Stress Rate Research Articles

Assessing the Psychosocial Determinants of Mental Health Decline Among Bangladeshi University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Rapid Systematic Review

Background: The COVID-19 epidemic has profoundly impacted the mental health of university students. This review investigates the psychosocial factors contributing to the mental health decline of Bangladeshi university students, particularly in Dhaka city, with the objective of identifying the primary elements exacerbating their mental health issues during the pandemic. Method: Employing a mixed-methods approach, this review integrates quantitative and qualitative data, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. Data were extracted using MeSH keywords from databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Medline, and ARU-E-Library. Out of 822 initially identified publications, 24 met the inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis was used to investigate pertinent data, and studies were appraised using CASP and AXIS tools. Data interpretation involved SPSS and R, utilizing descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and regression analyses. Results: The review identified critical factors contributing to mental health deterioration, including financial hardships, academic disruption, social isolation, excessive smartphone use, and career instability. High prevalence rates of anxiety (61.2%), depression (64.7%), and stress (52.4%) were found. Inferential statistics revealed significant differences in mental health outcomes across demographic groups, with female students showing a 20% higher risk of anxiety and those living with parents showing a 15% higher risk of depression. Discussion: The results emphasize the multifaceted nature of the mental health challenges that students encounter. The transition to online learning, financial instability, and social isolation were substantial stressors. The review emphasizes the necessity of legislative changes and targeted mental health interventions. Conclusion: To address the mental health crisis among university students, policymakers must reform frameworks and provide support systems, including flexible learning models and targeted mental health interventions, to ensure students’ long-term well-being and academic success.

The Impact of Social Stress on Trustworthiness Judgments in Schizophrenia.

The present study examines the impact of induced social stress on facial trustworthiness judgments in individuals with schizophrenia (SCZ) and the associations between symptoms and trustworthiness ratings. Thirty-three individuals with SCZ and forty healthy controls (HC) were asked to rate the trustworthiness of 24 digitally morphed faces in two counterbalanced conditions. Mild social stress was induced by listening to loud noises from a busy street. BPRS, CAPE-42, and the Paranoia Scale measured the severity of symptoms. We did not observe significant differences in trustworthiness judgments between the patient and control groups. Social stress did not impact trust judgments. Paranoia was negatively connected to trustworthiness ratings in the control group. Subjective rating of stress in noise condition was negatively associated with paranoia only in the control sample. In the patient group, a negative correlation was found between trustworthiness ratings in stress conditions and the severity of self-reported negative symptoms. Our results suggest that mild social stress does not significantly affect trustworthiness judgments in either patients with SCZ or in HC. Differences between the patient and control groups in trustworthiness judgments were negligible. Overall, the results of this study can be considered mainly negative and contrast with previous studies. The stress induction paradigm or a smaller sample size might cause observed results. In controls, biased face perception was linked to trait paranoia. By contrast, in SCZ, other factors might impact trust perception and need further examination.

Technology frustration in healthcare – does it matter in staff ratings of stress, emotional exhaustion, and satisfaction with care? A cross-sectional correlational study using the job demands-resources theory

BackgroundHealth information technology has developed into a cornerstone of modern healthcare. It has changed workflows and enhanced communication, efficiency, and patient safety. However, technological development has progressed faster than research on its potential effects on care quality and the healthcare work environment. Using the Job Demand-Resources theory, this study investigated the associations between "frustration with technology" and three outcomes: stress, emotional exhaustion, and staff satisfaction with care, holding job resources and the demand workload constant.MethodA cross-sectional correlational study was conducted between January and April 2022. Healthcare staff from different professions (e.g., physicians, registered nurses, physiotherapists, licensed practical nurses) and workplaces (n = 417, response rate 31%) answered a survey regarding job demands and resources in the workplace, frustration with technology, stress, emotional exhaustion, and satisfaction with care. Data were analyzed with Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, the Mann–Whitney U test, and the Kruskal–Wallis test, and multiple variables, one for each outcome, were tested with Generalized Estimated Equations models in SPSS.ResultsThe bivariate correlation analyses confirmed statistically significant associations between all the independent variables and the outcomes, except for the independent variable high workload. A high workload was associated with stress and emotional exhaustion but not with staff satisfaction with care. In the three GEE models, one for each outcome, higher stress was statistically significantly associated with more frustration with technology and lower scores for the variables participation in decision-making, sense of community at work, and higher workload. Higher emotional exhaustion was associated with more frustration with technology, higher workload, a lower teamwork climate, and lower growth opportunities. Lower staff satisfaction with care was associated with lower scores for the variable participation in decision-making.ConclusionsTaking other variables into account, technology frustration matters in staff ratings of stress and emotional exhaustion, but not with the satisfaction of given care. Future studies should aim to further investigate what causes technology frustration and how to mitigate it.

Notes on rate equations in nonlinear continuum mechanics

This paper gives an introduction to rate equations in nonlinear continuum mechanics which should obey specific transformation rules. Emphasis is placed on the geometrical nature of the operations involved in order to clarify the different concepts. This paper is particularly concerned with common classes of constitutive equations based on corotational stress rates and their proper implementation in time for solving initial boundary value problems (IBVPs). Hypoelastic simple shear is considered as an example application for the derived theory and algorithms.

The neural basis of neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) such as depression, anxiety, apathy and aggression affect up to 90% of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. These symptoms significantly increase caregiver stress and institutionalization rates, and more importantly they are correlated with faster cognitive decline. However, the neuronal basis of NPS in AD remains largely unknown. Here, we review current understanding of NPS and related pathology in studies of AD patients and AD mouse models. Clinical studies indicate that NPS prevalence and severity vary across different AD stages and types. Neuroimaging and postmortem studies have suggested that pathological changes in the anterior cingulate cortex, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala are linked to NPS, although the precise mechanisms remain unclear. Studies of AD mouse models have indicated that amyloid-beta and tau-related neurodegeneration in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex are correlated with NPS-like behavioral deficits. A better understanding of the NPS phenotypes and related pathological changes will pave the way for developing a better management strategy for NPS in AD patients.

Cultivating Job Flexibility and Security to Promote Employee Well-Being

The evolving nature of work in the 21st century has brought about significant changes in the relationship between employers and employees, with globalization, technological advancements, and economic uncertainties disrupting traditional career paths and placing new demands on organizations and their workforce. Lacking adequate job flexibility or security can have detrimental effects on employee well-being, leading to higher rates of depression, anxiety, stress, and burnout, as well as physical and social strains that spill over into non-work domains. However, research has demonstrated that by adopting flexible work policies, such as flexitime, compressed workweeks, remote work, and paid leave, and ensuring job and financial security through measures like living wages, retirement plans, and just-cause termination policies, organizations can foster greater employee well-being and engagement, which in turn benefits business performance and the ability to attract and retain top talent. Underpinning these efforts is the crucial role of a culture of trust between managers and workers, characterized by open communication, collaborative problem-solving, and fair, individualized consideration of employee needs and contributions. By championing these research-backed strategies at the leadership level, organizations can create a work environment that supports the evolving demands and whole-person well-being of the modern workforce.

A strain rate-dependent distortional hardening model for nonlinear strain paths

In this paper, a strain rate-dependent distortional hardening model is firstly proposed to describe strain rate-dependent material behaviors under linear and nonlinear strain paths changes in 0≤θpathchange≤180∘. The proposed model is formulated based on the simplified strain rate-independent distortional hardening model (Choi and Yoon, 2023). Any yield function could be used for the strain rate-dependent isotropic and anisotropic yielding. For the linear strain path, the strain rate-dependent isotropic hardening behavior could be explained by two state variables representing rate-dependent yielding and convergence rate of flow stress under monotonically increasing loading condition, respectively. For the nonlinear strain paths, the strain rate-dependent material behaviors such as Bauschinger effect, yield surface contraction, permanent softening, and nonlinear transient behavior could be described by modifying the evolution equations of the simplified strain rate-independent distortional hardening model with a logarithmic term of strain rate. For the verification purpose, it was used the strain-rate dependent tension-compression experiments of TRIP980 and TWIP980 (Joo et al., 2019). In addition, a high speed U-draw bending test was conducted with original and pre-strained specimens. The springback prediction in high speed U-draw bending test was performed by using strain rate-independent isotropic, strain rate-dependent isotropic-kinematic and distortional hardening models. It is identified that the proposed model showed the most accurate prediction for the pre-strained specimen where the possible bilinear and trilinear path change in 0≤θpathchange≤180∘ is observed while it showed the same accuracy for the original specimen where main strain path change occur in forward-reverse manner (θpathchange=180∘).

Investigation of Acid-Etching Evolution in Natural Fractures of Carbonate Reservoirs Under High Closure Stress

Summary The acid-etching evolution of local natural fractures in high-stress carbonate rocks is a complex, multifield coupled phenomenon, governed primarily by closure stress loading, acid flow, and mass transfer reaction. To unravel the characteristics of this evolution and the impact of closure stress and acid injection rate on acid-etching effectiveness, a set of numerical models that integrate fluid flow, chemical reaction, and mechanical deformation within local natural fractures is established, and numerical simulations of fracture deformation and fracture acid-etching are conducted. The results show that continuous closure stress loading fosters the emergence of dominant flow channels by means of acid flow and acid-rock reaction. These channels guide most of the acid flow, continuously dissolving and etching the fracture walls, ultimately forming channelized acid-etching fractures. When closure stress ranges between 10 MPa and 15 MPa, a coupling balance between high closure stress and flow reaction enables the acid-etching fractures to attain greater widths and flow channels, significantly enhancing their long-term conductivity and deformation resistance. As the acid injection rate increases, the dominant flow channels merge into a single channelized acid-etching fracture due to competitive propagation and preferential dissolution. The dominant flow channel expands both vertically and horizontally under the scouring effect of high injection rates, leading to an increase in both the width of the channelized acid-etching fracture channel and the overall acid-etching fracture width.

New constitutive model and hot processing map for A100 steel based on high-temperature flow behavior

To predict the flow behavior and identify the optimal hot processing window for A100 steel, a constitutive model and a hot processing map were established using true stress-strain data extracted from isothermal compression tests performed at temperatures ranging from 1073 to 1353 K and strain rates varying between 0.01 and 10 s−1. The results indicate a strong linear trend between the logarithmic stress and the reciprocal of temperature, along with a significant quadratic relationship between the logarithmic stress and logarithmic strain rate. With a correlation coefficient of 0.9913, the new constitutive model demonstrates an excellent predictive capability for the flow behavior of A100 steel. A significant dynamic recrystallization occurs when the energy dissipation rate exceeds 25 %, resulting in a uniform equiaxed grain structure after deformation. The unstable regions primarily occur in high strain rate and low-temperature zones, where the microstructures are typically coarse and elongated. This structural characteristic adversely affects the mechanical properties. Avoiding these conditions during hot forming of A100 steel is crucial. The optimal hot forming windows for A100 steel are achieved within a temperature range of 1153–1353K and a strain rate range of 0.01–10 s−1, where complete dynamic recrystallization occurs.

Rheological properties of cement paste with in-situ polymerization of sodium acrylate: Roles of polymerization and hydration

In-situ polymerization modified cement paste shows a great potential in 3D concrete printing (3DCP) due to its enhanced rheological properties. Unlike direct adding conventional polymer, how in-situ polymerization and cement hydration synergistically regulate the rheology of cement paste with different monomer dosages remains unclear. Here, we investigate the rheological properties of in-situ polymerization modified cement paste with different dosages of sodium acrylate (SA) to reveal the roles of cement hydration and polymerization. When the monomer dosage is lower (1 % and 3 %), the polymerization inhibits the cement hydration without providing sufficient contribution to the structural development of cement paste, resulting in the decreased rheological properties, such as static/dynamic yield stress and structural build-up rate. On the contrary, once the monomer dosage reaches a higher level (5 % and 7 %), the resultant polymers can gradually form a network interwinding within the cement particles, thus leading to enhanced rheological properties, regardless of the more severely inhibited cement hydration.

Analysis of stress changes on the Poso fault caused by large inland earthquakes: Case study of the 2017 Mw 6.6 Poso and the 2018 Mw 7.5 Palu-Donggala earthquakes

The 2017 Mw 6.6 Poso and the 2018 Mw 7.5 Palu-Donggala represent significant seismic events in central Sulawesi Island. These events transferred the stress to the surrounding faults, which can promote or inhibit the critical condition in a fault, thus evaluating the stress transfer from these earthquakes is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of fault behaviour. In this study, we investigate the effect of these large events by resolving the accumulated Coulomb stress change onto a multi-strike segment of the Poso fault. Additionally, we also used GPS measurement (Global Strain Rate Model) to estimate the increase in tectonic stress rate due to coupling of triple-junction plate convergence. The 2017 Poso earthquake induces positive stress changes (7 kPa to 27 kPa) in the central segment, negative changes (–4 kPa to –10 kPa) in the northern segment, and less significant effects in the southern segment. The 2018 Palu-Donggala earthquake imparts a notably high negative Coulomb stress (–16 kPa to –27 kPa) across the entire northern segment. Cumulatively, both earthquakes reduce Coulomb stress predominantly in the northern part of the Poso fault, suggesting a delayed critical point. Furthermore, the analysis of the Coulomb stress changes time function indicates that stress accumulation in the northern Poso fault is more modulated by large earthquakes, while stress accumulation in the southern segments may be more controlled by longterm tectonic stress loading. The stress accumulation model developed in this study can provide a guidance in better understanding further earthquake risk mitigation in central Sulawesi.

Psychological impacts of the Gaza war on Palestinian young adults: a cross-sectional study of depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD symptoms

BackgroundThe Gaza Strip has been embroiled in a violent military assault since October 2023, with an immense toll on the civilian population. Armed conflicts threaten the mental health of affected communities and survivors, and psychiatric morbidity increases with forced displacement and with severe and recurrent trauma. This study investigates the prevalence and predisposing factors of depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD symptoms in a group of young adult students from the Gaza Strip during the war.MethodsA cross-sectional, internet-based survey recruited medical students from the Gaza Strip and used the DASS21, SWLS, and PCL-5 instruments. PTSD diagnosis required having a PCL-5 score ≥ 23 and fulfilling the DSM-5 criteria. Rates of depression, anxiety, stress, and life satisfaction were compared with a previous dataset collected in 2022. Finally, logistic regression models were fitted using R software to identify factors significantly associated with depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD.ResultsThree hundred thirty-nine medical students participated. Most had been displaced several times, and the great majority had lost a relative, colleague, or friend. Also, a majority had lost their homes and income. 97.05% of participants suffered mild depressive symptoms or higher, while 84.37% and 90.56% reported mild anxiety and mild stress symptoms or higher, respectively. High levels of life dissatisfaction were also found, and 63.40% suffered from PTSD. Symptoms were significantly more prevalent than baseline rates. All participants with PTSD had at least one psychiatric comorbidity. Living in a shelter and having moderate stress symptoms or higher were significantly associated with depression. Being a female, losing a friend, having moderate stress symptoms or higher, and having PTSD predicted having moderate anxiety or higher. Having moderate or higher depression symptoms, moderate or higher anxiety symptoms, and PTSD predicted having moderate stress symptoms or higher. Finally, moderate or higher anxiety and stress symptoms predicted having PTSD.ConclusionThe study detected very high rates of psychiatric disorders among its population of young adult medical students and outlined a myriad of risk factors associated with higher comorbidity. Interventions are needed to prevent a brewing mental health crisis in the Gaza Strip.

Predicting the evolution of texture and grain size during deformation and recrystallization of polycrystals using field fluctuations viscoplastic self-consistent crystal plasticity

This paper advances a recent formulation of a field fluctuations viscoplastic self-consistent (FF-VPSC) crystal plasticity model to predict not only the evolution of texture in polycrystalline metals undergoing deformation and recrystallization but also the evolution of grain size. The model considers stress and lattice rotation rate fluctuations inside grains to calculate intragranular misorientation spreads. The spreads are used for modeling of grain fragmentation during deformation and grain nucleation during recrystallization enabling the predictions of concomitant evolution of texture and grain size distributions. The evolutions of textures and grain size distributions are first simulated for commercially pure Cu undergoing severe plastic deformation (SPD) in high pressure torsion to agree well with corresponding experimental data. Next, the evolution of texture and grain size in an aluminum alloy (AA) 5182-O after simple tension and static recrystallization are predicted and compared with experiments. Finally, the predictions of texture and grain size distributions in a magnesium alloy WE43 undergoing a thermo-mechanical loading in the dynamic recrystallization regime are presented and compared with experiments. After validation, the model is coupled with the implicit finite element method (FEM) via a user-material subroutine (UMAT) in Abaqus to facilitate modeling of complex boundary conditions and geometries. The multilevel approach is referred to as FE-FF-VPSC in which every integration point embeds the FF-VPSC constitutive law, considering texture evolution and the directionality of deformation mechanisms operating at the single crystal level. FE-FF-VPSC is applied to simulate a sequence of rolling, recrystallization, and deep drawing of a circular cup of AA6022-T4. The simulated processing sequence demonstrates the versatility of the simulation framework developed in the present paper in not only predicting texture and grain size evolution and phenomena pertaining to behavior of materials but also geometrical shape changes important for the optimization of metal forming processes. To this end, the effects of initial texture and underlying anisotropy on the formation of earing profiles during deep drawing are simulated and discussed.

Sustaining the best and the brightest: empowering new early childhood teachers through mentoring

PurposeRetention of early childhood teachers in Australia is a critical issue, particularly for new teachers. The demanding nature of new teachers’ everyday work and high rates of stress and burnout have resulted in teachers leaving the sector. By designing a formal mentoring project, our aim was to support teachers to stay and flourish as respected professionals. This paper presents findings from the perspective of the mentees – new teachers in their first five years of employment in the sector.Design/methodology/approachWe designed and offered a two-phase multi-layered mentoring project to 145 new teachers (mentees) matched with 51 experienced teachers (mentors). It began with a mentor training course implemented by three experienced early childhood education academics and utilised a community of practice approach (Lave and Wenger, 1991). Data collected throughout the project included a pre- and post-survey and a needs satisfaction and frustration scale.FindingsAnalysis of survey data shows that mentee new teachers gained a better understanding of their role and built connections with peers and leaders. Survey data also demonstrates that effective mentoring can successfully contribute to addressing workforce challenges faced by early childhood teachers.Originality/valueThe project makes an original contribution through the design, implementation and evaluation of an innovative online mentoring project for teachers employed across the state of New South Wales, Australia.

Professional Self-Care in Social Work Practice: A New Conceptual Framework.

Social work practitioners have experienced increased rates of burnout, fatigue, and occupational stress. To combat deteriorating mental health, the National Association of Social Workers' Code of Ethics has called for a renewed focus on self-care practice. Yet, self-care education often fails to consider how to integrate practices into the workplace, especially with constrained resources and increasing caseloads. The purpose of this study was to examine healthcare social workers' perceptions of self-care in the workplace. Semistructured virtual interviews were conducted with healthcare social workers (N = 43) across the state of Texas. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and redacted to protect participant confidentiality. Through content analysis, the research team analyzed transcripts by selecting meaningful units of text to create codes and categories. Themes were then developed, and the research team refined codes, discussed inconsistencies, and reached consensus. Findings demonstrate self-care in the workplace includes (a) individual strategies, identified by strong and trustworthy peer support systems and boundary management; (b) intrapersonal strategies, identified by formal supervision and advocacy and activism; and (c) institutional strategies, identified by ethical workplace cultures that invest in mental health and explicitly value social work. These data inform a framework to adapt self-care from an individual necessity to a shared responsibility among organizational leadership.

Drivers of ecological drought recovery: Insights from meteorological and soil drought impact

Prolonged droughts typically have more severe impacts on ecosystems. The recovery time (RT) from drought is a crucial indicator for assessing the extent of drought impact on ecosystems. However, the drought recovery extent and dominant factors in the recovery characteristics of ecological drought (ED) from meteorological drought (MD) and soil drought (SD) remain to be further clarified. Therefore, this study employs reanalysis data and remote sensing vegetation indices to analyze the spatial patterns of ED recovery times from MD/SD (MRT/SRT). The dominant factors affecting RT across climatic zones were identified using random forest regression models and partial correlation, and the response characteristics of RT to these dominant factors under different land cover and irrigation types were explored. Regions with high recovery pressure and differential rates were identified, and their driving factors were explored. The results show that the SRT in China is approximately twice the MRT. Farmland experiences the highest MRT (4.9 months), particularly in the continuous and double-cropping irrigation areas of North China, while bare ground has the highest average SRT (6.4 months). MRT/SRT in China is most significantly influenced by surface temperature (TEM) and atmospheric vapor pressure deficit (VPD) during the recovery period, showing a predominant positive response to dominant factors across climatic zones. Grassland RT is notably affected by variations in all types of climatic factors. However, an increase in TEM and VPD significantly extends the RT of farmlands, especially in the double-cropping irrigation areas of North and Central China. Compared to MD, ED has more difficulty recovering from SD, exhibiting higher RT, recovery stress, and recovery differential rate. Decrease in soil moisture (SM) lead to poorer drought recovery outcomes. This study uncovers the differentiated recovery characteristics of ED in response to various types of drought and their dominant factors, deepening our understanding of the recovery process among different types of drought.

Physiological and Psychological Stress Reactivity in Narcolepsy Type 1.

Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is a chronic sleep-wake disorder, characterized by a loss of hypocretin production. Unexpectedly, in post-mortem tissue of people with NT1 there is a loss of corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) in the paraventricular nucleus. CRH is known as activator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in response to stress. This activation results in the release of the stress hormones adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol. We hypothesize an altered physiological and psychological stress response in NT1. Participants were people with NT1 (n=14) and matched healthy controls (n=12). The Trier Social Stress Test for Groups (TSST-G), a validated socially evaluated stress test in controlled settings, induced acute stress. We measured ACTH and cortisol levels in blood before and at three timepoints after the TSST-G. We also measured subjective stress and heart rate levels. In both groups, acute stress led to increases in ACTH (p=0.006), cortisol (p<0.001), heart rate (p<0.001) and subjective stress (p<0.001). Subjectively, people with NT1 experienced more stress than controls (p<0.001). No differences were found in heart rate, cortisol, and ACTH between people with NT1 and controls at any timepoint. Secondary analyses showed that men with NT1 had lower cortisol levels immediately after stress induction than men in the control group (p=0.002). People with NT1 show an increased subjective stress response, but no changes in their endocrine or cardiovascular stress reactivity. Further research is required to determine the impact of reduced CRH production and gender in NT1.

Description of nonlinear viscous and viscoelastic properties of polyacrylamide solution under loading

Background. Currently, the solution of the problem of describing the rheological behavior of viscoelastic and nonlinear viscous properties of liquid and solid-like materials is far from perfect. For successful application of polymer systems to enhance oil recovery and for preparation of fracturing fluids and drilling fluids, knowledge of their rheological properties is necessary. Objective. To determine the nonlinear viscous and viscoelastic properties of polyacrylamide solution. Material and methods. We made an attempt to describe the rheological behavior of a polyacrylamide solution depending on the shear rate and on the loading time. A binomial rheological model was used to describe steady-state stresses at different shear rates, which showed a high degree of accuracy. To describe the stress from time, we proposed to use a numerical solution of a system of two differential equations representing the well-known Maxwell and Kelvin–Voigt equations. To describe the initial section of the curves for times less than 0.05 s, a model with a variable modulus of elasticity was used. Results. A high degree of correspondence of experimental and design stresses with a time of more than 0.05 s was achieved. The overall solution was achieved by combining two solutions based on shear rate and shear stress. Relationships with high correlation coefficients were found between the elastic modulus, viscosities of Maxwell and Kelvin and the shear stress and shear rate. Conclusions. We show that in addition to the “ordinary” shear rate determined by the rotation of the viscometer cylinder, it is necessary to consider an additional shear rate due to stress changes in time. Due to this approach, a description of the stress maximum and its displacement from the shear rate can be made. We note that the additional shear rate occurred immediately after the start of loading, rather than at the time of stress drop, as commonly believed.

The Interaction of Polygenic Susceptibility to Stress and Childhood Adversity Dimensions Predicts Longitudinal Trajectories of Stress-Sensitivity.

Stress-sensitivity (SS) is considered a psychobiological trait possibly resulting from the interaction of genetic and environmental factors (GxE). This study examined whether the interaction of SS-related genetic markers with interview-based dimensions of childhood adversity predicted longitudinal trajectories of low versus high SS. Participants were nonclinically-ascertained young adults comprising normative and elevated scores on schizotypy. SS trajectories were defined in a previous report based on three prospective assessments (23.5, 25, 28 years-old) of both retrospective (Perceived Stress Scale; PSS) and momentary (Experience Sampling Methodology; ESM) stress ratings. A total of n=177 and n=165 participants with PSS and ESM stress-sensitivity trajectories, respectively, as well as genetic data, were included in the study. GxE effects between a SS Polygenic Risk Score (PRS-SS) and a Genetic Risk Score of the Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal axis (GRS-HPA) with childhood adversity dimensions (Intrafamilial Adversity, Threat and Deprivation) on SS trajectories were examined. Threat was the most consistent predictor of persistently high SS. PRS-SS moderated the association of Threat with high-PSS. GRS-HPA moderated the effects of all adversity dimensions on high-PSS. The interaction of PRS-SS with Deprivation and GRS-HPA with Intrafamilial Adversity predicted trajectories of momentary social stress, but the effects were driven by those with lower genetic susceptibility. Genetic-HPA-axis moderates the effects of all adversity dimensions on persistent SS trajectories, as well as PRS-SS and Threat, particularly for retrospective stress measure. The findings highlight the complex interplay between GxE factors and suggest that PSS may better capture SS trait. Including biologically-meaningful GRS indexing SS and adversity dimensions in future studies using comprehensive stress measures would enhance our knowledge on high SS susceptibility and its relationship with diverse psychopathological outcomes.

Numerical prediction and experiments for 3D crack propagation in brittle materials based on 3D-generalized maximum tangential strain criterion

Accurately predicting and tracing the three-dimensional (3D) propagation and fracture trajectory of a crack inside brittle materials is challenging. One difficulty is that the 3D crack propagation exhibits complex I/II/III mixed-mode expansion, and there is a lack of accurate crack initiation criteria and effective simulation methods. In our previous studies, the 3D-generalized maximum tangential strain (3D-GMTSN) criterion was proposed to determine the direction and onset of 3D fracture initiation. In this study, a Python program based on the 3D-GMTSN criterion is developed and integrated into FRANC3D to predict the 3D propagation trajectory of an arbitrary crack inside brittle solids. To verify the reliability of the new method, three different types of 3D crack modes, namely Internal Inclined Cracks Cuboid (IICC), Edge Notched Disc Bend (ENDB), and Three-Point Bending (TPB), are used for fracture experiments. The 3D crack propagation morphology is identified using high-resolution CT imaging techniques. The IICC, ENDB, and TPB models are simulated using the new method and the conventional numerical method based on the maximum shear stress (MSS), maximumtensile stress (MTS), and maximum energy release rate (MERR) criteria. Comparisons indicate that the proposed method based on the 3D-GMTSN criterion can predict the 3D crack propagation trajectory more accurately than the conventional methods.