The crossover from collective motion to periphery diffusion for 2D adatom-islands on Cu(111)

The diffusion of two dimensional adatom islands (up to 100 atoms) on Cu(111) has been studied, using the self-learning Kinetic Monte Carlo (SLKMC) method [1]. A variety of multiple- and single-atom processes are revealed in the simulations, and the size dependence of the diffusion coefficients and effective diffusion barriers are calculated for each. From the tabulated frequencies of events found in the simulation, we show a crossover from diffusion due to the collective motion of the island to a regime in which the island diffuses through periphery-dominated mass transport. This crossover occurs for island sizes between 13 and 19 atoms. For islands containing 19 to 100 atoms the scaling exponent is 1.5, which is in good agreement with previous work. The diffusion of islands containing 2 to 13 atoms can be explained primarily on the basis of a linear increase of the barrier for the collective motion with the size of the island

Atomistic studies of thin film growth

We present here a summary of some recent techniques used for atomistic studies of thin film growth and morphological evolution. Specific attention is given to a new kinetic Monte Carlo technique in which the usage of unique labeling schemes of the environment of the diffusing entity allows the development of a closed data base of 49 single atom diffusion processes for periphery motion. The activation energy barriers and diffusion paths are calculated using reliable manybody interatomic potentials. The application of the technique to the diffusion of 2-dimensional Cu clusters on Cu(111) shows interesting trends in the diffusion rate and in the frequencies of the microscopic mechanisms which are responsible for the motion of the clusters, as a function of cluster size and temperature. The results are compared with those obtained from yet another novel kinetic Monte Carlo technique in which an open data base of the energetics and diffusion paths of microscopic processes is continuously updated as needed. Comparisons are made with experimental data where available

FASTTRACK RECOMMENDER SYSTEM

Network operators are overloaded with numerous recommendations coming from vendors, some of which come from automated recommender systems. Such automated recommendations may or may not apply to a customer’s specific environment, often lack an assessment of priority within the context of the other recommendations, and may or may not apply to an individual customer’s scenario. To address these challenges, techniques are presented herein that provide a novel approach to generating and ranking recommendations coming from a dynamic recommender system where rankings are based on enriched context from, for example, live data on real networks, activities performed by real customers, etc. Such techniques enhance the operational features of existing networks by recommending popular items to new customers, identifying critical items that can be proactively addressed in order to provide additional services, and reducing Technical Assistance Center (TAC) cases when patches exist for common issues

Self-learning Kinetic Monte-Carlo method: application to Cu(111)

We present a novel way of performing kinetic Monte Carlo simulations which does not require an {\it a priori} list of diffusion processes and their associated energetics and reaction rates. Rather, at any time during the simulation, energetics for all possible (single or multi-atom) processes, within a specific interaction range, are either computed accurately using a saddle point search procedure, or retrieved from a database in which previously encountered processes are stored. This self-learning procedure enhances the speed of the simulations along with a substantial gain in reliability because of the inclusion of many-particle processes. Accompanying results from the application of the method to the case of two-dimensional Cu adatom-cluster diffusion and coalescence on Cu(111) with detailed statistics of involved atomistic processes and contributing diffusion coefficients attest to the suitability of the method for the purpose.Comment: 18 pages, 9 figure

Diffusion of small two-dimensional Cu islands on Cu(111) studied with a kinetic Monte Carlo method

Diffusion of small two-dimensional Cu islands (containing up to 10 atoms) on Cu(111) has been studied using the newly developed self-learning Kinetic Monte Carlo (SLKMC) method which is based on a database of diffusion processes and their energetics accumulated automatically during the implementation of the SLKMC code. Results obtained from simulations in which atoms hop from one fcc hollow site to another are compared with those obtained from a parallel set of simulations in which the database is supplemented by processes revealed in complementary molecular dynamics simulations at 500K. They include processes involving the hcp (stacking-fault) sites, which facilitate concerted motion of the islands (simultaneous motion of all atoms in the island). A significant difference in the scaling of the effective diffusion barriers with island size is observed in the two cases. In particular, the presence of concerted island motion leads to an almost linear increase in the effective diffusion barrier with size, while its absence accounts for strong size-dependent oscillations and anomalous behavior for trimers and heptamers. We also identify and discuss in detail the key microscopic processes responsible for the diffusion and examine the frequencies of their occurrence, as a function of island size and substrate temperature.Peer reviewe

Outcome of decompressive craniectomy in traumatic closed head injury

Objective: The aim of the current study was to observe functional outcomes of patients undergoing decompressive craniectomy (DC) for raised intracranial pressure (ICP) after blunt head injury and to assess possible predictive factors.Methodology: This study was a prospective cohort study which was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi over a period of 2 years (January 2015-December 2016). Adult patients, aged between 15 and 65 years of both genders undergoing DC during the study period were selected. Outcomes of DC were assessed at an interval of 3 months following injury using the Glasgow outcome score. The data were analyzed on IBM statistics SPSS version 21.Results: Seventy-two patients underwent DC for raised and refractory ICP. Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at discharge, 1-month and 3-month follow-up were reported. GOS at 3-month follow-up showed 21 patients (29.2%) patients had a good recovery, moderate disability was reported in 16 patients (22.2%), and severe disability in 12 patients (16.7%), persistent vegetative state was seen in five patients (6.9%). Eighteen patients had in hospital mortality (25.0%). Tracheostomy and sphenoid fractures were found to be negative predictors of good functional outcome.Conclusions: DC is associated with an in hospital mortality of 25.0%. Favorable outcomes were seen in 51.4% patients. Tracheostomy and sphenoid fractures were negative predictors of good functional outcome. The results are comparable to international literature

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Laparoscopy in management of appendicitis in high-, middle-, and low-income countries: a multicenter, prospective, cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is the most common abdominal surgical emergency worldwide. Differences between high- and low-income settings in the availability of laparoscopic appendectomy, alternative management choices, and outcomes are poorly described. The aim was to identify variation in surgical management and outcomes of appendicitis within low-, middle-, and high-Human Development Index (HDI) countries worldwide. METHODS: This is a multicenter, international prospective cohort study. Consecutive sampling of patients undergoing emergency appendectomy over 6 months was conducted. Follow-up lasted 30 days. RESULTS: 4546 patients from 52 countries underwent appendectomy (2499 high-, 1540 middle-, and 507 low-HDI groups). Surgical site infection (SSI) rates were higher in low-HDI (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.33-4.99, p = 0.005) but not middle-HDI countries (OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.76-2.52, p = 0.291), compared with high-HDI countries after adjustment. A laparoscopic approach was common in high-HDI countries (1693/2499, 67.7%), but infrequent in low-HDI (41/507, 8.1%) and middle-HDI (132/1540, 8.6%) groups. After accounting for case-mix, laparoscopy was still associated with fewer overall complications (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.42-0.71, p < 0.001) and SSIs (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.14-0.33, p < 0.001). In propensity-score matched groups within low-/middle-HDI countries, laparoscopy was still associated with fewer overall complications (OR 0.23 95% CI 0.11-0.44) and SSI (OR 0.21 95% CI 0.09-0.45). CONCLUSION: A laparoscopic approach is associated with better outcomes and availability appears to differ by country HDI. Despite the profound clinical, operational, and financial barriers to its widespread introduction, laparoscopy could significantly improve outcomes for patients in low-resource environments. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02179112

Twelve-month observational study of children with cancer in 41 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction Childhood cancer is a leading cause of death. It is unclear whether the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted childhood cancer mortality. In this study, we aimed to establish all-cause mortality rates for childhood cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic and determine the factors associated with mortality. Methods Prospective cohort study in 109 institutions in 41 countries. Inclusion criteria: children &lt;18 years who were newly diagnosed with or undergoing active treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, retinoblastoma, Wilms tumour, glioma, osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, medulloblastoma and neuroblastoma. Of 2327 cases, 2118 patients were included in the study. The primary outcome measure was all-cause mortality at 30 days, 90 days and 12 months. Results All-cause mortality was 3.4% (n=71/2084) at 30-day follow-up, 5.7% (n=113/1969) at 90-day follow-up and 13.0% (n=206/1581) at 12-month follow-up. The median time from diagnosis to multidisciplinary team (MDT) plan was longest in low-income countries (7 days, IQR 3-11). Multivariable analysis revealed several factors associated with 12-month mortality, including low-income (OR 6.99 (95% CI 2.49 to 19.68); p&lt;0.001), lower middle income (OR 3.32 (95% CI 1.96 to 5.61); p&lt;0.001) and upper middle income (OR 3.49 (95% CI 2.02 to 6.03); p&lt;0.001) country status and chemotherapy (OR 0.55 (95% CI 0.36 to 0.86); p=0.008) and immunotherapy (OR 0.27 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.91); p=0.035) within 30 days from MDT plan. Multivariable analysis revealed laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR 5.33 (95% CI 1.19 to 23.84); p=0.029) was associated with 30-day mortality. Conclusions Children with cancer are more likely to die within 30 days if infected with SARS-CoV-2. However, timely treatment reduced odds of death. This report provides crucial information to balance the benefits of providing anticancer therapy against the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with cancer