bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New genus and new species of Pentatomidae from Borneo (Hemiptera: Heteroptera)
Authors: ROCA-CUSACHS MARCOS , RIDER DAVID. A. , JUNG SUNGHOON
Published: April 2021

A new genus, Graziasternum gen. nov., with two new species, Graziasternum graziae sp. nov. and Graziasternum joceliae sp. nov. are described. According to external thoracic and genital structures, this new genus is considered to be the closest extant relative known to the genus Placosternum Amyot & Serville. Discussion of its possible phylogenetic position based on structure comparison, with the discussion on the importance of the characteristics of the thoracic sterna, the genital structures with other genera or groups of genera that share similar structures is given. Additionally, the two new species are keyed and illustrated.
Lost and found—Discovery of the presumed lost type of Arma pallipes Dallas, new synonymy and description of two new species of Podisus Herrich-Schäffer (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae: Asopinae)
Authors: ROELL TALITA , BRUGNERA RICARDO , LEMAÎTRE VALÉRIE A.
Published: April 2021

The presumed lost type of Arma pallipes Dallas is found and Thomas’s (1992) neotype is hereby set aside (ICZN 1999, Art. 75.8). A. pallipes is proposed as junior subjective synonym of Podisus ventralis (Dallas). A lectotype designation by inference of holotype (Gaedike 1971) is accepted for the female typical specimen of P. neniator deposited at Senckenberg Deutsches Entomologisches Institut (SDEI, Müncheberg, Germany) (ICZN 1999, Art. 74.6). Two new species of Podisus Herrich-Schäffer are described: Podisus graziae Brugnera, Roell & Lemaître sp. nov. and Podisus thomasi Lemaître, Roell & Brugnera sp. nov. Photographs of all types as well as of live specimens are provided.
College and Career Readiness: A Literature Synthesis
Authors: Green Susan , Sanczyk Anna , Chambers Candace , Mraz Maryann , Polly Drew
Published: April 2021

A continuing priority in education has focused on preparing students for postacademic success. The adoption of the Common Core State Standards Initiative prompted educational leaders to focus on preparing students to be “college and career ready.” Definitions, perceptions, and efforts to improve college and career readiness vary widely. This article will present an overview of each of these topics, define college and career readiness, discuss various perceptions of students’ college and career readiness, and describe K–12, college, community, and state efforts to improve college and career readiness overcomes for students. Finally, implications for future efforts are provided.
The pandemic politics of existential anxiety: Between steadfast resistance and flexible resilience
Authors: Abulof Uriel , Penne Shirley Le , Pu Bonan
Published: April 2021

We all know we will die, but not when and how. Can private death awareness become public, and what happens when it does? This mixed-method research on the Covid-19 crisis reveals how pandemic politics cultivates and uses mass existential anxiety. Analyzing global discourse across vast corpora, we reveal an exceptional rise in global ‘mortality salience’ (awareness of death), and trace the socio-political dynamics feeding it. Comparing governmental pandemic policies worldwide, we introduce a novel model discerning ‘mortality mitigation’ (coping mechanisms) on a scale from steadfast resistance (‘oak’) to flexible resilience (‘reed’). We find that political trust, high median age, and social anxiety predict a reedy approach; and that the oak, typically pushing for stricter measures, better mitigates mortality. Stringency itself, however, hardly affects Covid-related cases/deaths. We enrich our model with brief illustrations from five countries: China and Israel (both oaks), Sweden and Germany (reeds) and the USA (an oak–reed hybrid).
Monitoring patients with head and neck cancer for flu-like symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Cavalieri Stefano , Colombo Elena , Bottiglieri Achille , Massa Giacomo , Platini Francesca , Ottini Arianna , Filippini Daria Maria , Zattarin Emma , Bergamini Cristiana , Resteghini Carlo , Alfieri Salvatore , Di Martino Vito , Tiraferri Valentina , Locati Laura Deborah , Licitra Lisa
Published: April 2021

Objective:

To capture and monitor flu-like symptoms in relation to the clinical characteristics and the oncologic treatment of a large head and neck cancer (HNC) patient cohort during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods:

Patients were monitored through by 2 rounds of interviews. Clinical characteristics of patients with no symptoms (group 0) and of those reporting ⩾1 (group A), ⩾3 (group B), or ⩾5 symptoms (group C) were analyzed. Patients with ⩾1 symptom at both interviews were defined as group A2.

Results:

Five hundred patients with HNC were analyzed. A higher frequency of patients with the following characteristics was observed in group A vs group 0: active treatment (40% vs 24%, p = 0.0002), gastrostomy (6% vs 2%, p = 0.027), recent active treatment (48% vs 29%, p < 0.0001), and higher number of concomitant medications ( p = 0.01). A lower median age was observed in group B vs group no-B (patients with fewer than three symptoms) (59 vs 63.55 years, p = 0.016) and in group A2 vs group no-A2 (patients without at least one symptom at both interviews) (56 vs 63 years, p = 0.021); patients in group B received more recent active treatment than those in group no-B and in group A2 vs those in group no-A2 ( p = 0.024 and 0.043, respectively); patients in group B had a lower body mass index than those in group no-B (22.4 vs 23.93 kg/m2, p = 0.0066).

Conclusions:

This work is based on patient-reported symptoms and signs independently of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing. In the future, these results might serve as a a benchmark for clinicians triaging and managing patients with HNC during infectious outbreaks involving flu-like symptoms.
Gardner-associated fibroma of the neck: role of a multidisciplinary evaluation for familial adenomatous polyposis diagnosis
Authors: Signoroni Stefano , Piozzi Guglielmo Niccolò , Collini Paola , Cocco Ivana Maria Francesca , Biasoni Davide , Chiaravalli Stefano , Ricci Maria Teresa , Vitellaro Marco
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a hereditary autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the development of multiple adenomas in the colon and rectum with a lifetime risk of 80%–100% to develop colorectal cancer if undetected or untreated. Gardner-associated fibroma (GAF) is a rare, benign soft tissue lesion with uncertain pathogenesis. GAF is generally associated with FAP in its clinical variant, called Gardner syndrome (GS).

Case Description:

A 16-year-old boy with no comorbidities and no significant medical history was referred to the Unit of Hereditary Digestive Tract Tumours, Department of Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy, for genetic counselling after surgical removal of a right anterior cervical paramedian fibroma. The histopathology on the specimen led to the diagnosis of GAF. He had no family history for colorectal cancer or gastrointestinal polyposis and denied any gastrointestinal symptoms. Physical examination showed a small frontal osteoma and colonoscopy showed the presence of multiple small sessile polyps (>100 polyps, diameter <5 mm) diffusely present on the large bowel. Genetic testing revealed a pathogenic germline variant in the APC gene. The predictive genetic test on the patient’s parents and sister was negative for the identified APC mutation; therefore, the patient carried an apparent de novo germline mutation.

Conclusions:

GAF may represent a sentinel sign of FAP, preceding gastrointestinal symptoms and endoscopic findings. A careful multidisciplinary approach is determinant for correct and early diagnosis of FAP.
Observers in analytic groups: A content analysis study from the participant perspective
Authors: Endler Christian Peter , Enzian Angelika , Dietrich Günter , Schacht Stefan , Sachs Gabriele
Published: April 2021

What perceptions do group participants have about silent observers, what transferences are involved, what function can the listeners have for the group? In an anonymous survey and evaluation based on content analysis, almost all participants reported positive, and two thirds also negative impressions and perceptions. Observers were perceived as being familiar or supportive and as threatening or constraining to an approximately equal extent. There was no outright demonization or perception of a divide between the group leader(s) and the observers, as described in the older literature. Group participants also appear to perceive observers as representatives of their own superego, which are ‘silenced’.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, networks and introjection
Authors: Forrest Alasdair
Published: April 2021

Group analysts have not much turned their attention to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. There is only one paragraph on it in this journal—and in fact it was in the newsletter accompanying it (Leal, 2013)—alongside a few incidental references. In part, this may reflect a general distrust of diagnostic labels, particularly those relating to disturbed development, defined medically. It may also reflect the recent lack of attention towards group-analytic formulations of specific psychopathological constructs. Instead, group-analytic writers have recently been particularly interested in the social unconscious and a more detailed analysis of issues of power and positionality. While this is necessary, and no analysis of people social to their core is competent without it, there is also space for a detailed consideration of psychopathology.

To advance this, I attempt a group-analytic understanding of the concept of ADHD. I do this because I shall argue it is a clear example of the balance between projection and introjection, and that an adequate analysis of disturbance in a network must account for both sets of processes. I shall also do it to illustrate that such a group-analytic formulation should be possible, and to encourage further group-analytic formulations of other specific psychopathological constructs. Initially, I shall describe the development and utility of the concept, tying it to neurobiological findings, particularly those related to the Default Mode Network. Next, I shall suggest a group-analytic formulation. I shall then go on to describe the clinical implications of taking this approach, and shall describe how ADHD is too important to keep out of the analytic field, and suggest that group analysis has much to offer in the emerging discourse on social interactional neuroscience.
Asking the Right Questions: Screening Men for Partner Violence
Authors: Velonis Alisa , Maddox Raglan , Buhariwala Pearl , Kamalanathan Janisha , Hassan Maha Awaiz , Fadhil Tamam , O’Campo Patricia
Published: April 2021

With lifetime intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization rates for self-identified men between 14% and 20%, and an expanding understanding of gender as a nonbinary construct, practitioners in some clinical environments have expressed interest in screening all patients for IPV. Yet, few IPV screening instruments have been validated for use in nonfemale populations. This research tests the appropriateness and acceptability of a screening instrument developed for use with women.

A literature review was completed to determine the current state of research into IPV screening practices tailored to men. Next, cognitive interviews were conducted to test a 9-question IPV screening instrument with men considered at average and elevated risk for experiencing partner violence. Participants were read the questions aloud and asked about item comprehension and question appropriateness and acceptability.

The literature review uncovered no published reports describing routine clinic based IPV screening of men, and only two screening instruments had been validated with men. Twenty men participated in cognitive interviews from a variety of settings in a large urban center. All participants accurately described the intended meaning of each question and verified the appropriateness of asking the questions.

This work addresses the gap in research on routine IPV screening with men, building on efforts to screen individuals and support improved health and response to violence to those across the gender spectrum.
How Does Green Dot Bystander Training in High School and Beyond Impact Attitudes Toward Violence and Sexism in a Prospective Cohort?
Authors: Coker Ann L. , Bush Heather M. , Huang Zhengyan , Brancato Candace J. , Clear Emily R. , Follingstad Diane R.
Published: April 2021

Bystander interventions are recognized as “promising” programming to reduce sexual violence. Gaps in current evaluations include limited follow-up post-training (beyond 24 months) and knowledge of additional bystander training during follow-up.

In this prospective cohort study, nested in a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT), three cohorts of high school (HS) seniors were recruited (Fall 2013-2015) and followed through Spring 2018 ( n = 1,831). Training was based on their school cluster RCT assignment and receipt of additional Green Dot (GD) training after HS. Training was hypothesized to be associated with lower scores indicating less acceptance of violence or sexism.

Sixty percent reported GD training after HS (68.7% of 986 in intervention and 50% of 845 in control conditions). No significant differences ( p < .05) were observed by GD training for four of the five violence acceptance or sexism attitudinal measures at recruitment or final surveys. For “ambivalent sexism” alone was there a significant reduction in scale scores over time in the intervention versus control condition. Additional GD training after the RCT significantly reduced neither violence acceptance nor sexism scores over time.

GD training does not appear to have a consistent longer-term impact on reducing violence acceptance and sexism.
Gender Differences in Sexual Coercion Perpetration: Investigating the Role of Alcohol-use and Cognitive Risk Factors
Authors: Bonneville Véronique , Trottier Dominique
Published: April 2021

Studies have shown that alcohol is involved in 50 to 75% of all sexual coercion situations. Significant associations have been established between alcohol-use and sexual coercion perpetration and cognitive factors have been proposed to play an important role in this association. However, the current knowledge on the relationship between alcohol-use, cognitive factors, and sexual coercion perpetration is mostly based on male samples. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to investigate gender differences associated with the role of alcohol-use and cognitive factors in sexual coercion perpetration. To do so, 742 participants (562 women, 180 men) completed an online questionnaire assessing (1) alcohol-use, (2) perpetration of sexual coercion, and (3) cognitions related to sexuality or alcohol (misperception of sexual intent, alcohol-related expectancies, alcohol-related rape myth acceptance [RMA]). Results revealed that (1) for both men and women, alcohol-use as well as cognitive variables allowed to discriminate perpetrators from non-perpetrators, (2) perpetrators, whether male or female, did not differ significantly on any of the risk factors, except for alcohol-related RMA, (3) a prediction model that considered cognitive variables, as well as alcohol-use significantly contributed to the explanation of both male and female sexual coercion, and (4) the prediction model explained three times the amount of variance in sexual coercion perpetrated by men compared to women. On the one hand, these results highlight similarities in risk factors towards sexual coercion perpetration for both men and women. Perpetrators, regardless of their gender, seem to exhibit similar alcohol-use, alcohol-related expectancies, and tendencies to misinterpret sexual intent, making these risk factors potential prevention and intervention targets for both genders. On the other hand, these results emphasize the need to break away from male-based sexual coercion explanatory models and consider other variables towards a better understanding of female sexual coercion perpetration.
Socioculturally Mediated Academic Advising: A GYO Approach for Supporting Bilingual/Bicultural Paraprofessionals
Authors: Worthen Diana Gonzales , Smart Christine , Bowman Sandra Gaye , Diaz Eva Ileana , Gist Conra D.
Published: April 2021

This case study examined how the academic advising (hence, advising) component of a Grow Your Own (GYO) teacher program can be tailored to honor bilingual/bicultural paraprofessionals’ (hence, BL/BC paras) assets and differential needs. Data collection strategies included participant observation, interviews, a focus group, field notes, and documentation. Thematic data analysis suggested that socioculturally mediated advising involves some aspects of mentoring and includes (a) taking the time to know and value paraprofessionals’ biographies, (b) personalizing and attending to paraprofessionals’ psychosocial needs, (c) building supportive relationships through the GYO seminar, and (d) advocating for institutional accommodations. Implications for future research consider how socioculturally mediated advising including aspects of mentoring needs to be better understood in BL/BC paras teacher pipeline programs and the field of teacher development.
Diverse Experiences Lead to a Career in Applied Research: A Conversation With Ann Daunic
Authors: Worth Megan R. , Poling Daniel V.
Published: April 2021

Dr. Ann P. Daunic is an emeritus scholar in the Special Education, Psychology, and Early Childhood Studies programs in the College of Education at the University of Florida (UF). A graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University, she has a doctorate in special education from UF and a master’s of science degree in psychology from Tufts University.
Migrant Women’s Help-Seeking Decisions and Use of Support Resources for Intimate Partner Violence in China
Authors: Hu Ran , Xue Jia , Wang Xiying
Published: April 2021

In China, women who domestically relocate from rural or less developed regions to major cities are at a higher risk for intimate partner violence (IPV) than their non-migrant counterparts. Few studies have focused on Chinese domestic migrant women’s help-seeking for IPV and their use of different sources of support. The present study aimed to identify factors that influence migrant women’s help-seeking decisions. In addition, we also examined factors that contribute to migrant women’s use of diverse sources of support for IPV. A sample of 280 migrant women victimized by IPV in the past year at the time of the survey was drawn from a larger cross-sectional study conducted in four major urban cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Using a multinomial logistic regression model and a zero-inflated Poisson model, we found that factors influencing migrant women’s help-seeking decisions and their use of diverse sources of support included socioeconomic factors, IPV type, relationship-related factors, knowledge of China’s first anti-Domestic Violence Law, and perception of the effectiveness of current policies. We discuss implications for future research and interventions.
Gender, Campus Sexual Violence, Cultural Betrayal, Institutional Betrayal, and Institutional Support in U.S. Ethnic Minority College Students: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Gómez Jennifer M.
Published: April 2021

Women and ethnic minorities are at increased risk for campus sexual violence (CSV). Due to inequality, within-group victimization in marginalized communities includes cultural betrayal. Universities commit institutional betrayal (e.g., inadequate prevention) and institutional support (e.g., sensitivity). With a campus climate survey, the purpose of the study is to characterize, by gender, U.S. ethnic minority undergraduates’ CSV, cultural and institutional betrayal, and institutional support. Participants ( N = 222) were a random sample of ethnic minority undergraduates. College women experienced higher rates of CSV and institutional betrayal. Universities can implement a research agenda that centralizes the role of oppression in CSV.
Rational and Emotional Tension Balances in the Organization of Political Hunger Strikes
Authors: Connolly John , Dolan Paddy , Vertigans Stephen
Published: April 2021

This paper is concerned with the relationship between the organization of political hunger strikes, rational calculations and actions and emotions. Drawing from the theoretical formulations of Norbert Elias, we examine how rational–emotional balances generated by different and intertwined tiers of social integration partly shaped the organization of political hunger strikes. Political hunger strikes are interesting because they tend to involve actions based on rational considerations and emotional charges. The empirical context includes a comparative analysis across space and time involving the organization of political hunger strikes in Ireland and (West) Germany during the 20th century. Our analysis suggests a difference between the rational–emotional tension balance exhibited by hunger strikers of the 1920s and that of hunger strikers of the 1970s and 1980s. We explain how these differences are connected to the broader social structures pertaining at the time. The main contention of the paper is that all forms of political organizing involve rational–emotional balances, and these balances are structured and shaped by social dynamics at different tiers of social integration.
Diagnosis of Uncomplicated and Complicated Appendicitis in Adults
Authors: Bom W. J. , Scheijmans J. C. G. , Salminen P. , Boermeester M. A.
Published: April 2021

Background:

Diagnostic work-up of acute appendicitis remains challenging. While some guidelines advise to use a risk stratification based on clinical parameters, others use standard imaging in all patients. As non-operative management of uncomplicated appendicitis has been identified as feasible and safe, differentiation between uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis is of paramount importance. We reviewed the literature to describe the optimal strategy for diagnosis of acute appendicitis.

Methods:

A narrative review about the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in adult patients was conducted. Both diagnostic strategies and goals were analyzed.

Results:

For diagnosing acute appendicitis, both ruling in and ruling out the disease are important. Clinical and laboratory findings individually do not suffice, but when combined in a diagnostic score, a better risk prediction can be made for having acute appendicitis. However, for accurate diagnosis imaging seems obligatory in patients suspected for acute appendicitis. Scoring systems combining clinical and imaging features may differentiate between uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis and may enable ruling out complicated appendicitis. Within conservatively treated patients with uncomplicated appendicitis, predictive factors for non-responsiveness to antibiotics and recurrence of appendicitis need to be defined in order to optimize treatment outcomes.

Conclusion:

Standard imaging increases the diagnostic power for both ruling in and ruling out acute appendicitis. Incorporating imaging features in clinical scoring models may provide better differentiation between uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis. Optimizing patient selection for antibiotic treatment of appendicitis may minimize recurrence rates, resulting in better treatment outcomes.
The SE-AssessWrist for robot-aided assessment of wrist stiffness and range of motion: Development and experimental validation
Authors: Erwin Andrew , McDonald Craig G , Moser Nicholas , O’Malley Marcia K
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Physical human-robot interaction offers a compelling platform for assessing recovery from neurological injury; however, robots currently used for assessment have typically been designed for the requirements of rehabilitation, not assessment. In this work, we present the design, control, and experimental validation of the SE-AssessWrist, which extends the capabilities of prior robotic devices to include complete wrist range of motion assessment in addition to stiffness evaluation.

Methods

The SE-AssessWrist uses a Bowden cable-based transmission in conjunction with series elastic actuation to increase device range of motion while not sacrificing torque output. Experimental validation of robot-aided wrist range of motion and stiffness assessment was carried out with five able-bodied individuals.

Results

The SE-AssessWrist achieves the desired maximum wrist range of motion, while having sufficient position and zero force control performance for wrist biomechanical assessment. Measurements of two-degree-of-freedom wrist range of motion and stiffness envelopes revealed that the axis of greatest range of motion and least stiffness were oblique to the conventional anatomical axes, and approximately parallel to each other.

Conclusions

Such an assessment could be beneficial in the clinic, where standard clinical measures of recovery after neurological injury are subjective, labor intensive, and graded on an ordinal scale.
In vitro biodegradation behavior of biodegradable hydroxyapatite coated AZ31 alloy treated at various pH values
Authors: Hanh Le , Van Hai Le , The Hoang Nguyen , Thi Hong Hanh Do , Minh Hai Le , Viet Nam Nguyen
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of pH treatment on the formation of hydroxyapatite (HA) coating layer and the biodegradation rate of hydroxyapatite coated AZ31 alloy for applications in biodegradable implants.

Methods:

HA was grown on the surface of AZ31 substrate at three different pH solutions of 7.5, 9.0, and 10.5 respectively by chemical solution treatment method. The coated samples were evaluated their biodegradation behavior by immersion test in the simulated body fluid (SBF) for 14 days. The biodegradation rate of the samples during immersion test was observed by Mg2+ ion quantification method and measuring the increase of pH of the medium.

Results:

HA coatings were successfully grown on the AZ31 substrate at three different pH conditions. The sample coated at pH 7.5 showed its uniform and dense coating layer resulted in highest corrosion resistance. While the highest biodegradation rate was observed for the sample coated at pH 10.5 due to many micro-cracks formed in the HA layer. After 14 days of immersion, Mg(OH)2 and calcium phosphate were corrosion products on the surface of the specimens coated at pH 10.5 and pH 9.0 respectively. While HA almost remained on the surface of sample coated at pH 7.5.

Conclusion:

AZ31 alloy coated with HA at pH 7.5 has lowest biodegradation rate and become suitable for applications in biodegradable implants.
Barriers to Equity in Cancer Survivorship Care: Perspectives of Cancer Survivors and System Stakeholders
Authors: Truant Tracy L.O. , Lambert Leah K. , Thorne Sally
Published: April 2021

As more cancer patients survive into post-treatment, the challenge of managing their survivorship care is confronting health care systems globally. In striving to deliver high quality survivorship care, equity constitutes a particularly troublesome challenge. We analyzed accounts from both cancer survivors and stakeholders within care system management to uncover insights with respect to barriers to equitable cancer survivorship services. Beyond the social determinants of health that shape inequities across all of our systems, the cancer care system involves a pattern of prioritizing biomedicine, evidence-based options, and care standardization. We learned that these lead to system rigidities that not only compromise the individualization essential to person-centered care but also obscure the attention to group differences that becomes indispensable to responsiveness to inequities. On the basis of these insights, we reflect on what may be required to begin to redress the current and projected inequities with respect to access to appropriate cancer survivorship supports and services.
Beyond root cause analysis: How variation analysis can provide a deeper understanding of causation in complex adaptive systems
Authors: Stretton Paul
Published: April 2021

Root cause analysis (RCA) is a recognised approach to understanding causation of adverse events across high-risk industries including healthcare. These methodologies were developed during the early part of the twentieth century when the workplace could be understood as a series of linear processes. Within a complex system these approaches offer limited insight, which has since been recognised within healthcare literature. This paper proposes an approach to understanding of causation that addresses Hollnagel’s ‘hypothesis of different causes’ and integrates Safety I and Safety II approaches. This develops Stretton’s Lilypond Model to conceptualise the relationship between work-as-imagined and work-as-done within a complex system where individual adaptations and variations can be analysed. Understanding variation in such a way creates a shift in methodology from a deterministic to a probabilistic approach, which is more appropriate for understanding causation within complex systems.
How not to run out of oxygen: Primary FRCA forcibly put into practice by COVID-19 to maintain patient safety
Authors: Lake Daniel , Henwood Matthew , Eadie Phil , Dagg Kevin , Searle Peter , Fenlon Stephen , Iossifidis Francoise
Published: April 2021

Background

SARS-CoV-2 is currently the cause of a global pandemic, putting significant strain on healthcare systems worldwide. Reports reaching the United Kingdom, ahead of the pandemic, and previous surge planning (H1N1 influenza) highlighted that pipeline oxygen supply could be strained. Therefore, this study was created to investigate the robustness of pipeline oxygen supply at Darent Valley Hospital. Coinciding news reports of hospitals declaring major incidents, due to oxygen failure, further backed the contingency planning.

Methods

The maximum sustainable flow from the vacuum insulated evaporator (VIE) was calculated, followed by a snapshot survey identifying the exact usage of oxygen (litres per minute) across the entire hospital, also highlighting areas of high demand. A flowchart protocol was created for clinicians and engineers to follow should pipeline pressure drop. Finally, a second audit, monitoring oxygen usage and pipeline pressure, throughout the surge period, was undertaken.

Results

The initial survey found a usage of 412.15 L/min, which increased to 1789 L/min during the surge, with the lowest pressure recorded at 3.6 bar. The output from the VIE plant was managed through cycling of its evaporators every 12 h, to prevent pipeline freezing.

Conclusions

Data and contingency planning ensured maintenance of pipeline pressure throughout a pandemic surge of 576 COVID-19 patients. It also served as the foundation of a business case that resulted in, planning, approval, and installation of a second VIE plant in four weeks, ensuring readiness for further surge activity and future pandemics.
Understanding Customer Priorities for Selection of Call Taxi Service Provider
Authors: Ramasamy Adimuthu , Muduli Kamalakanta , Mohamed Aezeden , Biswal Jitendra Narayan , Pumwa John
Published: April 2021

Taxi services have evolved with the growth of information communication services and have become an essential infrastructure in a city’s transport landscape. In today’s era, mobility has become a vital need for people as they contemplate how to accomplish specific tasks, which require travel, time, and distance. Taxi services have filled this void by allowing people to commute to the last mile and meet their daily requirements. Failure of cab service operators to offer affordable and reliable taxi service would result in inferior taxi services that lead to dissatisfaction among customers. The key objective of this research was to determine important factors, namely, socioeconomic and service attribute factors that influence people’s choice based on satisfaction levels in selecting a particular taxi service like Ola and Uber in Bhubaneswar city. The study found that socioeconomic and service attribute factors were important in determining the choice of taxi service. Furthermore, it also revealed that people were more sensitive to the reliability of taxi service and cost in comparison to the quality of service and driver’s behavior. The study results would help cab service providers in customizing their services to attract more customers and increase their market share.
Making Diversity Research Matter for Social Change: New Conversations Beyond the Firm
Authors: Janssens Maddy , Zanoni Patrizia
Published: April 2021

This paper argues that, to fulfil the ambition to foster equality and social justice, diversity research should move outside the empirical and ideational boundaries of the firm, which have historically limited our knowledge production on diversity and social change. We first look back at 30 years of diversity research, reflecting on how the main theories, concepts and models of diversity are entangled with four root images of the firm – a neutral container, an economic entity, a cultural entity and a space of inequality – which have fundamentally shaped and limited our way of thinking about forms of action to achieve social change. We then present four illustrations of diversity research that broaden our empirical and ideational horizon: the global garments value chain; the gig economy; a public library; and a dance organization. These examples show new re-conceptualizations of diversity and open up possibilities for new conversations and politics of action to make diversity research matter for social change.
The potential of proliferative and apoptotic parameters in clinical flow cytometry of myeloid malignancies
Authors: Mestrum Stefan G. C. , Hopman Anton H. N. , Ramaekers Frans C. S. , Leers Math P. G.
Published: April 2021

Standardization of the detection and quantification of leukocyte differentiation markers by the EuroFlow Consortium has led to a major step forward in the integration of flow cytometry into classification of leukemia and lymphoma. In our opinion, this now enables introduction of markers for more dynamic parameters, such as proliferative and (anti)apoptotic markers, which have proven their value in the field of histopathology in the diagnostic process of solid tumors and lymphoma. Although use of proliferative and (anti)apoptotic markers as objective parameters in the diagnostic process of myeloid malignancies was studied in the past decades, this did not result in the incorporation of these biomarkers into clinical diagnosis. This review addresses the potential of these markers for implementation in the current, state-of-the-art multiparameter analysis of myeloid malignancies. The reviewed studies clearly recognize the importance of proliferation and apoptotic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of bone marrow (BM) malignancies. The literature is, however, contradictory on the role of these processes in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), MDS/myeloproliferative neoplasms, and acute myeloid leukemia. Furthermore, several studies underline the need for the analysis of the proliferative and apoptotic rates in subsets of hematopoietic BM cell lineages and argue that these results can have diagnostic and prognostic value in patients with myeloid malignancies. Recent developments in multiparameter flow cytometry now allow quantification of proliferative and (anti)apoptotic indicators in myeloid cells during their different maturation stages of separate hematopoietic cell lineages. This will lead to a better understanding of the biology and pathogenesis of these malignancies.
Ventilation/carbon dioxide output relationships during exercise in health
Authors: Ward Susan A.
Published: April 2021

“Ventilatory efficiency” is widely used in cardiopulmonary exercise testing to make inferences regarding the normality (or otherwise) of the arterial CO2tension (PaCO2) and physiological dead-space fraction of the breath (VD/VT) responses to rapid-incremental (or ramp) exercise. It is quantified as: 1) the slope of the linear region of the relationship between ventilation (V′E) and pulmonary CO2output (V′CO2); and/or 2) the ventilatory equivalent for CO2at the lactate threshold (V′E/V′CO2) or its minimum value (V′E/V′CO2min), which occurs soon afterbut before respiratory compensation. Although these indices are normally numerically similar, they are not equally robust. That is, high values forV′E/V′CO2andV′E/V′CO2min provide a rigorous index of an elevatedVD/VTwhenPaCO2is known (or can be assumed) to be regulated. In contrast, a highV′E–V′CO2slope on its own does not, as account has also to be taken of the associated normally positive and smallV′Eintercept. Interpretation is complicated by factors such as: the extent to whichPaCO2is actually regulated during rapid-incremental exercise (as is the case for steady-state moderate exercise); and whetherV′E/V′CO2orV′E/V′CO2min provide accurate reflections of the true asymptotic value ofV′E/V′CO2, to which theV′E–V′CO2slope approximates at very high work rates.
Exercise intolerance in pulmonary arterial hypertension: insight into central and peripheral pathophysiological mechanisms
Authors: Malenfant Simon , Lebret Marius , Breton-Gagnon Émilie , Potus François , Paulin Roxane , Bonnet Sébastien , Provencher Steeve
Published: April 2021

Exercise intolerance is a cardinal symptom of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and strongly impacts patients' quality of life (QoL). Although central cardiopulmonary impairments limit peak oxygen consumption (V′O2peak) in patients with PAH, several peripheral abnormalities have been described over the recent decade as key determinants in exercise intolerance, including impaired skeletal muscle (SKM) morphology, convective O2transport, capillarity and metabolism indicating that peripheral abnormalities play a greater role in limiting exercise capacity than previously thought. More recently, cerebrovascular alterations potentially contributing to exercise intolerance in patients with PAH were also documented. Currently, only cardiopulmonary rehabilitation has been shown to efficiently improve the peripheral components of exercise intolerance in patients with PAH. However, more extensive studies are needed to identify targeted interventions that would ultimately improve patients' exercise tolerance and QoL. The present review offers a broad and comprehensive analysis of the present literature about the complex mechanisms and their interactions limiting exercise in patients and suggests several gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed in the future for a better understanding of exercise intolerance in patients with PAH.
Thermal degradation of hemicellulose and cellulose in ball-milled cedar and beech wood
Authors: Wang Jiawei , Minami Eiji , Asmadi Mohd , Kawamoto Haruo
Published: April 2021

The thermal degradation reactivities of hemicellulose and cellulose in wood cell walls are significantly different from the thermal degradation behavior of the respective isolated components. Furthermore, the degradation of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica, a softwood) is distinct from that of Japanese beech (Fagus crenata, a hardwood). Lignin and uronic acid are believed to play crucial roles in governing this behavior. In this study, the effects of ball milling for various durations of time on the degradation reactivities of cedar and beech woods were evaluated based on the recovery rates of hydrolyzable sugars from pyrolyzed wood samples. The applied ball-milling treatment cleaved the lignin β-ether bonds and reduced the crystallinity of cellulose, as determined by X-ray diffraction. Both xylan and glucomannan degraded in a similar temperature range, although the isolated components exhibited different reactivities because of the catalytic effect of uronic acid bound to the xylose chains. These observations can be explained by the more homogeneous distribution of uronic acid in the matrix of cell walls as a result of ball milling. As observed for holocelluloses, cellulose in the ball-milled woods degraded in two temperature ranges (below 320 °C and above); a significant amount of cellulose degraded in the lower temperature range, which significantly changed the shapes of the thermogravimetric curves. This report compares the results obtained for cedar and beech woods, and discusses them in terms of the thermal degradation of the matrix and cellulose microfibrils in wood cell walls and role of lignin. Such information is crucial for understanding the pyrolysis and heat treatment of wood.
Methodology for classifying the ecosystem integrity of forests in Germany using quantified indicators
Authors: Jenssen Martin , Nickel Stefan , Schröder Winfried
Published: April 2021

Background

Atmospheric deposition of nitrogen and climate change can have impacts on ecological structures and functions, and thus on the integrity of ecosystems and their services. Operationalization of ecosystem integrity is still an important desideratum.

Results

A methodology for classifying the ecosystem integrity of forests in Germany under the influence of climate change and atmospheric nitrogen deposition is presented. The methodology was based on 14 indicators for six ecosystem functions: habitat function, net primary function, carbon sequestration, nutrient and water flux, resilience. It allows assessments of ecosystem integrity changes by comparing current or prospective ecosystem states with ecosystem-type-specific reference states as described by quantitative indicators for 61 forest ecosystem types based on data before 1990.

Conclusion

The method developed enables site-specific classifications of ecosystem integrity as well as classifications with complete coverage and determinations of temporal trends as shown using examples from the Thuringian Forest and the “Kellerwald-Edersee” National Park (Germany).
Phylogenetic analysis of Harmonin homology domains
Authors: Colcombet-Cazenave Baptiste , Druart Karen , Bonnet Crystel , Petit Christine , Spérandio Olivier , Guglielmini Julien , Wolff Nicolas
Published: April 2021

Background

Harmonin Homogy Domains (HHD) are recently identified orphan domains of about 70 residues folded in a compact five alpha-helix bundle that proved to be versatile in terms of function, allowing for direct binding to a partner as well as regulating the affinity and specificity of adjacent domains for their own targets. Adding their small size and rather simple fold, HHDs appear as convenient modules to regulate protein–protein interactions in various biological contexts. Surprisingly, only nine HHDs have been detected in six proteins, mainly expressed in sensory neurons.

Results

Here, we built a profile Hidden Markov Model to screen the entire UniProtKB for new HHD-containing proteins. Every hit was manually annotated, using a clustering approach, confirming that only a few proteins contain HHDs. We report the phylogenetic coverage of each protein and build a phylogenetic tree to trace the evolution of HHDs. We suggest that a HHD ancestor is shared with Paired Amphipathic Helices (PAH) domains, a four-helix bundle partially sharing fold and functional properties. We characterized amino-acid sequences of the various HHDs using pairwise BLASTP scoring coupled with community clustering and manually assessed sequence features among each individual family. These sequence features were analyzed using reported structures as well as homology models to highlight structural motifs underlying HHDs fold. We show that functional divergence is carried out by subtle differences in sequences that automatized approaches failed to detect.

Conclusions

We provide the first HHD databases, including sequences and conservation, phylogenic trees and a list of HHD variants found in the auditory system, which are available for the community. This case study highlights surprising phylogenetic properties found in orphan domains and will assist further studies of HHDs. We unveil the implication of HHDs in their various binding interfaces using conservation across families and a new protein–protein surface predictor. Finally, we discussed the functional consequences of three identified pathogenic HHD variants involved in Hoyeraal-Hreidarsson syndrome and of three newly reported pathogenic variants identified in patients suffering from Usher Syndrome.
A QTL for conformation of back and croup influences lateral gait quality in Icelandic horses
Authors: Rosengren Maria K. , Sigurðardóttir Heiðrún , Eriksson Susanne , Naboulsi Rakan , Jouni Ahmad , Novoa-Bravo Miguel , Albertsdóttir Elsa , Kristjánsson Þorvaldur , Rhodin Marie , Viklund Åsa , Velie Brandon D. , Negro Juan J. , Solé Marina , Lindgren Gabriella
Published: April 2021

Background

The back plays a vital role in horse locomotion, where the spine functions as a spring during the stride cycle. A complex interaction between the spine and the muscles of the back contribute to locomotion soundness, gait ability, and performance of riding and racehorses. Conformation is commonly used to select horses for breeding and performance in multiple horse breeds, where the back and croup conformation plays a significant role. The conformation of back and croup plays an important role on riding ability in Icelandic horses. However, the genes behind this trait are still unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify genomic regions associated with conformation of back and croup in Icelandic horses and to investigate their effects on riding ability. One hundred seventy-seven assessed Icelandic horses were included in the study. A genome-wide association analysis was performed using the 670 K+ Axiom Equine Genotyping Array, and the effects of different haplotypes in the top associated region were estimated for riding ability and additional conformation traits assessed during breeding field tests.

Results

A suggestive quantitative trait loci (QTL) for the score of back and croup was detected on Equus caballus (ECA) 22 (p-value = 2.67 × 10− 7). Haplotype analysis revealed two opposite haplotypes, which resulted in higher and lower scores of the back and croup, respectively (p-value < 0.001). Horses with the favorable haplotype were more inclined to have a well-balanced backline with an uphill conformation and had, on average, higher scores for the lateral gaits tölt (p-value = 0.02) and pace (p-value = 0.004). This genomic region harbors three genes: C20orf85, ANKRD60 and LOC100056167. ANKRD60 is associated with body height in humans. C20orf85 and ANKRD60 are potentially linked to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in humans.

Conclusions

Our results show that the detected QTL for conformation of back and croup is of importance for quality of lateral gaits in Icelandic horses. These findings could result in a genetic test to aid in the selection of breeding horses, thus they are of major interest for horse breeders. The results may also offer a gateway to comparative functional genomics by potentially linking both motor laterality and back inclination in horses with scoliosis in humans.