bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility study shows concordance between image‐based virtual‐heart ablation targets and predicted ECG‐based arrhythmia exit‐sites
Authors: Zhou Shijie , Sung Eric , Prakosa Adityo , Aronis Konstantinos N. , Chrispin Jonathan , Tandri Harikrishna , AbdelWahab Amir , Horáček B. Milan , Sapp John L. , Trayanova Natalia A.
Published: February 2021

Introduction

We recently developed two noninvasive methodologies to help guide VT ablation: population‐derived automated VT exit localization (PAVEL) and virtual‐heart arrhythmia ablation targeting (VAAT). We hypothesized that while very different in their nature, limitations, and type of ablation targets (substrate‐based vs. clinical VT), the image‐based VAAT and the ECG‐based PAVEL technologies would be spatially concordant in their predictions.

Objective

The objective is to test this hypothesis in ischemic cardiomyopathy patients in a retrospective feasibility study.

Methods

Four post‐infarct patients who underwent LV VT ablation and had pre‐procedural LGE‐CMRs were enrolled. Virtual hearts with patient‐specific scar and border zone identified potential VTs and ablation targets. Patient‐specific PAVEL based on a population‐derived statistical method localized VT exit sites onto a patient‐specific 238‐triangle LV endocardial surface.

Results

Ten induced VTs were analyzed and 9‐exit sites were localized by PAVEL onto the patient‐specific LV endocardial surface. All nine predicted VT exit sites were in the scar border zone defined by voltage mapping and spatially correlated with successful clinical lesions. There were 2.3 ± 1.9 VTs per patient in the models. All five VAAT lesions fell within regions ablated clinically. VAAT targets correlated well with 6 PAVEL‐predicted VT exit sites. The distance between the center of the predicted VT‐exit‐site triangle and nearest corresponding VAAT ablation lesion was 10.7 ± 7.3 mm.

Conclusions

VAAT targets are concordant with the patient‐specific PAVEL‐predicted VT exit sites. These findings support investigation into combining these two complementary technologies as a noninvasive, clinical tool for targeting clinically induced VTs and regions likely to harbor potential VTs.
Neuropathic Pain in the Eyes, Body, and Mouth: Insights from the Sjögren’s International Collaborative Clinical Alliance
Authors: Gebreegziabher Elisabeth A. , Bunya Vatinee Y. , Baer Alan N. , Jordan Richard C. , Akpek Esen K. , Rose‐Nussbaumer Jennifer , Criswell Lindsey A. , Shiboski Caroline H. , Lietman Thomas M. , Gonzales John A.
Published: February 2021

Objective

To evaluate how ocular, oral, and bodily neuropathic pain symptoms, which characterize small fiber neuropathies, are associated with Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) classification based on the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) criteria.

Methods

Participants enrolled in the Sjögren’s International Collaborative Clinical Alliance (SICCA) registry had ocular, rheumatologic, oral, and labial salivary gland (LSG) biopsy examinations, blood and saliva samples collected, and completed questionnaires at baseline. We used mixed effects modeling with age, country, gender, and depression being fixed effects and study site, a random effect, to determine if neuropathic pain indicators (assessed via questionnaires) were associated with being classified as SS.

Results

A total of 3,514 participants were enrolled into SICCA, with 1,541 (52.9%) meeting the 2016 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for SS. There was a negative association between being classified as SS and experiencing bodily neuropathic pain features of needle‐like pain, prickling/tingling sensation, ocular neuropathic pain of constant burning, and constant light sensitivity, and having a presumptive diagnosis of neuropathic oral pain.

Conclusions

We found that those classified as SS had lower scores/reports of painful neuropathies compared with those classified as non‐SS. Non‐SS patients with dry eye disease or symptoms could benefit from pain assessment as they may experience painful small‐fiber neuropathies (SFNs). Pain questionnaires may help identify pain associated with SFNs in patients with SS and non‐SS dry eye. Future studies would be helpful to correlate self‐reports of pain to objective measures of SFNs in those with SS, non‐SS dry eye, and healthy controls.
Son‐biased fertility stopping, birth spacing, and child nutritional status in Pakistan
Authors: Chaudhry Theresa Thompson , Khan Maha , Mir Azka Sarosh
Published: February 2021

In this article, we append information from four cross‐sectional household surveys (Multiple Indictors Cluster Survey of the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund) in Punjab, Pakistan, collected between 2007 and 2018 to create a data set of 140,000–150,000 child‐level observations. Using linear regression, we document a strongly negative birth‐order gradient in the nutritional status (measured as height‐for‐age z‐scores) of children below age 5, indicating a pattern of disinvestment in later‐born children that is even greater than that documented for poorer countries in sub‐Saharan Africa in an earlier study. Consistent with other empirical work in developing‐country contexts, girls have on average higher z‐scores than boys, but their advantage is lower in Pakistan than other countries outside of the South Asian region, and worryingly, the negative birth‐order gradient is steeper for girls than boys. Son‐biased fertility stopping rules and close‐birth spacing appear to play key roles in Pakistan; following the birth of daughters, parents reduce contraceptive use and breastfeeding (a natural birth control). Using an IV strategy based on the genders of the previously born children, we find that shortened intervals between births harm children's nutritional status, especially that of boys.
Two novel HLA‐DRB3 alleles, DRB3*02:151 and DRB3*03:48
Authors: Balas Antonio , Moreno‐Hidalgo Miguel Á. , Alenda Raquel , García‐Sánchez Félix , Vicario José L.
Published: February 2021

Two new HLA‐DRB3 alleles were characterized, DRB3*02:151 and DRB3*03:48.
Evaluation of cytomegalovirus prophylaxis in low and intermediate risk kidney transplant recipients receiving lymphocyte‐depleting induction
Authors: Stamps Hillary , Linder Kristin , O'Sullivan David M. , Serrano Oscar K. , Rochon Caroline , Ebcioglu Zeynep , Singh Joseph , Ye Xiaoyi , Tremaglio Joseph , Sheiner Patricia , Cheema Faiqa , Kutzler Heather L.
Published: February 2021

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a significant cause of morbidity in kidney transplant recipients (KTR). Historically at our institution, KTR with low and intermediate CMV risk received 6 months of valganciclovir if they received lymphocyte depleting induction therapy. This study evaluates choice and duration of CMV prophylaxis based on donor (D) and recipient (R) CMV serostatus and the incidence of post‐transplant CMV viremia in low (D‐/R‐) and intermediate (R+) risk KTR receiving lymphocyte‐depleting induction therapy. A protocol utilizing valacyclovir for 3 months for D‐/R‐ and valganciclovir for 3 months for R+ was evaluated. Adult D‐/R‐ and R+ KTR receiving anti‐thymocyte globulin, rabbit or alemtuzumab induction from 8/20/2016 to 9/30/2018 were evaluated through 1 year post‐transplant. Patients were excluded if their CMV serostatus was D+/R‐, received a multi‐organ transplant, or received basiliximab. Seventy‐seven subjects met the inclusion criteria: 25 D‐/R‐ (4 historic group, 21 experimental group) and 52 R+ (31 historic, 21 experimental). No D‐/R‐ patients experienced CMV viremia. Among the R+ historic and experimental groups, there was no significant difference in viremia incidence (35.5% vs 52.4%; P = .573). Of these cases, the peak viral load was similar between the groups (median [IQR], 67 [<200‐444] vs <50 [<50‐217]; P = .711), and there was no difference in the incidence of CMV syndrome (16.1% vs 14.3%; P = 1.000) or CMV related hospitalization (12.9% vs 14.3%; P = 1.000). No patient experienced tissue invasive disease. These results suggest limiting valganciclovir exposure may be possible in low and intermediate risk KTR receiving lymphocyte‐depleting induction therapy with no apparent impact on CMV‐related outcomes.
Fine mapping identifies NAD‐ME1 as a candidate underlying a major locus controlling temporal variation in primary and specialized metabolism in Arabidopsis
Authors: Francisco Marta , Kliebenstein Daniel J. , Rodríguez Víctor M. , Soengas Pilar , Abilleira Rosaura , Cartea María E.
Published: February 2021

Plant metabolism is modulated by a complex interplay between internal signals and external cues. A major goal of all quantitative metabolomic studies is to clone the underlying genes to understand the mechanistic basis of this variation. Using fine‐scale genetic mapping, in this work we report the identification and initial characterization of NAD‐DEPENDENT MALIC ENZYME 1 (NAD‐ME1) as the candidate gene underlying the pleiotropic network Met.II.15 quantitative trait locus controlling variation in plant metabolism and circadian clock outputs in the Bay × Sha Arabidopsis population. Transcript abundance and promoter analysis in NAD‐ME1Bay‐0 and NAD‐ME1Sha alleles confirmed allele‐specific expression that appears to be due a polymorphism disrupting a putative circadian cis‐element binding site. Analysis of transfer DNA insertion lines and heterogeneous inbred families showed that transcript variation of the NAD‐ME1 gene led to temporal shifts of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, glucosinolate (GSL) accumulation, and altered regulation of several GSL biosynthesis pathway genes. Untargeted metabolomic analyses revealed complex regulatory networks of NAD‐ME1 dependent upon the daytime. The mutant led to shifts in plant primary metabolites, cell wall components, isoprenoids, fatty acids, and plant immunity phytochemicals, among others. Our findings suggest that NAD‐ME1 may act as a key gene to coordinate plant primary and secondary metabolism in a time‐dependent manner.
Removal of citrate from PAS‐III additive solution improves functional and biochemical characteristics of buffy‐coat platelet concentrates stored for 7 days, with or without INTERCEPT pathogen reduction
Authors: Isola Hervé , Ravanat Catherine , Rudwill Floriane , Pongerard Anais , Haas Delphine , Eckly Anita , Gachet Christian , Hechler Béatrice
Published: February 2021

Background

Deterioration in quality of platelet concentrates (PCs) during storage results from the appearance of storage lesions affecting the hemostatic functions and posttransfusion survival of platelets. These lesions depend on the preparation and pathogen inactivation methods used, duration of storage, and platelet additive solutions (PASs) present in storage bags.

Methods

We investigated the effects of citrate contained in third‐generation PAS (PAS‐III) on storage lesions in buffy‐coat PCs with or without photochemical (amotosalen–ultraviolet A) treatment over 7 days.

Results

Platelet counts were conserved in all groups during storage, as was platelet swirling without appearance of macroscopic aggregates. Glycoprotein (GP) IIbIIIa and GPVI expression remained stable, whereas GPIbα declined similarly in all groups during storage. Removal of citrate from PAS‐III, resulting in global reduction of citrate from 11 to 5 mM, led to a significant decrease in glucose consumption, which largely countered a modest deleterious effect of photochemical treatment. Citrate reduction also resulted in decreased lactate generation and better maintenance of pH during storage, while photochemical treatment had no impact on these parameters. Moreover, citrate‐free storage significantly reduced exposure of P‐selectin and the apoptosis signal phosphatidylserine, thereby abolishing the activating effect of photochemical treatment on both parameters. Citrate reduction benefited platelet aggregation to various agonists up to Day 7, whereas PCT had no impact on these responses.

Conclusion

Removal of citrate from PAS‐III has a beneficial impact on platelet metabolism, spontaneous activation, and apoptosis, and improves platelet aggregation, irrespective of photochemical treatment, which should allow transfusion of platelets with better and longer‐lasting functional properties.
Retrospective evaluation of preoperative anaemia management at a Melbourne metropolitan hospital: a framework for quality improvement
Authors: Hargreaves Benjamin J. , Baric Amanda
Published: February 2021

Background

There is a strong evidence base supporting the implementation of patient blood management systems to treat preoperative anaemia and reduce perioperative transfusions, yet implementation of these systems remains limited. The patient blood management practices at Northern Health are currently under review. This study evaluates the prevalence of anaemia in the Northern Health surgical cohort and determines the current blood management practices of each surgical unit to create recommendations for a hospital‐wide implementation strategy that can be used as a framework for quality improvement in similar metropolitan hospitals.

Methods

Preadmission and perioperative data were collected for adults undergoing elective major surgery from orthopaedics, gynaecology, urology, colorectal and hepatobiliary units between April 2018 and March 2019. Data were analysed using the Shapiro–Wilk, the Kruskal–Wallis and Fisher’s exact tests.

Results

A total of 697 patient files were analysed. 14·2% of patients were anaemic at preadmission clinic with 37% of these attributable to iron deficiency. Anaemic patients had a higher rate of transfusion (P < 0·05), length of stay (P < 0·05) and complications (P < 0·05) when compared to non‐anaemic patients. The orthopaedic unit was the best performing in key areas of patient blood management. The orthopaedic unit successfully treated 44% of patients with anaemia, which was more than urology (33%; P < 0·05), colorectal (25%; P < 0·05) and hepatobiliary (0%; P < 0·05).

Conclusion

The orthopaedic unit has the most effective method for treating preoperative anaemia. We recommend that a hospital‐wide patient blood management system be modelled from the current orthopaedic system and address specific barriers identified within each unit.
Donor deferral and return patterns – a South African perspective
Authors: Glatt Tanya Nadia , Swanevelder Ronel , Prithvi Raj Siemi , Mitchel Josephine , van den Berg Karin
Published: February 2021

Background

Donor eligibility assessment and subsequent return after deferral are key in maintaining an adequate and safe blood supply. Eligibility criteria should be reviewed regularly to ensure regional relevance and impact on donor deferral and return. Large‐scale studies investigating donor deferral and return in Africa are currently lacking.

Study design and methods

Operationally collected blood donation data on whole blood donations at the South African National Blood Service during the five years from January 2015 to December 2019 were extracted and analysed. Separate multivariable logistic regression models for factors associated with donor deferral and donor return were developed.

Results

Of the 5 068 638 donor presentations, 869 840 (17·2%) resulted in deferral of which out of range haemoglobin was most common (45·9%). New (aOR 3·99; 95% CI 3·97–4·01), female (aOR 2·51; 95% CI 2·50–2·53) and Black African (aOR 1·90; 95% CI 1·89–1·91) donors had greater odds of being deferred compared to Repeat, male and White donors, respectively. Of the donors deferred during 2015–2018, 328 306 (47·2%) returned within 12 months. Odds of returning increased with increasing age. Lower odds of return were noted among female (aOR 0·82; 95% CI 0·81–0·83) and Black African (aOR 0·75; 95% CI 0·74–0·76) donors.

Conclusion

We confirmed high proportions of deferral among SANBS donors with almost half returning within 12 month. Donor deferral and return patterns differed significantly by donor characteristics, the latter also by deferral indication. Further understanding the interaction between haemoglobin deferral and changing donor demographics may assist in refining eligibility criteria and recruitment efforts.
Systematic growth of carbon nanotubes on aluminum substrate for enhanced field emission performance
Authors: Maity Palash Chandra , Gandhi Subham , Dixit Manuj , Lahiri Indranil
Published: February 2021

For more than two decades, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have shown great potential for a wide range of applications. Several methods are known to synthesize CNTs, though only a few of them are able to produce good quality and economically available CNTs. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is one of those methods that produce economically feasible and good quality CNTs onto specific substrates, even with nanopatterning. However, growing CNTs by CVD at temperatures below 700 °C remained a long-time challenge, as this meant keeping a host of low-melting materials out of bounds for direct CNT growth on them. In this work, CNTs have been synthesized directly onto a low-melting, conducting substrate, aluminum, by thermal CVD, at a temperature as low as 550 °C and up to as high as 650 °C (just below the melting point of aluminum). The diameters of the grown CNTs were observed to be influenced by process parameters, e.g., temperature and pressure. The effect of synthesis parameters on CNT diameters was verified by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The quality of the CNTs was checked by Raman spectroscopy, selected area electron diffraction pattern of transmission electron microscopy, and XPS. It was observed that an increase in temperature and pressure had a significant effect on the diameters of the CNTs. Randomly entangled CNTs were measured to have an average diameter of 28 nm at 550 °C and one atmospheric (760 Torr) pressure, whereas it was observed to be 78 nm at a temperature of 650 °C and pressure of 0.01 Torr. The field emission response, i.e., the turn-on field (2.5 V/μm) and the maximum emission current density (2.17 mA/cm2) of the CNTs synthesized at the temperature of 550 °C and pressure of 1 atm (760 Torr) was found to be excellent.
Ontogenetic development of hearing sensitivity to airborne sound in the female red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta elegans
Authors: Wang Jichao , Li Handong , Wang Tongliang , Chen Bo , Cui Jianguo , Shi Haitao
Published: February 2021

Ontogenetic development of hearing sensitivity has been verified in many groups of vertebrates, but not turtles. Turtles exhibit sexual dimorphism in hearing. To examine the development of hearing in female turtles, auditory brainstem responses (ABR) were compared by assessing the hearing-sensitivity bandwidth, ABR threshold, and latency of female Trachemys scripta elegans aged 1 week, 1 month, 1 yr, and 5 yr. The hearing-sensitivity bandwidths were 0.2–1.1, 0.2–1.1, 0.2–1.3, and 0.2–1.4 kHz in each age group, respectively. Below 0.6 kHz, the ABR threshold decreased from the 1-week to 1-yr age group, with a significant difference between age groups. No significant difference was detected between the 1- and 5-yr age groups (within a stimulus frequency of 0.2–0.6 kHz). Above 0.6 kHz, ABR thresholds decreased significantly from the 1-yr to 5-yr age group (within a stimulus frequency of 0.7–1.0 kHz). There was no significant difference between the 1-month and 1-yr age groups (within a stimulus frequency of 0.7–1.0 kHz), or between the 1-week and 1-month age groups (within a stimulus frequency of 0.7–1.0 kHz, except 0.9 kHz). Thus, female turtle hearing shows frequency-segmented development.
Psychoacoustic analysis of contra-rotating propeller noise for unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Torija Antonio J. , Chaitanya Paruchuri , Li Zhengguang
Published: February 2021

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies are rapidly advancing due to the unlimited number of applications from parcel delivery to people transportation. As the UAV market expands, community noise impact will become a significant problem for public acceptance. Compact drone architectures based on contra-rotating propellers bring significant benefits in terms of aerodynamic performance and redundancy to ensure vehicle control in case of component failure. However, contra-rotating propellers are severely noisy if not designed appropriately. In the framework of a perception-influenced design approach, this paper investigates the optimal rotor spacing distance configuration to minimise noise annoyance. On the basis of a series of psychoacoustic metrics (i.e., loudness, fluctuation strength, roughness, sharpness, and tonality) and psychoacoustic annoyance (PA) models, the optimal rotor axial separation distance (expressed as a function of propeller blade diameter) is at a range from 0.2 to 0.4. This paper also discusses the performance of currently available psychoacoustic models to predict propeller noise annoyance and defines further work to develop a PA model optimised for rotating systems.
Do marmosets understand others’ conversations? A thermography approach
Authors: Brügger R. K. , Willems E. P. , Burkart J. M.
Published: February 2021

The combination of thermography and behavior reveals that marmoset monkeys understand and socially evaluate call combinations.
Scalable representation of time in the hippocampus
Authors: Shimbo Akihiro , Izawa Ei-Ichi , Fujisawa Shigeyoshi
Published: February 2021

Temporal information represented in the hippocampus is scalable.
Cardiac ryanodine receptor calcium release deficiency syndrome
Authors: Sun Bo , Yao Jinjing , Ni Mingke , Wei Jinhong , Zhong Xiaowei , Guo Wenting , Zhang Lin , Wang Ruiwu , Belke Darrell , Chen Yong-Xiang , Lieve Krystien V.V. , Broendberg Anders K. , Roston Thomas M. , Blankoff Ivan , Kammeraad Janneke A. , von Alvensleben Johannes C. , Lazarte Julieta , Vallmitjana Alexander , Bohne Loryn J. , Rose Robert A. , Benitez Raul , Hove-Madsen Leif , Napolitano Carlo , Hegele Robert A. , Fill Michael , Sanatani Shubhayan , Wilde Arthur A.M. , Roberts Jason D. , Priori Silvia G. , Jensen Henrik K. , Chen S. R. Wayne
Published: February 2021

Clinical and basic studies shed light on the mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiac ryanodine receptor Ca
2+
release deficiency syndrome.
Targeting tumor lineage plasticity in hepatocellular carcinoma using an anti-CLDN6 antibody-drug conjugate
Authors: Kong Fan-En , Li Guang-Meng , Tang Yun-Qiang , Xi Shao-Yan , Loong Jane Ho Chun , Li Mei-Mei , Li Hao-Long , Cheng Wei , Zhu Wen-Jie , Mo Jia-Qiang , Gong Yuan-Feng , Tang Hui , Zhao Yue , Zhang Yan , Ma Stephanie , Guan Xin-Yuan , Ma Ning-Fang , Xie Mao-Bin , Liu Ming
Published: February 2021

CLDN6 is not only a marker of hepatocellular carcinoma but also a therapeutic target by promoting sorafenib resistance and lineage plasticity.
Eosinophils attenuate hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice through ST2-dependent IL-13 production
Authors: Wang Yaochun , Yang Yang , Wang Meng , Wang Shuhong , Jeong Jong-Min , Xu Long , Wen Yankai , Emontzpohl Christoph , Atkins Constance Lynn , Duong Kevin , Moreno Nicolas F. , Yuan Xiaoyi , Hall David R. , Dar Wasim , Feng Dechun , Gao Bin , Xu Yong , Czigany Zoltan , Colgan Sean P. , Bynon J. Steve , Akira Shizuo , Brown Jared M. , Eltzschig Holger K. , Jacobsen Elizabeth A. , Ju Cynthia
Published: February 2021

Eosinophils protect against liver injury during orthotopic liver transplantation and other conditions of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice.
Fourteen-day PET/CT imaging to monitor drug combination activity in treated individuals with tuberculosis
Authors: Xie Yingda L. , de Jager Veronique R. , Chen Ray Y. , Dodd Lori E. , Paripati Praveen , Via Laura E. , Follmann Dean , Wang Jing , Lumbard Keith , Lahouar Saher , Malherbe Stephanus T. , Andrews Jenna , Yu Xiang , Goldfeder Lisa C. , Cai Ying , Arora Kriti , Loxton Andre G. , Vanker Naadira , Duvenhage Michael , Winter Jill , Song Taeksun , Walzl Gerhard , Diacon Andreas H. , Barry Clifton E.
Published: February 2021

FDG-PET/CT imaging correlates with long-term outcomes during early bactericidal activity testing of tuberculosis drugs in patients.
Draft Genome Sequence of Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus WHS, a Thermophilic Hydrogenotrophic Methanogen from Washburn Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, USA
Authors: McKay Luke J. , Klingelsmith Korinne B. , Deutschbauer Adam M. , Inskeep William P. , Fields Matthew W.
Published: February 2021

A thermophilic methanogen was enriched in coculture from Washburn Hot Springs (Yellowstone National Park, USA), grown on carbon dioxide and hydrogen, and subsequently sequenced. The reconstructed 1.65-Mb genome sequence for
Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus
WHS contributes to our understanding of hydrogenotrophic, CO
2
-reducing methanogenesis in geothermal ecosystems.
Supplemental Material: Abrasion regimes in fluvial bedrock incision
Authors: Beer Alexander , Lamb Michael
Published: February 2021

Additional details on the experimental methods, experimental data, Figs S1–S3, and Tables S1–S3.
Supplemental Material: Phanerozoic variation in dolomite abundance linked to oceanic anoxia
Authors: Li Mingtao , Song Haijun , al. et
Published: February 2021

Paleontology and sulfur isotope data, methods, Figures S1–S6, and Tables S1–S3.
How many people will need palliative care in Scotland by 2040? A mixed-method study of projected palliative care need and recommendations for service delivery
Authors: Finucane Anne M , Bone Anna E , Etkind Simon , Carr David , Meade Richard , Munoz-Arroyo Rosalia , Moine Sébastien , Iyayi-Igbinovia Aghimien , Evans Catherine J , Higginson Irene J , Murray Scott A
Published: February 2021

Objective

To estimate future palliative care need and complexity of need in Scotland, and to identify priorities for future service delivery.

Design

We estimated the prevalence of palliative care need by analysing the proportion of deaths from defined chronic progressive illnesses. We described linear projections up to 2040 using national death registry data and official mortality forecasts. An expert consultation and subsequent online consensus survey generated recommendations on meeting future palliative care need.

Setting

Scotland, population of 5.4 million.

Participants

All decedents in Scotland over 11 years (2007 to 2017). The consultation had 34 participants; 24 completed the consensus survey.

Primary and secondary outcomes

Estimates of past and future palliative care need in Scotland from 2007 up to 2040. Multimorbidity was operationalised as two or more registered causes of death from different disease groups (cancer, organ failure, dementia, other). Consultation and survey data were analysed descriptively.

Results

We project that by 2040, the number of people requiring palliative care will increase by at least 14%; and by 20% if we factor in multimorbidity. The number of people dying from multiple diseases associated with different disease groups is projected to increase from 27% of all deaths in 2017 to 43% by 2040. To address increased need and complexity, experts prioritised sustained investment in a national digital platform, roll-out of integrated electronic health and social care records; and approaches that remain person-centred.

Conclusions

By 2040 more people in Scotland are projected to die with palliative care needs, and the complexity of need will increase markedly. Service delivery models must adapt to serve growing demand and complexity associated with dying from multiple diseases from different disease groups. We need sustained investment in secure, accessible, integrated and person-centred health and social care digital systems, to improve care coordination and optimise palliative care for people across care settings.
Increasing presence of xylazine in heroin and/or fentanyl deaths, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2010–2019
Authors: Johnson Jewell , Pizzicato Lia , Johnson Caroline , Viner Kendra
Published: February 2021

Reports from active drug users state that xylazine, the veterinary tranquilliser, has been increasing in the illicit drug supply in Philadelphia. To describe trends and characteristics of unintentional deaths from heroin and/or fentanyl overdose with xylazine detections occurring in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health analysed data on deaths from unintentional heroin and/or fentanyl overdose from the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office over a 10-year period (2010–2019). Xylazine went from being detected in less than 2% cases of fatal heroin and/or fentanyl overdose between 2010 and 2015 to 262 (31%) of the 858 fatal heroin and/or fentanyl overdose cases in 2019. Currently, information is limited on the presence of xylazine in continental United States. Xylazine’s association with adverse outcomes in other locations indicates that potential health consequences should also be monitored in the USA. Whenever possible, jurisdictions should consistently test for xylazine.
Stand density management diagrams: modelling approaches, variants, and exemplification of their potential utility in crop planning
Authors: Newton Peter F.
Published: February 2021

The evolving shift in forest management objectives towards the collective consideration of volumetric yield, end-product quality and value, and ecosystem service outcomes, while accounting for the impacts of anthropogenic climate change, has resulted in innovative advancements in decision-support models used in stand density management. This review provides a synopsis of these efforts with respect to static, dynamic, and structural stand density management diagrams (SDMDs). More precisely, the scope of this review includes an ecology-based perspective of stand density management, summarization of the foundational quantitative relationships along with their utilization within the analytical structure of the SDMD, examination of SDMD compliance with underlying ecological constructs and empirical prediction expectations, exemplification of a climate-sensitive structural SDMD variant in boreal crop planning, and identification of outstanding analytical challenges and plausible future research directions for advancing the SDMD modelling approach and its utility in stand-level management planning. Collectively, this account of the conceptual basis, historical analytical evolution, ecological integrity, predictive ability, application diversity, and demonstrated utility of the various SDMD variants solidifies the prerequisite evidentiary foundation for the continued development and deployment of SDMD-based crop planning decision-support models.
Mixedwood silviculture in North America: the science and art of managing for complex, multi-species temperate forests
Authors: Kenefic Laura S. , Kabrick John M. , Knapp Benjamin O. , Raymond Patricia , Clark Kenneth L. , D’Amato Anthony W. , Kern Christel C. , Vickers Lance A. , Dey Daniel C. , Rogers Nicole S.
Published: February 2021

Temperate mixedwoods (hardwood–softwood mixtures) in central and eastern United States and Canada can be classified into two overarching categories: those with shade-tolerant softwoods maintained by light to moderate disturbances and those with shade-intolerant to mid-tolerant softwoods maintained by moderate to severe disturbances. The former includes red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.), balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.), or eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr.) in mixture with northern hardwood species; the latter includes pine (Pinus) – oak (Quercus) mixtures. Such forests have desirable socio-economic values, wildlife habitat potential, and (or) adaptive capacity, but management is challenging because one or more softwood species in each can be limited by depleted seed sources, narrow regeneration requirements, or poor competitive ability. Appropriate silvicultural systems vary among mixedwood compositions depending on shade tolerance and severity of disturbance associated with the limiting softwoods, site quality, and level of herbivory. Sustainability of mixedwood composition requires that stand structure and composition be managed at each entry to maintain vigorous trees of species with different growth rates and longevities and to encourage development of advance reproduction or seed-producing trees of desired species. Regardless of silvicultural system, maintaining seed sources of limiting softwoods, providing suitable germination substrates, and controlling competition are critical. Here, we describe commonalities among temperate mixedwoods in central and eastern North America and present a framework for managing them.
The Phantom of RAMSES user guide for galaxy simulations using Milgromian and Newtonian gravity
Authors: Nagesh S.T. , Banik I. , Thies I. , Kroupa P. , Famaey B. , Wittenburg N. , Parziale R. , Haslbauer M.
Published: February 2021

This document describes the general process of setting up, running, and analysing disc galaxy simulations using the freely available program Phantom of RAMSES (POR). This implements Milgromian dynamics (MOND) with a patch to the RAMSES grid-based N-body and hydrodynamical code that uses adaptive mesh refinement. We discuss the procedure of setting up isolated and interacting disc galaxy initial conditions for POR, running the simulations, and analysing the results. This manual also concisely documents all previously developed MOND simulation codes and the results obtained with them.
Juice attributes of Ontario-grown culinary (dessert) apples for cider
Authors: Cline John A. , Plotkowski Derek , Beneff Amanda
Published: February 2021

Continued interest in the commercial production of cider in Ontario has revealed that there is a lack of information available to apple producers and cidermakers on the juice attributes of culinary dessert apple for making cider and how they may vary from orchard to orchard. A two-year study was conducted to characterize the juice characteristics of 18 common culinary dessert apple cultivars grown at several locations in Ontario. Juice was assayed for soluble solids concentration, pH, titratable acidity (TA), juice extraction efficiency, yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN), polyphenols, and soluble solids to TA ratio. Significant differences among cultivars were observed for all parameters, which varied by orchard and year, except juice extraction efficiency. These data underly the importance of assaying juice every growing season prior to fermentation. Cidermakers should focus on juice characteristics from culinary apples that are more difficult to alter (with amendments), and use juice with lower pH, higher TA and polyphenols, and moderate to higher YAN to optimize cider quality and flavour. Overall, this study will inform cidermakers of which culinary apple cultivars might be preferable for fermentation as well as how they might be blended to optimize cider quality. Notwithstanding annual and orchard variation, cultivars that meet these criteria include Cortland, Crimson Crisp, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, McIntosh, and Northern Spy. If making cider from Ambrosia, Crispin, Empire, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, or Idared, cidermakers should expect to blend the juice from these cultivars to create a more fully balanced juice prior to fermentation.
Quantum effects on radiation friction driven magnetic field generation
Authors: Liseykina Tatyana V. , Macchi Andrea , Popruzhenko Sergey V.
Published: February 2021

Radiation losses in the interaction of superintense circularly polarized laser pulses with high-density plasmas can lead to the generation of strong quasistatic magnetic fields via absorption of the photon angular momentum (so-called inverse Faraday effect). To achieve the magnetic field strength of several Giga Gauss, laser intensities $$\simeq 10^{24}\;\mathrm {W/cm}^2$$

≃

10
24

W
/
cm

2

are required which brings the interaction to the border between the classical and the quantum regimes. We improve the classical modeling of the laser interaction with overcritical plasma in the “hole boring” regime by using a modified radiation friction force accounting for quantum recoil and spectral cut-off at high energies. The results of analytical calculations and three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations show that, in foreseeable scenarios, the quantum effects may lead to a decrease in the conversion rate of laser radiation into high-energy photons by a factor 2–3. The magnetic field amplitude is suppressed accordingly, and the magnetic field energy—by more than one order in magnitude. This quantum suppression is shown to reach a maximum at a certain value of intensity and does not grow with the further increase in intensities. The non-monotonic behavior of the quantum suppression factor results from the joint effect of the longitudinal plasma acceleration and the radiation reaction force. The predicted features could serve as a suitable diagnostic for radiation friction theories.
Traversable wormholes with vanishing sound speed in f(R) gravity
Authors: Capozziello Salvatore , Luongo Orlando , Mauro Lorenza
Published: February 2021

We derive exact traversable wormhole solutions in the framework off(R) gravity with no exotic matter and with stable conditions over the geometric fluid entering the throat. For this purpose, we propose power-lawf(R) models and two possible approaches for the shape functionb(r)/r. The first approach makes use of an inverse power-law function, namely$$b(r)/r\sim r^{-1-\beta }$$b(r)/r∼r-1-β. The second one adopts Padé approximants, used to characterize the shape function in a model-independent way. We single out theP(0, 1) approximant where the fluid perturbations are negligible within the throat, if the sound speed vanishes at$$r=r_0$$r=r0. The former guarantees an overall stability of the geometrical fluid into the wormhole. Finally, we get suitable bounds over the parameters of the model for the above discussed cases. In conclusion, we find that small deviations from general relativity give stable solutions.
On planetary orbits in entropic gravity
Authors: Pérez-Cuéllar G. , Sabido M.
Published: February 2021

Starting with an entropy that includes volumetric, area and length terms as well as logarithmic contributions, we derive the corresponding modified Newtonian gravity and derive the expression for planetary orbits. We calculate the shift of the perihelion of Mercury to find bounds to the parameters associated to the modified Newtonian gravity. We compare the parameter associated to the volumetric contribution in the entropy-area relationship with the value derived for galactic rotation curves and the value obtained from the cosmological constant.
Investigations on the electronic structure and optical properties of (Ga,N,Ga-N) doped graphene by first-principle calculations
Authors: Jiang Min , Zhang Wenchao , Zhao Kuo , Guan Feng , Wang Yi
Published: February 2021

The optical and electronic properties of pure graphene, nitrogen doped graphene, gallium doped graphene and nitrogen and gallium co-doped graphene were researched based on the first-principle method of density functional theory (DFT). Pure graphene has a zero-band structure, and when doped in graphene, its bands are opened. In this study, the bandgap of N-doped graphene was 0.20 eV, Ga-doped graphene was 0.35 eV and N–Ga co-doped graphene was 0.49 eV. They also have different electron density. In the N–Ga co-doped graphene, the N atom gained more electrons (−0.6 1e) than the N-doped graphene (−0.27 e), and the Ga atom lost more electrons (1.80 e) than the Ga-doped graphene (1.75 e). Moreover, the optical properties of pure graphene and doped graphene were analyzed and compared. These properties include complex refractive index, dielectric function and light absorption. From these analysis results, it can be seen that the doping study in graphene has effectively improved the optical and electrical properties of graphene. This study provides an effective theoretical foundation for the future development of graphene-based photoelectric devices.
Outgrowth of quasi pure states in isolated coupled-harmonic-oscillator
Authors: Zeng Tianhai , Liu Zhaobin , Li Kai , Wang Feng , Shao Bin
Published: February 2021

Isolated coupled-harmonic-oscillator here is the system of two distinguishable particles coupled with a harmonic oscillator interaction potential. Each particle stays in a mixed state due to entanglement. However, in center-of-mass reference frame, we obtain quasi wavefunction of the first particle expressing quasi pure state by replacing the second coordinate in the total wavefunction. We discuss the similar systems with the first particle and the potential being same and the second mass changing from micro to macro one. Measured by fidelity and coherence, the quasi pure state approaches to the pure state of a usual harmonic oscillator with same mass and similar potential. It conversely shows that the latter purely superposed state in position representation and its coherence originate from those of the first particle, which are related with some neglected macro object and the interaction between them. The current results provide a possible clue to new insights into quantum states.
Enhancing the power grid robustness against cascading failures under node-based attacks
Authors: Li Shudong , Lu Danna , Wu Xiaobo , Han Weihong , Zhao Dawei
Published: February 2021

In recent decades, many countries have suffered power outages and these accidents were often caused by a small disturbance, but because of the connection structure between the circuits, even a small mistake will cause the power grid cascade to fail and paralyze the network in a large area. In order to find a way to enhance the network robustness, this paper proposes three defense methods based on different ratio: the k-shell value ratio, degree ratio, and residual load ratio. We would compare the quality of the three defense methods by the relative size of the largest connected component after cascading failure. Besides, we also compare the time, the total number of crashed nodes, and the speed of cascading failure progress under three defense methods. From the experimental results, it is found that the defense methods based on the k-shell value ratio and the degree ratio have their own advantages in different situations.
Resonance in rarefaction and shock curves: Local analysis and numerics of the continuation method
Authors: Alvarez A. C. , Goedert G. T. , Marchesin D.
Published: February 2021

We describe certain crucial steps in the development of an algorithm for finding the Riemann solution to systems of conservation laws. We relax the classical hypotheses of strict hyperbolicity and genuine nonlinearity due to Lax. First, we present a procedure for continuing wave curves beyond points where characteristic speeds coincide, i.e. at wave curve points of maximal co-dimensionality. This procedure requires strict hyperbolicity on both sides of the coincidence locus. Loss of strict hyperbolicity is regularized by means of a Generalized Jordan Chain, which serves to construct a four-fold sub-manifold structure on which wave curves can be continued. Second, we analyze the loss of genuine nonlinearity. We prove a new result: the existence of composite wave curves when the composite wave traverses either the inflection locus or an anomalous part of the non-local composite wave curve. In this sense, we find conditions under which the composite field is well defined and its singularities can be removed, allowing use of our continuation method. Finally, we present numerical examples for a non-strictly hyperbolic system of conservation laws.
Time-periodic solutions of symmetric hyperbolic systems
Authors: Ohnawa Masashi , Suzuki Masahiro
Published: February 2021

We prove the unique existence of time-periodic solutions to general hyperbolic equations with periodic external forces autonomous or nonautonomous over a domain bounded by two parallel planes, provided that all the characteristics with respect to the direction normal to the planes have the same sign. It is also shown that global-in-time solutions to initial-boundary value problems coincide with the solutions to corresponding time-periodic problems after a finite time. We devote one section to the reformulation of several realistic problems and see our results have wide applicability.
Optimal jump set in hyperbolic conservation laws
Authors: Ghoshal Shyam Sundar , Jana Animesh
Published: February 2021

We investigate qualitative properties of entropy solutions to hyperbolic conservation laws, and construct an entropy solution to a scalar conservation law for which the jump set is not closed, in particular, it is dense in a space-time domain. In a second part, we establish a similar result for hyperbolic systems. We give two different approaches for scalar conservation laws and hyperbolic systems in order to obtain these results. For the scalar case, the solutions are explicitly calculated.
A non-local scalar conservation law describing navigation processes
Authors: Amorim Paulo , Berthelin Florent , Goudon Thierry
Published: February 2021

We consider a non-local scalar conservation law in two space dimensions which arises as the formal hydrodynamic limit of a Fokker–Planck equation. This Fokker–Planck equation is, in turn, the kinetic description of an individual-based model describing the navigation of self-propelled particles in a pheromone landscape. The pheromone may be linked to the agent distribution itself, leading to a nonlinear, non-local scalar conservation law where the effective velocity vector depends on the pheromone field in a small region around each point, and thus, on the solution itself. After presenting and motivating the problem, we present some numerical simulations of a closely related problem, and then prove a well-posedness and stability result for the conservation law.
Linear relativistic thermoelastic rod
Authors: Franzen Anne T. , Natário José
Published: February 2021

We derive and analyze the linearized hyperbolic equations describing a relativistic heat-conducting elastic rod. We construct a decreasing energy integral for these equations, compute the associated characteristic propagation speeds and prove that the solutions decay in time by using a Fourier decomposition. For comparison purposes, we obtain analogous results for the classical system with heat waves, in which the finite propagation speed of heat is kept but the other relativistic terms are neglected and also for the usual classical system.
WHAT’S GOING ON IN ABSORPTIVE CAPACITY STUDIES? RESEARCH FRONTS ON ORGANISATIONAL KNOWLEDGE ABSORPTION
Authors: FILHO MARCIO AUGUSTO LASSANCE CUNHA , PEDRON CRISTIANE DREBES , RUAS ROBERTO LIMA
Published: February 2021

Absorptive capacity (ACAP) is one of the most active themes in knowledge management literature. The topic is extensively mentioned in several relevant research fields, including innovation, organisational learning and strategic management. In this study, we employed bibliographic coupling to analyse the extant academic literature published in order to detect research fronts on the theme. Our sample includes 2,072 papers published in the last four years, which is in line with our basic intent to investigate the latest academic research. Papers included in the core research front highlight the role of ACAP as an organisational ability to assess new valuable knowledge, aiding the development of organisational capabilities. The role of knowledge absorption capacity in alliance networks, open innovation processes, intra-organisational learning, as well as exploratory and exploitative initiatives are the other relevant research fronts identified. We suggest the proposed implications of the analysis as material for further research on the theme.