bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time‐Economical Synthesis of Diarylacetates Enabled by TfOH‐Catalyzed Arylation of α‐Aryl‐α‐Diazoesters with Arenes
Authors: Hu Sha , Wu Jiale , Lu Zuolin , Wang Jiaqi , Tao Yuan , Jiang Meifen , Chen Fener
Published: March 2021

Diarylacetates are privileged structures of many bioactive natural products and pharmaceutical compounds. A time‐economical synthesis of diarylacetates by TfOH‐catalyzed arylation of α‐aryl‐α‐diazoesters with arenes is described. This protocol provides a variety of diarylacetates in good yields with broad substrate scope, excellent functional group compatibility, and mild reaction conditions. Also, a new mechanism for the arylation reaction of α‐aryl‐α‐diazoesters with arenes under TfOH catalysis is presented.
Thin glass in façades: Adhesive joints for thin glass composite panels with 3D printed polymer cores
Authors: Kothe Christiane , Bodenko Anna , Nicklisch Felix , Louter Christian
Published: March 2021

Thin glass is typically applied for displays on devices. In addition, it enables new applications in architecture, for example, in glass façades. Due to its high strength and small thickness (0.1‐2 mm) thin glass is very flexible, lightweight and easily bendable. However, thin glass cannot simply replace conventional façade glazing. To avoid too high deformations of the glazing as a result of the high flexibility, it must be stiffened. An appropriate solution is the use of sandwich panels consisting of two thin glass panes with an inner polymer core. To achieve lightweight façade elements, 3D printed polymer structures are used instead of a solid core. The present study is dedicated to find a suitable adhesive to bond the polymer core to the thin glass. The mechanical and thermomechanical performances of different combinations of typical 3D printed polymers and transparent adhesives are evaluated. In addition, the influences of temperature and UV aging that occur in the area of the façades are investigated.
Removal of Copper from Aqueous Solutions with Zeolites and Possible Treatment of Exhaust Materials
Authors: Logar Nataša Zabukovec , Arčon Iztok , Kovač Janez , Popova Margarita
Published: March 2021

The mechanism of Cu2+ loading into commercially available natural HEU‐type and synthetic LTA‐type zeolites for their possible use in environmental processes, such as water and air treatment applications, was studied. Elemental analysis, SEM/EDXS, XRD, XAS and XPS analyses revealed 4‐fold coordination of Cu2+ cations with oxygen atoms in the pores, a predominant location of copper atoms on the surface of crystallites and retained crystallinity of zeolites throughout the processes. The post‐treatment of Cu2+‐loaded samples with HCl and/or NaCl solutions confirmed the predominantly reversible sorption of copper on zeolites from aqueous solutions by ion‐exchange mechanism and, therefore, excellent regeneration possibilities for both types of zeolites. Furthermore, with the calcination of exhaust metal‐loaded zeolites, catalysts for total toluene oxidation reaction, as a model VOC pollutant, were obtained.
Systematic Investigations of Vibrational and Fluid‐Mechanical Stability of Coated Monolithic Catalysts
Authors: Strucks Peter , Watermann Clara , Weber Konradin , Kaluza Stefan
Published: March 2021

Heterogeneous catalysts usually consist of porous, inorganic materials. Especially in the mobile application, e.g., in exhaust gas catalysis as a part of the gas line of an engine, there are loads due to vibrations and high gas velocities. It can be assumed that physical stress will lead to a loss of the catalytically active coating. The present contribution describes experimental setups and methods for a systematic and reproducible investigation of the main influences to the mass loss due to vibrational and fluid‐mechanical stress caused by particle‐free gas flows.
Impact of adjuvant endocrine therapy in older patients with comorbidities and estrogen receptor‐positive, node‐negative breast cancer—A National Cancer Database analysis
Authors: Tamirisa Nina , Lin Heather , Shen Yu , Shaitelman Simona F. , Karuturi Meghan S. , Giordano Sharon H. , Babiera Gildy V. , Bedrosian Isabelle
Published: March 2021

Background

Data are lacking about the benefit of adjuvant endocrine therapy (ET) in older patients with multiple comorbidities. The authors sought to determine the effect of ET on the survival of older patients who had multiple comorbidities and estrogen receptor (ER)‐positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐negative, pathologic node‐negative (pN0) breast cancer.

Methods

Women aged ≥70 years in the National Cancer Database (2010‐2014) with Charlson/Deyo comorbidity scores of 2 or 3 who had pathologic tumor (pT1)‐pT3/pN0, ER‐positive/HER2‐negative breast cancer were divided into 2 cohorts: adjuvant ET and no ET. Propensity scores were used to match patients based on age, comorbidity score, facility type, pT classification, chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the effect of ET on overall survival (OS).

Results

In the nonmatched cohort (n = 3716), 72.8% of patients received ET (n = 2705), and 27.2% did not (n = 1011). The patients who received ET were younger (mean age, 76 vs 79 years;P< .001) and had higher rates of breast conservation compared with those who did not receive ET (lumpectomy plus radiation: 43.4% vs 23.8%, respectively;P< .001). In the matched cohort (n = 1972), the median OS was higher in the ET group (79.2 vs 67.7 months;P< .0001). In the adjusted analysis, ET was associated with improved survival (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.59‐0.83).

Conclusions

In older patients who have pN0, ER‐positive/HER2‐negative breast cancer with comorbidities, adjuvant ET was associated with improved OS, which may have been overestimated given the confounders inherent in observational studies. To optimize outcomes in these patients, current standard recommendations should be considered stage‐for‐stage based on life expectancy and the level of tolerance to treatment.
A gastric cancer recognition algorithm on gastric pathological sections based on multistage attention‐DenseNet
Authors: Liu Bo , Zhao Yelong , Yang Bin , Zhao Shuangtao , Gu Rentao , Gahegan Mark
Published: March 2021

As an important method to diagnose gastric cancer, gastric pathological sections images (GPSI) are hard and time‐consuming to be recognized even by an experienced doctor. An efficient method was designed to detect gastric cancer in magnified (20×) GPSI using deep learning technology. A novel DenseNet architecture was applied, modified with a multistage attention module (MSA‐DenseNet). To develop this model focusing on gastric features, a two‐stage‐input attention module was adopted to select more semantic information of cancer. Moreover, the pretraining process was divided into two steps to improve the effect of the attention mechanism. After training, our method achieved a state‐of‐the‐art performance yielding 0.9947 F1 score and 0.9976 ROC AUC on a test dataset. In line with our expectation in clinical practice, a high recall (0.9929) was produced with high sensitivity to the positive samples. These results indicate that this new model performs better than current artificial detection approaches and its effectiveness is therefore validated in cancer pathological diagnoses.
A 140 GHz high efficiency frequency doubler based on a physical‐based SDD model of SBD
Authors: Yan Bo , Ren Tianhao , Wu Chenkai , Wei Haomiao , Wang Li , Li Yu , Xu Ruimin , Zhang Yong
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a physical‐based SDD (symbolically defined devices) model of SBD (Schottky barrier diode) is proposed, in which conventional C‐V characteristics of diode SPICE model are modified by terahertz C‐V characteristics obtained by physical‐based simulation. Detail modeling method and design process are introduced in detail. To verify the accuracy of the SDD model, a 140 GHz high efficiency doubler is designed, fabricated, and measured. The measured maximum efficiency is 34.3% under 90 mW input power, and the 3 dB bandwidth is about 7 GHz, which agrees well with the simulated results. The proposed physical‐based SDD model is demonstrated to be more accurate than traditional diode SPICE model.
Highly robust X‐band quasi circulator‐integrated low‐noise amplifier for high survivability of radio frequency front‐end systems
Authors: R Vignesh , Gorre Pradeep , Song Hanjung , Kumar Sandeep
Published: March 2021

In this brief, an X‐band quasi circulator (QC)‐integrated low‐noise amplifier (LNA) implemented in 65‐nm Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) technology is presented. This work is the first QC‐LNA for the X‐band to the author's best knowledge, which achieves 30‐dB flat gain in 8–12 GHz with only 0.5‐dB variation across the band. This QC‐LNA uses two‐stage current reused techniques with variable impedance load. QC provides the minimum insertion loss of 0.9 dB with good return and isolation losses. Statistical analysis is presented for QC‐LNA to predict the percentage error tolerance. Quasi‐Newton (QN) control algorithm is used to optimize the parameter of the whole design. The design of experiment (DoE) is performed to claim the contribution towards gain, return loss, and noise figure. The proposed LNA measurement provides a minimum NF of 1 dB at 9.5 GHz, which remains less than 1.4 dB across 8–12 GHz. The fabricated LNA works with a supply voltage of 1.2 V and is unconditionally stable across the frequency. The calculated chip area is 0.84 × 0.52 mm2. This QC‐LNA exhibits an input and output 1‐dB compression point (IP1dB and OP1dB) of −15 and +13.8 dBm, respectively. It also exhibits third‐order input and output intercept point (IIP3 and OIP3) of +10 dBm and of +40 dBm, respectively. The proposed QC‐LNA draws only 8.7 mA from 1.2 V.
Determinants of habitat suitability models transferability across geographically disjunct populations: Insights from Vipera ursinii ursinii
Authors: Cerasoli Francesco , Besnard Aurélien , Marchand Marc‐Antoine , D'Alessandro Paola , Iannella Mattia , Biondi Maurizio
Published: March 2021

Transferability of habitat suitability models (HSMs), essential to accurately predict outside calibration conditions, has been seldom investigated at intraspecific level. We targeted Vipera ursinii ursinii, a meadow viper from southeastern France and central Italy, to assess determinants of transferability among geographically disjunct populations. We fitted HSMs upon occurrences of the Italian and French populations separately, as well as on the combined occurrence dataset. Internal transferability of HSMs, on spatially independent test data drawn from the calibration region, and their external transferability on the geographically disjunct populations were evaluated according to (a) use of full or spatially rarefied presence datasets; (b) ecology‐driven or statistics‐driven filtering of predictors; (c) modeling algorithm, testing generalized additive models and gradient boosting models; and (d) multivariate environmental novelty within test data. Niche overlap between French and Italian populations was also tested. Niche overlap was low, but niche divergence between the two populations’ clusters was not corroborated. Nonetheless, wider niche breadth and heterogeneity of background environmental conditions characterizing the French populations led to low intercluster transferability. Although models fitted on the combined datasets did not attain consistently higher internal transferability than those separately fitted for the French and Italian populations, ensemble projection from the HSMs fitted on the joint occurrences produced more consistent suitability predictions across the full range of V. u. ursinii. Spatial thinning of occurrences ameliorated internal transferability but did not affect external transferability. The two approaches to predictors filtering did not differ in transferability of the respective HSMs but led to discrepant estimated environment–occurrence relationships and spatial predictions, while the two algorithms attained different relative rankings depending on the considered prediction task. Multivariate novelty of projection sites was negatively correlated to both internal transferability and external transferability. Our findings clarify issues researchers should keep in mind when using HSMs to get predictions across geographically disjunct populations.
Using fractal self‐similarity to increase precision of shrub biomass estimates
Authors: Dial Roman J. , Schulz Bethany , Lewis‐Clark Eric , Martin Kaili , Andersen Hans‐Erik
Published: March 2021

We show that aerial tips are self‐similar fractals of whole shrubs and present a field method that applies this fact to improves accuracy and precision of biomass estimates of tall‐shrubs, defined here as those with diameter at root collar (DRC) ≥ 2.5 cm. Power function allometry of biomass to stem diameter generates a disproportionate prediction error that increases rapidly with diameter. Thus, biomass should be modeled as a single measure of stem diameter only if stem diameter is less than a threshold Dmax. When stem diameter exceeds Dmax, then the stem internode should be treated as a conic frustrum requiring two additional measures: a second, node‐adjacent diameter and a length. If the second diameter is less than Dmax, then the power function allometry can be applied to the aerial tip; otherwise an additional internode is measured. This “two‐component” allometry—internodes as frustra and aerial tips as shrubs—can reduce estimated biomass error propagated to the plot‐level by as much as 50% or more where very large shrubs are present Dmax is any diameter such that the ratio of single‐component to two‐component uncertainty exceeds the ratio of two‐component to single‐component measurement time. Guidelines for estimating Dmax based on pilot field data are provided. Tall shrubs are increasing in abundance and distribution across Arctic, alpine, boreal, and dryland ecosystems. Estimating their biomass is important for both ecological studies and carbon accounting. Reducing field‐sample prediction error increases precision in multi‐stage modeling because additional measures efficiently improve plot‐level biomass precision, reducing uncertainty for shrub biomass estimates.
Differences in dietary composition and preference maintained despite gene flow across a woodrat hybrid zone
Authors: Nielsen Danny P. , Matocq Marjorie D.
Published: March 2021

Ecotones, characterized by adjacent yet distinct biotic communities, provide natural laboratories in which to investigate how environmental selection influences the ecology and evolution of organisms. For wild herbivores, differential plant availability across sharp ecotones may be an important source of dietary‐based selection.

We studied small herbivore diet composition across a sharp ecotone where two species of woodrat, Neotoma bryanti and N. lepida, come into secondary contact with one another and hybridize. We quantified woodrat dietary preference through trnL metabarcoding of field‐collected fecal pellets and experimental choice trials. Despite gene flow, parental N. bryanti and N. lepida maintain distinct diets across this fine spatial scale, and across temporal scales that span both wet and dry conditions.

Neotoma bryanti maintained a more diverse diet, with Frangula californica (California coffeeberry) making up a large portion of its diet. Neotoma lepida maintains a less diverse diet, with Prunus fasciculata (desert almond) comprising more than half of its diet. Both F. californica and P. fasciculata are known to produce potentially toxic plant secondary compounds (PSCs), which should deter herbivory, yet these plants have relatively high nutritional value as measured by crude protein content.

Neotoma bryanti and N. lepida consumed F. californica and P. fasciculata, respectively, in greater abundance than these plants are available on the landscape—indicating dietary selection. Finally, experimental preference trials revealed that N. bryanti exhibited a preference for F. californica, while N. lepida exhibited a relatively stronger preference for P. fasciculata. We find that N. bryanti exhibit a generalist herbivore strategy relative to N. lepida, which exhibit a more specialized feeding strategy in this study system.

Our results suggest that woodrats respond to fine‐scale environmental differences in plant availability that may require different metabolic strategies in order to balance nutrient acquisition while minimizing exposure to potentially toxic PSCs.
Evidence for a synergistic effect of post‐translational modifications and genomic composition of eEF‐1α on the adaptation of Phytophthora infestans
Authors: Wang Yan‐Ping , Wu E‐Jiao , Lurwanu Yahuza , Ding Ji‐Peng , He Dun‐Chun , Waheed Abdul , Nkurikiyimfura Oswald , Liu Shi‐Ting , Li Wen‐Yang , Wang Zong‐Hua , Yang Lina , Zhan Jiasui
Published: March 2021

Genetic variation plays a fundamental role in pathogen's adaptation to environmental stresses. Pathogens with low genetic variation tend to survive and proliferate more poorly due to their lack of genotypic/phenotypic polymorphisms in responding to fluctuating environments. Evolutionary theory hypothesizes that the adaptive disadvantage of genes with low genomic variation can be compensated for structural diversity of proteins through post‐translation modification (PTM) but this theory is rarely tested experimentally and its implication to sustainable disease management is hardly discussed. In this study, we analyzed nucleotide characteristics of eukaryotic translation elongation factor‐1α (eEF‐lα) gene from 165 Phytophthora infestans isolates and the physical and chemical properties of its derived proteins. We found a low sequence variation of eEF‐lα protein, possibly attributable to purifying selection and a lack of intra‐genic recombination rather than reduced mutation. In the only two isoforms detected by the study, the major one accounted for >95% of the pathogen collection and displayed a significantly higher fitness than the minor one. High lysine representation enhances the opportunity of the eEF‐1α protein to be methylated and the absence of disulfide bonds is consistent with the structural prediction showing that many disordered regions are existed in the protein. Methylation, structural disordering, and possibly other PTMs ensure the ability of the protein to modify its functions during biological, cellular and biochemical processes, and compensate for its adaptive disadvantage caused by sequence conservation. Our results indicate that PTMs may function synergistically with nucleotide codes to regulate the adaptive landscape of eEF‐1α, possibly as well as other housekeeping genes, in P. infestans. Compensatory evolution between pre‐ and post‐translational phase in eEF‐1α could enable pathogens quickly adapting to disease management strategies while efficiently maintaining critical roles of the protein playing in biological, cellular, and biochemical activities. Implications of these results to sustainable plant disease management are discussed.
The restricted mean survival time as a replacement for the hazard ratio and the number needed to treat in long‐term studies
Authors: Messori Andrea , Bartoli Laura , Trippoli Sabrina
Published: March 2021

Aims

We applied the restricted mean survival time (RMST) to analyse the survival data reported in the PARADIGM‐HT trial in which sacubitril + valsartan was studied in comparison with enalapril in patients with heart failure. The estimates of this parameter were compared with the published values of hazard ratio (HR).

Methods

Two endpoints were evaluated: a composite of death or hospitalization and cardiovascular death. Our analyses were performed by considering the original follow‐up of 41.4 months and on the basis of a lifetime perspective. All statistical calculations were carried out using specific packages developed under the R‐platform.

Results

According to our RMST analysis, the results for the composite endpoint in the comparison of sacubitril + valsartan vs. enalapril showed an improvement from 32.9 to 34.2 months (gain of 1.25 months). This result is based on a time horizon of 41.4 months. The results for the cardiovascular mortality endpoint showed a RMST of 37.2 months for sacubitril + valsartan vs. 36.2 for enalapril (gain of 0.96 months). In the two lifetime analyses, the improvements were much more relevant and yielded a gain of 25.8 months for the composite endpoint and 27.6 months for survival free from cardiovascular death.

Conclusions

Using the data of the PARADIGM‐HT trial, our analysis confirmed that the RMST has documented advantages over the HR, particularly when the clinical study is characterized by a long follow‐up. The number needed to treat (NNT) has a more specific methodological role and cannot be replaced by the RMST.
From casting to forging—The combined simulation for a steel component
Authors: Böhmichen Uwe , Schubert Nadine , Lehnert Tim , Sterzing Andreas , Mauermann Reinhard
Published: March 2021

In the aluminum sector as well as in the manufacture of semi‐finished products, there are numerous industrial examples for combinations of casting and forming processes. In the past, the processes usually were considered separately. However, with the development of digital technologies, it has recently become possible to jointly simulate casting and forging processes and set up continuous process simulations. In the manufacturing of steel components, such a combination is not known industrially. The present paper describes a forged steel component based on a cast preform. To predict the expected properties, the necessary simulations were linked, whereby the focus of the investigations is on the principle feasibility and methodology of such a combination. Based on the conditions assumed in the simulations, test components were manufactured. The simulation results, especially voids and porosity were compared with the real components. In addition, the microstructure of the components was investigated. Approaches for further investigations and the improvement of the combined simulation are presented.
Model‐Based Overpotential Deconvolution, Partial Impedance Spectroscopy, and Sensitivity Analysis of a Lithium‐Ion Cell with Blend Cathode
Authors: Quarti Michael , Bessler Wolfgang G.
Published: March 2021

Lithium‐ion battery cells are multiscale and multiphysics systems. Design and material parameters influence the macroscopically observable cell performance in a complex and nonlinear way. Herein, the development and application of three methodologies for model‐based interpretation and visualization of these influences are presented: 1) deconvolution of overpotential contributions, including ohmic, concentration, and activation overpotentials of the various cell components; 2) partial electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, allowing a direct visualization of the origin of different impedance features; and 3) sensitivity analyses, allowing a systematic assessment of the influence of cell parameters on capacity, internal resistance, and impedance. The methods are applied to a previously developed and validated pseudo‐3D model of a high‐power lithium‐ion pouch cell. The cell features a blend cathode. The two blend components show strong coupling, which can be observed and interpreted using the results of overpotential deconvolution, partial impedance spectroscopy, and sensitivity analysis. The presented methods are useful tools for model‐supported lithium‐ion cell research and development.
Study on bi‐level multi‐objective collaborative optimization model for integrated energy system considering source‐load uncertainty
Authors: Wu Jing , De Gejirifu , Tan Zhongfu , Li Yan
Published: March 2021

The uncertainty of both the generation side and the user side brings certain impacts on the source‐load coordinated operation of integrated energy system (IES). At first, the source‐load characteristics of the IES with large‐scale distributed energy is analyzed. Secondly, considering lower operating cost and higher renewable energy consumption rate, a bilevel optimization model of the source‐load coordination based on the IES operation structure is established, which considers the uncertainty of both the generation side, such as wind and photovoltaic (PV) power output, and the load side. The robust optimization theory and stochastic chance‐constrained programming theory are introduced to establish the upper layer and the lower layer models of the IES. Besides, the firefly algorithm is used to design the solution process of the bilevel optimization model. The results show that the uncertainty of the wind power, PV power, and the load are positively correlated with the comprehensive operation cost. Also, based on the full consideration of the bilevel uncertainties, the system operation cost is significantly reduced. Meanwhile, the improvement of the confidence level of the objective function and constraint conditions will enhance the optimistic value of the comprehensive operation cost of the system, which means gaining higher reliability by sacrificing partial system benefits. Overall, the bilevel optimization model considering the source‐load uncertainty can both improve the renewable energy consumption rate and reduce the comprehensive operation cost of the IES system.
Has the COVID‐19 crisis changed our relationship to the future?
Authors: Jahel Camille , Bourgeois Robin , Pesche Denis , de Lattre‐Gasquet Marie , Delay Etienne
Published: March 2021

The first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic crisis introduced a sudden discontinuity into the functioning of human societies worldwide by affecting individual habits as well as economic and social life. This paper is a first attempt to investigate whether that discontinuity also altered our relationship to the future, in particular through the production of scenarios of a “world after” significantly different from the world before. We analyzed the representations of the future produced at the height of the first wave of the crisis, between March and June 2020, through a selective review of these productions. From the 60 sources found, we selected 23 texts yielding 83 scenarios. We used a classic four‐category typology (Continued Growth, Discipline, Collapse and Transformation) that allowed us to identify scenarios of continuity and discontinuity. The results show a paradoxical predominance of continuity scenarios, contradicting our hypothesis that the crisis would have fostered creativity regarding the “world after.” The discussion focuses on potential explanatory elements. These relate essentially to the way the scenarios were produced, notably in terms of time horizon, explanation of the methods and selection of the variables structuring the scenarios. These elements seem to indicate that these scenarios were rather generated from a reactive posture, showing a reluctance to rethink the present as a moment of discontinuity opening up the horizon of possibilities. This initial work paves the way for a more systematic exploration of the practice of anticipation and the capacity to produce creative/imaginative futures in times of crisis.
Combining machine learning and domain decomposition methods for the solution of partial differential equations—A review
Authors: Heinlein Alexander , Klawonn Axel , Lanser Martin , Weber Janine
Published: March 2021

Scientific machine learning (SciML), an area of research where techniques from machine learning and scientific computing are combined, has become of increasing importance and receives growing attention. Here, our focus is on a very specific area within SciML given by the combination of domain decomposition methods (DDMs) with machine learning techniques for the solution of partial differential equations. The aim of the present work is to make an attempt of providing a review of existing and also new approaches within this field as well as to present some known results in a unified framework; no claim of completeness is made. As a concrete example of machine learning enhanced DDMs, an approach is presented which uses neural networks to reduce the computational effort in adaptive DDMs while retaining their robustness. More precisely, deep neural networks are used to predict the geometric location of constraints which are needed to define a robust coarse space. Additionally, two recently published deep domain decomposition approaches are presented in a unified framework. Both approaches use physics‐constrained neural networks to replace the discretization and solution of the subdomain problems of a given decomposition of the computational domain. Finally, a brief overview is given of several further approaches which combine machine learning with ideas from DDMs to either increase the performance of already existing algorithms or to create completely new methods.
Classification and image processing with a semi‐discrete scheme for fidelity forced Allen–Cahn on graphs
Authors: Budd Jeremy , van Gennip Yves , Latz Jonas
Published: March 2021

This paper introduces a semi‐discrete implicit Euler (SDIE) scheme for the Allen‐Cahn equation (ACE) with fidelity forcing on graphs. The continuous‐in‐time version of this differential equation was pioneered by Bertozzi and Flenner in 2012 as a method for graph classification problems, such as semi‐supervised learning and image segmentation. In 2013, Merkurjev et. al. used a Merriman‐Bence‐Osher (MBO) scheme with fidelity forcing instead, as heuristically it was expected to give similar results to the ACE. The current paper rigorously establishes the graph MBO scheme with fidelity forcing as a special case of an SDIE scheme for the graph ACE with fidelity forcing. This connection requires the use of the double‐obstacle potential in the ACE, as was already demonstrated by Budd and Van Gennip in 2020 in the context of ACE without a fidelity forcing term. We also prove that solutions of the SDIE scheme converge to solutions of the graph ACE with fidelity forcing as the discrete time step converges to zero. In the second part of the paper we develop the SDIE scheme as a classification algorithm. We also introduce some innovations into the algorithms for the SDIE and MBO schemes. For large graphs, we use a QR decomposition method to compute an eigendecomposition from a Nyström extension, which outperforms the method used by, for example, Bertozzi and Flenner in 2012, in accuracy, stability, and speed. Moreover, we replace the Euler discretization for the scheme's diffusion step by a computation based on the Strang formula for matrix exponentials. We apply this algorithm to a number of image segmentation problems, and compare the performance with that of the graph MBO scheme with fidelity forcing. We find that while the general SDIE scheme does not perform better than the MBO special case at this task, our other innovations lead to a significantly better segmentation than that from previous literature. We also empirically quantify the uncertainty that this segmentation inherits from the randomness in the Nyström extension.
Outcomes of a financial incentive scheme for dementia care by dementia specialist teams in acute‐care hospitals: A difference‐in‐differences analysis of a nationwide retrospective cohort study in Japan
Authors: Morita Kojiro , Fukahori Hiroki , Ogawara Hirofumi , Iwagami Masao , Matsui Hiroki , Okura Toru , Itoh Sakiko , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yasunaga Hideo
Published: March 2021

Objectives

The quality of care for dementia in acute‐care settings has been criticised. In 2016, the Japanese universal health insurance system introduced a financial incentive scheme for dementia care by dementia specialist teams in acute‐care hospitals. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of this financial incentive scheme on short‐term outcomes (in‐hospital mortality and 30‐day readmission).

Design and Methods

Using a Japanese nationwide inpatient database, we identified older adult patients with moderate‐to‐severe dementia admitted for pneumonia, heart failure, cerebral infarction, urinary tract infection, intracranial injury or hip fracture from April 2014 to March 2018. We selected 180 propensity score‐matched pairs of hospitals that adopted (n = 180 of 185) and that did not adopt (n = 180 of 744) the financial incentive scheme. We then conducted a patient‐level difference‐in‐differences analysis. In a sensitivity analysis, we restricted the postintervention group to patients who actually received dementia care.

Results

There was no association between a hospital's adoption of the incentive scheme and in‐hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.88–1.06; p = 0.48) or 30‐day readmission (aOR: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.95–1.14; p = 0.37). Only 29% of patients in hospitals adopting the scheme actually received dementia care. The sensitivity analysis showed that receiving dementia care was associated with decreased in‐hospital mortality.

Conclusions

The financial incentive scheme to enhance dementia care by dementia specialist teams in Japan may not be working effectively, but the results do suggest that individual dementia care was associated with decreased in‐hospital mortality.
Cost sharing and the demand for health services in a regulated market
Authors: Serna Natalia
Published: March 2021

This paper measures consumer responsiveness to cost sharing in healthcare using a regression discontinuity design. I use a novel and detailed claims‐level dataset from the Colombian healthcare market, where the government exogenously determines a tier system for coinsurance rates and copays based on the enrollee's monthly income. I find that patients exposed to higher coinsurance rates demand fewer services relative to patients facing lower cost sharing. This reduction holds for both discretionary and preventive services. Lower utilization translates into lower costs, despite evidence that patients facing higher prices do not substitute away from more expensive providers.
‘We are not aware of notification of tuberculosis’: A mixed‐methods study among private practitioners from western India
Authors: Rupani Mihir P. , Shah Chinmay J. , Dave Jigna D. , Trivedi Atul V. , Mehta Kedar G.
Published: March 2021

Background

Implementing the Standards for tuberculosis care in India (STCI) guidelines in the private sector is vital. This study attempted to estimate the knowledge and practices regarding STCI guidelines among private practitioners and to explore the reasons and solutions for low tuberculosis (TB) notification rates.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study for assessing the knowledge and practices of the STCI guidelines among 100 full‐time allopathic private practitioners in Bhavnagar (in western part of India) from September 2018 to January 2019. Knowledge and practice were categorised as good or poor by assigning scores to the responses to a questionnaire based on the STCI guidelines. It was followed by two focus group discussions to explore the reasons and solutions for low notification rates of TB as perceived by private practitioners.

Results

Among the 100 private practitioners, 55% had good knowledge, and 41% had good practice regarding the STCI guidelines; 69% knew about the gazette notification of mandatory notification of TB, and 58% were notifying TB cases to the government. Lack of awareness about the process as well as incentives for notification, time constraints and infrequent visits by health workers were the main reasons perceived by private practitioners for not notifying TB cases to the government. The critical solutions suggested by them were creating awareness regarding the notification process as well as incentives, increasing health worker visits and use of social media for notification.

Conclusion

Only about half of private practitioners follow the STCI guidelines for TB care, and the notification rates are low in our setting. Regular sensitisation programs need to be arranged for private practitioners to create awareness on TB notification.
A comparison of brief and extended session duration functional analyses
Authors: Griffith Lee S. , Roscoe Eileen M. , Cornaglia R. Benjamin
Published: March 2021

Many behavior analysts do not conduct a functional analysis (FA) prior to treatment in a clinical setting (e.g., Roscoe et al., 2015). When asked for an explanation, respondents commonly report that an FA is too time consuming. One way to address this perceived constraint is to evaluate the utility of an abbreviated FA with 5‐min session durations. In the current study, 2 independent FAs, 1 with 5‐min sessions and 1 with 10‐min sessions, were conducted for the problem behavior of 5 individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). For all participants, the 5‐ and 10‐min session duration FAs yielded the same identified function of problem behavior: escape from demands. A brief differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) analysis was subsequently conducted and found to be effective at decreasing problem behavior and increasing an appropriate communication response across participants. These findings demonstrate the utility of conducting an FA using briefer session durations followed by a brief DRA analysis.
A novel synthesis of substituted 3‐amino and 3‐thio pyrimido[5,4‐e]‐1,2,4‐triazine‐5,7(1H,6H)‐diones
Authors: Xu Hao , Powelson Ian A. , Jin Yafei , Showalter Hollis D.
Published: March 2021

Fervenulin is a natural product that has been extensively studied due to its molecular features and breadth of biological activities. Published studies have reported the generation of numerous analogues of the bicyclic pyrimidotriazinodione core. One underrepresented subclass are compounds with electron releasing atoms bonded directly to the C‐3 position. We report an efficient and straightforward synthesis of compounds with substituted amino and thio functionality attached to the C‐3 position. These are derived from a common 3‐chloro precursor that is made in six steps in 15.8% overall yield from a starting chlorouracil. Our methodology should be applicable to the synthesis of C‐3 ether congeners also, and through previously described chemistry be expandable to incorporating diversity at the N‐6 position of the pyrimidotriazinodione core. The chemistry reported herein expands possibilities for the generation of diverse libraries of substituted pyrimidotriazinediones for future studies.
FW‐EM‐based approach for scalable small‐signal modeling of GaN HEMT with consideration of temperature‐dependent resistances
Authors: Tang Xianli , Yang Taojun , Jia Yonghao , Xu Yuehang
Published: March 2021

In this paper, the full‐wave electromagnetic (FW‐EM) simulation approach for scalable small‐signal modeling of the GaN HEMT device is proposed. The scalable rules are deduced from the extracted parasitic parameters, which is according to a step‐by‐step parameter extraction method. Moreover, the accuracy is enhanced by considering the temperature‐dependent resistance (TDR) Rs and Rd, which are calculated by combining a universal thermal resistance model and the Rs and Rd under the pinch‐off condition. In the end, a set of GaN HEMT with a gate length of 0.25 μm is used for validation, and the experimental results show that good agreements have been achieved between the measured and the simulated scattering (S) parameters.
Impact of central venous catheter repair in pediatric intestinal failure
Authors: Santhana Velarchana , Davis Mary Beth , Rahhal Riad
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Patients with intestinal failure (IF) require long‐term parenteral nutrition through central venous catheters (CVCs). When damaged, catheter replacement or repair is considered. Limited literature exists on repair outcomes in this population. We aimed to assess the impact of repair on durability of exiting CVCs and infection rates.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of pediatric IF patients with tunneled silicone CVCs over 10 years. Outcomes were evaluated by assessing CVC longevity, repair success, replacement, and postrepair infection rates.

Results

One hundred thirty‐eight repairs and 45 replacements were conducted in 37 patients with repair and replacement rates of 4.7 and 1.5 per 1000 catheter days, respectively. Twenty patients (54%) required ≥1 repair. For CVCs requiring repair, median CVC durability without and with repairs were at 123 and 391 days, respectively (P < .0001). Overall repair success rate was 96% with significantly lower success in the emergency department at 81% (P = .007). The 7‐day postrepair infection rate was 2.2% without specific risk factors identified. Most repairs (76%) were performed by the Pediatric Gastroenterology division. Variability in practice was noted among services, including frequency of periprocedural antibiotic use and performance of temporary repairs before permanent repairs. A gradual increase in CVC repair rate was noted over time.

Conclusions

Our study showed that CVC repair is effective in prolonging CVC durability in pediatric IF patients without increasing infection rates. Incorporating a temporary repair as a step before permanent repair may offer a route to address potential intraluminal thrombosis before permanent repair.
Efficacy of a Y‐Design Silastic Elastomer Intrauterine Device as a Horse Contraceptive
Authors: Holyoak G. Reed , Lyman Candace C. , Wang Shuodao , Germaine Stephen S. , Anderson Cory O. , Baldrighi Julia M. , Vemula Neha , Rezabek Grant B. , Kane Albert J.
Published: March 2021

To successfully manage population growth rates of free‐roaming horses (Equus ferus caballus), an effective, long‐acting contraceptive could be beneficial. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of an intrauterine device (IUD) in a breeding trial using seasonal pasture assemblages of 2 males individually pastured in large enclosures (~81 ha) each with 10 females per male. The study took place at a large animal research facility at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA. Specific objectives of the study were to evaluate the effectiveness of IUDs in preventing pregnancy over 20.5 months with return to fertility assessed over the subsequent 6 months and to evaluate potential effects of this IUD on ovarian function and uterine health (e.g., endometrial inflammation, infection, fibrosis). We developed a Y‐design IUD, made of silastic elastomer, and set the desired retention rate at 75%. After procurement of endometrial biopsies, we inserted IUDs into the uteri of 20 females and examined them via transrectal ultrasound every 2 weeks for detection of the device and assessment of uterine health. After 20.5 months we removed the remaining 15 IUDs, obtained a second endometrial biopsy for comparision, and returned the females to their respective males for continued breeding in efforts to assess uterine return to health as indicated by pregnancy rates. The Y‐design IUD met the 75% retention rate goal, with 100% contraception in females that retained the device; 12 of 20 treated females became pregnant (i.e. returned to fertility) after removal of the IUD. Based on these results, we conclude that the Y‐design IUD is a safe and effective device to control fertility in free‐roaming horses. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
The Effect of Sea Level Rise on Dabbling Duck Energetic Carrying Capacity
Authors: Livolsi Mark C. , Williams Christopher K. , Coluccy John M. , Dibona Matthew T.
Published: March 2021

Waterfowl migrating and overwintering in the Atlantic Flyway depend on adequate availability of wetland plant communities to survive winter and fuel reproduction in the subsequent breeding season. Energetics models are the primary tool employed by conservation planners to estimate energetic carrying capacity based on energy supply and demand in different wetlands to assist with effective habitat conservation. Coastal impoundments have been used to provide a consistent, annual source of energy for migrating and wintering waterfowl. But few studies have attempted to comprehensively assess the relative value of managed coastal impoundments compared with unmanaged tidal salt marshes to wintering waterfowl in the Mid‐Atlantic region with further consideration to the effect of sea level rise changing availability. We estimated biomass and energy of preferred foods for 5 dabbling duck species in 7 impoundments and 3 tidal salt marshes over winter by collecting soil core (n = 1,364), nekton (n = 426), and salt marsh snail (Melampus spp.; n = 87) samples in October, January, and April 2011–2013. Food‐energy density was greater in freshwater impoundments for nearly all dabbling ducks (range = 183,344–562,089 kcal/ha), and typically greater in brackish impoundments (range = 169,665–357,160 kcal/ha) than most tidal salt marsh communities (range = 55,693–361,429 kcal/ha), whereas mudflat (range = 96,223–137,473 kcal/ha) and subtidal (range = 55,693–136,326 kcal/ha) communities typically contained the least energy. Extrapolating to the state level, we estimated 7.60 × 109–1.14 × 1010 kcal available within a 16‐km buffer from the Delaware Bayshore, depending on species. Combining estimates for daily energy expenditure and food energy, we estimated 2.86 × 107–7.06 × 107 duck energy days currently available to dabbling ducks over winter. We estimated that in the next century, dabbling duck carrying capacities are likely to decrease under all but the most conservative sea level rise scenarios because of the gradual replacement of land‐cover types that provide high energy density (i.e., low marsh, high marsh communities) with those that provide low energy density (i.e., subtidal, mudflat communities). Coastal impoundments in Delaware, USA, will provide increasingly important habitat for wintering dabbling ducks in the coming decades provided they are properly maintained and retain their current energetic density because they will contain a growing proportion of the available duck energy days on the landscape. Our research will assist managers in meeting target population goals for dabbling ducks in Delaware and the Mid‐Atlantic region by highlighting key differences in the function and value of various wetlands. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Effects of Ti addition on microstructure and the associated corrosion behavior of a 22Cr‐5Ni duplex stainless steel
Authors: Zhang Jiantao , Hu Xiaojun , Chou Kuochih
Published: March 2021

The effects of Ti addition on microstructure and the associated electrochemical properties of 22Cr‐5Ni duplex stainless steel were evaluated using X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray electron probe microanalysis, electron backscattered diffraction, scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy–energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, electrochemical techniques, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results indicated that the addition of a minor amount of Ti refined the grains, improved the pitting potential, and lowered passive current densities remarkably. However, excessive content could cause an imbalance of phase proportion of ferrite and austenite phases and precipitation of the coarse TiN particles. The films on the base and Ti‐containing alloy have a similar chemical composition, but the addition of Ti enriched the chromium in the passive film. In particular, the ratio of Cr2O3 and Mo6+ increased, which helped to form a comparatively homogeneous and stable passive film on the duplex stainless steel.