bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Acute Stroke Patients Readmitted to Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities: A Cohort Study
Authors: Ifejika Nneka L. , Bhadane Minal , Cai Chunyan C. , Watkins Jeffrey N. , Grotta James C.
Published: August 2020

Background

Reducing acute care readmissions from inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) is a healthcare reform goal. Stroke patients have higher acute readmission rates and persistent impairments, warranting second IRF hospitalization consideration.

Objective

To provide evidence‐based information to justify IRF readmission for patients with post‐stroke impairments.

Main Outcome Measure

Variables that increase the likelihood of a second IRF hospitalization.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Seven‐center rehabilitation network.

Participants

Stroke patients, readmitted to acute care, who returned or did not return to an in‐network IRF between 1 October 2014‐31 December 2017(n = 380).

Interventions

Univariable analyses (Returned/Did Not Return to IRF) described demographics, stroke type and risk factors. Between group differences in readmission causes, motor impairments and functional independence measure (FIM) scores were examined.

Return to IRF logistic regression model included variables with P < .1. Odds ratio and 95% CI were calculated; Relative risk was calculated for categorical variables. P < .05 equaled statistical significance.

Results

One hundred ninety‐two stroke patients returned to IRF, 188 did not. Returned to IRF patients were younger (60.6 vs. 66 years; P < .001), sustained hemorrhagic strokes (22.4 vs. 14.2%; P = .01), had lower cardiac disease prevalence (41.7 vs. 55.3%; P = .008) or non‐Medicare insurance (59.9 vs. 39.4%; P < .001). Did Not Return to IRF patients had higher admission and discharge motor and total FIM scores. Per point decrease in discharge FIM, second IRF hospitalization odds increased 4% (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01‐1.07; P = .02). Hemorrhagic stroke patients had 33% increased odds or a 15% higher relative risk of second IRF hospitalization than patients with ischemic stroke [OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.21‐1.47; RR 1.15; 95% CI 1.1‐1.2; P < .001]. Non‐Medicare insurance was associated with 39% increased odds or a 20% higher relative risk of second IRF hospitalization than Medicare [OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.01‐1.92; RR 1.2, 95% CI 1.006‐1.404; P = .04).

Conclusions

Hemorrhagic stroke, non‐Medicare insurance or lower discharge FIM score during the first IRF hospitalization predict a second IRF stay. Further work is needed to establish the validity of within IRF stay readmission measures.
Can geostrophic adjustment of baroclinic disturbances in the tropical atmosphere explain MJO events?
Authors: Rostami Masoud , Zeitlin Vladimir
Published: August 2020

Using the two‐layer moist‐convective rotating shallow‐water model, we study the process of relaxation (adjustment) of localized large‐scale pressure anomalies in the lower equatorial troposphere, and show that it engenders coherent structures strongly resembling Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) events, as seen in vorticity, pressure, and moisture fields. We demonstrate that baroclinicity and moist convection substantially change the scenario of the quasi‐barotropic “dry” adjustment, which was established in the framework of the one‐layer shallow‐water model and consists, in the long‐wave sector, of the emission of equatorial Rossby waves, with dipolar meridional structure, to the west, and of equatorial Kelvin waves to the east. If moist convection is strong enough, a dipolar cyclonic structure, which appears in the process of adjustment as a Rossby‐wave response to the perturbation, transforms into a coherent modon‐like structure in the lower layer, which couples with a baroclinic Kelvin wave through a zone of enhanced convection and produces, at initial stages of the process, a self‐sustained slowly eastward‐propagating zonally dissymmetrical quadrupolar vorticity pattern. At the same time, a weaker quadrupolar structure of opposite sign arises in the upper layer, the whole picture similar to the active phase of MJO events. The baroclinic Kelvin wave then detaches from the dipole, which keeps slow eastward motion, and circumnavigates the Equator, catching up and interacting with the dipole.
Revisiting (anti)aromaticity and chemical bond in planar BXNX clusters (x = 2‐11)
Authors: Arrué Lily , Pino‐Rios Ricardo
Published: August 2020

As Nucleus‐Independent Chemical Shift (NICS) measurements have shown inconsistent results with other traditional methodologies in the assignment of aromaticity for inorganic compounds, leading to a possible erroneous interpretation, a complete analysis of the (anti)aromatic character of some BxNx (x = 2‐11) according to the magnetic criteria of aromaticity has been performed in order to evaluate the response of these indices in the assignment of this property. Vector mapping of the magnetically induced current density; ring current strength analysis; one‐ (FiPC and scans), two‐ (isolines), and three‐dimensional (isosurfaces) NICSzz‐based descriptors; and adaptive natural density partitioning analysis were performed at the PBE0/def2‐TZVP level of theory. The values obtained determined the weak aromatic character for B3N3 and B5N5, antiaromatic character for B4N4, doubly antiaromatic character for B2N2, and nonaromatic character for the remaining clusters. The results show some discrepancies with the ones based on the classical NICS, which can be attributed to in‐plane and core electron contributions. Finally, the presented results reveal the importance of being careful regarding the interpretations given by this index and the need to use one‐, two‐, or three‐dimensional derived methodologies for a complete and correct analysis of (anti)aromaticity.
Dissimilar Friction Stir Welding of Austenitic and Duplex Stainless Steel: Effect of Material Position and Tool Offset
Authors: Wang Wenyang , Wang Zhaoxin , Xu Lixia , Hu Ye , Zhao Hongwei
Published: August 2020

Dissimilar friction stir welding (FSW) of 2205 duplex stainless steel (2205 DSS) and 304 austenitic stainless steel (304 ASS) is carried out with various parameters. The effect of material position and tool offset on material flow and mixing, the microstructure, and the mechanical properties of joints are investigated, and the relationship between tool torque and material flow is determined. With tool offset to retreating side (RS), defect‐free joints with proper material mixing are fabricated. When 304 ASS is placed on the advancing side (AS), the material mixing is better than is the case with the opposite material position, but results in a larger stirring zone (SZ) width. A large amount of mixed zone (MXZ) with a different phase ratio (γ–α) from both base metals (BMs) is formed in the defect‐free joints due to the alloying element diffusion between the two steels and severe plastic deformation. Due to the dynamic recrystallization, the SZ of all joints has higher hardness than 304 BM. The defect‐free dissimilar joints have higher tensile strength than 304 BM and good ductility.
Best practices for the rational use of water in construction sites in Brazil
Authors: Zeule Ludimilla de Oliveira , Serra Sheyla Mara Baptista , Teixeira José Manuel Cardoso
Published: August 2020

Even though water is a scarce resource, not much thought has been given to its proper use during the execution phase of the building, unless this construction site has already acquired sustainability criteria or certification program. The purpose of this study is to assess the sustainability practice of the rational use of water and its application in the execution phase of construction sites in Brazil. The research proposes a list of items that facilitates the implementation of sustainability in construction sites by creating a checklist of sustainable practices based on environmental certification programs. This article uses the case study by a qualitative method, which can evaluate the major difficulties and the best occurrences of sustainable practices related to water use in construction sites. This work consists of six projects of various typologies and geographical locations in Brazil. The adoption of this list may serve as a tool for the implementation of sustainability in construction sites and as a benchmark among the companies. Finally, best practices for the rational use of water are proposed at the construction sites.
Forward prediction of early‐time spontaneous imbibition of water in unsaturated rock fractures
Authors: Perfect Edmund , Brabazon Jared W. , Gates Christopher H.
Published: August 2020

Spontaneous imbibition is a capillary‐driven phenomenon in which a wetting fluid displaces a nonwetting fluid from voids without any increase in external pressure. This study compared forward predictions of early‐time displacement of air by water within Mode I fractures in 14 low‐porosity rock cores using a new fractal model with those based on an established parallel plate model. Spontaneous imbibition was measured using dynamic neutron radiography, along with independent determinations of equilibrium contact angle, fracture aperture width, and fracture surface fractal dimension, Ds. The predicted uptake curves generally agreed with the experimental data. However, both models overpredicted the height of the wetting front at any given time. This overprediction may be due to lateral losses of wetting fluid to the matrix by spontaneous imbibition through fracture surfaces. The predictions of the fractal model were consistently closer to the observed values than those of the parallel plate model, and for the best cases, their upper and lower confidence intervals bounded the data points. In 12 out of 14 cases, the RMSD for the fractal model was less than that for the parallel plate model. A paired t test indicated that, on average, the RMSD for the fractal model was significantly lower than that for the parallel plate model. This statistically improved prediction can be attributed to the retardation of predicted uptake achieved through the introduction of a fracture surface roughness parameter (i.e., Ds) in the fractal model.
Advances in water treatment technologies for removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Existing concepts, emerging trends, and future prospects
Authors: Adeola Adedapo O. , Forbes Patricia B. C.
Published: August 2020

In the last two decades, environmental experts have focused on the development of several biological, chemical, physical, and thermal methods/technologies for remediation of PAH‐polluted water. Some of the findings have been applied to field‐scale treatment, while others have remained as prototypes and semi‐pilot studies. Existing treatment options include extraction, chemical oxidation, bioremediation, photocatalytic degradation, and adsorption (employing adsorbents such as biomass derivatives, geosorbents, zeolites, mesoporous silica, polymers, nanocomposites, and graphene‐based materials). Electrokinetic remediation, advanced phytoremediation, green nanoremediation, enhanced remediation using biocatalysts, and integrated approaches are still at the developmental stage and hold great potential. Water is an essential component of the ecosystem and highly susceptible to PAH contamination due to crude oil exploration and spillage, and improper municipal and industrial waste management, yet comprehensive reviews on PAH remediation are only available for contaminated soils, despite the several treatment methods developed for the remediation of PAH‐polluted water. This review seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of existing and emerging methods/technologies, in order to bridge information gaps toward ensuring a green and sustainable remedial approach for PAH‐contaminated aqueous systems.

Practitioner points

Comprehensive review of existing and emerging technologies for remediation of PAH‐polluted water.

Factors influencing efficiency of various methods, challenges and merits were discussed.

Green nano‐adsorbents, nano‐oxidants and bio/phytoremediation are desirous for ecofriendly and economical PAH remediation.

Adoption of an integrated approach for the efficient and sustainable remediation of PAH‐contaminated water is recommended.
Signals with six bottom quarks for charged and neutral Higgs bosons
Authors: Dermisek Radovan , Lunghi Enrico , McGinnis Navin , Shin Seodong
Published: August 2020

Abstract

In extensions of two Higgs doublet models with vectorlike quarks, the decays of vectorlike quarks may easily be dominated by cascade decays through charged or neutral Higgs bosons leading to signatures with 6 top or bottom quarks. Since top quark decays also contain bottom quarks, a common signature for many possible decay chains is 6 bottom quarks in the final state. We present a search strategy focusing on this final state and find the mass ranges of vectorlike quarks and Higgs bosons that can be explored at the Large Hadron Collider. Among other results, the sensitivity to the charged and neutral Higgs bosons, extending to about 2 TeV, stands out when compared to models without vectorlike matter.
Open quantum systems and Schwinger-Keldysh holograms
Authors: Jana Chandan , Loganayagam R. , Rangamani Mukund
Published: August 2020

Abstract

We initiate the study of open quantum field theories using holographic methods. Specifically, we consider a quantum field theory (the system) coupled to a holographic field theory at finite temperature (the environment). We investigate the effects of integrating out the holographic environment with an aim of obtaining an effective dynamics for the resulting open quantum field theory. The influence functionals which enter this open effective action are determined by the real-time (Schwinger-Keldysh) correlation functions of the holographic thermal environment. To evaluate the latter, we exploit recent developments, wherein the semiclassical gravitational Schwinger-Keldysh saddle geometries were identified as complexified black hole spacetimes. We compute real-time correlation functions using holographic methods in these geometries, and argue that they lead to a sensible open effective quantum dynamics for the system in question, a question that hitherto had been left unanswered. In addition to shedding light on open quantum systems coupled to strongly correlated thermal environments, our results also provide a principled computation of Schwinger-Keldysh observables in gravity and holography. In particular, these influence functionals we compute capture both the dissipative physics of black hole quasi- normal modes, as well as that of the fluctuations encoded in outgoing Hawking quanta, and interactions between them. We obtain results for these observables at leading order in a low frequency and momentum expansion in general dimensions, in addition to determining explicit results for two dimensional holographic CFT environments.
Non-minimal M-flation
Authors: Ashoorioon Amjad , Rezazadeh Kazem
Published: August 2020

Abstract

We show how in a matrix inflationary model in which there is a non-minimal coupling between the matrix inflatons and gravity — hence dubbed Non-M-flation — some of the disadvantages of the minimal model can be avoided. In particular, the number of D3 branes can be reduced substantially to $$ \underset{\sim }{<}\mathcal{O}(100) $$

<
∼

O

100

, which can alleviate the “potential” backreaction problem of large number of D3 branes on the background geometry. This is achieved by values of non-minimal coupling of order few hundred, which is much smaller than that of Higgs Inflation. The prediction of the model in the symmetry breaking part of the potential, which is a local attractor and can support eternal inflation, is compatible with the latest PLANCK results. In contrast to the minimal model, the spectator fields can partially or completely reheat the universe, depending on the symmetry-breaking vacuum expectation value and the non-minimal coupling parameter. We also comment on how the presence of gauge species keep the UV cutoff at around the Planck scale in the Einstein frame and, in contrast to the Higgs inflation, the problem of field displacements beyond the cutoff does not occur.
Laplace–Carleson Embeddings on Model Spaces and Boundedness of Truncated Hankel and Toeplitz Operators
Authors: Partington Jonathan R. , Pott Sandra , Zawiski Radosław
Published: August 2020

A characterisation is given of bounded embeddings from weighted $$L^2$$

L
2

spaces on bounded intervals into $$L^2$$

L
2

spaces on the half-plane, induced by isomorphisms given by the Laplace transform onto weighted Hardy and Bergman spaces (Zen spaces). As an application necessary and sufficient conditions are given for the boundedness of truncated Hankel and Toeplitz integral operators, including the weighted case, and on model spaces.
Nonparametric portfolio efficiency measurement with higher moments
Authors: Krüger Jens J.
Published: August 2020

The paper considers a nonparametric approach to determine portfolio efficiency using specific directions toward the portfolio frontier function. This approach allows for a straightforward incorporation of higher moments of the returns distribution beyond mean and variance. The nonparametric approach is extended by the computation of optimal directions endogenously by maximizing the distance toward the portfolio frontier as a novel methodological feature. An empirical application to Fama–French portfolios demonstrates the applicability of the nonparametric approach. The results show that the optimal directions to the frontier depend on the portfolio considered as well as on the period for which the moments are estimated. Skewness in particular plays a role in determining the optimal direction, whereas kurtosis seems to be less crucial.
Direct approach for optimal allocation of multiple capacitors in distribution systems using novel analytical closed-form expressions
Authors: Mahmoud Karar , Lehtonen Matti
Published: August 2020

In this paper, novel and efficient analytical closed-form expressions are proposed for the optimal allocation of multiple capacitors in distribution systems to maximize the total cost reduction (CR) while considering power losses. The proposed expressions are novel since they can directly solve the allocation problem without requiring iterative processes or optimization algorithms. Specifically, two analytical closed-form expressions are introduced to determine the optimal number, locations, and sizes of multiple capacitors. The first analytical expression computes directly the optimal sizes of multiple capacitors where it is employed for the optimal sizing of capacitors for all possible combinations of locations. In turn, the best combination is then assigned by using a second analytical expression which directly evaluates all the combinations in terms of their contribution in CR. Unlike the existing methods/expressions that utilize sensitivity factors or optimize each capacitor individually, the proposed analytical closed-form expressions involve a unified mathematical model for multiple capacitors. The proposed direct approach is tested using a 69-bus distribution system. The accuracy and efficacy of the proposed analytical closed-form expressions are verified by comparisons with existing methods and intensive simulations of various allocation scenarios.
Alteration of the Condylar Oral Bone in Obese and Gastric Bypass Mice
Authors: Colsoul Nicolas , Marin Carlos , Corbeels Katrien , Kerckhofs Greet , Van der Schueren Bart , Vandamme Katleen
Published: August 2020

Obesity is the main cause of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery is an effective treatment for this obesity-related health problem. However, the adverse effects of T2DM on bone tissue persist or even aggravate after this surgical procedure. As studies on the mandibular condyle bone are scarce, the aim of the present study was to assess its compositional characteristics in T2DM and RYGB conditions. Thirty-two male C57BL/6 mice at 8 weeks of age were randomly assigned to receive either a high-fat or low-fat diet. After 14 weeks of high-fat diet intake, seven obese mice were subjected to RYGB surgery. All animals were euthanized at the age of 30 weeks. Mandibular bones were removed and the trabecular condyle region was assessed using Raman spectroscopy. A decreased mineralization was observed for both T2DM and RYGB condyle bones when compared to controls, with elevated carbonate substitutions for the RYGB group. No compositional differences in crystallinity and presence of advanced glycation end products were found between the groups, with the exception of an increased presence of N-carboxymethyl-lysine in RYGB bone compared to their T2DM counterpart. Site-specific measurements revealed a non-uniform bone composition, with increasing mineralization and carbonate substitutions towards the centre of the mandibular condyle. T2DM and RYGB surgery affect the mandibular condyle bone quality, as investigated at compositional level. Assessment of bone structural properties and remodelling should be carried out to further explore the effects of T2DM and RYGB surgery on this skeleton area.
The effects of information relevancy on driving behavior
Authors: Nilsson Henrik , Mullaart Mattias , Strand Niklas , Eriksson Alexander
Published: August 2020

Bus driving is a complex and cognitively challenging task that places high demands on bus drivers’ working memory. Increasing use of “In-Vehicle Information Systems” leads to driver distraction and is a contributing factor to many road accidents globally, and with systems for tickets, navigation, and timetables, bus drivers are more exposed to this additional workload than other actors in the traffic. This study provides insights into how bus drivers’ driving behavior is affected by auditory traffic information through a driving simulator study at the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute. A pre-study showed that many bus drivers in Gothenburg experience that a majority of the messages they receive are irrelevant to them. Difference in driving behavior was identified for conditions in which the drivers received messages irrelevant to their route, which might indicate that irrelevancy is an important factor for the workload imposed to the drivers. We hypothesize that irrelevant messages require processing in the visuospatial sketchpad, which might increase workload more than just auditory information processing. The results of this study implies that the routines for traffic communication between traffic controllers and bus drivers should be considerate, as to reduce the number of irrelevant messages that are cognitively loading the bus drivers.
Non-utilization of public healthcare facilities during sickness: a national study in India
Authors: Bagchi Toa , Das Aakashdeep , Dawad Suraya , Dalal Koustuv
Published: August 2020

Aims

Healthcare utilization is a major challenge for low- and middle-income countries, especially for the publicly funded facilities. The study has tried to explore the women’s opinion behind the non-utilization of public healthcare facilities in India.

Subjects and methods

This was a cross-sectional study using nationally representative samples of 351,625 women of reproductive age (15–49 years) from the 29 States and seven Union Territories. Indian National Family Health Surveys NFHS-4 (2015–2016) was the data source. The respondents were asked why the members of their households do not utilize public healthcare facilities when members of their households are sick. They have options to respond either ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Five reasons for non-utilization of public healthcare were asked: (i) ‘there is no nearby facility’; (ii) ‘facility timing is not convenient’; (iii) ‘health personnel are often absent’; (iv) ‘waiting time is too long’; and (v) ‘poor quality of care’.

Results

The majority of the women in India (88%) said that their family members did not use public healthcare facilities. The reasons behind this were 'no nearby facilities' (42.4%), 'inconvenient facility timing' (29.6%), 'poor quality of care' (52.3%), 'health personnel often absent' (16.8%) and 'long waiting time' (39.9%).

Conclusions

importantly, during the last 10 years, the utilization of public health care facilities has dropped significantly, which should be taken seriously as the Indian Parliament has been placing emphasis on equity.
Minimally invasive breast cancer excision using the breast lesion excision system under ultrasound guidance
Authors: Sanderink W. B. G. , Strobbe L. J. A. , Bult P. , Schlooz-Vries M. S. , Lardenoije S. , Venderink D. J. , Sechopoulos I. , Karssemeijer N. , Vreuls W. , Mann R. M.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To assess the feasibility of completely excising small breast cancers using the automated, image-guided, single-pass radiofrequency-based breast lesion excision system (BLES) under ultrasound (US) guidance.

Methods

From February 2018 to July 2019, 22 patients diagnosed with invasive carcinomas ≤ 15 mm at US and mammography were enrolled in this prospective, multi-center, ethics board-approved study. Patients underwent breast MRI to verify lesion size. BLES-based excision and surgery were performed during the same procedure. Histopathology findings from the BLES procedure and surgery were compared, and total excision findings were assessed.

Results

Of the 22 patients, ten were excluded due to the lesion being > 15 mm and/or being multifocal at MRI, and one due to scheduling issues. The remaining 11 patients underwent BLES excision. Mean diameter of excised lesions at MRI was 11.8 mm (range 8.0–13.9 mm). BLES revealed ten (90.9%) invasive carcinomas of no special type, and one (9.1%) invasive lobular carcinoma. Histopathological results were identical for the needle biopsy, BLES, and surgical specimens for all lesions. None of the BLES excisions were adequate. Margins were usually compromised on both sides of the specimen, indicating that the excised volume was too small. Margin assessment was good for all BLES specimens. One technical complication occurred (retrieval of an empty BLES basket, specimen retrieved during subsequent surgery).

Conclusions

BLES allows accurate diagnosis of small invasive breast carcinomas. However, BLES cannot be considered as a therapeutic device for small invasive breast carcinomas due to not achieving adequate excision.
Influenza vaccination in breast cancer patients during subcutaneous trastuzumab in adjuvant setting
Authors: Joona Therse Björkin , Digkas Evangelos , Wennstig Anna-Karin , Nyström Karin , Nearchou Andreas , Nilsson Cecilia , Pauksens Karlis , Valachis Antonis
Published: August 2020

Background

Despite the current recommendation for influenza vaccination in cancer patients with active oncological therapy, limited data are available on the efficacy of vaccination in cancer patients receiving targeted therapies. We aimed to investigate the immunogenicity and tolerability of influenza vaccination in breast cancer patients treated with trastuzumab in adjuvant setting.

Methods

A prospective open-label multicenter study was performed including patients with breast cancer during trastuzumab treatment in adjuvant setting and healthy controls. Blood samples were taken before, 4 weeks after, and 12 weeks after a single dose of trivalent influenza vaccine containing inactivated A/California/7/2009 (H1N1) pdm09, A/Hongkong4801/2014 (H3N2), and B/Brisbane/60/2008. Levels of serum antibody titers to hemagglutinin for H1N1 and influenza B strains were measured.

Results

Twenty breast cancer patients and 37 controls were included in the study. No difference in seroprotection rate between trastuzumab-treated patients and controls was observed for either H1N1 (100% in both groups) or B strain (78.9% vs. 89.2%, p value = 0.423). A statistically significant increase in geometric mean titers from baseline was seen in both groups and was evident both 4 weeks and 12 weeks after vaccination. Adverse events in the trastuzumab-treated group were uncommon and mild with only one serious adverse event not related to vaccination.

Conclusion

Breast cancer patients treated with trastuzumab in adjuvant setting seem to benefit from influenza vaccination in terms of immunogenicity without increasing the risk for adverse events. The current data support the recommendation to offer influenza vaccination in breast cancer patients treated with this type of targeted therapy.
Previously diagnosed multiple primary malignancies in patients with breast carcinoma in Western Sweden between 2007 and 2018
Authors: Nyqvist Jenny , Parris Toshima Z. , Helou Khalil , Sarenmalm Elisabeth Kenne , Einbeigi Zakaria , Karlsson Per , Nasic Salmir , Kovács Anikó
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Multiple primary malignancies (MPMs) caused by breast cancer treatment are well described, but only few studies to date describe which other previous primary malignancies (OPPMs) occur before breast cancer. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of OPPMs in patients with breast cancer between 2007 and 2018 in Western Sweden.

Methods

Patient selection was performed using both pathology reports at Sahlgrenska University Hospital (Sweden) and the Swedish Cancer Registry. All newly diagnosed breast cancer patients were screened for presence of OPPM.

Results

In total, 8031 breast cancer patients were diagnosed at Sahlgrenska University Hospital between 2007 and 2018. The prevalence of breast cancer patients with OPPMs (n = 414) increased from on average 2.6% to 8.2% during this 12-year period and ranged from 17 to 59 patients annually. The most striking increase in prevalence was found among the gynecological tumors (endometrium and ovarian adenocarcinomas), malignant melanomas and gastrointestinal malignancies. These findings were validated using data of the Swedish Cancer Registry.

Conclusions

The overall survival rates for cancer patients have improved tremendously during the past 40 years, in part due to individually tailored therapies and screening programs. Our study revealed an increasing trend of OPPMs in breast cancer patients.
The Systemic Assessment Clinic, a Novel Method for Assessing Patients in General Adult Psychiatry: Presentation and Preliminary Service Evaluation
Authors: Turri Maria Grazia , Merson Stephen , McNab Sue , Cooper Ruth E.
Published: August 2020

The traditional model of psychiatric assessment and diagnosis can be criticised as reductive. We developed an innovative model for psychiatric assessment of adult patients referred to our adult mental health team, the Systemic Assessment Clinic, incorporating the principles and techniques of systemic family therapy and dialogical practice into standard psychiatric assessment. We conducted a service evaluation, comparing prospective use of mental health services for patients assessed either in the Systemic Assessment Clinic or in standard assessment. Patients assessed in the Systemic Assessment Clinic had more favourable outcomes than those in standard assessment: they were significantly less likely to need multiple follow-up treatment appointments with a psychiatrist and to be re-referred to mental health services once discharged, indicating reduced healthcare costs. Satisfaction rates for participants attending the systemic assessment clinic were high. Our service evaluation gives preliminary evidence that the Systemic Assessment Clinic could be a potential new model for psychiatric assessment; further evaluation is warranted in a randomised controlled trial.
Looking at Mental Effort Appraisals through a Metacognitive Lens: Are they Biased?
Authors: Scheiter Katharina , Ackerman Rakefet , Hoogerheide Vincent
Published: August 2020

A central factor in research guided by the Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) is the mental effort people invest in performing a task. Mental effort is commonly assessed by asking people to report their effort throughout performing, learning, or problem-solving tasks. Although this measurement is considered reliable and valid in CLT research, metacognitive research provides robust evidence that self-appraisals of performance are often biased. In this review, we consider the possibility that mental effort appraisals may also be biased. In particular, we review signs for covariations and mismatches between subjective and objective measures of effort. Our review suggests that subjective and most objective effort measures appear reliable and valid when evaluated in isolation, because they discriminate among tasks of varying complexity. However, not much is known about their mutual correspondence—that is, whether subjective measures covariate with objective measures. Moreover, there is evidence that people utilize heuristic cues when appraising their effort, similar to utilization of heuristic cues underlying metacognitive appraisals of performance. These cues are identified by exposing biases—mismatch in effects of cue variations on appraisals and performance. The review concludes with a research agenda in which we suggest applying the well-established methodologies for studying biases in self-appraisals of performance in metacognitive research to investigating effort appraisals. One promising method could be to determine the covariation of effort appraisals and objective effort measures as an indicator of the resolution of effort appraisals.
Interaction between Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense and Radopholus similis can lead to changes in the resistance of banana cultivars to Fusarium wilt
Authors: Rocha Anelita de Jesus , Ferreira Mileide dos Santos , Rocha Leandro de Souza , Oliveira Saulo A. S. , Amorim Edson Perito , Mizubuti Eduardo S. G. , Haddad Fernando
Published: August 2020

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) causes Panama disease or Fusarium wilt of bananas. The association between soil-inhabiting fungi and nematodes can increase the severity of symptoms and suppress the resistance of plants to diseases. In this study, the interaction between Foc race 1 and Radopholus similis, a burrowing nematode that parasitizes banana plants, was analyzed using one moderately susceptible cultivar and seven resistant cultivars of banana. Two Foc isolates that differed in virulence were tested. The analyses of symptoms and stained fungal structures in the roots demonstrated that R. similis interacting with Foc in different inoculation sequences caused changes in symptom severity and the resistance pattern to Foc isolate 0801 (race 1) in cultivars ‘Terra Maranhão’, ‘BRS Pacovan Ken’, ‘BRS Vitória’, and ‘BRS Platina’. The data generated in this study have relevant implications for banana breeding programs in the classification of cultivars for durable resistance to Fusarium wilt and for understanding pathogen interactions during occurrence of the disease.
Integrated Care Systems as an Arena for the Emergence of New Forms of Epistemic Injustice
Authors: Fletcher Andrew , Clarke Jeremy
Published: August 2020

Epistemic injustice has rapidly become a powerful tool for analysis of otherwise hidden social harms. Yet empirical research into how resistance to knowing and understanding can be generated and replicated in social programmes is limited. We have identified a range of subtle and not-so-subtle inflections of epistemic injustice as they play out in an intervention for people with chronic depression in receipt of disability benefits. This article describes the different ‘species’ of epistemic injustice observed and reveals how these are unintentionally produced at frontline, management, commissioning and policy levels. Most notably, there remains a privileging of clinical knowledge over other forms of knowledge, producing a ‘pathocentric epistemic complex’. This, combined with the failure of different agencies with competing ideologies to adequately understand each other, and a vicious policy context, added to the injustices already faced by people with mental health issues, generating multiple harms. This has important implications for a range of integrated care and welfare interventions – not least by drawing attention to their unintended potential for replicating epistemic injustice as an institutionalised complex. Careful evaluation and design of such programmes, applying the philosophical and epistemic resources illustrated here, can help mitigate this outcome. Further, by raising awareness of epistemic injustice among programme participants, we can generate epistemic structures that secure programme integrity locally, and promote better policy.
Ocular sarcoidosis: clinical experience and recent pathogenetic and therapeutic advancements
Authors: Dammacco Rosanna , Biswas Jyotirmay , Kivelä Tero T. , Zito Francesco Alfredo , Leone Patrizia , Mavilio Alberto , Sisto Dario , Alessio Giovanni , Dammacco Franco
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To describe the ocular manifestations in a cohort of patients with systemic sarcoidosis (SS). Recent advances in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and therapy of SS are also discussed.

Methods

Data from 115 Italian patients diagnosed between 2005 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. All but the first 17 patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination. The diagnosis was based on clinical features, the demonstration of non-caseating granulomas in biopsies from involved organs, and multiple imaging techniques. Data on broncho-alveolar lavage fluid analysis, calcemia, calciuria, serum angiotensin-converting enzyme levels and soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels were retrieved when available.

Results

Ocular involvement, detected in 33 patients (28.7%), was bilateral in 29 (87.9%) and the presenting feature in 13 (39.4%). Anterior uveitis was diagnosed in 12 patients (36.4%), Löfgren syndrome and uveoparotid fever in one patient each (3%), intermediate uveitis in 3 patients (9.1%), posterior uveitis in 7 (21.2%), and panuveitis in 9 (27.3%). First-line therapy consisted of corticosteroids, administered as eyedrops (10 patients), sub-Tenon’s injections (1 patient), intravitreal implants (9 patients), or systemically (23 patients). Second-line therapy consisted of steroid-sparing immunosuppressants, including methotrexate (10 patients) and azathioprine (10 patients). Based on pathogenetic indications that tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α is a central mediator of granuloma formation, adalimumab, targeting TNF-α, was employed in 6 patients as a third-line agent for severe/refractory chronic sarcoidosis.

Conclusion

Uveitis of protean type, onset, duration, and course remains the most frequent ocular manifestation of SS. Diagnostic and therapeutic advancements have remarkably improved the overall visual prognosis. An ophthalmologist should be a constant component in the multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of this often challenging but intriguing disease.
Links Between Autistic Traits, Feelings of Gender Dysphoria, and Mentalising Ability: Replication and Extension of Previous Findings from the General Population
Authors: Kallitsounaki Aimilia , Williams David M. , Lind Sophie E.
Published: August 2020

Gender nonconformity is substantially elevated in the autistic population, but the reasons for this are currently unclear. In a recent study, Kallitsounaki and Williams (Kallitsounaki and Williams, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2020; authors 1 and 2 of the current paper) found significant relations between autistic traits and both gender dysphoric feelings and recalled cross-gender behaviour, and between mentalising ability and gender dysphoric feelings. The current study successfully replicated these findings (results were supplemented with Bayesian analyses), in sample of 126 adults. Furthermore, it extended the previous finding of the role of mentalising in the relation between autistic traits and gender dysphoric feelings, by showing that mentalising fully mediated this link. Results provide a potential partial explanation for the increased rate of gender nonconformity in the autistic population.
Creating capacity for learning: Are we there yet?
Authors: Stoll Louise
Published: August 2020

Over the years, I’ve been investigating capacity for learning to understand under what conditions it’s seeded, flourishes and is sustainable. Drawing on my own and others’ research and knowledge, I’ve supported school and system leaders internationally in endeavours to create and sustain capacity for learning. My sense is that everyone engaged in similar activity believes that we want the best learning opportunities and outcomes for every child. But, to use a journey metaphor, have we arrived? In this article, I reflect on where we are now, then consider the purpose of learning, who should learn and what kind of learning is needed. I suggest what a system might look like if creating capacity for learning becomes a reality and how we might get there. In conclusion I argue for reorienting the continuing journey.
Pathways from Child Sexual and Physical Abuse to Sexual and Physical Intimate Partner Violence Victimization through Attitudes toward Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Schuster Isabell , Tomaszewska Paulina
Published: August 2020

Although many studies have shown that victims of child abuse have an increased vulnerability to revictimization in intimate relationships, the underlying mechanisms are not yet sufficiently well understood. Therefore, this study aimed at examining this relationship for both sexual and physical forms of violence as well as investigating the potential mediating role of attitudes toward sexual and physical intimate partner violence (IPV). Also, the potential moderating role of gender was explored. Sexual and physical child abuse and IPV victimization in adulthood as well as attitudes toward the respective form of IPV were assessed among 716 participants (448 female) in an online survey. The path analyses showed that child sexual abuse was positively linked to sexual IPV victimization among both women and men, whereas child physical abuse was positively associated with physical IPV victimization among women only. Furthermore, the relationship between both forms of child abuse and IPV victimization was mediated through more supportive attitudes toward the respective forms of IPV, but only among men. This study provides novel insights regarding the links between sexual and physical child abuse and revictimization in adulthood, suggesting that supporting attitudes toward IPV may be seen as vulnerability factor for revictimization. The moderating role of gender is especially discussed.
The Influence of Wire Bending and Wire Diameter on Transport Critical Current Density in Small MgB2 Superconducting Coils for Applications in Multi-Section Coils
Authors: Gajda D. , Zaleski A. J. , Morawski A. , Cetner T. , Rindfleisch M.
Published: August 2020

This article presents the impact of MgB2 wire bending and diameter on transport critical current density and irreversible magnetic field of a resultant coil. Unreacted MgB2 wires 500 mm in length and 0.63 or 0.83 mm in diameter have been used in the fabrication of small diameter (14 mm) superconducting coils. The coils were subsequently annealed under isostatic pressure of 1 GPa for 15 min at 700 °C and 725 °C. Our results indicate that larger wire diameter, higher annealing temperature, and bending lead to slight reduction of critical current density and irreversible magnetic field in the coil.
Mitochondrial genome variation in male LHON patients with the m.11778G > A mutation
Authors: Piotrowska-Nowak Agnieszka , Krawczyński Maciej R. , Kosior-Jarecka Ewa , Ambroziak Anna M. , Korwin Magdalena , Ołdak Monika , Tońska Katarzyna , Bartnik Ewa
Published: August 2020

Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a mitochondrial disorder with symptoms limited to a single tissue, optic nerve, resulting in vision loss. In the majority of cases it is caused by one of three point mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) but their presence is not sufficient for disease development, since ~50% of men and ~10% women who carry them are affected. Thus additional modifying factors must exist. In this study, we use next generation sequencing to investigate the role of whole mtDNA variation in male Polish patients with LHON and m.11778G > A, the most frequent LHON mutation. We present a possible association between mtDNA haplogroup K and variants in its background, a combination of m.3480A > G, m.9055G > A, m.11299 T > C and m.14167C > T, and LHON mutation. These variants may have a negative effect on m.11778G > A increasing its penetrance and the risk of LHON in the Polish population. Surprisingly, we did not observe associations previously reported for m.11778G > A and LHON in European populations, particularly for haplogroup J as a risk factor, implying that mtDNA variation is much more complex. Our results indicate possible contribution of novel combination of mtDNA genetic factors to the LHON phenotype.
PLC based fractional-order PID temperature control in pipeline: design procedure and experimental evaluation
Authors: Możaryn Jakub , Petryszyn Jakub , Ozana Stepan
Published: August 2020

Fractional-order control system design can be used for systems with non-local dynamics involving long-term memory effects. However, implementation of a fractional-order controller in industrial systems is complicated, because of the excessive demand for computational power. The following paper presents the step-by-step design procedure, parameter tuning, and experimental evaluation of the fractional order proportional-integral-derivative (FOPID) controller. The control algorithm is based on the Continued Fraction Expansion approximation of the fractional-order operators. It is implemented on a standard industrial Programmable Logic Controller.
The FOPID control system is verified and evaluated in terms of efficiency and robustness using a new laboratory benchmark of a temperature control in the pipeline. The proposed solution shows increased efficiency in terms of robustness compared to the standard PID closed-loop control.
BayesProject: Fast computation of a projection direction for multivariate changepoint detection
Authors: Hahn Georg , Fearnhead Paul , Eckley Idris A.
Published: August 2020

This article focuses on the challenging problem of efficiently detecting changes in mean within multivariate data sequences. Multivariate changepoints can be detected by projecting a multivariate series to a univariate one using a suitable projection direction that preserves a maximal proportion of signal information. However, for some existing approaches the computation of such a projection direction can scale unfavourably with the number of series and might rely on additional assumptions on the data sequences, thus limiting their generality. We introduce BayesProject, a computationally inexpensive Bayesian approach to compute a projection direction in such a setting. The proposed approach allows the incorporation of prior knowledge of the changepoint scenario, when such information is available, which can help to increase the accuracy of the method. A simulation study shows that BayesProject is robust, yields projections close to the oracle projection direction and, moreover, that its accuracy in detecting changepoints is comparable to, or better than, existing algorithms while scaling linearly with the number of series.
Antimicrobial peptide polymers: no escape to ESKAPE pathogens—a review
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Songhita , Bharath Prasad A. S. , Mehta Chetan H. , Nayak Usha Y.
Published: August 2020

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the significant clinical challenges and also an emerging area of concern arising from nosocomial infections of ESKAPE pathogens, which has been on the rise in both the developed and developing countries alike. These pathogens/superbugs can undergo rapid mutagenesis, which helps them to generate resistance against antimicrobials in addition to the patient’s non-adherence to the antibiotic regimen. Sticking to the idea of a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach has led to the inappropriate administration of antibiotics resulting in augmentation of antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are the natural host defense peptides that have gained attention in the field of AMR, and recently, synthetic AMPs are well studied to overcome the drawbacks of natural counterparts. This review deals with the novel techniques utilizing the bacteriolytic activity of natural AMPs. The effective localization of these peptides onto the negatively charged bacterial surface by using nanocarriers and structurally nanoengineered antimicrobial peptide polymers (SNAPPs) owing to its smaller size and better antimicrobial activity is also described here.

Graphic abstract