bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Nonextensivity for a General Driven Dissipative Oscillator in the Coherent States
Authors: Choi Jeong Ryeol
Published: June 2021

The nonextensivity for a general quantum dissipative system driven by an external force is investigated. The dynamics of the system is characterized by a nonextensivity parameter q which indicates the degree of departure from extensivity for the system. The wave function of the system in the coherent state is derived with the aid of the linear invariant operator which obeys the Liouville–von Neumann equation. It is confirmed that, although the corresponding quantum energy dissipates with time like the classical energy, its time behavior is somewhat different from that of the usual dissipative systems depending on the scale of nonextensivity. The rate of such a dissipation becomes slightly larger as q increases. The effects of nonextensivity on other quantum characteristics of the system, such as fluctuations and uncertainty relations for canonical variables, are also analyzed rigorously. It is shown that the authors' results in the nonextensive regime recover to those of the well known standard ones in the limit .
Preparation of trinuclear ruthenium clusters based on piconol ligands and their application in Oppenauer‐type oxidation of secondary alcohols
Authors: Dong Qing , Ma Zongwen , Hao Zhiqiang , Han Zhangang , Lin Jin , Lu Guo‐Liang
Published: June 2021

Treatment of Ru3(CO)12 with one equivalent of 2‐indolyl‐6‐pyridinyl‐alcohol ligands 2‐(C8H6N)‐6‐(CR1R2OH)C5H3N (R1 = R2 = Me (L1H); R1 = R2 = C2H5 (L2H); R1, R2 = −(CH2)4‐ (L3H);& R1, R2 = −(CH2)5‐ (L4H)) in refluxing THF afforded the corresponding trinuclear ruthenium clusters L(μ2‐H)Ru3(CO)9 (1a–1d), respectively. All the novel Ru complexes were well characterized by NMR, elemental analyses and IR spectra. Structures of complexes 1a, 1c, and 1d were further determined by X‐ray crystallographic studies. Complexes 1a–1d were applied to catalytic Oppenauer‐type oxidation of secondary alcohols with acetone as oxidant, and complex 1a was found to be the most efficient catalyst.
On a contribution to study some mechanical properties of WEEE recycled polymer blends
Authors: Eddhahak Anissa
Published: June 2021

This research deals with the study of acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene/polycarbonate (ABS/PC) totally derived from wastes of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). The aim of this study is to investigate the macroscopic use properties of 100% recycled polymers and compare them with the virgin materials. First, a preliminary work of sorting and characterization of the wastes was necessary to identify the predominant polymer components in the lots. Then, four compositions of blends (ABS/PC) were performed at laboratory using the twin‐screw extruder and injection techniques. Next, a series of experimental tests were carried out to investigate the morphology of the blends, their mechanical and thermo‐mechanical behavior. The experimental results highlighted the synergistic effect by blending ABS and PC wastes. In addition, the comparison with the virgin mixtures has shown a decrease in the mechanical properties of the waste blends, however, the mechanical behavior is still ductile and the blends stiffness was enhanced.
Assessment of the feasibility of the production of alternative jet fuel and diesel using catalytic hydrothermolysis technology: a stochastic techno‐economic analysis
Authors: Nguyen Nhu , Tyner Wallace E
Published: June 2021

The use of renewable fuels has emerged as an important method for reducing fossil‐fuel consumption. Different pathway technologies can lead to different fuel products. The feasibility of many such pathways has been analyzed with mixed results but new technologies are being developed continuously. This study uses stochastic analysis to determine the feasibility of producing biofuels from carinata oil using catalytic hydrothermolysis (CH) technology. We perform the analysis with and without government incentive programs. We also address uncertainties in input costs and government incentives. The study analyzes a pioneer greenfield plant. The results show that the mean net present value (NPV) without government incentives is −$924.4 million. Ninety percent of the simulated NPV is between −$1040 million and −$810 million, which indicates a 100% probability of loss. The mean breakeven price of jet fuel is $4.72 gal–1. With government incentives including Renewable Identification Number (RIN) and Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), the mean NPV is $62.3, and the probability of loss is reduced to 21%, which makes the process much more financially feasible. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Exploring which aspects of a low‐intensity CBT intervention were found to contribute to a successful outcome from the service user point of view: A mixed methods study
Authors: Thompson Miles , Parker Holly , Cave Jodie
Published: June 2021

The broad area of psychotherapy research is sometimes subdivided into that which focuses on outcome and that which focuses on process. Research into the active processes of psychotherapy can sometimes be occupied with debates around common versus specific factors. At the same time, within the process literature there has been increasing focus on the qualitative accounts of the service user in therapy and what they found to be significant or useful to them. The aim of this mixed methods study was twofold: first, to identify what elements of a relatively brief CBT intervention contributed to a successful outcome from the point of view of the service user. Participants were recruited at a low‐intensity Improving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) service in the UK; and second, to attempt to frame those results within the common versus specific factor framework. Eight participants (5 males and 3 females) took part in this mixed methods research, which used semi‐structured interviews analysed using thematic analysis and brief quantitative questionnaire completion. Five overarching qualitative themes were identified in the data: three relating to common factors ('Insight’, ‘Talking’ and ‘Therapist qualities’); and two relating to specific factors (‘Responding differently to thoughts and feelings’ and ‘Tasks/activities’). Importantly, all participants spoke about the importance of both common and specific factors. The discussion relates the findings back to existing research, highlighting the relative importance of insight within the data set and the participant led focus on talking. Future directions are discussed.
The effects of sulfur fertility on yield and seed components in oilseed Brassica carinata
Authors: Stansly Theodor L. , Seepaul Ramdeo , George Sheeja , Small Ian , Wright David
Published: June 2021

The fatty acid profile of oilseed (Brassica carinata A. Braun) has prompted interest as a renewable fuel feedstock due to the high proportions of erucic acid (C22:1) in its seed. In addition, B. carinata produces sulfur (S)‐rich secondary metabolites called glucosinolates (GSLs) that protect the plant from pests and disease but it could also reduce the palatability and nutritional value of animal feed when the seed meal is used as a protein supplement. In B. carinata, it is not clear how S availability could be used to reduce total GSL content (TGC) or its possible effects on yield or oil productivity and quality. In this study, we evaluated the effects of S fertility on seed yield and components important to meal quality like TGC, crude protein content (CPC), and factors affecting oil quality including total oil content (TOC) and erucic acid content (EAC). We compared three B. carinata genotypes with varying seed TGC and one low GSL, B. napus L., grown under a semicontrolled greenhouse environment. A 2‐yr study found that increasing S fertility of deficient plants increased seed yield, TGC, EAC, and CPC without significantly affecting TOC. Seed TGC can be reduced by limiting S but with some potential for yield penalties. Only ‘Avanza 641’ and ‘AAC A120’ produced seed at the 0% S rate, indicating an increased efficiency for S acquisition compared with other genotypes. This study shows that S requirements may be similar between oilseed Brassica regardless of seed GSLs, that limiting S can reduce TGC but to the detriment of seed yield, and a positive relationship between TGC to EAC, providing an opportunity for improving oil quality.
Biomechanical adaptations for burrowing in the incisor enamel microstructure of Geomyidae and Heteromyidae (Rodentia: Geomyoidea)
Authors: Kalthoff Daniela C. , Mörs Thomas
Published: June 2021

The enamel microstructure of fossil and extant Geomyoidea (Geomyidae, Heteromyidae) lower incisors incorporates three‐ or two‐layered schmelzmusters with uniserial, transverse Hunter‐Schreger bands having parallel and perpendicular or exclusively perpendicular oriented interprismatic matrix. Phylogenetically, these schmelzmusters are regarded as moderately (enamel type 2) to highly derived (enamel type 3). Our analysis detected a zone of modified radial enamel close to the enamel–dentine junction. Modified radial enamel shows a strong phylogenetic signal within the clade Geomorpha as it is restricted to fossil and extant Geomyoidea and absent in Heliscomyidae, Florentiamyidae, and Eomyidae. This character dates back to at least the early Oligocene (early Arikareean, 29 Ma), where it occurs in entoptychine gophers. We contend that this specialized incisor enamel architecture developed as a biomechanical adaptation to regular burrowing activities including chisel‐tooth digging and a fiber‐rich diet and was probably present in the common ancestor of the clade. We regard the occurrence of modified radial enamel in lower incisors of scratch‐digging Geomyidae and Heteromyidae as the retention of a plesiomorphic character that is selectively neutral. The shared occurrence of modified radial enamel is a strong, genetically anchored argument for the close phylogenetic relationship of Geomyidae and Heteromyidae on the dental microstructure level.
A statistical model for calibration and computation of detection and quantification limits for low copy number environmental DNA samples
Authors: Lesperance Mary L. , Allison Michael J. , Bergman Lauren C. , Hocking Morgan D. , Helbing Caren C.
Published: June 2021

Environmental DNA (eDNA) has been increasingly utilized by academic, industry, and government groups for environmental monitoring due to its efficiency in regards to both time and cost, as well as non‐invasiveness to target organisms, and reduced dependency on trained biologists for sample collection. The methods typically employ quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to detect the presence of a given organism's DNA in a sample. Currently, there is a drive to use qPCR data to infer biomass or abundance by quantitating the copy number or concentration of a given target gene fragment in a sample, which is often very dilute. Before eDNA can be fully accepted as an environmental decision‐making tool, however, certain aspects of the methods require standardization, including the quantification of target DNA in low copy number samples. Models that are not able to properly make use of data from highly dilute samples are severely hampered in their definitions of the limits of detection and quantification at the lower end of the detection curve. We propose a statistical model for a standard curve that relates the number of qPCR‐detected technical replicates to the copy number in the case of low copy number samples. Likelihood methods are used to estimate the parameters of the model and we derive inverse regression estimates together with their standard errors. Limits of copy number detection and quantification, and their confidence intervals are derived using a well‐accepted statistical approach thus providing a more broadly applicable and robust method for reporting eDNA abundance into the low copy number range. The method is illustrated using experimental results from multiple laboratories.
Nanowire architectured porous bimetallic transition metal oxides for high performance hybrid supercapacitor applications
Authors: Sivakumar Periyasamy , Jung Min Gyu , Raj Chellan Justin , Park JeongWon , Park Ho Seok , Jung Hyun
Published: June 2021

The electrochemical performance of the Faradaic battery‐type binary metal oxide electrodes is dependent on the desirable architecture and the optimal cationic ratio. Herein, we report one‐dimensional nanowire‐like bimetallic spinel NixCo3‐xO4 (NCO) electrode materials for high performance hybrid supercapacitor (HSC) applications. This unique nanowire architecture is beneficial for providing abundant exposed active sites onto the large accessible surface area, which results in facilitating ion transporting pathways. Remarkably, the optimal NCO electrode with the ratio of Ni/Co of 1 to 1 (NCO11) achieves the maximum specific capacitance of 1033 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and the excellent rate capability of 74.55% at 30 A g−1, far exceeding those of their single counterparts. Furthermore, the as‐assembled HSCs integrating NCO11 and AC electrodes deliver large energy and power densities of 41.54 W h kg−1 and 44.95 kW kg−1 with excellent cyclic retention (96.12%).
Sensory professionals’ perspective on the possibilities of using facial expression analysis in sensory and consumer research
Authors: Savela‐Huovinen Ulriikka , Toom Auli , Knaapila Antti , Muukkonen Hanni
Published: June 2021

The increase in digitalization, software applications, and computing power has widened the variety of tools with which to collect and analyze sensory data. As these changes continue to take place, examining new skills required among sensory professionals is needed. The aim with this study was to answer the following questions: (a) How did sensory professionals perceive the opportunities to utilize facial expression analysis in sensory evaluation work? (b) What skills did the sensory professionals describe they needed when utilizing facial expression analysis? Twenty‐two sensory professionals from various food companies and universities were interviewed by using semistructural thematic interviews to map development intentions from facial expression recognition data as well as to describe the established skills that were needed. Participants’ facial expressions were first elicited by an odor sample during a sensory evaluation task. The evaluation was video recorded to characterize a facial expression software response (FaceReader™). The participants were interviewed regarding their opinions of the data analysis the software produced. The study findings demonstrate how using facial expression analysis contains personal and field‐specific perspectives. Recognizability, associativity, reflectivity, reliability, and suitability were perceived as a personal perspective. From the field‐specific perspective, professionals considered the received data valuable only if they had skills to interpret and utilize it. There is a need for an increase in training not only in IT, mathematics, statistics, and problem‐solving, but also in skills related to self‐management and ethical responsibility.
Phenotypic differences in the inner ears of CBA/CaJ and C57BL/6J mice carrying missense and single base pair deletion mutations in the Cdh23 gene
Authors: Zhao Tong , Ma Peng , Zhao Fangfang , Zheng Tihua , Yan Bin , Zhang Qiang , Yuan Jing , Hu Bing , Yang Ying , Hu Juan , Geng Ruishuang , Hu Bo Hua , Sun Tengyang , Zheng Qing Yin , Li Bo
Published: June 2021

Different mutations in the cadherin 23 (CDH23) gene in different genetic backgrounds have been linked to either syndromic or nonsyndromic forms of deafness in humans. We previously reported a progressive hearing loss (HL) mouse model, the Cdh23erl/erl mouse, which carries a 208T > C mutation causing an amino acid substitution at S70P in C57BL/6J mice. To investigate the differences in Cdh23 mutation‐related HL in different genetic backgrounds, we used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate homozygous mice in the CBA/CaJ background that have the same base pair missense mutation (208T > C) (Cdh23erl2/erl2) as Cdh23erl/erl mice in the C57BL/6J background or a single base pair deletion (235G) (Cdh23V2J2/V2J2) in the Cdh23 gene at exon 5. The two mutant mice exhibit hearing impairment across a broad range of frequencies. The progression of HL in Cdh23erl2/erl2 mice is slower than that in Cdh23erl/erl mice. We also found structural abnormalities in the stereocilia of cochlear hair cells in Cdh23erl2/erl2 and Cdh23V2J2/V2J2 mice. Cdh23V2J2/V2J2 mice show signs of vestibular dysfunction in open field behavior and swimming tests. In addition, we observed hair bundle defects in vestibular hair cells in Cdh23V2J2/V2J2 mice. Our results suggest an interaction between the erl locus and the C57BL/6J background that exacerbates HL in Cdh23erl/erl mice. Moreover, our study confirms that the Cdh23 gene is essential for normal hearing and balance. These two novel mutant mouse strains provide excellent models for studying CDH23 mutation‐related deafness in humans.
Surgical management of soft tissue tumors of the abdominal wall: A retrospective study in a high‐volume sarcoma center
Authors: Neuberg Maud , Mir Olivier , Levy Antonin , Sourrouille Isabelle , Dumont Sarah , Haddag‐Miliani Leila , Ngo Carine , Mihoubi Fadila , Rimareix Françoise , Le Péchoux Cécile , Adam Julien , Honart Jean‐François , Ceribelli Cecilia , Le Cesne Axel , Leymarie Nicolas , Faron Matthieu , Honoré Charles
Published: June 2021

Background

The aim of the study is to evaluate functional and oncological outcomes of patients undergoing abdominal wall soft tissue tumors (AWSTT) surgery.

Methods

All consecutive patients that underwent surgery for malignant and intermediate AWSTT from 1999 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Ninety‐two patients were identified, 20 (22%) operated on for a desmoid tumor and 72 (78%) for a soft tissue sarcoma (STS). Fifty‐two patients (57%) had in toto resection of the abdominal wall (from the skin to the peritoneum) and 9 (10%) required simultaneous visceral resection. The closure was direct in 28 patients (30%) and requiring a mesh, a flap or a combination of the two in respectively 42, 16, and 6 patients (47%, 17%, 6%). The postoperative complications rate was 26%. Thirteen patients (14%) developed an incisional hernia after a median delay of 27 months. After a median follow‐up of 40 months, out of the 72 patients operated on for STS, 7 (10%) developed local recurrence and 11 (15%) distant recurrence. The median recurrence‐free and overall survivals were 61 and 116, months respectively.

Conclusions

Management of AWSTT requires extensive surgery but allows good local control with an acceptable rate of incisional hernia.
The effect of thermomechanical process on metallurgical and mechanical properties of 38MnVS6 micro alloyed steel
Authors: Erçayhan Y. , Saklakoğlu N.
Published: June 2021

This study aims to have the proper mechanical properties without applying any heat treatment process after hot forging by using 38MnVS6 micro alloyed steel in tow hook manufacturing which is used in automobiles. The effect of forging temperature and cooling rate on metallurgical and mechanical properties of micro alloyed steel is investigated. The samples of micro alloyed steel are forged at 800 °C, 850 °C, 900 °C, 1050 °C and cooled down at the rates of 0.75 °C/s and 1.5 °C/s. The forging temperature and the cooling rate have a significant effect on toughness by the experimental and numerical studies. The amount of ferrite increases with a decreasing forging temperature, and the toughness is improved by increasing the amount of ferrite. Also, by increasing the cooling rate after forging at 1050 °C, the acicular ferrite is observed which has a positive effect on both the toughness and strength of the micro alloyed steel.
Assessing the reproducibility of CBCT‐derived radiomics features using a novel three‐dimensional printed phantom
Authors: Spuhler Karl D. , Teruel Jose R. , Galavis Paulina E.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Radiomics modeling is an exciting avenue for enhancing clinical decision making and personalized treatment. Radiation oncology patients often undergo routine imaging for position verification, particularly using LINAC‐mounted cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The wealth of imaging data collected in modern radiation therapy presents an ideal use case for radiomics modeling. Despite this, texture feature (TF) calculation can be limited by concerns over feature stability and reproducibility; in theory, this issue is compounded by the relatively poor image quality of CBCT, as well as variation of acquisition and reconstruction parameters.

Methods

In this study, we developed and validated a novel three‐dimensional (3D) printed phantom for evaluating CBCT‐based TF reliability. The phantom has a cylindrical shape (22 cm diameter and 25.5 cm height) with five inner inserts designed to hold custom‐printed rods (1 cm diameter and 10–20 cm height) of various materials, infill shapes, and densities. TF reproducibility was evaluated across and within three LINACs from a single vendor using sets of three consecutive CBCT taken with the head, thorax, and pelvis clinical imaging protocols. PyRadiomics was used to extract a standard set of TFs from regions of interest centered on each rod. Two‐way mixed effects absolute agreement intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate TF reproducibility, with features showing ICC values above 0.9 considered robust if their Bonferroni‐corrected p‐value was below 0.05.

Results

A total of 63, 87, and 83 features exhibited test–retest reliability for the head, thorax, and pelvis imaging protocols respectively. When assessing stability between discreet imaging sessions on the same LINAC, these numbers were reduced to 5, 63, and 70 features, respectively. The thorax and pelvis protocols maintained a rich candidate feature space in inter‐LINAC analysis with 61 and 65 features, respectively, exceeding the ICC criteria. Crucially, no features were deemed reproducible when compared between protocols.

Conclusions

We have developed a 3D phantom for consistent evaluation of TF stability and reproducibility. For LINACs from a single vendor, our study found a substantial number of features available for robust radiomics modeling from CBCT imaging. However, some features showed variations across LINACs. Studies involving CBCT‐based radiomics must preselect features prior to their use in clinical‐based models.
A case of eight supernumerary impacted teeth
Authors: Yamatoji Masanobu , Shiiba Masashi , Miyamoto Isao , Endo‐Sakamoto Yosuke , Kanazawa Harusachi , Tanzawa Hideki
Published: June 2021

Supernumerary teeth (ST) are common clinical dental anomalies characterized by the presence of excessive teeth. It can cause diverse complications in the developing jaw and dentition, which could prevent the acquisition of normal oral functions. The presence of multiple ST is rare and commonly associated with genetic syndromes or developmental anomalies. In such cases, the related clinical problems should be considered along with the treatment of multiple ST. Then, it is important to pay attention to the craniofacial, skeletal, and other physical findings. Herein, we report a rare case of eight ST in a patient without any associated syndromes. Early diagnosis and successive radiographic evaluations are critical for preventing the complications caused by ST.
BLUE laser soldering
Authors: Sala Alessandro , Battista Roberto , Maio Alessandro
Published: June 2021

Thanks to the outstanding properties of blue 450 nm radiation, Lyocon's BLUE lasers, with their compact size and ease of integration, will enable very high speed, extremely precise, variable geometry soldering applications: from the soldering of THT and SMD components on PCB boards, to wire soldering on power electronics components, and welding of thin copper wires.
Accurate beam shapes for efficient lidar
Authors: Hauschild Dirk , Braam Daniel
Published: June 2021

The goal of the next generation of advanced high‐definition lidar products is to provide compact solutions that can reliably and affordably recognize threats at long distances and wide angles while being safe for other road users and pedestrians. Moreover, reducing unused photons in upcoming autonomous vehicles will be essential to avoiding uncontrolled photonic noise and non‐visible contamination with laser lights on streets and throughout cities. Such noise could affect other technologies, equipment, and the eyes of both people and animals.
Upper‐level trajectories in the prototype problem for tropical cyclone intensification
Authors: Wang Shanghong , Smith Roger K.
Published: June 2021

Data from an idealized three‐dimensional numerical simulation of tropical cyclone intensification are used to calculate Lagrangian air parcel trajectories emanating from the inflow layer that develops beneath the upper‐tropospheric outflow layer. It is found that about half of these trajectories end up in the outflow layer itself. The other half slowly subside to the mid‐ to upper troposphere, below the outflow layer, and drift slowly outwards as a result of a relatively weak overturning circulation in that region. Calculations show that pseudo‐equivalent potential temperature is not approximately conserved along the air parcel trajectories, indicating that the turbulent diffusion of heat and moisture and/or the latent heat changes by freezing or melting along the trajectories is appreciable in the mid‐ and upper troposphere.
Bayesian variable selection for understanding mixtures in environmental exposures
Authors: Kowal Daniel R. , Bravo Mercedes , Leong Henry , Bui Alexander , Griffin Robert J. , Ensor Katherine B. , Miranda Marie Lynn
Published: June 2021

Social and environmental stressors are crucial factors in child development. However, there exists a multitude of measurable social and environmental factors—the effects of which may be cumulative, interactive, or null. Using a comprehensive cohort of children in North Carolina, we study the impact of social and environmental variables on 4th end‐of‐grade exam scores in reading and mathematics. To identify the essential factors that predict these educational outcomes, we design new tools for Bayesian linear variable selection using decision analysis. We extract a predictive optimal subset of explanatory variables by coupling a loss function with a novel model‐based penalization scheme, which leads to coherent Bayesian decision analysis and empirically improves variable selection, estimation, and prediction on simulated data. The Bayesian linear model propagates uncertainty quantification to all predictive evaluations, which is important for interpretable and robust model comparisons. These predictive comparisons are conducted out‐of‐sample with a customized approximation algorithm that avoids computationally intensive model refitting. We apply our variable selection techniques to identify the joint collection of social and environmental stressors—and their interactions—that offer clear and quantifiable improvements in prediction of reading and mathematics exam scores.
Prefrontal neuronal morphology in kindling‐prone (FAST) and kindling‐resistant (SLOW) rats
Authors: Reinhart Christine J. , McIntyre Dan C. , Pellis Sergio M. , Kolb Bryan E.
Published: June 2021

The epileptogenic‐prone (FAST) and epileptogenic‐resistant (SLOW) rat strains have become a valuable tool for investigating neural plasticity. The strains were generated by breeding the rats that required the fewest amygdala stimulations to elicit a stage‐5 convulsive seizure (FAST) and rats requiring the most stimulations (SLOW). Previous studies have shown differences in behavior and amygdala physiology in the two strains. This study examined the dendritic morphology of pyramidal neurons in the brains of adult male and female rats of the two strains. The brains were stained with the Golgi–Cox method and the length and branching from layer III pyramidal cells were measured in parietal cortex (Zilles Par1), medial frontal cortex (Zilles Cg3), and orbitofrontal cortex (Zilles AID) in these two strains of rats. We observed significantly longer dendrites in Cg3 in the FAST group but longer dendrites in the SLOW group in AID and Par1. There was also a sex difference (M > F) in Par1 in both strains. These morphological differences can provide insights into the neurobiological basis of the behavioral differences and suggest that localized changes in the amygdala do not occur independently of changes in other brain regions, and especially prefrontal cortex.
The readiness assurance process in online team‐based learning classrooms
Authors: Dorius Cassandra , Madeka Kajal , Bender Holly S. , Johnson Janet , Gillette Meghan T. , Chapman John
Published: June 2021

This chapter describes best practices to address the challenges posed for implementing the second stage of team‐based learning (TBL), the Readiness Assurance Process (RAP), in online settings, and uses the experience of expert TBL users to suggest strategies for maintaining the essential aspects of the pedagogy.
Effect of massage therapy on pain and quality of life in dogs: A cross sectional study
Authors: Riley Lisa M. , Satchell Liam , Stilwell Lisa M. , Lenton Natalie S.
Published: June 2021

Background

Clinical canine massage involves muscle tissue manipulation and fascial release techniques to rehabilitate injured soft tissues. Quantitative efficacy data are lacking. This cross‐sectional study aimed to determine how dogs respond to canine massage therapy practiced by Canine Massage Guild UK practitioners.

Methods

In 2018, case notes from a convenience sample of 527 dogs were shared, with permission from owners, by a self‐selected sample of 65 practitioners. Changes in number and severity of issues for five pain indicators (gait, posture, daily activity, behaviour, performance) and quality of life score, reported by owner and practitioners, were investigated.

Results

Significant reductions in reported pain severity scores were recorded for all pain indicators over successive treatments (p < 0.001), with each treatment causing further significant reduction in pain severity. Number of pain indicators recorded over successive treatment sessions remained constant, in keeping with a cohort presenting with degenerative disease and chronic pain. All dogs and diagnostic variables responded similarly. Post‐treatment a dog was significantly more likely to have a ‘positive’ quality of life.

Conclusions

This cross‐sectional study indicates canine massage therapy may effectively reduce myofascial and musculoskeletal pain severity reported by owners and practitioners associated with gait, posture, behavioural and performance issues and reduction in daily activities. Although this is not a double‐blind trial, and there is no control group, this study suggests massage therapy may be a valid treatment for myofascial and musculoskeletal pain typically derived from muscular injuries, arthritis/other orthopaedic conditions.
A systematic review of non-motor symptom evaluation in clinical trials for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Beswick Emily , Forbes Deborah , Hassan Zack , Wong Charis , Newton Judith , Carson Alan , Abrahams Sharon , Chandran Siddharthan , Pal Suvankar
Published: June 2021

Background

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is increasingly recognised as a multi-system disorder, presenting with common and impactful non-motor symptoms, such as neuropsychiatric symtpoms, cognitive and behavioural changes, pain, disordered sleep, fatigue and problematic saliva.

Aim/hypothesis

We aimed to systematically review 25 years of ALS clinical trials data to identify if non-motor features were evaluated, in addition to the traditional measures of motor functioning and survival, and where evaluated to describe the instruments used to assess. We hypothesised that assessment of non-motor symptoms has been largely neglected in trial design and not evaluated with ALS-suitable instruments.

Methods

We reviewed clinical trials of investigative medicinal products in ALS, since the licensing of riluzole in 1994. Trial registry databases including WHO International Trials Registry, European Clinical Trials Register, clinicaltrials.gov, and PubMed were systematically searched for Phase II, III or IV trials registered, completed or published between 01/01/1994 and 16/09/2020. No language restrictions were applied.

Results

237 clinical trials, including over 29,222 participants, were investigated for their use of non-motor outcome measures. These trials evaluated neuropsychiatric symptoms (75, 32%), cognitive impairment (16, 6.8%), behavioural change (34, 14%), pain (55, 23%), sleep disturbances (12, 5%) and fatigue (18, 8%). Problematic saliva was assessed as part of composite ALS-FRS(R) scores in 184 trials (78%) but with no focus on this as an isolated symptom. 31 (13%) trials including 3585 participants did not include any assessment of non-motor symptoms.

Conclusions

Non-motor symptoms such as neuropsychiatric, cognitive and behavioural changes, pain, disordered sleep, fatigue, and problematic saliva have not been consistently evaluated in trials for people with ALS. Where evaluated, non-symptoms were primarily assessed using instruments and impairment thresholds that are not adapted for people with ALS. Future trials should include non-motor symptom assessments to evaluate the additional potential therapeutic benefit of candidate drugs.

PROPSERO registration

CRD42020223648.
Is diabetic retinopathy affected by diabetes type? A retrospective study using electronic medical record data from patients with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults, type 1 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Li Wanyue , Cheng Zifang , Song Yanan , Fang Yifan , Yang Ming , Zhang Maonian
Published: June 2021

Aims

To determine whether the occurrence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and its related factors are affected by diabetes type (latent autoimmune diabetes in adults [LADA], type 1 diabetes mellitus [T1DM], type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM]).

Methods

LADA patients were matched for age (± 2 years) and sex to T1DM (1:1) and T2DM (1:2) patients. Retrieved variables included demographic characteristics, diabetes history, laboratory test findings, and history of DR screening, etc. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied to identify influencing factors of DR. A decision tree was used to explore interactions between diabetes type and other influencing factors of DR.

Results

We included 110 LADA, 101 T1DM, and 220 T2DM patients. DR prevalence was 26.4% in LADA patients, lower than that in T1DM (50.5%) and T2DM (47.7%) patients (P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that diabetes duration (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.1–1.26, P < 0.001) and diabetic nephropathy (DN) (OR = 42.39, 95% CI: 10.88–165.11, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for DR, and regular DR screening (OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.16–0.69, P = 0.003) was an independent protective factor. Decision tree analysis showed that in patients without DN with a diabetes duration of at least 10.5 years, T1DM and LADA patients had a higher incidence of DR than T2DM patients (72.7% vs. 55.1%).

Conclusions

The prevalence of DR in diabetes patients was affected by diabetes duration, DN occurrence, and regular DR screening. Diabetes type indirectly affects DR occurrence through its interaction with diabetes duration and DN. Correct LADA diagnosis is necessary, and DR screening needs to be well-implemented.
A Skeptical View on the Physics-Consciousness Explanatory Gap
Authors: Martinez-Saito Mario
Published: June 2021

The epistemological chasm between how we (implicitly and subjectively) perceive or imagine the actual world and how we (explicitly and “objectively”) think of its underlying entities has motivated perhaps the most disconcerting impasse in human thought: the explanatory gap between the phenomenal and physical properties of the world. Here, I advocate a combination of philosophical skepticism and simplicity as an informed approach to arbitrate among theories of consciousness. I argue that the explanatory gap is rightly a gap in our understanding, but one that is not surprising; and we being observers biased by our first-person perspective and our existence may both hinder and (the realization we have them) assist our reasoning. Further, I unfold the concept of observer into two distinct notions based on its functional and phenomenal aspects, and exploit this device to elucidate the subject-observer relationship. Then, I proceed to analyze the philosophical zombie dilemma. Lastly, I contend that from a skeptical viewpoint, panpsychism (or neutral monism) is the most parsimonious doctrine accounting for the explanatory gap, and suggest that it would be possible to make headway in the hard problem of consciousness by uncovering non-trivial causal relationships between qualia states and functional states, if routine and controlled manipulation of neural circuits were easily available.
Simple Sequence Repeat and S-Locus Genotyping to Assist the Genetic Characterization and Breeding of Polyploid Prunus Species, P. spinosa and P. domestica subsp. insititia
Authors: Halász Júlia , Makovics-Zsohár Noémi , Szőke Ferenc , Ercisli Sezai , Hegedűs Attila
Published: June 2021

PolyploidPrunus spinosa(2n = 4 ×) andP. domesticasubsp.insititia(2n = 6 ×) represent enormous genetic potential in Central Europe, which can be exploited in breeding programs. In Hungary, 16 cultivar candidates and a recognized cultivar ‘Zempléni’ were selected from wild-growing populations including tenP. spinosa, fourP. domesticasubsp.insititiaand threeP. spinosa × P. domesticahybrids (2n = 5 ×) were also created. Genotyping in eleven simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci and the multiallelicS-locus was used to characterize genetic variability and achieve a reliable identification of tested accessions. Nine SSR loci proved to be polymorphic and eight of those were highly informative (PIC values ˃ 0.7). A total of 129 SSR alleles were identified, which means 14.3 average allele number per locus and all accessions but two clones could be discriminated based on unique SSR fingerprints. A total of 23S-RNasealleles were identified and the complete and partialS-genotype was determined for 10 and 7 accessions, respectively. The DNA sequence was determined for a total of 17 fragments representing 11S-RNasealleles. ‘Zempléni’ was confirmed to be self-compatible carrying at least one non-functionalS-RNaseallele (SJ). Our results indicate that theS-allele pools of wild-growingP. spinosaandP. domesticasubsp.insititiaare overlapping in Hungary. Phylogenetic and principal component analyses confirmed the high level of diversity and genetic differentiation present within the analysed accessions and indicated putative ancestor–descendant relationships. Our data confirm thatS-locus genotyping is suitable for diversity studies in polyploidPrunusspecies but non-related accessions sharing commonS-alleles may distort phylogenetic inferences.
General Finite-Element Framework of the Virtual Fields Method in Nonlinear Elasticity
Authors: Mei Yue , Liu Jiahao , Guo Xu , Zimmerman Brandon , Nguyen Thao D. , Avril Stéphane
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a method to derive the virtual fields for identifying constitutive model parameters using the Virtual Fields Method (VFM). The VFM is an approach to identify unknown constitutive parameters using deformation fields measured across a given volume of interest. The general principle for solving identification problems with the VFM is first to derive parametric stress field, where the stress components at any point depend on the unknown constitutive parameters, across the volume of interest from the measured deformation fields. Applying the principle of virtual work to the parametric stress fields, one can write scalar equations of the unknown parameters and solve the obtained system of equations to deduce the values of unknown parameters. However, no rules have been proposed to select the virtual fields in identification problems related to nonlinear elasticity and there are multiple strategies possible that can yield different results. In this work, we propose a systematic, robust and automatic approach to reconstruct the systems of scalar equations with the VFM. This approach is well suited to finite-element implementation and can be applied to any problem provided that full-field deformation data are available across a volume of interest. We also successfully demonstrate the feasibility of the novel approach by multiple numerical examples. Potential applications of the proposed approach are numerous in biomedical engineering where imaging techniques are commonly used to observe soft tissues and where alterations of material properties are markers of diseased states.
The Metaphysical Possibility of Time Travel Fictions
Authors: Effingham Nikk
Published: June 2021

In some stories, time travellers cannot change the past. It is widely accepted that this is metaphysically possible. In some stories, time travellers can change the past. Many philosophers have explained how that, too, is metaphysically possible. This paper considers narratives where sometimes the past can change and sometimes it cannot, arguing that this is also something that is possible. Further, I argue that we can make sense of stories where some events appear to be ‘fixed points in time’.
GLIS1, a potential candidate gene affect fat deposition in sheep tail
Authors: Luo Rongsong , Zhang Xiaoran , Wang Likai , Zhang Li , Li Guangpeng , Zheng Zhong
Published: June 2021

Fat deposition in sheep tails is as a result of a complicated mechanism. Mongolian sheep (MG) and Small Tail Han sheep (STH) are two fat-tailed Chinese indigenous sheep breeds while DairyMeade and East Friesian (DS) are two thin-tailed dairy sheep breeds recently introduced to China. In this study, population genomics analysis was applied to identify candidate genes associated with sheep tails based on an in-depth whole-genome sequencing of MG, STH and DS. The selective signature analysis demonstrated that GLIS1, LOC101117953, PDGFD and T were in the significant divergent regions between DS and STH–MG. A nonsynonymous point mutation (g.27807636G>T) was found within GLIS1 in STH–MG and resulted in a Pro to Thr substitution. As a pro-adipogenic factor, GLIS1 may play critical roles in the mesodermal cell differentiation during fetal development affecting fat deposition in sheep tails. This study gives a new insight into the genetic basis of species-specific traits of sheep tails.
Understanding the role of hospice pharmacists: a qualitative study
Authors: Edwards Zoe , Chapman Emma , Pini Simon , Bennett Michael I.
Published: June 2021

Background Pharmacists are important members of multidisciplinary teams but, despite surveys of provision, the role of the hospice pharmacist is not well described. Objective To explore the role of the hospice pharmacist and identify barriers and facilitators to the role. Setting Hospices offering in-patient services caring for adults towards the end of life in one geographical area of northern England. Method Pharmacists providing services to hospices were invited to take part in qualitative semi-structured interviews asking about experience, patient contact, team working and barriers and facilitators to the role. These were recorded verbatim and data were analysed thematically using framework analysis. Main outcome measure The hospice pharmacist’s perceptions of their role and barriers and facilitators to it. Results Fifteen pharmacists took part. Two themes and ten subthemes were identified focused on tasks and communication. Practise was varied and time limited the quantity and depth of services carried out but was often spent navigating complex drug supply routes. Participants found methods of communication suited to the hours they spent in the hospice although communication of data was a barrier to effective clinical service provision. Participants identified the need for appropriate training and standards of practice for hospice pharmacists would enable better use of their skills. Conclusion Barriers to the role of hospice pharmacist include time, access to role specific training, access to clinical information and complex medicines supply chains. The role would benefit from definition to ensure that hospices are able to use hospice pharmacists to their greatest potential.
Defensive pharmacy practice: a gap in our understanding
Authors: O’Connell Juliette
Published: June 2021

Defensive practice is prevalent across healthcare disciplines and much study has been performed on this behaviour in medicine and nursing. However, little research has been carried out on defensive practice in pharmacy, despite its potential to increase healthcare costs, reduce quality of care and affect pharmacist job satisfaction. With a more litigious society emerging and greater level of regulation, the pharmacy profession shares many of the influences of defensive practice identified in other healthcare professions. As a result, pharmacists too may engage in defensive practice behaviours in order to protect themselves from the perceived risk of litigation. Research in this area is necessary to identify how this phenomenon affects the profession and to develop methods of improving pharmacy practice. While this type of research would not be without challenges, it could form the basis for policy change and greater professional representation, ultimately improving quality of care for patients.
Exploring human factors of the agile software tester
Authors: Stray Viktoria , Florea Raluca , Paruch Lucas
Published: June 2021

Although extensive research has been conducted on the characteristics of the agile developer, little attention has been given to the features of the software-testing role. This paper explores the human factors of the software testers working in agile projects through a qualitative study focusing on how these factors are perceived. We interviewed 22 agile software practitioners working in three international companies: 14 testers, five developers, and three designers. Additionally, we observed 11 meetings and daily work of 13 participants in one of the companies. Our findings show that the views on the human factors shaping the agile software tester’s role were crystallized into seven traits, which the agile team members saw as central for the software-testing role: the ability to see the whole picture, good communication skills, detail-orientation, structuredness, creativeness, curiosity, and adaptability. The testers spent half their day communicating and learned how to mitigate the fact that they had to bring bad news to other project members. They also facilitated communication between the business side and development. Based on our results, we propose the seven traits as dimensions to consider for organizations recruiting agile software testers, as well as a reference for IT and non-IT professionals considering a software-testing career.
Uncertainty, equality, fraternity
Authors: Stewart Rush T.
Published: June 2021

Epistemic states of uncertainty play important roles in ethical and political theorizing. Theories that appeal to a “veil of ignorance,” for example, analyzefairnessorimpartialityin terms of certain states of ignorance. It is important, then, to scrutinize proposed conceptions of ignorance and explore promising alternatives in such contexts. Here, I study Lerner’s probabilistic egalitarian theorem in the setting of imprecise probabilities. Lerner’s theorem assumes that a social planner tasked with distributing income to individuals in a population is “completely ignorant” about which utility functions belong to which individuals. Lerner models this ignorance with a certain uniform probability distribution, and shows that, under certain further assumptions, income should be equally distributed. Much of the criticism of the relevance of Lerner’s result centers on the representation of ignorance involved. Imprecise probabilities provide a general framework for reasoning about various forms of uncertainty including, in particular, ignorance. To what extent can Lerner’s conclusion be maintained in this setting?