bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of a static pedestrian as an exit obstacle on evacuation
Authors: Hu Yang-Hui , Bi Yu-Bo , Zhang Jun , Lian Li-Ping , Song Wei-Guo , Gao Wei
Published: September 2022

Building exit as a bottleneck structure is the last and the most congested stage in building evacuation. It is well known that obstacles at the exit affect the evacuation process, but few researchers pay attention to the effect of stationary pedestrians (the elderly with slow speed, the injured, and the static evacuation guide) as obstacles at the exit on the evacuation process. This paper explores the influence of the presence of a stationary pedestrian as an obstacle at the exit on the evacuation from experiments and simulations. We use a software, Pathfinder, based on the agent-based model to study the effect of ratios of exit width (D) to distance (d) between the static pedestrian and the exit, the asymmetric structure by shifting the static pedestrian upward, and types of obstacles on evacuation. Results show that the evacuation time of scenes with a static pedestrian is longer than that of scenes with an obstacle due to the unexpected hindering effect of the static pedestrian. Different ratios of D/d have different effects on evacuation efficiency. Among the five D/d ratios in this paper, the evacuation efficiency is the largest when d is equal to 0.75D, and the existence of the static pedestrian has a positive impact on evacuation in this condition. The influence of the asymmetric structure of the static pedestrian on evacuation efficiency is affected by D/d. This study can provide a theoretical basis for crowd management and evacuation plan near the exit of complex buildings and facilities.
Dynamic electrostatic-discharge path investigation relied on different impact energies in metal–oxide–semiconductor circuits
Authors: Xie Tian-Tian , Wang Jun , Du Fei-Bo , Yu Yang , Cai Yan-Fei , Feng Er-Yuan , Hou Fei , Liu Zhi-Wei
Published: September 2022

Gate-grounded n-channel metal–oxide–semiconductor (GGNMOS) devices have been widely implemented as power clamps to protect semiconductor devices from electrostatic discharge stress owing to their simple construction, easy triggering, and low power dissipation. We present a novel I–V characterization of the GGNMOS used as the power clamp in complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor circuits as a result of switching the ESD paths under different impact energies. This special effect could cause an unexpected latch-up or pre-failure phenomenon in some applications with relatively large capacitances from power supply to power ground, and thus should be urgently analyzed and resolved. Transmission-line-pulse, human-body-modal, and light-emission tests were performed to explore the root cause.
Raman spectroscopy of isolated carbyne chains confined in carbon nanotubes: Progress and prospects
Authors: Lechner Johannes M. A. , López Pablo Hernández , Heeg Sebastian
Published: September 2022

Carbyne is an infinitely long linear chain of carbon atoms with sp1 hybridization and the truly one-dimensional allotrope of carbon. While obtaining freestanding carbyne is still an open challenge, the study of confined carbyne, linear chains of carbon encapsulated in carbon nanotubes, provides a pathway to explore carbyne and its remarkable properties in a well-defined environment. In this review, we discuss the basics and recent advances in studying single confined carbyne chains by Raman spectroscopy, which is their primary spectroscopic characterization method. We highlight where single carbyne chain studies are needed to advance our understanding of confined carbyne as a material system and provide an overview of the open questions that need to be addressed and of those aspects currently under debate.
Pedestrian evacuation simulation in multi-exit case: An emotion and group dual-driven method
Authors: Li Yong-Xing , Yang Xiao-Xia , Meng Meng , Gu Xin , Kong Ling-Peng
Published: September 2022

This paper analyzes the characteristics of emotion state and group behavior in the evacuation process. During the emergency evacuation, emotion state and group behavior are interacting with each other, and indivisible. The emotion spread model with the effect of group behavior, and the leader–follower model with the effect of emotion state are proposed. On this basis, exit choice strategies with the effect of emotion state and group behavior are proposed. Fusing emotion spread model, leader–follower model, and exit choice strategies into a cellular automata (CA)-based pedestrian simulation model, we simulate the evacuation process in a multi-exit case. Simulation results indicate that panic emotion and group behavior are two negative influence factors for pedestrian evacuation. Compared with panic emotion or group behavior only, pedestrian evacuation efficiency with the effects of both is lower.
Compact TE-pass polarizer based on lithium-niobate-on-insulator assisted by indium tin oxide and silicon nitride
Authors: Liu Jia-Min , Zhang De-Long
Published: September 2022

An indium tin oxide (ITO) and silicon nitride (Si3N4) assisted compact TE-pass waveguide polarizer based on lithium-niobate-on-insulator is proposed and numerically analyzed. By properly designing the ITO and Si3N4 assisted structure and utilizing the epsilon-near-zero effect of ITO, the TM mode is strongly confined in the ITO layer with extremely high loss, while the TE mode is hardly affected and passes through the waveguide with low loss. The simulation results show that the polarizer has an extinction ratio of 22.5 dB and an insertion loss of 0.8 dB at the wavelength of 1.55 μm, and has an operating bandwidth of about 125 nm (from 1540 nm to 1665 nm) for an extinction ratio of > 20 dB and an insertion loss of < 0.95 dB. Moreover, the proposed device exhibits large fabrication tolerances. More notably, the device is compact, with a length of only 7.5 μm, and is appropriate for on-chip applications.
A charge-integration pixel readout chip features IR-drop effect mitigation by distributed LDOs
Authors: Li M. , Wei W. , Jiang X. , Cui S. , Zhang J. , Lu B. , Liu Z.
Published: September 2022

HYLITE (High dYnamic range free electron Laser Imaging
deTEctor) is a charge-integration pixel detector readout chip, which
is designed for SHINE (Shanghai high repetition rate XFEL and
extreme light facility). The targeting pixel array of a full-size
chip is 128 × 128 with a pixel pitch of 100 μm. The
dynamic range of HYLITE is 1 ∼ 10000 photons at 12 keV, and
the frame rate is 10 kHz. Large array size, high dynamic range, and
high readout speed result in a big challenge of large power
consumption and a significant IR-Drop effect.

We implemented HYLITE0.2, which is the second prototype chip
fabricated in a CMOS 130 nm process. Compared with HYLITE0.1,
HYLITE0.2 aims to implement a full-function chip with a further
shrunk pixel size, while the foreseen problem of severe IR-Drop
effect of the full-size chip must be solved. To mitigate the IR-Drop
effect, we proposed a novel architecture of distributed in-array
Low-Dropout Regulators (LDOs). The pixel array consists of
16 × 24 pixels, and the full functionality was implemented
within a pixel pitch of 100 μm. Measurements show that pixels
powered by the proposed architecture work well, and the gain
gradient of those pixels is 31.8% of the pixels powered by the
conventional architecture.
A novel design of a passive variable stiffness soft robotic gripper
Authors: Shan Yu , Zhao Yanzhi , Pei Changlei , Yu Hongnian , Liu Pengcheng
Published: September 2022

Inspired by the twisting and hanging phenomenon of vines, this paper proposes and designs a passive variable stiffness soft robotic gripper to grasp an object in a simple and robust manner using the principle of jamming. This method has the characteristics of high reliability and good stability, which can achieve soft grasping and rigid load-bearing of the object. Firstly, according to two key issues, the design model of the gripper is proposed, the principle of the proposed gripper is analyzed, and the relationship between the stiffness of the gripper and the stiffness of the object is revealed. Secondly, the model of the robotic gripper is created using a conventional motor drive method, and the grasping process and deformation causes of the gripper are analyzed by using the principle of instability effect and large deformation principle. Finally, the experimental prototype is developed and the feasibility of the design principle and the grasping deformation process of the gripper are verified by gripping experiments.
Similarity reductions of peakon equations: integrable cubic equations
Authors: Barnes L E , Hone A N W , Senthilvelan M , Stalin S
Published: September 2022

We consider the scaling similarity solutions of two integrable cubically nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) that admit peaked soliton (peakon) solutions, namely the modified Camassa–Holm (mCH) equation and Novikov’s equation. By making use of suitable reciprocal transformations, which map the mCH equation and Novikov’s equation to a negative mKdV flow and a negative Sawada–Kotera flow, respectively, we show that each of these scaling similarity reductions is related via a hodograph transformation to an equation of Painlevé type: for the mCH equation, its reduction is of second order and second degree, while for Novikov’s equation the reduction is a particular case of Painlevé V. Furthermore, we show that each of these two different Painlevé-type equations is related to the particular cases of Painlevé III that arise from analogous similarity reductions of the Camassa–Holm and the Degasperis–Procesi equation, respectively. For each of the cubically nonlinear PDEs considered, we also give explicit parametric forms of their periodic travelling wave solutions in terms of elliptic functions. We present some parametric plots of the latter, and, by using explicit algebraic solutions of Painlevé III, we do the same for some of the simplest examples of scaling similarity solutions, together with descriptions of their leading order asymptotic behaviour.
On general-n coefficients in series expansions for row spin–spin correlation functions in the two-dimensional Ising model
Authors: Shrock Robert
Published: September 2022

We consider spin–spin correlation functions for spins along a row, R

n
= ⟨σ
0,0
σ

n,0⟩, in the two-dimensional Ising model. We discuss a method for calculating general-n expressions for coefficients in high-temperature and low-temperature series expansions of R

n
and apply it to obtain such expressions for several higher-order coefficients. In addition to their intrinsic interest, these results could be useful in the continuing quest for a nonlinear ordinary differential equation whose solution would determine R

n
, analogous to the known nonlinear ordinary differential equation whose solution determines the diagonal correlation function ⟨σ
0,0
σ

n,n
⟩ in this model.
Development and potential environmental impact of Photonic Meta-Concrete
Authors: Adams N , Allacker K , Dolado J S
Published: September 2022

In the overall aim to reduce the heat-island-effect in cities and the related use of conventional air-conditioners, which now account for 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 10% of the total energy consumption, a Photonic Meta-Concrete (PMC) is currently being developed. This “MIRACLE” concrete is designed to contain remarkable photonic properties to make daytime radiative cooling possible. With these characteristics, the PMC can be used to fight global warming, reduce the CO2 footprint and mitigate the heat-island-effect. This paper describes the principal working of the new PMC and presents the first results of the development. In the first stage, the most appropriate composition of the concrete mixture is searched for. This is done by trying to develop a mixture with the desired photonic properties, a high emissivity in the Atmospheric Window (AW) and a high reflectivity to minimize solar gains. A range of composites are tested and compared within this step. Secondly, an environmental impact assessment (EIA) study is performed along the development of the PMC in order to support decision taking. The resources and energy needed to create the concrete mixture are analysed from cradle-to-gate and a comparison with conventional concrete is made to investigate the impact of this new material. This EIA study is performed according to the EC PEF (Product Environmental Footprint) method, a broad set of indicators are assessed, including climate change. Considering such a large set of indicators ensures that burden shifting is avoided.
Narratives and HVAC systems – why universities demolish and refurbish buildings
Authors: Jensen L B , Bergeron E
Published: September 2022

It has been a wide spread argument that existing buildings should be demolished to give way for more energy efficient ones (in terms of operation of buildings). However, from a Co2 emission perspective considered over a 50-year lifespan it will in most cases still be more sustainable to refurbish an existing building even though the HVAC system will be less efficient. The embodied energy in existing buildings holds a societal value due to a potential avoided CO2 emission, in the same way as buildings holds cultural heritage value, precious to a society. Recent research points to the fact that buildings with a good SAVE value are seldom demolished. In this paper Adaptive Reuse in American Universities is explored with a perspective to decision processes. At University Campi the percentage of buildings with good SAVE value is high, however buildings are still being demolished. Through two case studies a mapping of the decision process and thereby the arguments for adaptive reuse and refurbishment as well as demolition is demonstrated. Through 17 semi structured interviews the ideas and preferences amongst decision makers are exposed and discussed, revealing arguments for demolishing one listed building, while preservation another.
Characterization of spatiotemporal couplings with far-field beamlet cross-correlation
Authors: Smartsev Slava , Tata Sheroy , Liberman Aaron , Adelberg Michael , Mohanty Arujash , Levine Eitan Y , Seemann Omri , Wan Yang , Kroupp Eyal , Lahaye Ronan , Thaury Cédric , Malka Victor
Published: September 2022

We present a novel, straightforward method for the characterization of spatiotemporal couplings (STCs) in ultra-short laser pulses. The method employs far-field interferometry and inverse Fourier transform spectroscopy, built on the theoretical basis derived in this paper. It stands out in its simplicity: it requires few non-standard optical elements and simple analysis algorithms. This method was used to measure the space-time intensity of our 100 TW class laser and to test the efficacy of a refractive doublet as a suppressor of pulse front curvature (PFC). The measured low-order STCs agreed with ray-tracing simulations. In addition, we demonstrate a one-shot measurement technique, derived from our central method, which allows for quick and precise alignment of the compressor by pulse front tilt minimization and for optimal refractive doublet positioning for the suppression of PFC.
Preprint Highlight: Automatic detection of spatiotemporal signaling patterns in cell collectives
Authors: Zaritsky Assaf
Published: September 2022

Propagation of signal between cells drives many biological processes, but the field lacks systematic quantification methods. This study presents Automatic Recognition of COllective Signalling (ARCOS), a general-purpose computational method to visualize and quantify intercellular propagation of signaling events. The method detects single-cell signaling activation events, groups these events across space and time, and extracts quantitative measurements of the spatiotemporal dynamics of collective signaling events. The authors demonstrated the application of ARCOS on diverse experimental systems, with implementation and documentation publicly available in R and Python and as a NAPARI plugin. ARCOS could be used to explore and decipher rules governing emergent collective cell dynamics.
Extending the no objective testing rules to patients triaged by the European Society of Cardiology 0/1-hour algorithms
Authors: Ratmann Paul David , Boeddinghaus Jasper , Nestelberger Thomas , Lopez-Ayala Pedro , Huré Gabrielle , Gehrke Juliane , Koechlin Luca , Wildi Karin , Mueller Philip , Bima Paolo , Wussler Desiree , Gisler Nicolas , Miro Oscar , Martín-Sánchez F Javier , Christ Michael , Gualandro Danielle M , Twerenbold Raphael , Gimenez Maria Rubini , Keller Dagmar I , Buser Andreas , Mueller Christian ,   the APACE Investigators, Meier Mario , Puelacher Christian , Glarner Noemi , Sanchez Ana Yufera , Potlukova Eliska , Badertscher Patrick , Freese Michael , Strebel Ivo , Rentsch Katharina , López Beatriz , Martinez-Nadal Gemma , Adrada Esther Rodriguez , von Eckardstein Arnold , Morawiec Beata , Kawecki Damian , Muzyk Piotr , Bürgler Franz , Geigy Nicolas
Published: September 2022

Aims

After rule-out of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) with the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 0/1 h-algorithms, it is unclear which patients require further anatomical or functional cardiac testing. To test the safety and efficacy of the no-objective-testing (NOT)-rules after NSTEMI rule-out by the ESC 0/1 h-algorithms.

Methods and results

International, prospective, diagnostic multicentre study enrolling adult patients presenting with chest pain to the emergency department. Central adjudication of final diagnosis by two independent cardiologists using information including cardiac imaging. Primary endpoints were the safety and efficacy of the NOT-rules for the rule-out of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Secondary endpoints included 365-day and 2-year MACE. Among 4804 and 4569 patients with available 0/1 h high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn)T-Elecsys or hs-cTnI-Architect concentrations, 2783 (58%) and 2252 (49%) were eligible for application of the NOT-rules after rule-out of NSTEMI by the ESC hs-cTnT/I-0/1h-algorithm. The first rule identified 26% of patients with a sensitivity of 100% (95%CI 98.3–100%) and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100% (95% CI, n.c.). The second and third rules both identified 31% of patients with a sensitivity of 99.5% (95% CI 97.4–99.9%) and a NPV of 99.9% (95% CI 99.2–99.9%). Similar findings emerged for hs-cTnI. High safety was confirmed for rule-out of 365-day and 2-year MACE and proven to be superior to the HEART Score.

Conclusion

All three NOT-rules performed very well for rule-out of MACE. The third NOT-rule best balanced feasibility, safety, and efficacy by identifying nearly one out of three patients as low-risk and may not require further cardiac testing. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00470587
Gender and the long-run development process. A survey of the literature
Authors: Merouani Youssouf , Perrin Faustine
Published: September 2022

Why do certain countries display high gender equalities while others display low gender equalities? To what extent does gender equality foster economic growth and development? The past decade has witnessed a boom and increasing literature about the role played by women and gender in long-run economic development. The increasing awareness of economics and economic history have contributed to improve our understanding of the crucial role played by women in the process of economic development. This paper reviews the literature on the topic and opens the discussion on current challenges and avenues for future research.
yEvo: experimental evolution in high school classrooms selects for novel mutations that impact clotrimazole resistance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Taylor Matthew Bryce , Skophammer Ryan , Warwick Alexa R , Geck Renee C , Boyer Josephine M ,   yEvo Students, Walson Margaux , Large Christopher R L , Hickey Angela Shang-Mei , Rowley Paul A , Dunham Maitreya J
Published: September 2022

Antifungal resistance in pathogenic fungi is a growing global health concern. Nonpathogenic laboratory strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are an important model for studying mechanisms of antifungal resistance that are relevant to understanding the same processes in pathogenic fungi. We have developed a series of laboratory modules in which high school students used experimental evolution to study antifungal resistance by isolating azole-resistant S. cerevisiae mutants and examining the genetic basis of resistance. We have sequenced 99 clones from these experiments and found that all possessed mutations previously shown to impact azole resistance, validating our approach. We additionally found recurrent mutations in an mRNA degradation pathway and an uncharacterized mitochondrial protein (Csf1) that have possible mechanistic connections to azole resistance. The scale of replication in this initiative allowed us to identify candidate epistatic interactions, as evidenced by pairs of mutations that occur in the same clone more frequently than expected by chance (positive epistasis) or less frequently (negative epistasis). We validated one of these pairs, a negative epistatic interaction between gain-of-function mutations in the multidrug resistance transcription factors Pdr1 and Pdr3. This high school–university collaboration can serve as a model for involving members of the broader public in the scientific process to make meaningful discoveries in biomedical research.
Values of a novel pyroptosis-related genetic signature in predicting outcome and immune status of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xu Xiang , Liang Jia-Hua , Li Jian-Hui , Xu Qiong-Cong , Yin Xiao-Yu
Published: September 2022

Background

Pyroptosis is an emerging form of programmed cell death associated with progression in malignancies. Yet, there are few studies reporting on the association between pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and pyroptosis. Therefore, we aimed to construct a pyroptosis-related genetic signature to predict the clinical outcome and immune status in PDAC patients.

Methods

RNA-seq data of 176 PDAC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and 167 PDAC patients from the Genotype-Tissue Expression Project were analysed for pyroptosis-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between PDAC and normal pancreas. The risk signature of DEGs was analysed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis and its accuracy was validated in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) cohort (n = 190). Functional enrichment analyses were performed to explore the mechanisms of the DEGs. The immune characteristics were evaluated using single-sample gene set enrichment analysis and ESTIMATE algorithms for each group.

Results

A nine-gene risk signature was generated from LASSO Cox regression analysis and classified PDAC patients into either a high- or low-risk group according to the median risk score. The high-risk group had significantly shorter overall survival than the low-risk group and it was verified in the external GEO database. A nomogram based on the risk signature was constructed and showed an ideal prediction performance. Functional enrichment analyses revealed that pyroptosis might regulate the tumor immune microenvironment in PDAC. Immune infiltration evaluation suggested that immune status was more activated in the low-risk group than in the high-risk group.

Conclusion

The risk signature encompassing nine pyroptosis-related genes may be a prognostic marker for PDAC. Pyroptosis might affect the prognosis of PDAC patients via regulating the tumor immune microenvironment.
Discovery of druggable cancer-specific pathways with application in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Trac Quang Thinh , Zhou Tingyou , Pawitan Yudi , Vu Trung Nghia
Published: September 2022

An individualized cancer therapy is ideally chosen to target the cancer’s driving biological pathways, but identifying such pathways is challenging because of their underlying heterogeneity and there is no guarantee that they are druggable. We hypothesize that a cancer with an activated druggable cancer-specific pathway (DCSP) is more likely to respond to the relevant drug. Here we develop and validate a systematic method to search for such DCSPs, by (i) introducing a pathway activation score (PAS) that integrates cancer-specific driver mutations and gene expression profile and drug-specific gene targets, (ii) applying the method to identify DCSPs from pan-cancer datasets, and (iii) analyzing the correlation between PAS and the response to relevant drugs. In total, 4,794 DCSPs from 23 different cancers have been discovered in the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer database and validated in The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Supporting the hypothesis, for the DCSPs in acute myeloid leukemia, cancers with higher PASs are shown to have stronger drug response, and this is validated in the BeatAML cohort. All DCSPs are publicly available at https://www.meb.ki.se/shiny/truvu/DCSP/.
N-acetylglucosamine-bearing polymers mimicking O-GlcNAc-modified proteins elicit anti-fibrotic activities in myofibroblasts and activated stellate cells
Authors: Ise Hirohiko , Araki Yusaku , Song Inu , Akatsuka Gen
Published: September 2022

O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc)-modified proteins are post-translationally modified with GlcNAc conjugated to serine and threonine residues. This modification is associated with various physiological functions such as serine and threonine phosphorylation and Notch signaling. Here, we demonstrated that O-GlcNAc-modified proteins leaked from dead cells and GlcNAc-bearing polymers mimicking the multivalent GlcNAc moiety of these proteins induced anti-fibrotic activities, such as the suppression of α-smooth muscle actin and collagen and the induction of matrix metalloprotease 1 in myofibroblasts. We have previously reported that O-GlcNAc-modified proteins and GlcNAc-bearing polymers could interact with cell surface vimentin and desmin. In the current study, it was demonstrated that a multivalent GlcNAc moiety structure of these molecules activated PI3K/Akt and p38MAPK pathway and elicited these anti-fibrotic activities in myofibroblasts by interacting with cell surface vimentin. Since the interaction of O-GlcNAc-modified proteins with desmin was observed in the fibrotic liver of carbon tetrachloride-treated mice via an in situ proximity ligation assay, it was assumed that the activated stellate cells could bind to the O-GlcNAc-modified proteins from the damaged hepatocytes. In addition, the administration of anti-O-GlcNAc antibody to inhibit the interaction exacerbated liver fibrosis in the mice. Moreover, administration of the GlcNAc-bearing polymers into carbon tetrachloride-treated mice could ameliorate liver fibrosis. Thus, O-GlcNAc-modified proteins leaked from dead cells can interact with myofibroblasts and activated stellate cells and function as fibrosis suppressors. Moreover, we anticipate that GlcNAc-bearing polymers mimicking O-GlcNAc-modified proteins will be applied as novel therapeutic tools for fibrosis.
Introducing video consultations at public sexual health clinics in the Netherlands: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Zimbile Filippo , David Silke , Daemen Maud , Goossens Anne , Creemers Josien , Crutzen Rik
Published: September 2022

Video consultations (in combination with remote STI testing) can benefit both public sexual health clinics (SHCs) and their clients. The Dutch public SHCs explored the extent to which video consultations are accepted and appreciated—compared to face-to-face consultations—by both young clients (under 25 years) and nurses who normally carry out consultations. A mixed-methods study, using online questionnaires and telephone interviews with both young clients (aged under 25 years) and nurses (focus groups), was conducted to evaluate acceptance and appreciation of video and face-to-face consultations of the SHCs. Young clients evaluated 333 video consultations and 100 face-to-face consultations. Clients rated the VCs and F2F consultations as being of equal high level on five evaluation criteria (e.g. how it feels to talk about sex with a nurse, contact with the nurse). These positive results were confirmed in the interviews. Most important perceived advantages of VCs were time saving, ease, and feelings of comfort and safety. The nurses evaluated 422 VCs and 120 F2F consultations, rating the VCs and F2F consultations on an equal high level on three evaluation criteria (e.g., contact with the client, possibility to continue asking questions). Increasing accessibility of SHC consultations, getting faster to the point and saving time were mentioned as advantages of VCs during the focus group sessions with nurses. Video consultations are accepted and appreciated by young clients and nurses. They can be used for standard STI consultations that do not require a physical examination.
Is empowerment in sexual health measurable? A scoping review of definitions and measurement indicators
Authors: Coulibaly Karna , Gosselin Anne , Carillon Séverine , Ravalihasy Andrainolo , Melchior Maria , Ridde Valéry , Desgrées du Loû Annabel
Published: September 2022

The concept of empowerment in sexual health is widely used in health promotion. This scoping review aims to identify how it is defined and measured. PubMed, Sage Journals, PsycInfo and the Web of Science are data sources. The inclusion criteria for studies were as follows: (1) an analysis of empowerment in sexual health, (2) quantitative evaluation and (3) publication in a peer-reviewed journal in French or English since January 1996. Data were extracted using a summary table of the definitions and indicators of empowerment in sexual health. Of the 2181 articles found, 29 met the inclusion criteria. Only 4 studies on 29 clearly defined empowerment in sexual health. Five dimensions emerged from the indicators used in the 29 studies in relation to sexual empowerment (social participation, participation in decision making, power to act, sexual health knowledge and gender norms), with two types of indicators: indicators unspecific to sexual health, which can be viewed as empowerment basic skills, and indicators specific to sexual health. Most studies concerned women and focused on individual empowerment, with a lack of measure of collective and structural levels of empowerment. Despite great heterogeneity in the definitions and indicators used, a set of core indicators emerged: participation in decision making, sexual negotiation power and sexual communication skills, knowledge and use of contraceptive methods, and HIV and sexually transmitted infections risk perception. This set could be systematically used in each study based on sexual empowerment concept, completed by supplementary indicators considering the specific context.
Socio-demographic inequalities and excess non-COVID-19 mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic: a data-driven analysis of 1 069 174 death certificates in Mexico
Authors: Antonio-Villa Neftali Eduardo , Bello-Chavolla Omar Yaxmehen , Fermín-Martínez Carlos A , Aburto José Manuel , Fernández-Chirino Luisa , Ramírez-García Daniel , Pisanty-Alatorre Julio , González-Díaz Armando , Vargas-Vázquez Arsenio , Barquera Simón , Gutiérrez-Robledo Luis Miguel , Seiglie Jacqueline A
Published: September 2022

Background

In 2020, Mexico experienced one of the highest rates of excess mortality globally. However, the extent of non-COVID deaths on excess mortality, its regional distribution and the association between socio-demographic inequalities have not been characterized.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective municipal and individual-level study using 1 069 174 death certificates to analyse COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 deaths classified by ICD-10 codes. Excess mortality was estimated as the increase in cause-specific mortality in 2020 compared with the average of 2015–2019, disaggregated by primary cause of death, death setting (in-hospital and out-of-hospital) and geographical location. Correlates of individual and municipal non-COVID-19 mortality were assessed using mixed effects logistic regression and negative binomial regression models, respectively.

Results

We identified a 51% higher mortality rate (276.11 deaths per 100 000 inhabitants) compared with the 2015–2019 average period, largely attributable to COVID-19. Non-COVID-19 causes comprised one-fifth of excess deaths, with acute myocardial infarction and type 2 diabetes as the two leading non-COVID-19 causes of excess mortality. COVID-19 deaths occurred primarily in-hospital, whereas excess non-COVID-19 deaths occurred in out-of-hospital settings. Municipal-level predictors of non-COVID-19 excess mortality included levels of social security coverage, higher rates of COVID-19 hospitalization and social marginalization. At the individual level, lower educational attainment, blue-collar employment and lack of medical care assistance prior to death were associated with non-COVID-19 deaths.

Conclusion

Non-COVID-19 causes of death, largely chronic cardiometabolic conditions, comprised up to one-fifth of excess deaths in Mexico during 2020. Non-COVID-19 excess deaths occurred disproportionately out-of-hospital and were associated with both individual- and municipal-level socio-demographic inequalities.
Personalized tobramycin dosing in children with cystic fibrosis: a comparative clinical evaluation of log-linear and Bayesian methods
Authors: Imani Sahand , Fitzgerald Dominic A , Robinson Paul D , Selvadurai Hiran , Sandaradura Indy , Lai Tony
Published: September 2022

Background

Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) pulmonary exacerbations receive IV tobramycin therapy, with dosing guided by either log-linear regression (LLR) or Bayesian forecasting (BF).

Objectives

To compare clinical and performance outcomes for LLR and BF.

Patients and methods

A quasi-experimental intervention study was conducted at a tertiary children’s hospital. Electronic medical records were extracted (from January 2015 to September 2021) to establish a database consisting of pre-intervention (LLR) and post-intervention (BF) patient admissions and relevant outcomes. All consecutive patients treated with IV tobramycin for CF pulmonary exacerbations guided by either LLR or BF were eligible.

Results

A total of 376 hospital admissions (LLR = 248, BF = 128) for CF pulmonary exacerbations were included. Patient demographics were similar between cohorts. There were no significant differences found in overall hospital length of stay, rates of re-admission within 1 month of discharge or change in forced expiratory volume in the first second (Δ FEV1) at the end of tobramycin treatment. Patients treated with LLR on average had twice the number of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) blood samples collected during a single hospital admission. The timeframe for blood sampling was more flexible with BF, with TDM samples collected up to 16 h post-tobramycin dose compared with 10 h for LLR. The tobramycin AUC0–24 target of ≥100 mg/L·h was more frequently attained using BF (72%; 92/128) compared with LLR (50%; 124/248) (P < 0.001). Incidence of acute kidney injury was rare in both groups.

Conclusions

LLR and BF result in comparable clinical outcomes. However, BF can significantly reduce the number of blood collections required during each admission, improve dosing accuracy, and provide more reliable target concentration attainment in CF children.
Using electronic health record audit log data for research: insights from early efforts
Authors: Kannampallil Thomas , Adler-Milstein Julia
Published: September 2022

Electronic health record audit logs capture a time-sequenced record of clinician activities while using the system. Audit log data therefore facilitate unobtrusive measurement at scale of clinical work activities and workflow as well as derivative, behavioral proxies (eg, teamwork). Given its considerable research potential, studies leveraging these data have burgeoned. As the field has matured, the challenges of using the data to answer significant research questions have come into focus. In this Perspective, we draw on our research experiences and insights from the broader audit log literature to advance audit log research. Specifically, we make 2 complementary recommendations that would facilitate substantial progress toward audit log-based measures that are: (1) transparent and validated, (2) standardized to allow for multisite studies, (3) sensitive to meaningful variability, (4) broader in scope to capture key aspects of clinical work including teamwork and coordination, and (5) linked to patient and clinical outcomes.
3M™ Petrifilm Yeast and Mold Count Plate for the Enumeration of Yeasts and Molds in Dried Cannabis Flower: AOACOfficial MethodSM 997.02
Authors: Schumacher April , Lingle Cari , Silbernagel Karen M
Published: September 2022

Background

The 3M™ Petrifilm™ Yeast and Mold (YM) Count Plate is a sample-ready culture medium system that contains nutrients supplemented with antibiotics, a cold-water-soluble gelling agent, and an indicator system that facilitates yeast and mold enumeration.

Objective

The 3M Petrifilm YM Plate was validated for enumeration of yeast and mold in dried cannabis flower through the AOAC Emergency Response Validation process.

Methods

The performance of the 3M Petrifilm YM Plate was compared to that of Dichloran Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol (DRBC) agar. Matrix data were normalized by log10 transformation, and performance indicators included repeatability, difference of means, and inclusivity/exclusivity.

Results

These studies demonstrated that the 3M Petrifilm YM Plate method detects and enumerates yeasts and molds from cannabis flower at low, medium, and high contamination levels, and the average log counts at 20–25°C for 5 days were equivalent to the average log counts of the DRBC reference method. In strain studies, 59 out of 60 yeasts and molds produced typical colony morphology on 3M Petrifilm YM Plates. Of the nontarget bacterial strains tested, 38 out of 39 strains were not detected on 3M Petrifilm YM Plates.

Conclusions

The 3M Petrifilm YM Plate is a reliable method for the enumeration of live yeast and mold in dried cannabis flower.

Highlights

The 3M Petrifilm YM Plate allows for detection of yeast and mold within 5 days of incubation. The sample-ready plates can be incubated at 20–25°C and can be stacked up to 20 plates, thus providing user flexibility and saving incubator space.
Floseal-induced small bowel obstruction
Authors: Ashraf Hamza , Low Nicholas , Spiro Calista , Keong Benjamin
Published: September 2022

Floseal is a haemostatic agent designed to augment the body’s natural clotting cascade response. We describe the first case in over a decade, and the first case with intra-operative images of early post-operative small bowel obstruction (SBO) associated with Floseal use in general surgery. A previously well man in his 30s underwent laparoscopic appendicectomy for clinical acute appendicitis. Floseal was applied to the right lateral abdominal wall for haemostasis. He developed a mechanical SBO, with diagnostic laparoscopy confirming a transition point between the caecum and terminal ileum, adherent to the area of the previously applied Floseal. He underwent adhesiolysis and uneventful recovery. We propose Floseal may exacerbate early post-operative inflammation and provide a nidus for early adhesion formation. We recommend removing excess Floseal not incorporated in the haemostatic clot and to consider Floseal as a differential in early post-operative SBO.
Squamous cell carcinoma arising in a Zenker diverticulum
Authors: Polit Francesca , Bahmad Hisham F , Wahi Jessica , Deb Arunima , Newsome Kevin , Howard Lydia , Poppiti Robert , Ben-David Kfir , Alghamdi Sarah
Published: September 2022

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arising in a Zenker diverticulum (ZD) is an extremely rare entity. Approximately 50 cases have been reported worldwide. We report a case of a 74-year-old man who presented to our institution with chronic regurgitation, dysphagia and halitosis. The patient was initially seen in 2015 at which point he reported a 10-year history of these symptoms and was diagnosed with ZD. A barium swallow was done revealing a large posterior esophageal diverticulum with significant residual contrast within the diverticulum lumen. Given these findings, he was taken for open surgical excision where a SCC was identified. Although it is extremely rare for a SCC to occur in a ZD, patients with ZD must undergo regular surveillance endoscopy of the esophagus and the diverticulum itself to identify any suspicious mass or lesion arising in within.
Urban environments have species-specific associations with invasive insect herbivores
Authors: Buenrostro Jacqueline H , Hufbauer Ruth A
Published: September 2022

Urban forests are critically important for providing ecosystem services to rapidly expanding urban populations, but their health is threatened by invasive insect herbivores. To protect urban forests against invasive insects and support future delivery of ecosystem services, we must first understand the factors that affect insect density across urban landscapes. This study explores how a variety of environmental factors that vary across urban habitats influence density of invasive insects. Specifically, we evaluate how vegetational complexity, distance to buildings, impervious surface, canopy temperature, host availability and density of co-occurring herbivores impact three invasive pests of elm trees: the elm leaf beetle (Xanthogaleruca luteola), the elm flea weevil (Orchestes steppensis) and the elm leafminer (Fenusa ulmi). Insect responses to these factors were species-specific, and all environmental factors were associated with density of at least one pest species except for distance to buildings. Elm leafminer density decreased with higher temperatures and was influenced by an interaction between vegetational complexity and impervious surface. Elm flea weevil density increased with greater host availability, and elm leaf beetle density increased with higher temperatures. Both elm leaf beetle and elm flea weevil density decreased with greater leafminer density, suggesting that insect density is mediated by species interactions. These findings can be used to inform urban pest management and tree care efforts, making urban forests more resilient in an era when globalization and climate change make them particularly vulnerable to attack.
Justification logic and type theory as formalizations of intuitionistic propositional logic
Authors: DeBoer Neil J
Published: September 2022

We explore two ways of formalizing Kreisel’s addendum to the Brouwer–Heyting–Kolmogorov interpretation. To do this, we compare Artemov’s justification logic with simply typed $\lambda $ calculus. First, we provide a completeness result for Kripke style semantics of the implicational fragment of the intuitionistic logic of proofs. Then we introduce a map from justification terms into $\lambda $ terms, which can be viewed as a method of extracting the computational content of the justification terms. Then we examine the interpretation of Kreisel’s addendum in justification logic along with the image of the resulting justification terms under our map.
Local Effect of Ballistic Fragments Embedded Along the Carotid Sheath of a Porcine Animal Model
Authors: Sarber Kathleen M , O’Connor Peter , Weitzel Erik K , Stevens Jayne , Aden James K , Breeze John
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Energized ballistic fragments from improvised explosive devices were the most common cause of injury to coalition service personnel during conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Surgical excision of retained fragments is not routinely performed unless there is a concern for injury to vital structures. However, no clear guidelines dictate when or if a fragment should be removed, reflecting a lack of objective evidence of their long-term effects. Using a porcine model, we aimed to evaluate changes to the carotid artery produced by retained fragments over time.

Materials and Methods

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approval for all experiments was obtained before commencement of the study. Eighteen female swine (mean mass 62.0 ± 3.4 kg) were randomized into three study groups corresponding to the time of survival after implantation of ballistic fragments: 1, 6, and 12 weeks. Two animals from each group were randomly assigned to have one of the three different fragments implanted within the right carotid sheath in zones 1-3 of the neck. The left carotid served as the control. The vascular flow rate and arterial diameter were measured at each level before implantation and again after the survival interval. Baseline and interval angiograms were performed to identify gross vascular changes.

Results

No abnormalities were identified on baseline or interval angiograms. No significant difference was found when the baseline was compared to interval measurements or when compared to the control side for all gross and physiological measures at 1 and 6 weeks (P = .053-.855). After 12 weeks, the flow and diameter changed significantly (P < .001-.03), but this significant change was found in both the control and affected carotid.

Conclusions

The lack of significant gross anatomical and physiological changes at 6 weeks postimplantation lends evidence toward the current policy that early removal of retained ballistic fragments around cervical vessels is not required. Changes were significant after 12 weeks which suggest that surveillance may be required; however, such changes could be explained by physiological animal growth.
Gift, Vanguard, and Intellectual Leadership
Authors: Townsend Gilkes Cheryl
Published: September 2022

One of the important revolutions in sociology has been the “discovery” of gender. W. E. B. Du Bois’s sociology of gender is embedded in his writings about and on behalf of Black women. Focusing on the history of sociology, examples of Du Bois’s writings about Black women in The Philadelphia Negro, The Souls of Black Folk, Darkwater: Voices from Within the Veil, The Gift of Black Folk: The Negroes in the Making of America, and selected Crisis writings are examined in terms of his discussion of Black women and their implication for the overall emancipatory sociology that defines his work. The importance of reading through Du Bois’s masculinist language, which includes women in his discussions of “manhood,” is also stressed in order to show that Du Bois’s theories of history and social change depended on the “revolutions” embodied by African American women.
Du Bois, Social Psychology, and Survey Methods
Authors: Ray Rashawn , Genter Shaun , Bailey Jasmón
Published: September 2022

This chapter showcases the social psychology and survey methods of pioneering sociologist W. E. B. Du Bois. In the nineteenth century, most social psychological work either failed to address race or failed to utilize racism as a factor to explain racial disparities, or both. Accordingly, the social psychological premise underlying Du Bois’s work highlighted the fact that racist structures and historical events mediated the effects of racial stratification on attitudes, emotions, values, self-concepts, and behaviors. Du Bois’s contributions to the study of social structure and personality examined human behavior as a consequence of social conditions and institutional patterns grounded in processes of power. His groundbreaking social psychological research challenged racist ideologies, and his scholarship advanced the way we think about dimensions of the self as it intersects with prejudice and discrimination. Du Bois supplemented his theoretical suppositions on the Black plight, the urban environment, and the Black middle class with empirical research documenting systemic racism as the main culprit of racial inequality.