bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pt nanoparticles embedded spine-like g-C3N4 nanostructures with superior photocatalytic activity for H2 generation and CO2 reduction
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Yang Ping , Jiang San Ping
Published: January 2021

Conventional two-dimensional (2D) graphitic carbon nitride, 2D g-C3N4 with its layered structures and flat and smooth 2D surface possesses certain disadvantages that is affecting their photocatalytic performances. In this paper, new nanostructured spine-like three-dimensional (3D) g-C3N4 nanostructures are created for the first time via a new three-step synthesis method. In this method, self-assembly of layered precursors and H+ intercalation introduced by acid treatment play an important role for the unique nanostructure formation of 3D g-C3N4 nanostructures. The spine-like 3D g-C3N4 nanostructures show a superior photocatalytic performance for H2 generation, achieving 4500 μmol·g−1·h−1, 8.2 times higher than that on conventional 2D g-C3N4. Remarkably spine-like 3D g-C3N4 nanostructures demonstrate a clear photocatalytic activity toward CO2 reduction to CH4 (0.71 μmol·g−1·h−1) in contrast to the negligible photocatalytic performance of conventional 2D g-C3N4 for the reaction. Adding Pt clusters as co-catalysts substantially enhance the CH4 generation rate of the 3D g-C3N4 nanostructures by 4 times (2.7 μmol·g−1·h−1). Spine-like 3D g-C3N4 caged nanostructure leads to the significantly increased active sites and negatively shifted conduction band position in comparison with conventional 2D g-C3N4, favorable for the photocatalytic reduction reaction. This study demonstrates a new platform for the development of efficient photocatalysts based on nanostructured 3D g-C3N4 for H2 generation and conversion of CO2 to useful fuels such as CH4.
Differential pressure sensor using flexible piezoelectrics with pyroelectric compensation
Authors: Ramanathan Arun K , Headings Leon M , Dapino Marcelo J
Published: January 2021

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is a mechanically tough, low density piezoelectric polymer commercially available as a flexible film that can be conformed to arbitrarily-shaped surfaces using simple adhesive bonding. A fundamental challenge that prevents the implementation of piezoelectric sensors for pressure sensing applications is their inability to measure static or very low frequency signals. Further, due to their large pyroelectric constants, they are limited to measurements where the rate of change in temperature is smaller than the lower cutoff frequency of the system. Under steady flow conditions, the cantilever unimorph possesses the highest sensitivity compared to other conventional configurations such as compression, doubly clamped unimorphs, or diaphragms. However, to preserve the overall noninvasive nature and linearity of the sensor, it is necessary to optimize the geometry and material properties in order to maximize charge output while minimizing deflection. To address these challenges, this work focuses on the development of a cantilever PVDF unimorph for static differential pressure measurement with pyroelectric compensation. A design optimization procedure to maximize the charge sensitivity of a cantilever unimorph is presented and the optimized cantilever is interfaced with a large-time-constant, drift-compensated charge amplifier for near-static pressure measurements. Voltage error due to temperature changes accompanying the input flow is compensated using a compressive mode sensor and an empirical compensation algorithm. Within the investigated range, the sensitivity of the fabricated sensor is 1.05 mV Pa−1 with an average resolution of 10 Pa and 97.3% linearity.
SMART conductor on round core (CORC®) wire via integrated optical fibers
Authors: Scurti F , Weiss J D , van der Laan D C , Schwartz J
Published: January 2021

Superconducting cables based on high temperature superconductors (HTS) are necessary for applications requiring large currents and low inductance, such as compact fusion reactors. In this paper, we report the proof-of-concept of a SMART Conductor on Round Core (CORC®) wire realized via integration of optical fibers into the copper core. A SMART CORC® wire with integrated optical fibers was manufactured and its capabilities have been experimentally demonstrated. Results show that by interrogating the optical fibers via Rayleigh backscattering, a Spectral Shift signal as a function of time and position along the cable can be used to detect and locate hot-spots that are developed within the wire or its terminations. It has been found that highly localized current injection into the terminations could initiate hot-spots within the cable at locations where current redistribution between tapes occur. This effect is virtually eliminated when adequate current connections are used that inject current evenly along the cable terminations. Normal zone propagation velocities have been calculated as a function of time using Spectral Shift data for a heater-induced quench as well as a quench induced by overcurrent. In both cases the normal zone propagation velocity was about 6 cm s−1, but in the heater-induced experiment it was preceded by 500 ms of slower propagation at 2.5 cm s−1.
Long time universality of black-hole lasers
Authors: de Nova J R M , Palacios P F , Carusotto I , Sols F
Published: January 2021

For flowing quantum gases, it has been found that at long times an initial black-hole laser (BHL) configuration exhibits only two possible states: the ground state or a periodic self-oscillating state of continuous emission of solitons. So far, all the works on this subject are based on a highly idealized model, quite difficult to implement experimentally. Here we study the instability spectrum and the time evolution of a recently proposed realistic model of a BHL, thus providing a useful theoretical tool for the clear identification of black-hole lasing in future experiments. We further confirm the existence of a well-defined phase diagram at long times, which bespeaks universality in the long-time behavior of a BHL. Additionally, we develop a complementary model in which the same potential profile is applied to a subsonic homogeneous flowing condensate that, despite not forming a BHL, evolves toward the same phase diagram as the associated BHL model. This result reveals an even stronger form of robustness in the long-time behavior with respect to the transient, which goes beyond what has been described in the previous literature.
Emulation of magneto-optic Faraday effect using ultracold atoms
Authors: Zheng Zhen , Wang Z D
Published: January 2021

We propose an arresting scheme for emulating the famous Faraday effect in ultracold atomic gases. Inspired by the similarities between the light field and bosonic atoms, we represent the light propagation in medium by the atomic transport in accompany of the laser-atom interaction. An artificial magneto-optic Faraday effect (MOFE) is readily signaled by the spin imbalance of atoms, with the setup of laser fields offering a high controllability for quantum manipulation. The present scheme is really feasible and can be realized with existing experimental techniques of ultracold atoms. It generalizes the crucial concept of the MOFE to ultracold atomic physics, and opens a new way of quantum emulating and exploring the MOFE and associated intriguing physics.
On constructing of multiple rogue wave solutions to the (3+1)-dimensional Korteweg–de Vries Benjamin-Bona-Mahony equation
Authors: Cao Yulei , Tian Hao , Ghanbari Behzad
Published: January 2021

Exploring new wave soliton solutions to nonlinear partial differential equations has always been one of the most challenging issues in different branches of science, including physics, applied mathematics and engineering. In this paper, we construct multiple rogue waves of (3+1)-dimensional Korteweg–de Vries Benjamin-Bona-Mahony equation through a symbolic calculation approach. Further, a detailed analysis of the localization features of first-order rogue wave solution is also presented. We discuss the influence of the parameters in the equation on the localization and characteristics of a rogue wave, as well as the control of their amplitude, depth, and width. In order to achieve these desired results, a series of polynomial functions are utilized to construct the generalized multiple rogue waves with a controllable center. Based on the bilinear form of this equation, 3-rogue wave solutions, 6-rogue wave solutions, and 9-rogue wave solutions are generated, respectively. The 3-rogue wave has a ‘triangle-shaped’ structure. The center of the 6-rogue wave forms a circle around a single rogue wave. The 9-rogue wave consists of seven first-order rogue waves and one second-order rogue waves as the center. Taking some appropriate parameters into account, their complex and interesting dynamics are shown in three-dimensional and contour plots. These new results are useful to understand the new features of nonlinear dynamics in real-world applications.
Excited states of 90,92,94Y populated in 90Zr+208Pb multinucleon transfer reaction
Authors: Pajtler M Varga , Malenica D Jelavić , Szilner S , Corradi L , de Angelis G , Fioretto E , Gadea A , Haas F , Lunardi S , Mărginean N , Mengoni D , Mijatović T , Montagnoli G , Montanari D , Pollarolo G , Recchia F , Salsac M-D , Scarlassara F , Soić N , Stefanini A M , Ur C A , Valiente-Dobón J J
Published: January 2021

Multinucleon transfer reactions in 90Zr+208Pb have been studied via fragment-γ coincidences, employing the PRISMA magnetic spectrometer coupled to the CLARA γ-array. An analysis on Y isotopes has been carried out incorporating spectroscopic as well as reaction mechanism aspects. New γ transitions have been observed in 94Y, confirming the findings of recent studies where nuclei were produced via fission of uranium, and a comparison with near-by 90,92Y isotopes populated in the same reaction has been discussed. Experimental cross sections have been extracted and compared with the GRAZING calculations, showing a fair agreement along the neutron pick-up side. The results confirm how multinucleon transfer reactions are a suitable mechanism for the study of neutron-rich nuclei.
Global linear and nonlinear gyrokinetic modelling of Alfvén eigenmodes in ITER
Authors: Hayward-Schneider T. , Lauber Ph. , Bottino A. , Lu Z.X.
Published: January 2021

Linear and nonlinear modelling of Alfvénic instabilities, most notably toroidal Alfvén eigenmodes (TAEs), obtained by using the global nonlinear electromagnetic gyrokinetic model of the code ORB5 are presented for the 15 MA scenario of the ITER tokamak. Linear simulations show that elliptic Alfvén eigenmodes and odd-parity TAEs are only weakly damped but not excited by alpha particles, whose drive favours even-parity TAEs. Low mode number TAEs are found to be global, requiring global treatment. Nonlinearly, even with double the nominal EP density, single mode simulations lead to saturation with negligible EP transport however multi-mode simulations predict that with double the nominal EP density, enhanced saturation and significant EP redistribution will occur.
Reputation preferences resolve social dilemmas in spatial multigames
Authors: Li Xiaopeng , Hao Gang , Wang Huaibin , Xia Chengyi , Perc Matjaž
Published: January 2021

Heterogeneity and difference in the dynamics of individual reputation may strongly affect learning behavior, and hence also the evolution of cooperation within a population. Motivated by this, we propose here an evolutionary spatial multigames model, wherein the reputation of an individual increases if they cooperate and decreases if they defect. After the payoffs are determined, individuals with a higher reputation will be more likely to act as strategy sources for other individuals. We perform systematic Monte Carlo simulations to determine the transitions between cooperation and defection, as well as the parameter regions of strategic coexistence. We show that preferential learning, based on dynamic reputation changes, strongly promotes cooperation regardless of the interaction network’s structure. The mechanism responsible for more favorable evolutionary outcomes is enhanced network reciprocity, which leads to more compact cooperator clusters and thus to more robust spatiotemporal dynamics that are resilient to invading defectors. Our research may improve the understanding of selection patterns that favor the emergence and persistence of cooperative behavior.
Climate change reduces winter overland travel across the Pan-Arctic even under low-end global warming scenarios
Authors: Gädeke Anne , Langer Moritz , Boike Julia , Burke Eleanor J , Chang Jinfeng , Head Melissa , Reyer Christopher P O , Schaphoff Sibyll , Thiery Wim , Thonicke Kirsten
Published: January 2021

Amplified climate warming has led to permafrost degradation and a shortening of the winter season, both impacting cost-effective overland travel across the Arctic. Here we use, for the first time, four state-of-the-art Land Surface Models that explicitly consider ground freezing states, forced by a subset of bias-adjusted CMIP5 General Circulation Models to estimate the impact of different global warming scenarios (RCP2.6, 6.0, 8.5) on two modes of winter travel: overland travel days (OTDs) and ice road construction days (IRCDs). We show that OTDs decrease by on average −13% in the near future (2021–2050) and between −15% (RCP2.6) and −40% (RCP8.5) in the far future (2070–2099) compared to the reference period (1971–2000) when 173 d yr−1 are simulated across the Pan-Arctic. Regionally, we identified Eastern Siberia (Sakha (Yakutia), Khabarovsk Krai, Magadan Oblast) to be most resilient to climate change, while Alaska (USA), the Northwestern Russian regions (Yamalo, Arkhangelsk Oblast, Nenets, Komi, Khanty-Mansiy), Northern Europe and Chukotka are highly vulnerable. The change in OTDs is most pronounced during the shoulder season, particularly in autumn. The IRCDs reduce on average twice as much as the OTDs under all climate scenarios resulting in shorter operational duration. The results of the low-end global warming scenario (RCP2.6) emphasize that stringent climate mitigation policies have the potential to reduce the impact of climate change on winter mobility in the second half of the 21st century. Nevertheless, even under RCP2.6, our results suggest substantially reduced winter overland travel implying a severe threat to livelihoods of remote communities and increasing costs for resource exploration and transport across the Arctic.
Heat kernel for the quantum Rabi model: II. Propagators and spectral determinants
Authors: Reyes-Bustos Cid , Wakayama Masato
Published: January 2021

The quantum Rabi model (QRM) is widely recognized as an important model in quantum systems, particularly in quantum optics. The Hamiltonian H
Rabi is known to have a parity decomposition H
Rabi = H
+ ⊕ H
−. In this paper, we give the explicit formulas for the propagator of the Schrödinger equation (integral kernel of the time evolution operator) for the Hamiltonian H
Rabi and H
± by the Wick rotation (meromorphic continuation) of the corresponding heat kernels. In addition, as in the case of the full Hamiltonian of the QRM, we show that for the Hamiltonians H
±, the spectral determinant is, up to a non-vanishing entire function, equal to the Braak G-function (for each parity) used to prove the integrability of the QRM. To do this, we show the meromorphic continuation of the spectral zeta function of the Hamiltonians H
± and give some of its basic properties.
Quantum field theory with dynamical boundary conditions and the Casimir effect: coherent states*
Authors: Juárez-Aubry Benito A , Weder Ricardo
Published: January 2021

We have studied in a previous work the quantization of a mixed bulk-boundary system describing the coupled dynamics between abulkquantum field confined to a spacetime with finite space slice and with timelike boundary, and aboundaryobservable defined on the boundary. Our bulk system is a quantum field in a spacetime with timelike boundary and a dynamical boundary condition—the boundary observable’s equation of motion. Owing to important physical motivations, in such previous work we have computed the renormalized local state polarization and local Casimir energy for both the bulk quantum field and the boundary observable in the ground state and in a Gibbs state at finite, positive temperature. In this work, we introduce an appropriate notion of coherent and thermal coherent states for this mixed bulk-boundary system, and extend our previous study of the renormalized local state polarization and local Casimir energy to coherent and thermal coherent states. We also present numerical results for the integrated Casimir energy and for the Casimir force.
Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) mechanism under alkaline and acidic conditions
Authors: Liang Qiuhua , Brocks Geert , Bieberle-Hütter Anja
Published: January 2021

Density functional theory (DFT) simulations of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are considered essential for understanding the limitations of water splitting. Most DFT calculations of the OER use an acidic reaction mechanism and the standard hydrogen electrode (SHE) as reference electrode. However, experimental studies are usually carried out under alkaline conditions using the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) as reference electrode. The difference between the conditions in experiment and calculations is then usually taken into account by applying a pH-dependent correction factor to the latter. As, however, the OER reaction mechanisms under acidic and under alkaline conditions are quite different, it is not clear a priori whether a simple correction factor can account for this difference. We derive in this paper step by step the theory to simulate the OER based on the alkaline reaction mechanism and explain the OER process with this mechanism and the RHE as reference electrode. We compare the mechanisms for alkaline and acidic OER catalysis and highlight the roles of the RHE and the SHE. Our detailed analysis validates current OER simulations in the literature and explains the differences in OER calculations with acidic and alkaline mechanisms.
‘Patients come with two garbage bags full of problems and we have to sort them.’ A qualitative study of the experiences of healthcare professionals on patients admitted to short-term residential care in the Netherlands
Authors: van den Besselaar Judith H , Hartel Linda , Wammes Joost D , MacNeil-Vroomen Janet L , Buurman Bianca M
Published: January 2021

Background

Short-term residential care (STRC) facilities were recently implemented in the Netherlands to provide temporary care to older adults with general health problems. The aim of STRC is to allow the individual to return home. However, 40% of patients are discharged to long-term care facilities. In-depth data about characteristics of patients admitted and challenges in providing STRC are missing.

Objective

To obtain perspectives of STRC professionals on the patient journey from admission to discharge.

Design

Qualitative study.

Setting

Eight nursing homes and three hospitals.

Subjects

A total of 28 healthcare professionals.

Methods

A total of 13 group interviews with in-depth reviews of 39 pseudonymised patient cases from admission to discharge. Interviews were analysed thematically.

Results

Many patients had complex problems that were underestimated at handover, making returning to home nearly impossible. The STRC eligibility criteria that patients have general health problems and can return home do not fit with current practice. This results in a mismatch between patient needs and the STRC that is provided. Therefore, planning care before and after discharge, such as advance care planning, social care and home adaptations, is important.

Conclusions

STRC is used by patients with complex health problems and pre-existing functional decline. Evidence-based guidelines, appropriate staffing and resources should be provided to STRC facilities. We need to consider the environmental context of the patient and healthcare system to enable older adults to live independently at home for longer.
25 years on
Authors: Bowler Sue
Published: January 2021

Editor Sue Bowler looks back – briefly – at astronomy and geophysics a quarter of a century ago
‘We love STEAM!’
Authors: Mason Helen , Schell Helen
Published: January 2021

Helen Mason and Helen Schell explain how the SunSpaceArt outreach programme flourished in 2020, bringing art and science together for pupils and teachers
Sexual selection maintains a female-specific character in a species with dynamic sex roles
Authors: Hare Robin M , Simmons Leigh W
Published: January 2021

The effects of sexual selection are more conspicuous among male animals, and, as a result, the majority of sexual selection research focuses on males. However, burgeoning evidence suggests that sexual selection also acts on females, and there have been calls for an increased focus on females. Here, we used a multivariate approach to analyze sexual selection in Kawanaphila nartee, a spermatophore gift-giving bushcricket with dynamic sex roles. Early in the breeding season, females compete for males, and, later, when environmental food resources are more abundant, sex roles revert to Darwinian convention. Ear size, which is much greater in females than in males, has been suggested to affect female fitness as females with larger ears are more likely to reach calling males first under sex-role-reversed conditions. We tested this suggestion and found evidence of positive linear and nonlinear correlational selection acting on female ear size early in the breeding season (under reversed sex roles) but not later in the breeding season (under Darwinian sex roles). Interestingly, there was no correlation between mating success and reproductive success (Bateman gradient) at any time during the season. Together, our results indicate that even brief and circumscribed periods of intrasexual competition among females can lead to sexual selection on morphological characters and that this selection may not depend on multiple mating. Considering the wealth of reports in the literature of brief episodes of intrasexual competition among female animals, we recommend increased study of sexual selection acting on females.
Police legitimacy and procedural justice among young Brazilian adolescents: A cross-sectional and time-ordered analysis
Authors: Rodrigues Herbert , Medina Justin C
Published: January 2021

The legal socialization framework expounds individual attitudes towards authority. The current study tested whether the attitudes of Brazilian adolescents towards social authorities (parents and teachers) explain later attitudes towards legal authority (the police). Data were obtained from three waves of a longitudinal study of Brazilian youth in São Paulo (ages 11–13; 50 per cent female) between 2016 and 2018. The time-ordered data are uniquely capable of testing the legal socialization framework as adolescent social spheres expand beyond the domestic domain. The findings of the structural equation models support the claim that attitudes towards social authorities explain later attitudes towards legal authority. The findings also paint a more complicated and nuanced picture of how spheres of authority are related.
A Selective and Sensitive Method Development and Validation of 1,1-Dimethyl-3-Hydroxy-Pyrrolidinium Bromide Impurity in Glycopyrrolate Oral Solution by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectroscopy
Authors: Chawla Rajesh Kumar , Rao G S N Koteswara , Kulandaivelu Umasankar , Panda Siva Prasad , Alavala Rajasekhar Reddy
Published: January 2021

Objective

A selective and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometer (LC–MS/MS) method has been developed for the quantification of 1,1-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-pyrrolidinium bromide impurity in glycopyrrolate oral solution.

Materials and method

The LC–MS/MS analysis was done on X Bridge HILIC (100 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) analytical column, and the mobile phase used was10 mM ammonium formate with 0.2% formic acid as mobile phase-A and acetonitrile as mobile phase-B with a gradient programme of 5.0 min. The flow rate used was 1.2 mL/min. Triple quadrupole mass detector coupled to positive electrospray ionization operated in multiple reactions monitoring mode was used for the quantification at m/z 116.10 ± 0.5.

Results

Retention time of impurity was found ~3.2 min. The method was validated in terms of specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, range, limit of detection, limit of quantitation (LOQ) and robustness. Relative standard deviation (RSD) for system suitability was found 1.3%. Calibration plot was linear over the range of 0.050–2.000 μg/mL. Limit of detection and limit of quantification were found 0.017 and 0.051 μg/mL, respectively. The intra- and inter-day precision RSD was 2.3% and the obtained recovery at LOQ to 200% was in between 86.7 and 107.4%.

Conclusion

The low RSD values and high recoveries of the method confirm the suitability of the method.
Discrimination Between Fructus Gardeniae (ZZ) and Fructus Gardeniae Grandiflorae (SZZ) Based on Fingerprint Coupled with Chemometrics and Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Cao Honghong , Yan Weihua , Guo Shuang , Deng Chang , Xue Rong , Zhang Kewei , Lu Tulin , Mao Chunqin
Published: January 2021

Fructus Gardeniae, known as Zhi-zi in China, has been used as Chinese herbal medicine and functional health food for thousands of years. Fructus Gardeniae Grandiflorae, named as Shui-zhizi, is a counterfeit herb of Fructus Gardeniae. In order to discriminate these two varieties, based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography, an analysis method of fingerprints of Fructus Gardeniae and Fructus Gardeniae Grandiflorae was established. With hierarchical clustering analysis and principal component analysis, they were separated into two groups. Analyzed with partial least squares discriminant analysis, there were differences in chemical compositions between Fructus Gardeniae and Fructus Gardeniae Grandiflorae. Six compounds, crocin I, genipin-1-β-D-gentiobioside and four other unknown compositions were identified as differential marker compositions between them. Furthermore, seven active substances in them were determined simultaneously. Thus, an integral method of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography fingerprint combined with chemometrics analysis and quantitative assessment was established. It could be utilized in characterization, quality evaluation of Fructus Gardeniae and could be applied for discriminating Fructus Gardeniae from Fructus Gardeniae Grandiflorae.
Changes to benthic community structure may impact organic matter consumption on Pacific Arctic shelves
Authors: Jones Brittany R , Kelley Amanda L , Mincks Sarah L
Published: January 2021

Changes in species composition and biomass of Arctic benthic communities are predicted to occur in response to environmental changes associated with oceanic warming and sea-ice loss. Such changes will likely impact ecosystem function, including flows of energy and organic material through the Arctic marine food web. Oxygen consumption rates can be used to quantify differences in metabolic demand among species and estimate the effects of shifting community structure on benthic carbon consumption. Closed-system respirometry using non-invasive oxygen optodes was conducted onboard the R/V Sikuliaq in June 2017 and 2018 on six dominant species of benthic macrofauna from the northern Bering and southern Chukchi Sea shelves, including five bivalve species (Macoma sp., Serripes groenlandicus, Astarte sp., Hiatella arctica and Nuculana pernula) and one amphipod species (Ampelisca macrocephala). Results revealed species-specific respiration rates with high metabolic demand for S. groenlandicus and A. macrocephala compared to that of the other species. For a hypothetical 0.1-g ash-free dry mass individual, the standard metabolic rate of S. groenlandicus would be 4.3 times higher than that of Astarte sp. Overall, carbon demand ranged from 8 to 475 μg C individual−1 day−1 for the species and sizes of individuals measured. The allometric scaling of respiration rate with biomass also varied among species. The scaling coefficient was similar for H. arctica, A. macrocephala and Astarte sp., while it was high for S. groenlandicus and low for Macoma sp. These results suggest that observed shifts in spatial distribution of the dominant macrofaunal taxa across this region will impact carbon demand of the benthic community. Hence, ecosystem models seeking to incorporate benthic system functionality may need to differentiate between communities that exhibit different oxygen demands.
Surgical anatomy of the upper esophagus related to robot-assisted cervical esophagectomy
Authors: Wedel Thilo , Heinze Tillmann , Möller Thorben , van Hillegersberg Richard , Bleys Ronald L A W , Weijs Teun J , van der Sluis Pieter Christian , Grimminger Peter P , Sallum Rubens A , Becker Thomas , Egberts Jan-Hendrik
Published: January 2021

Robot-assisted cervical esophagectomy (RACE) enables radical surgery for tumors of the middle and upper esophagus, avoiding a transthoracic approach. However, the cervical access, narrow working space, and complex topographic anatomy make this procedure particularly demanding. Our study offers a stepwise description of appropriate dissection planes and anatomical landmarks to facilitate RACE.

Macroscopic dissections were performed on formaldehyde-fixed body donors (three females, three males), according to the surgical steps during RACE. The topographic anatomy and surgically relevant structures related to the cervical access route to the esophagus were described and illustrated, along with the complete mobilization of the cervical and upper thoracic segment.

The carotid sheath, intercarotid fascia, and visceral fascia were identified as helpful landmarks, used as optimal dissection planes to approach the cervical esophagus and preserve the structures at risk (trachea, recurrent laryngeal nerves, thoracic duct, sympathetic trunk). While ventral dissection involved detachment of the esophagus from the tracheal cartilage and membranous part, the dorsal dissection plane comprised the prevertebral compartment harboring the thoracic duct and right intercosto-bronchial artery. On the left side, the esophagus was attached to the aortic arch by the aorto-esophageal ligament; on the right side, the esophagus was bordered by the azygos vein, right vagus nerve, and cardiac nerves.

The stepwise, illustrated topographic anatomy addressed specific surgical demands and perspectives related to the left cervical approach and dissection of the esophagus, providing an anatomical basis to facilitate and safely implement the RACE procedure.
Vagococcus fluvialis isolation and sequencing from urine of healthy cattle
Authors: Giannattasio-Ferraz Silvia , Ene Adriana , Maskeri Laura , Oliveira André Penido , Barbosa-Stancioli Edel F , Putonti Catherine
Published: January 2021

While the gram-positive bacterium Vagococcus fluvialis has been isolated from the environment as well as fish, birds, and mammals, very little is known about the species. V. fluvialis is believed to be a probiotic in fishes. However, within mammals, it is more frequently isolated from infectious tissue, including on rare occasions human and livestock lesions. Prior to the study described here, V. fluvialis had never been found in healthy bovine animals. Here, we present the complete genomes of V. fluvialis UFMG-H6, UFMG-H6B, and UFMG-H7, novel strains isolated from urine samples from healthy bovine females. These are the first genomes of mammalian isolates and the first description of V. fluvialis from urine. The genomes did not encode for any known virulence genes, suggesting that they may be commensal members of the urine microbiota.
Golden orb-weaving spider (Trichonephila clavipes) silk genes with sex-biased expression and atypical architectures
Authors: Correa-Garhwal Sandra M , Babb Paul L , Voight Benjamin F , Hayashi Cheryl Y
Published: January 2021

Spider silks are renowned for their high-performance mechanical properties. Contributing to these properties are proteins encoded by the spidroin (spider fibroin) gene family. Spidroins have been discovered mostly through cDNA studies of females based on the presence of conserved terminal regions and a repetitive central region. Recently, genome sequencing of the golden orb-web weaver, Trichonephila clavipes, provided a complete picture of spidroin diversity. Here, we refine the annotation of T. clavipes spidroin genes including the reclassification of some as non-spidroins. We rename these non-spidroins as spidroin-like (SpL) genes because they have repetitive sequences and amino acid compositions like spidroins, but entirely lack the archetypal terminal domains of spidroins. Insight into the function of these spidroin and SpL genes was then examined through tissue- and sex-specific gene expression studies. Using qPCR, we show that some silk genes are upregulated in male silk glands compared to females, despite males producing less silk in general. We also find that an enigmatic spidroin that lacks a spidroin C-terminal domain is highly expressed in silk glands, suggesting that spidroins could assemble into fibers without a canonical terminal region. Further, we show that two SpL genes are expressed in silk glands, with one gene highly evolutionarily conserved across species, providing evidence that particular SpL genes are important to silk production. Together, these findings challenge long-standing paradigms regarding the evolutionary and functional significance of the proteins and conserved motifs essential for producing spider silks.
Use of Services by People Living Alone With Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rosenwohl-Mack Amy , Dubbin Leslie , Chodos Anna , Dulaney Sarah , Fang Min-Lin , Merrilees Jennifer , Portacolone Elena
Published: January 2021

Background and Objectives

Formal supports and social services are essential to people living alone with cognitive impairment (PLACI) because they are at risk of negative health outcomes and lack cohabitants who may support them with cognitively demanding tasks. To further our understanding of this critical and worldwide issue, we conducted a systematic review to understand whether, and how, PLACI access and use essential formal supports and services.

Research Design and Methods

We searched 6 databases (PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Sociological Abstracts) to identify quantitative and mixed-method literature on formal service use among PLACI. The initial search was conducted in 2018 and updated in 2020.

Results

We identified 32 studies published between 1992 and 2019, representing 13 countries, that met our criteria: 16 reported on health services and 26 on social services. Most studies compared PLACI with people with cognitive impairment living with others. Health service use was lower or similar among PLACI, as opposed to counterparts living with others. Most studies reported a higher use of social services (e.g., home services) among PLACI than those living with others. Overall use of essential home service among PLACI was higher in Europe than in the United States, a country where large portions of PLACI were reported receiving no formal services.

Discussion and Implications

We identified wide variability among countries and major gaps in service use. Results for use of health services were mixed, although our findings suggest that PLACI may have fewer physician visits than counterparts living with others. Our findings suggest that varying policies and budgets for these services among countries may have affected our findings. We encourage researchers to evaluate and compare the influence of social policies in the well-being of PLACI. We also encourage policy makers to prioritize the needs of PLACI in national dementia strategies.
Enemies in the Shadows: On the Origins and Survival of Clandestine Clients
Authors: Boutton Andrew , Dolan Thomas M
Published: January 2021

States often use covert operations to undermine their adversaries. This strategy involves, among other methods, intelligence organizations directing and supporting the operations of covert networks residing within the target state. This was a common occurrence during the Cold War, but covert clients also operate in modern conflicts in Syria, Ukraine, and elsewhere. This paper introduces and defines covert clients as a distinct and novel concept. We then use original data on more than 250 clandestine networks within the French Resistance to investigate the determinants of covert client success and failure. We find that clients founded by foreign operatives inserted into the target state fail at significantly higher rates than those that establish themselves organically within the target state, although this effect diminishes among stronger groups. We corroborate these findings with a case study of the Prosper network to demonstrate how clandestine group origins influence their local knowledge, incentives, and security practices. This study uses original data to provide novel insights into clandestine group survival by linking survival to group origins. In demonstrating the potential utility of focusing on the conduct of covert operations, we also contribute to a rapidly growing international relations literature on how states project power through covert action.
A Maximum Dose Bioassay to Assess Efficacy of Key Insecticides Against Bemisia tabaci MEAM1 (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: Rossitto De Marchi Bruno , Smith Hugh , Turechek William , Riley David
Published: January 2021

The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci MEAM1 Gennadius causes serious losses to Florida vegetable and ornamental production. In 2019, a maximum dose bioassay was administered to 20 field populations of B. tabaci MEAM1 collected from various economic and weed hosts across south Florida to assess insecticide efficacy. The maximum dose bioassay tests the top labeled rate of the insecticide against B. tabaci adults on treated cotton leaves in a Petri dish over a 72-h period. A susceptible laboratory colony of B. tabaci MEAM1 and a colony of B. tabaci MED were also tested. Survival over 72 h was used to produce an area under the maximum dose curve, which was used to compare insecticide effects on different populations. Overall, imidacloprid demonstrated the poorest efficacy, dinotefuran and flupyradifurone were the most effective, and bifenthrin, cyantraniliprole, and thiamethoxam tended to group together, providing intermediate control. Across populations tested, survival in whitefly adults treated with dinotefuran was 50% lower than whiteflies treated with imidacloprid, about 33% lower than whiteflies treated with thiamethoxam, bifenthrin, and cyantraniliprole, and 10% lower than whiteflies treated with flupyradifurone. Efficacy of bifenthrin was less than imidacloprid on some populations, particularly from the Homestead area. Imidacloprid and thiamethoxam had no effect on mortality of the MED population when it was tested after 22 mo in culture without exposure to insecticides, although 7 mo later, these materials resulted in some mortality for the MED population.
Fractionated Extracts From Gnidia kraussiana (Malvales: Thymeleaceae) as Bioactive Phytochemicals for Effective Management of Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Stored Vigna unguiculata (Fabales: Fabaceae) Seeds
Authors: Kosini D , Nukenine E N , Agbor G A , Tchinda A T , Abdou J P , Yaya J A G , Kowa T K
Published: January 2021

One of the most important global problems is protecting food from insect pests. The negative effects of synthetic insecticides on human health led to a resurgence of interest in botanical insecticides due to their minimal ecological side effects. Therefore, the insecticidal potential of hexane, acetone, and methanol extracts of Gnidia kraussiana Meisn roots at 1 and 5g/kg, and neem seed oil (NSO), used as standard insecticide, were evaluated. Ovicidal and larvicidal toxicity was tested by treating freshly laid eggs and larvae at different immature stages of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.). Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) (L.) Walp seed damage and weight loss were assessed after a storage period of 4 mo. Repellency effects were detected in choice test using a linear olfactometer. All the fractions were toxic to C. maculatus; however, their bioactivities were inversely correlated with products polarity. Extracts proved to be more toxic than the commercial NSO. The acetone extract was more effective against immature stages of C. maculatus than the methanol extract; eggs, first-, and second-instar larvae being the more susceptible. No cowpea seed damage and weight loss were recorded from the seeds treated with hexane and acetone extracts at the dosage of 5 g/kg, after 4 mo of storage. Extracts evoked stronger repellency effects compared with the tested standard insecticide. According to the above, hexane and acetone extracts are good candidates for incorporation in integrated pest management programs for the control of C. maculatus in stored cowpea seeds.
Infection, Dissemination, and Replication of Urban and Sylvatic Strains of Dengue Virus Type 2 (Flaviviridae: Flavivirus) in Australian Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Hall-Mendelin Sonja , Pyke Alyssa T , Ramirez Ana L , Staunton Kyran M , Burtonclay Peter , McMahon Jamie , Barcelon Jean , van den Hurk Andrew F
Published: January 2021

The dengue viruses (DENVs) occur throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world where they infect 100s of millions of people annually. In Australia, the dengue receptive zone is confined to the northern state of Queensland where the principal vector Aedes aegypti (L.) is present. In the current study, two populations of Ae. aegypti from north Queensland were exposed to two urban outbreak strains and one sylvatic strain of dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2). The titer of virus required to infect 50% of mosquitoes was between 105 and 106 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID)50/ml and was influenced by the combination of the origin of Ae. aegypti population and virus strain. When exposed to infectious bloodmeal titers > 106 TCID50/ml, infection and dissemination rates were all > 50% and were significantly affected by the origin of the mosquito population but not by the strain of DENV-2. Replication of DENV-2 was also significantly affected by the mosquito population and the titer of the infectious bloodmeal that mosquitoes were exposed to. The results of this study are discussed in the context of DENV transmission dynamics in northern Australia and the relative fitness of the sylvatic virus strain in urban Ae. aegypti populations.
From the Field to the Laboratory: Quantifying Outdoor Mosquito Landing Rate to Better Evaluate Topical Repellents
Authors: Moreno-Gómez Mara , Bueno-Marí Rubén , Drago Andrea , Miranda Miguel A
Published: January 2021

Vector-borne diseases are a worldwide threat to human health. Often, no vaccines or treatments exist. Thus, personal protection products play an essential role in limiting transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) arm-in-cage (AIC) test is the most common method for evaluating the efficacy of topical repellents, but it remains unclear whether AIC testing conditions recreate the mosquito landing rates in the field. This study aimed to estimate the landing rate outdoors, in an area of Europe highly infested with the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894, Diptera: Culididae)), and to determine how to replicate this rate in the laboratory. To assess the landing rate in the field, 16 individuals were exposed to mosquitoes in a highly infested region of Italy. These field results were then compared to results obtained in the laboratory: 1) in a 30 m3 room where nine volunteers were exposed to different mosquito abundances (ranges: 15–20, 25–30, and 45–50) and 2) in a 0.064 m3 AIC test cage where 10 individuals exposed their arms to 200 mosquitoes (as per WHO requirements). The highest mosquito landing rate in the field was 26.8 landings/min. In the room test, a similar landing rate was achieved using 15–20 mosquitoes (density: 0.50–0.66 mosquitoes/m3) and an exposure time of 3 min. In the AIC test using 200 mosquitoes (density: 3,125 mosquitoes/m3), the landing rate was 229 ± 48 landings/min. This study provides useful reference values that can be employed to design new evaluation standards for topical repellents that better simulate field conditions.
Reconstruction of whistling deformity using V-Y advancement flap after primary cleft lip repair
Authors: Notodihardjo Sharon Claudia , Kusumoto Kenji
Published: January 2021

Whistling deformity often occurs after cleft lip primary repair, marked by deficiency of vermilion tubercle. The purpose of the surgery includes improving the appearance and function of the lip. Adequate amount of vermillion tubercle is necessary to fully cover the front teeth, produce lip seal while speaking consonant sound and balance the projection of face.

Many techniques are known to repair whistling deformity from fat injection to Abbe flap. In our department, we use V-Y advancement flap. At certain cases, we repeat the procedure to maximize the result. This simple and less complication technique shows stable outcome during follow up. We recommend this technique because of the non-visible scar after surgery, applicable for unilateral and bilateral cleft lip case at various age, and possible to be done under general or local anesthesia.
Bottlenecks and opportunities in field-based high-throughput phenotyping for heat and drought stress
Authors: Hein Nathan T , Ciampitti Ignacio A , Jagadish S V Krishna
Published: January 2021

Flowering and grain-filling stages are highly sensitive to heat and drought stress exposure, leading to significant loss in crop yields. Therefore, phenotyping to enhance resilience to these abiotic stresses is critical for sustaining genetic gains in crop improvement programs. However, traditional methods for screening traits related to these stresses are slow, laborious, and often expensive. Remote sensing provides opportunities to introduce low-cost, less biased, high-throughput phenotyping methods to capture large genetic diversity to facilitate enhancement of stress resilience in crops. This review focuses on four key physiological traits and processes that are critical in understanding crop responses to drought and heat stress during reproductive and grain-filling periods. Specifically, these traits include: (i) time of day of flowering, to escape these stresses during flowering; (ii) optimizing photosynthetic efficiency; (iii) storage and translocation of water-soluble carbohydrates; and (iv) yield and yield components to provide in-season yield estimates. Moreover, we provide an overview of current advances in remote sensing in capturing these traits, and discuss the limitations with existing technology as well as future direction of research to develop high-throughput phenotyping approaches. In the future, phenotyping these complex traits will require sensor advancement, high-quality imagery combined with machine learning methods, and efforts in transdisciplinary science to foster integration across disciplines.