bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical 3D printing of Ni–Mn and Ni–Co alloy with FluidFM
Authors: Shen Chunjian , Zhu Zengwei , Zhu Di , van Nisselroy Cathelijn , Zambelli Tomaso , Momotenko Dmitry
Published: March 2022

Additive manufacturing can realize almost any designed geometry, enabling the fabrication of innovative products for advanced applications. Local electrochemical plating is a powerful approach for additive manufacturing of metal microstructures; however, previously reported data have been mostly obtained with copper, and only a few cases have been reported with other elements. In this study, we assessed the ability of fluidic force microscopy to produce Ni–Mn and Ni–Co alloy structures. Once the optimal deposition potential window was determined, pillars with relatively smooth surfaces were obtained. The printing process was characterized by printing rates in the range of 50–60 nm s−1. Cross-sections exposed by focused ion beam showed highly dense microstructures, while the corresponding face scan with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy spectra revealed a uniform distribution of alloy components.
Formation of Au, Pt, and bimetallic Au–Pt nanostructures from thermal dewetting of single-layer or bilayer thin films
Authors: Bonvicini Stephanie Nicole , Fu Bo , Fulton Alison Joy , Jia Zhitai , Shi Yujun
Published: March 2022

Formation of Au, Pt, and bimetallic Au–Pt nanostructures by thermal dewetting of single-layer Au, Pt and bilayer Au–Pt thin films on Si substrates was systematically studied. The solid-state dewetting of both single-layer and bilayer metallic films was shown to go through heterogeneous void initiation followed by void growth via capillary agglomeration. For the single-layer of Au and Pt films, the void growth started at a temperature right above the Hüttig temperature, at which the atoms at the surface or at defects become mobile. Uniformly distributed Au (7 ± 1 nm to 33 ± 8 nm) and Pt (7 ± 1 nm) NPs with monodispersed size distributions were produced from complete dewetting achieved for thinner 1.7−5.5 nm thick Au and 1.4 nm thick Pt films, respectively. The NP size is strongly dependent on the initial thin film thickness, but less so on temperature and time. Thermal dewetting of Au–Pt bilayer films resulted in partial dewetting only, forming isolated nano-islands or large particles, regardless of sputtering order and total thin film thickness. The increased resistance to thermal dewetting shown in the Au–Pt bilayer films as compared to the individual Au or Pt layer is a reflection of the stabilizing effect that occurs upon adding Pt to Au in the bimetallic system. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopic analysis showed that the two metals in the bilayer films broke up together instead of dewetting individually. According to the x-ray diffraction analysis, the produced Au–Pt nanostructures are phase-segregated, consisting of an Au-rich phase and a Pt-rich phase.
Hierarchical SnO2 nanoflower sensitized by BNQDs enhances the gas sensing performances to BTEX
Authors: Feng Zhenyu , Wang Shuo , Yin Guangchao , Rajan Ramachandran , Jia Fuchao
Published: March 2022

In this study, the SnO2 nanoflowers with hierarchical structures sensitized by boron nitride quantum dots (BNQDs) were prepared through a simple hydrothermal method. It was applied for the detection of the BTEX vapors. Further investigation showed that the response value of SnO2 sensitized by different amounts of BNQDs to the BTEX gases have a certain improvement. Especially 10-BNQDs/SnO2 gas sensor exhibited a significant improvement in gas sensing performance and its response values to different BTEX gases was increased up to 2–4 folds compared with the intrinsic SnO2 sensor. In addition, SnO2 nanoflowers based gas sensor showed surprisingly fast response and recovery time for BTEX gases with 1–2 s. That can be attributed to the sensitization of BNQDs and the hierarchical structure of SnO2 nanoflowers, which provided an easy channel for the gas diffusion. An economically viable gas sensor based on BNQDs sensitized SnO2 nanoflowers exhibited a great potential in BTEX gas detection due to the simple synthesis method, environmentally friendly raw materials and excellent gas sensing performance.
Ab initio method of calculating invariant measure for turbulent flow
Authors: Macháček Martin
Published: March 2022

We present a method of calculating the invariant measure (IM) of hydrodynamical systems describing incompressible viscous fluid flow in bounded 3D volume V. Using a basis {
w

I
} of zero-divergence vector functions on V satisfying boundary conditions we transform the Navier–Stokes equations (NSE) for the velocity field
v
(
x
, t) = ∑
I

v

I
(t)
w

I
(
x
) into a simple system of ordinary differential equations for v

I
(t). The fact that fluid consists of a finite number of molecules in thermal motion implies that the number N of variables v

I
is finite too and that the system of equations for v

I
(t) contains a white-noise term. We prove that all solutions of this system are global, the IM exists and is unique. Its density ψ(v) defined on the phase space

R

N

satisfies an elliptic partial differential equation (PDE). Expanding

ψ
(
v
)
=

∑

μ

He

μ

He

μ

(
v
)

φ

ε

(
v
)

into Hermite functions He
μ
(v) φ

ε
(v) (where φ

ε
is a Gaussian function on

R

N

, He
μ
are Hermite polynomials orthonormal with the weight φ

ε
and

He

μ

=
∫

He

μ

(
v
)
ψ
(
v
)

d

N

v

are IM mean values of He
μ
) we transform this PDE into an infinite system of linear algebraic equations for

He

μ

and suggest some methods for solving it numerically. From known first- and second-order

He

μ

we could easily calculate mean turbulent velocity

v
(
x
)

and Reynolds stress at any point
x
. Cylindrical pipe flow is used to illustrate the method everywhere in the paper. All conclusions are derived from the mathematical model by rigorous mathematics, with no further assumptions. All approximations can be arbitrarily improved.
Raman spectroscopy investigation on the pressure-induced structural and magnetic phase transition in two-dimensional antiferromagnet FePS3
Authors: Zeng Hong , Ye Tingting , Cheng Peng , Yao Deyuan , Ding Junfeng
Published: March 2022

The layered van der Waals antiferromagnetic FePS3 has received considerable attention because long range magnetic ordering can remain with single atoms layer, which offers potential applications in future ultrathin devices. Here, we perform Raman spectroscopy to systematically explore the variations of lattice vibration and crystal structure under pressure up to 18.9 GPa. We observe two structural phase transitions at approximately 4 GPa and 13 GPa, respectively. Moreover, by monitoring spin-related Raman modes, we demonstrate a pressure-induced magnetic structure transition above 2 GPa. These modes disappear accompanying the second structural phase transition and insulator-to-metal transition (IMT), indicating the suppression of long-range magnetic ordering, in agreement with earlier neutron powder diffraction experiments.
Synchronously scrambled diffuse image encryption method based on a new cosine chaotic map
Authors: Yan Xiaopeng , Wang Xingyuan , Xian Yongjin
Published: March 2022

We present a new cosine chaotic mapping proved by chaos theory test and analysis such that the system has good cryptography properties, wide chaos range, simple structure, and good sensitivity to initial value, and the mapping can meet the needs of chaotic image encryption. Based on the cosine chaotic system, we propose a new encryption method. First, according to the cyclic characteristics of the mapping, the cyclic information wave is simulated. Second, the quasi-Doppler effect is used to synchronously scramble and diffuse the image to obfuscate the original pixel. Finally, the XOR diffusion of image pixels is carried out by information wave to further enhance the encryption effect. Simulation experiment and security analysis show that the algorithm has good security, can resist the common attack mode, and has good efficiency.
Discriminating 1D new physics solutions in b → sℓℓ decays *
Authors: Li Shuang-Yi , Shi Rui-Xiang , Geng Li-Sheng
Published: March 2022

The recent measurements of

,

,

,

, a set of CP-averaged angular observables for the

decay and its isospin partner

by the LHCb Collaboration consistently hint at lepton universality violation in the

transitions. In this work, we first perform global fits to the

data and show that five one-dimensional scenarios, i.e,

,

,

,

, and

can best explain the so-called B anamolies. Furthermore, we explore how these scenarios can be distinguished from each other. For this purpose, we first study the combinations of four angular asymmetries

and find that they cannot distinguish the five new physics scenarios. We then show that a newly constructed ratio

can uniquely discriminate the five new physics scenarios in proper intervals of

if it can be measured with percent-level precision.
From steady-state TASEP model with open boundaries to 1D Ising model at negative fugacity
Authors: Tamm Mikhail V , Dudka Maxym , Pospelov Nikita , Oshanin Gleb , Nechaev Sergei
Published: March 2022

We expose a series of exact mappings between particular cases of four statistical physics models: (i) equilibrium 1D lattice gas with nearest-neighbor repulsion, (ii) (1 + 1)D combinatorial heap of pieces, (iii) directed random walks on a half-plane, and (iv) 1D totally asymmetric simple exclusion process (TASEP). In particular, we show that generating function of a 1D steady-state TASEP with open boundaries can be interpreted as a quotient of partition functions of 1D hard-core lattice gases with one adsorbing lattice site and negative fugacity. This result is based on the combination of a representation of a steady-state TASEP configurations in terms of (1 + 1)D heaps of pieces (HP) and a theorem of X Viennot which projects the partition function of (1 + 1)D HP onto that of a single layer of pieces, which in this case is a 1D hard-core lattice gas.
A gecko-inspired robot with CPG-based neural control for locomotion and body height adaptation
Authors: Shao Donghao , Wang Zhouyi , Ji Aihong , Dai Zhendong , Manoonpong Poramate
Published: March 2022

Today’s gecko-inspired robots have shown the ability of omnidirectional climbing on slopes with a low centre of mass. However, such an ability cannot efficiently cope with bumpy terrains or terrains with obstacles. In this study, we developed a gecko-inspired robot (Nyxbot) with an adaptable body height to overcome this limitation. Based on an analysis of the skeletal system and kinematics of real geckos, the adhesive mechanism and leg structure design of the robot were designed to endow it with adhesion and adjustable body height capabilities. Neural control with exteroceptive sensory feedback is utilised to realise body height adaptability while climbing on a slope. The locomotion performance and body adaptability of the robot were tested by conducting slope climbing and obstacle crossing experiments. The gecko robot can climb a 30° slope with spontaneous obstacle crossing (maximum obstacle height of 38% of the body height) and can climb even steeper slopes (up to 60°) without an obstacle or bump. Using 3D force measuring platforms for ground reaction force analysis of geckos and the robot, we show that the motions of the developed robot driven by neural control and the motions of geckos are dynamically comparable. To this end, this study provides a basis for developing climbing robots with adaptive bump/obstacle crossing on slopes towards more agile and versatile gecko-like locomotion.
Introduction to classical and quantum integrability
Authors: Retore Ana L
Published: March 2022

In these lecture notes we aim for a pedagogical introduction to both classical and quantum integrability. Starting from Liouville integrability and passing through Lax pair and r-matrix we discuss the construction of the conserved charges for classical integrable models taking as example the harmonic oscillator. The construction of these charges for 2D integrable field theories is also discussed using a Lax connection and the sine-Gordon model as example. On the quantum side, the XXZ spin chain is used to explain the systematic construction of the conserved charges starting from a quantum R-matrix, solution of the quantum Yang–Baxter equation. The diagonalization of these charges is performed using the algebraic Bethe ansatz. At the end, the interpretation of the R-matrix as an S-matrix in a scattering process is also presented. These notes were written for the lectures delivered at the school ‘Integrability, Dualities and Deformations’, that ran from 23 to 27 August 2021 in Santiago de Compostela and virtually.
An all-digital approach for versatile hybrid entanglement generation
Authors: Nape Isaac , de Oliveira André G , Slabbert Donovan , Bornman Nicholas , Francis Jason , Souto Ribeiro Paulo H , Forbes Andrew
Published: March 2022

Hybrid entangled states exhibit non-local correlations between photons with independent degrees of freedom and are currently gaining much interest. In particular, hybrid entanglement between polarisation and spatial modes of two photons are promising candidates for future heterogeneous quantum channels, but their versatility is limited by current generation methods that rely on static elements. Here, we present a technique that exploits polarisation and spatial mode dependent phase modulation in an all-digital approach using spatial light modulators. We show that we can tailor hybrid entangled states using spatial modes with Cylindrical and Cartesian symmetry, making our approach flexible, dynamic, and adaptable.
Diffusion induced decomposition of cementite layers during gas nitriding of 4140 steel: thermodynamical and kinetical aspects
Authors: Nazari Hossein , Aghajani Hossein , Al-Azawi Falih Hussain Saddam
Published: March 2022

In this paper, some new aspects of the decomposition of cementite layers by diffusion of nitrogen during gas nitriding are investigated. Therefore, AISI4140 steel samples were heat-treated to harden by heating up to 1113 K for 120 min, followed by quenching in agitated mineral oil. Then samples were tempered at 863 K for 60 min. Nitriding was carried out for 1400 up to 21000 min. Samples were characterized by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, x-ray diffractometer, and HSC thermodynamical software. Results showed that the rate of diffusion was higher in the early stages of nitriding. Due to nitrogen of diffusion, some nitrides are formed in grain boundaries and act as diffusion barriers. In this case, the diffusion mechanism from grain boundary diffusion changes to the volume diffusion or a combination of both mechanisms. Meanwhile, diffusion of nitrogen, in addition to the ferrite layers and grain boundaries, is also performed into the cementite layers. Although these layers are not the preferred areas of diffusion, volume diffusion of nitrogen through cementite layers leads to decomposition of them and turning them into iron nitrides and carbo-nitrides. Results show that almost 42 percent of cementite layers decomposed by nitrogen diffusion.
Study on high-temperature mechanical properties of W25Re alloy
Authors: Ning Xiong , Di Dong , Chengyang Wang , Julei Kang , Jie Liu
Published: March 2022

Tungsten rhenium alloy is widely used in aerospace, weapon electronics, and other high-temperature fields. W25Re alloy bars were prepared by powder metallurgy combined with the rolling deformation process. The mechanical properties of W25Re alloy were studied. The results show that rolled W25Re alloy bars have excellent mechanical properties. The tensile strength at room temperature is up to 1650 MPa and the elongation is 15%. As temperature increases, the tensile strength of W25Re alloy decreases rapidly, and the elongation first increases and then decreases. However, at 2000 °C, the tensile strength of more than 200 MPa and elongation of 16% can still be maintained. The fracture morphology shows that the dimples disappear and dynamic recrystallization occurs at 1600 °C and that the grain grows further at 2000 °C. The analysis shows that with increasing temperature, the increasing grain size and decreasing grain adhesion lead to decreasing strength and plasticity at 2000 °C.
Evidence grows for the existence of tetraneutrons
Authors: Johnston Hamish
Published: March 2022

A hypothetical cluster of four bound neutrons, known as the tetraneutron, has been glimpsed by physicists in Germany.
Scientists urge the US to reduce its nuclear arsenal
Authors: Gwynne Peter
Published: March 2022

Almost 700 scientists from the US and other nations have signed a letter to US President Joe Biden calling for limits on nuclear weapons in US security policy.
Virtual conferences are more inclusive and greener
Authors: Allen Michael
Published: March 2022

Online conferences attract more delegates, female academics and early-career researchers than in-person events, according to a new study.
Credit where it’s due
Authors: Durrani Matin
Published: March 2022

Why not nominate yourself or a colleague for an Institute of Physics award?
Bullying in physics affects us all
Authors: Hemingway Marie , Geoghegan Mark
Published: March 2022

Marie Hemingway and Mark Geoghegan say that physics can only be more inclusive and welcoming if agreements that stop people speaking out about harassment and bullying in the workplace are banned.
Seeking meaning
Authors: Goodman Maurice
Published: March 2022

A response to Robert Crease’s Critical Point article “Quantum conundrum”, which discusses how philosophers of science are searching for the meaning of quantum mechanics.
Machining behaviour of AZ91E hybrid composite reinforced with granite and fly ash powders
Authors: Singaiah Kanumuri , Babu G Ram , Singaiah G , Sunil B Ratna
Published: March 2022

In the present study, hybrid composites of AZ91E reinforced with granite powder and fly ash powder were fabricated by stir casting route. The reinforcing material was added in different weight fractions (2.5 and 5% each). The densities of the composites were measured between 1.74−1.8 g cm−3. The role of different weight percentages of reinforcements on the machining behavior was investigated. Increased microhardness was measured for the composites due to the presence of the reinforcing material. Higher cutting forces were measured for the composites containing higher fraction of reinforcements. With the increased cutting speed (420 to 715 rpm) the cutting forces were observed as decreased and with the increased depth of cut (0.2 and 0.4 mm), higher cutting forces were recorded. At higher fraction of reinforcements, discontinuous chips were observed for the composites. The results demonstrate the significant role of granite powder and the fly ash powder on enhancing the mechanical properties (up to 66% compared with the base alloy) but also on increasing the difficulty level in machining.
Use of Linked Administrative Children’s Social Care Data for Research: A Scoping Review of Existing UK Studies
Authors: Allnatt G , Elliott M , Scourfield J , Lee A , Griffiths L J
Published: March 2022

Increasing access to children’s social care data presents enormous potential for research and policy evaluation, with opportunities increased where data can be anonymously linked to other sources of information, such as health and education data. The purpose of this scoping review was to provide an overview of all UK data linkage studies that have used routinely collected individual-level children’s social care administrative data. Six research databases were searched and twenty-five studies were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria, with the majority (n = 18) based on English data. Complexities and the time-consuming nature of these studies are highlighted, as are issues with missing data and inconsistencies in recording information across local authorities, impacting on the linkage process. Increased access to such data, and improvements to data capture, could improve the utility of these valuable administrative data assets in the social care sector.
From the Mediterranean to the Pacific: re-circumscription towardsNotelaea s.l.and historical biogeography of a generic complex in Oleinae (Oleaceae)
Authors: Dupin Julia , Hong-Wa Cynthia , Pillon Yohan , Besnard Guillaume
Published: March 2022

Tackling the complicated infrafamilial classification of the economically important Oleaceae requires a piecemeal approach that addresses generic circumscriptions. Here, focusing on the distinct clade formed by the generic complex Nestegis, Notelaea, Osmanthus, Phillyrea and Picconia in subtribe Oleinae, we aim to elucidate their boundaries and relationships and to evaluate their biogeographic history in light of their peculiar disjunct distribution in the Macaronesian, Mediterranean and Pacific regions. On the basis of phylogenomic data from plastid and nuclear DNA of an extensive sampling, the results show six subclades in this generic complex, which are also geographical segregates found in Australia (Notelaea), Hawaiian Islands (Nestegis sandwicensis), Macaronesia (Phillyrea and Picconia), Mediterranean Region (Phillyrea), New Caledonia (Osmanthus section Notosmanthus) and New Zealand (Nestegis s.s.). Accounting for broad morphological overlaps in this clade, we recognize three genera (Phillyrea, Picconia and Notelaea s.l.), subsuming all Pacific taxa under Notelaea. Molecular dating and biogeographic analyses indicate that this clade originated in Eurasia during the Early Miocene (mean 23.2 Mya, 95% HPD: 23.8–14.7). Finally, dispersal (rather than continental vicariance) is probably the main explanation for the global, disjunct distribution of this group, with island-hopping and local extinction as the hallmarks of its evolutionary history.
GLP-1 receptor agonists and renal outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 and diabetic kidney disease: state of the art
Authors: Granata Antonio , Maccarrone Rosario , Anzaldi Massimiliano , Leonardi Giuseppe , Pesce Francesco , Amico Francesco , Gesualdo Loreto , Corrao Salvatore
Published: March 2022

Background

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are highly effective in improving glycaemic control either as monotherapy or in combination with other hypoglycaemic drugs, and have low incidence of side effects, such as hypoglycaemia, nausea and weight gain, thus increasing patients' adherence to therapy.

Methods

In this review we report the most recent studies demonstrating the beneficial effects of GLP-1RAs on renal outcomes, and also discuss the direct and indirect mechanisms through which they confer kidney protection. Finally, we discuss the metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects of GLP-1RAs in diabetic patients with COVID-19 disease.

Results

GLP-1RAs have a nephroprotective action, which is expressed through both indirect (improvement of blood pressure and glycaemic control, weight loss) and direct (restoration of normal intrarenal haemodynamics, prevention of ischaemic and oxidative damage) effects. They have shown also metabolic and anti-inflammation beneficial effects in patients with COVID-19 disease.

Conclusions

GLP-1RAs prevent albuminuria and slow the decline of renal function towards end stage renal disease in patients with diabetic kidney disease. They might be an opportunity to break the typical inflammation processes of COVID-19 disease.
Bound Hand and Foot: Lorca, Dalí, and the ‘Flight’ of Surrealism
Authors: RodrÍguez Fernández Javier
Published: March 2022

The traditional narrative of Federico García Lorca’s embrace of Surrealism follows a familiar, all too familiar dialectical sequence: triumph, crisis, supersession. In this progression, Salvador Dalí plays the key role of the cosmopolitan, more advanced friend, who opens up a rift and puts things in motion with his mixture of harsh criticism, sentimental disappointment and visionary pushiness. Lorca, on the other hand, is basically reduced to the secondary, diffident, reactive role of heeding someone else’s insights and following an already trodden path. This article offers a different view of these initial moments of the Surrealist avant-garde in Spain, emphasizing the contested understanding of the idea of ‘flight,’ ‘escape,’ or ‘evasion’ as the grounds for a Surrealism that neither aspires to domesticate the strangeness of reality, nor dares to face it with the cold indifference of the heroically adventurous pioneer; a Surrealism, in that elusive sense, that perhaps is not one.
Germ granules and gene regulation in theCaenorhabditis elegansgermline
Authors: Phillips Carolyn M , Updike Dustin L
Published: March 2022

The transparency of Caenorhabditis elegans provides a unique window to observe and study the function of germ granules. Germ granules are specialized ribonucleoprotein (RNP) assemblies specific to the germline cytoplasm, and they are largely conserved across Metazoa. Within the germline cytoplasm, they are positioned to regulate mRNA abundance, translation, small RNA production, and cytoplasmic inheritance to help specify and maintain germline identity across generations. Here we provide an overview of germ granules and focus on the significance of more recent observations that describe how they further demix into sub-granules, each with unique compositions and functions.
Healthy Behaviors, Leisure Activities, and Social Network Prolong Disability-Free Survival in Older Adults With Diabetes
Authors: Shang Ying , Wu Wei , Dove Abigail , Guo Jie , Welmer Anna-Karin , Rizzuto Debora , Fratiglioni Laura , Xu Weili
Published: March 2022

Background

Diabetes has been related to disability and excess mortality. We estimated the extent to which diabetes shortens disability-free survival and identified modifiable factors that may prolong disability-free survival in older adults with diabetes.

Methods

Disability-free older adults (n = 2 216, mean age: 71 years, female: 61%) were followed for up to 15 years. Diabetes was ascertained through medical examinations, medication use, or glycated hemoglobin ≥6.5% (48 mmol/mol). Disability-free survival was defined as survival until the occurrence of disability. A favorable (vs unfavorable) lifestyle profile was defined as the presence of at least 1 of the following: healthy (vs unhealthy) behaviors, active (vs inactive) engagement in leisure activities, or moderate-to-rich (vs poor) social network. Data were analyzed using Cox regression and Laplace regression.

Results

During the follow-up, 1 345 (60.7%) participants developed disability or died. Diabetes, but not prediabetes, was related to the outcome (hazard ratio [HR] 1.29, 95% CI 1.06–1.57), and 2.15 (1.02–3.27) years shorter median disability-free survival. In joint exposure analysis, disability-free survival was shortened by 3.29 (1.21–5.36), 3.92 (2.08–5.76), and 1.66 (0.06–3.28) years for participants with diabetes plus unhealthy behaviors, inactive engagement in leisure activities, or poor social network. Among participants with diabetes, a favorable profile led to a nonsignificant HR of 1.19 (0.93–1.56) for disability/death and prolonged disability-free survival by 3.26 (2.33–4.18) years compared to those with an unfavorable profile.

Conclusions

A healthy and socially active lifestyle may attenuate the risk of diabetes on disability or death and prolong disability-free survival among people with diabetes.
Understanding transboundary stocks’ availability by combining multiple fisheries-independent surveys and oceanographic conditions in spatiotemporal models
Authors: O'Leary Cecilia A , DeFilippo Lukas B , Thorson James T , Kotwicki Stan , Hoff Gerald R , Kulik Vladimir V , Ianelli James N , Punt André E
Published: March 2022

Shifts in the distribution of groundfish species as oceans warm can complicate management efforts if species distributions expand beyond the extent of existing scientific surveys, changing the proportion of groundfish available to any one survey each year. We developed the first-ever model-based biomass estimates for three Bering Sea groundfishes (walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus), Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus), and Alaska plaice (Pleuronectes quadrituberculatus)) by combining fishery-independent bottom trawl data from the U.S. and Russia in a spatiotemporal framework using Vector Autoregressive Spatio-Temporal (VAST) models. We estimated a fishing-power correction to calibrate disparate data sets and the effect of an annual oceanographic index to explain variation in groundfish spatiotemporal density. Groundfish densities shifted northward relative to historical densities, and high-density areas spanned the international border, particularly in years warmer than the long-term average. In the final year of comprehensive survey data (2017), 49%, 65%, 47% of biomass was in the western and northern Bering Sea for pollock, cod, and plaice, respectively, suggesting that availability of groundfish to the more regular eastern Bering Sea survey is declining. We conclude that international partnerships to combine past data and coordinate future data collection are necessary to track fish as they shift beyond historical survey areas.
Pulmonary valve neocuspidization and tricuspid valve replacement in intravenous drug abusers with infective endocarditis: Report of two cases
Authors: Todurov Borys , Mokryk Igor , Batsak Bohdan , Ponych Nataliya
Published: March 2022

Right-sided infective endocarditis accounts for 5–10% of endocarditis cases. It occurs predominantly among intravenous drug abusers. The pulmonary valve is involved in fewer than 2% of patients with endocarditis. Literature data are limited and optimal medical strategy, including surgical technique, remains non-standardized in this clinical situation. We present 2 patients treated surgically for tricuspid and pulmonary valve endocarditis and discuss a method of pulmonary valve neocuspidization based on the Ozaki technique.
Winning? The Politics of Victory in an Era of Endless War
Authors: Hartnett Liane , Glanville Luke , O'Driscoll Cian , Wilcox Lauren , Bellamy Alexander , Steele Brent
Published: March 2022

Two decades after the “war on terror” was first waged, there is little conceptual clarity about what it means to win a war. Indeed, despite the burgeoning literature on endless war and victory, there is no substantive engagement with how these themes intersect when thinking ethically about the question of war and what passes for peace. This forum seeks to spark a conversation to address this gap. Bringing together theorists and ethicists working on the themes of war and peace, we ask: What might we render visible and redress by thinking critically of the politics of victory in an era of endless war? Further, to the extent that just-war theory has long offered a grammar for the ethics of war, how does it help or hinder this quest?
Dietary inclusion of ruminally protected linseed oil as a means to mitigate heat and slaughter-induced stress in feedlot cattle
Authors: Ceconi Irene , Pighin Dario G , Davies Patricio , Cunzolo Sebastián A , Pazos Adriana , Grigioni Gabriela
Published: March 2022

There is evidence of a relationship between increased energy intake and the development of metabolic inflammation and insulin resistance (IR), and between the aforementioned metabolic state and impaired tolerance to heat stress. Based on the anti-inflammatory properties and mitigating effects on IR and stress of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), an experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of n-3 PUFA supplementation to feedlot-finished steers during summer on animal performance, physiological and biochemical variables associated with glucose metabolism, heat and preslaughter-induced stress, and meat quality. A total of 48 Angus steers (388 ± 2 kg) were fed one of three corn-based finishing diets containing (dry matter basis) 0% added oil (CON; negative control), or 1.90% of sunflower oil-calcium salt (SUN; positive control), or 1.92% of linseed oil-calcium salt (LIN). There was a trend (P = 0.08) for greater dry matter intake (DMI) and greater (P = 0.02) average daily gain (ADG) in LIN-fed animals compared with the average between those that received the CON or SUN diets, whereas no differences (P ≥ 0.34) were observed between the latter. No other performance, physiological, or carcass variables were affected (P ≥ 0.12) by treatment. Blood glucose and insulin were similar (P ≥ 0.14), though the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) which gauges IR tended (P = 0.06) to be reduced for LIN-fed animals compared with the average between those that received the CON or SUN diets. Blood insulin and HOMA increased linearly (P ≤ 0.01) with days on feed. An interaction between the study phase (feeding period or slaughter) and treatment was observed (P ≤ 0.05) for glucose and cortisol. While the magnitude of glucose increase (P < 0.01) from the end of the feeding period to slaughter was greater for CON- and SUN-fed animals compared with LIN-fed ones, cortisol increased (P < 0.05) only in animals that received CON or SUN diets. Meat quality attributes were not affected (P ≥ 0.16) by treatment. The concentration of n-3 PUFA was greater (P < 0.01) and n-6:n-3 ratio was lesser (P < 0.01) in meat from LIN-fed animals compared with that resulting from the average between the animals that received the negative (CON) or positive (SUN) control diets. Results suggest that n-3 PUFA supplementation mitigated metabolic alterations associated with IR and preslaughter-related stress. It may have also improved tolerance to heat, resulting in greater DMI and ADG of steers fed a high-energy diet during summer. Results also indicate that glucose metabolism and heat stress tolerance worsen with time when feeding concentrate-based diets.
Artificial womb technology, pregnancy, and EU employment rights
Authors: Hooton Victoria , Romanis Elizabeth Chloe
Published: March 2022

This article considers challenges for the European Union (EU) maternity and pregnancy rights framework when faced with advances in reproductive technology. Specifically, we consider how the introduction of the ‘artificial womb’ technology, an alternative to bodily gestation, would impact the availability of rights that exist under the maternity and discrimination framework. Employment rights in the EU context have already been confronted by the challenges of advancements in reproduction. We use the case law on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and surrogacy as a baseline for unpacking the challenges that ‘artificial wombs’ will bring. This analysis of the legal framework on maternity rights and sex discrimination will highlight potential avenues for integrating this technology and ensuring the continuation of rights for those opting for it. We advocate against the stratification of maternity and pregnancy rights based on the reproductive and gestational choices made by the pregnant person.
CNS-Directed Cancer Treatment and Child Adjustment: Moderating Effects of Maternal Parenting
Authors: Winning Adrien M , Howard Sharp Katianne , Ferrante Amanda C , Ralph Jessica , Desjardins Leandra , Friedman Debra L , Young-Saleme Tammi K , Vannatta Kathryn , Compas Bruce E , Gerhardt Cynthia A
Published: March 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine whether maternal parenting behaviors (i.e., warmth, behavioral/psychological control) moderate the association between central nervous system (CNS)-directed treatment and adjustment among pediatric cancer survivors at 3 years post-diagnosis or relapse.

Methods

Three years after their child’s cancer diagnosis or relapse, mothers (N = 84) reported on their child’s academic and social competence, as well as their internalizing and externalizing problems. Children (N = 84; Mage = 13.21 years, 52.4% male) reported on maternal parenting behaviors. Using medical chart data, children were separated into CNS (i.e., received cranial radiation, intrathecal chemotherapy, and/or neurosurgery; N = 45) or non-CNS-directed treatment (N = 39) groups. Twelve moderation models were tested when examining two-way interactions between CNS treatment group and maternal parenting behaviors.

Results

Children in the CNS-directed treatment group demonstrated significantly worse academic and social competence. Moderation analyses revealed four significant two-way interactions between CNS treatment group and maternal parenting behaviors when predicting children’s adjustment. High levels of maternal behavioral control buffered the negative impact of CNS-directed treatment on children’s social competence. In addition, maternal warmth had a contrasting effect, as CNS-directed treatment was associated with worse academic competence at high levels of warmth. Analyses with psychological control revealed that low levels of this parenting style were not protective against internalizing or externalizing problems among those with CNS-directed treatment.

Conclusions

Children who receive CNS-directed treatment may benefit from a different pattern of parenting during early cancer survivorship. Findings highlight the importance of considering the broader family context when conceptualizing the impact of illness-related factors on adjustment among pediatric cancer survivors.
Case report: surgical management of massive scrotal lymphedema in a bariatric patient
Authors: Welling Harald , Tsigka Eirini , Krogh John , Schmidt Volker-Jürgen , Munksdorf Michael
Published: March 2022

A morbidly obese male patient was referred to our department for joint-venture excision surgery of a massive genital lymphedema that had increased 10-fold in volume over a 3-year period. The patient underwent two-stage excision and reconstruction surgery including orchiectomy and was discharged with no major complications and reported improved outcome and urogenital function after surgery at 6-month follow-up. Genital lymphedema is a rare and surgically challenging disease that is related to obesity and causes functional and psychosocial impairment. The planning, performance and postoperative care of surgery on bariatric patients requires tailored surgical treatment and the involvement of several different medical professions and specialties. Surgical debulking can bring about satisfactory outcomes and profound improvements in quality of life.
Similar effectiveness of the inactivated vaccine BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) and the mRNA vaccine BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) against COVID-19 related hospitalizations during the Delta outbreak in the UAE
Authors: Mousa Mira , Albreiki Mohammed , Alshehhi Fatima , AlShamsi Safiya , Marzouqi Nada Al , Alawadi Tayba , Alrand Hussain , Alsafar Habiba , Fikri Asma
Published: March 2022

Inactivated vaccine BBIBP-CorV {Sinopharm; 95% [95% confidence interval (CI): 94, 97%]} and the mRNA vaccine BNT162b2 [Pfizer-BioNTech; 98% (95% CI: 86, 99%)] demonstrated protection against COVID-19 related hospitalizations from the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant. Ongoing efforts are necessary to target vaccine hesitancy and to promote booster shots for protection against severe COVID-19 disease and arising variants of concern.
Electronic Alternative Dispute Resolution, smart contracts and equity in the energy sector
Authors: Beebeejaun Zeenat , Faccia Alessio
Published: March 2022

The intrinsic complex nature of Contracts in the Energy sector leads to frequent international disputes. The complexity is generated by (i) the involvement of multiple stakeholders with potentially conflicting interests (Multinational Companies, State-Owned Companies, Host States and their citizens); (ii) transnational jurisdictions divergence (local laws, investor’s country laws, international practices and regulations); and (iii) changes in the laws and regulations over time (long-term nature of Energy contracts). Therefore, not surprisingly, traditional litigation in the Energy sector is often replaced with Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) through the recurrent application of Arbitration clauses. This article aims to improve dispute management in the Energy sector by encouraging best ADR practices. Modelling and Conceptual research approaches are adopted to encourage the introduction of the smart contract. The analyses triggered the drafting of a model for contractual automation. Recurring top clauses are mapped and associated with Equity solutions. Moreover, a comprehensive, efficient and feasible ‘Electronic ADR’ framework is shaped to prevent (or automatically settle) disputes in the Energy sector.
The Black Utopia: Secret Societies and Time Travel in W. E. B. Du Bois and Sutton E. Griggs
Authors: Harper Andy
Published: March 2022

While prevailing scholarship on utopian fiction, attendant disproportionately to white authors, defines the utopia by way of its temporal or geographical separation from society, I argue that the under-theorized Black utopia is defined by the element of the secret society. The project taken up by Black utopian societies, such as the overlooked “secret societies” of W. E. B. Du Bois’s The Souls of Black Folk (1903) and the eponymous shadow government of Sutton E. Griggs’s Imperium in Imperio (1899), are articulated but not represented by their respective texts, framed in retrospect and within their own foreclosure. Du Bois and Griggs participate, too, in the intellectual return of much Black writing from the dawn of the Jim Crow Era to the early years of Reconstruction, offering alternative histories that locate utopian potentiality in the project of Reconstruction while identifying the project’s failures. Ultimately, the foreclosure of utopian anti-racist potentiality is attributed by these texts to the incompatibility of Black solidarity with interpellation into (white) national subjectivity.
Radiative pulsar magnetospheres: oblique rotators
Authors: Pétri J
Published: March 2022

Pulsar magnetospheres are filled with relativistic pairs copiously emitting photons detected from the radio wavelengths up to high and very high energies in the GeV and sometimes in the TeV range. Efficient particle acceleration converts the stellar rotational kinetic energy into radio, X-ray, and gamma-ray photons. Force-free magnetospheres, being dissipationless, cannot operate this conversion. Some non-ideal plasma effects must set in within the magnetosphere. In this paper, we compute numerical solutions of pulsar radiative magnetospheres in the radiation reaction limit, where radiation fully balances single particle acceleration. Using an appropriate Ohm’s law, the dissipation is only controlled by the pair multiplicity factor κ. Moreover, we allow for either a minimal radiative region where dissipation is added only where required or for a force-free inside radiative outside model. This approach naturally and self-consistently connects the particle dynamics to its radiation field in the ultra-relativistic regime. Our solutions tend to the force-free limit for moderately large multiplicities, κ ≫ 1, decreasing the spin-down energy conversion into radiation. Nevertheless, for sufficiently low multiplicity κ ≲ 1, a significant fraction of the spin-down energy flows into radiation via particle acceleration. The work done by the electromagnetic field on the plasma mainly occurs in the current sheet of the striped wind, right outside the light-cylinder. Nevertheless the impact on the magnetic topology is negligible whatever the model. Therefore, the associated sky maps and light curves are only weakly impacted as shown.
B/PS bulges in DESI Legacy edge-on galaxies – I. Sample building
Authors: Marchuk Alexander A , Smirnov Anton A , Sotnikova Natalia Y , Bunakalya Dmitriy A , Savchenko Sergey S , Reshetnikov Vladimir P , Usachev Pavel A , Tikhonenko Iliya S , Zozulia Viktor D , Zakharova Daria A
Published: March 2022

We present the biggest up-to-date sample of edge-on galaxies with boxy/peanut-shaped (B/PS) bulges and X-structures. The sample was prepared using images from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) Legacy catalogue and contains about 2000 galaxies. To find suitable candidates in catalogue, we made the assumption that the residues (original images minus model) of galaxies with B/PS bulges should exhibit a characteristic X-shape. Galaxies with such features were selected by eye and then used as input data for a neural network training, which was applied to a bigger sample of edge-on galaxies. Using the available data and the photometric models from the literature, we investigated the observational and statistical properties of the sample created. Comparing the B/D ratios for galaxies with and without B/PS bulges, we found that the B/D ratio for galaxies from our sample is statistically higher, with typical values in the range ≈0.2–0.5 depending on the decomposition procedure. We studied how the opening angles φ of the X-structure and the length of its rays are distributed in the formed sample and found them to be consistent with previous measurements and predictions from N-body models, e.g. $\varphi \gtrsim 25{^\circ }$, but measured here for a much larger number of galaxies. We found a sharp increase in the B/PS bulge fraction for stellar masses log M⋆ ≳ 10.4, but for edge-on galaxies, which complements the results of previous works. The sample can be used in future work to test various bar models and their relationship with B/PS bulges, as well as to study their stability and evolution.
On the accuracy of H i observations in molecular clouds – More cold H i than thought?
Authors: Seifried D , Beuther H , Walch S , Syed J , Soler J D , Girichidis P , Wünsch R
Published: March 2022

We present a study of the cold atomic hydrogen (H i) content of molecular clouds simulated within the SILCC-Zoom project for solar neighbourhood conditions. We produce synthetic observations of H i at 21 cm, including H i self-absorption (HISA) and observational effects. We find that H i column densities, $N_{\rm H\, \small {\rm I}}$, of ≳1022 cm−2 are frequently reached in molecular clouds with H i temperatures as low as ∼10 K. Hence, HISA observations assuming a fixed H i temperature tend to underestimate the amount of cold H i in molecular clouds by a factor of 3–10 and produce an artificial upper limit of $N_{\rm H\, \small {\rm I}}$ around 1021 cm−2. We thus argue that the cold H i mass in molecular clouds could be a factor of a few higher than previously estimated. Also, $N_{\rm H\, \small {\rm I}}$ PDFs obtained from HISA observations might be subject to observational biases and should be considered with caution. The underestimation of cold H i in HISA observations is due to both the large H i temperature variations and the effect of noise in regions of high optical depth. We find optical depths of cold H i around 1–10, making optical depth corrections essential. We show that the high H i column densities (≳1022 cm−2) can in parts be attributed to the occurrence of up to 10 individual H i–H2 transitions along the line of sight. This is also reflected in the spectra, necessitating Gaussian decomposition algorithms for their in-depth analysis. However, also for a single H i–H2 transition, $N_{\rm H\, \small {\rm I}}$ frequently exceeds 1021 cm−2, challenging one-dimensional, semi-analytical models. This is due to non-equilibrium chemistry effects and the fact that H i–H2 transition regions usually do not possess a one-dimensional geometry. Finally, we show that the H i gas is moderately supersonic with Mach numbers of a few. The corresponding non-thermal velocity dispersion can be determined via HISA observations within a factor of ∼2.