bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural and anthropogenic extensive destruction of the spruce forest community of the European part of Russia: main trends of biodiversity dynamics
Authors: Ulanova Nina , Kaplevsky Andrei
Published: June 2021

We analyzed the main trends of the change in the species richness of plant communities after catastrophic natural (beetle outbreaks, windfalls) and anthropogenic (clear cutting) disturbances. We examined the dynamics of the structural diversity of species richness of herb-dwarf scrubs layer with different reforestation technologies after the death of spruce stands. The study of similarity and ordination of vegetation showed the proximity of the undamaged forest to the unharvested stand, and the difference of these plant communities from clear-cut. The main determining factor of species richness was the intensity of plant community disturbance after catastrophes. We analyzed the reforestation dynamics of plant communities after catastrophic disturbances. Clear cutting led to the formation of grassy communities with a sharp increase in the species and structural diversity of plant community.
Physical and chemical properties, elemental and material snow composition in Rostov-on-Don
Authors: Fedorov Yuri A. , Solodko Daria F. , Chepurnaya Victoria I. , Dotsenko Irina V. , Talpa Boris V. , Levchenko Sergey V. , Popov Yuri V. , Dmitrik Leonid Yu.
Published: June 2021

To study the current distribution of the heavy metals (HM) levels and iron in the atmospheric precipitation in Rostov-on-Don, an expedition was conducted aimed at simultaneous river water and snow sampling in the Don River, the roadside and park areas. The pH values of the melt-water were characterized by a slightly acidic reaction, and the stale snow in the park had lower values in comparison with the fresh snow. The river water was slightly alkaline, and the concentrations of dissolved migration forms of Pb, Cd, Zn, Ni, Cr, Mn, and Fe did not exceed the MPC. The exception was the Cu content, which exceeded the MPC by 2.4 times. The contents of the dissolved migration forms of Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Fe in snow exceeded their contents in river waters. The HM and Fe percentage in suspended form in river water and different snow states is calculated and the sequence series are constructed. The analysis showed that in melt-water, in comparison with river water, there is a higher percentage of the HM and iron in the solution. That may be due to the slightly acidic reaction of the snow water medium, which, as is known, promotes the HM and Fe mobilization from the suspension and their transition to the dissolved state. Using electron microscopy and X-ray phase analysis, the suspension composition in the snow of the park zone was studied, which is mainly represented by aggregates of clay minerals, quartz grains, water silicates, feldspars, and organic matter clumps.
Ecological assessment of noise impact of dry transformer substations on the environment
Authors: Barseghyan Sarkis , Hayrapetyan Arman , Kirakosyan Armen
Published: June 2021

At present, special attention is paid to assessing the negative impact of power facilities on the environment, including the impact of noise generated by power equipment. Power transformers are one of the sources of noise for industrial areas and the surrounding area. The noise of transformers is caused both by the vibration of its active part and by the fans of the cooling system, which is amplified by resonance phenomena in its individual elements. The presented work provides an environmental assessment of the noise impact of transformer substations. The noise impact of a transformer substation is considered on the example of three dry transformers in the area immediately adjacent to the living space. A new corrected approach was developed and tested for calculating the sound power level for dry transformers with the MatLab software package. An assessment of the noise impact of the projected transformer substation to install three dry transformers was the voltage class of which is 400 kVA, and one has 1000 kVA for the territory immediately adjacent to the living area was made. In our researches, the regulated noise characteristic for transformers is the corrected sound power level, which is indicated in the technical characteristics of the transformer. Calculations on non-standard nominal rated powers were carried out.
Heavy metals in the bottom sediments of the coastal zone of the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland
Authors: Kudryavtseva Valentina , Shigaeva Tatyana , Alekseeva Natalya
Published: June 2021

For each summer from 2014 to 2019 the total concentrations of copper, zinc, cadmium, and lead in the surface layers of bottom sediments in the coastal zone of the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland were measured. The northern coast in the area of the city of Primorsk currently sees the rate of the pollution of surface-level bottom sediments with heavy metals decrease, although the concentration levels remain high. On the southern coast in the area of the city of Lomonosov the pollution of the bottom sediments is on the rise due to the ongoing construction of the Bronka seaport. In the Koporskaya and Grafskaya Bays a massive growth of macroalgae caused a further accumulation of metals in the bottom sediments, which are greatly impacted by climatic fluctuations.
Metal accumulation in aquatic vegetation in heat-affected zone of Gusinoozersk state regional power plant
Authors: Shiretorova Valentina G. , Zhigzhitzhapova Svetlava V. , Dylenova Elena P. , Radnaeva Larisa D.
Published: June 2021

The content of Fe, Mn, Al, Zn, Ni, Cu, Pb, Cr, Cd and Hg in higher aquatic plants, moss, charophyta and green filamentous algae was determined using inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry. A comparative assessment of metal accumulation was conducted. Plants growing within the heat-affected zone of Gusinoozersk State Regional Power Plant, especially filamentous algae, contained the largest amount of metals, which indicates the higher pollution of water and sediments and intensification of metabolic processes and their accumulation in plants. It was shown that aquatic plants of Lake Gusinoe accumulated most of the studied metals in volumes greater than in other cooling reservoir of Siberia. Thus, this research provides one of the important steps for the development of regional environmental standards and environmental risk assessments.
Biodegradation of organophosphorus insecticide methyl parathion by soil microorganisms
Authors: Le Thi Hue , Hoang Quang Cuong , Vu Dinh Duy , Vo Thi Hoai Thu
Published: June 2021

Organophosphorus compounds (OPs) have been widely used as effective insecticides. As a result, using too many OPs causes the residues of pesticides to be washed away into the water or soil, not only polluting water and soil, also directly or indirectly affecting environment and human health. Besides many countries and terrorists also use them as chemical warfare weapons. They are very dangerous neurotoxins to humans, animals and the environment. In the soil, there are many microorganisms that can degrade OPs, helping to release the accumulation of these toxic substances. In this study, two effective OP-degrading bacterial strains P9 and H14 has been isolated from agricultural land in Ha Nam province, Vietnam. We had used DNA barcodes (16S rRNA) to molecular identification of Klebsiella variicola (P9) and Priestia aryabhattai (H14) and deposited in GenBank MW644772, MW644771, respectively. Moreover, at an initial concentration of methyl parathion 50 mg/L, in investigative culture mediums and conditions, strain P9 degraded 100% of methyl parathion after 7 days in Luria-Bertani (LB) liquid culture. Maximum growth of P9 strains was observered after 6 days incubation (OD600=3.34). This study is an effort to open a direction of applying them in the treatment of OPs contaminated soils and water.
Engineering and geoecological assessment of soils salinity in Nukus using GIS technologies
Authors: Aimbetov Izzet , Bekimbetov Ruslan
Published: June 2021

The article presents the results of engineering and geoecological studies of the salinity of the soils of the city of Nukus to the ground water level. The results of observations of changes in the city’s ground water level are presented. It was found that the increase of the water level leads to additional salinization of the soils, which worsens the ecological situation of the city, has a negative impact on green spaces and reduces the longevity of plants. According to the results of research, maps-schemes of salinization of the city’s soil were compiled. Studies have shown that the soils of the territory of Nukus are saline and mainly belong to the chlorine-sulphate type of salinity.
Features of methane emission into the atmosphere over buried landfill bodies in urbanized ecosystems of Moscow
Authors: Mashentsev Klim , Glebov Viktor , Erofeeva Viktoriya , Yablochnikov Sergey , Mareeva Olga , Mickevičius Saulius , Nikitin Dmitry
Published: June 2021

On the outskirts of cities landfill bodies are formed, the territories of which are later used in urban planning. Over the buried landfill soils which represent construction and household garbage, methane flows are formed, which worsen the environmental conditions of the territories and negatively affect the psychosomatic health of residents. The goal was to study methane emissions from various buried landfills in Moscow. Our study on urbanized ecosystems in Moscow revealed different methane emissions in the soils. Thus, over young landfill bodies, the concentration of methane in the soils was 8 -16 ppm. This led to the release of methane into the atmosphere of the capital city. In the old landfill bodies, the concentration of methane in the soil was 1-2 ppm and did not cause methane emissions into the urban atmosphere. The analysis of the obtained data revealed the absorption of methane by soils on old landfill bodies at high and very high methane oxidation (Lobochevsky, Zyuzinskaya, Brateevskaya, Kashirskoe Highway and Ochakovka Streets). For organomineral horizons of replantozems with an increased content of organic matter and a loamy granulometric composition, increased methane formation and oxidation of autochthonous gas with undetected emission were detected.In technogenic and gray-humus horizons of urbanozems, methane formation and methane oxidation were reduced.
Microbial features of newly-formed soils of disposal fields from sugar refineries
Authors: Mikheev Pavel , Zamotaev Igor , Telnova Natalia
Published: June 2021

Newly-formed soils of wastewater disposal fields from two sugar refineries in forest-steppe zone (Kursk region, European Russia) were studied. Among factors of soil formation on sugar wastewater lagoons the geochemical influence of wastewater mixed with diluted filtration and transport-washing sludge stands out. We have revealed key physico-chemical and microbiological properties of such soils formed under different moisture regimes, substrates, vegetation, and duration of use. Compared to conditionally background soils (Luvic (Anthric) Chernozems), the newly formed soils show shift of pH values to alkaline ones, carbonation, increase of soil organic carbon, growth in mobile forms of phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen. Microflora in studied soils is identical in composition to background soils, but it differs significantly in structure. In soils formed in the decommissioned wastewater lagoons of an active sugar refinery, a higher number of bacteria with low participation of Micromycetes and Actinomycetes was noted, which indicates active destruction of organic matter. In soils of the recultivated and completely abandoned sugar wastewater lagoons indicated as Calcaric Someric Phaeozem, a higher number of Actinomycetes was noted than in the background soils.
Estimation of the phytoremediation potential of Alisma plantago-aquatica L. taken from different stations during water contamination by Cu and Pb (Russia, Vologda region)
Authors: Rumyantseva Anzhella , Neporozhniaia Inna , Denisova Elizaveta , Mazurkevich Anastasia
Published: June 2021

Accumulation of Cu and Pb by Alisma plantago-aquatica L. plants under laboratory conditions on separate solutions (3 MPC) and changes in the content of heavy metals (HM) when placed on distilled water (control) were studied. The phytoremediation potential of Alisma plantago-aquatica, taken from different stations, is assessed: from conditionally clean habitat located in the middle course of Yagorba river (Cherepovets region) and from conditionally polluted habitat located on the bank of Serovka river within Cherepovets city. It is established that irrespective of what stations are taken plants of Alisma plantago-aquatica, they actively accumulate heavy metals, but plants from conditionally clean habitat accumulate more. More effective in the purification of water from heavy metals is Alisma plantago-aquatica from conditionally clean habitat. Alisma plantago-aquatica specimens from different areas are capable of excretion of Cu and Pb ions, the leaves being the most important in this. Alisma has a good phytoremediation potential and is suitable for inclusion in the composition of bioplato to clean the water of small rivers from Cu and Pb.
Selection of resistant species of indoor plants for the health improvement the air environment of interiors
Authors: Tsitsilin Andrey , Fateeva Tatyana
Published: June 2021

Our studies show that at low illuminance, close to the light compensation point, plants of all studied species (Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng, Rhoicissus rhomboidea (E. Mey. ex Harv.) Planch., Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton) have a smaller total leaves area and low decorative qualities, and they have not antimicrobial activity. Plants grown under illuminance from 500 to 2000 lux, depending on the species, form a large above-ground biomass, live several times longer, have a pronounced phytoncidal effect (antimicrobal activity) on air microflora and Staphylococcus aureus. The maximum phytoncidal activity of E. cardamomum, P. amboinicus and R. rhomboidea are observed at an illuminance of 2000 lux (respectively 29 %, 36 % and 24 %). Phytoncidal activity decreases 2-3 times with a decline in the illuminance level to 500 lux, and in Indian borage, as a more light-loving plant, it disappears altogether. Phytoncidal activity of P. amboinicus(Indian borage) is 32% in relation to Staphylococcus aureus strain 209- P. Phytocompositions from resistant species of indoor plants reduce the number of microorganisms in the air of classrooms of secondary school by 45% -58%, and ones of primary school - by 5.2-7.3 times.
UPGMA - analysis of type II CRISPR RNA-guided endonuclease Cas9 homologues from the compost metagenome
Authors: Zimin Andrei A. , Karmanova Alexandra N. , Lu Yinhua
Published: June 2021

Metagenomic approaches provide access to the genetic diversity of the environment for biotechnological applications, allowing the discovery of new enzymes and new pathways for numerous catalytic processes. Five new putative type II CRISPR-Cas9 DNA endonucleases were identified from the compost community using the DELTA-BLAST algorithm. It was determined using phylogenetic UPGMA analysis that four of these potential enzymes are similar to those of the Bacteroidetes. Protein structural modeling confirmed the data of DELTA-BLAST and UPGMA analysis. These new five proteins found may be promising for genome editing in termoresistant Actinomyces.
Ecological and hydrochemical water properties of surface watercourses and aspects of inhabitant nosology in Dubna city
Authors: Kirpichev I.A. , Savvateeva O.A.
Published: June 2021

The article is devoted to the study of the ecological and hydrochemical parameters of rivers Volga and Dubna within Dubna city, Moscow region, while considering both the actual ecological and hydrochemical indicators, as well as the biochemical and ecotoxicological characteristics of watercourses. It is shown that watercourses are constantly subjected to anthropogenic pressure. It inevitably leads to the arrival of a number of pollutants including heavy metals that can destroy the existing ecological balance of reservoirs. Since the Volga is a source of surface water supply for Dubna city, and both rivers are popular in terms of recreational activities and fishing, an urgent issue is to study the nosologies of the urban population caused by the impact of the waters of both rivers. It is shown that the high probability of the potential development of environmental-related nosologies is not currently fixed, the carcinogenic risk to the health of the population of Dubna city has a minimal, low and moderate degree as a result of surface water pollution, the non-carcinogenic danger from surface water pollution has a minimum, permissible and moderate degree of danger. The critical organs and body systems of the population of the territory are primarily the gastrointestinal tract, central nervous, nervous and cardiovascular systems. Attention should be paid to monitoring in surface water bodies such contaminants as magnesium, nitrite, nitrate, and ammonium salts, phosphates, zinc, copper, and lead.
ADDIE educational technology for coursework design in environmental education for sustainable development in Russia
Authors: Ryazanova Natalya , Semak Anna , Kazakova Ekaterina
Published: June 2021

The aim of the work is to conduct a comparative analysis of the national goals and objectives in the national project “Ecology” and the global SDGs. This article considers he main vectors of environmental discourse, their compliance with the international agenda and relevance for various regions of RussiaThe work presents the course results designed according to the classical model ADDIE. An educational strategy and a public environmental information model have been established.. Small groups of students (12) were set up to work on researching selected federal projects from the national project. The research was conducted according to the unified plan and was designed with different content for each group of students, which allowed a comprehensive evaluation of the “Ecology” project. Each group of researchers analyzed the main goals and objectives of the federal projects, conducted a comparative analysis between the global SDGs and features of the national plan to achieve them. The analysis showed that the goals should be adjusted as they are achieved. The technique tested allows to implement a widespread application in an environmental education and investigate the large management models in the natural resource management.
Mechanochemical synthesis of adsorbents based on silicon oxycarbide composites
Authors: Grishin I.S. , Smirnov N.N.
Published: June 2021

In the work, an attempt was made to mechanochemically synthesize silicon oxycarbide composites from activated carbon and silica. Structure of the composites was studied using powder X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy. Formation of silicon oxycarbides was confirmed by presence of Si-O-C bond. Influence of the raw materials ratio on structural and chemical properties of resulting composites was revealed. With an increase of silica share in the initial mixture, a decrease in specific surface area and pore volume was noted, as well as an increase of the concentration of surface functional groups. Samples of the composites were tested in processes of sorption of methyl orange and fluoride ions. It was established that adsorption capacity for methyl orange decreased, while that for fluoride ions significantly increased comparing to activated carbon.
Individual educational paths
Authors: Nazarova V.Y. , Ostapenko M.S.
Published: June 2021

At present, professional institutions are operating under difficult conditions. To maintain competitiveness, universities are trying to attract students also by individual training. The article gives the results of a survey of students with the purpose to determine the problem of actualisation of the individual educational path of a student. Analysis of the survey results showed the level of student’s knowledge about the possibilities of individualization of the educational process, maturity of ideas about individual educational paths and attitude to them, and participation in their constructionand actualisation.
An Older Thrombus Delays Reperfusion after Mechanical Thrombectomy for Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Kitano Takaya , Hori Yumiko , Okazaki Shuhei , Shimada Yuki , Iwamoto Takanori , Kanki Hideaki , Sugiyama Shintaro , Sasaki Tsutomu , Nakamura Hajime , Oyama Naoki , Hoshi Taku , Beck Goichi , Takai Hiroki , Matsubara Shunji , Mizuno Hiroya , Nishimura Hirotake , Tamaki Ryo , Iida Junichi , Iba Jiro , Uno Masaaki , Kishima Haruhiko , Fushimi Hiroaki , Hattori Satoshi , Murayama Shigeo , Morii Eiichi , Sakaguchi Manabu , Yagita Yoshiki , Shimazu Takeshi , Mochizuki Hideki , Todo Kenichi
Published: June 2021

Background Thrombosis is a dynamic process, and a thrombus undergoes physical and biochemical changes that may alter its response to reperfusion therapy. This study assessed whether thrombus age influenced reperfusion quality and outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy for cerebral embolism.

Methods We retrospectively evaluated 185 stroke patients and thrombi that were collected during mechanical thrombectomy at three stroke centers. Thrombi were pathologically classified as fresh or older based on their granulocytes' nuclear morphology and organization. Thrombus components were quantified, and the extent of NETosis (the process of neutrophil extracellular trap formation) was assessed using the density of citrullinated histone H3-positive cells. Baseline patient characteristics, thrombus features, endovascular procedures, and functional outcomes were compared according to thrombus age.

Results Fresh thrombi were acquired from 43 patients, and older thrombi were acquired from 142 patients. Older thrombi had a lower erythrocyte content (p < 0.001) and higher extent of NETosis (p = 0.006). Restricted mean survival time analysis revealed that older thrombi were associated with longer puncture-to-reperfusion times (difference: 15.6 minutes longer for older thrombi, p = 0.002). This association remained significant even after adjustment for erythrocyte content and the extent of NETosis (adjusted difference: 10.8 minutes, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.6–21.1 minutes, p = 0.039). Compared with fresh thrombi, older thrombi required more device passes before reperfusion (p < 0.001) and were associated with poorer functional outcomes (adjusted common odds ratio: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.24–0.99).

Conclusion An older thrombus delays reperfusion after mechanical thrombectomy for ischemic stroke. Adding therapies targeting thrombus maturation may improve the efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy.
Vertebrobasilar Dolichoectasia, Hypoplastic Third Ventricle, and Related Biventricular Hydrocephalus: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Umana Giuseppe Emmanuele , Alberio Nicola , Graziano Francesca , Fricia Marco , Tomasi Santino Ottavio , Corbino Leonardo , Nicoletti Giovanni Federico , Cicero Salvatore , Scalia Gianluca
Published: June 2021

Background Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBDE) is defined as a symptomatic dilatation and tortuosity of the vertebrobasilar arteries. The risk of hydrocephalus development is due to direct compression of the third ventricle outflow or brainstem compression and related aqueduct stenosis. We present an uncommon case of a patient with symptomatic VBDE with the uniqueness of a hypoplastic third ventricle associated with biventricular hydrocephalus. A literature review concerning diagnosis and management of patients affected by biventricular hydrocephalus caused by VBDE was also performed.

Case Illustration We report a case of a 54-year-old man who presented with headache, ideomotor apraxia, and gait disorder. A head computed tomography (CT) scan showed a biventricular hydrocephalus and a subsequent CT angiography documented the presence of a VBDE compressing the anterior part of the third ventricle that also appeared hypoplastic. The patient also presented a clinical history of arterial hypertension for which he was given a proper pharmacologic treatment with symptom relief. A surgical treatment of ventriculoperitoneal shunt along with endoscopic septostomy was proposed, but the patient refused, probably due to the slightly positive response to medical treatment.

Conclusions The natural clinical history of patients affected by VBDE is unfavorable with 7.8 years of median survival. The therapeutic strategy is usually conservative and the role of antiplatelets or oral anticoagulants is still debated. In selected patients, ventriculoperitoneal shunt to resolve intracranial hypertension caused by biventricular hydrocephalus is the most effective treatment. In our opinion, chronic third ventricle compression could lead to anatomic–pathologic alterations like the third ventricle hypoplasia documented in our report.
Decompressive Craniectomy in Pregnant Women
Authors: Fernández García Adrián , Jiménez Zapata Herbert Daniel , de Lera Alfonso Mercedes C. , Sánchez Fernández Carlos , Jiménez Arribas Paloma , Rodríguez Arias Carlos Alberto
Published: June 2021

Malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction warranting decompressive craniectomy (DC) is unusual in the population younger than 40 years. Specifically, only a few cases affecting pregnant women have been described in the literature. We present the case of a 39-year-old woman in the 24th week of pregnancy who suffered a right malignant MCA infarction that eventually required DC. The patient delivered a healthy baby and underwent a second surgery for cranioplasty 7 months later. We present both this case and a review of the literature, including all cases of DC in pregnant women published to date.
Pulley, Flexor, and Extensor Tendon Injuries of the Hand
Authors: Rosskopf Andrea B. , Taljanovic Mihra S. , Sconfienza Luca M. , Gitto Salvatore , Martinoli Carlo , Picasso Riccardo , Klauser Andrea
Published: June 2021

Tendon injuries represent the second most common injury of the hand (after fractures) and are a common scanning indication in radiology. Pulley injuries are very frequent in rock climbers with the A2 pulley the most commonly affected. Tendon and pulley injuries can be reliably evaluated using ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). US can be postulated as a first-line imaging modality, allowing dynamic examination. MRI is essential for cases with ongoing diagnostic doubt post-US and also for preoperative pulley reconstruction assessment.
Carpal Instability: I. Pathoanatomy
Authors: Schmitt Rainer , Hesse Nina , Goehtz Florian , Prommersberger Karl-Josef , de Jonge Milko , Grunz Jan-Peter
Published: June 2021

The pathoanatomy of carpal instability is multifactorial and usually complex. A thorough medical history and clinical examination are essential, as well as profound knowledge of the specific instability patterns. The stability of the wrist is ensured by the carpal joint surfaces, by intact intra-articular (particularly the scapholunate interosseous ligament) and intracapsular ligaments, and by crossing extensor and flexor tendons, the latter making the proximal carpal row an “intercalated segment.” An important classification feature is the distinction between dissociative and nondissociative forms of carpal instability. Among others, scapholunate dissociation, lunotriquetral dissociation, midcarpal instability, and ulnar translocation are the most common entities. Early forms of instability are considered dynamic. In the natural course, static instability of the wrist and osteoarthritis will develop. This review focuses on the pathoanatomical fundamentals of the various forms of carpal instability.
Choosing the Best Treatment Approach for Axial Vein Reflux: Thermal versus Nonthermal Approaches
Authors: Shmelev Karen , Gupta Ramona
Published: June 2021

Chronic venous insufficiency is a common and treatable medical condition which has a high morbidity if left untreated, progressing to lower extremity edema, skin changes of lipodermatosclerosis, and venous ulceration. Treatment options have significantly expanded over the last several decades, shifting away from the traditional surgical approach to more minimally invasive procedures such as endoluminal venous laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation. Even more recently, several techniques using nonthermal methods to ablate varicose veins have been developed, which offer the advantage of not requiring labor-intensive and painful tumescent anesthesia to protect the surrounding tissues. These techniques include mechanochemical ablation, cyanoacrylate closure, or polidocanol microfoam injection and can be offered to a wider range of patients without the need for sedation while offering similar closure rates and improved postprocedure symptom profile. Furthermore, certain patient characteristics which might preclude or complicate the use of thermal ablation methods might not pose a problem with nonthermal nontumescent methods.
Skeletal Manifestations of Heritable Disproportionate Dwarfism in Cats as Determined by Radiography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Anderson Lisa M. , Fox Derek B. , Chesney Kari L. , Coates Joan R. , Torres Bryan T. , Lyons Leslie A.
Published: June 2021

Objective The aim of this study was to characterize the radiographic alignment of thoracic and pelvic limbs and evaluate for intervertebral disc disease in cats with feline disproportionate dwarfism (FDD).

Study Design Observational cross-sectional study. Radiographic joint orientation angles were measured in 10 thoracic and pelvic limbs from 5 FDD cats and compared with those angles measured in 24 thoracic limbs and 100 pelvic limbs from skeletally normal cats. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine was performed in 2 FDD cats for the evaluation of pathology of the intervertebral discs or vertebrae.

Results All limbs from FDD cats possessed deformities. FDD humeri demonstrated procurvatum proximally, and recurvatum distally in the sagittal plane, but showed no difference in the frontal plane. FDD radii possessed excessive recurvatum proximally, and procurvatum distally in the sagittal plane, and varus proximally and valgus distally in the frontal plane. Whereas no torsion was discernible in the humeri, all radii had external torsion. In the frontal plane, FDD femurs exhibited varus both proximally and distally whereas the tibia possessed proximal valgus and distal varus. No torsion in the pelvic limbs was observed. No spinal pathology was detected in the FDD cats included in the original study.

Conclusion Feline disproportionate dwarfism results in significant appendicular deformity in all limbs. The incidence of intervertebral disc degeneration in FDD cats is inconclusive.
Clinician Perceptions on the Use of Free-Text Communication Orders
Authors: Kandaswamy Swaminathan , Pruitt Zoe , Kazi Sadaf , Marquard Jenna , Owens Saba , Hoffman Daniel J. , Ratwani Raj M. , Hettinger Aaron Z.
Published: June 2021

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate (1) why ordering clinicians use free-text orders to communicate medication information; (2) what risks physicians and nurses perceive when free-text orders are used for communicating medication information; and (3) how electronic health records (EHRs) could be improved to encourage the safe communication of medication information.

Methods We performed semi-structured, scenario-based interviews with eight physicians and eight nurses. Interview responses were analyzed and grouped into common themes.

Results Participants described eight reasons why clinicians use free-text medication orders, five risks relating to the use of free-text medication orders, and five recommendations for improving EHR medication-related communication. Poor usability, including reduced efficiency and limited functionality associated with structured order entry, was the primary reason clinicians used free-text orders to communicate medication information. Common risks to using free-text orders for medication communication included the increased likelihood of missing orders and the increased workload on nurses responsible for executing orders.

Discussion Clinicians' use of free-text orders is primarily due to limitations in the current structured order entry design. To encourage the safe communication of medication information between clinicians, the EHR's structured order entry must be redesigned to support clinicians' cognitive and workflow needs that are currently being addressed via the use of free-text orders.

Conclusion Clinicians' use of free-text orders as a workaround to insufficient structured order entry can create unintended patient safety risks. Thoughtful solutions designed to address these workarounds can improve the medication ordering process and the subsequent medication administration process.
Long-Term Effects of Hearing Aids on Hearing Ability in Patients with Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Goel Anurag R. , Bruce Haley A. , Williams Nicholas , Alexiades George
Published: June 2021

Abstract Background A frequent concern surrounding amplification with hearing aids for patients with sensorineural hearing loss is whether these devices negatively affect hearing ability. To date, there have been few studies examining the long-term effects of
amplification on audiometric outcomes in adults. Purpose In the present study, we examined how hearing aids affect standard audiometric outcomes over long-term periods of follow-up. Research Design We retrospectively collected audiometric data in adults with
sensorineural hearing loss, constructing a model of long-term outcomes. Study Sample This retrospective cohort study included 802 ears from 401 adult patients with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss eligible for amplification with hearing aids at a single institution.
Intervention Of the eligible patients, 88 were aided bilaterally, and 313 were unaided. Data Collection and Analysis We examined the standard three-frequency pure-tone average (PTA3-Freq), a novel extended pure-tone average (PTAExt), and word
recognition score (WRS) per-ear at each encounter. We then modeled the association between the use of hearing aids for 5 years and these audiometric outcomes using targeted maximum likelihood estimation. Results In comparing aided and unaided ears at the end of 5 years, there
were discernible effects for all measurements. The PTA3-Freq was 5 dB greater in aided ears (95% CI: 1.37‐8.64, p = 0.007), WRS was 4.5 percentage points lower in aided ears (95% CI: −9.14 to 0.15, p = 0.058), and PTAExt
was 5 dB greater in aided ears (95% CI: 2.18‐7.82, p < 0.001), adjusting for measured confounders. Conclusion Our analysis revealed discernible effects of 5 years of hearing aid use on hearing ability, specifically as measured by the PTA3-Freq,
novel PTAExt, and WRS, suggesting a greater decline in hearing ability in patients using hearing aids. Future studies are needed to examine these effects between treatment groups over longer periods of time and in more heterogeneous populations to improve clinical practice guidelines
and safety of both prescriptive fitting nonprescriptive amplification.
The ongoing contributions of spin-off research and practice to understanding corporate restructuring and wealth creation: $100 billion in 1 decade
Authors: Owers James E. , Sergi Bruno S.
Published: June 2021

Since the 1980s, analysis of spin-offs has become a key line of inquiry in corporate finance. This paper reviews the theory and empirical research papers about spin-off restructuring and measures the monetary value created by spin-offs. First, we document the valuation impact of spin-offs for the divesting firms and then examine such subtleties as the interesting (positive) ex-dividend day price impact and the myriad other details associated with these transactions. This study provides a review of the now extensive research into spin-off divestitures. It looks into equity price reactions around the announcements of 249 voluntary spin-offs undertaken by US public companies over the interval 2007–2017. The abnormal returns associated with recent spin-off divestitures are of the same order of magnitude as those from the earlier papers, showing the sustained statistical significance and new economic materiality measures. With more firms undertaking spin-offs and the positive abnormal returns continuing to be substantial, the clear implication is that the overall monetary value creation resulting from spin-offs has increased markedly. Finally, and in a first for spin-off research, this paper calibrates the monetary value created by spin-offs despite the voluminous research of the topic. It establishes that spin-offs create large monetary value increments for divesting a firm’s stockholders—almost $100 billion in the interval 2007–2017.
Control the structure to optimize the performance of sound absorption of acoustic metamaterial: A review
Authors: Du Yan , Wu Weiguo , Chen Wei , Lin Yongshui , Chi Qingjia
Published: June 2021

Acoustic metamaterials achieve the function of absorbing sound through equivalent negative parameters and bandgaps. Sound absorption is closely related to structural design. How to effectively control acoustic metamaterials’ acoustic performance through structural design is of vital importance. This paper summarizes the structural design of typical acoustic metamaterials of the membrane, plates, Helmholtz cavities, and coupling structures from the structural design perspective. Acoustic metamaterials of different structures have their suitable application scenarios. Here, we review the latest progress of acoustic metamaterials in which various structures were applied to broaden the bandgap. Furthermore, this review may provide guidance for the potential application of acoustic metamaterials in engineering practice.
Electromechanical coupling mechanisms at a plasma–liquid interface
Authors: Dickenson A. , Walsh J. L. , Hasan M. I.
Published: June 2021

The direct interaction between a non-equilibrium gas discharge and a liquid volume leads to the generation of a plasma activated liquid. This interaction induces a flow in both the gas above the liquid and within the liquid volume. The physical mechanisms behind the induced flows are complex. In this work, a two-dimensional experimentally validated numerical model was developed to determine the dominant mechanism driving the liquid flow at the plasma–liquid interface. The model followed the evolution of the plasma and the flow fields in both phases, describing a pin-water discharge configuration operating in air, which was used to treat a de-ionized water sample and a tap water sample. Two potential physical mechanism were investigated, the electrohydrodynamic (EHD) flow induced in the gas phase and the electric surface stresses across the interface. It was found that the dominant mechanism driving the liquid flow is correlated with the charge relaxation time of the liquid. For liquids with a charge relaxation time longer than the characteristic time of the plasma, such as de-ionized water, the liquid behaves as a dielectric, and the electric surface stresses dominate the flow in the liquid phase. For liquids with a charge relaxation time shorter or in the same order of the plasma’s characteristic time, such as tap water, the liquid behaves as a conductor, and the EHD flow induced in the gas phase dominates the flow in the liquid phase.
White LED phototherapy as an improved treatment for neonatal jaundice
Authors: Savedra R. M. L. , Fonseca A. M. T. , Silva M. M. , Bianchi R. F. , Siqueira M. F.
Published: June 2021

With the aim of improving phototherapy for neonatal jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia), this study investigates the degradation of unconjugated bilirubin under irradiance by conventional light and by white, red, green, and blue LED sources in vitro. The absorption spectra of bilirubin under these different light sources are compared. The results demonstrate that white LED phototherapy promotes more efficient bilirubin degradation than conventional blue-light therapy. This study provides a basis for the design of novel phototherapy devices for the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia.
Probability theory of active suspensions
Authors: Deußen B. , Oberlack M. , Wang Y.
Published: June 2021

A new approach to studying active suspensions is presented. They exhibit a specific behavior pattern, sometimes referred to as active turbulence. Starting from first principles, we establish a description for an active suspension, consisting of a Newtonian fluid and active Janus particles. The fluid phase is described by Navier–Stokes equations and the particles by Newton–Euler equations. A level set approach is used to separate the two phases, well-known from the representation of sharp interfaces in various numerical schemes. By introducing the multi-point probability density function (PDF)-approach known from hydrodynamic turbulence, we obtain a hierarchical ordered infinite set of linear statistical equations. However, the equations for the K-point PDF depend on the K + 1 and K + 2-point PDF, exposing the closure problem of active turbulence. As all statistical moments can be formed from the PDF, the latter set of equations already includes every statistical model for an active suspensions. To illustrate this, we derive the Eulerian spatial averaging theory from the hierarchy of multi-point PDF-equations.
Design and simulation of broadband multiphase pentamode metamaterials
Authors: Zhao Aiguo , Zhang Xiangdong , Yu Weining , Zhao Zhigao , Cai Xuan , Chen Hong
Published: June 2021

Pentamode metamaterial (PM) has great potential in controlling underwater waves due to its broadband and solid-state merits. The reported underwater PM devices were all designed with single metallic materials, which largely limited the realizable properties range of PM. Pentamode metamaterials for simulating water with dual phase and triple phase were proposed and investigated in this article. It was revealed that the acoustic scattering of the proposed PM in water is very weak within the simulation frequency range except at some resonance frequencies. The mean total scattering cross section of the proposed pentamode metamaterials is about two orders smaller than that of the titanium alloy block, while the far-field sound pressure of pentamode microstructures was only about 1/3 of that of titanium alloy block. It also illustrates that the second and third phase of the unit cell could not only broaden the realizable properties range of PM but also suppress the bending and rotational vibration modes, demonstrating the efficacy and broadband characteristic of the multiphase pentamode metamaterial.
Structural defects in transition metal dichalcogenide core-shell architectures
Authors: DiStefano Jennifer G. , Murthy Akshay A. , Jung Hee Joon , dos Reis Roberto , Dravid Vinayak P.
Published: June 2021

Curvature presents a powerful approach to design atomic structure and tailor material properties in atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). The emerging TMD core-shell architecture, in which a multilayer TMD shell encapsulates a curved nanoparticle core, presents the opportunity to controllably induce defects into a TMD crystal by strategically constructing the shape of the underlying core. However, harnessing this potential platform first requires robust characterization of the unique structural features present in the core-shell architecture. To this end, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning TEM (STEM) are particularly powerful tools for direct structural characterization of 2D materials with a high spatial resolution and precision. Here, we reveal and describe defects inherently present in the TMD core-shell architecture. We develop a comprehensive framework to classify the observed defects and discuss potential origins and implications of structural variations. We utilize high resolution S/TEM to reveal the relationship between defects and their associated strain fields. Furthermore, we demonstrate that TMD shells often possess a wide range of interlayer spacings with varied spatial distribution. By exploring the rich array of structural defects inherently present in the TMD core-shell architecture, we provide an important foundation to ultimately induce exotic properties in TMDs through sophisticated defect engineering.
Numerical study of natural oscillations of supported drops with free and pinned contact lines
Authors: Sakakeeny Jordan , Ling Yue
Published: June 2021

The oscillation of droplets supported by solid surfaces is important for a wide variety of applications such as dropwise condensation. In the present study, the axisymmetric natural oscillations of a liquid drop supported by a flat surface are investigated by direct numerical simulation. The liquid–gas interface is captured using a geometric volume-of-fluid method. A parametric study is carried out by varying the equilibrium contact angle and the gravitational Bond number (Bo). Both positive and negative gravities are considered, and thus the results cover both pendant and sessile drops. To incorporate the effect of contact line mobility, the two asymptotic limits, namely, the pinned contact line (PCL) and free contact line (FCL) conditions, are considered and their effects on the drop oscillation features are characterized. The predicted oscillation frequencies for PCL and FCL serve as the upper and lower bounds for general situations. The drop oscillation is initiated by increasing the gravity magnitude for a short time. The first mode due to the drop centroid translation dominates the excited oscillation. The oscillation frequency scales with the capillary frequency, and the normalized frequency monotonically decreases with the equilibrium contact angle. For zero gravity, the computed frequencies for all contact angles agree remarkably well with the inviscid theory for both the PCL and FCL conditions. The kinetic energy correction factor is introduced to account for the additional contribution of the oscillation-induced internal flow to the overall kinetic energy of the drop. Both the frequency and the kinetic energy correction factor increase with Bo, decrease with the contact angle, and increase when the contact line condition changed from FCL to PCL. The variation of oscillation frequency due to the change of Bo is particularly significant when the contact angle is large, suggesting that the gravity effect must be incorporated to accurately predict the oscillation frequency for drops supported by hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surfaces.
Geometric size dependence of spin-mixing conductance at Pt/YIG interface
Authors: Liu Q. B. , Meng K. K. , Zheng S. Q. , Miao J. , Xu X. G. , Jiang Y.
Published: June 2021

The spin-mixing conductance (SMC) is an essential parameter for ferromagnetic-insulators-based spintronics devices. Here, we study the influence of device boundary on local spin transport properties in platinum (Pt)/yttrium iron garnet (YIG) films by reducing the lateral size of the devices. An obvious fluctuation of spin Hall magnetoresistance, Gilbert damping coefficient, and effective spin Hall angle with restricting the size of YIG films has been found at room temperature. By employing both harmonic and current-induced spin-torque ferromagnetic resonance measurements, we have found a negligible fluctuation of both the imaginary part of SMC and effective magnetization with varying the geometric size of devices. In contrast, the real part of SMC at the Pt/YIG interface has been rigidly altered. Our results show that the SMC dramatically depends on the boundary effect from Ar+-ion milling.
Local heat emission due to unidirectional spin-wave heat conveyer effect observed by lock-in thermography
Authors: Kainuma Yuta , Iguchi Ryo , Prananto Dwi , Vasyuchka Vitaliy I. , Hillebrands Burkard , An Toshu , Uchida Ken-ichi
Published: June 2021

Lock-in thermography measurements were performed to reveal heat source distribution induced by the unidirectional spin-wave heat conveyer effect (USHCE) of magnetostatic surface spin waves. When the magnetostatic surface spin waves are excited in an yttrium iron garnet slab, the lock-in thermography images show spatially biased sharp and complicated heating patterns, indicating the importance of edge spin-wave dynamics for USHCE. The accessibility to the local heat emission properties allows us to clarify a capability of remote heating realized by USHCE; it can transfer energy for heating even through a macro-scale air gap between two magnetic materials owing to the long-range dipole–dipole coupling.