Average Profile Research Articles

Data-driven prediction of inter-layer process condition variations in laser powder bed fusion

The pressing problem of laser powder bed fusion of metals (PBF-LB/M) is the inability to predict and mitigate undesired process conditions in a build. This study aims to develop an efficient and geometric-agnostic prediction tool for the variations of the average meltpool temperature of each layer given a laser scanning path. The approach is a data-driven model based on defined physics-based features and measurement data from a two-color coaxial photodiode system. Although the coaxial photodiode system cannot measure absolute meltpool temperature, it can measure relative changes in the meltpool temperature if the process is performed in the shallow or no-keyhole regimes, the focus of this study. Once trained, the model can predict meltpool temperature variations before the start of the build process for a part geometry which had not yet been printed. The results show that variations in the layer average meltpool temperature can be predicted with the average coefficient of determination (r2) score of 0.65. Furthermore, the method shows the significance of considering the effect of surrounding parts on the average meltpool temperature profile of an observed part. For part geometries investigated in this study, the model shows the information from at least 40 previous layers is needed to enable sufficient and stabilized prediction performance.

Numerical insights into turbulent penetrative convection over localized heat sources

The turbulent penetrative convection into a stable convective boundary layer represents an important phenomenon in environmental engineering and atmospheric science. In the present study, we present a series of numerical simulations performed by two modeling approaches: the high-fidelity Large-Eddy Simulations (LES), and the less computationally demanding transient Reynolds-Averaged Approach (TRANS), but with an advanced sub-scale turbulent heat flux model. By simulating different localized heat sources over the ground, and by performing a direct comparative assessment of results obtained by LES and TRANS, we confirmed an overall good agreement in predicting the time evolution of the horizontally averaged temperature profiles. Similarly, the morphology of instantaneous thermal plumes and large convective structures predicted by TRANS were in reasonable agreement with the referent LES predictions.

Effect of surface roughness parameters on frictional properties of AlSi10Mg alloy

Experimental study of the effects of surface roughness parameters and their relationship to the coefficient of friction (COF) on AlSi10Mg alloy. The information demonstrates that the average surface roughness (Ra) does not directly correlate with COF when sliding is presented. This work is focused on the relationship and interaction between the roughness parameters (Ra), maximum profile height (Rt), average profile slope, and COF. To alter the surface roughness effect, the samples of the alloy are chemically treated with an alkaline 0, 5, 10, 15, 25, and 50 minutes and tested under different circumstances. Using a T-05 block-on-ring tribometer, the COF is calculated, and surface roughness measurements are collected utilizing an optical system for measuring three-dimensional surfaces. The program MATLAB is used to analyze the obtained data. Contrarily, the results demonstrate that there is a substantial positive association with COF under sliding conditions, while Ra and Rt can change without affecting CO significantly.

Sun-as-a-star Study of an X-class Solar Flare with Spectroscopic Observations of CHASE

Sun-as-a-star spectroscopic characteristics of solar flares can be used as a benchmark for the detection and analysis of stellar flares. Here, we study the Sun-as-a-star properties of an X1.0 solar flare, using high-resolution spectroscopic data obtained by the Chinese Hα Solar Explorer (CHASE). A noise reduction algorithm based on discrete Fourier transformation is first employed to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio of the space-integral Hα spectrum, with a focus on its typical characteristics. For the flare of interest, we find that the average Hα profile displays a strong emission at the line center and an obvious line broadening. It also presents a clear red asymmetry, corresponding to a redshift velocity of around 50 km s−1 that slightly decreases with time, consistent with previous results. Furthermore, we study how the size of the space-integral region affects the characteristics of the flare's Sun-as-a-star Hα profile. It is found that although the redshift velocity calculated from the Hα profile remains unchanged, the detectability of the characteristics weakens as the space-integral region becomes larger. An upper limit on the size of the target region where the red asymmetry is detectable is estimated. It is also found that the intensity in Hα profiles, measured by the equivalent widths of the spectra, are significantly underestimated if the Hα spectra are further averaged in the time domain.

A Comparison of Subjective Estimations and Objective Velocities at Quantifying Proximity to Failure for the Bench Press in Resistance-Trained Men and Women.

Hickmott, LM, Butcher, SJ, and Chilibeck, PD. A comparison of subjective estimations and objective velocities at quantifying proximity to failure for the bench press in resistance-trained men and women. J Strength Cond Res 38(7): 1206-1212, 2024-The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of quantifying repetitions in reserve (RIR) in the bench press among 18 men and 18 women between 2 conditions: (a) subjective estimations and (b) objective velocities. Subjects performed 4 sessions over 10 days: (a) 1 repetition maximum (1RM) test; (b) repetition-to-failure test at 80% of 1RM; (c) 3 sets to failure at 80% of 1RM; and (d) 3 sets to failure at 75, 80, and 85% of 1RM. During sessions 2, 3, and 4, subjects verbally stated their perceived 4 and 2 RIR intraset, whereas average concentric velocity was recorded on all repetitions. The dependent variable for the subjective estimations condition was the difference between the actual number of RIR and the subject's subjective estimated number of RIR at the verbally stated 4 and 2 RIR. The dependent variable for the objective velocities condition was the difference between the actual number of RIR and the number of RIR calculated from the subject's baseline individualized last repetition average concentric velocity-RIR profile. Significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Sessions 3 and 4 had significant ( p < 0.001) condition × set and condition × load interactions, respectively, at both 4 and 2 RIR. Objective velocities were significantly more accurate than subjective estimations on set 1 and set 2 at both RIRs during session 3 and for 75 and 80% of 1RM at both RIRs during session 4. Objective velocities exhibit significantly greater accuracy than subjective estimations at quantifying RIR during initial sets and lower loads.

University students’ burnout profiles and their relation to creativity and multilingualism

The present study aims to identify burnout profiles among Russian-speaking university students (n = 509) and their relation to creativity and multilingualism. The Maslach Burnout Inventory, Reisman Diagnostic Creativity Assessment, and Multilingual and Multicultural Experience Questionnaire were used to measure burnout, creativity, and language/cultural background, respectively. Five burnout profiles were identified through latent profile analysis, three consistent and two inconsistent. Consistent profiles with similar levels of all burnout dimensions (High, Average, Low burnout) showed a linear relation to creativity: the higher the burnout level, the lower the creativity level was. The inconsistent Cynic-exhausted-efficacious profile demonstrated exceptionally high scores on multilingualism compared to all burnout profiles and creativity scores comparable to low and average burnout profiles. The inconsistent Inefficacious profile was negligibly small compared to those reported in the literature, so no conclusions can be drawn regarding creativity and multilingualism in this profile. The results are considered within the framework of emotional burnout and plurilingual creativity research.

Entrainment and mixing of unsteady gravity currents in compound channels

Compound channels are a common hydraulic section of many alluvial and fluvial systems, serving as conduits for the flow of water and sediment. The proper design of these structures requires an understanding of the entrainment and mixing mechanisms in them. This paper presents a three-dimensional numerical study of lock-exchange flow in a compound channel covering the Reynolds numbers (Re) range of 17[Formula: see text]000–39[Formula: see text]000. This study investigates flow structures and mixing patterns for various geometries and flow characteristics. The results show that the entrainment coefficient decreases as the dense flow progresses, and the amplitude of instantaneous mixing fluctuations decreases with an increase in the width of the floodplain and reduced gravity. The averaged flux entrainment profiles show a minimum at [Formula: see text] at different times in the front area. In the head area also, a downward concavity can be seen in the profiles around [Formula: see text]. This study also reveals that changes in floodplain height do not affect the establishment of lobe-and-cleft instability. The wider the floodplain channel, the larger the lobe-and-cleft instability created. Small-scale mixing dominates at high Reynolds numbers, leading to higher fluid mixing.

A Combined Experimental and Numerical Calibration Approach for Modeling the Performance of Aerospace-Grade Titanium Alloy Products

Finite element modeling for designing and optimizing lightweight titanium aerospace components requires advanced simulation tools with adequate material modeling. In this sense, a hybrid strategy is proposed in this work to identify the parameters of the Johnson–Cook plasticity and damage laws using a combined direct-inverse method. A direct calibration method for plasticity law is applied based on the literature-reported data of strain-stress curves from experimental tensile tests at different temperatures and strain rates. The triaxiliaty-dependent fracture parameters of the Johnson–Cook damage law at reference conditions of strain rate and temperature (d1, d2, and d3) are calibrated with the direct method based on new data of experimental evolution of computed average fracture strain with the average stress triaxiality. The validation is performed with numerical results from an accurate micromechanics-based Ti64 model. The inverse calibration method is used to determine the strain rate and temperature-dependent damage parameters (d4 and d5) through large strain simulations of uniaxial tensile tests. The numerical results, including average strain and necking profile at fracture, are then utilized to calculate stress triaxiality by the Bridgman criterion for adjusting parameters d4 and d5. The calibrated model yields a 2.1% error for plasticity and 3.4% for fracture predictions. The experimental and simulated load-bearing capacity using the micromechanics damage model differed by only 1%. This demonstrates that the SC11–TNT model of Ti64 is reliable for identifying the Johnson–Cook damage law through the accurate use of inverse methods. The hybrid calibration strategy demonstrates the potential capability of the identified Johnson–Cook model to accurately predict the design load-carrying capacity of Ti64 aerospace components under different deformation rates and temperatures while accounting for material damage effects.

Abstract LB134: Mutational signatures in colorectal cancer from 11 countries reveal new insights in early-onset colorectal cancer

Abstract Background: Colorectal cancers (CRC) have an important impact on both incidence and mortality worldwide, with varying rates in different parts of the world. Despite an overall decrease in incidence in the past years, an alarming increase in early onset colorectal cancer (CRC in patients under 50 years of age) rates has been observed. As part of the Cancer Research UK Grand Challenge Mutographs project, we aim to better understand the underlying mutagenic causes contributing to the differences in CRC incidence rates through mutational signatures. Methods: We collected epidemiological data and performed whole genome sequencing and mutational signature analysis on 981 CRC tumor samples from 11 countries with varying incidence rates, including intermediate incidence regions (Iran, Colombia, Thailand, and Brazil) and higher incidence regions (Argentina, Russia, Canada, Poland, Czechia, Serbia, and Japan). Results: The average mutational profiles were similar across the countries. Mutational signatures associated with DNA repair deficiencies, including POLE and POLD1 associated signatures (SBS10a/b/c/d and SBS28), MUTYH (SBS36), NTHL1 (SBS30), homologous recombination deficiency (SBS3), and a plethora of microsatellite instability (MSI) signatures, were found in 177 cancers (18% of all samples) and at comparable levels across all countries. Multiple signatures with known etiologies were found in 802 DNA repair proficient colorectal cancers including clock-like (SBS1 and SBS5), reactive oxygen species (SBS18), APOBEC (SBS2 and SBS13), and the microbiome-product colibactin (SBS88) signatures. The colibactin signature SBS88 was observed in 14% of samples overall, being more prevalent in distal and rectum tumors. SBS88 was significantly enriched in younger patients (33% &amp;lt;40y, 23% 40-49y, 20% 50-59y,10% 60-69y, 10% ≥70y; p-value = 0.0001). Tumors from early onset patients also showed higher prevalence of another mutational signature with unknown etiology (19% &amp;lt;40y, 16% 40-49y, 13% 50-59y, 6% 60-69y, 7% ≥70y, p-value = 0.005). Conclusions: These results indicate a potential association between SBS88 with early onset CRC, suggesting that the recent increase in incidence may be at least partially explained by the genotoxic compound colibactin, and associated bacteria. Citation Format: Wellington dos Santos, Marcos Diaz-Gay, Sarah Moody, Sergey Senkin, Behnoush Abedi-Ardekani, Mariya Kazachkova, Stephen Fitzgerald, Saamin Cheema, Valerie Gaborieau, Jingwei Wang, Christine Carreira, Thomas Cattiaux, Priscilia Chopard, Calli Latimer, David Zaridze, Riley Cox, Reza Malekzadeh, Miodrag Ognjanovic, Suleeporn Sangrajrang, Maria P. Curado, Rui M. Reis, Ivana Holcatova, Carlos Vaccaro, Beata Swiatkowska, Jolanta Lissowska, Carolina Wiesner, Tatsuhiro Shibata, Surasak Sangkhathat, Patricia Ashton-Prolla, Laura Humphreys, Sandra Perdomo, Ana C. de Caravalho, Mike Stratton, Paul Brennan, Ludmil Alexandrov. Mutational signatures in colorectal cancer from 11 countries reveal new insights in early-onset colorectal cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr LB134.

Evaluating the Effect of Extra-Cerebral Off-Target Binding in [F-18]MK6240 PET Scans in Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract [F-18]MK6240 is a PET radioligand with favorable imaging characteristics for measuring tau aggregation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study we investigated the impact of extra-cerebral off-target binding (ECB) in the meninges and sinus present in [F-18]MK6240 PET scans on quantifying tau burden in preclinical AD. Based on large cohort data from 433 [F-18]MK6240 scans acquired at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, simulations were conducted to examine the range of effects of ECB by varying the ECB profile and input radiotracer concentration curves on areas of early tau accumulation in AD. The range and patterning of ECB in the imaging cohort had high variability between participants, however, 35% revealed moderate to high meningeal signal that could influence quantification. Partial volume effects, which can lead to measured PET signal from neighboring regions influencing signal in adjacent areas of interest, were examined in the simulated images. The simulations demonstrate that signal from the sinus increases the neighboring entorhinal cortex region (ERC) signal and activity detected from the meninges can similarly influence the inferior cerebellar grey matter reference region. ECB effects from the sinus were most prevalent in our cohort, and simulations with the average ECB profile had ERC uptake (SUV) 23% higher than simulations with no ECB. Spill-in effects from the sinus, which increases the medial and ventral temporal cortex SUVR, and spill-in from the meninges into the cerebellar reference region, which leads to a reduction in global SUVR, act in opposite directions, complicating the interpretation of the derived SUVR of [F-18]MK6240 images. These simulation results quantify the effects of ECB in [F-18]MK6240 scans and introduce correction factors to minimize bias of the SUVR measure.

The Bright Single Pulse Emission from PSR B1133+16

We have conducted a comprehensive investigation into the bright single pulse emission from PSR B1133+16 using the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope. High time resolution data (61 μs) were obtained at a center frequency of 322 MHz with a bandwidth of 32 MHz over a continuous observation period of 7.45 hr. A total of 1082 bright pulses were sporadically detected with peak flux densities ranging from 10 to 23 times stronger than the average pulse profile. However, no giant pulse-like emission with a relative pulse energy larger than 10 and extremely short duration was detected, indicating that these bright pulses cannot be categorized as giant pulse emission. The majority of these bright pulses are concentrated in pulse phases at both the leading and trailing windows of the average pulse profile, with an occurrence ratio of approximately 2.74. The pulse energy distribution for all individual pulses can be described by a combination of two Gaussian components and a cutoff power-law with an index of α = − 3.2. An updated nulling fraction of 15.35% ± 0.45% was determined from the energy distribution. The emission of individual pulses follows a log-normal distribution in peak flux density ratio. It is imperative that regular phase drifting in bright pulse sequence is identified in both the leading and trailing components for the first time. Possible physical mechanisms are discussed in detail to provide insights into these observations.

Three-dimensional Atmospheric Dynamics of Jupiter from Ground-based Doppler Imaging Spectroscopy in the Visible

We present three-dimensional (3D) maps of Jupiter’s atmospheric circulation at cloud-top level from Doppler-imaging data obtained in the visible domain with JIVE, the second node of the JOVIAL network, which is mounted on the Dunn Solar Telescope at Sunspot, New Mexico. We report on 12 nights of observations between 2018 May 4 and May 30, representing a total of about 80 hr. First, the average zonal wind profile derived from our data is compatible with that derived from cloud-tracking measurements performed on Hubble Space Telescope images obtained in 2018 April from the Outer Planet Atmospheres Legacy program. Second, we present the first ever 2D maps of Jupiter’s atmospheric circulation from Doppler measurements. The zonal velocity map highlights well-known atmospheric features, such as the equatorial hot spots and the Great Red Spot (GRS). In addition to zonal winds, we derive meridional and vertical velocity fields from the Doppler data. The motions attributed to vertical flows are mainly located at the boundary between the equatorial belts and tropical zones, which could indicate active motion in theses regions. Qualitatively, these results compare well to recent Juno data that have unveiled the 3D structure of Jupiter’s wind field. To the contrary, the motions attributed to meridional circulation are very different from what is obtained by cloud tracking, except at the GRS. Because of limitations with data resolution and processing techniques, we acknowledge that our measurements of the vertical or meridional flows of Jupiter are still to be confirmed.

Sharing Is Caring: Exploring Distributed Solar Photovoltaics and Local Electricity Consumption through a Renewable Energy Community

Renewable Energy Communities (REC) can play a crucial role in enhancing citizen participation in the energy transition. Current European Union legislation enshrines energy communities and mandates Member States to encourage these organizations, promoting adequate conditions for their establishment. Nevertheless, uptake has been slow, and more research is needed to optimize the associated energy sharing. Using a Portuguese case study (REC Telheiras, Lisbon), this research aims to match local generation through four photovoltaic systems (totalizing 156.5 kWp of installed capacity) with household electricity consumption while cross evaluating the Portuguese legislation for energy sharing. The latter aim compares two scenarios: (a) current legislation (generated energy must be locally self-consumed before shared) and (b) equal share for members with a fixed coefficient. The evaluation is performed according to two indexes of self-consumption (SCI) and self-sufficiency (SSI), related to the simulation of four photovoltaic systems in public buildings, their associated consumption profiles, and an average household consumption profile of community members. The results show that, while maximizing self-consumption for the same values of generation and consumption, the number of participants is considerably lower for Scenario A (SCI = 100% is achieved with at least 491 residential members in Scenario A and 583 in Scenario B), implying that legislative changes enabling energy communities to better tailor sharing schemes may be necessary for them to become more attractive. The methods and results of this research can also be applied to other types of facilities, e.g., industrial and commercial consumers, if they are members of a REC and have smart meters in their installations.

Cloud Security Using Fine-Grained Efficient Information Flow Tracking

This study provides a comprehensive review and comparative analysis of existing Information Flow Tracking (IFT) tools which underscores the imperative for mitigating data leakage in complex cloud systems. Traditional methods impose significant overhead on Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) and management activities, prompting the exploration of alternatives such as IFT. By augmenting consumer data subsets with security tags and deploying a network of monitors, IFT facilitates the detection and prevention of data leaks among cloud tenants. The research here has focused on preventing misuse, such as the exfiltration and/or extrusion of sensitive data in the cloud as well as the role of anonymization. The CloudMonitor framework was envisioned and developed to study and design mechanisms for transparent and efficient IFT (eIFT). The framework enables the experimentation, analysis, and validation of innovative methods for providing greater control to cloud service consumers (CSCs) over their data. Moreover, eIFT enables enhanced visibility to assess data conveyances by third-party services toward avoiding security risks (e.g., data exfiltration). Our implementation and validation of the framework uses both a centralized and dynamic IFT approach to achieve these goals. We measured the balance between dynamism and granularity of the data being tracked versus efficiency. To establish a security and performance baseline for better defense in depth, this work focuses primarily on unique Dynamic IFT tracking capabilities using e.g., Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). Consumers and service providers can negotiate specific security enforcement standards using our framework. Thus, this study orchestrates and assesses, using a series of real-world experiments, how distinct monitoring capabilities combine to provide a comparatively higher level of security. Input/output performance was evaluated for execution time and resource utilization using several experiments. The results show that the performance is unaffected by the magnitude of the input/output data that is tracked. In other words, as the volume of data increases, we notice that the execution time grows linearly. However, this increase occurs at a rate that is notably slower than what would be anticipated in a strictly proportional relationship. The system achieves an average CPU and memory consumption overhead profile of 8% and 37% while completing less than one second for all of the validation test runs. The results establish a performance efficiency baseline for a better measure and understanding of the cost of preserving confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) for cloud Consumers and Providers (C&amp;P). Consumers can scrutinize the benefits (i.e., security) and tradeoffs (memory usage, bandwidth, CPU usage, and throughput) and the cost of ensuring CIA can be established, monitored, and controlled. This work provides the primary use-cases, formula for enforcing the rules of data isolation, data tracking policy framework, and the basis for managing confidential data flow and data leak prevention using the CloudMonitor framework.

Functional Movement Screen at DKI Jakarta POPB Athletics in 2023

Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a method for assessing a person's functional movement abilities. FMS can be used as a screening and injury prevention effort. The aim of this research is to provide information on weaknesses in functional movement patterns, FMS provides information on asymmetries and limitations in functional movement patterns between right and left and FMS helps predict the risk of injury that may occur. FMS consists of 7 movements, namely: (1) Deep Squat, (2) Hurdle Step, (3) Inline Lunges, (4) Shoulder Mobility, (5) Active Straight Leg Raise, (6) Trunk Stability Push Up, and (7) Rotary Stability. This research is quantitative descriptive. By using observation techniques to collect information. This research involves the use of tools, instruments and procedures to collect objective and systematic data. In this research, the 2023 Jakarta popb athletics athletes were involved with a total sample of 13 athletes. The results of this research show that the FMS profile of POPB DKI Jakarta athletic athletes in 2023 is 1 athlete showing points 21, namely a perfect score, 7 athletes showing points 17-20, namely good, 3 athletes showing points 14-16, namely inefficient. The average profile of POPB DKI Jakarta athletic athletes in 2023 is in good condition.

Unravelling the effects of surface modification pre-treatments on porous hastelloy X supports for H2 selective Pd-based membranes preparation with a statistical approach

Metal-based supports require specific pre-treatments to reach the surface quality needed for achieving thin Pd layers deposition without defects. Hastelloy X supports with high surface roughness and large pore diameter are acquired and pre-treated via polishing and chemical etching. They are then asymmetrically filled with α-Al2O3 of decreasing particle size (18 μm, 5 μm and 1.5 μm) and equipped with a γ-Al2O3 interdiffusion barrier. Each pre-treatment step is thoroughly characterized and elucidated with ANalysis Of VAriance (ANOVA) as statistical tool, introducing a hybrid observational-statistical approach to infer on a population of membrane supports.The analysis allowed to set average surface roughness (Ra) < 0.8 μm, average profile height (Rz) < 7 μm, in-pore leveling (Δ) < 6 μm, as targets for support pre-treatments reproducibility. The target average pore diameter after asymmetric filling was identified as 100–500 nm, while the target average pore diameter after interdiffusion barrier deposition was below 100 nm. The most effective particle size for in-pore leveling was identified as ≤ 5 μm, and the most effective particle size for average pore diameter reduction as 18 μm.

The impact of aerobics on mental health and stress levels: A visualization analysis of the CiteSpace map.

This study aims to integrate research in the field of aerobics and mental health through the visualization analysis method of the CiteSpace map, to clarify the impact of aerobics on mental health and stress levels. Firstly, based on the literature method, pieces of literature related to aerobics and mental health are searched and collected. Secondly, the visualization analysis method of the CiteSpace map is employed to summarize and analyze the contents of the literature, involving statistical analysis of the annual number of publications, analysis of author characteristics, and analysis of publishing institution characteristics. In addition, keyword co-occurrence analysis and keyword cluster analysis are also conducted in related research fields. Among them, the Log-Likelihood Ratio is used in keyword cluster analysis. Finally, the results are analyzed using the visualization analysis method of the CiteSpace map and the statistics-based comprehensive results. The results demonstrate that in the recent 20 years, the average annual number of articles in related fields exceeds 190. The high-yield authors are distributed in economically developed areas, and the cooperation among authors is scattered. In the keyword clustering results, a total of 77 cluster labels are obtained. The Q value of the clustering module is 0.89, and the average clustering profile silhouette (S) value is 0.92, indicating that the clustering structure is significant and the results are reasonable. The aerobics cluster contains the most closely related keywords, covering mental health and stress levels. Data analysis based on existing studies reveals that aerobics has a significant impact on mental health and stress levels. Individuals participating in aerobics show obvious improvement in mental health inventory (MHI) scores (t(100) = 4.32, p<0.05). Individuals participating in aerobics present a remarkable reduction in the questionnaire evaluation of stress levels (t(100) = -3.91, p<0.05). This study's results support aerobics' positive effects on mental health and stress levels.

System-size dependence of collective transverse flow in relativistic nuclear collisions

The transverse momentum distributions of identified hadrons (π±, K±, p, p, K0S, Λ, Λ, Ξ−, Ξ+, φ, Ω−, and Ω+) produced in Au+Au collisions at RHIC-BES energies are analyzed with Blast-Wave model and with Boltzmann-Gibbs statistics. The kinetic freeze-out temperature, the average transverse flow velocity and the flow profile exponent are extracted from the transverse momentum spectra of the particles. The study of system-size dependence of the kinetic freeze-out parameters showed that kinetic freeze-out temperature increases, while average transverse flow ve- locity decreases from central to peripheral collisions. The larger freeze-out temperature for peripheral collisions may indicate an earlier decoupling of the expanding system. For the same centrality class, it is observed that the transverse flow velocity and flow profile exponent have an increasing trend with increasing collision energy.

The altered TBI fecal microbiome is stable and functionally distinct.

Patients who suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) often experience chronic and sometimes debilitating sequelae. Recent reports have illustrated both acute and long-term dysbiosis of the gastrointestinal microbiome with significant alterations in composition and predicted functional consequences. Working with participants from past research, metagenomic stability of the TBI- associated fecal microbiome (FMB) was evaluated by custom qPCR array comparing a fecal sample from 2015 to one collected in 2020. Metatranscriptomics identified differently expressed bacterial genes and biochemical pathways in the TBI FMB. Microbiota that contributed the largest RNA amounts identified a set of core bacteria most responsible for functional consequences of the TBI FMB. A remarkably stable FMB metagenome with significant similarity (two-tail Spearman nonparametric correlation p < 0.001) was observed between 2015 and 2020 fecal samples from subjects with TBI. Comparing the 2020 TBI FMB metagenome to FMBs from healthy controls confirmed and extended the dysbiotic genera and species. Abundance differences between average TBI and healthy FMBs revealed Bacteroides caccae, B. uniformis, Blautia spp., Collinsella spp., Dialister spp., and Ordoribacter spp. were significantly different. Functionally, the Parabacteroides genus contributed the highest percentage of RNA sequences in control FMBs followed by the Bacteroides genus as the second highest contributor. In the TBI FMB, the Corynebacterium genus contributed the most RNA followed by the Alistipes genus. Corynebacterium and Pseudomonas were distinct in the top 10 contributing genera in the TBI FMB while Parabacteroides and Ruminococcus were unique to the top 10 in controls. Comparing RNA profiles, TBI samples had ∼1.5 fold more expressed genes with almost 700 differently expressed genes (DEGs) mapped to over 100 bacterial species. Bioinformatic analysis associated DEGs with pathways led identifying 311 functions in the average TBI FMB profile and 264 in the controls. By average profile comparison, 30 pathways had significantly different abundance (p < 0.05, t-test) or were detected in >80% of the samples in only one of the cohorts (binary distinction). Functional differences between TBI and healthy control FMBs included amino acid metabolism, energy and carbon source usage, fatty acid metabolism, bacterial cell wall component production and nucleic acid synthesis and processing pathways. Together these data shed light on the functional consequences of the dysbiotic TBI FMB decades after injury.

Heat transfer studies in a rotating drum containing non-spherical particles

In chemical and pharmaceutical industries, rotating drums are commonly used as mixers, dryers, granulators, and reactors for processing particulate materials (Rutgers, 1965). Most of the earlier studies are limited to the spherical particles and have focused on understanding granular flow in drums operating under a rolling regime. However, there are numerous industrial operations in which non-spherical particles are heated in a rotating drum operating in the cascading regime. In the present work, we attempt to understand the heat transfer process between hot air and non-spherical particles in a rotating drum. Non-spherical particles, considered for the simulations, mimic pharmaceutical tablets having standard round convex (SRC) and oblong shapes. The multi-sphere approach is used to model the tablet shapes. Collisions between the tablets are captured through the interaction between candidate spheres of non-spherical particles. The focus here is to study the heat transfer between hot air and particles and the heat conduction between the particles. The effects of drum speed, particle shape, and air inlet temperature on the bed temperature distribution are investigated. Analysis of average bed temperature profiles shows that the bed temperature remains constant regardless of the drum speed but is influenced by the temperature of the incoming air. The logarithmic mean temperature is not impacted by the incoming air temperature but is influenced by particle shape. The logarithmic mean curve shows a steeper slope for SRC particles due to higher surface area-to-volume ratio and better radial mixing compared to Oblong particles