bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extending the Continual Reassessment Method to accommodate step‐up dosing in Phase I trials
Authors: Braun Thomas M. , Mercier Francois
Published: June 2022

The Continual Reassessment Method (CRM) was developed for Phase I trials to identify a maximum‐tolerated dose of an agent using a design in which each participant is treated with a single administration of the agent. We propose an extension of the CRM in which participants receive multiple administrations of an agent using a so‐called step‐up dosing procedure in which participants receive one or more administrations of lower doses of the agent before they receive their penultimate dose. We use methods developed for the CRM to model the probability of DLT for each administration, which leads to the use of conditional probability models to model the joint probability of DLT across multiple administrations. We compare our approach to two existing methods that use time‐to‐event modeling methods for modeling the probability of DLT. We demonstrate through simulations that our approach has operating characteristics similar to existing methods, but due to its foundations in the CRM, ours is simpler to implement than existing approaches and is therefore more likely to be adopted in practice.
A Versatile Strategy for Achieving Fast‐Charging Batteries via Interfacial Engineering: Pseudocapacitive Potassium Storage without Nanostructuring
Authors: Kim Seoa , Jung Hyeonjung , Lim Won‐Gwang , Lim Eunho , Jo Changshin , Lee Kug‐Seung , Han Jeong Woo , Lee Jinwoo
Published: June 2022

The rapid transport of alkali ions in electrodes is a long‐time dream for fast‐charging batteries. Though electrode nanostructuring has increased the rate‐capability, its practical use is limited because of the low tap density and severe irreversible reactions. Therefore, development of a strategy to design fast‐charging micron‐sized electrodes without nanostructuring is of significant importance. Herein, a simple and versatile strategy to accelerate the alkali ion diffusion behavior in micron‐sized electrode is reported. It is demonstrated that the diffusion rate of K+ ions is significantly improved at the hetero‐interface between orthorhombic Nb2O5 (001) and monoclinic MoO2 (110) planes. Lattice distortion at the hetero‐interface generates an inner space large enough for the facile transport of K+ ions, and electron localization near oxygen‐vacant sites further enhances the ion diffusion behavior. As a result, the interfacial‐engineered micron‐sized anode material achieves an outstanding rate capability in potassium‐ion batteries (KIBs), even higher than nanostructured orthorhombic Nb2O5 which is famous for fast‐charging electrodes. This is the first study to develop an intercalation pseudocapacitive micron‐sized anode without nanostructuring for fast‐charging and high volumetric energy density KIBs. More interestingly, this strategy is not limited to K+ ion, but also applicable to Li+ ion, implying the versatility of interfacial engineering for alkali ion batteries.
Mackinawite‐Supported Reduction of C1 Substrates into Prebiotically Relevant Precursors
Authors: Grosch Mario , Stiebritz Martin T. , Bolney Robert , Winkler Mario , Jückstock Eric , Busch Hannah , Peters Sophia , Siegle Alexander F. , van Slageren Joris , Ribbe Markus , Hu Yilin , Trapp Oliver , Robl Christian , Weigand Wolfgang
Published: June 2022

Mackinawite has unique structural properties and reactivities when compared to other iron sulfides. Herein we provide evidence for the mackinawite‐supported reduction of KCN into various reduced compounds under primordial conditions. We proposed a reaction mechanism based on the nucleophilic attack by the deprotonated mackinawite ‐SH surface groups at the carbon atom of HCN. The initial binding of the substrate and the subsequent reduction events are supported by DFT calculations and further experiments using other substrates, such as KSCN, KOCN and CS2. Until now, conversion of CN− into CH4 and NH3 has been limited to nitrogenase cofactors or molecular Fe‐CN complexes. Our study provides evidence for mackinawite‐supported cleavage of the C−N bond under ambient conditions, which opens new avenues for investigation of other substrates for mackinawite‐supported reactions while shedding light on the relevance of this type of reaction to the origin of life on Earth.
Efficacy of surgery combined with photodynamic therapy or triamcinolone acetonide for keloid treatment: An interim analysis of nine cases
Authors: Jing Qi , Xing‐xiao Lin , Yong‐hong Hao , Peng‐xiang Liu , Li‐chuan Tang , Cheng‐xin Li , Fang Xie
Published: June 2022

Photodynamic therapy emerged in the 1900s and recently, it has been developed as a novel modality for treating tumors, precancerous lesions, hypertrophic skin diseases, vascular diseases and so on. We aimed to compare the efficacy and adverse effects of surgery combined with photodynamic therapy or triamcinolone acetonide injection for keloid treatment. This self‐controlled study included nine patients with keloids. Two keloid sites were selected for each patient: one site received photodynamic therapy (PDT group) and the other site received local triamcinolone acetonide injections (TA group). All the keloids were surgically excised. The Vancouver Scar Scale and pruritus and pain scores were assessed at 3 and 6 months, respectively. At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, the pruritus and pain scores decreased significantly (P < .01) and equally in both groups (P > .05). At 6 months postoperatively, the PDT group showed the following results: complete cure, one patient; significantly effective, four patients; effective, four patients; and ineffective, no patient (efficacy, 100%). The TA group showed the following results: complete cure, one patient; significantly effective, three patients; effective, four patients; and ineffective, one patient (efficacy, 88.9%). Between‐group differences were not significant (P > .05). Hyperpigmentation was observed (n = 2) in the experimental group, whereas menstrual disorders (n = 2), local capillary dilation (n = 1) and subcutaneous atrophy (n = 1) were observed in the TA group. Photodynamic therapy and local triamcinolone acetonide are equally and highly effective in treating keloids with few side effects and when combined with surgery.
Genome sequence for the blue‐flowered Andean shrub Iochroma cyaneum reveals extensive discordance across the berry clade of Solanaceae
Authors: Powell Adrian F. , Zhang Jing , Hauser Duncan , Vilela Julianne A. , Hu Alice , Gates Daniel J. , Mueller Lukas A. , Li Fay‐Wei , Strickler Susan R. , Smith Stacey D.
Published: June 2022

The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) family, Solanaceae, is a model clade for a wide range of applied and basic research questions. Currently, reference‐quality genomes are available for over 30 species from seven genera, and these include numerous crops as well as wild species [e.g., Jaltomata sinuosa (Miers) Mione and Nicotiana attenuata Torr. ex S. Watson]. Here we present the genome of the showy‐flowered Andean shrub Iochroma cyaneum (Lindl.) M. L. Green, a woody lineage from the tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica Lam.) subfamily Physalideae. The assembled size of the genome (2.7 Gb) is more similar in size to pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) (2.6 Gb) than to other sequenced diploid members of the berry clade of Solanaceae [e.g., potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), tomato, and Jaltomata]. Our assembly recovers 92% of the conserved orthologous set, suggesting a nearly complete genome for this species. Most of the genomic content is repetitive (69%), with Gypsy elements alone accounting for 52% of the genome. Despite the large amount of repetitive content, most of the 12 I. cyaneum chromosomes are highly syntenic with tomato. Bayesian concordance analysis provides strong support for the berry clade, including I. cyaneum, but reveals extensive discordance along the backbone, with placement of chili pepper and Jaltomata being highly variable across gene trees. The I. cyaneum genome contributes to a growing wealth of genomic resources in Solanaceae and underscores the need for expanded sampling of diverse berry genomes to dissect major morphological transitions.
Consider creating a comprehensive learner record
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: June 2022

We're known for our degrees and other credentials, said Amynah Mithani, Ph.D., Registrar and Assistant Vice Provost at Johns Hopkins University. But learning occurs inside and outside of classes, she added.
Don't let imposter syndrome hold you back
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: June 2022

I received a text recently from a former colleague. She said, “I need a pep talk. My imposter syndrome is flaring up.” Dictionary.com defines imposter syndrome as “anxiety or self‐doubt that results from persistently undervaluing one's competence and active role in achieving success.”
Experimental Investigation of Tritium Compatible Stainless Steel Roots Pumps
Authors: Banerjee Indranil , Schopphoff Andreas , Hughes Shaun , Pearce Robert , Nasluzov Sergei
Published: June 2022

The tritium compatible Roots pump Okta 1500 (Pfeiffer Vacuum) is designed for pumping light gas species consisting of diluted radioactive gas, especially tritium mixed with other hydrogen isotopes and helium. Therefore, the pump is constructed of stainless steel and equipped with a special gas lubricated mechanical seal.

The series of experiments presented in this work include the evaluation of the performance and an integrity check of the glide ring seal as well as the determination of the light gas pumping performance at low pressure. Those qualifications are needed for efficient embedding of the pump in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Fusion Reactor (ITER) project. As a nuclear facility (Installation Nucléaire de Base, INB) ITER is operated in accordance with the French nuclear safety regulations (INB guidelines) that demand qualification and integrity of the tritium bearing equipment to maintain performance and confinement of active gases at every stages via design, testing, commissioning, operation and surveillance. The experimental methodologies and findings are important to advocate the qualification of the pump for the purpose of radioactive light gas pumping as a roughing pump to back Torus high vacuum cryogenic pump.
Zuverlässige Konzentrationsbestimmung von Gasen mit Schall
Authors: Dreher Maximilian
Published: June 2022

In diesem Artikel werden mehrere Prinzipien zur Analyse von Gasen betrachtet. Dabei handelt es sich sowohl um universelle, als auch binäre Ansätze. Besonderes Augenmerk wird dabei auf die binäre Gasanalyse auf Basis der Schallgeschwindigkeitsmessung mit dem SRS BGA244 gelegt, dessen Funktionsprinzip ebenfalls erläutert wird. Die Fähigkeiten und Vorteile dieses Messprinzips werden anhand von Beispielen in Zusammenhang mit Wasserstoff als Kühlmittel von Elektrizitätsgeneratoren sowie in der Dotierung bei der Halbleiterherstellung aufgezeigt. Messergebnisse bestätigen die Zuverlässigkeit und Genauigkeit des binären Gasanalysesystems.
Morphological characteristics and Minkowski functionals of Ag‐DLC thin films
Authors: Lighvan Yousef Leghapour
Published: June 2022

Nowadays, there is a great interest in designing and fabricating thin films with unique morphologies to improve the surface properties for various applications. In this regard, atomic force microscopy (AFM) is widely used to investigate the surface morphology of thin films. The high spatial and vertical resolution makes AFM capable of extracting surface micro‐roughness information precisely. In this study, films were deposited on different substrates using the RF‐PECVD method. The morphological properties were studied by AFM analysis according to ISO 25178‐2: 2012.The results of analyzing the AFM data demonstrate that a copper substrate is a good option for the fabricated silver film in this study, and it is a relatively ideal surface in terms of fractality.
Identification of differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs in the ovarian tissue of Shal and Sangsari ewes using RNA‐seq
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Shahram , Masoudi Ali Akbar , Torshizi Rasoul Vaez , Ehsani Alireza
Published: June 2022

Background

The ovary has an important role in reproductive function. Animal reproduction is dominated by numerous coding genes and noncoding elements. Although long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) are important in biological activity, little is known about their role in the ovary and fertility.

Methods

Three adult Shal ewes and three adult Sangsari ewes were used in this investigation. LncRNAs in ovarian tissue from two breeds were identified using bioinformatics analyses, and then target genes of LncRNAs were discovered. Target genes were annotated using the DAVID database, and their interactions were examined using the STRING database and Cytoscape software. The expression levels of seven LncRNAs with their target genes were assessed by real‐time PCR to confirm the RNA‐seq.

Results

Among all the identified LncRNAs, 124 LncRNAs were detected with different expression levels between the two breeds (FDR < 0.05). According to the DAVID database, target genes were discovered to be engaged in one biological process, one cellular component, and 21 KEGG pathways (FDR < 0.05). The PES1, RPS9, EF‐1, Plectin, SURF6, CYC1, PRKACA MAPK1, ITGB2 and BRD2 genes were some of the most crucial target genes (hub genes) in the ovary.

Conclusion

These results could pave the way for future efforts to address sheep prolificacy barriers.
Process-Based Ecophysiological Models of Tree-Ring Stable Isotopes
Authors: Wei Liang , Marshall John D. , Brooks J. Renée
Published: June 2022

Tree-ring stable isotopes can be used to parameterizeprocess-based models by providing long-term data on tree physiological processes on annual or finer time steps. They can also be used to test process-based ecophysiological models for the assumptions, hypotheses, and simplifications embedded within them. However, numerous physiological and biophysical processes influence the stable carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) isotopes in tree rings, so the models must simplify how they represent some of these processes to be useful. Which simplifications are appropriate depends on the application to which the model is applied. Fortunately, water and carbon fluxes represented in process-based models often have strong isotopic effects that are recorded in tree-ring signals. In this chapter, we review the status of several tree-ring δ13C and δ18O models simulating processes for trees, stands, catchments, and ecosystems. This review is intended to highlight the structural differences among models with varied objectives and to provide examples of the valuable insights that can come from combining process modeling with tree-ring stable isotope data. We urge that simple stable isotope algorithms be added to any forest model with a process representation of photosynthesis and transpiration as a strict test of model structure and an effective means to constrain the models.
Isotopes—Terminology, Definitions and Properties
Authors: Werner Roland A. , Cormier Marc-André
Published: June 2022

The intention of this chapter is to give insight into the properties and peculiarities of the stable isotopes of the bioelements. Following an overview about the terminology and ʻtechnical jargonʼ used in stable isotope sciences, methods to calculate and express isotopic abundances are presented. Subsequently, a short description of the physicochemical basis of equilibrium and kinetic (mass-dependent) isotope effects (EIEs and KIEs) as origin of isotope fractionation in chemical and biological systems is given. Further, measures for calculation and presentation of isotope fractionation are introduced and the corresponding properties of these quantities are critically discussed. Finally, examples for equilibrium and kinetic isotope fractionation in biochemical reactions are presented in more details and subsequent effects and consequences including the relationship between EIEs and KIEs are reviewed.
QCD predictions for event-shape distributions in hadronic Higgs decays
Authors: Coloretti G. , Gehrmann-De Ridder A. , Preuss C. T.
Published: June 2022

Abstract

We study the six classical event-shape observables in hadronic Higgs decays at next-to-leading order in QCD. To this end, we consider the decay of on-shell Higgs bosons to three partons, taking into account both the Yukawa-induced decay to b-quark pairs and the loop-induced decay to two gluons via an effective Higgs-gluon coupling. The results are discussed with a particular focus on the discriminative power of event shapes regarding these two classes of processes.
A restricted superposition principle for (non-)linear Fokker–Planck–Kolmogorov equations on Hilbert spaces
Authors: Dieckmann Martin
Published: June 2022

We prove a version of the Ambrosio–Figalli–Trevisan superposition principle for a restricted subclass of solutions to the Fokker–Planck–Kolmogorov equation that is valid on separable infinite-dimensional Hilbert spaces. Furthermore, we transfer this restricted superposition principle into a nonlinear setting.
Cognitive architectures for artificial intelligence ethics
Authors: Bickley Steve J. , Torgler Benno
Published: June 2022

As artificial intelligence (AI) thrives and propagates through modern life, a key question to ask is how to include humans in future AI? Despite human involvement at every stage of the production process from conception and design through to implementation, modern AI is still often criticized for its “black box” characteristics. Sometimes, we do not know what really goes on inside or how and why certain conclusions are met. Future AI will face many dilemmas and ethical issues unforeseen by their creators beyond those commonly discussed (e.g., trolley problems and variants of it) and to which solutions cannot be hard-coded and are often still up for debate. Given the sensitivity of such social and ethical dilemmas and the implications of these for human society at large, when and if our AI make the “wrong” choice we need to understand how they got there in order to make corrections and prevent recurrences. This is particularly true in situations where human livelihoods are at stake (e.g., health, well-being, finance, law) or when major individual or household decisions are taken. Doing so requires opening up the “black box” of AI; especially as they act, interact, and adapt in a human world and how they interact with other AI in this world. In this article, we argue for the application of cognitive architectures for ethical AI. In particular, for their potential contributions to AI transparency, explainability, and accountability. We need to understand how our AI get to the solutions they do, and we should seek to do this on a deeper level in terms of the machine-equivalents of motivations, attitudes, values, and so on. The path to future AI is long and winding but it could arrive faster than we think. In order to harness the positive potential outcomes of AI for humans and society (and avoid the negatives), we need to understand AI more fully in the first place and we expect this will simultaneously contribute towards greater understanding of their human counterparts also.
Endoscopic stent versus diverting stoma as a bridge to surgery for obstructive colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Jianhao , Zhu Hong , Yang Wenming , Liu Xueting , Zhang Dechun , Jiang Xiaolian , Yang Lie , Zhou Zongguang
Published: June 2022

Background

Self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS), an alternative to diverting stoma (DS), has been used as a “bridge to surgery” (BTS) to decompress acute obstruction of colorectal cancer (CRC) for decades. However, whether SEMS is a safe technique for obstruction of CRC without compromising the long-term survival of patients remains unidentified compared to those of DS. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the safety and survival outcomes of SEMS and DS.

Methods

Embase, PubMed, and Medline were searched for qualified studies published until October, 2020, in which SEMS or DS was performed as a BTS without resection at the same stage. The last search was on December 5th, 2020. The Newcastle–Ottawa scale (NOS) was used to assess the quality of included studies. The major complication rate, mortality, 3-year overall survival (OS), and permanent stoma rate were estimated as outcomes.

Results

The present study was registered on INPLASY (No. 2020100079). Seven eligible studies were included, involving 646 and 712 patients who underwent SEMS and DS treatments, respectively. The Clavien-Dindo I/II grade complication rate was significantly lower in the SEMS group than in the DS group (8.68 vs. 16.85%; RR, 0.59; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.41–0.84; P = 0.004). The Clavien-Dindo III/IV grade complication rate was comparable in two groups (7.69 vs. 8.79%; RR, 0.82; 95% CI 0.54–1.27; P = 0.37). There were no statistical differences in the short-term mortality (5.16 vs. 4.53%; RR, 1.25; 95% CI 0.75–2.08; P = 0.39), 3-year OS (71.91 vs. 76.60%; RR, 0.93; 95% CI 0.86–1.01; P = 0.10), and permanent stoma rate (22.08 vs. 27.54%; RR, 0.84; 95% CI 0.67–1.06; P = 0.14) between the two groups.

Conclusions

To some extent, SEMS is a safe BTS technique for acute obstructive CRC, without significant adverse effect on the survival of patients. Given the advantage of minimal invasion, SEMS may be a better alternative to DS for obstructive CRC. However, the conclusions remain to be discussed because of lacking high-quality randomized controlled trails.
Damage assessment for the 2018 lower East Rift Zone lava flows of Kīlauea volcano, Hawaiʻi
Authors: Meredith Elinor S. , Jenkins Susanna F. , Hayes Josh L. , Deligne Natalia Irma , Lallemant David , Patrick Matthew , Neal Christina
Published: June 2022

Cataloguing damage and its correlation with hazard intensity is one of the key components needed to robustly assess future risk and plan for mitigation as it provides important empirical data. Damage assessments following volcanic eruptions have been conducted for buildings and other structures following hazards such as tephra fall, pyroclastic density currents, and lahars. However, there are relatively limited quantitative descriptions of the damage caused by lava flows, despite the number of communities that have been devastated by lava flows in recent decades (e.g., Cumbre Vieja, La Palma, 2021; Nyiragongo, Democratic Republic of Congo, 2002 and 2021; Fogo, Cape Verde, 2014–2015). The 2018 lower East Rift Zone (LERZ) lava flows of Kīlauea volcano, Hawaiʻi, inundated 32.4 km2 of land in the Puna District, including residential properties, infrastructure, and farmland. During and after the eruption, US Geological Survey scientists and collaborators took over 8000 aerial and ground photographs and videos of the eruption processes, deposits, and impacts. This reconnaissance created one of the largest available impact datasets documenting an effusive eruption and provided a unique opportunity to conduct a comprehensive damage assessment. Drawing on this georeferenced dataset, satellite imagery, and 2019 ground-based damage surveys, we assessed the pre-event typology and post-event condition of structures within and adjacent to the area inundated by lava flows during the 2018 LERZ eruption. We created a database of damage: each structure was assigned a newly developed damage state and data quality category value. We assessed 3165 structures within the Puna District and classified 1839 structures (58%) as destroyed, 90 structures (3%) as damaged, and 1236 (39%) as unaffected. We observed a range of damage states, affected by the structural typology and hazard characteristics. Our study reveals that structures may be damaged or destroyed beyond the lava flow margin, due to thermal effects from the lava flow, fire spread, or from exposure to a range of hazards associated with fissure eruptions, such as steam, volcanic gases, or tephra fall. This study provides a major contribution to the currently limited evidence base required to forecast future lava flow impacts and assess risk.
Accelerating the distance-minimizing method for data-driven elasticity with adaptive hyperparameters
Authors: Nguyen Lu Trong Khiem , Aydin Roland Can , Cyron Christian Johannes
Published: June 2022

Data-driven constitutive modeling in continuum mechanics assumes that abundant material data are available and can effectively replace the constitutive law. To this end, Kirchdoerfer and Ortiz proposed an approach, which is often referred to as the distance-minimizing method. This method contains hyperparameters whose role remains poorly understood to date. Herein, we demonstrate that choosing these hyperparameters equal to the tangent of the constitutive manifold underlying the available material data can substantially reduce the computational cost and improve the accuracy of the distance-minimizing method. As the tangent of the constitutive manifold is typically not known in a data-driven setting, and as it can also change during an iterative solution process, we propose an adaptive strategy that continuously updates the hyperparameters on the basis of an approximate tangent of the hidden constitutive manifold. By several numerical examples we demonstrate that this strategy can substantially reduce the computational cost and at the same time also improve the accuracy of the distance-minimizing method.
Law Smells
Authors: Coupette Corinna , Hartung Dirk , Beckedorf Janis , Böther Maximilian , Katz Daniel Martin
Published: June 2022

Building on the computer science concept ofcode smells, we initiate the study oflaw smells, i.e., patterns in legal texts that pose threats to the comprehensibility and maintainability of the law. With five intuitive law smells as running examples—namely, duplicated phrase, long element, large reference tree, ambiguous syntax, and natural language obsession—, we develop a comprehensive law smell taxonomy. This taxonomy classifies law smells by when they can be detected, which aspects of law they relate to, and how they can be discovered. We introduce text-based and graph-based methods to identify instances of law smells, confirming their utility in practice using the United States Code as a test case. Our work demonstrates how ideas from software engineering can be leveraged to assess and improve the quality oflegalcode, thus drawing attention to an understudied area in the intersection of law and computer science and highlighting the potential of computational legal drafting.
Rectification Versus Aid: Why the State Owes More to Those it Wrongfully Harms
Authors: Osben Natasha
Published: June 2022

Are the state’s obligations to victims of its own wrongdoing greater than to persons who have suffered from bad luck? Many people endorse an affirmative answer to this question. Call this the Difference View. This view can seem arbitrary from the perspective of the victims in question; why should a victim of bad luck, who is just as badly off through no fault of her own, be entitled to less assistance from the state than a victim of state-caused wrongful harm? This paper defends a qualified version of the Difference View, the Threshold Version of the Difference View. According to this view, all disadvantaged persons, no matter what the cause of their disadvantage, must be compensated until they reach a minimum threshold of wellbeing; however, among disadvantaged persons above this threshold, full compensation is owed for those who are victims of state wrongdoing, whereas full compensation is not necessarily owed to those who are disadvantaged due to bad luck.
First-order Layer in Artificial Pain Pathway
Authors: Bektash Oghuz , la Cour-Harbo Anders
Published: June 2022

The neural mechanisms involved in pain perception consist of a pathway which carry signals from the periphery to the cerebral cortex. First-order pain neurons transduce the potentially damaging stimuli detected by the sensorial extremes into long-ranging electrical signals that are transmitted to higher order neurons where the organisation is more heterarchical, especially in the cerebral cortex. However, the first order neurones, as their name states, have a degree of branching which clearly identifies them as hierarchical elements in the arrangement of pain pathway. This research aims to develop an artificial neural pain pathway that mimics this biological process, in particular the first order neurones. First, the research proposes the periodogram method on the condition monitoring data with a minor malfunction and operational damage. As the pain is associated with actual or potential tissue damage, using such data from a machinery system can provide insights which can be used to improve the computational effectiveness. Then, a one-dimensional convolutional neural network model is introduced to represent the second and third orders of the pain pathway. The research findings found clear support for studying the similarities between the major components of biological information processing of tissue damage and statistical signal processing for damage estimation.
A Retrospective, Longitudinal External Study of the robustness and reproducibility of National Antibacterial Prescribing Survey Data
Authors: Abbas Zahraa Mahdi , Hughes Jeff , Sunderland Bruce , Czarniak Petra
Published: June 2022

Background

Point prevalence surveys are used internationally to audit antibacterial use as well as the impact of interventions on improving prescribing and resistance rates. The annual National Antibacterial Prescribing Survey provides data on the appropriateness of antibacterial agent prescribing in Australian hospitals. Assessing the survey’s robustness and result reproducibility is essential to its role in improving antibacterial prescribing practice.

Aim

To evaluate the reproducibility of internal assessments of antibacterial agent prescribing of both guideline compliance and appropriateness from a Western Australian hospital.

Method

Census data of 1051 prescriptions from 2013 to 2017 surveys were independently assessed for compliance based on Australian Therapeutic Guidelines - Antibiotics, and appropriateness, based on agent selection, therapy duration and microbiological test results. Concordance of these findings with internal hospital assessments was analysed.

Results

This external study did not reproduce internal hospital audit results for compliance with guideline parameters. Non-compliant prescribing rate was significantly (p < 0.001) higher externally at 50.7% (533/1051) than internal assessment at 34.9% (367/1051). External analysis also found a significantly smaller proportion of prescriptions to be appropriate (551/1051, 52.4%) compared to internal analysis (745/1051, 70.9%) p < 0.001. Cohen’s Kappa analysis found a moderate agreement for compliance (0.49) and appropriateness (0.50) between the external and internal evaluations.

Conclusion

The lack of adequate reproducibility of compliance and appropriateness assessments may limit the generalisability of the audit’s results. Validating point prevalence surveys that assess antibacterial agent prescribing can increase confidence and improve reproducibility of their findings; as they provide important data for antimicrobial stewardship programs.
A screening of wild bird samples enhances our knowledge about the biodiversity of avian adenoviruses
Authors: Harrach Balázs , Megyeri Annamária , Papp Tibor , Ursu Krisztina , Boldogh Sándor A. , Kaján Győző L.
Published: June 2022

Wild birds are threatened by anthropic effects on a global scale, and their adenoviruses might contribute to their endangerment. Thus, it is important to reveal the real biodiversity of avian adenoviruses, as, unfortunately, this research topic is far from being prioritized. The turkey hemorrhagic enteritis is an economically important disease causing high mortalities, and its causative siadenoviral agent is only distantly related to other avian siadenoviruses in phylogenetic analyses. Both to enhance our knowledge about the biodiversity of wild bird adenoviruses and to possibly trace back the origin of the turkey hemorrhagic enteritis virus, numerous Hungarian wild bird samples were screened for adenoviruses using PCR, and the detected strains were typed molecularly. The screening revealed numerous new adenovirus types, several of which represent novel adenovirus species as well, in the genera Atadenovirus, Aviadenovirus and Siadenovirus.
Motor-like Tics are Mediated by CB2 Cannabinoid Receptor-dependent and Independent Mechanisms Associated with Age and Sex
Authors: Gorberg Victoria , Borisov Veronika , Greig Iain R. , Pertwee Roger G. , McCaffery Peter , Anavi-Goffer Sharon
Published: June 2022

Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) inhibits tics in individuals with Tourette syndrome (TS). Δ9-THC has similar affinities for CB1/CB2 cannabinoid receptors. However, the effect of HU-308, a selective CB2 receptor agonist, on repetitive behaviors has not been investigated. The effects of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI)-induced motor-like tics and Δ9-THC were studied with gene analysis. The effects of HU-308 on head twitch response (HTR), ear scratch response (ESR), and grooming behavior were compared between wildtype and CB2 receptor knockout (CB2−/−) mice, and in the presence/absence of DOI or SR141716A, a CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist. The frequency of DOI-induced repetitive behaviors was higher in CB2−/− than in wildtype mice. HU-308 increased DOI-induced ESR and grooming behavior in adult CB2−/− mice. In juveniles, HU-308 inhibited HTR and ESR in the presence of DOI and SR141716A. HU-308 and beta-caryophyllene significantly increased HTR. In the left prefrontal cortex, DOI increased transcript expression of the CB2 receptor and GPR55, but reduced fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and α/β-hydrolase domain-containing 6 (ABHD6) expression levels. CB2 receptors are required to reduce 5-HT2A/2C-induced tics in adults. HU-308 has an off-target effect which increases 5-HT2A/2C-induced motor-like tics in adult female mice. The increased HTR in juveniles induced by selective CB2 receptor agonists suggests that stimulation of the CB2 receptor may generate motor tics in children. Sex differences suggest that the CB2 receptor may contribute to the prevalence of TS in boys. The 5-HT2A/2C-induced reduction in endocannabinoid catabolic enzyme expression level may explain the increased endocannabinoids’ levels in patients with TS.
A holistic approach to food loss reduction in Africa: food loss analysis, integrated capacity development and policy implications
Authors: Totobesola Mireille , Delve Robert , Nkundimana Jean d’Amour , Cini Leonardo , Gianfelici Francesca , Mvumi Brighton , Gaiani Silvia , Pani Alessandra , Barraza Alejandra Safa , Rolle Rosa S.
Published: June 2022

Food insecurity in the African context is a critical issue; yet total food losses are estimated at 15.9% and 17.2% in quantity and in caloric value, respectively (FAO, 2019). Currently across the continent, there is insufficient funding and the lack of policy mechanisms to support interdisciplinary analytical approaches and data collection systems to better inform the reduction of food loss. This paper highlights the critical need for a paradigm shift of current research and development programs aimed at food loss reduction, as demonstrated by findings of a project implemented in Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda by the United Nations Rome-based Agencies (RBAs) – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Food Programme (WFP). Quantitative and qualitative food loss data generated by applying the FAO Food Loss Analysis (FLA) methodology to identify critical loss points in the supply chains of nationally prioritized staple food crops, informed the development of practical knowledge-sharing tools and policy guidelines on food loss reduction and contributed to the development of a comprehensive approach for mainstreaming food loss reduction strategies and solutions into national strategic frameworks. Furthermore, a holistic approach that integrates multi-stakeholder engagement, and evidence generation through the implementation of pilot activities to shape local and regional policies and strategies proved essential to the realization of beneficial outcomes in the respective countries. The project also recognized the critical importance of integrating gender considerations and particularly the inclusion of women in harvest and post-harvest operations and in decision-making. All of these outcomes have contributed to the advancement of knowledge and strategic approaches toward reducing postharvest loss, achieving SDG target 12.3 and meeting the targets set by the Malabo Declaration. In short, the project effectively translated commitment into action in all three beneficiary countries.
How deep to dig: effects of web-scraping search depth on hyperlink network analysis of environmental stewardship organizations
Authors: Sayles Jesse S. , Furey Ryan P. , ten Brink Marilyn R.
Published: June 2022

Social network analysis (SNA) tools and concepts are essential for addressing many environmental management and sustainability issues. One method to gather SNA data is to scrape them from environmental organizations’ websites. Web-based research can provide important opportunities to understand environmental governance and policy networks while potentially reducing costs and time when compared to traditional survey and interview methods. A key parameter is ‘search depth,’ i.e., how many connected pages within a website to search for information. Existing research uses a variety of depths and no best practices exist, undermining research quality and case study comparability. We therefore analyze how search depth affects SNA data collection among environmental organizations, if results vary when organizations have different objectives, and how search depth affects social network structure. We find that scraping to a depth of three captures the majority of relevant network data regardless of an organization’s focus. Stakeholder identification (i.e., who is in the network) may require less scraping, but this might under-represent network structure (i.e., who is connected). We also discuss how scraping web-pages of local programs of larger organizations may lead to uncertain results and how our work can combine with mixed methods approaches.
Non-Competition Interests in EU Antitrust Law
Authors: Brook Or
Published: June 2022

This book is the first to empirically examine the role of non-competition interests (public policy) in the enforcement of the EU's prohibition on anti-competitive agreements. Based on an original quantitative and qualitative database of over 3,100 cases, this book records all of the public enforcement actions of Article 101 TFEU taken by the Commission, EU Courts, and the national competition authorities and courts of five representative Member States (France, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, and the UK). The book not only exposes explicit tools in which non-competition interests played a role, but also sheds light on the “dark matter” of balancing, namely, invisible forms of balancing triggered by the institutional and procedural setup of the competition enforcers. Moreover, it contributes to the empirical-legal study of various other aspects of EU competition law enforcement, such as its objectives, the more economic approach, decentralized enforcement, and the functioning and success of Regulation 1/2003.
On operator fractional Lévy motion: integral representations and time-reversibility
Authors: Boniece B. Cooper , Didier Gustavo
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we construct operator fractional Lévy motion (ofLm), a broad class of infinitely divisible stochastic processes that are covariance operator self-similar and have wide-sense stationary increments. The ofLm class generalizes the univariate fractional Lévy motion as well as the multivariate operator fractional Brownian motion (ofBm). OfLm can be divided into two types, namely, moving average (maofLm) and real harmonizable (rhofLm), both of which share the covariance structure of ofBm under assumptions. We show that maofLm and rhofLm admit stochastic integral representations in the time and Fourier domains, and establish their distinct small- and large-scale limiting behavior. We also characterize time-reversibility for ofLm through parametric conditions related to its Lévy measure. In particular, we show that, under non-Gaussianity, the parametric conditions for time-reversibility are generally more restrictive than those for the Gaussian case (ofBm).
Krieger’s type for ergodic non-singular Poisson actions of non-(T) locally compact groups
Authors: DANILENKO ALEXANDRE I.
Published: June 2022

It is shown that each locally compact second countable non-(T) group G admits non-strongly ergodic weakly mixing IDPFT Poisson actions of any possible Krieger type. These actions are amenable if and only if G is amenable. If G has the Haagerup property, then (and only then) these actions can be chosen of 0-type. If G is amenable, then G admits weakly mixing Bernoulli actions of arbitrary Krieger type.
A randomized trial of ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light versus sodium hypochlorite delivered by an electrostatic sprayer for adjunctive decontamination of hospital rooms
Authors: Carlisle Matthew G. , Rutala William A. , Cadnum Jennifer L. , Wilson Brigid M. , Deshpande Abhishek , Donskey Curtis J.
Published: June 2022

In a randomized trial, adjunctive ultraviolet-C light treatment with a room decontamination device and sodium hypochlorite delivered via an electrostatic sprayer were similarly effective in significantly reducing residual healthcare-associated pathogen contamination on floors and high-touch surfaces after manual cleaning and disinfection. Less time until the room was ready to be occupied by another patient was required for electrostatic spraying.
Synchronization of turbulence in channel flow
Authors: Wang Mengze , Zaki Tamer A.
Published: June 2022

Synchronization of turbulence in channel flow is investigated using continuous data assimilation. The flow is unknown within a region of the channel. Beyond this region the velocity field is provided, and is directly prescribed in the simulation, while the pressure is unknown throughout the entire domain. Synchronization takes place when the simulation recovers the full true state of the flow, or in other words when the missing region is accurately re-established, spontaneously. Successful synchronization depends on the orientation, location and size of the missing layer. For friction Reynolds numbers up to one thousand, wall-attached horizontal layers can synchronize as long as their thickness is less than approximately thirty wall units. When the horizontal layer is detached from the wall, the critical thickness increases with height and is proportional to the local wall-normal Taylor microscale. A flow-parallel, vertical layer that spans the height of the channel synchronizes when its spanwise width is of the order of the near-wall Taylor microscale, while the criterion for a crossflow vertical layer is set by the advection distance within a Lyapunov time scale. Finally, we demonstrate that synchronization is possible when only planar velocity data are available, rather than the full outer state, as long as the unknown region satisfies the condition for synchronization in one direction. These numerical experiments demonstrate the capacity of accurately reconstructing, or synchronizing, the missing scales of turbulence from observations, using continuous data assimilation.
Numerical investigation of unsteady effects in oscillatory sheet flows
Authors: Mathieu Antoine , Cheng Zhen , Chauchat Julien , Bonamy Cyrille , Hsu Tian-Jian
Published: June 2022

In this paper, two-phase flow simulations of oscillatory sheet flow experimental configurations involving medium and fine sand using a turbulence-resolving two-fluid model are presented. The turbulence-resolving two-phase flow model reproduces the differences of behaviour observed between medium and fine sand whereas turbulence-averaged models require an almost systematic tuning of empirical model coefficients for turbulence–particle interactions. The two-fluid model explicitly resolves these interactions and can be used to study in detail the differences observed experimentally. Detailed analysis of concentration profiles, flow hydrodynamics, turbulent statistics and vertical mass balance allowed the confirmation that unsteady effects, namely phase-lag effect and enhanced boundary layer thickness, for fine sand are not only due to the small settling velocity of the particles relative to the wave period. The occurrence and intensity of unsteady effects are also affected by a complex interplay between flow instabilities, strong solid-phase Reynolds stress and turbulence attenuation caused by the presence of the particles.
Three-dimensional dynamics of a pair of deformable bubbles rising initially in line. Part 2. Highly inertial regimes
Authors: Zhang Jie , Ni Ming-Jiu , Magnaudet Jacques
Published: June 2022

The buoyancy-driven dynamics of a pair of gas bubbles released in line is investigated numerically, focusing on highly inertial conditions under which isolated bubbles follow non-straight paths. In an early stage, the second bubble always drifts out of the wake of the leading one. Then, depending on the ratios of the buoyancy, viscous and capillary forces which define the Galilei (

$Ga$

) and Bond (

$Bo$

) numbers of the system, five distinct regimes specific to such conditions are identified, in which the two bubbles may rise independently or continue to interact and possibly collide in the end. In the former case, they usually perform large-amplitude planar zigzags within the same plane or within two distinct planes, depending on the oblateness of the leading bubble. However, for large enough

$Ga$

and low enough

$Bo$

, they follow nearly vertical paths with small-amplitude erratic horizontal deviations. Increasing

$Bo$

makes the wake-induced attraction toward the leading bubble stronger, forcing the two bubbles to realign vertically one or more times along their ascent. During such sequences, wake vortices may hit the trailing bubble, deflecting its path and, depending on the case, promoting or hindering further possibilities of interaction. In some regimes, varying the initial distance separating the two bubbles modifies their lateral separation beyond the initial stage. Similarly, minute initial angular deviations favour the selection of a single vertical plane of rise common to both bubbles. These changes may dramatically affect the fate of the tandem as, depending on

$Bo$

, they promote or prevent future vertical realignments.
Instability evolution in the hypersonic boundary layer over a wavy wall
Authors: Zhu W.K. , Gu D.W. , Si W.F. , Zhang M.J. , Chen S.Y. , Smith C.R. , Zhu Y.D. , Lee C.B.
Published: June 2022

The effects of a wavy wall on the stability of a hypersonic boundary layer on a flared cone are investigated by detailed experimental measurements and direct numerical simulations. The non-contact optical measurement method of focused laser differential interferometry is used to measure the disturbance development within the wavy region. The measurement results show that the second mode for the wavy wall is suppressed significantly compared with the smooth wall, and that multiple disturbances at low frequencies appear within the wavy region. Numerical corroboration against experimental measurements reveals good quantitative agreement. It is found that the disturbances at

$f=360$

 kHz on the wavy wall are suppressed appreciably, which are very significant on the smooth wall. And the disturbances at

$f=140$

 kHz and

$f=260$

 kHz develop within the wavy region, and increase considerably. Also, the disturbances achieve a significant increase over the first half of a wavy trough and become more stable over the second half of a wavy trough. The physical mechanism is found to be due to the change in wall geometry and is attributed to the spatially modulated mean flow. The disturbance growth rate is closely related to the level of the mean-flow distortion.