bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flame retardancy of rigid polyurethane foams containing thermoregulating microcapsules with phosphazene-based monomers
Authors: Szczotok Anna M. , Madsen Dan , Serrano Angel , Carmona Manuel , Van Hees Patrick , Rodriguez Juan F. , Kjøniksen Anna-Lena
Published: October 2020

Thermoregulating microcapsules (MC) with flame-retardant properties were used to produce polyurethane (PU) foams. Thermogravimetric analyses of the microcapsules performed under atmospheric air and nitrogen confirmed that the hexa(methacryloylethylenedioxy) cyclotriphosphazene (PNC-HEMA) monomer raised the amount of residue after exposure to high temperature, proving the formation of a thermally stable char layer. Additionally, the flame-retardant properties of the microcapsules were analyzed by micro-combustion calorimetry (MCC), and the PU foams were tested by both MCC and cone calorimetry. The total heat release and maximum heat release rate were lower for microcapsules containing the flame-retardant PNC-HEMA. The composition of the microcapsules has been proved by MCC and TGA, where the release of the encapsulated phase change material (PCM) occurred at the expected temperature. However, in PU foams, the release of PCM is shifted to higher temperatures. Accordingly, these materials can be considered as an important alternative to commonly used microcapsules containing phase PCMs, where a lower flammability is required for their future application.

Graphic abstract
Subgroups of Long-Term Sick-Listed Based on Prognostic Return to Work Factors Across Diagnoses: A Cross-Sectional Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Standal Martin Inge , Aasdahl Lene , Jensen Chris , Foldal Vegard Stolsmo , Hagen Roger , Fors Egil Andreas , Solbjør Marit , Hjemdal Odin , Grotle Margreth , Meisingset Ingebrigt
Published: October 2020

Comorbidity is common among long-term sick-listed and many prognostic factors for return to work (RTW) are shared across diagnoses. RTW interventions have small effects, possibly due to being averaged across heterogeneous samples. Identifying subgroups based on prognostic RTW factors independent of diagnoses might help stratify interventions. The aim of this study was to identify and describe subgroups of long-term sick-listed workers, independent of diagnoses, based on prognostic factors for RTW. Latent class analysis of 532 workers sick-listed for eight weeks was used to identify subgroups based on seven prognostic RTW factors (self-reported health, anxiety and depressive symptoms, pain, self-efficacy, work ability, RTW expectations) and four covariates (age, gender, education, physical work). Four classes were identified: Class 1 (45% of participants) was characterized by favorable scores on the prognostic factors; Class 2 (22%) by high anxiety and depressive symptoms, younger age and higher education; Class 3 (16%) by overall poor scores including high pain levels; Class 4 (17%) by physical work and lack of workplace adjustments. Class 2 included more individuals with a psychological diagnosis, while diagnoses were distributed more proportionate to the sample in the other classes. The identified classes illustrate common subgroups of RTW prognosis among long-term sick-listed individuals largely independent of diagnosis. These classes could in the future assist RTW services to provide appropriate type and extent of follow-up, however more research is needed to validate the class structure and examine how these classes predict outcomes and respond to interventions.
Absolute instability of an annular jet: local stability analysis
Authors: Boguslawski A. , Wawrzak K.
Published: October 2020

The paper presents parametric studies of the first and second azimuthal absolute modes in annular non-swirling and swirling jets. The spatio-temporal linear stability analysis is applied to investigate an influence of governing parameters including axial velocity gradients in inner and outer shear layers, back-flow velocity, swirl number and shape of the azimuthal velocity. A new base flow is formulated allowing a flexible variation of the shape of axial and azimuthal velocity profiles. It is shown that the first helical absolute mode is governed mainly by the back-flow velocity and swirl intensity. A steepness of the inner shear layer can control the absolute mode frequency. The velocity gradient in the outer shear layer and the shape of the azimuthal velocity have rather limited impact on the absolute mode characteristics. Finally, it is shown that the second helical absolute mode can dominate the flow with a stronger swirl intensity.
Improving efficiency of the largest Lyapunov exponent’s estimation by its determination from the vector field properties
Authors: Dabrowski Artur , Balcerzak Marek , Pikunov Danylo , Stefanski Andrzej
Published: October 2020

Controlling dynamics of nonlinear systems is one of the most important issues in science and engineering. Thus, there is continuous need to study and develop numerical algorithms of control methods. Among the most frequently applied invariants characterizing different aspects of a systems’ dynamics are Lyapunov exponents, fast Lyapunov index, angles of small deviations, fractal dimension or entropy. There exist many different methods of estimation of these indicators. In this paper, modification of our novel method is presented. We have shown that LLE can be estimated from the vector field properties by means of the most basic mathematical operations. Results of efficiency measurements for typical mechanical, electrical and random systems were discussed. We have proved that discussed modification introduced to our method makes the LLE estimation 17–53% faster than using classical algorithms. In addition, unlike the results presented in our previous publication, an improvement in performance was achieved for each of the analyzed cases. As such, the new approach lends to prospective application of LLE not only in dynamical systems' stability investigations, but also in real-time control of systems since the basic calculations and fast, effective method of LLE estimation can be applied even in simple microcontrollers. Our approach could be also applied in investigations of vector field properties, global stability or basins of attraction analyses, allowing for huge time savings.
Feasibility of implementing a text-based symptom-monitoring program of endometrial, ovarian, and breast cancer patients during treatment
Authors: Naughton Michelle J. , Salani Ritu , Peng Juan , Lustberg Maryam , DeGraffinreid Cecilia , Moon Jennifer , Loyan Hibaq , Beverly Hery Chloe M. , Paskett Electra D.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility of implementing systematic patient symptom monitoring during treatment using a smartphone.

Methods

Endometrial [n = 50], ovarian [n = 70] and breast [n = 193] cancer patients participated in text-based symptom reporting for up to 12 months. In order to promote equity, patients without a smartphone were provided with a device, with the phone charges paid by program funds. Each month, patients completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and 4 single items assessing fatigue, sleep quality, pain, and global quality of life during the past 7 days rated on a 0 (low) –10 (high) scale. Patients’ responses were captured using REDCap, with oncologists receiving monthly feedback. Lay navigators provided assistance to patients with non-medical needs.

Results

Patients utilizing this voluntary program had an overall mean age of 60.5 (range 26–87), and 85% were non-Hispanic white. iPhones were provided to 42 patients, and navigation services were used by 69 patients. Average adherence with monthly surveys ranged between 75–77%, with breast patients having lower adherence after 5 months. The most commonly reported symptoms across cancer types were moderate levels (scores of 4–7) of fatigue and sleep disturbance. At 6 months, 71–77% of all patients believed the surveys were useful to them and their health care team.

Conclusions

We established the feasibility of initiating and managing patients in a monthly text-based symptom-monitoring program. The provision of smartphones and patient navigation were unique and vital components of this program.
Web mining for innovation ecosystem mapping: a framework and a large-scale pilot study
Authors: Kinne Jan , Axenbeck Janna
Published: October 2020

Existing approaches to model innovation ecosystems have been mostly restricted to qualitative and small-scale levels or, when relying on traditional innovation indicators such as patents and questionnaire-based survey, suffered from a lack of timeliness, granularity, and coverage. Websites of firms are a particularly interesting data source for innovation research, as they are used for publishing information about potentially innovative products, services, and cooperation with other firms. Analyzing the textual and relational content on these websites and extracting innovation-related information from them has the potential to provide researchers and policy-makers with a cost-effective way to survey millions of businesses and gain insights into their innovation activity, their cooperation, and applied technologies. For this purpose, we propose a web mining framework for consistent and reproducible mapping of innovation ecosystems. In a large-scale pilot study we use a database with 2.4 million German firms to test our framework and explore firm websites as a data source. Thereby we put particular emphasis on the investigation of a potential bias when surveying innovation systems through firm websites if only certain firm types can be surveyed using our proposed approach. We find that the availability of a websites and the characteristics of the website (number of subpages and hyperlinks, text volume, language used) differs according to firm size, age, location, and sector. We also find that patenting firms will be overrepresented in web mining studies. Web mining as a survey method also has to cope with extremely large and hyper-connected outlier websites and the fact that low broadband availability appears to prevent some firms from operating their own website and thus excludes them from web mining analysis. We then apply the proposed framework to map an exemplary innovation ecosystem of Berlin-based firms that are engaged in artificial intelligence. Finally, we outline several approaches how to transfer firm website content into valuable innovation indicators.
Intelligenzminderung und Schuldfähigkeit
Authors: Lange Jan
Published: October 2020

Wer zur Frage der Schuldfähigkeitsbeurteilung bei Intelligenzminderung in forensisch-psychiatrischen Lehrbüchern nachschlägt, findet vielfach und teils sehr anschaulich in schematischer Aufbereitung eine Beurteilungsmaßgabe, dass beischwerster und schwerer Intelligenzminderung die Einsichtsfähigkeit aufgehoben, beimittelgradiger Intelligenzminderung teils die Einsichts- und teils die Steuerungsfähigkeit aufgehobenund beileichter Intelligenzminderung entweder die Einsichtsfähigkeit oder die Steuerungsfähigkeitentwedervermindert oder aufgehobenseien. Eine psychopathologische Fundierung dieser Leitsätze oder eine Darlegung möglicher Begründungswege von Fähigkeitsbeeinträchtigungen entsprechend den §§ 20, 21 StGB wird jedoch in aller Regel nicht geboten. Nachfolgend soll versucht werden, unter Bezugnahme auf aktuelle diagnostische Kriterien und Konzeptionen der Intelligenzminderung, die über die isolierte Bestimmung eines IQ-Werts hinausweisen, weitere Orientierung bei der Schuldfähigkeitsbeurteilung von Straftätern mit Intelligenzminderung zu bieten.
Dental Pulp Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Mitigate Haematopoietic Damage after Radiation
Authors: Kong Fanxuan , Wu Chu-Tse , Geng Panpan , Liu Chao , Xiao Fengjun , Wang Li-Sheng , Wang Hua
Published: October 2020

Radiation therapy can cause haematopoietic damage, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been shown to reverse this damage. Our previous research showed that dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) have a strong proliferation capacity and can produce abundant amounts of EVs to meet the requirements for use in vitro and in vivo. DPSCs derived EVs (DPSCs-EVs) are evaluated for their effect on reducing haematopoietic damage. Haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) numbers and function were assessed by flow cytometry, peripheral blood cell counts, histology and bone marrow transplantation. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) was used as a reference for evaluating the efficiency of EVs. miRNA microarray was employed to find out the changes of miRNA expression after cells being irradiated in vivo and the role they may play in mitigation the radiation caused injury. We observed the effect of DPSCs-EVs on promoting proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and FDC-P1 cells in vitro. We found that DPSCs-EVs and EGF could comparably inhibit the decrease in WBC, CFU count and KSL cells in vivo. We also verified that EVs could accelerate the recovery of long-term HSCs. In summary, DPSCs-EVs showed an apoptosis resistant effect on HUVECs and FDC-P1 cells after radiation injury in vitro. EVs from DPSCs were comparable to EGF in their ability to regulate haematopoietic regeneration after radiation injury in vivo. Radiation could alter the expression of some miRNAs in bone marrow cells, and EVs could correct these changes to some extent.
Zebrafish Larvae Carrying a Splice Variant Mutation in cacna1d: A New Model for Schizophrenia-Like Behaviours?
Authors: Banono Nancy Saana , Gawel Kinga , De Witte Linus , Esguerra Camila V.
Published: October 2020

Persons with certain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in theCACNA1Dgene (encoding voltage-gated calcium channel subunit alpha 1-D) have increased risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders such as bipolar, schizophrenia and autism. The molecular consequences of SNPs on gene expression and protein function are not well understood. Thus, the use of animal models to determine genotype-phenotype correlations is critical to understanding disease pathogenesis. Here, we describe the behavioural changes in larval zebrafish carrying an essential splice site mutation (sa17298) incacna1da. Heterozygous mutation resulted in 50% reduction of splice variants 201 and 202 (haploinsufficiency), while homozygosity increased transcript levels of variant 201 above wild type (WT; gain-of-function, GOF). Due to low homozygote viability, we focused primarily on performing the phenotypic analysis on heterozygotes. Indeed,cacna1dasa17298/WTlarvae displayed hyperlocomotion—a behaviour characterised in zebrafish as a surrogate phenotype for epilepsy, anxiety or psychosis-like behaviour. Follow-up tests ruled out anxiety or seizures, however, as neither thigmotaxis defects nor epileptiform-like discharges in larval brains were observed. We therefore focused on testing for potential “psychosis-like” behaviour by assayingcacna1dasa17298/WTlarval locomotor activity under constant light, during light-dark transition and in startle response to dark flashes. Furthermore, exposure of larvae to the antipsychotics, risperidone and haloperidol reversedcacna1da-induced hyperactivity to WT levels while valproate decreased but did not reverse hyperactivity. Together, these findings demonstrate thatcacna1dahaploinsufficiency induces behaviours in larval zebrafish analogous to those observed in rodent models of psychosis. Future studies on homozygous mutants will determine howcacna1dGOF alters behaviour in this context.
Regulation der Chaperonaktivität im endoplasmatischen Retikulum
Authors: Preissler Steffen
Published: October 2020

Maintenance of protein homeostasis depends on cellular stress response pathways that mediate adaptive changes in gene expression. In the endoplasmic reticulum additional mechanisms adjust the availability of the abundant Hsp70-type chaperone, BiP, during short-term fluctuations in the unfolded protein load. Here, recent insights into the regulation of BiP by incorporation into inactive oligomers and reversible AMPylation are discussed.
How cardiologists manage antithrombotic treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary stenting: the WOEST survey 2018
Authors: de Veer A. J. W. M. , Bennaghmouch N. , Dewilde W. J. M. , ten Berg J. M.
Published: October 2020

Background

Antithrombotic treatment choices are complicated when patients have both atrial fibrillation (AF) and acute coronary syndrome and/or undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In this study, we aimed to gain insight into antithrombotic management strategies in daily clinical practice.

Methods

We invited interventional cardiologists to complete the WOEST (What is the Optimal antiplatElet & Anticoagulant Therapy in Patients With Oral Anticoagulation and Coronary StenTing) survey 2018. In this questionnaire, we presented a patient with a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and an elective PCI case.

Results

The results were based on 118 completed questionnaires (response rate 69.4%). In the case of the AF patient with NSTEMI, most cardiologists indicated they would initiate dual antiplatelet therapy (acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel) and continue non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) therapy at admission and during coronary angiography/PCI. At discharge, 70.3% would prescribe triple antithrombotic therapy (oral anticoagulation, acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel), mostly for 1 month. One year after NSTEMI, 83.1% would cancel the antiplatelet therapy and prescribe NOAC monotherapy. For the AF patient undergoing elective PCI, 51.7% would start dual antiplatelet therapy prior to the procedure and 52.5% would discontinue NOAC therapy prior to the PCI. At discharge, 55.1% would start triple antithrombotic therapy. Furthermore, 25.4% responded they routinely prescribe a reduced dose of NOAC after discharge. One year after PCI, 89.0% would continue NOAC monotherapy.

Conclusion

The WOEST survey demonstrated heterogeneity in antithrombotic management strategies among interventional cardiologists. This observed variety mirrors the heterogeneity of the many guidelines and consensus documents. Further research is needed to guide patient-tailored medicine for AF patients undergoing PCI.
Identification of Water and Nitrogen Stress Indicative Spectral Bands Using Hyperspectral Remote Sensing in Maize During Post-Monsoon Season
Authors: Naik B. Balaji , Naveen H. R. , Sreenivas G. , Choudary K. Karun , Devkumar D. , Adinarayana J.
Published: October 2020

Realization of agricultural crop condition through field survey is quite expensive, time consuming and sometimes not practical for remote locations. Optical remote sensing techniques can provide information on real condition of the crops by observing spectral reflectance at different crop growth phases and is less expensive and less time consuming. Hyperspectral remote sensing provides a unique opportunity for non-destructive, timely and accurate estimation of crop biophysical and biochemical properties. In this study, a field experiment was conducted to identify the water and nitrogen stress indicative spectral bands using ground-based hyperspectral data and to assess the predictive capability of selective bands on yield of maize under water and nitrogen stress environment. The experiment comprised of three irrigation scheduling treatments based on IW/CPE ration of 0.6, 0.8 and 1.2 and three nitrogen level treatments, i.e., 100, 200 and 300 kg of N ha−1, respectively, with three replications in a split plot design. The spectral reflectance was measured before irrigation at tasseling and dough stage of the maize crop using portable field spectroradiometer. The results of stepwise multiple linear regression indicated the highest predicting capability of spectral bands 540 nm, 780 nm and 860 nm for leaf nitrogen and 700 nm, 740 nm and 860 nm for leaf water content. The derived biophysical parameters based on spectral reflectance viz. relative leaf water content (%), leaf area index and leaf nitrogen contentment (%) at tasseling stage of maize crop accounted for 80%, 61% and 66% variation in grain yield, respectively.
Thyroid hormones modulate irisin concentrations in patients with recently onset hypothyroidism following total thyroidectomy
Authors: Bocale R. , Barini A. , D‘Amore A. , Boscherin M. , Necozione S. , Barini A. , Desideri G. , Lombardi C. P.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Irisin is a newly discovered adipo-myokine known for having significant effects on body metabolism. Currently, there is a discussion regarding the relation between thyroid function and irisin concentration. This study was designed to evaluate the influential role of levothyroxine replacement therapy on circulating levels of irisin in patients with recently onset hypothyroidism following total thyroidectomy.

Methods

Circulating levels of thyroid hormones, irisin and other metabolic parameters, were assessed in 40 recently thyroidectomized patients (34 females, mean age 50.1 ± 15.2 years) at baseline (5–7 day after surgery) and after 2 months under replacement therapy with levothyroxine.

Results

At baseline, circulating levels of thyroid hormones were indicative of hypothyroidism (TSH 12.7 ± 5.0 μU/mL, FT3 1.9 ± 0.7 pg/mL, FT4 8.7 ± 3.6 pg/mL). Mean serum irisin concentrations significantly increased after 2 months under replacement therapy with levothyroxine (from 2.2 ± 0.6 to 2.9 ± 0.6 μg/mL, p < 0.0001). Variations of circulating levels of irisin under levothyroxine replacement therapy were directly correlated with those of FT3 (Rho = 0.454, p = 0.0033) and FT4 (Rho = 0.451, p = 0.0035). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that changes in thyroid hormones concentrations explained up to 10% of the variations of serum irisin levels under levothyroxine replacement therapy (FT3 R2 = 0.098, FT4 R2 = 0.103).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that levothyroxine replacement therapy mildly influences irisin metabolism in patients with recently onset hypothyroidism following total thyroidectomy.
Height prediction of water-flowing fracture zone with a genetic-algorithm support-vector-machine method
Authors: Hou Enke , Wen Qiang , Ye Zhenni , Chen Wei , Wei Jiangbo
Published: October 2020

Prediction of the height of a water-flowing fracture zone (WFFZ) is the foundation for evaluating water bursting conditions on roof coal. By taking the Binchang mining area as the study area and conducting an in-depth study of the influence of coal seam thickness, burial depth, working face length, and roof category on the height of a WFFZ, we proposed that the proportion of hard rock in different roof ranges should be used to characterise the influence of roof category on WFFZ height. Based on data of WFFZ height and its influence index obtained from field observations, a prediction model is established for WFFZ height using a combination of a genetic algorithm and a support-vector machine. The reliability and superiority of the prediction model were verified by a comparative study and an engineering application. The results show that the main factors affecting WFFZ height in the study area are coal seam thickness, burial depth, working face length, and roof category. Compared with multiple-linear-regression and back-propagation neural-network approaches, the height-prediction model of the WFFZ based on a genetic-algorithm support-vector-machine method has higher training and prediction accuracy and is more suitable for WFFZ prediction in the mining area.
Estimating Economically Optimal Levels of Nitrogen Fertilizer in No-Tillage Continuous Corn
Authors: Villacis Alexis H. , Ramsey A. Ford , Delgado Jorge A. , Alwang Jeffrey R.
Published: October 2020

Stochastic plateau production functions provide improved fertilizer recommendations based on multi-year agronomic experiments where weather and other stochastic variables change over time. This research assesses the profitability of no-tillage corn production in northeastern Colorado and determines economically optimal nitrogen fertilizer rates. It also proposes an alternative parameterization of the linear response stochastic plateau model which provides a robustness check against traditional parameterizations. Results show the current use of nitrogen fertilizer in the area exceeds estimated economically optimal levels. This suggests that a reduction in nitrogen use could increase expected profits and simultaneously reduce environmental costs.
The IPCC: A Primer for Archaeologists
Authors: Kohler Timothy A. , Rockman Marcy
Published: October 2020

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was founded in 1988 to provide governments with policy-relevant assessments of climate science as well as options for adaptation and mitigation. It is now recognized as providing the leading global compilation of climate science, adaptation, and mitigation research. The volunteer scientists who write these reports have carried out five complete assessment cycles, with the sixth cycle to be completed in 2022. Here, we review how information from and about archaeology and other forms of cultural heritage has been incorporated into these reports to date. Although this review shows that archaeology has not been wholly absent from work of the IPCC, we suggest that archaeology has more to offer the IPCC and global climate response. We propose five ways to more fully engage both archaeologists and knowledge from and about the human past in IPCC assessments and reports.
Determinants of technical efficiency of potato farmers and effects of constraints on potato production in Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Andaregie Adino , Astatkie Tessema
Published: October 2020

To improve the national average yield of potato in Ethiopia, which is very low as compared to its potential, factors that influence technical efficiency of potato production need to be determined. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the determinants of technical efficiency using a cross-sectional data collected from 368 randomly selected potato producers in Northern Ethiopia using a multi-stage sampling technique. The study employed Cobb–Douglas stochastic frontier model to get farm-level technical efficiency scores. Tobit model and principal component analysis were used to determine the factors that influence technical efficiency of farm households. The results revealed that chemical fertiliser, seed potato, plot size and labour are statistically significant factors that affect potato yield. The average technical efficiency score was estimated to be 75%; and education, experience, off-farm income, household size, membership in a farmers’ association, use of irrigation water, extension contact, use of improved seed, access to product market and weak coordination of stakeholders’ were significant factors influencing technical efficiency. The findings of the study suggest that there is a need for government intervention to create strong market linkage between producers and buyers and to give appropriate training to agricultural extension agents.
Post-abortion fertility desires, contraceptive uptake and unmet need for family planning: voices of post-abortion care clients in Tanzania
Authors: Baynes Colin , Yegon Erick , Lusiola Grace , Achola Japhet , Kahando Rehema
Published: October 2020

Post-abortion care (PAC) integrates elements of care that are vital for women’s survival after abortion complications with intervention components that aid women in controlling their fertility, and provides an optimal window of opportunity to help women meet their family planning goals. Yet, incorporating quality family planning services remains a shortcoming of PAC services, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This paper presents evidence from a mixed method study conducted in Tanzania that aimed at explaining factors that contribute to this challenge. Analysis of data obtained through client exit interviews quantified the level of unmet need for contraception among PAC clients and isolated the factors associated with post-abortion contraceptive uptake. Qualitative data analysis of interviews with a subset of these women explored the multi-level context in which post-abortion pregnancy intentions and contraceptive behaviours are formed. Approximately 30% of women interviewed (N=412) could recall receiving counselling on post-abortion family planning. Nearly two-thirds reported a desire to either space or limit childbearing. Of those who desired to space or limited childbearing, approximately 20% received a contraceptive method before discharge from PAC. The factors significantly associated with post-abortion contraceptive acceptance were completion of primary school, prior use of contraception, receipt of PAC at lower level facilities and recall of post-abortion family planning counselling. Qualitative analysis revealed different layers of contextual influences that shaped women’s fertility desires and contraceptive decision-making during PAC: individual (PAC client), spousal/partner-related, health service-related and societal. While results lend support to the concept that there are opportunities for services to address unmet need for post-abortion family planning, they also attest to the synergistic influences of individual, spousal, organizational and societal factors that influence whether they can be realized during PAC. Several strategies to do so emerged saliently from this analysis. These emphasize customized counselling to enable client–provider communication about fertility preferences, structural intervention aimed at empowering women to assert those objectives in family and health care settings, availability of information and services on post-abortion fertility and contraceptive eligibility in PAC settings and interventions to facilitate constructive spousal communication on family planning and contraceptive use, after abortion and in general.
Can metacognitive interventions improve insight in schizophrenia spectrum disorders? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lopez-Morinigo Javier-David , Ajnakina Olesya , Martínez Adela Sánchez-Escribano , Escobedo-Aedo Paula-Jhoana , Ruiz-Ruano Verónica González , Sánchez-Alonso Sergio , Mata-Iturralde Laura , Muñoz-Lorenzo Laura , Ochoa Susana , Baca-García Enrique , David Anthony S
Published: October 2020

Background

Patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) tend to lack insight, which is linked to poor outcomes. The effect size of previous treatments on insight changes in SSD has been small. Metacognitive interventions may improve insight in SSD, although this remains unproved.

Methods

We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to examine the effects of metacognitive interventions designed for SSD, namely Metacognitive Training (MCT) and Metacognitive Reflection and Insight Therapy (MERIT), on changes in cognitive and clinical insight at post-treatment and at follow-up.

Results

Twelve RCTs, including 10 MCT RCTs (n = 717 participants) and two MERIT trials (n = 90), were selected, totalling N = 807 participants. Regarding cognitive insight six RCTs (n = 443) highlighted a medium effect of MCT on self-reflectiveness at post-treatment, d = 0.46, p < 0.01, and at follow-up, d = 0.30, p < 0.01. There was a small effect of MCT on self-certainty at post-treatment, d = −0.23, p = 0.03, but not at follow-up. MCT was superior to controls on an overall Composite Index of cognitive insight at post-treatment, d = 1.11, p < 0.01, and at follow-up, d = 0.86, p = 0.03, although we found evidence of heterogeneity. Of five MCT trials on clinical insight (n = 244 participants), which could not be meta-analysed, four of them favoured MCT compared v. control. The two MERIT trials reported conflicting results.

Conclusions

Metacognitive interventions, particularly Metacognitive Training, appear to improve insight in patients with SSD, especially cognitive insight shortly after treatment. Further long-term RCTs are needed to establish whether these metacognitive interventions-related insight changes are sustained over a longer time period and result in better outcomes.
Predictive indicators of severe COVID-19 independent of comorbidities and advanced age: a nested case−control study
Authors: Li Xinjie , Marmar Tuohutaerbieke , Xu Qiang , Tu Jing , Yin Yue , Tao Qihui , Chen Huilong , Shen Tao , Xu Dong
Published: October 2020

To determine what exacerbate severity of the COVID-19 among patients without comorbidities and advanced age and investigate potential clinical indicators for early surveillance, we adopted a nested case−control study, design in which severe cases (case group,n= 67) and moderate cases (control group,n= 67) of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 without comorbidities, with ages ranging from 18 to 50 years who admitted to Wuhan Tongji Hospital were matched based on age, sex and BMI. Demographic and clinical characteristics, and risk factors associated with severe symptoms were analysed. Percutaneous oxygen saturation (SpO2), lymphocyte counts, C-reactive protein (CRP) and IL-10 were found closely associated with severe COVID-19. The adjusted multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that the independent risk factors associated with severe COVID-19 were CRP (OR 2.037, 95% CI 1.078–3.847,P= 0.028), SpO2(OR 1.639, 95% CI 0.943–2.850,P= 0.080) and lymphocyte (OR 1.530, 95% CI 0.850–2.723,P= 0.148), whereas the changes exhibited by indicators influenced incidence of disease severity. Males exhibited higher levels of indicators associated with inflammation, myocardial injury and kidney injury than the females. This study reveals that increased CRP levels and decreased SpO2and lymphocyte counts could serve as potential indicators of severe COVID-19, independent of comorbidities, advanced age and sex. Males could at higher risk of developing severe symptoms of COVID-19 than females.
Worth the Wait: Delayed Recall after 1 Week Predicts Cognitive and Medial Temporal Lobe Trajectories in Older Adults
Authors: Lindbergh Cutter A. , Walker Nicole , La Joie Renaud , Weiner-Light Sophia , Staffaroni Adam M. , Casaletto Kaitlin B. , Elahi Fanny , Walters Samantha M. , You Michelle , Cotter Devyn , Asken Breton , Apple Alexandra C. , Tsoy Elena , Neuhaus John , Fonseca Corrina , Wolf Amy , Cobigo Yann , Rosen Howie , Kramer Joel H. ,   the Hillblom Aging Network
Published: October 2020

Objective: We evaluated whether memory recall following an extended (1 week) delay predicts cognitive and brain structural trajectories in older adults

Method:

Clinically normal older adults (52–92 years old) were followed longitudinally for up to 8 years after completing a memory paradigm at baseline [Story Recall Test (SRT)] that assessed delayed recall at 30 min and 1 week. Subsets of the cohort underwent neuroimaging (N = 134, mean age = 75) and neuropsychological testing (N = 178–207, mean ages = 74–76) at annual study visits occurring approximately 15–18 months apart. Mixed-effects regression models evaluated if baseline SRT performance predicted longitudinal changes in gray matter volumes and cognitive composite scores, controlling for demographics.

Results:

Worse SRT 1-week recall was associated with more precipitous rates of longitudinal decline in medial temporal lobe volumes (p = .037), episodic memory (p = .003), and executive functioning (p = .011), but not occipital lobe or total gray matter volumes (demonstrating neuroanatomical specificity; p > .58). By contrast, SRT 30-min recall was only associated with longitudinal decline in executive functioning (p = .044).

Conclusions:

Memory paradigms that capture longer-term recall may be particularly sensitive to age-related medial temporal lobe changes and neurodegenerative disease trajectories. (JINS, 2020, xx, xx-xx)
Arbeiten nach Lungentransplantation
Authors: Blazsik Reka Maria , Benden Christian , Dressel Holger
Published: October 2020

Zusammenfassung. Ob Patientinnen und Patienten nach erfolgreicher Lungentransplantation in den Arbeitsprozess zurückkehren, hängt von verschiedenen Faktoren ab. Der beste prädiktive Faktor für eine Beschäftigung nach Transplantation ist der Beschäftigungsstatus vor der Transplantation. Aktuell gibt es kein international standardisiertes Vorgehen in Bezug auf die Fragen, zu welchem Zeitpunkt und nach welchen Kriterien die berufliche Reintegration der Patientinnen und Patienten nach Lungentransplantation in das Arbeitsumfeld erfolgen soll. Das Infektionsrisiko am Arbeitsplatz/bei der Arbeitstätigkeit sollte vor der Wiederaufnahme der Arbeit unbedingt beurteilt werden: eine ausführliche Arbeitsanamnese ist Voraussetzung und eine Arbeitsplatzbegehung eine zusätzliche Option. Man sollte sich bei der Beratung auf die medizinische Literatur und auf allgemeine Empfehlungen stützen, und psychosoziale Faktoren müssen auch berücksichtigt werden. Bei Unklarheiten empfiehlt sich eine interdisziplinäre Besprechung.
CME-Sonografie 94: Nebennieren
Authors: Tuma Jan
Published: October 2020

Zusammenfassung. Nebennieren werden oft in der Abdomensonografie nicht untersucht, da die falsche Meinung herrscht, dass die Nebennieren nicht darstellbar sind. Die normale rechte Nebenniere ist dabei in den meisten Fällen und die linke sehr oft darstellbar. Die Sonografie leistet einen wichtigen Beitrag in der Diagnostik der Nebennierenerkrankungen. Neben Blutungen und Tuberkulose gibt es benigne Tumoren (Nebennierenadenome), Phäochromozytome sowie Nebennierenkarzinome. Dazu kommen auch Nebennierenmetastasen und Lymphome.
Horizontal and Vertical Sediment Sorting in Tidal Sand Waves: Modeling the Finite‐Amplitude Stage
Authors: Damveld J. H. , Borsje B. W. , Roos P. C. , Hulscher S. J. M. H.
Published: October 2020

The bed of coastal seas displays a large number of rhythmic bed features, of which sand waves are relevant to study from an engineering perspective. Sediments tend to be well sorted over these bed forms, which is so far poorly understood in terms of modeling of finite‐amplitude sand waves. Using Delft3D, we employ bed stratigraphy and consider four different grain‐size classes, which are normally distributed on the phi scale. The standard deviation (sortedness) is then varied, whereas the geometric mean grain size is kept constant. The results show that, typically, the crests of sand waves are coarser than the troughs. Residual flow causes net sedimentation on the leeside of the crest, and, consequently, the general sorting pattern is distorted. Since larger grains experience a larger settling velocity, they are deposited on the upper lee slope, whereas the smaller grains are found on the lower lee slope. Due to sand wave migration, also, the internal structure of the sand wave is revealed, which follows the same sedimentation pattern as the lee slope surface. These results qualitatively agree with sorting patterns observed offshore. The sorting processes lead to longer wavelengths and lower wave heights, as a function of standard deviation. This relates to the dampening effect of suspended sediment transport for fine grains. Finally, it appears that the modeled wave heights fall in the same range as observations in the North Sea. These results are valuable for, for example, predicting the morphological response after engineering activities and determining suitable aggregates for sand extraction.
Detection, Analysis, and Removal of Glitches From InSight's Seismic Data From Mars
Authors: Scholz John‐Robert , Widmer‐Schnidrig Rudolf , Davis Paul , Lognonné Philippe , Pinot Baptiste , Garcia Raphaël F. , Hurst Kenneth , Pou Laurent , Nimmo Francis , Barkaoui Salma , de Raucourt Sébastien , Knapmeyer‐Endrun Brigitte , Knapmeyer Martin , Orhand‐Mainsant Guénolé , Compaire Nicolas , Cuvier Arthur , Beucler Éric , Bonnin Mickaël , Joshi Rakshit , Sainton Grégory , Stutzmann Eléonore , Schimmel Martin , Horleston Anna , Böse Maren , Ceylan Savas , Clinton John , van Driel Martin , Kawamura Taichi , Khan Amir , Stähler Simon C. , Giardini Domenico , Charalambous Constantinos , Stott Alexander E. , Pike William T. , Christensen Ulrich R. , Banerdt W. Bruce
Published: October 2020

The instrument package SEIS (Seismic Experiment for Internal Structure) with the three very broadband and three short‐period seismic sensors is installed on the surface on Mars as part of NASA's InSight Discovery mission. When compared to terrestrial installations, SEIS is deployed in a very harsh wind and temperature environment that leads to inevitable degradation of the quality of the recorded data. One ubiquitous artifact in the raw data is an abundance of transient one‐sided pulses often accompanied by high‐frequency spikes. These pulses, which we term “glitches”, can be modeled as the response of the instrument to a step in acceleration, while the spikes can be modeled as the response to a simultaneous step in displacement. We attribute the glitches primarily to SEIS‐internal stress relaxations caused by the large temperature variations to which the instrument is exposed during a Martian day. Only a small fraction of glitches correspond to a motion of the SEIS package as a whole caused by minuscule tilts of either the instrument or the ground. In this study, we focus on the analysis of the glitch+spike phenomenon and present how these signals can be automatically detected and removed from SEIS's raw data. As glitches affect many standard seismological analysis methods such as receiver functions, spectral decomposition and source inversions, we anticipate that studies of the Martian seismicity as well as studies of Mars' internal structure should benefit from deglitched seismic data.
Phase Decoherence Within Intense Chorus Wave Packets Constrains the Efficiency of Nonlinear Resonant Electron Acceleration
Authors: Zhang X.‐J. , Agapitov O. , Artemyev A. V. , Mourenas D. , Angelopoulos V. , Kurth W. S. , Bonnell J. W. , Hospodarsky G. B.
Published: October 2020

Electron resonant interaction with whistler mode waves is traditionally considered as one of the main drivers of radiation belt dynamics. The two main theoretical concepts available for its description are quasi‐linear theory of electron scattering by low‐amplitude waves and nonlinear theory of electron resonant trapping and phase bunching by intense waves. Both concepts successfully describe some aspects of wave‐particle interactions but predict significantly different timescales of relativistic electron acceleration. In this study, we investigate effects that can reduce the efficiency of nonlinear interactions and bridge the gap between the predictions of these two types of models. We examine the effects of random wave phase and frequency variations observed inside whistler mode wave packets on nonlinear interactions. Our results show that phase coherence and frequency fluctuations should be taken into account to accurately model electron nonlinear resonant acceleration and that, along with wave amplitude modulation, they may reduce acceleration rates to realistic, moderate levels.
High‐Energy Surf Zone Currents and Headland Rips at a Geologically Constrained Mesotidal Beach
Authors: Mouragues Arthur , Bonneton Philippe , Castelle Bruno , Marieu Vincent , Jak McCarroll R. , Rodriguez‐Padilla Isaac , Scott Tim , Sous Damien
Published: October 2020

We analyze Eulerian and Lagrangian measurements of wave‐induced circulation collected during a 3‐week field experiment at a high‐energy mesotidal barred beach with the presence of a 500‐m headland and a submerged reef. Small changes in wave and tide conditions were found to largely impact circulation patterns. Three main regimes were identified depending on offshore wave obliquity: (1) Under shore‐normal configuration, the flow was dominated by cross‐shore motions, except for moderate waves at low tide, with the presence of a quasi‐steady circulation cell on the reef. (2) Under shadowed configuration, an onshore‐directed current flowing away from the headland and a weak oscillating eddy were present outside and inside the shadow region, respectively. (3) Under deflection configuration, a deflection rip flowing against the headland and extending well beyond the surf zone was present, with activity maximized around low tide for moderate waves. Under 4‐m oblique waves, the deflection rip was active regardless of the tide with mean depth‐averaged velocities up to 0.7 m/s 800‐m offshore in 12‐m depth, with energetic low‐frequency fluctuations. Our results emphasize the ability of deflection rips to transport materials far offshore, suggesting that such rips can transport sediment beyond the depth of closure. This study indicates that a wide variety of wave‐driven circulation patterns can occur and sometimes coexist on beaches with prominent geological settings. Changes in the dominant driving mechanism can occur as a result of small changes in wave and tide conditions, resulting in more spatially and temporally variable circulation than along open sandy beaches.
A Survival Analysis of the Gulf Stream Warm Core Rings
Authors: Silva E. Nishchitha S. , Gangopadhyay Avijit , Fay Gavin , Welandawe Manushi K. V. , Gawarkiewicz Glen , Silver Adrienne M. , Monim Mahmud , Clark Jenifer
Published: October 2020

Survival of Gulf Stream (GS) warm core rings (WCRs) was investigated using a census consisting of a total of 961 rings formed during the period 1980–2017. Kaplan‐Meier survival probability and Cox hazard proportional models were used for the analysis. The survival analysis was performed for rings formed in four 5° zones between 75° W and 55° W. The radius, latitude, and distance from the shelf‐break of a WCR at formation all had a significant effect on the survival of WCRs. A pattern of higher survival was observed in WCRs formed in Zone 2 (70°–65° W) or Zone 3 (65°–60° W) and then demised in Zone 1 (75°–70° W). Survival probability of the WCRs increased to more than 70% for those formed within a latitude band from 39.5° to 41.5° N. Survival probability is reduced when the WCRs are formed near the New England Seamounts.