bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preferences and barriers to the utilization of primary health care by sick physicians: a nationwide survey
Authors: Zacay Galia , Baron-Epel Orna , Malatskey Lilach , Heymann Anthony
Published: July 2020

Background

Physicians are often dissatisfied with their own medical care. Self-prescribing is common despite established guidelines that discourage this practice. From a pilot study, we know primary care physicians’ (PCP) preferences, but we lack information regarding other specialties and work places.

Objectives

The goal of this study was to examine whether physicians are satisfied with their personal primary care and how this could be improved.

Methods

We distributed an electronic survey to all physicians registered with the Israeli Medical Association. The questionnaire examined satisfaction with medical care, preferences for using formal care versus informal care, self-prescribing and barriers to using formal care.

Results

Two thousand three hundred and five out of 24 360 invited physicians responded. Fifty-six per cent of the respondents were satisfied with their personal primary care. Fifty-two per cent reported initiating self-treatment with a medication during the last year. Five and four per cent initiated treatment with a benzodiazepine and an antidepressant, respectively, during the last year. This was despite the fact that most physicians did not feel competent to treat themselves. Having a personal PCP was correlated with both a desire to use formal care and self-referral to formal care in practice. Regression analysis showed that the highest odds ratio (OR) for experiencing a large gap between desired and actual care were for physicians who had no personal PCP (OR = 1.92).

Conclusions

Physicians frequently engage in self-treatment and in informal medical care. Whether the root cause is the health care system structure that does not meet their needs or the convenience of self-treatment is not known.
Seeing Black: Foote’s Afro-American Company and the Performance of Racial Uplift in Imperial Germany in 1891
Authors: Bowersox Jeff
Published: July 2020

By 1914 African American entertainers had become a regular part of variety show programmes across the German lands, but despite their evident popularity, they have received little scholarly attention except as part of the pre-history of jazz. But even before 1914 African American performers took an active part in transatlantic conversations about the meanings of race, challenging racialized understandings of nation, culture and modernity. To illustrate the challenge presented by African American performance and the range of German responses, this article takes up a little-known case study, the German tour of William Foote’s Afro-American Company in 1891. Led by a white impresario, the show brought together the broad range of black popular performance—minstrel song and dance, jubilee choirs, social dance and concert singing—to demonstrate the rapid progress of African American cultivation since emancipation. This message of racial uplift was framed in ethnographic terms, making a case that African Americans, like Germans, possessed distinctive folk forms that could be refined into cultivated forms with universal value. This framing made an uplifting case for an equivalence between African American and German cultures, but there were also ambivalences built into Foote’s project as organizers played to audiences’ racialized expectations. Analysing German commentators’ responses to performances of American blackness allows us to interrogate competing discourses of blackness in the German lands and the ways they could be used strategically. More broadly, those responses also illustrate how ideas about race were negotiated, produced and popularized in commercial entertainments.
Resting-State Function Connectivity Associated With Being a “Morning-Type” Dementia Caregiver and Having Lower Depression Symptom Severity
Authors: Smagula Stephen F , Karim Helmet T , Ibrahim Tamer S , Krafty Robert T , Stahl Sarah T , Rodakowski Juleen , Reynolds Charles F , Hall Martica H , Aizenstein Howard J
Published: July 2020

Objectives

A lack of “morningness” predicts greater depression symptom severity over time, including in a vulnerable group of older adults: family dementia caregivers (dCGs). Evidence regarding the neurobiological basis of these correlations is needed to guide future research towards biomarker-informed detection and prevention approaches. We therefore primarily aimed to identify simple resting-state biomarkers that correlated with a lack of “morningness” in dCGs.

Method

We examined 54 dCGs (mean age = 70, range: 61–84; 70% female) of whom 40% were definite “morning types” according to Composite Scale of Morningness (CSM). Using a 7 Tesla resting-state sequence, we compared the functional connectivity of nodes in networks previously implicated in depression (fronto-parietal, default mode, limbic, and salience) between caregivers who were and were not “morning types.”

Results

Correcting for voxel-wise comparisons, “morning-type” dCGs had less amygdala–posterior cingulate connectivity (Cohen’s d = −1.3), which statistically mediated ~32% of the association between the degree of “morningness” and lower depression severity. Post hoc analyses of CSM items found significant correlations, with both amygdala–posterior cingulate FC and depression severity, for 4/6 items pertaining to difficulty, 2/5 items pertaining to preference, and 0/2 items pertaining to typical patterns.

Discussion

Prior research shows that amygdala–posterior cingulate connectivity increases when allocating attention to peripheral aspects of negative emotional stimuli. As such, difficulty with morning activation may relate to the ongoing direction of focus around distressing content; in contrast, morning activity participation may serve to limit focus on distress. Replication and experimental studies are required to confirm these associations and their modifiability.
Perceptions of Closeness in Adult Parent–Child Dyads: Asymmetry in the Context of Family Complexity
Authors: van Houdt Kirsten , Kalmijn Matthijs , Ivanova Katya
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Multi-actor data show that parents’ and adult children’s evaluations of their relation do not necessarily match. We studied disagreement in parent- and child-reported closeness, comparing parent–child dyads involving separated parents, non-separated parents, and stepparents to shed new light on today’s diverse landscape of adult parent–child relations.

Method

Using data from the Parents and Children in the Netherlands (OKiN) survey, we analyzed closeness in parent–child dyads (N = 4,602) comparing (step)parents’ and their adult children’s (aged 25–45) reports. To distinguish directional disagreement (i.e., differences in child- and parent-reported means) from nondirectional disagreement (i.e., the association between child- and parent-reported measures), while accounting for absolute levels of closeness, we estimated log-linear models.

Results

All types of parents tend to report higher levels of closeness than their children. Whereas parental overreport is more prevalent among biological father–child dyads than among biological mother–child dyads, we found no differences between biological dyads and stepdyads. The association between children’s and parents’ reports is higher among dyads involving stepmothers or married mothers than among those involving separated mothers and (step)fathers.

Discussion

The intergenerational stake (i.e., parental overreport) is not unique to biological parent–child relations. Instead, patterns of disagreement seem most strongly stratified by gender.
Participation in a Substance Misuse Intervention in Post-acute Care Is Associated With More Optimal Rehabilitation Outcomes
Authors: Cimarolli Verena R , Burack Orah , Minahan Jillian , Hennessa Alexandra , Stone Robyn , Shi Xiaomei
Published: July 2020

Background and Objectives

Alcohol and substance misuse is prevalent among older adults, yet underdiagnosed and undertreated. More substance misuse intervention programs specifically designed for older adults and offered in various settings are needed. This project’s objectives were to (a) provide a detailed description of a Geriatric Substance Abuse Recovery Program (GSARP) designed and implemented at post-acute rehabilitation units of a skilled nursing facility and (b) report findings of a study conducted to evaluate if GSARP participation among post-acute care patients with substance misuse issues can optimize rehabilitation outcomes (i.e., being discharged home vs. another setting).

Research Design and Methods

A pretest–posttest study design with data obtained from patients’ electronic medical record upon facility admission, during post-acute stay, and after discharge (N = 271). Based on Andersen’s model of health care utilization, we investigated which predisposing factors (e.g., ethnicity), enabling factors (e.g., cognition and social support), and need-related factors (e.g., activities of daily living functioning), as well as health behaviors (e.g., GSARP participation) predicted likelihood of being discharged home versus another discharge setting.

Results

Patients participating in the GSARP and patients who received social support from family members and friends during their post-acute stay were more likely to be discharged home. Patients with severe cognitive impairment were less likely to be discharged home.

Discussion and Implications

The GSARP eliminates some common barriers often encountered in the screening and delivery process of substance misuse interventions for older adults. Findings support the effectiveness of the GSARP in optimizing rehabilitation outcomes for older adults with substance misuse issues.
Process evaluation of HAT TRICK: feasibility, acceptability and opportunities for programme refinement
Authors: Sharp Paul , Bottorff Joan L , Oliffe John L , Hunt Kate , Caperchione Cristina M
Published: July 2020

Preventive lifestyle interventions are needed to address challenges in engaging men in conventional health programmes. This process evaluation examined the feasibility and acceptability of HAT TRICK, a gender-sensitized programme targeting physical activity, healthy eating and social connectedness. A mixed-methods approach was utilized to examine the effectiveness of recruitment and selection processes, facilitators’ experiences and challenges and participant experiences with the programme. Evaluation measures included participant flow data and baseline assessments, facilitator debriefs, a post-intervention process evaluation questionnaire and telephone interviews with a subsample of participants. Participants (n = 62) were overweight (body mass index [BMI] > 25 kg m−2) and inactive (<150 min of moderate to vigorous physical activity [MVPA] per week) men with a mean age 51 ± 10.1 years. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction, acceptability and engagement with the intervention programme, content and resources. Facilitators noted the importance of creating a friendly, non-judgemental environment and observed that intervention content was best received when delivered in an interactive and engaging manner. Future programme refinements should consider strategies for strengthening social support, as well as opportunities for leveraging participants’ interest in other health-related issues (e.g. mental health). Findings yield valuable information about the implementation of gender-sensitized interventions for men and demonstrate the importance of male-specific engagement strategies for reaching and engaging overweight, inactive men.
Modelling the antecedent factors that affect online fake news sharing on COVID-19: the moderating role of fake news knowledge
Authors: Apuke Oberiri Destiny , Omar Bahiyah
Published: July 2020

We proposed a conceptual model combining three theories: uses and gratification theory, social networking sites (SNS) dependency theory and social impact theory to understand the factors that predict fake news sharing related to COVID-19. We also tested the moderating role of fake news knowledge in reducing the tendency to share fake news. Data were drawn from social media users (n = 650) in Nigeria, and partial least squares was used to analyse the data. Our results suggest that tie strength was the strongest predictor of fake news sharing related to COVID-19 pandemic. We also found perceived herd, SNS dependency, information-seeking and parasocial interaction to be significant predictors of fake news sharing. The effect of status-seeking on fake news sharing, however, was not significant. Our results also established that fake news knowledge significantly moderated the effect of perceived herd, SNS dependency, information-seeking, parasocial interaction on fake news sharing related to COVID-19. However, tie strength and status-seeking effects were not moderated.
Assembly of the [4Fe–4S] cluster of NFU1 requires the coordinated donation of two [2Fe–2S] clusters from the scaffold proteins, ISCU2 and ISCA1
Authors: Jain Anshika , Singh Anamika , Maio Nunziata , Rouault Tracey A
Published: July 2020

NFU1, a late-acting iron–sulfur (Fe–S) cluster carrier protein, has a key role in the pathogenesis of the disease, multiple mitochondrial dysfunctions syndrome. In this work, using genetic and biochemical approaches, we identified the initial scaffold protein, mitochondrial ISCU (ISCU2) and the secondary carrier, ISCA1, as the direct donors of Fe–S clusters to mitochondrial NFU1, which appears to dimerize and reductively mediate the formation of a bridging [4Fe–4S] cluster, aided by ferredoxin 2. By monitoring the abundance of target proteins that acquire their Fe–S clusters from NFU1, we characterized the effects of several novel pathogenic NFU1 mutations. We observed that NFU1 directly interacts with each of the Fe–S cluster scaffold proteins known to ligate [2Fe–2S] clusters, ISCU2 and ISCA1, and we mapped the site of interaction to a conserved hydrophobic patch of residues situated at the end of the C-terminal alpha-helix of NFU1. Furthermore, we showed that NFU1 lost its ability to acquire its Fe–S cluster when mutagenized at the identified site of interaction with ISCU2 and ISCA1, which thereby adversely affected biochemical functions of proteins that are thought to acquire their Fe–S clusters directly from NFU1, such as lipoic acid synthase, which supports the Fe–S-dependent process of lipoylation of components of multiple key enzyme complexes, including pyruvate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and the glycine cleavage complex.
Medical and neurobehavioural phenotypes in male and female carriers of Xp22.31 duplications in the UK Biobank
Authors: Gubb Samuel J A , Brcic Lucija , Underwood Jack F G , Kendall Kimberley M , Caseras Xavier , Kirov George , Davies William
Published: July 2020

Deletions spanning the STS (steroid sulfatase) gene at Xp22.31 are associated with X-linked ichthyosis, corneal opacities, testicular maldescent, cardiac arrhythmia, and higher rates of developmental and mood disorders/traits, possibly related to the smaller volume of some basal ganglia structures. The consequences of duplication of the same genomic region have not been systematically assessed in large or adult samples, although evidence from case reports/series has indicated high rates of developmental phenotypes. We compared multiple measures of physical and mental health, cognition and neuroanatomy in male (n = 414) and female (n = 938) carriers of 0.8–2.5 Mb duplications spanning STS, and non-carrier male (n = 192, 826) and female (n = 227, 235) controls from the UK Biobank (recruited aged 40–69 from the UK general population). Clinical and self-reported diagnoses indicated a higher prevalence of inguinal hernia and mania/bipolar disorder respectively in male duplication carriers, and a higher prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and blistering/desquamating skin disorder respectively in female duplication carriers; duplication carriers also exhibited reductions in several depression-related measures, and greater happiness. Cognitive function and academic achievement did not differ between comparison groups. Neuroanatomical analysis suggested greater lateral ventricle and putamen volume in duplication carriers. In conclusion, Xp22.31 duplications appear largely benign, but could slightly increase the likelihood of specific phenotypes (although results were only nominally-significant). In contrast to deletions, duplications might protect against depressive symptoms, possibly via higher STS expression/activity (resulting in elevated endogenous free steroid levels), and through contributing towards an enlarged putamen volume. These results should enable better genetic counselling of individuals with Xp22.31 microduplications.
Use of a reabsorbable patch as tracheal substitute in a complicated urgent tracheostomy
Authors: Mammana Marco , Comacchio Giovanni M , Bellini Alice , Rea Federico
Published: July 2020

Airway dehiscence after tracheal resection-anastomosis is a major complication that often requires an urgent reoperation. If ischaemia of the airway is extensive, however, performing a tracheostomy might be complicated. Here, we describe the case of a patient who underwent urgent tracheostomy because of acute airway dehiscence, wherein an absorbable prosthesis was used to repair the defect of the anterior trachea.
Research on optimization strategy of grid frequency modulation based on doubly-fed wind turbines
Authors: Wang Chao , Xu Jianyuan , Wang Liang , Song Dan
Published: July 2020

The increasing global energy and environmental problems are encouraging to the development and utilization of renewable and clean energy in various countries. Wind power is one of the major source in large-scale renewable energy applications. However, the frequency regulation becomes a critical issue while the technology is spreading. Research on the frequency modulation (FM) technology of wind turbines and its control strategy for future power grids become significant. The paper proposes a novel coordinated frequency control strategy with the synchronous generator to solve the unmatched state between the output power of the doubly-fed wind turbines (doubly-fed induction generators) and the grid frequency, combined with the frequency response characteristics of the synchronous generator. The FM coordination strategy is formulated by the modulation coefficient from current wind speed and operation mode of each wind turbine. By coordinating the FM output of the doubly-fed wind turbine and the synchronous generator within the allowable range of frequency deviation, it will achieve the dual goal of reducing the frequency regulation pressure of the synchronous generator and indirectly reducing the abandoned wind volume of the wind turbine. The simulation is carried out on the MATLAB/SIMULINK platform. The results show that the presenting variable coefficient frequency modulation strategy could significant smooth the wind power fluctuation, and allow the reserve power of the doubly-fed wind turbine can fully engaged in frequency modulation which will reduces the frequency modulation pressure of the synchronous generator in the system.
Baicalein Attenuates Neuroinflammation by Inhibiting NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD Pathway in MPTP-Induced Mice Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Rui Wenjuan , Li Sheng , Xiao Hong , Xiao Ming , Shi Jingping
Published: July 2020

Background

Inflammasome-induced neuroinflammation is a major pathogenic mechanism underlying the degeneration of nigral dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Baicalein is a flavonoid isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal herbal Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi with known anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective efficacy in models of neurodegenerative diseases, including PD. However, its effects on inflammasome-induced neuroinflammation during PD remain unclear.

Methods

We used N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) to induce PD-like pathology in mice. Behavioral assessments including the pole test, rotarod test, and open field test were conducted to evaluate the effects of baicalein on MPTP-induced motor dysfunction. The efficacies of baicalein against MPTP-induced dopaminergic neuron loss and glial cell activation in the substantia nigra compact were examined by immunohistochemistry, effects on proinflammatory cytokines by quantitative real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and effects on inflammasome pathway activation by immunoblotting and flow cytometry.

Results

Administration of baicalein reversed MPTP-induced motor dysfunction, loss of dopaminergic neurons, and pro-inflammatory cytokine elevation. Baicalein also inhibited NLRP3 and caspase-1 activation and suppressed gasdermin D-dependent pyroptosis. Additionally, baicalein inhibited the activation and proliferation of disease-associated proinflammatory microglia.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that baicalein can reverse MPTP-induced neuroinflammation in mice by suppressing NLRP3/caspase-1/gasdermin D pathway. Our study provides potential insight into the use of baicalein in PD therapy.
Smoothing Pairs Over Degenerate Calabi–Yau Varieties
Authors: Chan Kwokwai , Ma Ziming Nikolas
Published: July 2020

We apply the techniques developed in [2] to study smoothings of a pair $(X,\mathfrak{C}^*)$, where $\mathfrak{C}^*$ is a bounded perfect complex of locally free sheaves over a degenerate Calabi–Yau variety $X$. In particular, if $X$ is a projective Calabi–Yau variety admitting the structure of a toroidal crossing space and with the higher tangent sheaf $\mathcal{T}^1_X$ globally generated, and $\mathfrak{F}$ is a locally free sheaf over $X$, then we prove, using the results in [ 8], that the pair $(X,\mathfrak{F})$ is formally smoothable when $\textrm{Ext}^2(\mathfrak{F},\mathfrak{F})_0 = 0$ and $H^2(X,\mathcal{O}_X) = 0$.
The Impact of Maternal Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection on the Burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Among Pregnant Women and Their Infants, Western Kenya
Authors: Nyawanda Bryan O , Otieno Nancy A , Otieno Michael O , Emukule Gideon O , Bigogo Godfrey , Onyango Clayton O , Lidechi Shirley , Nyaundi Jeremiah , Langley Gayle E , Widdowson Marc-Alain , Chaves Sandra S
Published: July 2020

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important cause of respiratory illness worldwide; however, burden data on mother–infant pairs remain sparse in sub-Saharan Africa, where human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is prevalent. We evaluated the impact of maternal HIV infection on the burden of RSV among mothers and their infants in western Kenya.

Methods

We enrolled pregnant women (≤20 weeks’ gestation) and followed them and their newborns weekly for up to 3–6 months postpartum, to document cases of acute respiratory illness (ARI). Nasal/oropharyngeal swabs were collected and tested for RSV using polymerase chain reaction. Analyses were stratified by maternal HIV status and incidence was computed per 1000 person-months.

Results

Compared to RSV-negative ARI cases, RSV-positive cases were associated with cough, apnea, and hospitalization among infants. RSV incidence per 1000 person-months among mothers was 4.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.2–4.4), and was twice that among the HIV-infected mothers (8.4 [95% CI, 5.7–12.0]) compared to the HIV-uninfected mothers (3.1 [95% CI, 2.3–4.0]). Among infants, incidence per 1000 person-months was 15.4 (95% CI, 12.5–18.8); incidence did not differ by HIV exposure or prematurity.

Conclusions

HIV infection may increase the risk of RSV illness among pregnant women. Future maternal RSV vaccines may have added benefit in areas with high HIV prevalence.
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Eradication With Interferon-Free Direct-Acting Antiviral-Based Therapy Results in KLRG1+ HCV-Specific Memory Natural Killer Cells
Authors: Wijaya Ratna S , Read Scott A , Selvamani Sakthi P , Schibeci Stephen , Azardaryany Mahmoud K , Ong Adrian , van der Poorten David , Lin Rita , Douglas Mark W , George Jacob , Ahlenstiel Golo
Published: July 2020

Direct acting antiviral therapies rapidly clear chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and restore natural killer (NK) cell function. We investigated NK-cell memory formation following HCV clearance by examining NK-cell phenotype and responses from control and chronic HCV patients before and after therapy following sustained virologic response at 12 weeks post therapy (SVR12). NK-cell phenotype at SVR12 differed significantly from paired pretreatment samples, with an increase in maturation markers CD16, CD57, and KLRG1. HCV patients possessed stronger cytotoxic responses against HCV-infected cells as compared to healthy controls; a response that further increased following SVR12. The antigen-specific response was mediated by KLRG1+ NK cells, as demonstrated by increased degranulation and proliferation in response to HCV antigen only. Our data suggest that KLRG1+ HCV-specific memory NK cells develop following viral infection, providing insight into their role in HCV clearance and relevance with regard to vaccine design.
The Impact of Moderate or High-Intensity Combined Exercise on Systemic Inflammation Among Older Persons With and Without HIV
Authors: Erlandson Kristine M , Wilson Melissa P , MaWhinney Samantha , Rapaport Eric , Liu Jay , Wilson Cara C , Rahkola Jeremy T , Janoff Edward N , Brown Todd T , Campbell Thomas B , Jankowski Catherine M
Published: July 2020

Background

We investigated whether higher-intensity exercise provided greater decrease in markers of inflammation, and whether responses differed by HIV serostatus.

Methods

People with HIV (PWH; n = 32) and controls (n = 37) aged 50–75 years completed 12 weeks moderate-intensity exercise, then were randomized to moderate- or high-intensity exercise for 12 additional weeks (n = 27 and 29, respectively). Inflammation biomarkers were measured at 0, 12, 24 weeks. Mixed and multiple regression models were adjusted for baseline inflammation, age, and body mass index.

Results

Baseline tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), soluble TNF receptor 2 (sTNFR2), and soluble CD14 (sCD14) were significantly higher among PWH than controls (P < .04). From week 0–12, changes in interleukin-6 (IL-6), TNF-α, and sTNFR1 were not significantly different by HIV serostatus. We found no significant interaction between HIV serostatus/exercise intensity on week 12–24 changes in IL-6, TNF-α, and sTNFR1. Among high-intensity exercisers, PWH and controls had significant increases in sCD14 (P ≤ .003), controls significant increases in IL-10 (P = .01), and PWH nonsignificant decrease in highly sensitive C-reactive protein (P = .07). Other markers were not significantly different by serostatus or intensity.

Conclusions

Moderate and high-intensity exercise elicited similar effects on inflammation among PWH and controls, with additional beneficial effects seen among high-intensity exercisers. Increase in sCD14 and attenuated IL-10 increase (PWH only) merit further study.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT02404792.
Research ethics in context: understanding the vulnerabilities, agency and resourcefulness of research participants living along the Thai–Myanmar border
Authors: Khirikoekkong Napat , Jatupornpimol Nattapat , Nosten Suphak , Asarath Supa-at , Hanboonkunupakarn Borimas , McGready Rose , Nosten Francois , Roest Jennifer , Parker Michael , Kelley Maureen , Cheah Phaik Yeong
Published: July 2020

Background

Research ethics guidelines set a high bar for conducting research with vulnerable populations, often resulting in their exclusion from beneficial research. Our study aims to better characterise participants’ vulnerabilities, agency, resourcefulness and sources of support.

Methods

We undertook qualitative research around two clinical studies involving migrant women living along the Thai–Myanmar border. We conducted 32 in-depth interviews and 10 focus group discussions with research participants, families, researchers and key informants.

Results

We found that being ‘undocumented’ is at the core of many structural vulnerabilities, reflecting political, economic, social and health needs. Although migrant women lead challenging lives, they have a support network that includes family, employers, community leaders, non-governmental organisations and research networks. Migrant women choose to participate in research to access quality healthcare, gain knowledge and obtain extra money. However, research has the potential to exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, such as the burdens of cross-border travel, foregoing work and being more visible as migrants.

Conclusions

Our study confirms that research is important to provide evidence-based care and was viewed by participants as offering many benefits, but it also has hidden burdens. Migrant women exercised agency and resourcefulness when navigating challenges in their lives and research participation.
High-Voltage Electrocution Leading to Sealed Transection of Small Bowel
Authors: Khataniar Himsikhar , Shashank Sama , Rajan Sendhil , Rajeev Sreenath Prabha , Shetty Naren , Mohan Lakshmeshwar Nagaraj
Published: July 2020

Electrical injuries are among the most devastating of burn injuries. High-voltage electrical injuries result in extensive deep tissue damage and are associated with multiple complications, long-term morbidity, and a high mortality rate. We describe the case of a 16-year-old male cable operator who suffered high-voltage electric injury of left upper limb and anterior abdominal wall. Despite the exit wound causing transection of the ileum, the patient did not have any contamination of the peritoneal cavity as both ends of the bowel were sealed off due to electro-thermal energy. His management included multiple operative procedures, including intestinal resection and anastomosis, debridement, abdominal wall flap-based reconstruction, fasciotomies, split skin grafting, and left hand above elbow amputation.
Breast Imaging in the Time of COVID-19: A Singapore-based Breast Center’s Experience in the Midst of a Pandemic
Authors: Mirpuri Tarun M , Wah Margaret L Y , Siew Steven W B , Upadhyaya Vidya S
Published: July 2020

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic presented new and yet uncharted challenges to the field of radiology, and consequently to breast imaging as a subspecialty. Maintaining a certain standard of care whilst ensuring the safety of patients and staff in our small Singapore-based breast imaging center are equally important and has resulted in modifications of our clinical practice and workflows. Screening patients for COVID-19 symptoms, risk factors, and potential exposure history has become paramount. Workflow changes have also included progressively deferring, and in some cases halting, nonessential services such as biopsies deemed to have a low risk of malignancy, routine follow-up imaging in postoperative patients or those with prior Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System 3 findings, and mammographic screening. Breast radiologists within our practice are also adapting to the changing landscape by playing a more active role in general radiology and emergency department reporting in order to reduce turnaround time and facilitate the discharge of inpatients. We have also enabled a sense of geographical segregation within our breast center to reduce potential exposure and cross-contamination risks. Although the near future remains uncertain, breast imaging within the broader scope of radiology practice will have to continually adjust to meet the ever-changing realities as this pandemic evolves.
Toxicity of Essential Oils to Diaphania hyalinata (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and Selectivity to Its Parasitoid Trichospilus pupivorus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)
Authors: Moreira da Silva Isabel , Alvarenga Soares Marcus , de Souza Tavares Wagner , dos Santos Alexandre , Serrão José Eduardo , José Vinha Zanuncio Antonio , Frederico Wilcken Carlos , Cola Zanuncio José , Sigueyuki Sediyama Carlos
Published: July 2020

Diaphania hyalinata (Linnaeus, 1767) is one of the main pests of the cucurbit crops. Biological control and botanicals are used in integrated pest management (IPM), especially in agro-ecological agricultures where the use of synthetic pesticides is restricted. Toxicological effects of plant essential oils on target and nontarget organisms should be evaluated to determine its use in IPM. The toxicity of ginger, peppermint, oregano, and thyme essential oils to D. hyalinata eggs, larvae, and pupae and their selectivity to the parasitoid Trichospilus pupivorus and the LC50, LC99 and the relative selectivity index (RSI) of these botanicals were determined. The eggs of D. hyalinata were more sensitive to the botanicals applied than its larvae and pupae, with higher toxicity of oregano and thyme essential oils, followed by those of peppermint and ginger. Topical application was the least toxic method to D. hyalinata larvae. Ginger, peppermint, and thyme essential oils were more toxic by ingestion and oregano by contact to D. hyalinata larvae. The essential oil concentrations applied to D. hyalinata pupae prevent the emergence of adults of this insect with the oregano essential oil showing the greatest toxicity. Peppermint, ginger, thyme, and oregano essential oils were selective to T. pupivorus with RSI50 of 5.40, 1.38, 8.15, and 6.98 and RSI99 of 1.54, 2.53, 3.90, and 4.16 respectively. The ginger, peppermint, oregano, and thyme essential oils were toxic to immature D. hyalinata and selective to T. pupivorus females presenting potential as an alternative control in the IPM of this pest in Cucurbitaceae crops.
Selective Interference and the Evolution of Sex
Authors: Otto Sarah P
Published: July 2020

Selection acts upon genes linked together on chromosomes. This physical connection reduces the efficiency by which selection can act because, in the absence of sex, alleles must rise and fall together in frequency with the genome in which they are found. This selective interference underlies such phenomena as clonal interference and Muller’s Ratchet and is broadly termed Hill-Robertson interference. In this review, I examine the potential for selective interference to account for the evolution and maintenance of sex, discussing the positive and negative evidence from both theoretical and empirical studies, and highlight the gaps that remain.
The International Health Regulations (2005) and the re-establishment of international travel amidst the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: von Tigerstrom Barbara J , Halabi Sam F , Wilson Kumanan R
Published: July 2020

As countries modify or lift travel restrictions implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, some variation in approaches is to be expected, but harmonization is important to re-establishing international travel. Despite challenges, the International Health Regulations (2005) and WHO recommendations can provide a balance of consistency and flexibility.
High light intensity aggravates latent manganese deficiency in maize
Authors: Long Lizhi , Pedas Pai R , Kristensen Rebekka K , Schulze Waltraud X , Husted Søren , Zhang Guoping , Schjoerring Jan K , Yuan Lixing
Published: July 2020

Manganese (Mn) plays an important role in the oxygen-evolving complex, where energy from light absorption is used for water splitting. Although changes in light intensity and Mn status can interfere with the functionality of the photosynthetic apparatus, the interaction between these two factors and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, maize seedlings were grown hydroponically and exposed to two different light intensities under Mn-sufficient or -deficient conditions. No visual Mn deficiency symptoms appeared even though the foliar Mn concentration in the Mn-deficient treatments was reduced to 2 µg g–1. However, the maximum quantum yield efficiency of PSII and the net photosynthetic rate declined significantly, indicating latent Mn deficiency. The reduction in photosynthetic performance by Mn depletion was further aggravated when plants were exposed to high light intensity. Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analyses showed that a considerable number of genes encoding proteins in the photosynthetic apparatus were only suppressed by a combination of Mn deficiency and high light, thus indicating interactions between changes in Mn nutritional status and light intensity. We conclude that high light intensity aggravates latent Mn deficiency in maize by interfering with the abundance of PSII proteins.
On the accuracy of position of the linear secular resonance g − g5 in the proper elements’ space
Authors: Knežević Zoran
Published: July 2020

An in-depth analysis is presented of the accuracy of position of the linear secular resonance g − g5 in the phase space of proper elements, as determined by the recently introduced polynomial fit method. Different attempts to pinpoint the exact location of this resonance are described, leading to improvement in the accuracy of resonance position achieved via local adjustments of the new method and measured in comparison with the corresponding positions of selected asteroids. The resonant state and proper frequencies of the longitude of perihelion of these asteroids are determined, and compared to the catalogue values computed in the course of determination of their synthetic proper elements. The problem of cycle slips, affecting the computation of frequencies, is thoroughly examined and successfully explained, and the procedure of double filtering of the time series of proper values to remove the cycle slips proposed. The results of tests of the new approach have shown that the accuracy of newly determined frequencies is significantly improved with respect to the previously available values.
Wave effects in the microlensing of pulsars and FRBs by point masses
Authors: Jow Dylan L , Foreman Simon , Pen Ue-Li , Zhu Wei
Published: July 2020

Wave effects are often neglected in microlensing studies; however, for coherent point-like sources, such as pulsars and fast radio bursts (FRBs), wave effects will become important in their gravitational lensing. In this paper, we describe the wave-optics formalism, its various limits, and the conditions for which these limits hold. Using the simple point lens as an example, we show that the frequency dependence of wave effects breaks degeneracies that are present in the usual geometric optics limit, and constructive interference results in larger magnifications further from the lens. This latter fact leads to a generic increase in cross-section for microlensing events in the wave-optics regime compared to the geometric optics regime. For realistic per cent-level spectral sensitivities, this leads to a relative boost in lensing cross-section of more than an order of magnitude. We apply the point-lens model to the lensing of FRBs and pulsars and find that these radio sources will be lensed in the full wave-optics regime by isolated masses in the range of $0.1\!-\!100\,{\rm M}_\oplus$, which includes free-floating planets (FFPs), whose Einstein radius is smaller than the Fresnel scale. More generally, the interference pattern allows an instantaneous determination of lens masses, unlike traditional microlensing techniques that only yield a mass inference from the event time-scale.
Dust in the Wolf–Rayet nebula M 1-67
Authors: Jiménez-Hernández P , Arthur S J , Toalá J A
Published: July 2020

The Wolf–Rayet nebula M 1-67 around WR 124 is located above the Galactic plane in a region mostly empty of interstellar medium, which makes it the perfect target to study the mass-loss episodes associated with the late stages of massive star evolution. Archive photometric observations from Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer(WISE), Spitzer (MIPS), and Herschel (PACS and SPIRE) are used to construct the spectral energy distribution (SED) of the nebula in the wavelength range of 12–500 μm. The infrared (photometric and spectroscopic) data and nebular optical data from the literature are modelled simultaneously using the spectral synthesis code cloudy, where the free parameters are the gas density distribution and the dust grain-sized distribution. The infrared SED can be reproduced by dust grains with two size distributions: an MRN power-law distribution with grain sizes between 0.005 and 0.05 μm and a population of large grains with representative size of 0.9 μm. The latter points towards an eruptive origin for the formation of M 1-67. The model predicts a nebular ionized gas mass of $M_\mathrm{ion} = 9.2^{+1.6}_{-1.5}~\mathrm{M}_\odot$ and the estimated mass-loss rate during the dust formation period is $\dot{M} \approx 6 \times 10^{-4}~ \mathrm{M}_\odot$ yr−1. We discuss the implications of our results in the context of single and binary stellar evolution and propose that M 1-67 represents the best candidate for a post-common envelope scenario in massive stars.
A survey for variable young stars with small telescopes – III. Warm spots on the active star V1598 Cyg
Authors: Froebrich Dirk , Scholz Aleks , Eislöffel Jochen , Stecklum Bringfried
Published: July 2020

Magnetic spots on low-mass stars can be traced and characterized using multiband photometric light curves. Here, we analyse an extensive data set for one active star, V1598 Cyg, a known variable K dwarf which is either pre-main sequence and/or in a close binary system. Our light curve contains 2854 photometric data points, mostly in V, Rc, Ic, but also in U, B, and Hα, with a total baseline of about 4 yr, obtained with small telescopes as part of the HOYS project. We find that V1598 Cyg is a very fast rotator with a period of 0.8246 d and varying amplitudes in all filters, best explained as a signature of strong magnetic activity and spots. We fit the photometric amplitudes in V, Rc, Ic and use them to estimate spot properties, using a grid-based method that is also propagating uncertainties. We verify the method on a partial data set with high cadence and all five broad-band filters. The method yields spot temperatures and fractional spot coverage with typical uncertainties of 100 K and 3–4  per cent, respectively. V1598 Cyg consistently exhibits spots that are a few hundred degrees warmer than the photosphere, most likely indicating that the light curve is dominated by chromospheric plage. The spot activity varies over our observing baseline, with a typical time-scale of 0.5–1 yr, which we interpret as the typical spot lifetime. Combining our light curve with archival data, we find a six year cycle in the average brightness, that is probably a sign of a magnetic activity cycle.
The changing-type SN 2014C may come from an 11-M⊙ star stripped by binary interaction and violent eruption
Authors: Sun Ning-Chen , Maund Justyn R , Crowther Paul A
Published: July 2020

SN 2014C was an unprecedented supernova (SN) that displayed a metamorphosis from Type Ib to Type IIn over ∼200 d. This transformation is consistent with a helium star having exploded in a cavity surrounded by a dense shell of the progenitor’s stripped hydrogen envelope. For at least 5 yr post-explosion, the ejecta continued to interact with an outer, extended component of circumstellar medium (CSM) that was ejected even before the dense shell. It is still unclear, however, what kind of progenitor could have undergone such a complicated mass-loss history before it produced this peculiar SN. In this paper, we report a new analysis of SN 2014C’s host star cluster based on data from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). By carefully fitting its spectral energy distribution (SED), we derive a precise cluster age of 20.0$^{+3.5}_{-2.6}$ Myr, which corresponds to the progenitor’s lifetime assuming coevolution. Combined with binary stellar evolution models, we find that SN 2014C’s progenitor may have been an ∼11-M⊙ star in a relatively wide binary system. The progenitor’s envelope was partially stripped by Case C or Case BC mass transfer via binary interaction, followed by a violent eruption that ejected the last hydrogen layer before terminal explosion. Thus, SN 2014C, in common with SNe 2006jc and 2015G, may be a third example that violent eruptions, with mass-loss rates matching luminous blue variable (LBV) giant eruptions, can also occur in much lower mass massive stars if their envelopes are partially or completely stripped in interacting binaries.
NGC 90: a hidden jellyfish galaxy?
Authors: Zasov Anatoly V , Saburova Anna S , Egorov Oleg V , Moiseev Alexey V
Published: July 2020

We study a peculiar galaxy NGC 90, a pair member of interacting system Arp 65 (NGC 90/93), using the long-slit spectral observations carried out at the Russian 6-m telescope BTA and the available SDSS photometric data. This galaxy demonstrates two tidal tails containing young stellar population, being an extension of its ‘Grand Design’ spiral arms. We obtained the distribution of velocity and oxygen abundance of emission gas (O/H) for two slit orientations. In the central part of the galaxy, a significant role belongs to non-photoionization mechanism of line emission probably caused by shocks due to LINER-like activity of the nucleus. The O/H has a shallow abundance gradient, typical for interacting galaxies. The most intriguing peculiarity of the galaxy is the presence of the discovered earlier huge H i ‘cloud’ containing about half of total mass of galaxy gas, which is strongly displaced outwards and has a velocity exceeding at about 340 $\rm {km~s^{-1}}$ the central velocity of the main galaxy. We found traces of current star formation in the ‘cloud’, even though the cloud is apparently not gravitationally bound with the galaxy. A possible nature of the ‘cloud’ is discussed. We argue that it presents a flow of gas being sweeped by ram pressure and elongated along a line of sight.
An optimized tiling pattern for multiobject spectroscopic surveys: application to the 4MOST survey
Authors: Tempel E , Tuvikene T , Muru M M , Stoica R S , Bensby T , Chiappini C , Christlieb N , Cioni M-R L , Comparat J , Feltzing S , Hook I , Koch A , Kordopatis G , Krumpe M , Loveday J , Minchev I , Norberg P , Roukema B F , Sorce J G , Storm J , Swann E , Taylor E N , Traven G , Walcher C J , de Jong R S
Published: July 2020

Large multiobject spectroscopic surveys require automated algorithms to optimize their observing strategy. One of the most ambitious upcoming spectroscopic surveys is the 4MOST survey. The 4MOST survey facility is a fibre-fed spectroscopic instrument on the VISTA telescope with a large enough field of view to survey a large fraction of the southern sky within a few years. Several Galactic and extragalactic surveys will be carried out simultaneously, so the combined target density will strongly vary. In this paper, we describe a new tiling algorithm that can naturally deal with the large target density variations on the sky and which automatically handles the different exposure times of targets. The tiling pattern is modelled as a marked point process, which is characterized by a probability density that integrates the requirements imposed by the 4MOST survey. The optimal tilling pattern with respect to the defined model is estimated by the tiles configuration that maximizes the proposed probability density. In order to achieve this maximization a simulated annealing algorithm is implemented. The algorithm automatically finds an optimal tiling pattern and assigns a tentative sky brightness condition and exposure time for each tile, while minimizing the total execution time that is needed to observe the list of targets in the combined input catalogue of all surveys. Hence, the algorithm maximizes the long-term observing efficiency and provides an optimal tiling solution for the survey. While designed for the 4MOST survey, the algorithm is flexible and can with simple modifications be applied to any other multiobject spectroscopic survey.