bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Earlier Receipt of a Lower Limb Prosthesis on Emergency Department Utilization
Authors: Miller Taavy A. , Paul Rajib , Forthofer Melinda , Wurdeman Shane R. 
Published: October 2020

IntroductionAdverse events after a lower limb amputation (LLA) can negatively affect the rehabilitation process and may lead to emergency department (ED) visits. Earlier receipt of a prosthesis, as compared to delayed or not receiving a prosthesis, may decrease or moderate the risk of increased ED utilization. In addition, adverse events (ie, fall‐related injury [FRI]) may be associated with increased health care utilization as measured by ED use. The implication of the timing of prosthesis provision after amputation and reduced ED use is not well established. Obtaining data about ED utilization early post‐LLA could assist the rehabilitation team in ensuring timely and appropriate access to improve outcomes.ObjectiveTo determine the role that timing of prosthesis receipt has in ED utilization and the association of fall/FRI with health care utilization.DesignRetrospective observational cohort using commercial claims data. A logistic regression model was used to assess factors that influence ED utilization post‐LLA.SettingWatson/Truven administrative database 2014 to 2016.ParticipantsThe study sample consisted of 510 adults age 18 to 64 years with continuous enrollment for 3 years.InterventionsIndependent variables included age, sex, diabetes status, amputation level, fall diagnosis, and prosthesis receipt. Fall was defined as presence of a diagnosis code in any outpatient procedure after the amputation date.Main Outcome MeasureED use after amputation was defined as the presence of procedure codes that billed for ED services (99281 to 99285).ResultsIndividuals who receive a prosthesis early, within 0 to 3 months, post‐LLA were 48% (odds ratio [OR] 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.28 to 0.97) less likely to use the ED compared to those who did not receive a prosthesis. Individuals who experienced a fall/FRI had 2.8 (OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.23 to 6.66) times the odds of ED utilization.ConclusionReceipt of a prosthesis reduces the risk of ED use. The current study underscores the value of prostheses during the rehabilitation process after LLA.
Dual catalysis with an N‐heterocyclic carbene and a Lewis acid: Thermally latent precatalyst for the polymerization of ε‐caprolactam
Authors: Altmann Hagen J. , Steinmann Mark , Elser Iris , Benedikter Mathis J. , Naumann Stefan , Buchmeiser Michael R. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSo far, the earlier reported strong correlation between basicity of an N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and its reactivity in poly(ε‐caprolactam) (PA6) synthesis resulted in a substantial limitation of applicable carbenes. Here, to overcome this issue, 1,3‐dimethylimidazolium‐2‐carboxylate, an easily accessible, air and moisture‐stable NHC, was applied as thermally latent initiator. In order to compensate for its low basicity, reactivity was enhanced by the addition of both a Lewis acid and an activator to ease the initial polymerization step. The resulting mixtures of ε‐caprolactam, the CO2‐protected NHC, a Lewis acid and N‐acylazepan‐2‐one constitute homogeneous, thermally fully latent “single‐component” blends for the anionic polymerization‐based synthesis of PA6. They can be stored both in the liquid and solid state for days and months, respectively, without any loss in activity. The role of the Lewis acid as well as technical implications of the prolonged pot‐times are discussed.
Can targeting information on cancer‐related psychosocial services by male gender and rurality improve attitude to service use in this difficult‐to‐engage population?
Authors: Harrison Nathan J. , Gunn Kate M. , Wilson Carlene J. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveRural men affected by cancer are difficult to engage in psychosocial support services. This exploratory study tested whether exposure to printed brochures describing services, distinguished by a focus on rural men affected by cancer, resulted in more positive help‐seeking attitudes than exposure to material focused on rural location only or generic cancer support material.MethodsTargeted versions of a South Australian Cancer Council service brochure were developed to enhance cultural appropriateness, consistent with the Elaboration Likelihood Model. Rural men affected by cancer were recruited via supportive accommodation and randomized to receive one of the three brochures. The primary outcome was positive attitude to help‐seeking at post‐test (between 1 and 2 days). Negative attitudes to help‐seeking, intention to seek help, perceived isolation, and service use were secondary outcomes; perceived information relevance at immediate post‐test was also measured.ResultsAnalysis (N = 114) indicated no detectable group differences (rurality/male gender, n = 33; rurality, n = 41; control, n = 40) on primary or secondary outcome measures (p > 0.05). Participants' existing service use was high, due to the recruitment methods. Support service information was primarily sourced from other people (e.g., friends/family, 22.22%; medical professionals, 27.27%).ConclusionsExisting service use rates suggest that ceiling effects obscured any potential benefit from demographic targeting of materials. Further research should consider building understanding about the acceptability of targeting techniques in this population, replication with materials designed with greater consumer input, and employ samples recruited outside a support service.
Utilizing the TTOP model to understand spatial permafrost temperature variability in a High Arctic landscape, Cape Bounty, Nunavut, Canada
Authors: Garibaldi Madeleine C. , Bonnaventure Philip P. , Lamoureux Scott F. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGround surface and permafrost temperatures in the High Arctic are often considered homogeneous especially when viewed at the scale of climate and environmental models. However, this is generally incorrect due to highly variable, topographically redistributed snow cover, which generates a substantial degree of ground thermal heterogeneity. The objective of this study is to describe and spatially model the variability in the ground thermal regime within the Cape Bounty Arctic Watershed Observatory (CBAWO), Nunavut, Canada, using the TTOP model, for current conditions in addition to a series of future climate change scenarios. While observed air temperature was mostly uniform, annual mean ground surface and permafrost temperatures across the paired watersheds were estimated to range between −3.8 to −13.8°C and −3.9 to −14°C, respectively, similar to the −5 to −15°C magnitude and range identified from boreholes across the High Arctic. The spatial models showed higher ground surface temperatures in topographic hollows (slope bases and stream channels), and lower temperatures in areas of topographic prominence (hilltops and plateaus) following the spatial pattern of snow accumulation and redistribution. Under projected climate change, the models predicted areas with the coldest permafrost to have the largest magnitude of warming (about 9°C), while areas of warm permafrost became closer to 0°C (warming 4–7°C). This thermal heterogeneity may have implications for ground instability such as permafrost‐related mass movements, hydrological connectivity, biogeochemical cycling, and microbial activity, which influence water quality and contaminant mobility.
A Review of the Catalytic Effects of Lead‐Based Ballistic Modifiers on the Combustion Chemistry of Double Base Propellants
Authors: Warren Lisette R. , Wang Zixuan , Pulham Colin R. , Morrison Carole A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractLead‐based compounds are the current industry‐standard ballistic modifier for double‐base propellants, but there is a pressing need for alternatives as incoming European legislation will soon ban their use. This review article introduces the main concepts and terminologies in the combustion chemistry of double‐base propellants, and critically evaluates the four theories put forward in the literature to account for the ballistic modifier effect, namely (i) photochemical, (ii) chelating/complex, (iii) carbon soot, and (iv) free radical theories. We also review the literature on current trends in ballistic modifier research and note the emerging potential of oxide nanoparticles (in particular Bi2WO6) and Cu/Bi encapsulated in carbon nanotubes as lead‐free ballistic modifier additives.
Using phenology models to estimate insecticide effects on population dynamics: examples from codling moth and obliquebanded leafroller
Authors: Jones Vincent P 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDPhenology models based on degree‐days were modified to estimate the effects of insecticide applications on the codling moth,Cydia pomonella (L.), and the obliquebanded leafroller,Choristoneura rosaceana(Harris) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Because the models inherently track stage structure of the population over the course of the season, stage specific mortality can be applied for various durations and intensities allowing the user to simulate different types of pesticides (ovicides, larvicides, organic or conventional materials). The models presented incorporate reproduction, effects of an application on subsequent generations, and the effects of each insecticide by itself as well as the combination of all the treatments. By comparing the treated populations to an untreated control, an estimate of how much the population size is reduced by different treatment programs over the entire season provides a clear assessment of the effectiveness of the treatment program. Simulations for codling moth also allow the insecticide effects to be simulated in conjunction with mating disruption (or not) and simulations for obliquebanded leafroller include the effect of insecticides on both instars 1–3 and 4–6.RESULTSThe simulations show there are distinct windows of opportunity for management programs, with rather large windows where an insecticide application has only a minor effect on population growth and also shows that intergenerational effects greatly affect optimal timings in subsequent generations.CONCLUSIONThe models are especially useful in assessing current management strategies, testing potential improvements in timings, and evaluating cost savings and reducing non‐target effects.
Distribution of insecticide resistance and molecular mechanisms involved in the West Nile vector Culex pipiens in Morocco
Authors: Arich Soukaina , Assaid Najlaa , Taki Hassan , Weill Mylène , Labbé Pierrick , Sarih M'hammed 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDMosquitoes of the Culex pipiens complex are the vectors of several arboviruses and are thus subjected to insecticide control worldwide. However, overuse of insecticides selects for resistance. While assessing the resistance status of the vectors is required for effective and sustainable disease control, resistance has so far only been sparsely studied in Morocco. In this study, we establish a first countrywide assessment of the levels of resistance to various insecticides and the potential responsible mechanisms involved.Cx. pipiens larvae were collected from natural populations of five regions of Morocco, and their taxonomic status was determined (molecular forms). The level of their susceptibility to insecticides was assessed by single‐diagnostic‐dose bioassays. Molecular identification of known resistance alleles was investigated to determine the frequency of target‐site mutations.RESULTSThis study confirms that Moroccan populations are an interbreeding mix of pipiens and molestus forms, with large gene flow for the resistance alleles. We also found that Cx. pipiens mosquitoes are resistant to all insecticide families, all over Morocco: resistance is high for insecticides used in mosquito control, but also present for other pesticides. Resistance alleles are similarly more frequent for mosquito control insecticides. However, their distribution is heterogeneous in the five regions, with significant genetic differentiation between populations, revealing the crucial role of local insecticide treatment practices.CONCLUSIONThis study provides reference countrywide data that highlight the need for further research to refine the distribution of resistance in Morocco and to understand the role of agriculture/urban residuals in its spread. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparison of optimal accelerated life tests with competing risks model under exponential distribution
Authors: Fan Tsai‐Hung , Wang Yi‐Fu 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAccelerated life testing (ALT) is the process of testing products by subjecting them to strict conditions in order to observe more failure data in a short time period. In this study, we compare the methods of two‐level constant‐stress ALT (CSALT) and simple step‐stress ALT (SSALT) based on competing risks of two or more failure modes with independent exponential lifetime distributions. Optimal sample size allocation during CSALT and the optimal stress change‐time in SSALT are considered based on V‐ and D‐optimality , respectively. Under Type‐I censoring, numerical results show that the optimal SSALT outperforms the optimal CSALT in a wide variety of settings. We theoretically also show that the optimal SSALT is better than the optimal CSALT under a set of conditions. A real data example is analyzed to demonstrate the performance of the optimal plans for both ALTs.
Robotic enucleation for oesophageal benign and borderline tumours: Less is more?
Authors: Tribuzi Angela , Bencini Lapo , Paolini Claudia , Di Marino Michele , Coratti Andrea 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundOesophageal benign to borderline tumours are rare entities, and their optimal treatment strategy remains controversial. Surgical robotic enucleation is an option to optimize their management.MethodsWe prospectively collected data on seven consecutive oesophageal benign to borderline tumours operated robotically over a 4‐year period. Patient baseline characteristics, perioperative outcomes and medium‐term follow‐ups were reviewed and analysed retrospectively.ResultsTwo patients underwent a robotic oesophagectomy and five underwent a simple enucleation. These last were the objective of the final analysis. Median operative time was 150 min. Neither deaths nor postoperative complications occurred. Median oral feeding started on postoperative day 3.5. The median postoperative stay was 5 days. Final histopathology confirmed two gastrointestinal stromal tumours, two leiomyomas and one simple cyst.ConclusionsRobotic enucleation of oesophageal benign to borderline tumours is a feasible procedure in a dedicated oesophageal unit, with optimal perioperative outcomes in a small series of cases with limited follow‐up.
Two‐stage hybrid learning techniques for bankruptcy prediction*
Authors: Tsai Chih‐Fong 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMany machine learning‐based techniques have been used for the prediction of bankruptcy. They can be divided into single, ensemble, and hybrid learning techniques. This paper focuses on a two‐stage hybrid learning approach for bankruptcy prediction where, in the first stage, a clustering algorithm is used to perform the instance selection task in order to filter out a certain number of unrepresentative training data. The clustering results output from the first stage are used with a classification algorithm to construct the prediction model. The results of experiments based on five different country datasets show that the best support vector machine (SVM) classifier performance is obtained using instance selection by affinity propagation (AP) and k‐means individually. Moreover, we also find that although the best AP/k‐means and SVM combination is dataset dependent, the criteria for selecting representative training data are specific. This should become a guideline for developing bankruptcy prediction systems based on the hybrid learning approach.
Starch Pasting Properties, and the Effects of Banana Flour and Cassava Flour Addition to Semolina Flour on Starch and Amino Acid Digestion
Authors: Rachman Adetiya , Brennan Margaret A. , Morton James , Brennan Charles S. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis study evaluates the proximate composition, amylose, resistant starch, pasting properties, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacities, and amino acid profiles of banana flour and cassava flour in comparison to semolina flour. Banana flour and cassava flour have a lower protein content (4.54% and 1.41%) but higher total dietary fiber (16.46% and 10.99%) than semolina flour (12.36% and 7.07%, respectively). The two gluten‐free flours have a lower amylopectin content compared to semolina flour. Banana flour shows high nutritional qualities (resistant starch, TPC, and antioxidant capacities) compared to cassava and semolina flours. The amino acid evaluation shows that banana and cassava flours have a better ratio of total essential amino acid to total amino acid (35.37% and 29.95% vs 23.34%) but have lower limiting essential amino acid values (0.98% and 1.51% vs 11.12%) than semolina flour. Understanding the different physicochemical, functional, and nutritional properties of banana and cassava flours helps to inform the development of gluten‐free cereal products based on these flours.
Flexural capacity of steel‐FCB bar‐reinforced coral concrete beams
Authors: Wang Lei , Song Zhaoping , Huang Changshi , Ma Linjian , Fu Feng 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSteel‐fiber composite bar (SFCB) is a new technique with steel core embedded into the fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) bars, which solve the shortcomings of poor ductility and low stiffness of FRP‐reinforced concrete members. Based on the experimental study, flexural behavior of a new type concrete, SFCB bars‐reinforced coral concrete beams, is investigated. The deflection, failure mode, tensile strain, and ultimate flexural capacity of this new type of concrete beam are studied in detail through a series four‐points bending tests. The results show that the failure process of SFCB‐reinforced coral concrete beam can be divided into three main stages: elastic, cracking, and failure. Because exterior layer of SFCB bar is able to continue to withstand tensile stress after its steel core yield, hence, the flexural rigidity and flexural capacity of the beams both increase. The flexural stiffness of SFCB bars‐reinforced coral concrete beams is also increased, and the load‐deflection relation is more or less nonlinear. By using SFCB bars, the stiffness of the beams can be increased by about 20%. However, under high stress state, the relative slip between the carbon fiber and the concrete as well as that between the steel core and the carbon fiber cause tensile stress loss which weakened the flexural resistance of the SFCB bar‐reinforced coral concrete beam. The bonding performance between the round surface steel core and the carbon fiber is obviously weaker than that of the threaded surface steel core, and the steel core slip is more likely to occur under the higher tensile stress. When Using ACI440.1R‐15 and GB50608‐2010 to calculate the flexural capacity of the SFCB beams, the ratios of the theoretical value and the measured value from tests are 1.07 and 1.12, respectively. By introducing two new factors k1 and k2, a formula was developed through modification of the existing ones from ACI440.1R‐15 and GB50608‐2010 to calculate the ultimate flexural capacity of SFCB bar reinforced concrete beam which agrees as high as 93–99% with the experimental results.
Resistance of hydrophobic concrete with different moisture contents to advanced freeze–thaw cycles
Authors: Al‐Kheetan Mazen J. , Al‐Tarawneh Mu'ath , Ghaffar Seyed Hamidreza , Chougan Mehdi , Jweihan Yazeed S. , Rahman Mujib M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis article is aimed at investigating the long‐term performance of three original hydrophobic materials, namely, sodium acetate, fluoropolymer, and silicone resin. Their performance was compared with traditional silane when applied to fully dry concrete, fully saturated concrete, and concrete with 2 and 4% moisture content. A recently developed freeze–thaw process, which is based on temperature and humidity variations, was employed in this study to assess the durability of applied materials. The outcomes of the adopted freeze–thaw system were compared with the results obtained from running a conventional freeze–thaw test. Mass change, water absorption, and microcracks development of treated concrete were investigated and compared with untreated concrete after completing 6 months of freeze–thaw cycles. Results confirmed the high affinity of the proposed materials to moisture at application time compared with silane. Additionally, it was demonstrated that moisture content has a critical impact on the bonding between applied materials and concrete, hence their efficacy in enhancing the durability of concrete.
Antarctic ecosystem responses following ice‐shelf collapse and iceberg calving: Science review and future research
Authors: Ingels Jeroen , Aronson Richard B. , Smith Craig R. , Baco Amy , Bik Holly M. , Blake James A. , Brandt Angelika , Cape Mattias , Demaster David , Dolan Emily , Domack Eugene , Fire Spencer , Geisz Heidi , Gigliotti Michael , Griffiths Huw , Halanych Kenneth M. , Havermans Charlotte , Huettmann Falk , Ishman Scott , Kranz Sven A. , Leventer Amy , Mahon Andrew R. , McClintock James , McCormick Michael L. , Mitchell B. Greg , Murray Alison E. , Peck Lloyd , Rogers Alex , Shoplock Barbara , Smith Kathryn E. , Steffel Brittan , Stukel Michael R. , Sweetman Andrew K. , Taylor Michelle , Thurber Andrew R. , Truffer Martin , van de Putte Anton , Vanreusel Ann , Zamora‐Duran Maria Angelica 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe calving of A‐68, the 5,800‐km2, 1‐trillion‐ton iceberg shed from the Larsen C Ice Shelf in July 2017, is one of over 10 significant ice‐shelf loss events in the past few decades resulting from rapid warming around the Antarctic Peninsula. The rapid thinning, retreat, and collapse of ice shelves along the Antarctic Peninsula are harbingers of warming effects around the entire continent. Ice shelves cover more than 1.5 million km2 and fringe 75% of Antarctica's coastline, delineating the primary connections between the Antarctic continent, the continental ice, and the Southern Ocean. Changes in Antarctic ice shelves bring dramatic and large‐scale modifications to Southern Ocean ecosystems and continental ice movements, with global‐scale implications. The thinning and rate of future ice‐shelf demise is notoriously unpredictable, but models suggest increased shelf‐melt and calving will become more common. To date, little is known about sub‐ice‐shelf ecosystems, and our understanding of ecosystem change following collapse and calving is predominantly based on responsive science once collapses have occurred. In this review, we outline what is known about (a) ice‐shelf melt, volume loss, retreat, and calving, (b) ice‐shelf‐associated ecosystems through sub‐ice, sediment‐core, and pre‐collapse and post‐collapse studies, and (c) ecological responses in pelagic, sympagic, and benthic ecosystems. We then discuss major knowledge gaps and how science might address these gaps.This article is categorized under:
Climate, Ecology, and Conservation > Modeling Species and Community Interactions