bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conditional Monte Carlo revisited
Authors: Lindqvist Bo H. , Erlemann Rasmus , Taraldsen Gunnar 
Published: July 2021

AbstractConditional Monte Carlo refers to sampling from the conditional distribution of a random vector given the value for a function . Classical conditional Monte Carlo methods were designed for estimating conditional expectations of functions by sampling from unconditional distributions obtained by certain weighting schemes. The basic ingredients were the use of importance sampling and change of variables. In the present paper we reformulate the problem by introducing an artificial parametric model in which is a pivotal quantity, and next representing the conditional distribution of given within this new model. The approach is illustrated by several examples, including a short simulation study and an application to goodness‐of‐fit testing of real data. The connection to a related approach based on sufficient statistics is briefly discussed.
Ventral femoral head and neck ostectomy: Standard versus novel K‐wire guided technique using a premeasured ostectomy angle in canine cadavers
Authors: Sapora Joseph A. , Palmer Ross H. , Goh Clara S. S. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the accuracy and efficiency of performing ventral FHO (vFHO) after measuring the ideal femoral head and neck ostectomy angle (iFHOA), with and without guidance of a K‐wire. To compare the iFHOA to the previously accepted 45° angle to guide vFHOs.Study DesignRandomized, controlled, ex vivo study.AnimalsTen mixed‐breed canine cadavers.MethodsA routine un‐guided and guided vFHO was performed on each cadaver. A single unmodified ostectomy was performed on all hips. The pre‐ and postoperative iFHOA and postoperative residual femoral neck were radiographically assessed. Subjective intraoperative palpation and postoperative radiographic ostectomy completeness (OC) scores were assigned.ResultsSubjective OC scores (p > .63) did not differ between techniques, and guided vFHOs were as good or better for 7/10 dogs assessed via intraoperative palpation, and 9/10 dogs assessed radiographically. Residual femoral neck measurements were similar in both groups (p > .75). The average iFHOA in this study was 38.5°, with no significant difference between limbs of the same cadaver (p = .34). Guided vFHO took longer (294.5 s, p = .002) than unguided vFHO (166.7 s).ConclusionThe mean iFHOA of 38.5° was less than the previously published 45° angulation for vFHOs. Subjectively, use of a K‐wire guide improved soft tissue retraction, neck visualization, and confidence in cut angulation.Clinical SignificancePreoperative iFHOA measurement may minimize the risk of inappropriate vFHO angles.
Intermittent cold exposure improves glucose homeostasis despite exacerbating diet‐induced obesity in mice housed at thermoneutrality
Authors: McKie Greg L. , Shamshoum Hesham , Hunt Kristin L. , Thorpe Hayley H. A. , Dibe Hana A. , Khokhar Jibran Y. , Doucette Christine A. , Wright David C. 
Published: July 2021

Key points
Ambient cold exposure is often regarded as a promising anti‐obesity treatment in mice.
However, most preclinical studies aimed at treating obesity via cold‐induced thermogenesis have been confounded by subthermoneutral housing temperatures. Therefore, the ability of ambient cold to combat diet‐induced obesity in mice housed under humanized thermoneutral conditions is currently unknown.
Moreover, mammals such as mice are rarely exposed to chronic ambient cold without reprieve, yet mice are often subjected to experimental conditions of chronic rather than intermittent cold exposure (ICE), despite ICE being more physiologically relevant.
In the present study, we provide novel evidence that thermoneutral housing uncouples the effects of ICE on glucose and energy homeostasis suggesting that ICE, despite improving glucose tolerance, is not an effective obesity treatment when mice are housed under humanized thermoneutral conditions.
AbstractThe present study examines whether a physiologically relevant model of ambient cold exposure, intermittent cold exposure (ICE), could ameliorate the metabolic impairments of diet‐induced obesity in male and female mice housed under humanized thermoneutral conditions. Male and female C57BL/6J mice housed at thermoneutrality (29°C) were fed a low‐fat diet or high‐fat diet for 6 weeks before being weight matched into groups that remained unperturbed or underwent ICE for 4 weeks (4°C for 60 min day–1; 5 days week–1) when being maintained on their respective diets. ICE induced rapid and persistent hyperphagia exacerbating rather than attenuating high‐fat diet‐induced obesity over time. These ICE‐induced increases in adiposity were found to be energy intake‐dependent via pair‐feeding. Despite exacerbating high‐fat diet‐induced obesity, ICE improved glucose tolerance, independent of diet, in a sex‐specific manner. The effects of ICE on glucose tolerance were not attributed to improvements in whole‐body insulin tolerance, tissue specific insulin action, nor differences in markers of hepatic insulin clearance or pancreatic beta cell proliferation. Instead, ICE increased serum concentrations of insulin and C‐peptide in response to glucose, suggesting that ICE may improve glucose tolerance by potentiating pancreatic glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion. These data suggest that ICE, despite improving glucose tolerance, is not an effective obesity treatment in mice housed under humanized conditions.
An Energy-Efficient Method for Controlling Hydraulic Actuators Using Counterbalance Valves With Adjustable Pilot
Authors: Sciancalepore Annalisa , Vacca Andrea , Weber Steven 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Counterbalance valves (CBVs) are widely used in hydraulic machines handling gravitational loads. They are usually adopted in hydraulic circuits that set the flow to the actuator with either metering control strategies or primary control strategies. In these circuits, the CBV does not determine the actuator velocity, but it establishes a proper counterpressure that balances the actuator during overrunning loads. A well-known problem of CBVs is the excessive power consumption introduced into the circuit, which is due to an excessive pressurization of the flow supply. This paper presents a solution for using CBVs to control the actuator velocity while also reducing energy consumption. The method consists in controlling the pilot port of the CBV through an external pressure source (adjustable pilot). The solution is first studied analytically, considering all the possible loading conditions at the actuator. Two different control strategies are presented: the “Smart CBV,” where the CBV does not control the actuator velocity but it minimizes the system pressure; and the “Smart System” that uses the CBV to efficiently control the actuator velocity during overrunning load conditions. An experimental validation of the proposed solutions is also provided, taking as reference a truck-mounted hydraulic crane. The results of the proposed solutions are compared to those achieved by the traditional circuit of the reference hydraulic crane which uses standard CBVs. For both cases of smart CBV and smart system, a remarkable power saving, respectively, up to 75% and up to 90% is observed.
Performance improvement of an oil-lubricated journal bearing using bionic-textures fused micro-pockets
Authors: Pattnayak Manas Ranjan , Pandey R. K. , Dutt Jayanta kumar 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This article investigates the static and dynamic performances of bionic-textures fused micro-pocketed journal bearing considering cavitation. The new bionic textures placed inside the micro-pocket towards the trailing side has been conceived inspired from the skins of freshwater fish. The mass conservation satisfying partial differential lubrication equations for the static and dynamic pressures are discretized using finite volume method (FVM) followed by simultaneous solution of the system equations using the Fischer-Burmeister-Newton-Schur (FBNS) and the Broyden's method with Sherman-Morrison formula. The minimum film thickness, friction force, temperature rise, dynamic coefficients, effective damping and stiffness, critical mass and system characteristic roots have been explored with new conceived bores and the numerical results have also been compared with conventional plain and conventional pocketed bore bearings. Significant static and dynamic performance improvements have been found in presence of bionic textures fused micro-pocketed bores in comparison to conventional bores.
Effects of local anaesthetic dilution on the characteristics of ultrasound guided axillary brachial plexus block: a randomised controlled study
Authors: Ranganath Anil , Ahmed Osman , Iohom Gabriella 
Published: July 2021

Aims: Ultrasound guidance has led to marked improvement in the success rate and characteristics of peripheral nerve blocks. However, effects of varying the volume or concentration of a fixed local anaesthetic dose on nerve block remains unclear. The purpose of our study was to evaluate whether at a fixed dose of lidocaine, altering the volume and concentration will have any effect on the onset time of ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block.Material and methods: Twenty patients were randomised to receive an ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block with either lidocaine 2% with epinephrine (20 ml, Group 2%) or lidocaine 1% with epinephrine (40 ml, Group 1%). The primary endpoint was block onset time. Secondary outcomes included duration of the block, performance time, number of needle passes, incidence of paraesthesia and vascular puncture.Results: The median [IQR] onset time of surgical anaesthesia was shorter in Group 1% when compared to Group 2% (6.25 [5-7.5] min vs 8.75 [7.5-10] min; p=0.03). The mean (SD) overall duration of surgical anaesthesia was significantly shorter in Group 1% compared to Group 2% (150.9±17.2 min vs 165.1±5.9 min; p=0.02). Group 1% had a shorter performance time with fewer needle passes. The incidence of vascular puncture and paraesthesia was similar in the two groups.Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus blocks performed using a higher volume of lower concentration lidocaine was associated with shorter onset time and duration of surgical anaesthesia.
Diagnosis of parotid gland tumours with Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sultan Salahaden R , AlKharaiji Mohammed , Rajab Shahad H 
Published: July 2021

Aim: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) appears to be a promising application for the diagnosis of parotid gland tumours. We aimed to systematically review and meta-analyse the ability of CEUS in distinguishing benign from malignant parotid gland tumours.Material and methods: PubMed was searched for relevant studies. Data on area under time intensity curve (AUC) in arbitrary unit (AU), and mean transit time (MTT) in seconds (sec) were analysed using the Cochrane Review Manager Software.Results: Nine studies met the eligibility criteria comprising a total number of 498 parotid gland tumours (benign, number (n)=423; malignant, n=75). Descriptive evaluation of parotid gland tumours following CEUS administration showed overlap characteristics in benign and malignancies. Two publications assessed AUC and MTT in 72 and 60 parotid gland tumours, respectively. AUC was significantly lower in benign compared to malignant tumours following contrast administration (AUC, mean difference (MD) -266.77 AU, 95% confidence intervals (CI) -433.22, -100.33, p=0.002). No significant different in MTT between benign and malignant tumours (p=0.12). Heterogeneity was statistically significant in AUC (p=0.04) and MTT (p<0.00001).Conclusion: Descriptive evaluation of parotid gland tumours showed overlap CEUS characteristics. Perfusion related CEUS parameters analysis is promising in differentiating benign parotid tumours from malignancies.
Longitudinal Associations Between Neighborhood Park and Open Space Access and Children’s Accelerometer-Assessed Measured Physical Activity: The Evidence From the MATCH Study
Authors: Yi Li , Mason Tyler B. , Yang Chih-Hsiang , Chu Daniel , Dunton Genevieve F. 
Published: July 2021

Background: Cross-sectional studies have shown positive associations between neighborhood park access and children’s physical activity (PA); however, research that examines the relationship longitudinally is lacking. This study investigates how neighborhood park access affects the longitudinal trajectory of PA in 192 children across 3 years. Methods: Accelerometer-assessed PA data of children (N = 202) were collected across 6 semi-annual waves (7 d each) between 2014 and 2018. Geographical information systems was used to measure neighborhood park access (ie, coverage, density, and proximity) at baseline. Mixed-effects models examined the associations of park access with children’s baseline and trajectory of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) minutes across 3 years and whether the associations differed by sex or weekends versus weekdays. Results: Higher neighborhood park density, coverage, and proximity were positively associated with children’s baseline MVPA minutes per day. Longitudinally, higher park coverage was associated with smaller decreases in children’s MVPA minutes per day, but only during weekends. Park density and proximity were not associated with change in MVPA minutes per day. The above associations did not differ by sex. Conclusions: Having access to more neighborhood parklands protected against age-related declines in children’s PA. These findings suggest that neighborhood park coverage should be considered by urban planners when evaluating the health impacts of their policies.
Maturity assessment of Kenya’s health information system interoperability readiness
Authors: Nyangena Job , Rajgopal Rohini , Ombech Elizabeth Adhiambo , Oloo Enock , Luchetu Humphrey , Wambugu Sam , Kamau Onesmus , Nzioka Charles , Gwer Samson , Ndiritu Ndirangu Moses 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundThe use of digital technology in healthcare promises to improve quality of care and reduce costs over time. This promise will be difficult to attain without interoperability: facilitating seamless health information exchange between the deployed digital health information systems (HIS).ObjectiveTo determine the maturity readiness of the interoperability capacity of Kenya’s HIS.MethodsWe used the HIS Interoperability Maturity Toolkit, developed by MEASURE Evaluation and the Health Data Collaborative’s Digital Health and Interoperability Working Group. The assessment was undertaken by eHealth stakeholder representatives primarily from the Ministry of Health’s Digital Health Technical Working Group. The toolkit focused on three major domains: leadership and governance, human resources and technology.ResultsMost domains are at the lowest two levels of maturity: nascent or emerging. At the nascent level, HIS activities happen by chance or represent isolated, ad hoc efforts. An emerging maturity level characterises a system with defined HIS processes and structures. However, such processes are not systematically documented and lack ongoing monitoring mechanisms.ConclusionNone of the domains had a maturity level greater than level 2 (emerging). The subdomains of governance structures for HIS, defined national enterprise architecture for HIS, defined technical standards for data exchange, nationwide communication network infrastructure, and capacity for operations and maintenance of hardware attained higher maturity levels. These findings are similar to those from interoperability maturity assessments done in Ghana and Uganda.
Simulation study on the validity of the average risk approach in estimating population attributable fractions for continuous exposures
Authors: Ruan Yibing , Walter Stephen D , Gogna Priyanka , Friedenreich Christine M , Brenner Darren R 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundThe population attributable fraction (PAF) is an important metric for estimating disease burden associated with causal risk factors. In an International Agency for Research on Cancer working group report, an approach was introduced to estimate the PAF using the average of a continuous exposure and the incremental relative risk (RR) per unit. This ‘average risk’ approach has been subsequently applied in several studies conducted worldwide. However, no investigation of the validity of this method has been done.ObjectiveTo examine the validity and the potential magnitude of bias of the average risk approach.MethodsWe established analytically that the direction of the bias is determined by the shape of the RR function. We then used simulation models based on a variety of risk exposure distributions and a range of RR per unit. We estimated the unbiased PAF from integrating the exposure distribution and RR, and the PAF using the average risk approach. We examined the absolute and relative bias as the direct and relative difference in PAF estimated from the two approaches. We also examined the bias of the average risk approach using real-world data from the Canadian Population Attributable Risk of Cancer study.ResultsThe average risk approach involves bias, which is underestimation or overestimation with a convex or concave RR function (a risk profile that increases more/less rapidly at higher levels of exposure). The magnitude of the bias is affected by the exposure distribution as well as the value of RR. This approach is approximately valid when the RR per unit is small or the RR function is approximately linear. The absolute and relative bias can both be large when RR is not small and the exposure distribution is skewed.ConclusionsWe recommend that caution be taken when using the average risk approach to estimate PAF.
Regional and hospital variation in commonly performed paediatric otolaryngology procedures in the Netherlands: a population-based study of healthcare utilisation between 2016 and 2019
Authors: van Munster Juliëtte J C M , Wammes Joost J G , Bremmer Rolf H , Zamanipoor Najafabadi Amir H , Hemler Raphael J , Peul Wilco C , van den Hout Wilbert B , van Benthem Peter Paul G 
Published: July 2021

ObjectiveIn the past few decades, there has been an increase in high-quality studies providing evidence on the effectiveness of commonly performed procedures in paediatric otolaryngology. We believe that now is the time to re-evaluate the care process. We aimed to analyse (1) the regional variation in incidence and referrals of adenoidectomies, tonsillectomies and ventilation tube insertions in children in the Netherlands between 2016 and 2019, (2) whether regional surgical rates, referral rates and in-hospital surgical rates were associated with one another, and (3) the hospital variation in healthcare costs, which indicates the utilisation of resources.DesignRepeated cross-sectional analysis.SettingFour neighbouring Dutch provinces comprising 2.8 million inhabitants and 14 hospitals.ParticipantsChildren aged 0–15 years.Outcome measuresWe analysed variation in regional surgical rates and referral rates per 1000 inhabitants and in-hospital surgical rates per 1000 clinic visitors, adjusted for age and socioeconomic status. Furthermore, the relationships between referral rates, regional surgical rates and in-hospital surgical rates were estimated. Lastly, variation in resource utilisation between hospitals was estimated.ResultsAdenoidectomy rates differed sixfold between regions. Twofold differences were observed for adenotonsillectomy rates, ventilation tube insertion rates and referral rates. Referral rates were negatively associated with in-hospital surgical rates for adenotonsillectomies, but not for adenoidectomies and ventilation tube insertions. In-hospital surgical rates were positively associated with regional rates for adenoidectomies and adenotonsillectomies. Significant variation between hospitals was observed in costs for all resources.ConclusionsWe observed low variation in tonsillectomies and ventilation tube insertion and high variation in adenoidectomies. Indications for a tonsillectomy and ventilation tube insertion are well defined in Dutch guidelines, whereas this is not the case for an adenoidectomy. Lack of agreement on indications can be expected and high-quality effectiveness research is required to improve evidence-based guidelines on this topic.
DECRYPT trial: study protocol for a phase II randomised controlled trial of cognitive therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in youth exposed to multiple traumatic stressors
Authors: Allen Leila , Ashford Polly-Anna , Beeson Ella , Byford Sarah , Chow Jessica , Dalgleish Tim , Danese Andrea , Finn Jack , Goodall Ben , Grainger Lauren , Hammond Matthew , Humphrey Ayla , Mahoney-Davies Gerwyn , Morant Nicola , Shepstone Lee , Sims Erika , Smith Patrick , Stallard Paul , Swanepoel Annie , Trickey David , Trigg Katie , Wilson Jon , Meiser-Stedman Richard 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a distressing and disabling condition that affects significant numbers of children and adolescents. Youth exposed to multiple traumas (eg, abuse, domestic violence) are at particular risk of developing PTSD. Cognitive therapy for PTSD (CT-PTSD), derived from adult work, is a theoretically informed, disorder-specific form of trauma-focused cognitive–behavioural therapy. While efficacious for child and adolescent single-event trauma samples, its effectiveness in routine settings with more complex, multiple trauma-exposed youth has not been established. The Delivery of Cognitive Therapy for Young People after Trauma randomised controlled trial (RCT) examines the effectiveness of CT-PTSD for treating PTSD following multiple trauma exposure in children and young people in comparison with treatment as usual (TAU).Methods/designThis protocol describes a two-arm, patient-level, single blind, superiority RCT comparing CT-PTSD (n=60) with TAU (n=60) in children and young people aged 8–17 years with a diagnosis of PTSD following multiple trauma exposure. The primary outcome is PTSD severity assessed using the Children’s Revised Impact of Event Scale (8-item version) at post-treatment (ie, approximately 5 months post-randomisation). Secondary outcomes include structured interview assessment for PTSD, complex PTSD symptoms, depression and anxiety, overall functioning and parent-rated mental health. Mid-treatment and 11-month and 29-month post-randomisation assessments will also be completed. Process–outcome evaluation will consider which mechanisms underpin or moderate recovery. Qualitative interviews with the young people, their families and their therapists will be undertaken. Cost-effectiveness of CT-PTSD relative to TAU will be also be assessed.Ethics and disseminationThis trial protocol has been approved by a UK Health Research Authority Research Ethics Committee (East of England–Cambridge South, 16/EE/0233). Findings will be disseminated broadly via peer-reviewed empirical journal articles, conference presentations and clinical workshops.Trial registrationISRCTN12077707. Registered 24 October 2016 (http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN12077707). Trial recruitment commenced on 1 February 2017. It is anticipated that recruitment will continue until June 2021, with 11-month assessments being concluded in May 2022.