bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SunCET: The Sun Coronal Ejection Tracker Concept
Authors: Mason James Paul , Chamberlin Phillip C. , Seaton Daniel , Burkepile Joan , Colaninno Robin , Dissauer Karin , Eparvier Francis G. , Fan Yuhong , Gibson Sarah , Jones Andrew R. , Kay Christina , Kirk Michael , Kohnert Richard , Pesnell W. Dean , Thompson Barbara J. , Veronig Astrid M. , West Matthew J , Windt David , Woods Thomas N.
Published: January 2021

The Sun Coronal Ejection Tracker (SunCET) is an extreme ultraviolet imager and spectrograph instrument concept for tracking coronal mass ejections through the region where they experience the majority of their acceleration: the difficult-to-observe middle corona. It contains a wide field of view (0–4 R⊙) imager and a 1 Å spectral-resolution-irradiance spectrograph spanning 170–340 Å. It leverages new detector technology to read out different areas of the detector with different integration times, resulting in what we call “simultaneous high dynamic range”, as opposed to the traditional high dynamic range camera technique of subsequent full-frame images that are then combined in post-processing. This allows us to image the bright solar disk with short integration time, the middle corona with a long integration time, and the spectra with their own, independent integration time. Thus, SunCET does not require the use of an opaque or filtered occulter. SunCET is also compact – ~15 × 15 × 10 cm in volume – making it an ideal instrument for a CubeSat or a small, complementary addition to a larger mission. Indeed, SunCET is presently in a NASA-funded, competitive Phase A as a CubeSat and has also been proposed to NASA as an instrument onboard a 184 kg Mission of Opportunity.
Selbstreflexion im kollegialen Dialog
Authors: Schütt Theresa
Published: January 2021

Krisen und Konflikte kommen in der besten Beziehung vor und machen auch vor Patienten und Pflegenden nicht Halt. Wenn nach einer Krisensituation wieder Ruhe eingekehrt ist, ist es sinnvoll, im Team das Geschehene zu besprechen und sein Denken und Handeln zu hinterfragen. Damit das gelingt, hat unsere Autorin einen Selbstreflexionsbogen entwickelt, mit dem sich Krisen zwar nicht verhindern, aber zumindest professionell reflektieren lassen.
Burnout bei jungen Ärztinnen und Ärzten: Ein Vergleich der Tätigkeitsgebiete Psychiatrie/Psychosomatik und somatische Medizin
Authors: Pantenburg Birte , Jung Franziska , Conrad Ines , Riedel-Heller Steffi G.
Published: January 2021

Anliegen Internationale Arbeiten legen nahe, dass psychiatrisch tätige Ärztinnen und Ärzte häufiger als somatisch Tätige von Burnout betroffen sind.

Methoden Survey aller bei der Sächsischen Landesärztekammer gemeldeten Ärztinnen und Ärzte ≤ 40 Jahre.

Ergebnisse Psychiatrisch und somatisch Tätige unterschieden sich nicht hinsichtlich emotionaler Erschöpfung und Depersonalisierung. Psychiatrisch Tätige zeigten ein höheres subjektives Kompetenzerleben. Eine psychiatrische Tätigkeit war mit einer geringeren Wahrscheinlichkeit für hohe Burnoutwerte auf der Subskala subjektives Kompetenzerleben assoziiert.

Schlussfolgerungen Frühere Studien zu vermehrtem Burnout bei Psychiatern konnten nicht bestätigt werden.
Hypolipidemic Activity of Tetracarpidium conophorum (African
walnut) Seed Oil and Its Mechanism of Action
Authors: Oriakhi Kelly , Uadia Patrick
Published: January 2021

The present study was designed to evaluate the hypolipidemic activity of
Tetracarpidium conophorum oil and its mechanism(s) of action. The
oil was extracted using the Soxhlet method and subjected to column
chromatography/spectroscopic techniques. GC-MS analysis was
performed on the oil to identify 15 constituents with
9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid (ω-3 fatty acid or
α-linolenic acid) (68%) showing the highest
proportion. Isolation and purification of the oil gave three compounds,
namely, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and stearic acid
(octadecanoic acid). Thirty-five rats were used and divided into seven
groups for the in vivo hypolipidemic study. Findings from this study
showed significant decreases (p<0.05) in total cholesterol,
triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and an
increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in rats fed a normal
diet and receiving T. conophorum oil (250 and
500 mg/kg body weight) for 20 days. But there were
significant increases (p<0.05) in total cholesterol, triglycerides,
low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, creatine kinase, lactate
dehydrogenase, aspartate amino transferase, malondialdehyde,
3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, and C-reactive protein
levels with a decline in the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
level in rats fed the high cholesterol diet when compared to those fed a
normal diet. However, oral administration of T. conophorum oil and
atorvastatin for 20 days resulted in a significant lowering (p<0.05)
of triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, creatine
kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate amino transferase, malondialdehyde,
3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, and C-reactive protein
levels with a rise in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in rats
nourished with the high cholesterol diet. The study showed that T.
conophorum seed oil possesses hypolipidemic and cardioprotective
properties.
Role of the Specialized Pro-resolving Mediator Resolvin D1 in Hashimotoʼs Thyroiditis
Authors: Song Jing , Sun Rongxin , Zhang Yuanyuan , Fu Ying , Zhao Dong
Published: January 2021

Objective Resolvins are produced by the catabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and play vital roles in inflammation resolution. Resolvins have been associated with autoimmune disorders. This study aimed to measure the level of Resolvin D1 (RVD1) in the serum of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) patients and healthy controls (HCs) and to further analyse its correlation with thyroid autoantibodies and inflammatory factors.

Methods Sixty-three participants were recruited, namely, 30 untreated HT patients and 33 sex- and age-matched HCs. Serum RVD1 and inflammatory chemokine (MCP-1 and IP-10) levels were measured by ELISA according to the manufacturer’s protocol. Serum total T3 (TT3), TT4, free T3 (FT3), FT4, thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were measured using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Thyroid homeostasis parameters, including the thyroid secretory capacity (SPINA-GT), the total deiodinase activity (SPINA-GD), Jostel’s TSH index (TSHI) and the thyrotroph thyroid hormone sensitivity index (TTSI), were calculated.

Results Serum RVD1 levels in HT patients (134.76, 85.35–201.36 pg/mL) were significantly lower than those in HCs (187.64, 131.01–326.85 pg/mL) (P=0.004). As the TPOAb level increased, the RVD1 level showed a decreasing trend (P for trend=0.002). Both multinomial and ordinal logistics analyses revealed that serum RVD1 levels were negatively correlated with TPOAb levels in the adjusted models. Moreover, RVD1 showed a negative correlation with the inflammatory chemokine IP-1 0 (r=–0.276, P=0.034), TSHI (r=–0.269, P=0.036) and TTSI (r=–0.277, P=0.031).

Conclusions Thyroid autoimmunity may be associated with low levels of RVD1. Decreased RVD1 levels indicate impaired resolution of inflammation in HT patients.
Transmediastinal Gunshot Wound in a Pregnant Patient with Stable Hemodynamics
Authors: Ozdemır Ozhan , Atalay Cemal Resat
Published: January 2021

Transmediastinal gunshot wounds (TGWs) may lead to life-threatening injuries of vital organs such as large vessels, the esophagus, and lungs. Although they are not commonly encountered in pregnant women, additional caution should be given to these patients. Physical examination for the diagnosis and the choice of treatment modality contain controversial points in hemodynamically stable patients, and resuscitation has excessive importance due to physiological changes in pregnancy. We present a hemodynamically stable 26-week pregnant woman brought to the emergency department for TGW. She had a 1-cm diameter of bullet entrance hole on the right anterior 4th intercostal space, 2 cm lateral to the sternum, and a 3-cm diameter exit hole on the right posterior 12th intercostal space on the midscapular line. With our conservative approach, she had an uncomplicated pregnancy period, and gave birth to a healthy baby at term.
Ex vivo Retrieval of Mature Oocytes for Fertility Preservation in a Patient with Bilateral Borderline Ovarian Tumor
Authors: de Carvalho Bruno Ramalho , Cintra Geórgia Fontes , Franceschi Taise Moura , Cabral Íris de Oliveira , Resende Leandro Santos de Araújo , Gumz Brenda Pires , Pinto Thiago David Alves
Published: January 2021

We report a case of ultrasound-guided ex vivo oocyte retrieval for fertility preservation in a woman with bilateral borderline ovarian tumor, for whom conventional transvaginal oocyte retrieval was deemed unsafe because of the increased risk of malignant cell spillage. Ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins was performed. Surgery was scheduled according to the ovarian response to exogenous gonadotropic stimulation; oophorectomized specimens were obtained by laparoscopy, and oocyte retrieval was performed ∼ 37 hours after the ovulatory trigger. The sum of 20 ovarian follicles were aspirated, and 16 oocytes were obtained. We performed vitrification of 12 metaphase II oocytes and 3 oocytes matured in vitro. Our result emphasizes the viability of ex vivo mature oocyte retrieval after controlled ovarian stimulation for those with high risk of malignant dissemination by conventional approach.
Preferred Functions of Personal Health Records in Rural Primary Health Clinics in Canada: Health Care Team Perspectives
Authors: Görges Matthias , Rush Kathy L. , Burton Lindsay , Mattei Mona , Davis Selena , Scott Heidi , Smith Mindy A. , Currie Leanne M.
Published: January 2021

Background Personal health records (PHR) provide opportunities for improved patient engagement, collection of patient-generated data, and overcome health-system inefficiencies. While PHR use is increasing, uptake in rural populations is lower than in urban areas.

Objectives The study aimed to identify priorities for PHR functionality and gain insights into meaning, value, and use of patient-generated data for rural primary care providers.

Methods We performed PHR preimplementation focus groups with rural providers and their health care teams from five primary care clinics in a sparsely populated mountainous region of British Columbia, Canada to obtain their understanding of PHR functionality, needs, and perceived challenges.

Results Eight general practitioners (GP), five medical office assistants, two nurse practitioners (NP), and two registered nurses (14 females and 3 males) participated in focus groups held at their respective clinics. Providers (GPs, NPs, and RNs) had been practicing for a median of 9.5 (range = 1–38) years and had used an electronic medical record for 7.0 (1–20) years. Participants expressed interest in incorporating functionality around two-way communication and appointment scheduling, previsit data gathering, patient and provider data sharing, virtual care including visits using videoconferencing tools, and postvisit sharing of educational materials. Three further themes emerged from the focus groups: (1) the context in which the providers' practice matters, (2) the need for providing patients and providers with choice (e.g., which data to share, who gets to initiate/respond in communications, and processes around virtual care visits), and (3) perceived risks of system use (e.g., increased complexity for older patients and workload barriers for the health care team).

Conclusion Rural primary care teams perceived PHR opportunities for increased patient engagement and access to patient-generated data, while worries about changes in workflow were the biggest perceived risk. Recommendations for PHR adoption in a rural primary health network include setting provider-patient expectations about response times, ability to share notes selectively, and automatically augmented note-taking from virtual-care visits.
Carbamazepine-Induced Nonepileptic Myoclonus in a Child with Autism and Epilepsy
Authors: Kirik Serkan , Yis Uluc
Published: January 2021

This study deals with a child with different type of seizures several times in week and unresponsive to antiepileptic drugs. Distinguishing between epileptic seizure and motor tic in a patient diagnosed with epilepsy and autism can be challenging. In this study we presented a male child patient on carbamazepine (CBZ) therapy. In the first days of treatment seizure frequency decreased, but after CBZ treatment dosage reached 15 mg/kg/day (at the 25th day of the treatment), the patient presented to the clinic describing several episodes of myoclonus. There were no changes in electroencephalography during the myoclonus. In follow-up, myoclonus was not described after the cessation of CBZ.
Scaphoid Excision and Bicolumnar Carpal Fusion with Retrograde Headless Screws
Authors: Undurraga Sebastian , Au Kendrick , Dobransky Johanna , Gammon Braden
Published: January 2021

Background/Purpose Scaphoid excision and partial wrist fusion is used for the treatment of scapholunate advanced collapse/scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse wrist arthritis. The purpose of this study was to report midterm functional and radiographic outcomes in a series of patients who underwent bicolumnar fusion of the lunocapitate and triquetrohamate joints using retrograde headless screws.

Methods Twenty-three consecutive patients (25 wrists) underwent surgery with this technique from January 2014 to May 2017 with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Assessment consisted of range of motion, grip, and pinch strength. Patient-reported outcome measures included disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) and patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) scores. Fusion rates and the radiolunate joint were evaluated radiographically. The relationship between wrist range of motion and midcarpal fusion angle (neutral position vs. extended capitolunate fusion angle > 20 degrees) was analyzed.

Results Average follow-up was 18 months. Mean wrist extension was 41 degrees, flexion 36 degrees, and radial-ulnar deviation arc was 43 degrees. Grip strength was 39 kg and pinch 9 kg. Residual pain for activities of daily living was 1.6 (visual analog scale). The mean DASH and PRWE scores were 19 ± 16 and 28 ± 18, respectively. Patients with an extended capitolunate fusion angle trended toward more wrist extension but this did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.17).

Conclusions With retrograde headless compression screws, the proximal articular surface of the lunate is not violated, preserving the residual load-bearing articulation. Patients maintained a functional flexion–extension arc of motion with grip-pinch strength close to normal. Capitolunate fusion angle greater than 20 degrees may provide more wrist extension but further studies are needed to demonstrate this.

Level of Evidence This is a Level IV study.
Intratumoral and Oncoviral Immunotherapy
Authors: Sheth Rahul A.
Published: January 2021

Immunotherapy is a paradigm-shifting advance in cancer care, but despite their success, contemporary immunotherapy strategies are limited by several factors. The objective response rates to checkpoint inhibitor therapy remain below 50%, and the toxicities associated with systemically administered immunotherapies, particularly combination immunotherapy regimens, can be devastating. Intratumoral immunotherapies represent a burgeoning paradigm in immuno-oncology designed to address these limitations. The direct delivery of intratumoral immunotherapies can result in concentrations of the therapeutic agent at levels that would likely be far too toxic if administered systemically. In this review, I summarize the sound biological framework underlying intratumoral immunotherapies as well as provide an overview of the major categories of intratumoral agents currently under investigation. I also emphasize the components of this treatment strategy that are relevant for image-guided interventionalists based on existing clinical experience.
Merlin-Deficient Schwann Cells Are More Susceptible to Radiation Injury than Normal Schwann Cells In Vitro
Authors: Cohen Erin , Pena Stefanie , Mei Christine , Bracho Olena , Marples Brian , Elsayyad Nagy , Goncalves Stefania , Ivan Michael , Monje Paula V. , Liu Xue-Zhong , Fernandez-Valle Cristina , Telischi Fred , Dinh Christine T.
Published: January 2021

Objectives Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are intracranial tumors, which are caused by NF2 gene mutations that lead to loss of merlin protein. A treatment for VS is stereotactic radiosurgery, a form of radiation. To better understand the radiobiology of VS and radiation toxicity to adjacent structures, our main objectives were (1) investigate effects of single fraction (SF) radiation on viability, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis in normal Schwann cells (SCs) and merlin-deficient Schwann cells (MD-SCs) in vitro, and (2) analyze expression of double strand DNA breaks (γ-H2AX) and DNA repair protein Rad51 following irradiation.

Study Design This is a basic science study.

Setting This study is conducted in a research laboratory.

Participants Patients did not participate in this study.

Main Outcome Measures In irradiated normal SCs and MD-SCs (0–18 Gy), we measured (1) viability, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis using cell-based assays, and (2) percentage of cells with γ-H2AX and Rad51 on immunofluorescence.

Results A high percentage of irradiated MD-SCs expressed γ-H2AX, which may explain the dose-dependent losses in viability in rodent and human cell lines. In comparison, the viabilities of normal SCs were only compromised at higher doses of radiation (>12 Gy, human SCs), which may be related to less Rad51 repair. There were no further reductions in viability in human MD-SCs beyond 9 Gy, suggesting that <9 Gy may be insufficient to initiate maximal tumor control.

Conclusion The MD-SCs are more susceptible to radiation than normal SCs, in part through differential expression of γ-H2AX and Rad51. Understanding the radiobiology of MD-SCs and normal SCs is important for optimizing radiation protocols to maximize tumor control while limiting radiation toxicity in VS patients.
Umbilical Cord Management in Late Preterm and Term Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kilicdag Hasan , Karagun Barbaros Sahin , Antmen Ali Bulent , Candan Erdal , Erbas Hale
Published: January 2021

Objective The study aimed to compare the effects of three different methods of umbilical cord management on hematological parameters in term and late-preterm infants.

Study Design A randomized controlled trial comparing intact-umbilical cord milking (I-UCM) with cut-umbilical cord milking (C-UCM) and immediate cord clamping (ICC) in neonates born >35 weeks' gestation.

Results A total of 587 infants were evaluated. Of these, 197 were assigned to I-UCM, 190 to C-UCM, and 200 to ICC. Mean hemoglobin and hematocrit levels at 48 hours of age were higher in I-UCM group compared with the ICC group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.010, respectively).

Conclusion These findings suggest that I-UCM is more beneficial choice. Further trials are needed to assess the various long- and short-term effects of different cord milking methods.

Key Points
Changes Adopted in Asian Pediatric Hospitals during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Report from the Pediatric Acute and Critical Care COVID-19 Registry of Asia
Authors: Wong Judith J. M. , Abbas Qalab , Anantasit Nattachai , Shimizu Naoki , Malisie Ririe F. , Dang Hongxing , Xu Feng , Ong Jacqueline S. M. , Lee Pei Chuen , Saito Osamu , Pon Kah Min , Ikeyama Takanari , Jayashree Muralidharan , Samransamruajkit Rujipat , Cheng Yibing , Liauw Felix , Kurosawa Hiroshi , Diaz Audrey A. N. , Gan Chin Seng , Zhang Furong , Lee Jan Hau ,   Pediatric Acute Critical Care Medicine Asian Network
Published: January 2021

There is wide variation in the overall clinical impact of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) across countries worldwide. Changes adopted pertaining to the management of pediatric patients, in particular, the provision of respiratory support during the COVID-19 pandemic is poorly described in Asia. We performed a multicenter survey of 20 Asian pediatric hospitals to determine workflow changes adopted during the pandemic. Data from centers of high-income (HIC), upper middle income (UMIC), and lower middle income (LMIC) countries were compared. All 20 sites over nine countries (HIC: Japan [4] and Singapore [2]; UMIC: China [3], Malaysia [3] and Thailand [2]; and LMIC: India [1], Indonesia [2], Pakistan [1], and Philippines [2]) responded to this survey. This survey demonstrated substantial outbreak adaptability. The major differences between the three income categories were that HICs were (1) more able/willing to minimize use of noninvasive ventilation or high-flow nasal cannula therapy in favor of early intubation, and (2) had greater availability of negative-pressure rooms and powered air-purifying respirators. Further research into the best practices for respiratory support are warranted. In particular, innovation on cost-effective measures in infection control and respiratory support in the LMIC setting should be considered in preparation for future waves of COVID-19 infection.
Tenecteplase for Acute Ischemic Stroke Treatment
Authors: Baird Alison E. , Jackson Richard , Jin Weijun
Published: January 2021

The introduction of thrombolytic therapy in the 1990s has transformed acute ischemic stroke treatment. Thus far, intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) also known as alteplase is the only thrombolytic proven to be efficacious and approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. But the thrombolytic agent tenecteplase (TNK) is emerging as a potential replacement for rt-PA. TNK has greater fibrin specificity, slower clearance, and higher resistance to plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 than rt-PA. Hence, TNK has the potential to provide superior lysis with fewer hemorrhagic complications. Also, easier bolus-only administration makes TNK a very practical rt-PA alternative. In several clinical trials, TNK has shown similar efficacy and safety to rt-PA, and the potential to be at least noninferior to rt-PA in some settings. TNK may be superior to rt-PA for reperfusing large vessel occlusions in patients with salvageable penumbra, although this has not yet translated to improved clinical outcomes. Further phase 3 studies are in progress comparing rt-PA with TNK for acute ischemic stroke during the first 4.5 hours. Studies are also in progress to evaluate the use of TNK for extended applications, such as wake-up stroke.
Skull Base Meningiomas in Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 2: An International Multicenter Study Evaluating Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Authors: Ruiz-Garcia Henry , Trifiletti Daniel M. , Mohammed Nasser , Hung Yi-Chieh , Xu Zhiyuan , Chytka Tomas , Liscak Roman , Tripathi Manjul , Arsanious David , Cifarelli Christopher P. , Caceres Marco Perez , Mathieu David , Speckter Herwin , Mehta Gautam U. , Lekovic Gregory P. , Sheehan Jason P.
Published: January 2021

Objective Meningiomas are the second most common tumors in neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF-2). Microsurgery is challenging in NF-2 patients presenting with skull base meningiomas due to the intrinsic risks and need for multiple interventions over time. We analyzed treatment outcomes and complications after primary Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) to delineate its role in the management of these tumors.

Methods An international multicenter retrospective study approved by the International Radiosurgery Research Foundation was performed. NF-2 patients with at least one growing and/or symptomatic skull base meningioma and 6-month follow-up after primary GKRS were included. Clinical and radiosurgical parameters were recorded for analysis.

Results In total, 22 NF-2 patients with 54 skull base meningiomas receiving GKRS as primary treatment met inclusion criteria. Median age at GKRS was 38 years (10–79 years). Most lesions were located in the posterior fossa (55.6%). Actuarial progression free survival (PFS) rates were 98.1% at 2 years and 90.0% at 5 and 10 years. The median follow-up time after initial GKRS was 5.0 years (0.6–25.5 years). Tumor volume at GKRS was a predictor of tumor control. Lesions >5.5 cc presented higher chances to progress after radiosurgery (p = 0.043). Three patients (13.64%) developed adverse radiation effects. No malignant transformation or death due to meningioma or radiosurgery was reported.

Conclusions GKRS is effective and safe in the management of skull base meningiomas in NF-2 patients. Tumor volume deserve greater relevance during clinical decision-making regarding the most appropriate time to treat. GKRS offers a minimally invasive approach of particular interest in this specific group of patients.
Apparent piebald variants in quolls (Dasyurus): examples of three recent cases in the spotted-tailed quoll Dasyurus maculatus
Authors: Gorta Simon B. Z. , Alting Brendan , Claridge Andrew , Henderson Timothy
Published: January 2021

Pelage patterning plays an important role in animal behaviour. Variation in pelage patterns can change with pigment distribution and quantity in individuals. We present three cases of apparent piebaldism – a condition where the body is patchily unpigmented – in the spotted-tailed quoll Dasyurus maculatus. Using a comprehensive dataset of historical descriptions (from Dunlop et al. 2020), we conclude that these cases represent the first description of this phenotype in the genus Dasyurus, but acknowledge capture and testing of these individuals is required to be certain of the cause. Little is known about the implications of pelage patterning in quoll species and further investigation is required to understand the evolutionary and functional role of unaffected and unpigmented variants.
Rational policymaking during a pandemic
Authors: Berger Loïc , Berger Nicolas , Bosetti Valentina , Gilboa Itzhak , Hansen Lars Peter , Jarvis Christopher , Marinacci Massimo , Smith Richard D.
Published: January 2021

Policymaking during a pandemic can be extremely challenging. As COVID-19 is a new disease and its global impacts are unprecedented, decisions are taken in a highly uncertain, complex, and rapidly changing environment. In such a context, in which human lives and the economy are at stake, we argue that using ideas and constructs from modern decision theory, even informally, will make policymaking a more responsible and transparent process.
The suitability of dual language education for diverse students
Authors: Genesee Fred , Lindholm-Leary Kathryn
Published: January 2021

Extensive research has evaluated the effectiveness of dual language (DL) programs in Canada and the U.S. The
majority of that research has focused on typically-developing students who represent the majority ethnolinguistic group in the
broader community. This article reviews research on the suitability of DL forms of education for students with diverse backgrounds
and, in particular, students with personal, familial, or ethnolinguistic characteristics that are often associated with
underachievement in school. The review begins by examining research evidence that speaks to young leaners’ capacity for learning
more than one language during early stages of development. It then presents evidence from research that has examined the
effectiveness of DL forms of education for diverse learners. Extant evidence indicates that young learners have the capacity to
learn more than one language without jeopardizing their development and that DL education is suitable and effective for students
with diverse characteristics.
Examining institutional translation through a legal lens
Authors: Prieto Ramos Fernando , Guzmán Diego
Published: January 2021

Studies of institutional translation have traditionally focused on European Union (EU) institutions and legislative genres. In order to develop a more comprehensive characterization of translation at international organizations beyond EU supranational law, this study compares a full mapping of multilingual text production at EU institutions to that of two representative intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), the United Nations (UN) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), over three years (2005, 2010, and 2015) in three common official languages (English, French, and Spanish). The corpus-driven quantitative analysis and categorization of all texts from a legal-functional perspective corroborate the interconnection of a wide range of textual genres that perform, support, or derive from central law-making, monitoring, and adjudicative functions, or fulfill other administrative purposes. The findings also highlight interinstitutional variation that reflects the features of each legal order, in particular the prominence of hard law-making at the EU (with a high proportion of drafts and input documents) as opposed to larger translation volumes in monitoring procedures at the UN and the WTO. This mapping is considered instrumental to further analyze legal and other specialized translation practices in international institutional settings, and ultimately to inform translator training and translation quality management.
Rapid homogeneous precipitation of nano-sized Si in Al–1%Si alloy by electric pulses
Authors: Yan Jiawei , Liu Guisen , Zhao Xiaofeng , Shen Yao
Published: January 2021

Rapid and homogeneous precipitation of nano-sized Si particles with high density was achieved in Al–1%Si alloy by electric pulses treatment (EPT) in a liquid nitrogen bath (∼77 K). In contrast, when processed by EPT in air or by high-temperature (527–720 K) salt bath treatment, the precipitate density decreases dramatically. The homogeneous precipitation of Si could be facilitated by both the low-temperature environment and the non-thermal effects of EPT. The low-temperature environment provides a high driving force for nucleation, and retains the quenched-in vacancies serving as potential nucleation sites. The non-thermal effects of EPT can significantly promote local migration of solutes and vacancies at such low temperatures.
Agency and perceptions of smallness: understanding Georgia’s foreign policy behaviour
Authors: Davtyan Erik
Published: January 2021

The conventional wisdom says that material and structural constraints push small states into a more or less predictable foreign and security policy. Georgia’s case shows that, together with these limitations, the foreign policy of small states is also influenced by the way the ruling elites perceive the smallness of their state. This article explains why at different periods of time Georgia demonstrated diverging and even contradictory foreign policy behaviours, despite not achieving significant economic and military strength or witnessing crucial systemic changes in its security environment. I argue that the way ruling elites interpreted smallness influenced their understanding of Georgia’s foreign policy capacity and agency in the international system. This in turn pushed Georgia into fundamentally different paths, stretching from a passive and mostly reactive foreign policy to a highly ambitious, uncompromising and hawkish one.
Multi-channel Potts-based reconstruction for multi-spectral computed tomography
Authors: Kiefer Lukas , Petra Stefania , Storath Martin , Weinmann Andreas
Published: January 2021

We consider reconstructing multi-channel images from measurements performed by photon-counting and energy-discriminating detectors in the setting of multi-spectral x-ray computed tomography (CT). Our aim is to exploit the strong structural correlation that is known to exist between the channels of multi-spectral CT images. To that end, we adopt the multi-channel Potts prior to jointly reconstruct all channels. This nonconvex prior produces piecewise constant solutions with strongly correlated channels. In particular, edges are strictly enforced to have the same spatial position across channels which is a benefit over TV-based methods whose channel-couplings are typically less strict. We consider the Potts prior in two frameworks: (a) in the context of a variational Potts model, and (b) in a Potts-superiorization approach that perturbs the iterates of a basic iterative least squares solver. We identify an alternating direction method of multipliers approach as well as a Potts-superiorized conjugate gradient method as particularly suitable. In numerical experiments, we compare the Potts prior based approaches to existing TV-type approaches on realistically simulated multi-spectral CT data and obtain improved reconstruction for compound solid bodies.
Dynamics and chemical mode analysis of plasma thermal-chemical instability
Authors: Zhong Hongtao , Shneider Mikhail N , Mao Xingqian , Ju Yiguang
Published: January 2021

The stability of the weakly ionized plasma and the transition from a stable homogeneous discharge to unstable filaments play an important role in gas laser physics, plasma-assisted combustion, chemical reforming, and material synthesis. Theoretical stability analysis and thermal-chemical mode analysis were performed to understand the mechanism of plasma thermal-chemical instability by using a zero-dimensional plasma system with both simplified and detailed chemical kinetics of H2/O2/N2 mixtures. The plasma dynamic and kinetic models accounted for multiple physical mechanisms in the chemically-reactive weakly ionized plasma, including ionization, attachment/detachment, recombination, vibrational and electronic energy relaxation, convective and diffusive species/heat removal, Joule heating, and detailed chemical kinetics. An analytical criterion and the explosive mode species/temperature pointers were formulated while the representative active species were identified for different thermal-chemical modes. The results showed that in addition to the classical thermal-ionization mechanism, various chemical modes from chemical heat imbalance and elementary kinetics significantly modified the time dynamics and the stability of the weakly ionized plasma. The present analysis provides insights and guidance to control plasma instability using chemical kinetics.
Structural, morphological, and magnetic study of low temperature synthesized Co0.75Ni0.25Fe1.95Dy0.05O4 nano ferrite
Authors: Chikhale Ravindra N , Kanade S A , Bhatia Pushpinder G
Published: January 2021

The nanoparticles of Co0.75Ni0.25Fe2−zDyzO4 (z = 0.0 and 0.05) were prepared by the sol-gel auto-combustion method. The cation distribution was calculated from the Rietveld refinement of the XRD pattern to confirm a mixed inverse spinel structure. The crystallite size was calculated by the Debye–Scherrer method, modified Scherrer method, Williamson Hall plot method, and size-strain plot method for prepared samples. The variation in crystallite size was observed due to the contribution of lattice strain on line peak broadening. From Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum the absorption bands appeared at 574.79 cm−1 and 414.70 cm−1 reveals spinel ferrite structure for Co0.75Ni0.25Fe1.95Dy0.05O4. The particle size from a high-resolution scanning electron microscope (HR-SEM) the image was found to be 46.99 nm for Co0.75Ni0.25Fe1.95Dy0.05O4. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDS) was confirmed the purity of the sample with good stoichiometry. The coercivity, retentivity, and saturation magnetization were estimated at 841.97 Oe, 30.95 emu g−1 and 61.80 emu g−1 respectively for Co0.75Ni0.25Fe1.95Dy0.05O4. The squareness ratio for Co0.75Ni0.25Fe1.95Dy0.05O4 nanoferrite was found to be 0.5 which is the ideal Stoner—Wohlfarth value. The experimental estimated net magnetic moment (

n

B

) per formula was less than the theoretical value calculated from Neel’s two sublattice model for prepared samples.
Probability flow for a free particle: new quantum effects
Authors: Bracken A J
Published: January 2021

New quantum probability flow bounds and associated eigenfunctions are determined numerically for a free non-relativistic particle, with momentum lying in the range (p
0, ∞), for each fixed p
0 chosen in the range (−∞ , ∞). It is found that as p
0 increases through positive values, the maximum possible probability backflow from right-to left (R to L), opposite to the direction of all contributing momenta, decreases monotonically from the well-known value ≈0.038452 at p
0 = 0 but never reaches 0. As p
0 decreases through negative values, the maximum R to L flow increases monotonically but never reaches 1. These new quantum effects are compared and contrasted with the corresponding classical behaviour. A surprising new effect is revealed: Even when p
0 is negative, L to R directed momenta contribute to the maximum R to L flow. The size of this contribution is indicated by comparing with the maximum R to L flow possible when only negative momenta with values between p
0 and 0 are allowed. The extended modeling admits a simple interpretation of the classical limit without the introduction of a mechanism external to the system, as an effective value of Planck’s constant approaches zero.
Entanglement evolution of a three-qubit system after interaction with even three-mode nonlinear coherent state
Authors: Anbaraki Azam , Afshar Davood
Published: January 2021

In this paper, using an entangled three-mode field state, we study the production of entanglement in a three- qubit system. The entangled three-mode field state is defined as superposed three-mode nonlinear coherent state, which is shown to be entangled as an increasing function of the coherency parameter. The interaction between the field state and a system of three separable qubits is considered under Jaynes–Cummings model. Our study reveals that the three-qubit system becomes entangled after the interaction and the entanglement can be tuned by changing the coherency parameter of the initial field state. In addition, we show how population inversion is affected by the interaction.
Violation of Bell inequalities by stochastic simulations of Gaussian States based on their positive Wigner representation
Authors: Lantz Eric , Mabed Mehdi , Devaux Fabrice
Published: January 2021

At first sight, the use of an everywhere positive Wigner function as a probability density to perform stochastic simulations in quantum optics seems equivalent to the introduction of local hidden variables, thus preventing any violation of Bell inequalities. However, because of the difference between symmetrically and normally ordered operators, some trajectories in stochastic simulations can imply negative intensities, despite a positive mean. Hence, Bell inequalities do not apply. Here, we retrieve for a weakly squeezed Gaussian state the maximum violation on polarization states allowed by quantum mechanics, for the Clauser-Horn-Shimony-Holt (CHSH), as well as for the Clauser-Horn Bell inequalities. For the case of the Clauser-Horn Bell inequality, the influence of the quantum efficiency of the detectors is studied, and for both inequalities, the influence of the degree of squeezing is assessed, as well as the uncertainty range versus the number of trajectories used in the simulations.
Fast and slow beam mode ion-acoustic solitons in plasmas with counterstreaming cold protons
Authors: Verheest Frank , Hellberg Manfred A
Published: January 2021

It was recently shown (Lakhina et al (2020), Physica Scr.
95, 105601) that in a plasma of hot electrons and two counterstreaming warm proton beams, a slow ion-acoustic solitary mode occurred, where the soliton speeds decreased from the critical acoustic speeds, while the amplitudes increased. This contradicts conventional wisdom that solitons are inherently ‘super-acoustic’, the soliton speeds exceeding the linear acoustic speed, and that amplitudes grow with soliton speed. To elucidate and further elaborate on these findings, a simpler model is considered, in which the ion beam species are cold, neglecting their thermal effects. This retains the essence of the physics, but simplifies the analysis. It permits a full parametric discussion of the existence ranges for such solitons, not only for the critical Mach numbers, but also for the limit amplitudes, by using fluid density restrictions for the ions. If the beam speed exceeds a threshold, two acoustic regimes are found: a fast beam mode with the usual super-acoustic solitons, and a slow beam mode, where solitons are sub-acoustic, at least in the laboratory frame. This confirms the earlier result, but shows that it is primarily a beam effect, rather than an ion thermal effect. The observation can be explained: in the ion beam frame, the solitons are indeed super-acoustic. However, those travelling in the negative direction are swept forwards by the fast beam and hence are observed in the laboratory frame as being sub-acoustic. A similar approach is used for a case of asymmetric proton beams, with unequal ion densities and beam speeds.
Modelling charge carrier transport with anomalous diffusion and heat conduction in amorphous semiconductors using fractional calculus
Authors: Khan Mahnoor , Rasheed Amer , Anwar Muhammad Shoaib , Hussain Zakir , Shahzad Tahir
Published: January 2021

An ordered semiconductor has a crystalline lattice in which charge carriers move around by the Gaussian process of normal diffusion. The mean square displacement (MSD) of these charge carriers is proportional to time. On the contrary, the movement of carriers in a material with a non-crystalline structure such as amorphous semiconductors is considered to be non-Gaussian in nature. In this case, MSD is proportional to some power of time. Diffusion in this type of transport mechanism is classified as anomalous diffusion. The usual drift-diffusion equation (DDE) cannot adequately describe this process because it has non-Gaussian and dispersive transport mechanisms. Fractional calculus has been used to generalize the standard DDE to a time fractional equation in order to include the hereditary effects of the carrier transport. For power devices, the distribution and conduction of heat is the primary criteria considered when making a device. Therefore, an equation for heat conduction is added to the model for inclusion of variable temperature. The coupled system is solved using a Numerical scheme wherein Finite Difference method has been employed to discretize the Riemann - Liouville time derivative of order α and the space variable. The effects of different physical factors such as light intensity, heat and applied electric field are discussed with the help of graphical illustrations.
Quantitative structure-plasticity relationship in metallic glass: A machine learning study*
Authors: Wu Yicheng , Xu Bin , Sun Yitao , Guan Pengfei
Published: January 2021

The lack of the long-range order in the atomic structure challenges the identification of the structural defects, akin to dislocations in crystals, which are responsible for predicting plastic events and mechanical failure in metallic glasses (MGs). Although vast structural indicators have been proposed to identify the structural defects, quantitatively gauging the correlations between these proposed indicators based on the undeformed configuration and the plasticity of MGs upon external loads is still lacking. Here, we systematically analyze the ability of these indicators to predict plastic events in a representative MG model using machine learning method. Moreover, we evaluate the influences of coarse graining method and medium-range order on the predictive power. We demonstrate that indicators relevant to the low-frequency vibrational modes reveal the intrinsic structural characteristics of plastic rearrangements. Our work makes an important step towards quantitative assessments of given indicators, and thereby an effective identification of the structural defects in MGs.
High sensitive chiral molecule detector based on the amplified lateral shift in Kretschmann configuration involving chiral TDBCs*
Authors: Wang Song , Ye Qihui , Chen Xudong , Hu Yanzhu , Song Gang
Published: January 2021

We investigate a high sensitive chiral molecule detector based on Goos–Hanchen shift (S) in Kretschmann configuration involving chiral tri (diethylene glycol monobutyl) citrates (TDBCs). Fresnel equations and the stationary phase method are employed to calculate S. Due to the interaction between surface plasmon polaritons and chiral TDBCs, S with chiral TDBCs are amplified at near the resonant wavelengths of chiral TDBCs. Our calculation results show that although the difference between the resonant wavelengths of left and right TDBCs is 4.5 nm, the positions of the largest S for the structures with left TDBCs and right TDBCs do not overlap. S reaches 400 times (or 200 times) the incident wavelength around the resonant wavelength of left TDBCs (or right TDBCs). The difference of S with chiral TDBCs (Δ S) can reach 400 times or 200 times the incident wavelength in certain conditions, which can be directly observed in experiments. Left TDBCs and right TDBCs are easily distinguished. There is an optimal thickness of the metal film to realize the largest difference of S between Kretschmann configurations with left TDBCs and right TDBCs. Furthermore, we discuss the oscillator strength f, which is mainly determined by TDBC concentration. We find that our proposed detector is quite sensitive with f. By changing f from 0.008 to 0.014 with the step of 0.002, the change of Δ S is no less than five times the incident wavelength (2.9 μm). Our proposed structure is very sensitive to the chirality and the concentration of TDBCs and has potential applications in distinguishing the chirality detector.
Comprehensive studies on dielectric properties of p-methoxy benzylidene p-decyl aniline with function of temperature and frequency in planar geometry: A potential nematic liquid crystal for display devices
Authors: Tripathi Pankaj Kumar , Vikram Kunwar , Tiwari Mithlesh , Shriram Ajay
Published: January 2021

The dielectric properties of the nematic mesophase, p-methoxy benzylidene p-decyl aniline (MBDA), measured in planar geometry with a function of frequency and temperature are investigated in detail. The complex dielectric permittivity (ε′ and ε″) is also studied at a bias voltage of 10 V for planar aligned sample cell of nematic mesophase. The dielectric permittivity with bias voltage attains a higher (> 2 times) value than that without bias voltage at a temperature of 56 °C, which is due to the fact that the linking group of nematic molecules is internally interacted with an applied bias voltage. This is supported by observing an enhanced dielectric permittivity of nematic liquid crystal (LC) in the presence of bias voltage, which can be fully explained as the increasing of the corresponding dipole moment. The dielectric relaxation behaviors of nematic LC are also demonstrated for planar aligned sample cell. The remarkable results are observed that the relaxation frequency shifts into low frequency region with the increase of the bias voltage applied to the planar aligned sample cells. The dielectric relaxation spectra are fitted by Cole–Cole nonlinear curve fitting for nematic mesophase in order to determine the dielectric strength.
Multiple scattering and modeling of laser in fog*
Authors: Xue Ji-Yu , Cao Yun-Hua , Wu Zhen-Sen , Chen Jie , Li Yan-Hui , Zhang Geng , Yang Kai , Gao Ruo-Ting
Published: January 2021

When a laser is transmitted in fog, and the water droplets will scatter and absorb the laser, which affects the intensity of the laser transmission and the accuracy of radar detection. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the laser transmission in the fog. At present, the main method of calculating the scattering and attenuation characteristics of fog is based on the radiation transmission theory, which is realized by a large number of numerical calculations or physical simulation methods, which takes time and cannot meet the requirements for obtaining the fast and accurate results. Therefore, in this paper established are a new laser forward attenuation model and backward attenuation model in low visibility fog. It is found that in low visibility environments, the results calculated by the Monte Carlo method are more accurate than those from most of the existing forward attenuation models. For the cases of 0.86-μm, 1.06-μm, 1.315-μm, 10.6-μm typical lasers incident on different fogs with different visibilities, a backscatter model is established, the error between the fitting result and the calculation result is analyzed, the backward attenuation fitting parameters of the new model are tested, and a more accurate fitting result is obtained.