bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulsed-field magnetisation of Y-Ba-Cu-O bulk superconductors fabricated by the infiltration growth technique
Authors: Namburi Devendra K , Takahashi K , Hirano T , Kamada T , Fujishiro H , Shi Y-H , Cardwell D A , Durrell J H , Ainslie M D
Published: September 2020

Bulk high temperature superconductors based on the rare-earth copper oxides can be used effectively as trapped field magnets capable of generating large magnetic fields. The top-seeded infiltration growth (TSIG) processing technique can provide a more homogeneous microstructure and therefore more uniform superconducting properties than samples grown using conventional melt growth processes. In the present investigation, the properties of bulk, single grain superconductors processed by TSIG and magnetised by the pulsed-field magnetisation technique using a copper-wound solenoid have been studied. A trapped field of ∼3 T has been achieved in a 2-step buffer-assisted TSIG-processed Y-Ba-Cu-O (YBCO) sample at 40 K by magnetising the bulk superconductor completely via a single-pulse magnetisation process. Samples were also subjected to pulsed-field magnetisation at 65 K and by conventional field-cooled magnetisation at 77 K for comparison. Good correlation was observed between the microstructures, critical current densities and trapped field performance of bulk samples fabricated by TSIG and magnetised by pulsed-field and field-cooled magnetisation. The homogeneous distribution of Y2BaCuO5 inclusions within the microstructure of bulk YBCO samples fabricated by the 2-step buffer-assisted TSIG process reduces inhomogeneous flux penetration into the interior of the sample. This, in turn, results in a lower temperature rise of the bulk superconductor during the pulsed-field magnetisation process and a more effective and reliable magnetisation process.
Study of a new layered ternary chalcogenide CuZnTe2 and its potassium intercalation effect
Authors: Islam M K , Sarker M A R , Inagaki Y , Islam M S
Published: September 2020

A new layered ternary chalcogenide CuZnTe2 and its effect due to potassium (K) intercalation have been investigated using ab-initio method under the framework of density functional theory (DFT). Here, we report the structural, electronic and elastic properties of both proposed parent compound CuZnTe2 and intercalated KCuZnTe2. The electronic band structures and the density of states (DOS) of both these chalcogenides have also been studied. The parent compound demonstrates p-type conductivity with the energy band gap of 0.7 eV but surprisingly, the increase of energy gap (1.5 eV) is found in the intercalated KCuZnTe2, a direct-transition type semiconductor. The optical absorption result in KCuZnTe2 also shows the identical value of gap energy calculated by Wood-Tauc theory. The density of states (DOS) in the valence band for both compounds is dominated by the partial contribution of Cu/Zn 3d and Te 5p orbitals but the prime contribution of Cu/Zn 4s and Te 5s mainly in the conduction band DOS. The DOS value at around Fermi level in these chalcogenides is indicating the degeneracy behavior of a semiconductor. Both compounds are mechanically stable and also malleable. We also calculated the thermal properties in the intercalated KCuZnTe2 using quasi-harmonic Debye model. The observed values of Debye temperature, specific heat capacities and volume expansion coefficient using this model is almost consistent with the estimated values given in theory.
Sputtering parameters effect on microstructural parameters of TiN coating via the Williamson-Hall analysis
Authors: Huang Jinghao , Zou Shuliang , Xiao Weiwei , Liu Xiaoshuang , Tang Dewen
Published: September 2020

Titanium nitride (TiN) coatings were deposited on Zr-4 substrate by direct current magnetron sputtering. The microstructural property of the as-deposited coating was studied by means of x-ray diffraction (XRD). The microstructural parameters, such as crystal size, lattice strain, lattice deformation stress and lattice deformation energy density, were investigated in detail by employed modified Debye–Scherrer method (MDS) and Williamson-Hall methods by assuming three models namely uniform deformation model, uniform stress deformation model and uniform energy density deformation model. And the effects of sputtering power, substrate temperature and substrate bias on microstructural parameters were investigated. The results show that TiN coating deposited by magnetron sputtering presents lattice compressive strain, except for sample X3-1 which is prepared by substrate bias of −50 V. It is also shown that sputtering power, substrate temperature and substrate bias have great influence on crystal size, lattice strain, lattice deformation stress and lattice deformation energy density of the as-deposited TiN coating. Especially the influence of substrate bias is very significant.
Effects of Sc on laser hot-wire welding performance of 7075 aluminum alloy
Authors: Li Shichun , Xu Wei , Xiao Gang , Zhou Zhenhong , Su Fei , Feng Jianghua
Published: September 2020

In order to clarify the effects of Sc modification on laser hot-wire welding performance of 7075 high strength aluminum alloys, the changing rules of weld formation, microstructure, element loss, mechanical performances and pores of weld joints were investigated during laser fusion welding, laser hot-wire welding and Sc-modified laser hot-wire welding. Comparing with laser fusion welding, the filler wire in laser hot-wire welding brought welding material and hot wire energy, resulting in better weld formation and sufficient fused weld joint. In laser hot-wire welding, tensile strength and elongation of weld joint were enhanced, element loss of weld joint was dramatically reduced and weld pore was reduced slightly. However, grains in fusion zone were relatively coarse, which caused lower microhardness in laser hot-wire welding. In Sc modified laser hot-wire welding, Sc modification led to smooth and continuous weld joint. During solidification of weld joints, Sc could combine with base metal to form Sc-containing alloy phase, which could lead to the formation of refined and equiaxed grains, thereby enhancing the yield strength of microstructure and increasing the microhardness, tensile strength and elongation of weld joint. In addition, Sc modification could increase the fluidity of molten pool, which thus promoted the escape of bubbles from the molten pool and hindered the formation of weld pores.
Fate of titanium in alkaline electro-reduction of sintered titanomagnetite
Authors: Bjareborn Oscar , Arif Tanzeel , Monaghan Brian , Bumby Chris W
Published: September 2020

Direct electrochemical reduction of iron ore in concentrated NaOH electrolyte has been proposed as a potential route to substantially reducing the global steel industry’s CO2 emissions. Here, we report the solid-state electro-reduction of sintered pellets formed from titanomagnetite ironsand. This commercial iron ore contains ∼4 wt.% Ti which is directly incorporated within the magnetite lattice. At 110 °C, these pellets are electrochemically reduced and exhibit a well-defined reaction front which moves into the pellet as the reaction progresses. The electro-reduction process selectively produces iron metal, whilst the Ti content is not reduced. Instead, Ti becomes enriched in segregated oxide inclusions, which are subsequently transformed to a sodium iron titanate phase through taking up Na+ from the electrolyte. These inclusions adopt an elongated shape and appear to exhibit locally preferential alignment. This suggests that they may nucleate from the microscopic titanohematite lamellae which naturally occur within the original ironsand particles. The expulsion of contaminant Ti-oxides from the final reduced metal matrix has implications for the potential to development of an industrial electrochemical iron-making process utilising titanomagnetite ore.
Ase1 domains dynamically slow anaphase spindle elongation and recruit Bim1 to the midzone
Authors: Thomas Ezekiel C. , Ismael Amber , Moore Jeffrey K.
Published: September 2020

Thomas and colleagues demonstrate that Ase1 uses different domains to progressively slow spindle elongation, allowing the spindle to remain intact while reaching great lengths.
More than just a ticket canceller: the mitochondrial processing peptidase tailors complex precursor proteins at internal cleavage sites
Authors: Friedl Jana , Knopp Michael R. , Groh Carina , Paz Eyal , Gould Sven B. , Herrmann Johannes M. , Boos Felix
Published: September 2020

The Mitochondrial processing peptidase (MPP) is well known for cleaving off N-terminal targeting signals from mitochondrial precursor proteins. Here we show that MPP also processes more complex precursors at internal cleavage sites, separating polyproteins into distinct functional enzymes. This function is conserved among eukaryotes.
Impact of antibiotic choice on readmission in adults experiencing an acute COPD exacerbation
Authors: Lancaster Jason W , McAuliffe Laura , O’Gara Elizabeth , Cornelio Cyrille , Hum Jennifer , Kim Yestle , Phung Ann , She Kevin , Lei Yuxiu , Balaguera Henri , Liesching Timothy
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The impact of antibiotic therapy in managing acute chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations requiring hospitalization remains unclear. We conducted a study to assess the impact of antibiotic therapy on the rate of 30-day readmission after discharge from a hospital stay for an acute COPD exacerbation. Additional study outcomes analyzed included the effects of antibiotic therapy on hospital length of stay, in-hospital mortality, 90-day and 12-month readmission rates, and time to next COPD exacerbation.

Methods

The study was an institutional review board–approved, retrospective, observational review of adult patients at a tertiary academic medical center. The medical records of patients 18 years of age or older who were hospitalized for an acute COPD exacerbation between January 2008 and December 2014 were evaluated. Included patients were stratified by receipt of guideline-appropriate, guideline-inappropriate, or no antibiotic therapy. Nonparametric data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test (nonparametric) and categorical data via χ 2 test, respectively.

Results

Three hundred twenty-five subjects were included; there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics in the 3 study groups. Sixty-eight percent of patients (n = 223) received antibiotics. The percentage of patients readmitted within 30 days did not differ between cohorts: 11.9% (appropriate therapy) vs 13.2% (nonappropriate therapy) vs 12.2% (no antibiotics) (P = 0.95 for all comparisons). Additionally, no detectable differences in 90-day or 12-month readmission rate, length of hospital day, or in-hospital mortality were found. However, a trend toward increased time to next COPD exacerbation was noted in those receiving antibiotics vs no antibiotics (352 days vs 192 days, P = 0.07).

Conclusion

Treatment of COPD exacerbations with antibiotics did not impact readmission rates, length of hospital stay, in-hospital mortality, or time to next exacerbation. More investigation is warranted to assess the effect of antibiotics on time to next exacerbation, as well as comparative effectiveness between antibiotic classes.
Inter Organizational Practice Committee Guidance/Recommendation for Models of Care During the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic
Authors: Postal Karen S , Bilder Robert M , Lanca Margaret , Aase Darrin M , Barisa Mark , Holland Alice Ann , Lacritz Laura , Lechuga David M , McPherson Susan , Morgan Jennifer , Salinas Christine
Published: September 2020

Objective

The Inter Organizational Practice Committee (IOPC) convened a workgroup to develop guidance on models to provide neuropsychological (NP) care during the COVID-19 pandemic while minimizing risks of novel coronavirus transmission as lockdown orders are lifted and ambulatory clinical services resume.

Method

A collaborative panel of experts from major professional organizations developed provisional guidance for models of neuropsychological practice during the pandemic. The stakeholders included the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology/American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology, the National Academy of Neuropsychology, Society of Clinical neuropsychology (Division 40) of the American Psychological Association, the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology, and the American Psychological Association Services, Inc.

Results

This guidance reviews the risks and benefits of conducting NP exams in several ways, including standard in-person, mitigated in-person, in-clinic teleneuropsychology (TeleNP), and in-home TeleNP. Strategies are provided for selecting the most appropriate model for a given patient, taking into account four levels of patient risk stratification, level of community risk, and the concept of stepped models of care. Links are provided to governmental agency and professional organization resources as well as an outline and discussion of essential infection mitigation processes based on commonalities across recommendations from diverse federal, state, local, and professional organization recommendations.

Conclusion

This document provides recommendations and guidance with analysis of the risks relative to the benefits of various models of NP care during the COVID-19 pandemic. These recommendations may be revised as circumstances evolve, with updates posted continuously on the IOPC website (https://iopc.online/).
Tc17 CD8+ T cells accumulate in murine atherosclerotic lesions, but do not contribute to early atherosclerosis development
Authors: van Duijn Janine , de Jong Maaike J M , Benne Naomi , Leboux Romain J T , van Ooijen Marieke E , Kruit Nicky , Foks Amanda C , Jiskoot Wim , Bot Ilze , Kuiper Johan , Slütter Bram
Published: September 2020

Aims

CD8+ T cells can differentiate into subpopulations that are characterized by a specific cytokine profile, such as the Tc17 population that produces interleukin-17. The role of this CD8+ T-cell subset in atherosclerosis remains elusive. In this study, we therefore investigated the contribution of Tc17 cells to the development of atherosclerosis.

Methods and results

Flow cytometry analysis of atherosclerotic lesions from apolipoprotein E-deficient mice revealed a pronounced increase in RORγt+CD8+ T cells compared to the spleen, indicating a lesion-specific increase in Tc17 cells. To study whether and how the Tc17 subset affects atherosclerosis, we performed an adoptive transfer of Tc17 cells or undifferentiated Tc0 cells into CD8−/− low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mice fed a Western-type diet. Using flow cytometry, we showed that Tc17 cells retained a high level of interleukin-17A production in vivo. Moreover, Tc17 cells produced lower levels of interferon-γ than their Tc0 counterparts. Analysis of the aortic root revealed that the transfer of Tc17 cells did not increase atherosclerotic lesion size, in contrast to Tc0-treated mice.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate a lesion-localized increase in Tc17 cells in an atherosclerotic mouse model. Tc17 cells appeared to be non-atherogenic, in contrast to their Tc0 counterpart.
Anastomosis behind the sternoclavicular joint is associated with increased incidence of anastomotic stenosis in retrosternal reconstruction with a gastric conduit after esophagectomy
Authors: Kurahashi Yasunori , Ishida Yoshinori , Kumamoto Tsutomu , Nakanishi Yasutaka , Hojo Yudai , Igeta Masataka , Takemura Masashi , Shinohara Hisashi
Published: September 2020

Anastomotic stenosis after esophagectomy is a major cause of long-term morbidity because it leads to poor dietary intake and malnutrition that markedly reduces the quality of life. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that anastomosis behind the sternoclavicular (SC) joint in retrosternal reconstruction is associated with an increased risk of anastomotic stenosis compared with anastomosis deviated from the joint. Among 226 patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between April 2010 and March 2019, we selected 114 patients who underwent retrosternal reconstruction using a gastric conduit for this study. They were classified into two groups according to the location of the anastomosis as determined by axial sections on postoperative computed tomography scans: anastomosis located behind the SC joint (Group B; n = 71) and anastomosis deviated from the joint (Group D; n = 43). The primary endpoint was the difference in the incidence of anastomotic stenosis between the two groups. Whether the occurrence of anastomotic leak affected the likelihood of anastomotic stenosis was also investigated. The incidence of anastomotic stenosis was significantly higher in Group B than in Group D (71.8% [n = 51] vs. 18.6% [n = 8]; P < 0.0001). The incidence of stenosis in patients who developed an anastomotic leak was significantly higher in Group B than in Group D (88.0% vs. 41.7%; P = 0.0057), although the findings were similar in patients who did not develop anastomotic leak (63.0% and 9.7%, respectively; P < 0.0001). We conclude that anastomosis located behind the SC joint in retrosternal reconstruction with a gastric conduit after esophagectomy is associated with an increased risk of anastomotic stenosis regardless of the development of anastomotic leak.
Outcome of esophageal atresia in Germany
Authors: Schmedding A , Wittekindt B , Schloesser R , Hutter M , Rolle U
Published: September 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of esophageal atresia in Germany in a retrospective observational study of a large cohort. Data from the major health insurance company in Germany, which covers approximately 30% of German patients, were analyzed. All patients born and registered between 2009 and 2013 with a diagnosis of esophageal atresia at first admission to the hospital were included. Mortality was analyzed during the first year of life. We identified 287 patients with esophageal atresia, including 253 with and 34 without tracheoesophageal fistula. Associated anomalies were found in 53.7% of the patients; the most frequent were cardiac anomalies (41.8%), anomalies of the urinary tract (17.4%), and atresia of the colon, rectum, and anus (9.4%). Forty-one patients (14.3%) had a birth weight <1500 g. Seventeen patients (5.9%) died before surgery. Gastrostomy was performed during the index admission in 70 patients (25.9%). The reconstruction of the esophageal passage was performed in 247 patients (93.9%). Forty-eight percent of the patients who underwent an operation required dilatation. The mortality rate in the patients who underwent an operation was 10.4%. These results from Germany correspond to the international results that have been reported. The number of dilatations was in the middle of the range of those reported in the literature; the overall mortality rate was in the upper portion of the range of the international rates. Efforts should be made to establish a clinical registry to measure and improve the quality of care for this and other rare conditions.
Tyrosine Kinase 2 Signalling Drives Pathogenic T cells in Colitis
Authors: De Vries Leonie C S , Ghiboub Mohammed , van Hamersveld Patricia H P , Welting Olaf , Verseijden Caroline , Bell Matthew J , Rioja Inmaculada , Prinjha Rabinder K , Koelink Pim J , Strobl Birgit , Müller Mathias , D’Haens Geert R , Wildenberg Manon E , De Jonge Wouter J
Published: September 2020

Background and Aims

Tyrosine kinase 2 [TYK2] is required for the signalling of key cytokines in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. We assessed the efficacy of a novel selective TYK2 inhibitor [TYK2i] in experimental colitis, using pharmacological and genetic tools.

Methods

At onset of T cell transfer colitis, RAG1-/- mice received vehicle or TYK2i daily by oral gavage. T cells lacking TYK2 kinase activity [TYK2KE] were used to confirm selectivity of the inhibitor. To this end, RAG1-/- or RAG1-/-TYK2KE animals were transferred with either wild type [WT] or TYK2KE-CD45RBhigh colitogenic T cells. Loss of body weight, endoscopic disease, the disease activity index [DAI], and histopathology scores were recorded. Tissues were analysed ex vivo for lymphocyte populations by flow cytometry. The impact of TYK2 inhibition on human DC-T cell interactions were studied using autologous Revaxis specific T cell assays.

Results

TYK2i [70 mg/kg] prevented weight loss and limited endoscopic activity during T cell transfer colitis. TYK2i [70 mg/kg] decreased DAI. Whereas transfer of WT T cells into RAG-/-TYK2KE hosts induced colitis, TYK2KE T cells transferred into RAG1-/-TYK2KErecipients failed to do so. Ex vivo analysis showed a decrease in colon tissue Th1 cells and an increase in Th17 cells upon transfer of TYK2KE-CD45RBhigh cells. In human antigen-triggered T cells, TYK2i displayed reduced Th1 differentiation, similar to murine Th1 cells.

Conclusions

Oral administration of TYK2i, as well as transfer of T cells lacking TYK2 activity, reduced human Th1 differentiation and ameliorated the course of murine T cell transfer colitis. We conclude that TYK2 is a promising drug target for the treatment of IBD.
Regional differences in the capitalisation of first and second pillar payments of the CAP into land rental prices
Authors: Salhofer Klaus , Feichtinger Paul
Published: September 2020

Nearly 80 per cent of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) expenditures are spent on three different measures: first pillar payments (FPPs), agri-environmental payments (AEPs) and less favoured area payments (LFAPs). Based on a dynamic panel model and farm accounting data for Bavaria, we find that, on average, 30 per cent of FPPs, 40–50 per cent of LFAPs, but no relevant share of AEPs are capitalised into land rental prices. The capitalisation ratio varies considerably across regions. Above average capitalisation ratios for FPPs are observed in more favourable areas with high yields, a low grassland share and large farms. The same is true for LFAPs for areas with high yields, large farms and a greater share of part-time farmers.
Pseudo-probabilistic identification of fracture network in seismic clouds driven by source parameters
Authors: Koepke Rike , Gaucher Emmanuel , Kohl Thomas
Published: September 2020

Fracture networks in underground reservoirs are important pathways for fluid flow and can therefore be a deciding factor in the development of such reservoirs for geothermal energy, oil and gas production or underground storage. Yet, they are difficult to characterize since they usually cannot be directly accessed. We propose a new method to compute the likelihood of having a fracture at a given location from induced seismic events and their source parameters. The result takes the form of a so-called pseudo-probabilistic fracture network (PPFN). In addition to the hypocentres of the seismic events used to image the fracture network, their magnitudes and focal mechanisms are also taken into account, thus keeping a closer link with the geophysical properties of the rupture and therefore the geology of the reservoir. The basic principle of the PPFN is to estimate the connectivity between any spatial position in the cloud and the seismic events. This is done by applying weighting functions depending on the distance between a seismic event and any location, the minimum size of the rupture plane derived from the event magnitude, and the orientation of the rupture plane provided by the focal mechanism. The PPFN is first tested on a set of synthetic data sets to validate the approach. Then, it is applied to the seismic cloud induced by the deep hydraulic stimulation of the well GPK2 of the enhanced geothermal site of Soultz-sous-Forêts (France). The application on the synthetic data sets shows that the PPFN is able to reproduce fault planes placed in a cloud of randomly distributed events but is sensitive to the free parameters that define the shape of the weighting functions. When these parameters are chosen in accordance with the scale of investigation, that is, the typical size of the structures of interest, the PPFN is able to determine the position, size and orientation of the structure quite precisely. The application of the PPFN to the GPK2 seismic cloud reveals a large prominent fault in the deep-northern part of the seismic cloud, supporting conclusions from previous work, and a minor structure in the southern upper part, which could also be a branch of the main fault.
Epigenome-wide association study of diet quality in the Women’s Health Initiative and TwinsUK cohort
Authors: Do Whitney L , Whitsel Eric A , Costeira Ricardo , Masachs Olatz M , Le Roy Caroline I , Bell Jordana T , Staimez Lisa R , Stein Aryeh D , Smith Alicia K , Horvath Steve , Assimes Themistocles L , Liu Simin , Manson JoAnn E , Shadyab Aladdin H , Li Yun , Hou Lifang , Bhatti Parveen , Jordahl Kristina , Narayan K M Venkat , Conneely Karen N
Published: September 2020

Background

Diet quality is a risk factor for chronic disease and mortality. Differential DNA methylation across the epigenome has been associated with chronic disease risk. Whether diet quality is associated with differential methylation is unknown. This study assessed whether diet quality was associated with differential DNA methylation measured across 445 548 loci in the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) and the TwinsUK cohort.

Design

The discovery cohort consisted of 4355 women from the WHI. The replication cohort consisted of 571 mono- and dizygotic twins from the TwinsUK cohort. DNA methylation was measured in whole blood using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 Beadchip. Diet quality was assessed using the Alternative Healthy Eating Index 2010 (AHEI-2010). A meta-analysis, stratified by study cohort, was performed using generalized linear models that regressed methylation on AHEI-2010, adjusting for cell composition, chip number and location, study characteristics, principal components of genetic relatedness, age, smoking status, race/ethnicity and body mass index (BMI). Statistical significance was defined as a false discovery rate < 0.05. Significant sites were tested for replication in the TwinsUK cohort, with significant replication defined by P < 0.05 and a consistent direction.

Results

Diet quality was significantly associated with differential DNA methylation at 428 cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites in the discovery cohort. A total of 24 CpG sites were consistent with replication in the TwinsUK cohort, more than would be expected by chance (P = 2.7x10-4), with one site replicated in both the blood and adipose tissue (cg16379999 located in the body of SEL1L).

Conclusions

Diet quality was associated with methylation at 24 CpG sites, several of which have been associated with adiposity, inflammation and dysglycaemia. These findings may provide insight into pathways through which diet influences chronic disease.
Analysis of Inpatient and Emergency Department Serial Troponin Testing Intervals in the United States
Authors: Fletcher Andrew , Forsman Erik , Jackson Brian R
Published: September 2020

Background

Serial measurement of cardiac troponins (cTn) is central to the diagnosis of myocardial infarction. The time intervals between individual measurements may impact the speed and reliability of diagnosis. Published recommendations exist for these time intervals, but there is little previously published data on actual intervals in routine clinical settings.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of cTn testing intervals was performed from a convenience sample of 37 hospitals. All 37 provided data on inpatient tests and 19 also provided separate data for tests ordered in their emergency departments. Facilities included both academic and community hospitals across the United States. For each facility, the median time interval between serial cTn order collections was determined separately for inpatient orders and emergency department orders.

Results

The facility-level median time intervals between serial inpatient cTn test orders ranged from 3.17 to 7.32 hours. Facility-level median time intervals between serial emergency department cTn orders ranged from 1.48 to 4.23 hours. There was no observed difference between academic and nonacademic facilities.

Conclusion

Typical time intervals between serial cTn orders varied widely across hospitals, and in many cases reflected suboptimal care. Time intervals were generally shorter for cTn testing ordered in emergency departments. Existing testing protocols should be re-examined.
Disorder and Downsizing
Authors: Ross Gretchen R , Meloy Margaret G , Bolton Lisa E
Published: September 2020

The consequences of overconsumption and the recent popularity of simple living point to consumer interest in reducing belongings. They also raise an interesting question—what is a useful approach to downsizing and decluttering? We investigate how dis/order (messy vs. tidy items) affects downsizing and find, across nine focal studies, that (a) consumers retain fewer items when choosing from a disordered set because (b) order facilitates the comparisons within category that underlie the tendency to retain items. The impact of dis/order is altered by consumers’ comparison tendencies, waste aversion, and decision strategy (selection vs. rejection), which serve as theoretically and pragmatically relevant moderators. Though consumers’ lay beliefs favor rejecting from order (i.e., choosing what to get rid of from tidy items), our findings point to the usefulness of selecting from disorder (i.e., choosing what to keep from messy items) as a downsizing strategy. Together, this research has implications for consumer downsizing activities, the burgeoning home organization and storage industries, as well as sustainability.
COVID-19, Social Justice, and Clinical Cancer Research
Authors: Doroshow James H , Prindiville Sheila , McCaskill-Stevens Worta , Mooney Margaret , Loehrer Patrick J
Published: September 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and related socioeconomic events have markedly changed the environment in which cancer clinical trials are conducted. These events have resulted in a substantial, immediate-term decrease in accrual to both diagnostic and therapeutic cancer investigations as well as substantive alterations in patterns of oncologic care. The sponsors of clinical trials, including the US National Cancer Institute, as well as the cancer centers and community oncology practices that conduct such studies, have all markedly adapted their models of care, usage of healthcare personnel, and regulatory requirements in the attempt to continue clinical cancer investigations while maintaining high levels of patient safety. In doing so, major changes in clinical trials practice have been embraced nationwide. There is a growing consensus that the regulatory and clinical research process alterations that have been adopted in response to the pandemic (such as the use of telemedicine visits to reduce patient travel requirements and the application of remote informed consent procedures) should be implemented long term. The COVID-19 outbreak has also refocused the oncologic clinical trials community on the need to bring clinical trials closer to patients by dramatically enhancing clinical trial access, especially for minority and underserved communities that have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. In this commentary, changes to the program of clinical trials supported by the National Cancer Institute that could improve clinical trial availability, effectiveness, and diversity are proposed.
Specificity, Conflict, and Focal Point: A Systematic Investigation into Social Media Censorship in China
Authors: Tai Yun , Fu King-wa
Published: September 2020

Internet censorship mechanisms in China are highly dynamic and yet to be fully accounted for by existing theories. This study interrogates postpublication censorship on Chinese social media by examining the differences between 2,280 pairs of censored WeChat articles and matched remaining articles. With the effects of account attributes and article topics excluded, we find that article specificity raises the odds of being censored. Also, an examination on a collection of international trade articles indicates that such articles with textual units disclosing conflicts, even pro-regime messages, are also removed by the censors. This mixed-method study introduces focal point as a theoretical angle to understand China’s contextually contingent content regulation system and offers evidence based on large-scale, nonproprietary, and original social media data to investigate the evolving censorship mechanisms in China.
Health Care Utilization, Transition Readiness, and Quality of Life: A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Traino Katherine A , Sharkey Christina M , Perez Megan N , Bakula Dana M , Roberts Caroline M , Chaney John M , Mullins Larry L
Published: September 2020

Objective

To identify possible subgroups of health care utilization (HCU) patterns among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with a chronic medical condition (CMC), and examine how these patterns relate to transition readiness and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods

Undergraduates (N = 359; Mage=19.51 years, SD = 1.31) with a self-reported CMC (e.g., asthma, allergies, irritable bowel syndrome) completed measures of demographics, HCU (e.g., presence of specialty or adult providers, recent medical visits), transition readiness, and mental HRQoL (MHC) and physical HRQoL (PHC). Latent class analysis identified four distinct patterns of HCU. The BCH procedure evaluated how these patterns related to transition readiness and HRQoL outcomes.

Results

Based on seven indicators of HCU, a four-class model was found to have optimal fit. Classes were termed High Utilization (n = 95), Adult Primary Care Physician (PCP)-Moderate Utilization (n = 107), Family PCP-Moderate Utilization (n = 81), and Low Utilization (n = 76). Age, family income, and illness controllability predicted class membership. Class membership predicted transition readiness and PHC, but not MHC. The High Utilization group reported the highest transition readiness and the lowest HRQoL, while the Low Utilization group reported the lowest transition readiness and highest HRQoL.

Conclusions

The present study characterizes the varying degrees to which AYAs with CMCs utilize health care. Our findings suggest poorer PHC may result in higher HCU, and that greater skills and health care engagement may not be sufficient for optimizing HRQoL. Future research should examine the High Utilization subgroup and their risk for poorer HRQoL.
Supporting Caregivers of Children with ADHD
Authors: Chronis-Tuscano Andrea , O'Brien Kelly , Danko Christina M.
Published: September 2020

Although the causes of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are largely neurobiological and genetic, the manner in which parents respond to their child’s challenging behaviors can influence both the severity and developmental course of the child’s difficulties. What makes this more challenging for many families is that ADHD and many of the problems that go along with it are highly heritable, making it even harder for many parents of children with ADHD to create the consistent, calm, and organized environment in which the child with ADHD is most likely to thrive. Even parents with the very best intentions may not have the self-regulation skills, motivation, persistence, or organization to do what the authors’ evidence-based interventions require. Until now, few interventions for ADHD have given adequate attention to this very important issue, and none has integrated the focus on parent mental health and parenting in exactly the way the authors do in this program.
Cognitive Neurology: Integrative Approaches to Prevent and Manage Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
Authors: Isenberg Nancy
Published: September 2020

This chapter reviews the increasing prevalence and public health impact of dementia for individuals, families, and societies globally. It discusses the common lifestyle and environmental risk factors of cerebrovascular disease and neurodegeneration and their role in brain health and dementia. It also reviews the spectrum of cognitive impairment and new diagnostic criteria of dementia within the context of a lifespan model of healthy aging. It describes the main findings from observational studies on risk and neuroprotective factors for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and summarizes the current knowledge of mindset, lifestyle, and mind/body interventions for risk reduction, prevention, and management of dementia, and the promotion of resilience and well-being in aging. This chapter is written for neurologists, psychiatrists, geriatricians, and integrative clinicians.
Mind/Body Medicine and Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention: Research and Clinical Practice
Authors: Khalsa Dharma Singh
Published: September 2020

This chapter examines how mind/body practices such as yoga, tai chi, and various types of meditation mitigate the extensive negative biochemical effects of stress, which is a critically important yet underappreciated aspect of Alzheimer’s disease prevention. After reviewing research on Transcendental Meditation and mindfulness-based stress reduction, the chapter highlights Kirtan Kriya, an easy, cost-effective yoga/meditation technique that requires only 12 minutes a day. Research reveals that Kirtan Kriya improves memory in patients with subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive decline, as well as highly stressed caregivers, all of whom are at increased risk for subsequent development of AD. The key “take-home message” of this chapter is that making a commitment to living a brain-healthy lifestyle, including mind/body practice, offers the only proven chance for aging free from Alzheimer’s disease.
Recognizing the Co-occurrence of Chronic Pain and Mental Illness
Authors: Jaracz Jan
Published: September 2020

Epidemiological data regarding chronic pain and psychiatric disorders are reviewed. Particular attention is given to the interplay between pain and depressive and anxiety disorders. In the general population, 19 to 33% of responders report chronic pain, with higher rates in elderly people. Major depression is one of the most common medical problems, affecting nearly 6% of the population, with a lifetime prevalence of 11 to 14%. The presence of depression in persons with chronic pain is significantly higher (21%) than that in the general population, and this proportion is even higher (52–85%) in specific populations of patients attending specialist clinics. Conversely, convincing evidence published in numerous studies has documented that at least 50% of depressed patients report painful symptoms. Pain exerts a negative effect on treatment and a poorer outcome in multiple domains of quality of life. Moreover, pain increases the economic burden resulting from depression. A close relationship between pain and depression has been established in the functional somatic syndromes of fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome. An association between anxiety disorders and pain has also been documented. Epidemiological studies have provided evidence suggesting the common co-occurrence of pain and selected psychiatric disorders. This is an indication for practitioners to examine patients with pain for symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders and conversely to interview patients with psychiatric disorders in regard to the presence or absence of pain. These studies also provide the inspiration for further investigations of the intriguing shared biological basis or pain and psychiatric disorders.
Exploring Pain Conditions in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Gagnon-Mailhot Maël , Damien Janie , Pelland Vincent , Marchand Serge
Published: September 2020

In this chapter, the plausible interactions between pain and the psychophysiological mechanisms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are covered. The main areas discussed are neuroanatomy and the neurotransmitters that may be involved. Since the literature on the subjects is limited, the authors infer possible causes for the physiology of pain in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The unique pain profiles present in both disorders are underlined and suggest a cautious approach when caring for patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Patients suffering from those psychological disorders can be gravely injured and lack the usual emotional response to pain seen in the general population.
Untangling Comorbid Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Fadgyas Stanculete Mihaela , Dumitrascu Dan L.
Published: September 2020

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most frequent and well-studied functional gastrointestinal disorder. Being a condition for which the clinical practitioner trained according to the traditional biomedical paradigm cannot detect any organic or significant biochemical findings, it is frequently managed with reduced interest and referred to a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist’s participation in the management of some IBS patients is critical and may improve the diagnosis of mental comorbidities, which are frequent in IBS, as well as the therapy. Pain is an essential feature of IBS. When pain becomes chronic, there is relevant evidence of functional reorganization of the brain. Many studies have highlighted the importance of psychological factors and personality traits in the modulation of pain expression. There is also substantial evidence that chronic pain is associated with mental disorders and substance abuse. This chapter provides a review of comorbidities in IBS at the crossroad of psychiatry with gastroenterology.
Does Self-Injury Hurt?
Authors: Kranzler Amy , Fehling Kara B. , Brillante Julia , Selby Edward A.
Published: September 2020

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) represents a distinct topic in the study of pain in that it involves intentional engagement in behaviors despite, or potentially because of, the physical pain they elicit. This chapter reviews the experience of pain as part of NSSI, discussing research examining whether pain is experienced differently by self-injurers and what functions that pain elicited by NSSI may serve. In particular, the authors discuss the potential emotion regulation functions of pain elicited by NSSI. In addition, they discuss biological and psychological theories about the way pain and NSSI may serve these functions. Lastly, they discuss clinical implications and emphasize the importance for all treatment providers, in both medical and mental health settings, to understand the role of pain in NSSI in order to provide empathetic, nonjudgmental, and effective treatment for the growing number of children, adolescents, and adults engaging in these behaviors.
Taming Artificial Intelligence in Psychiatry and Pain Medicine
Authors: Faghihi Usef , Maldonado-Bouchard Sioui , Incayawar Mario
Published: September 2020

Today, deep learning (DL) algorithms are intertwined with our daily life. This subdomain of artificial intelligence (AI) technology is used to unlock your phone by only detecting your face, find the best path from work to your home or vice versa, or detect anomalies in the human cells taken for lab tests. Yet, although AI technology is helping in many fields, whether it has done so in the medical field is debatable. DL lacks reasoning; it is unable to determine the causes of events. This is especially crucial when it comes to the health care sector. At this point, computers cannot help physicians with their duties. On the contrary, they are the cause of burnout in more than half of physicians in United States. One of the causes of burnout repeatedly pointed out by physicians is the digitalization of medicine. This chapter presents some of the AI approaches that could help physicians. It also discusses the current limitations and dangers inherent to many of today’s state-of-the-art AI systems. The authors provide some ideas about the future of AI in pain medicine and psychiatry.
Preclinical Models of Substance Use Disorder
Authors: Schwienteck Kathryn L. , Banks Matthew L.
Published: September 2020

The foundational premise for all preclinical biomedical research is that results generated from nonhumans would be predictive of and consistent with results generated in humans. Preclinical procedures have been developed to model various aspects of substance use disorder (SUD) in almost every nonhuman species, but the predominant species utilized are mice, rats, and nonhuman primates. Three common preclinical procedures that have been utilized to determine the abuse liability of novel or emerging psychoactive compounds include intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS), drug discrimination, and drug self-administration. Although all three procedures model slightly different aspects of substance abuse, all three have shown good translational concordance to predicting substance abuse potential in humans. Where these three preclinical procedures differentiate is in their utility to evaluate candidate medications for the treatment of SUDs, and preclinical drug self-administration procedures have shown to be more predictive of candidate medication treatment effects than drug discrimination endpoints. Candidate medication treatment effects on ICSS have only recently been published. Two preclinical experimental design attributes that enhance translational concordance with clinical evaluation of candidate pharmacotherapies for SUD include repeated dosing of the candidate medication over several days and assessment of behavioral selectivity for candidate medication effects to decrease drug-maintained behavior and increase behavior maintained by nondrug reinforcers such as food.
Impulsivity and Drug-Seeking Behavior in Substance Misuse
Authors: Anastasio Noelle C. , Sholler Dennis J. , Davis-Reyes Brionna D. , Price Amanda E. , Land Michelle A. , Cunningham Kathryn A.
Published: September 2020

Vulnerability to initiate use of psychoactive drugs as well as relapse to drug-seeking in patients with established substance use disorders are precipitated by behavioral disinhibition or impulsivity (a predisposition toward rapid unplanned reactions to stimuli without regard to negative consequences) and attentional bias toward drug cues (cue reactivity). These behavioral phenotypes are not independent mechanistically nor neurobiologically, and preclinical analyses have demonstrated the complex nature of the interactions between these interlocked phenotypic behaviors, including aspects of their shared neurobiology and circuitry. This chapter focuses on impulsivity and drug-seeking behaviors from a preclinical perspective and summarizes studies exploring the impact of substances of abuse in the context of the neurobiology of impulsivity and drug-seeking behaviors in rodents.
Overview
Authors: Olsen Yngvild , Alvanzo Anika A. H. , Pytell Jarratt D.
Published: September 2020

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. In spite of the significant public health impacts of SUDs, medications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are underutilized for the treatment of SUDs. This chapter reviews the history of FDA-approved medications for alcohol, nicotine, and opioid use disorders and provides some background on barriers to use of these medications to treat patients with SUDs. Suggestions are provided to guide clinicians on a path forward to reduce these barriers and increase the use of FDA-approved medications for the treatment of SUDs.
Methadone for Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Hand Dennis J.
Published: September 2020

Methadone is a long-acting full opioid agonist that has a long history in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). It was the first opioid agonist with OUD as an indication for use. Methadone was developed for OUD during a time of prohibition and criminalization of both addiction and the use of opioid agonists for addiction treatment, which resulted in methadone being heavily regulated at multiple levels. Methadone is frequently used in short-term withdrawal management (i.e., detoxification) and in long-term treatment, with the latter producing better treatment outcomes. This chapter explores the basic pharmacology of methadone and the development of methadone for OUD and its accompanying regulations, discusses the place of methadone in treatment for OUD, reviews the effectiveness of methadone treatment, and visits some practical factors related to methadone as part of treatment for OUD.