bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
American Speech-Language Pathologists' Training and Legislative Knowledge When Working With Immigrant and Refugee Populations: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Maldonado Camilo , Ashe Alejandro , Bubar Kerri , Chapman Jessica
Published: October 2019

Background

American educational legislation suggests culturally competent speech and language services should be provided in a child's native language, but the number of multilingual speech-language pathologists (SLPs) is negligible. Consequently, many monolingual English-speaking practitioners are being tasked with providing services to these populations. This requires that SLPs are educated about cultural and linguistic diversity as well as the legislation that concerns service provision to non-English or limited English proficiency speakers.

Purpose

This qualitative study explored the experiences of monolingual, American, English-speaking SLPs and clinical fellows who have worked with immigrant and refugee families within a preschool context. It investigated what training SLPs received to serve this population and what knowledge these SLPs possessed with regard to federal legislation governing the provision of services to culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) communities.

Method

Ten American clinicians with experience treating CLD children of refugee and immigrant families in the context of preschool service provision participated in the study. Semistructured interviews were utilized to better understand the type of training clinicians received prior to and during their service delivery for CLD populations. Additionally, questions were asked to explore the degree to which practitioners understood federal mandates for ethical and effective service provision. The data collected from these interviews were coded and analyzed using the principles of grounded theory.

Findings

The results of this study revealed that there was a general sense of unpreparedness when working with CLD clients. This lack of training also attributed to a deficiency of knowledge surrounding legislation governing service provision to CLD populations.
Treating Velopharyngeal Inadequacy Using Bilateral Buccal Flap Revision Palatoplasty
Authors: Napoli Joseph A. , Vallino Linda D.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The 2 most commonly used operations to treat velopharyngeal inadequacy (VPI) are superiorly based pharyngeal flap and sphincter pharyngoplasty, both of which may result in hyponasal speech and airway obstruction. The purpose of this article is to (a) describe the bilateral buccal flap revision palatoplasty (BBFRP) as an alternative technique to manage VPI while minimizing these risks and (b) conduct a systematic review of the evidence of BBFRP on speech and other clinical outcomes. A report comparing the speech of a child with hypernasality before and after BBFRP is presented.

Method

A review of databases was conducted for studies of buccal flaps to treat VPI. Using the principles of a systematic review, the articles were read, and data were abstracted for study characteristics that were developed a priori. With respect to the case report, speech and instrumental data from a child with repaired cleft lip and palate and hypernasal speech were collected and analyzed before and after surgery.

Results

Eight articles were included in the analysis. The results were positive, and the evidence is in favor of BBFRP in improving velopharyngeal function, while minimizing the risk of hyponasal speech and obstructive sleep apnea. Before surgery, the child's speech was characterized by moderate hypernasality, and after surgery, it was judged to be within normal limits.

Conclusion

Based on clinical experience and results from the systematic review, there is sufficient evidence that the buccal flap is effective in improving resonance and minimizing obstructive sleep apnea. We recommend BBFRP as another approach in selected patients to manage VPI.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.9919352
Multi-wavelength campaign on NGC 7469
Authors: Arav N. , Xu X. , Kriss G. A. , Chamberlain C. , Miller T. , Behar E. , Kaastra J. S. , Ely J. C. , Peretz U. , Mehdipour M. , Branduardi-Raymont G. , Bianchi S. , Cappi M. , Costantini E. , De Marco B. , di Gesu L. , Ebrero J. , Kaspi S. , Middei R. , Petrucci P.-O. , Ponti G.
Published: October 2019

Context. AGN outflows are thought to influence the evolution of their host galaxies and their super massive black holes. To better understand these outflows, we executed a deep multiwavelength campaign on NGC 7469. The resulting data, combined with those of earlier epochs, allowed us to construct a comprehensive physical, spatial, and temporal picture for this AGN wind.

Aims. Our aim is to determine the distance of the UV outflow components from the central source, their abundances and total column-density, and the mechanism responsible for their observed absorption variability.

Methods. We studied the UV spectra acquired during the campaign as well as from three previous epochs (2002–2010). Our main analysis tools are ionic column-density extraction techniques and photoionization models (both equilibrium and time-dependent models) based on the code CLOUDY.

Results. For component 1 (at –600 km s−1) our findings include the following: metallicity that is roughly twice solar; a simple model based on a fixed total column-density absorber, reacting to changes in ionizing illumination that matches the different ionic column densities derived from four spectroscopic epochs spanning 13 years; and a distance of R = 6+2.5−1.5 pc from the central source. Component 2 (at –1430 km s−1) has shallow troughs and is at a much larger R. For component 3 (at –1880 km s−1) our findings include: a similar metallicity to component 1; a photoionization-based model can explain the major features of its complicated absorption trough variability and an upper limit of 60 or 150 pc on R. This upper limit is consistent and complementary to the X-ray derived lower limit of 12 or 31 pc for R. The total column density of the UV phase is roughly 1% and 0.1% of the lower and upper ionization components of the warm absorber, respectively.

Conclusions. The NGC 7469 outflow shows super-solar metallicity similar to the outflow in Mrk 279, carbon and nitrogen are twice and four times more abundant than their solar values, respectively. Similar to the NGC 5548 case, a simple model can explain the physical characteristics and the variability observed in the outflow.
Vertical position of the Sun with γ-rays
Authors: Siegert Thomas
Published: October 2019

We illustrate a method for estimating the vertical position of the Sun above the Galactic plane by γ-ray observations. Photons of γ-ray wavelengths are particularly well suited for geometrical and kinematic studies of the Milky Way because they are not subject to extinction by interstellar gas or dust. Here, we use the radioactive decay line of 26Al at 1.809 MeV to perform maximum likelihood fits to data from the spectrometer SPI on board the INTEGRAL satellite as a proof-of-concept study. Our simple analytic 3D emissivity models are line-of-sight integrated, and varied as a function of the Sun’s vertical position, given a known distance to the Galactic centre. We find a vertical position of the Sun of z0 = 15 ± 17 pc above the Galactic plane, consistent with previous studies, finding z0 in a range between 5 and 29 pc. Even though the sensitivity of current MeV instruments is several orders of magnitude below that of telescopes for other wavelengths, this result reveals once more the disregarded capability of soft γ-ray telescopes. We further investigate possible biases in estimating the vertical extent of γ-ray emission if the Sun’s position is set incorrectly, and find that the larger the true extent, the less is it affected by the observer position. In the case of 26Al with an exponential scale height of 150 pc (700 pc) in the inner (full) Galaxy, this may lead to misestimates of up to 25%.
New concept of vine grape protection – knowledge-based approach & high tech
Authors: Gabel B.
Published: October 2019

Protection of grape vine against pests and pathogens translates into heavy environmental burden – more than 100 kg of toxic chemicals per hectare every year. Limiting factor to ensuring long-term sustainability of plant production are answers to two fundamental questions: WHEN (advisory platform – DSS) and WHAT phytosanitary measures must be taken (NDM – zero toxicity concept). DSS: If we want to reduce the number of phytosanitary interventions and reduce toxicological burden in agrocenosis, but simultaneously guarantee rentability of winegrower's work, it is necessary to enter decision-making process of phytosanitary measures with accurate, up-to-date and comprehensive information that are personalized for given vineyard. Advisory platform VITIPORT brings globally applicable protection for viticulture. Its software is based on original algorithms that integrate key abiotic parameters related with pathogens development. They enter mathematical equations in form of coefficients and thus make Vitiport an unique advisory tool built on causal mathematical models. The platform is built on cutting-edge web technologies: SaaS solution using the CLOUD architecture, fast access to data inputs from satellites and terrestrial radar systems. During the whole vegetation period phytosanitary decision-making process is guided by predictions of infection risks for key pathogens for specific “GPS” of the vineyard. End-user information, received a week ahead, is clear, concise, understandable, but most of all personalized. NDM: Methods of plant protection that have been used for decades are based on following formula: plant crop – pathogen – eradication of the pathogen by chemical and/or biological means. NDM concept changes paradigms of plant protection by initiating defense mechanisms of the plant itself instead of using a direct pesticide intervention to fight pathogens. The preparation of NDM substances is a multi-step process employing the most recent knowledge and processes of quantum physics. Diluted concentrate based on natural atomic matrix of plant antibodies is, prior to its use in vineyard, activated with an ultrasonic generator, thereby providing transfer of information about launching plant's defense mechanisms against specific pathogen into water with specific physical parameters. Activated concentrate is finally diluted in the sprayer tank or irrigation system and such final product is applied in the vineyard. Application of NDM substances in agrocenosis does not result in residual contamination of the environment. NDM is therefore a RESIDUE-FREE phytosanitary product, a kind of “vaccine” that activates immune system of the plant.
Phenotypic evaluation of segregant population derived by crossing table grape varieties
Authors: Forleo L.R. , L’Abbate A. , Bergamini C. , Velenosi M. , Marsico A.D. , Cardone M.F. , Antonacci D. , Velasco R. , Perniola R.
Published: October 2019

In the CREA-Viticoltura ed Enologia, Lab of Turi, during the last ten years, we started a breeding program for table grapes to obtain new seedless varieties, by using conventional breeding by crossings, and embryo rescue techniques. Other than seedlessness, additional targets for this breeding program are: the possibility of extending the harvesting period, the attitude to cold storage, transport and shelf-life, resistance to diseases both on the plant and in post-harvest conditions, the good productivity, the quality of the grapes, the easy cultivation management of the vineyard (reduced water, nutritional requirements, etc ...). More than 10.000 new genotypes have been obtained through the use of over 20 table grape varieties and more than 18 different crossing combinations. The following characteristics have been observed on these individuals for more than three years: berry color, length and weight cluster, average berry weight, sugars, pH, acidity, class of seedlessness, floral morphology, resistance to diseases. The results of these activities revealed that some combinations have better performance among all. In the near future, this activity will allow to focus on parental genotypes able to provide individuals with the best desired traits.
Fungal pathogens associated with young grapevine decline in the Southern Turkey vineyards
Authors: Akgül D.S. , Ahioğlu M.
Published: October 2019

Young grapevine decline is a common and important disease caused by fungal plant pathogens in Turkey vineyards. Every year many grape growers face this problem in their vineyards and seek solutions to cope with it. The aims of the study were to examine fungal pathogens of young grapevine decline in Southern Turkey and to determine pathogenicity of fungi involved in the disease. Twenty vineyards (2–3 years-old, located in Adana, Mersin and Gaziantep cities) were surveyed in March 2018 and declining whole plants were sampled and processed for mycological procedures. Sub-cultured fungal colonies were examined for colony morphology and conidia-conidiophore shapes under light microscope. For molecular identification, ITS, beta-tubulin, histone and TEF1-alpha gene regions were amplified with PCR using appropriate primers and PCR products were subsequently sequenced. The sequences were compared with those deposited in the NCBI GenBank database using the BLASTn program and fungal identifications were confirmed by getting accession numbers. Pathogenicity tests were fulfilled under greenhouse conditions for two months. The results indicated that Botryosphaeria Dieback and Black Foot fungi were two most common pathogen groups, while Petri Disease and Diaporthe Dieback pathogens had minor incidence. Although a variety of Fusarium species were isolated from declined vines, only F. brachygibbosum and F. solani were found to have considerable role in disease occurrence.
Vine performance of ‘Italia' table grape in relation to organic soil amendment
Authors: Tarricone L. , Masi G. , Roccotelli S. , Caputo A.R. , Crupi P.
Published: October 2019

The following research took place during the 2018 − ‘19 season in ‘Italia' table grape vineyard in Apulia. Four treatments were compared: no fertilized (T), organic amendment fertilized (B) at rate of 5.0 ton/hectare, equivalent at the rate of 100 Kg N ha−1, 75 Kg P2O5 ha−1 and 75 Kg K202 ha−1; mineral fertilized (M) at the same rate of N, P2O5 and K2O of organic fertilized vines and finally a cover crops treatment with a mixture of vetch, pea and lentil (S). Leaf gas exchange during summer season shown significant differences in term of net CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance, transpiration onto organic fertilized vines respect to control vines. Vines fertilized with organic amendment shown a better water status during warmest summer days since organic compounds improve the soil-water holding capacity. Compared to unfertilized vines, vines fertilized with organic amendment have shown a significant increase in yield per vine (+ 32%) in relation to the highest cluster weight and the highest sugar content respect to mineral fertilized vines. Our results indicates that application of an high level of soil organic amendment on ‘Italia' table grape vines increase grapevines yield, berry solid soluble solid and have improved soil properties, contrasting summer drought effect.
Implementation of a rapid antibody based method to detectPichia sp.andHanseniaspora uvarumduring the whole winemaking process
Authors: Rex F. , Scharfenberger-Schmeer M.
Published: October 2019

Off-flavors produced by spoilage microorganisms should be avoided during fermentation. In case of spontaneous fermentation, difficult storage conditions or long-lasting transport, it is necessary to detect spoilage microorganisms before population sizes achieve the critical level to produce perceivable off-flavors. Additionally, a knowledge of the composition of microorganisms allows winemakers to reduce treatments such as SO2addition. For this reason a rapid antibody-based analytic method was developed providing the winemaker with the information about beneficial and harmful microorganisms without the need of a laboratory equipment and lengthy wait periods. Antibodies for the detection of the generaPichiaandHanseniasporawere generated. For the evaluation of the new antibody based method an ELISA test system has been used showing a high sensitivity beginning with 103cells/ml and a specificity to the spoilage yeast. All antibodies are designed to detect microorganisms worldwide. The following industrial production of the rapid method will deliver a tool for winemakers and distributive traders to get a view inside the ongoing fermentation within twenty minutes by using a diagnostic dipstick. With the help of the antibody-based detection method the quality of the wine can be increased and economic risks can be minimized at the same time.
Isolation of bacteriophages from must and wine for the elimination of contaminating bacteria as an alternative to the use of sulfurous
Authors: Cordero-Bueso G. , Moraga J. , Rios-Carrasco M. , Ruiz-Muñoz M. , Manuel Cantoral J.
Published: October 2019

Acetic and some lactic acid bacteria are the main reason for the loss of quality of musts and wines, giving rise to defects such as “vinegary”, “chopped” or preventing alcoholic and / or malolactic fermentation. The solution to this problem consists in the application of authorized bactericidal agents, such as sulfurous. The aim of this work is to isolate bacteriophages from musts and wines of different grape varieties, able to eliminate lactic and acetic acid bacteria spoilages. Musts obtained from grape-berries of Vitis vinifera cv. Chardonnay and Moscatel and a red wine made with the Tintilla de Rota variety were used to isolate bacteriophages. It were isolated by classical virology methods and identified by electron microscopy. Host bacteria used in the study were the lactic acid bacteria of the species Lactobacillus hilgardii, L. plantarum and Oenococcus oeni and the acetic bacteria Acetobacter aceti. A comparative study was performed on musts and wines, previously inoculated with bacteria, by phage titration and SO2 addition to study the effectiveness of bacteriophages against bacteria. Bacteriophages were obtained from all musts and wine, belonging to the order of Caudovirals and Tectivirals. The comparative study showed that a cocktail of bacteriophages at low concentration is as effective as sulfur.
Quantification of toxic metals during different winemaking stages
Authors: Dumitriu (Gabur) G.-D. , Teodosiu C. , Morosanu I. , Jitar O. , Cotea V.V.
Published: October 2019

Heavy metals in beverages can constitute serious problems to human health. Consumption of wine may contribute to the daily dietary intake of pollutants, especially of toxic (heavy) metals. These compounds are also known as priority pollutants due to their potential toxic effects, if concentrations are not kept under allowable limits. Many characteristics such as: quality, origin, aroma and health safety of wine are influenced by environmental and anthropogenic factors. Hence, the contamination of wine by priority pollutants may occur at different stages of vine-growing, due to the application of agricultural chemicals, or at different stage of winemaking and ageing, because of the extended contact of wine with winemaking equipment materials (aluminium, brass, glass, stainless steel and wood, etc.), or chemicals used for cleaning and sanitation. The aim of this study is to identify and quantify the heavy metal ions from red wines. A particular focus was attributed to Zn and Cd from destemming-pressing-filtration-bottling stages in Fetească neagră grape variety from Cotnari vine growing region of Romania. Results indicated that heavy metals were linked to diverse Zn and Cd sources and complexes during the winemaking processes. Concentration of Zn and Cd were generally higher in must than in wine, although heavy metals concentrations were lower than the limits recommended by the International Organization of Vine and Wine for human health safety.
La arquitectura del vino en España. Usos en el pasado, valor de comunicación en el presente y previsión de futuro
Authors: Calvo-Andrés M.Á.
Published: October 2019

El vino ha acompañado al ser humano desde sus orígenes. Desde el primer vino generado de manera accidental, pasando por los lagares rupestres, el refinamiento aportado por las culturas griegas y romanas, pasando por la edad media en la que se deja en manos de los monasterios la custodia de la cultura del vino, la industrialización de los procesos de elaboración con la revolución industrial, a la edad contemporánea con unos años de declive, hasta el resurgir de finales del siglo XX, la arquitectura ha ido cumpliendo distintas funciones en el mundo del vino. La arquitectura ha pasado de contenedor de los procesos de elaboración a convertirse en elemento representativo y generador de imagen de marca de las bodegas, apoyándose el sector vitivinícola en arquitectos de reconocido prestigio para buscar la sinergia entre ambos. La arquitectura del vino ha evolucionado desde la cueva a arquitecturas icónicas impactantes y representativas, capaces de dar visibilidad a las bodegas. La presente investigación pretende un acercamiento mediante el repaso de las fuentes bibliográficas sirviendo como esbozo del estado del arte de la arquitectura del vino en España, poniendo el foco en el presente como factor de comunicación, e intentando hacer una previsión a futuro.
Ser o no ser (ecológico): Transiciones sostenibles en el vino de Castilla y León
Authors: Rychen A.M.E.
Published: October 2019

La tendencia hacia el vino ecológico es reconocible en el aumento del área de viñedos orgánicos en todas las regiones de Europa y su creciente éxito en concursos y catas. España cuenta actualmente con la mayor superficie de viñedos orgánicos del mundo. El objetivo de esta investigación en curso es estudiar la transición a la producción ecológica en la región de Castilla y León (España). En el marco institucional de las DO (Denominaciones de Origen), se realizó un claro cambio hacia la producción de calidad en los últimos cuarenta años. Su posición con respecto a la sostenibilidad, específicamente hacia el vino ecológico, aún no se ha investigado suficientemente. A pesar de tener ciertas ventajas comparativas sobre otras regiones, como su situación climática y de suelo, el número de bodegas involucradas en este cambio está creciendo de manera relativamente lenta. Por otro lado, factores como el alto nivel de burocracia implicado en la adopción de ciertas iniciativas de sostenibilidad tienen un efecto negativo. A la luz del marco teórico de la teoría de las convenciones, estudiamos qué justificaciones utilizan DO y vitivinicultores para alcanzar acuerdos sostenibles, y cuáles los llevan a optar (o no) por la transición a la producción orgánica.
Histoire et évolution des appellations d'origine françaises
Authors: Gautier J. , Humbert F. , Wolikow S.
Published: October 2019

During the 20th century, wine appellations of origin have largely developed to represent a significant part of the wine production of some countries, especially in Europe. The globalization of the production, trade and consumption of wine is a major fact of the 21st century economy. The question of appellations of origin and more generally geographical indications must be asked: Is it a survival 100 years after the first law on appellations of origin was adopted in France? Historical knowledge makes it possible to understand how law, both national and international, has been marked by major developments in this area. Regulations on the origin of products have undergone significant changes over the last century, extending well beyond the wine and spirits sector to cover many other sectors. In addition, international institutions are very involved in the development of this concept, be it the FAO in order to protect and sustainably develop agricultural products from emerging countries or whether it is WIPO or WTO in order to implement protection of signs of origin in the context of intellectual property. Since its creation in 1924 the OIV has been largely attentive to the issue of appellations of origin, in their different forms, (AOP, AOC) and according to the country. It continues to play an important role in reflecting and thinking about the role of legal norms in the globalized wine economy and international trade. A symposium organized in Dijon in May 2019, has commemorated and evoked the centenary of the concept of the appellation of origin in France, bringing together speakers from several disciplines, including historians and jurists, on this theme of the appellation of 'origin. The proposed communication present the main orientations identified during this conference, and in particular the strengths and weaknesses of this concept vis-à-vis the theme of international protection.
Anthropogenic Vegetation in the River Valley Amalat
Authors: Tsyrenova Marina , Pyzhikova Evgenia , Vasilyeva Elena
Published: October 2019

The article presents the results of a research study of anthropogenic affects of gold mining on forest landscapes in Northern Transbaikalia, Russia and processes of natural reclamation of vegetation cover of the disturbed areas. The study area is located northwest of the Maliy Amalat River, which flows along the Vitim Plateau; in the floodplains of its two tributaries the Aunik River and the Bagdarin River. It is an area where a large number of alluvial gold deposits have been discovered. Some of these deposits are currently being developed, some have already been explored, and some have been abandoned. The authors consider the current state of vegetation cover in a key area of the Amalat River basin, near villages of Malovsky and Bagdarin. The problem of natural resources development and conservation is becoming extremely important for the area under study because open-pit gold mining methods that are used here drastically change the environment and affect water, land and forest resources.
Restauration écologique de la rivière Hommée
Authors: Lacôte S. , Saudubois A.
Published: October 2019

À l’image de nombreux cours d’eau de l’Ouest de la France, l’Hommée a fait l’objet de travaux de recalibrage dans les années 1970. Durant cette période, 14 seuils ont été implantés tout au long du parcours de l’Hommée. Ces aménagements ont fortement altéré le fonctionnement des milieux aquatiques et porté atteinte à la biodiversité. Le projet vise à restaurer la morphologie du lit mineur, la continuité écologique, les zones humides tout en préservant les usages (abreuvement). Il intègre également un volet pédagogique à destination des riverains, des écoles et du grand public. De plus, un suivi hydrobiologique permet d’évaluer les actions. Ce dernier a notamment révélé la présence du chabot, espèce bio-indicatrice, mettant en évidence l’amélioration de l’état écologique du cours d’eau.
Copper(I)-Catalyzed Sulfenylation of 1,3-Dicarbonyl Substrates with Disulfides under Mild Conditions
Authors: Zhao Jingnan , Yang Fan , Yu Zongyi , Tang Xiaofei , Wu Yufeng , Ma Cunfei , Meng Qingwei
Published: October 2019

A copper(I) iodine catalyzed sulfenylation of 1,3-dicarbonyl substrates in the presence of MeCN is presented. Various β-keto esters and β-keto amide substrates can react with disulfides to afford their corresponding products in good to excellent yields. The notable features of this protocol include high atom economy, easy operation, mild reaction conditions, and excellent functional group tolerance.
Incrementally Transforming Electronic Medical Records into the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership Common Data Model: A Multidimensional Quality Assurance Approach
Authors: Lynch Kristine E. , Deppen Stephen A. , DuVall Scott L. , Viernes Benjamin , Cao Aize , Park Daniel , Hanchrow Elizabeth , Hewa Kushan , Greaves Peter , Matheny Michael E.
Published: October 2019

Background The development and adoption of health care common data models (CDMs) has addressed some of the logistical challenges of performing research on data generated from disparate health care systems by standardizing data representations and leveraging standardized terminology to express clinical information consistently. However, transforming a data system into a CDM is not a trivial task, and maintaining an operational, enterprise capable CDM that is incrementally updated within a data warehouse is challenging.

Objectives To develop a quality assurance (QA) process and code base to accompany our incremental transformation of the Department of Veterans Affairs Corporate Data Warehouse health care database into the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) CDM to prevent incremental load errors.

Methods We designed and implemented a multistage QA) approach centered on completeness, value conformance, and relational conformance data-quality elements. For each element we describe key incremental load challenges, our extract, transform, and load (ETL) solution of data to overcome those challenges, and potential impacts of incremental load failure.

Results Completeness and value conformance data-quality elements are most affected by incremental changes to the CDW, while updates to source identifiers impact relational conformance. ETL failures surrounding these elements lead to incomplete and inaccurate capture of clinical concepts as well as data fragmentation across patients, providers, and locations.

Conclusion Development of robust QA processes supporting accurate transformation of OMOP and other CDMs from source data is still in evolution, and opportunities exist to extend the existing QA framework and tools used for incremental ETL QA processes.
Clinical Outcome Analysis of Posterior C1 and C2 Screw Rod Fixation (Harms–Goel Technique) in Traumatic Atlantoaxial Dislocation
Authors: Singh Deepak Kumar , Agrahari Vrihaspati Kumar , Kaif Md. , Yadav Kuldeep , Singh Rakesh Kumar , Ahmad Farhan , Khan Khursheed , Pathak Vipul
Published: October 2019

Aims Evaluation of clinical profile, mode of injury, and clinical outcome in patients of traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) who underwent posterior C1 and C2 screw and rod fixation by using Harms and Goel technique.

Materials and Methods It is a retrospective study involving all traumatic AAD patients of all age groups admitted at Department of Neurosurgery, RMLIMS, Lucknow, during the last two years. Inclusion criteria was all cases having traumatic AAD with or without C2 fracture and underwent posterior C1 and C2 screw and rod fixation by Harms and Goel technique. Clinical profile, age, sex, mode of injury, types of injury (detected in MRI and CT of cranio-vertebral junction), preoperative and postoperative (after one month of surgery) neurological status were evaluated and outcome analyzed.

Results Over all, out of 14 patients, 12 (85.7%) patients improved in the form of either reduced spasticity, improved sensation, increased power of one or more limbs, or bladder and bowel control. One (7.1%) patient retained preoperative status, neither improved nor deteriorated. However, one (7.1%) patient deteriorated, lost all sensations, motor functions below the lesion, bladder and bowel control, and died due to respiratory failure after one and half month of the surgery.

Conclusion We concluded that Harms and Goel technique is a safe and effective system for achieving C1–C2 fusion in traumatic AAD. Although this study is very small, does not provide Class 1 data, and is subject to the bias of any retrospective series, we believe our findings to be a useful addition to the body of literature on the surgical treatment of C1–C2 instability.
The 22q11.2 Microdeletion in Pediatric Patients with Cleft Lip, Palate, or Both and Congenital Heart Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cárdenas-Nieto Diana , Forero-Castro Maribel , Esteban-Pérez Clara , Martínez-Lozano Julio , Briceño-Balcázar Ignacio
Published: October 2019

The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is present in approximately 5 to 8% of patients with cleft lip, palate, or both (CL/P) and 75 to 80% of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). In a literature review, we consider this association of 22q11.2DS in pediatric patients with CL/P and CHD. Early diagnosis of 22q11.2DS in pediatric patients with CL/P and CHD helps to optimize a multidisciplinary treatment approach for 22q11DS. Early diagnosis, thereby, can improve quality of life for these patients and awareness of other potential clinical implications that may require attention throughout the patient's life.
Raiders of the lost HARK: a reproducible inference framework for big data science
Authors: Prosperi Mattia , Bian Jiang , Buchan Iain E. , Koopman James S. , Sperrin Matthew , Wang Mo
Published: October 2019

Hypothesizing after the results are known (HARK) has been disparaged as data dredging, and safeguards including hypothesis preregistration and statistically rigorous oversight have been recommended. Despite potential drawbacks, HARK has deepened thinking about complex causal processes. Some of the HARK precautions can conflict with the modern reality of researchers’ obligations to use big, ‘organic’ data sources—from high-throughput genomics to social media streams. We here propose a HARK-solid, reproducible inference framework suitable for big data, based on models that represent formalization of hypotheses. Reproducibility is attained by employing two levels of model validation: internal (relative to data collated around hypotheses) and external (independent to the hypotheses used to generate data or to the data used to generate hypotheses). With a model-centered paradigm, the reproducibility focus changes from the ability of others to reproduce both data and specific inferences from a study to the ability to evaluate models as representation of reality. Validation underpins ‘natural selection’ in a knowledge base maintained by the scientific community. The community itself is thereby supported to be more productive in generating and critically evaluating theories that integrate wider, complex systems.
Adventures in DFT by a wavefunction theorist
Authors: Bartlett Rodney J.
Published: October 2019

The attraction density functional theory (DFT) has for electronic structure theory is that it is easier to do computationally than ab initio, correlated wavefunction methods, due to its effective one-particle structure. On the contrary, ab initio theorists insist on the ability to converge to the right answer in appropriate limits, but this requires a treatment of the reduced two-particle density matrix. DFT avoids that by appealing to an “existence” theorem (not a constructive one) that all its effects are subsummed into a DFT functional of the one-particle density. However, the existence of thousands of DFT functionals emphasizes that there is no satisfactory way to systematically improve the Kohn-Sham (KS) version as most changes in parameterization or formulation seldom lead to a new functional that is genuinely better than others. Some researchers in the DFT community try to address this issue by imposing conditions rigorously derived from exact DFT considerations, but to date, no one has shown how this route will ever lead to converged results even for the ground state, much less for all the other electronic states obtained from time-dependent DFT that are critically important for chemistry. On the contrary, coupled-cluster (CC) theory and its equation-of-motion extensions provide rigorous results for both that KS-DFT methods are attempting to emulate. How to use them and their exact formal properties to tie CC theory to an effective one-particle form is the target of this perspective. This route addresses the devil’s triangle of KS-DFT problems: the one-particle spectrum, self-interaction, and the integer discontinuity.
Observation of striations in RF hollow electrode discharge in argon
Authors: He Liuliang , He Feng , Bai Zhili , Ouyang Jiting
Published: October 2019

In this paper, the characteristics of striations observed in a 13.56 MHz radio frequency (RF) hollow electrode discharge in argon are presented. The RF hollow electrode discharge is a method for generating capacitively coupled plasmas but with a hollow electrode, which combines the effects of both high-frequency and the hollow cathode effect on the ionization. The formation and features of striations were investigated experimentally at different RF powers, gas pressures, and hollow electrode parameters. Besides, a dielectric tube was inserted between the electrodes to confine the discharge channel in some experiments. The results show that the striation spatial period ΔS decreases as the ambient gas pressure increases, while it increases as the RF power or the depth of the hollow electrode increases. However, ΔS remains invariable in different electrode gaps. It is also found that the relationship between ΔS and the electric field obeys the classical Novak's law. The striations observed in the RF hollow electrode discharge are deemed to be similar to those in the positive column of direct current (DC) glow discharges. Due to the DC self-bias voltage, there is a weak field along the plasma channel in the RF hollow electrode discharge. The electron density and the reduced electric field are stratified when the striations appear. The nonlocal effect of electron kinetics is considered to be the mechanism governing the striations in the RF hollow electrode discharge at lower pressures. At higher pressures, the local theory may interpret the formation of striations.
The evolution of cooperation in spatial public goods game with conditional peer exclusion
Authors: Quan Ji , Li Xia , Wang Xianjia
Published: October 2019

Social exclusion can prevent free riders from participating in social activities and deprive them of sharing cooperative benefits, which is an effective mechanism for the evolution of cooperation. However, traditional peer-exclusion strategies are unconditional, and as long as there are defectors in the group, they will pay a cost to exclude the defectors. In reality, one of the reasons for the complexity of these strategies is that individuals may react differently depending on the environment in which they are located. Based on this consideration, we introduce a kind of conditional peer-exclusion strategy in the spatial public goods game model. Specifically, the behavior of conditional exclusion depends on the number of defectors in the group and can be adjusted by a tolerance parameter. Only if the number of defectors in the group exceeds the tolerance threshold, conditional exclusion can be triggered to exclude defectors. We explore the effects of parameters such as tolerance, exclusion cost, and probability of exclusion success on the evolution of cooperation. Simulation results confirmed that conditional exclusion can greatly reduce the threshold values of the synergy factor above which cooperation can emerge. Especially, when the tolerance is low, very small synergy factors can promote the population to achieve a high level of cooperation. Moreover, even if the probability of exclusion success is low, or the unit exclusion cost is relatively high, conditional exclusion is effective in promoting cooperation. These results allow us to better understand the role of exclusion strategies in the emergence of cooperation.
A consistent quadratic curvature-tilt theory for fluid lipid membranes
Authors: Terzi M. Mert , Ergüder Muhammed F. , Deserno Markus
Published: October 2019

The tilt of a lipid molecule describes the deviation of its orientation away from the local normal of its embedding membrane. Tilt is the subleading degree of freedom after a membrane’s geometry, and it becomes relevant at scales comparable to lipid bilayer thickness. Building on earlier work by Hamm and Kozlov [Eur. Phys. J. E 3, 323 (2000)], who envisioned lipid membranes as thin prestressed fluid elastic films, and Terzi and Deserno [J. Chem. Phys. 147, 084702 (2017)], who discovered a new coupling term between splay and tilt divergence, we construct a theory of membrane elasticity that is quadratic in geometry and tilt and complete at order 1/length2. We show that a general and consistent treatment of both lateral and transverse depth-dependent shear stresses creates several contributions to the elastic energy density, of which only a subset had previously been identified. Apart from the well-known penalty of lipid twist (the curl of tilt), these terms generate no qualitatively new phenomenology, but they quantitatively revise the connections between the moduli of a tilt-curvature theory and its underlying microscopic foundation. In particular, we argue that the monolayer Gaussian curvature modulus κ¯m, widely believed to be equal to the second moment of the transmonolayer stress profile, acquires a second contribution from lipid twist, which is always negative. This could resolve the long-standing conundrum that many measured values of κ¯m appeared to have a sign that violates basic stability considerations. We also show that the previously discovered novel coupling between splay and tilt divergence is not simply proportional to κ¯m but acquires its own splay-tilt coupling modulus, κst,m. We explore the predictions of our theory for various elastic moduli and their mutual interrelations and use an extensive set of existing atomistic molecular dynamics simulations for 12 different lipid types to collectively reason about such predictions. We find that bending rigidities are captured fairly well by existing theories, while reliable predictions for local moduli, especially the splay-tilt coupling modulus, remain challenging.
Quantum dissipative systems beyond the standard harmonic model: Features of linear absorption and dynamics
Authors: Smith Luke D. , Dijkstra Arend G.
Published: October 2019

Current simulations of ultraviolet-visible absorption lineshapes and dynamics of condensed phase systems largely adopt a harmonic description to model vibrations. Often, this involves a model of displaced harmonic oscillators that have the same curvature. Although convenient, for many realistic molecular systems, this approximation no longer suffices. We elucidate nonstandard harmonic and anharmonic effects on linear absorption and dynamics using a stochastic Schrödinger equation approach to account for the environment. First, a harmonic oscillator model with ground and excited potentials that differ in curvature is utilized. Using this model, it is shown that curvature difference gives rise to an additional substructure in the vibronic progression of absorption spectra. This effect is explained and subsequently quantified via a derived expression for the Franck-Condon coefficients. Subsequently, anharmonic features in dissipative systems are studied, using a Morse potential and parameters that correspond to the diatomic molecule H2 for differing displacements and environment interaction. Finally, using a model potential, the population dynamics and absorption spectra for the stiff-stilbene photoswitch are presented and features are explained by a combination of curvature difference and anharmonicity in the form of potential energy barriers on the excited potential.
Inertia-driven flow symmetry breaking by oscillating
plates
Authors: Lim Daegyu , Lahooti Mohsen , Kim Daegyoum
Published: October 2019

While cilia are generally found in viscosity-dominated regimes, those of a comb jelly, the longest motile cilia in nature, are used for propulsion and feeding in inertia-dominated flows. Motivated by the effective fluid transport of cilia at relatively high Reynolds number, the characteristics of vortex formation and fluid transport are investigated numerically for a simple two-dimensional model of rigid plates in Re = O(10 − 102). The small plates oscillate symmetrically on both walls of a channel. Under some conditions, the vortical structures generated by the plates become asymmetric notably with respect to the channel midline. In relatively narrow channels, the interaction of counter-rotating vortices shed directly from the plates near the midline causes symmetry breaking, and thus the mixing of fluid particles across the midline is enhanced greatly. Meanwhile, in relatively wide channels, the diffused weak vortices that persist after previous strokes become asymmetric first. When the number of oscillating plates on each wall increases, the vortex generated by a plate is confined between two plates, and it is annihilated by the counter-rotating vortex generated by a neighbor plate during stroke reversal, thereby keeping them from propagating toward the midline. This collective motion of multiple plates hinders the vortices from undergoing symmetry breaking even at the relatively high Reynolds number of Re = 200, and mixing is suppressed accordingly.
Effects of damages induced by indium-tin-oxide reactive plasma deposition on minority carrier lifetime in silicon crystal
Authors: Kamioka Takefumi , Isogai Yuki , Hayashi Yutaka , Ohshita Yoshio , Ogura Atsushi
Published: October 2019

A reactive-plasma deposition (RPD) process damage is evaluated for an indium-tin-oxide (ITO)/SiO2/Si structure in terms of the recombination properties at the interface. To calculate the surface recombination velocity (SRV), the defect density at the SiO2/Si interface (Dit), the effective total charge (Qtot) which is the sum of the charges in the SiO2 and the trapped charge at the SiO2/Si interface, and the workfunction of ITO at the ITO/SiO2 interface (ϕITO), are extracted by capacitance-voltage (C-V) analysis as a function of a postdeposition annealing (PDA) temperature. The Dit and Qtot significantly increase by the RPD process to 1.4×1012 cm-2eV-1 and 1.5×1012/q cm-2, respectively, and decrease by the PDA at 200 °C in N2 ambient to 1.4×1011 cm-2eV-1 and 1.1×1011/q cm-2, respectively. The ϕITO also varies from 4.80 eV to 4.35 eV by the PDA. The correlation is examined between the SRV values calculated based on the extended SRH model using the extracted Dit, Qtot, and ϕITO values [SRV(CV)], and the SRV ones obtained from the minority carrier lifetime measurements [SRV(LT)]. It is found that multiple sets of capture cross-sections were required for SRV(CV) values to coincide with SRV(LT) ones. The effect of variation in the Qtot and ϕITO on the band bending is almost canceled out in the present PDA condition. It is thus considered that the increase in Dit is the main cause to decrease the minority carrier lifetime.
Extending the pulse length of the ISIS H− Penning ion source
Authors: Tarvainen O. , Abel R. , Lawrie S. , Faircloth D. , Sarmento T. , Macgregor J. , Cahill C. , Whitehead M. , Wood T. , Savard N.
Published: October 2019

The ISIS Penning ion source can routinely produce a 55 mA beam of negative hydrogen ions in 250 µs pulses at 50 Hz repetition rate. Extending the beam pulse length to 2 ms requires eliminating the 15%–30% droop of the current observed in long pulse operation and benefits from the suppression of discharge breakdown oscillations otherwise forcing to prolong the pulse length to 2.2 ms or longer. The droop can be compensated by ramping the discharge current during the pulse, whereas the discharge oscillations are suppressed by modifying the ancillary circuit of the pulsed arc power supply.