bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“At least someone thinks I’m doing well”: a real-world evaluation of the quit-smoking app StopCoach for lower socio-economic status smokers
Authors: Meijer Eline , Korst Janneke S. , Oosting Kristiene G. , Heemskerk Eline , Hermsen Sander , Willemsen Marc C. , van den Putte Bas , Chavannes Niels H. , Brown Jamie
Published: July 2021

Background

Smoking is more prevalent and persistent among lower socio-economic status (SES) compared with higher-SES groups, and contributes greatly to SES-based health inequities. Few interventions exist that effectively help lower-SES smokers quit. This study evaluated “De StopCoach”, a mobile phone delivered eHealth intervention targeted at lower-SES smokers based on the evidence-based StopAdvisor, in a real-world setting (five municipalities) in The Netherlands in 2019–2020.

Method

We conducted individual semi-structured interviews with project leaders, healthcare professionals, and participating smokers (N = 22), and examined log data from the app (N = 235). For practical reasons, SES of app users was not measured. Qualitative data were analysed using the Framework Approach, with the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) as theoretical models.

Results

Qualitative data showed that factors from the Intervention and Setting domains were most important for the implementation. StopCoach seemed suitable for lower-SES smokers in terms of performance and effort expectancy, especially when integrated with regular smoking cessation counseling (SCC). Key barriers to implementation of the app were limited integration of the app in SCC programs in practice, difficulty experienced by project leaders and healthcare professionals to engage the local community, and barriers to SCC more generally (e.g., perceived resistance to quitting in patients) that prevented healthcare professionals from offering the app to smokers. Quantitative data showed that 48% of app users continued using the app after the preparation phase and pre-quit day, and that 33% of app users had attempted to quit. Both app adherence and quit attempts were more likely if smokers also received SCC from a professional coach. Posthoc analyses suggest that adherence is related to higher likelihood of a quit attempt among participants with and without a professional coach.

Conclusions

Smokers, healthcare professionals and project leaders indicated in the interviews that the StopCoach app would work best when combined with SCC. It also appears from app log that app adherence and quit attempts by app users can be facilitated by combining the app with face-to-face SCC. As such, blended care appears promising for helping individual smokers quit, as it combines the best of regular SCC and eHealth. Further research on blended care for lower-SES smokers is needed.
Resveratrol protects human nucleus pulposus cells from degeneration by blocking IL-6/JAK/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Wu Cenhao , Ge Jun , Yang Ming , Yan Qi , Wang Yingjie , Yu Hao , Yang Huilin , Zou Jun
Published: July 2021

Background

Nucleus pulposus cells’ (NPCs’) degeneration is mainly responsible for the intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), which is closely related to inflammatory response. Among the major proinflammatory factors that are related to NPCs’ degeneration, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and its downstream JAK/STAT3 pathway have received recent attention. The goal of our study is to figure out whether or how resveratrol (RSV) can protect NPCs from degeneration by affecting IL6/JAK/STAT3 pathway.

Methods

Different concentrations of RSV were added to NPCs’ mediums. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay and crystal violet staining. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. Protein expression level was determined by western blot. mRNA expression level was measured by qPCR.

Results

Our study showed that RSV improved NPCs’ cell viability. It also inhibited cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, which were accompanied by the increased expression level of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) and N-Cadherin. What’ more, RSV also improved the NPCs’ degeneration which was reflected in the increase of extracellular matrix (collagen II, Aggrecan). Moreover, RSV significantly attenuated the level of IL-6 secretion, which was accompanied by less phosphorylation of the transcription factors Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3).

Conclusion

RSV exerted its protective effect on HNPCs’ degeneration by improving cell survival and function. The possible mechanism may be associated with the suppression of JAK/STAT3 phosphorylation and the decreased IL-6 production, which could be explained by a blockage of the positive feedback control loop between IL-6 and JAK/STAT3 pathway.
A novel physics-based and data-supported microstructure model for part-scale simulation of laser powder bed fusion of Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Nitzler Jonas , Meier Christoph , Müller Kei W. , Wall Wolfgang A. , Hodge N. E.
Published: July 2021

The elasto-plastic material behavior, material strength and failure modes of metals fabricated by additive manufacturing technologies are significantly determined by the underlying process-specific microstructure evolution. In this work a novel physics-based and data-supported phenomenological microstructure model for Ti-6Al-4V is proposed that is suitable for the part-scale simulation of laser powder bed fusion processes. The model predicts spatially homogenized phase fractions of the most relevant microstructural species, namely the stable $$\beta $$
β
-phase, the stable $$\alpha _{\text {s}}$$

α
s

-phase as well as the metastable Martensite $$\alpha _{\text {m}}$$

α
m

-phase, in a physically consistent manner. In particular, the modeled microstructure evolution, in form of diffusion-based and non-diffusional transformations, is a pure consequence of energy and mobility competitions among the different species, without the need for heuristic transformation criteria as often applied in existing models. The mathematically consistent formulation of the evolution equations in rate form renders the model suitable for the practically relevant scenario of temperature- or time-dependent diffusion coefficients, arbitrary temperature profiles, and multiple coexisting phases. Due to its physically motivated foundation, the proposed model requires only a minimal number of free parameters, which are determined in an inverse identification process considering a broad experimental data basis in form of time-temperature transformation diagrams. Subsequently, the predictive ability of the model is demonstrated by means of continuous cooling transformation diagrams, showing that experimentally observed characteristics such as critical cooling rates emerge naturally from the proposed microstructure model, instead of being enforced as heuristic transformation criteria. Eventually, the proposed model is exploited to predict the microstructure evolution for a realistic selective laser melting application scenario and for the cooling/quenching process of a Ti-6Al-4V cube of practically relevant size. Numerical results confirm experimental observations that Martensite is the dominating microstructure species in regimes of high cooling rates, e.g., due to highly localized heat sources or in near-surface domains, while a proper manipulation of the temperature field, e.g., by preheating the base-plate in selective laser melting, can suppress the formation of this metastable phase.
Cisplatin-induced hydroxyl radicals mediate pro-survival autophagy in human lung cancer H460 cells
Authors: Sumkhemthong Somruethai , Prompetchara Eakachai , Chanvorachote Pithi , Chaotham Chatchai
Published: July 2021

Background

Accumulated evidence demonstrates cisplatin, a recommended chemotherapy, modulating pro-survival autophagic response that contributes to treatment failure in lung cancer patients. However, distinct mechanisms involved in cisplatin-induced autophagy in human lung cancer cells are still unclear.

Results

Herein, role of autophagy in cisplatin resistance was indicated by a decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis in lung cancer H460 cells pre-incubated with wortmannin, an autophagy inhibitor, prior to treatment with 50 µM cisplatin for 24 h. The elevated level of hydroxyl radicals detected via flow-cytometry corresponded to autophagic response, as evidenced by the formation of autophagosomes and autolysosomes in cisplatin-treated cells. Interestingly, apoptosis resistance, autophagosome formation, and the alteration of the autophagic markers, LC3-II/LC3-I and p62, as well as autophagy-regulating proteins Atg7 and Atg3, induced by cisplatin was abrogated by pretreatment of H460 cells with deferoxamine, a specific hydroxyl radical scavenger. The modulations in autophagic response were also indicated in the cells treated with hydroxyl radicals generated via Fenton reaction, and likewise inhibited by pretreatment with deferoxamine.

Conclusions

In summary, the possible role of hydroxyl radicals as a key mediator in the autophagic response to cisplatin treatment, which was firstly revealed in this study would benefit for the further development of novel therapies for lung cancer.
Background and descriptive features of rabies-suspected animals in Central Luzon, Philippines
Authors: Mananggit Milagros R. , Kimitsuki Kazunori , Saito Nobuo , Garcia Alyssa Marie G. , Lacanilao Patricia Mae T. , Ongtangco Joely T. , Velasco Cornelio R. , Rosario Maria Victoria D. , Lagayan Maria Glofezita O. , Yamada Kentaro , Park Chun-Ho , Inoue Satoshi , Suzuki Motoi , Saito-Obata Mariko , Kamiya Yasuhiko , Manalo Daria L. , Demetria Catalino S. , Quiambao Beatriz P. , Nishizono Akira
Published: July 2021

Background

The Philippines is one of the major endemic countries for canine rabies in Southeast Asia. However, detailed description and analysis of laboratory-confirmed animal rabies are limited. Highly accurate surveillance requires a thorough understanding of the target area-specific problems and obstacles. Therefore, we aim to describe and analyze the rabies suspect animals in Central Luzon, Philippines, to clarify the characteristics of management and clinical signs by conducting interviews with the owners.

Methods

We prospectively collected information on the rabies suspect animals submitted to the Regional animal laboratory in Central Luzon through passive laboratory-based rabies surveillance between 1st April 2019 and 30th September 2020. We performed active interviews directly or telephonically with the owner. The direct fluorescent antibody test was performed on the hippocampus, brain stem, and cerebellum for laboratory confirmation. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the number of rabies cases according to management methods and characteristics of suspected animals during the observation period. Clinical symptoms of suspected rabid animals were analyzed by univariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

There were 292 sample submissions during the study period. Of these, 160 were positive for dFAT. Samples of pet animals (85.3%) provided by owners or their acquaintances (59.2%) accounted for the majority of laboratory confirmed cases. Case mapping showed that more rabies-suspected cases were sent from areas near the regional laboratory than from those far from the laboratory, despite the incidence of rabies being high in these areas. The management and clinical symptoms of 227 animal cases showed that most owners were managing their animals at home and were allowing them to roam outside (69.6%) and be unvaccinated (78.9%). Rabid animals were more likely to manifest aimless running, restlessness, and agitation.

Conclusions

Our study provided some features of animals with laboratory-confirmed rabies in Central Luzon. However, most of the samples were submitted from areas near the rabies diagnosis laboratory, and the number of samples submitted from remote areas was low. To improve the surveillance capacity, it is necessary to increase sample submissions from remote areas.
Provenance of sediments from Barra del Tordo and Tesoro beaches, Tamaulipas State, northwestern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Ramos-Vázquez Mayla A. , Armstrong-Altrin John S.
Published: July 2021

The mineralogy, bulk sediment geochemical composition, and U–Pb ages of detrital zircons retrieved from the Barra del Tordo (Tordo) and Tesoro beach sediments in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico were analyzed to determine their provenance. The beach sediments are mainly composed of quartz, ilmenite, magnetite, titanite, zircon, and anorthite. The weathering proxies such as the Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA), Chemical Index of Weathering (CIW), and Plagioclase Index of Alteration (PIA), reveal a moderate-to-high intensity of weathering in the source area. The chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns are similar to felsic igneous rocks, with large negative europium anomaly (Eu/Eu* = ~ 0.47–0.80 and ~ 0.57–0.67 in the Tordo and Tesoro beach sediments, respectively).

Three major zircon U–Pb age groups are identified in the Tordo and Tesoro beach sediments, i.e., Proterozoic (~ 2039–595 Ma), Mesozoic (~ 244–70.3 Ma), and Cenozoic (~ 65.9–1.2 Ma). The differences of the zircon age spectrum between the Tordo and Tesoro beach sediments are not significant. The comparison of zircon U–Pb ages in this study with ages of potential source terranes suggests that the Mesozoic and Cenozoic zircons of the studied Tordo and Tesoro beach sediments were derived from the Eastern Alkaline Province (EAP) and Mesa Central Province (MCP). Similarly, the likely sources for the Proterozoic zircons were the Sierra Madre Oriental (SMOr) and Oaxaquia in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. The results of this study further indicate that the sediments delivered to the beaches by rivers and redistributed by longshore currents were crucial in determining the sediment provenance.
Survey of ethnobotanical cocktails commonly used in the treatment of malaria in southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Omagha Rachel , Idowu Emmanuel Taiwo , Alimba Chibuisi Gideon , Otubanjo Adetoro Olubunmi , Adeneye Adeniyi Kazeem
Published: July 2021

Background

Combination of different antimalarials has become the popular method of care for malaria morbidity in conventional and traditional treatment approaches due to the need to increase the efficacy and reduce the selection of drug resistance. A worrisome concern is the critical gaps with regards to the information available on antimalarial herbal cocktails. This study presents cocktail herbal remedies in ethnomedicinal approaches to malaria treatment in Oyo and Ogun states, South West Nigeria. Ethnobotanical information on indigenous antimalarials used in combination remedies was collected from herbal practitioners using a semi-structured questionnaire.

Results

Findings showed majority of respondents treat malaria with combination herbal remedies. They sighted their beliefs and customs, the efficacy, affordability and availability of these herbs as reasons for their adoption of herbal medicines as their preferred mode of treating malaria. Enquiry revealed 26 sets of cocktail antimalarials from a variety of plant species. The plants and ingredients are extracted and used as decoction, infusion or steam baths. Oral route was the most popular mode of administration. Respondents reported they drink one to two medium-sized cups of the recipe on an average of two times daily within a duration of about 10 days.

Conclusions

Herbal antimalarial remedies continue to be the popular treatments option in our localities. This study provides knowledge of the diverse ways respondents combine medicinal herbs and other local ingredients for malaria treatment. Pharmacological screening is urgently needed to validate their safety and efficacy in order to protect the health of our locals heavily relying on them to combat high burdens of malaria.
Cervicofacial lymphatic malformations: diagnosis and management
Authors: Bouatay Rachida , Hmida Badii , Hajjej Malek , Farhati Amira , Harrathi Khaled , Kolsi Naourez , Koubaa Jamel
Published: July 2021

Background

Lymphatic malformations are rare benign tumors that result from congenital and acquired alterations of the lymphatic vessels. They occur most commonly on the head and neck region.

The aim of this study is to describe clinical profiles of lymphatic malformations of the head and neck (LMHN) as well as to study therapeutic modalities through our series and review of the literature.

Results

This is a retrospective record-based descriptive study conducted in the ENT and the Radiology departments over a 17-year period. Our study included twelve patients, aged between 8 months and 52 years. Two swellings were present at birth and had not been prenatally diagnosed in both cases. One patient was affected by TRISOMY 21.

All patients consulted for a painless mass of the head or neck. Seven masses were located in the suprahyoid region and five in the infrahyoid region. Ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were realized to establish the diagnosis and assess the extent of the lesions.

Surgical excision was performed in 7 patients. It was complete in 6 patients. Five patients were treated with sclerotherapy. The sclerosing agents used were Aetoxisclerol 2%, hypertonic saline, and absolute alcohol. One patient had a reversible paresis of the left mental nerve after surgery. An excellent response to sclerotherapy with complete resolution was obtained in 3 cases with no recurrence of the disease.

Conclusions

Surgical excision has been the management option of choice for LMHN. The recent advances in sclerotherapy make it safe and effective as a primary treatment modality for these lesions.
Post-stroke aphasia rehabilitation using computer-based Arabic software program: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Elhakeem Engy Samy , Saeed Sabah Saeed Gommaa Mohamed , Elsalakawy Ramy Nabil Abd-Elkader , Elmaghraby Reham Mohamed , Ashmawy Ghada Abdel Hady Ossman
Published: July 2021

Background

Aphasia is considered an acquired communication disorder. Language intervention in aphasia enhances the patient outcomes. Recently, computer programs are developed for the treatment of aphasia. It is an effective and a low-cost therapy choice. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of language therapy using a computer-based Arabic software program for rehabilitation of post-stroke Arabic-speaking aphasic patients in comparison to the conventional language therapy. We conducted a randomized controlled trial with blinded endpoint evaluation. The trial included 50 aphasic patients. They were randomized into either group I or group II to receive 48 therapy sessions using the Arabic software program (group I) or the conventional therapy (group II). The primary outcome was a measure of improvement in language abilities. It was measured using the Arabic version of the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination to detect any significant improvement in the language of both groups in comparison to pre-therapy results. The post-therapy results of both groups were compared to each other to document the effectiveness of the software program.

Results

A total of 105 aphasic patients were screened and 50 subjects were randomized to the intervention groups [40 subjects were males, mean age of the patients: 57.04 years± SD 10.88 for group I and 58.80 years ± SD 11.58 for group II]. The therapy results showed a significant improvement from the baseline in both groups. There was no significant difference in the post-therapy results between group I and group II except for some items whereas group I showed more significant improvement.

Conclusions

Language therapy using a computer-based Arabic software program was as effective as the conventional therapy in the improvement of language abilities of Arabic-speaking aphasic patients.
Interferometric body-wave retrieval from ambient noise after polarization filtering: Application to shallow reflectivity imaging
Authors: Dangwal Deepankar , Behm Michael
Published: July 2021

Interferometric retrieval of body waves from ambient noise recorded at surface stations is usually challenged by the dominance of surface-wave energy, in particular in settings dominated by anthropogenic activities (e.g., natural resource exploitation, traffic, and infrastructure construction). As a consequence, ambient noise imaging of shallow structures such as sedimentary layers remains a difficult task for sparse and irregularly distributed receiver networks. We have determined how polarization filtering can be used to automatically extract steeply inclined compressional waves (P-waves) from continuous 3C recordings, and, in turn, it improves passive body-wave imaging. Being a single-station approach, the technique does not rely on a dense receiver array and is therefore well suited for data collected during surveillance monitoring for tasks such as reservoir hydraulic stimulation, CO2 sequestration, and wastewater disposal injection. We apply the method on a continuous data set acquired in the Wellington oilfield (Kansas, US), where local and regional seismicity and other forms of ambient noise provide an abundant source of surface- and body-wave energy recorded at 15 short-period receivers. We use autocorrelation (AC) to derive the shallow (<1 km) reflectivity structure below the receiver array and validate our workflow and results with well logs and active seismic data. Ray-tracing analysis and waveform modeling indicate that converted shear waves need to be taken into account for realistic ambient noise body-wave source distributions because they can be projected on the vertical component and might lead to misinterpretation of the P-wave reflectivity structure. Overall, our study suggests that polarization filtering significantly improves passive body-wave imaging on AC and interstation crosscorrelation. It reduces the impact of time-varying noise source distributions and is therefore also potentially useful for time-lapse ambient noise interferometry.
Telehealth in Oncology: ASCO Standards and Practice Recommendations
Authors: Zon Robin T. , Kennedy Erin B. , Adelson Kerin , Blau Sibel , Dickson Natalie , Gill David , Laferriere Nicole , Lopez Ana Maria , Mulvey Therese M. , Patt Debra , Pickard Todd A. , Purdom Terry , Royce Trevor J. , Sumrall Ashley L. , Page Ray D.
Published: July 2021

PURPOSE

To provide standards and practice recommendations specific to telehealth in oncology.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature on telehealth in oncology was performed, including the use of technologies and telecommunications systems, and other electronic methods of care delivery and sharing of information with patients. The evidence base was combined with the opinion of the ASCO Telehealth Expert Panel to develop telehealth standards and guidance. Public comments were solicited and considered in preparation of the final manuscript.

RESULTS

The Expert Panel determined that general guidance on implementing telehealth across general and specialty settings has been published previously and these resources are endorsed. A systematic search for studies on topics specific to oncology resulted in the inclusion of two clinical practice guidelines, 12 systematic reviews, and six primary studies.

STANDARDS AND GUIDANCE

Standards and guidance are provided for which patients in oncology can be seen via telehealth, establishment of the doctor-physician relationship, role of allied health professionals, role of advanced practice providers, multidisciplinary cancer conferences, and teletrials in oncology. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/standards .
Subacute Thyroiditis During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic
Authors: Brancatella Alessandro , Viola Nicola , Rutigliano Grazia , Sgrò Daniele , Santini Ferruccio , Latrofa Francesco
Published: July 2021

Context

Acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been related to subacute thyroiditis (SAT).

Objective

We compared SAT cases during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic to those observed in the previous years.

Methods

A cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted at the Endocrinology Unit of University Hospital of Pisa, Italy. We included all patients observed from January 2016 to December 2020 because of an untreated SAT, who had developed the disease within 15 days prior to the visit. SAT cases from 2016 to 2019 (N = 152) are referred to as pre-SARS-CoV-2, while 2020 SAT patients are classified as pos-SARS-CoV-2 (N = 18) or neg-SARS-CoV-2 (N = 28), according to positive or negative SARS-CoV-2 testing performed up to 45 days from SAT onset.

Results

While during 2016-2019, most SAT cases were observed in the third quarter, in 2020, 2 peaks were seen, superimposable to the SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in the second and the fourth quarters. In the second and fourth quarters of 2020, we observed higher levels of free thyroxine (FT4), C-reactive protein (CRP), and thyroglobulin (Tg) compared with the same quarters of the years 2016-2019. Pos-SARS-CoV-2 patients had higher FT4 (28.4 vs 24.1 nmol/L), CRP (8.5 vs 3.6 mg/L), and Tg (155 vs 60 µg/L) (P < 0.05 for all) and more frequently had hypothyroidism (13/15 vs 30/152 at 3 months) (P < 0.001) than pre-SARS-CoV-2 patients. Neg-SARS-CoV-2 patients showed a clinical picture intermediate between the other 2 groups.

Conclusion

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused a shift in the annual timing and severity of SAT cases.
Of Widows, Furrows, and Seed: New Perspectives on Land and the Colonial Andean Commons
Authors: Puente Luna José Carlos de la
Published: July 2021

Although much has been written about Indigenous land tenure in the Americas, colonial Andeanists still debate whether pre-Hispanic agropastoral communities held all pasture and farmland in common and, therefore, whether novel forms of private or individual control over land and its products were introduced only in the aftermath of the Iberian conquest. The alleged particularities of the Andean case vis-à-vis other regions for which historians accept a plurality of pre-Hispanic and postconquest land regimes are based on a twin set of oppositions: individual versus collective, and ownership versus use. In this essay, I reassess communal land tenure patterns through the lens of Native colonial customs of commoning and uncommoning. I contend that individual and communal aspects of land within Native collectives were not opposite ends of a spectrum but instead coterminous ways of acting on—that is, exerting power and control over—the same resources.
The captivating effect of electric organ discharges: species, sex and orientation are embedded in every single received image
Authors: Waddell Joseph C. , Caputi Angel A.
Published: July 2021

Some fish communicate using pulsatile, stereotyped electric organ discharges (EODs) that exhibit species- and sex-specific time courses. To ensure reproductive success, they must be able to discriminate conspecifics from sympatric species in the muddy waters they inhabit. We have previously shown that fish in both Gymnotus and Brachyhypopomus genera use the electric field lines as a tracking guide to approach conspecifics (electrotaxis). Here, we show that the social species Brachyhypopomus gauderio uses electrotaxis to arrive abreast a conspecific, coming from behind. Stimulus image analysis shows that, even in a uniform field, every single EOD causes an image in which the gradient and the local field time courses contain enough information to allow the fish to evaluate the conspecific sex, and to find the path to reach it. Using a forced-choice test, we show that sexually mature individuals orient themselves along a uniform field in the direction encoded by the time course characteristic of the opposite sex. This indicates that these fish use the stimulus image profile as a spatial guidance clue to find a mate. Embedding species, sex and orientation cues is a particular example of how species can encode multiple messages in the same self-generated communication signal carrier, allowing for other signal parameters (e.g. EOD timing) to carry additional, often circumstantial, messages. This ‘multiple messages’ EOD embedding approach expressed in this species is likely to be a common and successful strategy that is widespread across evolutionary lineages and among varied signaling modalities.
How to build a puncture- and breakage-resistant eggshell? Mechanical and structural analyses of avian brood parasites and their hosts
Authors: López Analía V. , Bolmaro Raúl E. , Ávalos Martina , Gerschenson Lía N. , Reboreda Juan C. , Fiorini Vanina D. , Tartalini Vanina , Risso Pablo , Hauber Mark E.
Published: July 2021

Evolved eggshell strength is greater in several lineages of obligate avian brood parasites (birds that lay their eggs in other species' nests) than in their hosts. Greater strength is typically indirectly implied by eggshell thickness comparisons between parasites and hosts. Nevertheless, there is strong evidence that the eggshell structural organization differentially influences its mechanical properties. Using instrumental puncture tests and SEM/EBSD and XRD techniques, we studied the most relevant eggshell mechanical, textural, ultrastructural and microstructural features between several host species and their parasitic cowbirds (Molothrus spp.). These parasitic species display different egg-destructive behaviors, reducing host reproductive fitness, including the more frequently host-egg puncturing M. rufoaxillaris and M. bonariensis, and the host egg-removing M. ater. The results, analyzed using a phylogenetic comparative approach, showed interspecific patterns in the mechanical and structural features. Overall, the eggshells of the two egg-puncturing parasites (but not of M. ater) were stronger, stiffer and required greater stress to produce a fracture than the respective hosts' eggs. These features were affected by eggshell microstructure and ultrastructure, related to the increase in the intercrystalline boundary network acting in cooperation with the increase in palisade layer thickness. Both structural features generate more options and greater lengths of intercrystalline paths, increasing the energy consumed in crack or fissure propagation. The reported patterns of all these diverse eggshell features support a new set of interpretations, confirming several hypotheses regarding the impact of the two reproductive strategies (parasitic versus parental) and parasitic egg destruction behaviors (more versus less frequently puncturing).
Mediation in Reputational Bargaining
Authors: Fanning Jack
Published: July 2021

Can an uninformed mediator improve outcomes in a dynamic reputational bargaining model? I show that a simple communication protocol used by professional mediators, of announcing an agreement only if both parties privately accept its terms, can increase the payoffs of rational bargainers, but only if communication is noisy: the mediator must sometimes fail to suggest a deal even when both bargainers accept it. (JEL C78, D74, D83)
Medical adhesive vs hookwire for computed tomography-guided preoperative localization and risk factors of major complications
Authors: Ye Weitao , Dong Chenyu , Lin Churong , Wu Qidi , Li Jiao , Zhou Zihao , Wen Menghuang , Liang Changhong , Zhao Zhenjun , Yang Lin
Published: July 2021

Objective:

To compare the efficacy of medical adhesive and hookwire as CT-guided non-palpable pulmonary nodule (NPN) localization methods before video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) resection, and determine the risk factors for common complications during localization.

Methods:

This was a single-center non-randomized retrospective study. 102 consecutive patients with 109 NPNs were divided into Group A (medical adhesive, 66 patients, 72 nodules) and Group B (hookwire, 36 patients, 37 nodules) before VATS. Patient- and nodule-based characteristics were compared. Logistic regression was performed to identify the risk factors for complications.

Results:

Localization was successfully performed in all the NPNs. For Group A, the rate of pneumothorax immediately after localization was lower (p = 0.049) and the localization-to-surgery interval was longer (p = 0.011) than Group B. There was no significant difference in rates of hemorrhage after needle withdrawal between the two groups (p = 0.198). Hookwire ( vs medical adhesive) (β = 1.12, p = 0.018), total insertion depth (β = −0.41, p = 0.013), pleura-needle angle (β = −0.04, p = 0.025) and grade of hemorrhage after needle withdrawal (β = −0.96, p = 0.030) were independently associated with pneumothorax, while age (β = −0.94, p = 0.018), tumor size (β = 0.29, p = 0.007) and its distance from the pleural surface (β = 0.14, p = 0.004) were associated with higher grade hemorrhage after needle withdrawal.

Conclusion:

Compared with hookwire, localization with medical adhesive excelled in lower risk of pneumothorax, a more flexible localization-to-surgery interval, and had similar rates of hemorrhage after needle withdrawal. Hookwire is an independent risk factor of pneumothorax immediately after localization.

Advances in knowledge:

This study added new clinical evidence to the efficacy of medical adhesive in pre-operative CT-guided NPN localization.
Pathological fracture in paediatric bone tumours and tumour-like lesions: A predictor of benign lesions?
Authors: Chaib Boussad , Malhotra Karan , Khoo Michael , Saifuddin Asif
Published: July 2021

Objective:

To determine the incidence and causes of pathological fractures in paediatric bone tumours and tumour-like lesions, and to determine if they are predictive of benign lesions.

Methods and materials:

Retrospective review of children with suspected bone tumours referred to a specialist musculoskeletal oncology service between September 2019 and August 2020. Data recorded included patient age and gender, lesion location, the presence of a pathological fracture on the initial plain radiograph, and the final diagnosis made either by image-guided biopsy/curettage or based on typical imaging features.

Results:

231 patients were included with 233 lesions (138 males and 93 females with mean age 10.5 years, range 3 months–18 years). Final diagnosis was based on histology in 85 (36.5%) cases and imaging in 148 (63.5%) cases, 52 (22.3%) lesions classed as non-neoplastic, 139 (59.7%) as benign and 42 (18%) as malignant. Pathological fractures were seen in 41 cases (17.6%) at presentation, involving the humerus in 19 (46.3%), the femur in 14 (34.1%), the tibia in 3 (7.3%), the fibula and radius in two each (4.9%) and the second toe proximal phalanx in 1 (2.4%) (p < 0.001). The commonest underlying lesions included simple bone cyst (n = 17; 41.5%) and non-ossifying fibroma (n = 10; 24.4%). Only 4 cases (9.75%) were malignant, one case each of osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, leukaemia and BCOR undifferentiated round cell sarcoma. Pathological fracture occurred in 27.7% of non-malignant lesions and 9.5% of malignant lesions, this difference being statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Pathological fractures were seen in 17.6% of paediatric bone tumours, tumour-like lesions, being significantly associated with humeral location and non-malignant diagnosis.

Advances in knowledge:

Demonstrates the frequency, location and underlying diagnosis of pathological fractures in paediatric bone tumour and tumour-like lesions.
Diagnostic radiographer advanced clinical practice in the United Kingdom – A national cross-sectional survey
Authors: Woznitza Nick , Pittock Lisa , Elliott James , Snaith Bev
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

To survey the diagnostic radiography workforce in the United Kingdom (UK) at an organisational level to ascertain the scope of advanced practice and compliance with Health Education England standards for multiprofessional advanced clinical practice (ACP).

Methods:

174 diagnostic imaging departments were invited to participate in a cross-sectional electronic survey focused upon advanced level practice and their educational and accreditation expectations (October–December 2019). Breast imaging, computed tomography, fluoroscopy, interventional radiology, lithotripsy, magnetic resonance imaging and projectional radiography were included.

Results:

A total of 97 responses were received, of which 79 were eligible for inclusion (45%). Respondents reported advanced-level practice roles across all imaging modalities, which included clinical reporting, procedural-based and combined roles. Radiograph and mammogram reporting were most prevalent (95 and 67% of Trusts), with fluoroscopy the most frequent procedure-only role (25%). Only 39% of trusts required adherence to the four pillars of ACP within job descriptions, and only 12% requiring a full Masters qualification.

Conclusions:

Diagnostic radiographer reporting and procedure-based roles in the NHS are varied and widespread. However, inconsistencies in fulfilment against the expected standards for advanced practice exist. Realignment of advanced-level roles to delineate enhanced and advanced clinical practice may ensure consistency between roles and professions. A requirement for accreditation as an advanced (clinical) practitioner with adherence to advanced practice requirements could therefore provide value to accreditation for both individual practitioners and Trusts.

Advances in knowledge:

Within the UK, diagnostic radiographer roles previously self-identified as advanced-level practice may be termed enhanced practice when not adhering to expected ACP standards.
A comparison among gamma distribution, intravoxel incoherent motion, and mono-exponential models with turbo spin-echo diffusion-weighted MR imaging in the differential diagnosis of orofacial lesions
Authors: Panyarak Wannakamon , Chikui Toru , Tokumori Kenji , Yamashita Yasuo , Kamitani Takeshi , Togao Osamu , Kawano Shintaro , Yoshiura Kazunori
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

To compare the gamma distribution (GD), intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), and monoexponential (ME) models in terms of their goodness-of-fit, correlations among the parameters, and the effectiveness in the differential diagnosis of various orofacial lesions.

Methods:

A total of 85 patients underwent turbo spin-echo diffusion-weighted imaging with six b-values. The goodness-of-fit of three models was assessed using Akaike Information Criterion. We analysed the correlations and compared the effectiveness in the differential diagnosis among the parameters of GD model (κ, shape parameter; θ, scale parameter; fractions of diffusion: ƒ1, cellular component; ƒ2, extracellular diffusion; ƒ3, perfusion component), IVIM model (D, true diffusion coefficient; D*, pseudodiffusion coefficient; f, perfusion fraction), and ME model (apparent diffusion coefficient, ADC).

Results:

The GD and IVIM models showed a better goodness-of-fit than the ME model (p < 0.05). ƒ1 had strong negative correlations with D and ADC (ρ = –0.901 and –0.937, respectively), while ƒ3 had a moderate positive correlation with f (ρ = 0.661). Malignant entity presented significantly higher ƒ1 and lower D and ADC than benign entity (p < 0.0001). Malignant lymphoma had significantly higher ƒ1 in comparison to squamous cell carcinoma (p = 0.0007) and granulation (p = 0.0075). The trend in ƒ1 was opposite to the trend in D. Malignant lymphoma had significant lower ƒ3 than squamous cell carcinoma (p = 0.005) or granulation (p = 0.0075).

Conclusions:

The strong correlations were found between the GD- and IVIM-derived parameters. Furthermore, the GD model’s parameters were useful for characterising the pathological structure in orofacial lesions.
The SUNShINE platform: efficiency, transparency and standardization in the dEEP renovation process of multi-family buildings
Authors: Stancioff Charlotte Eloise , Pesoa Laila Māra , Penev Plamen , Jegiazarjana Karine
Published: July 2021

The given research paper addresses the need for a digital platform to build efficiency and transparency within the energy efficient building renovation sector. The SUNShINE platform is presented as an innovative solution to tackle the obstacles during the complex building renovation process by ensuring efficiency, transparency and standardization. A variety of stakeholders can effectively communicate during the multiple stages of the process with the help of this platform, which makes it a core tool of deep building renovation projects. Costs are cut due to digitalization of the process and we standardize documentation and resources. Currently, it is being tested in six different countries. The SUNShINe platform was developed as part of the EU-funded projects H2020 SUNShINE, H2020 Accelerate SUNShINE, and H2020 FinEERGO-DOM.
The Bad Thing About Good Advice: Understanding When and How Advice Exacerbates Overconfidence
Authors: Soll Jack B. , Palley Asa B. , Rader Christina A.
Published: July 2021

Much research on advice taking examines how people revise point estimates given input from others. This work has established that people often egocentrically discount advice. If they were to place more weight on advice, their point estimates would be more accurate. Yet the focus on point estimates and accuracy has resulted in a narrow conception of what it means to heed advice. We distinguish between revisions of point estimates and revisions of attendant probability distributions. Point estimates represent a single best guess; distributions represent the probabilities that people assign to all possible answers. A more complete picture of advice taking is provided by considering revisions of distributions, which reflect changes in both confidence and best guesses. We capture this using a new measure of advice utilization: the influence of advice. We observe that, when input from a high-quality advisor largely agrees with a person’s initial opinion, it engenders little change in one’s point estimate and, hence, little change in accuracy yet significantly increases confidence. This pattern suggests more advice taking than generally suspected. However, it is not necessarily beneficial. Because people are typically overconfident to begin with, receiving advice that agrees with their initial opinion can exacerbate overconfidence. In several experiments, we manipulate advisor quality and measure the extent to which advice agrees with a person’s initial opinion. The results allow us to pinpoint circumstances in which heeding advice is beneficial, improving accuracy or reducing overconfidence, as well as circumstances in which it is harmful, hurting accuracy or exacerbating overconfidence.

This paper was accepted by Yuval Rottenstreich, judgment and decision making.
Managing headlice in children
Authors: Noakes Amy
Published: July 2021

Head lice are parasitic insects that infest the hairs of the human head and feed on blood from the scalp. They are most common in children between 4 and 11 years, who should be examined regularly to avoid infestations
Multiscale optimization of the geometric wavefront sensor
Authors: Pal Saloni , Clare Richard , Lambert Andrew , Weddell Stephen
Published: July 2021

Since wavefront distortions cannot be directly measured from an image, a wavefront sensor (WFS) can use intensity variations from a point source to estimate slope or curvature of a wavefront. However, processing of measured aberration data from WFSs is computationally intensive, and this is a challenge for real-time image restoration or correction. A multi-resolutional method, known as the ridgelet transform, is explored to estimate wavefront distortions from astronomical images of natural source beacons (stars). Like the curvature sensor, the geometric WFS is relatively simple to implement but computationally more complex. The geometric WFS is extended by incorporating the sparse and multi-scale geometry of ridgelets, which are analyzed to optimize the performance of the geometric WFS. Ridgelets provide lower wavefront errors, in terms of root mean square error, specifically over low photon flux levels. The simulation results further show that by replacing the Radon transform of the geometric WFS with the ridgelet transform, computational complexity is reduced.
Speckleless color dynamic three-dimensional holographic display based on complex amplitude modulation
Authors: Pi Dapu , Liu Juan , Yu Shuang
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we propose a method to implement a speckleless color dynamic three-dimensional holographic display by modulating amplitude and phase distribution simultaneously. Computer-generated holograms are calculated with an initial uniform phase, and the speckle noise of reconstructed images is suppressed effectively. We perform both numerical simulations and optical experiments to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The numerical simulations show that the proposed method can achieve speckleless reconstruction and the optical experiments provide a good color dynamic display effect. It is expected that the proposed method could be widely applied to realize high-quality color dynamic holographic displays in the future.
Detection for ship by dual-polarization imaging radiometer
Authors: Su Jinlong , Wu Hongfei , Li Pengfei , Hu Yan , Hu Fei
Published: July 2021

Passive millimeter wave (PMMW) imagers are increasingly becoming practical sensor candidates for target detection tasks. This paper is devoted to the ship detection by land-based W band passive polarized imager. The radiation characteristics of sky, sea surface and the atmospheric absorption characteristics of sea area near Qingdao are calculated based on sounding data. And the W band radiation characteristic of painted metal is measured. Then, the experiments of detection for sea surface ship are carried out in different ranges including 2,5, and 15 kilometers. The results show that land-based PMMW imager can detect and locate ship target from sea surface more than tens of kilometers away in thick fog, and polarization selection has influence on detection performance.
Waveguide efficient directional coupling and decoupling via an integrated plasmonic nanoantenna
Authors: Blanquer Guillaume , Loo Vivien , Rahbany Nancy , Couteau Christophe , Blaize Sylvain , Salas-Montiel Rafael , De Wilde Yannick , Krachmalnicoff Valentina
Published: July 2021

The development of integrated photonic devices has led to important advancements in the field of light-matter interaction at the nanoscale. One of the main focal points is the coupling between single photon emitters and optical waveguides aiming to achieve efficient optical confinement and propagation. In this work, we focus on the characterization of a hybrid dielectric/plasmonic waveguide consisting of a gold triangular nanoantenna placed on top of a TiO2 waveguide. The strong directionality of the device is experimentally demonstrated by comparing the intensity scattered by the nanotriangle to the one scattered by a SNOM tip for different illumination geometries. The ability of the plasmonic antenna to generate powerful coupling between a single emitter and the waveguide will also be highlighted through numerical simulations.
High power continuous laser at 461 nm based on a compact and high-efficiency frequency-doubling linear cavity
Authors: Feng C.-H. , Vidal S. , Robert P. , Bouyer P. , Desruelle B. , Prevedelli M. , Boullet J. , Santarelli G. , Bertoldi A.
Published: July 2021

A Watt-level continuous and single frequency blue laser at 461 nm is obtained by frequency-doubling an amplified diode laser operating at 922 nm via a LBO crystal in a resonant Fabry-Pérot cavity. We achieved a best optical conversion efficiency equal to 87% with more than 1 W output power in the blue, and limited by the available input power. The frequency-converted beam is characterized in terms of long term power stability, residual intensity noise, and geometrical shape. The blue beam has a linewidth of the order of 1 MHz, and we used it to magneto-optically trap 88Sr atoms on the 5s2 1S0 – 5s5p 1P1 transition. The low-finesse, linear-cavity doubling system is very robust, maintains the lock for several days, and is compatible with a tenfold increase of the power levels which could be obtained with fully-fibered amplifiers and large mode area fibers.