bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The LEAP Program: Quality Improvement Training to Address Team Readiness Gaps Identified by Implementation Science Findings
Authors: Damschroder Laura J. , Yankey Nicholas R. , Robinson Claire H. , Freitag Michelle B. , Burns Jennifer A. , Raffa Susan D. , Lowery Julie C. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Integrating evidence-based innovations (EBIs) into sustained use is challenging; most implementations in health systems fail. Increasing frontline teams’ quality improvement (QI) capability may increase the implementation readiness and success of EBI implementation.

Objectives
Develop a QI training program (“Learn. Engage. Act. Process.” (LEAP)) and evaluate its impact on frontline obesity treatment teams to improve treatment delivered within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

Design
This was a pre-post evaluation of the LEAP program. MOVE! coordinators (N = 68) were invited to participate in LEAP; 24 were randomly assigned to four starting times. MOVE! coordinators formed teams to work on improvement aims. Pre-post surveys assessed team organizational readiness for implementing change and self-rated QI skills. Program satisfaction, assignment completion, and aim achievement were also evaluated.

Participants
VHA facility-based MOVE! teams.

Interventions
LEAP is a 21-week QI training program. Core components include audit and feedback reports, structured curriculum, coaching and learning community, and online platform.

Main Measures
Organizational readiness for implementing change (ORIC); self-rated QI skills before and after LEAP; assignment completion and aim achievement; program satisfaction.

Key Results
Seventeen of 24 randomized teams participated in LEAP. Participants' self-ratings across six categories of QI skills increased after completing LEAP (p< 0.0001). The ORIC measure showed no statistically significant change overall; the change efficacy subscale marginally improved (p < 0.08), and the change commitment subscale remained the same (p = 0.66). Depending on the assignment, 35 to 100% of teams completed the assignment. Nine teams achieved their aim. Most team members were satisfied or very satisfied (81–89%) with the LEAP components, 74% intended to continue using QI methods, and 81% planned to continue improvement work.

Conclusions
LEAP is scalable and does not require travel or time away from clinical responsibilities. While QI skills improved among participating teams and most completed the work, they struggled to do so amid competing clinical priorities.
Permanent Bilateral Carotid Filters for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: De Potter Tom , Yodfat Ofer , Shinar Guy , Neta Avraham , Reddy Vivek Y. , Neuzil Petr , Veltkamp Roland , Connolly Stuart J. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Purpose of Review
A novel permanent carotid filter device for percutaneous implantation was developed for the purpose of stroke prevention. In this review, we cover rationale, existing preclinical and clinical data, and potential future directions for research using such a device.

Recent Findings
The Vine™ filter was assessed for safety in sheep and in 2 observational human studies, the completed CAPTURE 1 (n = 25) and the ongoing CAPTURE 2 (planned n = 100). CAPTURE 1 has shown high procedural and long-term implant safety. A control group was not available for comparison.

Summary
A mechanical filter for permanent stroke prevention can be implanted bilaterally in the common carotid artery safely and efficiently. A randomized trial is planned for 2021 (n = 3500, INTERCEPT) to demonstrate superiority of a filter + anticoagulation strategy over anticoagulation alone in patients at high risk for ischemic stroke.
Psychological aspects of atrial fibrillation: A systematic narrative review
Authors: Ladwig Karl-Heinz , Goette Andreas , Atasoy Seryan , Johar Hamimatunnisa 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPurpose of the reviewAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia in the general population. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the psychological aspects of AF, compiling evidence from epidemiological, clinical, and basic research sources.Recent findingsFindings from large-scale population-based and clinical longitudinal studies reveal an association between negative affectivity (e.g. depression) and the incidence and clinical prognosis of AF. Studies investigating the impact of work stress parameters on AF onset show conflicting results. Researchers have reported the impact of AF on cognitive decline and on health-related quality of life, and have highlighted the role of interoceptive cues in the development of AF symptom burden and gender differences in psychological covariates of AF. Among biological pathways linking psychosocial factors to AF, research on autonomic regulation has yielded the most evidence so far, showing that the onset of AF is associated with simultaneous sympatho-vagal activation rather than an increase in vagal or sympathetic drive alone. Thus, modulation of the autonomic nervous system is likely to be a promising strategy for protecting the myocardium from pro-arrhythmic autonomic influences.SummaryIn total, the findings show that AF is embedded as a disease condition in a psycho-societal context and is not an isolated medical problem per se. A broader perspective than a focus on the electrophysiology alone is urgently needed.
Atezolizumab in locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer: a pooled analysis from the Spanish patients of the IMvigor 210 cohort 2 and 211 studies
Authors: Sotelo M. , Alonso-Gordoa T. , Gajate P. , Gallardo E. , Morales-Barrera R. , Pérez-Gracia J. L. , Puente J. , Sánchez P. , Castellano D. , Durán I. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
The studies IMvigor 210 cohort 2 and IMvigor211 evaluated the efficacy of atezolizumab in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC) upon progression to platinum-based chemotherapy worldwide. Yet, the real impact of this drug in specific geographical regions is unknown.

Materials and methods
We combined individual-level data from the 131 patients recruited in Spain from IMvigor210 cohort 2 and IMvigor211 in a pooled analysis. Efficacy and safety outcomes were assessed in the overall study population and according to PD-L1 expression on tumour-infiltrating immune cells.

Results
Full data were available for 127 patients; 74 (58%) received atezolizumab and 53 (42%) chemotherapy. Atezolizumab patients had a numerically superior median overall survival although not reaching statistical significance (9.2 months vs 7.7 months). No statistically significant differences between arms were observed in overall response rates (20.3% vs 37.0%) or progression-free survival (2.1 months vs 5.3 months). Nonetheless, median duration of response was superior for the immunotherapy arm (non-reached vs 6.4 months; p = 0.005). Additionally, among the responders, the 12-month survival rates seemed to favour atezolizumab (66.7% vs 19.9%). When efficacy was analyzed based on PD-L1 expression status, no significant differences were found. Treatment-related adverse events of any grade occurred more frequently in the chemotherapy arm [46/57 (81%) vs 44/74 (59%)].

Conclusion
Patients who achieved an objective response on atezolizumab presented a longer median duration of response and numerically superior 12 month survival rates when compared with chemotherapy responders along with a more favorable safety profile. PD-L1 expression did not discriminate patients who might benefit from atezolizumab.
Axial mechanical experiments of unbonded flexible pipes
Authors: Liu Jun-Peng , Vaz Murilo Augusto , Chen Rong-Qi , Duan Meng-Lan , Hernandez Irving 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Axial structural damping behavior induced by internal friction and viscoelastic properties of polymeric layers may have an inevitable influence on the global analysis of flexible pipes. In order to characterize this phenomenon and axial mechanical responses, a full-scale axial tensile experiment on a complex flexible pipe is conducted at room temperature, in which oscillation forces at different frequencies are applied on the sample. The parameters to be identified are axial strains which are measured by three kinds of instrumentations: linear variable differential transformer, strain gauge and camera united particle-tracking technology. The corresponding plots of axial force versus axial elongation exhibit obvious nonlinear hysteretic relationship. Consequently, the loss factor related to the axial structural damping behavior is found, which increases as the oscillation loading frequency grows. The axial strains from the three measurement systems in the mechanical experiment indicate good agreement, as well as the values of the equivalent axial stiffness. The damping generated by polymeric layers is relatively smaller than that caused by friction forces. Therefore, it can be concluded that friction forces maybe dominate the axial structural damping, especially on the conditions of high frequency.
Reassessing the taxonomic diversity of Plagiothecium section Orthophyllum in the North American bryoflora
Authors: Wolski Grzegorz J. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAt the beginning of the twentieth century,Plagiothecium nemorales.l. andP. succulentum, both belonging toP.sect.Orthophyllum, were considered to be distributed across almost the entire Northern Hemisphere. However, in the mid-twentieth century these taxa were recircumscribed resulting in their exclusion from the North American bryoflora and restricting their distributions to Asia and Europe, and in the case ofPlagiothecium nemorales.l., also North Africa. More recently, it was found thatP. nemorales.l. is a taxonomic complex comprising three distinct species:P. nemorales.s.,P. longisetum, andP.angusticellum. I revised the North American material ofP.sectionOrthophyllumdeposited in three herbaria (NY, FH, F) and found that five examined taxa of the section are present in the North America. Two of the speciesP.angusticellumandP. longisetum, have not been recorded from North America previously, while two others,P. nemoraleandP. succulentum, had not been listed in the North American bryoflora for 50 years. One taxon is new for the U.S.A. –P. succulentumf.propaguliferum. Here I provide detailed descriptions of the anatomical and morphological features of the recorded taxa along with photographic documentation of their most important characteristics. I also summarize their known distributions in North America and ecological preferences and provide a key for their identification.
Downlink channel estimation for millimeter wave communication combining low-rank and sparse structure characteristics
Authors: Zhou Jin 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe acquisition of channel state information (CSI) is essential in millimeter wave (mmWave) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. The mmWave channel exhibits sparse scattering characteristics and a meaningful low-rank structure, which can be simultaneously employed to reduce the complexity of channel estimation. Most existing works recover the low-rank structure of channels using nuclear norm theory. However, solving the nuclear norm-based convex problem often leads to a suboptimal solution of the rank minimization problem, thus degrading the accuracy of channel estimation. Previous contributions recover the channel using over-complete dictionary with the assumption that the mmWave channel can be sparsely represented under some dictionary. While over-complete dictionary may increase the computational complexity. To address these problems, we propose a channel estimation framework based on non-convex low-rank approximation and dictionary learning by exploring the joint low-rank and sparse representations of wireless channels. We surrogate the widely used nuclear norm theory with non-convex low-rank approximation method and design a dictionary learning algorithm based on channel feature classification employing deep neural network (DNN). Our simulation results reveal the proposed scheme outperform the conventional dictionary learning algorithm, Bayesian framework algorithm, and compressed sensing-based algorithms.
Performance of surfactant blend formulations for controlling gas mobility and foam propagation under reservoir conditions
Authors: Memon Muhammad Khan , Elraies Khaled Abdalla , Al-Mossawy Mohammed Idrees Ali 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe use of surfactant is one of the possible solutions to minimize the mobility of gases and improve the sweep efficiency, but the main problem with this process is its stability in the presence of injection water and crude oil under reservoir conditions. In this study, the three types of surfactant anionic, nonionic and amphoteric are examined in the presence of brine salinity at 96 °C and 1400 psia. To access the potential blended surfactant solutions as gas mobility control, laboratory test including aqueous stability, interfacial tension (IFT) and mobility reduction factor (MRF) were performed. The purpose of MRF is to evaluate the blocking effect of selected optimum surfactant solutions. Based on experimental results, no precipitation was observed by testing the surfactant solutions at reservoir temperature of 96 °C. The tested surfactant solutions reduced the IFT between crude oil and brine. The effectiveness and strength of surfactant solutions without crude oil under reservoir conditions were evaluated. A high value of differential pressure demonstrates that the strong foam was generated inside a core that resulted in delay in breakthrough time and reduction in the gas mobility. High mobility reduction factor result was measured by the solution of blended surfactant 0.6%AOS + 0.6%CA406H. Mobility reduction factor of other tested surfactant solutions was found low due to less generated foam by using CO2 under reservoir conditions. The result of these tested surfactant solutions can provide the better understanding of the mechanisms behind generated foam stability and guideline for their implementation as gas mobility control during the process of surfactant alternating gas injection.
COVID-19: update of the Italian situation
Authors: Prezioso Carla , Pietropaolo Valeria 
Published: September 2020

AbstractOn the March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak as a pandemic. The first cases in Italy were reported on January 30, 2020, and quickly the number of cases escalated. On March 20, 2020, according to the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS) and National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), the peak of COVID-19 cases reported in Italy reached the highest number, surpassing those in China. The Italian government endorsed progressively restrictive measures initially at the local level, and finally, at the national level with a lockdown of the entire Italian territory up to 3 May 2020. The complete Italian territory closing slowed down the contagion. This review retraces the main numbers of the pandemic in Italy. Although in decline, the new reported cases remain high in the northern regions. Since drugs or vaccines are still not available, the described framework highlights the importance of the containment measures to be able to quickly identify all the potential transmission hotspots and keep control subsequent epidemic waves of COVID-19.
Tapped Out? Racial Disparities in Extrahousehold Kin Resources and the Loss of Homeownership
Authors: Sharp Gregory , Whitehead Ellen , Hall Matthew 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Research shows that extrahousehold kin economic resources contribute to the racial gap in transitions into homeownership, but the extent to which these resources matter for racial disparities in exits from homeownership is less understood. Using longitudinal data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, 1984–2017, we examine the role of extrahousehold kin wealth and poverty in shaping racial inequalities in the risk of exiting homeownership. Our nonlinear decomposition results indicate that racial differences in family network resources explain a nontrivial portion of the racial gap in homeownership exit, but there is little evidence that the effects of kin resources on exit are moderated by race. Among both Black and White owners, having wealthier noncoresident kin does not lessen the negative impacts of adverse economic or health shocks on the probability of losing homeownership. Our findings have implications for policies and programs designed to buttress the ability of minority households, especially those in financial distress, to sustain the wealth-building state of homeownership.
Understanding the limitations of network online learning
Authors: LaRock Timothy , Sakharov Timothy , Bhadra Sahely , Eliassi-Rad Tina 
Published: September 2020

AbstractStudies of networked phenomena, such as interactions in online social media, often rely on incomplete data, either because these phenomena are partially observed, or because the data is too large or expensive to acquire all at once. Analysis of incomplete data leads to skewed or misleading results. In this paper, we investigate limitations of learning to complete partially observed networks via node querying. Concretely, we study the following problem: given (i) a partially observed network, (ii) the ability to query nodes for their connections (e.g., by accessing an API), and (iii) a budget on the number of such queries, sequentially learn which nodes to query in order to maximally increase observability. We call this querying process Network Online Learning and present a family of algorithms called NOL*. These algorithms learn to choose which partially observed node to query next based on a parameterized model that is trained online through a process of exploration and exploitation. Extensive experiments on both synthetic and real world networks show that (i) it is possible to sequentially learn to choose which nodes are best to query in a network and (ii) some macroscopic properties of networks, such as the degree distribution and modular structure, impact the potential for learning and the optimal amount of random exploration.
Why May COVID-19 Overwhelm Low-Income Countries Like Pakistan?
Authors: Ali Inayat , Ali Shahbaz 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTSince the coronavirus disease 2019, called COVID-19, has overwhelmed the high-income countries with ample resources and established health-care system, we argue that there are plausible concerns why it may devastate the low-income countries like Pakistan. Focusing on Pakistan, we highlight the underlying reasons, eg, demographic features, ineffective health-care system, economic and political inequalities, corruption, and socio-cultural characteristics, that create fertile grounds for COVID-19 to overwhelm low-income countries. This study presents Pakistan’s brief profile to demonstrate these underlying structures that may make low-income countries like Pakistan more vulnerable in the face of an unceasing COVID-19 pandemic. The study concludes that the country may make appropriate and possibly effective short-term preparedness measures to halt or slow the transmission of the virus, and deal with its current implications as well as it may pay significant attention to long-term measures to deal effectively with COVID-19’s longer-term effects. These measures will help them, including Pakistan, to deal appropriately with a similar future critical event.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Well-Being of Pregnant Women in Japan: Need for Economic and Social Policy Interventions
Authors: Matsushima Midori , Horiguchi Hanna 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTObjective:This study explores the mental well-being of pregnant women in Japan during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.Methods:We collected 1777 responses from pregnant women through an online survey. Using the Japanese version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), we calculated the percentage of pregnant women above the cutoff (≥ 13), and the factor scores of anhedonia, anxiety, and depression. Regression analyses were performed to identify factors and socioeconomic characteristics correlated with depressive symptoms.Results:The point prevalence of pregnant women with an EPDS score of ≥ 13 was 17%. The mean scores were 0.73, 3.68, and 1.82 for anhedonia, anxiety, and depression, respectively. The probability of becoming above the cutoff score positively correlated with the cancellation of planned informal support, higher perceived risk for infection of COVID-19, difficulties in household finances, and lack of social support. Moreover, being younger, less wealthy, unemployed, and without a partner showed a significantly higher possibility of having a score above the cutoff.Conclusions:The present study found a high percentage of pregnant women with depressive symptoms. Notably, COVID-19-related variables, including perceived risk for the infection, fear of decreasing economic wealth, and social support, were significantly associated with depressive symptoms.
Pool Testing for COVID-19: Suitable Splitting Procedure and Pool Size for India
Authors: Rai Balram , Shukla Anandi , Choudhary Geetika , Singh Abhishek 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTObjective:Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has emerged as a global pandemic for public health due to the large scale outbreak, therefore there is an urgent need to detect the infected cases quickly and isolate them in order to suppress the further spread of the disease. This study tries to identify a suitable pool testing method and algorithm for COVID-19.Methods:This study tries to derive a general equation for the number of tests required for a pooled sample to detect every infected individual in the specific pool. The gain in pool testing over the normal procedure is quantified by the percentage of tests required compared to individual testing.Results:The percentage of tests required by the pool testing strategy varies according to the different splitting procedures, the size of the pooled sample, and the probability of an individual being infected in the population. If the probability of infection is 0.05, then for a pool size of 32, only 14 tests are sufficient to detect every infected individual.Conclusion:The number of tests required to detect infected individuals by using the pooling method is much lower than individual testing. This may help us with increasing our testing capacity for COVID-19 by testing a large number of individuals in less time with limited resources.
Risk Factors of Fatal Outcome in Patients With COVID-19 Pneumonia
Authors: Cellina Michaela , Gibelli Daniele , Valenti Pittino Carlo , Toluian Tahereh , Marino Pietro , Oliva Giancarlo 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTObjectives:The aim of this study was to correlate the clinical, laboratory, and radiographic characteristics of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease, with fatal outcome.Methods:We reviewed chest X-ray (CXR) features, clinical, and laboratory data of patients with reverse transcriptase polymerase-chain-reaction confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 infection. The relationship with mortality was investigated by fitting a logistic regression model.Results:A total of 246 patients were included (170 males; mean age, 63 y). Most of the patients had 1 or more comorbidity (62%); fever (95%), and cough (60%) were the most common symptoms; CXR detected abnormalities in 88.6%, mainly showing ground-glass opacities (GGO) (90%) with bilateral (64%) and peripheral (46%) distribution.Multivariate analysis showed that age (P < 0.001; mortality of 59% in patients >66 y old; 5% at a younger age) and consolidation at CXR (P = 0.001; mortality of 11% with positive CXR; 2% in those without) represented the 2 most significant independent risk factors of mortality. Chronic pathologies, such as diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and peripheral GGO at CXR also showed a significant correlation with mortality.Conclusions:We identified predictive factors for the fatal outcome of COVID-19 patients. The prognostic value of these findings can be useful for optimal patient management and resource allocation.