bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simplifying the Volar Distraction Osteotomy for Distal Radius Malunion Repair
Authors: Robinson Luke P. , Usmani Rashad H. , Fehrenbacher Victor , Protzer Lauren
Published: March 2021

Background Extra-articular fractures of the distal radius are often treated with a trial of nonoperative management if radiographic parameters are within an acceptable range, especially in the elderly population. Unfortunately, some malunions become symptomatic or become grossly misaligned during nonoperative management which require corrective surgery to restore the normal osseous anatomy and restore function.

Description of Technique We describe correction of a distal radius malunion utilizing a distraction-type volar osteotomy, a volar plate specific distraction device, and a novel resorbable calcium phosphate bone cement (Trabexus) designed to withstand compressive loads.

Patients and Methods Twelve patients with 13 distal radius fractures were included in this study. The average patient age was 60.9 years and average time from injury to corrective osteotomy was 96.3 days. Radiographic measures (radial inclination, volar tilt, and ulnar variance) and clinical assessment (wrist/forearm range of motion and grip strength) were done pre- and postoperatively and compared.

Results The average time from corrective surgical osteotomy to final clinical follow-up was 375.8 days. After surgical intervention, there was a statistically significant improvement in mean volar tilt (−19.8 vs. +0.5 degrees) and mean ulnar variance (+2.8 vs. −0.4 mm). Improvements were also seen in grip strength (1.7 vs. 43.6 lb), wrist flexion (30.5 vs. 48.3 degrees), wrist extension (33.3 vs. 53.8 degrees), forearm pronation (75.0 vs. 88.8 degrees), and forearm supination (53.8 vs. 81.3 degrees). On average, 56.0% of Trabexus bone substitute remained on final clinical radiographs.

Conclusion This simplified technique of distraction corrective osteotomy after distal radius malunion results in improved clinical and radiographic outcomes for patients.
Effective Treatment of Simultaneous Distal Radius and Scaphoid Fractures
Authors: Blackburn Julia , Johnson Nick , Pocnetz Sasa , Lindau Tommy R.
Published: March 2021

Background There is an increasing trend for most surgeons to choose open reduction and internal fixation of simultaneous distal radius and scaphoid fractures; however, it is not clear if there is any evidence to support this.

Case Description The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the evidence for management of simultaneous distal radius and scaphoid fractures.

Literature Review We performed searches of the EMBASE and MEDLINE databases (CRD42020167403). We included a total of 20 studies, involving 178 patients with 182 simultaneous fractures of the distal radius and scaphoid. The distal radius fractures were mostly intra-articular (112/182). The scaphoid fractures were mostly undisplaced (120/148) and at the scaphoid waist (152/178). All distal radius fractures went on to unite, and just 2 of 182 scaphoid fractures went on to nonunion. All included studies were retrospective case series, and therefore all were found to have a critical risk of bias due to confounding. The union rate for both the distal radius and scaphoid fractures is high with both operative and nonoperative treatments.

Clinical Relevance Although there are no comparative studies to evaluate the most effective treatment, there is evidence to support operative management.

Level of Evidence This is a Level IV, systematic review study.
The Critical Size of Ulnar Styloid Fragment for the DRUJ Stability
Authors: Maniglio Mauro , Park Il Jung , Zumstein Matthias , Kuenzler Michael , McGarry Michelle H. , Lee Thay Q.
Published: March 2021

Background Ulnar styloid fractures can be associated with clinically significant instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). However, the exact fragment size that results in DRUJ instability is unknown.

Purpose The objective of this study was to determine the critical size of an ulnar styloid fracture that would result in a significant increase in DRUJ translation and forearm rotation.

Methods Eight cadaveric specimens were used to investigate the effects of three different ulnar styloid fracture sizes on DRUJ instability: tip fracture, base fracture, and a fracture including the fovea. Forearm rotation and dorsopalmar DRUJ translation were measured after each sequential increase in fracture size.

Results Relative to the uninjured state, a significant increase in forearm rotation and dorsopalmar translation was found for all three fractures. However, the fovea fracture showed a statistically significant increase in forearm rotation compared with all other fracture types and a statistically significant increase in total dorsopalmar translation compared with the tip fracture.

Conclusion In this study, ulnar styloid fractures involving the fovea resulted in significantly greater DRUJ instability comparted to tip and base fractures alone. This study provides important biomechanical data regarding the critical size of ulnar styloid fractures that result in DRUJ instability and may aid in the surgical decision-making algorithm in these patients.
Synovial Chondromatosis of the Midcarpal Joint: A Case Report and Brief Review of Literature
Authors: PosthumaDeBoer Jantine , Torrekens Marieke , Nuffel Maarten Van
Published: March 2021

Objective Synovial chondromatosis is a rare benign proliferative disorder of synovium characterized by the formation of cartilaginous bodies in a joint. The condition typically affects one single large joint. The development of synovial chondromatosis in the joints of hand and wrist is extremely rare.

Case description In this report, we present a case of synovial chondromatosis arising from the midcarpal joint and the arthroscopic treatment thereof.

Literature review Owing to its rarity, literature on synovial chondromatosis occurring in the hand and wrist is extremely limited. To our knowledge, no report has been published describing the arthroscopic treatment of an isolated synovial chondromatosis of the midcarpal joint.

Clinical relevance As synovial chondromatosis of the hand and wrist is extremely rare, and clinical and radiological findings can be nonspecific, the diagnosis might be overlooked initially. The condition does, however, require surgical treatment and thorough follow-up. Thus, awareness of this possible diagnosis among treating physicians is important.
Vascularized Bone Grafting for the Treatment of Capitate Avascular Necrosis
Authors: Quintero Jorge I. , Herrand Maria C. , Moreno Rodrigo
Published: March 2021

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the capitate bone is a rare condition and it can be related to major trauma or idiopathy. Different treatments are available including soft tissue interposition and intercarpal arthrodesis including lunocapitate, scaphocapitate, four corner, and carpometacarpal fusions. Other surgical options are resection of the proximal pole and revascularization procedures. The main purpose of this article is to present two cases of AVN of the capitate treated with a revascularization procedure using the 4th–5th extensor compartment artery (4th–5th ECA). Two female patients with capitate AVN are reported with an average age of 30.5 years. Both cases were classified as type-I according to Milliez classification. The major complaint in each case was wrist pain that increased during activity. In both cases there was no history of trauma, smoking, diabetes, or hematologic diseases. Both patients had a diminished range of motion, grip, and strength. The definitive diagnosis was made with magnetic resonance imaging. Both patients underwent treatment revascularization of the capitate using a vascularized bone graft based on the 4th–5th ECA. At average follow-up of 12 months, each patient had improved with regards to pain and had increased grip strength. The literature does not describe a specific algorithm treatment for capitate AVN. We recommend revascularization of the capitate using the 4th–5th ECA in type-I Milliez classification in young patients without signs of carpal collapse.
Value first, then price: the new paradigm of B2B buying and selling
Authors: Hinterhuber Andreas , Snelgrove Todd C. , Stensson Bo-Inge
Published: March 2021

Most companies today take an inherently adversarial approach to buying and selling in industrial markets, thereby missing out on opportunities for joint value creation with customers and suppliers. Sales as well as procurement are too obsessed with price and not enough with value. In this paper we present a set of principles that put joint value creation at the centre of the relationship with customers and suppliers. With respect to customers, the value quantification capability is the most important competency of the sales function, i.e. the ability to translate a firm’s competitive advantages into one quantified, monetary value reflecting both qualitative as well as quantitative customer benefits. With respect to suppliers, we call for the creation of new metrics, such as total value of ownership, reflecting innovation, management capabilities, sustainability, and other elements beyond quality, price, and delivery. With value quantification capabilities (sales) and total value of ownership models (procurement) the key element of relationship with both customers and suppliers is value first, then price.
Coaxial horizontal axis hydrokinetic turbine system: Numerical modeling and performance optimization
Authors: Abutunis A. , Fal M. , Fashanu O. , Chandrashekhara K. , Duan L.
Published: March 2021

Hydrokinetic turbines extract energy from free-flowing water, such as river streams and marine currents. For river applications, the typical deployment location is highly space-constrained due to both the nature of the river (i.e., its natural width and depth) and the other usages of the river. Therefore, a modified design of a conversion device is desired to accommodate these space limitations. The objective of this work is to derive optimum design criteria for a coaxial horizontal axis hydrokinetic turbine system utilizing both numerical and experimental approaches. Single-turbine systems configured with different sizes of untwisted untapered blades were numerically studied to obtain the optimum solidity and to examine the blockage effects on the various-solidity rotors. The numerical modeling was, then, extended to analyze the performance of the coaxial multi-turbine system (equipped with optimum-solidity rotors) and characterize its ambient flow. The numerically predicted power outputs were validated against those measured with torque and rotational speed sensors in a water tunnel for both single-turbine and multi-turbine systems. Particle image velocimetry was also utilized to evaluate the wake structure and validate the numerical results of the flow characteristics. The optimum-solidity for the single-turbine system was found to be 0.222 48. An optimum-solidity three-turbine axial system can increase power output by 47% when compared to an optimum-solidity single-turbine system. Increasing the number of rotors from three to five only enhanced efficiency by about 4%. The study of wake structures behind a three-turbine system showed that the highest velocity deficit occurs behind the second rotor rather than the third rotor.
Open-source multi-year power generation, consumption, and storage data in a microgrid
Authors: Silwal Sushil , Mullican Colton , Chen Yi-An , Ghosh Avik , Dilliott John , Kleissl Jan
Published: March 2021

Open-source, high resolution power consumption data are scarce. We compiled, quality controlled, and released publicly a comprehensive power dataset of parts of the University of California, San Diego microgrid. The advanced microgrid contains several distributed energy resources (DERs), such as solar power plants, electric vehicles, buildings, a combined heat and power gas-fired power plant, and electric and thermal storage. Most datasets contain 15-min averages of real and reactive power from 1 January, 2015 until 29 February, 2020. We also include Python codes to fill missing data and flag and replace potentially erroneous data. The extensive dataset of conventional and new DERs is designed to accelerate research and development work in the area of sustainable microgrids.
A study of the natural convection of water-AA7075 nanoliquids in low-porosity cylindrical annuli using a local thermal non-equilibrium model
Authors: Lakshmi K. M. , Laroze D. , Siddheshwar P. G.
Published: March 2021

Natural convection in nanoliquid-saturated porous cylindrical annuli due to uniform heat and mass influxes from the solid cylinder and effluxes from the outer hollow cylinder is investigated analytically. The Darcy model and the modified version of the Buongiorno two-phase model are used, and local thermal non-equilibrium between the phases is assumed. A nanoliquid-saturated porous medium made up of glass balls with a dilute concentration of AA7075 alloy nanoparticles well-dispersed in water is considered. Out of three types of annuli considered, shallow annuli provide the best heat transport and tall annuli show the worst performance. The presence of a dilute concentration of nanoparticles significantly enhances the heat transport in the system. Of nine nanoparticle shapes considered, lamina-shaped nanoparticles enhance heat transport the most. Heat transport is enhanced in the case of heat-and-mass-driven convection compared to the case of purely heat-driven convection. The results for a rectangular enclosure are obtained as a particular case of the present study. Two asymptotic routes that take us to the results of thermal equilibrium are shown. The vanishing limit of the concentration Rayleigh number yields the result for a single-phase model. Results for the base-liquid-saturated porous medium form a limiting case of the present study. We conclude that a shallow cylindrical annulus saturated with water-AA7075 lamina-shaped alloy nanoparticles is best suited for heat transfer due to its high effective thermal conductivity in comparison with that of other shaped nanoparticles and a tall rectangular enclosure saturated by water is best suited for heat storage applications.
Void-dynamics in nano-wires and the role of microstructure investigated via a multi-scale physics-based model
Authors: Saleh A. S. , Ceric H. , Zahednamesh H.
Published: March 2021

With scaling of nano-interconnect linewidth toward a 3 nm technology node, electromigration in copper nano-interconnects is becoming a major limitation. In this context, the increase of texture polycrystallinity plays a major role and necessitates better understanding of the impact of void dynamics and its interaction with texture at operating conditions. To this end, comprehensive, yet efficient, physics-based numerical models are warranted given that electromigration experiments at low operating temperatures are not feasible. Albeit, development of such models has been a challenge since it involves large length-scale discrepancy between features, i.e., from wire dimensions (hundreds of micrometers) down to grains and voids (tens of nano-meters and below) leading to substantial computational cost. To this end, in this study an efficient multi-scale physics-based electromigration modeling approach is demonstrated, where an experimentally calibrated Korhonen-type 1D model solves electromigration at the global scale (entire interconnect), and a 2D local model simulates void dynamics considering the impact of electron wind, void surface energy, and stress gradients. The role of copper texture, i.e., grain boundaries, grain orientation and anisotropic properties is thoroughly investigated. We demonstrate that by tailoring the copper grain structure, void behavior and thus resistance evolution of nanowires can be effectively controlled. Compared to wider interconnects, in scaled nanowires, surface energy is found to play a dominant role on void morphology compared to electron wind. Strong anisotropy of diffusivity of copper's FCC lattice fosters faceted morphologies and emergence of slit morphology during void transition through the polycrystalline texture. Bamboo segments are shown to effectively pin the voids migrating toward the cathode in cases with cobalt cap. In addition, voids migrating from low diffusivity to high diffusivity regions adopt a longitudinally elongated morphology, which can be detrimental in a down-stream operation mode.
The change in the wetting regime of a nanodroplet on a substrate with varying wettability: A molecular dynamics investigation
Authors: Foroutan Masumeh , Esmaeilian Farshad , Rad Morteza Torabi
Published: March 2021

The effect of the triple-phase contact line (TPCL) on the wetting phenomenon has been extensively discussed during the past decade. Numerous attempts have also been made to quantify its characteristics based on thermodynamic or mechanical definitions. In this research, molecular dynamics simulation was used to define the term “vicinity of the TPCL” and its effect on the hydrophilic and hydrophobic behaviors of a water nanodroplet. A nanodroplet was placed on a substrate that was modified in a stepwise manner by growing a patch of heterogeneity from either the center of the substrate or from the sides. The relative direction of motion of the TPCL and the patch determined the pathway that the nanodroplet chooses in order to change its wetting regime from hydrophilic to hydrophobic and vice versa. A gradual change occurs when the TPCL and the heterogeneity move in the same direction, and an abrupt change takes place otherwise. In addition to the insights into the wetting phenomenon, the width of the TPCL is also discussed. The obtained data suggest that the effective width of the TPCL, δ, is different inside the perimeter of the nanodroplet from outside of it. Moreover, the value of δ for the abrupt pathway is twice as large as the gradual one. In conclusion, the width, or vicinity, of the TPCL depends on the type of the pathway and the configuration of the substrate-patch system and cannot be treated similarly in both cases.
Dynamics of advectively coupled Van der Pol equations chain
Authors: Kashchenko S. A.
Published: March 2021

A ring chain of the coupled Van der Pol equations with two types of unidirectional advective couplings is considered. It is assumed that the number of elements in the chain is sufficiently large. The transition to a distributed model with a continuous spatial variable is realized. We study the local—in the equilibrium neighborhood—dynamics of such a model. It is shown that the critical cases in the problem of the zero solution stability have infinite dimension. As the main result, the special nonlinear partial differential equations are constructed that do not contain small and large parameters, which are the equations of the first approximation: their solutions determine the main part of the asymptotic behavior of the original model solutions. Thereby, the nonlocal dynamics of the constructed equations describes the local structure of the Van der Pol chain solutions. The asymptotic behavior of the solutions is carried out. Differences were revealed when using various unidirectional couplings. It is shown that these differences can be significant. In some of the most interesting cases, the obtained equations of the first approximation contain two spatial variables; therefore, it is natural to expect the appearance of complex dynamic effects. The studies are methodologically based on the method for constructing quasinormal forms developed by the author.
Controllable phase-dependent Wigner-function negativity at steady state via parametric driving and feedback
Authors: Li Jiahua , Ding Chunling , Wu Ying
Published: March 2021

Generating the negative Wigner functions where the corresponding Wigner states are nonclassical has been recognized as a powerful tool for successfully performing quantum information and computing protocols beyond the scope of classical computers. Here, we present the possibility to generate and engineer the negative Wigner function at a steady state using parametric (two-photon) driving and homodyne-based feedback in a quantum van der Pol (vdP) oscillator. Specifically, we employ a quantum master equation approach for calculating the Wigner function of the vdP oscillator field in phase space and, furthermore, quantifying its negativity content. We clearly show that the negative-value magnitudes, regions, and shapes of the Wigner function can be effectively tuned by the parametric driving phase and the parametric driving amplitude, as well as the feedback coefficient within a large range. We identify different contributions of these involved parameters to the Wigner-function negativity. In the present scheme, more complex quantum coherence and interference phenomena are introduced via the parametric driving and feedback, which stabilizes the phase of the vdP oscillator field and renders the capability to generate the negative Wigner function. Therefore, the enhanced Wigner-function negativity can be achieved under these optimized system parameters. Our in-depth study provides insight into the formation and in situ control of the desirable Wigner nonclassical states. The obtained results are not limited to the vdP oscillator systems and should be generally applicable to other coherent coupled systems within the reach of modern experimental facilities.
Well-balanced lattice Boltzmann model for two-phase systems
Authors: Guo Zhaoli
Published: March 2021

The standard two-phase lattice Boltzmann equation (LBE) method usually fails to capture the physical equilibrium state (zero velocity and constant chemical potential). Consequently, spurious velocities and inconsistent thermodynamic density properties are frequently encountered in LBE simulations. In this work, based on a rigorous analysis of the discrete balance equation of LBE, the structure of force imbalance due to discretization errors is identified. Then, a well-balanced LBE model is proposed, which can achieve the discrete equilibrium state. The well-balance properties of the model are confirmed by simulating a flat interface problem and a droplet system.
The Li–F–H ternary system at high pressures
Authors: Bi Tiange , Shamp Andrew , Terpstra Tyson , Hemley Russell J. , Zurek Eva
Published: March 2021

Evolutionary crystal structure prediction searches have been employed to explore the ternary Li–F–H system at 300 GPa. Metastable phases were uncovered within the static lattice approximation, with LiF3H2, LiF2H, Li3F4H, LiF4H4, Li2F3H, and LiF3H lying within 50 meV/atom of the 0 K convex hull. All of these phases contain HnFn+1− (n = 1, 2) anions and Li+ cations. Other structural motifs such as LiF slabs, H3+ molecules, and Fδ− ions are present in some of the low enthalpy Li–F–H structures. The bonding within the HnFn+1− molecules, which may be bent or linear, symmetric or asymmetric, is analyzed. The five phases closest to the hull are insulators, while LiF3H is metallic and predicted to have a vanishingly small superconducting critical temperature. Li3F4H is predicted to be stable at zero pressure. This study lays the foundation for future investigations of the role of temperature and anharmonicity on the stability and properties of compounds and alloys in the Li–F–H ternary system.
A new soft computing approach for studying the wire coating dynamics with Oldroyd 8-constant fluid
Authors: Khan Naveed Ahmad , Sulaiman Muhammad , Kumam Poom , Aljohani Abdulah Jeza
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a mathematical model for wire coating in the presence of pressure type die along with the bath of Oldroyd 8-constant fluid is presented. The model is governed by a partial differential equation, transformed into a nonlinear ordinary differential equation in dimensionless form through similarity transformations. We have designed a novel soft computing paradigm to analyze the governing mathematical model of wire coating by defining weighted Legendre polynomials based on Legendre neural networks (LeNN). Training of design neurons in the network is carried out globally by using the whale optimization algorithm (WOA) hybrid with the Nelder–Mead (NM) algorithm for rapid local convergence. Designed scheme (LeNN-WOA-NM algorithm) is applied to study the effect of variations in dilating constant (α), pressure gradient (Ω), and pseudoplastic constant β on velocity profile w(r) of fluid. To validate the proposed technique's efficiency, solutions and absolute errors are compared with the particle swarm optimization algorithm. Graphical and statistical performance of fitness value, absolute errors, and performance measures in terms of minimum, mean, median, and standard deviations further establishes the worth of the designed scheme for variants of the wire coating process.
Bond dissociation energies of lanthanide sulfides and selenides
Authors: Sorensen Jason J. , Tieu Erick , Morse Michael D.
Published: March 2021

Resonant two-photon ionization spectroscopy has been employed to observe sharp predissociation thresholds in the spectra of the lanthanide sulfides and selenides for the 4f metals Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, and Lu. As these molecules possess a large density of electronic states near the ground separated atom limit, these predissociation thresholds are argued to coincide with the true 0 K bond dissociation energies (BDEs). This is because spin–orbit and nonadiabatic couplings among these states allow the molecules to predissociate rapidly when the BDE is reached or exceeded. The measured BDEs, in eV, are as follows: 5.230(3) (PrS), 4.820(3) (NdS), 4.011(17) (SmS), 3.811(8) (EuS), 5.282(5) (GdS), 5.292(3) (TbS), 4.298(3) (DyS), 4.251(3) (HoS), 4.262(3) (ErS), 5.189(3) (LuS), 4.496(3) (PrSe), 4.099(3) (NdSe), 3.495(17) (SmSe), 3.319(3) (EuSe), 4.606(3) (GdSe), 4.600(6) (TbSe), 3.602(3) (DySe), 3.562(3) (HoSe), 3.587(3) (ErSe), and 4.599(6) (LuSe). Through the use of thermochemical cycles, the 0 K gaseous heat of formation, ΔfH0K○, is reported for each molecule. A threshold corresponding to the onset of two-photon ionization in EuSe was also observed, providing the ionization energy of EuSe as 6.483(10) eV. Through a thermochemical cycle and the above reported BDE of the neutral EuSe molecule, the BDE for the Eu+-Se cation was also determined as D0(Eu+-Se) = 2.506(10) eV. Bonding trends of the lanthanide sulfides and selenides are discussed. Our previous observation that the transition metal sulfides are 15.6% more strongly bound than the corresponding selenides continues to hold true for the lanthanides as well.
Two competing mechanisms of plasma action on a jet flow
Authors: Sretenović Goran B. , Iskrenović Predrag S. , Kovačević Vesna V. , Kuraica Milorad M.
Published: March 2021

The influence of the plasma generation and propagation in a pulsed atmospheric pressure plasma jet on the gas flow is experimentally studied. The discharge was powered with pulsed voltage signals of both polarities with amplitudes that ranged from 2.8 to 10.8 kV and with the frequencies of 1–5 kHz. It operated in a pure helium and helium with a small admixture of oxygen and nitrogen. The measurements of the flow changes are performed by means of a laboratory constructed manometer with a free membrane. Two plasma action mechanisms have been identified and described: the electrohydrodynamic force mechanism and thermal mechanisms due to the fast localized heating. These two mechanisms appear to be counterbalancing or supporting depending on the experimental conditions. Besides, it was shown that plasma can cause a decrease in the gas velocity, probably depending on the dominant presence of the negative or positive ions in the jet.
Wideband hyperbolic flat lens in the Ka-band based on 3D-printing and transformation optics
Authors: Poyanco J. M. , Pizarro F. , Rajo-Iglesias E.
Published: March 2021

A flat wideband lens antenna operating in the Ka band is presented. The design corresponds to the transformation of a hyperbolic lens via quasi-optic transformation into a flat lens. The implementation of the lens is made using 3D printing technology as it allows cheap and precise manufacturing of the complicated shapes obtained with the transformation. The required refractive indices are calculated and implemented with varying infill percentages of the used filaments in each transformed layer. The experimental results show excellent agreement with the simulations, including low losses. The presented design is a low-cost antenna with the measured gain above 23 dBi in the whole Ka band (26.5–40 GHz).
Biomass harvesting leads to soil acidification: a study of mixed crop–livestock farming systems in Madagascar
Authors: Fanjaniaina M. L. , Delarivière J. Larvy , Salgado P. , Tillard E. , Rabeharisoa L. , Becquer T.
Published: March 2021

Soil acidification and declining fertility are widespread in sub‐Saharan Africa. Nutrient depletion is mainly related to nutrient mining driven by biomass removal without replenishment of nutrients through use of fertilisers. Concomitant acidification is due to the high ash alkalinity of harvested biomass. We determined the nutrient content and ash alkalinity of biomass of the main crops produced in smallholder mixed crop–livestock farming systems in the Malagasy Highlands of Madagascar and calculated the soil acidification/alkalinisation occurring through biomass transfer. Samples of rice and forage were collected from 70 rice plots and 91 cultivated forage plots, and 70 manure samples were collected from farms. Nutrient exports induced by crop harvesting resulted in annual losses of 57 kg nitrogen (N), 6 kg (phosphorus) P and 33 kg potassium (K) ha–1 for rice (grain + straw), and 31–51 kg N, 8–9 kg P and 29–57 kg K ha–1 for each forage cut (with three cuts per year on average). The ash alkalinity of samples, calculated as the difference between cation and anion contents, was 49–100 cmolc kg–1 for forage crops, 31 cmolc kg–1 for rice straw, and only 4 cmolc kg–1 for rice grains. Biomass removal caused a loss of nutrients and an increase in soil acidity. Owing to low nutrient retention efficiency during the handling and storage of manure, the traditional input of manure at 5 t fresh matter ha–1 is insufficient to balance nutrient and alkalinity losses in Malagasy mixed crop–livestock farming systems. Maintaining productive and sustainable mixed crop–livestock farming systems requires greater attention to ensuring a nutrient balance at both plot and farm levels.
Kinetics and mechanism of the reaction between dimethyl trisulfide and cyanide
Authors: Kurashova Irina , Kamyshny Alexey
Published: March 2021

Environmental context Dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS) is a malodorous compound formed from decomposing algal matter and can severely compromise the quality of drinking water. The reactivity of DMTS toward cyanide was studied in aqueous solutions at environmentally relevant conditions. It was found that the half-lives of DMTS in the presence of free cyanide varied from several months to several thousand years depending on environmental conditions. Abstract Organically bound sulfur in the form of mono-, di- and polysulfide bridges constitutes a significant fraction of this element in recent and ancient sediments. In water columns of lakes, the concentrations of organo-sulfur compounds are much lower, and they are present in the form of malodorous dimethyl polysulfides. Currently, information regarding reactivity of organic polysulfides towards nucleophiles that are stronger than hydroxyl anions is lacking. In this work, the reaction kinetics of dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS) with the strong nucleophile and important environmental pollutant cyanide as a function of concentrations of reactants, pH and temperature were studied. It was found that the reaction rate constant as well as the activation energy of the reaction strongly depend on pH. The experimental data agree well with the existence of two distinct pathways: slow reaction between protonated cyanide and DMTS under acidic and neutral conditions and fast reaction between cyanide anion and DMTS under highly alkaline conditions. However, reactions of DMTS with the iron cyanide complexes hexacyanoferrate(ii) and hexacyanoferrate(iii) have no environmental significance since they are slower than the rate of DMTS decomposition. Under environmentally relevant conditions, rates of reactions of free cyanide with DMTS will be lower than the reaction with inorganic polysulfides or tetrathionate, but faster than the reaction with thiosulfate. Examples of application of kinetic parameters for calculation of rates of cyanide consumption in industrial and non-polluted natural aquatic systems as well as a protocol for quantification of organic polysulfide sulfur based on reaction with cyanide are provided.
Review of the reporting of ecological effects of rodent eradications on Australian and New Zealand islands
Authors: Segal Richard D. , Whitsed Rachel , Massaro Melanie
Published: March 2021

Island species are susceptible to invasive mammals because of their small populations, specialised habitats and reduced likelihood of recolonisation. For more than 50 years, invasive mammals have been eradicated from islands around the world. Despite the success of eradications, there are few publications in the primary literature detailing the ecological benefits and consequences of these eradications. Here we conduct a review of the published literature focussing on rodent eradications conducted on Australian and New Zealand islands and we evaluate the extent of reporting of non-target mortality and ecological monitoring following an eradication. A search of the Database of Island Invasive Species Eradications website identified that successful, whole-island rodent eradications were conducted on 66 Australian and 124 New Zealand islands in the period from 1964 to 2016. We found that non-target mortality was rarely ever reported (3% and 12% for eradications on Australian islands and New Zealand islands, respectively). Results of any quantitative ecological monitoring following eradications were published for only 10% of all successful rodent eradications on Australian islands and 19% of all eradications on New Zealand islands. There also has been no change in reporting of potential benefits and consequences of rodent eradications in Australia and New Zealand over the last few decades despite an increased awareness of the problem of under-reporting. We discuss the detailed benefits and consequences of these eradications in Australia and New Zealand and highlight the need to incorporate ecological monitoring into new projects to document benefits and consequences of eradications to inform future eradications.
Summer and autumn activity patterns of the eastern bent-wing bat (
Authors: Mills Doug
Published: March 2021

The eastern bent-wing bat (Miniopterus orianae oceanensis) is a small (11–20 g, mean 14 g) insectivorous bat with a distribution that extends along the eastern seaboard of mainland Australia. It is primarily a cave-dwelling species, particularly for breeding females who form large maternity colonies at just a few locations throughout its range. Seasonal population changes at one of the three large New South Wales maternity colonies (Church Cave) were studied from December to March every year for 12 years when adult females were resident at a maternity site. Five key periods were identified: (1) adult arrival, (2) adult peak, (3) juvenile independence, (4) adult–juvenile peak, and (5) autumn migration. The average duration of the adult peak period was 38 days and usually commenced around late December or early January. This is the critical period in which to estimate the female adult population. All other periods lasted ~14 days. Understanding the timing of these different periods is important in estimating various population parameters. The timing of migration is also important with respect to windfarm construction and impact assessments of turbine strike to migrating bats. Four separate variables were investigated to describe the timing of autumn migration from Church Cave; moon illumination, minimum nightly temperatures, barometric pressure, and timing of adult arrival. The timing of adult arrival was the only model that was significant in explaining the onset of migration. This generally occurs 83–87 nights after the commencement of arrival of female adult bent-wing bats at Church Cave in early to mid December.
Catastrophic ATP loss underlies a metabolic combination therapy tailored for
MYCN
-amplified neuroblastoma
Authors: Dalton Krista M. , Lochmann Timothy L. , Floros Konstantinos V. , Calbert Marissa L. , Kurupi Richard , Stein Giovanna T. , McClanaghan Joseph , Murchie Ellen , Egan Regina K. , Greninger Patricia , Dozmorov Mikhail , Ramamoorthy Sivapriya , Puchalapalli Madhavi , Hu Bin , Shock Lisa , Koblinski Jennifer , Glod John , Boikos Sosipatros A. , Benes Cyril H. , Faber Anthony C.
Published: March 2021

Significance

High-risk neuroblastoma accounts for nearly 15% of all pediatric cancer-related deaths. MYCN is an oncogene amplified in roughly half of high-risk neuroblastoma cases and finding new therapies to neutralize MYCN is a high priority for pediatric cancer. Here we demonstrate that
MYCN
-amplified neuroblastomas are sensitive to the combined inhibition of MCT1 and complex I of the mitochondrion. Sensitivity is due to low expression of MCT4 and high expression of MCT1 and the MCT1 chaperone CD147. Pharmacologic inhibition with AZD3965 and phenformin leads to complementary inhibition of metabolic processes that ultimately leads to cell death.
A role for keratin 17 during DNA damage response and tumor initiation
Authors: Nair Raji R. , Hsu Joshua , Jacob Justin T. , Pineda Christopher M. , Hobbs Ryan P. , Coulombe Pierre A.
Published: March 2021

Significance

Expression of keratin 17 (K17), an intermediate filament-forming cytoskeletal protein, is induced in a broad range of human carcinomas and has prognostic value for a growing number of tumor types. We report here that K17 is induced in response to DNA damage and that a nuclear pool of K17 regulates the immediate response to such damage, with an associated impact on cell survival. Impairing the nuclear pool of K17 markedly attenuates tumor initiation in mouse skin. Our finding adds a role for nuclear K17 in the DNA damage response (DDR) and further substantiates the significance of K17 expression and function during tumorigenesis.
“Would it be fair to say that you actively sought out material?”
Authors: de Pablos-Ortega Carlos
Published: March 2021

The aim of investigative interviews is to gather comprehensive and reliable information from suspects, offenders,
victims and witnesses through questioning. Research on questioning during police interviews has mainly explored question types and
question approaches when interviewing adults and children. This chapter is concerned with so far unexplored aspects of police
interviewing, that is the employment of mitigating and aggravating linguistic devices in questions and statements and their
pragmatic effects. The corpus consists of six police interviews with suspects of crime. Mitigation and aggravation strategies were
extracted and a total of eighty-two instances were found, analysed and classified into a categorisation taxonomy which was
designed to ascertain the types and functions of mitigation and aggravation devices. The findings reveal that more mitigation than
aggravation strategies were used in police questioning and statements during the interviews. Mitigation was found to be used not
only as a device for alleviating or attenuating, but also as a strategy to build rapport between suspects and police officers.
Translating accurately or sounding natural?
Authors: Hijazo-Gascón Alberto
Published: March 2021

Police interview interpreting is a complex task, as interpreters make difficult choices under pressure and time
constraints. The main dilemma of the interpreter is whether to remain faithful to the original text, with the risk of rendering
non-idiomatic translations, or to give preference to more idiomatic versions that may entail an addition or an omission from the
original text. This article presents an analysis of Spanish-English bilingual police interviews in California. The analysis is
based on the discrepancies found between an interpreter present in the interrogation and a control interpreter who translates the
whole interview post-hoc. This is an original methodology that can be used for future research in this and other contexts. The
results show different types of inaccuracies in the interpretation, which can be attributed to contextual pressures and overall
challenges of interpreting and to challenges related to typological differences between the two languages involved.
Balancing Need and Risk, Supply and Demand: Developing a Tool to Prioritize Naloxone Distribution
Authors: Wood Claire A. , Green Lauren , La Manna Anna , Phillips Sarah , Werner Kimberly B. , Winograd Rachel P. , Stuckenschneider Angie
Published: March 2021

Background

Opioid overdose deaths continue to rise nationally. The demand for naloxone, the opioid overdose antidote, is outpacing the supply. With increasing naloxone requests, tools to prioritize distribution are critical to ensure available supplies will reach those at highest risk of overdose.

Methods

We developed a standardized “Naloxone Request Form” (NRF) and corresponding weighted prioritization algorithm to serve as decisional aid to better enable grant staff to prioritize naloxone distribution in a data-driven manner. The algorithm computed raw priority scores for each agency, which were then separated into the predetermined quintiles. Historical naloxone distribution decisions were compared with agencies’ prioritization quintile.

Results

Results demonstrated that the NRF and corresponding algorithm was successful at prioritizing agencies based on potential impact. Although, overall, naloxone was distributed more heavily to the agencies deemed highest priority, our algorithm identified significant shortcomings of the “first come, first served” method of distribution we had initially deployed.

Conclusions

This work has laid the foundation to use this tool prospectively to allow for data-driven decision-making for naloxone distribution. Our tool is flexible and can be customized to best fit the needs of a variety of programs and locations to ensure the distribution of limited supplies of naloxone have the greatest impact.
The Role of Executive Functioning Deficits in the Association between Substance-use-Related Stigma and Substance use Problems among Trauma-Exposed Individuals
Authors: Wang Katie , Schick Melissa R. , Weiss Nicole H.
Published: March 2021

Background: Previous research has linked the internalization of shame and negative stereotypes associated with substance use to increased severity of substance use problems (i.e., negative consequences associated with alcohol and drug use, including occupational or relational difficulties and illegal behavior). However, little work has examined how other aspects of substance-use-related stigma (e.g., encounters with and anticipation of discrimination) might be related to the severity of substance use problems. Further, the psychological mechanisms through which stigma drives substance use problems remain poorly understood. Addressing these key limitations, the current study examined the role of executive functioning (EF) deficits in the relation between substance-use-related stigma and severity of substance use problems. Methods: In fall 2019, adults exposed to trauma who use substances were recruited via Amazon's Mechanical Turk ( N = 320, 46.9% women) and completed self-report measures of substance-use-related stigma, EF deficits, and substance use problems. Results: Substance-use-related stigma was positively associated with EF deficits, which in turn related to substance use problems. Substance-use-related stigma was also indirectly associated with substance use problems through EF deficits, suggesting that EF deficits accounted for the significant association between substance-use-related stigma and substance use problems. Conclusions: These findings provide initial support for the role of EF deficits as a mechanism through which stigma drives substance use problems among individuals exposed to trauma. Results underscore the potential utility of addressing stigma coping and EF deficits in interventions aimed at preventing and treating substance use disorders.
Lensing contribution to the 21 cm intensity bispectrum
Authors: Kothari Rahul , Maartens Roy
Published: March 2021

Intensity maps of the 21 cm emission line of neutral hydrogen are lensed by intervening large-scale structure, similar to the lensing of the cosmic microwave background temperature map. We extend previous work by calculating the lensing contribution to the full-sky 21 cm bispectrum in redshift space. The lensing contribution tends to peak when equal-redshift fluctuations are lensed by a lower redshift fluctuation. At high redshift, lensing effects can become comparable to the contributions from density and redshift-space distortions.
A model reference adaptive system approach for nonlinear online parameter identification
Authors: Kaltenbacher Barbara , Ngoc Nguyen Tram Thi
Published: March 2021

Dynamical systems, for instance in model predictive control, often contain unknown parameters, which must be determined during system operation. Online, or on-the-fly, parameter identification methods are therefore necessary. The challenge of online methods is that one must continuously estimate parameters as experimental data becomes available. The existing techniques in the context of time-dependent partial differential equations exclude the case where the system depends nonlinearly on the parameters. Based on a model reference adaptive system approach, we present an online parameter identification method for nonlinear infinite-dimensional evolutionary systems.
On-chip micro pressure sensor for microfluidic pressure monitoring
Authors: Zhang Renchang , Li Qian , Tian Lu , Gong Jiahao , Li Zhengming , Liu Wei , Gui Lin
Published: March 2021

In this work, a novel on-chip micro pressure sensor was developed for microfluidic pressure monitoring. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic chip contained a working fluid channel with a sealed detection channel beneath it. Any change in pressure in the working fluid channel would change the volume of the detection channel. A mixture of two immiscible fluids was sealed in the detection channel. The pressure of the working fluid can be monitored by measuring the interface displacement of the two fluids in the detection channel. A PDMS film between the working channel and detection channel can avoid cross-contamination between fluids. We acquired a calibration curve of the pressure sensor for measurement and optimized the performance of the sensor through parametric studies. Moreover, two pressure sensors were integrated into a microchip to characterize the pressure drop in the microchannel. The developed pressure sensor is inexpensive and easy to be integrated into microfluidic devices to monitor the flow conditions for cell culture, fluid mixing, and droplet manipulation.
Binary copper oxides as photovoltaic absorbers: recent progress in materials and applications
Authors: Wang Y , Pierson J F
Published: March 2021

Binary copper oxides are a promising class of p-type semiconductors for solar energy conversion applications due to their particular electrical and optical properties, elemental abundance, and non-toxicity. So far, three phases with different copper ion oxidation states, including cuprous Cu2O, paramelaconite Cu4O3, and cupric CuO, have already been successfully synthesized by thin-film deposition techniques. This work reviews recent progress in determining the physical properties of these three phases from the viewpoints of both experimental and theoretical calculations, including their thermodynamics, structure, microstructure, band structure, defects, and their optical and electrical properties. In particular, we discuss some undecided issues regarding the properties of these materials. In addition, we summarize recent advances in photovoltaic cells using copper oxides as absorbers, including correlations between device performance and material properties.