Search

This article discusses the accuracy of the professional flash glucose monitoring system FreeStyle Libre Pro (FLP) in hospitalized individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus who are receiving standardized basal-bolus insulin therapy. The study found that the FLP system exhibited an overall median absolute relative difference (MARD) of 8.4% and showed slightly less accuracy during hypoglycemia. The FLP system measured lower glucose levels compared to the point-of-care (POC) device, resulting in more hypoglycemic episodes being detected. The study concludes that the FLP sensor demonstrated good accuracy in hospitalized patients, but further research is needed to support the use of continuous glucose monitoring sensors during acute illness in the hospital setting. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: To improve reproducibility and predictive performance of PET radiomic features in multicentric studies by cycle-consistent generative adversarial network (GAN) harmonization approaches. Methods: GAN-harmonization was developed to harmonize whole-body PET scans to perform image style and texture translation between different centers and scanners. GAN-harmonization was evaluated by application to two retrospectively collected open datasets and different tasks. First, GAN-harmonization was performed on a dual-center lung cancer cohort (127 female, 138 male) where the reproducibility of radiomic features in healthy liver tissue was evaluated. Second, GAN-harmonization was applied to a head and neck cancer cohort (43 female, 154 male) acquired from three centers. Here, the clinical impact of GAN-harmonization was analyzed by predicting the development of distant metastases using a logistic regression model incorporating first-order statistics and texture features from baseline 18F-FDG PET before and after harmonization. Results: Image quality remained high (structural similarity: left kidney ≥ 0.800, right kidney ≥ 0.806, liver ≥ 0.780, lung ≥ 0.838, spleen ≥ 0.793, whole-body ≥ 0.832) after image harmonization across all utilized datasets. Using GAN-harmonization, inter-site reproducibility of radiomic features in healthy liver tissue increased at least by ≥ 5 ± 14% (first-order), ≥ 16 ± 7% (GLCM), ≥ 19 ± 5% (GLRLM), ≥ 16 ± 8% (GLSZM), ≥ 17 ± 6% (GLDM), and ≥ 23 ± 14% (NGTDM). In the head and neck cancer cohort, the outcome prediction improved from AUC 0.68 (95% CI 0.66–0.71) to AUC 0.73 (0.71–0.75) by application of GAN-harmonization. Conclusions: GANs are capable of performing image harmonization and increase reproducibility and predictive performance of radiomic features derived from different centers and scanners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-pressure neutron diffraction is an extremely useful technique in the quest for making and understanding novel hydride superconductors. Neutron diffraction can be used to directly determine elemental stoichiometries and atomic positions of many light elements such as hydrogen or deuterium, even in the presence of heavy elements such as rare-earth metals. Here, we report on the current status and ongoing developments on high-pressure neutron diffraction for hydride superconductors and other metal hydrides with a special focus on current advancements at the Spallation Neutrons and Pressure (SNAP) beamline of the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. For broader context, an overview of high-pressure neutron diffractometers and pressure cells is included together with insight into critical sample considerations. There, attention is given to the requirements for powdered hydride samples and the need for deuterium rather than hydrogen. Additionally, the advantages of angular access and data representation as possible at SNAP are described. We demonstrate the current capability for high-pressure neutron diffraction on two different samples created via hydrogen gas loading, specifically pure deuterium and nickel-deuteride. The deuterium example highlights the usefulness of adding sample materials that facilitate the formation of a good powder while the nickel-deuteride example demonstrates that atomic deuterium positions and stoichiometry can be directly determined. Both examples highlight the importance of large scattering apertures. These enable investigation of the data resolved by scattering angle that is needed to identify parasitic peaks and background features. Finally, future directions beyond current high-pressure neutron powder diffraction are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In code-compliant simulations, the impact of thermal zoning method is significant on building energy use of building systems. However, in practice, thermal zone modeling is often determined by general rules without careful consideration of the specific characteristics of different HVAC systems. Therefore, this study evaluated the impact of thermal zone modeling on all-electric HVAC Systems in hot-humid and cold-humid climates using different levels of usage profiles. The results of this study identify the significant influence of thermal zoning methods on the annual energy use in all-electric HVAC systems depending on usage rates and climate. When different thermal zoning models were used, the amount of energy used differed depending on HVAC system type and zone usage (i.e., PSZ system varied from 4.6% to 8.8% in Houston, TX, and from 4.6% to 20.1% in Chicago, IL). In addition, a significant difference can be found in peak heating demands for selected HVAC systems in buildings located in cold climates (i.e., for winter peak days, the daily load differences of 21.8% to 24.5% in Chicago, IL). The results of this study can be used to improve the accuracy of thermal zone modeling for code compliance that considers different HVAC system types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern artificial intelligence (AI) approaches mainly rely on neural network (NN) or deep NN methodologies. However, these approaches require large amounts of data to train, given, that the number of their trainable parameters has a polynomial relationship to their neuron counts. This property renders deep NNs challenging to apply in fields operating with small, albeit representative datasets such as healthcare. In this paper, we propose a novel neural network architecture which trains spatial positions of neural soma and axon pairs, where weights are calculated by axon-soma distances of connected neurons. We refer to this method as distance-encoding biomorphic-informational (DEBI) neural network. This concept significantly minimizes the number of trainable parameters compared to conventional neural networks. We demonstrate that DEBI models can yield comparable predictive performance in tabular and imaging datasets, where they require a fraction of trainable parameters compared to conventional NNs, resulting in a highly scalable solution. • DEBI-NNs train 3D coordinates of artificial soma and axon pairs. • DEBI-NNs require significantly less parameters to train compared to conventional NNs. • DEBI-NNs yield identical predictive performance results to NNs in medical datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a study that aimed to investigate brain abnormalities in fetuses with Trisomy 21 (T21) and assess their impact on neurological outcomes. The researchers retrospectively analyzed MRI and ultrasound data of 54 fetuses with confirmed T21 and found that 69% of them had diagnosed brain abnormalities. These abnormalities included abnormal lateral ventricles, cerebellar hypoplasia, abnormal subarachnoidal fluid spaces, and others. The study also found that children with T21 and prenatally diagnosed brain abnormalities reached gross motor milestones later compared to those without brain abnormalities. The authors suggest that fetal brain assessment in fetuses with T21 may improve prenatal counseling. [Extracted from the article]

This article, titled "Enhancing ultrasound image quality for fetal kidney assessment: a prospective study on influential factors," explores the limitations of ultrasound imaging in obstetrics, specifically in assessing fetal kidneys. The study analyzes ultrasound images of fetal kidneys and correlates the image quality with various factors such as gestational age, maternal BMI, scanning duration, fatty-layer thickness, and probe-to-organ distance. The results show that fatty-layer thickness significantly influences image quality, while BMI has limited impact. The study concludes that individual body composition plays an important role in ultrasound imaging and should be considered in future device development. [Extracted from the article]

Previous studies have traced the earliest origins of today's whole-building energy simulation programs, such as EnergyPlus, eQUEST, DOE-2.1E, TRNSYS, TRACE, and HAP, to two public simulation programs in the early 1970's, including: the Post Office program and the NBSLD program. However, in the 1960's, there were earlier public simulation programs that had a significant influence on developments of the Post Office and NBSLD programs and are therefore related to many of the today's whole-building energy simulation programs but were not discussed in previous studies, including: the NATEOUS program, the SHEP program, and the TACS program. In addition, there were public supplementary calculation programs that also contributed to developments of the Post Office and NBSLD programs, including: the CP-26 program and the RESPTK program. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to further clarify the earliest origins of today's whole-building energy simulation programs based on the analysis of these early computer programs. This study extends the previous research (Oh and Haberl 2016) that discussed the origins of today's whole-building energy simulation programs for high-performance commercial buildings and the thermal analysis methods used in these programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last 60 years, the diamond anvil cell (DAC) has emerged as the tool of choice in high pressure science because materials can be studied at megabar pressures using X-ray and spectroscopic probes. In contrast, the pressure range for neutron diffraction has been limited due to low neutron flux even at the strongest sources and the resulting large sample sizes. Here, we introduce a neutron DAC that enables break-out of the previously limited pressure range. Key elements are ball-bearing guides for improved mechanical stability, gem-quality synthetic diamonds with novel anvil support and improved in-seat collimation. We demonstrate a pressure record of 1.15 Mbar and crystallographic analysis at 1 Mbar on the example of nickel. Additionally, insights into the phase behavior of graphite to 0.5 Mbar are described. These technical and analytical developments will further allow structural studies on low-Z materials that are difficult to characterize by X-rays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, titled "EP04.05: Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on parvovirus B19 infection rates in pregnancy: is there a post-pandemic epidemic?" explores the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on parvovirus B19 infection rates in pregnant women. The study, conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Fetomaternal Medicine at the Medical University of Vienna, analyzed the prevalence of parvovirus B19 among pregnant women who underwent PCR testing for suspicion of infection. The study found that there was a significant increase in parvovirus B19 infections among pregnant women after the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that public health measures implemented during the pandemic may have impacted infection rates. [Extracted from the article]

Three concepts for the application of multi-extreme conditions under in situ neutron scattering are described here. The first concept is a neutron diamond anvil cell made from a non-magnetic alloy. It is shrunk in size to fit existing magnets and future magnet designs and is designed for best pressure stability upon cooling. This will allow for maximum pressures above 10 GPa to be applied simultaneously with (steady-state) high magnetic field and (ultra-)low temperature. Additionally, an implementation of miniature coils for neutron diamond cells is presented for pulsed-field applications. The second concept presents a set-up for laser-heating a neutron diamond cell using a defocused CO2 laser. Cell, anvil, and gasket stability will be achieved through stroboscopic measurements and maximum temperatures of 1500 K are anticipated at pressures to the megabar. The third concept presents a hybrid levitator to enable measurements of solids and liquids at temperatures in excess of 4000 K. This will be accomplished by a combination of bulk induction and surface laser heating and hyperbaric conditions to reduce evaporation rates. The potential for deployment of these multi-extreme environments within this first instrument suite of the Second Target Station is described with a special focus on VERDI, PIONEER, CENTAUR, and CHESS. Furthermore, considerations for deployment on future instruments, such as the one proposed as TITAN, are discussed. Overall, the development of these multi-extremes at the Second Target Station, but also beyond, will be highly advantageous for future experimentation and will give access to parameter space previously not possible for neutron scattering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breastfeeding (BF) in mothers living with HIV (MLWH) is still discussed controversially in resource-rich settings. In Germany, where formula feeding is recommended for MLWH single BF cases have been reported, but no systematic data collection and analysis are available so far. This study, titled HELENE, aims to fill this data gap. A questionnaire covering the course of BF was distributed by a graduate student visiting each study site. Information was collected from patient files and by personal communication with the health care provider. Primary study objectives were the duration of BF and the maternal antiretroviral treatment (ART). Fifteen treatment centers across Germany contributed a total of 42 BF cases, observed from May 2009 to July 2020. There was an increasing number of BF cases over time. The median duration of BF was 20 weeks varying from single BF of colostrum to 104 weeks. All BF women except one elite controller received ART: 39% non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-, 37% INSTI-, 29% protease inhibitor-based regimens; one woman was on maraviroc. Thirty-nine percent of the ART regimens included drugs that were not recommended by the German–Austrian pregnancy guidelines. Our findings highlight the diversity of BF cases in Germany in terms of duration, maternal ART, and monitoring. Since the number of BF cases is increasing, guidelines are obliged to implement more detailed recommendations on BF, the monitoring of BF mothers, and the follow-up of the infants. There is an urgent need for prospective national and European data collections to further improve HIV prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) in the setting of BF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest‐based mitigation strategies will play a pivotal role in achieving the rapid and deep net‐emission reductions required to prevent catastrophic climate change. However, large disagreement prevails on how to forge forest‐based mitigation strategies, in particular in regions where forests are currently growing in area and carbon density. Two opposing viewpoints prevail in the current discourse: (1) A widespread viewpoint, specifically in countries in the Global North, favours enhanced wood use, including bioenergy, for substitution of emissions‐intensive products and processes. (2) Others instead focus on the biophysical, resource‐efficiency and time‐response advantages of forest conservation and restoration for carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation, whilst often not explicitly specifying how much wood extraction can still safeguard these ecological benefits. We here argue for a new perspective in sustainable forest research that aims at forging "no‐regret" forest‐based climate change mitigation strategies. Based on the consideration of forest growth dynamics and the opportunity carbon cost associated with wood use, we suggest that, instead of taking (hypothetical) wood‐for‐fossil substitution as starting point in assessments of carbon implications of wood products and services, analyses should take the potential and desired carbon sequestration of forests as starting point and quantify sustainable yield potentials compatible with those carbon sequestration potentials. Such an approach explicitly addresses the possible benefits provided by forests as carbon sinks, brings research on the permanence and vulnerability of C‐stocks in forests, of substitution effects, as well as explorations of demand‐side strategies to the forefront of research and, in particular, aligns better with the urgency to find viable climate solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on visits to hospitalized patients. It discusses how pandemic-related and accommodation-related regulations relate to each other and whether the accommodation court can review such restrictions on a case-by-case basis. According to the Accommodation Act, restrictions on personal rights are only permissible if expressly provided for in constitutional law, this federal law, or other legal provisions. The Supreme Court has ruled that restrictions on the personal rights of hospitalized patients always fall within the scope of the Accommodation Act. In the second legal proceeding, the court of first instance determined that deprivation of liberty during accommodation is a critical life event and therefore visits should generally be allowed. The visitation ban was declared inadmissible because the exception clause of the 3rd COVID-19 SchuMaV was fulfilled. [Extracted from the article]

The transformation of diamond-cubic silicon to the metallic β-Sn phase is known to be "sluggish," even when the critical pressure (∼11 GPa) for the transformation is reached. In this letter, we use nanoindentation to apply pressures to just above the critical threshold. In this regime, the sample displays purely elastic behavior at zero hold time. As the hold time at maximum load is increased up to 180 s, the percentage of indents that plastically deform also increase. Interestingly, the indents deform via one of two distinct processes: either via a phase transformation to a mixed bc8/r8-Si end phase, or by initiation of crystalline defects. Raman spectroscopy and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy are used to show that the two deformation mechanisms are mutually exclusive under the indentation conditions presented here, and elastic modelling was utilized to propose a model for this mutually exclusive behavior. Hence, this behavior enhances the potential for application of the exotic bc8/r8-Si end phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dysregulated lipid metabolism is critically involved in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The respective metabolic pathways affected in HCC can be identified using suitable experimental models. Mice injected with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and fed a normal chow develop HCC. For the analysis of the pathophysiology of HCC in this model a comprehensive lipidomic analysis was performed. Methods: Lipids were measured in tumor and non-tumorous tissues by direct flow injection analysis. Proteins with a role in lipid metabolism were analysed by immunoblot. Mann-Whitney U-test or paired Student´s t-test were used for data analysis. Results: Intra-tumor lipid deposition is a characteristic of HCCs, and di- and triglycerides accumulated in the tumor tissues of the mice. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha, lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase protein were low in the tumors whereas proteins involved in de novo lipogenesis were not changed. Higher rates of de novo lipogenesis cause a shift towards saturated acyl chains, which did not occur in the murine HCC model. Besides, LDL-receptor protein and cholesteryl ester levels were higher in the murine HCC tissues. Ceramides are cytotoxic lipids and are low in human HCCs. Notably, ceramide levels increased in the murine tumors, and the simultaneous decline of sphingomyelins suggests that sphingomyelinases were involved herein. DEN is well described to induce the tumor suppressor protein p53 in the liver, and p53 was additionally upregulated in the tumors. Conclusions: Ceramides mediate the anti-cancer effects of different chemotherapeutic drugs and restoration of ceramide levels was effective against HCC. High ceramide levels in the tumors makes the DEN injected mice an unsuitable model to study therapies targeting ceramide metabolism. This model is useful for investigating how tumors evade the cytotoxic effects of ceramides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) in ambulatory children affected by cerebral palsy (CP) is a surgical treatment option to lower spasticity and thereby improve gait and ambulation. The aim of the current study is to investigate the outcome of children with respect to spasticity, muscle strength, and overall function after SDR. Methods: All children who underwent SDR via a single-level laminotomy in the time period from January 2007 to April 2015 at our center were enrolled in this study. Within a standardized evaluation process, the following was assessed routinely pre-operatively and 12 and 24 months following surgery: extent of spasticity at hip adductors and hamstrings as characterized by the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), maximal muscle strength as characterized by the Medical Council Research Scale (MRC), overall function regarding ambulation as characterized by the Gross Motors Function Classification System (GFMCS), and overall function as characterized by the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88). Results: Matching sets of pre- and post-operative assessments of the chosen outcome parameters were available for 109 of the 150 children who underwent SDR within the observation period. After 24 months, the MAS scores of hip adductors (n = 59) improved in 71% and 76% of children on the right and left side, respectively. In 20% and 19%, it remained unchanged and worsened in 9% and 5% of children on the right and left side, respectively (p < 0.00625). For hamstrings, the rates for the right and left sides were 81% and 79% improvement, 16% and 16% unchanged, and 4% and 5% worsened, respectively (p < 0.00625). Muscle strength of ankle dorsiflexion and knee extension significantly improved after 24 months. Overall function assessed by GMFM-88 improved significantly by 4% after 12 months (n = 77) and by 7% after 24 months (n = 56, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The presented data underlines the benefit of SDR in a pediatric patient collective with bilateral spastic CP. The procedure resulted in an effective and permanent reduction of spasticity and improved overall function without causing relevant weakness of the lower extremities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National School on Neutron and X-ray Scattering (NXS) has been a yearly "institution" for North American graduate students interested in neutron and X-ray scattering since its inception 23 years ago. For the second year in a row, it was forced to go virtual. Nevertheless, the aim was to include user experiments and maximize interactions in this second virtual iteration rather than simply repeat the lecture series of the first virtual iteration. Here, we share our newly adopted methods and experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider adaptive finite element methods for second-order elliptic PDEs, where the arising discrete systems are not solved exactly. For contractive iterative solvers, we formulate an adaptive algorithm which monitors and steers the adaptive mesh-refinement as well as the inexact solution of the arising discrete systems. We prove that the proposed strategy leads to linear convergence with optimal algebraic rates. Unlike prior works, however, we focus on convergence rates with respect to the overall computational costs. In explicit terms, the proposed adaptive strategy thus guarantees quasi-optimal computational time. In particular, our analysis covers linear problems, where the linear systems are solved by an optimally preconditioned CG method as well as nonlinear problems with strongly monotone nonlinearity which are linearized by the so-called Zarantonello iteration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A design for an incident-beam collimator for the Paris–Edinburgh pressure cell is described here. This design can be fabricated from reaction-bonded B4C but also through fast turnaround, inexpensive 3D-printing. 3D-printing thereby also offers the opportunity of composite collimators whereby the tip closest to the sample can exhibit even better neutronic characteristics. Here, we characterize four such collimators: one from reaction-bonded B4C, one 3D-printed and fully infiltrated with cyanoacrylate, a glue, one with a glue-free tip, and one with a tip made from enriched 10B4C. The collimators are evaluated on the Spallation Neutrons and Pressure Diffractometer of the Spallation Neutron Source and the Wide-Angle Neutron Diffractometer at the High Flux Isotope Reactor, both at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. This work clearly shows that 3D-printed collimators perform well and also that composite collimators improve performance even further. Beyond use in the Paris–Edinburgh cell, these findings also open new avenues for collimator designs as clearly more complex shapes are possible through 3D printing. An example of such is shown here with a collimator made for single-crystal samples measured inside a diamond anvil cell. These developments are expected to be highly advantageous for future experimentation in high pressure and other extreme environments and even for the design and deployment of new neutron scattering instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Cancer-associated cachexia is a serious complication that can arise in patients with head and neck cancer due to both the disease and its treatments. It causes severe weight loss, muscle and fat depletion, and systemic inflammation, which significantly diminish patients' quality of life and survival. This study uses advanced machine learning techniques to improve the prediction and understanding of cachexia. By analyzing detailed imaging and clinical data, the research seeks to identify early signs of cachexia, providing insights that could help shape future management strategies. Our findings suggest that specific imaging biomarkers, particularly pancreatic volume, could play a crucial role in predicting cachexia, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes for affected patients. Background/Objectives: Cancer-associated cachexia in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is challenging to diagnose due to its complex pathophysiology. This study aimed to identify metabolic biomarkers linked to cachexia and survival in HNSCC patients using [18F]FDG-PET/CT imaging and machine learning (ML) techniques. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 253 HNSCC patients from Vienna General Hospital and the MD Anderson Cancer Center. Automated organ segmentation was employed to quantify metabolic and volumetric data from [18F]FDG-PET/CT scans across 29 tissues and organs. Patients were categorized into low weight loss (LoWL; grades 0–2) and high weight loss (HiWL; grades 3–4) groups, according to the weight loss grading system (WLGS). Machine learning models, combined with Cox regression, were used to identify survival predictors. Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) analysis was conducted to determine the significance of individual features. Results: The HiWL group exhibited increased glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue (p = 0.01), while the LoWL group showed higher lung metabolism. The one-year survival rate was 84.1% in the LoWL group compared to 69.2% in the HiWL group (p < 0.01). Pancreatic volume emerged as a key biomarker associated with cachexia, with the ML model achieving an AUC of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.77–0.80) and an accuracy of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.81–0.83). Multivariate Cox regression confirmed pancreatic volume as an independent prognostic factor (HR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.46–0.95; p < 0.05). Conclusions: The integration of metabolic and volumetric data provided a strong predictive model, highlighting pancreatic volume as a key imaging biomarker in the metabolic assessment of cachexia in HNSCC. This finding enhances our understanding and may improve prognostic evaluations and therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gene electrotransfer is an established method that enables transfer of DNA into cells with electric pulses. Several studies analyzed and optimized different parameters of gene electrotransfer, however, one of main obstacles toward efficient electrotransfection in vivo is relatively poor DNA mobility in tissues. Our aim was to analyze the effect of impaired mobility on gene electrotransfer efficiency experimentally and theoretically. We applied electric pulses with different durations on plated cells, cells grown on collagen layer and cells embedded in collagen gel (3D model) and analyzed gene electrotransfer efficiency. In order to analyze the effect of impaired mobility on gene electrotransfer efficiency, we applied electric pulses with different durations on plated cells, cells grown on collagen layer and cells embedded in collagen gel (3D model) and analyzed gene electrotransfer efficiency.Results: We obtained the highest transfection in plated cells, while transfection efficiency of embedded cells in 3D model was lowest, similarly as in in vivo. To further analyze DNA diffusion in 3D model, we applied DNA on top or injected it into 3D model and showed, that for the former gene electrotransfer efficiency was similarly as in in vivo. The experimental results are explained with theoretical analysis of DNA diffusion and electromobility.Conclusion: We show, empirically and theoretically that DNA has impaired electromobility and especially diffusion in collagen environment, where the latter crucially limits electrotransfection. Our model enables optimization of gene electrotransfer in in vitro conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the discovery of a new high-mass X-ray binary pulsar, XMMU J050722.1−684758, possibly associated with the supernova remnant (SNR) MCSNR J0507−6847 in the Large Magellanic Cloud, using XMM–Newton X-ray observations. Pulsations with a periodicity of 570 s are discovered from the Be X-ray binary XMMU J050722.1−684758 confirming its nature as a HMXB pulsar. The HMXB is located near the geometric centre of the SNR MCSNR J0507−6847(0.9 arcmin from the centre) which supports the XRB-SNR association. The estimated age of the SNR is 43–63 kyr years which points to a middle aged to old SNR. The large diameter of the SNR combined with the lack of distinctive shell counterparts in optical and radio indicates that the SNR is expanding into the tenuous environment of the superbubble N103. The estimated magnetic field strength of the neutron star is B ≳ 1014 G assuming a spin equilibrium condition which is expected from the estimated age of the parent remnant and assuming that the measured mass-accretion rate remained constant throughout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As education researchers increase our focus on affect as a crucial dimension of school practice and pedagogy, we also have the responsibility of taking up the paradoxical nature of seeking to represent and analyze moments of feeling that, by their very nature, evade our understanding. This article explores the question of attending to affect in education research by drawing on research conducted in a seventh grade classroom in a mid-sized city in the western United States, where students were explicitly invited to ground argumentative writing in lived experiences that were significant to them, including those experiences often deemed difficult and thus saturated with affective intensities. Invited to use visual arts-based methods of representing the felt dimension of the project, participants used both color and abstract design as a method for representing the complexity of these affective intensities. The author makes an argument for this visual method of representation that invites students to illustrate their affective experience in ways that maintain its complex, contrasting and often non-linguistic nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoindentation-induced phase transformations have been studied in amorphous Ge thin films. These films initially tend to deform via plastic flow of the amorphous phase under load but at a critical pressure a sudden phase transformation occurs. This transformation, to a soft metallic (β-Sn-like)-Ge phase confined under the indenter, is signified by a "pop-in" event on loading. Following "pop-in," the indentation tests fall into two distinct types of behavior. In one case, the rate of deformation with increasing load after "pop-in" increases, and the observed end-phase following complete unloading is observed to be predominately diamond-cubic Ge. In the other case, the deformation rate (slope of the loading curve) remains the same as that before "pop-in," and the end phases following unloading are found to contain predominantly unstable r8 and more stable hexagonal Ge phases. The different transformation pathways for these two cases are shown to be related to the probability that the soft (β-Sn-like)-Ge phase volume, which suddenly forms at the transformation pressure, is either unconstrained by the indenter tip (the first case) or totally constrained under the indenter tip (in the latter case). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High temperature nanoindentation has been performed on pure ion-implanted amorphous silicon (unrelaxed a-Si) and structurally relaxed a-Si to investigate the temperature dependence of mechanical deformation, including pressure-induced phase transformations. Along with the indentation load-depth curves, ex situ measurements such as Raman micro-spectroscopy and crosssectional transmission electron microscopy analysis on the residual indents reveal the mode of deformation under the indenter. While unrelaxed a-Si deforms entirely via plastic flow up to 200 °C, a clear transition in the mode of deformation is observed in relaxed a-Si with increasing temperature. Up to 100 °C, pressure-induced phase transformation and the observation of either crystalline (r8/bc8) end phases or pressure-induced a-Si occurs in relaxed a-Si. However, with further increase of temperature, plastic flow rather than phase transformation is the dominant mode of deformation. It is believed that the elevated temperature and pressure together induce bond softening and "defect" formation in structurally relaxed a-Si, leading to the inhibition of phase transformation due to pressure-releasing plastic flow under the indenter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assesses the current level of the application of passive/natural and daylighting systems in the US by architects and engineers. Although an extensive list of publications about passive/natural and daylighting systems exists, there are very few studies addressing the degree of applying these systems in practice. This paper, through the application of a survey methodology, evaluates the level of the application of passive and daylighting systems in the US and discusses the survey findings and variables that may increase the application of these systems in practice. The findings indicate a low level of the application of passive systems that need complex designs. In this case, daylighting systems were more regularly applied, while the application of passive cooling in the US was more common than passive heating systems. To promote the application of passive systems, the clients' desire/collaboration, building code/rating systems, and simulation tools for passive design were the most influential factors according to the survey findings. The focus of this study was on the application of passive systems as a part of a larger research focused on the application, education, and best-practices of passive design in the US. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents research report on horizontal genome transfer by cell-to-cell travel of whole organelles. Topics include horizontal transfer of entire plastid, mitochondrial, or nuclear genomes between species generates new combinations of nuclear and organellar genomes, or produces novel species that are allopolyploid; and uncovers a pathway of organelle movement from cell to cell and provides a mechanistic framework for horizontal genome transfer.

Background: Emerging data support a role for lipids in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in humans. With experimental models such data can be challenged or validated. Mice fed a low-methionine, choline-deficient (LMCD) diet develop NASH and, when injected with diethylnitrosamine (DEN), HCC. Here, lipidomic analysis was used to elucidate whether the NASH and HCC associated lipid derangements resemble the lipid profile of the human disease. Methods: Lipids were measured in the liver of mice fed a control or a LMCD diet for 16 weeks. DEN was injected at young age to initiate hepatocarcinogenesis. DEN treatment associated changes of the lipid composition and the tumor lipidome were evaluated. Results: LMCD diet fed mice accumulated ceramides and triacylglycerols in the liver. Phospholipids enriched with monounsaturated fatty acids were also increased, whereas hepatic cholesterol levels remained unchanged in the LMCD model. Phosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylcholine concentrations declined in the liver of LMCD diet fed mice. The changes of most lipids associated with LMCD diet feeding were similar between water and DEN injected mice. Several polyunsaturated (PU) diacylglycerol species were already low in the liver of DEN injected mice fed the control diet. Tumors developed in the liver of LMCD diet fed mice injected with DEN. The tumor specific lipid profile, however, did not resemble the decrease of ceramides and PU phospholipids, which was consistently described in human HCC. Triacylglycerols declined in the cancer tissues, which is in accordance with a low expression of lipogenic enzymes in the tumors. Conclusions: The LMCD model is suitable to study NASH associated lipid reprogramming. Hepatic lipid profile was modestly modified in the DEN injected mice suggesting a function of these derangements in carcinogenesis. Lipid composition of liver tumors did not resemble the human HCC lipidome, and most notably, lipogenesis and triacylglycerol levels were suppressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Spinal reflexes reorganize in cerebral palsy (CP), producing hyperreflexia and spasticity. CP is more common among male infants, and gender might also influence brain and spinal–cord reorganization. This retrospective study investigated the frequency of higher-graded EMG responses elicited by electrical nerve–root stimulation during selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR), prior to partial nerve– root deafferentation, considering not only segmental level and body side, but also gender. Methods: Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IOM) was used in SDR to pinpoint the rootlets most responsible for exacerbated stimulation-evoked EMG patterns recorded from lower-limb muscle groups. Responses were graded according to an objective response-classification system, ranging from no abnormalities (grade 0) to highly abnormal (grade 4+), based on ipsilateral spread and contralateral involvement. Non-parametric analysis of data with repeated measures was primarily used in investigating the frequency distribution of these various EMG response grades. Over 7000 rootlets were stimulated, and the results for 65 girls and 81 boys were evaluated, taking changes in the composition of patient groups into account when considering GMFCS levels. Results: The distribution of graded EMG responses varied according to gender, laterality, and level. Higher-graded EMG responses were markedly more frequent in the boys and at lower segmental levels (L5, S1). Left-biased asymmetry in higher–graded rootlets was also more noticeable in the boys and in patients with GMFCS level I. A close link was observed between higher-grade assessments and left-biased asymmetry. Conclusions: Detailed insight into the patient's initial spinal-neurofunctional state prior to deafferentation suggests that differences in asymmetrical spinal reorganization might be attributable to a hemispheric imbalance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barium hydride can undergo a structural phase transition from an orthorhombic phase to a hexagonal phase induced by high temperature or high pressure. This transition causes an immediate increase in the hydrogen diffusion rates by over an order of magnitude, and therefore, understanding the origin and details of such transition is of great interest not only for fundamental reasons but also for improving materials for future applications. In this work, the pressure evolution of the crystal structure was characterized using neutron powder diffraction up to a maximum pressure of 11.3 GPa. The pressure dependence of the unit cell volumes, lattice parameters, atomic sites, and compressibilities were determined for both phases. A structural phase transition occurred over a wide pressure range of P = 1.3 GPa–4.9 GPa. The transition to the higher density hexagonal phase reduced the volume per formula unit of BaD2 by 13.6%, hence increasing the volumetric storage density. In addition, we investigated the hydrogen diffusion process using high pressure quasi-elastic neutron scattering up to 7.1 GPa. Our results show that the hydrogen mobility increases with pressure in the hexagonal phase. This work sheds light on the structural and dynamical aspects of barium hydride caused by the application of high pressure. The results may aid in the development of advanced metal hydride systems with increased hydrogen dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Ecological theory is not often applied to human appropriation of net primary production (HANPP), which estimates reduction of natural net primary production (NPP) due to harvest and land use. Here we use predator–prey theory to evaluate HANPP as "predation". Macroecology and adaptive life history strategies also help evaluate relationships among global terrestrial HANPP, NPP, and plant biomass (B). Location: Lands worldwide. Time period: 2000. Major taxa studied: Terrestrial plants. Methods: HANPP and potential NPP allometric scaling were estimated for terrestrial ecoregions (N = 819, for 86% of global land surface area) in the year 2000. HANPP and NPP scaling were compared and projected to current and year 2050 conditions. NPP scaling for potential versus actual conditions were also compared, as were biomass turnover rates (T; per year). Results: Global HANPP scales predictably with B; consistent with predator–prey theory, HANPP scaling is not clearly satiated at greater B. NPP scaling supports adaptive life history strategies theory. HANPP scaling is c. 16% of NPP scaling; a conservative estimate compared to a grid‐based 22%. HANPP scaling could become 25–35% of potential NPP scaling by 2050 due to population growth, or be constrained to 20–26% of potential NPP scaling if resource use efficiency improves. However, B is more sensitive than NPP to human effects, and human population size and HANPP now dominate as predictors of T. Main conclusions: Three ecological theories converged here to broadly support prior empirical estimates and enable novel insights. B and T are more sensitive to global human impacts than is NPP and should be priorities for carbon budgets and conservation. Human population growth and resource use efficiency strongly affect terrestrial plant HANPP, B and T, and thus global carbon budget. Both human "top‐down" effects (evaluated here) and "bottom‐up" drivers (e.g., climate, nutrients, CO2) need to be incorporated into global carbon models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acute-phase protein pentraxin-3 (PTX3) is a component of the innate immune system. Inflammation and tissue injury increased PTX3 in the injured liver, and accordingly, circulating PTX3 was induced in patients with chronic liver diseases. In the present study, PTX3 protein was determined in systemic, hepatic, and portal vein plasma of patients with liver cirrhosis to assess a possible association between hepatic PTX3 release and extent of liver injury. However, PTX3 levels were not related to disease severity. Of note, portal PTX3 levels were higher than concentrations in the hepatic vein. PTX3 in the hepatic and portal veins was negatively correlated with factor V, antithrombin 3, and prothrombin time. PTX3 did neither correlate with C-reactive protein nor galectin-3 or resistin, whereby the latter two proteins are associated with hepatic injury. PTX3 levels were not changed in cirrhosis patients with ascites or varices and did not correlate with the hepatic venous pressure gradient. Likewise, serum PTX3 was not correlated with histological steatosis, inflammation, or fibrosis stage in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Moreover, PTX3 was not associated with tumor node metastasis classification in HCC. Above all, PTX3 increased in hepatic, portal, and systemic blood immediately after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). Higher PTX3 in portal than hepatic vein plasma and further increase after TIPS suggests that the liver eliminates PTX3 from the circulation. In summary, PTX3 is not of diagnostic value in cirrhosis and HCC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gem Art 12 UN-Übereinkommen über die Rechte von Menschen mit Behinderungen (UN-Behindertenrechtskonvention) ist Österreich dazu verpflichtet, alle notwendigen Maßnahmen zu ergreifen, um Menschen mit Behinderung die Unterstützung zukommen zu lassen, die nötig ist, damit sie ihre Rechts- und Handlungsfähigkeit ausüben können. In diesem Sinn war es Ziel des 2. Erwachsenenschutz - Gesetzes (2. ErwSchG)2, die Autonomie der betroffenen Personen auszubauen und deren Selbstbestimmungsrecht zu stärken. Auch das Behandlungsrecht des ABGB (§ 252 ff) ist von den Grundsätzen des Erwachsenenschutzrechts (Selbstbestimmung, Nachrang der Stellvertretung, Selbstbestimmung trotz Stellvertretung)3 geprägt. Betroffene Personen entscheiden, soweit sie entscheidungsfähig sind, immer selbstbestimmt über eine Behandlung. Bei vermuteter Entscheidungsunfähigkeit ist „nachweislich" das Beiziehen von Unterstützern vorgesehen. Ist aufgrund von Entscheidungsunfähigkeit die Entscheidung des gesetzlichen Vertreters erforderlich, hat sich dieser in seiner Entscheidung vom Willen der vertretenen Person leiten zu lassen. Stimmen die beabsichtigte Vertreterentscheidung und der Wille der vertretenen Person nicht überein, bedarf die Vertreterzustimmung der gerichtlichen Genehmigung bzw. hat das Gericht die Zustimmung des Vertreters zu ersetzen oder einen anderen Vertreter zu bestellen (§ 254 Abs 1 u 2 ABGB iVm § 131 Abs 1 Z 1 u 2 AußStrG). In diesem Verfahren werden jene Personen, die nicht vom Erwachsenenschutzverein (ErwSchV) als gerichtlicher Erwachsenenvertreter vertreten sind, durch den Verein als besonderer Rechtsbeistand vertreten. Dieser ist im Verfahren Verfahrensvertreter und „Sprachrohr" der betroffenen Personen. Daneben achtet er, abhängig vom Einzelfall auch darauf, dass notwendige (offene) Fragen im Zusammenhang mit der Entscheidungsfähigkeit und Erforderlichkeit der Behandlung geklärt werden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart thermostats are becoming an important tool that saves Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system energy use by optimizing thermostat settings. This paper presents the results of an analysis of measured, zone-by-zone indoor environmental conditions and electricity savings from the use of a smart thermostat that includes temperature and occupancy data from each zone in a single-family residence. In this analysis, statistical indoor air temperature profiles were developed for each zone before and after the installation of the smart thermostat. The analysis shows that the temperature and occupancy-based control of the system produced significant changes to the indoor air temperature profiles in each zone. Although these indoor condition changes were acceptable to the homeowner of the case-study residence, the changes to the before-after indoor air temperature profiles also present new challenges to simulating the annual savings with a calibrated building energy simulation program. The results also show that a residence with a single-zone HVAC system controlled by a single thermostat that was retrofitted with wireless occupancy and temperature sensors in each zone achieved significant electricity savings for the homeowner, as well as electric demand reductions for the electric utility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the discovery of a very young high-mass X-ray binary (HMXB) system associated with the supernova remnant (SNR) MCSNR J0513-6724 in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), using XMM–Newton X-ray observations. The HMXB is located at the geometrical centre of extended soft X-ray emission, which we confirm as an SNR. The HMXB spectrum is consistent with an absorbed power law with spectral index ∼1.6 and a luminosity of 7 × 1033 erg s−1 (0.2–12 keV). Tentative X-ray pulsations are observed with a periodicity of 4.4 s and the OGLE I -band light curve of the optical counterpart from more than 17.5 yr reveals a period of 2.2324 ± 0.0003 d, which we interpret as the orbital period of the binary system. The X-ray spectrum of the SNR is consistent with non-equilibrium shock models as expected for young/less evolved SNRs. From the derived ionization time-scale we estimate the age of the SNR to be <6 kyr. The association of the HMXB with the SNR makes it the youngest HMXB, in the earliest evolutionary stage known to date. An HMXB as young as this can switch on as an accreting pulsar only when the spin period has reached a critical value. Under this assumption, we obtain an upper limit to the magnetic field of <5 × 1011 G. This implies several interesting possibilities including magnetic field burial, possibly by an episode of post-supernova hyper-critical accretion. Since these fields are expected to diffuse out on a time-scale of 103–104 yr, the discovery of a very young HMXB can provide us the unique opportunity to observe the evolution of the observable magnetic field for the first time in X-ray binaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermally induced phase transformation of Si-III/Si-XII zones formed by nanoindentation has been studied during low temperature (200

Background: Circulating-tumor DNA (ctDNA) and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) ligand positron-emission tomography (PET) enable minimal-invasive prostate cancer (PCa) detection and survival prognostication. The present study aims to compare their tumor discovery abilities and prognostic values. Methods: One hundred thirty men with confirmed PCa (70.5 ± 8.0 years) who underwent [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT (184.8 ± 19.7 MBq) imaging and plasma sample collection (March 2019–August 2021) were included. Plasma-extracted cell-free DNA was subjected to whole-genome-based ctDNA analysis. PSMA-positive tumor lesions were delineated and their quantitative parameters extracted. ctDNA and PSMA PET/CT discovery rates were compared, and the prognostic value for overall survival (OS) was evaluated. Results: PSMA PET discovery rates according to castration status and PSA ranges did differ significantly (P = 0.013, P < 0.001), while ctDNA discovery rates did not (P = 0.311, P = 0.123). ctDNA discovery rates differed between localized and metastatic disease (P = 0.013). Correlations between ctDNA concentrations and PSMA-positive tumor volume (PSMA-TV) were significant in all (r = 0.42, P < 0.001) and castration-resistant (r = 0.65, P < 0.001), however not in hormone-sensitive patients (r = 0.15, P = 0.249). PSMA-TV and ctDNA levels were associated with survival outcomes in the Logrank (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001) and multivariate Cox regression analysis (P = 0.0023, P < 0.0001). Conclusion: These findings suggest that PSMA PET imaging outperforms ctDNA analysis in detecting prostate cancer across the whole spectrum of disease, while both modalities are independently highly prognostic for survival outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progressive cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease could either be caused by a spreading molecular pathology or by an initially focal pathology that causes aberrant neuronal activity in a larger network. To distinguish between these possibilities, we generated a mouse model with expression of mutant human amyloid precursor protein (APP) in only hippocampal CA3 cells. We found that performance in a hippocampus-dependent memory task was impaired in young adult and aged mutant mice. In both age groups, we then recorded from the CA1 region, which receives inputs from APP-expressing CA3 cells. We observed that theta oscillation frequency in CA1 was reduced along with disrupted relative timing of principal cells. Highly localized pathology limited to the presynaptic CA3 cells is thus sufficient to cause aberrant firing patterns in postsynaptic neuronal networks, which indicates that disease progression is not only from spreading pathology but also mediated by progressively advancing physiological dysfunction. [Display omitted] • Expression of human mutant APP in CA3 was sufficient to result in memory impairment • Spatial firing patterns of hippocampal CA1 and CA3 cells were largely preserved • Hippocampal CA1 principal neurons and interneurons showed reduced theta frequency • Impaired sequential firing of place cells best correlated with memory decline Viana da Silva et al. show that cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease is not only caused by spreading pathology but also that local pathology is sufficient to result in memory dysfunction and aberrant rhythmic firing patterns in brain regions that receive projections from cells that express mutant human amyloid precursor protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deformation behavior of ion-implanted (unrelaxed) and annealed ion-implanted (relaxed) amorphous silicon (a-Si) under spherical indentation at room temperature has been investigated. It has been found that the mode of deformation depends critically on both the preparation of the amorphous film and the scale of the mechanical deformation. Ex situ measurements, such as Raman microspectroscopy and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy, as well as in situ electrical measurements reveal the occurrence of phase transformations in all relaxed a-Si films. The preferred deformation mode of unrelaxed a-Si is plastic flow, only under certain high load conditions can this state of a-Si be forced to transform. In situ electrical measurements have revealed more detail of the transformation process during both loading and unloading. We have used ELASTICA simulations to obtain estimates of the depth of the metallic phase as a function of load, and good agreement is found with the experiment. On unloading, a clear change in electrical conductivity is observed to correlate with a “pop-out” event on load versus penetration curves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple modified Bridgman design for large volume pressure anvils usable in the Paris-Edinburgh (PE) press has been demonstrated at Oak Ridge National Laboratory Spallation Neutron Source. The design shows advantages over the toroidal anvils typically used in the PE press, mainly rapid compression/decompression rates, complete absence of blow-outs upon drastic phase transitions, simplified cooling, high reliability, and relative low loads (∼40 tons) corresponding to relatively high pressures (∼20 GPa). It also shows advantages over existing large-volume diamond cells as sample volumes of ∼2–3 mm3 can be easily and rapidly synthesized. The anvils thus allow sample sizes sufficient for in situ neutron diffraction as well as rapid synthesis of adequate amounts of new materials for ex situ analysis via total neutron scattering and neutron spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The elements K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Pb, and Br in a fly ash sample from municipal waste incineration were determined by total-reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry. The fly ash was analyzed after microwave-assisted digestion and in the form of suspensions, each with several modifications. The results of the different sample preparation methods were compared with regard to precision and accuracy. Multiple sample spots were prepared for each sample preparation method, and the spread of the results was used as a measure of the precision. Accuracy was evaluated by comparing the median of the results with ICP–OES/ICP–MS analysis results. Additionally, the results were validated using a waste incineration fly ash reference material. Different internal standards and the influence of adding a surfactant were tested for the digestion solution. For the suspensions, the fly ash sample was subjected to different grinding levels and suspended both in water and in 1% w/w nitric acid. Light microscope images were taken of the dried sample spots on the sample carrier, and their size and shape were visually compared. Some sample preparation methods led to an inhomogeneous depth distribution of the analytes and/or the internal standard within the sample spots. This inhomogeneity was detected by angle scans and was found to be a main reason for systematic errors and/or a low precision. With optimized preparation of the suspension and of the digestion solution, comparable precision could be achieved, even in the range of the instrument precision. A suited sample preparation method that requires the least effort and least use of chemicals is presented for each element. Unlabelled Image • The sample preparation technique strongly influences precision and accuracy. • With suspensions, a precision comparable to the instrument precision is achieved. • The least elaborate sample preparation method for each element is determined. • The importance of angle scans in TXRF method development is demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Similar solubility behavior of two different fly ashes and a bottom ash. • Lower water solubility of the alkali metals in bottom ash compared to fly ash. • Study of the pH-dependent solubility of elements in the alkaline range. • Investigation of the selectivity of typical sequential extraction agents. An optimized 7-step sequential extraction was applied to fly ash samples from two waste incineration plants and a bottom ash sample. The solubility of 37 elements in water under alkaline and neutral conditions, ion exchange, acid solubility as well as the influence of reducing and oxidizing agents, were investigated using reagents which are typically applied in sequential extractions. Potential error sources and the suitability and selectivity of individual steps and extracting agents were also evaluated. Additionally, the amounts of total dissolved solids were determined for each extraction step, and the results were validated by comparison with the analysis data of the elemental composition. All the investigated incineration residues exhibited a very similar solubility behavior. Only the alkali metals in the bottom ash were considerably less water-soluble than those in the fly ash. The solubility behavior among the rare earth elements was alike. The pH of the fly ash suspensions in water increased over several hours from neutral to alkaline. Concentration changes of water-soluble elements were investigated during the pH increase and to what extent precipitated elements can be re-dissolved by a subsequent neutralization. Meanwhile, it was shown that chloride ions in commonly used sequential extraction agents (e.g., MgCl 2 and NH 2 OH·HCl) can influence the extractability of individual elements, which can lead to misinterpretations of the results. Using MgCl 2 to study Mg2+ ion exchange led to the dissolution of Ag and Cd only caused by the chloride ions. Furthermore, the order of the reducing and oxidizing step was found to be interchangeable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Finding active galactic nuclei (AGN) behind the Magellanic Clouds (MCs) is difficult because of the high stellar density in these fields. Although the first AGN behind the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) were reported in the 1980s, it is only recently that the number of AGN known behind the SMC has increased by several orders of magnitude. Aims. The mid-infrared colour selection technique has proven to be an efficient means of identifying AGN, especially obscured sources. The X-ray regime is complementary in this regard and we use XMM-Newton observations to support the identification of AGN behind the SMC. Methods. We present a catalogue of AGN behind the SMC by correlating an updated X-ray point-source catalogue from our XMM-Newton survey of the SMC with previously identified AGN from the literature as well as a list of candidates obtained from the ALLWISE mid-infrared colour-selection criterion. We studied the properties of the sample with respect to their redshifts, luminosities, and X-ray spectral characteristics. We also identified the near-infrared counterpart of the sources from the VISTA observations. Results. The redshift and luminosity distributions of the sample (where known) indicate that we detect sources ranging from nearby Seyfert galaxies to distant and obscured quasars. The X-ray hardness ratios are compatible with those typically expected for AGN, and the VISTA colours and variability are also consistent with AGN. A positive correlation was observed between the integrated X-ray flux (0.2–12 keV) and the ALLWISE and VISTA magnitudes. We further present a sample of new candidate AGN and candidates for obscured AGN. Together these make an interesting subset for further follow-up studies. An initial spectroscopic follow-up of 6 out of the 81 new candidates showed that all six sources are active galaxies, although two have narrow emission lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NGC 300 ULX1 is a newly identified ultra-luminous X-ray pulsar. The system is associated with the supernova impostor SN 2010da that was later classified as a possible supergiant Be X-ray binary. In this work we report on the spin period evolution of the neutron star based on all the currently available X-ray observations of the system. We argue that the X-ray luminosity of the system has remained almost constant since 2010, at a level above ten times the Eddington limit. Moreover, we find evidence that the spin period of the neutron star evolved from ∼126 s down to ∼18 s within a period of about 4 years. We explain this unprecedented spin evolution in terms of the standard accretion torque theory. An intriguing consequence for NGC 300 ULX1 is that a neutron star spin reversal should have occurred a few years after the SN 2010da event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate classification for buildings plays an essential role in providing energy efficiency policies enforced through building energy standards, codes, and the related voluntary above-code programs, as well as in achieving decarbonization goals. Through an analysis of code-compliant office models in 801 locations in the US in this paper, first, a systematic difference is identified in building energy use, and its corresponding environmental footprint, in different locations within the same ranges of heating and/or cooling degree days but with different humidity conditions. The results show that the source energy consumption vary up to 1671 GJ (47%, excluding the equipment load) in two locations with the same climate zone but different moisture conditions. This is due to the deficiency of the degree days in predicting building energy consumption and results in a disproportionate assignment of energy efficiency measures. Second, besides similar trends when comparing the averages in subtypes, the variations in emissions within one climate zone and subtype can be over 10 times for CO 2 and 6 times for SO 2 as opposed to site energy consumption with less than 1.8 maximum variation, which signifies a substantial importance of geographic prioritization in carbon-neutral policies for the electricity providers along with climatic parameters. • Building energy use can significantly vary in locations with similar degree days. • There is a systematic variation in the energy use in different humidity conditions. • Emissions from energy use systematically vary in different humidity conditions. • An improved climate indexing is required to assign energy-efficiency measures. • Geographic prioritization is required for the deployment of clean energies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Radioligand therapies targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) receptors are currently being investigated in several ongoing trials for their application in early stages of prostate cancer (PCa). The aim of this study is to identify the PSMA-ligand binding in patients with early and advanced stages of PCa by measuring changes in the PSMA uptake in various organs, including non-physiologically PSMA-expressing organs, as differences in PSMA expression could lead to unpredictable radiotoxicity in early-stage PCa patients. In addition, total tumor volume (TTV) was determined to evaluate differences in PSMA-ligand uptake related to TTV in the investigated cohorts. The efficacy of radioligand therapy (RLT) targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is currently being investigated for its application in patients with early-stage prostate cancer (PCa). However, little is known about PSMA expression in healthy organs in this cohort. Collectively, 202 [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 positron emission tomography (PET) scans from 152 patients were studied. Of these, 102 PET scans were from patients with primary PCa and hormone-sensitive biochemically recurrent PCa and 50 PET scans were from patients with metastatic castration-resistant PCa (mCRPC) before and after three cycles of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-RLT. PSMA-standardized uptake values (SUV) were measured in multiple organs and PSMA-total tumor volume (PSMA-TTV) was determined in all cohorts. The measured PET parameters of the different cohorts were normalized to the bloodpool and compared using t- or Mann–Whitney U tests. Patients with early-stage PCa had lower PSMA-TTVs (10.39 mL vs. 462.42 mL, p < 0.001) and showed different SUVs in the thyroid, submandibular glands, heart, liver, kidneys, intestine, testes and bone marrow compared to patients with advanced CRPC, with all tests showing p < 0.05. Despite the differences in the PSMA-TTV of patients with mCRPC before and after [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-RLT (462.42 mL vs. 276.29 mL, p = 0.023), no significant organ differences in PET parameters were detected. These suggest different degrees of PSMA-ligand binding among patients with different stages of PCa that could influence radiotoxicity during earlier stages of disease in different organs when PSMA-RLT is administered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National School on Neutron and X-ray Scattering (NXS) has become a yearly 'institution' for North American graduate students interested in neutron and X-ray scattering. Like other schools and conferences this year, it was forced to go virtual, which presented many challenges but also opened new opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the structure of magnetron-sputtered (MS) amorphous silicon (a-Si) prepared under standard deposition conditions and compare this to pure ion-implanted (II) a-Si. The structure of both films is characterized in their as-prepared and thermally annealed states. Significant differences are observed in short- and medium-range order following thermal annealing. Whereas II a-Si undergoes structural relaxation toward a continuous random network, MS a-Si exhibits little change. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy reveals the presence of nanopores in the MS film consistent with reduced mass-density. Therefore, the short- and medium-range order of annealed, MS a-Si is tentatively attributed to these pores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]