bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3. The Institutions
Authors: Craig Paul , de Búrca Gráinne
Published: September 2020

All books in this flagship series contain carefully selected substantial extracts from key cases, legislation, and academic debate, providing students with a stand-alone resource. There are seven principal institutions listed in Article 13 of the Treaty on European Union entrusted with carrying out the tasks of the Union: the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the Commission, the Court of Justice of the European Union, the European Central Bank, and the Court of Auditors. This chapter considers their respective roles and the way in which they interrelate, and also looks at other important institutions such as the Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions, and agencies. The UK version contains a further section analysing the relation between the UK and the institutions post-Brexit.
1. Union Institutions
Authors: Schütze Robert
Published: September 2020

This chapter discusses the four major European Union institutions: the European Parliament, the European Council, the European Commission, and the European Court. The provisions dealing with the EU institutions are split between the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). Directly elected by the European citizens, the Parliament constitutes not only the most democratic institution; it is also the most supranational institution of the EU. Ultimately, each of the EU institutions is characterized by its distinct composition and its decision-making mode. Importantly, the EU is not based on a strict separation of functions between its institutions but follows a ‘checks and balances’ version of the separation-of-powers principle. This means that various EU institutions share in the exercise of various governmental functions.
8. European Actions
Authors: Schütze Robert
Published: September 2020

This chapter describes the direct enforcement of European law in the European Courts. The judicial competences of the European Courts are enumerated in the section of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) dealing with the Court of Justice of the European Union. The chapter discusses four classes of judicial actions. The first class is typically labelled an ‘enforcement action’ in the strict sense of the term. This action is set out in Articles 258 and 259 TFEU and concerns the failure of a Member State to act in accordance with European law. The three remaining actions ‘enforce’ the European Treaties against the EU itself. These actions can be brought for a failure to act, for judicial review, and for damages.
1. The Development of European Integration
Authors: Craig Paul , Búrca Gráinne de
Published: September 2020

All books in this flagship series contain carefully selected substantial extracts from key cases, legislation, and academic debate, providing students with a stand-alone resource. This chapter begins with analysis of the background to European integration. The focus then shifts to analysis of the Treaties and the principal Treaty revisions from the inception of the European Economic Community (EEC) to the present day. The EEC Treaty is examined, followed by the Single European Act, and the Maastricht, Amsterdam, and Nice Treaties. The discussion continues with examination of the failed Constitutional Treaty and the successful ratification of the Lisbon Treaty. The penultimate section deals with the impact of the financial crisis, the refugee crisis, the rule of law crisis, the pandemic crisis, and the Brexit crisis. This is followed by an overview of theories European integration offered to explain its evolution. The UK version contains a further section outlining the basic structure of UK legal relations with EU law post-Brexit.
2. Membership: Crisis, Conceptions and Challenges
Authors: Craig Paul , Búrca Gráinne de
Published: September 2020

All books in this flagship series contain carefully selected substantial extracts from key cases, legislation, and academic debate, providing students with a stand-alone resource. This chapter considers two important issues that have affected the EU in recent years: Brexit and the rule of law crisis. These issues are explored in the context of the considerations they raise about EU membership and resulting obligations. The discussion of Brexit covers the UK referendum and ensuing debate, Article 50 TEU, and the relevant Treaty provisions. It explores what the Brexit negotiations tell us more broadly about the EU, and describes the Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration. The second half of the chapter is concerned with the rule of law crisis: the Treaty framework and membership obligations that flow therefrom, the problem posed by ‘rule of law backsliding’ by some Member States, and the different ways in which the EU has responded to this ‘backsliding’.
5. Instruments and the Hierarchy of Norms
Authors: Craig Paul , Búrca Gráinne de
Published: September 2020

All books in this flagship series contain carefully selected substantial extracts from key cases, legislation, and academic debate, providing students with a stand-alone resource. This chapter examines two related issues: the EU’s legal and non-legal instruments; and the hierarchy of norms. The EU has a number of legal and non-legal instruments that are used to attain Union objectives. The principal legal instruments are regulations, directives, and decisions. The hierarchy of norms refers to the idea that in a legal system there will be a vertical ordering of legal acts, with those in the lower rungs of the hierarchy being subject to legal acts of a higher status. There are currently five principal tiers to the hierarchy of norms in EU law, which are, in descending order: the constituent Treaties and Charter of Rights; general principles of law; legislative acts; delegated acts; and implementing acts. The chapter discusses the meaning of these different tiers. The UK version contains a further section analysing issues concerning the hierarchy of norms in relation to the UK post-Brexit.
3. The Fundamental Principles Governing International Relations
Authors: Gaeta Paola , Viñuales Jorge E. , Zappalà Salvatore
Published: September 2020

This chapter discusses the fundamental principles governing international relations. The principles represent the fundamental set of standards on which States are united and which allow a degree of relatively smooth international dealings. They make up the apex of the whole body of international legislation. They constitute overriding legal standards that may be regarded as the constitutional principles of the international community. These principles are: the sovereign equality of States; the principle of non-intervention in internal affairs; the prohibition of the threat or use of force; peaceful settlement of international disputes; the duty to co-operate; the principle of good faith; self-determination of peoples; respect for human rights; and the prevention of significant environmental harm. The discussions then turn to the distinguishing traits of the fundamental principles and the close link between the principles and the need for their co-ordination.
11. Normative Interactions: Implementation and Hierarchy of Norms
Authors: Gaeta Paola , Viñuales Jorge E. , Zappalà Salvatore
Published: September 2020

This chapter deals with some fundamental realities of international law as a body of legal rules which traditionally requires implementation at domestic level through transposal. In so doing it discusses the traditional theoretical distinction between monism and dualism, as abstract approaches to the relationship between domestic and international legal order. It then tackles the issue of the effects (including direct effects) that international law may have in concrete situations within national systems, as a consequence of, or, in some instances even irrespective of, transposal through national legislation. Thirdly, the chapter discusses the ‘verticalization’ of the international legal order with the affirmation in the second half of the twentieth century of the notion of jus cogens (or peremptory norms) and the effects this has (or might have) within international law and in its relationships with municipal laws.
15. The Role of the United Nations
Authors: Gaeta Paola , Viñuales Jorge E. , Zappalà Salvatore
Published: September 2020

This chapter discusses the role of the United Nations (UN), covering the grand design of the post-Second World War period, the ideals of the primacy of international law, the goals and structure of the new organization, the principal achievements and failures, and the current role of the UN, particularly in light of the adoption in 2015 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—a new Agenda in which all UN goals tend to come together. The chapter describes the functions and roles of the principal organs of the UN and the interplay between them. It argues that since the UN came into existence it has often failed in three areas: maintenance of peace and security, disarmament, and bridging the gap between industrialized and developing countries. On the other hand, progress was made in the area of self-determination of peoples and in promoting human rights, while in the area of economic co-operation, despite some progress, much more remains to be done. However, for all its deficiencies and in spite of the lack of vision of some of its Secretaries-General, the primary failings of the UN must be traced back to the States behind it, chiefly the Great Powers.
Potential for Standardization and Automation for Pathology and Endoscopy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Syed Sana , Stidham Ryan W
Published: September 2020

Automated image analysis methods have shown potential for replicating expert interpretation of histology and endoscopy images, which traditionally require highly specialized and experienced reviewers. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) diagnosis, severity assessment, and treatment decision-making require multimodal expert data interpretation and integration, which could be significantly aided by applications of machine learning analyses. This review introduces fundamental concepts of machine learning for imaging analysis and highlights research and development of automated histology and endoscopy interpretation in IBD. Proof-of-concept studies strongly suggest that histologic and endoscopic images can be interpreted with similar accuracy as knowledge experts. Encouraging results support the potential of automating existing disease activity scoring instruments with high reproducibility, speed, and accessibility, therefore improving the standardization of IBD assessment. Though challenges surrounding ground truth definitions, technical barriers, and the need for extensive multicenter evaluation must be resolved before clinical implementation, automated image analysis is likely to both improve access to standardized IBD assessment and advance the fundamental concepts of how disease is measured.
Metabolic profiles of socio-economic position: a multi-cohort analysis
Authors: Robinson Oliver , Carter Alice R , Ala-Korpela Mika , Casas Juan P , Chaturvedi Nishi , Engmann Jorgen , Howe Laura D , Hughes Alun D , Järvelin Marjo-Riitta , Kähönen Mika , Karhunen Ville , Kuh Diana , Shah Tina , Ben-Shlomo Yoav , Sofat Reecha , Lau Chung-Ho E , Lehtimäki Terho , Menon Usha , Raitakari Olli , Ryan Andy , Providencia Rui , Smith Stephanie , Taylor Julie , Tillin Therese , Viikari Jorma , Wong Andrew , Hingorani Aroon D , Kivimäki Mika , Vineis Paolo
Published: September 2020

Background

Low socio-economic position (SEP) is a risk factor for multiple health outcomes, but its molecular imprints in the body remain unclear.

Methods

We examined SEP as a determinant of serum nuclear magnetic resonance metabolic profiles in ∼30 000 adults and 4000 children across 10 UK and Finnish cohort studies.

Results

In risk-factor-adjusted analysis of 233 metabolic measures, low educational attainment was associated with 37 measures including higher levels of triglycerides in small high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and lower levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), omega-3 fatty acids, apolipoprotein A1, large and very large HDL particles (including levels of their respective lipid constituents) and cholesterol measures across different density lipoproteins. Among adults whose father worked in manual occupations, associations with apolipoprotein A1, large and very large HDL particles and HDL-2 cholesterol remained after adjustment for SEP in later life. Among manual workers, levels of glutamine were higher compared with non-manual workers. All three indicators of low SEP were associated with lower DHA, omega-3 fatty acids and HDL diameter. At all ages, children of manual workers had lower levels of DHA as a proportion of total fatty acids.

Conclusions

Our work indicates that social and economic factors have a measurable impact on human physiology. Lower SEP was independently associated with a generally unfavourable metabolic profile, consistent across ages and cohorts. The metabolites we found to be associated with SEP, including DHA, are known to predict cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline in later life and may contribute to health inequalities.
How states react to the international regime complexities on migration: a study of cases in South East Asia and beyond
Authors: Okabe Midori
Published: September 2020

This article provides a holistic analysis of the ‘migration regime complex’ in Asia, which is distinguished from other regions of the world in the absence of a refugee protection regime. The ‘refugee regime complexity’ argument (Betts) fails to take into consideration the deviant behaviors of Asian states that have been excluded from the core institution building. The immigration control policies of Asian countries reflect their respective strategies that seek to take advantage of the economic opportunities provided by the international environment within the domestic sociopolitical constraints. The case studies show that Asian states while rejecting the UN-led refugee regime, tolerate irregular migration not only to protect their vital interest in economic development but also to maintain political stability at both national and regional levels.
Renal medication-related clinical decision support (CDS) alerts and overrides in the inpatient setting following implementation of a commercial electronic health record: implications for designing more effective alerts
Authors: Shah Sonam N , Amato Mary G , Garlo Katherine G , Seger Diane L , Bates David W
Published: September 2020

Objective

To assess the appropriateness of medication-related clinical decision support (CDS) alerts associated with renal insufficiency and the potential/actual harm from overriding the alerts.

Materials and Methods

Override rate frequency was recorded for all inpatients who had a renal CDS alert trigger between 05/2017 and 04/2018. Two random samples of 300 for each of 2 types of medication-related CDS alerts associated with renal insufficiency—“dose change” and “avoid medication”—were evaluated by 2 independent reviewers using predetermined criteria for appropriateness of alert trigger, appropriateness of override, and patient harm.

Results

We identified 37 100 “dose change” and 5095 “avoid medication” alerts in the population evaluated, and 100% of each were overridden. Dose change triggers were classified as 12.5% appropriate and overrides of these alerts classified as 90.5% appropriate. Avoid medication triggers were classified as 29.6% appropriate and overrides 76.5% appropriate. We identified 5 adverse drug events, and, of these, 4 of the 5 were due to inappropriately overridden alerts.

Conclusion

Alerts were nearly always presented inappropriately and were all overridden during the 1-year period studied. Alert fatigue resulting from receiving too many poor-quality alerts may result in failure to recognize errors that could lead to patient harm. Although medication-related CDS alerts associated with renal insufficiency had previously been found to be the most clinically beneficial alerts in a legacy system, in this system they were ineffective. These findings underscore the need for improvements in alert design, implementation, and monitoring of alert performance to make alerts more patient-specific and clinically appropriate.
John Singer Sargent, collector of modern art: works by Antonio Mancini and other Italian painters
Authors: Amedei Michele
Published: September 2020

The aim of this essay is to shed light on John Singer Sargent, the greatest American Impressionist in Europe at the turn of the nineteenth to twentieth centuries, as a collector of modern art. With the exception of a group of works by Old Masters such as Tintoretto and Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, the American artist’s collection was, in fact, principally composed of contemporary works of art, most of which were by Italian painters, with several of whom Sargent enjoyed more or less close relationships. Sargent’s collection, sold at Christie’s on 24–7 July 1925, contained works by artists such as Giovanni Boldini, Alberto Falchetti, Ambrogio Raffele, Domenico Morelli and, in particular, Antonio Mancini – the last said to have been called by Sargent ‘the greatest living painter’, so overwhelmed was he by his friend’s virtuosity with the paintbrush.
Disentangling Complex Inheritance Patterns of Plant Organellar Genomes: An Example From Carrot
Authors: Mandel Jennifer R , Ramsey Adam J , Holley Jacob M , Scott Victoria A , Mody Dviti , Abbot Patrick
Published: September 2020

Plant mitochondria and plastids display an array of inheritance patterns and varying levels of heteroplasmy, where individuals harbor more than 1 version of a mitochondrial or plastid genome. Organelle inheritance in plants has the potential to be quite complex and can vary with plant growth, development, and reproduction. Few studies have sought to investigate these complicated patterns of within-individual variation and inheritance using experimental crosses in plants. We carried out crosses in carrot, Daucus carota L. (Apiaceae), which has previously been shown to exhibit organellar heteroplasmy. We used mitochondrial and plastid markers to begin to disentangle the patterns of organellar inheritance and the fate of heteroplasmic variation, with special focus on cases where the mother displayed heteroplasmy. We also investigated heteroplasmy across the plant, assaying leaf samples at different development stages and ages. Mitochondrial and plastid paternal leakage was rare and offspring received remarkably similar heteroplasmic mixtures to their heteroplasmic mothers, indicating that heteroplasmy is maintained over the course of maternal inheritance. When offspring did differ from their mother, they were likely to exhibit a loss of the genetic variation that was present in their mother. Finally, we found that mitochondrial variation did not vary significantly over plant development, indicating that substantial vegetative sorting did not occur. Our study is one of the first to quantitatively investigate inheritance patterns and heteroplasmy in plants using controlled crosses, and we look forward to future studies making use of whole genome information to study the complex evolutionary dynamics of plant organellar genomes.
A Different Epidemiology of Enterovirus A and Enterovirus B Co-circulating in Korea, 2012–2019
Authors: Kang Hae Ji , Yoon Youngsil , Lee Young-Pyo , Kim Hye-Jin , Lee Deog-Yong , Lee June-Woo , Hyeon Ji-Yeon , Yoo Jung Sik , Lee Sangwon , Kang Chun , Choi Wooyoung , Han Myung-Guk
Published: September 2020

Background

Enteroviruses (EVs) occur frequently worldwide and are known to be associated with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations from mild syndromes to neurological disease. To understand the epidemiology of EV in Korea, we characterized EV-infected cases during 2012–2019 based on national surveillance.

Methods

We collected specimens from patients with suspected EV infections and analyzed the data using real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and VP1 gene sequencing.

Results

Among the 18 261 specimens collected, EVs were detected in 6258 (34.3%) cases. Although the most common EV types changed annually, EV-A71, echovirus 30, coxsackievirus B5, coxsackievirus A6, and coxsackievirus A10 were commonly identified. Among the human EVs, the case numbers associated with the 2 major epidemic species (EV-A and EV-B) peaked in the summer. While EV-A species affected 1-year-old children and were associated with herpangina and hand, foot, and mouth disease, EV-B species were mostly associated with neurologic manifestations. The highest incidence of EV-B species was observed in infants aged <12 months. Feces and respiratory specimens were the most predictive of EV infection. Specimens collected within 5 days of symptom onset allowed for timely virus detection.

Conclusions

EV-A and EV-B species co-circulating in Korea presented different epidemiologic trends in clinical presentation, affected subjects, and seasonality trends. This study could provide information for the characterization of EVs circulating in Korea to aid the development of EV antivirals and vaccines, as well as public health measures to control enteroviral diseases.
Impact on dose distribution and volume changes of a bioabsorbable polyglycolic acid spacer during chemo-proton therapy for a pediatric Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Kimura Mitsuhiro , Asai Kumiko , Iwata Hiromitsu , Ogino Hiroyuki , Ito Yasuhiko , Kamei Michi , Takagi Daisuke , Maeda Naoko , Shibamoto Yuta
Published: September 2020

The clinical utility of a recently developed bioabsorbable polyglycolic acid (PGA) spacer has not yet been established in pediatric patients; therefore, we aimed to investigate its utility during chemo-proton therapy for pediatric cancer. Proton depth–dose curves were obtained in a water phantom with or without the spacer. Computed tomography (CT) scans were performed for the PGA spacer immersed in saline for 2 weeks to measure CT numbers and estimate the relative stopping power (RSP) for the proton beams. The spacer was placed in a patient with sacral Ewing sarcoma receiving 55.8 Gy [relative biological effectiveness (RBE)] in 31 fractions and was evaluated using CT scans performed every other week. In addition, the images were used to quantitatively evaluate changes in volume and RSP of the spacer and dose distributions in normal tissues. The spacer immersed in saline had a CT number of 91 ± 7 (mean ± standard deviation) Hounsfield units, and the corresponding RSP was predicted to be 1.07 ± 0.01. The measured RSP agreed with the predicted one. The volumes of the large bowel and rectum receiving ≥45 Gy(RBE) (V45Gy) were significantly reduced by placing the spacer; V45Gy without and with the spacer were 48.5 and 0.01%, respectively, for the rectum and 7.2 and 0%, respectively, for the large bowel. The volume of the spacer and RSP decreased at rates of 4.6 and 0.44% per week, respectively, whereas the target dose coverage was maintained until the end of treatment. The PGA spacer was considered effective for pediatric cancer patients undergoing chemo-proton therapy.
An Evaluation of Mixture Confirmatory Factor Analysis for Detecting Social Desirability Bias
Authors: Cernat Alexandru , Vandenplas Caroline
Published: September 2020

Collecting sensitive data using surveys is one of the most challenging tasks facing survey methodologists as people may choose to answer questions untruthfully to present themselves in a positive light. In 2014, Mneimneh et al. proposed mixed Rasch models to detect socially desirable answering behaviors. This approach combines item response theory models with latent class analysis to differentiate substantive and biased answering patterns. Their results identified two latent classes, one of which was consistent with socially desirable answering. Our aim is to expand their approach to detecting social desirability by using a mixture confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in round 7 of the European Social Survey. First, we attempt to estimate social desirability in three constructs separately (RQ1): effect of immigration on the country, allowing people to come in the country and social connection, using a mixture CFA. We then extend the analysis by (RQ2) introducing constraints between the latent classes, (RQ3) combining different constructs in one model, and (RQ4) comparing results in Belgium and the United Kingdom. In contrast with the paper published by Mneimneh et al. in 2014, the models with two latent classes do not have the best model fit. In addition, validation with the presence of a third person, the respondent’s reluctance to give answers and personality traits are not systematically in line with our expectations. A small simulation shows that the method would work if the data would behave as we expect, with social desirability being the main factor influencing answering patterns. We conclude that a mixture CFA might not be able to identify social desirability in different survey contexts, especially in complex data as originating in cross-national social surveys.
Nitrate reductases and hemoglobins control nitrogen-fixing symbiosis by regulating nitric oxide accumulation
Authors: Berger Antoine , Boscari Alexandre , Puppo Alain , Brouquisse Renaud
Published: September 2020

The interaction between legumes and rhizobia leads to the establishment of a symbiotic relationship between plant and bacteria. This is characterized by the formation of a new organ, the nodule, which facilitates the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen (N2) by nitrogenase through the creation of a hypoxic environment. Nitric oxide (NO) accumulates at each stage of the symbiotic process. NO is involved in defense responses, nodule organogenesis and development, nitrogen fixation metabolism, and senescence induction. During symbiosis, either successively or simultaneously, NO regulates gene expression, modulates enzyme activities, and acts as a metabolic intermediate in energy regeneration processes via phytoglobin-NO respiration and the bacterial denitrification pathway. Due to the transition from normoxia to hypoxia during nodule formation, and the progressive presence of the bacterial partner in the growing nodules, NO production and degradation pathways change during the symbiotic process. This review analyzes the different source and degradation pathways of NO, and highlights the role of nitrate reductases and hemoproteins of both the plant and bacterial partners in the control of NO accumulation.
Mass-loss along the red giant branch in 46 globular clusters and their multiple populations
Authors: Tailo M , Milone A P , Lagioia E P , D’Antona F , Marino A F , Vesperini E , Caloi V , Ventura P , Dondoglio E , Cordoni G
Published: September 2020

The location of Galactic globular clusters’ (GC) stars on the horizontal branch (HB) should mainly depend on GC metallicity, the ‘first parameter’, but it is actually the result of complex interactions between the red giant branch (RGB) mass-loss, the coexistence of multiple stellar populations with different helium content, and the presence of a ‘second parameter’ that produces dramatic differences in HB morphology of GCs of similar metallicity and ages (like the pair M3–M13). In this work, we combine the entire data set from the Hubble Space Telescope Treasury survey and stellar evolutionary models, to analyse the HBs of 46 GCs. For the first time in a large sample of GCs, we generate population synthesis models, where the helium abundances for the first and the ‘extreme’ second generations are constrained using independent measurements based on RGB stars. The main results are as follows: (1) The mass-loss of first-generation stars is tightly correlated to cluster metallicity. (2) The location of helium enriched stars on the HB is reproduced only by adopting a higher RGB mass-loss than for the first generation. The difference in mass-loss correlates with helium enhancement and cluster mass. (3) A model of ‘pre-main sequence disc early loss’, previously developed by the authors, explains such a mass-loss increase and is consistent with the findings of multiple-population formation models predicting that populations more enhanced in helium tend to form with higher stellar densities and concentrations. (4) Helium-enhancement and mass-loss both contribute to the second parameter.
Hydrodynamic simulations of AGN jets: the impact of Riemann solvers and spatial reconstruction schemes on jet evolution
Authors: Musoke G , Young A J , Birkinshaw M
Published: September 2020

Numerical simulations play an essential role in helping us to understand the physical processes behind relativistic jets in active galactic nuclei. The large number of hydrodynamic codes available today enables a variety of different numerical algorithms to be utilized when conducting the simulations. Since many of the simulations presented in the literature use different combinations of algorithms it is important to quantify the differences in jet evolution that can arise due to the precise numerical schemes used. We conduct a series of simulations using the flash (magneto-)hydrodynamics code in which we vary the Riemann solver and spatial reconstruction schemes to determine their impact on the evolution and dynamics of the jets. For highly refined grids the variation in the simulation results introduced by the different combinations of spatial reconstruction scheme and Riemann solver is typically small. A high level of convergence is found for simulations using third-order spatial reconstruction with the Harten–Lax–Van-Leer with contact and Hybrid Riemann solvers.
Parker Solar Probe observations of suprathermal electron flux enhancements originating from Coronal Hole boundaries
Authors: Macneil Allan R , Owens Mathew J , Berčič Laura , Finley Adam J
Published: September 2020

Reconnection between pairs of solar magnetic flux elements, one open and the other a closed loop, is theorized to be a crucial process for both maintaining the structure of the corona and producing the solar wind. This ‘interchange reconnection’ is expected to be particularly active at the open-closed boundaries of coronal holes (CHs). Previous analysis of solar wind data at 1 au indicated that peaks in the flux of suprathermal electrons at slow–fast stream interfaces may arise from magnetic connection to the CH boundary, rather than dynamic effects such as compression. Further, offsets between the peak and stream interface locations are suggested to be the result of interchange reconnection at the source. As a preliminary test of these suggestions, we analyse two solar wind streams observed during the first Parker Solar Probe (PSP) perihelion encounter, each associated with equatorial CH boundaries (one leading and one trailing with respect to rotation). Each stream features a peak in suprathermal electron flux, the locations and associated plasma properties of which are indicative of a solar origin, in agreement with previous suggestions from 1 au observations. Discrepancies between locations of the flux peaks and other features suggest that these peaks may too be shifted by source region interchange reconnection. Our interpretation of each event is compatible with a global pattern of open flux transport, although random footpoint motions or other explanations remain feasible. These exploratory results highlight future opportunities for statistical studies regarding interchange reconnection and flux transport at CH boundaries with modern near-Sun missions.
The frequency of extreme X-ray variability for radio-quiet quasars
Authors: Timlin John D , Brandt W N , Zhu S , Liu H , Luo B , Ni Q
Published: September 2020

We analyse 1598 serendipitous  Chandra X-ray observations of 462 radio-quiet quasars to constrain the frequency of extreme amplitude X-ray variability that is intrinsic to the quasar corona and innermost accretion flow. The quasars in this investigation are all spectroscopically confirmed, optically bright (mi ≤ 20.2), and contain no identifiable broad absorption lines in their optical/ultraviolet spectra. This sample includes quasars spanning z ≈ 0.1–4 and probes X-ray variability on time-scales of up to ≈12 rest-frame years. Variability amplitudes are computed between every epoch of observation for each quasar and are analysed as a function of time-scale and luminosity. The tail-heavy distributions of variability amplitudes at all time-scales indicate that extreme X-ray variations are driven by an additional physical mechanism and not just typical random fluctuations of the coronal emission. Similarly, extreme X-ray variations of low-luminosity quasars seem to be driven by an additional physical mechanism, whereas high-luminosity quasars seem more consistent with random fluctuations. The amplitude at which an X-ray variability event can be considered extreme is quantified for different time-scales and luminosities. Extreme X-ray variations occur more frequently at long time-scales (Δt ≳ 300 d) than at shorter time-scales and in low-luminosity quasars compared to high-luminosity quasars over a similar time-scale. A binomial analysis indicates that extreme intrinsic X-ray variations are rare, with a maximum occurrence rate of $\lt 2.4{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of observations. Finally, we present X-ray variability and basic optical emission-line properties of three archival quasars that have been newly discovered to exhibit extreme X-ray variability.
Predation risk triggers copepod small-scale behavior in the Baltic Sea
Authors: MÖller Klas Ove , St. John Michael , Temming Axel , Diekmann Rabea , Peters Janna , Floeter Jens , Sell Anne F , Herrmann Jens-Peter , Gloe Dominik , Schmidt Jörn O , Hinrichsen Hans H , MÖllmann Christian
Published: September 2020

Predators not only have direct impact on biomass but also indirect, non-consumptive effects on the behavior their prey organisms. A characteristic response of zooplankton in aquatic ecosystems is predator avoidance by diel vertical migration (DVM), a behavior which is well studied on the population level. A wide range of behavioral diversity and plasticity has been observed both between- as well as within-species and, hence, investigating predator–prey interactions at the individual level seems therefore essential for a better understanding of zooplankton dynamics. Here we applied an underwater imaging instrument, the video plankton recorder (VPR), which allows the non-invasive investigation of individual, diel adaptive behavior of zooplankton in response to predators in the natural oceanic environment, providing a finely resolved and continuous documentation of the organisms’ vertical distribution. Combing observations of copepod individuals observed with the VPR and hydroacoustic estimates of predatory fish biomass, we here show (i) a small-scale DVM of ovigerous Pseudocalanus acuspes females in response to its main predators, (ii) in-situ observations of a direct short-term reaction of the prey to the arrival of the predator and (iii) in-situ evidence of pronounced individual variation in this adaptive behavior with potentially strong effects on individual performance and ecosystem functioning.
Effects of soil moisture, needle age and leaf morphology on carbon and oxygen uptake, incorporation and allocation: a dual labeling approach with 13CO2 and H218O in foliage of a coniferous forest
Authors: Wang Ao , Siegwolf Rolf T W , Joseph Jobin , Thomas Frank M , Werner Willy , Gessler Arthur , Rigling Andreas , Schaub Marcus , Saurer Matthias , Li Mai-He , Lehmann Marco M
Published: September 2020

The carbon and oxygen isotopic composition of water and assimilates in plants reveals valuable information on plant responses to climatic conditions. Yet, the carbon and oxygen uptake, incorporation and allocation processes determining isotopic compositions are not fully understood. We carried out a dual-isotope labeling experiment at high humidity with 18O-enriched water (H218O) and 13C-enriched CO2 (13CO2) with attached Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) branches and detached twigs of hemiparasitic mistletoes (Viscum album ssp. austriacum) in a naturally dry coniferous forest, where also a long-term irrigation takes place. After 4 h of label exposure, we sampled previous- and recent-year leaves, twig phloem and twig xylem over 192 h for the analysis of isotope ratios in water and assimilates. For both species, the uptake into leaf water and the incorporation of the 18O-label into leaf assimilates was not influenced by soil moisture, while the 13C-label incorporation into assimilates was significantly higher under irrigation compared with control dry conditions. Species-specific differences in leaf morphology or needle age did not affect 18O-label uptake into leaf water, but the incorporation of both tracers into assimilates was two times lower in mistletoe than in pine. The 18O-label allocation in water from pine needles to twig tissues was two times higher for phloem than for xylem under both soil moisture conditions. In contrast, the allocation of both tracers in pine assimilates were similar and not affected by soil moisture, twig tissue or needle age. Soil moisture effects on 13C-label but not on 18O-label incorporation into assimilates can be explained by the stomatal responses at high humidity, non-stomatal pathways for water and isotope exchange reactions. Our results suggest that non-photosynthetic 18O-incorporation processes may have masked prevalent photosynthetic processes. Thus, isotopic variation in leaf water could also be imprinted on assimilates when photosynthetic assimilation rates are low.
Asymmetric acoustic signal recognition led to asymmetric gene flow between two parapatric frogs
Authors: Hsiao Yu-Wei , Tseng Hui-Yun , Nguyen Hung Ngoc , Lin Si-Min
Published: September 2020

Correct discrimination between courtship signals could help to maintain genetic integrity between closely related species. However, asymmetric usage of signals might cause asymmetric gene flow across the contact zone. Buergeria choui and B. otai are sibling-species with a parapatric distribution pattern in Taiwan, having two narrow contact zones on the east and west sides of the island. Combining behavioural experiments with genome-wide RAD-seq analyses, we test whether the ability of signal recognition influences genetic introgression across their species boundary. The playback experiments show that all B. choui populations respond strongest to their own ‘cricket’ trills, while the western population of B. otai have evolved a strong level of reproductive character displacement by showing the inclusive usage of the unique ‘chicken’ signals. In contrast, the eastern B. otai population uses both ‘chicken’ and ‘cricket’ trills, and has a stronger preference for the latter. The weak reproductive character displacement in the eastern population has led to asymmetry genetic introgression from B. choui toward B. otai. Our results support the prediction that a more specialized signal-user, compared to its sibling, generalized signal-user, might have a higher probability of maintaining their genetic integrity in the secondary contact region.
A randomized controlled trial for measuring effects on cognitive functions of adding ketamine to propofol during sedation for colonoscopy
Authors: Tian Liang , Luan Hengfei , Zhu Pin , Zhang Zhiyuan , Bao Hongguang
Published: September 2020

Background:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of adding ketamine to propofol on cognitive functions in patients undergoing sedation for colonoscopy.

Methods:

In this randomized, double-blinded, and controlled study, 200 patients were randomly allocated to ketamine/propofol admixture group (Group KP, n = 100), and propofol group (Group P, n = 100). Patients in Group KP received 0.25 mg/kg of ketamine and 0.5 mg/kg of propofol. Patients in Group P received 0.5 mg/kg propofol. Cognitive functions were measured using CogState battery before and after the colonoscopy procedure. Ninety five patients in Group KP and 92 patients in Group P had completed the CogStates tests and were included in the data analysis.

Results:

Compared with before procedure baseline, the performance on detection and identification tasks were significantly impaired after the procedure in both Group KP (P = .004, P = .001) and Group P patients (P = .005, P < .001). However, one-card learning accuracy and One-back memory was only impaired in Group KP patients (P = .006, P = .040) after the endoscopy but left intact in Group P patients. Group KP patients showed more severe impairment in one-card learning accuracy compared with Group P patients (P = .044). Group KP patients have better 5 minutes MAP (P = .005) and were also less likely to suffer from complications such as respiratory depression (P = .023) and hypotension (P = .015). OAA/S scores, BIS, MAP, complications, recovery times, and endoscopist and patient satisfaction were similar between the 2 groups.

Conclusion:

Although adding ketamine to propofol for sedation in colonoscopy provided fewer complications such as respiratory depression and hypotension, it also causes more impairment in cognitive functions.
Adult Jejuno-jejunal intussusception due to inflammatory fibroid polyp
Authors: Kao Yi-Kai , Chen Jian-Han
Published: September 2020

Rationale:

Intussusception is defined as the invagination or telescoping of a proximal portion of the intestine into the distal portion of the intestine. Intussusception can occur at any age but is more common among children. Most cases of intussusception in adults have a pathological lead point. Inflammatory fibroid polyp (IFP) is a rare benign tumor-like lesion arising from the submucosa of the gastrointestinal tract that can cause intussusception in adults. Here, we report a case of adult intussusception due to IFP. We also present a literature review of 31 reports including 34 cases between 2012 and December 2019, which shows a mean age of 45.4 ± 14.2 years and female dominance (23/34) of intussusception due to IFP.

Patient concerns:

A 47-year-old man presented with a half-day history of epigastric abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed distension and tenderness of the upper abdomen. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated intussusception of the jejunum along with a suspicious jejunal mass associated with mesenteric lymphadenopathies.

Diagnosis:

Intussusception of the jejunum along with a suspicious jejunal mass, and histopathological examination of the resected specimen showed IFP.

Interventions:

The patient underwent emergency laparotomy. The intussusception was resected without attempts for reduction.

Outcomes:

The postoperative period was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the fourth postoperative day.

Lessons:

Intussusception in adults is rare, especially that secondary to IFP. The most commonly used diagnostic tool for adult intussusception is abdominal CT, and the optimal management is resection of the involved bowel segment without reduction if malignancy cannot be ruled out.
An Investigation of Tongue-Palatal Contact Changes in Patients With Skeletal Mandibular Lateral Deviation After Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy
Authors: Kaku Masato , Kojima Shotoku , Yamamoto Ichiro , Yamamoto Taeko , Kagawa Haruka , Shimoe Saiji , Tanimoto Kotaro
Published: September 2020

This study aimed to investigate the changes in tongue-palatal contact patterns in patients with mandibular lateral deviation by electropalatography (EPG) before and after sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO). Ten mandibular asymmetry patients who underwent SSRO participated in the study. Tongue-palatal contact patterns for the production of /t/ and /s/ sounds were observed using EPG before surgery and 3 months after surgery, and the changes in EPG pattern were examined. The number of electrode contacts in the 2 vertical columns of the EPG plate was calculated both in the mandibular deviation side and the nondeviation side. The EPG patterns for /t/ and /s/ showed asymmetry before surgery but became normal after surgery. Before surgery, the number of electrode contacts in the 2 vertical columns in the mandibular deviation side was significantly lower than that in the nondeviation side and the normal participants during /t/ and /s/ articulation. However, the number of electrode contacts in the deviation side significantly increased after surgery. This study demonstrated that the tongue-palatal contact patterns for /t/ and /s/ articulation shifted to the direction of mandibular deviation and improved after SSRO.
Pharmacological Methods of Postoperative Pain Management After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Review of Meta-analyses
Authors: Eftekhariyazdi Mitra , Ansari Mojgan , Darvishi-Khezri Hadi , Zardosht Roghayeh
Published: September 2020

Background:

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the optimal approach for patients with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis. Although LC has some advantages, many patients experience postoperative pain.

Methods:

In this review, we aimed to study the available information and meta-analyses of pharmacological methods of postoperative pain management in patients undergoing LC. Two researchers conducted a literature search in multiple databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library). Papers on pharmacological management of postoperative pain for patients undergoing LC were considered eligible. All meta-analyses, with or without a systematic search, were included in our review. The researchers read the study titles and abstracts to identify relevant articles and appraise the full-text manuscripts. Of 145 papers, the full-text of 11 articles, which met the inclusion criteria, was studied. Information, including the authors’ names, publication data, type of review, patients’ characteristics, interventions, outcomes, sample size, pooled effect size, publication bias, and statistical and methodological heterogeneity, was extracted. The collected data were presented descriptively, without further statistical analysis.

Results and Conclusions:

Very low to low–quality evidence indicated that pharmacological agents, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, lidocaine, parecoxib, nefopam, dexamethasone, and magnesium sulfate, could decrease pain intensity in patients undergoing LC. Moreover, moderate to high–quality evidence showed that intravenous infusion of ketamine and opioids, as well as pregabalin, was effective in pain control. Further, robust clinical trials are needed with several arms (eg, pharmacological agents) to compare the efficacy and safety of analgesics under similar clinical conditions and to find optimal regimens for pain management in patients undergoing LC.