bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phyphox app in the physics classroom
Authors: Carroll Ryan , Lincoln James
Published: October 2020

The phyphox app has demonstrated itself to be useful and impressive for physics teaching. The app is free to download and has so many features that it seems it may be particularly helpful in this time of distance learning. Phyphox (pronounced to sound like “physics”) works for Android and Apple phones, and there are many experiments already available for it online and built in. In this article we describe some of the best experiments to do with the app, provide advice for finding and writing labs, and go further to suggest how phyphox might help add interactive minilabs to our physics lectures.
Targeting the Achilles’ Heel of Bacteria: Different Mechanisms To Break Down the Peptidoglycan Cell Wall during Bacterial Warfare
Authors: Sibinelli-Sousa Stephanie , Hespanhol Julia Takuno , Bayer-Santos Ethel
Published: October 2020

Bacteria commonly live in dense polymicrobial communities and compete for scarce resources. Consequently, they employ a diverse array of mechanisms to harm, inhibit, and kill their competitors. The cell wall is essential for bacterial survival by providing mechanical strength to resist osmotic stress. Because peptidoglycan is the major component of the cell wall and its synthesis is a complex multistep pathway that requires the coordinate action of several enzymes, it provides a target for rival bacteria, which have developed a large arsenal of antibacterial molecules to attack the peptidoglycan of competitors.
A Founder Effect Led Early SARS-CoV-2 Transmission in Spain
Authors: Díez-Fuertes Francisco , Iglesias-Caballero María , García-Pérez Javier , Monzón Sara , Jiménez Pilar , Varona Sarai , Cuesta Isabel , Zaballos Ángel , Jiménez Mercedes , Checa Laura , Pozo Francisco , Pérez-Olmeda Mayte , Thomson Michael M. , Alcamí José , Casas Inmaculada
Published: October 2020

Multiple SARS-CoV-2 introductions have been detected in Spain, and at least four resulted in the emergence of locally transmitted clusters that originated not later than mid-February, with further dissemination to many other countries around the world, and a few weeks before the explosion of COVID-19 cases detected in Spain during the first week of March. The majority of the earliest variants detected in Spain branched in the clade 19B (D614 viruses), which was the most prevalent clade during the first weeks of March, pointing to a founder effect. However, from mid-March to June 2020, G614-bearing viruses (clades 20A, 20B, and 20C) overcame D614 variants in Spain, probably as a consequence of an evolutionary advantage of this substitution in the spike protein. A higher infectivity of G614-bearing viruses than D614 variants was detected, suggesting that this substitution in SARS-CoV-2 spike protein could be behind the variant shift observed in Spain.
Surgical strategies in management of ankylosed bilateral hips and knees in crouched posture
Authors: Muthu Sathish , Chellamuthu Girinivasan , Gopalswamy Thiruvengita Prasad , Kandasamy Velmurugan
Published: October 2020

A 26-year-old wheelchair-bound man was brought to our institute with progressive painful deformity of both lower limbs involving bilateral hip and knee for the past 5 years. The patient was wheelchair-bound for the past 18 months. He was only able to crawl to meet his locomotor demands. On examination, the patient was in a crouched posture with mild kyphosis at the thoracolumbar region and ankylosis of bilateral hip and knee in an unfavourable position. Radiological and serological evaluation diagnosed him to be a case of neglected ankylosing spondylosis. We planned for arthroplasty of the bilateral hip and knee for correcting his posture and to regain his locomotor ability. The severity of the deformity mandated extensive releases and the handling of neurovascular structures. Hence, a holistic treatment plan with various surgical strategies was devised to manage his deformities. The patient made a good recovery and regained his locomotor ability without any major complications at a 2-year follow-up.
Would you use novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) for thromboprophylaxis in patients with an underlying hypercoagulable state? A literature review through a case report
Authors: Kakadia Bhavika , Suero-Abreu Giselle Alexandra , Daci Rrita , Then Ryna Karina
Published: October 2020

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS) is an autoimmune condition that predisposes to venous and arterial thrombosis. Warfarin is the agent of choice for anticoagulation. However, a need for routine international normalised ratio (INR) checks and multiple drug interactions are some of the difficulties with warfarin. Currently, there is mixed evidence for and against the use of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) for thromboprophylaxis. We present a case report of a patient with APLS on a NOAC for secondary thromboprophylaxis who developed a stroke and discuss current evidence regarding the use of NOACs in patients with APLS. The patient was switched to warfarin for secondary thromboprophylaxis with an INR goal of 2–3. Literature review revealed mixed case reports for and against NOACs for secondary prevention of thrombotic events in patients with APLS. There needs to be further randomised controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy of NOACs for thromboprophylaxis in patients with APLS.
DECAF score as a mortality predictor for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Qiangru , He Chengying , Xiong Huaiyu , Shuai Tiankui , Zhang Chuchu , Zhang Meng , Wang Yalei , Zhu Lei , Lu Jiaju , Jian Liu
Published: October 2020

Objectives

This study was conducted to assess the association between the Dyspnea, Eosinopenia, Consolidation, Acidemia and Atrial Fibrillation (DECAF) scores and the prognosis of patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), to evaluate the specific predictive and prognostic value of DECAF scores and to explore the effectiveness of different cut-off values in risk stratification of patients with AECOPD.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Participants

Adult patients diagnosed with AECOPD (over 18 years of age).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Electronic databases, including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, the Embase and the WOS, and the reference lists in related articles were searched for studies published up to September 2019. The identified studies reported the prognostic value of DECAF scores in patients with AECOPD.

Results

Seventeen studies involving 8329 participants were included in the study. Quantitative analysis demonstrated that elevated DECAF scores were associated with high mortality risk (weighted mean difference=1.87; 95% CI 1.19 to 2.56). In the accuracy analysis, DECAF scores showed good prognostic accuracy for both in-hospital and 30-day mortality (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.83 (0.79–0.86) and 0.79 (0.76–0.83), respectively). When the prognostic value was compared with that of other scoring systems, DECAF scores showed better prognostic accuracy and stable clinical values than the modified DECAF; COPD and Asthma Physiology Score; BUN, Altered mental status, Pulse and age >65; Confusion, Urea, Respiratory Rate, Blood pressure and age >65; or Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores.

Conclusion

The DECAF score is an effective and feasible predictor for short-term mortality. As a specific and easily scored predictor for patients with AECOPD, DECAF score is superior to other prognostic scores. The DECAF score can correctly identify most patients with AECOPD as low risk, and with the increase of cut-off value, the risk stratification of DECAF score in high-risk population increases significantly.
Descriptive study of sickness absence in Spanish regions in 2018: database study
Authors: Alba-Jurado Matilde Leonor , Aguado-Benedí María José , Moreno-Morales Noelia , Labajos-Manzanares Maria Teresa , Martín-Valero Rocío
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To provide a wide and thorough description of sickness absence (SA) in Spain, focussing on the different regions of the country and the main characteristics of SA.

Methods

A study of the SA spells in Spain, managed by the medical units of the National Institute of Social Security in 2018. The geographical scope of this observational study is the regions (Autonomous Community). Incidence, prevalence, and average duration SA in employees and self-employed are described. The study also describes the differences between non-work-related SA and work-related SA. In age and sex variables, the incidence and the average duration are described. The average duration by Diagnostic Chapters (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10)) and the highest number of SA spells by occupational activity and diagnosis are analysed.

Results

A total of 540 045 SA spells are analysed by non-work-related SA and 63 441 by work-related SA. The national average prevalence in non-work-related SA spells is 32.98/1000 among employed and 30.48/1000 among self-employed; in work-related SA spells, the prevalence is 3.99/1000. The national incidence in non-work-related SA spells is 24.8/1000 for employees and 9.51/1000 for self-employed workers; in work-related SA spells the incidence is 3.55/1000. The average duration is 58.67 days, with the longest duration being neoplasms and the shortest corresponding to infectious disease. The Community of Madrid shows the lowest prevalence, incidence and average duration in work-related SA. Influenza is the diagnosis that generates the largest number of SA spells. Activities of call centres and temporary employment agency activities are the occupations that have the highest number of SA spells.

Conclusions

The biggest differences are found in the incidence and average duration, between the non-work-related SA spells and work-related SA. If those characteristics of the SA in which a region is more in deficit are known, it will be possible to do better management of the SA.
Barriers and facilitators to reduce low-value care: a qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: van Dulmen SA , Naaktgeboren CA , Heus Pauline , Verkerk Eva W , Weenink J , Kool Rudolf Bertijn , Hooft Lotty
Published: October 2020

Objective

To assess barriers and facilitators to de-implementation.

Design

A qualitative evidence synthesis with a framework analysis.

Data sources

Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Rx for Change databases until September 2018 were searched.

Eligibility criteria

We included studies that primarily focused on identifying factors influencing de-implementation or the continuation of low-value care, and studies describing influencing factors related to the effect of a de-implementation strategy.

Data extraction and synthesis

The factors were classified on five levels: individual provider, individual patient, social context, organisational context, economic/political context.

Results

We identified 333 factors in 81 articles. Factors related to the individual provider (n=131; 74% barriers, 17% facilitators, 9% both barrier/facilitator) were associated with their attitude (n=72; 55%), knowledge/skills (n=43; 33%), behaviour (n=11; 8%) and provider characteristics (n=5; 4%). Individual patient factors (n=58; 72% barriers, 9% facilitators, 19% both barrier/facilitator) were mainly related to knowledge (n=33; 56%) and attitude (n=13; 22%). Factors related to the social context (n=46; 41% barriers, 48% facilitators, 11% both barrier/facilitator) included mainly professional teams (n=23; 50%) and professional development (n=12; 26%). Frequent factors in the organisational context (n=67; 67% barriers, 25% facilitators, 8% both barrier/facilitator) were available resources (n=28; 41%) and organisational structures and work routines (n=24; 36%). Under the category of economic and political context (n=31; 71% barriers, 13% facilitators, 16% both barrier/facilitator), financial incentives were most common (n=27; 87%).

Conclusions

This study provides in-depth insight into the factors within the different (sub)categories that are important in reducing low-value care. This can be used to identify barriers and facilitators in low-value care practices or to stimulate development of strategies that need further refinement. We conclude that multifaceted de-implementation strategies are often necessary for effective reduction of low-value care. Situation-specific knowledge of impeding or facilitating factors across all levels is important for designing tailored de-implementation strategies.
Feasibility and usefulness of rapid 2-channel-EEG-monitoring (point-of-care EEG) for acute CNS disorders in the paediatric emergency department: an observational study
Authors: Simma Leopold , Bauder Florian , Schmitt-Mechelke Thomas
Published: October 2020

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and clinical utility of point-of-care electroencephalogram (pocEEG) in the paediatric emergency department (ED) for children presenting with acute non-traumatic central nervous system (CNS) disorders.

Methods

Retrospective observational study of prospectively collected data in paediatric patients (0–16 years) with acute non-traumatic CNS-disorders presenting between April 2014 and February 2017 to a single paediatric ED in Switzerland.

The 2-channel EEG was applied to all patients presenting with acute seizures or impaired consciousness to the ED. For a pocEEG, scalp surface electrodes are applied in five locations, thus allowing registration of fronto-temporal bilateral cortical activity. Neurology consultants assisted with interpretation of readings. EEG findings and clinical characteristics were collected. Feasibility and usefulness were rated via Likert scale.

Results

36 patients with acute seizures or altered mental status were analysed. Age range was 9 months to 15 years, median age of 34 months. 21 of 36 (58%) patients arrived out of hours. Application of electrodes was rated as ‘easy’ in 28 (77.8%) patients and rated as ‘difficult’ in 8 (22.2%). The utility of the EEG was rated by physicians as ‘very useful/diagnostic’ in 13 cases (36%), ‘useful’ in 21 cases (58%), ‘not useful’ in two cases (8%). None were rated ‘negative.’

Conclusion

Uptake of pocEEG introduction has been very encouraging. Provider ratings were overwhelmingly positive. Recognition of non-convulsive status epilepticus was improved and pocEEG facilitated more targeted interventions.
Public health nudges: weighing individual liberty and population health benefits
Authors: Soled Derek
Published: October 2020

Libertarian paternalism describes the idea of nudging—that is, steering individual decision-making while preserving freedom of choice. In medicine, libertarian paternalism has gained widespread attention, specifically with respect to interventions designed to promote healthy behaviours. Some scholars argue that nudges appropriately balance autonomy and paternalistic beneficence, while others argue that nudges inherently exploit cognitive weaknesses. This paper further explores the ethics of libertarian paternalism in public health. The use of nudges may infringe on an individual’s voluntary choice, autonomy and informed consent, but they are ethically justified when there is a clear public health benefit to the manipulation of choice.
Treatment of primary and metastatic tumors through cancer immunotherapy and abscopal effect by targeted antigen-capturing nanoparticles with programmed death-1 blockade
Authors: Harada Satoshi , Segawa Takafumi , Ehara Shigeru , Sato Takahiro
Published: October 2020

Microcapsules that release antigen-capturing nanoparticles (AC-NPs) with macrophage inflammatory protein-3 alpha (MIP-3[Formula: see text]) and anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibody are developed, and these microcapsules have the ability to enhance immunoresponses through cross-priming of cluster of differentiation 8+ (CD8+) T cells by dendritic cells (DCs) in vivo in BALB/c mice.

Lipid protamine hyaluronic acid nanoparticles containing AC-NPs generated via nanoprecipitation of 4 mg/mL of polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), 1,000 ng/mL of MIP-3[Formula: see text] and 400 [Formula: see text]g of anti-PD-1 were mixed with 1 mL of 4.0% alginate and 3.0% of hyaluronate and then sprayed with 0.5 mM of ferrous chloride. These capsules were injected subcutaneously around LM17 tumor in the left hind legs of BALB/c mice. The tumors were exposed to a radiation dose of 10 or 20 Gy from 100 keV soft X-ray radiation. PLGA AC-NPs and MIP-3[Formula: see text] were released in response to the radiation dose.

PLGA AC-NPs captured tumor-derived protein antigens are released by exposure to radiation, and these antigens were transported to DCs that were recruited and activated by MIP-3[Formula: see text], intensifying the DC-associated cross-priming of CD8+ T cells. These treatments resulted in increased antitumor effect and reduced metastasis by abscopal effect. Our targeted immunotherapy may lead to better tumor therapy.
Elemental analysis of jet engine lubrication oil and jet fuel using in-air PIXE
Authors: Saitoh Katsumi , Fushimi Akihiro , Sera Koichiro , Takegawa Nobuyuki
Published: October 2020

To understand the elemental characteristics of the exhaust particles from a jet aircraft, we performed an element analysis using an in-air PIXE system of the different lubrication oils of a jet engine (Mobil Jet Oil II, Mobil Jet Oil 254 and Eastman Turbo Oil 2380) and the jet fuel (JET A-1) to determine the effects on the exhaust particles. A high concentration (1,400–2,500 wt.-ppm) of P was detected from the analyzed three oil samples. The high concentration of P is probably due to the tricresyl phosphate (TCP: C[Formula: see text]H[Formula: see text]O4P) contained in the oil samples. The S concentrations of the JET A-1 fuel samples with different collection dates were in the range of [Formula: see text]10 to 530 wt.-ppm. These results aid in determining the component features of nanoparticles emitted from an aircraft.
Use of a medical positron emission tomography cyclotron to perform proton-induced X-ray emission analysis
Authors: Ishii Keizo , Terakawa Atsuki , Ushijima Hiroki , Hitomi Keitaro , Nagano Nobumichi , Nogami Mitsuhiro
Published: October 2020

We explored whether medical positron emission tomography (PET) cyclotron proton beams could be used for proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis. The beam current of the medical PET cyclotron is high, as required for radioisotope production, and is not commonly used for PIXE analysis. We successfully extracted stable proton beams of low intensity by using the ion source of a medical cyclotron to exploit proton impurities in deuteron gas. We performed 20-MeV PIXE analysis of a biological sample (used tea leaves). Elements lighter than Sr could be detected with high sensitivity ([Formula: see text]14 ppm) using a silicon drift detector. We thus showed that a medical cyclotron widely used for PET diagnosis could be employed for PIXE analysis of biological samples.
Sex-specific differences in elemental movement from blood to hair
Authors: Sera K. , Goto S. , Hosokawa T. , Saitoh Y. , Kumagai R. , Yamazaki K. , Yamaya K.
Published: October 2020

We investigated the relationships between the element concentrations in blood and hair to clarify the sex-specific differences in elemental movement from blood to hair, as we confirmed the presence of large sex-specific differences in the concentrations of certain elements in hair in our previous study. First, we compared the elemental concentrations in serum/plasma taken from healthy people ([Formula: see text] females, 142 males) and found that there were significant differences (up to 20%) between females and males in levels of phosphorus, sulfur, calcium, bromine, and lead. We then examined the sex-specific differences in the elemental transfer factors from blood to hair by analyzing plasma and hair samples that had been simultaneously collected from the same people (20 females, 21 males). Calcium and selenium showed significant differences in transfer factors from plasma to hair. Particularly, large sex-specific differences in the calcium concentration were explained by the difference in the transfer factors from blood to hair. We also examined the sex-specific differences among teenaged subjects alone ([Formula: see text] females, 9 males; average age was approximately 17 years old) and noted no significant difference in the transfer factors between sexes. Taken together, these findings indicate that the transfer factors themselves are influenced by the excretion of sex hormones.
Coexistence of Strange Nonchaotic Attractors in a Quasiperiodically Forced Dynamical Map
Authors: Shen Yunzhu , Zhang Yongxiang , Jafari Sajad
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we investigate coexisting strange nonchaotic attractors (SNAs) in a quasiperiodically forced system. We also describe the basins of attraction for coexisting attractors and identify the mechanism for the creation of coexisting attractors. We find three types of routes to coexisting SNAs, including intermittent route, Heagy–Hammel route and fractalization route. The mechanisms for the creation of coexisting SNAs are investigated by the interruption of coexisting torus-doubling bifurcations. We characterize SNAs by the largest Lyapunov exponents, phase sensitivity exponents and power spectrum. Besides, the SNAs with extremely fractal basins exhibit sensitive dependence on the initial condition for some particular parameters.
Locally Active Memristor with Three Coexisting Pinched Hysteresis Loops and Its Emulator Circuit
Authors: Zhu Minghao , Wang Chunhua , Deng Quanli , Hong Qinghui
Published: October 2020

Locally active memristors with multiple coexisting pinched hysteresis loops have attracted the attention of researchers. However, the currently reported multiple coexisting pinched hysteresis loops memristors are obtained by adding additional piecewise-linear terms into the original Chua corsage memristor. This paper proposes a novel locally active memristor by introducing a polynomial characteristic function into the state equation. The novel memristor has three coexisting pinched hysteresis loops, large relative range of active region and simple emulator circuit. The characteristics of the novel memristor such as power-off plot, coexisting pinched hysteresis loops and DC [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] plot are studied. The memristor is used in a Chua chaotic system to investigate the effects of locally active characteristic on the chaotic oscillation system. Furthermore, the memristor emulator and chaotic system are designed and implemented by commercial circuit elements. The hardware experiments are consistent with numerical simulations.
Vectored Immunoprophylaxis and Cell-to-Cell Transmission in HIV Dynamics
Authors: Xu Yancong , Zhu Zirui , Yang Yu , Meng Fanwei
Published: October 2020

We consider local and global bifurcations in a HIV model with cell-to-cell transmission and vectored immunoprophylaxis. Both theoretical and numerical analyses are conducted to explore various dynamical behaviors including backward bifurcation, Hopf bifurcation, homoclinic bifurcation, Bogdanov–Takens bifurcation, hysteresis and isola bifurcation. The isola bifurcation of periodic orbits was first detected numerically in HIV model, which means that there is a parameter interval with the same oscillations. It is shown that the effect of vectored immunoprophylaxis in this model is the main cause of the periodic symptoms of HIV disease. Moreover, it is shown that the increase of cell-to-cell transmission may be the main factor causing Hopf bifurcation to disappear, and thus eliminating oscillation behavior. Also, several patterns of dynamical behaviors are found in different parameter intervals including the bistability.
Design and Analysis on a Parallel Chaos-Based Hash Function
Authors: Liu Zhuo , Wang Yong , Jiang Gongkun , Zhang Leo Yu
Published: October 2020

The inherent random-like behavior and one-way property of iteration in chaotic systems provide a good basis for designing Hash function. In the era of big data, due to the increasing data capacity in applications, fast Hash functions with parallel mode are highly desirable when authenticating data integrity. We analyze the issue of how to parallelize Hash function with iterative structure. Some security requirements on parallel Hash function are presented. In addition, using chaotic map and block cipher, we construct a keyed parallel Hash function. The message blocks are firstly processed in parallel by a DM-like structure. Furthermore, a tree mode with chaotic map is utilized to combine the outputs of the hash round function in parallel. The proposed Hash function is analyzed by theory and tested by computer simulations. The test results show that the proposed scheme can resist the various common attacks against Hash functions. It satisfies the secure performance requirements of Hash function. Owing to the usage of the parallel mode to process messages, the proposed chaos-based Hash function possess high efficiency and has high potential in applications to guarantee data integrity on a parallel computing platform.
Zero–Hopf Bifurcations in Three-Dimensional Chaotic Systems with One Stable Equilibrium
Authors: Llibre Jaume , Messias Marcelo , de Carvalho Reinol Alisson
Published: October 2020

In [Molaie et al., 2013] the authors provided the expressions of 23 quadratic differential systems in [Formula: see text] with the unusual feature of having chaotic dynamics coexisting with one stable equilibrium point. In this paper, we consider 23 classes of quadratic differential systems in [Formula: see text] depending on a real parameter [Formula: see text], which, for [Formula: see text], coincide with the differential systems given by [Molaie et al., 2013]. We study the dynamics and bifurcations of these classes of differential systems by varying the parameter value [Formula: see text]. We prove that, for [Formula: see text], all the 23 considered systems have a nonisolated zero–Hopf equilibrium point located at the origin. By using the averaging theory of first order, we prove that a zero–Hopf bifurcation takes place at this point for [Formula: see text], which leads to the creation of three periodic orbits bifurcating from it for [Formula: see text] small enough: an unstable one and a pair of saddle type periodic orbits, that is, periodic orbits with a stable and an unstable manifold. Furthermore, we numerically show that the hidden chaotic attractors which exist for these systems when [Formula: see text] are obtained by period-doubling route to chaos.
Detecting Weak Signals by Using Memristor-Involved Chua’s Circuit and Verification in Experimental Platform
Authors: Xiong Li , Zhang Xinguo , Teng Sufen , Qi Liwan , Zhang Peijin
Published: October 2020

Since the traditional detection methods cannot accurately detect, determine and extract weak signals, the extreme sensitivity of chaotic systems to initial values is used for weak signal detection using a memristor-based chaotic system. Then, in order to find out all kinds of static nonlinear circuits suitable for Chua’s circuit with identical parameters, a comparative research platform is designed to generate five kinds of nonlinearity by taking advantage of the active short-circuit line method using the memristor-involved chaotic Chua’s circuit. The comparative research platform consists of three parts: a linear circuit unit, multiple nonlinear static function circuits and a nonlinear characteristic curve measurement unit connected by an electronic switch. By pressing the space bar, the switch between the active short-circuit line and the physical short-circuit line can be realized. The diffeomorphism between them is proved by comparing the memristive nonlinearity shape and the trilinear amplitude limiting the nonlinearity in the chaotic systems. Accordingly, hardware circuit experiments are carried out to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the comparative research platform with various nonlinearity for Chua’s circuit. A good agreement is shown between the numerical simulations and the experimental results.
Hong Kong’s Changing Role in Connecting the Mainland With the World
Authors: Lim Tai Wei , Chiam Jason
Published: October 2020

Many discussions on Hong Kong’s social movements rightfully focus on the internal and external political factors that are influential in shaping the recent political events. This paper examines selective important political deve-lopments related to the subject matter and does not pretend to be comprehensive on the subject matter. While contextualizing Hong Kong’s recent unrest in political events, we are simultaneously also interested to de-privilege political factors as the sole explanation for the social movements and highlight a functional and highly utilitarian reason for the social turmoil, which is that of high housing prices and social disenfranchisement. It was the twin impacts of political changes as well as housing grievances (along with other bread and butter issues) that became a volatile cocktail in concocting the social unrest and public expressions of discontent. The central and local HK governments cannot homogenize a single uniform response to the challenges of globalization, in terms of both clamoring for democratization and economic egalitarianism. This paper therefore argues that there is a differential effectiveness of China’s/HK’s responses to economic globalization’s inequities and addressing the pro-democrat demands.
The Alma (formerly Argyll/Ardmore) Field, Blocks 30/24 and 30/25a, UK North Sea
Authors: Tang Longxun , Gluyas Jon G. , Jones Stuart , Besly Bernard
Published: October 2020

The Alma Field (formerly Argyll and then Ardmore) is located within Blocks 30/24 and 30/25 on the western margin of the Central Graben. Hamilton drilled the first discovery well 30/24-1 in 1969 and the field, named ‘Argyll’, became the first UK offshore oilfield when production commenced in 1975. Oil was produced from the Devonian Buchan Formation, Permian Rotliegend and Zechstein groups, and Jurassic Fulmar Formation from 1976 until 1992, when the field was abandoned for economic reasons. In 2002, Tuscan Energy and Acorn Oil & Gas redeveloped the field and renamed it as ‘Ardmore’. A further 5 MMbbl were produced until 2005, when the field was again abandoned due to commercial considerations. In 2011, EnQuest was awarded the licence to redevelop the field and renamed it as ‘Alma’. The field came on stream in October 2015 and has produced oil at an average
c.
6000 bopd since start-up.

Total ultimate recovery was expected to be about 100 MMbbl. As of end 2005, the field had produced 72.6 MMbbl as Argyll and 5 MMbbl as Ardmore. A further 4.3 MMbbl has been produced from the Alma Field to September 2017 (which includes about 0.5 MMbbl from a long-reach well drilled into the Duncan/Galia Field immediately west of Alma). In January 2020 EnQuest announced that the Alma Field would cease production early. The total production from the three phases of field development will be about 85 MMbbl of oil.
The Hutton, NW Hutton, Q-West and Darwin fields, Blocks 211/27 and 211/28, UK North Sea
Authors: Gluyas J. G. , Turnell H. , Ball R. , Henderson J. , Mulcahy M. , Richardson C. , Tyrie J. , Wahid F.
Published: October 2020

Hutton (discovered in 1973) and NW Hutton (discovered in 1975), together with Q-West (discovered in 1994) and Darwin (discovered in 1983, undeveloped), are part of a single petroleum system. The main fields were defined as two separate legal entities. Although Q–West covered multiple blocks, it was wholly developed via the Hutton platform.

Together, Hutton and NW Hutton produced 328 MMbbl of oil and a small quantity of associated gas from Middle Jurassic Brent Group sandstones. The trap is a complex series of tilted fault blocks sealed by Mid–Upper Jurassic Heather and Kimmeridge Clay Formation mudstones. Oil was sourced from the Kimmeridge Clay Formation, which is mature for oil generation in the hanging walls to the field-bounding faults and deep on the footwall flanks.

NW Hutton underperformed relative to Hutton. In part this was due to the poorer reservoir quality encountered at depth compared with the shallower Hutton Field but a significant component of the underperformance was due to the way in which the field was developed and then operated. Both fields contain areas of unproduced and unswept oil, with the NW Hutton portion having the largest remaining oil in place.
The Ensign Field, Blocks 48/14a, 48/15a and 48/15b, UK North Sea
Authors: Verlinden V. W. J. , Basford H.
Published: October 2020

The Ensign Field is located in UK offshore licence Blocks 48/14a, 48/15a and 48/15b. The field is located 100 km east of the Humberside coast within the Sole Pit area of the Southern North Sea. The reservoir consists of sandstones of the Permian Rotliegend Group (Leman Sandstone Formation). Reservoir quality has been impacted by diagenesis during deep burial, whereby illitization has reduced permeability to sub-millidarcy scale. The field has been developed with two horizontal production wells, both completed with five hydraulic fracture stages. First gas from the field was achieved in 2012 via the Ensign normally unmanned installation and exported through the Lincolnshire Offshore Gas Gathering System. The field is compartmentalized by multiple regional-scale De Keyser fault zones. A heterogeneous natural fracture network exists with only a limited contribution to flow. Well performance and ultimate gas recovery have been lower than originally anticipated due to sub-optimal completions and a higher degree of compartmentalization than originally expected. The volume of gas that is connected to the wells is limited by low-offset faults, which have been identified by integrating long-term production data, and core, log and reprocessed seismic data. Production ceased in 2018 when the original export route was decommissioned.
The Buzzard Field, Blocks 19/5a, 19/10a, 20/1 and 20/6a, UK North Sea
Authors: Taylor E. E. , Webb N. J. , Stevenson C. J. , Henderson J. R. , Kovac A. , Millington J. J. , Rhodes J. A.
Published: October 2020

The Buzzard Field remains the largest UK Continental Shelf oil discovery in the last 25 years. The field is located in the Outer Moray Firth of the North Sea and comprises stacked Upper Jurassic turbidite reservoirs of Late Kimmeridgian–Mid Volgian age, encased within Kimmeridge Clay Formation mudstones. The stratigraphic trap is produced by pinchout of the reservoir layers to the north, west and south. Production commenced in January 2007 and the field has subsequently produced 52% over the estimated reserves at commencement of development, surpassing initial performance expectations. Phase I drilling was completed in 2014 with 38 wells drilled from 36 platform slots. Platform drilling recommenced in 2018, followed in 2019 by Phase II drilling from a new northern manifold location.

The evolution of the depositional model has been a key aspect of field development. Integration of production surveillance and dynamic data identified shortcomings in the appraisal depositional model. A sedimentological study based on core reinterpretation created an updated depositional model, which was then integrated with seismic and production data. The new depositional model is better able to explain non-uniform water sweep in the field resulting from a more complex sandbody architecture of stacked channels prograding over underlying lobes.
Cardiac remodeling in middle-aged endurance athletes: relation between signal-averaged electrocardiogram and LV mass
Authors: Banks Laura , Al-Mousawy Saif , Altaha Mustafa A. , Konieczny Kaja M. , Osman Wesseem , Currie Katharine D. , Connelly Kim A. , Yan Andrew T. , Sasson Zion , Mak Susanna , Goodman Jack M. , Dorian Paul
Published: October 2020

Study findings indicate that a positive correlation exists between electrical (SAECG fQRSd) and structural indices (LV mass) in middle-aged endurance athletes with normal physiological LV adaptation, in the absence of known cardiac pathology. SAECG fQRSd may also provide an alternative, superior method for identifying increased LV mass compared to other 12-lead ECG criteria.
Inhibition of iNOS augments cutaneous endothelial NO-dependent vasodilation in prehypertensive non-Hispanic Whites and in non-Hispanic Blacks
Authors: Miller James T. , Turner Casey G. , Otis Jeffrey S. , Sebeh Yesser , Hayat Matthew J. , Quyyumi Arshed A. , Wong Brett J.
Published: October 2020

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is typically upregulated in conditions of increased oxidative stress and may have detrimental effects on the vasculature. Endothelial nitric oxide (NO), which is cardioprotective, is reduced in prehypertensive non-Hispanic Whites and in non-Hispanic Blacks. We found that inhibition of iNOS can increase endothelial NO-dependent vasodilation in prehypertensive White participants and in both normotensive and prehypertensive Black participants.
A Randomized Comparative Study between High‐Intensity and Low‐Level Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain
Authors: Abdelbasset Walid Kamal , Nambi Gopal , Alsubaie Saud F. , Abodonya Ahmed M. , Saleh Ayman K. , Ataalla Nahla N. , Ibrahim Ahmed A. , Tantawy Sayed A. , Kamel Dalia M. , Verma Anju , Moawd Samah A.
Published: October 2020

Objectives. Chronic nonspecific low back pain (chronic nsLBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders leading to disabilities and physical inactivity. Laser therapy was used in chronic nsLBP treatment; however, no previous studies have assessed the impacts of high‐intensity laser therapy (HILT) versus low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) on chronic nsLBP. This study compared the effects of HILT versus LLLT on individuals suffering from chronic nsLBP. Methods. The study was a randomized control trial. Sixty individuals with chronic nsLBP were enrolled in this study between May and November 2019. All participants were clinically diagnosed with chronic nsLBP. They were assigned randomly into three groups, 20 in each group. The first group received a program of LLLT, the second group received a program of HILT, and the third did not receive laser therapy (control group). Pain severity, disability, lumbar mobility, and quality of life were assessed before and after 12‐week intervention. Results. Both LLLT and HILT groups showed a significant improvement of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analogue scale (VAS), lumbar range of motion (ROM), and European Quality of Life (EuroQol) scores (p > 0.05), while the control group did not show significant changes (p > 0.05). Comparison among the three study groups postintervention showed significant differences in the outcome measures (p > 0.05), while comparison between the LLLT and HILT groups showed nonsignificant differences (p > 0.05). Conclusion. There are no different influences of LLLT versus HILT on chronic nsLBP patients. Both LLLT and HILT reduce pain and disability and improve lumbar mobility and quality of life in chronic nsLBP patients.
Predictors of Neonatal Sepsis in Hospitals at Wolaita Sodo Town, Southern Ethiopia: Institution-Based Unmatched Case-Control Study, 2019
Authors: Alemayehu Atkuregn , Alemayehu Mihiretu , Arba Aseb , Abebe Hanna , Goa Abraham , Paulos Kebreab , Obsa Mohammed Sulieman
Published: October 2020

Background. Neonatal sepsis plays a significant role in neonates’ mortality in developing countries accounting for 30-50% of total deaths each year. Gaining insight into neonatal sepsis predictors will provide an opportunity for the stakeholders to reduce the causes of neonatal sepsis. This research is aimed at determining the predictors of neonatal sepsis at Wolaita Sodo University Teaching Referral Hospital and Sodo Christian General Hospital, Ethiopia, April-July 2019. Method. This study employed an institution-based unmatched case-control study by selecting neonates in selected hospitals through consecutive sampling technique. The cases of this study are neonates diagnosed with sepsis. The study used a pretested structured questionnaire for a face-to-face interview to collect data from index mothers. Besides, the review of the record was done using checklists. The data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 24.0 for analysis. The study used descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses. The odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to measure the association’s strength.p<0.05was the cut-off point for declaration of statistical significance for the multivariate analysis. Results. Factors significantly associated with neonatal sepsis among neonates were maternal age of 15-20 years and 21-30 years, mothers with low income/wealth, history of urinary tract infections/sexually transmitted infections, presence of intrapartum infections, antenatal carefollow‐up<3visits, Apgar (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration)score<7, low birth weight, and the time in which breastfeeding started afterdelivery<60minutes. Conclusion. Maternal age, wealth/income, maternal urinary tract infections/sexually transmitted infections, intrapartum fever, antenatal carevisit≤3times, Apgarscore<7, low birth weight, and starting time of breastfeeding were independent predictors of neonatal sepsis. Therefore, maternal health education during antenatal care visits, perinatal and newborn care, and early initiation of breastfeeding might decrease neonatal mortality and morbidity due to sepsis.
Deciphering of Key Pharmacological Pathways of Poria Cocos Intervention in Breast Cancer Based on Integrated Pharmacological Method
Authors: Ma Xiaoran , Wu Jibiao , Liu Cun , Li Jie , Dong Shixia , Zhang Xiaolu , Wang Jia , Liu Lijuan , Zhang Xiaoming , Sun Peng , Zhuang Jing , Sun Changgang
Published: October 2020

Objective. Poria cocos (Fuling), a natural plant, has recently emerged as a promising strategy for cancer treatment. However, the molecular mechanisms of Poria cocos action in breast cancer remain poorly understood. Methods. TCMSP database was used to screen the potential active ingredients in Poria cocos. GEO database was used to identify differentially expressed genes. Network pharmacology was used to identify the specific pathways and key target proteins related to breast cancer. Finally, molecular docking was used to validate the results. Results. In our study, 237 targets were predicted for 15 potential active ingredients found in Poria cocos. An interaction network of predicted targets and genes differentially regulated in breast cancers was constructed. Based on the constructed network and further analysis including network topology, KEGG, survival analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis, 3 primary nodes were identified as key potential targets that were significantly enriched in the PPAR signaling pathway. Conclusion. The results showed that potential active ingredients of Poria cocos might interfere with breast cancer through synergistic regulation of PTGS2, ESR1, and FOS.
SERS Platform Based on Bimetallic Au-Ag Nanowires-Decorated Filter Paper for Rapid Detection of miR-196ain Lung Cancer Patients Serum
Authors: Xia Ji , Liu Yifan , Ran Menglin , Lu Dan , Cao Xiaowei , Wang Youwei
Published: October 2020

Detecting microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers expression is of great significance for the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has achieved microRNA sensing for the diagnosis of primary liver cancers. In this work, we developed a SERS technology for the rapid detection of lung cancers-related miRNA (miR-196a) using bimetallic Au-Ag nanowire (AgNW@AuNPs) substrates coupled with the target hairpin DNA. The finite-difference time-domain simulation proved that a large number of “hot spots” were generated between the AgNW and AuNPs, which resulted in a huge enhancement of the signal of Raman reporters. Filter paper treated by hexadecenyl succinic anhydride hydrophobic and modified with AgNWs@AuNPs was used as capturing substrate. The detection limits of miR-196a in PBS and serum were as low as 96.58 aM and 130 aM, respectively. Studies on nonspecific sequence and single-base mismatch of miRNA demonstrated that SERS-based platform was highly selective, excellent uniform, and reproducible. Finally, the platform was used to show that the miR-196a expression in the serum of lung cancer patients was much higher than that in healthy people. The detection results indicated that the SERS platform had potential applications in cancer diagnosis and might be a viable alternative to the conventional miRNA detection method, the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology.
Applications of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins in Dentistry: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Ahmad Paras , Della Bella Elena , Stoddart Martin J.
Published: October 2020

Background. Many articles on bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have been published. Bibliometric analysis is helpful to determine the most influential studies in a specific field. This bibliometric analysis is aimed at identifying and analyzing the top 50 most‐cited articles on the dental applications of BMPs. Methods. An electronic search was conducted using the Web of Science (WoS) “All Databases” without any restriction of language, study design, or publication year. Of 1341 publications, the top 50 were included based on their citation count. After downloading the full texts, their bibliometric data including publication title, authorship, citation count, current citation index 2019, citation density, year of publication, country and institution of origin, journal of publication, type of BMP, study design, evidence level of publication, and keywords were extracted and analyzed. Results. The citation counts for the top 50 publications ranged from 81 to 557 (median 113.5). The most prolific year was 1997 (n = 7). Wikesjö UM (n = 12) and Wozney JM (n = 11) were the major contributors in this study. Most of the articles were generated primarily from the USA (n = 24), with Loma Linda University Medical Center, USA being the most prolific institution (n = 5). Majority of the articles were published in the Clinical Oral Implants Research and Journal of Periodontology, with nine publications each. Most of the publications were animal studies (n = 30) and focused on BMP‐2 (n = 39). Most of the articles were within evidence level V (n = 36). The most frequently used keyword in the top articles was “bone regeneration” (n = 23). Conclusion. The present study presents insights into the past and recent trends in the applications of BMPs in dentistry. A statistically significant association was observed between citation count, citation density, and age of publication.
Effect of Different Rates of N and Intrarow Spacing on Growth Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in Gurage Zone, Wolkite University, Ethiopia
Authors: Gashaw Bewuket , Haile Shewaye
Published: October 2020

A field experiment was conducted in Wolkite University, Horticulture department practical demonstration site, from February to June 2019 with the objective of determining the optimum level of N and intrarow spacing for better growth of lettuce. The experiment consisted of four levels of N (N0 (0 kg/ha), N1 (50 kg/ha), N2 (100 kg/ha), and N3 (150 kg/ha)) and three levels of intrarow spacing (S1 (15 × 30 cm), S2 (20 × 30 cm), and S3 (25 × 30 cm)). The interrow spacing was maintained as 30 cm. The experiment was laid out in 3 × 4 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The main effect of nitrogen resulted maximum yield (9.45 ton/ha), dry weight per plant (28.75 g), and fresh weight per plant (57.57 g) which were recorded by the application of 150 kg/ha nitrogen. Likewise, the main effect of intrarow spacing gave maximum yield (8.01 ton/ha), dry weight per plant (21.31 g), and fresh weight per plant (59.15 g) from 25 × 30 cm plant spacing. For interaction effect, the highest yield (10.38 ton/ha), dry weight per plant (50.96 g), and fresh weight per plant (77.88 g) was found from N3S3 (150 kg/ha N and 25 × 30 cm plant spacing). Therefore, in the study, area using 150 kg/ha urea with 25 × 30 cm plant spacing could be advisable for optimum lettuce production.