Stability Phase Research Articles

Spondias purpurea L. (Anacardiaceae) fruits flours at different maturation stages: Drying kinetics, mathematical modelling, characterization and correlation analysis.

The aim of this study was to examine the drying kinetics of Spondias purpurea L. fruits at various maturation stages (I to V) using a range of mathematical models (Henderson and Pabis, Lewis, Logarithmic, Midilli, and Page). Additionally, an assessment of the resulting flours' quality was conducted. The stabilization phase of S. purpurea fruit drying kinetics commenced at 420min for maturation stages I and III, and at 480min for the remaining stages. All employed mathematical models effectively characterized the drying process, exhibiting R 2 values exceeding 0.99, MSD below 0.03, and X 2 below 0.0009. Flours demonstrated increased color intensity with higher levels of flavonoids and anthocyanins, showing a positive correlation. Immature fruits yielded flours with elevated titratable acidity, total chlorophylls, phenolic compounds, and density. In contrast, fruits in the final maturation stages produced flours with higher yield, levels of reducing sugars, total carotenoids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. The results indicate that flours derived from ripe fruits exhibited higher yield, moisture content, pH, soluble solids, and reducing sugars, while titratable acidity was higher in green fruits. Bioactive compounds such as total chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, and phenolic compounds decreased with ripening, whereas total carotenoids increased due to chlorophyll degradation and carotenoid biosynthesis. Anthocyanin and total flavonoid levels increased in the final stages of ripening. Thus, the developmental stage directly influences the physicochemical and functional characteristics of S. purpurea fruit flours. This comprehensive analysis offers valuable insights into the drying kinetics of S. purpurea fruits and underscores the influence of maturation stages on the quality attributes of the resultant flours.

P1319 Multi-omic modelling of antibiotic perturbed faecal microbial communities demonstrates reduced microbial resilience in IBD

Abstract Background Excessive antibiotic use is a risk factor in IBD, due to the impact on the gastrointestinal microbiota, but the extent of impact on microbial metabolite production is unknown. Here we investigate the impact of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and metronidazole (MTZ) on gut microbiota structure/function in a healthy donor and a new-onset therapeutic naïve IBD patient. We also investigate the use of autologous faecal microbiota transplant (aFMT) as a microbial therapeutic to assist recovery of the gut ecosystem. Methods Donor faecal specimens (IBD or healthy) were used to inoculate twin chemostat vessels. Following community stabilisation, vessels were dosed daily with CIP or MTZ for 7 days. In the healthy donor vessel, 4 doses of aFMT were administered over 7 days (post antibiotics) followed by a 7-day recovery. In the IBD vessels no FMT was administered. Vessels were sampled daily to monitor microbial profiles (16S rRNA sequencing) and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles (GC-MS). Results CIP in the healthy vessel caused a significant depletion of acetate, butyrate and propionate, remaining significantly depleted during aFMT. CIP dosing also resulted in an enrichment of Escherichia-Shigella and Enterobacter and a loss of Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium and Bacteroides. During recovery acetate and propionate recovered whilst butyrate remained depleted (p=0.004). In the healthy MTZ vessel, acetate increased during antibiotic dosing and was restored following aFMT. Butyrate decreased during MTZ dosing and remained significantly decreased (p<0.031). Propionate levels also reduced following MTZ but were found in highest abundance during aFMT and recovery phases (p<0.038). Parabacteroides increased during MTZ dosing which subsequently decreased to stable abundance. Akkermansia was significantly increased in recovery phase compared to aFMT and stability phases. In the IBD donor, CIP caused a significant reduction in 10 SCFAs and several taxa including Bacteroides and Dialister genera alongside an enrichment of Enterococcus, Lachnospiraceae, Anaerofilum and Eisenbergiella. MTZ treatment resulted in a less dramatic reduction in SCFAs. Microbial community changes included an enrichment of Escherichia-Shigella, Enterococcus and Parasutterella and a depletion of Alistipes and Dialister. Conclusion CIP and MTZ significantly depleted levels of beneficial genera and reduced the abundance of SCFAs. Neither donor community was able to fully restore composition or function. aFMT modulated the healthy donor microbial communities to a "new healthy". Further investigation into long-term antibiotic treatment and the use of microbial therapeutics is needed to fully understand this relationship in the context of IBD.

Sequence-Dependent Liquid Crystalline Ordering of Gapped DNA.

We investigate the impact of poly adenine (poly-A) sequences on the type and stability of liquid crystalline (LC) phases formed by concentrated solutions of gapped DNA (two duplex arms bridged by a flexible single strand) using synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering and polarizing optical microscopy. While samples with mixed sequence form layered (smectic) phases, poly-A samples demonstrate a columnar phase at lower temperatures (5-35 °C), not previously observed in GDNA samples, and a smectic-B phase of exceptional stability at higher temperatures (35-65 °C). We present a model that connects the formation of these LC phases with the unique characteristics of poly-A sequences, which manifest in various biological contexts, including DNA condensation and nucleosome formation.

Localizing Hierarchical Prediction Errors and Precisions During an Oddball Task with Volatility: Computational Insights and Relationship with Psychosocial Functioning in Healthy Individuals

Abstract The auditory mismatch negativity (MMN) has been widely used to investigate deficits in early auditory information processing, particularly in psychosis. Predictive coding theories suggest that impairments in sensory learning may arise from disturbances in hierarchical message passing, likely due to aberrant precision-weighting of prediction errors (PEs). This study employed a modified auditory oddball paradigm with varying phases of stability and volatility to disentangle the impact of hierarchical PEs on auditory MMN generation in 43 healthy controls (HCs). Single-trial EEG data was modelled with a hierarchical Bayesian model of learning to identify neural correlates of low-level PEs about tones and high-level PEs about environmental volatility. Our analysis revealed a reduced expression of the auditory MMN in volatile compared to stable phases of the paradigm. Additionally, lower Global Functioning (GF): Social scores were associated with a reduced difference waveform at 332 ms after stimulus presentation across the entire MMN paradigm. Further analysis revealed that this association was present during the volatile phase but not the stable phase of the paradigm. Source reconstruction suggested that the association between the stable difference waveform and psychosocial functioning originated in left superior temporal gyrus. Finally, we found significant EEG signatures of both low- and high-level PEs and precision ratios. Our findings highlight the value of computational models in understanding the neural mechanisms involved in early auditory information processing and their connection to psychosocial functioning.

A 7,000 years trajectory of socio-ecosystems in the montane belt of the northern French Alps

IntroductionThis study, conducted on the Plateau des Glières, in the northern French Alps, investigates the evolution of vegetation composition over the past 7000 years. This site, within a montane ecosystem, offers a new opportunity to understand the human and landscape interactions under the influence of climate. To study these interactions as a whole and by integrating their complexity, we used two conceptual frameworks: the agroecosystem and the trajectory.MethodsThe analyses conducted are based on a detailed analysis of pollen, NPP, macro-charcoal, and geochemical data from peat cores.ResultsThe vegetation history of the Plateau des Glières is dominated by forest, due to its location within the montane belt (1,435 m). However, the vegetation composition trajectory of the Glières reveals three regimes: two are characterized by an evolutionary trend of the system, and between them, the a third regime is characterized by a “dynamic steady state” of the system. The first regime, corresponding to the Neolithic period, is initially characterized by a closed forested environment with a progressive trend toward a more open landscape due to the first agro-pastoral activities. The second regime is recorded from the very end of the Neolithic until the High Roman Empire. It corresponds to a relatively stationary system, characterized by the progressive development of pastoral activities leading to low impacts on the landscape. This long period (4300 to 1800 cal. BP) is characterized by the sustainability of the agroecosystem that developed. After this long pseudo-stable phase, a tipping point in the vegetation composition trajectory is highlighted. The third regime, spanning from the Migration Period to the present day, is the result of the intensification and diversification of agro-pastoral activities (pastoralism, cereal crops, and fruit trees). The landscape that we can see today in the Plateau des Glières is the legacy of this trajectory characterizing the interactions between ecosystems and human societies, i.e., the socio-ecosystem.DiscussionWhile the agroecosystem trajectory reconstructed on the Plateau des Glières is rather consistent with the altitudinal model of anthropization previously proposed for this region, the vegetation response to the activities is unusual because it shows a long phase of ecosystem stability despite the relatively high human pressure.

Past hydro‐pedological events and trend reflected in the Mid–Late Holocene alluvial record of the Middle Rhône Valley and tributaries: A new reference for South East France

ABSTRACTThis paper proposes a new approach to quantitative geomorphology and paleopedology in the mid‐Rhône valley (MRV) based on a compilation of geomorphological metadata from 25 tributaries of the Rhône river and subordinate floodbasins, including 51 geomorphological and paleopedological sites. This study compares two types of hydrogeomorphological data formalization: a temporal similarities analysis between paleosols and fluvial aggradation of sub‐basins, and a quantitative analysis by summed probability distributions comparing floodplain stability and activity phases in cumulative density functions of categorized 14C and chronocultural dates. Alluvial chronologies at centennial to millennial time scales, coinciding with a modification in sedimentation rate, or river style, demonstrate temporal and spatial patterning of MRV alluviation, pedogenesis and erosion across the western Prealpine region, with detection of 24 main Holocene alternative periods (activity versus stability). To explore possible large‐scale hydroclimatic teleconnections, the Holocene MRV results are aligned, and correlations are made, with those of a range of paleohydrological proxy studies from all Rhône drainage basins, Western Europe and the Mediterranean. The MRV rivers respond to the majority of Holocene rapid climatic changes and from 4000/3000 cal a bp to an accelerated sediment delivery and torrentiality from slopes and headwaters, which results in the development of sedimentary cascades from upstream to downstream in the Rhône valley to the delta (the main drivers are discussed in detail in in a companion paper to follow).

Modeling of the Extraction Kinetics of Oil from Safou Pulp (Dacryodes edulis H.J. Lam) by Heating in Hexane with Stirring

The continuous extraction of oil from safou pulp in hot hexane with stirring was studied. Two factors were considered: the method with two modes, M1 and M2, respectively without and with prior preheating of the solvent, and the temperature with two modes as well, 90 and 105°C for M1, and 50 and 70°C for M2. The results showed that continuous extraction by direct contact of the substrate with the solvent yields lower results compared to Soxhlet extraction, which has the advantage of regenerating the pure solvent each time, leading to more efficient recovery of the solute. However, the extraction rate is proportional to the preheating of the solvent, temperature, and agitation of the system, compared to previous results. The extraction curves exhibit the usual pattern of solid-liquid extraction of plants, with an ascending phase followed by stabilization. The temperature stabilization phase was not observed. The experimental curves validate the Peleg model, but not the first-order kinetic model. The oil is extracted by elution and diffusion. Peleg's lines, t/Yt = 0.01855t + 0.13074 at 90 °C and t/Yt = 0.02076t + 0.05839 at 105 °C for method M1, and t/Yt = 0.01842t + 0.03657 at 50 °C and t/Yt = 0.01934t + 0.02647 at 70 °C for method M2, characterizing the extraction process, confirm the previous conclusions. The initial extraction rates, respectively equal to 7.65, 17.13, 27.34, and 37.77 %.min-¹, are proportional to the extraction temperature and higher when the solvent is preheated. The activation energy values, 61.31 kJ.mol-¹ for method M1 and 14.88 kJ/mol for method M2, clearly show the benefit of preheating the solvent before starting the extraction. Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 12(4): 224-234.

Comprehensive assessment of lower limb alignment and forces during dance landings under fatigue

This study investigates the impact of fatigue on Lower Limb Alignment (LLA) and Ground Reaction Forces (GRF) during dance landings, intending to understand how fatigue-induced changes affect joint mechanics and stabilization in trained dancers. Thirty dancers (mean age: 23.4 years) with a minimum of three years of training in high-impact dance forms, such as ballet and contemporary dance, participated in the study. A within-subject experimental design assessed each participant’s landing mechanics before and after a fatigue-inducing protocol. Kinematic data were captured using a 3D motion capture system, while kinetic data were recorded with force plates. Joint angles at the hip, knee, and ankle were measured during the landing’s initial contact, peak force, and stabilization phases. Vertical and medial-lateral GRF and time to stabilization (TTS) were also analyzed pre- and post-fatigue. The fatigue protocol consisted of plyometric exercises and repetitive dance-specific movements designed to mimic the physical demands of a dance performance. Measurements were taken immediately after the fatigue protocol and at intervals of 15 min, 1 h, 24 h, and 48 h post-fatigue to assess both immediate and delayed effects of fatigue. Significant changes in joint angles were observed across all phases of the landing. Post-fatigue, hip and knee flexion increased significantly at initial contact (hip: +2.7°, knee: +3.6°, p < 0.05), reflecting compensatory adjustments for impact absorption. Ankle dorsiflexion also increased significantly during stabilization (+2.7°, p = 0.028). Vertical GRF increased across all phases post-fatigue (initial contact: +4.4 N/kg, p = 0.009), indicating a reduced ability to absorb impact forces efficiently. TTS was significantly prolonged at all post-fatigue intervals, particularly within the first 15 min post-exertion (+34 ms, p = 0.008), suggesting impaired neuromuscular control and balance.

The Development of a Converter Transformer Fire Model Based on the Fire Dynamics Simulator and the Analysis of Cooling Mechanisms of Spraying and Coating

This research develops a numerical fire model for a converter transformer utilizing the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS). The model’s accuracy was validated through comprehensive evaluations of temperature distribution, radiative heat transfer, and mass burning rate. Additionally, the cooling efficacy of fire-resistant coating and fine water mist with varying droplet sizes was investigated. The results indicate that fireproof coating significantly reduces the surface temperature of the transformer, thereby enhancing its fire resistance. Specifically, temperature reductions of 57.68%, 45.63%, 37.78%, and 36.78% were recorded at different facade heights. Furthermore, the cooling performance of fine water mist is strongly influenced by droplet size, primarily due to thermal buoyancy effects. Larger droplets (400 μm) exhibited the most efficient cooling effect directly beneath the spray, achieving temperature reductions of up to 67%. In contrast, smaller droplets (100 μm) showed diminished cooling performance in certain regions, owing to the compensatory buoyancy of hot air, even resulting in an 11% temperature increase in some cases. During the flame stabilization phase, the mass burning rate stabilized between 0.056 kg/(m2·s) and 0.070 kg/(m2·s), with the inhibitory effect of small particle mist becoming pronounced only after 450 s. These findings offer critical insights for optimizing fire protection strategies for converter transformers, highlighting the significance of cooling mechanisms and material properties.

The importance of hemodynamics in stented vessels: A conceptual model for predicting restenosis using the time-averaged shear stress

The role of hemodynamics has often been overlooked in mathematical modeling aimed at replicating the restenosis process in stented arteries. This study seeks to address this gap by proposing a simplified model of tissue growth driven by the distribution of mean shear stress acting on the vessel wall. Using an iterative sequence of three-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations applied to idealized coronary and femoral arteries, combined with a semi-empirical parametrization of endothelium growth, we demonstrated that the progression of restenosis can be effectively modeled and differentiated according to the intensity of time-varying flow velocities. Notably, restenosis develops faster in the femoral artery (approximately 17 days) compared to the coronary artery (approximately 25 days). The progress of tissue accretion is well defined by the evolution of time-averaged wall shear stress. After an initial decrease (triggering phase), significant increases in wall shear stress are observed during the main accretion phase until the shear stress eventually recovers a sufficient level to arrest the process (stabilization phase). This process, attributed to varying hemodynamic conditions within the stent, highlights the significant influence of local flow dynamics and emphasizes the necessity of accurately modeling both the anatomical structure and the corresponding hemodynamics of arteries when predicting in-stent restenosis.

Investigation of phase stability and martensitic transformation of all-d-metal Heusler alloys Fe2CrIr and Fe2CrV

The magnetism, elastic properties, phase stability and martensitic phase transition of the all-d-metal Heusler alloys Fe2CrIr and Fe2CrV are systematically investigated using first-principles calculations. Compound Fe2CrIr containing late transition metal atoms tends to have a Cu2MnAl (L21)-type structure and exhibits antiferromagnetism. Fe2CrV is relatively stable in the Hg2CuTi (XA)-type structure and exhibits ferromagnetism. Differences in mechanical stability under pressure arise from differences in phonon hybridisation. The response of Fe2CrIr to external pressure stems from a high pressure-induced martensitic transformation. On the contrary, the pressure inhibited the martensitic phase transition of Fe2CrV. The lower the value of C′, the more unstable the cubic phase. This work analyses in detail the different mechanical behaviours of Fe2CrIr and Fe2CrV under pressure and the mechanism of pressure-induced martensitic transformation, which may improve a new insight for pressure regulated martensitic phase transformation.

Evaluation of some Different Paprameters of Mixolab Device of Some Approved Syrian Soft Wheat Varieties

This research aims to study some of different parameters of some Syrian soft wheat varieties recently approved for cultivation, using Mixolab device according to the ICC.No.173 method; The required samples of durum wheat varieties: Sham8, Buhouth8, and Doma2 were obtained from the Research Station of the Scientific Agricultural Research Center, at a rate of three replicates for each sample (variety). All analyzes were also conducted in the Grain Technology Laboratory at the College of Engineering. Agricultural, Al-Furat University. The results of estimating percentage of protein showed that there were significant differences between the studied varieties, reaching 9.8%, 13.2%, and 13.3% for bohouth8, Sham8, and Doma2, respectively. It was also shown that there was a significant difference in the average percentage of absorbed water among the varieties, and the average time of dough formation for the varieties also differed. The average time required for starch gelatinization differed significantly between the studied varieties, The results also showed that the average torque for the starch gel stabilization phase ranged between 1.61 N,m for the Doma 2 variety and 1.54 N,m for the Buhouth8 variety and 1.47 N,m for the Sham 8 variety, while the average fall number was characterized by a high rate for the studied varieties, which reached 356, 361, and 380 seconds for the Buhouth8, Sham 8, and Doma 2 varieties, respectively.

Study on secondary collapse of the bottom frame masonry structure in semi-ruined state based on FEM–FDEM

The bottom frame masonry structure (BFMS) in a semi-ruined state is vulnerable to secondary collapse under strong aftershocks, posing a significant risk to rescuers during post-earthquake operations. Therefore, investigating the mechanisms and characteristics of secondary collapse of BFMS in a semi-ruined state (BFMS-SR) under aftershocks is critical. This paper proposes a numerical modeling framework for BFMS under mainshock-aftershock conditions, utilizing a combination of the finite element method (FEM) and the finite discrete element method (FDEM). The validation demonstrates that FEM–FDEM can effectively reproduce the transition of BFMS from an intact state to a semi-ruined state, ultimately leading to a secondary collapse state. Subsequently, the mechanisms and structural response characteristics of BFMS-SR under aftershocks are analyzed. The secondary collapse of the BFMS-SR under aftershocks is primarily governed by column hinge development. Furthermore, according to the time-history curve of absolute vertical velocity, the secondary collapse of BFMS-SR exhibits four distinct stages: stabilization, structural response development, secondary collapse, and post-collapse. The end of the stabilization phase is proposed as the early-warning threshold for secondary collapse of BFMS-SR under aftershocks, aiding in post-earthquake rescue operations.

An Investigation of Parameter Sensitivity and a Dynamic Analysis of Subsurface Storage Chambers Utilizing the Finite Difference Method

Underground compressed air energy storage chambers are a promising emerging energy storage technology with strict limitations relating to the stability of the surrounding rock. This study conducted displacement and plastic zone analyses during the excavation and stabilization phases of the chamber utilizing the finite difference method based on engineering data, demonstrating that the stability of salt rock can effectively withstand internal pressures ranging from 0 to 9 MPa, with an average of 15 mm in the Z-axis and 19.23 mm in the X-axis. To further investigate the feasibility of subterranean energy storage reservoirs, the FOS for various surrounding rocks was calculated at different burial depths. These results facilitated a parameter sensitivity analysis on the stability of the surrounding rock of the underground energy storage reservoir. The dynamic reaction of the underground chamber was studied using synthetic seismic wave technology, demonstrating that the seismic capacity of the structure adhered to the code, and the post-seismic displacement remained within the safe range (Z-axis 34 mm, horizontal 19 mm). The results demonstrate the stability analysis method of the chamber and establish a foundation for the extensive implementation of CAES which will contribute to the development of energy storage technology.

Effects of rare earth element content on the microstructural properties and corrosion resistance of Al-Zn alloy

In this paper, Al-Zn alloys with different Ce- and La contents (<1 %) were prepared by semi-continuous casting method, and the cost of adding a large amount of RE elements to large ingots was considered. The effects of rare earth element Ce and La content on the microstructure, properties and corrosion behavior of Al-Zn alloy were systematically studied. The results showed that the addition of RE promoted the formation of the Al11Ce3 phase, but the addition of too high a high amount led to the formation of the deleterious crude primary Al11Ce3 phase. With the increase of rare earth elements, the hardness of Al-Zn alloy gradually increases ( Approximately 22 % increase ), the wear resistance is improved ( Friction rate decreased from 54.3 to 36.5 mgN−1m−1 ), and the corrosion resistance is also improved. This can be attributed to the strengthening of the matrix by Al11Ce3 and the formation of a dense protective film, resulting in improved corrosion performance. Corrosion of alloys is caused by pitting corrosion. Corrosion starts from the passivation state and reaches a pitting stability phase through the pitting induction period.

Title : The Flexible Solar Cells Using Earth Abundant Materials

The development of flexible solar cells utilizing non-toxic, earth-abundant materials is of paramount importance in driving market competitiveness and fostering the adoption of innovative business models such as Building Integrated Photovoltaics. While CZTS-based (Cu2ZnSnS4, Cu2ZnSnSe4, Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4) solar cells offer promising cost advantages due to their low-cost available absorber materials, their progress has been impeded by challenges like narrow phase stability and secondary phase defects.To address these challenges, researchers have been actively exploring the potential of metal-doping effects, employing elements such as Ag, Li, Na, K, and Rb to enhance the performance and stability of CZTS-based solar cells. Understanding the reaction mechanisms involved in dopant incorporation is crucial for optimizing fabrication processes and ultimately improving solar cell efficiency.In this study, CZTSSe solar cell devices were designed, comprising an Mo back contact, CZTSSe absorber, CdS buffer layer, ZnO layer, Al-doped ZnO layer, and an Al collection grid. The doping effects of Ag (applied on a rigid SLG substrate with Na impurity) and Na (applied on a flexible substrate without Na impurity) at different dopant layer positions of the Sn/Cu/Zn precursor structure were investigated.Without a dopant layer, the precursors revealed the formation of Cu-Zn and Cu-Sn alloys despite the deposition sequence of Zn, Cu, Sn at room temperature. Upon pre-annealing at 300 °C, the formation of the ZnSSe layer was observed from the Cu-Zn alloy, followed by the formation of Cu2Se and SnSe at temperatures exceeding 400 °C [1]. In the Sn/Cu/dopant layer/Zn precursor structure, the reaction pathways of CZTSSe were found to be influenced by the presence of dopant layers, which acted as barriers, blocking Zn and Cu/Sn diffusion, and altering the initial reaction mechanism during the annealing process.It was observed that the application of Sn/Cu/Zn/dopant layer or Sn/dopant layer/Cu/Zn precursor significantly enhanced the characteristics of the solar cell devices. By mitigating defect levels and reducing the Voc deficit, dopants led to an improvement in power conversion efficiency [2]. This enhancement can be attributed to the associated decrease in defects, which are considered recombination centers within the CZTSSe absorber layer and can be effectively passivated by dopants.Overall, the CZTSSe solar cells exhibited promising efficiencies of 12.6% and 12.3% on rigid and flexible substrates, respectively.[1] Kim, S.-Y., Son, D. H., Kim, Y. I., Kim, S. H., Kim, S. M., Ahn, K. S., Sung, S. J., Hwang, D. K., Yang, K. J., Kang, J. -K., Kim, D.-H., Nano Energy 59 (2019) 399-411[2] K.-J.Yang, S.Kim, S.-Y.Kim, D.-H.Son, J.Lee, Y.-I.Kim, S.-J.Sung, D.H.Kim, T.Enkhbat, J.H.Kim, J.Kim, W.Jo, J.-K. Kang, Advanced Functional Materials 31 (2021) 2102238Acknowledgment: This work was supported in part by the program of Phased development of carbon-neutral technologies (2022M3J1A1085371) through NRF (National Research Foundation of Korea) and in part by DGSIT R&D Program of the Ministry of Science and ICT of Korea (Grant numbers 23-ET-08 and 23-CoE-ET-01).

Anorexia nervosa-specific home treatment in children and adolescents and their families (the HoT study): a study protocol of a randomized, controlled, multicenter, open-label, parallel group superiority trial

BackgroundNew treatment approaches are urgently needed to improve the prognosis of children and adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN). Recently, the feasibility of multidisciplinary home treatment that strongly involves the patients’ parents/caregivers has been investigated. However, no RCT has yet been performed to test the efficacy and safety of this approach compared to standard treatment approaches, such as inpatient treatment.MethodsIn this multicenter randomized-controlled trial, home treatment for children and adolescents with AN aged 12 to 18 years is established at 5 major treatment centers for AN in Germany. Approximately 240 patients who are admitted to the hospital for AN will be included in the trial. After a short inpatient somatic stabilization phase (5–8 weeks), patients are randomized to receive either treatment as usual (TAU), in the form of continued inpatient or day patient treatment, or the newly developed home treatment (HoT) (n = 82/arm, n = 164 in total). There are three assessments throughout treatment (admission, randomization, and discharge), as well as follow-up assessments at 9 and 12 months after admission. The BMI at 12 months after admission (primary outcome) is compared between groups (adjusted for premorbid BMI and admission BMI); secondary outcomes include eating disorder and general psychopathology, the number and duration of psychiatric rehospitalizations, quality of life, motivation for treatment and treatment satisfaction. Other secondary outcomes include the primary caregivers’ burden and skills in handling the child’s illness and direct treatment costs. Statistical analysis will be based on intention-to-treat principles, using mixed models for repeated measures. (Serious) adverse events are assessed throughout treatment. In addition, the feasibility and implementation of HoT as well as the satisfaction and workload of the members of the multidisciplinary treatment teams in both arms will be assessed.DiscussionIn the case of a positive evaluation, HoT can be considered an effective treatment method to replace or complete established treatment methods, such as IP, for treating AN in children and adolescents. The home treatment setting might shorten inpatient stays in this patient group, increase treatment satisfaction, and help to reduce the risk of rehospitalization, which is associated with a better outcome in this vulnerable patient group. Trial registrationThe trial was registered with the German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS) under the ID DRKS00025925 on November 26, 2021 (prospectively registered): https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00025925.

A molecular dynamics study on microscopic mechanism of nano-polished single crystal copper

Molecular dynamics simulations are performed to investigate the microscopic mechanism of diamond abrasive grain (DAG) polishing on the surface of single crystal copper (SCC). In this paper, the polishing parameters including the incident angle and the polishing force applied to the DAG are varied to analyze the surface morphology, friction and subsurface damage state of the workpiece. The polishing process on scratched SCC surface was also investigated. It is found that variations in the incident angle and the polishing force have significant effects on the swarf formation and internal structure of the workpiece. At small incident angle, unstable DAG motion and obvious friction fluctuations is observed. As the incident angle becomes larger, the sliding of the DAG on the workpiece surface becomes stable, and the friction force undergoes transition from the rapid growth to the stabilization phase. However, the fluctuation of dislocation density increases with the incident angle. As the polishing force increases, the sliding distance required to reach the peak of dislocation density becomes longer. In addition, the friction as well as the dislocation density show different characteristics on the scratched surface compared to the smooth surface.

Inhibition of Orthodontic Relapse by Local Application of Simvastatin-Loaded Gelatin Hydrogel in a Rabbit Model.

This study aims to determine the effect of gelatin-simvastatin hydrogel application on bone remodelling during relapse. Twenty-four rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were divided into a control group (n = 12) and a treatment group (n = 12). The lower incisors were subjected to orthodontic force and moved distally by an open coil spring. The force (50 cN) was extended for 1 week and retained in a new position for 2 weeks (stabilisation period). The treatment group received a local gelatin-simvastatin hydrogel administration during stabilisation, and the control group received only gelatin hydrogel. The springs were debonded after the stabilisation phase from both groups to facilitate a relapse. The percentage of relapse was measured in a model study using digital callipers. Levels of OPG and RANKL were analysed using ELISA. The local application of gelatin-simvastatin hydrogel in the treatment group significantly decreases the relapse percentage and RANKL level. Additionally, the gelatin-simvastatin hydrogel significantly increases the level of OPG and ratio of OPG/RANKL. Applying gelatin-simvastatin hydrogel in the retention period can induce bone formation, inhibit orthodontic relapse and increase tooth stability (in vivo).

Polymorphism in Type-II Dirac Semimetal WSi2 under Pressure: Structural, Mechanical, and Electronic Insights.

The type-II Dirac candidate semimetal WSi2 is a promising candidate for electronic devices, quantum computing, and topological materials research, owing its distinct electronic structure and superior mechanical properties. Here, we synthesized high-quality WSi2 materials and systematically investigated their compressive behavior, and structural and electronic properties under high pressure using in-situ high pressure experiments, complemented by first-principles calculations. The results confirms that WSi2 has the properties of a type-II Dirac semimetal. Our results demonstrate that WSi2 maintains structural stability under high pressure but undergoes an electronic phase transition from a semimetal to a metal around 40 GPa. Additionally, the mechanical hardness softens discontinuously at this pressure. The structural stability of WSi2 under high pressure is attributed to the strong hybridization of Si-3p and W-5d electrons, the rigid crystal lattice, and the adaptable electronic structure. The pressure-induced electronic phase transition and softening are primarily governed by the energy band reconstruction and W-5d orbitals. This study provides valuable insights into the high-pressure behavior of type-II Dirac semimetal, highlighting their potential for advanced applications in electronic devices and topological quantum computing under extreme conditions by elucidating their structural stability and electronic phase transition mechanisms.