bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Lumbar Degenerative Disease and Revision Rate following Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Malahias Michael-Alexander , Gu Alex , Richardson Shawn S. , De Martino Ivan , Mayman David J. , Sculco Thomas P. , Sculco Peter K.
Published: February 2020

Recently, a variety of studies have analyzed the potential correlation between lumbar degenerative disease (LDD) and inferior clinical outcomes after total hip arthroplasty. However, there has been limited data concerning the role of LDD as a risk factor for failure after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of our study was to determine: (1) what is the association of LDDs with TKA failure (all-cause revision) within 2 years of index arthroplasty and (2) if patients with LDD and lumbar fusion are at increased risk of TKA revision within 2 years compared with LDD patients without fusion. Data were collected from the Humana insurance database using the PearlDiver database from 2007 to 2017. To assess aim 1, patients were stratified into two groups based on a prior history of LDD (International Classification of Diseases [ICD]-9 or -10 diagnostic codes). To analyze aim 2, patients within the LDD cohort were stratified based on the presence of lumbar fusion (lumbar fusion Current Procedural Terminology code). All-cause revision rate was 3.4% among LDD patients versus 2.4% of patients with non-LDD (p < 0.001) at 2 years. Following multivariate analysis, LDD patients were at increased risk of all-cause revision surgery at 2 years (odds ratio [OR]: 1.361; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.238–1.498; p < 0.001) as well as aseptic loosening (OR: 1.533; 95% CI: 1.328–1.768; p < 0.001), periprosthetic joint infection (OR: 1.245; 95% CI: 1.129–1.373; p < 0.001), and periprosthetic fracture (OR: 1.521; 95% CI: 1.229–1.884; p < 0.001). Among LDD patients, patients who have a lumbar fusion had an all-cause revision rate of 5.0%, compared with 3.2% among LDD with no lumbar fusion patients at 2 years (p = 0.021). Following multivariate analysis, lumbar fusion patients were at increased risk of all-cause revision surgery (OR: 1.402; 95% CI: 1.362–1.445; p = 0.028), aseptic loosening (OR: 1.432; 95% CI: 1.376–1.489; p = 0.042), and periprosthetic fracture (OR: 1.302; 95% CI: 1.218–1.392; p = 0.037). Based on these findings, TKA candidates with preoperative LDD should be counseled that TKA outcome may be impaired by the coexistence of lumbar spine degenerative disease. This is Level III therapeutic study.
Changing Landscape of Dravet Syndrome Management: An Overview
Authors: Samanta Debopam
Published: February 2020

Dravet syndrome (DS), previously known as severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy, is a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy caused by loss-of-function mutations in one copy of SCN1A (haploinsufficiency), located on chromosome 2q24, with decreased function of Nav1.1 sodium channels in GABAergic inhibitory interneurons. Pharmacoresistant seizures in DS start in the infancy in the form of hemiclonic febrile status epilepticus. Later, other intractable seizure types develop including myoclonic seizures. Early normal development in infancy evolves into moderate to severe intellectual impairment, motor impairment, behavioral abnormalities, and later a characteristic crouching gait. Clobazam, valproate, levetiracetam, topiramate, zonisamide, ketogenic diet, and vagus nerve stimulation had been shown to be effective, but even with polytherapy, only 10% of patients get adequate seizure control. The author provides a narrative review of the current treatment paradigm as well as recent advances in the management of DS based on a comprehensive literature review (MEDLINE using PubMed and OvidSP vendors with appropriate keywords to incorporate recent evidence), personal practice, and experience. In recent years, the treatment paradigm of DS is changing with the approval of pharmaceutical-grade cannabidiol oil and stiripentol. Another novel antiepileptic drug (AED), fenfluramine, had also shown excellent efficacy in phase 3 studies of DS. However, these AEDs primarily control seizures without addressing the underlying pathogenesis and other important common comorbidities such as cognitive impairment, autistic behavior, neuropsychiatric abnormalities, and motor impairment including crouching gait. Several agents targeted for DS are in the developmental stage: TAK935, lorcaserin, clemizole, huperzine analog, ataluren, selective sodium channel modulators and activators, antisense oligonucleotide therapy, and adenoviral vector therapy. As DS is associated with a high risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, seizure detection devices can be used in this population for testing and clinical validation of these devices.
Platelet Inhibition in Acute Coronary Syndrome and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Insights from the Past and Present
Authors: Gorog Diana A. , Geisler Tobias
Published: February 2020

Platelet activation and aggregation have a pivotal role in arterial thrombosis and in the pathogenesis of both acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and in the thrombotic complications that occur in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The past 30 years has seen the progress from early trials of clopidogrel and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors to the application of more potent P2Y12 inhibitors prasugrel and ticagrelor. Early enthusiasm for newer and more potent antiplatelet agents, which could reduce ischemic events, has led to the understanding of the importance of bleeding and a desire to individualize and optimize treatment. It has increasingly become apparent that the potency and duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) has to reflect the balance between ischemic and bleeding risk. Recently, multiple strategies have been proposed to individualize DAPT intensity and duration to reduce the bleeding and ischemic risks. Strategies of de-escalation of DAPT intensity, as well as shorter (less than a year) or more prolonged (beyond a year) treatment have been proposed, as well as platelet function test and genotype guidance of P2Y12 inhibitor therapy. Herein, we provide an overview of the progress in the field of antiplatelet therapy for ACS and PCI over the years, showing the current directions of travel. Ongoing studies focusing on personalized antiplatelet treatment will hopefully yield further insight into ways of optimizing outcomes for the individual.
FINGERPRINT ANALYSIS OF ETHNIC FEMALE KUWAITIS
Authors: Kumar Arunachalam
Published: February 2020

Fingerprint patterns and palmar dermatoglyphics have, over the decades not only been of significant application in identity establishment in forensics, but also played an adjunct role in diagnosis and confirmation of quite a few medical afflictions and syndromes.

Many data banks on fingerprint profiles covering gender and diverse populations, ethnic groups and occupations have been compiled and are readily available for application and analysis. Observations of oddities, peculiarities or exclusiveness in print patterns across peoples have led to the accumulation of reliable markers that aid diagnostics and in specific assignments based on sex, disease, inheritance (both genotype and phenotype) and in classifications.

This paper presents observations on fingerprint patterns and their variations found in adult Kuwaiti females from the Middle-east. A total of 360 prints were collected and results were collated for analysis. The results show a distinct difference in pattern in this ethnic populace, an increased frequency in ulnar loops. This undertaking, to my knowledge, is the first ever to cover a native Arab, could form the nucleus for more such and larger scale studies.
TEMPERO-MANDIBULAR JOINT: THE KINETICS OF ELEVATION & DEPRESSION
Authors: Kumar Arunachalam , Shetty Ashwin , Shetty Urvashi , Kumar Savinaya , C. Harsha
Published: February 2020

The temperomandibular joint (TMJ) is a multiaxial ginlymoarthrodial synovial joint endowed with a capacity to perform a wide range of movements , primarily through its bicondylar mandibule freely articulating with a stationary (fixed) fossa of the squamous temporal. This short paper elaborates on an odd, yet possible, movement that can be performed by the joint: An illusory and paradoxical 'depression' that can result by a reversal in the roles of the two articulating bones, the mandible and the temporal. Whereas in classical depression, the TMJ utilizes two axises, the same joint during performance of the reversed articulation uses just a single axis to achieve an identical final outcome, separation of the alveolar ridges of two bones.

This paper here discusses the kinetics and articular dynamics that coordinate the plethora of performed or possible movements with special reference and a closer observation of the depression – elevation sequence.
TRANSPOSITIONAL AUTOKERATOPLASTY
Authors: Pai Vijay , Shetty Jayaram , Amin Hrishikesh
Published: February 2020

Rejection is the most common cause for corneal graft failure1,2. Therefore, for obvious reason, ideal material for corneal graft is the host's own cornea, either from the same eye or the fellow eye, which is totally blind from the cause that leaves the cornea healthy and intact or possibly, from an identical twin, that has a cornea to spare for the same reason. Herewith, we report a case of Transpositional Autokeratoplasty.
LIPOSARCOMA OF SPERMATIC CORD PRESENTING AS INDIRECT INGUINAL HERNIA- A RARE CASE REPORT
Authors: K. Padma Shetty , Permi Harish S. , Mathias Michelle , Prasad Kishan , S. Teerthanath , K. Jayaprakash Shetty
Published: February 2020

Liposarcoma in the inguinal region though rare are clinically significant lesions. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult since the clinical findings are very similar to that of inguinal hernia. We report a rare case of Liposarcoma of the spermatic cord in 85 year old male, clinically diagnosed as left sided indirect inguinal hernia. Surgical excision specimen showed multiple globular lipomatous masses which were yellowish and grey tan with areas of myxoid degeneration and necrosis seen. Microscopic examination showed adipocytes arranged in lobules with numerous blood vessels, lipoblasts and myxoid stroma confirming the diagnosis of myxoid liposarcoma. He is on regular follow up since two years without any recurrence or metastasis. Our case report highlights the importance of sampling and examination of fatty masses in the inguinal region to rule out the possibility of liposarcoma as they are mistaken for lipoma at surgery.
LARYNGECTOMY: FROM STRIDOR TO SURVIVAL- OUR EXPERIENCE
Authors: Bhandary Satheesh Kumar , Bhat Vadish S. , Shenoy M. Shwetha
Published: February 2020

Laryngeal cancer is among the commonest cancers in the body. It constitutes one fifth of all head and neck cancers. India accounts for 17% of the world burden. Even though it is curable in early stages, majority of them in India present in the later stages due to ignorance and poverty. The mainstay of treatment in advanced cases is total laryngectomy, with or without post operative radiotherapy which results in loss of voice. However, by speech rehabilitation and by modification of the technique in the form of near total laryngectomy, these patients can be assured of good quality disease free survival.
Political alienation and referendums: how political alienation was related to support for Brexit
Authors: Fox Stuart
Published: February 2020

A common interpretation of the UK’s Brexit vote is that it was an expression of anti-establishment sentiment, outrage and dismay from a politically alienated majority. This line of thinking suggests Brexit, like the electoral appeal of Donald Trump and parties such as the Five Star Movement, is but the latest manifestation of a growing disconnect between Western citizens and their democratic institutions. The direct role of political alienation in building support for such anti-establishment causes has, however, barely been examined. This study addresses this gap and uses previous literature on political alienation to build a model to test the claim that Brexit was (at least in part) driven by political alienation in UK citizens. The analyses show that while political alienation did have a substantial effect in making some citizens more likely to support Brexit—specifically those who lacked trust in the integrity of the political elite and felt that the political system was unresponsive—its impact overall was limited. Moreover, claims that Brexit was driven by political alienation understate how alienated from politics most people who were opposed to it also feel.
Current-induced spin–orbit torque efficiencies in W/Pt/Co/Pt heterostructures
Authors: Chen Tsung-Yi , Liao Wei-Bang , Chen Tian-Yue , Tsai Tsung-Yu , Peng Cheng-Wei , Pai Chi-Feng
Published: February 2020

We study the damping-like spin–orbit torque (DL-SOT) efficiencies in W/Pt/Co/Pt multilayer structures by the current-induced hysteresis loop shift measurement and current-induced magnetization switching measurement. It is known that transition metals W and Pt possess spin Hall ratios with opposite signs, and therefore, the DL-SOT efficiencies in these multilayer structures may become zero with a certain W/Pt thickness combination. In this work, we show that indeed the zero DL-SOT efficiency can be achieved in such a structure, and the efficiency can evolve from negative (W-dominated) to positive (Pt-dominated) depending on the relative thickness of W and Pt. More importantly, we did not observe field-free switching when the W/Pt combination gives zero DL-SOT efficiency, which is in contrast to a recent report [Ma et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 117703 (2018)]. By further considering a simple spin diffusion model, we find that DL-SOT efficiencies ξDLPt=0.12 and ξDLW=−0.13 for the Pt and W layer, respectively, in our multilayer system. We also show that the Pt(2)/Co(0.5)/Pt(2) symmetric structure is a robust perpendicular magnetization anisotropy multilayer that can be employed on W or other spin Hall materials to characterize their DL-SOT efficiencies.
Ultrasound beam steering with flattened acoustic metamaterial Luneburg lens
Authors: Zhao Liuxian , Laredo Eitan , Ryan Olivia , Yazdkhasti Amirhossein , Kim Hyun-Tae , Ganye Randy , Horiuchi Timothy , Yu Miao
Published: February 2020

We report ultrasound beam steering based on 2D and 3D flattened acoustic metamaterial Luneburg lenses at 40 kHz. The effective properties of the lenses are obtained by using the quasi-conformal transformation technique and solving the Laplace equation with Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions. A 2D lens and a 3D lens were designed and fabricated. The numerical and experimental results with these lenses demonstrate excellent beam steering performance of ultrasonic waves in both near field and far field.
The MRCC program system: Accurate quantum chemistry from water to proteins
Authors: Kállay Mihály , Nagy Péter R. , Mester Dávid , Rolik Zoltán , Samu Gyula , Csontos József , Csóka József , Szabó P. Bernát , Gyevi-Nagy László , Hégely Bence , Ladjánszki István , Szegedy Lóránt , Ladóczki Bence , Petrov Klára , Farkas Máté , Mezei Pál D. , Ganyecz Ádám
Published: February 2020

MRCC is a package of ab initio and density functional quantum chemistry programs for accurate electronic structure calculations. The suite has efficient implementations of both low- and high-level correlation methods, such as second-order Møller–Plesset (MP2), random-phase approximation (RPA), second-order algebraic-diagrammatic construction [ADC(2)], coupled-cluster (CC), configuration interaction (CI), and related techniques. It has a state-of-the-art CC singles and doubles with perturbative triples [CCSD(T)] code, and its specialties, the arbitrary-order iterative and perturbative CC methods developed by automated programming tools, enable achieving convergence with regard to the level of correlation. The package also offers a collection of multi-reference CC and CI approaches. Efficient implementations of density functional theory (DFT) and more advanced combined DFT-wave function approaches are also available. Its other special features, the highly competitive linear-scaling local correlation schemes, allow for MP2, RPA, ADC(2), CCSD(T), and higher-order CC calculations for extended systems. Local correlation calculations can be considerably accelerated by multi-level approximations and DFT-embedding techniques, and an interface to molecular dynamics software is provided for quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations. All components of MRCC support shared-memory parallelism, and multi-node parallelization is also available for various methods. For academic purposes, the package is available free of charge.
Molecular chemisorption of N2 on IrO2(110)
Authors: Martin R. , Kim M. , Lee C. J. , Shariff M. S. , Feng F. , Meyer R. J. , Asthagiri A. , Weaver J. F.
Published: February 2020

We investigated adsorption of N2 on stoichiometric and O-rich IrO2(110) surfaces using temperature programmed desorption (TPD) experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. TPD shows that N2 desorbs predominantly from the stoichiometric-IrO2(110) surface in a well-defined peak at 270 K for N2 coverages below about 0.5 ML and that a shoulder centered near 235 K develops in the N2 TPD traces as the coverage approaches saturation, indicating that adsorbed N2 molecules destabilize at high N2 coverages. Experiments of N2 adsorption onto O-rich IrO2(110) surfaces provide evidence that N2 adsorbs exclusively on the coordinatively unsaturated Ir atoms (Ircus) of the surface and that pre-adsorbed O-atoms (“on-top” oxygen) stabilize adsorbed N2 molecules, causing the main N2 TPD peak to shift toward higher temperature with increasing oxygen coverages. Consistent with prior results, our DFT calculations predict that an N2 molecule preferentially adsorbs into an upright configuration on an Ircus atom of the IrO2(110) surface and achieves a binding energy of about 100 kJ/mol. The computed binding energy agrees well with our experimental estimate of ∼90 kJ/mol for low N2 coverages on stoichiometric IrO2(110). The DFT calculations also quantitatively reproduce the observed stabilization of N2 by co-adsorption on-top O-atoms and predict the destabilization of N2 on IrO2(110) as the N2 adlayer becomes crowded at high coverages.
Growth of visible-light-responsive ferroelectric SbSI thin films by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Inagaki S. , Nakamura M. , Hatada H. , Nishino R. , Kagawa F. , Tokura Y. , Kawasaki M.
Published: February 2020

Photoresponsive ferroelectrics are recently under intense study due to their potential application to photovoltaic devices. Antimony sulfoiodide (SbSI) is a prototypical compound that possesses both ferroelectricity and a strong visible-light-response. However, most of the SbSI films reported so far have a polycrystalline structure with a randomly oriented polarization axis. In this study, we have fabricated c-axis textured SbSI thin films through annealing of amorphous films deposited in a molecular beam epitaxy system, employing Sb2S3 and SbI3 sources. The fabricated films are highly uniform and have the polarization axis ordered vertical to the film plane. We have confirmed that the films show a strong visible-light-response and ferroelectricity in accord with bulk samples. These results will stimulate the development of photovoltaics employing narrow bandgap ferroelectric compounds.
Carbon dangling-bond center (carbon Pb center) at 4H-SiC(0001)/SiO2 interface
Authors: Umeda T. , Kobayashi T. , Sometani M. , Yano H. , Matsushita Y. , Harada S.
Published: February 2020

We identify a carbon dangling-bond center intrinsically formed at thermally oxidized 4H-SiC(0001)/SiO2 interfaces. Our electrically detected-magnetic-resonance spectroscopy and first-principles calculations demonstrate that this center, which we name “the PbC center,” is formed at a carbon adatom on the 4H-SiC(0001) honeycomb-like structure. The PbC center (Si3≡C-, where “-” represents an unpaired electron) is determined to be a just carbon version of the famous Pb center (Si dangling-bond center, Si3≡Si-) at Si(111)/SiO2 interfaces because we found close similarities between their wave functions. The PbC center acts as one of the major interfacial traps in 4H-SiC(0001) metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), which decreases the free-carrier density and the field-effect mobility of 4H-SiC(0001) MOSFETs. The formation of the PbC centers has the role of reducing the oxidation-induced strain, similar to the case of the formation of the Pb centers.
Using non-systematically collected data to evaluate the conservation status of elusive species: a case study on Australia’s Oenpelli python
Authors: Gillespie Graeme R. , Fukuda Yusuke , McDonald Peter
Published: February 2020

Abstract ContextSpecies conservation assessments require information on distribution, habitat requirements and population demography and trends. Uncertain conservation assessments limit effective planning and may lead to poor management decisions. Top-order predators generally receive considerable attention from ecologists and conservation biologists, with the notable exception of large pythons and boas. They are typically elusive and have low population densities, posing challenges for ecological research and monitoring. Ecological and demographic data are lacking for most large snake species and are generally inadequate to properly assess conservation status or to evaluate their broader ecological roles. The Oenpelli python (Simalia oenpelliensis) is Australia’s second-longest snake species, but remains one of the least-known of the world’s pythons. AimsWe sought to use non-systematically collected data from multiple sources to evaluate Oenpelli python population trends and habitat associations, and to assess its conservation status. MethodsWe identified a priori biases in data and evaluated their influences on environmental models and temporal variability in reporting patterns. We then used these findings to assess the conservation status of this species, identify knowledge gaps, and refine future survey and monitoring methods. Key resultsOenpelli python records were strongly associated with monsoon rainforest, sandstone outcrops and perennial streams, irrespective of detection biases. Total area of occupancy was estimated to be 19252km2. Detection patterns were strongly seasonal and associated with periods of low rainfall and low moonlight, informing better-targeted survey and monitoring methods with improved sensitivity. ConclusionsOenpelli pythons have a highly fragmented distribution owing to their strong association with monsoon rainforest. This habitat is likely to provide more food resources and refuge from high temperatures than are the surrounding savanna woodlands. Detection probability should improve by surveying Oenpelli pythons in September on moonless nights and following periods of high rainfall. Taking a precautionary approach, the Oenpelli python qualifies as Vulnerable under IUCN criteria, supporting its current Red List and Northern Territory Government status. ImplicationsNon-systematically collected data on poorly known species can be used to improve conservation assessments where there may otherwise be high uncertainty. The present study also highlighted the paucity of ecological knowledge of large iconic snake species globally.
What influence does resistance exercise order have on muscular strength gains and muscle hypertrophy? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Nunes João Pedro , Grgic Jozo , Cunha Paolo M. , Ribeiro Alex S. , Schoenfeld Brad J. , de Salles Belmiro F. , Cyrino Edilson S.
Published: February 2020

The objectives of this paper were to: (a) systematically review studies that explored the effects of exercise order (EO) on muscular strength and/or hypertrophy; (b) pool their results using a meta‐analysis; and (c) provide recommendations for the prescription of EO in resistance training (RT) programmes. A literature search was performed in four databases. Studies were included if they explored the effects of EO on dynamic muscular strength and/or muscle hypertrophy. The meta‐analysis was performed using a random‐effects model with Hedges’ g effect size (ES). The methodological quality of studies was appraised using the TESTEX checklist. Eleven good‐to‐excellent methodological quality studies were included in the review. When all strength tests, that is, both in multi‐joint (MJ) and single‐joint (SJ) exercises were considered, there was no difference between the EOs (ES = −0.11; p = 0.306). However, there was a difference between the MJ‐to‐SJ and SJ‐to‐MJ orders for strength gains in the MJ exercises, favouring starting the exercise session with MJ exercises (ES = 0.32; p = 0.034), and the strength gains in the SJ exercises, favouring starting the exercise session with SJ exercises (ES = −0.58; p = 0.032). No significant effect of EO was observed for hypertrophy combining site‐specific and indirect measures (ES = 0.03; p = 0.862). In conclusion, increases in muscular strength are the largest in the exercises performed at the beginning of an exercise session. For muscle hypertrophy, our meta‐analysis indicated that both MJ‐to‐SJ and SJ‐to‐MJ EOs may produce similar results.
Pro-inflammatory activation following demyelination is required for myelin clearance and oligodendrogenesis
Authors: Cunha Maria Inês , Su Minhui , Cantuti-Castelvetri Ludovico , Müller Stephan A. , Schifferer Martina , Djannatian Minou , Alexopoulos Ioannis , van der Meer Franziska , Winkler Anne , van Ham Tjakko J. , Schmid Bettina , Lichtenthaler Stefan F. , Stadelmann Christine , Simons Mikael
Published: February 2020

Remyelination requires innate immune system function, but how exactly microglia and macrophages clear myelin debris after injury and tailor a specific regenerative response is unclear. Here, we asked whether pro-inflammatory microglial/macrophage activation is required for this process. We established a novel toxin-based spinal cord model of de- and remyelination in zebrafish and showed that pro-inflammatory NF-κB–dependent activation in phagocytes occurs rapidly after myelin injury. We found that the pro-inflammatory response depends on myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88). MyD88-deficient mice and zebrafish were not only impaired in the degradation of myelin debris, but also in initiating the generation of new oligodendrocytes for myelin repair. We identified reduced generation of TNF-α in lesions of MyD88-deficient animals, a pro-inflammatory molecule that was able to induce the generation of new premyelinating oligodendrocytes. Our study shows that pro-inflammatory phagocytic signaling is required for myelin debris degradation, for inflammation resolution, and for initiating the generation of new oligodendrocytes.
The Dual Landscape Model of Adaptation and Niche Construction
Authors: Tanaka Mark M. , Godfrey-Smith Peter , Kerr Benjamin
Published: February 2020

Wright’s “adaptive landscape” has been influential in evolutionary thinking but controversial, especially because the landscape that organisms encounter is altered by the evolutionary process itself and the effects organisms have on their environments. Lewontin offered a mathematical heuristic describing the coupling of niche construction and adaptive evolution. Here, we propose a “dual landscape” model to view these relationships. Our model represents change as simultaneous movement on two landscapes, each a function of phenotype and environment. This model clarifies the evolutionary feedback generated by niche construction. We relate our model to Lewontin’s niche construction equations and illustrate it with three examples.
How We Think about Human Nature: The Naturalizing Error
Authors: Allchin Douglas , Werth Alexander J.
Published: February 2020

History is littered with scientifically ill-founded claims about human nature. They frequently appear in normative contexts, projecting ideology or values onto nature (what we call the naturalizing error). In considering a remedy, we adopt a naturalized epistemology approach to how we think about human nature. The “nature” in “human nature” fosters unproductive essentialist thinking, epitomized in the adage “a tiger cannot change its stripes.” Universalist, fixist, and teleological perspectives each erode epistemic reasoning and blur the distinction between normative and descriptive justification. We articulate strategies to guide more responsible claims about human nature in science and science communication.
Macroscopic and parametric study of a kinetic plasma expansion in a paraxial magnetic nozzle
Authors: Ahedo E , Correyero S , Navarro-Cavallé Jaume , Merino M
Published: February 2020

A kinetic paraxial model of a collisionless plasma stationary expansion in a convergent-divergent magnetic nozzle (MN) is analyzed. Monoenergetic and Maxwellian velocity distribution functions of upstream ions are compared, leading to differences in the expansion only on second and higher-order velocity moments. Individual and collective magnetic mirror effects are analyzed. Collective ones are small on the electron population since only a weak temperature anisotropy develops, but they are significant on the ions all over the nozzle. Momentum and energy equations for ions and electrons are assessed based on the kinetic solution. The ion response is different in the hot and cold limits, with the anisotropic pressure tensor being relevant in the first case. Heat fluxes of parallel and perpendicular energies have a dominant role in the electron energy equations. They do not fulfill a Fourier-type law; they are large even when electrons are near isothermal. A crude electron fluid closure based on a constant diffusion-to-convective thermal energy ratio is shown equivalent to the much invoked polytropic law. Analytical dimensionless parameter laws are derived for the nozzle total electric potential fall and the downstream residual electron temperature. Electron confinement and related current control by a thin Debye sheath and a semi-infinite divergent MN are compared.
Identifying influential spreaders in complex networks based on entropy weight method and gravity law*
Authors: Yan Xiao-Li , Cui Ya-Peng , Ni Shun-Jiang
Published: February 2020

In complex networks, identifying influential spreader is of great significance for improving the reliability of networks and ensuring the safe and effective operation of networks. Nowadays, it is widely used in power networks, aviation networks, computer networks, and social networks, and so on. Traditional centrality methods mainly include degree centrality, closeness centrality, betweenness centrality, eigenvector centrality, k-shell, etc. However, single centrality method is one-sided and inaccurate, and sometimes many nodes have the same centrality value, namely the same ranking result, which makes it difficult to distinguish between nodes. According to several classical methods of identifying influential nodes, in this paper we propose a novel method that is more full-scaled and universally applicable. Taken into account in this method are several aspects of node’s properties, including local topological characteristics, central location of nodes, propagation characteristics, and properties of neighbor nodes. In view of the idea of the multi-attribute decision-making, we regard the basic centrality method as node’s attribute and use the entropy weight method to weigh different attributes, and obtain node’s combined centrality. Then, the combined centrality is applied to the gravity law to comprehensively identify influential nodes in networks. Finally, the classical susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) model is used to simulate the epidemic spreading in six real-society networks. Our proposed method not only considers the four topological properties of nodes, but also emphasizes the influence of neighbor nodes from the aspect of gravity. It is proved that the new method can effectively overcome the disadvantages of single centrality method and increase the accuracy of identifying influential nodes, which is of great significance for monitoring and controlling the complex networks.
Improvement of high-frequency properties of Co2FeSi Heusler films by ultrathin Ru underlayer*
Authors: Wang Cuiling , Zhang Shouheng , Li Shandong , Du Honglei , Zhao Guoxia , Cao Derang
Published: February 2020

Heusler Co2FeSi films with a uniaxial magnetic anisotropy and high ferromagnetic resonance frequency f
r were deposited by an oblique sputtering technique on Ru underlayers with various thicknesses t
Ru from 0 nm to 5 nm. It is revealed that the Ru underlayers reduce the grain size of Co2FeSi, dramatically enhance the magnetic anisotropy field H
K induced by the internal stress from 242 Oe (1 Oe = 79.5775 A⋅m−1) to 582 Oe with an increment ratio of 2.4, while a low damping coefficient remains. The result of damping implies that the continuous interface between Ru and Co2FeSi induces a large in-plane anisotropic field without introducing additional external damping. As a result, excellent high-frequency soft magnetic properties with f
r up to 6.69 GHz are achieved.
Between adaptive capacity and action: new insights into climate change adaptation at the household scale
Authors: Mortreux Colette , O’Neill Saffron , Barnett Jon
Published: February 2020

Research on social vulnerability and adaptation to climate change assumes that increasing amounts of adaptive capacity increase the likelihood of actions to adapt to climate change. We test this assumption as it applies at the scale of households, through a study of the relationship between adaptive capacity and household actions to adapt to wildfire risk in Mount Dandenong, Australia. Here we show a weak relationship exists between adaptive capacity and adaptation, such that high adaptive capacity does not clearly result in a correspondingly high level of adaptation. Three factors appear to mediate the relationship between household adaptive capacity and adaptation: their attitude to risk, their experience of risk, and their expectations of authorities. The findings suggest that to understand the adaptation practices of households, greater attention needs to be paid to socio-psychological factors that trigger people to apply their available capacities.
Camus, son of France in Algeria
Authors: Gloag Oliver
Published: February 2020

To grasp fully and appreciate Camus’s achievements and the ambiguity of his works, it is important to consider the historical situation that shaped his formative years. Albert Camus (1913–60) was a French citizen born in Algeria. He would live there from his birth until the middle of the Second World War. ‘Camus, son of France in Algeria’ outlines the structure of Algeria under the rule of the French Republic and the early education of Camus and his two major mentors, Louis Germain and Jean Grenier. It also documents his ill-health, unsuccessful first marriage, his early writing, and introduction to politics through membership of the Communist Party.
Camus and Algeria
Authors: Gloag Oliver
Published: February 2020

Camus was always ambivalent about colonialism in Algeria and this ambivalence greatly affected him. Camus pushed for more rights to be granted to Algerians after the war, but stopped short of asking for voting rights for all. Camus was to be the advocate for peace and compromise, with one objective in mind: for Algeria to remain French. ‘Camus and Algeria’ considers how the long-repressed colonial reality began slowly to emerge in Camus’s fiction, until it eventually took centre stage. It discusses The Exile and the Kingdom, a collection of short stories that was the last of Camus’s fiction published in his lifetime, and his posthumous novel, The First Man.
4. Laboratory examination: search, recovery, analysis
Authors: Fraser Jim
Published: February 2020

‘Laboratory investigation: search, recovery, analysis’ outlines the various stages of recovering, documenting, and analysing evidence. It describes the types of examinations carried out, different laboratory structures, the range of analytic methods available, and the specific scientific and legal procedures required to meet the standards of criminal law. The importance of minimizing contamination, maintaining continuity (chain of custody), and quality assurance are also explained. Locating and identifying blood, semen, saliva, and other biological materials form a routine aspect of forensic biology. It is important when performing and recording laboratory investigation to separate fact (e.g. from test results) from the forensic scientist’s own opinion.
8. Drugs and toxicology
Authors: Fraser Jim
Published: February 2020

‘Drugs and toxicology’ provides an overview of the range and complexity of forensic drug examination. The work of a forensic toxicologist involves the analysis of body fluids and tissues to determine the presence or absence of drugs in the living or the dead. The effects of drugs such as cannabis, heroin, new psychoactive substances, GHB, and alcohol are considered. Following an initial drug screening, the most common analytical techniques for identifying and quantifying drugs are various combinations of liquid chromatography and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. Once a drug has been identified, the next question that arises is: what is the significance of this?
Marine Biology: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Mladenov Philip V.
Published: February 2020

The oceans are our planet’s most distinctive and imposing natural habitat. Marine Biology: A Very Short Introduction explores the marine environment and the nature of life in the oceans, emphasizing their significance to our planet and human society. The new edition updates the discussion of the impacts of human activities on ocean life, including overfishing, plastic pollution, and ocean warming and acidification. It discusses the threats these pose to our welfare, and the actions required to put us on a path to a more sustainable relationship with our oceans so that they can be restored and protected for future generations. A new chapter offers an aspirational vision for the state of the Global Ocean in 2050.
3. Life in the coastal ocean
Authors: Mladenov Philip V.
Published: February 2020

The coastal regions of the Global Ocean comprise a narrow strip of ocean extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf. This coastal ocean environment accounts for only about 7 per cent of the area of the Global Ocean, but it is of huge importance to human society. Roughly 44 per cent of the human population lives within 150 kilometres of a coast, meaning that the coastal ocean is heavily impacted by human activities. ‘Life in the coastal ocean’ describes the kelp bed habitats, the seagrass meadows, and soft-bottom communities, before considering the impact of harmful phytoplankton blooms, biological invasions, and the increase in plastic debris in our oceans.
5. Marine life in the tropics
Authors: Mladenov Philip V.
Published: February 2020

The tropical marine environment encompasses those parts of the Global Ocean where the surface waters are consistently warm throughout the year, rarely falling below 20°C. Coral reefs embody the archetypal image of a tropical marine environment and are globally significant natural systems in terms of their beauty, biological diversity, productivity, and economic significance. ‘Marine life in the tropics’ explains the physical requirements, biology, and productivity of coral reefs. It discusses the physical and biological disturbances on coral reefs that can cause their destruction along with the local-, regional-, and global-scale human impacts on coral reefs before considering the future of coral reefs.
8. Food from the oceans
Authors: Mladenov Philip V.
Published: February 2020

Humans have been harvesting food from the oceans for millennia. This would have begun as small-scale subsistence fishing in coastal waters, but with more experience and as population numbers increased, it evolved into a wide-ranging commercial enterprise. Now fishing the oceans takes place globally at an industrial scale and provides the human population with its last significant source of wild food. ‘Food from the oceans’ considers the historical expansion of seafood harvesting; commercial fishing methods and their effects; commercially exploited marine species; trends in the global seafood catch; and the role of marine protected areas in the management and future of marine fisheries.
9. The future of our oceans
Authors: Mladenov Philip V.
Published: February 2020

Current marine ecosystems have profoundly changed since the pre-industrial era and the pace of change has accelerated greatly over the past four decades. What will be the state of our oceans in 2050? Are we capable of plotting a new course and reversing many of the most severe impacts we have had on the oceans so far? ‘The future of our oceans’ explains that recent studies have shown that no ocean wilderness remains anywhere on the planet since the impacts of climate change and human activities are so widespread and unmanageable. The challenge now is to find ways to stabilize and prevent the further degradation of marine ecosystems and embark on a path of ocean restoration.
A Man at Twenty, Aged at Twenty-Five: The Conscription Exam Age in Japan
Authors: Chatani Sayaka
Published: February 2020

In the early 1870s, when the Meiji Japanese government introduced the universal army conscription system, the age at which the conscription exam was administered, set at twenty, became a critical moment in people’s lives. Although the Japanese army itself has gained much scholarly attention, the arbitrariness of its age stipulation directs us to an underexplored yet critical intersection between society and the state. Age twenty reprogrammed the rhythms of rural farming life and redefined the meanings of masculinity and adulthood for people far beyond those actually drafted into the army. Politicians and youth themselves linked this calendar age to the future of Japan’s liberal democracy and the autonomous space free of bureaucratic intervention. The history of age twenty, which was all about translating fuzzy life stages into acutely clear calendar ages, reveals a moment in which people attempted to turn a cultural and discursive power into a form of authoritative power that lay beyond negotiation, even vis-à-vis the government itself.
Making Sense of the Interpreter Role in a Healthcare Service-learning Program
Authors: Showstack Rachel E
Published: February 2020

This study examines the interpreter role among students who serve as interpreters in a community health clinic system in the Midwestern USA as part of a community health-themed service-learning course for advanced Spanish students. Drawing on Positioning Theory (Davies and Harré 1990), I consider the ways in which three second language learners and three heritage speakers who participated in the program describe their roles as interpreters with reference to the Code of Ethics, negotiate their roles with the medical students and doctors also serving at the clinic, and make sense of moments in which they chose to advocate for the patients, or otherwise provide assistance to them, beyond interpreting. Each student encountered different types of challenges that reflected their individual backgrounds and experiences, and these challenges led to reflection, learning, and new perspectives on their roles in providing patient care. The article problematizes the role of bilingual student interpreters in community health programs and offers recommendations for preparing students to provide the highest possible quality of healthcare for speakers of minoritized languages.
Rapidly expanding saphenous vein graft myoctic aneurysm causing ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a case report
Authors: Ray Max , McGee Michael , Collins Nicholas , Cooke Heather
Published: February 2020

Background 

Mycotic aneurysms of coronary vein grafts are rare and associated with high mortality. They are most commonly a result of surgical or percutaneous intervention, and present with complications including myocardial infarction (MI), infective endocarditis. A recent literature review identified 97 cases of mycotic coronary aneurysms in total.

Case summary

A 49-year-old man with a history of coronary artery bypass grafting and septic arthrithis presented with chest pain and fevers and ST elevation on electrocardiogram. Urgent angiogram showed an aneurysmal saphenous vein graft from the PL branch to PDA—no acute intervention was performed due to concern about bacteraemia. Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was grown in urine and blood but no focus of infection was identified. Despite treatment with antibiotics and antiplatelets, the patient returned with evidence of expansion of the SVG aneurysm requiring surgical resection.

Discussion 

This case highlights the difficulty in treating acute coronary syndromes involving mycotic aneurysms. Multimodal imaging approaches are useful to identify suspected infection, but false negatives occur. Due to high risk of rupture or haemorrhage, there are limited options for urgent reperfusion in cases of MI with mycotic aneurysm, demonstrating the need for an individualized approach and close follow-up.
Taxing Top Earners: a Human Capital Perspective
Authors: Badel Alejandro , Huggett Mark , Luo Wenlan
Published: February 2020

An established view is that the revenue maximising top tax rate for the US is approximately 73%. In contrast, the revenue maximising top tax rate is approximately 49% in our quantitative human capital model. The key reason for the lower top tax rate is the presence of two new forces not captured by the model underlying the established view. These new forces are strengthened by the endogenous response of top earners’ human capital to a change in the top tax rate.
Child health research and planning in Europe disadvantaged by major gaps and disparities in published statistics
Authors: Rigby Michael J , Deshpande Shalmali , Blair Mitch E
Published: February 2020

Background

Population data, such as mortality and morbidity statistics, are essential for many reasons, including giving context for research, supporting action on health determinants, formulation of evidence-based policy for health care and outcome evaluation. However, when considering children, it is difficult to find such data, despite children comprising one-fifth of the European population and being in a key formative life stage and dependent on societal support. Moreover, it would be expected that there should be confidence in the key child health data available, with little to no discrepancy between recognized health statistic databases.

Methods

This study explored the main health databases in or including Europe to collate child mortality data, for both all-cause and specific-cause mortality. Tables were constructed for comparison of values and rankings.

Results

The results show that there are major differences in reported mortality data between two prominent health statistic databases, difference in coding systems, and unannounced changes within one of the databases.

Conclusions

The lack of health data for children seems compounded by challenges to the trust and credibility, which are vital if these data are to have utility. Children and society are the losers, and resolution is needed as a priority.
Leaders and Default
Authors: Shea Patrick , Poast Paul
Published: February 2020

Sovereign default is a political decision. While previous research on sovereign credit markets focuses on economic causes, domestic constraints, or international reputation to explain why states default, we focus on leaders. We argue that leaders who come to power under irregular circumstances are more likely to default. Irregular leaders are themselves more vulnerable to turnover and therefore prioritize the short-term benefits of default rather than the long-term benefits of repayment. In addition, irregular regime transitions offer new leaders a way to obfuscate responsibility, thus limiting the reputational costs of default. Our analysis of sovereign defaults and leadership transitions from 1875 to 2015 support our claims. Across various model specifications, we find that irregular leadership change increases the odds of default onset by over 300 percent.