bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of AC losses in segmented rare earth permanent magnets
Authors: Martinek G. , Lanz M. , Schneider G. , Goll D.
Published: September 2020

Segmenting rare earth permanent magnets into thin slices is an effective means for avoiding eddy current losses in oscillating magnetic fields. However, the large surface areas created by segmentation can give rise to severe hysteresis losses. The surface hysteresis may lead to increasing rather than decreasing AC losses for narrower segmentation. Increasing losses were observed in NdFeB samples for segment thicknesses below 4 mm, in an AC field of ±80 kA/m at 1000 Hz. In contrast, Sm2Co17 magnets showed no significant hysteresis losses. The strong hysteresis losses in NdFeB were observed for AC fields oscillating around H = 0. DC bias fields of >100 kA/m reduced the hysteresis losses by more than one order of magnitude. Determining the hysteresis losses from quasi-static minor loop measurements gave similar results as found in the AC measurements. An evaluation of the hysteresis losses is thus possible by hysteresisgraphs, which are more widely available.
Extension of the Fock-space coupled-cluster method with singles and doubles to the three-valence sector
Authors: Meissner Leszek , Musiał Monika , Kucharski Stanisław A.
Published: September 2020

The single-reference coupled-cluster method has proven very effective in the ab initio description of atomic and molecular systems, but its successful application is limited to states dominated by a single Slater determinant, which is used as the reference. In cases where several determinants are important in the wave function expansion, i.e., we have to deal with nondynamic correlation effects, a multi-reference version of the coupled-cluster method is required. The multi-reference coupled-cluster approaches are based on the effective Hamiltonian formulation providing a two-step procedure, in which dynamic correlation effects can be efficiently evaluated by the wave operator, while nondynamic correlation contributions are given by diagonalization of the effective Hamiltonian in the final step. There are two classical multi-reference coupled-cluster formulations. In this paper, the focus is on the so-called Fock-space coupled-cluster method in its basic version with one- and two-particle operators in the exponent. Computational schemes using this truncation of the cluster operator have been successfully applied in calculations in one- and two-valence sectors of the Fock space. In this paper, we show that the approach can be easily extended and effectively employed in the three-valence sector calculations.
Electron and hole mobilities in ambipolar MoS2 electric-double-layer transistor
Authors: Shimazu Yoshihiro , Ono Shotaro , Shioya Inoru
Published: September 2020

We report transport measurements of ionic liquid-gated field-effect transistors with multilayer MoS2 channels. Ambipolar characteristics with high ON/OFF ratios (>105) are observed. The current–voltage characteristics agree well with those calculated using a simple model assuming a high recombination probability and negligible contact resistance, except when holes are doped in the vicinity of the source contact. Electron and hole mobilities are estimated using the current–voltage characteristics in both the unipolar and ambipolar modes, wherein a p–n junction is formed in the latter. The electron mobility depends significantly on the carrier distribution in a channel that is controlled by the gate voltage. This result is attributed to the significant field dependence of the electron mobility.
Cross-stream migration of droplets in a confined shear-thinning viscoelastic flow: Role of shear-thinning induced lift
Authors: Hazra S. , Mitra S. K. , Sen A. K.
Published: September 2020

Shear-thinning viscoelastic (STVE) flows exhibit intriguing phenomena owing to their complex rheology and the coupling of various forces involved. Here, we present an understanding of the cross-stream migration of droplets in a confined STVE flow and unravel the role of a shear-thinning induced lift force (FSM) in their dynamical behavior. We perform experiments with popular STVE liquids of different molecular weights and concentrations (c) for Reynolds numbers Re < 1 and Weissenberg numbers Wi = 0.01–7.4. Our results reveal larger droplets (of drop-to-channel ratio β ≥ 0.28) that follow their original streamlines, whereas smaller droplets (β ≤ 0.2) exhibit center ward migration and the migration rates depend upon the drop-to-medium viscosity (k) and elasticity (ξ) ratios. The lateral displacement of droplets is tracked using high-speed imaging that is used to estimate the relevant forces using suitable correlations. We find that the migration dynamics of droplets is underpinned by the non-inertial lift (FNIL), viscoelastic lift (FVM, FVD), and shear-thinning induced lift (FSM) forces. We provide experimental evidence of the proposed FSM and, from analytical scaling and empirical modeling, develop an expression for FSM ∼ ΔμΔγ̇D3.7/h1.7 (with R2 = 0.95) for an object at a distance h from the wall and with a drop in viscosity Δμ and strain rate Δγ̇ across its diameter D. Our study sheds light on the underlying dynamics on droplets in an STVE medium and opens up avenues for sorting and focusing of drops in an STVE medium at low Re.
Charge transport anisotropy in hot extruded bismuth telluride: Scattering by acoustic phonons
Authors: Masut Remo A. , André Cédric , Vasilevskiy Dimitri , Turenne Sylvain
Published: September 2020

A model of the thermoelectric transport properties of hot extruded bulk polycrystalline (HEBP) n-type Bi2Te3 has been developed based on the marked anisotropy of its properties induced by extrusion. HEBP Bi2Te3 is a highly textured material that allows treating electrical and thermal transport in the plane perpendicular to the extrusion axis as approximately isotropic. The model of this transport is based on the simplified electronic density of states suggested by ab initio calculations of the band structure of crystalline Bi2Te3 near the band edges. The proposed model can also be applied to transport along the extrusion axis in a temperature range when there is only one limiting charge carrier scattering mechanism. It provides excellent accord to the Hall effect (perpendicular) and the Harman (along extrusion) measurement of mobility, and the Seebeck coefficient of HEBP n-type Bi2Te3 in the temperature range from ∼200 to 460 K. It can be concluded that acoustic phonon scattering provides the limiting scattering mechanism for this temperature range. The model is also applied to elucidate the important role of thermodiffusion, suggesting that the usual approach to experimentally obtain this contribution to the thermal conductivity can only give approximate rough estimates.
Phosphorene pnp junctions as perfect electron waveguides
Authors: Betancur-Ocampo Yonatan , Paredes-Rocha Emmanuel , Stegmann Thomas
Published: September 2020

The current flow in phosphorene pnp junctions is studied. At the interfaces of the junction, omni-directional total reflection takes place, named anti-super-Klein tunneling, as this effect is not due to an energetically forbidden region but due to pseudo-spin blocking. The anti-super-Klein tunneling confines electrons within the junction, which thus represents a perfect lossless electron waveguide. Calculating the current flow by applying Green’s function method onto a tight-binding model of phosphorene, it is observed that narrow electron beams propagate in these waveguides like light beams in optical fibers. The perfect guiding is found for all steering angles of the electron beam as the total reflection does not rely on the existence of a critical angle. For low electron energies and narrow junctions, the guided modes of the waveguide are observed. The waveguide operates without any loss only for a specific orientation of the junction. For arbitrary orientations, minor leakage currents are found, which, however, decay for low electron energies and grazing incidence angles. It is shown that a crossroad-shaped pnp junction can be used to split and direct the current flow in phosphorene. The proposed device, a phosphorene pnp junction as a lossless electron waveguide may not only find applications in nanoelectronics but also in quantum information technology.
Dual regulation by subcellular calcium heterogeneity and heart rate variability on cardiac electromechanical dynamics
Authors: Phadumdeo Vrishti M. , Weinberg Seth H.
Published: September 2020

Heart rate constantly varies under physiological conditions, termed heart rate variability (HRV), and in clinical studies, low HRV is associated with a greater risk of cardiac arrhythmias. Prior work has shown that HRV influences the temporal patterns of electrical activity, specifically the formation of pro-arrhythmic alternans, a beat-to-beat alternation in the action potential duration (APD), or intracellular calcium (Ca) levels. We previously showed that HRV may be anti-arrhythmic by disrupting APD and Ca alternations in a homogeneous cardiac myocyte. Here, we expand on our previous work, incorporating variation in subcellular Ca handling (also known to influence alternans) into a nonlinear map model of a cardiac myocyte composed of diffusively coupled Ca release units (CRUs). Ca-related parameters and initial conditions of each CRU are varied to mimic subcellular Ca heterogeneity, and a stochastic pacing sequence reproduces HRV. We find that subcellular Ca heterogeneity promotes the formation of spatially discordant subcellular alternans patterns, which decreases whole cell Ca and APD alternation for low and moderate HRV, while high subcellular Ca heterogeneity and HRV both promote electromechanical desynchronization. Finally, we find that for low and moderate HRV, both the specific subcellular Ca-related parameters and the pacing sequences influence measures of electromechanical dynamics, while for high HRV, these measures depend predominantly on the pacing sequence. Our results suggest that pro-arrhythmic subcellular discordant alternans tend to form for low levels of HRV, while high HRV may be anti-arrhythmic due to mitigated influence from subcellular Ca heterogeneity and desynchronization of APD from Ca instabilities.
Resonant tunneling field emission of Si sponge-like structures
Authors: Semenenko Mykola , Antonin Serhii , Redko Roman , Romanuyk Yuriy , Hladkovska Alexandra V. , Solntsev Viacheslav , Evtukh Anatoliy
Published: September 2020

In this work, electron field emission from resonant tunneling systems based on Si sponge-like structures was studied. During the electrochemical etching of flat Si wafers using the galvanic anodization method, Si sponge-like structures were formed. Each non-monolithic Si wire includes preferably two types of Si particles with sizes ranging from 1 to 1.2 nm and from 1.3 to 1.4 nm. The smallest etching currents were possible to realize due to the galvanic anodization technique that resulted in the formation of more uniform structures. The structures obtained enable us to get reproducible resonant peaks during current flow in the field emission process. The origin of peaks was attributed to the resonant tunneling mechanism of electrons through the multibarrier structure.
Numerical analysis of the heat-pressure characteristics in ultrasonic vibration assisted plasma arc
Authors: Li Yongfeng , Wu ChuanSong , Chen Maoai
Published: September 2020

The ultrasonic vibration assisted plasma arc welding process was developed to enhance the welding efficiency while the underlying mechanism of ultrasonic interaction with plasma arc is not yet elucidated. In this study, a numerical model of ultrasonic vibration assisted plasma arc is proposed, which takes into account the influence of plasma flow velocity on the ultrasonic propagation as well as the macro- and micro-effects of ultrasound on the heat-pressure characteristics of the plasma arc. The calculation results show that the plasma flow velocity affects the ultrasonic field in the plasma arc, resulting in a significant increase in the sound pressure near the workpiece surface. Ultrasound can increase the thermal conductivity of plasma and reduce the electric conductivity of plasma. The acoustic radiation force is at the same order of electromagnetic force, while the acoustic energy is five orders of magnitude lower than Joule heat. Under the comprehensive action of ultrasonic vibration, the plasma arc pressure and current density on the anode surface are increased so that the keyholing/penetrating ability of the plasma arc is enhanced. The model is validated by comparison of predicted and measured arc pressure and current density on the anode surface.
Ultrathin perpendicular free layers for lowering the switching current in STT-MRAM
Authors: Santos Tiffany S. , Mihajlović Goran , Smith Neil , Li Jui-Lung , Carey Matthew , Katine Jordan A. , Terris Bruce D.
Published: September 2020

The critical current density Jc0 required for switching the magnetization of the free layer (FL) in a spin-transfer torque magnetic random access memory (MRAM) cell is proportional to the product of the damping parameter, saturation magnetization, and thickness of the free layer, αMStF. Conventional FLs have the structure CoFeB/nonmagnetic spacer/CoFeB. By reducing the spacer thickness, W in our case, and also splitting the single W layer into two layers of a sub-monolayer thickness, we have reduced tF while minimizing α and maximizing MS, ultimately leading to lower Jc0 while maintaining high thermal stability. Bottom-pinned MRAM cells with a device diameter in the range of 55–130 nm were fabricated, and Jc0 is the lowest for the thinnest (1.2 nm) FLs, down to 4MA/cm2 for 65 nm devices, ∼30% lower than 1.7 nm FLs. The thermal stability factor Δdw, as high as 150 for the smallest device size, was determined using a domain wall reversal model from field-switching probability measurements. With high Δdw and the lowest Jc0, the thinnest FLs have the highest spin-transfer torque efficiency.
Cleavable magnetic materials from van der Waals layered transition metal halides and chalcogenides
Authors: McGuire Michael A.
Published: September 2020

The study of exfoliated 2D magnetic materials is a vibrant and rapidly progressing field and is impacting many areas of condensed matter research including fundamental magnetism, spintronics and optoelectronics, and topological spin and electronic systems. The availability of promising candidate materials has enabled much of the progress in this field. Here, I present my perspective on the development of cleavable magnetic materials with a focus on transition metal halides and chalcogenides and an emphasis on crystal structure and magnetic order. To give proper context for these discussions, brief and incomplete surveys of recent work are included, focusing on specific aspects that I find most useful for guiding work on emerging materials and motivating expansion into other compounds and material families. Several instances of structural changes that can differentiate behaviors of bulk and ultrathin specimens are noted. Probing and understanding potential structural differences present a challenge but also an opportunity for material and device development, if they can be predicted and controlled. It is clear that careful investigations of structure, layer stacking, and defects in materials, how they may relate to the crystal chemistry, and how they may be different in crystals and mono- or few-layer specimens provide invaluable context for understanding the behavior of van der Waals layered magnetic materials.
Number marking in Nuer nouns
Authors: Koang Nyang John
Published: September 2020

This paper investigates the formation of number in the nouns of
Nuer, a Nilo-Saharan language spoken both in South Sudan and Ethiopia. Forming
plurals in Nuer is by itself quite irregular: there are many different ways.
Suffixing the [-ni̤] after words that end in sounds other than [l] and [r] is the
first way. [l] and [r]take [-i̤] after them, which is the second way. There are also
many other ways of forming a plural from singular, including suppletion, vowel
shortening, change in vowel quality and internal vowel modification (this last way
is quite unpredictable in nature). There is also a null (Ø) formation of plurals
with no distinction between singular and plural. Other closely related languages
like Dinka (South Sudan) and Anyuak (both Ethiopia and South Sudan), see Reh (1996), share many of the same plural
formation processes.
The linguistic nature of expression of aspect in Ethiopian sign
language
Authors: Kassu Abebe Pawlos
Published: September 2020

Research findings on the aspectual marking system in sign
languages points towards diverse thinking. At first it was claimed that aspect
marking is inflectional morphology. This, however, has been questioned on the
grounds that it does not meet the basic criteria for inflectional status, and is in
fact derivational or belonging to a highly iconic class of ideophonic morphology. It
also has been argued that the system is neither inflectional nor derivational, but
gestural. These different analytical perspectives are still a subject of discussion.
This paper is a part of wider research on forms, meanings of the aspect marking
system in Ethiopian Sign Language (EthSL) and examines the nature of the aspect
marking system observed in EthSL in light of the ongoing discussions. Seven deaf
language consultants of differing ages and genders were involved. McCarthy’s
prosodic theory of nonconcatenative morphology was used as a theoretical framework
for the analysis of the data. The analysed data refutes the gestural nature of the
aspect marking system and points to the direction of inflectional morphology.
Indians in Apartheid South Africa: class, compromise and controversy in the era of the Group Areas Act, 1952–1962
Authors: Yengde Suraj
Published: September 2020

This paper looks at the implementation of the notorious Group Areas Act between 1952 and 1962, and the struggle of the Transvaal Indian community in responding to the Act. Since the Group Areas Act threatened the very existence of the Indian community in South Africa, two major Indian bodies – Natal Indian Congress (NIC) and Transvaal Indian Congress (TIC) – played a pivotal role in promoting regional awareness of the Act by organizing important conferences protesting against the Act. The Indian community came together as a unified group to narrate historical atrocities, something that was never discussed among the Indian circles before. There were incidents during the Group Areas Act protest when the Indian community leadership was divided over ideological differences in the Transvaal region. Incidents like these suggest that the unity within the Indian leadership, which is often discussed in the South African race history, was subject to public scrutiny. Drawing upon the archival materials of Transvaal Indian Congress Mass Conference in 1962 and the private papers of prominent Indian figures such as Amina Cachalia and the collections of Hassim Seedat along with in-depth interviews with activists, merchants and residents of Fordsburg, this paper aims to provide exclusive insights into the tactics employed by the Indian organizations in mobilizing against the Act.
Continuous decoding of cognitive load from electroencephalography reveals task-general and task-specific correlates
Authors: Boring Matthew J , Ridgeway Karl , Shvartsman Michael , Jonker Tanya R
Published: September 2020

Objective. Algorithms to detect changes in cognitive load using non-invasive biosensors (e.g. electroencephalography (EEG)) have the potential to improve human–computer interactions by adapting systems to an individual’s current information processing capacity, which may enhance performance and mitigate costly errors. However, for algorithms to provide maximal utility, they must be able to detect load across a variety of tasks and contexts. The current study aimed to build models that capture task-general EEG correlates of cognitive load, which would allow for load detection across variable task contexts. Approach. Sliding-window support vector machines (SVM) were trained to predict periods of high versus low cognitive load across three cognitively and perceptually distinct tasks: n-back, mental arithmetic, and multi-object tracking. To determine how well these SVMs could generalize to novel tasks, they were trained on data from two of the three tasks and evaluated on the held-out task. Additionally, to better understand task-general and task-specific correlates of cognitive load, a set of models were trained on subsets of EEG frequency features. Main results. Models achieved reliable performance in classifying periods of high versus low cognitive load both within and across tasks, demonstrating their generalizability. Furthermore, continuous model outputs correlated with subtle differences in self-reported mental effort and they captured predicted changes in load within individual trials of each task. Additionally, alpha or beta frequency features achieved reliable within- and cross-task performance, suggesting that activity in these frequency bands capture task-general signatures of cognitive load. In contrast, delta and theta frequency features performed considerably worse than the full cross-task models, suggesting that delta and theta activity may be reflective of task-specific differences across cognitive load conditions. Significance. EEG data contains task-general signatures of cognitive load. Sliding-window SVMs can capture these signatures and continuously detect load across multiple task contexts.
Focus on land use cover changes and environmental impacts in South/Southeast Asia
Authors: Vadrevu Krishna Prasad , Ohara Toshimasa
Published: September 2020

Understanding the impacts of land use cover changes (LUCC) on the environment is one of the most important scientific challenges in global change research. LUCC is one of the critical drivers of environmental change in South/Southeast Asia. Several studies suggest that LUCC in these countries is driven by population growth and economic development. In the region, LUCC is manifested in a variety of phenomena such as urban expansion, agricultural land loss, land abandonment, deforestation, logging, reforestation, etc. Documenting the LUCC and associated impacts gain significance as the results can aid improved land management. This editorial provides a summary and discussion of the nine different articles of the Focus issue, focusing on ground-based measurements, remote sensing, and modeling to quantify LUCC impacts. The results will be useful to academics, practitioners, government, and policymakers to quantify and address sustainable LUCC issues in South/Southeast Asian countries. The published papers add significant new science to the existing literature.
Analysis of early structure formation of anhydrite binders from secondary raw materials using microcalorimetry
Authors: Anikanova L A , Volkova O V , Kudyakov A I , Lotov V A , Pervushina D M
Published: September 2020

This article presents results of a research on changes in energy parameters of fluorogypsum composition of normal consistency with introduction of various additives (μΔn) such as sodium sulfate and sodium sulfite. Activity of binder in interaction with water was defined as the sum of thermal effect of hydration and thermal effect of dispersion of fluorogypsum crystal lattice. In order to compare processes of heat release in the studied gypsum-containing systems, the article presents results of analysis for the following ones: fluorogypsum binder – water, fluorogypsum binder – sodium sulfate – water and fluorogypsum binder – sodium sulfite – water. Research has shown that processes of hydration during by development of alternating exothermic and endothermic effects in systems containing fluorogypsum binders.
Experimental studies of the evolution of structural and mechanical characteristics of cement stone in the process of hydration
Authors: Dmitrieva M A , Sharanova A V , Leitsin V N
Published: September 2020

An experimental approach is proposed to study the evolution of structural and mechanical characteristics of cement stone in the process of hydration. This approach is based on the use of computed tomography methods and the determination of the strength at different times of the setting of concrete compositions. It is shown that modifying additives of calcium formate and redispersible polymer powder provide an increase in strength at the initial setting time. In this case, the highest strength value 30 minutes after mixing is achieved for a composition with 2% content of redispersible polymer powder by weight of cement. The highest density is demonstrated by compositions with additives of redispersible polymer powder. A developed experimental approach, combining a non-destructive computed tomography method and a direct assessment of the compressive strength of samples of multicomponent concrete of various compositions, makes it possible to effectively evaluate the effect of modifying additives on the properties of modified concrete.
Designing new sustainable anti-landslide systems under constrained city conditions
Authors: Kasharina T P , Kasharin D V , Polyakov D A
Published: September 2020

This article discusses the development of technical solutions for anti-erosion and landslide impact designs in the design and construction of buildings and structures in cramped urban conditions. They are created from composite nanomaterials. Many foreign and domestic scientists are engaged in such structures from soil-reinforced and soil-filled elements. We also examined the methods of calculating their justification and the results of experimental studies.
Factors of environmentally oriented development of management technologies in construction
Authors: Nuzhina I , Shershova L
Published: September 2020

The results of research to advance the study and practice of construction management in the context of greening and transition to a green economy are presented. The basic aim of the study: is exploration of development of management technologies space available to construction managers for the development of a fully interlinked system of indices of the controls as a model of environmentally sensitive and ecosystem-based management processes. Methods of system, logical and comparative analysis are used. The study provides an overview of the institutional environment and identified the factors dictating the necessity to transform technology of project management control in construction in accordance with the environmental regulations of development and the social needs of city-building activity. Has been reasserted the importance of increasing greening needs of the population, social and environmental responsibility of the construction business is shown. The author’s concept is proposed and structured system of eco-engineering project as a role model for the development paradigm of technologies for governments in construction was introduced.
Same-plant trends in capacity factor and heat rate for US power plants, 2001–2018
Authors: Grubert Emily
Published: September 2020

This note uses electricity generator level 2001–2018 US capacity, generation, and heat input data to evaluate trends in same-plant capacity factor (how much plants run) and heat rate (how efficiently plants run) as plants age. Based on compound annual growth rates for capacity factor and, for thermal plants, heat rate, and based on the subset of US plants that have been operating since 2010 or earlier, same-plant capacity factors increased slightly, and heat rates decreased slightly, between 2001–2018 (weighted average based on 2018 plant capacity). Trends vary by region, fuel, and plant age. Notably, US natural gas-fired power plants tended to run more, and more efficiently, as they aged, while coal-fired power plants tended to run less, and less efficiently. Potential drivers include relative plant age, policy, financial competitiveness, and an anticipated tendency for plant operators to react to the effects of equipment aging with maintenance, repair, replacement, and optimization. These observations can inform committed emissions-based research, which requires making assumptions about how plant operational characteristics change (or do not) as they age.
If You Build It, They Will Come—Agroecosystem-Based Management Practices Support Pollinators
Authors: O’Brien Colton , Arathi H S
Published: September 2020

Recent reports indicate that global insect populations are drastically declining, and amongst insects, bees have attracted significant attention. Decades of research on causal factors for bee population declines, indicate that extensive loss of natural habitats resulting from urbanization and agricultural intensification, has led to a dearth of critical nesting and forage resources essential for the sustenance of bees. To address these concerns and to meet the growing need for food production, simple but effective farm management practices such as restoring habitat diversity through planting pollinator habitats along field margins and underutilized areas, revegetating retired farmland with wildflowers and including pollinator-friendly forbs in cover crop mixes, have been recommended. Earlier studies have provided evidence that planting pollinator habitats along field margins and revegetating retired farmland are indeed viable ways to sustain bee pollinators. Here we report results of a case study exploring the benefits of cover cropping with a pollinator-friendly forb mix. Our results indicate that cover cropping to support pollinators can be effective, particularly when cover crops are retained until the flowering stage and that grazing of cover crops could extend support to those genera of bees that prefer grazed areas. Although the reports on global insect declines are dire, our studies show that pollinator-friendly farm management practices can offset the declines and play a significant role in supporting pollinator populations. Regular assessment of the efficacy of these practices will enable us to target efforts towards better implementation of habitat conservation programs.
Newt: a comprehensive web-based tool for viewing, constructing and analyzing biological maps
Authors: Balci Hasan , Siper Metin Can , Saleh Nasim , Safarli Ilkin , Roy Ludovic , Kilicarslan Merve , Ozaydin Rumeysa , Mazein Alexander , Auffray Charles , Babur Özgün , Demir Emek , Dogrusoz Ugur
Published: September 2020

Motivation

Visualization of cellular processes and pathways is a key recurring requirement for effective biological data analysis. There is a considerable need for sophisticated web-based pathway viewers and editors operating with widely accepted standard formats, using the latest visualization techniques and libraries.

Results

We developed a web-based tool named Newt for viewing, constructing and analyzing biological maps in standard formats such as SBGN, SBML and SIF.

Availability and implementation

Newt’s source code is publicly available on GitHub and freely distributed under the GNU LGPL. Ample documentation on Newt can be found on http://newteditor.org and on YouTube.
Use of vasopressors during esophagectomy is not associated with increased risk of anastomotic leak
Authors: Walsh Kevin J , Zhang Hao , Tan Kay See , Pedoto Alessia , Desiderio Dawn P , Fischer Gregory W , Bains Manjit S , Jones David R , Molena Daniela , Amar David
Published: September 2020

Vasopressor use during esophagectomy has been reported to increase the risk of postoperative anastomotic leak and associated morbidity. We sought to assess the association between vasopressor use and fluid (crystalloid and colloid) administration and anastomotic leak following open esophagectomy. Patients who underwent open Ivor Lewis esophagectomy were identified from a prospective institutional database. The primary outcome was postoperative anastomotic leak (any grade) and analyzed using logistic regression models. Postoperative anastomotic leak developed in 52 of 327 consecutive patients (16%) and was not significantly associated with vasopressor use or fluid administered in either univariable or multivariable analyses. Increasing body mass index was the only significant characteristic of both univariable (P = 0.004) and multivariable analyses associated with anastomotic leak (odds ratio, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.09; P = 0.007). Of the 52 patients that developed an anastomotic leak, 12 (23%) were grade 1, 21 (40%) were grade 2 and 19 (37%) were grade 3. In our cohort, only body mass index, and not intraoperative vasopressor use and fluid administration, was significantly associated with increased odds of postoperative anastomotic leak following open Ivor Lewis esophagectomy.
The Reliability of Genitalia Morphology to Monitor the Spread of the Invasive Winter Moth (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) in Eastern North America
Authors: Griffin Brian P , Chandler Jennifer L , Andersen Jeremy C , Havill Nathan P , Elkinton Joseph S
Published: September 2020

Winter moth, Operophtera brumata L. (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), causes widespread defoliation in both its native and introduced distributions. Invasive populations of winter moth are currently established in the United States and Canada, and pheromone-baited traps have been widely used to track its spread. Unfortunately, a native species, the Bruce spanworm, O. bruceata (Hulst), and O. bruceata × brumata hybrids respond to the same pheromone, complicating efforts to detect novel winter moth populations. Previously, differences in measurements of a part of the male genitalia called the uncus have been utilized to differentiate the species; however, the accuracy of these measurements has not been quantified using independent data. To establish morphological cutoffs and estimate the accuracy of uncus-based identifications, we compared morphological measurements and molecular identifications based on microsatellite genotyping. We find that there are significant differences in some uncus measurements, and that in general, uncus measurements have low type I error rates (i.e., the probability of having false positives for the presence of winter moth). However, uncus measurements had high type II error rates (i.e., the probability of having false negatives for the presence of winter moth). Our results show that uncus measurements can be useful for performing preliminary identifications to monitor the spread of winter moth, though for accurate monitoring, molecular methods are still required. As such, efforts to study the spread of winter moth into interior portions of North America should utilize a combination of pheromone trapping and uncus measurements, while maintaining vouchers for molecular identification.
Left main-like bifurcation primary percutaneous coronary intervention case report: anomalous right coronary artery ostium from the left anterior descending
Authors: Farjat Pasos Julio I , Ibarra Jorge Padilla , Angelini Paolo , Arias Eduardo A
Published: September 2020

Background

A single coronary artery ostium (SCAO) is estimated to be present in 0.066% of the general population. The proximal coronary course and the relationship with surrounding structures are related to malignant vs. benign prognoses. We present a case of SCAO with the right coronary artery (RCA) arising from the mid-left anterior descending (LAD), complicated by anterior and inferior STEMI because of acute thrombotic occlusion at the bifurcation and its percutaneous management.

Case summary

A 56-year-old male was admitted with sudden onset of resting chest pain. His ECG showed an anterior, inferior, and right ventricular STEMI. Via trans-radial access, coronary angiography showed significant stenoses at the left main and the circumflex but also a thrombotic occlusion at the proximal segment of the LAD while no RCA was seen. After crossing the LAD occlusion, the dominant RCA appeared from the mid-LAD. A provisional stent technique was performed achieving good results. Coronary computed tomography angiography showed an SCAO congenital anomaly with a patent stent in the bifurcation accompanied by diffuse coronary artery disease causing mild stenosis of the left main, proximal, and distal circumflex.

Discussion

The RCA arising from the mid-LAD with pre-pulmonic course has been described in only 37 cases. One reported an LAD/RCA bifurcation treatment with two stents technique in a stable scenario. The present is the first case reported of an acute thrombotic occlusion of an LAD/RCA bifurcation clinically resulting in a left main equivalent STEMI treated successfully with primary percutaneous coronary intervention using a bifurcation technique.
Double outlet of both ventricles: morphological, echocardiographic and surgical considerations
Authors: Iyer Krishna Subramony , Garg Ankit , Girotra Sumir , Anderson Robert H , Azad Sushil , Radhakrishnan Sitaraman , Iyer Parvathi U
Published: September 2020

OBJECTIVES

To describe the morphology, echocardiographic features and surgical management of the entity appropriately described as ‘double outlet of both ventricles’.

METHODS

Seven patients (5 males, age 0.5–7.5 months) were diagnosed to have a unique form of subarterial ventricular septal defect (VSD) and ventriculo-arterial connection, where a muscular outlet septum straddled the crest of the ventricular septum in a cruciate manner, such that both great arteries were equally committed to both ventricles. Diagnosis was established by echocardiography, with 6 patients submitted to surgical repair by means of intracardiac routing of the left ventricle to the aorta using 2 patches.

RESULTS

Surgical repair was successful in all 6 patients in whom it was attempted. In addition, 1 patient underwent concomitant repair of aortic coarctation, and 2 had closure of multiple VSDs. We lost 1 patient to follow-up after diagnosis. Follow-up with a range from 3 months to 8 years in the remaining patients revealed all to be clinically well with satisfactory growth of both outflow tracts.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe a series of patients with the ventriculo-arterial connection best described as ‘double outlet of both ventricles’. Diagnosis is readily established by echocardiography. Good early and midterm results can be expected subsequent to surgical repair using 2 patches for interventricular septation.
Dairy lactococcal and streptococcal phage–host interactions: an industrial perspective in an evolving phage landscape
Authors: Romero Dennis A , Magill Damian , Millen Anne , Horvath Philippe , Fremaux Christophe
Published: September 2020

Almost a century has elapsed since the discovery of bacteriophages (phages), and 85 years have passed since the emergence of evidence that phages can infect starter cultures, thereby impacting dairy fermentations. Soon afterward, research efforts were undertaken to investigate phage interactions regarding starter strains. Investigations into phage biology and morphology and phage–host relationships have been aimed at mitigating the negative impact phages have on the fermented dairy industry. From the viewpoint of a supplier of dairy starter cultures, this review examines the composition of an industrial phage collection, providing insight into the development of starter strains and cultures and the evolution of phages in the industry. Research advances in the diversity of phages and structural bases for phage–host recognition and an overview of the perpetual arms race between phage virulence and host defense are presented, with a perspective toward the development of improved phage-resistant starter culture systems.
Super-resolution imaging of bacterial pathogens and visualization of their secreted effectors
Authors: Singh Moirangthem Kiran , Kenney Linda J
Published: September 2020

Recent advances in super-resolution imaging techniques, together with new fluorescent probes have enhanced our understanding of bacterial pathogenesis and their interplay within the host. In this review, we provide an overview of what these techniques have taught us about the bacterial lifestyle, the nucleoid organization, its complex protein secretion systems, as well as the secreted virulence factors.
Medical Care Delivery in U.S. Nursing Homes: Current and Future Practice
Authors: Katz Paul R , Ryskina Kira , Saliba Debra , Costa Andrew , Jung Hye-Young , Wagner Laura M , Unruh Mark Aaron , Smith Benjamin J , Moser Andrea , Spetz Joanne , Feldman Sid , Karuza Jurgis
Published: September 2020

The delivery of medical care services in U.S. nursing homes (NHs) is dependent on a workforce that comprises physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Each of these disciplines operates under a unique regulatory framework while adhering to common standards of care. NH provider characteristics and their roles in NH care can illuminate potential links to clinical outcomes and overall quality of care with important policy and cost implications. This perspective provides an overview of what is currently known about medical provider practice in NH and organizational models of practice. Links to quality, both conceptual and established, are presented as is a research and policy agenda that addresses the gaps in the evidence base within the context of our ever-changing health care landscape.
Classification of tectonic and non-tectonic seismicity based on convolutional neural network
Authors: Liu Xinliang , Ren Tao , Chen Hongfeng , Chen Yufeng
Published: September 2020

In this paper, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) were used to distinguish between tectonic and non-tectonic seismicity. The proposed CNNs consisted of seven convolutional layers with small kernels and one fully connected layer, which only relied on the acoustic waveform without extracting features manually. For a single station, the accuracy of the model was 0.90, and the event accuracy could reach 0.93. The proposed model was tested using data from January 2019 to August 2019 in China. The event accuracy could reach 0.92, showing that the proposed model could distinguish between tectonic and non-tectonic seismicity.
Novel TONSL variants cause SPONASTRIME dysplasia and associate with spontaneous chromosome breaks, defective cell proliferation and apoptosis
Authors: Micale Lucia , Cialfi Samantha , Fusco Carmela , Cinque Luigia , Castellana Stefano , Biagini Tommaso , Talora Claudio , Notarangelo Angelantonio , Bisceglia Luigi , Taruscio Domenica , Salvatore Marco , Castori Marco
Published: September 2020

SPONASTRIME dysplasia is an ultrarare spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia featuring short stature and short limbs, platyspondyly, depressed nasal bridge with midface hypoplasia and striated metaphyses. In 2019, an autosomal recessive inheritance was demonstrated by the identification of bi-allelic hypomorphic alleles in TONSL. The encoded protein has a critical role in maintaining genome integrity by promoting the homologous recombination required for repairing spontaneous replication-associated DNA lesions at collapsed replication forks. We report a 9-year-old girl with typical SPONASTRIME dysplasia and resulted in carrier of the novel missense p.(Gln430Arg) and p.(Leu1090Arg) variants in TONSL at whole-exome sequencing. In silico analysis predicted that these variants induced thermodynamic changes with a pathogenic impact on protein function. To support the pathogenicity of the identified variants, cytogenetic analysis and microscopy assays showed that patient-derived fibroblasts exhibited spontaneous chromosomal breaks and flow cytometry demonstrated defects in cell proliferation and enhanced apoptosis. These findings contribute to our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of SPONASTRIME dysplasia and might open the way to novel therapeutic approaches.
The effect of platelet-rich plasma in patients with early hip osteoarthritis: a pilot study
Authors: Ortiz-Declet Victor , Iacobelli David A , Battaglia Muriel R , Go Cammille C , Maldonado David R , Lall Ajay C , Domb Benjamin G
Published: September 2020

We investigate whether platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections can improve symptoms and function in patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis (OA). Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed for all patients receiving PRP intra-articular hip injections between February 2017 and June 2017. The inclusion criteria were patients with a well-preserved joint space (Tönnis 0 or 1) whose magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings demonstrated degenerative joint disease or a Tönnis grade of 2. The patient-reported outcomes (PROs) used were the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living Subscale (HOS-ADL), Hip Outcome Score-Sports Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), International Hip Outcome TOOL (iHOT-12), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) and Mental and Physical aspects of the Veteran RAND 12 Item Health Survey (VR-12M and VR-12P). The visual analog scale (VAS) was utilized to indicate pain. Nine patients (11 hips) were eligible for inclusion. All PROs and VAS improved from pre- to post-injection. These improvements were present at the 3-month follow-up visit and stable until the 12-month follow-up. There was statistically significant improvement for mHHS (P < 0.001), HOS-ADL (P = 0.006), iHOT-12 (P = 0.003) and VR-12M (P = 0.005) at 12 months post-injection. Similarly, VAS improved from 4.1 to 2.3, although the change was not statistically significant. PRP injections significantly improved PROs in all measured scales at time points up to a year after intervention, except for VR-12P and HOS-SSS. In conclusion, patients with early OA of the hip had significant improvement of patient-reported functional outcomes up to 12 months after PRP intra-articular injections.
The role of collision speed, cloud density, and turbulence in the formation of young massive clusters via cloud–cloud collisions
Authors: Liow Kong You , Dobbs Clare L
Published: September 2020

Young massive clusters (YMCs) are recently formed astronomical objects with unusually high star formation rates. We propose the collision of giant molecular clouds (GMCs) as a likely formation mechanism of YMCs, consistent with the YMC conveyor-belt formation mode concluded by other authors. We conducted smoothed particle hydrodynamical simulations of cloud–cloud collisions and explored the effect of the clouds’ collision speed, initial cloud density, and the level of cloud turbulence on the global star formation rate and the properties of the clusters formed from the collision. We show that greater collision speed, greater initial cloud density and lower turbulence increase the overall star formation rate and produce clusters with greater cluster mass. In general, collisions with relative velocity ≳ 25 km s−1, initial cloud density ≳ 250 cm−3, and turbulence of ≈2.5 km s−1 can produce massive clusters with properties resembling the observed Milky Way YMCs.
Vortex unpinning due to crustquake-initiated neutron excitation and pulsar glitches
Authors: Layek Biswanath , Yadav Pradeepkumar R
Published: September 2020

Pulsars undergoing crustquake release strain energy, which can be absorbed in a small region inside the inner crust of the star and excite the free superfluid neutrons therein. The scattering of these neutrons with the surrounding pinned vortices may unpin a large number of vortices and effectively reduce the pinning force on vortex lines. Such unpinning by neutron scattering can produce glitches for Crab-like pulsars and Vela pulsar of size in the range of ∼10−8–10−7 and ∼10−9–10−8, respectively. Although we discuss here the crustquake-initiated excitation, the proposal is very generic and equally applicable for any other sources, which can excite the free superfluid neutrons, or can be responsible for superfluid – normal phase transition of neutron superfluid in the inner crust of a pulsar.