bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of the charge barrier height on Germanium (Ge) detectors with amorphous-Ge contacts for light dark matter searches
Authors: Wei W.-Z. , Panth R. , Liu J. , Mei H. , Mei D.-M. , Wang G.-J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractGermanium (Ge) detectors with ability of measuring a single electron–hole (e–h) pair are needed in searching for light dark matter (LDM) down to the MeV scale. We investigate the feasibility of Ge detectors with amorphous-Ge (a-Ge) contacts to achieve the sensitivity of measuring a single e-h pair, which requires extremely low leakage current. Three Ge detectors with a-Ge contacts are used to study the charge barrier height for blocking electrons and holes. Using the measured bulk leakage current and the Döhler–Brodsky model, we obtain the values for charge barrier height and the density of localized energy states near the Fermi energy level for the top and bottom contacts, respectively. We predict that the bulk leakage current is extremely small and can be neglected at helium temperature ($$\sim $$∼4 K). Thus, Ge detectors with a-Ge contacts possess the potential to measure a single e–h pair for detecting LDM particles.
Variation in Cervical Cancer Screening Preferences among Medically Underserved Individuals in the United States: A Systematic Review
Authors: Biddell Caitlin B. , O'Leary Meghan C. , Wheeler Stephanie B. , Spees Lisa P. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractUnderutilization of effective screening is one driver of disparities in cervical cancer incidence and mortality. Consideration of patient preferences could help to improve screening rates in populations facing substantial barriers to preventive care. We conducted a systematic review of the literature on cervical cancer screening preferences among medically underserved patients in the United States. We searched six electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) for articles published through February 2019 (Prospero ID: CRD42019125431). Among the 43 articles included, 23 reported screening modality preferences, 11 reported preferences related to provider demographics and attributes, six reported screening scheduling and results delivery preferences, and nine reported preferences related to health education and communication. This review demonstrates the wide variety of medically underserved patient preferences related to cervical cancer screening. It also draws attention to two key preference trends that emerged despite heterogeneity in study design, populations, and preference assessment. Consistent preferences for human papillomavirus self-testing over traditional Pap testing highlight a key potential mechanism for increasing cervical cancer screening uptake among medically underserved populations. In addition, preferences for gender- and language-concordant providers underscore the need for continued efforts toward expanding diversity among medical professionals.
A first record of Camacinia harterti Karsch, 1890 (Odonata: Libellulidae) from Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Payra Arajush , K.A. Subramanian  , Chandra Kailash , Tripathy Basudev 
Published: May 2020

The large forest dwelling libellulid dragonfly Camacinia harterti Karsch, 1890 is recorded from Arunachal Pradesh and India for the first time in 115 years. The present record is based on a single male specimen collected from Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh, India. We provide detailed diagnostic characters in photographs and information on the global distribution of the species.
Floristic composition and distribution pattern of herbaceous plant diversity in fallow lands of the central districts of Punjab, India
Authors: Jashanpreet Kaur  , Rajni Sharma  , Pushp Sharma  
Published: May 2020

This study explores the change in composition of herbaceous plants with change in season and site in the fallow lands of central districts of Punjab, India. Overall 41 plant species were reported from studied sites. Poaceae and Asteraceae were recorded as dominant families with seven and six plant species, respectively. Density and IVI values of perennial plant species were recorded to be the maximum from July to September and for annuals maximum values were from February to March and from July to September. Diversity indices like Shannon Wiener index, evenness index, Menhinick index, and Simpson diversity index values showed variation with season and site. Similarity index value between studied sites was recorded to be the minimum in July (0.45) which indicates a maximum value of dissimilarity index in this month. The information generated in this study can be exploited by researchers for conservation of natural plant diversity and timely assessments of such areas help to study climate change.
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Butterfly diversity in Gidakom Forest Management Unit, Thimphu, Bhutan
Authors: Koirala Thal Prasad , Koirala Bal Krishna , Koirala Jaganath 
Published: May 2020

This study was carried out to establish the diversity and distribution of butterflies in Gidakom Forest Management Unit (GFMU), Thimphu, Bhutan. A survey was conducted from June 2016 to July 2017 in three locations within GFMU: Jamdo, Chimithanka, and Jedekha. A total of 90 species belonging to 52 genera and five families of butterflies were recorded. Nymphalidae was dominant with 38 species, followed by Lycaenidae with 19, Pieridae with 15, Papilionidae with 11, and Hesperiidae with seven species. Diversity of butterfly species was highest in farmland associated with pockets of forest cover in the lower valley, and a decreasing trend was observed towards higher elevations. The maximum species richness (83 species) was recorded from Chimithanka between 2500m & 2900m, where agriculture is associated with patches of forest, streams, forest edges, and open scrub land. Butterfly diversity was lowest at Jedekha above 2,900m (37 species), an area dominated by mixed conifer forest with little agriculture.
Butterfly diversity in heterogeneous habitat of Bankura, West Bengal, India
Authors: Mukherjee Kalyan , Mondal Ayan 
Published: May 2020

Butterfly diversity was observed in different habitats of Bankura District, West Bengal, India. This district is located at the junction of Chotanagpur plateau and Gangetic plain; it contains a variety of transitional habitats. We found 117 butterfly species from our covered survey area. The highest species recorded in the present study belonged to family Lycaenidae (30.76%) and Nymphalidae (29.91%) followed by Hesperiidae (16.23%), Pieridae (13.67%), Papilionidae (8.54%), and Riodinidae (0.85%), respectively. Based on sighting we found that 12.82% of all the butterflies recorded were abundant in nature while 21.36% were very common, 41.88% were frequent, and 23.93% were rare. Cluster analysis and other diversity indices gives us an overall idea about environmental health. The pattern of diversity change from plain to plateau gradient gives important insight about ecological edge effect. High species number in relation with low individual numbers were found in forest habitat. This preliminary study showed that heterogeneous habitats could harbour many butterflies and need proper conservation efforts to sustain it.
A second report on butterflies (Lepidoptera) from Ladakh Union Territory and Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Sondhi Sanjay , Valappil Balakrishnan , Venkatesh Vidya 
Published: May 2020

Additional butterfly records and natural history observations are reported from a two-week survey of butterflies in Ladakh and Lahaul in the inner Himalaya in Ladakh Union Territory, and Himachal Pradesh in August 2018. These records follow an earlier report from a two-week survey in June–July 2016, and reports 10 species not sighted during the previous survey. Observations on early stages of Pieris deota, Aglais ladakensis, and Papilio machaon ladakensis are reported, as well as a mass emergence of Parnassius epaphus.
Discerning the Missio Dei in a Local Church’s Engagement with Its Community
Authors: Wieland George M. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
While theologies of missio Dei and their divergent missiological developments have been refined and contested in the academy over the past seven decades, the theoretical discussions and even the term itself are still far from commonplace in the life and discourse of many local congregations. Nonetheless, among such congregations there are examples of changing practice and new modes of local mission engagement that seem to be in alignment with aspects of a missio Dei orientation. In this article the experience of one congregation will be considered, asking whether a missio Dei perspective might be discerned in recent initiatives and developments in its engagement with its local community.
Resolving the Identity Dilemmas of Western Healthcare in Africa: Towards Ethical and Pragmatic Approaches
Authors: Afolabi Michael O. S 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The introduction of Western healthcare, via colonialism, into Africa facilitated a confrontation of indigenous and exogenous “medical” knowledge as well as the attendant praxis. Although colonialism has been expunged from the shores of Africa, the epistemic and ideological frictions it introduced into the sphere of healthcare linger and raise different dilemmas. Against this background, this paper explores pragmatic and ethical approaches that may help engage these tensions in the context of drug development based on validated traditional phytomedicines.
Evaluation of a Convection-Permitting Modeling of Precipitation over the Tibetan Plateau and Its Influences on the Simulation of Snow-Cover Fraction
Authors: Gao Yanhong , Chen Fei , Jiang Yingsha 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Precipitation is a critical input to land surface and hydrology modeling and prediction. Dynamical downscale modeling has added value to representing precipitation, when compared with the performance of coarse-resolution reanalysis and global climate models, over the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Convection-permitting modeling (CPM) may even outperform dynamical downscale models (DDMs). In this study, 4-km CPM results were compared to 28-km DDM results for a snow season (1 October 2013–31 May 2014) over the TP. The CPM- and DDM-simulated precipitation, as well as three merged gridded precipitation datasets, were evaluated against in situ observations below 4800 m. The five precipitation datasets (CPM, DDM, CMFD, COPRPH, and TRMM) showed large differences over the TP with underestimation of TRMM and overestimation of CPM and DDM compared to observations. The most significant difference occurred in the Brahmaputra Grand Canyon. Given the substantial uncertainty in observed precipitation at high mountains, snow cover simulated by a high-resolution land data assimilation system was used to indirectly evaluate the above precipitation data using MODIS observations. Simulated snow-cover fraction was greatly underestimated using all the merged precipitation datasets. However, simulations using the DDM- and CPM-generated precipitation as input outperformed those using other gridded precipitation data, showing lower biases, higher pattern correlations, and closer probability distribution functions than runs driven by the merged precipitation. The findings of this study generally support the assumption that high-resolution CPM-produced precipitation has an added value for use in land surface and hydrology simulations in high-mountain regions without reliable in situ precipitation observations.
Object-Oriented Composite Analysis of Warm-Sector Rainfall in North China
Authors: Fu Jiaolan , Zhang Fuqing , Hewson Timothy D. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWarm-sector rainfall (WSR) occurs, by definition, in a warm-air region that is isolated from any forcing related to synoptic frontal boundaries at the surface. This study explores the use of an object-oriented technique to objectively and automatically identify various WSR events over North China from June to September in 2012–17. A total of 768 substantive events are identified over the 6 years. They have a mean maximum rainfall accumulation of 35 mm h−1. Most such events occur over the plains, with two-frequency maxima: one to the south of the Yanshan Mountain Ranges, and the other near the junction of Henan, Shandong, and Jiangsu provinces. WSR-related rainstorms can form in all warm-season months but are most commonly observed between mid-July and mid-August (40% of all events occurred then). Geographically, the region at greatest risk moves gradually northward from mid-June to mid-August, consistent with the progression of the East Asian summer monsoon. There are two diurnal peaks in WSR activity, one from late afternoon to early evening and the other from late evening to early morning. Three classes of upper-level synoptic pattern seem to be conducive to WSR: (i) a “Mongolia front pattern,” (ii) a “northern China front pattern,” and (iii) a “southern front pattern.” All of these patterns are accompanied by warm and moist southwesterly flow at low levels. Prior to WSR events, there is usually an upper-level trough. According to other studies, such a feature is not usually seen for WSR events in South China.
The Effect of Inferior Turbinate Surgery on Quality of Life: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Kankaanpää Anna , Harju Teemu , Numminen Jura 
Published: May 2020

Objective: The purpose of this prospective, randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled study was to investigate the effects of radiofrequency ablation (RFA), diode laser, and microdebrider-assisted inferior turbinoplasty (MAIT) techniques on patients’ quality of life (QOL) and to compare the techniques with a placebo procedure. Methods: A total of 98 consecutive patients with enlarged inferior turbinates due to persistent year-round rhinitis were randomized into placebo, RFA, diode laser, and MAIT groups at a ratio of 1:2:2:2. All the procedures were carried out under local anesthesia with the patients’ eyes covered. Assessments were conducted prior to surgery and 3 months subsequent to the surgery. Quality of life was assessed with the Glasgow Health Status Inventory (GHSI). Results: The GHSI total score increased statistically significantly in all the groups, including placebo. There were no significant differences in the GHSI total score change between RFA, diode laser, and MAIT groups. The MAIT procedure improved the GHSI total score significantly more than the placebo procedure ( P = .04). Conclusion: All inferior turbinate surgery techniques lead to a significant improvement in the patients’ QOL, and no significant differences were found between the techniques. The placebo treatment also improved the QOL significantly. Only the MAIT technique improved the QOL significantly more compared to placebo.
Emergency Laryngectomy Feasibility and Indications Beyond Airway Obstruction in the Era of Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Battoo Azhar Jan , Sheikh Zahoor Ahmad , Thankappan Krishnakumar , Haji Altaf Gowhar 
Published: May 2020

Background: It is believed that carrying out laryngectomy in tracheotomized patients leads to higher postoperative complications and stomal recurrence compared to carrying out the procedure upfront without prior tracheotomy. We believe that emergency laryngectomy is a feasible procedure in most cancer centers and can be carried out for indications beyond acute airway obstruction as well and complex reconstruction procedures can be also carried out simultaneously. We hereby describe our experience with emergency laryngectomy with or without pharyngectomy. Methods: Retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained data base was carried out. Patients who had undergone emergency laryngectomy in our department, from 2014 to 2018, were analyzed, and their clinicodemographic and histopathological features were noted. The indications for surgery and postoperative complications were charted down. Survival data of patients were also noted. Results: Seven patients have undergone emergency laryngectomy, 5 for acute airway obstruction and 2 for acute bleeding. Five patients were chemoradiotherapy failures, whereas 2 patients were operated upfront. Two out of 7 patients had pyriform fossa carcinoma, whereas rest of the patients had carcinoma of glottis. Reconstruction with pectoralis myocutaneous/pectoralis muscle only flap was carried out in 4 patients. Minor salivary leak was noted in 4 patients at varying time intervals from second week onward. Two patients had post radiotherapy chondroradionecrosis, without any residual/recurrent tumor. Three out of 7 patients developed recurrence which was salvageable in only 1 patient. Conclusion: Emergency laryngectomy can be safely carried out in emergency setting in most cancer centers, more so over it can be carried out for indications beyond acute airway obstruction and combined with complex reconstruction procedures.
Image-Guided Surgery and Intraoperative Imaging in Rhinology: Clinical Update and Current State of the Art
Authors: Schmale Isaac L. , Vandelaar Laura J. , Luong Amber U. , Citardi Martin J. , Yao William C. 
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Image-guided surgery (IGS) has gained widespread acceptance in otorhinolaryngology for its applications in sinus and skull base surgery. Although the core concepts of IGS have not changed, advances in image guidance technology, including the incorporation of intraoperative imaging, have the potential to enhance surgical education, allow for more rigorous preoperative planning, and aid in more complete surgery with improved outcomes. Objectives: Provide a clinical update regarding the use of image guidance and intraoperative imaging in the field of rhinology and endoscopic skull base surgery with a focus on current state of the art technologies. Methods: English-language studies published in PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase were searched for articles relating to image-guided sinus surgery, skull base surgery, and intraoperative imaging. Relevant studies were reviewed and critical appraisals were included in this clinical update, highlighting current state of the art advances. Conclusions: As image guidance and intraoperative imaging systems have advanced, their applications in sinus and skull base surgery have expanded. Both technologies offer invaluable real-time feedback on the status and progress of surgery, and thus may help to improve the completeness of surgery and overall outcomes. Recent advances such as augmented and virtual reality offer a window into the future of IGS. Future advancements should aim to enhance the surgeon’s operative experience by improving user satisfaction and ultimately lead to better surgical results.
Surgical Team Exposure to Cautery Smoke and Its Mitigation during Tonsillectomy
Authors: O’Brien Daniel C. , Lee Eun Gyung , Soo Jhy‐Charm , Friend Sherri , Callaham Sarah , Carr Michele M. 
Published: May 2020

ObjectivesTo assess the exposure of surgical personnel to known carcinogens during pediatric tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T&A) and compare the efficacy of surgical smoke evacuation systems during T&A.Study DesignProspective, case series.SettingTertiary children’s hospital.Subjects and MethodsThe present study assessed operating room workers’ exposure to chemical compounds and aerosolized particulates generated during T&A. We also investigated the effect of 3 different smoke‐controlling methods: smoke‐evacuator pencil cautery (SE), cautery with suction held by an assistant (SA), and cautery without suction (NS).ResultsThirty cases were included: 12 in the SE group, 9 in SA, and 9 in NS. The chemical exposure levels were lower than or similar to baseline background concentrations, with the exception of methylene chloride and acetaldehyde. Within the surgical plume, none of the chemical compounds exceeded the corresponding occupational exposure limit (OEL). The mean particulate number concentration in the breathing zone during tonsillectomy was 508 particles/cm3 for SE compared to 1661 particles/cm3 for SA and 8208 particles/cm3 for NS cases. NS was significantly different compared to the other two methods (P =. 0009).ConclusionsAlthough the exposure levels to chemicals were considerably lower than the OELs, continuous exposures to these chemicals could cause adverse health effects to surgical personnel. These findings suggest that the use of a smoke‐evacuator pencil cautery or an attentive assistant with handheld suction would reduce exposure levels to the aerosolized particles during routine T&A, compared to the use of cautery without suction.
Implementation of Preoperative Screening Protocols in Otolaryngology During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Urban Matthew J. , Patel Tirth R. , Raad Richard , LoSavio Phillip , Stenson Kerstin , Al‐Khudari Samer , Nielsen Thomas , Husain Inna , Smith Ryan , Revenaugh Peter C. , Wiet R. Mark , Papagiannopoulos Peter , Batra Pete S. , Tajudeen Bobby A. 
Published: May 2020

ObjectiveTo highlight emerging preoperative screening protocols and document workflow challenges and successes during the early weeks of the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted at a large urban tertiary care medical center. Thirty‐two patients undergoing operative procedures during the COVID‐19 pandemic were placed into 2 preoperative screening protocols. Early in the pandemic a “high‐risk case protocol” was utilized to maximize available resources. As information and technology evolved, a “universal point‐of‐care protocol” was implemented.ResultsOf 32 patients, 25 were screened prior to surgery. Three (12%) tested positive for COVID‐19. In all 3 cases, the procedure was delayed, and patients were admitted for treatment or discharged under home quarantine. During this period, 86% of operative procedures were indicated for treatment of oncologic disease. There was no significant delay in arrival to the operating room for patients undergoing point‐of‐care screening immediately prior to their procedure (P =. 92).DiscussionCurrently, few studies address preoperative screening for COVID‐19. A substantial proportion of individuals in this cohort tested positive, and both protocols identified positive cases. The major strengths of the point‐of‐care protocol are ease of administration, avoiding subsequent exposures after testing, and relieving strain on “COVID‐19 clinics” or other community testing facilities.Implications for PracticePreoperative screening is a critical aspect of safe surgical practice in the midst of the widespread pandemic. Rapid implementation of universal point‐of‐care screening is possible without major workflow adjustments or operative delays.
Inappropriate Nasopharyngeal Sampling for SARS‐CoV‐2 Detection Is a Relevant Cause of False‐Negative Reports
Authors: Piras Antonio , Rizzo Davide , Uzzau Sergio , De Riu Giacomo , Rubino Salvatore , Bussu Francesco 
Published: May 2020

Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA on nasopharyngeal swab is the standard for diagnosing active COVID‐19 disease in asymptomatic cases and in symptomatic patients without the typical radiologic findings. For the present COVID‐19 outbreak in Italy, we describe 4 symptomatic patients with negative RT‐PCR results at the first nasopharyngeal swab, which became positive when collected a few hours later by an otolaryngologist. All the patients showed nasal obstruction. The present report suggests that inadequate nasopharyngeal sampling performed by untrained operators in the presence of nasal obstruction can be a relevant case of false‐negative findings at RT‐PCR, with a clear negative impact on the efforts to contain the current outbreak.