bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Known and Unknown about the Environmental Safety of Nanomaterials in Commerce
Authors: Klaper Rebecca D.
Published: May 2020

The widespread nanomaterial use in commercial products has fed significant concern over environmental health and safety ramifications. Initially, little was known as to how these highly reactive particulates interacted with biological systems. Nanomaterials have introduced complexities not normally considered in traditional safety assessments of chemicals and therefore have generated uncertainty in the reliability of standard tests of safety. Advances in understanding the potential impacts of nanomaterials have occurred since their introduction, particularly for those used in the greatest quantities in commerce. The impact of characteristics such as charge, size, surface functionalization, chemical composition, and certain transformations on the potential effect of nanomaterials in the environment continue to move the field forward. However, generalizations of risk based on any one factor across nanomaterials is not possible. Estimating risk also remains difficult due to the introduction of materials that are new and more complex, minimal information on the specific molecular interactions of nanomaterials and organisms, and the need for more tools for measuring the dynamics of nanomaterial state and fate in complex matrices. Finally, exposure estimates are difficult due to difficulty of environmental monitoring which may be exacerbated by lack of information on nanomaterials in products and new uses in the marketplace.
Boosting Perovskite Photodetector Performance in NIR Using Plasmonic Bowtie Nanoantenna Arrays
Authors: Wang Bin , Zou Yuting , Lu Huanyu , Kong Wenchi , Singh Subhash C. , Zhao Chen , Yao Chaonan , Xing Jun , Zheng Xin , Yu Zhi , Tong Cunzhu , Xin Wei , Yu Weili , Zhao Bo , Guo Chunlei
Published: May 2020

Triple‐cation mixed metal halide perovskites are important optoelectronic materials due to their high photon to electron conversion efficiency, low exciton binding energy, and good thermal stability. However, the perovskites have low photon to electron conversion efficiency in near‐infrared (NIR) due to their weak intrinsic absorption at longer wavelength, especially near the band edge and over the bandgap wavelength. A plasmonic functionalized perovskite photodetector (PD) is designed and fabricated in this study, in which the perovskite ((Cs0.06FA0.79MA0.15)Pb(I0.85Br0.15)3) active materials are spin‐coated on the surface of Au bowtie nanoantenna (BNA) arrays substrate. Under 785 nm laser illumination, near the bandedge of perovskite, the fabricated BNA‐based plasmonic PD exhibits ≈2962% enhancement in the photoresponse over the Si/SiO2‐based normal PD. Moreover, the detectivity of the plasmonic PD has a value of 1.5 × 1012 with external quantum efficiency as high as 188.8%, more than 30 times over the normal PD. The strong boosting in the plasmonic PD performance is attributed to the enhanced electric field around BNA arrays through the coupling of localized surface plasmon resonance. The demonstrated BNA‐perovskite design can also be used to enhance performance of other optoelectronic devices, and the concept can be extended to other spectral regions with different active materials.
A Humidity‐Induced Nontemplating Route toward Hierarchical Porous Carbon Fiber Hybrid for Efficient Bifunctional Oxygen Catalysis
Authors: Tian Lidong , Ji Dongxiao , Zhang Shan , He Xiaowei , Ramakrishna Seeram , Zhang Qiuyu
Published: May 2020

Hierarchical porous carbons (HPCs) are highly efficient supports for various remarkable catalytic systems. However, templates are commonly utilized for the preparation of HPCs, and the postremoval of the templates is uneconomical, time‐consuming, and harmful for the environment in most cases. Herein, a new humidity‐induced nontemplating strategy is developed to prepare 1D HPC with rich topologies and interconnected cavities for catalysis and energy storage applications. Porous electrospun nanofibers as calcination precursors are prepared via a humidity‐induced phase separation strategy. A nitrogen‐doped hierarchical porous carbon nanofiber (HPCNF), loading Co/Co3O4 hetero‐nanoparticles as exemplary nonprecious‐metal active substance (Co/Co3O4@HPCNF), is fabricated through the subsequent hydrothermal and pyrolysis treatment. The internal mesopore and cavity structure can be simply controlled by varying environment humidity during the electrospinning process. Benefiting from the unique topology, Co/Co3O4@HPCNF exhibits superior bifunctional activity when being used as electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction/evolution reactions. Moreover, the hybrid catalyst also demonstrates a remarkable power density of 102.5 mW cm−2, a high capacity of 748.5 mAh gZn−1, and long cycle life in Zinc–air batteries. The developed approach offers a facile template‐free route for the preparation of HPCNF hybrid and can be extended to other members of the large polymer family for catalyst design and energy storage applications.
Well‐Defined Single‐Atom Cobalt Catalyst for Electrocatalytic Flue Gas CO2 Reduction
Authors: Hou Pengfei , Song Wenli , Wang Xiuping , Hu Zhenpeng , Kang Peng
Published: May 2020

Single‐atom Co catalyst Co‐Tpy‐C with well‐defined sites is synthesized by pyrolysis of a Co terpyridine (Tpy) organometallic complex. The Co‐Tpy‐C catalyst exhibits excellent activity for the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction in aqueous electrolyte, with CO faradaic efficiency (FE) of over 95% from −0.7 to −1.0 V (vs RHE). By comparison, catalysts without Co or Tpy ligand added do not show any high CO FE. When simulated flue gas with 15% of CO2 is used as the source of CO2, CO FE is kept at 90.1% at −0.5 V versus RHE. During gas phase flow electrolysis using simulated flue gas, the CO partial current density is further increased to 86.4 mA cm−2 and CO FE reached >90% at the cell voltage of 3.4 V. Experiments and density functional theory calculations indicate that uniform single‐atom Co–N4 sites mainly contribute to the high activity for CO2 reduction.
An empirical analysis of source code metrics and smart contract resource consumption
Authors: Ajienka Nemitari , Vangorp Peter , Capiluppi Andrea
Published: May 2020

A smart contract (SC) is a programme stored in the Ethereum blockchain by a contract‐creation transaction. SC developers deploy an instance of the SC and attempt to execute it in exchange for a fee, paid in Ethereum coins (Ether). If the computation needed for their execution turns out to be larger than the effort proposed by the developer (i.e., the gasLimit), their client instantiation will not be completed successfully.

In this paper, we examine SCs from 11 Ethereum blockchain‐oriented software projects hosted on GitHub.com, and we evaluate the resources needed for their deployment (i.e., the gasUsed). For each of these contracts, we also extract a suite of object‐oriented metrics, to evaluate their structural characteristics.

Our results show a statistically significant correlation between some of the object‐oriented (OO) metrics and the resources consumed on the Ethereum blockchain network when deploying SCs. This result has a direct impact on how Ethereum developers engage with a SC: evaluating its structural characteristics, they will be able to produce a better estimate of the resources needed to deploy it. Other results show specific source code metrics to be prioritised based on application domains when the projects are clustered based on common themes.
Shear strength of straight concrete members without shear reinforcement. Reassessment of the effectiveness factors used in the crack sliding theory
Authors: Kragh‐Poulsen Jens‐Christian , Nielsen Mogens Peter , Goltermann Per
Published: May 2020

Recently it has been shown that the effectiveness factors used in the crack sliding theory are not well suited for predicting the shear strength of beams with large depths. Therefore, formulas for the effective concrete compression strength and the effective tensile strength have been reformulated by changing the size effect factor and adding a term to take into account the maximum aggregate size. Also, the theory has been improved to predict better the shear strength of deep beams and beams with short shear span. This is done by including the effect of the transverse stress. Experimental data for slender beams and deep/short beams with rectangular cross sections have been used for validation of the crack sliding theory. The outcome of this analysis is that the new theory in general are substantially better for predicting shear strength than the old one.
Exploring and managing the complexity of large infrastructure projects with network theory and model‐based systems engineering—The example of radioactive waste disposal
Authors: Poller Andreas
Published: May 2020

Given that model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) captures the structure and behavior of an engineered system in an overarching system model, MBSE appears to be a promising approach to managing large infrastructure projects (LIPs). However, it is not apparent how to most appropriately organize the associated system model—and hence the infrastructure project itself. Furthermore, MBSE may today not be readily accepted by the civil engineering industry. In this research, a hypothetical project for the geological disposal of radioactive waste is taken as an example of an LIP and initial system models of the entire disposal project are created. Furthermore, a network representation of the project is generated and examined with network theory. Based on the results, different project organizations are synthesized and evaluated. Eventually, the initial system models are updated to accommodate the most suitable organization according to the network analysis results. In addition, the perception of, and attitude toward MBSE is assessed by means of a cross‐sectional survey in a civil engineering company. The generation of system models of LIPs is found to be straightforward. Network theory is able to unveil the complex structure of LIPs in order to identify the most suitable way to organize them and the associated system models. The survey results suggest that MBSE may find broad acceptance in the civil engineering industry.
Influence of Drying Rate on Hot Air Drying Processing of Fresh Foods Using Pulsed Electric Field
Authors: Yamada Takahiro , Yamakage Kouya , Takahashi Katsuyuki , Takaki Koichi , Orikasa Takahiro , Kamagata Junichi , Aoki Hitoshi
Published: May 2020

Influence of pulsed electric field (PEF) on the drying rate of foods during the hot air drying process is investigated. Nine kinds of fruits and vegetables and two kinds of marine products are used as the samples, and changes in the weight of these samples during the process are evaluated. PEF is applied to the samples using parallel plate electrodes. The applied voltage ranges from 0.4 to 3 kV, and the input energy of the sample ranges from 1.5 to 115.5 J/g. The samples are dehydrated using a hot air dryer after the PEF treatment. The drying rate of leafy vegetables, apples, and wakame seaweed is accelerated by PEF. The results show that the moisture permeability of membrane can be improved by destroying the cell membrane by PEF. On the other hand, there is no effect on root vegetables because their hard tissues are hard to destroy. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The water crisis in Iran: Development or destruction?
Authors: Mirzavand Mohammad , Bagheri Rahim
Published: May 2020

This study investigates Iran's water resources, crisis intensity, causes, and solutions to control and mitigate water crisis. The emphasis is on Kashan city as symbol of the Karizian civilization in central of Iran, which is now facing problems in both quality and quantity of water. Carried out as a library and documentary research, we reviewed the status of Kashan's and Iran's water resources, and identified four major reasons for the present water crisis on a local and national wide scale: (a) lack of land use spatial planning; (b) mismanagement, thirst for development, and self‐sufficiency: (c) political decisions on water allocation; and (d) lack of proper water pricing and inability of farmers to optimize irrigation systems. As a consequence, the country is challenged with severe water problems at both local and nation‐wide scale, including increasing water demand and scarcity, decreasing groundwater table, deteriorating water quality, and increasing loss of ecosystems. If integrated water resources management plan is not immediately implemented to solve this problem, it is possible that the condition will be more disastrous in the coming years. The study proposes some actions that should be immediately applied to protect water resources and avoid tragic conditions in a country with a brilliant and long history in water resources management.
Numerical study of blood flow and heat transfer through stretching cylinder in the presence of a magnetic dipole
Authors: Ferdows M. , Murtaza M. G. , Tzirtzilakis E. E. , Alzahrani Faris
Published: May 2020

In the present paper we study numerically the Biomagnetic Fluid Flow (BFD) (blood) and heat transfer through a stretching cylinder. The physical problem is formulated by a BFD model which incorporates both principles of FerroHydroDynamics (FHD) and MagnetoHydroDynamics (MHD). Thus, blood is considered to be an electrically conducting fluid which simultaneously exhibits polarization. The governing equations are non‐dimensionalized using suitable similarity transformations and the resulting coupled non linear system of ordinary differential equations are solved using an efficient numerical technique which is based on a common finite differences method with central differencing, a tridiagonal matrix manipulation and an iterative procedure. Comparisons of our results with existed studies are made for some limiting case of the present study and found to be in a good agreement. The results are presented graphically for different values of the parameters with emphasis to the examination of FHD and MHD effect on the flow field as well as other physical quantities of interest, like skin friction coefficient and heat transfer on the wall.
Section I: Outer Space
Authors: Dinstein Yoram , Dahl Arne Willy
Published: May 2020

For the purposes of this Manual:
Section X: Civil Aviation and Civilian Airliners
Authors: Dinstein Yoram , Dahl Arne Willy
Published: May 2020

During an international armed conflict:
Section XIV: Humanitarian Assistance
Authors: Dinstein Yoram , Dahl Arne Willy
Published: May 2020

Withholding of consent can be arbitrary if it is not compatible,inter alia,with other obligations under applicable principles and rules of LOAC, or if it is unreasonable given the needs of the civilian population in the prevailing circumstances.
Section XV: Cultural Property
Authors: Dinstein Yoram , Dahl Arne Willy
Published: May 2020

“Cultural property” means movable or immovable property, whether secular or religious and irrespective of origin or ownership, which is of great importance to the cultural heritage of every people. Examples include buildings and other monuments of historic, artistic or architectural significance; archaeological sites; artworks, antiquities, manuscripts, books, collections thereof, and collections of reproductions thereof; scientific collections; and archives. The term “cultural property” extends to buildings whose main and effective purpose is to preserve or exhibit movable cultural property and to refuges intended to shelter it, as well as to centres containing a large amount of movable or immovable cultural property.
Section XVII: International Criminal Law
Authors: Dinstein Yoram , Dahl Arne Willy
Published: May 2020

Those who decide upon, plan, order or execute military operations during an armed conflict bear individual criminal responsibility for war crimes they have committed.
Section II: Cyber Operations
Authors: Dinstein Yoram , Dahl Arne Willy
Published: May 2020

At the time of composing the Oslo Manual, there were some fundamental differences of opinion among States as to the interpretation or acceptability of terms such as “cyber means of warfare”, “cyber methods of warfare”, and “cyber attacks”. The Group of Experts took cognizance of those differences of opinion but concluded, coherent with the view of the International Court of Justice, as expressed in the Nuclear Weapons Advisory Opinion that the cardinal principles of LOAC would apply to all forms of warfare. This includes cyber warfare.
Section III: Remote and Autonomous Weapons
Authors: Dinstein Yoram , Dahl Arne Willy
Published: May 2020

For the purposes of this Manual, a “remotely piloted aircraft” (RPA) is an aircraft that is controlled via a remote communication link by a human operator who is not located on board the aircraft.
Section IV: Unmanned Maritime Systems
Authors: Dinstein Yoram , Dahl Arne Willy
Published: May 2020

To a certain extent, this Section overlaps some provisions of chapter “Section III: Remote and Autonomous Weapons” inasmuch as both Sections deal with unmanned systems. However, whereas chapter “Section III: Remote and Autonomous Weapons” addresses both unmanned platforms and weapon systems, the present Section focuses on unmanned maritime platforms that may or may not be integral parts of a weapon system. The maritime platforms and systems dealt with here must therefore be distinguished from automated weapon systems, in particular those for the defence of surface platforms against missile threats. Accordingly, the terminology used in this Section does not necessarily replicate that used in chapter “Section III: Remote and Autonomous Weapons”.
Section VI: Submarine Cables and Pipelines
Authors: Dinstein Yoram , Dahl Arne Willy
Published: May 2020

States, having laid submarine cables or pipelines, or whose nationals have laid and operate such cables and pipelines, are entitled to take protective measures with a view to preventing or terminating any harmful interference.
Section VII: Civilians Directly Participating in Hostilities
Authors: Dinstein Yoram , Dahl Arne Willy
Published: May 2020

Civilians directly participating in hostilities lose their protection from attack for such time as they do so.
Section IX: Military Objectives by Nature
Authors: Dinstein Yoram , Dahl Arne Willy
Published: May 2020

“Military objectives”, as far as objects are concerned, are those objects which by their nature, location, purpose or use, make an effective contribution to military action and whose total or partial destruction, capture or neutralization, in the circumstances ruling at the time, offers a definite military advantage.
Introduction
Authors: Louhichi Kamel , Riesgo Laura , Gomez y Paloma Sergio
Published: May 2020

Food and nutrition security has become one of the most important items on today’s international political agenda and a serious issue for governments around the world. Despite the availability of enough food globally, over a billion people continue to suffer from the lack of nutritious food. The prevalence of undernutrition and the increase in overweight and obesity continue to be major public health problems in many countries worldwide.
Impact of Casual and Permanent Off-Farm Activities on Food Security: The Case of India
Authors: Dsouza Alwin , Mishra Ashok K. , Sonoda Tadashi
Published: May 2020

India is the largest producer of food grains, dairy commodities and horticultural crops and largest exporter of rice, beef and cotton. But the country, at the micro-level, still struggles with extensive and deep-rooted problems with food security. The Planning Commission notes that 22% of the 1.2 billion Indians are still living in poverty. This chapter assesses the impact of off-farm income and labour allocation (both casual and permanent off-farm work), and decisions on food security of smallholder households in India. Promoting food distribution schemes and female education would bring about further reduction of food insecurity among rural households. We found that off-farm activities and off-farm business income reduce food insecurity of rural Indian households. Spouse’s casual off-farm work status had a negative impact on household’s food insecurity—increased food security; operator’s casual off-farm work status had a positive impact on household’s food insecurity—increased food insecurity. However, food insecurity of households increased if both operator and spouse worked casually off the farm.
The Superior Role of Agricultural Growth in Reducing Child Stunting: An Instrumental Variables Approach
Authors: Mary Sébastien , Shaw Kelsey
Published: May 2020

This chapter examines the impacts of agricultural growth and non-agricultural growth on the prevalence of child stunting in developing countries between 1984 and 2014. We find that a 10% increase in agricultural gross domestic product (GDP) per capita would reduce stunting by 2.9%, whereas a similar relative increase in non-agricultural GDP per capita would reduce stunting by only 2.2%. We confirm that agricultural growth is superior to non-agricultural growth in reducing child stunting. However, given the moderate amplitude of the estimated effects, it is unlikely that a pro-poor growth strategy, even one focussed on agriculture, would generate sufficient stunting reductions in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Policymakers may consider prioritising their efforts towards complementary direct nutritional investments. We also estimate the reverse causal impacts of stunting on sectoral growth. Stunting costs on average approximately 13.6% of potential non-agricultural GDP per capita and 3.4% of potential agricultural GDP per capita.
Conclusions
Authors: Riesgo Laura , Louhichi Kamel , Gomez y Paloma Sergio
Published: May 2020

Smallholder farming is crucial for producing food and for sustaining the livelihoods of millions of people in developing countries.
Smallholder Farmers’ Access to Inputs and Finance in Africa
Authors: Langyintuo Augustine
Published: May 2020

Agriculture remains the mainstay of most economies in Africa, accounting for 37% of gross domestic product (GDP), nearly 60% of export earnings, and over 76% of employment. Over the decades, agricultural value added has averaged 17%, growing at a rate of 1.4%. This has been driven primarily by low use of modern technologies such as improved crop varieties, fertilisers and other complementary inputs, which in turn is an artefact of limited access to agricultural finance. The direct consequence of low agricultural productivity is the high rates of poverty and malnutrition on the continent. African governments are renewing efforts to promote agriculture, recognising that GDP growth originating in agriculture is about four times more effective in reducing poverty than GDP growth in other sectors, although how best to do this within very complex political economies remains a challenge. As an important first step towards reducing poverty and increasing wealth among smallholder farmers in Africa, this chapter explores the major challenges in farmers’ access to productive farm inputs and finances and reviews alternative approaches that could be used to improve access by farmers to these resources.
Policies for Improved Food Security: The Roles of Land Tenure Policies and Land Markets
Authors: Holden Stein T.
Published: May 2020

This chapter provides an overview of what we know about farm size distributions, the emerging land markets, the role of tenure systems, tenure reforms and land policies in shaping the distribution of increasingly scarce land resources. The primary focus is on Africa while making some comparisons with Asia. Climate risk and change have serious implications for household vulnerability and food security. While there is a need to absorb further population growth in rural areas, a rapid rise in rural–urban migration is inevitable. Careful land use planning and tenure reforms are needed to smooth the transition towards more intensive land use.
KATRIN bound on 3+1 active-sterile neutrino mixing and the reactor antineutrino anomaly
Authors: Giunti C. , Li Y.F. , Zhang Y.Y.
Published: May 2020

Abstract

We present the bounds on 3+1 active-sterile neutrino mixing obtained from the first results of the KATRIN experiment. We show that the KATRIN data extend the Mainz and Troitsk bound to smaller values of

$$ \Delta {m}_{41}^2 $$

Δ

m
41
2

for large mixing and improves the exclusion of the large-

$$ \Delta {m}_{41}^2 $$

Δ

m
41
2

solution of the Huber-Muller reactor antineutrino anomaly. We also show that the combined bound of the Mainz, Troitsk, and KATRIN tritium experiments and the Bugey-3, NEOS, PROSPECT, and DANSS reactor spectral ratio measurements exclude most of the region in the (sin22ϑ

ee

,

$$ \Delta {m}_{41}^2 $$

Δ

m
41
2

) plane allowed by the Huber-Muller reactor antineutrino anomaly. Considering two new calculations of the reactor antineutrino fluxes, we show that one, that predicts a lower 235U antineutrino flux, is in agreement with the tritium and reactor spectral ratio measurements, whereas the other leads to a larger tension than the Huber-Muller prediction. We also show that the combined reactor spectral ratio and tritium measurements disfavor the Neutrino-4 indication of large active-sterile mixing. We finally discuss the constraints on the gallium neutrino anomaly.
HQ collisional energy loss in a magnetized medium
Authors: Singh Balbeer , Mazumder Surasree , Mishra Hiranmaya
Published: May 2020

Abstract

We study the effect of the magnetic field on the collisional energy loss of heavy quark (HQ) moving in a magnetized thermal partonic medium. This is investigated in the strong field approximation where the lowest Landau level (LLL) becomes relevant. We work in the limit g

$$ \sqrt{eB} $$

eB

≪ T ≪

$$ \sqrt{eB} $$

eB

which is relevant for heavy ion collisions. Effects of the magnetic field are incorporated through the resummed gluon propagator in which the dominant contribution arises from the quark loop. We also take the approximation

$$ \sqrt{eB} $$

eB

≪ M , M being the HQ mass, so that the HQ is not Landau quantized. It turns out that there are only two types of scatterings that contribute to the energy loss of HQ; the Coulomb scattering of HQ with light quarks/anti-quarks and the t-channel Compton scattering. It is observed that for a given magnetic field, the dominant contribution to the collisional energy loss arises from Compton scattering process i.e., Qg → Qg. On the other hand, of the two processes, the Coulomb scattering i.e., Qq → Qq is more sensitive to the magnetic field. The net collisional energy loss is seen to increase with increase in the magnetic field. For a reasonable strength of the magnetic field, the field dependent contribution to the collisional energy loss is of the same order as to the case without magnetic field which can be important for the jet quenching phenomena in the heavy ion collision experiments.
Use of psychiatric hospitals and social integration of patients with psychiatric disorders: a prospective cohort study in five European countries
Authors: Smith Pierre , Nicaise Pablo , Giacco Domenico , Bird Victoria jane , Bauer Michael , Ruggeri Mirella , Welbel Marta , Pfennig Andrea , Lasalvia Antonio , Moskalewicz Jacek , Priebe Stefan , Lorant Vincent
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Long lengths of stay (LoS) in psychiatric hospitals or repeated admission may affect the social integration of patients with psychiatric disorders. So far, however, studies have been inconclusive. This study aimed to analyse whether long LoS or repeated admissions in psychiatric wards were associated in different ways with changes in the social integration of patients.

Methods

Within a prospective cohort study, data were collected on 2181 patients with a main ICD-10 diagnosis of psychotic, affective, or anxiety disorder, hospitalised in the UK, Italy, Germany, Poland, and Belgium in 2015. Social integration was measured at baseline and 1 year after admission using the SIX index, which includes four dimensions: employment, housing, family situation, and friendship. Regression models were performed to test the association between LoS, the number of admissions, and the change in social integration over the study period, controlling for patients’ characteristics (trial registration ISRCTN40256812).

Results

A longer LoS was significantly associated with a decrease in social integration (β = − 0.23, 95%CI − 0.32 to − 0.14, p = 0.03), particularly regarding employment (OR = 2.21, 95%CI 1.18–3.24, p = 0.02), housing (OR = 3.45, 95%CI 1.74–5.16, p < 0.001), and family situation (OR = 1.94, 95%CI 1.10–2.78, p = 0.04). In contrast, repeated admissions were only associated with a decrease in friendship contacts (OR = 1.15, 95CI% 1.08–1.22, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Results suggest that a longer hospital LoS is more strongly associated with a decrease in patients’ social integration than repeated admissions. Special attention should be paid to helping patients to find and retain housing and employment while hospitalised for long periods.
(In)comparability of Carotid Artery Stent Characteristics: A Systematic Review on Assessment and Comparison with Manufacturer Data
Authors: de Vries Evelien E. , Kök Mert , Hoving Astrid M. , Slump Cornelis H. , Toorop Raechel J. , de Borst Gert J.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Carotid stent (CS) characteristics, such as radial force, scaffolding and flexibility, are continuously modified by stent manufacturers aiming to improve stent performance. Since manufacturers’ definitions and assessment methods are not disclosed, it is unknown how characteristics of different CSs relate to each other or to published literature. We examined in vitro methodological techniques used to measure CS characteristics and assessed comparability between published papers and outcomes as provided by the manufacturers.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus databases. Studies reporting on in vitro investigations of predefined characteristics of CS used in current everyday clinical practice were included. The predefined characteristics were radial force, scaffolding, flexibility, foreshortening, side-branch preservation and visibility. Eight manufacturers of 10 currently used CS were contacted and data on the predefined device characteristics was requested.

Results

12 published articles were included and six stent manufacturers provided data on six stents (two refused to share data). Used methodologies to measure stent characteristics in published literature and manufacturer data varied greatly for all included characteristics except foreshortening. The number of different units of measurement to express outcomes ranged from two for foreshortening to six for radial force.

Conclusion

A variety of methodologies and outcome measures is used to quantify CS characteristics, which hampers comparisons between published studies and manufacturer data. Future studies are encouraged to synchronize methodologies and outcome measures. Manufacturers are encouraged up to increase transparency of applied testing methodologies and outcomes.
Effects of intact and hydrolysed blue whiting proteins on blood pressure and markers of kidney function in obese Zucker fa/fa rats
Authors: Drotningsvik Aslaug , Oterhals Åge , Mjøs Svein Are , Vikøren Linn Anja , Flesland Ola , Gudbrandsen Oddrun Anita
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To investigate the effects of diets containing intact or hydrolysed proteins from blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) on the development of high blood pressure and markers of kidney function in obese Zucker fa/fa rats which are prone to develop hypertension and renal failure.

Methods

Male rats were fed isocaloric diets containing either intact blue whiting whole meal (BW-WM), blue whiting protein hydrolysate prepared with Alcalase®(BW-HA) or blue whiting protein hydrolysate prepared with Protamex®(BW-HP) as 1/3 of total protein with the remaining 2/3 as casein, or casein as sole protein source (control group). Blood pressure was measured at Day 0 and Day 32. Rats were housed in metabolic cages for 24 h for collection of urine in week 4. After 5 weeks, rats were euthanized and blood was drawn from the heart. The renin and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition capacities for casein and blue whiting proteins were measured in vitro.

Results

The blood pressure increase was lower in rats fed diets containing blue whiting proteins when compared to the control group, whereas markers of kidney function were similar between all groups. The three blue whiting proteins inhibited renin activity in vitro, whereas casein had no effect. The in vitro ACE inhibition was similar for casein, BW-WM and BW-HP proteins, whereas BW-HA protein was less potent.

Conclusion

Blue whiting protein feeding attenuated the blood pressure increase in obese Zucker fa/fa rats, possibly mediated through the renin–angiotensin system and without affecting markers of kidney function.
Prenatal effects of maternal nutritional stress and mental health on the fetal movement profile
Authors: Reissland N. , Millard A. R. , Wood R. , Ustun B. , McFaul C. , Froggatt S. , Einbeck J.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Prenatal sub-optimal nutrition and exposure to maternal stress, anxiety and depression in pregnancy have been linked to increased postnatal morbidity and mortality. Fetal growth is most vulnerable to maternal dietary deficiencies, such as those evident in hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), early in pregnancy. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effects of HG on fetal movement profiles as a measure of fetal healthy development in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, and to assess whether nutritional stress on the mother can be evaluated using isotopic analysis of hair.

Method

We analyzed fetal movement profiles using 4D ultrasound scans at 32- and 36-weeks' gestation. Fetuses of women (N = 6) diagnosed with HG, having lost more than 10% of their body weight in the first trimester of pregnancy were compared to a healthy group (N = 6), controlling for stress, depression and anxiety. We tested carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios in maternal hair as a measure of both diet and nutritional changes due to catabolism of body proteins and fats.

Results

HG and catabolism were significantly correlated (p = 0.02). Furthermore, at 32-weeks' gestation movement profiles of fetuses of mothers with HG differed significantly from the movement profiles of fetuses of healthy mothers. Fetuses of mothers suffering from HG showed a significantly increased ratio of fine-grained movements at 32 weeks (p = 0.008); however, there were no significant differences detectable at 36-weeks' gestation.

Conclusion

The effect of HG on fetal development as expressed by variations in fetal movement profiles in this pilot study suggest that prenatal effects of HG can be measured using movement profiles. Isotope analysis of hair can supplement this with information on nutritional imbalances early in pregnancy.
Outcomes of a 5-week individualised MDT outpatient (day-patient) treatment programme for functional neurological symptom disorder (FNSD)
Authors: Petrochilos Panayiota , Elmalem M. S. , Patel D. , Louissaint H. , Hayward K. , Ranu J. , Selai C.
Published: May 2020

Aim

We report results from a 5-week MDT treatment programme, with individualised sessions, for a selected group of patients with FNSD, delivered in a neuropsychiatric outpatient setting. Primary aims were to (1) reduce symptoms, (2) improve functional performance and (3) improve health status.

Methods

Treatment involved individual sessions of neuropsychiatry, cognitive behavioural therapy, physiotherapy, occupational-therapy, education and family meetings. Outcome measures collected at the beginning and end of treatment and at 6 months, were patient and clinician reported. Aims were assessed by the following: symptom reduction (PHQ15, PHQ9, GAD7, SPIN, Rosenberg); health and social functioning (HONOS, WSAS); functional performance (COPM); health status (EQ-5D-5L) and patient-rated perception of improvement (CGI).

Results

Analyses of 78 patients completing the programme and attending a 6-month review revealed high-baseline levels of disability compared to EQ-5DL population norms and high rates of disability and psychopathology as indicated by the WSAS and mental health indices (PHQ9, GAD7, SPIN, Rosenberg’s self-esteem). At baseline, 92.3% met the IAPT caseness threshold for depression and 71% met the IAPT caseness threshold for anxiety. A Friedman ANOVA over the three time points and Dunn-Bonferroni post hoc tests indicated statistically significant improvements from admission to discharge and admission to 6-month follow-up. Sustained improvements were seen in somatic symptoms (PHQ15), depression (PHQ9), anxiety (GAD7), health and social functioning (HONOS), functionality (COPM), health status (EQ-5D-5L) and patient-rated clinical global improvement (CGI).

Conclusion

An MDT can effectively deliver an outpatient programme for FNSD which can serve as an alternative to costlier inpatient programmes. Early identification and treatment of co-morbidities is advised.
Do patients with large vessel occlusion ischemic stroke harboring prestroke disability benefit from thrombectomy?
Authors: Larsson Alice , Karlsson Camilla , Rentzos Alexandros , Schumacher Marcus , Abrahamson Margareta , Allardt Arne , Brederlau Anke , Ceder Erik , Davidson Maria , Dunker Dennis , Gunnarsson Thorsteinn , Holmegaard Lukas , Jerndal Mikael , Karlsson Jan-Erik , Nordanstig Annika , Redfors Petra , Rosengren Lars , Tatlisumak Turgut , Jood Katarina
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Evidence of endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) ischemic stroke in patients harboring substantial prestroke disability is lacking due to their exclusion from randomized trials. Here, we used routine care observational data to compare outcomes in patients with and without prestroke disability receiving EVT for LVO ischemic stroke.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing EVT for acute LVO ischemic stroke at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital from January 1st, 2015 to March 31st, 2018 were registered in the Sahlgrenska Stroke Recanalization Registry. Pre- and poststroke functional levels were assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Outcomes were recanalization rate (mTICI = 2b/3), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage [sICH], complications during hospital stay, and return to prestroke functional level and mortality at 3 months.

Results

Among 591 patients, 90 had prestroke disability (mRS ≥ 3). The latter group were older, more often female, had more comorbidities and higher NIHSS scores before intervention compared to patients without prestroke disability. Recanalization rates (80.0% vs 85.0%, p = 0.211), sICH (2.2% vs 6.3% p = 0.086) and the proportion of patients returning to prestroke functional level (22.7% vs 14.8% p = 0.062) did not significantly differ between those with and without prestroke disability. Patients with prestroke disability had higher complication rates during hospital stay (55.2% vs 40.1% p < 0.01) and mortality at 3 months (48.9% vs 24.3% p < 0.001).

Conclusion

One of five with prestroke disability treated with thrombectomy for a LVO ischemic stroke returned to their prestroke functional level. However, compared to patients without prestroke disability, mortality at 3 months was higher.
Subtly encouraging more deliberate decisions: using a forcing technique and population stereotype to investigate free will
Authors: Pailhès Alice , Kuhn Gustav
Published: May 2020

Magicians’ forcing techniques allow them to covertly influence spectators’ choices. We used a type of force (Position Force) to investigate whether explicitly informing people that they are making a decision results in more deliberate decisions. The magician placed four face-down cards on the table in a horizontal row, after which the spectator was asked to select a card by pushing it forward. According to magicians and position effects literature, people should be more likely to choose a card in the third position from their left, because it can be easily reached. We manipulated whether participants were reminded that they were making a decision (explicit choice) or not (implicit choice) when asked to select one of the cards. Two experiments confirmed the efficiency of the Position Force—52% of participants chose the target card. Explicitly informing participants of the decision impairs the success of the force, leading to a more deliberate choice. A range of awareness measures illustrates that participants were unaware of their stereotypical behaviours. Participants who chose the target card significantly underestimated the number of people who would have chosen the same card, and felt as free as the participants who chose another card. Finally, we tested an embodied-cognition idea, but our data suggest that different ways of holding an object do not affect the level of self-control they have over their actions. Results are discussed in terms of theoretical implications regarding free will, Wegner’s apparent mental causation, choice blindness and reachability effects.
The Effect of Cranial Nerve Stimulation on Swallowing: A Systematic Review
Authors: Florie Michelle G. M. H. , Pilz Walmari , Dijkman Remco H. , Kremer Bernd , Wiersma Anke , Winkens Bjorn , Baijens Laura W. J.
Published: May 2020

This systematic review summarizes published studies on the effect of cranial nerve stimulation (CNS) on swallowing and determines the level of evidence of the included studies to guide the development of future research on new treatment strategies for oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) using CNS. Studies published between January 1990 and October 2019 were found via a systematic comprehensive electronic database search using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Two independent reviewers screened all articles based on the title and abstract using strict inclusion criteria. They independently screened the full text of this initial set of articles. The level of evidence of the included studies was assessed independently by the two reviewers using the A–B–C rating scale. In total, 3267 articles were found in the databases. In the majority of these studies, CNS was used for treatment-resistant depression or intractable epilepsy. Finally, twenty-eight studies were included; seven studies on treatment of depression, thirteen on epilepsy, and eight on heterogeneous indications. Of these, eight studies reported the effects of CNS on swallowing and in 20 studies the swallowing outcome was described as an adverse reaction. A meta-analysis could not be carried out due to the poor methodological quality and heterogeneity of study designs of the included studies. These preliminary data suggest that specific well-indicated CNS might be effective in reducing OD symptoms in selective patient groups. But it is much too early for conclusive statements on this topic. In conclusion, the results of these studies are encouraging for future research on CNS for OD. However, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trials with sufficiently large sample sizes are necessary.
Ethical triage during the COVID-19 pandemic: a toolkit for neurosurgical resource allocation
Authors: Hulsbergen Alexander F. C. , Eijkholt Marleen M. , Balak Naci , Brennum Jannick , Bolger Ciarán , Bohrer Anna-Margarete , Feldman Zeev , Holsgrove Daniel , Kitchen Neil , Mathiesen Tiit I. , Moojen Wouter A. , Samprón Nicolás , Sames Martin , Sandvik Ulrika , Tisell Magnus , Broekman Marike L. D.
Published: May 2020

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic confronts healthcare workers, including neurosurgeons, with difficult choices regarding which patients to treat.

Methods

In order to assist ethical triage, this article gives an overview of the main considerations and ethical principles relevant when allocating resources in times of scarcity.

Results

We discuss a framework employing four principles: prioritizing the worst off, maximizing benefits, treating patients equally, and promoting instrumental value. We furthermore discuss the role of age and comorbidity in triage and highlight some principles that may seem intuitive but should not form a basis for triage.

Conclusions

This overview is presented on behalf of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies and can be used as a toolkit for neurosurgeons faced with ethical dilemmas when triaging patients in times of scarcity.
Molecular and evolutionary analysis of dengue virus serotype 2 isolates from Korean travelers in 2015
Authors: Hwang Eun-Ha , Kim Green , Oh Hanseul , An You Jung , Kim Jiyeon , Kim Jung Heon , Hwang Eung-Soo , Park Jong-Hwan , Hong JungJoo , Koo Bon-Sang
Published: May 2020

In Korea, dengue infection has been frequently reported in travelers to tropical and subtropical countries. Global warming increases the probability of autochthonous dengue outbreaks in Korea. In this report, the molecular and evolutionary properties of four dengue virus (DENV) type 2 isolates from Korean overseas travelers were examined. Three of these isolates were classified as Cosmopolitan genotypes and further divided into sublineages 1 (43,253, 43,254) and 2 (43,248), while the other isolate (KBPV-VR29) was related to American genotypes. The variable amino acid motifs related to virulence and replication were identified in the structural and non-structural proteins. A negative selection mechanism was clearly verified in all of the DENV proteins. Potential recombination events were identified in the NS5 protein of the XSBN10 strain. The substitution rate (5.32 × 10−4 substitutions per site) and the time of the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) for each evolutionary group were determined by the Bayesian skyline coalescent method. This study shows that DENV type 2 strains with distinct phylogenetic, evolutionary, and virulence characteristics have been introduced into Korea by overseas travelers and have the potential to trigger autochthonous dengue outbreaks.
Floodplain Preconditioning of Leaf Litter Modulates the Subsidy of Terrestrial C and Nutrients in Fluvial Ecosystems
Authors: del Campo Rubén , Martí Eugènia , Bastias Elliot , Barberá Gonzalo G. , Sánchez-Montoya María del Mar , Gómez Rosa
Published: May 2020

Leaf litter can be retained in floodplains for several months before it enters rivers as lateral inputs. During this period, the environmental conditions on the floodplain can alter leaf litter chemistry and, consequently, affect its subsequent processing in the river. We analysed the effect of contrasting floodplain conditions on the chemical composition of leaf litter and its leachates, and how this affected their biodegradability and processing in rivers. To do so, we placed reed leaf litter (Phragmites australis) in open- and closed-canopy habitats of three floodplain sites with contrasting climates (semiarid Mediterranean, humid Mediterranean and continental) for 105 days. We then used litterbags in a river to examine the decomposition of preconditioned leaf litter in comparison with a control (non-preconditioned litter), and laboratory assays to examine the biodegradation of their leachates. Contrasting conditions on the floodplain prompted differences in the nutrient content of leaf litter among floodplain sites. Preconditioning caused a generalized decline in the C content and an increase in the lignin content of leaf litter. Even so, preconditioning did not affect litter decomposition rates in the river, although it did reduce decomposition efficiency and biodegradability of leachates. Shredder colonization of litter was variable and generally higher on preconditioned litter, but not significantly so. Different floodplain conditions had no influence on the aquatic processing of preconditioned litter. Our results demonstrate that the retention of leaf litter in terrestrial environments can affect C budgets of fluvial ecosystems and the recipient food web by reducing the input and the biodegradability of C and nutrients.