bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subject-specific multiscale modeling of aortic valve biomechanics
Authors: Rossini G. , Caimi A. , Redaelli A. , Votta E.
Published: April 2021

A Finite Element workflow for the multiscale analysis of the aortic valve biomechanics was developed and applied to three physiological anatomies with the aim of describing the aortic valve interstitial cells biomechanical milieu in physiological conditions, capturing the effect of subject-specific and leaflet-specific anatomical features from the organ down to the cell scale. A mixed approach was used to transfer organ-scale information down to the cell-scale. Displacement data from the organ model were used to impose kinematic boundary conditions to the tissue model, while stress data from the latter were used to impose loading boundary conditions to the cell level. Peak of radial leaflet strains was correlated with leaflet extent variability at the organ scale, while circumferential leaflet strains varied over a narrow range of values regardless of leaflet extent. The dependency of leaflet biomechanics on the leaflet-specific anatomy observed at the organ length-scale is reflected, and to some extent emphasized, into the results obtained at the lower length-scales. At the tissue length-scale, the peak diastolic circumferential and radial stresses computed in the fibrosa correlated with the leaflet surface area. At the cell length-scale, the difference between the strains in two main directions, and between the respective relationships with the specific leaflet anatomy, was even more evident; cell strains in the radial direction varied over a relatively wide range ($$0.36-0.87$$

0.36
-
0.87

) with a strong correlation with the organ length-scale radial strain ($$R^{2}= 0.95$$

R
2

=
0.95

); conversely, circumferential cell strains spanned a very narrow range ($$0.75-0.88$$

0.75
-
0.88

) showing no correlation with the circumferential strain at the organ level ($$R^{2}= 0.02$$

R
2

=
0.02

). Within the proposed simulation framework, being able to account for the actual anatomical features of the aortic valve leaflets allowed to gain insight into their effect on the structural mechanics of the leaflets at all length-scales, down to the cell scale.
Enhancing finite difference approximations for double barrier options: mesh optimization and repeated Richardson extrapolation
Authors: Ballestra Luca Vincenzo
Published: April 2021

We show that the performances of the finite difference method for double barrier option pricing can be strongly enhanced by applying both a repeated Richardson extrapolation technique and a mesh optimization procedure. In particular, first we construct a space mesh that is uniform and aligned with the discontinuity points of the solution being sought. This is accomplished by means of a suitable transformation of coordinates, which involves some parameters that are implicitly defined and whose existence and uniqueness is theoretically established. Then, a finite difference scheme employing repeated Richardson extrapolation in both space and time is developed. The overall approach exhibits high efficacy: barrier option prices can be computed with accuracy close to the machine precision in less than one second. The numerical simulations also reveal that the improvement over existing methods is due to the combination of the mesh optimization and the repeated Richardson extrapolation.
Agent-based simulation of pedestrian dynamics for exposure time estimation in epidemic risk assessment
Authors: Harweg Thomas , Bachmann Daniel , Weichert Frank
Published: April 2021

Purpose

With the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic spreading across the world, protective measures for containing the virus are essential, especially as long as no vaccine or effective treatment is available. One important measure is the so-called physical distancing or social distancing.

Methods

In this paper, we propose an agent-based numerical simulation of pedestrian dynamics in order to assess the behavior of pedestrians in public places in the context of contact transmission of infectious diseases like COVID-19, and to gather insights about exposure times and the overall effectiveness of distancing measures.

Results

To abide by the minimum distance of 1.5 m stipulated by the German government at an infection rate of 2%, our simulation results suggest that a density of one person per 16m2 or below is sufficient.

Conclusions

The results of this study give insight into how physical distancing as a protective measure can be carried out more efficiently to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Social acceptance of serious games for physical and cognitive training in older adults residing in ambient assisted living environments
Authors: Brauner Philipp , Ziefle Martina
Published: April 2021

Aims

Although ambient assisted living (AAL) environments and serious games for healthcare have been proposed as solutions to meet the changing demographics, the two approaches are rarely combined. We present the development and empirical evaluation of two serious games for healthcare in AAL. The first uses a cooking scenario for training of cognitive functioning. The latter uses a gardening scenario and motion capture for training agility and endurance. As the frequent lack of social acceptance is a major challenge in consumer health technology, we integrated methods of technology acceptance research by means of the UTAUT2-model and intention to use into the evaluation.

Subject and methods

We developed both games utilizing user-centered and participatory design methods ranging from low-fidelity paper prototypes to usability and acceptance evaluations of functional prototypes. In the final evaluation, each game prototype was evaluated by 64 participants form different age groups.

Results

The results show that although performance decreases with age, the performance attained in the games is not decisive for social acceptance measured as intention to use. However, user diversity factors shape the evaluation of the games, and older people and people with low technical competence are in danger of being excluded from using serious games for healthcare.

Conclusion

Exercise games, if designed right, can mitigate the negative effects of demographic change. Nevertheless, user diversity needs must be considered to ensure that the games are usable and used by a broad audience. The article concludes with guidelines and open research questions for the design of serious games in AAL environments.
Large Eddy Simulation of an Ethanol Spray Flame with Secondary Droplet Breakup
Authors: Gallot-Lavallée S. , Jones W. P. , Marquis A. J.
Published: April 2021

A computational investigation of three configurations of the Delft Spray in Hot-diluted Co-flow (DSHC) is presented. The selected burner comprises a hollow cone pressure swirl atomiser, injecting an ethanol spray, located in the centre of a hot co-flow generator, with the conditions studied corresponding to Moderate or Intense Low-oxygen Dilution (MILD) combustion. The simulations are performed in the context of Large Eddy Simulation (LES) in combination with a transport equation for the joint probability density function (pdf) of the scalars, solved using the Eulerian stochastic field method. The liquid phase is simulated by the use of a Lagrangian point particle approach, where the sub-grid-scale interactions are modelled with a stochastic approach. Droplet breakup is represented by a simple primary breakup model in combination with a stochastic secondary breakup formulation. The approach requires only a minimal knowledge of the fuel injector and avoids the need to specify droplet size and velocity distributions at the injection point. The method produces satisfactory agreement with the experimental data and the velocity fields of the gas and liquid phase both averaged and ‘size-class by size-class’ are well depicted. Two widely accepted evaporation models, utilising a phase equilibrium assumption, are used to investigate the influence of evaporation on the evolution of the liquid phase and the effects on the flame. An analysis on the dynamics of stabilisation sheds light on the importance of droplet size in the three spray flames; different size droplets play different roles in the stabilisation of the flames.
Is free-energy minimisation the mark of the cognitive?
Authors: Kiverstein Julian , Sims Matt
Published: April 2021

A mark of the cognitive should allow us to specify theoretical principles for demarcating cognitive from non-cognitive causes of behaviour in organisms. Specific criteria are required to settle the question of when in the evolution of life cognition first emerged. An answer to this question should however avoid two pitfalls. It should avoid overintellectualising the minds of other organisms, ascribing to them cognitive capacities for which they have no need given the lives they lead within the niches they inhabit. But equally it should do justice to the remarkable flexibility and adaptiveness that can be observed in the behaviour of microorganisms that do not have a nervous system. We should resist seeking non-cognitive explanations of behaviour simply because an organism fails to exhibit human-like feats of thinking, reasoning and problem-solving. We will show how Karl Friston’s Free-Energy Principle (FEP) can serve as the basis for a mark of the cognitive that avoids the twin pitfalls of overintellectualising or underestimating the cognitive achievements of evolutionarily primitive organisms. The FEP purports to describe principles of organisation that any organism must instantiate if it is to remain well-adapted to its environment. Living systems from plants and microorganisms all the way up to humans act in ways that tend in the long run to minimise free energy. If the FEP provides a mark of the cognitive, as we will argue it does, it mandates that cognition should indeed be ascribed to plants, microorganisms and other organisms that lack a nervous system.
Identification of simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) that are associated with the nectariless trait of Gossypium hirsutum L
Authors: Park Sang-Hyuck , Scheffler Jodi A. , Ray Jeffery D. , Scheffler Brian E.
Published: April 2021

Cotton(Gossypium hirsutumL.) has nectar containing modified stomates called nectaries that can be located on leaves, bracts or calyces. The nectar attracts some beneficial insects such as bees, but also predatory damaging insects such as heliothines andLygusspecies. There is a naturally occurring mutation that eliminates the nectar containing nectaries and makes the cotton plants less attractive to insects. The nectariless (ne) trait is associated with a double recessive mutation of two genes (ne1andne2) on homeologous chromosomes 12 and 26. Expression of the trait can be variable and is also affected by environmental conditions. This makes accurately selecting for the trait based on phenotype difficult. This study identified SSR and SNP markers that can be used by breeders for marker assisted selection (MAS) of the nectariless trait. DNA markers associated with the genes conditioning the trait and used for MAS, will allow cotton cultivars to be easily developed that have decreased attractiveness to insects and reduce the need for insecticides, especially those harmful to beneficial insects such as honeybees.
Reducing Personal Emissions in Response to Collective Harm
Authors: Robertson Cassidy
Published: April 2021

Anthropogenic climate change threatens humanity as a whole, making its mitigation a matter of pressing concern. Mitigation efforts at the institutional level are necessary to successfully change the course of climate change, but thus far governments and industries have been ineffective at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A point of philosophical contention is whether individuals have a moral responsibility to reduce their own emissions given the lack of institutional action. I argue that they do by redefining climate change as a collective impact. Individual emitters share collective responsibility for that impact, which translates to an individual duty to reduce their contribution.
In situ drug release measuring in α-TCP cement by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Pasqual Júnio Augusto Rodrigues , Freisleben Lucas C. , Colpo Júlio Cesar , Egea Jose Ramón Jurado , dos Santos Luis Alberto Loureiro , de Sousa Vânia Caldas
Published: April 2021

The use of drug delivery systems is a good technique to leave the right quantity of medicine in the patient’s body in a suitable dose, because the drug application is delivered directly to the affected region. The current techniques such as HPLC and UV–Vis for the drug delivery calculation has some disadvantages, as the accuracy and the loss of the sample after characterization. With the aim of reducing the amount of material used during the characterization and have a non-destructive test with instantaneous results, the present paper shows the possibility of using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to have a drug delivery measurement during the release phenomena for a calcium phosphate cement (CFC) delivery system with gentamicin sulfate (GS) and lidocaine hydrochloride (LH), at a ratio of 1% and 2%, respectively. The equivalent circuit and the chemical mechanism involved during the measurements have been proposed as a tool to determine the drug delivery profile. The method has been compared with the UV–Vis technique. XRD was realized to verify conditions, before and after release. It was possible to verify the potential for using EIS as an instant technique to quantify drug delivery.
Hydrothermal synthesis of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite–graphene nanosheet on Ti-6Al-7Nb: mechanical and in vitro corrosion performance
Authors: Yigit Oktay , Dikici Burak , Ozdemir Niyazi
Published: April 2021

The hybrid coatings containing the graphene nano-sheet (GNS) and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) phases have been successfully synthesized on Ti6Al7Nb alloys by a one-step hydrothermal method. The hydrothermal reaction was carried out for 24 h at 200 °C. The GNS ratio has been altered as 1, 3, 5 and 7 wt.% in the coatings and, the results have compared with non- GNS containing coatings. The effect of the GNS ratio on the microstructure, hardness, and in vitro corrosion responses has been investigated in detail. The characterizations of the coatings were carried out by SEM, EDS, AFM, XRD and, FTIR. The corrosion behavior of the hybrid coatings was compared in Kokubo’s solution at 37 °C by using potentiodynamic polarization tests. The results showed that the hydroxyapatite phases were deposed on the graphene layers with nano-size nucleation with its Ca/P stoichiometric ratio. The best hydrophilicity (~52°) property has been obtained in nHA/3GNS coatings. In addition, the corrosion rates of coatings increased in the following order: nHA/3GNS < nHA/1GNS < nHA/7GNS < nHA/5GNS < only nHA.
Disruptions and General Distress for Essential and Nonessential Employees During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: van Zoonen Ward , ter Hoeven Claartje L.
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic and outbreak response represent a global crisis that has affected various aspects of people’s lives, including work. Speculation is rife about the impact of the crisis on employees. Countries and organizations worldwide have categorized some work as essential and, by extension, other work as nonessential. This study aims to investigate the impact of the pandemic by examining the relationship between work disruptions (at time 1) and general distress (at time 2) through various work stressors, contrasting the experiences of employees in essential versus nonessential work. For employees with essential jobs, there is a significant indirect effect of work disruptions on general distress through hindrance stressors. This relationship is not found for employees with nonessential jobs. The general distress of these employees is more strongly affected by disruptions through social stressors (here, social isolation). Hence, this study demonstrates how general distress is affected in different ways for employees conducting essential work and those conducting nonessential work. We further highlight the importance of considering social stressors in this relationship, especially for nonessential work. Organizational change communication quality mitigates the relationship between isolation and general distress for employees with nonessential jobs, but not for those with essential jobs.
A lattice Gas Model for Generic One-Dimensional Hamiltonian Systems
Authors: Schmidt J. , Schütz G. M. , van Beijeren H.
Published: April 2021

We present a three-lane exclusion process that exhibits the same universal fluctuation pattern as generic one-dimensional Hamiltonian dynamics with short-range interactions, viz., with two sound modes in the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang (KPZ) universality class (with dynamical exponent $$z=3/2$$

z
=
3
/
2

and symmetric Prähofer-Spohn scaling function) and a superdiffusive heat mode with dynamical exponent $$z=5/3$$

z
=
5
/
3

and symmetric Lévy scaling function. The lattice gas model is amenable to efficient numerical simulation. Our main findings, obtained from dynamical Monte-Carlo simulation, are: (i) The frequently observed numerical asymmetry of the sound modes is a finite time effect. (ii) The mode-coupling calculation of the scale factor for the 5/3-Lévy-mode gives at least the right order of magnitude. (iii) There are significant diffusive corrections which are non-universal.
V2O3/C composite fabricated by carboxylic acid-assisted sol–gel synthesis as anode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zakharova G. S. , Thauer E. , Enyashin A. N. , Deeg L. F. , Zhu Q. , Klingeler R.
Published: April 2021

The potential battery electrode material V2O3/C has been prepared using a sol–gel thermolysis technique, employing vanadyl hydroxide as precursor and different organic acids as both chelating agents and carbon sources. Composition and morphology of resultant materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, physical sorption, and elemental analysis. Stability and electronic properties of model composites with chemically and physically integrated carbon were studied by means of quantum-chemical calculations. All fabricated composites are hierarchically structured and consist of carbon-covered microparticles assembled of polyhedral V2O3 nanograins with intrusions of amorphous carbon at the grain boundaries. Such V2O3/C phase separation is thermodynamically favored while formation of vanadium (oxy)carbides or heavily doped V2O3 is highly unlikely. When used as anode for lithium-ion batteries, the nanocomposite V2O3/C fabricated with citric acid exhibits superior electrochemical performance with an excellent cycle stability and a specific charge capacity of 335 mAh g−1 in cycle 95 at 100 mA g−1. We also find that the used carbon source has only minor effects on the materials’ electrochemical performance.
System Reliabilism and basic beliefs: defeasible, undefeated and likely to be true
Authors: Palermos Spyridon Orestis
Published: April 2021

To avoid the problem of regress, externalists have put forward defeaters-based accounts of justification. The paper argues that existing proposals face two serious concerns: (i) They fail to accommodate related counterexamples such as Norman the clairvoyant, and, more worryingly, (ii) they fail to explain how one can be epistemically responsible in holding basic beliefs—i.e., they fail to explain how basic beliefs can avoid being arbitrary from the agent’s point of view. To solve both of these problems, a new, externalist, defeaters-based account of justification is offered—viz., System Reliabilism. The core message of the view—and the way it deals with both (i) and (ii)—is the claim that the justificatory status of justified basic beliefs originates from being the undefeated outputs of a reliable, cognitively integrated system that is capable of defeating them. Simply put, to be candidates for being justified, basic beliefs must be epistemically responsible and to be so they must be undefeated while being defeasible. The paper also offers a detailed, naturalistic analysis of the notion of cognitive integration. This long-due, mechanistic account of cognitive integration is then used to argue that an additional advantage of System Reliabilism is its unique position to account for the as yet unexplained intuition that responsible beliefs are also likely to be true.
Estimating different order polynomial logarithmic environmental Kuznets curves
Authors: Hasanov Fakhri J. , Hunt Lester C. , Mikayilov Jeyhun I.
Published: April 2021

This paper contributes to the environmental literature by (i) demonstrating that the estimated coefficients and the statistical significance of the non-leading terms in quadratic, cubic, and quartic logarithmic environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) specifications are arbitrary and should therefore not be used to choose the preferred specification and (ii) detailing a proposed general-to-specific type methodology for choosing the appropriate specifications when attempting to estimate higher-order polynomials such as cubic and quartic logarithmic EKC relationships. Testing for the existence and shape of the well-known EKC phenomenon is a hot topic in the environmental economics literature. The conventional approach widely employs quadratic and cubic specifications and more recently also the quartic specification, where the variables are in logarithmic form. However, it is important that researchers understand whether the estimated EKC coefficients, turning points, and elasticities are statistically acceptable, economically interpretable, and comparable. In addition, it is vital that researchers have a clear structured non-arbitrary methodology for determining the preferred specification and hence shape of the estimated EKC. We therefore show mathematically and empirically the arbitrary nature of estimated non-leading coefficients in quadratic, cubic, and quartic logarithmic EKC specifications, being dependent upon the units of measurement chosen for the independent variables (e.g. dependent upon a rescaling of the variables such as moving from $m to $bn). Consequently, the practice followed in many previously papers, whereby the estimates of the non-leading terms are used in the decision to choose the preferred specification of an estimated EKC relationship, is incorrect and shouldnotbe followed since it potentially could lead to misleading conclusions. Instead, it should be based upon the sign and statistical significance of the estimated coefficients of the leading terms, the location of turning point(s), and the sign and statistical significance of the estimated elasticities. Furthermore, we suggest that researchers should follow a proposed general-to-specific type methodology for choosing the appropriate order of polynomials when attempting to estimate higher-order polynomial logarithmic EKCs.
Ficus erecta Thunb Leaves Alleviate Memory Loss Induced by Scopolamine in Mice via Regulation of Oxidative Stress and Cholinergic System
Authors: Sohn Eunjin , Kim Yu Jin , Kim Joo-Hwan , Jeong Soo-Jin
Published: April 2021

We examined the neuropharmacological effects of ethanol extract of Ficus erecta Thunb leaves (EEFE) on cognitive dysfunction in a scopolamine (SCO)-induced memory impairment animal model. Memory impairment was measured using the Y-maze test and passive avoidance task (PAT). For 19 days, EEFE (100 or 200 mg/kg) was treated through oral administration. Treatment with EEFE ameliorated memory impairment in behavioral tests, along with significant protection from neuronal oxidative stress and neuronal cell loss in the brain tissues of SCO-injected mice. Antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of EEFE were further confirmed using in vitro assays. Our findings indicate that the mechanisms of neuroprotection and antioxidation of EEFE are regulated by the cholinergic system, promotion of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation, and the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase (HO)-1 signaling activation. The current study proposes that EEFE could be an encouraging plant resource and serve as a potent neuropharmacological drug candidate against neurodegenerative diseases.
Exploring Attitudes About the Legality of Self-Managed Abortion in the US: Results from a Nationally Representative Survey
Authors: Raifman Sarah , Biggs M. Antonia , Ralph Lauren , Ehrenreich Katherine , Grossman Daniel
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Twenty-four states have at least one law in place that could be used to prosecute people for self-managed abortion (SMA), or the termination of a pregnancy outside of the formal healthcare system. We investigated factors associated with public attitudes about SMA legality and legal access to abortion more generally.

Methods

In August 2017, we surveyed a nationally representative sample of English- and Spanish-speaking women ages 18–49 years in the United States (US) using Ipsos Public Affairs’ KnowledgePanel. Unadjusted and adjusted multinomial logistic regression estimates identify characteristics associated with believing that SMA should not be against the law, compared to should be against the law, with weighting to account for sampling into the panel.

Results

Overall, 76% (95% CI: 74.3%-77.1%) and 59% (95% CI: 57.3%-60.4%) of participants (n = 7,022, completion rate 50%) reported that abortion and SMA, respectively, should not be against the law; 1% and 19% were unsure. Among those living in a state with at least one law that could be used to prosecute an individual for SMA, the majority (55%, 95% CI: 52.7%-57.9%) believed SMA should not be against the law. Factors associated with believing SMA should not be against the law, compared to should be against the law, included prior abortion experience and higher levels of education and income.

Conclusion

Most reproductive age women in the US believe that SMA should not be criminalized. There is more uncertainty about SMA legality than about the legality of abortion more generally.

Policy Implications

US laws that criminalize SMA are not supported by the majority of the people living in their jurisdictions.
In-Situ Annealed Ti3C2Tx MXene Based All-Solid-State Flexible Zn-Ion Hybrid Micro Supercapacitor Array with Enhanced Stability
Authors: Li La , Liu Weijia , Jiang Kai , Chen Di , Qu Fengyu , Shen Guozhen
Published: April 2021

Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitors (SCs) are considered as promising energy storage owing to their high energy density compared to traditional SCs. How to realize the miniaturization, patterning, and flexibility of the Zn-ion SCs without affecting the electrochemical performances has special meanings for expanding their applications in wearable integrated electronics. Ti3C2Tx cathode with outstanding conductivity, unique lamellar structure and good mechanical flexibility has been demonstrated tremendous potential in the design of Zn-ion SCs, but achieving long cycling stability and high rate stability is still big challenges. Here, we proposed a facile laser writing approach to fabricate patterned Ti3C2Tx-based Zn-ion micro-supercapacitors (MSCs), followed by the in-situ anneal treatment of the assembled MSCs to improve the long-term stability, which exhibits 80% of the capacitance retention even after 50,000 charge/discharge cycles and superior rate stability. The influence of the cathode thickness on the electrochemical performance of the MSCs is also studied. When the thickness reaches 0.851 µm the maximum areal capacitance of 72.02 mF cm−2 at scan rate of 10 mV s−1, which is 1.77 times higher than that with a thickness of 0.329 µm (35.6 mF cm−2). Moreover, the fabricated Ti3C2Tx based Zn-ion MSCs have excellent flexibility, a digital timer can be driven by the single device even under bending state, a flexible LED displayer of “TiC” logo also can be easily lighted by the MSC arrays under twisting, crimping, and winding conditions, demonstrating the scalable fabrication and application of the fabricated MSCs in portable electronics.
Simple SIR models with Markovian control
Authors: Bartoszek Krzysztof , Bartoszek Wojciech , Krzemiński Michał
Published: April 2021

We consider a random dynamical system, where the deterministic dynamics are driven by a finite-state space Markov chain. We provide a comprehensive introduction to the required mathematical apparatus and then turn to a special focus on the susceptible-infected-recovered epidemiological model with random steering. Through simulations we visualize the behaviour of the system and the effect of the high-frequency limit of the driving Markov chain. We formulate some questions and conjectures of a purely theoretical nature.
Clinical outcomes of pre-attached reinforced stapler reloads in bariatric surgery: A prospective case series
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed , Morales-Conde Salvador , Legrand Marc , Nienhuijs Simon , Himpens Jacques , Jiao Long R. , Facy Olivier
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT

Background:

Staple line reinforcement during surgery may decrease morbidity or reduce the risk of staple line leaks and bleeding. There is debate regarding the benefit, safety, and best form of reinforcement. This case series characterizes the safety of a stapler with a pre-attached buttress in bariatric surgeries.

Methods:

This prospective, multicenter, post-market study examined the use of stapler reloads with built in reinforcement material. The primary endpoint is the incidence of reported device-related adverse events up to 30 days after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) surgeries. Specific outcomes included bleeding (≥50 mL), leaks, and 30-day readmissions.

Outcomes:

A total of 51 patients (19 RYGB, 32 SG) were assessed after exclusion criteria were applied. Intraoperatively, no leaks or bleeding related to the staple line occurred. Four patients (8% overall, 3 RYGB, 1 SG) experienced bleeding unrelated to the staple line and staple line intervention, in these cases, was not required. Four subjects (8%, all SG) required readmission and each were attributed as unrelated to the investigational device. No unanticipated device-related events were observed. Two adverse events (bleeding) occurred post-operatively that were attributed as possibly related to the device; both were endoscopically managed.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates that there were no serious safety concerns from the AEs observed related to reinforced reload use during or in the 30-day course after 51 common bariatric procedures in a multicenter setting.

Trial registration:

The study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02500537). Thoracic subjects from this study are described in a separate manuscript.

Highlights
Case Learning for Teachers
Authors: Strangeways Al
Published: April 2021

Case Learning for Teachers: Strategic Knowledge for Professional Experience is a unique resource for Australian pre-service educators that draws on the author's experiences as an education researcher, lecturer and classroom teacher. This textbook uses a case stories approach to support pre-service teachers in developing the skills of observation and reflective practice necessary for professional experience placements and the transition to the classroom. Part 1 introduces the case learning approach and outlines strategies for reading and writing case stories. Part 2 is structured by the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. The text includes case stories addressing topics like knowing your students, knowing content, planning for teaching, managing behaviour, diverse learners, assessment, and developing professional relationships in the school setting. Integrating threshold concepts and the case-learning model, the innovative approach taken by Case Learning for Teachers makes it an invaluable tool for pre-service teachers.
Animal Population Ecology
Authors: Royama T.
Published: April 2021

Animal population ecology comprises the study of variations, regulation, and interactions of animal populations. This book discusses the fundamental notions and findings of animal populations on which most of the ecological studies are based. In particular, the author selects the logistic law of population growth, the nature of competition, sociality as an antithesis of competition, the mechanism underlying the regulation of populations, predator-prey interaction processes, and interactions among closely related species competing over essential resources. These are the notions that are considered to be well-established facts or principles and are regularly taught at ecology classes or introduced in standard textbooks. However, the author demonstrates that these notions are still inadequately understood, or even misunderstood, creating myths that would misguide ecologists in carrying out their studies. He delves deeply into those notions to reveal their real nature and draws a road map to the future development of ecology.
Movimiento e imperialismo Inca en los valles de Arica (Andes 18° S)
Authors: Mendez-Quiros Aranda Pablo , Saintenoy Thibault
Published: April 2021

Haciendo eco de las crónicas coloniales sobre el sistema vial imperial andino, la mayoría de las investigaciones sobre caminos incaicos se han centrado en su planificación y tecnología monumental como las principales características de esta infraestructura prehispánica tardía. Mediante un estudio regional en los valles de Arica (18° S), abordamos, en este trabajo, una investigación del Qhapaq Ñan (sistema vial incaico) desde una perspectiva de redes. Analizamos un palimpsesto de 13.000 km de vías, producido por la acumulación de sistemas viales de distintos períodos cronológicos. Este es relacionado con el patrón de asentamiento prehispánico tardío para modelizar los flujos de movimiento durante los siglos quince y dieciséis: mediante análisis espaciales, delineamos las estructuras más probables de las redes viales local e imperial. Finalmente, consideramos medidas de centralidades y acumulación de flujo para discutir la hipótesis del control del movimiento como estrategia imperial. Los resultados muestran que la hegemonía incaica se pudo relacionar con el control espacial de los flujos de las interacciones, y también que el enfoque de red aplicado a los palimpsestos viales reviste gran potencial para la arqueología del movimiento en regiones desérticas y montañosas.
Younger Dryas to early Holocene (12.9 to 8.1 ka) limnological and hydrological change at Barley Lake, California (northern California Coast Range)
Authors: Leidelmeijer Jenifer A. , Kirby Matthew E.C. , MacDonald Glen , Carlin Joseph A. , Avila Judith , Han Jiwoo , Nauman Benjamin , Loyd Sean , Nichols Kevin , Ramezan Reza
Published: April 2021

Paleoperspectives of climate provide important information for understanding future climate, particularly in arid regions such as California, where water availability is uncertain from year to year. Here, we present a record from Barley Lake, California, focusing on the interval spanning the Younger Dryas (YD) to the early Holocene (EH), a period of acute and rapid global climate change. Twelve radiocarbon dates constrain the timing between 12.9 and 8.1 ka. We combine a variety of sediment analyses to infer changes in lake productivity, relative lake level, and runoff dynamics. In general, the lake is characterized by two states separated by a <200-year transition: (1) a variably deep, lower-productivity YD lake; and (2) a two-part variably shallow, higher-productivity EH lake. Inferred EH winter-precipitation runoff reveals dynamic multidecadal-to-centennial-scale variability, in agreement with the EH lake-level data. The Barley Lake archive captures both hemispheric and regional signals of climate change across the transition, suggesting a role for both ocean-atmosphere and insolation forcing. Our paleoperspective emphasizes California's sensitivity to climate change and how that change can generate abrupt shifts in limnological regimes.
Development of an international template to support patient submissions in Health Technology Assessments
Authors: Cook Nigel , Livingstone Heidi , Dickson Jennifer , Taylor Louise , Morgan Kate , Coombes Martin , Wortley Sally , Oehrlein Elisabeth , Vicente-Edo María José , Waibel Franz , Liden Barry
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To develop an international template to support patient submissions in Health Technology Assessments (HTAs). This was to be based on the experience and feedback from the implementation and use of the Scottish Medicines Consortium's (SMC) Summary Information for Patient Groups (SIP).

Methods

To gather feedback on the SMC experience, web-based surveys were conducted with pharmaceutical companies and patient groups familiar with the SMC SIP. Semistructured interviews with representatives from HTA bodies were undertaken, along with patient group discussions with those less familiar with the SIP, to explore issues around the approach. These qualitative data informed the development of an international SIP template.

Results

Survey data indicated that 82 percent (18 of 22 respondents) of pharmaceutical company representatives felt that the SIP was worthwhile; 88 percent (15/17) of patient group respondents found the SIP helpful. Both groups highlighted the need for additional support and guidance around plain language summaries. Further suggestions included provision of a glossary of terms and cost-effectiveness information. Patient group interviews supported the survey findings and led to the development of a new template. HTA bodies raised potential challenges around buy-in, timing, and bias connected to the SIP approach.

Conclusions

The international SIP template is another approach to support deliberative processes in HTA. Although challenges remain around writing summaries for lay audiences, along with feasibility considerations for HTA bodies, the SIP approach should support more meaningful patient involvement in HTAs.
Macroscopic collision risk model based on near miss
Authors: Zhou Yangyu , Yang Jiaxuan , Bian Xingpei , Ma Lingqi , Kang Zhen
Published: April 2021

Using near miss data detected from non-accident information to analyse marine traffic risk can alleviate some of the limitations of accident-based methods. A model based on an arena for detecting scenes of near miss is proposed to detect comprehensively those ship encounters with potential collision risk. To eliminate the influence of data sampling frequency on the detection of scenes of near miss, a single near miss is defined as the whole progress of traffic state from the time the target ship sails into the arena of the subject ship to the time it leaves the arena of the subject ship. To research the geographical distribution characteristics of marine traffic risk, first, a statistical model for the scenes of near miss based on the water grid method is proposed, and then a macroscopic collision risk model based on near miss is developed. The geographical distribution characteristics of marine traffic risk in the Bohai Sea are analysed, and the water areas of high marine traffic risk are obtained. The findings can provide theoretical support for marine safety management.
The atherosclerosis burden score
Authors: Koulouri Angeliki , Darioli Roger , Dine Qanadli Salah , Katz Eugène , Eeckhout Eric , Mazzolai Lucia , Depairon Michèle
Published: April 2021

Summary: Purpose: We carried out this study to evaluate the predictive value of atherosclerosis burden score (ABS) to predict coronary artery disease (CAD) among asymptomatic patients without known cardiovascular disease (CVD), as compared to other imaging or functional techniques, namely coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT), and ankle brachial index (ABI). Patients and methods: This prospective study included 198 asymptomatic consecutive patients referred for evaluation of their cardiovascular (CV) risk and for therapeutic advice. Traditional CV risk factors, ABS, CAC score, C-IMT, ABI and an ECG-synchronized coronary CT-angiography (CCTA) were performed for each patient. We compared the predictive values of these atherosclerosis markers to detect CAD defined as coronary stenosis ≥30% objectivated by CCTA. Results: Among the whole sample, the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC-AUC) was significantly higher for CAC score (0.81, p=0.015) than for ABS, the reference (0.70) but these values were lower for C-IMT (0.60, p=0.16) and particularly for ABI (0.56, p=0.0015). However, among patients at intermediate risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), according to Framingham risk score (FRS), the differences between the ROC-AUC values for ABS (0.70) and CAC score (0.76, p=0.36) were less pronounced. Again, as compared to ABS, the ROC-AUC values were lower for C-IMT (0.60, p=0.21) and ABI (0.57, p=0.06). Conclusions: ABS, an ultrasonographic score based on the assessment of carotid and femoral plaque burden, predicts more accurately CAD than other non-radiation tools analyzed here, and has a similar performance to CAC in patients at intermediate CHD risk. Thus, ABS could be an appropriate non-invasive and safe method to improve the detection of high-risk patients who will benefit from a more intensive therapy for the primary prevention of CVD.
Water in the Supra‐Subduction‐Zone Mantle of the Mariana‐Izu‐Bonin Forearc: Constraints From Peridotitic Orthopyroxene
Authors: Gose J. , Schmädicke E.
Published: April 2021

Orthopyroxene was analyzed as a proxy for water supra‐subduction‐zone peridotite by polarized infrared radiation. Samples from Conical and Torishima seamounts, Mariana‐Izu‐Bonin forearc (ODP‐Leg 125), have very similar average H2O contents of 215 ppm (range: 122–363 ppm; Conical) and 191 ppm (range: 116–292 ppm; Torishima). Conical peridotite equilibrated at lower temperature (760°C) and oxygen fugacity (ΔlogFMQ −0.65) than samples from Torishima (830°C; ΔlogFMQ +0.33). The degree of partial melting is almost identical for the two sites (18% and 20%). The H2O concentrations are considerably higher compared to samples from the Bismarck forearc (31–92 ppm; Tollan and Hermann, 2019). Instead, the average values resemble those of peridotitic orthopyroxene from MOR settings. The measured H2O contents by far exceed values expected for residual peridotite. This implies that secondary uptake of water must have occurred after melt‐extraction but prior to exhumation to shallow crustal levels. Most likely, re‐equilibration took place at c. 50 km depth. As indicated by elemental correlations and/or enhanced contents, the secondary fluid(s) must have been enriched in B, K, Li, and Sr. The boron contents of orthopyroxene are c. 10 times higher those in MOR samples. These findings suggest that peridotite from Conical and Torishima seamounts was presumably infiltrated by fluid generated by dehydration reactions in a subducting plate. The elemental spectrum points to two source lithologies: (i) serpentinite (liberation of B) and metasediments (liberation of K, Li, and Sr). The varying H2O contents point to heterogeneous fluid supply suggesting that fluid infiltration was not pervasive.
Emerging Wetlands From River Diversions Can Sustain High Denitrification Rates in a Coastal Delta
Authors: Upreti Kiran , Rivera‐Monroy Victor H. , Maiti Kanchan , Giblin Anne , Geaghan James P.
Published: April 2021

It is assumed that to treat excess NO3− high soil organic matter content (%OM) is required to maintain high denitrification rates in natural or restored wetlands. However, this excess also represents a risk by increasing soil decomposition rates triggering peat collapse and wetland fragmentation. Here, we evaluated the role of %OM and temperature interactions controlling denitrification rates in eroding (Barataria Bay‐BLC) and emerging (Wax Lake Delta‐WLD) deltaic regions in coastal Louisiana using the isotope pairing (IPT) and N2:Ar techniques. We also assessed differences between total (direct denitrification + coupled nitrification‐denitrification) and net (total denitrification minus nitrogen fixation) denitrification rates in benthic and wetland habitats with contrasting %OM and bulk density (BD). Sediment (benthic) and soil (wetland) cores were collected during summer, spring, and winter (2015–2016) and incubated at close to in‐situ temperatures (30°C, 20°C, and 10°C, respectively). Denitrification rates were linearly correlated with temperature; maximum mean rates ranged from 40.1–124.1 μmol m−2 h−1 in the summer with lower rates (<26.2 ± 5.3 μmol m−2 h−1) in the winter seasons. Direct denitrification was higher than coupled denitrification in all seasons. Denitrification rates were higher in WLD despite lower %OM, lower total N concentration, and higher BD in wetland soils. Therefore, in environments with low carbon availability, high denitrification rates can be sustained as long as NO3− concentrations are high (>30 μM) and water temperature is >10°C. In coastal Louisiana, substrates under these regimes are represented by emergent supra‐tidal flats or land created by sediment diversions under oligohaline conditions (<1 ppt).
Daytime Equatorial Spread F‐Like Irregularities Detected by HF Doppler Receiver and Digisonde
Authors: Olugbon B. , Oyeyemi E. O. , Kascheyev A. , Rabiu A. B. , Obafaye A. A. , Odeyemi O. O. , Adewale A. O.
Published: April 2021

Daytime equatorial spread F (ESF) is not as common as nighttime ESF due to the presence of a highly conducting E‐layer during the daytime which counteracts the development of F‐layer plasma irregularities. This study presents two rare daytime ESF‐like events which occurred over an interval ∼2 h and were detected by the HF Doppler receiver located in Lagos (LAG: geographic: 3.27°E, 6.48°N; dip latitude −1.72°) and the Lowell Digisonde at Ilorin (ILR; 4.68°E, 8.50°N; dip latitude −1.25°), managed by Lowell GIRO Data Center (LGDC). Analysis of the first event revealed ∼30 min periodic oscillations in iso‐heights of ionospheric electron density. Shorter period (∼15 min) oscillations appeared simultaneously in HF Doppler measurements and these oscillations lasted nearly 3 h. Close inspection of the ionograms from ILR during this interval (1500–1800 UT) showed the occurrence of small‐scale spreading in the F‐layer trace which varied in altitude as the disturbance progressed. Computation of the linear growth rate of the collisional Rayleigh‐Taylor instability showed that the plasma instability was seeded by a traveling ionospheric disturbance (TID). The characteristics of the second event suggest that horizontal stratifications in plasma density distribution at the reflecting ionospheric layer were responsible for the spread F traces in the ionograms. Analysis of GPS TEC data from Nigeria during these events revealed the presence of wave structures consistent with TIDs.
Modernizing a Global Magnetic Partnership
Authors: Thomson Alan , Flower Simon
Published: April 2021

For 30 years, INTERMAGNET, a worldwide network of ground-based observatories, has aided advances in navigation, precision drilling for oil and gas, and mitigating space weather impact on technology.