CO2 and H2 Adsorption and Reaction at Nin/YSZ(111) Interfaces: A Density Functional Theory Study

To recycle CO2 into sustainable fuels and chemicals, coelectrolysis of CO2 and H2O can be achieved in solid oxide electrolysis cells, where the molecules are supplied to the Ni/YSZ electrode (YSZ = yttria-stabilized zirconia). Oxygen diffusion along the electrode has been identified as the critical step in the process, where YSZ is the common catalyst support. We have investigated the interaction of a CO2 molecule with the clean YSZ(111) surface and with Nin/YSZ(111) (n = 1, 4–7, 10, and 20) interfaces, using a spin-polarized density functional theory and a long-range dispersion correction. Here, we have considered up to six initial adsorption sites and two orientations for the CO2 molecule, which showed that the adsorption is stronger at the Nin/YSZ(111) (n = 4–7, 10, and 20) interface than on the clean YSZ(111) and Ni1/YSZ(111) systems. Additionally, we have determined that the preferential adsorption site of CO2 is at the interface between the Ni clusters and the YSZ(111) surface. We have observed a bending and stretching of the molecule, demonstrating its activation upon adsorption, because of charge transfer between the metal cluster and the molecule and a mixing between Ni orbitals and CO2 orbitals. In this work, we show that although the electronic structure of the clusters depends on the cluster size, the interaction strength of CO2 with the interface is independent of the size of the supported nickel particle. Finally, we have considered the reverse water gas shift reaction and determined the hydrocarboxylic intermediate in the reaction mechanism over Ni5/YSZ(111)

The utility of Tc-99m-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC scintigraphy for assessment of lung lesions in patients with neuroendocrine tumors

Our aim was to assess clinical utility of Tc-99m-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC scintigraphy for evaluation of lung lesions in patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) of the thorax and whole body scintigraphy were performed in 34 patients using Tc-99m-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC. Visual assessment was complemented by semiquantitative evaluation based on tumor to non-tumor (TINT) ratio. Clinical, laboratory, and histological findings served as the standard for comparison. Enhanced tracer uptake was observed on both SPECT and whole body scintigraphy in 29 of 34 patients (88% sensitivity). TINT ratios were significantly higher on SPECT than whole body images (2.96 +/- 1.07 vs. 1.70 +/- 0.43, p LT 0.01) and did not correlate with NET proliferation index Ki-67 (r= - 0.36, p=0.27). Conclusion: Tc-99m-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC scintigraphy is useful for evaluation of NET tissue in the lungs. SPECT provides better visualization of lung lesions than whole body scintigraphy. The intensity of tracer uptake, however, does not relate to the proliferation rate of NETs. Tc-99m-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC scintigraphy may be helpful for selecting and monitoring treatment options, particularly when radiolabeled somatostatin analogue therapy becomes available

Measured and projected beam backgrounds in the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB collider

The Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB electron-positron collider aims to collect an unprecedented data set of $50~{\rm ab}^{-1}$ to study $CP$-violation in the $B$-meson system and to search for Physics beyond the Standard Model. SuperKEKB is already the world's highest-luminosity collider. In order to collect the planned data set within approximately one decade, the target is to reach a peak luminosity of $\rm 6 \times 10^{35}~cm^{-2}s^{-1}$ by further increasing the beam currents and reducing the beam size at the interaction point by squeezing the betatron function down to $\beta^{*}_{\rm y}=\rm 0.3~mm$. To ensure detector longevity and maintain good reconstruction performance, beam backgrounds must remain well controlled. We report on current background rates in Belle II and compare these against simulation. We find that a number of recent refinements have significantly improved the background simulation accuracy. Finally, we estimate the safety margins going forward. We predict that backgrounds should remain high but acceptable until a luminosity of at least $\rm 2.8 \times 10^{35}~cm^{-2}s^{-1}$ is reached for $\beta^{*}_{\rm y}=\rm 0.6~mm$. At this point, the most vulnerable Belle II detectors, the Time-of-Propagation (TOP) particle identification system and the Central Drift Chamber (CDC), have predicted background hit rates from single-beam and luminosity backgrounds that add up to approximately half of the maximum acceptable rates.Comment: 28 pages, 17 figures, 9 tables (revised

Investigating porcine parvoviruses genogroup 2 infection using in situ polymerase chain reaction

Abstract Background Porcine parvovirus 2 (PPV2) was detected in swine serum without showing any relationship with disease. The emergence of the virus seemed to be a unique event until other genetically highly similar parvoviruses were identified in China and, later in 2012, the presence of the virus was also described in Europe. PPV2 is widely distributed in pig populations where it is suspected to be involved in respiratory conditions, based on its frequent detection in lung samples. In order to investigate the potential pathogenic involvement of PPV2, 60 dead pigs were examined from two farms. They were necropsied and tested for PPV2 and PCV2 (Porcine circovirus type 2) by PCR; by Brown and Brenn (B&B) staining for bacteria; by immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect CD3, Swine leukocyte antigen class II DQ (SLAIIDQ), lysozyme, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), swine influenza (SIV), Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhyo); and by in situ hybridization (ISH) to detect ssDNA and dsDNA of PCV2. PPV2 positive samples were subjected to in situ polymerase chain reaction (IS-PCR) including double staining method to detect PPV2 and host cell markers. To calculate statistical difference we used GENMOD or LOGISTIC procedures in Statistical Analysis System (SAS®). Results We found that the PPV2 was localized mostly in lymphocytes in lungs, lymph nodes and liver. Neither CD3 antigen nor lysozyme was expressed by these infected cells. In contrast, low levels of SLAIIDQ were expressed by infected cells, suggesting that PPV2 may have a specific tropism for immature B lymphocytes and/or NK lymphocytes though possibly not T lymphocytes. Conclusion The overall conclusion of this study indicates that PPV2 may contribute to the pathogenesis of pneumonia

A large multi-country outbreak of monkeypox across 41 countries in the WHO European Region, 7 March to 23 August 2022

Following the report of a non-travel-associated cluster of monkeypox cases by the United Kingdom in May 2022, 41 countries across the WHO European Region have reported 21,098 cases and two deaths by 23 August 2022. Nowcasting suggests a plateauing in case notifications. Most cases (97%) are MSM, with atypical rash-illness presentation. Spread is mainly through close contact during sexual activities. Few cases are reported among women and children. Targeted interventions of at-risk groups are needed to stop further transmission. © 2022 European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). All rights reserved.The authors affiliated with the World Health Organization (WHO) are alone responsible for the views expressed in this publication and they do not necessarily represent the decisions or policies of the WHO. The co-author is a fellow of the ECDC Fellowship Programme, supported financially by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The views and opinions expressed herein do not state or reflect those of ECDC. ECDC is not responsible for the data and information collation and analysis and cannot be held liable for conclusions or opinions drawn

3D Bioprinted Human Skeletal Muscle Constructs for Muscle Function Restoration

A bioengineered skeletal muscle tissue as an alternative for autologous tissue flaps, which mimics the structural and functional characteristics of the native tissue, is needed for reconstructive surgery. Rapid progress in the cell-based tissue engineering principle has enabled in vitro creation of cellularized muscle-like constructs; however, the current fabrication methods are still limited to build a three-dimensional (3D) muscle construct with a highly viable, organized cellular structure with the potential for a future human trial. Here, we applied 3D bioprinting strategy to fabricate an implantable, bioengineered skeletal muscle tissue composed of human primary muscle progenitor cells (hMPCs). The bioprinted skeletal muscle tissue showed a highly organized multi-layered muscle bundle made by viable, densely packed, and aligned myofiber-like structures. Our in vivo study presented that the bioprinted muscle constructs reached 82% of functional recovery in a rodent model of tibialis anterior (TA) muscle defect at 8 weeks of post-implantation. In addition, histological and immunohistological examinations indicated that the bioprinted muscle constructs were well integrated with host vascular and neural networks. We demonstrated the potential of the use of the 3D bioprinted skeletal muscle with a spatially organized structure that can reconstruct the extensive muscle defects

Interim 2017/18 influenza seasonal vaccine effectiveness: Combined results from five European studies

Between September 2017 and February 2018, influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2) and B viruses (mainly B/Yamagata, not included in 2017/18 trivalent vaccines) co-circulated in Europe. Interim results from five European studies indicate that, in all age groups, 2017/18 influenza vaccine effectiveness was 25 to 52% against any influenza, 55 to 68% against influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, -42 to 7% against influenza A(H3N2) and 36 to 54% against influenza B. 2017/18 influenza vaccine should be promoted where influenza still circulates