bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First record of Oomyzus scaposus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), as a parasitoid of Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Pakistan
Authors: Irfan Ullah M. , Ali Zahid S. M. , Afzal M. , Arshad M. , Abdullah A. , Altaf N. , Riaz M.
Published: June 2020

Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a natural enemy of several important pests. This biocontrol agent is also a host for different parasitoids. Little is known about the parasitoid complex of C. septempunctata in Pakistan. The authors identified Oomyzus scaposus (Thomson, 1878) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) as a larval‐pupal parasitoid of C. septempunctata in the district of Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan. Out of 36 C. septempunctata pupae collected, 58.3% were parasitized by O. scaposus. This study documents the first record of O. scaposus parasitizing C. septempunctata in Pakistan.
Perspectives on public involvement in health research from Singapore: The potential of a supported group model of involvement
Authors: Luna Puerta Lidia , Bartlam Bernadette , Sun Hsiao‐Li Shirley , Smith Helen E.
Published: June 2020

Background

Singapore is an international research hub, with an emphasis on translational clinical research. Despite growing evidence of the positive impact of public involvement (PPI) in research, it remains rare in Singapore.

Aims

To investigate Singaporean public perspectives around the rationale, role and scope for being involved in health research

To identify the potential, challenges, facilitators and strategies for implementing PPI in Singapore.

Design

Semi‐structured qualitative interviews with members of the public, analysed using thematic framework analysis.

Results

Twenty people participated. Four main themes emerged: potential benefits; challenges; facilitators; and strategies for implementation. Whilst initially unfamiliar with the concept, all interviewees recognized potential benefits for the research itself and those involved, including researchers. PPI was seen to offer opportunities for public empowerment and strengthening of relationships and understanding between the public, academics and health professionals, resulting in more impactful research. Challenges included a Singaporean culture of passive citizenship and an education system that inculcates deferential attitudes. Facilitators comprised demographic and cultural changes, including trends towards greater individual openness and community engagement. Implementation strategies included formal government policies promoting involvement and informal community‐based collaborative approaches.

Conclusion

Given the socio‐political framework in Singapore, a community‐based approach has potential to address challenges to PPI and maximize impact. Careful consideration needs to be given to issues of resource and support to enable members of the public to engage in culturally sensitive and meaningful ways that will deliver research best placed to effectively address patient needs.
Process optimisation of haemoglobin hydrolysis by complex proteases to produce haem‐enriched peptides and its iron uptake property evaluation by Caco‐2 cell model
Authors: He Lichao , Yang Fan , Liang Yanhui , Zhang Min , Liu Xiaojie , Zhao Shilin , Jin Guofeng
Published: June 2020

In this study, haemoglobin was hydrolysed by compound protease to produce haem‐enriched peptides in order to improve the bio‐absorptivity of haem iron. The hydrolysis process was optimised through an orthogonal experiment. The molecular weight, solubility and absorptivity of haem‐enriched peptides were also investigated. The optimal hydrolysis process was papain/alkaline protease ratio 6:4, enzyme content 9000 U g−1, hydrolysis at 50 °C and pH 8 conditions for 4 h. After hydrolysis at this condition, the haem released amount and haem/peptide ratio were 89.6% and 28.2%, respectively. The molecular weight of the haem‐enriched peptides was mainly distributed in 3–14.4 kD, and the solubility increased significantly with pH increasing. Caco‐2 cell absorption experiment demonstrated that the iron absorption of haem‐enriched peptides was significantly higher (50.25 ng ferritin per mg protein) than haemin chloride, haemoglobin and collagen plus haemin chloride complex. This study provides a very promising way for the development of iron supplement products.
North Korean Human Rights and the World Community
Authors: Lee Won Woong
Published: June 2020

Due to extreme isolation, North Korean human rights situation was not well known to the world. The However, through the food crisis, the increasing number of refugees, the improving North‐South relations, and the increase of North Korean overseas interaction, the true picture of North Korean human rights situation is slowly being revealed. Finally in April 2003, the 59th UN Commission on Human Rights passed a resolution calling for international concern on the North Korean human rights situation. It brings the North Korean human rights issue into a more serious dimension, calling for immediate action by North Korean government. North Korea must now decide which way it will take between continued isolation or participation in the world community.

Continuous famine, its dictatorship and nuclear confrontation are three main factors devastating its human rights status. While harsh U.S. economic sanctions and international pressure increases, domestic political control is tightening more and more. Combined with North Koreas never‐ending food shortage, its human rights situation is becoming worse. This could be a regime‐threatening factor, because it creates a vast number of refugees or defectors and draws more international criticism. North Koreas reaction and its genuine will to improve the nuclear crisis will determine the degree of future pressure by the international community.

For the last 10 years, the world community through the UN has presented deep concern and critical awareness of North Koreas human rights problems. The 2003 Resolution at the UN Commission on Human Rights provides moral and legal justifications for criticism and intervention by the world community. In order to secure the effectiveness of this measure, the world community must go beyond criticism of the regime. The world community should provide North Korea with a long‐term framework that will set North Korea in the right direction. To achieve this goal, the world community must combine a comprehensive and positive approach, which includes economic aid and humanitarian assistance; with a critical and negative approach, which includes monitoring of human rights and pressure on violators. The UN human rights bodies, with the collaboration of international human rights NGOs, should also provide diverse methods of approach to effectuate the long‐term goals mentioned above. The U.S. human rights initiative will be the most critical source of pushing this international maneuver.
Significance of neutrophil microparticles in ischaemia‐reperfusion: Pro‐inflammatory effectors of endothelial senescence and vascular dysfunction
Authors: El Habhab Ali , Altamimy Raed , Abbas Malak , Kassem Mohamad , Amoura Lamia , Qureshi Abdul Wahid , El Itawi Hanine , Kreutter Guillaume , Khemais‐Benkhiat Sonia , Zobairi Fatiha , Schini‐Kerth Valérie B. , Kessler Laurence , Toti Florence
Published: June 2020

Endothelial senescence is an emerging cause of vascular dysfunction. Because microparticles are effectors of endothelial inflammation and vascular injury after ischaemia‐reperfusion, we examined leucocyte‐derived microparticles of spleen origin as possible contributors. Microparticles were generated from primary rat splenocytes by either lipopolysaccharide or phorbol‐myristate‐acetate/calcium ionophore, under conditions mimicking innate and adaptive immune responses. Incubation of primary porcine coronary endothelial cells with either type of microparticles, but not with those from unstimulated splenocytes, leads to a similar threefold raise in senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase activity within 48 hours, indicating accelerated senescence, to endothelial oxidative stress, and a fivefold and threefold increase in p21 and p16 senescence markers after 24 hours. After 12‐hour incubation, the endothelial‐dependent relaxation of coronary artery rings was reduced by 50%, at distinct optimal microparticle concentration. In vitro, microparticles were pro‐thrombotic by up‐regulating the local angiotensin system, by prompting tissue factor activity and a secondary generation of pro‐coagulant endothelial microparticles. They initiated an early pro‐inflammatory response by inducing phosphorylation of NF‐κB, MAP kinases and Akt after 1 hour, and up‐regulated VCAM‐1 and ICAM‐1 at 24 hours. Accordingly, VCAM‐1 and COX‐2 were also up‐regulated in the coronary artery endothelium and eNOS down‐regulated. Lipopolysaccharide specifically favoured the shedding of neutrophil‐ and monocyte‐derived microparticles. A 80% immuno‐depletion of neutrophil microparticles reduced endothelial senescence by 55%, indicating a key role. Altogether, data suggest that microparticles from activated splenocytes prompt early pro‐inflammatory, pro‐coagulant and pro‐senescent responses in endothelial cells through redox‐sensitive pathways. The control of neutrophil shedding could preserve the endothelium at site of ischaemia‐reperfusion–driven inflammation and delay its dysfunction.
Qualifying tradition: Instituted practices in the making of the organic wine market in Languedoc‐Roussillon, France
Authors: Prudham Scott , MacDonald Kenneth Iain
Published: June 2020

Within France, the Languedoc‐Roussillon region (now part of Occitanie) is home to about one third of the nation's area of certified organic vineyards. Each year, the world's largest organic wine fair, Millésime Bio, takes place in the city of Montpellier. This trade fair is an important site where organic wine is not only sold but also given meaning in the market, and importantly, differentiated from but made commensurate with conventional wine. In this paper, we examine processes and practices of ‘qualifying’ organic wine, including by means of relational processes of association and dissociation. Drawing on collaborative event ethnography and other qualitative methods, we focus on individual and institutional actors engaged in creating forms of commodified meanings that circulate with organic wine. In Languedoc‐Roussillon, these meanings reflect and reinforce a longer‐term so‐called shift to quality in wine production, yet also emphasize continuity over change, particularly through emphasis on ongoing role of artisanal, independent growers. We argue that qualification thereby works not only through association with independent growers but also by dissociation, specifically from Languedoc‐Roussillon's agrarian tradition of generic wine production and from the central role played by wine cooperatives in the social reproduction of the region's small‐holding grower class.
Pre‐/postprocedure measures for minimally invasive, nonenergy aesthetic treatments: A survey
Authors: Gold Michael H. , Andriessen Anneke , Goldberg David J. , Grover Komel V. , Hu Shasa , Lorenc Z. Paul , Mandy Stephen H. , Vega Janelle H.
Published: June 2020

Background

Non‐energy based devices used in aesthetic medicine include treatments such as microdermabrasion, microneedling, threads, and chemical peels. Practitioners may use these devices to address signs of facial photo‐ and chronological aging (fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentary, and skin textural changes). Currently, consensus papers or guidelines are lacking in peri‐procedural measures or their potential role in the prevention or treatment of adverse events in non‐energy based aesthetic procedures.

Aims

To explore current practices using non‐energy devices, a survey was developed to identify trends in peri‐procedure treatment measures.

Patients/Methods

The survey was sent electronically to 2000 dermatologists and 388 plastic surgeons. Randomly selected sites included those practicing medical aesthetics using non‐energy devices for facial rejuvenation. The survey gathered information related to practitioner demographics, types of devices used, and peri‐procedural measures for non‐energy device‐based treatments.

Results

The survey was active from February to May 2019. Nine hundred and twenty clinicians opened the survey, and 109 surveys were completed, providing a total response rate of 11.8%. The results revealed inconsistencies with regards to skin preparation strategies and post‐procedure care. While the majority of clinicians indicated a need for topical treatments to reduce inflammation, prevent scarring, and shorten time to healing, a standard of care was not observed.

Conclusions

The results of this survey confirm a lack of standardized measures for peri‐procedural care when using non‐energy based devices for aesthetic medicine treatments. These findings emphasize the need for evidence‐based recommendations for optimizing patient outcomes, reducing and managing adverse events, and shortening time to healing.
High‐Resolution Nerve Ultrasound to Assess Nerve Echogenicity, Fascicular Count, and Cross‐Sectional Area Using Semiautomated Analysis
Authors: Gamber Donata , Motte Jeremias , Kerasnoudis Antonios , Yoon Min‐Suk , Gold Ralf , Pitarokoili Kalliopi , Fisse Anna Lena
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Little is known about echogenicity and fascicular structure observed in high‐resolution nerve ultrasound (HRUS) in both healthy subjects and patients with peripheral nerve disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of echogenicity, fascicle count, and fascicle size analysis, to create standard values and compare these parameters to patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).

METHODS

Median, ulnar, radial, tibial, and fibular nerve of 79 healthy subjects and patients were scanned by one examiner using HRUS. Image analysis regarding echogenicity, fascicle count, and fascicle cross‐sectional area (CSA) was performed by two independent raters semiautomatically using ImageJ. Pearson correlation coefficient r reflected interrater reliability (IR), and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) determined intrarater reliability (IAR). Results of healthy subjects were compared to 20 patients with CIDP by analysis of variance.

RESULTS

IR was very good for echogenicity (r = .9) and good for fascicle count and size of the largest fascicle (r = .64/.56). IAR was very good for all three parameters (ICC = .9/.83/.74). Healthy subjects had a wide range of values. CIDP patients were in range of healthy subjects. Clinically progressive CIDP patients (defined as an increase in Overall Disability Sum Score by ≥1 point) had a lower fraction of black than healthy controls and stable CIDP patients (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Semiautomated evaluation of echogenicity, fascicle count, and fascicle CSA is reliable. Cutoff values to differentiate between healthy persons and CIDP do not exist. Echogenicity is useful for detecting clinically progressive CIDP patients and should be used in clinical context or intraindividual course.
Microcystic Meningiomas: MRI‐Pathologic Correlation
Authors: Kulanthaivelu Karthik , Lanka Vivek , Chandran Chitra , Nandeesh Bevinhalli N. , Tiwari Sarbesh , Mahadevan Anita , Prasad Chandrajit , Saini Jitender , Bhat Maya D. , Chakrabarti Dhritiman , Pruthi Nupur , Vazhayil Vikas , Sadashiva Nishanth , Srinivas Dwarakanath
Published: June 2020

Background and Purpose

Microcystic meningiomas (MM) are a distinctive, rare subtype of Grade I meningiomas with limited radiological descriptions. We intend to identify unique imaging phenotypes and seek radiopathological correlations.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of histopathologically proven MM was undertaken. Clinicodemographic profiles, imaging, and histopathological characteristics were recorded. Spearman rank correlations among radiological and pathological attributes were performed.

Results

Twenty‐eight cases were analyzed (mean age = 45.5 years; M:F = 1:1.54; mean volume = 50.1 mL; supratentorial n = 27). Most lesions were markedly T2 hyperintense (higher than peritumoral brain edema—a unique finding) (89.3%) and showed invariable diffusion restriction, severe peritumoral brain edema (edema index >2 in 64.3%), a “storiform” pattern on T2‐weighted images (T2WI) (75%), reticular pattern on postcontrast T1 (78.6%)/diffusion‐weighted images (DWI) (65.4%), hyperperfusion, T1 hypointensity (84.6%), and absence of blooming on susceptibility‐weighted image (80.9%). Storiform/reticular morphology correlated with large cysts on histopathology (ρ = .56; P = .005753).  Lesion dimension positively correlated with reticular morphology on imaging (ρ = .59; P = .001173), higher flow voids (ρ = .65; P = .00027), and greater microcystic changes on histopathology (ρ = .51; P = .006778). Peritumoral brain edema was higher for lesions demonstrating greater angiomatous component (ρ = .46; P = .014451).

Conclusions

We have elucidated varied neuroimaging features and highlighted pathological substrates of crucial imaging findings of MM. MM ought to be considered as an imaging possibility in an extra‐axial lesion with a marked hypodensity on noncontrast computed tomography, markedly T2‐hyperintense/T1‐hypointense signal, and a storiform/reticular pattern on T2W/GdT1w//DWI.
Digital labourers’ proactivity and the venture for meaningful work: Fruitful or fruitless?
Authors: Wong Sut I , Fieseler Christian , Kost Dominique
Published: June 2020

Digital Labor, taking up flexible but small‐scale employment arrangements on online intermediary platforms, with few constraints on how much, when, and where work is performed, are becoming the new work reality for many individuals. Scholars have argued that this type of work is inherently demeaning. We seek to explore the worker’s perspective and how their long‐term perspective aligns or misaligns with their actual work arrangement. We draw on career construction theory and hypothesize a job–career congruence model suggesting that when workers’ cognitive presentations of their microwork as jobs or careers are incongruent, they are less likely to experience their work as meaningful. The results from a two‐stage field study of 803 workers from two microworking platforms support the negative effect of an incongruent job–career schema on workers’ experience of meaningful work. Additionally, results demonstrate that even workers who are proactive in nature, seem unable to excel in these fluid work settings when their job‐career schema are not aligned.

Practitioner Points

Contrary to what platform organizations may expect, digital labourers view crowdworking as both a job and a career, which in turn fosters meaningfulness. Careers are important aspect in understanding digital labourers’ understanding of their jobs and careers. Keeping this in mind, we would encourage platform organizations to:

provide career development opportunities, instead of focusing on short‐term incentives. This would cultivate crowdworkers’ career outlook, cultivate job–career congruence, and help mediate issues related to lack of career prosperity in microwork design.

recognize aspirational career elements, such as career ladders, employability, and work–life balance to reduce possible exploitation in this employment area. Focusing only on job features such as flexibility, autonomy, and rewards is insufficient to motivate and inspire meaningfulness among digital labourers.

provide training focused on career adaptability. This may attract relevant talent and platforms may benefit from providing training opportunities in the long term.
The effect of an accountable care organization on dental care for children with disabilities
Authors: Song Paula H. , White Benjamin Alex , Chisolm Deena J. , Berney Sara , Domino Marisa Elena
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Accountable care organizations (ACOs) are a new model of health‐care delivery that aim to improve care through increased provider collaboration and financial rewards for meeting cost and quality targets for a defined patient population. In this study, we examined a state policy change that effectively moved some children with disabilities into a Medicaid‐serving pediatric ACO on dental service use. We hypothesize that ACOs' emphasis on prevention, care coordination, and reduction in emergency department use will extend to dental services.

Study design/methods

We used Ohio Medicaid administrative claims data for year 2011–2016 to examine changes in patterns of dental service use by Medicaid‐eligible children with disabilities before and after enrolling in an ACO compared with similar children enrolled in non‐ACO managed care plans.

Results

Dental utilization is relatively low among Medicaid‐eligible children with disabilities. We find that preventive dental visits increased 3.1% points (P < 0.05) from a baseline in the control group of 33.9 percent among ACO‐enrolled children, especially among adolescent children, compared to similar children that were not in the ACO, representing an 11 percent increase in the rate of preventive dental visits relative to the comparison group. However, overall dental utilization did not increase for children with disabilities who were part of the ACO compared to similar children who were not in the ACO.

Conclusions

Access to dental care is a continuing challenge for children covered by Medicaid. ACOs that serve Medicaid children are well positioned to include dental services and could play an important role in improving access to dental care and increasing dental utilization.
Court Interpreters and the Political Economy of Bail in Three Arraignment Courts
Authors: Rengifo Andres F. , Rouzbahani Diba , Peirce Jennifer
Published: June 2020

Criminal courts in the United States engage defendants with Limited English Proficiency on a regular basis. However, we know little about how court‐appointed interpreters shape case‐level routines and dispositions, nor how these interpreters navigate their immediate courtroom environment. We draw on observations of bail hearings (N = 647) conducted in 2015–16 in three arraignment courts in New York and New Jersey to map the practice and consequences of language interpretation. More specifically, we examine whether the use of an interpreter relates to indicators of judicial treatment and case disposition by bail type/amount, and explore more broadly how the presence of interpreters shapes the casework of other courtroom actors. Results from multivariate regression models indicate that cases with interpreters are associated with a more limited judicial review, a lower likelihood of unconditional release, and higher cash bonds. We discuss these findings in terms of evolving mechanisms of social control and the criminalization of disadvantaged populations.
Medical students’ preference for returning to the clinical setting during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Compton Scott , Sarraf‐Yazdi Shiva , Rustandy Felicia , Radha Krishna Lalit Kumar
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has led to widespread disruptions in the clinical education of medical students. In managing students’ return to the clinical setting, medical schools face the challenge of balancing education, service and risk considerations. To compound this challenge, medical students may prefer not to re‐enter during a period of great uncertainty, leading to substantive downstream sequelae on individual, institutional and national levels. Understanding students’ views on resuming clinical experiences, therefore, is an important consideration. The purpose of this study was to assess medical students’ preference for re‐entering the clinical setting during the COVID‐19 pandemic and to explore personal and environmental characteristics associated with that preference.

Methods

We conducted an electronic survey of currently enrolled medical students at the Duke‐NUS Medical School, less than a month into the COVID‐19 pandemic. Survey items were aligned with a conceptual framework related to medical students’ preference for returning to the clinical setting. The framework consisted of three domains: (a) non‐modifiable demographic information; (b) factors thought to be modifiable through the course of medical education, including burnout, tolerance for ambiguity, motivation and professionalism, and (c) students’ perception of COVID‐19 infection risk to self.

Results

Approximately one‐third (n=63) of 179 students preferred not to return to the clinical setting. Results of a multivariable analysis indicated that compared to this group, the two‐thirds (n=116) of students favouring return showed evidence of greater autonomous (or internal) motivation, a greater sense of professional responsibility and a lower self‐perception of harbouring risk to patients.

Conclusions

Students’ preference on returning to the clinical environment stems from the interplay of several key factors, and is substantively associated with perceptions of professional responsibility and their own potential risk to the health care system. Mindfully considering and addressing these issues may help medical schools in their preparation for returning students to the clinical setting.
Unpacking wonder: from curiosity to comprehension
Authors: Paulson Steve , Shiota Michelle “Lani” , Henderson Caspar , Filippenko Alexei V.
Published: June 2020

From the macrocosm of the universe to the microcosm of the human body, our discoveries about ourselves and the natural world continue to spark our experience of awe and wonder. But how exactly does science define and explain the experience of awe and wonder? Social psychologist Michelle Shiota, writer Caspar Henderson, and astrophysicist Alex Filippenko unpack the emerging science behind the emotions of awe and wonder, including their role in our ongoing quest for understanding and knowledge.
Beyond oneself: the ethics and psychology of awe
Authors: Paulson Steve , Sideris Lisa , Stellar Jennifer , Valdesolo Piercarlo
Published: June 2020

Awe and wonder appear to be powerful emotions that can inform and shape our attitudes toward ourselves and others, especially in relation to the larger meaning and purpose of our lives. What are the psychological underpinnings of these universal emotions? How does awe, for example, relate to self‐knowledge, and more generally to understanding the enigmatic contradictions of human nature? Is it possible to cultivate and develop this emotion as an ethical incentive in our relationships with others? Are awe and wonder capable of awakening and engendering moral transformation? Does the emotion of awe lie at the root of the religious impulse in humans? and Is there any room left for a sense of the miraculous in today's increasingly scientific and secular world? Professor of religious studies Lisa Sideris joins psychologists Jennifer Stellar and Piercarlo Valdesolo to explore how awe shapes our perspectives and views on everything from science to morality.
Ghosted?: Navigating strategies for reducing uncertainty and implications surrounding ambiguous loss
Authors: LeFebvre Leah E. , Fan Xiaoti
Published: June 2020

Ghosting is the unilateral dissolution process of ceasing communication through media. When ghosted, non‐initiators are often left without the ability to navigate the resulting uncertainty or impending dissolution processes. Utilizing uncertainty reduction theory and ambiguous loss, this investigation explores effective and ineffective strategies used to find answers, reduce uncertainty, and navigate post‐dissolution consequences. Employing two studies from Amazon's Mechanical Turk, a thematic analysis to delineate and affirm categories—7 effective and ineffective strategies and 11 categories of personal and relational implications after being ghosted—was used. These studies provide insight about non‐initiators process to resolve their uncertainty and highlight ramifications from ambiguity that non‐initiators experience after being ghosted. These findings discuss connections to knowledge acquisition, closure processing, and consequences of ghosting.
A Critique of Alexy’s Claim to Correctness
Authors: Bix Brian H.
Published: June 2020

This article offers an overview of the difficulties in Robert Alexy’s idea of law’s “claim to correctness.” The inquiry takes us deep into the nature of simple communication, back out to what it means to have a theory about the nature of law, and also in the direction of wondering about the interaction of legal theory and practical reasoning—reasoning about how we should best act. The article offers reasons to question whether law in fact makes claims, at least in any straightforward sense. Even if one brackets that matter, there are reasons to raise doubts about what is in fact implicit in the act of lawmaking. At one level, an act of lawmaking does implicitly assert the authority to act in that way. Whether it also implies that the content of the action is morally good, or at least not clearly morally bad, is, at a minimum, a harder question.
Low‐frequency dipolar electromagnetic scattering by a solid ellipsoid in lossless environment
Authors: Vafeas Panayiotis
Published: June 2020

Electromagnetic wave scattering phenomena for target identification are important in many applications related to fundamental science and engineering. Here, we present an analytical formulation for the calculation of the magnetic and electric fields that scatter off a highly conductive ellipsoidal body, located within an otherwise homogeneous and isotropic lossless medium. The primary excitation source assumes a time‐harmonic magnetic dipole, precisely fixed and arbitrarily orientated that operates at low frequencies and produces the incident fields. The scattering problem itself is modeled with respect to rigorous expansions of the electromagnetic fields at the low‐frequency regime in terms of positive integral powers of the real wave number of the ambient. Obviously, the Rayleigh static term and a few dynamic terms are sufficient for the purpose of the present work, as the additional terms are neglected due to their minor contribution. Therein, the classical Maxwell's theory is suitably modified, leading to intertwined either Laplace's or Poisson's equations, accompanied by the impenetrable boundary conditions for the total fields and the limiting behavior at infinity. On the other hand, the complete spatial anisotropy of the three‐dimensional space is secured via the introduction of the genuine ellipsoidal coordinate system, being appropriate for tackling incrementally such scattering boundary value problems. The nonaxisymmetric fields are obtained via infinite series expansions in terms of ellipsoidal harmonic eigenfunctions, providing handy closed‐form solutions in a compact fashion, whose validity is verified by a straightforward reduction to simpler geometries of the metal object. The main idea is to demonstrate an efficient methodology, according to which the constructed analytical formulae can offer the appropriate environment for a fast numerical estimation of the scattered electromagnetic fields that could be useful for real data inversion.
Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility as an indicator for palaeocurrent analysis in folded turbidites (Outer Western Carpathians, Poland)
Authors: Stachowska Aleksandra , Łoziński Maciej , Śmigielski Michał , Wysocka Anna , Jankowski Leszek , Ziółkowski Piotr
Published: June 2020

The anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility is a well‐known geological proxy in revealing the directional tectonic and sedimentological features of rocks, although it can be ambiguous in situations where these two factors co‐occur. This paper demonstrates the usefulness of the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility in determining palaeotransport directions in turbiditic rocks that underwent subsequent thrusting and folding. This study demonstrates that the magnetic lineation is largely unsuitable as a palaeocurrent direction proxy, and suggests that the imbrication of magnetic foliation is better in such cases. Moreover, the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility results were analyzed in reference to a joint and fold study within the framework of the regional structural geology. Magnetic fabric investigations were conducted in the eastern part of the Outer Western Carpathians (south‐east Poland). During the study, a total of 191 oriented palaeomagnetic samples were collected from three outcrops (Nasiczne, Dwernik and Hoczew) in the Krosno Beds, Silesian Unit. For the purpose of sedimentological analysis, 121 m of turbidite successions were documented and 126 directional sedimentary structures were measured. The magnetic anisotropy of sandstones revealed typical sedimentary fabrics, often overprinted by variably intense tectonic deformation. Oblate susceptibility ellipsoids from Nasiczne showed tilt coherent with the palaeoflow direction, whereas the rocks from Dwernik and Hoczew contained triaxial magnetic fabric developed during compressional palaeostress. This paper suggests that medium‐grained and coarse‐grained sandstones, preferably with high mica content, are the most suitable for palaeotransport reconstructions among the studied lithologies.
Sandstone Acidizing Using a Low-Reaction Acid System
Authors: Gomaa Ibrahim , Mahmoud Mohamed , Kamal Muhammad Shahzad
Published: June 2020

Sandstone acidizing is the process of removing the damage from sandstone reservoirs to restore the well productivity/injectivity to its original or expected rates. It differs from carbonate acidizing in which a substantial portion of the rock is dissolved. Stimulating sandstone with mud acid HF/HCl may cause many problems as sandstone is a clastic sedimentary rock that consists mainly of quartz, silica minerals, feldspars, clays, and minor quantities of zeolite and chlorites. When conventional mud acid reacts with rock some sensitive components of sandstone get cemented by silica, calcite, or iron oxides. This happens due to the different precipitation reactions that take place and form fluosilicates, calcium fluorides, silica-gel filming, and even colloidal silica-gel compounds. In this work, two chelating agents, hydroxyethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (HEDTA) and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), were used to stimulate Berea sandstone cores. Berea sandstone cores were scanned using the XRD to quantify their mineralogical composition. Different pore volumes of 0.6M HEDTA and 0.6M DTPA were used as a preflush followed by different concentrations of HF as a main flush. For the post-flush stage, ammonium chloride was used to flow back the cores and measure their permeability. The levels of calcium, magnesium, aluminum, and iron ions in the effluent samples were measured using inductively coupled plasma (ICP) to assess the ability of each chemical to leach these different ions. Both HEDTA and DTPA showed a strong capability of chelating calcium, iron, and magnesium ions from the sandstone cores while the amounts of chelated aluminum ions were quite small. Once starting the injection of the used chelating agents, the permeability of the core got enhanced gradually. The higher amounts of the chelating agents resulted in better the cores permeability. However, DTPA showed a better permeability enhancement than HEDTA due to its stronger ability to chelate the calcium, iron, magnesium, and aluminum ions. Adding HF as the main flush initiates different reactions with the clay and silica minerals of the Berea sandstone cores. This caused a reduction in the permeability due to the formation of some precipitates such as fluosilicates and calcium fluorides. Therefore, it is recommended to use a very low concentration of HF while treating the Berea sandstone.
Direct observation and catalytic role of mediator atom in 2D materials
Authors: Lee Gun-Do , Robertson Alex W. , Lee Sungwoo , Lin Yung-Chang , Oh Jeong-Wook , Park Hwanyeol , Joo Young-Chang , Yoon Euijoon , Suenaga Kazu , Warner Jamie H. , Ewels Christopher P.
Published: June 2020

Mediator atoms catalyse bond formation and breaking in graphene and its defects.
Transforming platelets into microrobots
Authors: Shi Jinjun
Published: June 2020

Biocompatible cell robots powered by urea improve drug delivery through active movement.
Molecular and functional extracellular vesicle analysis using nanopatterned microchips monitors tumor progression and metastasis
Authors: Zhang Peng , Wu Xiaoqing , Gardashova Gulhumay , Yang Yang , Zhang Yaohua , Xu Liang , Zeng Yong
Published: June 2020

An inkjet-printed nanochip integrating multiparametric extracellular vesicle analyses monitors tumor burden via liquid biopsy.
Autism-associated SHANK3 mutations impair maturation of neuromuscular junctions and striated muscles
Authors: Lutz Anne-Kathrin , Pfaender Stefanie , Incearap Berra , Ioannidis Valentin , Ottonelli Ilaria , Föhr Karl J. , Cammerer Judith , Zoller Marvin , Higelin Julia , Giona Federica , Stetter Maximilian , Stoecker Nicole , Alami Najwa Ouali , Schön Michael , Orth Michael , Liebau Stefan , Barbi Gotthold , Grabrucker Andreas M. , Delorme Richard , Fauler Michael , Mayer Benjamin , Jesse Sarah , Roselli Francesco , Ludolph Albert C. , Bourgeron Thomas , Verpelli Chiara , Demestre Maria , Boeckers Tobias M.
Published: June 2020

The autism-associated protein SHANK3 is essential for the maturation of neuromuscular junctions and striated muscles.
Cancer cells harness insulin for performance enhancement
Authors: Gallagher Emily J.
Published: June 2020

Hyperinsulinemia and insulin receptor signaling allow cancer cells to evade cell competition.
The story of COVID-19: A comparative analysis
Authors: Sengupta Shaon
Published: June 2020

COVID-19 induces a distinct host transcriptome.
Resequencing of the Red Alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae: Strain Differences and Mitochondrial Sequence Corrections
Authors: Sato Naoki , Moriyama Takashi , Mori-Moriyama Natsumi
Published: June 2020

Two laboratory strains of the red alga
Cyanidioschyzon merolae
10D were resequenced. We found some strain differences in the nuclear and chloroplast genomes. We also identified corrections of the mitochondrial genome sequence.
Complete Genome Sequences of Two Mutacin-Producing Streptococcus mutans Strains, T8 and UA140
Authors: Biswas Indranil
Published: June 2020

Streptococcus mutans
is known to produce various antimicrobial peptides called mutacins. Two clinical isolates, T8 and UA140, are well characterized regarding their mutacin production, but genome sequence information was previously unavailable. Complete genome sequences of these two mutacin-producing strains are reported here.
Draft Genome Sequence and Biosynthetic Potential of the Newly Described Strain Longimicrobium terrae CB-286315
T
Authors: Sánchez-Hidalgo Marina , Pascual Javier , González Ignacio , Genilloud Olga
Published: June 2020

Longimicrobium terrae
CB-286315
T
, the first member of the family
Longimicrobiaceae
, was isolated at the Sierra de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park, Spain, using a diffusion sandwich system (DSS). We present the draft genome sequence of this strain, which comprised 6,886,230 bp. A total of 12 putative biosynthetic gene clusters were predicted, including ribosomally synthesized and posttranslationally modified peptides (RiPPs), polyketides, and nonribosomal peptides.
Rare case of metastatic small cell carcinoma of the nasopharynx to the pancreas
Authors: Teinor Jonathan , Groshek Lara , He Jin
Published: June 2020

We present a 49-year-old woman with a history of an unresectable nasopharyngeal small cell carcinoma (SCC) who was treated with concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy. On surveillance positron emission tomography scan 14 months after diagnosis, her primary tumour appeared stable, but there was fludeoxyglucose uptake in the pancreas. A CT scan demonstrated a 3.4×2.1 cm ill-defined soft tissue mass at the tail of the pancreas, which was concerning for adenocarcinoma. However, further workup including endoscopic ultrasound and fine needle aspiration confirmed the mass to be a metastasis from her nasopharyngeal SCC. Because there have been no previously reported cases of a metastatic small cell carcinoma to the pancreas, there are no data about prognosis. Thus treatment options were tailored to the patient. Distal pancreatectomy, splenectomy and cholecystectomy were performed. The patient recovered from surgery without complication.
Presentation, surgery and 1-year outcomes of childhood cataract surgery in Tanzania
Authors: Mndeme Furahini Godfrey , Mmbaga Blandina Theophyl , Msina Mchikirwa , Mwende Judith , Vaitha Sonia J , Kim Min J , Macleod David , Burton Matthew J , Gilbert Clare E , Bowman Richard
Published: June 2020

Background

Recent reports have suggested a significant change in the causes of blindness in children in low-income countries cataract becoming the leading cause. We aimed to investigate the presentations and surgical outcomes in children with cataract operated at different ages in Tanzania.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study of 228 children aged ≤192 months at three tertiary centres, 177 with bilateral cataracts and prospectively followed them for 1-year postsurgery. We collected demographic, surgical, preoperative and postoperative clinical characteristics using the standard childhood cataract surgical assessment questionnaire. Families were encouraged to return for follow-up by phone with travel reimbursement where necessary.

Results

Preoperatively, 76% bilateral children were blind in the better eye. 86% of children were followed up at 1 year and 54% bilateral children achieved visual acuity of 0.48 logMAR or better in the better eye and 5% were blind. 33% of unilateral children achieved visual acuity of 0.48 logMAR or better and 17% were blind. Preoperative blindness (adjusted OR (AOR) 14.65; 95% CI 2.21 to 97.20), preoperative nystagmus/strabismus (AOR 9.22; 95% CI 2.66 to 31.97) and aphakia (AOR, 5.32; 95% CI 1.05 to 26.97) predicted poor visual outcome in bilateral cases. 9% of 342 refracted eyes had initial postoperative cylinder of 1.5 D or more, as did a similar proportion (11%) of 315 eyes refracted 1 year after surgery. Acute fibrinous uveitis occurred in 41 (12%) eyes.

Conclusion

Three-quarters of children were blind preoperatively whereas over half had good vision 1-year postoperatively. Preoperative blindness, nystagmus/strabismus and aphakia predicted poor visual outcome, suggesting that cataract density determines density of amblyopia.
Early experience treating intracranial aneurysms using Accero: a novel, fully visible, low profile braided stent with platinum–nitinol composite wire technology
Authors: Nania Alberto , Dobbs Nicholas , DuPlessis Johannes , Keston Peter , Downer Jonathan
Published: June 2020

Background

Accero is an innovative, fully visible, self-expanding braided stent with platinum–nitinol composite wire technology, produced by Acandis.

Objective

To assess the technical success and safety of this new stent by evaluating the intraprocedural behavior and complication rate, and the short-term follow-up results.

Methods

Forty-one consecutive patients suitable for stent-assisted coiling were selected for the use of Accero in an 11-month period. Clinical, procedural, and angiographic data, as well as 30-day morbidity, were recorded. The angiographic results, clinical follow-up at 30 days, and early imaging follow-up at 3 or 6 months were analyzed, when available.

Results

Forty-one aneurysms were treated with stent-assisted coiling. All cases were elective, of which 19 were previously untreated aneurysms and 22 were recurrent aneurysms. Aneurysm location was anterior communicating artery complex (16), basilar (12 cases), middle cerebral artery bifurcation (9 cases), and internal cerebral artery (4 cases). The stent was successfully deployed and aneurysm occlusion with coils achieved in 100% of our patients. One case of on table in-stent thrombosis occurred, which resolved after administration of glycoprotein IIB/IIIA inhibitor, with no clinical consequence, and one case of postoperative hematoma at the arteriotomy site, which was managed conservatively. On early follow-up, available for 37 patients, the complete occlusion rate was 76%, with only two recurrences needing further treatment. Satisfactory aneurysm occlusion was therefore achieved in 95% of cases.

Conclusion

Stent-assisted coiling with the Accero braided stent proved safe and effective.
Mid-term assessment of transverse sinus stent patency in 104 patients treated for intracranial hypertension secondary to dural sinus stenosis
Authors: El Mekabaty Amgad , Pearl Monica Smith , Moghekar Abhay , Gailloud Philippe
Published: June 2020

Background

Transverse sinus (TS) stenting is a valid treatment alternative for patients with intracranial hypertension caused by underlying bilateral TS stenoses. Its mid-term patency has, however, not been well documented.

Objective

To assess the 6-month patency of TS stenting using subtracted CT venography (CTV).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of patients undergoing TS stenting was performed. The cohort was a single-center, single-operator series of 125 consecutive patients treated between 2008 and 2018. Mid-term follow-up 320-row detector CTV was available for review in 104 patients.

Results

Follow-up CTV was obtained on average 6 months after stenting. Stents in all patients (100%) were patent. Subtracted reconstructions showed no intraluminal thrombus or neointimal hyperplasia. Native reconstructions confirmed the structural integrity of the stents. De novo stenosis proximal to the stent was noted in 10 cases (10%). A total of 10 patients (10%) received additional treatment due to recurrent symptoms. In univariate analysis, both high body mass index and stent size (>6 mm) were associated with development of de novo stenoses: OR 1.12 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.25, p=0.037) and OR 5.63 (95% CI 1.16 to 27.22, p=0.032), respectively. In multivariate analysis, only stent size (>6 mm) remained significant: OR 7.19 (95% CI 1.03 to 50.01, p=0.046).

Conclusion

TS stenting is an effective treatment for intracranial hypertension secondary to dural sinus stenosis in an appropriately selected patient population. A 320-row dynamic CTV is a high-quality non-invasive imaging method that can assess both the physical integrity of the stent and its patency. At mid-term follow-up, all imaged stents were patent. The occurrence of de novo stenoses proximal to the stent (10%) correlated with stent size (>6 mm).
Psychological impact of quarantine on healthcare workers
Authors: Gómez-Durán Esperanza L , Martin-Fumadó Carles , Forero Carlos G
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Exposure to infection is an inherent occupational risk for healthcare workers and may lead them to undergo quarantine during disease outbreaks. Both front-line battle and quarantine are stressful experiences that may make psychological support for healthcare workers necessary. Psychological support measures based on the best available evidence should be included in emergency plans worldwide. We summarise the research evidence on the psychological impact of quarantine on healthcare workers.

Methods

We retrieved 470 articles on the psychological impact of quarantine on healthcare workers from the Web of Science and included in this review all 12 articles that met our inclusion criteria.

Results

The reviewed studies reported acute stress during quarantine and long-lasting depressive, post-traumatic stress and alcohol dependency and abuse symptoms. Healthcare workers fear infection for themselves, but more so for their loved ones, and are also concerned about the stigma that may affect their families, most especially their children.

Conclusions

The safety of healthcare workers and their families during disease outbreaks needs to be ensured. Suitable alternative accommodation and personalised monitoring during quarantine are useful intervention measures to prevent adverse effects in healthcare workers. Clear public health communication will help reduce uncertainty, guilt and stigma. Financial aid should be considered for the more severely affected workers. Finally, mental healthcare for healthcare workers should be a priority, as quarantines can be a mental distress trigger. The development of efficient referral paths and the provision of counselling or psychotherapy during the confinement period are an opportunity for early mental health interventions.