bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstructive Care with a Novel Perioperative Checklist
Authors: Kain Joshua J. , Johns James D. , Alexander David , Carroll William R. , Grayson Jessica W. , Buczek Erin J.
Published: January 2021

Objective/Hypothesis

To appraise the utility of a novel EMR‐based checklist for complex head and neck microvascular free‐tissue reconstruction.

Study Design

A prospectively collected retrospective matched cohort study from a single tertiary care academic institution.

Methods

A retrospective matched cohort study from an academic tertiary care center with 76 total patients analyzed for disease‐specific and quality outcomes before and after implementation of an EMR‐based checklist tailored to complex head and neck care. The intervention group consisted of 38 consecutive patients undergoing microvascular free tissue reconstruction after implementation of the EMR‐based checklist strategy. A historic cohort of 38 patients was derived by matching patients meticulously for disease‐specific and surgical characteristics. Primary outcomes included post‐operative medical and surgical complications, intensive care requirements, 30‐day reoperation rates, hospital length of stay, and completion of preoperative metastatic evaluations. Secondary outcomes included patterns of antibiotic administration, ultimate discharge dispositions, flap survival, and recognition of preoperative hypothyroidism in previously radiated patients.

Results

Implementation of the perioperative checklist yielded an overall reduction in major medical complications (10.5% vs. 29.0%, P < .05*), post‐operative antibiotic administration (17.4% vs. 44.7%, P < .05*), hospital length of stay (median (IQR) days 6 (1) versus 7 (3.25), P < .05*), and improved metastatic evaluation completion (92.1% vs. 63.2%, P < .05*). There was an improved discharge disposition (92.1% vs. 73.7%, P < .05*). No difference was observed in major wound complications (50.0% vs. 57.9%, P = .49), 30‐day re‐operation rates (31.5% vs. 34.2%, P = .81), 30‐day readmission rates (21.1% vs. 21.1%, P > .99), escalations to intensive‐care (13.2% vs. 21.1%, P = .36), or flap survival (97.4% vs. 89.5%, P = .17).

Conclusions

Use of our EMR‐based perioperative checklist reduced major medical complications, post‐operative antibiotic administration, hospital length of stay, and improved discharge outcomes for patients undergoing microvascular free‐tissue reconstruction.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:E2251–E2256, 2021
Characteristics of Imperial College London's COVID‐19 research outputs
Authors: Price Robyn , Ozkan Yusuf
Published: January 2021

We identified 651 research outputs on the topic of COVID‐19 in the form of preprint, report, journal article, dataset, and software/code published by Imperial College London authors between January to September 2020. We sought to understand the distribution of outputs over time by output type, peer review status, publisher, and open access status. Search of Scopus, the institutional repositories, Github, and other databases identified relevant research outputs, which were then combined with Unpaywall open access data and manually‐verified associations between preprints and journal articles. Reports were the earliest output to emerge [median: 103 days, interquartile range (IQR): 57.5–129], but journal articles were the most commonly occurring output type over the entire period (60.8%, 396/651). Thirty preprints were identified as connected to a journal article within the set (15.8%, 30/189). A total of 52 publishers were identified, of which 4 publishers account for 59.6% of outputs (388/651). The majority of outputs were available open access through gold, hybrid, or green route (66.1%, 430/651). The presence of exclusively non‐peer reviewed material from January to March suggests that demand could not be met by journals in this period, and the sector supported this with enhanced preprint services for authors. Connections between preprints and published articles suggests that some authors chose to use both dissemination methods and that, as some publishers also serve across both models, traditional distinctions of output types might be changing. The bronze open access cohort brings widespread ‘free’ access but does not ensure true open access.
Fluorometer optical path interference via zooplankton phototaxis: Implications for high‐frequency data collection
Authors: Moriarty Vincent W. , Lucius Mark A. , Johnston Kenneth E. , Borrelli Jonathan J. , Mattes Brian M. , Pezzuoli Alexander R. , Watson Campbell D. , Eichler Lawrence W. , Relyea Rick A.
Published: January 2021

To measure chlorophylla(Chla) fluorescence (Fchl), fluorometers use an excitation wavelength that is within the visible spectrum of most zooplankton, and as a result has the potential to cause a phototactic response in zooplankton. The transparent bodies of herbivorous zooplankton may allow viable chlorophyllawithin an individual's digestive tract to fluoresce in response to sensor excitation light, resulting in measurement bias. To test for this bias, a fully factorial (± zooplankton and ± light) experiment was conducted in an oligotrophic lake. Excitation light from fluorometers triggered a positive phototactic response during nighttime hours, resulting in swarms of zooplankton congregating beneath the sensor. The maximum hourly meanFchlfrom nighttime/open treatments was higher and more variable than nighttime/zooplankton exclusion treatments, with the greatest single hour difference of 7.34 relative fluorescence units (RFU) vs. 0.26 RFU. In open treatments, sustained periods ofFchlexceeded 31x the values of exclusion treatments. A second series of experiments pulsed excitation lights in alternating periods in order to characterize zooplankton response times. Sensor bias was detected in as little as 20 s after initial illumination. Collectively, these results suggest that swarms of phototactic zooplankton can cause substantial bias inFchlmeasurements at night. To correct for this bias, post‐processing methods using time series decomposition were demonstrated to remove the majority ofFchlbias.
Three separated phase's equations regarding nano‐encapsulated phase change material/multi‐walled carbon nanotube–Fe3O4–water mixture in a porous half‐annulus collector with corrugated wall using Buongiorno's model: Brownian and thermophoresis effects
Authors: Abu‐Hamdeh Nidal H. , Melaibari Ammar A. , Alquthami Thamer S. , Khoshaim Ahmed , Oztop Hakan F. , Karimipour Arash
Published: January 2021

The multi‐phase free convection of nano‐encapsulated phase change material (PCM)/multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)–Fe3O4–water mixture inside an inclined porous half‐annulus collector has been simulated using the Buongiorno's mathematical model. To create the buoyancy force, the internal Corrugated and outer cylinder wall are in the high constant hot flux as the hot wall and the constant temperature as the cold wall, respectively. The present study is investigated the effects of Rayleigh number (8 × 102 ≤ Ra ≤ 7 × 104), Darcy number (Da = 0.01 and 1), inclined angle (0 ≤ ζ ≤ 90), and nanoparticles fraction ratio (0 ≤ fr ≤ 1) on flow pattern, temperature contours, nanoparticles distribution contours, dimensionless distribution of nanoparticles on the walls, and Nusselt number. Results show that the distribution of MWCNT inside the collector and on the walls is more uniform than Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The replacement of MWCNT with PCM is also analyzed to provide the more desired performance.
Risk factors for developing post‐thymectomy myasthenia gravis in patients with thymoma
Authors: Kim Ahwon , Choi Seok‐Jin , Kang Chang Hyun , Lee Seonkyung , Son Hyoshin , Kim Jin‐Ah , Shin Je‐Young , Kim Sung‐Min , Hong Yoon‐Ho , Sung Jung‐Joon
Published: January 2021

Background

Thymectomy is required for the treatment of thymoma‐associated myasthenia gravis (MG). However, MG may develop only after thymectomy, a condition known as post‐thymectomy MG. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for post‐thymectomy MG in patients with thymoma.

Methods

We retrospectively identified 235 patients with thymoma who underwent thymectomy at a single hospital from January 2008 to December 2017: 44 with preoperatively diagnosed MG were excluded, leaving 191 patients in the final analysis. Univariable survival analyses using Cox proportional hazards regression model and Kaplan‐Meier estimate were conducted to identify risk factors for post‐thymectomy MG.

Results

Post‐thymectomy MG developed in 4.2% (8/191) of the patients with thymoma between 18 days and 108 mo after surgery. Hazard ratios (HRs) of pre‐ and postoperative anti‐acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR‐Ab) titers were 2.267 (P = .002) and 1.506 (P < .001), respectively. Patients with extended thymectomy had a low chance of post‐thymectomy MG (HR 0.035, P = .007). Larger thymoma (HR, 1.359; P = .005) and type A or AB thymoma according to World Health Organization histological classification (HR, 11.92; P = .021) were associated with higher chances of post‐thymectomy MG. Within the subgroup of preoperatively AChR‐Ab seropositive patients, post‐thymectomy MG developed in 22.2% (6/27).

Conclusions

Pre‐ and postoperative AChR‐Ab levels should be measured in patients with thymoma. A large thymoma and partial thymectomy appear to be associated with a higher probability of post‐thymectomy MG.
A cross‐sectional study on nurses' attitudes towards physical restraints use in nursing homes in Portugal
Authors: Ferrão Sónia Alexandra da Silva , Bleijlevens Michel H. C. , Nogueira Paulo Jorge , Henriques Maria Adriana Pereira
Published: January 2021

Aim

To explore nurses' opinions regarding restraint measures and attitudes towards physical restraints use in nursing homes.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Nursing staff of 33 Portuguese nursing homes was asked to complete the Portuguese version of the Maastricht Attitude Questionnaire (MAQ), an instrument on attitudes regarding physical restraints (reasons, consequences and appropriateness of restraint use) and opinions about restraint measures (restrictiveness and discomfort). Descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis were performed.

Results

Data from 186 nurses were included in the analysis. Overall, nurses expressed neutral to moderately positive attitudes towards physical restraints usage. Nurses with longer professional experience reported a more positive attitude regarding the appropriateness of restraint use in their clinical practice. Wrist and ankle restraints were the measures that nurses reported feeling most uncomfortable using, and the most restrictive. Bilateral bedrails were globally assessed as a slightly restrictive measure and nurses reported not feeling uncomfortable using them.
Interpretation on water seepage and degree of weathering in a landslide based on pre‐ and post‐monsoon electrical resistivity tomography
Authors: Falae Philips Omowumi , Dash Rajesh Kumar , Kanungo D.P. , Chauhan P.K.S.
Published: January 2021

The influence of rainfall on the Pakhi landslide has been examined using a pre‐ and post‐monsoon timelapse electrical resistivity imaging technique. The results obtained have been used to characterize the subsurface based on the depth and degree of water seepage and degree of weathering. The combined interpretation of pre‐ and post‐monsoon electrical resistivity tomography is not very common in landslide characterization. This study focuses on post‐monsoon electrical resistivity tomography investigation and its interpretation in conjunction with earlier research on pre‐monsoon investigations. The advancing water seepage across depth was reflected in the sharp decrease in the post‐monsoon resistivity value of the top (near‐surface) colluvial layer, mostly at the crown and toe portions of the investigated slope, as compared to that of weathered dolomites and fresh dolomites. Hence, the water‐saturated colluvium deposits could easily be delineated using a timelapse pre‐ and post‐monsoon electrical resistivity tomography technique. On the basis of degree of saturation, the materials were classified into four zones, namely: a highly saturated zone with resistivity values <600 Ωm; a fairly saturated zone with resistivity values 600–2500 Ωm; a low saturated zone with resistivity values 2500–4500 Ωm; and an unsaturated zone with resistivity values >4500 Ωm. Further, a twofold classification of dolomites based on the degree of weathering, namely highly weathered dolomites with resistivity values 1000–2500 Ωm and low weathered dolomites with resistivity values 2500–4500 Ωm, is presented. This type of information will add value to the design of landslide‐monitoring programmes and also for landslide stability analysis. Therefore, the method can be highly recommended as a cost‐ and time‐effective as well as an efficient way for characterization of potential landslide slopes.
Multifunctional carbon fiber reinforced multilayered metastructure with broadband microwave absorption and effective mechanical resistance
Authors: Huang Yixing , Chen Jin , Fan Qunfu , Chen Mingji , Fang Daining
Published: January 2021

Metastructure is an innovative structure form to improve broadband microwave absorption. However, without reliable mechanical properties, it is difficult to apply metastructure absorbers in realistic application scenarios. Herein, a multifunctional carbon fiber reinforced multilayered metastructure (CFRMM) is proposed and fabricated through the principles of multiscale design, gradient structure design, and metastructure design. The multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/carbonyl iron (CI)/epoxy resin(EP) nano lossy composite was integrated with the patterned resistive films (PRF) to form a gradient metastructure. Carbon fiber (CF) cloth was incorporated into the structure to enhance mechanical resistance. The CFRMM achieves −10 dB absorption bandwidth in frequency bands of 2‐4.3 GHz and 7.02‐18 GHz with maximum absorption of −17.4 dB. The −9 dB absorption bandwidth was covered in the full band 2‐18 GHz. The CFRMM exhibits excellent mechanical properties with equivalent tensile strength and flexural strength of 75.77 and 408.43 MPa, respectively. The large tensile fracture strain of 24% reveals the good toughness of the metastructure. Broadband microwave absorption and effective load bearing integrated in one structure make the CFRMM more promising for applications in the future.
Impact of prolonged environmental exposure on stress transfer efficiency in poly(p‐phenylene terephthalamide)/epoxy composites
Authors: Anagnostopoulos George , Koukaras Emmanuel N. , Parthenios John , Galiotis Costas
Published: January 2021

The mechanical performance of fiber‐reinforced composites is seriously affected by their exposure to the environment. The combined action of elevated temperatures, humidity, and UV radiation (aging) on aramid fibers/epoxy resin composites is examined by employing Raman spectroscopy in tandem with mechanical loading. The imposed conditions drastically affect the interface of the composites altering the performance of the material under tensile loads. Although the maximum values of interfacial shear strength for the aged material are similar to that of the pristine material; however, they appear at lower strain levels, which is attributed to the significant decrease of the shear modulus of the epoxy matrix combined with the failure of aramid fibers to sustain the external loading due to the aging process. At high strains, the interface fails at lower strain levels (compared to the pristine sample) due to significant increase of micro‐cracking and micro‐voids on the surface of the aged composites. The formation of such flaws is the primary reason for the reduced mechanical performance and early failure of the composite material.
Facile modification on the oxygen‐inhibited layer of photopolymerized acrylates via aza‐Michael addition
Authors: Zhou Junyi , Allonas Xavier , Liu Xiaoxuan , Wu Shanghua
Published: January 2021

In free radical UV curing, the inhibition of the photopolymerization reaction by oxygen leaves in most cases a considerable amount of acryl groups on the surface of cured materials. In the work reported, advantage was taken of the residual acryl CC double bonds as reactive sites for aza‐Michael addition in order to proceed to surface modification. A formulation composed of bisphenol A acrylate and trimethylolpropane triacrylate was cured under UV‐LED (λ = 405 nm) and the oxygen‐inhibited surface was modified by aza‐Michael addition using several amino compounds such as tris(hydroxymethyl)methylaminomethane, amino‐polydimethylsiloxane and amino acids. The conversion of acryl CC double bonds and the content of functional groups on the surface were measured using Fourier transform infrared and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopies and confocal Raman microscopy. After modification, the surfaces of samples exhibited diverse hydrophilicity and affinity to aqueous acid/alkali. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Experimental coupling process efficiency and benefits of back surface reflectors in photovoltaic multi‐junction photonic power converters
Authors: Lopez Esther , Höhn Oliver , Schauerte Meike , Lackner David , Schachtner Michael , Reichmuth S. Kasimir , Helmers Henning
Published: January 2021

Current matching is crucial to maximize the efficiency of two‐terminal multi‐junction photovoltaic devices. However, even in perfectly designed devices, deviation from the target operating temperature and consequent changes in the subcell absorptances causes current mismatch between the subcell currents even at constant spectral conditions. Fortunately, luminescence coupling from current‐overproducing subcells to current limiting subcells mitigates this effect. In this work, the coupling process efficiency in three‐junction photonic power converters based on GaAs/AlGaAs rear hetero‐junction subcells is experimentally quantified. A coupling process efficiency of 32% ± 9% from top and middle subcells to the limiting bottom subcell is found. Under constant monochromatic illumination, the observed coupling reduces the current mismatch, induced by raising the temperature from current matched conditions at 25°C to 70°C, from 4.4% to 1.6%. Furthermore, in this work, three‐junction photonic power converters with back surface reflectors are implemented. Those reflectors improve the device response at elevated temperatures by increasing the optical path length in the limiting subcell. It is shown experimentally how a back reflector effectively redirects photons that are emitted by the bottom subcell towards the upper subcells to reinforce luminescence coupling.
Feasibility of ecological momentary assessment to study depressive symptoms among cancer caregivers
Authors: Shaffer Kelly M. , Chow Philip I. , Glazer Jillian V. , Le Tri , Reilley Matthew J. , Jameson Mark J. , Ritterband Lee M.
Published: January 2021

Objective

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) may help with the development of more targeted interventions for caregivers' depression, yet the use of this method has been limited among cancer caregivers. This study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of EMA among cancer caregivers and the use of EMA data to understand affective correlates of caregiver depressive symptoms.

Methods

Caregivers (N = 25) completed a depressive symptom assessment (Patient Health Questionnaire‐8) and then received eight EMA survey prompts per day for 7 days. EMA surveys assessed affect on the orthogonal dimensions of valence and arousal. Participants completed feedback surveys regarding the EMA protocol at the conclusion of the week‐long study.

Results

Of 32 caregivers approached, 25 enrolled and participated (78%), which exceeded the a priori feasibility cutoff of 55%. The prompt completion rate (59%, or 762 of 1,286 issued) did not exceed the a priori cutoff of 65%, although completion was not related to caregivers' age, employment status, physical health quality of life, caregiving stress, or depressive symptoms or the patients' care needs (ps > 0.22). Caregivers' feedback about their study experience was generally positive. Mixed‐effects location scale modeling showed caregivers' higher depressive symptoms were related to overall higher reported negative affect and lower positive affect, but not to affective variability.

Conclusions

Findings from this feasibility study refute potential concerns that an EMA design is too burdensome for distressed caregivers. Clinically, findings suggest the potential importance of not only strategies to reduce overall levels of negative affect, but also to increase opportunities for positive affect.
Correlation Between Molecular Charge Properties and Impact Sensitivity of Explosives: Nitrobenzene Derivatives
Authors: Siqueira Soldaini Oliveira Roberta , Borges Itamar
Published: January 2021

Nitrobenzenic explosives can have high energy density and low impact sensitivity. In this work, the density functional theory (DFT) charge density of 50 nitrobenzenic molecules was analyzed using the Distributed Multipole Analysis (DMA) method to investigate the impact sensitivity of their explosives. The DMA monopole, dipole and quadrupole electric multipoles localized on the atoms of a molecule provide a very detailed picture of the molecular charge density and have a clear chemical interpretation. The DMA multipoles of each molecule were used to develop models correlating molecular charge properties and impact sensitivity of nitrobenzenic explosives, which is quantified by the quantity h50. Three models previously applied to 17 nitroaromatic molecules (J. Phys. Chem. A 115, 9055, 2011) are now examined for a larger dataset of 50 molecules. Model 1 used the nitro group charge as a single parameter for h50 prediction, Model 2 additionally included the quadrupole values of the benzene ring atoms (a measure of charge delocalization) and Model 3 included the dipole moment (indicator of site polarization) of the nitro groups of each molecule, as well as the average C−NO2 bond distance, which quantifies bond strength. Two additional new models that include the quadrupole values of the nitro group were also proposed. The original three models (Models 1–3), as well as the new models (4‐5), applied to the set of 50 nitrobenzenic molecules, displayed good results even when compared with the previous work. Among the computed DMA electrical multipole values, two proved to be essential for developing a good model, as found before for the smaller set: the DMA quadrupole values of the ring atoms that quantify the degree of electronic delocalization in the ring and the total DMA charge (monopole) values of the explosophore nitro group.
Nicorandil inhibits cardiomyocyte apoptosis and improves cardiac function by suppressing the HtrA2/XIAP/PARP signaling after coronary microembolization in rats
Authors: Zheng Jing , Long Manyun , Qin Zhenbai , Wang Fen , Chen Zhiqing , Li Lang
Published: January 2021

Cardiomyocyte apoptosis is a key factor in the deterioration of cardiac function after coronary microembolization (CME). Nicorandil (NIC) affects myocardial injury, which may be related to the inhibition of apoptosis. However, the specific mechanism of cardioprotection has not been elucidated. Therefore, we analyzed the impact of NIC on cardiac function in rats subjected to CME and its effect on the high‐temperature requirement peptidase 2/X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein/poly ADP‐ribose polymerase (HtrA2/XIAP/PARP) pathway. Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups: Sham, CME, CME + NIC, and CME + UCF. Echocardiography was performed 9 hours after CME. Myocardial injury markers were evaluated in blood samples, and the heart tissue was collected for hematoxylin‐eosin staining, hematoxylin basic fuchsin picric acid staining staining, TdT‐mediated DUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, Western blot analysis of the HtrA2/XIAP/PARP pathway, and transmission electron microscopy. NIC ameliorated cardiac dysfunctioncaused by CME and reduced serum levels of CK‐MB and LDH. In addition, NIC decreased myocardial microinfarct size and apoptotic index. NIC reduced the Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio, levels of cleaved caspase 3/9, cytoplasmic HtrA2, and cleaved PARP, and increased the level of XIAP. The effects of NIC were similar to those of the HtrA2 inhibitor, UCF101. This study demonstrated that NIC reduces CME‐induced myocardial injury, reduces mitochondrial damage, and improves myocardial function. The reduction in cardiomyocyte apoptosis by NIC may be mediated by the HtrA2/XIAP/PARP signaling pathway.
Pretomanid dose selection for pulmonary tuberculosis: An application of multi‐objective optimization to dosage regimen design
Authors: Lyons Michael A.
Published: January 2021

Clinical development of combination chemotherapies for tuberculosis (TB) is complicated by partial or restricted phase II dose‐finding. Barriers include a propensity for drug resistance with monotherapy, practical limits on numbers of treatment arms for component dose combinations, and limited application of current dose selection methods to multidrug regimens. A multi‐objective optimization approach to dose selection was developed as a conceptual and computational framework for currently evolving approaches to clinical testing of novel TB regimens. Pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic (PK‐PD) modeling was combined with an evolutionary algorithm to identify dosage regimens that yield optimal trade‐offs between multiple conflicting therapeutic objectives. The phase IIa studies for pretomanid, a newly approved nitroimidazole for specific cases of highly drug‐resistant pulmonary TB, were used to demonstrate the approach with Pareto optimized dosing that best minimized sputum bacillary load and the probability of drug‐related adverse events. Results include a population‐typical characterization of the recommended 200 mg once daily dosage, the optimality of time‐dependent dosing, examples of individualized therapy, and the determination of optimal loading doses. The approach generalizes conventional PK‐PD target attainment to a design problem that scales to drug combinations, and provides a benefit‐risk context for clinical testing of complex drug regimens.
Contributions of suspended load from Missouri River tributaries, southeast South Dakota, and northeast Nebraska: Building a sediment budget
Authors: Jurotich Marcella , Cardona Nathan , Vázquez Bethany , Wetzel Ruthie , Cowman Tim , Sweeney Mark
Published: January 2021

Suspended sediment plays a critical role in riverine ecosystem health and river processes and is respondent to human alterations such as dams and increased land use. Gavins Point Dam, located on the Missouri River near Yankton, South Dakota, restricts upstream suspended load; yet, suspended sediment concentrations (SSC) increase when the river reaches Sioux City, Iowa. We determined the suspended load concentrations of seven tributaries of the Missouri River entering downstream of the dam. These data were collected from 2012 to 2019 during the summer months of May–July using a depth‐integrated sampler. Sediment rating curves were created based on discharge and SSC. We constructed a simple sediment budget, which indicated that the tributaries located in South Dakota contribute the bulk of the Missouri River's suspended load at ~80%, while the Nebraska tributaries contribute <5%. The remaining sediment is likely supplied by bank and bed erosion. Temporal changes were examined by comparing our recent measurements with historical data from USGS gaging stations on the James River and the Big Sioux River. Suspended sediment and discharge have increased by nearly an order of magnitude, potentially due to increases in precipitation and land use. Sediment budgets are useful resources for informing river management plans on a basin‐wide scale. Given the drastic, long‐term impacts of disruptions to sediment and flow regimes from dams and climate change, this research provides necessary groundwork for remediation efforts and river management.
Decreasing charge recombination by magnetic trap of iron‐carbon (Fe‐AC) composite for enhanced photocatalytic performance
Authors: Tahir Dahlang , Abdullah Bualkar , Ilyas Sultan , Fahri Ahmad Nurul , Anugrah Muhammad Angga , Kim Kyousik , Kang Hee Jae
Published: January 2021

Electronic properties of composite Fe and activated carbon (AC) were determined by using X‐ray photoelectron (XPS) and reflection electron energy loss (REELS), structural properties by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and photo‐catalytic performance by ultra violet visible (UV‐Vis) spectroscopy. The intensity of low loss spectrum shows surface state at 5.42 eV is decreased with increasing the amount of AC indicated the Fe successfully oxidizes to form iron oxide. The bandgap was increased from 2.2 eV for 10% AC to 4.3 eV for 25% AC indicated the absorption wavelength shifted from the visible region to ultra‐violet region. The magnetic properties and porosity were increased with increasing the amount of AC in composites and show successfully used, as a magnetic trap of the charge (electron and hole) for producing radical atoms. The magnetic pore transformed from the disordered to ordered nature in the periodic structure was used to accelerate the degradation from 70.15% for 10% AC to 80% for 25% AC for 60 min. This study shows magnetic trap of composite Fe‐AC materials useful for enhanced photocatalytic performance.
Two‐wave two‐phase outcome‐dependent sampling designs, with applications to longitudinal binary data
Authors: Tao Ran , Mercaldo Nathaniel D. , Haneuse Sebastien , Maronge Jacob M. , Rathouz Paul J. , Heagerty Patrick J. , Schildcrout Jonathan S.
Published: January 2021

Two‐phase outcome‐dependent sampling (ODS) designs are useful when resource constraints prohibit expensive exposure ascertainment on all study subjects. One class of ODS designs for longitudinal binary data stratifies subjects into three strata according to those who experience the event at none, some, or all follow‐up times. For time‐varying covariate effects, exclusively selecting subjects with response variation can yield highly efficient estimates. However, if interest lies in the association of a time‐invariant covariate, or the joint associations of time‐varying and time‐invariant covariates with the outcome, then the optimal design is unknown. Therefore, we propose a class of two‐wave two‐phase ODS designs for longitudinal binary data. We split the second‐phase sample selection into two waves, between which an interim design evaluation analysis is conducted. The interim design evaluation analysis uses first‐wave data to conduct a simulation‐based search for the optimal second‐wave design that will improve the likelihood of study success. Although we focus on longitudinal binary response data, the proposed design is general and can be applied to other response distributions. We believe that the proposed designs can be useful in settings where (1) the expected second‐phase sample size is fixed and one must tailor stratum‐specific sampling probabilities to maximize estimation efficiency, or (2) relative sampling probabilities are fixed across sampling strata and one must tailor sample size to achieve a desired precision. We describe the class of designs, examine finite sampling operating characteristics, and apply the designs to an exemplar longitudinal cohort study, the Lung Health Study.
Work–family conflict and dangerous driving behaviours: The mediating role of affect
Authors: Shukri Madihah , Jones Fiona , Conner Mark
Published: January 2021

This study examined the under‐studied relationship between work–family conflict and dangerous driving behaviours in a sample of employees, and job‐related affect as a mediator of this relationship. The sample consisted of 476 Malaysian drivers (44.7% male; 55.3% female) aged 19–60 years. The participants completed scales measuring bidirectional work family conflict (work interference with family[ WIF]; family interference with work [FIW]), job‐related negative affect, dangerous driving behaviours and socio‐demographics. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling. Our findings indicate that dangerous driving was predicted by FIW, but not WIF. As predicted, job‐related negative affect fully mediated the relationship between WIF and dangerous driving. Furthermore, the effect of FIW on dangerous driving behaviours was partially due to negative affect at work. Mediation path was conditional upon gender, suggesting the indirect effects of the relationship between FIW and dangerous driving behaviours via job affect occurs in males but not females. The findings of this study may be useful as a starting point for both applied and theoretical investigations of the role of the psychological effects of juggling work and family responsibilities and affect in traffic safety.
Trust is the engine of change: A conceptual model for trust building in health systems
Authors: Adam Mary B. , Donelson Angela
Published: January 2021

We examine trust at the theory level as an engine driving sustainable change. We propose a new measurable dimension of the trust construct: reciprocity. Cooperative reciprocal relationships are its building blocks, enabling stakeholders to ‘try out’ interactions with less risk, calibrating level of effort, time and emotional investment before continuing further. Reciprocity includes three measurable elements: common goals furthering equitable and healthier communities, mutual self‐interests and gratitude/indebtedness. We utilize a process model showing how these building blocks interrelate within a health systems context to jump‐start and sustain reciprocal relationships. Process models are valuable in addressing internal dynamics of human relationships in complex systems as a complement to factor‐ or variance‐based models. We applied theory by longitudinally tracking community health volunteers, examining reciprocity in close‐to‐the‐community health systems. These methods and application of theory have relevance to environments where institutional structures are open to multistakeholder‐driven innovation.
Winter Positive Cloud‐to‐Ground Lightning Flashes Observed by LMA in Japan
Authors: Wang Daohong , Zheng Dong , Wu Ting , Takagi Nobuyuki
Published: January 2021

Using a lightning mapping array (LMA), we have observed 24 positive cloud‐to‐ground (CG) flashes occurred in three thunderstorm days. These flashes can be apparently grouped into 5 clusters according to their occurrence times. We have obtained the charge structures for both the individual flashes and clusters. It was found that 4 out of 5 clusters of positive CG flashes exhibited either inverter dipolar or tri‐polar charge structures. This result indicates that the high percentage of positive CG flashes in Hokuriku winter thunderstorms originated from the inverted charge structure rather than the various deformations of normal charge structures widely accepted in literatures. The flash positive charge appeared to distribute usually in a layer with its thickness of around 1 km, its horizontal area of more than 100 km2 and its bottom altitude of around 1–2 km above the ground. For each of the flash, we have also obtained its duration, length, duration before the first stroke and convex area. It was found that all flashes with a large peak return stroke current had short durations before their first return strokes. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Integrated analysis of multi‐omics data on epigenetic changes caused by combined exposure to environmental hazards
Authors: Yu So Yeon , Koh Eun Jung , Kim Seung Hwan , Lee So Yul , Lee Ji Su , Son Sang Wook , Hwang Seung Yong
Published: January 2021

Humans are easily exposed to environmentally hazardous factors in industrial sites or daily life. In addition, exposure to various substances and not just one harmful substance is common. However, research on the effects of combined exposure on humans is limited. Therefore, this study examined the effects of combined exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on the human body. We separated 193 participants into four groups according to their work‐related exposure (nonexposure, toluene exposure, toluene and xylene exposure, and toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene exposure). We then identified the methylation level and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) levels by omics analyses, and performed an integrated analysis to examine the change of gene expression. Thereafter, the effects of combined exposure to environmental hazards on the human body were investigated and analyzed. Exposure to VOCs was found to negatively affect the development and maintenance of the nervous system. In particular, the MALAT1 lncRNA was found to be significantly reduced in the complex exposure group, and eight genes were significantly downregulated by DNA hypermethylation. The downregulation of these genes could cause a possible decrease in the density of synapses as well as the number and density of dendrites and spines. In summary, we found that increased combined exposure to environmental hazards could lead to additional epigenetic changes, and consequently abnormal dendrites, spines, and synapses, which could damage motor learning or spatial memory. Thus, lncRNA MALAT1 or FMR1 could be novel biomarkers of neurotoxicity to identify the negative health effects of VOC complex exposure.
Ethanol toxicity in a dog due to gin‐soaked sloe berry (Prunus spinosa) ingestion
Authors: West Natalie , Rusbridge Clare
Published: January 2021

A 10‐month‐old male Labrador retriever was presented for acute onset altered mentation and inability to walk. The dog was presented with a modified glasgow coma scale (MGCS) of 12 with tachycardia (148 bpm) and hypothermia (37°C). The dog had been normal the previous night then found semi‐comatose at the following morning. Investigations included haematology, biochemistry, C‐reactive protein, magnetic resonance imaging, urine toxicology and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Ten hours after being found the dog passed faeces containing a significant volume of berries. The owner later determined that 750 g of sloe berries soaked in gin were missing from the garden compost heap. Serum ethanol concentrations measured approximately 20 hours after the suspected consumption were 310 mgD/L. The dog was treated with intralipid, intravenous fluid therapy and paracetamol. He was neurologically normal (MGCS = 0) 24 hours later, following diagnosis and treatment. Differential diagnosis and management of the comatose dog and management of ethanol toxicity are discussed.
On the laboratory calibration of dielectric permittivity models for agricultural soils: Effect of systematic porosity variation
Authors: Pan Xicai , Han Yudi , Chun Kwok Pan , Zhang Jiabao , Ma Donghao , Gao Hongkai
Published: January 2021

Dielectric techniques are fundamental methods for measuring soil water content, and they commonly rely on the conventional laboratory calibration of the dielectric permittivity models between a dielectric constant and water content. As a non‐negligible factor, porosity has been constructed differently in some models as a calibration constant, but the systematic porosity variations during the laboratory model calibration and field applications are not yet well addressed. Based on time‐domain reflectometer laboratory calibration experiments, this study investigated this issue using three preestablished dielectric permittivity models: the Purdue calibration equation (American Society for Testing and Materials model [ASTM]), the complex refractive index model (CRIM), and a piecewise CRIM model (CRIMP). Results demonstrate that a generalized porosity constant used in the calibration would bring in additional structural bias compared with the calibration using variable porosities, and its magnitude varies with the model structure. The deviation of the generalized porosity constant can further amplify the structural bias of ASTM and CRIM for soils with low clay content, but it is insensitive for the soils with high clay content due to the overwhelming role of model structure error. Only the model CRIMP with a “perfect” model structure can effectively cope with the systematic porosity variation and keep a stable built‐in capability for estimating calibration constants from readily available soil data. These findings highlight ignoring porosity variation should not be taken for granted for calibrating and applying the preestablished models.
Supervisory control configurations design for nitrogen and phosphorus removal in wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Sheik Abdul Gaffar , Seepana Murali Mohan , Ambati Seshagiri Rao
Published: January 2021

Model predictive control (MPC) and Fuzzy controllers are designed in a two‐level hierarchical supervisory control framework for control of activated sludge‐based wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in order to efficiently remove nitrogen and phosphorus. Benchmark simulation model No.3 with a bio‐phosphorus (ASM3bioP) module is used as a working platform. The hierarchical control framework is used to alter the dissolved oxygen in the seventh reactor (DO7) to control ammonia. Lower‐level PI, MPC, and Fuzzy are used to control the nitrate levels in the fourth reactor (SNO4) by manipulating internal recycle (Qintr) and DO7 in the seventh tank by manipulating mass transfer coefficient (KLa7). MPC and Fuzzy are designed in the supervisory layer to alter the DO7 set‐point based on the ammonia composition in the seventh reactor (NH7). From the analysis, it is observed that the effluent quality is improved with a decrease in ammonia, TN, and TP. Though a little difference was observed in the cost for all the control strategies, a trade‐off is maintained between cost and percentage improvement of effluent quality. MPC‐MPC combination showed significant removal in ammonia and better effluent quality when compared to other control strategies.

Practitioner points

Developed novel strategies in hierarchical configurations for better nutrient removal with optimal costs in an A2O process.

Lower level control strategies deals with dissolved oxygen in last aeration tank and nitrate in fourth anoxic tank (PI/MPC)

Higher level control strategy deals with ammonia in the last aeration tank (MPC/Fuzzy).

Average and violations of nutrient removal, economy and overall effluent quality for three weather conditions (Dry, Rain and Strom) are studied.

A trade‐off is observed between EQI and OCI.
Conversion of low-quality cotton to bioplastics
Authors: Rumi Shaida S. , Liyanage Sumedha , Abidi Noureddine
Published: January 2021

The use of eco-friendly bioplastics has become a viable solution to reduce the accumulation of petrochemical products in the biosphere and to decrease microplastic contamination. In this study, we used low-quality cotton fibers that lack textile applications to prepare bioplastics. We dissolved cotton fibers inN,N-dimethylacetamide/lithium chloride (DMAc/LiCl) solvent system and converted cellulose solutions to strong, transparent, and flexible films through casting, gelation, regeneration, plasticization, and hot-pressing. Films were characterized using different analytical techniques to evaluate their physicochemical and mechanical properties. Compared to raw cotton cellulose, regenerated and hot-pressed cellulose films showed amorphous structures and excellent tensile characteristics. The physical and mechanical properties of cellulose films, such as deformation recovery, flexibility, homogeneity, elongation, and surface roughness, were significantly improved by means of plasticization and hot-pressing. Because glycerol plasticization increased the surface hydrophilicity of the films, plasma-induced surface grafting of oleic acid imparted hydrophobicity to cellulose films. This study presents a new avenue for using low-quality cotton fibers that are usually sold at a discounted price to produce value-added bioproducts for different applications.

Graphic abstract
Evidence-Based Practices for Children, Youth, and Young Adults with Autism: Third Generation Review
Authors: Hume Kara , Steinbrenner Jessica R. , Odom Samuel L. , Morin Kristi L. , Nowell Sallie W. , Tomaszewski Brianne , Szendrey Susan , McIntyre Nancy S. , Yücesoy-Özkan Serife , Savage Melissa N.
Published: January 2021

This systematic review describes a set of practices that have evidence of positive effects with autistic children and youth. This is the third iteration of a review of the intervention literature (Odom et al. in J Autism Dev Disorders 40(4):425–436, 2010a; Prevent School Fail 54(4):275–282, 2010b; Wong et al. inhttps://autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu/sites/autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu/files/imce/documents/2014-EBP-Report.pdf; J Autism Dev Disorders 45(7):1951–1966, 2015), extending coverage to articles published between 1990 and 2017. A search initially yielded 31,779 articles, and the subsequent screening and evaluation process found 567 studies to include. Combined with the previous review, 972 articles were synthesized, from which the authors found 28 focused intervention practices that met the criteria for evidence-based practice (EBP). Former EBPs were recategorized and some manualized interventions were distinguished as meeting EBP criteria. The authors discuss implications for current practices and future research.
Comparison between superior vena cava ablation in addition to pulmonary vein isolation and standard pulmonary vein isolation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation with the cryoballoon technique
Authors: Overeinder Ingrid , Osório Thiago Guimarães , Călburean Paul-Adrian , Bisignani Antonio , Bala Gezim , Sieira Juan , Ströker Erwin , Al Houssari Maysam , Mojica Joerelle , Boveda Serge , Paparella Gaetano , Brugada Pedro , de Asmundis Carlo , Chierchia Gian-Battista
Published: January 2021

Background

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) can be triggered by non-pulmonary vein foci, like the superior vena cava (SVC). The latter is correlated with improved result in terms of freedom from atrial tachycardias (ATs), when electrical isolation of this vessel utilizing radiofrequency energy (RF) is achieved.

Objectives

Evaluate the clinical impact, in patients with PAF, of the SVC isolation (SVCi) in addition to ordinary pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) by means of the second-generation cryoballoon (CB)

Methods

A total of 100 consecutive patients that underwent CB ablation for PAF were retrospectively selected. Fifty consecutive patients received PVI followed by SVCi by CB application, and the following 50 consecutive patients received standard PVI. All patients were followed 12 months.

Results

The mean time to SVCi was 36.7 ± 29.0 s and temperature at SVC isolation was − 35 (− 18 to − 40) °C. Real-time recording (RTR) during SVCi was observed in 42 (84.0%) patients. At the end of 12 months of follow-up, freedom from ATs was achieved in 36 (72%) patients in the PVI only group and in 45 (90%) patients of the SVC and PV isolation group (Fisher’s exact test p = 0.039, binary logistic regression: p = 0.027, OR = 0.28, 95%CI = 0.09–0.86). In survival analysis, SVC and PV isolation group was also associated with improved freedom from ATs (log-rank test: p = 0.017, Cox regression: p = 0.026, HR = 0.31, 95%CI = 0.11–0.87).

Conclusion

Superior vena cava isolation with the CB in addition to PVI might improve freedom from ATs if compared to PVI alone at 1-year follow-up.