bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Thickness and Type of Magnet against EMF Back PMSG 12S8P with FEM
Authors: Liliana  , Aini Zulfatri , Wenda Alex , Putri Tahlil Darmiayu
Published: December 2020

Synchronous Magnet Generator (PMSG) is one of the main components of wind power generation. This generator has excellent low speed applied especially for less strong winds. Electromotive Force (EMF) output is expected to be enhanced for higher PMSG efficiency. This research aims to analyze the influence of thick and magnetic types on EMF Back PMSG 12S8P. Thickness and type of magnets vary to get the highest EMF output. The thickness is variated at a value of 3 mm and 6 mm, while the magnetic material used Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB) and PM12 Br 1.2 Mur 1. Linkage flux value is generated with Finite ElemenMethode (FEM) using Magnet 7,5 Software for each variation. From analyze results and compared to other variations, the highest EMF value obtained from the variation in magnetic thickness 6 mm with material type PM12 Br 1.2 Myrrh 1 with EMF value reaching 21.13122 Volt.
Characteristic of Tourim Solid Waste of Harau Valley, West Sumatra
Authors: Aziz R , Mahmuda  , Ruslinda Y , Dewilda Y
Published: December 2020

Harau Valley Tourism Region is one of the three leading tourist attractions in Lima Puluh Kota Regency. The number of visitors to the Harau Valley Tourism Area has increased every year which will also have an impact on the increase in the amount of waste generated in this region. The Harau Valley tourist area does not yet have solid waste data. Basic data is needed to plan a waste management system in an area. Based on this, research is needed regarding the generation, composition and potential of waste recycling in the Harau Valley Tourism Area. The research method used is direct measurement in the field with reference to SNI 19-3964-1994. Based on the research that has been done, the generation unit is 0.158 kg/cap./day in weight units and 3.053 Lit/cap./day in volume units. The waste composition consisted of food waste (34.29%), paper (8.39%), plastic (16.43%), textiles (1.12%), rubber (0.07%), yard waste (17, 05%), wood (12.74%), glass (3.08%), non-ferrous metals (0.92%) and others (5.91%). Recyclingpotentialforfood and yardwetwaste (77.26%), plastic (70.23%), paper (56.21%), and glass (95.69%) It is recommended to apply composting method for compostable waste, while for other recyclable waste can apply collection, separation, clensing, and packing before selling into near by shanties.
Analysis of Characteristics of Activated Carbon from Cacao (Theobroma cacao) Skin Waste for Supercapasitor Electrodes
Authors: Yetri Y , Mursida  , Dahlan D , Muldarisnur  , Taer E , Febrielviyenti
Published: December 2020

The production of activated carbon from the cacao (Theobroma cacao) skin waste was investigated to be used as a super capacitor electrode. This study was conducted in order to obtain the characteristics of the activated carbon electrodes of cacao skins. Activated carbon electrodes were made by a combination of chemical and physical activation methods. Samples were pre-carbonized at 250°C for 2.5 hours, whereas chemical activation was performed using KOH activators of 0.3M and 0.4M, with physical activation temperatures of 700°C, and the particle size of the activated carbon used is smaller than 38 µm. Then it was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), the CiklicVoltammetric (CV) method, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Hence, the analysis was carried out on the specific dimensions, density and capacitance. It was found that the mass, diameter, thickness, and density of the electrodes have decreased, and the specific capacitance of the electrodes has increased along with the increase in KOH concentration from 0.3 M to 0.4 M. The specific capacitance value at a concentration of 0.3 M was 90.2 F/gr with a density of 0.850gr/cm3 and a concentration of 0.4 M was 140.2 F/gr with a density of 0.802 gr/cm3. The X-ray diffraction curve data showed that the value of Lc and the lattice distance (d002) of C0.4 samples was smaller than the C0.3 sample. From the obtained results, the surface area of the C0.4 sample was greater than the C0.3 sample. It was clear that the chemical activation of 0.4M produces electrodes with better performance than 0.3M.
The influence of Shot Penning on fatigue crack growth rate of Chemical Milling product Al-2524-T3 alloys which has been Stretched
Authors: Yovial  , Jamasri  , Nofendri Yos , Marthiana W , Duskiardi
Published: December 2020

This study aims to investigate the influence of shot penning on fatigue crack growth rate of chemical milling product Al 2524-T3 which have been stretched. This alloys were stretched beyond yield stress, namely 1%, 3% and 5% of each, and then performed chemical milling process of one side. The etching used in chemical milling process were NaOH+Na2S+H2O solutions with certain concentration. The surface was performed shot penning process with varying intensity of 0.03 A, 0.05 A and 0.07 A, respectively. These material were then tested its crack growth rate. The crack growth rate tests were performed under 20% stress level, stress ratio of 0.3 and at frequency 7-13 Hz. The average of crack propagation data against the cycle number were processed using an incremental method, in accordance with ASTM E647 standard, to obtain crack growth rate curve (da/dN vs. ΔK). The results show that the increase of shot penning intensity has no significant effect on the fatigue life, with the growth average of 4,5%. The highest increase occurred at the shot intensity of 0.03 A, 0.2 times its chemical milling, while the lowest decrease occurred at the shot intensity of 0.07A, 0.012 times its chemical milling. The crack retardation effect at the beginning of the crack plays a role in reducing the crack propagation rate.
Mechanical quantum sensing in the search for dark matter
Authors: Carney D , Krnjaic G , Moore D C , Regal C A , Afek G , Bhave S , Brubaker B , Corbitt T , Cripe J , Crisosto N , Geraci A , Ghosh S , Harris J G E , Hook A , Kolb E W , Kunjummen J , Lang R F , Li T , Lin T , Liu Z , Lykken J , Magrini L , Manley J , Matsumoto N , Monte A , Monteiro F , Purdy T , Riedel C J , Singh R , Singh S , Sinha K , Taylor J M , Qin J , Wilson D J , Zhao Y
Published: December 2020

Numerous astrophysical and cosmological observations are best explained by the existence of dark matter, a mass density which interacts only very weakly with visible, baryonic matter. Searching for the extremely weak signals produced by this dark matter strongly motivate the development of new, ultra-sensitive detector technologies. Paradigmatic advances in the control and readout of massive mechanical systems, in both the classical and quantum regimes, have enabled unprecedented levels of sensitivity. In this white paper, we outline recent ideas in the potential use of a range of solid-state mechanical sensing technologies to aid in the search for dark matter in a number of energy scales and with a variety of coupling mechanisms.
New results by low momentum approximation from relativistic quantum mechanics equations and suggestion of experiments
Authors: Wang Huai-Yu
Published: December 2020

A fundamental belief is that the formulism of relativistic quantum mechanics equations (RQMEs) should remain in low momentum motion. However, it is found that some formulas from RQMEs were lost in Schrödinger equation. For example, a free relativistic particle has positive and negative energy branches. The former includes positive kinetic energy (PKE) and the latter negative kinetic energy (NKE). The latter should be treated on an equal footing as the former. Nevertheless, from Schrödinger equation, a free particle can have only PKE. Starting from RQMEs and taking low momentum approximation, we derive NKE Schrödinger equation which is for the cases that free particles have NKE. Thus negative energy branch of RQMEs can be retained in low momentum motion. We point out a fact that whether Schrödinger equation is applicable in a region where a particle’s energy E is less than potential V, E < V, has never been quantitatively verified. In such a region NKE Schrödinger equation should be employed. With the help of NKE Schrödinger equation, the lost formulas are recovered. The so-called difficulty of negative probability of Klein–Gordon equation for free particles is solved. A PKE (NKE) particle can have stationary motion only when it is subject to an attractive (repulsive) potential, which is determined by Virial theorem. Two NKE electrons in a potential can constitute a stable system, a new kind of possible mechanism for electron paring. The whole discussion stems from RQMEs with no any new postulation. Experiments are suggested, which may confirm that there are indeed NKE electrons.
Image processing based automated solution for analysis of dimple fracture surfaces
Authors: Banerjee Siddhartha , Prabhakar Chandesham , Chakraborti Pravash Chandra , Saha Sanjoy Kumar
Published: December 2020

The present work aims to develop an automated solution for analysis of dimple tensile fracture surfaces. An image processing based technique has been proposed to extract the voids from the fractographic images of dimple fracture surfaces and also to analyse the void features. A two-stage process has been developed to extract the closed contour of the voids. At the first stage a global thresholding is followed by a sequence of processing, like thinning and morphological closing. In the second stage refinement process has been carried out on the large voids based on local characteristics. The proposed technique has been applied on the scanning electron fractographs of tensile fracture surfaces obtained by tensile testing of austenitic stainless steel at four different strain rates. It has been found that the size and density of extracted voids bear systematic relationship with tensile properties of the investigated steel. The average circular diameter with yield strength and tensile strength follows linear relationship. The number density of large voids is found to decrease with increase of strain rate and it also decreases with increase of average circular diameter in a linear manner. Similar nature of variation of tensile ductility has been observed both with strain rate and average circular diameter.
Mapping the electrostatic profiles of cellular membranes
Authors: Eisenberg Sharon , Haimov Ehud , Walpole Glenn F. W. , Plumb Jonathan , Kozlov Michael M. , Grinstein Sergio
Published: December 2020

We used genetically encoded fluorescent probes to determine the surface charges of organellar membranes. The inner leaflet of the plasma membrane was found to be the most negative, with a surface potential of approximately –35 mV, followed by the Golgi complex > lysosomes > mitochondria ≈ peroxisomes > the endoplasmic reticulum, in decreasing order.
On biases of attention in scientific discovery
Authors: Singer Uriel , Radinsky Kira , Horvitz Eric
Published: December 2020

How do nuances of scientists’ attention influence what they discover? We pursue an understanding of the influences of patterns of attention on discovery with a case study about confirmations of protein–protein interactions over time. We find that modeling and accounting for attention can help us to recognize and interpret biases in large-scale and widely used databases of confirmed interactions and to better understand missing data and unknowns. Additionally, we present an analysis of how awareness of patterns of attention and use of debiasing techniques can foster earlier discoveries.

Availability and implementation

The data is freely available at https://github.com/urielsinger/PPI-unbias.
Individual Variability in Functional Organization of the Human and Monkey Auditory Cortex
Authors: Ren Jianxun , Xu Ting , Wang Danhong , Li Meiling , Lin Yuanxiang , Schoeppe Franziska , Ramirez Julian S B , Han Ying , Luan Guoming , Li Luming , Liu Hesheng , Ahveninen Jyrki
Published: December 2020

Accumulating evidence shows that auditory cortex (AC) of humans, and other primates, is involved in more complex cognitive processes than feature segregation only, which are shaped by experience-dependent plasticity and thus likely show substantial individual variability. However, thus far, individual variability of ACs has been considered a methodological impediment rather than a phenomenon of theoretical importance. Here, we examined the variability of ACs using intrinsic functional connectivity patterns in humans and macaques. Our results demonstrate that in humans, interindividual variability is greater near the nonprimary than primary ACs, indicating that variability dramatically increases across the processing hierarchy. ACs are also more variable than comparable visual areas and show higher variability in the left than in the right hemisphere, which may be related to the left lateralization of auditory-related functions such as language. Intriguingly, remarkably similar modality differences and lateralization of variability were also observed in macaques. These connectivity-based findings are consistent with a confirmatory task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging analysis. The quantification of variability in auditory function, and the similar findings in both humans and macaques, will have strong implications for understanding the evolution of advanced auditory functions in humans.
CEG 2.0: an updated database of clusters of essential genes including eukaryotic organisms
Authors: Liu Shuo , Wang Shu-Xuan , Liu Wei , Wang Chen , Zhang Fa-Zhan , Ye Yuan-Nong , Wu Candy-S , Zheng Wen-Xin , Rao Nini , Guo Feng-Biao
Published: December 2020

Essential genes are key elements for organisms to maintain their living. Building databases that store essential genes in the form of homologous clusters, rather than storing them as a singleton, can provide more enlightening information such as the general essentiality of homologous genes in multiple organisms. In 2013, the first database to store prokaryotic essential genes in clusters, CEG (Clusters of Essential Genes), was constructed. Afterward, the amount of available data for essential genes increased by a factor >3 since the last revision. Herein, we updated CEG to version 2, including more prokaryotic essential genes (from 16 gene datasets to 29 gene datasets) and newly added eukaryotic essential genes (nine species), specifically the human essential genes of 12 cancer cell lines. For prokaryotes, information associated with drug targets, such as protein structure, ligand–protein interaction, virulence factor and matched drugs, is also provided. Finally, we provided the service of essential gene prediction for both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. We hope our updated database will benefit more researchers in drug targets and evolutionary genomics.

Database URL: http://cefg.uestc.cn/ceg
Predictors of recurrence after durable pulmonary vein isolation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Lycke Michelle , Kyriakopoulou Maria , El Haddad Milad , Wielandts Jean-Yves , Hilfiker Gabriela , Almorad Alexandre , Strisciuglio Teresa , De Pooter Jan , Wolf Michael , Unger Philippe , Vandekerckhove Yves , Tavernier René , de Waroux Jean-Benoît e Polain , Duytschaever Mattias , Knecht Sébastien
Published: December 2020

Aims

Catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) reduces AF recurrence, AF burden, and improves quality of life. Data on clinical and procedural predictors of arrhythmia recurrence are scarce and are flawed by the high rate of pulmonary vein reconnection evidenced during repeat procedures after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). In this study, we identified clinical and procedural predictors for AF recurrence 1 year after CLOSE-guided PVI, as this strategy has been associated with an increased PVI durability.

Methods and results

Patients with paroxysmal AF, who received CLOSE-guided PVI and who participated in a prospective trial in our centre, were included in this study. Uni- and multivariate models were plotted to find clinical and procedural predictors for AF recurrence within 1 year. Three hundred twenty-five patients with a mean age of 63 years (CHA2DS2VASc 1 [1–3], left atrium diameter 41 ± 6 mm) were included. About 60.9% were male individuals. After 1 year, AF recurrence occurred in 10.5% of patients. In a binary logistic regression analysis, the diagnosis-to-ablation time (DAT) was found to be the strongest predictor of AF recurrence (P = 0.011). Diagnosis-to-ablation time ≥1 year was associated with a nearly two-fold increased risk for developing AF recurrence.

Conclusion

The DAT is the most important predictor of arrhythmia recurrence in low-risk patients treated with durable pulmonary vein isolation for paroxysmal AF. Whether reducing the DAT could improve long-term outcomes should be investigated in another trial.
The role of work in gender identity, stress and health in low-income, middle-aged African-American men
Authors: Robinson Dean , Valdez Luis , Scott Lamont , Buchanan David
Published: December 2020

Although progress has been made in reducing disparities in life expectancy, addressing the persistence of health inequities by race remains a high priority for public health professionals. The purpose of this research was to refine a minority stress model (MSM) by identifying previously unrecognized factors contributing to stress and chronic disease health disparities among low-income middle-aged African-American men. Using a Community-Based Participatory Research approach, we conducted semi-structured individual health interviews with 42 low-income middle-aged African-American men in a mid-size New England city. The interviews focused on the participants’ perceptions of the causes of health disparities. Four major themes emerged from the analysis: the positive aspects of work, both financial and symbolic; and the negative repercussions of not working, both financial and symbolic in terms of a sense of self-respect. On an instrumental level, working men can support their family, be physically active and find social support. Symbolically, work provides a positive sense of identity as a man; it offers both social- and self-respect; it provides discipline and a sense of gratitude. Conversely, the lack of work is a significant source of stress, stemming both from the inability to support one’s family and from having nothing to do, which lead to depression, low self-esteem, suicidal ideation and anger. With no perceived viable routes to socially approved roles, many low-income men of color succumb to internalizing a negative identity. This research demonstrates a clear link between structural problems with the US economy and harms to sense of identity among low-income, middle-aged African-American men.
A voice-based annotation system for collaborative computer-aided design
Authors: Plumed Raquel , González-Lluch Carmen , Pérez-López David , Contero Manuel , Camba Jorge D
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we describe a voice-based interaction mechanism to annotate 3D models directly from a computer-aided design (CAD) modeling environment. The audio signal is captured and automatically transcribed to a textual 3D note, which is attached to the geometry and made available to other product information and business processes across the enterprise via a product data management system. Our approach provides a more natural and intuitive method to capture design and engineering knowledge that is particularly effective when large amounts of information need to be communicated. We discuss the rationale of the software architecture and the value of this modality for capturing knowledge in a collaborative engineering context. Finally, we examine the results of an experiment to validate our proposal. Our results show that 3D annotations are an effective mechanism to communicate design knowledge, which suggests the need for further developments in the areas of multimodal interaction methods and interfaces for CAD and collaborative tools.
Onychomycosis caused by the environmental mold Neoscytalidium dimidiatum in Colombia, and in vitro antifungal susceptibility evaluation
Authors: Gil-González Manuela , Gómez-Velásquez Juan C , Loaiza-Díaz Natalia , Florez-Muñoz Sindy V , Hernández-Herrera Gilma N , Mesa-Arango Ana Cecilia
Published: December 2020

Neoscytalidium dimidiatum is a plant pathogen, but can also cause onychomycosis. We compared clinical and epidemiological data of cases of onychomycosis caused by N. dimidiatum and Trichophyton rubrum. We also evaluated the in vitro antifungal susceptibility of N. dimidiatum clinical isolates. It was not possible to establish any statistical differences between groups, except the place of residence and the number of affected nails. The results suggest that onychomycosis caused by N. dimidiatum is clinically similar to that caused by T. rubrum; besides, N. dimidiatum has been shown to have low sensitivity to itraconazole, but high to terbinafine.
Spectroscopic classification, variability, and SED of the Fermi-detected CSS 3C 286: the radio-loudest NLS1 galaxy?
Authors: Yao Su , Komossa S
Published: December 2020

3C 286 is a well-known calibrator source in radio astronomy. It is also one of very few compact steep-spectrum (CSS) sources detected in γ-rays. Here, we perform a detailed spectroscopic and variability analysis and present the first quasi-simultaneous optical to X-ray spectral energy distribution (SED) in order to reveal physical mechanisms that dominate its emission at different wavelengths, and arrive at a reliable optical source classification. The first main result of our study reveals several pitfalls when applying simple broad- or narrow-line Seyfert 1 (BLS1 or NLS1) classification criteria that only look at the [O iii]–Hβ complex. [O iii] and Hβ can be dominated by the same outflow components, in which case full width at half-maximum (Hβ) is no reliable classification criterion, and extinction by intrinsic or intervening material can make the highest velocity Hβ component undetectable. After careful combination of all information from ultraviolet (UV)–optical spectra along with multiwavelength data, we confirm that 3C 286 can be classified as NLS1 galaxy, with line properties and supermassive black hole mass (of order 108 M⊙ and accreting near the Eddington limit) close to the BLS1 regime, making it an important borderline object. The quasi-simultaneous SED taken with Swift shows a sharp rise in the optical–UV, implying the presence of a strong accretion-disc component with extreme UV excess, consistent with emission-line diagnostics. Finally, we report the discovery of X-ray variability of 3C 286, plausibly dominated by jet emission, and variable by at least a factor of ∼4. This result suggests to exercise caution when using 3C 286 as radio calibrator in high-resolution radio very long baseline interferometry observations.
UV and X-ray observations of the neutron star LMXB EXO 0748–676 in its quiescent state
Authors: Parikh A S , Degenaar N , Hernández Santisteban J V , Wijnands R , Psaradaki I , Costantini E , Modiano D , Miller J M
Published: December 2020

The accretion behaviour in low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) at low luminosities, especially at <1034 erg s−1, is not well known. This is an important regime to study to obtain a complete understanding of the accretion process in LMXBs, and to determine if systems that host neutron stars with accretion-heated crusts can be used probe the physics of dense matter (which requires their quiescent thermal emission to be uncontaminated by residual accretion). Here, we examine ultraviolet (UV) and X-ray data obtained when EXO 0748–676, a crust-cooling source, was in quiescence. Our Hubble Space Telescope spectroscopy observations do not detect the far-UV continuum emission, but do reveal one strong emission line, C iv. The line is relatively broad (≳3500 km s−1), which could indicate that it results from an outflow such as a pulsar wind. By studying several epochs of X-ray and near-UV data obtained with XMM–Newton, we find no clear indication that the emission in the two wavebands is connected. Moreover, the luminosity ratio of LX/LUV ≳ 100 is much higher than that observed from neutron star LMXBs that exhibit low-level accretion in quiescence. Taken together, this suggests that the UV and X-ray emission of EXO 0748–676 may have different origins, and that thermal emission from crust-cooling of the neutron star, rather than ongoing low-level accretion, may be dominating the observed quiescent X-ray flux evolution of this LMXB.
Evolutionary modelling of subdwarf B stars using mesa with the predictive mixing and convective pre-mixing schemes
Authors: Ostrowski J , Baran A S , Sanjayan S , Sahoo S K
Published: December 2020

The results of the evolutionary modelling of subdwarf B stars are presented. For the first time, we explore the core and near-core mixing in subdwarf B stars using new algorithms available in the mesa code: the predictive mixing scheme and the convective pre-mixing scheme. We show how both methods handle problems related to the determination of the convective boundary and the discrepancy between the core masses obtained from asteroseismology and evolutionary models, and long-standing problems related to the core-helium-burning phase, such as the splitting of the convective core and the occurrence of breathing pulses. We find that the convective pre-mixing scheme is the preferable algorithm. The masses of the convective core in the case of the predictive mixing and the combined convective and semiconvective regions in the case of the convective pre-mixing scheme are higher than in the models with only the Ledoux criterion, but they are still lower than the seismic-derived values. Both algorithms are promising and alternative methods of studying models of subdwarf B stars.
How robustly can we constrain the low-mass end of the z ∼ 6−7 stellar mass function? The limits of lensing models and stellar population assumptions in the Hubble Frontier Fields
Authors: Furtak Lukas J , Atek Hakim , Lehnert Matthew D , Chevallard Jacopo , Charlot Stéphane
Published: December 2020

We present new measurements of the very low mass end of the galaxy stellar mass function (GSMF) at z ∼ 6−7 computed from a rest-frame ultraviolet selected sample of dropout galaxies. These galaxies lie behind the six Hubble Frontier Field clusters and are all gravitationally magnified. Using deep Spitzer/IRAC and Hubble Space Telescope imaging, we derive stellar masses by fitting galaxy spectral energy distributions and explore the impact of different model assumptions and parameter degeneracies on the resulting GSMF. Our sample probes stellar masses down to $M_{\star }\gt 10^{6}\, \text{M}_{\odot}$ and we find the z ∼ 6−7 GSMF to be best parametrized by a modified Schechter function that allows for a turnover at very low masses. Using a Monte Carlo Markov chain analysis of the GSMF, including accurate treatment of lensing uncertainties, we obtain a relatively steep low-mass end slope $\alpha \simeq -1.96_{-0.08}^{+0.09}$ and a turnover at $\log (M_T/\text{M}_{\odot})\simeq 7.10_{-0.56}^{+0.17}$ with a curvature of $\beta \simeq 1.00_{-0.73}^{+0.87}$ for our minimum assumption model with constant star formation history (SFH) and low dust attenuation, AV ≤ 0.2. We find that the z ∼ 6−7 GSMF, in particular its very low mass end, is significantly affected by the assumed functional form of the star formation history and the degeneracy between stellar mass and dust attenuation. For example, the low-mass end slope ranges from $\alpha \simeq -1.82_{-0.07}^{+0.08}$ for an exponentially rising SFH to $\alpha \simeq -2.34_{-0.10}^{+0.11}$ when allowing AV of up to 3.25. Future observations at longer wavelengths and higher angular resolution with the James Webb Space Telescope are required to break these degeneracies and to robustly constrain the stellar mass of galaxies on the extreme low-mass end of the GSMF.
Circular polarization in radio pulsar PSR B1451−68: coherent mode transitions and intrabeam interference
Authors: Dyks J , Weltevrede P , Ilie C
Published: December 2020

The radio emission of pulsar B1451−68 contains two polarization modes of similar strength, which produce two clear orthogonal polarization angle tracks. When viewed on a Poincaré sphere, the emission is composed of two flux patches that rotate meridionally as a function of pulse longitude and pass through the Stokes V poles, which results in transitions between orthogonal polarization modes (OPMs). Moreover, the ratio of power in the patches is inversed once within the profile window. It is shown that the meridional circularization is caused by a coherent OPM transition (COMT) produced by a varying mode ratio at a fixed quarter-wave phase lag. The COMTs may be ubiquitous and difficult to detect in radio pulsar data, because they can leave no trace in polarized fractions and they are described by equation similar to the rotating vector model. The circularization, which coincides with flux minima at lower frequency, requires that profile components are formed by radiation with an oscillation phase that increases with longitude in steps of 90○ per component. The properties can be understood as an interference pattern involving two pairs of linear orthogonal modes (or two non-orthogonal elliptic waves). The frequency-dependent coherent superposition of coplanar oscillations can produce the minima in the pulse profile, and thereby the illusion of components as separate entities. The orthogonally polarized signal that is left after such negative interference explains the enhancement of polarization degree that is commonly observed in the minima between profile components.
Realistic mock observations of the sizes and stellar mass surface densities of massive galaxies in FIRE-2 zoom-in simulations
Authors: Parsotan T , Cochrane R K , Hayward C C , Anglés-Alcázar D , Feldmann R , Faucher-Giguère C A , Wellons S , Hopkins P F
Published: December 2020

The galaxy size–stellar mass and central surface density–stellar mass relationships are fundamental observational constraints on galaxy formation models. However, inferring the physical size of a galaxy from observed stellar emission is non-trivial due to various observational effects, such as the mass-to-light ratio variations that can be caused by non-uniform stellar ages, metallicities, and dust attenuation. Consequently, forward-modelling light-based sizes from simulations is desirable. In this work, we use the skirt  dust radiative transfer code to generate synthetic observations of massive galaxies ($M_{*}\sim 10^{11}\, \rm {M_{\odot }}$ at z = 2, hosted by haloes of mass $M_{\rm {halo}}\sim 10^{12.5}\, \rm {M_{\odot }}$) from high-resolution cosmological zoom-in simulations that form part of the Feedback In Realistic Environments project. The simulations used in this paper include explicit stellar feedback but no active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback. From each mock observation, we infer the effective radius (Re), as well as the stellar mass surface density within this radius and within $1\, \rm {kpc}$ (Σe and Σ1, respectively). We first investigate how well the intrinsic half-mass radius and stellar mass surface density can be inferred from observables. The majority of predicted sizes and surface densities are within a factor of 2 of the intrinsic values. We then compare our predictions to the observed size–mass relationship and the Σ1−M⋆ and Σe−M⋆ relationships. At z ≳ 2, the simulated massive galaxies are in general agreement with observational scaling relations. At z ≲ 2, they evolve to become too compact but still star forming, in the stellar mass and redshift regime where many of them should be quenched. Our results suggest that some additional source of feedback, such as AGN-driven outflows, is necessary in order to decrease the central densities of the simulated massive galaxies to bring them into agreement with observations at z ≲ 2.
Mass spectrometry-based screening identifies circulating immunoglobulinA–α1-microglobulin complex as potential biomarker in immunoglobulin A nephropathy
Authors: Xu Boyang , Zhu Li , Wang Qingsong , Zhao Yanfeng , Jia Meng , Shi Sufang , Liu Lijun , Lv Jicheng , Lai Wenjia , Ji Jianguo , Zhang Hong
Published: December 2020

Background

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is characterized by predominant IgA deposition in the glomerular mesangium. Previous studies have proved that renal-deposited IgA in IgAN came from circulating IgA1-containing complexes (CICs).

Methods

To explore the composition of CICs in IgAN, we isolated CICs from IgAN patients and healthy controls and then quantitatively analyzed them by mass spectrometry. Meanwhile, the isolated CICs were used to treat human mesangial cells to monitor mesangial cell injury. Using the protein content and injury effects, the key constituent in CICs was identified. Then the circulating levels of identified key constituent–IgA complex were detected in an independent population by an in-house-developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

By comparing the proteins of CICs between IgAN patients and controls, we found that 14 proteins showed significantly different levels. Among them, α1-microglobulin content in CICs was associated with not only in vitro mesangial cell proliferation and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 secretion, but also in vivo estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels and tubulointerstitial lesions in IgAN patients. Moreover, we found α1-microglobulin was prone to bind aberrant glycosylated IgA1. Additionally, elevated circulating IgA-α1-microglobulin complex levels were detected in an independent IgAN population and IgA-α1-microglobulin complex levels were correlated with hypertension, eGFR levels and Oxford T- scores in these IgAN patients.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the IgA-α1-microglobulin complex is an important constituent in CICs and that circulating IgA-α1-microglobulin complex detection might serve as a potential noninvasive biomarker detection method for IgAN.
Going Smokeless: Promotional Features and Reach of US Smokeless Tobacco Direct-Mail Advertising (July 2017–August 2018)
Authors: Czaplicki Lauren , Rahman Basmah , Simpson Randall , Rose Shyanika W , Liu Michael , Perks Siobhan N , Moran Meghan B , Schillo Barbara A
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Although cigarette use in the United States has declined over time, smokeless tobacco (SLT) use has remained steady. Direct-mail advertising and coupon redemption have been linked to increased tobacco use, and efforts to promote SLT through direct-mail advertising may contribute to sustained SLT use. We examined reach of SLT direct-mail advertisements by recipient demographics and promotional features, including coupons.

Methods

Direct-mail data (n = 418) were acquired from Comperemedia (Mintel) and coded for product type (traditional [eg, chewing tobacco], pouched [eg, moist snuff, snus], or both [traditional SLT and any pouched SLT products]); promotions (eg, coupons); flavors; and themes (eg, masculinity). Using Mintel’s volume estimates for number of pieces sent, we calculated the proportion of mail volume sent by recipient demographics (age, income, region) and advertising features across product type.

Results

Between July 2017 and August 2018, tobacco companies sent an estimated 249 million pieces of SLT direct-mail to US households; approximately half (49.6%) featured pouched SLT products. Across product types, over 75% of mail volume was sent to 31- to 60-year-old adults and 30–40% was sent to low-income households. The majority (>70%) of pouched SLT product mail contained coupons and flavor promotions. Outdoor and blue-collar-lifestyle themes were prominent in advertisements for all product types, along with less common adventure- and fun-related appeals.

Conclusions

Coupons, flavors, and a combination of blue-collar and fun/adventure message themes were used to promote traditional and pouched SLT products through direct-mail, particularly to low-income households. Results support limits on direct-mail coupon distribution and continued surveillance of marketing appeals.

Implications

There is a long history of research into tobacco advertising practices, largely focusing on cigarettes. This study highlights specific direct-mail marketing tactics used by the tobacco industry, including coupons to promote SLT products across the United States. Given the limited success in reducing SLT use and the association between direct-mail promotions and tobacco use, these study results provide support for policies to restrict use of coupons in direct-to-consumer tobacco marketing and indicate the need for continued surveillance of direct-mail advertisements as the SLT market continues to evolve.
Industry Payments to Pain Medicine Physicians: An Analysis of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Open Payments Program
Authors: Goel Vasudha , Patwardhan Amol M , Ibrahim Mohab , Yang Yan , Sivanesan Eellan , Banik Ratan K , Shannon Clarence , Shankar Hariharan
Published: December 2020

Objective

To analyze industry payments to pain medicine physicians in the United States.

Design

Retrospective cohort study using publicly available databases.

Subjects

The study includes U.S. pain medicine physicians (PMPs) with reports in the Open Payments program from 2013 to 2018.

Methods

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Open Payments program was analyzed for general, investment, and ownership payments to PMPs reported from 2013 to 2018. The nature, type, and geographic variation of payments were analyzed.

Results

The main findings of the study are as follows: 1) Payments made to PMPs constituted a small proportion of the payments made to all physicians in the United States, and the number of transactions and the total dollar amount seem to have decreased from 2016 to 2018. 2) The median number of payments among physicians with reported payments was around 4 (interquartile range: 18), and the majority of them were under $20. 3) The majority of payments were for in-kind items and services (85%) and were made for food and beverages (91%), travel and lodging (5.5%). 4) Some of the ownership and investment interest payments exceeded $500,000. 5) The top five drugs associated with physician payments included medications with opioids. 6) A very small minority of payments were made for entertainment or gifts. 7) A third of PMPs with reports had payments reported under more than one taxonomy.

Conclusions

Overall payments made to PMPs seem to be decreasing since 2016. The majority of the payments are made for the food, beverage, and travel categories. Public and physician awareness of the Open Payments system reports is essential to promote transparency and to minimize adverse effects of financial relationships on patient care.
Who Died in Captivity? Mortality Among Italian Prisoners During World War One
Authors: Fornasin Alessio
Published: December 2020

During World War One, almost 600,000 Italian soldiers were captured, and about 50,000 of them died. Most prisoners died of malnutrition and associated illnesses. The aim of this article is to study the differential mortality among Italian prisoners. To achieve this goal, the individual-level data of around 3,500 soldiers born between 1884 and 1899 in North-eastern Italy are used. In this article, the explanatory variables considered are: the military corps which the soldiers belonged to; demographic characteristics, such as age; socio-economic factors, such as occupation and literacy; and anthropometric factors, such as height. The analysis shows that the most experienced prisoners were better able to survive captivity and to overcome deficiencies in diet and illnesses. They were individuals who had the skills and the ability to overcome difficulties and to solve problems both during the conflict and in civil life.
Achieving Success in Prelicensure Registered Nursing Programs: An Explanatory Case Study of African American Men
Authors: Patterson LaDonia D.
Published: December 2020

AIM

The aim of this research was to identify factors that facilitated successful completion of a prelicensure registered nursing program for African American men.

BACKGROUND

Successful completion of prelicensure nursing programs by African American men can increase diversity in the nursing profession. Further investigation is needed to understand the factors that can lead to success in completing prelicensure programs.

METHOD

An explanatory, multiple-case study design was used to explore the personal characteristics, perspectives, and life events of African American men who completed prelicensure nursing programs.

RESULTS

The five factors that influenced success were establishing goals, securing financial resources, maintaining family as a support system, meeting academic expectations, and developing a sense of belonging.

CONCLUSION

Recommendations for how nurse educators can implement strategies to promote success for this population of students are discussed.
Quantification of Ankle Dorsiflexion in Ponseti-managed Unilateral Clubfoot Patients During Early Childhood
Authors: Tougas Caroline M. , Ballester Andrew M. , Morgan Rebecca D. , Ebramzadeh Edward , Sangiorgio Sophia N. , Zionts Lewis E.
Published: December 2020

Background:

Following the initial correction of a clubfoot using the Ponseti method, diminished passive ankle dorsiflexion may be observed over time, which could represent a possible relapsed deformity. Alternatively, the change may be attributable to patient age or other variables. Our purpose was to quantify passive ankle dorsiflexion in the involved and contralateral unaffected limbs of Ponseti-managed unilateral clubfoot patients, and to determine what patient-related variables influence this finding.

Methods:

In total, 132 unilateral clubfoot patients were studied. Passive ankle dorsiflexion was measured in both limbs at each visit. Data were excluded from visits in which patients showed clear evidence of a relapse. Mean ankle dorsiflexion for clubfeet and contralateral unaffected limbs were reported for annual age intervals and compared using paired t tests. A general linear model was established to assess the effects of age, severity, sex, and side on ankle dorsiflexion.

Results:

Mean ankle dorsiflexion for unaffected limbs declined with age, measuring 53±6 degrees between 0 and 1 year of age and decreasing to 39±7 degrees by 4 to 5 years of age. Similarly, mean ankle dorsiflexion in treated clubfeet declined with age, measuring 44±7 degrees between 0 and 1 year and 29±7 degrees between 4 and 5 years. Overall, the difference between limbs in these patients averaged ~10 degrees for every age interval through 9 years (P<0.001). Ankle dorsiflexion of clubfeet in 95% of patients aged 0 to 2 years was at least 20 degrees, and in 95% of patients aged 3 to 5 years this was at least 15 degrees. Patient age (P<0.001) and severity of deformity (P<0.001) were found to be the only significant factors affecting ankle dorsiflexion in the affected limbs.

Conclusions:

Ankle dorsiflexion in the Ponseti-treated clubfeet was influenced by age of the patient and the initial severity of the affected limb. Furthermore, our data suggest that, in patients who showed no relapse, a minimum of 20 degrees of ankle dorsiflexion in the corrected clubfoot is maintained through age 3 years and a minimum of 15 degrees is maintained through age 5 years.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV—this is a retrospective case series.
Endogenous Carbon Monoxide Production and Diffusing Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide in Sepsis-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Kuo Yao-Wen , Harris R. Scott , Hess Dean R. , Dieffenbach Paul B. , Choi Augustine M. K. , Fredenburgh Laura E. , Winkler Tilo
Published: December 2020

Low-dose inhaled carbon monoxide is a novel therapeutic under investigation in acute respiratory distress syndrome. The Coburn-Forster-Kane equation is a well-validated model of carbon monoxide uptake that can accurately predict carboxyhemoglobin levels to ensure safe administration of low-dose inhaled carbon monoxide in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Using data from a Phase I trial of low-dose inhaled carbon monoxide, we performed a post hoc analysis to determine if the Coburn-Forster-Kane equation could be used to assess the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide and endogenous carbon monoxide production in patients with sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome. Diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide was substantially reduced and correlated with Pao
2/Fio
2 and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score. Endogenous carbon monoxide production was markedly elevated and was significantly associated with Lung Injury Score in sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome patients. Our data suggest that the Coburn-Forster-Kane equation can be used to estimate diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide and endogenous carbon monoxide production in mechanically ventilated patients. We found that increased endogenous carbon monoxide production and reduced diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide correlate with clinical endpoints associated with outcomes in patients with sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Ambient Pyrethroid Pesticide Exposures in Adult Life and Depression in Older Residents of California’s Central Valley
Authors: Furlong Melissa A. , Paul Kimberly C. , Cockburn Myles , Bronstein Jeff , Keener Adrienne , Rosario Irish Del , Folle Aline Duarte , Ritz Beate
Published: December 2020

Pyrethroid pesticide exposures may be associated with the onset of depression in later life via disruption of dopaminergic, serotonergic, and neurological functioning. We sought to investigate the association between living near agricultural pyrethroid pesticide applications and depression measures in central California, using two waves (PEG 1&2, total N = 1,654) of a case control study of Parkinson’s disease (PD). At enrollment, participants self-reported history of use of depression medications and dates of MD-diagnosed depression and anxiety. Participants also completed a Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form upon enrollment. We used the California Pesticide Use Registry to assign estimated ambient pyrethroid pesticide exposures at participant’s home addresses over the 5 years before the index date (date of outcome, or an age-matched year for participants without the outcome). We used logistic and linear regression to evaluate associations between living near any pyrethroid applications over the 5-year index period and measures of depression and anxiety. We also evaluated modification by study wave and PD status. We observed associations of pyrethroids with depression, depression medications, and anxiety (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] depression = 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14, 2.07; aOR depression medications = 1.68, 95% CI 1.25, 2.25; aOR anxiety = 1.60, 95% CI 1.17, 2.18). However, we observed no associations with mild/moderate depressive symptoms according to the GDS score at enrollment (aOR = 1.04, 95% CI 0.77, 1.42). We did not observe a consistent modification of the pyrethroid-depression associations by study wave and PD status. Ambient pyrethroid pesticide exposures may be associated with measures of depression in later life.