bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The retrospective determination of process improvement's economic value at the individual manufacturing firm level: Literature review and proposed measurement framework
Authors: Wemmerlöv Urban 
Published: October 2020

AbstractEven a cursory reading of the literature on process improvement shows that there are many accounts proposing that operational as well as financial gains can be made using methodologies like JIT, TQM, Six Sigma, and Lean. While some studies have investigated the statistical links between process improvement practices and corporate financial outcomes in large populations of firms, documentations of how individual firms can determine economic value derived from their own process improvement projects are scarce. We reviewed the literature, first ad hoc then systematically, to investigate the extent to which studies have covered the determination of process improvements' economic value in manufacturing companies postimplementation, and how such assessments are conducted. The results suggest that retrospective value determinations at the plant level are exceedingly rare. In fact, only 0.09% of 35,968 scholarly articles produced on process improvement in the period 1980–2020 have that focus. Since expenditures on process improvement have alternative uses, organizations should have at their disposal benefit determination frameworks so that financially efficient decisions can be made. Building on literature reviews and additional sources, this study proposes a set of principles and a model for cost–benefit determination that make up such a framework in the context of process improvement.
Impact of Computer Calculation Program on Quality of Individualized Parenteral Nutrition and Selected Clinical Parameters of Extremely Low‐Birth‐Weight Infants
Authors: Oczujda Marika , Miechowicz Izabela , Szymankiewicz‐Bręborowicz Marta , Czech‐Szczapa Barbara , Johnson Mark J. , Szczapa Tomasz 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the study was to assess the effects of computerized provider order entry (CPOE) for parenteral nutrition (PN) on selected clinical parameters of extremely low‐birth‐weight (ELBW) neonates in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit.MethodsThis study was a retrospective data analysis of preterm infants born over a 1‐year period before and after introduction of CPOE. PN composition during the first 2 weeks of life, change in weight, head circumference and body length z‐scores were assessed. Duration of PN and selected neonatal complications were compared. Logistic regression was used to adjust for confounding variables (sex, birth weight, and birth‐gestational age).ResultsNinety‐four patients in 2 equal groups were analyzed. Birth weight (median 810 vs 825 g) and gestational age (27 vs 27 weeks) were comparable. After adjustment for confounding variables, on the first and seventh day of life, significantly more energy (P < .001), protein (P < .001), lipid (P < .03), and carbohydrate (P < .02) were administered in the CPOE group than in the manually calculated (MC) prescriptions group. The CPOE group had lower weight loss (P < .001), a significant improvement in linear growth, and faster regain of birth weight (P < .01) compared with the MC group.ConclusionThe CPOE positively influences the quality of PN in ELBW infants. It also significantly reduced initial weight loss, time to regain birth weight, and linear growth. It may also have beneficial effects on selected clinical outcomes, which requires further study.
Commentary on “Prevalence of Malnutrition and 1‐Year All‐Cause Mortality in Institutionalized Elderly Comparing Different Combinations of the GLIM Criteria”
Authors: Skipper Annalynn 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe nutrition community has worked to develop an international understanding of diagnostic criteria for malnutrition. In this Commentary are thoughts on a clinical utility study of the latest standard malnutrition definition, the Global Leadership in Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. In “Prevalence of malnutrition and 1‐year all‐cause mortality in institutionalized elderly comparing different combinations of the GLIM criteria,” the authors created and then compare each of 12 different combinations of the GLIM components in a Spanish nursing home sample and find a higher mortality rate among participants with malnutrition and inflammation than participants with malnutrition alone. In working toward the advantages offered by a rigorously validated and internationally accepted malnutrition definition that is age, sex, location, race, and ethnicity neutral, there are several points to consider. There is a strong need to eliminate clinician‐, disease‐, or location‐specific malnutrition criteria in favor of definitions that apply broadly, are specific to malnutrition rather than disease or location, and are validated against a malnutrition standard. With the GLIM criteria, it is likely that some existing malnutrition screening tools will overestimate malnutrition risk because they contain common criteria that do not change in response to malnutrition intervention. With consistent criteria, consistently applied, it is likely that the overall prevalence of malnutrition will change in some groups.malnutrition; nutrition assessment; adult malnutrition; geriatric malnutrition
Application of Raman spectroscopy for identification of rinneite (K3NaFeCl6) in inclusions in minerals
Authors: Grishina Svetlana , Koděra Peter , Goryainov Sergey , Oreshonkov Aleksandr , Seryotkin Yurii , Šimko František , Polozov Alexander G. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSolid daughter phases in fluid and salt melt inclusions in minerals provide important clues to characterization of mineral‐forming processes. The analysis of the fluid inclusions often requires the exposure of the daughter minerals. Rinneite (K3NaFeCl6), which is a hygroscopic mineral, decomposes in air and cannot thus be identified by conventional methods. A combined approach has been applied for investigation of synthetic and natural rinneite to acquire its diagnostic Raman spectrum for a nondestructive identification. We used natural rinneite inclusions in halite, suitable for applying a complex of methods, to clear up the reference spectrum. Improved high‐resolution X‐ray diffraction (XRD) data obtained from natural rinneite inclusion are comparable with that of previously published, with similar unit cell dimensions. Polarized Raman spectra of natural inclusions were obtained using different geometries and polarization of the incident and scattered light. Interpretation of experimental Raman spectra was performed within the framework of lattice dynamics simulations and group analysis. Individual spectral bands are interpreted in terms of Raman‐active vibrational modes of K3NaFeCl6 structural units. Raman spectrum of synthetic rinneite with main peaks at 75, 91, 103, 143, 167, 171, 187, and 239 cm−1 agrees well with the spectra of rinneite inclusions in halite from the Nepa potash deposit and rinneite daughter minerals in salt melt inclusions hosted by quartz veinlets from the porphyry gold systems in the Central Slovakia Volcanic Field. This provides a firm basis for any future identification of this mineral worldwide, using nondestructive Raman spectroscopy.
Application of near infra‐red spectroscopy as an instantaneous and simultaneous prediction tool for anthocyanins and sugar in whole fresh raspberry
Authors: Gales Oliver , Rodemann Thomas , Jones Joanna , Swarts Nigel 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe determination of fresh whole raspberry quality is a laborious and expensive process for commercial producers and researchers. Quantitative results for raspberry quality parameters are currently determined using a range of chemical tests within a commercial laboratory. The present work is the first calibration and validation of near infra‐red spectroscopy (NIRS) for instantaneous and simultaneous of prediction of raspberry quality parameters. The importance and applicability of the findings of this research underscore its need and importance for both producers and researchers.RESULTSNear infra‐red quantification models were developed to predict the level of soluble solid concentration (SSC) and anthocyanins present in whole fresh raspberries. Results highlighted a promising application for the prediction of anthocyanins (R2cv = 0.77) and SSC (R2cv = 0.77). The anthocyanin model had an root mean square error (RMSE) of 12.57 mg/L whilst SSC had 0.76 °Brix.CONCLUSIONBoth NIR models combined with new portable NIR devices provide unprecedented opportunity for the application of instantaneous and simultaneous quality parameter prediction for commercial raspberry producers and researchers. The numerous benefits NIR has brought to other horticultural industries are now closer for the raspberry industry with this proof of concept. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Strategies for care of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor or soft tissue sarcoma during COVID‐19 pandemic: A guide for surgical oncologists
Authors: Callegaro Dario , Raut Chandrajit P , Keung Emily Z , Kim Teresa , Le Pechoux Cecile , Martin‐Broto Javier , Gronchi Alessandro , Swallow Carol , Gladdy Rebecca 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic is deeply impacting the accessibility of cancer patients to surgery. In resource‐limited conditions, the standard of care might not be deliverable, but evidence to support alternative management strategies often exists. By revisiting available treatment options, this review provides surgical oncologists with an evidence‐based framework for treating patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor, extremity/truncal soft tissue sarcoma, and retroperitoneal sarcoma to rapidly adapt their decision‐making to the constant evolution of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Autophagy and metabolism
Authors: Lin Pei‐Wen , Chu Man‐Ling , Liu Hsiao‐Sheng 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMetabolism consists of diverse life‐sustaining chemical reactions in living organisms. Autophagy is a highly conservative process that responds to various internal and external stresses. Both processes utilize surrounding resources to provide energy and nutrients for the cell. Autophagy progression may proceed to the degradative or secretory pathway determined by Rab family proteins. The former is a degradative and lysosome‐dependent catabolic process that produces energy and provides nutrients for the synthesis of essential proteins. The degradative pathway also balances the energy source of the cell and regulates tissue homeostasis. The latter is a newly discovered pathway in which the autophagosome is fused with the plasma membrane. Secretory autophagy participates in diverse functions and diseases ranging from the spread of viral particles to cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Aberrant metabolism in the body causes various metabolic syndromes. This review explores the relationships among autophagy, metabolism, and related diseases.
Pediatric Post‐Tonsillectomy Opioid Prescribing Practices
Authors: Agamawi Yusuf M. , Cass Lauren M. , Mouzourakis Maggie , Pannu Jaibir S. , Brinkmeier Jennifer V. 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of discharge order sets on prescribing patterns of opioids after pediatric tonsillectomy. Secondary outcomes included encounters for postoperative pain, dehydration, and bleeding.MethodsRetrospective chart review of pre‐ and post‐intervention in pediatric post‐tonsillectomy patients, 0–18 years old (n = 1486). Order sets were installed with age‐specific analgesic medication defaults and recommendation of concurrent alternating scheduled ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Time‐balanced pre‐ and post‐intervention cohorts were established. Opioid outcomes calculated in morphine milligram equivalents per kilogram (MME/kg) per dosage and total prescribed.ResultsDischarge order set intervention resulted in 17% reduction of opioid dose prescribed (0.095 MME/kg [95% CI, 0.092–0.099] vs. 0.079 [95% CI, 0.076–0.083], P < .001). Total number of opioid doses prescribed was reduced after order set implementation (46.4 [95% CI, 43.6–49.1] to 20.3 [95% CI, 19.1–21.5], P < .001). Patients <7 years old prescribed opioids remained rare in pre‐ and post‐intervention groups (1.6% and 1.8%, respectively, P = .86). Admissions and emergency department visits for postoperative dehydration and pain were significantly reduced. Post‐intervention group showed an increase in readmissions for post‐tonsillectomy hemorrhage (9.2% vs. 5.2%, P = .003) which was isolated to an increase in the older post‐intervention group after stratification by age.ConclusionUtilization of order sets with standardized analgesic medication regimen of acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and opioid helped effectively reduce opioid amount per dose, total opioid amount dispensed, and variability in the total opioid amount dispensed while maintaining pain control. An increase in post‐tonsillectomy hemorrhage was recognized following this implementation which did not persist after the study period despite continuation of intervention.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:1386–1391, 2021
The fecal iron pump: Global impact of animals on the iron stoichiometry of marine sinking particles
Authors: Le Mézo Priscilla K. , Galbraith Eric D. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe impact of marine animals on the iron (Fe) cycle has mostly been considered in terms of their role in supplying dissolved Fe to phytoplankton at the ocean surface. However, little attention has been paid to how the transformation of ingested food into fecal matter by animals alters the relative Fe‐richness of particles, which could have consequences for Fe cycling in the water column and for the food quality of suspended and sinking particles. Here, we compile observations to show that the Fe to carbon (C) ratio (Fe:C) of fecal pellets of various marine animals is consistently enriched compared to their food, often by more than an order of magnitude. We explain this consistent enrichment by the low assimilation rates that have been measured for Fe in animals, together with the respiratory conversion of dietary organic C to excreted dissolved inorganic C. Furthermore, we calculate that this enrichment should cause animal fecal matter to constitute a major fraction of the global sinking flux of biogenic Fe, a component of the marine iron cycle that has been previously unappreciated. We also estimate that this fecal iron pump provides an important source of Fe to marine animals via coprophagy, particularly in the mesopelagic, given that fecal matter Fe:C can be many‐fold higher than the Fe:C of local phytoplankton. Our results imply that the fecal iron pump is important both for global Fe cycling and for the iron nutrition of pelagic and mesopelagic communities.
Comparison of transperineal ultrasound image guidance technique to transabdominal technique for prostate radiation therapy
Authors: Szegedi Martin , Boehm Christine , Paxton Adam , Rassiah‐Szegedi Prema , Sarkar Vikren , Zhao Hui , Su Frances , Kokeny Kristine E. , Lloyd Shane , Tward Jonathan , Salter Bill J. 
Published: October 2020

IntroductionUltrasound (US) guidance of the prostate has long been conducted using a transabdominal (TA) approach. More recently, a transperineal (TP) approach has been made available for image guidance. Our aim was to determine if both methods produced similar alignments within the same patients.Materials and methodsWe utilized two clinical US image guidance (IG) systems (Elekta Clarity and Best BAT). The B‐mode Acquisition and Targeting USIG system is a bi‐planar, so‐called 2.5D USIG system, that is acquired TA. Clarity is a 3D US system that generates a volumetric 3D US data set and US‐derived IG contours that are coregistered to the planning CT images. The probe is oriented in the sagittal plane against the perineum (TP). After positioning the patient for treatment using the TP USIG, we maintained the position defined by Clarity tracking and then acquired a TA‐based USIG. The two US‐based methods of localizing the prostate (TA vs TP) were compared via Bland–Altman (BA) statistical analysis to determine if there was alignment agreement between methods.ResultsThe BA test for all 101 patients, 2093 fractions resulted in 95% confidence intervals (upper and lower limits of the BA test) of 0.6 mm in LR, 0.9 mm in AP and 1.0 mm in SI. The bias between the two systems was calculated as 0.03, 0.02, and 0.03 mm in LR, AP, and SI.ConclusionsBoth systems resulted in statistically equivalent targeting positions for the prostate. Because of the unique intrafraction, real‐time motion tracking capability of the TP system, this solution represents a unique extension to the previously reported clinical benefits of a TA approach by providing assurance of the prostate remaining in the treatment field during beam‐on.
Evaluating the effect of prenatal interventions on maternal–foetal attachment: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Abasi Elieh , Keramat Afsaneh , Borghei Narjes Sadat , Goli Shahrbanoo , Farjamfar Maryam 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of prenatal interventions on maternal foetal attachment.DesignSystematic review and meta‐analysis.MethodsIn this study, a comprehensive review was performed to find articles published from January 2000 ‐ December 2019 in the form of randomized and non‐randomized clinical trials. To this end, online databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Proquest, Ovid, CINAHL and JAMA were searched. Duplicate articles were also excluded using Endnote X7 Reference. The results were then analysed via RevMan 5.3 software.ResultsThe results showed that foetal movement counting did not seem to be effective in increasing MFA by itself. But, this intervention alongside other attachment behaviours such as touching the belly and talking to foetus could enhance MFA. Therefore, the best interventions to improve MFA might be combined ones implemented in the form of counselling and training sessions.
The Laboratory at Hand: Plastic Sorting Made Easy
Authors: Schmidt Felix , Christiansen Nicole , Lovrincic Robert 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSorting plastics according to their chemical composition is a crucial step in the recycling process, turning mixed plastics waste into a high‐value resource. Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is an established method for plastics classification. Evolutionary progress in miniaturization of optical components has enabled the development of hand‐held spectrometers. Cloud‐based computing and centralized databases provide practically unlimited computing power for classification algorithms and enormous spectral databases. Here we discuss the basics of hand‐held NIRS and the essentials of the corresponding data analysis with a focus on plastics sorting.
Kinetic characterization and structure analysis of an altered polyol dehydrogenase with d‐lactate dehydrogenase activity
Authors: Chauliac Diane , Wang Qingzhao , St. John Franz J. , Jones Grace , Hurlbert Jason C. , Ingram Lonnie O. , Shanmugam Keelnatham T. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDuring adaptive metabolic evolution a native glycerol dehydrogenase (GDH) acquired a d‐lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. Two active‐site amino acid changes were detected in the altered protein. Biochemical studies along with comparative structure analysis using an X‐ray crystallographic structure model of the protein with the two different amino acids allowed prediction of pyruvate binding into the active site. We propose that the F245S alteration increased the capacity of the glycerol binding site and facilitated hydrogen bonding between the S245 γ‐O and the C1 carboxylate of pyruvate. To our knowledge, this is the first GDH to gain LDH activity due to an active site amino acid change, a desired result of in vivo enzyme evolution.
Neuropeptide Y nerve paracrine regulation of prostate cancer oncogenesis and therapy resistance
Authors: Ding Yi , Lee MinJae , Gao Yan , Bu Ping , Coarfa Christian , Miles Brian , Sreekumar Arun , Creighton Chad J. , Ayala Gustavo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundNerves are key factors in prostate cancer (PCa) progression. Here, we propose that neuropeptide Y (NPY) nerves are key regulators of cancer–nerve interaction.MethodsWe used in vitro models for NPY inhibition studies and subsequent metabolomics, apoptotic and migration assays, and nuclear transcription factor‐κB (NF‐κB) translocation studies. Human naïve and radiated PCa tissues were used for NPY nerve density biomarker studies. Tissues derived from a Botox denervation clinical trial were used to corroborate metabolomic changes in humans.ResultsCancer cells increase NPY positive nerves in vitro and in preneoplastic human tissues. NPY‐specific inhibition resulted in increased cancer apoptosis, decreased motility, and energetic metabolic pathway changes. A comparison of metabolomic response in NPY‐inhibited cells with the transcriptome response in human PCa patients treated with Botox showed shared 13 pathways, including the tricarboxylic acid cycle. We identified that NF‐κB is a potential NPY downstream mediator. Using in vitro models and tissues derived from a previous human chemical denervation study, we show that Botox specifically, but not exclusively, inhibits NPY in cancer. Quantification of NPY nerves is independently predictive of PCa‐specific death. Finally, NPY nerves might be involved in radiation therapy (RT) resistance, as radiation‐induced apoptosis is reduced when PCa cells are cocultured with dorsal root ganglia/nerves and NPY positive nerves are increased in prostates of patients that failed RT.ConclusionThese data suggest that targeting the NPY neural microenvironment may represent a therapeutic approach for the treatment of PCa and resistance through the regulation of multiple oncogenic mechanisms.
Observer‐based tracking control for constrained nonlinear systems with mismatching disturbances and its application
Authors: Min Huifang , Xu Shengyuan , Fei Shumin , Cui Guozeng , Tan Yushun 
Published: October 2020

SummaryIn this article, a novel output‐feedback control scheme is proposed for nonlinear systems involving unknown input saturation, control gain, and unmeasurable disturbances under the condition of an output constraint. First, a proper barrier Lyapunov function and an opportune backstepping are used to alleviate the control burdens caused by output constraint. Then, a novel auxiliary system is introduced with appropriate coordinate transformation, which can create extra freedoms to attenuate the effects brought by input saturation. As a remarkable feature, a composite observer with the estimate of unknown control gain is constructed on the basis of disturbance observer‐based control and state observer control. It can deal with the unmeasurable disturbances and states simultaneously. According to the proposed scheme, it is proven that all the signals in the closed‐loop system are uniformly ultimately bounded, and the tracking error is bounded by the design parameters and saturated input error without the violation of the output constraint. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control is verified by two simulation examples.
Path following of a class of underactuated mechanical systems via immersion and invariance‐based orbital stabilization
Authors: Yi Bowen , Ortega Romeo , Manchester Ian R. , Siguerdidjane Houria 
Published: October 2020

SummaryThis article aims to provide a new problem formulation of path following for mechanical systems without time parameterization nor guidance laws, namely, we express the control objective as an orbital stabilization problem. It is shown that it is possible to adapt the immersion and invariance technique to design static state‐feedback controllers that solve this problem. In particular, we select the target dynamics adopting the recently introduced Mexican sombrero energy assignment method. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method we apply it to control underactuated marine surface vessels.