bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A review of GIS methodologies to analyze the dynamics of COVID‐19 in the second half of 2020
Authors: Franch‐Pardo Ivan , Desjardins Michael R. , Barea‐Navarro Isabel , Cerdà Artemi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractCOVID‐19 has infected over 163 million people and has resulted in over 3.9 million deaths. Regarding the tools and strategies to research the ongoing pandemic, spatial analysis has been increasingly utilized to study the impacts of COVID‐19. This article provides a review of 221 scientific articles that used spatial science to study the pandemic published from June 2020 to December 2020. The main objectives are: to identify the tools and techniques used by the authors; to review the subjects addressed and their disciplines; and to classify the studies based on their applications. This contribution will facilitate comparisons with the body of work published during the first half of 2020, revealing the evolution of the COVID‐19 phenomenon through the lens of spatial analysis. Our results show that there was an increase in the use of both spatial statistical tools (e.g., geographically weighted regression, Bayesian models, spatial regression) applied to socioeconomic variables and analysis at finer spatial and temporal scales. We found an increase in remote sensing approaches, which are now widely applied in studies around the world. Lockdowns and associated changes in human mobility have been extensively examined using spatiotemporal techniques. Another dominant topic studied has been the relationship between pollution and COVID‐19 dynamics, which enhance the impact of human activities on the pandemic's evolution. This represents a shift from the first half of 2020, when the research focused on climatic and weather factors. Overall, we have seen a vast increase in spatial tools and techniques to study COVID‐19 transmission and the associated risk factors.
The role of chronic suppressive antibiotics therapy in superficial drive line infection relapse of left ventricular assist devices: A retrospective cohort from a tertiary care center
Authors: Hamad Yasir , Blanco‐Guzman Merilda O. , Olsen Margaret A. , Wang Xiaowen , Vader Justin , Verma Amanda , Dubberke Erik R. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIntroductionDrive line infections (DLIs) are common complications of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). Data on use of suppression antibiotic therapy are limited.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of 451 patients who underwent LVAD placement from January 2009 to May 2015. First superficial DLIs were included for analysis. We examined factors associated with the use of chronic suppressive antibiotics (CSAs) therapy. Cox proportional hazards models were performed to identify factors associated with DLI relapse with the same organism as the initial DLI.ResultsA total of 69 patients developed a superficial DLI within a median of 195 (interquartile range [IQR] 98–348) days of LVAD insertion. The median age was 57 years, 87% were males, and 74% were White. Gram positive bacteria caused 61% of infections, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most common (35%). Forty‐three (62%) patients received suppressive antibiotic therapy. Relapse DLI occurred in 29 (42%) patients. Independent risk factors for relapse infection in multivariable analysis were sepsis (aHR 5.94 [CI 1.42–24.92]), and MRSA DLI (aHR 4.19 [CI 1.37–12.79]). There was no difference in the proportion of patients with relapse among those who were treated with antibiotic suppression therapy versus not (44% vs. 38%, p = 0.64), although relapse occurred at a later time in those who received suppression (185 vs. 69 days, p < 0.01).ConclusionCSA therapy was associated with delayed time to DLI relapse but no significant difference in the proportion of patients with relapse. A prospective study is needed to examine the effect of suppression on relapse rates.
Letermovir treatment of cytomegalovirus infection or disease in solid organ and hematopoietic cell transplant recipients
Authors: Linder Kathleen A. , Kovacs Christopher , Mullane Kate M. , Wolfe Cameron , Clark Nina M. , La Hoz Ricardo M. , Smith Jeannina , Kotton Camille N. , Limaye Ajit P. , Malinis Maricar , Hakki Morgan , Mishkin Aaron , Gonzalez Arnoldo Adrian , Prono Maria Dioverti , Ostrander Darin , Avery Robin , Kaul Daniel R. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundFew options are available for cytomegalovirus (CMV) treatment in transplant recipients resistant, refractory, or intolerant to approved agents. Letermovir (LET) is approved for prophylaxis in hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients, but little is known about efficacy in CMV infection. We conducted an observational study to determine the patterns of use and outcome of LET treatment of CMV infection in transplant recipients.MethodsPatients who received LET for treatment of CMV infection were identified at 13 transplant centers. Demographic and outcome data were collected.ResultsTwenty‐seven solid organ and 21 HCT recipients (one dual) from 13 medical centers were included. Forty‐five of 47 (94%) were treated with other agents prior to LET, and 57% had a history of prior CMV disease. Seventy‐seven percent were intolerant to other antivirals; 32% were started on LET because of resistance concerns. Among 37 patients with viral load < 1000 international units (IU)/ml at LET initiation, two experienced >1 log rise in viral load by week 12, and no deaths were attributed to CMV. Ten patients had viral load > 1000 IU/ml at LET initiation, and six of 10 (60%) had a CMV viral load < 1000 IU/ml at completion of therapy or last known value. LET was discontinued in two patients for an adverse event.ConclusionsPatients treated with LET with viral load < 1000 IU/ml had good virologic outcomes. Outcomes were mixed when LET was initiated at higher viral loads. Further studies on combination therapy or alternative LET dosing are needed.
Knowledge, attitudes and risk perception surrounding blood donation and receipt in two high income Caribbean countries
Authors: Charles Kenneth S. , Bain Teria , Beharry Travis Sunil , Baksh Habibah Saadia , Bernard Abigail A. , Bernard Cristal , Bhagoutie Shivani , Chantry Andy 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo compare knowledge, attitudes and risk perception related to blood donation and transfusion in Trinidad and Tobago and Bahamas.BackgroundTrinidad and Tobago and the Bahamas are two Caribbean countries whose national blood transfusion systems are heavily reliant (76.2% and 76%) on family replacement donors. The Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation recommends blood collection from exclusively voluntary nonremunerated donors on the grounds that family replacement donor‐based blood systems are unsafe and inadequate compared to those based on voluntary nonremunerated blood donors.Methods/MaterialsA 23‐item questionnaire was distributed online by snowball sampling in these two countries to assess knowledge, attitudes, risk perception and behaviour. SPSS version 24 was used for interpretative and descriptive data analysis, chi‐square to measure significance and linear regression the strength of associations. p < 0.05 was used to define statistical significance.ResultsFour hundred and fifty three (453) responses were obtained from Trinidad and Tobago and 101 from the Bahamas. Knowledge and positive attitudes were high in both countries (75.5% vs. 80.2%, p < 0.001 and 96.6% vs. 100%, p < 0.001). A substantial proportion of respondents held the perception that the local blood donation system was safe or very safe (26.4 and 61.4%, p < 0.001) that was linked to the misconception that the prevalent method of blood donation was voluntary nonremunerated (27.8 and 51.4%, p < 0.001). Concerns about receiving blood were underpinned by mistrust of transfusion‐related procedures.ConclusionA social interface to transfer information between blood transfusion services and the community could encourage voluntary nonremunerated blood donation and reduce concerns about receiving transfusion.
Disentangling the link between leaf photosynthesis and turgor in fruit growth
Authors: Hernandez‐Santana Virginia , Perez‐Arcoiza Adrián , Gomez‐Jimenez Maria C. , Diaz‐Espejo Antonio 
Published: July 2021

SummaryDespite the importance of understanding plant growth, the mechanisms underlying how plant and fruit growth declines during drought remain poorly understood. Specifically, it remains unresolved whether carbon or water factors are responsible for limiting growth as drought progresses. We examine questions regarding the relative importance of water and carbon to fruit growth depending on the water deficit level and the fruit growth stage by measuring fruit diameter, leaf photosynthesis, and a proxy of cell turgor in olive (Olea europaea). Flow cytometry was also applied to determine the fruit cell division stage. We found that photosynthesis and turgor were related to fruit growth; specifically, the relative importance of photosynthesis was higher during periods of more intense cell division, while turgor had higher relative importance in periods where cell division comes close to ceasing and fruit growth is dependent mainly on cell expansion. This pattern was found regardless of the water deficit level, although turgor and growth ceased at more similar values of leaf water potential than photosynthesis. Cell division occurred even when fruit growth seemed to stop under water deficit conditions, which likely helped fruits to grow disproportionately when trees were hydrated again, compensating for periods with low turgor. As a result, the final fruit size was not severely penalized. We conclude that carbon and water processes are able to explain fruit growth, with importance placed on the combination of cell division and expansion. However, the major limitation to growth is turgor, which adds evidence to the sink limitation hypothesis.
Ear tip ulcerative dermatitis treated with oclacitinib in 25 dogs: a retrospective case series
Authors: Colombo Silvia , Cornegliani Luisa , Vercelli Antonella , Fondati Alessandra 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundEar tip ulcerative dermatitis (ETUD) is an uncommon clinical reaction pattern in canine dermatology. The lesions are suggestive of vascular damage which may be caused by inflammatory or noninflammatory diseases, and often are idiopathic. Therapeutic options for ETUD include topical glucocorticoids or tacrolimus, pentoxifylline, vitamin E, doxycycline, tetracycline and niacinamide, sulfonamides, glucocorticoids, ciclosporin and surgical correction.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe aims of this retrospective case series were to describe the clinical features and report response to treatment with oclacitinib in dogs with idiopathic, chronic ETUD.AnimalsTwenty‐five privately owned dogs with unilateral or bilateral ETUD.Methods and materialsCases of ETUD which were poorly responsive to conventional therapy and subsequently treated with oclacitinib, are summarised. All cases were tested for leishmaniosis by serological examination [indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) or enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)]. Histopathological examination was performed in two cases.ResultsSerological results were negative for leishmaniosis in all dogs. Histopathological changes consistent with proliferative thrombovascular necrosis of the pinnae were documented in two cases. Oclacitinib, used at the standard dose range recommended for the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis, effectively resolved ETUD in 22 of 25 dogs within one to three months. Several of the dogs required prolonged use of twice daily dosing.Conclusions and clinical relevanceOclacitinib should be included among the therapeutic options for ETUD, once infectious diseases have been ruled out.
CT morphology of anomalous systemic arterial supply to normal lung in dogs
Authors: Shimbo Genya , Takiguchi Mitsuyoshi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAnomalous systemic arterial supply to the normal lung (ASANL) is a rare congenital anomaly in humans, in which the systemic arteries supply the basal segments of the lower lobe. It has a normal bronchial connection, but lacks a normal pulmonary artery. This anomaly has not been previously reported in the veterinary literature. The objectives of this retrospective descriptive study were to characterize the CT findings and clinical features of ASANL , and to determine the breed predisposition in a population of referral canine cases. Thoracic CT images, in which the caudal lung lobes were fully inflated and the pulmonary artery could be traced to the periphery, were reviewed. A total of 1,950 dogs were enrolled, and the aberrant vasculature equivalent to ASANL in humans was detected in 48 dogs. Shetland Sheepdogs (7/48, odds ratio [OR] = 8.0, P < 0.00001), Miniature Dachshunds (19/48, OR = 3.9, P < 0.00001), and Labrador Retrievers (6/48, OR = 4.5, P = 0.0009) were over‐represented. The affected lung lobes were the right caudal lobe (24/48, 50%), the left caudal lobe (21/48, 43.8%), and bilateral caudal lobes (3/48, 6.3%). The aberrant vessels originated from the left gastric artery (14/48), descending thoracic aorta (8/48), celiac artery (6/48), and splenic artery (1/48). In the remaining 19 cases, the origin of the aberrant vessels could not be determined. Although the clinical significance of ASANL in dogs remains unclear, surgeons should be aware of this finding prior to lobectomy of the caudal lung lobes to avoid intraoperative systemic arterial bleeding.
Credibility Assessment of Machine Learning in a Manufacturing Process Application
Authors: Banyay Gregory A. , Worrell Clarence L. , Sidener Scott E. , Kaizer Joshua S. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
We present a framework for establishing credibility of a machine learning (ML) model used to predict a key process control variable setting to maximize product quality in a component manufacturing application. Our model coupled a purely data-based ML model with a physics-based adjustment that encoded subject matter expertise of the physical process. Establishing credibility of the resulting model provided the basis for eliminating a costly intermediate testing process that was previously used to determine the control variable setting.
A New Muscle Activation Dynamics Model, That Simulates the Calcium Kinetics and Incorporates the Role of Store-Operated Calcium Entry Channels, to Enhance the Electromyography-Driven Hill-Type Models
Authors: Hussein Moemen , Shebl Said , Elnemr Rehab , Elkaranshawy Hesham 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Hill-type models are frequently used in biomechanical simulations. They are attractive for their low computational cost and close relation to commonly measured musculotendon parameters. Still, more attention is needed to improve the activation dynamics of the model specifically because of the nonlinearity observed in the electromyography (EMG)–force relation. Moreover, one of the important and practical questions regarding the assessment of the model's performance is how adequately can the model simulate any fundamental type of human movement without modifying model parameters for different tasks? This paper tries to answer this question by proposing a simple physiologically based activation dynamics model. The model describes the kinetics of the calcium dynamics while activating and deactivating the muscle contraction process. Hence, it allowed simulating the recently discovered role of store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) channels as immediate counterflux to calcium loss across the tubular system during excitation–contraction coupling. By comparing the ability to fit experimental data without readjusting the parameters, the proposed model has proven to have more steady performance than phenomenologically based models through different submaximal isometric contraction levels. This model indicates that more physiological insights are key for improving Hill-type model performance.
Large-Scale Three-Dimensional Anisotropic Topology Optimization of Variable-Axial Lightweight Composite Structures
Authors: Zhou Yuqing , Nomura Tsuyoshi , Zhao Enpei , Saitou Kazuhiro 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Variable-axial fiber-reinforced composites allow for local customization of fiber orientation and thicknesses. Despite their significant potential for performance improvement over the conventional multiaxial composites and metals, they pose challenges in design optimization due to the vastly increased design freedom in material orientations. This paper presents an anisotropic topology optimization method for designing large-scale, 3D variable-axial lightweight composite structures subject to multiple load cases. The computational challenges associated with large-scale 3D anisotropic topology optimization with extremely low volume fraction are addressed by a tensor-based representation of 3D orientation that would avoid the 2π periodicity of angular representations such as Euler angles, and an adaptive meshing scheme, which, in conjunction with PDE regularization of the density variables, refines the mesh where structural members appear and coarsens where there is void. The proposed method is applied to designing a heavy-duty drone frame subject to complex multi-loading conditions. Finally, the manufacturability gaps between the optimized design and the fabrication-ready design for tailored fiber placement (TFP) is discussed, which motivates future work toward a fully automated design synthesis.
A Novel Tunable Stiffness Mechanism Using Filament Jamming
Authors: Hu Junfeng , Xiao Chengkun , Wen Tao 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The jamming mechanism is a crucial method to tune the stiffness of soft-bodied machines to adapt to their surroundings. However, it is difficult for the present jamming structures to integrate them into systems with complicated shapes such as twist, cylinder, and spiral. This paper introduces a novel jamming mechanism termed a filament jamming technique, which varies stiffness using jamming of a cluster of tiny and compliant filaments. The jamming structure demonstrated various characteristics such as softness, shape compatibility, lightweight, and high stiffness. These feats can meet a variety of application scenarios that the traditional jamming one cannot afford. The experimental test was used to explore the jamming structure's stiffness behavior and dynamic performance. The influence of the filament structure dimensions, material properties, and the vacuum pressure on the stiffness was revealed. With the negative pressure increasing, both the natural frequency and damping ratio increase due to the rigidity variation. It indicates that the filament jamming structure has excellent response rapidity and shock resistance. Our work demonstrated some versatile features of the filament jamming technology, like shape adaptation, shape-preserving, stiffness stability, and compliance. To demonstrate the advantage of the jamming technique, we constructed a soft gripper and a torsional actuator to illustrate how the mechanics of filament jamming can enhance real-world robotics systems’ performance. Therefore, the filament jamming mechanism provides various machines and structures with additional properties to increase forces transmitted to the environment and tune response and damping. This study aims to foster a new generation of mechanically versatile machines and structures with softness and stiffness.
New Reactor Safety Measures for the European Sodium Fast Reactor—Part II: Preliminary Assessment
Authors: Guidez Joel , Bodi Janos , Mikityuk Konstantin , Girardi Enrico , Bittan Jeremy , Grah Aleksander , Tsige-Tamirat Haileyesus , Romojaro Pablo , Álvarez-Velarde Francisco , Carluec Bernard 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The European Sodium Fast Reactor Safety Measures Assessment and Research Tools (ESFR-SMART) project offers innovative options for a sodium fast reactor (SFR) to improve its safety. This paper explains the preliminary calculations made on the main options to roughly verify their feasibility. Design propositions and calculations are here provided of the following innovative options: elimination of the safety vessel, innovative decay heat removal systems (DHRS), core catcher, thermal pumps, and secondary loops. In conclusion, all these options seem able to fulfill the key points of new safety rules for Generation-IV reactors. A status of the research and development (R&D) effort necessary to validate these new options is also proposed.
Investigation on the Thermal Management Performance of a Parallel Liquid Cooling Structure for Prismatic Batteries
Authors: Tang Zhiguo , Liu Zhiqing , Zhao Renchen , Cheng Jianping 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Liquid-based battery thermal management system (BTMS) is commonly applied to commercial electric vehicles (EVs). Current research on the liquid cooling structure of prismatic batteries is generally focused on microchannel cooling plates, while studies on the discrete tubes are limited. In this paper, a parallel liquid cooling structure based on heat-conducting plates and cooling tubes is proposed, with computational fluid dynamics used to investigate the cooling performance of the structure. Two different optimization schemes are then put forward, and the effects of the coolant inlet velocity and temperature on the thermal management performance of the optimized structures are explored. Compared with the previous series structures for the same battery module, the parallel structure can significantly reduce the pressure drop and the flow resistance loss. The gradient structures increasing the parallel round tube inner diameters were able to reduce the pressure drop, while the heat transfer was slightly enhanced. Changing the contact mode between the heat-conducting plates and the square cooling tubes could effectively improve the temperature uniformity of the battery module, particularly for structures with no contact between the lower region of the first plate and the cooling square tube. Based on the gradual increase in the inner diameter of the round tubes, the structure of breaking the contact between the lower region of the first plate and the cooling square tube was able to reduce the maximum temperature difference in the battery module within 3 °C by 41.12% and the pressure drop by 26.28% compared with the original structure.
A Compendium of Methods for Determining the Exergy Balance Terms Applied to Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines
Authors: Sahoo Bibhuti B. , Dabi Maryom , Saha Ujjwal K. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Exergy analysis of the reciprocating internal combustion (IC) engines is studied by estimating various input and output energy transfer parameters concerning a dead state reference. Exergy terms such as fuel input, work output, cooling, and exhaust gas are measured and are set into the exergy balance equation to determine the amount of loss or destruction. Exergy destructions are found in many forms such as combustion (entropy generation), cylinder wall, friction, mixing, blow-by, and others. These exergy terms have been estimated by considering various factors such as engine type, fuel type, environmental condition, and others. In this article, the different methods employed in estimating these exergy terms have been reviewed. It attempts to make a compendium of these evaluation methods and segregates them under individual exergy terms with necessary descriptions. The fuel input measurement is mostly based on Gibb's free energy and the lower heating value, whereas its higher heating value is used during the fuel exergy calculation on a molar basis. The work output of the engines is estimated either from the crankshaft or by analyzing the cylinder pressure and volume. The exergy transfer with cooling medium and exhaust gas depends on the temperature of the gas. The maximum achievable engine performance is quantified by estimating the exergy efficiency. This piece of study will not only provide plenty of information on exergy evaluation methods of IC engines but will also allow future researchers to adopt the appropriate one.