bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping magnetization states in ultrathin films with Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction
Authors: Kisielewski J , Kisielewski M , Zablotskii V , Dejneka A , Maziewski A
Published: July 2019

To succeed in the next generation of magnetic storages, nanomagnetic structures must be engineered to allow modulation of magnetization amplitude and spatial period. We demonstrate computationally how magnetic nanostructures states (domains with narrow wall, skyrmions, spin spirals, conical spin spirals, and in-plane magnetization configuration) can be designed in ultrathin films with a Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DMI) by adjusting two material parameters: perpendicular magnetic anisotropy characterized by the quality factor Q, and reduced DMI constant

Δ

. For a broad range of Q and

Δ

parameters, the magnetization states are mapped in (Q,

Δ

) diagrams and characterized by the periodicity (p) of spatial distribution of magnetization and the mean value of the square of an out-of-plane normalized magnetization component

〈

m

z

2

〉

. We explain the transitions between different magnetization states and describe phase transition curves in terms of vanishing of the domain wall energy for both

0
≤
Q
<
1

and Q > 1 cases. We show that by changing

Δ

and/or Q and approaching the phase transition curves, the discontinuous transitions accompanied by jumps of both period and amplitude take place.
High gain millimeter wave leaky wave antennas with low side lobe level of the radiation pattern
Authors: Yuri Nechaev , Alexander Klimov , Anatoly Kuznetsov , Maxim Galuza
Published: July 2019

Two linearly polarized millimeter wave planar leaky wave antennas designed for broadside radiation at 61 GHz with high gain and low sidelobes of radiation patterns are presented. Both antennas have a center-fed single-layer structure composed of two one-dimensional periodic symmetric arrays of metal strips of variable width on a grounded dielectric waveguide, but with different excitation devices for the dielectric waveguide, represented by a microstrip combline and a waveguide-fed linear substrate integrated slotted waveguide array. The antennas exhibit low return loss, antenna gain 26-27 dBi and radiation pattern sidelobe level in both E- and H-planes, not exceeding −20 dB. The antennas may be used, for example, in security sensors.
Revealing reproductive efficacy and Hypercholesterolemia status in pregnant rats that treated with ginger
Authors: Shakir Saleh Hazar , Saleh Jawad Inass
Published: July 2019

Hypercholesterolemia is one of serious challenge during pregnancy that affects fetuses. This study has been undertaken to explore whether ginger supplementation maintains on delivery offspring in normal numbers and restore normal cholesterol levels in pregnant rats. Forty female rats with age 10 to 12 weeks have been divided into two groups; thirty Hpercholestrolemic pregnant rats and ten healthy pregnant rats. Hpercholestrolemic pregnant rats were equally divided into three groups; first group given normal saline, second group given simvastatin and third group treated with ginger after delivery litter size and weights were estimated for all dams. Dams were sacrificed and livers were removed and weighed, then fixed with 10% formalin and histopathological processing was performed. Results revealed that numbers of offspring in dams treated with ginger were nearby those of control while number of offspring from dams of simvastatin treated groups were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased than those of control group. Histpoathological examination of liver rats of hyperchol+Simvastatin showed obvious dilatation of central hepatic vein and examination of liver in Simvastatin group showed dilatation of central hepatic vein. While histpoathological examination of liver rats of ginger group showed normal radiation of hepatocytes.
Removing Metal Ions of Cobalt (II) from Aqueous Solutions By CaO Nanoparticle
Authors: Alibrahimi Ahmed A. , Toamah W. O.
Published: July 2019

Colloidal particles of “Calcium0oxide” CaO” nanoparticles0were prepared by the (sol-, gel)method)from(CaCl2). The study focused on the removal of metal Co(II) from aqueous solutions by adsorption process. Powder CaO was calcination at temperature 500oC. The 9 structural (characteristics) of the synthesized sorbent-were investigated, by-means of (X-ray) analysis “XRD” FTIR spectroscopy, “transmission electron microscope” (TEM), “scanning electron microscope” (SEM) and surface area. The effect of various parameters like as the effect of pH (2, 5, 7, 8 and 10), initial concentration for metal ion Co(II) (50-350 mg/L) and temperature difference (5, 25, 45 and 65) oC. Almost complete removal (99 %) of metal ion Co(II) was obtained within 30 min at an optimum adsorbent dose of 0.05 mg for initial Co(II) concentration of 50 mg/L at pH = 7, room temperature (≍ 25oC) were achieved.
Electromagnetic Transitions with Related Quantities for 80Se and 82Kr Nuclei
Authors: Hussain Wisam N. , Hossain I. , Sharrad Fadhil I.
Published: July 2019

The Hamiltonian is determined in the Interacting Boson Model-1 (IBM-1) frame work for 80Se and 82Kr nuclei. Fit values of parameters are used to construct the Hamiltonian, energy levels, electromagnetic transitions (B(E2) and B(M1)) and multipole mixing ratios (E2/M1) for some even-even Se and Kr nuclei. These properties are calculated. The potential energy surfaces (PESs) to the IBM Hamiltonian have been obtained by using the intrinsic coherent state.
Evaluation of parasitic infection in two species of fishes from Euphrates river passing through Al-Muthanna province
Authors: Dakheel Kremsh Alasadiy Yassir
Published: July 2019

Inthe present study, 450 fish samples were collectedwhich included225 individuals of Planiliza abu and 225 individuals of Leuciscus vorax during the period from April 2018 to January 2019 from Euphrates River passing through Al-Mahdi area in Al-Muthanna province by using gill nets. The results of the microscopic examination showed a parasitic infection in gills of both sexes of the two fish species with MyxobolussprostoniShul’man, 1962 of the phylum Myxozoa. Thus, these fishes are considered as two new hosts for this parasite in Iraq. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences at the level of P ≤ 0.05 in the percentage of infection between males and females of both species of fish separately, while a significant difference in the percentage of infection in P. abu compared to L. vorax was detected. The percentage of infection of L. vorax with this parasite was decreased with increasing length group for both sexes and the highest incidence of infection was obtained in the age groupIII+, while the percentage of infection increased with increasing length group of P. abu and the highest incidence of infection was obtained in the age groupII+.
Stereo Images Encryption by OSA & RSA Algorithms
Authors: Alhijaj Asaad A. , Kamil Hussein Marwah
Published: July 2019

The proposed new partial encryption schemes use a secure encryption algorithm to encrypt only part of the compressed data. After application of image compression algorithm the partial encryption will applied. For two pairs of different gray scale images with the size (256 ´ 256) pixels, only 0.0244%-25% of the original data is encrypted. As a result, we see a significant reduction of time in the stage of encryption and decryption.In the compression step, the Orthogonal Search Algorithm (OSA) for motion estimation (the different between stereo images) is used. The resulting disparity vector and the remaining image were compressed by Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT), Quantization and arithmetic encoding. The image compressed was encrypted by RSA algorithm. The decoded images then compared with the original images.Good results showed in the experimental results of Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR), Compression Ratio (CR) and processing time. The proposed schemes of partial encryption are fast, secure and not be reducing in compression performance of the selected compression methods.
Antistatic packaging of carbon black on plastizers biodegradable polylactic acid nanocomposites
Authors: Jaseem Saif M. , Ali Nadia A.
Published: July 2019

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a biodegradable aliphatic polymer obtained from renewable sources; its main application is in the packaging sector. Electronic components require the use of antistatic packaging that prevents damage and electric shock. As PLA has no conductive characteristics, it requires the addition of conductive carbon black to make the polymer less resistive as the dissipative material and making it suitable for the manufacture of antistatic packaging. In this study plasticizer PLA was prepared by solution casting method with plasticizer thymol at (95/5) and carbon black at 0.5, 1, 3, 5, and 10 wt %. Samples were characterized by FTIR, Tensile Strength, Tear Resistance, Hardness, electrical conductivity, color and brightness, contact angle, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The addition of carbon black in the plasticizer PLA increases the electrical conductivity of PLA and less resistive that suitable for use as antistatic packaging for the transportation and storage of electronic components. Mechanical tests show reduced the tensile strength and tensile modulus but increased in elongation, Tear Resistance but decreased in hardness because used thymol as plasticizers at PLA/thymol (95/5) and films composites change from brittle to ductile. The results of contact angle of pure PLA is 83° that mean hydrophobic materials and decreased to 45° at PLA/thymol/carbon black to obtain hydrophilic materials that able to dissipate or promote the decay of static electricity and improve process ability of electronic device. Optical such as Color and Brightness show that Transparency decreased but suitable for antistatic packaging and became opacity at 10% carbon black. The addition of carbon black in the PLA increases the thermal stability of nanocomposites.
Estimating snow cover area in south of Turkey using the Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI) form MODIS Satellite Images
Authors: Abdulkadhim Adnan H.
Published: July 2019

Snow and Ice–cover area information is important for a wide variety of scientific climate studies, water source and management applications. The NASA Earth Observing System (EOS) Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite, provides improved capabilities to observe snow-ice coverarea from space and has been successfully using a Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI) methodes, This technique is the same procedure for the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), along with threshold tests, to provide global, automated binary maps of snow cover. The NDSI is a spectral band ratio that takes advantage of the spectral differences of snow in short-wave infrared and visible. MODIS spectral bands to identify snow versus other features in a scene. This methodes has evaluated whether there is a “signal” in the NDSI that could be used to estimate the area of snow satellite images within a 500 m MODIS pixel, the percentage of snow cover was calculated for 500 m cells. Snow cover area in the head water sourse of the rivers can be useful to estimating the amount and the quantity of the water for the rivers. The south of Turkey area have the basin of the two rivers (Tigris and Euphrates). The main fresh water sorce to Syria and Iraq.
Effect of Temperature on Drilling Mud
Authors: Allawi Raed H. , Najem Mohammed A. , Sagger Mohammed A. , Abd Sajjad M.
Published: July 2019

The main functions of drilling fluids include providing hydrostatic pressure to prevent formation fluids from entering into the well bore, cooling drilling bit, cleaning borehole while drilling and Stability of borehole. While drilling, the drilling mud transport drilling cuttings to surface and suspending the cuttings while drilling stop. There are many factors that effect on drilling mud, including the borehole temperature. Therefore, with increasing in drilling depth the wellbore temperature increases that effect on drilling mud properties (viscosity include yield point (YP) and plastic viscosity (PV)). This experimental work conducted at rig IDC 41, NS-39 in the Nasiriyah oil field by using real field data. The devices for this work are fan V-G meter (Model 286), heat source and temperature measurement (IR Thermometer).In this experiment using two types of drilling mud density (1.35 gm/cc and 1.21 gm/cc), with increasing temperature the value of PV and YP increase. Also, YP/PV ratio increasing means more drilling cuttings transport.
Effect of Composition on The Structural, Morphology, and Optical Properties of AgSb(SxSe1-x)2Thin Films
Authors: Issa Hiba H.
Published: July 2019

Quenching method was used to prepare alloys of the AgSb(SxSe1-x)2 quaternary compound with different sulfur content. AgSb(SxSe1-x)2 thin films with different sulfur concentration were prepared at room temperature 303K on glass substrate using pulsed laser deposition under vacuum of 10−2 bar, thickness of ∼100nm. The structure of the prepared alloys and thin films were examined by x-ray diffraction. The results declared that all the prepared compounds have polycrystalline with cubic structure whereas the deposited AgSb (SxSe1-x)2 thin films were amorphous. Atomic Force Microscopy revealed that the average grain size decreases while roughness exhibit to increase in non-regular manner with the increase of sulfur concentration. The absorbance and the transmittance were provided from- visible spectrophotometer measurements in the wavelength range (300-1100nm). The results showed that the prepared thin films have indirect allowed band gap which showed absorbable increase with the increase of sulphur content, indeed the optical energy gap increase from 1.1 to 1.7 eV with the increase of sulphur content while all the optical constants (the refractive index n, the extinction coefficient k and real and imaginary parts of dielectric constants εr, εi all declared reduction with the increase of sulfur concentration.
NiO Thin Layers Prepared via Computerized Spraying System
Authors: Sh. Essa Mohammed , Chiad Bahaa T. , Hadi Zaid L.
Published: July 2019

Spray pyrolysis technique was employed for depositing Nickel oxide thin films onto glass substrates at 350±10 °C. An aqueous solution of NiCl2.4[H2O] within 0.01 M used for spraying. XRD examination revealed polycrystalline cubic phase of NiO thin films. The crystallinity growth along (111), (200), and (202) planes at 2θ = 37.28°, 43.29°, and 62.91°, respectively. AFM was examined and showed low roughness in the selected area. Thickness was calculated using Fizeau Fringes interferometric method that found around 175 nm. FTIR investigation endorses the vibration mode of the Ni-O bond. The absorption investigation was carried out in the range 350-750 nm, and the energy band gap was found to be about 3.68 eV. The microscopic imaging showed an adequate surface morphology with fine distribution of coating on the substrate.
Examination the properties of doped copper oxide by silver: prepared chemical method
Authors: Mossa Umran Nibras , Mustafa Abdul Majeed Aseel , subhi sultan zahraa
Published: July 2019

Copper oxide (CuO) have been formed by using simple chemical method, as Apure, and Ag doped copper oxide in different concentrations. Which examined the characterization by X-ray diffraction, and FTIR. The X.ray analysis detected that the three samples have poly crystalline structure, and FTIR revealed the compounds after doping wee homogenous.
A classical counting process and non-Wiener stochastic differential equations in quantum optics
Authors: Basharov A M
Published: July 2019

The von Neumann projection postulate under the registration of a spontaneously emitted photon is described through the stochastic counting process as a non-Wiener linear stochastic differential equation for a non-normalized atomic state vector.
Conventional optical Tamm states in opal-like photonic crystal with flat-corrugated metal layer
Authors: Koryukin A V , Chukhnova E Y , Valitova A F , Salakhov M Kh
Published: July 2019

We present an investigation to ascertain influence of structure metal layer in hybrid plasmonic-photonic crystal (HPPC) to formation of optical Tamm states. Transmission peak of photonic bandgap has appearance in transmittance spectrum of one dimensional photonic crystals in a result of Tamm plasmon exciting in both polarizations of light. Three-dimensional opal-like HPPC structures have unconvetional optical Tamm states. The transmission peak do not observe at the wavelengths of the photonic bandgap at transmittance spectrum. We study the condition of excitation of convetional optical Tamm states in opal-like photonic crystal with flat-corrugated gold layer. We also compare optical properties of this structure and opal-like photonic crystal with corrugated gold layer.
Qubits based on the exciton degrees of freedom of a semiconductor quantum dot
Authors: Samartsev V V , Mitrofanova T G
Published: July 2019

We have studied theoretically a possibility to construct a quantum gate on the basis of semiconductor quantum dots of a core/shell type.
Luminescence properties of YVO4:Yb,Er nanoparticles dispersed in water
Authors: Zharkov D K , Shmelev A G , Leontyev A V , Nikiforov V G , Lyadov N M , Lobkov V S , Samartsev V V , Saiko A P , Hemmer P R
Published: July 2019

We have synthesized YVO4: Yb, Er nanoparticles in the size range of 100-500 nm, which form aqueous colloidal solutions and are luminescent when excited by femtosecond light pulses at a wavelength of 263 nm. It was established that the luminescence occurs due to the emission of Er3+ ions in characteristic spectral lines at 525 nm and 550 nm. However, an effective quenching channel for metastable levels of Er3+ ions is evident, so that the characteristic luminescence line of Er3+ ions in the 660 nm region is absent. We associate this quenching channel with a large concentration of lattice defects with possible localization of high-frequency quenchers.
On the size of orbits in the duals of 𝐶*-algebras and convolution algebras
Authors: Neufang Matthias
Published: July 2019

We solve an open problem raised in [Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 366 (2014), pp.4151–4171] concerning (infinite-dimensional) commutative semisimple Banach algebras

A

\mathcal {A}

with a bounded approximate identity, namely, whether there always exists a functional

f
∈

A

∗

f \in \mathcal {A}^*

such that the orbit subspace

A

∗
∗

◻

f

\mathcal {A}^{**} \Box f

of

A

∗

\mathcal {A}^*

is

w
∗

w^*

-closed and infinite-dimensional. Indeed, on the one hand, we show that no commutative

C
∗

C^*

-algebra shares this property. On the other hand, we prove that the answer is positive, in a strong sense, in the case of convolution algebras

A

=

L
1

(

G

)

\mathcal {A} = L_1(\mathcal {G})

, for large classes of locally compact groups

G

\mathcal {G}

(commutativity is not needed): there exists

f
∈

A

∗

f \in \mathcal {A}^*

with maximal orbit, in fact,

f
f

satisfies
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="normal upper B normal a normal l normal l left-parenthesis script upper A Superscript asterisk Baseline right-parenthesis equals normal upper B normal a normal l normal l left-parenthesis script upper A Superscript asterisk asterisk Baseline right-parenthesis white medium square f">

B
a
l
l

(

A

∗

)
=

B
a
l
l

(

A

∗
∗

)

◻

f

\mathrm {Ball} (\mathcal {A}^*) = \mathrm {Ball}(\mathcal {A}^{**}) \Box f

. Moreover, as we shall see, the latter property links the size of orbits to Arens irregularity.
Incidence and Risk Factors for Invasive Pneumococcal Disease and Community-acquired Pneumonia in Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Infected Individuals in a High-income Setting
Authors: Garcia Garrido Hannah M , Mak Anne M R , Wit Ferdinand W N M , Wong Gino W M , Knol Mirjam J , Vollaard Albert , Tanck Michael W T , Van Der Ende Arie , Grobusch Martin P , Goorhuis Abraham
Published: July 2019

Background

Although people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) are at increased risk of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), it is unclear whether this remains the case in the setting of early initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), at high CD4 cell counts. This is important, as pneumococcal vaccination coverage in PLWH is low in Europe and the United States, despite longstanding international recommendations.

Methods

We identified all CAP and IPD cases between 2008 and 2017 in a cohort of PLWH in a Dutch HIV referral center. We calculated incidence rates stratified by CD4 count and cART status and conducted a case-control study to identify risk factors for CAP in PLWH receiving cART.

Results

Incidence rates of IPD and CAP in PLWH were 111 and 1529 per 100 000 patient-years of follow-up (PYFU). Although IPD and CAP occurred more frequently in patients with CD4 counts <500 cells/μL (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 6.1 [95% confidence interval, 2.2–17] and IRR, 2.4 [95% confidence interval, 1.9–3.0]), the incidence rate in patients with CD4 counts >500 cells/μL remained higher compared with the general population (946 vs 188 per 100 000 PYFU). All IPD isolates were vaccine serotypes. Risk factors for CAP were older age, CD4 counts <500 cells/μL, smoking, drug use, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Conclusions

The incidence of IPD and CAP among PLWH remains higher compared with the general population, even in those who are virally suppressed and have high CD4 counts. With all serotyped IPD isolates covered by pneumococcal vaccines, our study provides additional argumentation against the poor current adherence to international recommendations to vaccinate PLWH.
Estimating Monitoring Trap Plume Reach and Trapping Area for Nymphal and Adult Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Crop and Non-crop Habitats
Authors: Kirkpatrick Danielle M , Acebes-Doria Angelita L , Rice Kevin B , Short Brent D , Adams Christopher G , Gut Larry J , Leskey Tracy C
Published: July 2019

Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), the brown marmorated stink bug, is an invasive polyphagous insect that can cause serious economic injury to specialty and row crops in the United States and globally. To date, H. halys has been managed with repeated insecticide applications. While progress has been made toward development of trap-based monitoring tools to guide management decisions, little is known regarding the trapping area over which a single pheromone-baited trap captures H. halys. We conducted single trap, multiple distance mark-release-recapture experiments; results were used to estimate trapping area for nymphs and adults in sites without host plants present (open field) and for adults in sites with host plants present (apple orchard). Plume reach for pheromone-baited sticky traps was consistently estimated to be <3 m. Maximum dispersive distance in an open field devoid of host plants was estimated to be 40 m for nymphs and 120–130 m for adults resulting in trapping areas of 0.58 ha and 4.83–5.56 ha, respectively. When traps were deployed in association with host plants within the border row of an apple orchard, adult maximum dispersive distance and trapping area was reduced to 70 m and 1.67 ha, respectively. These results indicate that the behavioral response of H. halys to pheromonal stimuli is influenced by the presence of host plants and that trapping area for pheromone-baited traps will likely change relative to the cropping system in which it is deployed. Caution should be taken when extrapolating these results, because the measured values may differ in other crop systems.
Metastriate Ixodid Life Stages Protected from Predatory Ants in Texas
Authors: Showler Allan T , Osbrink Weste L A , Dorsey Bailee N , Caesar Ryan M
Published: July 2019

Multiple predatory ant species, including the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta (Buren) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), have been reported to attack ixodids (Ixodida: Ixodidae), but evidence has largely been circumstantial. When living lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum (L.) (Acarina: Ixodidae), eggs, and unfed and blood-engorged larvae, nymphs, and adults were deployed on bait transects with hot dog slices and dead house flies, Musca domestica L., in West, Central, and South Texas. The various ixodid life stages were not attacked while ants were strongly recruited to the hot dog and M. domestica baits. Similarly, when the same ixodid life stages and other baits were placed adjacent to colonies of two ant species (red harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex barbatus (Smith) and the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren) the ixodids were not preyed upon while hot dog slices and dead M. domestica were immediately attacked. Some ant species dragged blood-engorged adult ixodids and eggs away from the colony entrance, where they were originally placed, and discarded them. Evidence and mechanisms for allomone-based ant deterrence in the genera Amblyomma, Dermacentor, and Rhipicephalus (metastriate ixodids) are discussed. Protection of ixodids from predatory ants helps to explain why metastriate ixodids remain problematic worldwide despite the presence of predaceous ants.
Community succession in an anaerobic long-chain paraffin-degrading consortium and impact on chemical and electrical microbially influenced iron corrosion
Authors: Liang Renxing , Davidova Irene , Hirano Shin-ichi , Duncan Kathleen E , Suflita Joseph M
Published: July 2019

Community compositional changes and the corrosion of carbon steel in the presence of different electron donor and acceptor combinations were examined with a methanogenic consortium enriched for its ability to mineralize paraffins. Despite cultivation in the absence of sulfate, metagenomic analysis revealed the persistence of several sulfate-reducing bacterial taxa. Upon sulfate amendment, the consortium was able to couple C28H58 biodegradation with sulfate reduction. Comparative analysis suggested that Desulforhabdus and/or Desulfovibrio likely supplanted methanogens as syntrophic partners needed for C28H58 mineralization. Further enrichment in the absence of a paraffin revealed that the consortium could also utilize carbon steel as a source of electrons. The severity of both general and localized corrosion increased in the presence of sulfate, regardless of the electron donor utilized. With carbon steel as an electron donor, Desulfobulbus dominated in the consortium and electrons from iron accounted for ∼92% of that required for sulfate reduction. An isolated Desulfovibrio spp. was able to extract electrons from iron and accelerate corrosion. Thus, hydrogenotrophic partner microorganisms required for syntrophic paraffin metabolism can be readily substituted depending on the availability of an external electron acceptor and a single paraffin-degrading consortium harbored microbes capable of both chemical and electrical microbially influenced iron corrosion.
Superintegrability of Generalized Toda Models on Symmetric Spaces
Authors: Reshetikhin Nicolai , Schrader Gus
Published: July 2019

In this paper we prove superintegrability of Hamiltonian systems generated by functions on $K\backslash G/K$, restricted to a symplectic leaf of the Poisson variety $G/K$, where $G$ is a simple Lie group with the standard Poisson Lie structure, and $K$ is its subgroup of fixed points with respect to the Cartan involution.
Characterizing communication patterns among members of the clinical care team to deliver breast cancer treatment
Authors: Steitz Bryan D , Unertl Kim M , Levy Mia A
Published: July 2019

Objective

Research to date focused on quantifying team collaboration has relied on identifying shared patients but does not incorporate the major role of communication patterns. The goal of this study was to describe the patterns and volume of communication among care team members involved in treating breast cancer patients.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed 4 years of communications data from the electronic health record between care team members at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC). Our cohort of patients diagnosed with breast cancer was identified using the VUMC tumor registry. We classified each care team member participating in electronic messaging by their institutional role and classified physicians by specialty. To identify collaborative patterns, we modeled the data as a social network.

Results

Our cohort of 1181 patients was the subject of 322 424 messages sent in 104 210 unique communication threads by 5620 employees. On average, each patient was the subject of 88.2 message threads involving 106.4 employees. Each employee, on average, sent 72.9 messages and was connected to 24.6 collaborators. Nurses and physicians were involved in 98% and 44% of all message threads, respectively.

Discussion and Conclusion

Our results suggest that many providers in our study may experience a high volume of messaging work. By using data routinely generated through interaction with the electronic health record, we can begin to evaluate how to iteratively implement and assess initiatives to improve the efficiency of care coordination and reduce unnecessary messaging work across all care team roles.
Opportunities for addressing gaps in primary care shared decision-making with technology: a mixed-methods needs assessment
Authors: Misra Anjali J , Ong Shawn Y , Gokhale Arjun , Khan Sameer , Melnick Edward R
Published: July 2019

Objectives

To analyze current practices in shared decision-making (SDM) in primary care and perform a needs assessment for the role of information technology (IT) interventions.

Materials and Methods

A mixed-methods study was conducted in three phases: (1) ethnographic observation of clinical encounters, (2) patient interviews, and (3) physician interviews. SDM was measured using the validated OPTION scale. Semistructured interviews followed an interview guide (developed by our multidisciplinary team) informed by the Traditional Decision Conflict Scale and Shared Decision Making Questionnaire. Field notes were independently coded and analyzed by two reviewers in Dedoose.

Results

Twenty-four patient encounters were observed in 3 diverse practices with an average OPTION score of 57.2 (0–100 scale; 95% confidence interval [CI], 51.8–62.6). Twenty-two patient and 8 physician interviews were conducted until thematic saturation was achieved. Cohen’s kappa, measuring coder agreement, was 0.42. Patient domains were: establishing trust, influence of others, flexibility, frustrations, values, and preferences. Physician domains included frustrations, technology (concerns, existing use, and desires), and decision making (current methods used, challenges, and patients’ understanding).

Discussion

Given low SDM observed, multiple opportunities for technology to enhance SDM exist based on specific OPTION items that received lower scores, including: (1) checking the patient’s preferred information format, (2) asking the patient's preferred level of involvement in decision making, and (3) providing an opportunity for deferring a decision. Based on data from interviews, patients and physicians value information exchange and are open to technologies that enhance communication of care options.

Conclusion

Future primary care IT platforms should prioritize the 3 quantitative gaps identified to improve physician–patient communication and relationships. Additionally, SDM tools should seek to standardize common workflow steps across decisions and focus on barriers to increasing adoption of effective SDM tools into routine primary care.
A contribution of star-forming clumps and accreting satellites to the mass assembly of z ∼ 2 galaxies
Authors: Zanella A , Le Floc’h E , Harrison C M , Daddi E , Bernhard E , Gobat R , Strazzullo V , Valentino F , Cibinel A , Sánchez Almeida J , Kohandel M , Fensch J , Behrendt M , Burkert A , Onodera M , Bournaud F , Scholtz J
Published: July 2019

We investigate the contribution of clumps and satellites to the galaxy mass assembly. We analysed spatially resolved HubbleSpace Telescope observations (imaging and slitless spectroscopy) of 53 star-forming galaxies at z ∼ 1–3. We created continuum and emission line maps and pinpointed residual ‘blobs’ detected after subtracting the galaxy disc. Those were separated into compact (unresolved) and extended (resolved) components. Extended components have sizes ∼2 kpc and comparable stellar mass and age as the galaxy discs, whereas the compact components are 1.5 dex less massive and 0.4 dex younger than the discs. Furthermore, the extended blobs are typically found at larger distances from the galaxy barycentre than the compact ones. Prompted by these observations and by the comparison with simulations, we suggest that compact blobs are in situ formed clumps, whereas the extended ones are accreting satellites. Clumps and satellites enclose, respectively, ∼20 per cent and ≲80 per cent of the galaxy stellar mass, ∼30 per cent and ∼20 per cent of its star formation rate. Considering the compact blobs, we statistically estimated that massive clumps (M⋆ ≳ 109 M⊙) have lifetimes of ∼650 Myr, and the less massive ones (108 < M⋆ < 109 M⊙) of ∼145 Myr. This supports simulations predicting long-lived clumps (lifetime ≳ 100 Myr). Finally, ≲30 per cent (13 per cent) of our sample galaxies are undergoing single (multiple) merger(s), they have a projected separation ≲10 kpc, and the typical mass ratio of our satellites is 1:5 (but ranges between 1:10 and 1:1), in agreement with literature results for close pair galaxies.
Ploonets: formation, evolution, and detectability of tidally detached exomoons
Authors: Sucerquia Mario , Alvarado-Montes Jaime A , Zuluaga Jorge I , Cuello Nicolás , Giuppone Cristian
Published: July 2019

Close-in giant planets represent the most significant evidence of planetary migration. If large exomoons form around migrating giant planets which are more stable (e.g. those in the Solar system), what happens to these moons after migration is still under intense research. This paper explores the scenario where large regular exomoons escape after tidal interchange of angular momentum with its parent planet, becoming small planets by themselves. We name this hypothetical type of object a ploonet. By performing semi-analytical simulations of tidal interactions between a large moon with a close-in giant, and integrating numerically their orbits for several Myr, we found that in ∼50 per cent of the cases a young ploonet may survive ejection from the planetary system, or collision with its parent planet and host star, being in principle detectable. Volatile-rich ploonets are dramatically affected by stellar radiation during both planetocentric and siderocentric orbital evolution, and their radius and mass change significantly due to the sublimation of most of their material during time-scales of hundreds of Myr. We estimate the photometric signatures that ploonets may produce if they transit the star during the phase of evaporation, and compare them with noisy light curves of known objects (Kronian stars and non-periodical dips in dusty light curves). Additionally, the typical transit timing variations (TTV) induced by the interaction of a ploonet with its planet are computed. We find that present and future photometric surveys’ capabilities can detect these effects and distinguish them from those produced by other nearby planetary encounters.
Gamma-rays from reaccelerated particles at supernova remnant shocks
Authors: Cristofari P , Blasi P
Published: July 2019

Diffusive shock acceleration is considered as the main mechanism for particle energization in supernova remnants, as well as in other classes of sources. The existence of some remnants that show a bilateral morphology in the X-rays and gamma-rays suggests that this process occurs with an efficiency that depends upon the inclination angle between the shock normal and the large-scale magnetic field in which the shock propagates. This interpretation is additionally supported by recent particle-in-cell simulations that show how ions are not injected if the shock is more oblique than ∼45°. These shocks provide an excellent test bench for the process of reacceleration at the same shock: non-thermal seed particles that are reached by the shock front are automatically injected and accelerated. This process was recently discussed as a possible reason for some anomalous behaviour of the spectra of secondary cosmic ray nuclei. Here, we discuss how gamma-ray observations of selected supernova remnants can provide us with precious information about this process and lead us to a better assessment of particle diffusive shock reacceleration for other observables in cosmic ray physics.
Genetic epidemiology of colorectal cancer and associated cancers
Authors: Yu Hongyao , Hemminki Kari
Published: July 2019

We review here data on familial risk in colorectal cancer (CRC) generated from the Swedish Family-Cancer Database, the largest resource of its kind in the world. Although the concordant familial risk for CRC (i.e. CRC risk in families of CRC patients) has been reasonably well established, the studies on discordant familial risks (i.e. CRC risk in families with any other cancers) are rare. Because different cancers could be caused by shared genetic susceptibility or shared environment, data of associations of discordant cancers may provide useful information for identifying common risk factors. In analyses between any of 33 discordant cancers relative risks (RRs) for discordant cancers were estimated in families with increasing numbers of probands with CRC; in the reverse analyses, RRs for CRC were estimated in families with increasing numbers of probands with discordant cancers. In separate analyses, hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) families were excluded from the study, based on HNPCC related double primary cancers, to assess the residual familial RRs. We further reviewed familial risks of colon and rectal cancers separately in search for distinct discordant associations. The reviewed data suggested that colon cancer was associated with a higher familial risk for CRC compared to rectal cancer. The previous data had reported associations of CRC with melanoma, thyroid and eye cancers. Nervous system cancer was only associated with colon cancer, and lung cancer only associated with rectal cancer. The reviewed data on discordant association may provide guidance to gene identification and may help genetic counseling.
Global review of whole grain definitions and health claims
Authors: Mathews Rebecca , Chu YiFang
Published: July 2019

Recommendations to increase whole grain consumption are part of dietary guidelines around the world. To assist consumers in meeting this recommendation, some countries, and health-promoting organizations, have defined qualifying criteria for a whole grain food for product labeling or health claims. Other countries have not yet developed similar guidelines. Existing whole grain definitions and health claims are reviewed here. While there appears to be increasing consensus for defining a whole grain, significant disparity exists in defining a whole grain food when a product is not 100% whole grain. Moreover, while whole grain health claims have been approved in a few countries, other countries have concluded there is insufficient evidence to substantiate such claims.
Gender Pay Gap
Authors: Han JooHee , Budig Michelle
Published: July 2019

The “gender pay gap” refers to the average difference in men’s and women’s earnings, and is typically adjusted for hours worked. The gender pay gap can refer to differences in mean or median annual earnings, weekly earnings, or hourly wage. Because women tend to work part-time at higher rates than do men, and because part-time work tends to pay lower hourly wages relative to full-time work, the size of the gender pay gap is affected by whether full- and part-time, full-year or seasonal, and very young and very old workers are included in the estimates. Among full-time, year-round American workers aged sixteen and above in 2017, the gender pay gap (median weekly earnings) was 18.2 percent, meaning that women earned 81.8 cents of every man’s dollar. In the United States, women of color earn less relative to white men than white women do, owing to racial gaps in pay among women; moreover, within-race gender pay gaps are often smaller among racial/ethnic minorities, reflecting the low earnings of minority men. The gender gap has narrowed considerably since the early 20th century, yet disparities in women’s and men’s earnings persist. Moreover, this narrowing has not proceeded in a linear fashion and the gap has occasionally increased. This entry first introduces important literatures on historic and contemporary trends in the gender pay gap and then discusses the various explanations for the persistence of, and changes in, the gap. These explanations highlight the role of occupational gender segregation; the devaluation of female-typed work; gender differences in experience; family structure, care responsibilities, and the gendered impact of parenthood; workplace structures of inequality; glass ceilings and glass escalators. This entry concludes with a discussion of narrowing the gap and what it will take to close the gap.
Social Evaluation: Status and Reputation
Authors: Jensen Michael , Lee Jusang
Published: July 2019

Status and reputation are important forms of social evaluation that affect how individuals, organizations, and other social actors are perceived by their internal and external stakeholders and therefore their access to valuable resources and opportunities. The status of a social actor is defined as the hierarchical position the actor occupies within a social system, whereas reputation is a prediction of future behavior that is based on past behaviors and how the past behaviors met the role expectations to the occupied status position. Status and reputation are thus conceptually distinct but theoretically interdependent forms of social evaluations: meeting status-based role expectations is the inflection point from which positive and negative reputations form depending on the extent to which social actors exceed (positive reputation) or fail to meet (negative reputation) role expectations. Moreover, acquiring a positive or a negative reputation by exceeding or failing to meet the role expectations for a particular status position are important mechanisms to move up or down the status hierarchy. Despite the recent emphasis on the interdependence between status and reputation—see Michael Jensen, Heeyon Kim, and Bo Kyung Kim, “Meeting Expectations: A Role-Theoretic Perspective on Reputation” in The Oxford Handbook of Corporate Reputation, edited by Michael L. Barnett and Timothy G. Pollock, 140–159 (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012)—most theoretical and empirical research on status and reputation focus on either status or reputation, perhaps reflecting the different disciplinary roots of status in sociology and reputation in economics. This bibliography mirrors the different disciplinary roots by first outlining the theoretical foundations of status and reputation in sociology and economics and their migration to management before presenting a selective sample of empirical status and reputation research drawn mainly from management.
Automation
Authors: Raj Manav , Seamans Robert C.
Published: July 2019

Since the first decades of the 20th century, there has been concern that automation, including mechanization, computing, and more recently robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), will take away jobs and damage the labor market. There has also been concern that large, dominant firms will capture whatever value is created by automating technologies. In an effort to understand these issues, a wide variety of scholars have studied automation. Automation has been studied at a number of levels, including country, industry, firm, occupation, and even the occupational-task level, and by a range of disciplines, including economics, innovation, management, organizational theory, sociology, and strategy. This annotated bibliography attempts to include a range of literature that speaks to these different levels and different disciplines. It includes articles that are older, foundational pieces so readers can familiarize themselves with the major work in the area, as well as more recent articles so readers can get a sense of current research interests and opportunities. Notably, much of the recent research is focused on the effects of AI and robotics on workers, firms, and the economy. It is likely that there will be a large increase in research in this space in the coming years, especially as more data on the adoption of these technologies becomes available, and that this research will tell us much more about how these technologies are affecting our economy in the 21st century as well as inform our understanding of automation more generally.
Shotgun Proteomic Analysis Highlights the Roles of Long-Lived mRNAs and De Novo Transcribed mRNAs in Rice Seeds upon Imbibition
Authors: Sano Naoto , Takebayashi Yumiko , To Alexandra , Mhiri Corinne , Rajjou Loï¿½c , Nakagami Hirofumi , Kanekatsu Motoki
Published: July 2019

During seed germination, proteins are translated not only from mRNAs newly transcribed upon imbibition but also from long-lived mRNAs that are synthesized during seed maturation and stored in the mature dry seeds. To clarify the distinct roles of proteins translated from long-lived mRNAs and de novo transcribed mRNAs in germinating rice embryos, proteome analysis based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) combining the use of a transcriptional inhibitor was performed. We observed that α-amanitin significantly represses transcription in germinating embryos; nevertheless, the embryos could germinate, albeit slowly. The proteomic analysis revealed that a total of 109 proteins were translated from long-lived mRNAs associated with germination as well as 222 proteins whose expression were dependent on de novo transcription upon imbibition. Transcriptomic datasets available in public databases demonstrated that mRNAs of the 222 proteins notably increased during germination while those of the 109 proteins highly accumulated in dry embryos and constitutively expressed upon imbibition. Gene Ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis indicated that many of the 109 proteins from long-lived mRNAs are implicated in energy production such as glycolysis or annotated as nucleotide binding proteins, while the 222 proteins are involved in pathways such as pyruvate metabolism and TCA cycle following glycolysis, and momilactones biosynthesis. We propose that long-lived mRNAs support initial energy production and activation of translational machinery upon imbibition whereas de novo transcription accelerates the energy production after glycolysis, which enables rice seeds to germinate vigorously.
An Algorithmic Approach to Treating Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: An Evidenced-Based Approach
Authors: Diwan Sudhir , Sayed Dawood , Deer Timothy R , Salomons Amber , Liang Kevin
Published: July 2019

Objective

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) can lead to compression of the neural and vascular elements and is becoming more common due to degenerative changes that occur because of aging processes. Symptoms may manifest as pain and discomfort that radiates to the lower leg, thigh, and/or buttocks. The traditional treatment algorithm for LSS consists of conservative management (physical therapy, medication, education, exercise), often followed by epidural steroid injections (ESIs), and when nonsurgical treatment has failed, open decompression surgery with or without fusion is considered. In this review, the variables that should be considered during the management of patients with LSS are discussed, and the role of each treatment option to provide optimal care is evaluated.

Results

This review leads to the creation of an evidence-based practical algorithm to aid clinicians in the management of patients with LSS. Special emphasis is directed at minimally invasive surgery, which should be taken into consideration when conservative management and ESI have failed.