bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gold Coast criteria expand clinical trial eligibility in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Jewett Gordon , Khayambashi Shahin , Frost Geoffrey S. , Beland Benjamin , Lee Angela , Hodgkinson Victoria , Korngut Lawrence , Chhibber Sameer 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIntroduction/AimsConsensus criteria to formalize the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and refine clinical trial populations have evolved. The recently proposed Gold Coast consensus criteria are intended to simplify use and increase sensitivity. We aimed to evaluate the potential impact of these criteria on clinical trial eligibility.MethodsWe performed a single‐center, retrospective study of people diagnosed with ALS between 2016 and 2021 to determine the numbers of those meeting Gold Coast, revised El Escorial (rEEC) criteria, and Awaji criteria. We identified the proportion of those who would have been eligible for participation in three major ALS clinical trials if Gold Coast were used in place of rEEC definite/probable criteria. (rEEC D/P).ResultsTwo hundred six people with ALS were included in our study. 48.5% met Gold Coast criteria but not rEEC D/P. Using the Gold Coast criteria would result in higher rates of clinical trial eligibility after other inclusion criteria were met: 95.2% vs 42.5% (P < .001) in a phase III study of riluzole; 100% vs 31.0% (P = .002) in a phase III study of edaravone; and 95.6% vs 45.3% (P < .001) in an ongoing phase III study of sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol. The sensitivity of the Gold Coast criteria (96.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 92.2%‐98.2%) was significantly higher than that of rEEC D/P (47.6%; 95% CI, 40.6%‐54.6%; for difference, χ2 = 117.6; P < .001).DiscussionUntil robust biomarkers are available to diagnose ALS, consensus diagnostic criteria remain necessary. Gold Coast criteria would expand research and clinical trial eligibility and improve external validity of clinical trial results.
On the complexity of the bilevel minimum spanning tree problem
Authors: Buchheim Christoph , Henke Dorothee , Hommelsheim Felix 
Published: June 2022

AbstractWe consider the bilevel minimum spanning tree (BMST) problem where the leader and the follower choose a spanning tree together, according to different objective functions. We show that this problem is NP‐hard, even in the special case where the follower only controls a matching. Moreover, we give some evidence that BMST might even remain hard in case the follower controls only few edges. On the positive side, we present a ‐approximation algorithm for BMST, where is the number of vertices. Moreover, we show that 2‐approximating BMST is fixed‐parameter tractable and that, in case of uniform costs on leader's edges, even solving BMST exactly is fixed‐parameter tractable. We finally consider bottleneck variants of BMST and settle the complexity landscape of all combinations of sum or bottleneck objective functions for the leader and follower, for the optimistic as well as the pessimistic setting.
Coherent atomic orbital polarization probes the geometric phase in photodissociation of polyatomic molecules
Authors: Weeraratna Chaya , Suits Arthur G. , Vasyutinskii Oleg S. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractQuantum interference between multiple pathways in molecular photodissociation often results in angular momentum polarization of atomic products and this can give deep insight into fundamental physical processes. For dissociation of diatomic molecules, the resulting orbital polarization is fully understood and consistent with quantum mechanical theory. For polyatomic molecules, however, coherent photofragment orbital polarization is frequently observed but so far has eluded theoretical explanation, and physical insight is lacking. Here, we present a model of these effects for ozone photodissociation that reveals the importance of a novel manifestation of the geometric phase. We show this geometric phase effect permits the existence of coherent polarization in cases where it would otherwise vanish, and cancels it in some cases where it might otherwise exist. The model accounts for measurements in ozone that have hitherto defied explanation, and represents a step toward a deeper understanding of coherent electronic excitation in polyatomic molecules and a new role of the geometric phase.Key Points
Coherent photofragment atomic orbital polarization reveals matter wave interference in dissociation along multiple paths.
In diatomic molecules, this is well‐understood, but in polyatomic molecules, large effects are seen but these have defied a rigorous explanation.
A model is developed describing these phenomena in the UV dissociation of ozone that accounts for a number of conflicting observations and reveals a new manifestation of the geometric phase in molecular physics.
Echolocation repetition rate as a proxy to monitor population structure and dynamics of sperm whales
Authors: Solsona‐Berga Alba , Posdaljian Natalie , Hildebrand John A. , Baumann‐Pickering Simone 
Published: June 2022

AbstractCharacterizing population structure and dynamics is critical for the conservation of endangered species. Monitoring sperm whales Physeter macrocephalus is especially difficult because it requires monitoring different latitudes to capture the dynamics of most populations. Since their remarkable sexual dimorphism in body size is reflected in their sounds, passive acoustic monitoring presents an opportunity to capture contiguous patterns in time, space, and over large scales. We show that the echolocation repetition rate (measured as inter‐click interval, ICI) as a proxy for body length is a suitable approach for large‐scale acoustic monitoring. Body length has previously been estimated from the time interval between pulses (IPI) within sperm whale echolocation clicks. These estimates can only be achieved when whales are oriented toward the recorder or directly facing away, resulting in sparse data. A representative subsample of data demonstrated that ICI and IPI are linearly correlated, allowing conversion of ICI distributions into likely body length categories. This approach was applied to three monitoring sites in the Gulf of Mexico (2010–2017), where sperm whale population structure and male movements were poorly understood. We identified three classes: large animals between 12–15 m (ICI between 0.72 and 1 sec), presumed to correspond to adult males, and small animals below 12 m (ICI between 0.44 and 0.64 sec) likely pertaining to social groups (mixed groups with adult females and their offspring), and the third class with mid‐sized animals (ICI between 0.64 and 0.83 sec) believed to contain adult females or sub‐adult males. Our results revealed spatial and seasonal variability of the population structure including possible male presence throughout the year and migratory patterns of the population. This approach provides a means to efficiently characterize the putative population structure of sperm whales to understand the population's geographical dynamics and population status, which is relevant under rapidly changing habitat conditions.
Toward evaluation of disseminated effects of medications for opioid use disorder within provider‐based clusters using routinely‐collected health data
Authors: Buchanan Ashley , Sun Tianyu , Wu Jing , Aroke Hilary , Bratberg Jeffrey , Rich Josiah , Kogut Stephen , Hogan Joseph 
Published: June 2022

AbstractRoutinely‐collected health data can be employed to emulate a target trial when randomized trial data are not available. Patients within provider‐based clusters likely exert and share influence on each other's treatment preferences and subsequent health outcomes and this is known as dissemination or spillover. Extending a framework to replicate an idealized two‐stage randomized trial using routinely‐collected health data, an evaluation of disseminated effects within provider‐based clusters is possible. In this article, we propose a novel application of causal inference methods for dissemination to retrospective cohort studies in administrative claims data and evaluate the impact of the normality of the random effects distribution for the cluster‐level propensity score on estimation of the causal parameters. An extensive simulation study was conducted to study the robustness of the methods under different distributions of the random effects. We applied these methods to evaluate baseline prescription for medications for opioid use disorder among a cohort of patients diagnosed with opioid use disorder and adjust for baseline confounders using information obtained from an administrative claims database. We discuss future research directions in this setting to better address unmeasured confounding in the presence of disseminated effects.
Surgical correction of left auricular aneurysm herniation through a pericardial defect in a dog with atrial fibrillation and mitral valve disease
Authors: Freire Mila , Conversy Bérénice , De Lasalle Julie , Fontaine Pascal , Rousseau‐Blass Frédérik , Pang Daniel S. J. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractPericardial defect is a rare condition, with risk of cardiac chamber strangulation or incarceration. Surgical correction is recommended when clinical signs are unmanageable and to decrease the risk of thromboemboli. A 15‐year‐old, 4.1‐kg, spayed female Shih Tzu dog presented to the hospital with a 6‐month history of weakness and syncope episodes. The dog had been diagnosed with degenerative mitral valve disease 9 years earlier. Thoracic radiographs, echocardiography and computed tomography indicated a left auricular herniation through a pericardial defect. Clinical signs were temporarily controlled with pimobendan, benazepril and clopidogrel, until the syncope episodes returned along with atrial fibrillation (unresponsive to oral digoxin). Surgical correction (auriculectomy and partial pericardiectomy) was performed via thoracotomy. Atrial fibrillation reverted to normal sinus rhythm following surgery and recovery was uneventful. The patient survived, arrhythmia‐free, for 25 months postoperatively. Syncope episodes never resolved.
Spontaneous haemoabdomen due to a ruptured primary splenic mast cell tumour in a dog
Authors: Alves‐Nores Victor , Naranjo Carolina , Fernández Yordan 
Published: June 2022

AbstractA 14‐year‐old, female, spayed warren hound presented with an acute history of collapse, pale mucous membranes and abdominal distension. Abdominal ultrasound and abdominocentesis revealed a haemoabdomen secondary to a ruptured splenic mass. The dog underwent an emergency splenectomy and splenic histopathology, including toluidine blue staining, was consistent with a mast cell tumour. The dog was diagnosed with a primary splenic mast cell tumour based on the absence of a primary mast cell tumour in another location at the time of presentation or in a review of the dog's medical record. Following surgery, staging identified hepatic infiltration, and adjuvant chemotherapy with vinblastine and prednisolone was started. The dog was euthanased 97 days after surgery due to progressive disease and recurrence of the haemoabdomen. Visceral mast cell tumours should be considered as an uncommon differential diagnosis in dogs presenting with haemoabdomen due to a ruptured splenic mass.
Intelligent design of polymersomes for antibacterial and anticancer applications
Authors: Wang Tao , Qin Jinlong , Cheng Jiajing , Li Chang , Du Jianzhong 
Published: June 2022

AbstractPolymersomes (or polymer vesicles) have attracted much attention for biomedical applications in recent years because their lumen can be used for drug delivery and their coronas and membrane can be modified with a variety of functional groups. Thus, polymersomes are very suitable for improved antibacterial and anticancer therapy. This review mainly highlighted recent advances in the synthetic protocols and design principles of intelligent antibacterial and anticancer polymersomes. Antibacterial polymersomes are divided into three categories: polymersomes as antibiotic nanocarriers, intrinsically antibacterial polymersomes, and antibacterial polymersomes with supplementary means including photothermal and photodynamic therapy. Similarly, the anticancer polymersomes are divided into two categories: polymersomes‐based delivery systems and anticancer polymersomes with supplementary means. In addition, the bilateral relationship between bacteria and cancer is addressed, since more and more evidences show that bacteria may cause cancer or promote cancer progression. Finally, prospective on next‐generation antibacterial and anticancer polymersomes are discussed.This article is categorized under:
Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease
Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Lipid‐Based Structures
Marsh bird response to restored shallow lakes: Implications for future management
Authors: Vanausdall Rachel A. , Harms Tyler M. , Dinsmore Stephen J. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe restoration of shallow lakes has the potential to provide habitat for obligate breeding marsh birds, including secretive marsh birds. However, the degree of marsh bird response to wetland restoration may vary over time as prairie wetlands are subject to variation in water depth and vegetation characteristics (e.g., height, density, distribution) because of management and biotic and abiotic factors. We investigated the effects of shallow lake restoration age and habitat covariates on the abundance of 3 secretive marsh bird species and marsh bird species richness at shallow lakes in northern Iowa from 2009–2010 and again from 2016–2017. We found that the interspersion of water and emergent vegetation, shallow lake area, and water depth influenced the abundance of pied‐billed grebes (Podilymbus podiceps). Restoration age (β = −0.52, 95% CI = −0.87, −0.18) had a quadratic effect on abundance of pied‐billed grebes, peaking at 6 years post‐restoration. Percent cattail (β = 1.95, 95% CI = 0.55, 3.35) and restoration age (β = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.14, 0.87) were important predictors for Virginia rail (Rallus limicola) abundance. Species richness was greater at restored shallow lakes ( = 2.72, 95% CI = 2.23, 3.23) compared to non‐restored shallow lakes ( = 3.91, 95% CI = 3.41, 4.56) and at shallow lakes with a greater percentage of cattail ( = 2.54, 95% CI = 2.13, 3.07 at 0% cattail to  = 4.27, 95% CI = 3.47, 5.15 at 100% cattail). Restoration age did not significantly influence least bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) abundance or species richness, but both variables tended to peak between 5 to 8 years after restoration. Our findings illustrate the need to evaluate habitat characteristics of individual shallow lake restorations as they age to inform continued management efforts for breeding marsh birds.
Use of cellular‐linked cameras to monitor live‐trapping of wildlife
Authors: Keiter David A. , Stoddart Tiffany R. , Jackson DeWaine H. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractMaintaining a restrained animal's safety is imperative when live‐trapping wildlife for research or management purposes. Trap monitor systems, which allow remote checking of traps, can reduce the amount of time animals are restrained and lower the risk of negative health effects. Although a number of trap monitor systems have been developed, no prior study has evaluated the use of commercially‐available, cellular network‐linked cameras (hereafter, cellular cameras) for remote trap monitoring. We used cellular cameras to monitor Columbian black‐tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) capture efforts in southern Oregon, USA, to determine whether they acted as an effective trap monitor system. Using cellular cameras, we monitored 40 live‐traps in 12 locations for 523 camera‐days in 2020. We estimated a >7 hr reduction in response time to captured deer when monitoring live‐traps via cellular cameras as compared to daily, visual trap checks. Additionally, we noted occasional camera failures caused by drained batteries, inconsistent cellular signal, and photo‐processing issues and provide recommendations for avoiding or remediating these problems. Data gathered from cellular cameras also helped inform other animal welfare considerations and guide refinement of trapping efforts. We provide discussion of the benefits and limitations of cellular cameras as a trap monitor system. Overall, we suggest that cellular cameras are a promising tool for monitoring live‐trapping efforts and improving trapping programs but require a robust failsafe mechanism be in place to guarantee animal safety.
Toward an Agile Product Management: What Do Product Managers Do in Agile Companies?
Authors: Tkalich Anastasiia , Ulfsnes Rasmus , Moe Nils Brede 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe product manager (PM) role is well established in leading technological companies, such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Facebook. PMs are responsible for integrating technical, design, and business perspectives when developing software products and product portfolios. In agile methods (e.g., Scrum), similar responsibilities are linked to the Product Owner (PO) role. In contrast, in large-scale agile, one can find both Product Owners and product managers who sometimes compete. Despite the widespread adoption of the product manager role, the attention toward it in the agile academic community has been surprisingly limited. In this multiple case study, we analyzed 17 interviews with 11 product managers from four agile companies. We found that the PMs facilitated continuous product experimentation and innovation, supported the product teams, and engaged in additional activities to achieve optimal product development. Our summary of the product management activities can guide product managers working in agile companies.
Agile Data Management in NAV: A Case Study
Authors: Vestues Kathrine , Hanssen Geir Kjetil , Mikalsen Marius , Buan Thor Aleksander , Conboy Kieran 
Published: June 2022

AbstractTo satisfy the need for analytical data in the development of digital services, many organizations use data warehouse, and, more recently, data lake architectures. These architectures have traditionally been accompanied by centralized organizational models, where a single team or department has been responsible for gathering, transforming, and giving access to analytical data. However, such centralized models presuppose stability and are incompatible with agile software development where applications and databases are continuously updated. To achieve more agile forms of data management, some organizations have therefore begun to experiment with distributed data management models such as “data meshes”. Research on this topic is however limited. In this paper, we report findings from a case study of a public sector organization in Norway that has begun the transition from centralized to distributed data management, outlining both the benefits and challenges of a distributed approach.
Building a Toolbox for Working with Psychological Safety in Agile Software Teams
Authors: Christensen Mikkel Agerlin , Tell Paolo 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThis paper presents the design of eight tools for working with psychological safety in agile software teams, which were designed in collaboration with industry practitioners using design science. The tools were adopted over a two-week period by four Danish industry software teams and evaluated through team interviews and surveys. Results show that the designed tools can be successfully adopted and integrated in the practices of a software team. Participating teams found the tool format valuable, as it allowed them (i) to engage in discussions they were not always capable of having, (ii) to find the right shared vocabulary to frame these discussions, and (iii) to provide them with needed prompts to let such discussion surface. Finally, teams unanimously reported interest in the continued use of the designed tools.
Multi-stakeholder Approach to Conserving Agricultural Biodiversity and Enhancing Food Security and Community Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Kampong Cham, Cambodia
Authors: Sakkhamduang Jeeranuch , Arimitsu Mari , Mihara Machito 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAgricultural biodiversity plays a vital role in enhancing food security and human health. Sustainable agriculture practices that conserve soil and water can result in good environmental and human health. In view of this, a project on capacity-building for sustainable agricultural practices targeting extension officers was implemented between September 2017 and February 2021 in Kampong Cham Province, Cambodia, by the Institute of Environmental Rehabilitation and Conservation (ERECON), Japan. The project involved government agencies, educational institutes, NGOs, and farmers, and employed a multi-stakeholder approach to promote sustainable farming practices among local farmers and enable conditions for the sale of agricultural products with low chemical inputs, especially in a province where agrochemical application is prevalent. A questionnaire survey, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and observations from farmers were used for programme monitoring. Farmers reported that soil quality was improved after applying compost, and more beneficial insects were found after integrated pest management techniques were applied. The amount of agrochemicals applied to farmlands decreased compared to usage before the project start, implying that the project was successful in promoting sustainable agriculture in the province. During the COVID-19 pandemic, communities in the project areas are struggling to cope with food and health insecurity. The intervention has helped communities become more resilient during this hard time. After 3 years, many of the approximate 1500 farmers involved in the project are applying organic fertilisers and enhancing agricultural biodiversity in their farmlands. This case is a grassroots-level activity, but the concept of multi-stakeholder activities for agricultural biodiversity conservation can be replicated in other areas of Cambodia for achieving the sustainable development goals.