bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Upper limb position affects pain‐free grip strength in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy
Authors: Cooke Nikki , Obst Steven , Vicenzino Bill , Hodges Paul W. , Heales Luke J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground and PurposePain‐free grip (PFG) force is commonly used to monitor treatment outcomes in lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET); however, it is unclear whether changes in forearm and elbow position affect PFG force values. This study aims to examine the effect of elbow/shoulder and forearm position on non‐normalised and normalised PFG force in individuals with unilateral LET.MethodsA cohort study including 21 subjects with clinically diagnosed unilateral LET (13 females, mean [SD] age 50 [8] years) performed PFG force (symptomatic arm) and maximal grip (asymptomatic arm) tasks using four upper limb positions: (1) shoulder neutral, elbow flexed (90°), forearm pronated; (2) shoulder neutral, elbow flexed (90°), forearm neutral; (3) shoulder flexed (90°), elbow extended, forearm pronated; and (4) shoulder flexed (90°), elbow extended, forearm neutral. PFG force was normalised to the maximal grip of the asymptomatic side. Repeated‐measures analyses of variance were used to compare non‐normalised and PFG force normalised to maximal grip between positions.ResultsBoth non‐normalised and normalised PFG forces were greater in position 2 than position 1, position 3 and position 4 (elbow‐by‐forearm interaction non‐normalised p = 0.002, normalised p = 0.004). There were no differences between positions 1, 3 and 4 for either non‐normalised or normalised PFG strength.DiscussionThis study shows that PFG force was higher when performed with forearm neutral supination/pronation, elbow flexion and shoulder neutral than other tested positions, and irrespective of whether PFG force was normalised to the maximal grip force of the contralateral limb. This indicates that arm position should be standardised for comparison.
New slow release mixture of (E)‐β‐farnesene with methyl salicylate to enhance aphid biocontrol efficacy in wheat ecosystem
Authors: Liu Jiahui , Zhao Xiaojing , Zhan Yidi , Wang Kang , Francis Frederic , Liu Yong 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSemiochemical use is a promising way to reduce damage from pests by improving natural control in agro‐ecosystems. The aphid alarm pheromone (E)‐β‐farnesene (EβF) and herbivore‐induced methyl salicylate (MeSA) are two volatile cues to induce changes in aphid behavior with functional significance. Because of limitations related to the volatility and oxidization of EβF and MeSA under natural conditions, slow‐release and antioxidant techniques should be developed and optimized before application. Here, a slow‐release alginate bead of EβF mixed with MeSA was first designed and manufactured. We hypothesized that a mixture of these two semiochemicals could be effective in controlling Sitobion miscanthi in wheat crops. Both MeSA and EβF in alginate beads were released stably and continuously for at least 15 days in the laboratory, whereas EβF in paraffin oil and pure MeSA were released for only 2 and 7 days, respectively. In 2018 field experiments, EβF and MeSA alone or in association significantly decreased the abundance of alate and apterous aphids. An increased abundance of mummified aphids enhanced by higher parasitism rates was observed when using EβF and MeSA in association, with a significant reduction of apterous abundance, more so than EβF or MeSA alone. In 2019, plots treated with a mixture of EβF and MeSA showed significantly decreased abundance of alate and apterous aphids with higher parasitism rates compared with the control. The new slow‐release alginate bead containing a mixture of EβF with MeSA could be the most efficient formulation to control S. miscanthi population by attracting parasitoids in the wheat agro‐ecosystem. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Therapeutic effect of prolonged testosterone pretreatment in women with poor ovarian response: A randomized control trial
Authors: Hoang Quoc Huy , Ho Hung Sy , Do Huong Thuy , Nguyen Tien Viet , Nguyen Hong Phuong , Le Minh Tam 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPurposeThis study compared the therapeutic effects of transdermal testosterone gel (TTG) application at 4 and 6 weeks before controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) in women with poor ovarian response (POR).MethodsIn this randomized control trial, infertile women with POR who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) were recruited and randomly classified into 4 week (n = 42) and 6 week (n = 38) TTG treatment groups and control group (n = 42). The primary outcome was total number of retrieved mature oocytes. The secondary outcomes were the biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and ongoing pregnancy rate.ResultsNo significant differences were observed in the number of oocytes retrieved, mature oocytes and embryos between all groups. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) positive, clinical, and ongoing pregnancy rates were significantly higher in the TTG pretreatment groups than in the control group but no differences were observed between the 4‐ and 6 week groups.ConclusionsApplying TTG in infertile women with POR may ameliorate the outcomes of IVF. The extended application of TTG to 6 weeks did not improve the response to ovarian stimulation regarding the number of retrieved oocytes nor pregnancy outcomes compared to the 4 week pretreatment.
Application of infinite line source and cylindrical‐perfect‐conductors theories to heat pulse measurements with large sensors
Authors: Peng Wei , Lu Yili , Ren Tusheng , Horton Robert 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe infinite line source (ILS) theory for soil thermal property determination with heat pulse (HP) sensors is simple and widely‐used, but ignores the finite probe radius (r) and heat capacity (Cp). The cylindrical‐perfect‐conductors (CPC) theory, which accounts for r and Cp by using the identical‐cylindrical‐perfect‐conductors (ICPC) or the dissimilar‐cylindrical‐perfect‐conductors (DCPC) approaches, can be applied to estimate soil thermal property values with improved accuracy. In this study, the ILS and CPC theories were evaluated, and the finite r and Cp effects were quantified using numerical simulations and laboratory measurements with a large HP sensor of dissimilar probes. The errors due to finite probe properties were saturation dependent: Dry soils had a 14% reduction in the maximum temperature rise of the HP signal, while only slight temperature differences occurred in wet sandy soils. The finite probe effects were minor on ICPC‐ and DCPC‐thermal property values with relative errors generally less than 5%, but the absolute values of relative errors for dry soils were greater than 6%. Errors caused by ignoring the finite probe effects changed linearly with the ratio of soil heat capacity (C) versus C of the heating and sensing probes. The dissimilar probe r had negligible effect on HP signals and thermal property estimates with the specific sensor used in this study. The effects of finite probe size and properties should be considered in HP sensor design. The CPC theory is recommended for estimating soil thermal properties with large HP sensors.
Antecedents and outcomes of daily anticipated stress and stress forecasting errors
Authors: Wang Yi‐Ren , Black Kristen Jennings , Martin Alexandra 
Published: March 2021

AbstractStressors can have negative effects on well‐being, but little is known about how an individual's inability to precisely forecast upcoming stress could be a risk factor for well‐being. Antecedents and outcomes of two stress forecasting variables, anticipated stress level and underestimation errors in stress forecasting (operationalized by the residual change scores obtained by regressing the evening experienced stress on the morning anticipated stress), were investigated. In a daily diary study of 110 undergraduate students over a workweek, poor sleep quality and negative affect reported in the morning predicted a higher anticipated stress of the upcoming day. Poor sleep quality was found to be related to less underestimation errors (i.e., more overestimation). Mispredicting the daily stress level was found to predict greater health complaints and negative affect by the end of the day. Those high on trait resilience were found to make fewer underestimation errors on average. Worse emotional outcomes were associated with underestimation errors during stress forecasting than with overestimation errors. This study demonstrates that examining an individual's experience in forecasting upcoming stressors is an important area for future research in determining points of intervention to promote adaptive management of daily demands.
The emergence of problem structuring methods, 1950s–1989: An atlas of the journal literature
Authors: Georgiou Ion , Heck Joaquim 
Published: March 2021

AbstractResearchers need maps to effectively navigate increasingly voluminous literatures. This is no less the case in the field of problem structuring methods (PSMs). This paper offers an atlas of the journal literature of the theoretical development of, what are currently acknowledged to be, the four main PSMs up to their consolidation in 1989. A thorough contextual appreciation of the structure and dynamics of this literature sets the stage for addressing some of its specific aspects, for which an atlas is especially effective as an orientation device. Substantiated suggestions for exploratory excursions, as well as potential pitfalls, are accentuated, the overall aim being to provide researchers with navigational support that may assist their research objectives. Based on evidence uncovered from the atlas, a number of issues current in the PSM field are discussed, including the use of the collective descriptor ‘family’, the extent to which PSMs find their origins, and belong, in the wider field of operational research and the identification of sources that have hitherto received little or no acknowledgment but which merit attention as precursors and promising contributors to PSM research. The paper is accompanied by an electronic supplement containing the basic data of the atlas from which additional maps may be designed and constructed.
Enhancing mixed methods pragmatism with systems theory: Perspectives from educational research
Authors: Christensen Jacob Høgaard 
Published: March 2021

AbstractParadigmatic frameworks are central to philosophical and theoretical discussions of mixed methods research. This article argues that in mixed methods research, systems theory provides a paradigmatic stance that in some cases may be regarded as more suitable than other prominent paradigmatic stances, such as pragmatism. This article develops this argument by discussing the key terms within a distinguished understanding of pragmatism, from which a systems‐theoretical alternative to mixed methods educational research is derived, comprising three main themes: (a) second‐order observation as an alternative to abductive reasoning, (b) the distinction between system and environment as an alternative to intersubjectivity and (c) structural coupling as an alternative to the transferability of mixed methods research results. Throughout this article, the main arguments are elaborated with perspectives from educational research.
Understanding science career aspirations: Factors predicting future science task value
Authors: Jones M. Gail , Chesnutt Katherine , Ennes Megan , Mulvey Kelly Lynn , Cayton Emily 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study examined factors that have been shown to predict middle school students' (grades 6–8) task values (utility value related to engaging with science in the future). Using structural equation modeling students' (N = 1015) responses to a career aspiration survey were analyzed to determine relationships among the factors. The model of best fit showed that factors related to science capital (Exposure to STEM Practitioners, STEM Experiences, and Tool Access) are key in shaping both students' Science Achievement Value and their Perceptions of Family Task Achievement Value. Further, both Science Achievement Value and Perceptions of Family Science Achievement Value have a direct positive effect on youth Future Science Task Value. These findings document important ways in which youth access and exposure to science experiences, tools, and to scientists lay the groundwork for science motivation and ultimately to valuing future science tasks.
Quantum corrections in 4d N = 1 infinite distance limits and the weak gravity conjecture
Authors: Klaewer Daniel , Lee Seung-Joo , Weigand Timo , Wiesner Max 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
We study quantum corrections in four-dimensional theories with N = 1 supersymmetry in the context of Quantum Gravity Conjectures. According to the Emergent String Conjecture, infinite distance limits in quantum gravity either lead to decompactification of the theory or result in a weakly coupled string theory. We verify this conjecture in the framework of N = 1 supersymmetric F-theory compactifications to four dimensions including perturbative α′ as well as non-perturbative corrections. After proving uniqueness of the emergent critical string at the classical level, we show that quantum corrections obstruct precisely those limits in which the scale of the emergent critical string would lie parametrically below the Kaluza-Klein scale. Limits in which the tension of the asymptotically tensionless string sits at the Kaluza-Klein scale, by contrast, are not obstructed.In the second part of the paper we study the effect of quantum corrections for the Weak Gravity Conjecture away from the strict weak coupling limit. We propose that gauge threshold corrections and mass renormalisation effects modify the super-extremality bound in four dimensions. For the infinite distance limits in F-theory the classical super-extremality bound is generically satisfied by a sublattice of states in the tower of excitations of an emergent heterotic string. By matching the F-theory α′-corrections to gauge threshold corrections of the dual heterotic theory we predict how the masses of this tower must be renormalised in order for the Weak Gravity Conjecture to hold at the quantum level.
Effect of flash glucose monitoring in adults with type 1 diabetes: a nationwide, longitudinal observational study of 14,372 flash users compared with 7691 glucose sensor naive controls
Authors: Nathanson David , Svensson Ann-Marie , Miftaraj Mervete , Franzén Stefan , Bolinder Jan , Eeg-Olofsson Katarina 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Aims/hypothesis
The aim of this work was to evaluate changes in glycaemic control (HbA1c) and rates of severe hypoglycaemia over a 2 year period after initiation of flash glucose monitoring (FM) in type 1 diabetes.

Methods
Using data from the Swedish National Diabetes Registry, 14,372 adults with type 1 diabetes with a new registration of FM during 2016–2017 and with continued FM for two consecutive years thereafter, and 7691 control individuals using conventional self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) during the same observation period, were included in a cohort study. Propensity sores and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) were used to balance FM users with SMBG users. Changes in HbA1c and events of severe hypoglycaemia were compared.

Results
After the start of FM, the difference in IPTW change in HbA1c was slightly greater in FM users compared with the control group during the follow-up period, with an estimated mean absolute difference of −1.2 mmol/mol (−0.11%) (95% CI −1.64 [−0.15], −0.75 [−0.07]; p < 0.0001) after 15–24 months. The change in HbA1c was greatest in those with baseline HbA1c ≥70 mmol/mol (8.5%), with the estimated mean absolute difference being −2.5 mmol/mol (−0.23%) (95% CI −3.84 [−0.35], −1.18 [−0.11]; p = 0.0002) 15–24 months post index. The change was also significant in the subgroups with initial HbA1c ≤52 mmol/mol (6.9%) and 53–69 mmol/mol (7.0–8.5%). Risk of severe hypoglycaemic episodes was reduced by 21% for FM users compared with control individuals using SMBG (OR 0.79 [95% CI 0.69, 0.91]; p = 0.0014)].

Conclusions/interpretation
In this large cohort, the use of FM was associated with a small and sustained improvement in HbA1c, most evident in those with higher baseline HbA1c levels. In addition, FM users experienced lower rates of severe hypoglycaemic events compared with control individuals using SMBG for self-management of glucose control.

Graphical abstract
An investigation of the anisotropic properties of heat-treated maraging steel grade 300 processed by laser powder bed fusion
Authors: Hovig Even W. , Azar Amin S. , Solberg Klas , Sørby Knut 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn order to explore the possibilities enabled by laser beam powder bed fusion of metals (PBF-LB/M), reliable material models are necessary to optimize designs with respect to weight and stiffness. Due to the unique processing conditions in PBF-LB/M, materials often develop a dominating microstructure that leads to anisotropic mechanical properties, and thus isotropic material models fail to account for the orientation-dependent mechanical properties. To investigate the anisotropy of 18Ni300 maraging steel, tensile specimens were built in seven different orientations. The specimens were heat treated at two different conditions and tested for their tensile properties using digital image correlation (DIC) technique. The microstructure and fracture surfaces are investigated with scanning electron microscope and electron backscatter diffraction. The tensile properties are typical for the material, with a yield strength in the range of 1850 MPa to 1950 MPa, and ultimate tensile strength in the range of 1900 MPa to 2000 MPa. The elastic modulus is 180 GPa, and the elongation at fracture is in the range of 2–6% for all specimens. The strain fields analysed with DIC reveals anisotropic straining in both the elastic and plastic parts of the flow curve for both direct ageing and solution treatment plus ageing specimens. In the former condition, the elastic anisotropy is dictated by the fraction of melt pool boundaries on the transverse surfaces of the specimens. When the material is solution treated prior to ageing, the melt pool boundary effect was supressed.
Variation in herbivore grazing behavior across Caribbean reef sites
Authors: Wilson Margaret W. , Gaines Steven D. , Stier Adrian C. , Halpern Benjamin S. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHerbivorous fish can increase coral growth and survival by grazing down algal competitors. With coral reefs in global decline, maintaining adequate herbivory has become a primary goal for many managers. However, herbivore biomass targets assume grazing behavior is consistent across different reef systems, even though relatively few have been studied. We document grazing behavior of two scarid species in Antigua, Barbuda, and Bonaire. Our analyses show significant differences in intraspecific feeding rates, time spent grazing, and intensity of grazing across sites, which may alter the ecological impact of a given scarid population. We suggest several hypothesized mechanisms for these behavioral variations that would benefit from explicit testing in future research. As managers set targets to enhance herbivory on reefs, it is critical that we understand potential differences in scarid grazing impact. Our findings demonstrate the variability of grazing behavior across different reef sites and call for further investigation of the drivers and ecological implications of these inconsistencies.
[18F]FDG PET radiomics to predict disease-free survival in cervical cancer: a multi-scanner/center study with external validation
Authors: Ferreira Marta , Lovinfosse Pierre , Hermesse Johanne , Decuypere Marjolein , Rousseau Caroline , Lucia François , Schick Ulrike , Reinhold Caroline , Robin Philippe , Hatt Mathieu , Visvikis Dimitris , Bernard Claire , Leijenaar Ralph T. H. , Kridelka Frédéric , Lambin Philippe , Meyer Patrick E. , Hustinx Roland 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To test the performances of native and tumour to liver ratio (TLR) radiomic features extracted from pre-treatment 2-[18F] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ([18F]FDG) PET/CT and combined with machine learning (ML) for predicting cancer recurrence in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC).

Methods
One hundred fifty-eight patients with LACC from multiple centers were retrospectively included in the study. Tumours were segmented using the Fuzzy Local Adaptive Bayesian (FLAB) algorithm. Radiomic features were extracted from the tumours and from regions drawn over the normal liver. Cox proportional hazard model was used to test statistical significance of clinical and radiomic features. Fivefold cross validation was used to tune the number of features. Seven different feature selection methods and four classifiers were tested. The models with the selected features were trained using bootstrapping and tested in data from each scanner independently. Reproducibility of radiomics features, clinical data added value and effect of ComBat-based harmonisation were evaluated across scanners.

Results
After a median follow-up of 23 months, 29% of the patients recurred. No individual radiomic or clinical features were significantly associated with cancer recurrence. The best model was obtained using 10 TLR features combined with clinical information. The area under the curve (AUC), F1-score, precision and recall were respectively 0.78 (0.67–0.88), 0.49 (0.25–0.67), 0.42 (0.25–0.60) and 0.63 (0.20–0.80). ComBat did not improve the predictive performance of the best models. Both the TLR and the native models performance varied across scanners used in the test set.

Conclusion
[18F]FDG PET radiomic features combined with ML add relevant information to the standard clinical parameters in terms of LACC patient’s outcome but remain subject to variability across PET/CT devices.
Clinical outcome of patients with metastatic melanoma of unknown primary in the era of novel therapy
Authors: Verver Danielle , Grünhagen Dirk J. , van Akkooi Alexander C. J. , Aarts Maureen J. B. , van den Berkmortel Franchette W. P. J. , van den Eertwegh Alfonsus J. M. , de Groot Jan Willem B. , Boers-Sonderen Marye J. , Haanen John B. A. G. , Hospers Geke A. P. , Kapiteijn Ellen , Piersma Djura , van Rijn Rozemarijn S. , Suijkerbuijk Karijn P. M. , Tije Albert J.ten , Vreugdenhil Gerard , Verhoef Cornelis , van der Veldt Astrid A. M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMelanoma of unknown primary (MUP) is considered different from melanoma of known primary (MKP), and it is unclear whether these patients benefit equally from novel therapies. In the current study, characteristics and overall survival (OS) of patients with advanced and metastatic MUP and MKP were compared in the era of novel therapy. Patients were selected from the prospective nation-wide Dutch Melanoma Treatment Registry (DMTR). The following criteria were applied: diagnosis of stage IIIc unresectable or IV cutaneous MKP (cMKP) or MUP between July 2012 and July 2017 and treatment with immune checkpoint inhibition and/or targeted therapy. OS was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. The stratified multivariable Cox regression model was used for adjusted analysis. A total of 2706 patients were eligible including 2321 (85.8%) patients with cMKP and 385 (14.2%) with MUP. In comparative analysis, MUP patients more often presented with advanced and metastatic disease at primary diagnosis with poorer performance status, higher LDH, and central nervous system metastases. In crude analysis, median OS of cMKP or MUP patients was 12 months (interquartile range [IQR] 5 – 44) and 14 months (IQR 5 – not reached), respectively (P = 0.278). In adjusted analysis, OS in MUP patients was superior (hazard rate 0.70, 95% confidence interval 0.58–0.85; P < 0.001). As compared to patients with advanced and metastatic cMKP, MUP patients have superior survival in adjusted analysis, but usually present with poorer prognostic characteristics. In crude analysis, OS was comparable indicating that patients with MUP benefit at least equally from treatment with novel therapies.