Search

Globular clusters contain a unique pulsar population, with many exotic systems that can form only in their dense stellar environments. The leap in sensitivity of the upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (uGMRT) in India, especially at low radio frequencies ($, 18 pages, 9 figures, 7 tables. Accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics

The ability of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) to infect and deliver genetic material to a range of cell types makes them favorable gene therapy vectors. However, AAV vectors encounter a wide variety of host immune factors throughout the body, which can impede efficient gene delivery.

Argumentation as the public exchange of reasons is widely thought to enhance deliberative interactions that generate and justify reasonable public policies. Adopting an argumentation-theoretic perspective, we survey the norms that should govern public argumentation and address some of the complexities that scholarly treatments have identified. Our focus is on norms associated with the ideals of correctness and participation as sources of a politically legitimate deliberative outcome. In principle, both ideals are mutually coherent. If the information needed for a correct deliberative outcome is distributed among agents, then maximising participation increases information diversity. But both ideals can also be in tension. If participants lack competence or are prone to biases, a correct deliberative outcome requires limiting participation. The central question for public argumentation, therefore, is how to strike a balance between both ideals. Rather than advocating a preferred normative framework, our main purpose is to illustrate the complexity of this theme.

We present high signal-to-noise, full polarization pulse profiles for 40 bright, 'slowly'-rotating (non-recycled) pulsars using the new Ultra-Wideband Low-frequency (UWL; 704-4032 MHz) receiver on the Parkes radio telescope. We obtain updated and accurate interstellar medium parameters towards these pulsars (dispersion measures and Faraday rotation measures), and reveal Faraday dispersion towards PSR J1721-3532 caused by interstellar scattering. We find general trends in the pulse profiles including decreasing fractional linear polarization and increasing degree of circular polarization with increasing frequency, consistent with previous studies, while also revealing new features and frequency evolution. This demonstrates results that can be obtained using UWL monitoring observations of slow pulsars, which are valuable for improving our understanding of pulsar emission and the intervening interstellar medium. The calibrated data products are publicly available., 20 pages, 5 figures, 2 tables, 25 pages of supporting information with 2 figures. Accepted for publication in MNRAS. doi:10.1093/mnras/stab861

We report on a timing programme of 74 young pulsars that have been observed by the Parkes 64-m radio telescope over the past decade. Using modern Bayesian timing techniques, we have measured the properties of 124 glitches in 52 of these pulsars, of which 74 are new. We demonstrate that the glitch sample is complete to fractional increases in spin-frequency greater than $\Delta\nu^{90\%}_{g}/\nu \approx 8.1 \times 10^{-9}$. We measure values of the braking index, $n$, in 33 pulsars. In most of these pulsars, their rotational evolution is dominated by episodes of spin-down with $n > 10$, punctuated by step changes in the spin-down rate at the time of a large glitch. The step changes are such that, averaged over the glitches, the long-term $n$ is small. We find a near one-to-one relationship between the inter-glitch value of $n$ and the change in spin-down of the previous glitch divided by the inter-glitch time interval. We discuss the results in the context of a range of physical models., Comment: 24 pages, 9 figures and 9 tables. Published in MNRAS. (Fixed typo in the abstract and conclusion)

We report on the subpulse modulation properties of 1198 pulsars using the Thousand-Pulsar-Array programme on MeerKAT. About 35% of the analysed pulsars exhibit drifting subpulses which are more pronounced towards the deathline, consistent with previous studies. We estimate that this common phenomenon is detectable in 60% of the overall pulsar population if high quality data were available for all. This large study reveals the evolution of drifting subpulses across the pulsar population in unprecedented detail. In particular, we find that the modulation period $P_3$ follows a V-shaped evolution with respect to the characteristic age $\tau_c$, such that the smallest $P_3$ values, corresponding to the Nyquist period $P_3>\sim2$, are found at $\tau_c>\sim10^{7.5}$ yr. The V-shaped evolution can be interpreted and reproduced if young pulsars possess aliased fast intrinsic $P_3$, which monotonically increase, ultimately achieving a slow unaliased $P_3$. Enhancement of irregularities in intrinsic subpulse modulation by aliasing in small $\tau_c$ pulsars would explain their observed less well defined $P_3$'s and weaker spectral features. Modelling these results as rotating subbeams, their circulation must slow down as the pulsar evolves. This is the opposite to that expected if circulation is driven by ExB drift. This can be resolved if the observed $P_3$ periodicity is due to a beat between an ExB system and the pulsar period. As a by-product, we identify the correct periods and spin-down rates for 12 pulsars, for which harmonically related values were reported in the literature., Comment: 18 pages, 13 figures in the main part of the paper. This version includes all online materials from the accepted MNRAS article

We have measured the scattering timescale, $\tau$, and the scattering spectral index, $\alpha$, for 84 single-component pulsars. Observations were carried out with the MeerKAT telescope as part of the Thousand-Pulsar-Array programme in the MeerTime project at frequencies between 0.895 and 1.670 GHz. Our results give a distribution of values for $\alpha$ (defined in terms of $\tau$ and frequency $\nu$ as $\tau\propto\nu^{-\alpha}$) for which, upon fitting a Gaussian, we obtain a mean and standard deviation of $\langle\alpha\rangle = 4.0 \pm 0.6$. This is due to our identification of possible causes of inaccurate measurement of $\tau$, which, if not filtered out of modelling results, tend to lead to underestimation of $\alpha$. The pulsars in our sample have large dispersion measures and are therefore likely to be distant. We find that a model using an isotropic scatter broadening function is consistent with the data, likely due to the averaging effect of multiple scattering screens along the line of sight. Our sample of scattering parameters provides a strong data set upon which we can build to test more complex and time-dependent scattering phenomena, such as extreme scattering events., Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRAS. 14 pages, 14 figures, 2 tables

We present the largest single survey to date of average profiles of radio pulsars, observed and processed using the same telescope and data reduction software. Specifically, we present measurements for 1170 pulsars, observed by the Thousand Pulsar Array (TPA) programme at the 64-dish SARAO MeerKAT radio telescope, in a frequency band from 856 to 1712 MHz. We provide rotation measures (RM), dispersion measures, flux densities and polarization properties. The catalogue includes 254 new RMs that substantially increase the total number of known pulsar RMs. Our integration times typically span over 1000 individual rotations per source. We show that the radio (pseudo)luminosity has a strong, shallow dependence on the spin-down energy, proportional to $\dot{E}^{0.15\pm0.04}$, that contradicts some previous proposals of population synthesis studies. In addition, we find a significant correlation between the steepness of the observed flux density spectra and $\dot{E}$, and correlations of the fractional linear polarization with $\dot{E}$, the spectral index, and the pulse width, which we discuss in the context of what is known about pulsar radio emission and how pulsars evolve with time. On the whole, we do not see significant correlations with the estimated surface magnetic field strength, and the correlations with $\dot{E}$ are much stronger than those with the characteristic age. This finding lends support to the suggestion that magnetic dipole braking may not be the dominant factor for the evolution of pulsar rotation over the lifetimes of pulsars. A public data release of the high-fidelity time-averaged pulse profiles in full polarization accompanies our catalogue., Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRAS. 21 pages, 25 figures, 6 Tables

In spite of the rich phenomenology of the polarization properties of radio pulsars, the rotating vector model (RVM) created 50 years ago remains the best method to determine the beam geometry of a pulsar. We apply the RVM to a sample of 854 radio pulsars observed with the MeerKAT telescope in order to draw conclusions about the population of pulsars as a whole. The main results are that (i) the geometrical interpretation of the position angle traverse is valid in the majority of the population, (ii) the pulsars for which the RVM fails tend to have a high fraction of circular polarization compared to linear polarization, (iii) emission heights obtained through both geometrical and relativistic methods show that the majority of pulsars must have emission heights less than 1000~km independent of spin period, (iv) orthogonal mode jumps are seen in the position angle traverse in about one third of the population. All these results are weakly dependent on the pulsar spin-down energy., Comment: accepted by MNRAS

We present the detection of 107 pulsars with interstellar scintillation arcs at 856--1712\,MHz, observed with the MeerKAT Thousand Pulsar Array Programme. Scintillation arcs appear to be ubiquitous in clean, high S/N observations, their detection mainly limited by short observing durations and coarse frequency channel resolution. This led the survey to be sensitive to nearby, lightly scattered pulsars with high effective velocity -- from a large proper motion, a screen nearby the pulsar, or a screen near the Earth. We measure the arc curvatures in all of our sources, which can be used to give an estimate of screen distances in pulsars with known proper motion, or an estimate of the proper motion. The short scintillation timescale in J1731$-$4744 implies a scattering screen within 12\,pc of the source, strongly suggesting the association between this pulsar and the supernova remnant RCW 114. We measure multiple parabolic arcs of 5 pulsars, all of which are weakly scintillating with high proper motion. Additionally, several sources show hints of inverted arclets suggesting scattering from anisotropic screens. Building on this work, further targeted MeerKAT observations of many of these pulsars will improve understanding of our local scattering environment and the origins of scintillation; annual scintillation curves would lead to robust screen distance measurements, and the evolution of arclets in time and frequency can constrain models of scintillation., Comment: 12 pages, 5 figures, 2 tables. Accepted in MNRAS

We present pulse width measurements for a sample of radio pulsars observed with the MeerKAT telescope as part of the Thousand-Pulsar-Array (TPA) programme in the MeerTime project. For a centre frequency of 1284 MHz, we obtain 762 $W_{10}$ measurements across the total bandwidth of 775 MHz, where $W_{10}$ is the width at the 10% level of the pulse peak. We also measure about 400 $W_{10}$ values in each of the four or eight frequency sub-bands. Assuming, the width is a function of the rotation period P, this relationship can be described with a power law with power law index $\mu=-0.29\pm 0.03$. However, using orthogonal distance regression, we determine a steeper power law with $\mu=-0.63\pm 0.06$. A density plot of the period-width data reveals such a fit to align well with the contours of highest density. Building on a previous population synthesis model, we obtain population-based estimates of the obliquity of the magnetic axis with respect to the rotation axis for our pulsars. Investigating the width changes over frequency, we unambiguously identify a group of pulsars that have width broadening at higher frequencies. The measured width changes show a monotonic behaviour with frequency for the whole TPA pulsar population, whether the pulses are becoming narrower or broader with increasing frequency. We exclude a sensitivity bias, scattering and noticeable differences in the pulse component numbers as explanations for these width changes, and attempt an explanation using a qualitative model of five contributing Gaussian pulse components with flux density spectra that depend on their rotational phase., Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRAS. 20 pages, 19 figures, 7 tables

We describe the ongoing Relativistic Binary programme (RelBin), a part of the MeerTime large survey project with the MeerKAT radio telescope. RelBin is primarily focused on observations of relativistic effects in binary pulsars to enable measurements of neutron star masses and tests of theories of gravity. We selected 25 pulsars as an initial high priority list of targets based on their characteristics and observational history with other telescopes. In this paper, we provide an outline of the programme, present polarisation calibrated pulse profiles for all selected pulsars as a reference catalogue along with updated dispersion measures. We report Faraday rotation measures for 24 pulsars, twelve of which have been measured for the first time. More than a third of our selected pulsars show a flat position angle swing confirming earlier observations. We demonstrate the ability of the Rotating Vector Model (RVM), fitted here to seven binary pulsars, including the Double Pulsar (PSR J0737$-$3039A), to obtain information about the orbital inclination angle. We present a high time resolution light curve of the eclipse of PSR J0737$-$3039A by the companion's magnetosphere, a high-phase resolution position angle swing for PSR J1141$-$6545, an improved detection of the Shapiro delay of PSR J1811$-$2405, and pulse scattering measurements for PSRs J1227$-$6208, J1757$-$1854, and J1811$-$1736. Finally, we demonstrate that timing observations with MeerKAT improve on existing data sets by a factor of, typically, 2-3, sometimes by an order of magnitude., 21 pages 16 figures, published in MNRAS (replaced earlier submission after small changes added in proofs)

Austenitic Fe-30Mn-1C (FeMnC) is a prospective biodegradable implant material combining high mechanical integrity with adequate corrosion rates. The fast solidified TWIP alloy, its constituents and 316L stainless steel were electrochemically analysed in various electrolytes at 37 {\deg}C under laminar flow. Potentiodynamic polarization tests were conducted in Trisbuffered simulated body fluid (SBF), in Tris-buffered saline (TBS) and in 150 mM - 0.15 mM NaCl solutions (pH 7.6, 10, 5, 2) to study initial corrosion stages. Active dissolution of FeMnC is revealed in all electrolytes and is discussed on basis of the Fe and Mn behaviour plus is compared to that of 316L. The role of Tris (Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane) as organic buffer for SBFs is critically assessed, particularly with view to the sensitivity of Fe. SEM studies of FeMnC corroded in NaCl revealed preferential dissolution along Mn-rich grain boundary regions. Static immersion tests of FeMnC in SBF with surface and solution analyses (SEM/EDX, XPS, ICP-OES) indicated that dissolution processes interfere with the formation of permeable surface coatings comprising hydroxides and salts., Comment: 55 pages, 10 figures

We report here on initial results from the Thousand Pulsar Array (TPA) programme, part of the Large Survey Project "MeerTime" on the MeerKAT telescope. The interferometer is used in tied-array mode in the band from 856 to 1712~MHz, and the wide band coupled with the large collecting area and low receiver temperature make it an excellent telescope for the study of radio pulsars. The TPA is a 5 year project which aims to observe (a) more than 1000 pulsars to obtain high-fidelity pulse profiles, (b) some 500 of these pulsars over multiple epochs, (c) long sequences of single-pulse trains from several hundred pulsars. The scientific outcomes from the programme will include determination of pulsar geometries, the location of the radio emission within the pulsar magnetosphere, the connection between the magnetosphere and the crust and core of the star, tighter constraints on the nature of the radio emission itself as well as interstellar medium studies. First results presented here include updated dispersion measures, 26 pulsars with Faraday rotation measures derived for the first time and a description of interesting emission phenomena observed thus far., Accepted by MNRAS

Individuals with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis post spinal fusion often return to exercise and sport. However, the movements that individuals with spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (SF-AIS) use to compensate for the loss of spinal flexibility during high-effort tasks are not known.The objective of this study was to compare the spinal kinematics of the trunk segments displayed during the stop-jump, a maximal effort task, between SF-AIS and healthy control groups.The study used a case-controlled design.Ten SF-AIS (physically active, posterior-approach spinal fusion: 11.2±1.9 fused segments, postop time: 2±.6 years) and nine control individuals, pair matched for gender, age (17.4±1.3 years and 20.6±1.5 years, respectively), mass (63.50±12.2 kg and 66. 40±10.9 kg), height (1.69±.09 m and 1.72±.08 m), and level of physical activity, participated in the study. Individuals with spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and controls (CON) performed five acceptable trials of the stop-jump task. Spatial locations of 21 retroreflective trunk and pelvis markers were recorded via high-speed motion capture methodology. Mean differences and analysis of covariance (jump height=covariate, p.05) were used to compare the groups' relative angle (RelAng) and segmental angle (SegAng) of the three trunk segments (trunk segments=upper trunk [C7-T8], middle trunk [MT: T9-T12], lower trunk [LT: L1-L5]) for each rotation plane in the three phases of interest (flight, stance, and the vertical flight phases).No significant group differences for jump height and RelAng were detected in the three phases of stop-jump. Individuals with spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis displayed 3.2° greater transverse plane RelAng of LT compared with CON (p=.059) in the stance phase. Group differences for RelAng ranged from 0° to 15.3°. For SegAng in the stance phase, LT demonstrated greater SegAng in the sagittal and frontal planes (mean difference: 3.2°-6.2°), whereas SegAng for MT was 5.1° greater in the sagittal plane and had a tendency of 2° greater displacement in the frontal plane (p=.070). In the vertical flight phase, greater LT displacement in the frontal plane was observed for SF-AIS than CON. In the flight phase, LT had a tendency for greater SegAng for SF-AIS than for CON in the transverse plane (p=.089).Overall, SF-AIS who participate in physical activity on a regular basis are able to demonstrate similar trunk kinematics during a high-intensity stop-jump task as their matched healthy peers. Fewer group differences for relative angular displacements of the spine were observed than anticipated. This finding suggests that the fused MT appeared to be moving synchronously with the LT, thereby suggesting a compensatory adaptation of SF-AIS to achieve sufficient trunk movements during this high-effort movement.

The purpose of the study was to determine if the intratrunk coordination of axial rotation exhibited by individuals with spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (SF-AIS) during running varies from healthy individuals and how the coordination differs among adjacent trunk-segment pairs. Axial rotations of trunk segments (upper, middle, lower trunk) and pelvis were collected for 11 SF-AIS participants and 11 matched controls during running. Cross-correlation determined the phase lag between the adjacent segment motions. The coupling angle was generated using the vector coding method and classified into 1 of the 4 major, modified coordination patterns: in-phase, anti-phase, superior, and inferior phase. Two-way, mixed-model ANCOVA was employed to test phase lag, cross-correlation r, and time spent in each major coordination pattern. A significantly lower phase lag for SF-AIS was observed compared with controls. Qualitatively, there was a tendency that SF-AIS participants spent less time in anti-phase for middle-lower trunk and lower trunk-pelvis coordinations compared to controls. Phase lag and anti-phase time was significantly increased from cephalic to caudal segment pairs, regardless of group. In conclusion, SF-AIS participants and controls displayed similar patterns of intra-trunk coordination; however, the spinal fusion hindered decoupling of intra-trunk motions particularly between the lower trunk-pelvic motion.

Intracellular bacterial pathogens often reprogram their mammalian host cells, including cell mechanical properties, to promote their own replication and spread. However, it is unclear whether mammalian host cells may modulate their biomechanics in response to infection in a way that would benefit the host by limiting bacterial infection. Inspired by this question, we monitored epithelial cell monolayers infected with low levels of Listeria monocytogenes. We found that, as the bacteria replicate and spread from cell to cell over several days, the infected host cells within the infection focus get progressively compressed by surrounding uninfected cells. Surrounding uninfected cells become highly polarized and move directionally towards the infection focus, squeezing the infected cells that eventually get extruded from the monolayer. Extruded cells continue adhering to the cellular monolayer, giving rise to a 3-dimensional (3D) mound of infected cells. We hypothesized that 3D mounding was driven by changes in the biomechanics of uninfected cells surrounding the mounds (surrounders) as well as the infected cells that eventually compose the mound (mounders). Indeed, we found that infected mounders, but not surrounders, become softer during infection and adhere more weakly on deformable matrices mimicking their natural environment. Through a combination of transcriptomics, pharmacological and genetic perturbations, we find that differentially upregulated innate immunity signaling, and downregulated cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion pathways synergistically can drive the observed cellular competition between infected mounders and surrounders. Most importantly we find that activation of NF-κB is critical for mound formation, and show evidence that our findings extend to bacterial pathogens other than L. monocytogenes . Overall, our findings highlight the dynamic remodeling capability of epithelial tissue, and propose a novel biomechanical mechanism employed by host epithelial cells to eliminate bacterial infection.

Pulsar radio emission and its polarization are observed to evolve with frequency. This frequency dependence is key to the emission mechanism and the structure of the radio beam. With the new Ultra-Wideband receiver (UWL) on the Parkes radio telescope we are able, for the first time, to observe how pulsar profiles evolve over a broad continuous bandwidth of 700-4000 MHz. We describe here a technique for processing broadband polarimetric observations to establish a meaningful alignment and visualize the data across the band. We apply this to observations of PSRs J1056-6258 and J1359-6038, chosen due to previously unresolved questions about the frequency evolution of their emission. Application of our technique reveals that it is possible to align the polarization position angle (PA) across a broad frequency range when constrained to applying only corrections for dispersion and Faraday rotation to do so. However, this does not correspond to aligned intensity profiles for these two sources. We find that it is possible to convert these misalignments into emission height range estimates that are consistent with published and simulated values, suggesting that they can be attributed to relativistic effects in the magnetosphere. We discuss this work in the context of the radio beam structure and prepare the ground for a wider study of pulsar emission using broadband polarimetric data., Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRAS. 13 pages, 10 figures, 2 tables

Background Telemedicine solutions providing patient-centered care over distance need to be integrated into the regional setting. The acceptance by both providers and patients hat to be continuously evaluated using methods of participatory implementation research. In controlled trials, often taking place in laboratory settings, these methods cannot be applied. In the following, research in progress is presented. Methods Based on socio-demographic data, epidemiology prevalence of age-related chronic diseases and data on the value of health care provision in Saxony, Germany a model region was chosen. Then, a focus group (n = 6) was conducted to differentiate the results and analyze the health networks of patients. For this, network maps putting the individual in the middle and his/her sources of information and support in case of illness in concentric circles around it, were used. The focus group was audiotaped, transcribed and analyzed by two researchers using MaxQDA. Results With a mean age of 47.8 years (n = 17,431), high prevalence of diabetes (>15.85 %) and hypertension (>39.1%) and an expected shortage of primary physicians in 2030, the town of Kamenz is a mirror image of the current health care challenges in rural areas of Saxony. Participants of the focus groups also stated problems in finding a primary physician or a dentist. Compensatory behavior, such as traveling large distances, relying on self-researched online diagnoses and immediately going to the emergency room for medical support was described. According to the network maps, primary sources of support in case of illness are partners and relatives, yet there is little connection between those and health care providers, as well as between different medical specialists. Conclusions The results will lead to potential use cases of telemedicine to be included into a standardized questionnaire for the assessment of telemedicine readiness in the model region. Key messages Telemedicine implementation in a rural area can be studied using a participatory approach. Focus groups and network maps are useful qualitative methods for participatory research and can inform the design of quantitative measurements.

Background Most serous ovarian cancers are now understood to originate in the fallopian tubes. Removing the tubes (salpingectomy) likely reduces the risk of developing high‐grade serous ovarian cancer. Numerous gynaecological societies now recommend prophylactic (or opportunistic) salpingectomy at the time of gynaecological surgery in appropriate women, and this is widely done. Salpingectomy at the time of non‐gynaecological surgery has not been explored and may present an opportunity for primary prevention of ovarian cancer. Methods This study investigated whether prophylactic salpingectomy with the intention of reducing the risk of developing ovarian cancer would be accepted and could be accomplished at the time of elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Women aged at least 45 years scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were recruited. They were counselled and offered prophylactic bilateral salpingectomy at the time of cholecystectomy. Outcome measures were rate of accomplishment of salpingectomy, time and procedural steps needed for salpingectomy, and complications. Results A total of 105 patients were included in the study. The rate of acceptance of salpingectomy was approximately 60 per cent. Salpingectomy was performed in 98 of 105 laparoscopic cholecystectomies (93·3 per cent) and not accomplished because of poor visibility or adhesions in seven (6·7 per cent). Median additional operating time was 13 (range 4–45) min. There were no complications attributable to salpingectomy. One patient presented with ovarian cancer 28 months after prophylactic salpingectomy; histological re‐evaluation of the tubes showed a previously undetected, focal serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma. Conclusion Prophylactic salpingectomy can be done during elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy., Serous ovarian cancer is now understood to arise in the fallopian tubes. Prophylactic salpingectomy to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer is widely recommended at gynaecological surgery in appropriate women. This article explores prophylactic salpingectomy at the time of non‐gynaecological surgery. No harm, benefit still unclear

Two commonly used discharge cells (Grimm type and hollow cathode) were studied and compared in respect of their analytical capabilities. Semiconductive (silicon, silicon carbide, gallium nitride) and nonconductive (quartz and alumina) samples were considered. In this connection a combined hollow cathode was used, which consists of a cylindrical cathode and a flat sample in the bottom of the cylinder. Aluminum, copper, and tantalum cylindrical cathodes were applied. The comparison of the discharge cells was made by the OES signal intensities of sample components at equal power and similar pressure conditions, either at continuous RF or pulsed DC power supply modes. Operating in continuous RF mode, the combined hollow cathode source was shown to give almost the same or higher intensities compared with the Grimm cell. The application of the hollow cathode with continuous RF mode has an appreciable advantage only for thick dielectric samples, because in contrast to the Grimm cell, for the hollow cathode the analytical signal was found to be independent on sample thickness. Operating in pulsed DC mode, the combined hollow cathode system produces up to several orders of magnitude higher intensities than the Grimm cell, especially for dielectric samples. The pulsed mode has also shown good ratios of sample to cathode intensities compared with the continuous one. The sputtering mechanism in the combined hollow cathode cell was investigated and found to be connected with the formation of a thin conductive layer on the sample surface. The composition and thickness of the latter, depending on operating parameters and sputtering time were studied. It was shown that the surface layer is generated as a result of hollow cathode disc material deposition, sample material redeposition and enrichment of the less sputtered sample component.

We report on a case of catheter-related thrombosis after 7‑day catheter placement during intravascular temperature management (IVTM), in spite of the use of prophylactic anticoagulants. There were no clinical sequelae. According to the literature, occult thrombosis during ITVM could be more frequent than previously reported and dedicated monitoring for potential thrombosis may be indicated. However, a study comparing IVTM with surface cooling found no differences in clinical outcome. Therefore, n either of the methods can be recommended over the other. Further studies should evaluate the rate of occult thrombosis during the use of both cooling methods.

Intracellular pathogens alter their host cells' mechanics to promote dissemination through tissues. Conversely, host cells may respond to the presence of pathogens by altering their mechanics to limit infection. Here, we monitored epithelial cell monolayers infected with intracellular bacterial pathogens, Listeria monocytogenes or Rickettsia parkeri, over days. Under conditions in which these pathogens trigger innate immune signaling through NF-κB and use actin-based motility to spread non-lytically intercellularly, we found that infected cell domains formed three-dimensional mounds. These mounds resulted from uninfected cells moving toward the infection site, collectively squeezing the softer and less contractile infected cells upward and ejecting them from the monolayer. Bacteria in mounds were less able to spread laterally in the monolayer, limiting the growth of the infection focus, while extruded infected cells underwent cell death. Thus, the coordinated forceful action of uninfected cells actively eliminates large domains of infected cells, consistent with this collective cell response representing an innate immunity-driven process.

The frequency widening of pulsar profiles is commonly attributed to lower frequencies being produced at greater heights above the surface of the pulsar; so-called radius-to-frequency mapping. The observer's view of pulsar emission is a 1D cut through a 3D magnetosphere: we can only see that emission which points along our line of sight. However, by comparing the frequency evolution of many single pulses positioned at different phases, we can build up an understanding of the shape of the active emission region. We use single pulses observed with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope to investigate the emission region of PSR J1136+1551 and test radius-to-frequency mapping. Assuming that emission is produced tangential to the magnetic field lines and that each emission frequency corresponds to a single height, we simulate the single pulse profile evolution resulting from the canonical conal beam model and a fan beam model. Comparing the results of these simulations with the observations, we conclude that the emission region of PSR J1136+1551 is better described by the fan beam model. The diversity of profile widening behaviour observed for the single pulses can be explained by orthogonally polarized modes propagating along differing frequency-dependent paths in the magnetosphere., Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRAS. 17 pages, 14 figures, 1 table

For the investigation of chemical changes in Li- and Na-ion battery electrode systems, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is a well-accepted method. Charge compensation and referencing of the binding energy (BE) scale is necessary to account for the involved mostly non-conducting species. Motivated by a conflict in energy scale referencing of Li-metal samples discussed earlier by several authors, further clarifying experimental results on several Li containing reference materials are presented and extended by similar experiments for Na. When correlating the peak positions of characteristic chemical species in all the different prepared model sample states, there seems to be a systematic deviation in characteristic binding energies of several eV if lithium is present in its metallic state. Similar results were found for sodium. The observations are furthermore confirmed by the implementation of inert artificial energy reference material, such as implanted argon or deposited gold. The behavior is associated with the high reactivity of metallic lithium and a phenomenological explanation is proposed for the understanding of the observations. Consequences for data interpretation in Li-ion battery research will be discussed for various applications in part (II).

During Li-insertion in some complex transition metal molybdates with a NASICON structure, which serve as cathodes in Li-ion rechargeable cells, a formation of a cubic rock-salt-type phase was often detected between 1 and 2 V vs Li+/Li. Detailed information about elemental composition and stability of this compound was missing, and suggestions were made toward a solid solution composed of lithium oxide and two-valence transition metal oxide MO with M a 3d element. In the present work, we showed that Li2MoO4 with a phenacite-type structure without any additional transition metal can reversibly accommodate Li-ions at room temperature with the formation of the NaCl-type compound. Reversible Li-incorporation into the Li2MoO4 structure is accompanied by a reduction of Mo ions and changes in their oxygen coordination. Li-ions are shifted from a tetrahedral to an octahedral site, resulting in the formation of a cubic (Li3Mo)O4 framework with a random distribution of Li and Mo on one site. This mixed occupancy is ...

Case-controlled design; biomechanics laboratory setting. To compare the spine and lower extremity kinematics displayed during high-effort running between individuals with spinal fusion surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (SF-AIS) and healthy controls (CON). Individuals with SF-AIS often return to exercise and sports that include running. However, how these individuals produce the spinal rotations needed during high-effort running and thus compensate for the loss of spinal flexibility is not known. Ten SF-AIS (posterior-approach spinal fusion; postoperative time: 2.0 ± 0.6 years; physically active) and 10 CON individuals, pair-matched for gender, age, mass, height, and level of physical activity participated. SF-AIS individuals ran on a treadmill at a self-selected submaximal speed perceived as “hard” (15/20 on Borg perceived-effort scale), and CON ran at the SF-AIS pair-matched speed. 3D motion capture system was used to generate trunk and pelvis segmental angles (trunk segments = upper trunk [C7–T8], middle trunk [T9–T12], lower trunk [L1–L5]), relative angles (relative angles between the two consecutive trunk segments), and lower extremity joint angles. The group differences between the SF-AIS and CON were assessed using one-way analysis of covariance (with running speed as the covariate) for trunk, lower extremity, and step kinematics. SF-AIS participants exhibited a significantly greater (6.1° greater) lower trunk and (6.3° greater) pelvis segmental axial rotation compared with CON during running. In addition, SF-AIS participants displayed a 9.2° less ankle plantarflexion during the support phase. There were no significant differences detected for step kinematics. Possibly because of relearned compensatory mechanism, individuals with SF-AIS displayed similar patterns of spine, lower extremity, and step kinematics as healthy controls during high-effort running with some exceptions. Level III.

Correction for 'Composition-dependent charge transfer and phase separation in the V

Objective To evaluate the clinical and economic impact of a novel postoperative pathway following posterior spinal fusion (PSF) in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Methods Patient charts were reviewed for demographic data and to determine length of surgery, implant density, use of osteotomies, estimated blood loss, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, length of hospital stay, and any subsequent complications. Hospital charges were divided by charge code to evaluate potential savings. Results Two hundred and seventy-nine of 365 patients (76.4 %) treated with PSF carried a diagnosis of AIS and had completed 6 months of clinical and radiologic follow-up, a period of time deemed adequate to assess early complications. There was no difference between groups in age at surgery, sex, number of levels fused, or length of follow-up. Patients managed under the accelerated discharge (AD) pathway averaged 1.36 (31.7 %) fewer days of inpatient stay. Operative time was associated with a shorter length of stay. There was no difference in complications between groups. Hospital charges for room and board were significantly less in the AD group ($1.885 vs. $2,779, p < 0.001). Conclusions A pathway aimed to expedite discharge following PSF for AIS decreased hospital stay by nearly one-third without any increase in early complication rate. A small but significant decrease in hospital charges was seen following early discharge. Early discharge following PSF for AIS may be achieved without increased risk of complications, while providing a small cost savings.

BACKGROUND Patients with idiopathic scoliosis, although otherwise healthy, often have significant concerns about their self-image and appearance. In a group of juveniles and adolescents, this can impact adjustment in school, functioning in peer groups, and general sense of well-being. There are limited data to help physicians reliably and precisely identify those who are at higher risk of poor emotional adjustment even after spine deformity correction. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictors of emotional maladjustment in juvenile and adolescent patients after surgical correction of idiopathic scoliosis. METHODS A total of 233 juveniles, mean age 11.26 ± 1.02 (range, 8 to 12) years and 909 adolescents, mean age 14.91 ± 1.61 (range, 13 to 21) years, who underwent surgical correction for idiopathic scoliosis and who were participating in a prospective longitudinal multicenter database, were enrolled in the study. Participants completed the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire before surgery and 2 years postoperatively. Radiographs were used to measure Cobb angle and surface measurements were used to determine decompensation and trunk shift. RESULTS Adolescents reported poorer mental health preoperatively (P