bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of transparent a-ITZO/Al2O3 coupled an MSIM diode into a photo-sensing switch
Authors: Oh Ha Gun , Lee Tae-Kwon , Kim Myeong-Ho , Kim Jong un , Choi Duck-Kyun
Published: October 2020

We introduce a transparent diode that consists of a coupled junction of amorphous indium tin zinc oxide and Al2O3. In addition, the photo-sensing behavior under visible light was investigated. In the initial dark state, the diode exhibited maximum on current density of 10 A/cm2 and off current density of 10−9 A/cm2–10−10 A/cm2. Because of the extremely low off current level, it exhibited an excellent on/off ratio of 1010–1011. The light sensibility of the diode started from as low as 250 lux, and the off current density increased about three orders of magnitude under the exposure of 3000 lux. Such an off current density increase turned out to be mainly due to the short wavelength (400 nm) visible light, which has enough energy to generate photo-electrons from the valence band or deep level trap site to the conduction band. Meanwhile, a square pulse type dynamic light sensing test resulted in residual current at the dark state. The residual current was electrically removed by applying a forward bias, and the identical light sensing reproducibility was confirmed by repetitive trials.
Heterogeneous parallelization and acceleration of molecular dynamics simulations in GROMACS
Authors: Páll Szilárd , Zhmurov Artem , Bauer Paul , Abraham Mark , Lundborg Magnus , Gray Alan , Hess Berk , Lindahl Erik
Published: October 2020

The introduction of accelerator devices such as graphics processing units (GPUs) has had profound impact on molecular dynamics simulations and has enabled order-of-magnitude performance advances using commodity hardware. To fully reap these benefits, it has been necessary to reformulate some of the most fundamental algorithms, including the Verlet list, pair searching, and cutoffs. Here, we present the heterogeneous parallelization and acceleration design of molecular dynamics implemented in the GROMACS codebase over the last decade. The setup involves a general cluster-based approach to pair lists and non-bonded pair interactions that utilizes both GPU and central processing unit (CPU) single instruction, multiple data acceleration efficiently, including the ability to load-balance tasks between CPUs and GPUs. The algorithm work efficiency is tuned for each type of hardware, and to use accelerators more efficiently, we introduce dual pair lists with rolling pruning updates. Combined with new direct GPU–GPU communication and GPU integration, this enables excellent performance from single GPU simulations through strong scaling across multiple GPUs and efficient multi-node parallelization.
Efficient circuit design for low power energy harvesting
Authors: Harerimana F. , Peng H. , Otobo M. , Luo F. , Gikunda M. N. , Mangum J. M. , LaBella V. P. , Thibado P. M.
Published: October 2020

We present five circuit topologies for low power energy harvesting. The most efficient circuit uses a variable capacitor as the power source, a DC bias voltage to charge the variable capacitor, two transistors for rectification, and two storage capacitors. Varying the capacitance performs work and results in stored charge in the capacitors. We experimentally measure the storage capacitor voltage and current over time. The circuit efficiency nears 50% at a maximum power of 10 nW. Multiple circuit topologies are simulated and yield efficiencies from 15% to 50%.
Data-driven design of glasses with desirable optical properties using statistical regression
Authors: Tokuda Yomei , Fujisawa Misa , Packwood Daniel M. , Kambayashi Mei , Ueda Yoshikatsu
Published: October 2020

In this study, we used a data-driven approach to build models for assisting the design of new glasses with high refractive index and low dispersion. Our models, which are based on multiple linear regression and kernel ridge regression, achieved high accuracy in predicting optical properties of glasses based on their composition alone. Using the predictions of these models as a guide, we fabricated new glasses in our laboratory. In agreement with model predictions, these glasses had promising optical properties. This work therefore demonstrates a successful example of data-driven materials design and can be used as a template for designing glasses or other materials with other desirable properties.
Study of water transport mechanism based on the single straight channel of proton exchange membrane fuel cell
Authors: Yuan Wei , Li Jie , Xia Zhongxian , Chen Shizhong , Zhang Xuyang , Wang Zhan , Sun Hong
Published: October 2020

At normal operating temperatures (below 100 °C), the water in the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is in the form of a mixture of gas and liquid phases. The content of water guarantees that the membrane has good proton conductivity, but it may also block the transmission of the reaction gas to the catalytic reaction sites. Based on the single straight channel of the PEMFC, the water content of the model at various voltages and the water distribution of the different parts are studied. The results indicate that the amount of water in the model generally increases with the reduction in the voltage. When the voltage is set from 1.1 V to 0.7 V, the increase in the amplitude of the water content is higher than 0.7 V–0.4 V, and the water content is highest at 0.5 V. Under each voltage, the largest water content occurs in the gas diffusion layer, the second one occurs in the channel, the third one occurs in the proton exchange membrane, and the water content in the catalyst layer is lowest.
Design of electrically pumped nanolaser with metal–dielectric-metal coaxial ring cavity
Authors: Ho Kuan-Ting , Ding Qian , Schenk Andreas
Published: October 2020

We employ self-consistently coupled opto-electrical simulations to explore the design strategy for a proposed electrically pumped metallic coaxial ring cavity nanolaser. With the optical cavity optimized to the physical size of 1.4(λ/n)3, the lasing ability using two gain medium schemes, bulk InGaAs and InGaAs/InP multiple quantum wells (MQWs), are compared. It is shown that the device with the bulk gain medium lases at 1568 nm, while the gain fails to overcome the optical loss in the case of the MQW gain medium due to its lower modal confinement ratio. Variations in material parameters like carrier mobility and Auger coefficient in the bulk laser or carrier capture time in the MQW laser are found to hardly change the lasing ability, although they do impact lasing threshold and efficiency in the bulk case. To study the possibility of further device down-scaling, the lasing feasibility of a smaller cavity with a size of 0.23(λ/n)3 is investigated. We demonstrate that neither including the Purcell effect nor using a metallic substrate for better mode confinement improves the lasing behavior.
Theoretically optimized hybrid magnetic nanoparticle concentrations for functional gradient nanocomposites
Authors: Liang Deshan , Cui Xiao , Ma Xingqiao , Shi Xiaoming , Wang Jing , Jafri Hasnain Mehdi , Wang Junsheng , Wang Zhengzhi , Huang Houbing
Published: October 2020

Magnetically actuated functional gradient nanocomposites have widely been used for ultra-durable biomimetic interfaces and surfaces. However, the mechanical and thermal mismatches in integrated systems containing dissimilar materials or structures usually cause failures. By modulating the concentration of magnetic particles, a suitable mechanical gradient morphology can be generated to match different integrated systems. In this work, a new model is developed to describe magnetic particle motion under the magnetic field. Hybrid nano-reinforcements with two different magnetic particle sizes and concentrations were employed to optimize the magnetic particle concentration gradient. It was observed that the diversification of concentration distribution can be achieved by tuning the sizes and concentrations of nanoparticles. The present study, therefore, contributes toward the understanding of the transport mechanism of magnetic-field-actuated functional gradient nanocomposites and provides guidance for experiments to design ultra-durable biomimetic interfaces and surfaces.
Molecular beam epitaxy of antiferromagnetic (MnBi2Te4)(Bi2Te3) thin films on BaF2 (111)
Authors: Kagerer P. , Fornari C. I. , Buchberger S. , Morelhão S. L. , Vidal R. C. , Tcakaev A. , Zabolotnyy V. , Weschke E. , Hinkov V. , Kamp M. , Büchner B. , Isaeva A. , Bentmann H. , Reinert F.
Published: October 2020

The layered van der Waals compounds (MnBi2Te4)(Bi2Te3) were recently established as the first intrinsic magnetic topological insulators. We report a study on the epitaxial growth of (MnBi2Te4)m(Bi2Te3)n films based on the co-deposition of MnTe and Bi2Te3 on BaF2 (111) substrates. X-ray diffraction and scanning transmission electron microscopy evidence the formation of multilayers of stacked MnBi2Te4 septuple layers and Bi2Te3 quintuple layers with a predominance of MnBi2Te4. The elemental composition and morphology of the films is further characterized by x-ray photoemission spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. X-ray magnetic circular and linear dichroism spectra are comparable to those obtained for MnBi2Te4 single crystals and confirm antiferromagnetic order in the films.
Atmospheric rivers in the Australia–Asian region under current and future climate in CMIP5 models
Authors: Xu Ying , Zhang Huqiang , Liu Yanju , Han Zhenyu , Zhou Botao
Published: October 2020

Atmospheric rivers (ARs), as long and narrow bands of strong water vapour transport in the lower troposphere, have drawn increasing scientific attention in recent years. Results from a collaborative project between the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and China Meteorological Administration have shown some unique AR characteristics embedded within the Australia–Asian monsoon based on observational analyses. As part of the project, this study focused on assessing the skill of global climate models for simulating ARs in the region under current climate and their projected changes due to global warming. Daily data from 17 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) models in their historical and Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5 simulations were analysed for the periods of 1981–2005 and 2081–2100 respectively. Compared with results derived from European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts ERA-interim reanalysis data, these model ensemble results showed significant seasonal variations of horizontal water vapour transport as observed, but their magnitudes measured by vertically integrated water vapour transport (IVT) were weaker, particularly for the East Asian summer monsoon. Using an objective AR detection algorithm based on 85th percentile IVT magnitude and its geometry, we showed that multi-model-ensemble (MME) averaged AR occurrence agreed well with the results derived from the reanalysis for their spatial distributions and seasonal variations. Under the RCP8.5 global warming scenario, the model ensembles, overall, showed an enhanced water vapour transport, primarily due to increased atmospheric humidity associated with a warmed atmosphere. Consequently, they simulated increased AR frequency and bigger AR size in most of the region, particularly over north and northeast China and southern Australia. However, the MME results showed a reduced AR frequency and size in July/August in southern and eastern part of China and its adjacent waters. We attributed these results to the response of the Western North Pacific Subtropical High (WNPSH) to global warming. Our analysis showed that westward expansion of WNPSH lead to the shift of ARs more inland in East Asia. In this case, eastern China was directly under the control of WNPSH, which did not favour AR development and penetration into the region. Our analyses of ARs in the A–A monsoon system offers new insight in understanding potential climate changes in the monsoon region under warmed climate.
Exploring processing patterns of Chinese-English sight translation
Authors: Su Wenchao , Li Defeng
Published: October 2020

The exploration of processing patterns is a major topic within the behavioural-cognitive approach to translation and
interpreting studies, but existing studies have mainly focused on processing patterns in written translation while largely overlooking other
important modes of interlingual transfer, for example sight translation. To fill this gap, the present study investigated processing
patterns in rehearsed sight translation from English into Chinese (L1) and vice versa (L2) using eye-tracking technology and examined how
translation directions influenced processing patterns in sight translation. It was found that (1) translation students spent more time but
invested less cognitive effort in reading the source text in the preparatory reading than the actual sight translation; (2) the coordination
time between comprehension and production in sight translation was similar to that with simultaneous interpreting; (3) the processing
patterns in each translation direction also showed distinctive differences in both preparatory reading and reading-speech coordination. This
was the first study to investigate processing patterns in sight translation that involved two linguistically distinct languages, i.e.,
English and Chinese, in both L1 and L2 translation and it is hoped that the findings will generate further research along this line.
Breath research in times of a global pandemic and beyond: the game changer
Authors: Pleil Joachim D , Beauchamp Jonathan D , Dweik Raed A , Risby Terence H
Published: October 2020

In contrast to blood and urine samples, breath is invisible and ubiquitous in the environment. Different precautions are now necessary beyond the usual ‘Universal Precautions’. In the era of COVID-19, breath (especially the aerosol fraction) can no longer be considered as harmless in the clinic or laboratory. As Journal of Breath Research is a primary resource for breath-related research, we (the editors) are presently developing safety guidance applicable to
all breath research
, not just for those projects that involve known COVID-19 infected subjects. We are starting this process by implementing requirements on reporting safety precautions in research papers and notes. This editorial announces that authors of all new submissions to JBR henceforth must state clearly the procedures undertaken for assuring laboratory and clinical safety, much like the existing requirements for disclosing Ethics Committee or Institutional Review Board protocols for studies on human subjects. In the following, we additionally make some recommendations based on best practices drawn from our experience and input from the JBR Editorial Board.
Comparative multiscale investigations of material removal behaviors of SiCp/5083Al, SiC ceramic and 5083Al alloy by single scratch tests
Authors: Zhao Xu , Gong Yadong , Cai Ming , Han Bing
Published: October 2020

To gain a deep insight into the material removal mechanism of high volume fraction SiCp/Al during a grinding process, comparative multiscale investigations of material removal behaviors of 50 vol% SiCp/5083Al, bulk SiC and bulk 5083Al are presented by single scratch tests. Scratch mechanical properties including scratch force, friction coefficient and AE signal, as well as cross-sectional profile including residual scratch depth and material removal ratio are introduced to measure material removal behaviors at macroscale and mesoscope. Moreover, surface morphology of scratch grooves with help of SEM micrographs and explanatory model of material removal mechanisms are used to understand material removal evolution at microscale. It has demonstrated that at macroscale and mesoscope material removal behaviors of SiCp/5083Al are similar to that for 5083Al, but different from that for SiC, at microscale essentially different from that for 5083Al and SiC. Normal force (scratch depth) has significant influence on material removal behaviors, a sufficiently low scratch depth could achieve ductile removal of particles SiC resulting in a comparatively good surface for SiCp/5083Al, otherwise, the reverse. The work findings provide a critical insight of the material removal mechanism for SiCp/Al by considering coupling effects of particles SiC and matrix Al, and critical information for improving grinding quality.
Low-Cost magnetic adsorbent for efficient Cu(II) removal from water
Authors: Zhang Li-Ting , Guo Jiao , Li Meng , Tshinkobo Orphe Bukasa , Wang Chao , Xue Chang-Guo , Liu Yin , Li Jian-Jun
Published: October 2020

Selective adsorption using magnetic adsorbent is supposed as one of the most effective methods for heavy metal removal from water for the advantage of efficient solid-liquid separation. However, the application of this technique is hindered by the high cost, unfavorable environmental effects of the chemical synthesis of magnetic adsorbents. In this study, the industrial waste coal-fly-ash magnetic sphere (CMS) were carefully processed to prepare cheap and green magnetic core material. Then, a composite bioadsorbent using CMS as core and chitosan (CS) as the shell (CMS@CS for short) was fabricated via an extrusion-dripping method. Structural investigations indicate that the obtained CMS@CS samples are hollow microsphere with a solid wall or porous solid microsphere depending on the preparation conditions. CMS particles are evenly distributed in both microspheres. The porous sample has an 81.49 m2 g−1 special surface area, 96 times larger than the hollow. The highest Cu(II) adsorption of the porous sample is measured as 22.41 mg g−1, 3.6 times larger than that of the hollow. The Cu(II) adsorption of the CMS@CS samples is closely related to the internal structure, surface chemical modification, and solution pH. The adsorption mechanism could be explained by a two-step procedure model. The CMS@CS adsorbents have an average magnetism of 10.07 emu g−1, thus could be magnetically separated efficiently. The density of CMS@CS is tested as 1.45–1.65 g cm−3. A similar density with water would improve its suspend ability in the water. The used CMS@CS adsorbent could be recycled several times after appropriate treatment.
A novel approach to improve corrosion resistance of Mg alloy by co-extrusion
Authors: Feng Bo , Yan Changjian , Feng Xiaowei , Wang Juan , Zheng Kaihong
Published: October 2020

In this study, Mg/Al composite rod with a thin 6082 aluminum alloy coated AZ31 magnesium alloy was successfully prepared by co-extrusion. Microstructure and texture of the extruded Mg/Al rod were systemically studied. A comparative study about electrochemical behavior of the Mg core and the Al sleeve was also addressed. Our results show that, co-extrusion can greatly refine grains of Mg alloy, but does not change the texture component. The 6082 sleeve exhibits a much better corrosion resistance than the AZ31 core. This study provided a novel approach to improve corrosion resistance of Mg alloy. The Al sleeve served as a barrier to protect the Mg alloy from corrosion.
On the failure modes and maximum stretch of circular dielectric elastomer actuators
Authors: Li Zezhou , Tian Aifen , Zhang Dongsheng , Wang Yuzhe , Lau Henry Y K
Published: October 2020

Dielectric elastomer actuators have been widely studied theoretically and experimentally thanks to its superior attributes such as large deformation. The actuator failure has long been an issue placing barriers to large deformation in practical applications. In this paper, we investigate the various failure modes and the maximum stretch of the circular dielectric elastomer actuator. An analytical model depicting the actuation mechanism of the dielectric elastomer actuator is proposed to help analyze the failure onset. Several types of normally observed failure modes, i.e. electromechanical instability, loss of tension, and electrical breakdown, are analyzed theoretically based on the proposed model. A 3D figure that interprets the relationship of the corresponding factors and the possible failure modes are proposed as well, by which we could know the possible failure onset, as well as the associated maximum stretch under specific conditions. Experiments are carried out and the results are in accordance with the prediction by the proposed 3D figure.
A novel image analysis algorithm reveals that media conditioned with chitosan and platelet-rich plasma biomaterial dose dependently increases fibroblast migration in a scratch assay
Authors: Ahunon Laura , Milano Fiona , Chevrier Anik , Lavertu Marc
Published: October 2020

Chitosan (CS) and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) both display interesting properties for wound healing applications. A hybrid CS-PRP biomaterial was previously developped, consisting of a freeze dried CS formulation solubilized in PRP that promotes tissue repair and regeneration. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the ability of the CS-PRP biomaterial to stimulate cell migration in vitro. Scratch assays revealed that CS-PRP significantly stimulates the migration rate of cells compared to cells in culture medium but not differently than PRP alone. The increase in the migration rate is dose-dependent at low dose and reaches a plateau corresponding with maximum cell motility. Cell migration rate as a function of the number of platelets that have degranulated in culture medium (to which total concentration of growth factors contributing to cell response is proportionnal), follows a modified Hill model. To analyze photographs taken during the assay and follow cell migration, an open source image analysis algorithm was developed: SAMScratch (Systematic Area Measurement of Scratch - available here: https://github.com/Biomaterials-and-Cartilage-Laboratory/SAM-Scratch). Compared with other existing analysis tools, the algorithm is precise in the determination of the scratch area and performs equally well with usual and challenging images. This study resulted in the creation of a freely available application for scratch assay analysis and provided evidence that CS-PRP implants hold promise for treatment of wounds.
Quantum algorithm for the nonlinear dimensionality reduction with arbitrary kernel
Authors: Li YaoChong , Zhou Ri-Gui , Xu RuiQing , Hu WenWen , Fan Ping
Published: October 2020

Dimensionality reduction (DR) techniques play an extremely critical role in the data mining and pattern recognition field. However, most DR approaches involve large-scale matrix computations, which cause too high running complexity to implement in the big data scenario efficiently. The recent developments in quantum information processing provide a novel path to alleviate this problem, where a potential quantum acceleration can be obtained comparing with the classical counterpart. Nevertheless, existing proposals for quantum DR methods faced the common dilemma of the nonlinear generalization owing to the intrinsic linear limitation of quantum computation. In this paper, an architecture to simulate the arbitrary nonlinear kernels on a universal quantum computer is illustrated and further propose the quantum kernel principal component analysis (QKPCA) algorithm. The key idea is employing the truncated Taylor expansion to approximate the arbitrary nonlinear kernel within the fixed error and then constructing the corresponding Hamiltonian simulation for the quantum phase estimation algorithm. It is demonstrated theoretically that the QKPCA is qualified for the nonlinear DR task while the exponential speedup is also maintained. In addition, this research has the potential ability to develop other quantum DR approaches and existing linear quantum machine learning models.
Covalent anchoring of atomically precise glutathione-protected gold nanoclusters on graphene oxide nanosheets
Authors: Bertorelle Franck , Basu Srestha , Fakhouri Hussein , Perić Bakulić Martina , Mignon Pierre , Russier-Antoine Isabelle , Brevet Pierre-François , Thomas Sabu , Kalarikkal Nandakumar , Antoine Rodolphe
Published: October 2020

This paper describes the development of a novel method of producing nanocomposites consisting of gold nanoclusters anchored on graphene oxide nanosheets in a cost-effective and reproducible manner. The novelty of the technique hinges on the covalent functionalization of atomically precise subnanometer gold clusters protected by glutathione (Au15SG13 and Au25SG18) on to graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets according to the 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride crosslinking method, using the existing carboxylic groups present both at the surfaces of the nanoclusters and the GO nanosheets. The atomic precision of glutathione-protected gold nanoclusters was evidenced by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The formed hybrid nanocomposites were characterized by TEM measurements and exhibit nonlinear optical properties characteristic of GO, in particular a strong second harmonic scattering response as well as a multi-photon excited fluorescence spectrum characterized by a broad band in the visible range between 350 and 700 nm. Atomically precise nanoclusters covalently linked to GO nanosheets are therefore promising for new applications in the areas of optoelectronics and photovoltaics.
Warfarin dose adjustment required after cannabidiol initiation and titration
Authors: Cortopassi Josh
Published: October 2020

Purpose

A case of a possible interaction between cannabidiol and warfarin is presented along with a brief overview of cytochrome enzymes involved in these drugs’ metabolism.

A 46-year-old male taking warfarin for treatment of a deep venous thrombosis was initiated on a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved cannabidiol product (Epidiolex, Greenwich Biosciences) for intractable epilepsy. The patient’s International Normalized Ratio (INR) was monitored closely during cannabidiol initiation and dose titration. The patient required a nearly 20% warfarin dose reduction to maintain an INR within the goal range after starting therapy with cannabidiol. There is 1 other case report describing a clinically significant interaction between cannabidiol (specifically Epidiolex) and warfarin in a patient receiving warfarin who was enrolled in a study involving the initiation and titration of cannabidiol; that patient developed a supratherapeutic INR of 6.86 and required a 30% reduction in the weekly warfarin dose to reachieve the goal INR.

Conclusion

A previously published report suggesting an interaction between cannabidiol and warfarin is supported by this case report. INR should be monitored frequently in patients taking warfarin who begin to take FDA-approved cannabidiol. Additional studies should be performed to clarify the interaction potential of cannabidiol and warfarin.
Pressure–volume loop validation of TAPSE/PASP for right ventricular arterial coupling in heart failure with pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Schmeisser Alexander , Rauwolf Thomas , Groscheck Thomas , Kropf Siegfried , Luani Blerim , Tanev Ivan , Hansen Michael , Meißler Saskia , Steendijk Paul , Braun-Dullaeus Ruediger C
Published: October 2020

Aims

The aim of this study was to validate the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion/systolic pulmonary artery (PA) pressure (TAPSE/PASP) ratio with the invasive pressure–volume (PV) loop-derived end-systolic right ventricular (RV) elastance/PA elastance (Ees/Ea) ratio in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFREF) and secondary pulmonary hypertension (PH).

Methods and results

The relationship of TAPSE and TAPSE/PASP with RV-PV loop (single-beat)-derived contractility Ees, afterload Ea, and Ees/Ea was assessed in 110 patients with HFREF with and without secondary PH. The results were compared with other surrogate parameters such as the fractional area change/PASP ratio. The association of the surrogates with all-cause mortality was evaluated. In patients with PH (n = 74, 67%), TAPSE significantly correlated with Ees (r = 0.356), inverse with Ea (r = −0.514) but was most closely associated with Ees/Ea (r = 0.77). Placing TAPSE in a ratio with PASP slightly reduced the relationship to Ees/Ea (r = 0.71) but was more closely related to the parameters of PA vascular load, diastolic RV function, and RV energetics. The area under the curve of TAPSE/PASP and TAPSE for discriminating overall survival in receiver operating characteristic analysis was not different (P = 0.78. Prognostic relevant cut-offs were 17 mm for TAPSE and 0.38 mm/mmHg for TAPSE/PASP. Both parameters in multivariate cox regression remained independently prognostically relevant.

Conclusion

TAPSE is an easily and reliably obtainable and valid surrogate parameter for RV–PA coupling in PH due to HFREF. Putting TAPSE into a ratio with PASP did not further improve the coupling information or prognostic assessment.

Trial Identifier

DRKS—German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00011133; https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00011133).
Impact of COVID-19 on cardiac procedure activity in England and associated 30-day mortality
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed O , Banerjee Amitava , Clarke Sarah , de Belder Mark , Patwala Ashish , Goodwin Andrew T , Kwok Chun Shing , Rashid Muhammad , Gale Chris P , Curzen Nick , Mamas Mamas A
Published: October 2020

Aims

Limited data exist on the impact of COVID-19 on national changes in cardiac procedure activity, including patient characteristics and clinical outcomes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods and results

All major cardiac procedures (n = 374 899) performed between 1 January and 31 May for the years 2018, 2019, and 2020 were analysed, stratified by procedure type and time-period (pre-COVID: January–May 2018 and 2019 and January–February 2020 and COVID: March–May 2020). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine the odds ratio (OR) of 30-day mortality for procedures performed in the COVID period. Overall, there was a deficit of 45 501 procedures during the COVID period compared to the monthly averages (March–May) in 2018–2019. Cardiac catheterization and device implantations were the most affected in terms of numbers (n = 19 637 and n = 10 453), whereas surgical procedures such as mitral valve replacement, other valve replacement/repair, atrioseptal defect/ventriculoseptal defect repair, and coronary artery bypass grafting were the most affected as a relative percentage difference (Δ) to previous years’ averages. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement was the least affected (Δ −10.6%). No difference in 30-day mortality was observed between pre-COVID and COVID time-periods for all cardiac procedures except cardiac catheterization [OR 1.25 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–1.47, P = 0.006] and cardiac device implantation (OR 1.35 95% CI 1.15–1.58, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Cardiac procedural activity has significantly declined across England during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a deficit in excess of 45 000 procedures, without an increase in risk of mortality for most cardiac procedures performed during the pandemic. Major restructuring of cardiac services is necessary to deal with this deficit, which would inevitably impact long-term morbidity and mortality.
Acute, Post-acute, and Primary Care Utilization in a Home-Based Primary Care Program During COVID-19
Authors: Abrashkin Karen A , Zhang Jenny , Poku Asantewaa
Published: October 2020

Background and Objectives

Older adults with multiple comorbidities experience high rates of hospitalization and poor outcomes from Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Changes in care utilization by persons in advanced illness management (AIM) programs during the COVID-19 pandemic are not well known. The purpose of this study was to describe changes in care utilization by homebound AIM patients in an epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic before and during the pandemic.

Research Design and Methods

Descriptive statistics and tests of differences were used to compare care utilization rates, including emergency department (ED) and inpatient admissions, acute and subacute rehabilitation, and AIM program utilization during the pandemic with rates 1 year prior.

Results

Acute and post-acute utilization for enrollees (n = 1,468) decreased March–May 2020 compared to 1 year prior (n = 1,452), while utilization of AIM program resources remained high. Comparing 2019 and 2020, ED visits/1,000 enrollees were 109 versus 44 (p < .001), inpatient admissions 213 versus 113 (p < .001), and rehabilitation facility admissions 56 versus 31 (p = .014); AIM program home visits were 1,935 versus 276 (p < .001), remote visits (telehealth/telephonic) 0 versus 1,079 (p < .001), and all other phone touches 3,032 versus 5,062 (p < .001). Home hospice admissions/1,000 increased: 16–31 (p = .011).

Discussion and Implications

Our results demonstrate decreased acute and post-acute utilization, while maintaining high levels of connectedness to the AIM program, among a cohort of homebound older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with 1 year prior. While further study is needed, our results suggest that AIM programs can provide support to this population in the home setting during a pandemic.
Equality in Immigration Law: An Impossible Quest?
Authors: Farcy Jean-Baptiste
Published: October 2020

The aim of this article is to discuss why the principle of equality and non-discrimination, although foundational to international human rights law, remains an unfulfilled promise in the context of immigration. Nationality is now widely considered as a suspect ground of discrimination, yet contemporary immigration and citizenship laws increasingly use meritocratic criteria to distinguish among migrants. Although framed in universal terms, these criteria create differences of treatment among migrants based on their income, level of education and economic worth. However, from a legal perspective such differences of treatment rarely amount to prohibited discrimination. Looking at the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, this article argues that the normative content of the equality and non-discrimination principle fails to challenge such differences of treatment. Moreover, the proportionality test is used as a judicial restraint mechanism which prevents the effective enforcement of the equality requirement by international and domestic courts in the context of immigration.
Generalizedq-Painlevé VI Systems of Type (A2n+1+A1+A1)(1) Arising From Cluster Algebra
Authors: Okubo Naoto , Suzuki Takao
Published: October 2020

In this article we formulate a group of birational transformations that is isomorphic to an extended affine Weyl group of type $(A_{2n+1}+A_1+A_1)^{(1)}$ with the aid of mutations and permutations of vertices to a mutation-periodic quiver on a torus. This group provides a class of higher order generalizations of Jimbo–Sakai’s $q$-Painlevé VI equation as translations on a root lattice. Then the known three systems are obtained again: the $q$-Garnier system, a similarity reduction of the lattice $q$-UC hierarchy, and a similarity reduction of the $q$-Drinfeld–Sokolov hierarchy.
Sharp Resolvent Estimates on Non-positively Curved Asymptotically Hyperbolic Manifolds
Authors: Wang Yiran
Published: October 2020

We study the high energy estimate for the resolvent $R(\lambda )$ of the Laplacian on non-trapping asymptotically hyperbolic manifolds (AHMs). In the literature, estimates of $R(\lambda )$ on weighted Sobolev spaces of the order $O(|\lambda |^{N})$ were established for some $N> -1$, $|\lambda |$ large, and $\lambda \in{{\mathbb{C}}}$ in strips where $R(\lambda )$ is holomorphic. In this work, we prove the optimal bound $O(|\lambda |^{-1})$ under the non-positive sectional curvature assumption by taking into account the oscillatory behavior of the Schwartz kernel of the resolvent.
Hepatitis A Person-to-Person Outbreaks: Epidemiology, Morbidity Burden, and Factors Associated With Hospitalization—Multiple States, 2016–2019
Authors: Hofmeister Megan G , Xing Jian , Foster Monique A , Augustine Ryan J , Burkholder Cole , Collins Jim , McBee Shannon , Thomasson Erica D , Thoroughman Douglas , Weng Mark K , Spradling Philip R
Published: October 2020

Background

Since 2016, the United States has experienced person-to-person hepatitis A outbreaks unprecedented in the vaccine era. The proportion of cases hospitalized in these outbreaks exceeds historical national surveillance data.

Methods

We described the epidemiology, characterized the reported increased morbidity, and identified factors associated with hospitalization during the outbreaks by reviewing a 10% random sample of outbreak-associated hepatitis A cases in Kentucky, Michigan, and West Virginia—3 heavily affected states. We calculated descriptive statistics and conducted age-adjusted log-binomial regression analyses to identify factors associated with hospitalization.

Results

Participants in the random sample (n = 817) were primarily male (62.5%) with mean age of 39.0 years; 51.8% were hospitalized. Among those with available information, 73.2% reported drug use, 14.0% were experiencing homelessness, 29.7% were currently or recently incarcerated, and 61.6% were epidemiologically linked to a known outbreak-associated case. Residence in Michigan (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] = 1.8), being a man who has sex with men (aRR = 1.5), noninjection drug use (aRR = 1.3), and homelessness (aRR = 1.3) were significantly (P < .05) associated with hepatitis A-related hospitalization.

Conclusions

Our findings support current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations to vaccinate all persons who use drugs, men who have sex with men, and persons experiencing homelessness against hepatitis A.
L'International: The World's First International Journal and the Possibilities and Limits of International Studies
Authors: Davies Thomas
Published: October 2020

L'International, a journal published in Paris in the 1840s that brought together an international team of intellectuals aiming to advance international studies, represents not only a forgotten milestone in the development of international studies but also provides an important case study shedding light on the challenges that need to be overcome in the development of international studies as a distinctive area of research. This article considers both the potential and the limits of the approach to international studies set out in L'International with a view to further understanding the potential and limits of international studies today. It elucidates four features of the approach taken in L'International pertinent to debates in today's discipline: (i) the boundaries of international studies; (ii) the nature of a scientific approach to the subject; (iii) the role of race, gender, and class; and (iv) the relationship between international studies and the policy sector. While its contributors were notable for putting forward a pluralist approach to the subject, their efforts were marred by their consideration of a limited set of interests.
Commands and the Doctrine of theApūrvain Prābhākara Mīmāṃsā
Authors: Cummins Patrick T
Published: October 2020

This article argues that Prābhākara Mīmāṃsā’s cornerstone doctrine on the apūrva has gone unrecognized in the field, both in terms of the theory’s mechanics and its intellectual history. Śālikanātha (fl. c. 900 CE?) positions the apūrva, the sacrifice’s enduring capacity to trans-temporally produce results, at the top of the language hierarchy within his theory of the archetypal Vedic command: svargakāmo yajeta (‘The man desiring heaven must sacrifice’). Śālikanātha argues against Kumārila (fl. c. 660 CE?), for whom the apūrva is an extra-linguistic postulate. By integrating the ontologically superordinate apūrva within the language hierarchy, Śālikanātha subordinates Kumārila and Maṇḍana’s theories of bhāvanā, ‘bringing into being’, while incorporating their philosophical resources. Śālikanātha’s new doctrine of the apūrva is nowhere to be found in the Bṛhatī of Prabhākara himself (fl. c. 690 CE?). Śālikanātha’s model becomes the baseline for the subsequent textual tradition of Prābhākara Mīmāṃsā, which rises to dominate the field of philosophy of language in his wake.
Euthanasia in Belgium: Shortcomings of the Law and Its Application and of the Monitoring of Practice
Authors: Raus Kasper , Vanderhaegen Bert , Sterckx Sigrid
Published: October 2020

In 2002 with the passing of the Euthanasia Law, Belgium became one of the few countries worldwide to legalize euthanasia. In the 18 years since the passing of the law, much has changed. We argue that in Belgium a widening of the use of euthanasia is occurring and that this can be ethically and legally problematic. This is in part related to the fact that several legal requirements intended to operate as safeguards and procedural guarantees in reality often fail to operate as such. We focus on three kinds of safeguards or procedural guarantees: (1) the legally defined due care criteria for eligibility for euthanasia; (2) the consultation of a second (and sometimes third) physician; and (3) the reporting of euthanasia cases to the Federal Control and Evaluation Commission for Euthanasia. We will show how each of these three safeguards can exhibit shortcomings in theory and practice.
Policy Alienation and Street-level Bureaucrats’ Psychological Wellbeing: The Mediating Role of Alienative Commitment
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Ali Moazzam , Mughal Farooq , Agyemang-Mintah Peter
Published: October 2020

In an era of New Public Management reforms, public sector policies often create a mismatch between social and economic values that can lead to public policy alienation—professionals’ feelings of disconnection from public policies. Policy alienation can create unrest among public professionals and carry several negative repercussions for their wellbeing and work-related attitudes. The negative repercussions of policy alienation are likely to inhibit public service delivery. However, existing research on policy alienation and its consequences for street-level bureaucrats’ wellbeing is scarce. Thus, it is unknown how policymakers can curb policy disconnect and counter its negative implications. To contribute to both general policy alienation theory and practice, our study hypothesized that the two dimensions of general policy meaninglessness—client meaninglessness and societal meaninglessness—are negatively related to street-level bureaucrats’ psychological wellbeing. We hypothesize this negative relationship is due to alienative commitment. A time-lagged survey data collected from 401 public professionals and analyzed using structural equation modeling supported our hypothesized relationships. The present study extends the nomological networks of the antecedents and consequences of alienative commitment and offers important implications that can help policymakers counter the issues related to public professionals’ alienative commitment and psychological wellbeing.
A General Model to Explain Repeated Turnovers of Sex Determination in the Salicaceae
Authors: Yang Wenlu , Wang Deyan , Li Yiling , Zhang Zhiyang , Tong Shaofei , Li Mengmeng , Zhang Xu , Zhang Lei , Ren Liwen , Ma Xinzhi , Zhou Ran , Sanderson Brian J , Keefover-Ring Ken , Yin Tongming , Smart Lawrence B , Liu Jianquan , DiFazio Stephen P , Olson Matthew , Ma Tao
Published: October 2020

Dioecy, the presence of separate sexes on distinct individuals, has evolved repeatedly in multiple plant lineages. However, the specific mechanisms by which sex systems evolve and their commonalities among plant species remain poorly understood. With both XY and ZW sex systems, the family Salicaceae provides a system to uncover the evolutionary forces driving sex chromosome turnovers. In this study, we performed a genome-wide association study to characterize sex determination in two Populus species, P. euphratica and P. alba. Our results reveal an XY system of sex determination on chromosome 14 of P. euphratica, and a ZW system on chromosome 19 of P. alba. We further assembled the corresponding sex-determination regions, and found that their sex chromosome turnovers may be driven by the repeated translocations of a Helitron-like transposon. During the translocation, this factor may have captured partial or intact sequences that are orthologous to a type-A cytokinin response regulator gene. Based on results from this and other recently published studies, we hypothesize that this gene may act as a master regulator of sex determination for the entire family. We propose a general model to explain how the XY and ZW sex systems in this family can be determined by the same RR gene. Our study provides new insights into the diversification of incipient sex chromosomes in flowering plants by showing how transposition and rearrangement of a single gene can control sex in both XY and ZW systems.
Derivation and Validation of Clinical Prediction Rules for COVID-19 Mortality in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Fisman David N , Greer Amy L , Hillmer Michael , Tuite R
Published: October 2020

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is currently causing a high-mortality global pandemic. The clinical spectrum of disease caused by this virus is broad, ranging from asymptomatic infection to organ failure and death. Risk stratification of individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is desirable for management, and prioritization for trial enrollment. We developed a prediction rule for COVID-19 mortality in a population-based cohort in Ontario, Canada.

Methods

Data from Ontario’s provincial iPHIS system were extracted for the period from January 23 to May 15, 2020. Logistic regression–based prediction rules and a rule derived using a Cox proportional hazards model were developed and validated using split-halves validation. Sensitivity analyses were performed, with varying approaches to missing data.

Results

Of 21 922 COVID-19 cases, 1734 with complete data were included in the derivation set; 1796 were included in the validation set. Age and comorbidities (notably diabetes, renal disease, and immune compromise) were strong predictors of mortality. Four point-based prediction rules were derived (base case, smoking excluded, long-term care excluded, and Cox model–based). All displayed excellent discrimination (area under the curve for all rules > 0.92) and calibration (P > .50 by Hosmer-Lemeshow test) in the derivation set. All performed well in the validation set and were robust to varying approaches to replacement of missing variables.

Conclusions

We used a public health case management data system to build and validate 4 accurate, well-calibrated, robust clinical prediction rules for COVID-19 mortality in Ontario, Canada. While these rules need external validation, they may be useful tools for management, risk stratification, and clinical trials.
A short history of the gender wage gap in Britain
Authors: Bryson Alex , Joshi Heather , Wielgoszewska Bożena , Wilkinson David
Published: October 2020

After shrinking dramatically during the Second World War, the gender wage gap (GWG) narrowed again in the early 1970s due to the Equal Pay Act. The GWG has closed across birth cohorts at all points in the adult life-cycle but remains. Within birth cohort it rises to middle age before falling again. Among those born in 1958, the raw GWG was 16 percentage points among workers aged 23, rising to 35 percentage points at 42. Among those born in 1970 the gaps were 9 and 31 percentage points at age 26 and age 42 respectively. Differences in men’s and women’s work experience in mid-life account for much but not all of the raw gap in both cohorts. The GWG is a little larger early in the life cycle when accounting for non-random selection into employment but selection plays no role later in life. Policy options for closing the remaining gap are considered.