bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sulphonylureas monotherapy and risk of hospitalization for heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A population‐based cohort study in China
Authors: Xu Yang , Wang Tiansheng , Yang Zhirong , Lin Hongbo , Shen Peng , Zhan Siyan
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The risk of heart failure associated with sulphonylureas is unclear. We evaluated the association between sulphonylureas and hospitalization of heart failure (HHF) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in China.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was implemented using the Yinzhou Regional Health Care Database (YRHCD). We identified 15 752 adult patients with T2DM who were newly exposed to sulphonylurea monotherapy (N = 12 487) or acarbose monotherapy (N = 3265) from January 2010 to September 2016. Cox proportional hazards models weighted by inverse probability of treatment weights were used to compare the risk of HHF between initiators of sulphonylurea and acarbose.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 0.55 (0.49, 1.11) and 0.49 (0.35, 0.70) years for sulphonylureas and acarbose initiators separately, 320 patients developed HHF, with 279 events in sulphonylureas group, and 41 events in acarbose group. The incidence rates of HHF among sulphonylureas initiators and acarbose initiators were 22.2 (95% CI 19.6‐24.9) and 18.3 (95% CI 13.2‐24.9) per 1000 person‐years, respectively. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of HHF for sulphonylureas vs acarbose was 1.61 (95% CI 1.14‐2.27). When stratified by history of heart failure, aHR was 1.55 (95% CI 0.79‐3.06) in patients with a history of heart failure, and 1.64 (95% CI 1.10‐2.45) in patients with no history of heart failure.

Conclusions

Our study suggested that use of sulphonylureas monotherapy compared with acarbose monotherapy for initial treatment of T2DM for approximately 0.5 years are significantly associated with a higher risk of HHF.
Hydroxyl carlactone derivatives are predominant strigolactones in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yoneyama Kaori , Akiyama Kohki , Brewer Philip B. , Mori Narumi , Kawano‐Kawada Miyuki , Haruta Shinsuke , Nishiwaki Hisashi , Yamauchi Satoshi , Xie Xiaonan , Umehara Mikihisa , Beveridge Christine A. , Yoneyama Koichi , Nomura Takahito
Published: May 2020

Strigolactones (SLs) regulate important aspects of plant growth and stress responses. Many diverse types of SL occur in plants, but a complete picture of biosynthesis remains unclear. In Arabidopsis thaliana, we have demonstrated that MAX1, a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, converts carlactone (CL) into carlactonoic acid (CLA) and that LBO, a 2‐oxoglutarate‐dependent dioxygenase, can convert methyl carlactonoate (MeCLA) into a metabolite called [MeCLA + 16 Da]. In the present study, feeding experiments with deuterated MeCLAs revealed that [MeCLA + 16 Da] is hydroxymethyl carlactonoate (1'‐HO‐MeCLA). Importantly, this LBO metabolite was detected in plants. Interestingly, other related compounds, methyl 4‐hydroxycarlactonoate (4‐HO‐MeCLA) and methyl 16‐hydroxycarlactonoate (16‐HO‐MeCLA), were also found to accumulate in lbo mutants. 3‐HO‐, 4‐HO‐, and 16‐HO‐CL were detected in plants, but their expected corresponding metabolites, HO‐CLAs, were absent in max1 mutants. These results suggest that HO‐CL derivatives may be predominant SLs in Arabidopsis, produced through MAX1 and LBO.
Palliative care skills in CF: Perspectives of adults with CF, caregivers, and CF care team members
Authors: Trandel Elizabeth T. , Kavalieratos Dio , Basile Melissa , Hobler Mara R. , Georgiopoulos Anna M. , Chen Elaine , Goggin Jessica L. , Goss Christopher H. , Hempstead Sarah E. , Faro Albert , Dellon Elisabeth P.
Published: May 2020

Background

The role of cystic fibrosis (CF) care team members in delivering palliative care (PC) remains undefined. We aimed to understand the PC skills of CF care teams.

Methods

CF care team members (“clinicians”), adults with CF (“patients”), and family caregivers (“caregivers”) rated the ability of CF clinicians to provide aspects of PC using a five‐point scale (“poor” to “excellent”). Median ratings were compared between groups.

Results

A total of 70 patients, 100 caregivers, and 350 clinicians participated. Clinicians consistently rated their PC skills higher than patients or caregivers rated them, particularly for advanced PC skills. While clinicians, patients, and caregivers rated clinicians as “very good” at basic pain assessment and “good” at discussing prognostic uncertainty, clinicians rated themselves more highly at providing most skills, including simultaneous PC and standard CF care (P < .0001), basic depression assessment (P < .001), and discussing transplant, advance directives, end of life, code status, and hospice (all P < .0001). Respondents affiliated with adult CF care teams rated clinicians more highly than respondents affiliated with pediatric CF care teams at discussing lung transplant (P < .001), end of life (P = .006), advance directives (P < .001), code status (P = .012), and hospice (P = .016). Most patients (69%) and caregivers (60%) felt CF clinicians should receive more PC training.

Conclusions

Discrepancies exist among patient/caregiver and clinician perceptions of PC skills in CF, and skills of adult and pediatric teams may differ. Patients and caregivers feel clinicians’ more advanced PC skills are lacking. CF clinicians may benefit from PC training to enhance skills and to understand how and when to utilize specialty PC services.
CRISPR‐mediated gene knockout reveals nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunit α6 as a target of spinosyns in Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Wang Jing , Ma Huanhuan , Zuo Yayun , Yang Yihua , Wu Yidong
Published: May 2020

Background

The spinosyn insecticides (spinosad and spinetoram) have been intensively used to control a wide range of agricultural pests. However, resistance to spinosyns has evolved in several agricultural pests. Disruption of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit α6 (nAChRα6) has been associated with high levels of resistance to spinosyns in both field and laboratory‐selected strains of several insect pests. Among the 12 nAChR subunits of Helicoverpa armigera, Haα6 has the closest sequence similarity (66.02%) to Haα7. Here we used CRISPR‐mediated knockouts to evaluate the role of two nAChR subunits (Haα6 and Haα7) of H. armigera in toxicity of spinosyns.

Results

Individual knockouts of Haα6 and Haα7 were created utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 system in H. armigera. The Haα6 knockout (Haα6‐KO) strain exhibited high levels of resistance to spinosad (531‐fold) and spinetoram (1105‐fold) compared with the wild‐type parent SCD strain, whereas the Haα7 knockout (Haα7‐KO) strain showed no significant susceptibility changes to both spinosyns. Genetic analyses demonstrated that resistance to spinosad conferred by knockout of Haα6 was autosomal, incompletely recessive and tightly linked to the disruption mutation of Haα6. Both Haα6‐KO and Haα7‐KO strains had no significant effects on susceptibility to other four insecticides including emamectin benzoate, beta‐cypermethrin, chlorantraniliprole and indoxacarb.

Conclusion

Our results provide in vivo functional evidence for Haα6 as a target of spinosyns in H. armigera, and little or no role of Haα7 in mediating toxicity of spinosyns. The results are valuable to the development of resistance monitoring and management methods for spinosyn resistance in H. armigera. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Physiologically‐Based Pharmacokinetic Model‐Informed Drug Development for Fenebrutinib: Understanding Complex Drug‐Drug Interactions
Authors: Chen Yuan , Ma Fang , Jones Nicholas S. , Yoshida Kenta , Chiang Po‐Chang , Durk Matthew R. , Wright Matthew R. , Jin Jin Yan , Chinn Leslie W.
Published: May 2020

Fenebrutinib is a CYP3A substrate and time‐dependent inhibitor, as well as a BCRP and OATP1B transporter inhibitor in vitro. Physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling strategies with the ultimate goal of understanding complex drug‐drug interactions (DDIs) and proposing doses for untested scenarios were developed. The consistency in the results of two independent approaches, PBPK simulation and endogenous biomarker measurement, supported that the observed transporter DDI is primarily due to fenebrutinib inhibition of intestinal BCRP, rather than hepatic OATP1B. A mechanistic‐absorption model accounting for the effects of excipient complexation with fenebrutinib was used to rationalize the unexpected observation of itraconazole‐fenebrutinib DDI (maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) decreased, and area under the curve (AUC) increased). The totality of the evidence from sensitivity analysis and clinical and nonclinical data suggested that fenebrutinib is likely a sensitive CYP3A substrate. This advanced PBPK application allowed the use of model‐informed approach to facilitate the development of concomitant medication recommendations for fenebrutinib without requiring additional clinical DDI studies.
Enhancing Perovskite Solar Cell Performance through Femtosecond Laser Polishing
Authors: Kong Wenchi , Zhao Chen , Xing Jun , Zou Yuting , Huang Tao , Li Feng , Yang Jianjun , Yu Weili , Guo Chunlei
Published: May 2020

Nonradiative recombination loss is a key process that determines the performance of perovskite solar cells, and how to control it is significant for the research and development of perovskites. Generally, traditional chemical modification/passivation methods are complicated and prone to secondary contamination. Herein, femtosecond (fs) laser polishing as a promising technique is demonstrated to ameliorate the surface of perovskite films, reduce nonradiative recombination loss, and improve solar cell performance. The high‐intensity fs laser pulses can remove around 20 nm‐thick perovskite top layer through an ionization process, help to decrease the grain boundary density, and enlarge the grain size of perovskite films after recrystallization. It is believed that fs laser polishing is a time‐effective and highly precise technique that is suitable for large‐scale device production, thus will trigger more applications in optoelectronics.
Decoupling Contributions of Charge‐Transport Interlayers to Light‐Induced Degradation of p‐i‐n Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Elnaggar Mohamed , Boldyreva Aleksandra G. , Elshobaki Moneim , Tsarev Sergey A. , Fedotov Yury S. , Yamilova Olga R. , Bredikhin Sergey I. , Stevenson Keith J. , Aldoshin Sergey M. , Troshin Pavel A.
Published: May 2020

There is growing evidence that the stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is strongly dependent on the interface chemistry between the absorber films and adjacent charge‐transport layers, whereas the exact mechanistic pathways remain poorly understood. Herein, a straightforward approach is presented for decoupling the degradation effects induced by the top fullerene‐based electron transport layer (ETL) and various bottom hole‐transport layer (HTL) materials assembled in p‐i‐n PSCs. It is shown that chemical interaction of MAPbI3 absorber with ETL comprised of the fullerene derivative most aggressively affects the device operational stability. However, washing away the degraded fullerene derivative and depositing fresh ETL leads to restoration of the initial photovoltaic performance when bottom perovskite/HTL interface is not degraded. Following this approach, it is possible to compare the photostability of stacks with various HTLs. It is shown that poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and NiOx induce significant degradation of the adjacent perovskite layer under light exposure, whereas poly[bis(4‐phenyl)(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)amine] (PTAA) provides the most stable perovskite/HTL interface. A time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) analysis allows identification of chemical origins of the interactions between MAPbI3 and HTLs. The proposed research methodology and the revealed degradation pathways should facilitate the development of efficient and stable PSCs.
Racial and ethnic differences in older adults’ willingness to be contacted about Alzheimer's disease research participation
Authors: Salazar Christian R. , Hoang Dan , Gillen Daniel L. , Grill Joshua D.
Published: May 2020

Introduction

We sought to examine the association of race/ethnicity with willingness to engage in studies that involve procedures typical of Alzheimer's disease (AD) clinical trials and determine whether any observed differences could be explained by research attitudes.

Methods

We studied 2749 adults aged ≥50 years who enrolled in a community‐based recruitment registry.

Results

Compared to non‐Hispanic (NH) whites (n = 2393, 87%), Hispanics (n = 191, 7%), NH Asians (n = 129, 5%) and NH blacks (n = 36, 1%) were 44%, 46%, and 64% less willing, respectively, to be contacted for studies that have requirements typical of AD prevention trials, namely: cognitive testing, brain imaging, blood draws, and investigational medications. Mediation by research attitudes was explored, but did not explain the observed differences.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that ethnoracial minorities are less willing to engage in studies that are typical of AD prevention trials. Future work should focus on understanding the factors that drive these differences.
Type 2 diabetes and HbA1c are independently associated with wider retinal arterioles: the Maastricht study
Authors: Li Wenjie , Schram Miranda T. , Berendschot Tos T. J. M. , Webers Carroll A. B. , Kroon Abraham A. , van der Kallen Carla J. H. , Henry Ronald M. A. , Schaper Nicolaas C. , Huang Fan , Dashtbozorg Behdad , Tan Tao , Zhang Jiong , Abbasi-Sureshjani Samaneh , ter Haar Romeny Bart M. , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , Houben Alfons J. H. M.
Published: May 2020

Aims/hypothesis

Retinal microvascular diameters are biomarkers of cardio-metabolic risk. However, the association of (pre)diabetes with retinal microvascular diameters remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the association of prediabetes (impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance) and type 2 diabetes with retinal microvascular diameters in a predominantly white population.

Methods

In a population-based cohort study with oversampling of type 2 diabetes (N = 2876; n = 1630 normal glucose metabolism [NGM], n = 433 prediabetes and n = 813 type 2 diabetes, 51.2% men, aged 59.8 ± 8.2 years; 98.6% white), we determined retinal microvascular diameters (measurement unit as measured by retinal health information and notification system [RHINO] software) and glucose metabolism status (using OGTT). Associations were assessed with multivariable regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, waist circumference, smoking, systolic blood pressure, lipid profile and the use of lipid-modifying and/or antihypertensive medication.

Results

Multivariable regression analyses showed a significant association for type 2 diabetes but not for prediabetes with arteriolar width (vs NGM; prediabetes: β = 0.62 [95%CI −1.58, 2.83]; type 2 diabetes: 2.89 [0.69, 5.08]; measurement unit); however, there was a linear trend for the arteriolar width across glucose metabolism status (p for trend = 0.013). The association with wider venules was not statistically significant (prediabetes: 2.40 [−1.03, 5.84]; type 2 diabetes: 2.87 [−0.55, 6.29], p for trend = 0.083; measurement unit). Higher HbA1c levels were associated with wider retinal arterioles (standardised β = 0.043 [95% CI 0.00002, 0.085]; p = 0.050) but the association with wider venules did not reach statistical significance (0.037 [−0.006, 0.080]; p = 0.092) after adjustment for potential confounders.

Conclusions/interpretation

Type 2 diabetes, higher levels of HbA1c and, possibly, prediabetes, are independently associated with wider retinal arterioles in a predominantly white population. These findings indicate that microvascular dysfunction is an early phenomenon in impaired glucose metabolism.
Noncalcified plaque burden quantified from coronary computed tomography angiography improves prediction of side branch occlusion after main vessel stenting in bifurcation lesions: results from the CT-PRECISION registry
Authors: Grodecki Kajetan , Cadet Sebastien , Staruch Adam D. , Michalowska Anna M. , Kepka Cezary , Wolny Rafal , Pregowski Jerzy , Kruk Mariusz , Debski Mariusz , Debski Artur , Michalowska Ilona , Slomka Piotr J. , Witkowski Adam , Dey Damini , Opolski Maksymilian P.
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To assess the incremental value of quantitative plaque features measured from computed tomography angiography (CTA) for predicting side branch (SB) occlusion in coronary bifurcation intervention.

Methods

We included 340 patients with 377 bifurcation lesions in the post hoc analysis of the CT-PRECISION registry. Each bifurcation was divided into three segments: the proximal main vessel (MV), the distal MV, and the SB. Segments with evidence of coronary plaque were analyzed using semi-automated software allowing for quantitative analysis of coronary plaque morphology and stenosis. Coronary plaque measurements included calcified and noncalcified plaque volumes, and corresponding burdens (respective plaque volumes × 100%/vessel volume), remodeling index, and stenosis.

Results

SB occlusion occurred in 28 of 377 bifurcation lesions (7.5%). The presence of visually identified plaque in the SB segment, but not in the proximal and distal MV segments, was the only qualitative parameter that predicted SB occlusion with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.792. Among quantitative plaque parameters calculated for the SB segment, the addition of noncalcified plaque burden (AUC 0.840, p = 0.003) and low-density plaque burden (AUC 0.836, p = 0.012) yielded significant improvements in predicting SB occlusion. Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, optimal cut-offs for noncalcified plaque burden and low-density plaque burden were > 33.6% (86% sensitivity and 78% specificity) and > 0.9% (89% sensitivity and 73% specificity), respectively.

Conclusions

CTA-derived noncalcified plaque burden, when added to the visually identified SB plaque, significantly improves the prediction of SB occlusion in coronary bifurcation intervention.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03709836 registered on October 17, 2018.
Morpho-anatomical differences among mycoheterotrophic Afrothismia spp. (Thismiaceae) indicate an evolutionary progression towards improved mycorrhizal benefit
Authors: Imhof Stephan , Feller Benjamin , Heser Anna
Published: May 2020

Achlorophyllous, mycoheterotrophic plants depend on their mycorrhizal fungi for 100% of their carbon supply. Hence, there is strong evolutionary pressure towards a well-organized functioning of the association from the plant’s perspective. Members of the mycoheterotrophic genus Afrothismia have evolved elaborate fungal colonization patterns allowing a sustained benefit from external fungal penetration events. On the basis of anatomical details of the root-shoot systems of A. korupensis and A. hydra, we elucidate an evolutionary progression between the comparatively simple mycorrhizal pattern in A. gesnerioides and the so far most complex mycorrhiza in A. saingei. We detected two major advancements: (1) two species, A. korupensis and A. saingei, use the fungus itself as energy storage, replacing starch depositions used by A. gesnerioides and A. hydra, and (2) the morphological complexity of hyphal forms in plant tissue compartments increases from A. gesnerioides to A. saingei. We discuss the omitting of starch metabolism as well as the morpho-anatomical differences as an evolutionary fine-tuning of the compartmented mycorrhizal organization in Afrothismia. Our results support the idea of a taxonomic distinction between Afrothismia and other Thismiaceae.
Fracture Assessment of Quasi-brittle Rock Simulated by Modified Discrete Element Method
Authors: Gheibi Sohrab , Holt Rune M.
Published: May 2020

New developments of an in-house hybrid code, named Modified Discrete Element Method (MDEM) are presented in the paper. The new developments are on the treatment of pre-existing and propagating fractures in quasi-brittle materials. These developments are the embedment of Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) and elastic-softening crack band model -based methodologies in the MDEM and their application in lab and reservoir scale. Using the first methodology, MDEM can calculate stress intensity factors, $$K^{\text{I}}$$

K
I

and $$K^{\text{II}}$$

K
II

using the internal contact forces of particles. $$K^{\text{I}}$$

K
I

and $$K^{\text{II}}$$

K
II

are calculated independent of boundary conditions and geometrical configuration with acceptable accuracy level. The methodology has been also used in reservoir scale to study the rupture likelihood of faults and fractures due to fluid injection. This methodology enables the code to model mode I and mode II failures and propagation direction based on the fracturing model proposed by Rao et al. (Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 40(3): 355–375, 2003). Using the second methodology, the MDEM can model nonlinear behavior of quasi-brittle materials including or excluding preexisting cracks based on fracture energy. A model was verified against an experiment of a three point bend test with a notch. The numerically obtained force-crack mouth opening curve was reasonably comparable to the experimental test. The analysis was repeated for three other mesh sizes and the results are less mesh size dependent. Finally, it was shown that MDEM has the potential in studying fracture mechanics of quasi-brittle materials both in lab and large-scale investigations.
Fast mean-reversion asymptotics for large portfolios of stochastic volatility models
Authors: Hambly Ben , Kolliopoulos Nikolaos
Published: May 2020

We consider an asymptotic SPDE description of a large portfolio model where the underlying asset prices evolve according to certain stochastic volatility models with default upon hitting a lower barrier. The asset prices and their volatilities are correlated through systemic Brownian motions, and the SPDE is obtained on the positive half-space along with a Dirichlet boundary condition. We study the convergence of the loss from the system, which is given in terms of the total mass of a solution to our stochastic initial-boundary value problem, under fast mean-reversion of the volatility. We consider two cases. In the first case, the volatilities are sped up towards a limiting distribution and the system converges only in a weak sense. On the other hand, when only the mean-reversion coefficients of the volatilities are allowed to grow large, we see a stronger form of convergence of the system to its limit. Our results show that in a fast mean-reverting volatility environment, we can accurately estimate the distribution of the loss from a large portfolio by using an approximate constant volatility model which is easier to handle.
In shoulder adhesive capsulitis, ultrasound-guided anterior hydrodilatation in rotator interval is more effective than posterior approach: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Elnady Basant , Rageh Elsayed M. , Hussein Manal Shawky , Abu-Zaid Mohammed Hassan , Desouky Dalia El-Sayed , Ekhouly Tohamy , Rasker Johannes J.
Published: May 2020

Shoulder adhesive capsulitis, also called frozen shoulder, is a musculoskeletal disorder associated with pain and functional disability. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of shoulder ultrasound-guided hydrodilatation with corticosteroid, via rotator interval (RI) anteriorly, versus posterior approach, in adhesive capsulitis patients. All patients received exercise program following injection.

Patients and methods

A prospective randomized controlled study among 60 consecutive adhesive capsulitis patients was randomized into two equal groups. Group I received ultrasound-guided hydrodilatation with corticosteroid, saline, and local anesthetic via posterior intra-articular approach; group II received the same ultrasound-guided hydrodilatation via anterior rotator interval approach. Both groups received guided stretching exercises for 3 months after injection. Baseline and 3 months evaluation of pain by visual analogue scale (VAS), shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI), and range of motion (ROM) had been recorded for all patients.

Results

Both groups showed significant improvement 3 months after hydrodilatation regarding VAS pain, external rotation, and SPADI. Only in group II (RI anterior approach) improvement was observed regarding flexion and abduction. There was no improvement regarding extension or internal rotation in either group. When comparing the improvement in both groups after hydrodilatation, group II (anterior approach) showed a statistically significant higher level of improvement regarding VAS pain (p = 0.003), SPADI, flexion, abduction, and external rotation, compared to group I (p < 0.001). Extension, internal rotation, and adduction were not different.

Conclusions

Ultrasound-guided anterior rotator interval hydrodilatation for adhesive capsulitis, followed by guided exercise, is clinically and functionally more effective than the conventional posterior approach.

Key Points• Ultrasound-guided hydrodilatation (with prednisolone acetate (40 mg), 1 ml of 2% lidocaine, and 15 ml saline) for adhesive capsulitis followed by guided exercise is clinically and functionally effective.• The ultrasound-guided anterior rotator interval approach is clinically and functionally significantly more effective than the conventional intra-articular posterior approach as it targets mainly the area of pathology.• This is the first prospective study comparing the effect of the anterior rotator interval approach versus the posterior approach in ultrasound-guided hydrodilatation in adhesive capsulitis patients.
Numerical evaluation of the seismic performance of existing reinforced concrete buildings with corroded smooth rebars
Authors: Di Sarno Luigi , Pugliese Francesco
Published: May 2020

Exposure to aggressive environments is one of the most critical problems of reinforced concrete (RC) structures, which can affect both their static and dynamic behaviour. In this paper, the linear and non-linear performance of existing corroded RC framed structures were studied through an advanced numerical model. Moreover, an extensive literature review of models and approaches used for the assessment of RC structures exposed to different levels of corrosion was presented. The numerical evaluation of an existing RC structure subjected to different exposures and degradation was considered. A new approach was presented for the evaluation of the ultimate capacity of RC elements. Such an approach has been compared and validated against a set of the experimental results from the literature. The results of comparative analyses showed that the proposed approach could predict the ultimate capacity of corroded RC components. Linear and non-linear analyses were performed using a refined Finite Element method; the seismic performance evaluated in terms of shear strength degradation, inter-storey displacements, ductility, and maximum base shear. The outcomes of the present study demonstrated that corrosion had a significant impact on the structural response of the existing building. Such an effect depended on the type of exposure. The elastic dynamic analyses of the building demonstrated that corrosion increased the fundamental periods and, changed the mass participation factor and the mode of vibration, i.e. the external exposure. Non-linear static analyses showed a significant reduction of the shear capacity and the translation ductility with the increase of the corrosion rate for all lateral loading patterns specified by the Eurocode. The results of the non-linear dynamic analyses illustrated that the damage and deterioration due to the corrosion attack increased the roof and the inter-storey drift-ratios, as well as a relevant decay of the base shear capacity and early collapse were noted for high-levels of corrosion. Comparisons between non-linear static and dynamic analyses were also provided in terms of roof drift-ratios and base shears.
The regional employment effects of new social firm entry
Authors: Kachlami Habib , Davidsson Per , Obschonka Martin , Yazdanfar Darush , Lundström Anders
Published: May 2020

As a contribution to research and theorizing on the economic role of new firm formation, we undertake the first ever investigation of regional employment effects of the entry of new social firms. Our study is guided by an established model of the employment effects of new firm entry over time and provides a direct comparison to the employment effects of commercial entrants. Our results show that the net employment effect of new social firms follows a wave pattern over the study’s eight-year horizon, apparently produced by the same combination of direct and indirect effects previously theorized for new commercial entrants. The results also indicate that net employment effect per social firm entrant is larger than for commercial firms. The study provides a first empirical assessment of employment creation effects of new social firms and contributes to a more nuanced theoretical understanding of employment effects across types of entrants. By specifying the economic contribution of social firms our study can open up a new track in social entrepreneurship research and provide important input to employment policy.
Simulation of life-like distal humerus and olecranon fractures in fresh frozen human cadaveric specimens
Authors: Wegmann K. , Ott N. , Hackl M. , Leschinger T. , Uschok S. , Harbrecht A. , Knifka J. , Müller L. P.
Published: May 2020

Background

Economic burden and personnel shortages lead to a reduction in the time spent on surgical training of young resident physicians. This underlines the importance of courses for learning and optimizing surgical skills. Particularly for orthopaedic trauma surgery, training on fractured cadaveric specimens has proven highly useful. The present study investigates a method to induce realistic fracture patterns in fresh frozen elbow specimens, leaving the skin and soft tissue envelope intact.

Methods

For fracture simulation, 10 human cadaveric specimens with intact soft tissue envelopes were placed in 90° flexion in a custom-made high-impact test bench and compressed by an impactor. The fractures were subsequently classified using conventional x‑rays.

Results

Of the 10 specimens, 6 could be classified as distal humerus fractures and 4 as olecranon fractures. The fractures of the distal humerus were mainly type C according to Arbeitsgemeinschaft Osteosynthesefragen (AO) criteria, the olecranon fractures were mainly type IIB according to the Mayo classification. Subsequently, all 10 specimens would have been appropriate for use in musculoskeletal trauma courses.

Conclusion

With the given setup it was possible to induce realistic fracture patterns in fresh frozen cadaveric specimens. The advantage of the presented technique lies in the preservation of soft tissue. With their intact soft tissue envelopes, these pre-fractured preparations could be used in courses to precisely train resident physicians directly on human cadaver preparations. Further research should focus on finding reliable predictors to improve the precision of fracture induction in specimens.
Somatics of Early Buddhist Mindfulness and How to Face Anxiety
Authors: Anālayo Bhikkhu
Published: May 2020

The body is a central object of the cultivation of mindfulness, in the way this has been described in relevant Pāli discourses and their parallels. At the background of such cultivation stands the absence of positing a mind-body duality and a lack of concern with a particular physical location of the mind in early Buddhist thought. Moreover, the various exercises that involve directing mindfulness to the body need to be considered in conjunction in order to arrive at a balanced understanding of their overarching purpose. Out of the different possible modalities of cultivating mindfulness in this way, the discourses present awareness directed to one’s own bodily postures as a practice already undertaken by the Buddha-to-be when he was still in quest of awakening. In this particular setting, such mindfulness of postures served as a way of facing fear. The potential of this exercise to provide a grounding in embodied mindfulness, being fully in the here and now, is of particular relevance to the challenges posed by the current pandemic.
Misperceptions and barriers to obesity management: Italian data from the ACTION-IO study
Authors: Sbraccia Paolo , Busetto Luca , Santini Ferruccio , Mancuso Mariarosaria , Nicoziani Paolo , Nicolucci Antonio
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Despite the increasing prevalence of obesity in Italy, it remains largely underdiagnosed and undertreated. We aimed to identify the perceptions, attitudes, behaviours and barriers to effective obesity care among people with obesity (PwO) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Italy.

Methods

The ACTION-IO study was an online cross-sectional survey conducted in 11 countries from June to October 2018. Findings from the Italian cohort are reported here.

Results

The survey was completed by 1501 PwO and 302 HCPs in Italy. Most PwO (84%) and HCPs (77%) acknowledged the large impact of obesity on overall health. However, fewer PwO (62%) than HCPs (91%) perceived obesity as a chronic disease. Most PwO (84%) assumed full responsibility for their weight loss. A median of 3 (mean 6) years elapsed between when PwO started struggling with obesity and when they first discussed their weight with an HCP. Many PwO expressed that they liked (80%) or would like (74%) their HCPs to initiate weight management conversations, and only 3% were offended by such a conversation. For 77% of HCPs, perceiving their patients as unmotivated or disinterested in losing weight prevented them from initiating these conversations. Short appointment times were also considered a limiting factor for 40% of HCPs.

Conclusions

Most PwO took complete responsibility for their own weight loss and waited considerable time before seeking help from an HCP. There is a need for improved education of both PwO and HCPs and for a more positive attitude from HCPs towards initiating weight discussions with PwO.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: Awareness, Care & Treatment in Obesity Management - an International Observation (ACTION-IO). ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03584191

Level of evidence

Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.
Forecasting the unit cost of a DRAM product using a layered partial-consensus fuzzy collaborative forecasting approach
Authors: Chen Tin-Chih Toly , Wu Hsin-Chieh
Published: May 2020

A layered partial-consensus fuzzy collaborative forecasting approach is proposed in this study to forecast the unit cost of a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) product. In the layered partial-consensus fuzzy collaborative forecasting approach, the partial-consensus fuzzy intersection (PCFI) operator is applied instead of the prevalent fuzzy intersection (FI) operator to aggregate the fuzzy forecasts by experts. In this way, some meaningful information, such as the suitable number of experts, can be obtained through observing changes in the PCFI result when the number of experts varies. After applying the layered partial-consensus fuzzy collaborative forecasting approach to a real case, the experimental results revealed that the layered partial-consensus fuzzy collaborative forecasting approach outperformed three existing methods. The most significant advantage was up to 13%.
Ultra high strength steel sandwich for lightweight applications
Authors: Hammarberg Samuel , Kajberg Jörgen , Larsson Simon , Jonsén Pär
Published: May 2020

Methods for reducing weight of structural elements are important for a sustainable society. Over the recent years ultra high strength steel (UHSS) has been a successful material for designing light and strong components. Sandwich panels are interesting structural components to further explore areas where the benefits of UHSS can be utilized. The specific properties of sandwich panels make them suitable for stiffness applications and various cores have been studied extensively. In the present work, bidirectionally corrugated UHSS cores are studied experimentally and numerically. A UHSS core is manufactured by cold rolling and bonded to the skins by welding. Stiffness is evaluated experimentally in three-point bending. The tests are virtually reproduced using the finite element method. Precise discretization of the core requires large amounts of computational power, prolonging lead times for sandwich component development, which in the present work is addressed by homogenization, using an equivalent material formulation. Input data for the equivalent models is obtained by characterizing representative volume elements of the periodic cores under periodic boundary conditions. The homogenized panel reduces the number of finite elements and thus the computational time while maintaining accuracy. Numerical results are validated and agree well with experimental testing. Important findings from experimental and simulation results show that the suggested panels provide superior specific bending stiffness as compared to solid panels. This work shows that lightweight UHSS sandwiches with excellent stiffness properties can be manufactured and modeled efficiently. The concept of manufacturing a UHSS sandwich panel expands the usability of UHSS to new areas.
The prevention and resolution of DNA replication–transcription conflicts in eukaryotic cells
Authors: Wu Wei , Hickson Ian D. , Liu Ying
Published: May 2020

DNA fulfills two critical roles in a cell by being the template for both DNA replication and RNA transcription. During evolution, eukaryotic cells have adopted multiple strategies to coordinate these two processes to prevent or minimize conflicts that might arise between them. Here, we review the strategies employed by cells to simultaneously accommodate the machineries carrying out DNA replication and transcription, and the mechanisms that are brought into play for resolving conflicts when they do arise. We focus on a group of the so-called ‘difficult-to-replicate’ loci in the human genome, which include chromosome fragile sites, the ribosomal DNA, and telomeres. A failure to resolve conflicts arising between replication and transcription can lead to genome instability, as well as to the initiation of cancer and other age-associated diseases. Understanding the mechanisms required for the resolution of these conflicts could, therefore, open up new therapeutic avenues.
Late Pleistocene glaciers to present-day snowpatches: a review and research recommendations for the Marrakech High Atlas
Authors: Hughes Philip D , Fletcher William J , Bell Benjamin A , Braithwaite Roger J , Cornelissen Henk L , Fink David , Rhoujjati Ali
Published: May 2020

There are no glaciers today in the High Atlas, Morocco. However, there is evidence that niche glaciers and late-lying snowpatches in the High Atlas were present as recently as the last century and there are at least four sites where snowpatches appear to survive some summer seasons today. Many other sites also support non-perennial late-lying snow below steep shaded north and northeast-facing cliffs at altitudes > 3100 m. Coarse sediment ridges interpreted as moraines or pronival ramparts enclose most of these snowpatches. These landforms most likely record the positions of former niche glaciers and late-lying snowpatches in the Little Ice Age. The niche glaciers and late-lying snowpatches survived below the regional equilibrium line altitude because of strong local topoclimatic controls. In addition to strong shading, many of the current late-lying snowpatches are fed by long deep gullies which funnel avalanching snow from the cirque backwalls. The disappearance of many perennial snowpatches in the last few decades coincides with a strong trend towards warmer summer air temperatures since the 1970s (> 2 °C). However, inter-annual changes in snowpack mass balance are affected by very large variations (> 400% variability) in winter precipitation. A new research programme is underway investigating the history of late-lying snow and cirque glaciers in the High Atlas. A particular focus of this research is to utilise geomorphological and geochronological evidence to understand fluctuations in snow and ice through the Holocene and link this to continuous records of environmental change in the High Atlas region.
Network insiders and observers: who can identify influential people?
Authors: GOMILA ROBIN , SHEPHERD HANA , PALUCK ELIZABETH LEVY
Published: May 2020

Identifying influential people within a community to involve in a program is an important strategy of behavioral interventions. How to efficiently identify the most effective individuals is an outstanding question. This paper compares two common strategies: consulting ‘network insiders’ versus ‘network observers’ who have knowledge of but who do not directly participate in the community. Compared to aggregating information from all insiders, asking relatively fewer observers is more cost-effective, but may come at a cost of accuracy. We use data from a large-scale field experiment demonstrating that central students, identified through the aggregated nominations of students (insiders), reduced peer conflict in 56 middle schools. Teachers (observers) also identified students they saw as influential. We compare the causal effect of the two types of nominated students on peer outcomes and the differences between the two types of students. In contrast to the prosocial effects of central students on peer conflict, teacher nominees have no, or even antisocial, influence on their peers’ behaviors. Teachers (observers) generally nominated students with traits salient to them, suggesting that observer roles may systematically bias their perception. We discuss strategies for improving observers’ ability to identify influential individuals in a network as leverage for behavioral change.
Scientometric analysis of the Puerto Rico Clinical and Translational Research Consortium (PRCTRC) research publications, 2010–2018
Authors: Torres-Cintrón Mariela , Noboa-Ramos Carlamarie , De Pedro-Serbia Zulmarie , Lugo-Picó Mariela , González-Sepúlveda Lorena , Pérez-Ríos Naydi , Irizarry-Ramírez Margarita
Published: May 2020

We analyzed the publication productivity supported by the Puerto Rico Consortium for Clinical and Translational Research (PRCTRC) using the structured process of scientometrics. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the research and collaborations as presented in publications. Manuscripts published from 2010 to 2018 and that had the PRCTRC award number and a PMCID number were retrieved from the Science Citation Index database. Scientometric indicators included h-index (HI), average citation (AC), collaboration coefficient (CC), collaboration index (CI), and degree of collaboration (DC) analysis, and relative citation ratio (RCR) was done with Web of Science Platform, iCite, and Stata software. Joinpoint Trend Analysis Software was used to calculate the annual percent change (APC). From 2010 to 2018, 341 publications were identified with an average of 38 publications per year and a total of 3569 citations excluding self-citations. A significant growth (APC: 17.76%,P < 0.05) of scientific production was observed. The overall HI was 31, and the AC per item was 11.04. The overall CC was 0.82, the CI was 8.59, and the DC was 99.1%. This study demonstrates a statistically significant increase in the PRCTRC scientific production. Results allow for the assessment of the progress resulting from the provided support and to plan further strategies accordingly.
Preparedness Tested: Severe Cerebral Malaria Presenting as a High-Risk Person Under Investigation for Ebola Virus Disease at a US Hospital
Authors: Anesi George L. , Meyer Nuala J. , Reilly John P. , Schweickert William D. , Mikkelsen Mark E. , Myers Emma V. , Dickinson Edward T. , Kelly Matthew P. , Pegues David A. , Fishman Neil O.
Published: May 2020

In 2019, a 42-year-old African man who works as an Ebola virus disease (EVD) researcher traveled from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), near an ongoing EVD epidemic, to Philadelphia and presented to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Emergency Department with altered mental status, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. He was classified as a “wet” person under investigation for EVD, and his arrival activated our hospital emergency management command center and bioresponse teams. He was found to be in septic shock with multisystem organ dysfunction, including circulatory dysfunction, encephalopathy, metabolic lactic acidosis, acute kidney injury, acute liver injury, and diffuse intravascular coagulation. Critical care was delivered within high-risk pathogen isolation in the ED and in our Special Treatment Unit until a diagnosis of severe cerebral malaria was confirmed and EVD was definitively excluded.

This report discusses our experience activating a longitudinal preparedness program designed for rare, resource-intensive events at hospitals physically remote from any active epidemic but serving a high-volume international air travel port-of-entry.
Jadhav Case (India v. Pakistan) (I.C.J.)
Authors: Baetens Freya
Published: May 2020

In May 2017, India commenced proceedings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Pakistan, accusing it of “egregious violations of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations” (VCCR). The dispute concerns the treatment of an Indian national, Kulbhushan Sudhir Jadhav, who was detained, tried, and sentenced to death by a military court in Pakistan. The Court essentially upheld the claim by its judgment of July 17, 2019.
Fogones, combustible óseo y procesamiento faunístico en el sitio de Huencú Nazar (Sistema Lagunar Hinojo-Las Tunas, región pampeana, Argentina): Implicancias para el uso del espacio por cazadores-recolectores
Authors: Scheifler Nahuel A.
Published: May 2020

Huencú Nazar es un sitio arqueológico a cielo abierto localizado en el Sistema Lagunar Hinojo-Las Tunas (región pampeana, Argentina) que fue ocupado durante el Holoceno tardío (ca. 3000 aP). En un área de 5.000 m2 se distribuyen 22 fogones, escondrijos de roca y concentraciones de rocas granitoides. En uno de los sectores excavados se registraron fogones en cubeta y el uso de huesos de Lama guanicoe (Artiodactyla, Camelidae) como combustible. El uso de combustible óseo permitió solucionar el problema de los residuos molestos para la comodidad de las personas ubicadas alrededor de los fogones. En torno a las estructuras de combustión se depositaron materiales relacionados con la subsistencia y la tecnología.
EDMUND BURKE, POLAND, AND THE COMMONWEALTH OF EUROPE
Authors: PLASSART ANNA
Published: May 2020

This article re-examines Burke's doctrine of intervention by analysing his decades-long interest in the ‘Polish question’. Contrary to the main thrust of existing scholarship, it argues that the French Revolution did not fundamentally transform Burke's assessment of the European state system. Rather, Burke's most famous and controversial 1790s positions on the topic were rehearsed in the previous decades through his practical engagement in long-running eighteenth-century discussions about the Polish state, which acted as a lightning rod for disagreements surrounding the nature and future of European politics. Burke was interested in the Polish state because it raised fundamental questions about the nature of European civilization, the rules of progress, and the conditions for long-lasting peace. The Polish crisis of 1772 led him to reflect on the relationship between internal and external politics, and crystallized his analysis of the Balance of Power as not only the guarantor of continental peace, but also as the very source of the unique ‘spirit’ of European civil society. It was this same framework of analysis that he applied to France in the 1790s, to argue that the expansionist ambitions inherent to democratic republicanism warranted intervention because they threatened the unique nature of European civilization.