bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Childbirth experience and practice changing during COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Inversetti Annalisa , Fumagalli Simona , Nespoli Antonella , Antolini Laura , Mussi Serena , Ferrari Debora , Locatelli Anna
Published: May 2021

Aim

To evaluate mothers’ satisfaction with childbirth experience in a cohort of women who delivered during COVID pandemia and to compare them to a pre‐COVID cohort.

Design

We performed a cross‐sectional study in a low‐risk Maternity Unit.

Methods

Women who delivered during COVID‐19 pandemic were compared to a pre‐COVID cohort recruited in 2018 in the same setting. Italian version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale‐Revised (I‐BSS‐R) was used.

Results

Three hundred and seventy‐seven women were included (277 pre‐COVID and 100 during COVID pandemic). No differences in terms of satisfaction at birth were reported (I‐BSS‐R mean 27.0, SD 5.3 versus mean 27.6, SD 6.1, p 0.34), despite an increased rate of active intrapartum interventions. Intrapartum variables that significantly reduced satisfaction were the same in the two groups: epidural analgesia (p < .0001 in both groups), prolonged active phases (p < .0001 in both), oxytocin administration (p < .0001 in both) and operative delivery (p 0.0009 versus p 0.0019).
Risk factors for low self‐care self‐efficacy in cancer survivors: Application of latent profile analysis
Authors: Huang Qingmei , Wu Fulei , Zhang Wen , Stinson Jennifer , Yang Yang , Yuan Changrong
Published: May 2021

Aim

To identify subgroups of cancer patients with distinct self‐care self‐efficacy profiles and to explore factors that can be used to predict those at risk of low self‐efficacy.

Design

A secondary analysis of data pooled from two cross‐sectional surveys was performed.

Methods

In total, 1,367 Chinese cancer survivors were included in the analysis. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed to categorize participants into latent subgroups with distinct self‐efficacy profiles. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to identify predictors of self‐care self‐efficacy subgroup classification.

Results

We identified three distinct subgroups: low, medium and high self‐care self‐efficacy. Patients with the “low” profile, which was characterized by a low education level, single marital status, complications, late cancer stage and a lower level of social support, had the poorest self‐care behaviour.
Succinate Dehydrogenase-Deficient Renal Cancer Featuring Fructose-1,6-Biphosphatase Loss, Pyruvate Kinase M2 Overexpression, and SWI/SNF Chromatin Remodeling Complex Aberrations: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Szymanski Michal , Rusetska Natalia , Jancewicz Iga , Armatowska Alicja , Ligaj Marcin , Chrzan Alicja , Hincza Kinga , Kowalik Artur , Mika Pawel , Kisiel Maciej , Zolnierek Jakub , Kosior Joanna , Demkow Tomasz , Siedlecki Janusz A. , Sarnowski Tomasz J. , Sarnowska Elzbieta
Published: May 2021

Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)-deficient renal cancer is a rare renal cancer subtype recently accepted by the World Health Organization as a unique subtype of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Here we report a case of 17-year-old man. The detailed evaluation indicated occurrence of the SDHB-deficient RCC. The genetic testing revealed no germline mutation in SDH genes. Immunohistochemistry showed SDHB deficiency, overexpression of pyruvate kinase M2 and dramatic downregulation of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase metabolic enzymes, and unaltered levels of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase and mammalian target of rapamycin. Strong upregulation of INI1 and BRG1 and overexpression of BAF180, subunits of SWI/SNF ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complex, were also found. The identified tumor pathologically did not resemble clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), but some metabolic alterations are common for both cancer types. Thus, we postulate that the phenotypical differences between ccRCC and SDHB-deficient RCC may be related to distinct molecular and metabolic alterations.

Implications for Practice

Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)-deficient renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a rare renal tumor occurring even in young patients. Until now, in all described and genetically tested cases, mutations and deletions in SDH genes have been found. This article describes SDHB-deficient RCC without any germline mutations in SDH genes. Therefore, genetic analysis for germline mutations in SDH genes in SDH-deficient RCC, especially in young individuals, should be strongly recommended, although as of now it is not obligatory. This knowledge will allow improvement of patient monitoring including both disease recurrence and new cancer appearance.
Development and initial evaluation of the ICD‐11 personality disorder severity scale: PDS‐ICD‐11
Authors: Bach Bo , Brown Tiffany A. , Mulder Roger T. , Newton‐Howes Giles , Simonsen Erik , Sellbom Martin
Published: May 2021

Aim

No measure has formally been developed to assess the published ICD‐11 model of Personality Disorder (PD) severity. We therefore set out to develop and evaluate the 14‐item Personality Disorder Severity ICD‐11 (PDS‐ICD‐11) scale.

Method

A representative U.S. community sample (N = 428; 50.9% women) and a New Zealand mental health sample (N = 87; 61.5% women) completed the PDS‐ICD‐11 scale along with a series of established PD and impairment measures.

Results

Item response theory supported the unidimensionality of PDS‐ICD‐11 (median item loading of 0.68) and indicated that a PDS‐ICD‐11 score of 17.5 may serve as a benchmark for pronounced dysfunction. Correlation and regression analyses supported both criterion validity and incremental validity in predicting impairment and PD symptoms. The PDS‐ICD‐11 was particularly associated with measures of Level of Personality Functioning Scale (LPFS), Global PD severity, and Borderline PD symptom score. A comparison between clinical individuals diagnosed with an ICD‐11 PD vs. no PD supported diagnostic validity.

Conclusion

This initial construction study suggests that the PDS‐ICD‐11 constitutes a promising instrument that provides a quick impression of the severity of personality dysfunction according to the official ICD‐11 PD guidelines. Clearly, more research is needed to corroborate its validity and utility. The PDS‐ICD‐11 scale is provided as online supporting information.
Pneumothorax prevalence and mortality per gestational age in the newborn
Authors: Acun Ceyda , Nusairat Leen , Kadri Amer , Nusairat Aseel , Yeaney Natalie , Abu−Shaweesh Jalal , Aly Hany
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Pneumothorax (PTX) in newborns is a life‐threatening condition associated with high morbidity and mortality especially in premature infants. The frequency of PTX in neonates at different gestational ages (GA) and its impact on neonatal mortality have not been quantified. We aimed to determine: (1) the prevalence of PTX in neonates at different GA from ≤24 to ≥37 weeks, (2) the impact of PTX on mortality per GA, and (3) the impact of PTX on the length of stay (LOS) per GA.

Methods

The national Kids' Inpatient Database for the years of 2006–2012 were used. We included all infants admitted to the hospital with a documented GA and International Classification of Disease 9 code of PTX. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted and odds ratios (OR) were calculated.

Results

A total of 10,625,036 infants were included; of them 3665 infants (0.034%) had a diagnosis of PTX, with highest prevalence at ≤24 weeks GA (0.67%), and lowest at term (0.02%). The overall mortality rate of patients with PTX was 8.8%, and greater in preterm (16.3%) versus term infants (2.7%). The association of mortality with PTX was greatest at GA of 29–32 weeks (OR = 8.55; 95% confidence interval: 6.56–11.13). Infants who survived until discharge had a median of 2–12 days longer LOS depending on GA category.

Conclusions

The prevalence of PTX peaks in infants less than 24 weeks, however, its impact on mortality is greatest at 29–32 weeks. PTX is associated with longer LOS in survivors.
Morbidity and respiratory outcomes in infants requiring tracheostomy for severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: House Melissa , Nathan Amy , Bhuiyan Mohammad A. N. , Ahlfeld Shawn K.
Published: May 2021

Objective

The decision for tracheostomy for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is highly variable and often dictated by local practice. We aimed to characterize morbidity, mortality, and respiratory outcomes in preterm infants undergoing tracheostomy for severe BPD.

Study Design

We retrospectively reviewed a single‐center 4‐year cohort of all infants born <33 weeks gestational age (GA) that required tracheostomy due to severe BPD. Indications for tracheostomy apart from BPD were excluded. Demographic information, comorbidities, respiratory management, age at tracheostomy, post‐discharge respiratory outcomes, and survival were examined up to at least 5 years of age.

Results

At a mean corrected GA of 43.3 weeks, 49 preterm infants with severe BPD required tracheostomy. Forty‐six infants (94%) had long‐term follow‐up. Compared to survivors, the 12 (26.1%) infants that died were significantly more likely to be small for gestational age (SGA) or require treatment for pulmonary hypertension. GA, birth weight, sex, antenatal corticosteroid exposure, need for patent ductus arteriosus ligation, and magnitude of respiratory support at tracheostomy placement were not associated with mortality. At the latest follow‐up, 97% were liberated from mechanical ventilation and 79% decannulated. Morbidities of the upper airway were common, and 13/27 (47%) decannulated infants had required airway reconstruction.

Conclusion

Preterm infants undergoing tracheostomy experienced significant mortality, particularly those who were SGA or had pulmonary hypertension. However, by 5 years of age, most infants liberalized from mechanical ventilation and decannulated. Magnitude of respiratory support at time of tracheostomy was not associated with mortality and should not deter intervention. Nearly half of patients required airway reconstruction before decannulation.
The associations between pediatric weight status and cystic fibrosis‐related diabetes status and health‐related quality of life among children and young adults with cystic fibrosis: A systematic review
Authors: Gomes Allison , Patusco Rachael , Chung Mei , Dreker Margaret R. , Byham‐Gray Laura , Lapin Craig , Ziegler Jane
Published: May 2021

Background

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life‐shortening genetic disease, yet life expectancy has recently increased, shifting the focus to disease management and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Identification of clinical factors, such as weight status and CF‐related diabetes (CFRD), that are associated with HRQoL can inform clinicians about the patient's health perception. The goal of this systematic review was two prong: identify the association of pediatric weight status and HRQoL and determine how CFRD status impacts HRQoL.

Methods

A systematic review of published research was conducted following the methodology in the Cochrane Handbook on Systematic Reviews for Interventional Studies. Results were reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analyses. Risk of bias was assessed using the National Heart Lung & Blood Institute tool. A meta‐analysis was not performed due to variability of the inclusion/exclusion criteria, differences in outcome reporting, and insufficient primary outcome data to pool.

Results

Nine studies met inclusion criteria (n = 6 explored weight status and n = 3 studied CFRD), for a total of 1585 subjects (CFRD cases = 87). Pediatric weight status was positively associated with HRQoL, most commonly the Body Image and Eating Disturbance domains. CFRD was negatively associated with HRQoL, specifically the Treatment Burden and Weight domains.

Conclusions

Based on the limited data available, improved pediatric weight status appears to increase HRQoL while a CFRD diagnosis appears to decrease HRQoL. More research is needed to fully understand the role of these clinical factors on HRQoL, especially with life expectancy increasing among those with CF.
A Study of the Influence of Storage Time of Uncured Propellants on the Final Properties of the Composite in Multi‐Batch Processes on an Industrial Scale
Authors: Christo da Cunha Bruno Cesar , Fidel Rocco José Atílio Fritz
Published: May 2021

In the Brazilian Aerospace Program, even though all developed rocket motors are manufactured in the same plant of the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology, differences are observed in the magnitude of the masses applied in each motor. Thus, depending on the volume of the combustion chamber, it is common for the casting to carry out multi‐batch processes when a required mass of solid propellant is greater than the maximum capacity of the reactor. In this context, the studies that systematically evaluate multi‐batch processes on an industrial scale of composite propellants based on polyurethanes obtained from HTPB are incipient. Furthermore, each batch preparation of the casting process for large motors is carried out on different days, so that each of these has a different storage time until the day of the effective casting. As a result, this wait can generate changes in the properties of the propellant grain as a whole, which can modify the motor's performance. Thusly, through the analysis of data of multi‐batch processes, the present study evaluated the influence of the storage time in the preparation of the propellant and on the final properties of the grain. It was concluded that the grain becomes softer with a reduction in its hardness, greater elongation at break, and less modulus for batches with longer storage times before casting.
Subtype selective fluorescent ligands based on ICI 118,551 to study the human β2‐adrenoceptor in CRISPR/Cas9 genome‐edited HEK293T cells at low expression levels
Authors: Goulding Joëlle , Mistry Sarah J. , Soave Mark , Woolard Jeanette , Briddon Stephen J. , White Carl W. , Kellam Barrie , Hill Stephen J.
Published: May 2021

Fluorescent ligand technologies have proved to be powerful tools to improve our understanding of ligand‐receptor interactions. Here we have characterized a small focused library of nine fluorescent ligands based on the highly selective β2‐adrenoceptor (β2AR) antagonist ICI 118,551. The majority of fluorescent ICI 118,551 analogs had good affinity for the β2AR (pKD >7.0) with good selectivity over the β1AR (pKD <6.0). The most potent and selective ligands being 8c (ICI 118,551‐Gly‐Ala‐BODIPY‐FL‐X; β2AR pKD 7.48), 9c (ICI 118,551‐βAla‐βAla‐BODIPY‐FL‐X; β2AR pKD 7.48), 12a (ICI 118,551‐PEG‐BODIPY‐X‐630/650; β2AR pKD 7.56), and 12b (ICI 118,551‐PEG‐BODIPY‐FL; β2AR pKD 7.42). 9a (ICI 118,551‐βAla‐βAla‐BODIPY‐X‐630/650) had the highest affinity at recombinant β2ARs (pKD 7.57), but also exhibited significant binding affinity to the β1AR (pKD 6.69). Nevertheless, among the red fluorescent ligands, 9a had the best imaging characteristics in recombinant HEK293 T cells and labeling was mostly confined to the cell surface. In contrast, 12a showed the highest propensity to label intracellular β2ARs in HEK293 T cell expressing exogenous β2ARs. This suggests that a combination of the polyethylene glycol (PEG) linker and the BODIPY‐X‐630/650 makes this ICI 118,551 derivative particularly susceptible to crossing the cell membrane to access the intracellular β2ARs. We have also used these ligands in combination with CRISPR/Cas9 genome‐edited HEK293 T cells to undertake for the first time real‐time ligand binding to native HEK293 T β2ARs at low native receptor expression levels. These studies provided quantitative data on ligand‐binding characteristics but also allowed real‐time visualization of the ligand‐binding interactions in genome‐edited cells using NanoBRET luminescence imaging.
Molecular and pharmacological characterization of biogenic amine receptors from the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella
Authors: Liu Tiansheng , Zhan Xue , Yu Yuan , Wang Shaozhen , Lu Cong , Lin Guifang , Zhu Xiangyu , He Weiyi , You Minsheng , You Shijun
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUD

Insect biogenic amines play important roles in mediating behavioral and physiological processes. They exert their effects by binding to biogenic amine receptors (BARs), which are specific receptor proteins in the G‐protein‐coupled receptor superfamily. BAR genes have been cloned and characterized from multiple model insects, including Drosophila melanogaster, Anopheles gambiae, Bombyx mori, Apis mellifera and Tribolium castaneum. However, relatively little work has addressed the molecular properties, expression profiles, and pharmacological characterization of BARs from other insects, including important pests.

RESULTS

In this study, we cloned 17 genes encoding putative biogenic amine receptor proteins from Plutella xylostella, a global pest of Brassica crops. These PxBAR genes were five octopamine receptors (PxOA1, PxOA2B1, PxOA2B2, PxOA2B3, and PxOA3), three tyramine receptors (PxTAR1A, PxTAR1B, and PxTAR2), four dopamine receptors (PxDOP1, PxDOP2, PxDOP3, and PxDopEcR), and five serotonin receptors (Px5‐HT1A, Px5‐HT1B, Px5‐HT2A, Px5‐HT2B, and Px5‐HT7). All PxBARs showed considerable sequence identity with orthologous BARs, and phylogenetic analysis clustered the receptors within their respective groups while preserving organismal evolutionary relationships. We investigated their molecular properties and expression profiles, and pharmacologically characterized the dopamine receptor, PxDOP2.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides important information and resources on biogenic amine receptors from P. xylostella, which suggests potential target sites for controlling this pest species. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Influence of Protection Layers on Thermal Stability of Nitride Thin Films
Authors: Zakutayev Andriy , Perkins Craig L.
Published: May 2021

Nitrides are commonly studied for their properties relevant to numerous coating applications, and have been recently used to synthesize newly predicted materials in thin‐film form. However, the thermodynamic stability of such nitride materials is difficult to experimentally evaluate, due to the limited thermal budget of thin films. Herein, it is shown that the thermal stability of nitride films can be extended using protection layers. Specifically, it is found that zirconium nitride (ZrN) thin films are stable up to at least 1200 °C annealing temperature in N2 atmosphere, if aluminum nitride (AlN) diffusion barriers and capping layers are used. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) measurements show the expected thermodynamically stable rocksalt structure of ZrN, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirms the compact microstructure of these ZrN films. Without such protection layers, the transient bixbyite Zr2ON2 phase and high‐temperature ZrSi2 phase are observed after annealing by XRD, SEM, and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), due to side reaction with the native surface oxide (ZrOx) and the substrate (Si), respectively. These results demonstrate that protection layers are beneficial to increase the thermal budget of nitride thin films, for evaluating rgw thermodynamic stability of new nitride materials, for capturing transient metastable phases during crystallization, and for using functional nitride coatings in extreme environments.
Magnetization Reversal Process in 3D Permalloy Nanomatrix
Authors: Myint Ba , Ng Vivian
Published: May 2021

A 3D matrix created by self‐alignment of nanowires and 2D antidots is reported. Interactions between nanowires and antidots leading to non‐conventional magnetic properties in the 3D matrix are reported. While the easy‐axis magnetization of the 3D matrix is dominated by shape anisotropy of the nanowires, the hard‐axis magnetization reversal behavior is driven by the bottom 2D antidots. Detailed analysis reveals a defect‐induced domain wall propagation process for the easy‐axis‐reversal process. Micromagnetic simulations show good agreement with experimental results.
Time‐between‐events monitoring using nonhomogeneous Poisson process with power law intensity
Authors: Ali Sajid
Published: May 2021

The traditional process monitoring techniques used to study high‐quality processes have several demerits, that is, high‐false alarm rate and poor detection, etc. A recent and promising idea to monitor such processes is the use of time‐between‐events (TBE) control charts. However, the available TBE control charts have been developed in a nonadaptive fashion assuming the Poisson process. There are many situations where we need adaptive monitoring, for example, health, flood, food, system, or terrorist surveillance. Therefore, the existing control charts are not useful, especially in sequential monitoring. This article introduces new adaptive TBE control charts for high‐quality processes based on the nonhomogeneous Poisson process by assuming the power law intensity. In particular, probability control limits are used to develop control charts. The proposed methodology allows us to get control limits that are dynamic and suitable for online process monitoring with an additional advantage to monitor a process where we believe the underlying failure rate may be changing over time. The average run length and coefficient of variation of the run length distribution are used to assess the performance of the proposed control charts. Besides simulation studies, we also discuss three examples to highlight the application of the proposed charts.
Orientation growth and morphological developments of chemically deposited Ce‐doped lanthanum zirconate films
Authors: Wang Yao , Li Fan , Feng Jianqing , Jin Lihua , Li Chengshan , Sun Yuyan
Published: May 2021

A series of Ce‐doped lanthanum zirconate (LZO) thin films were fabricated by chemical solution deposition method on textured metallic substrates. Orientation growth and morphological developments of chemically deposited doped LZO films were studied. Thus, characteristics, including X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectra, and atomic force microscopy, were applied. The results show that a single (00l) orientation of LZO grains obviously converted to random orientation as Ce content increases in doped LZO film. However, the doping of Ce element is beneficial to the refinement of LZO grain and the improvement of surface flatness of LZO film. The proportion of Ce3+ is very different in film when Ce element with variable valence is doped to be substitution of La or that of Zr in doped LZO, which affects the oxygen vacancy concentration and the nucleation process of the oxide film. Therefore, it can be considered that the composition and structural stability as well as the nucleation energy barrier among the doped LZO film with different Ce content result in the great differences in the growth orientation and microstructure of the final crystal film.
NovidChain: Blockchain‐based privacy‐preserving platform for COVID‐19 test/vaccine certificates
Authors: Abid Amal , Cheikhrouhou Saoussen , Kallel Slim , Jmaiel Mohamed
Published: May 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has emerged as a highly transmissible disease which has caused a disastrous impact worldwide by adversely affecting the global economy, health, and human lives. This sudden explosion and uncontrolled worldwide spread of COVID‐19 has revealed the limitations of existing healthcare systems regarding handling public health emergencies. As governments seek to effectively re‐establish their economies, open workplaces, ensure safe travels and progressively return to normal life, there is an urgent need for technologies that may alleviate the severity of the losses. This article explores a promising solution for secure Digital Health Certificate, called NovidChain, a Blockchain‐based privacy‐preserving platform for COVID‐19 test/vaccine certificates issuing and verifying. More precisely, NovidChain incorporates several emergent concepts: (i) Blockchain technology to ensure data integrity and immutability, (ii) self‐sovereign identity to allow users to have complete control over their data, (iii) encryption of Personally Identifiable Information to enhance privacy, (iv) W3C verifiable credentials standard to facilitate instant verification of COVID‐19 proof, and (v) selective disclosure concept to permit user to share selected pieces of information with trusted parties. Therefore, NovidChain is designed to meet a high level of protection of personal data, in compliant with the GDPR and KYC requirements, and guarantees the user's self‐sovereignty, while ensuring both the safety of populations and the user's right to privacy. To prove the security and efficiency of the proposed NovidChain platform, this article also provides a detailed technical description, a proof‐of‐concept implementation, different experiments, and a comparative evaluation. The evaluation shows that NovidChain provides better financial cost and scalability results compared to other solutions. More precisely, we note a high difference in time between operations (i.e., between 46% and 56%). Furthermore, the evaluation confirms that NovidChain ensures security properties, particularly data integrity, forge, binding, uniqueness, peer‐indistinguishability, and revocation.
Interaction between CO–Ar–Molten Steel Flow and Decarburization Reaction in Rheinstahl–Heraeus
Authors: Chen Shifu , Lei Hong , Wang Meng
Published: May 2021

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is an effective tool to investigate the transfer phenomena in Rheinstahl–Heraeus (RH), which is a multifunctional vacuum refining reactor with various chemical reactions. However, the reported mathematical models, which are based on the assumption of steady Ar–molten steel flow, ignore the CO gas generated by the chemical reaction between carbon and oxygen in RH. Herein, Based on the algebraic slip model, a two‐way coupling model (T‐WCM) is developed to explore the unsteady fluid flow (CO–Ar–molten steel) and mass transfer phenomena during decarburization chemical reaction. The measured data from the water model experiment and the industrial experiment are used to validate the numerical results. The carbon mass concentration predicted by T‐WCM is closer to the result from industrial experiment than that predicted by one‐way coupling model (O‐WCM). The mole number of CO gas is about 3 times that of argon gas injected into RH, and the stirring effect of CO gas leads to a more complicated multiphase flow, enhances the mass transfer and prompts the reaction rate. Therefore, the gas–liquid flow and decarburization process in RH can be described more precisely only when CO gas is considered by T‐WCM.
A Western‐style dietary pattern is associated with cerebrospinal fluid biomarker levels for preclinical Alzheimer's disease—A population‐based cross‐sectional study among 70‐year‐olds
Authors: Samuelsson Jessica , Kern Silke , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Rothenberg Elisabet , Wallengren Ola , Skoog Ingmar , Zettergren Anna
Published: May 2021

Background

Diet may be a modifiable factor for reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Western‐style dietary patterns are considered to increase the risk, whereas Mediterranean‐style dietary patterns are considered to reduce the risk. An association between diet and AD‐related biomarkers have been suggested, but studies are limited.

Aim

To investigate potential relations between dietary patterns and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers for AD among dementia‐free older adults.

Methods

Data were derived from the population‐based Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies, Sweden. A total of 269 dementia‐free 70‐year‐olds with dietary and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid beta (Aβ42 and Aβ40), total tau (t‐tau), and phosphorylated tau (p‐tau) data were investigated. Dietary intake was determined by the diet history method, and four dietary patterns were derived by principal component analysis. A Western dietary pattern, a Mediterranean/prudent dietary pattern, a high‐protein and alcohol pattern, and a high‐total and saturated fat pattern. Logistic regression models, with CSF biomarker pathology (yes/no) as dependent variables, and linear regression models with continuous CSF biomarker levels as dependent variables were performed. The analyses were adjusted for sex, energy intake, body mass index (BMI), educational level, and physical activity level.

Results

The odds ratio for having total tau pathology (odds ratio [OR] 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02 to 2.01) and preclinical AD (Aβ42 and tau pathology; OR 1.79; 95% CI 1.03 to 3.10) was higher among those with a higher adherence to a Western dietary pattern. There were no other associations between the dietary patterns and CSF biomarkers that remained significant in both unadjusted and adjusted models.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that higher adherence to a Western dietary pattern may be associated with pathological levels of AD biomarkers in the preclinical phase of AD. These findings can be added to the increasing amount of evidence linking diet with AD and may be useful for future intervention studies investigating dietary intake in relation to AD.
Expanding Stories with Author’s Notes in Culturally Authentic Picture Books
Authors: Kaczmarczyk Annemarie , Adams Brittany
Published: May 2021

An increase in curated lists of books focused on race, bias, equity, and privilege has begun tasking teachers with examining and identifying diversity within their own classroom libraries. As purchasing new books is not always feasible, teachers can look to the culturally authentic books already in their possession to help extend conversations around diversity and social justice issues. In addition to the stories told within these books, there is a resource that often gets overlooked, the author’s note. Author’s notes frequently add to the voices and experiences shared within the stories themselves. They can provide more factual information related to events in the story, or an author’s own personal connection. Adding exposure to an author’s note during literacy instruction can deepen conversations about and even open avenues for further research into a person or topic aligned with social justice.
Optimal group maintenance decision for a wind farm based on condition‐based maintenance
Authors: Wang Jinhe , Zhang Xiaohong , Zeng Jianchao
Published: May 2021

This study investigated the group maintenance (GM) strategy based on condition‐based maintenance (CBM) of a parallel wind farm with multiple identical wind turbines. In terms of this strategy, the state of deterioration of the system is determined by periodic inspection, with the GM activities at each inspection point performed according to the number of failed turbines, which are determined by the corresponding state of deterioration of the system. Under this strategy, the probabilities that influence GM are derived by the stationary probability density function, which is based on the stationary law of the state of the wind farm system. Furthermore, employing numerical experiments and a case study, we verified the correctness and effectiveness of the stationary probability density function under different deterioration‐related parameters and obtained the optimal number of failed turbines when GM is performed, as well as the optimal interval between two consecutive inspection points. Finally, through comparison of strategies and sensitivity analysis, we demonstrated the economic advantages and the effectiveness of the proposed strategy. For a parallel system with high maintenance set‐up cost owing to severe environmental conditions, our proposed GM policy based on CBM outperformed other existing strategies in terms of cost benefit and ease of implementation.

Highlights

Proposing group maintenance (GM) schedules for cost‐effectiveness of the whole wind farm.

Determining optimal inspection interval and number of the failed wind turbines for GM.

A stationary probability density function is developed to address maintenance relevance.

Investigating effects of various parameters on the optimal policy performance.

Saving huge maintenance cost over the other two maintenance strategies.
The COVID‐19 pandemic: Stay Home policy and exposure to risks of infection among Nigerians
Authors: Akeju David O. , Adejoh Samuel O. , Fakunmoju Ayoola J. , Allsop Matthew J. , Ebenso Bassey , Tade Titilayo , Okusanya Babasola O.
Published: May 2021

The global threat which continues to accompany SARS‐CoV‐2 has led to a global response which adopts lockdown and stays home policy as means of curtailing its spread. This study investigates compliance with the Stay Home policy and exposure to COVID‐19 in Nigeria. A survey was conducted from April 4 to May 8, 2020 using a cross‐sectional mixed‐methods approach to elicit responses from 879 participants across six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Descriptive, χ2, and multiple regression tests were used to analyze survey data using SPSS, whereas NVivo v12 was used for thematic analysis of qualitative data. States with complete lockdown had 72.4% of respondents complying fully with the policy compared with 44.2% of respondents in zones with the partial lockdown. Market places, classified as high‐risk zones, were the most visited (n = 505; 71.0%). Though compliance was influenced by the nature of lockdown enforced (χ2 = 70.385, df = 2; p < 0.05), being a female, a widow, and unemployed were associated with increased compliance. Exposure to COVID‐19 was associated with being married, unemployed, and having no income. Fear, anxiety, and misperception play major roles in compliance. The authors conclude that compliance is not uniform and a more nuanced and targeted approach is required as the government continues to respond to the COVID‐19 global pandemic.
Climate change and health in Ethiopia: To what extent have the health dimensions of climate change been integrated into the Climate‐Resilient Green Economy?
Authors: Bhopal Anand , Medhin Haileselassie , Bærøe Kristine , Norheim Ole F.
Published: May 2021

Ethiopia is experiencing an increasing frequency and intensity of slow‐onset and acute disasters caused by climate change, with significant health impacts. Understanding and addressing these impacts involves trade‐offs, which are central to effective priority setting in health and overarching efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goals. Despite minimal historic greenhouse gas emissions, Ethiopia has been at the forefront of climate action since launching the Climate‐Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) in 2011, a low‐carbon development strategy. To learn from the Ethiopian approach, this paper examines to what extent health has been integrated into the CRGE. We found that the early years of the CRGE prioritized developing the financial basis of the green economy, while the health impacts of climate change have only been tentatively considered to date and remain detached from broader health strategies. Further analysis of climate adaptation measures, “health co‐benefits,” and reducing specific vulnerabilities of the health sector could help improve health and build climate resilience.
Stress concentration due to the bi‐axial deformation of a plate of a porous elastic body with a hole
Authors: Murru Pavitra , Rajagopal K.R.
Published: May 2021

Most solid bodies are porous and in such bodies we expect the material properties to vary with porosity and hence with the density. Such bodies whose properties depend on the density cannot be described by the classical linearized elastic constitutive relation when they are undergoing small deformations, as the material moduli cannot depend on density. A constitutive relation which is valid in the small displacement gradient range wherein the material moduli are dependent on the density can be developed by linearizing implicit constitutive relations for describing elastic bodies introduced recently by Rajagopal [1]. In this paper, we determine the stress concentration due to a hole in a slab that is subject to biaxial loading in a body described by such a constitutive relation. We find that the stress concentration can be much as 147% higher than that for classical linearized elasticity for the range of loadings considered in the study.
International Monetary Frameworks
Authors: Bindseil Ulrich , Fotia Alessio
Published: May 2021

In this chapter we turn to representing flows of funds in alternative international monetary frameworks, and what global liquidity these different frameworks provide. We first recall some arguments in favour of and against fixed exchange rate systems. We then introduce two international monetary arrangements of the past which imply fixed exchange rates, namely the gold standard and the Bretton Woods system, and recall why both eventually failed. We then turn to three international monetary frameworks in the context of the current paper standard, i.e. fixed exchange rate systems, flexible exchange rate systems, and the European monetary union. We explain the role of an international lender of last resort and related solutions, and how these allow for more leeway in running fixed exchange rate systems. We also show how banks and central bank balance sheets are affected by international flows of funds and the balance of payments. Finally, we briefly review recent developments of foreign currency reserves, being the key central bank balance sheet position in this context.
Humanitarian NGOs and Global Governance: One, No One and One Hundred Thousand Humanitarian NGOs
Authors: Massari Alice
Published: May 2021

To understand the role that NGOs’ representation of Syrian displacement plays in global governance before getting into the visual analysis it is important reflect upon the aspirations of emergency organizations. How do relief agencies intend, perceive and present their role to the public? Are they interested in participating or influencing global governance? Do they consider their role as promoters of universal values or technical agents performing a specific task? Answering these questions is important to unpack their distinctiveness and the different ways in which different NGOs conceive and perform their mission in the international arena. In this sense, it is extremely interesting to look at how relief organizations accommodate their humanitarian role and the humanitarian principles within contexts that are inescapably highly political (e.g., situations of violence, displacement, political contestation or belligerent occupation). Not only do NGOs work within a complex web of political interests, international relations and systems of power, but, for better or worse, their humanitarian and advocacy actions have practical political implications. The investigation of how different organizations negotiate their relationship with politics allows us to better understand where each positions itself within the heated debate around the interrelations of humanitarianism and politics discussed in the first chapter.
The (In)Visibility of Migrants
Authors: Massari Alice
Published: May 2021

Bruno Catalano’s sculpture Voyageurs brilliantly catches an impalpable, yet pervasive, feature of refugees’ representation: their invisibility. This may seem an oxymoron but throughout my visual analysis, and while looking for what was represented in the images studied, I have been struck by what is not there. Susan Sontag has defined photography as “grammar and, even more importantly, an ethics of seeing!” (Sontag 1973, 1). If Sontag is right when she affirms that photography makes things represented worth being seen, we may be led to think that, on the contrary, what is not photographed is not worth seeing. On this arbitrary decision over presence and absence, visibility and invisibility, hinges a very important dimension of the power of photography.
AdS3 gravity and the complex SYK models
Authors: Chaturvedi Pankaj , Papadimitriou Ioannis , Song Wei , Yu Boyang
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We provide a non-conformal generalization of the Compère-Song-Strominger (CSS) boundary conditions for AdS3 gravity that breaks the $$ \hat{u}(1) $$

u
̂

1

Kac-Moody-Virasoro symmetry to two u(1)s. The holographic dual specified by the new boundary conditions can be understood as an irrelevant deformation of a warped conformal field theory (WCFT). Upon consistent reduction to two dimensions, AdS3 gravity results in a deformed Jackiw-Teitelboim dilaton gravity model coupled to a Maxwell field. We show that near extremality the boundary conditions inherited from generalized CSS boundary conditions in three dimensions give rise to an effective action exhibiting the same symmetry breaking pattern as the complex Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev models. Besides the Schwarzian term reflecting the breaking of conformal symmetry, the effective action contains an additional term that captures the breaking of the $$ \hat{u}(1) $$

u
̂

1

Kac-Moody symmetry.
A modified in-medium evolution equation with color coherence
Authors: Barata João , Domínguez Fabio , Salgado Carlos A. , Vila Víctor
Published: May 2021

Abstract

QCD jets produced in heavy-ion collisions at LHC or RHIC energies partially evolve inside the produced hot and dense quark gluon plasma, offering unique opportunities to study QCD splitting processes in different backgrounds. Induced (modified) splittings are expected to be the most relevant mechanism driving the modifications of in-medium jets compared to vacuum jets for a wide sets of observables. Although color coherence among different emitters has been identified as an essential mechanism in studies of the QCD antenna radiation, it is usually neglected in the multi-gluon medium-induced cascade. This independent gluon emission approximation can be analytically proved to be valid in the limit of very large media, but corrections or modifications to it have not been computed before in the context of the evolution (or rate) equation describing the gluon cascade. We propose a modified evolution equation that includes corrections due to the interference of subsequent emitters. In order to do so, we first compute a modified splitting kernel following the usual procedure of factorizing it from the subsequent Brownian motion. The calculation is performed in the two-gluon configuration with no overlapping formation times, that is expected to provide the first correction to the completely independent picture.
Comments on gauge anomalies at dimension-six in the Standard Model Effective Field Theory
Authors: Bonnefoy Quentin , Di Luzio Luca , Grojean Christophe , Paul Ayan , Rossia Alejo N.
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We study whether higher-dimensional operators in effective field theories, in particular in the Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT), can source gauge anomalies via the modification of the interactions involved in triangle diagrams. We find no evidence of such gauge anomalies at the level of dimension-6 operators that can therefore be chosen independently to each others without spoiling the consistency of SMEFT, at variance with recent claims. The underlying reason is that gauge-invariant combinations of Goldstone bosons and massive gauge fields are allowed to couple to matter currents which are not conserved. We show this in a toy model by computing the relevant triangle diagrams, as well as by working out Wess-Zumino terms in the bosonic EFT below all fermion masses. The same approach applies directly to the Standard Model both at the renormalisable level, providing a convenient and unusual way to check that the SM is anomaly free, as well as at the non-renormalisable level in SMEFT.
Chaotic string dynamics in deformed T1,1
Authors: Ishii Takaaki , Kushiro Shodai , Yoshida Kentaroh
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Recently, Arutyunov, Bassi and Lacroix have shown that 2D non-linear sigma model with a deformed T1,1 background is classically integrable [arXiv:2010.05573 [hep-th]]. This background includes a Kalb-Ramond two-form with a critical value. Then the sigma model has been conjectured to be non-integrable when the two-form is off critical. We confirm this conjecure by explicitly presenting classical chaos. With a winding string ansatz, the system is reduced to a dynamical system described by a set of ordinary differential equations. Then we find classical chaos, which indicates non-integrability, by numerically computing Poincaré sections and Lyapunov spectra for some initial conditions.
Eigenvalues of K-invariant Toeplitz Operators on Bounded Symmetric Domains
Authors: Upmeier Harald
Published: May 2021

We determine the eigenvalues of certain “fundamental”K-invariant Toeplitz type operators on weighted Bergman spaces over bounded symmetric domains$$D=G/K,$$D=G/K,for the irreducibleK-types indexed by all partitions of length$$r={\mathrm {rank}}(D)$$r=rank(D).
On the 2D Ericksen–Leslie equations with anisotropic energy and external forces
Authors: Brzeźniak Zdzislaw , Deugoué Gabriel , Razafimandimby Paul André
Published: May 2021

In this paper we consider the 2D Ericksen–Leslie equations which describe the hydrodynamics of nematic liquid crystal with external body forces and anisotropic energy modeling the energy of applied external control such as magnetic or electric field. Under general assumptions on the initial data, the external data and the anisotropic energy, we prove the existence and uniqueness of global weak solutions with finitely many singular times. If the initial data and the external forces are sufficiently small, then we establish that the global weak solution does not have any singular times and is regular as long as the data are regular.
Lenalidomide enhances the efficacy of anti-BCMA CAR-T treatment in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: a case report and revies of the literature
Authors: Zhao Guoxing , Wei Runhong , Feng Lei , Wu Yi , He Feng , Xiao Mingxing , Cheng Zhi
Published: May 2021

We report successful clinical experience using anti-BCMA CAR-T combined with lenalidomide in a patient who was refractory to a previous CAR-T treatment. The patient was a 51-year-old man, and was diagnosed with IgD-λ multiple myeloma(MM) in October 2015. 10 courses of chemotherapy including immunomodulators and proteasome inhibitors were used for remission and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was performed. MM relapsed after 12 months of remission. His disease continued to progress after multiple chemotherapy regimens, mouse anti-BCMA CAR-T and human-derived anti-BCMA CAR-T therapy. After a conditioning chemotherapy regimen of fludarabine and cyclophosphamide, patient took lenalidomide on day -1 and human-derived anti-BCMA CAR-T cells were infused on the next day. He suffered grade 2 cytokine-releasing syndrome(CRS) and grade 3 myelosuppression after infusion, and were resolved after symptomatic treatment. Very good partial response (VGPR) was achieved 14 days after CAR-T treatment, and had been maintained for more than 8 months. We demonstrated for the first time in patients that anti-BCMA CAR-T cell therapy combined with lenalidomide is feasible and effective in the treatment of RRMM. It provides a new strategy for RRMM patients who do not respond to anti-BCMA CAR-T cell therapy alone, and the adverse event is reversible.