bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient activation and Type 2 diabetes mellitus self-management: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Hassan , Verma Iksheta , Gopaldasani Vinod
Published: November 2020

Patient activation has been recognised as a reliable driver of self-management decision-making. This systematic review and meta-analysis examines existing evidence on whether embedding patient activation within Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) self-management programs can improve patient outcomes. This review has included 10 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) conducted between 2004 and 2019 retrieved from well-known databases such as MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL Plus, Scopus, ProQuest and ScienceDirect. The eligible RCTs were excluded if they scored low according to Cochrane Collaboration’s ‘risk of bias’ criteria. Random-effects meta-analyses showed that there were no significance changes in haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI) and patient activation measure (PAM) between intervention and control groups after the intervention; however, the systematic review findings indicated that an improved patient activation level led to significant improvements in T2DM self-management and clinical outcomes including HbA1c level. Studies with a longer follow-up period conducted in community settings and delivered by peer coaches were more likely to lead to significant improvement in both patient activation levels and T2DM self-management and clinical outcomes. This review concludes that patient activation can be used as a reliable tool for improving T2DM self-management and clinical outcomes.
Photochemistry of oxidized Hg(I) and Hg(II) species suggests missing mercury oxidation in the troposphere
Authors: Saiz-Lopez Alfonso , Travnikov Oleg , Sonke Jeroen E. , Thackray Colin P. , Jacob Daniel J. , Carmona-García Javier , Francés-Monerris Antonio , Roca-Sanjuán Daniel , Acuña A. Ulises , Dávalos Juan Z. , Cuevas Carlos A. , Jiskra Martin , Wang Feiyue , Bieser Johannes , Plane John M. C. , Francisco Joseph S.
Published: November 2020

Significance

The atmospheric chemistry of mercury, a global priority pollutant, is key to its transport and deposition to the surface environment. Assessments of its risks to humans and ecosystems rely on an accurate understanding of global mercury cycling. This work shows that the chemical reactions and rates currently employed to interpret Hg chemistry in the atmosphere fails to explain observed atmospheric mercury concentrations and deposition. We report that model simulations incorporating recent developments in the photoreduction mechanisms of the oxidized forms of mercury (Hg
I
and Hg
II
) lead to a significant model underestimation of global observations of these oxidized species in the troposphere and their surface wet deposition. This implies that there must be currently unidentified mercury oxidation processes in the troposphere.
Twinfilin bypasses assembly conditions and actin filament aging to drive barbed end depolymerization
Authors: Shekhar Shashank , Hoeprich Gregory J. , Gelles Jeff , Goode Bruce L.
Published: November 2020

Cellular actin networks grow by ATP-actin addition at filament barbed ends and have long been presumed to depolymerize at their pointed ends, primarily after filaments undergo “aging” (ATP hydrolysis and Pi release). The cytosol contains high levels of actin monomers, which favors assembly over disassembly, and barbed ends are enriched in ADP-Pi actin. For these reasons, the potential for a barbed end depolymerization mechanism in cells has received little attention. Here, using microfluidics-assisted TIRF microscopy, we show that mouse twinfilin, a member of the ADF-homology family, induces depolymerization of ADP-Pi barbed ends even under assembly-promoting conditions. Indeed, we observe in single reactions containing micromolar concentrations of actin monomers the simultaneous rapid elongation of formin-bound barbed ends and twinfilin-induced depolymerization of free barbed ends. The data show that twinfilin catalyzes dissociation of subunits from ADP-Pi barbed ends and thereby bypasses filament aging prerequisites to disassemble newly polymerized actin filaments.
Antibody potency, effector function, and combinations in protection and therapy for SARS-CoV-2 infection in vivo
Authors: Schäfer Alexandra , Muecksch Frauke , Lorenzi Julio C.C. , Leist Sarah R. , Cipolla Melissa , Bournazos Stylianos , Schmidt Fabian , Maison Rachel M. , Gazumyan Anna , Martinez David R. , Baric Ralph S. , Robbiani Davide F. , Hatziioannou Theodora , Ravetch Jeffrey V. , Bieniasz Paul D. , Bowen Richard A. , Nussenzweig Michel C. , Sheahan Timothy P.
Published: November 2020

SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, has been responsible for over 42 million infections and 1 million deaths since its emergence in December 2019. There are few therapeutic options and no approved vaccines. Here, we examine the properties of highly potent human monoclonal antibodies (hu-mAbs) in a Syrian hamster model of SARS-CoV-2 and in a mouse-adapted model of SARS-CoV-2 infection (SARS-CoV-2 MA). Antibody combinations were effective for prevention and in therapy when administered early. However, in vitro antibody neutralization potency did not uniformly correlate with in vivo protection, and some hu-mAbs were more protective in combination in vivo. Analysis of antibody Fc regions revealed that binding to activating Fc receptors contributes to optimal protection against SARS-CoV-2 MA. The data indicate that intact effector function can affect hu-mAb protective activity and that in vivo testing is required to establish optimal hu-mAb combinations for COVID-19 prevention.
Calculation of the single differential cross section for electron-impact ionization of atoms and molecules
Authors: Mori N A , Utamuratov R , Fursa D V , Zammit M C , Bray I
Published: November 2020

A technique has been developed for calculating the electron-impact ionization single differential cross section directly from the integrated cross sections of positive-energy pseudostates occuring in close-coupling methods. Using the cross sections arising in the convergent close-coupling method, the approach is first tested against the existing benchmark theoretical and experimental data for electron scattering on hydrogen and helium. It is then applied to electron scattering on molecular hydrogen yielding excellent agreement with experimental data when normalized to the total ionization cross section.
Design of patterned fluorine-doped tin oxide for radome de-icing heater
Authors: Kim Y R , Jung J H , Yong S M , Hong J W , Lee S J , Park J W
Published: November 2020

We suggested microwave transparent heaters by using a patterned fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO). The pattern is a continuous waveform, and the DC voltage is applied for Joule heating. While the pattern of conductive materials is mostly associated with electromagnetic behavior, this study extends its potential application to thermodynamics. Especially for radome applications, the microwave transparent heater is able to remove the ice accretion on the radome surface in order to prevent not only aerodynamic instability, but also communicative failure. The characteristics of the RF transmission and saturation temperature, which are the key parameters of FTO as a conductive material, were investigated by using numerical simulation and an experiment. A reasonable agreement between the measurements and the numerical simulations was achieved. This multi-functional waveform-patterned FTO has both X-band transparency and Joule heating performance so that it can be a cornerstone for electromagnetic and thermal applications.
Two-delta shell resonance description of α-decay: analytic expression of half-life via energy derivative of phase-shift
Authors: Sahu Basudeb
Published: November 2020

The process of α-decay being intrinsically quantum mechanical originates from the resonance state of the α + daughter nucleus two-body system where the scattering phase-shifts vary rapidly in a small energy range of the size of the resonance width in the presence of narrow resonance. We model this physical phenomenon and derive a clear expression for the decay width, Γ, in terms of energy derivative of phase-shift obtained by properly matching the exact solutions within the segments of a shell of two delta potentials generating resonance with the pure Coulomb wave functions in the Coulomb–nuclear scattering phenomenon. With this decay width Γ, using the standard relation, T
1/2 = ln 2

ℏ

Γ

, the decay half-life, T
1/2, is expressed analytically and the computed results successfully explain the experimental results of α-decay half-lives ranging from 10−7 s–1025 s in the cases of many light, heavy and super heavy radioactive nuclei with proton number Z = 52–120 and mass number A = 106–299.
The application of a reflected non-axisymmetric torsional guided wave model for imaging crack-like defects in small-diameter pipes
Authors: Fang Zhou , Tse Peter W , Xu Fan
Published: November 2020

Crack imaging of a pipe can provide detailed information about defects within the pipe such as the circumferential and axial position of the defect and its circumferential coverage. Due to the complicated propagation characteristics of a non-axisymmetric guided wave within a small pipe and the limited surface area available to install the transducer, crack imaging within a small-diameter pipe is difficult. This paper reports a reflected non-axisymmetric torsional guided wave model for imaging a crack in a small pipe. First, the reflected non-axisymmetric torsional guided wave model was proposed based on the theory of the normal mode expansion method. Then, the crack imaging algorithm was determined based on the theoretical reflected non-axisymmetric torsional guided wave model. Subsequently, the relationships between the angular profiles of the reflected T(M,1) and the axial distance of the cracks, the relationships between the angular profiles of the reflected T(M,1) and the circumferential length of the cracks predicted by the theoretical model were supported by the simulation results and the experimental data. Next, the crack imaging based on the proposed reflected non-axisymmetric torsional guided wave model was carried out for four pipes to verify its practicability. The axial position and circumferential range of the cracks within the four pipes were different. The experimental and numerical results demonstrated that the reflected non-axisymmetric torsional guided wave model has the potential to image cracks within a small pipe.
Gas–solid interface charge tailoring techniques: what we grasped and where to go
Authors: Zhang Zhousheng , Wang Zheming , Teyssedre Gilbert , Shahsavarian Tohid , Arab Baferani Mohamadreza , Chen Geng , Lin Chuanjie , Zhang Bo , Riechert Uwe , Lei Zhipeng , Cao Yang , Li Chuanyang
Published: November 2020

Charging of insulators modifies local electric field distribution and increases potential threat to the safety of the gas insulated equipment. In this paper, surface charge tailoring techniques are classified and reviewed by introducing a Dam-flood model. Technical solutions of different charge tailoring methods are compared and discussed. The outlook of potential solutions to suppress charge accumulation is recommended and discussed based on industrial consideration. This paper serves as a guide handbook for engineers and researchers into the study of charge tailoring methods. Meanwhile, we hope that the content of this paper could shed some lights upon charge-free insulators to promote the industrial application of HVDC GIL/GIS.
Oxidation of lithium plasma facing components and its effect on plasma performance in the lithium tokamak experiment-β
Authors: Maan A , Boyle D P , Kaita R , Ostrowski E T , Donovan D C , Majeski R P , Koel B E , Biewer T M , Hughes P E , Hansen C , Kubota S , Soukhanovskii V
Published: November 2020

The characteristics of lithium-coated plasma-facing components (PFCs) have been correlated with plasma performance on the lithium tokamak experiment-β (LTX-β). Previous experiments on LTX showed that the application of lithium to PFCs was needed to achieve higher performance discharges with flat electron temperature profiles and high edge temperatures. Samples that match the LTX-β PFCs were exposed to plasmas before and after PFCs were coated with lithium and transferred under vacuum to a surface analysis station. Measurements using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that the primary surface constituent was lithium oxide. Earlier XPS analysis of lithium-coated PFCs on LTX was only able to show the presence of surface oxygen. The new XPS data from LTX-β have sufficient resolution to clearly identify lithium compounds for the first time, and enable them to be correlated with how lithium-coated PFCs can reduce impurities and retain hydrogen to reduce recycling.
A novel plasma fluid model for fast 2D calculations in capacitively coupled atmospheric pressure plasma jets
Authors: Mouchtouris Sotiris , Kokkoris George
Published: November 2020

A novel 2D fluid model for capacitively coupled and cross-field atmospheric pressure plasma jets is developed, coming from the simplification of a detailed 2D plasma fluid model and taking into account the jet flow. The simplification is based on a set of reasonable assumptions and is applied systematically through a formalism based on dimensionless numbers (e.g. Peclet and Damkohler), although common in chemical engineering, utilized for the first time in the context of plasma jets and plasma modeling in general. The simplified 2D fluid model, namely the cross-field plasma model (CFPM), consists of a number of 1D plasma fluid models which are solved serially using a multi-time-scale framework. The CFPM is applied to a He/O2 plasma in the COST reference jet. The comparison with the results of the detailed 2D model points out that the CFPM can reproduce detailed 2D calculations ∼10 times faster. The comparison with the results of the standard 1D model highlights the limitations of the 1D model to produce reliable results for species with residence time lower compared to the time required for their net production to come into equilibrium. For O, O3, and O2(a
1Δ
u
), i.e. species critical in biomedical applications, the mishit of the 1D model is 1–2 orders of magnitude. These advantages render the CFPM a perfect candidate for the simulation and design of cross-field plasma jets, substituting the commonly used 1D plasma fluid model.
Ohmic metal/Hg1-xCdxTe (x ≈ 0.3) contacts
Authors: Sizov F , Tsybrii Z , Apats’ka M , Dmytruk N , Slipokurov V , Bunchuk S , Bezsmolnyy Yu , Popovych V , Wiertel M , Mikhailov N
Published: November 2020

Some technological features of p-type Hg
1-x
Cd
x
Te (x ≈ 0.3) liquid phase epitaxy layers grown on Cd
1-y
Zn
y
Te (y ≈ 0.04) substrates are briefly discussed. Energy dispersive analysis of mercury-cadmium-telluride (MCT) layers and metal contacts (Au(In)/Cr(Mo,Ti)) to MCT layers together with their current-voltage characteristics at T ≈ 80 and 300 K are considered. It is shown that Cr(Mo,Ti)/MCT contacts have ohmic characteristics or close to them at T ≈ 80 and 300 K for both n- and p-type MCT layers. This gives the opportunity to form ohmic contacts to n- and p-type pads in one technological cycle. The contact resistance Rc is much smaller as compared to the HgCdTe p-n junction resistance R0[ RcA (< 10–2 Ω cm2) ≪ R0A (> 103 Ω cm2), where R0 is the zero bias diode resistance at T = 80 K, and A is the MCT (x ≈ 0.3) junction area]. So, such contacts are appropriate for the fabrication of photovoltaic HgCdTe detectors.
Towards wearable tremor suppression using dielectric elastomer stack actuators
Authors: Kelley Christopher R , Kauffman Jeffrey L
Published: November 2020

Active wearable tremor suppression devices apply actuators to the human body to produce joint torques that reduce tremor motion. This potential alternative to medications and surgery has the advantage of providing robust tremor treatment that is non-invasive, but the bulkiness of typical engineering actuators currently prohibits clinical implementations. Dielectric elastomer stack actuators (DESAs) offer a potential pathway towards achieving soft, low-profile tremor suppression devices: DESAs have similar mechanical properties as human muscles and can conform to the human limb. However, low actuation levels and a lack of commercial availability limit the development of DESA-based orthoses. Employing a control approach that only suppresses tremor while allowing the actuators to follow voluntary motion passively significantly decreases actuation requirements to improve potential for clinical devices. Still, DESAs that may offer the necessary actuation characteristics require specialized equipment and techniques. This research advances DESA-based tremor suppression by experimentally demonstrating DESA-based suppression of tremor-like signals on a scaled system using easily manufactured DESAs. Further discussion quantifies the DESA parameters that will enable physical implementations of human-scale tremor suppression and identifies pathways towards achieving those parameters.
Crystal field model simulations of magnetic response of pairs, triplets and quartets of Mn3+ ions in GaN
Authors: Sztenkiel D , Gas K , Domagala J Z , Hommel D , Sawicki M
Published: November 2020

A ferromagnetic coupling between localized Mn spins was predicted in a series of ab initio and tight binding calculations and experimentally verified for the dilute magnetic semiconductor Ga1−x
Mn
x
N. In the limit of small Mn concentrations, x ≲ 0.01, the paramagnetic properties of this material were successfully described using a single ion crystal field model approach. In order to obtain the description of magnetization in (Ga,Mn)N in the presence of interacting magnetic centers, we extend the previous model of a single substitutional Mn3+ ion in GaN by considering pairs, triplets and quartets of Mn3+ ions coupled by a ferromagnetic superexchange interaction. Using this approach we investigate how the magnetic properties, particularly the magnitude of the uniaxial anisotropy field, change as the number of magnetic Mn3+ ions in a given cluster increases from 1 to 4. Our simulations are then exploited in explaining experimental magnetic properties of Ga1−x
Mn
x
N with x ≅ 0.03, where the presence of small magnetic clusters gains in significance. As a result the approximate lower and upper limits for the values of exchange couplings between Mn3+ ions in GaN, being in nearest neighbors (nns) J
nn and next nns J
nnn positions, respectively, are established.
Experimental demonstration of enhanced acoustic energy harvesting with a subwavelength metamaterial plate
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Li Qiuyu , Oudich Mourad , Pan Yongdong , Li Yong
Published: November 2020

In this work, we propose an acoustic energy harvesting metamaterial consisting of an array of silicone rubber pillars and a PZT patch deposited on an ultrathin aluminum plate with several holes based on locally resonant mechanism. The resonance is formed by removing four pillars, drilling a few of holes and attaching the PZT patch on the aluminum plate. The strain energy originating from an incident acoustic wave is centralized in the resonant region, and the PZT patch is used to convert the elastic strain energy into electrical power. Numerical analysis and experimental results show that the proposed millimeter-scale harvester with holes obviously improves the effect of acoustic energy harvesting while performing at the subwavelength scale for sonic low-frequency environment (less than 1150 Hz). In addition, the experimental results demonstrate that the maximum output voltage and power of the proposed acoustic energy harvesting system with 16 holes of 2 mm radius are 3 and 10 times higher than those without holes at the resonant mode for 2 Pa of incident acoustic pressure. Both the number and size of holes have a significant effect on the performance of acoustic energy harvesting. The advantages of the proposed structure are easy-to-machine and full of practicality, and it can be used in broad applications for low-frequency acoustic energy harvesting.
Decomposition reaction of phosphate rock under the action of microwave plasma*
Authors: Zheng Hui , Yang Meng , Jiang Cheng-Fa , Liu Dai-Jun
Published: November 2020

The decomposition reaction of phosphate rock under the action of microwave plasma was investigated. Phosphate rock and its decomposition products were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS), and chemical analysis. The measurements of electron temperature (T
e) and electron density (N
e) of plasma plume under atmospheric pressure were carried out using optical emission spectroscopy(OES). The electron temperature (T
e) was determined based on the calculation of the relative intensity of the O II (301.91 nm) and O II (347.49 nm) spectral lines. Correspondingly, electron densities were obtained using the Saha ionization equation which was based on the C I (247.86 nm) line and the C II (296.62 nm) line under the assumption of local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE). The relationship between the relative intensity of the active components and the gas output was studied by the spectrometer. Finally the reaction mechanism of the decomposition of the phosphate rock under the action of the atmospheric pressure microwave plasma was proposed. The results showed that with the increase of CO flow and microwave power, the electron temperature and electron density in the plasma show a decreasing and increasing trend. The CO is dissociated into gaseous carbon ions under the action of microwave plasma, and the presence of gaseous carbon ions promotes the decomposition of the phosphate rock.
Implementation of synaptic learning rules by TaO
x
memristors embedded with silver nanoparticles*
Authors: Ning Yue , Lai Yunfeng , Wan Jiandong , Cheng Shuying , Zheng Qiao , Yu Jinling
Published: November 2020

As an alternative device for neuromorphic computing to conquer von Neumann bottleneck, the memristor serving as an artificial synapse has attracted much attention. The TaO
x
memristors embedded with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have been fabricated to implement synaptic plasticity and to investigate the effects of Ag NPs. The TaO
x
memristors with and without Ag NPs are capable of simulating synaptic plasticity (PTP, STDP, and STP to LTP), learning, and memory behaviors. The conduction of the high resistance state (HRS) is driven by Schottky-emission mechanism. The embedment of Ag NPs causes the low resistance state (LRS) conduction governed by a Poole–Frenkel emission mechanism instead of a space-charge-limited conduction (SCLC) in a pure TaO
x
system, which is ascribed to the Ag NPs enhancing electric field to produce additional traps and to reduce Coulomb potential energy of bound electrons to assist electron transport. Consequently, the enhanced electric fields induced by Ag NPs increase the learning strength and learning speed of the synapses. Additionally, they also improve synaptic sensitivity to stimuli. The linearity of conductance modulation and the reproducibility of conductance are improved as well.
Effect of radiation on compressibility of hot dense sodium and iron plasma using improved screened hydrogenic model with l splitting
Authors: Ali Amjad , Naz G Shabbir , Kouser Rukhsana , Tasneem Ghazala , Shahzad M Saleem , Aman-ur-Rehman  , Nasim M H
Published: November 2020

High pressure investigations of matter involve the study of strong shock wave dynamics within the materials which gives rise to many thermal effects leading to dissociation of molecules, ionization of atoms, and radiation emission, etc. The response of materials experiencing a strong shock can be determined by its shock Hugoniot calculations which are frequently applied in numerical and experimental studies in inertial confinement fusion, laboratory astrophysical plasma, etc. These studies involve high energy density plasmas in which the radiation plays an important role in determining the energy deposition and maximum compressibility achieved by the shock within material. In this study, we present an investigation for the effect of radiation pressure on the maximum compressibility of the material using shock Hugoniot calculations. In shock Hugoniot calculations, an equation of state (EOS) is developed in which electronic contributions for EOS calculations are taken from an improved screened hydrogenic model with –l splitting (I-SHML) [High Energy Density Physics (2018) 26 48] under local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) conditions. The thermal ionic part calculations are adopted from the state of the art Cowan model while the cold ionic contributions are adopted from the scaled binding energy model. The Shock Hugoniot calculations are carried out for sodium and iron plasmas and our calculated results show excellent agreement with published results obtained by using either sophisticated self-consistent models or the first principle study.
Analysis on degradation mechanisms of normally-off p-GaN gate AlGaN/GaN high-electron mobility transistor*
Authors: Song Si-De , Wu Su-Zhen , Liu Guo-Zhu , Zhao Wei , Wang Yin-Quan , Wu Jian-Wei , He Qi
Published: November 2020

The degradation mechanisms of enhancement-mode p-GaN gate AlGaN/GaN high-electron mobility transistor was analyzed extensively, by means of drain voltage stress and gate bias stress. The results indicate that: (i) High constant drain voltage stress has only a negligible impact on the device electrical parameters, with a slightly first increase and then decrease in output current; (ii) A negative shift of threshold voltage and increased output current were observed in the device subjected to forward gate bias stress, which is mainly ascribed to the hole-trapping induced by high electric field across the p-GaN/AlGaN interface; (iii) The analyzed device showed an excellent behavior at reverse gate bias stress, with almost unaltered threshold voltage, output current, and gate leakage current, exhibiting a large gate swing in the negative direction. The results are meaningful and valuable in directing the process optimization towards a high voltage and high reliable enhanced AlGaN/GaN high-electron mobility transistor.
Alternative therapies in controlling oral malodour: a systematic review
Authors: Wylleman A , Vuylsteke F , Dekeyser C , Teughels W , Quirynen M , Laleman I
Published: November 2020

Is there a role for alternative therapies in controlling intra-oral halitosis? Treatments other than tongue cleaning and anti-halitosis products containing zinc, chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride were considered as alternative therapies. Four databases were searched (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library). Inclusion criteria were: examination of alternative halitosis therapies, study population with oral malodour, a (negative or positive) control group and evaluation of breath odour via organoleptic and/or instrumental assessment. Data were extracted for descriptive analysis. The screening of 7656 titles led to the inclusion of 26 articles. Analysis showed heterogeneity concerning the population of interest (from cysteine-induced to genuine halitosis), the examined treatment and the reported outcomes. This made a meta-analysis impossible. Essential oils, fluoride-containing products and herbal substances were the most studied. Results varied enormously and none of the active ingredients had an unambiguously positive effect on the malodour. The risk of bias was assessed as high in all articles. Given the fact that little evidence was found for each of the investigated treatments, it could be concluded that there is currently insufficient evidence that alternative therapies are of added value in the treatment of halitosis.

Clinical relevance

Scientific rationale: Halitosis is a common problem causing social isolation. Out of embarrassment, patients search the internet, leading to many questions about alternative solutions (e.g. oil pulling, herbs). This is the first systematic review on these alternative therapies.

Principal findings: Results varied among studies. Some promising results were found for fluoride-containing toothpastes and probiotics. For other products (such as herbal and antibacterial products and essential oils) results were inconsistent. Long-term follow-up studies on these products are scarce. Moreover, the quality of the studies was poor.

Practical implications: No clear evidence was found to support a certain alternative anti-halitosis therapy.
Flat metal-dielectric grating with 100% retro-diffraction efficiency: rigorous theory
Authors: Honzatko Pavel , Čtyroký Jiří
Published: November 2020

We have recently designed a new type of a flat metal-dielectric grating which is supposed to replace blazed diffraction gratings, providing very high −1st reflected diffraction order efficiency within a broad wavelength band, high durability, and relative ease of fabrication. In this communication we present a rigorous electromagnetic theory of the grating in the approximation of infinitely thin perfect metal and show that the properly designed grating can reach 100% diffraction efficiency in the Littrow configuration for either transversal electric (TE or s) or transversal magnetic (TM or p) polarizations. Properties of the grating are analysed and discussed in detail.
Probing the limits of orbital angular momentum generation and detection with spatial light modulators
Authors: Pinnell Jonathan , Rodríguez-Fajardo Valeria , Forbes Andrew
Published: November 2020

Spatial light modulators (SLMs) are popular tools for generating structured light fields and have fostered numerous applications in optics and photonics. Here, we explore the limits of what fields these devices are capable of generating and detecting in the context of so-called vortex beams carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM). Our main contributions are to quantify (theoretically and experimentally) how the pixelation of the SLM screen affects the quality of the generated vortex mode and to offer useful heuristics on how to optimise the performance of the displayed digital hologram. In so doing, we successfully generate and detect a very high order optical vortex mode with topological charge

ℓ
=
600

, the highest achieved to date using SLMs. Since the OAM degree of freedom is frequently touted as offering a potentially unbounded state space, we hope that this work will inspire researchers to make more use of higher-order vortex modes.
Magnetic dipole absorption of light at intersubband transitions in quantum wells
Authors: Oladyshkin I V , Erukhimova M A , Tokman M D
Published: November 2020

We consider theoretically the magnetic dipole mechanism of IR-light absorption at intersubband transitions in wide-gap quantum wells (QWs). In contrast to the electric dipole resonance, the discussed mechanism manifests in the interaction with the s-polarized component of electromagnetic radiation. We demonstrated that (a) the frequencies of magnetic and electric dipole intersubband transitions in the 2D layer are equal in the framework of one-particle approximation; (b) collective plasma effects should lead to a significant frequency shift between the magnetic and electric dipole resonances in a typical QW. Consequently, independent measurements of the magnetic and electric dipole resonant frequencies could allow both the extraction of the QW parameters and the experimental verification of theoretical models of collective fermion interaction. Taking into account the relative weakness of the magnetic dipole absorption, we propose a waveguide scheme for its experimental observation.
A study of silicon carbide reinforced W-Ni-Cu based heavy alloys sintered with different heating modes
Authors: Annamalai A Raja , Chaurasia Jitender Kumar , Srikanth Muthe , Agrawal Dinesh K , Jen Chun-Ping
Published: November 2020

The influence of silicon carbide (SiC) addition to W-Ni-Cu-based heavy alloys has been investigated in the present study. The powders of W-Ni-Cu with varying percentages of SiC were blended and sintered using conventional and Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) techniques. The sintered samples were characterized to determine the density, microstructure, and mechanical properties. The alloy (W-7Ni-3Cu-0.5SiC) exhibits high ultimate tensile strength 430 MPa for conventional sintering and 831 MPa for spark plasma sintering, relative sintered density 71.84% and 88.25% of conventional sintered and spark plasma sintering, respectively. After the tensile test, the fracture surfaces show a mixed-mode fracture consisting of brittle W/W intergranular and ductile mode of fracture in the matrix.
Ku-Band scintillation over Akure, Nigeria
Authors: Ashidi Ayodeji Gabriel
Published: November 2020

Relationship between scintillation intensity (σ

χ
) and peak-to-peak amplitude (χ
pp) is important for mitigating scintillation effects on any communication link. This study employs linear, logarithmic and polynomial functions for fitting σ

χ
and χ
pp in order to determine the best model for describing the variation of the former with the latter. It also examines the frequency of occurrence of scintillation intensity and the suitable probability density function for characterizing its distribution. Data used spanned 24 months, and were obtained from measurement of EUTELSAT W4/W7 satellite beacons on 12.245 GHz frequency, 1 s integration time and 53° elevation angle, at the Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Akure (07°17′N, 005°18′E, 358 m) Nigeria. Results show that logarithmic function performed best in modelling χ
pp from σ

χ
as indicated by high coefficient of determination and minimal root mean sqaure error values. Strong scintillation events (σ

χ
 > 0.5) were also found to occur less frequently as sample interval increased. Lastly, lognornal, gamma and generalised extreme value (GEV) models were found suitable for describing σ

χ
distribution.
Global Health Education in Pathology Residency
Authors: Volaric Ashley K , Zadeh Sara L , Dusenbery Anna C , Coppock Joseph D , Dibbern Megan E , Jenkins Taylor M , González Jessica Ohana , Rodríguez Dorian , Burt David R , Frierson Henry F , Rodas Boanerges
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Pathology and laboratory medicine (PALM) services in low- and middle-income countries are essential to combat the increasing prevalence of cancer in addition to providing documentation of cancer types and trends for future allocation of public health resources. There are many ways PALM as a whole can engage on the global health front. This study summarizes the efforts and results of a global health educational and clinical elective for pathology residents in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.

Methods

Pathology residents led and implemented the project, working alongside an in-country pathologist and project collaborator to instill project sustainability and allow for future capacity building.

Results

An educational elective was established between the pathology departments of the University of Virginia and Hospital Regional de Occidente in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Two residents at a time engaged in a month-long educational elective assisting and learning from the in-country pathologist in anatomic pathology clinical work.

Conclusions

The project is an example of a global health initiative centering on the enhancement of PALM services in a low-resource environment via a bidirectional, sustainable educational exchange.
idenPC-CAP: Identify protein complexes from weighted RNA-protein heterogeneous interaction networks using co-assemble partner relation
Authors: Wu Zhourun , Liao Qing , Fan Shixi , Liu Bin
Published: November 2020

Protein complexes play important roles in most cellular processes. The available genome-wide protein–protein interaction (PPI) data make it possible for computational methods identifying protein complexes from PPI networks. However, PPI datasets usually contain a large ratio of false positive noise. Moreover, different types of biomolecules in a living cell cooperate to form a union interaction network. Because previous computational methods focus only on PPIs ignoring other types of biomolecule interactions, their predicted protein complexes often contain many false positive proteins. In this study, we develop a novel computational method idenPC-CAP to identify protein complexes from the RNA-protein heterogeneous interaction network consisting of RNA–RNA interactions, RNA-protein interactions and PPIs. By considering interactions among proteins and RNAs, the new method reduces the ratio of false positive proteins in predicted protein complexes. The experimental results demonstrate that idenPC-CAP outperforms the other state-of-the-art methods in this field.
Proposal for a more practical classification of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis
Authors: Oliva-Damaso Nestor , Bomback Andrew S
Published: November 2020

The nomenclature for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated kidney disease has evolved from honorific eponyms to a descriptive-based classification scheme (Chapel Hill Consensus Conference 2012). Microscopic polyangiitis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis do not correlate with presentation, response rates and relapse rates as when comparing myeloperoxidase versus leukocyte proteinase 3. Here we discuss the limitations of the currently used classification and propose an alternative, simple classification according to (i) ANCA type and (ii) organ involvement, which provides important clinical information of prognosis and outcomes.
Durable ventricular assist device implantation for systemic right ventricle: a case series
Authors: Tadokoro Naoki , Fukushima Satsuki , Hoashi Takaya , Yajima Shin , Taguchi Takura , Shimizu Hideyuki , Fujita Tomoyuki
Published: November 2020

Background

A systemic right ventricle (RV) after atrial switch in transposition of the great arteries (TGA) or congenitally corrected TGA (ccTGA) often results in advanced heart failure in adulthood.

Case summary

Four patients with INTERMACS Class III underwent durable ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation for a systemic RV. Two patients were diagnosed with ccTGA and underwent tricuspid valve replacement, and two were diagnosed with TGA in childhood and underwent Mustard repair. The two patients with ccTGA received an EVAHEART (Sun Medical, Nagano, Japan) and HeartMate 3 (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL, USA) at the age of 56 years and 34 years, respectively. Of the patients with TGA, one received a Heartmate II at age 40 years, and one received a HeartMate 3 at age 40 years. All patients were weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass without subpulmonic VAD support and transferred to the intensive care unit with optimum VAD support. No in-hospital deaths, cerebrovascular accidents, or other major complications occurred. The post-VAD right heart catheter study showed a remarkable reduction in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure in all patients.

Discussion

The indications for and surgical technique of durable VAD implantation for a systemic RV after atrial switch of TGA or ccTGA have not been fully established. A durable VAD, including the HeartMate 3, was successfully implanted in four such patients in this study. Pre-operative three-dimensional computed tomography images and intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography guidance helped to determine the positions of the inflow and pump.
Appropriate Level of Protection: The Most Misconceived Notion of WTO Law
Authors: Rovnov Yury
Published: November 2020

Simple and elegant as a theoretical concept, an appropriate level of sanitary or phytosanitary protection (ALOP) has proven complicated to implement in World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement. While the Appellate Body has insisted that ALOP must be defined with sufficient precision to apply the relevant provisions of the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement), ‘high or conservative’ remains as precise a formulation of ALOP as one can get. Despite the Appellate Body’s clear guidance that SPS measures are not to be confused with ALOP, panels – including the Appellate Body – have routinely mistaken one for the other. The most to suffer has been Article 5.5 of the SPS Agreement, which prohibits ‘arbitrary distinctions’ in ALOPs applied ‘in different situations’. By substituting differences in SPS measures for differences in ALOPs and finding two different situations, i.e. two ALOPs, where there is only one, the jurisprudence has eviscerated this provision of its meaning and converted it into a peculiar version of the least-trade-restrictive-measure requirement. This article takes stock of the panel and Appellate Body jurisprudence on ALOP and offers some thoughts, de interpretatione ferenda, on the direction that future jurisprudence should take.
Enhancing the precision of broad-scale forestland removals estimates with small area estimation techniques
Authors: Coulston John W , Green P Corey , Radtke Philip J , Prisley Stephen P , Brooks Evan B , Thomas Valerie A , Wynne Randolph H , Burkhart Harold E
Published: November 2020

National Forest Inventories (NFI) are designed to produce unbiased estimates of forest parameters at a variety of scales. These parameters include means and totals of current forest area and volume, as well as components of change such as means and totals of growth and harvest removals. Over the last several decades, there has been a steadily increasing demand for estimates for smaller geographic areas and/or for finer temporal resolutions. However, the current sampling intensities of many NFI and the reliance on design-based estimators often leads to inadequate precision of estimates at these scales. This research focuses on improving the precision of forest removal estimates both in terms of spatial and temporal resolution through the use of small area estimation techniques (SAE). In this application, a Landsat-derived tree cover loss product and the information from mill surveys were used as auxiliary data for area-level SAE. Results from the southeastern US suggest improvements in precision can be realized when using NFI data to make estimates at relatively fine spatial and temporal scales. Specifically, the estimated precision of removal volume estimates by species group and size class was improved when SAE methods were employed over post-stratified, design-based estimates alone. The findings of this research have broad implications for NFI analysts or users interested in providing estimates with increased precision at finer scales than those generally supported by post-stratified estimators.
The legacy of Johan Hjort: challenges and critical periods—past, present, and future
Authors: Kjesbu Olav Sigurd , Hubbard Jennifer , Suthers Iain , Schwach Vera
Published: November 2020

The 150th anniversary of Johan Hjort’s birth was celebrated by a symposium held in Bergen on 12–14 June 2019 to take a broad perspective on the origins of, and developments in, fisheries science and thereby examine current issues in fisheries science from different perspectives. To establish this type of non-traditional forum, historians of marine science and marine researchers from around the world met to explore potential new directions. The many transdisciplinary panel discussions, especially on subjects such as “the making of fisheries scientists”, revealed the pervading influence of family, educators, role models, and social circumstances. The 11 articles included in this symposium issue present a series of advancements in modern fisheries science, highlighting the contributions of Hjort and his contemporaries, Fyodor Baranov and Harald Dannevig. As expected, the effects of changing ocean climate were a dominant theme, which connected this symposium, and complemented, the 2014 symposium in honour of Johan Hjort's influential treatise released in 1914. Although no ground-breaking paradigms were presented, several new research directions were proposed in a creative atmosphere generated by participants. The social context of science had a key influence in Hjort’s day and continues to do so today and into the future.
Class D β-lactamases
Authors: Yoon Eun-Jeong , Jeong Seok Hoon
Published: November 2020

Class D β-lactamases are composed of 14 families and the majority of the member enzymes are included in the OXA family. The genes for class D β-lactamases are frequently identified in the chromosome as an intrinsic resistance determinant in environmental bacteria and a few of these are found in mobile genetic elements carried by clinically significant pathogens. The most dominant OXA family among class D β-lactamases is superheterogeneous and the family needs to have an updated scheme for grouping OXA subfamilies through phylogenetic analysis. The OXA enzymes, even the members within a subfamily, have a diverse spectrum of resistance. Such varied activity could be derived from their active sites, which are distinct from those of the other serine β-lactamases. Their substrate profile is determined according to the size and position of the P-, Ω- and β5–β6 loops, assembling the active-site channel, which is very hydrophobic. Also, amino acid substitutions occurring in critical structures may alter the range of hydrolysed substrates and one subfamily could include members belonging to several functional groups. This review aims to describe the current class D β-lactamases including the functional groups, occurrence types (intrinsic or acquired) and substrate spectra and, focusing on the major OXA family, a new model for subfamily grouping will be presented.
Evaluating the safety and effectiveness of a nurse-led outpatient virtual IV vancomycin monitoring clinic: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Grattan Kate S , Mohamed Ali Mohamed , Hosseini-Moghaddam Seyed M , Gilmour Hayley J I , Crunican Gregory P , Hua Erica , Muhsin Kelly A , Johnstone Rochelle , Bondy Lise C , Devlin Megan K , Shalhoub Sarah , Elsayed Sameer , Silverman Michael S
Published: November 2020

Background

Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) with vancomycin is a common treatment modality for certain Gram-positive infections. Data regarding the safety of various models of delivery are limited.

Objectives

To review outcomes of a nurse-led OPAT vancomycin monitoring service.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients referred to a nurse-led OPAT vancomycin clinic from December 2015 to March 2018. Patients were administered IV vancomycin in the home with active laboratory monitoring of vancomycin trough levels, renal function and complete blood count using an integrated electronic database linked with community laboratories (virtual vancomycin clinic, VVC). Monitoring was coordinated by nurses with physician approval of recommended dosing changes. Data were extracted from the electronic medical record. Demographics; clinical indication; microbial aetiology; culture source; antimicrobial regimen(s); serum creatinine and vancomycin trough values; initiation, discharge and completion dates; hospitalizations; adverse events; and outcomes were all evaluated.

Results

Two hundred and seventy-five patients underwent a total of 301 courses of OPAT with vancomycin; 285 courses were completed. The rate of treatment discontinuation due to adverse effects was 33/301 (11.0%), with 15/33 (45.5%) being due to renal adverse effects (15/301 [5.0%] of episodes). Two of 15 (18.2%) patients developed stage 2 acute kidney injury (AKI), and no patients had stage 3 AKI or required haemodialysis. Nine of 301 (3.0%) required readmission for treatment failure. Nursing costs associated with monitoring were $63.93 CAD/patient ($48.43 USD).

Conclusions

A nurse-led VVC was a safe, effective and inexpensive modality for administering outpatient vancomycin.