Effect of cold driving process on fatigue life of helicopter fuselage joints

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Heterodyne near-field scattering: A technique for complex fluids

The heterodyne near-field scattering (HNFS) technique for studying complex fluids such as colloidal systems was discussed. A different data reduction scheme was adopted which allowed the improvement in performance of the technique, at levels of sensitivity and accuracy much higher than those achievable with classical low-angle light scattering instrumentation. It was observed that this method also relaxes the requirements on the optical/mechanical stability of the experimental setup and allows for a real time analysis. Nonstationary samples, such as aggregating colloidal solutions, were also investigated, and their kinetics quantitatively characterized

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CO2 conversion into hydrocarbons via modified Fischer-Tropsch synthesis by using bulk iron catalysts combined with zeolites

To effectively address the challenges posed by global warming, a prompt and coordinated effort is necessary to conduct an extensive study aimed at reducing CO2 emissions and overcoming the obstacles presented by expensive and scarce fossil fuel resources. This study primarily focuses on comparing two different methodologies for preparing Na-promoted Fe3O4-based catalysts for the CO2 hydrogenation into hydrocarbon mixtures. Three catalysts were synthesized and tested: two samples were impregnated with a different amount of Na (1 wt% and 5 wt%), while a third one was obtained via coprecipitation with NaOH. As the latter catalyst exhibited the best performance, it was combined with zeolites in two ways: physical mixtures and core-shell structures. MFI-type zeolites were used in both configurations and a conventional structure was compared to a hierarchical one. As a result, mesopores increased successfully both the CO2 conversion from 37% to 40% and the liquid hydrocarbon (C6+) selectivity from 29% to 57%, doubling the C6+ yield. On the other hand, NH3-TPD and XPS measurements demonstrated that the intimate contact between the two materials in the core-shell structures led to the migration of Na from the oxide to the zeolite reducing the concentration of strong acid sites and, consequently, the liquid hydrocarbon yield

Deformation analysis of ATHENA test filters made of plastic thin films supported by a mesh under differential static pressure

Within ESA Cosmic Vision 2015-2025 Science Program, ATHENA was selected to be a Large-class high energy astrophysics space mission. The observatory will be equipped with two interchangeable focal plane detectors named X-Ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) and Wide Field Imager (WFI). In order to optimally exploit the detector sensitivity, X-ray transparent filters are required. Such filters need to be extremely thin to maximize the X-ray transparency, that is, no more than a few tens of nm, still they must be able to sustain the severe stresses experienced during launch. Partially representative test filters were made with a thin polypropylene film, coated with Ti, and supported by a thin highly transparent mesh either in stainless steel or niobium. Differential static pressure experiments were carried out on two filter samples. In addition, the roles of the mesh on the mechanical deformation is studied, adopting a finite element model (FEM). The numerical analysis is compared with experimental results and found in good agreement. The FEM is a promising tool that allows to characterize materials and thicknesses in order to optimize the design

Decision trees to evaluate the risk of developing multiple sclerosis

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a persistent neurological condition impacting the central nervous system (CNS). The precise cause of multiple sclerosis is still uncertain; however, it is thought to arise from a blend of genetic and environmental factors. MS diagnosis includes assessing medical history, conducting neurological exams, performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and analyzing cerebrospinal fluid. While there is currently no cure for MS, numerous treatments exist to address symptoms, decelerate disease progression, and enhance the quality of life for individuals with MS. Methods: This paper introduces a novel machine learning (ML) algorithm utilizing decision trees to address a key objective: creating a predictive tool for assessing the likelihood of MS development. It achieves this by combining prevalent demographic risk factors, specifically gender, with crucial immunogenetic risk markers, such as the alleles responsible for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules and the killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) genes responsible for natural killer lymphocyte receptors. Results: The study included 619 healthy controls and 299 patients affected by MS, all of whom originated from Sardinia. The gender feature has been disregarded due to its substantial bias in influencing the classification outcomes. By solely considering immunogenetic risk markers, the algorithm demonstrates an ability to accurately identify 73.24% of MS patients and 66.07% of individuals without the disease. Discussion: Given its notable performance, this system has the potential to support clinicians in monitoring the relatives of MS patients and identifying individuals who are at an increased risk of developing the disease

5G-Crosshaul: an SDN/NFV control and data plane architecture for the 5G integrated Fronthaul/Backhaul

This paper presents the control and data plane architecture design for a 5G transport solution (5G-Crosshaul) with the aim of integrating the fronthaul and backhaul network segments in a common transport stratum. The control plane relies on the Software-defined networking/Network Functions Virtualization concept to control and orchestrate the different elements of the network (the 5G-Crosshaul control infrastructure). The data plane is based on an mixed optical/packet-based forwarding entity (the 5G-Crosshaul forwarding element) that leverages the benefits of optical passthrough with the statistical multiplexing of packet-based transmission, working on top of a common frame format for both, fronthaul, and backhaul traffic (the 5G-Crosshaul common frame). In addition to the main architecture design, this work includes the impact of providing multi-tenancy support into the architecture of the overall system, in order to share the costs of building and operating the infrastructure among different operators. This architecture opens the 5G transport network as a service for innovative network applications on top (such as multi-tenancy, and resource management), provisioning the required network and IT resources in a flexible, cost-effective, and abstract manner. The proposed design supports the concept of network slicing pushed by the industry for realizing a truly flexible, sharable, and cost-effective future 5G system.This work has been funded by the EU H2020 project “5GCrosshaul: The 5G Integrated fronthaul/backhaul” (grant no. 671598)

Decision trees to evaluate the risk of developing multiple sclerosis

IntroductionMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a persistent neurological condition impacting the central nervous system (CNS). The precise cause of multiple sclerosis is still uncertain; however, it is thought to arise from a blend of genetic and environmental factors. MS diagnosis includes assessing medical history, conducting neurological exams, performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and analyzing cerebrospinal fluid. While there is currently no cure for MS, numerous treatments exist to address symptoms, decelerate disease progression, and enhance the quality of life for individuals with MS.MethodsThis paper introduces a novel machine learning (ML) algorithm utilizing decision trees to address a key objective: creating a predictive tool for assessing the likelihood of MS development. It achieves this by combining prevalent demographic risk factors, specifically gender, with crucial immunogenetic risk markers, such as the alleles responsible for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules and the killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) genes responsible for natural killer lymphocyte receptors.ResultsThe study included 619 healthy controls and 299 patients affected by MS, all of whom originated from Sardinia. The gender feature has been disregarded due to its substantial bias in influencing the classification outcomes. By solely considering immunogenetic risk markers, the algorithm demonstrates an ability to accurately identify 73.24% of MS patients and 66.07% of individuals without the disease.DiscussionGiven its notable performance, this system has the potential to support clinicians in monitoring the relatives of MS patients and identifying individuals who are at an increased risk of developing the disease

A Late Pleistocene channelized subglacial meltwater system on the Atlantic continental shelf south of Ireland

The study of palaeo-glacial landforms and sediments can give insights into the nature and dynamics of ice sheets. This is particularly the case with regards to the subglacial record, which is challenging to observe in contemporary glaciated settings and hence remains only partially understood. The subglacial hydrological system is an essential component of ice dynamics, where increased water pressure enhances ice motion and sediment deformation, thus reducing ice-bed contact. Tunnel valleys are large, sinuous, steep-sided incisions that, together with smaller scale meltwater channels, indicate subglacial meltwater discharge beneath large ice sheets. Through the use of high-resolution marine geophysical data, a system of buried and exposed tunnel valleys, possible subglacial or proglacial meltwater channels and palaeo-fluvial valleys have been identified across the shelf of the Celtic Sea between Ireland and Britain. The presence of steep-sided and overdeepened tunnel valleys is indicative of a large channelized meltwater drainage system beneath the former Irish Sea Ice Stream, the most extensive ice stream to drain the last British–Irish Ice Sheet. After the rapid ice expansion across the Celtic Sea shelf around 28–26 ka, the tunnel valleys were carved into both bedrock and glacigenic sediments and are associated with rapid ice stream retreat northwards into the Irish Sea Basin between 25.6 and 24.3 ka. The presence of a major subglacial meltwater system on the relatively shallow shelf suggests that significant erosive meltwater discharge occurred during the last deglaciation and highlights the important contribution of meltwater to the retreat of the British–Irish Ice Sheet on the continental shelf

Infections after Allogenic Transplant with Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide: Impact of Donor HLA Matching

ABSTRACT Incidence and outcome of infections after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PT-Cy) as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis are largely unknown. Study aims were to estimate the incidence of pre-engraftment bloodstream infections (PE-BSIs) and viral infections (VIs; cytomegalovirus [CMV], adenovirus [ADV], human herpes virus 6 [HHV6], and BK-polyomavirus hemorrhagic-cystitis [BKPyV-HC]), their predictive factors, and infection-related mortality (IRM) after HSCT with PT-Cy. We analyzed 235 patients: 62%, 21%, and 17% received haploidentical (haplo), matched-unrelated donor (MUD), and matched-related donor, respectively. Overall, 72 patients had 77 PE-BSI episodes at a median time of 13 days after HSCT: cumulative incidence function (CIF) at 28 days was 32%, without differences among donor types (P = .988). By multivariate analysis, CIF of PE-BSI was higher in patients with severe neutropenia before HSCT (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] = 2.90) and in multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria rectal carriers (AHR = 2.68). IRM at 30 days was 5%, without differences by donor type (P = .106). Overall, 208 patients experienced ≥1 VIs (first occurrence among CMV, HHV6, ADV, BKPyV-HC) at a median time of 20 days after HSCT: CIF at 90 days was 91%, significantly higher in MUD and haplo (P = .0089). By multivariate analysis, also acute GVHD grade ≥2 (AHR = 1.32) and host/donor CMV-serology mismatch (positive/positive versus negative/negative: AHR = 2.95, positive/negative versus negative/negative: AHR = 2.41, negative/positive versus negative/negative: AHR = 2.35) affected VIs occurrence. IRM at 180 days was 8%, without differences among donor types (P = .106). In conclusion, study results did not show a significant impact of donor type on PE-BSI incidence; conversely, MUD and haploidentical transplants retained a higher occurrence of VIs in the early phase after HSCT