bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bidirectional intimate partner violence: Evidence from a list experiment in Kenya
Authors: Castilla Carolina , Murphy David M. A.
Published: October 2022

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) continues to be a major public health concern that can both respond to economic policies and affect economic outcomes. Few studies regarding IPV, however, take a gender inclusive approach towards its identification. Using a sample of both men and women from rural Kenya, we are the first, to our knowledge, to conduct a list experiment with cohabiting married couples to identify the prevalence of physical violence on both men and women. We find that 14 percent of respondents agree with the statement “my spouse regularly hits me”. In contrast to other survey evidence that uses direct elicitation, we find no differences in the prevalence of male‐to‐female and female‐to‐male violence. We provide supporting evidence that bidirectional IPV accounts for the lack of gender differences. A complete understanding of the typology of IPV can be crucial for policies seeking IPV reduction.
Evaluation of the definition of hyperdynamic circulation in patients with cirrhosis and ascites
Authors: Ripoll Cristina , Ibáñez‐Samaniego Luis , Neumann Beatrix , Vaquero Javier , Greinert Robin , Bañares Rafael , Zipprich Alexander
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate potential criteria for defining hyperdynamic circulation in patients with cirrhosis according to the severity of ascites and its association with the activation of vasoactive systems and markers of systemic inflammation. Cross‐sectional study of patients with cirrhosis and right heart catheter measurement from two different academic centers. We evaluated systemic vascular resistance (SVR)/cardiac output (CO) according to ascites severity. The first substudy evaluated the possible definition, the second validated the findings, and the third evaluated the possible mechanisms. Comparisons were performed by means of t test, Mann–Whitney U test, and analysis of variance. Finally, linear regression curves were adjusted to evaluate the relationship between CO and SVR according to the severity of ascites and compensated or decompensated stage of cirrhosis. The study included 721 patients (substudy 1, n = 437; substudy 2, n = 197; substudy 3, n = 87). Hyperdynamic circulation (HC), defined by absolute cutoffs, had no association with the presence or severity of ascites in the first two cohorts. No association was observed between HC with renin, aldosterone, or markers of bacterial translocation. Comparison of linear regression curves showed a shift of the CO–SVR relationship to the left in patients with refractory ascites (p < 0.001) compared to patients without ascites as well as to patients with decompensated cirrhosis (p = 0.002). Conclusion: HC according to the traditional concept of high CO and low SVR is not always present in ascites. Evaluation of the CO–SVR relationship according to the severity of ascites shows a shift to the left, suggesting that the presence of HC would be defined by this shift, independent of absolute values.
Maladaptation in air traffic management: Development of a Human Factors methods framework
Authors: Foster Craig J. , Plant Katherine L. , Stanton Neville A.
Published: October 2022

Human Factors methods play a key role in challenging assumptions, analyzing interactions, and informing decision‐making in complex sociotechnical systems and organizations that manage safety risks. Structured methodological approaches also have a role to play in better understanding properties of systems such as adaptation. Adaptation is increasingly recognized as being an important feature that supports the production of safety in complex sociotechnical systems. A safety management intervention, introduced to address a real risk in UK air traffic control but which resulted in unanticipated, maladaptive, and emergent effects, is analyzed using the Hierarchical Task Analysis, Systems Theoretic Accident Model and Processes, Functional Resonance Analysis Method, Human Factors Analysis and Classification System, Cognitive Work Analysis, Critical Decision Method, and Event Analysis of Systemic Teamwork Methods. The results from the application of each of the methods are presented and the different perspectives on adaptation that the methods provide are compared. A methodological framework is presented that has the potential to explore the factors of adaptation across the organizational hierarchy and assist safety practitioners in supporting decision makers in safety‐related organizations.
Mechanisms of epigenetic regulation of transcription by lncRNAs in plants
Authors: Tremblay Benjamin J.M. , Qüesta Julia I.
Published: October 2022

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are an ubiquitous feature of eukaryotic genomes and in recent decades have been shown to be highly abundant and varied. Many prominent examples have been described as having essential roles in regulating the expression of genes in different developmental and environmental contexts. As a result, much work has been done on elucidating the mechanisms by which they modulate the expression of protein coding genes. In this review, we focus on those which have been characterized in plants. We specifically examine common epigenetic mechanisms that regulate gene expression at the level of transcription. In this regard, we focus on the lncRNAs in plants that have primarily been associated with controlling the chromatin environment of genes at the level of modifications, RNA POLYMERASE II (RNAPII) processivity and efficiency of transcription, and mediating the formation of transcriptionally activating and repressive chromatin loops. We discuss open questions in plant lncRNA epigenetic regulation and opportunities for future study of functionally significant lncRNAs with yet‐unknown epigenetic mechanisms.
Nonsuicidal self‐injury, sleep quality, and shame response to a laboratory stress task
Authors: Grove Jeremy L. , Carlson Steven E. , Parkhurst Kimberly A. , O'Neill John C. , Smith Timothy W.
Published: October 2022

Objective

Nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) frequently functions to regulate shame‐based emotions and cognitions in the context of interpersonal stress. The present study sought to examine how sleep quality (SQ) may influence this process in a laboratory setting.

Methods

Participants included 72 adults (Mage = 24.28; 36 with a lifetime history of NSSI) who completed a self‐report measure of prior month SQ and engaged in a modified Trier social stress task (TSST). State shame ratings were collected immediately before and following the TSST, as well as 5 min post‐TSST, to allow for the measurement of shame reactivity and recovery.

Results

No significant results emerged for NSSI history and SQ as statistical predictors of shame reactivity. However, NSSI history was significantly associated with heightened shame intensity during the recovery period of the task, and this was moderated by SQ. Simple slopes analyses revealed a conditional effect whereby poorer SQ (1SD above the mean) was associated with greater intensity of shame during recovery, but only for those with a history of NSSI.

Conclusion

Poor SQ may contribute to worrisome emotional responses to daytime stressors in those at risk for NSSI.
Impaired Cardiometabolic Effects of Bromocriptine in Men With Early‐Onset Androgenic Alopecia
Authors: Krysiak Robert , Basiak Marcin , Szkróbka Witold , Okopień Bogusław
Published: October 2022

Both hyperprolactinemia and early‐onset androgenic alopecia are associated with increased cardiometabolic risk. The aim of this study was to assess whether early‐onset male‐pattern baldness modifies cardiometabolic effects of bromocriptine in men with prolactin excess. The study included 2 groups of men with prolactin excess: individuals with early‐onset androgenic alopecia (group 1) and individuals with normal hair growth (group 2). Both groups were matched for age, smoking habits, body mass index, blood pressure, and prolactin levels. Over the entire study period (4 months), all participants were treated with bromocriptine (7.5 mg daily). Plasma levels of hormones (prolactin, total testosterone, and bioavailable testosterone), glucose homeostasis markers, lipids, uric acid, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), fibrinogen, homocysteine, and the urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (UACR) were measured at the beginning and at the end of the study period. The two groups differed in total testosterone, bioavailable testosterone, insulin sensitivity, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, hsCRP, fibrinogen, homocysteine, and UACR. In both groups, bromocriptine reduced prolactin, increased total and bioavailable testosterone, improved insulin sensitivity, and decreased uric acid, hsCRP, and homocysteine. The impact on prolactin, insulin sensitivity, uric acid, hsCRP, and homocysteine was stronger in group 2 than in group 1. Only in group 2 did the drug increase HDL cholesterol and decrease triglycerides, fibrinogen, and UACR. The impact on cardiometabolic risk factors correlated with a reduction in prolactin levels and an improvement in insulin sensitivity, and, in group 1, inversely correlated with testosterone levels. The obtained results suggest that men with early‐onset androgenic alopecia are partially resistant to the cardiometabolic effects of bromocriptine.
A prospective clinical study on the mechanisms underlying critical illness myopathy—A time‐course approach
Authors: Cacciani Nicola , Skärlén Åsa , Wen Ya , Zhang Xiang , Addinsall Alex B. , Llano‐Diez Monica , Li Meishan , Gransberg Lennart , Hedström Yvette , Bellander Bo‐Michael , Nelson David , Bergquist Jonas , Larsson Lars
Published: October 2022

Background

Critical illness myopathy (CIM) is a consequence of modern critical care resulting in general muscle wasting and paralyses of all limb and trunk muscles, resulting in prolonged weaning from the ventilator, intensive care unit (ICU) treatment and rehabilitation. CIM is associated with severe morbidity/mortality and significant negative socioeconomic consequences, which has become increasingly evident during the current COVID‐19 pandemic, but underlying mechanisms remain elusive.

Methods

Ten neuro‐ICU patients exposed to long‐term controlled mechanical ventilation were followed with repeated muscle biopsies, electrophysiology and plasma collection three times per week for up to 12 days. Single muscle fibre contractile recordings were conducted on the first and final biopsy, and a multiomics approach was taken to analyse gene and protein expression in muscle and plasma at all collection time points.

Results

(i) A progressive preferential myosin loss, the hallmark of CIM, was observed in all neuro‐ICU patients during the observation period (myosin:actin ratio decreased from 2.0 in the first to 0.9 in the final biopsy, P < 0.001). The myosin loss was coupled to a general transcriptional downregulation of myofibrillar proteins (P < 0.05; absolute fold change >2) and activation of protein degradation pathways (false discovery rate [FDR] <0.1), resulting in significant muscle fibre atrophy and loss in force generation capacity, which declined >65% during the 12 day observation period (muscle fibre cross‐sectional area [CSA] and maximum single muscle fibre force normalized to CSA [specific force] declined 30% [P < 0.007] and 50% [P < 0.0001], respectively). (ii) Membrane excitability was not affected as indicated by the maintained compound muscle action potential amplitude upon supramaximal stimulation of upper and lower extremity motor nerves. (iii) Analyses of plasma revealed early activation of inflammatory and proinflammatory pathways (FDR < 0.1), as well as a redistribution of zinc ions from plasma.

Conclusions

The mechanical ventilation‐induced lung injury with release of cytokines/chemokines and the complete mechanical silencing uniquely observed in immobilized ICU patients affecting skeletal muscle gene/protein expression are forwarded as the dominant factors triggering CIM.
Post‐drainage stand growth and peat mineralization impair water quality from forested peatlands
Authors: Nieminen Mika , Hasselquist Eliza Maher , Mosquera Virginia , Ukonmaanaho Liisa , Sallantaus Tapani , Sarkkola Sakari
Published: October 2022

Many recent studies have indicated upward trends in carbon and nutrient concentrations from drained peatland forests over time since their initial drainage, but the mechanisms behind these trends are still poorly understood. We gathered data on nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations discharged from 37 drained boreal peatland forests where we also had data on peat and tree stand characteristics. We found that tree stand volume and peat bulk density were positively correlated with the nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations discharged from particularly the deep‐peated sites. We interpret these results to indicate that a plausible reason for the reported upward trends in nutrient concentrations is the maturing and growing of the tree stands over time since initial drainage and the consequent increasing evapotranspiration capacity, which results in lowered soil water levels and enhanced aerobic peat mineralization. We discuss how our results should be considered in the management of drained peatland forests.
Enhancing the Soil Health–Watershed Health Nexus: Introduction
Authors: Fortuna Ann‐Marie , Lewandowski A. Marcelle , Osterholz William R.
Published: October 2022

Scientific concepts and measurements that relate soil and water resources are lacking in several areas, limiting our development of a framework or nexus to assess soil–watershed health. Current research designs rely on land management practices as a proxy for soil condition. Yet, conservation practices are often studied in isolation of each other, and adoption may be driven by state and federal farm programs that can incentivize a given management practice without accounting for current, novel farmer‐driven adoption of conservation systems. Despite the value of conservation management, its ability to predict soil health is often limited if based solely on land management because chemical, physical, and biological processes vary across time, discipline, and terrain. Similarly, connections between soil health and water quality are constrained due to several “grand challenges” that include dissimilar scales and the number of metrics required to correlate soil and water systems. Equally important is soil sampling within the critical flow path(s) that determines sediment/contaminant loading. In some instances, most of the sediment/contaminant loading during a portion or entire year results from channel and bank erosion and not overland flow that may not be within conservation management hectares. Additional challenges include legacy effects of prior land management, climate variability, and varying turnover rates of soil and water systems. This special section aims to frame research issues that inspire new approaches and collaborations for tackling the challenge of leveraging soil health to strengthen water management across plot, field, and watershed scales, using models, statistics, and other novel methodologies.
Modularity of minor‐free graphs
Authors: Lasoń Michał , Sulkowska Małgorzata
Published: October 2022

We prove that a class of graphs with excluded minor and with the maximum degree of smaller order than the number of edges is maximally modular, that is, for every , the modularity of any graph in the class with sufficiently many edges is at least .
Development, implementation, and evaluation of a simulation‐based educational curriculum for pediatric hospitalists
Authors: Carney Lisa , Hall Matt , Heller Kayla , Kennedy Chris
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives

Minimal published simulation‐based educational training exists for practicing pediatric hospitalists. Our aim was to determine specific pediatric hospital medicine (PHM) knowledge, skill, and competency needs aligned with our scope of practice and evaluate the impact of a simulation‐based training curriculum.

Design and Methods

Baseline and post‐training surveys were administered to 48 physicians providing self‐ratings on a 5‐point scale from Novice to Expert on published PHM competencies. Results were used to develop a targeted simulation curriculum. Participants were considered competent in a domain if their mean score was 3 or greater. We categorized participant responses to individual questions into nine domain scores on survey self‐assessments. Score analysis was performed using the signed‐rank test and McNemar's test. Post‐training evaluations solicited curriculum acceptance and perceived clinical value.

Results

The baseline response rate was 98% and the post‐training response rate was 85%. Areas with the lowest competency on baseline self‐assessment included advanced airway management (38%), vascular access and emergency medications (38%), code cart skills (19%), team communication (51%), and medically complex care (49%). Post‐training scores improved significantly for five of nine domains, with the largest gains in the “not competent” at baseline group. Percent competent (% with mean score >3) increased significantly in three domains (advanced airway management, code cart skills, and complex care). Participants rated educational sessions favorably (98%) and most (95%) reported using knowledge/skills learned for patient care.

Conclusion

Baseline self‐assessment results were instrumental in curriculum design. Post‐training analysis revealed gains in multiple domains and identified opportunities for future interventions. Most hospitalists reported participation positively impacted patient care with high learner satisfaction.
Performance of Artificial Intelligence‐Aided Diagnosis System for Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer with MRI: A Diagnostic Comparison Study
Authors: Jiang Ke‐Wen , Song Yang , Hou Ying , Zhi Rui , Zhang Jing , Bao Mei‐Ling , Li Hai , Yan Xu , Xi Wei , Zhang Cheng‐Xiu , Yao Ye‐Feng , Yang Guang , Zhang Yu‐Dong
Published: October 2022

Background

The high level of expertise required for accurate interpretation of prostate MRI.

Purpose

To develop and test an artificial intelligence (AI) system for diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer (CsPC) with MRI.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

One thousand two hundred thirty patients from derivation cohort between Jan 2012 and Oct 2019, and 169 patients from a publicly available data (U‐Net: 423 for training/validation and 49 for test and TrumpeNet: 820 for training/validation and 579 for test).

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T/scanners, T2‐weighted imaging (T2WI), diffusion‐weighted imaging, and apparent diffusion coefficient map.

Assessment

Close‐loop AI system was trained with an Unet for prostate segmentation and a TrumpetNet for CsPC detection. Performance of AI was tested in 410 internal and 169 external sets against 24 radiologists categorizing into junior, general and subspecialist group. Gleason score >6 was identified as CsPC at pathology.

Statistical Tests

Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC‐ROC); Delong test; Meta‐regression I2 analysis.

Results

In average, for internal test, AI had lower AUC‐ROC than subspecialists (0.85 vs. 0.92, P < 0.05), and was comparable to junior (0.84, P = 0.76) and general group (0.86, P = 0.35). For external test, both AI (0.86) and subspecialist (0.86) had higher AUC than junior (0.80, P < 0.05) and general reader (0.83, P < 0.05). In individual, it revealed moderate diagnostic heterogeneity in 24 readers (Mantel–Haenszel I2 = 56.8%, P < 0.01), and AI outperformed 54.2% (13/24) of readers in summary ROC analysis. In multivariate test, Gleason score, zonal location, PI‐RADS score and lesion size significantly impacted the accuracy of AI; while effect of data source, MR device and parameter settings on AI performance is insignificant (P > 0.05).

Data Conclusion

Our AI system can match and to some case exceed clinicians for the diagnosis of CsPC with prostate MRI.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Properties of the iliotibial band and their relationships with gait parameters among patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Yagi Masahide , Taniguchi Masashi , Tateuchi Hiroshige , Yamagata Momoko , Hirono Tetsuya , Asayama Akihiro , Umehara Jun , Nojiri Shusuke , Kobayashi Masashi , Ichihashi Noriaki
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to determine the thickness and stiffness of the iliotibial band (ITB) in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and to identify the gait parameters that are associated with ITB properties. Eighteen female patients with radiographically diagnosed medial KOA and knee pain (age: 69.7 ± 5.9 years, body mass index: 23.0 ± 3.1 kg/m2) and 22 age‐matched female individuals without knee pain (age: 69.1 ± 7.0 years, body mass index: 21.6 ± 3.6 kg/m2) were included. Shear wave elastography images were obtained at the height of the proximal pole of the patella with the participants in the supine position, and the ITB thickness and shear wave velocity, which is a surrogate measure of stiffness, were calculated. In patients with KOA, the knee and hip joint angles and moments during walking were calculated using a motion analysis system. The shear wave velocity was significantly higher in patients with KOA than in asymptomatic adults (11.3 ± 1.0 vs. 10.0 ± 1.8 m/s, respectively; p = 0.010); however, the thickness did not differ between them (2.1 ± 0.3 vs. 2.0 ± 0.3 mm, respectively; p = 0.705). The time‐integral value of the knee adduction moment (β = 0.507, p = 0.032) and maximum value of the hip flexion moment (β = 0.498, p = 0.036) were associated with the shear wave velocity. Meanwhile, no parameters were associated with the thickness. The ITB was stiffer in patients with KOA than in asymptomatic adults; such a stiffer ITB was associated with greater knee adduction and hip flexion moments during walking. Clinical Significance: Greater mechanical loading was associated with a stiffer ITB in patients with KOA.
Quantitative comparison and rapid discrimination of Panax notoginseng powder and Caulis clematidis armandii using NMR combined with pattern recognition
Authors: Chen Honghai , Ding Zenan , Dai Tao , Lin Jianzhong , Xu Dunming , Xia Feng , Feng Jianghua , Shen Guiping
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

The market demand for Panax notoginseng (P. notoginseng) is growing rapidly because of its useful properties in food and medicine. However, the frequent adulteration of P. notoginseng seriously affects the health of consumers and is a great challenge to food safety. In this study, low‐ and high‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF/HF‐NMR) were applied to detect the transverse relaxation distribution of P. notoginseng contaminated with different ratios of Caulis clematidis armandii (CCA) and the components in P. notoginseng and CCA, respectively.

RESULTS

Fifty‐seven kinds of major and minor components in P. notoginseng and CCA were identified and quantified from their high‐resolution NMR spectra, and there were significant differences in ginsenosides, sucrose, and glucose between P. notoginseng and CCA. Furthermore, the partial least squares regression analysis results indicated that LF‐NMR parameters (T21 and S21) changed linearly as the ratio of CCA increased, and these changes were attributed to the variations in polysaccharide and sucrose in adulterated P. notoginseng.

CONCLUSION

In the relaxation time‐based pattern recognition models, the authentic P. notoginseng powder could be classified with 100% accuracy from adulterated P. notoginseng when the adulteration ratio was greater than 30%, demonstrating the possibility of LF‐NMR, in combination with pattern recognition, for rapid discrimination of food authenticity. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Phytomedicine ELOM‐080 in Acute Viral Rhinosinusitis: A Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled, Blinded Clinical Trial
Authors: Pfaar Oliver , Beule Achim G. , Jobst Detmar , Kraft Karin , Stammer Holger , Röschmann‐Doose Kristina I.L. , Wittig Thomas , Stuck Boris A.
Published: October 2022

Background

ELOM‐080 is a phytomedicine approved for the treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, sinusitis, and bronchitis in particular. This prospective, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind clinical trial was conducted to assess efficacy and safety of ELOM‐080 in the treatment of acute viral rhinosinusitis (AVRS).

Methods

Patients with AVRS received oral treatment (4 × 1 capsule per day) with either ELOM‐080 or matching placebo. Primary endpoints were the change in major symptom score (MSS) after 7 and 14 days of treatment assessed by the investigator (MSSINV). Secondary endpoints were changes in MSS assessed by the patients (MSSPAT), olfactory function (12‐item Sniffin’ Sticks), 20‐Item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐20 GAV; German adapted version), influence of treatment on viral load, and safety.

Results

Four hundred and sixty‐three patients were randomized. At day 4, subjective burden of disease (MSS) was significantly ameliorated compared to placebo (p = 0.012). During the first treatment week MSS scores improved about 1 day earlier, and 3 days earlier in the second week. Effect with ELOM‐080 on mean MSSINV was statistically significantly superior to placebo at visit 3 (p = 0.016) and visit 4 (p = 0.014). In chemosensory testing identification scores improved comparably in both treatments. The improvement of the SNOT‐20 GAV was more pronounced in ELOM‐080 patients. Treatment with ELOM‐080 indicated a potential for decreasing viral load. Both treatments were well tolerated.

Conclusion

ELOM‐080 improves the burden of AVRS significantly in comparison to placebo, remission of symptoms occurred 3 days earlier. The results confirm the efficacy and safety of ELOM‐080 for treatment of AVRS.

Level of Evidence

1 Laryngoscope, 133:1576–1583, 2023
From minute to day: Ecophysiological response of phytoplankton to fluctuating light exposure during vertical mixing
Authors: Guislain Alexis Lucas Norbert , Köhler Jan
Published: October 2022

Underwater light is a highly dynamic resource for phytoplankton. Fluctuating light influences photosynthesis, respiration, biosynthesis, and growth at different timescales, but the interplay of these processes is not well‐understood. Subsamples of a phytoplankton community from the turbid, well‐mixed lake TaiHu (China) were either vertically moved through different mixing depths or incubated at fixed depths of matching daily light supply. Growth, photosynthetic electron transport rates, net oxygen production, and night respiration were measured for 9 days. Production was investigated during cyclic mixing, throughout the day, and among days of different integral light intensities. Electron transport rates were higher during vertical mixing and increased with mixing depth, therefore mixing phytoplankton better exploited short periods of surface illumination. On the other hand, light‐stimulation of oxygen consumption and photoperiod shortening increased the compensation light intensities for daily production and growth. The communities kept at the surface and sub‐surface were photoinhibited; their net oxygen production declined and compensation light intensity increased in the afternoon. There was no sign of afternoon depression of net oxygen production in mixing phytoplankton which metabolized photosynthetic products in periodic phases of low light in deeper layers. Mixing phytoplankton produced more oxygen during increasing light intensities and respired more at decreasing light intensities, decreasing net oxygen production during the day. This cyclic post‐illumination enhancement of respiration seemed to be hardwired to fluctuating light, regardless of mixing depth and uncoupled from night respiration rates. Photosynthesis and respiration seemed more tightly connected under fluctuating than constant light.
Learning health system, positive deviance analysis, and electronic health records: Synergy for a learning health system
Authors: Azar Kristen M.J. , Pletcher Mark J. , Greene Sarah M. , Pressman Alice R.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Over the past decade, numerous efforts have encouraged the realization of the learning health system (LHS) in the United States. Despite these efforts, and promising aims of the LHS, the full potential and value of research conducted within LHSs have yet to be realized. New technology coupled with a catalyzing global pandemic have spurred momentum. In addition, the LHS has lacked a consistent framework within which “best evidence” can be identified. Positive deviance analysis, itself reinvigorated by recent advances in health information technology (IT) and ubiquitous adoption of electronic health records (EHRs), may finally provide a framework through which LHSs can be operationalized and optimized.

Methods

We describe the synergy between positive deviance and the LHS and how they may be integrated to achieve a continuous cycle of health system improvement.

Results

As we describe below, the positive deviance approach focuses on learning from high‐performing teams and organizations.

Conclusion

Such learning can be enabled by EHRs and health IT, providing a lens into how digital clinical interventions are successfully developed and deployed.
Experimental investigation of the effect of tribological performance of reduced graphene oxide additive added into engine oil on gasoline engine wear
Authors: Kaleli Emrullah Hakan , Demirtaş Selman
Published: October 2022

Good dispersion stability of engine oil added with graphene is the premise of playing its superior tribology property and also the novelty of this study. As the tribological behaviour of a commercialised, fully synthetic 5W40 engine oil upon the incorporation of reduced graphene oxide in sample (0.02 wt%) like (5W40 engine oil + 0.02 wt% Reduced Graphene Oxide) called rGO6 presented superior tribological properties by exhibiting the lowest COF value in our previous work, the same sample was evaluated through a reciprocating tribometer, using steel ball (100 CR6) on a real polished gasoline engine cylinder liner with 5W‐40 engine oil to investigate their wear and friction behaviour in boundary lubrication regime. It was found that a rGO6 nano‐additive played an active role in lowering the coefficient of friction (3.29%) and increased surface protection by forming a protective layer on a smooth nanorough on rubbing surfaces.
The effect of the saliva formulation on brass corrosion
Authors: Biggio Deborah , Elsener Bernhard , Atzei Davide , Rossi Antonella , Fantauzzi Marzia
Published: October 2022

The composition of natural saliva is strongly variable and unstable outside the oral cavity, therefore corrosion tests are usually performed in artificial saliva solutions. In this study the effect of the composition of various saliva solutions on the corrosion behavior of a CuZn37 alloy, exposed for 1, 3, and 16 h to the solutions, is investigated by using electrochemical measurements, optical microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The solutions investigated in this study are: Darvell, Carter‐Brugirard, and SALMO, selected for their composition that mainly differs in the organic compounds' content. Electrochemical measurements show that the open circuit potential and the polarization resistance increase with exposure time in the solutions, indicating a decrease in the corrosion rate. The corrosion rate (µm/year) in the Darvell solution is found to be two times higher than the other artificial saliva formulations and varies in the order: Darvell > Carter‐Brugirard > SALMO. These data suggest that the presence of different organic compounds might limit the formation of a stable protective surface film as confirmed by XPS surface analyses.
GBP2 serves as a novel prognostic biomarker and potential immune microenvironment indicator in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Tian Yijun , Wang Hongru , Guan Wenbin , Tu Xiaohua , Zhang Xiangmin , Sun Ye , Qian Cheng , Song Xu , Peng Bo , Cui Xingang
Published: October 2022

Since the application of immune checkpoint therapy (ICT) has gradually become a new strategy for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) treatment, biomarkers that predict the individual response to ICT is needed. This study aimed to identify a new clinical indicator for postoperative surveillance of ccRCC and prediction of ICT response. We investigated the GBP2 expression and its relation with immune cell infiltration in tumor microenvironment using public databases, clinical specimens and ccRCC cell lines. Bioinformatic analysis using public database revealed that GBP2 expression is higher in cancer tissues than in adherent normal tissues among different cancer types including ccRCC, and the same results were acquired from clinical tissue samples tested by Western Blot and PCR. In ccRCC cell lines, CCk‐8 proliferation assay and apoptosis assessment suggested GBP2 facilitates the malignancy of ccRCC. 286 ccRCC patients were randomly divided into a training or validation cohort, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Kaplan‐Meier analysis revealed that higher GBP2 expression is related to worse prognosis. C‐index analysis implied that integrating GBP2 expression with TNM stage improved the accuracy in predicting prognosis of ccRCC patients compared to the solitary use of either. Bioinformatic analysis implied a relation between GBP2 and immunity, and GBP2 expression is positively related with suppressive immune markers in ccRCC microenvironment. Taken together, our study demonstrated the potential of GBP2 to sever as a prognostic predictor of ccRCC, and an association between GBP2 and tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes in ccRCC was observed, making it a promising indicator of ICT response.
The cash flows in push and pull supply chains under supply disruptions
Authors: Lin Zhiping , Peng Jing , Wang Jia
Published: October 2022

In a supply chain with a supplier and a buyer, this paper studies two typical contracts: a push contract and a pull contract. The supplier suffers from a supply disruption, and the buyer faces uncertain demand. We derive the equilibrium solutions under both contracts. We show that the order quantity and the firms' profits always increase in the supplier's reliability probability. Furthermore, we investigate how the firms' unit capital opportunity costs and the supplier's reliability probability affect the firms' preference of contracts. Finally, we identify the conditions under which the push contract is better than the pull contract for different firms.
The Met Office winter testbed 2020/2021: Experimenting with an on‐demand 300‐m ensemble in a real‐time environment
Authors: Bain C. L. , Bush M. , Buxmann J. C. , Davies P. , Finnenkoetter A. , Flack D. L. A. , Hanley K. , Jones R. W. , Lean H. W. , Lewis H. , McCabe A. , Petch J. C. , Porson A. , Sanchez C. , Stone E. K. , Walters D. , Webster S. , Willington S.
Published: October 2022

The Met Office held a testbed over winter 2020/2021 where a new numerical weather prediction (NWP) sub‐km ensemble was set up on‐demand in response to interesting weather phenomena in the United Kingdom. The domain for the model was chosen in real time by a community of Met Office Research Scientists and Operational Meteorologists and over a 4‐month period the ensemble was triggered for nine events. The purpose of the testbed was to investigate whether a real‐time weather regime‐based enhancement in NWP capability was feasible, to understand what benefits a testbed environment might give, and to explore the practicalities of running such an event. Case studies from the testbed demonstrated that forecast ensembles at 2.2 km and 300 m grid spacing were able to capture observed winter weather, with greater spatial detail apparent, especially over complex orography, in the 300‐m model. Ensemble spread appeared less influenced by resolution, potentially due to the size of the domains tested or the weather regimes of the case studies. The testbed also showcased underutilized observations and additional radiosonde ascents were conducted. All the testbed meetings were conducted virtually due to COVID‐19 restrictions, and decisions were made about when to trigger the event using an online message board. The winter 2020/2021 testbed provides ideas for how on‐demand weather‐dependent testbeds might be conducted in the future. However, several recommendations are made that would enhance testbed benefits further, including more dedicated resource, stronger technology and data visualization and greater participation from both academia and weather information users.
Prevention of acute and delayed chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting in pediatric cancer patients: A clinical practice guideline
Authors: Patel Priya , Robinson Paula D. , Cohen Marie , Devine Katie , Gibson Paul , Holdsworth Mark T. , Neumann Eloise , Orsey Andrea , Phillips Robert , Spinelli Daniela , Thackray Jennifer , van de Wetering Marianne , Woods Deborah , Cabral Sandra , Sung Lillian , Dupuis L. Lee
Published: October 2022

This clinical practice guideline provides recommendations for preventing acute and delayed phase chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in pediatric patients. The recommendations are based on two systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials evaluating interventions to prevent (1) acute phase CINV and (2) delayed phase CINV. Recommendations for acute phase and delayed phase CINV prophylaxis are made for patients receiving chemotherapy of varying emetogenicity, as well as for patients not able to receive dexamethasone or a neurokinin‐1 receptor antagonist. Evidence gaps, including antiemetic safety and optimal dosing, were identified.
Manufacturing, thermoforming, and recycling of glass fiber/ PET/ PET foam sandwich composites: DOE analysis of recycled materials
Authors: Kang Gu‐Hyeok , Joung Chanwoo , Kim Hye‐Gyu , Im Seongwoo , Kang Soo‐Chang , Ji Wooseok , Park Young‐Bin
Published: October 2022

This article presents efficient methods to manufacture, thermoform, and recycle sandwich composites consisting of glass fiber (GF)/polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composite skins and a PET foam core. Sandwich composite panels were manufactured using a hot press, which involved heating and pressing from the upper and lower platens inducing thermal fusion between the skin and the foam core. The formability of the sandwich composite panels using a hot press and a pocket‐shaped mold was simulated to determine the forming conditions. And the formability of the sandwich composite panels was tested using the simulation results. Recycling of the sandwich composite panels was achieved using recycling molds to perform heat compression. The excess PET was separated from the GF/PET composite and re‐impregnated with the remaining GF and PET. As a result of recycling, recycled PET and PET/GF composite were obtained. Design of experiments (DOE) analysis was conducted to analyze the recycled properties and to identify which factors affected these properties. These results were re‐plotted according to DOE priority ranking to identify the changes in the properties of the recycled materials per factor. Compared to the original properties, the mechanical and thermal properties including modulus, ultimate tensile strength, melting temperature and crystalline temperature were ~ 95 and ~ 99% preserved. These findings are expected to contribute towards the development of recyclable sandwich composite panels with reduced mass production cost, which are easily formed, used and recycled.
Prophylaxis for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review
Authors: Sierra Caroline M. , Daiya Krishna C.
Published: October 2022

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of developing Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) than the general population. Many medications utilized for the treatment of IBD affect the immune system, potentially further increasing the risk of PJP. Recommendations for prophylaxis against PJP in this patient population are based upon limited evidence, and risk factors for PJP development are not well‐agreed upon. The purpose of this systematic review was to consolidate and evaluate the evidence for PJP prophylaxis in patients with IBD. An electronic literature search was performed, and 29 studies were included in the review, of which 24 were case reports or case series. Combined data from five cohort studies showed an absolute risk of developing PJP to be 0.07%. The majority of patients who developed PJP were receiving corticosteroids at the time of diagnosis (76%). The number of concomitant immunosuppressants received at time of PJP diagnosis varied from one to four. All studies reporting treatment of PJP utilized sulfamethoxazole‐trimethoprim. Of the 27 studies reporting mortality data, 19% of patients died. Given the lack of conclusive data regarding risk factors for PJP development and the overall low incidence of PJP in patients with IBD, it is recommended to assess the patient's risk on a case‐by‐case basis to determine whether PJP prophylaxis is warranted.
Effect of tetraethylene glycol side chain conformation on chiroptical properties of chirality‐induced benzocoumarin
Authors: Ozturk Perihan , Akdag Akin
Published: October 2022

Coumarins are multifaceted molecules with compelling fluorescence features. Along with biocompatible properties, they have recently been used in chiroptical studies. The chirality induction to benzo[f]coumarin moiety at the third position was investigated in this study. The chromophore derivatized with homochiral alanine and phenylalanine resulted in identical spectroscopic properties. When the chiroptical properties are concerned, the distinct CD spectra of both structures are also changed significantly by altering the organic solvent. Inter‐ and intra‐molecular hydrogen bonding affects the CD spectra along with the chiroptical signal. The phenylalanine‐benzo[f]coumarin structures were modified with TEG units to increase water solubility and enhance ordered aggregations. The chiroptical properties of the compounds were analyzed in organic solvents with spectroscopic techniques. It was found that coumarin is not only sensitive to the chiral unit attached but also that any conformational change on the side chain affects the chiroptical signal. Time‐dependent DFT calculations in the gas phase supported these results.
Utility of unmanned aerial systems for measuring plant height and plant vigor among several Georgia runner peanut cultivars
Authors: Brown Nino , Zhang Jing , Maleski Jerome , Schwartz Brian , Branch William D.
Published: October 2022

Stand establishment, early‐season seedling vigor, and mid‐season canopy closure ensure peanut growers’ timely achievement of a vigorous crop that can resist weeds, take advantage of available moisture and nutrients, and produce optimal yield. Direct measurement of these traits is prohibitively time consuming in large breeding trials and nurseries. Estimations based on visual ratings are rapid but require extensive training and experience for reliable data. Technological improvements in camera and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) has made them a practical and beneficial tool for plant breeders. This study evaluated the use of UAS for measuring plant growth‐related traits in a replicated yield trial of 16 Georgia runner‐type peanut cultivars. Flights were conducted at similar times with ground measurements and visual ratings of seedling and mid‐season plant vigor at the University of Georgia's Gibbs Research Farm in Tifton, GA, from 2019 to 2021. High correlations and similar ranks were seen between UAS‐derived and manual measurements for plant height among cultivars evaluated at mid‐season and late‐season (r2 = 0.95 and 0.75, respectively). For early‐season vigor evaluations, moderate correlations were achieved (r2 = 0.11–0.41), however, high correlations and similar results were evident comparing UAS‐derived mid‐season growth characteristics and visual vigor ratings (r2 = 0.75–0.86). Given the affordability and efficiency of data collection, UAS‐based phenotyping provides a promising and powerful tool for high throughput peanut breeding programs.
Optical, Structural, Morphological, Antibacterial, and Photodegradation Characteristics of BaxMg0.8−xFe2O4(x = 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6) Nanocrystalline Powders Synthesized by Combustion Method
Authors: T. C. Bessy , V. Sarojini , El Manna Chadlia , Bakri Marwah , S. Sasi Florence , J. Johnson , M. R. Bindhu
Published: October 2022

Herein, a series of barium‐doped magnesium ferrites [BaxMg0.8−xFe2O4(x = 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6)] with metal nitrates and egg white solution are prepared to show how simultaneous substitution of divalent cations affects the structural, morphological, antibacterial, and photocatalytic capabilities of ferrites. A cubic spinel and hexagonal structures are discovered through a wide particle size dispersion in the sample. The infrared (IR) spectra of the octahedral and tetrahedral sites exhibit two prominent absorption bands about 576 and 450 cm−1. With increasing Ba2+doping, the optical band gaps decreased from 6 to 5.6 eV. The elemental analysis of Ba, Mg, Fe, and O is confirmed using energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) studies reveal the formation of spherical nanoparticles along with some hexagonal structures. For antibacterial studies, BaxMg0.8−xFe2O4nanoparticles are tested against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. The photodegradation test of the produced nanoparticles for the degradation of Congo red and methylene blue dyes is examined under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation.
A Review of Recent Progress in β‐Ga2O3Epitaxial Growth: Effect of Substrate Orientation and Precursors in Metal–Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Waseem Aadil , Ren Zhongjie , Huang Hsien-Chih , Nguyen Kristen , Wu Xihang , Li Xiuling
Published: October 2022

Gallium oxide (Ga2O3) is a highly promising ultrawide‐bandgap semiconductor for power electronics that emerged about a decade ago. Epitaxial growth Ga2O3at the small scale is demonstrated. In order to develop scalable manufacturing of high‐performance epitaxial structures, in‐depth understanding of the fundamental growth processes, control parameters, and mechanism is imperative. This review discusses the recent progress in epitaxial growth of β‐Ga2O3films and highlights challenges in obtaining high growth rate, low defects, and high carrier mobilities. Compared with the other epitaxy methods, metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) offers a wider growth window and precursor selection option, to minimize the tradeoff between crystal quality and growth rate. Growth rate is inversely proportional to temperature, within a certain temperature window, because of the unavoidable premature gas‐phase reactions and desorption of the highly volatile gallium suboxide (Ga2O) at elevated temperatures. Growth defects, background impurity incorporation, and carrier mobilities can be affected by the choice of MOCVD precursors, nucleation, and adsorption/desorption/diffusion of adatoms on substrate surfaces of different orientations, including the effect of growing on cleavage and noncleavage planes. This review summarizes the current status of the epitaxial growth of β‐Ga2O3and analyzes the major factors that enhance mobility and reduce background doping concentration. The insights gained help advance the manufacturability of device‐grade epitaxial thin films.