bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Possible instrumental effects on moments computation of the solar wind proton velocity distribution function: Helios observations
Authors: De Marco R. , Bruno R. , D’Amicis R. , Telloni D. , Perrone D.
Published: June 2020

The solar wind is a highly turbulent medium in which most of the energy is carried by Alfvénic fluctuations. These fluctuations have a wide range of scales whose high-frequency tail can be relevant for the sampling techniques commonly used to detect the particle distribution in phase space in situ. We analyze the effect of Alfvénic fluctuations on moments computation of the solar wind proton velocity distribution for a plasma sensor, whose sampling time is comparable or even longer than the typical timescale of the velocity fluctuations induced by these perturbations. In particular, we numerically simulated the sampling procedure used on board Helios 2. We directly employed magnetic field data recorded by the Helios 2 magnetometer, when the s/c was immersed in fast wind during its primary mission to the Sun, to simulate Alfvénic fluctuations. More specifically, we used magnetic field data whose cadence of 4 Hz is considerably higher than that the plasma sensor needed to sample a full velocity distribution function, and we average these data to 1 Hz, which is the spin period of Helios. Density values, which are necessary to build Alfvénic fluctuations at these scales, are not available because the cadence of the Helios plasma data is 40.5 s. The adopted solution is based on the assumption that the available Helios plasma density power spectrum can be extended to the same frequencies as the magnetic field spectrum by extrapolating the power-law fit of the low-frequency range to the frequencies relevant for this study. Surrogate density values in the time domain are then obtained by inverse transforming this spectrum. We show that it cannot be excluded that relevant instrumental effects strongly contribute to generate interesting spectral and kinetic features that have been interpreted in the past literature as exclusively due to physical mechanisms.
A physical background model for the Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor
Authors: Biltzinger B. , Kunzweiler F. , Greiner J. , Toelge K. , Burgess J. Michael
Published: June 2020

We present the first physically motivated background model for the Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM) on board the Fermi satellite. Such a physically motivated background model has the potential to significantly improve the scientific output of Fermi/GBM, as it can be used to improve the background estimate for spectral analysis and localization of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and other sources. Additionally, this model can also lead to detections of new transient events, since long and weak, or slowly rising, events do not activate one of the existing trigger algorithms. In this paper we show the derivation of such a physically motivated background model, which includes the modeling of the different background sources and the correct handling of the response of GBM. While the goal of the paper is to introduce the model rather than developing a transient search algorithm, we demonstrate the ability of the model to fit the background seen by GBM by showing the following four applications for (1) a canonical GRB, (2) the ultra-long GRB 091024, (3) the V404 Cygni outburst in June 2015, and (4) the ultra-long GRB 130925A.
QGP droplet formation in small asymmetric collision systems
Authors: Trainor Thomas A.
Published: June 2020

The journal Nature recently published a letter titled "Creating small circular, elliptical, and triangular droplets of quark-gluon plasma" [1]. The basis for that claim is a combination of measured Fourier amplitudesv2 andv3 from collision systemsp-Au,d-Au andh-Au (helionhis the nucleus of atom 3He), Glauber Monte Carlo estimates of initial-state transverse collision geometries for those systems and hydrodynamic Monte Carlo descriptions of thevndata. Apparent correspondence between hydrodynamic modelvntrends and data trends is interpreted as confirmation of “collectivity” occurring in the small collision systems, further interpreted to indicate QGP formation. QGP formation in small systems runs counter to pre-RHIC theoretical assumptions that QGP formation should require large collision systems (e.g. central A-A collisions). There is currently available a broad context of experimental data fromp-p, A-A andp-Pb collisions at the RHIC and LHC against which the validity of the Nature letter claims may be evaluated. This talk provides a summary of such results and their implications.

[1] Nature Phys. 15, no. 3, 214 (2019).
Hot-medium effects on ϒ yields in p-Pb and Pb-Pb collisions
Authors: Wolschin Georg
Published: June 2020

The modification of bottomonia yields in Pb–Pb and p–Pb collisions at LHC energies with respect to the expectation from p–p is investigated in a theoretical approach. Dissociation of the ϒ(nS) and ϒ(nP) states in the hot quark-gluon plasma (QGP) occurs due to screening of the real quark-antiquark potential, collisional damping through the imaginary part of the potential, and gluon-induced dissociation. Reduced feed-down plays a decisive role. Transverse-momentum and centrality-dependent data are well re- produced. In the asymmetric p-Pb system, alterations of the parton density functions in the lead nucleus account for the leading fraction of the modifications in cold nuclear matter (CNM), but the hot-medium effects turn out to be relevant in spite of the small initial spatial extent of the fireball.
Versorgungsforschung: Erfahrungen bei der Planung und Umsetzung einer
Studie mit nichtakademischen, ambulanten Studienzentren
Authors: Best Norman , Loudovici-Krug Dana
Published: June 2020

Hintergrund Realistische Zahlen zur Versorgungsrealität in
Deutschland sind wichtig, wenn es um Verteilung von Ressourcen im
Gesundheitssystem geht. Studien, die realistische Kennziffern zu bestimmten
Fragestellungen und Diagnosen liefern, müssen gefördert
werden.

Ziel der Arbeit  Es sollte mittels geeignetem Studiendesign
über eine breite Masse an teilnehmenden Arzt- und
Physiotherapiepraxen (n=96) ein hoher Stichprobenumfang
(n=1000) zur Korrelation von Funktionsparametern des
Bewegungssystems generiert werden.

Material und Methoden Klassische Befunde sollten mittels Fragebogen
zur Studienzentrale gelangen. Dies war sowohl analog als auch digital
möglich. Der Zeitaufwand lag für die prognostizierte Anzahl
von 10 Datenblättern pro Studienzentrum bei ca. 60 min.
insgesamt.

Ergebnisse Ernüchternd war die initiale Teilnehmerzahl von 6
Praxen. Nur nach erneuter Erinnerung mittels Motivationsschreiben konnte die
Teilnehmerzahl auf 19 gesteigert werden. Es wurden 423
Rückläufer registriert. Trotz lediglich eines einfachen
Einschlusskriteriums, wurden 92 Bögen zwar vollständig, aber
dennoch fehlerhaft zugesandt.

Schlussfolgerung Um die Teilnahmebereitschaft zu erhöhen
reicht die angenommene intrinsische Motivation nicht aus. Wichtiger
erscheint es, konkret auf einzelne, interessierte Teilnehmer zuzugehen und
sie von der Bedeutung der Studie zu überzeugen. Klarheit in Struktur
und Ablauf sind entscheidend, da Versorgungsforschung für die
direkten Akteure zusätzlich zum ärztlichen und
therapeutischen Tagesgeschäft und zumeist unentgeltlich erbracht
wird.
Outcomes of biliopancreatic EUS in patients with surgically altered upper gastrointestinal anatomy: a multicenter study
Authors: Brozzi Lorenzo , Petrone Maria Chiara , Poley Jan-Werner , Carrara Silvia , Barresi Luca , Fabbri Carlo , Rimbas Mihai , De Angelis Claudio , Arcidiacono Paolo Giorgio , Signoretti Marianna , Lamonaca Laura , Barbuscio Ilenia , Binda Cecilia , Gheorghe Andrada , Rizza Stefano , Gabbrielli Armando , Crinò Stefano Francesco
Published: June 2020

Background and study aims Little is known about outcomes of biliopancreatic endosonography (EUS) in patients with surgically altered upper gastrointestinal (gastrointestinal) anatomy. We aimed to assess the rate of procedural success and EUS-related adverse events (AEs), according to post-surgical anatomies.

Patients and methods Retrospective study including patients with post-surgical altered upper gastrointestinal anatomy who underwent EUS for evaluation of the biliopancreatic region between January 2008 and June 2018 at eight European centers.

Results Of 242 patients (162 males, mean age 66.4 ± 12.5), 86 had (35.5 %) Billroth II, 77 (31.8 %) pancreaticoduodenectomy, 23 (9.5 %) Billroth I, 19 (7.9 %) distal esophagectomy, 15 (6.2 %) total gastrectomy, 14 (5.8 %) sleeve gastrectomy, and eight (3.3 %) Roux-en-Y. Sleeve gastrectomy, Billroth I, and pancreaticoduodenectomy were associated with high rates of success (100 %, 95.7 %, and 92.2 %, respectively). Visualization of the head of the pancreas was significantly impacted by total gastrectomy, Billroth II, and Roux-en-Y (success rates 6.7 %, 53.7 %, and 57.1 %, respectively). Examination of the pancreatic body and tail was impaired in esophagectomy and total gastrectomy (82.4 % and 71.4 %, respectively). Technical success and diagnostic accuracy of EUS-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) was 78.2 % and 71.3 % (95 % CI, 60.6–80.5), respectively. Four (1.6 %) AEs were observed: one mucosal tearing in a Billroth II patient, one cardiac arrest in a distal esophagectomy patient, one bleed after EUS-TA in a Billroth I patient, and one acute pancreatitis after EUS-TA in a sleeve gastrectomy patient.

Conclusions The yield of bilio-pancreatic EUS is dependent on lesion location and surgery type. Before considering EUS in these patients, one must carefully consider whether the lesion may be approachable by EUS.
EUS-directed transgastric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography versus laparoscopic-assisted ERCP versus deep enteroscopy-assisted ERCP for patients with RYGB
Authors: Kochhar Gursimran S. , Mohy-ud-din Nabeeha , Grover Abhinav , Carleton Neil , Kulkarni Abhijit , Farah Katie , Dhawan Manish , Thakkar Shyam
Published: June 2020

Background and study aims Endoscopic ultrasound-directed transgastric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) (EDGE) is a novel technique for managing pancreaticobiliary diseases in patients with a history of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB). It has shown to have high technical success rates and fewer adverse events as compared to laparoscopic-assisted ERCP (LA-ERCP). We compared the technical success and clinical outcomes of EDGE vs. LA-ERCP vs. E-ERCP.

Patients and methods A retrospective chart review was performed for 56 patients, of whom 18 underwent LA-ERCP, 12 underwent E-ERCP, and 26 had EDGE, and a comparison of technical success and complication rates was done.

Results Baseline demographic characteristics of patients undergoing these procedures, including age and gender, were comparable. The technical success rate for patients in the EDGE group were 100 % (n = 26), compared with 94 % (n = 17) and 75 % (n = 9) in the LA-ERCP and E-ERCP groups (P = 0.02). In the EDGE group, 8 % of patients (n = 2) had bleeding, and 4 % of patients (n = 1) had lumen-apposing metal stent migration occur during the procedure. In the LA-ERCP group 6 % (n = 1) of patient had bleeding, 6 % (n = 1) post-ERCP pancreatitis and 6 % (n = 1) were diagnosed with an intra-abdominal infection post-procedure. Time to complete the EDGE procedure was significantly shorter at 79 ± 31 mins, compared with 158 ± 50 mins for LA-ERCP and 102 ± 43 mins for E-ERCP (P < 0.001).

Conclusion EDGE is a novel procedure with short procedure times and an effective alternative to LA-ERCP and E-ERCP in management of pancreaticobiliary diseases in patients with a history of RYGB.
Clinical efficacy and safety of palliative esophageal stenting without fluoroscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chandan Saurabh , Mohan Babu P. , Khan Shahab R. , Bhogal Neil , Canakis Andrew , Bilal Mohammad , Dhaliwal Amaninder S. , Aziz Muhammad , Mashiana Harmeet S. , Singh Shailender , Lee-Smith Wade , Ponnada Suresh , Bhat Ishfaq , Pleskow Douglas
Published: June 2020

Background and study aims Despite advances in curative treatments for esophageal cancer, many patients often present with advanced disease. Dysphagia resulting in significant weight loss and malnutrition leads to poor quality of life. Palliative esophageal stenting with self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) helps alleviate symptoms and prolongs survival. However, access to fluoroscopy may be limited at certain centers causing delay in patient care.

Methods We searched multiple databases from inception to November 2019 to identify studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of endoscopic palliative esophageal stenting and selected only those studies where fluoroscopic guidance was not used. Our primary aim was to calculate the overall technical as well as clinical success. Using meta-regression analysis, we also evaluated the effect of tumor location and obstruction length on overall technical and clinical success.

Results A total of 1778 patients from 17 studies were analyzed. A total of 2036 stents were placed without the aid of fluoroscopy. The pooled rate of technical success was 94.7 % (CI 89.9–97.3, PI 55–99; I2 = 85) and clinical success was 82.1 % (CI 67.1–91.2, PI 24–99; I2 = 87). Based on meta-regression analysis both the length of obstruction and tumor location did not have any statistically significant effect on technical and clinical success. The pooled rate of adverse events was 4.1 % (CI 2.4–7.2; I2 = 72) for stent migration, 8.1 % (CI 4.1–15.4; I2 = 89) for tumor overgrowth and 1.2 % (CI 0.7–2; I2 = 0) for perforation. The most frequent clinical adverse event was retro-sternal chest pain.

Conclusion Palliative esophageal stenting without fluoroscopy using SEMS is both safe and effective in patients with advanced esophageal cancer.
Mass Spectrometry-Based Determination of Thyroid Hormones and Their Metabolites in Endocrine Diagnostics and Biomedical Research – Implications for Human Serum Diagnostics
Authors: Köhrle Josef , Richards Keith H.
Published: June 2020

The wide spectrum of novel applications for the LC-MS/MS-based analysis of thyroid hormone metabolites (THM) in blood samples and other biological specimen highlights the perspectives of this novel technology. However, thorough development of pre-analytical sample workup and careful validation of both pre-analytics and LC-MS/MS analytics, is needed, to allow for quantitative detection of the thyronome, which spans a broad concentration range in these biological samples.

This minireview summarizes recent developments in advancing LC-MS/MS-based analytics and measurement of total concentrations of THM in blood specimen of humans, methods in part further refined in the context of previous achievements analyzing samples derived from cell-culture or tissues. Challenges and solutions to tackle efficient pre-analytic sample extraction and elimination of matrix interferences are compared. Options for automatization of pre-analytic sample-preparation and comprehensive coverage of the wide thyronome concentration range are presented. Conventional immunoassay versus LC-MS/MS-based determination of total and free THM concentrations are briefly compared.
Konsensusempfehlung zur strukturierten Befunderstellung onkologischer PET-Hybridbildgebung
Authors: Derlin Thorsten , Gatidis Sergios , Krause Bernd Joachim , Antoch Gerald , Kotzerke Jörg , Pinto dos Santos Daniel , Eiber Matthias , Weber Marc-André , Giesel Frederik , Pfannenberg Christina , Schlemmer Heinz-Peter , Persigehl Thorsten , Herrmann Ken , Umutlu Lale ,   Vorstand der Interdisziplinären AG für Hybride Bildgebung in alphabetischer Reihenfolge:,   Vorstand der Deutschen Röntgengesellschaft (DRG) und der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Nuklearmedizin (DGN) in alphabetischer Reihenfolge:
Published: June 2020

Seit Einführung der PET/CT im Jahr 2001 bzw. der PET/MRT im Jahr 2010 ist die PET als Hybridbildgebung und Instrument einer bildgesteuerten Präzisionsmedizin zunehmend zu einem Versorgungsstandard in der Onkologie geworden. Die zentrale Schnittstelle in der Kommunikation zwischen den zuweisenden onkologisch tätigen Ärzten und dem Nuklearmediziner und Radiologen stellt der schriftliche Befund dar, der das Patientenmanagement und Outcome beeinflusst, aber auch juristisch-relevante Dokumentation der erbrachten Leistung und ärztlichen Beurteilung der erhobenen Befunde ist. Eine qualitativ hochwertige, auf die klinische Frage fokussierte Hybridbildgebung sollte im weiteren Fortgang mit einem gleichermaßen qualitativ hochwertigen, strukturierten schriftlichen Befund verbunden sein, der die klinische Frage zur Zufriedenheit des zuweisenden Arztes beantwortet. Im vorliegenden Manuskript werden daher Konsensempfehlungen zur Befundstruktur, zu Befundinhalten und zur konklusiven Beurteilung einer onkologischen Hybridbildgebung gegeben. Darüber hinaus werden beispielhafte Vorlagen für ebensolche Befunde dargestellt. Die hier dargelegten Empfehlungen zur strukturierten Befunderstellung sollen eine weitere Standardisierung und Harmonisierung onkologischer Befunde im Kontext einer Hybridbildgebung fördern und so die Kommunikation mit den zuweisenden Ärzten vereinfachen und die Akzeptanz und Wertschätzung der onkologischen Hybridbildgebung weiter unterstützen.
Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction after Surgical Management of Multiligament Knee Injury
Authors: Worley John R. , Brimmo Olubusola , Nuelle Clayton W. , Zitsch Bradford P. , Leary Emily V. , Cook James L. , Stannard James P.
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study is to determine factors associated with the need for revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) after multiligament knee injury (MLKI) and to report outcomes for patients undergoing revision ACLR after MLKI. This involves a retrospective review of 231 MLKIs in 225 patients treated over a 12-year period, with institutional review board approval. Patients with two or more injured knee ligaments requiring surgical reconstruction, including the ACL, were included for analyses. Overall, 231 knees with MLKIs underwent ACLR, with 10% (n = 24) requiring revision ACLR. There were no significant differences in age, sex, tobacco use, diabetes, or body mass index between cohorts requiring or not requiring revision ACLR. However, patients requiring revision ACLR had significantly longer follow-up duration (55.1 vs. 37.4 months, p = 0.004), more ligament reconstructions/repairs (mean 3.0 vs. 1.7, p < 0.001), more nonligament surgeries (mean 2.2 vs. 0.7, p = 0.002), more total surgeries (mean 5.3 vs. 2.4, p < 0.001), and more graft reconstructions (mean 4.7 vs. 2.7, p < 0.001). Patients in both groups had similar return to work (p = 0.12) and activity (p = 0.91) levels at final follow-up. Patients who had revision ACLR took significantly longer to return to work at their highest level (18 vs. 12 months, p = 0.036), but similar time to return to their highest level of activity (p = 0.33). Range of motion (134 vs. 127 degrees, p = 0.14), pain severity (2.2 vs. 1.7, p = 0.24), and Lysholm's scores (86.3 vs. 90.0, p = 0.24) at final follow-up were similar between groups. Patients requiring revision ACLR in the setting of a MLKI had more overall concurrent surgeries and other ligament reconstructions, but had similar final outcome scores to those who did not require revision surgery. Revision ligament surgery can be associated with increased pain, stiffness, and decrease patient outcomes. Revision surgery is often necessary after multiligament knee reconstructions, but patients requiring ACLR in the setting of a MLKI have good overall outcomes, with patients requiring revision ACLR at a rate of 10%.
Simulations of Ar seeding by SOLPS-ITER for a slot-type divertor concept
Authors: Jia Guozhang , Liu Xiaoju , Xu Guosheng , Wang Liang , Zhu Sizheng , Xie Hai , Si Hang , Sang Chaofeng , Yang Zhongshi , Xu Jichan , Li Hang
Published: June 2020

In order to fulfill the requirements for future high-power and long-pulse discharges in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak, the present lower graphite divertor will be upgraded with tungsten (W) materials. For one of the new divertor options obtained during the physics design phase, simulations of argon (Ar) seeding are performed by using the SOLPS-ITER code suite. Besides the deuterium and Ar species, all the ionization states of W species generated through physical sputtering have been included in the simulations. As the seeding rate increases, the total power dissipation dominated by Ar radiation increases gradually. Obvious Ar radiation loss in the divertor region is observed. Meanwhile, a high pressure area in the scrape-off layer side of the outer strike point is formed near the corner due to the closed structure. As a result, the outer divertor detaches before the inner divertor, and the maximum Te at the outer target reduces to 5 eV at a puffing rate of 4.0 × 1019 atoms/s. The total heat flux onto the inner and outer target plates, dominated by the charged particles, can be reduced simultaneously. The sputtering rate of W atoms along the divertor plates and the distribution of W impurities in the poloidal cross section are given. The W concentration inside the last closed magnetic flux surface can be controlled to the order of 10−5.
An experimental study on the spatiotemporal evolution of sand waves/ripples in turbulent boundary layer airflow
Authors: Liu Yang , Jiang Xianyang , Lee Cunbiao , Hu Hui
Published: June 2020

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the spatiotemporal evolution of sand waves/ripples submerged in a turbulent boundary layer airflow. While a digital image projection technique was applied to achieve temporally resolved measurements of the dynamically evolving sand surface morphology, a combined particle tracking/imaging velocimetry technique was also used to reveal the two-phase (i.e., air–sediment) flow field during the dynamic sand wave/ripple evolution process. It was found that the sand bed surface would evolve from initial random three-dimensional (3D) sand wavelets to two-dimensional (2D) sand waves and further into well-organized sequences of 3D chevron-shaped sand ripples that are separated by longitudinal streaks, when exposed to the turbulent boundary layer airflow. A discrepancy of the local sand wave propagation at different transverse locations was revealed based on the wavelet analysis of the time-series of the sand bed height variation, which was suggested to contribute to the formation of the 3D chevron-shaped sand ripples. It was also found that the evolving sand waves/ripples could dramatically affect the near-bed two-phase (i.e., air–sediment) flow structures as indicated by the dramatically disturbed air–sediment flow structures. By correlating the sand surface profiles and the near-surface sand particle velocity patterns, a complete description of the dynamic sand bedform evolution was revealed with five dominant phases being defined: (I) initial strengthening phase, (II) transition phase, (III) ripple-modulated re-strengthening phase, (IV) stabilizing phase, and (V) longitudinal phase.
Variations of paramagnetic defects and dopants in geo-MoS2 from diverse localities probed by ESR
Authors: Stesmans A. , Schoenaers B. , Afanas’ev V. V.
Published: June 2020

Exfoliated flakes from molybdenite crystals often still serve as benchmark substrates for two-dimensional MoS2 fundamental and device-oriented research. In this article, results are reported of a multi-frequency electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) study on a series of natural 2H MoS2 crystals taken from various (seven) geological sites with the intent to explore the variations in quality and properties in terms of occurring paramagnetic point defects, with particular focus on the assessment of the predominant type of impurity dopant. The sample set covers three types of overall doping regimes, i.e., p-type, n-type, and mixed (n-type and p-type parts in one sample). The doping type appears primarily governed by substitutional impurities as evidenced by the observed As and N acceptor (both substituting for S) and Re donor (substituting for Mo) signals. For all p-type specimens, doping is found to be ruled by As where, however, a strong variation is revealed in doping uniformity, which appears not directly correlated with the As dopant density. Without specific precautions taken, surface contamination related EPR signals are observed in virtually all As-excavated geo-MoS2 specimens. While several of these signals are of unassigned origin, two prominent ones are identified, one as concerning oxo-Mo5+ compounds and the other Mn2+ centers. The geo-MoS2 sample with the foremost n-type doping shows, besides the prime Re donor EPR signal, an intense powder-pattern signal, tentatively typified by g∥ = 2.076, g⊥ = 2.253, which is suggested to originate from intercalation-related defects. The results bear out the necessity of rigorous surface cleaning, even including invasive removal of surface layers, to obtain pristine MoS2 parent crystals suitable for enabling exfoliation of high quality flakes.
Jackiw–Rebbi states and trivial states in interfaced binary waveguide arrays with cubic–quintic nonlinearity
Authors: Tran Truong X.
Published: June 2020

We systematically investigate two types of localized states—one is the optical analog of the quantum relativistic Jackiw–Rebbi states and the other is the trivial localized state—in interfaced binary waveguide arrays in the presence of cubic–quintic nonlinearity. By using the shooting method, we can exactly calculate the profiles of these nonlinear localized states. Like in the case with Kerr nonlinearity, we demonstrate that these localized states with cubic–quintic nonlinearity also have an extraordinary property, which completely differs from many well-known nonlinear localized structures in other media. Specifically, both the peak amplitude and transverse dimension of these nonlinear localized states can increase at the same time. Apart from that, we show that high values of the saturation nonlinearity parameter can help to generate and stabilize the intense localized states during propagation, especially in the case with a negative coefficient for the cubic nonlinearity term.
Thermal management of electric vehicle battery cells with homogeneous coolant and temperature distribution
Authors: Gocmen Sinan , Gungor Sahin , Cetkin Erdal
Published: June 2020

Electric vehicles play an integral role in eliminating pollution related to transportation, especially if the electricity is generated via renewable sources. However, storing electricity onboard requires many battery cells. If the temperature of the cells is not strictly regulated, their capacity decreases in time, and they may burn or explode due to thermal runaway. Battery thermal management systems emerged for safe operations by keeping the battery cell temperatures under limit values. However, the current solutions do not yield uniform temperature distribution for all the cells in a pack. Here, we document that constant temperature distribution can be achieved with uniform coolant distribution to the channels located between batteries. The design process of the developed battery pack begins with a design used in current packs. Later, how the shape of the distributor channel affects flow uniformity is documented. Then, the design complexity was increased to satisfy the flow uniformity condition, which is essential for temperature uniformity. The design was altered based on a constructal design methodology with an iterative exhaustive search approach. The uncovered constructal design yields a uniform coolant distribution with a maximum of 0.81% flow rate deviation along channels. The developed design is palpable and easy to manufacture relative to the tapered manifold designs. The results also document that the peak temperature difference between the cells decreases from a maximum of 12 K to 0.4 K. Furthermore, homogenous distribution of air is one of the limiting factors of the development of metal–air batteries. This paper also documents how air can be distributed uniformly to metal–air battery cells in a battery pack.
Modeling energy exchange and heating within nanorod arrays due to near-field radiative coupling
Authors: Voon Kevin J. , Chang Mike , Sawatzky George A. , Nojeh Alireza
Published: June 2020

We present a heat transfer model to obtain the temperature distribution within aligned nanorod arrays. The model includes thermal conduction along each nanorod in addition to a phenomenological treatment of near-field radiative energy exchange among the nanorods and allows us to investigate the interplay between these effects. The contribution of the near-field radiative energy exchange to overall heating is found to increase significantly with a decrease in inter-nanorod spacing and an increase in array size; the effect is also more prominent for nanorods with lower thermal conductivity and higher emissivity.
Miniature electron beam separator based on three stacked dipoles
Authors: Krielaart M. A. R. , Maas D. J. , Loginov S. V. , Kruit P.
Published: June 2020

We designed and built a compact bi-axial electron beam separator. This separator is an indispensable electron optical element in the development of MEMS-mirror-based miniaturized concepts for quantum electron microscopy (QEM) and aberration-corrected low-voltage scanning electron microscopy (AC-SEM). The separator provides the essential cycling of the electron beam between the two parallel optical axes that are part of these systems. This requires crossed electric and magnetic fields perpendicular to the beam path, as can be found in Wien-filter type beam separators. In our miniaturized QEM or AC-SEM concepts, the parallel axes are separated by only 1 mm. Conventional Wien-filter-based beam separator concepts rely on in-plane electric and magnetic multipole electrode configurations that are larger than the restricted available volume in these miniaturized QEM/AC-SEM systems. Our compact beam separator design introduces three stacked dipole electrode layers, which enables simultaneous beam separation at two parallel axes that are in close proximity. The outer layer electrodes maintain an electric field for which the direction on the one axis is opposed to that on the other axis. The middle layer generates a perpendicularly oriented magnetic field that spans both axes. The total field configuration enables the deflection of the beam on one axis and simultaneously provides a straight passage on the other axis. The deflection strength and distortion fields of the beam separator are experimentally obtained with a 2 keV electron beam energy. The results validate the use of the beam separator for electron energies up to 5 keV and deflection angles up to 100 mrad.
Graphene mediated resistive switching and thermoelectric behavior in lanthanum cobaltate
Authors: Kumar Ashutosh , Kumari Karuna , Ray S. J. , Thakur Ajay D.
Published: June 2020

Multifunctional materials are of utmost importance owing to the combination of several functionalities into a single device. We present the multifunctional properties, namely, thermoelectric (TE) for energy harvesting and resistive switching (RS) for memory storage in the LaCoO3 (LCO)–graphene nanocomposite system. The existence of individual phases of LCO and graphene is confirmed from x-ray diffraction and electron microscopy techniques. The x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurement reveals the formation of oxygen vacancies in the nanocomposite with the addition of graphene. The bipolar resistive switching behavior observed in a LCO–graphene nanocomposite is explained using space charge limited conduction mechanism and is found to evolve from a trap-limited to a trap-free region with an increase in the graphene volume fraction, which eventually ascribed to the ordering of oxygen vacancies in the nanocomposite system. The endurance plot of the nanocomposite shows a stable RS behavior for consecutive 1000 cycles. On the other hand, the creation of oxygen vacancies in the nanocomposite leads to change in the configurational entropy of charge states of cobalt, which tunes the Seebeck coefficient (α). The decrease in α leads to an increase in the hopping hole concentration (nh) estimated using the classical Heikes formula and is consistent with the increase in the electrical conductivity. The increase in oxygen vacancies leads to point-defect scattering, which further reduces the thermal conductivity of the nanocomposite. The optimized TE parameters show a figure-of-merit of 0.004±0.00048 at 300 K. The simultaneous observation of RS and TE properties in LCO–graphene nanocomposite provides new directions for multifunctional materials.
Scale locality of helicity cascade in physical space
Authors: Yan Zheng , Li Xinliang , Yu Changping
Published: June 2020

Scale locality is a key concept in turbulent cascade theory and is also associated with reflection symmetry. Vortex stretching is proven to participate in the helicity cascade process while destroying the conservative characteristic of enstrophy transfer in three-dimensional flows. Numerical evidence indicates that a turbulent structure with scale L will also largely transfer its helicity to structures with scales of around 0.3L. However, the scale locality of the helicity cascade is slightly weaker than that of the energy cascade in physical space. The weaker scale locality suggests that more scales should be involved for turbulent modeling of helical turbulence.
Modes of action of the archaeal Mre11/Rad50 DNA-repair complex revealed by fast-scan atomic force microscopy
Authors: Zabolotnaya Ekaterina , Mela Ioanna , Williamson Mark J. , Bray Sian M. , Yau Siu Kei , Papatziamou Dimitra , Edwardson J. Michael , Robinson Nicholas P. , Henderson Robert M.
Published: June 2020

Mre11 and Rad50 (M/R) proteins are part of an evolutionarily conserved macromolecular apparatus that maintains genomic integrity through repair pathways. Prior structural studies have revealed that this apparatus is extremely dynamic, displaying flexibility in the long coiled-coil regions of Rad50, a member of the structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) superfamily of ATPases. However, many details of the mechanics of M/R chromosomal manipulation during DNA-repair events remain unclear. Here, we investigate the properties of the thermostable M/R complex from the archaeon
Sulfolobus acidocaldarius
using atomic force microscopy (AFM) to understand how this macromolecular machinery orchestrates DNA repair. While previous studies have observed canonical interactions between the globular domains of M/R and DNA, we observe transient interactions between DNA substrates and the Rad50 coiled coils. Fast-scan AFM videos (at 1–2 frames per second) of M/R complexes reveal that these interactions result in manipulation and translocation of the DNA substrates. Our study also shows dramatic and unprecedented ATP-dependent DNA unwinding events by the M/R complex, which extend hundreds of base pairs in length. Supported by molecular dynamic simulations, we propose a model for M/R recognition at DNA breaks in which the Rad50 coiled coils aid movement along DNA substrates until a DNA end is encountered, after which the DNA unwinding activity potentiates the downstream homologous recombination (HR)-mediated DNA repair.
Regulation of spatiotemporal limits of developmental gene expression via enhancer grammar
Authors: Keller Samuel H. , Jena Siddhartha G. , Yamazaki Yuji , Lim Bomyi
Published: June 2020

The regulatory specificity of a gene is determined by the structure of its enhancers, which contain multiple transcription factor binding sites. A unique combination of transcription factor binding sites in an enhancer determines the boundary of target gene expression, and their disruption often leads to developmental defects. Despite extensive characterization of binding motifs in an enhancer, it is still unclear how each binding site contributes to overall transcriptional activity. Using live imaging, quantitative analysis, and mathematical modeling, we measured the contribution of individual binding sites in transcriptional regulation. We show that binding site arrangement within the Rho-GTPase componentt48enhancer mediates the expression boundary by mainly regulating the timing of transcriptional activation along the dorsoventral axis ofDrosophilaembryos. By tuning the binding affinity of the Dorsal (Dl) and Zelda (Zld) sites, we show that single site modulations are sufficient to induce significant changes in transcription. Yet, no one site seems to have a dominant role; rather, multiple sites synergistically drive increases in transcriptional activity. Interestingly, Dl and Zld demonstrate distinct roles in transcriptional regulation. Dl site modulations change spatial boundaries oft48, mostly by affecting the timing of activation and bursting frequency rather than transcriptional amplitude or bursting duration. However, modulating the binding site for the pioneer factor Zld affects both the timing of activation and amplitude, suggesting that Zld may potentiate higher Dl recruitment to target DNAs. We propose that such fine-tuning of dynamic gene control via enhancer structure may play an important role in ensuring normal development.
Greater flood risks in response to slowdown of tropical cyclones over the coast of China
Authors: Lai Yangchen , Li Jianfeng , Gu Xihui , Chen Yongqin David , Kong Dongdong , Gan Thian Yew , Liu Maofeng , Li Qingquan , Wu Guofeng
Published: June 2020

Significance

Torrential rains induced by tropical cyclones (TCs) are a major trigger of catastrophic flood hazards. Devastating TCs causing unprecedented floods in recent years were usually characterized with low translation speeds. We find that both observations and numerical simulations show a significant slowdown of TCs over the coast of China. Our analyses of long-term observations exhibit a significant increase in extreme rainfall amounts induced by TCs, and significant inverse relationships between TC translation speeds and local rainfall totals over the study period. Our probability analysis reveals the association of higher local rainfall totals and slow-moving TCs. We provide observational evidence that slowdown of TCs tends to elevate local rainfall totals and thus impose greater flood risks at the regional scale.
Functional imaging evidence for task-induced deactivation and disconnection of a major default mode network hub in the mouse brain
Authors: Ferrier Jeremy , Tiran Elodie , Deffieux Thomas , Tanter Mickael , Lenkei Zsolt
Published: June 2020

Significance

Our report first validates an imaging technique, functional ultrasound, an experimental approach providing significantly higher sensitivity and spatiotemporal resolution than fMRI, for the study of sensory stimulation-induced changes in activation and connectivity patterns in the awake mouse brain. Next, by using this approach in lightly sedated conscious mice, we provide functional evidence supporting an evolutionary preserved function of the default mode network, a set of highly connected brain areas, which is characteristically impaired in major neuropsychiatric diseases in humans. Uncovering the existence and function of the default mode network in mice, the main preclinical model organism for neuropsychiatric diseases, opens new avenues of high translational relevance for brain research and drug development.
Supervised learning through physical changes in a mechanical system
Authors: Stern Menachem , Arinze Chukwunonso , Perez Leron , Palmer Stephanie E. , Murugan Arvind
Published: June 2020

Significance

Supervised learning algorithms can learn subtle features that distinguish one class of input examples from another. We explore a supervised training framework in which mechanical metamaterials physically learn to distinguish different classes of forces by exploiting plasticity and nonlinearities in the material. After a period of training with examples of forces, the material can respond correctly to previously unseen novel forces that share spatial correlation patterns with the training examples. Such generalization can allow mechanical parts of microelectronics and adaptive robotics to learn to distinguish patterns of force stimuli on the fly. Our work shows how learning and generalization are not restricted to software algorithms, but can naturally emerge from plasticity and nonlinearities in elastic materials.
Complex mortuary dynamics in the Upper Paleolithic of the decorated Grotte de Cussac, France
Authors: Kacki Sacha , Trinkaus Erik , Schotsmans Eline M. J. , Courtaud Patrice , Dori Irene , Dutailly Bruno , Guyomarc’h Pierre , Mora Pascal , Sparacello Vitale S. , Villotte Sébastien
Published: June 2020

Significance

Gravettian mortuary practices provide a key perspective on social complexity during the Upper Paleolithic. Such inferences have been drawn mostly from the formal burials relatively abundant for this period. Here we present the bioanthropological study of Grotte de Cussac, a decorated cave with Gravettian human remains deposited on the floor. These bone accumulations correspond to several forms of deposition (a whole body, body parts on the surface, and dry bones in bear nests), plus displacement and removal of elements that indicate diverse and complex mortuary behaviors. The exceptional preservation during millennia of these surficial deposits illustrates steps of a mortuary landscape that are beyond reach in more usual Upper Paleolithic burial sites.
Small stories with big implications
Authors: Wooffitt Robin , Fuentes-Calle Alicia , Campbell Rebecca
Published: June 2020

In this paper we examine reports of poetic confluence, in which one person’s utterances seems to connect with another’s
unspoken or unarticulated thoughts. We argue that analysis of these narratives can be investigated as a window onto social reality, and as a
site in which social realities are produced, especially with respect to identity work. We show how this approach complements and develops
from the small story paradigm in narrative inquiry. In our discussion we try to identify common principles that may underpin work on both
the content of poetic confluence narratives, and the work done in the features of those narratives.
“My refrigerator is as much in the dark as I am”
Authors: Livnat Zohar
Published: June 2020

This paper focuses on a particular type of metaphorical irony in which both
readings of a metaphor have to be processed in order to grasp the speaker’s
intention. Two ways in which the text encourages retention of both readings of
metaphorical expressions are discussed: (1) Metaphorical expressions that refer to
two different referents, whose comparison by the author requires keeping both
readings in mind; (2) Two kinds of contextual clues assigned to a single referent or
topic.

The examples are amusingly sophisticated, but at the same time express a critical
stance on controversial issues. The metaphorical irony enhances the critical,
evaluative aspect of the text as it contributes to its entertaining effect.
Indirectness and effectiveness of requests in professional emails
Authors: Atifi Hassan , Marcoccia Michel
Published: June 2020

This chapter deals with the question: which strategies are used when formulating a
request in a particular context – workplace – and with a specific means of
communication (electronic mails). This research is based on a case study: the
analysis of 60 emails sent over two days by three employees of a large French
professional training company. Our research questions are: how are requests
formulated in organizational context? What relationship can we observe between
indirectness and effectiveness of email requests.
“The hon. Gentleman says this is rubbish; it is absolutely true”
Authors: Fetzer Anita
Published: June 2020

This chapter reports on an analysis of references to truth and compares their
discursive value with references to fact and to reality as argumentative and
rhetorical resources in the context of Prime Minister’s Questions. Truth is assigned
a dual status in the analysis: it is a fundamental premise and can thus be assigned
the status of a presupposition to which participants are committed. The research is
based on 240 question-response sequences between the Prime Minister and the Leader
of the Opposition. The analysis shows that references to truth are utilised by both
participants with the Prime Minister referring more frequently to truth and fact,
and the leader of the opposition referring more frequently to reality. References to
truth insinuate its gradient conceptualisation with higher and lower degrees of
truthfulness. The conversational implicature allows the speaker to act at face level
in accordance with the rules of conduct of the speech event.
Governing the adoption of robotics and autonomous systems in long-term care in Singapore
Authors: Tan Si Ying , Taeihagh Araz
Published: June 2020

Robotics and autonomous systems have been dubbed as viable technological solutions to address the incessant demand for long-term care (LTC) across the world, which is exacerbated by ageing populations. However, similar to other emerging technologies, the adoption of robotics and autonomous systems in LTC pose risks and unintended consequences. In the health and LTC sectors, there are additional bioethics concerns that are associated with novel technology applications. Using an in-depth case study, we examined the adoption of novel technologies such as robotics and autonomous systems in LTC to meet the rising social care demand in Singapore consequent to its ageing population. We first described the LTC sector in Singapore and traced the development of robotics and autonomous systems deployed in the LTC setting. We then examined technological risks and ethical issues that are associated with their applications. In addressing these technological risks and ethical concerns, Singapore has adopted a regulatory sandbox approach that fosters experimentation through the creation of a robotics test-bed and the initiation of various robotics pilots in different health clusters. The stakeholders largely envision positive scenarios of human-robot coexistence in the LTC setting. When robots can take over routine and manual care duties in the future, human care workers can be freed up to provide more personalised care to the care recipients. We also highlighted existing gaps in the governance of technological risks and ethical issues surrounding the deployment of robotics and autonomous systems in LTC that can be advanced as future research agendas.
Modeling the implementation of NDCs and the scenarios below 2°C for the Belt and Road countries
Authors: Qimin Chai , Sha Fu , Xinyuan Wen
Published: June 2020

In order to understand better on medium-and long-term climate change issues in international cooperation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), this paper is meant to assess the implementation of National Determined Contributions (NDCs) of the BRI countries and the emission constraints under the Paris Agreement to hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, based on the Belt and Road Integrated Assessment Model (BRIAM) and the best available data. The results show that the BRI countries are expected to collectively reduce about 3.2 billion tons of CO
2
emissions with the implementation of their NDCs by 2030. In order to achieve the global goal of 2°C, without appropriate mitigation burden sharing and enhanced climate finance support, the BRI countries will face big challenges to bridge the emission gaps. The investment in clean energy and related new infrastructures in BRI will rise sharply to above US$100 trillion by the end of this century accordingly with the increase in carbon price, which will also eventually have a significant impact on the price of electricity and oversea freight transport in a connecting world.