bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association Between Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Transvaginal Ultrasound Findings in Women Referred for Endometriosis Evaluation: A Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Cohen Ben-Meir Lee , Soriano David , Zajicek Michal , Yulzari Vered , Bouaziz Jerome , Beer-Gabel Marc , Eisenberg Vered H.
Published: December 2020

Purpose To evaluate the relationship between gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) findings suggestive of endometriosis.

Materials and Methods A prospective design. Women referred for a diagnostic ultrasound due to suspicion of endometriosis completed a Rome III and Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) questionnaire for clinical, GI symptoms, before undergoing TVUS. Endometriosis was diagnosed in the presence of endometriomas and/or deeply infiltrative endometriotic (DIE) lesions. Association between lesion sites and GI symptoms was evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results The study included 241 women who presented with: dysmenorrhea (89.6 %), dyspareunia (76.3 %), chronic pelvic pain (77.2 %), dyschezia (66 %), hematochezia (15.4 %), subfertility (24.5 %). GI symptoms were present in 25.3–76.8 % and 5.4–55.6 % of Rome III and PFDI-20 questionnaire responses, respectively. TVUS findings were endometriomas (23.2 %), peritoneal adhesions (46.5 %), uterosacral ligament (26.7 %), retrocervical (11.2 %), rectosigmoid (11.2 %), intestinal (4.6 %), and bladder (0.8 %) involvement, and pouch of Douglas (POD) obliteration (15.4 %). There was a high prevalence of peritoneal adhesions, uterosacral ligament involvement, and rectosigmoid and intestinal nodules on TVUS in women with GI symptoms, up to Chi2 = 9.639 (p = 0.013) on univariate and Chi2 = 8.102 (p = 0.005) on multivariate analysis.

Conclusion We observed an almost 10-fold increase in DIE lesions in women with GI symptoms. We suggest that the presence of GI symptoms should prompt a referral for endometriosis evaluation and performance of a dedicated TVUS before invasive gastrointestinal procedures.
Die Abbildung von Therapien mit Naturheilmitteln in der ärztlichen Aus- und Weiterbildung sowie in der ärztlichen Versorgungspraxis
Authors: Abels Carina , Wasem Jürgen , Walendzik Anke
Published: December 2020

Zielsetzung Ziel war es, zu ermitteln, inwieweit „Therapien mit Naturheilmitteln“ in der ärztlichen Aus- und Weiterbildung gelehrt werden, sowie die Umsetzung dieser Therapien in die ärztliche Versorgungpraxis darzustellen.

Methodik Es wurde eine strukturierte Recherche sowie eine Befragung von Fachärzten durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse Die Therapien sind Teil des Medizinstudiums. Sie sind Inhalt in einer Facharztweiterbildung und sieben Zusatzweiterbildungen.Der überwiegende Teil der befragten Ärzte bietet diese Therapien für ihre Patienten an. Mehr als 65 % gaben an, die Therapien als relevant einzuschätzen. Gründe gegen eine Weiterbildung lagen in deren Kosten/Dauer, Gründe dafür im eigenen Interesse und der großen Nachfrage.

Schlussfolgerung Zur Verbesserung der Versorgungsqualität sollte über mehr Transparenz und eine mögliche Umgestaltung der Weiterbildungssysteme diskutiert werden.
Klug gebaut: Das Klinikum der Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Authors: Hardinghaus Christian
Published: December 2020

Der kluge Mann baut vor, erkannte Friedrich Schiller während er zwischen 1789 und 1805 als Professor an der im Jahre 1558 gegründeten Universität Jena lehrte, die heute seinen Namen trägt. Den Bau des ersten Universitätskrankenhauses 1803 konnte der Arzt und berühmte Dichter 2 Jahre vor seinem Tod noch erleben. Seitdem wird in Jena immer wieder und weiter vorgesorgt und vorgebaut. Tatsächlich gehört das Universitätsklinikum Jena heute zu den modernsten Krankenhauneubauten Deutschlands. Auf inzwischen mehr als 50 000 Quadratmetern Nutzfläche arbeiten heute 5600 Mitarbeiter in 26 Kliniken. Den jährlich stationär aufgenommenen 53 600 Patienten stehen 1396 Betten zur Verfügung. 274 000 weitere lassen sich im größten Krankenhaus Thüringens ambulant behandeln. Und um am Ende der Serie über die wichtigsten Krankenhäuser der Klinikgeschichte am Beispiel des Universitätsklinikum Jena noch einmal ins Detail zu gehen: Für die 5500 Essensportionen, die die Großküche täglich zubereitet, werden 2 Tonnen Lebensmittel verarbeitet, unter anderem 1000 Brötchen, 300 Kilogramm Kartoffeln und 160 Kilogramm Äpfel. Beim Transport der Speisen helfen auch einige der 24 Transportroboter, die jeden Tag eine Strecke von bis zu 300 Kilometern zurücklegen.
Anchored Pd(0) Nanoparticles on Synthetic Talc for the Synthesis of Biaryls and a Precursor of Angiotensin II Inhibitors
Authors: Domingues Nelson Luís C. , dos Santos Beatriz F. , da Silva Beatriz A. L. , de Oliveira Aline R. , Sarragiotto Maria H.
Published: December 2020

The palladium-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction is one of the most important and efficient reactions to prepare a variety of organic compounds, including biaryls. Despite the overwhelming number of reports related to this topic, some methodological difficulties persist in terms of catalyst handling, recovery, and reuse, as well as the reaction media. This work reports the rational design of new, efficient, cost-effective, and reusable palladium catalysts supported on synthetic talc for the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction. From the results, key points were identified: both designed catalysts accelerated the reaction in EtOH and an open-flask setup, affording moderate to excellent yields within a short time (e.g., 30 min) even for deactivated aryl halides; the protocol can be applied to a great number of both cross-coupling partners, showing an excellent functional group tolerance; the catalysts can be recovered and reused without significant loss of activity. This protocol was used for the synthesis of a precursor of angiotensin II inhibitors such as valsartan, losartan, irbesartan, and telmisartan.
Homoeopathic Treatment of Oesophageal Candidiasis: A Case Report
Authors: Verma Preeti , Ghosh Palas , Srivastava Birendra Prasad , Banerjee Aniruddha
Published: December 2020

The most prevalent cause of infectious oesophagitis is oesophageal candidiasis. Of patients that have infectious oesophagitis, 88% are from Candida albicans. Candida infections of the oesophagus are considered opportunistic infections and are seen most commonly in immunosuppressed patients. A case is presented in this article with radiological evidence of Candida infection noted in the oesophagus with positive rapid urease test. Malignancy and HIV were excluded. The patient was treated with constitutional homoeopathic medicine Nux Vomica 0/1, 16 doses, up to Nux Vomica 0/4, 16 doses each. Follow-up imaging at 5 months showed complete resolution of the oesophageal candidiasis. This case report suggests homoeopathic treatment as a promising complementary or alternative therapy and emphasises the need of repertorisation in individualised homoeopathic prescription.
Central Pancreatectomy with Roux-en-Y Pancreaticojejunal Anastomosis—Report of Two Cases
Authors: Moureletou Roza Panagis , Kalliouris Dimitrios , Manesis Konstantinos , Theodoroleas Sotirios , Bistaraki Angeliki , Boubousis George , Nikou Efstathios
Published: December 2020

Background Central pancreatectomy (CP), a partial resection of the pancreas, is indicated for the excision of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the pancreas, when located at the neck or the proximal body. Specifically, CP is preferable in functional NET and in nonfunctional sized 1 to 2 cm or/with proliferation marker Ki67 < 20% (Grade I/II). Postoperative leakage from the remaining pancreas constitutes the most frequent complication of CP (up to 63%). The aim of our study was to share the experience of our center in CP for NET, with pancreaticojejunal anastomosis.

Methods In 1 year, we performed CP in two patients, following the aforementioned criteria. They presented with tumor of the body of the pancreas, which was found in random check with computed tomography, with negative hormonal blood tests and they underwent magnetic resonance imaging and endoscopic ultrasound/fine-needle biopsy/pathological examination.

Results The patients underwent CP with Roux-en-Y pancreaticojejunal anastomosis of the distal pancreatic stump and jejunal patch of the proximal pancreatic stump. Histological exam revealed NET sized 2.8 cm and 1.45 cm, Grade I and II, respectively. Postoperatively both patients developed small pancreatic leakage, which did not affect their physical condition and stopped after 20 and 30 days. No one needed pancreatic enzymes supplements or developed new-onset diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion CP provided adequate, functional remaining pancreatic tissue in both patients. Small leakages were treated conservatively and retreated without septic complications. As a result, CP might be considered as safe and effective technique for pancreatic neck/proximal body NET.
X-linked Hypophosphatemic Rickets: Awareness, Knowledge, and Practice of Pediatric Endocrinologists in Arab Countries
Authors: Deeb Asma , Juraibah Fahad Al , Dubayee Muhammad Al , Habeb Abdelhadi
Published: December 2020

X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLHR) is a genetic disease caused by inactivating pathogenic variants in PHEX, which results in reduced mineralization of bone, teeth, and renal phosphate wasting. XLHR is traditionally treated by phosphate and vitamin D analogs. Recently, burosumab, a recombinant anti-fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) monoclonal antibody was approved as specific XLHR therapy. We aimed to assess the awareness, knowledge, and management of XLHR among members of the Arab Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (ASPED). Of the 97 physicians who answered the online questionnaire, 97% were aware of XLHR, and while 90% screen family members of the index case, only 29% manage children with XLHR. In children with rickets, 40% of participants measure serum/urine phosphate routinely, and 31% request serum FGF-23 in suspected XLHR cases. Almost all responders use conventional XLHR therapy, and 4% used Burosomab. Only 14% were satisfied with the conventional treatment, and 69% reported therapeutic complications in up to 25% of their patients. Multidisciplinary care for XLHR is practiced by 94%, but 82% of providers did not have transition clinics. Pediatric endocrinologists in ASPED countries are aware of XLHR but have variable practice and are unsatisfied with its conventional treatment. Raising awareness of the recognition and modern management of XLHR is needed.
Genetic Testing in the Pediatric Nephrology Clinic: Understanding Families' Experiences
Authors: Nevin Suzanne M. , McLoone Jordana , Wakefield Claire E. , Kennedy Sean E. , McCarthy Hugh J.
Published: December 2020

Genomics is rapidly being integrated into the routine care of children and families living with renal disease, principally as a diagnostic tool but also to direct therapy, identify at-risk relatives, and facilitate family planning. However, despite significant progress in understanding the genetic heterogeneity of inherited renal disease, the impact of genetic testing on parents and families of affected children is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the experiences of families undergoing genetic testing, the psychosocial impact of receiving a genetic test result, and parent information and support needs. In-depth semistructured interviews were conducted with 26 parents of pediatric patients (<18 years of age) who had undergone genomic investigation for a suspected genetic renal disease at two tertiary pediatric nephrology services. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded, using NVivo software, and thematic analysis was undertaken. Key themes included emotional adjustment to a genetic diagnosis, the importance of parent-provider relationships, empowerment through social connection, and the value of family-centered care. Results highlighted the wide-ranging psychosocial impact of genetic testing on parents, as well as the importance of patient-support networks in enabling parents/families to cope and adapt. Targeted approaches to enhance communication of genetic information and the development of tailored resources to address parents' genetics and health service needs may lead to more satisfactory experiences of genetic testing.
Outcomes of Monochorionic, Diamniotic Twin Pregnancies with Prenatally Diagnosed Intertwin Weight Discordance
Authors: Sobhani Nasim C. , Sparks Teresa N. , Gosnell Kristen A. , Rand Larry , Gonzalez Juan M. , Feldstein Vickie A.
Published: December 2020

Objective Monochorionic, diamniotic (MCDA) twin pairs are predisposed to various pregnancy complications due to the unique placental angioarchitecture of monochorionicity. Few studies have evaluated the outcomes of weight-discordant MCDA pairs without selective fetal growth restriction (SFGR) or the risk factors for development of SFGR. This study aims to describe the natural history of expectant, noninvasive management of weight-discordant MCDA twins and to evaluate risk factors associated with progression to SFGR.

Study Design This was a retrospective cohort study at a single, tertiary care center in the United States. All MCDA twins with isolated intertwin weight discordance (ITWD) ≥ 20% diagnosed before 26 weeks' gestational age (GA) were included. The primary outcome of descriptive analyses was overall pregnancy outcome, incorporating both survival to delivery and GA at delivery, as defined by the North American Fetal Therapy Network. The secondary outcome was SFGR in one twin (defined as estimated fetal weight < 10% for GA) and factors associated with this progression. Only those with fetal ultrasound (US) within 4 weeks of delivery were included in this secondary analysis.

Results Among 73 MCDA pairs with ITWD, 73% had a good pregnancy outcome, with dual live delivery at a median GA of 33 weeks. Among the 34 pairs with adequate US follow-up, 56% developed SFGR. There were no differences in GA at delivery or discordance at birth between those who did and those who did not develop SFGR. There was a nonsignificant association between increasing ITWD at diagnosis and subsequent development of SFGR.

Conclusion Expectant, noninvasive management can be considered in MCDA twin pregnancies with ITWD ≥ 20% diagnosed before 26 weeks. This approach is associated with a good pregnancy outcome in the majority of cases, even after the development of SFGR in the smaller twin.

Key Points
Recurrent Preterm Birth Reduction by 17-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate in Dichorionic/Diamniotic Twin Gestation
Authors: Megli Christina , Combs C. Andrew , Venkataramanan Raman , Lemon Lara , Caritis Steve N.
Published: December 2020

Objective The study aimed to evaluate the impact of 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC) on recurrent preterm birth (PTB) in women with a prior PTB and a current dichorionic/diamniotic twin gestation.

Study Design We combined individual patient-level data from two prospective randomized placebo-controlled trials of prophylactic 17-OHPC in twin gestation and compared the rates of recurrent spontaneous PTB in those women with a prior singleton PTB randomized to placebo or 17-OHPC (250 mg weekly).

Results Only 7.4% of women with dichorionic/diamniotic twin gestation experienced a prior PTB. Among these 66 women, spontaneous delivery prior to 34 weeks occurred significantly less often (p = 0.03) in those randomized to 17-OHPC (20.6%) than in those randomized to placebo (46.9%). However, mean gestational length was not significantly different, and there was no statistically significant difference in composite neonatal outcome.

Conclusion 17-OHPC may be beneficial to women with a prior PTB and a current dichorionic/diamniotic twin gestation. These findings along with those reported by the Maternal Fetal Medicine Units Network in singletons suggest a common mechanism of action and a specific target population, those with a prior PTB, that may benefit from 17-OHPC treatment. A large prospective trial is needed to validate these findings.

Key Points
Fifth-order two-quantum absorptive two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy of CdSe quantum dots
Authors: Brosseau Patrick , Palato Samuel , Seiler Hélène , Baker Harry , Kambhampati Patanjali
Published: December 2020

Two-quantum variants of two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy (2DES) have previously been used to characterize multi-exciton interactions in molecules and semiconductor nanostructures though many implementations are limited by phasing procedures or non-resonant signals. We implement 2DES using phase-cycling to simultaneously measure one-quantum and two-quantum spectra in colloidal CdSe quantum dots. In the pump–probe geometry, fully absorptive spectra are automatically acquired by measuring the sum of the rephasing and nonrephasing signals. Fifth-order two-quantum spectroscopy allows for direct access to multi-exciton states that may be obscured in excited state absorption signals due to population relaxation or third-order two-quantum spectra due to the non-resonant response.
A route to improving RPA excitation energies through its connection to equation-of-motion coupled cluster theory
Authors: Rishi Varun , Perera Ajith , Bartlett Rodney J.
Published: December 2020

We revisit the connection between equation-of-motion coupled cluster (EOM-CC) and random phase approximation (RPA) explored recently by Berkelbach [J. Chem. Phys. 149, 041103 (2018)] and unify various methodological aspects of these diverse treatments of ground and excited states. The identity of RPA and EOM-CC based on the ring coupled cluster doubles is established with numerical results, which was proved previously on theoretical grounds. We then introduce new approximations in EOM-CC and RPA family of methods, assess their numerical performance, and explore a way to reap the benefits of such a connection to improve on excitation energies. Our results suggest that addition of perturbative corrections to account for double excitations and missing exchange effects could result in significantly improved estimates.
Coarse-grained simulation of the translational and rotational diffusion of globular proteins by dissipative particle dynamics
Authors: Wei Jiachen , Liu Yawei , Song Fan
Published: December 2020

With simplified interactions and degrees of freedom, coarse-grained (CG) simulations have been successfully applied to study the translational and rotational diffusion of proteins in solution. However, in order to reach larger lengths and longer timescales, many CG simulations employ an oversimplified model for proteins or an implicit-solvent model in which the hydrodynamic interactions are ignored, and thus, the real kinetics are more or less unfaithful. In this work, we develop a CG model based on the dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) that can be universally applied to different types of proteins. The proteins are modeled as a group of rigid DPD beads without conformational changes. The fluids (including solvent and ions) are also modeled as DPD beads. The electrostatic interactions between charged species are explicitly considered by including charge distributions on DPD particles. Moreover, a surface friction between the protein and fluid beads is applied to control the slip boundary condition. With this model, we investigate the self-diffusion of a single globular protein in bulk solution. The translational and rotational diffusion coefficients of the protein can be tuned by the surface frictional constant to fit the predictions of the Stokes–Einstein (SE) relation. We find that both translational and rotational diffusion coefficients that meet with the prediction of the SE relation based on experimental results of the hydrodynamic radius are reached at almost the same frictional constant for different types of proteins. Such scaling behavior indicates that the model can be applied to simulate the translational and rotational diffusion together for various types of proteins.
Dynamic emissive signatures of intramolecular singlet fission during equilibration to steady state revealed from stochastic kinetic simulations
Authors: Walwark David J. , Grey John K.
Published: December 2020

We investigate the ability of dynamic fluorescence probes to accurately track populations of multi-excitonic states in molecular dyads based on conjugated acenes capable of intramolecular singlet fission (iSF). Stochastic simulations of reported photophysical models from time-resolved spectroscopic studies of iSF dyads based on large acenes (e.g., tetracene and pentacene) are used to extrapolate population and fluorescence yield dynamics. The approach entails the use of repetitive rectangular-shaped excitation waveforms as a stimulus, with durations comparable to triplet lifetimes. We observe unique dynamics signatures that can be directly related to relaxation of multi-exciton states involved over the entire effective time of singlet fission in the presence and absence of an excitation light stimulus. In particular, time-dependent fluorescence yields display an abrupt decay followed by slower rise dynamics appearing as a prominent “dip” feature in responses. The initial fast decrease in the fluorescence yield arises from the formation of triplet pairs and separated triplets that do not produce emission resembling a complete ground state bleach effect. However, relaxation of one separated triplet allows the system to absorb, and in some cases, this increases the fluorescence yield, causing rise dynamics in the emissive response. Our approach also permits extrapolation of all multi-exciton state population dynamics up to steady state conditions in addition to the ability to explore consequences of alternative relaxation channels. The results demonstrate that it is possible to resolve unique signatures of singlet fission events from dynamic fluorescence studies, which can augment detection capabilities and extend sensitivity limits and accessible time scales.
Hierarchical thermal transport in nanoconfined water
Authors: Zhao Zhixiang , Zhou Runfeng , Sun Chengzhen
Published: December 2020

The structure of nanoconfined fluids is particularly non-uniform owing to the wall interaction, resulting in the distinctive characteristic of thermal transport compared to bulk fluids. We present the molecular simulations on the thermal transport of water confined in nanochannels with a major investigation of its spatial distribution under the effects of wall interaction. The results show that the thermal conductivity of nanoconfined water is inhomogeneous and its layered distribution is very similar to the density profile. The layered thermal conductivity is the coupling result of inhomogeneous density and energy distributions that are generally diametrical, and their contributions to the thermal conductivity compensate with each other. However, the accumulative effect of water molecules is really dominating, resulting in a high thermal conductivity in the high-density layers with the low-energy molecules, and vice versa. Moreover, it is found that the adsorptive and repulsive interactions from solid walls have different roles in the hierarchical thermal transport in nanoconfined water. The adsorptive interaction is only responsible for the layered distribution of thermal conductivity, while the repulsive interaction is responsible for the overall thermal conductivity; accordingly, the thermal conductivity is independent of the strength of water–solid interactions. The identified hierarchical thermal transport in nanoconfined water and its underlying mechanisms have a great significance for the understanding of nanoscale thermal transport and even the mass and energy transport of nanoconfined fluids.
Long-range correlations of polarization and number densities in dilute electrolytes
Authors: Onuki Akira
Published: December 2020

In dilute electrolytes, we calculate the pair correlation functions among the solvent polarization p, the solvent density n1, the cation density n2, and the anion density n3. We set up a simple Ginzburg–Landau free energy for these variables, so our results are valid at distances longer than the molecular size σ. In particular, we reproduce the Høye–Stell result for the polarization correlation ⟨pα(r)pβ(0)⟩ (α, β = x, y, z) [J. S. Høye and G. Stell, J. Chem. Phys. 68, 4145 (1978)], which is proportional to the second derivative ∂2(e−κr/r)/∂xα∂xβ for r ≫ σ with κ being the Debye wave number. We also show that size asymmetry between the cations and the anions gives rise to similar long-range correlations in ⟨pα(r)δn1(0)⟩ and ⟨δni(r)δn1(0)⟩ (i = 1, 2, 3). Moreover, we calculate the polarization time-correlation function. As a unique feature in dynamics, the longitudinal polarization fluctuations (∝∇ · p) consist of rapidly decaying and slowly decaying components, where the latter relax with the charge density ρ. As a result, the long-range part of the equal-time polarization correlation changes into a different long-ranged and long-lived form after the shorter polarization relaxation.
Evaluation of hepatic and renal effects in rat dams and their offspring after exposure to paracetamol during gestation and lactation
Authors: de Mello Miyasaki Andréa Morgato , Rigobello Camila , Klein Rodrigo Moreno , Crespigio Jefferson , Flaiban Karina Keller , Bracarense Ana Paula , Mazzucatto Bárbara Cristina , Barbosa Décio Sabbatini , Moreira Estefânia Gastaldello
Published: December 2020

Paracetamol (PAR) is the analgesic and antipyretic of choice for pregnant and nursing women. PAR may reach the fetus and/or neonate through the placenta and/or milk and effect development. This study evaluated possible hepatic and renal effects in rat dams and their offspring exposed to PAR using a human-relevant route of administration and doses from Gestational Day 6 to Postnatal Day (PND) 21. Dams were gavaged daily with PAR (35 or 350mg kg−1) or water (CON). Dams and pups were killed on PND21 and 22 respectively, and blood was collected for biochemical analysis (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea and creatinine). The kidneys and liver were isolated and processed for histopathological assessment and evaluation of oxidative stress markers. Compared with the CON groups, pups exposed to 350mg kg−1 PAR had increased renal reduced glutathione (GSH), whereas dams exposed to both doses of PAR increased serum AST. PAR administration did not affect parameters of general toxicity or renal and hepatic oxidative stress. In conclusion, maternal exposure to human-relevant doses of PAR by gavage was not associated with hepatic or renal toxicity in the pups or dams, but PAR was not devoid of effects. Exposure to PAR increased renal GSH in pups, which could suggest an adaptive antioxidant response, and affected maternal serum AST activity.
Damage detection & localization on composite patch repair under different environmental effects
Authors: Lambinet Florian , Khodaei Zahra Sharif
Published: December 2020

This paper presents a structural health monitoring (SHM) methodology for detecting damage in a composite bonded repair. The application of guided wave based techniques in a step-sanded bonded repair under operational and environmental load is thoroughly investigated. A two step damage detection and localization algorithm is presented, were in the first level the path damage indices (PDIs) for each transducer pair is calculated. The PDIs are then compared to a set threshold (based on the environmental and operational conditions) to increase the reliability of damage detection while reducing false alarm. In addition, a self-diagnosis approach based on electro-mechanical impedance (EMI) measure is proposed to identify the faulty sensors prior to the diagnosis. Once the transducer pairs with possible damage in their path has been selected, the second level of the proposed methodology is damage localization. To address the challenge of edge reflection, complex geometrical shape and layup of the repair patch which introduced anisotropy to the wave propagation, a novel damage detection based on probability imaging technique is proposed. The methodology is developed based on assigning probabilities of damage to the Minimal Intersection Score (MIS) to reduce the path saturation related to each path having the same probability of damage being located anywhere along it. The proposed method, uses a smart sub-division technique based on Voronoi Tessellation which is adaptable to any shape (circular, rectangular, elliptical). The reliability of the proposed method is then demonstrated with experimental results on a composite step-sanded repair subjected to impact damage under vibration and temperature variations, and the choice of input parameters such as wave form and excitation frequency on the probability of detecting damage is demonstrated.
Multifractal analysis of glaciers in the Lombardy region of the Italian Alps
Authors: Carpineti Marina , Rossoni Andrea , Senese Antonella , Maragno Davide , Diolaiuti Guglielmina A , Vailati Alberto
Published: December 2020

Glaciers are continuously monitored to detect their spatial extension and time evolution since they are the best witnesses of climate changes. There is a particular interest for Italian glaciers in the Alps as there is evidence that they are melting at a faster rate than those located in other regions of the globe. The determination of the perimeters of glaciers represents an effective method to evaluate the area covered by them. The availability of data for the perimeters encompassing several years suggests the opportunity of correlating the morphological variations in time with the properties of their shrinkage. In this work, we investigate the multifractal properties of the perimeters of the Lombardy glaciers in the Italian Alps. We characterize the area and perimeter distributions of the population of glaciers and we show that the distribution of perimeters exhibits a marked peak, not present in the distribution of areas. We analyze the area-perimeter relation, which is characterized by a power-law behavior that indicates a fractal structure of the perimeters with fractal dimension 1.2, independently from the size of the glaciers. We investigate the multifractal spectra of perimeters and we show that their features are strongly correlated with the area of the glaciers. Finally, we study the time evolution of the area and perimeter of glaciers and we detect the existence of a large class of glaciers whose perimeters increase while their areas decrease. We show that this behavior has a well definite counterpart in their multifractal spectra.
Irregular collective dynamics in a Kuramoto–Daido system
Authors: Clusella Pau , Politi Antonio
Published: December 2020

We analyze the collective behavior of a mean-field model of phase-oscillators of Kuramoto–Daido type coupled through pairwise interactions which depend on phase differences: the coupling function is composed of three harmonics. We provide convincing evidence of a transient but long-lasting chaotic collective chaos, which persists in the thermodynamic limit. The regime is analyzed with the help of clever direct numerical simulations, by determining the maximum Lyapunov exponent and assessing the transversal stability to the self-consistent mean field. The structure of the invariant measure is finally described in terms of a resolution-dependent entropy.
Dose Setting for Dermal Absorption Studies on Dried Foliar Residues
Authors: Morgan Neil , Hewitt Nicola J , Felkers Edgars , Wiemann Christiane , Kluxen Felix M , Kuster Christian J
Published: December 2020

Currently, the standard approach to estimate systemic exposure of workers after contact with dried pesticide residues on crops during re-entry activities relies on using the highest identified dermal absorption value for aqueous spray dilutions. However, recent dermal absorption studies with dried residues and their respective in-use dilutions have shown that this is likely to significantly overestimate their dermal penetration potential and, thus, predicted systemic exposure. The choice of appropriate dose levels for these dermal absorption studies has not been defined. Moreover, actual skin loading during re-entry tasks may differ significantly from that achieved by applying a fixed volume of an aqueous dilution, which is the standard practice in generic dermal absorption studies. To address this, we propose an approach to dose setting for dried residue studies within the current European risk assessment framework. Skin loading for studies can be calculated from the existing exposure algorithms and by taking appropriate body surface areas into account. Thus, skin loading in studies will vary depending on the exact nature and duration of the task and the region of the body exposed, reflecting actual exposure scenarios.
Synergistic antiarrhythmic effect of inward rectifier current inhibition and pulmonary vein isolation in a 3D computer model for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Gharaviri Ali , Pezzuto Simone , Potse Mark , Conte Giulio , Zeemering Stef , Sobota Vladimír , Verheule Sander , Krause Rolf , Auricchio Angelo , Schotten Ulrich
Published: December 2020

Aims

Recent clinical studies showed that antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) treatment and pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) synergistically reduce atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrences after initially successful ablation. Among newly developed atrial-selective AADs, inhibitors of the G-protein-gated acetylcholine-activated inward rectifier current (IKACh) were shown to effectively suppress AF in an experimental model but have not yet been evaluated clinically. We tested in silico whether inhibition of inward rectifier current or its combination with PVI reduces AF inducibility.

Methods and results

We simulated the effect of inward rectifier current blockade (IK blockade), PVI, and their combination on AF inducibility in a detailed three-dimensional model of the human atria with different degrees of fibrosis. IK blockade was simulated with a 30% reduction of its conductivity. Atrial fibrillation was initiated using incremental pacing applied at 20 different locations, in both atria. IK blockade effectively prevented AF induction in simulations without fibrosis as did PVI in simulations without fibrosis and with moderate fibrosis. Both interventions lost their efficacy in severe fibrosis. The combination of IK blockade and PVI prevented AF in simulations without fibrosis, with moderate fibrosis, and even with severe fibrosis. The combined therapy strongly decreased the number of fibrillation waves, due to a synergistic reduction of wavefront generation rate while the wavefront lifespan remained unchanged.

Conclusion

Newly developed blockers of atrial-specific inward rectifier currents, such as IKAch, might prevent AF occurrences and when combined with PVI effectively supress AF recurrences in human.
Strategy for finding occupational health survey participants at risk of long-term sickness absence
Authors: Roelen Corné A M , van Hoffen Marieke F A , Twisk Jos W R , Heymans Martijn W
Published: December 2020

Background

When resources are limited, occupational health survey participants are usually invited to consultations based on an occupational health provider’s subjective considerations. This study aimed to find health survey participants at risk of long-term (i.e., ≥ 42 consecutive days) sickness absence (LTSA) for consultations with occupational health providers (OHPs).

Methods

The data of 64 011 non-sicklisted participants in occupational health surveys between 2010 and 2015 were used for the study. In a random sample of 40 000 participants, 27 survey variables were included in decision tree analysis (DTA) predicting LTSA at 1-year follow-up. The decision tree was transferred into a strategy to find participants for OHP consultations, which was then tested in the remaining 24 011 participants.

Results

In the development sample, 1358 (3.4%) participants had LTSA at 1-year follow-up. DTA produced a decision tree with work ability as first splitting variable; company size and sleep problems were the other splitting variables. A strategy differentiating by company size would find 75% of the LTSA cases in small (≤99 workers) companies and 43% of the LTSA cases in medium-sized (100–499 workers) companies. For large companies (≥500 workers), case-finding was only 25%.

Conclusions

In small and medium-sized companies, work ability and sleep problems can be used to find occupational health survey participants for OHP consultations aimed at preventing LTSA. Research is needed to further develop a case-finding strategy for large companies.
Individual Heterogeneity in the Probability of Hospitalization, Skilled Nursing Facility Admission, and Mortality
Authors: McAvay Gail J , Vander Wyk Brent , Allore Heather
Published: December 2020

Background

Multimorbidity is common in adults aged 65 and older and is associated with health care utilization and mortality, but most methods ignore the interrelationship among concurrent outcome nor provide person-specific probabilities.

Method

A longitudinal cohort of 5300 older Americans from the 2011–2015 rounds of the National Health and Aging Study was linked to Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services claims. Odds ratios for 15 chronic conditions adjusted for sociodemographic factors were estimated using a joint model of hospitalization, skilled nursing facility (SNF) admission, and mortality. Additionally, we estimated the person-specific probability of an outcome while currently at risk for other outcomes for different chronic disease combinations demonstrating the heterogeneity across persons with identical chronic conditions.

Results

During the 4-year follow-up period, 2867 (54.1%) individuals were hospitalized, 1029 (19.4%) were admitted to a SNF, and 1237 (23.3%) died. Chronic kidney disease, dementia, heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease had significant increased odds for all 3 outcomes. By incorporating a person-specific random intercept, there was considerable range of person-specific probabilities for individuals with hypertension, diabetes, and depression with dementia, (hospitalization: 0.14–0.61; SNF admission: 0.04–0.28) and without dementia (hospitalization: 0.07–0.44; SNF admission: 0.02–0.15). Such heterogeneity was found among individuals with heart failure, ischemic heart disease, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and osteoarthritis with and without Medicare.

Conclusions

This approach of joint modeling of interrelated concurrent health care and mortality outcomes not only provides a cohort-level odds and probabilities but addresses the heterogeneity among otherwise similarly characterized persons identifying those with above-average probability of poor outcomes.
Shear wave velocity model of the Abanico Formation underlying the Santiago City metropolitan area, Chile, using ambient seismic noise tomography
Authors: Salomón J , Pastén C , Ruiz S , Leyton F , Sáez M , Rauld R
Published: December 2020

The seismic response of the Santiago City, the capital of Chile with more than 5.5 million inhabitants, is controlled by the properties of the shallower quaternary deposits and the impedance contrast with the underlying Abanico Formation, among other factors. In this study, we process continuous records of ambient seismic noise to perform an ambient seismic noise tomography with the aim of defining the shallower structure of the Abanico Formation underneath the densely populated metropolitan area of Santiago, Chile. The seismic signals were recorded by a network consisting of 29 broad-band seismological stations and 12 accelerograph stations, located in a 35 × 35 km2 quadrant. We used the average coherency of the vertical components to calculate dispersion curves from 0.1 to 5 Hz and Bootstrap resampling to estimate the variance of the traveltimes. The reliable frequency band of the dispersion curves was defined by an empirical method based on sign normalization of the coherency real part. The ambient noise tomography was solved on a domain discretized into 256 2 × 2 km2 cells. Using a regularized weighted least-squares inversion, we inverted the observed traveltimes between stations, assuming straight ray paths, in order to obtain 2-D phase velocity maps from 0.2 to 1.1 Hz, linearly spaced every 0.05 Hz, in 157 of the 256 square cells of the domain. In each square cell with information, dispersion curves were assembled and used to invert shear wave velocity profiles, which were interpolated using the ordinary Kriging method to obtain a 3-D shear wave velocity model valid from 0.6 to 5 km depth. The 3-D velocity model shows that the Abanico Formation is stiffer in the south of the study area with larger velocity anomalies towards the shallower part of the model. The value of the shear wave velocity narrows with depth, reaching an average value of 3.5 km s–1 from 3 to 5 km depth.
Re-assessment of the depth to the base of magnetic sources (DBMS) in Australia from aeromagnetic data using the defractal method
Authors: Kumar Raj , Bansal A R , Betts Peter G , Ravat D
Published: December 2020

Australia and North America are the only two continent-wide regions, currently, with the complete wavelength spectrum of magnetic anomalies that can address the much-debated issue of the existence and understanding the magnetic state of the upper mantle. The depth to the base of magnetic sources (DBMS) has been extensively investigated in Australia in previous studies, yielding differing DBMS estimates across the continent. In this contribution, we re-assess the DBMS in Australia from aeromagnetic data using the defractal method, which simultaneously estimates the DBMS and the fractal parameter of the magnetic field. We test the effect of window size on DBMS estimates for the defractal method and conclude that a window size 10 times the expected DBMS is required for the defractal method. We also demonstrate the dependence of derived spectral slopes (and thereby depths) on the size of window by comparing spectral slopes obtained from window sizes up to 1000 km. Our analysis yields DBMS estimates between 25 and 60 km over Australia and are complexly related to temperature structure, magnetic mineralogy and petrology and geological history. Deeper DBMS estimates (∼55–60 km) are obtained for the Yilgarn Craton (West Australian Craton) and the Gawler Craton (South Australian Craton). These estimates are significantly deeper than the Moho, suggesting the uppermost mantle is ferromagnetic for these cold and old cratonic regions. Shallower DBMSs of 25–35 km are obtained in the Pilbara Craton, the eastern and southern part of the Delamerian Orogen, the northwestern part of the Canning Basin, Officer, Cooper and Georgina Basins and the Tasmanides. The areas of shallower DBMS are positively correlated with high heat flow in the regions. On the other hand, regions of large concentrations of radiogenic elements associated with the major metallogenic deposits have high heat flow arising from the radiogenic heat, but deeper DBMSs, for example the eastern margin of the Gawler Craton covered by Neoproterozoic Adelaide Rift Complex, the McArthur Basin, the Pine Creek Inlier.
Generalized score matching for general domains
Authors: Yu Shiqing , Drton Mathias , Shojaie Ali
Published: December 2020

Estimation of density functions supported on general domains arises when the data are naturally restricted to a proper subset of the real space. This problem is complicated by typically intractable normalizing constants. Score matching provides a powerful tool for estimating densities with such intractable normalizing constants but as originally proposed is limited to densities on $\mathbb{R}^m$ and $\mathbb{R}_+^m$. In this paper, we offer a natural generalization of score matching that accommodates densities supported on a very general class of domains. We apply the framework to truncated graphical and pairwise interaction models and provide theoretical guarantees for the resulting estimators. We also generalize a recently proposed method from bounded to unbounded domains and empirically demonstrate the advantages of our method.
Mobile health (mHealth) usage, barriers, and technological considerations in persons with multiple sclerosis: a literature review
Authors: Gromisch Elizabeth S , Turner Aaron P , Haselkorn Jodie K , Lo Albert C , Agresta Thomas
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) can face a number of potential healthcare-related barriers, for which mobile health (mHealth) technology can be potentially beneficial. This review aimed to understand the frequency, current uses, and potential barriers with mHealth usage among persons with MS.

Methods

A query string was used to identify articles on PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and IEEE Xplore that were published in English between January 2010 and December 2019. Abstracts were reviewed and selected based on a priori inclusion and exclusion criteria. Fifty-nine peer-reviewed research studies related to the study questions are summarized.

Results

The majority of persons with MS were reported as using smartphones, although rates of mHealth utilization varied widely. mHealth usage was grouped into 3 broad categories: (1) disability and symptom measurement; (2) interventions and symptom management; and (3) tracking and promoting adherence. While there have been an increasing number of mHealth options, certain limitations associated with MS (eg, poor dexterity, memory problems) may affect usage, although including persons with MS in the design process can address some of these issues.

Discussion

Given the increased attention to mHealth in this population and the current need for telehealth and at home devices, it is important that persons with MS and healthcare providers are involved in the development of new mHealth tools to ensure that the end product meets their needs. Considerations for addressing the potential mHealth use barriers in persons with MS are discussed.
Feed intake and feeding behavior traits for gestating sows recorded using electronic sow feeders
Authors: Vargovic Laura , Hermesch Susanne , Athorn Rebecca Z , Bunter Kim L
Published: December 2020

Electronic sow feeding (ESF) systems are used to control feed delivery to individual sows that are group-housed. Feeding levels for gestating sows are typically restricted to prevent excessive body weight gain. Any alteration of intake from the allocated feeding curve or unusual feeding behavior could indicate potential health issues. The objective of this study was to use data recorded by ESF to establish and characterize novel feed intake and feeding behavior traits and to estimate their heritabilities. Raw data were available from two farms with in-house manufactured (Farm A) or commercial (Farm B) ESF. The traits derived included feed intake, time spent eating, and rate of feed consumption, averaged across or within specific time periods of gestation. Additional phenotypes included average daily number of feeding events (AFE), along with the cumulative numbers of days where sows spent longer than 30 min in the ESF (ABOVE30), missed their daily intake (MISSF), or consumed below 1 kg of feed (BELOW1). The appetite of sows was represented by averages of score (APPETITE), a binary value for allocation eaten or not (DA_bin), or the standard deviation of the difference between feed intake and allocation (SDA-I). Gilts took longer to eat than sows (15.5 ± 0.13 vs. 14.1 ± 0.11 min/d) despite a lower feed allocation (2.13 ± 0.00 vs. 2.36 ± 0.01 kg/d). The lowest heritability estimates (below 0.10) occurred for feed intake traits, due to the restriction in feed allocation, although heritabilities were slightly higher for Farm B, with restriction in the eating time. The low heritability for AFE (0.05 ± 0.02) may have reflected the lack of recording of nonfeeding visits, but repeatability was moderate (0.26 ± 0.03, Farm A). Time-related traits were moderately to highly heritable and repeatable, demonstrating genetic variation between individuals in their feeding behaviors. Heritabilities for BELOW1 (Farm A: 0.16 ± 0.04 and Farm B: 0.15 ± 0.09) and SDA-I (Farm A: 0.17 ± 0.04 and Farm B: 0.10 ± 0.08) were similar across farms. In contrast, MISSF was moderately heritable in Farm A (0.19 ± 0.04) but lowly heritable in Farm B (0.05 ± 0.07). Heritabilities for DA_bin were dissimilar between farms (Farm A: 0.02 ± 0.02 and Farm B: 0.23 ± 0.10) despite similar incidence. Individual phenotypes constructed from ESF data could be useful for genetic evaluation purposes, but equivalent capabilities to generate phenotypes were not available for both ESF systems.