bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of The Effect of The Electric Current Strength of The Weld on The Tensile Strength of The Welded Gas Cylinder Material Joint Capacity of 3 Kg
Authors: Sudjadi Usman , Wibowo Basuki , Hermawan Erwan
Published: June 2020

The effect of welding electric current strength on the tensile strength of the 3 kg capacity gas cylinder material welding joint has been studied. The welding carried out in this study is a damping arc welding with variations in electric current of 40A, 60A, 80 A, 100 A, and 120 A. The results show that: The maximum tensile stress is found in the welded specimen with an electric current of 40 A with a tensile strength of 13 kg/mm2, 60 A with a tensile strength of 12 kg/mm2, 80 A with a tensile strength of 28 kg/mm2, 100 A with a tensile strength of 46 kg/mm2. The maximum tensile stress is the test object which is welded with 120 A electric current with a tensile strength of 39 kg/mm2. With the above results, it can be seen that the highest tensile strength of maximum is the sample that is welded with 100 A electric current. The highest maximum tensile strength reaches 46 kg/mm2. The results of observations of micro structures in welded and HAZ matrix areas are Ferrite and Perlite.
Technological, cycle and actual productivity of the surfacing process in the restoration of parts of forest machines
Authors: Timokhova O , Burmistrova O , Shakirzyanov D , Burmistrov V , Snopok D , Timokhov R , Shol N , Mikhailenko E
Published: June 2020

Most forestry machines and mechanisms operate in adverse conditions: an abrasive medium at low temperatures, which impede lubrication of parts and components of mechanisms and affect the mechanical characteristics of metals; under significant loads caused by working conditions in the forest. Therefore, the issues of operation and repair of precisely logging machines are most relevant. Scientific research and best practices of repair enterprises currently have a significant number of studied methods for building up worn parts in the recovery process. Scientific research and best practices of repair enterprises currently have a significant number of studied methods for building up worn parts in the recovery process. The requirement to ensure high productivity of the extension operation is relevant and important. The most high-performance methods are metallization, casting, electro contact, surfacing. But the first two methods do not provide guaranteed adhesion to the base metal. When applying metal to a worn surface by surfacing, good adhesion and the possibility of obtaining a wear-resistant surface are ensured. When floating metal overhead, technological work is performed, which means “work to change the shape, properties, condition and position of the subject of labor. “Productivity of the equipment is determined by the amount of technological work performed for a certain period of time.
Properties of fine Sr2+-substituted hydroxyapatite synthesized using ultrasonication
Authors: Minamisawa H , Nomura K , Onda A , Umegaki T , Kojima Y
Published: June 2020

This study investigated the properties of fine Sr2+-substituted hydroxyapatite (SrHAp) synthesized using ultrasonication. SrHAp was synthesized by the addition of phosphoric acid solution to an ultrasonicated calcium hydroxide suspension containing strontium hydroxide. The X-ray diffraction peaks for SrHAp were shifted to low angle with increasing Sr/(Ca + Sr) atomic ratio. X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy measurements confirmed that HAp and strontium apatite (Sr10(PO4)6(OH)2;SrAp) formed a complete solid solution. When the Sr/(Ca + Sr) atomic ratio was 0.3 or less, the (Ca + Sr)/P atomic ratio was 1.67 or less, and the specific surface area was also large. The bending strength of a SrHAp sintered body was increased and the bending strength of the SrAp sintered body became 40 MPa when the Sr/(Ca + Sr) atomic ratio was above 0.3. The ethanol conversion rate using SrAp as catalyst was 7% for 1 hour and was 40% of HAp reagent. However, selectivity of SrAp from ethanol to butanol was 70%.
Validating multi-photon quantum interference with finite data
Authors: Flamini Fulvio , Walschaers Mattia , Spagnolo Nicolò , Wiebe Nathan , Buchleitner Andreas , Sciarrino Fabio
Published: June 2020

Multi-particle interference is a key resource for quantum information processing, as exemplified by Boson Sampling. Hence, given its fragile nature, an essential desideratum is a solid and reliable framework for its validation. However, while several protocols have been introduced to this end, the approach is still fragmented and fails to build a big picture for future developments. In this work, we propose an operational approach to validation that encompasses and strengthens the state of the art for these protocols. To this end, we consider the Bayesian hypothesis testing and the statistical benchmark as most favorable protocols for small- and large-scale applications, respectively. We numerically investigate their operation with finite sample size, extending previous tests to larger dimensions, and against two adversarial algorithms for classical simulation: the mean-field sampler and the metropolized independent sampler. To evidence the actual need for refined validation techniques, we show how the assessment of numerically simulated data depends on the available sample size, as well as on the internal hyper-parameters and other practically relevant constraints. Our analyses provide general insights into the challenge of validation, and can inspire the design of algorithms with a measurable quantum advantage.
Number of equidistant neighbors on honeycomb lattice
Authors: Kozioł Zbigniew
Published: June 2020

A convenient scheme is presented for calculating potential energy of van der Waals interacting bilayer graphene and other similar 2D compounds. It is based on the notion of the existence of two types of local symmetry of carbon atoms ordering, a 3- and 6-fold one. Potential energy of an atom is expressed as a sum of contributions from rings of equidistant atoms on neighboring layer. Methods are described to compute the radius of rings of equidistant atoms and number of atoms they contain. Exact positions of atoms are found as well, allowing to apply the introduced method in modelling of anisotropic potentials and to be used when twisting between layers is present.
Machine learning enabled discovery of application dependent design principles for two-dimensional materials
Authors: Venturi Victor , Parks Holden L , Ahmad Zeeshan , Viswanathan Venkatasubramanian
Published: June 2020

The unique electronic and mechanical properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials make them promising next-generation candidates for a variety of applications. Large-scale searches for high-performing 2D materials are limited to calculating descriptors with computationally demanding first-principles density functional theory. In this work, we alleviate this issue by extending and generalizing crystal graph convolutional neural networks to systems with planar periodicity and train an ensemble of models to predict thermodynamic, mechanical and electronic properties. We carry out a screening of nearly 45,000 structures for two separate applications: mechanical strength and photovoltaics. By collecting statistics of the screened candidates, we investigate structural and compositional design principles that impact the properties of the structures surveyed. Our approach recovers some well-accepted design rules: hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites with lead and tin tend to be good candidates for solar cell applications and titanium based MXenes usually have high stiffness coefficients. Interestingly, other members of the group 4 elements also contribute to increasing the mechanical strength of MXenes. For all-inorganic perovskites, we discover some compositions that have not been deeply studied in the field of photovoltaics and thus open up paths for further investigation. We open-source the code-base to spur further development in this space.
Resolving irreducible ℂ𝕊_{𝕟}-modules by modules restricted from 𝔾𝕃_{𝕟}(ℂ)
Authors: Ryba Christopher
Published: June 2020

We construct a resolution of irreducible complex representations of the symmetric groupSnS_nby restrictions of representations ofGLn(C)GL_n(\mathbb {C})(whereSnS_nis the subgroup of permutation matrices). This categorifies a recent result of Assaf and Speyer. Our construction also gives projective resolutions of simpleF\mathcal {F}-modules (hereF\mathcal {F}is the category of finite sets).
The Court at work (1)
Authors: Greenhouse Linda
Published: June 2020

A very small percentage of cases reach the Supreme Court. “The Court at Work” explains that even if a case meets all the criteria, the justices are still at liberty to refuse it. The Court has navigated debates about the separation of powers and conflicting approaches to interpretations of the statutes. The growth of the administrative state means that the Court is now more often tasked with determining whether administrative agencies are carrying out their duties correctly. What do cases and controversies mean to the Supreme Court? Why are these terms important, and how have the Court’s interpretations of them changed over time?
The Court at work (2)
Authors: Greenhouse Linda
Published: June 2020

“The court at work (2)” looks at the significance of the marble building the justices moved into in 1935. This permanent home had both practical and symbolic weight, communicating the Court’s role at the head of a coequal branch of government. The Court has been criticized for its risk of bias, choice of cases, and focus on the “litigated Constitution” rather than structural problems that may be beyond any court’s reach. While much of the work happens behind closed doors rather than in the open sessions, the Internet has brought the Court closer to the public, with audio files and transcripts available almost in real time.
The Court and the world
Authors: Greenhouse Linda
Published: June 2020

When the Framers set the Supreme Court in motion, they had no template for what they were about to create. “The court and the world” demonstrates that other countries were able to use the Supreme Court for inspiration, and many have done so. What they have chosen to take and leave from the Court’s example is instructive. Lifetime tenure is less common outside the United States, with most European courts preferring nine- or ten-year appointments and aiming for unanimity rather than majority. While specific knowledge about the Court is limited, the U.S. Supreme Court still holds a place in the public imagination.
2. The constitution
Authors: Wright Tony
Published: June 2020

Britain is often said to have no constitution, or an unwritten constitution, but this is not strictly true. ‘The constitution: old and new’ describes Britain’s constitution as an accumulation of statutes, conventions, and laws, not one that is codified into a single book of rules. It remains problematic to argue over whether something is unconstitutional, particularly following the reforms of Tony Blair’s Labour government, the growing demand in Scotland and Wales for devolution of powers, the introduction of judges in maintaining a system of checks and balances, and recent developments which open up the question of whether parliamentary sovereignty is being replaced by ‘the will of the people’.
3. Arguing
Authors: Wright Tony
Published: June 2020

‘Arguing: the politics of ideas’ characterizes Britain’s political culture as one of institutionalized adversarialism. Arguments from the ‘left’ and ‘right’ are framed by debates and the media in terms of ‘for’ and ‘against’. Three political periods have changed the character of British politics—those of Attlee, Thatcher, and Blair, which respectively saw a post-war rebuilding, a move away from the state and towards market capitalism, and Labour’s move away from public ownership towards a broad ‘third way’. David Cameron’s ‘Big Society’ was derailed by austerity politics and the results of the 2016 referendum, seen as a victory for the outsiders that left the insiders struggling to respond.
1. Buddhist morality
Authors: Keown Damien
Published: June 2020

This chapter summarizes the main moral teachings, precepts, and virtues common to the major schools of Buddhism. While these schools often exhibit divergent practices and customs, it seems legitimate to speak of them sharing a common moral core grounded in the teachings of the Buddha originating in the 5th century bce and then handed down largely unaltered through the centuries. A central part of this common core are the Five Precepts observed by lay Buddhists everywhere. The monastic community has its own set of rules and regulations in the Vinaya. Buddhist moral beliefs are underpinned by the cosmic principle of Dharma, of which the law of karma is an aspect. Like science, karma is objective, but unlike science it is not value-free. Karma is concerned with voluntary actions and the good and bad consequences flowing from moral choices.
4. Sexuality and gender
Authors: Keown Damien
Published: June 2020

Is Buddhism more permissive about sex than Christianity? ‘Sexuality and gender’ points out that, contrary to popular belief, Buddhist societies tend to be conservative and even prudish. Marriage is seen as inferior to a life of celibacy. While Buddhism lacks the Christian focus on procreation, classical teachings—reiterated by the Dalai Lama—appear to favour reproductive over non-procreative sexual acts. Homosexuality and transgenderism are not prohibited by Buddhist teachings and are sometimes seen as the result of a past life’s gender asserting itself in the present. Historically, the Buddhist approach to non-standard genders and sexual practices has been one of ‘tolerance yet unacceptance’. Several Buddhist communities and leaders have been associated with sex scandals in recent decades.
5. War, violence, and terrorism
Authors: Keown Damien
Published: June 2020

‘War, violence, and terrorism’ looks at Buddhist attitudes to conflict. While Buddhist teachings strongly oppose violence, its pacifist ideals have not prevented Buddhist nations from going to war. Some Buddhist treatises on kingship seem to support the concept of a ‘just war’, using arguments similar to those of Christian thinkers like Augustine and Aquinas. On this basis, war can be waged and fought justly, and without negative karmic consequences for the ruler. Contemporary Buddhist responses to terrorism focus on listening, understanding, and reflection. Some Buddhist leaders have been criticized for preaching peace but turning a blind eye to violence in their own countries. War has rarely been used by Buddhists for purposes of religious coercion.
6. Abortion
Authors: Keown Damien
Published: June 2020

Buddhist attitudes to abortion are influenced by its belief in rebirth and the idea that life is a never-ending continuum. Many Buddhists, accordingly, feel that abortion is prohibited by the First Precept against taking life. Abortion laws in Buddhist countries range from permissive to prohibitive according to jurisdiction. In some cases, the poor availability of contraceptives has led to increased use of abortion as a means of birth control, although this is now less common in more advanced countries. Early Buddhist texts counsel against abortion, but many feminists feel that ideas about women in such texts are outdated and there is scope for reinterpretation of traditional teachings. Attention has been drawn in recent decades to the Japanese mizuko kuyō memorial service performed following abortions and miscarriages which some feel could be usefully incorporated into Western liturgies.
7. Suicide and euthanasia
Authors: Keown Damien
Published: June 2020

In 1963, the Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Quang Duc burned himself alive to protest government abuses. ‘Suicide and euthanasia’ starts by looking at the impact of this public suicide, which directed Western attention towards Buddhism in the 1960s. Many Buddhists believe that one’s lifespan is determined by karma and so it is wrong to hasten one’s end through suicide in this way. Others believe that suicide may be justified in exceptional circumstances. While the classical position is clearly opposed to euthanasia, Buddhists are not unanimous in their position. While viewed with disapproval in most Asian societies given the respect in which elders are held, Western Buddhists who prioritize personal autonomy may take a more permissive attitude. Buddhism is generally more open about death and encourages its followers to prepare for it in practical ways. The Buddha’s calm, resigned death is the example most would seek to emulate.
8. Clones, cyborgs, and singularities
Authors: Keown Damien
Published: June 2020

‘Clones, cyborgs, and singularities’ examines modern technological developments such as gene editing, cryonics, and ‘transhumanism’. What implications do these new technologies have for Buddhist doctrines like karma and rebirth? As Buddhism does not believe in a creator God, cloning is not seen as blasphemous. The Buddha could potentially be cloned, but it does not follow from this that there is a ‘Buddha gene’ that played a part in his awakening. Some Buddhists are enthusiastic about forms of biological enhancement such as the implantation of microchips in the brain and look forward to the ‘singularity’ or point when human and machine intelligence will merge creating a new transhuman species. Others are more sceptical about these developments. On the whole, Buddhists do not condemn scientific or technological developments, but neither do they see them as providing a complete answer to the problem of human suffering described in the First Noble Truth.
Safety of Rivaroxaban for Postoperative Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Following Abdominal Body Contouring Surgery: 600 Patients
Authors: Vasilakis Vasileios , Kortesis Bill G , Bharti Gaurav , Isakson Matthew H , Hunstad Joseph P
Published: June 2020

Background

Reducing the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) following abdominal body contouring surgery remains a top priority for patient safety. There is a lack of consensus regarding the optimal chemoprophylactic agent for postoperative VTE prophylaxis, and the role of oral anticoagulants warrants further investigation.

Objectives

The aim of this multisurgeon, single-institution study was to determine the safety and efficacy of a 7-day postoperative rivaroxaban regimen for VTE prophylaxis in abdominal body contouring surgery.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients who underwent abdominoplasty, circumferential body lift, fleur-de-lis panniculectomy, or circumferential fleur-de-lis panniculectomy at our surgical center from August 2014 to November 2019. A 7-day postoperative course of once-daily 10 mg rivaroxaban, starting on postoperative day 1, was administered to every patient unless there was a contraindication. The 2 primary endpoints were the incidence of VTE and bleeding events.

Results

A total of 600 patients were included in the study. There were no deaths. There were 4 (0.7%) incidents of VTE events: 2 (0.3%) patients suffered pulmonary embolus and 2 (0.3%) patients suffered a lower-extremity deep venous thrombosis. A total of 13 (2.2%) patients suffered complications related to bleeding. Of these, operative intervention for control and evacuation was required in 7 (1.2%) patients.

Conclusions

A 7-day postoperative course of once-daily rivaroxaban for VTE risk reduction in abdominal body contouring surgery is associated with a low incidence of VTE events and a low risk of bleeding complications.

Level of Evidence: 4
Lattice-based designs with quasi-optimal separation distance on all projections
Authors: He Xu
Published: June 2020

Experimental designs that spread points apart from each other on projections are important for computer experiments, when not necessarily all factors have a substantial influence on the response. We provide a theoretical framework for generating designs that have quasi-optimal separation distance on all the projections and quasi-optimal fill distance on univariate margins. The key is to use special techniques to rotate certain lattices. One such type of design is the class of densest packing-based maximum projection designs, which outperform existing types of space-filling designs in many scenarios.
What Skills Do Older Self-Funders in England Need to Arrange and Manage Social Care? Findings from a Scoping Review of the Literature
Authors: Baxter Kate , Wilberforce Mark , Birks Yvonne
Published: June 2020

Older people in England who pay for social care from their own funds (‘self-funders’) receive little help in seeking and arranging care compared to older people funded by their local council. This suggests an implicit assumption that people funded by local councils need help to manage their care whereas self-funders do not. This article reports findings from a scoping review of published evidence from England, Scotland and Wales on the skills that older people need, and the help they get, to seek, arrange or manage use of social care, and how this help affects outcomes. Searches undertaken in October 2018 resulted in the inclusion of thirty-six empirical papers and seven reviews. Thematic analysis identified the importance of everyday life and specific business skills, and personal attributes including objectivity when evaluating options. The review identified two significant gaps in the evidence: first, how help in seeking and arranging care compensated for lack of, or complemented existing, skills; and secondly, how outcomes for people receiving help in arranging care compared with those not receiving help. The article concludes that a tailored approach to supporting older people arrange and manage care, irrespective of funding, should be considered.
Histopathology-validated recommendations for cortical lesion imaging in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bouman Piet M , Steenwijk Martijn D , Pouwels Petra J W , Schoonheim Menno M , Barkhof Frederik , Jonkman Laura E , Geurts Jeroen J G
Published: June 2020

Cortical demyelinating lesions are clinically important in multiple sclerosis, but notoriously difficult to visualize with MRI. At clinical field strengths, double inversion recovery MRI is most sensitive, but still only detects 18% of all histopathologically validated cortical lesions. More recently, phase-sensitive inversion recovery was suggested to have a higher sensitivity than double inversion recovery, although this claim was not histopathologically validated. Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to provide clarity on this matter by identifying which MRI sequence best detects histopathologically-validated cortical lesions at clinical field strength, by comparing sensitivity and specificity of the thus far most commonly used MRI sequences, which are T2, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), double inversion recovery and phase-sensitive inversion recovery. Post-mortem MRI was performed on non-fixed coronal hemispheric brain slices of 23 patients with progressive multiple sclerosis directly after autopsy, at 3 T, using T1 and proton-density/T2-weighted, as well as FLAIR, double inversion recovery and phase-sensitive inversion recovery sequences. A total of 93 cortical tissue blocks were sampled from these slices. Blinded to histopathology, all MRI sequences were consensus scored for cortical lesions. Subsequently, tissue samples were stained for proteolipid protein (myelin) and scored for cortical lesion types I–IV (mixed grey matter/white matter, intracortical, subpial and cortex-spanning lesions, respectively). MRI scores were compared to histopathological scores to calculate sensitivity and specificity per sequence. Next, a retrospective (unblinded) scoring was performed to explore maximum scoring potential per sequence. Histopathologically, 224 cortical lesions were detected, of which the majority were subpial. In a mixed model, sensitivity of T1, proton-density/T2, FLAIR, double inversion recovery and phase-sensitive inversion recovery was 8.9%, 5.4%, 5.4%, 22.8% and 23.7%, respectively (20, 12, 12, 51 and 53 cortical lesions). Specificity of the prospective scoring was 80.0%, 75.0%, 80.0%, 91.1% and 88.3%. Sensitivity and specificity did not significantly differ between double inversion recovery and phase-sensitive inversion recovery, while phase-sensitive inversion recovery identified more lesions than double inversion recovery upon retrospective analysis (126 versus 95; P < 0.001). We conclude that, at 3 T, double inversion recovery and phase-sensitive inversion recovery sequences outperform conventional sequences T1, proton-density/T2 and FLAIR. While their overall sensitivity does not exceed 25%, double inversion recovery and phase-sensitive inversion recovery are highly pathologically specific when using existing scoring criteria and their use is recommended for optimal cortical lesion assessment in multiple sclerosis.
Early Results from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Polymerase Chain Reaction Testing of Healthcare Workers at an Academic Medical Center in New York City
Authors: Nagler Arielle R , Goldberg Eric R , Aguero-Rosenfeld Maria E , Cangiarella Joan , Kalkut Gary , Monahan Carolyn Rooke , Cerfolio Robert J
Published: June 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction employee testing was implemented across New York University Langone Health. Over 8 weeks, 14 764 employees were tested; 33% of symptomatic employees, 8% of asymptomatic employees reporting COVID-19 exposure, and 3% of employees returning to work were positive. Positivity rates declined over time, possibly reflecting the importance of community transmission and efficacy of personal protective equipment.
Development and validation of two SCORE-based cardiovascular risk prediction models for Eastern Europe: a multicohort study
Authors: Tillmann Taavi , Läll Kristi , Dukes Oliver , Veronesi Giovanni , Pikhart Hynek , Peasey Anne , Kubinova Ruzena , Kozela Magdalena , Pajak Andrzej , Nikitin Yuri , Malyutina Sofia , Metspalu Andres , Esko Tõnu , Fischer Krista , Kivimäki Mika , Bobak Martin
Published: June 2020

Aims

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction models are used in Western European countries, but less so in Eastern European countries where rates of CVD can be two to four times higher. We recalibrated the SCORE prediction model for three Eastern European countries and evaluated the impact of adding seven behavioural and psychosocial risk factors to the model.

Methods and results

We developed and validated models using data from the prospective HAPIEE cohort study with 14 598 participants from Russia, Poland, and the Czech Republic (derivation cohort, median follow-up 7.2 years, 338 fatal CVD cases) and Estonian Biobank data with 4632 participants (validation cohort, median follow-up 8.3 years, 91 fatal CVD cases). The first model (recalibrated SCORE) used the same risk factors as in the SCORE model. The second model (HAPIEE SCORE) added education, employment, marital status, depression, body mass index, physical inactivity, and antihypertensive use. Discrimination of the original SCORE model (C-statistic 0.78 in the derivation and 0.83 in the validation cohorts) was improved in recalibrated SCORE (0.82 and 0.85) and HAPIEE SCORE (0.84 and 0.87) models. After dichotomizing risk at the clinically meaningful threshold of 5%, and when comparing the final HAPIEE SCORE model against the original SCORE model, the net reclassification improvement was 0.07 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.02–0.11] in the derivation cohort and 0.14 (95% CI 0.04–0.25) in the validation cohort.

Conclusion

Our recalibrated SCORE may be more appropriate than the conventional SCORE for some Eastern European populations. The addition of seven quick, non-invasive, and cheap predictors further improved prediction accuracy.
Dementia as Fixed or Malleable: Development and Validation of the Dementia Mindset Scale
Authors: Kunz Lena K , Scheibe Susanne , Wisse Barbara , Boerner Kathrin , Zemlin Claudia
Published: June 2020

Background and Objectives

Care professionals differ in how they experience and respond to dementia caregiving. To explain such differences, we developed a new measure: the Dementia Mindset Scale. This scale captures the extent to which care professionals view dementia as stable and fixed (akin to the biomedical perspective) or as flexible and malleable (akin to the person-centered approach).

Research Design and Methods

We conducted four studies to develop the scale. We tested items for comprehensibility, assessed the scale’s factorial structure and psychometric properties, and investigated its predictive validity for care professionals’ well-being.

Results

A new scale with a two-factor structure—distinguishing a malleable dementia mindset from a fixed dementia mindset—was developed. Results showed good convergent and divergent validity. Moreover, the dementia mindsets predicted aspects of job-related well-being in care professionals.

Discussion and Implications

The scale allows for the assessment of individual differences in how care professionals see dementia. This insight can be used to improve interventions aimed at enhancing care professionals’ well-being and quality of care.
A point dislocation in a layered, transversely isotropic and self-gravitating Earth – Part III: internal deformation
Authors: Zhou J , Pan E , Bevis M
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we derive analytical solutions for the dislocation Love numbers (DLNs) and the corresponding Green's functions (GFs) within a layered, spherical, transversely isotropic and self-gravitating Earth. These solutions are based on the spherical system of vector functions (or the vector spherical harmonics) and the dual variable and position matrix method. The GFs for displacements, strains, potential and its derivatives are formulated in terms of the DLNs and the vector spherical harmonics. The vertical displacement due to a vertical strike-slip dislocation and the potential change (nΦ) due to a vertical dip-slip dislocation are found to be special, with an order O(1/n) on the source level and O(n) elsewhere. Numerical results are presented to illustrate how the internal fields depend on the particular type of dislocation. It is further shown that the effect of Earth anisotropy on the strain field can be significant, about 10 per cent in a layered PREM model and 30 per cent in a homogeneous earth model.
Efficiency changes in bottom trawling for flatfish species as a result of the replacement of mechanical stimulation by electric stimulation
Authors: Poos Jan-Jaap , Hintzen Niels T , van Rijssel Jacco C , Rijnsdorp Adriaan D
Published: June 2020

Although fishing with electricity is illegal in the European Union, a number of temporary licences allowed converting beam trawlers to pulse trawling. To analyse how the adaption of pulse trawling changed this fishery, we studied fishing speeds and landings per unit effort as proxies for catch efficiencies for the main target species. Compared to conventional tickler chain beam trawls, pulse trawls were towed at lower speeds (small vessels −10%, large vessels −23%). Large vessels that switched from conventional beam trawls to pulse trawls at the end of 2009 gradually increased catch efficiency for sole over the period of almost 1 year. While pulse trawling was found to have higher catch rates (kg/h) for sole (small vessels +74%, large vessels +17%), lower catch rates were observed for plaice (small vessels −31%, large vessels −32%). Vessels that switched later achieved immediate gains in catch efficiency for sole. The change in catch efficiency is likely due to the difference in cramp response between the species.
A Phase 2 Study of Pimodivir (JNJ-63623872) in Combination With Oseltamivir in Elderly and Nonelderly Adults Hospitalized With Influenza A Infection: OPAL Study
Authors: O’Neil Brian , Ison Michael G , Hallouin-Bernard Marie Charlotte , Nilsson Anna C , Torres Antoni , Wilburn John M , van Duijnhoven Wilbert , Van Dromme Ilse , Anderson David , Deleu Sofie , Kosoglou Teddy , Vingerhoets Johan , Rossenu Stefaan , Leopold Lorant
Published: June 2020

Background

Both the elderly and individuals with comorbidities are at increased risk of developing influenza-related complications. Novel influenza antivirals are required, given limitations of current drugs (eg, resistance emergence and poor efficacy). Pimodivir is a first-in-class antiviral for influenza A under development for these patients.

Methods

Hospitalized patients with influenza A infection were randomized 2:1 to receive pimodivir 600 mg plus oseltamivir 75 mg or placebo plus oseltamivir 75 mg twice daily for 7 days in this phase 2b study. The primary objective was to compare pimodivir pharmacokinetics in elderly (aged 65–85 years) versus nonelderly adults (aged 18–64 years). Secondary end points included time to patient-reported symptom resolution.

Results

Pimodivir pharmacokinetic parameters in nonelderly and elderly patients were similar. Time to influenza symptom resolution was numerically shorter with pimodivir (72.45 hours) than placebo (94.15 hours). There was a lower incidence of influenza-related complications in the pimodivir group (7.9%) versus placebo group (15.6%). Treatment was generally well tolerated.

Conclusions

No apparent relationship was observed between pimodivir pharmacokinetics and age. Our data demonstrate the need for a larger study of pimodivir in addition to oseltamivir to test whether it results in a clinically significant decrease in time-to-influenza-symptom alleviation and/or the frequency of influenza complications.

Clinical trials registration

NCT02532283.
Anti–Interleukin-10 Unleashes Transcriptional Response to Leishmanial Antigens in Visceral Leishmaniasis Patients
Authors: Singh Om Prakash , Syn Genevieve , Nylén Susanne , Engwerda Christian , Sacks David , Wilson Mary E , Kumar Rajiv , Chakravarty Jaya , Sundar Shyam , Blackwell Jenefer M , Fakiola Michaela
Published: June 2020

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL; Leishmania donovani) cases produce interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor in response to soluble leishmanial antigen (SLA) in whole-blood assays. Using transcriptional profiling, we demonstrate the impact of interleukin-10 (IL-10), a cytokine implicated in VL, on this response. SLA stimulation identified 28 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 17/28 in a single network with TNF as hub. SLA plus anti–IL-10 produced 454 DEGs, 292 in a single network with TNF, IFNG, NFKBIA, IL6, and IL1B as hubs in concert with a remarkable chemokine/cytokine storm. Our data demonstrate the singular effect of IL-10 as a potent immune modulator in VL.
A Randomized Phase 4 Study of Immunogenicity and Safety After Monovalent Oral Type 2 Sabin Poliovirus Vaccine Challenge in Children Vaccinated with Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine in Lithuania
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Ananda S , Gast Chris , Brickley Elizabeth B , Rüttimann Ricardo , Clemens Ralf , Oberste M Steven , Weldon William C , Ackerman Margaret E , Connor Ruth I , Wieland-Alter Wendy F , Wright Peter , Usonis Vytautas
Published: June 2020

Background

Understanding immunogenicity and safety of monovalent type 2 oral poliovirus vaccine (mOPV2) in inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV)–immunized children is of major importance in informing global policy to control circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreaks.

Methods

In this open-label, phase 4 study (NCT02582255) in 100 IPV-vaccinated Lithuanian 1–5-year-olds, we measured humoral and intestinal type 2 polio neutralizing antibodies before and 28 days after 1 or 2 mOPV2 doses given 28 days apart and measured stool viral shedding after each dose. Parents recorded solicited adverse events (AEs) for 7 days after each dose and unsolicited AEs for 6 weeks after vaccination.

Results

After 1 mOPV2 challenge, the type 2 seroprotection rate increased from 98% to 100%. Approximately 28 days after mOPV2 challenge 34 of 68 children (50%; 95% confidence interval, 38%–62%) were shedding virus; 9 of 37 (24%; 12%–41%) were shedding 28 days after a second challenge. Before challenge, type 2 intestinal immunity was undetectable in IPV-primed children, but 28 of 87 (32%) had intestinal neutralizing titers ≥32 after 1 mOPV2 dose. No vaccine-related serious or severe AEs were reported.

Conclusions

High viral excretion after mOPV2 among exclusively IPV-vaccinated children was substantially lower after a subsequent dose, indicating induction of intestinal immunity against type 2 poliovirus.
Attribution of Pediatric Acute Gastroenteritis Episodes and Emergency Department Visits to Norovirus Genogroups I and II
Authors: Tarr Gillian A M , Pang Xiao-Li , Zhuo Ran , Lee Bonita E , Chui Linda , Ali Samina , Vanderkooi Otto G , Michaels-Igbokwe Christine , Tarr Phillip I , MacDonald Shannon E , Currie Gillian , MacDonald Judy , Kim Kelly , Freedman Stephen B
Published: June 2020

Background

Norovirus is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis. With vaccines in development, population-based estimates of norovirus burden are needed to identify target populations, quantify potential benefits, and understand disease dynamics.

Methods

We estimated the attributable fraction (AF) for norovirus infections in children, defined as the proportion of children testing positive for norovirus whose gastroenteritis was attributable to norovirus. We calculated the standardized incidence and emergency department (ED) visit rates attributable to norovirus using provincial gastroenteritis visit administrative data.

Results

From 3731 gastroenteritis case patients and 2135 controls we determined that the AFs were 67.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 31.5%–100%) and 91.6% (88.8%–94.4%) for norovirus genogroups I (GI) and II (GII), respectively. Norovirus GII AF varied by season but not age. We attributed 116 episodes (95% CI, 103–129) and 59 (51–67) ED visits per 10 000 child-years to norovirus GII across all ages, accounting for 20% and 18% of all medically attended gastroenteritis episodes and ED visits, respectively.

Conclusions

In children, a large proportion of norovirus GII detections reflect causation, demonstrating significant potential for norovirus GII vaccines. Seasonal variation in the norovirus GII AF may have implications for understanding the role asymptomatic carriage plays in disease dynamics.
A novel in silico antimicrobial peptide DP7 combats MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa and related biofilm infections
Authors: Yin Qi , Wu Siwen , Wu Lei , Wang Zhenling , Mu Yandong , Zhang Rui , Dong Chunyan , Zhou Bailing , Zhao Binyan , Zheng Jiajun , Sun Ying , Cheng Xingjun , Yang Li
Published: June 2020

Background

Antimicrobial peptides are promising alternative antimicrobial agents to combat MDR. DP7, an antimicrobial peptide designed in silico, possesses broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities and immunomodulatory effects. However, the effects of DP7 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and biofilm infection remain largely unexplored.

Objectives

To assess (i) the antimicrobial activity of DP7 against MDR P. aeruginosa; and (ii) the antibiofilm activity against biofilm infection. Also, to preliminarily investigate the possible antimicrobial mode of action.

Methods

The MICs of DP7 for 104 clinical P. aeruginosa strains (including 57 MDR strains) and the antibiofilm activity were determined. RNA-Seq, genome sequencing and cell morphology were conducted. Both acute and chronic biofilm infection mouse models were established. Two mutants, resulting from point mutations associated with LPS and biofilms, were constructed to investigate the potential mode of action.

Results

DP7, at 8–32 mg/L, inhibited the growth of clinical P. aeruginosa strains and, at 64 mg/L, reduced biofilm formation by 43% to 68% in vitro. In acute lung infection, 0.5 mg/kg DP7 exhibited a 70% protection rate and reduced bacterial colonization by 50% in chronic infection. DP7 mainly suppressed gene expression involving LPS and outer membrane proteins and disrupted cell wall structure. Genome sequencing of the DP7-resistant strain DP7R revealed four SNPs controlling LPS and biofilm production. gshA44 and wbpJ139 mutants displayed LPS reduction and motility deficiency, conferring the reduction of LPS and biofilm biomass of strain DP7R and indicating that LPS was a potential target of DP7.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that DP7 may hold potential as an effective antimicrobial agent against MDR P. aeruginosa and related infections.
A remark on functional completeness of binary expansions of Kleene’s strong 3-valued logic
Authors: Robles Gemma , Méndez José M
Published: June 2020

A classical result by Słupecki states that a logic L is functionally complete for the 3-element set of truth-values THREE if, in addition to functionally including Łukasiewicz’s 3-valued logic Ł3, what he names the ‘$T$-function’ is definable in L. By leaning upon this classical result, we prove a general theorem for defining binary expansions (i.e. expansions with a binary connective) of Kleene’s strong logic that are functionally complete for THREE.
Effectiveness of doxorubicin-based and liposomal doxorubicin chemotherapies for patients with extra-abdominal desmoid-type fibromatosis: a systematic review
Authors: Shimizu Koki , Kawashima Hiroyuki , Kawai Akira , Yoshida Masahiro , Nishida Yoshihiro
Published: June 2020

Objective

The treatment modality for desmoid-type fibromatosis has shifted from surgery to conservative treatment. The guideline committee for clinical care of extra-abdominal desmoid-type fibromatosis in Japan conducted a systematic review of treatment with doxorubicin-based chemotherapy for desmoid-type fibromatosis.

Methods

We searched the pertinent literature. Two reviewers evaluated and screened it independently for eligibility and extracted data. They rated each report according to the grading of recommendations development and evaluation methodology. Based on the ‘body of evidence’, which the reviewers created, the clinical guideline committee decided a recommendation for the clinical question, ‘Is doxorubicin-based chemotherapy effective for patients with extra-abdominal desmoid-type fibromatosis?’

Results

Fifty-three articles were extracted by the literature search, and one from hand search. After the first and second screenings, five articles were subjected to the final evaluation. There were no randomized controlled trials. According to response evaluation criteria in solid tumors criteria, the response rates of doxorubicin-based regimens and liposomal doxorubicin were 44% (28.6–54) and 33.3% (0–75) on average, respectively. In two reports, the response rates of doxorubicin-based regimens were higher than those of non-doxorubicin-based ones; 54% vs 12%, 40% vs 11%, respectively. The rates of G3 or G4 complications according to common terminology criteria for adverse events were 28% and 13% with doxorubicin-based and liposomal doxorubicin chemotherapy, respectively, including neutropenia or cardiac dysfunction. None of the reports addressed the issue of QOL.

Conclusion

Although the evidence level was low in the evaluated studies, doxorubicin-based and liposomal doxorubicin chemotherapy was observed to be effective. However, doxorubicin-based chemotherapy is associated with non-ignorable adverse events, and is not covered by insurance in Japan. We weakly recommend doxorubicin-based chemotherapy for patients with extra-abdominal desmoid-type fibromatosis in cases resistant to other treatments.
Left lower limb fasciitis due to sigmoid colonic perforated diverticulitis: a rare case of colocutaneous fistula
Authors: Rubartelli Alice , Cocchi Lorenzo , Solari Nicola , Cafiero Ferdinando , Minuto Michele , Bertoglio Sergio
Published: June 2020

Up to 25% of patients with acute diverticulitis develop complicated disease. Colocutaneous fistula with lower limb fasciitis secondary to complicated diverticulitis is a rare event. A 71-year-old woman with Class 3 obesity and Type 2 diabetes was admitted to the hospital because of left lower limb fasciitis associated with acute sigmoid diverticulitis complicated by covered perforation. The fasciitis was treated with multiple fasciotomies, antibiotics and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The patient was readmitted 25 days after discharge because of the formation of a left leg colocutaneous fistula associated with an enterocolic fistula. Patient underwent sigmoid resection with primary anastomosis and ileal loop repair. Three-month follow-up showed fistula healing and absence of symptoms. Fasciitis secondary to acute diverticulitis is a rare clinical scenario. Although our therapeutic strategy was successful, the optimal treatment timing and surgical technique for fasciotomy and colon resection remain to be assessed.
Modelling spectra of MN112
Authors: Kostenkov A , Fabrika S , Sholukhova O , Sarkisyan A , Bizyaev D
Published: June 2020

MN112 is a Galactic luminous blue variable (LBV) candidate with a circumstellar nebula. P Cygni was the first LBV discovered, and was recorded during major eruptions in the 17th century. The stars have similar spectra with strong emission hydrogen lines, He i, N ii, Si ii, and Fe iii lines. We present the results of spectroscopic analysis and modelling of MN112 spectra. We obtained the main stellar parameters and chemical abundances of MN112 and compared them with those of P Cygni. Atmosphere models were calculated using the non-local thermodynamic equilibrium radiative transfer code cmfgen. We have used spectra of MN112 obtained with the 3.5-m telescope at the Observatory of Calar Alto and 3.5-m ARC telescope at the Apache Point Observatory. P Cygni spectra were taken with the 6-m BTA telescope. We have found the best fit of the observed spectrum with the model at temperature $T_{\text{eff}}= 15\, 200$ K, clumping-corrected mass-loss rate $\dot{M}f^{-0.5}=5.74 \times 10^{-5}\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }\text{yr}^{-1}$, filling factor f = 0.1, luminosity $L=5.77 \times 10^5\, \mathrm{L}_{\odot }$ for MN112. The ratio of helium to hydrogen He/H is 0.27 (by the number of atoms) with nitrogen overabundance (XN/X⊙ = 6.8) and an underabundance of carbon (XC/X⊙ < 0.1).
Non-linear dynamical tides in white dwarf binaries
Authors: Yu Hang , Weinberg Nevin N , Fuller Jim
Published: June 2020

Compact white dwarf (WD) binaries are important sources for space-based gravitational-wave (GW) observatories, and an increasing number of them are being identified by surveys like Extremely Low Mass (ELM) and Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF). We study the effects of non-linear dynamical tides in such binaries. We focus on the global three-mode parametric instability and show that it has a much lower threshold energy than the local wave-breaking condition studied previously. By integrating networks of coupled modes, we calculate the tidal dissipation rate as a function of orbital period. We construct phenomenological models that match these numerical results and use them to evaluate the spin and luminosity evolution of a WD binary. While in linear theory the WD’s spin frequency can lock to the orbital frequency, we find that such a lock cannot be maintained when non-linear effects are taken into account. Instead, as the orbit decays, the spin and orbit go in and out of synchronization. Each time they go out of synchronization, there is a brief but significant dip in the tidal heating rate. While most WDs in compact binaries should have luminosities that are similar to previous traveling-wave estimates, a few per cent should be about 10 times dimmer because they reside in heating rate dips. This offers a potential explanation for the low luminosity of the CO WD in J0651. Lastly, we consider the impact of tides on the GW signal and show that the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) and TianGO can constrain the WD’s moment of inertia to better than $1{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ for centi-Hz systems.