bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interference Demonstration with Plane Parallel Glass Plates
Authors: Kallard T.
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate the interference phenomenon for light reflected from the boundaries of a thin parallel-sided glass plate.
Interferometric Flatness Testing
Authors: Kallard T.
Published: November 2020

Fizeau bands or fringes result from essentially two-beam interference occurring near a thin dielectric film. One must focus the eye on (or very near) the film to see these Fizeau fringes: they are said to be “localized in the film.” When monochromatic light is used to observe the Fizeau fringes, they are interpreted in the same manner as the contour lines of a topographical map. Fizeau fringes are called “fringes of equal thickness” because the fringes, light and dark, are lines of constant separation between the surfaces and the spacing difference is one-half wavelength of the illuminating light. An air wedge between two glass plates and Newton’s rings are each manifestations of Fizeau fringes.
Interference with Polarized Light (Fresnel-Arago Laws)
Authors: Kallard T.
Published: November 2020

A series of experiments performed by Fresnel and Arago in 1817 revealed the basic properties of polarized and unpolarized light. Only after these experiments had been performed was the transverse nature of light fully understood. The four interference laws of Fresnel and Arago can be easily demonstrated using a Michelson interferometer.
Demonstrating the Mach-Zehnder and Jamin Interferometers
Authors: Kallard T.
Published: November 2020

The Mach-Zehnder interferometer shown in Fig. 166 consists of two beam splitters, B1 and B2, and two front surface mirrors, M1 and M2.
Sagnac’s Triangular Interferometer
Authors: Kallard T.
Published: November 2020

The interferometer described here was introduced by G. Sagnac in 1910. In its original layout it was a “rectangular” interferometer. It was used by Michelson and Gale in their determination of the effect of the earth’s rotation on the velocity of light. The “triangular” layout was used by Dowell to measure the length of end gauges. With spherical mirrors the triangular-path apparatus can be used for interferometric testing in wind tunnels. The grazing incidence triangular interferometer can be applied to check the quality of a granite surface for metrological inspections. An improved method for testing lenses, using an optical autocorrelator to measure the optical transfer function (OTF) of an imaging system, has been developed, - based on the Sagnac triangular interferometer.
Laser Speckle Phenomena
Authors: Kallard T.
Published: November 2020

Visible laser light scattered from a finely irregular surface or transmitted through a random inhomogeneous medium shows a speckled appearance caused by interference effects of the elementary waves emanating from each element of the scatterers.
Airy’s Disc
Authors: Kallard T.
Published: November 2020

Fraunhofer diffraction at a circular aperture is of great importance as most lenses and stops used are circular in shape.
Holography
Authors: Kallard T.
Published: November 2020

Holography is a two-step process of optical imagery using a source of coherent light. First, a complex interference pattern is recorded on a photographic emulsion.This detailed permanent record of the necessary information is called a hologram. Second, the hologram is illuminated in such a way that part of the transmitted light yields a view of the original object recorded.
Properties of Holograms
Authors: Kallard T.
Published: November 2020

Holograms have many fascinating properties. Inexpensive ready-made holograms on film can be purchased from several sources (for example, Edmund Scientific Co., and Jodon Engineering Associates, Inc.).
Requirements and Materials for Hologram Production
Authors: Kallard T.
Published: November 2020

The light source used to record holograms must have a coherence length at least equal to the maximum difference between the object beam path length and the reference beam path length. Path length differences less than the coherence length are required to obtain holographic interference effects. Gas lasers offer by far the highest coherence length, and they are continuous in operation, which simplifies experimental procedure.
Multiple Recording of Holograms
Authors: Kallard T.
Published: November 2020

It has been suggested that many separate holograms could be superimposed on the same piece of film or plate thus making better use of the storage capacity of the holographic emulsion.
Some Applications of Holography
Authors: Kallard T.
Published: November 2020

Classical interferometers can be utilized only for the determination of the quality or mirror-like surfaces, or lenses and polished objects of regular shape. In classical interferometers the wave in one arm is the standard to which the wave in the other arm is compared. Both waves must be present at the same time.
Light
Authors: Edge R. D.
Published: November 2020

Experiment 6.01 Reflection of Light

Materials: - Foam or paper cups, string, sticky tape, soda straws
Sound
Authors: Edge R. D.
Published: November 2020

Experiment 7.01 The Rubber Band Guitar

Materials: - soda straw, rubber band, cardboard
Solid State and Crystallography
Authors: Edge R. D.
Published: November 2020

Experiment 9.01 The Packing Together of Atoms in Metals

Materials: marbles, paper, sticky tape
Background Material
Authors: McCullough Jodi , McCullough Roy
Published: November 2020

One of the difficulties in suggesting the use of toys is the question of universal availability and name changes from different manufacturers and distributors. We have included as many pictures as possible. If you see a toy discussed and cannot find it, we recommend that you use the picture to create a “Wanted” poster (see page 2.7) offering a reward for students who bring you one. There are many stories of teachers filling their toy chests this way.
Energy as a Social Value
Authors: Roeder John L.
Published: November 2020

Activity 11. Energy “Used” in a Day (Teacher’s Notes)

PROCESS SKILLS: Survey, Calculate
Transparencies
Authors: Roeder John L.
Published: November 2020

NOTE: A PowerPoint version of the following transparencies is freely available for download from the AAPT website, www.aapt.org/store, under Teaching About Energy
The Human Values of Physics
Authors: Stewart G. W.
Published: November 2020

What are the human values of physics? The words “science” and “invention” are often coupled just as if science, and more especially physics, represents chiefly an invention-producing effort of man. The brief discussion that follows will hold that science in general and physics in particular are important aspects of man’s intellectual life, that science has a profound civilizing influence, and that this contribution will not remain static but on the contrary will grow to larger and larger proportions.
Research and the College Teacher
Authors: Osgood Thomas H.
Published: November 2020

Many of the troubles which beset a teacher of physics originate in the fact that there are too many things for him to do. The trend of the times is to develop a close and informal relationship between student and teacher, a desirable but time-consuming aim. At the same time, a teacher has a pride in his institution which encourages him to do something to add to its prestige by maintaining its reputation for scholarly work. This something usually takes the form of research which can be published in reputable journals, but for a variety of reasons it is becoming more and more difficult to carry on research with only the traditional assets of wax and string. In this paper I have tried to analyze the situation of the college teacher in his relation to current research. Since I am not aware of possessing any exceptional qualifications for the task, my effort is made rather as a spokesman for the readers of this Journal than as one who has new ideas to propound. It may be, however, that the opinions set forth below are not truly representative of the American Association of Physics Teachers. In that case, there will be something to argue about.
Technological Research in the University
Authors: Klopsteg Paul E.
Published: November 2020

It would be trite to remark about my awareness of the distinction conferred upon a speaker in extending to him the invitation to deliver this memorial address. Nonetheless, there is distinction in being associated, as Richtmyer lecturer, with such men as Compton, Hull, Darrow and Rabi; and there is distinction in being selected by his fellows as one whom they regard capable of making a contribution of interest to the two distinguished societies here assembled. Finally, there is distinction in the assignment of honoring the memory of a man who contributed so much to physics, and whom the speaker was privileged to count among his friends. In preparing this address, I have been sensitive to the obligation of demonstrating that the Committee exercised good judgment.
Physics Teachers and Technology
Authors: Taylor Lloyd W.
Published: November 2020

Late one afternoon on a dark winter’s day in 1936 the electric power supply to a portion of New York City was interrupted. The condition of that part of the city during the ensuing forty minutes provided striking evidence of modern dependence on the technical professions. Stop-page of light, telephone and elevator service instantly paralyzed all business activity. Hotels and apartment houses found themselves, in addition, lacking refrigeration, heat and water pressure. Even in that short period, the accumulation of sewage began to be a problem.
Contributions of Edwin Herbert Hall to the Teaching of Physics
Authors: Webster David L.
Published: November 2020

The Committee on Awards for Notable Contributions to the Teaching of Physics recommends for the award of this year Emeritus Professor Edwin Herbert Hall, of Harvard University, in recognition of his pioneer work in the introduction of laboratory instruction in physics.
RESPONSE
Authors: Dodge Homer Levi
Published: November 2020

There are many ways in which one may contribute to the betterment of physics teaching. In selecting the Oersted Medalist of the current year the committee recognized that the man chosen has made contributions in at least three of these ways.
The New Challenge to the Physics Teacher
Authors: Edwards R. L.
Published: November 2020

For the tenth consecutive year the American Association of Physics Teachers is awarding the Oersted Medal “for notable contributions to the teaching of physics.” The committee is this year recommending Doctor Ray L. Edwards, of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.
Presentation of J. W. Buchta as the Oersted Medalist for 1957
Authors: Michels Walter C.
Published: November 2020

Mr. President: The man whom the Committee on Awards is asking you to honor today was born in 1895, in the middle of a very significant decade in the history of American physics. The Physical Review had been first published just two and a half years before; the American Physical Society was to be founded three and a half years later. That society has grown from 38 members to about 13 000 during his lifetime. Perhaps even more significant than the increase in numbers has been the shift of the center of gravity of physics to the west during the same period. Of the 38 founders, I have been able to find the affiliations of 35 at the time of the Society’s birth. Of these, 33, or 94%, were located east of the Alleghenies and north of the Potomac. By comparison, the most recently published membership list shows only 46% of the membership in this limited and populous region.
Walter Christian Michels : Oersted Medalist for 1963
Authors: Verbrugge Frank
Published: November 2020

The American Association of Physics Teachers has Conferred upon Walter Christian Michels, Bryn Mawr College, the twenty-eighth of its annual awards for notable contributions to the teaching of physics. The address of recommendation printed below was made by Frank Verbrugge, Chairman of the Committee on Awards, and the presentation was made by Vincent E. Parker, President of the Association, at a ceremony in Manhattan Center, New York, on January 23, during the thirty-third annual meeting.
Response of the Oersted Medalist
Authors: Kemble Edwin C.
Published: November 2020

Our 1969 Oersted Medalist, Edwin C. Kemble, has enjoyed wide interests, exhibited broad competencies, and made great contributions to the teaching of physics. He is unusual, even among his Oersted Medalist peers, in the variety and extent of his service to the profession.
Constant Force
Authors:   NASA and AAPT
Published: November 2020

Calculate the forces acting on a parachute as it falls.
Rotational Motion
Authors:   NASA and AAPT
Published: November 2020

ACTIVITY Circular Motion Studies with Toy Airplane
Observations on the mortality of young southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons) in the Murraylands of South Australia
Authors: Gaughwin Matt , Walker Faith , Woolford Lucy , Upton Jordyn , Sobek Colin , Johnson Allison , Taggart David
Published: November 2020

There are very few reports on mortality of young southern hairy-nosed wombats. We describe the appearance of six young wombats that died when rainfall was well below average in 2017–19. Some of the wombats appeared malnourished, and most died around the age of weaning, which we conclude is a vulnerable time for them. A crude and lower estimate of the mortality of wombats born in 2016 was 31%.
Optimizing the performance of multiline-scanning confocal microscopy
Authors: Weng Chun Hung , Tang Jialei , Han Kyu Young
Published: November 2020

Line-scanning (LS) confocal microscopy provides high imaging speed and moderate optical sectioning strength, which makes it a useful tool for imaging various biospecimens ranging from living cells to fixed tissues. Conventional LS systems have only used a single excitation line and slit, and thus have not fully exploited the benefits of parallelization. Here we investigate the optical performance of multi-LS confocal microscopy (mLS) by employing a digital micro-mirror device that provides programmable patterns of the illumination beam and the detection slit. Through experimental results and optical simulations, we assess the depth discrimination of mLS under different optical parameters and compare it with multi-point systems such as spinning disk confocal microscopy (SDCM). Under the same illumination duty cycle, we find that mLS has better optical sectioning than SDCM at a high degree of parallelization. The optimized mLS provides a low photobleaching rate and video-rate imaging while its optical sectioning is similar to single LS confocal microscopy.
TiO2–SiO2 nanocomposite thin films deposited by direct liquid injection of colloidal solution in an O2/HMDSO low-pressure plasma
Authors: Mitronika Maria , Profili Jacopo , Goullet Antoine , Gautier Nicolas , Stephant Nicolas , Stafford Luc , Granier Agnès , Richard-Plouet Mireille
Published: November 2020

TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs), 3 nm in size, were injected inside a very-low-pressure O2 plasma reactor using a liquid injector and following an iterative injection sequence. Simultaneously, hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) vapor precursor was added to create a SiO2 matrix and a TiO2–SiO2 nanocomposite (NC) thin film. Both the liquid injection and vapor precursor parameters were established to address the main challenges observed when creating NCs. In contrast to most aerosol-assisted plasma deposition processes, scanning/transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM) indicated isolated (i.e. non-agglomerated) NPs distributed in a rather uniform way in the matrix. The fraction of the TiO2 NPs inside the SiO2 matrix was estimated by SEM, spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. All techniques provided coherent values, with percentages between 12% and 19%. Despite the presence of TiO2 NPs, SE measurements confirmed that the plasma-deposited SiO2 matrix was dense with an optical quality similar to the one of thermal silica. Finally, the percentage of TiO2 NPs inside the SiO2 matrix and the effective refractive index of the NCs can be tuned through judicious control of the injection sequence.
Geometry dependence of the fluctuation intensity in gyrokinetic turbulence
Authors: Staebler G M , Candy J , Belli E A , Kinsey J E , Bonanomi N , Patel B
Published: November 2020

The findings of an investigation into the properties of the three dimensional (3D) saturated fluctuation intensity of the electric potential in gyrokinetic turbulence simulations is presented. Scans in flux surface elongation and Shafranov shift are used to isolate the tokamak geometric dependencies. The potential intensity required in order to compute exact fluxes by a quasilinear method is determined using linear eigenmodes computed with the gyrokinetic code. A model of this non-linear intensity is constructed using the linear eigenmode properties and the geometry shape functions obtained from the 3D intensity spectrum. The model computes the poloidal wavenumber spectrum of the electron and ion energy fluxes with unprecedented accuracy. New insights are gained into the way zonal flow mixing saturates ion-scale turbulence by controlling the radial wavenumber width of the turbulence spectrum.
Revisiting the limits of photon momentum based optical power measurement method, employing the case of multi-reflected laser beam
Authors: Vasilyan Suren , López Marco , Rogge Norbert , Pastuschek Marcel , Lecher Holger , Manske Eberhard , Kück Stefan , Fröhlich Thomas
Published: November 2020

In this work, we review the viability and precision of the photon-momentum-based optical power measurement method that employs an amplification effect caused by a multi-reflected laser beam trapped in an optical cavity. Measuring the total momentum transfer of the absorbed and re-emitted photons from a highly reflective surface (reflection of the laser beam from an optical mirror) as a force provides the possibility of measuring the optical power with direct traceability to SI units. Trial measurements were performed at two different metrology laboratories: the laboratory for mass/force at the Technical University of Ilmenau, and the clean room laser radiometry laboratory at PTB, with a portable force measurement setup consisting of two electromagnetic force compensation balances. We compared the results of the optical power measurements performed with the force measurement setup, via the photon-momentum-based method, with those performed using a calibrated reference standard detector traceable to PTB’s primary standard for optical power, the cryogenic radiometer. The comparison was carried out for an optical power range between 1 W and 10 W at a wavelength of 532 nm, which corresponds to a force of approximately 2000 nN at the upper limit, yielding approximately 2.3% relative standard uncertainty in the case of 33 reflections. Thus, conflating the high-precision force metrology technique at μN to nN levels with the optical setup required to achieve specular multi-reflection configuration of the laser beam, where a macroscopic optical cavity with ultra-high reflective mirrors (>99.995%) can adjustably be suspended from the force sensors, depending on required geometry of reflections, we show that the uncertainty of the optical power measurements upon further increase of the nominally applied optical power, the number of laser beam reflections, or the reflectivity coefficient of the mirrors can be markedly reduced.
Change in the pedestal stability between JET-C and JET-ILW low triangularity peeling-ballooning limited plasmas
Authors: Stefanikova E. , Frassinetti L. , Saarelma S. , Perez von Thun C. , Hillesheim J.C. , contributors JET
Published: November 2020

This work discusses the possible mechanisms that have led to the degradation of the pedestal pressure height and pedestal stability of low triangularity peeling-ballooning (PB) limited pla-smas from JET with the carbon wall (JET-C) to JET with the ITER-like wall (JET-ILW). The work shows that the lower pedestal stability of JET-ILW is not directly caused by the presence of a metal wall, but rather due to the operational constraints that require operation with high gas fuelling. Recent results have suggested the possible role of the distance between the density and temperature pedestal positions (n
e
pos − T
e
pos, also called the ‘relative shift’) with increasing gas fuelling rate on the PB stability of JET-ILW baseline plasmas (Stefanikova et al 2018 Nucl. Fusion
58 056010). The work further extends the analysis of the role of the relative shift, showing that it plays an important role in the difference between the pedestal performance of JET-C and JET-ILW. Moreover, the work also shows that the pedestal density n
e
ped, Z
eff, and pedestal pressure width w
pe play an important role in this difference. The pedestal structure and stability have been studied both experimentally and by modelling. The modelling shows that the changes in n
e
pos − T
e
pos, n
e
ped, Z
eff, and w
pe are sufficient to explain the differences in the pedestal performance between JET-C and JET-ILW PB limited discharges. A hypothesis describing the possible mechanisms leading to the degradation of the pedestal pressure and stability from JET-C to JET-ILW in PB limited plasmas is put forward.
Highlighting and overcoming data barriers: creating open data for retrospective analysis of US electric power systems by consolidating publicly available sources
Authors: Kasseris Emmanuel , Goteti Naga Srujana , Kumari Sapna , Clinton Bentley , Engelkemier Seiji , Torkamani Sarah , Akau Tevita , Gençer Emre
Published: November 2020

Studies of power system operation commonly draw from two key databases produced by the US Environmental Protection Agency: the Acid Rain Program’s Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) data, and the Emissions and Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID). Separate reporting requirements and heterogeneity in data aggregation between these two databases creates a barrier to systematic spatial and temporal retrospective power system analysis. This work describes the inherent challenges to this undertaking and documents a method for reconciling the two seemingly disparate data sources. While fundamental differences in data reporting and aggregation prevent us from achieving full coverage, this work represents an important initial step to aligning these two repositories of US power system data. We demonstrate the value of this linkage by computing relative unit-level, hourly utilization metrics for most thermal power plants in the US. Analysis of these metrics across time illustrates thermal generator cycling trends in California between 2011 and 2017. These unit-level results indicate that combined cycle units within California increased their part-load generation by 15% and resultant CO2 emissions by 17% and decreased their start/stop frequency over time by 8.5% and resultant emissions by 47%. Open cycle gas turbines overall increased their generation- number of start/stop cycles by 97% and resultant emissions by 85%, part-load generation by 120% and resultant emissions by 100%, and full load generation by 40% and resultant emissions 18%. We also observe a temporal shift in thermal generation from morning hours to evening in California.
Predicting microbiomes through a deep latent space
Authors: García-Jiménez Beatriz , Muñoz Jorge , Cabello Sara , Medina Joaquín , Wilkinson Mark D
Published: November 2020

Motivation

Microbial communities influence their environment by modifying the availability of compounds, such as nutrients or chemical elicitors. Knowing the microbial composition of a site is therefore relevant to improve productivity or health. However, sequencing facilities are not always available, or may be prohibitively expensive in some cases. Thus, it would be desirable to computationally predict the microbial composition from more accessible, easily-measured features.

Results

Integrating deep learning techniques with microbiome data, we propose an artificial neural network architecture based on heterogeneous autoencoders to condense the long vector of microbial abundance values into a deep latent space representation. Then, we design a model to predict the deep latent space and, consequently, to predict the complete microbial composition using environmental features as input. The performance of our system is examined using the rhizosphere microbiome of Maize. We reconstruct the microbial composition (717 taxa) from the deep latent space (10 values) with high fidelity (>0.9 Pearson correlation). We then successfully predict microbial composition from environmental variables, such as plant age, temperature or precipitation (0.73 Pearson correlation, 0.42 Bray–Curtis). We extend this to predict microbiome composition under hypothetical scenarios, such as future climate change conditions. Finally, via transfer learning, we predict microbial composition in a distinct scenario with only 100 sequences, and distinct environmental features. We propose that our deep latent space may assist microbiome-engineering strategies when technical or financial resources are limited, through predicting current or future microbiome compositions.

Availability and implementation

Software, results and data are available at https://github.com/jorgemf/DeepLatentMicrobiome

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Sedentary behaviour in the workplace: prevalence, health implications and interventions
Authors: Bailey Daniel P
Published: November 2020

Introduction

This paper reviews the prevalence and health risks of excess sedentary behaviour in office workers, and the effectiveness of sedentary workplace interventions in a manner accessible to practitioners.

Sources of data

A narrative review of empirical studies obtained from PubMed and Web of Science.

Areas of agreement

Office workers are highly sedentary, increasing their risk of health problems. Interventions using individual, organisational and environmental level strategies can be effective for reducing workplace sitting.

Areas of controversy

The effects of sedentary workplace interventions on health are inconsistent. This may be due to a lack of randomized controlled trials powered to detect changes in health outcomes.

Growing points

Multicomponent interventions that use a combination of the strategies above may be the most effective for reducing sitting.

Areas timely for developing research

Determining the long-term health and cost-effectiveness of sedentary workplace interventions is a priority to encourage employer buy-in for their implementation.
Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Phase 2 Trial of an Inactivated Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Vaccine in Healthy Adults
Authors: Che Yanchun , Liu Xiaoqiang , Pu Yi , Zhou Meijian , Zhao Zhimei , Jiang Ruiju , Yin Zhifang , Xu Mingjue , Yin Qiongzhou , Wang Jianfeng , Pu Jing , Zhao Heng , Zhang Ying , Wang Lichun , Jiang Ya , Lei Jin , Zheng Yan , Liao Yun , Long Runxiang , Yu Li , Cui Pingfang , Yang Huijuan , Zhang Yuehui , Li Jingyu , Chen Weiwu , He Zhanlong , Ma Kaili , Hong Chao , Li Dandan , Jiang Guorun , Liu Donglan , Xu Xingli , Fan Shengtao , Cheng Chen , Zhao Hongling , Yang Jianbo , Li Yan , Zou Yanxiang , Zhu Youshuai , Zhou Yaling , Guo Yingqiu , Yang Ting , Chen Hongbo , Xie Zhongping , Li Changgui , Li Qihan
Published: November 2020

Background

We evaluated an inactivated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine for immunogenicity and safety in adults aged 18–59 years.

Methods

In this randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial, healthy adults received a medium dose (MD) or a high dose (HD) of the vaccine at an interval of either 14 days or 28 days. Neutralizing antibody (NAb) and anti-S and anti-N antibodies were detected at different times, and adverse reactions were monitored for 28 days after full immunization.

Results

A total of 742 adults were enrolled in the immunogenicity and safety analysis. Among subjects in the 0, 14 procedure, the seroconversion rates of NAb in MD and HD groups were 89% and 96% with geometric mean titers (GMTs) of 23 and 30, respectively, at day 14 and 92% and 96% with GMTs of 19 and 21, respectively, at day 28 after immunization. Anti-S antibodies had GMTs of 1883 and 2370 in the MD group and 2295 and 2432 in the HD group. Anti-N antibodies had GMTs of 387 and 434 in the MD group and 342 and 380 in the HD group. Among subjects in the 0, 28 procedure, seroconversion rates for NAb at both doses were both 95% with GMTs of 19 at day 28 after immunization. Anti-S antibodies had GMTs of 937 and 929 for the MD and HD groups, and anti-N antibodies had GMTs of 570 and 494 for the MD and HD groups, respectively. No serious adverse events were observed during the study period.

Conclusions

Adults vaccinated with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine had NAb as well as anti-S/N antibody and had a low rate of adverse reactions.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT04412538.
Sensitivity of C-Reactive Protein and Procalcitonin Measured by Point-of-Care Tests to Diagnose Urinary Tract Infections in Nursing Home Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kuil S D , Hidad S , Fischer J C , Harting J , Hertogh C M P M , Prins J M , de Jong M D , van Leth F , Schneeberger C
Published: November 2020

Background

Diagnosing urinary tract infections (UTIs) in nursing home residents is complex, as specific urinary symptoms are often absent and asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is prevalent. The aim of this study was to assess the sensitivity of blood C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT), measured by point-of-care tests (PoCTs), to diagnose UTIs in this setting.

Methods

Elderly residents (≥65 years old) with a suspected UTI were recruited from psychogeriatric, somatic, or rehabilitation wards across 13 participating nursing homes. CRP and PCT were tested simultaneously in the same study participants. To assess the tests’ sensitivities, a stringent definition of “true” UTI was used that included the presence of symptoms, urinary leucocytes, a positive urine culture, and symptom resolution during antibiotic treatment covering isolated uropathogen(s). The original sample size was 440 suspected UTI episodes, in order to detect a clinically relevant sensitivity of at least 65% when calculated using the matched analysis approach to compare both PoCTs.

Results

After enrollment of 302 episodes (68.6% of the planned sample size), an unplanned and funder-mandated interim analysis was done, resulting in premature discontinuation of the study for futility. For 247 of 266 eligible episodes, all mandatory items required for the true UTI definition (92.9%) were available. In total, 49 episodes fulfilled our stringent UTI definition (19.8%). The sensitivities of CRP (cut-off, 6.5 mg/L) and PCT (cut-off, 0.025 ng/mL) were 52.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 36.7–67.5%) and 37.0% (95% CI, 23.2–52.5%), respectively.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that CRP and PCT are not suitable tests for distinguishing UTI and ASB in nursing home residents.

Clinical Trials Registration

Netherlands Trial Registry NL6293.
Wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy complicated by spinal canal stenosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and rotator cuff tears: a case report
Authors: Takashio Seiji , Nishi Masato , Tsuruta Yuichiro , Tsujita Kenichi
Published: November 2020

Background

Wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTRwt-CM) is receiving increasing attention due to the availability of novel treatment options. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and lumbar spinal canal stenosis are known early symptoms of transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis preceding the cardiac involvement and are considered as ‘Red Flags’ for transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM).

Case summary

A 67-year-old man with a history of lumbar spinal canal stenosis for the last 10 years, right rotator cuff tears for the last 4 years, and bilateral CTS for the last 1 year was scheduled for orthopaedic surgery for lumbar spinal canal stenosis. Investigations revealed severe left ventricular hypertrophy and hypertroponinaemia, which were suggestive of cardiac amyloidosis. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and 99mTc-labelled pyrophosphate scintigraphy demonstrated positive findings for ATTR-CM. Transthyretin deposition was found in both the myocardium and the yellow ligamentum excised during surgery. There was no transthyretin mutation on genetic testing. The final diagnosis was ATTRwt-CM.

Discussion

Transthyretin deposition in the ligaments or tendons has been observed in a number of patients with CTS, spinal canal stenosis, and rotator cuff tears. These orthopaedic diseases are predictive for the future occurrence of ATTR-CM. In addition, the coexistence of these multiple diseases might strongly predict ATTR-CM. This knowledge needs to be shared with orthopaedicians and cardiologists for the early diagnosis of ATTR-CM.
Multilayer bare stent technique in treating intact mycotic suprarenal aortic aneurysm: a case report
Authors: Song Chao , Cai Qing , Huang Yi , Lu Qingsheng
Published: November 2020

Background

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) related mycotic aortic aneurysm is rare in immunocompetent patient. The endovascular therapy remains controversial due to potential risk of graft infection, while the suprarenal cases might face catastrophic complications during open surgery.

Case summary

We presented an IA case with suprarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm confirmed by joint effusion. Multilayer bare stent technique was performed to preserve visceral blood flow and promote aneurysmal thrombus formation, along with antifungal treatment. Two years of follow-up revealed complete aneurysm thrombosis without evidence of infection.

Discussion

Fungal infection that affects the aorta is difficult to recognize due to often negative blood cultures. Close observation is recommended in case of suspicion of mycotic aneurysms. Multilayer bare stent technique can restore luminal laminar blood flow and reduce the risk of infection in intact mycotic suprarenal aortic aneurysm.
Corynebacterium jeikeium native valve infective endocarditis case report: a confirmed microbiological and pathological diagnosis from heart valvular tissue
Authors: Dowling Wentzel Bruce , Koen Johan
Published: November 2020

Background

The Modified Duke criteria is an important structured schematic for the diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE). Corynebacterium jeikeium is a rare cause of IE that is often resistant to standard IE anti-microbials. We present a case of C. jeikeium IE, fulfilling the Modified Duke pathological criteria.

Case summary

A 50-year-old male presented with left leg peripheral vascular disease with septic changes requiring amputation. Routine echocardiography post-amputation demonstrated severe aortic valve regurgitation with vegetations that required valve replacement. Two initial blood cultures from a single venepuncture showed Streptococcus mitis which was treated with penicillin G prior to surgery. Subsequent aortic valve tissue cultured C. jeikeium with suggestive IE histological valvular changes and was successfully treated on a prolonged course of vancomycin.

Discussion

This is the first C. jeikeium IE case diagnosed on heart valvular tissue culture and highlights the importance for the fulfilment of the Modified Duke criteria in diagnosing left-sided IE. Mixed infection IE is rare, and this case possibly represents an unmasking of resistant C. jeikeium IE following initial treatment of penicillin G.
A case report of advanced heart failure refractory to pharmacological therapy who was successfully recovered by combinatory usage of cardiac resynchronizing therapy, Impella and MitraClip
Authors: Sobajima Mitsuo , Fukuda Nobuyuki , Ueno Hiroshi , Kinugawa Koichiro
Published: November 2020

Background 

The safety and efficacy of MitraClip for advanced heart failure (HF) patients who are inotrope-dependent or mechanically supported are unknown.

Case summary 

The patient was a 71-year-old man diagnosed as dilated cardiomyopathy in 2003. He was admitted due to worsening HF in January 2019 and became dependent upon intravenous infusion of inotropes. During the 8-month hospitalization, his haemodynamics were relatively static with bed rest and continuous inotropes, but he was definitely dependent on them. Our multidisciplinary team decided to perform both cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and MitraClip under Impella support. First, Impella was inserted from left subclavian artery. After a week, CRT was implanted from right subclavian vein, and the QRS duration of electrocardiogram became remarkably narrow. MitraClip was performed 2 weeks after Impella, and functional mitral regurgitation improved from severe to mild, and Impella was removed on the same day. Inotropes could be ceased, and he was discharged 2 months after MitraClip.

Discussion 

During inotrope-dependent status, there was a risk that HF would worsen with haemodynamic collapse when performing CRT implantation, and we firstly supported his haemodynamics by Impella. Cardiac resynchronization therapy implantation before MitraClip seemed to be crucial. In fact, the mitral valve morphology before Impella insertion had very poor coaptation of the anterior and posterior leaflets that was not optimal for MitraClip procedure. But the Impella support and correction of dyssynchrony by CRT markedly improved the coaptation of those leaflets. The combination therapy of CRT and MitraClip unloading with Impella maybe a new therapeutic option for advanced HF.
How and Why Was Domesday Made?
Authors: Baxter Stephen
Published: November 2020

This article offers a new interpretation of the Domesday survey, drawing upon a collaborative study of its earliest surviving manuscript, Exeter Cathedral Library MS 3500 (Exon). It identifies five principal stages: first, the survey was launched at Gloucester in midwinter 1085; secondly, fiscal information extracted from geld assessment lists was integrated with manorial detail supplied by landholders to create a survey organised on a geographical plan by hundred; thirdly, this hundredal recension was checked by a second group of commissioners at meetings of shire courts, generating a substantial corpus of contested matter; fourthly, the hundredal recension was restructured into circuit returns which grouped together and summarised the holdings of barons who held directly from the king; fifthly, Domesday Book itself was written directly from these circuit returns. Royal assemblies held at Easter, Whitsun and Lammas functioned as deadlines for the second, third and fourth stages respectively; and a major geld levied at the rate of six shillings to the hide was collected and accounted for during this period. The survey generated a range of different outputs, each intended to serve specific fiscal and political purposes: the hundredal recension was designed to facilitate a reassessment of geld liabilities; the lists of contested matter anticipated a later judicial review; the circuit returns, summaries and Domesday Book were designed to make the administration of the royal demesne and the profits of royal lordship more efficient. The latter also supplied barons with what amounted to confirmation charters of their uncontested holdings, for which they performed homage.
Mantle dynamics of the Andean Subduction Zone from continent-scale teleseismic S-wave tomography
Authors: Rodríguez Emily E , Portner Daniel Evan , Beck Susan L , Rocha Marcelo P , Bianchi Marcelo B , Assumpção Marcelo , Ruiz Mario , Alvarado Patricia , Condori Cristobal , Lynner Colton
Published: November 2020

The Andean Subduction Zone is one of the longest continuous subduction zones on Earth. The relative simplicity of the two-plate system has makes it an ideal natural laboratory to study the dynamics in subduction zones. We measure teleseismic S and SKS traveltime residuals at >1000 seismic stations that have been deployed across South America over the last 30 yr to produce a finite-frequency teleseismic S-wave tomography model of the mantle beneath the Andean Subduction Zone related to the Nazca Plate, spanning from ∼5°N to 45°S and from depths of ∼130 to 1200 km. Within our model, the subducted Nazca slab is imaged as a fast velocity seismic anomaly. The geometry and amplitude of the Nazca slab anomaly varies along the margin while the slab anomaly continues into the lower mantle along the entirety of the subduction margin. Beneath northern Brazil, the Nazca slab appears to stagnate at ∼1000 km depth and extend eastward subhorizontally for >2000 km. South of 25°S the slab anomaly in the lower mantle extends offshore of eastern Argentina, hence we do not image if a similar stagnation occurs. We image several distinct features surrounding the slab including two vertically oriented slow seismic velocity anomalies: one beneath the Peruvian flat slab and the other beneath the Paraná Basin of Brazil. The presence of the latter anomaly directly adjacent to the stagnant Nazca slab suggests that the plume, known as the Paraná Plume, may be a focused upwelling formed in response to slab stagnation in the lower mantle. Additionally, we image a high amplitude fast seismic velocity anomaly beneath the Chile trench at the latitude of the Sierras Pampeanas which extends from ∼400 to ∼1000 km depth. This anomaly may be the remnants of an older, detached slab, however its relationship with the Nazca–South America subduction zone remains enigmatic.
Delivery Outcomes of Pregnant Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Compared With the General Population and With Women With Other Autoimmune Diseases at a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Geisman Taylor , Chen Ling , Gray-Swain Margaret Rosanna , Hiatt-Jensen Deborah , Gutierrez Alexandra
Published: November 2020

Background

Variable data have suggested that pregnant women with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are more likely to have cesarean deliveries and adverse pregnancy outcomes than the general population. The aim of this study was to describe the rates of cesarean delivery and adverse pregnancy outcomes among patients with IBD as compared with patients with other autoimmune diseases and with the general population.

Methods

Pregnant patients with IBD, those with non-IBD autoimmune diseases, and control patients were identified. Baseline demographics, disease characteristics, medication use, and delivery outcomes were recorded in a retrospective manner. The primary outcome was overall rate of cesarean delivery; secondary outcomes included rates of planned and unplanned cesarean delivery, delivery complications, preterm delivery, and fetal complications.

Results

Ninety-three women with IBD were age-matched to 376 control patients; 38 women with other autoimmune diseases were also identified. Women with IBD had higher rates of cesarean delivery (47%) when compared with control patients (31%; P < 0.0001) but not when compared with women with other autoimmune diseases. There were high rates of planned cesarean deliveries for IBD-related factors in the IBD cohort. Women with IBD did not have increased rates of adverse delivery or fetal outcomes.

Conclusions

Women with IBD have higher rates of cesarean delivery than the general population and rates similar to those of women with other autoimmune diseases. Planned cesarean delivery plays an important role in maintaining continuity and sphincter control in select situations, but a diagnosis of IBD does not mandate cesarean delivery.
The causes and consequences of a judicialized peace process in Colombia
Authors: Landau David
Published: November 2020

This article focuses on one striking feature of the Colombian peace process with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia—People’s Army (FARC): a very high level of judicialization, as shown through the many decisions issued by the Colombian Constitutional Court that have examined core elements of the process. It argues that this high level of judicialization is explained not only by the generally activist role conception of the Court, but also by specific doctrines it developed, including a robust incorporation of international law and an unconstitutional constitutional amendment doctrine, which essentially made judicialization inevitable. Since these doctrinal devices are spreading, they may portend increasingly judicialized peace processes in other countries as well. Normatively, judicialization of ongoing peace processes raises clear risks, particularly of destabilization. But for the most part, the Colombian Constitutional Court has avoided these risks and instead has stabilized the process in important ways, by insulating it from both international pressure and domestic political shifts. The Court has also injected important values into the process, especially regarding the rights of victims of the internal armed conflict. Thus, the case study demonstrates that at least under certain conditions, judicialization may have a beneficial impact on the substance and durability of peace processes.
Kinematic constraints on spatial curvature from supernovae Ia and cosmic chronometers
Authors: Jesus J F , Valentim R , Moraes P H R S , Malheiro M
Published: November 2020

An approach to estimate the spatial curvature Ωk from data independently of dynamical models is suggested, through kinematic parametrizations of the comoving distance [DC(z)] with third-degree polynomial, of the Hubble parameter [H(z)] with a second-degree polynomial and of the deceleration parameter [q(z)] with first-order polynomial. All these parametrizations were done as function of redshift z. We used SNe Ia data set from Pantheon compilation with 1048 distance moduli estimated in the range 0.01 < z < 2.3 with systematic and statistical errors and a compilation of 31 H(z) data estimated from cosmic chronometers. The spatial curvature found for DC(z) parametrization was $\Omega _{k}=-0.03^{+0.24+0.56}_{-0.30-0.53}$. The parametrization for deceleration parameter q(z) resulted in $\Omega _{k}=-0.08^{+0.21+0.54}_{-0.27-0.45}$. The H(z) parametrization has shown incompatibilities between H(z) and SNe Ia data constraints, so these analyses were not combined. The DC(z) and q(z) parametrizations are compatible with the spatially flat universe as predicted by many inflation models and data from cosmic microwave background. This type of analysis is very appealing as it avoids any bias because it does not depend on assumptions about the matter content of the Universe for estimating Ωk.
On the growth of the thermally modified non-resonant streaming instability
Authors: Marret A , Ciardi A , Smets R , Fuchs J
Published: November 2020

The cosmic rays non-resonant streaming instability is believed to be the source of substantial magnetic field amplification. In this work, we investigate the effects of the ambient plasma temperature on the instability and derive analytical expressions of its growth rate in the hot, demagnetized regime of interaction. To study its non-linear evolution, we perform hybrid-PIC simulations for a wide range of temperatures. We find that in the cold limit, about two-thirds of the cosmic rays drift kinetic energy is converted into magnetic energy. Increasing the temperature of the ambient plasma can substantially reduce the growth rate and the magnitude of the saturated magnetic field.