bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Animal Models of Adenomyosis
Authors: Marquardt Ryan M. , Jeong Jae-Wook , Fazleabas Asgerally T.
Published: October 2020

Adenomyosis is a nonmalignant uterine disorder in which endometrial tissue exists within and grows into the myometrium. Animal models have generated limited insight into the still-unclear pathogenesis of adenomyosis, provided a platform for preclinical screening of many drugs and compounds with potential as therapeutics, and elucidated mechanisms underlying the pain and fertility issues that occur in many women with the disease. Spontaneous adenomyosis has been studied in nonhuman primates, primarily in the form of case reports. Adenomyosis is routinely experimentally induced in mice through methods such as neonatal tamoxifen exposure, pituitary engraftment, and human tissue xenotransplantation. Several studies have also reported hormonal or environmental toxicant exposures that give rise to murine adenomyosis, and genetically engineered models have been created that recapitulate the human-like condition, most notably involving alteration of β-catenin expression. This review describes the animal models for adenomyosis and their contributions to our understanding of the factors underpinning the development of symptoms. Animal models represent a unique opportunity for understanding the molecular basis of adenomyosis and developing efficacious treatment options for affected women. Herein, we assess their different potentials and limitations with regard to identification of new therapeutic interventions and reflect on future directions for research and drug validation.
Charge trap layer enabled positive tunable Vfb in
β
-Ga2O3 gate stacks for enhancement mode transistors
Authors: Biswas Dipankar , Joishi Chandan , Biswas Jayeeta , Tiwari Prabhans , Lodha Saurabh
Published: October 2020

β-Ga2O3 based enhancement mode transistor designs are critical for the realization of low loss, high efficiency next generation power devices with rudimentary driving circuits. A large positive flatband voltage (Vfb) of 10.6 V in β-Ga2O3 metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors, with the ability to fine-tune it between 3.5 V and 10.6 V, using a polycrystalline AlN charge trap layer has been demonstrated. This can enable enhancement mode operation over a wide doping range. An excellent Vfb retention of ∼97% for 104 s at 55 °C was exhibited by the gate stacks after charge trapping, hence reducing the requirement of frequent charge injection cycles. In addition, low gate leakage current density (Jg) for high negative gate voltages (Vg ∼−60 V) indicates the potential of this gate stack to enable superior breakdown characteristics in enhancement mode transistors.
Stochastic time-dependent enzyme kinetics: Closed-form solution and transient bimodality
Authors: Holehouse James , Sukys Augustinas , Grima Ramon
Published: October 2020

We derive an approximate closed-form solution to the chemical master equation describing the Michaelis–Menten reaction mechanism of enzyme action. In particular, assuming that the probability of a complex dissociating into an enzyme and substrate is significantly larger than the probability of a product formation event, we obtain expressions for the time-dependent marginal probability distributions of the number of substrate and enzyme molecules. For delta function initial conditions, we show that the substrate distribution is either unimodal at all times or else becomes bimodal at intermediate times. This transient bimodality, which has no deterministic counterpart, manifests when the initial number of substrate molecules is much larger than the total number of enzyme molecules and if the frequency of enzyme–substrate binding events is large enough. Furthermore, we show that our closed-form solution is different from the solution of the chemical master equation reduced by means of the widely used discrete stochastic Michaelis–Menten approximation, where the propensity for substrate decay has a hyperbolic dependence on the number of substrate molecules. The differences arise because the latter does not take into account enzyme number fluctuations, while our approach includes them. We confirm by means of a stochastic simulation of all the elementary reaction steps in the Michaelis–Menten mechanism that our closed-form solution is accurate over a larger region of parameter space than that obtained using the discrete stochastic Michaelis–Menten approximation.
Intrinsic or nucleation-driven switching: An insight from nanoscopic analysis of negative capacitance Hf1−xZrxO2-based structures
Authors: Stolichnov I. , Cavalieri M. , Gastaldi C. , Hoffmann M. , Schroeder U. , Mikolajick T. , Ionescu A. M.
Published: October 2020

HfO2-based ferroelectrics have dramatically changed the application perspectives of polarization-switching materials for information processing and storage. Their CMOS compatibility and preservation of high reversible polarization down to a few nanometer thickness make them attractive for various device concepts including non-volatile memories and negative-capacitance-enhanced steep-slope transistors. In the context of these applications, the long-standing discussion of intrinsic (thermodynamic) or extrinsic nuclei-limited switching (NLS) in ferroelectrics has recently gained importance. In particular, the negative capacitance effect that is formally described by the Landau–Ginzburg–Devonshire formalism implies the intrinsic polarization switching driven by the thermodynamic coercive field. On the other hand, recent studies reported the nucleation-limited extrinsic switching, which does not result in the hysteresis-free negative capacitance effect. Here, we analyze the polarization response in the nanometer scale on the ferroelectric/dielectric bilayer where the negative capacitance has been previously demonstrated. Our analysis of the two limiting cases of quasi-static switching and the earlier reported ultra-fast polarization response supports the intrinsic polarization reversal scenario. The compatibility of this mechanism with the previously reported NLS region-by-region switching with remarkably low domain wall velocity is addressed. Our results confirm the usability of CMOS-compatible polycrystalline HZO ferroelectric films for gates operating in the negative-capacitance regime. Furthermore, they point towards possible solutions for optimizing their switching properties for applications including memories.
Similarity search in electricity prices: An ultra-fast method for finding analogs
Authors: Gontijo Tiago Silveira , Costa Marcelo Azevedo , de Santis Rodrigo Barbosa
Published: October 2020

Accurately predicting electricity prices allows us to minimize risks and establish more reliable decision support mechanisms. In particular, the theory of analogs has gained increasing prominence in this area. The analog approach is constructed from the similarity measurement, using fast search methods in time series. The present paper introduces a rapid method for finding analogs. Specifically, we intend to: (i) simplify the leading algorithms for similarity searching and (ii) present a case study with data from electricity prices in the Nordic market. To do so, Pearson's distance correlation coefficient was rewritten in simplified notation. This new metric was implemented in the main similarity search algorithms, namely: Brute Force, JustInTime, and Mass. Next, the results were compared to the Euclidean distance approach. Pearson's correlation, as an instrument for detecting similarity patterns in time series, has shown promising results. The present study provides innovation in that Pearson's distance correlation notation can reduce the computational time of similarity profiles by an average of 17.5%. It is worth noting that computational time was reduced in both short and long time series. For future research, we suggest testing the impact of other distance measurements, e.g., Cosine correlation distance and Manhattan distances.
Determination of single crystal elastic moduli of KTb3F10 by resonant ultrasound spectroscopy
Authors: Balodhi Ashiwini , Chang Kelvin , Stevens Kevin T. , Chakrapani Sunil K. , Ennaceur Susan M. , Migliori Albert , Zevalkink Alexandra
Published: October 2020

KTb3F10 (KTF) has been developed in recent years as a candidate Faraday rotator material because of its cubic symmetry, high figures of merit, and low absorption coefficient. While considerable efforts have focused on crystal growth and optical properties, investigations of fundamental thermodynamic behavior of KTF have been limited. Here, we report elastic moduli C11, C12, and C44 of single crystalline KTF measured by resonant ultrasound spectroscopy from 280 K up to 300 K and the obtained temperature derivatives of each modulus. We additionally report the single crystal elastic moduli of the rare-earth garnet Y3Al5O12 (YAG), yielding results that agree well with the prior literature. We found C11=135.62 GPa, C12=58.11 GPa, and C44=44.81 GPa for KTF and C11=332.43 GPa, C12=109.58 GPa, and C44=114.81 GPa for YAG at room temperature. The present results have been compared with previous experimental and theoretical results and with common oxide and fluoride optical materials, revealing the relative softness of KTF. The low elastic moduli of KTF are, in turn, responsible for its low thermal conductivity and low Debye frequency compared to other laser host materials.
Translations and original
Authors: Palomo Berjaga Vanessa
Published: October 2020

In 1989 and 1990, Kitty van Leuven-Zwart published two articles on the similarities and dissimilarities between a
translation and its original. My research is based on a classification model which derives primarily from Van Leuven-Zwart’s comparative
method, although I also work with concepts from other authors. The major difference to Van Leuven-Zwart’s research is that the main aim of
the model I propose is not to indicate the differences between a translation and the original, but to detect whether previous translations
have had any influence upon the studied translation. The goal of this article is to demonstrate the effectiveness of the shift approach to
find out the relationship between different translations. I explain and illustrate the classification model by comparing the Catalan
translation of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth by Josep M. de Sagarra (1959) with previous French, Spanish and Catalan translations in order
to ascertain whether these texts had any influence upon Sagarra’s translation.
Gesture and anthropology
Authors: Kendon Adam
Published: October 2020

This essay is a (necessarily selective) historical review of some contributions to the study of gesture (in all its
varieties) from an anthropological perspective. Reasons for an interest in gesture by the authors considered are varied. Some are interested
because it seems a simpler form of communication which might throw light on language emergence, others see it as interesting as a form of
communication in its own right. In the early days of ethnography attempts were made to describe all aspects of “primitive”or “savage” life
and if gestures were noticed an attempt would be made to describe them. Later on, especially as we get into the second half of the twentieth
century, much study of gesture was motivated by the idea that it might serve as a “window” on mental processes, rather than how it works in
communication, but in recent years the role of gesture in communication has once again received more emphasis and its study from an
anthropological viewpoint has, accordingly, again gained in importance.
A new window onto animal culture
Authors: Pika Simone , Deschner Tobias
Published: October 2020

Scientific interest in the diversity of gestural signalling dates back to the figure of Charles Darwin. More than a hundred years later, there is a considerable body of work describing human gestural diversity across languages and cultures. However, the question of communicative culture in our closest living relatives, the nonhuman primates, is relatively unexplored. Here, we will stir new interest into this topic by (i) briefly summarizing the current knowledge of animal culture, and (ii) presenting the current knowledge on gesture cultures, diversity and usage in the most common model for early hominid behaviour, the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes). We will focus particularly on well-established behaviours being customary in some and absent in other chimpanzee communities, and recently discovered social customs that have been suggested to differ in their form, and/or meaning across populations. We also introduce latest findings on chimpanzees’ gestural diversity, providing further evidence for the role social negotiation plays in gestural acquisition. We conclude that the field has been hampered by misconstruing great ape gestures as fixed action patterns, a strong research bias on the perspective of signalers, and a lack of coherent methodology to assess the meaning and context of gestures across sites. We argue for systematic cross-site comparisons by viewing communicative exchanges as negotiations, enabling a unique perspective onto the evolutionary trajectory of culture and communication.
Peer and teacher assessment of second-language writing in high- and low-stakes conditions
Authors: Rezaei Amir , Barkaoui Khaled
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to compare second-language (L2) students’ ratings of their peers’ essays on multiple criteria with those
of their teachers’ under different assessment conditions. Forty EFL teachers and 40 EFL students took part in the study. They each rated one
essay on five criteria twice, under high-stakes and low-stakes assessment conditions. Multifaceted Rasch Analysis and correlation analyses
were conducted to compare rater severity and consistency across rater groups, rating criteria and assessment conditions. The results
revealed that there was more variation in students’ ratings than the teachers’ across assessment conditions. Additionally, both rater groups
had different degrees of severity in assessing different criteria. In general, students were significantly more severe on language use than
were teachers; whereas teachers were significantly more severe than were peers on organization. Student and teacher severity also varied
across rating criteria and assessment conditions. The findings of this study have implications for planning and implementing peer assessment
in the L2 writing classroom as well as for future research.
Narrative as cultural representation
Authors: Minami Masahiko
Published: October 2020

This paper addresses issues related to narrative, cognition, and culture within the framework of foreign- or
second-language (L2) narrative discourse, using a methodology of connecting the story- and language-related qualities of narrative
discourse. The term “coherence” refers to whether or not a text makes sense at a global level, whereas “cohesion” describes the linguistic
relationships among clauses in a narrative, such as how its surface linguistic elements are linked together at a local level. The paper (1)
examines oral narratives, (2) reveals how both coherence and cohesion serve as the twin engines of narrative, and (3) emphasizes the
significance of noting not only the narrative content/structure but also the appropriate use of linguistic devices, to identify
language-specific ways of expressing affective elements in narrative. That is, the paper suggests the importance of developing conceptual
understanding of L2 forms (e.g., grammatical variables) and their stylistic significance.
Setting them up to fail: enforcement of the agribusiness model on land reform projects in South Africa
Authors: Rusenga Clemence
Published: October 2020

Land reform in South Africa aims, among other things, to build ‘the economy by generating large-scale employment, increasing rural incomes and eliminating overcrowding’ (ANC 1994). While there is ‘near-consensus that land reform has been unsuccessful’ (Aliber and Cousins 2013), various factors have been raised as contributing to land reform’s failure to meet its goals. Among the factors negatively affecting livelihoods and income generation is the government’s enforcement of an agribusiness model promoting large-scale production for (export) markets. This article uses a case study to illustrate how the implementation of large-scale, and sometimes capital-intensive, production negatively affects the livelihoods of the beneficiaries. It challenges the perspectives that associate success, or even the viability, of land reform projects with the agribusiness model by demonstrating how difficult it is for the beneficiaries to sustain production autonomously.
Research of nanopore structure of Ga2O3 film in MOCVD for improving the performance of UV photoresponse
Authors: Xing Yanhui , Zhang Yao , Han Jun , Cao Xu , Cui Boyao , Ma Haixin , Zhang Baoshun
Published: October 2020

Using the mechanism of self-reactive etching between Ga and Ga2O3, Ga2O3 nanopore films were fabricated. The self-reactive etching effects based on as-grown and annealed Ga2O3 films by metal organic chemical vapor deposition were compared. It was found that the nanopore film based on as-grown Ga2O3 film has a uniform size, high density and a small diameter. Ultraviolet-visible light reflection spectra and transmission spectra show that the nanopore film could effectively reduce the reflectivity of light and enhance the light absorption. Based on the as-grown Ga2O3 film and its nanopore film, metal-semiconductor-metal structure solar blind ultraviolet photodetectors (PD) were fabricated. Under 5 V bias, the light-dark current ratio of the nanopore film PD is about 2.5 × 102 times that of the film PD, the peak responsivity of the nanopore film PD is about 49 times that of the film PD. The rejection ratio is 4.6 × 103, about 1.15 × 102 times that of the film PD. The nanopore structure effectively increases the surface-volume ratio of film. The photoelectric detection performance and response performance of the nanopore film PD could be significantly enhanced.
Entanglement dynamics of photonic bell states under different noisy channels
Authors: Zhang Qinwei , Liu Xia , Cao Lianzhen , Zhao Jiaqiang , Lu Huaixin , Yang Yang
Published: October 2020

Entanglement and decoherence are two intimately related phenomena that lie at the heart of quantum information. The EPR-Bell states are the most basic quantum systems, which form the complete entangled basis of the two-particle Hilbert space, and which are important in many quantum computation schemes. The bit flip, phase flip, and bit-phase flip noise channels represent all the possible errors in quantum computation. Thus, the quantum decoherence characteristic of maximally and partially Bell entangled states under different noisy channels is studied using the concurrence. Our work is useful for linear-optical quantum computation and quantum communication schemes whose building blocks are entangled state.
Evaluation method for evaluating the surface quality of concave axicons with high reflectivity
Authors: Wei Zhangfan , Yuan Qiao , Zeng Aijun , Huang Huijie , Avakaw Sergey
Published: October 2020

We present a method based on polarization spatial phase-shifting interferometry for evaluating the surface quality of concave axicons with high reflectivity, which is achieved by double reflections of the axicon. In this method, a transmitted test beam of a phase-shifting interferometer is reflected by the reflective axicon, the transmission flat (TF) and the reflective axicon consecutively. The test beam is perpendicularly incident on the TF by the second reflection of the axicon. Then, the surface quality of the axicon can be obtained by the interference of the test beam and the reference beam in the interferometer. The surface quality of the reflective axicons with different cone angles and diameters can be rapidly evaluated in this simple measurement configuration. Experimental results are presented for the metrology of an approximately 164° cone angle sample, which agree well with the results of the profilometer.
Volcanic activity monitoring by unique LIDAR based on a diode laser
Authors: Pershin Sergey M , Sobisevich Alexey L , Grishin Mikhail Ya , Gravirov Valentin V , Zavozin Vladimir A , Kuzminov Valeriy V , Lednev Vasily N , Likhodeev Dmitry V , Makarov Vladislav S , Myasnikov Andrey V , Fedorov Alexander N
Published: October 2020

For the first time, we monitored the Elbrus volcano activity detecting volcanic gases emanating through pores using an unique eye-safe LIDAR system. A highly sensitive eye-safe LIDAR system was developed for monitoring the fracture-emitted aerosol, which is transported by volcanic gases inside a hot tunnel near the Elbrus Mountain. The developed LIDAR is based on a diode laser (transmitter, 910 nm, 3 ns, <1 µJ cm−2) and a single-photon avalanche photodiode (detector). From August to October 2019, within the first months of the LIDAR monitoring, we have detected a two-fold decrease in the fracture-emitted aerosol emanation, while other parameters in the tunnel remained relatively stable (radon concentration, air temperature and humidity changed less than by 1%). A significant correlation between the LIDAR signal of volcanic aerosol and the Earth’s crust deformation measured by the laser strainmeter located nearby was found. Based on our preliminary experiments we consider the new LIDAR system as a sensitive, economical and robust instrument for Earth’s crust deformation and volcanic activity monitoring and eruption precursor observation.
3D Mueller-matrix-based azimuthal invariant tomography of polycrystalline structure within benign and malignant soft-tissue tumours
Authors: Peyvasteh Motahareh , Tryfonyuk Liliya , Ushenko Vladimir , Syvokorovskaya Anastasia-Vira , Dubolazov Alexander , Vanchulyak Oleg , Ushenko Alexander , Ushenko Yuri , Gorsky Mykhailo , Sidor Maxim , Tomka Yuriy , Soltys Iryna , Bykov Alexander , Meglinski Igor
Published: October 2020

We introduce a method of azimuthally invariant 3D Mueller-matrix (MM) layer-by-layer mapping of the phase and amplitude parameters of anisotropy of the partially depolarizing layers of benign (adenoma) and malignant (carcinoma) prostate tumours. The technique is based on the analysis of spatial variations of Mueller matrix invariant (MMI) of histological sections of benign (adenoma) and malignant (carcinoma) tissue samples. The phase dependence of magnitudes of the first-to-fourth order statistical moments is applied to characterize 3D spatial distributions of MMI of linear and circular birefringence and dichroism of prostate tumours. The high order statistical moments and phase sections of the optimal differentiation of the polycrystalline structure of tissue samples are revealed. The obtained results are compared with the results obtained by conventional methods utilizing polarized light, including 2D and 3D Mueller matrix imaging.
Coercivity and microstructure of sintered Nd–Fe–B magnets diffused with Pr–Co, Pr–Al, and Pr–Co–Al alloys*
Authors: Jin Lei , Jin Zhe-Huan , Zhu Jin-Hao , Ding Guang-Fei , Zheng Bo , Guo Shuai , Chen Ren-Jie , Yan A-Ru , Liu Xin-Cai
Published: October 2020

The commercial 42M Nd–Fe–B magnet was treated by grain boundary diffusion (GBD) with Pr70Co30 (PC), Pr70Al30 (PA) and Pr70Co15Al15 (PCA) alloys, respectively. The mechanism of coercivity enhancement in the GBD magnets was investigated. The coercivity was enhanced from 1.63 T to 2.15 T in the PCA GBD magnet, higher than the 1.81 T of the PC GBD magnet and the 2.01 T of the PA GBD magnet. This indicates that the joint addition of Co and Al in the diffusion source can further improve the coercivity. Microstructural investigations show that the coercivity enhancement is mainly attributed to the exchange-decoupling of the GB phases. In the PCA GBD magnet, the wider thin GB phases can be formed and the thin GB phases can still be observed at the diffusion depth of 1500 μm due to the combined action of Co and Al. At the same time, the formation of the Pr-rich shell can also be observed, which is helpful for the coercivity enhancement.
Joint distribution of multiple boundary local times and related first-passage time problems with multiple targets
Authors: Grebenkov Denis S
Published: October 2020

We investigate the statistics of encounters of a diffusing particle with different subsets of the boundary of a confining domain. The encounters with each subset are characterized by the boundary local time on that subset. We extend a recently proposed approach to express the joint probability density of the particle position and of its multiple boundary local times via a multi-dimensional Laplace transform of the conventional propagator satisfying the diffusion equation with mixed Robin boundary conditions. In the particular cases of an interval, a circular annulus and a spherical shell, this representation can be explicitly inverted to access the statistics of two boundary local times. We provide the exact solutions and their probabilistic interpretation for the case of an interval and sketch their derivation for two other cases. We also obtain the distributions of various associated first-passage times and discuss their applications.
Estimating the multi-decadal carbon deficit of burned Amazonian forests
Authors: Silva Camila V J , Aragão Luiz E O C , Young Paul J , Espirito-Santo Fernando , Berenguer Erika , Anderson Liana O , Brasil Izaias , Pontes-Lopes Aline , Ferreira Joice , Withey Kieran , França Filipe , Graça Paulo M L A , Kirsten Leticia , Xaud Haron , Salimon Cleber , Scaranello Marcos A , Castro Bruno , Seixas Marina , Farias Renato , Barlow Jos
Published: October 2020

Wildfires in humid tropical forests have become more common in recent years, increasing the rates of tree mortality in forests that have not co-evolved with fire. Estimating carbon emissions from these wildfires is complex. Current approaches rely on estimates of committed emissions based on static emission factors through time and space, yet these emissions cannot be assigned to specific years, and thus are not comparable with other temporally-explicit emission sources. Moreover, committed emissions are gross estimates, whereas the long-term consequences of wildfires require an understanding of net emissions that accounts for post-fire uptake of CO2. Here, using a 30 year wildfire chronosequence from across the Brazilian Amazon, we calculate net CO2 emissions from Amazon wildfires by developing statistical models comparing post-fire changes in stem mortality, necromass decomposition and vegetation growth with unburned forest plots sampled at the same time. Over the 30 yr time period, gross emissions from combustion during the fire and subsequent tree mortality and decomposition were equivalent to 126.1 Mg CO2 ha−1 of which 73% (92.4 Mg CO2 ha−1) resulted from mortality and decomposition. These emissions were only partially offset by forest growth, with an estimated CO2 uptake of 45.0 Mg ha−1over the same time period. Our analysis allowed us to assign emissions and growth across years, revealing that net annual emissions peak 4 yr after forest fires. At present, Brazil’s National Determined Contribution (NDC) for emissions fails to consider forest fires as a significant source, even though these are likely to make a substantial and long-term impact on the net carbon balance of Amazonia. Considering long-term post-fire necromass decomposition and vegetation regrowth is crucial for improving global carbon budget estimates and national greenhouse gases (GHG) inventories for tropical forest countries.
Synergistic effect of sulfur dioxide and chloride on the corrosion of 3.55 wt% Ni weathering steel
Authors: Fu Gui-Qin , Dong-Liang Li , Jing Ma , Xin-Liang Gao , Miao-Yong Zhu
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we studied the synergistic effect of sulfur dioxide and chloride on the corrosion of weathering steel containing 3.55 wt% Ni. The weight loss and the rusts formed on weathering steel in atmosphere containing chloride, and a mixture of sulfur dioxide and chloride were studied by wet/dry cyclic corrosion tests. The results showed that in a chloride containing atmosphere, the rust presented a bi-layer structure, with a loose outer layer with chloride clustered and a dense inner layer containing goethite. Due to the synergistic effect of sulfur dioxide and chloride, the sample corrosion was accelerated, which changed the rust structure and phase distribution. Goethite formed in the outer rust layer with a shell-like morphology, which limited the volume changes causing crack formation. Chloride passed through the cracks to corrode the substrate and akaganeite formed in the inner rust layer, which eliminated the cation selectivity.
Glycerol mediated solution combustion synthesis of nano magnesia and its application in the adsorptive removal of anionic dyes
Authors: Murthy T P Krishna , Hari Krishna R , Chandraprabha M N , Divyashri G , Vanessa Crasto , Dhanyatha S V , Megha S , Swarnima Patil
Published: October 2020

This study reports solution combustion synthesis of magnesia nanoparticles (nMgO) using magnesium nitrate as oxidiser and glycerol as fuel. Size, morphology, crystal structure and surface properties of synthesised nMgO were analysed by PXRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR and Point of Zero Charge. The XRD pattern of nMgO confirmed prepared samples were single cubic-phase without any impurities. TEM analysis proved nMgO was in nano regime with an average particle diameter of 20–40 nm. FTIR spectra show the presence of characteristic peaks of nMgO and support the XRD results. The prepared nMgO was employed as an adsorbent for the removal of two anionic dyes viz. Indigo Carmine (IC) and Orange G (OG). Furthermore, various adsorption isotherms and kinetic models were performed to understand the kinetics and mechanism of the adsorption process. Experimental results demonstrated that the adsorption equilibrium data fit well to Sips isotherm (R2 > 0.98) and the saturated adsorption capacities of nMgO were found to be 262 mg g−1 for IC and 126 mg g−1 for OG. Adsorption kinetics analysis revealed that the adsorption followed pseudo-first-order model, with both film and pore diffusion governing the rate of adsorption. Excellent adsorption capacity combined with efficient regeneration proved the potential of the prepared nMgO as an adsorbent for the removal of harmful dyes from industrial effluent.
Impact of a multidisciplinary workflow on safety and management of patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Northam Kalynn A , Chen Sheh-Li , Stivers Andrew P , Cicci Jonathan D , Hedrick Tanner L , Rollins-Raval Marian A , Kasthuri Raj S
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a serious complication of heparin administration. Management strategies are complex and include discontinuing heparin products, initiating alternative anticoagulants, interpreting laboratory test results, documenting heparin allergies, and providing patient education. Medication error reports and a retrospective review conducted at an academic medical center revealed an opportunity for a quality improvement initiative and led to the creation of a multidisciplinary workflow for the management of HIT. In a pre-post study, the impact of the multidisciplinary workflow on the safety and management of HIT was evaluated.

Methods

The preimplementation group consisted of adult patients tested for suspected HIT from April 4, 2014, through May 31, 2016; the postimplementation group consisted of adult patients tested from November 1, 2016, through October 31, 2018. The primary outcome was the incidence of heparin product administration while HIT testing was ongoing. The secondary outcome was the rate of appropriate heparin allergy documentation.

Results

The incidence of heparin product administration while HIT testing results were pending was significantly reduced, from 54.2% to 20.0% (P < 0.001), after workflow implementation. The rate of appropriate heparin allergy documentation significantly increased, from 95.0% to 100% (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Implementation of a multidisciplinary workflow for the management of HIT significantly reduced the incidence of heparin administration while testing was ongoing and improved the rate of appropriate heparin allergy documentation.
Economic and workload impact of therapeutic interchange of inhaler medications and nebulizer solutions
Authors: Gonzalez Elizabeth , Glick Jason Alan , Shan Guogen , Talbot Jeffery N
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To examine the financial impact of automatic formulary substitution of nebulization solutions for pressurized metered dose inhalers and dry powder inhalers and the effect of the automatic substitution initiative on respiratory care practitioner (RCP) workload at a community hospital.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted in a 326-bed nonacademic community hospital. Adult patients who received respiratory medications and had an inpatient stay, were admitted for observation, or had an emergency room visit from December 2016 through February 2017 (the control group) or from December 2017 through February 2018 (the study group) were included in the analysis. The primary outcomes were the cost of respiratory medications per hospital stay and the number of RCP visits per hospital stay. The secondary outcome was the cost of wasted doses per hospital stay.

Results

A total of 3,766 patients were included in the study: 2,030 in the study group and 1,736 in the control group. The mean cost of respiratory medications per hospital stay was significantly lower in the study group vs the control group ($13.29 vs $36.48, P < 0.001). The mean number of RCP visits per hospital stay was also statistically lower in the study group vs the control group (11.6 vs 12.9, P = 0.04). The mean cost of wasted doses was significantly lower in study group vs the control group ($0.25 vs $22.91, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Automatic formulary substitution of nebulization solutions for inhaler medications significantly decreased medication costs without increasing the average number of RCP visits per hospital stay.
A fine-scale map of genome-wide recombination in divergent Escherichia coli population
Authors: Kang Yu , Yuan Lina , Shi Xing , Chu Yanan , He Zilong , Jia Xinmiao , Lin Qiang , Ma Qin , Wang Jian , Xiao Jingfa , Hu Songnian , Gao Zhancheng , Chen Fei , Yu Jun
Published: October 2020

Recombination is one of the most important molecular mechanisms of prokaryotic genome evolution, but its exact roles are still in debate. Here we try to infer genome-wide recombination within a species, utilizing a dataset of 149 complete genomes of Escherichia coli from diverse animal hosts and geographic origins, including 45 in-house sequenced with the single-molecular real-time platform. Two major clades identified based on physiological, clinical and ecological characteristics form distinct genetic lineages based on scarcity of interclade gene exchanges. By defining gene-based syntenies for genomic segments within and between the two clades, we build a fine-scale recombination map for this representative global E. coli population. The map suggests extensive within-clade recombination that often breaks physical linkages among individual genes but seldom interrupts the structure of genome organizational frameworks as well as primary metabolic portfolios supported by the framework integrity, possibly due to strong natural selection for both physiological compatibility and ecological fitness. In contrast, the between-clade recombination declines drastically when phylogenetic distance increases to the extent where a 10-fold reduction can be observed, establishing a firm genetic barrier between clades. Our empirical data suggest a critical role for such recombination events in the early stage of speciation where recombination rate is associated with phylogenetic distance in addition to sequence and gene variations. The extensive intraclade recombination binds sister strains into a quasisexual group and optimizes genes or alleles to streamline physiological activities, whereas the sharply declined interclade recombination split the population into clades adaptive to divergent ecological niches.
Does the spatial sorting of dispersal traits affect the phenotype of the non-dispersing stages of the invasive frogXenopus laevisthrough coupling?
Authors: Kruger Natasha , Measey John , Vimercati Giovanni , Herrel Anthony , Secondi Jean
Published: October 2020

In amphibians, spatial sorting progressively enhances the dispersal capacities of dispersing stages in expanding populations but may enhance or limit the performance of the earlier non-dispersing stages. Phenotypic traits of non-dispersing tadpoles and metamorphs can be coupled, through carry-over effects and trade-offs, or decoupled to dispersal traits in adults. We used the globally invasive amphibian, Xenopus laevis, to examine whether spatial sorting of adult phenotypes affects the phenotype of larval stages to metamorphosis in the core and at the periphery of an invasive population in France. We combined common garden laboratory and outdoor experiments to test the effect of parental pond location (core or periphery) on morphology, development and survival to metamorphosis and found no differences between tadpoles. After metamorphosis, the only difference observed in either of the experiments was the larger body size of metamorphs from the periphery, and then only when reared in the laboratory. Differences in metamorph size may indicate that a shift of dispersal traits occur after metamorphosis in X. laevis. Thus, our findings illustrate that decoupled evolution through spatial sorting can lead to changes of X. laevis adult phenotypes that would enhance dispersal without affecting the phenotype of tadpoles before metamorphosis.
On semiparametric modelling, estimation and inference for survival data subject to dependent censoring
Authors: Deresa N W , Van Keilegom I
Published: October 2020

When modelling survival data, it is common to assume that the survival time $T$ is conditionally independent of the censoring time $C$ given a set of covariates. However, there are numerous situations in which this assumption is not realistic. The goal of this paper is therefore to develop a semiparametric normal transformation model which assumes that, after a proper nonparametric monotone transformation, the vector $(T, C)$ follows a linear model, and the vector of errors in this bivariate linear model follows a standard bivariate normal distribution with a possibly nondiagonal covariance matrix. We show that this semiparametric model is identifiable, and propose estimators of the nonparametric transformation, the regression coefficients and the correlation between the error terms. It is shown that the estimators of the model parameters and the transformation are consistent and asymptotically normal. We also assess the finite-sample performance of the proposed method by comparing it with an estimation method under a fully parametric model. Finally, our method is illustrated using data from the AIDS Clinical Trial Group 175 study.
Not All Nitrogen Is Created Equal: Differential Effects of Nitrate and Ammonium Enrichment in Coastal Wetlands
Authors: Bowen Jennifer L , Giblin Anne E , Murphy Anna E , Bulseco Ashley N , Deegan Linda A , Johnson David S , Nelson James A , Mozdzer Thomas J , Sullivan Hillary L
Published: October 2020

Excess reactive nitrogen (N) flows from agricultural, suburban, and urban systems to coasts, where it causes eutrophication. Coastal wetlands take up some of this N, thereby ameliorating the impacts on nearshore waters. Although the consequences of N on coastal wetlands have been extensively studied, the effect of the specific form of N is not often considered. Both oxidized N forms (nitrate, NO3−) and reduced forms (ammonium, NH4+) can relieve nutrient limitation and increase primary production. However, unlike NH4+, NO3− can also be used as an electron acceptor for microbial respiration. We present results demonstrating that, in salt marshes, microbes use NO3− to support organic matter decomposition and primary production is less stimulated than when enriched with reduced N. Understanding how different forms of N mediate the balance between primary production and decomposition is essential for managing coastal wetlands as N enrichment and sea level rise continue to assail our coasts.
Implementation of High-Sensitivity and Point-of-Care Cardiac Troponin Assays into Practice: Some Different Thoughts
Authors: Apple Fred S , Fantz Corinne R , Collinson Paul O ,   the IFCC Committee on Clinical Application of Cardiac Bio-Markers
Published: October 2020

Background

The primary role of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) Committee on Clinical Application of Cardiac Bio-Markers (C-CB) is to provide educational materials about cardiac biomarker use, emphasizing high-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays.

Content

This mini-review, regarding high-sensitivity cardiac and point-of-care troponin assays, addresses 1) new IFCC C-CB/AACC Academy laboratory practice recommendations; 2) new and updated concepts from the Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction; 3) the role of point-of-care assays in practice and research; 4) regulatory challenges concerning point-of-care assays; e) testing in the COVID-19 world.

Implementation of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays makes a difference now and into the future in clinical practice and research. Providing point-of-care high-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays and optimizing studies to allow clearance of these assays by regulatory agencies, in a timely fashion, may provide improved patient management and outcomes.
Bodily Abjection and the Politics of Resistance in Tom Paulin’s Greek Tragedies
Authors: Torrance Isabelle
Published: October 2020

Tom Paulin’s Greek tragedies present extremes of bodily abjection in order to service of a politics of resistance that is tied, in each case, to the political context of the drama’s production. The Riot Act (1984), Seize the Fire (1989), and Medea (2010), share a focus on the degradation of oppressed political groups and feature characters who destabilize the status quo. Yet the impact of disruptive political actions is not ultimately made clear. We are left wondering at the conclusion of each tragedy if the momentous acts of defiance we have witnessed have any power to create systemic change within politically rigged systems. The two 1980s plays are discussed together and form a sequence, with The Riot Act overtly addressing the Northern Irish conflict and Seize the Fire encompassing a broader sweep of oppressive regimes. The politics of discrimination in Medea are illuminated by comparison with similar themes in Paulin’s Love’s Bonfire (2010). Unlike other Northern Irish adaptations of Greek tragedy, Paulin’s dramas, arrested in their political moments, present little hope for the immediate future. Yet in asking us to consider if individual sacrifice is enough to achieve radical change they maintain an open channel for political discourse.
The Immunogenicity of the Influenza, Pneumococcal, and Hepatitis B Vaccines in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treated With Vedolizumab
Authors: Harrington Jill E , Hamilton Rachel E , Ganley-Leal Lisa , Farraye Francis A , Wasan Sharmeel K
Published: October 2020

Background

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an elevated risk for infection which is further increased by immunosuppressive medications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of influenza, PVC13, PPSV23, and hepatitis B vaccines in adults with IBD treated with vedolizumab as compared to those treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents or nonimmunosuppressive therapy.

Methods

In this prospective controlled trial, patients were vaccinated with the influenza, PVC13, PPSV23, and/or hepatitis B vaccines. Participants were grouped based on IBD medication regimen: (1) vedolizumab monotherapy, (2) vedolizumab plus immunomodulator, (3) anti-TNF plus immunomodulator, and (4) no immunosuppressive therapy (control). Vaccine responses were evaluated by comparing pre- and postvaccination titers. Disease activity and adverse events were monitored by the Harvey–Bradshaw Index or Simple Colitis Clinical Activity Index and by standardized phone interviews.

Results

No serious adverse events or significant changes in disease activity were reported. For the influenza vaccine, baseline titers were high in all groups, and no follow-up titers met criteria for adequate response. For the pneumococcal vaccines, all groups showed response to vaccination; there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. For the hepatitis B vaccine, 62.5% of patients receiving vedolizumab and 33.3% receiving anti-TNF therapy achieved a level of response >10 mIU/mL.

Discussion

The inability to observe a response to the influenza vaccine was influenced by high baseline titers. For the hepatitis B vaccine, patients treated with vedolizumab experienced immunogenic response to vaccination that was noninferior to nonimmunosuppressed controls. All studied vaccines were well-tolerated. Vaccination should be encouraged in all adult patients with IBD.
Racial Disparities in Substance Use Treatment Completion Among Older Adults
Authors: Suntai Zainab D , Lee Lewis H , Leeper James D
Published: October 2020

Background and Objectives

Racial disparities in substance use among young adults have been well documented in the substance use literature, but little attention has been paid to older adults. While being an older adult is positively associated with substance use treatment completion, racial disparities in treatment completion have yet to be examined. The purpose of this study was to determine to what extent racial disparities exist in substance use treatment completion among older adults (65 and older).

Research Design and Methods

This cross-sectional study utilized data from the most recent Treatment Episode Data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which documents discharges from a publicly funded substance use treatment program in the United States. A total of 17,942 older adults reported to a substance use treatment program in 2017 and 6,653 met the criteria for the study. Chi-squared tests were used to analyze group differences and a binary logistic regression was used to predict substance use treatment completion.

Results

Results show that Black older adults were 37% less likely to complete a substance use treatment program than Whites (OR = 0.630) while Hispanic older adults were 26% more likely to complete a substance use treatment program than Whites (OR = 1.26).

Discussion and Implications

These results support the findings from similar studies with younger adults and support the theory that racial disparities are prevalent across the life span. Although Hispanics had a higher treatment completion rate than Whites, this is likely a reflection of familismo, where decisions about health treatments is a group process and a steady network of family members are available to provide advice and encouragement. The significant disparity observed between Black and White older adults suggest a need to consider cultural, historical, and systemic factors that affect voluntary termination of substance use treatment among Black older adults.