bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermodynamic and transport properties of hydrogen containing streams
Authors: Hassanpouryouzband Aliakbar , Joonaki Edris , Edlmann Katriona , Heinemann Niklas , Yang Jinhai
Published: July 2020

The use of hydrogen (H2) as a substitute for fossil fuel, which accounts for the majority of the world’s energy, is environmentally the most benign option for the reduction of CO2 emissions. This will require gigawatt-scale storage systems and as such, H2 storage in porous rocks in the subsurface will be required. Accurate estimation of the thermodynamic and transport properties of H2 mixed with other gases found within the storage system is therefore essential for the efficient design for the processes involved in this system chain. In this study, we used the established and regarded GERG-2008 Equation of State (EoS) and SuperTRAPP model to predict the thermo-physical properties of H2 mixed with CH4, N2, CO2, and a typical natural gas from the North-Sea. The data covers a wide range of mole fraction of H2 (10–90 Mole%), pressures (0.01–100 MPa), and temperatures (200–500 K) with high accuracy and precision. Moreover, to increase ease of access to the data, a user-friendly software (H2Themobank) is developed and made publicly available.
Controlling polymer architecture to design dynamic network materials with multiple dynamic linkers
Authors: Vakil Jafer R. , De Alwis Watuthanthrige Nethmi , Digby Zachary A. , Zhang Borui , Lacy Hannah A. , Sparks Jessica L. , Konkolewicz Dominik
Published: July 2020

A series of network materials containing dynamic hydrogen bonded and dynamic covalent Diels–Alder units are developed, with a focus on engineering the materials mechanical and self healing properties by tuning the underlying polymer's structure.
Palladium-catalyzed δ-selective reductive Heck reaction of alkenyl carbonyl compounds with aryl iodides and bromides
Authors: Li Yang , Gong Jun-Fang , Song Mao-Ping
Published: July 2020

A simple, operationally convenient and highly regioselective palladium-catalyzed reductive Heck reaction of alkenyl carbonyl compounds with aryl iodides and bromides has been developed to afford structurally diverse δ-aryl pentanoic acid derivatives.
Towards high-performance heterogeneous palladium nanoparticle catalysts for sustainable liquid-phase reactions
Authors: Van Vaerenbergh Beau , Lauwaert Jeroen , Vermeir Pieter , Thybaut Joris W. , De Clercq Jeriffa
Published: July 2020

A walk-through of nanoparticle–reactant/product, nanoparticle–support and support–reactant/product interaction effects on the catalytic performance of heterogeneous palladium catalysts in liquid-phase reactions.
Russian and foreign steam generators for NPP power units with wet steam turbines
Authors: Egorov Mikle , Kasatkin Ivan , Kovalenko Ivan , Krectunova Irina , Lavrovskaya Nataliya , Litvinova Nadezhda
Published: July 2020

The main aim of the current study is to analyze advantages and shortcomings of horizontal and vertical types of steam generator design. Design solutions and experience of operation of steam generators of horizontal type accepted in Russia and of vertical type applied by Westinghouse, Combustion Engineering, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Doosan were analyzed within the framework of the present study. It was established that steam generator equipment of horizontal type is characterized by disadvantages of design, technological and operational nature. Thus, horizontal steam generators with dimensions permissible for railroad transportation and, for VVER-1200 with reactor vessel diameter equal to 5 m, by water transport as well, have exhausted the possibilities for further significant increase of the per unit electric power. The demonstrated advantages of vertical-type steam generators are as follows: 1) absence of stagnant zones within the second cooling circuit; 2) uniformity of heat absorption efficiency of the heating surface that ensures improved conditions for moisture separation; 3) increased temperature drop with parameters of generated steam elevated by 0.3 – 0.4 MPa. Conclusion was made on the advisability of introduction of steam generators with vertical-type layout in the Russian nuclear power generation.
Experience of designing a low-pressing turbocharger compressor using the modern version of a Universal modelling method
Authors: Galerkin Yuri , Drozdov Aleksandr , Sibiriakov Sergey
Published: July 2020

The paper presents the joint experience of the NPO “Turbotekhnika” and the R&D Laboratory “Gas Dynamics of Turbomachines” of SPbPU for designing a centrifugal compressor operating at pressure ratio 1.61 and a mass flow rate of 0.62 kg/s. The design was executed using the Universal modelling method and the inviscid quasi-three-dimensional calculation program 3DM.023. At the first step, by the preliminary design program, the stage dimensions were determined. The expected gas-dynamic characteristics are calculated. At the final design step, stator elements were offered by NPO “Turbotekhnika” and the configuration of the impeller blades was optimized based on the non-viscous quasi-three-dimensional calculations. NPO “Turbotekhnika” designed, manufactured and tested the 140E compressor at blade velocities 150, 200, 250 and 300 m/s. A comparison and analysis of experimental and calculated characteristics is presented. The design pressure ratio was calculated almost exactly for the design flow rate at a blade velocity of 300 m/s. The expected efficiency was confirmed. The mathematical model slightly overestimates the efficiency and the pressure ratio for the off-design flow rates.
Die Beratung durch Ethikkommissionen bei einer multizentrischen
Beobachtungsstudie in Deutschland – Aufwand und Kosten
Authors: Breidenbach Clara , Sibert Nora Tabea , Wesselmann Simone , Kowalski Christoph
Published: July 2020

Ziel der Studie Für die Forschung am Menschen nehmen
Ethikkommissionen (EK) eine unverzichtbare Überwachungs- und
Regulierungsfunktion ein. Bei multizentrischen Beobachtungsstudien werden
neben einem Erstvotum meist lokale Zweitvoten von den EKs der beteiligten
Zentren gefordert. Ziel dieser Analyse ist es, einen Überblick
über die verwendeten Ressourcen und den Prozess für die
Beratung durch EKs bei einer multizentrischen Beobachtungsstudie in
Deutschland zu geben.

Methoden Dazu wurde eine Querschnittsanalyse durchgeführt und
die eingesetzten Ressourcen und Aktivitäten seitens der zentralen
Studienleitung für den Zeitraum April 2018–April 2019
dokumentiert. An der Studie, für die die Beratung der EK eingeholt
wurde, nehmen 106 zertifizierte Darmkrebszentren in 15 Bundesländern
teil.

Ergebnisse Es mussten Anträge bei EKs von 14
Landesärztekammern und 7 Unikliniken eingereicht werden. Es wurden
insgesamt 6305 Euro Beratungsgebühren von den EKs abgerechnet, die
erhobenen Gebühren variierten dabei zwischen 50 und 1400 Euro.
Für die teils mehrfachen Ausführungen der Antragsunterlagen
wurden 2986 Blatt DIN A4-Papier gedruckt. Das zentrale Studienmanagement
wendete ca. 210 Arbeitsstunden auf. Die Bearbeitung erfolgte in allen
Fällen schriftlich und dauerte im Median 32 Tage (Range:
5–177 Tage).

Schlussfolgerung Ein bundeseinheitliches Verfahren für die
Beratung durch EKs für multizentrische Studien könnte den
finanziellen, materiellen und personellen Aufwand deutlich reduzieren und
sollte zukünftig angestrebt werden. Im Sinne ökonomischer
und ökologischer Nachhaltigkeit sollten zudem Online-Verfahren
erwogen werden.
The conjugate gradient algorithm on well-conditioned Wishart matrices is almost deterministic
Authors: Deift Percy , Trogdon Thomas
Published: July 2020

We prove that the number of iterations required to solve a random positive definite linear system with the conjugate gradient algorithm is almost deterministic for large matrices. We treat the case of Wishart matrices

W
=
X

X
∗

W = XX^*

where

X
X

is

n
×
m

n \times m

and

n

/

m
∼
d

n/m \sim d

for

0
>
d
>
1

0 > d > 1

. Precisely, we prove that for most choices of error tolerance, as the matrix increases in size, the probability that the iteration count deviates from an explicit deterministic value tends to zero. In addition, for a fixed iteration count, we show that the norm of the error vector and the norm of the residual converge exponentially fast in probability, converge in mean, and converge almost surely.
Five-Star Ratings and Managerial Turnover: Evidence from the Nursing Home Industry
Authors: Brickley James A , Lu Susan F , Wedig Gerard J
Published: July 2020

The government-sponsored Five-Star Quality Rating System (FSQRS) aggregates multiple measures of nursing home quality into a standardized overall rating. Previous research has found that the FSQRS affected consumer demand and correspondingly motivated a strategic shift toward competing for higher ratings, most notably among nursing homes in more competitive markets. The primary objective of this article is to provide evidence on whether it produced a complementary change in the weight placed on quality ratings in senior management retention decisions. Using the Florida nursing home administrator files from 2007 to 2013, our analysis reveals that the FSQRS motivated a substantial and significant increase in the sensitivity of administrator turnover to star ratings, particularly in more competitive nursing home markets (JEL I18, L15, J63, G24, G34).
Simpson Grade Revisited – Intraoperative Estimation of the Extent of Resection in Meningiomas Versus Postoperative Somatostatin Receptor Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Ueberschaer Moritz , Vettermann Franziska Jill , Forbrig Robert , Unterrainer Marcus , Siller Sebastian , Biczok Anna-Maria , Thorsteinsdottir Jun , Cyran Clemens C , Bartenstein Peter , Tonn Jörg-Christian , Albert Nathalie Lisa , Schichor Christian
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Surgeon's intraoperative estimation of meningioma extent of resection (Simpson Grade, SG) is widely used as a prognostic factor for recurrence. However, the validity of SG is still a matter of debate. In preoperative imaging, 68Ga-DOTATATE/PET-CT has been shown to detect meningioma tissue even more sensitively than magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the Simpson grading within the framework of modern postoperative imaging techniques (MRI; PET-CT).

METHODS

At first, patients with WHO grade I meningioma, surgical resection, and postoperative 68Ga-DOTATATE/PET-CT within 6 mo after surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Second, an analogous prospective cohort of patients with WHO grade I meningioma was investigated by comparing SG after meningioma removal with postoperative MRI and 68Ga-DOTATATE/PET-CT within 6 mo after surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 37 patients were retrospectively analyzed. In total, 5/8 patients with SG-I and II resections showed tumor remnants according to postoperative PET-CT (SG 62.5% false negative). In the prospective cohort of 52 tumors, PET-CT displayed tracer uptake in 15/37 SG-I or II resections indicating unexpected tumor remnants (SG 40.5% false negative). MRI was false negative in 7 of these 15 cases (MRI 18.9% false negative) (P = .037). Discordant results according to PET-CT were more often found in convexity (40%) and falcine (46.7%) meningiomas than in skull base meningiomas (18.2%).

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative Simpson grading is at risk to underestimate tumor remnants, predominantly in grade I and II resections. Postoperative PET-CT improves detection rates compared to MRI. Prognostic impact of postoperative meningioma remnants according to PET-CT needs to be investigated prospectively.
Mental Health for Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals with Physical or Cognitive Disabilities
Authors: Maroney Meredith R. , McGinley Mallaigh
Published: July 2020

This chapter explores the mental health experiences and needs of sexual and gender minority individuals with disabilities. The authors review the evidence-based research on mental health, highlighting the role of stigma, discrimination, and barriers to care. Autistic sexual and gender minority individuals are used to illustrate the unique experiences of subgroups. Much of the research on this topic is exploratory or descriptive in nature, focused on the experiences of and prevalence rates of individuals from sexual and gender minorities. The chapter concludes with a discussion of future directions for research, and the importance of centering the voices of sexual and gender minority individuals with disabilities in research and practice whenever possible.
Student Movements in Latin America
Authors: Bidegain Germán , von Bülow Marisa
Published: July 2020

Latin American student movements have historically been very active in the region’s political life. However, with the partial exception of historical accounts of the university reform movement and the 1960s protests, the academic literature has not addressed the Latin American student movements from a comparative point of view. Rather, it has mostly focused on national or local case studies. This chapter presents a review of some of the most relevant arguments and concepts of this literature, analyzing the key challenges facing contemporary student movements. It addresses three recurrent dilemmas involving student demands, tactical repertoires, and relations with political institutions. Each of these analyses is grounded in important theoretical debates. The chapter contributes to these debates by highlighting the main conceptual findings of the Latin American literature while discussing the challenges faced by the student movement actors themselves. It turns to examples from campaigns in various countries, especially Venezuela, Chile, Brazil, and Mexico.
Analysis of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Outpatient Follow-Up
Authors: West Sarah K. , Fletcher Brian , Rollins Allison , Will Jennifer , Rozzell Monica , Burton Josh , Spalding M. Chance
Published: July 2020

Background:

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) remains a prevalent public health concern. Implementation of an mTBI guideline encouraged screening all patients at risk for mTBI, followed by outpatient follow-up in a “concussion clinic.” This resulted in an increase in inpatient concussion evaluations, followed by high-volume referral to the concussion clinic. This prompted the routine use of an outpatient mTBI symptom screening tool. The purpose of this quality improvement study was to analyze the characteristics of an mTBI population at outpatient follow-up and describe the clinicians' care recommendations as determined through the use of an mTBI symptom screening tool.

Methods:

This is a retrospective review of mTBI patients at a Level 1 trauma center. The study includes patients who completed a concussion screening in the outpatient setting over a 6-month period. Patients were included if older than 16 years, sustained blunt trauma, and had a formal neurocognitive evaluation by a certified speech therapist within 48 hr of initial injury.

Results:

Of the 247 patients included, 197 (79.8%) were referred to the concussion clinic, 33 (13.4%) had no further outpatient needs, and 17 (6.9%) were referred for outpatient neurocognitive rehabilitation. On follow-up, 97 patients were deemed to have no further postconcussion needs by the trauma nurse practitioner; 57 patients were cleared by the speech therapist. In total, 43 outpatient mTBI follow-up encounters resulted in referral for ongoing therapy.

Conclusion:

Routine screening for concussion symptoms and detailed clinical evaluation allows for prompt recognition of further posttraumatic mTBI needs.
Fully Implantable Active Middle Ear Implants After Subtotal Petrosectomy With Fat Obliteration: Preliminary Clinical Results
Authors: Lasurashvili Nikoloz , Lailach Susen , Seidler Hannes , Bornitz Matthias , Neudert Marcus , Zahnert Thomas
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

In patients with chronic middle ear disease, especially after revision surgery for ventilation problems and mixed hearing loss, active middle ear implants may provide an alternative treatment option. The fully implantable active middle-ear implant (FI-AMEI) is designed for implantation in a ventilated mastoid with an intact posterior canal wall. Until now, there have been no reports on audiometric results after implantation of a FI-AMEI in a fat-obliterated cavity after subtotal petrosectomy (SPE).

Study Design:

Retrospective case review.

Setting:

Tertiary referral center.

Patients:

Twelve patients were included after numerous previous tympanoplasty surgeries for severe mixed hearing loss and FI-AMEI implantation.

Intervention:

In five patients, the FI-AMEI was implanted in a cavity, with fat obliteration, after SPE. Seven patients received FI-AMEI implantation after intact canal wall (ICW) surgery.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Audiometric results (pure-tone audiometry, Freiburger monosyllables) are demonstrated for 12 patients after an observation period of 3 months.

Results:

The improvement in monosyllable score was 40 to 85% for the 12 patients. Free-field-aided thresholds showed high heterogeneity.

Conclusion:

FI-AMEI implantation combined with SPE provides an alternative approach to hearing rehabilitation to non-FI-AMEI implantation. Studies with a high number of patients and long-term observation periods are necessary to statistically verify these results.
Efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion in adjuvant treatment of patients with novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Zhang Qiongshuai , Xu Xiaohong , Sun Shaoqian , Cao Fang , Li Jiannan , Qi Xun , Ji Guangcheng , Wang Yufeng , Song Bailin
Published: July 2020

Background:

Novel coronavirus has infected 4.33 million people in more than 200 countries in the current global outbreak of COVID-19. However, there is still no effective drug to treat the disease, and acupuncture and moxibustion is utilized as adjuvant therapy for the treatment of COVID-19 in China.

Methods:

Nine electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, Web of Science (WOS), Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Chinese Scientific and Journal Database (VIP), Wan Fang database (Wanfang) and 2 clinical trials register platforms: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR), ClinicalTrials.gov (www.ClinicalTrials.gov/) will be searched for RCTs of A&M for COVID-19. The screening process will be developed by 2 independent reviewers, and meta-analysis will be performed with RevMan (V5.3.5) software.

Results:

The study results will be contributed to a scientific journal after peer-reviewed for publication.

Conclusion:

The study will provide up-to-date evidence of the effectiveness and safety of A&M for patients with COVID-19.

PROSPERO registration number:

CRD42020185776
In vivostructural characterization of the whole SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome identifies host cell target proteins vulnerable to re-purposed drugs
Authors: Sun Lei , Li Pan , Ju Xiaohui , Rao Jian , Huang Wenze , Zhang Shaojun , Xiong Tuanlin , Xu Kui , Zhou Xiaolin , Ren Lili , Ding Qiang , Wang Jianwei , Zhang Qiangfeng Cliff
Published: July 2020

SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus of theCoronaviridaefamily that is the causal pathogen of the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic. There are currently no antiviral drugs or vaccines to treat COVID-19, and the failure to identify effective interventions can be blamed on our incomplete understanding of the nature of this virus and its host cell infection process. Here, we experimentally determined structural maps of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome in infected human cells and also characterizedin vitrorefolded RNA structures for SARS-CoV-2 and 6 other coronaviruses. Ourin vivodata confirms several structural elements predicted from theoretical analysis and goes much further in revealing many previously unknown structural features that functionally impact viral translation and discontinuous transcription in cells. Importantly, we harnessed ourin vivostructure data alongside a deep-learning tool and accurately predicted several dozen functionally related host cell proteins that bind to the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome, none of which were known previously. Thus, ourin vivostructural study lays a foundation for coronavirus RNA biology and indicates promising directions for the rapid development of therapeutics to treat COVID-19.

HIGHLIGHTS

We mapped thein vivostructure and built secondary structural models of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome

We discovered functionally impactful structural features in the RNA genomes of multiple coronaviruses

We predicted and validated host cell proteins that bind to the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome based on ourin vivo RNAstructural data using a deep-learning tool
Analysis of charge density in nonaaquagadolinium(III) trifluoromethanesulfonate – insight into GdIII—OH2 bonding
Authors: Janicki Rafał , Starynowicz Przemysław
Published: July 2020

The experimental charge-density distribution in [Gd(H2O)9](CF3SO3)3 has been analysed and compared with the theoretical density functional theory calculations. Although the Gd—OH2 bonds are mainly ionic, a covalent contribution is detectable when inspecting both the topological parameters of these bonds and the natural bond orbital results. This contribution originates from small electron transfer from the lone pairs of oxygen atoms to empty 5d and 6s spin orbitals of Gd3+.
Multiplicity-weighted Euler's formula for symmetrically arranged space-filling polyhedra
Authors: Dauter Zbigniew , Jaskolski Mariusz
Published: July 2020

The famous Euler's rule for three-dimensional polyhedra,F−E+V= 2 (F, EandVare the numbers of faces, edges and vertices, respectively), when extended to many tested cases of space-filling polyhedra such as the asymmetric unit (ASU), takes the formFn−En+Vn= 1, whereFn, EnandVnenumerate the corresponding elements, normalized by their multiplicity,i.e.by the number of times they are repeated by the space-group symmetry. This modified formula holds for the ASUs of all 230 space groups and 17 two-dimensional planar groups as specified in theInternational Tables for Crystallography, and for a number of tested Dirichlet domains, suggesting that it may have a general character. The modification of the formula stems from the fact that in a symmetrical space-filling arrangement the polyhedra (such as the ASU) have incomplete bounding elements (faces, edges, vertices), since they are shared (in various degrees) with the space-filling neighbors.
Empowering lifelong learning through open universities in Taiwan and Indonesia
Authors: Zuhairi Aminudin , Hsueh Amy Ching Tsu , Chiang I-Chin Nonie
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This research attempts to reveal ways of addressing challenges in open universities related to empowering lifelong learning; establishing policies and strategies in dropouts, student portfolio and support services for students with special needs; and implementing online instructional design and strategies. Two institutions were investigated, namely National Open University (NOU) Taiwan and Universitas Terbuka (UT) Indonesia, both founded in the 1980s to serve lifelong learners with diverse backgrounds and needs. This study was aimed at understanding good practices and challenges for improvement for the two open universities in those areas being investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was qualitative using document analysis along with focus group discussions and interviews with administrators, academic staff, students and alumni to collect data for analysis.

Findings

Lifelong learning is the necessity of individual in societies for continuing professional development through enabling access to quality university education. Open universities have been tasked to cater for lifelong learners using non-traditional approaches, new technology and adapting to online learning and teaching in digital age. This research was exploratory, and the findings were expected to improve understanding of lifelong learning in open universities, particularly in NOU and UT.

Practical implications

Findings of this research are relevant to open universities to enhance its missions and define its possible new roles to serve lifelong learners.

Originality/value

This research reveals the roles of open universities in lifelong learning and enhances understanding of open universities that have a wide range of responsibilities in offering programs and courses to accommodate lifelong learners.
Extreme rainfall trends over the Mekong Delta under the impacts of climate change
Authors: LEE Seung Kyu , Dang Truong An
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate aspects related to the changing trends of the rainfall extremes in the entire Mekong Delta in the period of 32 years (1984-2015) applying rainfall extreme indices. First, the homogeneity tests were applied to assess the quality of observed rainfall data series. The authors, then, investigated three rainfall indices including the number of very heavy rainfall days 20 mm (R20), number of days above 50 mm (R50) and number of days above 100 mm (R100) applying the Mann-Kendall test and Sen’s slope estimate.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the homogeneity tests were applied to assess the quality of observed rainfall data series. The authors, then, investigated three rainfall indices including the number of very heavy rainfall days 20 mm (R20), number of days above 50 mm (R50) and number of days above 100 mm (R100) applying the Mann-Kendall test and Sen’s slope estimate.

Findings

The results of R20 pointed out that an insignificant upward tendency was found in the coastal provinces, whereas an insignificant downward tendency was also recorded in the inland provinces. Regarding the number of R50, a similar trend to R20 was recorded with five stations slightly increased and five stations slightly decreased. For the number of R100, the results recorded an absence of significant trends over the entire study area. Approximately 58.5% of stations show a slightly decreasing trend, while 41.5% of the remaining stations recorded a slightly increasing trend.

Originality/value

For the number of R100, the results recorded an absence of the significant trends over the entire study area. Approximately 58.5% of stations show a slightly decreasing trend, while 41.5% of the remaining stations recorded a slightly increasing trend. Of note is the fact that the number of R100 occurred more frequently in the northern provinces, which means the northern region is facing a high risk of flooding.
Product value analysis: a developed cost–benefit analysis ratio based on the Kano and PAF models
Authors: Janatyan Nassibeh , Shahin Arash
Published: July 2020

Purpose

In this study, an integrative approach of customer satisfaction and cost of quality has been proposed for the value analysis of products based on a cost–benefit ratio.

Design/methodology/approach

For the integrative approach, Kano and prevention-appraisal-failure (PAF) models have been applied. By the proposed approach, the value of products can be analyzed according to customer viewpoints and cost of quality. Four products of a home appliance company have been used to examine the new approach.

Findings

Findings indicate the priorities of the studied products as stove, TV, fridge and washing machine, respectively. Such a set of prioritized products plays a strategic role in the competitive advantage of the studied company.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, the weights of the cost of quality items have been assumed as equal. Also, the costs of quality items were limited to the most important ones at the studied company. However, more cost of quality items might be considered in different case studies.

Originality/value

In this study, the Kano and PAF models have been considered simultaneously for product value analysis from the viewpoint of customers. In addition to the classic method of value analysis which is merely based on previous events, the proposed approach is typically proactive.
Determination of retinal nerve fibre layer and ganglion cell/inner plexiform layers progression rates using two optical coherence tomography systems: The PROGRESSA study
Authors: Saks Danit , Schulz Angela , Craig Jamie , Graham Stuart ,   the PROGRESSA Study Group
Published: July 2020

Importance

Glaucoma progression rates may differ depending on the retinal structural parameters measured, and between devices.

Background

To compare retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell/inner plexiform layers (GCL/IPL) progression rates using two spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems.

Design

Prospective, university hospital setting.

Participants

Cross‐sectional study: 100 eyes from 53 glaucoma suspects and early manifest glaucoma cases. Longitudinal study: subset of 61 eyes from 33 participants.

Methods

Same day optic nerve and macular images were acquired using Cirrus and Spectralis systems from which RNFL and GCL/IPL thicknesses were calculated. Longitudinal analysis of RNFL and GCL/IPL progression rates was calculated from 6 × 6‐monthly follow‐up OCT scans.

Main Outcome Measures

RNFL and GCL/IPL thicknesses in matched superior, inferior and global regions were compared by both systems cross‐sectionally and longitudinally.

Results

At baseline, no RNFL thicknesses differed between devices. Cirrus GCL/IPL regions were significantly thicker than Spectralis (P < .001). RNFL and GCL/IPL global progression rates (μm/y) had a mean (SD) of −1.28 (1.11) and 95% CI: (−1.48, −1.09) and −0.51 (0.58) and 95% CI: (−0.62, −0.41), respectively. Progression rates were similar across devices. RNFL loss (%) progressed significantly faster than GCL/IPL, in all regions (P ≤ .004).

Conclusion and Relevance

Despite baseline thickness differences, overall Cirrus and Spectralis provided similar rates of RNFL and GCL/IPL progression in early glaucoma and can be considered comparable, though not interchangeable, in clinical practice. Further analysis is needed to determine if RNFL progresses faster than GCL/IPL in glaucoma, and whether one precedes the other.
Family members' lived experiences when a loved one undergoes an interhospital intensive care unit‐to‐unit transfer: A phenomenological hermeneutical study
Authors: Karlsson Jonas , Eriksson Thomas , Lindahl Berit , Fridh Isabell
Published: July 2020

Aims and objectives

To reveal meanings of family members' lived experiences when a loved one undergoes an interhospital intensive care unit‐to‐unit transfer.

Background

Interhospital intensive care unit‐to‐unit transfers take place between different hospitals and their respective intensive care units (ICUs). These types of transfers are an increasing phenomenon but are sparsely studied from the family members' perspective. Indeed, the patient's critical illness and care can have a major impact on family members. During the transfer process, there is a demand for the involved intensive care health personnel to make family members feel safe and cared for.

Design

A qualitative design based on phenomenological hermeneutics.

Methods

The study was conducted at two Swedish general ICUs. Data were generated through individual in‐depth interviews with seven family members and analysed using a phenomenological hermeneutical approach. The Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research principles were applied in the conduct and reporting of this study.

Results

Four themes that reveal meanings of family members' lived experiences were developed: losing your safe haven, dealing with uncertainty, carrying your own and others' burdens and a wish to be close.

Conclusions

The study reveals that an interhospital intensive care unit‐to‐unit transfer affects the whole family and is characterised by family members experiencing many negative feelings. The findings also illustrate that being a family member when a loved one is transferred means being exposed to the core existential elements of being human, such as loneliness and searching for meaning.

Relevance to clinical practice

The study highlights the importance of maintaining a family‐centred approach during the transfer process. Our findings can provide deeper knowledge for intensive care health personnel, better preparing them for the delicate task of providing family‐centred care during the interhospital intensive care unit‐to‐unit transfer process.
Influences of the culture of science on nursing knowledge development: Using conceptual frameworks as nursing philosophy in critical care nursing
Authors: Burns Margie , Bally Jill , Burles Meridith , Holtslander Lorraine , Peacock Shelley
Published: July 2020

Nursing knowledge development and application are influenced by numerous factors within the context of science and practice. The prevailing culture of science along with an evolving context of increasingly technological environments and rationalization within health care impacts both the generation of nursing knowledge and the practice of nursing. The effects of the culture of science and the context of nursing practice may negatively impact the structure and application of nursing knowledge, how nurses practice, and how nurses understand the patients and families for whom they care. Specifically, the nature of critical care and its highly technical environment make critical care nursing especially vulnerable to these potentially negative influences. The influences of the culture of science and the increasingly technical practice context may result in an overreliance on the natural sciences to guide critical care nursing actions and an associated marginalization of the caring relationship in critical care nursing practice. Within this environment, nursing philosophy may not be foundational to nursing actions; rather, the dominant culture of science and the rationalization of health care may be informing nursing practice. As such, the ideology and goals of nursing may not be central to the practice of critical care nursing. The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of the culture of science on the development of nursing knowledge and theory. Further, we aim to describe the value of using conceptual frameworks, such as Roy's Adaptation Model, as a nursing philosophy to influence the development of person‐centred nursing knowledge and theory to inform critical care nursing practice as it related to the care of patients and families. In doing so, nursing philosophy is situated as foundational for nursing actions.
Paleoart comes into its own
Authors: Nieuwland Ilja
Published: July 2020

A renaissance is occurring in the way we render extinct species
Parenting problems postpartum can be detected early in pregnancy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Smeele Hieronymus T W , de Man Yael A , Röder Esther , Wintjes Hetty , Hazes J M W , Dolhain Radboud J E M
Published: July 2020

Objective

To describe parenting disability postpartum in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using the Parenting Disability Index and to determine early in pregnancy which patients will face parenting problems postpartum.

Methods

Data were collected from a prospective study on pregnancy and RA (Pregnancy induced Amelioration of Rheumatoid Arthritis study). Postpartum visits were performed at 6, 12 and 26 weeks after delivery. Domains causing parenting difficulties were identified. A multivariate logistic regression model to identify which patients develop parenting disabilities postpartum with patient characteristics in the first trimester as covariates was performed.

Results

148 patients were eligible for this study. The domains carrying, hygiene, feeding, getting up and down, and household/shopping were frequently scored as difficult. Maintaining discipline, taking care of the children when sick, listening and having other children over caused the least problems. 30.1% of patients with RA report low parenting disability, 30.9% reports intermediate disability and 39.0% reports high disability. Patients with a low Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ)-score in the first trimester (OR 9.2, 95% CI 3.0 to 27.7, p<0.001) and low disease activity in the first trimester (Disease Activity Score 28-joint count C reactive protein<3.2) (OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.8 to 12.9, p=0.002) were likely to report low parenting disability postpartum. Patients with a longer disease duration (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.95, p=0.003) were less likely to report low parenting disability postpartum. A high HAQ-score in the first trimester (OR 4.54, 95% CI 1.99 to 10.34, p<0.001) and erosive disease (OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.00 to 5.35, p=0.049) increased the risk of high parenting disability postpartum.

Conclusion

Physical domains of parenting postpartum are most commonly affected in patients with RA. When counselling patients with RA, a HAQ-score in the first trimester is the most reliable marker to identify patients that develop parenting disability after delivery.
Sustainable Capacity Building in Software Engineering Research in Africa
Authors: Bainomugisha Engineer , Hebig Regina , Chaudron Michel
Published: July 2020

The software industry is a key engine of economic growth in Africa, which calls for sustainable and innovative approaches to build capacities in software engineering research and education for the continent. This paper presents the BRIGHT project as an example for a collaboration that aims to build such capacity. The collaboration includes institutions in Sweden and Uganda. The goal of the collaboration is to train faculty in software en- gineering and to build a supporting research environment, which includes the creation of networks with the software engineering community at a global scale as well as connecting academia and the local software industry. So far, the project has resulted in 50 publications, a software engineering research centre, software engineering summer schools, and conferences.
Coupled CRC 2D and ALI 3D Cultures Express Receptors of Emerging Viruses and Are More Suitable for the Study of Viral Infections Compared to Conventional Cell Lines
Authors: Xia Siyu , Liu Jun , Yang Yan , Wu Ming , Ye Lina , Chen Si , Zhang Tao , Zeng Zhihong , Zhang Kang , Cai Kaihong , Long Xiang , Gao Wenbin , Fang Shisong , Li Hui
Published: July 2020

Infections of emerging and reemerging viruses (SARS-CoVs, influenza H1N1, etc.) largely and globally affect human health. Animal models often fail to reflect a physiological status because of species tropism of virus infection. Conventional cell lines are usually genetically and phenotypically different from primary cells. Developing anin vitrophysiological model to study the infection of emerging viruses will facilitate our understanding of virus-host cell interactions, thereby benefiting antiviral drug discovery. In the current work, we first established normal airway epithelial cells (upper and lower airway track) in 2D and 3D culture systems using conditional reprogramming (CR) and air-liquid interface (ALI) techniques. These long-term cultures maintained differentiation potential. More importantly, these cells express two types of influenza virus receptors,α2-6-Gal- andα2-3-Gal-linked sialic acids, and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a receptor for SARS-CoVs as well. These cells were permissive to the infection of pandemic influenza H1N1 (H1N1pdm). In contrast, the lung cancer cell line A549 and immortalized airway epithelial cells (16HBE) were not susceptible to H1N1 infection. A virus-induced cytopathic effect (CPE) on 2D CRC cultures developed in a time-dependent manner. The pathological effects were also readily observed spreading from the apical layer to the basal layer of the 3D ALI culture. This integrated 2D CRC and 3D ALI cultures provide a physiological and personalizedin vitromodel to study the infection of emerging viruses. This novel model can be used for studying virus biology and host response to viral infection and for antiviral drug discovery.
Nonlinear Vibration of a Functionally Graded Nanobeam Based on the Nonlocal Strain Gradient Theory considering Thickness Effect
Authors: Hieu Dang-Van , Duong The-Hung , Bui Gia-Phi
Published: July 2020

In this work, a nonlocal strain gradient beam model considering the thickness effect is developed to study the nonlinear vibration response of a functionally graded nanobeam. The governing equation of the functionally graded nanobeam is derived by using the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory with von Kármán’s nonlinear strain‐gradient relationship and the Hamilton principle. The expression of the nonlinear frequency for the functionally graded nanobeam with pinned‐pinned boundary conditions is obtained with the help of Galerkin technique and the Hamiltonian approach. The obtained results show that the effect of thickness is very important for the size‐dependent vibration response of the functionally graded nanobeam; the nonlinear vibration response of the nanobeam depends not only on the material length scale parameter and nonlocal parameter but also on the slenderness ratio. Effects of the slenderness ratio and the power‐law index on the vibration response of the functionally graded nanobeam are also investigated and discussed. The numerical results show that the nonlocal parameter reduces the nonlinear frequency of the functionally graded nanobeam, while the material length scale parameter increases the nonlinear frequency of the functionally graded nanobeam. The slenderness ratio leads to an increase in the nonlinear frequency of the functionally graded nanobeam, while the power‐law index leads to a decrease in the nonlinear frequency of the functionally graded nanobeam.
Injury Length and Arteriole Constriction Shape Clot Growth and Blood-Flow Acceleration in a Mouse Model of Thrombosis
Authors: Mitrophanov Alexander Y. , Merrill-Skoloff Glenn , Grover Steven P. , Govindarajan Vijay , Kolanjiyil Arun , Hariprasad Daniel S. , Unnikrishnan Ginu , Flaumenhaft Robert , Reifman Jaques
Published: July 2020

Objective:

Quantitative relationships between the extent of injury and thrombus formation in vivo are not well understood. Moreover, it has not been investigated how increased injury severity translates to blood-flow modulation. Here, we investigated interconnections between injury length, clot growth, and blood flow in a mouse model of laser-induced thrombosis.

Approach and Results:

Using intravital microscopy, we analyzed 59 clotting events collected from the cremaster arteriole of 14 adult mice. We regarded injury length as a measure of injury severity. The injury caused transient constriction upstream and downstream of the injury site resulting in a 50% reduction in arteriole diameter. The amount of platelet accumulation and fibrin formation did not depend on arteriole diameter or deformation but displayed an exponentially increasing dependence on injury length. The height of the platelet clot depended linearly on injury length and the arteriole diameter. Upstream arteriolar constriction correlated with delayed upstream velocity increase, which, in turn, determined downstream velocity. Before clot formation, flow velocity positively correlated with the arteriole diameter. After the onset of thrombus growth, flow velocity at the injury site negatively correlated with the arteriole diameter and with the size of the above-clot lumen.

Conclusions:

Injury severity increased platelet accumulation and fibrin formation in a persistently steep fashion and, together with arteriole diameter, defined clot height. Arterial constriction and clot formation were characterized by a dynamic change in the blood flow, associated with increased flow velocity.
Description of a new group of species of Edessa Fabricius, 1803 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae: Edessinae) with translucent spot on hemelytra
Authors: CAMPOS BRENO BATISTA , NUNES BENEDITO MENDES , BITAR MURILO VICTOR SILVA , FERNANDES JOSE ANTONIO MARIN
Published: July 2020

Several species of Edessinae, especially Edessa, were described from Central America in classic and recent works; but fauna from this region still has many groups of species with remarkable characteristics to be described. One of these groups is herein described to include species with part of the corium weakly pigmented and translucent. The group E. stalii is composed by Edessa stalii and three new species: E. translucida sp. n., E. bryoviridis sp. n. and E. brunneofasciata sp. n. Diagnoses, measurements, photographs, and a map of distribution are presented.
Composite endpoints in COPD: clinically important deterioration in the UPLIFT trial
Authors: Rabe Klaus F. , Halpin David M. G. , Han MeiLan K. , Miravitlles Marc , Singh Dave , Grönke Lars , Voß Florian , Martinez Fernando J.
Published: July 2020

Background

Assessments of lung function, exacerbations and health status are common measures of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) progression and treatment response in clinical trials. We hypothesised that a composite endpoint could more holistically assess clinically important deterioration (CID) in a COPD clinical trial setting.

Methods

A composite endpoint was tested in a post hoc analysis of 5652 patients with Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2–4 COPD from the 4-year UPLIFT study. Patients received tiotropium 18 μg or placebo.

Results

The composite endpoint included time to first confirmed decrease in trough forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) ≥100 mL, confirmed increase in St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) total score ≥ 4 units, or moderate/severe exacerbation. Most patients (> 80%) experienced CID, with similar incidence among GOLD subgroups. Most confirmed trough FEV1 (74.6–81.6%) and SGRQ (72.3–78.1%) deteriorations were sustained across the study and in all GOLD subgroups. Patients with CID more frequently experienced subsequent exacerbation (hazard ratio [HR] 1.79; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.67, 1.92) or death (HR 1.21; 95% CI 1.06, 1.39) by Month 6. CID was responsive to bronchodilator treatment.

Conclusions

Composite endpoints provide additional information on COPD progression and treatment effects in clinical trials.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00144339.

Graphical abstract
Chemical composition and antioxidant capacity of black pepper pericarp
Authors: Lee Joon-Goo , Chae Young , Shin Youngjae , Kim Young-Jun
Published: July 2020

Piper nigrum L. is a widely used spice because of its flavour and health effects. It is prepared as black and white pepper, according to the harvest time and inclusion of the outer skin. Pepper pericarp is usually considered waste when making white pepper. In this study, bioactive and flavour compounds and minerals in the pericarp of black pepper were determined to identify its applications. The pericarp contained total phenol, total flavonoid and piperine contents of 1421.95 ± 22.35 mg GAE/100 g, 983.82 ± 8.19 mg CE/100 g and 2352.19 ± 68.88 mg/100 g, respectively. There were higher levels of total phenols and total flavonoids in the pericarp compared with black pepper and white pepper. Piperine content was lower in the pericarp than in black pepper. The principal monoterpene compounds in the pericarp were α-pinene (9.2%), 2-β-pinene (14.3%), δ-3-carene (21.5%) and dl-limonene (18.8%), and the primary sesquiterpenes were α-copaene (5.1%) and caryophyllene (17.2%). The higher percentages of flavour compounds found in the pericarp would impart a more potent odour, and the pericarp exhibited higher minor and tiny differences based on electronic nose analysis. It had more minerals than black pepper and peeled black pepper.