bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mode-sensitive magnetoelastic coupling in phononic-crystal magnomechanics
Authors: Hatanaka D. , Yamaguchi H.
Published: July 2021

The acoustically driven spin-wave resonance in a phononic-crystal cavity is numerically investigated. The designed cavity enables confinement of gigahertz vibrations in a wavelength-scale point-defect structure and sustains a variety of resonance modes. Inhomogeneous strain distributions in the modes modify the magnetostrictive coupling and the spin-wave excitation susceptible to an external-field orientation. In particular, a monopole-like mode in the cavity having a near-symmetrical pattern shows a subwavelength-scale mode volume and can provide a versatile acoustic excitation scheme independent of the field-angle variation. Thus, the phononic-crystal platform offers an alternative approach to acoustically control the spin-wave dynamics with ultrasmall and inhomogeneous mode structures, which will be a key technology to integrate and operate large-scale magnomechanical circuits.
Bouncing dynamics of spheroidal drops on macro-ridge structure
Authors: Yun Sungchan
Published: July 2021

Bouncing drops on solid surfaces have gained increasing attention for various practical applications, such as self-cleaning and anti-icing strategies. Breaking the circular symmetry in bouncing dynamics on a ridge enables drop dynamics to be modified significantly and the residence time of drops on surfaces to be reduced. Here, we numerically investigate the asymmetric bouncing dynamics of oblate and prolate spheroidal drops on a superhydrophobic surface decorated with a rectangular ridge to demonstrate the feasibility of further reducing the residence time by shaping raindrop-like drops. The residence time is investigated for various aspect ratios and Weber numbers, which are discussed based on impact stages of spreading, splitting, and retraction. The underlying principle behind the residence time reduction is analyzed by quantifying the temporal variations in the widths and the axial momenta of the drops. The bouncing directions of the spheroidal drops are closely related to the momentum distributions during the retraction. We investigate how to change the residence time for ridges of different heights and widths. The symmetry-breaking bouncing of the spheroidal drops on ridge surfaces will provide fundamental and practical inspiration for the efficient control of drop mobility.
Active flows on curved surfaces
Authors: Rank M. , Voigt A.
Published: July 2021

We consider a numerical approach for a covariant generalized Navier–Stokes equation on general surfaces and study the influence of varying Gaussian curvature on anomalous vortex-network active turbulence. This regime is characterized by self-assembly of finite-size vortices into linked chains of anti-ferromagnet order, which percolate through the entire surface. The simulation results reveal an alignment of these chains with minimal curvature lines of the surface and indicate a dependency of this turbulence regime on the sign and the gradient in local Gaussian curvature. While these results remain qualitative and their explanations are still incomplete, several of the observed phenomena are in qualitative agreement with experiments on active nematic liquid crystals on toroidal surfaces and contribute to an understanding of the delicate interplay between geometrical properties of the surface and characteristics of the flow field, which has the potential to control active flows on surfaces via gradients in the spatial curvature of the surface.
Controlled thermal expansion and thermoelectric properties of Mg2Si/Si composites
Authors: Fu Jiahui , Tanusilp Sora-at , Kumagai Masaya , Ohishi Yuji , Kurosaki Ken
Published: July 2021

A thermoelectric module is composed of n- and p-type materials, and its performance is evaluated by the materials' dimensionless figure of merit, zT, which is expected to be as high as possible. Moreover, because a thermoelectric module is designed to operate in various temperature ranges, the rate of each material's deformation in response to a change in temperature, also called thermal expansion, should be considered. If n- and p-type materials in a thermoelectric module have a too large difference in the thermal expansion, it could lead to risks of several device failures and reduction in performance over time. Thus, to achieve practical use, not only zT but also the compatibility of n- and p-type materials are also crucial parameters. In this study, we demonstrated a technique used to minimize the difference of thermal expansion rate between n-type Mg2Si and p-type higher manganese silicide, which are the promising materials used for a practical thermoelectric module.
Weakly nonlinear broadband and multi-directional surface waves on an arbitrary depth: A framework, Stokes drift, and particle trajectories
Authors: Li Yan , Li Xin
Published: July 2021

Surface gravity waves in coastal waters are broadband and multi-directional, whose quadratic properties are of considerable engineering and scientific interest. Based on a Stokes expansion and an envelope-type framework, a new semi-analytical approach is proposed in this paper for the description of weakly nonlinear broadband and multi-directional surface waves. This approach proposes solving for the second-order wave fields through the separation of harmonics, by using a Fast Fourier transform and a time integration method. Different from some other methods, e.g., the High-Order Spectral method, the approach introduces a spectral shift for the superharmonic waves, leading to computationally efficient and accurate spectral predictions. The approach has been validated through comparisons with the results based on Dalzell [“A note on finite depth second-order wave–wave interactions,” Appl. Ocean Res. 21, 105–111 (1999)]. An envelope-type framework for the fast prediction of particle trajectories and Stokes drifts up to the second order in wave steepness is also derived in this paper, based on the semi-analytical approach. This paper shows that the results based on a narrowband assumption lead to underestimates of Stokes drift velocities driven by broadband unidirectional focused wave groups. The cases, examined for particle trajectories below broadband unidirectional focused wave groups, show that a larger bandwidth and water depth can enhance the differences in the net mean horizontal displacement of particles at water surface relative to these at seabed.
Green–white color switchable light-emitting devices based on laterally fused cesium lead bromide perovskite nanowires
Authors: Wu Wenhui , Liang Tianyuan , Wu Huaxin , Fan Baolu , Zhang Yumeng , Fan Jiyang
Published: July 2021

Inorganic lead halide perovskites are excellent optoelectronic semiconductors; however, little has been known about the characteristics of their nanowire-based light-emitting devices (LEDs). We study the LEDs employing self-assembled CsPbBr3 nanowires as emission layers. They tend to form crystallographic orientation-consistent laterally fused parallel arrays when self-assembling into the emission layer in the device due to Coulomb attraction between such ionic semiconductors. At high nanowire concentration, the LED emits pure green light, and the carriers transport through Fowler–Nordheim (FN) quantum tunneling and direct injection successively. In contrast, at lower nanowire concentration, the luminescence of the LED shifts gradually from green to white with the increasing bias owing to participation of not only the nanowire layer but also the carrier transport layers in the carrier recombination processes. Meanwhile, its carrier transport experiences successively FN quantum tunneling, direct quantum tunneling, and direct injection with the increasing bias. These results highly improve our understanding of the characteristics of perovskite nanowires-based LEDs.
Numerical investigation on the flow around an inclined prolate spheroid
Authors: Wang Zhe , Yang Jianzhi , Andersson Helge I. , Zhu Xiaowei , Liu Minghou , Wang Liping , Lu XianMing
Published: July 2021

Numerical simulations are performed for the flow around an inclined 5:2 prolate spheroid in a uniform freestream. The Reynolds number (Re = 300, 500, 700, and 1000) and incidence angle (α = 0°–90°) are considered as significant parameters affecting the wake transitions, where α = 0° indicates flow parallel to the major axis of the prolate spheroid, and the Re is based on the inflow velocity U0 and the volume-equivalent sphere diameter De of the spheroid. In the range considered of Re and α, eight flow regimes are identified: (i) steady axisymmetric (SA) flow regime; (ii) steady planar symmetric flow regime; (iii) steady asymmetric (SAS) flow regime; (iv) periodic planar symmetric flow regime with non-zero mean lift or “Zig-zig-like” (Zz-like) mode; (v) periodic asymmetric flow regime with double-sided vortex shedding; (vi) multi-periodic asymmetric flow regime with double-sided vortex shedding and low frequency modulation (MPADL); (vii) multi-periodic asymmetric flow regime with single-sided vortex shedding and low frequency modulation (MPASL); and (viii) weakly chaotic state. Three of them are new and first reported, i.e., SAS, MPADL, and MPASL modes. The wake structure of the Zz-like mode is different from that of the zig-zig mode in the sphere/disk wake with a pair of streamwise vortices extending to the near wake. It is found that the elongated body can delay the onset of unsteadiness at small incidence angles. A flow regime map in the considered (Re, α) space is then provided. Finally, the physical mechanisms of the low-frequency phenomena observed at different wake modes are explored.
Interface retaining coarsening of multiphase flows
Authors: Chen Xianyang , Lu Jiacai , Tryggvason Gretar
Published: July 2021

Multiphase flows are characterized by sharp moving interfaces, separating different fluids or phases. In many cases, the dynamics of the interface determines the behavior of the flow. In a coarse, or reduced order model, it may, therefore, be important to retain a sharp interface for the resolved scales. Here, a process to coarsen or filter fully resolved numerical solutions for incompressible multiphase flows while retaining a sharp interface is examined. The different phases are identified by an index function that takes different values in each phase and is coarsened by solving a constant coefficient diffusion equation, while tracking the interface contour. Small flow scales of one phase, left behind when the interface is moved, are embedded in the other phase by solving another diffusion equation with a modified diffusion coefficient that is zero at the interface location to prevent diffusion across the interface, plus a pressure-like equation to enforce incompressibility of the coarse velocity field. Examples of different levels of coarsening are shown. A simulation of a coarse model, where small scales are treated as a homogeneous mixture, results in a solution that is similar to the filtered fully resolved field for the early time Rayleigh–Taylor instability.
Redefining residual feed intake to account for marbling fat in beef breeding programs
Authors: Duff C. J. , van der Werf J. H. J. , Parnell P. F. , Clark S. A.
Published: July 2021

Context Improving meat quality traits such as marbling is a well established breeding objective for many beef producers. More recently, the inclusion of feed efficiency is being considered. The main driving factors being the direct feed cost, as well as consumer concerns related to environmental sustainability of beef production. Aims The main aim of this study was to examine modifying the definition of residual feed intake (RFI), by including an adjustment for intramuscular fat (IMF). The secondary aim was to further understand the genetic relationships between feed intake and a range of carcass traits. Methods Using a population of 4034 Australian Angus animals, feed intake and carcass traits, along with pedigree and fixed effects, were analysed. This included the calculation of three definitions of RFI, being the standard definition, accounting for average daily gain and metabolic mid-weight, and two amended versions accounting for ultrasound IMF (RFIu), or carcass IMF (RFIi). Variance components, heritabilities, and genetic and phenotypic correlations were estimated and compared. Key results All three definitions of RFI were moderately heritable (0.30–0.32) and highly correlated, both genetically (0.99) and phenotypically (0.99). Unfavourable genetic correlations were observed between RFI and carcass IMF (CIMF), and between RFIu and CIMF at 0.29 and 0.24 respectively. Similarly, there were unfavourable genetic correlations between RFI and ultrasound IMF (UIMF), between RFIi and UIMF, and between RFIu and UIMF at 0.30, 0,21 and 0.23 respectively. Conclusions RFI can be redefined to account for traits, other than average daily gain and metabolic mid-weight, such as IMF. However due to limitations of phenotypic linear regression, and only small amounts of variation in feed intake being explained by the IMF traits, the redefinition of RFI was a suboptimal approach to breeding candidate selection. Furthermore, the present study confirmed the challenges with selecting for both feed efficiency and meat quality traits as they are generally genetically antagonist. Implications For beef cattle breeding programs, the investigation of alternative selection approaches is warranted. This may include further understanding the genetic correlations among traits in the breeding objective and, according to their economic value, optimally weighting the related estimated breeding value.
Insertion of a synthetic switch into insulin provides metabolite-dependent regulation of hormone–receptor activation
Authors: Chen Yen-Shan , Gleaton Jeremy , Yang Yanwu , Dhayalan Balamurugan , Phillips Nelson B. , Liu Yule , Broadwater Laurie , Jarosinski Mark A. , Chatterjee Deepak , Lawrence Michael C. , Hattier Thomas , Michael M. Dodson , Weiss Michael A.
Published: July 2021

Significance

Ligand-dependent conformational switches are ubiquitous in biological macromolecules, from allosteric proteins to RNA riboswitches. Molecular design of artificial switches provides a general strategy to test relationships between macromolecular structure and function. The present study exploited recent structures of complexes between an ancestral signaling protein (insulin) and the ectodomain of its cellular receptor to insert a metabolite-regulated switch into the hormone. Whereas binding of ligands often stabilizes structure, this design envisioned metabolite-dependent “opening” of a closed, inactive insulin conformation. Assessment of hormone-directed receptor autophosphorylation and a downstream signaling cascade in liver-derived cells demonstrated that binding of metabolite (a monosaccharide) enabled hormonal signaling. These results suggest a mechanism-based strategy to design “smart” glucose-responsive analogs to more safely treat insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
Solar Technology Lowers the Noise Level in the Waters Surrounding Bora Bora
Authors: Marinescu Silvia , Andre Julien , Lods Aurelie , Jiang Yini , Liu Jiatong
Published: July 2021

Interest in solar-powered electric vessels is driven, on the one hand, by concern about the underwater noise produced by conventional craft that is damaging to marine ecosystems and by the pollution caused by fossil fuels. It can also be driven, as this case study demonstrates, by market forces, in particular the wish to offer visitors a better boating experience. Solar-powered craft are an attractive and responsible way to discover beautiful islands and coastlines and to explore their rich and fragile marine environments.

Information

Written on the basis of material provided by David Czap, founder of Soel Yachts company.

© CAB International 2021
Foxo1 controls gut homeostasis and commensalism by regulating mucus secretion
Authors: Chen Zuojia , Luo Jialie , Li Jian , Kim Girak , Chen Eric S. , Xiao Sheng , Snapper Scott B. , Bao Bin , An Dingding , Blumberg Richard S. , Lin Cheng-hui , Wang Sui , Zhong Jiaxin , Liu Kuai , Li Qiyuan , Wu Chuan , Kuchroo Vijay K.
Published: July 2021

Mucus produced by goblet cells in the gastrointestinal tract forms a biological barrier that protects the intestine from invasion by commensals and pathogens. However, the host-derived regulatory network that controls mucus secretion and thereby changes gut microbiota has not been well studied. Here, we identify that Forkhead box protein O1 (Foxo1) regulates mucus secretion by goblet cells and determines intestinal homeostasis. Loss of Foxo1 in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) results in defects in goblet cell autophagy and mucus secretion, leading to an impaired gut microenvironment and dysbiosis. Subsequently, due to changes in microbiota and disruption in microbiome metabolites of short-chain fatty acids, Foxo1 deficiency results in altered organization of tight junction proteins and enhanced susceptibility to intestinal inflammation. Our study demonstrates that Foxo1 is crucial for IECs to establish commensalism and maintain intestinal barrier integrity by regulating goblet cell function.
Activation of the integrated stress response confers vulnerability to mitoribosome-targeting antibiotics in melanoma
Authors: Vendramin Roberto , Katopodi Vicky , Cinque Sonia , Konnova Angelina , Knezevic Zorica , Adnane Sara , Verheyden Yvessa , Karras Panagiotis , Demesmaeker Ewout , Bosisio Francesca M. , Kucera Lukas , Rozman Jan , Gladwyn-Ng Ivan , Rizzotto Lara , Dassi Erik , Millevoi Stefania , Bechter Oliver , Marine Jean-Christophe , Leucci Eleonora
Published: July 2021

The ability to adapt to environmental stress, including therapeutic insult, contributes to tumor evolution and drug resistance. In suboptimal conditions, the integrated stress response (ISR) promotes survival by dampening cytosolic translation. We show that ISR-dependent survival also relies on a concomitant up-regulation of mitochondrial protein synthesis, a vulnerability that can be exploited using mitoribosome-targeting antibiotics. Accordingly, such agents sensitized to MAPK inhibition, thus preventing the development of resistance in BRAFV600E melanoma models. Additionally, this treatment compromised the growth of melanomas that exhibited elevated ISR activity and resistance to both immunotherapy and targeted therapy. In keeping with this, pharmacological inactivation of ISR, or silencing of ATF4, rescued the antitumoral response to the tetracyclines. Moreover, a melanoma patient exposed to doxycycline experienced complete and long-lasting response of a treatment-resistant lesion. Our study indicates that the repurposing of mitoribosome-targeting antibiotics offers a rational salvage strategy for targeted therapy in BRAF mutant melanoma and a therapeutic option for NRAS-driven and immunotherapy-resistant tumors.
Simulating NEMA characteristics of the modular total-body J-PET scanner—an economic total-body PET from plastic scintillators
Authors: Moskal P , Kowalski P , Shopa R Y , Raczyński L , Baran J , Chug N , Curceanu C , Czerwiński E , Dadgar M , Dulski K , Gajos A , Hiesmayr B C , Kacprzak K , Kapłon Ł , Kisielewska D , Klimaszewski K , Kopka P , Korcyl G , Krawczyk N , Krzemień W , Kubicz E , Niedźwiecki Sz , Parzych Sz , Raj J , Sharma S , Shivani S , Stępień E , Tayefi F , Wiślicki W
Published: July 2021

The purpose of the presented research is estimation of the performance characteristics of the economic total-body Jagiellonian-PET system (TB-J-PET) constructed from plastic scintillators. The characteristics are estimated according to the NEMA NU-2-2018 standards utilizing the GATE package. The simulated detector consists of 24 modules, each built out of 32 plastic scintillator strips (each with cross section of 6 mm times 30 mm and length of 140 or 200 cm) arranged in two layers in regular 24-sided polygon circumscribing a circle with the diameter of 78.6 cm. For the TB-J-PET with an axial field-of-view (AFOV) of 200 cm, a spatial resolutions (SRs) of 3.7 mm (transversal) and 4.9 mm (axial) are achieved. The noise equivalent count rate (NECR) peak of 630 kcps is expected at 30 kBq cc−1. Activity concentration and the sensitivity at the center amounts to 38 cps kBq−1. The scatter fraction (SF) is estimated to 36.2 %. The values of SF and SR are comparable to those obtained for the state-of-the-art clinical PET scanners and the first total-body tomographs: uExplorer and PennPET. With respect to the standard PET systems with AFOV in the range from 16 to 26 cm, the TB-J-PET is characterized by an increase in NECR approximately by factor of 4 and by the increase of the whole-body sensitivity by factor of 12.6 to 38. The time-of-flight resolution for the TB-J-PET is expected to be at the level of CRT = 240 ps full width at half maximum. For the TB-J-PET with an AFOV of 140 cm, an image quality of the reconstructed images of a NEMA IEC phantom was presented with a contrast recovery coefficient and a background variability parameters. The increase of the whole-body sensitivity and NECR estimated for the TB-J-PET with respect to current commercial PET systems makes the TB-J-PET a promising cost-effective solution for the broad clinical applications of total-body PET scanners. TB-J-PET may constitute an economic alternative for the crystal TB-PET scanners, since plastic scintillators are much cheaper than BGO or LYSO crystals and axial arrangement of the strips significantly reduces the costs of readout electronics and SiPMs.
Suppression of charge trapping in ON-state operation of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs by Si-rich passivation
Authors: Yang Feiyuan , Uren Michael J , Gajda Mark , Dalcanale Stefano , Karboyan Serge , Pomeroy James W , Kuball Martin
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we investigate the charge trapping in power AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors which occurs in ON-state operation (V
DS = 40 V, V
GS = 0 V, I
DS = 0.18 A mm−1). By analysing the dynamic ON-resistance (R
ON) after OFF-state and ON-state stress in devices with different SiN
x
passivation stoichiometries, we find that this charge trapping can be largely suppressed by a high Si concentration passivation. Both potential probe and electroluminescence (EL) measurements further confirm that the stress can induce negative charge trapping in the gate–drain access region. It is shown that EL is generated as expected under the field plates at the gate edge, but is obscured by the field plates and is actually emitted from the device near the drain edge; hence care is required when using EL alone as a guide to the location of the high field region in the device. From temperature-dependent dynamic R
ON transient measurements, we determine that the apparent activation energy of the measured ‘trap’ response is around 0.48 eV, and infer that they are located in the heavily carbon-doped GaN layer. Using the leaky dielectric model, we explain the response in terms of the hopping transport from the same substitutional carbon acceptor buffer dopants.
Bianisotropic origami metasurfaces for mechanically controlled asymmetric radiation
Authors: Li Min , Hu Yan , Chen Qiaolu , Chen Hongsheng , Wang Zuojia
Published: July 2021

Bianisotropic metasurfaces have been attracting increasing attention due to their strong capability for magneto–electric coupling manipulation on electromagnetic fields. Bianisotropic effect is physically determined by the symmetries of structure and switching among various bianisotropic states is thus difficult by varying material properties. Here, we propose a reconfigurable bianisotropic metasurface by arranging meta-atoms in a Miura-ori lattice. The bianisotropic properties are dynamically controlled via the deformation of the Miura-ori pattern, i.e., zero bianisotropy at the unfolded state and enhanced bianisotropy in folded geometries. It is also demonstrated that asymmetric radiation performance can be flexibly controlled by changing only the folded angle of deformation. Our work provides an alternative pathway toward dynamically control over the bianisotropy of metasurfaces, which may provide potential applications for smart directional radiation and scattering.
Representation of total angular momentum states of beams through a four-parameter notation
Authors: Fu Shiyao , Hai Lan , Song Rui , Gao Chunqing , Zhang Xiangdong
Published: July 2021

It has been confirmed beams carrying total angular momentums (TAMs) that consist of spin angular momentums (SAMs) and orbital angular momentums (OAMs) are widely used in classical and quantum optics. Here we propose and demonstrate a new kind of representation consisting of four real numbers to describe the TAM states of arbitrary beams. It is shown that any homogeneous polarization, scalar vortices and complex vectorial vortex field, all of which result from the TAMs of photons, can be well represented conveniently using our proposed four-parameter representation. Furthermore, the proposed representation can also reveal the internal change of TAMs as the conversion between SAMs and OAMs. The salient properties of the proposed representation is to give a universal form of TAMs associated with complicated polarizations and more exotic vectorial vortex beams, which offer an important basis for the future applications.
Introduction
Authors: Stavans Ilan
Published: July 2021

“Introduction” explores the appellation “People of the Book” as it pertains to the Jews, arguing that, theologically as well as culturally, Jews depend on books to exist. The work of Argentine man of letters Jorge Luis Borges is invoked to introduce the concept of aterritoriality. Modern Jewish literature does not have a specific address and is written in multiple languages. There is a connection between Hasidism, Franz Kafka, Hannah Arendt, Isaac Bashevis Singer, Israeli literature, and the work of Jewish writers in other diasporas.
Jewish literature should also include graphic novels, film scripts, television shows, and other textual manifestations.
3. The age of anxiety
Authors: Stavans Ilan
Published: July 2021

“The age of anxiety” surveys Jewish thought and literature from the end of the nineteenth century to the Second World War, starting with Karl Marx, Sigmund Freud, and Albert Einstein. The works of Marcel Proust, Franz Kafka, Isaac Babel, and Bruno Schulz are worthy of examination. In particular, Kafka’s The Metamorphosis is an invaluable prism through which to understand diaspora Jewish life in the first third of the twentieth century, illustrating the perception of alienation and monstrosity. The works of these writers manifest the anxiety experienced by Jews as they realized how vulnerable their status was in secular European culture. Such anxiety was prescient, foreshadowing the Holocaust.
4. Shoah and memory
Authors: Stavans Ilan
Published: July 2021

“Shoah and memory” looks at the Holocaust through the lens of Jewish literature worldwide, focusing on the differences between the works of Anne Frank (Diary of a Young Girl), Elie Wiesel (Night), Hannah Arendt (Eichmann in Jerusalem), and others, studying the reception each of these works received in Jewish and non-Jewish milieus. There is a connection between memory and testimonial literature, which can especially be seen in fiction as it intersects with the anti-Semitic trend known as “Holocaust denial." We have cases such as “invented” memoirs, for example, The Painted Bird by Jerzy Koziński. There are also a number of nonliterary Holocaust narratives such as the films Shoah and Schindler’s List and the graphic novel Maus.
6. The Promised Land
Authors: Stavans Ilan
Published: July 2021

“The promised land” looks at the Zionist movement at the end of the nineteenth century in its commitment to create a Jewish state that could not only normalize diaspora Jewish life but also establish a national literature. It meditates on the work of Theodor Herzl, Vladimir Jabotinsky, Chaim Nakhman Bialik, Sh. Y. Agnon, and Amos Oz as canonical voices in Israeli literature. It is worth reflecting on Palestinian literature written in Hebrew, as in Anton Shammas’s Arabesques, and ask the question: ought it to be considered part of Jewish literature? Israeli literature, despite argument to the contrary, is another facet of modern Jewish literature in the diaspora.
9. Translation matters
Authors: Stavans Ilan
Published: July 2021

“Translation matters” looks at the role of translation in Jewish literature from the Talmudic period to the present, focusing on the ongoing effort to make Jewish works available speedily in multiple languages. Chaim Nakhman Bialik, Franz Rosenzweig, Martin Buber, and Robert Alter were important translators of sacred literature. Translingualism is a feature of modern Jewish literature, with examples like Sholem Aleichem, Elias Canetti, and Ariel Dorfman. There are also a number of thinkers like Walter Benjamin and George Steiner, who studied translation as a sine qua non of twentieth-century literature. Modern literature depends on translation to exist.
Epilogue
Authors: Stavans Ilan
Published: July 2021

“Epilogue” argues that modern Jewish literature in the twenty-first century is vigorous yet centerless, which is an asset and not a liability. It is a national literature without an overarching address. Israel has not brought about the end of the Jewish diaspora. Jewish writing is active everywhere in the world and Jewish readers voraciously follow its ins and outs. Aterritoriality is a survival strategy in that it allows Jews to be at once insiders and outsiders to their respective national cultures. As diaspora life changes as a result of historical events, new cultural capitals will emerge and with them will come fresh literary forms conveying the challenges Jews will face.
5. George W. Bush and the Iraq War
Authors: Siracusa Joseph M.
Published: July 2021

‘George W. Bush and the Iraq War’ looks at the diplomacy of George W. Bush in the run up to the Iraq War, which marked the triumph of the militarization of American diplomacy and an era of endless wars. With UK support, and despite United Nations warnings, in 2003 Bush approved the airstrikes that preceded the invasion of Iraq in March that year. The war with Iraq lasted just over a month. George W. Bush finally got the war he wanted; the regime change he wanted. And he got his way. The militarization of American diplomacy had been achieved and a war of choice had inaugurated an era of endless wars.
2. The evolution of amphibians
Authors: Kemp T. S.
Published: July 2021

‘The evolution of amphibians’ traces the evolutionary origin of living amphibians: anurans, urodeles, and caecilians. The comparison of the DNA sequence of their genes shows that the living amphibians taken together are a monophyletic group. This means that they all go back to a single common ancestor that had already separated from the common ancestor of the amniotes in the evolutionary tree. However, molecular evidence is little help in discovering which of the ancient tetrapod groups are related to the modern groups. Moreover, the earliest fossils of the three modern groups do not occur until far later, tens of millions years later, than any plausible relatives amongst the Carboniferous and Permian tetrapods.
8. Conservation and the future of amphibians
Authors: Kemp T. S.
Published: July 2021

‘Conservation and the future of amphibians’ reflects on the future of amphibians. Amphibians are small, permeable-skinned animals dependent on a humid atmosphere, which makes them especially vulnerable to changes in habitat and climate. They are also sensitive to increasing pollution levels, although there is a great deal of variation in how badly different species are affected. In addition, amphibians continue to be a source of food, medicine, and pets for the rapidly growing human population, and it is no wonder that as a group they face a particularly severe threat. Many species are endangered or threatened with extinction.
Introduction
Authors: Ezrachi Ariel
Published: July 2021

‘Introduction’ provides an overview of the competitive process, which has generated much of the prosperity of the Western world. It is this process that delivers the abundance of choice, the lower prices, the increased innovation, and the better quality of goods and services. The antitrust and competition laws are designed to address risks, remedy possible market failures, and safeguard consumer welfare. Competition agencies and courts are tasked with enforcing the law. As they do so, they face the challenge of correctly identifying what amounts to an anti-competitive activity and curtailing it to ensure dynamic and competitive markets.
1. The power of competition
Authors: Ezrachi Ariel
Published: July 2021

‘The power of competition’ discusses the power of competition. The nature of the product and the structure of the market affect the intensity of competition and subsequently the price and quality of goods and services. The model of perfect competition illustrates the ideal market scenario — a perfect market which maximizes consumer welfare. There are a number of consequences of limited competition in a market dominated by a monopoly. In such a market, a single firm offers the product or service. There is also a type of market called an oligopoly, which is characterized by a few key competitors.
5. The legal framework
Authors: Ezrachi Ariel
Published: July 2021

‘The legal framework’ outlines the key competition provisions currently in the US and EU. Like in most other jurisdictions, EU and US laws include competition provisions that are used to address antitrust violations such as anti-competitive agreements or abuse of monopoly power. They also include laws dealing with proposed mergers and acquisitions. The US Antitrust Law prohibits contracts and agreements between two or more individuals or entities in restraint of trade or commerce. Meanwhile, EU competition law prohibits agreements between ‘undertakings’ that have, as their object or effect, the prevention, restriction, or distortion of competition, and affect trade between the EU member states.
7. The fight against cartels
Authors: Ezrachi Ariel
Published: July 2021

‘The fight against cartels’ assesses the fight against cartel agreements. When unchallenged and undetected, cartel activity can distort competition and significantly harm consumer welfare and trade. Policy makers have described cartel activity as a cancer in a modern market economy, the effects of which are entirely negative. The law reflects this view by treating cartel activity as unambiguously bad, thus prescribing harsh financial penalties and sanctions to violators. Competition agencies position these illicit activities high on their enforcement agenda. There are a number of leniency programmes which incentivize cartel members to approach the agency and confess their participation. Both the US and EU investigated the Air Cargo Cartel.
9. Monopolies and the abuse of market power
Authors: Ezrachi Ariel
Published: July 2021

‘Monopolies and the abuse of market power’ studies monopolies and the abuse of market power. The first step in applying competition law to misuse of market power is the identification of such power. How powerful should you be to be deemed to have market power that could trigger antitrust intervention? Many jurisdictions will use the benchmark of ‘dominant position’, some will use ‘monopoly power’ or ‘monopolization’, while others may focus on the presence of ‘superior bargaining position’. There is a difference in approach between the US and EU competition laws which can be seen through several categories of abuse and monopolization, including predatory pricing, excessive pricing, and refusal to supply or license.
11. The international dimension
Authors: Ezrachi Ariel
Published: July 2021

‘The international dimension’ examines the international dimension of competition laws. In order to protect their domestic markets, competition agencies often need to apply their national laws beyond the boundaries of their state. Extraterritoriality in competition law commonly relies on one of two legal concepts. The first extends a competition regime’s jurisdiction to activities which have an effect on that regime’s markets. The second requires ‘implementation’ of anti-competitive activity within the given territory as a condition for extraterritorial application of domestic laws. In the US, the effects doctrine enabled the enforcement of antitrust laws on foreign companies. In the EU, both the effects and implementation doctrines may be used.
Interdisciplinary Quality Improvement Led by the Molecular Pathology Laboratory Expedites Diagnosis of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
Authors: Asadbeigi Sepideh , Zhou Yaolin
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) requires emergent treatment while definitive laboratory results are pending. Following the death of a patient whose diagnosis was delayed, we sought to improve our institution’s workflow by using the EPIDEM (Exploration, Promotion, Implementation, Documentation, Evaluation, Modification) quality improvement model.

Methods

APL is confirmed by identifying translocation t(15;17)(q24;q21) PML-RARA by using either molecular or cytogenetic methods on peripheral blood or bone marrow specimens. We used the EPIDEM model to decrease the turnaround time (TAT) of molecular diagnosis by improving communication and developing reflex testing. We additionally compared 32 APL cases against a control group of 18 suspected APL cases.

Results

Our review of 687 multiplex polymerase chain reaction orders and 33 PML-RARA orders (January 2012 to April 2021) showed an initial TAT decrease from 4.48 days to 2.71 days (P < .0001), which further decreased to 0.64 days (P < .0001) after implementation of the PML-RARA qualitative assay. Compared with patients suspected of having APL, patients with confirmed APL had higher dimerized plasmin fragment D (P = .0145), lower fibrinogen (P ≤ .0001), and lower WBC (P ≤ .0001).

Conclusions

By using the EPIDEM model, with its emphasis on local context, culture, and resources, improved communication and workflow changes enabled us to reduce the time needed to diagnose APL to 0.64 days and identify potential locally derived screening cutoffs.
Early-Life Exposure to Green Space and Mid-Childhood Cognition in the Project Viva Cohort, Massachusetts
Authors: Jimenez Marcia P , Shoaff Jessica , Kioumourtzoglou Marianthi-Anna , Korrick Susan , Rifas-Shiman Sheryl L , Hivert Marie-France , Oken Emily , James Peter
Published: July 2021

The association between early-life greenness and child cognition is not well understood. Using prospective data from Project Viva (n = 857) from 1999–2010, we examined associations of early-life greenness exposure with mid-childhood cognition. We estimated residential greenness at birth, early childhood (median age 3.1 years), and mid-childhood (7.8 years) using 30-m resolution Landsat satellite imagery (normalized difference vegetation index). In early childhood and mid-childhood, we administered standardized assessments of verbal and nonverbal intelligence, visual-motor abilities, and visual memory. We used natural splines to examine associations of early life-course greenness with mid-childhood cognition, adjusting for age, sex, race, income, neighborhood socioeconomic status, maternal intelligence, and parental education. At lower levels of greenness (greenness <0.6), greenness exposure at early childhood was associated with a 0.48% increase in nonverbal intelligence and 2.64% increase in visual memory in mid-childhood. The association between early-childhood greenness and mid-childhood visual memory was observed after further adjusting for early childhood cognition and across different methodologies, while the association with nonverbal intelligence was not. No other associations between early life-course greenness and mid-childhood cognition were found. Early childhood greenness was nonlinearly associated with higher mid-childhood visual memory. Our findings highlight the importance of nonlinear associations between greenness and cognition.
Clinical trials in skeletal dysplasia: a paradigm for treating rare diseases
Authors: Sabir Ataf , Irving Melita
Published: July 2021

Background

Genetic skeletal dysplasia conditions (GSDs) account for 5% of all birth defects. Until recently, targeted treatments were only available for select few conditions; 1 however, opportunities arising from developments in molecular diagnostic technologies are now leading to unparalleled therapeutic advances. This review explores current GSD clinical trials, their challenges and the hopes for the future.

Sources of data

A systematic literature search of relevant original articles, reviews and meta-analyses restricted to English was conducted using PubMed up to February 2020 regarding emerging GSD therapies.

Areas of agreement

We discuss current clinical trials for in achondroplasia, osteopetrosis, osteogenesis imperfecta, hypophosphataemic rickets, hypophosphatasia and fibrous ossificans progressiva.

Areas of controversy

We explore challenges in GSD drug development from clinician input, cost-effectiveness and evidenced-based practice.

Growing points

We explore opportunities brought by earlier diagnosis, its treatment impact and the challenges of gene editing.

Areas timely for developing research

We horizon scan for future clinical trials.
Opposability and Non-Opposability in International Law
Authors: Bjorge Eirik
Published: July 2021

In a given legal situation relating to one or more states, the most practically important question to be determined is not whether, in an objective sense, a legal act is or is not generally valid. It is instead whether, as far as the relationship between the states involved is concerned, the act is opposable by one state to another. Opposability is the capacity of a rule, a legal act, a right, or a legal fact to produce international legal effects vis-à-vis a state, including a state or states unconcerned by the obligations that arise directly from it. Rather than depending on whether an act is valid as against all the world, opposability operates in the relations between pairs of states. Opposability (like its opposite: non-opposability) is concerned with whether the act in question may be opposed to the state at issue; the basis for that opposability (or non-opposability) will be whether or not the state has given its recognition, tacitly or explicitly, of the act concerned.
The relationship between exchange rate and structural change: an approach based on income elasticities of trade
Authors: Marconi Nelson , Araujo Eliane , Brancher Marco Capraro , Porto Tiago Couto
Published: July 2021

We analyse the hypothesis that variations in the income elasticities of the demand for exports and imports are influenced by the difference between the actual and industrial equilibrium levels of real effective exchange rates. The industrial equilibrium is defined as the exchange rate level that equalises real unit labour costs between local producers of manufactured goods and their trading partners. To test our hypothesis, based on data between 1995 and 2014 from the World Input-Output Database (WIOD), a sample of 43 countries was built. First, the actual and the industrial equilibrium real effective exchange rates were calculated; then, the income elasticities were estimated for each country during this period. A dynamic panel data model was adopted to estimate the relationship between these elasticities and the differences between those exchange rates. The results suggest that the magnitude of these differences modifies the income elasticities of trade, potentially contributing to structural change.
Partially linear models with endogeneity: a conditional moment-based approach
Authors: Antoine Bertille , Sun Xiaolin
Published: July 2021

In a partially linear conditional moment model we propose a new estimator for the slope parameter of the endogenous variable of interest, which combines a Robinson’s transformation to partial out the nonlinear part of the model, with a smooth minimum distance approach to exploit all the information of the conditional mean independence restriction. Our estimator only depends on one tuning parameter, is easy to compute, consistent and $\sqrt{n}$-asymptotically normal under standard regularity conditions. Simulations show that our estimator is competitive with the generalised method of moments-type estimators and often displays a smaller bias and variance as well as better coverage rates for confidence intervals. We revisit and extend some of the empirical results in Dinkelman (2011b) who estimates the impact of electrification on employment growth in South Africa. Overall, we obtain estimates that are smaller in magnitude, more precise, and still economically relevant.
Minimally invasive surgery versus sternotomy in native mitral valve endocarditis: a matched comparison
Authors: Kofler Markus , Van Praet Karel M , Schambach Julie , Akansel Serdar , Sündermann Simon , Schönrath Felix , Jacobs Stephan , Falk Volkmar , Kempfert Jörg
Published: July 2021

OBJECTIVES

The present study compared the clinical outcomes between minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and median sternotomy (MS) in patients with native mitral valve infective endocarditis.

METHODS

From 2009 to 2019, a total of 154 patients with acute (n = 131, 85%) or subacute (n = 23, 15%) native mitral valve infective endocarditis were included in the study. One-to-one nearest neighbour propensity score matching considering endocarditis severity using the dedicated De Feo score and 19 other clinically relevant baseline variables resulted in a population of 39 matched pairs. The matched cohort was investigated regarding operative and postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

Both groups showed similar results regarding cardiopulmonary bypass time [MIS: 96 min (77–138), MS: 99 min (88–127); P = 0.780] and aortic cross-clamp time [MIS: 64 min (54–90), MS: 65 min (59–83); P = 0.563], whereas overall operative time was shorter through minimally invasive access [MIS: 138 min (112–196), MS: 187 min (175–230); P = 0.005]. Although the rate of revision for bleeding was similar in both groups [MIS: 12.8% (n = 5), MS: 10.3% (n = 4); P = 1.000], MIS was associated with fewer red blood cell unit transfusions [MIS: 1 unit (0–4), MS: 4 units (2–10); P = 0.001] and fewer fresh frozen plasma unit transfusions [MIS: 0 units (0–0), MS: 1 unit (0–5); P = 0.002]. MIS was associated with a shorter ventilation time [MIS: 708 min (429–1236), MS: 1440 min (659–4411); P = 0.024] and a lower rate of reintubation after extubation [MIS: 5.1% (n = 2), MS: 25.6% (n = 10); P = 0.021].

CONCLUSIONS

In patients suffering from native mitral valve infective endocarditis, MIS provides significant clinical benefits over sternotomy in selected patients.

Subject collection

117, 121.