bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unplanned reoperations after microsurgical breast reconstruction: Findings from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program
Authors: Ali Barkat , Choi Eun Ho Eunice , Barlas Venus , Menon Nathan G. , Morrell Nathan T.
Published: October 2021

Background

While microsurgical breast reconstruction may require multiple planned operations, unplanned reoperations has not been studied. We sought to investigate unplanned reoperations after microsurgical breast reconstruction.

Methods

We queried the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program between 2005 and 2018. Current Procedural Terminology code 19364 was used to identify all patients with microsurgical breast reconstruction. Patient demographics, medical comorbidities, preoperative laboratory results, and operative data were analyzed. The primary outcome measure was 30‐day unplanned reoperation.

Results

Of 8449 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 1021 required an unplanned reoperation (12.1%). These patients were more likely to be obese, smokers, hypertensive, on steroids preoperatively, needing concomitant mastectomy, and with prolonged operating room time >9 h (p < .05). Multivariable regression model revealed preoperative steroids intake (OR = 1.92, CI 1.09–3.38, p = .03), concomitant mastectomy (OR = 1.45, CI 1.23–1.71, p < .01), and operating room time >9 h (OR = 1.37, CI 1.16–1.62, p < .01) as independent risk factors. Mastectomy was found to be an independent risk factor for early reoperation, that is, ≤2 days (OR = 1.44, CI 1.14–1.82, p < .01), whereas obesity was an independent risk factor for three reoperations (OR = 3.92, CI 1.14–13.46, p = .03).

Conclusion

Unplanned reoperations within 30‐days after microsurgical breast reconstruction are a significant problem. Mastectomy is an independent risk factor for early reoperation whereas obesity is an independent risk factor for multiple reoperations. Identification of such patients preoperatively may help microsurgeons improve patient safety and quality of care.
General decay and blow up of solutions for a class of inverse problem with elasticity term and variable‐exponent nonlinearities
Authors: Shahrouzi Mohammad
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we study a class of Lamé inverse source problem with variable‐exponent nonlinearities. Under some suitable conditions on the coefficients and initial data, we proved general decay of solutions when the integral overdetermination tends to zero as time goes to infinity in appropriate range of variable exponents. Furthermore, in the absence of damping term, we show that there are solutions under some conditions on initial data and variable exponents which blow up in finite time.
Block‐matching‐based registration to evaluate ultrasound visibility of percutaneous needles in liver‐mimicking phantoms
Authors: Sánchez‐Margallo Juan A. , Tas Lisette , Moelker Adriaan , van den Dobbelsteen John J. , Sánchez‐Margallo Francisco M. , Langø Thomas , van Walsum Theo , van de Berg Nick J.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To present a novel methodical approach to compare visibility of percutaneous needles in ultrasound images.

Methods

A motor‐driven rotation platform was used to gradually change the needle angle while capturing image data. Data analysis was automated using block‐matching‐based registration, with a tracking and refinement step. Every 25 frames, a Hough transform was used to improve needle alignments after large rotations. The method was demonstrated by comparing three commercial needles (14G radiofrequency ablation, RFA; 18G Trocar; 22G Chiba) and six prototype needles with different sizes, materials, and surface conditions (polished, sand‐blasted, and kerfed), within polyvinyl alcohol phantom tissue and ex vivo bovine liver models. For each needle and angle, a contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) was determined to quantify visibility. CNR values are presented as a function of needle type and insertion angle. In addition, the normalized area under the (CNR‐angle) curve was used as a summary metric to compare needles.

Results

In phantom tissue, the first kerfed needle design had the largest normalized area of visibility and the polished 1 mm diameter stainless steel needle the smallest (0.704 ± 0.199 vs. 0.154 ± 0.027, p < 0.01). In the ex vivo model, the second kerfed needle design had the largest normalized area of visibility, and the sand‐blasted stainless steel needle the smallest (0.470 ± 0.190 vs. 0.127 ± 0.047, p < 0.001). As expected, the analysis showed needle visibility peaks at orthogonal insertion angles. For acute or obtuse angles, needle visibility was similar or reduced. Overall, the variability in needle visibility was considerably higher in livers.

Conclusion

The best overall visibility was found with kerfed needles and the commercial RFA needle. The presented methodical approach to quantify ultrasound visibility allows comparisons of (echogenic) needles, as well as other technological innovations aiming to improve ultrasound visibility of percutaneous needles, such as coatings, material treatments, and beam steering approaches.
Development of a semi‐implicit contact methodology for finite volume stress solvers
Authors: Scolaro Alessandro , Fiorina Carlo , Clifford Ivor , Pautz Andreas
Published: October 2021

The past decades have seen numerous efforts to apply the finite volume methodology to solid mechanics problems. However, only limited work has been done by the finite volume community toward the simulation of mechanical contact. In this article, we present a novel semi‐implicit methodology for the solution of static force‐loading contact problems with cell‐centered finite volume codes. Starting from the similarities with multi‐material problems, we derive an implicit discretization scheme for the normal contact stress with a straightforward inclusion of frictional forces and correction vectors for non‐orthogonal boundaries. With the introduction of a sigmoid blending function interpolating between contact stresses and gap pressure, the proposed approach is extended to cases with partially closed gap. The contact procedure is designed around an arbitrary mesh mapping algorithm to allow for non‐conformal meshes at the contact interface between the two bodies. Finally, we verify the contact methodology against five benchmarks cases.
A concept analysis of psychological safety: Further understanding for application to health care
Authors: Ito Ayano , Sato Kana , Yumoto Yoshie , Sasaki Miki , Ogata Yasuko
Published: October 2021

Aim

To clarify the concept of psychological safety in a healthcare context and to provide the first theoretical framework for improving interpersonal relationships in the workplace to better patient care.

Design

A Rodgers’ concept analysis.

Methods

The concept analysis was conducted using a systematic search strategy on PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Ichushi‐Web.

Results

An analysis of 88 articles studying psychological safety in health care identified five attributes: perceptions of the consequences of taking interpersonal risks, strong interpersonal relationships, group‐level phenomenon, safe work environment for taking interpersonal risks and non‐punitive culture. The antecedents included structure/system factors, interpersonal factors and individual factors. The four consequences included performance outcomes, organizational culture outcomes, and psychological and behavioural outcomes.
A review of implementation and evaluation of Pan American Health Organization's policies to prevent childhood obesity in Latin America
Authors: Molina Mariana , Anderson Laura N. , Guindon Godefroy E. , Tarride Jean‐Eric
Published: October 2021

Rationale

To inform future policies, the study objectives were to determine to what extent the policies included in the 5‐year Plan of Action for the Prevention of Obesity in Children and Adolescents—proposed by Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and signed by 19 Latin America countries in 2014—have been implemented and evaluated.

Methods

A scoping review of the Governmental websites for Latin American countries and a literature review was conducted to identify whether policies have been implemented and evaluated. Key information was abstracted.

Results

The review identified 115 PAHO policies/interventions implemented (43% implemented after signing the proposed plan in 2014). Nearly all (18/19) countries implemented food guidelines or school feeding programs, but fiscal and marketing policies were less commonly implemented (6/19). Through the review, 44 evaluations of PAHO policies were identified of which 23% were qualitative and 77% quantitative. The results of these evaluations were in general positive (e.g., decrease in sugar‐sweetened beverages consumption following tax implementation) but no studies evaluated the outcome of reduced obesity.

Conclusions

PAHO recommended policies have been implemented to various degrees in Latin America since 2014 and more research is required to understand their impacts on child and adolescent obesity.
Modification of poly(styrene‐b‐(ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐b‐styrene) via free‐radical grafting and its photo‐crosslinking
Authors: Harlay Agnès , Brossier Thomas , Morand Nicolas , Batistella Marcos , Regazzi Arnaud , Blanquer Sébastien , Lopez‐Cuesta José , Robin Jean‐Jacques
Published: October 2021

Poly(styrene‐b‐(ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐b‐styrene) (SEBS) is functionalized via radical grafting with 4‐vinyl‐1‐cyclohexene 1,2‐epoxide (VCHO) initiated using 2,5‐Bis(tert‐butylperoxy)‐2,5‐dimethylhexane. The existence of the epoxide group on the SEBS backbone is evidenced by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance. A size exclusion chromatography (SEC) study reveals some chain coupling, and this phenomenon is limited by controlling the quantities of peroxide and monomer reagents used during the radical grafting. Photo‐crosslinking of SEBS‐g‐VCHO under ultraviolet irradiation in the presence of a cationic initiator is then successfully performed with resultant gel contents higher than 85%. Mechanical properties of SEBS and crosslinked materials are measured by tensile tests on thin films. On the one hand, those tests reveal a significant increase of Young's modulus of the crosslinked materials. On the other hand, the diminution of elongation at break is much more limited; crosslinked materials retain their elastomeric properties with an elongation at break greater than 200%. Finally, the photosensitive SEBS‐g‐VCHO is used to show the adhesion performance of the photo‐crosslinking coating as well as a resin for the stereolithography process.
Alemtuzumab clearance, lymphocyte count, and T‐cell chimerism after hematopoietic stem cell transplant in sickle cell disease
Authors: Furstenau Dana , Peer Cody J. , Hughes Thomas E. , Uchida Naoya , Tisdale John , Hall Oliver Morgan , Figg William D. , Hsieh Matthew
Published: October 2021

Study Objective

Alemtuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the cell surface antigen CD52 on lymphocytes. Although it is used for the treatment of hematologic malignancies, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and incorporated into many hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) conditioning regimens, few studies have evaluated the pharmacology of alemtuzumab in adult patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). We therefore examined the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of alemtuzumab in adults with SCD who received a matched related donor HSCT to determine if the clearance of alemtuzumab affects transplant outcomes.

Design

PK and PD analysis of patient data from a single‐center clinical trial.

Setting

Clinical research center.

Patients

Twenty‐two adult patients with SCD who received one of two nonmyeloablative allogeneic HSCT regimens: alemtuzumab and total body irradiation (Alem‐TBI) or pentostatin, cyclophosphamide, alemtuzumab, and total body irradiation (Pento‐Cy‐Alem‐TBI).

Measurements and Main Results

Alemtuzumab serum concentrations, absolute lymphocyte counts, T‐cell (CD3), and myeloid (CD14/15) chimerism were collected at distinct time points and analyzed. A semi‐mechanistic PK population model was built to understand inter‐individual differences in pharmacology. Alemtuzumab was detectable up to 28 days post‐HSCT. The mean alemtuzumab level 7 days after transplant for patients on Alem‐TBI was 818 ng/ml, significantly lower than the mean level of 1502 ng/ml for patients on Pento‐Cy‐Alem‐TBI (p < 0.001), but this difference decreased as time progressed. The clearance of alemtuzumab was linear, and the half‐life was longer in the Pento‐Cy‐Alem‐TBI group (average half‐life = 61.1 h) compared to the Alem‐TBI group (average half‐life = 44.1 h) (p < 0.001). The CD3 chimerism at 2 and 4 months after transplant positively correlated with alemtuzumab levels collected on day 14 after transplant (R2 = 0.40 and p = 0.004 at 2 months, R2 = 0.36 and p = 0.005 at 4 months), but this significance was lost by 6 months after HSCT. No correlation was seen between alemtuzumab levels and CD14/15 chimerism.

Conclusion

Between 2 and 4 months after transplant, higher alemtuzumab levels measured 14 days after transplant correlated with patients having better engraftment, suggesting more lymphodepletion may be needed to reduce graft failure in these two non‐myeloablative matched related donor HSCT regimens.
A pre‐processing pipeline to quantify, visualize, and reduce technical variation in protein microarray studies
Authors: Bérubé Sophie , Kobayashi Tamaki , Wesolowski Amy , Norris Douglas E. , Ruczinski Ingo , Moss William J. , Louis Thomas A.
Published: October 2021

Technical variation, or variation from non‐biological sources, is present in most laboratory assays. Correcting for this variation enables analysts to extract a biological signal that informs questions of interest. However, each assay has different sources and levels of technical variation, and the choice of correction methods can impact downstream analyses. Compared to similar assays such as DNA microarrays, relatively few methods have been developed and evaluated for protein microarrays, a versatile tool for measuring levels of various proteins in serum samples. Here, we propose a pre‐processing pipeline to correct for some common sources of technical variation in protein microarrays. The pipeline builds upon an existing normalization method by using controls to reduce technical variation. We evaluate our method using data from two protein microarray studies and by simulation. We demonstrate that pre‐processing choices impact the fluorescent‐intensity based ranks of proteins, which in turn, impact downstream analysis.
Conformational variability of loops in the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein
Authors: Wong Samuel W. K. , Liu Zongjun
Published: October 2021

The SARS‐CoV‐2 spike (S) protein facilitates viral infection, and has been the focus of many structure determination efforts. Its flexible loop regions are known to be involved in protein binding and may adopt multiple conformations. This article identifies the S protein loops and studies their conformational variability based on the available Protein Data Bank structures. While most loops had essentially one stable conformation, 17 of 44 loop regions were observed to be structurally variable with multiple substantively distinct conformations based on a cluster analysis. Loop modeling methods were then applied to the S protein loop targets, and the prediction accuracies discussed in relation to the characteristics of the conformational clusters identified. Loops with multiple conformations were found to be challenging to model based on a single structural template.
The potential of dimetindene maleate inducing resistance to blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae through activating the salicylic acid signaling pathway in rice plants
Authors: Salman Elgaly K , Ghoniem Kamal E , Badr Elsayedalaa S , Emeran Amero A
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Rice blast disease (Magnaporthe oryzae) is considered the most destructive rice disease all over the world. Dimetindene maleate is used in medication against allergic reactions in humans. Dimetindene maleate used to induce systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in rice (Oryza sativa L.) in order to protect rice plants from blast disease.

RESULTS

Dimetindene maleate was not effective against fungus linear growth in vitro. In glasshouse conditions, dimetindene maleate significantly improved resistance at 25, 50, 125, 250, 500 and 1000 mg L−1 concentrations. Leaf blast severity reached 14.18% on plants treated with the most effective concentration of 125 mg L−1 compared with control plants. In field conditions during both seasons (2016 and 2017), 125 mg L−1 dimetindene maleate decreased the disease severity to 1.1% and 2.7%, respectively, after 30 days of treatment. Also, grain yield was increased to 13.27 and 12.90 t ha–1 in 2016 and 2017 seasons, respectively. Moreover, dimetindene maleate induces some of the indicators for salicylic acid and jasmonic acid pathways via gene expression. These genes include OsWRKY45, OsNPR1, AOS2, JAMYB and PBZ1 (OsPR10), recording 15.14‐, 16.47‐, 5.3‐, 5.37‐ and 5.1‐fold changes, respectively, 12‐h postinoculation.

CONCLUSION

The results overview investigated the effectiveness of dimetindene maleate for increasing rice resistance to blast disease through inducing SAR in rice plants under glasshouse and field conditions, which could be through the SA defense pathway by expression of genes (OsWRKY45 and OsNPR1). © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Enhanced and sustainable control of Myzus persicae by repellent plants in organic pepper and eggplant greenhouses
Authors: Wang Jie , Li Shu , Fang Yan , Zhang Fan , Jin Zhen‐Yu , Desneux Nicolas , Wang Su
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Repellent plants (RPs), generally used to keep pests away from crops in integrated pest management, have been shown to reduce the need for synthetic insecticide sprays in various agroecosystems. However, few studies have evaluated the pest control efficiency of RPs over the entire growth period of crops. To evaluate the effect of RPs against Myzus persicae and explore the application and management modes of RPs in the field, we planted mint (Mentha haplocalyx), mung bean (Vigna radiata), celery (Apium graveolens) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum) near the ventilation openings of commercial greenhouses.

RESULTS

Five‐month sampling results showed that mung bean and mint treatments significantly reduced M. persicae population levels over the entire growth period, whereas celery and coriander reduced aphid infestations during the main harvest period of eggplant. The four RP species showed the strongest repellence during their fast‐growth periods. Mung bean and mint shortened the activity period of M. persicae in pepper by delaying the pest in reaching its peak activity. Celery and coriander reduced aphid density on eggplant during their main activity period. Mint, celery and coriander inhibited population growth in M. persicae in the laboratory, revealing the potential value of RPs in reducing M. persicae population levels in the field.

CONCLUSION

Mint, mung bean, celery and coriander planted near ventilation openings could be used to control M. persicae infestations in commercial greenhouses. Early planting and timely replanting of RPs is a more effective, environmentally friendly and suitable method for organic pest control compared with chemical pesticides. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Regulatory utility of pharmacometrics in the development and evaluation of antimicrobial agents and its recent progress in China
Authors: Zhao Ming , Chen Yuancheng , Yang Dong , Lyu Cheng , Bian Xingchen , Li Xin , Qiu Weiyi , Huang Zhiwei , Hu Zijian , Zhang Jing
Published: October 2021

Pharmacometrics is an emerging science that interprets drug, disease, and trial information in a mathematical fashion to inform and facilitate efficient drug development and/or regulatory decisions. Pharmacometrics study is increasingly adopted in the regulatory review of new antimicrobial agents. We summarized the 31 antimicrobial agents approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the 26 antimicrobial agents approved by European Medicines Agency (EMA) from January 2001 to May 2019. We also reviewed recent examples of utilizing pharmacometrics to support antimicrobial agent’s registration in China, including modeling and simulation methods, effects of internal/external factors on pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters, safety and efficacy evaluation in terms of exposure‐response analysis, refinement of the wording of product labeling and package leaflet, and possible postmarketing clinical trial. Ongoing communication among regulator, academia, and industry regarding pharmacometrics is encouraged to streamline and facilitate the development of new antimicrobial agents. The industry can maximize its benefit in drug development through continued pharmacometrics education/training.
Silver Nanoparticle‐Loaded Contact Lenses for Blue‐Yellow Color Vision Deficiency
Authors: Salih Ahmed E. , Shanti Aya , Elsherif Mohamed , Alam Fahad , Lee Sungmun , Polychronopoulou Kyriaki , Almaskari Fahad , AlSafar Habiba , Yetisen Ali K. , Butt Haider
Published: October 2021

Contact lenses can be functionalized to offer advanced capabilities transcending their primary applications in vision correction and cosmetics. Herein, 40 and 60 nm spherical silver nanoparticles (SNPs) are integrated within poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) contact lenses toward fabrication of SNP‐loaded contact lenses with excellent optical and material properties as wearables for blue‐yellow color vision deficiency (CVD) patients. The morphology and optical properties of the SNPs are characterized prepolymerization using the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and an optical spectrophotometer. Then, the transmission spectra of the SNP‐loaded contact lenses at different concentrations along with the wettability and water content are measured, to demonstrate the effect of NPs’ addition on the lenses’ optical and material characteristics. Results indicate that the transmission spectra of SNP‐loaded contact lenses, with optimum concentrations, filter out problematic wavelengths of visible light (485–495 nm), which will facilitate better color distinction for blue‐yellow CVD patients. The contact lenses’ optical properties are analogous to the commercial colorblind glasses, indicating their effectiveness as color filtering wearables. Finally, the cytobiocompatability analysis of the contact lenses to RAW 264.7 culture of cells shows that they are biocompatible, and the cell viability remains higher than 75% after 24 h in contact with the lenses.
Understanding the relationship of storm‐ to large‐scale environment in the monsoon trough region: results inferred from long‐term radar and reanalysis datasets
Authors: Jha Abhishek Kumar , Das Subrata Kumar , Deshpande Sachin M. , Murali Krishna U. V.
Published: October 2021

Monsoon trough (MT) convection exhibits multiscale spatial variability ranging from cellular storms to large organized convective systems. Understanding the relationships between storm‐scale convection and the large‐scale environment is crucial for accurately representing the properties and effect of convection in climate models. We investigate these relationships using nine wet seasons (June–September of 2009–2017) of S‐band radar observations over a tropical location (Kolkata) in the Indian summer monsoon trough region. A Lagrangian‐based objective cell‐tracking method, Thunderstorm Identification, Tracking, Analysis, and Nowcasting (TITAN), is applied to the volumetric reflectivity data to identify and track the convective storms. ERA5 hourly reanalysis products from the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) are utilized for the field variables representing the large‐scale environment. We focus on the relationships of radar‐derived storm properties with large‐scale dynamic, thermodynamic, and stability variables such as convergence, mid‐level humidity, convective available potential energy (CAPE), and convective inhibition (CIN). Storm‐scale convection shows a selective nature, characterized as embedded cells in their unique environment. Furthermore, storms are classified as storm cells (simple and intense) and multicellular (linear and nonlinear) based on their geometrical properties and intensity. MT convection is predominantly composed of storm cells and characterized by an environment of moist mid‐level, low‐to‐moderate CAPE, low CIN, and strong dynamic forcing, that is, vertical ascent. In dry and weak dynamic forcing (i.e., subsiding atmosphere) with high CAPE and CIN, the highest rain intensity is associated with a few linear and nonlinear multicellular storms. In the development of such major linear and nonlinear multicellular storms over the eastern flank of the MT, the mid‐troposphere acts as a dry capping inversion. It is observed that the storm‐scale convection varies with the large‐scale dynamic forcing. During weak (strong) dynamic forcing conditions, the CAPE (mid‐level humidity) relates well with the observed storm‐scale convection.
An ADRC‐based PID tuning rule
Authors: Zhong Sheng , Huang Yi , Guo Lei
Published: October 2021

This article puts forward an active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) based tuning rule to the well‐known proportional‐integral‐derivative (PID) control for a class of multi‐input multi‐output non‐affine uncertain systems. It is proved that the PID control with the ADRC‐based tuning rule can guarantee satisfied tracking performance, both for the transient phase and the steady state. Furthermore, it is illustrated that, with the new tuning rule, the PID control is able to timely estimate and compensate for the nonlinear and coupled uncertainties, which explains the reason why PID control does have large‐scale robustness with respect to the uncertainties and can achieve decoupling control with a simple structure. The theoretical results are verified by simulations.
A family of mixture models for biclustering
Authors: Tu Wangshu , Subedi Sanjeena
Published: October 2021

Biclustering is used for simultaneous clustering of the observations and variables when there is no group structure known a priori. It is being increasingly used in bioinformatics, text analytics, and so on. Previously, biclustering has been introduced in a model‐based clustering framework by utilizing a structure similar to a mixture of factor analyzers. In such models, observed variablesare modeled using a latent variablethat is assumed to be from. Clustering of variables are introduced by imposing constraints on the entries of the factor loading matrix to be 0 and 1 that results in block diagonal covariance matrices. However, this approach is overly restrictive as off‐diagonal elements in the blocks of the covariance matrices can only be 1 which can lead to unsatisfactory model fit on complex data. Here, the latent variableis assumed to be from awhereis a diagonal matrix. This ensures that the off‐diagonal terms in the block matrices within the covariance matrices are non‐zero and not restricted to be 1. This leads to a superior model fit on complex data. A family of models is developed by imposing constraints on the components of the covariance matrix. For parameter estimation, an alternating expectation conditional maximization (AECM) algorithm is used. Finally, the proposed method is illustrated using simulated and real datasets.
Ratio estimators of intervention effects on event rates in cluster randomized trials
Authors: Ma Xiangmei , Milligan Paul , Lam Kwok Fai , Cheung Yin Bun
Published: October 2021

We consider five asymptotically unbiased estimators of intervention effects on event rates in non‐matched and matched‐pair cluster randomized trials, including ratio of mean counts , ratio of mean cluster‐level event rates , ratio of event rates , double ratio of counts , and double ratio of event rates . In the absence of an indirect effect, they all estimate the direct effect of the intervention. Otherwise, , and estimate the total effect, which comprises the direct and indirect effects, whereas and estimate the direct effect only. We derive the conditions under which each estimator is more precise or powerful than its alternatives. To control bias in studies with a small number of clusters, we propose a set of approximately unbiased estimators. We evaluate their properties by simulation and apply the methods to a trial of seasonal malaria chemoprevention. The approximately unbiased estimators are practically unbiased and their confidence intervals usually have coverage probability close to the nominal level; the asymptotically unbiased estimators perform well when the number of clusters is approximately 32 or more per trial arm. Despite its simplicity, performs comparably with and in trials with a large but realistic number of clusters. When the variability of baseline event rate is large and there is no indirect effect, and tend to offer higher power than , and . We discuss the implications of these findings to the planning and analysis of cluster randomized trials.
Continuous‐Flow Preparation of Benzotropolones: Combined Batch and Flow Synthesis of Epigenetic Modulators of the (JmjC)‐Containing Domain
Authors: Souto José A.
Published: October 2021

A continuous flow synthetic protocol for the preparation of benzotropolones, and further derivatization to yield a recently described inhibitor of (JmjC)‐containing domain enzymes is described. Our procedure renders the desired compound in an efficient and reproducible manner and paves the way towards the preparation of higher amounts of the product, needed for more extensive biological studies.
Carbon Yarn‐Ball‐Entangled SiO2 Anode with Excellent Electrochemical Performance for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Dan , Wang Tongshuai , He Miao , Wang Ting , Wang Hailong
Published: October 2021

Various nanoscale SiO2 and their composites have demonstrated superior electrochemical performance as anodes for lithium‐ion batteries. However, both the battery production and real applications require the integration of nanoscale SiO2 into micrometer‐sized secondary particles while preserving their excellent stability and conductivity, which remains a great challenge. In this work, a unique carbon yarn‐ball structure is successfully synthesized that entangles nanoscale SiO2 together to build a micrometer‐sized secondary particle. The hook‐like carbon wires closely adhere to individual SiO2 nanoparticles, which constitute the basic unit of the yarn‐ball structure. The entangled carbon wires create a network of electron conduction highways for SiO2, and the yarn‐ball structure provides a resilient 3D matrix that can effectively buffer the anisotropic volume changes of SiO2 during Li ion insertion/extraction. Under 0.1 A g−1, the carbon yarn‐ball‐entangled SiO2 can deliver a 1297 mAh g−1 discharge capacity with a small irreversible capacity of 82 mAh g−1. The entangled carbon yarn ball firmly maintains its structural integrity during high‐rate cycling (1 A g−1), which gives rise to a large accessible capacity (709 mAh g−1, 90.7% retention for 500 cycles), superior coulombic efficiency (>99.9%), and excellent structural stability.
Octopus‐Type Crown‐Bisphthalocyaninate Anchor for Bottom‐Up Assembly of Supramolecular Bilayers with Expanded Redox‐Switching Capability
Authors: Shokurov Alexander V. , Yagodin Alexey V. , Martynov Alexander G. , Gorbunova Yulia G. , Tsivadze Aslan Yu. , Selektor Sofiya L.
Published: October 2021

Achievement of information storage at molecular level remains a pressing task in miniaturization of computing technology. One of the promising approaches for its practical realization is development of nanoscale molecular switching materials including redox‐active systems. The present work demonstrates a concept of expansion of a number of available redox‐states of self‐assembled monolayers through supramolecular approach. For this, the authors synthesized an octopus‐like heteroleptic terbium(III) bisphthalocyaninate bearing one ligand with eight thioacetate‐terminated “tentacles” (octopus‐Pc) and a ligand with four crown‐ether moieties (H2[(15C5)4Pc]). It is shown that octopus‐Pc forms stable monolayers on gold, where its face‐on orientation allows for subsequent binding of crown‐phthalocyanine molecules via potassium ion bridges. This chemistry is utilized to form a heterogeneous bilayer, in which a single molecule thick adlayer brings an additional redox‐state to the system, thus expanding the multistability of the system as a whole. All four redox states available to this system exhibit characteristic absorbance in visible range, allowing for the switching to be easily read out using optical density measurements. The proposed approach can be used in wide range of switchable materials—single‐molecule magnets, conductive, and optical devices, etc.
Study on the Spatial Distribution of Argon Bubbles in a Steel Slab Continuous Casting Strand
Authors: Liu Zhentong , Zhang Lifeng , Zhou Haichen , Chen Wei
Published: October 2021

The spatial distribution of argon bubbles in an 1800 mm × 230 mm continuous casting strand under different casting speeds and argon flow rates are studied through the numerical simulation using the Euler–Euler‐multiple‐size‐group approach. The calculated fluid flow is validated with water modeling and nail board measurements of industrial trials. Argon bubbles with diameter of 2 mm are injected into the submerged entry nozzle (SEN). The speed of the molten steel near the SEN decreased with the casting speed increasing and increased with the argon flow rate increasing. Most of argon bubbles are larger than 4.5 mm inside the mold at the casting speed of 0.6 m min−1 and the argon flow rate of 18 NL min−1. The breakup rate of bubbles inside the mold increased with the increasing of the casting speed and the coalescence rate increased with the increasing of the argon flow rate. The coalescence and breakage of argon bubbles inside the mold mainly occurred during the rising of bubbles to the top surface and the moving of bubbles with the steel jet to the narrow face. The average diameter of bubbles decreased when the casting speed increased and the diameter increased when the argon flow rate increased.
Kranbahnen aus der Sicht des Kransachverständigen
Authors: Thoß Reiner
Published: October 2021

Wenn die Harmonie zwischen Kran und Kranbahn nicht stimmt, ist Gefahr in Verzug, zumindest so lange, bis man die Ursache der Störung kennt und entsprechend reagiert. Da geht es schnell um Leben und Gesundheit für die an der Anlage Beschäftigten. Kranstillstände führen darüber hinaus zu unabsehbaren wirtschaftlichen Folgen. Die Kranbahnen gaben immer wieder Anlass zu schwerwiegenden Beanstandungen. Oft musste der Kransachverständige die dringende Empfehlung zur Einstellung des Kranbetriebs oder gar nicht erst zur Aufnahme desselben geben. Der folgende Beitrag soll nun anhand reicher Erfahrungen diese Problematik untersetzen.
Review of European design provisions for buckling of aluminium members with longitudinal welds – part 3
Authors: Misiek Thomas , Norlin Bert , Gitter Reinhold , Höglund Torsten
Published: October 2021

As part of the ongoing revision of the Eurocodes, design provisions in EN 1999‐1‐1 on the buckling of longitudinally welded aluminium compression members have been subjected to a critical review. The numerical investigations described in part 1 of the paper were conducted because a need for improvement was identified. In part 2 the main observations were presented qualitatively. Part 3, the final part of the paper, presents the statistical evaluation of the numerical investigations and the determination of the buckling curves. Two different approaches are conceivable for these buckling curves: conventional buckling curves with explicitly specified imperfection factor and plateau length parameters, and a modified Ayrton‐Perry approach with interpolated parameters. Both approaches are compared with the results of the numerical investigations and with test results.
Utility of a Novel Scale to Assess Readiness for Discharge After Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Seip Richard L. , Lee Samantha , McLaughlin Tara , Staff Ilene , Nsereko Aloys , Thompson Stephen , Santana Connie , Tishler Darren S. , Papasavas Pavlos
Published: October 2021

Background

The safe release of a patient from hospital care after bariatric surgery depends upon the achievement of satisfactory health status. Here, we describe a new objective scale (the Readiness for Discharge, RFD Scale) to measure the patient's suitability for hospital discharge after bariatric surgery.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, observational analysis of data collected in a randomized clinical trial of an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy from 3/15/2018 to 1/12/2019. Nursing staff assessed 122 patients every 4–8 h after surgery using a checklist to document 5 components: ambulation, vital signs, pain, nausea, and oral intake of clear fluid. Satisfaction of each component was scored as “1” (satisfactory) or “0” (not satisfactory). Scores were summed and analyzed for patterns. RFD = 5 marked the patient as ready for discharge.

Results

Sufficient intake of clear liquid was the last RFD component satisfied in 87% of patients. Two overall response patterns emerged: “Steady Progressors” (n = 51) whose RFD score rose steadily from 0 to 5 without reversion to a lower score; and “Oscillators” (n = 71) who had at least one temporary decrease in RFD score on the way to attaining 5, or showed a simultaneous oscillation of components without change in RFD.

Conclusions

The RFD checklist allows objective scoring of medical readiness for discharge after LSG and has the potential to improve clinical communication.
Validation of a two-layer depth-averaged model by comparison with an experimental dilute stratified pyroclastic density current
Authors: Shimizu Hiroyuki A. , Koyaguchi Takehiro , Suzuki Yujiro J. , Brosch Ermanno , Lube Gert , Cerminara Matteo
Published: October 2021

Numerical results of a two-layer depth-averaged model of pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) were compared with an experimental PDC generated at the international eruption simulator facility (the Pyroclastic flow Eruption Large-scale Experiment (PELE)) to establish a minimal dynamical model of PDCs with stratification of particle concentrations. In the present two-layer model, the stratification in PDCs is modeled as a voluminous suspended-load layer with low particle volume fractions ($$\lesssim {10}^{-3})$$

≲

10

-
3

)

and a thin basal bed-load layer with higher particle volume fractions ($$\sim {10}^{-2}$$

∼

10

-
2

) on the basis of the source condition in the experiment. Numerical results for the suspended load quantitatively reproduce the time evolutions of the front position and flow thickness in the experimental PDC. The numerical results of the bed-load and deposit thicknesses depend on an assumed value of settling speed at the bottom of the bed load ($${W}_{\mathrm{sH}}$$

W
sH

). We show that the thicknesses of bed load and deposit in the simulations agree well with the experimental data, when $${W}_{\mathrm{sH}}$$

W
sH

is set to about $$1.25\times {10}^{-2}$$

1.25
×

10

-
2

m/s. This value of the settling speed is two orders of magnitude smaller than that predicted by a hindered-settling model. The small value of $${W}_{\mathrm{sH}}$$

W
sH

is considered to result from decreasing in the effective deposition speed due to the erosion process accompanied by saltating/rolling of particles at the bottom of the bed load.
Deep learning based decomposition for visual navigation in industrial platforms
Authors: Djenouri Youcef , Hatleskog Johan , Hjelmervik Jon , Bjorne Elias , Utstumo Trygve , Mobarhan Milad
Published: October 2021

In the heavy asset industry, such as oil & gas, offshore personnel need to locate various equipment on the installation on a daily basis for inspection and maintenance purposes. However, locating equipment in such GPS denied environments is very time consuming due to the complexity of the environment and the large amount of equipment. To address this challenge we investigate an alternative approach to study the navigation problem based on visual imagery data instead of current ad-hoc methods where engineering drawings or large CAD models are used to find equipment. In particular, this paper investigates the combination of deep learning and decomposition for the image retrieval problem which is central for visual navigation. A convolutional neural network is first used to extract relevant features from the image database. The database is then decomposed into clusters of visually similar images, where several algorithms have been explored in order to make the clusters as independent as possible. The Bag-of-Words (BoW) approach is then applied on each cluster to build a vocabulary forest. During the searching process the vocabulary forest is exploited to find the most relevant images to the query image. To validate the usefulness of the proposed framework, intensive experiments have been carried out using both standard datasets and images from industrial environments. We show that the suggested approach outperforms the BoW-based image retrieval solutions, both in terms of computing time and accuracy. We also show the applicability of this approach on real industrial scenarios by applying the model on imagery data from offshore oil platforms.
Undetermined Choices, Luck and the Enhancement Problem
Authors: Elzein Nadine
Published: October 2021

If indeterminism is to be necessary for moral responsibility, we must show that it doesn’t preclude responsibility (the Luck Problem) and that it might enhance it (the Enhancement Problem). A ‘strong luck claim’ motivates the Luck Problem: if an agent’s choice is undetermined, then her mental life will be causally irrelevant to her choice, whichever way she decides. A ‘weak luck claim’ motivates the Enhancement Problem: if an agent’s choice is undetermined, then even if her mental life is causally relevant to her choice, whichever way she decides, we cannot explain how shesettlesher choice. Only the weak luck claim is plausible. However, its plausibility depends on our accepting that we could only settle our choices if they are settled by additional exercises of agency. If we instead understand the process of settling decisions in procedural terms, we can begin to sketch a solution to the Enhancement Problem.
An auxiliary crack approach for efficient approximative crack tip loading analyses
Authors: Judt Paul O. , Ricoeur Andreas
Published: October 2021

An efficient approach based on the path-independent interaction-integral (I-integral) is suggested for assessing the crack tip loading in elastic structures without having to geometrically model a physical crack. Exploiting just the elastic solution of the uncracked structure, theI-integral is adapted incorporating the closed formulation of crack tip stress and displacement fields of an auxiliary crack, which in this approach is interpreted as hypothetical physical crack. Different specimens and crack configurations are investigated, sparing the expensive numerical modeling of discontinuities, and stress intensity factors are assessed according to the auxiliary crack approach. Various results are verified based on classic crack tip loading analyses.
Individual hurricane evacuation intentions during the COVID-19 pandemic: insights for risk communication and emergency management policies
Authors: Botzen W. J. Wouter , Mol Jantsje M. , Robinson Peter J. , Zhang Juan , Czajkowski Jeffrey
Published: October 2021

The U.S. 2020 hurricane season was extraordinary because of a record number of named storms coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. This study draws lessons on how individual hurricane preparedness is influenced by the additional risk stemming from a pandemic, which turns out to be a combination of perceptions of flood and pandemic risks that have opposite effects on preparedness behavior. We conducted a survey in early June 2020 of 600 respondents in flood-prone areas in Florida to obtain insights into households’ risk perceptions and preparedness for the upcoming hurricane season under COVID-19. The results show that concerns over COVID-19 dominated flood risk perceptions and negatively impacted people’s evacuation intentions. Whereas hotel costs were the main obstacle to evacuating during Hurricane Dorian in 2019 in the same geographic study area, the main evacuation obstacle identified in the 2020 hurricane season is COVID-19. Our statistical analyses investigating the factors influencing evacuation intentions show that older individuals are less likely to evacuate under a voluntary order, because they are more concerned about the consequences of becoming infected by COVID-19. We observe similar findings based on a real-time survey we conducted in Florida with another group of respondents under the threat of Hurricane Eta at the end of the hurricane season in November 2020. We discuss the implications of our findings for risk communication and emergency management policies that aim to improve hurricane preparedness when dealing with additional health risks such as a pandemic, a situation that may be exacerbated under the future climate.
Narratives in power and policy design: the case of border management and external migration controls in Italy
Authors: Terlizzi Andrea
Published: October 2021

This article explores the relationship between policy narratives and the design of the Italian border management and external migration control regime in the last two decades. First, drawing from the theory of social construction and policy design and through a qualitative application of the Narrative Policy Framework, the article traces the evolution of narratives developed by key actors in government. Second, it investigates the design of the Italian externalization policy. Empirical material is drawn from government documents and decision-makers’ parliamentary interventions, press conferences, speeches, newspaper interviews and op-eds. The evidence shows that the dominant narratives have remained constant over time. Humanitarian rhetoric has been mobilized to justify and legitimize the implementation of security measures through bilateral agreements signed with African countries. The implications of such a design are relevant in that it poses serious concerns in terms of respect for migrants’ human rights. Overall, the article offers new insights into the empirical investigation of policy narratives and sheds light on the role of narratives in the social construction of migration policy design.
Inequality of Opportunity in Tertiary Education: Evidence from Europe
Authors: Palmisano Flaviana , Biagi Federico , Peragine Vito
Published: October 2021

This study provides comparable lower-bound estimates of inequality of opportunity for tertiary education (EIOp) for 31 countries in Europe, by using the two EU-SILC waves for which information on family background is available (2005 and 2011). The results reveal an important degree of heterogeneity, with Northern European countries showing low levels of inequality of opportunity and Mediterranean and Eastern European countries characterized by significant degrees of unfair educational inequalities. Parental education and occupation are the most relevant circumstances in the great majority of the countries considered. This study also exploits the two point-in-time observations available and analyses the relationship between some country-specific characteristics and inequality of opportunity in tertiary education. The analysis documents a negative association between EIOp and real GDP per capita, possibly indicating that higher equality of opportunity in tertiary education and economic growth are complementary objectives. Two results emerge as especially robust: in all the specifications we find a positive association between EIOp and the students/teacher ratio, and a negative one between EIOp and public spending in tertiary education. While we do not claim that such correlations should be interpreted causally, we think that they might indicate a meaningful underlying relationship between equality of opportunity in tertiary education and the availability of financial and non-financial resources.