bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optoelectronic and structural characterization of trapezoidal defects in 4H-SiC epilayers and the effect on MOSFET reliability
Authors: El Hageali Sami A. , Guthrey Harvey , Johnston Steven , Norman Andrew , Soto Jake , Odekirk Bruce , Stahlbush Robert E. , Mahadik Nadeemullah A. , Gorman Brian P. , Al-Jassim Mowafak
Published: August 2023

To this day, trapezoidal defects are found in clusters and high counts in wafers representing the industry standard in terms of material quality being produced. This study sheds light on the nature, origin, behavior, and impact of this defect on device yield and reliability. Trapezoidal defects in 4H-SiC epitaxial layers were investigated by photoluminescence (PL) imaging, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cathodoluminescence spectrum imaging (CLSI), SEM electron beam induced current (EBIC) imaging, and by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation. The bar-shaped stacking faults were identified by the PL and CL measurements with a peak emission wavelength of 420 and 450 nm. An optoelectronic behavioral study based on the recombination enhanced dislocation glide mechanism revealed how expanding dislocations and stacking faults interact with each other. Combining the luminescence and microscopy results, the nature of the stacking faults was identified as being a combination of Shockley-type and Frank-type stacking faults. The TEM analysis showed that these defects originate from the substrate and the stacking sequences of some of the faults were determined as (…2, 4, 2…) and (…2, 3, 2…) in the Zhdanov's notation by high-resolution TEM. The origin of this defect is speculated based on our results and previous reports. The EBIC imaging showed that the high density of SFs in these towers is a strong site of carrier recombination, which presumably has an impact on the transfer characteristics of SiC devices. Furthermore, these defects have shown to impact metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors electrical performance via an increase in the on-state resistance depending on the coverage percentage of the tower of defects in the active area of the device.
Polarization consistent dielectric screening in polarizable continuum model calculations of solvation energies
Authors: Khatri Roshan , Dunietz Barry D.
Published: August 2023

A polarization consistent framework, where dielectric screening is affected consistently in polarizable continuum model (PCM) calculations, is employed for the study of solvation energies. The computational framework combines a screened range-separated-hybrid functional (SRSH) with PCM calculations, SRSH-PCM, where dielectric screening is imposed in both PCM self-consistent reaction field (SCRF) iterations and the electronic structure Hamiltonian. We begin by demonstrating the impact of modifying the Hamiltonian to include such dielectric screening in SCRF iterations by considering the solutions of electrostatically embedded Hartree–Fock (HF) exact exchange equations. Long-range screened HF-PCM calculations are shown to capture properly the linear dependence of gap energy of frontier orbitals on the inverse of the dielectric constant, whereas unscreened HF-PCM orbital energies are fallaciously semi-constant with respect to the dielectric constant and, therefore, inconsistent with the ionization energy gaps. Similar trends affect density functional theory (DFT) calculations that aim to achieve predictive quality. Importantly, the dielectric screened calculations are shown to significantly affect DFT- and HF PCM-based solvation energies, where screened solvation energies are smaller compared to the unscreened values. Importantly, SRSH-PCM, therefore, appears to reduce the tendency of DFT-PCM to overestimate solvation energies, where we find the effect to increase with the dielectric constant and the polarity of the molecular solute, trends that enhance the quality of DFT-PCM calculations of solvation energy. Understanding the relationship of dielectric screening in the Hamiltonian and DFT-PCM calculations can ultimately benefit on-going efforts for the design of predictive and parameter free descriptions of solvation energies.
Altered blood rheology in multiwidth microchannels: Hematocrit and tonicity variation
Authors: Riera-Llobet C. , Méndez-Mora L. , Cabello-Fusarés M. , Hernández-Machado A.
Published: August 2023

We present a theoretical model for the characterization of the behavior of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids inside a microchannel with segments of different widths. This allows us to find the relation required to have collapsed viscosity curves for different fluids in just one experiment. Diverse experiments have been carried out with our setup. We consider different hematocrit concentration samples as well as samples of blood altered with different solutions in order to modify their tonicity. The data are acquired using microscale electronic detection of a fluid/air front advance. This will disclose different diseases that can be distinguished by the change in the normal rheological characteristics of blood or plasma. The results obtained demonstrate that using our setup and mathematical model, we can both distinguish blood with different concentrations of erythrocytes as well as discriminate when a same sample of blood is non-altered, altered with sodium chloride (NaCl) or de-ionized water (DIW), which emulates the abnormalities in the red blood cells of some pathologies. The results show that DIW causes blood to have more non-Newtonian behavior. On the other hand, NaCl causes the sample to become a hypertonic solution, causing the red blood cells to crenate, causing the blood to have a more Newtonian behavior.
Effects of an unsteady end-wall pulsed jet on a highly loaded compressor cascade at different incidence angles
Authors: Kong Xiaozhi , Ren Dongzhi , Zhang Peng , Guo Shuang , Lu Huawei
Published: August 2023

We report work done to investigate the adaptability of the end wall unsteady pulsed jet (UPJ) at different incidence angles. In this research, the influence of the UPJ on the cascade aerodynamic performance at different incidence angles was systematically studied using validated numerical simulation methods. A comparative analysis using a traditional steady constant jet (SCJ) was also carried out. The numerical results show that the control effect of the UPJ is significantly superior to that of the SCJ for the design incidence angle, and the same for the time-averaged jet flow. When the time-averaged jet flow ratio ms = 0.28% and the actuation frequency F+ = 0.80, a maximum total-pressure-loss coefficient reduction of 28.66% and a static-pressure-rise coefficient increment of 13.17% are obtained. Compared with the SCJ, the loss for a cascade with the UPJ is decreased by 25.65%, and the static-pressure-rise coefficient is increased by 10.54%. For variable incidence angle, the UPJ can diminish the cascade loss for the range of incidence angle i from −8° to +4° and can improve the cascade aerodynamic performance to the greatest extent near i = 0°. The SCJ shows excellent adaptability when the incidence angle is negative, but worsens the cascade performance at large positive incidence angles.
General rigid bead-rod theory for steady-shear flow
Authors: Giacomin A. J. , Coombs S. J. , Pak Myong Chol , Kim Kwang-Il
Published: August 2023

General rigid bead-rod theory yields uniquely the relation between macromolecular architecture and complex viscosity. For this, it relies on the analytical solution of the general diffusion equation for small-amplitude oscillatory shear flow of Bird et al. [Dynamics of Polymeric Liquids, 2nd ed. (Wiley, New York, 1987), Vols. 1–2]. Unfortunately, this general diffusion equation has yet to be solved for any other flow field. In this paper, we do so for steady-shear material functions, namely, viscosity and first normal stress coefficient. We, thus, explain the non-Newtonian behaviors of macromolecular suspensions of any axisymmetric design in steady-shear flow.
Microstructure and properties change in Al5+xCr12Fe35Mn28-xNi20 high entropy alloys
Authors: Elkatatny Sally , Hamada Atef , Bian Huakang , Chiba Akihiko , Gepreel Mohamed A. H.
Published: August 2023

In the present study, a non-equiatomic AlCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) bearing cost-effective elements has been developed to enhance the strength by increasing the Al content. The HEAs were prepared by employing the arc melting technique. The microstructure of cast HEAs was studied by electron microprobe analysis (EPMA), electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mechanical properties were evaluated at room temperature. The results show that the latter duplex structure exhibited significantly higher compressive strength, 2.5 GPa at 50% strain. The measured ductility under the tensile stress of the duplex structure was considerably low. This is attributed to the various stress states in compression and tension, the phase structures, and the induced deformation mechanism in the studied HEAs.
Spatial localization of high-frequency particle oscillations in a complex plasma monolayer
Authors: Voronov I V , Nikolaev V S , Timofeev A V , Syrovatka R A , Lipaev A M , Zamorin D A , Klumov B A
Published: August 2023

We study the spatial distribution of dynamical properties in a strongly coupled confined experimental dust monolayer with a dense central region and a rarefied periphery. We show that the dust particle oscillations spectrum shifts into the low-frequency range from the center of the structure toward its periphery. Correspondingly, the high-frequency particle oscillations are localized in the central region of the system. This effect is quantitatively described within the framework of the model system of trapped screened Coulomb charges. Such spatial localization has a significant effect on the spatial distribution of dynamical parameters, such as the amplitude of particle oscillations and the coupling parameter. The obtained results might be useful for the theory of crystal formation, instabilities and phase transitions in complex (dusty) plasmas, colloidal suspensions, and Coulomb crystals.
Ultraviolet sensitivity in Higgs-Starobinsky inflation
Authors: Lee Sung Mook , Modak Tanmoy , Oda Kin-ya , Takahashi Tomo
Published: August 2023

The general scalar-tensor theory that includes all the dimension-four terms has parameter regions that can produce successful inflation consistent with cosmological observations. This theory is in fact the same as the Higgs-Starobinsky inflation, when the scalar is identified with the Standard Model Higgs boson.
We consider possible dimension-six operators constructed from non-derivative terms of the scalar field and the Ricci scalar as perturbations. We investigate how much suppression is required for these operators to avoid disrupting the successful inflationary predictions.
To ensure viable cosmological predictions, the suppression scale for the sixth power of the scalar should be as high as the Planck scale. For the other terms, much smaller scales are sufficient.
Disformal symmetry in the Universe: mimetic gravity and beyond
Authors: Domènech Guillem , Ganz Alexander
Published: August 2023

Symmetries play an important role in fundamental physics. In gravity and field theories, particular attention has been paid to Weyl (or conformal) symmetry. However, once the theory contains a scalar field, conformal transformations of the metric can be considered a subclass of a more general type of transformation, so-called disformal transformation. Here, we investigate the implications of pure disformal symmetry in the Universe. We derive the form of general disformal invariant tensors from which we build the most general disformal invariant action. We argue that, in cosmology, disformal symmetry amounts to require that the lapse function is fully replaced by a (time-like) scalar field at the level of the action. We then show that disformal symmetry is in general an exactly equivalent formulation of general mimetic gravity. Lastly, we go beyond mimetic gravity and find that a particular class of invariance leads to seemingly Ostrogradski-like (with higher derivatives) Lagrangians, which are nevertheless absent of Ostrogradski ghosts in a cosmological background, despite having an additional degree of freedom. We also propose an application of our formalism to find new invertible disformal transformations, where the coefficient involves higher derivatives and curvature, further expanding the theory space of scalar-tensor theories.
Fast and accurate AMS-02 antiproton likelihoods for global dark matter fits
Authors: Balan Sowmiya , Kahlhoefer Felix , Korsmeier Michael , Manconi Silvia , Nippel Kathrin
Published: August 2023

The antiproton flux measurements from AMS-02 offer valuable information about the nature of dark matter, but their interpretation is complicated by large uncertainties in the modeling of cosmic ray propagation. In this work we present a novel framework to efficiently marginalise over propagation uncertainties in order to obtain robust AMS-02 likelihoods for arbitrary dark matter models. The three central ingredients of this framework are: the neural emulator , which provides highly flexible predictions of the antiproton flux; the likelihood calculator , which performs the marginalisation, taking into account the effects of solar modulation and correlations in AMS-02 data; and the global fitting framework , which allows for the combination of the resulting likelihood with a wide range of dark matter observables. We illustrate our approach by providing updated constraints on the annihilation cross section of WIMP dark matter into bottom quarks and by performing a state-of-the-art global fit of the scalar singlet dark matter model, including also recent results from direct detection and the LHC.
How accurate are flux-tube (local) gyrokinetic codes in modeling energetic particle effects on core turbulence?
Authors: Di Siena A. , Hayward-Schneider T. , Mantica P. , Citrin J. , Vannini F. , Bottino A. , Görler T. , Poli E. , Bilato R. , Sauter O. , Jenko F.
Published: August 2023

Flux-tube (local) gyrokinetic codes are widely used to simulate drift-wave turbulence in magnetic confinement devices. While a large number of studies show that flux-tube codes provide an excellent approximation for turbulent transport in medium-large devices, it still needs to be determined whether they are sufficient for modeling supra-thermal particle effects on core turbulence. This is called into question given the large temperature of energetic particles (EPs), which makes them hardly confined on a single flux-surface, but also due to the radially broad mode structure of EP-driven modes. The primary focus of this manuscript is to assess the range of validity of flux-tube codes in modeling fast ion effects by comparing radially global turbulence simulations with flux-tube results at different radial locations for realistic JET parameters using the gyrokinetic code GENE. To extend our study to a broad range of different plasma scenarios, this comparison is made for four different plasma regimes, which differ only by the profile of the ratio between the plasma kinetic and magnetic pressure. The latter is artificially rescaled to address the (i) electrostatic limit and regimes with (ii) marginally stable, (iii) weakly unstable and (iv) strongly unstable fast ion modes. These EP-driven modes are identified as Alfvénic ion temperature gradient modes (AITG)/kinetic beta-induced Alfvén eigenmodes (KBAE) via linear ORB5 and LIGKA simulations. It is found that the local flux-tube simulations can recover well the global results only in the electrostatic and marginally stable cases. When the AITG/KBAE becomes linearly unstable, the local approximation fails to correctly model the radially broad fast ion mode structure and the consequent global zonal patterns. According to this study, global turbulence simulations are likely required in regimes with linearly unstable AITG/KBAEs. In conditions with different fast ion-driven modes, these results might change.
Cross-sectoral analysis on the implication of ASEAN road transport electrification policies on energy security and climate
Authors: Demoral A , Yurnaidi Z , Kresnawan MR , Rosalia SA , Safrina R , Abdullah A , Bilqis A , Tirta A
Published: August 2023

Road fleet electrification is one of the key strategies of the ASEAN region in decarbonizing the transportation sector. Electric vehicles (EVs) are seen to be more efficient compared to their conventional counterpart. Moreover, reduce pollution and emission which results in negative externalities like respiratory deceases and global warming. This study aims to perform a cross-sectoral analysis of the implication of ASEAN road transport electrification policies on energy security, climate, and societal welfare. Results show that ASEAN could reach 641 million passenger vehicles by 2050, and the implementation of ASEAN countries’ EV targets increases the penetration of technologies up to 9% penetration in both private cars and buses, 13% in motorcycles, and 4% in taxicabs. Significant petroleum savings can be expected with the deployment of e-vehicles but would increase end-user electricity demand. As the region could remain highly dependent on fossil-based power generation considering the historical trend in electricity dispatch, it was found that EV deployment could rather result in GHG being emitted than mitigated. However, the technology use could still result in significant pollutants reduction improving urban health and welfare. Thus, social cost savings could be expected with the implementation of ASEAN road transport electrification policies.
‘Just’ access to electricity: Energy justice in Indonesia’s rural electrification (LISDES) program
Authors: Muyasyaroh Ayu P.
Published: August 2023

This study examined issues that emerge from Indonesia’s rural electrification (LISDES) program. A qualitative study was used as an approach. Document analysis and semi-structured interviews are the methods selected for data collection. Using energy justice as an analytical framework, three categories of energy injustices were identified in the program: distributive, procedural, and recognition injustice. Unequal income to pay electricity bills; uneven geographical conditions; and unequal distribution of the population were identified as the elements of distributive injustice. Inadequate access to informational disclosure on the problems and solutions of the program; lack of meaningful participation of subnational actors; and lack of a comprehensive law and regulatory framework in place to protect private sectors in the program were demonstrated as the elements of procedural injustice. Lastly, a lack of understanding of the various meanings of electricity as the key to public welfare; and non-recognition of distinctive socioeconomic characteristics in various locations of Indonesia were found as the key elements of recognition injustice. These findings suggest that to achieve 'just' access to electricity in the LISDES program, it is critical to address all elements of energy injustice identified in the program and clearly define long-term goals for the program.
The Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) Model-Based Analysis on Appliances Acquisition in the Philippines: An Empirical Study on Consumers’ Behavior towards Purchasing Refrigerators
Authors: Jornales Daniel Collin G.
Published: August 2023

Through the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) Model, the paper was designed to answer five (5) questions: (a) What are the factors affecting the decision of the Filipinos in buying refrigerators?; (b) What are the reasons that encourage Filipinos to purchase refrigerators?; (c) What is the relationship between energy labels and the purchasing behavior of the Filipinos?; (d) What are the internal and external referents associated in purchasing behavior?; and (e) How do socio-demographics affect the purchasing behavior? SOR explains that several external aspects can act as a stimulus which influences a person’s internal state, referring to the organism, which will result to certain behavioral response. The prevailing motivation of consumers rely on their hedonic behavior which attributes with the experiences of sensory appeals including emotion and gratification The study suggests that the consumers lack ample knowledge and capacity to use their familiarity and awareness on the existence of energy labels on making sound decisions when purchasing refrigerators. The importance of energy labels was being set aside by the consumers when being conflicted with the product’s brand, features, and aesthetics. Subsequent interventions of government may be necessary in order to address the gap between the consumers purchasing motivation and purchasing behavior. The intensification of information campaign and supporting policies may provide avenue to ensure that consumers are empowered on choosing energy efficient appliances. Furthermore, the development of a comprehensive communication plan that will cut across sector may address the concerns on the appliances acquisition of the Filipinos.
Optimization of a hybrid renewable energy system for a rural community using PSO
Authors: Bismark Kent Marc Kobe C. , Caballa Lorenzo Gabriel C. , Yap Christine Monique F. , Peña Robert Alfie S. , Parocha Raymark C. , Macabebe Erees Queen B.
Published: August 2023

With the Philippines’ goal towards developing sustainable energy systems, hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) help the electrification goals of the nation especially in rural areas, while creating a safe and clean environment by decreasing greenhouse gases. The installation of HRES in these areas have the potential to improve energy access by utilizing renewable sources of energy, namely solar, wind, and hydro power. To ensure efficient management between the total power generation and total village load demand, a power network is built to reduce power interruptions due to the intermittent nature of the selected energy sources. This paper presents the integration of an energy management system (EMS) using particle swarm optimization (PSO) to direct and allocate the energy generated by a hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) designed through the HOMER Pro software. The results from the HOMER Pro simulations were used as input to the PSO algorithm to minimize the overall operational costs of the microgrid. The current and future load scenarios of the community were considered in the proposed HRES and the operational and levelized cost comparison are presented in this paper.
Spatio-Temporal Mapping and Monitoring of Mangrove Forests Changes from 1991 to 2021 in Panay Island, Philippines using Machine Learning
Authors: Daquinan G L , Guirhem G L , Mediodia D P
Published: August 2023

Mangrove forests hold a crucial role in our social, economic, and ecological activities. Despite this immense importance, they are constantly threatened by reclamation, deforestation, and climate change. In order to forward conservation and restoration efforts, accurate and cost-effective mangrove mapping and monitoring must be done. This paper explores the use of a supervised learning algorithm called Random Forest (RF) in mapping mangrove extent in Panay Island, Philippines from 1991-to 2021. Using land cover data from Landsat, maps of the mangrove extent from 1991to 2021 were developed. Results revealed that there has been an 8% decline from 1991 to 1996; 24% decrease in 1996 to 2001; 6% increase in 2001 to 2006; 21% decline from 2006 to 2011; 17% increase in 2011-2016; and 16% increase in 2016 to 2021. Over the past three (3) decades, the Philippines has lost 20% of its mangrove forests. From 31713 ha in 1991 to only 25313 ha in 2021. Through a confusion matrix, the model was evaluated and it showed a specificity, sensitivity, and AUC(Area Under the ROC Curve) above 70%. This suggests that, machine learning, when integrated with remote sensing, can provide an effective yet low-cost approach to mapping mangrove extent at a large-scale.
The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) prostate: a comprehensive histological and immunohistochemical investigation
Authors: Campbell Yolande , Palmieri Chiara , Pagliarani Sara , Gordon Jo , Johnston Stephen
Published: August 2023

The prostate of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), and of marsupials more generally, is the primary contributor of seminal fluid, yet comparatively little is known about its microanatomy or biochemistry. This study explored evidence of parenchymal segmentation of the koala prostate. The prostate of three sexually mature koalas were processed for histopathology, histochemistry (Masson’s trichrome, Alcian Blue, periodic acid Schiff staining), and immunohistochemistry using basal (tumor protein 63, cytokeratin 14) and luminal (cytokeratin 8/18, prostate specific antigen, androgen receptor) markers. Results confirmed clear segmentation of the koala prostate into three zones, anterior, central, and posterior, characterized by differences in the proportion of glandular tissue, as well as the thickness of collagen fibers; there were also distinct differences in the secretions produced in each zone. Based on immunohistochemistry, the koala prostate showed evidence of both basal proliferative and luminal secretory cells. The ratio of cell types varied across the three segments, with the central segment housing the highest density of basal cells. Globular bodies produced in the anterior zone were shown to possess the same markers as those described for human prostasomes. This study is the first to comprehensively document the marsupial prostate in terms of microanatomy and corresponding immunohistochemistry. While further biochemical analysis, such as proteomics of each segment will better define the relative functions of each tissue, the data presented here are consistent with the hypothesis that the koala prostate potentially represents an example of an ontological stage in the evolutionary differentiation of male eutherian accessory glands.
Pregnancy outcomes in patients exposed to baricitinib in clinical trials and during postmarketing surveillance
Authors: Bergamini Bianca , Seneschal Julien , Meyers Kristin J , Durand Frederick , Haladyj Ewa , Espinosa Gerard , Thyssen Jacob P
Published: August 2023

Information is needed to manage pregnancies with inadvertent exposure to baricitinib. A total of 117 pregnancies with exposure to baricitinib were identified among patients treated with baricitinib for rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis, or alopecia areata during clinical trials or in the postmarketing setting, and retrieved from the Eli Lilly global safety database. The clinical outcomes of the pregnancies with reported exposure to baricitinib appear to be comparable to those previously reported with other targeted therapies for immune-mediated diseases or in the general population.
State-of-the-Art Review: Neurosyphilis
Authors: Hamill Matthew M , Ghanem Khalil G , Tuddenham Susan
Published: August 2023

We review key concepts in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of individuals with neurosyphilis. We describe the epidemiology of syphilis in the United States, highlight populations that are markedly affected by this infection, and attempt to estimate the burden of neurosyphilis. We describe the cardinal clinical features of early and late (tertiary) neurosyphilis and characterize the clinical significance of asymptomatic neurosyphilis in the antibiotic era. We review the indications for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination and the performance characteristics of different CSF assays including treponemal and lipoidal antibodies, white cell count, and protein concentration. Future biomarkers and the role of imaging are briefly considered. We review preferred and alternative treatments for neurosyphilis and evidence for their use, including evidence for the use of enhanced intramuscular benzathine penicillin G to supplement intravenous penicillin.
Sex-biased TGFβ signalling in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Wits Marius , Becher Clarissa , de Man Frances , Sanchez-Duffhues Gonzalo , Goumans Marie-José
Published: August 2023

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare cardiovascular disorder leading to pulmonary hypertension and, often fatal, right heart failure. Sex differences in PAH are evident, which primarily presents with a female predominance and increased male severity. Disturbed signalling of the transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) family and gene mutations in the bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 (BMPR2) are risk factors for PAH development, but how sex-specific cues affect the TGFβ family signalling in PAH remains poorly understood. In this review, we aim to explore the sex bias in PAH by examining sex differences in the TGFβ signalling family through mechanistical and translational evidence. Sex hormones including oestrogens, progestogens, and androgens, can determine the expression of receptors (including BMPR2), ligands, and soluble antagonists within the TGFβ family in a tissue-specific manner. Furthermore, sex-related genetic processes, i.e. Y-chromosome expression and X-chromosome inactivation, can influence the TGFβ signalling family at multiple levels. Given the clinical and mechanistical similarities, we expect that the conclusions arising from this review may apply also to hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), a rare vascular disorder affecting the TGFβ signalling family pathway. In summary, we anticipate that investigating the TGFβ signalling family in a sex-specific manner will contribute to further understand the underlying processes leading to PAH and likely HHT.
Surgical treatment of esophago-tracheobronchial fistulas after esophagectomy
Authors: de Groot E M , Kingma B F , Goense L , van der Kaaij N P , Meijer R C A , Ramjankhan F Z , Schellekens P A A , Braithwaite S A , Marsman M , van der Heijden J J , Ruurda J P , van Hillegersberg R
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical treatment of esophago-tracheobronchial fistulas (ETBFs) that occurred after esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction in a tertiary referral center for esophageal surgery. All patients who underwent surgical repair for an ETBF after esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction were included in a tertiary referral center. The primary outcome was successful recovery after surgical treatment for ETBF, defined as a patent airway at 90 days after the surgical fistula repair. Secondary outcomes were details on the clinical presentation, diagnostics, and postoperative course after fistula repair. Between 2007 and 2022, 14 patients who underwent surgical repair for an ETBF were included. Out of 14 patients, 9 had undergone esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis and 5 esophagectomy with intrathoracic anastomosis after which 13 patients had developed anastomotic leakage. Surgical treatment consisted of thoracotomy to cover the defect with a pericardial patch and intercostal flap in 11 patients, a patch without interposition of healthy tissue in 1 patient, and fistula repair via cervical incision with only a pectoral muscle flap in 2 patients. After surgical treatment, 12 patients recovered (86%). Mortality occurred in two patients (14%) due to multiple organ failure. This study evaluated the techniques and outcomes of surgical repair of ETBFs following esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction in 14 patients. Treatment was successful in 12 patients (86%) and generally consisted of thoracotomy and coverage of the defect with a bovine pericardial patch followed by interposition with an intercostal muscle.
Glagov revisited: coronary artery disease phenotype on non-invasive imaging provides rationale for implementing preventive pharmacotherapy—a case report
Authors: Revaiah Pruthvi C , Serruys Patrick W , Yates Denise P , Onuma Yoshinobu , Luis Zamorano Jose
Published: August 2023

Background

Glagov et al. showed that no reduction in vessel lumen occurred until the atherosclerotic plaque burden exceeded 40% of the vessel area. Most major adverse cardiac events occurring in the first 4 years after a myocardial infarction arise from untreated angiographically mild, non-flow-limiting lesions at the time of the index event. We report how computed tomography (CT) coronary angiography (CCTA) can be used to non-invasively risk stratify a patient with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and guide further management.

Case summary

A 69-year-old non-smoking female with hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and hypothyroidism presented with atypical chest pain. Electrocardiogram and left ventricular ejection fraction were normal. Her lipidic profile was normal. CCTA showed a lipid-rich plaque with very low attenuation (<30 HU) in the left main stem (LMS) extending into the proximal left anterior descending (LAD) and in the mid LAD artery. The maximum plaque burden in the LMS was 67% with a remodelling index of 1.375, and an area stenosis of 22%. Tissue characterization showed a lipid-rich plaque with a thin fibrous cap. The perivascular fat attenuation index (FAI) in the proximal LAD was suggestive of (−69 HU) inflamed perivascular fat. Shear stress analysis of the LMS plaque showed normal wall shear stress (WSS); however, the axial plaque stress was high. Her medications were intensified to rosuvastatin 20 mg once daily (OD) and ezetimibe 10 mg OD. The patient remained asymptomatic at 6 months follow-up.

Discussion

Our case exemplifies the value of CCTA as a diagnostic ‘one-stop shop’ (CCTA, finite element analysis, computed tomographic density [CTD], tissue characterization analysis, FAI analysis, WSS and wall strain, and etc.) when stratifying a patient with non-obstructive CAD. With further development of novel potent anti-lipidaemic and anti-inflammatory drugs, non-obstructive lesions with adverse plaque and haemodynamic parameters will have the opportunity to be treated with additional preventive pharmacological therapy.
Immunity-driven evolution of virulence and diversity in respiratory diseases
Authors: Metz Johan A J , Boldin Barbara
Published: August 2023

The time-honored paradigm in the theory of virulence evolution assumes a positive relation between infectivity and harmfulness. However, the etiology of respiratory diseases yields a negative relation, with diseases of the lower respiratory tract being less infective and more harmful. We explore the evolutionary consequences in a simple model incorporating cross-immunity between disease strains that diminishes with their distance in the respiratory tract, assuming that docking rate follows the match between the local mix of cell surface types and the pathogen’s surface and cross-immunity the similarity of the pathogens’ surfaces. The assumed relation between fitness components causes virulent strains infecting the lower airways to evolve to milder more transmissible variants. Limited cross-immunity, generally, causes a readiness to diversify that increases with host population density. In respiratory diseases that diversity will be highest in the upper respiratory tract. More tentatively, emerging respiratory diseases are likely to start low and virulent, to evolve up, and become milder. Our results extend to a panoply of realistic generalizations of the disease’s ecology to including additional epitope axes. These extensions allow us to apply our results quantitatively to elucidate the differences in diversification between rhino- and coronavirus caused common colds.
Heterogeneous splicing patterns resulting from KIF5A variants associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Pino Megan G , Rich Kelly A , Hall Nicholas J , Jones Meredith L , Fox Ashley , Musier-Forsyth Karin , Kolb Stephen J
Published: August 2023

Single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) in the gene encoding Kinesin Family Member 5A (KIF5A), a neuronal motor protein involved in anterograde transport along microtubules, have been associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects the motor neurons. Numerous ALS-associated KIF5A SNVs are clustered near the splice-site junctions of the penultimate exon 27 and are predicted to alter the carboxy-terminal (C-term) cargo-binding domain of KIF5A. Mis-splicing of exon 27, resulting in exon exclusion, is proposed to be the mechanism by which these SNVs cause ALS. Whether all SNVs proximal to exon 27 result in exon exclusion is unclear. To address this question, we designed an in vitro minigene splicing assay in human embryonic kidney 293 cells, which revealed heterogeneous site-specific effects on splicing: only 5′ splice-site (5’ss) SNVs resulted in exon skipping. We also quantified splicing in select clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats-edited human stem cells, differentiated to motor neurons, and in neuronal tissues from a 5’ss SNV knock-in mouse, which showed the same result. Moreover, the survival of representative 3′ splice site, 5’ss, and truncated C-term variant KIF5A (v-KIF5A) motor neurons was severely reduced compared with wild-type motor neurons, and overt morphological changes were apparent. While the total KIF5A mRNA levels were comparable across the cell lines, the total KIF5A protein levels were decreased for v-KIF5A lines, suggesting an impairment of protein synthesis or stability. Thus, despite the heterogeneous effect on ribonucleic acid splicing, KIF5A SNVs similarly reduce the availability of the KIF5A protein, leading to axonal transport defects and motor neuron pathology.
Auxin and abiotic stress responses
Authors: Jing Hongwei , Wilkinson Edward G , Sageman-Furnas Katelyn , Strader Lucia C
Published: August 2023

Plants are exposed to a variety of abiotic stresses; these stresses have profound effects on plant growth, survival, and productivity. Tolerance and adaptation to stress require sophisticated stress sensing, signaling, and various regulatory mechanisms. The plant hormone auxin is a key regulator of plant growth and development, playing pivotal roles in the integration of abiotic stress signals and control of downstream stress responses. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent advances in understanding the intersection of auxin and abiotic stress in plants, with a focus on temperature, salt, and drought stresses. We also explore the roles of auxin in stress tolerance and opportunities arising for agricultural applications.
Torus skin outflow in a near-Eddington quasar revealed by spectropolarimetry
Authors: Zakamska Nadia L , Alexandroff Rachael M
Published: August 2023

Even when the direct view towards the active nucleus is obscured, nuclear emission propagating along other directions can scatter off surrounding material, become polarized and reach the observer. Spectropolarimetry can thus be an important tool in investigating the circumnuclear geometry and kinematics of quasars on scales that cannot yet be probed via direct observations. Here, we discuss an intriguing class of quasars where the polarization position angle swings by large amounts ($\sim 90\deg$) within an emission line. We investigate a kinematic model in which the scattering dust or electrons are in an axisymmetric outflow. We propagate Stokes parameters in a variety of geometries of emitter, scatterer, and observer. We use these models to predict polarization fraction, line profiles, and polarization position angles and compare them to observations. We demonstrate that the swinging polarization angle can be a result of the geometry of the outflow and the orientation of the observer. Polarization properties of a near-Eddington extremely red quasar SDSS J1652 can be successfully explained by a model in which the quasar is surrounded by a geometrically thick disc, whose ‘skin’ is outflowing at ∼1000 km s−1 and acts as the scatterer on scales of a few tens of pc. The line of sight to the observer in this source is within or close to the skin of the torus, in agreement with multiwavelength data. Spectropolarimetric data and models presented here strongly support the thick-disc geometry of circumnuclear material suggested by recent numerical simulations of high-rate accretion flows on to black holes.
Plasmids pick a bacterial partner before committing to conjugation
Authors: Frankel Gad , David Sophia , Low Wen Wen , Seddon Chloe , Wong Joshua L C , Beis Konstantinos
Published: August 2023

Bacterial conjugation was first described by Lederberg and Tatum in the 1940s following the discovery of the F plasmid. During conjugation a plasmid is transferred unidirectionally from one bacterium (the donor) to another (the recipient), in a contact-dependent manner. Conjugation has been regarded as a promiscuous mechanism of DNA transfer, with host range determined by the recipient downstream of plasmid transfer. However, recent data have shown that F-like plasmids, akin to tailed Caudovirales bacteriophages, can pick their host bacteria prior to transfer by expressing one of at least four structurally distinct isoforms of the outer membrane protein TraN, which has evolved to function as a highly sensitive sensor on the donor cell surface. The TraN sensor appears to pick bacterial hosts by binding compatible outer membrane proteins in the recipient. The TraN variants can be divided into specialist and generalist sensors, conferring narrow and broad plasmid host range, respectively. In this review we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the function of the TraN sensor at the donor-recipient interface, used by F-like plasmids to select bacterial hosts within polymicrobial communities prior to DNA transfer.
Development
Authors: Unger Corinna R.
Published: August 2023

This chapter brings together the fields of international development and International Relations. It traces the ways in which notions of development have evolved over the course of the twentieth century and how they have informed the use of development assistance as a foreign policy tool by a variety of actors under different political, economic, and ideological conditions. The chapter argues that development policies reflect contemporary understandings of modernity and that therefore it is important to look at the specific contexts out of which development approaches emerged. Ranging from imperial and colonial development practices to the Cold War competition over the most successful model of modernization to the critique of development in the 1970s, the chapter shows how International Relations and international development have been entangled with each other and have contributed to shaping global structures and practices that still exist today.
Governing Finance
Authors: Predmore Signe , Young Kevin L.
Published: August 2023

Which historical institutions characterize the international governance of finance? From pre-war gestures towards international coordination, to formalized multilateral cooperation in the Bretton Woods period, to the rise of informal transnational governance organizations, we trace the public-private dialectic of regulatory governance as it escalates through time. Through this dynamic of escalation, finance and its governance are also tethered to other, informal social institutions. Our account describes how Anglo-American relations and gender are deeply rooted in the development of capitalist modernity and serve as both productive force and constraint on financial activity. By considering the interplay between formal and informal institutions, we give an expansive overview of financial governance.
Historical Realism
Authors: Williams Michael C.
Published: August 2023

Realism is often criticized as a form of historical fatalism. Yet realist visions of history are richer and more diverse than many of its critics and supporters often recognize, and the issues they engage range far beyond the rather narrow categorizations that see realism and history as essentially opposed. In some of its most sophisticated forms, realism takes history as a resource for understanding the complex historical trajectories giving rise to contemporary politics. This chapter surveys three different realist visions of history, arguing that in its best forms realism is both deeply engaged with history and a means of drawing on history to meet the challenges of the present.
The Long Nineteenth Century
Authors: Bruneau Quentin
Published: August 2023

This chapter offers an overview of the international system in the long nineteenth century, focusing on three key themes. First, I examine the fairly widespread assumption that there was an existing system of states before the long nineteenth century, drawing attention to a number of recent works that suggest we locate this development within the long nineteenth century itself. Second, I turn to the idea that the system of states underwent a process of expansion during this period, putting emphasis on the inability of this idea to capture the experiences of many non-European polities, as well as a few European ones. Third, I revisit three key transformations associated with the long nineteenth century: the rise of a great power system, the emergence of contractual international law, and the development of multilateralism. The bulk of my argument here consists in re-assessing their significance, as well as toning down the claim that liberal states were pivotal in their making.
Facing Nuclear War
Authors: Lebow Richard Ned , Pelopidas Benoît
Published: August 2023

The possibility of thermonuclear war has in many ways shaped the agendas of History and International Relations. Rigorous counterfactual analysis effectively demonstrates that the risks of unintended and runaway escalation were higher than generally assumed. Nuclear war planning and proposals for arms control and disarmament are based on imagined future scenarios. Current thinking about the future rarely goes beyond extrapolation. Counterfactual analysis provides a more sophisticated foundation for forward looking narratives in contrast to the usual extrapolation of present trends.
International Relations and Intellectual History
Authors: Bell Duncan
Published: August 2023

This chapter explores how intellectual historians have studied visions of international and global politics. I focus on some of the contrasting purposes that have been claimed for historical scholarship, and I survey assorted debates that have shaped the field in recent years. The first section, ‘Practices and Purposes’ outlines some of the roles that have been claimed for intellectual history, from illuminating the tangled development of human thought to informing contemporary theorizing. The second section, ‘Trends and Trajectories’ discusses topics that have drawn attention in recent years, focusing especially on empire and disciplinary history. The final section, ‘Exclusions and Expansions’ examines long marginalized themes, above all gender and race, and highlights how work addressing them is pushing the field in exciting new directions.
The role of trusts in taxing the rich
Authors: Hines James R
Published: August 2023

Trusts play important roles in the financial, estate, and tax plans of wealthy families. Evidence from US taxpayers indicates that the tax savings that they obtain from using trusts are rather modest, with one of the major tax benefits providing aggregate savings equal to just 0.05 per cent of the annual income of the top 0.01 per cent of US taxpayers. Trusts are primarily used to facilitate intergenerational and other transfers. Restrictions imposed by trusts can have the effect of preserving high levels of wealth and income, creating greater opportunities for governments to tax the rich.
The end of bank secrecy: implications for redistribution and optimal taxation
Authors: Johannesen Niels
Published: August 2023

This paper argues that the ability to enforce taxes on offshore income may shape the redistributional properties of the tax system through two channels. First, it mechanically raises tax progressivity for given parameters of the tax system because high-income taxpayers own most of the offshore wealth. In the US, recent comprehensive reporting by offshore banks suggests the mechanical increase in average tax rates may be around 1.5 percentage points for the top 0.01 per cent and virtually zero below the top 1 per cent. Second, it may further raise tax progressivity by changing the trade-offs underlying optimal taxation in favour of higher taxation of top incomes.