bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Partial privatization, producer services, and unemployment in developing countries
Authors: Li Xiaochun , Jia Tiantian
Published: July 2021

Existing literature argues that privatization tends to lower the output of the mixed‐ownership firms in the manufacturing. Nevertheless, since manufacturing has closely linked to producer services recently, by incorporating producer services into the analysis, this paper investigates the impacts of partial privatization of the mixed‐ownership firm in the manufacturing sector on output, unemployment, and social welfare in developing countries in a three‐sector general equilibrium model. The main conclusion is that partial privatization would lower unemployment and raise output conditionally if the profit of producer service firms is zero in the long run. Besides, the welfare impacts of partial privatization in the short and long run are considered. Compared with the existing literature, this paper provides a new perspective and derives some new results.
Psychometric properties of the Eating Disorder Symptom List (EDSL), a brief questionnaire for weekly assessment of eating disorder symptoms
Authors: Isaksson Martina , Ghaderi Ata , Wolf‐Arehult Martina , Ramklint Mia
Published: July 2021

Frequent assessment of eating disorder (ED) symptoms (e.g., on a weekly basis) may guide treatment planning in clinical services, and be an invaluable tool for improving clinical research. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a brief eight‐item scale designed to assess ED behaviors during the preceding week (Eating Disorder Symptom List: EDSL). Cross‐sectional data were collected in a non‐clinical community sample (n = 406) and cross‐sectional and longitudinal data were gathered in a clinical ED sample before and after treatment with Enhanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy for eating disorders (n = 47) and weekly during treatment with Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (n = 13). The EDSL showed acceptable to good internal consistency (α = 0.72–0.82) and test‐retest reliability (r = 0.88). Convergent and divergent validity was satisfactory. Also, the EDSL was sensitive to change and could detect changes between before and after treatment, as well as on a weekly basis. We conclude that the EDSL is a brief scale entailing little patient burden, and that initial analyses of the scale provide preliminary evidence of satisfactory psychometric properties. The scale can be used for repeated measures in ED treatment studies and clinics to assess change or absence of change during treatment.
A roadmap to understanding restrictive immigration policy outcomes
Authors: Gligor Nichole , Gligor David
Published: July 2021

Objective

Extant studies have sought to determine which factors most significantly affect changes in state‐level restrictive immigration policies. However, the effects of individual independent variables on restrictive immigration policy outputs have been considered in isolation, independent of one another. Our study seeks to address this limitation.

Methods

We employ qualitative comparative analysis to examine how various combinations of factors lead to the same outcome. This study offers both, methodological and theoretical contributions to the literature on restrictive immigration policy outcomes.

Results

We uncover the combinations of factors (i.e., public opinion, anti‐welfare attitudes, unemployment, poverty, demographics, governor's party identification, state and citizen ideology, region) that are likely to lead states to pass a high number of restrictive immigration policies relative to other states.

Conclusion

Our results revealed 11 distinct combinations of such factors. Moreover, our findings indicate that a state's government ideology is a necessary present condition for anticipating immigration policy outcomes.
Tool Use Affects Spatial Perception
Authors: Witt Jessica K.
Published: July 2021

Tools do not just expand our capabilities. They change what we can do, and in doing so, they change who we are. Serena is Serena because of what she can do with a tennis racket. Tiger is Tiger because of what he can do with a golf club. In changing what we can do, tools also change the very way we perceive the spatial layout of the world. Objects beyond arm's reach appear closer when we wield a tool that can expand out to the object. Catchable objects seem to move faster when we wield a tool that is less effective for catching the object. These examples illustrate how the basic processes of spatial vision are impacted by tool use.
Causes of an elevated international normalized ratio in the intensive care unit and the implications for plasma transfusion
Authors: Cheves Jared W. , DeMarinis Sandra , Sorin Claudia , Carino Gerardo , Sweeney Joseph D.
Published: July 2021

Background

The presence of an elevated international normalized ratio (INR) is common in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), but the cause rarely determined. These patients are at risk to receive prophylactic plasma prior to invasive procedures.

Study design and methods

Samples from patients with an INR of 1.5 or greater were frozen and subsequently thawed and assayed for procoagulant and anticoagulant clotting factors and anti‐Xa to determine the likely cause of the INR. Samples showing a low FVII, FX, PC, and PS were categorized as a vitamin K deficiency pattern. Samples showing a low FV, low or normal fibrinogen, and high FVIII were categorized as a liver disease pattern. Samples showing an anti‐Xa >0.01 IU/ml were assayed for anti‐Xa DOACs. Samples which could not be categorized were grouped as equivocal.

Results

A total of 48 samples were obtained over a 6‐month period. Nineteen showed a Vitamin K deficiency pattern, 17 a liver disease pattern, 7 showed an anti‐Xa DOAC and 5 were equivocal. High FVIII and D‐dimers and reduced levels of the anticoagulant proteins were present in the majority of the samples. FVII levels correlated inversely with the INR (r = −0. 81), as did FX (r = −0.67) but not FV (r = −0.04) nor fibrinogen (r = −0.15).

Conclusion

Transfusion of plasma to reverse an elevated INR in the ICU should be discouraged since such a practice is either avoidable by the use of vitamin K or inappropriate in the case of liver disease or an anti‐Xa DOAC.
Angularis oris axial pattern flap as a reliable and versatile option for rostral facial reconstruction in cats
Authors: Albernaz Vinicius G. P. , Oblak Michelle L. , Quitzan Juliany G.
Published: July 2021

Objective

To evaluate outcomes associated with the use of an angularis oris axial pattern flap (AOAPF) for rostral facial reconstruction in cats.

Animals

Nine adult client‐owned cats.

Study Design

Short case series.

Methods

Ten AOAPF were performed in nine cats after resection of a tumor. Wounds were located at the nose, infraorbital, supraorbital, frontal, eye, and ear canal region. Orbital exenteration (n = 3), pinnectomy (n = 2), nasal planum resection, total ear canal ablation (n = 2), and partial eyelid reconstruction (n = 3) were performed.

Results

Short‐term postoperative complications included flap edema (n = 10), suture dehiscence (n = 3), and distal tip necrosis (n = 3). All wounds resulting from minor complications healed by second intention in 5–15 days. Long‐term complications included epiphora (n = 2), frequent grooming around the eyes (n = 2), and enucleation due to corneal ulcer secondary to impaired postoperative eyelid function (n = 1). Tumor recurrence occurred in 3 cases.

Conclusion

The AOAPF was a versatile and reliable option for rostral facial reconstruction in cats with acceptable long‐term outcomes.
Fascial plane mapping for superficial tumor resection in dogs. Part II: Forelimb
Authors: Latifi Max , Skinner Owen T. , Schroeder Mikayla M. , Mickelson Megan A.
Published: July 2021

Objective

To detail the qualitative fascial categories and fascial intersections of the forelimb of the dog to facilitate preoperative planning for superficial cancers.

Study Design

Qualitative anatomical study.

Sample Population

Three male and four female mixed breed canine cadavers weighing approximately 20–35 kg.

Methods

The skin and subcutaneous fat were excised. Fascial planes were incised and elevated to allow exploration of their quality and borders. Fascia was categorized as type I (discrete sheets), type II (tightly adhered to thin muscles), type III (tightly adhered to thick muscles), or type IV (associated with periosteum). Photographs of specimens were digitally modified with overlays to map tissue types.

Results

Differences between the cadavers used were largely based on muscle mass and sex, with minimal other subjective differences affecting fascial mapping. The fasciae of the forelimb were largely type II or type III, with type I fascia at the antebrachium and type IV fascia at the olecranon, scapular spine, and accessory carpal bone. Fascial integrity was often questionable or lacking distal to the distal quarter of the antebrachium.

Conclusion

The fascial types and integrity of the forelimb varied with anatomic location with thin or absent fascia for surgical use at the elbow, carpus, and manus.

Clinical Significance

This study provides information for preoperative planning and excision of superficial tumors of the forelimb. Knowledge of the potential limitations of fascia to provide a deep margin may influence selection of treatment modalities.
Determinants and Sustainability of Manufacturing Sector Performance in Nigeria: The Roles of Selected Macroeconomic Variables
Authors: Olusegun Falade Abidemi Olufemi
Published: July 2021

Manufacturing sector is a vibrant sector that spurs growth in every other sector of the economy. Despite this, macroeconomic environment in the country has not made this desire materialized. Therefore, the study examined the determinants and sustainability of manufacturing sector performance in Nigeria from 1994-2019. The data used include manufacturing sector output, interest rate, real exchange rate, tax rate, money supply and trade openness. Also, Error Correction Model (ECM) and Pairwise Granger Causality(PGC) techniques were used for the formulated objective. The unit root test confirmed stationarity of interest rate at level; while other were integrated of order one (D = 1). The Johansen co-integration established a long-run relationships. The ECM corrected the disequilibrium at an annual rate of 77.5%. Also, real exchange rate, tax rate and trade openness had a direct and significant effect on manufacturing sector output. While, interest rate and money supply were non-significance. The PGC result revealed a bi-directional causality between real exchange rate and manufacturing sector and tax rate and manufacturing sector output. It was concluded that increase in consumption tax, real exchange rate and liberation of the economy were the determinants of manufacturing sector performance, while appreciation of nigeria’s currency (naira) and increase in tax rate with proportional improvement in infrastructural facilities are needed to sustain it. Therefore, recommended that the financial institutions especially the apex bank should eliminate different bench-mark of exchange rate policy by allowing the market force of demand and supply to depict the real value of naira.
New Mechanism for Yield Point Phenomena
Authors: Zhou G. , Fullwood D. T. , Carroll J. D. , Homer E. R. , Lim H. , Wagoner R. H.
Published: July 2021

Yield point phenomena (YPP) are widely attributed to discrete dislocation locking by solute atmospheres. An alternate YPP mechanism was recently suggested by simulations of Ta single crystals without any influence of solutes or discrete dislocations. The general meso-scale (GM) simulations consist of crystal plasticity (CP) plus accounting for internal stresses of geometrically necessary dislocation content. GM predicted the YPP while CP did not, suggesting a novel internal stress mechanism. The predicted YPP varied with crystal orientation and boundary conditions, contrary to expectations for a solute mechanism. The internal stress mechanism was probed by experimentally deforming oligocrystal Ta samples and comparing the results with independent GM simulations. Strain distributions of the experiments were observed with high-resolution digital image correlation. A YPP stress–strain response occurred in the 0–2% strain range in agreement with GM predictions. Shear bands appeared concurrent with the YPP stress–strain perturbation in agreement with GM predictions. At higher strains, the shear bands grew at progressively slower rates in agreement with GM predictions. It was concluded that the internal stress mechanism can account for the existence of YPP in a wide variety of materials including ones where interstitial-dislocation interactions and dislocation transient avalanches are improbable. The internal stress mechanism is a CP analog of various micro-scale mechanisms of discrete dislocations such as pile-up or bow-out. It may operate concurrently with strain aging, or either mechanism may operate alone. A suggestion was made for a future experiment to answer this question.
Experimental Investigation of Hypersonic Laminar Flow Over a Compression Ramp
Authors: Lu Jin , Yang Hua , Zhang Qinghu , Wen Xin , Yin Zhouping
Published: July 2021

An experimental investigation on the flow separation of a hypersonic laminar boundary layer flow over a compression ramp with angles of 32 deg, 36 deg, and 40 deg is carried out in a Mach 5 hypersonic wind tunnel. The detailed structures are measured by particle image velocimetry (PIV), and some typical flow structures, such as a shear layer, separation shock, recirculation zone and reattachment shock, are clearly captured. In the 32 deg compression ramp flow, the hypersonic laminar flow does not experience flow separation, and the boundary layer always attaches to the ramp surface. When the ramp angle increases to 36 deg, a typical flow separation appears in the hypersonic laminar flow, and a shear layer and reattachment shock arise within the flow field. As the ramp angle increases to 40 deg, the separation shock moves upstream, the reattachment shock moves downstream, and the recirculation zone expands. Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) analysis is performed on the velocity contours for three cases, revealing the spatial structure of the flow field. As the ramp angle increases, the coherent flow structures are captured more effectively by less POD modes, and there are more coherent structures in the flow field of a large-angle compression ramp. Finally, numerical investigations of the flow separation on three different compression ramps are carried out, and the simulation results are consistent with the measurement results.
Fluid–Structure Interaction Effects of a Partially Immersed, Cantilevered Hydrofoil
Authors: Zeng Yongshun , Qi Xin , Shu Lingfeng , Yao Zhifeng , Zhou Lingjiu , Wang Fujun
Published: July 2021

Knowledge of the modal parameters of the guide vane is essential for evaluating the operating stability of pump-turbines. In the present investigation, experiments and simulations are designed to analyze the influence of submergence level and sidewall clearance on the vibration characteristics of a guide vane-like structure. The results show that the type of mode shape remains unchanged at different submergence levels, while the position of the node line (NL) demonstrates a slight shift. According to the angle of the NL and the free surface, the mode types are divided into parallel NL, vertical NL, and slanted NL modes. The added mass tends to increase with increasing submergence levels, while the slope of added mass in conjunction with the submergence level, is dependent on the mode type. In particular, in relation to the parallel NL mode, the slope is almost zero, if the free surface is close to the NL region; with regard to the slanted NL mode, the slope in the NL region is significantly smaller than that outside this region; in the case of the vertical NL mode, the slope remains approximately constant. The damping ratio increases with increasing submergence level for the vertical NL mode. While the damping ratios for the parallel and slanted NL modes are decreased if the free surface is close to the NL regions. In addition, as the side wall clearance increases, both the added mass and damping ratio tend to decrease.
A Sparse Matrix-Based Method for Rapid Solving the Reynolds Equation
Authors: He Ke , Chen Shi , Zhang Zhinan
Published: July 2021

Due to the repeated iteration, the numerical method represented by the finite-difference method has the disadvantages of low computational efficiency and long time-consuming in solving the Reynolds equation. This paper proposed a new sparse matrix-based method to solve the difference Reynolds equation by replacing the pressure iterative process with the sparse matrix solver. Compared with the traditional iterative methods, this new method's computational efficiency is about two orders of magnitude higher, and it shows high accuracy in different degrees-of-freedom. Two cases of aerostatic lubrication and elastohydrodynamic lubrication are used to illustrate the effectiveness of this method. This method can support the rapid analysis of fluid lubrication problems and lay the foundation for developing the lubrication calculation library.
A Collaborative Experience: Implementation of an Optimized Tc-99m Generator Assembly Process
Authors: Sharma Rijata , Sial Bronte , Lake Henry , Maharaj Prashant , Reus-Smit Joshua , Popp Andrew
Published: July 2021

Technetium-99m (Tc-99m) has a 6-hr half-life making customer transportation times a challenge. Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (ANSTO) health products group has overcome this by delivering the parent isotope molybdenum-99 (Mo-99), which has a half-life of 66 hr, in shielded GENTECH™ generators. As part of ANSTO's questioning attitude, an augmented risk assessment was undertaken to identify any potential exposure risks of the GENTECH™ assembly process. The evaluation identified potential areas of improvement in contamination control for the manual handling of the generator leads. Upon further analysis, contamination events from the generator leads had the potential for skin doses above the threshold for skin tissue reactions. Additional substitution and administrative controls were designed to mitigate the risks identified. The effectiveness of the new controls was assessed for efficiency in the manufacturing process through mock trials and fitness for use in a pharmaceutical cleanroom environment. The implemented controls were monitored, and data from each run were gathered. These data included changes in radiological conditions and dosimetry results. Upon implementation, there was an observable decrease in glove contamination. The decrease verified that there was a reduction in the risk of skin contamination events. The data analysis was used to model the dose averted, which revealed a reduction in potential extremity dose to production workers. This paper aims to show the optimization within an approved process through the implementation of engineering and administrative controls, resulting in a dose reduction to workers.
Experimental Investigation of the Transient Pool Boiling Heat Transfer on the Quenching of Vertical Rodlet in Water
Authors: Wang Zefeng , Deng Jian , Qiu Zhifang , Wang Xiaoyu , Zhong Lei , Zhong Mingjun
Published: July 2021

Quenching is an important phenomenon when the emergency core cooling system is put into operation during loss of coolant accident (LOCA) in a nuclear reactor. In this study, an experimental apparatus is designed and constructed with the purpose of conducting transient pool boiling experiments with quenching method for zirconium (Zr-4) cylindrical test samples. Three thermocouples are inserted in the test sample to investigate the effect of axial distance on the minimum film boiling temperature. The Zr-4 rodlet is heated up to a temperature well above the minimum film boiling temperature (up to 600 °C), and then plunged vertically in a quiescent pool of subcooled water. A data acquisition system is used to record the temperature history of the embedded thermocouples. Data reduction is performed by an inverse heat conduction code to calculate the surface temperature and corresponding surface heat flux. A visualization study is conducted to record the quench behavior of the test sample by using a high-speed camera. It is found that the minimum film boiling temperature decreases with the axial distance, while temperature at critical heat flux (CHF) is relatively insensitive to the axial distance. The film boiling heat transfer coefficient decreases with surface temperature, and seems to be independent of axial distance. The quench front is observed to originate from the bottom and move upward. It is found that the quench front velocity remains nearly constant in the lower region of the test sample, and significantly increases in the upper region.
Sensitivity Analysis of the Levelized Cost of Electricity for a Particle-Based CSP System
Authors: González-Portillo Luis F. , Albrecht Kevin J. , Sment Jeremy , Mills Brantley , Ho Clifford K.
Published: July 2021

This study presents a sensitivity analysis of the LCOE for a particle-based system with the costs of the most current components. New models for the primary heat exchanger, thermal energy storage and tower are presented and used to establish lower and upper bounds for these three components. The rest of component costs such as particle cost, cavity cost, lift cost and balance of power are set to lower and upper bounds estimating a 25% of uncertainty. Some relevant parameters such as lift efficiency and storage thermal resistance are also included in the analysis with a 25% uncertainty. This study also includes an upgrade to the receiver model by including the wind effect in the efficiency, which was not included in previous publications. A parametric analysis shows the optimum values of solar multiple, storage hours, tower height and concentration ratio, and a probabilistic analysis provides a cumulative distribution function for a range of LCOE values. The results show that the LCOE could be below $0.06/kWh with a probability of 90%, where the highest uncertainty is on the primary heat exchanger cost.
A Dispatch Optimization Model for Hybrid Renewable and Battery Systems Incorporating a Battery Degradation Model
Authors: Upadhya Sahana , Wagner Michael J.
Published: July 2021

Recently, there has been an increased level of integration of renewable energy systems in existing power grids. Lack of integrated dispatch models has led to waste in power produced. This paper proposes a mixed-integer linear optimization model for hybrid renewable-generator-plus-battery systems, with the objective of maximizing long-term profit.

Prior studies have revealed that both high and low state of charge (SOC) of the battery is detrimental to its lifetime and results in reduced battery capacity over time. In addition, increased number of cycles of charge and discharge also causes capacity reduction. This paper models these two factors with a constraint relating capacity loss to the SOC and number of cycles completed by the battery. Finally, the loss in capacity is penalized in the objective function of the optimization model, thereby indirectly penalizing high and low SOCs and frequent cycling.

To overcome the computational difficulties of achieving global optimality, a rolling time horizon optimization approach is used. By incorporating battery degradation in the real-time model, the model is capable of maximizing the profits from the power dispatch to the grid while also maximizing the life of the battery.

This paper exercises the model by assessing sample generator time series profiles with a range of battery capacities. The results demonstrate that the battery lifetime is extended in comparison to conventional models that ignore battery degradation in dispatch decisions. Finally, we analyze the relationship between operational parameters of the battery and the capacity fade.
Image Analysis of Particle Flow in Centrifugal Solar Particle Receiver
Authors: Hicdurmaz Serdar , Buck Reiner , Hoffschmidt Bernhard
Published: July 2021

Particle solar receivers promise economical and operational advantages compared to the molten salt based solar receivers. In this study, an experiment is designed to observe the particle flow characteristics in the Centrifugal Solar Particle Receiver. A set of experiments for various receiver rotation speeds and particle mass flow rates is conducted, and experimentally obtained raw results are post-processed by means of an Image Processing Routine based on 4BestEstimate algorithm[1]. The axial advance of the particles in 1 turn, the particle film thickness and the ratio of the stationary zone to the receiver circumference are measured in order to be later used in the validation study of the Discrete Element Method based numerical model.
Design and Development of an Experimental Apparatus for Hardware-In-The-Loop Testing of Solar Assisted Heat Pump Systems
Authors: van Arnold George Benzion , Wang Weimin
Published: July 2021

This paper presents an experimental apparatus designed and built to facilitate the study of solar-assisted heat pump (SAHP) systems using the hardware-in-loop methodology. The apparatus includes an 11.6kW capacity water-to-water heat pump, a 409L thermal storage tank, a 288L domestic hot water tank, two variable speed circulation pumps, and emulation hardware representing solar collectors and conditioned building space. A complex network of piping and electronic diverting valves is used to create various energy flow paths to support fifteen different operational modes for space heating, space cooling, domestic hot water generation, and energy storage charging. The apparatus is heavily instrumented for temperature and flow measurement. Controls and data acquisition are predominantly managed using National Instruments hardware and LabVIEW software. The experimental apparatus has been installed, commissioned, and tested. The basic functionality of control and operation has been verified through testing four different operational modes and domestic hot water withdrawal emulation. The experimental apparatus can be used not only as a platform for research on a multifunctional indirect expansion SAHP system, but also allow for similar testing of less-complex related SAHP configurations.
A Non-Intrusive Particle Temperature Measurement Methodology Using Thermogram and Visible-Light Image Sets
Authors: Ortega Jesus D. , Ho Clifford K. , Anaya Guillermo , Vorobieff Peter , Mohan Gowtham
Published: July 2021

The measurement of particle plume and curtain temperatures in particle-laden gravity-driven flows presents a unique challenge to thermometry due to the flow’s transient and stochastic nature. Earlier attempts to assess the bulk particle temperature of a plume using intrusive and non-intrusive methods have produced very limited success. Here we describe a non-intrusive method using a high-speed IR camera (ImageI8300 from Infratec) and a visible-light camera (Nikon D3500) to produce indirect particle temperature measurements. The IR camera produces thermogram sets mapping the apparent particle temperature, while the visible-light image sets allow for the calculation of the plume opacity as a function of flow discharge position. An in-house post-processing algorithm based on Planck’s radiation theory was developed to compute the true particle temperature which is a function of the apparent temperature (thermograms) and the plume opacity obtained from the visible-light images. To validate these results, a series of lab-scale tests generating particle curtains of known dimensions at various temperatures were performed. The lab-scale tests were conducted using a small particle receiver which is equipped with thermocouples to measure the temperature directly. Using the recorded thermocouple data, a particle temperature function can be derived empirically, based on the lumped capacitance model for a free-falling sphere. The empirical particle temperature function is then compared with the temperature data measured using the methodology outlined in this work yielding agreement of the bulk particle temperature of the plume. The methods described here will be developed further to estimate the heat losses from the falling particle receiver at Sandia National Labs.
Energy Storage Versus Demand Side Management for Peak-Demand Reduction at the Hawaii Ocean Science and Technology Park
Authors: Manoharan Yogesh , Headley Alexander , Olson Keith , Sombardier Laurence , Schenkman Benjamin
Published: July 2021

There is a growing interest in utilizing energy storage for behind-the-meter customers. Energy storage systems have many functions for behind-the-meter use such as energy time shifting, peak demand shaving, and backup power. However, demand side management of energy consuming systems can also provide similar energy shifting functionality often with a significantly lower upfront cost. Though energy storage systems and demand side management can both be applied, each option has strengths and weaknesses that can make the optimal selection of measures difficult in many cases.

In this study, the tradeoff between energy storage and demand side management is investigated at the Hawaii Ocean Science and Technology (HOST) park of the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA). The major energy consumption at the HOST park is for pumping the seawater that serves many functions at the park, including supplying temperature-controlled water for various agriculture applications and even building air conditioning measure. NELHA’s facilities are broken into two major load centers that are connected by the piping network, though they are electrically isolated and subject to different electricity price tariffs. This scenario is modeled to optimize the dispatch of the pump stations and potential battery systems to minimize the cost of electricity for both load centers. This scenario is a good example of the interplay between demand side management and energy-storage-based cost reduction measures.
Green CVD—Toward a sustainable philosophy for thin film deposition by chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Pedersen Henrik , Barry Seán T. , Sundqvist Jonas
Published: July 2021

Thin films of materials are critical components for most areas of sustainable technologies, making thin film techniques, such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD), instrumental for a sustainable future. It is, therefore, of great importance to critically consider the sustainability aspects of CVD processes themselves used to make thin films for sustainable technologies. Here, we point to several common practices in CVD that are not sustainable. From these, we offer a perspective on several principles for a sustainable, “Green CVD” philosophy, which we hope will spur research on how to make CVD more sustainable without affecting the properties of the deposited film. We hope that these principles can be developed by the research community over time and be used to establish research on how to make CVD more sustainable and that a Green CVD philosophy can develop new research directions for both precursor and reactor design to reduce the precursor and energy consumption in CVD processes.
Correlating surface stoichiometry and termination in SrTiO3 films grown by hybrid molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Thapa Suresh , Provence Sydney R. , Jessup Devin , Lapano Jason , Brahlek Matthew , Sadowski Jerzy T. , Reinke Petra , Jin Wencan , Comes Ryan B.
Published: July 2021

Hybrid oxide molecular beam epitaxy (hMBE), a thin-film deposition technique in which transition metal cations are delivered using a metal-organic precursor, has emerged as the state-of-the-art approach to the synthesis of electronic-grade complex oxide films with a stoichiometric growth window. However, numerous questions remain regarding the chemical mechanisms of the growth process and the surface properties of the resulting films. To examine these properties, thin film SrTiO3 (STO) was prepared by hMBE using a titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) precursor for Ti delivery and an elemental Sr source on annealed STO and Nb-doped STO substrates with varying TTIP:Sr flux ratios to examine the conditions for the reported stoichiometric growth window. The films were transferred in vacuo to an x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy system to study the surface elemental composition. Samples were examined using x-ray diffraction to compare our surface sensitive results with previously reported measurements of the bulk of the films in the literature. Ex situ studies by atomic force microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, and low-energy electron microscopy confirmed the presence of surface reconstructions and an Ehrlich–Schwoebel barrier consistent with A-site SrO termination. We find that a surface exhibiting a mixture of SrO and TiO2 termination or a full SrO termination is necessary to obtain stoichiometric adsorption-controlled growth. These results indicate that surface Sr is necessary to maintain the chemical equilibrium for stoichiometric growth during the hMBE process, which is important for the design of future interfacial systems using this technique.
Updates to PCBoom sonic boom propagation code: Modeling QSF18 sonic thumps
Authors: Lonzaga Joel B.
Published: July 2021

NASA's PCBoom sonic boom propagation code has recently been updated to improve the code's numerical accuracy and efficiency. This paper specifically discusses algorithms for calculating the ray tube area, accounting for turbulence effects, and determining the entire sonic boom carpet. Unlike most existing sonic boom propagation codes that require three or four neighboring acoustic rays for the ray tube area calculation, the updated PCBoom requires only one ray to perform the same calculation. In addition, the turbulence algorithm employed here is based on a multiple-scattering theory rather than based on a one-way parabolic equation used by existing algorithms. Numerical models obtained using the updated PCBoom are compared with a measured dataset from the Quiet Supersonic Flights 2018 research campaign (QSF18) that NASA conducted in Texas in 2018. The dataset was obtained using dive maneuvers performed by supersonic conventional aircraft that generated small-amplitude sonic booms, called sonic thumps, mostly with small elevation angles of arrival. In such sonic booms, the effects due to turbulence and spreading from refraction are large, making the dataset suitable for assessing the code's performance to accurately predict such effects.
A bio-inspired optical directional microphone with cavity-coupled diaphragms
Authors: Dong Qian , Song Xiaolei , Chen Jim Shih-Jiun , Kim Albert , Liu Haijun
Published: July 2021

A bio-inspired acoustic sensor for sound source localization is presented, mimicking the internally coupled ears found in many terrestrial vertebrates and insects. It consists of two aluminum diaphragms coupled by a U-shaped cavity and detected by a low-coherence fiber optic interferometer system. A large-scale prototype with a center-to-center separation of 1″ is fabricated and experimentally demonstrated to amplify the interaural phase difference by a factor of 2 to 4 for a wide frequency range (0.5–2 kHz), which agrees well with simulation. This work presents a mechanism of using cavity-coupled diaphragms to develop acoustic sensors for sound source localization.
Alzheimer's drug approval spotlights blood tests
Authors: Servick Kelly
Published: July 2021

Physicians hope technology will help screen patients eligible for Biogen's controversial antibody, aducanumab.
A troubled calculus
Authors: Madhusoodanan Jyoti
Published: July 2021

Researchers use race to build disease risk assessment tools. Can removing it help resolve medicine's race crisis?
Upper mantle structure of Mars from InSight seismic data
Authors: Khan Amir , Ceylan Savas , van Driel Martin , Giardini Domenico , Lognonné Philippe , Samuel Henri , Schmerr Nicholas C. , Stähler Simon C. , Duran Andrea C. , Huang Quancheng , Kim Doyeon , Broquet Adrien , Charalambous Constantinos , Clinton John F. , Davis Paul M. , Drilleau Mélanie , Karakostas Foivos , Lekic Vedran , McLennan Scott M. , Maguire Ross R. , Michaut Chloé , Panning Mark P. , Pike William T. , Pinot Baptiste , Plasman Matthieu , Scholz John-Robert , Widmer-Schnidrig Rudolf , Spohn Tilman , Smrekar Suzanne E. , Banerdt William B.
Published: July 2021

Single seismometer structure

Because of the lack of direct seismic observations, the interior structure of Mars has been a mystery. Khan
et al.
, Knapmeyer-Endrun
et al.
, and Stähler
et al.
used recently detected marsquakes from the seismometer deployed during the InSight mission to map the interior of Mars (see the Perspective by Cottaar and Koelemeijer). Mars likely has a 24- to 72-kilometer-thick crust with a very deep lithosphere close to 500 kilometers. Similar to the Earth, a low-velocity layer probably exists beneath the lithosphere. The crust of Mars is likely highly enriched in radioactive elements that help to heat this layer at the expense of the interior. The core of Mars is liquid and large, ∼1830 kilometers, which means that the mantle has only one rocky layer rather than two like the Earth has. These results provide a preliminary structure of Mars that helps to constrain the different theories explaining the chemistry and internal dynamics of the planet.

Science
, abf2966, abf8966, abi7730, this issue p.
434
, p.
438
, p.
443
see also abj8914, p.
388
An atomic warning
The Wretched Atom: America's Global Gamble with Peaceful Nuclear Technology
Jacob Darwin Hamblin
Oxford University Press, 2021. 328 pp.
Authors: Ramana M. V.
Published: July 2021

Early efforts to expand nuclear energy were rife with racism and peril, reminds a historian
Bespoke brain immunity
Authors: Nguyen Rita H. , Kubes Paul
Published: July 2021

The brain and spinal cord maintain a distinct cache of immune cells
The inner workings of an enzyme
Authors: Baumer Zachary T. , Whitehead Timothy A.
Published: July 2021

A high-throughput mutation screen dissects the mechanistic basis of enzyme activity
The elusive quest to make consistent calls
Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment
Daniel Kahneman, Olivier Sibony, Cass R. Sunstein
Little, Brown Spark, 2021. 464 pp.
Authors: Frey Darren
Published: July 2021

Variability in high-stakes decision-making is more prevalent than we might like to believe
Ei-ichi Negishi (1935–2021)
Authors: Ma Shengming
Published: July 2021

Pioneering chemist who used transition metals to make and break bonds
Draft Genome Sequences of Nitrogen-Fixing Bradyrhizobia Isolated from Root Nodules of Peanut, Arachis hypogaea, Cultivated in Southern Tunisia
Authors: Bouznif Besma , Alunni Benoit , Mars Mohamed , Shykoff Jacqui A. , Timchenko Tatiana , Rodríguez de la Vega Ricardo C.
Published: July 2021

Here, we report the draft genome sequences of two nitrogen-fixing symbionts,
Bradyrhizobium
sp. strain sGM-13 and
Bradyrhizobium
sp. strain sBnM-33, isolated from root nodules of peanut grown on soil samples collected from two regions in South Tunisia. The draft genome sizes of these two strains are 8.31 × 106 bp and 8.97 × 106 bp, respectively.
Complete Closed Genome Sequence of the Extremely Heat-Resistant Strain Escherichia coli AW1.7
Authors: Guragain Manita , Bono James L. , Bosilevac Joseph M.
Published: July 2021

Escherichia coli
isolate AW1.7 is an extremely heat-resistant bacterium and has been widely used as a reference strain in extreme heat resistance studies for almost a decade. Here, we report its complete closed genome sequence.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Bacteroides fragilis Bacteriophage, vB_BfrS_NCTC
Authors: Tariq Mohammad A. , Carding Simon R.
Published: July 2021

Bacteroides fragilis
is an obligate anaerobe and a common gut commensal bacterium that is also an important opportunistic pathogen. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of the circularly permuted
B. fragilis
bacteriophage vB_BfrS_NCTC. It comprises 47,160 bp, with 69 open reading frames.
Characterization of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates from Clinical Specimens
Authors: Abdullah Khansaa , Iwen Peter C. , Abdalhamid Baha
Published: July 2021

Carbapenem-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
is an urgent threat worldwide. This bacterium is associated with high morbidity and mortality, with limited available treatment options. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of five carbapenem-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
isolates from human samples.
COVID-19 in children with haematological malignancies
Authors: Millen Gerard Cathal , Arnold Roland , Cazier Jean-Baptiste , Curley Helen , Feltbower Richard , Gamble Ashley , Glaser Adam , Grundy Richard G , Kirton Laura , Lee Lennard Y W , McCabe Martin G , Palles Claire , Phillips Bob , Stiller Charles A , Varnai Csilla , Kearns Pamela
Published: July 2021

Background

Children with cancer are not at increased risk of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection; however, adults with haematological malignancies have increased risk of severe infections compared with non-haematological malignancies.

Methods

We compared patients with haematological and non-haematological malignancies enrolled in the UK Paediatric Coronavirus Cancer Monitoring Project between 12 March 2020 and 16 February 2021. Children who received stem cell transplantation were excluded.

Results

Only 2/62 patients with haematological malignancy had severe/critical infections, with an OR of 0.5 for patients with haematological compared with non-haematological malignancies.

Interpretation

Children with haematological malignancies are at no greater risk of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection than those with non-haematological malignancies.
Sepsis or sympathetics? Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity after pontine stroke
Authors: Surathi Pratibha , Sher Jessica , Obaydou Nadeem , Pergament Kathleen Mangunay
Published: July 2021

A 64-year-old man from nursing home with a pontine stroke 3 months ago, ventilator-dependent, presented with episodic fever, tachycardia and tachypnoea occurring several times a day. He was evaluated for sepsis and pulmonary embolism and was treated empirically with broad-spectrum antibiotics. But these episodes persisted. Due to the episodic nature and typical symptoms of sympathetic overactivity, in the setting of prior brain injury, paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity was considered. His antibiotics were discontinued, and he was treated symptomatically with baclofen and bromocriptine, which resulted in a partial reduction of these episodes.
Wide pulse pressure and Quincke’s pulse in high-output heart failure
Authors: Berry Katie Lin , Sullivan Peter D , Mansoor André Martin
Published: July 2021

A 74-year-old man with a history of chronic alcohol use presented with progressive exertional dyspnoea and weight gain. On physical examination, he was noted to have wide pulse pressure, elevated jugular venous pressure, and alternating flushing and blanching of the nail beds in concert with the cardiac cycle, known as Quincke’s pulse. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated normal biventricular systolic function and valvular function, but noted a dilated inferior vena cava. Right heart catheterisation revealed elevated filling pressures, high cardiac output and low systemic vascular resistance, consistent with high-output heart failure. Whole blood concentration of thiamine was low, confirming the diagnosis of wet beriberi. The patient abstained from alcohol use and was started on thiamine replacement therapy, resulting in narrowing of the pulse pressure over time and complete resolution of symptoms without the need for diuretic therapy.
Morbidly obese patient with endometrial cancer treated by bariatric surgery to enable cancer treatment
Authors: Sharma Nidhi , Ragupathy Kalpana
Published: July 2021

The case demonstrates the use of bariatric surgery to improve a patient’s candidacy for surgical treatment for endometrial cancer (EC). A 50-year-old morbidly obese woman with early-stage EC was initially treated with levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (52 mg) . She had to reduce her body mass index (BMI) to become eligible for definite EC treatment. Using conservative methods, she was unable to lose weight effectively. She then underwent bariatric surgery that reduced her BMI from 71.3 to 54.3 kg/m2. She maintained her weight and was eligible for total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy. Her procedure was successful and had no complications. She has 6-monthly follow-ups, and the most recent review showed no evidence of recurrence.
Socioeconomic status and ethnic variation associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients with uncontrolled hypertension in Singapore
Authors: Porhcisaliyan Vanitha D/O , Wang Yeli , Tan Ngiap Chuan , Jafar Tazeen H
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and related vascular complications is particularly high in Asians and ethnic minorities living in the West. However, the association of T2DM with socioeconomic status (SES) and ethnicity has not been widely studied in populations living in Asia. Therefore, we investigated these associations among the multiethnic population with uncontrolled hypertension in Singapore.

Research design and methods

In a cross-sectional study using baseline data of a 2-year randomized trial in Singapore, we obtained demographic, SES, lifestyle and clinical factors from 915 patients aged ≥40 years with uncontrolled hypertension. T2DM was defined as having either: (i) self-reported ‘physician-diagnosed diabetes confirmed through medical records’ or taking antidiabetes medications, (ii) fasting blood glucose levels ≥7.0 mmol/dL or (iii) hemoglobin A1c ≥6.5%. The SES proxies included education, employment status, housing ownership and housing type, and the ethnicities were Chinese, Malays and Indians. Logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association of T2DM with SES and ethnicity.

Results

Higher proportion of T2DM was observed in Malays (40.0%) and Indians (56.0%) than Chinese (26.8%) (p<0.001), and in patients with lower SES (ranging from 25.7% to 66.2% using different proxies) than those with higher SES (19.4% to 32.0%). In a multivariate model comprising age, gender, ethnicity and SES, Malay ethnicity (OR 1.59; 95% CI 1.04 to 2.44, p=0.031) or Indian ethnicity (OR 3.65; 95% CI 2.25 to 5.91, p<0.001) versus Chinese and housing type (residing in one to three rooms (OR 2.00; 95% CI 1.16 to 3.43, p=0.012) or four to five rooms public housing (OR 1.86; 95% CI 1.13 to 3.04, p=0.013) vs private housing) were associated with higher T2DM odds. The associations of Indians and one to three rooms public housing with T2DM met the significance after accounting for multiple testing (p≤0.0125).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that housing type and ethnic variation are independently associated with higher T2DM risk in patients with uncontrolled hypertension in Singapore. Further studies are needed to validate our results.

Trial registration number

NCT02972619.