bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Represented but unequal: The contingent effect of legal representation in removal proceedings
Authors: Ryo Emily , Peacock Ian
Published: December 2021

Substantial research and policymaking have focused on the importance of lawyers in ensuring access to civil justice. But do lawyers matter more in cases decided by certain types of judges than others? Do lawyers matter more in certain political, legal, and organizational contexts than others? We explore these questions by investigating removal proceedings in the United States—a court process in which immigration judges decide whether to admit noncitizens into the United States or deport them. Drawing on over 1.9 million removal proceedings decided between 1998 and 2020, we examine whether the representation effect (the increased probability of a favorable outcome associated with legal representation) depends on judge characteristics and contextual factors. We find that the representation effect is larger among female (than male) judges and among more experienced judges. In addition, the representation effect is larger during Democratic presidential administrations, in immigration courts located in the Ninth Circuit, and in times of increasing caseload. These findings suggest that the representation effect depends on who the judge is and their decisional environment, and that increasing noncitzens' access to counsel—even of high quality—might be insufficient under current circumstances to ensure fair and consistent outcomes in immigration courts.
Academic Placement Data and Analysis (APDA) 2021 survey of philosophy Ph.D. students and recent graduates: Demographic data, program ratings, academic job placement, and nonacademic careers
Authors: Jennings Carolyn Dicey , Dayer Alex
Published: December 2021

Doctoral graduates in philosophy are an excellent source of information about the discipline: they are at the cutting edge of research trends, have an inside view of research‐focused departments, and their employment prospects provide early insights on the future health of the discipline. This report details the results of a survey sent in 2021 to recent Ph.D. graduates and current students, as well as data‐gathering efforts by Academic Placement Data and Analysis that have taken place over the past ten years. The report especially focuses on demographic representation, program ratings, academic job placement, and nonacademic careers.
Metametaphysics and semantics
Authors: Williamson Timothy
Published: December 2021

Metaphysics faces a threat from apparently metaphysics‐friendly non‐epistemic forms of semantics, on which sentences express “worldly” propositions—for example, functions from worlds to truth‐values. The threat goes back to Wittgenstein”s Tractatus Logico‐Philosophicus and is pressed in different forms by various contemporary philosophers. It is that metaphysical claims turn out either trivially true or trivially false, because they express the same proposition as a tautology or contradiction. The problem is shown to generalize to accounts on which sentences express Russellian structured propositions. It applies to logic and mathematics as well as metaphysics. Attempts to solve it by reinterpreting apparently non‐contingent claims as contingent metalinguistic claims or by invoking Fregean semantics are shown to fail. The underlying problem concerns necessary equivalence, not necessary truth, and arises in all domains. To solve it, we must recognize that the form of our representations plays an ineliminable cognitive role that cannot be reduced to their content.
Sinocarum muliense (Apiaceae), a new species from Sichuan, China
Authors: Gui Ling‐Jian , Xiao Yan‐Ping , He Xing‐Jin
Published: December 2021

Sinocarum muliense (Apiaceae), is proposed as a new species from Sichuan, southwest China. It is most similar to S. cruciatum var. linearilobum, but can be distinguished by having globose (versus torulos) roots, ultimate segments of blade 8.0–30.0 × 0.3–1.2 mm (versus 5–20 × 1–2 mm), purple (versus greenish‐white) petals with acute (versus obtuse) apex.
Berberocarum (Apiaceae), a new genus from the High Atlas Mountains (Morocco), with notes on some other NW African Umbelliferae–Apioideae
Authors: Zakharova Ekaterina A. , Pimenov Michael G. , Degtjareva Galina V. , Samigullin Tahir H.
Published: December 2021

In Northwest Africa (Morocco), Carum (Apiaceae/Umbelliferae) is represented by six little known species. In order to clarify the relationships of these species within Carum, we conducted detailed morphological studies and molecular sequence analysis of four species (C. atlanticum, C. jahandiezii, C. lacuum and C. proliferum) based on the nuclear DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and plastid rps16 intron (rps16) regions. According to the molecular data, the Moroccan Carum species form three isolated evolutionary lines distant from that of the generitype C. carvi. The morphological study demonstrated that fruits of C. atlanticum belong to a carpological type markedly different from that of other Carum species. Based on the correlation of obtained carpological and molecular data, we propose to transfer C. atlanticum to the new monotypic genus Berberocarum, endemic to the High Atlas Mountains.
The Asymmetric Effects of Monetary Policy: Evidence from the United Kingdom*
Authors: Stenner Nick
Published: December 2021

In this paper, I analyse how the response of the UK economy to monetary policy shocks depends on the state of the economy, or the sign or size of the shock. Monetary policy shocks are identified by extending the Cloyne and Hürtgen (2016) approach to allow for time variation in the central bank reaction function. These shocks are used to estimate impulse responses by local projections to investigate asymmetries in the transmission mechanism. The main result is that shocks that occur during economic booms have significantly larger effects than those that occur during recessions. In addition, I find that expansionary shocks are more powerful than contractionary shocks, and that large shocks have a proportionally weaker effect on output than small shocks. The results are robust to alternative monetary policy shock identification methods and variations in the empirical specification.
Cultural adaptations of obesity‐related behavioral prevention interventions in early childhood: A systematic review
Authors: Marshall Sarah , Taki Sarah , Laird Yvonne , Love Penelope , Wen Li Ming , Rissel Chris
Published: December 2021

Interventions for obesity prevention can effectively reduce obesity‐related behaviors in young children. Understanding how to leverage and adapt evidence‐based interventions is needed to improve reach among culturally and linguistically diverse families. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the approaches and outcomes of culturally adapted early childhood obesity‐related behavioral prevention interventions. Multiple electronic databases were systematically searched in March 2021. All study designs were included if they reported cultural adaptations of an intervention targeting at least one obesity‐related behavior (infant feeding, nutrition, physical activity, and/or sleep) among children aged 0–5 years. Studies that only conducted language translations or that developed new interventions were excluded. Two authors independently conducted critical appraisals using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool. Findings were synthesized narratively, based on the Stages of Cultural Adaptation theoretical model and the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications‐Enhanced. Twelve interventions met the inclusion criteria, with varied study designs. Few reported all aspects of cultural adaptation processes, and the cultural adaptation strategies documented varied. The results suggest that cultural adaptation of obesity‐related behavioral prevention interventions targeting young children increases acceptability among target cultural groups, yet effectiveness is inconclusive due to a lack of trials. More detailed reporting of cultural adaptation processes and further effectiveness trials are needed to evaluate future work.
The multifaceted roles of the adipose tissue vasculature
Authors: Ioannidou Anna , Fisher Rachel M. , Hagberg Carolina E.
Published: December 2021

The prevalence of obesity and its associated pathologies continue to increase, which has led to a renewed interest in our major weight‐regulating organ, the white adipose tissue. It has become clear that its development, expansion, and physiological function depend on proper crosstalk between each of its cellular constituents, with a central role for the vascular endothelium lining the blood vessels. Although first considered a mere barrier, the endothelium has emerged as a dynamic unit modulating many critical adipose tissue functions. It not only oversees the uptake of all nutrients to be stored in the adipocytes but also provides an important growth niche for adipocyte progenitors and regulates the expandability of the tissue during overfeeding and obesity. In this review, we describe the reciprocal relationship between endothelial cells, adipocytes, and obesity. We present recent studies that support an important role for endothelial cells as central mediators of many of the physiological and pathological functions of the adipose tissue and highlight several unknown aspects of adipose tissue vascular biology. This new perspective could present exciting opportunities to develop new therapeutic approaches against obesity‐related pathologies and is thus of great interest in our increasingly obese society.
Lower third molar coronectomy: What do we know so far?
Authors: Pang Si Ling , Leung Yiu Yan
Published: December 2021

Coronectomy is a treatment option for lower third molars with high risk of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury. When it was first described, clinicians were sceptical of this new technique and were concerned about complications such as infection or pathological changes. Over the years, coronectomy has been proven to be effective in preventing IAN injury for high‐risk cases and is a safe technique in the long term. The other surgical morbidities of lower third molar coronectomy such as infection, pain and swelling are minimal, and occur at incidences similar to those of the conventional total removal of lower third molars. There is a small chance of root exposure which may require a second operation for its removal. It was found that most of the retained roots would migrate to a small extent, and that the migration rate would decrease with time and gradually cease, causing the root complex to remain embedded in the alveolar bone. Coronectomy has also been suggested as a treatment option for dentigerous cyst when the root of the involved tooth is in close proximity to the IAN. The benefit of adjacent second molar bone regeneration after third molar coronectomy has been demonstrated in pilot studies. With current evidence, coronectomy of lower third molar is a safe alternative for the prevention of IAN injury.
Effects of Platelet‐Rich Plasma on Tendon‐Bone Healing After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Chen Rong‐jin , Zhu Hao‐zhong , Gu Xin‐yi , Xiang Xian‐xiang
Published: December 2021

Objective

To investigate the effect of platelet‐rich plasma on tendon‐bone healing after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Methods

This retrospective study included 85 patients (range, 18–50 years; mean age, 33.95 ± 10.53 years; male/female, 49/36) who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using autologous hamstring tendons between August 2017 and June 2019 at our institute. The participants in the study group (n = 42) were injected with platelet‐rich plasma at both ends of the tendon graft, while those in the control group (n = 43) received an injection of normal saline. Magnetic resonance imaging signal/noise quotient values of the femoral and tibial ends, knee Lysholm scores, and International Knee Documentation Committee scores were compared at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

Results

The signal/noise quotient values of the femoral and tibial ends in both groups were higher at 6 months than at 3 and 12 months postoperatively. The signal/noise quotient values of the tibial end were significantly lower in the platelet‐rich plasma group than in the normal saline group at all follow‐up time points (P < 0.05). The signal/noise quotient values of the tibial and femoral ends in both groups were significantly different at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively (P < 0.05). Additionally, the signal/noise quotient values of the tibia were significantly lower than those of the femur in both groups (P < 0.05). The Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee scores were significantly better in the platelet‐rich plasma group than in the normal saline group only at 3 months postoperatively. No complications, such as knee joint infection or vascular and nerve injuries, occurred in any of the 85 patients. The knee flexion of all patients were more than 90°, and the straight degree was 0°. No joint stiffness was observed in all patients.

Conclusion

Platelet‐rich plasma can promote tendon‐bone healing in grafts and can improve early postoperative knee joint function.
Impact of a SLC24A5 variant on the retinal pigment epithelium of a Japanese patient with oculocutaneous albinism type 6
Authors: Saito Toru , Okamura Ken , Kosaki Rika , Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Ito Shosuke , Nakajima Osamu , Yamashita Hidetoshi , Hozumi Yutaka , Suzuki Tamio
Published: December 2021

Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) 6 is a non‐syndromic type of OCA that has distinct ocular symptoms and variable cutaneous hypopigmentation. The causative gene of OCA6 is SLC24A5, which encodes NCKX5, a K+‐dependent Na+/Ca2+ exchanger 5. NCKX5 is involved in the maturation of melanosomes, but its function is still unclear. In this study, we characterized a Japanese patient with OCA6. Genetic analysis revealed compound heterozygous variants in SLC24A5, c.590 + 1dupG, and c.598G>A (p.G200R). To clarify the functional significance of the missense variant, we generated a knock‐in (KI) mouse model carrying the mouse homolog of the G200R variant using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Chemical analysis showed decreased amounts of eumelanin in the hair and skin of KI mice, while levels of benzothiazine units in pheomelanin were significantly increased in their hair. Retinal pigment was also decreased in KI mice. Notably, a histopathologic study revealed a significant pigment loss in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) but not in the choroid. Immunohistochemically, the expression of NCKX5 in the RPE was decreased but was maintained in the choroid of KI mice. These findings could explain the difference in phenotypic severity between eye symptoms and hypopigmentation in the skin/hair.
How consumers value retailer's return policy leniency levers: An empirical investigation
Authors: Abdulla Huseyn , Abbey James D. , Ketzenberg Michael
Published: December 2021

Due to the ongoing and dramatic growth in the volume of consumer returns, retailers continue to struggle with the trade‐off in returns service strategies between implementing stricter return policies to lower operational costs and environmental footprint versus providing customers with lenient return policies to positively stimulate customers' value perceptions and patronage intentions. This paper argues that effective management of this trade‐off requires a deep understanding of the process through which consumers perceive, evaluate, and respond to return policies that vary in terms of leniency across five key dimensions identified in the literature: monetary, time, effort, scope, and exchange. To this end, we theorize on a cognitive process model and empirically test the model using randomized experiments with diverse consumer samples. By viewing each of the five leniency dimensions as returns service design levers, we examine (1) how a retailer's return policy leniency across different levers impacts a consumer's intention to purchase from a retailer, through the influence of leniency on the perceptions regarding returns service quality and transaction costs that jointly form perceived returns service value, and (2) how different leniency levers are compared in terms of their impacts. We find significant heterogeneity in the effectiveness of different leniency levers in influencing consumers' purchase intentions through increased perceived service quality, reduced perceived transaction costs, and subsequently increased perceived service value.
The effect of a multimodal dementia prevention program involving community‐dwelling elderly
Authors: Kajita Hiroyuki , Maeda Kiyoshi , Osaki Tohmi , Kakei Yasumasa , Kothari Kavita U. , Nagai Yoji
Published: December 2021

Background

With the rapid increase in the average age of society, the number of people with dementia has increased in Japan. Thus, the need to prevent dementia is greater, and prevention programs have been implemented throughout Japan. This study aims to evaluate both the short‐term and the long‐term effects of a dementia prevention program on physical and cognitive function in community‐dwelling elderly.

Methods

Cognitive and physical assessments were carried out at baseline for a sample including 57 elderly participants. The participants underwent an intensive training program lasting for 2 h per week for 10 days. After the last period of training, the assessment performed was reapplied. The outcome measures used to establish effectiveness were a Mini‐Mental State Examination, Five Cognitive Tests, a Cognitive Function Instrument, a Timed Up & Go Test, a grip strength evaluation, a Geriatric Depression Scale, an EQ‐5D and a Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly. Participants were then divided randomly into two groups: a booster group and a non‐booster group. The booster group received booster training every 3 months after the intensive training period, whereas the non‐booster group did not. Both groups were monitored every 6 months for approximately two and a half years after baseline assessment.

Results

The Mini‐Mental State Examination, the subtests of the Five Cognitive Tests (attention, memory, language and reasoning) and the Timed Up & Go Test revealed a significant improvement after intensive training. For most of the outcome measures, the booster training showed no additional significant improvements.

Conclusions

In this study, intensive training had a short‐term positive effect. Although the effect of the booster training was not clear, the functions of the elderly participants were found to be maintained during a follow‐up assessment. The study findings recommend conducting intensive training for the community‐dwelling elderly without follow‐up training.
Multi‐scale and multi‐parametric analysis of Late Quaternary event deposits within the active Corinth Rift (Greece)
Authors: De Gelder Gino , Doan Mai Linh , Beck Christian , Carlut Julie , Seibert Chloé , Feuillet Nathalie , Carter Gareth D. O. , Pechlivanidou Sofia , Gawthorpe Robert L.
Published: December 2021

A major challenge in subaqueous palaeoseismology is to understand the relationship between an earthquake/tsunami and a sedimentary event deposit recorded in drillcores. Expedition 381 of the International Ocean Discovery Program was dedicated to understanding the development of the Corinth Rift, Greece. Its drilled cores provide a potentially important resource to better understand depositional mechanisms of sedimentary event deposits within changing open marine to (semi‐)isolated environments. To achieve this, U‐channels and spatula samples were analysed from the topmost part (0–65 m below seafloor maximum depth) of holes M0078B and M0079A (ca 0–25 ka), using high‐resolution X‐ray microtomography in combination with grain‐size, magnetic and X‐ray fluorescence measurements. Structures and grain fabric are resolved down to 10 μm in voxel size, characterizing the geometry of the basal surface of ‘turbidite+homogenite’ sedimentary event deposits, and the internal base‐upward evolution at high‐resolution scale. This analysis suggests that these types of deposits are more complex than previously proposed, especially at the transition between the basal coarse turbidite sub‐unit and the fine‐grained homogenite upper sub‐unit, as well as within the homogenite. Combined with the other observations and parameters, X‐ray microtomography results are consistent with the interpretation of the Corinth ‘turbidite+homogenite’ deposits as having predominantly originated from seismic and/or aseismic slope failures followed by tsunami/seiche effects, despite subtle differences according to depositional environment.
Association of emotion reactivity and distress intolerance with suicide attempts in U.S. Army soldiers
Authors: Naifeh James A. , Nock Matthew K. , Dempsey Catherine L. , Georg Matthew W. , Aliaga Pablo A. , Dinh Hieu M. , Fullerton Carol S. , Mash Holly B. Herberman , Kao Tzu‐Cheg , Sampson Nancy A. , Wynn Gary H. , Zaslavsky Alan M. , Stein Murray B. , Kessler Ronald C. , Ursano Robert J.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Emotion reactivity (ER) and distress intolerance (DI) may be associated with increased suicide attempt (SA) risk among U.S. Army soldiers.

Method

In this case–control study, 74 soldiers recently hospitalized for SA (cases) were compared with 133 control soldiers from the same Army installations selected based on either propensity score matching (n = 103) or reported 12‐month suicide ideation (SI) (n = 30). Controls were weighted to represent the total Army population at the study sites and the subpopulation of 12‐month ideators. Participants completed questionnaires assessing ER, DI, and other psychosocial variables. Logistic regression analyses examined whether ER and DI differentiated SA cases from the general population and from 12‐month ideators before and after controlling for additional important risk factors (sociodemographic characteristics, stressors, mental disorders).

Results

In univariate analyses, ER differentiated SA cases from both the general population (OR = 2.5[95%CI = 1.7–3.6]) and soldiers with 12‐month SI (OR = 2.5[95%CI = 1.3–4.6]). DI also differentiated cases from the general population (OR = 2.9[95%CI = 2.0–4.1]) and 12‐month ideators (OR = 1.9[95%CI = 1.1–3.5]). These associations persisted after controlling for sociodemographic variables, stressors, and mental disorders.

Conclusion

Findings provide evidence that higher ER and DI are associated with increased risk of SA among soldiers, even after adjusting for known risk factors. Prospective research with larger samples is needed.
Dynamic Stall Inception and Evolution Process Measured by High-Frequency Particle Image Velocimetry System in Low Specific Speed Impeller
Authors: Liu Xiao-Dong , Li Yao-Jun , Liu Zhu-Qing , Yang Wei
Published: December 2021

Stall in centrifugal pumps is a complicated flow phenomenon, which is detrimental to the pumps' safety and stable operation. Using a high-frequency particle image velocimetry (PIV) system (f = 10k Hz) and a bench-scale refractive index matching experimental setup, two measurement methods are introduced to observe the dynamic stall inception and evolution. In the first method, the flow rate was continuously reduced at an interval of 0.005Qd, and the experiment was carried out under stable flow rate condition. It shows the flow adjacent to the blade suction side gradually evolved from the flow separation into a broken vortex. The stall vortex moved toward the impeller's inlet and continuously grew, and resulted in significant changes in the main flow direction at the channel inlet. The formation and development of the other vortex structures in channel were closely related to the stall vortex at the inlet. The second method is the dynamic flow rate measurement, and the results show that the stall is not caused by the increase in the relative inflow angle. It was obtained that the velocity value in the stall channel near the suction side rapidly decreased; however in the nonstall channel, the velocity value increased at the channel inlet. By analyzing the velocity distribution in both flow channels before and after the stall, the mechanism of alternating stall is well explained. Meanwhile, it was obtained that the stall was more likely to originate from the flow separation near the blade suction side for low specific speed impeller.
Investigation of Fault Modeling in the Identification of Bearing Wear Severity
Authors: Alves Diogo Stuani , Machado Tiago Henrique , da Silva Tuckmantel Felipe Wenzel , Keogh Patrick S. , Cavalca Katia Lucchesi
Published: December 2021

Recent research into machines involved in power generation processes has demanded deep investigation of model-based techniques for fault diagnosis and identification. The improvement of critical fault characterization is crucial in the maintenance process effectiveness, hence in time/costs saving, increasing performance and productivity of the whole system. Consequently, this paper deals with a common fault in hydrodynamically lubricated bearings assembled in rotating systems, namely, that of abrasive wear. Research on this topic points to an interesting query about the significance of model detail and complexity and the identification of its characteristic parameters for the important stages of fault diagnosis and fault identification. For this purpose, two models are presented and analyzed in their completeness concerning the fault signature by vibration measurements, as well as the identification of fault critical parameters which determine the machine lifetime estimation, maintenance procedures, and time costs regarding performance and productivity. From this study, the detailing in fault modeling has a substantial impact on fault parameter identification, even if its improvement is not so expressive in fault diagnosis procedures involving standard signal processing techniques of vibration signatures.
Investigating the Dynamic Characteristics of the Hydrostatic Bearing Spindle System With Active Piezoelectric Restrictors
Authors: Zhang Yixin , Pan Wei , Zhan Shuo , Huang Ran , Chen Shujiang , Lu Changhou
Published: December 2021

Studies show that active control technology can improve system performance and meet the increasing industrial demand in diverse applications. In the present study, the dynamic characteristics of the bearing spindle system based on active piezoelectric restrictors, including the amplitude frequency and phase-frequency characteristics, are analyzed theoretically and experimentally. In the analysis, the influence of the pipeline model on the system characteristics is studied. Then, the feasibility and effectiveness of the active control method are verified through experiments. It is demonstrated that the theoretical and experimental results are consistent. The present study is expected to provide a guideline for further investigations on the structural optimization and control law design for active hydrostatic oil film bearing spindle systems.
Hybrid cross correlation and line-scan alignment strategy for CMOS chips electron-beam lithography processing
Authors: Dawant Raphaël , Seils Robyn , Ecoffey Serge , Schmid Rainer. , Drouin Dominique
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we show an alignment strategy based on a hybrid strategy using cross correlation and line-scan alignment to address the challenge for CMOS integrated circuit postprocessing using electron-beam lithography. Due to design rules imposed by the foundries at the 130 nm node and below, classical line-scan alignment is not possible, and marker shapes are limited. The shape of the marker is essential for cross-correlation alignment. By measuring accurately the alignment offset between two lithography steps with different marker shapes compatible with the design rules, we tested the influence of the marker shape in the performance of the cross-correlation alignment. We present a method based on a white noise generated array to design high-performance markers for cross correlation, compatible with CMOS technology, by increasing the sharpness of their autocorrelation peak. We show that the alignment performances can even be improved using a hybrid strategy with cross-correlation and line-scan alignment and reaches a mean offset of 5.2 nm on a CMOS substrate.
Introduction to the special issue on lung ultrasound
Authors: Demi Libertario , Muller Marie
Published: December 2021

The potential of lung ultrasound (LUS) has become manifest in the light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The need for a point-of care, quantitative, and widely available assessment of lung condition is critical. However, conventional ultrasound imaging was never designed for lung assessment. This limits LUS to the subjective and qualitative interpretation of artifacts and imaging patterns visible on ultrasound images. A number of research groups have begun to tackle this limitation, and this special issue reports on their most recent findings. Through in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies (preclinical animal studies and pilot clinical studies on human subjects), the research presented aims at understanding and modelling the physical phenomena involved in ultrasound propagation, and at leveraging these phenomena to extract semi-quantitative and quantitative information relevant to estimate changes in lung structure. These studies are the first steps in unlocking the full potential of lung ultrasound as a relevant tool for lung assessment.
A hierarchical Bayesian approach to regularization with application to the inference of relaxation spectra
Authors: Kedari Sayali R. , Atluri Gowtham , Vemaganti Kumar
Published: December 2021

The inference of the spectral function representing the relaxation process of a material is an ill-posed problem and regularization is key to solving such problems. Significant information about molecular structure can be found from the relaxation time spectra of materials, such as polymers and soft materials. Various deterministic data-driven methods including L-curve and generalized cross-validation in Tikhonov regularization have been employed in the literature to find the optimal regularization parameter. The application of Bayesian techniques for solving such ill-posed inverse problems has gained significant interest in recent years due to the increasing availability of computational resources. In this work, we formulate the inverse problem in a hierarchical Bayesian framework and consider the degree of regularization as a stochastic quantity and the relaxation spectra as the high-dimensional model parameters. Using synthetic and real data (frequency-dependent storage and loss moduli), this novel approach is employed to characterize the linear viscoelastic response of materials and obtain sparse probabilistic solutions to regression. The computations are carried out using Metropolis–Hastings-within-Gibbs sampling. Numerical results demonstrating the performance of the hierarchical Bayesian approach and comparisons with the deterministic L-curve approach are presented.
Azithromycin Resistance in Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in France between 2004 and 2020 and Detection of
mef
(C)-
mph
(G) Genes
Authors: Bizot Etienne , Cointe Aurélie , Bidet Philippe , Mariani-Kurkdjian Patricia , Hobson Claire Amaris , Courroux Céline , Liguori Sandrine , Bridier-Nahmias Antoine , Magnan Mélanie , Merimèche Manel , Caméléna François , Berçot Béatrice , Weill François-Xavier , Lefèvre Sophie , Bonacorsi Stéphane , Birgy André
Published: December 2021

We described and characterized Shiga-toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) strains with high levels of resistance to azithromycin isolated in France between 2004 and 2020. Nine of 1,715 (0.52%) STEC strains were resistant to azithromycin, with an increase since 2017.
A Novel High-Content Phenotypic Screen To Identify Inhibitors of Mitochondrial DNA Maintenance in Trypanosomes
Authors: Miskinyte Migla , Dawson John C. , Makda Ashraff , Doughty-Shenton Dahlia , Carragher Neil O. , Schnaufer Achim
Published: December 2021

Kinetoplastid parasites cause diverse neglected diseases in humans and livestock, with an urgent need for new treatments. The survival of kinetoplastids depends on their uniquely structured mitochondrial genome (kDNA), the eponymous kinetoplast.
DelIrium VULnerability in GEriatrics (DIVULGE) study: a protocol for a prospective observational study of electroencephalogram associations with incident postoperative delirium
Authors: Boord Monique S , Davis Daniel H J , Psaltis Peter J , Coussens Scott W , Feuerriegel Daniel , Garrido Marta I , Bourke Alice , Keage Hannah A D
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Delirium is a neurocognitive disorder common in older adults in acute care settings. Those who develop delirium are at an increased risk of dementia, cognitive decline and death. Electroencephalography (EEG) during delirium in older adults is characterised by slowing and reduced functional connectivity, but markers of vulnerability are poorly described. We aim to identify EEG spectral power and event-related potential (ERP) markers of incident delirium in older adults to understand neural mechanisms of delirium vulnerability. Characterising delirium vulnerability will provide substantial theoretical advances and outcomes have the potential to be translated into delirium risk assessment tools.

Methods and analysis

We will record EEG in 90 participants over 65 years of age prior to elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We will record 4-minutes of resting state (eyes open and eyes closed) and a 5-minute frequency auditory oddball paradigm. Outcome measures will include frequency band power, 1/f offset and slope, and ERP amplitude measures. Participants will undergo cognitive and EEG testing before their elective procedures and daily postoperative delirium assessments. Group allocation will be done retrospectively by linking preoperative EEG data according to postoperative delirium status (presence, severity, duration and subtype).

Ethics and dissemination

This study is approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Central Adelaide Local Health Network and the University of South Australia Human Ethics Committee. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journal articles and presentations at national and international conferences.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12618001114235 and ACTRN12618000799257.
Clinician estimates of prognosis: accuracy and impact—a retrospective inpatient hospice study
Authors: Tavabie Simon , Hargreaves Anya , Tookman Adrian , Stone Patrick
Published: December 2021

Objective

To evaluate the accuracy and impact of clinicians’ estimates of prognosis (CEP) in patients referred for hospice inpatient care.

Methods

Retrospective review of 12 months’ referrals to a London hospice unit. Data extracted included date of referral, admission and death and CEP.

Results

N=383. Mean age 72 years (range 24–101). CEP accuracy: Median survival where CEP was ‘days’ (n=141) was 7 days (0–164); CEP ‘weeks’ (n=167) was 14 days (1–538); CEP ‘months’ (n=75) was 32 days (2–507). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed significant difference between CEP of ‘months’ and ‘weeks’ (p<0.0001); ‘months’ and ‘days’ (p<0.0001); but not ‘days’ and ‘weeks’ (p=0.1). CEP impact: admission waiting time increased with increasing CEP: CEP ‘days’ (n=105) median 1 day (0–14); CEP ‘weeks’ (n=154) median 2 days (0–46); CEP ‘months’ (n=69) median 3 days (0–46). No significant difference was demonstrated in the number of discharge planning conversations between groups (0.9/patient).

Conclusions

CEP was accurate in over half of the cases but did not adequately discriminate between those with prognoses of days or weeks. CEP may affect the prioritisation given to patients by hospices. Inaccurate CEP on referral forms may influence other aspects of care; however, further research is needed.
Association between the number of endotracheal intubation attempts and rates of adverse events in a paediatric emergency department
Authors: Abid Edir S , Miller Kelsey A , Monuteaux Michael C , Nagler Joshua
Published: December 2021

Background

Challenges in emergent airway management in children can affect intubation success. It is unknown if number of endotracheal intubation attempts is associated with rates of adverse events in the paediatric ED setting.

Objective

We sought to (1) Identify rates of intubation-related adverse events, (2) Evaluate the association between the number of intubation attempts and adverse events in a paediatric ED, and (3) Determine the effect of videolaryngoscopy on these associations.

Design and methods

We performed a retrospective observational study of patients who underwent endotracheal intubation in a paediatric ED in the USA between January 2004 and December 2018. Data on patient-related, provider-related and procedure-related characteristics were obtained from a quality assurance database and the health record. Our primary outcome was frequency of intubation-related adverse events, categorised as major and minor. The number of intubation attempts was trichotomised to 1, 2, and 3 or greater. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the relationship between the number of intubation attempts and odds of adverse events, adjusting for demographic and clinical factors.

Results

During the study period, 628 patients were intubated in the ED. The overall rate of adverse events was 39%. Hypoxia (19%) was the most common major event and mainstem intubation (15%) the most common minor event. 72% patients were successfully intubated on the first attempt. With two intubation attempts, the adjusted odds of any adverse event were 3.26 (95% CI 2.11 to 5.03) and with ≥3 attempts the odds were 4.59 (95% CI 2.23 to 9.46). Odds similarly increased in analyses of both major and minor adverse events. This association was consistent for both traditional and videolaryngoscopy.

Conclusion

Increasing number of endotracheal intubation attempts was associated with higher odds of adverse events. Efforts to optimise first attempt success in children undergoing intubation may mitigate this risk and improve clinical outcomes.
Phenotypic spectrum and clinical course of single large-scale mitochondrial DNA deletion disease in the paediatric population: a multicentre study
Authors: Björkman Kristoffer , Vissing John , Østergaard Elsebet , Bindoff Laurence A , de Coo Irenaeus F M , Engvall Martin , Hikmat Omar , Isohanni Pirjo , Kollberg Gittan , Lindberg Christopher , Majamaa Kari , Naess Karin , Uusimaa Johanna , Tulinius Mar , Darin Niklas
Published: December 2021

Background

Large-scale mitochondrial DNA deletions (LMD) are a common genetic cause of mitochondrial disease and give rise to a wide range of clinical features. Lack of longitudinal data means the natural history remains unclear. This study was undertaken to describe the clinical spectrum in a large cohort of patients with paediatric disease onset.

Methods

A retrospective multicentre study was performed in patients with clinical onset <16 years of age, diagnosed and followed in seven European mitochondrial disease centres.

Results

A total of 80 patients were included. The average age at disease onset and at last examination was 10 and 31 years, respectively. The median time from disease onset to death was 11.5 years. Pearson syndrome was present in 21%, Kearns-Sayre syndrome spectrum disorder in 50% and progressive external ophthalmoplegia in 29% of patients. Haematological abnormalities were the hallmark of the disease in preschool children, while the most common presentations in older patients were ptosis and external ophthalmoplegia. Skeletal muscle involvement was found in 65% and exercise intolerance in 25% of the patients. Central nervous system involvement was frequent, with variable presence of ataxia (40%), cognitive involvement (36%) and stroke-like episodes (9%). Other common features were pigmentary retinopathy (46%), short stature (42%), hearing impairment (39%), cardiac disease (39%), diabetes mellitus (25%) and renal disease (19%).

Conclusion

Our study provides new insights into the phenotypic spectrum of childhood-onset, LMD-associated syndromes. We found a wider spectrum of more prevalent multisystem involvement compared with previous studies, most likely related to a longer time of follow-up.
Evaluation of direct-to-angiography suite (DTAS) and conventional clinical pathways in stroke care: a simulation study
Authors: Bastani Mehrad , White Timothy G , Martinez Gabriela , Ohara Joseph , Sangha Kinpritma , Gribko Michele , Katz Jeffrey M , Woo Henry H , Boltyenkov Artem T , Wang Jason , Rula Elizabeth , Naidich Jason J , Sanelli Pina C
Published: December 2021

Background

Rapid time to reperfusion is essential to minimize morbidity and mortality in acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). We aimed to evaluate the workflow times when utilizing a direct-to-angiography suite (DTAS) pathway for patients with suspected stroke presenting at a comprehensive stroke center compared with a conventional CT pathway.

Methods

We developed a discrete-event simulation (DES) model to evaluate DTAS workflow timelines compared with a conventional CT pathway, varying the admission NIHSS score treatment eligibility criteria. Model parameters were estimated based on 2 year observational data from our institution. Sensitivity analyses of simulation parameters were performed to assess the impact of patient volume and baseline utilization of angiography suites on workflow times utilizing DTAS.

Results

Simulation modeling of stroke patients (SimStroke) demonstrated door-to-reperfusion time savings of 0.2–3.5 min (p=0.05) for a range of DTAS eligibility criteria (ie, last known well to arrival <6 hours and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ≥6–11), when compared with the conventional stroke care pathway. Sensitivity analyses revealed that DTAS time savings is highly dependent on baseline utilization of angiography suites.

Conclusions

The results of the SimStroke model showed comparable time intervals for door-to-reperfusion for DTAS compared with a conventional stroke care pathway. However, the DTAS pathway was very sensitive to baseline angiography suite utilization, with even a 10% increase eliminating the advantages of DTAS compared with the conventional pathway. Given the minimal time savings modeled here, further investigation of implementing the DTAS pathway in clinical care is warranted.
Evaluation of a laboratory-developed multiplex real-time PCR assay for diagnosis of syphilis, herpes and chancroid genital ulcers in four public health laboratories in the USA
Authors: Koralur Munegowda , Chen Cheng Y , Pillay Allan , White Brunie , Pettus Kevin , Chi Kai-Hua , Stringer Joey , Aroh Chukwuemika , Dasu Trivikram , Bhattacharyya Sanjib , Perkins Keith , Chen Jenny , Riner Diana , Soehnlen Marty , Cao Weiping , Gaynor Anne M , Kersh Ellen N
Published: December 2021

Objective

To evaluate the field performance of a multiplex PCR (M-PCR) assay for detection of herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 and HSV-2, Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum) and Haemophilus ducreyi (H. ducreyi) in genital ulcer disease (GUD) specimens.

Methods

GUD M-PCR was performed on 186 remnant specimens, previously collected for HSV testing, by four public health laboratories (PHLs) and the Laboratory Reference and Research Branch (LRRB) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The results from the PHLs were compared with those of LRRB, which served as the reference testing method, and percentage agreement was calculated.

Results

HSV was detected in 31 of 52 (59.6%), 20 of 40 (50%), 43 of 44 (97.7%) and 19 of 50 (38.0%) specimens from PHL1, PHL2, PHL3 and PHL4, respectively. There were seven discrepant results for HSV, and the overall percent agreement between the PHLs and the LRRB was 94%–100%, with a kappa value of 0.922, which demonstrates high agreement. T. pallidum was identified in 7 of 51 (13.7%) specimens from PHL1 with 94.1% agreement and in 2 of 40 (5.0%) specimens from PHL2 with 100% agreement. The LRRB identified three additional T. pallidum-positive specimens from PHL1. The kappa value (0.849) for T. pallidum testing suggests good agreement. Consistent with the LRRB results, no T. pallidum was detected in specimens from PHL3 and PHL4, and H. ducreyi was not detected at any of the study sites.

Conclusions

The GUD M-PCR assay performed well in four independent PHLs and 12 suspected syphilis cases were identified in this study. The M-PCR assay could provide improved diagnostic options for GUD infections in state and local PHLs.
A model to predict adherence to antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV
Authors: Chen Hui , Long Rusi , Hu Tian , Chen Yaqi , Wang Rongxi , Liu Yujie , Liu Shangbin , Xu Chen , Yu Xiaoyue , Chang Ruijie , Wang Huwen , Zhang Kechun , Hu Fan , Cai Yong
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Suboptimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) dramatically hampers the achievement of the UNAIDS HIV treatment targets. This study aimed to develop a theory-informed predictive model for ART adherence based on data from Chinese.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Shenzhen, China, in December 2020. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling, completing a survey that included sociodemographic characteristics, HIV clinical information, Information-Motivation-Behavioural Skills (IMB) constructs and adherence to ART. CD4 counts and HIV viral load were extracted from medical records. A model to predict ART adherence was developed from a multivariable logistic regression with significant predictors selected by Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression. To evaluate the performance of the model, we tested the discriminatory capacity using the concordance index (C-index) and calibration accuracy using the Hosmer and Lemeshow test.

Results

The average age of the 651 people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the training group was 34.1±8.4 years, with 20.1% reporting suboptimal adherence. The mean age of the 276 PLHIV in the validation group was 33.9±8.2 years, and the prevalence of poor adherence was 22.1%. The suboptimal adherence model incorporates five predictors: education level, alcohol use, side effects, objective abilities and self-efficacy. Constructed by those predictors, the model showed a C-index of 0.739 (95% CI 0.703 to 0.772) in internal validation, which was confirmed be 0.717 via bootstrapping validation and remained modest in temporal validation (C-index 0.676). The calibration capacity was acceptable both in the training and in the validation groups (p>0.05).

Conclusions

Our model accurately estimates ART adherence behaviours. The prediction tool can help identify individuals at greater risk for poor adherence and guide tailored interventions to optimise adherence.