bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful treatment of peritoneal recurrence after gastric cancer surgery with intravenous and intraperitoneal paclitaxel combined with S-1 chemotherapy: a case report
Authors: Miyatani Kozo , Miyauchi Wataru , Kono Yusuke , Shishido Yuji , Watanabe Joji , Hanaki Takehiko , Kihara Kyoichi , Matsunaga Tomoyuki , Yamamoto Manabu , Fukumoto Yoji , Tokuyasu Naruo , Takano Shuichi , Sakamoto Teruhisa , Honjo Soichiro , Hasegawa Toshimichi , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki
Published: May 2020

Background

Despite recent advances in systemic chemotherapy, the prognosis of patients with peritoneal metastases from gastric cancer still remains poor. Nonetheless, several efficacious intraperitoneal chemotherapy regimens have recently been developed for patients with peritoneal metastases. However, no study has investigated the effectiveness of intraperitoneal chemotherapy for metachronous peritoneal metastases from gastric cancer after curative surgery.

Case presentation

We herein report a case of a 65-year-old man who had metachronous peritoneal metastases from gastric cancer after curative total gastrectomy who had been successfully treated with intraperitoneal chemotherapy. One month after surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 was initiated given a final pathological stage of IIIB (pT4aN2M0). However, during adjuvant chemotherapy 12 months after surgery, tumor marker levels, which had been within normal range before surgery, increased with abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealing pelvic ascites. Thereafter, staging laparoscopy was performed, and the patient was diagnosed with peritoneal recurrence of gastric cancer. Following staging laparoscopy, an intraperitoneal access port was subcutaneously implanted for subsequent intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Combined chemotherapy with intraperitoneal and intravenous administration of paclitaxel and oral S-1 was then provided. After one course of combined chemotherapy, peritoneal lavage cytology was negative for malignancy. CT showed gradually decreasing ascites, whereas tumor marker levels returned to normal. The patient continued chemotherapy without major side effects and remained progression-free for 33 months with 36 chemotherapy cycles.

Conclusions

A combination regimen including intraperitoneal chemotherapy could be a promising option for patients with peritoneal recurrence after gastric cancer surgery.
Highlights of the 2018 Chinese hypertension guidelines
Authors: Liu Jing
Published: May 2020

Background

Blood pressure (BP) are uncontrolled in over 80% hypertensive population in China, indicating a compelling need for a pragmatic hypertension management strategy. The 2018 Chinese hypertension guidelines issued in 2019, after 3 years revision. During the periods, the latest United States (US) and European guidelines successively published, bringing new thoughts, wisdoms and schemes on hypertension management. This review aims to summarize the highlights of the new Chinese guidelines.

Main text

Despite the fact that the 2017 US hypertension guidelines changed hypertension definition from ≥140/90 mmHg to 130/80 mmHg, the Chinese hypertension guidelines did not follow suit, and maintained 140/90 mmHg as the cut-point of for diagnosis of hypertension. A combined, cardiovascular risks and BP levels-based antihypertensive treatment algorithm was introduced. Five classes of antihypertensive drugs, including β-blockers were recommended as initiation and maintenance of BP-lowering therapy. Initiating combination therapy, including single pill combination (SPC) was indicated in high-risk patients or those with grade 2 or 3 hypertension. For those with grade 1 hypertension (BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg), an initial low-dose antihypertensive drugs combination treatment could be considered.

Conclusions

China has never stopped exploring the best strategy for improving hypertension control. Based on clinical evidence and expertise, the newest Chinese guidelines and expert consensus will be of help in guiding physicians and practitioners to provide better management of hypertension in China.
Interactions between Bacillus thuringiensis and entomophagous insects
Authors: Abbas Mohamed Samir Tawfik
Published: May 2020

The interactions between insect pathogens, parasitoids, and predators have been proposed as “intraguild predation (IGP).” It occurs when two species share a host or prey (and therefore may compete) or when they engage in a trophic interaction with each other (parasitism or predation). Laboratory studies revealed that many predacious species attack and consume Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)-infected prey with no detrimental effects on the biological parameters of the predators. However, some studies indicated adverse impact of Bt on development and biology of the predators. As for parasitoids, some studies showed no detrimental effects on the biology of the parasitoids when reared on Bt-infected hosts and others revealed negative effects on their biological aspects. Such negative effects were found to be related to Bt concentration and timing of treatment (parasitism or infection). The biological parameters of the offspring of the adult parasitoids that had emerged from infected parasitized larvae were not affected. Also, ingestion of Bt by adult parasitoids did not affect the longevity or fecundity of such parasitoids. Concerning Bt crops, a recent published report in 2019 stated that over the past 20+ years, extensive experience and insight have been gained through laboratory and field studies of non-target effects of crops producing Cry proteins. Overall, the vast majority of the studies demonstrated that the insecticidal proteins developed today do not cause adverse effects on natural enemies (parasitoids and predators) of target pests.
Relapsed Wilms’ tumor in pediatric patients: challenges in low- to middle-income countries—a single-center experience
Authors: Zekri Wael , Yacoub Dalia M. , Ibrahim Asmaa , Madney Youssef
Published: May 2020

Background

Wilms’ tumor (WT) affects one in 10,000 children and accounts for 5% of all childhood cancers. Although the overall relapse rate for children with WT has decreased to less than 15 %, the overall survival for patients with recurrent disease remains poor at approximately 50 %. The aim of the study to evaluate the outcome of relapsed Wilms’ tumor pediatric patients treated at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Egypt, between January 2008 and December 2015.

Results

One hundred thirty (130) patients diagnosed with WT during the study period, thirty (23%) patients had relapsed. The median follow up period was 22.3 months (range 3.6–140 months). The Overall Survival (OS) was 30.9% while the event-free survival (EFS) was 29.8% at a 5-year follow up period. Median time from diagnosis to relapse was 14.4 months. A second complete remission was attained in 18/30 patients (60%). The outcome of the 30 patients; 11 are alive and 19 had died. Three factors in our univariate analysis were prognostically significant for survival after relapse. The first was radiotherapy given after relapse (p = 0.012). The 5-year EFS and OS for the group that received radiotherapy were 41.9% versus 16.7% and 11.1% respectively for those that did not. The second was the state of lymph nodes among patients with local stage III (p = 0.004). Lastly, when risk stratification has been applied retrospectively on our study group, it proved to be statistically significant (p = 0.029).

Conclusion

Among relapsed pediatric WT, radiotherapy improved survival at the time of relapse and local stage III with positive lymph nodes had the worst survival among other stage III patients.
Diving into the Details: Constructing a Framework of Random Call Components
Authors: Waugh Alex H. , Andrews Tessa C.
Published: May 2020

Random call has potential benefits and costs for students, yet little is known about how it is actually implemented or the reasoning underlying implementation decisions. This interview study investigates how 12 random call users make decisions. A framework of components of random call that can inform future studies of effects on students is proposed.
Developing the DELTA: Capturing Cultural Changes in Undergraduate Departments
Authors: Ngai Courtney , Pilgrim Mary E. , Reinholz Daniel L. , Corbo Joel C. , Quan Gina M.
Published: May 2020

Understanding departmental culture is important for sustained change, so the Departmental Education and Leadership Transformation Assessment (DELTA) survey was developed to characterize departmental culture around undergraduate education. A five-step process was used to develop and validate the items in the DELTA survey. This survey can be used to quantitatively characterize a department’s culture.
Resources for Teaching and Assessing the Vision and Change Biology Core Concepts
Authors: Branchaw Janet L. , Pape-Lindstrom Pamela A. , Tanner Kimberly D. , Bissonnette Sarah A. , Cary Tawnya L. , Couch Brian A. , Crowe Alison J. , Knight Jenny K. , Semsar Katharine , Smith Julia I. , Smith Michelle K. , Summers Mindi M. , Wienhold Caroline J. , Wright Christian D. , Brownell Sara E.
Published: May 2020

A suite of resources aligned with the core concepts of Vision and Change are presented to help instructors teach and assess student understanding of the core concepts.
Geophysical applications of magnetic sensors in smartphones
Authors: Campbell Nathan , Atekwana Estella , Mathews Adam J. , Ismail Ahmed
Published: May 2020

More than 5 billion people have access to mobile phones globally. These devices, many of which are smartphones with multiple integrated sensors (e.g., global positioning system receiver, camera, etc.), provide a myriad of opportunities to support scientific investigation by researchers and citizens alike. Many smartphones even contain geophysical sensor technology that can be deployed for geophysical data acquisition. However, there is limited research on the ability of these sensors to acquire scientifically useful geophysical data. In this study, we evaluate the efficacy of a magnetic field sensor in a smartphone to address this knowledge gap. Using a free application called AndroSensor, a preliminary experiment was conducted to map buried pipes at a test site and to test the efficacy of the AK09911C magnetic field sensor inside a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (Android OS) smartphone. In addition, data were acquired over the test site using the commercially available Geometrics G858 Cesium vapor magnetometer for comparison. Results showed that the smartphone was able to identify all three buried pipes and compared favorably with the Geometrics G858. For the primary experiment, a walking survey was conducted over a landfill in order to compare the smartphone with the G858 Cesium vapor magnetometer. Results showed little variation between the G858 Cesium vapor magnetometer and smartphone magnetic field sensors when within the boundaries of the landfill. This proof-of-concept study suggests that smartphones with geophysical sensors potentially provide a more affordable approach to the acquisition of geophysical data, especially at academic institutions with limited access to expensive commercially available geophysical instrumentation.
Land FWI in the Delaware Basin, west Texas: A case study
Authors: Murphy Gary , Brown Vanessa , Vigh Denes
Published: May 2020

As part of a wide-reaching full-waveform inversion (FWI) research program, FWI is applied to an onshore seismic data set collected in the Delaware Basin, west Texas. FWI is routinely applied on typical marine data sets with high signal-to-noise ratio (S/N), relatively good low-frequency content, and reasonably long offsets. Land seismic data sets, in comparison, present significant challenges for FWI due to low S/N, a dearth of low frequencies, and limited offsets. Recent advancements in FWI overcome limitations due to poor S/N and low frequencies making land FWI feasible to use to update the shallow velocities. The chosen area has contrasting and variable near-surface conditions providing an excellent test data set on which to demonstrate the workflow and its challenges. An acoustic FWI workflow is used to update the near-surface velocity model in order to improve the deeper image and simultaneously help highlight potential shallow drilling hazards.
Research Committee Update
Authors: Chávez-Pérez Sergio
Published: May 2020

In official SEG terms, the Research Committee (RC) serves to improve communication among earth scientists interested in applied research, to advise the SEG Board of Directors on research matters, to identify research topics worthy of focused workshops, and to organize those workshops. The RC meets twice a year, with much of the committee's business conducted by e-mail. Membership is open to all researchers.
Feasibility of MRI based extracellular volume fraction and partition coefficient measurements in thigh muscle
Authors: Goodall Alex F , Broadbent David A , Dumitru Raluca B , Buckley David L , Tan Ai Lyn , Buch Maya H , Biglands John D
Published: May 2020

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the feasibility of extracellular volume-fraction (ECV) measurement, and time to achieve contrast equilibrium (CE), in healthy muscles, and to determine whether in-flow and partial-volume errors in the femoral artery affect measurements, and if there are differences in the partition coefficient (λ) between muscles.

Methods:

T1 was measured in the biceps femoris, vastus intermedius, femoral artery and aorta of 10 healthy participants. This was repeated alternately between the thigh and aorta for ≥25 min following a bolus of gadoterate meglumine. λ was calculated for each muscle/blood measurement. Time to CE was assessed semi-quantitatively.

Results:

8/10 participants achieved CE. Time to CE = 19±2 min (mean ± 95% confidence interval). Measured λ: biceps femoris/aorta = 0.210±0.034, vastus intermedius/aorta = 0.165±0.015, biceps femoris/femoral artery = 0.265±0.054, vastus intermedius/femoral artery = 0.211±0.026. There were significant differences in λ between the muscles when using the same vessel (p < 0.05), and between λ calculated in the same muscle when using different vessels (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

ECV measurements in the thigh are clinically feasible. The use of the femoral artery for the blood measurement is associated with small but significant differences in λ. ECV measurements are sensitive to differences between muscles within the healthy thigh.

Advances in knowledge:

This paper determines the time to contrast equilibrium in the healthy thigh and describes a method for measuring accurately ECV in skeletal muscle. This can aid in the diagnosis and understanding of inflammatory auto-immune diseases.
Hemostatic radiotherapy for inoperable gastric cancer: a pilot study
Authors: Tanaka Osamu , Sugiyama Akihiko , Omatsu Tatsushi , Tawada Masahiro , Makita Chiyoko , Matsuo Masayuki
Published: May 2020

Objective:

Standard treatment for progressive gastric cancer with bleeding includes hemostatic radiotherapy (RT); however, the only prospective study using a fixed dose with fractions during hemostatic RT did not introduce re-irradiation. Therefore, we determined the utility of RT including re-irradiation for gastric cancer.

Methods:

In this study, 31 patients with gastric cancer and bleeding were treated with an initial dose of 20 Gy/5 fractions for the whole stomach and a salvage dose of 15 Gy/5 fractions for the partial stomach. Patients achieving hemostasis, defined as a stable hemoglobin level within 30 days following irradiation, were considered responders, whereas those with no cessation of bleeding and those with re-bleeding within 30 days of irradiation were considered non-responders. We evaluated response rate, disease-free survival, overall survival (OS), re-irradiation, and adverse events (AEs).

Results:

The response rate of initial RT was 80% (25/31). 6 of the 25 patients underwent re-irradiation, and all 6 were responders (100%). The median OS was significantly different among the entire cohort and one-time irradiation and re-irradiation groups (91, 76, and 112 days, respectively). No AEs of grade ≥3 were observed. Initial low-dose RT followed by reirradiation was effective in reducing AEs and did not cause any further AEs.

Conclusion:

Hemostatic RT was an effective approach with low toxicity, and re-irradiation was effective and tolerable, with no patients developing severe AEs. Further, randomized controlled studies are warranted to determine the ideal dose and number of fractions for initial RT in patients with gastric cancer and bleeding.

Advances in knowledge:

In this prospective study on hemostatic radiotherapy for gastric cancer, the response rate was 80% using a fixed dose of 20 Gy/5 fractions and the salvage dose of 15 Gy for re-bleeding was effective. Future comparative studies should include other doses with 20 Gy as a control.
Vascular findings on FDG PET/CT
Authors: Liddy Stephen , Mallia Andrew , Collins Conor D , Killeen Ronan P , Skehan Stephen , Dodd Jonathan D , Subesinghe Manil , Murphy David J
Published: May 2020

Since its introduction into clinical practice, 2-deoxy-2-[18F]flu-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has become firmly established in the field of oncological imaging, with a growing body of evidence demonstrating its use in infectious and inflammatory vascular pathologies. This pictorial review illustrates the utility of FDG PET/CT as a diagnostic tool in the investigation of vascular disease and highlights some of the more common incidental vascular findings that PET reporters may encounter on standard oncology FDG PET/CTs, including atherosclerosis, large vessel vasculitis, complications of vascular grafts, infectious aortitis and acute aortic syndromes.
Study protocol: In the preparation and administration of intravenous medicines, what are the best practice standards that healthcare professionals need to follow to ensure patient safety?
Authors: Carr Peter J. , O'Connor Laura , Gethin Georgina , Ivory John D. , O'Hara Paul , O'Toole Orla , Healy Patricia
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Intravenous therapy and medicines (IVTM) are the most common invasive interventions in use in healthcare. Prescribed IVTM play an essential role in the treatment of illness, management of chronic conditions and in maintaining health and wellbeing. The intravenous (IV) route is the administration of concentrated medications (diluted or undiluted) directly into peripherally or centrally inserted vascular access devices. Medication safety is a key priority and best practice standards are required to guide the safe preparation and administration of IVTM.

Methods: We will conduct a systematic review of the literature pertaining to the preparation and administration of intravenous therapy and medicines. Our search will include studies concerned with the preparation and/or administration of IVTM via peripheral or central vascular access devices. We will be guided by the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) in this review. Literature will include all trial designs, national/international guidelines, and expert consensus opinion made available in English from 2009 to present day.

Conclusions: We will synthesise the evidence concerning safe and effective preparation and administration of intravenous therapy and medicines to inform the development of a national guideline for healthcare professionals in Ireland. The availability of up-to-date, contemporaneous evidence-based practice standards will ensure quality and safety for service-users.

Registration:  This study has been submitted to PROSPERO and we are awaiting confirmation of registration.
Sustainability Planning for Healthcare Information Exchanges with Supplier Rebate Program
Authors: Rajapakshe Tharanga , Kumar Subodha , Sen Arun , Sriskandarajah Chelliah
Published: May 2020

Can adopting multiple revenue streams secure long-term sustainability of HIEs? Healthcare information exchanges (HIEs) facilitate information sharing among participating healthcare practices. Despite HIEs’ pivotal role in improving healthcare delivery, many struggle to be financially sustainable in the long run. As a practical and implementable solution for this issue, this article proposes a multiperiod two-service model that improves the profitability of HIEs while retaining a sizable member pool. This study provides the guidelines for HIEs in adopting a two-service model. It also sheds light on how policymakers could intervene successfully to improve participation of healthcare providers and operations of the HIEs to guarantee long-term survival.
Determining and Evaluating Alternative Line Plans in Out-of-Control Situations
Authors: van Lieshout Rolf N. , Bouman Paul C. , Huisman Dennis
Published: May 2020

From time to time, large disruptions cause heavily utilized railway networks to get into a state of out-of-control, in which hardly any trains are able to run as the result of a lack of accurate and up-to-date information available to dispatchers. In this paper, we develop and test disruption management strategies for dealing with these situations. First, we propose an algorithm that finds an alternative line plan that can be operated in the affected part of the railway network. As the line plan should be feasible with respect to infrastructural and resource restrictions, we integrate these aspects in the algorithm in a Benders-like fashion. Second, to operate the railway system within the disrupted region, we propose several local train dispatching strategies requiring varying degrees of flexibility and coordination. Computational experiments based on disruptions in the Dutch railway network indicate that the algorithm performs well, finding workable and passenger-oriented line plans within a couple of minutes. Moreover, we also demonstrate in a simulation study that the produced line plans can be operated smoothly without depending on central coordination.
Examination of the Computer Programming Self-Efficacy’s Prediction towards the Computational Thinking Skills of the Gifted and Talented Students
Authors: Avcu Yunus Emre , Ayverdi Leyla
Published: May 2020

The study's goal was to examine the correlation between the computer programming self-efficacy and computational thinking skills of gifted and talented students. The capacity of the computer programming self-efficacy of gifted and talented students to predict their computational thinking skills were also examined. The relational screening model has been implemented in the research. The participants of the study were composed of 106 secondary school gifted and talented students studying the Individual Ability Recognition Program (IAR) at the Science and Art Center in the city center. Typical case sampling was applied for the student identification of the participants, 46 are female and 60 are male. Gifted and talented students' computational thinking skills were assessed using the "Computational Thinking Skills Scale” and the computer programming self-efficacy was measured by using the "Computer Programming Self-Efficacy Scale". Data were analysed by Pearson correlation analysis and simple linear regression analysis in statistical software SPSS 22. Research results found that there was a positive and high correlation between the computer programming self-efficacy and computational thinking skills. The gifted and talented students' computer programming self-efficacy demonstrated 31.5% of the total variance in computational thinking skills. This finding supports the claim which is present in the literature that self-efficacy in computer programming is the affective aspect of computational thinking skills. To predict computational thinking skills, it may be recommended to build multiple models for cognitive and affective skills of gifted and talented students.
Effect of Humidity on Electrical Conductivity of Graphite Nanocomposite Based Electrodes: A Review
Authors: Mahtab Sameena , Joshi Pragati , Arya Bhagwati , Zaidi M.G.H. , Siddiqui Tanveer Irshad
Published: May 2020

We have reviewed recent progress on various types of humidity sensors as it is one of the most significant issues in various areas of sensing appliances such as instrumentation, charge storage automated systems, industries and agriculture. Various effective approaches have been discussed to develop ceramic, semiconducting and polymer based graphite sensors. It was found that graphite based nanocomposite materials have unique potential for detecting humidity due to specific structure, high electrothermal conductivities, good mechanical properties, low cost and ultrahigh surface area that increases applications in the field of energy storage devices.
Tunnelling Current Measurements Using Current Sensing Atomic Force Microscope
Authors: Sarkar Arup , Suresh K. A.
Published: May 2020

To realise the miniaturised devices, the precise measurement of nanoscale tunnelling current in ultrathin films is of utmost importance. For the nanoscale current measurements, current sensing atomic force microscope (CSAFM) is one of the most powerful tool. CSAFM allows to map the current distribution on the film surface and it permits to perform current measurements as a function of applied bias voltage. It has turned out to be crucial for studies of organic films. In CSAFM, a physical contact is made on film with a precise control of the applied force in nanonewton (nN) range. For the preparation of ultrathin film, Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique is known to provide a uniform film with a good control over the thickness in the molecular level. In the last two decades, there have been many CSAFM studies for the tunnelling current measurements. This review is intended to cover the literature on the tunnelling current measurements using CSAFM.
Sol-Gel Fabricated Transition Metal Cr3+, Co2+ Doped Lanthanum Ferric Oxide (LFO-LaFeO3) Thin Film Sensors for the Detection of Toxic, Flammable Gases: A Comparative Study
Authors: Koli Prashant Bhimrao , Kapadnis Kailas Haribhau , Deshpande Uday Gangadhar , More Balaji pandurang , Tupe Umesh Jagannath
Published: May 2020

In this investigation we are reporting the rapid preparation of Perovskite LaFeO3 thin films prepared by sol-gel synthesis followed by spin coating method. The structural properties of the spin coated LaFeO3 thin films measured by X-ray Diffractometer which confirms the formation of monophasic, orthorhombic, Perovskite LaFeO3 material. The morphological features of the films were explore by the ease of scanning electron microscopy, where the crystalline LaFeO3 nanoparticles were observed. Energy dispersive spectroscopy was utilized for the determination of elemental composition. The electrical properties were carried out to confirm the typical semiconducting behaviour of LaFeO3 p- type semiconductor. The thin films were subjected for gas sensing study, the material was found to be very efficient gas sensors for LPG, petrol vapour, CO2, methanol, ethanol, acetone gases. The main object was to discuss comparative study, means, what changes in parameters may be observed due to doping elements. Here undoped LFO sensor showed excellent sensitivity to methanol vapours, while doped LFO sensors found to very sensitive for petrol vapours. The enhanced sensitivity by doped LFO may attributed to increase surface area due to dopants.While all parameter essential for effective sensor were investigated in detail like, response recovery, reusability, selectivity of both the sensors.
An Economic Analysis of Rewind, Premium, and Standard Efficiency Vertical Hollow Shaft Motors for Irrigation
Authors: Henry Christopher G. , Watkins Kenton B. , Mane Ranjitsinh U. , Stark Gregory L.
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Vertical hollow shaft motors are commonly used for vertical turbine pumps for irrigation. They are a specialty motor which has been exempt from the Department of Energy (DOE) requirement for improved energy efficiency. We evaluated the payback and net present value (NPV) of standard efficiency, energy efficient, and premium efficiency motors for motor sizes used in irrigation. For motor sizes between 22 and 56 kW (30 and 75 hp), the NPV and payback analysis indicated that premium efficient motors are more advantageous than standard efficiency. In motor sizes greater than 75 kW (100 hp) standard efficient motors are more cost effective than replacing a motor with a premium efficiency motor. When considering a repair or rewind of a motor, the result is highly dependent on the quality, and the resulting efficiency expected after the repair. If a repaired motor nameplate efficiency could be attained after rewinding and repair, then rewinding is most cost effective. However, if original nameplate efficiency is not attained, then it may be more cost effective to purchase a premium efficiency motor over rewinding. New DOE requirements may be advantageous for irrigators even though capital costs will be higher for new motors. Keywords: Motor rewind, Net present value (NPV), Payback period, Premium efficiency motor.
Performance of Three DifferentSpades for Residual Plastic Film Recycling Machine
Authors: Yang Songmei , Chen Xuegeng , Yan Limin , Jiang Deli
Published: May 2020

Highlights

Effectively separating the “white pollution” from agricultural soil.

Three different spades for mechanical recycling residual film were tested.

All spades had a similar draft requirement and soil disturbance trend.

Spade A provided a higher residual film recovery rate.

Abstract. Plastic film mulching cultivation provides important support for increasing the crop yield and ensuring food security, but residual plastic film pollution has become a prominent problem affecting the sustainable development of agriculture especially in northwest China. Recovery of thicker film by residual plastic film recycling machines may represent an effective way to solve this problem. In this study, a combined implement comprising three different spades (spades A, B, and C) were tested in a cotton field to compare their performance. All three types of spades were tested at a travel speed of 4.5 kmh-1 and a working depth of 40 mm. The residual plastic film recovery rate, soil draft force, soil disturbance characteristics (furrow profile), and cotton stubble uprooting were measured. Spade B had a higher draft force than the other spades. This trend was also observed for the soil disturbance area. Spades A and C produced stubble uprooting of approximately 5%, and spade B resulted in an approximately 5.7% larger degree of uprooting. Spade A had the largest recovery rate of residual film, while spade C had the smallest one. Overall, considering both recovery rate of residual film and draft force requirement, spade A showed better performance compared to spades B and C. Keywords: Draft force, Residual plastic film, Recovery rate, Soil disturbance, Spade.
Performance of Solar Utilization System Developed with Capillary Tube Mats to Collect and Release Heat in Chinese Solar Greenhouses
Authors: Li Ming , Yue Liwei , Song Weitang , Wang Chaoyuan
Published: May 2020

Highlights

A solar utilization system was developed with capillary tube mats (SUSCTM) to heat Chinese solar greenhouses (CSGs) actively during winter nights.

In the solar day, SUSCTM collected 28~33% of the accumulated solar energy on the north-wall and released 40.3~48.6% of the collected heat in night under the experimental conditions.

The thermal performances of SUSCMT can be further improved by improving the heat insulation of the water tank, doubling and elongating the capillary tubes.

Abstract.A solar utilization system composed of capillary tube mats, a water tank, recirculating pipes, and a pump (SUSCTM) was developed to improve the temperature of Chinese solar greenhouses (CSGs) during winter nights. The capillary tube mats were mounted on the north-wall to intercept solar radiation. By circulating water within the SUSCTM during the daytime, the solar energy can be absorbed and stored in the water tank. In the same way, the heat stored in the water tank can be recovered to increase the indoor air temperature (Tin) in the night. During the daytime hours of sunny days, SUSCMT stored the heat of 102.4~135.4 MJ under the test conditions, which accounts for 28~33% of the accumulated solar energy on the north wall. The heat released by the SUSCTM during the nighttime hours of sunny days accounted for 40.3~48.6% of the collected heat. As a result, the minimum Tin in the night was elevated by 1.6°C~1.9°C, with the coefficient of performance (COP) of 1.3~1.8. On the other hand, the SUSCMT only operated during the night hours of cloudy day and elevated the minimum Tin by 1.5°C. The COP was 1.2 as a result. In addition, the amount and flux of heat released by the SUSCMT per the north wall area matched the conventional north wall of CSGs. Based on the proposed model, the thermal performances of SUSCMT can be further improved by improving the heat insulation of the water tank, doubling and elongating the capillary tubes. Thus, the SUSCMT has the potential to increase the Tin of CSG during winter nights. Keywords: Capillary tube mats, Chinese solar greenhouse, Indoor air temperature, Solar utilization system, Water circulation.
The Effects of Pasteurization by Conventional and Ohmic Heating Methods and Concentration Processes on the Madan (Garcinia Schomburgkiana Pierre) Juice Properties
Authors: Khuenpet Krittiya - , Jittanit Weerachet -
Published: May 2020

Highlights

This research proved that Madan juice should be filtered before pasteurization in order to be more palatable for consumer.

Madan juices and its concentrates can be efficiently heated by ohmic method due to their high electrical conductivities.

Mathematical models developed in this study can accurately predict the electrical conductivity of the Madan juice during ohmic heating.

This research proved that the quality of pasteurized Madan juice concentrates was rather steady during 60 days of storage.

Abstract.Madan is a native fruit of the Southeast Asian region. The objectives of this research were: 1) to investigate the effect of pasteurization methods on the qualities of Madan juices and 2) to examine the influence of ohmic heating on the qualities and storage stability of pasteurized and concentrated juice compared to conventional heating method. It appeared that Madan juices (5-27.2 °Brix) can be heated by ohmic method due to high electrical conductivities (1.37-4.74 S.m-1). Mathematical models developed in this study can precisely predict the electrical conductivity of Madan juice. Filtration step and pasteurization condition of 95°C for 15 s should be applied in Madan juice processing because they provided the highest sensorial scores and the lowest color change. The continuous-mode machine provided the lightest color with low redness and yellowness values. Quality changes of Madan juice concentrate samples pasteurized using double jacket kettle and ohmic heating method were diminutive during 60 days of storage. Keywords: Concentration, Juice, Madan, Ohmic heating, Pasteurization.
Deterrence of Aspergillus Flavus Regrowth and Aflatoxin Accumulation on Shelled Corn Using Infrared Heat Treatments
Authors: Smith Deandrae Lynette , Atungulu Griffiths G. , Wilson Shantae A. , MohammadiShad Zeinab
Published: May 2020

Highlights

Infrared heating was used to deactivate Aspergillus flavus.

Treating samples for 150 s at the 3.24 kW/m2 intensity resulted in complete deactivation of A. flavus.

Adding a tempering step at 70°C for 4 h significantly increased deactivation of A. flavus.

Corn treated at IR intensity =3.24 kW/m2 showed no potential for A. flavus regrowth or aflatoxin persistence.

The study demonstrated a non-chemical approach to deactivate mycotoxigenic fungi on corn.

Abstract.The objectives of this study were to determine the suitable combinations of infrared (IR) heating duration and intensity, followed by tempering treatments to maximize the deactivation of aflatoxin-producing mold spores, specifically Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus). Corn samples at moisture content of 24% wet basis were inoculated with spore suspension of A. flavus and incubated to allow microbial attachment on the kernels. Corn samples were then heated using IR energy and then tempered for 4 h. Following the treatments, the samples were placed in conditions favorable for mold regrowth. Treatments of non-tempered samples for 210 s at the lowest intensity (1.27 kW/m2) resulted in A. flavus load reductions of 5.9 Log CFU/g. Treatments of non-tempered samples at the medium (3.24 kW/m2) and highest intensity (6.9 kW/m2) for 210 s resulted in complete deactivation of A. flavus. No fungal regrowth or aflatoxin persistence was observed on samples treated for 210 s at the lowest, medium, and highest IR intensities. Keywords: Aflatoxins, Aspergillus flavus, Infrared heating, Shelled corn, Tempering.
Changed, changed utterly
Authors: Mortensen Neil
Published: May 2020

Amid the blossoming trees of springtime, our healthcare systems are facing the most important crisis of the century.
Technology not policy will help drive female consultant numbers higher
Authors: Ip M
Published: May 2020

A three-dimensional solution.
Treasures from the Collections
Authors: Rea Victoria
Published: May 2020

Sir Harold Gillies’s Patient Case Files, 1915–1925
Reconfiguring everyday practice
Authors: Slop Mr
Published: May 2020

Our columnist reflects on COVID-19 as the outbreak grips the NHS.
Deslizamentos funcionais do verbo achar: gramaticalização em evidência
Authors: Santos Iolanda Ferreira dos , Kanthack Gessilene Silveira
Published: May 2020

Objetivamos, neste trabalho, apresentar os resultados de uma pesquisa que investigou os usos do verbo achar a partir de uma amostra constituída de fanfiction, narrativa ficcional escrita e divulgada por fãs que se apropriam de enredos e personagens de produtos midiáticos para criarem histórias paralelas ao original. Tendo como base pressupostos sobre gramaticalização (HOPPER; TRAUGOTT, 1993 e GONÇALVES et al., 2007), verificamos se os usos evidenciam ou não um caso de mudança linguística. Os resultados apontam que o verbo achar desempenha, além de sua função lexical [valor +concreto; - gramatical], a função de modalização [valor +abstrato; + gramatical], estratégia linguística que possibilita o falante veicular seu ponto de vista sobre o que diz. Esta última função evidencia uma abstratização do significado, propriedade característica da mudança por gramaticalização.
Direito Linguístico: olhares sobre as suas fontes
Authors: Abreu Ricardo Nascimento
Published: May 2020

O Direito Linguístico como um campo de estudos e pesquisas que se ocupa, dentre outras questões, da produção, aplicação e análise das normas que tutelam as línguas e os direitos de uso dessas línguas pelos indivíduos e grupos falantes, minoritários ou não, carece de uma teoria geral que consiga estabelecer parâmetros científicos de análise, amparados principalmente na ciência Linguística e no Direito. Trata-se, pois, de exigência incontornável para viabilizar a elaboração e o estudo de políticas linguísticas estatais e/ou paraestatais que atuem no universo das regulamentações intra e inter linguísticas, bem como no que diz respeito à mediação dos conflitos linguísticos que emergem por conta das relações de poder que se manifestam em contextos plurilíngues. Neste texto, buscaremos apresentar e discutir as principais fontes do Direito Linguístico e as suas dinâmicas de funcionamento nas diferentes esferas de organização política dos Estados, quer tomados em conjunto, no âmbito das Nações Unidas e no Direito Internacional dos Direitos Humanos, quer por meio do estudo das suas normas particulares (constitucionais e infraconstitucionais), sem deixarmos de lado uma perspectiva com enfoque no pluralismo jurídico, ao incluirmos, no rol dessas fontes, os costumes linguísticos das comunidades minoritárias falantes de idiomas em situação de vulnerabilidade.
O uso da língua para a discriminação
Authors: Freitag Raquel Meister Ko. , Lima Marcus Eugenio Oliveira , Silva Lucas Santos , Souza Victor Renê Andrade
Published: May 2020

Analisamos uma postagem no Twitter do Ministro da Educação da República Federativa do Brasil que motivou a Procuradoria Geral da República a instaurar inquérito para apuração de crimes resultantes de preconceito e discriminação. No texto da postagem, sistematicamente o “r” é trocado por “l”, em caixa alta. O conteúdo evoca as histórias da Turma da Mônica, cujo enredo gira em torno de “planos infalíveis” de Cebolinha e Cascão para derrotar Mônica. Por analogia, a China estaria envolvida em um plano conspiratório para disseminar a COVID-19. Demonstramos como a manipulação de um traço linguístico pode evocar discriminação e preconceito.
“I’ve always been the one who drops everything”: the lived experiences and life-course impacts of young adult women carers
Authors: Silverman Marjorie , Brotman Shari , Molgat Marc , Gagnon Elizabeth
Published: May 2020

Based on findings from a Canadian-based study, this article examines the stories of young adult women carers. Young adult women caring for a parent or grandparent were interviewed using social network maps, participant-driven photography and care timelines. The findings reveal numerous impacts on the women’s lives, which we categorise according to three temporal periods: the past (how they came to be carers); the present (their daily realities of care); and the future (how they imagine what is ahead). We conclude with a discussion regarding the tensions between the women’s personal stories and the social forces that shape young women’s caring.
Below the horizon—the physics of extreme visual ranges
Authors: Vollmer Michael
Published: May 2020

Visual ranges of up to 440 km have recently been documented by
photographs of ground-based observers. A report from 1948 claimed a
record visual range from a plane of more than 530 km and a similar
recent observation from 2017 was documented by a photo. Such extreme
visual ranges can in principle be explained by the interplay of
refraction and light scattering. However, they require optimal
atmospheric conditions, and cleverly chosen locations and times.
Bright upconverted emission from light-induced inelastic tunneling
Authors: Rakhmatov Eradzh , Alizadehkhaledi Amirhossein , Hajisalem Ghazal , Gordon Reuven
Published: May 2020

Upconverted light from nanostructured metal surfaces can be produced by harmonic generation and multi-photon luminescence; however, these are very weak processes and require extremely high field intensities to produce a measurable signal. Here we report on bright emission, 5 orders of magnitude greater than harmonic generation, that can be seen from metal tunnel junctions that we believe is due to light-induced inelastic tunneling emission. Like inelastic tunneling light emission, which was recently reported to have 2% conversion efficiency per tunneling event, the emission wavelength recorded varies with the local electric field applied; however, here the field is from a 1560 nm femtosecond pulsed laser source. Finite-difference time-domain simulations of the experimental conditions show the local field is sufficient to generate tunneling-based inelastic light emission in the visible regime. This phenomenon is promising for producing ultrafast upconverted light emission with higher efficiency than conventional nonlinear processes.
Photoconductive arrays on insulating substrates for high-field terahertz generation
Authors: Bacon David R. , Gill Thomas B. , Rosamond Mark , Burnett Andrew D. , Dunn Aniela , Li Lianhe , Linfield Edmund H. , Davies A. G. , Dean Paul , Freeman Joshua R.
Published: May 2020

We report on the design, fabrication and characterisation of large-area photoconductive THz array structures, consisting of a thin LT-GaAs active region transferred to an insulating substrate using a wafer-scale bonding process. The electrically insulating, transparent substrate reduces the parasitic currents in the devices, allowing peak THz-fields as high as 120 kV cm−1 to be generated over a bandwidth >5 THz. These results are achieved using lower pulse energies than demanded by conventional photoconductive arrays and other popular methods of generating high-field THz radiation. Two device sizes are fully characterised and the emission properties are compared to generation by optical rectification in ZnTe. The device can be operated in an optically saturated regime in order to suppress laser noise.
Parity-time symmetry light bullets in a cold Rydberg atomic gas
Authors: Xu Si-Liu , Li Hong , Zhou Qin , Zhou Guo-Peng , Zhao Dong , Belić Milivoj R. , He Jun-Rong , Zhao Yuan
Published: May 2020

A scheme is proposed to generate stable light bullets (LBs) in a cold Rydberg atomic system with a parity-time (PT) symmetric potential, by utilizing electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). Using an incoherent population pumping between two low-lying levels and spatial modulations of control and auxiliary laser fields, we obtain a two-dimensional (2D) periodic optical potential with PT symmetry. Based on PT symmetry potential and the long-range Rydberg-Rydberg atomic interaction, the system may support slow LBs with low light intensity. Further, it is found that the local and non-local nonlinear coefficients and PT-symmetric potential can be tuned and used to manipulate the behavior of LBs.
Spatial pattern-shifting method for complete two-wavelength fringe projection profilometry
Authors: Lin Chu , Zheng Dongliang , Kemao Qian , Han Jing , Bai Lianfa
Published: May 2020

Two-wavelength fringe projection profilometry (FPP) unwraps a phase with the unambiguous phase range (UPR) of the least common multiple (LCM) of the two wavelengths. It is accurate, convenient, and robust, and thus plays an important role in shape measurement. However, when two non-coprime wavelengths are used, only a small UPR can be generated, and the unwrapping performance is compromised. In this Letter, a spatial pattern-shifting method (SPSM) is proposed to generate the maximum UPR (i.e., the product of the two wavelengths) from two non-coprime wavelengths. For the first time, to the best of our knowledge, the SPSM breaks the constraint of wavelength selection and enables a complete (i.e., either coprime or non-coprime) two-wavelength FPP. The SPSM, on the other hand, only requires spatially shift of the low-frequency pattern with the designed amounts and accordingly adjusting the fringe order determination, which is extremely convenient in implementation. Both numerical and experimental analyses verify its flexibility and correctness.
10.4  kW coherently combined ultrafast fiber laser
Authors: Müller Michael , Aleshire Christopher , Klenke Arno , Haddad Elissa , Légaré François , Tünnermann Andreas , Limpert Jens
Published: May 2020

An ultrafast laser delivering 10.4 kW average output power based on a coherent combination of 12 step-index fiber amplifiers is presented. The system emits close-to-transform-limited 254 fs pulses at an 80 MHz repetition rate, and has a high beam quality (

M

2

≤

1.2

) and a low relative intensity noise of 0.56% in the frequency range of 1 Hz to 1 MHz. Automated spatiotemporal alignment allows for hands-off operation.
Motionless optical scanning holography
Authors: Yoneda Naru , Saita Yusuke , Nomura Takanori
Published: May 2020

Optical scanning holography (OSH) is an attractive technique since 3D information can be obtained with a single pixel detector. However, OSH requires an interferometer, scanning architecture, and a frequency shifter to scan a time-varying Fresnel zone plate (FZP), which makes the optical setup complicated. To reduce the complexity, the polarization sensitivity of a spatial light modulator (SLM) is applied. The proposed method implements a time-varying FZP with an in-line optical setup by using only an SLM. Observing results for a USAF pattern and a fluorescent bead reveals the feasibility of the new motionless holographic 3D imaging technique.