bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compressive strength of geopolymer concrete with fly-ash from Paiton Steam Power Plant and variations of substitution sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) with natural zeolite
Authors: Amini I N , Krisnamurti  , Wahyuningtyas W T
Published: November 2020

Geopolymer concrete is one of the technological innovations of concrete without cement. It was prepared using fine aggregates, coarse aggregates, fly-ash, sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and sodium silicate (Na2SiO3). In the production of geopolymer concrete, sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide serve as an alkaline activator. One of the natural materials that can be used as an alternative material is natural zeolite. Zeolit contains high silica and alumina, that expected to increase the compressive strength of geopolymer concrete. This research aims to develop geopolymer concrete technology by understanding the setting time behaviour and compressive strength by substitution sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) with natural zeolite. The percentage of zeolite that substitute for sodium silicate is 0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5 %. The molarity of NaOH is 12 M. Meanwhile, the ratio of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate is 1:2.5. Compressive strength testing is carried out on cylindrical specimens 10 cm × 20 cm. The results show that natural zeolite can accelerate the setting time of geopolymer paste. The fastest initial setting time is 48 minutes. Meanwhile, the final setting time is 60 minutes in geopolymer paste with substitution sodium silicate using 7.5 % zeolite. In addition, for compressive strength results, zeolite can increase compressive strength. The highest average of compressive strength results is 46.07 Mpa in substitution of Na2SiO3 with 7.5 % zeolite.
The effect of curing in soil and compound on compressive strength of concrete quality fc’ 25 MPa
Authors: Karjanto A , Djatmika B , Yoh WH , Susanto PB
Published: November 2020

Concrete is a material that dominates high-rise building construction materials, because concrete materials are easy to obtain and able to withstand very large loads. In addition, concrete can be made in various forms so that according to needs and can beautify the shape of a building, easy to maintain, durable and relatively cheap prices. But in the implementation of using concrete, there are times when found concrete needs to be perforated on its appearance for the purposes of supporting facilities for building functions such as sanitation, gas, hydrants and others. To increase the compressive strength of concrete so that it meets the desired requirements in addition to the quality of the material, the casting process is also required after the casting. This treatment can be done by several methods, among others: immersion in water, wrapped in wet burlap sacks, watering with water, spraying by compounding, and can also be done by landfilling. Through treatment is expected to be obtained the quality of concrete as planned. Because with the maintenance of concrete, the security of the building structures made of concrete will be assured security. Beside that, concrete is required for minimum usage of 50 years. Therefore the research was carried out with the title “Effect of Soaking (Curing) in Soil and Compound on Compressive Strength of Concrete Quality Fc ’25” MPa by using 40 cylindrical concrete specimens and each treatment consisted of 8 test specimens with 300 high dimensions mm and a diameter of 150 mm. Results of a strong test of concrete press performed after the concrete aged 14 days and subsequently converted to a 28-day old concrete produce : Strong high average press that is on concrete with the treatment of using water immersion with a strong press of 23.78 MPa, while the lowest average press is in concrete with the treatment of using a strong burlap sack with a tekasn of 21.88 MPa. Concrete elastic modulus testing using 4 specimens produces an average modulus of elasticity of 24919.59 Mpa.
Structural Equation Model (SEM) between risk, safety control systems of risk, and OHS programs on OHS costs in rusunawa projects
Authors: Harianja A S , Latief Y
Published: November 2020

There is a continuous hampering of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in the construction budget due to its consideration as an extra cost. This means decisions on OHS are usually made based on the economics aspect instead of focusing on the ethics and basic rights to a safe workplace. This research was, therefore, conducted to analyze the relationship between risk, its safety control systems, OHS programs, and OHS costs, and also to determine the factors with the dominant effects on OHS costs using the Structural Equation Model - Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS) with the use of Rusunawa projects as a case study.
3D Finite element modeling of circular reinforced concrete column confined with CFRP under different eccentric loads
Authors: Christianto A B , Piscesa B , Attard M M , Faimun  , Aji P
Published: November 2020

This paper presents nonlinear finite element analysis of eccentrically loaded circular Reinforced Concrete (RC) column confined with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP). The purpose of this study is to validate the proposed plasticity-fracture model of Piscesa et. al. (2019) to model RC column confined with CFRP under eccentric loading. The software used in the simulation is and inhouse finite element package called 3D-NFLEA. Two available specimens in the literature are investigated and an existing numerical result is also included for comparison purposes. From the analysis and investigation, it was found out that the negative effect of confinement at the outer concrete region was caused by significant difference between the concrete dilation rate at the inner to the outer concrete core region. In addition, From the comparison, close agreement between the numerical models and the available test result are discovered in this study. As for the column ductility, it was found out that the column ductility was higher for column with larger initial load eccentricity.
The structural behavior of castellated beam with shape variation using finite element methods
Authors: Yustisia V W , Suswanto B , Irawan D , Iranata D
Published: November 2020

Castella steel is an alternative material used in the structure of beams and columns in the construction of a building. Castella web holes in previous studies mentioned the following: hexagonal, honeycomb, octagonal, diamond, and hexagonal. The advantage of using the castella steel beam is that it has a higher web geometry without increasing its weight so that it could add up the inertia value of its profile. The purpose of this study is to analyze castella steel beams with various geometric shapes such as hexagonal, octagonal, and diamond with couple plates on the web weld joints to determine the behavior of castella steel beams when receiving axial loads using the finite element method of the abaqus. Analysis of the behavior of castella steel beams, with or without using of a plate, does not significantly influence the deflection that occurs. However, the addition of the coupled plate has a significant influence on the stress-strain value in the welded joints on the web. Hence, the addition of a plate coupled to the web joints of the castella steel beam profile is highly recommended to support strength resistance as a long-term structure. Analysis of the performance of castella steel beams by the addition of coupled plates for each castella hole with a load equal to 75 kN, resulting in the best capability on the value of the displacement is the hexagonal profile that is 12.839mm compared to other profile displacements of 14.433mm diamond hole profiles and 14.972 octagonal hole profiles.
Temperature dependence and activation energy of electrical conduction in an engineered cementitious composite
Authors: Suryanto B , Saraireh D , Tambusay A
Published: November 2020

The electrical impedance of an engineered cementitious composite was measured over the temperature range 7-60°c and data are presented over the frequency range 20Hz-1MHz. The work has highlighted that the resistive and reactive components of the complex impedance both displayed an inverse relationship with temperature. When presented in an Arrhenius format, the bulk resistance displayed a linear response over the entire temperature range studied and the activation energy, Ea
, for electrical conduction was evaluated as 21.7 kJ/mol (0.22 eV/ion).
Design of the strong and durable of flexible pavement on road segment with the heavy traffic and overloads
Authors: Sutoyo
Published: November 2020

The arterial road sections are generally heavy vehicles that tend to exceed the standard load so that the existing pavement surface is not able to survive according to the design life despite using modified asphalt. This has been proven by the occurrence of a heavy damage in a relatively short time on most primary arterial roads in Indonesia. In this paper, the method of implementation and criteria for the construction of pavement layers with a certain thickness has been prepared according to the planning standard for the volume of excessive vehicle loads and taking into account extreme weather conditions in Indonesia. There are three (3) main things in this paper that become an important factor in determining the structure of a solid and durable; they are the sand as layer controlling deflection (stabilizer), the weight of the Vibratory roller more than 25 tons to achieve maximum of compaction energy for base course, and a single-layer of AC-Base as a surface layer as anticipation of rutting and bleeding. Single overlays in each layer are rigidly constraining overall construction, while the sand layer can neutralize deflection due to overload and force due to the vertical force of subgrade, so that these three factors are energy deposits in the pavement construction that will work when an increase in load exceeds the standard.
2D numerical modeling of the Jeneberang River Flood due to the overflow of the Bili-Bili Dam
Authors: Aslam  , Lasminto U
Published: November 2020

High rainfall at the end of January 2019 in South Sulawesi, especially in the upstream area of the Jeneberang watershed, caused an increase in the height and volume of water in the Bili-Bili dam reservoir. The elevation of the water level was recorded on January 22, 2019 at 18:00 WITA reaching +101.87 m ASL above the normal water level elevation of +99.50 m ASL. In accordance with the spillway door operating pattern, if the water level exceeds the normal water level elevation limit, the dam floodgates must be opened to prevent dam collapse. To find out the impact caused, it is necessary to numerically model the flow velocity, depth, and inundation area in the downstream area of the Jeneberang river caused by overflow of discharge from the Bili-Bili Dam spillway. The data used are the flow hydrograph data from the outflow of 10-hour dam outflow as an upstream boundary condition and the rating of the rubber dam rating curve downstream of the Jeneberang river as a downstream boundary condition. The 2D research area focuses on 2 sub-districts directly adjacent to the Jeneberang river, namely Pallangga and Somba Opu sub-districts. From the results of flood simulations using the 2D HEC-RAS numerical model, the flow velocity is between 0.57m / s to 4.84 m / s, the depth is between 1.70 m and 7.38 m, and the inundation area is 1.7 km2. These results were then calibrated with the results of observations and measurements in the field of the former high flood inundation in the building and the results of interviews with the affected communities which found that the simulation results correlated well at the seven points of measurement in the field using RMSE which is 0.37.
Numerical simulation of the water level of the channel and the Kalidami boezem by pump operation
Authors: Setiawan B , Lasminto U
Published: November 2020

Analysis of water level in a reservoir such as Boezem is needed. The purpose of this research is to find out whether the procedures implemented in managing the Boezem are appropriate to deal with various situations. To do this, a simulation is needed so that the movement of water in the channel to the Boezem can be analyzed. This research was conducted at Kalidami Boezem in the city of Surabaya which has an area of 20,936.69 m2 with an average depth of Boezem of 3.8 m. The simulation is carried out using the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM 5.1) application with rain data on February 25, 2020 and a 5-year return period rainfall data. The simulation results show that the model constructed has been calibrated based on the RMSE method and produced an error value of 0.11. Because the model has been well calibrated, it will be possible to do next simulation to see how the Channel and Boezem are performing to deal with various scenarios that might be encountered later on. Based on the results of hydraulic simulation using a 5-year return period rainfall data, it can be seen that within 45 minutes, Kalidami Boezem has been filled with water.
The benefits of river normalization of Guntur weir upstream to irrigation area service in Demak Regency Central Java Indonesia
Authors: Imawan A Y , Wahyudi S I , Wahyudi N R
Published: November 2020

Guntur weir is located in Demak Regency, Central Java Province, Indonesia. The damage occurred in the upstream of Guntur Weir, mainly due to sedimentation. The cross-sectional area of the river becomes smaller so that when heavy rainfall, river water overflows and breaks the levees. These problems also disrupt water supply to irrigation channels where sedimentation covers the entrance of the Guntur Intake Weir. The purposes of this study are to determine the condition of the Guntur weir before and after the normalization work, the benefits of the Jragung river normalization work. This study was performed by analyzing hydrological data to find out the water balance, flood discharge, and the benefits analysis of the Jragung River normalization work. Based on the analysis using the HEC RAS application at Guntur Weir, an increase of Guntur Weir storage from 1002.5 m3 to 88280.525 m3. Flood discharge calculation using the HEC RAS application shows normalization work has benefits to reduce the potential flooding in the upstream of the Guntur Weir and also increase the ability of Guntur Weir to supply water needs for the Guntur Irrigation Area. The result used to adapt the operation Guntur Weir gate.
Numerical modeling of sub-surface drainage systems in Citraland, West Surabaya
Authors: Dwiuntoroadi S , Lasminto U
Published: November 2020

Flooding occurs when the existing drainage system is unable to accommodate the water flow, that is due to a decreased drainage system capacity, increased flow of water, or a combination of both. On January 31, 2019, two hours of heavy rain caused Citraland housing to be flooded up to one meter high. This study aims to overcome the existing flooding problems through the assessment of sub-surface drainage systems for hilly areas in the Citraland residential area, Surabaya. Annual rainfall data from the rain stations around the residential area will be processed according to the proportion of the area to get a rain analysis plan that will be used in modeling. Plan rainfall data, area data and types of land cover, and catchment area data are analyzed hydrologically to get the design discharge. The hydraulic data of the dimensions of the existing drainage system will be analyzed for the capacity in flowing of Flow Plan. The Drainage System is then modeled using the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) application. Through using topographic data and land cover, four alternative solutions have been modeled which include the addition of water reservoirs in various housing locations to overcome existing flooding. The results of this study are the second scenario through the addition of one water reservoirs which can handle flooding most effectively because it reduces 34.61% of the inundation volume that occurs. In addition, the fourth scenario through the addition of three water reservoirs can reduce 57.82% of the inundation volume that occurs.
Graphdiyne family-tunable solution to shock resistance
Authors: Xia Kang , Zhan Haifei , Zhang Xinjie , Li Zhiyong
Published: November 2020

The excellent mechanical properties of Graphdiyne (GDY) family has enabled it as an appealing candidate in the field of impact protection. In this in silico study, Monolayer GDY nanosheets of different morphology including GDY, GY-3, GY-4, GY-5 and GY-6 are assessed under hypervelocity impacts (from 1 to 6 km s−1). Tracking the deformation mechanisms under impacts as well as the Probability density function based on atomic Von Mises stress distribution, the length of acetylenic chain clearly alters ductile behavior as well as the energy dissipation/delocalization rate of GDY family during the impact. Results also suggest the penetration energy is not only determined by the energy delocalization rate but also sensitive to impact velocity for nanosheet with various acetylenic chain length. GY-5 with a much lower energy delocalization rate presents a close penetration energy comparing with GDY at a low impact at ∼2.0 km s−1, its superior ductility granted by long acetylenic chain not only dissipates kinetic energy of projectile via deformation, but also extends time for acceleration during the contact with projectile. Considering the impact resist performance of GDY family in terms of Specific penetration energy, GY-5 with the perfect balance between material density, ductility and Young’s modulus makes it the superior anti-ballistic material for impact velocity at <5 km s−1. For impact velocity >5 km s−1, it induces severer local deformation, and leaves no time for a well-developed distributed pattern as observed in a lower impact velocity scenario. As such, extensive elastic deformation of the nanosheet is not captured under impact, nanosheets with shorter acetylenic chains and hence greater material strength demonstrates superior impact resist. This study provides a fundamental understanding of the deformation and penetration mechanisms of monolayer GDY nanosheets under impact, which is crucial in order to facilitate their emerging applications for impact protection.
Desirability combined response surface methodology approach for optimization of prednisolone acetate loaded chitosan nanoparticles and in-vitro assessment.
Authors: Iftikhar Syed Yasir , Iqbal Furqan Muhammad , Hassan Waseem , Nasir Bushra , Sarwar Abdur Rehman
Published: November 2020

The objective of the current study was to design and optimize prednisolone acetate-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) through design experts for ophthalmic drug delivery. Chitosan NPs were prepared by ionic gelation using sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). The effects of variables, such as chitosan concentration, chitosan to TPP mass ratio (ch:TPP), and prednisolone concentration on particle size, zeta potential (ZP), and polydispersity index (PDI), were studied using a three-factor three-level central composite design (CCD), and optimum experimental conditions were determined using the desirability function combined response surface methodology (RSM). Quadratic and reduced quadratic polynomial models were generated to predict and evaluate the independent variables with respect to the dependent variables. The composition of the optimal formulation was determined to be a chitosan concentration of 0.26%, chitosan to TPP mass ratio of 6:1, and drug concentration with respect to chitosan mass of 8.11%. The optimized formulation showed a percentage entrapment efficiency (% EE) of 78.32%, mean particle size of 193.5, PDI of 0.219, ZP of 10.3 mV, and 86.15% cumulative drug release. The morphology of the NPs was found to be nearly spherical in shape by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed successful loading of the drug in NPs, and FTIR confirmed polymer and drug compatibility.
Strong-field induced optical anisotropy in semiconductors with cubic structure: theory
Authors: Kussow Adil-Gerai
Published: November 2020

A mechanism pertaining to an anomalous optical anisotropy under a strong field in semiconductors having cubic structure is proposed. The valence-conduction band transitions of valence electrons located around atomic bonds re-distribute electrons between bands and, consequently, produce symmetry defects in local electronic density. The optical anisotropy is due to these symmetry defects, which are the sources for localized and non-compensated dipole moments randomly distributed within the crystal. The quantum time-dependent probability amplitude method, combined with classical electrodynamics, demonstrate that the non-compensated dipole moments destroy the optical isotropy of a crystal. To compare the scheme with an experiment, the theory is applied to

G
a
A
s

single crystal. Within a strong-field IR regime, the predicted four-fold symmetry of optical anisotropy, along with its amplitude, correlate well with an experiment.
Weakly deformed optical microdisks: A third-order perturbation theory for transverse-magnetic modes
Authors: Kullig Julius , Wiersig Jan
Published: November 2020

In the past years weakly deformed optical microdisks have become a focus for fundamental and applied research with lots of interesting new findings. A commonly used method to study such cavities is a perturbation theory based on weak boundary deformations (Dubertrand et al 2008 Phys. Rev. A 77, 013 804). In this paper we extent the perturbation theory to the third order which allows us to improve its accuracy significantly. We discuss various example systems in regard of Q-spoiling, frequency splitting, and far-field emission pattern. The results from the perturbation theory are in a very good agreement to full numerical simulations.
Serum Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products in Infants With Bronchiolitis: Associations With Acute Severity and Recurrent Wheeze
Authors: Patregnani Jason T , Fujiogi Michimasa , Camargo Carlos A , Brooks Bonnie A , Hoptay Claire E , Mansbach Jonathan M , Teach Stephen J , Freishtat Robert J , Hasegawa Kohei
Published: November 2020

Background

Although bronchiolitis contributes to substantial acute (eg, intensive care use) and chronic (eg, recurrent wheeze) morbidities in young children, the pathobiology remains uncertain. We examined the associations of serum soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) with acute and chronic morbidities of bronchiolitis including recurrent wheeze.

Methods

A multicenter, multiyear, cohort study of infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis was analyzed. We measured the serum sRAGE level at hospitalization and its association with intensive care use (use of mechanical ventilation and/or admission to the intensive care unit) and development of recurrent wheeze by age 3 years. We performed causal mediation analysis to estimate indirect (mediation) and direct effects of sRAGE on recurrent wheeze.

Results

In 886 infants with bronchiolitis, the median age was 2.9 months. Overall, 15% underwent intensive care and 32% developed recurrent wheeze. In multivariable modeling adjusting for 11 confounders, a higher presenting sRAGE level was associated with lower risk of intensive care (odds ratio for each 1-log increment, 0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], .16 -.91; P = .03) and significantly lower rate of recurrent wheeze (hazard ratio [HR], 0.58; 95% CI, .36 -.94; P = .03). In mediation analysis, the direct effect was significant (HR, 0.60; 95% CI, .37 -.97; P = .04), while the indirect effect was not (P = .30).

Conclusions

Serum sRAGE levels were inversely associated with acute and chronic morbidities of bronchiolitis. The effect of sRAGE on development of recurrent wheeze is potentially driven through pathways other than acute severity of bronchiolitis.
Haemolytic uraemic syndrome associated with pancreatitis: report of four cases and review of the literature
Authors: Sandino-Pérez Justo , Gutiérrez Eduardo , Caravaca-Fontán Fernando , Morales Enrique , Aubert-Girbal Lucia , Delgado-Lillo Ramón , Praga Manuel
Published: November 2020

Background

The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with acute pancreatitis ranges from 15% to 40% and is associated with poor prognosis. Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) in the setting of acute pancreatitis is an uncommon association with fewer than 30 cases reported in the literature.

Methods

A retrospective review of the clinical records at our institution between January 1981 and December 2019 was carried out to identify patients with acute pancreatitis and HUS. Additionally, a literature review was conducted on this topic. The aims of the study were to describe the clinical course and outcomes of patients affected by this condition.

Results

Four cases of HUS following an acute pancreatitis were identified. The mean (±SD) age of the study group was 30 ± 6 years, all of which were males. Excessive alcohol consumption was the main cause of acute pancreatitis in all four patients. HUS with progressive AKI developed in a median interval of 2 days from the onset of pancreatitis (range 1–3 days). All patients required kidney replacement therapy during the course of follow-up. A kidney biopsy was performed in two patients, showing typical thrombotic microangiopathic features. One case was treated with eculizumab, whereas the rest were treated with supportive care and/or plasma exchange. A normalization of haematological parameters and complete recovery of kidney function were observed in all patients at last follow-up, although this improvement was significantly faster in the patient treated with eculizumab.

Conclusions

HUS may infrequently develop in patients with acute pancreatitis. An early identification of this complication is mandatory, and complement blockade with eculizumab may be associated with a faster kidney function recovery.
Constructions of Race and Equity in a Suburban School: Teachers, School Social Workers, and Other School Staff as Nepantleras and Border Crossers
Authors: Villarreal Sosa Leticia , Martin Michelle
Published: November 2020

Suburban schools, particularly those with majority white histories experiencing demographic shifts, are increasingly in need of addressing issues of racial equity. This qualitative study, using the extended case method, examined one suburban school district’s efforts to promote racial equity and focused particularly on how professional development was experienced by school personnel and on the perceived outcomes. Data sources for this study included focus groups with teachers, pupil personnel services professionals, and other school staff and administrators as well as observational data from participation in district events and meetings. This study is grounded in Gloria Anzaldúa’s nepantlera framework, which conceptualizes the in-between space between two or more cultures and those who occupy that space as “border crossers,” and nepantleras as cultural navigators, bridge builders, and advocates. Noteworthy themes included perceptions of the district’s level of commitment to racial equity; common barriers to facilitating racial equity training, such as white racial prejudice, resistance, and defensiveness; and the challenge of navigating self- and student social identities for teachers and staff of color. Implications for equity work in schools and the role of school social workers training are discussed.
UV upturn versus UV weak galaxies: differences and similarities of their stellar populations unveiled by a de-biased sample
Authors: Dantas M L L , Coelho P R T , Sánchez-Blázquez P
Published: November 2020

The ultraviolet (UV) upturn is characterized by an unexpected up-rise of the UV flux in quiescent galaxies between the Lyman limit and 2500 Å. By making use of colour–colour diagrams, one can subdivide UV bright red-sequence galaxies in two groups: UV weak and upturn. With these two groups, we propose a comparison between their stellar population properties with the goal of establishing differences and similarities between them. We make use of propensity score matching to mitigate potential biases between the two samples, by selecting similar objects in terms of redshift and stellar mass. Also, we take advantage of spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting results from magphys made available by the GAMA collaboration. The analyses are made by comparing the distributions from the SED fitting directly, as well as investigating the differences in correlations between their parameters, and finally by using principal component analysis. We explore important differences and similarities between UV weak and upturn galaxies in terms of several parameters, such as: metallicity, age, specific star formation rate, time of last burst of star-formation, to mention a few. Notable differences are those concerning (g − r) colour, metallicity, and time since last burst of star-formation: UV upturn are redder in the optical, more metallic, and their last burst of star-formation happened earlier in time. These differences suggest that UV upturn systems have shorter star-formation histories (i.e. have been evolving more passively) when compared to UV weak galaxies. Consequently, these last seem to have a higher diversity of stellar populations.
The effects of peculiar velocities in SN Ia environments on the local H0 measurement
Authors: Sedgwick Thomas M , Collins Chris A , Baldry Ivan K , James Philip A
Published: November 2020

The discrepancy between estimates of the Hubble constant (H0) measured from local (z ≲  0.1) scales and from scales of the sound horizon is a crucial problem in modern cosmology. Peculiar velocities (vpec) of standard candle distance indicators can systematically affect local H0 measurements. We here use 2MRS galaxies to measure the local galaxy density field, finding a notable z  <  0.05 underdensity in the SGC-6dFGS region of 27  ±  2 per cent. However, no strong evidence for a ‘Local Void’ pertaining to the full 2MRS sky coverage is found. Galaxy densities are used to measure a density parameter, Δϕ+−, which we introduce as a proxy for vpec that quantifies density gradients along a supernova (SN) line of sight. Δϕ+− is found to correlate with local H0 estimates from 88 Pantheon Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia; 0.02  <  z  <  0.05). Density structures on scales of ∼50 Mpc are found to correlate strongest with H0 estimates in both the observational data and in mock data from the MDPL2-Galacticus simulation. Using trends of H0 with Δϕ+−, we can correct for the effects of density structure on local H0 estimates, even in the presence of biased vpec. However, the difference in the inferred H0 estimate with and without the peculiar velocity correction is limited to < 0.1  per cent. We conclude that accounting for environmentally induced peculiar velocities of SN Ia host galaxies does not resolve the tension between local and CMB-derived H0 estimates.
The Milky Way’s bar structural properties from gravitational waves
Authors: Wilhelm Martijn J C , Korol Valeriya , Rossi Elena M , D’Onghia Elena
Published: November 2020

The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) will enable Galactic gravitational wave (GW) astronomy by individually resolving >104 signals from double white dwarf (DWD) binaries throughout the Milky Way. Since GWs are unaffected by stellar crowding and dust extinction unlike optical observations of the Galactic plane, in this work, we assess for the first time the potential of LISA to map the Galactic stellar bar and spiral arms. To achieve this goal, we combine a realistic population of Galactic DWDs with a high-resolution N-body Galactic simulation in good agreement with current observations of the Milky Way. We then model GW signals from our synthetic DWD population and reconstruct the structure of the simulated Galaxy from mock LISA observations. Our results show that while the low-density contrast between the background disc and the spiral arms hampers our ability to characterize the spiral structure, the stellar bar will clearly appear in the GW map of the bulge. The axial ratio derived from the synthetic observations agrees within 1σ with the reference value, although the scale lengths are underestimated. We also recover the bar viewing angle to within 1° and the bar’s physical length to within 0.2 kpc. This shows that LISA can provide independent constraints on the bar’s structural parameter, competitive compared to those from electromagnetic tracers. We therefore foresee that synergistic use of GWs and electromagnetic tracers will be a powerful strategy to map the Milky Way’s bar and bulge.
Evolution of Hominin Detoxification: Neanderthal and Modern Human Ah Receptor Respond Similarly to TCDD
Authors: Aarts Jac M M J G , Alink Gerrit M , Franssen Henk J , Roebroeks Wil
Published: November 2020

In studies of hominin adaptations to fire use, the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in the evolution of detoxification has been highlighted, including statements that the modern human AHR confers a significantly better capacity to deal with toxic smoke components than the Neanderthal AHR. To evaluate this, we compared the AHR-controlled induction of cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) mRNA in HeLa human cervix epithelial adenocarcinoma cells transfected with an Altai-Neanderthal or a modern human reference AHR expression construct, and exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). We compared the complete AHR mRNA sequences including the untranslated regions (UTRs), maintaining the original codon usage. We observe no significant difference in CYP1A1 induction by TCDD between Neanderthal and modern human AHR, whereas a 150–1,000 times difference was previously reported in a study of the AHR coding region optimized for mammalian codon usage and expressed in rat cells. Our study exemplifies that expression in a homologous cellular background is of major importance to determine (ancient) protein activity. The Neanderthal and modern human dose–response curves almost coincide, except for a slightly higher extrapolated maximum for the Neanderthal AHR, possibly caused by a 5′-UTR G-variant known from modern humans (rs7796976). Our results are strongly at odds with a major role of the modern human AHR in the evolution of hominin detoxification of smoke components and consistent with our previous study based on 18 relevant genes in addition to AHR, which concluded that efficient detoxification alleles are more dominant in ancient hominins, chimpanzees, and gorillas than in modern humans.
Cognitive impact of lower-grade gliomas and strategies for rehabilitation
Authors: Weyer-Jamora Christina , Brie Melissa S , Luks Tracy L , Smith Ellen M , Braunstein Steve E , Villanueva-Meyer Javier E , Bracci Paige M , Chang Susan , Hervey-Jumper Shawn L , Taylor Jennie W
Published: November 2020

Outcomes for patients with lower-grade gliomas (LrGGs) continue to improve with advances in molecular characterization and treatment. However, cognitive sequela from the tumor and its treatment leave a significant impact on health-related quality of life for these patients. Several factors affect each patient’s cognition, such as tumor location, treatment, medication, and comorbidities. However, impairments of processing speed, attention, concentration, working memory, and executive function are common across LrGG patients. Cognitive rehabilitation strategies, well established in traumatic brain injury and stroke populations, are based on neural plasticity and functional reorganization. Adapting these strategies for implementation in patients with brain tumors is an active area of research. This article provides an overview of cognitive domains commonly impaired in LrGG patients and evidence for the use of cognitive rehabilitation strategies to address these impairments with the goal of improving health-related quality of life in this patient population.
Gender differences in self-perceived changes among Japanese workers with depression
Authors: Niki A , Deguchi Y , Iwasaki S , Mitake T , Okuda Y , Sakaguchi A , Hirota T , Shirahama Y , Nakamichi Y , Inoue K
Published: November 2020

Background

The number of patients living with depression continues to increase in Japan. The economic effects of depression include loss of productivity due to both absenteeism and presenteeism. Gender differences have been reported in prevalence, onset pathways and subjective symptoms of depression.

Aims

To understand how workers with major depressive disorder (MDD) perceive problems in the workplace and examine gender differences in their self-perceived levels of functioning at work, noticed during the initial stages of depression.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study of Japanese workers with MDD. Participants’ self-perceived changes in the level of functioning at work were surveyed after the diagnosis during the first visit. The relationship between gender and changes in the level of functioning at work as initially perceived by the participants themselves was analysed using the chi-square test, supplemented by a residual analysis.

Results

We administered the survey to 147 workers with MDD. In terms of gender differences in initial self-perceived changes in the level of functioning at work, the proportion of men reporting reduced work efficiency was significantly higher than that of women, while the proportion of women reporting deterioration in relationships with colleagues and superiors was significantly higher than that of men.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that greater attention to reduced work efficiency by men and to deterioration in work relationships by women with MDD should be essential components of self-care. Managers need to pay attention to the level of functioning and provide adequate social support for employees.
Pulmonary manifestations and outcomes in paediatric ANCA–associated vasculitis: a single-centre experience
Authors: Sayad Edouard , Vogel Tiphanie P , Guillerman R Paul , Spielberg David , McNeill David Moreno , De Guzman Marietta , Orman Gunes , Silva-Carmona Manuel 
Published: November 2020

Objectives

ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) usually involves the renal and respiratory systems, but the paediatric literature on pulmonary manifestations and outcomes is limited. We aimed to describe pulmonary manifestations and outcomes after therapy in a cohort of paediatric AAV (pAAV) patients.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of all patients <19 years presenting to our institution with AAV between 1/2008 and 2/2018 was conducted. Patient demographics, clinical presentation, diagnostic testing, therapy and pulmonary outcomes over the first 3 years after presentation were evaluated.

Results

A total of 38 patients were included; all had ANCA positivity by immunofluorescence. A total of 23 had microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), 13 had granulomatosis with polyangiitis and 2 had eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. A total of 30 (79%) had pulmonary manifestations, with cough (73%) and pulmonary haemorrhage (67%) being the most common. Abnormalities were noted in 82% of chest CT scans reviewed, with nodules and ground-glass opacities being the most common. At 6, 12 and 36 months follow-up, respectively, 61.8%, 39.4% and 29% of patients continued to show pulmonary manifestations. Five MPA patients with re-haemorrhage are described in detail.

Conclusion

MPA was more common than granulomatosis with polyangiitis, with pulmonary involvement being common in both. MPA patients had more severe pulmonary manifestations. Chest CT revealed abnormal findings in a majority of cases. A subgroup of young MPA patients experienced repeat pulmonary haemorrhage. Treatment modality and response were comparable in different subtypes of AAV, except for this young MPA group. Additional prospective studies are needed to better understand the different phenotypes of pAAV.
Know Your IX: What Academic Medical Centers Should Understand About Title IX
Authors: King Rachel S. , Stoller James K.
Published: November 2020

Over the last decade, Title IX (the federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded education) has become an increasing focus both in higher education and in the media. Changes in federal guidance in 2011 led to an explosion of Title IX complaints and litigation, which increased even further when that guidance was withdrawn in 2017. Complaints are likely to rise with the release of new Title IX regulations in 2020. According to United Educators (a group that insures U.S. educational institutions), Title IX claims are among the most frequent and costliest claims that educational institutions face, and they are likely to remain so. However, despite the legal and reputational risks associated with Title IX, its application outside of colleges and universities is not well understood. All institutions that receive federal financial assistance, including academic medical centers (AMCs) not part of a university system, must follow Title IX requirements in their educational programs, which include their medical residencies and clinical rotations for students. Establishing a Title IX program in an AMC—whether or not it is part of a university—is a substantial undertaking that requires the cooperation of both educational and clinical leaders. In this article, the authors make the case that AMCs should take seriously the risks of not complying with Title IX, explain why establishing a separate process for Title IX reports is necessary, and set forth the major steps that institutions should take to come into compliance.
Admissions Is Not Enough: The Racial Achievement Gap in Medical Education
Authors: Jones Alana C. , Nichols Alana C. , McNicholas Carmel M. , Stanford Fatima C.
Published: November 2020

The achievement gap is a disparity in academic and standardized test performance that exists between White and underrepresented minority (URM) students that begins as early as preschool and worsens as students progress through the educational system. Medical education is not immune to this inequality. URM medical students are more likely to experience delayed graduation and course failure, even after accounting for science grade point average and Medical College Admission Test performance. Moreover, URM students are more likely to earn lower scores on licensing examinations, which can have a significant impact on their career trajectory, including specialty choice and residency competitiveness. After the release of preliminary recommendations from the Invitational Conference on USMLE Scoring (InCUS) and public commentary on these recommendations, the National Board of Medical Examiners and Federation of State Medical Boards announced that the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 would transition from a 3-digit numeric score to pass/fail scoring. Given that another of InCUS’s recommendations was to “minimize racial demographic differences that exist in USMLE performance,” it is paramount to consider the impact of this scoring change on URM medical students specifically. Holistic admissions are a step in the right direction of acknowledging that URM students often travel a further distance to reach medical school. However, when residency programs emphasize USMLE performance (or any standardized test score) despite persistent test score gaps, medical education contributes to the disproportionate harm URM students face and bolsters segregation across medical specialties. This Perspective provides a brief explanation of the achievement gap, its psychological consequences, and its consequences in medical education; discusses the potential effect of the Step 1 scoring change on URM medical students; and provides a review of strategies to redress this disparity.
Risk Factors of Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Strokes During Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Analysis of Data From the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry
Authors: Cho Sung-Min , Canner Joe , Caturegli Giorgio , Choi Chun Woo , Etchill Eric , Giuliano Katherine , Chiarini Giovanni , Calligy Kate , Rycus Peter , Lorusso Roberto , Kim Bo Soo , Sussman Marc , Suarez Jose I. , Geocadin Romergryko , Bush Errol L. , Ziai Wendy , Whitman Glenn
Published: November 2020

OBJECTIVES:

Stroke is commonly reported in patients receiving venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, but risk factors are not well described. We sought to determine preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation and on-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation risk factors for both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes in patients with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support.

DESIGN:

Retrospective analysis.

SETTING:

Data reported to the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization by 366 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation centers from 2013 to 2019.

PATIENTS:

Patients older than 18 years supported with a single run of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

Of 15,872 venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients, 812 (5.1%) had at least one type of acute brain injury, defined as ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, or brain death. Overall, 215 (1.4%) experienced ischemic stroke and 484 (3.1%) experienced hemorrhagic stroke. Overall inhospital mortality was 36%, but rates were higher in those with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke (68% and 73%, respectively). In multivariable analysis, preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation pH (adjusted odds ratio = 0.10; 95% CI, 0.03–0.35; p < 0.001), hemolysis (adjusted odds ratio = 2.27; 95% CI, 1.22–4.24; p = 0.010), gastrointestinal hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio = 2.01; 95% CI 1.12–3.59; p = 0.019), and disseminated intravascular coagulation (adjusted odds ratio = 3.61; 95% CI, 1.51–8.66; p = 0.004) were independently associated with ischemic stroke. Pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation pH (adjusted odds ratio = 0.28; 95% CI, 0.12–0.65; p = 0.003), preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation Po
2 (adjusted odds ratio = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93–0.99; p = 0.021), gastrointestinal hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio = 1.70; 95% CI, 1.15–2.51; p = 0.008), and renal replacement therapy (adjusted odds ratio=1.57; 95% CI, 1.22–2.02; p < 0.001) were independently associated with hemorrhagic stroke.

CONCLUSIONS:

Among venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients in the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry, approximately 5% had acute brain injury. Mortality rates increased two-fold when ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes occurred. Risk factors such as lower pH and hypoxemia during the pericannulation period and markers of coagulation disturbances were associated with acute brain injury. Further research on understanding preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation and on-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation risk factors and the timing of acute brain injury is necessary to develop appropriate prevention and management strategies.