Additional Loss Research Articles

Mitigating reverse recovery power losses in MOSFET switching cell using extra Schottky diodes—Application to voltage source inverter

This article introduces a comparative study of the losses in Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) based on Metal-Oxide- Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFETs) depending on whether or not the latter are associated with antiparallel diodes. These diodes are optional because MOSFETs have an intrinsic diode capable of conducting reverse currents when their channel is in OFF state. However, it induces additional reverse recovery losses and damaging voltage overshoots. This undesired circumstance occurs during the mandatory switching cell dead-time and is accurately modelled and assessed in this study. Conversely, Schottky diodes feature almost zero reverse recovery losses. Hence, combining each MOSFET with an antiparallel Schottky diode may reduce the converter overall losses. To assess this strategy, an analytical model of the charge stored within the body diode is developed and then compared to experiments using the Double Pulse Test (DPT). It reveals accurate and well suited because it requires only two constant macro parameters which permits to forecast the reverse recovery losses over a wide range of operating conditions, namely switched current, current slope and dead time duration. The selected model is applied in the case where a Schottky diode is placed antiparallel to the MOSFET. It then appears clearly that the interest of such a combination depends on the static characteristics of both the MOSFET and the Schottky diode. This output is a noteworthy point for power electronics designers. Finally, the developed model is applied in the standard use case of the Voltage Source Inverter (VSI). The results reveal the advantage of the suggested model in this use case because the current evolves significantly over time. The outcome of this VSI analysis shows that a significant recovery losses decrease is achieved with good sizing fit between the MOSFET transistor and the additional Schottky diode.

Study on the safety of a magnetic strainer at the deaerator outlet under two-phase and large-scale flow fields

Iron oxide corrosion exists in the deaerator, which causes serious damage to the water supply system. To absorb iron oxide impurities for the feed water quality, a magnetic strainer device has been designed at the deaerator outlet. In order to ensure the safe and stable operation of the deaerator, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method was used in this work to analyze the impact of complex outlet conditions on the gas-liquid two-phase flow field, pressure field, and structural safety within a deaerator. After the strainer is installed, turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and turbulence intensity (TI) are not monotonically changing throughout strainer region and depend on the local flow state and geometry. TI relies more on turbulence disturbance and geometry. The overall flow near the strainer is accelerated, and the dimensionless velocity in the shear layer on both sides of the strainer center bracket increases by a maximum of 153.44%. Stable vortices and complex secondary vortices are formed near the strainer. The overall eddy is more fragmented, and eddy dissipation is prone to occur in the outlet region. However, this does not cause additional large turbulence losses. The impact of the strainer on the static pressure loss of the entire deaerator is very limited, and the reduction in static pressure difference does not exceed 0.04%. Finally, suggestions are made for the structural improvement and maintenance of the strainer based on the simulation results, which provide a reference for further safe and stable application of the deaerator magnetic strainer.

Metabolic surgery results in greater metabolic benefits in patients who achieve healthy weight

BackgroundA percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) >20% as the expected weight loss target after metabolic surgery might be insufficient to produce adequate metabolic benefits. ObjectivesThis study identified the optimal weight loss target to achieve substantial benefits from metabolic surgery. SettingUniversity-affiliated tertiary care center. MethodsIn this retrospective study, participants were categorized into healthy weight (18.5 kg/m2 ≤ body mass index [BMI] < 24 kg/m2), overweight (24 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 28 kg/m2), and obesity groups (BMI ≥28 kg/m2) according to their BMI 1 year after metabolic surgery. The weight loss and remission of obesity-related comorbidities were evaluated. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors for achieving healthy weight 1 year postoperatively. ResultsOverall, 125 patients (112 sleeve gastrectomies, 13 Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses) were recruited in this study. Forty-two participants achieved healthy weight, 38 were overweight, and 45 had obesity. Type 2 diabetes mellitus and obstructive sleep apnea were relieved in all groups. Individuals who achieved healthy weight showed more improvements in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, hypertension, and hyperuricemia than those who did not. Preoperative BMI was an independent predictor for the BMI achieved postoperatively, and the optimal cut-off point for achieving healthy weight was 34.9 kg/m2. ConclusionsHealthy weight was a more stringent target for patients who underwent metabolic surgery than the %TWL. Populations with a preoperative BMI of <34.9 kg/m2 were prone to realize the goal. Additional weight loss interventions could be considered for those with higher preoperative BMIs and enforced within 1 year postoperatively.

Improved simulations of biomass burning aerosol optical properties and lifetimes in the NASA GEOS Model during the ORACLES-I campaign

Abstract. In order to improve aerosol representation in the NASA Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) model, we evaluated simulations of the transport and properties of aerosols from southern African biomass burning sources that were observed during the first deployment of the NASA ORACLES (ObseRvations of Aerosols above CLouds and their intEractionS) field campaign in September 2016. An example case study of 24 September was analyzed in detail, during which aircraft-based in situ and remote sensing observations showed the presence of a multi-layered smoke plume structure with significant vertical variation in single scattering albedo (SSA). Our baseline GEOS simulations were not able to represent the observed SSA variation or the observed organic aerosol-to-black-carbon ratio (OA : BC). Analyzing the simulated smoke age suggests that the higher-altitude, less absorbing smoke plume was younger (∼4 d), while the lower-altitude and more absorbing smoke plume was older (∼7 d). We hypothesize a chemical or microphysical loss process exists to explain the change in aerosol absorption as the smoke plume ages, and we apply a simple loss rate to the model hydrophilic biomass burning OA to simulate this process. We also utilized the ORACLES airborne observations to better constrain the simulation of aerosol optical properties, adjusting the assumed particle size, hygroscopic growth, and absorption. Our final GEOS model simulation with additional OA loss and updated optics showed better performance in simulating aerosol optical depth (AOD) and SSA compared to independent ground- and space-based retrievals for the entire month of September 2016, including the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) Aerosol Index. In terms of radiative implications of our model adjustments, the final GEOS simulation suggested a decreased atmospheric warming of about 10 % (∼2 W m−2) over the southeastern Atlantic region and above the stratocumulus cloud decks compared to the model baseline simulations. These results improve the representation of the smoke age, transport, and optical properties in Earth system models.

Overlap Time Compensation and Characteristic Analysis for Current Source Photovoltaic Grid-Connected Inverter

In the current source photovoltaic grid-connected system, to prevent the DC-link inductor from incurring an opening circuit fault, it is necessary to include the overlap time in the switching signals. However, current error and serious harmonic distortion in the inverter-side and grid-side currents are generated, which will cause additional losses and reduce the power quality of the grid, so it is important to compensate for the current error caused by the overlap time. In this paper, the relationship between the nonlinear current errors caused by the overlap time and the AC-side voltage is analyzed. Then, the mathematical expression of the low-order harmonics with losses caused by the overlap time is derived. On this basis, a current error compensation method with a discrete filter of AC-side voltage is proposed. Finally, a simulation and experiment are carried out to verify the correctness and effectiveness of the theoretical analysis and compensation scheme presented in this paper. With an overlap time of 3 μs, the THD of the grid-side current decreases from 5.93% to 1.59% after compensation.

A physics-informed neural network framework to investigate nonlinear and heterogenous shrinkage of drying plant cells

This paper introduces a novel Physics-Informed Neural Network-based (PINN-based) multi-domain computational framework to analyse nonlinear and heterogeneous morphological variations of plant cells during drying. Here, two distinct models are involved: PINN-MT to simulate mass transfer; and PINNNS to simulate nonlinear shrinkage. The models are coupled to examine cellular morphological changes resulting from moisture loss during drying. Firstly, the coupled framework, in tandem with homogeneous conditions, operates in parallel, allowing the mutual parameters to update between models. This approach demonstrates ability to approximate homogeneous cellular shrinkage within a tissue, factoring in the influence of surrounding plant cells. Secondly, non-uniform cell wall properties and heterogeneous boundary conditions are incorporated into this computational framework through domain decomposition. Inherent capabilities of neural networks allow for seamless integration of multiple domains, with additional loss terms introduced at interfaces. The framework shows capacity to account for drastic and non-uniform morphological variations of plant cells even under extreme drying conditions, which is the key novelty and has been a challenging task for existing traditional computational methods. Hence, the proposed computational approach offers an innovative avenue for understanding nonlinear and heterogeneous morphological variations not only for plant cells, but also for soft matter in general.

Policy Formulation for an Optimal Level of Savings in a Dynamic Setting

Objective: Previous literature on optimal savings relies on specific utility and production technology functional forms which might not be able to produce robust results as different utility / production functions may lead to dramatically different or opposing results. This paper derives an optimal savings policy based on parameters (such as slopes of demand and supply curves) which can be empirically estimated and provides a unique and robust result irrespective of shape and form of individual utilities / production functions. Furthermore, existing literature does not consider welfare loss when savings market is adjusting to final equilibrium after a shock while deriving an optimal savings policy. In addition to that, number of savers (all public and private saving entities, including households, firms, etc.) and saving rate are vital parameters for savings in an economy, and while deriving an optimal savings policy, it is necessary to take into consideration these parameters to ensure that quantum of savings due to interest rate movement gets adjusted in target time duration, without which there may be additional efficiency loss than that envisioned while deriving an optimal savings policy for an economy. Methods: This research project designs a dynamical model for savings market and extends that to a three-dimensional savings system in an economy by taking into consideration number of savers, saving rate, and interest rate; and based on that derives an optimal comprehensive savings policy while accounting for efficiency losses when savings market, saving rate, and number of savers are adjusting to final equilibrium, in addition to the welfare loss on account of equilibrium shift. Results: Without consideration of welfare loss / gain while savings market is adjusting after implementation of a savings policy, welfare picture remains incomplete, and the optimal savings policy based on partial welfare cannot be considered as optimal in true sense. Traditionally, welfare of only producer and consumer is taken into consideration without accounting for welfare of production factors. An expression of efficiency loss / gain as a result of savings policy based on welfare including those of production factors has been presented and optimal savings policies have been derived by minimizing efficiency losses and presented as a final result in the form of mathematical expressions. This paper demonstrates that both supply and demand shocks operate through a common channel, i.e., inventory of funds in savings market as both kinds of shock affect inventory of funds and hence can be categorized just as an inventory shock. Conclusion: For optimal welfare gains, practitioners / policy makers must estimate theoretically derived optimal savings policies based on the dynamic model developed in this paper and presented in the form of mathematical expressions from real world relevant data for implementation.

Genetics of cystogenesis in base-edited human organoids reveal therapeutic strategies for polycystic kidney disease

In polycystic kidney disease (PKD), microscopic tubules expand into macroscopic cysts. Among the world's most common genetic disorders, PKD is inherited via heterozygous loss-of-function mutations but is theorized to require additional loss of function. To test this, we establish human pluripotent stem cells in allelic series representing four common nonsense mutations, using CRISPR base editing. When differentiated into kidney organoids, homozygous mutants spontaneously form cysts, whereas heterozygous mutants (original or base corrected) express no phenotype. Using these, we identify eukaryotic ribosomal selective glycosides (ERSGs) as PKD therapeutics enabling ribosomal readthrough of these same nonsense mutations. Two different ERSGs not only prevent cyst initiation but also limit growth of pre-formed cysts by partially restoring polycystin expression. Furthermore, glycosides accumulate in cyst epithelia in organoids and mice. Our findings define the human polycystin threshold as a surmountable drug target for pharmacological or gene therapy interventions, with relevance for understanding disease mechanisms and future clinical trials.

β-Adrenergic signaling drives structural and functional maturation of mouse cardiomyocytes.

Cardiac maturation represents the last phase of heart development and is characterized by morphofunctional alterations that optimize the heart for efficient pumping. Its understanding provides important insights into cardiac regeneration therapies. Recent evidence implies that adrenergic signals are involved in the regulation of cardiac maturation, but the mechanistic underpinnings involved in this process are poorly understood. Herein, we explored the role of β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) activation in determining structural and functional components of cardiomyocyte maturation. Temporal characterization of tyrosine hydroxylase and norepinephrine levels in the mouse heart revealed that sympathetic innervation develops during the first 3 wk of life, concurrent with the rise in β-AR expression. To assess the impact of adrenergic inhibition on maturation, we treated mice with propranolol, isolated cardiomyocytes, and evaluated morphofunctional parameters. Propranolol treatment reduced heart weight, cardiomyocyte size, and cellular shortening, while it increased the pool of mononucleated myocytes, resulting in impaired maturation. No changes in t-tubules were observed in cells from propranolol mice. To establish a causal link between β-AR signaling and cardiomyocyte maturation, mice were subjected to sympathectomy, followed or not by restoration with isoproterenol treatment. Cardiomyocytes from sympathectomyzed mice recapitulated the salient immaturity features of propranolol-treated mice, with the additional loss of t-tubules. Isoproterenol rescued the maturation deficits induced by sympathectomy, except for the t-tubule alterations. Our study identifies the β-AR stimuli as a maturation promoting signal and implies that this pathway can be modulated to improve cardiac regeneration therapies.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Maturation involves a series of morphofunctional alterations vital to heart development. Its regulatory mechanisms are only now being unveiled. Evidence implies that adrenergic signaling regulates cardiac maturation, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. To address this point, we blocked β-ARs or performed sympathectomy followed by rescue experiments with isoproterenol in neonatal mice. Our study identifies the β-AR stimuli as a maturation signal for cardiomyocytes and highlights the importance of this pathway in cardiac regeneration therapies.

COMPLEX ASSESSMENT AND FORMATION OF SCENARIOS ENSURING THE BUSINESS ENTITIES INVESTMENT ATTRACTIVENESS IN THE GLOBAL CHALLENGES CONDITIONS

The new global challenges that Ukraine has faced have an ambiguous effect on the process of attracting investments in the development of the economy. The key negative factors are war and related violations of international logistics due to the destruction and closure of airports, ports, closed borders; liquidation of vital infrastructure; mass displacement of the population, which is caused by active hostilities, which creates economic threats for investing in any projects of the country due to the risks of their freezing or disruption; the annexation of certain regions, as a result of which the process of business relocation from dangerous regions became more active, causing the emergence of additional risks and losses; decrease in economic indicators and the potential of economic development, lack of a system of guaranteeing and protecting foreign investments at the state level. Therefore, ensuring investment attractiveness at the macro and micro levels is complicated by existing global challenges and requires special attention, taking into account the fact that the post-war recovery of Ukraine's economy requires attracting a sufficient level of investment on mutually beneficial terms.&#x0D; The article assesses the investment attractiveness level on the example of one of the business entities using various methods, compares the results obtained, and forms scenarios for ensuring investment attractiveness. Depending on the level of investment attractiveness of the enterprise and the corresponding type of investment potential, as well as the investment attractiveness of the industry, it is proposed to use one of the basic scenarios for ensuring investment attractiveness and the formation and realization of investment potential, which involve the implementation of one or another strategy

Analysing and Computing the Impact of Geometric Asymmetric Coils on Transformer Stray Losses

Designing and manufacturing transformers often involves variations in heights and thicknesses of windings. However, such geometric asymmetry introduces a significant impact on the magnitude of stray transformer losses. This study examines the effects of asymmetric coils on the generation of stray losses within core clamps and transformer tank walls. A model has been introduced to ascertain the dispersion magnetic field’s value at a specific distance from the coil. The analysis extends to characterising the dispersion magnetic field reaching the tank walls by using electromagnetic simulation by a finite element method. It explores strategies to diminish stray losses, including the placement of magnetic shunts as protective shields for the tank walls. It delves into the efficacy of employing a transformer shell-type configuration to mitigate the magnetic dispersion field. The findings revealed that achieving greater symmetry in transformer coils can minimise stray losses. Specifically, the incorporation of magnetic shunts has the potential to reduce additional losses by 40%, while the adoption of a shell-type configuration alone can lead to a 14% reduction. This work provides valuable insights into optimising transformer designs, contributes a user-friendly tool for estimating additional tank losses, thereby enhancing the knowledge base for transformer manufacturers.

Realization of 4 × 200 Gbps 4-QAM OFDM-OWC System Using Higher Order OAM Modes for HAP-to-Satellites Scenario

Recently, there has been an increase in interest in using optical wireless communication (OWC) links on high-altitude platforms (HAPs) for satellite applications. We implement an orbital angular momentum (OAM) multiplexed orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system using an OWC link. A space-to-air scenario is considered in which transmission pointing errors, geometric loss, turbulence, and additional link losses are taken into account to extend the transmission range, system capacity, and throughput. At 200 Gbps per channel data rate, four different OAM modes are implemented with higher order Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) modes of [0,0], [0,13], [0,40], and [0,80]. An aggregate 800 Gbps data rate can deliver a maximum OWC range of 3300–5000 km for all channels. The maximum received power over the 1000 km range is −19.34 to −32.59 dBm with an additional gain of 0–2.5 dB. It is also possible to obtain a better performance over large distances of 500–3500 km with an error vector magnitude of 2.98–17.5%. Furthermore, a high gain of −40.80 dB, a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 55.21 dB, and an optical SNR of 67.25 dB can be achieved for varied transmitter pointing errors of 0.1 rad. As compared to other literature, this system exhibits a superior performance.

Teaching Large Language Models to Translate with Comparison

Open-sourced large language models (LLMs) have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in various tasks with instruction tuning. However, these models can sometimes struggle with tasks that require more specialized knowledge such as translation. One possible reason for such deficiency is that instruction tuning aims to generate fluent and coherent text that continues from a given instruction without being constrained by any task-specific requirements. Moreover, it can be more challenging to tune smaller LLMs with lower-quality training data. To address this issue, we propose a novel framework using examples in comparison to teach LLMs to learn translation. Our approach involves output comparison and preference comparison, presenting the model with carefully designed examples of correct and incorrect translations and an additional preference loss for better regularization. Empirical evaluation on four language directions of WMT2022 and FLORES-200 benchmarks shows the superiority of our proposed method over existing methods. Our findings offer a new perspective on fine-tuning LLMs for translation tasks and provide a promising solution for generating high-quality translations. Please refer to Github for more details: https://github.com/lemon0830/TIM.

Granulometric Parameters Determination of the Caviar-Hawk Complex as a Dispersed System for the Fractionated Lecithin Technology Implementation

For the functional food product manufacture a man can use secondary raw materials, the caviar–hawk complex, particularly. The main technological operations in the lecithin–containing substances production include its extraction processes from the initial caviar raw materials and raffinate obtained after the first stage of selective extraction. The operation mechanism requires a comprehensive study of the granulometric composition of raw materials. It was the research aim. A man assessed the granulometric composition of the caviar–hawk complex by visual analysis of its micrographs. The dispersion analysis demonstrated that the studied raw materials of all the analyzed species ranked as a small caviar, which is typical for ordinary fish objects. The thesis contains schematic elementary particle illustrations of fresh and dry caviar of carp, catfish, pike perch; presents dispersed equivalent sizes and shrinkage values of the research objects. Preliminary caviar grinding during conservation is impractical. Although this procedure leads to the mass transfer process intensification, since a man provides the analyzed caviar for using not only to obtain fractionated lecithin and protein texturate, but also as raw materials for enterprises. Staged experiments confirmed that an increase in the mass transfer rate, including the process of extracting target components from crushed caviar raw materials, was insignificant compared with the cost of additional grinding and loss of native caviar properties. The caviar under study is a finely dispersed product. Its additional grinding gives an insignificant effect.

Abstract 3226: PRMT1 is a critical dependency in clear cell renal cell carcinoma with roles in post- transcriptional regulation and DNA damage response

Abstract The majority of sporadic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cases present as the clear cell subtype (ccRCC) and are associated with the biallelic inactivation of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene, leading to constitutive activation of the cellular hypoxia response and deleterious alterations to gene expression, metabolism, and growth. Despite the near ubiquity of VHL loss, evidence suggests that it alone is insufficient to drive tumor establishment. Additional loss of function (LOF) mutations in epigenetic regulatory proteins including PBRM1, SETD2 and BAP1 have been identified as tumor drivers. The frequency and penetrance of these mutations in epigenetic regulators implicates a vulnerability in ccRCC that may be exploited to develop new therapies. To explore this vulnerability, the Ailles lab completed a screen of the Structural Genomics Consortium’s (SGC) epiprobe library - a panel of inhibitors targeting an array of epigenetic regulators in patient derived ccRCC models. Among the several promising targets identified, a particularly favorable inhibition profile was noted for MS023, an inhibitor of the type I protein arginine methyltransferase family (PRMT1/3/4/6 and 8). PRMTs transfer methyl groups to nuclear histones and cytoplasmic targets, influencing gene expression, mRNA processing and viability. This growth inhibition was corroborated using an additional type I PRMT compound, GSK3368715. CRISPR-mediated deletion of type I PRMT targets indicated that PRMT1 is the main enzyme responsible for growth inhibition in our ccRCC models. Furthermore, genetic depletion of PRMT1 via shRNA phenocopied pharmacological inhibition and proliferative growth was restored in the presence of MS023 by overexpressing PRMT1. Finally, MS023 treatment of mice bearing ccRCC cell line and patient derived xenografts led to significant inhibition of tumor growth in vivo. Transcriptomic profiling of chemical treatment and PRMT1 genetic depletion demonstrated that PRMT1 inhibition triggers a significant down regulation of genes related to cell cycle progression and DNA damage. ccRCC cells treated with MS023 accumulated significant levels of DNA damage before undergoing cell death, with several DDR-related proteins being down-regulated. Proximity ligation and proteomic analysis (Bio-ID) revealed that PRMT1’s interactors skew heavily towards RNA metabolism regulators and widespread alterations in mRNA processing were noted with MS023 treatment. Evidence continues to mount that PRMT1 is implicated in the biology of cancer, but to our knowledge, no thorough investigations have been performed in the context of ccRCC. Our data suggests that inhibition of PRMT1 inhibits processing of mRNA transcripts, compromises DDR mechanisms, leading to an accumulation of double stranded breaks, cytostasis and cell death. Thus PRMT1 represents a viable therapeutic target in ccRCC. Citation Format: Joseph Walton, Karen Arevalo, Angel SN Ng, Jalna Meens, Christina Karamboulas, Panagiotis Prinos, Brian Raught, Eric Chen, Cheryl Arrowsmith, Laurie Ailles. PRMT1 is a critical dependency in clear cell renal cell carcinoma with roles in post- transcriptional regulation and DNA damage response [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3226.

Genomic Diversity in the Endosymbiotic Bacteria of Human Head Lice.

Insects have repeatedly forged symbioses with heritable microbes, gaining novel traits. For the microbe, the transition to symbioses can lead to the degeneration of the symbiont's genome through transmission bottlenecks, isolation, and the loss of DNA repair enzymes. However, some insect-microbial symbioses have persisted for millions of years, suggesting that natural selection slows genetic drift and maintains functional consistency between symbiont populations. By sampling in multiple countries, we examine genomic diversity within a symbiont species, a heritable symbiotic bacterium found only in human head lice. We find that human head louse symbionts contain genetic diversity that appears to have arisen contemporaneously with the appearance of anatomically modern humans within Africa and/or during the colonization of Eurasia by humans. We predict that the observed genetic diversity underlies functional differences in extant symbiont lineages, through the inactivation of genes involved in symbiont membrane construction. Furthermore, we find evidence of additional gene losses prior to the appearance of modern humans, also impacting the symbiont membrane. From this, we conclude that symbiont genome degeneration is proceeding, via gene inactivation and subsequent loss, in human head louse symbionts, while genomic diversity is maintained. Collectively, our results provide a look into the genomic diversity within a single symbiont species and highlight the shared evolutionary history of humans, lice, and bacteria.

A multihole nozzle controls recrystallization of high-moisture extruded maize starches: Effect of cooling die temperature

Hot extrusion is utilized for starch modification due to its high mechanical input and product output. Amylose recrystallization commences and primarily depends on intermolecular interactions after conventional extrusion. Hence, the design of a new component based on the existed extrusion system was aimed at facilitating molecular aggregation, potentially accelerating starch recrystallization. In this study, a nozzle sheet comprising 89 holes was integrated into the cooling die. The impact of the multihole nozzle on the structure and in vitro digestibility of extruded maize starches after retrogradation was examined at varying cooling die temperatures. The results showed that the nozzle-assembled extrusion system operated effectively without additional mechanical or yield losses. At 50 °C, the crystallinity of nozzle-produced starch was approximately 70 % higher than that of conventionally extruded starch, predominantly owing to the B-type allomorph of the amylose double helix. Recrystallized amylopectin was also found in these nozzle-produced starches, indicating that multihole nozzle-induced uniaxial elongational flow resulted in the rapid starch crystallization. The increased formation of recrystallized amylose led to improved molecular order in starch structures while reducing their digestibility. These findings revealed a new approach to improve starch crystallinity by incorporating a nozzle sheet in the extrusion process.

High-frequency microwave cavity design for high-mass dark matter axion searches

Abstract The haloscope based on the TM010 mode cavity is a well-established technique for detecting QCD axions. However, the method has limitations in detecting high-mass axion due to significant volume loss in the high-frequency cavity. Utilizing a higher-order mode cavity can effectively reduce the volume loss of the high-frequency cavity. The rotatable dielectric pieces as a tuning mechanism can compensate for the degradation of the form factor of the higher-order mode. Nevertheless, the introduction of dielectric causes additional volume loss. To address these issues, this paper proposes a novel design scheme by adding a central metal rod to the higher-order mode cavity tuned by dielectrics, which improves the performance of the haloscope due to the increased effective volume of the cavity detector. The superiority of the novel design is demonstrated by comparing its simulated performance with previous designs. Moreover, the feasibility of the scheme is verified by the full-wave simulation results of the mechanical design model.

Efficient modelling of surface roughness effects in additively manufactured materials

3D printing defects are often used to explain the mismatch between numerical predictions and experimental results of additively manufactured acoustic materials. Although they are often perceived as desirable, as in most cases, they improve the absorptive behaviour of the system, occurring gains are unplanned and uncontrollable. Among different 3D printing inaccuracies, surface roughness provides additional acoustic losses, mostly due to the enlargement of the boundary layer thickness. On the other hand, roughness is responsible for the shift of the operating frequency compared to the numerical predictions. The goal of this research is to provide efficient modelling methods to capture the effects of surface roughness arising from the additive manufacturing process. First, a direct modelling method will be discussed, which can be computationally expensive as it relies on an accurate geometrical representation of surface roughness. Second, an alternative indirect modelling approach will be presented, which mimics the presence of roughness by adjusting specific air parameters in the locations of interest of the smooth geometry to reduce the computational cost. The two strategies will be compared with each other and to the results of an experiment where additional roughness is added to target locations within the design.

Mapping the tRNA modification landscape of Bartonella henselae Houston I and Bartonella quintana Toulouse.

Transfer RNA (tRNA) modifications play a crucial role in maintaining translational fidelity and efficiency, and they may function as regulatory elements in stress response and virulence. Despite their pivotal roles, a comprehensive mapping of tRNA modifications and their associated synthesis genes is still limited, with a predominant focus on free-living bacteria. In this study, we employed a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating comparative genomics, mass spectrometry, and next-generation sequencing, to predict the set of tRNA modification genes responsible for tRNA maturation in two intracellular pathogens-Bartonella henselae Houston I and Bartonella quintana Toulouse, which are causative agents of cat-scratch disease and trench fever, respectively. This analysis presented challenges, particularly because of host RNA contamination, which served as a potential source of error. However, our approach predicted 26 genes responsible for synthesizing 23 distinct tRNA modifications in B. henselae and 22 genes associated with 23 modifications in B. quintana. Notably, akin to other intracellular and symbiotic bacteria, both Bartonella species have undergone substantial reductions in tRNA modification genes, mostly by simplifying the hypermodifications present at positions 34 and 37. Bartonella quintana exhibited the additional loss of four modifications and these were linked to examples of gene decay, providing snapshots of reductive evolution.