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Characterizing interface trap states in commercial wide bandgap devices using frequency-based measurements requires unconventionally high probing frequencies to account for both fast and slow traps associated with wide bandgap materials. The C − ψ S technique has been suggested as a viable quasi-static method for determining the interface trap state densities in wide bandgap systems, but the results are shown to be susceptible to errors in the analysis procedure. This work explores the primary sources of errors present in the C − ψ S technique using an analytical model that describes the apparent response for wide bandgap MOS capacitor devices. Measurement noise is shown to greatly impact the linear fitting routine of the 1 / C S ∗ 2 vs ψ S plot to calibrate the additive constant in the surface potential/gate voltage relationship, and an inexact knowledge of the oxide capacitance is also shown to impede interface trap state analysis near the band edge. In addition, a slight nonlinearity that is typically present throughout the 1 / C S ∗ 2 vs ψ S plot hinders the accurate estimation of interface trap densities, which is demonstrated for a fabricated n-SiC MOS capacitor device. Methods are suggested to improve quasi-static analysis, including a novel method to determine an approximate integration constant without relying on a linear fitting routine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N incorporation mechanisms in GaAs1−xNx alloys are probed using combined experimental and computational Rutherford backscattering spectrometry and nuclear reaction analysis angular yield scans. For xN < 0.025, in addition to substitutional nitrogen, NAs, (N-N)As, and (N-As)As split-interstitials are observed. However, for xN ≥ 0.025, evidence for N tetrahedral interstitials, Ntetra, emerges. We propose a mechanism for stabilization of Ntetra in which the elastic interaction between Ntetra and NAs is induced by the opposite signs of their misfit volumes. This work opens opportunities for exploring the formation of Ntetra and its influence on the properties of a variety of highly mismatched alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, people can choose to donate their bodies post-mortem to Medical School Anatomy Units. The body donation (BD) process is facilitated by anatomy unit staff (AUS). However, little is known about the extent and nature of AUS work with families, including when a body cannot be accepted. To address this gap, this paper draws on data from an ethnographic study, including a survey of 15 anatomy units (AUs) in England and Northern Ireland, a case study of one AU, 20 semi-structured interviews with 31 AUS and document analysis. We reveal the number of bodies (878) that are refused across AUs and examine how AUS deal with refusals. We argue that activities around refusals constitutes ‘over and above’ work for AUS, as it goes beyond their expected role. We suggest that this is done out of a duty of care, and is related to the discomfort of refusing the BD gift. Attention is given to the ‘over and above’ work of the AUS which allows for an exploration of gift relationships and emotion management in a new arena. We conclude with recommendations to address the lack of recognition and training around AUS refusal work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA gyrase is an essential nucleoprotein motor present in all bacteria and is a major target for antibiotic treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection. Gyrase hydrolyzes ATP to add negative supercoils to DNA using a strand passage mechanism that has been investigated using biophysical and biochemical approaches. To analyze the dynamics of substeps leading to strand passage, single-molecule rotor bead tracking (RBT) has been used previously to follow real-time supercoiling and conformational transitions in Escherichia coli (EC) gyrase. However, RBT has not yet been applied to gyrase from other pathogenically relevant bacteria, and it is not known whether substeps are conserved across evolutionarily distant species. Here, we compare gyrase supercoiling dynamics between two evolutionarily distant bacterial species, MTB and EC. We used RBT to measure supercoiling rates, processivities, and the geometries and transition kinetics of conformational states of purified gyrase proteins in complex with DNA. Our results show that E. coli and MTB gyrases are both processive, with the MTB enzyme displaying velocities ~5.5× slower than the EC enzyme. Compared with EC gyrase, MTB gyrase also more readily populates an intermediate state with DNA chirally wrapped around the enzyme, in both the presence and absence of ATP. Our substep measurements reveal common features in conformational states of EC and MTB gyrases interacting with DNA but also suggest differences in populations and transition rates that may reflect distinct cellular needs between these two species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2015, DFO released the Musquash MPA Ecosystem Monitoring Plan (2014-2019). This plan, listed twelve indicators to monitor the ecological performance of the Musquash Estuary in support of broad conservation objectives. The objective of this review was to provide advice and recommendations as to the extent that data derived from the plan provides a baseline for detecting changes within the Musquash environment. Twenty-four data sets contained information to support at least one of the twelve indicators for productivity, biodiversity, habitat, and pressure threats. The sampling design for each dataset was reviewed in terms of spatial and temporal variability, as well as observed trends. While progress has been made to identify a baseline of information for each indicator, data gaps persist within the current ecosystem-based monitoring plan that has sought to inform on all key species, trophic groups, habitat types, and environments. The ecosystem approach to monitoring requires a diversity of data needs from multiple stakeholders. Developing a robust data management plan that can track available data and identify important data gaps for future planning and collaboration with stakeholders will improve the assessment of baseline information. This Research Document was presented and peer-reviewed at the Maritimes Region Science Advisory Process held virtually on May 11-12, 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Engaging users of health research, namely knowledge users, as partners in the research process may to lead to evidence that is more relevant to the users. This may optimize the uptake of evidence in healthcare practice, resulting in improved health outcomes or more efficient healthcare systems. However, barriers to involving knowledge users in the research process exist. Theories, models and frameworks may help guide the process of involving knowledge users and address barriers to engaging with knowledge users in research; however, there is little evidence identifying or describing the theories, models and frameworks of health research partnerships.Objectives: Identify and describe theories, models and frameworks of health research partnerships. Report on concepts of knowledge user engagement represented in identified theories, models and frameworks.Methods: We conducted a scoping review. Database (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PCORI) and ancestry and snowball searches were utilized. Included articles were written in English, published between January 2005 and June 2021, specific to health, a research partnership, and referred to a theory, model or framework. No critical appraisal was conducted. We developed a coding framework to extract details related to the publication (e.g. country, year) and theory, model or framework (e.g. intended users, theoretical underpinning, methodology, methods of development, purpose, concepts of knowledge user engagement). One reviewer conducted data extraction. Descriptive statistics and narrative synthesis were utilized to report the results.Results: We identified 21 874 articles in screening. Thirty-nine models or frameworks were included in data analysis, but no theory. Two models or frameworks (5%) were underpinned by theory. Literature review was the method (n = 11, 28%) most frequently used to develop a model or framework. Guiding or managing a partnership was the most frequently reported purpose of the model/framework (n = 14, 36%). The most represented concept of knowledge user engagement was principles/values (n = 36, 92%).Conclusions: The models and frameworks identified could be utilized by researchers and knowledge users to inform aspects of a health research partnership, such as guidance or implementation of a partnership. Future research evaluating the quality and applicability of the models and frameworks is necessary to help partners decide which model or framework to implement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the fourth most common neurodevelopmental disorder, with a prevalence of 1 in 160 children. Accurate diagnosis relies on experts, but such individuals are scarce. This has led to increasing interest in the development of machine learning (ML) models that can integrate neuroimaging features from functional and structural MRI (fMRI and sMRI) to help reveal central nervous system alterations characteristic of ASD. We optimized and compared the performance of 12 of the most popular and powerful ML models. Each was separately trained using 15 different combinations of fMRI and sMRI features and optimized with an unbiased model search. Deep learning models predicted ASD with the highest diagnostic accuracy and generalized well to other MRI datasets. Our model achieves state-of-the-art 80% area under the ROC curve (AUROC) in diagnosis on test data from the IMPAC dataset; and 86% and 79% AUROC on the external ABIDE I and ABIDE II datasets (with further improvement to 93% and 90% after supervised domain adaptation). The highest performing models identified reproducible putative biomarkers for accurate ASD diagnosis in accord with known ASD markers as well as novel cerebellar biomarkers. Such reproducibility lends credence to their tremendous potential for defining and using a set of truly generalizable ASD biomarkers that will advance scientific understanding of neuronal changes in ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence for sea-level change during and around Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5e (ca. 125 ka) in southern Africa derives from a wide variety of geomorphic and sedimentological sea-level indicators, supported in the past 2 decades by absolute chronological control, particularly on littoral deposits, some of which have a quantifiable relationship to former sea level. In addition to these proxies, data provided by both terrestrial (dune sediments and archaeological remains) and marine (lagoonal and nearshore littoral sediments) limiting points provide broad constraints on sea level. Here, we review publications describing such data points. Using the framework of the World Atlas of Last Interglacial Shorelines, we insert in a standardized database (10.5281/zenodo.4459297, Cooper and Green, 2020) all the elements available to assess former palaeo-relative sea level (palaeo-RSL) and the chronological constraints associated with them (including uncertainties). Overall, we reviewed 71 studies, from which we extracted 39 sea-level indicators and 26 limiting points. As far as age attribution is concerned, early analysis of molluscs and whole-rock beachrock samples using U series allowed dating of several sea-level indicators during the 1980s, but the more widespread application of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating since 2004 has yielded many more (and more accurate) sea-level indicators from several sites. This has helped resolve the nature and timing of MIS 5e shorelines and has the potential to further elucidate the apparent presence of two or more sea-level peaks at several South African sites during this interval. The standardized sea-level database presented in this paper is the first of its kind for this region. Future research should be directed to improve the stratigraphic description of last interglacial shorelines and to obtain better dating, high-accuracy elevation measurements with better palaeo-RSL interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antibiotic-producing Streptomyces bacteria are ubiquitous in nature, yet most studies of its diversity have focused on free-living strains inhabiting diverse soil environments and those in symbiotic relationship with invertebrates. Results: We studied the draft genomes of 73 Streptomyces isolates sampled from the skin (wing and tail membranes) and fur surfaces of bats collected in Arizona and New Mexico. We uncovered large genomic variation and biosynthetic potential, even among closely related strains. The isolates, which were initially identified as three distinct species based on sequence variation in the 16S rRNA locus, could be distinguished as 41 different species based on genome-wide average nucleotide identity. Of the 32 biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) classes detected, non-ribosomal peptide synthetases, siderophores, and terpenes were present in all genomes. On average, Streptomyces genomes carried 14 distinct classes of BGCs (range = 9–20). Results also revealed large inter- and intra-species variation in gene content (single nucleotide polymorphisms, accessory genes and singletons) and BGCs, further contributing to the overall genetic diversity present in bat-associated Streptomyces. Finally, we show that genome-wide recombination has partly contributed to the large genomic variation among strains of the same species. Conclusions: Our study provides an initial genomic assessment of bat-associated Streptomyces that will be critical to prioritizing those strains with the greatest ability to produce novel antibiotics. It also highlights the need to recognize within-species variation as an important factor in genetic manipulation studies, diversity estimates and drug discovery efforts in Streptomyces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all front-line healthcare workers in the UK and is a crucial way of reducing mortality for vulnerable patient groups. However, to date the UK government has never explicitly monitored influenza vaccine uptake in medical students. This is important to ascertain, as students regularly move between clinical areas and are both a perfect vector for the spread of influenza and at an increased risk of contracting influenza themselves. Aims This service evaluation was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of an influenza vaccination programme in one UK medical school and make recommendations to increase vaccination rates in the future. Methods This service evaluation collected data about medical student uptake of influenza vaccination in one UK medical school. Two hundred and fifty-one students at different course stages completed questionnaires, answering questions on vaccination status and Likert-scale 'belief' questions to assess the subjective reasons behind vaccine refusal. Results There was a substantial difference between year group cohorts (~20%), with significantly higher vaccination rates in the preclinical year group. Two significant negative predictors of vaccination were found (P < 0.001), related to scepticism over the effectiveness of the vaccine and lack of convenient access to the vaccination. Results indicated that integrating information about the influenza vaccine into the curriculum would reduce lack of knowledge over the efficacy of the vaccine. The centralization of vaccination programmes at mandatory university-based learning events would mitigate against the problem of diversity of vaccination locations and lack of central accountability. Conclusions The results of this service evaluation provide significant predictors of vaccination status for medical students and potential occupational health interventions to improve vaccine uptake in this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anomalous appearance of a ferromagnetic moment in nominally antiferromagnetic nanoparticles has been known about since Néel, but never well understood. We present proof of the core/shell model of magnetism in antiferromagnetic NiO nanoparticles (NP) using neutron diffraction. Nickel oxide nanoparticles were produced in a large quantity by a novel continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis method. The antiferromagnetic nature of the nanoparticles allowed the structural and the magnetic diffraction peaks to be completely separated. Using both the microstructure option in "Fullprof" microstructure fitting suite and convolution techniques, we determined the NP consisted of an ordered antiferromagnetic core 5.2(2) nm in diameter surrounded by a disordered shell 0.7(2) nm thick. Further magnetic measurements showed that this disordered shell possess a significant polarisable magnetisation, up to a fifth that of pure nickel. They also indicate that two magnetic transitions occur between 400 and 10 K; around 350 K, there is a broad transition from paramagnetic to a form of superparamagnetism, then near 30 K there is a transition to a higher anisotropy state. Differences in field cooled and zero field cooled hysteresis loops were found, though with no evidence of exchange bias effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decade, research in transplant medicine has focused on developing interventions in the management of the deceased organ donor to improve the quality and quantity of transplantable organs. Despite the promise of interventional donor research, there remain debates about the ethics of this research, specifically regarding gaining research consent. Here, we examine the concerns and ambiguities around consent for interventional donor research, which incorporate questions about who should consent for interventional donor research and what people are being asked to consent for. We highlight the US and UK policy responses to these concerns and argue that, whereas guidance in this area has done much to clarify these ambiguities, there is little consideration of the nature, practicalities and context around consent in this area, particularly regarding organ donors and their families. We review wider studies of consent in critical care research and social science studies of consent in medical research, to gain a broader view of consent in this area as a relational and contextual process. We contend a lack of consideration has been given to: what it might mean to consent to interventional donor research; how families, patients and health professionals might experience providing and seeking this consent; who is best placed to have these discussions; and the socio-institutional contexts affecting these processes. Further, empirical research is required to establish an ethical and sensitive model for consent in interventional donor research, ensuring the principles enshrined in research ethics are met and public trust in organ donation is maintained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence for sea-level change during and around Marine Isotopic Stage 5e (ca. 125 ka) in southern Africa derives from a wide variety of geomorphic and sedimentological sea-level indicators, supported in the past 2 decades by absolute chronological control. In addition to these proxies, data provided by both terrestrial (dune sediments and archaeological remains) and marine (lagoonal and nearshore littoral sediments) limiting points provide broad constraints on sea level. Here, we review publications describing these data points. Using the framework of the World Atlas of Last Interglacial Shorelines, we insert in a standardized database all the elements needed to assess former paleo relative sea level, and the chronological constraints associated with them (including uncertainties). Overall, we reviewed 69 studies, from which we extracted 35 sea-level indicators and 25 limiting points. As far as age attribution is concerned, early dating of molluscs and whole-rock beachrock samples using U-Series allowed ating of several sea-level indicators during the 1980s but the more widespread application of Optically Stimulated Luminescence dating since 2004 has yielded many more (and more accurate) dates from several sites. This has helped resolve the nature and timing of MIS5e shorelines and has the potential to further elucidate the apparent presence of two or more sea-level peaks at several South African sites during this interval. The standardized sea-level database presented in this paper is the first of its kind for this region. Future research should be directed to improve the stratigraphic description of LIG shorelines and to obtain better dating, high-accuracy elevation measurements with better palaeo-RSL interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the earliest signals of the severity of the spread of COVID-19 in the United States and other countries was the swift cancelation of many highly prominent amateur and professional sporting events and seasons like the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, known as "March Madness." The loss of March Madness is treated as a moment of creative tension, when disruptions can facilitate reflection and lead to positive change. We discuss the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental effects of shuttering the tournament and suggest that an understanding of the impacts of COVID-19 offers an opportunity to bring about an alternative, more sustainable sports tourism economy. The cancellation of March Madness resulted in the loss of millions of dollars in tourism revenue for local economies and deprived traveler-fans of pilgrimages to arenas, important socio-cultural gathering spaces for American basketball fans. However, it also prevented the emission of a sizable quantity of greenhouse gasses based on our carbon footprint calculated from the previous year's tournament. Ultimately, from the disruptive closing down of sport and event tourism, a post-pandemic sports tourism landscape should emerge that takes more seriously the triple-bottom line notion of balancing a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions with the creation and maintenance of resilient local economies all while both acknowledging the important role sport plays in society and keeping tourism actors healthy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To use data from the Norwegian Diabetes Registry for Adults and Statistics Norway to assess factors associated with glycaemic control in type 1 diabetes. Methods: The analyses included all individuals aged ≥18 years who had a type 1 diabetes duration of >2 years and a recorded value in the registry between 2013 and 2015 (n=7601). Predicted mean HbA1c levels for subgroups of participants were assessed using linear regression analysis. Results: Young age (18–25 years), low education levels, smoking, living alone, exercising infrequently, monitoring glucose infrequently, high insulin requirements, low frequency of symptomatic hypoglycaemia, history of ketoacidosis and a BMI <18.5 kg/m2 were associated with a 2–12‐mmol/mol (0.2–1.1%) higher HbA1c level. Those with 10–15 years of diabetes duration had 5‐mmol/mol (0.5%) higher HbA1c level than those who had a diabetes duration of 2–5 years. Sex, participation (ever) in a diabetes education course, or ever experiencing serious hypoglycaemia were not associated with glycaemic control. Conclusions: We present representative national data on factors that were associated with glycaemic control. A better understanding and awareness of these factors, together with technological advances in diabetes management, could lead to more personalized management strategies, better glycaemic control and a lower risk of diabetes complications. What's new?: This registry‐based analysis from Norway showed that young age, smoking, previous ketoacidosis, lower levels of education, low frequency of self‐monitoring of blood glucose and high insulin requirements were associated with higher HbA1c levels.Living alone was associated with higher HbA1c levels.Frequent exercise was associated with lower HbA1c levels.Increasing frequency of hypoglycaemia per month was associated with lower HbA1c levels.A diabetes duration of 10–15 years was associated with a higher HbA1c than a duration of 2–5 years.Sex was not associated with the level of glycaemic control.A better awareness of these factors could lead to more personalized and better management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bank Cormorant Phalacrocorax neglectus is endemic to the Benguela upwelling ecosystem off southwest Africa and is classified as Endangered owing to a recent large reduction in its number. It is thought that food scarcity, including a decreased abundance of West Coast rock lobster Jasus lalandii, has been a major driver of the decrease, yet its diet in South Africa is poorly known. We collected 941 pellets regurgitated by Bank Cormorants, at 18 South African breeding colonies during 1975–1985, and 1 523 pellets at 17 colonies during 1995–2002. The species composition of the diet (% numbers) was significantly different between the two periods, with widespread decreases in proportions of rock lobster in the west and of octopus and cuttlefish Sepia spp. at most localities. These taxa were replaced in the diet by fish, including Gobiidae and Clinidae. The pelagic goby Sufflogobius bibarbatus, an important prey of Bank Cormorants in Namibia, was absent from pellets collected in 1975–1985 but common at northern localities from 1995–2002. Composition of the diet by frequency of occurrence was only determined for 1995–2002, when rock lobster was present in 67% of all samples collected, cuttlefish in 39%, and Clinidae in 32%. Data for 1975–1985 and 1995–2002 showed that carapace lengths of rock lobsters eaten by Bank Cormorants averaged 56 mm (range 22–82 mm) and 50 mm (range 22–75 mm), respectively, which compares to the minimum legal size of 75 mm for fisheries in South Africa. This energy- rich prey item was an important constituent of the diet in the winter breeding period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineering design processes often use optimization strategies, which aim to minimize multi-objective functions. The analysis should consider the uncertainty in a system, which may cause significant changes in its behavior. The inclusion of the uncertainty in the design process makes the identification of an optimum design more challenging. In this paper, two novel optimization methods (Iterative Distribution Evolutionary Algorithm [I.D.E.A.] and Reliable & Robust Evolutionary Algorithm [R.R.E.A.]) are presented. These optimization strategies aim to solve problems that are very time-demanding and for which it is difficult (and expensive) to determine derivatives and to identify and define the optimum set of parameters. The approaches are validated considering as a test case the optimization of a landing gear system in order to avoid the onset of shimmy, assuring a reliable design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nonparabolic Schrödinger equation for electrons in quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) is a cubic eigenvalue problem (EVP) which cannot be solved directly. While a method for linearizing this cubic EVP has been proposed in principle for quantum dots [Hwang et al., Math. Comput. Modell., 40, 519 (2004)] it was deemed too computationally expensive because of the three-dimensional geometry under consideration. We adapt this linearization approach to the one-dimensional geometry of QCLs, and arrive at a direct and exact solution to the cubic EVP. The method is then compared with the well established shooting method, and it is shown to be more accurate and reliable for calculating the bandstructure of mid-infrared QCLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study considers the effect of geometric nonlinearity at the design concept stage of an aircraft wing. A nonlinear finite element beam model adopting the finite volumes concept with an intrinsic strain and curvature formulation is used to size a single-aisle passenger aircraft. A linearized version of this geometrically nonlinear formulation provides a linear benchmark from which the nonlinear predictions of loads, weight, and performance can be compared. A baseline study on a wing with an aspect ratio of 18 shows that geometric nonlinearity can have a significant impact on the internal loads, leading to a reduction in the wing weight. The effect of aspect ratio is also explored, yielding optimal values at which the Breguet range is maximized and showing the effect of geometric nonlinearity on that range. This is complemented by a parameter study on the effect of varying the wing span and surface area, showing that, if gate limitations in the form of span constraints are imposed on the sizing, the optimal aspect ratio is significantly reduced and geometrically nonlinear effects are mitigated. The paper demonstrates the correlation between geometric nonlinearity and the improvements in the wing mass and Breguet range as compared to a conventional linear analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sports fandom represents a significant aspect of place identity, as demonstrated by the colorful landscapes associated with team loyalty. However, there has been little research on the geography of sports fandom. While several geographers have studied the link between Southern regional identity and the sport of stock car racing, American football is the most popular spectator sport in the United States, and it seems to have a particular strength in the United States South. Therefore, examining the geography of football fandom can add depth to the study of place identity. A 1988 article by Roseman and Shelley on the geography of collegiate radio football broadcasting serves as a milestone and our inspiration here. Using data on college football radio coverage as our proxy, we mapped college football fandom for the "Power 5" conferences. Our results show that state borders continue to have an important influence on the geography of college football fandom, but we also identified a strong region of identity in the South. Our results support the theory that place identity can be fruitfully examined using quantitative data, although many questions remain about how sports fans contribute to the making of place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficiency and scope of aeroelastic wing optimization strategies can be increased using analysis-specific structural idealizations, such as high-fidelity models for detailed stress analyses and low-fidelity models for aeroelastic analyses. In this work, a numerical method is presented that enables the efficient and accurate reduction of a high-fidelity finite element model to a Timoshenko beam-based model with lumped masses. The result is a representation based on 13 independent physical beam stiffness parameters per element. The method also yields analytical beam sensitivities with respect to changes in the high-fidelity model. Using these, an approach is suggested for integrating the beam reduction method into a gradient-based multidisciplinary-design-optimization architecture. The reduction technique is demonstrated on a simplified wing box and on the University of Bristol Ultra-Green aircraft configuration wing. The effects of unbalanced skin composite laminates, rotated internal ribs, varying wing taper and sweep, and wing boundary constraints on the wing stiffness are shown to be captured with sufficient accuracy for static and dynamic aeroelastic analysis purposes. The accuracy of the analytically calculated gradients is demonstrated by comparison with complex-step and finite difference derivative approximations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the fabrication and electrical performance of an all refractory niobium-nitrogen medium scale integrated circuit process. Fabrication of Josephson junctions; Plasma etching of in situ radio frequency sputter deposited trilayers of niobium-nitrogen/magnesium-oxygen/niobium-nitrogen; Use of a deposited silicon dioxide film for wiring and resistor insulation.

Presents a study which described the low-level pretunneling leakage currents and the measurement techniques needed to determine the properties of the excess leakage currents associated with the traps generated inside of the oxide. Components of current which were identified; Unstressed current-voltage characteristics; Stressed current-voltage characteristics.

• A pandemic situation may increase public awareness to take necessary precautions. • The Taiwan government encouraged the use of face masks and sanitizer, as well as social distancing as a part of prevention during the COVID-19 outbreak. • This response may have contributed to a decline in other infectious diseases. Most of the communicable diseases have contact, airborne and/or droplet mode of transsmission. Following the outbreak of COVID-19, the Taiwan government implemented the use of masks and sanitizer, as well as other preventive measures like social distancing for prevention. This public response likely contributed significantly to the decline in the outbreak of other infectious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microarrays and suspension-based technologies have attracted significant interest over the past decade with applications in medical diagnostics and biochemical multiplexed assays. However, the throughput of microarrays will always be limited by the array density and the slow kinetics, while the suspension (or bead)-based technologies are currently limited by the number of distinct codes the beads can carry. A novel digital magnetic tagging technology based on magnetic tags that can be used as encoded microcarriers for biomolecular probes, is presented here. The highly disruptive platform technology can provide a very large number of unique codes, enabling a high degree of multiplexing. The design principles of a novel magnetic laboratory-on-a-chip device comprising microfluidic channels with embedded magnetic tunneling magnetoresistive sensors are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the SE African shelf, a submerged shoreline at a depth of 60 m is examined and its attributes compared between two shelf sectors with different morphologies, yet similar energy regimes. The aim is to assess the controls of antecedent conditioning on shoreline development and later preservation from transgressive ravinement. Using a combination of multibeam bathymetry and single-channel seismic profiles, the stratigraphy and morphology of the shoreline is investigated. Low-gradient bedrock examples reveal several distinctive seismic facies, including onlapping chaotic reflector packages which are interpreted as calcarenite rubble fields. These palaeo-shorelines possess planform equilibrium morphologies, including parabolic dunes and blowout forms along with relict shore platforms. They are strongly associated with incised valleys of last glacial maximum age which underlie the shoreline locations; these provide wide, back -barrier accommodation space during transgression. In contrast, palaeo-shorelines on the steeper-gradient shelf have a simpler stratigraphic arrangement. They are not as well preserved, are generally covered by thick drapes of sediment, and lack the elaborate planform morphologies of their lower-shelf gradient equivalents. Isolated incised valleys and the steep bedrock gradient limit accommodation space. The comparison indicates that antecedent bedrock slope and available accommodation are amongst the dominant controls on overstepping, and thus potential preservation, of palaeo-shorelines on the shelf. Lower-gradient shelves not only promote rapid shoreline translation but, together with wide, sandy back -barrier accommodation, also foster larger barrier volumes. In suitable climates such as in the Mediterranean and other sub-tropical areas, the ensuing shoreline stability promotes rapid and effective cementation of the barrier. In comparison, steep bedrock profiles with limited back -barrier accommodation have much lower preservation potential. Transgressive ravinement is more focussed on steep slopes, effectively removing more material during the ravinement process. The more dynamic environment may also reduce the effectiveness of diagenesis. The potential of beachrock and aeolianite palaeo-shorelines as submerged sea-level indicators may be optimal in low-gradient settings in Mediterranean to subtropical environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Based on two years oj ethnographic fieldwork in mental health courts in the San Francisco Bay Area, this article juxtaposes the fixity that defines the legal concept of jurisdiction with the itineracy of homeless individuals judged by criminal courts. I assert that jurisdiction is an attempt at control: by invoking jurisdiction, courts attempt to fix people and objects within time and space so as to yield a narrative of liberal accountability for which defendants can be held responsible. Rather than assume the vantage point ojthe law, I stick with Harriet, a person who was homeless and subject to a mental health court's attempt at control. Moving away from the law exposes when state attempts at control Jail. Claims to jurisdiction reflect the state's reliance on control through a particular chronotope of linear time and divisible space. In differently configuring time and space as cyclical and unbounded, Harriet confounds the law's attempt at control. Further, the state's invocation of jurisdiction as a concept that fixes time and space produces unruly affects, or coordinates of relation that escape a rule of law presenting itself as rational. Harriet's relationships with others reflect and enable her escape from state control: they inhabit an affective atmosphere that is produced by the law's own chronotopic terms, but that reject the individual accountability that the law understands as a product of claims to jurisdiction. In paying attention to missed encounters between Harriet and the court, this article reveals and theorizes moments in which power escapes its own terms and enters asocial, deindividuated, affective sphere, [affect; law; jurisdiction; social control; state power; subjectivity; homelessness; mental health; criminal courts; the United States] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A methodology is described to couple unsteady aerodynamic loads with flexible bodies in multibody simulations. A representative civil jet aircraft aeroelastic model is used to evaluate the structural loads due to the combination of gust and ground loads. The implementation of unsteady aerodynamic loads is validated by comparing the results for the wing root bending moment and tip displacement with Nastran transient aeroelastic analyses for a series of gust lengths of a linear free-free aircraft model. The main objective of the paper is to prove that, with the implementation of a time domain formulation for the unsteady aerodynamic loads, a multibody simulation can be used to predict the aircraft aeroelastic loads that are comparable with traditional finite element-based methods. However, the use of a multibody simulation software offers the simulations to other maneuvers such as landings and the use of nonlinear and active structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A methodology is developed to efficiently, yet accurately, determine the uncertainty bounds of the bifurcation loci of nonlinear dynamic systems subjected to parametric variations. The chosen approach makes use of numerical continuation, higher-order singular-value decomposition, and surrogate modeling. The technique is demonstrated on a representative model of an aircraft undercarriage, where the effect of uncertainty in the structural parameters is propagated onto the prediction of the conditions for the onset of shimmy. Comparison with numerical integration results demonstrates the accuracy of the methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been an increasing effort to improve aircraft performance through using composite tailored structures, not only to reduce weight, but to exploit beneficial aeroelastic couplings. Recent work has considered the ability to tow steer the composite plies to achieve better performance. Here, the potential wing weight savings of a full-size aeroelastically tailored wing are assessed by optimizing the properties of a three-dimensional finite element model using straight-fiber and tow-steered composites in the skins. One- and two-dimensional thickness and laminate rotation angle variations are considered as design freedoms. The jig shape is updated to maintain a fixed 1g flight shape, and optimization constraints are implemented on the strains and buckling loads due to maneuver and dynamic gust loads, flutter stability, and control effectiveness for different flight conditions. The optimal main fiber direction is rotated forward of the front spar direction in the outer wing, leading to extension-shear coupling in the skins, which increases the washout behavior of the wing. Washout effects shift the lift forces inboard and allow skin thickness reductions, but also lead to reductions in aileron control effectiveness. The optimized tow-steered laminate configurations achieved larger mass reductions than optimized straight-fiber configurations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent consideration in aircraft design is the use of folding wingtips with the aim of enabling higher-aspect-ratio configurations with less induced drag while also meeting airport gate limitations. This study builds on previous work investigating the effect of exploiting the folding wingtips in flight as a device to reduce dynamic gust loads, but now with the introduction of a passive nonlinear negative stiffness hinge spring. A single-degree-of-freedom model and a representative civil jet aircraft aeroelastic model are used to investigate the dynamic gust responses for different hinge device designs. It is found that significant reductions in the dynamic loads are possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prospect of using neural cell replacement for the treatment of severe enteric neuropathies has seen significant progress in the last decade. The ability to harvest and transplant enteric neural crest cells ( ENCCs) that functionally integrate within recipient intestine has recently been confirmed by in vivo murine studies. Although similar cells can be harvested from human fetal and postnatal gut, no studies have as yet verified their functional viability upon in vivo transplantation. We sought to determine whether ENCCs harvested from human fetal bowel are capable of engraftment and functional integration within recipient intestine following in vivo transplantation into postnatal murine colon. Enteric neural crest cells selected and harvested from fetal human gut using the neurotrophin receptor p75NTR were lentivirally labeled with either GFP or calcium-sensitive GCa MP and transplanted into the hindgut of Rag2− /γc− /C5−-immunodeficient mice at postnatal day 21. Transplanted intestines were assessed immunohistochemically for engraftment and differentiation of donor cells. Functional viability and integration with host neuromusculature was assessed using calcium imaging. Transplanted human fetal gut-derived ENCC showed engraftment within the recipient postnatal colon in 8/15 mice (53.3%). At 4 weeks posttransplantation, donor cells had spread from the site of transplantation and extended projections over distances of 1.2 ± 0.6 mm ( n = 5), and differentiated into enteric nervous system ( ENS) appropriate neurons and glia. These cells formed branching networks located with the myenteric plexus. Calcium transients (change in intensity F/F0 = 1.25 ± 0.03; 15 cells) were recorded in transplanted cells upon stimulation of the recipient endogenous ENS demonstrating their viability and establishment of functional connections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context:Desvenlafaxine is used to treat major depression. Desvenlafaxine is also the active metabolite of venlafaxine. Venlafaxine overdose can cause serotonin toxicity, seizures and cardiovascular effects, but there is limited information on desvenlafaxine overdose. Objective:We aimed at investigating the clinical effects and complications from desvenlafaxine overdose. Materials and methods:This was a retrospective observational study of desvenlafaxine overdoses over a six-year period. Demographic details, dose and timing of the overdose, together with clinical effects, treatment and complications were extracted from a local hospital network database or the medical records of patients following hospital admission with a desvenlafaxine overdose. Results:There were 182 cases of desvenlafaxine overdose included in the study. From the 182 cases, 75 were desvenlafaxine (± alcohol) only ingestions and 107 included one or more co-ingested drugs. In single-agent desvenlafaxine ingestions, median age was 25 years (range: 13–68 years) with a median ingested dose of 800 mg (range: 250–3500 mg; interquartile range (IQR): 600–1400 mg), and 54/75 (72%) were female. The Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) was 15 in 68/74 (92%) patients, 13–14 in 5/74 (7%), and was seven in one patient following aspiration. Mild hypertension (systolic blood pressure [BP] > 140–180 mmHg) occurred in 23/71 patients (32%), and tachycardia occurred in 29/74 (39%) patients. There were no abnormal QT intervals and no QRS >120 m s. Serotonin toxicity was diagnosed by the treating physician in 7/75 (9%) patients, but only one of these met the Hunter Serotonin Toxicity Criteria. None of the 75 patients who took desvenlafaxine only (± alcohol) had seizures, were admitted to intensive care or died. In comparison, the 107 patients taking desvenlafaxine in overdose with other medications developed more pronounced toxicity. Generalised seizures occurred in 5/107 (5%), but in three of these cases co-ingestants were possible proconvulsants. Fifteen patients had a GCS ≤9 and none had an abnormal QT or QRS. Severe effects appeared to be associated with coingestants. Conclusion:Desvenlafaxine overdose causes minor effects with mild hypertension and tachycardia. The risk of seizures or serotonin toxicity is low. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The distribution and geomorphology of aeolianite outcrop on the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa are described in the context of its preservation potential in the geological record. Aeolianite on the contemporary coast comprises discontinuous, widely spaced, outcrops less than 100 m in longshore extent and typically 50–60 m wide that reflects the combined action of subaerial weathering and physical abrasion in the coastal zone since the mid-Holocene (approximately 7000 yrs). The dominant morphological component is an intertidal erosional platform that slopes gently landward. It is fronted by a notch in the mid intertidal zone (0 m MSL) and contains active erosional potholes on its seaward margin. The platform surface is encrusted by a variety of marine organisms. Landward of and contiguous with the intertidal surface are small elevated outcrops of aeolianite in the supratidal zone. These comprise a 3 m-high seaward scarp with a basal notch in the high intertidal zone + 1 m MSL. Gullies in the scarp trap coarse clasts of eroded aeolianite as well as bedrock. The upper surface of the supratidal aeolianite is planar with large potholes within which accumulations of coarse clasts and oyster shells have been cemented. The upper surface is interpreted as a remnant of an intertidal platform formed at a higher mid-Holocene sea level. The supratidal outcrop is subject to weathering and disintegration. Major joints divide the outcrop into cuboid blocks with axes of 3–4 m. Eroded blocks on the seaward face that exceed 1 m diameter, remain in-situ and become locked in place by repeated shaking. Smaller blocks that collapse from the seaward face accumulate in small gullies or are dispersed. The facet most likely to be preserved in the geological record is the planar intertidal platform. The morphology of aeolianite on the contemporary coast is markedly different from submerged aeolianite ridges on the adjacent shelf which are of higher relief, wider and more laterally extensive. Preservation potential of aeolianite under subaerial conditions is low and the widespread high-relief aeolianite on the shelf is attributed to rapid inundation or burial during transgression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meat color is considered one of the driving factors in consumer purchasing decisions. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of 2 different lighting sources on color and lipid oxidation of ground beef patties in a controlled environment. USDA Select top rounds (n = 20) were processed to produce ground beef at 2 different fat levels (5 and 25%) and made into patties (113.4 g). Patties were packaged with oxygen permeable polyvinyl chloride, assigned to one of three lighting treatments (low UV fluorescent [FLO], light emitting diode [LED], and no light [DRK, negative control]), and placed within deli cases at 5°C. Patty removal for evaluation occurred on retail display d 1, 3, 5, and 7. Objective color measurements were obtained using a HunterLab MiniScan 45/0 LAV. These values were utilized to determine myoglobin redox forms as a measure of myoglobin oxidation. Additionally, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were measured to indicate lipid oxidation. Objective color measurement for a* (redness), decreased for all light treatments by retail display day (P < 0.0001). Oxymyoglobin values for all light treatments decreased daily but showed no differences between treatments until d 5 (P < 0.0001) where DRK > LED > FLO. Conversely, metmyoglobin values increased daily (P < 0.0001), but showed no differences between treatments until d 5 where FLO > LED > DRK. TBARS values increased by day for each fat percentage (P < 0.0001) with 5% fat patties having higher TBARS values indicating great oxidation occurring in the phospholipids than adipose tissues. Results indicate that light treatment affected discoloration and metmyoglobin formation in ground beef patties; LED lighting may lead to increased meat quality shelf life in a retail setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to characterise the elution profiles of antibiotics in combination with pharmaceutical grade calcium sulphate beads in phosphate buffered saline and other physiological solutions which more closely mimic the in vivo environment. Synthetic recrystallised calcium sulphate was combined with vancomycin hydrochloride powder and tobramycin sulphate solution and the paste was formed into 3 mm diameter hemispherical beads. Then 2 g of beads were immersed in 2 ml of either phosphate buffered saline, Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium or Hartmann’s solution and incubated at 37℃ for up to 21 days. At a range of time points, eluent was removed for analysis by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Tobramycin sulphate and vancomycin hydrochloride release was successfully quantified against standard curves from solutions eluted in all three physiological media (phosphate buffered saline, Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium and Hartmann’s solution) during incubation with calcium sulphate beads. One hour eluate concentrations were high, up to 2602 µg/ml for tobramycin in phosphate buffered saline and 7417 µg/ml for vancomycin, whereas in DMEM, the levels of tobramycin were 2458 µg/ml and 4401 µg/ml for vancomycin. The levels in HRT were 2354 µg/ml for tobramycin and 5948 µg/ml for vancomycin. The results show highest levels of antibiotic elution over the first 24 h, which gradually diminish over the following 21 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on a study that detailed the measurement of capacitance-time transients on n-type 6H-silicon carbide (SiC) metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) capacitors. Purpose of conducting the measurement; Result that occurred due to the high band gap energy of SiC; Properties in which SiC is unusual; Key element in MOS devices.

Provides information on a study concerning the fabrication of gate-controlled diodes in the wide band gap semiconductor 6hydrogen-silicon carbon by thermal oxidation and ion implantation of nitrogen. Discussion of the nonequilibrium characteristics of diodes; Room-temperature capacitance-voltage characteristics; Surface state density.

Worldwide, the guaiac faecal occult blood test ( gFOBT) is being replaced with the more accurate faecal immunochemical test ( FIT) for colorectal cancer ( CRC) screening. From January 2016, the National Screening Committee in the UK has recommended a change from the gFOBT to the FIT following a successful Bowel Cancer Screening Programme pilot study with over 40 000 participants. Although the test has shown improved uptake and the ability to detect significantly more colorectal cancers and advanced adenomas, the higher uptake and test positivity will challenge the capacity of colonoscopy services. One of the main advantages of the FIT is that it provides a quantitative haemoglobin concentration which has been shown to relate to the risk of CRC. Risk scoring systems which combine the FIT concentration with risk factor assessment have been shown to improve the sensitivity of the test. This individualized approach to screening could enable those at greatest risk to be referred for colonoscopy, optimizing resource use and ultimately patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wide range of conflicting definitions of the axis on a general swept, nonuniform, nonhomogenous wing about which there is no bending/torsion coupling is reviewed. A generalization of these definitions is made, with an emphasis on whether deflections and loads on a local streamwise section or the entire wing is considered. Determining this axis enables a better understanding as to why various aeroelastic tailoring and adaptive stiffness solutions are effective for flutter suppression and gust loads suppression applications. It is demonstrated, using a flexibility matrix approach, that the loading case must be considered in order to be able to accurately determine the flexural axis of a typical wing structure. The methodology is demonstrated using three numerical models: a simple swept wing; an aluminum wing box; and a tow-steered, variable stiffness, composite plate wing. Finally, the sensitivity of the flexural axis is considered, and it is shown that the global flexural axis is much more sensitive to modeling or measurement errors than the local flexural axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reviews the exhibition "Treasures of the Royal Courts: Tudors, Stuarts and the Russian Tsars," at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England from March 9-14, 2013.

Purcell enhanced Raman scattering (PERS) by means of a doubly resonant Fabry-Perot microcavity (mode volume ≈ 100 µm³ and finesse ≈ 30 000) has been investigated as a technique for isotopic ratio gas analysis. At the pump frequency, the resonant cavity supports a buildup of circulating power while simultaneously enabling Purcell spontaneous emission rate enhancement at the resonant Stokes frequency. The three most common isotopologues of CO2 gas were quantified, and a signal was obtained from 13C16O2 down to a partial pressure of 2 Torr. Due to its small size and low pump power needed (~10 mW) PERS lends itself to miniaturization. Furthermore, since the cavity is resonant with the emission frequency, future improvements could allow it to serve as its own spectral analyzer and no separate spectroscopic device would be needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seismic stratigraphy, architecture and evolution of a large subtropical embayment, Maputo Bay, Southern Mozambique is described. Nine seismic units are documented; and show repeated phases of incised valley formation and transgressive infilling. Trangressive infilling alternates between the classic wave-dominated transgressive succession of fluvial and central estuarine bay deposits and the filling by intertidal flat and tidal bedforms developed during stages of inlet restriction and shallowing associated with barrier growth at stillstand intervals. Imprinted on the succession are several key facets of subtropical stratigraphy, hurricane-generated erosional surfaces and beachrock horizons. The upper stratigraphy comprises the highstand bayhead delta, a prograding feature constructed by several flood events. In comparison with literature from other similar systems such as lagoons, coastal lakes and estuaries, a generic three stage stratigraphic model of large marine embayments is proposed that includes incision during glaciations; transgressive infilling during deglaciations; and shallowing during the stillstand episodes of the recent deglaciation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An initial design of a morphing wingtip for a regional jet aircraft is developed and evaluated. The adaptive wingtip concept is based upon a chiral-type internal structure, enabling controlled cant angle orientation, camber, and twist throughout the flight envelope. A baseline turbofan aircraft configuration model is used as the benchmark to assess the device. Computational fluid dynamics based aerodynamics are used to evaluate the required design configurations for the device at different points across the flight envelope in terms of lift/drag and bending moment distribution along the span, complemented by panel-method-based gust load computations. Detailed studies arc performed to show how the chiral structure can facilitate the required shape changes in twist, camber, and cant. Actuator requirements and limitations are assessed, along with an evaluation of the aerodynamic gains from the inclusion of the device versus power and weight penalties. For a typical mission, it was found that savings of around 2% in fuel weight are possible using the morphing wingtip device. A similar reduction in weight due to passive gust load alleviation is also possible with a slight change of configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tow-steered composites are optimized for use in tailoring the aeroelastic behavior of a simple two-dimensional composite wing, with particular emphasis on improving both flutter/divergence airspeeds and gust loads. Symmetric layups are considered where the fibers vary in orientation along the wingspan and chord. Tow-steered laminates were found to increase the instability airspeed by up to 7 % compared with optimized straight-fiber laminates and by 13% compared with optimized laminates with standard (0/ ± 45/90 deg) plies. Tow-steered laminates were also found to reduce the peak wing root gust loads (up to 52 % ) and the correlated gust loads (up to 24 % ). The lowest gust loads were reached with higher order nonlinear fiber angle variations when either all plies were optimized or when two-dimensional fiber angle variations were used. Optimization strategies that allowed the fiber angles to vary freely in each ply generally performed better than optimizations based on the rotation of (0/ ±45/90 deg)-ply stacks along the span of the wing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This special issue of Geo-Marine Letters comprises seven contributions to the session 'Stratigraphic and morphologic signatures of continental shelves' of the 35th International Geological Congress held in Cape Town (Republic of South Africa) on 27 August-4 September 2016. There is an additional article not presented at the conference but falling into the same general theme. The guest editors are A.N. Green and J.A.G. Cooper. The eight articles address several contemporary themes in continental shelf geology. They include the role of antecedent conditioning on the development of shelf stratigraphy and geomorphology; erosion of submerged shorelines and their preservation during (stepped) postglacial sea-level rise; the role of glacial processes (e.g. iceberg scouring during ice-sheet retreat); and the utility of archival data in addressing contemporary issues such as Holocene climate change and global oceanographic circulation systems. The continental shelf holds important information for understanding past and present global circulation and earth-ice-atmosphere interactions including sea-level change. It is hoped that these themes will spur further research that is slowly coming to the fore in several new and innovative mapping and exploration programmes emerging from an increasing number of coastal nations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]