bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics and long‐term outcomes of peripartum takotsubo cardiomyopathy and peripartum cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kim Dong‐Yeon , Kim So Ree , Park Sung‐Ji , Seo Jeong‐Hun , Kim Eun Kyoung , Yang Jeong Hoon , Chang Sung‐A , Choi Jin‐Oh , Lee Sang‐Chol , Park Seung Woo
Published: September 2020

Aims

Although some peripartum‐associated cardiomyopathy patients present with features that are clinically and echocardiographically similar to those of takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM), little is known about the diagnosis and clinical course of peripartum TCM.

Methods and results

In a tertiary hospital in Seoul, Korea, we searched the hospital database to find cardiomyopathy cases that were associated with pregnancy from January 1995 to May 2019. Applying the published diagnostic criteria, we sought peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) and peripartum TCM patients for comparison. Of 31 pregnancy‐associated cardiomyopathy patients, 10 cases of peripartum TCM and 21 cases of PPCM were found. Maternal near‐miss death was significantly more common in the peripartum TCM group than in the PPCM group (100.0% vs. 57.1%, P = 0.030). Complete recovery was observed with all peripartum TCM cases, while 23.8% of the PPCM cases had residual left ventricular dysfunction. One death and one heart transplantation occurred in the PPCM group, while neither occurred in the peripartum TCM group. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of the rate of major adverse clinical events at 3 years of follow‐up [PPCM group: 26.3% (5/19) vs. TCM group: 33.3% (3/9), P = 0.750].

Conclusions

One‐third of pregnancy‐associated cardiomyopathy patients had peripartum TCM. With contemporary supportive care, both PPCM and peripartum TCM patients had a low mortality rate and excellent long‐term outcomes.
Subclinical cardiac dysfunction in obesity patients is linked to autonomic dysfunction: findings from the CARDIOBESE study
Authors: Snelder Sanne M. , de Groot‐de Laat Lotte E. , Biter L. Ulas , Castro Cabezas Manuel , Pouw Nadine , Birnie Erwin , Boxma‐de Klerk Bianca M. , Klaassen René A. , Zijlstra Felix , van Dalen Bas M.
Published: September 2020

Aims

Obesity doubles the lifetime risk of developing heart failure. Current knowledge on the role of obesity in causing cardiac dysfunction is insufficient for optimal risk stratification. The aim of this study was first to estimate the prevalence of subclinical cardiac dysfunction in obesity patients and second to investigate the underlying pathophysiology.

Methods and results

The CARDIOBESE study is a cross‐sectional multicentre study of 100 obesity patients [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2] without known cardiovascular disease and 50 age‐matched and gender‐matched non‐obese controls (BMI ≤ 30 kg/m2). Echocardiography was performed, blood samples were collected, and a Holter monitor was affixed. Fifty‐nine obesity patients [48 (42–50) years, 70% female] showed subclinical cardiac dysfunction: 57 patients had decreased global longitudinal strain (GLS), and two patients with normal GLS had either diastolic dysfunction or increased brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Only one non‐obese control had diastolic dysfunction, and none had another sign of cardiac dysfunction. Multivariable logistic analysis identified male gender and standard deviation of all NN intervals (SDNN) index, which is a measure of autonomic dysfunction, as independent significant risk factors for subclinical cardiac dysfunction in obesity patients.

Conclusions

There was a high prevalence (61%) of subclinical cardiac dysfunction in obesity patients without known cardiovascular disease, which appeared to be best identified by GLS. Subclinical cardiac dysfunction in obesity was linked to autonomic dysfunction and male gender, and not to the presence of traditional cardiac risk factors, increased C‐reactive protein, increased BNP, increased high‐sensitivity troponin I, or increased left ventricular mass.
Analysis of human neutrophil phenotypes as biomarker to monitor exercise-induced immune changes
Authors: Spijkerman Roy , Hesselink Lillian , Bertinetto Carlo , Bongers Coen C W G , Hietbrink Falco , Vrisekoop Nienke , Leenen Luke P H , Hopman Maria T E , Jansen Jeroen J , Koenderman Leo
Published: September 2020

The amplitude of the innate immune response reflects the degree of physiological stress imposed by exercise load. An optimal balance of exercise intensity and duration is essential for a balanced immune system and reduces the risk of dysfunction of the immune system. Therefore, it is hypothesized that neutrophils, as key players in the innate immune system, can be used as biomarker in detecting overtraining. The aim was to monitor the state of the innate immune system by phenotyping neutrophils during consecutive bouts of prolonged exercise. Study subjects were recruited from a cohort of walkers participating in a walking event on 3 consecutive days. Participants with immune deficiencies were excluded. Questionnaires to determine the physiological status of the participants were completed. Analysis of neutrophil receptor expression was done by a point-of-care fully automated flow cytometer. A total of 45 participants were recruited, of whom 39 participants were included for data analysis. Study participants had a median age of 64 (58-70) years. The absolute numbers CD16dim/CD62Lbright and CD16bright/CD62Ldim neutrophils were increased after the first 2 days of exercise followed by an adaptation/normalization after the third day. Participants with activated neutrophils (high CD11b expression) had an impaired physical feeling indicated by the participant on a lower visual analog scale compared to participants who did not have activated neutrophils (P = 0.017, P = 0.022). Consecutive days of prolonged exercise results in an initial systemic innate immune response, followed by normalization/adaptation. Increased neutrophil activation was associated with impaired physical feeling measured by a validated VAS score indicated by the participant. Fully automated point-of-care flow cytometry analysis of neutrophil phenotypes in a field laboratory might be a useful tool to monitor relevant differences in the systemic innate immune response in response to exercise.
Formation and superconducting properties of predicted ternary hydride ScYH6 under pressures
Authors: Wei Yong Kai , Jia Liang Quan , Fang Yan Yan , Wang Long Jun , Qian Zhi Xiu , Yuan Jiao Nan , Selvaraj Gurudeeban , Ji Guang Fu , Wei Dong Qing
Published: September 2020

Ternary metal hydrides play an essential role in the search for conventional high‐temperature superconductors because they can be synthesized under mild conditions and recovered at ambient pressure. It has been widely accepted that the electronic structure, metallization pressure, and superconducting behavior of binary hydrides can be adjusted effectively by doping, replacing, or introducing a new element. In this work, yttrium hydrides were chosen as parent hydrides, while scandium was considered the doping element to perform systematical crystal structure searches on the Sc‐Y‐H system under pressure. A new ternary hydride ScYH6 with a Pm‐3 structure (cP8) was found below 150 GPa according to Particle Swarm Optimization calculations, and then, a P4/mmm phase (tP8) becomes favorable from 150 GPa. Importantly, cP8‐ScYH6 is dynamically stable under pressure as low as 0.01 GPa with a superconducting temperature (Tc) of 32.110 K for Coulomb pseudopotential μ* = 0.13, indicating that ternary hydrides are promising candidates in the search for superconductors that can be synthesized under mild conditions in hydrogen‐rich materials. The analysis using the “triangle straight‐line method”, compared with enthalpy difference calculations, showed that the most reasonable synthesis pathway of ScYH6 is ScH3 + YH3 → ScYH6 in the whole pressure regime studied in this work. The Tc of ScYH6 has a linear relationship with pressure up to 52.907 K under 200 GPa. The lattice dynamical calculations demonstrate that the H atoms in both cP8 and tP8 structures make crucial contributions to the superconducting behavior of ScYH6. These findings can further reveal the influence of doping, replacing, and introducing element on the superconducting behavior of binary hydrides.
Classical potential for general spinning bodies
Authors: Chung Ming-Zhi , Huang Yu-tin , Kim Jung-Wook
Published: September 2020

Abstract

In this paper we compute the spin-dependent terms of the gravitational potential for general spinning bodies at the leading Newton’s constant G and to all orders in spin. We utilize the on-shell approach, which extracts the classical potential directly from the scattering amplitude. For spinning particles, extra care is required due to the fact that the spin space of each particle is independent. Once the appropriate matching procedures are applied, taking the classical-spin limit we obtain the potential for general spinning bodies. When the Wilson coefficients are set to unity, we successfully reproduced the potential for the Kerr black hole. Interestingly, for finite spins, we find that the finite-spin deviations from Kerr Wilson coefficients cancel with that in the matching procedure, reproducing the Kerr potential without the need for taking the classical-spin limit. Finally, we find that when cast into the chiral basis, the spin-dependence of minimal coupling exhibits factorization, allowing us to take the classical-spin limit straight forwardly.
Adinkra foundation of component decomposition and the scan for superconformal multiplets in 11D, $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 superspace
Authors: James Gates S. , Hu Yangrui , Mak S.-N. Hazel
Published: September 2020

Abstract

For the first time in the physics literature, the Lorentz representations of all 2,147,483,648 bosonic degrees of freedom and 2,147,483,648 fermionic degrees of freedom in an unconstrained eleven dimensional scalar superfield are presented. Comparisons of the conceptual bases for this advance in terms of component field, superfield, and adinkra arguments, respectively, are made. These highlight the computational efficiency of the adinkra-based approach over the others. It is noted at level sixteen in the 11D, $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 scalar superfield, the {65} representation of SO(1,10), the conformal graviton, is present. Thus, adinkra-based arguments suggest the surprising possibility that the 11D, $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 scalar superfield alone might describe a Poincaré supergravity prepotential or semi-prepotential in analogy to one of the off-shell versions of 4D, $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 superfield supergravity. We find the 11D, $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 scalar superfield contains 1,494 bosonic fields, 1,186 fermionic fields, and a maximum number of 29,334 links connecting them via orbits of the supercharges.
Integrated computational product and production engineering for multi-material lightweight structures
Authors: Hürkamp André , Dér Antal , Gellrich Sebastian , Ossowski Tim , Lorenz Ralf , Behrens Bernd-Arno , Herrmann Christoph , Dröder Klaus , Thiede Sebastian
Published: September 2020

Within product development processes, computational models are used with increasing frequency. However, the use of those methods is often restricted to the area of focus, where product design, manufacturing process, and process chain simulations are regarded independently. In the use case of multi-material lightweight structures, the desired products have to meet several requirements regarding structural performance, weight, costs, and environment. Hence, manufacturing-related effects on the product as well as on costs and environment have to be considered in very early phases of the product development process in order to provide a computational concept that supports concurrent engineering. In this contribution, we present an integrated computational concept that includes product engineering and production engineering. In a multi-scale framework, it combines detailed finite element analyses of products and their related production process with process chain and factory simulations. Including surrogate models based on machine learning, a fast evaluation of production impacts and requirements can be realized. The proposed integrated computational product and production engineering concept is demonstrated in a use case study on the manufacturing of a multi-material structure. Within this study, a sheet metal forming process in combination with an injection molding process of short fiber reinforced plastics is investigated. Different sets of process parameters are evaluated virtually in terms of resulting structural properties, cycle times, and environmental impacts.
In vitro function and in situ localization of Multidrug Resistance-associated Protein (MRP)1 (ABCC1) suggest a protective role against methyl mercury-induced oxidative stress in the human placenta
Authors: Granitzer Sebastian , Ellinger Isabella , Khan Rumsha , Gelles Katharina , Widhalm Raimund , Hengstschläger Markus , Zeisler Harald , Desoye Gernot , Tupova Lenka , Ceckova Martina , Salzer Hans , Gundacker Claudia
Published: September 2020

Methyl mercury (MeHg) is an organic highly toxic compound that is transported efficiently via the human placenta. Our previous data suggest that MeHg is taken up into placental cells by amino acid transporters while mercury export from placental cells mainly involves ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters. We hypothesized that the ABC transporter multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP)1 (ABCC1) plays an essential role in mercury export from the human placenta. Transwell transport studies with MRP1-overexpressing Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK)II cells confirmed the function of MRP1 in polarized mercury efflux. Consistent with this, siRNA-mediated MRP1 gene knockdown in the human placental cell line HTR-8/SVneo resulted in intracellular mercury accumulation, which was associated with reduced cell viability, accompanied by increased cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and oxidative stress as determined via the glutathione (GSH) status. In addition, the many sources claiming different localization of MRP1 in the placenta required a re-evaluation of its localization in placental tissue sections by immunofluorescence microscopy using an MRP1-specific antibody that was validated in-house. Taken together, our results show that (1) MRP1 preferentially mediates apical-to-basolateral mercury transport in epithelial cells, (2) MRP1 regulates the GSH status of placental cells, (3) MRP1 function has a decisive influence on the viability of placental cells exposed to low MeHg concentrations, and (4) the in situ localization of MRP1 corresponds to mercury transport from maternal circulation to the placenta and fetus. We conclude that MRP1 protects placental cells from MeHg-induced oxidative stress by exporting the toxic metal and by maintaining the placental cells' GSH status in equilibrium.
Ultrasound-based liver elastography: current results and future perspectives
Authors: Fang Cheng , Sidhu Paul S.
Published: September 2020

Chronic liver disease affects 185 million population worldwide. It encompasses a heterogenous disease spectrum, but all can lead to the development of liver fibrosis. The degree of liver fibrosis is not only a prognosticator, but has also been used to guide the treatment strategy and to evaluate treatment response. Traditionally, staging of liver fibrosis is determined on histological analysis using samples obtained from an invasive liver biopsy. Ultrasound-based liver elastography is a non-invasive method of assessing diffuse liver disease in patients with known chronic liver disease. The use of liver elastography has led to a significant reduction in the number of liver biopsies performed to assess the severity of liver fibrosis and a liver biopsy is now reserved for only select sub-groups of patients. The aim of this review article is to discuss the key findings and current evidence for ultrasound-based elastography in diffuse liver disease as well as the technical challenges and to evaluate the potential research direction.
Lessons from Fitting the Lowest Order Energy Independent Chiral Based $$\bar{K}N$$ Potential to Experimental Data
Authors: Révai J.
Published: September 2020

It is shown, that fitting parameters of a$$\bar{K}N$$K¯Ninteraction model to different sets of experimental data can lead to physical conclusions which might provide a deeper insight into the physics of this multichannel system. The available experimental data are divided into three parts: the “classical” set consisting of the low-energy$$K^-p$$K-pcross sections and the threshold branching ratios, the SIDDHARTA 1slevel shift in kaonic hydrogen and the CLAS photoproduction data. We have fitted the parameters of the potential to different combinations of these data. We found, that the two poles corresponding to the$$I=0$$I=0nuclear quasi-bound state$$(\Lambda (1405))$$(Λ(1405))and to the$$K^-p$$K-p1satomic level seem to resist to their simultaneous reproduction at the right place, though a more or less satisfactory compromise can be achieved. Potentials with the$$\Lambda (1405)$$Λ(1405)pole pinned down close to the PDG value fail to reproduce the classical two-body data with an acceptable accuracy. We also added comments on two papers criticizing the potential used in the fits.
Transarterial fiducial marker implantation for CyberKnife radiotherapy to treat pancreatic cancer: an experience with 14 cases
Authors: Imaizumi Akira , Araki Takuji , Okada Hiroki , Sasaki Yu , Komiyama Takafumi , Suzuki Toshihiro , Takahashi Hiroshi , Onishi Hiroshi
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of transarterial fiducial marker implantation for CyberKnife radiotherapy to treat locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

Materials and methods

Fifteen pancreatic cancer patients were enrolled for transarterial marker implantation. Embolization platinum coils were implanted as a fiducial marker within 20 mm of the cancer edge, and preferably within 3 mm. The technical success of the implantation was defined as implantation of at least one fiducial marker within 20 mm of the target tumor. Irradiation was performed using the CyberKnife system.

Results

For 14 of 15 patients, transarterial implantation was successfully performed, and for 13 of 14 patients, the tracking marker was implanted within 3 mm of the cancer. Tracking instability was observed in two patients, but irradiation was accomplished in all 14 patients. No major complications caused by the implantation procedure were observed. The median overall survival after irradiation was 13.8 months, and the 1- and 2-years survival rates were 62.9% and 32.3%, respectively.

Conclusion

Transarterial fiducial marker implantation for pancreatic cancer can be safely performed for tracking, and it will be a valuable alternative approach to percutaneous fiducial marker implantation.
Determining the machining allowance for WAAM parts
Authors: Fuchs Christina , Baier Daniel , Semm Thomas , Zaeh Michael F.
Published: September 2020

In order to decrease mass, and thus fulfil the targets for airplane traffic emission reduction, the amount of titanium alloys used for structural components is rising. With the conventional milling process, low material utilization and short tool life lead to high manufacturing costs. Therefore, a process chain consisting of wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) and machining is developed. To realize its full potential, the machining process needs to be adapted to the near-net shaped components. A special focus lies on the machining allowance, since it influences both processes and in result the final part quality. In this paper a method to model the machining allowance is proposed and verified by analysing the changes from waviness to surface roughness occurring during peripheral milling of WAAM parts.
Non-thermal Processing of Pineapple (Ananas comosus [L.] Merr.) Juice Using Continuous Pressure Change Technology (PCT): Effects on Physical Traits, Microbial Loads, Enzyme Activities, and Phytochemical Composition
Authors: Vollmer Kathrin , Santarelli Sara , Vásquez-Caicedo Ana Lucía , Iglesias Salima Varona , Frank Jan , Carle Reinhold , Steingass Christof Björn
Published: September 2020

A comprehensive study using continuous pressure change technology (PCT) for the non-thermal processing of fresh pineapple juice on pilot scale was conducted (1 L/min, 50 MPa, argon, 3 min, <35 °C). The immediate effects of a single and a twofold PCT treatment on the most important quality parameters were examined and compared with those of fresh and thermally pasteurised (90 °C) juices. In comparison to the fresh juice, both PCT-treated samples exhibited slightly brighter and less yellowish colour (CIE L*a*b*). A significant reduction in the mean particle size resulted in diminished centrifugable pulp contents and enhanced cloud stability. Moreover, a slightly improved microbial quality (−0.9 to −1.2 log10 CFU/mL) in terms of total aerobic and yeast and mould counts was attained. Noteworthy, PCT retained a high bromelain activity (−3 to −15% reduction) and efficiently inactivated polyphenol oxidase. Water-soluble vitamins, phenolic compounds, and all further constituents assessed were mostly preserved. However, the high residual peroxidase activity (−10 to −23%) and microbial loads are likely to affect juice quality during storage. In contrast, thermal pasteurisation ensured a complete reduction in both microbial counts (−4.4 to −4.5 log10 CFU/mL) and effective inactivation of peroxidase. However, bromelain activity was strongly affected (−83%) by heat treatment, and colour was darkened and even less yellowish. Overall, this study highlighted the potential of PCT for the production of fresh-like pineapple juices; however, its current limitations were revealed as well.
Using The Cancer Genome Atlas data to refine the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging for papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Poma Anello Marcello , Macerola Elisabetta , Torregrossa Liborio , Elisei Rossella , Santini Ferruccio , Basolo Fulvio
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging led to a significant downstaging of well differentiated thyroid cancer patients. However, some patients who had been downstaged still experienced death. By using data from the thyroid cancer dataset of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we aimed to find molecular features that could improve survival prediction.

Methods

TCGA data were downloaded from cBioPortal. Restaging of cases was performed according to the pathological reports.

Results

Out of 496 cases, 204 (41.1%) were downstaged, and the proportion of deaths increased in stages III and IV. TERT promoter mutations were no longer enriched in stage IV only, but significantly redistributed also in stages II and III. TERT mutation was the only alteration predictive of poor survival; however, in this series it was not independent from the AJCC staging. Five proteins (4E-BP1_pT70, Chk1_pS345, Snail, STAT5 alpha and PAI-1) were significantly associated with survival, and their use as a panel refined the risk stratification independently from the AJCC staging, with a hazard ratio for a positive result of 21.2 (95%CI 3.7–122.2, P = 0.0006).

Conclusions

In the TCGA series, the proportion of deaths is in line with the expected survival of the latest AJCC staging, with a neat separation of risk among stages. Nevertheless, the use of protein expression can be useful in refining the stratification. Finally, after the restaging, a considerable number of tumors with TERT mutations will be allocated in lower stages; hence, dedicated studies should define the prognostic usefulness of these mutations in low-stage diseases.
Clinical features, risk of mass enlargement, and development of endocrine hyperfunction in patients with adrenal incidentalomas: a long-term follow-up study
Authors: Falcetta Pierpaolo , Orsolini Francesca , Benelli Elena , Agretti Patrizia , Vitti Paolo , Di Cosmo Caterina , Tonacchera Massimo
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the risk of mass enlargement and endocrine function modification in patients with adrenal incidentaloma (AI).

Methods

In this retrospective study, we examined clinical and hormonal characteristics of 310 patients with AI (200 females and 110 males; age: 58.3 ± 12.9 years), followed up for a median (interquartile range) of 31.4 months (13.0–78.6) and evaluated for possible modification in adrenal mass size and hormonal function. The hormonal evaluation included morning serum cortisol and plasma ACTH at 8 a.m., aldosterone, plasma renin activity/direct renin concentration, and 24-h urine metanephrines/normetanephrines. One microgram overnight dexamethasone suppression test (DST) was performed. Autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS) was diagnosed in the presence of cortisol after 1 mg DST > 5 μg/dl (138 nmol/l) or >1.8 and ≤5 μg/dl (50–138 nmol/l) and at least one of the following: (i) low ACTH; (ii) increased 24-h urinary-free cortisol; (iii) absence of cortisol rhythm; and (iv) post-LDDST cortisol level > 1.8 μg/dl (50 nmol/l). When there was no biochemical evidence of adrenal hormonal hyperactivity, AIs were classified as nonfunctioning (NFAIs). The mass was considered significantly enlarged when the size increase was more than 20% and at least 5 mm compared to baseline.

Results

At diagnosis, NFAIs were found in 209 patients, while ACS and overt adrenal hyperfunction were diagnosed in 81 and 20 patients, respectively. During follow-up, 3.3% and 1.5% of patients with NFAI developed subtle and overt endocrine hyperfunction, respectively, while a significant mass enlargement was observed in 17.7% of all AIs. The risk of developing ACS was significantly higher in patients with adenoma >28 mm (hazard ratio [HR] 12.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.33–66.52, P = 0.003), in those with bilateral adrenal tumors (HR: 5.36; 95% CI, 1.17–24.48, P = 0.030), and with low/suppressed ACTH values (HR: 11.2, 95% CI 2.06–60.77; P = 0.005). The risk of mass enlargement was lower for patients in the fourth quartile of body mass index than those in the first quartile (HR 0.33; 95% CI, 0.14–0.78; P = 0.012).

Conclusions

In patients with AI, the risk of developing hormonal hyperfunction and mass enlargement is overall low, although some tumor characteristics and anthropometric features might increase this risk. Taking account of all these aspects is important for planning a tailored follow-up in AI patients.
Optimization of perforated liner parameters in horizontal oil wells
Authors: Dastgerdi Milad Ebrahimi , Manshad Abbas Khaksar , Mohammadi Amir H.
Published: September 2020

Nowadays, horizontal wells play a vital role in the production from thin heavy oil reservoirs. Designing a suitable completion for this kind of reservoirs is a decisive factor to boost the efficiency of durable production. This study deals with the optimization of perforated liner design for horizontal wells in Sarvak oil reservoir, which is located in the southwest of Iran. Sarvak is a carbonate oil reservoir, but it contains shale and mudstone. To avoid solid production and formation collapse, the screen liner was selected as a cost-effective solution. There were two choices, either perforated liner or slotted liner. The perforated liner was selected by finite element analysis and strength checking, which was proven by laboratory experiments. Sensitivity analysis was performed on various perforated parameters such as phase angle, hole density, hole diameter and hole distribution to determine the pattern of the holes so that enough strength of the liner was maintained while maintaining the maximum hole density. Then, parameters of perforated liner were determined by calculated loss of the flowing path, collapse resistance strength and tensile strength of casing pipes after perforated. As a result, hole density, hole size and perforated pattern were selected 100 HPM, 10 mm and 4-thread-line, respectively, in 4 ½” liner with 13.5 ppf. The ratio of the strength of the optimized perforated liner was less than 8% for collapse and 5% for tensile compared to the same specification casing.
A practical experiment to teach students continuous flow and physico-chemical methods: acetylation of ethylene diamine in liquid bi-phase
Authors: Bayana Mary , Blacker A. John , Clayton Adam D. , Jolley Katherine E. , Labes Ricardo , Taylor Connor J. , Reynolds William
Published: September 2020

Despite growing applications being reported both in academia and industry, continuous flow chemistry remains a relatively untaught field across most chemistry undergraduate courses. This is particularly true in laboratory practical classes, where it is often deemed simpler to carry out synthetic reactions in traditional batch mode using round-bottomed flasks. Herein, we report the development of an undergraduate project that utilises cheap and readily available materials to construct continuous flow reactors. The students compare the performance of different types of reactors and conditions in a biphasic selective acetylation of a symmetrical diamine. Throughout the investigation, the students can vary multiple parameters as they optimise the reaction, thus actively learning and readjusting them based on their improved understanding. The experiments give the students an appreciation of continuous flow techniques in comparison to batch.
What Makes Some Mitigation Measures and Programs “Creative”? (And Where Does That Leave the Rest of Them?)
Authors: Sebastian Lynne
Published: September 2020

A quick search on antonyms for “creative” yields obvious results such as “uncreative,” “unimaginative,” and “uninspired,” but also terms such as “dull,” “derivative,” and “stodgy.” In the world of cultural resources and mitigation of adverse effects, “creative” is most often opposed to “standard.” That sounds like a good thing, right? Good old, reliable, dependable, predictable standard mitigation. But as we will see from the articles in this special issue, remarkable things can happen when those designing mitigation programs replace or augment “standard” approaches. What is it about a mitigation measure or program that leads us to term it “creative”? How can we expand those defining qualities of creative mitigation measures and programs to enhance the quality of standard mitigation approaches? How can we make the standard approaches, if not creative, at least not stodgy?
Evaluating landscape characteristics of predicted hotspots for plant invasions
Authors: Lázaro-Lobo Adrián , Evans Kristine O. , Ervin Gary N.
Published: September 2020

Invasive species are widely recognized as a major threat to global diversity and an important factor associated with global change. Species distribution models (SDMs) have been widely applied to determine the range that invasive species could potentially occupy, but most examples focus on predictive variables at a single spatial scale. In this study, we simultaneously considered a broad range of variables related to climate, topography, land cover, land use, and propagule pressure to predict what areas in the southeastern United States are more susceptible to invasion by 45 invasive terrestrial plant species. Using expert-verified occurrence points from EDDMapS, we modeled invasion susceptibility at 30-m resolution for each species using a maximum entropy (MaxEnt) modeling approach. We then analyzed how environmental predictors affected susceptibility to invasion at different spatial scales. Climatic and land-use variables, especially minimum temperature of coldest month and distance to developed areas, were good predictors of landscape susceptibility to invasion. For most of the species tested, human-disturbed systems such as developed areas and barren lands were more prone to be invaded than areas that experienced minimal human interference. As expected, we found that landscape heterogeneity and the presence of corridors for propagule dispersal significantly increased landscape susceptibility to invasion for most species. However, we also found a number of species for which the susceptibility to invasion increased in landscapes with large core areas and/or less-aggregated patches. These exceptions suggest that even though we found the expected general patterns for susceptibility to invasion among most species, the influence of landscape composition and configuration on invasion risk is species specific.
A rapid review investigating the potential impact of a pandemic on the mental health of young people aged 12–25 years
Authors: O’Reilly A. , Tibbs M. , Booth A. , Doyle E. , McKeague B. , Moore J.
Published: September 2020

Objectives:

In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a pandemic. Adolescence and early adulthood are peak times for the onset of mental health difficulties. Exposure to a pandemic during this vulnerable developmental period places young people at significant risk of negative psychological experiences. The objective of this research was to summarise existing evidence on the potential impact of a pandemic on the mental health of 12–25 year olds.

Methods:

A rapid review of the published peer-reviewed literature, published between 1985 and 2020, using PsycINFO (Proquest) and Medline (Proquest) was conducted. Narrative synthesis was used across studies to identify key themes and concepts.

Results:

This review found 3,359 papers, which was reduced to 12 papers for data extraction. Results regarding the prevalence of psychological difficulties in youth were mixed, with some studies finding this group experience heightened distress during an infectious disease outbreak, and others finding no age differences or higher distress among adults. Gender, coping, self-reported physical health and adoption of precautionary measures appear to play a role in moderating the psychological impact of an infectious disease outbreak. Most studies were conducted after the peak of an epidemic/pandemic or in the recovery period.

Conclusions:

More longitudinal research with young people, particularly adolescents in the general population, before and during the early stages of an infectious disease outbreak is needed to obtain a clear understanding of how best to support young people during these events.
Paleoclimatic reconstruction in the Tatra Mountains of the western Carpathians during MIS 9–7 inferred from a multiproxy speleothem record
Authors: Błaszczyk Marcin , Hercman Helena , Pawlak Jacek , Szczygieł Jacek
Published: September 2020

The SC-3 speleothem from Szczelina Chochołowska Cave, located in the Tatra Mountains, was studied in detail. U-series dating and age–depth modeling allowed us to constrain the period of speleothem growth to between approximately 330 and 200 ka, that is, during Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 9–7. The complementary use of stable isotope analyses, petrographic studies, and trace element analyses allowed the identification of warm and wet climatic conditions that were favorable for speleothem growth during MIS 9e and MIS 9c. Unfavorable climatic periods included the cold glacial conditions of MIS 8 and the MIS 9/MIS 8 transition. The breaks in the growth of the SC-3 stalagmite were most likely connected with a reduction in precipitation in MIS 9a and extreme hydrologic events during MIS 8. Comparisons with other European records suggest that the climatic variability recorded in the speleothem from the Tatra Mountains is not only a record of local environmental conditions but can also be linked to European climatic patterns during both interglacial and glacial intervals. This makes our study the northernmost paleoclimatic record for the whole Carpathian range and one of the very few records from those periods worldwide.
The parental effects of body size on developmental phenotype in Harmonia axyridis
Authors: Michaud J.P. , Bayoumy M.H. , Perumal R. , Awadalla S.S. , El-Gendy M. , Abdelwahab A.H.
Published: September 2020

Body size is a trait with many potential impacts on fitness. Adult body size can affect the strength of condition-dependent parental effects that determine offspring phenotypes, with potentially important transgenerational consequences. In a preliminary experiment, larval food deprivation (30 min daily access) created Harmonia axyridis Pallas (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) females that weighed <50% of controls reared on ad libitum food (eggs of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller). Although only 1/3 of larvae survived to adulthood in the 30 min treatment, adult pairs produced eggs that were not significantly different in size from those of pairs fed ad libitum as larvae. Less extreme larval food deprivation (4 h daily access) was used to create a cohort of H. axyridis that weighed <60% of controls reared on ad libitum food. Small couples had lower 20-day fecundities and reduced egg fertility relative to large couples. Both egg and pupal periods were shortest when both parents were small, and longest when both parents were large, with reciprocal crosses intermediate. There were no consistent effects of parental body size on larval development time, but the progeny of small females mated to large males pupated later than other treatments. Progeny of large pairs had the heaviest adult weights at emergence, and progeny of small pairs, the lightest, with the progeny of reciprocal crosses intermediate. Small females produced the lightest female offspring, whereas small males sired the lightest male offspring, suggesting stronger responses to epigenetic signals from parents of the same sex. These results indicate that H. axyridis cohorts maturing with abundant food will produce progeny with larger potential body size and fitness, whereas those experiencing food limitation will confer size and fitness limitations to the subsequent generation, with potentially important implications for short-term population dynamics.
FinTechs and the Market for Financial Analysis
Authors: Grennan Jillian , Michaely Roni
Published: September 2020

Hundreds of equity market intelligence financial technology firms (FinTechs) have formed in the last decade. We assemble novel data to describe their capabilities, users, and consequences. Our data suggest that these FinTechs i) aggregate many data sources, including nontraditional ones (e.g., Twitter, blogs), and synthesize such data using artificial intelligence to make investment recommendations, and ii) change Internet users’ information discovery by serving as substitutes for traditional information providers. We evaluate some nontraditional data and find evidence suggesting that such data contain valuable information or “crowd wisdom” that links to informational efficiency. Overall, our findings are consistent with this innovation benefiting investors and markets.
Domestic violence and self-poisoning in Sri Lanka
Authors: Bandara Piumee , Page Andrew , Senarathna Lalith , Kidger Judi , Feder Gene , Gunnell David , Rajapakse Thilini , Knipe Duleeka
Published: September 2020

Background

There is increasing evidence that domestic violence (DV) is an important risk factor for suicidal behaviour. The level of risk and its contribution to the overall burden of suicidal behaviour among men and women has not been quantified in South Asia. We carried out a large case-control study to examine the association between DV and self-poisoning in Sri Lanka.

Methods

Cases (N = 291) were patients aged ⩾18 years, admitted to a tertiary hospital in Kandy Sri Lanka for self-poisoning. Sex and age frequency matched controls were recruited from the hospital's outpatient department (N = 490) and local population (N = 450). Exposure to DV was collected through the Humiliation, Afraid, Rape, Kick questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to estimate the association between DV and self-poisoning, and population attributable fractions were calculated.

Results

Exposure to at least one type of DV within the previous 12 months was strongly associated with self-poisoning for women [adjusted OR (AOR) 4.08, 95% CI 1.60–4.78] and men (AOR 2.52, 95% CI 1.51–4.21), compared to those reporting no abuse. Among women, the association was strongest for physical violence (AOR 14.07, 95% CI 5.87–33.72), whereas among men, emotional abuse showed the highest risk (AOR 2.75, 95% CI 1.57–4.82). PAF% for exposure to at least one type of DV was 38% (95% CI 32–43) in women and 22% (95% CI 14–29) in men.

Conclusions

Multi-sectoral interventions to address DV including enhanced identification in health care settings, community-based strategies, and integration of DV support and psychological services may substantially reduce suicidal behaviour in Sri Lanka.
Imagery-enhanced v. verbally-based group cognitive behavior therapy for social anxiety disorder: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: McEvoy Peter M. , Hyett Matthew P. , Bank Samantha R. , Erceg-Hurn David M. , Johnson Andrew R. , Kyron Michael J. , Saulsman Lisa M. , Moulds Michelle L. , Grisham Jessica R. , Holmes Emily A. , Moscovitch David A. , Lipp Ottmar V. , Campbell Bruce N. C. , Rapee Ronald M.
Published: September 2020

Background

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is effective for most patients with a social anxiety disorder (SAD) but a substantial proportion fails to remit. Experimental and clinical research suggests that enhancing CBT using imagery-based techniques could improve outcomes. It was hypothesized that imagery-enhanced CBT (IE-CBT) would be superior to verbally-based CBT (VB-CBT) on pre-registered outcomes.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial of IE-CBT v. VB-CBT for social anxiety was completed in a community mental health clinic setting. Participants were randomized to IE (n = 53) or VB (n = 54) CBT, with 1-month (primary end point) and 6-month follow-up assessments. Participants completed 12, 2-hour, weekly sessions of IE-CBT or VB-CBT plus 1-month follow-up.

Results

Intention to treat analyses showed very large within-treatment effect sizes on the social interaction anxiety at all time points (ds = 2.09–2.62), with no between-treatment differences on this outcome or clinician-rated severity [1-month OR = 1.45 (0.45, 4.62), p = 0.53; 6-month OR = 1.31 (0.42, 4.08), p = 0.65], SAD remission (1-month: IE = 61.04%, VB = 55.09%, p = 0.59); 6-month: IE = 58.73%, VB = 61.89%, p = 0.77), or secondary outcomes. Three adverse events were noted (substance abuse, n = 1 in IE-CBT; temporary increase in suicide risk, n = 1 in each condition, with one being withdrawn at 1-month follow-up).

Conclusions

Group IE-CBT and VB-CBT were safe and there were no significant differences in outcomes. Both treatments were associated with very large within-group effect sizes and the majority of patients remitted following treatment.
Depressed mood and anxiety as risk factors for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shay Matthew , MacKinnon Anna L. , Metcalfe Amy , Giesbrecht Gerald , Campbell Tavis , Nerenberg Kara , Tough Suzanne , Tomfohr-Madsen Lianne
Published: September 2020

Background

Psychosocial factors have been implicated as both a cause and consequence of hypertension in the general population but are less understood in relation to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). The aims of this review were to (1) synthesize the existing literature examining associations between depression and/or anxiety in pregnancy and HDP and (2) assess if depression and/or anxiety in early pregnancy was a risk factor for HDP.

Methods

A comprehensive search of Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO was conducted from inception to March 2020 using terms related to ‘pregnancy’, ‘anxiety’, ‘depression’, and ‘hypertensive disorders’. English-language cohort and case-control studies were included if they reported: (a) the presence or absence of clinically significant symptoms of depression/anxiety, or a medical record diagnosis of depression or an anxiety disorder in pregnancy; (b) diagnosis of HDP; and/or (c) data comparing the depressed/anxious group to the non-depressed/anxious group on HDP. Data related to depression/anxiety, HDP, study characteristics, and aspects related to study quality were extracted independently by two reviewers. Random-effects meta-analyses of estimated pooled relative risks (RRs) were conducted for depression/anxiety in pregnancy and HDP.

Results

In total, 6291 citations were retrieved, and 44 studies were included across 61.2 million pregnancies. Depression and/or anxiety were associated with HDP [RR = 1.39; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25–1.54].

Conclusions

When measurement of anxiety or depression preceded diagnosis of hypertension, the association remained (RR = 1.27; 95% CI 1.07–1.50). Women experiencing depression or anxiety in pregnancy have an increased prevalence of HDP compared to their non-depressed or non-anxious counterparts.
Evaluation of patient involvement strategies in health technology assessment in Spain: the viewpoint of HTA researchers
Authors: Toledo-Chávarri Ana , Triñanes Pego Yolanda , Rodrigo Eva Reviriego , Roteta Nora Ibargoyen , Novella-Arribas Blanca , Vicente Edo María José , Gavín Benavent Patricia , Puigdomenech Elisa , Molina Linde Juan Máximo
Published: September 2020

Objective

The Spanish Network of Agencies for Assessing National Health System Technologies and Performance (RedETS) defined a patient involvement (PI) framework for health technology assessment (HTA) activities in 2016. The aim of this study is to evaluate the process and impact of those PI initiatives that were implemented in the first year following the publication of this new framework.

Methods

A survey was sent to those HTA researchers who implemented PI in RedETS projects. Responses were reviewed by two authors. An adapted thematic analysis was performed and the results were later discussed by all authors.

Results

Six responses from six agencies/units were analyzed. The objectives of PI initiatives were the following: inclusion of patient perspectives, preferences and values; elicitation of important health outcomes measures; and barriers, facilitators, or suggestions for implementation. Different methods were used for PI: surveys, focus groups, in depth interviews, and participation in an expert panel. Five main themes emerged: (i) challenges with the recruitment process, (ii) needs identified, (iii) impact of PI, (iv) lessons learned, and (v) suggestions for the future.

Conclusions

PI initiatives within the RedETS framework were tailored to each HTA project, its specific goals and the individual needs and resources of each HTA agency. The results also pointed out how PI has a relevant impact that has enriched RedETS products providing key information on experiences, values, and preferences of patients, contributions that benefit the HTA and the process of drawing up recommendations. The main challenges were related to recruitment processes and capacity building.
COVID-19, the UN, and Dispersed Global Health Security
Authors: Harman Sophie
Published: September 2020

The response to COVID-19 demonstrates an inclusive and dispersed form of global health security that is less reliant on the UN Security Council or the World Health Organization (WHO). While WHO remains central to fighting the pandemic, the dispersed global health security addressing the crisis is inclusive of the wider UN system, civil society, and epistemic communities in global health. As part of the special issue on “The United Nations at Seventy-Five: Looking Back to Look Forward,” this essay argues that instead of facing crisis or criticism like WHO, this inclusive and dispersed form of global health security provides mechanisms of resilience and support to the UN at the height of global political tensions surrounding COVID-19.