bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Importantes aspectos da Nutrologia e suas aplicações nos pacientes oncológicos
Authors: Zylberberg Ricardo
Published: December 2020

Estimativas globais demonstram que a incidência de casos de câncer na população mundial vem aumentando e, consequentemente, a mortalidade relacionada a esse diagnóstico. Diversos fatores de risco relacionados ao câncer foram identificados, tais como: o tabagismo, o excesso de peso, dietas de padrão ocidental e o sedentarismo. Evidências científicas robustas demonstram que a maioria dos casos de câncer pode ser prevenida com medidas comportamentais. Apesar de um vasto conhecimento sobre os fatores de risco modificáveis relacionados ao câncer, a implementação de medidas de prevenção ainda é incipiente. Intervenções almejando o controle de peso, a personalização da dieta e o estímulo à prática de atividade física podem melhorar a qualidade de vida e alguns desfechos relacionados ao câncer e ao seu tratamento. O presente artigo tem o intuito de revisar os impactos dessas variáveis no diagnóstico, tratamento e mortalidade dos pacientes oncológicos, além de discorrer sobre as principais recomendações dos aspectos nutrológicos específicos dessa população.
Tribute to Dr. Mario Augusto Taricco
Authors: Vellutini Eduardo de Arnaldo Silva , Pahl Felix Hendrik , Oliveira Matheus Fernandes de
Published: December 2020

The present article is a brief tribute to Dr Mario Augusto Taricco, highlighting his contributions to Brazilian neurosurgery during his prestigious professional career. Dr Taricco was born in São Paulo, state of São Paulo, Brazil, and contributed to neurosurgery and spinal surgery for 42 years, leaving a vast legacy for São Paulo's and national neurosurgery. Based on values such as discipline, ethics, professionalism and competence, he built his own brand leading and improving neurosurgery and spine surgery in Brazil. He graduated in the Escola Paulista de Medicina and became neurosurgeon at the Hospital das Clínicas of the Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP, in the Portuguese acronym). Since 1989, he became the head of the Spine Surgery Group of the Neurosurgery Service of Hospital das Clínicas, FMUSP. A career dedicated to professional and academic excellence, focused on patient treatment and science improvement.
Minor Structural Alterations of the Vocal Fold Cover: Vocal Quality before and after Treatment
Authors: Brito Tatiany Cíntia da Silva , Silva Jullyane Florencio Pacheco da , Moraes Bruno Teixeira , Vilela Mirella Bezerra Rodrigues , Ximenes Coeli Regina , Vasconcelos Daniela de , Cardoso Nathália Suellen Valeriano , Gomes Adriana de Oliveira Camargo
Published: December 2020

Introduction Minor structural alterations of the vocal fold cover are important causes of dysphonia. The variability in the type of alteration and the grade of vocal deviation affects the definition of the conduit and the results of treatment.

Objective To characterize the occurrence, the selected treatments adopted and vocal quality before and after treatment in patients with minor structural alterations of the vocal folds cover.

Methods This was a cross-sectional study based on the records of patients treated by an interdisciplinary team at the laryngology outpatient clinic of a public university hospital from 2010 to 2018. Data collection consisted of access to a database of information on otorhinolaryngological diagnostic hypotheses, intervention and perceptual-auditory vocal assessments before and after the treatment. Data from 102 subjects were analyzed. Association tests were applied between the perceptual-auditory vocal results and the different alterations found and between these and the adopted treatments. The results of the degrees of vocal deviation before and after treatment were also compared.

Results The degree of roughness was associated with the sulcus vocalis, and in this alteration the highest occurrence was mild degree of roughness. There was an improvement in the breathiness and general grade of vocal deviation after treatment.

Conclusion Cysts were the most frequent structural alteration in the population studied. There was an association between the degree of general deviation and that of roughness in sulcus vocalis cases. The breathiness and the general grade of vocal deviation improved after treatment regardless of the type of treatment and alteration.
Mechanoresponsive Elastomers Made with Excimer-Forming Telechelics
Authors: Kiebala Derek J. , Fan Zhiyuan , Calvino Celine , Fehlmann Lauren , Schrettl Stephen , Weder Christoph
Published: December 2020

Mechanoresponsive luminescent (MRL) elastomers, which change their fluorescence color or intensity upon deformation, can facilitate simple strain detection through optical signals. Several polymers have been endowed with MRL properties by blending them with excimer-forming dyes, whose assembly and emission color are affected by deformation of the blended materials. However, access to elastic MRL polyurethanes based on this approach has proven difficult and usually requires the covalent incorporation of such dyes in high concentration. Here, we show that much simpler access to MRL elastomers is possible by blending thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers with a small weight fraction of a telechelic sensor macromolecule carrying two excimer-forming oligo(p-phenylene vinylene) dyes at the termini. While the mechanical properties of the two polyurethanes, which were selected because of their dissimilar mechanical behaviors, remain unchanged, the additive imparts these materials with MRL characteristics. Notably, the reliable and reversible detection of strains as low as 5% is possible. The highly sensitive mechanochromic response mirrors the deformation and relaxation processes occurring in these model polyurethanes and enabled a detailed analysis of the processes underlying the shape-memory properties in one of the polyurethanes, in which such behavior was imparted by a crystallizable soft segment.
Mit Mut und Zuversicht ins neue Jahr
Authors: Freye Carolin
Published: December 2020

Ein außergewöhnliches Jahr neigt sich dem Ende zu.
SANA Web Dialog 2020: Das WIR ist wichtig!
Authors: Salein Tobias , Heinze Johannes
Published: December 2020

Eine Webkonferenz zu aktuellen Themen der Gesundheitsbranche und speziellen Herausforderungen der Kliniklandschaft: Der Sana Dialog 2020 öffnete wieder den Blick über das Krankenhaus hinaus. Ethische, gesellschaftliche und politische Fragen standen am 14. September auf der Agenda.
Risikomanagement: Supply-Chain-Resilienz im Krankenhaus
Authors: Köhler Mathias , Schlüchtermann Jörg
Published: December 2020

Im Klinikeinkauf sind täglich zahlreiche Risiken zu managen, vom Produktrückruf bis zum Ausfall eines Lieferanten. Es bedarf daher einer strukturierten Herangehensweise zum Erfassen, Bewerten und Verringern solcher Risiken.
Kosten Sparen Durch Bessere Qualität: DRG-Reform und Vergütung von Qualität
Authors: Schmidt Marie Theres
Published: December 2020

Eine Reform der Krankenhausfinanzierung nach den Bundestagswahlen im kommenden Herbst wird immer wahrscheinlicher. Vor allem aus den Bundesländern nimmt der Druck zu, die Finanzierung von Investitionen und laufenden Krankenhausleistungen zu reformieren. Im Zentrum der Länder-Wunschlisten steht dabei die Absicherung der Flächenversorgung durch zusätzliche Sicherstellungszuschläge.
Einkaufsgesellschaften in Deutschland: Überblick über die Einkaufsgesellschaften
Authors: Weyand Rudolf
Published: December 2020

Analog zu den wachsenden Anforderungen der Krankenhäuser an die Einkaufsgesellschaften wachsen die Aufgaben der Einkaufsgesellschaften – insbesondere im IT- und Dienstleistungssektor.
Nonlinear bubble competition of the multimode ablative Rayleigh–Taylor instability and applications to inertial confinement fusion
Authors: Zhang Huasen , Betti R. , Yan Rui , Aluie H.
Published: December 2020

The self-similar nonlinear evolution of the multimode ablative Rayleigh–Taylor instability (RTI) and the ablation-generated vorticity effect are studied for a range of initial conditions. We show that, unlike classical RTI, the nonlinear multimode bubble-front evolution remains in the bubble competition regime due to ablation-generated vorticity, which accelerates the bubbles, thereby preventing a transition into the bubble-merger regime. We develop an analytical bubble competition model to describe the linear and nonlinear stages of ablative RTI. We show that vorticity inside the multimode bubbles is most significant at small scales with large initial perturbation. Since these small scales persist in the bubble competition regime, the self-similar growth coefficient αb can be enhanced by up to 30% relative to ablative bubble competition without vorticity effects. We use the ablative bubble competition model to explain the hydrodynamic stability boundary observed in OMEGA low-adiabat implosion experiments.
Bandgap engineering in III-nitrides with boron and group V elements: Toward applications in ultraviolet emitters
Authors: Kudrawiec Robert , Hommel Detlef
Published: December 2020

A key material system for opto- and high-power electronics are III-nitrides. Their functionality can be expanded when bandgap engineering is extended beyond common materials such as AlN, GaN, and InN. Combining these three compounds with boron nitride and other III–V compounds (GaP, GaAs, GaSb, InP, etc.) is an intuitive method of expanding bandgap engineering in semiconductor devices. This may allow improvement of current devices for which performances are limited by the intrinsic properties of common III-nitride alloys, as well as the creation of novel devices. A comprehensive review of this activity is presented in this article, including an up-to-date compilation of material parameters for wurtzite boron nitride; its alloying with other III-nitrides, including structural and optical characterization; the band anticrossing model for III-nitrides diluted with group V atoms; their synthesis and structural and optical characterization; and examples of applications of III-nitrides containing boron and group V atoms in semiconductor devices. It is shown to be very beneficial for ultraviolet emitters to incorporate alloying of III-nitrides with BN, as these compounds have lattice constants much smaller than that of AlN, offering unique possibilities in strain engineering. It is shown that the incorporation of P, As, Sb, and Bi in GaN is low when the material is deposited at this temperature, which is optimal for the host. Lowering the growth temperature significantly enhances the incorporation of isovalent dopants, but deteriorates the optical quality of the material. The obtained changes in the electronic band structure can be beneficial in many applications, including water splitting or shifting emission toward longer wavelengths.
Combined experimental and first-principles studies of structural and physical properties of β-Ti3SiC2
Authors: Zhang Linqi , Sun Jianrong , Gao Xing , Deng Tianyu , Cheng Zhaoyi , Tai Pengfei , Chang Hailong , Xie Erqing , Chen Jinya , Xia Mengxin
Published: December 2020

MAX phase materials have shown a series of interesting, even sometimes unusual, properties and exhibited combined attributes of both metals and ceramics, which are due to their “layered ternary transition metal carbides” structures. In the process of studying the multistage phase transformation of 312-MAX phase materials, we found that there were some confusions and mistakes when describing the crystal structures of the β-phase in the existing literature. In order to clarify their structural and physical properties, the β-phase Ti3SiC2 materials have been prepared by using 500 keV He2+-ion irradiation-induced phase transformation and examined by first-principles calculations and Rietveld analysis of grazing incidence x-ray diffraction patterns. Two accurate descriptions of the β-Ti3SiC2 structure are given here. In order to avoid confusion again, it is recommended to use one of the two descriptions uniformly. In addition, some physical properties parameters of β-Ti3SiC2 have been calculated and compared, which also confirmed the correctness of the structure description. Finally, the vacancy formation energies of β-Ti3SiC2 have been predicted and discussed in detail from the points of phase stability and transformation for the first time.
A coupled cluster framework for electrons and phonons
Authors: White Alec F. , Gao Yang , Minnich Austin J. , Chan Garnet Kin-Lic
Published: December 2020

We describe a coupled cluster framework for coupled systems of electrons and harmonic phonons. Neutral and charged excitations are accessed via the equation-of-motion version of the theory. Benchmarks on the Hubbard–Holstein model allow us to assess the strengths and weaknesses of different coupled cluster approximations, which generally perform well for weak to moderate coupling. Finally, we report progress toward an implementation for ab initio calculations on solids and present some preliminary results on finite-size models of diamond with a linear electron–phonon coupling. We also report the implementation of electron–phonon coupling matrix elements from crystalline Gaussian type orbitals within the PySCF program package.
Improved standard thermal lattice Boltzmann model with hybrid recursive regularization for compressible laminar and turbulent flows
Authors: Guo S. , Feng Y. , Sagaut P.
Published: December 2020

Based on recent work by Guo et al. [“An efficient lattice Boltzmann method for compressible aerodynamics on D3Q19 lattice,” J. Comput. Phys. 418, 109570 (2020)], an improved thermal hybrid recursive regularized lattice Boltzmann model (iHRR-ρ) on a regular lattice is developed for two- and three-dimensional compressible laminar and turbulent flows. To enhance the numerical stability in a broad range of Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy numbers and in under-resolved simulations, a new equilibrium density distribution function is proposed to enlarge its positivity region in the Mach–temperature plane. An embedded hybridizing procedure is introduced in the quasi-symmetry correction terms, which allow for a decoupled treatment of unphysical modes and physical under-resolved turbulent scales on coarse grids. To handle compressible turbulent flows, the under-resolved scales are modeled using the original hybrid recursive regularized collision model given by Jacob et al. [“A new hybrid recursive regularised Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook collision model for Lattice Boltzmann method-based large eddy simulation,” J. Turbul. 19, 1051–1076 (2018)] equipped with Vreman’s subgrid model for the large-eddy simulation. The validity and accuracy of the present method for laminar and turbulent compressible flows are assessed by considering six test cases: (I) viscous shock wave internal structure, (II) isentropic vortex convection in a supersonic regime, (III) non-isothermal acoustic pulse, (IV) vortex–shock wave interaction, (V) supersonic flow over NACA airfoil at Re = 10 000 and Ma = 1.5, and (VI) compressible Taylor–Green vortex at Ma = 0.29.
General formulation of polarizable embedding models and of their coupling
Authors: Nottoli Michele , Lipparini Filippo
Published: December 2020

We propose a general formalism for polarizable embedding models that can be applied to either continuum or atomistic polarizable models. After deriving such a formalism for both variational and non-variational models, we address the problem of coupling two polarizable models among themselves and to a quantum mechanical (QM) description in the spirit of multiscale quantum chemistry. We discuss general, model-independent coupling hypotheses and derive coupled polarization equations for all combinations of variational and non-variational models and discuss the embedding contributions to the analytical derivatives of the energy, with a particular focus on the elements of the Fock or Kohn–Sham matrix. We apply the general formalism to the derivation of the working equations for a three-layered, fully polarizable QM/MM/continuum strategy using the non-variational atomic multipole optimized energetics for biomolecular applications polarizable force field and the domain decomposition conductor-like screening model.
Trends and low frequency variability of East Coast Lows in the twentieth century
Authors: Ji Fei , Pepler Acacia S. , Browning Stuart , Evans Jason P. , Luca Alejandro Di
Published: December 2020

East Coast Lows (ECLs) are important weather systems that affect the eastern seaboard of Australia. They have attracted research interest for both their destructive nature and water supplying capability. In this paper, three objective ECL tracking methods are applied to the twentieth century reanalysis ensemble (20CRV2C) for the period of 1851–2014 to identify historical trends and variability in ECLs. While the ensemble mean is unsuitable for tracking ECLs, when all methods are applied to the full 56-member ensemble there is large agreement between tracking methods as to the low-frequency variability and trends in ECLs. The uncertainty between 56 ensemble members has dramatically decreased in recent decades. For comparison, the three tracking methods are also applied to ERA-I reanalysis dataset for the overlapping time period (1980-2009). The inter-annual variability and monthly distribution of ECLs agrees well between different reanalysis for each of tracking methods. The most recent decade has had relatively low numbers of ECLs compared to the previous century.
Seasonal climate summary for the southern hemisphere (autumn 2016): El Niño slips into neutral and a negative Indian Ocean Dipole develops
Authors: Rosemond Katie , Tobin Skie
Published: December 2020

This is a summary of the southern hemisphere atmospheric circulation patterns and meteorological indices for autumn 2016; an account of seasonal rainfall and temperature for the Australian region is also provided. While autumn began with a weak El Niño signal in the Pacific, the decay of the El Niño was evident with subsurface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific continuing to cool. Later in the season, the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) transitioned to a negative phase. The negative IOD combined with warm water to Australia’s north channeled warm, moisture-laden air over the continent; unseasonable rainfall ensued, over eastern and northern Australia and New Zealand’s western coastal areas during May.Temperatures averaged over the southern hemisphere were record warm for autumn, both for land and ocean areas; separately or combined. For Australia, autumn arrived during a significant and prolonged heatwave that contributed to the warmest autumn on record for Australia.The elevated sea surface temperatures (SSTs) recorded in the Australian region earlier in the year persisted, and were warmest on record for autumn. Warm SSTs led to a global coral bleaching event affecting reefs in tropical waters; while, in extra-tropical waters, diminished kelp forests were observed. In the Australian region, reefs off the northwestern coast and, in northern areas of the Great Barrier Reef, were bleached. The most severe marine heatwave since records began was recorded in the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.
Like using a refrigerator to heat food: capacity and capability funding in primary care and the legacy of the Primary Health Organisation Performance Programme
Authors: Olugbenga Ayeleke Reuben , Tenbensel Timothy , Silwal Pushkar Raj , Walton Lisa
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTIONIn 2016, the New Zealand Ministry of Health introduced the System Level Measures (SLM) framework as a new approach to health system improvement that emphasised quality improvement and integration. A funding stream that was a legacy of past primary care performance management was repurposed as ‘capacity and capability’ funding to support the implementation of the SLM framework.
AIMThis study explored how the capacity and capability funding has been used and the issues and challenges that have arisen from the funding implementation.
METHODSSemi-structured interviews with 50 key informants from 18 of New Zealand’s 20 health districts were conducted. Interview transcripts were coded using thematic analysis.
RESULTSThe capacity and capability funding was used in three different ways. Approximately one-third of districts used it to actively support quality improvement and integration initiatives. Another one-third tweaked existing performance incentive schemes and in the remaining one-third, the funding was passed directly on to general practices without strings attached. Three key issues were identified related to implementation of the capacity and capability funding: lack of clear guidance regarding the use of the funding; funding perceived as a barrier to integration; and funding seen as insufficient for intended purposes.
DISCUSSIONThe capacity and capability funding was intended to support collaborative integration and quality improvement between health sector organisations at the district level. However, there is a mismatch between the purpose of the capacity and capability funding and its use in practice, which is primarily a product of incremental and inconsistent policy development regarding primary care improvement.
Improving follow-up testing in children with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli through provision of a provider information sheet
Authors: Pang Jack X. , Singh Jaskaran , Freedman Stephen B. , Xie Jianling , Hu Jia
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to improve follow-up laboratory testing for children infected by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) through the provision of an information sheet to healthcare providers in the province of Alberta, Canada. An information sheet recommending the performance of laboratory tests, every 24–48h until 3 days after diarrhoea resolves or the platelet count stabilises or begins to rise, was sent to all physicians who ordered a STEC-positive stool test as of 1 November 2016. The information sheet was only distributed to physicians in one of the province’s five healthcare delivery zones (i.e. intervention zone). Medical records for children aged <18 years with laboratory confirmed STEC-positive stool samples between November 2014 and November 2018 were reviewed to determine the performance of recommended laboratory tests. Post-intervention, follow-up testing in all categories increased significantly for cases that occurred in the intervention zone, with odds ratios (OR) ranging from 3.02 (95% CI: 1.35–6.78) to 3.94 (95% CI: 1.70–9.16) when compared with pre-intervention. No increase in any of the laboratory testing categories was detected outside of the intervention zone. The provision of a targeted information sheet to healthcare providers improved the monitoring of STEC-infected children.
Australian interdisciplinary healthcare providers' perspectives on the effects of broader pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) access on uptake and service delivery: a qualitative study
Authors: Lazarou Mattea , Fitzgerald Lisa , Warner Melissa , Downing Sandra , Williams Owain D. , Gilks Charles F. , Russell Darren , Dean Judith A.
Published: December 2020

Background
The addition of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention to the Australian Government-subsidised Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) enables any doctor or nurse practitioner to prescribe it and has increased accessibility options. However, understanding of Australian healthcare providers’ (HCP) knowledge and preparedness to prescribe PrEP remains limited. Methods: Semistructured interviews, conducted before PBS listing (October 2016–April 2017), explored PrEP knowledge and prescription experiences of 51 multidisciplinary HCPs involved with the Queensland Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Demonstration study. Results: Thematic analysis revealed that participants viewed PrEP as a necessary HIV prevention option, but there was concern about confusing prevention messages and potential risk compensation. Clinical capacity, stigma, cultural norms, rural access and PrEP-associated costs were identified as barriers to access and uptake. Some of these barriers may be addressed by the PBS listing; nonetheless, there was strong specialist concern about the preparedness of general practitioners without sexual health experience to prescribe PrEP. Participants identified a need to educate all HCPs, implement multidisciplinary supply models and provide timely access to PrEP for vulnerable populations and those ineligible for Medicare (Australia’s universal healthcare insurance system). Conclusions: Although PrEP listing on the PBS addressed structural barriers to access, this study highlights the role of nurses and other interdisciplinary healthcare workers in the provision of PrEP in addressing the sociocultural barriers that still affect the access of certain populations to HIV prevention measures. These findings will inform further professional training as PrEP is more widely accessed and requested outside specialist sexual health services. Future work is needed to ensure that the primary healthcare workforce is prepared to provide competent and safe access to PrEP across diverse locations and population groups.
Corpus driven identification of lexical bundle obsolescence in Late Modern English
Authors: Tichý Ondřej
Published: December 2020

This chapter explores a new methodology for extracting multi-word units that were once common but have since become obsolete from large corpora (esp. from the Google ngrams dataset of the Google Books project). It complements a modified frequency-based methodology previously used for detecting lexical obsolescence (Tichý 2018) with a bottom up approach to calculating association measures in multi-word sequences inspired by Wahl & Gries (2019). The analytical part examines expressions identified as potentially obsolete on their way from Late Modern to Present-day English. Conditions, circumstances and consequences of the loss of such expressions are considered with a focus on the competing forms expressing similar functions that may be recognized as supplanting the old forms.
Decline and loss in the modal domain in recent English
Authors: Kranich Svenja
Published: December 2020

Numerous corpus studies have firmly established that in recent English, most core modals (e.g. must) have been declining in frequency, while the semi-modals (e.g. have to) have been on the rise (cf. e.g. Krug 2000; Mair & Leech 2006; Leech & Smith 2006). The present paper follows the constructional approach to modal meaning taken by Cappelle and Depraetere (2016), who show that modals tend to occur in certain contexts with particular meaning. An investigation of a sample of may and must in COHA (1960s & 2000s) shows that the decline of the modals (and the foreshadowed loss of some) may be witnessed particularly in the demise of certain constructions. A close-up investigation shows the construction we + may + verb of speaking/reasoning is on its way to be lost. Relevant factors (genre, function, culture) are discussed and suggestions about the general implications of the loss of this particular construction will be presented.
Surface plasmon resonances between silver nanoribbons and anisotropic black phosphorus to light confinement
Authors: Liu Chao , Li Hongjian , Xiong Cuixiu , Ruan Banxian , Li Min , Zhang Baihui , Gao Enduo , Wu Kuan
Published: December 2020

Two-dimensional plasmonic materials generally use patterned structural design to enhance the intensity of interaction with light near the resonance wavelength. We propose a non-patterned monolayer black phosphorus (BP) and patterned silver periodic nanostructures. The surface plasmon resonances (SPRs) between the upper metal silver nanoribbons or silver nano-square matrix and the BP sheet are used to achieve effective light confinement. Since the BP sheet is continuous in the structural design, the absorption response of the system can be dynamically adjusted by voltage-controlled Fermi level of BP. We also discussed two structural parameters closely related to the local size of SPR, the width of silver nanoribbons w
1, and the distance d
1 between silver and BP. The crystal structure of the BP puckered shows a strong in-plane anisotropy. When the silver in the system is a nanoribbon and a nano-square matrix, we research the anisotropy of the system by placing the BP in different directions relative to the structure and change the polarization angle of the incident light. The proposed anisotropic structure has the ability to achieve light confinement, which provides the basis for the construction of plasmonic sensors and polarization switches.
Occluded target detection of streak tube imaging lidar using image inpainting
Authors: Li Wenhao , Guo Shangwei , Zhai Yu , Han Shaokun , Liu Fei , Lai Zhengchao
Published: December 2020

We improve the system of multi-slit streak tube imaging lidar (MS-STIL) for occluded target detection. To solve the contradiction between high range resolution and deep depth of field, a fiber-optic beam, called ‘beam shunting’, is designed. In addition, we combine the deep-learning-based image inpainting algorithm with the MS-STIL to solve the problem of ineffective imaging when the target is obscured by a large area. Finally, the results of the simulated contrast experiments show that the range resolution is increased from 0.4 m to 0.1 m, and the new system is effective in detecting occluded targets.
Radical anion functionalization of two-dimensional materials as a means of engineering simultaneously high electronic and ionic conductivity solids
Authors: Németh Károly
Published: December 2020

A radical anion based functionalization of the basal plane of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) and other two-dimensional materials is proposed in the present study. The resulting materials can reversibly be oxidized without the detachment of the functional groups from the basal plane and can thus serve as surface-intercalation type cathode electroactive species and fast solid ion conductors at the same time. The functionalization of h-BN with [·OBX3]− radical anions (X=F, Cl) in the presence of Li, Na or Mg cations provides one example of such systems. This material can be realized in a proposed simple, two step synthesis. In the first step, a symmetric Lewis adduct of the corresponding Li, Na or Mg peroxides is formed with BX3. In the second step, the anion of the Lewis adduct is thermally split into two identical [·OBX3]− radical anions that covalently functionalize the B atoms of h-BN. In the maximum density surface packing functionalization, the product of the synthesis is A
n
[(BN)2OBX3] (A = Li, Na with n = 1 or A = Mg with n = 0.5). Its ionic conductivity is predicted to be in the order of 0.01-0.1 S cm-1 at room temperature, on the basis of Grotthus-like (or paddle-wheel) ion transport. In the highly oxidized states (0 ≤ n ≤ 1 for Li and Na and 0 ≤ n ≤ 0.5 for Mg), the electronic conductivity of this material is in the order of 1 S cm−1, similar to carbon black. In the fully reduced states (n = 2 for Li and Na and n = 1 for Mg), the material becomes an insulator, like h-BN. The tunability of the electronic properties of A
n
[(BN)2OBX3] via the cation concentration (n) allows for its application as multifunctional material in energy storage devices, simultaneously serving as cathode active species, solid electrolyte, electroconductive additive, separator, heat conductor and coating for metal anodes that enables dendrite-free plating. This multifunctionality reduces the number of phases needed in an all-solid-state battery or supercapacitor and thus reduces the interfacial impedance making energy storage devices more efficient. For example, Li[(BN)2OBF3] is predicted to have 5.6 V open circuit voltage versus Li metal anode, capacity of 191 mAh g−
1, specific energy of 1067 Wh kg−
1 and can store energy at a (materials only) cost of 24 USD kWh−
1.
Detecting entanglement of unknown continuous variable states with random measurements
Authors: Mihaescu Tatiana , Kampermann Hermann , Gianfelici Giulio , Isar Aurelian , Bruß Dagmar
Published: December 2020

We develop a scheme for the detection of entanglement in any continuous variable system, by constructing an optimal entanglement witness from random homodyne measurements. To this end, we introduce a set of linear constraints that guarantee the necessary properties of a witness and allow for its optimisation via a semidefinite program. We test our method on the class of squeezed vacuum states and study the efficiency of entanglement detection in general unknown covariance matrices. The results show that we can detect entanglement, including bound entanglement, in arbitrary continuous variable states with fewer measurements than in full tomography. The statistical analysis of our method shows a good robustness to statistical errors in experiments.
A theoretical study of de-charging excitations of the NV-center in diamond involving a nitrogen donor
*
Authors: Löfgren R , Öberg S , Larsson J A
Published: December 2020

The negatively charged nitrogen vacancy centre in diamond is a promising candidate for future nanoscale quantum applications. For its operation it is important to have control of the centres charge state, and to avoid temporary disappearance of the NV-center’s functionality, termed photo-blinking. In this work, we use density functional theory simulations to investigate excitations that result in loss of an electron from NV− to a nearby nitrogen donor (donor-N+), leading to NV0 and donor-N0 charge state, and the corresponding deexcitation. Since these processes involve two different localized defect centres in the diamond lattice (the NV-center and the donor-N) they are non-local excitations. We have studied the de-charging both as a one-photon process and through a sequential two-photon process via the NV-center excited state. We propose de-charging directly from the NV-center to the donor-N as a possible mechanism for photo-blinking of the NV-center that involve an additional electron spin resonance active defect, the donor-N0. We have found that the excitation energies are converged when the distance between the two is larger than 10.4 Å. We also compute excitations to the conduction band edge from NV− (to NV0) and from donor-N0 (to donor-N+) using G0W0 + BSE.
Retracted: Functional shape effects of nanoparticles on nanofluid suspended in ethylene glycol through Mittage-Leffler approach
Authors: Memon Imran Qasim , Abro Kashif Ali , Solangi Muhammad Anwar , Shaikh Asif Ali
Published: December 2020

It is fundamental fact that nanoparticles are strong function of their shapes and sizes; this is because nanoparticles certainly play an adhesive and a significant role in fluid phenomenon. This manuscript investigates the functionality and thermodynamics of different nanoparticles namely gold, alumina, silver and copper suspended in ethylene glycol considered as a base fluid. The problem of mixed convection is modeled by modern fractional derivative by invoking initial and boundary conditions. The analytic calculation of velocity field and temperature distribution is obtained by employing Laplace transforms then transformed into Fox-H function. The effects of critical physical characteristics (sizes and shapes) have been analyzed through velocity field and temperature distribution using different nanoparticles. Obviously, all nanoparticles are not made equal in terms of sizes and shapes; hence a remarkable comparison of different nanoparticles is analyzed for the interactions with their sizes and shapes on the velocity field and temperature distribution. Importantly, we seek to illustrate the shape and size impacts of nanoparticles namely platelet, blade, cylinder and brick on velocity field and temperature distribution. In short, our results suggest that

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Science Extraction from TESS Observations of Known Exoplanet Hosts
Authors: Kane Stephen R. , Bean Jacob L. , Campante Tiago L. , Dalba Paul A. , Fetherolf Tara , Mocnik Teo , Ostberg Colby , Pepper Joshua , Simpson Emilie R. , Turnbull Margaret C. , Ricker George R. , Vanderspek Roland , Latham David W. , Seager Sara , Winn Joshua N. , Jenkins Jon M. , Huber Daniel , Chaplin William J.
Published: December 2020

The transit method of exoplanet discovery and characterization has enabled numerous breakthroughs in exoplanetary science. These include measurements of planetary radii, mass–radius relationships, stellar obliquities, bulk density constraints on interior models, and transmission spectroscopy as a means to study planetary atmospheres. The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has added to the exoplanet inventory by observing a significant fraction of the celestial sphere, including many stars already known to host exoplanets. Here we describe the science extraction from TESS observations of known exoplanet hosts during the primary mission. These include transit detection of known exoplanets, discovery of additional exoplanets, detection of phase signatures and secondary eclipses, transit ephemeris refinement, and asteroseismology as a means to improve stellar and planetary parameters. We provide the statistics of TESS known host observations during Cycle 1 and 2, and present several examples of TESS photometry for known host stars observed with a long baseline. We outline the major discoveries from observations of known hosts during the primary mission. Finally, we describe the case for further observations of known exoplanet hosts during the TESS extended mission and the expected science yield.
Metaplectic geometrical optics for modeling caustics in uniform and non-uniform media
Authors: Lopez N A , Dodin I Y
Published: December 2020

As an approximate theory that is highly regarded for its computational efficiency, geometrical optics (GO) is widely used for modeling waves in various areas of physics. However, GO fails at caustics, which significantly limits its applicability. A new framework, called metaplectic geometrical optics (MGO), has recently been developed that allows caustics of certain types to be modeled accurately within the GO framework. Here, we extend MGO to the most general case. To illustrate our new theory, we also apply it to several sample problems, including calculations of two-dimensional wavefields near fold and cusp caustics. In contrast with traditional GO solutions, the corresponding MGO solutions are finite everywhere and approximate the true wavefield well near these caustics.
Precipitation behavior of yttrium-rich nano-phases in AlCoCrFeNi2.1Yx high-entropy alloy
Authors: Sha Minghong , Zhou Yanwen , Wang Ning , Yu Dechuan , Wang Zhongjun , Ai Xingang , Wang Hongbin , Shen Minggang , Li Shengli
Published: December 2020

In this paper, rare earth element yttrium (Y) was selected to be doped into AlCoCrFeNi2.1Y
x (x = 0, 0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, and 1.0%) high-entropy alloy in order to refine grain and increase yielding strength. The precipitation behavior of the Y-rich nano-phases in the face centered cubic (FCC (L12)) phase and the body centered cubic (BCC (B2)) phase was investigated by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Refined crystal grains were observed due to the high-density precipitation. The nano-phase within the BCC(B2) phase was (Al-Ni-Y)-rich phase and single cubic (SC) structure. The nano-phase formed within the FCC (L12) phase was (Fe-Co-Cr-Y)-rich phase and FCC structure. Fine (Al-Ni-Y)-rich nano-particles were formed due to the addition of Y and the amount of the nano-phase increased with increasing Y content. The adoption of Y promoted dispersed precipitation of (Al-Ni-Y)-rich nano-phase under deformation. The more Y content, the more nano-precipitates. When Y =1.0 at.%, the lamellar structure was transformed into bamboo-like structure in the BCC phase due to the segregation of Y. Double yielding phenomenon occurred during the compression deformation of the AlCoCrFeNi2.1Y
x
alloys (when x ≥ 0.5 at.%) and caused an increase of yielding strength by 40%. It was since the barrier effect of both the (Al-Ni-Y)-rich nano-precipitation and the (Fe-Co-Cr-Y)-rich nano-phases on the dislocations within grains and grain boundaries led to the second yielding. With the further increase of Y content, the lamellar BCC phase was separated from the bamboo-like BCC phase owing to the super-saturated precipitation and segregation of Y at the solidification front of B2 phase, leading to a degradation of mechanical properties.
Chaotic transients and hysteresis in an α
2 dynamo model
Authors: Oliveira Dalton N , Rempel Erico L , Chertovskih Roman , Karak Bidya B
Published: December 2020

The presence of chaotic transients in a nonlinear dynamo is investigated through numerical simulations of the 3D magnetohydrodynamic equations. By using the kinetic helicity of the flow as a control parameter, a hysteretic blowout bifurcation is conjectured to be responsible for the transition to dynamo, leading to a sudden increase in the magnetic energy of the attractor. This high-energy hydromagnetic attractor is suddenly destroyed in a boundary crisis when the helicity is decreased. Both the blowout bifurcation and the boundary crisis generate long chaotic transients that are due, respectively, to a chaotic saddle and a relative chaotic attractor.
Dynamic organization of cortical actin filaments during the ooplasmic segregation of ascidianCionaeggs
Authors: Ishii Hirokazu , Tani Tomomi
Published: December 2020

Locally distinct, transient realignments of cortical F-actin were found in live ascidian Ciona eggs during the first ooplasmic segregation by using fluorescence polarization-based molecular orientation imaging. These actin realignments are correlated with the directional movement of egg cytoplasm revealed with selective plane illumination microscopy.
Navigating uncharted waters: Developing a standardized approach for evaluating and implementing biosimilar products at a comprehensive cancer center
Authors: Villanueva Mara N , Davis Jennifer E , Sobocinski Stacey M
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The processes for formulary implementation and electronic health record (EHR) integration of biosimilar products at a comprehensive cancer center are described. Implications for research protocols are also discussed.

The existing literature focuses on practical considerations for formulary addition of biosimilar products, but there is a lack of guidance on how to implement the change, particularly within the EHR. Before building the ordering tools for biosimilars, the clinical and informatics teams should determine the role of biosimilars at the institution, identify drug-specific product characteristics that affect medication build, and characterize implications of future formulary changes or drug shortages. Leveraging an orderable record provides the ability to include logic that maps to multiple products and also allows for future implementation of changes within the medication record rather than requiring “swaps” at the treatment protocol level. The institutional review board should coordinate changes in affected research protocols and consent forms and work with principal investigators to amend protocols when necessary. Pharmacy leaders should develop processes to oversee inventory during the transition period and minimize the risk of errors.

Conclusion

The development of a standardized approach for evaluating and implementing biosimilar products improves efficiency and collaboration among the various team members responsible for the products’ integration into existing workflows, including implications for clinical research. Implementing biosimilars for agents used to treat cancer will pose new challenges and require additional considerations. Partial implementation of biosimilars continues to pose multiple challenges in the provision of patient care.
Biosimilar formulary placement in Medicare Part D prescription drug plans: A case study of infliximab
Authors: Socal Mariana P , Ezebilo Ijeamaka , Bai Ge , Anderson Gerard F
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Biosimilars can generate competition and provide cost savings over reference biologics for the Medicare program and beneficiaries. The extent to which these benefits can be realized in the Medicare Part D program depends on how biosimilars and biologics are placed in the formulary. We conducted a study to examine Medicare formulary placement of the first biologic to have 2 biosimilars on the market—infliximab and its biosimilars infliximab-dyyb and infliximab-abda.

Methods

All standalone and Medicare Advantage (MA) prescription drug plans (PDPs) offered in Medicare Part D were examined between September 2016 (ie, at the end of the last quarter before the launch of the first infliximab biosimilar) and September 2018, at which time a second biosimilar had been on the market for about 14 months. When PDPs covered both the reference biologic and a biosimilar, we compared the cost-sharing tier and the frequency of prior authorization and step therapy requirements for each drug.

Results

Nearly all PDPs covered infliximab throughout the study period. By September 2018, 31.7% of MA plans and 14.9% of standalone PDPs were covering a biosimilar on the market. Nearly all plans that covered a biosimilar also covered the reference product. Most plans (98% of standalone PDPs and 89% of MA plans) had placed prior authorization restrictions on both the biologic and the biosimilar. All plans covering both products placed them in the same cost-sharing tier. No plan required step therapy for either product.

Conclusion

Formulary placement of infliximab biologic and biosimilars in Medicare Part D is not optimized to generate cost savings for the Medicare program and beneficiaries, whose cost sharing is often based on the drug’s list price. The Medicare program should provide incentives for PDPs to expand biosimilar coverage.
13 Ways of Looking at Reproductive Lives
Authors: Weingarten Karen
Published: December 2020

This review essay places The Myth of the Perfect Pregnancy (2019), which historicizes miscarriage, in conversation with What God is Honored Here? (2019), a collection of essays by Native women and women of color about miscarriage and infant loss, to show how the history and current experience of miscarriage is complicated by the cultural forces that tell us how to feel about our reproductive experiences. However, it also argues that even if we are to contextualize miscarriage as a common, normal part of reproduction, as Lara Freidenfelds argues we should do, there is still an imperative to understand how, for Native women and women of color, the experience of miscarriage and infant loss can often be shaped by the racism of medical institutions and by a historical exclusion from health care that values their pregnancies and reproductive bodies.
Postsecular Style
Authors: Stanley Kate
Published: December 2020

In Culture and Redemption (2007), Tracy Fessenden argues that the development of postsecular critique requires a more thorough reckoning with the secular assumptions that so durably structure the categories and grammars of critical thought. As Peter Coviello and Jared Hickman have since elaborated, such a reckoning entails the radical reinvention of postsecularism’s critical style. But what might these more pointedly situated and styled voices of postsecular critique sound like? Recent books of Americanist criticism by Coviello, Lindsay V. Reckson, and Phillip Maciak suggest new possibilities by coupling alternate cultural histories of the nineteenth century with instructive experiments in critical style. Each of these studies begins with a similar conviction: that stepping outside the immanent frame of secularism is impossible. Yet Coviello, Reckson, and Maciak all work to locate and create meaningful cracks in this frame. By flagging the hegemonic secular presumptions inherent to their own critical authority, by thinking, feeling, and writing from an unusually intimate proximity to their subjects, these three critics model how others might similarly evolve and enliven the postsecular approach.