bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A generic energy‐conserving discrete element modeling strategy for concave particles represented by surface triangular meshes
Authors: Feng Yuntian
Published: January 2021

A generic energy‐conserving linear normal contact model for concave particles in the discrete element method (DEM) is presented in this article. It is derived based on a recently enhanced general energy‐conserving contact theory for arbitrarily shaped particles. A set of more effective evaluation schemes required in the model are also given, which shows that only the intersection boundary between two contact shapes, instead of their contact region or surfaces, is required to be explicitly obtained, thereby substantially improving both efficiency and applicability of the proposed contact model over the previous version. A surface triangular mesh is used to represent any 3D concave particle. The computational issues associated with the contact of two surface triangulated 3D shapes, including the contact detection, the determination of intersection boundary segments, the computation of contact features and parallelization, critical time step, and friction and damping treatment for multiple contacts are described in detail. Two sets of numerical examples involving various concave 3D shapes with a large number of surface triangles are presented to demonstrate either the superb energy‐conserving property of the proposed model model, or its effectiveness, robustness, and universal nature for wider and more complex problems.
A computationally tractable framework for nonlinear dynamic multiscale modeling of membrane woven fabrics
Authors: Avery Philip , Huang Daniel Z. , He Wanli , Ehlers Johanna , Derkevorkian Armen , Farhat Charbel
Published: January 2021

A general‐purpose computational homogenization framework is proposed for the nonlinear dynamic analysis of membranes exhibiting complex microscale and/or mesoscale heterogeneity characterized by in‐plane periodicity that cannot be effectively treated by a conventional method, such as woven fabrics. The framework is a generalization of the “finite element squared” (or FE2) method in which a localized portion of the periodic subscale structure is modeled using finite elements. The numerical solution of displacement driven problems involving this model can be adapted to the context of membranes by a variant of the Klinkel–Govindjee method1 originally proposed for using finite strain, three‐dimensional material models in beam and shell elements. This approach relies on numerical enforcement of the plane stress constraint and is enabled by the principle of frame invariance. Computational tractability is achieved by introducing a regression‐based surrogate model informed by a physics‐inspired training regimen in which FE2 is utilized to simulate a variety of numerical experiments including uniaxial, biaxial and shear straining of a material coupon. Several alternative surrogate models are evaluated including an artificial neural network. The framework is demonstrated and validated for a realistic Mars landing application involving supersonic inflation of a parachute canopy made of woven fabric.
Comparative effectiveness of early‐targeted use of fidaxomicin versus oral vancomycin among hospitalized veterans’ affairs patients with infections due to Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Patel Nimish , Lowry Colleen , Morgenson Daralyn , Shah Vaishali , Stornelli Nicholas , Lodise Thomas P.
Published: January 2021

Study Objectives

This study sought to compare real‐world effectiveness outcomes between hospitalized patients with Clostridioides difficile infections (CDIs) who received early‐targeted fidaxomicin or oral vancomycin at two Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMCs).

Design

A retrospective cohort study was performed among hospitalized patients at two VAMCs from January 2008 until July 2017.

Setting

Albany and Syracuse VAMCs.

Patients

Patients were included in this analysis if they were age ≥18 years; were hospitalized; had a CDI with a Hines Severity Score Index (SSI) ≥2; received oral vancomycin (January 2008–June 2014 at Albany or Syracuse VAMCs) or fidaxomicin (March 2012–July 2017 at Albany VAMC) within 5 days of positive CDI stool sample for ≥ 48 hours.

Intervention

Receipt of an oral vancomycin‐ or fidaxomicin‐containing CDI regimen.

Measurements

The primary outcome was a composite of 30‐day mortality and 60‐day recurrence.

Main Results

The study included 54 oral vancomycin and 38 fidaxomicin recipients. The population was predominantly male (97.8%), and mean ± standard deviation age was 74.6 ± 11.1 years. The composite outcome was significantly different between fidaxomicin and vancomycin recipients (26.3% fidaxomicin vs. 51.9% vancomycin; odds ratio (OR): 0.33, 95% CI: 0.14–0.81, p = 0.01). This finding was maintained in the multivariate analysis after adjustment for confounders (adjusted OR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.09–0.73, p = 0.01)

Conclusions

This real‐world effectiveness study suggests that use of fidaxomicin potentially results in better outcomes relative to oral vancomycin for initial treatment of hospitalized VAMC patients with CDIs.
Patient and Provider‐Reported Satisfaction of Cancer Rehabilitation Telemedicine Visits During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Chang Philip J , Jay Gina M. , Kalpakjian Claire , Andrews Cody , Smith Sean
Published: January 2021

Introduction

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has accelerated the growth of telemedicine services across the United States. In this study, we examined cancer rehabilitation patient and physician satisfaction with telemedicine visits. We also sought to evaluate the types of provider services that are given during telemedicine visits.

Objective

To assess overall patient and provider satisfaction with telemedicine visits and explore whether satisfaction varied by contact method (phone or video) and encounter type (new problem, worsening problem, stable/improving problem).

Design

Prospective survey study.

Setting

Cancer rehabilitation program at an academic medical center.

Participants

Three cancer rehabilitation providers and 155 unique patients participated in the study.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Provider and patient satisfaction measured by customized surveys.

Results

One hundred eighty‐four encounters with 169 unique patients were scheduled. Of these, 14 were new visits and 170 were follow‐up visits. Eighteen encounters (9.8%) were either no shows or rescheduled, making for 166 encounters with 155 unique patients. Patient and provider responses comprised the following: 94.8% of patient responses reported “quite a bit” or “very much” for the telemedicine visit being a good experience; 63.1% of patient responses reported “quite a bit” or “very much” for interest in using telemedicine visits in the future; and 83.9% of provider responses reported “quite a bit” or “very much” for the patient's main problem being addressed by the visit. Providers were more likely to prefer an in‐person visit for a new or worsening problem versus a stable/improving problem. The most common services provided were medication prescription/titration and education/counseling. The least common services provided were making of new diagnoses, ordering interventional procedures, and making referrals.

Conclusion

Telemedicine visits were well received by both patients and providers in a cancer rehabilitation medicine clinic setting. However, in the case of a new or worsening problem, satisfaction declined. These data support that telemedicine visits should be considered essential as part of comprehensive cancer rehabilitation care, especially during a public health crisis.
Exploration of key residues and conformational change of anti‐terminator protein GlpP for ligand and RNA binding
Authors: Chen Qiaoqing , Cui Wenjing , Zhou Zhemin , Han Laichuang
Published: January 2021

Anti‐terminator protein GlpP regulates gene expression of glycerol uptake operon at post‐transcriptional level in a number of bacteria. By now, the molecular dynamics details of ligand and RNA binding by GlpP are still obscure. In this study, we employed the molecular dynamic (MD) simulation and constructed a functional verification platform of GlpP to resolve these puzzles. By combining molecular docking, MD simulation and alanine scanning mutagenesis, a ligand binding pocket consisting of R14, R104 and R157 was identified. Among these residues with positive charge, R14 was dominant for binding glycerol‐3‐phosphate (G3P). Moreover, the “parallel to crossed” conformational change of the predicted RNA binding region was observed in MD simulation. In this process, the interaction between R104 and E129 was crucial to trigger the conformational change. To further verify this speculation, three ligand independent mutants were obtained by error‐prone PCR. The MD simulation indicated that the conformational change happened in all the three mutants, confirming the “parallel to crossed” conformational change endowed GlpP the activity of binding RNA. In recent years, as a potable biological part, anti‐terminator was more and more widely used to regulate gene expression in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. The work in this study deepened our understanding to the typical anti‐terminator GlpP, contributing to the further engineering and application of this type of regulator.
The effects of Nigella sativa on respiratory, allergic and immunologic disorders, evidence from experimental and clinical studies, a comprehensive and updated review
Authors: Saadat Saeideh , Aslani Mohammad Reza , Ghorani Vahideh , Keyhanmanesh Rana , Boskabady Mohammad Hossein
Published: January 2021

Nigella sativa (N. sativa) seed had been used traditionally due to several pharmacological effects. The updated experimental and clinical effects of N. sativa and its constituents on respiratory, allergic and immunologic disorders are provided in this comprehensive review article. Various databases including PubMed, Science Direct and Scopus were used. The preventive effects of N. sativa on pulmonary diseases were mainly due to its constituents such as thymoquinone, thymol, carvacrol and alpha‐hederin. Extracts and constituents of N. sativa showed the relaxant effect, with possible mechanisms indicating its bronchodilatory effect in obstructive pulmonary diseases. In experimental animal models of different respiratory diseases, the preventive effect of various extracts and constituents of N. sativa was demonstrated by mechanisms such as antioxidant, immunomodulatory and antiinflammatory effects. Bronchodilatory and preventive effects of the plant and its components on asthma, COPD and lung disorders due to exposure to noxious agents as well as on allergic and immunologic disorders were also shown in the clinical studies. Various extracts and constituents of N. sativa showed pharmacological and therapeutic effects on respiratory, allergic and immunologic disorders indicating possible remedy effect of that the plant and its effective substances in treating respiratory, allergic and immunologic diseases.
The representation of winter Northern Hemisphere atmospheric blocking in ECMWF seasonal prediction systems
Authors: Davini Paolo , Weisheimer Antje , Balmaseda Magdalena , Johnson Stephanie J. , Molteni Franco , Roberts Christopher D. , Senan Retish , Stockdale Timothy N.
Published: January 2021

The simulation and prediction of winter Northern Hemisphere atmospheric blocking in the seasonal prediction systems from the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is analysed. Blocking statistics from the operational November‐initialised seasonal hindcasts are evaluated in three generations of models: System3, System4, and System5 (SEAS5). Improvements in the climatological representation of blocking are observed in the most recent model configurations, with reduced bias over North Pacific and Greenland. Minor progress is seen over the European sector, where SEAS5 still underestimates the observed blocking frequency. SEAS5 blocking interannual variability is underestimated too and is proportional to the climatological frequency, highlighting that a negative bias in the blocking frequency implies an underestimation of the interannual variance. SEAS5 predictive skill and signal‐to‐noise ratio remain low, but interesting positive results are found over Western and Central Europe. Improved forecasts with reduced ensemble spread are obtained during El Niño years, especially at low latitudes. Complementary experiments show that the statistics of blocking are improved following atmospheric and oceanic resolution increase. Conversely, they remain largely insensitive to coupled model sea‐surface temperature (SST) errors. On the other hand, the implementation of stochastic parameterisations tends to displace blocking activity equatorward. Finally, by comparing seasonal hindcasts with climate runs using the same model, we highlight that the largest contributors to the chronic underestimation of blocking are persistent errors in the atmospheric model. It is also shown that SST errors have a larger impact on blocking bias in climate runs than in seasonal runs, and that increased ocean model resolution contributes to improved blocking more effectively in climate runs. Seasonal forecasts can thus be considered a suitable test‐bed for model development targeting blocking improvement in climate models.
Robot‐assisted percutaneous vertebroplasty under local anaesthesia for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: a retrospective, clinical, non‐randomized, controlled study
Authors: Shi Bin , Hu Lei , du Hailong , Zhang Jian , Zhao Wen , Zhang Lihai
Published: January 2021

Research and design

A retrospective, clinical, non‐randomized, controlled study.

Objective

To evaluate the application of a new spinal navigation robot on percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) under local anaesthesia.

Methods

The result of inserting the puncture needle into the simulated pedicle was observed in vitro. Thirty patients with thoracolumbar fractures were enrolled. The basic data, operation‐related data and clinical effect scores were recorded. The learning curve of robot‐guided surgery was analysed.

Results

The maximum yaw angle of the puncture needle implanting into the simulated pedicle is 0.5°. The operation time (33.93 ± 5.97 min vs. 53.75 ± 14.08 min, p = 0.000) and the average X‐ray exposure time (31.43 ± 4.93 s vs. 54.69 ± 2.15 s, p = 0.000) was significantly less in the robot group. The surgeons quickly mastered the technique of robot‐guided pedicle puncture after three surgeries.

Conclusions

Robot‐assisted PVP could performed under local anaesthesia with the new robot.
Enantioselective environmental behavior of the chiral fungicide mandipropamid in four types of Chinese soil
Authors: Han Jiahua , Chen Ye , Liu Zhengyi , Chen Dan , Zhang Kankan , Hu Deyu
Published: January 2021

Enantioselective degradation behavior of mandipropamid, and factors affecting its degradation and metabolites in four types of Chinese soil were investigated in this work. The results showed that the enantiomeric selectivity values ranged from 0.025 to 0.170, indicating that enantioselectivity was found in the degradation process of the racemate in all of the soil samples and that the R‐(−)‐enantiomer was preferentially degraded. The degradation compounds formed faster in native alkaline soils (half‐lives = 35.5–39.80 d) than in native acidic soils (half‐lives = 51.3–77.90 d). The half‐lives of the R‐(−)‐enantiomer and S‐(+)‐enantiomer were 35.5–73.7 and 37.5–77.9 d, 66.6–97.6 and 70.0–103.5 d, and 52.5–110.0 and 66.0–144.4 d in the four types of soil under native, sterilized, and organic matter‐removed conditions, respectively, which indicated that mandipropamid degradation can be attributed to microbial activity and the organic matter content in the soil. Furthermore, the half‐lives of the R‐(−)‐enantiomer and S‐(+)‐enantiomer decreased 1.07–1.95 and 1.08–1.79 times with each 10 °C increase in incubation temperature, and the half‐lives of the R‐(−)‐enantiomer and S‐(+)‐enantiomer decreased 1.09–1.43 and 1.06–1.50 times with increasing moisture content. However, the incubation temperature and soil moisture did not change the enantioselectivity. Mandipropamid enantiomers were observed to be configurationally stable in the selected soil, and no interconversion was found during the incubation of enantiopure R‐(−)‐mandipropamid or S‐(+)‐mandipropamid in native or sterilized soil. During the degradation process, four major metabolites were detected. In comprehensive consideration of the environmental behavior, the enantioselective degradation results should be considered to more accurately assess the risk of this chiral pesticide in a real environment.
Biocomposites of PLA and Mango Seed Waste: Potential Material for Food Packaging and a Technological Alternative to Reduce Environmental Impact
Authors: Lima Edla Maria Bezerra , Middea Antonieta , Neumann Reiner , Thiré Rossana Mara da Silva Moreira , Pereira Jéssica Fernandes , de Freitas Sidinea Cordeiro , Penteado Marília Stephan , Lima Aline Muniz , Minguita Adriana Paula da Silva , Mattos Mariana da Costa , Teixeira Alessandra da Silva , Pereira Ingrid Cristina Soares , Rojas dos Santos Natália Rodrigues , Marconcini José Manoel , Oliveira Renata Nunes , Corrêa Ana Carolina
Published: January 2021

Mango seeds from agro‐industry represents an environmental problem due to the amounts of by‐products produced. Conversely, poly (lactic acid) (PLA) is a potential green alternative to conventional plastics. The goal of this study aimed to develop a biocomposite based on PLA and mango’s by‐product for rigid packaging. Six biocomposites are obtained by extrusion/injection processing using formulations with PLA as a matrix and up to 20% by weight of mango seed’s by‐products. The materials are characterized by chemical and physical analysis; scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X‐ray, X‐ray diffraction; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR); thermal gravimetric analysis/differential thermogravimetry; differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and mechanical analysis. FTIR bands and DSC transitions related to starch are higher in the kernel, while more cellulose bands are found in the integument. Kernel presented thermal degradation in the biocomposites, the sample PLA+20 wt% kernel. For the other compositions, it is possible to observe that they could keep their morphology. Significant improvements in both mechanical and barrier properties are found in the formulation with 20 wt% integument (up to 38% in elastic modulus). Therefore, this study suggests that biocomposites developed from PLA / Integument / Kernel have potential as a new biomaterial for rigid food packaging systems.
Low cost effective heterogeneous photo‐Fenton catalyst from drinking water treatment residuals for reactive blue 19 degradation: Preparation and characterization
Authors: Laib Salima , Rezzaz‐Yazid Hynda , Yatmaz Hüseyin Cengiz , Sadaoui Zahra
Published: January 2021

Four different catalysts from drinking water treatment residuals (DWTR) were prepared via impregnation in the iron nitrate, calcined at different temperatures ranged from 200°C to 500°C, and tested for the reactive blue 19 oxidation using the heterogeneous photo‐Fenton, under UVA light source. XRD and XPS results revealed that iron nature was found under a ferric oxide form (Fe3+) similar to the magnetite. Calcination temperature results showed a significant effect on the activity of the catalysts. RB19 and TOC removals were 99% and 79%, respectively, with the best catalyst that calcined at 500°C in optimal conditions as follows: initial pH solution = 3, 10 mM of H2O2 dosage, 0.5 g/L of catalyst loading, reaction temperature 35°C, and IUVA = 3.55 MW/cm2 for 50 mg/L of RB19. The reusability of the catalyst after three cycles showed complete removal of RB19 and 65% TOC removal.

Practitioner points

Synthetized heterogeneous photo‐Fenton catalyst from drinking water treatment residuals for the photo Fenton oxidation.

The calcination temperatures plays a crucial role in catalyst photocatalytic activity.

Degradation of reactive blue 19 with Fe/DWTR‐500 in presence of H2O2.

The Fe/DWTR‐500 catalyst exhibited the best photocatalytic activity.

Reusability studies of Fe/DWTR‐500 and the kinetics of reactive blue 19 degradation were investigated.
Zugangswege und Fixation kindlicher Schenkelhalsfrakturen – transglutealer Zugang
Authors: Ziebarth Kai , Kaiser Nadine , Slongo Theddy
Published: January 2021

Operationsziel

Die Hüftkopfzirkulation schonende, anatomische Reposition und sichere Stabilisierung von Schenkelhalsfrakturen im Kindesalter über einen transglutealen Zugang.

Indikationen

Intra-extraartikuläre proximale Femurfrakturen (Schenkelhalsfrakturen) AO 31-M/2.1 I‑III; 31-M/3.1 I‑III; 31-M/3.2 I‑III.

Kontraindikationen

Keine.

Operationstechnik

Präparation eines Muskellappens durch Ablösen des proximalen M. vastus lateralis inklusive des anterolateralen Anteils des M. glutaeus medius vom proximalen Femur respektive Trochanter major. Ablösen des glutaeus minimus von der Gelenkkapsel und Weghalten nach dorsal, ohne die Insertion des Muskels vollständig abzulösen. Die anterolaterale Gelenkkapsel kann nun vollständig exponiert werden. Arthrotomie der Gelenkkapsel und Darstellen des Schenkelhalses. Unter Sicht nun vorsichtige, kontrollierte Reposition der Fraktur unter Schutz der retinakulären Gefäße.

Weiterbehandlung

Mobilisation an Gehstöcken. Abstellen des Fußes erlaubt. Zur vollständigen Anheilung der Hüftabduktoren sollte eine aktive Abduktion sowie passive Adduktion für 4 bis 6 Wochen (je nach Alter des Patienten) vermieden werden.

Ergebnisse

In der eigenen Klink zeigten sich in den letzten 10 Jahren exzellente Ergebnisse bei 29 Patienten nach Behandlung von kindlichen Schenkelhalsfrakturen mit diesem Operationszugang. Eine operationsbedingte Femurkopfnekrose trat nicht auf.
Density–orientation coupling for a microcontinuum approach to nematic liquid crystals subject to electric field
Authors: Romeo Maurizio
Published: January 2021

A microcontinuum description of compressible liquid crystals is examined accounting for a constitutive model based on mass microdensity. As a first point, we discuss the effectiveness of the micropolar theory on compressible continua, which is limited to static problems. Then, by a micromorphic representation of mass density, we show the consistence of some classical constitutive models for compressible nematic liquid crystals and remark their connection with the microinertia tensor. After the analysis of a constitutive micropolar model, we discuss a static problem for a layer of compressible nematic liquid crystal in a planar configuration. The effects of an applied electric potential are considered remarking the coupling of density distribution with the molecular orientation.
Medial collateral ligament reconstruction graft isometry is effected by femoral position more than tibial position
Authors: Kittl Christoph , Robinson James , Raschke Michael J. , Olbrich Arne , Frank Andre , Glasbrenner Johannes , Herbst Elmar , Domnick Christoph , Herbort Mirco
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the length change patterns of the native medial structures of the knee and determine the effect on graft length change patterns for different tibial and femoral attachment points for previously described medial reconstructions.

Methods

Eight cadaveric knee specimens were prepared by removing the skin and subcutaneous fat. The sartorius fascia was divided to allow clear identification of the medial ligamentous structures. Knees were then mounted in a custom-made rig and the quadriceps muscle and the iliotibial tract were loaded, using cables and hanging weights. Threads were mounted between tibial and femoral pins positioned in the anterior, middle, and posterior parts of the attachment sites of the native superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL) and posterior oblique ligament (POL). Pins were also placed at the attachment sites relating to two commonly used medial reconstructions (Bosworth/Lind and LaPrade). Length changes between the tibiofemoral pin combinations were measured using a rotary encoder as the knee was flexed through an arc of 0–120°.

Results

With knee flexion, the anterior fibres of the sMCL tightened (increased in length 7.4% ± 2.9%) whilst the posterior fibres slackened (decreased in length 8.3% ± 3.1%). All fibre regions of the POL displayed a uniform lengthening of approximately 25% between 0 and 120° knee flexion.

The most isometric tibiofemoral combination was between pins placed representing the middle fibres of the sMCL (Length change = 5.4% ± 2.1% with knee flexion). The simulated sMCL reconstruction that produced the least length change was the Lind/Bosworth reconstruction with the tibial attachment at the insertion of the semitendinosus and the femoral attachment in the posterior part of the native sMCL attachment side (5.4 ± 2.2%). This appeared more isometric than using the attachment positions described for the LaPrade reconstruction (10.0 ± 4.8%).

Conclusion

The complex behaviour of the native MCL could not be imitated by a single point-to-point combination and surgeons should be aware that small changes in the femoral MCL graft attachment position will significantly effect graft length change patterns. Reconstructing the sMCL with a semitendinosus autograft, left attached distally to its tibial insertion, would appear to have a minimal effect on length change compared to detaching it and using the native tibial attachment site. A POL graft must always be tensioned near extension to avoid capturing the knee or graft failure.
Nonlinear mechanical model of the shaft of a roll forming mill and parameter identification
Authors: Lamprecht Matthias , Koçbay Emin , Leonhartsberger Martin , Vetyukov Yury , Bleicher Friedrich
Published: January 2021

Roll forming is a continuous process in which a moving metal sheet passes through numerous pairs of opposing forming rolls. The shafts of the roll forming mill are equipped with these rolls and must be set up and aligned to achieve the required final profile of the sheet. The practically relevant task of predicting the profile geometry of this incremental rolling process with varying characteristics of the metal sheet entering the mill requires an accurate description of the stiffness behavior of the shaft with rolls, which is the most compliant part of the roll forming mill. In this paper, the measured force-deflection characteristic of the shaft without rolls is compared with predictions of various theoretical models, followed by the adoption of the shear deformable beam model of the shaft with nonlinear elastic supports in the bearings. The coefficients of the cubic stiffness characteristics of the rotational springs as well as the effective length between the supports are identified based on the experimental data for the deflections, measured along the shaft for various loading levels. The theoretical predictions are obtained via the nonlinear finite element model of the shaft. The model thus provided shows high accuracy compared with the measurements. The paper’s results serve as a foundation for models to predict the stiffness of shafts with rolls.
Minimally Invasive Pancreaticoduodenectomy in Elderly Patients: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zhu Jisheng , Wang Guiyan , Du Peng , He Jianpeng , Li Yong
Published: January 2021

Background

Minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (MIPD) for pancreatic head or periampullary lesions is being utilized with increasing frequency. However, few data are available for the elderly. The objective of this study is to assess the safety and feasibility of MIPD in elderly population, by making a comparison with conventional open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) and with non‐elderly population.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search to identify all eligible studies in Cochrane Library, Ovid, and PubMed from their inception up to April 2020.

Results

Seven retrospective studies involving 2727 patients were included. Of these, 3 compared MIPD and OPD in elderly patients, 2 compared MIPD in elderly and non‐elderly patients, and 2 included both outcomes. Compared to those with OPD, elderly patients who underwent MIPD were associated with less 90‐day mortality (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.32–0.97; P = 0.04) and fewer delayed gastric emptying (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.33–0.88; P = 0.01). On the other hand, no significant difference was observed in terms of 30‐day mortality, major morbidity, postoperative pancreatic fistula (grade B/C), postoperative hemorrhage, reoperation, 30‐day readmission, and operative time. For patients who have treated with MIPD, elderly did not reveal worse outcomes than non‐elderly.

Conclusion

MIPD is a safe and feasible procedure for select elderly patients if performed by experienced surgeons from high‐volume pancreatic surgery centers. However, further randomized studies are required to confirm this.
Role of the South China Sea in Southern China rainfall: meridional moisture flux transport
Authors: Li Xiangting , Wang Chunzai , Lan Jian
Published: January 2021

The South China Sea (SCS) serves as the main source of moisture for rainfall in Southern China (SC) and the meridional moisture transport to SC is dominated by wind changes during the first rainy season (April–June). El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Tropical Northwestern Pacific (TNWP) variability modulate the SC rainfall through anomalous anticyclonic circulation over the western North Pacific by strengthening the SCS meridional moisture transport to SC. However, our study indicates that the SCS is not only the intermediary in which ENSO or the TNWP affects the SC rainfall but also plays an independent role in the modulation of the SC rainfall. Notably, the SCS meridional moisture transport has a lower impact on the SC rainfall during the second rainy season (July–September), especially in July. At that time, the main cause of the SC rainfall is the southward moisture flux anomaly across its northern boundary with the anomalous cyclone over SC. This cyclone suppresses the moisture flux out of SC and leads to moisture convergence in SC. Moreover, we present a new concept by analyzing internal differences of moisture circulation during the second rainy season. Either strengthening the meridional moisture flux into SC across its southern boundary or suppressing the moisture flux out of SC across its northern boundary is important depending on whether or not the moisture from the SCS can converge in SC, which is mainly determined by the amplitude of moisture transport fluxes in SC.
Outcomes of first versus third kidney transplantations: propensity score matching and paired subgroup analysis—a single-centre experience
Authors: Telkes Gábor , Piros László , Szabó József , Huszty Gergely , Eitler Katalin , Kóbori László
Published: January 2021

Background

In the Eurotransplant, 12.6% of kidney transplantations are a repeat procedure. Third transplants are significantly more complex than first and second ones. We compared the results of first (PRT) versus third (TRT) transplantations.

Methods

Between 2011 and 2016, we performed 779 deceased donor adult kidney transplantations, 14.2% out of them were second, 2.6% (20) third, and 0.3% fourth. We compared the pre-, intra-, and postoperative data, kidney function, and survival rate.

Results

Recipients of TRT were younger (53.4 vs. 47.3 p = 0.02). HCV infection rate (20%, p = 0.00) is ten times higher. The operation time is longer (132 vs. 152 min, p = 0.02), and delayed graft function is much more frequent (22.4% vs. 60%, p = 0.00). Induction therapy was given to every TRT (7.9% vs.100%), but as a result, the rejection rate was the same (~ 15%). Hospital stay is a week longer. Patient’s survival at 1, 3, and 5 years for PRT is 96.4%, 93.9%, and 91.2% and for TRT is 90%, 85%, and 78.4%, respectively (p = 0.023). TRT’s odds ratio of fatal outcome is 4.35 (1.5–12.5). Graft survival at 1, 3, and 5 years for PRT is 93.1%, 91.4%, and 90.3% and for TRT is 75%, 75%, and 75%, respectively (p = 0.020). TRT’s odds ratio of graft loss is 3.14 (1.1–8.9). Of PRT 85.76%, out of PRT 85.76%, while out of TRT 60% live with a functioning graft, p=0.00149.

Conclusion

In a third transplant, both graft and patient survival are significantly inferior to primer ones. Careful selection is required to minimize the patient risk and graft loss.
Primary MiNEN of the urinary bladder: an hitherto undescribed entity composed of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and adenocarcinoma with a distinct clinical behavior
Authors: Pini Giacomo Maria , Uccella Silvia , Corinti Matteo , Colecchia Maurizio , Pelosi Giuseppe , Patriarca Carlo
Published: January 2021

Neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) of the urinary bladder are very rare and can be observed in the context of mixed neuroendocrine/non-neuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNENs), most frequently in association with urothelial carcinoma. Small cell NECs are far more common than large cell NECs (LCNECs), which are exceedingly rare. We describe a primary MiNEN of the urinary bladder, composed of a LCNEC and of an adenocarcinoma, in which the neuroendocrine component reached complete pathological regression after neoadjuvant M-VAC chemotherapy, whereas the non-neuroendocrine component of the tumor progressed to metastatic disease. Compared to mixed neuroendocrine/non-neuroendocrine neoplasms described in the literature until now, this appears to be a unique case that expands the spectrum of neuroendocrine neoplasia of the urinary bladder.
Impact of biometeorological conditions and air pollution on influenza-like illnesses incidence in Warsaw
Authors: Lindner-Cendrowska Katarzyna , Bröde Peter
Published: January 2021

In order to assess the influence of atmospheric conditions and particulate matter (PM) on the seasonally varying incidence of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) in the capital of Poland—Warsaw, we analysed time series of ILI reported for the about 1.75 million residents in total and for different age groups in 288 approximately weekly periods, covering 6 years 2013–2018. Using Poisson regression, we predicted ILI by the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) as biometeorological indicator, and by PM2.5 and PM10, respectively, as air quality measures accounting for lagged effects spanning up to 3 weeks. Excess ILI incidence after adjusting for seasonal and annual trends was calculated by fitting generalized additive models. ILI morbidity increased with rising PM concentrations, for both PM2.5 and PM10, and with cooler atmospheric conditions as indicated by decreasingUTCI. While the PM effect focused on the actual reporting period, the atmospheric influence exhibited a more evenly distributed lagged effect pattern over the considered 3-week period. Though ILI incidence adjusted for population size significantly declined with age, age did not significantly modify the effect sizes of both PM andUTCI. These findings contribute to better understanding environmental conditionings of influenza seasonality in a temperate climate. This will be beneficial to forecasting future dynamics of ILI and to planning clinical and public health resources under climate change scenarios.
The course of health-related quality of life from diagnosis to two years follow-up in patients with oropharyngeal cancer: does HPV status matter?
Authors: Korsten Laura H. A. , Jansen Femke , Lissenberg-Witte Birgit I. , Vergeer Marije , Brakenhoff Ruud H. , Leemans C. René , Verdonck-de Leeuw Irma M.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To investigate the course of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) from diagnosis to 2 years follow-up among patients with oropharyngeal cancer (OPSCC), in relation to human papilloma virus (HPV) status.

Methods

This study included 270 OPSCC patients. Age, sex, tumor sublocation, tumor stage, HPV status, treatment modality, comorbidity, smoking, and alcohol use were retrieved from medical records. HPV status was positive when p16 and HPV DNA tests were both positive. HRQOL was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30/QLQ-H&N35 pretreatment and at 6 weeks, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after treatment. To compare the course of HRQOL between patients with an HPV-positive versus HPV-negative tumor, linear and logistic mixed models were used.

Results

Patients with an HPV-positive tumor (29%) were more often male, diagnosed with a tumor of the tonsil or base of the tongue, treated with single treatment, had fewer comorbidities, were less often current smokers and had lower alcohol consumption. Adjusted for confounders, the course of global quality of life, physical, role, and social functioning, fatigue, pain, insomnia, and appetite loss was significantly different: patients with an HPV-positive tumor scored better before treatment, worsened during treatment, and recovered better and faster at follow-up, compared to patients with an HPV-negative tumor. The course of emotional functioning and oral pain was also significantly different between the two groups, but with other trajectories.

Conclusion

The course of HRQOL is different in patients with an HPV-positive tumor versus an HPV-negative tumor, adjusted for sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle confounders.
Early life differences in behavioral predispositions in two Alligatoridae species
Authors: Reber Stephan A. , Oh Jinook , Janisch Judith , Stevenson Colin , Foggett Shaun , Wilkinson Anna
Published: January 2021

Behavioral predispositions are innate tendencies of animals to behave in a given way without the input of learning. They increase survival chances and, due to environmental and ecological challenges, may vary substantially even between closely related taxa. These differences are likely to be especially pronounced in long-lived species like crocodilians. This order is particularly relevant for comparative cognition due to its phylogenetic proximity to birds. Here we compared early life behavioral predispositions in two Alligatoridae species. We exposed American alligator and spectacled caiman hatchlings to three different novel situations: a novel object, a novel environment that was open and a novel environment with a shelter. This was then repeated a week later. During exposure to the novel environments, alligators moved around more and explored a larger range of the arena than the caimans. When exposed to the novel object, the alligators reduced the mean distance to the novel object in the second phase, while the caimans further increased it, indicating diametrically opposite ontogenetic development in behavioral predispositions. Although all crocodilian hatchlings face comparable challenges, e.g., high predation pressure, the effectiveness of parental protection might explain the observed pattern. American alligators are apex predators capable of protecting their offspring against most dangers, whereas adult spectacled caimans are frequently predated themselves. Their distancing behavior might be related to increased predator avoidance and also explain the success of invasive spectacled caimans in the natural habitats of other crocodilians.
High-frequency spinal cord stimulation in failed back surgery syndrome patients with predominant low back pain—single-center experience
Authors: Motov Stefan , Aftahy Kaywan , Jörger Ann-Kathrin , Wagner Arthur , Meyer Bernhard , Shiban Ehab
Published: January 2021

Treatment of patients with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) with predominant low back pain (LBP) remains challenging. High-frequency spinal cord stimulation (HF10 SCS) is believed to achieve significant pain reduction. We aimed to evaluate the real-life efficacy of HF-10 SCS in a tertiary spine center. A prospective observational study of all patients with FBSS and predominant LBP who underwent HF-10 SCS surgery was performed between 2016 and 2018. Patients > 18 years with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores of ≥ 5 for LBP and pain duration > 6 months under stable medication were implanted percutaneous under general anesthesia and a trial phase of 7–14 days was accomplished. Primary end point was a successful trial defined as ≥ 50% VAS score reduction for LBP. Thirty-four of 39 (85%) subjects had a successful trial. Fifty-three percent were female and the mean age was 69 years. Median follow-up lasted for 10 months. Devices were removed after a median of 10 months in 5 cases. Remaining 29 patients stated significant VAS score reduction for LBP from 8.1 to 2.9 and VAS for leg pain from 4.9 to 2.2. Twenty-four percent of all patients were able to discontinue their opioids. Eight of 9 patients (89%) with signs of adjacent disc disease and 7 of 10 (70%) patients with hardware failure were successfully implanted with significant VAS reduction for LBP. HF-10 SCS achieves significant pain reduction in most patients with FBSS and predominant LBP. It might be an efficient alternative to revision surgery.
Counting the dimension of splines of mixed smoothness
Authors: Toshniwal Deepesh , DiPasquale Michael
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we study the dimension of bivariate polynomial splines of mixed smoothness on polygonal meshes. Here, “mixed smoothness” refers to the choice of different orders of smoothness across different edges of the mesh. To study the dimension of spaces of such splines, we use tools from homological algebra. These tools were first applied to the study of splines by Billera (Trans. Am. Math. Soc.310(1), 325–340, 1988). Using them, estimation of the spline space dimension amounts to the study of the Billera-Schenck-Stillman complex for the spline space. In particular, when the homology in positions 1 and 0 of this complex is trivial, the dimension of the spline space can be computed combinatorially. We call such spline spaces “lower-acyclic.” In this paper, starting from a spline space which is lower-acyclic, we present sufficient conditions that ensure that the same will be true for the spline space obtained after relaxing the smoothness requirements across a subset of the mesh edges. This general recipe is applied in a specific setting: meshes of arbitrary topologies. We show how our results can be used to compute the dimensions of spline spaces on triangulations, polygonal meshes, and T-meshes with holes.
Performance agreements to ensure societal legitimacy in the social housing sector; an embedded case study of implementation in the Netherlands
Authors: Plettenburg S. G. J. , Hoppe T. , van der Heijden H. M. H. , Elsinga M. G.
Published: January 2021

In 2015 the Housing Act was revised in order to further regulate the social housing sector in the Netherlands and thereby improve the steering possibilities for the central government to coordinate housing associations. This included local performance agreements for social housing policy obtaining a legal status. By introducing this policy instrument central government seeks to facilitate and ensure the tri-partite cooperation between municipalities, housing associations and tenants’ organisations in order to release funds by housing associations for social benefit. This should improve the position of municipalities and tenants’ organisations in social housing, and improve legitimate policy making. In this paper the main research question is: How are local performance agreements implemented targeting increased societal legitimacy in local social housing policy making, and what are its strengths and weaknesses in three selected cases in the Netherlands? A case study research design was used involving three local embedded case studies. As a theoretical framework the Contextual Interaction Theory was used. Data collection involved expert interviews and review of policy documents. Results reveal several weaknesses that impede the implementation of performance agreements, including issues in the broader governance regime and context, as well as issues with the inter-organisational structure and stakeholder interaction regarding the tri-partite cooperation between the key actors. This has to do with the precarious role of the tenants’ organisations in the process, and the local housing policy as the basis of local performance agreements. Results also show that implementation of performance agreements is more difficult in cities with dense urban areas.
Virtual Loom: a tool for the interactive 3D representation of historical fabrics
Authors: Portalés Cristina , Pérez Manolo , Casanova-Salas Pablo , Gimeno Jesús
Published: January 2021

3D modelling of man-made objects is widely used in the cultural heritage sector, among others. It is relevant for its documentation, dissemination and preservation. Related to historical fabrics, weaves and weaving techniques are still mostly represented in forms of 2D graphics and textual descriptions. However, complex geometries are difficult to represent in such forms, hindering the way this legacy is transmitted to new generations. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of SILKNOW’s Virtual Loom, an interactive tool aimed to document, preserve and represent in interactive 3D forms historical weaves and weaving techniques of silk fabrics, dating from the 15th to the 19th centuries. To that end, our tool only requires an image of a historical fabric. Departing from this image, the tool automatically subtracts the design, and allows the user to apply different weaves and weaving techniques. In its current version, the tool embeds five traditional weaving techniques, 39 weaves and six types of yarns, which have been defined thanks to close collaboration of experts in computer graphics, art history and historical fabrics. Additionally, users can change the color of yarns and produce different 3D representations for a given fabric, which are interactive in real time. In this paper, we bring the details of the design and implementation of this tool, focusing on the input data, the strategy to process images, the 3D modelling of yarns, the definition of weaves and weaving techniques and the graphical user interface. In the results section, we show some examples of image analysis in order to subtract the design of historical fabrics, and then we provide 3D representations for all the considered weaving techniques, combining different types of yarns.
Children’s surface, textbase, and situation model representations of written and illustrated written narrative text
Authors: Seger Benedikt T. , Wannagat Wienke , Nieding Gerhild
Published: January 2021

According to the tripartite model of text representation (van Dijk & Kintsch, 1983), readers form representations of the text surface and textbase, and construct a situation model. In this study, an experiment was conducted to investigate whether these levels of representation would be affected by adding illustrations to narrative text and whether the order of text and illustrations would make a difference. Students aged between 7 and 13 years (N = 146) read 12 narrative texts, 4 of them with illustrations presented before their corresponding sentences, 4 with illustrations presented after, and 4 without any illustration. A sentence recognition task was used to assess the accuracy for text surface, textbase, and situation model. For the text surface and situation model, neither the presence of illustrations nor the order of text and illustrations influenced accuracy. However, the textbase was negatively affected by illustrations when they followed their corresponding sentences. We suggest that illustrations can initiate model inspection after situation model construction (Schnotz, 2014), a process that can make substantial changes to the textbase representation.