bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yangian doubles of classical types and their vertex representations
Authors: Jing Naihuan , Yang Fan , Liu Ming
Published: May 2020

The Yangian double DYℏ(gN) is introduced for the classical types of gN=o2n+1, sp2n, and o2n. Via the Gauss decomposition of the generator matrix, the Yangian double is given the Drinfeld presentation. In addition, bosonization of level 1 realizations for the Yangian double DYℏ(gN) of non-simply laced types are explicitly constructed.
Numerical simulation on electric field intensity and reaction pathway in the He–O2 atmospheric pressure plasma jet
Authors: Du Jun , Chen Xiaoxiao , Liu Zhaoqian , Li Li , Li Shi , Meng Wenjing , Pan Jie
Published: May 2020

In this work, a two-dimensional fluid model of the needle-plane discharge plasma has been built to numerically investigate the spatio-temporal evolution characteristics of the electric field intensity and electric potential as well as generating and consuming reaction pathways of various oxygen species in a He–O2 atmospheric pressure plasma jet. Simulation results have indicated that the region of high electric field intensity moves in the direction of the plane electrode with the formation and propagation of an ionization wave. The region of low electric field intensity exists between the needle electrode and the head of the ionization wave, and its area increases continuously. The obvious voltage drop and local electric field enhancement occur between the head of the ionization wave and the plane electrode. Electron attachment reactions e + O2 → O + O− and e + 2O2 → O2− + O2 produce negative ions O− and O2−. More than 80% of the positive ions O2+ and H2O+ come from Penning ionizations between He* and molecules O2 and H2O. e + O2 → e + O + O(1D) is the main pathway to generate O and O(1D). O(1D) + H2O → 2OH and O + H + H2O → OH + H2O produce 69.3% and 39.2% of OH, respectively. 2O2 + O → O3 + O2 is the key generating reaction of O3.
Inertial torques acting on a spinning paraboloid
Authors: Usubamatov R. , Arzybaev A.
Published: May 2020

Numerous gyroscopic devices consist of rotating components that manifest gyroscopic effects, i.e., the action of unexplainable inertial torques. The rotating objects in engineering can be designed as a disk, cylinder, rotor, circular cone, sphere, paraboloid, etc. Known theories express gyroscopic effects by a simplified mathematical model based only on the principle of the change in the angular momentum for the spinning disk. New research in the area of the gyroscope theory has shown that the physics of inertial torques is more complex than that presented in known publications. Spinning objects generate a system of interrelated inertial torques based on the action of centrifugal, common inertial, and Coriolis forces, as well as the change in the angular momentum. The action of inertial torques manifests resistance and precession torques, which is known as gyroscopic effects. These inertial torques constitute the fundamental principles of the gyroscope theory. The rotating objects of complex designs demonstrate the action of inertial torques, in which mathematical models are different from the models of the spinning disk. The novelty of the work is analytical solutions for the inertial torques generated by the rotating mass of the spinning paraboloid that is new in the dynamics of rotating objects.
Dispersion engineering method results in multifunctional metasurfaces
Authors: Mandel Savannah
Published: May 2020

Controlling the geometric design of the nanostructures in a metasurface leads to increased manipulation of the functionalities of metalenses.
Online multi-objective particle accelerator optimization of the AWAKE electron beam line for simultaneous emittance and orbit control
Authors: Scheinker Alexander , Hirlaender Simon , Velotti Francesco Maria , Gessner Spencer , Della Porta Giovanni Zevi , Kain Verena , Goddard Brennan , Ramjiawan Rebecca
Published: May 2020

Multi-objective optimization is important for particle accelerators where various competing objectives must be satisfied routinely such as, for example, transverse emittance vs bunch length. We develop and demonstrate an online multi-time scale multi-objective optimization algorithm that performs real time feedback on particle accelerators. We demonstrate the ability to simultaneously minimize the emittance and maintain a reference trajectory of a beam in the electron beamline in CERN’s Advanced Proton Driven Plasma Wakefield Acceleration Experiment.
Structural crossover from long period modulated to non-modulated cubic-like phase at cryogenic temperature in the morphotropic phase boundary of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–BaTiO3
Authors: Khatua Dipak Kumar , Adhikary Gobinda Das , Mishra Anupam , Kumar Naveen , Senyshyn Anatoliy , Mishra S. K. , Kim Sang-Jae , Ranjan Rajeev
Published: May 2020

Morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) composition 0.94Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–0.06BaTiO3 (NBT–6BT) has received industrial acceptance in certain aspects such as ultrasonic cleaners to replace those of lead-based systems. While detailed structure–property analysis on NBT–6BT is mostly confined to room temperature and above, less attention is paid with regard to their structure and property understanding below room temperature. In this work, utilizing the complementarity of Raman spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, and neutron powder diffraction, we unravel low temperature polar-structural behavior of the MPB composition. While x-ray diffraction shows the persistence of a cubic like global structure in the temperature interval from 300 to 100 K, neutron diffraction reveals a structural crossover from long period modulated to non-modulated P4bm + R3c phase coexistence at ∼150 K. We show that the tendency of growing ferroelectric ordering with reducing temperature is responsible for the structural crossover. Concurrence of weak anomaly in dielectric loss (tan δ) at the same temperature seems to be correlated to the structural crossover.
Time reversal symmetry breaking and odd viscosity in active fluids: Green–Kubo and NEMD results
Authors: Hargus Cory , Klymko Katherine , Epstein Jeffrey M. , Mandadapu Kranthi K.
Published: May 2020

Active fluids, which are driven at the microscale by non-conservative forces, are known to exhibit novel transport phenomena due to the breaking of time reversal symmetry. Recently, Epstein and Mandadapu [arXiv:1907.10041 (2019)] obtained Green–Kubo relations for the full set of viscous coefficients governing isotropic chiral active fluids, including the so-called odd viscosity, invoking Onsager’s regression hypothesis for the decay of fluctuations in active non-equilibrium steady states. In this Communication, we test these Green–Kubo relations using molecular dynamics simulations of a canonical model system consisting of actively torqued dumbbells. We find the resulting odd and shear viscosity values from the Green–Kubo relations to be in good agreement with values measured independently through non-equilibrium molecular dynamics flow simulations. This provides a test of the Green–Kubo relations and lends support to the application of the Onsager regression hypothesis in relation to viscous behaviors of active matter systems.
Ionization potentials of the superheavy element livermorium (Z = 116)
Authors: Liu Juan , Shen Xiaozhi , Wang Kai , Sang Cuicui
Published: May 2020

Ionization potentials (IPs) of the superheavy element (SHE) livermorium (Lv) and its ions Lvn+ (n = 1, …, 6) are obtained using the multiconfiguration Dirac–Hartree–Fock method. The effects of electron correlation in the subshells {6s, 6p, 6d, 7s, 7p} are taken into account, together with the Breit interaction and quantum electrodynamic (QED) effects. In Lv, the strong relativistic effect causes a large splitting between the energies of the 7p1/2 and 7p3/2 orbitals, which results in a large difference between IP3 and IP2. As a consequence, the behavior of the IPs of Lv differs from that of the lighter oxygen group elements: among the IPnZ (Z = Se, Te, Po, Lv; n = 1, …, 6), IP1,2Lv are the smallest, whereas IP3,4,5,6Lv are the second largest among the IP3,4,5,6Z. This jump in IP can be taken to be a natural characteristic of SHEs because the calculations of the difference between IP3 and IP2 are only weakly affected by electron correlation, the Breit interaction, and QED effects, with only the relativistic effect being significant. We also show that the energies and IPs of neutral Lv and Lv+ are clearly influenced by the electron correlation effect in the subshells {6s, 6p, 6d}. The Breit interaction and QED have an effect on the energies that has an exponential dependence on the atomic number, although they have only a weak influence on the IPs. The analysis of the stabilities of the 2+, 4+, and 6 + states of Lv shows good agreement with predictions from other studies.
Strong permanent magnet gradient deflector for Stern–Gerlach-type experiments on molecular beams
Authors: Liang Jiahao , Fuchs Thomas M. , Schäfer Rolf , Kresin Vitaly V.
Published: May 2020

We describe the design, assembly, and testing of a magnet intended to deflect beams of paramagnetic nanoclusters, molecules, and atoms. It is energized by high-grade permanent neodymium magnets. This offers a convenient option in terms of cost, portability, and scalability of the construction while providing field and gradient values (1.1 T, 330 T/m), which are fully comparable with those of commonly used electromagnet deflectors.
Plasmonic quantum yield enhancement of a single molecule near a nanoegg
Authors: Ugwuoke Luke C. , Mančal Tomáš , Krüger Tjaart P. J.
Published: May 2020

We investigate the impact of the dipole-active modes formed via the mode-mixing of the dipole mode with higher-order surface plasmon modes of a nanoegg on the radiative decay rate and quantum yield of an excited molecule near the nanoegg. The Purcell factor, rate of power dissipation by the emitter, and antenna efficiency of the nanoegg, as well as quantum yield enhancement of the emitter, were studied using the quasistatic approximation and the semiclassical theory of radiation, following the Gersten–Nitzan and Ford–Weber approaches. Compared to the concentric nanoshell, we show that the dielectric core–metallic shell nanoegg is a more efficient plasmonic nanoantenna for radiative decay rate enhancement of single emitters. The quantum yield of the emitter was found to be more enhanced near the nanoshell, while its emission rate was found to be more enhanced near the nanoegg.
Ultrasensitive detection of malignant melanoma using PET molecular imaging probes
Authors: Pyo Ayoung , Kim Dong-Yeon , Kim Heejung , Lim Daejin , Kwon Seong Young , Kang Sae-Ryung , Kim Hyung-Seok , Bom Hee-Seung , Min Jung-Joon
Published: May 2020

Significance

With the emergence of new therapeutic modalities, the diagnosis of melanoma at the earliest practicable stage has become more important for improving the survival of patients. We developed a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging probe,
N
-(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)-5-[
18
F]fluoropicolinamide ([
18
F]DMPY2) and evaluated diagnostic performance in animal models. [
18
F]DMPY2 PET exhibited excellent performance in detecting primary and metastatic melanomas, demonstrating strong/prolonged tumoral uptake and rapid background clearance. This suggests that this radiotracer could be used as a novel PET imaging agent to obtain outstanding image quality in the diagnosis of melanoma. This is the pioneering report of pyridine-based benzamide derivative with reduced alkyl chains in the amine residue and ultrasensitive detection of melanoma lesions in living subjects compared to conventional PET imaging agents.
Gesture reuse as distributed embodied cognition
Authors: Philipsen Johanne S. , Trasmundi Sarah Bro
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we investigate the intimate link between hands and minds – or rather: How the hands are a means for exploring thoughts in collaboration with others. Specifically, this study investigates a series of locally occurring instances of gestural reuse in naturally occurring psychotherapeutic interaction. The repetition of gestural sequences and formats in interaction has been researched as serving pragmatic functions of building cohesion (McNeill & Levy, 1993) and managing different aspects of turn-taking (Koschmann & LeBaron, 2002). Taking a micro-analytic approach to the study of gesture, we show how reusing other participants’ gestures in the context of psychotherapy serves additional functions: As affordances for shared, embodied cognition. The study contributes to the growing body of research on gesture as a co-participated, co-operative (Goodwin, 2013,2018) and embodied phenomenon that criss-cross the boundaries of inside-the-skull, individual-centered and socially distributed cognition.
Dynamic processes of intermodal coordination in the ontogenesis of language
Authors: Romero Andonegi Asier , de Pablo Delgado Irati , Etxebarria Lejarreta Aintzane , Romero Andonegi Ainara
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study is to explore the multimodal communicative patterns used by infants during their first-words transition period. The combinatorial patterns of twelve children living in Basque Country with different mother tongues were analyzed longitudinally from 9 to 21 months of age. A total of 4,299 communicative behaviors were recorded and coded (vocalizations, gestures, and pragmatic functions). Results showed a significant increase in multimodal communicative patterns from 12 months onwards, and differences in the infants’ vocal construction depending on the specific types of gestures involved. Thus, it was observed that gestures and speech combinations have influence on the child’s pragmatic function and vocalizations structure.
Numeral base, numeral classifier, and noun
Authors: Allassonnière-Tang Marc , Her One-Soon
Published: May 2020

Greenberg (1990a: 292) suggests that classifiers (clf) and numeral
bases tend to harmonize in word order, i.e. a numeral (Num) with a base-final [n base] order appears in a
clf-final [Num clf] order, e.g. in Mandarin Chinese, san1-bai3 (three hundred) ‘300’ and san1
zhi1 gou3 (three clf
animal dog) ‘three dogs’, and a base-initial [base n] Num appears in a clf-initial [clf Num]
order, e.g. in Kilivila (Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, Oceanic), akatu-tolu (hundred three) ‘300’ and na-tolu
yena (clf
animal-three fish) ‘three fish’. In non-classifier languages, base and noun (N) tend to harmonize in word order. We propose that
harmonization between clf and N should also obtain. A detailed statistical analysis of a geographically and phylogenetically
weighted set of 400 languages shows that the harmonization of word order between numeral bases, classifiers, and nouns is statistically
highly significant, as only 8.25% (33/400) of the languages display violations, which are mostly located at the meeting points between
head-final and head-initial languages, indicating that language contact is the main factor in the violations to the probabilistic
universals.
Structure and inference in Japanese right dislocation
Authors: Furuya Kaori
Published: May 2020

This paper explores the syntactic nature of Japanese Right Dislocation Constructions (RDCs) by illuminating the ellipsis sites in the postverbal domains of the constructions via pragmatic inference. Although the most prevailing bi-clausal analysis of RDCs adopts the perspective that the repetition of the antecedent clause occurs in collocation, this paper shows that the same surface strings are potentially ambiguous since right dislocation is a heterogeneous phenomenon. It proposes additional types of a bi-clausal structure and discusses evidence that suggests that even when the surface strings are the same the recovery of the ellipsis site is possibly derived in multiple ways through the use of distinct linguistic strategies.
Testing the applicability of third tone sandhi at the intonation boundary
Authors: Liu Chin-Ting , Chen Li-mei
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this study is to test the applicability of Tone Three Sandhi (T3S) when the critical syllable is a monosyllabic topic preceding a topic boundary. A recitation task from 37 native speakers of Taiwan Mandarin was employed. The results from human judgements indicated that the participants predominantly produced the critical syllables with Tone 3 (T3). Additionally, the fundamental frequency of the critical syllables demonstrated a falling contour, showing that T3S was not applied. Intonation break-ups and the prolongation of the critical syllables lent strong support to the view that the topic syllable was at an intonation/phonological phrase-final position. The findings can be elegantly accommodated by constraint-based analyses, which propose that T3S must be avoided when two T3 syllables are separated by an intonation/phonological phrase boundary. Issues relating to pauses, speech rates and word frequency effects are also discussed.
Relationship between lactose utilization of lactic acid bacteria and browning of cheese during storage
Authors: Arai Ayaka , Igoshi Asuka , Inoue Aoi , Noda Kyoko , Tsutsuura Satomi , Murata Masatsune
Published: May 2020

To produce processed cheese turning hardly brown during transportation and storage at room temperature, natural cheese showing less discoloration should be used as a raw material. The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between the lactose utilization of lactic acid bacteria and the browning of cheese during storage. Three type-cultures (Lactobacillus plantarum and Streptococcus thermophilus) and five isolates from Japanese pickles (Lactobacillus spp.) were used. Cheese curds inoculated with these bacteria were prepared and stored. The L. plantarum-inoculated curds showed smaller ΔE-values after storage, an indicator for the browning, compared to the others. Accumulation of galactose was observed in the curd to which S. thermophilus was inoculated. The sample showed larger ΔE-value after storage. These results showed the lactose utilization of bacteria affected galactose concentration in cheese and its browning during storage. L. plantarum might be a good starter for preparing cheese turning hardly brown.
Ultra-high-throughput analysis of functional biomolecules using in vitro selection and bioinformatics
Authors: Kojima Takaaki
Published: May 2020

Functional analysis of biomolecules, including nucleic acids and proteins, is important for understanding biological mechanisms in living cells such as gene expression and metabolism. To analyze diverse biomolecular functions, large-scale screening systems for biomolecules have been developed for various applications such as to improve enzyme activity and identify target binding molecules. One of these systems, the Bead Display system, utilizes emulsion technology and is a powerful tool for rapidly screening functional nucleic acids or proteins in vitro. Furthermore, an analytical pipeline that consists of genomic systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (gSELEX)-Seq, gene expression analysis, and bioinformatics was shown to be a robust platform for comprehensively identifying genes regulated by a transcription factor. This review provides an overview of the biomolecular screening methods developed to date.
Multiple-Models Juxtaposition and Trade-Offs among Modeling Desiderata
Authors: Yoshida Yoshinari
Published: May 2020

This article offers a characterization of what I call multiple-models juxtaposition (MMJ), a strategy for managing trade-offs among modeling desiderata. MMJ displays models of distinct phenomena together and fulfills different desiderata both in the individual models and by a comparison of those models. I discuss a concrete case from developmental biology, where MMJ coordinates generality and detail. I also clarify the distinction between MMJ and multiple-models idealization (MMI), which also uses multiple models to manage trade-offs among desiderata. MMJ and MMI differ in several points, such as the ways they manage trade-offs and the purposes of using multiple models.
Targeted drug delivery systems: synthesis and in vitro bioactivity and apoptosis studies of gemcitabine-carbon dot conjugates
Authors: Yunus Uzma , Zulfiqar Muhammad Ahsan , Ajmal Muhammad , Bhatti Moazzam H , Chaudhry Gul-e-Saba , Muhammad Tengku Sifzizul Tengku , Sung Yeong Yik
Published: May 2020

Gemcitabine (GEM) is used to treat various cancers such as breast, pancreatic, non-small lung, ovarian, bladder, and cervical cancers. GEM, however, has the problem of non-selectivity. Water-soluble, fluorescent, and mono-dispersed carbon dots (CDs) were fabricated by ultrasonication of sucrose. The CDs were further conjugated with GEM through amide linkage. The physical and morphological properties of these carbon dot-gemcitabine (CD-GEM) conjugates were determined using different analytical techniques. In vitro cytotoxicity and apoptosis studies of CD-GEM conjugates were evaluated by various bioactivity assays on human cell lines, MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma), and HeLa (cervical cancer) cell lines. The results of kinetic studies have shown a maximum drug loading efficacy of 17.0 mg of GEM per 50.0 mg of CDs. The CDs were found biocompatible, and the CD-GEM conjugates exhibited excellent bioactivity and exerted potent cytotoxicity against tumor cells with an IC50 value of 19.50 μg ml−1 in HeLa cells, which is lower than the IC50 value of pure GEM (∼20.10 μg ml−1). In vitro studies on CD-GEM conjugates demonstrated the potential to replace the conventional administration of GEM. CD-GEM conjugates are more stable, have a higher aqueous solubility, and are more cytotoxic as compared to GEM alone. The CD-GEM conjugates show reduced side effects in the normal cells along with excellent cellular uptake. Hence, CD-GEM conjugates are more selective toward cancerous cell lines as compared to non-cancerous cells. Also, the CD-GEM conjugates successfully induced early and late apoptosis in cancer cell lines and might be effective and safe to use for in vivo applications.
Dissipative peregrine solitons in fiber lasers
Authors: Hu X , Guo J , Song Y F , Zhao L M , Li L , Tang D Y
Published: May 2020

We show both numerically and experimentally that a dissipative type of Akhmediev-breathers (ABs) and Peregrine solitons (PSs) can be formed in a fiber laser, and their features could be well described by the laser Ginzburg-Landau equation. Moreover, we show that laser gain bandwidth limitation effect can arrest the dissipative ABs. Consequently, a stable one-dimensional periodic pulse train or periodic PS crystal structure can be formed. A kind of movable ‘PSs’ has also been obtained in our fiber laser. The solitons have a PS-like profile but exhibit similar features as those of the dissipative solitons formed in a mode locked fiber laser.
A deep learning functional estimator of optimal dynamics for sampling large deviations
Authors: Oakes Tom H E , Moss Adam , Garrahan Juan P
Published: May 2020

In stochastic systems, numerically sampling the relevant trajectories for the estimation of the large deviation statistics of time-extensive observables requires overcoming their exponential (in space and time) scarcity. The optimal way to access these rare events is by means of an auxiliary dynamics obtained from the original one through the so-called ‘generalised Doob transformation’. While this optimal dynamics is guaranteed to exist its use is often impractical, as to define it requires the often impossible task of diagonalising a (tilted) dynamical generator. While approximate schemes have been devised to overcome this issue they are difficult to automate as they tend to require knowledge of the systems under study. Here we address this problem from the perspective of deep learning. We devise an iterative semi-supervised learning scheme which converges to the optimal or Doob dynamics with the clear advantage of requiring no prior knowledge of the system. We test our method in a paradigmatic statistical mechanics model with non-trivial dynamical fluctuations, the fully packed classical dimer model on the square lattice, showing that it compares favourably with more traditional approaches. We discuss broader implications of our results for the study of rare dynamical trajectories.
Inter- and intraspecific variation in grass phytolith shape and size: a geometric morphometrics perspective
Authors: Hošková Kristýna , Pokorná Adéla , Neustupa Jiří , Pokorný Petr
Published: May 2020

Background and Aims

The relative contributions of inter- and intraspecific variation to phytolith shape and size have only been investigated in a limited number of studies. However, a detailed understanding of phytolith variation patterns among populations or even within a single plant specimen is of key importance for the correct taxonomic identification of grass taxa in fossil samples and for the reconstruction of vegetation and environmental conditions in the past. In this study, we used geometric morphometric analysis for the quantification of different sources of phytolith shape and size variation.

Methods

We used landmark-based geometric morphometric methods for the analysis of phytolith shapes in two extant grass species (Brachypodium pinnatum and B. sylvaticum). For each species, 1200 phytoliths were analysed from 12 leaves originating from six plants growing in three populations. Phytolith shape and size data were subjected to multivariate Procrustes analysis of variance (ANOVA), multivariate regression, principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis.

Key Results

Interspecific variation largely outweighed intraspecific variation with respect to phytolith shape. Individual phytolith shapes were classified with 83 % accuracy into their respective species. Conversely, variation in phytolith shapes within species but among populations, possibly related to environmental heterogeneity, was comparatively low.

Conclusions

Our results imply that phytolith shape relatively closely corresponds to the taxonomic identity of closely related grass species. Moreover, our methodological approach, applied here in phytolith analysis for the first time, enabled the quantification and separation of variation that is not related to species discrimination. Our findings strengthen the role of grass phytoliths in the reconstruction of past vegetation dynamics.
Intestinal Perforations Associated With a High Mortality and Frequent Complications During an Epidemic of Multidrug-resistant Typhoid Fever in Blantyre, Malawi
Authors: Olgemoeller Franziska , Waluza Jonathan J , Zeka Dalitso , Gauld Jillian S , Diggle Peter J , Read Jonathan M , Edwards Thomas , Msefula Chisomo L , Chirambo Angeziwa , Gordon Melita A , Thomson Emma , Heyderman Robert S , Borgstein Eric , Feasey Nicholas A
Published: May 2020

Background

Typhoid fever remains a major source of morbidity and mortality in low-income settings. Its most feared complication is intestinal perforation. However, due to the paucity of diagnostic facilities in typhoid-endemic settings, including microbiology, histopathology, and radiology, the etiology of intestinal perforation is frequently assumed but rarely confirmed. This poses a challenge for accurately estimating burden of disease.

Methods

We recruited a prospective cohort of patients with confirmed intestinal perforation in 2016 and performed enhanced microbiological investigations (blood and tissue culture, plus tissue polymerase chain reaction [PCR] for Salmonella Typhi). In addition, we used a Poisson generalized linear model to estimate excess perforations attributed to the typhoid epidemic, using temporal trends in S. Typhi bloodstream infection and perforated abdominal viscus at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital from 2008–2017.

Results

We recruited 23 patients with intraoperative findings consistent with intestinal perforation. 50% (11/22) of patients recruited were culture or PCR positive for S. Typhi. Case fatality rate from typhoid-associated intestinal perforation was substantial at 18% (2/11). Our statistical model estimates that culture-confirmed cases of typhoid fever lead to an excess of 0.046 perforations per clinical typhoid fever case (95% CI, .03–.06). We therefore estimate that typhoid fever accounts for 43% of all bowel perforation during the period of enhanced surveillance.

Conclusions

The morbidity and mortality associated with typhoid abdominal perforations are high. By placing clinical outcome data from a cohort in the context of longitudinal surgical registers and bacteremia data, we describe a valuable approach to adjusting estimates of the burden of typhoid fever.
Chronological Changes of Viral Shedding in Adult Inpatients With COVID-19 in Wuhan, China
Authors: Huang Jing-Tao , Ran Ruo-Xi , Lv Zhi-Hua , Feng Li-Na , Ran Chen-Yang , Tong Yong-Qing , Li Dong , Su Han-Wen , Zhu Cheng-Liang , Qiu Shi-Li , Yang Jie , Xiao Meng-Yao , Liu Ming-Jun , Yang Yu-Ting , Liu Song-Mei , Li Yan
Published: May 2020

Background

In December 2019, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) broke out in Wuhan. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 have been reported, but the relationships between laboratory features and viral load has not been comprehensively described.

Methods

Adult inpatients (≥18 years old) with COVID-19 who underwent multiple (≥5 times) nucleic acid tests with nasal and pharyngeal swabs were recruited from Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, including general patients (n = 70), severe patients (n = 195), and critical patients (n = 43). Laboratory data, demographic data, and clinical data were extracted from electronic medical records. The fitted polynomial curve was used to explore the association between serial viral loads and illness severity.

Results

Viral load of SARS-CoV-2 peaked within the first few days (2–4 days) after admission, then decreased rapidly along with virus rebound under treatment. Critical patients had the highest viral loads, in contrast to the general patients showing the lowest viral loads. The viral loads were higher in sputum compared with nasal and pharyngeal swab (P = .026). The positive rate of respiratory tract samples was significantly higher than that of gastrointestinal tract samples (P < .001). The SARS-CoV-2 viral load was negatively correlated with portion parameters of blood routine and lymphocyte subsets and was positively associated with laboratory features of cardiovascular system.

Conclusions

The serial viral loads of patients revealed whole viral shedding during hospitalization and the resurgence of virus during the treatment, which could be used for early warning of illness severity, thus improve antiviral interventions.
Incidence of HCV Reinfection Among HIV-Positive MSM and Its Association With Sexual Risk Behavior: A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Newsum Astrid M , Matser Amy , Schinkel Janke , van der Valk Marc , Brinkman Kees , van Eeden Arne , Lauw Fanny N , Rijnders Bart J A , van de Laar Thijs J W , van de Kerkhof Marita , Smit Colette , Boyd Anders , Arends Joop E , Prins Maria ,   MSM Observational Study of Acute Infection with hepatitis C (MOSAIC) study group, van Eden H , van der Meer J T M , Molenkamp R , Pijnappel F , Reesink H W , Schinkel J , Steba G S , van der Valk M , van den Berk G E L , Brinkman K , Hooijenga I , Kwa D , van der Meché N , Toonen A , Vos D , van Broekhuizen M , Lauw F N , Mulder J W , Arends J E , van Kessel A , Silvius B , Versloot M , Boonstra A , Rijnders B J A , Brokking W , van Eeden A , Elsenburg L , Nobel H E , van de Laar T J W , Smit C , Newsum A M , Prins M , van der Veldt W
Published: May 2020

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection following clearance of HCV, but risk factors specifically for reinfection have never been comprehensively assessed.

Methods

Using data from a prospective observational cohort study among HIV-positive MSM with an acute HCV infection (MOSAIC), the incidence of HCV reinfection following spontaneous clearance or successful treatment was assessed. A univariable Bayesian exponential survival model was used to identify risk factors associated with HCV reinfection.

Results

In total, 122 HIV-positive MSM who had a spontaneously cleared or successfully treated HCV infection between 2003 and 2017 were included. During a median follow-up of 1.4 years (interquartile range [IQR] 0.5–3.8), 34 HCV reinfections were observed in 28 patients. The incidence of HCV reinfection was 11.5/100 person-years and among those with reinfection, median time to reinfection was 1.3 years (IQR 0.6–2.7). HCV reinfection was associated with receptive condomless anal intercourse, sharing of sex toys, group sex, anal rinsing before sex, ≥10 casual sex partners in the last 6 months, nadir CD4 cell count <200 cells/mm3, and recent CD4 cell count <500 cells/mm3.

Conclusions

Incidence of HCV reinfection was high and strongly associated with sexual risk behavior, highlighting the need for interventions to reduce risk behavior and prevent HCV reinfections among HIV-positive MSM.
Communication as Constitutive Transmission? An Encounter with Affect
Authors: Ashcraft Karen Lee
Published: May 2020

Affect theory has met with an uneven welcome in communication studies, although attending to affect (i.e., the fluctuating intensities of encounter) could enhance the scope and impact of communication inquiry. This article makes a case for sustained engagement at the field level, across subfields. I argue that affect confronts a premise at the heart of our discipline today: the claim that communication is constitutive as opposed to mere transmission. By engaging with affect, we can recuperate potential eclipsed by this contrast and cultivate communication theory that: (a) informs transmission as a constitutive activity, (b) expands what counts as communication beyond human language and social interaction, and (c) recovers disappeared ways that power operates communicatively. Retuning communication in this way, we can inform what remains enigmatic in affect theory: how communicability happens. Arguably, the capacity to understand and intervene in the present moment depends on developing communication theory of this kind.
Improving health facility delivery rates in Zanzibar, Tanzania through a large-scale digital community health volunteer programme: a process evaluation
Authors: Fulcher Isabel R , Nelson Allyson R , Tibaijuka Jalia I , Seif Samira S , Lilienfeld Sam , Abdalla Omar A , Beckmann Nadine , Layer Erica H , Hedt-Gauthier Bethany , Hofmann Rachel Lieber
Published: May 2020

The utilization of community health worker (CHW) programmes to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes has become widely applied in low- and middle-income countries. While current research has focused on discerning the effect of these interventions, documenting the process of implementing, scaling and sustaining these programmes has been largely ignored. Here, we focused on the implementation of the Safer Deliveries CHW programme in Zanzibar, a programme designed to address high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality by increasing rates of health facility delivery and postnatal care visits. The programme was implemented and brought to scale in 10 of 11 districts in Zanzibar over the course of 3 years by D-tree International and the Zanzibar Ministry of Health. As the programme utilized a mobile app to support CHWs during their visits, a rich data resource comprised of 133 481 pregnancy and postpartum home visits from 41 653 women and 436 CHWs was collected, enabling the evaluation of numerous measures related to intervention fidelity and health outcomes. Utilizing the framework of Steckler et al., we completed a formal process evaluation of the primary intervention, CHW home visits to women during their pregnancy and postpartum period. Our in-depth analysis and discussion will serve as a model for process evaluations of similar CHW programmes and will hopefully encourage future implementers to report analogous measures of programme performance.
An artificial intelligence approach to COVID-19 infection risk assessment in virtual visits: A case report
Authors: Obeid Jihad S , Davis Matthew , Turner Matthew , Meystre Stephane M , Heider Paul M , O'Bryan Edward C , Lenert Leslie A
Published: May 2020

Objective

In an effort to improve the efficiency of computer algorithms applied to screening for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing, we used natural language processing and artificial intelligence–based methods with unstructured patient data collected through telehealth visits.

Materials and Methods

After segmenting and parsing documents, we conducted analysis of overrepresented words in patient symptoms. We then developed a word embedding–based convolutional neural network for predicting COVID-19 test results based on patients’ self-reported symptoms.

Results

Text analytics revealed that concepts such as smell and taste were more prevalent than expected in patients testing positive. As a result, screening algorithms were adapted to include these symptoms. The deep learning model yielded an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of 0.729 for predicting positive results and was subsequently applied to prioritize testing appointment scheduling.

Conclusions

Informatics tools such as natural language processing and artificial intelligence methods can have significant clinical impacts when applied to data streams early in the development of clinical systems for outbreak response.
High Throughput Detection of 327 Drugs in Blood by LC–MS-MS with Automated Data Processing
Authors: Di Rago Matthew , Pantatan Supranee , Hargreaves Melynda , Wong Katherine , Mantinieks Dylan , Kotsos Alex , Glowacki Linda , Drummer Olaf H , Gerostamoulos Dimitri
Published: May 2020

The described procedure provides a rapid technique for the detection and semi-quantitation of a large number of drugs in blood. This procedure uses a minimal sample volume and employs a one-step liquid extraction and automated data processing to yield rapid turnaround times. A total of 327 of the most commonly used medicinal and illicit drugs in Australia were selected including various amphetamines, anesthetics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, beta blockers, opioid and nonopioid analgesics, stimulants, THC and a large number of synthetic cannabinoids and other novel psychoactive substances. The extracts were subject to 5-minute chromatography using a Kinetex C18 50 × 4.6 mm 2.6 μm solid-core analytical column and analyzed using a Sciex 3200 Q-TRAP MS-MS (+ ESI, MRM mode, two transitions per analyte). The method was fully validated in accordance with international guidelines. Matrix effects and extraction efficiencies were acceptable with most analytes showing > 80% response and low variation (within 25%RSD). Cannabinoids were most affected by the matrix and yielded poorest recovery values but were still detectable. Precision, accuracy, repeatability and multipoint linearity were assessed for all analytes. The method has been used in routine practice in the forensic toxicology service at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine in over 6000 coronial investigations using both postmortem and clinical blood specimens. This technique has greatly increased throughput, reduced turnaround times and allowed for rapid same-day analysis of results when needed. The method is routinely used in routine overnight testing with results reported to pathologists within 4 h of data acquisition. This rapid toxicological technique is used in conjunction with other investigative processes such as full-body CT imaging, review of case circumstances and medical histories to provide an efficient death investigation process.
Improved unroofing protocols for cryo-electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and freeze-etching electron microscopy and the associated mechanisms
Authors: Morone Nobuhiro , Usukura Eiji , Narita Akihiro , Usukura Jiro
Published: May 2020

Unroofing, which is the mechanical shearing of a cell to expose the cytoplasmic surface of the cell membrane, is a unique preparation method that allows membrane cytoskeletons to be observed by cryo-electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, freeze-etching electron microscopy and other methods. Ultrasound and adhesion have been known to mechanically unroof cells. In this study, unroofing using these two means was denoted sonication unroofing and adhesion unroofing, respectively. We clarified the mechanisms by which cell membranes are removed in these unroofing procedures and established efficient protocols for each based on the mechanisms. In sonication unroofing, fine bubbles generated by sonication adhered electrostatically to apical cell surfaces and then removed the apical (dorsal) cell membrane with the assistance of buoyancy and water flow. The cytoplasmic surface of the ventral cell membrane remaining on the grids became observable by this method. In adhesion unroofing, grids charged positively by coating with Alcian blue were pressed onto the cells, thereby tightly adsorbing the dorsal cell membrane. Subsequently, a part of the cell membrane strongly adhered to the grids was peeled from the cells and transferred onto the grids when the grids were lifted. This method thus allowed the visualization of the cytoplasmic surface of the dorsal cell membrane. This paper describes robust, improved protocols for the two unroofing methods in detail. In addition, micro-unroofing (perforation) likely due to nanobubbles is introduced as a new method to make cells transparent to electron beams.
What does strong gravitational lensing? The mass and redshift distribution of high-magnification lenses
Authors: Robertson Andrew , Smith Graham P , Massey Richard , Eke Vincent , Jauzac Mathilde , Bianconi Matteo , Ryczanowski Dan
Published: May 2020

Many distant objects can only be detected, or become more scientifically valuable, if they have been highly magnified by strong gravitational lensing. We use eagle and bahamas, two recent cosmological hydrodynamical simulations, to predict the probability distribution for both the lens mass and lens redshift when point sources are highly magnified by gravitational lensing. For sources at a redshift of 2, we find the distribution of lens redshifts to be broad, peaking at z ≈ 0.6. The contribution of different lens masses is also fairly broad, with most high-magnification lensing due to lenses with halo masses between 1012 and $10^{14} \mathrm{\, M_\odot }$. Lower mass haloes are inefficient lenses, while more massive haloes are rare. We find that a simple model in which all haloes have singular isothermal sphere density profiles can approximately reproduce the simulation predictions, although such a model overpredicts the importance of haloes with mass $\lt 10^{12} \mathrm{\, M_\odot }$ for lensing. We also calculate the probability that point sources at different redshifts are strongly lensed. At low redshift, high magnifications are extremely unlikely. Each z = 0.5 source produces, on average, 5 × 10−7 images with magnification greater than 10; for z = 2, this increases to about 2 × 10−5. Our results imply that searches for strongly lensed optical transients, including the optical counterparts to strongly lensed gravitational waves, can be optimized by monitoring massive galaxies, groups, and clusters rather than concentrating on an individual population of lenses.
Where did the globular clusters of the Milky Way form? Insights from the E-MOSAICS simulations
Authors: Keller Benjamin W , Kruijssen J M Diederik , Pfeffer Joel , Reina-Campos Marta , Bastian Nate , Trujillo-Gomez Sebastian , Hughes Meghan E , Crain Robert A
Published: May 2020

Globular clusters (GCs) are typically old, with most having formed at z ≳ 2. This makes understanding their birth environments difficult, as they are typically too distant to observe with sufficient angular resolution to resolve GC birth sites. Using 25 cosmological zoom-in simulations of Milky Way-like galaxies from the E-MOSAICS project, with physically motivated models for star formation, feedback, and the formation, evolution, and disruption of GCs, we identify the birth environments of present-day GCs. We find roughly half of GCs in these galaxies formed in situ (52.0 ± 1.0 per cent) between z ≈ 2–4, in turbulent, high-pressure discs fed by gas that was accreted without ever being strongly heated through a virial shock or feedback. A minority of GCs form during mergers (12.6 ± 0.6 per cent in major mergers, and 7.2 ± 0.5 per cent in minor mergers), but we find that mergers are important for preserving the GCs seen today by ejecting them from their natal, high density interstellar medium (ISM), where proto-GCs are rapidly destroyed due to tidal shocks from ISM substructure. This chaotic history of hierarchical galaxy assembly acts to mix the spatial and kinematic distribution of GCs formed through different channels, making it difficult to use observable GC properties to distinguish GCs formed in mergers from ones formed by smooth accretion, and similarly GCs formed in situ from those formed ex situ. These results suggest a simple picture of GC formation, in which GCs are a natural outcome of normal star formation in the typical, gas-rich galaxies that are the progenitors of present-day galaxies.
Epidural dexmedetomidine infusion in a patient with chronic opioid use and intractable pain following abdominoperineal resection
Authors: Silvaggio Mathew P , Toman Melanie K , Peters Braden
Published: May 2020

Dexmedetomidine is a selective alpha 2 adrenergic agonist with known analgesic properties. Its perioperative use is associated with reduced pain scores and an opioid sparing effect. Management of postoperative pain in patients with a history of chronic opioid use can be challenging. Multimodal analgesia is recommended although the perioperative use of dexmedetomidine has not been extensively studied in this patient population. We present a case of intractable abdominal pain following open abdominoperineal resection in a patient with rectal cancer and a history of chronic opioid use. Following the introduction of dexmedetomidine into the patient’s postoperative epidural solution, a noticeable decline in reported pain scores and use of breakthrough analgesia was appreciated. The analgesic efficacy of epidural dexmedetomidine in patients with a history of chronic opioid use warrants further study.
Ovarian sex cord tumour with annular tubules in a 13-year-old female: a case report
Authors: Yahaya James J , Mshana Daudi , Mremi Alex
Published: May 2020

Sex cord tumour with annular tubules (SCTAT) is uncommon and distinctive type of sex cord-stromal tumours of the ovary which develops from sex cord cells. Most of SCTATs are strongly associated with Peutz–Jeghers syndrome (PJS) and have low malignancy potential; however, 20% of non-PJS-associated SCTATs have been reported to have high malignancy potential. Herein, we present a 13-year-old female who presented with severe abdominal pain localized in the right lower side, associated with nausea. Based on histopathological and immunohistochemical findings, the diagnosis was confirmed to be SCTAT. SCTAT of the ovary is extremely rare in the paediatric population as compared to the general population. Its occurrence among paediatrics as it was the case in the patient described in this paper may pose diagnostic challenges due to lack of clinical suspicion and therefore resulting in delay of diagnosis.
Subungual exostosis recurrence in a 16-year-old athletic male
Authors: Ardebol Javier , Mubarak Amir
Published: May 2020

Subungual exostosis is a painful, benign bony outgrowth projecting from the distal phalanx of the toes. The present case consists of a 16-year-old male that presented to the primary clinic with a single circumscribed painful lesion underneath the nail of the first phalanx of the left foot that recurred after surgical extraction.