bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microfluidic Concentration Enhancement of Bio-Analyte by Temperature Gradient Focusing via Joule Heating by DC Plus AC Field: A Numerical Approach
Authors: Dutta Amitava , Santra Apurba Kumar , Ganguly Ranjan
Published: March 2021

We present a detailed numerical analysis of electrophoresis induced concentration of a bio-analyte facilitated by temperature gradient focusing (TGF) in a phosphate buffer solution via Joule heating inside a converging–diverging microchannel. The purpose is to study the effects of frequency of AC field and channel width variation on the concentration of target analyte. We tune the buffer viscosity, conductivity, and electrophoretic mobility of the analyte such that the electrophoretic velocity of the analyte locally balances the electroosmotic flow (EOF) of the buffer, resulting in a local build-up of the analyte concentration in a target region. An AC field is superimposed on the applied DC field within the microchannel in such a way that the back pressure effect is minimized, resulting in minimum dispersion and high concentration of the target analyte. Axial transport of fluorescein-Na in the phosphate buffer solution is controlled by inducing temperature gradient through Joule heating. The technique leverages the fact that the buffer’s ionic strength and viscosity depend on temperature, which in turn guides the analyte transport. A numerical model is proposed and a finite element-based solution of the coupled electric field, mass, momentum, energy, and species transport equations are carried out. Simulation predict peak of 670-fold concentration of fluorescein-Na is achieved. The peak concentration is found to increase sharply as the channel throat width decreases, while the axial spread of concentrated analyte increases at lower frequency of AC field. The results of the work may improve the design of micro concentrator.
Lumped, Constrained Cable Modeling With Explicit State-Space Formulation Using An Elastic Version of Baumgarte Stabilization
Authors: Skjong Stian , Reite Karl Johan , Aarsæther Karl Gunnar
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a modeling approach for efficient simulation of slender structures, such as wires, cables and ropes. Lumped structural elements are connected using constraints. These are solved explicitly, using an elastic version of Baumgarte stabilization. This avoids singularities in the matrix inversions. The resulting explicit state-space formulation filters the higher order dynamics and can be solved using simple numerical integration methods. Constraints are demonstrated for modeling different aspects: Internal cable forces, one cable sliding along another cable and contact between cable and seabed. Also, a cable initialization routine is presented for rapid building of different interconnected cable geometries, ranging from cases in offshore crane operations to in-sea equipment such as seismic cables. Two case studies are presented to illustrate the effectiveness and the robustness of the proposed modeling approach; the first one being a test of two connected, sinking cables, and the last one being a larger case demonstrating the use of the cable library in an offshore seismic survey case.
A Recursive Characteristics Analysis-Based Stationarity Evaluation Model for Friction-Induced Attractors in the Sliding Friction Process
Authors: Sun Guodong , Zhang Ying , Zhang Chao , Lang Shihui , Zhu Hua
Published: March 2021

In this study, the coefficient of friction (COF) signals throughout the running-in process were examined by sliding a ring against a static disc. By reconstructing the scalar time-series into multi-dimensional phase spaces, friction-induced attractors were obtained and quantified by recursive characteristics analysis, which can effectively realize the running-in status identification. Moreover, a recursive characteristics analysis-based evaluation model was established to investigate the stationarity of the friction-induced attractors based on the recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) measures. The analyses of the numerically simulated signals and experimental results indicate that the extracted model is an intuitive and effective method. Furthermore, to improve the stationary of the friction-induced attractors, the normal pressure should be low, whereas the relative sliding velocities should be increased appropriately. These results would contribute to the revelation of the recursive characteristics of the tribosystem and the improvement of the stationarity of friction-induced attractors.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of the Effect of Temperature and Strain Rate on the Plastic Deformation of Body-Centered Cubic Iron Nanowires
Authors: Wu Qian , Wang Yong , Han Tao , Wang Hongtao , Han Laihui , Bao Liangliang
Published: March 2021

The tensile tests of body-centered cubic (BCC) Fe nanowires were simulated through molecular dynamics methods. The temperature and strain rate effects on the mechanical properties as well as the orientation-dependent plastic deformation mechanism were analyzed. For [001]-oriented BCC Fe nanowires, as the temperature increased, the yield stress and Young’s modulus decreased. While the yield stress and Young’s modulus increased as the strain rate increased. With the increase in temperature, when the temperature was less than 400 K, the twin propagation stress decreased dramatically, and then tended to reach a saturation value at higher temperatures. Under different temperatures and strain rates, the [001]-oriented Fe nanowires all deformed by twinning. The oscillation stage in the stress–strain curve corresponds to the process from the nucleation of the twin to the reorientation of the nanowire. For [110]-oriented Fe nanowires, the plastic deformation is dominated by dislocation slip. The independent events such as the nucleation, slip, and annihilation of dislocations are the causes of the unsteady fluctuations in the stress–strain curve. The Fe nanowires eventually undergo shear damage along the dominant slip surface.
Self-assembled nanocolumns in Bi2Se3 grown by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Ginley Theresa P. , Law Stephanie
Published: March 2021

Layered van der Waals (vdW) materials grown by physical vapor deposition techniques are generally assumed to have a weak interaction with the substrate during growth. This leads to films with relatively small domains that are usually triangular and a terraced morphology. In this paper, we demonstrate that Bi2Se3, a prototypical vdW material, will form a nanocolumn morphology when grown on GaAs(001) substrates. This morphology is explained by a relatively strong film/substrate interaction, long adatom diffusion lengths, and a high reactive selenium flux. This discovery paves the way toward the growth of self-assembled vdW structures even in the absence of strain.
Stoichiometry controlled homogeneous ternary oxide growth in showerhead atomic layer deposition reactor and application for ZrxHf1−xO2
Authors: Muneshwar Triratna , Barlage Doug , Cadien Ken
Published: March 2021

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes for binary oxide (AOy or BOz) growth consist of a sequential introduction of metal precursor (precursor-A or precursor-B) and oxidant-O such that the respective surface reactions are self-limiting with respect to precursor and oxidant exposure times (tA or tB and tO). This approach has been further extended for ternary oxide AδB1−δOλ deposition with (i) super-cycle ALD method (where each super-cycle comprises of m-cycles of AOy ALD followed by n-cycles of BOz ALD), (ii) precursor co-dosing method (where precursor-A and precursor-B are simultaneously pulsed followed by an oxidant-O pulse), and (iii) 3-step ALD (where precursor-A, precursor-B, and oxidant-O are sequentially pulsed). In this Letter, we present a subsaturation pulse initiated 3-step process with ApBO… pulsing sequence for ternary oxide AδB1−δOλ deposition in showerhead ALD reactors. Here, the pulse-Ap reaction step is controlled in the subsaturation regime, while both pulse-B and pulse-O reaction steps are allowed to reach saturation as in a typical ALD. From kinetic simulations, we show that the chemisorbed –Ache surface coverage [Ache] could be controlled below its saturation limit [Ache]sat with exposure time tA and precursor impingement rate kAin in the pulse-Ap reaction step. Furthermore, with precursor transport model, we show that kAin could be varied with a better control using ampoule temperature TampA and precursor-A carrier gas flow FiA together than using TampA alone. As example, we report ZrpHfO… pulsed deposition of ZrxHf1−xO2 ternary oxide samples ZHO1–ZHO4 in a showerhead ALD reactor, and from quantitative XPS analysis, we show that the Zr-fraction (x) could be varied in the range of 0.094 ≤ x ≤ 0.159 with Zr-carrier gas flow FArZr.
Comparison of Frontal and Transverse Plane Kinematics Related to Knee Injury in Novice Versus Experienced Female Runners
Authors: Harrison Kathryn , Sima Adam , Zernicke Ronald , Darter Benjamin J. , Shall Mary , Williams D.S. Blaise , Finucane Sheryl
Published: March 2021

Novice runners experience a higher incidence of knee injury than experienced runners, which may be related to aberrant frontal and transverse plane kinematics. However, differences in kinematics between novice and experienced runners have not been fully explored. For this study, 10 novice and 10 experienced female runners ran on a treadmill at 2.68 m/s. Ankle, knee, and hip joint angles during the stance phase were measured using a 3-dimensional motion capture system and modeled using cubic splines. Spline models were compared between groups using a generalized linear model (α = .05). Ninety-five percent confidence intervals of the difference between joint angles throughout stance were constructed to identify specific periods of stance where groups differed in joint position. Angle–angle diagrams of ankle and hip position in the frontal and transverse planes were constructed to depict joint coordination. Novice runners displayed less hip adduction, but greater knee abduction and knee internal rotation compared to experienced runners. Differences in knee joint position may be explained by coordination of hip and ankle motion. Greater knee abduction and knee internal rotation displayed by novice runners compared with experienced runners may help to explain their higher risk for injury.
Amine-Linked Flavonoids as Agents against Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Authors: Chan Chin-Fung , Liu Zhen , Wong Iris L. K. , Zhao Xianliang , Yang Zaofeng , Zheng Jiale , Lee Marianne M. , Chan Michael K. , Chan Tak Hang , Chow Larry M. C.
Published: March 2021

We have designed, synthesized, and characterized a library of 38 novel flavonoid compounds linked with amines. Some of these amine-linked flavonoids have potent
in vitro
activity against parasites that cause cutaneous leishmaniasis, a tropical disease endemic in 80 countries worldwide.
Modern Arctic Climate Research: Progress, Change of Concepts, and Urgent Problems
Authors: Semenov V. A.
Published: March 2021

A review of some major advances in studies of Arctic climate change in the last decade is presented. Mechanisms of positive feedbacks leading to accelerated climate changes in the northern high latitudes are considered. Some recently popular hypotheses of the rapid Arctic climate change that failed when confronted with observed climate changes are exemplified. Urgent problems regarding Arctic climate change are formulated.
Rare case of red tears: ocular vicarious menstruation
Authors: Ghosh Soumitra , Tale Sudheer , Handa Neha , Bhalla Ashish
Published: March 2021

Bloody tears or haemolacria is a rare clinical entity. It is caused by various ocular and systemic conditions. Haemolacria due to vicarious menstruation is even rarer. In this article, we presented a case of cyclical episodes of bloody tears coinciding with menstrual cycle in a 25-year-old married female patient. Extensive physical, ophthalmological and radiological evaluation failed to reveal other potential causes of her complaint. A diagnosis of ocular vicarious menstruation was made and she was treated with oral contraceptive pills. No such episode recurred during 3 months follow-up period.
Ileal cavernous haemangioma in an adult presenting as a rare cause of small bowel obstruction
Authors: Majethia Hitali Vasant , Dhakre Vijay Waman , Gheewala Husain , Bhuta Prajesh
Published: March 2021

Haemangiomas of the small bowel are a very rare entity and rarely considered as an aetiology for an intestinal obstruction. Contrast-enhanced CT is the investigation of choice but the lesion can be confused with malignancy or rarely a neuroendocrine tumour. Commonly it presents as abdominal pain with anaemia and/or melaena. With patients presenting without obstruction or acute gastrointestinal bleed, capsule endoscopy has shown to be a useful diagnostic tool.

We present here our experience of managing a case of a patient with ileal haemangioma who presented with a subacute small bowel obstruction and underwent a laparoscopic-assisted ileal segmental resection with side-to-side anastomosis. The lesion was a cavernous haemangioma on histopathological analysis.
Silicone oil-associated orbital cellulitis with lipogranulomatous inflammation in the setting of HIV: a management challenge and clinicopathological correlation
Authors: Chauhan Khushboo , Sabarwal Sunita , Soni Deepak , Karkhur Samendra
Published: March 2021

A 58-year-old Indian man presented with pain and redness of the left eye (OS) for one day. Patient had undergone silicone oil removal in OS for emulsified oil following vitrectomy and oil tamponade six months ago when he was diagnosed with retinal detachment in both eyes due to HIV retinopathy. Retinal detachment in the right eye (OD) was inoperable and had turned prephthisical at presentation, while his vision in OS was finger counting. Intraocular pressure in OD was 8 mm Hg and unrecordably elevated in OS. Extraocular movements were limited by periorbital oedema and proptosis. Slit-lamp examination revealed corneal haze, cells 2+/flare 1+ with pseudophakia, and attached retina. Histopathology showed lipogranulomatous inflammation, hitherto unreported in association with silicone oil. The index case posed a management challenge since his only functional eye had potentially been compromised by glaucoma and orbital cellulitis with compartment syndrome, against the backdrop of an immunocompromised status.
Paraparesis in a patient with advanced HIV infection: a diagnostic conundrum
Authors: John Anupa , Gupta Nitin , Saravu Kavitha
Published: March 2021

In patients with HIV infection, lower limb weakness is a result of the pathological involvement of the brain, spinal cord or peripheral nervous system. The pathological process can be opportunistic infections, nutrient deficiencies, neoplastic infiltration or HIV itself. Here, we present the case of a 50-year-old manual labourer who presented with gradually progressive lower limb weakness, sensory disturbances, impotence and urinary urgency. He was diagnosed with HIV during evaluation. Based on the presentation and other supportive laboratory and radiological evidence, the following differentials were considered: vacuolar myelopathy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and myeloradiculopathy. The patient was initiated on antiretroviral therapy, and he showed significant improvement of symptoms on follow-up. We report this case to discuss the diagnostic puzzle.
Single leg hop for distance symmetry masks lower limb biomechanics: time to discuss hop distance as decision criterion for return to sport after ACL reconstruction?
Authors: Kotsifaki Argyro , Whiteley Rod , Van Rossom Sam , Korakakis Vasileios , Bahr Roald , Sideris Vasileios , Graham-Smith Philip , Jonkers Ilse
Published: March 2021

Background

We evaluated the lower limb status of athletes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) during the propulsion and landing phases of a single leg hop for distance (SLHD) task after they had been cleared to return to sport. We wanted to evaluate the biomechanical components of the involved (operated) and uninvolved legs of athletes with ACLR and compare these legs with those of uninjured athletes (controls).

Methods

We captured standard video-based three-dimensional motion and electromyography (EMG) in 26 athletes after ACLR and 23 healthy controls during SLHD and calculated lower limb and trunk kinematics. We calculated lower limb joint moments and work using inverse dynamics and computed lower limb muscle forces using an EMG-constrained musculoskeletal modelling approach. Between-limb (within ACLR athletes) and between-group differences (between ACLR athletes and controls) were evaluated using paired and independent sample t-tests, respectively.

Results

Significant differences in kinematics (effect sizes ranging from 0.42 to 1.56), moments (0.39 to 1.08), and joint work contribution (0.55 to 1.04) were seen between the involved and uninvolved legs, as well as between groups. Athletes after ACLR achieved a 97%±4% limb symmetry index in hop distance but the symmetry in work done by the knee during propulsion was only 69%. During landing, the involved knee absorbed less work than the uninvolved, while the uninvolved knee absorbed more work than the control group. Athletes after ACLR compensated for lower knee work with greater hip work contribution and by landing with more hip flexion, anterior pelvis tilt, and trunk flexion.

Conclusion

Symmetry in performance on a SLHD test does not ensure symmetry in lower limb biomechanics. The distance hopped is a poor measure of knee function, and largely reflects hip and ankle function. Male athletes after ACLR selectively unload the involved limb but outperform controls on the uninvolved knee.
Public health measures to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Canada during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review
Authors: Polisena Julie , Ospina Maria , Sanni Omolara , Matenchuk Brittany , Livergant Rachel , Amjad Sana , Zoric Igor , Haddad Nisrine , Morrison Andra , Wilson Kumanan , Bogoch Isaac , Welch Vivian A
Published: March 2021

Objective

The main objectives of this study were to synthesise and compare pandemic preparedness strategies issued by the federal and provincial/territorial (P/T) governments in Canada and to assess whether COVID-19 public health (PH) measures were tailored towards priority populations, as defined by relevant social determinants of health.

Methods

This scoping review searched federal and P/T websites on daily COVID-19 pandemic preparedness strategies between 30 January and 30 April 2020. The PROGRESS-Plus equity-lens framework was used to define priority populations. All definitions, policies and guidelines of PH strategies implemented by the federal and P/T governments to reduce risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission were included. PH measures were classified using a modified Public Health Agency of Canada Framework for Canadian Pandemic Influenza Preparedness.

Results

A total of 722 COVID-19 PH measures were issued during the study period. Of these, home quarantine (voluntary) (n=13.0%; 94/722) and retail/commerce restrictions (10.9%; n=79/722) were the most common measures introduced. Many of the PH orders, including physical distancing, cancellation of mass gatherings, school closures or retail/commerce restrictions began to be introduced after 11 March 2020. Lifting of some of the PH orders in phases to reopen the economy began in April 2020 (6.5%; n=47/722). The majority (68%, n=491/722) of COVID-19 PH announcements were deemed mandatory, while 32% (n=231/722) were recommendations. Several PH measures (28.0%, n=202/722) targeted a variety of groups at risk of socially produced health inequalities, such as age, religion, occupation and migration status.

Conclusions

Most PH measures centred on limiting contact between people who were not from the same household. PH measures were evolutionary in nature, reflecting new evidence that emerged throughout the pandemic. Although ~30% of all implemented COVID-19 PH measures were tailored towards priority groups, there were still unintended consequences on these populations.
Effects of cosmetic and other camouflage interventions on appearance-related and psychological outcomes among adults with visible differences in appearance: a systematic review
Authors: Gholizadeh Shadi , Rice Danielle B , Carboni-Jiménez Andrea , Kwakkenbos Linda , Boruff Jill , Krishnan Ankur , Malcarne Vanessa L , Thombs Brett D
Published: March 2021

Objective

Visible differences in appearance are associated with poor social and psychological outcomes. Effectiveness of non-surgical cosmetic and other camouflage interventions is poorly understood. The objective was to evaluate effects of cosmetic and other camouflage interventions on appearance-related outcomes, general psychological outcomes and adverse effects for adults with visible appearance differences.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), PsycINFO (Ovid) CINAHL and Cochrane Central databases searched from inception to 24 October 2020. Two reviewers independently reviewed titles and abstracts and full texts.

Eligibility criteria

Randomised controlled trials in any language on non-surgical cosmetic or other camouflage interventions that reported appearance-related outcomes, general psychological outcomes or adverse effects for adults with visible appearance differences.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers independently extracted data, assessed intervention reporting using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist, and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Outcomes included appearance-related outcomes, general psychological outcomes (eg, depression, anxiety) and adverse effects.

Results

One head-to-head trial and five trials with waiting list or routine care comparators were included. All had unclear or high risk of bias in at least five of seven domains. Effect sizes could not be determined for most outcomes due to poor reporting. Between-group statistically significant differences were not reported for any appearance-related outcomes and for only 5 of 25 (20%) other psychological outcomes. Given heterogeneity of populations and interventions, poor reporting and high risk of bias, quantitative synthesis was not possible.

Conclusions

Conclusions about effectiveness of non-surgical cosmetic or other camouflage interventions could not be drawn. Well-designed and conducted trials are needed. Without such evidence, clinicians or other qualified individuals should engage with patients interested in cosmetic interventions in shared decision making, outlining potential benefits and harms, and the lack of evidence to inform decisions.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018103421.
The ethical dilemma of emergency department patients with low-risk chest pain
Authors: Hendley Nella W , Moskop John , Ashburn Nicklaus P , Mahler SA , Stopyra Jason P
Published: March 2021

Millions of patients present to US EDs each year with symptoms concerning for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but fewer than 10% are ultimately diagnosed with ACS. Well-tested and externally validated accelerated diagnostic protocols were developed to aid providers in risk stratifying patients with possible ACS and have become central components of current ED practice guidelines. Nevertheless, the fear of missing ACS continues to be a strong motivator for ED providers to pursue further testing for their patients. An ethical dilemma arises when the provider must balance the risk of ACS if the patient is discharged compared with the potential harms caused by a cardiac workup. Providers should be familiar with the ethical principles relevant to this dilemma in order to determine what is in the best interests of the patient.
Widespread gaps in the quality of care for primary biliary cholangitis in UK
Authors: Sivakumar Mathuri , Gandhi Akash , Shakweh Eathar , Li Yu Meng , Safinia Niloufar , Smith Belinda Claire , Marshall Aileen , Turner Lucy , Mukhopadhya Ashis , Haboubi Hasan Nadim , Vincent Rebecca , Tan Huey Kuan , Alrubaiy Laith , Jones David E J
Published: March 2021

Objective

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a progressive, autoimmune, cholestatic liver disease affecting approximately 15 000 individuals in the UK. Updated guidelines for the management of PBC were published by The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) in 2017. We report on the first national, pilot audit that assesses the quality of care and adherence to guidelines.

Design

Data were collected from 11 National Health Service hospitals in England, Wales and Scotland between 2017 and 2020. Data on patient demographics, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) dosing and key guideline recommendations were captured from medical records. Results from each hospital were evaluated for target achievement and underwent χ2analysis for variation in performance between trusts.

Results

790 patients’ medical records were reviewed. The data demonstrated that the majority of hospitals did not meet all of the recommended EASL standards. Standards with the lowest likelihood of being met were identified as optimal UDCA dosing, assessment of bone density and assessment of clinical symptoms (pruritus and fatigue). Significant variations in meeting these three standards were observed across UK, in addition to assessment of biochemical response to UDCA (all p<0.0001) and assessment of transplant eligibility in high-risk patients (p=0.0297).

Conclusion

Our findings identify a broad-based deficiency in ‘real-world’ PBC care, suggesting the need for an intervention to improve guideline adherence, ultimately improving patient outcomes. We developed the PBC Review tool and recommend its incorporation into clinical practice. As the first audit of its kind, it will be used to inform a future wide-scale reaudit.
Socioeconomic status during youth and risk of car crash during adulthood. Findings from the DRIVE cohort study
Authors: Mőller Holger , Rogers Kris , Cullen Patricia , Senserrick Teresa , Boufous Soufiane , Ivers Rebecca
Published: March 2021

Background

Young drivers of low socioeconomic status (SES) have a disproportionally high risk of crashing compared with their more affluent counterparts. Little is known if this risk persists into adulthood and if it differs between men and women.

Methods

We used data from a 2003/2004 Australian survey of young drivers (n=20 806), which included measures of drivers’ demographics and established crash risk factors. These data were linked to police-reported crash, hospital and death data up to 2016. We used negative binomial regression models to estimate the association between participants’ SES, with car crash.

Results

After adjusting for confounding, drivers of lowest SES had 1.30 (95% CI 1.20 to 1.42), 1.90 (95% CI 1.25 to 2.88), 3.09 (95% CI 2.41 to 3.95) and 2.28 (95% CI 1.85 to 2.82) times higher rate of crash, crash-related hospitalisation, crash in country areas and crash on streets with a speed limit of 80 km/hour or above compared with drivers of highest SES, respectively. For single-vehicle crashes, women in the lowest SES groups had 2.88 (95% CI 1.83 to 4.54) times higher rate of crash compared with those in the highest SES group, but no differences were observed for men from different SES groups.

Conclusion

Young drivers who lived in areas of low SES at the time of the survey had a sustained increased risk of crash over the following 13 years compared with drivers from the most affluent areas. Our findings suggest that in addition to traditional measures, road transport injury prevention needs to consider the wider social determinants of health.
Intracerebral haemorrhage in patients with brain metastases receiving therapeutic anticoagulation
Authors: Wood Peter , Boyer Giovanni , Mehanna Elie , Cagney Daniel , Lamba Nayan , Catalano Paul , Connors Jean M , Hsu Liangge , Mendu Mallika , Tanguturi Shyam , Alexander Brian , Haas-Kogan Daphne , Aizer Ayal
Published: March 2021

Background

Venous thromboembolism is common in patients with solid malignancies and brain metastases. Whether to anticoagulate such patients is controversial given the possibility of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). We evaluated the added risk of ICH in patients with brain metastases receiving therapeutic anticoagulation.

Methods

We performed a matched, retrospective cohort study of 291 patients (100 receiving therapeutic anticoagulation vs 191 controls) with brain metastases managed at Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute between 1998 and 2015. For each patient, all MRI studies of the brain were reviewed to identify ICH. Propensity score matching and multivariable Cox regression were used to mitigate confounding.

Results

The risk of ICH was comparable in patients receiving anticoagulation versus controls preanticoagulation.Postanticoagulation, we observed significant or borderline-significant associations between anticoagulation and development of any ICH (HR 1.31, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.79, p=0.09), ICH as identified by gradient echo/susceptibility-weighted imaging (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.01, p=0.02), symptomatic ICH (HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.01 to 3.22, p=0.05), extralesional ICH (HR 5.82, 95% CI 1.56 to 21.7, p=0.009) and fatal ICH (HR 5.68, 95% CI 0.60 to 54.2, p=0.13). Anticoagulation was associated with differentially higher ICH risk in patients with prior ICH versus no prior ICH (HR 2.20 vs 0.68, respectively, p interaction <0.001) and symptomatic ICH risk in melanoma versus other primary malignancies (HR 6.46 vs 1.36, respectively, p interaction=0.02).

Conclusions

Anticoagulation is associated with clinically significant ICH in patients with brain metastases, especially those with melanoma or prior ICH. The indication for anticoagulation and risk of intracerebral bleeding should be considered on an individual basis among such patients.
Effects of modified risk tobacco product claims on consumer comprehension and risk perceptions of IQOS
Authors: Yang Bo , Massey Zachary B , Popova Lucy
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Tobacco industry studies on consumers’ perceptions of modified risk claims (MRCs) often had important omissions (eg, no control group, not investigating whether consumers understand what ‘switching completely’ means). This study examined the effects of IQOS MRCs on risk perceptions and behavioural intentions.

Method

Based on tobacco companies’ MRCs, we manipulated three MRC language features: explanation about ‘switching completely’ (absent vs present), number of diseases (single vs multiple) and language certainty (hypothetical vs certain). In an online experiment, we randomised 1523 US adult current smokers and 1391 young adult non-smokers to 1 of 9 conditions following a 2×2×2+1 control design. People reported their comprehension of ‘switching completely’, IQOS risk perceptions and behavioural intentions after message exposure.

Results

More smokers exposed to MRCs that included an explanation about ‘switching completely’ (22.2%) (vs explanation absent (11.2%) and control (10.7%)) mentioned that ‘switching completely’ meant smoking 0 cigarettes. Compared with the control, several MRCs (eg, certain language) produced lower perceived risk of IQOS, including for diseases not mentioned in the MRCs. MRCs using certain and hypothetical language did not differ on any outcomes. MRCs highlighting reduced risk for a single disease and multiple diseases did not differ on any outcomes. MRCs did not influence behavioural intentions.

Conclusion

The Food and Drug Administration should ensure that consumers understand what ‘switching completely’ means in an MRC and recognize that some language features may mislead consumers into believing that a product reduces the risk of diseases not mentioned in an MRC.
Characterization of physical literacy in children with chronic medical conditions compared with healthy controls: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Do Jeffrey , Blais Angelica , Feldman Brian , Brandão Leonardo R. , Lougheed Jane , Pohl Daniela , Klaassen Robert J. , Johnston Donna L. , De Laat Denise , Roth Johannes , Katz Sherri Lynne , McCormick Anna , Wright F. Virginia , Macartney Gail , McMillan Hugh J. , Venkateswaran Sunita , Sell Erick , Doja Asif , Matheson Katherine , Boafo Addo , Longmuir Patricia E.
Published: March 2021

To determine the physical literacy, defined as the capability for a physically active lifestyle, of children with medical conditions compared with healthy peers, this multicenter cross-sectional study recruited children with medical conditions from cardiology, neurology (including concussion), rheumatology, mental health, respirology, oncology, hematology, and rehabilitation (including cerebral palsy) clinics. Participants aged 8–12 years (N = 130; mean age: 10.0 ± 1.44 years; 44% female) were randomly matched to 3 healthy peers from a normative database, based on age, gender, and month of testing. Total physical literacy was assessed by the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy, a validated assessment of physical literacy measuring physical competence, daily behaviour, knowledge/understanding, and motivation/confidence. Total physical literacy mean scores (/100) did not differ (t(498) = –0.67; p = 0.44) between participants (61.0 ± 14.2) and matched healthy peers (62.0 ± 10.7). Children with medical conditions had lower mean physical competence scores (/30; –6.5 [–7.44 to –5.51]; p < 0.001) but higher mean motivation/confidence scores (/30; 2.6 [1.67 to 3.63]; p < 0.001). Mean daily behaviour and knowledge/understanding scores did not differ from matches (/30; 1.8 [0.26 to 3.33]; p = 0.02;/10; –0.04 [–0.38 to 0.30]; p = 0.81; respectively). Children with medical conditions are motivated to be physically active but demonstrate impaired movement skills and fitness, suggesting the need for targeted interventions to improve their physical competence.

Novelty: Physical literacy in children with diverse chronic medical conditions is similar to healthy peers. Children with medical conditions have lower physical competence than healthy peers, but higher motivation and confidence. Physical competence (motor skill, fitness) interventions, rather than motivation or education, are needed for these youth.
Dispersive analysis of the Primakoff reaction $$\gamma K \rightarrow K \pi $$
Authors: Dax Maximilian , Stamen Dominik , Kubis Bastian
Published: March 2021

We provide a dispersion-theoretical representation of the reaction amplitudes $$\gamma K\rightarrow K \pi $$

γ
K
→
K
π

in all charge channels, based on modern pion–kaon P-wave phase shift input. Crossed-channel singularities are fixed from phenomenology as far as possible. We demonstrate how the subtraction constants can be matched to a low-energy theorem and radiative couplings of the $$K^*(892)$$

K
∗

(
892
)

resonances, thereby providing a model-independent framework for future analyses of high-precision kaon Primakoff data.
Structure of gauge theories
Authors: Aldaya Víctor
Published: March 2021

Elementary interactions are formulated according to the principle of minimal interaction although paying special attention to symmetries. In fact, we aim at rewriting any field theory on the framework of Lie groups, so that, any basic and fundamental physical theory can be quantized on the grounds of a group approach to quantization. In this way, connection theory, although here presented in detail, can be replaced by “jet-gauge groups” and “jet-diffeomorphism groups.” In other words, objects like vector potentials or vierbeins can be given the character of group parameters in extended gauge groups or diffeomorphism groups. As a natural consequence of vector potentials in electroweak interactions being group variables, a typically experimental parameter like the Weinberg angle $$\vartheta _W$$

ϑ
W

is algebraically fixed. But more general remarkable examples of success of the present framework could be the possibility of properly quantizing massive Yang–Mills theories, on the basis of a generalized Non-Abelian Stueckelberg formalism where gauge symmetry is preserved, in contrast to the canonical quantization approach, which only provides either renormalizability or unitarity, but not both. It proves also remarkable the actual fixing of the Einstein Lagrangian in the vacuum by generalized symmetry requirements, in contrast to the standard gauge (diffeomorphism) symmetry, which only fixes the arguments of the possible Lagrangians.
Trimodal-random field Blume-Capel model
Authors: Albayrak Erhan
Published: March 2021

The external random magnetic field [Formula: see text] with three nodes, i.e. acting up and down along the [Formula: see text]-axis and zero, effective on the spins in the Blume-Capel model is analyzed on the Bethe lattice in terms of the exact recursion relations. All the nodes are assumed to have the same probability, [Formula: see text], so that the model could give various kinds of phase transitions. As a mapping of the phase transitions, the phase diagrams are constructed on two different planes which present very rich and interesting phase diagrams. In addition to the second- and first-order phase transitions, a few critical points, reentrant and double reentrant behaviors are also observed.
Fuzzy-Based Multi-Objective Design Optimization of Buried Pipelines
Authors: Ebenuwa Andrew Utomi , Tee Kong Fah , Zhang Yi
Published: March 2021

This paper proposes fuzzy-based multi-objective design optimization approach for the optimal analysis of buried pipe based on the expected value of a fuzzy output variable when the membership function is computed. The design of pipe structures is usually associated with uncertainties. Therefore, the principle of fuzzy set and a multi-objective optimization algorithm is applied to account for the variabilities associated with the uncertain parameters to ensure an acceptable performance against the impact of uncertainties. Different methods such as deterministic and non-deterministic methods have been proposed to model the effect of uncertainties and analyse the performance of engineering structure in the literature. Herein, a fuzzy-based uncertainty modelling approach that employs the optimal performance of a hybrid GA-GAM for the analysis of a buried pipeline is proposed. The purpose of the strategy is to optimise the design variable while considering the adverse effect of the uncertain fuzzy variables and variability of the structural performance. The uncertain fuzzy variable is used in the analysis to take into account the subjective nature of the corrosion process, while the entropy of a fuzzy variable used as a global measure of variable dispersion is employed to measure the variability and sensitivity of the structural response. The outcome of the fuzzy-based multi-objective design optimization provides a set of optimal solution for the analysis of fuzzy structure. Finally, the applicability and characteristic of this method are demonstrated using a numerical example, and the outcome denotes acceptable analytical tools for design engineers and can be applied to analyse other engineering structures.
Robust Hybrid Interval-Probabilistic Approach for the Kidnapped Robot Problem
Authors: Neuland Renata , Mantelli Mathias , Hummes Bernardo , Jaulin Luc , Maffei Renan , Prestes Edson , Kolberg Mariana
Published: March 2021

For a mobile robot to operate in its environment it is crucial to determine its position with respect to an external reference frame using noisy sensor readings. A scenario in which the robot is moved to another position during its operation without being told, known as the kidnapped robot problem, complicates global localisation. In addition to that, sensor malfunction and external influences of the environment can cause unexpected errors, called outliers, that negatively affect the localisation process. This paper proposes a method based on the fusion of a particle filter with bounded-error localisation, which is able to deal with outliers in the measurement data. The application of our algorithm to solve the kidnapped robot problem using simulated data shows an improvement over conventional probabilistic filtering methods.
Gaussian Image Binarization
Authors: Kang Henry , Stamoulis Ioannis
Published: March 2021

Line drawing and screentoning are two distinct areas of study in non-photorealistic rendering, where the former emphasizes object contours, while the latter conveys tone and shading information on object surfaces. As these two problems are concerned with different yet equally important features, either method seldom delivers a complete description of the scene when used alone. Yet, research community has largely treated them as separate problems and thus resulted in two entirely different sets of solutions, complicating both implementation and usage. In this paper, we present a stylistic image binarization method called hybrid difference of Gaussians (HDoG) that performs both line drawing and screentoning in a unified framework. Our method is based upon two different extensions of DoG operator: one for line extraction, and the other for tone description. In particular, we propose an extension called adaptive DoG, that uses luminance as weight to automatically generate screentone that adapts to the local tone. Experimental results demonstrate that our hybrid method effectively generates aesthetically pleasing image binarizations that encompass both line drawing and screentoning, closely resembling professional pen-and-ink illustrations. Also, being based on Gaussian filtering, our method is very fast and also easy to implement.
On exponential sums for coefficients of general L-functions
Authors: Hou Fei
Published: March 2021

We investigate the order of exponential sums involving the coefficients of general [Formula: see text]-functions satisfying a suitable functional equation and give some new estimates, including refining certain results in preceding works [X. Ren and Y. Ye, Resonance and rapid decay of exponential sums of Fourier coefficients of a Maass form for [Formula: see text], Sci. China Math. 58(10) (2015) 2105–2124; Y. Jiang and G. Lü, Oscillations of Fourier coefficients of Hecke–Maass forms and nonlinear exponential functions at primes, Funct. Approx. Comment. Math. 57 (2017) 185–204].
On the Control-Continuity of Linear Operators Over the Space of Henstock Integrable Vector-Valued Functions
Authors: Pérez-Becerra Tomás , Escamilla-Reyna Juan Alberto , Sánchez-Perales Salvador , Oliveros-Oliveros José Jacobo
Published: March 2021

We prove that the controlled continuity, induced by controlled convergence, and continuity in norm are equivalent for linear operators defined on the space of Henstock integrable vector-valued functions.
Flatter Is Better
Authors: Mansoury Masoud , Burke Robin , Mobasher Bamshad
Published: March 2021

It is well known that explicit user ratings in recommender systems are biased toward high ratings and that users differ significantly in their usage of the rating scale. Implementers usually compensate for these issues through rating normalization or the inclusion of a user bias term in factorization models. However, these methods adjust only for the central tendency of users’ distributions. In this work, we demonstrate that a lack of
flatness
in rating distributions is negatively correlated with recommendation performance. We propose a rating transformation model that compensates for skew in the rating distribution as well as its central tendency by converting ratings into percentile values as a pre-processing step before recommendation generation. This transformation flattens the rating distribution, better compensates for differences in rating distributions, and improves recommendation performance. We also show that a smoothed version of this transformation can yield more intuitive results for users with very narrow rating distributions. A comprehensive set of experiments, with state-of-the-art recommendation algorithms in four real-world datasets, show improved ranking performance for these percentile transformations.
TAAL
Authors: Jain Ayush , Zhou Ziqi , Guin Ujjwal
Published: March 2021

Due to the globalization of semiconductor manufacturing and test processes, the system-on-a-chip (SoC) designers no longer design the complete SoC and manufacture chips on their own. This outsourcing of the design and manufacturing of Integrated Circuits (ICs) has resulted in several threats, such as overproduction of ICs, sale of out-of-specification/rejected ICs, and piracy of Intellectual Properties (IPs). Logic locking has emerged as a promising defense strategy against these threats. However, various attacks about the extraction of secret keys have undermined the security of logic locking techniques. Over the years, researchers have proposed different techniques to prevent existing attacks. In this article, we propose a novel attack that can break any logic locking techniques that rely on the stored secret key. This proposed
TAAL
attack is based on implanting a hardware Trojan in the netlist, which leaks the secret key to an adversary once activated. As an untrusted foundry can extract the netlist of a design from the layout/mask information, it is feasible to implement such a hardware Trojan. All three proposed types of
TAAL
attacks can be used for extracting secret keys. We have introduced the models for both the combinational and sequential hardware Trojans that evade manufacturing tests. An adversary only needs to choose one hardware Trojan out of a large set of all possible Trojans to launch the
TAAL
attack.
Toward Confidential Cloud Computing
Authors: Russinovich Mark , Costa Manuel , Fournet Cédric , Chisnall David , Delignat-Lavaud Antoine , Clebsch Sylvan , Vaswani Kapil , Bhatia Vikas
Published: March 2021

Although largely driven by economies of scale, the development of the modern cloud also enables increased security. Large data centers provide aggregate availability, reliability, and security assurances. The operational cost of ensuring that operating systems, databases, and other services have secure configurations can be amortized among all tenants, allowing the cloud provider to employ experts who are responsible for security; this is often unfeasible for smaller businesses, where the role of systems administrator is often conflated with many others.
Reduced Gassing In Lithium-Ion Batteries With Organosilicon Additives
Authors: Guillot Sarah L. , Usrey Monica L. , Peña-Hueso Adrián , Kerber Brian M. , Zhou Liu , Du Peng , Johnson Tobias
Published: March 2021

The release of gases through electrolyte decomposition is a problem of prominent concern in the Li-ion battery industry, due to the negative impact of gassing on cell safety and performance. The development of new electrolytes and additives is essential in enabling low-gassing batteries. Organosilicon (OS) molecules, which merge a silane with a Li+ coordinating functionality, have been developed by Silatronix® as additions to conventional carbonate electrolytes, demonstrating critical high thermal and voltage stability to enable next-generation Li-ion batteries. In this study we report performance testing and fundamental mechanistic studies to investigate gassing phenomena in advanced Li-ion chemistries under storage test conditions. Novel organosilicon nitriles developed by Silatronix® as well as common gas reducing additives (i.e. 1,3-propanesultone, succinonitrile) were evaluated in a 4.35 V Graphite/NMC622 (LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2) multi-layer pouch cell. Potential synergies between OS materials and these additives were investigated. The dependence of gassing on electrolyte composition and test conditions was investigated, and connections between gassing behavior and electrode surface chemistry are also reported. Key experimental results show that all OS concentrations reduce gas generation during 60 °C storage, and higher OS content provides greater benefit. Overall, we show that organosilicon additives substantially reduce gassing from carbonate-based electrolytes while maintaining cell performance.