bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness and robustness of an asymmetric nonlinear energy sink‐inerter for dynamic response mitigation
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Wang Bin , Zhang Chao , Liu Zhibin
Published: January 2021

Nonlinear energy sinks (NESs) have outperformed tuned mass dampers in mitigating undesired responses against changes in structural frequencies. However, the dilemma of gaining frequency robustness at the cost of energy sensitivity as well as the large masses of devices required for civil engineering structures impede the applications of existing NESs. To solve the issue of lacking energy robustness and take advantage of inerters to reduce physical mass, an asymmetric NES‐inerter (Asym NESI) is developed in this study. This passive inerter‐based nonlinear mass damper is configured based on an energy‐robust NES with an inerter added between the auxiliary mass and a fixed point. The paper commences with the formulation of the Asym NESI through mathematical derivations. Then an Asym NESI is designed and evaluated on a three‐story structure in comparison with other counterpart mass dampers. The effectiveness of the Asym NESI can be attributed to its unique dynamics which are revealed analytically using the harmonic balance method through free vibrations and harmonically forced vibrations. The ensuing numerical validations show that due to the integrated linear and nonlinear dynamics of the Asym NESI, the proposed device exhibits strong robustness against changes in both structural frequency and energy level. Moreover, driven by the large inertial effect induced by the auxiliary inerter, the Asym NESI shows flexibility in choosing a practical installation location without sacrificing excellent control capacity. Importantly, the benefits of the Asym NESI are further confirmed by the responses subjected to a suite of ground motions. This study provides analytical insights into the effectiveness and robustness of Asym NESIs and demonstrates substantial performance enhancement by the inerter in structural response mitigation.
Analytical investigation of the exact groundwater divide between rivers beyond the Dupuit–Forchheimer approximation
Authors: Li Ruoyi , Wang Xu‐Sheng
Published: January 2021

The groundwater divide is a key feature of river basins and significantly influenced by subsurface hydrological processes. For an unconfined aquifer between two parallel rivers or ditches, it has long been defined as the top of the water table based on the Dupuit–Forchheimer approximation. However, the exact groundwater divide is subject to the interface between two local flow systems transporting groundwater to rivers from the infiltration recharge. This study contributes a new analytical model for two‐dimensional groundwater flow between rivers of different water levels. The flownet is delineated in the model to identify groundwater flow systems and the exact groundwater divide. Formulas with two dimensionless parameters are derived to determine the distributed hydraulic head, the top of the water table and the groundwater divide. The locations of the groundwater divide and the top of the water table are not the same. The distance between them in horizontal can reach up to 8.9% of the distance between rivers. Numerical verifications indicate that simplifications in the analytical model do not significantly cause misestimates in the location of the groundwater divide. In contrast, the Dupuit–Forchheimer approximation yields an incorrect water table shape. The new analytical model is applied to investigate groundwater divides in the Loess Plateau, China, with a Monte Carlo simulation process taking into account the uncertainties in the parameters.
Increased Mortality in Hip Fracture Patients Living Alone: A NOREPOS Study
Authors: Dahl Cecilie , Holvik Kristin , Meyer Haakon E , Stigum Hein , Solbakken Siri M , Schei Berit , Søgaard Anne-Johanne , Omsland Tone Kristin
Published: January 2021

Hip fracture is associated with excess mortality, persisting for many years after the fracture. Several factors may affect survival; however, the role of social support has been less studied. Living situation could be an indicator of a person's social support, which predicts mortality in the general population. In this longitudinal cohort study, we considered whether living alone was a risk factor for post-hip fracture mortality compared with living with a partner. Information on hip fractures from all hospitals in Norway from 2002 to 2013 was combined with the 2001 National Population and Housing Census. The association between living situation and mortality during 12.8 years of follow-up in 12,770 men and 22,067 women aged 50 to 79 years at fracture was investigated using flexible parametric survival analysis. We also estimated relative survival of hip fracture patients compared with that of the non-fractured background population in the same living situation (alone or with a partner). Higher mortality after hip fracture was found in both men and women living alone versus with a partner (hazard ratio [HR] men = 1.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29—1.44; HR women = 1.23, 95% CI 1.18—1.28, adjusting for age, education level, urbanization degree, and number of children). We demonstrated the strongest association in male hip fracture patients aged <60 years (long-term mortality HR = 3.29, 95% CI 2.25—6.49). Compared with the general population, relative survival 8 years after a hip fracture was 43% in men and 61% in women living alone, whereas relative survival in those living with a partner was 51% in men and 67% in women. In conclusion, hip fracture patients who lived alone had higher mortality than those living with a partner and lower survival relative to the general population. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Differential expression of Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells 2 (Trem2) in tissue eosinophils
Authors: Sek Albert C , Percopo Caroline M , Boddapati Arun K , Ma Michelle , Geslewitz Wendy E , Krumholz Julia O , Lack Justin B , Rosenberg Helene F
Published: January 2021

No longer regarded simply as end-stage cytotoxic effectors, eosinophils are now recognized as complex cells with unique phenotypes that develop in response stimuli in the local microenvironment. In our previous study, we documented eosinophil infiltration in damaged muscle characteristic of dystrophin-deficient (mdx) mice that model Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Specifically, we found that eosinophils did not promote the generation of muscle lesions, as these persisted in eosinophil-deficient mdx.PHIL mice. To obtain additional insight into these findings, we performed RNA sequencing of eosinophils isolated from muscle tissue of mdx, IL5tg, and mdx.IL5tg mice. We observed profound up-regulation of classical effector proteins (major basic protein-1, eosinophil peroxidase, and eosinophil-associated ribonucleases) in eosinophils isolated from lesion-free muscle from IL5tg mice. By contrast, we observed significant up-regulation of tissue remodeling genes, including proteases, extracellular matrix components, collagen, and skeletal muscle precursors, as well as the immunomodulatory receptor, Trem2, in eosinophils isolated from skeletal muscle tissue from the dystrophin-deficient mdx mice. Although the anti-inflammatory properties of Trem2 have been described in the monocyte/macrophage lineage, no previous studies have documented its expression in eosinophils. We found that Trem2 was critical for full growth and differentiation of bone marrow-derived eosinophil cultures and full expression of TLR4. Immunoreactive Trem2 was also detected on human peripheral blood eosinophils at levels that correlated with donor body mass index and total leukocyte count. Taken together, our findings provide important insight into the immunomodulatory and remodeling capacity of mouse eosinophils and the flexibility of their gene expression profiles in vivo.
Leptin correlates with monocytes activation and severe condition in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Wang Jingya , Xu Yinyin , Zhang Xiaoli , Wang Sheng , Peng Ziyi , Guo Jing , Jiang Hongmei , Liu Jing , Xie Ying , Wang Jingjing , Li Xin , Liao Juan , Wan Chao , Yu Lihua , Hu Jinsong , Liu Beizhong , Liu Zhiqiang
Published: January 2021

Excessive monocyte activation with the development of excessive or uncontrolled release of proinflammatory cytokines often results in host tissue injury and even death in patients with pneumonia caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus. However, the changes of cytokine profiles of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, as well as the underlying mechanisms that are involved, remain unknown. Using a cytokine array containing 174 inflammation-related cytokines, we found significantly altered cytokine profiles in severe COVID-19 patients compared with those in mild patients or healthy controls, and identified leptin, CXCL-10, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and TNF-α as the top differentially expressed cytokines. Notably, leptin showed high consistency with CXCL-10 and TNF-α in predicting disease severity, and correlated with body mass index, decreased lymphocyte counts, and disease progression. Further analysis demonstrated that monocytes in severe patients with higher leptin levels were inclined toward M1 polarization. Mechanistic studies revealed that leptin synergistically up-regulated expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and surface markers with IL-6 in monocytes through STAT3 and NF-κB signaling pathways. Collectively, our results suggest that overweight COVID-19 patients were prone to have higher leptin levels, which further activated monocytes, resulting in amplified or dysregulated immune responses. Taken together, our findings argue that leptin correlates severity of COVID-19 and may indicate a possible mechanism by which overweight patients have a greater tendency to develop severe conditions.
Effect of fluoroscopy frame rate on radiation exposure and in‐hospital outcomes in three‐dimensional electroanatomic mapping guided procedures
Authors: Ali Muzaffar , Padmanabhan Deepak , Kanjwal Khalil , Ghadei Milan Kumar , Kottayan Anju , Banavalikar Bharatraj , Shenthar Jayaprakash
Published: January 2021

Background

Fluoroscopic imaging involves exposure of the patients and the laboratory staff to ionizing radiation. One of the strategies that reduce such exposure in an electrophysiology laboratory is using a three‐dimensional electroanatomic mapping (3D EAM) system for performing these procedures. In this analysis, we have analyzed the effect of fluoroscopy frame rate on the radiation exposure and in‐hospital outcomes in ablation procedures performed under 3D EAM guidance.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed all the ablation procedures performed under 3D EAM guidance at our institute from September 2015 to December 2018. The procedures were divided into two groups based on whether the procedures were performed before (pre) or after (post) January 26, 2018. After January 2018, fluoroscopy was used at a frame rate of 3.75 frames per second (fps). Radiation exposure indices and in‐hospital outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

Ablation procedures included in the analysis were ventricular arrhythmias (n = 192), atrial flutter (115), atrial tachycardia (AT) (43), and atrial fibrillation (AF) (30). Over the study period, there was a significant reduction in procedure time, fluoroscopy time, dose area product, and effective dose (ED) (P < .001). Except for AT and AF ablation procedures, there was a significant reduction in the radiation exposure indices when the “post” group was compared with the “pre” group (P ≤ .02). The decrease in the frame rate had no significant effect on in‐hospital outcomes.

Conclusion

The use of 3D EAM combined with decreasing the fluoroscopy frame rate significantly reduced the total radiation exposure without adversely affecting in‐hospital outcomes.
Tourist destination development and social network analysis: What does degree centrality contribute?
Authors: Ledesma González Oswaldo , Merinero‐Rodríguez Rafael , Pulido‐Fernández Juan Ignacio
Published: January 2021

Tourist destinations are relational systems that can be studied through social network analysis (SNA). The paper analyses the structural properties of the networks of actors of three tourist destinations, focusing on the degree centrality indicator for socio‐centric networks and asymmetrical relationships to obtain the indegree (prestige) and outdegree (influence) of the various actors. The results strengthen the idea that there is a direct relationship between relational dynamics and the development of tourist destinations. It provides results that demonstrate how the relational structure changes as tourist destinations evolve, and how there is a direct relationship between the number of actors with high centrality and the development of tourist destinations.
Free induction decay navigator motion metrics for prediction of diagnostic image quality in pediatric MRI
Authors: Wallace Tess E. , Afacan Onur , Jaimes Camilo , Rispoli Joanne , Pelkola Kristina , Dugan Monet , Kober Tobias , Warfield Simon K.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To investigate the ability of free induction decay navigator (FIDnav)‐based motion monitoring to predict diagnostic utility and reduce the time and cost associated with acquiring diagnostically useful images in a pediatric patient cohort.

Methods

A study was carried out in 102 pediatric patients (aged 0‐18 years) at 3T using a 32‐channel head coil array. Subjects were scanned with an FID‐navigated MPRAGE sequence and images were graded by two radiologists using a five‐point scale to evaluate the impact of motion artifacts on diagnostic image quality. The correlation between image quality and four integrated FIDnav motion metrics was investigated, as well as the sensitivity and specificity of each FIDnav‐based metric to detect different levels of motion corruption in the images. Potential time and cost savings were also assessed by retrospectively applying an optimal detection threshold to FIDnav motion scores.

Results

A total of 12% of images were rated as non‐diagnostic, while a further 12% had compromised diagnostic value due to motion artifacts. FID‐navigated metrics exhibited a moderately strong correlation with image grade (Spearman's rho ≥ 0.56). Integrating the cross‐correlation between FIDnav signal vectors achieved the highest sensitivity and specificity for detecting non‐diagnostic images, yielding total time savings of 7% across all scans. This corresponded to a financial benefit of $2080 in this study.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that integrated motion metrics from FIDnavs embedded in structural MRI are a useful predictor of diagnostic image quality, which translates to substantial time and cost savings when applied to pediatric MRI examinations.
Simultaneous state and process fault estimation in linear parameter varying systems using robust quadratic parameter varying observers
Authors: Rotondo Damiano , Buciakowski Mariusz , Witczak Marcin
Published: January 2021

This article undertakes the problem of simultaneous estimation of state and process faults in linear parameter varying systems. For this purpose, a novel strategy that exploits recent results on the design of observers for quadratic parameter varying systems is developed, and a complete design procedure is described. First, it is shown that by treating the process faults as additional states to be estimated, the arising augmented state‐space model is indeed expressed as a quadratic parameter varying system. Hence, the estimates provided by a quadratic parameter varying observer based on the so‐called linear output error injection principle would comprise both the actual state and the process faults estimates. Robust design conditions that minimize the effect of disturbances and measurement noise on some linear, and possibly parameter‐varying, combination of error variables are obtained using a Lyapunov‐based approach. Then, it is shown that the design problem can be reduced to a finite set of linear matrix inequalities that can be solved using available computational tools. The final part of the article exhibits an illustrative example, which clearly exposes the potential applicability and performance of the developed approach.
Randomized Clinical Trial of 14‐French (14F) Pigtail Catheters versus 28–32F Chest Tubes in the Management of Patients with Traumatic Hemothorax and Hemopneumothorax
Authors: Bauman Zachary M. , Kulvatunyou Narong , Joseph Bellal , Gries Lynn , O'Keeffe Terence , Tang Andrew L. , Rhee Peter
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Traditional management of traumatic hemothorax/hemopneumothorax (HTX/HPTX) has been insertion of large‐bore 32–40 French (Fr) chest tubes (CTs). Retrospective studies have shown 14Fr percutaneous pigtail catheters (PCs) are equally effective as CTs. Our aim was to compare effectiveness between PCs and CTs by performing the first randomized controlled trial (RCT). We hypothesize PCs work equally as well as CTs in management of traumatic HTX/HPTX.

Methods

Prospective RCT comparing 14Fr PCs to 28–32Fr CTs for management of traumatic HTX/HPTX from 07/2015 to 01/2018. We excluded patients requiring emergency tube placement or who refused. Primary outcome was failure rate defined as retained HTX or recurrent PTX requiring additional intervention. Secondary outcomes included initial output (IO), tube days and insertion perception experience (IPE) score on a scale of 1–5 (1 = tolerable experience, 5 = worst experience). Unpaired Student's t‐test, chi‐square and Wilcoxon rank‐sum test were utilized with significance set at P < 0.05.

Results

Forty‐three patients were enrolled. Baseline characteristics between PC patients (N = 20) and CT patients (N = 23) were similar. Failure rates (10% PCs vs. 17% CTs, P = 0.49) between cohorts were similar. IO (median, 650 milliliters[ml]; interquartile range[IR], 375–1087; for PCs vs. 400 ml; IR, 240–700; for CTs, P = 0.06), and tube duration was similar, but PC patients reported lower IPE scores (median, 1, “I can tolerate it”; IR, 1–2) than CT patients (median, 3, “It was a bad experience”; IR, 3–4, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

In patients with traumatic HTX/HPTX, 14Fr PCs were equally as effective as 28–32Fr CTs with no significant difference in failure rates. PC patients, however, reported a better insertion experience.

www.ClinicalTrials.gov Registration ID: NCT02553434
Life-threatening danger assessments of penetrating injuries in Eastern Danish clinical forensic medicine
Authors: Jakobsen Lykke Schrøder , Christensen Marie Toftdahl , Lundemose Sissel Banner , Munkholm Julie , Bugge Anne Birgitte Dyhre , Lynnerup Niels , Banner Jytte
Published: January 2021

Clinical forensic assessments of injuries’ life-threatening danger may have an impact on the legal aftermath following a violent assault. The pursuit of evidence-based guidelines should ensure a user-independent and reproducible forensic practice. However, does it? The aim of this study was to evaluate the forensic life-threatening danger assessments after a protocol implementation in 2016. The evaluation concerned usability and reproducibility of the protocol, and its influence on assessment severity. We analyzed the level of inter- and intra-rater agreement using 169 blinded, prior-protocol cases that were reassessed by two forensic specialists. We compared assessment made the year before and after protocol implementation (n = 262), and the forensic specialists’ reassessments with the prior-protocol cases’ original assessments (n = 169). Whether to make an assessment, the levels of agreement varied between weak agreement (inter-rater, Κ = 0.43; assessor 1, Κ = 0.57) and strong agreement (assessor 2, Κ = 0.90). Regarding severity, the levels of agreement varied between strong agreement (inter-rater, Κ = 0.87; assessor 1: Κ = 0.90) and almost perfect agreement (assessor 2: Κ = 0.94). The assessments were statistically significant redistributed after the implementation (chi-square test: p < 0.0001). The proportion of cases assessed as having not been in life-threatening danger increased from 9 to 43%, and moderate severity assessments decreased from 55 to 23%. Of the moderate severity assessments, 55% were reassessed as having not been in life-threatening danger. The protocol ensured independent and reproducible assessments when the forensic specialists agreed on making one. The protocol resulted in less severe assessments. Future studies should examine the reliability of the protocol and its consequences for legal aftermaths.
Evaluation of multivariate linear regression for reference evapotranspiration modeling in different climates of Iran
Authors: Sharafi Saeed , Ghaleni Mehdi Mohammadi
Published: January 2021

The study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of empirical equations (Hargreaves-Samani; HS, Irmak; IR and Dalton; DT) and multivariate linear regression models (MLR1–6) for estimating reference evapotranspiration (ETRef) in different climates of Iran based on the Köppen method including arid desert (Bw), semiarid (Bs), humid with mild winters (C), and humid with severe winters (D). For this purpose, climatic data of 33 meteorological stations during 30 statistical years 1990–2019 were used with a monthly time step. Based on various meteorological data (minimum and maximum temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, solar radiation, extraterrestrial radiation, and vapor pressure deficit), in addition to 6 multivariate linear regression models and three empirical equations were used as MLR1, MLR2, and HS (temperature-based), MLR3 and IR (radiation-based), MLR4, MLR5 and DT (mass transfer-based), and MLR6 (combination-based) were also used to estimate the reference evapotranspiration. The results of these models were compared using the root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), scatter index (SI), determination coefficient (R2), and Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) statistical criteria with the evapotranspiration results of the FAO56 Penman-Monteith reference as target data. All MLR models gave better results than empirical equations. The results showed that the simplest regression model (MLR1) based on the minimum and maximum temperature data was more accurate than the empirical equations. The lowest and highest accuracy related to the MLR6 model and HS empirical equation with RMSE was 10.8–15.1 mm month−1 and 22–28.3 mm month−1, respectively. Also, among all the evaluated equations, radiation-based models such as IR in Bw and Bs climates with MAE = 8.01–11.2 mm month−1 had higher accuracy than C and D climates with MAE = 13.44–14.48 mm month−1. In general, the results showed that the ability of regression models was excellent in all climates from Bw to D based on SI < 0.2.
Creating Social Value for the ‘Base of the Pyramid’: An Integrative Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Lashitew Addisu A. , Narayan Somendra , Rosca Eugenia , Bals Lydia
Published: January 2021

A growing body of research looks into business-led efforts to create social value by improving the socio-economic well-being of Base of the Pyramid (BoP) communities. Research shows that businesses that pursue these strategies—or BoP businesses—face distinct sets of challenges that require unique capabilities. There is, however, limited effort to synthesize current evidence on the mechanisms through which these businesses create social value. We systematically review the literature on BoP businesses, covering 110 studies published in business and management journals. We start by using bibliographic analysis to map the broad contours of the literature in terms of its common theoretical and empirical approaches, intellectual core, and evolution in time. We subsequently conduct a qualitative content analysis on the identified articles to synthesize their main findings. The analysis leads to a conceptual framework that explicates the antecedents, constraints, capabilities, and contingencies that drive social value creation. In addition to providing a rich and systematically organized account of the evidence, our analysis provides a critical reflection on the ethical dilemmas of social value creation efforts for the BoP, and outlines promising avenues for future research.
Survival and viability of ascospores of Erysiphe necator in Austrian vineyards
Authors: Redl M. , Möth S. , Koschier E. , Spangl B. , Steinkellner S.
Published: January 2021

Grape powdery mildew caused byErysiphe necatoris a limiting factor in grape production. In order to develop effective management strategies, the factors influencing the survival of the fungus need to be identified and characterized accordingly. For this purpose, we focused on the effect of weather conditions during overwintering on the survival and viability of ascospores. In spring 2017 and 2018, grape leaf litter and bark samples were collected and examined to determine the density of chasmothecia and the viability of ascospores in various Austrian vine growing regions. There were obvious differences in the amounts of chasmothecia between both years and all examined vineyards. Lower quantities of chasmothecia were detected on the exfoliating bark compared to leaf litter, with up to 37% of chasmothecia containing viable ascospores. In comparison, chasmothecia from leaf litter showed a lower viability (up to 5%). The number of viable ascospores per head of vine ranged from 0 to 351 and from 0 to 251 in 2017 and 2018, respectively, and showed partly a strong variation within one location in both years. The infectivity of ascospores on detached leaves was confirmed. In a survival experiment, chasmothecia, when incubated at 7 °C, released more viable ascospores than chasmothecia incubated at 17 °C. After an incubation period of 30 weeks, only chasmothecia stored at the lower temperature contained viable ascospores. However, the mean temperature differences of 0.1 to 1.2 °C during the period of formation of chasmothecia to bud break in both years and six investigated areas did not explain differences in the viability of the ascospores. Differences in vineyard management seem to be of particular importance here.
Development of an MTF in ADINA and its application to the study of the Yuxi Basin effect
Authors: Li Tiefei , Chen Xueliang , Li Zongchao
Published: January 2021

A three-dimensional multitransmitting formula is developed in ADINA to simulate the input of seismic waves and the scattering of infinite domains at the same time, consistent with the progress of the explicit finite element method of lumped mass. A three-dimensional cube model is built, and a delta pulse wave is input to compare the simulation results with the analytical solutions. The simulation results show that the peak error is 0.2% of the input wave, which meets the requirements of the usual numerical simulation. This method has a certain efficiency advantage in site effect analyses of fine models for localized fields. A velocity structure model of the Yuxi Basin is built, and the associated basin effect is studied by numerical simulation. The distribution of the focusing effect is related to the structure of the narrow east-west and wide north-south features in the Yuxi Basin, and the edge effect is related to the slope of the basin base. A distribution map is given of the amplification effect of ground motion in the basin.
Audio dynamics automatic equalization inspired by visual perception
Authors: Ludovico Luca A. , Presti Giorgio , Rizzi Alessandro
Published: January 2021

This paper explores the behavior of an algorithm called Audio Dynamics Automatic Equalization (ADAE). This algorithm has been inspired by research carried out in the context of image restoration: it is the adaptation of a contrast and color unsupervised equalizer for images, called Automatic Color Equalization (ACE), into the audio domain. Beside testing if the domain shift from image to audio processing can bring some interesting result, this work also investigates if ADAE behaves like already-known technologies for audio manipulation and restoration. To this end, after a description of the original and the derived algorithms, quantitative test are carried out using typical analyses from the Sound and Music Computing literature, such as frequency response, transfer function, and harmonic distortion. Finally, the paper discusses how the algorithm introduces dynamic range adjustments and non-linear distortions, thus behaving like a dynamics processor, a harmonic exciter, and a waveshaper.
Adverse Effects of Esketamine for the Treatment of Major Depression Disorder: Findings from Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Yang Siyuan , Wang Jiahe , Li Xiang , Wang Tianyi , Xu Zhongmou , Xu Xiang , Zhou Xinmin , Chen Gang
Published: January 2021

Esketamine is a promising drug which can induce antidepressant effects in Major Depression Disorder (MDD). Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been implemented to assess the efficacy and safety of esketamine for the treatment of MDD. Therefore, we carried out a meta-analysis to assess adverse effect profiles of esketamine for the treatment of MDD. We searched RCTs which were implemented from January 2010 to June 2020 by searching PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases. Finally, four RCTs with 551 patients were included in our study. We pooled 551 patients from 4 RCTs. Compared with placebo, an increased risk of adverse effects was observed in our analysis. After using esketamine, the risk of nausea (RR = 2.34, 95% CI, 1.04 to 5.25, P = 0.04), dissociation (RR = 4.54, 95% CI, 2.36 to 8.73, P < 0.00001), dizziness (RR = 3.00, 95% CI, 1.80 to 5.00, P < 0.0001), vertigo (RR = 7.47, 95% CI, 2.55 to 21.86, P = 0.0002), hypoesthesia (RR = 5.68, 95% CI, 2.06 to 15.63, P = 0.0008), sedation (RR = 3.96, 95% CI, 1.29 to 12.15, P = 0.02) and paresthesia(RR = 3.05, 95% CI, 1.07 to 8.65, P = 0.04)were significantly increased compared with placebo. Our synthesized data analysis revealed drug specific risk profiles. The most frequent adverse effects under treatment with esketamine were nausea, dissociation, dizziness, vertigo, hypoesthesia,sedation and paresthesia.
3D Strain Field Evolution and Failure Mechanisms in Anisotropic Paperboard
Authors: Johansson S. , Engqvist J. , Tryding J. , Hall S. A.
Published: January 2021

Background

Experimental analyses of the 3D strain field evolution during loading allows for better understanding of deformation and failure mechanisms at the meso- and microscale in different materials. In order to understand the auxetic behaviour and delamination process in paperboard materials during tensile deformation, it is essential to study the out-of-plane component of the strain tensor that is, in contrast to previous 2D studies, only achievable in 3D.

Objective

The main objective of this study is to obtain a better understanding of the influence of different out-of-plane structures and in-plane material directions on the deformation and failure mechanisms at the meso- and microscale in paperboard samples.

Methods

X-ray tomography imaging during in-situ uniaxial tensile testing and Digital Volume Correlation analysis was performed to investigate the 3D strain field evolution and microscale mechanical behaviour in two different types of commercial paperboards and in two material directions. The evolution of sample properties such as the spatial variation in sample thickness, solid fraction and fibre orientation distribution were also obtained from the images. A comprehensive analysis of the full strain tensor in paperboards is lacking in previous research, and the influence of material directions and out-of-plane structures on 3D strain field patterns as well as the spatial and temporal quantification of the auxetic behaviour in paperboard are novel contributions.

Results

The results show that volumetric and deviatoric strain, dominated by the out-of-plane normal strain component of the strain tensor, localize in the out-of-plane centre already in the initial linear stress-strain regime. In-plane strain field patterns differ between samples loaded in the Machine Direction (MD) and Cross Direction (CD); in MD, strain localizes in a more well-defined zone close to the notches and the failure occurs abruptly at peak load, resulting in angular fracture paths extending through the stiffer surface planes of the samples. In CD, strain localizes in more horizontal and continuous bands between the notches and at peak load, fractures are not clearly visible at the surfaces of CD-tested samples that appear to fail internally through more well-distributed delamination.

Conclusions

In-plane strain localization preceded a local increase of sample thickness, i.e. the initiation of the delamination process, and at peak load, a dramatic increase in average sample thickening occurred. Different in-plane material directions affected the angles and continuity of the in-plane strain patterns as well as the sample and fracture properties at failure, while the out-of-plane structure affected how the strain fields distributed within the samples.
Hepatitis B Virus Elimination in the U.S.: Time to Dismantle Barriers and Implement Solutions
Authors: Wang Su , Cohen Chari , Tang Amy S. , Graham Camilla S.
Published: January 2021

Purpose of Review

The World Health Organization has set a target for the elimination of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection as a public health threat by 2030, but the U.S. is not currently on track. In this review, we describe specific barriers to HBV elimination, provide examples of potential solutions, and offer recommendations for how the U.S. can reach HBV elimination goals.

Recent Findings

In the U.S., there are many barriers to eliminating hepatitis B, worsened by the siloing of healthcare and public health services. In recent years, we have not seen progress toward improving HBV screening or adult vaccination, and acute cases are on the rise. Current policies, guidelines, and recommendations can hinder elimination progress.

Simple policy and guideline changes will allow us to decentralize and scale-up hepatitis B screening, vaccination, and care. Dismantling current barriers will be critical to eliminating hepatitis B in the U.S.
Hippocampal and Prefrontal Cortical Brain Tissue Levels of Irisin and GDF15 Receptor Subunits in Children
Authors: Jackson Travis C. , Gorse Kiersten , Herrmann Jeremy R. , Kochanek Patrick M.
Published: January 2021

Cold-stress hormones (CSHs) stimulate thermogenesis and have direct neuroprotective effects on the brain. The obligatory receptor components of two new CSHs (irisin and growth differentiation factor-15 [GDF15]) were recently discovered. Irisin binds integrin-αV/β5 heterodimers while GDF-15 binds to the orphan receptor glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family receptor α-like (GFRAL). In addition, integrin-αV/β5 was just identified as the key receptor mediating Zika virus infection in the CNS. We measured integrin-αV, integrin-β5, and GFRAL protein levels across 78 high-quality human male/female brain tissues in infants, toddlers, preschoolers, adolescent, and adults—providing the most robust analysis to date on their levels in the human cortex and hippocampus. We report that integrin-αV was detected at all ages in the prefrontal cortex with levels greatest in adults. Integrin-αV was also detected in the hippocampus in all age groups. In contrast, integrin-β5 was detected in cortex and hippocampus largely restricted to infants. Co-expression of integrin-αV/β5 in the human infant hippocampus and cortex suggests the possibility that irisin has a more robust effect on the developing vs. the adult brain and may have implications for Zika virus infection in infants and young children.
A dietary assessment of colonial Cape Town’s enslaved population
Authors: Mbeki Linda , Kootker Lisette M. , Laffoon Jason E. , Davies Gareth R. , Kars Henk
Published: January 2021

There is a growing body of bioarchaeological research on eighteenth and nineteenth century colonial Cape Town, a significant node in the transportation networks of both the Indian and Atlantic oceanic slave trades, attempting to shed light on the lives of enslaved persons. Here, a preliminary archaeological isotopic dietary baseline for the colonial Cape is presented. It is apparent from the data that cattle tended to graze far inland from Cape Town in an arid C3-C4 to purely C4 biome. Sheep/goats grazed close to the settlement or some distance away in C3 to C3-C4 biomes. A qualitative comparison of the baseline data to that of enslaved persons at The Cape suggests that this population did not consume large amounts of marine protein as has been concluded in the past. The archaeological baseline data was utilised, in combination with published modern data, to create a quantitative dietary reconstruction of a subset of this population using a Bayesian multi-source diet mixing model (FRUITS). The reconstruction confirms that the Cape’s enslaved did not consume much marine protein but relied predominantly on terrestrial C3 plant protein.
Late Pliocene to early Pleistocene climate dynamics in western North America based on a new pollen record from paleo-Lake Idaho
Authors: Allstädt Frederik J. , Koutsodendris Andreas , Appel Erwin , Rösler Wolfgang , Reichgelt Tammo , Kaboth-Bahr Stefanie , Prokopenko Alexander A. , Pross Jörg
Published: January 2021

Marked by the expansion of ice sheets in the high latitudes, the intensification of Northern Hemisphere glaciation across the Plio/Pleistocene transition at ~ 2.7 Ma represents a critical interval of late Neogene climate evolution. To date, the characteristics of climate change in North America during that time and its imprint on vegetation has remained poorly constrained because of the lack of continuous, highly resolved terrestrial records. We here assess the vegetation dynamics in northwestern North America during the late Pliocene and early Pleistocene (c. 2.8–2.4 Ma) based on a pollen record from a lacustrine sequence from paleo-Lake Idaho, western Snake River Plain (USA) that has been retrieved within the framework of an International Continental Drilling Program (ICDP) coring campaign. Our data indicate a sensitive response of forest ecosystems to glacial/interglacial variability paced by orbital obliquity across the study interval, and also highlight a distinct expansion of steppic elements that likely occurs during the first strong glacial of the Pleistocene, i.e. Marine Isotope Stage 100. The pollen data document a major forest biome change at ~ 2.6 Ma that is marked by the replacement of conifer-dominated forests by open mixed forests. Quantitative pollen-based climate estimates suggest that this forest reorganisation was associated with an increase in precipitation from the late Pliocene to the early Pleistocene. We attribute this shift to an enhanced moisture transport from the subarctic Pacific Ocean to North America, confirming the hypothesis that ocean-circulation changes were instrumental in the intensification of Northern Hemisphere glaciation.
Fossil Gordonia (s.l.)–like (Theaceae) winged seeds from the early Miocene of the Mecsek Mts, W Hungary
Authors: Erdei Boglárka , Hably Lilla
Published: January 2021

Winged seeds were recovered from two sites of the late early Miocene (Karpatian) flora of Magyaregregy, Mecsek Mts, W Hungary. The seeds are assigned to the fossil-genus and species,Mecsekispermum gordonioidesHably and Erdei gen. nov. et sp. nov., and are tentatively related to the family Theaceae. Based on the overall character of the winged seeds and the isodiametric surface pattern of the seed coat, the seeds are most comparable with species ofGordoniaJ. Ellis (s.l.,) in Theeae (LaplaceaKunth orPolysporaSweet). A comparison with winged seeds of other fossil genera, e.g.SaportaspermumMeyer and Manchester, and winged seeds of modern genera in various families is also given. The fossil flora is preserved in the fish scale-bearing clay marl belonging to the Feked Formation and Komló Claymarl Member and dated as Karpatian (late Burdigalian, standard chronostratigraphy).
Recanalization Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke with Large Vessel Occlusion: Where We Are and What Comes Next?
Authors: Shafie Mohammad , Yu Wengui
Published: January 2021

In the past 5 years, the success of multiple randomized controlled trials of recanalization therapy with endovascular thrombectomy has transformed the treatment of acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion. The evidence from these trials has now established endovascular thrombectomy as standard of care. This review will discuss the chronological evolution of large vessel occlusion treatment from early medical therapy with tissue plasminogen activator to the latest mechanical thrombectomy. Additionally, it will highlight the potential areas in endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke open to exploration and further progress in the next decade.
High-Resolution Image Data Collection Scheme for Road Sensing Using Wide-Angle Cameras on General-Use Vehicle Criteria to Include/Exclude Collected Images for Super Resolution
Authors: Takano Teruhisa , Ono Shintaro , Kawasaki Hiroshi , Ikeuchi Katsushi
Published: January 2021

Fisheye cameras or wide-angle cameras used on automobiles will have various future applications as “distributed sensors in daily transport” -- objects on roadside are frequently observed multiple times by multiple vehicles. Although the object regions are often captured with relatively low image quality (low resolution and large blur) resulting from the character of the lens, it is possible to enhance their quality by post-processing using super resolution (SR) technology. Here, it is required to decide which images to use as inputs for SR: a greater number of lower-quality images or fewer higher-quality images. We evaluated and discussed the input image quality necessary to obtain most effective SR results, especially focusing on degree of image blur. As a conclusion, we found a criterion that was related to the blur level of the initial input image of SR. Then, we considered its potential use as a requisite in observing road environments.
Students’ perceptions on race in medical education and healthcare
Authors: Lim Guan Hui Tricia , Sibanda Zeluleko , Erhabor Joshua , Bandyopadhyay Soham , The Neurology and Neurosurgery Interest Group
Published: January 2021

Major racial disparities continue to exist in our healthcare education, from the underrepresentation of ethnic minorities when teaching about clinical signs to health management in primary and secondary care. A multi-centre group of students discuss what needs to change in medical education to cultivate physicians who are better prepared to care for patients of all backgrounds. We argue that the accurate portrayal of race in medical education is a vital step towards educating medical students to consider alternative explanations to biology when considering health inequities.
An approach to exact nonlinear feedback control design employing recursive approximations and the null space
Authors: Khosravi Parisa , Bishop Robert H.
Published: January 2021

A strategy to design exact nonlinear feedback controllers based on a recursive application of approximate linearization methods is examined. The computations are algebraic and computationally simpler than solving the set of coupled nonlinear partial differential equations thereby facilitating practical symbolic computer computations enabling discernment of evolving patterns in the approximate solutions as the order of approximation increases. Utilizing the null space that appears at each step in the computations as part of the computations, a family of analytic solutions can be generated asymptotically. There are possibilities for optimizing the performance by judiciously choice of analytic solution that emerge from the selective use of the null space.
Investigation of role of cartilage surface polymer brush border in lubrication of biological joints
Authors: Liao JinJing , Smith David W. , Miramini Saeed , Gardiner Bruce S. , Zhang Lihai
Published: January 2021

Although experimental evidence has suggested that the polymer brush border (PBB) on the cartilage surface is important in regulating fluid permeability in the contact gap, the current theoretical understanding of joint lubrication is still limited. To address this research gap, a multiscale cartilage contact model that includes PBB, in particular its effect on the fluid permeability of the contact gap, is developed in this study. Microscale modeling is employed to estimate the permeability of the contact gap. This permeability is classified into two categories: For a gap size > 1 µm, the flow resistance is assumed to be dominated by the cartilage roughness; for gap size < 1 µm, flow resistance is assumed to be dominated by the surface polymers extending beyond the collagen network of the articular cartilage. For gap sizes of less than 1 µm, the gap permeability decreases exponentially with increasing aggrecan concentration, whereas the aggrecan concentration varies inversely with the gap size. Subsequently, the gap permeability is employed in a macroscale cartilage contact model, in which both the contact gap space and articular cartilage are modeled as two interacting poroelastic systems. The fluid exchange between these two media is achieved by imposing pressure and normal flux continuity boundary conditions. The model results suggest that PBB can substantially enhance cartilage lubrication by increasing the gap fluid load support (e.g., by 26 times after a 20-min indentation compared with the test model without a PBB). Additionally, the fluid flow resistance of PBB sustains the cartilage interstitial fluid pressure for a relatively long period, and hence reduces the vertical deformation of the tissue. Furthermore, it can be inferred that a reduction in the PBB thickness impairs cartilage lubrication ability.
Anpassung der Infektionsschutzmaßnahmen im öffentlichen Dienst aufgrund der COVID-19-Pandemie
Authors: Pieter Julia , Körner Wibke , Harth Volker , Preisser Alexandra M.
Published: January 2021

Die COVID-19-Pandemie führt zu veränderten Anforderungen an den Arbeitsschutz am Arbeitsplatz. Ziel der bundesweit durchgeführten Maßnahmen ist es, das Risiko einer Verbreitung der Virusinfektion zu reduzieren. Dies gilt in allen Lebensbereichen, also auch am Arbeitsplatz. Der Tätigkeitsbereich „Öffentlicher Dienst“ umfasst viele systemrelevante Berufsgruppen. Hierzu zählen u. a. Polizei, Feuerwehr, Justiz, Stadtreinigung, Wasserwerke sowie Verwaltungsorgane auf Stadt- und Landesebenen. Es besteht eine große Diversität der Tätigkeiten in Kommunal- und Landesbetrieben, insbesondere in Bezug auf die innerbetriebliche Organisation sowie personelle und räumliche Gegebenheiten. Häufig sind Interaktionen mit der Bevölkerung notwendig. Die Aufrechterhaltung der Funktionsfähigkeit dieser Strukturen ist essenziell für das öffentliche Leben. Bildungsbetriebe und Betreuungseinrichtungen für Kinder, Menschen mit Behinderungen und vulnerable Gruppen, Einrichtungen der Kranken- und Altenpflege sowie der öffentliche Personennahverkehr werden aufgrund der anderen Arbeitsstrukturen in diesem Statement nicht behandelt. Diese Handlungsempfehlung richtet sich an die verantwortlichen Personen in den jeweiligen Institutionen des öffentlichen Dienstes. Sie befasst sich mit den Maßnahmen des Infektionsschutzes während der Arbeit im öffentlichen Dienst, abgeleitet aus den Gefährdungsbeurteilungen verschiedener Settings. Die vorgestellten Maßnahmen können im Rahmen eines betrieblichen Konzeptes für zeitlich befristete Maßnahmen zum Infektionsschutz umgesetzt werden. Ziel ist es, allgemeine Hinweise zum Infektionsschutz in Bezug auf Arbeitssituationen zu geben, um die Verbreitung von SARS-CoV‑2 zu verlangsamen, Risikogruppen zu schützen und die Funktionsfähigkeit der genannten Strukturen zu gewährleisten.