bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Approach for Study on Nostalgia Memory Based on Social Media Data
Authors: Huo Jun , Li Yue
Published: December 2020

In view of the unprecedented nostalgia crisis during the urbanization in China, a new approach to explore nostalgia memory based on social media data was proposed under the background when social media became a new memory mode and carrier. Firstly, the targets of mining were expounded based on the memory theory. A complete homesickness memory can be constructed through the mining and analysis of three components of nostalgia memory: person, place and time. Secondly, the data and spatial analysis methods and techniques were studied by combining with the existing literature and practice research, and the application in nostalgia memory mining was deduced. Finally, the characteristics of social media data different from traditional memory media in subject, content and space-time were put forward, and the opportunities and challenges were also considered.
Research on Ningxia Global Tourism Intelligent Construction
Authors: Ruiyang Chai
Published: December 2020

With the rapid development of China’s tourism industry, in recent years, how to promote the transformation and upgrading of the tourism industry and meet the diverse personal needs of tourists has not only become the focus of the tourism industry’s general attention, but also an important content of domestic tourism research. The 2016 Tourism + Internet Action Plan issued by the National Tourism Administration emphasized that smart tourism will become one of the inevitable trends in the development of urban tourism. Therefore, based on the study of tourism informatization, smart tourism, and smart cities and their relationships, this article summarizes the current status of Ningxia’s smart tourism construction, elaborates the role of smart tourism construction on the development of Ningxia’s tourism industry, and analyzes the main influences of Ningxia’s tourism wisdom of holistic tourism destination .In the end, the paper puts forward some reflections and suggestions on the intelligent construction of tourism in Ningxia.
Notfallmedizinische Versorgung adipöser Menschen
Authors: Faisst Maik , Stuhr Markus , Savinsky Godo , Kerner Thoralf
Published: December 2020

Mit steigender Prävalenz der Adipositas werden auch alle in der Notfallmedizin Tätigen mit einer steigenden Zahl herausfordernder Einsätze in dieser Patientengruppe konfrontiert. Pathophysiologische Veränderungen bei den adipösen Patienten sowie technische und logistische Herausforderungen prägen diese besonderen Einsätze. Dieser Beitrag gibt einen Überblick zu den wesentlichen Aspekten auf diesem Gebiet, veranschaulicht an einem Einsatzbeispiel aus dem Hamburger Rettungsdienst.
Gesundheit und Lebenszufriedenheit bei Erwerbsminderungsrentnern und
-rentnerinnen: Die Bedeutung von finanziellen Ressourcen und
Einsamkeit
Authors: Lippke Sonia , Ricken Lea , Zschucke Elisabeth , Hessel Aike , Schüz Natalie
Published: December 2020

Ziel der Studie Erwerbsminderungsrentner1
sind durch geringe finanzielle Ressourcen und einen schlechten
Gesundheitszustand dem Risiko von weiteren gravierenden
Einschränkungen ausgesetzt: Es drohen reduzierte Teilhabe,
Einsamkeit und verminderte Lebenszufriedenheit. In der vorliegenden Arbeit
wurden daher Zusammenhänge zwischen der Anzahl der Erkrankungen,
selbstberichtetem Haushaltseinkommen (zur Verfügung stehende
finanzielle Ressourcen) und Haushaltsauskommen (Auskommen mit dem Einkommen,
d. h. kognitive und emotionale Bewertung der finanziellen
Ressourcen), Einsamkeit und Lebenszufriedenheit untersucht.

Methodik 199 befristete Erwerbsminderungsberentete wurden mittels
strukturierter telefonischer Interviews zu 2 Messzeitpunkten (T1;
T2=T1+ ca. 8 Monate) befragt.

Ergebnisse Die wahrgenommene Einsamkeit und die Lebenszufriedenheit
von Erwerbsminderungsrentnern stehen nicht im Zusammenhang mit der
finanziellen Situation (Haushaltseinkommen). Hingegen hängt eine
stärker wahrgenommene Einsamkeit mit niedrigeren wahrgenommenen
finanziellen Ressourcen (Haushaltsauskommen) zusammen. Diese gehen wiederum
mit einer geringeren Lebenszufriedenheit einher. Einsamkeit spielt eine
vermittelnde Rolle dabei. Je schlechter der Gesundheitszustand, desto
höher war auch die Einsamkeit und desto geringer die
Lebenszufriedenheit.

Schlussfolgerung Spezifische Rehabilitationsmaßnahmen
für Erwerbsminderungsrentner sollten in besonderer Weise auf
negative Wahrnehmungs- und Bewertungsprozesse bezüglich der
subjektiven finanziellen Situation, des Erlebens von Einsamkeit und der
Lebenszufriedenheit ausgerichtet werden. Angebote, die das Auskommen mit dem
zur Verfügung stehenden Geld unterstützen und darauf
abzielen, Einsamkeit zu überwinden und die Teilhabe zu verbessern,
könnten helfen, die Lebenszufriedenheit von
Erwerbsminderungsrentnern zu verbessern. Dies ist zentral, da andere Studien
einen Zusammenhang zwischen Lebenszufriedenheit und der Rückkehr ins
Arbeitsleben sowie sozialer Teilhabe gezeigt haben.
Real Life Data on Efficacy and Safety of Topical NGF Eye Drops (Cenegermin)
Authors: Zwingelberg Sarah Barbara , Bachmann Björn O. , Cursiefen Claus
Published: December 2020

Background Topical NGF eye drops (Cenegermin) were approved in 2015 as an orphan drug for the treatment of neurotrophic keratopathy (NK). The active substance Cenegermin is a recombinant form of human NGF (nerve growth factor).

Objectives Presentation of efficacy and safety of Cenegermin for use in patients in an university real-life setting.

Material and Methods Retrospective study at the Köln University Eye Hospital from 2017 to 2019 with n = 11 eyes. Average follow-up was 13.5 ± 7.1 months. Reasons for treatment were neurotrophic keratopathy stage II and III, clinically mostly in combination with corneal neovascularization.

Results Seven eyes with a NK II and 4 eyes with a NK III with a median observation period of 13.6 months (range 1.2 – 20.3 months) from a total of 11 patients were included. The median patient age was 42.8 ± 23.6 years (range 18 – 75 years). Before the start of therapy, the median erosion area measured 3.1 ± 1.4 × 1.9 ± 1.1 mm and the median ulcer area had a size of 2.3 ± 1.1 × 2.1 ± 0.8 mm. After the start of therapy with Cenegermin (application 6×/day), the epithelial defect closed in all 11 study eyes (100%) within 4 – 12 weeks (mean: 49 d ± 9 d). In 9 out of 10 patients (90%) pre-existing corneal neovascularization regressed significantly (p < 0.001). Before the start of therapy, a value in the Luneau test of 2.9 ± 1.9 (minimum 1/6, maximum 4/6) was found and rose to a median value of 4.2 ± 1.7 (minimum 2/6, maximum 6/6) after 18 months (p = 0.015). Therapy with Cenegermin had no long-term effect on intraocular pressure: the pressure ranged between
13.2 ± 4.1 mmHg (minimum 8 mmHg, maximum 21 mmHg). Under therapy with NGF eye drops, 67% of the patients, after an initial decrease, showed a long-term improvement in visual acuity (BSCVA) from 0.72 ± 0.31 to 0.46 ± 0.29 logMAR after 18 months (p = 0.005). Relapses in form of a corneal erosion in the long-term follow-up were observed in only one eye. One patient had to stop therapy because of local pain, no other local and systemic side effects were observed.

Conclusion This real-life series on the use of Cenegermin in a university context shows a good effectiveness of the substance for epithelial closure in various underlying diseases (100% within 12 weeks). There is a long-term improvement in vision and corneal sensitivity. Larger real-life cohorts with various underlying diseases should follow.
Aufsuchende Familien begleitung in der COVID-19-Krise durch Gesundheitsfachkräfte der Frühen Hilfen
Authors: Scharmanski Sara , van Staa Juliane , Renner Ilona
Published: December 2020

Um die aktuelle Arbeitssituation der aufsuchend tätigen Gesundheitsfachkräfte in den Frühen Hilfen und die Lage der Familien während der Kontaktbeschränkungen durch die Corona-Pandemie einschätzen zu können, befragte das Nationale Zentrum Frühe Hilfen (NZFH) Familienhebammen sowie Familien- und Gesundheitskinderkrankenpflegende. Die Ergebnisse der Befragung sind in dieser Arbeit zusammengefasst.
Early Troponin I Levels in Newborns Undergoing Therapeutic Hypothermia for Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy and Residual Encephalopathy at Discharge
Authors: Munshi Upender K. , Brown Meredith Monaco , Tauber Kate A. , Horgan Michael J.
Published: December 2020

Objective Elevation of serum troponin I has been reported in newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), but it is diagnostic and prognostic utility for newborn under 6 hours is not clear. Study the predictive value of early serum troponin I levels in newborns with HIE undergoing therapeutic hypothermia (TH) for persistent residual encephalopathy (RE) at discharge.

Study Design Retrospective chart review of newborns admitted with diagnosis of HIE to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for TH over a period of 3 years. Troponin levels were drawn with the initial set of admission laboratories while initiating TH. Newborns were followed up during hospital course and stratified into three groups based on predischarge examination and their electrical encephalography and cranial MRI findings: Group 1: no RE, Group 2: mild-to-moderate RE, and Group 3: severe RE or needing assisted medical technology or death. Demographic and clinical characteristics including troponin I levels were compared in each group.

Results Out of 104 newborns who underwent TH, 65 infants were in Group 1, 26 infants in Group 2, and 13 newborns in Group 3. All groups were comparable in demographic characteristics. There was a significant elevation of serum troponin in group 2 (mild-to-moderate RE) and group 3 (severe RE) as compared with group 1 (no RE). Receiver operator curve analysis for any RE (groups 2 and 3) compared with group 1 (no RE as control) had 0.88 (0.81–0.95) area under curve, p < 0.001. A cut-off level of troponin I ≥0.12 µg/L had a sensitivity of 77% and specificity of 78% for diagnosis of any RE, positive predictive value of 68%, and a negative predictive value of 84%.

Conclusion In newborns undergoing TH for HIE, the elevation of troponin within 6 hours of age predicts high risk of having RE at discharge.

Key Points
Zinc Supplementation in Preterm Neonates with Late-Onset Sepsis: Is It Beneficial?
Authors: Elfarargy Mohamed Shawky , Al-Ashmawy Ghada , Abu-Risha Sally , Khattab Haidy
Published: December 2020

Objective Neonatal sepsis (NS) is a serious neonatal disease. The aim of this study was to detect the role of zinc (Zn) supplementation in preterm neonates with late-onset sepsis (LOS).

Study Design A prospective randomized clinical trial study which was done at Tanta University Hospital from August 2016 to March 2018 on 180 preterm neonates with LOS. The studied neonates were divided into two groups: group 1 (90 neonates), which received Zn and antibiotics, and group 2 (90 neonates), which received antibiotics and placebo. In group 1, the neonates received 1.4 mg elemental Zn/kg/d orally for 10 days. Sepsis score, C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) were done for both groups.

Results As regards sepsis score, it showed that before beginning the treatment, there were 85 and 84 neonates who had high probable sepsis (HPS) in intervention and control groups, respectively, and this revealed nonstatistically significant difference (non-SSD) between both groups (p-value is 0.756) and after 10 days of treatment, there were 1 and 4 neonates who had HPS in intervention and control group, respectively, and this revealed SSD between both groups (p-value is 0.045*). As regards CRP and PCT, the results showed that before beginning the treatment, the mean ± standard deviation (SD) of CRP and PCT were 39.4 ± 10.1 mg/L and 5.2 + 1.8 ng/mL, respectively, in intervention group, while it was 39.6 + 9.9 mg/L and 5.1 + 1.9 ng/mL, respectively, in control group and this revealed non-SSD between both groups (p-value is 0.893 and 0.717, respectively) and after 10 days of treatment, the mean ± SD of CRP and PCT were 5.3 ± 1.8 mg/L and 0.39 ± 0.13 ng/mL, respectively, in intervention group and 6.1 + 2 mg/L and 0.61 + 0.22 ng/mL, respectively, in control group and this revealed SSD between both groups (p-value is 0.008* and 0.044*, respectively).

Conclusion Zn supplementation in preterm neonates with LOS is beneficial in improving the clinical and laboratory finding.

Recommendation Zn supplementation for preterm neonates with LOS.

Key Points
International price volatility transmission and structural change: a market connectivity analysis in the beef sector
Authors: Tanaka Tetsuji , Guo Jin
Published: December 2020

Despite the abundance of literature on agricultural price transmissions and unexpectedly disrupted value chains from infectious disease outbreaks such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy and COVID-19, the importance of research on price connectivity in the international beef markets has largely been ignored. To assess agricultural price transmission issues, error correction-type models (ECMs) have been predominantly employed. These models, however, suffer a deficiency in that the method is incapable of depicting time-variant linkages between prices. This article examines the connections between global and local prices, as well as price volatility in the beef sector. Our analysis uses a generalised autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH) model with the dynamic conditional correlation (DCC) specification that enables us to identify market connection intensity dynamics. We pay assiduous attention to structural changes in the overall research processes to enhance the reliability of estimation. For the first time in meat or grain price transmission research, our autoregressive models have been developed with structural break dummy variables for DCC. The principal findings are that (1) local retail prices for Azerbaijan, Georgia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and the UK showed a structural change in mean or variance, all of which were identified after the global food crisis from 2007–2009, (2) international prices unidirectionally Granger-cause regional prices in Georgia, Tajikistan and the United States in both mean and volatility (accordingly, no country exhibited price or price-volatility transmission from regional to international markets), and (3) volatility liaisons between global and local beef markets are generally weak, but price volatility exhibited closer synchronisation around the 2008 global food crisis, which created structural changes during the period. This finding implies that national governments should shield domestic from global markets by implementing trade restrictions such as quotas or taxes in a global emergency.
Integration and characterization of micron-sized YIG structures with very low Gilbert damping on arbitrary substrates
Authors: Trempler P. , Dreyer R. , Geyer P. , Hauser C. , Woltersdorf G. , Schmidt G.
Published: December 2020

We present a process that allows the transfer of monocrystalline yttrium-iron-garnet microstructures onto virtually any kind of substrate. The process is based on a recently developed method that allows the fabrication of freestanding monocrystalline YIG bridges on gadolinium-gallium-garnet. Here, the bridges' spans are detached from the substrate by a dry etching process and immersed in a watery solution. Using drop-casting, the immersed YIG platelets can be transferred onto the substrate of choice, where the structures finally can be reattached and, thus, be integrated into complex devices or experimental geometries. Using time-resolved scanning Kerr microscopy and inductively measured ferromagnetic resonance, we can demonstrate that the structures retain their excellent magnetic quality. At room temperature, we find a ferromagnetic resonance linewidth of μ0ΔHHWHM≈195 μT and we were even able to inductively measure magnon spectra on a single micrometer-sized yttrium-iron-garnet platelet at a temperature of 5 K. The process is flexible in terms of substrate material and shape of the structure. In the future, this approach will allow for types of spin dynamics experiments until now unthinkable.
Precise ion energy control with tailored waveform biasing for atomic scale processing
Authors: Faraz Tahsin , Verstappen Yuri G. P. , Verheijen Marcel A. , Chittock Nicholas J. , Lopez Javier Escandon , Heijdra Erik , van Gennip Wouter J. H. , Kessels Wilhelmus M. M. , Mackus Adriaan J. M.
Published: December 2020

Anisotropic plasma-enhanced atomic layer etching (ALE) requires directional ions with a well-defined ion energy to remove materials in a highly selective and self-limiting fashion. In many plasma etching systems, the ion energy is controlled using radio-frequency (13.56 MHz) sinusoidal waveform biasing. However, this yields ions with a broad energy distribution, while also inducing electron heating mechanisms that can affect the ion flux. In this work, we report on precise ion energy control—independent of the ion flux—using low-frequency (LF: 100 kHz) tailored bias voltage waveforms in a commercial remote plasma reactor. A prototype LF bias generator has been used to apply tailored waveforms consisting of a positive voltage pulse and a negative linear voltage ramp. These waveforms yielded ions having narrow energy distributions (7 ± 1 eV full-width-at-half-maximum) measured on dielectric SiO2 substrates for ion energies up to 200 eV in collisionless Ar plasmas. The mono-energetic ions were used to etch SiO2 thin films by physical sputtering. In these sputter etch experiments, the ability to accurately control the ion energy in the <100 eV range is demonstrated to allow for a more precise determination of sputter thresholds, which serve as valuable input for the design of novel ALE chemistries. The feasibility of performing anisotropic plasma etching using LF tailored waveform biasing was established by etching a SiO2 layer on a 3D trench nanostructure. The potential merits of this technique for the field of atomic scale processing are discussed.
Insights from the density functional performance of water and water–solid interactions: SCAN in relation to other meta-GGAs
Authors: Jana Subrata , Patra Abhilash , Śmiga Szymon , Constantin Lucian A. , Samal Prasanjit
Published: December 2020

Accurate prediction of water properties in its gas and condensed phases, including the interaction of water with surfaces, is of prime importance for many scientific disciplines. However, accurate simulation of all water properties together within semilocal approximations of the density functional theory possesses great challenges. The Strongly Constrained and Appropriately Normed semilocal density functional, which satisfies 17 known exact constraints and includes the intermediate range van der Waals interaction, performs quite well for different properties of water including the correct energy ordering of isomers. Despite its impressive performance, the energy overestimation for water isomers, ice lattice energies, and volume underestimation for ice are noticeable. However, it is recently shown that [S. Jana et al., J. Chem. Theory Comput. 16(2), 974–987 (2020)] meta-generalized gradient approximations based on the density matrix expansion [i.e., Tao-Mo (TM) and revised TM (revTM)] can achieve quite a good accuracy for the diverse properties of water. In this paper, we assess the performance of the dispersion corrected counterparts of the TM and revTM functionals. It is shown that the dispersion corrected counterparts of both methods are also quite accurate for diverse water properties, especially for the water–solid interactions. Moreover, the extent of accuracy of TM-based functionals is also analyzed from the viewpoint of the density and functional-driven error. Finally, a comparison in the performance of the dispersion corrected functionals is exhibited. It is shown that the “Optimized Power” damping function together with Grimme’s D3 correction and revTM functional is in excellent agreement for the water adsorption on carbon nanostructure materials and ice-lattice mismatch problem without deviating accuracy of other water properties compared to its bare functional.
Magnetic properties of a pseudo-one-dimensional ferrimagnetic semiconductor Eu3Sb4Se9
Authors: Wang Shijie , Wu Yuelong , Cao Tianqi , Wang Xiaoxiong , Long Yun-Ze , Chen Dong , Teng Bing
Published: December 2020

The resistivity, anisotropic magnetic properties, and magnetic critical behavior of single-crystalline Eu3Sb4Se9 with a pseudo-one-dimensional structure have been studied. The resistivity shows a semiconducting temperature dependence, which gives a bandgap of 0.65 eV. The samples are paramagnetic and isotropic at high temperatures and undergo a transition at Tc = 5.1 K into a ferrimagnetic phase. The long crystal dimension, the crystalline b axis, is the easy axis. Below Tc, the samples have a further metamagnetic transition from the ferrimagnetic to ferromagnetic state when the field is along the easy axis. The low-field magnetization around Tc cannot be described by the mean-field theory for a second-order phase transition, but can be well fitted by the modified Arrott plot, which gives a set of critical exponents β = 0.82, γ = 1.08, and δ = 2.35. The magnetic phase diagram for the field applied parallel to the easy axis is finally established.
Geochemical transition zone powering microbial growth in subsurface sediments
Authors: Zhao Rui , Mogollón José M. , Abby Sophie S. , Schleper Christa , Biddle Jennifer F. , Roerdink Desiree L. , Thorseth Ingunn H. , Jørgensen Steffen L.
Published: December 2020

Significance

The marine sedimentary subsurface is a vast and inhospitable ecosystem, often described as a place where microbes “race to their death,” as microbial cells are buried and available energy is severely diminished with increasing depth/age. By combining a variety of biogeochemical and molecular methods to describe the energetics and genetics of the bacteria specialized in anaerobic ammonium oxidation, we show that despite prolonged exposure to highly unfavorable conditions for tens of thousands of years, these bacteria exhibit remarkable net population growth when reaching their niche: the nitrate–ammonium transition zone. This common, yet understudied, geochemical transition zone represents an oasis in the sedimentary energetic desert, and the growth it supports is of major importance for the global nitrogen cycle.
Polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis pathway determines ferroptosis sensitivity in gastric cancer
Authors: Lee Ji-Yoon , Nam Miso , Son Hye Young , Hyun Kwangbeom , Jang Seo Young , Kim Jong Woo , Kim Min Wook , Jung Youngae , Jang Eunji , Yoon Seon-Jin , Kim Jungeun , Kim Jihye , Seo Jinho , Min Jeong-Ki , Oh Kyoung-Jin , Han Baek-Soo , Kim Won Kon , Bae Kwang-Hee , Song Jaewhan , Kim Jaehoon , Huh Yong-Min , Hwang Geum-Sook , Lee Eun-Woo , Lee Sang Chul
Published: December 2020

Significance

Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE)-linked arachidonic acid (AA) and adrenic acid (AdA) are well-known substrates for lipid peroxidation, which are indispensable for ferroptosis, an iron-dependent regulated necrosis. However, how cells differentially regulate the intracellular pools of AA and AdA is not fully understood. Here, elongation of very long-chain fatty acid protein 5 (ELOVL5) and fatty acid desaturase 1 (FADS1) are differentially expressed in gastric cancer cells, discriminating the cellular susceptibility to ferroptosis. Biochemical and lipidomics analyses support the hypothesis that ELOVL5 and FADS1 are required to maintain intracellular levels of AA and AdA and promote ferroptosis. Our study highlights the biosynthesis of AA and AdA by ELOVL5 and FADS1 as a critical checkpoint in the ferroptosis pathway.
Histone variants in archaea and the evolution of combinatorial chromatin complexity
Authors: Stevens Kathryn M. , Swadling Jacob B. , Hocher Antoine , Bang Corinna , Gribaldo Simonetta , Schmitz Ruth A. , Warnecke Tobias
Published: December 2020

Significance

Chromatin in eukaryotes is built around histone–DNA complexes, which act as platforms for the integration of regulatory information. Different layers of information are integrated in a combinatorial fashion, for example by exchanging core histones for variants with different properties. We show that histone variants also exist in archaea. In particular, we identify unique archaeal variants that act as capstones, preventing extension of histone–DNA complexes. Importantly, we show that some archaeal histone variants are ancient and have been maintained as distinct units for hundreds of millions of years. Our work suggests that complex combinatorial chromatin that uses histones as its building blocks exists outside eukaryotes and that the ancestor of eukaryotes might have already had complex chromatin.
The role of third parties in norm enforcement in customary courts among the Enga of Papua New Guinea
Authors: Wiessner Polly
Published: December 2020

Significance

Cultural norms are key to cooperation but are challenging to uphold. Humans have deep-seated predispositions for regulating norms through both retributive and restorative means. The Enga of Papua New Guinea, a small-scale horticultural society, navigate the national judicial system of legal plurality—formal Western-style courts with retributive justice and customary courts with restorative justice. An analysis of 333 customary court cases shows that Enga choose restorative options to compensate the victim for losses, reintegrate the wrongdoer, and restore cooperation because cooperation and collective action are essential to survival in small-scale societies. Today, in many industrialized societies, efforts are made to reintegrate elements of such age-old restorative systems by respectful listening to both sides, apologies, amends, and reconciliation.
LIGO–Virgo spots massive black-hole merger
Authors: Johnston Hamish
Published: December 2020

Gravitational waves from the most massive merger of two black holes ever seen have been detected by the LIGO and Virgo observatories.
Signatures of life found in the clouds of Venus
Authors: Cooper Keith
Published: December 2020

Astronomers have announced the detection of phosphine in the clouds of Venus.
Microwave anomalies strengthen case for loop quantum cosmology
Authors: Cooper Keith
Published: December 2020

A theory of quantum gravity that describes the universe as beginning in a “Big Bounce” rather than a Big Bang has succeeded in explaining several anomalies in the cosmic microwave background
Secrets of spinning ‘blue whirl’ flames revealed
Authors: Jarman Sam
Published: December 2020

Computer simulations suggest that “blue whirls” – small, spinning flames that were first spotted in 2016 – involve three different flames
IOP Publishing to implement double-blind peer review
Authors: Banks Michael
Published: December 2020

IOP Publishing, which publishes Physics World, has announced it will introduce double-blind peer review on all of its wholly owned journals by the end of 2021.
Virtual virtues
Authors: Durrani Matin
Published: December 2020

Conferences are never going to be the same even when COVID-19 is a distant memory
Green strings attached
Authors: McKenzie James
Published: December 2020

Solving many of today’s environmental problems will require advanced technological solutions, says James McKenzie
Hot air?
Authors: Beardsell Alec
Published: December 2020

In response to Norman Wilson’s letter “Power predicaments” (July p26), which was in response to an exchange based on Dave Elliott’s article (January p19) about the current status of renewable energy.
Organic electrochemical transistor on paper for the detection of halide anions in biological analytes
Authors: Nair Rakesh Rajendran
Published: December 2020

This report describes an open-air, screen-printed organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) fabricated on a paper substrate for the determination of halide ion concentrations within ranges relevant for human disease diagnosis. Chloride ions (Cl−) owing to their prevalence in biochemistry were specifically evaluated and the OECT’s efficacy with regards to measuring biologically relevant Cl− concentrations in the presence of multiple cationic and anionic interference species was studied. Sensor response was evaluated using both bench-top measurements as well as with hybrid data processing and notification circuitry assembled on the same flexible paper substrate as the OECT. To simplify the measurement process, a current-to-voltage converter was screen-printed in series with the OECT channel to facilitate voltage measurements in direct correlation with the drain current modulations. The bio-electronic conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrene sulphonate) (PEDOT:PSS) was utilized as the transistor channel and silver (Ag) was used as the halide-selective gate electrode. Finally, the paper OECT and the on-board hybrid circuitry were powered using Zn-MnO2-ZnCl2 based printed paper cells and the biosensor’s suitability towards distinguishing between Cl− concentrations clinically associated with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis was evaluated as a proof of concept. This work demonstrates a simple biosensing system working in the faradaic mode of operation without the implementation of selective ionophore films and incorporates aspects of recyclability, biodegradability and eco-friendliness.
Correction of Suboptimal Results in Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Colwell Amy S
Published: December 2020

Implant-based breast reconstruction is the most common means to rebuild the breast following mastectomy. Although largely successful in restoring breast shape, suboptimal results may occur secondary to inadequate size or projection, malposition, rippling and contour irregularities, nipple malposition, capsular contracture, or implant rotation/flipping. This article reviews common strategies to improve implant reconstruction outcomes with revisional surgery.

Level of Evidence: 4
Opening pupils' eyes to the Sun
Authors: French Ryan , James Alexander , Baker Deborah , Dunn William , Matthews Sarah , da Silva Pestana Brian , Graham Grace , Shackell Benjamin , Carretero Adam Smith , Trindade Granger
Published: December 2020

Ryan French and colleagues discuss their Hinode/EIS outreach work and the resulting resources available for A-level classes.
Thiopurines and non-melanoma skin cancer: partners in crime in inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Solitano Virginia , D’Amico Ferdinando , Correale Carmen , Peyrin-Biroulet Laurent , Danese Silvio
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Several studies have shown that inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) patients treated with thiopurines have an increased risk of developing skin cancer.

Sources of data

This review is based on recent published literature regarding the use of thiopurines in IBD and skin malignancies.

Areas of agreement

Exposure to thiopurines is significantly associated with nonmelanoma skin cancer, but not with melanoma. Primary and secondary prevention including sun-protective measures and regular dermatologic screening are recommended in IBD patients, particularly in those exposed to thiopurines.

Areas of controversy

Both when and how immunosuppressive therapy should be resumed in patients with a prior history of skin cancer still remain debatable topics.

Growing points

The benefit–risk balance between thiopurine therapy and risk of skin cancer should be evaluated in the drug decision process.

Areas timely for developing research

The approval of new effective strategies requires the re-evaluation of the positioning of thiopurines within the therapeutic algorithm based on an increasingly individualized approach.
Beyond Sharing Unpleasant Affect—Evidence for Pain-Specific Opioidergic Modulation of Empathy for Pain
Authors: Rütgen Markus , Wirth Eva-Maria , Riečanský Igor , Hummer Allan , Windischberger Christian , Petrovic Predrag , Silani Giorgia , Lamm Claus
Published: December 2020

It is not known how specific the neural mechanisms underpinning empathy for different domains are. In the present study, we set out to test whether shared neural representations between first-hand pain and empathy for pain are pain-specific or extend to empathy for unpleasant affective touch as well. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging and psychopharmacological experiments, we investigated if placebo analgesia reduces first-hand and empathic experiences of affective touch, and compared them with the effects on pain. Placebo analgesia also affected the first-hand and empathic experience of unpleasant touch, implicating domain-general effects. However, and in contrast to pain and pain empathy, administering an opioid antagonist did not block these effects. Moreover, placebo analgesia reduced neural activity related to both modalities in the bilateral insular cortex, while it specifically modulated activity in the anterior midcingulate cortex for pain and pain empathy. These findings provide causal evidence that one of the major neurochemical systems for pain regulation is involved in pain empathy, and crucially substantiates the role of shared representations in empathy.
Specific complications and limitations of robotic esophagectomy
Authors: Abbas Abbas E , Sarkaria Inderpal S
Published: December 2020

Regardless of the approach to esophagectomy, it is an operation that may be associated with significant risk to the patient. Robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) has the same potential for short- and long-term complications as does open and minimally invasive esophagectomy. These complications include among others, the risk for anastomotic leak, gastric tip necrosis, vocal cord palsy, and chylothorax. Moreover, there are additional risks that are unique to the robotic platform such as hardware or software malfunction. These risks are heavily influenced by numerous factors including the patient’s comorbidities, whether neoadjuvant therapy was administered, and the extent of the surgical team’s experience. The limitations of RAMIE are therefore based on the careful assessment of the patient for operability, the tumor for resectability and the team for surgical ability. This article will tackle the topic of complications and limitations of RAMIE by examining each of these issues. It will also describe the recommended terminology for reporting post-esophagectomy complications.
Differential expression of clade I and II N2O reductase genes in denitrifyingThauera linaloolentis47LolT under different nitrogen conditions
Authors: Semedo Miguel , Wittorf Lea , Hallin Sara , Song Bongkeun
Published: December 2020

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas and its reduction to dinitrogen gas by the N2O reductase (encoded by the nosZ gene) is the only known biological N2O sink. Within the nosZ phylogeny there are two major clades (I and II), which seem to have different ecological niches. However, physiological differences of nosZI and nosZII expression that may impact emissions of N2O are not well understood. Here, we evaluated the differential expression of nosZI and nosZII, both present in Thauera linaloolentis strain 47LolT, in response to N2O concentration and the presence of the competing electron acceptor nitrate (NO3−). Different N2O levels had a negligible effect on the expression of both nosZ clades. Interestingly, nosZII expression was strongly upregulated in the absence of NO3−, while nosZI expression remained constant across the conditions tested. Thus, NO3− possibly inhibited nosZII expression, which suggests that N2O mitigation mediated by nosZII can be restricted due to the presence of NO3− in the environment. This is the first study demonstrating differential expression of nosZI and nosZII genes under the same physiological conditions and their implications for N2O emission under varying environmental conditions in terms of NO3− availability.
Law Breaking and Law Bending: How International Migrants Negotiate with State Borders
Authors: Schwartz Cassilde , Simon Miranda , Hudson David , Johnson Shane D
Published: December 2020

Many countries have become increasingly aggressive in their efforts to stop unauthorized migration, but most evidence suggests that immigration enforcement policies do not effectively deter migrants. We draw on literature from social psychology, specifically the dual-system model of decision-making, which differentiates between judgments that are subject to considerations of risks and costs and judgments that are “non-consequentialist.” Non-consequentialist decision-making is founded in moral intuition and rejects rational considerations of costs and benefits. This mental process would render the deterrence tools of the state powerless. We posit that some, but not all, forms of unauthorized migration will invoke non-consequentialist decision-making. When considering semi-legal strategies, which individuals may perceive as “bending the law” rather than breaking it, aspiring migrants are likely to weigh the risks and costs of enforcement policies. Meanwhile, when considering fully illegal migration strategies, aspiring migrants will prioritize moral considerations for breaking the law rather than the consequences of breaking the law. We find evidence for our theory using original population-based list experiments along with focus groups of aspiring migrants in an origin country.
Development of Second-degree Frostbite in Two Service Members Wearing Issued Cold Weather Footgear Traversing Sea Ice
Authors: Powell Thomas
Published: December 2020

Frostbite, or the freezing of the tissues by exposure to conditions below the freezing point of water, is an unsettling and potentially dangerous condition that one can develop while living and working in cold environments below 0°C without proper protections. Civilians and military personnel operating in prolonged field conditions in temperatures below freezing rely on advanced fabrics and multiple layers to maintain body heat around the extremities to prevent frostbite. Here, we detail the situation and findings of frostbite in 2 American service members who were exposed to temperatures of approximately −19.5°C for 5 hours while hiking on frozen sea ice. Notably, these members were wearing their issued cold weather equipment at the time of their injury. The personnel presented with the classic signs and symptoms of second-degree frostbite with blistering and tingling but went on to have no lasting serious sequelae. We find these cases important as it documents the inadequacy of the footgear utilized, despite being operated in weather conditions within the range of the manufacturer’s safety recommendations. Sea ice and other very cold, conducting surfaces may require other gear considerations when operating in this unique terrain type.
Do Interviews Influence Admission Decisions? An Empirical Analysis From an Institution
Authors: Hamidi Zachariah , Durning Steven J , Torre Dario , Liotta Robert , Dong Ting
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The admission interview is regarded as one of the most significant moments in the process of applying to medical school, but there is limited empirical evidence that supports this claim. Previous analyses have offered what is largely anecdotal evidence of the interview’s importance while also suggesting that there is ample opportunity for ethnic and gender bias to impact interview scores. We also asked what medical schools can learn from comparing the attributes of matriculants and those applicants who rejected offers of acceptance.

Materials and Methods

This study investigated the association between interview performance and admission committee decisions for applicants applying to the School of Medicine of the USU. The study cohort included all candidates who were invited for an on-site interview at the USU in 2014, 2015, and 2016 (n = 1825).

Results

Seventeen percent of the variance of the outcome variables—admission committee decisions to accept, place on the alternate list, or reject an applicant—can be explained by considering interview scores alone. Applicant age, race, ethnicity, and gender did not significantly impact interview overall ratings. Matriculants to the USU had similar interview ratings and distribution of gender, race, and ethnicity when compared to those applicants who rejected offers of acceptance. Matriculants were more likely to have previous military experience.

Conclusion

Our analysis provides some justification for the importance of the interview in the admission process. Applicant demographics (age, race, gender, and ethnicity) were not associated with interview scores. Differences between matriculants to the USU and those who rejected offers of acceptance are small, indicating that the USU continues to build a class body that excels in both cognitive and noncognitive domains.
Delimiting the black hole mass in the X-ray transient MAXI J1659-152 with Hα spectroscopy
Authors: Torres M A P , Jonker P G , Casares J , Miller-Jones J C A , Steeghs D
Published: December 2020

MAXI J1659-152 is a 2.4 h orbital period X-ray dipping transient black hole candidate. We present spectroscopy of its I ≈ 23 quiescent counterpart, where we detect Hα emission with full width half maximum (FWHM) of 3200 ± 300 km s−1. Applying the correlation between the Hα FWHM and radial velocity semi-amplitude of the donor star for quiescent X-ray transients, we derive K2 = 750 ± 80 km s−1. The orbital period and K2 lead to a mass function of 4.4 ± 1.4 M⊙ (1σ). The donor to compact object mass ratio and binary inclination are likely in the range q = M2/M1 = 0.02–0.07 and i = 70○–80○. These constraints imply a 68 per cent confidence level interval for the compact object mass of 3.3 ≲ M1(M⊙) ≲ 7.5, confirming its black hole nature. These quasi-dynamical limits are compared to mass estimates from modelling of X-ray data and any discrepancies are discussed. We review the properties of optical spectroscopy and time-series photometry collected during the 2010–2011 outburst. We interpret the apparent modulations found soon after the onset of high-accretion activity and during the 2011 rebrightening event as originating in the accretion disc. These have signatures consistent with superhumps, with the 2011 modulation having a fractional period excess $\lt 0.6{\rm{per\, cent}}$ (3σ). We propose that direct irradiation of the donor by the central X-ray source was not possible due to its occultation by the disc outer regions. We argue that disc shielding significantly weakens the donor star contribution to the optical variability in systems with q ≲ 0.07, including neutron star ultra-compact X-ray binaries.
Expansion and re-classification of the extracytoplasmic function (ECF) σ factor family
Authors: Casas-Pastor Delia , Müller Raphael R , Jaenicke Sebastian , Brinkrolf Karina , Becker Anke , Buttner Mark J , Gross Carol A , Mascher Thorsten , Goesmann Alexander , Fritz Georg
Published: December 2020

Extracytoplasmic function σ factors (ECFs) represent one of the major bacterial signal transduction mechanisms in terms of abundance, diversity and importance, particularly in mediating stress responses. Here, we performed a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of this protein family by scrutinizing all proteins in the NCBI database. As a result, we identified an average of ∼10 ECFs per bacterial genome and 157 phylogenetic ECF groups that feature a conserved genetic neighborhood and a similar regulation mechanism. Our analysis expands previous classification efforts ∼50-fold, enriches many original ECF groups with previously unclassified proteins and identifies 22 entirely new ECF groups. The ECF groups are hierarchically related to each other and are further composed of subgroups with closely related sequences. This two-tiered classification allows for the accurate prediction of common promoter motifs and the inference of putative regulatory mechanisms across subgroups composing an ECF group. This comprehensive, high-resolution description of the phylogenetic distribution of the ECF family, together with the massive expansion of classified ECF sequences and an openly accessible data repository called ‘ECF Hub’ (https://www.computational.bio.uni-giessen.de/ecfhub), will serve as a powerful hypothesis-generator to guide future research in the field.
Extremely low gestational age infants: Developing a multidisciplinary care bundle
Authors: Ferretti Emanuela , Daboval Thierry , Rouvinez-Bouali Nicole , Lawrence Sarah L , Lemyre Brigitte
Published: December 2020

Background

Clinical experience in managing extremely low gestational age infants, particularly those born <24 weeks’ gestation, is limited in Canada. Our goal was to develop a bedside care bundle for infants born <26 weeks’ gestation, with special considerations for infants of <24 weeks, to harmonize and improve quality of care.

Methods

We created a multidisciplinary working group with experience in caring for preterm infants, searched the literature from 2000 to 2019 to identify best practices for the care of extremely preterm infants and consulted colleagues across Canada and internationally. Iterative improvements were made following the Plan-Do-Study-Act methodology.

Results

A care bundle, created in October 2015, was divided into three time periods: initial resuscitation/stabilization, the first 72 hours and days 4 to 7, with each period subdivided in 8 to 12 care themes. Revisions and practice changes were implemented to improve skin integrity, admission temperature, timing of initiation of feeds, reliability of transcutaneous CO2 monitoring and ventilation. Of 127 infants <26 weeks admitted between implementation and end of 2019, 78 survived to discharge (61%).

Conclusion

It will be important to determine, with ongoing auditing and further evaluation, whether our care bundle led to improvements of short- and long-term outcomes in this population. Our experience may be useful to others caring for extremely low gestational age infants.
The Whack-a-Mole Game: Tobin Taxes and Trading Frenzy
Authors: Cai Jinghan , He Jibao , Jiang Wenxi , Xiong Wei
Published: December 2020

To dampen trading frenzy in the stock market, the Chinese government tripled the stamp tax for stock trading on May 30, 2007. The greatly increased trading cost triggered a migration of the trading frenzy from the stock market to the warrant market, which was not subject to the stamp tax. This migration exacerbated a price bubble in the warrant market. Our analysis of investor account data uncovers not only large inflows of new investors to the warrant market but also greatly intensified trading by existing warrant investors. This episode exemplifies the so-called “whack-a-mole” game in financial regulations.
Treatment of Chronic Hematogenous Osteomyelitis in Children With Antibiotic Impregnated Calcium Sulphate
Authors: Ellur Vikas , Kumar Girish , Sampath Jayanth S.
Published: December 2020

Background:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiologic outcome of chronic hematogenous osteomyelitis (CHOM) in children, treated with single-stage debridement and dead space management using antibiotic impregnated calcium sulphate pellets.

Methods:

The authors retrospectively evaluated a consecutive series of 34 patients who presented with CHOM from 2011 to 2017. In each case, CHOM was classified according to the Beit CURE classification. Following thorough surgical debridement, the resulting dead space in the bone was filled with the antibiotic impregnated beads before primary closure.

Results:

Of the 31 patients available for follow up, effective regeneration of bone was confirmed in all cases, with radiographic bone healing typically observed at around 12 weeks. None of the children required reoperation for infection and none had recurrence of infection at the time of final review. The beads were completely absorbed within 3 months. No systemic adverse reactions to the local delivery of antibiotics were observed in this study.

Conclusions:

The authors found that single-stage debridement in conjunction with antibiotic impregnated calcium sulphate was an effective means of treating CHOM in children, with effective eradication of infection in every case.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV—Retrospective case series. See instructions for authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.