bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Down-the-barrel observations of a multi-phase quasar outflow at high redshift
Authors: Noterdaeme P. , Balashev S. , Krogager J.-K. , Laursen P. , Srianand R. , Gupta N. , Petitjean P. , Fynbo J. P. U.
Published: December 2020

We present ultraviolet to near infrared spectroscopic observations of the quasar SDSS J001514+184212 and its proximate molecular absorber atz = 2.631. The [O III] emission line of the quasar is composed of a broad (FWHM∼ 1600 km s−1), spatially unresolved component, blueshifted by about 600 km s−1from a narrow, spatially-resolved component (FWHM∼ 650 km s−1). The wide, blueshifted, unresolved component is consistent with the presence of outflowing gas in the nuclear region. The narrow component can be further decomposed into a blue and a red blob with a velocity width of several hundred km s−1each, seen ∼5 pkpc on opposite spatial locations from the nuclear continuum emission, indicating outflows on galactic scales. The presence of ionised gas on kpc scales is also seen from a weak C IVemission component, detected in the trough of a saturated C IVabsorption that removes the strong nuclear emission from the quasar. Towards the nuclear emission, we observe absorption lines from atomic species in various ionisation and excitation stages and confirm the presence of strong H2lines originally detected in the SDSS spectrum. The overall absorption profile is very wide, spread over ∼600 km s−1, and it roughly matches the velocities of the narrow blue [O III] blob. From a detailed investigation of the chemical and physical conditions in the absorbing gas, we infer densities of aboutnH ∼ 104 − 105cm−3in the cold (T ∼ 100 K) H2-bearing gas, which we find to be located at ∼10 kpc distances from the central UV source. We conjecture that we are witnessing different manifestations of a same AGN-driven multi-phase outflow, where approaching gas is intercepted by the line of sight to the nucleus. We corroborate this picture by modelling the scattering of Ly-αphotons from the central source through the outflowing gas, reproducing the peculiar Ly-αabsorption-emission profile, with a damped Ly-αabsorption in which red-peaked, spatially offset, and extended Ly-αemission is seen. Our observations open up a new way to investigate quasar outflows at high redshift and shed light on the complex issue of AGN feedback.
HOLISMOKES
Authors: Huber S. , Suyu S. H. , Noebauer U. M. , Chan J. H. H. , Kromer M. , Sim S. A. , Sluse D. , Taubenberger S.
Published: December 2020

To use strongly lensed Type Ia supernovae (LSNe Ia) for cosmology, a time-delay measurement between the multiple supernova (SN) images is necessary. The sharp rise and decline of SN Ia light curves make them promising for measuring time delays, but microlensing can distort these light curves and therefore add large uncertainties to the measurements. An alternative approach is to use color curves where uncertainties due to microlensing are significantly reduced for a certain period of time known as the achromatic phase. In this work, we investigate in detail the achromatic phase, testing four different SN Ia models with various microlensing configurations. We find on average an achromatic phase of around three rest-frame weeks or longer for most color curves, but the spread in the duration of the achromatic phase (due to different microlensing maps and filter combinations) is quite large and an achromatic phase of just a few days is also possible. Furthermore, the achromatic phase is longer for smoother microlensing maps and lower macro-magnifications. From our investigations, we do not find a strong dependency on the SN model or on asymmetries in the SN ejecta. We find that six rest-frame LSST color curves exhibit features such as extreme points or turning points within the achromatic phase, which make them promising for time-delay measurements; however, only three of the color curves are independent. These curves contain combinations of rest-frame bands u, g, r, and i, and to observe them for typical LSN Ia redshifts, it would be ideal to cover (observer-frame) filters r, i, z, y, J, and H. If follow-up resources are restricted, we recommend r, i, and z as the bare minimum for using color curves and/or light curves since LSNe Ia are bright in these filters and observational uncertainties are lower than in the infrared regime. With additional resources, infrared observations in y, J, and H would be useful for obtaining color curves of SNe, especially at redshifts above ∼0.8 when they become critical.
Populations of super-soft X-ray sources in galaxies of different morphological types
Authors: Galiullin I. , Gilfanov M.
Published: December 2020

Aims. We study populations of soft and super-soft X-ray sources (SSSs) in nearby galaxies of various morphological types with particular emphasis on characterizing populations of stable nuclear burning, accreting white dwarfs (WDs).

Methods. Analyzing the content of the Chandra archive, we assembled a sample of nearby galaxies suitable for studying populations of SSSs. Our sample includes four spiral galaxies, two lenticular galaxies, and three ellipticals with stellar mass exceeding 1010 M⊙ and X-ray sensitivity of the order of a few × 1036 erg s−1. We used a combination of hardness ratio and median energy to pre-select X-ray sources with soft spectra, and used the temperature–X-ray luminosity diagram to identify SSSs, likely nuclear-burning, accreting WDs.

Results. For spiral galaxies, there is a distinct and rare population of super-soft sources that are largely detached from the rest of the sources on the kTbb − LX plane. The boundary between these sources and the much more numerous population of harder (but still soft) sources is consistent with the boundary of stable hydrogen burning on the surface of WDs. The combined spectrum of soft sources located outside this boundary shows clear emission lines of Mg and S, the equivalent width of which is similar to that in the combined spectrum of a large number of confirmed supernova remnants in M 83. This supports earlier suggestions that the vast majority of the so-called quasi-soft sources are supernova remnants. In early-type galaxies, populations of super-soft sources are about a factor of eight less abundant, in broad agreement with the population synthesis calculations. Specific frequencies of super-soft sources are (2.08 ± 0.46) × 10−10 M⊙−1 in spiral galaxies and (2.47 ± 1.34) × 10−11 M⊙−1 in lenticular and elliptical galaxies, with the ratio of the latter to the former being 0.12 ± 0.05.
Comprehensive rotational study and astronomical search for cyclopropanecarboxaldehyde
Authors: Cabezas C. , Neeman E. M. , Tercero B. , Bermúdez C. , Cernicharo J.
Published: December 2020

Context. At least a dozen molecules with a formyl group (HCO) have been observed to date in the interstellar medium (ISM), suggesting that other such species exist and remain to be discovered. However, there is still a lack of high-resolution spectroscopic data for simple molecular species of this type that could provide a basis for their detection.

Aims. Cyclopropanecarboxaldehyde, c-C3H5CHO, is a small molecule containing a formyl group and is therefore an interesting candidate for astrophysical detection. The rotational spectrum of cyclopropanecarboxaldehyde has been observed before, but its experimental rotational parameters are not precise enough to allow its detection in the millimetre-wave domain.

Methods. We measured the rotational spectrum of cyclopropanecarboxaldehyde in the frequency ranges 31.5–50 GHz and 72–116.5 GHz using the GACELA (GAS CEll for Laboratory Astrophysics) broadband high-resolution rotational spectrometer constructed at the Yebes Observatory. The spectroscopic study was supported by high-level theoretical calculations which were used in the identification of the vibrational excited states of cyclopropanecarboxaldehyde.

Results. Our analysis of the rotational spectrum of cyclopropanecarboxaldehyde allowed us to obtain accurate rotational parameters for the ground state of both cis and trans isomers, which were used to derive sufficiently reliable predictions up to 300 GHz. In addition to the ground states, we identified 12 and 6 vibrationally excited states for the trans and cis isomers, respectively, including fundamental modes, multiple excitation quanta, and combination states. We find that the gas phase concentration of the trans isomer is almost 1.2 times larger than that of the cis one. These new experimental rotational parameters were employed to search for cyclopropanecarboxaldehyde in the warm molecular clouds Orion KL and Sgr B2(N) using the spectral surveys captured by ALMA (Orion) and IRAM 30 m (Sgr) at 1 and 3 mm, respectively.
Selection of the optimal type of thermal insulation structure based on the neural network modelling
Authors: Akhmetova Irina , Balzamova Elena , Bronskaya Veronika , Balzamov Denis , Lapin Konstantin , Kharitonova Olga
Published: December 2020

A software package with the user interface for calculating, analyzing and predicting the parameters of cogeneration-based district heating based on the neural network modelling is presented in order to optimize and ensure the reliability of heat networks. The package is the basis for a web-application that allows to calculate the characteristics of the heat network in accordance with the model, keep a query log and provide the possibility of administration.
Application of voltage phase angle control in power system with unevenly loaded supply network
Authors: Rahmanov Nariman , Ilyasov Osman , Guliyev Huseyngulu
Published: December 2020

In real power system situations of uneven loading of supply lines included in the section, forming connection between the source and the power system or separate dedicated load node, often occur. In such situations one of power transmission lines (PTL) will be loaded below the nominal installed capacity, while the other parallel communication line will be overloaded. Elimination of uneven load in PTL can be performed by the phase angle control between the voltages at the beginning and end of the connection. One of the effective means for the phase angle control is a phase-shifting transformer (PST), the control of which is provided by the redistribution of power flows in individual PTLs of the section with the elimination of their uneven loading. On the example of simulation and computational experiments carried out in the power system of Azerbaijan, the effectiveness of use of voltage phase angle control in the power system with a significant uneven loading in the controlled sections of the supply network of the system is shown. Analysis of the effect of elimination of the unevenness on reducing losses in the network and increasing the efficiency of using power generation at stations is given.
Increasing the reliability and manoeuvrability of the CCGT when operating in the variable part of the power consumption schedules by switching the CCGT steam turbine to the motor mode
Authors: Arakelyan Edik , Andryushin Alexander , Pashchenko Fedor , Mezin Sergey , Andryushin Konstantin , Kosoy Anatoly
Published: December 2020

The report is devoted to the problem of increasing the reliability and manoeuvrability of the CCGT when it operates in power control modes of the power system. The generalized results of research on improving the reliability and expanding the adjustment range of the PGU-450 based on the use of bypass steam distribution, reducing the duration of start-up operations and increasing the loading speed of the steam turbine and CCGT in general in the modes of CCGT power reserve during the night load gap by transferring the CCGT steam turbine to the motor mode when the CCGT operates in the condensation mode or in the heating mode according to the GTU-CHP scheme are presented. Additional advantages of the motor mode are noted: improved reliability of the steam turbine due to the elimination of cyclic temperature fluctuations of its steam inlet valves and vibrations in the last stages of the low-pressure cylinder and the possibility of operating the steam turbine generator in the synchronous compensator mode.
Transverse horizontal vibrations of contact network wires for monitoring their tension during operation
Authors: Smerdin Alexander , Butenko E. A. , Stupakov S.A. , Ermachkov Gleb
Published: December 2020

The paper describes the structure of a hardware and software complex for monitoring and diagnostics of the contact network, provides information about the hardware blocks of the complex, considers its implementation in Matlab/Simulink, describes the regularities of change of vibration frequency under different values of tension and the linear mass of wires.
Raising environmental awareness as a meaningful factor of integrated waste management in Moscow
Authors: Abramova Nadezhda
Published: December 2020

The article is aimed at evaluating the prospects of promoting environmental awareness among the population in Moscow. To meet the goal, the author analyzed foreign studies on environmental awareness- building. The following methods were used during the research: the investigation of the legal and regulatory framework, analysis of surveys performed by the Public Opinion Foundation (FOM) and Levada Analytical Center, content analysis of the Moscow media sources with the use of the Public.ru database, and exploration of TV programs on Moscow 24 channel. The research indicated the key problem that is a low engagement of the population into the practice of separate waste collection. It undermines the process of integrated waste management in Moscow. The author uses a public-opinion survey to identify the reasons for such low engagement of the population. Those reasons include the lack of time for sorting, the lack of space in an apartment for arranging waste sorting, the lack of trust in a newly established infrastructure. The conclusion is that it is necessary to not only conduct awareness-raising campaigns but to educate the population as well. It is reasonable to arrange lessons on environmental protection to foster environmental awareness in children. When conducting awareness-raising campaigns, it is important to focus on increasing public confidence in the established infrastructure. For example, it makes sense to share information about transporting garbage from containers to sorting stations, and demonstrate how the sorting stations operate.
Development of management tools in the context of NBIC convergence
Authors: Pahomova Antonina , Halász Sándor , Zelenkova Galina , Pakhomov Alexander
Published: December 2020

The greatest success in improving the breeding and productive qualities of Hereford cattle can be achieved through the use of high-value breeding bulls. The role of producers at the modern stages of beef cattle breeding has increased dramatically, so the evaluation of bulls by the quality of offspring has become an important breeding event to improve and create highly productive herds of beef cattle. At the same time, the use of bulls that are predisposed to various diseases or the deterioration of their offspring can cause irreparable negative consequences for beef cattle breeding. In the course of research work in the conditions of the farm, studies were conducted to assess the quality of bulls-producers of the Hereford breed of cattle. Evaluation of Hereford bulls by the quality of offspring in farm conditions will increase the efficiency of herd reproduction technology in beef cattle breeding, allow rational use of bulls, get a high yield of calves (90-95%), organize the accuracy of accounting for the origin of young animals, increase the level of breeding work to improve the productive, breeding qualities of animals and create highly productive herds of Hereford cattle in a shorter time.
Intellectual systems for the land-and-property complexes as the subject of investment-and-construction activity
Authors: Samoylova Nadezhda
Published: December 2020

The article presents an innovative proposal to improve the management of the land and property complex facilities. The simulation modeling is based on the developed formulas for accounting and determining the most persistent functions of facilities in the Spatial organization model of urban-planning formations (Yu.V. Alekseeva and N.A. Samoylova). In particular, the formula contains mathematical expressions for the conditions for determining the most persistent private function for various types of facilities: existing buildings and structures, ground level territory, above-ground and underground territories (urban-planning and quasi urban-planning). Such a system is applicable at all levels of control: from local to national and even international one, all types of urban-planning transformation (from new development of the territory to renovation, revitalization, etc.). To create intelligent systems in the field of urban-planning, it is especially important to use such a method in the information program (decision support system) that the effect of investment and construction activities is laid at the pre-project stage of planning the life cycle management of land and property complexes. One of the tools for this is the formulas developed in the framework of fundamental scientific research carried of the Russian Academy of Architecture and Construction Sciences (RAACS) and the Central Institute for Research and Design of the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Communal Services of the Russian Federation.
Algorithm for validation the results of computing device components’ selecting
Authors: Bolsunovskaya Marina , Gintciak Aleksey , Shirokova Svetlana , Loginova Aleksandra
Published: December 2020

The paper describes an algorithm for controlling the results of computer-aided design using an ontological model of computing device components (CDC) in the process of synthesizing topologies. This is implemented taking into account actual manufacturing technologies. The algorithm is intended for evaluating the variants of CDC implementation obtained in the process of computer-aided design. The developed algorithm for controlling the results of computer-aided design of computing devices’ components is based on the method of organizing complex experiments and applying an ontological approach to the design of complex technical systems. The article describes the input and output data of the algorithm, the steps of the algorithm, and mathematical methods and tools used in the implementation of the algorithm. In addition, the article describes the assumptions and restrictions that are set during the operation of the algorithm.
Developing the sector of remote services in rural areas to raise the employment and care of the environment
Authors: Parshukov Aleksey , Aleksandrov Igor , Fedorova Marina
Published: December 2020

The objective of the article is to analyze the number of employees aggregated in the mass media and content sector in Russia for the period from 2010 to 2019. Mass media and content sector is one of the sectors which is developed very dynamically at the present time. Since rural people do not possess high-skill professional skills and competencies at the present time, the IT sector is excluded from the analysis. With the help of prior research of competencies and skills of rural people we also made the forecast of the most appropriate sector to produce services on- line. Then thanks to prior research about goods and services on demand in Russian e-commerce, we elaborated the list of services which rural people can produce and sell remotely with the help of Internet. This primary list recap services which almost anu individual can produce. But to be capitalized they need to be branded and advertised appropriately.
Conflict of laws regarding ownership of construction, agricultural and mining equipment
Authors: Volova L , Suzdaleva A
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this article is to analyze the features of legal regulation of property rights, enshrined in the text of the new Protocol to the Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment on Matters specific to mining, agricultural, and construction equipment. Methodology: In order to analyze the legal regulation of property rights enshrined in the text of the new Protocol to the Convention the provisions of the Protocol and their relationship with the provisions of the Convention (the Cape Town Convention) were examined in detail. Results: The priority of the real rights of the buyer and holders of other real rights is considered differently in the texts of Protocols. The Protocol to the Convention on mining, agricultural and construction equipment establishes an approach similar to the Protocol on Railway Transport. The means and mechanisms used to achieve this differ depending on the economic conditions prevailing in the market where the security transactions are concluded in respect of this type of equipment. Conclusions: The main purpose of the Convention and the Protocol concerning mining, agricultural, and construction equipment is to reduce the cost of credit used to purchase high-value equipment and to increase the availability of credit.
Economic potential of agroindustrial enterprises and their impact on the environment
Authors: Aleksandrov Igor , Rasskazova Olga , Popazova Olga , Petrov Maxim , Chekhovskikh Irina
Published: December 2020

The authors propose an approach to quantifying the potential and intellectual capital of agro-industrial companies. When evaluating the activities of these companies, it is necessary to take into account their impact on the environment. The use of such an universal indicator of the effectiveness of activities as a change in the company’s potential will allow taking into account the environmental consequences for the region and territory of the company’s economic performance. The paper identifies problems of assessing the potential and intellectual capital of companies. It is proposed to get an assessment of the economic potential of an agro- industrial complex company based on an analytical determination of the probable market price of this company. To do this, the authors suggest using a modified revenue approach to business valuation. Quantitative assessment of economic potential will allow evaluating the company’s intellectual capital as a whole, as well as the components of intellectual capital (human capital, structural capital, and client capital). The proposed approach suggests that when evaluating the company’s potential, the sum of the net present values of the most preferred projects and the potential residual value of this entity at the end of the project planning period should be taken into account.
Characteristic properties of the genesis of Alnus incana (L.) Moench. associations in the south of Western Siberia
Authors: Kharitontcev Boris , Popova Elena
Published: December 2020

The associations formed by Alnus incana (L.) Moench. in the south of Western Siberia are limited to the middle and lower reaches of the Irtysh river in the Tyumen region (Tobolsk district, Russia). The paper describes Alnetum pteridiosum, Alnetum urticosum, Alnetum еquisetosum, Alnetum coricosum, Alnetum coricoso – еquisetosum, Alnetum coricoso – oxalidosum, Alnetum curtico – еquisetosum, Alnetum еquisetoso – miliosum, Alnetum coricosa – stellariosum, Alnetum urtico – aegopodiosum, Alnetum urtico – stellariosum, Alnetum–cirsiosum, Alnetum cystopteriosum, Alnetum urtico – miliosum, Alnetum poо – urticosum, Alnetum chrysospleniosum, Alnetum corydaliosum, Alnetum impatieno - urticosum and Alnetum stellariosum associations. In these associations, more than a hundred of species of higher plants grow. The species composition analysis showed that they are mesothermal and hydrophilic, the shrub layer is not typical for them, and the grass cover of alder forests is not uniform in origin. During the formation of Alnetum association they interact with taiga, birch and linden forests through mutual exchange of species, and also experience anthropogenic influences, accompanied by the penetration of synanthropic species.
Particularities of the sustainable energy technologies and labour market in Russia
Authors: Kostromina Elena , Danilina Marina , Ivanova Svetlana , Bespalova Natalia , Golikova Yulia , Kondrashov Ivan , Kosolapov Yury
Published: December 2020

The energy sector is now experiencing a renaissance thanks to new opportunities offered by innovative technologies that are filling the market, for example in the field of storage and management of electrical energy. For the controlled development of distributed generation, maintaining the stability of the energy system while maintaining the price advantages of small generation, the speed of commissioning new power capacities and the scalability of the solutions used, a new subject of relations in the electricity market is proposed - an active energy complex. This is an energy system that is electrically connected within the general boundaries of the balance sheet membership, which includes energy receiving, generating, accumulating (if any), electric grid energy equipment and a control system for this energy system as a single complex in order to meet energy needs. There is a contradiction between the development of the labour market and the achievement of environmental well-being. On one hand, environmental pollution, depletion of natural capital has a negative impact on the state of the labour market, employment of the population, and on the other hand - activities to improve the environment, eliminate the accumulated environmental damage, the development of a market for environmental works, goods and services promote the expansion of employment, not only green, but general employment.
Enhancement of particle collection efficiency considering the structural interplay: particle motion characteristics analysis
Authors: Xi Yuan , Zhang Yong-liang , Zhang Xi-long , Dai Yan
Published: December 2020

The vacuum-blowing cleaning system, utilizing positive and negative pressure mixed-delivery theory, has been adopted for the road sweeper vehicle. To enhance the solid particle separation performance and to evaluate the motion characteristics of inhaled particles under different structural parameters, the gas-solid flow in the vacuum-blowing cleaning system was investigated by using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology. The influence of the main structural parameters on the grade dust collection efficiency and average detention time of the inhaled particles was determined, such as suction-inlet diameter, suction-inlet inclination angle, and front baffle inclination angle. And the interplay between them was also investigated. In addition, a dust collection efficiency model was built, based on uniform design (UD) and multiple regression analysis (MRA), and subsequently verified via experiments. The results revealed that the structural parameters have significant influence on the dust collection performance. The suction-inlet diameter, front baffle inclination angle, and suction-inlet inclination angle exerted the highest, second-highest, and lowest influence, respectively. Furthermore, the interaction among structural parameters also influenced the collection performance. The highest, second-highest, and lowest levels of influence were determined for the inlet diameter/baffle inclination angle, inlet inclination angle/baffle inclination angle, and inlet diameter/inlet inclination interactions, respectively. The highest dust collection efficiency (i.e., 96.10%) and a short average detention time of particles in the chamber were realized under the following conditions: suction-inlet diameter and inclination angle: 200 mm and 110°, respectively, and front baffle inclination angle: 105°.
Review of health risks among decontamination workers after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident
Authors: Sawano Toyoaki , Ozaki Akihiko , Tsubokura Masaharu
Published: December 2020

In the radiation industry, occupational health is a significantly important issue. As the workers belong to a wide range of socioeconomic classes, the management of the health of the workers, especially in a lower socioeconomic status, such as migrant workers, is essential. After the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident, migrant decontamination workers were recruited to help clean up and mitigate the ionizing radiation in evacuation zone, in order to resume life. As this was the first attempt at such decontamination work after a nuclear accident, these workers were the first to experience these conditions. However, limited information is available on the health of the workers engaged in this work. This paper comprehensively reviews the existing health risks faced by the workers after the FDNPP accident to provide general health guidelines to mitigate the health risks of decontamination workers in future disasters. Following previous literature, the health risks were categorized by those associated with occupational hazards and those associated with the living environment. Not only a mitigation of the direct occupational hazards, such as radiation exposure, work-related infection and trauma during work, but also the management of lifestyle should be adequately supported for decontamination workers of future nuclear disasters.
Gicht: aktuelle Epidemiologie, Komorbiditäten, Komplikationen
und sozioökonomische Konsequenzen
Authors: Kiltz Uta , Buschhorn-Milberger Verena , Vaupel Kristina , Braun Jürgen
Published: December 2020

Die Gicht gehört neben der rheumatoiden Arthritis zu den
häufigsten Ursachen von Gelenkentzündungen. Als metabolisch
bedingte Erkrankung geht sie meist mit Hyperurikämie und der
Ablagerung von Uratkristallen in Gelenken, Sehnen und Weichteilgeweben
einher, wodurch Entzündungszustände ausgelöst werden
können. Die Gichtarthritis tritt weltweit insbesondere in den
Industrieländern mit steigender Prävalenz auf (weltweit
0,6%), wobei die größte Häufigkeit bei den
Maoris in Ozeanien (bis zu 10%) gemessen wurde. In Deutschland tritt
die Gicht altersabhängig mit einer Prävalenz von
1,63% auf, wobei Männer ungefähr dreimal so
häufig wie Frauen betroffen sind. Kardiovaskuläre und vor
allem renale Komorbiditäten können zu vermehrten
Komplikationen und einer erhöhten Sterblichkeit von Patienten mit
Gicht führen. Grundsätzlich haben Gichtpatienten eine
erhöhte Mortalität im Vergleich zur
Gesamtbevölkerung. Die zunehmende Inzidenz führt zu
steigenden Gesundheitskosten, besonders durch vermehrte Hospitalisierungen.
Darüber hinaus wurden bei Gichtpatienten mehr
Arbeitsunfähigkeitstage sowie reduzierte Erwerbsfähigkeit
mit entsprechenden volkswirtschaftlichen Konsequenzen nachgewiesen.
Curative Evidence of Individualised Homoeopathic Treatment in a Case of Alopecia Areata
Authors: Sahoo Amulya Ratna , Khanra Joydeep , Choubey Gurudev , Banerjee Abhiram
Published: December 2020

Introduction Alopecia areata is an auto-immune disorder, suffered by almost 2% of world's population, characterised by non-scarring patches over the scalp. Clinical heterogeneity along with an unpredictable course and history make this disease difficult to treat.

Patient Information A 19-year-old unmarried female reported with complain of loss of hair from a patch on the top of her head; she experienced gradual increase in falling of hair for past 4 years that resulted in complete patchy baldness over the vertex. She tried all sorts of treatment but failed and was advised for hair transplantation, which she could not afford.

Result She has been treated successfully by homoeopathic single medicine Graphites. Over the period of 5 months of homoeopathic treatment, complete resolution was observed. Documentation was done in the form of photographs from the same angle under similar light exposure in every follow-up. Patient's perspective was assessed in each follow-up visit using ORIDL—Outcome in Relation to Impact on Daily Living—scale, and causal attribution of the case has been determined using the modified Naranjo criteria.

Discussion and Conclusion Individualised homoeopathic intervention may be a potential alternative in treatment of alopecia, though further research with better methodology is suggested.
A Rare Case of Joint Infection due to Raoultella planticola
Authors: Ismair Kevin , Abdeen Yazan
Published: December 2020

Raoultella planticola, a gram-negative bacterium, first emerged in late 1900s as Klebsiella planticola. It was later classified as Raoultella genus in 2001. This nonmotile rod is usually found in soil and aquatic environment. There are two known species of Raoultella: R. planticola and R. ornithinolytica. They are responsible for numerous yet rare infections including cystitis, pneumonia, and bacteremia. To date, only one case of joint or bone infection due to R. planticola has been reported. The infection is eradicated after arthroscopic lavage and antibiotic therapy with fluoroquinolones. We present the first case of septic arthritis due to R. planticola involving a native knee joint following synovectomy during arthroscopy.
Psychological Distress during COVID-19 Lockdown among Dental Students and Practitioners in India: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Chakraborty Trishnika , Subbiah Gireesh Kumar , Damade Yogesh
Published: December 2020

Objective In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Indian Government imposed a countrywide lockdown of 21 days from March 25 to April 14, 2020, which was further extended to 60 days. The sudden draconian measures changed the delivery of dental education and practice throughout the country. The study aimed to screen for depression during the COVID-19 lockdown and the factors associated with it among dental students and practitioners in highly COVID-19 infected states of India.

Materials and Methods The current study is an online cross-sectional survey performed in Delhi NCR, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu during May 2020. The participants were recruited by convenience sampling. The main outcome measure was the screening of depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), which was categorized as mild, moderate, and severe depression. The data analysis was performed with IBM SPSS Version 23.0. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify the independent predictors of depression.

Results In total, 335 dental students and practitioners participated in the survey. Among this, a significant number of the dental students (54%) and practitioners (44%) scored moderate to severe depression in terms of depression severity according to the PHQ-9 scores. Those who were screened depressed were likely to be males and younger than 30 years old. The results of correlation analysis indicated that worry about the professional growth, concerns regarding setbacks in clinical and research experiences, previous history of mental health issues, and fear of contracting COVID-19 from patients were positively related to higher depression scores in students. Moreover, for practitioners, fear of contracting COVID-19 from the patients scored higher levels of depression. The practitioners who reported less concern about their practice/job post COVID-19 lockdown and those who were able to meet their financial expenses during the lockdown were the least likely to be depressed.

Conclusion The results of this study indicate a high level of depression among a significant number of dental students and practitioners. It is important to monitor and address the mental health needs of dental students and practitioners during and after the lockdown.
Treatment of Ruptured Giant Omphalocele and Gastroschisis with Liver Herniation using a Wound Retractor as a Novel Approach
Authors: Nelson Jana , Wachowiak Robin , Siekmeyer Manuela , Knuepfer Matthias , Thome Ulrich , Holger Stepan , Lacher Martin
Published: December 2020

Ruptured giant omphaloceles (GO) and gastroschisis with total liver herniation are rare cases of exceptionally large abdominal wall defects. Many of these children have lethal outcome. The surgical and postsurgical management are complex. We report on two cases treated with staged surgical repair using a wound retractor as a silo. With this technique, the liver and intestines could be reduced into the abdomen with secondary closure of the abdominal cavity within the first 1 to 2 weeks of life.
Pyrexia of Unknown Origin: An Atypical Presentation of Hepatic Hemangioma
Authors: Desai Gunjan , Budkule Dattaraj , Pande Prasad , Wagle Prasad
Published: December 2020

Pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO) has been a diagnostic challenge for decades. Hepatic hemangioma (HH) is not a common differential diagnosis of PUO. It is the most common benign hepatic tumor, commonly asymptomatic and incidentally detected, or can present with vague abdominal pain. PUO is a rare presenting feature. We describe a case of 38-year-old lady presenting with PUO. With no other identifiable source of fever despite exhaustive investigations, a giant hemangioma in right lobe of liver detected on abdominal ultrasonography was deemed to be the cause of PUO. The patient had sudden decrease in hemoglobin while undergoing workup, which on imaging showed a bleeding hemangioma and right hepatectomy was performed. Patient had an uneventful recovery and her PUO also resolved after surgery. HH should be considered a rare diagnosis of exclusion for PUO after a standard algorithmic approach does not reveal any other cause.
Relation between Maternal and Neonatal Serum Lipid Profile and Their Impact on Birth Weight
Authors: Abdel-Hamid Tamer A. , AbdelLatif Dalia , Ahmed Eman , Abdel-Rasheed Mazen , A-Mageed Ahmed
Published: December 2020

Objective Maternal malnutrition with disturbed lipid metabolism during pregnancy may affect the fetal lipid profile. We aimed to detect the relation between maternal and neonatal serum lipid profile, as well as to detect the serum lipid profile difference between small for gestational age (SGA) infants and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants to disclose the impact of maternal malnutrition on birth weight.

Study Design A cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 pregnant women coming to the labor room. Before delivery, maternal serum levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TGs), and total cholesterol were assessed, then after delivery, cord blood samples were taken for assessment of the neonatal lipid profile. Birth weights were measured, then the neonates were divided into SGA and AGA groups.

Results Serum levels of LDL, TGs, and total cholesterol in the SGA infants were lower than that in the AGA infants. A positive correlation between maternal and neonatal serum TGs levels was found. Besides, there was a positive correlation between birth weight and maternal serum levels of LDL, TGs, and total cholesterol.

Conclusion Maternal serum lipid profile could be an indicator of the neonatal serum lipid profile and birth weight.

Key Points
Maternal Cardiovascular Function Following a Pregnancy Complicated by Preeclampsia
Authors: Barr Logan C. , Liblik Kiera , Johri Amer M. , Smith Graeme N.
Published: December 2020

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive pregnancy complication with an unknown etiology and high maternal burden worldwide. Burgeoning research has linked preeclampsia to adverse maternal health outcomes remote from pregnancy; however, the intermediary mechanisms responsible for this association have not been sufficiently established. In the present narrative review, we summarize leading evidence of structural and functional cardiovascular changes associated with prior preeclampsia, and how these changes may be linked to future maternal disease.

Key Points
How Helpful Is aEEG? Context and User Experience Matter
Authors: Sandoval Karamian Amanda G. , Wusthoff Courtney J.
Published: December 2020

Objective The aim of the study is to model amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) utility to diagnose seizures in common clinical scenarios.

Study Design Using reported neonatal seizure prevalence and aEEG sensitivities and specificities, likelihood ratios (LRs) and post-test probabilities were calculated to quantify aEEG utility to diagnose seizures in three typical clinical scenarios.

Results Prevalence data supported pretest probabilities for neonatal seizures of 0.4 in neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), 0.27 in bacterial meningitis, and 0.05 in extreme prematurity. Reported sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 90% for seizures with expert aEEG interpretation yielded a positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 8.7 and a negative likelihood ratio (LR−) of 0.17. Reported sensitivity of 65% and specificity of 70% with intermediate interpretation yielded LR+ 2.17 and LR− 0.5. Reported sensitivity of 40% and sensitivity of 50% with inexperienced interpretation gave LR+ 0.8 and LR− 1.2. These translate the ability to move pretest to post-test probability highly dependent on user expertise. For HIE, a pretest probability of seizure of 0.4 moves to a post-test probability of 0.85 when aEEG is positive for seizures by expert interpretation, and down to 0.1 when aEEG is negative. In contrast, no useful information was gained between pretest and post-test probability by aEEG interpreted as negative or positive for seizure at the inexperienced user level. Similarly, in the models of meningitis or extreme prematurity, incremental information gained from aEEG ranged widely based on interpreter experience.

Conclusion aEEG is most useful to screen for neonatal seizures when used in conditions with high seizure prevalence, and when interpretation has a sensitivity and specificity as reported for expert users. In contrast, aEEG can become negligible in providing meaningful clinical information when applied in conditions having lower seizure prevalence or when interpretation has low accuracy. Appropriate patient selection and high quality interpretation are essential for aEEG utility in neonatal seizure detection.

Key Points
Hierarchical Modelling of COVID-19 Death Risk in India in the Early Phase of the Pandemic
Authors: Olsen Wendy , Bera Manasi , Dubey Amaresh , Kim Jihye , Wiśniowski Arkadiusz , Yadav Purva
Published: December 2020

We improve upon the modelling of India’s pandemic vulnerability. Our model is multidisciplinary and recognises the nested levels of the epidemic. We create a model of the risk of severe COVID-19 and death, instead of a model of transmission. Our model allows for socio-demographic-group differentials in risk, obesity and underweight people, morbidity status and other conditioning regional and lifestyle factors. We build a hierarchical multilevel model of severe COVID-19 cases, using three different data sources: the National Family Health Survey for 2015/16, Census data for 2011 and data for COVID-19 deaths obtained cumulatively until June 2020. We provide results for 11 states of India, enabling best-yet targeting of policy actions. COVID-19 deaths in north and central India were higher in areas with older and overweight populations, and were more common among people with pre-existing health conditions, or who smoke, or who live in urban areas. Policy experts may both want to ‘follow World Health Organisation advice’ and yet also use disaggregated and spatially specific data to improve wellbeing outcomes during the pandemic. The future uses of our innovative data-combining model are numerous.
The off-axis pressure crash associated with the nonlinear evolution of the m/n = 2/1 double tearing mode
Authors: Zhang W. , Lin X. , Ma Z. W. , Lu X. Q. , Zhang H. W.
Published: December 2020

The nonlinear evolution of the m/n = 2/1 double tearing mode (DTM) is investigated by the toroidal resistive magnetohydrodynamic code CLT. It is found that the m/n = 2/1 DTM can lead to either a core pressure crash or an off-axis pressure crash. Unlike the core pressure crash, the plasma pressure at the magnetic axis remains almost unchanged during the off-axis pressure crash. The pressure crash only occurs in the annular region during the off-axis crash, and the on-axis plasma pressure slowly reduces after the crash, which is consistent with TFTR observations. A series of simulations are carried out to investigate the influence of the radial position of the inner resonant surface r1, the magnetic shear at the inner resonance surface, and the spatial separation between the two resonant surfaces on nonlinear behaviors of DTMs. We find that r1 plays a dominant role in the nonlinear DTM behaviors. It is more likely for the DTM to lead to the core pressure crash with a smaller r1. It is also found that the magnetic shear at the inner resonant surface and the spatial separation between the two resonant surfaces can also largely influence the nonlinear evolution of the DTM. A simple theoretical formula of the transition criterion between the two pressure crashes is proposed, which agrees well with the simulation results.
Heterogeneous dynamics, correlated time and length scales in ionic deep eutectics: Anion and temperature dependence
Authors: Banerjee Swarup , Ghorai Pradip Kr. , Das Suman , Rajbangshi Juriti , Biswas Ranjit
Published: December 2020

Heterogeneous relaxation dynamics often characterizes deep eutectic solvents. Extensive and molecular dynamics simulations have been carried out in the temperature range, 303 ≤ T/K ≤ 370, for studying the anion and temperature dependencies of heterogeneous dynamics of three different ionic acetamide deep eutectics: acetamide + LiX, X being bromide (Br−), nitrate (NO3−), and perchlorate (ClO4−). These systems are chosen because the fractional viscosity dependence of average relaxation rates reported by various measurements has been attributed to the heterogeneous dynamics of these systems. Simulations performed here attempt to characterize the heterogeneous relaxation dynamics in terms of correlated time and length scales and understand the solution inhomogeneity in microscopic terms. Additionally, simulation studies for pure molten acetamide have been performed to understand the impact of ions on motional features of acetamide in these ionic deep eutectic systems. The computed radial distribution functions suggest microheterogeneous solution structure and dependence upon anion identity and temperature. A significant plateau in the simulated time dependent mean squared displacements indicates pronounced cage-rattling and inhomogeneity in relaxation dynamics. Simulated diffusion coefficients for acetamide and ions show decoupling from the simulated viscosities of these deep eutectics. Calculated two- and four-point correlation functions reveal the presence of dynamic heterogeneity even at ∼180 K above the measured thermodynamic glass transition temperature (Tg). Further analyses reveal the existence of multiple timescales that respond strongly to the rise in solution temperature. The simulated dynamic structure factor and overlap function relaxations show strong stretched exponential relaxations. The simulation results support the experimental observation that the bromide system is the most dynamically heterogeneous among these three systems. Correlated length scales show much weaker anion and temperature dependencies with an estimated length of ∼1 nm, suggesting formation of clusters at the local level as the origin for the micro-heterogeneous nature of these ionic deep eutectics.
Computational and training requirements for interatomic potential based on artificial neural network for estimating low thermal conductivity of silver chalcogenides
Authors: Shimamura Kohei , Takeshita Yusuke , Fukushima Shogo , Koura Akihide , Shimojo Fuyuki
Published: December 2020

We examined the estimation of thermal conductivity through molecular dynamics simulations for a superionic conductor, α-Ag2Se, using the interatomic potential based on an artificial neural network (ANN potential). The training data were created using the existing empirical potential of Ag2Se to help find suitable computational and training requirements for the ANN potential, with the intent to apply them to first-principles calculations. The thermal conductivities calculated using different definitions of heat flux were compared, and the effect of explicit long-range Coulomb interaction on the conductivities was investigated. We clarified that using a rigorous heat flux formula for the ANN potential, even for highly ionic α-Ag2Se, the resulting thermal conductivity was reasonably consistent with the reference value without explicitly considering Coulomb interaction. It was found that ANN training including the virial term played an important role in reducing the dependency of thermal conductivity on the initial values of the weight parameters of the ANN.