bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pantheon update on a model-independent analysis of cosmological supernova data
Authors: Çamlıbel A Kazım , Semiz İbrahim , Feyizoǧlu M Akif
Published: September 2020

We present an update of our previous work, necessitated by availability of a significantly improved dataset. The work is a model-independent analysis of the cosmological supernova (type Ia) data, where function families are fit to the data in form of luminosity distance as function of redshift, that is, d
L(z); and subsequently time-derivatives of the scale function a(t) are analytically derived, but as functions of z, without making assumptions about the theory of gravity or the contents of the Universe. This gives, e.g. the redshift value at which the Universe goes over from deceleration to acceleration, as z

t
= 0.54 ± 0.04 for a flat Universe. In the update, we switch to a more modern fit criterion and also take into account the uncertainty in the calibration of the SNIa luminosities. If a theory of gravity is assumed, our results allow determination of the density of the Universe as function of z, from which conclusions about the contents of the Universe can be drawn. We update the previous work’s result where this was done for Einstein gravity, finding a lower-limit on the dark energy (DE) fraction, ΩDE > 0.46; and here we do this also for Starobinsky gravity, where we can find a Starobinsky parameter that can eliminate the need for DE.
Widely tunable direct bandgap of two-dimensional GeSe
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wang Xin-Xin , Shi Li-Jie
Published: September 2020

Bulk GeSe is an indirect bandgap semiconductor. However, direct bandgap semiconductor of two-dimensional GeSe can be obtained by applying strain along armchair direction, and the direct bandgap can be tuned in a wide energy range from 0.86 eV to 0.00 eV by electric field. The bandgap modulation mechanism is studied in detail by first-principle calculations. The calculations of phonon spectra show that the crystal structure is relatively stable under the strain and electric field. Therefore, 2D GeSe is a promising material in frequency adjustable electronic and optical devices.
Morphological aspect of crystal nucleation in wall-confined supercooled metallic film
Authors: Kirova E M , Pisarev V V
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we simulate the nucleation and growth of crystalline nuclei in a molybdenum film cooled at different rates confined between two amorphous walls. We also compare the results for the wall-confined and wall-free systems. We apply the same methodology as in the work (Kirova and Pisarev 2019 J. Cryst. Growth
528 125266) which is based on reconstructing the probability density function for the largest crystalline nucleus in the system. The size of the nucleus and the asphericity parameter are considered as the reaction coordinates. We demonstrate that in both the free and confined systems there are two mechanisms of crystal growth: the attachment of atoms to the biggest crystal from the amorphous phase and the merging of the biggest crystal cluster with small ones (coalescence). We show that the attachment mechanism is dominant in the melt cooled down at a slower rate, and the mechanism gradually shifts to coalescence as cooling rate increases. We also observe the formation of long-lived crystal clusters and demonstrate that amorphous walls do not affect their geometric characteristics. However, system confined between walls demonstrates higher glass-forming ability.
Novel concepts and nanostructured materials for thermionic-based solar and thermal energy converters
Authors: Bellucci A , Girolami M , Mastellone M , Orlando S , Polini R , Santagata A , Serpente V , Valentini V , Trucchi D M
Published: September 2020

Thermal and concentrated solar solid-state converters are devices with no moving parts, corresponding to long lifetimes, limited necessity of maintenance, and scalability. Among the solid-state converters, the thermionic-based devices are attracting an increasing interest in the specific growing sector of energy conversion performed at high-temperature.

During the last 10 years, hybrid thermionic-based concepts, conceived to cover operating temperatures up to 2000 °C, have been intensively developed. In this review, the thermionic-thermoelectric, photon-enhanced thermionic emission, thermionic-photovoltaic energy converters are extensively discussed. The design and development processes as well as the tailoring of the properties of nanostructured materials performed by the authors are comprehensively described and compared with the advances achieved by the international scientific community.
The formation of neutron star systems through accretion-induced collapse in white-dwarf binaries
Authors: Wang Bo , Liu Dongdong
Published: September 2020

The accretion-induced collapse (AIC) scenario was proposed 40 years ago as an evolutionary end state of oxygen-neon white dwarfs (ONe WDs), linking them to the formation of neutron star (NS) systems. However, there has been no direct detection of any AIC event so far, even though there exists a lot of indirect observational evidence. Meanwhile, the evolutionary pathways resulting in NS formation through AIC are still not thoroughly investigated. In this article, we review recent studies on the two classic progenitor models of AIC events, i.e., the single-degenerate model (including the ONe WD+MS/RG/He star channels and the CO WD+He star channel) and the double-degenerate model (including the double CO WD channel, the double ONe WD channel and the ONe WD+CO WD channel). Recent progress on these progenitor models is reviewed, including the evolutionary scenarios leading to AIC events, the initial parameter space for producing AIC events and the related objects (e.g., the pre-AIC systems and the post-AIC systems). For the single-degenerate model, the pre-AIC systems (i.e., the progenitor systems of AIC events) could potentially be identified as supersoft X-ray sources, symbiotics and cataclysmic variables (such as classical novae, recurrent novae, Ne novae and He novae) in the observations, whereas the post-AIC systems (i.e., NS systems) could potentially be identified as low-/intermediate-mass X-ray binaries, and the resulting low-/intermediate-mass binary pulsars, most notably millisecond pulsars. For the double-degenerate model, the pre-AIC systems are close double WDs with short orbital periods, whereas the post-AIC systems are single isolated NSs that may correspond to a specific kind of NS with peculiar properties. We also review the predicted rates of AIC events, the mass distribution of NSs produced via AIC and the gravitational wave (GW) signals from double WDs that are potential GW sources in the Galaxy in the context of future space-based GW detectors, such as LISA, TianQin, Taiji, etc. Recent theoretical and observational constraints on the detection of AIC events are summarized. In order to confirm the existence of the AIC process, and resolve this long-term issue presented by current stellar evolution theories, more numerical simulations and observational identifications are required.
Statistical relations between stellar spectral and luminosity classes and stellar effective temperature and surface gravity
Authors: Malkov Oleg , Kovaleva Dana , Sichevsky Sergey , Zhao Gang
Published: September 2020

We have determined new statistical relations to estimate the fundamental atmospheric parameters of effective temperature and surface gravity, using MK spectral classification, and vice versa. The relations were constructed based on the published calibration tables (for main sequence stars) and observational data from stellar spectral atlases (for giants and supergiants). These new relations were applied to field giants with known atmospheric parameters, and the results of the comparison of our estimations with available spectral classification have been quite satisfactory.
Lsyn – Esyn, p – δ relation in active galactic nucleus jets and implication for the physical origin of the Lp − Ep,z − Γ0 relation of gamma-ray bursts
Authors: Huang Xiao-Li , Liang En-Wei
Published: September 2020

High energy photon radiations of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are dominated by their jet radiations. We examine whether the synchrotron radiations of jets in BL Lacs, flat spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs), and Narrow Line Seyfert 1 galaxies (NLS1s) follow the relation between the prompt gamma-ray emission and the initial Lorentz factor (Γ0) of GRBs. It is shown that the AGN sample does not agree with the L
p − E
p,z − Γ0 relation of GRBs. In addition, we obtain a tight relation of

L

syn

∝

E

syn
,
p

0.45
±
0.15

δ

3.50
±
0.25

for FSRQs and NLS1 galaxies, where L
syn is the luminosity at peak photon energy E
syn, p of the synchrotron radiations. This relation is different from the L
p − E
p,z − Γ0 relation of GRBs. The dependence of L
syn to δ is consistent with the expectation of the Doppler boosting effect for the FSRQs and NLS1 galaxies, but it is not for GRBs. We argue that Γ0 may be a representative of the kinetic power of the radiating region and the tight L
p − E
p, z − Γ0 relation is shaped by the radiation physics and the jet power together.
Periodicity in fast radio bursts due to forced precession by a fallback disk
Authors: Tong Hao , Wang Wei , Wang Hong-Guang
Published: September 2020

Recently, a 16-day periodicity in a fast radio burst was reported. We propose that this 16-day periodicity may be due to forced precession of the neutron star by a fallback disk. When the rotation axis is misaligned with respect to the normal direction of the disk plane, the neutron star will precess. The eccentricity of the neutron star may be due to rotation or strong magnetic field, or similar reasons. We found that the 16-day period may be understood using typical masses of the fallback disk. Polarization observations and information about the neutron star rotation period may help to discriminate different models. The possible precession observations in pulsars, magnetars and fast radio bursts may be understood together considering forced precession by a fallback disk.
A cold and diffuse giant molecular filament in the region of l = 41°, b = −1°
Authors: Lin Liang-Hao , Wang Hong-Chi , Su Yang , Li Chong , Yang Ji
Published: September 2020

Data of 12CO/13CO/C18O J = 1 → 0 emission toward the Galactic plane region of l = 35° to 45° and b = –5° to +5° are available with the Milky Way Imaging Scroll Painting (MWISP) project. Using the data, we found a giant molecular filament (GMF) around l ≈ 38° ∼ 42°, b ≈ –3.5° ∼ 0°, V
LSR ≈ 27 ∼ 40 km s−1, named the GMF MWISP G041–01. At a distance of 1.7 kpc, the GMF is about 160 pc long. With a median excitation temperature about 7.5 K and a median column density about 1021 cm−2, this GMF is very cold and very diffuse compared to known GMFs. Using the morphology in the data cube, the GMF is divided into four components among which three show filamentary structure. Masses of the components are 103 ∼ 104
M
⊙, with a total mass for the whole filament being about 7 × 104
M
⊙ from the local thermodynamic equilibrium method. 13CO cores inside each component are searched. Virial parameters are about 2.5 for these cores and have a power-law index of –0.34 against the mass. The mass fraction of dense cores traced by 13CO to the diffuse clouds traced by 12CO is about 7% for all components of the GMF. We found signatures of possible large scale filament-filament collision in the GMF.
An upgraded interpolator of the radial basis function network for spectral calculation based on empirical stellar spectral library
Authors: Cheng Lian-Tao , Zhang Feng-Hui
Published: September 2020

Stellar population synthesis is an important method in galaxy and star-cluster studies. In stellar population synthesis models, a stellar spectral library is necessary for the integrated spectra of the stellar population. Usually, the stellar spectral library is utilized for the transformation between the stellar atmospheric parameters and stellar spectrum. The empirical stellar spectral library has distinct advantages over the theoretical library. However, for the empirical spectral library, the distribution of stars is irregular in the stellar atmospheric parameter space, which makes the traditional interpolator difficult to get accurate results. In this work, we will provide an improved radial basis function interpolator which is implemented to obtain the interpolated stellar spectra based on the empirical stellar spectral library. For this interpolator, we use the relation between the standard variance σ in the Gaussian radial basis function and the density distribution of stars in the stellar atmospheric parameter space to give the prior constraint on this σ. Moreover, we also consider the anisotropic radial basis function by the advantage of the local dispersion of stars in the stellar atmospheric parameter space. Furthermore, we use the empirical stellar spectral library MILES to test this interpolator. On the whole, the interpolator has a good performance except for the edge of the low-temperature region. At last, we compare this interpolator with our work in 2018, and the interpolation result shows an obvious improvement. Users can apply this interpolator to retrieve the interpolated spectra based on the stellar spectral library quickly and easily.
The evolutionary status of chemically peculiar eclipsing binary star DV Boo
Authors: Kahraman Aliçavuş Filiz , Aliçvuş F.
Published: September 2020

Eclipsing binary systems are unique stellar objects to examine and understand stellar evolution and formation. Thanks to these systems, the fundamental stellar parameters (mass, radius) can be obtained very precisely. The existence of metallic-line (Am) stars in binaries is noticeably common. However, the known number of Am stars in eclipsing binaries is less. The Am stars in eclipsing binaries are extremely useful to deeply investigate the properties of Am stars, as eclipsing binaries are the only tool to directly derive the fundamental stellar parameters. Additionally, the atmospheric parameters and metallicities of such binary components could be obtained by a detailed spectroscopic study. Therefore, in this study, we present a comprehensive photometric and spectroscopic analysis of the eclipsing binary system DV Boo which has a possible Am component. The fundamental stellar parameters were determined by the analysis of radial velocity and photometric light curves. The atmospheric parameters of both binary components of DV Boo were derived considering the disentangled spectra. The chemical abundance analysis was carried out as well. As a result, we showed that the primary component exhibits a typical Am star chemical abundance distribution. The fundamental stellar parameters of the binary components were also obtained with an accuracy of <1% for masses and <3% for radii. The evolutionary status of DV Boo was examined utilizing the precisely obtained stellar parameters. The age of the system was found to be 1.00 ± 0.08 Gyr.
Investigating the relationship between cosmic curvature and dark energy models with the latest supernova sample
Authors: Gao Chao , Chen Yun , Zheng Jie
Published: September 2020

We investigate the relationship between cosmic curvature and model of dark energy (hereafter DE) with recent Type Ia supernovae (hereafter SNe Ia) data, i.e., the Pantheon sample including 1048 SNe Ia with 0.01 < z < 2.3. We obtain measurements of the dimensionless spatial curvature density today, i.e.,

Ω

k
0

=
−

0.062

−
0.169

+
0.189

,
−

0.004

−
0.134

+
0.228

,

0.127

−
0.276

+
0.280

and

0.422

−
0.338

+
0.213

at 68% confidence level (CL), respectively, in the scenarios of ΛCDM, ϕCDM (i.e., scalar field DE), ωCDM and ω
0
ωa
CDM models. In the scenario of ΛCDM model, a closed universe is preferred by the Pantheon sample, which is consistent with that from the Planck CMB spectra. However, the uncertainty of Ω
k0 from the Pantheon SNe sample is about 8 times larger than that from the Planck data, so the former one supports a closed universe at a much lower CL than that from the latter one. An open unverse is supported by the Pantheon sample at ∼32% and ∼78% CLs, respectively, in the ωCDM and ω
0
ω
aCDM models. Among these models, the ϕCDM model is the one which supports the flat universe most strongly. It shows that Ω
k0 is significantly dependent on the adopted model of DE, and there is a negative correlation between Ω
k0 and the equation of state of DE.
Multi-wavelength study of energetic processes during solar flare occurrence
Authors: Lata Soni Shirsh , Lal Yadav Manohar , Shyam Gupta Radhe , Prasad Mishra Adya
Published: September 2020

This paper is an attempt to understand the physical processes occurring in different layers of the solar atmosphere during a solar flare. For a complete understanding of the flare, we must analyze multi-wavelength datasets, as emission at different wavelengths originates from different layers in the solar atmosphere. Also, flares are transient and localized events observed to occur at all longitudes. With these considerations, we have carried out multi-wavelength analysis of two representative flare events. One event occurred close to the center of the solar disk and the other occurred close to the limb. In the former case, we examine emission from the lower layers of the solar atmosphere. Therefore the chromosphere, transition region and also photospheric magnetogram can be analyzed. On the other hand, in the near-limb event, coronal features can be clearly examined. In this paper, the first event studied is the M1.1 class flare from the active region NOAA 10649 located at S10E14 and the second event is the M1.4 class flare from the active region 10713 located at S12W90. In both cases, we have acquired excellent multi-wavelength data sets. The observations from multi-instrumental data clearly demonstrate that flares occur in the vicinity of sunspots. These are regions of strong magnetic field with mixed polarity.
Investigating the morphology of the supernova remnant G349.7+00.2 in the medium with a density gradient
Authors: Yan Jing-Wen , Lu Chun-Yan , Wen Lu , Yu Huan , Fang Jun
Published: September 2020

G349.7 + 00.2 is a young Galactic supernova remnant (SNR) with a mushroom morphology in radio and X-rays, and it has been detected across the entire electromagnetic spectrum from radio to high energy γ-rays. Moreover, the remnant is interacting with a molecular cloud based on the observations in the radio and infrared band. The reason for the formation of the periphery and the dynamical evolution of the remnant is investigated using 3D hydrodynamical (HD) simulations. Under the assumption that the supernova ejecta is evolved in the medium with a density gradient, the shell is composed of two hemispheres with different radii, and the smaller hemisphere is in relatively dense media. The resulting periphery of remnant is consistent with detected ones, and it can be concluded that the peculiar periphery of G349.7+00.2 can be reproduced as the remnants interacting with the medium with a density gradient.
AstroSat observation of the Be/X-ray binary Pulsar 3A 0726-260 (4U 0728-25)
Authors: Roy Jayashree , C. Agrawal Prahlad , Singari Baibhav , Misra Ranjeev
Published: September 2020

Results on timing and spectral properties of the Be/X-ray binary pulsar 3A 0726–260 (4U 0728–25) are presented. The binary was observed on 2016 May 6–7 with the Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter (LAXPC) and Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT) instruments onboard the AstroSat satellite. During this observation, the source was in non-flaring persistent state at a flux level of ∼ 8.6 ± 0.3 ×10−11 erg cm−2 s−1 in 0.4–20 keV. Strong X-ray pulsations with a period of 103.144±0.001 s are detected in 0.3–7 keV with the SXT and in 3–40 keV with the LAXPC. The pulse profile is energy dependent, and there is an indication that the pulse shape changes from a broad single pulse to a double pulse at higher energy. At energies above 20 keV, we report the first time detection of pulsation period 103.145±0.001 s and the double peaked pulse profile from the source. The energy spectrum of the source is derived from the combined analysis of the SXT and LAXPC spectral data in 0.4–20 keV. The best spectral fit is obtained by a power law model with a photon index (1.7±0.03) with high energy spectral cut-off at 12.9 ± 0.7 keV. A broad iron line at ∼ 6.3 keV is detected in the energy spectrum. We briefly discuss the implications of these results.
Determinants of low-carbon transport mode adoption: systematic review of reviews
Authors: Javaid Aneeque , Creutzig Felix , Bamberg Sebastian
Published: September 2020

Urban transport provides access to multiple services, structures and impedes daily life of residents, and translates into wellbeing considerations, sustainability impacts, and GHG emissions. Thus motivated, multiple disciplines, ranging from psychology to urban planning, are invested in understanding the potential for transitioning to low-carbon and sustainable urban transport systems. While each discipline has carved out a growing body of knowledge, a consistent cross-disciplinary understanding of psychological, sociological, and urban form determinants of urban mobility choices is, perhaps surprisingly so, still lacking. Here, we systematically review the reviews of several strands of literature and lay out the evidence for individual, social, and infrastructure level factors pertinent to urban mode choice. Synthesizing the results from 75 review papers, we find that all three dimensions (individual, social, and infrastructure) unambiguously interfere with mode choice. Individuals are most motivated to shift modes, if they are well informed, if personal norms match low-carbon mode use, and, most importantly, if they perceive to have personal control over decisions. Perceptions about common travel behaviour (descriptive social norms), especially if supported by perceived normative beliefs of others (injunctive norms), are highly influential to support mode shift. However, the overall margin of shift as induced by individual and social settings remains limited. Instead, the infrastructure factors explain large differences in mode choice. New shared mobility modes, and teleworking and shopping, add a long tail to modes chosen, but are no game changer. We conclude that a transition to low-carbon mobility requires low-carbon infrastructure, which leverages enthusiastic individuals’ concerns and empowers them for mode change, and that address safety concerns prevalent especially in cities of the Global South. The mode shift to low-carbon option can then be sustained and enhanced by social influence in the form of collective social norms.
Stratospheric contribution to the summertime high surface ozone events over the western united states
Authors: Wang Xinyue , Wu Yutian , Randel William , Tilmes Simone
Published: September 2020

The stratospheric influence on summertime high surface ozone (

O
3

) events is examined using a twenty-year simulation from the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model. We find that

O
3

transported from the stratosphere makes a significant contribution to the surface

O
3

variability where background surface

O
3

exceeds the 95th percentile, especially over western U.S. Maximum covariance analysis is applied to

O
3

anomalies paired with stratospheric

O
3

tracer anomalies to identify the stratospheric intrusion and the underlying dynamical mechanism. The first leading mode corresponds to deep stratospheric intrusions in the western and northern tier of the U.S., and intensified northeasterlies in the mid-to-lower troposphere along the west coast, which also facilitate the transport to the eastern Pacific Ocean. The second leading mode corresponds to deep intrusions over the Intermountain Regions. Both modes are associated with eastward propagating baroclinic systems, which are amplified near the end of the North Pacific storm tracks, leading to strong descents over the western U.S.
Enhanced realignment criterion vs linear entanglement witnesses
Authors: Sarbicki Gniewomir , Scala Giovanni , Chruściński Dariusz
Published: September 2020

It is shown that the enhanced (nonlinear) realignment criterion is equivalent to the family of linear criteria based on correlation tensor. These criteria generalize the original (linear) realignment criterium and give rise to the family of entanglement witnesses. An appropriate limiting procedure is proposed which leads to a novel class of witnesses which are as powerful as the enhanced realignment criterion.
Elementary band representations for (double)-line groups
Authors: Milošević I , Dmitrović S , Vuković T , Dimić A , Damnjanović M
Published: September 2020

Quantized topological invariants characterizing topological phases in quasi-1D materials are usually considered only on the basis of spatial inversion parity eigenvalues. However, symmetry of quasi-1D systems is far more complex and their complete topological characterisation can be obtained only on the basis of elementary band representations (EBRs) for the relevant symmetry groups. We derive complete sets of inequivalent EBRs for line groups (LG), the symmetry groups of all quasi-1D systems with either translational or helical periodicity. Besides, we determine also EBRs for double-LGs, accounting for spin degree of freedom. In order to illustrate applicability of the results obtained, we analyze electronic-band topology of a chiral single-wall carbon nanotube, using EBRs for relevant (double)-LG and discuss Su-Schrieffer–Heeger model from EBR-perspective.
A study on microstructural evolution and detwinning behavior of Ti–3Al–2.5V cold-rolled tube during annealing
Authors: Yu Yang , Chen Rong , Li Cheng-Lin , Ye Wenjun , Hui Songxiao
Published: September 2020

Near alpha titanium alloys have been widely used in the aerospace industry owing to their high special strength, low-density and excellent corrosion resistance. Ti–3Al–2.5V is a typical near alpha titanium alloy that was usually used in the form of a tube in aircraft due to its excellent cold workability. In the present study, the microstructural evolution and detwinning behavior of cold-rolled Ti–3Al–2.5V alloy tubes during annealing were investigated. Upon annealing, the microstructure evolution strongly depends on the annealing temperature and holding time, which play important roles in the kinetics of the static recovery and recrystallization. In addition, there are two independent detwinning mechanisms involved during annealing. The first one is that detwinning occurs along the twin shear direction at grain boundaries, resulting in a shortening effect. The second one is that detwinning occurs in the center of twins, resulting in a thinning effect of twins. The understanding of the detwinning behavior and microstructural evolution during annealing helps with the tube processing and their applications in aircraft.
A breathable waterborne poly-(urethane/urea) coating containing PO-EO-PO triblock copolymer
Authors: Chen Shu-Yi , Chen Chin-Wen , Cheng Ling-Chen , Chuang Fu-Sheng , Rwei Syang-Peng
Published: September 2020

A breathable waterborne poly-(urethane/urea) (WPU) coating for textiles was synthesized by a pre-polymer method with 4,4′-Diisocyanate dicyclohexylmethane (H12MDI), Poly(propylene oxide)-b-poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(propylene oxide) triblock diols (PO-EO-PO diols), and Polyteramethylene glycol (PTMG). The PO-EO-PO diols were incorporated into the WPU to improve the swelling issue of frequently observed in the polyethylene glycol (PEO) segments. The stability, mechanical property, thermal properties, and breathability of PO-EO-PO, including WPUs were investigated by varying PTMG/PO-EO-PO diol ratios. The PO-EO-PO incorporated WPUs showed excellent mechanical properties: 250% of tensile elongation and breaking stress of 15–27 MPa. The breathability reached 620–15 000 mm of water pressure resistance H2O and 2717–63 822 g H2O 24 h m−2 of vapor permeability. The highly breathable, WPU coating contained with different PO/EO fraction of PO-EO-PO diols will play an essential role in the garment-textile industry to convert to a greener process.
Investigation of the trajectory uniformity in water dissolution ultraprecision continuous polishing of large-sized KDP crystal
Authors: Cheng Zhipeng , Gao Hang , Liu Ziyuan , Guo Dongming
Published: September 2020

Large-sized potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) crystals are an irreplaceable nonlinear optical component in an inertial confinement fusion project. Restricted by the size, previous studies have been aimed mainly at the removal principle and surface roughness of small-sized KDP crystals, with less research on flatness. Due to its low surface damage and high machining efficiency, water dissolution ultraprecision continuous polishing (WDUCP) has become a good technique for processing large-sized KDP crystals. In this technique, the trajectory uniformity of water droplets can directly affect the surface quality, such as flatness and roughness. Specifically, uneven trajectory distribution of water droplets on the surface of KDP crystals derived from the mode of motion obviously affects the surface quality. In this study, the material removal mechanism of WDUCP was introduced. A simulation of the trajectory of water droplets on KDP crystals under different eccentricity modes of motion was then performed. Meanwhile, the coefficient of variation (CV) was utilized to evaluate the trajectory uniformity. Furthermore, to verify the reliability of the simulation, some experimental tests were also conducted by employing a large continuous polisher. The results showed that the CV varied from 0.67 to 2.02 under the certain eccentricity mode of motion and varied from 0.48 to 0.65 under the uncertain eccentricity mode of motion. The CV of uncertain eccentricity is always smaller than that of certain eccentricity. Hence, the uniformity of trajectory was better under uncertain eccentricity. Under the mode of motion of uncertain eccentricity, the initial surface texture of the 100 mm × 100 mm × 10 mm KDP crystal did achieve uniform planarization. The surface root mean square roughness was reduced to 2.182 nm, and the flatness was reduced to 22.013 μm. Therefore, the feasibility and validity of WDUCP for large-sized KDP crystal were verified.
Understanding and identifying ways to improve hospital-based cancer care and treatment for people with dementia: an ethnographic study
Authors: Ashley Laura , Kelley Rachael , Griffiths Alys , Cowdell Fiona , Henry Ann , Inman Hayley , Hennell June , Ogden Margaret , Walsh Maria , Jones Liz , Mason Ellen , Collinson Michelle , Farrin Amanda , Surr Claire
Published: September 2020

Background

Providing cancer care and treatment for ageing populations with complicating comorbidities like dementia is a growing global challenge. This study aimed to examine the hospital-based cancer care and treatment challenges and support needs of people with dementia, and identify potential ways to address these.

Methods

A two-site ethnographic study in England involving semi-structured interviews, observations and accompanying conversations, and medical record review. Participants (N = 58) were people with dementia and comorbid cancer (n = 17), informal caregivers (n = 22) and hospital staff (n = 19). Ethnographically informed thematic analysis was conducted.

Results

There was an accumulated complexity of living with both illnesses simultaneously. People with dementia and families could feel confused and uninformed due to difficulties understanding, retaining and using cancer information, which impacted their informed treatment decision-making. Dementia increased the complexity and burden of travelling to and navigating unfamiliar hospital environments, frequent lengthy periods of waiting in hospital, and self-managing symptoms and side-effects at home. Oncology staff were often working without the full picture, due to variable documenting of dementia in medical records, dementia training was limited, and time and resource pressures impeded the highly individualised, flexible cancer care required by people with dementia. Supportive family carers were crucial in enabling people with dementia to access, navigate and undergo cancer treatment and care.

Conclusions

Dementia complicates cancer care in a range of ways accumulating across the cancer pathway. Our findings suggest there are several strategies and interventions, which we list here, with potential to improve cancer care and treatment for people with dementia and their families.
Creation and maintenance of a table for assessment of evolving evidence for COVID-19–related treatments
Authors: Snow Elaine K , Miller Jane L , Kester Linda , Mendham Natalie A , Heydorn Joan D , Huang Shingyee Cindy , Leu Lily L , Kohoutek Lisa M , Rosanelli Natalie C , Harves Kaitlin M
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This report describes the development and maintenance of a table to present an assessment of evidence for treatments used in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

AHFS Drug Information (AHFS DI) (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Bethesda, MD) is ASHP’s evidence-based drug compendium that contains drug monographs written for pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. The professional editorial and analytical staff of pharmacists critically evaluate published evidence to develop drug monographs for AHFS DI. In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, these skills were applied to assess emerging evidence for COVID-19–related treatments, and the information was compiled into a new resource for pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to use at the point of care. A list of therapies was developed and prioritized based on review of scientific and public discussions on the use of these therapies in patients with COVID-19; certain therapies used for supportive care and therapies that might theoretically be harmful to patients with COVID-19 also were considered for inclusion. Potential treatments were identified, and the evidence for use in patients with COVID-19 was assessed and summarized in a table format. Information presented for each therapy included the rationale for use, summaries of clinical trials or experience, trial registry numbers, and dosage regimens. Comments on safety and efficacy, including limitations of available data, were presented along with recommendations from recognized authorities. The editorial team continued to add new therapies to the table and update existing entries as new evidence emerged.

Conclusion

A comprehensive table that summarized available evidence for potential treatments for patients with COVID-19 was developed. The table format enabled the drug information editorial staff to provide ongoing updates as new information emerged during the pandemic.
VIRTUS: a pipeline for comprehensive virus analysis from conventional RNA-seq data
Authors: Yasumizu Yoshiaki , Hara Atsushi , Sakaguchi Shimon , Ohkura Naganari
Published: September 2020

The possibility that RNA transcripts from clinical samples contain plenty of virus RNAs has not been pursued actively so far. We here developed a new tool for analyzing virus-transcribed mRNAs, not virus copy numbers, in the data of bulk and single-cell RNA-sequencing of human cells. Our pipeline, named VIRTUS (VIRal Transcript Usage Sensor), was able to detect 762 viruses including herpesviruses, retroviruses and even SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), and quantify their transcripts in the sequence data. This tool thus enabled simultaneously detecting infected cells, the composition of multiple viruses within the cell, and the endogenous host-gene expression profile of the cell. This bioinformatics method would be instrumental in addressing the possible effects of covertly infecting viruses on certain diseases and developing new treatments to target such viruses.

Availability and implementation

: VIRTUS is implemented using Common Workflow Language and Docker under a CC-NC license. VIRTUS is freely available at https://github.com/yyoshiaki/VIRTUS.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Populism’s Attack on Multilateralism and International Law: Much Ado About Nothing*
Authors: Tladi Dire
Published: September 2020

While international lawyers have not traditionally paid much attention to the phenomenon of populism, a recent upswing in the populist movements in governments around the world has led to an increase in the fascination of international lawyers with populism. On the whole, there seems to be a view that populism has negatively affected the communitarianism and multilateralism of international law. This article interrogates this proposition. It comes to the conclusion that the proposition is based on an erroneous assumption about the state of international law. It concludes that populism is not a threat to international law, but that populist strategies against certain institutions and rules of international law are merely a reflection of international law’s own limitations.
Systematic Development and Validation of a RP-HPLC Method for Estimation of Abiraterone Acetate and its Degradation Products
Authors: Beg Sarwar , Malik Ankit K , Afzal Obaid , Altamimi Abdulmalik Saleh Alfawaz , Kazmi Imran , Al-Abbasi Fahad A , Almalki Waleed H , Barkat Md Abul , Kawish S M , Pradhan Debi Prasad , Rahman Mahfoozur
Published: September 2020

The present study described the development of a reversed-phase liquid chromatographic method for the estimation of abiraterone acetate by Quality by Design (QbD) approach. Using an isocratic solvent system for the mobile phase, the chromatographic estimation of analyte was performed on a Hypersil BDS C18 column using mobile phase mixture containing acetonitrile and water with pH adjusted with 0.1% v/v orthophosphoric acid (15:85%v/v ratio), flow rate 1.0 mL.min−1 and detection at 250 nm using photodiode array detector. Systematic development of the chromatographic method was carried out by factor screening using a half-factorial design which suggested organic modifier (%), flow rate (mL.min−1) and autosampler temperature (°C) as influential variables. Further, the method was optimized by Box–Behnken design and trials performed were evaluated for the area under peak, retention time, theoretical plate count and tailing factor as the responses. Validation of the developed method showed good linearity, accuracy, precision and sensitivity. Evaluation of the stability-indicating profile of the method using forced degradation studies revealed the formation of a possible degradation product under acidic and alkaline conditions, while no such degradation product peaks were observed under the oxidative environment. Overall, the study construed the successful development of HPLC assay method for pharmaceutical applications.
Collaborating to co-produce strategies for delivering adolescent sexual and reproductive health interventions: processes and experiences from an implementation research project in Nigeria
Authors: Mbachu Chinyere Ojiugo , Clara Agu Ifunanya , Onwujekwe Obinna
Published: September 2020

Implementation science embraces collaboration between academic researchers and key stakeholders/implementers for the dual purpose of capacity building and context-adaptation. Co-production ensures that knowledge created with inputs from various groups of stakeholders is more reflective of local contexts. This paper highlights the experiences of academic researchers and non-academic implementers in collaborating to design implementation strategies for improving access to sexual and reproductive information and services for adolescents. Data were collected through primary and secondary sources. Detailed review of project documents such as minutes of research meetings, reports of workshops and outputs of group work activities enabled detailed description of the processes and steps of co-designing implementation strategies. Information on experiences and perspectives of benefits of the collaborative were collected through in-depth interviews of non-academic partners and focus group discussion with academic researchers. Narrative synthesis was done for information extracted through document review. Thematic analysis of qualitative interviews was done. The process of designing implementation strategies happened in three chronological steps of setting up the collaborative, selecting intervention areas and convening partners’ meetings to design strategies. Specific activities include stakeholder engagement, situation analysis, selection of intervention areas, designing the implementation strategies and pre-testing implementation tools. The process of analysing and selecting collaborators was iterative, and facilitated by having an ‘insider’ key informant. Working with key stakeholders enabled knowledge sharing and exchange among partners. Information sharing within the collaborative facilitated shifting of mindsets about adolescent sexual and reproductive health, and contextual adaptation of names and labels given to strategies. Co-producing implementation strategies with non-academic implementers enabled stakeholder ownership of implementation strategies and set the scene for their adoption in implementation settings. Some challenges of co-production of knowledge are that it is time consuming; involves several iterations that may influence coherence of strategies; involves multiple interests and priorities and poses a threat to fidelity.
Structural valve deterioration after aortic valve replacement with the Trifecta valve
Authors: Werner Paul , Gritsch Jasmin , Scherzer Sabine , Gross Christoph , Russo Marco , Coti Iuliana , Kocher Alfred , Laufer Guenther , Andreas Martin
Published: September 2020

OBJECTIVES

Despite promising short- and mid-term results for durability of the Trifecta valve, contradictory reports of early structural valve deterioration (SVD) do exist. We investigated the incidence of SVD after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) with the Trifecta in our single-centre experience.

METHODS

Data of 347 consecutive patients (mean age 71.6 ± 9.5 years, 63.4% male) undergoing SAVR with the Trifecta between 2011 and 2017 were analysed. Clinical and echocardiographic reports were obtained with a median follow-up of 41 months (1114 patient years).

RESULTS

Isolated SAVR was performed in 122 patients (35.2%), whereas 225 patients (64.8%) underwent concomitant procedures. The median EuroSCORE II was 4.0 (0.9; 7.1) and 30-day mortality was 3.7% (n = 13). Kaplan–Meier estimates for the freedom of overall mortality at 1, 5 and 7 years were 88.7 ± 1.7%, 73.7 ± 2.6% and 64.7 ± 4.2%, respectively. SVD was observed in 25 patients (7.2%) with a median time to first diagnosis of 73 months. Freedom of SVD was 92.5 ± 0.9% at 5 years and 65.5 ± 7.1% at 7 years. Thirteen patients underwent reintervention for SVD (6 re-SAVR, 7 valve-in-valve), resulting in a freedom of reintervention for the SVD of 98.5 ± 1.1% at 5 years and 76.9 ± 6.9% at 7 years.

CONCLUSIONS

We herein report one of the highest rates of SVD after SAVR with the Trifecta. These data indicate that the durability of the prosthesis decreases at intermediate to long-term follow-up, leading to considerable rates of reintervention due to SVD.
Aortic valve neocuspidalization in paediatric patients with isolated aortic valve disease: early experience
Authors: Polito Angelo , Albanese Sonia B , Cetrano Enrico , Cicenia Marianna , Rinelli Gabriele , Carotti Adriano
Published: September 2020

OBJECTIVES

There is growing interest in the aortic valve (AV) neocuspidalization technique for the treatment of aortic valve disease (AVD). We report our medium-term results with this procedure performed in a paediatric patient population.

METHODS

Between July 2016 and May 2020, 22 patients with both congenital and acquired isolated AVD were treated with neocuspidalization. The primary outcome was progression of the preoperatively assessed AVD in the immediate postoperative course and at follow-up. Secondary outcome was freedom from reintervention by material used. Potential predictors of failure were analysed in relation to the primary outcome.

RESULTS

The median age at operation was 13.9 (interquartile range, 9.8–16.2) years, and the prevailing AV defect was stenosis in 10 cases (45%) and incompetence in 12 (55%). Pre-treated autologous pericardium was used in 13 patients whereas bovine pericardium in 9. Effective treatment of AV stenosis or regurgitation was achieved and remained stable over a median follow-up of 11.3 (4.7–21) months. Three patients required AV replacement at 4.9, 3.5 and 33 months. At follow-up, an upward trend of both median indexed vena contracta jet widths and aortic peak and mean gradients were recorded, the latter associated with a failure to grow the aortic annulus. Predictor of such outcome turned out to be the use of bovine pericardium. A significant inverse linear correlation between AV peak gradient at follow-up and preoperative aortic annular size (P = 0.008) was also demonstrated.

CONCLUSIONS

The Ozaki procedure is safe and effective in paediatric patients with AV disease. The use of heterologous pericardium should probably be minimized. Moreover, preoperative small aortic annuli should probably be promptly treated by means of an associated ring enlargement procedure.
Migrants’ and Natives’ Attitudes toward Public Healthcare Provision in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands
Authors: Seibel Verena , Renema Jeanette A J
Published: September 2020

Public healthcare is still one of the main pillars of European welfare states, despite the increasing number of migrants, we know little about migrants’ attitudes toward healthcare. We used recent data from the MIFARE survey and compared natives with a variety of nine migrant groups living in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands, focusing on migrants’ preferred level of governmental involvement and their satisfaction with public healthcare. We found that, compared to natives, migrants held the government less responsible for providing healthcare while expressing a higher level of satisfaction. Whereas health differences among migrants and natives did not explain this ethnic gap, we found that these ethnic gaps are moderated by socialization processes and knowledge of healthcare rights.
Tiger Salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) Increase Foot Contact Surface Area on Challenging Substrates During Terrestrial Locomotion
Authors: Vega Christine M , Ashley-Ross Miriam A
Published: September 2020

Synopsis

Animals live in heterogeneous environments must navigate in order to forage or capture food, defend territories, and locate mates. These heterogeneous environments have a variety of substrates that differ in their roughness, texture, and other properties, all of which may alter locomotor performance. Despite such natural variation in substrate, many studies on locomotion use noncompliant surfaces that either are unrepresentative of the range of substrates experienced by species or underestimate maximal locomotor capabilities. The goal of this study was to determine the role of forefeet and hindfeet on substrates with different properties during walking in a generalized sprawling tetrapod, the tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum). Adult salamanders (n = 4, SVL = 11.2–14.6 cm) walked across level dry sand (DS), semi-soft plaster of Paris (PoP), wet sand (WS), and a hard, noncompliant surface (table)—substrates that vary in compliance. Trials were filmed in dorsal and anterior views. Videos were analyzed to determine the number of digits and surface area of each foot in contact with the substrate. The surface area of the forelimbs contacting the substrate was significantly greater on DS and PoP than on WS and the table. The surface area of the hindlimbs contacting the substrate was significantly greater on DS than on all other substrates. There were no significant differences in the time that the fore- or hindfeet were in contact with the substrate as determined by the number of digits. We conclude that salamanders modulate the use of their feet depending on the substrate, particularly on DS which is known to increase the mechanical work and energy expended during locomotion owing to the fluid nature of its loose particles. More studies are needed to test a wider range of substrates and to incorporate behavioral data from field studies to get a better understanding of how salamanders are affected by different substrates in their natural environment.