bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of historical and future land‐use–land‐cover changes and their impact on valuation of ecosystem services in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Manish , Acharya Suwash Chandra
Published: November 2020

Ecosystems provide vital services to humans, which are regulated by the underlying ecological processes. Because of rapid population growth and urbanization, land‐use and land‐cover (LULC) changes ultimately impact the services an ecosystem can offer. The LULC of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal have been altered due to urbanization, which is further expected to change in the future. However, a quantitative assessment of LULC impact on ecosystem services has not been undertaken. The purpose of this study is to assess the impacts affecting the ecosystem services values (ESV) in the Kathmandu Valley due to historical and projected LULC changes. We used satellite‐based datasets to assess LULC changes in the past, and Dyna‐CLUE to model future LULC changes. The benefit transfer approach was used to estimate ESV and their changes across time. Results confirmed the increase in urban area of 3.4% per year. This led to declining ESV from 1990 (US$ 231 million) to 2010 (US$ 205 million), which is predicted to decline further (US$ 157 million in 2050); on average US$ 12.3–13.2 million every decade u 1990 2050. This loss in ESV was dominated by the decline in agricultural land (40%, US$ 46.9 million), followed by deforestation (11%, US$ 11.1 million ). Development (like urbanization) often overlooks the values from ecosystem services (ES), but ES quantification serves as a tool to make appropriate decisions during those changes. As shown in this study, ESV can be effectively quantified via application of a parsimonious approach by utilizing globally available datasets. This is especially more important for the data scarce regions of developing countries that are undergoing rapid changes.
NOTCH1: Review of its role in lymphatic development and study of seven families with rare pathogenic variants
Authors: Michelini Sandro , Ricci Maurizio , Serrani Roberta , Barati Shila , Kenanoglu Sercan , Veselenyiova Dominika , Kurti Danjela , Baglivo Mirko , Basha Syed Hussain , Priya Sasi , Dautaj Astrit , Dundar Munis , Krajcovic Juraj , Bertelli Matteo
Published: November 2020

Background

We developed a Next‐Generation‐Sequencing (NGS) protocol to screen the most frequent genetic variants related to lymphedema and a group of candidate genes. The aim of the study was to find the genetic cause of lymphedema in the analyzed patients.

Methods

We sequenced a cohort of 246 Italian patients with lymphatic malformations. In the first step, we analyzed genes known to be linked to lymphedema: 235 out of 246 patients tested negative for the most frequent variants and underwent testing for variants in a group of candidate genes, including the NOTCH1 gene, selected from the database of mouse models. We also performed in silico analysis to observe molecular interactions between the wild‐type and the variant amino acids and other protein residues.

Results

Seven out of 235 probands, five with sporadic and two with familial lymphedema, were found to carry rare missense variants in the NOTCH1 gene.

Conclusions

Our results propose that NOTCH1 could be a novel candidate for genetic predisposition to lymphedema.
Consensus of the Hegselmann–Krause opinion formation model with time delay
Authors: Choi Young‐Pil , Paolucci Alessandro , Pignotti Cristina
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we study Hegselmann–Krause models with a time‐variable time delay. Under appropriate assumptions, we show the exponential asymptotic consensus when the time delay satisfies a suitable smallness assumption. Our main strategies for this are based on Lyapunov functional approach and careful estimates on the trajectories. We then study the mean‐field limit from the many‐individual Hegselmann–Krause equation to the continuity‐type partial differential equation as the number N of individuals goes to infinity. For the limiting equation, we prove global‐in‐time existence and uniqueness of measure‐valued solutions. We also use the fact that constants appearing in the consensus estimates for the particle system are independent of N to extend the exponential consensus result to the continuum model. Finally, some numerical tests are illustrated.
Is 4‐month‐old infants' night waking affected by mothers' responses to them? A cross‐sectional survey in Japan
Authors: Hazumi Megumi , Nakajima Shun , Adachi Yoshiko
Published: November 2020

Objective

To investigate the association between night waking frequency in 3‐ to 4‐month‐old infants and mothers' response to them.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Sample

We examined 663 mothers of infants aged 3–5 months who attended regular health checks for 4 months at 7 public health centres in Japan between September 2006 and March 2007.

Measurements

Mother‐reported questionnaires were used, measuring the frequency of infants' night waking and four types of responses by mothers. Using multiple regression, the association between number of wakings and each response was evaluated adjusting for covariates, that is mother's (e.g. feelings of worry and bed‐sharing) and infant's (e.g. age and sex) demographic variables.

Results

The number of wakings was related to “immediately feeding and/or checking diapers” (β = 0.16, p = .002).This response to infants' night waking may be associated with night waking frequency.

Conclusion

Modifying caregiver responses to infants' night waking by reducing immediate feeding or diaper checks could improve infants' night waking frequency.
Self‐assembled micelles prepared from poly(D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide)‐poly(ethylene glycol) block copolymers for sustained release of valsartan
Authors: Zhu Qingzhen , Zhang Baogang , Wang Yuandou , Liu Xinghua , Li Weiwei , Su Feng , Li Suming
Published: November 2020

Poly(D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide)‐poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA‐PEG) diblock copolymers with different compositions were synthesized by ring‐opening polymerization of D,L‐lactide and glycolide, using monomethoxy PEG as macro‐initiator. The resulting copolymers were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance, gel permeation chromatography, and critical micelle concentration analyses. Self‐assembly of the copolymers yielded aggregates of different architectures, including spherical micelles and a mixture of spherical and worm‐like micelles with Y‐junctions. The self‐assembled architecture depends on both the hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance and the molar mass of copolymers. Valsartan, a widely used drug in the treatment of hypertension, was loaded in micelles using a co‐solvent evaporation method. High drug‐loading content was obtained for worm‐like micelles. in vitro drug release was performed at 37°C in pH 7.4 phosphate‐buffered saline. An initial burst release is detected in all cases, followed by slower release up to 9 days. The overall release rate is strongly dependent on the degradation of micelles. Copolymers with short PLGA blocks exhibit faster drug release due to faster degradation of micelles, and worm‐like micelles present slower drug release as compared to spherical ones. Therefore, PLGA‐PEG copolymer micelles with high drug‐loading capacity, different architectures, and variable drug release rates could be most attractive for sustained delivery of valsartan.
Microstructure and orientation evolution of microinjection molded β‐nucleated isotactic polypropylene/poly(ethylene terephthalate) blends
Authors: Zhao Zhongguo , Zhou Shengtai , Hrymak Andrew N. , Kamal Musa R. , Ai Taotao
Published: November 2020

The influence of different shear stresses induced by changing injection molding speeds on molecular chain orientation and lamellar branching of β‐nucleated iPP/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) microparts was investigated using two‐dimensional wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and 2D‐small‐angle X‐ray scattering. Results indicated that the prevailing shear stress can promote the formation of parent–daughter α‐crystal structure and twisted shish–kebab structure in subsequent microparts. The diffraction of (300) plane of β‐crystals was also observed at varying injection speeds. Increasing injection speeds can significantly enhance the content of β‐crystals from 24 to 41% for β‐nucleated iPP microparts. Additionally, the content of β‐crystals was further enhanced in β‐nucleated iPP/PET microparts with in situ formation of PET microfibrils under intensive shearing conditions. The addition of both PET and β‐nucleation agents coupling with high shearing conditions exerts a synergetic effect on the development of β‐crystals. However, the orientation degree of crystal lattice decreased with increasing injection speeds for both β‐nucleated iPP and iPP/PET microparts.
Synthesis of α‐1,3‐ and β‐1,3‐glucan esters with carbon–carbon double bonds and their surface modification
Authors: Hori Yuki , Enomoto Yukiko , Kimura Satoshi , Iwata Tadahisa
Published: November 2020

α‐1,3‐glucan and β‐1,3‐glucan esters with carbon–carbon double bonds (C=C), namely, α‐1,3‐glucan butenoate (α13GB) and β‐1,3‐glucan butenoate (β13GB), were synthesized from 3‐butenoic acid and trifluoroacetic anhydride. NMR analysis of the two esters revealed that the 3‐butenoyl groups were partially transformed to 2‐butenoyl groups. The total degree of substitution (DStotal) of the esters was calculated to be 3.0. According to gel permeation chromatography analysis, α13GB had a molecular weight (Mw) of 2.2 × 105 and β13GB had an Mw of 11.0 × 105, which was unexpectedly higher than that of the original glucan. This suggests that the β13GB chains were partially and intramolecularly crosslinked via the C=C bond. The α13GB and β13GB obtained had thermal degradation temperatures of 398 and 375 °C, respectively, and glass transition temperatures of 117 and 119 °C, respectively, which were higher than those of the corresponding saturated glucan butyrates. The surfaces of cast films of the esters were modified with 1H,1H,2H,2H‐perfluorodecanethiol, n‐dodecyl mercaptan or 3‐mercapto‐1,2‐propanediol via thiol‐ene reactions. Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analyses revealed that the surface of α13GB was more successfully modified with these thiol compounds than that of β13GB. The water contact angle of the surface of each cast film was measured to evaluate its hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity, and indicated the successful surface modification of the film by the thiol compounds © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Demonstration and error analysis of scaling‐up plastic‐integrated concentrator photovoltaic panels to 1 m2
Authors: Lee Kan‐Hua , Hayashi Nobuhiko , Takase Michihiko
Published: November 2020

Plastic lens integrated III‐V compound semiconductor cell (PIC) modules or other microconcentrator/miniconcentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules reduce the volume and weight of CPV modules to a size comparable to flat panel photovoltaics. However, the areal density of solar cells and lenses in a PIC or other micro‐mini‐CPV modules significantly increases by at least an order of magnitude, which raises the required precision and consistency of the module assembling, because a slightly misaligned solar cell can limit the current of the whole circuit and inhibit the performance of the full module. In this study, we presented the results of a 1 m2 module consisting of 2025 solar cells with a direct‐normal‐irradiance efficiency of more than 30%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest area for a CPV module with a height of less than 5 cm reported so far. To quantify the different causes of misalignment, we proposed a probabilistic analysis to model how these errors affect the performance of the CPV module. The results show that the dominant error of the PIC module is attributed to around 0.5° misaligned orientation between the unit modules. This analysis approach can also be applied to other types of micro‐CPV modules.
Accumulation of Good Intentions: How Individual Practice Guidelines Lead to Polypharmacy in the Treatment of Patients with Polytrauma
Authors: Brown‐Taylor Lindsey , Jaramillo Carlos , Eapen Blessen C. , Kretzmer Tracy , Gavin Lindsey P. , Cooper Tyler , Pugh Mary J.
Published: November 2020

Polytrauma clinical triad (PCT) is the comorbid occurrence of traumatic brain injury (TBI), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and pain after trauma. No clinical practice guidelines for postacute care of patients with PCT currently exist; instead, clinical practice guidelines have been published for the three conditions (TBI, PTSD, and pain) as distinct clinical entities. Using multiple, individual practice guidelines for a patient with PCT may lead to unintended prescription of multiple and potentially adversely interacting medications (ie, polypharmacy). Polypharmacy, especially that which includes central nervous system‐acting medications, may lead to overdose, suicidality, and chronic symptomatology. Current individual guidelines for each condition of PCT do not address how to coordinate care for the polytraumatic diagnosis. The purpose of this Practice Management piece is to describe the unintended consequences of polypharmacy in patients with PCT and to discuss mitigation approaches including rational prescribing, nonpharmacologic alternatives, and interdisciplinary coordination.
An Evaluation of Musculoskeletal Interventional Ultrasound Training in Canadian Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Programs
Authors: Amatto Michael D. , Rambaransingh Brian , Yu Jaime C.
Published: November 2020

Background

Ultrasound is a rapidly evolving field of medicine with strong utility in musculoskeletal practices. In Canadian physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) residency programs there are no national standards for objectives of training in this area. This possible disconnection between demand and availability could lead to gaps in education.

Objective

(1) To determine the current state of interventional musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) training in Canadian PM&R residency programs, as perceived by both residents and program directors; (2) to evaluate the perspectives of experts in the field on current and future MSUS curriculum inclusion.

Design

This study was a cross‐sectional cohort study using an explanatory sequential mixed methods design.

Setting

This project included anonymous online surveys and targeted telephone/in‐person semistructured interviews.

Participants

Participants were Canadian PM&R residents or clinicians. Survey responses included 71 residents and nine program directors. Interviews were conducted with nine MSUS experts.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Outcome measures included residents' level of interest, amount of exposure, and barriers to training. Themes regarding resident exposure and future directions for MSUS training were obtained based on expert interviews.

Results

The vast majority (97%) of current PM&R residents are interested in using ultrasound clinically, with 73% reporting having had “none” to “limited exposure” in MSUS. Expert interviews revealed four major themes: (1) appropriate training is dependent on access, (2) MSUS represents an emerging standard of care, (3) a minimal baseline level of competence should be expected, and (4) various strategies may be used to integrate basic MSUS into existing residency curriculums.

Conclusions

The use of ultrasound as a clinical tool is rapidly increasing. Current PM&R residents have a desire to incorporate this skill into their future practices. Although barriers exist to implementing this training on a national level, the future looks promising with multiple strategies outlined to assist the process.
Posttraumatic stress disorder and suicide among veterans with prostate cancer
Authors: Aboumrad Maya , Shiner Brian , Mucci Lorelei , Neupane Nabin , Schroeck Florian R. , Klaassen Zachary , Freedland Stephen J. , Young‐Xu Yinong
Published: November 2020

Objective

To evaluate the effect of a preexisting posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis on suicide and non‐suicide mortalities among men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer, and examine potential mediating factors for the relationship between PTSD and suicide.

Methods

We used patient‐level data from Veterans Health Administration electronic medical records to identify men (age ≥40 years) diagnosed with prostate cancer between 2004 and 2014. We used Fine and Gray regression model to estimate the risk for competing mortality outcomes (suicide, non‐suicide, and alive). We used structural equation models to evaluate the mediating factors.

Results

Our cohort comprised 214,649 men with prostate cancer, of whom 12,208 (5.7%) had a preexisting PTSD diagnosis. Patients with PTSD compared to those without utilized more healthcare services and had lower risk cancer at diagnosis. Additionally, they experienced more suicide deaths (N = 26, 0.21% vs. N = 269, 0.13%) and fewer non‐suicide deaths (N = 1399, 11.5% vs. N = 45,625, 22.5%). On multivariable analysis, PTSD was an independent suicide risk factor (HR = 2.35; 95% CI: 1.16, 4.78). Depression, substance use disorder, and any definitive prostate cancer treatment were partial mediators. However, PTSD was associated with lower non‐suicide mortality risk (HR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.77, 0.96).

Conclusion

Patients with PTSD experienced greater suicide risk even after adjusting for important mediators. They may have experienced lower non‐suicide mortality risk due to favorable physical health resulting from greater healthcare service use and early diagnosis of lower risk cancer. Our findings highlight the importance of considering psychiatric illnesses when treating patients with prostate cancer and the need for interventions to ameliorate suicide risk.
Fear of cancer recurrence, supportive care needs, and the utilization of psychosocial services in cancer survivors: A cross‐sectional survey in Hong Kong
Authors: Li Man Chung , Cheng Hui Lin
Published: November 2020

Objective

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is the top‐ranked psychological concern in cancer survivors. We examined the prevalence of FCR and the relationships among FCR, supportive care needs, and the utilization of psychosocial services among Chinese cancer survivors.

Methods

This cross‐sectional, correlational study included 311 cancer survivors within 5 years of survivorship in Hong Kong. The participants were invited to complete an online survey: the Fear of Progression Questionnaire‐Short Form to assess FCR; the 34‐item Supportive Care Needs‐Short Form to assess supportive care needs, and a self‐constructed questionnaire to assess psychosocial services utilization. A score of ≥34 indicated FCR. Descriptive statistics and hierarchical regression analyses were performed.

Results

Of the participants surveyed, 38.3% were classified as having FCR. The most frequently reported supportive care needs in five domains were in the psychological domain (M = 39.5; SD = 27.6), followed by the health system and information domain (M = 38.6, SD = 26.9). Of the three categories of psychosocial services, informational/educational healthcare services were the most frequently utilized (81%), while the least utilized services were mental health/psychological well‐being support (46.9%). FCR was a consistent factor that was associated with needs in five domains (b = 8.73–39.58, all p < 0.001). However, FCR was not associated with any of the three categories of psychosocial services utilization.

Conclusion

FCR is frequent in cancer survivors. FCR may play an important role in supportive care needs, but not in psychosocial services utilization. There is an increasing demand to bridge the service gap between the need for and the use of mental health and psychological well‐being services.
Biofabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles impair cognitive function via modulating oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase level in mice
Authors: Yadav Ekta , Yadav Pankajkumar
Published: November 2020

Current work was designed to explore the effect of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnONP) biofabricated by using Trianthema portulacastrum (TP) leaves extract on mice brain hippocampus. ZnO nanoparticles of TP leaves (ZnOTP) were synthesized by co‐precipitation method and further characterized by using various techniques such as UV‐Vis spectrophotometer, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and Energy Dispersive X‐ray (EDX). ZnOTP were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant activity, in vivo behavior models (for assessment of cognitive ability), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity along with other neurotransmitters content determination, estimation of various oxidative stress parameters and analysis of zinc content in the brain as well as plasma. Histopathological evaluation of the brain hippocampus of each group was performed to corroborate the statistical results. Spherical ZnOTP of 10 to 20 nm size embedded with different phytoconstituents of TP was confirmed. Results of our study revealed a significant memory deficit in mice treated with ZnOTP. Neuronal degeneration was also observed via a significant increase in AChE activity and oxidative stress levels in the brain of mice administered with ZnOTP. Exposure of ZnOTP was also found responsible for modulation of neurotransmission in hippocampus area. Further, ZnOTP disturbed the zinc homeostasis in hippocampus via elevation of zinc content in brain as well as plasma. Histopathology of hippocampus supported the damaging impact of ZnOTP by an increase in vacuolated cytoplasm and focal gliosis in groups treated with ZnOTP. Results demonstrated the neurotoxic effect of ZnOTP on brain hippocampus via cognitive impairment by alteration of neurotransmitter level, zinc content and oxidative stress.
Quantification, distribution, and effects of di (2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate contamination: Risk analysis and mitigation strategies in urban environment
Authors: Shivaraju Harikaranahalli Puttaiah , Yashas Shivamurthy Ravindra , Harini Revanna
Published: November 2020

Phthalate acid ester, di (2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is ubiquitously detected contaminant of emerging concerns (CECs) in all the environmental samples. The present study attempted to understand the fate and transport of DEHP in urban areas by evaluating the quantities, distribution, risk, and effects in the Mysuru city, India. The study is anticipated to serve as a vital document for local and national regulators to frame a robust DEHP management plan and mitigate the risks associated. Liquid–liquid microextraction followed by gas chromatographic analysis was adopted to determine the concentrations of DEHP. The risk quotient method was adopted to assess potential risk, and a conceptual planning model framework was designed to mitigate the DEHP contamination. The municipal wastewater contained 115 ± 9.2 μg/L, whereas treated municipal wastewater showed 95 ± 7.6 μg/L DEHP that was attributed to the inefficiency of the treatment plant. Further, sediments in surface water, as well as groundwater samples of the study area, showed 8 ± 0.64 to 12 ± 0.96 μg/L and 32 ± 2.56 to 40 ± 3.2 μg/kg of DEHP, respectively. The risk quotient of 19.17 for samples in around treatment indicated highest risk, whereas groundwater samples had a risk quotient of 1–2 indicating relative risk to aquatic organisms. In addition, the study highlighted the source, possible entry pathways, and management strategies including treatment aspects to draw an understanding of the distribution and potential ecological imbalances with contamination of DEHP in the urban sector.

Practitioner points

Understand the fate and transportation of DEHP in urban wastewater.

Primary investigation and assessment to possible health and environmental risks of DEHP contamination in urban wastewater.

Revealed the associated health risks and proposed possible management strategies.
RETRACTED: Free convection of non‐Newtonian nanofluid flow inside an eccentric annulus from the point of view of first‐law and second‐law of thermodynamics
Authors: Shahsavar Amin , Noori Shahla , Toghraie Davood , Barnoon Pouya
Published: November 2020

The current work aims to perform the hydrothermal and entropy generation (EG) characteristics in a naturally cooled eccentric horizontal annulus filled with non‐Newtonian water‐magnetite/CNT nanofluid (NF). The wall temperature of both cylinders is constant and the temperature of the outer cylinder is lower than that of the inner cylinder. The impacts of vertical eccentricity, nanoadditive concentration (φ) and Rayleigh number () on the first and second‐laws performance features of the annulus are investigated numerically. It was found the average Nusselt number (), the global thermal EG (TEG) and the global frictional EG (FEG) augment with boosting both the and φ. In addition, it was depicted that the negative eccentricity is desirable and undesirable from the perspective of the first and second‐laws of thermodynamics. Moreover, the outcomes revealed that the first‐law/second‐law performance of the aqueous magnetite/CNT NF is better/weaker than that of the aqueous magnetite NF. Furthermore, for all the examined cases, the TEG rates are much higher than the FEG rates, and as a result, the pattern of total EG changes follows the TEG. Among all the studied cases, the minimum total EG was 4 W/K, which belonged to the case of = 0.9%, = 0%, = 103 and = 0.001.
Wiederaufnahmeraten von Rückenschmerzpatienten an einer Universitätsklinik nach primär konservativer stationärer Therapie
Authors: Ihde Florian , Lenz Robert , Mittelmeier Wolfram , Osmanski-Zenk Katrin
Published: November 2020

Hintergrund

Die Patientenzahlen stationärer Versorgung von Rückenschmerzen steigen zunehmend, da die aktuellen Strukturen der ambulanten Versorgung den Bedarf nicht adäquat decken können. Die Infrastruktur des Maximalversorgers sichert zwar einerseits eventuelle Notfallversorgungen und bildgebende Verfahren ab, ist aber andererseits nicht auf die Ersatzleistung für die ambulante Versorgung ausgerichtet.

Ziel der Arbeit

Analyse der Wiederaufnahmeraten stationär primär konservativ versorgter Rückenschmerzpatienten.

Material und Methode

In der retrospektiven Studie wurde an einer universitären orthopädischen Klinik die Wiederaufnahmerate von Rückenschmerzpatienten innerhalb von 6 Monaten untersucht, die notfallmäßig stationär eingewiesen und dort primär konservativ behandelt wurden. Der Untersuchungszeitraum betrug 2 Jahre mit einer Nachbeobachtung von 6 Monaten. Es erfolgte die Auswertung von 413 Patienten.

Ergebnisse

Nach primär konservativer stationärer Therapie wurden 17,9 % der Patienten erneut stationär aufgenommen. Bis zur ersten Wiederaufnahme dauerte es 25 (±33,25) Tage und bis zur zweiten weitere 25,9 (±31,99) Tage. Rentner werden signifikant häufiger stationär aufgenommen, und in der Regel konservativ behandelt. 66,8 % der Vorstellungen erfolgten notfallmäßig ohne Einweisungsschein.

Diskussion

Die Wiederaufnahmen nach primärer konservativer stationärer Therapie sind relativ hoch. Bei straffem Management mit zügigem diagnostischem Vorgehen und zielgerichteten Nachbehandlungsstrategien kann die Rückführung des Patienten in die ambulante Versorgung in den meisten Fällen realisiert werden. Wiederaufnahmen erfolgen zur operativen Versorgung, oder aber ungeplant bei gescheiterter konservativer, ambulanter Therapie.
Liver cT1 decreases following direct-acting antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus
Authors: Jayaswal Arjun N. A. , Levick Christina , Collier Jane , Tunnicliffe Elizabeth M. , Kelly Matthew D. , Neubauer Stefan , Barnes Eleanor , Pavlides Michael
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Direct-acting antiviral therapies (DAAs) for treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) have excellent rates of viral eradication, but their effect on regression of liver fibrosis is unclear. The primary aim was to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) to evaluate changes in liver fibrosis, liver fat and liver iron content (LIC) in patients with chronic HCV following treatment with DAAs.

Methods

In this prospective study, 15 patients with chronic HCV due to start treatment with DAAs and with transient elastography (TE) > 8 kPa were recruited consecutively. Patients underwent MRI and MRS at baseline (before treatment), and at 24 weeks and 48 weeks after the end of treatment (EoT) for the measurement of liver cT1 (fibroinflammation), liver fat and T2* (LIC).

Results

All patients achieved a sustained virological response. Liver cT1 showed significant decreases from baseline to 24 weeks post EoT (876 vs 806 ms, p = 0.002, n = 15), baseline to 48 weeks post EoT (876 vs 788 ms, p = 0.0002, n = 13) and 24 weeks post EoT to 48 weeks post EoT (806 vs 788 ms, p = 0.016, n = 13). Between baseline and 48 weeks EoT significant reduction in liver fat (5.17% vs 2.65%, p = 0.027) and an increase in reported LIC (0.913 vs 0.950 mg/g, p = 0.021) was observed.

Conclusion

Liver cT1 decreases in patients with chronic HCV undergoing successful DAA treatment. The relatively fast reduction in cT1 suggests a reduction in inflammation rather than regression of fibrosis.
Perceptual Assessment and Acoustic Voice Analysis as Screening Tests for Vocal Fold Paresis After Thyroid or Parathyroid Surgery
Authors: Heikkinen Maria , Penttilä Elina , Qvarnström Mari , Mäkinen Kimmo , Löppönen Heikki , Kärkkäinen Jussi M.
Published: November 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of clinician‐based perceptual assessment of voice and computerized acoustic voice analysis as screening tests for vocal fold paresis or paralysis (VFP) after thyroid and parathyroid surgery.

Methods

This was a prospective study of 181 patients undergoing thyroid or parathyroid procedure with pre and postoperative laryngoscopic vocal fold inspection, perceptual voice assessment using grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain (GRBAS) scale and acoustic voice analysis using the multi‐dimensional voice program (MDVP). Patients were divided into 2 groups for comparison; those with new postoperative VFP and those without. Potential screening tools were evaluated using the receiving operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

Fourteen (6.6%) patients had a new postoperative VFP. Postoperative GRBAS scores were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in patients with VFP compared to those without. However, there were no statistically significant differences in MDVP values between the groups. Postoperative GRBAS grade score (cut off > 0) had the best sensitivity, 93%, for predicting VFP, but the specificity was only 50%. Postoperative jitter (cut off > 1.60) in MDVP had a good specificity, 90%, but only 50% sensitivity. Combining all the GRBAS and MDVP variables with P < 0.05 in the ROC analysis yielded a test with 100% sensitivity and 55% specificity.

Conclusions

Physician‐based perceptual voice assessment has a high sensitivity for detecting postoperative VFP, but the specificity is poor. The risk of VFP is low in patients with completely normal voice at discharge. However, routine laryngoscopy after thyroid and parathyroid surgery is still the most reliable exam for VFP screening.
An agent-based market simulation for enriching innovation management education
Authors: Stummer Christian , Kiesling Elmar
Published: November 2020

It is not easy for students or junior managers to obtain first-hand experience in innovation and technology management. Business gaming simulations can remedy this, as they provide an opportunity to acquire practical skills. We developed such a business gaming simulation that enables teams of participants—each managing a virtual company that competes with other companies in several markets—to implement technology strategies, make resource allocation decisions, and test marketing strategies for introducing its new products. The salient feature of this simulation is its agent-based market model, which accounts for consumers’ heterogeneity and social factors like word-of-mouth communication. In this paper, we describe the elements and dynamics of the market model, outline the didactic framework, and synthesize our experiences from using the simulation in classroom settings for several years. Overall, we find that using an agent-based model as the core of a business gaming simulation can facilitate experiential learning in management, particularly in fields that involve complex social system dynamics, as is the case in the diffusion of innovations.
High rates of biodeposition and N-excretion indicate strong functional effects of mussels (Bivalvia: Unionida) in certain anthropogenic tropical freshwater habitats
Authors: Zieritz Alexandra , Chan Wei Ning , McGowan Suzanne , Gibbins Christopher
Published: November 2020

The functional roles of freshwater mussels (Unionida) in tropical systems are poorly understood. We quantified the effects of mussel filtration, excretion and deposition in three anthropogenic tropical systems, i.e. a man-made lake, abandoned mining pool and rice paddy channel. Sinanodonta cf. woodiana (non-native) was present at all three sites, whilst Pilsbryoconcha compressa (native) was present in the channel only. Clearance rates, biodeposition rates and effects on suspended algal pigment and dissolved nutrient concentrations were quantified in controlled, replicated experiments in laboratory tanks with water from original habitats. Clearance rates were generally low and did not explain the high biodeposition rates observed. A considerable proportion of the natural diet of these populations may therefore consist of material that was not available in tanks, i.e. benthic or deposited algae. Deposition rates in lake and channel populations exceeded published rates from temperate and Mediterranean habitats, presumably due to prevalence of non-palatable material and/or higher metabolic rates in tropical systems. The presence of S. cf. woodiana but not P. compressa led to a strong increase in total ammonia nitrogen concentrations and N:P ratios, exceeding estimations from other systems. This study suggests that freshwater mussels play different functional roles in anthropogenic tropical habitats than in temperate systems.
The Architecture of Cognitive Vulnerability to Depressive Symptoms in Adolescence: A Longitudinal Network Analysis Study
Authors: Marchetti Igor , Pössel Patrick , Koster Ernst H. W.
Published: November 2020

Rates of subclinical symptoms and full-blown depression significantly increase during adolescence. Hence, understanding how multiple cognitive risk factors are related to depression in adolescence is of major importance. For this purpose, we simultaneously considered multiple cognitive vulnerabilities, as proposed by three major cognitive theories for depression, namely Beck’s cognitive theory, hopelessness theory, and response style theory. In this four-wave study, we investigated the architecture, interplay, and stability of cognitive vulnerability mechanisms, depressive symptoms, and stressors in a large group of adolescents over a period of one year (n = 469; mean age = 15 years; 64% female). Network analysis was used to shed light on the structure of cognitive vulnerabilities in a data-driven fashion. Analyses revealed that different cognitive vulnerabilities were intertwined and automatic thoughts played the role of hub node in the network. Moreover, the interplay among cognitive vulnerabilities and depressive symptoms was already markedly stable in adolescence and did not change over a 12-month period. Finally, no evidence was found that cognitive vulnerabilities interacted with stressors, as proposed by diathesis-stress models. These findings advance our understanding of multiple cognitive risk factors for depression in adolescence.
Decadal-scale variability of the North Pacific subtropical mode water and its influence on the pycnocline observed along 137°E
Authors: Kobashi Fumiaki , Nakano Toshiya , Iwasaka Naoto , Ogata Tomomichi
Published: November 2020

Decadal-scale variability of the North Pacific subtropical mode water (STMW) and its influence on the pycnocline are examined by analyzing Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) repeat hydrographic observations along the 137°E meridian from 1972 to 2019, with a particular focus on the summer season when the seasonal upper pycnocline develops above the STMW. The STMW appears between 20° and 32°N at 137°E, with the thickness varying on decadal timescales of approximately 9–15 years. Argo float observations suggest that the observed change in the STMW thickness originates in the wintertime mixed layer south of the Kuroshio Extension in the preceding year. The STMW has a substantial impact on the pycnocline. The presence of thick STMW shoals the upper pycnocline, occasionally concurrent with the deepening of the lower main pycnocline. The change is robust in the upper pycnocline, where the heaving of isopycnal surfaces occurs with density anomalies up near the surface. The subtropical front (STF) at subsurface depths, which is associated with a northward shoaling of the upper pycnocline and is maintained by the STMW in the climatology, also changes on decadal timescales. A thick STMW increases the northward shoaling of the upper pycnocline and intensifies the STF. On decadal timescales, the STF variations are accounted for by the STMW-induced change in the upper pycnocline slope. The change in the STF due to mode waters is consistent with previous findings from numerical models.
Rapid development of 56 novel microsatellite markers for the benthic freshwater bug Aphelocheirus aestivalis using Illumina paired-end sequencing data and M13-tailed primers
Authors: Kaczmarczyk-Ziemba Agnieszka
Published: November 2020

The freshwater true bug Aphelocheirus aestivalis (Aphelocheiridae) is widely distributed in Europe but occurs rather locally and often in isolated populations. Moreover, it is threatened with extinction in parts of its range. Unfortunately, little is known about the genetic diversity and population structure due to the lack of molecular tools for this species. Thus, to overcome the limitations, a whole-genome sequencing has been performed to identify polymorphic microsatellite markers for A. aestivalis. The whole-genome sequencing has been performed with the Illumina MiSeq platform. Obtained paired-end reads were processed and overlapped into 2,378,426 sequences, and the subset of 267 sequences containing microsatellite motifs were then used for in silico primer designing. Finally, 56 microsatellite markers were determined and 34 of them were polymorphic. Analyses performed in two samples (collected from Drawa and Gowienica rivers, respectively) showed that the number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 21, and the observed and expected heterozygosity varied from 0 to 0.933 and 0.064 to 0.931, respectively. The microsatellite markers developed in the present study provide new suitable tools available for the scientific community to study A. aestivalis population dynamics. The assessment of its genetic diversity and population structure will provide important data, that can be used in population management and conservation efforts, elucidating the broad- and fine-scale population genetic structure of A. aestivalis.
Akebia Saponin D prevents axonal loss against TNF-induced optic nerve damage with autophagy modulation
Authors: Sase Kana , Tsukahara Chihiro , Fujita Naoki , Arizono Ibuki , Takagi Hitoshi , Kitaoka Yasushi
Published: November 2020

Akebia Saponin D (ASD), a triterpenoid saponin, was shown to have protective effects in certain neuronal cells. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possibility of ASD to prevent tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced axonal loss and the ASD modulation of the biologic process of autophagy in optic nerves. Rats were given intravitreal administration of TNF, simultaneous administration of 2, 20, or 200 pmol ASD and TNF, or ASD alone. LC3-II and p62 expression, which is a marker of autophagic flux, and phosphorylated p38 (p-p38) expression in optic nerves were examined by immunoblot analysis. Morphometric analysis revealed a significant ameliorated effect of ASD against TNF-induced optic nerve damage. p62 was significantly increased in the optic nerve in TNF-treated eyes, but this increase was totally prevented by ASD. The ASD alone injection showed significant reduction of p62 levels compared with the PBS-treated control eyes. LC3-II was significantly increased by ASD treatment in the TNF-injected eyes. p-p38 was significantly increased in the optic nerve in TNF-treated eyes, but this increase was completely prevented by ASD. The protective effects of ASD may be associated with enhanced autophagy activation and inhibition of p-p38.
Comparison of online and face-to-face valuation of the EQ-5D-5L using composite time trade-off
Authors: Jiang Ruixuan , Shaw James , Mühlbacher Axel , Lee Todd A. , Walton Surrey , Kohlmann Thomas , Norman Richard , Pickard A. Simon
Published: November 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare online, unsupervised and face-to-face (F2F), supervised valuation of EQ-5D-5L health states using composite time trade-off (cTTO) tasks.

Methods

The official EuroQol experimental design and valuation protocol for the EQ-5D-5L of 86 health states were implemented in interviewer-assisted, F2F and unsupervised, online studies. Validity of preferences was assessed using prevalence of inconsistent valuations and expected patterns of TTO values. Respondent task engagement was measured using number of trade-offs and time per task. Trading patterns such as better-than-dead only was compared between modes. Value sets were generated using linear regression with a random intercept (RILR). Value set characteristics such as range of scale and dimension ranking were evaluated between modes.

Results

Five hundred one online and 1,134 F2F respondents completed the surveys. Mean elicited TTO values were higher online than F2F when compared by health state severity. Compared to F2F, a larger proportion of online respondents did not assign the poorest EQ-5D-5L health state (i.e., 55555) the lowest TTO value ([Online] 41.3% [F2F] 12.2%) (p < 0.001). A higher percentage of online cTTO tasks were completed in 3 trade-offs or fewer ([Online] 15.8% [F2F] 3.7%), (p < 0.001). When modeled using the RILR, the F2F range of scale was larger than online ([Online] 0.600 [F2F] 1.307) and the respective dimension rankings differed.

Conclusions

Compared to F2F data, TTO tasks conducted online had more inconsistencies and decreased engagement, which contributed to compromised data quality. This study illustrates the challenges of conducting online valuation studies using the TTO approach.
Does entrepreneurship fit her? Women entrepreneurs, gender-role orientation, and entrepreneurial culture
Authors: Liñán Francisco , Jaén Inmaculada , Martín Domingo
Published: November 2020

The present research analyzes the way in which gender-role orientation (GRO) and perceived entrepreneurial culture affect the advancement of women through the different stages in the entrepreneurial process. To do so, a sample of 1195 Spanish women is studied using Bem’s Sex Role Inventory to identify their GRO and a perceived regional culture (PRC) scale. The results confirm that women with a masculine or androgynous orientation are more likely to develop entrepreneurial careers. Besides, for masculine GRO women, the perception of a supportive entrepreneurial culture in their region fosters their advancement in entrepreneurship. In contrast, the effect of perceived culture is negative for women with an androgynous GRO. These results contribute to advance knowledge on the entrepreneurial process for women. Based on our results, the debate about women entrepreneurship should be expanded to fully acknowledge the relevance of GRO.
A Critical Recuperation of Watsuji’s Rinrigaku
Authors: Zanghellini Aleardo , Sato Mai
Published: November 2020

Watsuji is recognised as one Japan’s foremost philosophers. His work on ethics, Rinrigaku, is cosmopolitan in engaging the Western philosophical tradition, and in presupposing an international audience. Yet Watsuji’s ethical thought is largely of niche interest outside Japan, and it is critiqued on the ground that it ratifies totalitarianism, demanding individuals’ unquestioning subordination to communal demands. We offer a reading of Rinrigaku that, in attempting to trace the text’s intention, disputes these arguments. We argue that Rinrigaku makes individual autonomy central to ethical action, despite the fact that its treatment of coercion may lead one to think otherwise; that it does not reduce ethical obligations to whatever demands any given society imposes on its members; that it draws a distinction between socio-ethical orders that are genuinely ethical and those that are not; and that, in insisting on the grounding of individuals in the Absolute, it makes adequate room for individuals’ resistance to unjustifiable socio-ethical demands.
Development of degradable pre-formed particle gel (DPPG) as temporary plugging agent for petroleum drilling and production
Authors: Zhu Dao-Yi , Fang Xing-Yu , Sun Ren-Xian , Xu Zeng-Hao , Liu Yang , Liu Ji-Yang
Published: November 2020

Temporary plugging agent (TPA) is widely used in many fields of petroleum reservoir drilling and production, such as temporary plugging while drilling and petroleum well stimulation by diverting in acidizing or fracturing operations. The commonly used TPA mainly includes hard particles, fibers, gels, and composite systems. However, current particles have many limitations in applications, such as insufficient plugging strength and slow degradation rate. In this paper, a degradable pre-formed particle gel (DPPG) was developed. Experimental results show that the DPPG has an excellent static swelling effect and self-degradation performance. With a decrease in the concentration of total monomers or cross-linker, the swelling volume of the synthesized DPPG gradually increases. However, the entire self-degradation time gradually decreases. The increase in 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS) in the DPPG composition can significantly increase its swelling ratio and shorten the self-degradation time. Moreover, DPPG has excellent high-temperature resistance (150 °C) and high-salinity resistance (200,000 mg/L NaCl). Core displacement results show that the DPPG has a perfect plugging effect in the porous media (the plugging pressure gradient was as high as 21.12 MPa), and the damage to the formation after degradation is incredibly minor. Therefore, the DPPG can be used as an up-and-coming TPA in oil fields.
Powers ontology and the quantum revolution
Authors: Koons Robert C.
Published: November 2020

An Aristotelian philosophy of nature rejects the modern prejudice in favor of the microscopic, a rejection that is crucial if we are to penetrate the mysteries of the quantum world. I defend an Aristotelian model by drawing on both quantum chemistry and recent work on the measurement problem. By building on the work of Hans Primas, using the distinction between quantum and classical properties that emerges in quantum chemistry at the thermodynamic or continuum limit, I develop a new version of the Copenhagen interpretation, a version that is realist, holistic, and hylomorphic in character, allowing for the attribution of fundamental causal powers to human observers and their instruments. I conclude with a critique of non-hylomorphic theories of primitive ontology, including Bohmian mechanics, Everettianism, and GRW mass-density.