bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ISO 30401 knowledge management systems standard – a new framework for value creation and research?
Authors: Pawlowsky Peter , Pflugfelder Nina S. , Wagner Maik H.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The article reviews major developments in the literature on knowledge management and intellectual capital management. It provides a description and visualization of the structure and content of the ISO 30401 and critically benchmarks its clauses against comprehensive taxonomies from the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

2018 saw the release of the ISO 30401 Knowledge Management Systems Standard, a type A regulation which may serve as a basis for certification. It builds on and integrates a broad and conceptually diverse literature on knowledge resources (e.g. intellectual capital theory, knowledge management theory). This article aims to show how the management systems standard relates to the literature it is built on and provides directions for its further operationalization by certification bodies and implementation by managers.

Findings

The ISO 30401 successfully integrates a diverse body of literature in a broadly applicable cross-industry standard. To operationalize and implement it, certification bodies and managers should build on empirical evidence of “what works,” taking into account market characteristics as well as organizational properties. Further research should support the implementation of the standard by developing KM measurement frameworks and context-specific studies of KM tools and methods.

Originality/value

This article is the first to systematically compare the ISO 30401 to the underlying theory. This paper uncovers avenues for research and makes suggestions for the standard's operationalization in practice.
Association of body fat distribution and metabolic syndrome with the occurrence of colorectal adenoma: A case‐control study
Authors: Liu Zhong Hui , Zhang Gui Xi , Zhang Hao , Jiang Li , Deng Yang , Chan Fion Siu Yin , Fan Joe King Man
Published: March 2021

Objective

Visceral fat is thought to play different roles in the carcinogenesis of the colon with peripheral fat. Our aim was to evaluate the association of body fat distribution measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) with the incidence of colorectal adenoma (CRA).

Methods

A total of 410 asymptomatic participants who underwent a screening colonoscopy from July 2017 to December 2019 in our center were recruited, including 230 with adenomas and 180 without detected adenomas. The participants’ body fat was measured by BIA, including their body fat mass (BFM), body fat percentage (BFP), and waist‐to‐hip ratio. Parameters of metabolic syndrome (MetS), including waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood level of triglyceride, cholesterol, and high‐density lipoprotein were measured as well.

Results

According to univariate analysis, age, male sex, body mass index, waist circumference, BFM, waist‐to‐hip ratio, blood pressure, and FBG were higher in the adenoma group than in the adenoma‐free group (P < 0.05). On multivariate logistical analysis (adjusted for age, sex, smoking, drinking, and family history of CRC), a high waist‐to‐hip ratio was associated with a high incidence of CRA (odds ratio [OR] 1.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09‐3.09, P = 0.02). Only a large waist circumference in components of MetS was independently associated with the incidence of CRA (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.17‐3.08, P = 0.01) in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Body fat distribution is associated with CRA, central obesity is a core risk factor for CRA in MetS. Chinese Clinical Trial Registration number: ChiCTR‐RRC‐17010862.
Methyl‐CpG binding protein 2 dysfunction provides stress vulnerability with sex‐ and zygosity‐dependent outcomes
Authors: Cosentino Livia , Bellia Fabio , Pavoncello Nicole , Vigli Daniele , D'Addario Claudio , De Filippis Bianca
Published: March 2021

Stress vulnerability is a critical factor for the development of trauma‐related disorders; however, its biological underpinnings are not clear. We demonstrated that dysfunctions in the X‐linked epigenetic factor methyl‐CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) provide trauma vulnerability in male mice. Given the prominent role of sex in stress outcomes, we explored the effects of MeCP2 hypofunctionality in females. Female mice carrying truncated MeCP2 (heterozygous and homozygous) and wild type controls (wt) were tested for fear memory. Stress‐induced corticosterone release and brain expression of hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis regulatory genes were also evaluated in wt and mutant mice of both sexes. Although heterozygous females displayed a normal stress‐related behavioural profile, homozygous mice showed enhanced memory recall for the threatening context compared to wt, thus recapitulating the phenotype previously evidenced in hemizygous males. Interestingly, MeCP2 truncation abolished the sex differences in stress‐induced corticosterone release, which was found increased in mutant males, whereas blunted in mutant females in a zygosity‐independent manner. Although heterozygous mice did not differ from controls, homozygous females and hemizygous males showed increased hypotalamic Crh and Avp mRNAs and a differentially altered expression of Fkbp5 in cortical areas. Present results demonstrate that in female mice carrying truncated MeCP2, altered stress responsivity is driven by homozygosity, whereas heterozygosity does not lead to maladaptive stress outcomes. MeCP2 dysfunctions thus provide stress vulnerability in mice with sex‐ and zygosity‐dependent outcomes.
Misdiagnosis and diagnostic pitfalls of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
Authors: Broers Merel C. , Bunschoten Carina , Drenthen Judith , Beck Tiago A. O. , Brusse Esther , Lingsma Hester F. , Allen Jeffrey A. , Lewis Richard A. , van Doorn Pieter A. , Jacobs Bart C.
Published: March 2021

Background and purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of over‐ and underdiagnosis of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) and to identify related diagnostic pitfalls.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study in Dutch patients referred to the Erasmus University Medical Centre Rotterdam between 2011 and 2017 with either a diagnosis of CIDP or another diagnosis that was revised to CIDP. We used the European Federation of Neurological Societies/Peripheral Nerve Society (EFNS/PNS) 2010 diagnostic criteria for CIDP to classify patients into three groups: overdiagnosis, underdiagnosis, or confirmed diagnosis of CIDP. Clinical and laboratory features and treatment history were compared between groups.

Results

A referral diagnosis of CIDP was revised in 32% of patients (31/96; overdiagnosis). Of 81 patients diagnosed with CIDP, 16 (20%) were referred with another diagnosis (underdiagnosis). In the overdiagnosed patients, 20% of muscle weakness was asymmetric, 48% lacked proximal muscle weakness, 29% only had distal muscle weakness, 65% did not fulfil the electrodiagnostic criteria for CIDP, 74% had an elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein level, and 97% had another type of neuropathy. In the underdiagnosed patients, all had proximal muscle weakness, 50% had a clinically atypical CIDP, all fulfilled the electrodiagnostic criteria for CIDP, and 25% had an increased CSF protein level.

Conclusion

Over‐ and underdiagnosis of CIDP is common. Diagnostic pitfalls include lack of attention to proximal muscle weakness as a diagnostic hallmark of CIDP, insufficient recognition of clinical atypical phenotypes, overreliance on CSF protein levels, misinterpretation of nerve conduction studies and poor adherence to electrodiagnostic criteria, and failure to exclude other causes of polyneuropathy.
Tofacitinib treatment for refractory autoimmune encephalitis
Authors: Jang Yoonhyuk , Lee Woo‐Jin , Lee Han Sang , Chu Kon , Lee Sang Kun , Lee Soon‐Tae
Published: March 2021

To treat intractable cases of autoimmune encephalitis, the need for novel immunotherapy that penetrates the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) is increasing. Tofacitinib is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor used to treat refractory immune‐mediated diseases that effectively penetrates the BBB. Accordingly, tofacitinib could be a new option for patients with refractory autoimmune encephalitis. Patients treated with tofacitinib were selected from Seoul National University Hospital cohort for autoimmune encephalitis from April 2019 until July 2020. We retrospectively analyzed the efficacy of tofacitinib in patients with autoimmune encephalitis who showed insufficient responses to multimodal conventional immunotherapies. Tofacitinib was administered orally at a dose of 5 mg twice daily. A total of eight patients were treated with tofacitinib; two had good responses (clinical global impression‐improvement score [CGI‐I] = 1 or 2), three had partial responses (CGI‐I = 3), and three showed no significant improvements (CGI‐I = 4) in response to tofacitinib. The two good responders showed the improvement of chronic autoimmune meningoencephalitis and the cessation of the new‐onset refractory status epilepticus in anti‐myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)–associated disorder, which was previously intractable to anesthetics and the other immunotherapies. No patients had serious side effects. Our findings suggest the potential of tofacitinib as a therapeutic option for central nervous system autoimmune diseases.
Drug utilisation pattern over 3 years in the real‐world treatment of type II diabetes
Authors: Romagnoli Alessia , Santoleri Fiorenzo , Costantini Alberto
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Non‐adherence to therapy is very common in patients with type II diabetes, leading to an increase in morbidity and mortality. The development of new oral therapies following metformin has increased the possibilities of treatment but little has been done in terms of improving medication adherence. The goal of the following study is to evaluate adherence and persistence over a period of 3 years in real‐world diabetic patients and describe the comorbidities found in the group of patients studied.

Material and Methodology

A non‐interventional pharmacological observational study was conducted by examining all therapies from 2011 to 2019 at a local health centre in Pescara (ASL). The medication adherence and persistence over a 3‐year period were calculated using the pharmacy‐refill method. The identification of the comorbidities was carried out in accordance with the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classification system at the fourth level.

Results

A total of 19 600 patients undergoing treatment for type II diabetes from January 2011 to December 2019 were analysed. The absolute adherence value at 3 years was 0.68 ± 0.23. The 3‐year persistence curves showed a statistically significant difference (P < .0001). The ATCs with highest figures in the entire study group were: A02BC, B01AC and C10AA with 14 220, 13 934 and 10 858 patients, respectively.

Conclusions

Adherence to therapy was suboptimal, while persistence curves showed a statistically significant difference, with patients treated with metformin showing better results. Comorbidities analysed showed a greater relevance of heart disease.
Self‐gift giving and satisfaction with life: A behavioural tendency perspective
Authors: d’Astous Alain , Mouakhar‐Klouz Dania
Published: March 2021

This research considers self‐gift giving as an individual disposition—that is, the extent to which a consumer is inclined to buy herself or himself gifts—and examines some determinants and consequences of this general tendency. A conceptual model was developed where self‐gift giving propensity is hypothesized to follow from gift‐receiving experiences during childhood and lead to long‐term consequences relative to materialism and satisfaction with life (SWL). In addition, gift‐receiving experiences during childhood are also presumed to give rise to a greater level of consumer sociability and, ultimately, a better satisfaction with life. The model was tested using data collected by means of a survey among a sample of 186 adult consumers. The results show that self‐gift giving propensity may have positive or negative effects on consumer SWL, depending on the particular psychological mechanisms that intervene. As a behavioural response to various events in one's life, self‐gifting episodes lead in a cumulative fashion to a better satisfaction with life. However, self‐gift giving propensity also lead to a higher level of materialism and, as a consequence, a degradation of life satisfaction. This study has adopted a life‐span perspective on this particular behaviour and has contributed to identify different psychological processes that explain how self‐gift giving tendencies come about as well as the long‐term consequences that they engender. This study has enriched our knowledge of the self‐gift phenomenon by placing this common consumption behavior in a broader perspective than the motivational, and episodic, approach that has characterized most research in this domain until now.
The Indo‐European flyway: Opportunities and constraints reflected by Common Rosefinches breeding across Europe
Authors: Lisovski Simeon , Neumann Roland , Albrecht Tomas , Munclinger Pavel , Ahola Markus P. , Bauer Silke , Cepak Jaroslav , Fransson Thord , Jakobsson Sven , Jaakkonen Tuomo , Klvana Petr , Kullberg Cecilia , Laaksonen Toni , Metzger Benjamin , Piha Markus , Shurulinkov Peter , Stach Robert , Ström Kåre , Velmala William , Briedis Martins
Published: March 2021

Aim

The configuration of the earth's landmasses influences global weather systems and spatiotemporal resource availability, thereby shaping biogeographical patterns and migratory routes of animals. Here, we aim to identify potential migratory barriers and corridors, as well as general migration strategies within the understudied Indo‐European flyway.

Location

Europe, Central Asia.

Major taxon studied

Common rosefinches.

Methods

We used a combination of theoretical optimization modelling and empirical tracking of Common Rosefinches (Carpodacus erythrinus) breeding across a large latitudinal gradient in Europe. First, we identified optimal migration routes driven by wind and resource availability along the Indo‐European flyway. Second, we tracked rosefinches from five breeding populations using light‐level geolocators. Finally, we compared to what extent empirical tracks overlapped with the modelled optimal routes.

Results

In autumn, theoretical wind driven migration routes formed a broad‐front corridor connecting Europe and the Indian Subcontinent while the theoretical resource driven routes formed a distinct north‐south divide. The latter pattern also reflected the rosefinch tracks with all but the most southerly breeding birds making a northern detour towards non‐breeding sites in Pakistan and India. In spring, the resource availability model predicted a similar migratory divide, however, the southern route seemed relatively more favourable and closely matched with the optimal wind driven migration routes. Spring tracking data showed larger overlap with the modelled wind driven migration routes compared to the resource driven routes.

Main conclusions

Optimal wind and resource driven migration routes along the Indo‐European flyway are seasonally specific and to a large extend do not overlap with one another. Under these conditions, migratory birds adopt seasonally distinct migration strategies following energy minimization strategy in autumn, driven by resource availability, and time minimizing strategy in spring, driven by wind conditions. Our optimal migration models can be applied worldwide and used to validate against empirical data to explain large‐scale biogeographic pattern of migratory animals.
Referral criteria to specialist palliative care for patients with dementia: A systematic review
Authors: Mo Li , Geng Yimin , Chang Yuchieh Kathryn , Philip Jennifer , Collins Anna , Hui David
Published: March 2021

Background

Patients with dementia often have significant symptom burden and a progressive course of functional deterioration. Specialist palliative care referral may be helpful, but it is unclear who and when patients should be referred. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to examine referral criteria for palliative care among patients with dementia.

Methods

We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Ovid PsycInfo, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and CINAHL databases for articles from inception to December 3, 2019, related to specialist palliative care referral for dementia. Two investigators independently reviewed the citations for inclusion, extracted the referral criteria, and categorized them thematically.

Results

Of the 1788 citations, 59 articles were included in the final sample. We identified 13 categories of referral criteria, including 6 disease‐based and 7 needs‐based criteria. The most commonly discussed criterion was “dementia stage” (n = 43, 73%), followed by “new diagnosis of dementia” (n = 17, 29%), “medical complications of dementia” (n = 12, 20%), “prognosis” (n = 11, 19%), and “physical symptoms” (n = 11, 19%). Under dementia stage, 37/44 (84%) articles recommended a palliative care referral for advanced dementia. Pneumonia (n = 6, 10%), fall/fracture (n = 4, 7%), and decubitus ulcers (n = 4, 7%) were most commonly discussed complications to trigger a referral. Under prognosis, the time frame for referral varied from <2 years of life expectancy to <6 months. 3 (5%) of articles recommended “surprise question” as a potential trigger.

Conclusions

This systematic review highlighted the lack of consensus regarding referral criteria for palliative care in patients with dementia and the need to identify timely triggers to standardize referral.
Efficacy of topical tacrolimus 0.03% monotherapy in the treatment of non‐segmental vitiligo: a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Saleh Ramadan , Ahmed Aml Abd‐Elaziz , M Abd‐Elmagid Wafaa
Published: March 2021

Background

Topical tacrolimus is increasingly used nowadays in the treatment of vitiligo.

Objective

We evaluated therapeutic outcomes of tacrolimus 0.03% in non‐segmental vitiligo (NSV).

Patients and methods

Sixty‐three patients with NSV were divided into groups A and B. Group A received 0.03% tacrolimus ointment (n = 31) and group B received 1% hydrocortisone acetate ointment (n = 32) for 24 weeks. Vitiligo area and severity index (VASI) and repigmentation rates were determined at baseline and 4‐week intervals.

Results

In group A, 24‐week VASI [0.5 (0.3, 1.95)] was significantly lower than baseline VASI [0.75 (0.5, 2.1); p = 0.030]. In group B, 24‐week VASI [0.75 (0.4, 2.3)] was not significantly different from baseline VASI [0.73 (0.4, 2.1); p = 0.111]. Repigmentation was observed in 14/31 (45.2%) of patients in group A versus 0/32 (0.0%) in group B (p < 0.001). Repigmentation was graded as poor in 6/31 (19.4%), fair in 4/31 (12.9%), good in 1/31 (3.2%), and excellent in 3/31 (9.7%).

Conclusion

Repigmentation was achieved in 45% of patients with NSV following treatment with tacrolimus 0.03% monotherapy for 24 weeks. Tacrolimus‐induced repigmentation is more likely in patients with vitiligo vulgaris, head and neck lesions, skin phototype III, and young age.
National surveillance of oral medication prescription for children with dystonic cerebral palsy
Authors: Harvey Adrienne , Bear Natasha , Rice James , Antolovich Giuliana , Waugh Mary‐Clare
Published: March 2021

Aim

Oral medications are often first‐line medical management for children with cerebral palsy who have generalised dystonia; however, evidence for their effectiveness is limited and dosing practices are inconsistent. As a first step to improve consistency, this study aimed to examine current clinical practice of expert doctors for prescribing medications for children with dystonic cerebral palsy including prescribing patterns and combinations of medications used.

Methods

This was a prospective surveillance study of medical doctors working in major Australian centres who manage children with cerebral palsy. Each week over a continuous 6‐month period, doctors completed a custom developed online survey for children seen that week with dystonic cerebral palsy for whom they prescribed a new medication to treat dystonia.

Results

Twenty‐five doctors consented to participate, 16 of whom prescribed new medications for dystonia in children with cerebral palsy over the study period. There were 77 children who were prescribed new medications. Baclofen and gabapentin were prescribed most, followed by levodopa, trihexyphenidyl and diazepam. The most common combinations of medications were baclofen and diazepam or baclofen and gabapentin. Dosage regimens were variable, particularly for trihexyphenidyl and diazepam.

Conclusion

Inconsistencies in dosing regimens remain for oral medication prescription by Australian doctors when managing dystonia in cerebral palsy. Future studies using the consensus of expert clinicians will be conducted to develop guidelines in an area where the evidence for individual medications is extremely limited.
Painless, inexpensive and non‐permanent tattoo sticker for the eyebrow alopecia in children
Authors: García Castro Rubén , Domínguez Santás Miguel , Luna Bastante Loreto , Lobato Izagirre Ane , Krasnovska Zayets Khrystyna , Feito‐Rodríguez Marta
Published: March 2021

Children who suffer from scarring alopecia, especially in areas such as the eyebrows which are an important part in facial mimicry, are at risk of social stigmatization. Inexpensive, painless and non‐permanent options are available for online purchase, which can be useful in such infants and children. Dermatologists should be aware of the availability of these product and could offer advice in this regard.
Three‐dimensional submerged wall jets and their transition to density flows: Morphodynamics and implications for the depositional record
Authors: Lang Jörg , Fedele Juan J. , Hoyal David C. J. D.
Published: March 2021

Jets that expand from an orifice into an ambient water body represent a basic flow model for depositional environments related to expanding flows. Momentum‐dominated jets evolve into gravity‐dominated density flows. To understand this transition and its sedimentological relevance, three‐dimensional tank experiments with submerged wall jets were conducted, systematically varying parameters such as the initial density difference, bed slope, grain size and sediment supply. Bedform successions could be subdivided into those related to the jet and those related to the density flow. Jet deposits included early‐stage bedforms, scours and mouth bars. Early‐stage bedforms are asymmetrical dunes that spread concentrically from the orifice. Sediment entrainment by eddies from the expanding jets led to the formation of scours and mouth bars. Flows with lesser initial density difference produced more elongate scours. Conversely, scours became deeper for denser incoming flows. Coarser‐grained sediment caused the formation of higher and steeper mouth bars and vice versa. The transition from momentum‐dominated jets to gravity‐dominated density flows occurred approximately at the mouth‐bar crest. Hydraulic jumps were absent in the expanding jet regions and at the transitions to density flows. Instead, complex flow patterns and circulations were inferred from the velocity measurements within the scour and at the mouth‐bar crests. Bedform trains related to the density flow were controlled by the grain size and sediment supply. Coarse‐grained sediment and high supply rates caused strong mouth‐bar aggradation and flow splitting, leading to the formation of bedform trains laterally adjacent to the mouth bar. Fine‐grained sediment and low supply rates caused the formation of bedform trains downflow of the mouth bar. The symmetrical bedforms deposited by the density flows always displayed an in‐phase relationship with the flow, indicating that they were antidunes. The experimental jet deposits resemble successions known from subaqueous ice‐contact fans and deep water channel‐lobe transition zones.
A case report of tigecycline induced acute pancreatitis in a renal transplant patient and review of the literature: Should we avoid tigecycline in patients on calcineurin inhibitors?
Authors: Yazirli Bercemhan , Kara Emre , Inkaya Ahmet Cagkan , Maden Sarpcan , Ozberk Ugur , Yildirim Tolga , Parlak Erkan , Uzun Omrum , Yilmaz Seref Rahmi , Arici Mustafa
Published: March 2021

Tigecycline has been approved by the US (United States) Food and Drug Administration in a variety of complicated infections due to its broad‐spectrum antibiotic activity. Following phase III trials, the product label was revised and acute pancreatitis was listed as an adverse effect. Its safety profile in special groups such as renal transplant patients is not exactly known. We report the first case of unintentional rechallenge of tigecycline induced pancreatitis in a renal transplant patient. Ten days following the renal transplantation, a 35‐year‐old patient presented to the clinic with acute rejection. He received anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG) and pulse steroid treatments for rejection. Following the treatment, he developed perianal cellulitis and tigecycline was started. Nine days following initiation of tigecycline he received thrombectomy for his incidental cardiac thrombus. One day after thrombectomy, he developed acute pancreatitis (AP). Thrombectomy was suspected to be the cause of AP. During hospitalization for transplant rejection, tigecycline was re‐started for a newly developed complicated abdominal infection. On the third day of the tigecycline re‐treatment, he developed a second episode of AP. Following tigecycline withdrawal, his symptoms resolved and serum pancreatic enzymes returned to normal, thus AP was ultimately attributed to tigecycline. This lethal side effect should be kept in mind while treating severe infections in renal transplant recipients.
Expression and processing of polycistronic artificial microRNAs and trans‐acting siRNAs from transiently introduced transgenes in Solanum lycopersicum and Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Lunardon Alice , Kariuki Samwel Muiruri , Axtell Michael J.
Published: March 2021

Targeted gene silencing using small regulatory RNAs is a widely used technique for genetic studies in plants. Artificial microRNAs are one common approach, as they have the advantage of producing just a single functional small RNA, which can be designed for high target specificity and low off‐target effects. Simultaneous silencing of multiple targets with artificial microRNAs can be achieved by producing polycistronic microRNA precursors. Alternatively, specialized trans‐acting short interfering RNA (tasiRNA) precursors can be designed to produce several specific tasiRNAs at once. Here we tested several artificial microRNA‐ and tasiRNA‐based methods for multiplexed gene silencing in Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) and Nicotiana benthamiana. All analyses used transiently expressed transgenes delivered by infiltration of leaves with Agrobacterium tumefacians. Small RNA sequencing analyses revealed that many previously described approaches resulted in poor small RNA processing. The 5′‐most microRNA precursor hairpins on polycistronic artificial microRNA precursors were generally processed more accurately than precursors at the 3′‐end. Polycistronic artificial microRNAs where the hairpin precursors were separated by transfer RNAs had the best processing precision. Strikingly, artificial tasiRNA precursors failed to be processed in the expected phased manner in our system. These results highlight the need for further development of multiplexed artificial microRNA and tasiRNA strategies. The importance of small RNA sequencing, as opposed to single‐target assays such as RNA blots or real‐time polymerase chain reaction, is also discussed.
Action of Deep Beams Under Combined Vertical, Lateral, and Torsional Loads
Authors: Dohrenwend C. O.
Published: March 2021

This paper is devoted to a discussion of the behavior of beams when the primary vertical load acts at the same time as the secondary lateral and torsional loads. Beam loading of this type occurs in the case of shop traveling cranes, measurements indicating that the lateral and torsional loads are much smaller than the primary vertical load. The author considers the problem of the “deep beam” in which the moment of inertia of the cross section about the horizontal axis is much greater than about the vertical axis. The solution is achieved by determining the equation of twist in the beam and the moment or load where small increases of their values cause large increases in the values of angle of twist.
A New Lateral Extensometer
Authors: de Forest A. V. , Anderson A. R.
Published: March 2021

In this paper is described a new lateral-strain gage which utilizes the principle of change of electrical resistance in wires with strain. An application of the instrument to the field of photoelasticity is given in which the problem of determining the individual principal stresses in a model can be solved directly when the information given by the isochromatic pattern is combined with the sum of the principal stresses at the points in question, as determined by the new gage.
Model Tests of Two Types of Vibration Dampers
Authors: Meyer C. A. , Saldin H. B.
Published: March 2021

This paper deals with the construction and tests of two types of vibration dampers, selected from a number of original proposals, designed to damp out the vibration in steam-turbine impulse blades. These dampers were tested using models constructed of such size and physical dimensions as to simulate the conditions of operation in the actual turbine blade. Test results show that if a properly designed damper is attached to a freely vibrating system having 26 times the mass of the damper, it will reduce an initial deflection of the vibrating system to 4 per cent of its value in 10 cycles.
Distribution of Stress in Built-In Beams of Narrow Rectangular Cross Section
Authors: Hildebrand F. B. , Reissner Eric
Published: March 2021

This paper deals with the problem of the distribution of stress in cantilever beams of narrow rectangular flanged cross section with one end of the beam rigidly built-in. Since an exact solution of this plane-stress problem appears difficult to obtain, an approximate solution is derived by applying the principle of least work. Instead of the linear normal stress distribution of the elementary beam theory, a third-degree polynomial is assumed, and the spanwise variation of this stress curve is determined by means of the calculus of variations. Numerical results are obtained with regard to the stresses at the built-in end of the beam, in their dependence upon (a) the span-height ratio of the beam, (b) the flange area-web area ratio of the beam, (c) Poisson’s ratio of the material, and (d) the distribution of load along the span. It is found that the deviations from the results of the elementary theory may be appreciable when the distance of the center of gravity of the load curve from the built-in end of the beam is less than twice the height of the cross section of the beam.
Experimental Determination of the Isostatic Lines
Authors: Durelli Augusto J.
Published: March 2021

In this paper a direct method for obtaining the isostatics or stress trajectories is described. These lines indicate the directions of the principal stresses. The procedure used by the author can be applied almost without regard to the geometrical form of the object under stress. It also possesses the advantage in that the test is nondestructive and that in most cases it will yield values of the stress magnitudes within 10 or 15 per cent of the correct values. The technique consists in covering the surface of the body with a thin coat of lacquer which becomes brittle upon hardening. If the object being tested is painted under zero load and then stressed after the coating has hardened, the layer of lacquer will crack along lines perpendicular to the maximum tensile strain. The companion set of trajectories at right angles can usually be formed through relaxation. As an aid in photoelasticity this procedure has great possibilities as it eliminates the necessity for determining the isoclinic lines which are difficult to obtain.
On Cutting and Hobbing Gears and Worms
Authors: Dudley D. W. , Poritsky H.
Published: March 2021

Two problems are treated in this paper, i.e., (1) given the shape of the milling cutter tooth or of the hob tooth, to find out what is the resulting shape of the worm or gear surface; (2) given the desired shape of a worm or gear tooth, what shape of the milling or hobbing tooth will produce it. These problems are fundamental to all cutter and hob design. Except for special cases, the solution of these problems obtained in the following treatise is believed to be new. The general equations which enable one to determine exactly the relation between the shape of the cutting tool and the shape of tooth produced are obtained in the present paper by going back to the fundamentals of the motion of a milling cutter or a hob and the motion of the worm, or gear part being cut. With these equations available it is possible to design precision tools for any worm or gear-cutting job, thus eliminating guesswork in the design, and possible delays, such as are involved in “cut-and-try” shop methods.
The Strength of Cylindrical Dies
Authors: Sachs G. , Lubahn J. D.
Published: March 2021

Internal-pressure tests on hot-rolled- and cold-rolled-steel cylinders yield pressure-expansion curves of the same shape as those determined mathematically. The value of the flow stress can be determined by finding the theoretical pressure-expansion curve which most nearly fits the data. Values of flow stress determined in this way agree closely with the yield strength found from a tensile test. Die-steel cylinders, heat-treated to hardnesses up to 62 Rockwell C, exhibit plastic flow before failure, and the stress-strain curve permits the calculation of the flow stress by this method. The flow stress increases with the hardness, reaching a value as high as 440,000 psi for a Rockwell C hardness of 62. It can be shown mathematically that a partly plastic cylinder may fail due to a circumferential stress which is well below the flow stress. Values of fracture stress determined from cylinder tests bear out the foregoing conclusion, although the fracture stress is slightly higher than that determined by tensile tests.
The Appropriate Lumped Constants of Vibrating Shaft Systems
Authors: Horvay G. , Ormondroyd J.
Published: March 2021

The present paper is a theoretical supplement to the descriptive article, “Static and Dynamic Spring Constants.” It is concerned with the derivation of the constants (1a) K i = k i + 1 6 m i ω 2 = k i ( 1 + 1 6 ϵ i 2 ) ( ϵ i 2 = ω 2 m i / k i ) (1b) M i = μ i + 1 2 ( m left + m right ) of the appropriately lumped shaft system (Section 1), and with an estimate of the range of the new method (Sections 2, 3, 4). Term ki denotes the distributed static spring constant, mi the total mass of the ith (uniform) shaft section of the system; μi is the ith concentrated mass, ω the frequency of vibration.
Radical probe system for in situ measurements of radical densities of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen
Authors: Qerimi Dren , Shchelkanov Ivan , Panici Gianluca , Jain Arihant , Wagner James , Ruzic David N.
Published: March 2021

In this study, an in situ catalytic radical probe system together with a software platform is developed to measure concentrations of reactive species in low-temperature plasmas with high spatial resolutions. The radical probes can be used to determine radical densities of hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen independently, in pairs and often simultaneously in any continuous plasma source in a vacuum environment. The basic principle and advantage of a probe array is the capability to distinguish between different gas species due to several sensitive elements acting as recombination catalysts. Radical densities of hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen were measured in a helicon plasma source. Generally, it is observed that radical densities increase with respect to pressure and power. Additionally, the electron density and electron temperature were measured by Langmuir probes. The electron density increased with increasing power and pressure. Electron temperature increased with power but decreased with increasing pressure. The key to getting absolute numbers of radical densities is based on knowing the recombination coefficient of the given gas on the catalytic surface. The probe system measures densities in a broad range of reactive species’ concentrations varying from about 1013 to 1015 cm−3.
Estimated transmissibility and impact of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7 in England
Authors: Davies Nicholas G. , Abbott Sam , Barnard Rosanna C. , Jarvis Christopher I. , Kucharski Adam J. , Munday James D. , Pearson Carl A. B. , Russell Timothy W. , Tully Damien C. , Washburne Alex D. , Wenseleers Tom , Gimma Amy , Waites William , Wong Kerry L. M. , van Zandvoort Kevin , Silverman Justin D. ,   CMMID COVID-19 Working Group,   COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) Consortium, Diaz-Ordaz Karla , Keogh Ruth , Eggo Rosalind M. , Funk Sebastian , Jit Mark , Atkins Katherine E. , Edmunds W. John
Published: March 2021

UK variant transmission

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has the capacity to generate variants with major genomic changes. The UK variant B.1.1.7 (also known as VOC 202012/01) has many mutations that alter virus attachment and entry into human cells. Using a variety of statistical and dynamic modeling approaches, Davieset al.characterized the spread of the B.1.1.7 variant in the United Kingdom. The authors found that the variant is 43 to 90% more transmissible than the predecessor lineage but saw no clear evidence for a change in disease severity, although enhanced transmission will lead to higher incidence and more hospital admissions. Large resurgences of the virus are likely to occur after the easing of control measures, and it may be necessary to greatly accelerate vaccine roll-out to control the epidemic.

Science, this issue p.eabg3055
Effects of Altering Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycan Binding and Capsid Hydrophilicity on Retinal Transduction by Adeno-associated Virus
Authors: Crosson Sean M. , Bennett Antonette , Fajardo Diego , Peterson James J. , Zhang Hangning , Li Wei , Leahy Matthew T. , Jennings Colin K. , Boyd Ryan F. , Boye Sanford L. , Agbandje-McKenna Mavis , Boye Shannon E.
Published: March 2021

Rationally guided engineering of AAV capsids aims to create new generations of vectors with enhanced potential for human gene therapy. By applying rational design principles to AAV2-based capsids, we evaluated the influence of hydrophilic and hydrophobic amino acid mutations on retinal transduction as it relates to vector administration route.
Complete and Draft Genome Sequences of Aerobic Methanotrophs Isolated from a Riparian Wetland
Authors: de Assis Costa Ohana Yonara , Meima-Franke Marion , Bodelier Paul L. E.
Published: March 2021

Wetlands are important sources of methane emissions, and the impacts of these emissions can be mitigated by methanotrophic bacteria. The genomes of methanotrophs
Methylomonas
sp. strain LL1 and
Methylosinus
sp. strain H3A, as well as
Methylocystis
sp. strains H4A, H15, H62, and L43, were sequenced and are reported here.
Mimic of malignancy: delineating IgG4-related disease and lymphoma
Authors: Hornstein Nicholas , Razmjou Amir , Weinreb Ari , El-Masry Monica
Published: March 2021

Here, we describe the case of a 74-year-old man who was incidentally found to have a hepatic lesion during routine screening. Additional diagnostic studies demonstrated elevated IgG4 levels, IgG4 plasma cell-predominant lymphadenopathy and an inflammatory retroperitoneal mass encasing the bilateral ureters and the aorta. Given the concurrence of a lymphomatous process and IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), a multidisciplinary approach was required to determine whether targeting the lymphoma or IgG4-RD would be most efficacious. Discussions led to the decision to target treatment against IgG4-RD with systemic glucocorticoids, and subsequent imaging showed resolution of all lesions. To date, the patient remains symptom-free and has not experienced recurrence of his disease. This case highlights the importance of multidisciplinary care and the challenge inherent in targeting treatment between IgG4-RD and a concomitant lymphomatous process.
Silicone granuloma: a cause of cervical lymphadenopathy following breast implantation
Authors: Rajgor Amarkumar Dhirajlal , Mentias Youssef , Stafford Francis
Published: March 2021

We report a case of a 54-year-old woman with saline-based breast implants who presented to the ear, nose and throat neck lump clinic with a 2-week history of bilateral neck lumps. She was found to have multiple palpable cervical lymph nodes bilaterally in levels IV and Vb. The ultrasonography demonstrated multiple lymph nodes with the snowstorm sign and a core biopsy confirmed a silicone granuloma (siliconoma). This granuloma was likely caused by bleeding gel from the silicone shell of her saline-based implants. This case demonstrates the importance of bleeding gel from saline-based implants, in the absence of implant rupture. Thus, head and neck specialists should consider siliconomas as a cause for cervical lymphadenopathy in patients with saline-based breast implants.
Usability of electronic health record systems in UK EDs
Authors: Bloom Benjamin Michael , Pott Jason , Thomas Stephen , Gaunt David Ramon , Hughes Thomas C
Published: March 2021

Background

The large volume of patients, rapid staff turnover and high work pressure mean that the usability of all systems within the ED is important. The transition to electronic health records (EHRs) has brought many benefits to emergency care but imposes a significant burden on staff to enter data. Poor usability has a direct consequence and opportunity cost in staff time and resources that could otherwise be employed in patient care. This research measures the usability of EHR systems in UK EDs using a validated assessment tool.

Methods

This was a survey completed by members and fellows of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine conducted during summer 2019. The primary outcome was the System Usability Scale Score, which ranges from 0 (worst) to 100 (best). Scores were compared with an internationally recognised measure of acceptable usability of 68. Results were analysed by EHR system, country, healthcare organisation and physician grade. Only EHR systems with at least 20 responses were analysed.

Results

There were 1663 responses from a total population of 8794 (19%) representing 192 healthcare organisations (mainly UK NHS), and 25 EHR systems. Fifteen EHR systems had at least 20 responses and were included in the analysis. No EHR system achieved a median usability score that met the industry standard of acceptable usability.

The median usability score was 53 (IQR 35–68). Individual EHR systems’ scores ranged from 35 (IQR 26–53) to 65 (IQR 44–80).

Conclusion

In this survey, no UK ED EHR system met the internationally validated standard of acceptable usability for information technology.
CRISPR immunity: a case study for justified somatic genetic modification?
Authors: Adashi Eli Y , Cohen Ivan Glenn
Published: March 2021

The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has killed thousands across the world. SARS-CoV-2 is the latest but surely not the last such global pandemic we will face. The biomedical response to such pandemics includes treatment, vaccination, and so on. In this paper, though, we argue that it is time to consider an additional strategy: the somatic (non-heritable) enhancement of human immunity. We argue for this approach and consider bioethics objections we believe can be overcome.
Study on the properties of zinc oxide films with different CF4 flow rates
Authors: Lin Zi-Jie , Shih Miao-Chi , Wang Fang-Hsing , Tseng Hsien-Wei , Yang Cheng-Fu
Published: March 2021

In this research, we will show that as the flow rates of CF4 (CF[Formula: see text] are different, the optical, crystal, and electrical properties of FZO films have large variations. At first, ZnO target is prepared by ourselves, the radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering is used as a method for the deposition of FZO films, and different flow rates of CF4 gas is introduced into the chamber during the deposition process. Next, we use the EagleXG glass as the substrates to deposit FZO films and we control the deposition time to make the thicknesses of deposited FZO films at about 330 nm. The flow rate of CF4 gas is controlled using CF[Formula: see text] mixing atmosphere and it is changed from 0% to 0.5%. After FZO films are deposited, their crystalline phase is identified using XRD, surface morphology and thickness that are observed using SEM, optical property (which is further used to measure the optical energy gap) are measured using an n&k analyzer, and electrical properties are measured using Hall equipment. A comparative study on the residual fluorine is also analyzed using FESEM equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis.
Automated Visual Testing of Application User Interfaces Using Static Analysis of Screenshots
Authors: Packevičius Šarūnas , Rudžionienė Greta , Bareiša Eduardas
Published: March 2021

Mobile and web applications must operate and be displayed correctly on many different devices and browsers. The visual testing of web or mobile applications is usually a manual process that requires a significant amount of testing time, meaning that applications are tested only on a few devices. It is then assumed that the applications will be displayed correctly on other compatible or similar devices. This paper presents an automated visual testing method for user interfaces. The main contributions of this paper are a classification scheme for visual defects of user interfaces and the definition of an automatic visual testing method that tests applications on many different devices with varying hardware and software parameters. The method is based on an automated search for defects using heuristic and expected state prediction algorithms, which involves analyzing the resources used by applications and screenshots. The testing method works by executing applications on a full set of devices, taking a screenshot at every execution step, and analyzing each of these screenshots. The manual as well as automated testing approaches were validated on 781 of Android applications. The experimental results show that the proposed method has advantages over manual testing.