bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-commutativity and non-inertial effects on a scalar field in a cosmic string space-time: I. Klein–Gordon oscillator
Authors: Cuzinatto Rodrigo Rocha , de Montigny Marc , Pompeia Pedro José
Published: February 2022

We analyse the Klein–Gordon oscillator in a cosmic string space-time and study the effects stemming from the rotating frame and non-commutativity in momentum space. We show that the latter mimics a constant magnetic field, imparting physical interpretation to the setup. The field equation for the scalar field is solved via separations of variables, and we obtain quantization of energy and angular momentum. The space-time metric is non-degenerate as long as the particle is confined within a hard-wall, whose position depends on the rotation frame velocity and the string mass parameter. We investigate the energy quantization both for a finite hard-wall (numerical evaluation) and in the limit of an infinite hard-wall (analytical treatment). We stress the effect of non-commutativity upon the energy quantization in each case.
Plasmonic nanostructure integrated two-dimensional materials for optoelectronic devices
Authors: Kalita Dhiman , Deuri Jiten Kumar , Sahu Puspanjali , Manju Unnikrishnan
Published: February 2022

Last decade has seen an explosion in the exploration of two-dimensional materials for optoelectronic applications owing to their novel optical and electronic properties. However, these materials, in general, are poor light absorbers with restricted spectral responsivity which limits their efficiency. Integration of these two-dimensional materials with each other and with plasmonic metal nanostructures enhances their light absorption efficiency and also influence the electronic properties. This review highlights the optical and electronic properties of two-dimensional materials integrated with other plasmonic two- dimensional materials or with plasmonic metal nanostructures. In addition, an overview of the optoelectronic properties of plasmonic nanostructure integrated two-dimensional heterostructures is also presented.
Phase transition of supercooled water confined in cooperative two-state domain
Authors: Li Peizhao , Lu Haibao , Fu Yong-Qing
Published: February 2022

The question of ‘what is the structure of water?’ has been regarded as one of the major scientific conundrums in condensed-matter physics due to the complex phase behavior and condensed structure of supercooled water. Great effort has been made so far using both theoretical analysis based on various mathematical models and computer simulations such as molecular dynamics and first-principle. However, these theoretical and simulation studies often do not have strong evidences of condensed-matter physics to support. In this study, a cooperative domain model is formulated to describe the dynamic phase transition of supercooled water between supercooled water and amorphous ice, both of which are composed of low- and high-density liquid water. Free volume theory is initially employed to identify the working principle of dynamic phase transition and its connection to glass transition in the supercooled water. Then a cooperative two-state model is developed to characterize the dynamic anomalies of supercooled water, including density, viscosity and self-diffusion coefficient. Finally, the proposed model is verified using the experimental results reported in literature.
Towards a direct measurement of the quantum-vacuum Lagrangian coupling coefficients using two counterpropagating super-intense laser pulses
Authors: Roso Luis , Lera Roberto , Ravichandran Smrithan , Longman Andrew , He Calvin Z , Pérez-Hernández José Antonio , Apiñaniz Jon I , Smith Lucas D , Fedosejevs Robert , Hill Wendell T
Published: February 2022

In this paper we will show that photon–photon collision experiments using extreme lasers can provide measurable effects giving fundamental information about the essence of QED, its Lagrangian. A possible scenario with two counterpropagating ultra-intense lasers for an experiment to detect scattering between optical photons is analyzed. We discuss the importance of the pulse widths and waists, the best scenario for overlapping the beams and signal detection, as well as ways to distinguish the signal from the noise. This would need a high-precision measurement, with control of temporal jitter and noise. We conclude that such experiment is barely feasible at 1023 W cm−2 and very promising at 1024 W cm−2.
Quantum synchronisation and clustering in chiral networks
Authors: Lorenzo Salvatore , Militello Benedetto , Napoli Anna , Zambrini Roberta , Palma G Massimo
Published: February 2022

We study the emergence of synchronisation in a chiral network of harmonic oscillators. The network consists of a set of locally incoherently pumped harmonic oscillators coupled pairwise in cascade with travelling field modes. Such cascaded coupling leads to feedback-less dissipative interaction between the harmonic oscillators of the pair which can be described in terms of an effective pairwise Hamiltonian a collective pairwise decay. The network is described mathematically in terms of a directed graph. By analysing geometries of increasing complexity we show how the onset of synchronisation depends strongly on the network topology, with the emergence of synchronised communities in the case of complex networks. The quantum nature of the non local correlation between network nodes is assessed.
A study on the electronic properties of A site and B site doped SrTiO3 for thermoelectric applications using first-principles calculations
Authors: Arava Clement Manohar , Nayak Sanjib , Chan Kwok Sum , Roy Vellaisamy A L
Published: February 2022

In SrTiO3, the nature of dopants and their substitution at the A or B site becomes a critical factor in determining the electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, and thermal conductivity. The electronic band structure and the density of states (DOS) for the ab-initio study using different dopants were estimated using PBE-GGA approximation. The size, site of substitution, and nature of dopants cause significant changes in the lattice dimensions, band structure, band curvatures, and the density of states, which reflect as changes in the effective mass

m

B

i

⁎

.

The effective mass

m

B

i

⁎

is calculated from the curvature of the bottom-most conduction band using the one-band effective mass approximation. Pentavalent substitutions on the B site of SrTiO3 affect the conduction band’s curvature differently than with trivalent substitutions on the A site. They also exhibit an opposite trend in the change in band curvature according to the dopant’s ionic radius. In contrast, isovalent dopants showed no change in the band curvature except for the bandgap modification. In this paper, we have provided a semi-quantitative understanding regarding the thermoelectric properties like conductivity and Seebeck coefficient that get affected due to the substituent’s nature and site at which it substitutes.
On the dynamics of a Caputo-like discrete fractional Rössler system: chaos, stabilization and synchronization
Authors: Azil Souaad , Odibat Zaid , Shawagfeh Nabil
Published: February 2022

This study examines the dynamics of a novel Caputo-like discrete fractional Rössler system. The dynamics of this discrete fractional system are numerically analyzed using phase portraits, bifurcation diagrams and Lyapunov exponents. The study confirmed the existence of chaos in the proposed system where one scroll chaotic attractors are displayed. Control laws are presented to force the states of the proposed system to converge asymptotically to zero and to exhibit complete synchronization of coupled Caputo-like discrete fractional Rössler systems. Numerical simulations are introduced to illustrate the findings of this study.
A new analysis of galaxy 2-point functions in the BOSS survey, including full-shape information and post-reconstruction BAO
Authors: Chen Shi-Fan , Vlah Zvonimir , White Martin
Published: February 2022

We present a new method for consistent, joint analysis of the pre- and post-reconstruction galaxy two-point functions of the BOSS survey. The post-reconstruction correlation function is used to accurately measure the distance-redshift relation and expansion history, while the pre-reconstruction power spectrum multipoles constrain the broad-band shape and the rate-of-growth of large-scale structure. Our technique uses Lagrangian perturbation theory to self-consistently work at the level of two-point functions, i.e. directly with the measured data, without approximating the constraints with summary statistics normalized by the drag scale. Combining galaxies across the full redshift range and both hemispheres we constrain Ωm = 0.303 ± 0.0082, H
0 = 69.23 ± 0.77 and σ8 = 0.733 ± 0.047 within the context of ΛCDM. These constraints are consistent both with the Planck primary CMB anisotropy data and recent cosmic shear surveys.
An Overview of Advanced Oxidation Process and Outlook
Authors: Sun Xiangbo
Published: February 2022

With the development of industry and agriculture, water contamination comes more and more serious even threatens human health. Advanced oxidation processes are widely used in waste water treatment because of their high efficiency, among them peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activate by catalysts to release sulfate radicals and hydroxyl radicals is the best way of removing recalcitrant organic pollutants in water. Cobalt ion and cobalt oxides can activate PMS efficiently, however their high toxicity will contaminate the environment terribly and even cause human cancer, which restrains the extensive utilization. Compared with cobalt, manganese is more environment-friendly with low toxicity and abundant content, meanwhile manganese oxides are given excessive focus due to its high catalytic efficiency, which makes it can be used in practical situations.
Machinability of Non-Conductive Ceramic by EDM: A Review
Authors: Baghel Rupali
Published: February 2022

AdvancedCeramics are gaining a foothold in the lightweight aerospace, electronics, and structural engineering component markets. These ceramics could be extensively used in modern industry, such as ballistic body armour, ceramic carbon fibre composite automoti ve brakes, diesel particulate filters, prosthetic limbs, piezoelectric sensors, and computer memory products, due to their higher compressive strength, resistance to abrasion, lower thermal expansion coefficient, higher density, and chemical stability. Ceramics are notori ously difficult to handle due to the increased hardness and brittleness. Low electric-conductive ceramics, on the other hand, can be machined using the EDM technique, in which plasma energy is used to accurately remove the material by continuous sparking between the surface and the electrode submerged in dielectric. It is observed that EDM can be applied to the material having electrical resistivity below 100 ?.cm. Most recently it has been observed that EDM could be applied to insulating ceramics too. An attempt has been made in this paper to critically review the machining of ceramics by the EDM process.
Study and Design of Arduino Based CNC Laser Cutting Machine
Authors: Nasir Khan Mohammad , Maheshwari Ambuj , Verma Himanshu
Published: February 2022

For precise job manufacturing, system should possess good dimensional accuracy and surface finish. In applications like drilling, punching, marking, boring, tapping work piece is positioned firstly and then cutting tool performs its action while motion axes are kept stationary. In traditional approach for such applications, manufacturer uses highly expensive CNC machine for programming job cycle and executing the same. Big scale manufacturer can afford such highly expensive machines but for small scale mechanical job manufacturing industry we have to think of low-cost solution that can deliver high class output. In this project we are trying to propose low-cost design which gives similar functionality as that of high-cost CNC machine. By applying this machine in industry, it can acquire the multi generation brief time. In order to perform some operation which requires continuous cutting over a pre-defined curve, CNC machines are used as the traditional machines in the industry. Installation of a CNC machine requires a high financial investment and a skilled labour to perform the different operations on the machine. Apart from that the maintenance cost of such machine are also high. In small scale industries where the operations are performed on small job pieces, the installation of such high-cost CNC machine is very difficult; hence this project work is taken up in which a low-cost CNC laser cutting machine is designed using the Arduino. This CNC laser cutting machine will be quite useful for small scale industries where the job size is not very large. Also, the machine does not require a highly skilled labour to perform operations.
Evaluation of Surface Grinding Response Parameters of EN31 Alloy Steel
Authors: Sharma Vishal , Kantak Ganesh , Mukhtar Alam Mohd , Yadav Kunal
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study is to understand the influence of processing parameters on surface roughness and material removal rate of EN31 Alloy Steel. Three input parameters are considered in this study, namely, the speed of the grinding wheel, number of passes and the depth of cut. The L16 orthogonal array design is used to analyse these process parameters. The results show that cutting depth and grinding wheel speed are the most effective parameters affecting material removal rate and cutting depth, and the number of passes is the most effective parameter affecting surface roughness. In addition, result showed that, the maximum MRR is 0.79051 g/sec and the surface roughness is 0.14000 µm. Therefore, it can be concluded that compared with other materials, cutting depth and wheel speed are less effective parameters, but compared with EN31 alloy steel, cutting depth and grinding wheel speed are the most effective parameters.
Experimental Exploration on Performance Advancement of Solid Desiccant Dehumidifier
Authors: Alam Zafar , Hussain Taliv
Published: February 2022

The foremost idea of this current effort is to study the performance parameters of silica gel based desiccant dehumidifier and optimize its performance on the basis of Process air inlet velocities and air inlet temperatures. Desiccant dehumidifier considered in this work is coupled with the VCRS system. This Analysis is carried out for hot and humid conditions at four different air velocities (i.e. 2.8, 3.5, 4.5, 5.2 m/s) and different ambient temperatures (i.e. 32, 33, 34, 35°C). Regeneration rate and adsorption rate at different air flow rates and at different ambient temperatures is analysed. Regeneration is occurring through an electric heater fitted in the regeneration sector. Thermal factors, for instance temperature (dry bulb) and relative dampness are measured to enhance performance parameters like Adsorption rate, latent COP, Regeneration rate and Effectiveness of desiccant of wheel. Revamp values of this parameters are obtained at 3.5 m/s entering velocity of process air and 34°C ambient temperature which results in better performance of desiccant dehumidifier with less energy utilization for the conditioned space.
Aqueous Two-Phase Separation (ATPS) Methods for Oleic acid extraction from Neem leaves
Authors: Gawade Shubham , Shewale Sandeep P. , Gode Amravati
Published: February 2022

The aqueous two-phase separation system (ATPS) signifies an environmentally responsible approach for the extraction of bioactive compounds from a plants basis, as it is a liquid-liquid fractionation technique centred on the inconsistency of two aqueous solutions. In this investigation, various experimental parameters are optimized as the speed of agitation (200, 300 400 and 500 rpm) and solvent ratio (1:1, 2:3 and 3:2) with 20 % (w/w) of Ammonium Sulphate (AMS) salt composition and 30 % (w/w) of Polyethelyene Glycol (PEG). The obtained extract contains alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, acids and total phenolic compounds (TPC). The extracted Oleic acid by the ATPS method was measured with gallic acid equivalent (GAE) of TPC extracted from neem leaves powder. The determined concentration of oleic acid in the practice of TPC is 8.033 mg of GAE/g from the optimized experimental parameter. The optimized results can be cast off for a commercial process on an industrialized scale. Also, the mathematical modelling investigation was done to intent the critical impeller speed (Njs) with the Zwittering model. The identified model calculates the essential speed of agitation (rpm) for maximum extraction yield.
Mathematical Expressions Model to forecast for Chloride Ion Penetration and Comp. Strength of Recycled Coarse Aggregate Concrete Incorporating Meta-kaolin
Authors: Singh Om Prakash , Singar Mahendra Kr. , Kumar Sandeep
Published: February 2022

This research investigates the mathematical modeling of compressive strength (CS) of concrete cured cube at 3, 7 & 28 days and chloride penetration resistance of cylindrical concrete specimens cured at 28 days incorporating of Meta-kaolin (MK). The experimental data results were shown various concrete specimens close to recognize compressive strength (CS) and penetration of chloride ion. Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) has been partial replacement of 0%, 5%, 8%, 12%, 16%, 18% and 20% by Meta-kaolin (MK). Compressive strength (CS) results discover through the cubes and rapid chloride penetration test (RCPT) presented. Two predictive regression models established, first for compressive strength (CS) of concrete specimen at the days of 3, 7, and 28 and second for charge passed Q at 28 days. To predictive the mathematical models have been established and have good precision, correlation by experimental results of data.
Fabrication and Estimation of Rice Husk Green Composite
Authors: Nasir Khan Mohammad , Ahmad Ansari Usman
Published: February 2022

Composite materials form an important part of technical materials, from everyday products such as door frames to aircraft and space applications. The availability of natural fibres and the ease of production have prompted researchers to test inexpensive local fibres and examine their feasibility for reinforcement purposes and the extent to which these meet the specifications required for strong reinforced polymer composites. A lot of rice husk (RH) is believed to contain high silica fibre content. Depending on the size, the silica content and all impurities in the RH will vary. RHs mainly contain 15-20 wt. percent silica and various organic components are produced by thermal degradation. The low density and diversity of raw materials make silicon carbide easy to produce. In the current work, two different materials are considered for the production of composite materials, such as rice husk and polypropylene. These two available materials are considered as different components, and for each component, various parameters are evaluated to detect the usability of composite materials. In the research work, the proposed composite GUI production method was created using MATLAB, and different results were evaluated for different variables. According to the results, the RH mixture in PP has caused some changes in the various properties of the material, such as tensile strength, tensile modulus, fixture strength, porosity, and for different components, varied outcomes were obtained. According to application requirements, the composition of the material can be further considered. If good tensile strength is required, the minimum RH in the composition is considered. If a higher tensile modulus is required, the high RH composition of PP can be used for further consideration.
“Experimental Studied of Density and Water absorption of Recycled Coarse Aggregate Concrete Incorporating GGBFS and FA”
Authors: Singh Om Prakash , Kumar Ravindra , Singar Mahendra Kr.
Published: February 2022

This investigates work the density and water absorption of concrete specimens cured at the age of 28 days. Natural coarse aggregate (NCA) has been replace with 60 percent, and 100 percent by RCA of construction & destruction (C&D) waste of 30-year-old building and Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) has been replaced with 10 GGBFS and FA. To understand the physical properties of concrete of normal weight test was perform and to find suitable results. To examine the water absorption properties of GGBFS and FA with recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) stand mix concrete at the age of 28 days. Based on the experiment’s study, it can be brief that the 40 percent replacement of NCA with RCA carried excellent results with 20 percent GGBFS. This research presents the outcome of GGBFS and FA as a cement replacement on the physical properties of RCA.
Broadband real-time full-stokes polarimetry by multi-tasking geometric phase element array
Authors: Zhang Jinrun , Fan Fan , Fu Wenxin , Zeng Jinwei , Wang Jian
Published: February 2022

Polarization is a fundamental physical dimension of electromagnetic waves. However, experimental determination of polarization states of light is inherently challenging and inconvenient due to the loss of phase information in conventional optical characterization. In particular, the Stokes parameters are a critical indicator to fully describe arbitrary polarization state, which, however, require multiple intensity measurements in three orthogonal polarization bases. Here, we design and experimentally demonstrate a multi-tasking geometric phase element array to unveil all Stokes parameters in one shot. Such a method is convenient, broad-band, real-time with compact size to accurately characterize the complex polarization states of coherent light, which may find visionary applications in structured light microscopy, polarizable quantum computation, and communication, etc.
Structured light in the spatially partially coherent regime
Authors: Perez-Garcia Benjamin , Yepiz Adad , Hernandez-Aranda Raul I
Published: February 2022

In this work, we present an introduction to the field of spatially partial coherent beams, while keeping in mind the transverse structure of an optical field. We look closely at the concept of spatial coherence and show some strategies to deal with it. We work step–by–step with the reader and construct as an example, a partially coherent vortex beam. Finally, using numerical simulations, the richness in structure of a partially coherent field is revealed through its cross–correlation function.
Purification mechanism of microcrystalline graphite and lithium storage properties of purified graphite
Authors: Yang Sen , Zhang Shuaiqing , Dong Wei , Xia Yingkai
Published: February 2022

In order to improve the application value of natural microcrystalline graphite with carbon content of 49.5%, high-purity microcrystalline graphite was prepared by emulsifying kerosene flotation firstly, and then purifying hydrofluoric acid and hexafluorosilicic acid. Then the purified microcrystalline graphite was prepared for the lithium-ion battery anode material, its microstruture and electrochemical properties were analyzed, the purification mechanism and lithium storage mechanism were discussed. The research results show that carbon content of microcrystalline graphite after emulsified kerosene flotation and mixed acid purification are 93.5% and 99.0% respectively. After pickling, high-purity microcrystalline graphite shows the largest layer spacing, which is 0.351 5 nm and is 0.001 4 nm higher than that of natural microcrystalline graphite. Size disparity of acid washing sample is larger, layered structure is more obvious, cycle performance and magnification performance are better than those of floation sample. The pickled sample has the highest initial reversible specific capacity of 477.4 mAh/g, and the first Coulomb efficiency is 61.3%. Charge transfer impedance, interface impedance and SEI membrane impedance, and lithium ion diffusion impedance in electrode material are significantly lower than those of microcrystalline graphite after flotation.
Cruciform regions and a conjecture of Di Francesco
Authors: Ciucu Mihai
Published: February 2022

A recent conjecture of Di Francesco states that the number of domino tilings of a certain family of regions on the square lattice is given by a product formula reminiscent of the one giving the number of alternating sign matrices. These regions, denoted

T

n

\mathcal {T}_n

, are obtained by starting with a square of side-length

2
n

2n

, cutting it in two along a diagonal by a zigzag path with step length two, and gluing to one of the resulting regions half of an Aztec diamond of order

n
−
1

n-1

. Inspired by the regions

T

n

\mathcal {T}_n

, we construct a family

C

m
,
n

a
,
b
,
c
,
d

C_{m,n}^{a,b,c,d}

of cruciform regions generalizing the Aztec diamonds and we prove that their number of domino tilings is given by a simple product formula. Since (as it follows from our results) the number of domino tilings of

T

n

\mathcal {T}_n

is a divisor of the number of tilings of the cruciform region

C

2
n
−
1
,
2
n
−
1

n
−
1
,
n
,
n
,
n
−
2

C_{2n-1,2n-1}^{n-1,n,n,n-2}

, the special case of our formula corresponding to the latter can be viewed as partial progress towards proving Di Francesco’s conjecture.
Nonlinear stability of planar steady Euler flows associated with semistable solutions of elliptic problems
Authors: Wang Guodong
Published: February 2022

This paper is devoted to the study of nonlinear stability of steady incompressible Euler flows in two dimensions. We prove that a steady Euler flow is nonlinearly stable in

L
p

L^p

norm of the vorticity if its stream function is a semistable solution of some semilinear elliptic problem with nondecreasing nonlinearity. The idea of the proof is to show that such a flow has strict local maximum energy among flows whose vorticities are rearrangements of a given function, with the help of an improved version of Wolansky and Ghil’s stability theorem. The result can be regarded as an extension of Arnol’d’s second stability theorem.
Integrability by compensation for Dirac equation
Authors: Da Lio Francesca , Rivière Tristan , Wettstein Jerome
Published: February 2022

We consider the Dirac operator acting on the Clifford algebra

C
ℓ

m

{C\ell }_{m}

. We show that under critical assumptions on the potential and the spinor field the equation is subject to an integrability by compensation phenomenon and has a sub-critical behaviour below some positive energy threshold (i.e.

ϵ
−

\epsilon -

regularity theorem). This extends in 4 space dimension as well as in 3 dimension a similar result obtained previously by the two first authors in 2D in F. Da Lio and T. Riviére [Critical chirality in elliptic systems, Ann. Inst. H. Poincare Anal. Non Linéaire, 38 (2021), no. 5, 1373–1405].
The Relationship Between P-Wave Dispersion, QTc Dispersion, and Gestational Hypertension
Authors: Gao Jie , Wang Xin-Kang , Chen Hui
Published: February 2022

Background

To analyze the relationship between gestational hypertension and P-wave dispersion and QTc interval dispersion.

Methods

From January 2017 to December 2019, 213 pregnant women who met the diagnosis of hypertension were selected as gestational hypertension with 248 healthy pregnant women as controls. The basic data, P-wave dispersion, and QTc dispersion were compared between the 2 groups, and binary logistic regression analysis was performed.

Results

The minimum time of P wave (78.59 ± 9.32 vs. 94.61 ± 7.03 ms) and the minimum time of QTc (384.65 ± 21.69 vs. 401.91 ± 15.49 ms) in gestational hypertension were significantly lower than those in the controls. The dispersion of P wave (42.75 ± 9.94 vs. 14.91 ± 4.03 ms), QTc (57.15 ± 16.10 vs. 21.42 ± 6.07 ms), the maximum time of P wave (121.34 ± 7.22 vs. 112.53 ± 6.43 ms), and the maximum time of QTc (441.80 ± 25.42 vs. 429.74 ± 27.83 ms) in gestational hypertension were significantly higher than those in the controls (all P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that P-wave dispersion (odds ratio = 1.795, 95% confidence interval 1.266–2.546), QTc minimum time (odds ratio = 0.905, 95% confidence interval 0.833–0.983), and QTc dispersion (odds ratio = 1.216, 95% confidence interval 1.042–1.420) were correlated with gestational hypertension.

Conclusions

P-wave dispersion and QTc dispersion are associated with gestational hypertension.
Foliar water uptake does not contribute to embolism repair in beech (Fagus sylvatica L.)
Authors: Schreel Jeroen D M , Brodersen Craig , De Schryver Thomas , Dierick Manuel , Rubinstein Adriana , Dewettinck Koen , Boone Matthieu N , Van Hoorebeke Luc , Steppe Kathy
Published: February 2022

Background and Aims

Foliar water uptake has recently been suggested as a possible mechanism for the restoration of hydraulically dysfunctional xylem vessels. In this paper we used a combination of ecophysiological measurements, X-ray microcomputed tomography and cryo-scanning electron microscopy during a drought treatment to fully evaluate this hypothesis.

Key Results

Based on an assessment of these methods in beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seedlings we were able to (1) confirm an increase in the amount of hydraulically redistributed water absorbed by leaves when the soil water potential decreased, and (2) locate this redistributed water in hydraulically active vessels in the stem. However, (3) no embolism repair was observed irrespective of the organ under investigation (i.e. stem, petiole or leaf) or the intensity of drought.

Conclusions

Our data provide evidence for a hydraulic pathway from the leaf surface to the stem xylem following a water potential gradient, but this pathway exists only in functional vessels and does not play a role in embolism repair for beech.
Global Expert Opinion on Cryolipolysis Treatment Recommendations and Considerations: A Modified Delphi Study
Authors: Altmann Jens , Burns A Jay , Kilmer Suzanne L , Lee Christopher , Lim Tingsong , Metelitsa Andrei , Stevens W Grant , Taub Amy , Welsh Kathleen , Kazem Farid
Published: February 2022

Background

Cryolipolysis is an increasingly popular nonsurgical fat-reduction procedure. Published treatment guidance and adverse event (AE) management protocols are limited.

Objective

A modified Delphi study aimed to establish global expert consensus on the use of CoolSculpting (Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie Company, Irvine, CA), a noninvasive cryolipolysis treatment system.

Methods

A literature search informed survey topics for an 11-expert Delphi panel. Panelists completed an online 39-question survey. An interim panel discussion, with open-ended questions and yes/no voting, informed a second survey containing 61 statements, for which panelists rated agreement using a 5-point Likert scale. Topics included treatment outcome and responder definitions, patient evaluation and selection, treatment protocols, patient satisfaction, and AEs.

Results

Panelists achieved consensus on 38 final guidelines and recommendations. They reached moderate to complete consensus on 4 statements on defining responders (ie, patients with a range of visible improvement) and 6 statements on patient factors contributing to treatment outcomes (eg, how well the applicator conforms to patient body region). Panelists defined minimum numbers of treatment cycles to achieve visible clinical outcomes for 12 body regions, with moderate to complete consensus on 31 statements. They achieved a strong to complete consensus on 7 statements about patient satisfaction (eg, importance of patient expectations, visible improvement, and before-and-after photographs). Panelists defined management strategies for AEs, with moderate to complete consensus on 15 statements.

Conclusions

A modified Delphi process yielded multiple guideline recommendations for cryolipolysis, providing a needed resource for the broad range of clinicians who perform this noninvasive fat-reduction procedure.

Level of Evidence: 5
LinkExplorer: predicting, explaining and exploring links in large biomedical knowledge graphs
Authors: Ott Simon , Barbosa-Silva Adriano , Samwald Matthias
Published: February 2022

Machine learning algorithms for link prediction can be valuable tools for hypothesis generation. However, many current algorithms are black boxes or lack good user interfaces that could facilitate insight into why predictions are made. We present LinkExplorer, a software suite for predicting, explaining and exploring links in large biomedical knowledge graphs. LinkExplorer integrates our novel, rule-based link prediction engine SAFRAN, which was recently shown to outcompete other explainable algorithms and established black-box algorithms. Here, we demonstrate highly competitive evaluation results of our algorithm on multiple large biomedical knowledge graphs, and release a web interface that allows for interactive and intuitive exploration of predicted links and their explanations.

Availability and implementation

A publicly hosted instance, source code and further documentation can be found at https://github.com/OpenBioLink/Explorer.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Bayesian group testing with dilution effects
Authors: Tatsuoka Curtis , Chen Weicong , Lu Xiaoyi
Published: February 2022

A Bayesian framework for group testing under dilution effects has been developed, using lattice-based models. This work has particular relevance given the pressing public health need to enhance testing capacity for coronavirus disease 2019 and future pandemics, and the need for wide-scale and repeated testing for surveillance under constantly varying conditions. The proposed Bayesian approach allows for dilution effects in group testing and for general test response distributions beyond just binary outcomes. It is shown that even under strong dilution effects, an intuitive group testing selection rule that relies on the model order structure, referred to as the Bayesian halving algorithm, has attractive optimal convergence properties. Analogous look-ahead rules that can reduce the number of stages in classification by selecting several pooled tests at a time are proposed and evaluated as well. Group testing is demonstrated to provide great savings over individual testing in the number of tests needed, even for moderately high prevalence levels. However, there is a trade-off with higher number of testing stages, and increased variability. A web-based calculator is introduced to assist in weighing these factors and to guide decisions on when and how to pool under various conditions. High-performance distributed computing methods have also been implemented for considering larger pool sizes, when savings from group testing can be even more dramatic.
Duty Free: Turning the Criminological Spotlight on Special Economic Zones
Authors: Hall Alexandra , Antonopoulos Georgios A , Atkinson Rowland , Wyatt Tanya
Published: February 2022

Spatially designated economic zones render countries vulnerable to crime and harm, while simultaneously diffusing and escalating these problems across the globe. Yet, criminological analysis of special economic zones (SEZs) and similar areas remains limited. This article analyses the kinds of criminality and harm attached to such fiscal and commodity enclaves. Our analysis begins with the history of SEZs. We then offer a typology of related harms: 1. illicit trade; 2. the protection of wealth holdings; and 3. environmental harm. Our closing theoretical discussion suggests how the expansion of economic strategies involving SEZs is generative of new and complex forms of harm and crime embedded in the spatial architecture of the global economy.
Regional amyloid correlates of cognitive performance in ageing and mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Stevens Daniel A. , Workman Clifford I. , Kuwabara Hiroto , Butters Meryl A. , Savonenko Alena , Nassery Najilla , Gould Neda , Kraut Michael , Joo Jin Hui , Kilgore Jessica , Kamath Vidya , Holt Daniel P. , Dannals Robert F. , Nandi Ayon , Onyike Chiadi U. , Smith Gwenn S.
Published: February 2022

Beta-amyloid deposition is one of the earliest pathological markers associated with Alzheimer's disease. Mild cognitive impairment in the setting of beta-amyloid deposition is considered to represent a preclinical manifestation of Alzheimer's disease. In vivo imaging studies are unique in their potential to advance our understanding of the role of beta-amyloid deposition in cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease and in mild cognitive impairment. Previous work has shown an association between global cortical measures of beta-amyloid deposition (‘amyloid positivity’) in mild cognitive impairment with greater cognitive deficits and greater risk of progression to Alzheimer's disease. The focus of the present study was to examine the relationship between the regional distribution of beta-amyloid deposition and specific cognitive deficits in people with mild cognitive impairment and cognitively normal elderly individuals. Forty-seven participants with multi-domain, amnestic mild cognitive impairment (43% female, aged 57–82 years) and 37 healthy, cognitively normal comparison subjects (42% female, aged 55–82 years) underwent clinical and neuropsychological assessments and high-resolution positron emission tomography with the radiotracer 11C-labelled Pittsburgh compound B to measure beta-amyloid deposition. Brain–behaviour partial least-squares analysis was conducted to identify spatial patterns of beta-amyloid deposition that correlated with the performance on neuropsychological assessments. Partial least-squares analysis identified a single significant (P < 0.001) latent variable which accounted for 80% of the covariance between demographic and cognitive measures and beta-amyloid deposition. Performance in immediate verbal recall (R = −0.46 ± 0.07, P < 0.001), delayed verbal recall (R = −0.39 ± 0.09, P < 0.001), immediate visual-spatial recall (R = −0.39 ± 0.08, P < 0.001), delayed visual-spatial recall (R = −0.45 ± 0.08, P < 0.001) and semantic fluency (R = −0.33 ± 0.11, P = 0.002) but not phonemic fluency (R = −0.05 ± 0.12, P < 0.705) negatively covaried with beta-amyloid deposition in the identified regions. Partial least-squares analysis of the same cognitive measures with grey matter volumes showed similar associations in overlapping brain regions. These findings suggest that the regional distribution of beta-amyloid deposition and grey matter volumetric decreases is associated with deficits in executive function and memory in mild cognitive impairment. Longitudinal analysis of these relationships may advance our understanding of the role of beta-amyloid deposition in relation to grey matter volumetric decreases in cognitive decline.
Multicenter Prospective Study of Biomarkers for Diagnosis of Invasive Candidiasis in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Fisher Brian T , Boge Craig L K , Xiao Rui , Shuster Sydney , Chin-Quee Dawn , Allen John , Shaheen Shareef , Hayden Randall , Suganda Sri , Zaoutis Theoklis E , Chang Yeh Chung , Yin Dwight E , Huppler Anna R , Danziger-Isakov Lara , Muller William J , Roilides Emmanuel , Romero José , Sue Paul K , Berman David , Wattier Rachel L , Halasa Natasha , Dulek Daniel E , Pong Alice , Maron Gabriela , Soler-Palacin Pere , Hutto Susan C , Gonzalez Blanca E , Salvatore Christine M , Rajan Sujatha , Green Michael , Doby Knackstedt Elizabeth , Hauger Sarmistha B , Steinbach William J
Published: February 2022

Background

Diagnosis of invasive candidiasis (IC) relies on insensitive cultures; the relative utility of fungal biomarkers in children is unclear.

Methods

This multinational observational cohort study enrolled patients aged >120 days and <18 years with concern for IC from 1 January 2015 to 26 September 2019 at 25 centers. Blood collected at onset of symptoms was tested using T2Candida, Fungitell (1→3)-β-D-glucan, Platelia Candida Antigen (Ag) Plus, and Platelia Candida Antibody (Ab) Plus assays. Operating characteristics were determined for each biomarker, and assays meeting a defined threshold considered in combination. Sterile site cultures were the reference standard.

Results

Five hundred participants were enrolled at 22 centers in 3 countries, and IC was diagnosed in 13 (2.6%). Thirteen additional blood specimens were collected and successfully spiked with Candida species, to achieve a 5.0% event rate. Valid T2Candida, Fungitell, Platelia Candida Ag Plus, and Platelia Candida Ab Plus assay results were available for 438, 467, 473, and 473 specimens, respectively. Operating characteristics for T2Candida were most optimal for detecting IC due to any Candida species, with results as follows: sensitivity, 80.0% (95% confidence interval, 59.3%–93.2%), specificity 97.1% (95.0%–98.5%), positive predictive value, 62.5% (43.7%–78.9%), and negative predictive value, 98.8% (97.2%–99.6%). Only T2Candida and Platelia Candida Ag Plus assays met the threshold for combination testing. Positive result for either yielded the following results: sensitivity, 86.4% (95% confidence interval, 65.1%– 97.1%); specificity, 94.7% (92.0%–96.7%); positive predictive value, 47.5% (31.5%–63.9%); and negative predictive value, 99.2% (97.7%–99.8%).

Conclusions

T2Candida alone or in combination with Platelia Candida Ag Plus may be beneficial for rapid detection of Candida species in children with concern for IC.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT02220790.
Graecia Belgica: writing Ancient Greek in the early modern Low Countries
Authors: Lamers Han , Van Rooy Raf
Published: February 2022

The early modern Low Countries formed a multilingual region where Latin and several vernaculars lived in symbiosis. It is often forgotten, however, that Ancient Greek was also cultivated among the cultural and intellectual elite, so intensely that a vast corpus of Greek texts was produced in this region. This article offers a first exploration of the reasons behind this cultural phenomenon. It starts with a general introduction, including a state of research in the field and a first survey of the source materials. The main body of the article is divided into two parts. The first situates the so-called New Ancient Greek literature of the early modern Low Countries in historical perspective by introducing first Greek studies and then Greek composition in this region. Against this background, the second part explores what motivated and inspired this Greek literary production in four sections, each discussing an important aspect of the phenomenon under study: language learning, cultural distinction, networks and communities, and aesthetic appreciation. The article thus demonstrates that writing in Greek in the early modern era had uses far beyond showing off one’s literary talent and erudition.
Impact of drug safety warnings and antimicrobial stewardship programme implementation on tigecycline prescribing: a prospective quasi-experimental interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Barrantes-González Melisa , Grau Santiago , Conde-Estévez David
Published: February 2022

Background

Tigecycline is the first member of the glycylcyclines. Both the FDA (2010 and 2013) and the EMA (2011) issued safety warnings describing an increased mortality risk associated with tigecycline compared with other antibiotics treating severe infections. One of the best strategies to optimize antimicrobial therapies is through the establishment of antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) in hospitals. In June 2011, our ASP was implemented.

Objectives

To analyse trends in tigecycline prescription, after drug safety warning announcements by regulatory agencies and after an ASP implementation.

Methods

A 6 year prospective observational study of tigecycline use was performed, including all consecutive adult patients treated with at least one dose during the 6 years after approval of the drug for its use in the hospital. The primary outcome was tigecycline consumption assessed by DDD/100 bed-days. A segmented linear regression model for interrupted time series (ITS) was designed to detect any significant trend changes.

Results

A total of 524 patients were included. After the FDA warning alert, tigecycline consumption decreased by 35.9%. Moreover, following the ASP implementation, a dramatic reduction in tigecycline prescription by 67.3% was observed.

Conclusions

The role of the ASP was essential to establish adequate control of prescriptions, collaborating with the clinicians in a better adaptation of the tigecycline indication.
Cancer epidemiology and treatment patterns for older persons in Japan: a review of nationwide data and statistics
Authors: Higashi Takahiro
Published: February 2022

Older patients tend to have comorbidities and physiological decline, which require adaptation in terms of standard treatment. Therefore, the care of older patients poses a unique challenge for healthcare providers. Their standard care is relatively less established than for younger patients because older patients are often excluded from clinical trials, resulting in limited representation. This review, using various data sources, such as cancer registries and national statistics, aims to describe the nationwide status of older patients in Japan and the care provided to them. Incidence statistics have revealed that each age group’s most common types of cancers are different. Relevant data have also shown that older patients are more likely to be left without treatment compared with their younger counterparts, although the extent of such differences tends to depend on the cancer type. A survey of the general population has shown that older patients are more likely to be treated for common diseases; however, they are found to have undetected diseases when screened for the common diseases. Individuals’ life expectancies may vary depending on their physical conditions. The social lives of older persons, which often revolve around their jobs and family structures, vary widely. Thus, clinicians and caregivers should consider the background information of older patients in order to accommodate their special needs.
‘Donor-matching’ in Third-party Reproduction: a Comparative Analysis of Law and Practice in Europe
Authors: Łukasiewicz Rafał , Allan Sonia
Published: February 2022

Medically assisted reproduction is of significant public and policy interest across Europe. Where use of donor gametes (eggs, sperm, or embryos) is required, some people may employ ‘donor-matching’, which seeks to establish phenotypic similarity between gamete donors and recipient(s). This article examines donor-matching focusing on methods used to match donors and recipients, reasons for its use, and laws and practices across several European jurisdictions. The discussion is informed by examination of relevant literature, regulatory instruments, and consultation with practitioners and experts, and aims to inform wider theoretical and policy debates. Differences in practice and issues that arise across jurisdictions are highlighted. That donor-matching has the potential to be used by people born as a result of third-party reproduction to identify their donor is also discussed. The authors conclude that the use of donor-matching raises complex issues for recipients and donor-conceived people alike, which must be considered when contemplating its use and regulation.