bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Image model embeddings for digital pathology and drug development via self-supervised learning
Authors: Baykaner Khan , Xu Mona , Bordeaux Lucas , Gu Feng , Selvaraj Balaji , Gaffney Isabelle , Dillon Laura , Hipp Jason
Published: September 2021

Whole slide images (WSIs) contain rich pathology information which can be used to diagnose cancer, characterize the tumour microenvironment (TME), assess patient prognosis, and provide insights into the likelihood of whether a patient may respond to a given treatment. However, since WSI availability is generally scarce during early stage clinical trials, the applicability of deep learning models to new and ongoing drug development in early stages is typically limited. WSIs available in public repositories, such as The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), enable an unsupervised pretraining approach to help alleviate data scarcity. Pretrained models can also be utilised for a range of downstream applications such as automated annotation, quality control (QC), and similar image search.

In this work we present DIME (Drug-development Image Model Embeddings), a pipeline for training image patch embeddings for WSIs via self-supervised learning. We compare inpainting and contrastive learning approaches for embedding training in the DIME pipeline, and demonstrate state-of-the-art performance at image patch clustering. In addition, we show that the resultant embeddings allow for training effective downstream patch classifiers with relatively few WSIs, and apply this to an AstraZeneca-sponsored phase III clinical trial. We also highlight the importance of effective colour normalisation for implementing histopathology analysis pipelines, regardless of the core learning algorithm. Finally, we show via subjective exploration of embedding spaces that the DIME pipeline clusters interesting histopathological artefacts, suggesting a possible role for the method in QC pipelines. By clustering image patches according to underlying morphopathologic features, DIME supports subsequent qualitative exploration by pathologists and has the potential to inform and expediate biomarker discovery and drug development.
Awareness of Big Data concept in the Dominican Republic construction industry: an empirical study
Authors: Reyes Veras Paola , Renukappa Suresh , Suresh Subashini
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The construction industry, being one of the main activities in the ever-demanding need for technology developments, sometimes falls short of other industries in terms of implementation. The adoption of Big Data (BD) in industries such as health and retail has had positive impacts in aspects such as decision-making processes and forecasting trends that allow planning some future business movements. Hence, the question of whether these results can be imitated in the construction industry. Therefore, this paper aims to address the level of awareness identified as a first step towards implementation of the BD concept within the construction industry in the Dominican Republic (DR).

Design/methodology/approach

As little to no information exist on the subject; the selected approach to perform this research was qualitative methodology; 21 semi-structured interviews were studied using situational awareness. Four levels of awareness were developed based on the Endsley’s Situation Awareness model.

Findings

The results showed that nearly 95% of the interviewees had either no knowledge or very basic awareness of the BD requirements or intermediate awareness, but only 5% had applied BD concepts in the construction industry.

Originality/value

This study shows the gaps that exist in the understanding and implementation of BD concepts in the DR construction industry. This paper establishes the need to develop continuous professional development programmes for construction professionals and a need to update curriculum in construction-related education.
From research to practice: a multifaceted and dimensional approach to psychopathy
Authors: Steinert Steven W. , Shankar Sneha , Arble Eamonn P.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate trends in research and clinical practice that may contribute to the limited utility of assessment and treatment modalities designed to capture and address psychopathy. It identifies a lack of consistency between the academic understanding of psychopathy and how the construct is applied in clinical contexts. The authors provide clarity and direction for a more effective application of the psychopathy construct in practical contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

This review first examines the etiology of important limitations to psychopathy research and practical application, and proposes the adoption of the most recent empirical conceptualization of the construct into practical contexts. It then evaluates the current functionality of psychopathy in practical contexts. The review ultimately proposes a method for designing intervention practices based on the model used in the development of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for borderline personality disorder, which will improve the practical utility of the construct.

Findings

The present review provides evidence that a multifaceted and dimensional perspective of psychopathy will improve the practical utility of the construct and help move the field forward. It suggests that considering independent components of the psychopathy construct along a continuous scale, as with DBT, will contribute to improvements in assessments and treatments that target psychopathy.

Practical implications

The current review applies relevant research to a model for developing an intervention modality particularly in forensic or correctional settings where individuals high in psychopathy are often seen. The implications outlined provide a framework that could impact practice and assessment in forensic contexts moving forward.

Originality/value

Previous research has not concisely outlined problems concerning the link between psychopathy research and how the construct is applied in practical settings. Few researchers have proposed plausible solutions that could improve the utility of the construct in such settings.
How customer-driven and vendor-driven information cues shape a travel app user behaviour?
Authors: Turulja Lejla , Činjarević Merima
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to apply the stimulus-organism-response framework to uncover the underlying mechanism by which the perceived helpfulness of online customer reviews (OCRs) drives behavioural intentions in mobile travel app commerce. Also, the current study explores how vendor-driven perceived usefulness of a product and its attributes influence the mediated relationship between perceived helpfulness of OCRs (OCRs helpfulness) and behavioural intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The online survey (n = 151) was used to collect the data. The authors used structural equation modelling and the bias-corrected bootstrap method to test the proposed conceptual model for mediation and moderated-mediation effect.

Findings

Findings indicate that the perceived OCRs helpfulness has an indirect positive effect, via trust and attitude, on travel app downloading intention. Moreover, results suggest that the presence of vendor cues (vendor-generated informational content about a travel app) does not significantly moderate the mediating effect of perceived OCRs helpfulness on travel app downloading intention.

Originality/value

The present study reinforces the applicability of the warranting principle in the context of travel app commerce by exploring the relative effectiveness of customer-generated and vendor-generated informational content in influencing travel app downloading intention.
Novel process for suppressing orange peel formation in polymer laser sintering through pretreatment with low-power laser irradiation
Authors: Kobayashi Ryuichi , Kigure Takashi , Yang Ming
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to describe a new process for suppressing the formation of orange peel, which is a polymer laser sintering (LS) process error.

Design/methodology/approach

The target for controlling the suppression of orange peel is securing the contact between the molten polymer and the surrounding powder. The authors set the powder bed temperature closer to the melting temperature than that for a typical LS. Alternatively, the authors use a low-power laser to irradiate the powder bed surrounding the parts being built. The surface finish of the built parts was evaluated using a three-dimensional scanner.

Findings

Both approaches were effective in suppressing orange peel. From the viewpoint of reusability of the used powder, the process that includes low-power laser irradiation is practical. The presence or absence of contact between the surrounding powder and the molten polymer determines whether the orange peel is formed.

Research limitations/implications

The authors have not tested orange peel suppression for complex shapes.

Originality/value

The authors have demonstrated a concrete process that can suppress orange peel formation even for powders with low melt-flow rates. Furthermore, a mechanism for the formation/suppression of orange peel based on the experimental results was proposed.
Long‐term litter removal rather than litter addition enhances ecosystem carbon sequestration in a temperate steppe
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhang Ang , Zheng Yujin , Song Jian , Ru Jingyi , Zheng Mengmei , Hui Dafeng , Wan Shiqiang
Published: September 2021

Global change can greatly affect plant productivity and subsequently litter input to soil, with potential impacts on soil carbon (C) fluxes. However, the effects of litter layer in mediating C cycling and budget at an ecosystem scale are still not clear.

As part of a long‐term litter fall manipulation experiment in a temperate steppe on the Mongolian Plateau, this study was conducted to explore effects of litter removal and addition on ecosystem C budget and the associated mechanisms.

Overall, litter removal enhanced photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) at soil surface by 31.0%, but litter addition reduced it by 26.5%. Litter removal decreased soil inorganic nitrogen (SIN) content at the depth of 0–10 cm by 13.6%, but litter addition enhanced it by 14.1%. Litter removal increased legume abundance by 131.1%, whereas litter addition enhanced grass abundance by 30.7% but decreased forb abundance by 33.1%. Litter removal increased gross ecosystem productivity (GEP) through enhancing PAR and legume abundance, whereas litter addition elevated GEP by changing plant community composition mediated by decreasing PAR and increasing SIN. Litter removal did not affect ecosystem respiration (ER), but litter addition stimulated ER by 14.9%. Therefore, while litter addition did not affect net ecosystem productivity (NEP), litter removal surprisingly enhanced NEP by 23.9% over the later 7 years.

Our findings highlight that more above‐ground litter input derived from biomass production may not necessarily result in a larger ecosystem C sink in grasslands under global change scenarios in the future. On the contrary, proper litter removal may be an effective way to increase the ecosystem C sink in grassland management.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Re‐fractures of the paediatric radius and/or ulna: A systematic review
Authors: Bhanushali Ameya , Axelby Evelyn , Patel Prajay , Abu‐Assi Rabieh , Ong Belinda , Graff Christy , Kraus Manuel
Published: September 2021

Background

Fractures of the radius and/or ulna are one of the most common injuries in children. Evidence identifying risk factors for refracture, however, has not been summarised in a systematic review. Guidance for counselling patients and parents to minimise the risk of refracture is limited. The aims of this study are to 1) to determine if casting time 6 weeks or less is a risk factor for refracture after paediatric radius and/or ulna fractures, 2) to identify other risk factors for refracture after paediatric radius and/or ulna fractures and 3) to develop more accurate guidelines for counselling parents after a radius and/or ulna fracture in their child.

Methods

A thorough search was performed in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines for systematic review. JBI Critical Appraisal checklists were used for risk of bias assessment.

Results

Diaphyseal both‐bone fractures treated non‐surgically should be casted for longer than 6 weeks. Surgically treated patients can be casted for less than 6 weeks. Diaphyseal and greenstick fractures have a higher risk of refracture. Residual angulation and incomplete healing in greenstick fractures may lead to a higher risk of refracture. Gender does not affect refracture risk. Falls, use of wheeled vehicles, playground activities and trampolining confer high‐risk of refracture. Refracture risk is greatest up to 9 months from initial fracture.

Conclusion

Further case‐controlled studies with sub‐group analysis are required to further investigate risk factors for refracture after radius and/or ulna fractures in children.
Prenatal drug exposure as a risk factor for cerebral palsy and other developmental deficits
Authors: Gao Wei
Published: September 2021

This commentary is on the original article by Benninger et al. on pages 453–461 of this issue.
Diastolic function grading by American Society of Echocardiography guidelines and prediction of heart failure readmission and all‐cause mortality in a community‐based cohort
Authors: Lavine Steven J. , Murtaza Ghulam , Rahman Zia Ur , Kelvas Danielle , Paul Timir K.
Published: September 2021

Background

Diastolic function (DF) guidelines have been simplified but lack extensive outcome data. Using a rural university heart failure (HF) database, we assessed whether DF grading could predict HF, HF readmission, and all‐cause mortality (ACM).

Methods

In this single‐center retrospective study that included 613 patients in sinus rhythm hospitalized for HF (HF with preserved—254 patients, with mid‐range—216 patients, and reduced ejection fraction—143 patients), we recorded demographics, Doppler‐echo, Framingham HF score, laboratories, HF readmission, and ACM with follow‐up to 2167 days.

Results

Diastolic dysfunction (Ddys) parameters (left atrial volume index [LAVI] > 34 ml/m2, tricuspid regurgitation [TR] velocity > 2.8 m/sec, and E/e’ > 14) had moderate sensitivity (46.2%–65.0%) for predicting HF among all phenotypes combined with DF grading having moderate predictability and additive to a clinical composite for HF prediction (AUC = .677, P < 0.0001; difference = .043, P < 0.001) for combined phenotypes. Ddys parameters and Ddys severity (2016 ASE criteria: grade II and III) were significantly associated with HF readmission for decompensated HF within 60–2167 days of follow‐up (LAVI > 34 ml/m2: HR 1.56 [1.26–2.19]; E/e’ > 14: HR 1.44 [1.21–1.99]; TR > 2.8 m/sec: H1.43 [1.19–1.88]; LV Dys grade II: HR 2.12 [1.42–2.96]; LV Ddys grade III: HR 2.39 [1.57–4.82]).

Conclusion

The findings of this study highlight the clinical and prognostic relevance of determining the severity of LV Ddys in patients with HF with regard to HF verification and HF readmission.
Right ventricular time intervals – Comparison between pulsed wave Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging
Authors: Dammassa Valentino , Colombo Costanza Natalia Julia , Greco Alessandra , Guida Stefania , Boffi Andrea , Mojoli Francesco , Ghio Stefano , Price Susanna , Tavazzi Guido
Published: September 2021

Background

Cardiac time intervals are used as indices of systolic and diastolic function. Echocardiographic assessment of these intervals is based on either pulsed wave Doppler (PWD) or tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). We investigated the agreement between the two techniques in the evaluation of right ventricular (RV) time intervals in healthy adults.

Methods

In 123 healthy volunteers we used both PWD and TDI to assess RV time intervals (filling time – RVFT, ejection time – RVET), heart rate‐corrected intervals (total filling time – t‐FT, total ejection time – t‐ET) and RV performance indices (total isovolumic time – t‐IVT, myocardial performance index – MPI). Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Pearson analysis (r coefficient) were used to evaluate the agreement and correlation between the two techniques.

Results

PWD and TDI had excellent agreement and correlation in measuring RVFT (ICC 0.94 [95% CI 0.85 – 0.97], r 0.91) whereas a good agreement was found for RVET (ICC 0.63[95% CI ‐ 0.14 – 0.84]; r 0.68). Good agreement and strong correlation were found for both t‐FT (ICC 0.67 [95% CI 0.36 – 0.82]; r 0.59) and t‐ET (ICC 0.71 [95% CI ‐ 0.06–0.88]; r 0.74). The two methods had lower agreement in assessing RV t‐IVT (ICC 0.52 [95% CI 0.3187–0.6622]; r 0.57) and MPI (ICC 0.36 [95% CI – 0.05–0.43]; r 0.50).

Conclusion

In healthy adults, PWD and TDI are interchangeable in measuring RVFT, RVET, RV t‐FT and RV t‐ET. Lower agreement between the two techniques was found for RV t‐IVT and MPI.
Embedded intelligent fetal heart rate monitoring system under empirical mode decomposition algorithm and its usage in pregnant women with pregnancy bacterial infection complications and nursing
Authors: Lian Faying , Liu Hui , Shao Huan , Han Yanyan
Published: September 2021

this study was to discuss the application value of the embedded intelligent fetal heart rate monitoring system (EI system) based on empirical mode decomposition (EMD) algorithm in the monitoring of pregnant women with pregnancy bacterial infection complications, aiming to provide a reference basis for timely nursing of pregnancy bacterial infection complications. In this study, the blind source separation method was introduced to denoise the screened intrinsic modal function (IMF) components based on the EI system and the EMD algorithm. The signal to noise ratio (SNR) based on the EMD optimization algorithm was compared with that of other algorithms. Two hundred and sixty‐eight pregnant women in the obstetric clinic were selected as the research objects and divided into an observation group (abnormal fetal heart rate) and a control group (normal fetal heart rate). The pregnant women in both groups accepted the conventional nursing methods, and the EI system was adopted to monitor the fetal heart rate. The probability of abnormal fetal heart monitoring of pregnant women in observation group and control group was analysed. At the same time, the probability of bacterial infection complications was analysed. It was found that the EI system based on EMD algorithm showed obviously higher SNR in contrast to other algorithms. The waveforms of fetal heart monitoring in the observation group and the control group were significantly different (χ2 = 11.215, p < 0.05); microscopic examination of pregnant women secretion in the bacterial infection group revealed the presence of a large number of pathogenic bacteria; it was found that the infection rate of vaginosis was significantly different between the control group and the observation group (p < 0.01); there was a significant difference between the observation group and the control group in the complication of premature rupture of fetal membrane caused by bacteria (χ2 = 11.2, p < 0.01). In conclusion, the EI system based on the EMD algorithm could be undertaken as a tool for the preliminary diagnosis of pregnancy bacterial infection complications in pregnant women, which provided relevant basis for later nursing.
Regional trends and drivers of the global methane budget
Authors: Stavert Ann R. , Saunois Marielle , Canadell Josep G. , Poulter Benjamin , Jackson Robert B. , Regnier Pierre , Lauerwald Ronny , Raymond Peter A. , Allen George H. , Patra Prabir K. , Bergamaschi Peter , Bousquet Phillipe , Chandra Naveen , Ciais Philippe , Gustafson Adrian , Ishizawa Misa , Ito Akihiko , Kleinen Thomas , Maksyutov Shamil , McNorton Joe , Melton Joe R. , Müller Jurek , Niwa Yosuke , Peng Shushi , Riley William J. , Segers Arjo , Tian Hanqin , Tsuruta Aki , Yin Yi , Zhang Zhen , Zheng Bo , Zhuang Qianlai
Published: September 2021

The ongoing development of the Global Carbon Project (GCP) global methane (CH4) budget shows a continuation of increasing CH4 emissions and CH4 accumulation in the atmosphere during 2000–2017. Here, we decompose the global budget into 19 regions (18 land and 1 oceanic) and five key source sectors to spatially attribute the observed global trends. A comparison of top‐down (TD) (atmospheric and transport model‐based) and bottom‐up (BU) (inventory‐ and process model‐based) CH4 emission estimates demonstrates robust temporal trends with CH4 emissions increasing in 16 of the 19 regions. Five regions—China, Southeast Asia, USA, South Asia, and Brazil—account for >40% of the global total emissions (their anthropogenic and natural sources together totaling >270 Tg CH4 yr−1 in 2008–2017). Two of these regions, China and South Asia, emit predominantly anthropogenic emissions (>75%) and together emit more than 25% of global anthropogenic emissions. China and the Middle East show the largest increases in total emission rates over the 2000 to 2017 period with regional emissions increasing by >20%. In contrast, Europe and Korea and Japan show a steady decline in CH4 emission rates, with total emissions decreasing by ~10% between 2000 and 2017. Coal mining, waste (predominantly solid waste disposal) and livestock (especially enteric fermentation) are dominant drivers of observed emissions increases while declines appear driven by a combination of waste and fossil emission reductions. As such, together these sectors present the greatest risks of further increasing the atmospheric CH4 burden and the greatest opportunities for greenhouse gas abatement.
Treatment algorithm for thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic liver disease undergoing planned invasive procedures
Authors: Yoshiji Hitoshi , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Kurosaki Masayuki , Torimura Takuji , Hatano Etsuro , Yatsuhashi Hiroshi , Yamakado Koichiro
Published: September 2021

Thrombocytopenia is highly prevalent in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and these patients often require invasive procedures that carry a risk of bleeding. To prevent bleeding, guidelines recommend increasing platelet counts in patients with CLD who have thrombocytopenia and are planned to undergo invasive procedures. There are currently two options to increase platelet counts in patients in this setting: platelet transfusion or thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPORAs). Several treatment algorithms have been developed in the US to help physicians choose the best course of treatment for each patient; however, to date, no such algorithm has been proposed in other countries, where the choice of treatment has been based on each physician's judgment and experience. Here, we discuss the pathogenesis and treatment of thrombocytopenia in patients with CLD, we review and present current evidence of the efficacy of TPORAs for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in patients with CLD, and we present our expert opinion on a Japanese treatment algorithm for thrombocytopenia in patients with CLD who are planned to undergo invasive procedures. This algorithm aims to provide guidance for optimal decision making in the selection of TPORA therapy or platelet transfusion based on the latest evidence and according to actual clinical practice.
Impacts of barter exchange and decision biases in a two‐level supply chain under pull contract
Authors: Zhang Baofeng , Chen Menghan , Wei Lin
Published: September 2021

Barter exchange has been growingly popular in business for its advantage to liquidate excessive inventory. While barter exchange is relevant to supply chain management, little is known about its impacts on the supply chain contracting and efficiency. This study explores these issues in a two‐level supply chain under a wholesale‐price pull contract, where the manufacturer undertakes the inventory risk. Stackelberg equilibriums are derived when the two supply chain agents are rational and biased, respectively. We show that barter exchange encourages the retailer to provide a lower wholesale price to the manufacturer and induces the manufacturer to produce more. Barter exchange benefits the retailer and the supply chain system, thereby improving the supply chain efficiency, but may harm the manufacturer. We further examine the impacts of the supply chain agents' decision biases in barter exchange, where the retailer and the manufacturer may overestimate or underestimate the supply rate of what the retailer needs. When the retailer believes the manufacturer holds the same level of bias, the retailer's overestimation renders it to offer a lower wholesale price, thereby leading the manufacturer to produce less. This finding implies that the retailer's overestimation enhances double marginalization and reduces the supply chain efficiency. The manufacturer's overestimation leads it to produce more. However, when the biased retailer learns the manufacturer's decision bias accurately, the retailer's overestimation brings a higher wholesale price, thereby inducing a higher manufacturer's production quantity and a higher supply chain efficiency. The manufacturer's overestimation induces a lower wholesale price and a higher production quantity.
Improving the non‐compensatory trace‐clustering decision process
Authors: Delias Pavlos , Doumpos Michael , Grigoroudis Evangelos , Matsatsinis Nikolaos
Published: September 2021

In flexible environments (such as healthcare or customer service), the observed behavior is expected to considerably vary, namely there is no dominant flow path. Such a high variability obstructs the process discovery task since it regularly leads to “spaghetti” process models. Trace clustering is about grouping behaviors, and discovering a distinct model per group, thus delivering more comprehensible results. In previous works, we have proposed a multiple‐criteria non‐compensatory approach to create a similarity metric and finally perform trace clustering. The main problem that we tried to respond to is how to summarize a process event log, when a lot of variability exists, thus facilitating knowledge discovery. The underpinnings of the non‐compensatory approach are first the fact that a sufficient number of criteria must be concordant with the similarity (concordance setting) and second that there should not exist any criterion raising a veto logic, that is, among the criteria that are not concordant, none of them must be conflicting with the similarity (discordance setting). This work challenges improved support for the decision‐maker (DM) and it extends the previous approach by (i) proposing an improved clustering technique based on spectral clustering; (ii) guiding the clustering process by allowing reinforced or counterveto effects and pairwise constraints; (iii) handling outliers through a trimming approach as an integer linear program. All improvements aiming at making elements of the trace‐clustering process more accessible to the DMs and enhancing the understandability of the analysis.
The influence of community health on hospitals attainment of Magnet designation: Implications for policy and practice
Authors: Boamah Sheila A. , Hamadi Hanadi Y. , Bailey Chloe E. , Apatu Emma , Spaulding Aaron C.
Published: September 2021

Aims

To determine if there is an association between better County Health Rankings and the increased odds of a hospital gaining Magnet designation in subsequent years (2014–2019) compared with counties with lower rankings.

Background

The Magnet hospital model is recognized to have a great effect on nurses, patients and organizational outcomes. Although Magnet hospital designation is a well‐established structural marker for nursing excellence, the effect of County Health Rankings and subsequent hospital achievement of Magnet status is unknown.

Design

A descriptive, cross‐sectional quantitative approach was adopted for this study.

Methods

Data were derived from 2010 to 2019 U.S. County Health Rankings, American Hospital Association, and American Nursing Credentialing Center databases. Logistic regression models were utilized to determine associations between county rankings for health behaviours, clinical care, social and economic factors, physical environment and counties with a new Magnet hospital after 2014.

Results

Counties with the worst rankings for clinical care and socio‐economic status had reduced odds of obtaining a Magnet hospital designation compared with best‐ranking counties. While middle‐ranking counties for the physical environment ranking had increased odds of having Magnet designation compared with best‐ranking counties. Additionally, having an increased percent of government non‐federal hospital or a higher percentage of critical access hospitals in the county reduced the odds of having a Magnet‐designated facility after 2014.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the important associations between Magnet‐designated facilities’ location and the health of its surrounding counties. This study is the first to examine the relationship between County Health Rankings and a hospital's likelihood of obtaining Magnet status and points to the need for future research to explore outcomes of care previously identified as improved in Magnet‐designated hospitals.

Implications

Recognizing the benefits of Magnet facilities, it is important for health care leaders and policy makers to seek opportunities to promote centres of excellence in higher need communities through policy and financial intervention.
Process evaluation in intellectual disability research: A case study and the need for adaptation of frameworks
Authors: Randell Elizabeth , McNamara Rachel , Busse Monica
Published: September 2021

Background

Involving adults with cognitive impairments, and specifically intellectual disability, in research is critical to developing appropriate and effective interventions but is highly challenging. Our aim was to examine where complexities lie in delivering research in underrepresented and hard to reach populations using an exemplar process evaluation conducted as part of a drug reduction trial.

Methods

Quantitative methods were used to assess recruitment, adherence to the intervention and safety data. Qualitative interviews examined non‐efficacy based barriers to drug reduction in clinical practice.

Results

Feasibility of carrying out a drug reduction trial was limited by a lack of exploration of acceptability. Barriers to successful delivery included concerns around wider care team co‐operation and consent procedures.

Conclusions

It is important to consider interventions involving adults with cognitive impairment, and particularly intellectual disability, as complex. Current process evaluation frameworks require further adaptation to guide research and innovation in these populations.
Genome‐wide identification and transcriptome‐based expression profiling of the Sox gene family in the spinyhead croaker (Collichthys lucidus)
Authors: Liu Fujiang , Zhou Li , Zhang Jing , Wang Yilei , Wang Zhiyong , Liu Xiande , Cai Mingyi
Published: September 2021

Sox genes encode transcription factors with a high‐mobility group (HMG) box, playing critical roles in the initiation and maintenance of a variety of developmental processes, such as sex determination and differentiation. In the present study, we identified 26 Sox genes in the genome of spinyhead croaker Collichthys lucidus (Richardson, 1844) with homology‐based analysis of the HMG box. The transcriptome‐based expression profiles revealed that the expression of the Sox gene in gonads began to differ between sexes when the body length was 2.74 ± 0.24 cm. At that time, three Sox genes (Sox11b, Sox8a and Sox19) were significantly upregulated, accompanied by the downregulation of 12 Sox genes in the ovary, and six Sox genes were temporarily significantly upregulated in the testis. Afterwards, the expression profile of Sox genes changed only with a small amplitude in both the ovary and testis. For adult tissues, huge differences were observed in the expression profiles of Sox genes between ovaries and testes, as well as small differences in somatic tissues between sexes. These results provide clues to further decipher the role of Sox genes in the processes of sex determination and differentiation in spinyhead croaker and other teleosts.
Safety and feasibility of implanting a transvenous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (TV‐ICD) in the left axilla
Authors: Enomoto Yoshinari , Noro Mahito , Toyoda Yasutake , Ishii Rina , Asami Masako , Takagi Takahito , Sahara Naohiko , Hashimoto Hikari , Kujime Shingo , Nakamura Keijiro , Hara Hidehiko , Moroi Masao , Sugi Kaoru , Nakamura Masato
Published: September 2021

Background

Transvenous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (TV‐ICD) systems are commonly implanted in the left anterior chest because of an easier implantation and better defibrillation threshold. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of left axillary implantations of TV‐ICD systems.

Methods

We performed left axillary TV‐ICD implantations and compared that to the major complication rate and operation time of the conventional TV‐ICD implantation site (left anterior chest). The electrical parameter trends were also assessed in the left axilla group.

Results

Seventy‐six consecutive patients were evaluated for the analysis. Thirty‐one patients had their system implanted in the left axilla and the reasons for the implantations included 29 patients for cosmetic reasons and two for post‐infection conditions. The operation time and major complication rate were similar between the two groups (left anterior chest vs. left axilla: 134±62.4 min vs. 114±33.5 min, p = .11, 1/45 patient, 2.2% [pocket hematoma] vs. 1/31 patient, 3.2% [lead dislodgement], p = .77). During the follow up period (4.9±2.3years), no lead interruptions were observed in either group. The electrical lead parameters at the time of the implantation and follow up were similar in the study group (R wave sensing 20.8±33.4 vs. 11.2±7.42 mv, p = .34; lead impedance 464±64.7 vs. 418±135ohm, p = .22; pacing threshold [at 0.4 ms] 1.0±0.76 vs. 1.21±0.93V, p = .49).

Conclusion

TV‐ICD implantations in the left axilla were performed safely without increasing the operation time as compared to the conventional ICD implantation site. ICD implantations in the left axilla are an alternative in those not suitable for implanting TV‐ICDs in the conventional implantation site.
Enabling POTUS: Mark Meadows as Donald Trump's Last Chief of Staff
Authors: Cohen David B. , Hult Karen M.
Published: September 2021

Through the lens of past scholarship on White House structuring and staffing, we analyze the performance of Mark Meadows, President Donald Trump's final chief of staff. We examine the major roles performed by chiefs of staff and their offices, exploring their participation in management and in policy processes. Probing the roles, activities, and performance of Meadows and his Trump administration predecessors underscores the variation among chiefs of staff under the same president and, more importantly, the significance of individual presidents and chiefs of staff for governing.
The Fuld Institute for EBP Community Core: Supporting the Patient Perspective in EBP for Optimal Health and Wellness
Authors: Hoying Jacqueline , Zadvinskis Inga
Published: September 2021

Health information and communication fall within patient preferences in evidence‐based practice. Now more than ever, patients and families in the community have free access to "evidence" and healthcare information on the internet. However, is that information trustworthy, and how can we encourage people to use evidence to promote their optimal health and wellness? The recent rise of global spread of mis‐ and disinformation through social media outlets has affected public health. There is growing recognition that social media platforms provide magnified podiums leading to unfortunate outcomes. While much work has been done during the COVID‐19 pandemic to address health misinformation, there is still much more work to do. We must respond to the widespread misinformation as a collective healthcare community to prevent poor healthcare decisions. Urging the public to be alert to information spread, assess the quality of health information (and whether it is evidence‐based), and use shared decision‐making tools is a path we can travel together.
Thermal Profiling of Automotive Turbochargers in Durability Tests
Authors: Pilgrim Christopher C. , Ehrhard Jan , Schinnerl Mario , Araguás-Rodríguez Silvia , Peral David , Straka Marc-Sebastian , Genschmar Mike , Karagiannopoulos Solon , Gutierrez Salvador Paheco , Feist Jörg P.
Published: September 2021

A major portion of the development of an automotive powertrain system is devoted to robustness and durability testing to ascertain the viability of the design. For turbochargers, thermo-mechanical fatigue is often considered as life-limiting failure mechanism for the turbine section; therefore, these tests involve repeated and continuous cycling of the turbocharger for hundreds of hours. Thermocouples are used to monitor the temperature during the test; however, they only provide information at the location to which they are attached, are practically challenging to apply to all areas of interest, and are prone to fail due to the thermal cycling throughout the test. As a result, there may be very limited temperature data at the end of the test. If a failure occurred in the system during the testing, the lack of temperature data can inhibit the understanding of the cause. Further testing may be required and delay product release, which add significant expense to the product development. The thermal history coatings (THCs) developed by Sensor Coating Systems can offer a new and unique solution to provide complimentary temperature information for this purpose. THCs are applied to the surface of a component and, when heated, the coating permanently changes according to the maximum temperature of exposure. A laser-based instrumentation system is then used to measure the coating or paint, and through calibration, the maximum temperature profile of the surface can be recorded. Although this technique is relatively new, it has been used in several turbomachinery, and other applications to capture the spatial temperature distribution of critical components. However, the turbocharger durability test presents new challenges for the technique. It has not been tested in this type of application and the extended and repeated cycling operation can test the durability of the coating and will influence the response of the coating, hence, the temperature measurements. The internal surfaces of the turbocharger will also be exposed to the exhaust gases of the combustion process. In this paper, the capability of the THC for this application was investigated. For the first time, the effect of cyclic operation on the THC is reported. The measurement capability was demonstrated on two turbine housings tested on a gas stand, one for a single cycle, another for 10 cycles. The results show that the surface temperature profile of the two turbine housings can be accurately recorded and the results are validated against the installed thermocouples. The demonstration indicates that the THC can be used to acquire accurate and detailed spatial temperature distributions, which significantly enhance the information from thermocouples alone. This information can be used to improve the interpretation of the durability test and hence accelerate new product release.
Accurate Interpolation of the Dependency of Modal Properties on the Rotation Speed for the Transient Response Analysis of Bladed Disks
Authors: Tong Jing , Zang Chaoping , Petrov E. P.
Published: September 2021

During fast gas-turbine engine acceleration and deceleration, the transient vibration effects in bladed disk vibration become significant and the transient response needs to be calculated. In this paper, an effective method is developed for efficient calculations of the transient vibration response for mistuned bladed disks under varying rotation speeds. The method uses the large-scale finite element modeling of the bladed disks allowing the accurate description of the dynamic properties of the mistuned bladed disks. The effects of the varying rotation speed on the natural frequencies and mode shapes of a mistuned bladed disk and its effects on the amplitude and the spectral composition of the loading are considered. The dependency of the modal characteristics on the rotation speed is based on the evaluation of these characteristics at reference points followed by the interpolation to obtain values at any rotation speed from the operating range. A new method has been developed for the interpolation of mode shapes while preserving the orthogonality and mass normalization of the mode shapes. The method of mode shape interpolation is elaborated for tuned and mistuned bladed disks. The accuracy and efficiency of the method are demonstrated on test examples and on analysis of transient forced response of realistic bladed disks.
Modeling and Maximum Power Tracking of a Solar-Wind Microgeneration System
Authors: de Oliveira Pedro H. T. de M. , Cerqueira Revoredo Téo
Published: September 2021

The global energy scenario is changing, and clean generation is leading the way. As new ways of producing energy becomes more popular, microgeneration takes a greater share of the market, supplying both isolated and grid connected systems. In such context, hybrid systems that combine two or more different types of sources are a promising approach, although their valuable application depends on many intrinsic and ambient factors and should be thoroughly evaluated. To assess system performance in advance, not only to better predict its operation but also to well design it for specific applications without the need to install it on site, accurate computational models that reflect its real behavior should be developed. Aiming to contribute on this matter, this work presents a dynamic model for a solar-wind microgeneration system, which allows the evaluation of the system’s behavior under different demand scenarios, as well as to implement different energy management strategies. In addition to the base model comprised a photovoltaic panel, a wind turbine, an inverter, and an energy storage element, this work presents the implementation and performance comparison of two different maximum power point tracking algorithms based on soft computing techniques and on real data collected at a meteorological station. Results validate the hybrid microgeneration model and provides insight on the specification of maximum power point tracking algorithms for specific applications.
Widespread Supplement Intake and Use of Poor Quality Information in Elite Adolescent Swiss Athletes
Authors: Mettler Samuel , Lehner Georgette , Morgan Gareth
Published: September 2021

Compared with adult athletes, rather little is known about supplementation behavior in adolescent athletes. This study’s aim was to determine elite adolescent athletes’ supplement use and sources of information relating thereto. A total of 430 (87%) of 496 questioned athletes returned the anonymized questionnaire. Thereof, 84% consumed at least one weekly supplement and 97% indicated some supplement intake during the previous 4 weeks. On average, 13.3 supplement servings were consumed per week. The 25th, 50th, and 75th percentile was 4.5, 10.5, and 20.0 servings per week, with a maximum of 67. The most prevalent supplements in use were multimineral products (41% of all athletes), multivitamins (34%), Vitamin C (34%), and Vitamin D (33%). Male athletes consumed significantly more Vitamin C and D, sports drinks, protein powder, and recovery products compared with female athletes; whereas, women consumed more iron supplements. The three most important motives for supplement use were recovery support (40%), health maintenance (39%), and performance enhancement (30%). The most frequent answers to the question “who recommended that you use supplements” were family/friends (36%), a physician (27%), and a trainer/coach (25%). The main three information sources about the supplements in use were the persons who recommended the supplementation (56%), the internet (25%), and information provided by supplement suppliers (11%). A positive doping attitude was associated with the consumption of performance enhancing supplements (p = .017). In conclusion, this study among elite adolescent Swiss athletes indicates a widespread and large-scale use of dietary supplements, which was associated with a low level of information quality.
Fellowships bring much-needed expertise to lawmakers
Authors: Ham Becky
Published: September 2021

More than 3400 alumni work in government, academia, nonprofits, and industry
In Other Journals
Authors: Stern Peter , Hurtley Stella M. , Scanlon Seth Thomas , Lavine Marc S. , Szuromi Phil , Suleymanov Yury , Nusinovich Yevgeniya
Published: September 2021

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Large study will probe Long Covid
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: September 2021

With up to 40,000 participants, U.S. study will investigate causes of lingering symptoms
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel
Sulfolobales
Archaeon Strain, HS-7, Isolated from the Unzen Hot Spring in Japan
Authors: Omokawa Hiromi , Kurosawa Norio , Kato Shingo , Itoh Takashi , Ohkuma Moriya , Sakai Hiroyuki D.
Published: September 2021

The order
Sulfolobales
includes thermoacidophilic archaea that thrive in acidic geothermal environments. A novel
Sulfolobales
archaeon strain, HS-7, which may represent a novel genus, was isolated from an acidic hot spring in Japan. We report the 2.15-Mb complete genome sequence of strain HS-7.
Metagenome-Assembled Genome Sequences Recovered from Epilithic River Biofilm in the Tama River, Japan
Authors: Martinez Joval N. , Nishihara Arisa , Haruta Shin
Published: September 2021

Draft genome sequences of putatively novel bacteria were assembled from the metagenome of epilithic biofilm samples collected from the Tama River (Tokyo, Japan). The metagenome contains 44,630,724 sequences, 44,792 contigs, and 48% G+C content. Binning resulted in 31 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) with >50% completeness.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Roseovarius
sp. PS-C2, Isolated from Sekinchan Beach in Selangor, Malaysia
Authors: Radzlin Nurfatini , Mohd Omar Suhaila , Liew Kok Jun , Goh Kian Mau , Zakaria Iffah Izzati , Kahar Ummirul Mukminin
Published: September 2021

Roseovarius
sp. strain PS-C2 is a bacterium that was isolated from Sekinchan Beach in Selangor, Malaysia, using an
ex situ
cultivation technique. Here, we present a high-quality annotated draft genome of strain PS-C2 and suggest potential applications of this bacterium.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Cupriavidus
sp. Strain IK-TO18, Isolated from Antimony-Contaminated Sediment
Authors: Okubo Tomotaka , Nakajima Nobuyoshi , Yamamura Shigeki , Hamamura Natsuko
Published: September 2021

Cupriavidus
sp. strain IK-TO18 was isolated from antimony-contaminated sediment. The draft genome sequence of the isolate contains 6,605 predicted protein-coding sequences, including genes associated with heavy metal resistance and the aerobic degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons. This sequence will provide valuable information regarding the functional versatility of the genus
Cupriavidus
.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Neonatal Meningitis Escherichia coli Serotype O18:K1 Strain NMEC15
Authors: de Oliveira Aline L. , Johnson Timothy J. , Barbieri Nicolle L. , Nolan Lisa K. , Logue Catherine M.
Published: September 2021

Neonatal meningitis
E. coli
(NMEC) is the second leading cause of sepsis and meningitis in neonates worldwide. Here, we report the genome sequence of NMEC15, belonging to serotype O18:K1, isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of an infant with neonatal bacterial meningitis (NBM) in the Netherlands.
Supplemental Material: The role of phyllosilicate partial melting in segregating tungsten and tin deposits in W-Sn metallogenic provinces
Authors: Zhao Panlao , Yuan Shunda , al. et
Published: September 2021

Partial melting and fractional crystallization modeling method, and explanation of supplemental figures.