bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New strategy for simultaneously achieving enhanced piezoelectricity and deferred Td in Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-based relaxor ferroelectrics
Authors: Yang Diyan , Wu Xiaojun , Wang Xianya , Xue Haoyue , Yin Jie , Wu Jiagang
Published: September 2022

The inverse relationship between the piezoelectricity and depolarization temperature Td impedes the development of Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 (BNT)-based ceramics. To realize the goal of enhancing the piezoelectricity together with a deferred Td, the intrinsic formation mechanism of Td should be well understood. In this work, considering the role A-site cations play in manipulating the relaxor behavior of BNT, Pb2+, Ba2+, Sr2+, and Ca2+ (with distinguished ferroelectricity and polarity) are selected to investigate the formation mechanism of Td. Td reflects the stability of polarizations, which could be manipulated through modifying the polarization field and local electric and strain fields. The introduction of Pb2+ and Ba2+ increases the long-range correlated ferroelectric P4mm phase, which strengthens the polarization field and stabilizes polarizations, while the introduction of Sr2+ and Ca2+ increases the short-range correlated ferroelectric P4bm phase and the non-ferroelectric phase, which weakens the polarization field and destabilizes polarizations. Domain structures captured by a piezoresponse force microscope corroborate the effect of Pb2+ and Ba2+ in stabilizing polarizations and Sr2+ and Ca2+ in destabilizing polarizations. Therefore, by introducing the ferroelectric component that exhibits a different local symmetry to the BNT-matrix and can also provide a strong polarization field, the simultaneously enhanced piezoelectricity together with a deferred Td could be realized, as validated in the designed BNT-xPbTiO3 system. This work investigates the formation mechanism of Td and guides the design of high-performance systems in BNT-based materials, benefiting the understanding of BNT-based relaxor ferroelectrics.
Observable consequences of self-irradiation damage in a MIMAS-type MOX nuclear fuel as analyzed by x-ray diffraction, electron microprobe analysis, and Raman imaging. A possible methodological approach
Authors: Kahraman Orhun , Lebreton Florent , Martin Philippe , Mermoux Michel
Published: September 2022

One of the challenges of multi-recycled Pu, to be used to produce MOx fuel, lies in its isotopic composition. Further recycling enriches the isotopy toward 238Pu, 240Pu, and 241Pu, which have much higher specific activities than the 239Pu isotope, meaning that those fuels are subjected to strong self-irradiation, provoking defect accumulation in the (U,Pu)O2 crystal lattice. A combination of three different techniques, XRD, EPMA, and RS (x-ray diffraction, electron probe micro-analysis, and Raman spectroscopy, respectively) was implemented to characterize a particular self-irradiated, 238Pu, 240Pu, and 241Pu-enriched MIMAS (MIcronized-MASter blend)-type MOx fuel sample, which had been stored for 15 years at room temperature under an inert atmosphere, to maximize irradiation effects. For comparison purposes, a specimen from the same batch was submitted to a thermal treatment and was completely analyzed in the two months following this treatment. Two of these methods (EPMA and RS) were used in their imaging mode. In particular, four spectral characteristics could be extracted from the Raman spectra. However, because of the inherent heterogeneity of this particular MOx material, the results had to be analyzed in part in a rather statistical way. This combination of techniques first allowed for determining the local Pu content. Then, the effects of self-irradiation were analyzed in terms of lattice parameter swelling, defect injection, and resonant scattering. The merits and uncertainties associated with these methods are discussed in terms of macro- and/or micro-strains. Finally, the Raman spectroscopy of (U,Pu)O2, in the 0%–40% range, was revisited in part, in an indirect way, however.
Influence of structural properties on the ferroelectric behavior of hexagonal AlScN
Authors: Yassine M. , Nair A. , Fammels J. , Wade E. , Fu Z. , Yassine A. , Kirste L. , Ambacher O.
Published: September 2022

The direct impact of structural quality on the ferroelectric properties of hexagonal Al1–xScxN with an Sc-content of x = 0.3 was investigated using dynamic hysteresis measurements, high-resolution x-ray diffraction (HRXRD), and atomic force microscopy. The films investigated were deposited on p-doped (001)-Si substrates by reactive pulsed DC magnetron sputtering under different gas mixtures to vary the structural quality and surface morphology between samples. Misoriented grains were identified as ferroelectrically inactive, as these grains resulted in an underestimation and distortion of the ferroelectric quantities. In fact, a high amount of misoriented volume was found to have a significant effect on the coercive electric field, as this is mainly determined by the crystal strain in the ferroelectric [0001]-oriented regions, independent of its origin. Furthermore, it was concluded that the crystal quality does not have a pronounced effect on the coercive field strength. Conversely, the polarization in the film is mainly determined by the crystal quality, as a difference of 1° in the HRXRD FWHM of the ω-scan resulted in a 60% loss of polarization. The amount of polarization was influenced to a lesser extent by the misoriented grains since the ferroelectric volume of the layers was only slightly overestimated. This reveals that optimizing reproducible and transferable properties, such as crystal quality and surface morphology, is more reasonable, as the film with the lowest misoriented volume and the highest degree of c-axis orientation showed the highest polarization.
Transport in Mn spinel oxides alloyed with Zn–Ni: Polaron hopping in an inhomogeneous energy landscape
Authors: Katerinopoulou Dimitra , Pervolarakis Emmanouil , Papakonstantinopoulos Charalampos , Malič Barbara , Gelinck Gerwin H. , Kiriakidis George , Łodziana Zbigniew , Remediakis Ioannis N. , Iliopoulos Eleftherios
Published: September 2022

Electronic transport in transition metal spinel oxides is associated with small polaron hopping, either nearest-neighbor, resulting in Arrhenius activated conductivity, or variable energy, leading to a sub-Arrhenius relationship, with the conductivity logarithm being a convex function of inverse temperature. For the case of manganese spinel oxides alloyed with zinc and nickel, instances of super-Arrhenius behavior are measured, with the conductivity logarithm functional dependence on temperature deviating quadratically. Here, we study the transport in Zn0.5NixMn2.5−xO4 ternary oxide pellets, as a function of Ni content in the range 0 ≤ x ≤ 1.25, in combination with structural characterization and theoretical investigations of their electronic and structural properties using density functional theory. The coexistence of cubic spinel and tetragonal Hausmannite structures is revealed along with the presence of various magnetic conformations that are metastable at room temperature. For systems where metastable structures exist, having similar formation energy but different electronic structures, conductivity is a non-trivial function of temperature. Considering nearest-neighbor polaron transfer in such an energetically inhomogeneous landscape, a new hopping mechanism model is proposed which consistently describes the temperature dependence of conductivity in this ternary alloy spinel oxide system. Understanding the underlying physical transport mechanism is vital for sensor, electrochemical, and catalytic applications.
On the analytical and numerical approximations to the forced damped Gardner Kawahara equation and modeling the nonlinear structures in a collisional plasma
Authors: Alyousef Haifa A. , Salas Alvaro H. , Matoog R. T. , El-Tantawy S. A.
Published: September 2022

We perform a detailed study on the completely non-integrable forced damped Gardner/Extended Kawahara equation (FDEKE). Three techniques are introduced to determine abundance approximations to the proposed equation. In the first technique, the ansatz method is carried out for deriving some general formulas for the analytical approximations. In the second and third techniques, the FDEKE is analyzed numerically using both the septic B-spline collocation method and the method of lines. As a realistic model, the obtained approximations are employed for studying the properties of the periodic forced dissipative extended Kawahara solitary and cnoidal waves in a pair-ion plasma comprised of Maxwellian electrons and two fluid positive and negative ions. Both numerical and analytical approximations are graphically compared with each other. Also, the global maximum residual error L∞ for all obtained approximations is estimated for checking the accuracy of these approximations. Moreover, the obtained approximations can be applied for studying the features of the dissipative localized and periodic higher-order structures in optical fiber, ocean, sea, different models of plasma physics, and fluid mechanics.
Non-Kasha fluorescence of pyrene emerges from a dynamic equilibrium between excited states
Authors: Braun Gabriel , Borges Itamar , Aquino Adélia J. A. , Lischka Hans , Plasser Felix , do Monte Silmar A. , Ventura Elizete , Mukherjee Saikat , Barbatti Mario
Published: September 2022

Pyrene fluorescence after a high-energy electronic excitation exhibits a prominent band shoulder not present after excitation at low energies. The standard assignment of this shoulder as a non-Kasha emission from the second-excited state (S2) has been recently questioned. To elucidate this issue, we simulated the fluorescence of pyrene using two different theoretical approaches based on vertical convolution and nonadiabatic dynamics with nuclear ensembles. To conduct the necessary nonadiabatic dynamics simulations with high-lying electronic states and deal with fluorescence timescales of about 100 ns of this large molecule, we developed new computational protocols. The results from both approaches confirm that the band shoulder is, in fact, due to S2 emission. We show that the non-Kasha behavior is a dynamic-equilibrium effect not caused by a metastable S2 minimum. However, it requires considerable vibrational energy, which can only be achieved in collisionless regimes after transitions into highly excited states. This strict condition explains why the S2 emission was not observed in some experiments.
Looking back and looking forward
Authors: Tedick Diane J.
Published: September 2022

This afterword to the 10th anniversary special issue of the Journal of Immersion and Content-Based Language Education provides a retrospective account of the origins of the journal and the research published in it over the past decade. It also considers future directions in the field in light of the articles showcased in the special issue. The paper begins with a summary of past articles according to program type represented, topic areas, geographic contexts represented, and type of article (i.e., qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods study, or literature review/theoretical discussion). It provides a similar inventory of the special issue articles. The remainder of the afterword discusses four prominent themes that are reflected in the special issue papers. They address the need for (1) continued focus on content and language integration; (2) teacher education and professional development; (3) equity, access, inclusion, and differentiation; and (4) student language use beyond the classroom and school.
Multi-Dimensional Exploratory Factor Analysis of TED talks
Authors: Wingrove Peter , Crosthwaite Peter
Published: September 2022

This article conducts Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) on a corpus of TED talks (2463 talks, across 427 topic
tags) to create a new Multi-Dimensional model. The resultant model contained seven dimensions: i. ‘Spontaneous involved versus
edited informational discourse’, ii. ‘Abstract informational versus narrative discourse’, iii. ‘Human-world oriented versus
object-oriented discourse’, iv. ‘Subjective perspectives’, v. ‘Persuasive stance’, vi. ‘Expert elaboration’, and vii. ‘Change and
inspiration’. When the model was compared to prior research, similarity with MD models based in academic texts was observed.
However, some dimensions were found to be indicative of the unique nature of TED talks, such as expert elaboration and change and
inspiration. When the EFA model was mapped onto the TED corpus’s subcorpora (defined by topic tags), individual disciplines were
characterised in terms of the dimensions and some traditional academic groups were observed.
Numerical simulation of the breakdown process of micro-discharge sustained by field emission
Authors: Guo Chengzhi , Wu Hao , Peng Yanli , Wang Zhijiang , Jiang Wei , Zhang Ya
Published: September 2022

Micro-discharge is the process that gas breakdown occurs on a small spatial scale to generate plasma. With the decrease of the discharge scale, the high electric field makes the field emission (FE) play a leading role in the breakdown process of the micro-discharge, which is one of the reasons that the breakdown voltage deviates from the Paschen curve in a small gap. A one-dimensional implicit particle-in-cell Monte Carlo collision model is used to simulate the whole breakdown process of direct current micro-discharge sustained by FE in argon. The results show that the discharge after breakdown is in arc mode, the breakdown process can be divided into three stages: the pre-breakdown stage, the breakdown stage, and the post-breakdown stage. In the pre-breakdown stage, the sheath and plasma are not formed, the external electric field can penetrate the entire gap. In the breakdown stage, gas breakdown occurs. As the sheath is formed, the rate of change of plasma parameters increases rapidly and the discharge gap changes from capacitive to resistive. In the post-breakdown stage, the anode sheath gradually becomes thinner, but the region where the field is reversed still exists. The particle and energy balance gradually reach equilibrium, and the entire discharge evolves to a quasi-steady-state.
Smart defect identification for manufacturing applications
Authors: Nakkina Tapan Ganatma , Vinayaka Man , Masad Amr , El Mansori Mohamed , Bukkapatnam Satish
Published: September 2022

Quality control procedures are fundamental to any manufacturing process to ensure that the product conforms to a defined set of requirements. To meet the ever-growing demand for high-quality products and address the disadvantages of manual quality control procedures, the use of intelligent visual inspection systems is gaining importance for deployment in production lines. Many works imbibing image processing techniques, machine learning, and neural network models have been proposed to perform defect detection and segmentation focused on specific domains of defects. However, defects in manufacturing manifest in varied forms and attributes which add to the woes of developing one-shot detection methodologies, while it is also expensive to generate a dataset of images capturing the variety to train a one-shot machine-learning model. This paper presents a framework consisting of three mind-maps to capture the essence of defect detection. The first proposes a classification of defects in manufacturing based on visual attributes. The second aims to identify the relevant image processing methodologies, such as thresholding, Fourier analysis, line detection, neural networks, etc. The third mapping is to relate the class of defects with the specific image processing methodologies. Taken together, the mind-maps provide the basis for the development or adaptation of defect detection approaches for specific use cases. This paper also proposes an empirical recommendation formula based on three image metrics, namely, entropy, universal Quality Index (UQI) and Rosenberger's to judge the performance of a method over a given class of images. This paper showcases the implementation of a Smart Defect Segmentation Toolbox assimilating methodologies like Wavelet Analysis, Morphological Component Analysis (MCA), Basic Line Detector (BLD), and presents case studies to support the working of the recommendation formula.
Two-dimensional layered chromium selenophosphate: advanced high-performance anode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Wei Shuangying , Mourdikoudis Stefanos , Wu Bing , Pastika Jan , Gusmão Rui , Azadmanjiri Jalal , Dekanovsky Lukas , Luxa Jan , Li Min , Mazánek Vlastimil , Sofer Zdeněk
Published: September 2022

The demands of the energy storage market for better performing lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are enormous and ever-increasing. Following this trend, new electrode materials with higher energy and power densities should be developed to reach the electrode requirements of next-generation batteries. With this in mind, we present a novel composite (CrPSe3-G-MWCNT@NiB) that combines diverse characteristics of the excellent Li storage properties of 2D layered chromium selenophosphate (CrPSe3), the high conductivity and specific surface area of carbon-based materials [graphite (G) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)], and the abundant coordinative unsaturated sites of Ni–B nanoflakes. The composites were synthesized via a process involving three stages: (a) a one-step high-temperature solid-phase 2D CrPSe3 preparation, (b) high-energy ball milling integration with the carbon materials, and (c) a fast interface chemical reduction coating with the Ni–B nanoflakes. It is demonstrated that the optimized CrPSe3-G-MWCNT@NiB composites exhibit a remarkable electrochemical response in lithium half-cells, delivering around 657 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles, as well as a significantly longer cycle life, higher rate capability and lower charge/discharge polarization in comparison with the bulk CrPSe3. Galvanostatic studies also revealed that the CrPSe3-G-MWCNTs@NiB electrode displays a remarkable electrochemical property, which enable its application in lithium full cells, with a capacity of 123 mAh gcathode
−1 after 40 cycles and a high Coulombic efficiency (over 99.1%). Thus, the integration of the carbon materials and Ni–B nanoflakes into the presented composite makes it a particularly promising candidate anode for use in high performance LIBs.
Parametric optimization of friction stir process for developing high strength and wear-resistant chromium reinforced NiAl bronze composite
Authors: Dutta Varun , Thakur Lalit , Singh Balbir
Published: September 2022

The present study focuses on fabricating a chromium-reinforced nickel aluminium bronze (NAB) composite using an optimized multi-pass friction stir processing (FSP) technique. The tool rotation, tool traverse speed, and volumetric concentration of the reinforcement were taken as input process parameters, whereas the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength (YS), percentage elongation (% E), microhardness, and sliding wear rate were taken as output responses. Taguchi-Grey relational analysis (GRA) was utilized for optimizing the input process parameters, which were 1000 r.p.m., 28 mm min−1 and 15.7%, respectively. The most significant parameter was traverse speed, followed by tool rotation and volumetric concentration of the reinforcement. FE-SEM, EDS, and XRD analyses were performed to characterize the as-cast NAB, chromium powder, and FS-processed composite. The tensile strength and wear resistance of the processed composite are enhanced compared to the base NAB alloy on account of significant grain refinement due to the stirring action of the tool pin in the processed zone and the dispersion of chromium reinforcement. The wear rate of the composite was reduced as the tool rotation, traverse speed, and Cr particle volume concentration were increased. The maximum UTS of the prepared composite was 701 MPa, whereas the UTS of the as-cast NAB was 620 MPa. It was observed that as-cast NAB exhibited a hardness value of 286 HV, which was improved to 385 in the FSPed prepared composite. It was found that as-cast NAB exhibited 7.0 × 10–6 gm m−1 of wear rate, whereas the FSPed composite showed a minimum wear rate of 5.5 × 10–6 gm m−1. The microstructural examination revealed that the wear mechanism in the case of as-cast NAB was primarily adhesion, whereas the abrasion was found to be the governing mechanism of material removal in the processed composite.
The SIDECAR project: S-IcD registry in European paediatriC and young Adult patients with congenital heaRt defects
Authors: Silvetti Massimo Stefano , Bruyndonckx Luc , Maltret Alice , Gebauer Roman , Kwiatkowska Joanna , Környei László , Albanese Sonia , Raimondo Cristina , Paech Christian , Kempa Maciej , Fésüs Gábor , Knops Reinoud E , Blom Nico Andreas , Drago Fabrizio
Published: September 2022

Aims

Subcutaneous-implantable cardiac defibrillators (S-ICDs) are used increasingly to prevent sudden cardiac death in young patients. This study was set up to gain insight in the indications for S-ICD, possible complications, and their predictors and follow-up results.

Methods and results

A multicentre, observational, retrospective, non-randomized, standard-of-care registry on S-ICD outcome in young patients with congenital heart diseases (CHDs), inherited arrhythmias (IAs), idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF), and cardiomyopathies (CMPs). Anthropometry was registered as well as implantation technique, mid-term device-related complications, and incidence of appropriate/inappropriate shocks (IASs). Data are reported as median (interquartile range) or mean ± standard deviation. Eighty-one patients (47% CMPs, 20% CHD, 21% IVF, and 12% IA), aged 15 (14–17) years, with body mass index (BMI) 21.8 ± 3.8 kg/m2, underwent S-ICD implantation (primary prevention in 59%). This was performed with two-incision technique in 81% and with a subcutaneous pocket in 59%. Shock and conditional zones were programmed at 250 (200–250) and 210 (180–240) b.p.m., respectively. No intraoperative complications occurred. Follow up was 19 (6–35) months: no defibrillation failure occurred, 17% of patients received appropriate shocks, 13% of patients received IAS (supraventricular tachycardias 40%, T-wave oversensing 40%, and non-cardiac oversensing 20%). Reprogramming, proper drug therapy, and surgical revision avoided further IAS. Complications requiring surgical revision occurred in 9% of patients, with higher risks in patients with three-incision procedures [hazard ratio (HR) 4.3, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.5–34, P = 0.038] and BMI < 20 (HR 5.1, 95% CI 1–24, P = 0.031).

Conclusion

This multicentre European paediatric registry showed good S-ICD efficacy and safety in young patients. Newer implantation techniques and BMI > 20 showed better outcome.
It’s Not What You Know, It’s How You Use It: The Application of Country of Origin Information in Judicial Refugee Status Determination Decisions – A Case Study of Germany
Authors: Feneberg Valentin , Gill Nick , Hoellerer Nicole I J , Scheinert Laura
Published: September 2022

Existing research has emphasized the different forms of expert knowledge available to refugee status determination (RSD) decision makers, as well as the differing conditions under which it is produced. However, little work has been done to address how decision makers interpret, represent, and use such evidence in their written decisions. This study investigates how country of origin information (COI) is used in judicial RSD decisions, taking decisions of Germany’s Higher Administrative Courts on Syrian draft evaders as a case study. The analysis shows that the courts draw different conclusions from the same evidence, utilizing interpretation, framing, and citation styles to amplify or dampen the persuasive force of COI in their reasoning. As such, legal reasoning dominates evidence, meaning that evidence is discursively highly malleable, frequently incidental to legal reasoning, and does not produce legal consensus. These findings raise concerns that decision makers use COI selectively to justify the positions they have adopted, rather than allowing their conclusions to be directed by COI. The article concludes by reflecting on what, if anything, should be done about these seemingly opaque and unaccountable textual and discursive forms of discretionary power.
Accretion in massive colliding-wind binaries and the effect of the wind momentum ratio
Authors: Kashi Amit , Michaelis Amir , Kaminetsky Yarden
Published: September 2022

We carry out a numerical experiment for ejecting winds in a massive colliding-wind binary system and quantify the accretion on to the secondary star under different primary mass-loss rates. We set a binary system comprising a luminous blue variable (LBV) as the primary and a Wolf–Rayet (WR) star as the secondary, and vary the mass-loss rate of the LBV to obtain different values of the wind momentum ratio η. Our simulations include two sets of cases: one in which the stars are stationary; and one that includes the orbital motion. As η decreases, the colliding-wind structure moves closer to the secondary. We find that for η ≲ 0.05, the accretion threshold is reached and clumps that originate from instabilities are accreted on to the secondary. For each value of η, we calculate the mass accretion rate and identify different regions in the $\dot{M} _{\rm acc}$ – η diagram. For 0.001 ≲ η ≲ 0.05, the accretion is sub-Bondi–Hoyle–Lyttleton (BHL), and the average accretion rate satisfies the power law $\dot{M}_{\rm acc} \propto \eta ^{-1.73}$ for static stars. The accretion is not continuous but rather changes from sporadic to a larger duty cycle as η decreases. For η ≲ 0.001, the accretion becomes continuous in time, and the accretion rate is BHL, up to a factor of 0.4–0.8. The simulations that include the orbital motion give qualitatively similar results, with the steeper power law $\dot{M}_{\rm acc} \propto \eta ^{-1.86}$ for the sub-BHL region and lower η as an accretion threshold.
MRI-driven dynamo at very high magnetic Prandtl numbers
Authors: Guilet Jérôme , Reboul-Salze Alexis , Raynaud Raphaël , Bugli Matteo , Gallet Basile
Published: September 2022

The dynamo driven by the magnetorotational instability (MRI) is believed to play an important role in the dynamics of accretion discs and may also explain the origin of the extreme magnetic fields present in magnetars. Its saturation level is an important open question known to be particularly sensitive to the diffusive processes through the magnetic Prandtl number Pm (the ratio of viscosity to resistivity). Despite its relevance to proto-neutron stars and neutron star merger remnants, the numerically challenging regime of high Pm is still largely unknown. Using zero-net flux shearing box simulations in the incompressible approximation, we studied MRI-driven dynamos at unprecedentedly high values of Pm reaching 256. The simulations show that the stress and turbulent energies are proportional to Pm up to moderately high values (Pm ∼ 50). At higher Pm, they transition to a new regime consistent with a plateau independent of Pm for $\rm Pm \gtrsim 100$. This trend is independent of the Reynolds number, which may suggest an asymptotic regime where the energy injection and dissipation are independent of the diffusive processes. Interestingly, large values of Pm not only lead to intense small-scale magnetic fields but also to a more efficient dynamo at the largest scales of the box.
The disturbed outer Milky Way disc
Authors: McMillan Paul J , Petersson Jonathan , Tepper-Garcia Thor , Bland-Hawthorn Joss , Antoja Teresa , Chemin Laurent , Figueras Francesca , Khanna Shourya , Kordopatis Georges , Ramos Pau , Romero-Gómez Merce , Seabroke George
Published: September 2022

The outer parts of the Milky Way’s disc are significantly out of equilibrium. Using only distances and proper motions of stars from Gaia’s Early Data Release 3, in the range |b| < 10°, 130° < ℓ < 230°, we show that for stars in the disc between around 10 and $14\, \mathrm{kpc}$ from the Galactic centre, vertical velocity is strongly dependent on the angular momentum, azimuth, and position above or below the Galactic plane. We further show how this behaviour translates into a bimodality in the velocity distribution of stars in the outer Milky Way disc. We use an N-body model of an impulse-like interaction of the Milky Way disc with a perturber similar to the Sagittarius dwarf to demonstrate that this mechanism can generate a similar disturbance. It has already been shown that this interaction can produce a phase spiral similar to that seen in the Solar neighbourhood. We argue that the details of this substructure in the outer galaxy will be highly sensitive to the timing of the perturbation or the gravitational potential of the Galaxy, and therefore may be key to disentangling the history and structure of the Milky Way.
The effects of surface fossil magnetic fields on massive star evolution: IV. Grids of models at Solar, LMC, and SMC metallicities
Authors: Keszthelyi Z , de Koter A , Götberg Y , Meynet G , Brands S A , Petit V , Carrington M , David-Uraz A , Geen S T , Georgy C , Hirschi R , Puls J , Ramalatswa K J , Shultz M E , ud-Doula A
Published: September 2022

Magnetic fields can drastically change predictions of evolutionary models of massive stars via mass-loss quenching, magnetic braking, and efficient angular momentum transport, which we aim to quantify in this work. We use the mesa software instrument to compute an extensive main-sequence grid of stellar structure and evolution models, as well as isochrones, accounting for the effects attributed to a surface fossil magnetic field. The grid is densely populated in initial mass (3–60 M⊙), surface equatorial magnetic field strength (0–50 kG), and metallicity (representative of the Solar neighbourhood and the Magellanic Clouds). We use two magnetic braking and two chemical mixing schemes and compare the model predictions for slowly rotating, nitrogen-enriched (‘Group 2’) stars with observations in the Large Magellanic Cloud. We quantify a range of initial field strengths that allow for producing Group 2 stars and find that typical values (up to a few kG) lead to solutions. Between the subgrids, we find notable departures in surface abundances and evolutionary paths. In our magnetic models, chemical mixing is always less efficient compared to non-magnetic models due to the rapid spin-down. We identify that quasi-chemically homogeneous main sequence evolution by efficient mixing could be prevented by fossil magnetic fields. We recommend comparing this grid of evolutionary models with spectropolarimetric and spectroscopic observations with the goals of (i) revisiting the derived stellar parameters of known magnetic stars, and (ii) observationally constraining the uncertain magnetic braking and chemical mixing schemes.
Standardization of Epidemiological Surveillance of Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis
Authors: Miller Kate M , Tanz Robert R , Shulman Stanford T , Carapetis Jonathan R , Cherian Thomas , Lamagni Theresa , Bowen Asha C , Pickering Janessa , Fulurija Alma , Moore Hannah C , Cannon Jeffrey W , Barnett Timothy C , Van Beneden Chris A ,   for the Strep A Vaccine Global Consortium (SAVAC) Burden of Disease Working Group, Carapetis Jonathan , Van Beneden Chris , Kaslow David C , Cherian Thomas , Lamagni Theresa , Engel Mark , Cannon Jeffrey , Moore Hannah C , Bowen Asha , Seale Anna , Kang Gagandeep , Watkins David , Kariuki Sam
Published: September 2022

Pharyngitis, more commonly known as sore throat, is caused by viral and/or bacterial infections. Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) is the most common bacterial cause of pharyngitis. Strep A pharyngitis is an acute, self-limiting disease but if undertreated can lead to suppurative complications, nonsuppurative poststreptococcal immune-mediated diseases, and toxigenic presentations. We present a standardized surveillance protocol, including case definitions for pharyngitis and Strep A pharyngitis, as well as case classifications that can be used to differentiate between suspected, probable, and confirmed cases. We discuss the current tests used to detect Strep A among persons with pharyngitis, including throat culture and point-of-care tests. The type of surveillance methodology depends on the resources available and the objectives of surveillance. Active surveillance and laboratory confirmation is the preferred method for case detection. Participant eligibility, the surveillance population and additional considerations for surveillance of pharyngitis are addressed, including baseline sampling, community engagement, frequency of screening and season. Finally, we discuss the core elements of case report forms for pharyngitis and provide guidance for the recording of severity and pain associated with the course of an episode.
Up and away? Inflation and debt consolidation in historical perspective
Authors: Eichengreen Barry , Esteves Rui
Published: September 2022

The Global Financial Crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic bequeathed large increases in public debt. At some point governments may seek to bring down these elevated debt-to-GDP ratios, including by inflating (by raising nominal GDP). We assemble a panel of debt consolidation episodes spanning 220 years and 183 nations. The evidence confirms that moderate inflation has been instrumental in facilitating large consolidations in the past. In fact, the frequency of successful debt consolidations was lower in periods of relatively high inflation, when interest rates show a tendency to quickly catch up. The largest concentration of debt consolidations in fact coincides with periods of relatively low and stable inflation in the context of credible monetary policies and sound fiscal policies.
Promoting recovery and resilience for internally displaced persons: lessons from Colombia
Authors: Ibáñez Ana María , Moya Andrés , Velásquez Andrea
Published: September 2022

The number of forcibly displaced persons has increased substantially since the early 2000s and has more than doubled in the last decade. Responding to the needs of forcibly displaced persons requires comprehensive legal and policy frameworks and evidence-based programmes that promote durable solutions, including sustainable movements out of poverty and their successful integration into hosting communities. In this paper, we review the dynamics of forced displacement in Colombia, the country with the largest number of internally displaced persons worldwide, and the progression of legal and policy frameworks that have been implemented since the late 1990s. We also review over two decades of research on the economic, social, and psychological consequences of forced displacement following an asset-based poverty trap framework that allows us to understand how forced displacement can alter poverty dynamics across time and generations. Throughout the review, we draw lessons for other contexts and countries affected by forced displacement and refugee flows.
IEnglish Language
Authors: Kostadinova Viktorija , Wiemann Marco , Dreschler Gea , Gregersen Sune , Gyuris Beáta , Zhong Ai , Anderwald Lieselotte , Hansen Beke , Leuckert Sven , Kraš Tihana , Ting Shawnea Sum Pok , Parise Ida , Cogo Alessia , Reber Elisabeth
Published: September 2022

This chapter has the following sections: 1. General; 2. History of English Linguistics; 3. Phonetics and Phonology; 4. Morphology; 5. Syntax; 6. Semantics; 7. Lexicography, Lexicology, and Lexical Semantics; 8. Onomastics (not present this year); 9. Dialectology and Sociolinguistics; 10. New Englishes and Creolistics; 11. Second Language Acquisition; 12. English as a Lingua Franca; 13. Pragmatics and Discourse Analysis; 14. Stylistics (not present this year). Sections 1 and 2 are by Viktorija Kostadinova; section 3 is by Marco Wiemann; sections 4 and 5 are by Gea Dreschler and Sune Gregersen; section 6 is by Beáta Gyuris; section 7 is by Ai Zhong; section 9 is by Lieselotte Anderwald; section 10 is by Beke Hansen and Sven Leuckert; section 11 is by Tihana Kraš; section 12 is by Shawnea Sum Pok Ting, Ida Parise and Alessia Cogo; section 13 is by Elisabeth Reber.
Interfacility Transport of Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Wilcox Susan R. , Wax Randy S. , Meyer Michael T. , Stocking Jacqueline C. , Baez Amado Alejandro , Cohen Jason , Moss M. Michele , Frakes Michael A. , Scruth Elizabeth A. , Weir William B. , Zonies David , Guyette Francis X. , Kaplan Lewis J. , Cannon Jeremy W.
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVES:

To assess recent advances in interfacility critical care transport.

DATA SOURCES:

PubMed English language publications plus chapters and professional organization publications.

STUDY SELECTION:

Manuscripts including practice manuals and standard (1990–2021) focused on interfacility transport of critically ill patients.

DATA EXTRACTION:

Review of society guidelines, legislative requirements, objective measures of outcomes, and transport practice standards occurred in work groups assessing definitions and foundations of interfacility transport, transport team composition, and transport specific considerations. Qualitative analysis was performed to characterize current science regarding interfacility transport.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

The Task Force conducted an integrative review of 496 manuscripts combined with 120 from the authors’ collections including nonpeer reviewed publications. After title and abstract screening, 40 underwent full-text review, of which 21 remained for qualitative synthesis.

CONCLUSIONS:

Since 2004, there have been numerous advances in critical care interfacility transport. Clinical deterioration may be mitigated by appropriate patient selection, pretransport optimization, and transport by a well-resourced team and vehicle. There remains a dearth of high-quality controlled studies, but notable advances in monitoring, en route management, transport modality (air vs ground), as well as team composition and training serve as foundations for future inquiry. Guidance from professional organizations remains uncoupled from enforceable regulations, impeding standardization of transport program quality assessment and verification.
Pediatric Maxillary Giant Cell Tumors: Surgical Management by Transoral and Endoscopic Transnasal Enucleation and Curettage
Authors: Villavisanis Dillan F. , Schmidt Richard J. , Napoli Joseph A.
Published: September 2022

Giant cell tumors are uncommonly found within the craniofacial skeleton, and of those within the head and neck, are exceedingly rare in the maxilla. Here the authors present 2 cases of large, maxillary giant cell tumors: one presenting with mass-effect symptoms and another presenting from incidental findings on routine orthodontic care. Both patients were treated surgically with transoral and endoscopic transnasal excision and demonstrated favorable surgical results. One patient demonstrated no recurrence after 9 years and the other patient was disease free after 4 years. The authors end by discussing the role of emerging biologic agents, such as denosumab, for treating giant cell tumors of the jaws.
Proposal to transfer Bacillus lacisalsi Dong et al. 2021 to the genus Alteribacter as Alteribacter lacisalsi comb. nov.
Authors: Narsing Rao Manik Prabhu , Wang Haijie , Banerjee Aparna , Xiao Min , Li XiaoBin , Kang Ying-Qian , Li Wen-Jun
Published: September 2022

In the present study, the taxonomic position of

Bacillus lacisalsi

YSP-3T was evaluated using phylogenetic and genome-based comparison.

B. lacisalsi

YSP-3T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to

Alteribacter natronophilus

M30T (98.4 %), followed by

Alteribacter aurantiacus

K1-5T (97.5 %) and

Alteribacter populi

FJAT-45347T (97.2 %). In phylogenetic (based on 16S rRNA gene sequences) and phylogenomic (based on 71 bacterial single-copy genes) trees,

B. lacisalsi

YSP-3T clustered with the members of the genus

Alteribacter

. The amino acid identity (AAI) values between

B. lacisalsi

YSP-3T and the members of the genus

Alteribacter

were >65 %, which is above the cut-off level (65–95 %) for genus delineation. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between

B. lacisalsi

YSP-3T and the members of the genus

Alteribacter

were <95 %, which is lower than the threshold value (95–96 %) for bacterial species delineation. The AAI value suggested that

B. lacisalsi

YSP-3T was a member of the genus

Alteribacter

while the ANIb value suggested it as a novel species of the genus

Alteribacter

. Based on the results, we propose to transfer

Bacillus lacisalsi

to the genus

Alteribacter

as Alteribacter lacisalsi comb. nov.
Peritonsillar abscess: an 8-year retrospective, culture based evaluation of 208 cases
Authors: Bella Zsolt , Erdelyi Eszter , Szalenko-Tőkés Ágnes , Kiricsi Ágnes , Gaál Veronika , Benedek Pálma , Rovó László , Nagy Elisabeth
Published: September 2022

Introduction. Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a common infection which requires surgical intervention and suitable antibiotic therapy.

Hypotheses/Gap Statement. Beside

Streptococcus pyogenes

and

Fusobacterium necrophorum

several other mostly anaerobic bacteria can be cultured from the properly taken pus samples of PTA, the clinical significance of which is still not fully understood.

Aim. This study focused on the culture-based microbiological evaluation of PTA cases, compared to surgical intervention and empirical antibiotic management.

Methodology. A retrospective analysis of PTA cases was performed between 2012 and 2019. Data about the aerobic and anaerobic culture results of the samples taken during different surgical interventions were summarized and the coverage of the empirically selected antibiotics was evaluated. The patient’s history, the development of complications and the recurrence rate were also evaluated.

Results. The microbiological culture results were available for 208 of 320 patients with clinically diagnosed PTA. Incision and drainage (I and D) and immediate tonsillectomy were the leading surgical interventions. Ninety-five

Fusobacterium

species (including 44

Fusobacterium necrophorum

), 52

Actinomyces

species and 47

Streptococcus pyogenes

were obtained from PTA samples alone or together with polymicrobial flora.

S. pyogenes

(33.7 %, n=28) and

F. necrophorum

(22.9 %, n=19) were the dominating pathogens in the 83 monobacterial PTA samples. In >60 % of the patients polymicrobial infection was demonstrated, involving a great variety of anaerobic bacteria. In 22 out of 42 cases where intravenous cefuroxime was empirically started, the therapy should be changed to properly cover the culture-proven anaerobic flora. There were no serious complications, abscess recurrence was detected in two cases (0.96 %).

Conclusion. PTAs are often polymicrobial infections including a great variety of anaerobes. Targeted antibiotic therapy, in conjunction with adequate surgical drainage eliminating the anaerobic milieu, can accelerate the healing process and radically reduce the complication and recurrence rate.
Combatting seasonal malaria transmission using a highly potent Plasmodium falciparum transmission-blocking monoclonal antibody
Authors: Challenger Joseph D , van Beek Stijn W , Heine Rob ter , van der Boor Saskia C , Charles Giovanni D , Smit Merel J , Ockenhouse Chris , Aponte John J , McCall Matthew BB , Jore Matthijs M , Churcher Thomas S , Bousema Teun
Published: September 2022

Transmission-blocking interventions can play an important role in combatting malaria worldwide. Recently, a highly potent Plasmodium falciparum transmission-blocking monoclonal antibody (TB31F) was demonstrated to be safe and efficacious in malaria-naïve volunteers. Here we determine what dose would be required to obtain effective transmission reduction throughout the malaria season and predict the potential public health impact of large-scale implementation of TB31F alongside existing interventions. To this purpose, we developed a pharmaco-epidemiological model, tailored to two settings of differing transmission intensity with already established insecticide-treated nets and seasonal malaria chemoprevention interventions. We found that a simple weight-based TB31F dosing strategy achieved >80% transmission-reducing activity for over 5 months. With this approach, community-wide annual administration (at 80% coverage) of TB31F over a three-year period was predicted to reduce clinical incidence by 54% (381 cases averted per 1000 people per year) in a high-transmission seasonal setting, and 74% (157 cases averted per 1000 people per year) in a low-transmission seasonal setting. Targeting school-aged children gave the largest reduction in terms of cases averted per dose. We conclude that annual administration of transmission-blocking mAb TB31F may be an effective intervention against malaria in seasonal malaria settings.

Key Questions

What is already known on this topic

-

Naturally acquired transmission reducing antibodies can prevent malaria transmission to mosquitoes

-

The humanized transmission-blocking monoclonal antibody TB31F is safe and single dose administration can achieve antibody concentrations that prevent malaria transmission for at least 84 days

What this study adds

-

A simple dosing regimen of TB31F in three weight-bands allows for single dose administration to sustain >80% transmission reducing activity for >5 months

-

Community administration of TB31F can prevent a similar number of clinical malaria episodes compared to the highly efficacious seasonal malaria chemoprevention

-

Community impact can be maximized when TB31F is combined with seasonal malaria chemoprevention

-

School age children are the most effective part of the population to be targeted for maximum impact

How this study might affect research, practice or policy

-

Transmission blocking monoclonal antibodies can have a profound effect on malaria burden and can be combined with current interventions for maximum impact

-

The predicted community impact of TB31F supports further clinical development of transmission-blocking monoclonal antibodies and exploration of use scenarios
A simple computational model of population substance use
Authors: Borodovsky Jacob T.
Published: September 2022

Background

Substance use behaviors and their etiologies are complex and often not amenable to traditional statistical analysis. Computational models are an increasingly popular alternative approach for investigating substance use. However, cumulative progress has been difficult because of a lack of standardization. This study aims to develop and evaluate a simple computational model that could serve as a common starting point for future computation-based investigations of substance use.

Methods

A two-state (“Using” a substance or “Not using” a substance) stochastic model with three manipulable parameters is used to reproduce the distributions of past 30-day alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco cigarette consumption frequencies (e.g., used on 5 days within the past 30 days) observed in the U.S. National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) (years 2002-2019 combined). The model employs a path-dependent process: during each iteration (i.e., each “day”) of the simulation, each computational object chooses to use or not use a substance based on probabilities that are contingent on choices made in prior iterations. The Lempel-Ziv complexity measure was used to examine the resulting sequences of binary decisions (use ordon’t use) made by each computational object.

Results

The model accurately reproduces the population-level “U-shaped” distributions of past 30-day alcohol, cannabis, and cigarette use in the U.S. The path dependence function was required for reproducing these distributions. The model also suggests an “arc” of behavioral complexity stages: as the frequency of use increases, the complexity of decision sequences increases, peaks, and then decreases. However, decision sequence complexity still varied considerably among objects with similar frequencies of use.

Conclusion

A simple computational model that simulates individual-level sequences of substance use can reproduce the population-level distributions of substance use observed in national survey data. The model also suggests that complexity measures are a potentially helpful tool for examining substance use behaviors.