 months while the control group maintained their usual level of physical activity. Additionally, 77 participants completed the 12‐month post‐intervention follow‐up period. Self‐assessed symptoms were estimated using the OA‐specific Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Health‐related Quality of life (HRQoL) using the generic Short‐form Health Survey (SF‐36). Results: After 4 months of aquatic resistance training, there was a significant decrease in the stiffness dimension of WOMAC −8.5 mm (95% CI = −14.9 to −2.0, P = .006) in the training group compared to the controls. After the cessation of the training, this benefit was no longer observed during the 12‐month follow‐up. No between‐group differences were observed in any of the SF‐36 dimensions. Conclusions: The results of this study show that participation in an intensive aquatic resistance training program did not have any short‐ or long‐term impact on pain and physical function or quality of life in women with mild knee OA. However, a small short‐term decrease in knee stiffness was observed.
Abstract Excited states above the 17+ isomeric state in the proton-rich nucleus 152Tm were established by employing the recoil-isomer tagging technique. Data were collected using the JUROGAM gamma-ray array and the GREAT spectrometer together with the recoil ion transport unit (RITU) gas-filled recoil separator and analyzed to identify the prompt and delayed γ decays from the levels in 152Tm. Shell-model calculations, either in a large valence space or in a reduced model space with five protons in the π0h11/2 orbital and one neutron in the ν1f7/2 orbital, agree with the observed energies of the yrast levels up to angular momentum J = 21. The observation of near degeneracies in the energy spectrum can be attributed to specific components of the proton-neutron interaction. The isomeric decay of the 17+ level is not reproduced in the shell-model calculations as it arises from a delicate balance between hindrance due to seniority selection rules and enhancement due to configuration mixing.
Abstract The majority of variation in six traits critical to the growth, survival and reproduction of plant species is thought to be organised along just two dimensions, corresponding to strategies of plant size and resource acquisition. However, it is unknown whether global plant trait relationships extend to climatic extremes, and if these interspecific relationships are confounded by trait variation within species. We test whether trait relationships extend to the cold extremes of life on Earth using the largest database of tundra plant traits yet compiled. We show that tundra plants demonstrate remarkably similar resource economic traits, but not size traits, compared to global distributions, and exhibit the same two dimensions of trait variation. Three quarters of trait variation occurs among species, mirroring global estimates of interspecific trait variation. Plant trait relationships are thus generalizable to the edge of global trait-space, informing prediction of plant community change in a warming world.
Abstract Background: Herbivores modify the structure and function of tundra ecosystems. Understanding their impacts is necessary to assess the responses of these ecosystems to ongoing environmental changes. However, the effects of herbivores on plants and ecosystem structure and function vary across the Arctic. Strong spatial variation in herbivore effects implies that the results of individual studies on herbivory depend on local conditions, i.e., their ecological context. An important first step in assessing whether generalizable conclusions can be produced is to identify the existing studies and assess how well they cover the underlying environmental conditions across the Arctic. This systematic map aims to identify the ecological contexts in which herbivore impacts on vegetation have been studied in the Arctic. Specifically, the primary question of the systematic map was: ”What evidence exists on the effects of herbivores on Arctic vegetation?”. Methods: We used a published systematic map protocol to identify studies addressing the effects of herbivores on Arctic vegetation. We conducted searches for relevant literature in online databases, search engines and specialist websites. Literature was screened to identify eligible studies, defined as reporting primary data on herbivore impacts on Arctic plants and plant communities. We extracted information on variables that describe the ecological context of the studies, from the studies themselves and from geospatial data. We synthesized the findings narratively and created a Shiny App where the coded data are searchable and variables can be visually explored. Review findings We identified 309 relevant articles with 662 studies (representing different ecological contexts or datasets within the same article). These studies addressed vertebrate herbivory seven times more often than invertebrate herbivory. Geographically, the largest cluster of studies was in Northern Fennoscandia. Warmer and wetter parts of the Arctic had the largest representation, as did coastal areas and areas where the increase in temperature has been moderate. In contrast, studies spanned the full range of ecological context variables describing Arctic vertebrate herbivore diversity and human population density and impact. Conclusions: The current evidence base might not be sufficient to understand the effects of herbivores on Arctic vegetation throughout the region, as we identified clear biases in the distribution of herbivore studies in the Arctic and a limited evidence base on invertebrate herbivory. In particular, the overrepresentation of studies in areas with moderate increases in temperature prevents robust generalizations about the effects of herbivores under different climatic scenarios.
Abstract Background: Safe, effective vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) are urgently needed in children younger than 12 years of age. Methods: A phase 1, dose-finding study and an ongoing phase 2–3 randomized trial are being conducted to investigate the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine administered 21 days apart in children 6 months to 11 years of age. We present results for 5-to-11-year-old children. In the phase 2–3 trial, participants were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive two doses of either the BNT162b2 vaccine at the dose level identified during the open-label phase 1 study or placebo. Immune responses 1 month after the second dose of BNT162b2 were immunologically bridged to those in 16-to-25-year-olds from the pivotal trial of two 30-μg doses of BNT162b2. Vaccine efficacy against Covid-19 at 7 days or more after the second dose was assessed. Results: During the phase 1 study, a total of 48 children 5 to 11 years of age received 10 μg, 20 μg, or 30 μg of the BNT162b2 vaccine (16 children at each dose level). On the basis of reactogenicity and immunogenicity, a dose level of 10 μg was selected for further study. In the phase 2–3 trial, a total of 2268 children were randomly assigned to receive the BNT162b2 vaccine (1517 children) or placebo (751 children). At data cutoff, the median follow-up was 2.3 months. In the 5-to-11-year-olds, as in other age groups, the BNT162b2 vaccine had a favorable safety profile. No vaccine-related serious adverse events were noted. One month after the second dose, the geometric mean ratio of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) neutralizing titers in 5-to-11-year-olds to those in 16-to-25-year-olds was 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93 to 1.18), a ratio meeting the prespecified immunogenicity success criterion (lower bound of two-sided 95% CI, >0.67; geometric mean ratio point estimate, ≥0.8). Covid-19 with onset 7 days or more after the second dose was reported in three recipients of the BNT162b2 vaccine and in 16 placebo recipients (vaccine efficacy, 90.7%; 95% CI, 67.7 to 98.3). Conclusions: A Covid-19 vaccination regimen consisting of two 10-μg doses of BNT162b2 administered 21 days apart was found to be safe, immunogenic, and efficacious in children 5 to 11 years of age.
Abstract Age plays a crucial role in the performance of schizophrenia vs. controls (SZ-HC) neuroimaging-based machine learning (ML) models as the accuracy of identifying first-episode psychosis from controls is poor compared to chronic patients. Resolving whether this finding reflects longitudinal progression in a disorder-specific brain pattern or a systematic but non-disorder-specific deviation from a normal brain aging (BA) trajectory in schizophrenia would help the clinical translation of diagnostic ML models. We trained two ML models on structural MRI data: an SZ-HC model based on 70 schizophrenia patients and 74 controls and a BA model (based on 561 healthy individuals, age range = 66 years). We then investigated the two models’ predictions in the naturalistic longitudinal Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966) following 29 schizophrenia and 61 controls for nine years. The SZ-HC model’s schizophrenia-specificity was further assessed by utilizing independent validation (62 schizophrenia, 95 controls) and depression samples (203 depression, 203 controls). We found better performance at the NFBC1966 follow-up (sensitivity = 75.9%, specificity = 83.6%) compared to the baseline (sensitivity = 58.6%, specificity = 86.9%). This finding resulted from progression in disorder-specific pattern expression in schizophrenia and was not explained by concomitant acceleration of brain aging. The disorder-specific pattern’s progression reflected longitudinal changes in cognition, outcomes, and local brain changes, while BA captured treatment-related and global brain alterations. The SZ-HC model was also generalizable to independent schizophrenia validation samples but classified depression as control subjects. Our research underlines the importance of taking account of longitudinal progression in a disorder-specific pattern in schizophrenia when developing ML classifiers for different age groups.
Abstract Hepatic metabolic clearance is one of the most important factors driving the overall kinetics of chemicals including substances used in various product categories such as pesticides, biocides, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. A large number of in vitro systems from purified isozymes and subcellular organelles to hepatocytes in simple cultures and in complex scaffold setups are available for measuring hepatic metabolic clearance for different applications. However, there is currently no approach for systematically characterising and comparing these in vitro methods in terms of their design, applicability and performance. To address this, existing knowledge in the field of in vitro human hepatic metabolic clearance methods was gathered and analysed in order to establish a framework to systematically characterise methods based on a set of relevant components. An analogous framework would be also applicable for non-human in vitro systems. The components are associated with the biological test systems used (e.g. subcellular or cells), the in vitro method (e.g. number of cells, test item solubility), related analytical techniques, data interpretation methods (based on substrate depletion/metabolite formation), and performance assessments (precision and accuracy of clearance measurements). To facilitate the regulatory acceptance of this class of methods, it is intended that the framework provide the basis of harmonisation work within the OECD.
Abstract This paper introduces a new system that can monitor aurora and atmospheric airglow using a low-cost Watec monochromatic imager (WMI) equipped with a sensitive camera, a filter with high transmittance, and the non-telecentric optics. The WMI system with 486-nm, 558-nm, and 630-nm band-pass filters has observable luminosity of about ~200–4000 Rayleigh for 1.07-sec exposure time and about ~40–1200 Rayleigh for 4.27-sec exposure time, for example. It is demonstrated that the WMI system is capable of detecting 428-nm auroral intensities properly, through comparison with those measured with a collocated electron-multiplying charge-coupled device (EMCCD) imager system with narrower band-pass filter. The WMI system has two distinct advantages over the existing system: One makes it possible to reduce overall costs, and the other is that it enables the continuous observation even under twilight and moonlight conditions. Since 2013 a set of multi-wavelength WMIs has been operating in northern Scandinavia, Svalbard, and Antarctica to study meso- and large-scale aurora and airglow phenomena. Future development of the low-cost WMI system is expected to provide a great opportunity for constructing a global network for multi-wavelength aurora and airglow monitoring.
Doppler Shift Attenuation Method (DSAM) analysis of excited-state lifetimes normally employs thin production targets mounted on a thick stopper foil (“backing”) serving to slow down and stop the recoiling nuclei of interest in a well-defined manner. Use of a thick, homogeneous production target leads to a more complex analysis as it results in a substantial decrease in the energy of the incident projectile which traverses the target with an associated change in the production cross section of the residues as a function of penetration depth. Here, a DSAM lifetime analysis using a thick homogeneous target has been verified using the Doppler broadened lineshapes of γ rays following the decay of highly excited states in the semi-magic (N = 50) nucleus 94Ru. Lifetimes of excited states in the 94Ru nucleus have been obtained using a modified version of the LINESHAPE package from the Doppler broadened lineshapes resulting from the emission of the γ rays, while the residual nuclei were slowing down in the thick (6 mg/cm2 ) metallic 58Ni target. The results have been validated by comparison with a previous measurement using a different (RDDS) technique.
Abstract Background: The complexity of oesophageal surgery and the significant risk of morbidity necessitates that oesophagectomy is predominantly performed by a consultant surgeon, or a senior trainee under their supervision. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of trainee involvement in oesophagectomy on postoperative outcomes in an international multicentre setting. Methods: Data from the multicentre Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Study Group (OGAA) cohort study were analysed, which comprised prospectively collected data from patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer between April 2018 and December 2018. Procedures were grouped by the level of trainee involvement, and univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to compare patient outcomes across groups. Results: Of 2232 oesophagectomies from 137 centres in 41 countries, trainees were involved in 29.1 per cent of them (n = 650), performing only the abdominal phase in 230, only the chest and/or neck phases in 130, and all phases in 315 procedures. For procedures with a chest anastomosis, those with trainee involvement had similar 90-day mortality, complication and reoperation rates to consultant-performed oesophagectomies (P = 0.451, P = 0.318, and P = 0.382, respectively), while anastomotic leak rates were significantly lower in the trainee groups (P = 0.030). Procedures with a neck anastomosis had equivalent complication, anastomotic leak, and reoperation rates (P = 0.150, P = 0.430, and P = 0.632, respectively) in trainee-involved versus consultant-performed oesophagectomies, with significantly lower 90-day mortality in the trainee groups (P = 0.005). Conclusions: Trainee involvement was not found to be associated with significantly inferior postoperative outcomes for selected patients undergoing oesophagectomy. The results support continued supervised trainee involvement in oesophageal cancer surgery.
Abstract Actins are filament-forming, highly-conserved proteins in eukaryotes. They are involved in essential processes in the cytoplasm and also have nuclear functions. Malaria parasites (Plasmodium spp.) have two actin isoforms that differ from each other and from canonical actins in structure and filament-forming properties. Actin I has an essential role in motility and is fairly well characterized. The structure and function of actin II are not as well understood, but mutational analyses have revealed two essential functions in male gametogenesis and in the oocyst. Here, we present expression analysis, high-resolution filament structures, and biochemical characterization of Plasmodium actin II. We confirm expression in male gametocytes and zygotes and show that actin II is associated with the nucleus in both stages in filament-like structures. Unlike actin I, actin II readily forms long filaments in vitro, and near-atomic structures in the presence or absence of jasplakinolide reveal very similar structures. Small but significant differences compared to other actins in the openness and twist, the active site, the D-loop, and the plug region contribute to filament stability. The function of actin II was investigated through mutational analysis, suggesting that long and stable filaments are necessary for male gametogenesis, while a second function in the oocyst stage also requires fine-tuned regulation by methylation of histidine 73. Actin II polymerizes via the classical nucleation-elongation mechanism and has a critical concentration of ~0.1 μM at the steady-state, like actin I and canonical actins. Similarly to actin I, dimers are a stable form of actin II at equilibrium.
The odd-Z 251Md nucleus was studied using combined γ-ray and conversion-electron in-beam spectroscopy. Besides the previously observed rotational band based on the [521]1/2− configuration, another rotational structure has been identified using γ−γ coincidences. The use of electron spectroscopy allowed the rotational bands to be observed over a larger rotational frequency range. Using the transition intensities that depend on the gyromagnetic factor, a [514]7/2− single-particle configuration has been inferred for this band, i.e., the ground-state band. A physical background that dominates the electron spectrum with an intensity of ≃60% was well reproduced by simulating a set of unresolved excited bands. Moreover, a detailed analysis of the intensity profile as a function of the angular momentum provided a method for deriving the orbital gyromagnetic factor, namely gK=0.69+0.19−0.16 for the ground-state band. The odd-Z 249Md was studied using γ-ray in-beam spectroscopy. Evidence for octupole correlations resulting from the mixing of the Δl=Δj=3 [521]3/2− and [633]7/2+ Nilsson orbitals were found in both 249,251Md. A surprising similarity of the 251Md ground-state band transition energies with those of the excited band of 255Lr has been discussed in terms of identical bands. Skyrme-Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov calculations were performed to investigate the origin of the similarities between these bands.
Isomers close to doubly magic _{28}^{78}Ni_{50} provide essential information on the shell evolution and shape coexistence near the Z=28 and N=50 double shell closure. We report the excitation energy measurement of the 1/2^{+} isomer in _{30}^{79}Zn_{49} through independent high-precision mass measurements with the JYFLTRAP double Penning trap and with the ISOLTRAP multi-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer. We unambiguously place the 1/2^{+} isomer at 942(10) keV, slightly below the 5/2^{+} state at 983(3) keV. With the use of state-of-the-art shell-model diagonalizations, complemented with discrete nonorthogonal shell-model calculations which are used here for the first time to interpret shape coexistence, we find low-lying deformed intruder states, similar to other N=49 isotones. The 1/2^{+} isomer is interpreted as the bandhead of a low-lying deformed structure akin to a predicted low-lying deformed band in ^{80}Zn, and points to shape coexistence in ^{79,80}Zn similar to the one observed in ^{78}Ni. The results make a strong case for confirming the claim of shape coexistence in this key region of the nuclear chart.
BACKGROUND: This trial investigated the hypothesis that the treatment with trabectedin/PLD (TP) to extend the platinum-free interval (TFIp) can improve overall survival (OS) in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer (OC). METHODS: Patients with OC (up to two previous platinum-based lines), with a TFIp of 6-12 months, were randomised to receive carboplatin/PLD (CP) or TP followed by platinum therapy at relapse. The primary endpoint was OS (HR: 0.75). RESULTS: The study enrolled 617 patients. The median TFIp was 8.3 months and 30.3% of patients had received two previous platinum lines. 74% and 73.9% of patients, respectively, received a subsequent therapy (ST) in the CP and TP arm; in the latter TP arm 87.2% of ST was platinum-based, as per protocol. The median OS was 21.4 for CP and 21.9 months for TP (HR 1.13; 95% CI: 0.94-1.35; p = 0.197). Grade 3-5 adverse reactions occurred in 37.1% of patients in the CP arm and 69.7% of patients in the TP arm, and the most frequent were neutropenia (22.8% CP, 39.5% TP), gastrointestinal (7.1% CP, 17.4% TP), hepatic (0.7% CP, 19.1% TP). CONCLUSIONS: This study did not meet the primary endpoint. CP combination remains the standard for patients with recurrent OC and a 6-12 months TFIp; TP is an effective treatment in patients suffering from persistent platinum toxicities. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01379989.
An upgraded TASISpec setup, with the addition of a veto DSSD and the new Compex detector-germanium array, has been employed with the gas-filled recoil separator TASCA at the GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung Darmstadt, to study flerovium (element 114) decay chains. The detector upgrades along with development of new analytical techniques have improved the sensitivity of the TASISpec setup for measuring α-photon coincidences. These improvements have been assessed with test reactions. The reaction 48Ca+206,207Pb was used for verification of experimental parameters such as transmission to implantation DSSD and target-segment to α-decay correlations. The reaction 48Ca+natHf was used to produce several short-lived nuclei with multiple-α decay chains to investigate pile-up event deconvolution.
Abstract Accurate automated medical image recognition, including classification and segmentation, is one of the most challenging tasks in medical image analysis. Recently, deep learning methods have achieved remarkable success in medical image classification and segmentation, clearly becoming the state-of-the-art methods. However, most of these methods are unable to provide uncertainty quantification (UQ) for their output, often being overconfident, which can lead to disastrous consequences. Bayesian Deep Learning (BDL) methods can be used to quantify uncertainty of traditional deep learning methods, and thus address this issue. We apply three uncertainty quantification methods to deal with uncertainty during skin cancer image classification. They are as follows: Monte Carlo (MC) dropout, Ensemble MC (EMC) dropout and Deep Ensemble (DE). To further resolve the remaining uncertainty after applying the MC, EMC and DE methods, we describe a novel hybrid dynamic BDL model, taking into account uncertainty, based on the Three-Way Decision (TWD) theory. The proposed dynamic model enables us to use different UQ methods and different deep neural networks in distinct classification phases. So, the elements of each phase can be adjusted according to the dataset under consideration. In this study, two best UQ methods (i.e., DE and EMC) are applied in two classification phases (the first and second phases) to analyze two well-known skin cancer datasets, preventing one from making overconfident decisions when it comes to diagnosing the disease. The accuracy and the F1-score of our final solution are, respectively, 88.95% and 89.00% for the first dataset, and 90.96% and 91.00% for the second dataset. Our results suggest that the proposed TWDBDL model can be used effectively at different stages of medical image analysis.
Lifetimes of negative-parity states have been determined in the neutron deficient semi-magic (N = 50) nucleus 95Rh. The fusion-evaporation reaction 58Ni(40Ca,3p) was used to populate high-spin states in 95Rh at the Grand Accélérateur National d’Ions Lourds (GANIL) accelerator facility. The results were obtained using the Doppler Shift Attenuation Method (DSAM) based on the Doppler broadened line shapes produced during the slowing down process of the residual nuclei in a thick 6mg/cm2 metallic target. B(M1) and B(E2) reduced transition strengths are compared with predictions from large-scale shell-model calculations.
The radioactivity of 160 76Os84 and 156 74W82 that lie at the two-proton drip line has been measured in an experiment performed at the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyväskylä. The 160Os nuclei were produced using fusion-evaporation reactions induced by a beam of 310 MeV 58Ni ions bombarding a 106Cd target. The 160Os ions were separated in flight using the recoil separator MARA and implanted into a double-sided silicon strip detector, which was used to measure their decays. The 𝛼 decays of the ground state of 160Os (𝐸𝛼 = 7092(15) keV, 𝑡1∕2 = 97+97 −32 μs) and its isomeric state (𝐸𝛼 = 8890(10) keV, 𝑡1∕2 = 41+15 −9 μs) were measured, allowing the excitation energy of the isomer to be determined as 1844(18) keV. These 𝛼-decay properties and the excitation energy of the isomer are compared with systematics. The 𝛼 decays were correlated with subsequent decays to investigate the 𝛽 decays of the ground state of 156W, revealing that unlike its isotones, both low-lying isomers were populated in its daughter nuclide, 156Ta. An improved value for the half-life of the proton-decaying high-spin isomeric state in 156 73Ta83 of 333+25 −22 ms was obtained in a separate experiment using the same experimental systems with a 102Pd target. This result was employed to improve the precision of the half-life determined for 156W, which was measured as 157+57 −34 ms.
An H- ion source is being operated at the new 160 MeV linear injector (Linac4) of the CERN accelerator complex. The source's plasma is of the Radio Frequency Inductively Coupled Plasma type (RF-ICP), without magnetic cusp and runs with Cs-loss compensation [1]. Vertical downward oriented filter- and electron dump-dipolar magnetic fields expand over the plasma chamber, beam-formation, beam-extraction and electron dump regions and generate horizontal asymmetry and beam angular deflection partially compensated by mechanical alignment of the front-end. The H- beam is generated via volume and caesiated plasma surface modes, the latter inducing a radial asymmetry characterized by an increased current density close to the plasma electrode surface [2]. Asymmetries affecting the meniscus shape, or its current density have to be simulated via 3D Particle In Cell Monte Carlo (PIC-MC) solvers, such as the Orsay Negative Ion eXtraction code (ONIX) [3]. Validation of these simulations require dedicated measurements. This contribution describes experimental methods newly implemented at CERN's ion source test stand and initial results for Optical and Beam Emission Spectroscopy (OES, BES), emittance and beam profile measurements. In a later stage, the gathered data sets can be compared to source plasma parameters and extracted beam parameters from PIC-MC simulations, once coupled to the Ion Beam Simulation (IBSimu) [4] beam transport code. The experimental parameter space includes RF-power, density of neutrals, position of the RF coil and extraction field. Beams of H-, D- and protons were produced; examples of measured data are presented in this contribution.
Nuclear astrophysics is a field at the intersection of nuclear physics and astrophysics, which seeks to understand the nuclear engines of astronomical objects and the origin of the chemical elements. This white paper summarizes progress and status of the field, the new open questions that have emerged, and the tremendous scientific opportunities that have opened up with major advances in capabilities across an ever growing number of disciplines and subfields that need to be integrated. We take a holistic view of the field discussing the unique challenges and opportunities in nuclear astrophysics in regards to science, diversity, education, and the interdisciplinarity and breadth of the field. Clearly nuclear astrophysics is a dynamic field with a bright future that is entering a new era of discovery opportunities.
Abstract We report on variability and correlation studies using multiwavelength observations of the blazar Mrk 421 during the month of 2010 February, when an extraordinary flare reaching a level of ~27 Crab Units above 1 TeV was measured in very high energy (VHE) γ-rays with the Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System (VERITAS) observatory. This is the highest flux state for Mrk 421 ever observed in VHE γ-rays. Data are analyzed from a coordinated campaign across multiple instruments, including VHE γ-ray (VERITAS, Major Atmospheric Gamma-ray Imaging Cherenkov), high-energy γ-ray (Fermi-LAT), X-ray (Swift, Rossi X-ray Timing Experiment, MAXI), optical (including the GASP-WEBT collaboration and polarization data), and radio (Metsähovi, Owens Valley Radio Observatory, University of Michigan Radio Astronomy Observatory). Light curves are produced spanning multiple days before and after the peak of the VHE flare, including over several flare “decline“ epochs. The main flare statistics allow 2 minute time bins to be constructed in both the VHE and optical bands enabling a cross-correlation analysis that shows evidence for an optical lag of ~25–55 minutes, the first time-lagged correlation between these bands reported on such short timescales. Limits on the Doppler factor (δ ≳ 33) and the size of the emission region (δ−1 RB ≲ × 1013 cm) are obtained from the fast variability observed by VERITAS during the main flare. Analysis of 10 minute binned VHE and X-ray data over the decline epochs shows an extraordinary range of behavior in the flux–flux relationship, from linear to quadratic to lack of correlation to anticorrelation. Taken together, these detailed observations of an unprecedented flare seen in Mrk 421 are difficult to explain with the classic single-zone synchrotron self-Compton model.
Abstract Based on the perceptions of the local farmers, this study aims to assess the effects of socioeconomic factors and climatic change on the groundwater livelihood system, with a particular focus on in situ Persian wheels/dug wells. Farmers’ perceptions of climate change and how it is affecting their way of life in the Soan River Basin have also been evaluated to determine the most appropriate adaptive interventions. Information and literature about dug wells was unavailable, which stressed the need to carry out this survey. A structured close-ended questionnaire was designed and administered with as much quantitative data as possible. Random sampling opted for a 5 km buffer zone across the Soan River and its tributaries. Union councils having more than 50% of their area lying in the buffer zone were surveyed, and data was collected. Fifty UCs fell within this criterion, and six dug wells from each Union Council were surveyed. The results of our survey collecting local farmer’s perceptions determined that about 70% of respondents agreed about climate change in the Soan Basin of Pakistan, and 62% of farmers reported that climate change severely impacted their livelihood by affecting agricultural productivity and water availability. Ninety-two percent reported summer becoming hot, 72% highlighted that winters are becoming less cold, and 96% reported that average annual rainfall has decreased compared to 10 years before. About 72% of respondents indicated that available water in their dug wells had decreased, and 80% of respondents explained that their crop yield had decreased compared to 10 years before. Sixty percent preferred drip and 35% sprinkler irrigation as efficient water management practices to cope with water shortages. Ninety-five percent of farmers were ready to use solar pumps for irrigation to tame high pumping costs. The study recommends integrating solar pumping with drip and sprinkler irrigation systems to enhance farmers’ cropped area and productivity. These vulnerable farmers can enhance their resilience and profitability by adopting high-value agriculture (tunnel farming, off-season vegetables, etc.) instead of conventional crops.