bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non-Reversible Parallel Tempering: A Scalable Highly Parallel MCMC Scheme
Authors: Syed Saifuddin , Bouchard-Côté Alexandre , Deligiannidis George , Doucet Arnaud 
Published: December 2021

AbstractParallel tempering (PT) methods are a popular class of Markov chain Monte Carlo schemes used to sample complex high-dimensional probability distributions. They rely on a collection of N interacting auxiliary chains targeting tempered versions of the target distribution to improve the exploration of the state space. We provide here a new perspective on these highly parallel algorithms and their tuning by identifying and formalizing a sharp divide in the behaviour and performance of reversible versus non-reversible PT schemes. We show theoretically and empirically that a class of non-reversible PT methods dominates its reversible counterparts and identify distinct scaling limits for the non-reversible and reversible schemes, the former being a piecewise-deterministic Markov process and the latter a diffusion. These results are exploited to identify the optimal annealing schedule for non-reversible PT and to develop an iterative scheme approximating this schedule. We provide a wide range of numerical examples supporting our theoretical and methodological contributions. The proposed methodology is applicable to sample from a distribution π with a density L with respect to a reference distribution π0 and compute the normalizing constant ∫Ldπ0. A typical use case is when π0 is a prior distribution, L a likelihood function and π the corresponding posterior distribution.
Adolescent Health Series: Engagement with young people as partners in health research: Four case studies from Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Doyle Aoife M. , Dziva Chikwari Chido , Majozi Nomathamsanqa , Simwinga Musonda , Mayingire Gracious R. , Simbeye Kelvin , Dringus Stefanie , Bernays Sarah 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectivesExisting health services for young people (YP)(10–24 years), which are predominantly designed for but not with young people, often do not meet YP’s needs. The 2018 Global Consensus Statement on meaningful adolescent and youth engagement affirms that YP have a fundamental right to actively and meaningfully engage in all matters that affect their lives. We present four case studies from three countries in sub‐Saharan Africa as practical examples of the engagement of young people as partners in health research. We critically reflect on best practices to inform and guide the increasing adoption of collaborative approaches.MethodsWe developed a narrative summary of each case study through review of study documentation and discussions with research staff and young people. A youth engagement framework was used to describe partnership activities according to the following dimensions: purpose, process, positioning, perspective, power relations, place and protection. We reflected on innovative practices used, overall level of participation achieved and strategies to address ethical, logistical and/or financial barriers.ResultsIn all case studies, we found evidence of engagement activities that aligned with the Global Consensus Statement on Meaningful Youth Engagement. However, access to participation was often uneven and despite efforts, marginalised young people continue to have insufficient opportunities to engage. Furthermore, although young people had some opportunity to influence the research methods, many of the key design decisions had been determined prior to their involvement. In our case studies, researchers had built in insufficient opportunities to evaluate the level and impact of youth engagement.ConclusionsWe therefore recommend early involvement of young people in the research process so that they can contribute to setting the research agenda, the design of planned studies and thus increase the scope of their engagement from the beginning. Youth engagement activities need to be evaluated from the perspective of all stakeholders including young people themselves with a focus on opportunities to engage, the level of engagement achieved and impact of engagement. From the beginning, researchers should provide space for learning, and involve young people in encouraging critical reflection of what does not yet work, as well as what does, to enable improvements.
Investigation of Influential Parameters on Oil/Water Interfacial Tension During Low-Salinity Water Injection
Authors: Khalili Hossein , Fahimpour Jalal , Sharifi Mohammad , Isfehani Zoha Dalal 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Injecting low-salinity water has proved to be an efficient displacement process in oil reservoirs, owing to its ability to modify the properties at the fluid-rock and fluid-fluid interfaces in favor of mobilizing more oil. In this regard, reduction of interfacial tension (IFT) between oil and water is one of the key controlling parameters. It is suspected that the asphaltene constituents of the oil and type of water ions are responsible for such a reduction in IFT. In this study, systematic experimental investigations were carried out to scrutinize the influence of brine salinity, asphaltene concentration, and temperature on IFT. Single and multi-component brines, which in particular compose of NaCl, CaCl2, and MgCl2 salts, and two synthetic oils with 1 and 10 wt% asphaltene content were used at temperatures ranging from 25 to 80 °C. The results showed that the presence of salt in the solution can alter the distribution of polar components at the oil-brine interface due to the electrostatic effects, which in turn would change IFT of the system. IFT also decreased when temperature increased from 25 to 80 °C; however, the level of changes was strongly depended on the brine type, salinity level, and asphaltene content. The results also demonstrated that the crude oil with the higher asphaltene concentration experiences higher IFT reduction when is contacted with the low-salinity water. The new findings from this study will improve the understanding of the underlying mechanisms for low salinity water flooding in oil reservoirs.
Association between meteorological factors and audiogram configurations in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Jilei , Ji Shangwei , Ma Xin , Yu Lisheng , Jing Yuanyuan 
Published: December 2021

ObjectiveWe aimed to determine the association between meteorological factors and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) audiogram configurations.DesignRetrospective review of medical records from 1 October 2007 to 31 December 2018.SettingA tertiary hospital.Participants510 patients with SSNHL who had data on the exact date of SSNHL onset and underwent audiological evaluation within 14 days were included.Primary and secondary outcome measuresDaily values of meteorological factors, including maximum and minimum temperature, mean temperature and its day-to-day change, diurnal temperature range, atmospheric pressure, mean and maximum wind speed and relative humidity, and seasonal distributions.ResultsAmong the 510 patients (259 women (50.8%); mean (SD) age, 46.4 (15.5) years), 108 (21.2%) displayed ascending patterns, 143 (28.0%) displayed descending patterns, 129 (25.3%) displayed flat patterns and 130 (25.5%) displayed profound patterns of audiograms. The diurnal temperature range on the day of SSNHL onset in patients with profound patterns was significantly higher than that in patient with ascending (mean difference (MD), 2.2°C; 95% CI, 0.7°C to 3.7°C; p=0.001) and descending (MD, 1.5°C; 95% CI, 0.1°C to 2.9°C; p=0.031) patterns. The relative humidity was the highest on the day of SSNHL onset in patients with ascending patterns and showed a significant difference compared with that in patients with profound patterns (MD, 8.0%; 95% CI, 0.7% to 15.3%; p=0.026). Seasonal distribution did not differ among patients with different audiogram configurations.ConclusionsProfound audiogram patterns correlated with high diurnal temperature range, while ascending audiogram patterns correlated with high relative humidity in patients with SSNHL. No correlation was observed between seasons and audiogram configurations.
Depressive symptoms in adults in rural and urban regions of Canada: a cross-sectional analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: St John Philip D , Menec Verena , Tate Robert , Newall Nancy E , Cloutier Denise , O'Connell Megan 
Published: December 2021

ObjectivesPrevious studies on depression in rural areas have yielded conflicting results. Features of rural areas may be conducive or detrimental to mental health. Our objective for this study was to determine if there are rural–urban disparities in depressive symptoms between those living in rural and urban areas of Canada.DesignWe conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a prospective cohort study, which is as representative as possible of the Canadian population—the Tracking Cohort of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. For this cohort, data were collected from 2010 to 2014. Data were analysed and results were obtained in 2020.Participants21 241 adults aged 45–85.MeasuresRurality was grouped as urban (n=11 772); peri-urban (n=2637); mixed (n=2125; postal codes with both rural and urban areas); and rural (n=4707). Depressive symptoms were measured using the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression. We considered age, sex, education, marital status and disease states as potential confounding factors.ResultsThe adjusted beta coefficient was −0.24 (95% CI −0.42 to −0.07; p=0.01) for rural participants, −0.17 (95% CI −0.40 to 0.05; p=0.14) for peri-urban participants and −0.30 (95% CI −0.54 to −0.05; p=0.02) for participants in mixed regions, relative to urban regions. Risk factors associated with depressive symptoms were similar in rural and urban regions.ConclusionsThe small differences in depressive symptoms among those living in rural and urban regions are unlikely to be relevant at a clinical or population level. The findings do suggest some possible approaches to reducing depressive symptoms in both rural and urban populations. Future research is needed in other settings and on change in depressive symptoms over time.
Using qualitative research methods to understand how surgical procedures and devices are introduced into NHS hospitals: the Lotus study protocol
Authors: Elliott Daisy , Blencowe Natalie S , Cousins Sian , Zahra Jesmond , Skilton Anni , Mathews Johnny , Paramasivan Sangeetha , Hoffmann Christin , McNair Angus GK , Ochieng Cynthia , Richards Hollie , Hossaini Sina , Scroggie Darren L , Main Barry , Potter Shelley , Avery Kerry , Donovan Jenny , Blazeby Jane M 
Published: December 2021

IntroductionThe development of innovative invasive procedures and devices are essential to improving outcomes in healthcare. However, how these are introduced into practice has not been studied in detail. The Lotus study will follow a wide range of ‘case studies’ of new procedures and/or devices being introduced into NHS trusts to explore what information is communicated to patients, how procedures are modified over time and how outcomes are selected and reported.Methods and analysisThis qualitative study will use ethnographic approaches to investigate how new invasive procedures and/or devices are introduced. Consultations in which the innovation is discussed will be audio-recorded to understand information provision practice. To understand if and how procedures evolve, they will be video recorded and non-participant observations will be conducted. Post-operative interviews will be conducted with the innovating team and patients who are eligible for the intervention. Audio-recordings will be audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using constant comparison techniques. Video-recordings will be reviewed to deconstruct procedures into key components and document how the procedure evolves. Comparisons will be made between the different data sources.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol has Health Research Authority (HRA) and Health and Care Research Wales approval (Ref 18/SW/0277). Results will be disseminated at appropriate conferences and will be published in peer-reviewed journals. The findings of this study will provide a better understanding of how innovative invasive procedures and/or devices are introduced into practice.
Perceptions of the functioning and effectiveness of nursing regulators in Ghana and South Africa: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Christmals Christmal Dela , Aziato Lydia , Rispel Laetitia Charmaine 
Published: December 2021

ObjectiveNursing regulators are important governance structures for nurses who are critical to the achievement of universal health coverage (UHC). This study examined the perspectives of the heads of nursing education institutions (NEIs) in Ghana and South Africa on the functioning and effectiveness of the respective nursing regulators.DesignThis was a cross-sectional survey.SettingThis study was conducted in Ghana and South AfricaParticipantsHeads of accredited NEIs in Ghana (n=65) and in South Africa (n=39).ResultsIn South Africa, the mean score for overall functioning of the South African Nursing Council (SANC) was 4.6 (SD 1.97), whereas the mean score for overall functioning of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana (N&MC) was 7.1 (SD 1.7) (p<0.0001). Similarly, the mean score for effectiveness of the SANC by NEIs was 5.1, compared with the mean effectiveness score of 7.2 for the N&MC (p<0.001).Compared to the SANC, the heads of NEIs scored the N&MC higher on each of the six functional areas of policy-making (Ghana=7.06; SA=4.56); accreditation (Ghana=7.40; SA=4.10) legal and disciplinary actions (Ghana=6.45; SA=5.52); examination (Ghana=7.84; SA=5.00); registration (Ghana=8.27; SA=5.96) and communication and transparency (Ghana=6.87; SA=6.05).ConclusionBoth the N&MC and SANC are well-established regulators and are vital to ensure that the nursing workforce in each country is able to deliver quality healthcare, thereby contributing to UHC and population health improvements. However, the study findings suggest the need for concerted efforts to improve the functioning and effectiveness of the regulators, especially the SANC. The six functional areas could guide the necessary improvements in regulator functioning and effectiveness, in partnership with relevant stakeholders.
Higher exhaled nitric oxide at 6 weeks of age is associated with less bronchiolitis and wheeze in the first 12 months of age
Authors: Da Silva Sena Carla Rebeca , de Queiroz Andrade Ediane , de Gouveia Belinelo Patricia , Percival Elizabeth , Prangemeier Benjamin , O'Donoghue Christopher , Terry Sandrine , Burke Tanya , Gunning William , Murphy Vanessa E , Robinson Paul D , Sly Peter D , Gibson Peter G , Collison Adam M , Mattes Joerg 
Published: December 2021

BackgroundNitric oxide in exhaled air (eNO) is used as a marker of type 2 immune response-induced airway inflammation. We aimed to investigate the association between eNO and bronchiolitis incidence and respiratory symptoms in infancy, and its correlation with eosinophil protein X (EPX).MethodsWe followed up infants at 6 weeks of age born to mothers with asthma in pregnancy and measured eNO during natural sleep using a rapid response chemiluminescense analyser (CLD88; EcoMedics), collecting at least 100 breaths, interpolated for an expiratory flow of 50 mL/s. EPX normalised to creatinine was measured in urine samples (uEPX/c). A standardised questionnaire was used to measure symptoms in first year of life. Associations were investigated using multiple linear regression and robust Poisson regression models.ResultseNO levels were obtained in 184 infants, of whom 125/184 (68%) had 12 months questionnaire data available and 51/184 (28%) had uEPX/c measured. Higher eNO was associated with less respiratory symptoms during the first 6 weeks of life (n=184, ß-coefficient: –0.49, 95% CI –0.95 to –0.04, p=0.035). eNO was negatively associated with uEPX/c (ß-coefficient: –0.004, 95% CI –0.008 to –0.001, p=0.021). Risk incidence of bronchiolitis, wheeze, cold or influenza illness and short-acting beta-agonist use significantly decreased by 18%–24% for every unit increase in eNO ppb.ConclusionHigher eNO levels at 6 weeks of age may be a surrogate for an altered immune response that is associated with less respiratory symptoms in the first year of life.
Inequity in smoking cessation clinical trials testing pharmacotherapies: exclusion of smokers with mental health disorders
Authors: Talukder Saki Rubaiya , Lappin Julia M , Boland Veronica , McRobbie Hayden , Courtney Ryan James 
Published: December 2021

ObjectivesPeople suffering from mental health disorder (MHDs) are often under-represented in clinical research though the reasons for their exclusion are rarely recorded. As they have higher rates of smoking and nicotine dependence, it is crucial that they are adequately represented in clinical trials of established pharmacotherapy interventions for smoking cessation. This review aims to examine the practice of excluding smokers with MHDs and reasons for such exclusion in clinical trials evaluating pharmacotherapy treatments for smoking cessation.Data sourceThe Cochrane database of systematic reviews was searched until September 2020 for reviews on smoking cessation using pharmacotherapies.Study selectionRandomised controlled trials (RCTs) within the selected Cochrane reviews were included.Data extractionConducted by one author and independently verified by three authors.Data synthesisWe included 279 RCTs from 13 Cochrane reviews. Of all studies, 51 (18.3%) explicitly excluded participants with any MHDs, 152 (54.5%) conditionally excluded based on certain MHD criteria and 76 (27.2%) provided insufficient information to ascertain either inclusion or exclusion. Studies of antidepressant medications used for smoking cessation were found to be 3.33 times more likely (95% CI 1.38 to 8.01, p=0.007) to conditionally exclude smokers with MHDs than explicitly exclude compared with studies of nicotine replacement therapy.ConclusionSmokers with MHDs are not sufficiently represented in RCTs examining the safety and effectiveness of smoking cessation medications. Greater access to clinical trial participation needs to be facilitated for this group to better address access to appropriate pharmacotherapeutic interventions in this vulnerable population.
Predicting mortality and readmission based on chief complaint in emergency department patients: a cohort study
Authors: Sørensen Søren Flink , Ovesen Stig Holm , Lisby Marianne , Mandau Mia Hansen , Thomsen Ida Katrine , Kirkegaard Hans 
Published: December 2021

BackgroundEmergency department (ED) patients present with complaints and not diagnoses. Characterization and risk stratification based onchief complaintcan therefore help clinicians improve ED workflow and clinical outcome. In this study we investigated the 30-day mortality and readmission among ED patients based on chief complaint.MethodsIn this cohort study we retrieved routinely collected data from electronic medical records and the Danish Civil Registration System of all ED contacts from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017. All patients triaged with one chief complaint using the Danish Emergency Process Triage system were included. Patients with minor injuries were excluded. The chief complaint assigned by the triaging nurse was used as exposure, and 30-day mortality and 30-day readmission were the primary outcomes. Logistic regression was used to determine crude and adjusted ORs with reference to the remaining study population.ResultsA total of 41 470 patients were eligible. After exclusion of minor injuries and patients not triaged, 19 325 patients were included. The 30-day mortality and 30-day readmission differed significantly among the chief complaints. The highest 30-day mortality was observed among patients presenting with altered level of conscousness (ALOC) (8.4%, OR=2.0, 95% CI 1.3 to 3.1) and dyspnea (8.0%, OR=2.1, 95% CI 1.6 to 2.6). 30-day readmission was highest among patients presenting with fever/infection (11.7%, OR=1.9, 95% CI 1.4 to 2.4) and dyspnea (11.2%, OR=1.7, 95% CI 1.4 to 2.0).DiscussionChief complaint is associated with 30-day mortality and readmission in a mixed ED population. ALOC and dyspnea had the highest mortality; fever/infection and dyspnea had the highest readmission rate. This knowledge may assist in improving and optimizing symptom-based initial diagnostic workup and treatment, and ultimately improve workflow and clinical outcome.Level of evidenceLevel III.
Rapid and tunable growth of a well-ordered hexagonal nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) structure by two-step high-temperature anodization
Authors: Azher Kashif , Akhtar Maaz , Chang Shao-Fu , Chen Shih-Hsun 
Published: December 2021

In this study, we have developed a swift and well-ordered growth of a nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) structure using two-step high temperature anodization of the pure aluminum substrate. The pre-anodization surface treatment of the aluminum substrate assisted in the formation of well-organized nanoporous structures. The two-step anodization process was performed in 0.3 mol/L of oxalic acid at 20 °C with 40 and 45 V to obtain tunable pore diameters. The high temperature of the electrolyte solution facilitated the rapid growth of the nanoporous AAO structure. The top surface image of AAO shows a well-ordered nanoporous structure with an average pore diameter of 70 nm at 40 V and 100 nm at 45 V. The SEM cross-sectional view also illustrates the well-ordered nano-channel and the elemental mapping elaborates the presence of aluminum and oxygen. The thickness of the nanoporous AAO structure was determined using SEM for three anodization time spans (20, 24, and 28 h), in which an increasing trend was observed. The fabricated AAO has a higher thickness and a well-ordered nanoporous structure, which shows that it can be used as a template for fabricating nanostructured materials.
Solving the electron and muon $$g-2$$ anomalies in $$Z'$$ models
Authors: Bodas Arushi , Coy Rupert , King Simon J. D. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractWe consider simultaneous explanations of the electron and muon $$g-2$$

g
-
2

anomalies through a single $$Z'$$

Z
′

of a $$U(1)'$$

U

(
1
)

′

extension to the Standard Model (SM). We first perform a model-independent analysis of the viable flavour-dependent $$Z'$$

Z
′

couplings to leptons, which are subject to various strict experimental constraints. We show that only a narrow region of parameter space with an MeV-scale $$Z'$$

Z
′

can account for the two anomalies. Following the conclusions of this analysis, we then explore the ability of different classes of $$Z'$$

Z
′

models to realise these couplings, including the SM$$+U(1)'$$

+
U

(
1
)

′

, the N-Higgs Doublet Model$$+U(1)'$$

+
U

(
1
)

′

, and a Froggatt–Nielsen style scenario. In each case, the necessary combination of couplings cannot be obtained, owing to additional relations between the $$Z'$$

Z
′

couplings to charged leptons and neutrinos induced by the gauge structure, and to the stringency of neutrino scattering bounds. Hence, we conclude that no $$U(1)'$$

U

(
1
)

′

extension can resolve both anomalies unless other new fields are also introduced. While most of our study assumes the Caesium $$(g-2)_e$$

(
g
-
2
)

e

measurement, our findings in fact also hold in the case of the Rubidium measurement, despite the tension between the two.