bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Hepatology Workforce in the United States: A Predicted Critical Shortage
Authors: Russo Mark W. , Fix Oren K. , Koteish Ayman A. , Duggan Katie , Ditmyer Marcia , Fuchs Michael , Chung Raymond T. , Reddy Gautham
Published: June 2020

Background and Aims

Liver disease is prevalent in the United States, and as the population ages, an increasing number of patients are anticipated to present for care. The state of the current hepatology workforce and future demand for hepatology providers is not known. The aim of this study was to model future projections for hepatology workforce demand.

Approach and Results

A workforce study of hepatology providers in the United States was completed using primary and secondary data sources. An integrated workforce framework model was used that combined socioeconomic factors that drive economic demand, epidemiological factors that drive need, and utilization rates of health care services. Supply and demand projections were calculated for adult and pediatric hepatology professionals. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to cover the feasible range of these assumptions. An electronic survey of American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) members whose practice included 50% or more hepatology was conducted. In 2018, the adult and pediatric workforce included 7,296 and 824 hepatology providers, respectively, composed of hepatologists, gastroenterologists, and advanced practice providers whose practice was ≥50% hepatology. The modeling analysis projects that in 2023, 2028, and 2033, there will be shortages of 10%, 23%, and 35% adult hepatology providers, respectively, and 19%, 20%, and 16% pediatric hepatology providers, respectively. In sensitivity analyses, a shortage of hepatology providers is predicted even under optimistic assumptions. Among the respondents to the survey, the median age was higher among gastroenterologists and general hepatologists compared with transplant hepatologists. The most common category treated by transplant hepatologists was general hepatology.

Conclusions

There is an impending critical shortage of adult and pediatric hepatology providers. Strategies are needed to encourage clinicians to pursue hepatology, especially in areas outside of transplant centers.
Priority Pharmaceutical Micropollutants and Feasible Management Initiatives to Control Water Pollution from the Perspective of Stakeholders in Metropolis of Southern Brazil
Authors: Barcellos Demian da Silveira , Helwig Karin , Gervasoni Ronald , Teedon Paul , Possetti Gustavo Rafael Collere , Bollmann Harry Alberto
Published: June 2020

The search for common agreement between stakeholders is one of the biggest challenges when solving environmental problems. There are different views, perceptions, knowledge, and sectoral goals for these stakeholders. In complex environmental problems, such as the management of pharmaceutical micropollutants, it is essential to establish the intersectoral and individual sector priorities for a collective approach to the problem. This research aimed to identify the priority micropollutants for intervention initiatives and the management goals of the stakeholders involved in the “product chain” of pharmaceuticals in the region of Curitiba, Brazil. First, the most consumed pharmaceutical micropollutants in the region and those previously detected in water were identified, and a “long list” of 40 pharmaceuticals was drawn up for stakeholder prioritization. Stakeholders of the region were selected by intentional sampling and were invited to a workshop that was designed to list, by consensus, the priority micropollutants and objectives for their management. The event was attended by 37 stakeholders from different sectors. It was divided into 2 stages: the 1st stage was a multisectoral discussion to select the priority pharmaceutical micropollutants; the 2nd stage was a sectoral discussion to establish management objectives to control and reduce the presence of these pollutants in waters. The meeting generated a coherent prioritization of pharmaceuticals where ethinyl estradiol, ciprofloxacin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, estradiol, caffeine, and fluoxetine were prioritized and their importance was justified. The main sectoral goals prioritized were related to the drug take-back program, the characterization of the presence of pharmaceuticals in the sanitation cycle, and the creation of a permanent multisector discussion environment for the theme. The multisectoral definition, established by consensus, of management priorities is promising and this strategic approach can be replicated in other developing countries. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:955–967. © 2020 SETAC
Restriction of Dietary Phosphate Ameliorates Skeletal Abnormalities in a Mouse Model for Craniometaphyseal Dysplasia
Authors: Fujii Yasuyuki , Kozak Eszter , Dutra Eliane , Varadi Andras , Reichenberger Ernst J , Chen I-Ping
Published: June 2020

Craniometaphyseal dysplasia (CMD), a rare genetic bone disorder, is characterized by lifelong progressive thickening of craniofacial bones and metaphyseal flaring of long bones. The autosomal dominant form of CMD is caused by mutations in the progressive ankylosis gene ANKH (mouse ortholog Ank), encoding a pyrophosphate (PPi) transporter. We previously reported reduced formation and function of osteoblasts and osteoclasts in a knockin (KI) mouse model for CMD (AnkKI/KI) and in CMD patients. We also showed rapid protein degradation of mutant ANK/ANKH. Mutant ANK protein displays reduced PPi transport, which may alter the inorganic phosphate (Pi) and PPi ratio, an important regulatory mechanism for bone mineralization. Here we investigate whether reducing dietary Pi intake can ameliorate the CMD-like skeletal phenotype by comparing male and female Ank+/+ and AnkKI/KI mice exposed to a low (0.3%) and normal (0.7%) Pi diet for 13 weeks from birth. Serum Pi and calcium (Ca) levels were not significantly changed by diet, whereas PTH and 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD) were decreased by low Pi diet but only in male Ank+/+ mice. Importantly, the 0.3% Pi diet significantly ameliorated mandibular hyperostosis in both sexes of AnkKI/KI mice. A tendency of decreased femoral trabeculation was observed in male and female Ank+/+ mice as well as in male AnkKI/KI mice fed with the 0.3% Pi diet. In contrast, in female AnkKI/KI mice the 0.3% Pi diet resulted in increased metaphyseal trabeculation. This was also the only group that showed increased bone formation rate. Low Pi diet led to increased osteoclast numbers and increased bone resorption in all mice. We conclude that lowering but not depleting dietary Pi delays the development of craniofacial hyperostosis in CMD mice without severely compromising serum levels of Pi, Ca, PTH, and 25-OHD. These findings may have implications for better clinical care of patients with CMD. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Normal reference values of three‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography‐derived mitral annular dimensions and functional properties in healthy adults: Insights from the MAGYAR‐Healthy Study
Authors: Nemes Attila , Kormányos Árpád , Domsik Péter , Kalapos Anita , Gyenes Nándor , Lengyel Csaba
Published: June 2020

Introduction

There is a limited number of echocardiographic studies determining mitral annular (MA) dimensions in healthy subjects. The present study aimed to establish normal reference values of three‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography‐derived MA dimensions and functional properties in healthy adults in relation with age and gender.

Methods

The present study comprised 298 healthy adult subjects. From this population, 94 subjects were excluded due to inadequate image quality. Therefore the remaining group consisted of 204 subjects with the mean age of 33.88 ± 12.97 years (107 males). The population sample was further divided into age categories: 18‐29 years (n = 105; mean age: 24.11 ± 2.98 years, 51 males), 30‐39 years (n = 44; mean age: 33.80 ± 2.39 years, 31 males), 40‐49 years (n = 19; mean age: 43.47 ± 3.18 years, 11 males) and ≥50 years of age (n = 36, mean age: 57.42 ± 6.11 years, 14 males).

Results

End‐diastolic MA dimensions did not change significantly during the decades. End‐systolic MA diameter, area, and perimeter were larger over the age of 50 years than in the 18‐29 year‐old group. MA fractional area change was found smaller over the age of 50 years than in 18‐29‐year‐old group. While end‐diastolic MA variables did not show gender‐differences, end‐systolic MA area and perimeter were lower in females in the 18‐29‐year‐old group.

Conclusions

End‐systolic MA dimensions change over decades, resulting in a special pattern of MA functional properties with significant reduction over the age of 50 years.
Novelty and emergent patterns in sperm: Morphological diversity and evolution of spermatozoa and sperm conjugation in ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae)
Authors: Gómez R. Antonio , Maddison David R.
Published: June 2020

The beetle family Carabidae, with about 40,000 species, exhibits enough diversity in sperm structure and behavior to be an excellent model system for studying patterns and processes of evolution. We explore their potential, documenting sperm form in 177 species of ground beetles using light microscopy and collecting data on one qualitative and seven quantitative phenotypic traits. Our sampling captures 61% of the tribal‐level diversity of ground beetles. These data highlight the notable morphological diversity of sperm in ground beetles and suggest that sperm in the group have dynamic evolutionary histories with much morphological innovation and convergence. Sperm vary among species in total length (48–3,400 μm), head length (0.5–270 μm), and head width (0.2–6.3 μm). Most ground beetles make sperm with heads that are indistinct from the flagella at the gross morphological level. However, some or all Omophron, Trachypachus, and Dyschiriini make broad‐headed sperm that show morphological differences between species. Most ground beetles package their sperm into groups of sperm, termed conjugates, and ground beetles show variation in conjugate form and in the number and arrangement of sperm in a conjugate. Most ground beetles make sperm conjugates by embedding their sperm in a hyaline rod or spermatostyle. The spermatostyle is remarkably variable among species and varies in length from 17 to 41,000 μm. Several unrelated groups of ground beetles make only singleton sperm, including Nebriinae, Cicindelinae, many Trechinae, and the tribe Paussini. In order to study patterns in sperm evolution, we combine these data with a low‐resolution phylogeny of ground beetles. Results from modern comparative analyses suggest the following: (a) sperm differ from conjugates in some aspect of their underlying evolutionary process, (b) sperm have influenced conjugate evolution and vice versa, and (c) conjugation with a spermatostyle likely evolved early within the history of Carabidae and it has been lost independently at least three times.
Revisiting the palaeoenvironmental and climatic history of the Cherangani Hills using fungal spores
Authors: Cheruiyot Vicky Chelangat , Gebregiorgis Daniel , Opiyo Benjamin , Kiage Lawrence Morara
Published: June 2020

Fungi are highly sensitive to environmental and climatic changes. Palaeoecological reconstructions utilising tropical African fungal spores, however, are rare and patchy. Here, we show that fossil fungal spores preserved in core KAP‐01 from the Cherangani Hills in Kenya tracks critical environmental changes in the African tropics since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), largely synchronous with observations in the pollen record from the same site. Consistent with the pollen record, the presence of fungal taxa in the record, albeit meagre, during the LGM point to an intermittent wetter Cherangani that allowed for the presence of the observed taxa and the prevalence of cool, dry conditions during the last deglaciation. The elevated fungal spore activity during the Late Holocene is evidence for warm, moist environmental conditions and broadly consistent with the pollen record. These different fungal spore taxa, which can be employed to track distinct environmental conditions and processes, provide a dimension that can be overlooked if the reconstruction of the palaeoenvironment were to rely solely on pollen. Thus the fungal spore record enables us to affirm the interpretation of the prevalence of warm, moist conditions evident from such as the Holocene pollen record.
Estimating the economic impact of tourism in German wine regions
Authors: Tafel Maximilian , Szolnoki Gergely
Published: June 2020

With an economic impact of EUR 291 billion, Germany is the number‐one European country in terms of tourism revenue. German wine regions have a long history of production, but the value of these regions as tourism destinations has only recently received recognition. In the last few years, wine tourism has gained increasing importance and is believed to result in sustainable development by creating jobs while at the same time preserving a region's heritage. The aim of this paper is to estimate the economic impact of tourism in German wine regions in order to help stakeholders make the right policy and investment decisions. Therefore, a modified multiplier model was developed that allows for the economic impact of wine tourism to be assessed. By collecting 4,448 questionnaires in all 13 German wine regions, travelers provided information about their travel behavior, expenditures, and socio‐demographic characteristics. After conducting segmentation, the economic impact of tourism as well as wine tourism was estimated for each of the wine regions. The results show that tourism in German wine regions has an economic impact of EUR 26.4 billion, providing 384,878 people with their primary income. Due to higher expenditures, wine tourists show a disproportionately high economic impact of EUR 5.0 billion, which makes this niche market generate income for 71,846 people. The right investments in this lucrative market could help balance regional economic disparities and achieve sustainable tourism development in the country.
First‐Trimester Nonvisualization of the Parotid Gland and Aneuploidy in Fetuses With Increased Nuchal Translucency
Authors: Perlman Sharon , Sukenik‐Helevy Rivka , Odeh Marwan , Keren Gilat Efrat , Gilboa Yinon
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Aplasia and hypoplasia of the major salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands, were reported to be associated with trisomy 21. This study aimed to evaluate the value of first‐trimester nonvisualization of the parotid gland in a high‐risk population of fetuses with increased nuchal translucency (NT).

Methods

A single‐center prospective observational cohort study was conducted. The feasibility of imaging the parotid gland was assessed in 100 sequential cases of routine low‐risk NT scans. In a 2‐dimensional image in an axial plane at the level of the fetal mandible, the parotid glands appear as bilateral hyperechoic round areas. Cases referred for counseling for an NT measured above the 95th percentile for gestational age were evaluated for visualization of the parotid glands. Prenatal findings were correlated with fetal genetic analysis results.

Results

Forty‐two cases with increased NT constituted the final study group. Within the group with nonvisualization of the parotid gland, genetic testing revealed 9 cases of trisomy 21, 3 cases of trisomy 18, and 1 case of monosomy X. The sensitivity and specificity of nonvisualization of the parotid gland as a predictor of aneuploidy were 76% and 80%, respectively. The positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and relative risk were 3.82 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.67–8.74), 0.29 (95% CI, 0.12–0.71), and 4.33 (95% CI, 1.69–11.09; P < .01). The negative predictive value was 95.14%.

Conclusions

First‐trimester nonvisualization of the parotid gland may constitute a potential method for detection of aneuploid fetuses within a high‐risk population.
On Bohr's theorem for general Dirichlet series
Authors: Schoolmann I.
Published: June 2020

We present quantitative versions of Bohr's theorem on general Dirichlet series assuming different assumptions on the frequency , including the conditions introduced by Bohr and Landau. Therefore, using the summation method by typical (first) means invented by M. Riesz, without any condition on λ, we give upper bounds for the norm of the partial sum operator of length N on the space of all somewhere convergent λ‐Dirichlet series, which allow a holomorphic and bounded extension to the open right half plane . As a consequence for some classes of λ's we obtain a Montel theorem in ; the space of all which converge on . Moreover, following the ideas of Neder we give a construction of frequencies λ for which fails to be complete.
Superconvergence analysis of a nonconforming finite element method for monotone semilinear elliptic optimal control problems
Authors: Guan Hongbo , Shi Dongyang
Published: June 2020

A nonconforming finite element method (FEM) is proposed for optimal control problems (OCPs) governed by monotone semilinear elliptic equations. The state and adjoint state are approximated by the nonconforming elements, and the control is approximated by the orthogonal projection of the adjoint state, respectively. Some global supercloseness and superconvergence estimates are achieved by making full use of the distinguish characters of this element, such as the interpolation equals to its Ritz projection, and the consistency error is 1 − ε ( is small enough) order higher than its interpolation error in the broken energy norm when the exact solution belongs to H3 − ε(Ω). Finally, some numerical results are presented to verify the theoretical analysis.
Mild Exercise Does Not Prevent Atherosclerosis in APOE*3‐Leiden.CETP Mice or Improve Lipoprotein Profile of Men with Obesity
Authors: In het Panhuis Wietse , Kooijman Sander , Brouwers Bram , Verhoeven Aswin , Pronk Amanda C.M. , Streefland Trea C.M. , Giera Martin , Schrauwen Patrick , Rensen Patrick C.N. , Schönke Milena
Published: June 2020

Objective

Exercise has been shown to improve cardiometabolic health, yet neither the molecular connection nor the effects of exercise timing have been elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate whether ad libitum or time‐restricted mild exercise reduces atherosclerosis development in atherosclerosis‐prone dyslipidemic APOE*3‐Leiden.CETP mice and whether mild exercise training in men with obesity affects lipoprotein levels.

Methods

Mice were group‐housed and subjected to ad libitum or time‐restricted (first or last 6 hours of the active phase) voluntary wheel running for 16 weeks while on a cholesterol‐rich diet, after which atherosclerosis development was assessed in the aortic root. Furthermore, nine men with obesity followed a 12‐week mild exercise training program. Lipoprotein levels were measured by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in plasma collected pre and post exercise training.

Results

Wheel running did not affect plasma lipid levels, uptake of triglyceride‐derived fatty acids by tissues, and aortic atherosclerotic lesion size or severity. Markers of training status were unaltered. Exercise training in men with obesity did not alter lipoprotein levels.

Conclusions

Mild exercise training does not reduce dyslipidemia or atherosclerosis development in APOE*3‐Leiden.CETP mice or affect lipoprotein levels in humans. Future research on the effects of (time‐restricted) exercise on atherosclerosis or lipid metabolism should consider more vigorous exercise protocols.
The council political system: Its concept, historical rooting, and its distinguish from other parliamentary systems
Authors: Al‐Dabbagh Zeyad S.
Published: June 2020

The council's political system (CPS) is based on a basic idea that the legislative authority dominates the executive authority as the sole representative of the people, it authorizes the executive authority to carry out executive activities on its behalf with the latter remaining subordinate to the former and operating under its supervision and direction. CPS is considered one of the few systems of Parliament in application compared to other parliamentary systems and was often used by countries in times of crises experienced by them in an attempt to overcome those crises, given that this system limits the power of actual decision‐making to the legislative authority. CPS can be distinguished from other parliamentary political systems both presidential and parliamentary through several things, the most prominent of which is based on the idea of the relationship between its powers being included in favor of the legislative authority, and not on the basis of cooperation as is the case in the parliamentary system, or on the basis of complete separation as it is the situation in the presidential system. The results indicated that the success of the implementation of the council system depends on the nature of the ruling system that will be adopted and the philosophy that is based on it, in addition to the necessity of a high degree of political awareness. Through these results, we recommend the application of the CPS in light of the outbreak of the COVID‐19 and the subsequent political and societal changes.
Bias in case‐crossover studies of medications due to persistent use: A simulation study
Authors: Bykov Katsiaryna , Wang Shirley V. , Hallas Jesper , Pottegård Anton , Maclure Malcolm , Gagne Joshua J.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The case‐crossover design is increasingly used to evaluate the effects of chronic medications; however, as traditionally implemented in pharmacoepidemiology, with referent period preceding the outcome, it may lead to bias in the presence of persistent exposures. We aimed to evaluate the extent and magnitude of bias in case‐crossover analyses of chronic and persistent exposures, using simulations.

Methods

We simulated cohorts with either 30‐day, 180‐day, or 2‐year exposure duration; and with varying degrees of persistence (10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 90% of patients not stopping exposure). We evaluated all scenarios under the null and the scenario with 30% persistence under varying exposure effects (odds ratios of 0.25 to 4.0). Cohorts were analyzed using conditional logistic regression that compared the odds of exposure on the outcome day to the odds of exposure on a referent day 30 days prior to the outcome. We further implemented the case‐time‐control design to evaluate its ability to adjust for bias from persistence.

Results

Case‐crossover analyses produced unbiased estimates across all scenarios without persistent users, regardless of exposure duration. In scenarios where some patients persisted on treatment, case‐crossover analyses resulted in upward bias, which increased with increasing proportion of persistent users, but did not vary substantially in relation to the magnitude of the true effect. Case‐time‐control analyses removed bias in all scenarios.

Conclusions

Investigators should be aware of bias due to treatment persistence in unidirectional case‐crossover analyses of chronic medications, which can be remedied with a control group of similarly persistent noncases.
Large Photoresponsivity in the Amorphous‐TiO2/SrRuO3 Heterostructure
Authors: Liu Heng-Jui , Huang Chin-Han , Chen Cheng-Ying , Hsiao Sheng-Wei , Chen You-Sheng , Lee Ming-Hao , Chen Yu-Chen , Wu Pin-Jiun , Chu Ming-Wen , Lin Jauyn Grace
Published: June 2020

Thin‐film heterostructures are effective in enhancing the performance or triggering novel physical phenomena of optoelectronic applications. For example, the epitaxial heterostructures of ultraviolet‐light‐sensitive TiO2 with metallic SrRuO3 can acquire visible‐light functionalities using the hot carrier injection mechanism. Therefore, the TiO2/SrRuO3 heterostructure system has recently attracted increasing interest. Herein, the amorphous‐TiO2/SrRuO3 heterostructure is fabricated and compared to the epitaxial TiO2/SrRuO3. As opposed to the occurrence of the visible‐light photovoltaic effect in the epitaxial TiO2/SrRuO3, the amorphous‐TiO2/SrRuO3 heterostructure herein exhibits different optoelectronic functionality, specifically the photoresistor behavior. The amorphous‐TiO2/SrRuO3 heterostructure achieves a photoresponsivity of 6.56 A W−1 at 1 V. Such a performance is hardly obtained in typical oxide‐based photoresistors. The analyses of the crystalline and electronic structures show that it is due to the defect‐induced high electron doping in the amorphous TiO2 with hot carrier injection mechanism. This study discusses the correlation between the hot carrier injection and band diagram, which provides more degrees of freedom in designing potential optoelectronic devices.
The effect of a hydrogel made byNigella sativaL. on acne vulgaris: A randomized double‐blind clinical trial
Authors: Soleymani Samaneh , Zargaran Arman , Farzaei Mohammad Hosein , Iranpanah Amin , Heydarpour Fatemeh , Najafi Fariba , Rahimi Roja
Published: June 2020

Nigella sativaL. (black seed) is one of the main medicinal plants frequently cited in traditional Persian medicine manuscripts for management of acne vulgaris. The present study was designed to investigate the efficacy of a topical preparation fromN. sativain acne vulgaris. In a randomized double‐blind controlled clinical trial, 60 patients (30 patients in treatment and 30 in placebo group) were randomly receivedN. sativahydrogel (standardized based on thymoquinone) or placebo hydrogel, twice daily for 60 days. The Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) grading score was recorded for each patient. Moreover, acne disability index (ADI) was evaluated using a standard questionnaire filled out by the patients at the beginning and end of the study. A 78% mean reduction in the IGA score on theN. sativa‐treated group was recorded compared with 3.3% on the vehicle‐treated one. Significant reductions in the number of comedones, papules, and pustules were observed in the treatment group compared with placebo after 2 months. Also, ADI was decreased 63.49% in the treatment versus 4.5% in the placebo groups. No adverse event was recorded.N. sativahydrogel had significant effects on improving the symptoms of acne vulgaris with acceptable tolerability.
Probing Pdn (n=1‐5) Clusters on Rutile TiO2 Surfaces by Using First‐Principle Calculations
Authors: Zhao Xintian , Kong Chuncai , Yang Zhimao , Yang Tao
Published: June 2020

Small metal clusters with novel structures, which have interesting perporties and important potential applications, could be stabilized by substrate surfaces. In this work, by using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we studied the geometric and electronic structures of Pdn (n=1‐5) clusters supported on the well‐studied (110) surface and (100) and (001) surfaces of rutile TiO2 together. It is found that the surface plays a vital role in stabilizing Pd cluster structure. The (110) surface influences slightly on the geometries of Pd clusters, where Pd cluster on the TiO2(100) surface prefers to grow as a linear mode. The Pdn cluster are obviously diffused by the (001) surface because of the strong interaction between Pd and TiO2 substrate where the adsorption energy ranges from −3.54 to −6.57 eV. Pd1/TiO2(001) is predicted to be stable because the nucleation from Pd1 to Pd2 on TiO2(001) is an endothermic process. All the Pdn clusters are positively charged while the 4d orbitals of Pd are predominant near the Fermi level.
Synthesis And Study of Fluorine Containing Kagan's Amides as Chiral Solvating Agents For Enantiodiscrimination of Acids by NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Raval Hiten B. , Bedekar Ashutosh V.
Published: June 2020

The Kagan's amide is used as chiral solvating agent to discriminate the signals of optically active analytes in NMR spectroscopy. Three fluorinated derivatives of this amide are prepared and studied for their comparison of chiral recognition of different analytes by NMR analysis. The single crystal X‐ray analysis of the derivatives along with the details of their CSA activity is presented. The analysis is sufficiently accurate to establish a relationship between the calculated and observed values, suitable for determining the enantiomeric excess of samples of unknown purity.
X‐Shaped Sugar‐Derived Emulsifiers From ‘Click Chemistry’ ‐ A New Gemini Surfactant Type for Oil‐in‐Water Systems
Authors: Hussein Ali Tammar , Syahila Duali Hussen Rusnah , Heidelberg Thorsten , Anua Bin Tajuddin Hairul
Published: June 2020

Three sugar‐based surfactants containing a double hydrophobic chain and two side‐by‐side arranged sugar head groups were synthesized by a click‐chemistry approach and investigated on assembly and surface active behavior. The surfactants exhibited higher packing parameters and lowered the surface tension more effectively than previously investigated Y‐shaped surfactants. However, although the surface tension was lower and found in the range of 32–36 mNm−1, the surfactants were less effective emulsifiers than the Y‐shaped surfactants, indicating that the shape of a surfactant is affecting its emulsifying abilities more than its ability to lower the surface tension. The surfactant exhibited good oil‐in‐water emulsion stabilities, requiring five days for the separation of an emulsion in the absence of a polymeric stabilizer. Surfactant 14 show a fine crystal needle is a formation in contact with water and 1‐undecanol, based on the texture the latter was identified as an inverted hexagonal phase.
Effect of Thermal History and Mass Scale on the Thermal Safety of 1,3,5,7‐Tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐Tetrazocane
Authors: Jiao Fengyuan , Yu Shuo , Xu Yabei , Li Wenjuan , Zhao Mengke , Xu Sen , Cao Weiguo , Pang Aimin , Cao Xiong
Published: June 2020

The effect of thermal history and mass scale on the thermal safety of Octogen (HMX) were explored by microcalorimetric and differential scanning calorimetry. The autocatalytic properties were verified by isothermal experiments, and the thermal decomposition kinetics was analyzed by Kissinger, Ozawa and Friedman methods. The results indicated that the thermal decomposition process was accomplished under solid state conditions with the heating rates in the range of 0.1–1 °C/min, and the apparent activation energy calculated by isothermal experiment was basically consistent with that calculated by dynamic method. Thermal history experiments presented that the thermal decomposition had autocatalytic properties, which was verified by isothermal experiments. Moreover, thermal history which had great influence on the thermal decomposition kinetics made the apparent activation energy decrease significantly, resulting in safety risk augmentation. Additionally, mass scale had a salient effect on the thermal stability. With the increase of sample mass, the degree of hazard augmented. It is necessary to keep the heat source off and avoid the large mass storage in the industrial production.
Mesoporous Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanospheres as Sulfur Matrix and a Novel Chelate‐Modified Separator for High‐Performance Room‐Temperature Na‐S Batteries
Authors: Li Huan , Zhao Ming , Jin Bo , Wen Zi , Liu Hua Kun , Jiang Qing
Published: June 2020

Room‐temperature sodium‐sulfur (RT/Na‐S) batteries are considered among the most promising next‐generation energy storage and conversion systems because of the earth‐abundant reserves of sodium and sulfur. These batteries also possess the advantages of high theoretical gravimetric capacity, high energy density, and low cost. Herein, highly uniform Fe3+/polyacrylamide nanospheres (FPNs) are fabricated on a large‐scale by a facile, low‐cost approach. Subsequently, mesoporous nitrogen‐doped carbon nanospheres (PNC‐Ns), obtained by carbonizing FPNs, are applied as a sulfur matrix to improve the utilization of sulfur, enhance the overall conductivity of the cathode, and inhibit the shuttling of sodium polysulfides (SPSs). In addition, graphene and FPNs are simultaneously coated onto the side of the separator to form a FPNs‐graphene‐functionalized separator (FPNs‐G/separator); here, the mesoporous FPNs effectively anchor and block the SPSs, while the large specific area graphene sheets eliminate the intrinsic mechanical brittleness of the FPNs and improve the overall conductivity of RT/Na‐S batteries. When S/PNC‐Ns as a cathode and FPNs‐G/separator are assembled into an RT/Na‐S battery, it delivers a high discharge capacity (639 mAh g‐1 at 0.1 C after 400 cycles), stable cycle life (396 mAh g‐1 at 0.5 C after 800 cycles), and good rate performance (228 mAh g‐1 at 2 C).
Education supply chain in the era of Industry 4.0
Authors: Li Ling
Published: June 2020

To date, there is a very limited literature on the use of systems ideas and methodologies as a basis for developing curriculum or courses. To fill the gap, this study has made several contributions by employing systems theory and thinking in analysing issues related to higher education. Industry 4.0 is reshaping the future of education, which opens up our vision and makes us to consider what knowledge and skills students should possess after they have graduated from college, when to accelerate workforce reskilling and what is the building blocks and connections of education supply chain. In this study, it is the first time the concept of ‘education supply chain’ is proposed and coined. Furthermore, our research has led us to view educational systems and configurations, such as international mobility and transnationalization, as outcomes of enduring power related to industrial revolutions. Finally, a curriculum structure based on system thinking is proposed. We engage our inquiry with transformations that are happening around higher education and position our research on the benefits of sharing of global intellectual resource and top talents through transnational mobility and education joint ventures in the context of Industry 4.0.
Sterile neutrinos and neutrinoless double beta decay in effective field theory
Authors: Dekens W. , de Vries J. , Fuyuto K. , Mereghetti E. , Zhou G.
Published: June 2020

Abstract

We investigate neutrinoless double beta decay (0νββ) in the presence of sterile neutrinos with Majorana mass terms. These gauge-singlet fields are allowed to interact with Standard-Model (SM) fields via renormalizable Yukawa couplings as well as higher-dimensional gauge-invariant operators up to dimension seven in the Standard Model Effective Field Theory extended with sterile neutrinos. At the GeV scale, we use Chiral effective field theory involving sterile neutrinos to connect the operators at the level of quarks and gluons to hadronic interactions involving pions and nucleons. This allows us to derive an expression for 0νββ rates for various isotopes in terms of phase-space factors, hadronic low-energy constants, nuclear matrix elements, the neutrino masses, and the Wilson coefficients of higher-dimensional operators. The required hadronic low-energy constants and nuclear matrix elements depend on the neutrino masses, for which we obtain interpolation formulae grounded in QCD and chiral perturbation theory that improve existing formulae that are only valid in a small regime of neutrino masses. The resulting framework can be used directly to assess the impact of 0νββ experiments on scenarios with light sterile neutrinos and should prove useful in global analyses of sterile-neutrino searches. We per- form several phenomenological studies of 0νββ in the presence of sterile neutrinos with and without higher-dimensional operators. We find that non-standard interactions involving sterile neutrinos have a dramatic impact on 0νββ phenomenology, and next-generation experiments can probe such interactions up to scales of

$$ \mathcal{O} $$

O

(100) TeV.
Erratum to: Angular analysis of the rare decay $$ {\Lambda}_b\to \Lambda (1520)\left(\to N\overline{K}\right){\mathrm{\ell}}^{+}{\mathrm{\ell}}^{-} $$
Authors: Descotes-Genon S. , Novoa-Brunet M.
Published: June 2020

We provide corrections to section 2, section 4 and appendix A of ref. [1]. We update the numerical results of ref. [1] with the latest results from ref. [2].
Lightcone expansions of conformal blocks in closed form
Authors: Li Wenliang
Published: June 2020

Abstract

We present new closed-form expressions for 4-point scalar conformal blocks in the s- and t-channel lightcone expansions. Our formulae apply to intermediate operators of arbitrary spin in general dimensions. For physical spin ℓ, they are composed of at most (ℓ + 1) Gaussian hypergeometric functions at each order.
A Tolerogenic Role of Cathepsin G in a Primate Model of Multiple Sclerosis: Abrogation by Epstein–Barr Virus Infection
Authors: ‘t Hart Bert A.
Published: June 2020

Using a non-human primate model of the autoimmune neuroinflammatory disease multiple sclerosis (MS), we have unraveled the role of B cells in the making and breaking of immune tolerance against central nervous system myelin. It is discussed here that B cells prevent the activation of strongly pathogenic T cells present in the naïve repertoire, which are directed against the immunodominant myelin antigen MOG (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein). Prevention occurs via destructive processing of a critical epitope (MOG34-56) through the lysosomal serine protease cathepsin G. This effective tolerance mechanism is abrogated when the B cells are infected with Epstein–Barr virus, a ubiquitous γ1-herpesvirus that entails the strongest non-genetic risk factor for MS.
ISS alone, is not sufficient to correctly assign patients post hoc to trauma team requirement
Authors: Waydhas Christian , Bieler Dan , Hamsen Uwe , Baacke Markus , Lefering Rolf ,   The TraumaRegister DGU
Published: June 2020

Purpose

An injury severity score (ISS) ≥ 16 alone, is commonly used post hoc to define the correct activation of a trauma team. However, abnormal vital functions and the requirement of life-saving procedures may also have a role in defining trauma team requirement post hoc. The aim of this study was to describe their prevalence and mortality in severely injured patients and to estimate their potential additional value in the definition of trauma team requirement as compared to the definition based on ISS alone.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of a trauma registry including patients with trauma team activation from the years 2009 until 2015, who were 16 years of age or older and were brought to the trauma center directly from the scene. Patients were divided into a group with an ISS ≥ 16 vs. ISS < 16. For analysis a predefined list of abnormal vital functions and life-saving interventions was used.

Results

58,723 patients were included in the study (N = 32,653 with ISS ≥ 16; N = 26,070 with ISS < 16). From the total number of patients that required life-saving procedures or presented with abnormal vital functions 29.1% were found in the ISS < 16 group. From the ISS < 16 group, 36.7% of patients required life-saving procedures or presented with abnormal vital signs. The mortality of those was 8.1%.

Conclusions

Defining the true requirement of trauma team activation post hoc by using ISS ≥ 16 alone does miss a considerable number of subjects who require life-saving interventions or present with abnormal vital functions. Therefore, life-saving interventions and abnormal vital functions should be included in the definitions for trauma team requirement. Further studies have to evaluate, which life-saving procedures and abnormal vital functions are most relevant.
Healthcare use before and after suicide attempt in refugees and Swedish-born individuals
Authors: Amin Ridwanul , Rahman Syed , Tinghög Petter , Helgesson Magnus , Runeson Bo , Björkenstam Emma , Qin Ping , Mehlum Lars , Holmes Emily A. , Mittendorfer-Rutz Ellenor
Published: June 2020

Purpose

There is a lack of research on whether healthcare use before and after a suicide attempt differs between refugees and the host population. We aimed to investigate if the patterns of specialised (inpatient and specialised outpatient) psychiatric and somatic healthcare use, 3 years before and after a suicide attempt, differ between refugees and the Swedish-born individuals in Sweden. Additionally, we aimed to explore if specialised healthcare use differed among refugee suicide attempters according to their sex, age, education or receipt of disability pension.

Methods

All refugees and Swedish-born individuals, 20–64 years of age, treated for suicide attempt in specialised healthcare during 2004–2013 (n = 85,771 suicide attempters, of which 4.5% refugees) were followed 3 years before and after (Y − 3 to Y + 3) the index suicide attempt (t0) regarding their specialised healthcare use. Annual adjusted prevalence with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of specialised healthcare use were assessed by generalized estimating equations (GEE). Additionally, in analyses among the refugees, GEE models were stratified by sex, age, educational level and disability pension.

Results

Compared to Swedish-born, refugees had lower prevalence rates of psychiatric and somatic healthcare use during the observation period. During Y + 1, 25% (95% CI 23–28%) refugees and 30% (95% CI 29–30%) Swedish-born used inpatient psychiatric healthcare. Among refugees, a higher specialised healthcare use was observed in disability pension recipients than non-recipients.

Conclusion

Refugees used less specialised healthcare, before and after a suicide attempt, relative to the Swedish-born. Strengthened cultural competence among healthcare professionals and better health literacy among the refugees may improve healthcare access in refugees.
Ligand-receptor-mediated attachment of lipid vesicles to a supported lipid bilayer
Authors: Zhdanov Vladimir P.
Published: June 2020

The interaction of exosomes (cell-secreted $$\sim $$
∼
100 nm-sized extracellular vesicles) or membrane-enveloped virions with cellular lipid membranes is often mediated by relatively weak ligand-receptor bonds. Interactions of this type can be studied using vesicles and observing their attachment to receptors located in a lipid bilayer formed at a solid surface. The contact region between a vesicle and the supported lipid bilayer and accordingly the number of ligand-receptor pairs there can be increased by deforming a vesicle. Herein, I (i) estimate theoretically the corresponding deformation energy assuming a disk-like or elongated shape of vesicles, (ii) present the equations allowing one to track such deformations by employing total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and surface plasmon resonance, and (iii) briefly discuss some related experimental studies.
The Importance of Abdominal Wall Closure After Definitive Surgery for Enterocutaneous Fistula
Authors: Martinez Jose L. , Souza‐Gallardo Luis Manuel , Ferat‐Osorio Eduardo
Published: June 2020

Introduction

The coexistence of an enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) with large abdominal wall defects represent one of the most demanding situations seen by a surgeon. Simultaneous treatment of ECF closure with abdominal wall defect closure has been widely debated. Our objective was to determine if the type of abdominal wall closure was associated with fistula recurrence after definitive surgery for ECF.

Materials and methods

Consecutive patients submitted to fistula resection with primary anastomosis for ECF closure. Among several variables, total abdominal wall closure (primary independent variable) was assessed as a factor related to the recurrence of the ECF (dependent variable). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results

One‐hundred and fourteen patients were included. Fistula recurred in 39 patients (34%). Total abdominal wall closure was done in 37 patients (32%). ECF recurred in 16% (6 of 37 patients) when abdominal wall closure was performed, compared to 43% (33 of 77 patients) when this was not (p < 0.02). After multivariate analyses, abdominal wall closure was found as a protective factor against recurrence (p < 0.02). Patients with total abdominal wall closure had one‐fourth of risk for recurrence compared to patients without it. Other factors associated to recurrence of ECF were multiple fistulas (p < 0.05), intraoperative blood loss >325 mL (p < 0.05) and preoperative C‐reactive protein >0.5 mg/dL (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that total abdominal wall closure is a protective factor against fistula recurrence after definitive surgery for ECF.
Magnetic Tracking and Electrocardiography-Guided Tip Confirmation System Versus Fluoroscopy for Placement of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters: A Randomized, Noninferiority Comparison
Authors: Mack V. , Nißler D. , Kasikci D. , Malouhi A. , Aschenbach R. , Teichgräber U.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To determine whether the use of a magnetic tracking and electrocardiography-guided catheter tip confirmation system (TCS) is safe and noninferior to fluoroscopy concerning positioning accuracy of a peripheral inserted central catheter (PICC).

Methods

In this prospective, randomized, single-center study, adult patients scheduled for PICC insertion were assigned 1:1 either to TCS or fluoroscopy. The primary objective was a noninferiority comparison of correct PICC tip position confirmed by X-ray obtained immediately after catheter insertion. Time needed for PICC insertion and insertion-related complications up to 14 days after the procedure were secondary outcomes to be assessed for superiority.

Results

A total of 210 patients (62.3 ± 14.4 years, 63.8% male) were included at a single German center between June 2016 and October 2017. Correct PICC tip position was achieved in 84 of 103 TCS (82.4%) and 103 of 104 fluoroscopy patients (99.0%). One-sided 95% lower confidence limit on the difference between proportions was −23.1%. Thus, noninferiority of TCS was not established (p > 0.99). Insertion of PICC took longer with TCS compared to fluoroscopy (8.4 ± 3.7 min vs. 5.0 ± 2.7 min, p < 0.001). Incidence of complications within a mean follow-up of 5.0 ± 2.3 days did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusion

Noninferiority of TCS to fluoroscopy in the incidence of correct PICC tip position was not reached. Ancillary benefit of TCS over fluoroscopy including less radiation exposure and lower resource requirements may nonetheless justify the use of TCS. The study is registered with Clinical.Trials.gov (Identifier: NCT02929368).