bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to make the most of routine outcome monitoring (ROM): A multitude of clinical decisions and nuances to consider
Authors: Aafjes‐van Doorn Katie , de Jong Kim
Published: August 2022

Routine outcome monitoring (ROM) involves the use of patient‐reported standardized outcome measures to monitor progress throughout the course of treatment, followed by feedback of the patient's scores to the therapist. The potential benefits of ROM have been established, however, from our own experiences, we know that the implementation in clinical practice can be challenging. We therefore wanted to explore in more detail exactly how we might be able to apply ROM in difficult clinical contexts. The inspiring case illustrations in this issue of Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session highlight the heterogeneity in ROM systems, and the way in which ROM can be used in treatment. Just as there are many ways of interpreting a survey data‐point, there are also many ways in which ROM may be used to complement the treatment and supervision. Whether or not ROM is implemented may partly be determined by clinic policies and routines, but there remain a multitude of clinical decisions that require careful consideration by the individual therapist. To complement the evidence supporting the benefits of using ROM, further empirical support and clinical guidance is needed on how exactly therapists are to use ROM in their work and how ROM may be used in evidence‐based practice. We make suggestions for additional uses of ROM for deliberate practice, and teletherapy practice, and look toward novel ways of assessing progress in the near future.
Point‐of‐care ultrasound to confirm the position of bronchial blockers in children
Authors: Wang Junxia , Huang Xin , Hu Weidong , Cheng Xianling , Zhang Bin
Published: August 2022

Purpose

We described the accuracy of ultrasound in determining the position of bronchial blockers (BBs) in children underwent thoracoscopic surgery.

Methods

We enrolled 52 children with ASA grade I‐III who received thoracoscopic surgery with placement of BBs. Point‐of‐care ultrasound was performed according to the BLUE protocol. The ultrasound‐guided lung sliding sign and curtain sign were used to assess the position of BBs. The accuracy of ultrasound in evaluating the position of BBs, as well as the accuracy and operating time of sliding sign and curtain sign at each examination point were recorded and compared.

Results

The accuracy of ultrasound in evaluating the position of BBs was 88% (46/52, 95% CI 0.69–0.97). When using the curtain sign to assess the position of BBs, the accuracy was 90% (94/104, 95% CI 0.78–0.96), which was significantly higher than when using the sliding sign (65% (136/208), 95% CI 0.55–0.74) (p = 0.002). The accuracy of curtain sign at the left mid‐axillary line‐diaphragm and the right mid‐axillary line‐diaphragm was respectively 96% (50/52, 95% CI 0.80–0.99) and 84% (44/52, 95% CI 0.65–0.95), which were higher than that of sliding sign at upper blue points and lower blue points. There was no significant difference in the operating time between two ultrasound signs (the curtain sign, 13.4 ± 8.2 s vs. the lung sliding sign, 16.2 ± 10.0 s, p = 0.065).

Conclusion

Point‐of‐care ultrasound can effectively assess the position of BBs. The accuracy of using the curtain sign at the mid‐axillary line‐diaphragm is higher than that of using the lung sliding sign at the anterior chest wall.
Response‐strengthening effects of same‐ and different‐context DRA training: The effects of two disruptors
Authors: Layton Karen L. , Edwards Timothy L. , Foster T. Mary
Published: August 2022

Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) involves placing problem behavior under extinction and simultaneously reinforcing a desirable behavior. Recent research revealed that, as predicted by Behavioral Momentum Theory, DRA may also increase the persistence of the problem behavior. This research has also shown that a different approach to DRA, in which an alternative behavior is trained in a separate context from the target behavior, produces less persistence than the standard procedure. The research on this phenomenon, so far, assessed persistence using extinction as the disruptor. DRA, however, is often implemented under conditions in which extinction of the problem behavior is not feasible. This study evaluated persistence of problem behavior following same‐ and separate‐ context DRA training using an alternative disruptor, an additional source of reinforcement. Following a successful reproduction of a previous study of extinction as a disruptor but with domestic hens, this study produced similar findings using an additional source of reinforcement as the disruptor. These findings add to the evidence that alternative DRA arrangements may avoid the response‐strengthening effects found with traditional DRA procedures. The findings also demonstrate that disruptors other than extinction can be used to investigate response persistence following DRA and other procedures.
A review of the mineralogical and chemical composition of nanoparticles associated with coal fires
Authors: Silva Luis F. O. , Schindler Michael , Alavijeh Mozhgan Akbari , Finkelman Robert B. , Oliveira Marcos L. S.
Published: August 2022

This review summarizes our current knowledge on the health and environmental impact as well as the mineralogical and geochemical composition of nanoparticles (NPs) associated with coal fires. It will furthermore recommend new sampling and characterization protocols to gain a better understanding of the various types of NPs that are formed either through high‐temperature nucleation and alteration processes or via low‐temperature dissolution‐reprecipitation and weathering processes. Coal fires affect the immediate environment of coal‐producing areas and produce positive and negative feedback to climate change through the emission of carbon‐ and sulfate‐bearing gases and aerosols, respectively. Nanoparticles form during and after coal fires. They are composed of mainly soot and tar particles as well as amorphous phases, minerals, and complex mixtures of amorphous phases and minerals. It is recommended that NPs for mineralogical studies should be collected using impactors (a new generation of collectors for particulate matter, such as the TPS100 NP sampler) or that borosilicate filters at the openings of pipes and chambers be used to collect and measure gases emitted by coal fires. Furthermore, assemblages of NPs occurring at the mouths of coal fire vents should be examined using a combination of focused ion beam (FIB) technology and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and those containing ion‐ or electron‐beam sensitive phases should be examined with the corresponding cryo‐techniques, such as cryo‐FIB, cryo‐ion mill, and cryo‐TEM. The mineralogical and chemical composition of NP‐bearing bulk samples should be examined with spectroscopy techniques such as X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, or time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy.
Transfusion burden in early childhood plays an important role in iron overload in Diamond‐Blackfan anaemia
Authors: de Wilde Jonathan R. A. , van Dooijeweert Birgit , van Vuren Annelies J. , Huisman Elise J. , Smiers Frans J. , van der Veer Arian , van Wijk Richard , van Solinge Wouter W. , Nieuwenhuis Edward E. S. , van Beers Eduard J. , Bartels Marije
Published: August 2022

In Diamond‐Blackfan anaemia (DBA), iron overload (IO) is common in transfusion‐dependent patients, yet has also been reported in non‐transfusion‐dependent patients. We explored the incidence of IO in transfusion‐dependent and non‐transfusion‐dependent DBA patients. We observed hepatic IO in 65% of patients analysed with MRI, including three patients that were only treated with transfusions in the past. Whereas overall ferritin levels and liver iron content correlated, ferritin levels did not reflect total body iron adequately. Our data suggest that transfusion burden in the past plays an important role in IO in DBA, and should be taken into account during follow up.
Integrated Drought Index based on Vine Copula Modelling
Authors: Kanthavel P. , Saxena C. K. , Singh R. K.
Published: August 2022

As a natural hazard, drought is a complex multivariate phenomenon that does not depend on only one hydrometeorological variable, as well as, considering a particular kind of drought may not be effective for drought management. Considering this, many multivariate drought indices have been developed based on linearity assumptions or conventional copulas assuming symmetric relationships among univariate drought indices. In this study, D‐vine copula was applied to construct a four‐dimensional index, named as Integrated Drought Index (IDI), by combining four univariate drought indices (Standardized Precipitation Index [SPI], Reconnaissance Drought Index [RDI], Standardized Soil moisture Index [SSI] and Standardized stream flow Drought Index [SDI]) to better reflect many hydrometeorological variables (precipitation, evapotranspiration, soil moisture and stream flow) and different kinds of drought (meteorological, agricultural and hydrological) simultaneously. Vine copula was used to solve nonlinear and asymmetric relationships among drought indices due to its flexibility over the free selection of copula(s) in each step of hierarchical structure in high dimensional modelling. The IDI was constructed for 1‐ and 4‐month timescales for the upper Tapti basin of the central region in India. The performance of IDI was tested with dependence measures (Pearson's correlation coefficient, Mutual Information) and evaluated against the Terrestrial Water Storage Anomaly data derived from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission. Spatial analysis of drought was carried out by fuzzy c‐means (FCM) clustering algorithm with IDI. IDI based on vine copula solved the nonlinear and asymmetric relationships among different variables associated with the occurrence of droughts effectively with a reduction of uncertainty as compared to the single drought indices for different kinds of droughts. Analysis revealed spatially different drought risks in the upper and lower river basins. In general, the vine copula addresses nonlinear and asymmetric relationships that exist between the variables associated with natural hazards like drought.
Climatology of 500‐hPa geopotential height anomalies associated with May tornado outbreaks in the United States
Authors: Ćwik Paulina , McPherson Renee A. , Richman Michael B. , Mercer Andrew E.
Published: August 2022

This study supports efforts directed toward research on large‐scale atmospheric patterns and on the variability of tornado outbreaks. Specifically, we applied rotated principal component analysis to identify synoptic‐scale patterns of 500‐hPa geopotential height associated with tornado outbreaks in the United States. We created a database of historic tornado outbreaks using kernel density estimation on events composed of at least seven tornadoes of magnitude (E)F2 or higher (major tornado outbreaks) that occurred in May from 1950 to 2019 (91 events). Results of the analysis show that the first three principal components explained the majority, that is, 74% of the total variation. Based on the analysis of congruence coefficients, the Promax oblique transformation was chosen as the most representative rotation in portraying physically meaningful modes and resulted in three main atmospheric patterns. Two of these, to the best of our knowledge, have not been yet identified as the most representative of tornado outbreaks in any previous studies. Additionally, results suggest that although synoptic patterns associated with major May tornado outbreaks remain the same over time, partial variability in their geographic location exhibits some cyclical behaviour, especially on decadal and multidecadal scales. Identifying these patterns can serve as a first step in determining how they may change under anthropogenic climate change in the future.
Calculation of scan length and size‐specific dose at longitudinal positions of body CT scans using dose equilibrium function
Authors: Li Xinhua , Marschall Theodore A. , Yang Kai , Liu Bob
Published: August 2022

Background

Dose evaluation at longitudinal positions of body computed tomography (CT) scans is useful for CT quality assurance programs and patient organ dose evaluation. Accurate estimates depend on both patient size and scan length.

Purpose

To propose practical evaluation of the average dose to the transverse slab of an axial image slice for adult body CT examinations, considering not only patient size but also scan length, and to compare the results with those of Monte Carlo (Geant4) simulation [Dsim(z)] and size‐specific dose estimates at longitudinal positions of scans [SSDE(z)] from international standards (IEC publication no. 62985).

Methods

In a scan series, the total dose at each z‐axis location was calculated using the input information identical to the SSDE(z) evaluation. Each axial image slice (slice thickness, 2.5 or 5 mm) was first considered independently. Its z‐axis coverage and CTDIvol (from the DICOM headers) were used to directly calculate a z‐axis dose profile for the average dose over the cross‐section of a water phantom, using the approach to equilibrium function. The phantom diameter was taken to be equal to the patient water equivalent diameter at that slice. The above was repeated at all slices and the dose at each z‐axis location was accumulated from all profiles, referred to as Dcalc(z). For validation, we considered a cohort of 65 patients, who underwent chest and abdominopelvic examinations. The resultant Dcalc(z) was compared with Dsim(z) and SSDE(z), both available in a previous paper.

Results

Dcalc(z) evaluation could be used to accurately assess the scan range average dose, with an accuracy of 7.1%–8.7% for 65 patients in two examinations. On individual image slices, the maximum difference in magnitude between Dcalc(z) and Dsim(z) [and between SSDE(z) and Dsim(z) in parentheses] was 37.5% (85%) [two edges (2 × 5 cm) of chest scan range], 17.8% (35.2%) (the remaining central region of chest scan), 26.8% (74.1%) [two edges (2 × 5 cm) of abdominopelvic scan range], and 14.2% (22.5%) (the remaining central region of abdominopelvic scan).

Conclusions

Identical input data are used for Dcalc(z) and SSDE(z) evaluations. The latter is limited to the z‐axis locations within scan range. At each image slice, SSDE(z) is equivalent to the midpoint dose of a fixed‐mA scan of 15–30 cm (scan length). In contrast, Dcalc(z) considers dose accumulation from varying scan length (from sub‐centimeter to about 1 m) and tube current, and dose profile is also computed outside scan range. Besides greatly improving dose evaluation for individual image slices, Dcalc(z) allows for evaluating dose accumulation from multiple series, which typically span different scan ranges. Our proposal may assist CT manufacturers and dose index monitoring software in assessing dose at longitudinal positions of body CT scans.
On the matrices in B‐spline collocation methods for Riesz fractional equations and their spectral properties
Authors: Mazza Mariarosa , Donatelli Marco , Manni Carla , Speleers Hendrik
Published: August 2022

In this work, we focus on a fractional differential equation in Riesz form discretized by a polynomial B‐spline collocation method. For an arbitrary polynomial degree , we show that the resulting coefficient matrices possess a Toeplitz‐like structure. We investigate their spectral properties via their symbol and we prove that, like for second order differential problems, the given matrices are ill‐conditioned both in the low and high frequencies for large . More precisely, in the fractional scenario the symbol vanishes at 0 with order , the fractional derivative order that ranges from 1 to 2, and it decays exponentially to zero at for increasing at a rate that becomes faster as approaches 1. This translates into a mitigated conditioning in the low frequencies and into a deterioration in the high frequencies when compared to second order problems. Furthermore, the derivation of the symbol reveals another similarity of our problem with a classical diffusion problem. Since the entries of the coefficient matrices are defined as evaluations of fractional derivatives of the B‐spline basis at the collocation points, we are able to express the central entries of the coefficient matrix as inner products of two fractional derivatives of cardinal B‐splines. Finally, we perform a numerical study of the approximation behavior of polynomial B‐spline collocation. This study suggests that, in line with nonfractional diffusion problems, the approximation order for smooth solutions in the fractional case is for even , and for odd .
A preliminary study on predictors of treatment response to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with treatment‐resistant depression in Japan
Authors: Ikawa Haruki , Tochigi Mamoru , Noda Yoshihiro , Oba Hiroshi , Kaminaga Tatsuro , Sakurai Keita , Ikebuchi Emi , Hayashi Naoki , Kunugi Hiroshi
Published: August 2022

Background

Brain imaging studies have reported that the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is associated with the activities of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and ventral medial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC). However, few studies have been conducted in Japanese patients.

Aim

We aimed to identify brain regions associated with depressive symptom changes by measuring regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in the DLPFC and VMPFC before and after the high‐frequency rTMS to the left DLPFC in Japanese patients with treatment‐resistant depression.

Method

Fourteen patients participated in the rTMS study and were assessed with the 17‐item Hamilton depression rating scale (HAM‐D17). Among them, 13 participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging scan of the brain using the arterial spin labeling method. The rCBF was calculated using the fine stereotactic region of interest template (FineSRT) program for automated analysis. We focused on eight regions reported in previous studies.

Results

Depression severity significantly decreased after 2 week (HAM‐D17:11.4 ± 2.8, P = 0.00027) and 4 week (HAM‐D17: 11.0 ± 3.7, P = 0.0023) of rTMS treatment. There was no significant change in rCBF at each region in the pre‐post design. However, there was a significantly negative correlation between baseline rCBF in the right DLPFC and the improvement in HAM‐D17 score (r = −0.559, P = 0.047).

Conclusion

We obtained supportive evidence for the effectiveness of rTMS to the prefrontal cortex in treatment‐resistant depression, which may be associated with reduced rCBF of the right DLPFC before initiation of rTMS.
Borderline personality disorder symptoms in individuals with eating disorder: Association with severity, psychological distress, and psychosocial function
Authors: Vivarini Prudence , Jenkins Zoe M. , Castle David J. , Gwee Karen
Published: August 2022

We aimed to determine the prevalence of borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms in a sample of eating disorder (ED) outpatients and assess how BPD symptoms correlate with severity, distress, and function. A total of 119 individuals were assessed and divided into high BPD symptoms (H‐BPD) and low BPD symptoms (L‐BPD) using a cut‐off score of seven on the McLean Screening for Borderline Personality Disorder (MSI‐BPD). Groups were compared on ED diagnosis, age at ED onset, age at assessment, illness duration, body mass index (BMI), ED symptomatology, psychological distress, and psychosocial function. Correlation analyses were performed to assess the relationship between BPD symptoms and these variables. The 45.4% of the participants scored ≥7 on the MSI‐BPD, indicating a diagnosis of BPD. There were no differences between the H‐BPD (N = 54) and L‐BPD (N = 65) groups on age at onset, age at assessment, duration of illness, BMI, or proportion of ED diagnosis. The H‐BPD group reported significantly higher ED symptomatology, psychological distress, and poorer psychosocial functioning. MSI‐BPD scores were positively associated with these variables. This study suggests a high prevalence of BPD symptoms within outpatients seeking ED treatment, and use of a brief screening instrument for BPD in this group may contribute to a greater understanding of the patient.
Social determinants of health screening and intervention: A cystic fibrosis quality improvement process
Authors: Jennings Deirdre , List Rhonda , Bruschwein Heather , Compton Martina , Somerville Lindsay , Williamson Lauren , Murray Rachel , Evangelista Brielle , Albon Dana
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Lower socioeconomic status is associated with significantly poorer outcomes in weight, lung function, and pulmonary exacerbation rates in people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF).

Global aim

We aim to reduce health disparities and inequities faced by PwCF by screening for and addressing unmet social needs.

Specific aims

We aimed to increase routine social determinants of health (SDoH) screening of eligible PwCF from 0% to 95% and follow‐up within 2 weeks for those PwCF who screened positive and requested assistance from 0% to 95% by December 31, 2021.

Methods

The Model for Improvement methodology was used. A process map and a simplified failure mode effects analysis chart were created for the screening and SDoH follow‐up process. For those who screened positive for SDoH and requested assistance, follow‐up contact was made to offer intervention.

Intervention

Adult PwCF who had at least one UVA Clinic encounter in 2021 were screened for SDoH. The SDoH screening tool included eight domains: housing, food, transportation, utilities, health‐care access, medication access, income/employment, and education. Follow‐up was completed with all PwCF who screened positive for SDoH.

Results

A total of 132 of 142 (93.0%) PwCF eligible for screening completed the SDoH screening. Of the PwCF who completed screening, 56 (42.4%) screened positive for SDoH. A follow‐up rate of 100% was achieved in June 2021 and maintained through December 2021.

Conclusion

Implementing screening for SDOH and follow‐up to mitigate social difficulties in adult PwCF at UVA was successful and could be reproduced at other CF care centers.
Sensory Monitoring of Drop Hammer Experiments with Multivariate Statistics
Authors: Muhr Matthias , Klapötke Thomas M. , Holl Gerhard
Published: August 2022

A precise characterization of substances is essential for the safe handling of explosives. One parameter regularly characterized is the impact sensitivity. This is typically determined using a drop hammer. However, the results can vary depending on the test method and even the operator, and it is not possible to distinguish the type of decomposition such as detonation and deflagration. This study monitors the reaction progress by constructing a drop hammer to measure the decomposition reaction of four different primary explosives (tetrazene, silver azide, lead azide, lead styphnate) in order to determine the reproducibility of this method. Additionally, further possible evaluation methods are explored to improve on the current binary statistical analysis. To determine whether classification was possible based on extracted features, the responses of equipped sensor arrays, which measure and monitor the reactions, were studied and evaluated. Features were extracted from this data and were evaluated using multivariate methods such as principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The results indicate that although the measurements show substance specific trends, they also show a large scatter for each substance. By reducing the dimensions of the extracted features, different sample clusters can be represented and the calculated loadings allow significant parameters to be determined for classification. The results also suggest that differentiation of different reaction mechanisms is feasible. Testing of the regressor function shows reliable results considering the comparatively small amount of data.
Survey of ACCase and ALS resistance in winter annual grasses identifies target‐site and nontarget‐site imazamox resistance in Secale cereale
Authors: Soni Neeta , Westra Eric P. , Allegretta Giuseppe , Araujo André L. S. , de Pinho Camila F. , Morran Sarah , Lerchl Jens , Dayan Franck E. , Westra Philip , Gaines Todd A.
Published: August 2022

Background

Early detection of herbicide resistance in weeds is crucial for successful implementation of integrated weed management. We conducted a herbicide resistance survey of the winter annual grasses feral rye (Secale cereale), downy brome (Bromus tectorum), and jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica) from Colorado winter wheat production areas for resistance to imazamox and quizalofop.

Results

All samples were susceptible to quizalofop. All downy brome and jointed goatgrass samples were susceptible to imazamox. Out of 314 field collected samples, we identified three feral rye populations (named A, B, and C) that were imazamox resistant. Populations B and C had a target‐site mechanism with mutations in the Ser653 residue of the acetolactate synthase (ALS) gene to Asn in B and to Thr in C. Both populations B and C had greatly reduced ALS in vitro enzyme inhibition by imazamox. ALS feral rye protein modeling showed that steric interactions induced by the amino acid substitutions at Ser653 impaired imazamox binding. Individuals from population A had no mutations in the ALS gene. The ALS enzyme from population A was equally sensitive to imazamox as to known susceptible feral rye populations. Imazamox was degraded two times faster in population A compared with a susceptible control. An oxidized imazamox metabolite formed faster in population A and this detoxification reaction was inhibited by malathion.

Conclusion

Population A has a nontarget‐site mechanism of enhanced imazamox metabolism that may be conferred by cytochrome P450 enzymes. This is the first report of both target‐site and metabolism‐based imazamox resistance in feral rye. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Multipole polarizabilities of spherically confined hydrogen atom and positronium in screened Coulomb potential
Authors: He Yu Ying , Jiao Li Guang , Liu Aihua , Montgomery Henry E. , Ho Yew Kam
Published: August 2022

The static multipole polarizabilities of the hydrogen atom interacting with a screened Coulomb potential confined in an impenetrable spherical box are calculated in the sum‐over‐states formalism. The system eigenenergies and wave functions are produced by employing the generalized pseudospectral method. High‐precision results are obtained to resolve the discrepancies between previous predictions, and used to analyze the critical behavior of the system with varying the confinement radius and screening parameter. A scaling law of the multipole polarizabilities with respect to the nuclear charge and electron reduced mass is proposed. Based on the scaling law we extend the investigation to the spatially confined positronium atom in a screened Coulomb potential by utilizing a reduced one‐electron model. The results are in good agreement with previous estimates. However, it is conjectured that when the confinement radius is small the confined positronium atom should be treated more reasonably by an effective two‐electron model.
Geomorphic effects of natural flood management woody dams in upland streams
Authors: Lo Ho Wen , van Leeuwen Zora , Klaar Megan , Woulds Clare , Smith Mark
Published: August 2022

One popular Natural Flood Management (NFM) technique involves the construction of channel‐spanning woody dams in low‐order streams that maintain a clearance height above base flows. While extensive research has examined the geomorphic effects of natural wood accumulations, little has been documented of NFM woody dams, which are structurally distinct from natural accumulations and may produce different patterns of erosion and deposition. This consideration is crucial because changes in physical habitat characteristics have implications for flood management objectives as well as ecosystem structure and functioning. This study adopted a Before‐After Control‐Impact (BACI) design to assess the geomorphic effects of NFM woody dams in the upper River Cover catchment, United Kingdom. One baseline survey prior to and three monitoring surveys up to 2 years following dam construction were conducted. Structure‐from‐Motion (SfM) photogrammetry was employed to capture topographic change, supplemented by bathymetric surveys. Results highlight that where the dams remained secure in place, they promoted in‐stream habitat diversity by creating underflow pools. Sediment storage was observed only where the dams had clearance heights <0.3 m from the stream bed. Additionally, the dams commonly led to bank erosion, likely enhanced by inherent bank instability in the study catchment as observed along the control reaches. However, volumes of sediments eroded and deposited were not statistically different between the control and woody dam reaches. Longer monitoring is required to determine whether these effects on channel morphology and habitat diversity will persist, amplify, or diminish over time, and to better understand the longevity of NFM woody dams.
Trusting the social value of diverse scientific enterprises: Matching a patchwork of challenges to a mosaic of responses
Authors: Ault Charles R.
Published: August 2022

Across decades, science educators have invested in curricula that presume scientific unity. The phrases “habits of mind, scientific method, processes of science, inquiry skills, nature of science, practices of science” reflect this obsession. However, historians look with skepticism at universal notions of science and endorse truth‐seeking circumscribed by context. Indeed, inadequate appreciation of diversity may lead to the mistrust of disciplines that appear to depart from simplistic notions of “the” scientific method and thus imperil the political will to search for solutions to the problems of climate change, extinction and environmental degradation, and global pandemic. Accordingly, science educators stand at a crossroads. They can choose to reinforce scientific naivete by following the long‐standing quest for unity among the sciences as guidance for what to teach, or they may accept the disunity of disciplines, teach the value of diverse sciences to solve societal problems and cultivate trust in appropriate responses to distinct challenges.
Quality culture boosts agile transformation—Action research in a business‐to‐business software business
Authors: Saarikallio Matti , Tyrväinen Pasi
Published: August 2022

Agile methodologies are sometimes adopted, with the assumption that benefits can be attained by only using a set of best practices, which can sometimes work to a degree. In this paper, a case is discussed where a software‐producing organization of seven teams achieved significant improvements. The goal of the research was to answer two questions: how an already agile organization could improve its performance further and what is the impact of promoting quality aspects? The questions were answered by implementing interventions based on prior literature and data emerging from semi‐structured interviews. The context was an established business with a complex revenue stream structure, meaning the mix of various project/service/product based work rendered the adoption of agile methods a challenge. Action research comprising three rounds of interventions was conducted to improve the organization and its quality culture while enforcing code review practices. Interventions resulted in a significant improvement in quality, as measured by reported defects. Therefore, it is suggested that agile methods are not sufficient on their own to take software business forward unless a quality‐focused culture is simultaneously achieved through a mindset change and organizational structures to enforce quality practices. The paper contributes to research on the managerial practices of software business and agile transformation by providing empirical support to introducing formal quality improvement to the agile mix as a method for practitioners to improve organizations with complex business models and multiple teams.
Optimization design of functionally graded ultra‐high performance cementitious composite on flexural behavior
Authors: Bao Sihai , Zhang Yafang , Liu Hao , Zeng Ke , Zhang Weijian
Published: August 2022

The research aims to investigate and optimize the flexural behavior of functionally graded ultra‐high performance cementitious composite (FGUHPCC), and to optimize the design of FGUHPCC by using a numerical simulation program named RFPA3D. The equivalent flexural strength and corresponding deflection capacity of double‐ and single‐layered FGUHPCC beams were analyzed by carrying out four‐point bending test. Furthermore, with the numerical model set in RFPA3D, the crack evolution and acoustic emission (AE) event of specimens at limit of proportionality (LOP) point, modulus of rupture (MOR) point, and 30% of MOR are, therefore, discussed. The results indicate that functionally graded design can help to improve the flexural capacity and fracture toughness of all specimens. In addition, the main crack of FGUHPCC looks more irregular and larger damage areas are formed. Higher principal stress and more AE events can be identified in FGUHPCC than that of single‐layer UHPCC. Based on the recorded test data, the influence of bottom layer thickness was also investigated with respect to the peak flexural load and the AE energy. The results indicate that the optimum load capacity and flexural energy can be obtained when layer thickness ratio is about 0.6.
Xiaotansanjiefang inhibits the viability of colorectal cancer cells via Jagged 1/Notch 3/Snail signaling pathway
Authors: Ye Min , Du Jiaqi , Wang Xiaowei , Xiu Lijuan , Liu Xuan , Gu Yufang , Pei Bei , Sun Dazhi , Yue Xiaoqiang
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this study is to explore the anti‐colorectal cancer of Xiaotansanjiefang, a famous traditional Chinese medicine, and its potential anti‐cancer mechanism. In this study, the HCT116 cell spheres were prepared as in vitro study model. We found the Xiaotansanjiefang medication was able to inhibit the proliferation of HCT116 cell spheres in a dose‐dependent manner, especially in 3 and 6 mg/ml Xiaotansanjiefang medication treated groups. We also found the high concentration of Xiaotansanjiefang medication could suppress the migration and promote the apoptosis of HCT116 cell spheres. Moreover, we found the expression of Jagged 1, Notch 3, Snail, and Hes 1 were decreased in HCT116 cell spheres treated with Xiaotansanjiefang medication. Furthermore, the proliferation and apoptosis behaviors of HCT116 cell spheres treated with Xiaotansanjiefang medication were reversed with the addition of Jagged 1 Fc chimera protein. The expression of Jagged 1, Notch 3, Snail, and Hes 1 were also increased again in HCT116 cells treated with Xiaotansanjiefang medication plus with Jagged 1 Fc chimera protein. The presented study may provide a promising strategy to treat and prevent colorectal cancer.
A Sonic Net deters European starlings Sturnus vulgaris from maize silage stores
Authors: Woods Richard D. , Swaddle John P. , Bearhop Stuart , Colhoun Kendrew , Gaze William H. , Kay Suzanne M. , McDonald Robbie A.
Published: August 2022

Deterrents against avian pest species might be more effective if they were based on some aspect of the target species' sensory salience. Sonic Nets broadcast a loud and spatially‐ focused pink noise that spans the frequency range of the target species' vocalizations, restricting interspecific communication so that it is costly for birds to remain in the treated area. In parts of their native and introduced ranges, European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) impact livestock operations where they consume and contaminate animal feed, damage infrastructure, and may contribute to pathogen transmission. We evaluated Sonic Net technology to exclude starlings from outdoor maize silage stores on 10 dairy farms in Cornwall, U.K. in February–March and November–December 2019. We quantified frequency of starling presence and approximate flock size and combined these to estimate starling burden in starling‐minutes before, during, and after Sonic Net treatment. During an initial proof‐of‐concept trial, each phase lasted 2 days, whilst in a second, longer experiment, treatment lasted 14 days. During Sonic Net treatment, frequency of starling presence was reduced, flock sizes were smaller, and starling‐minutes were reduced by 94% and 89% in the 2‐day and 14‐day treatments, respectively. In the last 2 days of the 14‐day treatment, starling‐minutes remained 85% lower than before treatment, but 4 of 10 farms experienced some diminution of effects after 6 days. Sonic Nets had a significant and sustained effect, with potential for deterring avian pests from agricultural and other settings.
Assessment of irreversibility optimization in Casson nanofluid flow with leading edge accretion or ablation
Authors: Khan Noor Saeed , Humphries Usa Wannasingha , Kumam Wiyada , Kumam Poom , Muhammad Taseer
Published: August 2022

Entropy generation in unsteady magneto‐bioconvection Casson nanofluid flow with gyrotactic microorganisms in the presence of Cattaneo–Christov heat and mass flux theory is analyzed. Buongiorno nanofluid model is followed taken into account the influences of viscous dissipation, Brownian motion, and thermophoresis. Mathematica is used to compute the transformed equations through homotopy analysis method (HAM) resulting from the implementation of similarity transformations on governing equations and boundary conditions. The effects of pertinent parameters on different profiles are shown in graphs and discussed in detail.
Direct Reprogramming of Adult Human Cardiac Fibroblasts into Induced Cardiomyocytes Using miRcombo
Authors: Paoletti Camilla , Divieto Carla , Chiono Valeria
Published: August 2022

Direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into induced cardiomyocytes (iCMs) through microRNAs (miRNAs) is a new emerging strategy for myocardial regeneration after ischemic heart disease. Previous studies have reported that murine fibroblasts can be directly reprogrammed into iCMs by transient transfection with four miRNAs (miRs-1, 133, 208 and 499 – termed “miRcombo”). While advancement in the knowledge of direct cell reprogramming molecular mechanism is in progress, it is important to investigate if this strategy may be translated to humans. Recently, we demonstrated that miRcombo transfection is able to induce direct reprogramming of adult human cardiac fibroblasts (AHCFs) into iCMs. Although additional studies are needed to achieve iCM maturation, our early findings pave the way toward new therapeutic strategies for cardiac regeneration in humans. This chapter describes methods for inducing direct reprogramming of AHCFs into iCMs through miRcombo transient transfection, showing experiments to perform for assessing iCM generation.
Adapting a Faceted Search Task Model for the Development of a Domain-Specific Council Information Search Engine
Authors: Schoegje Thomas , de Vries Arjen , Pieters Toine
Published: August 2022

Domain specialists such as council members may benefit from specialised search functionality, but it is unclear how to formalise the search requirements when developing a search system. We adapt a faceted task model for the purpose of characterising the tasks of a target user group. We first identify which task facets council members use to describe their tasks, then characterise council member tasks based on those facets. Finally, we discuss the design implications of these tasks for the development of a search engine.

Based on two studies at the same municipality we identified a set of task facets and used these to characterise the tasks of council members. By coding how council members describe their tasks we identified five task facets: the task objective, topic aspect, information source, retrieval unit, and task specificity. We then performed a third study at a second municipality where we found our results were consistent.

We then discuss design implications of these tasks because the task model has implications for 1) how information should be modelled, and 2) how information can be presented in context, and it provides implicit suggestions for 3) how users want to interact with information.

Our work is a step towards better understanding the search requirements of target user groups within an organisation. A task model enables organisations developing search systems to better prioritise where they should invest in new technology.
Low-risk polycythemia vera treated with phlebotomies: clinical characteristics, hematologic control and complications in 453 patients from the Spanish Registry of Polycythemia Vera
Authors: Triguero Ana , Pedraza Alexandra , Pérez-Encinas Manuel , Mata-Vázquez María Isabel , Vélez Patricia , Fox Laura , Gómez-Calafat Montse , García-Delgado Regina , Gasior Mercedes , Ferrer-Marín Francisca , García-Gutiérrez Valentín , Angona Anna , Gómez-Casares María Teresa , Cuevas Beatriz , Martínez Clara , Pérez Raúl , Raya José María , Guerrero Lucía , Murillo Ilda , Bellosillo Beatriz , Hernández-Boluda Juan Carlos , Sanz Cristina , Álvarez-Larrán Alberto ,   On behalf of the MPN Spanish Group (GEMFIN)
Published: August 2022

Hematological control, incidence of complications, and need for cytoreduction were studied in 453 patients with low-risk polycythemia vera (PV) treated with phlebotomies alone. Median hematocrit value decreased from 54% at diagnosis to 45% at 12 months, and adequate hematocrit control over time (< 45%) was observed in 36%, 44%, and 32% of the patients at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. More than 5 phlebotomies per year in the maintenance phase were required in 19% of patients. Worsening thrombocytosis, age > 60 years, and microvascular symptoms constituted the main indications for starting cytoreduction. Median duration without initiating cytoreduction was significantly longer in patients younger than 50 years (< 0.0001). The incidence rate of thrombosis under phlebotomies alone was 0.8% per year and the estimated probability of thrombosis at 10 years was 8.5%. The probability of arterial thrombosis was significantly higher in patients with arterial hypertension whereas there was a trend to higher risk of venous thrombosis in cases with high JAK2V617F allele burden. Rates of major bleeding and second primary neoplasm were low. With a median follow-up of 9 years, survival probability at 10 years was 97%, whereas the probability of myelofibrosis at 10 and 20 years was 7% and 20%, respectively. Progression to acute myeloid leukemia was documented in 3 cases (1%). Current management of low-risk PV patients is associated with low rate of thrombosis and long survival. New treatment strategies are needed for improving hematological control and, in the long term, reducing progression to myelofibrosis.
Martensitic Stainless Steels for Food Contact Applications
Authors: Zunko Horst , Turk Christoph
Published: August 2022

For industrial mechanical food processing steps, like cutting, slicing, grating, passing or similar applications, tools of martensitic stainless steels are used preferably because of their high hardness and corrosion resistance. The latter is decisive to avoid contamination of foodstuff by elements transferred from the steel alloy into the processed food. In this contribution various martensitic stainless steels in different heat treatment conditions were investigated regarding their metal release behavior in food simulants. Therefore, migrations tests were carried out according to the guideline of the Council of Europe. During the examination, the specific migration of elements was determined and compared to defined release limits, which take into account the different toxicity for the human body. The results allow an assessment of the suitability of the tested grades and heat treatment conditions as contact material for different types of food.
Regelungstechnische Konzepte zur Messbereichserweiterung kalorimetrischer Strömungssensoren
Authors: Cerimovic Samir , Beigelbeck Roman , Kohl Franz , Sauter Thilo , Keplinger Franz
Published: August 2022

Kalorimetrische Strömungssensoren sind eine sehr verbreitete Art von thermischen Strömungssensoren. Sie werten eine strömungsbedingte Verzerrung des Temperaturfeldes um eine Wärmequelle aus. Im einfachsten Betriebsfall mit konstanter Heizleistung weisen sie eine ausgezeichnete Sensitivität auf. Allerdings ist das Ausgangssignal keine monotone Funktion der Strömungsgeschwindigkeit, sodass der nutzbare Messbereich aufgrund der Mehrdeutigkeit der Kennlinie stark eingegrenzt ist. Für einen breiten Einsatz muss mit steigender Strömungsgeschwindigkeit die Heizleistung mit einem Regler nachgeführt werden. Dabei kommen verschiedene regelungstechnische Konzepte zur Anwendung, die anhand zweier konkreter Sensorausführungen näher erläutert werden.
The course of swallowing problems in the first 2 years after diagnosis of head and neck cancer
Authors: Vermaire Jorine A. , Raaijmakers Cornelis P. J. , Monninkhof Evelyn M. , Leemans C. René , Baatenburg de Jong Robert J. , Takes Robert P. , Leeuw Irma M. Verdonck-de , Jansen Femke , Langendijk Johannes A. , Terhaard Chris H. J. , Speksnijder Caroline M.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Head and neck cancer (HNC) and its treatment often negatively impact swallowing function. The aim was to investigate the course of patient-reported swallowing problems from diagnosis to 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after treatment, in relation to demographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors.

Methods

Data were used of the Netherlands Quality of Life and Biomedical Cohort Study in head and neck cancer research (NET-QUBIC). The primary outcome measures were the subscales of the Swallowing Quality of Life Questionnaire (SWAL-QOL). Linear mixed-effects models (LMM) were conducted to investigate changes over time and associations with patient, clinical, and lifestyle parameters as assessed at baseline.

Results

Data were available of 603 patients. There was a significant change over time on all subscales. Before treatment, 53% of patients reported swallowing problems. This number increased to 70% at M3 and decreased to 59% at M6, 50% at M12, and 48% at M24. Swallowing problems (i.e., longer eating duration) were more pronounced in the case of female, current smoking, weight loss prior to treatment, and stage III or IV tumor, and were more prevalent at 3 to 6 months after treatment. Especially patients with an oropharynx and oral cavity tumor, and patients receiving (C)RT following surgery or CRT only showed a longer eating duration after treatment, which did not return to baseline levels.

Conclusion

Half of the patients with HNC report swallowing problems before treatment. Eating duration was associated with sex, smoking, weight loss, tumor site and stage, and treatment modality, and was more pronounced 3 to 6 months after treatment.