bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lean Six Sigma Methodologies to Reduce the Cardiac Troponin Turnaround Time in the Core Laboratory
Authors: Vasani Niketa M , Patel Biren D , Stanford Brian J 
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT

Objective
Measurement of cardiac biomarker troponin T plays a vital role in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction. A quick turnaround time (TAT) for cardiac troponin T is crucial in managing patients in the emergency department and critical care unit. The goal of the study was to implement Lean Six Sigma methods to improve stat troponin T TAT compliance rate (the time specimen received in the laboratory to the reporting of results through the laboratory information system [LIS]) from 86% to 95% in an 8-month period.

Methods
We conducted a quality and process improvement project to reduce stat troponin T TAT in the core laboratory. We used a 5-stage Six Sigma methodology to simplify the laboratory work process and decrease the TAT by eliminating non-value-added steps. Data from April 2021 (baseline) and January 2022 (improved) are included in the analysis.

Results
In the core laboratory, we improved the TAT for the preanalytical and analytical process by eliminating the batch processing and prioritizing the stat samples. We improved the TAT for the postanalytical process by replacing manual result verification with auto result verification via an LIS. Improved stat troponin T TAT compliance rate has the potential to enhance the overall quality of patient care, especially in the emergency and critical care departments.

Conclusion
Using Lean Six Sigma methodologies in the core laboratory, we successfully improved the stat troponin T TAT compliance rate from 86% to 95% in an 8-month period.
Crossmodal Basing
Authors: Jenkin Zoe 
Published: August 2022

AbstractWhat kinds of mental states can be based on epistemic reasons? The standard answer is only beliefs. I argue that perceptual states can also be based on reasons, as the result of crossmodal interactions. A perceptual state from one modality can provide a reason on which an experience in another modality is based. My argument identifies key markers of the basing relation and locates them in the crossmodal Marimba Illusion (Schutz & Kubovy 2009). The subject’s auditory experience of musical tone duration is based on the reason provided by her visual representation of the length of the musician’s gesture and other stored perceptual principles.
Propagating Alfvén waves in open structures with random structuring
Authors: Pascoe D J , De Moortel I , Pagano P , Howson T A 
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT
We consider the behaviour of Alfvén waves propagating in a medium with random density perturbations. The imposed density perturbations have a broad-band spectrum and their characteristic spatial scale may be defined according to the peak in the spectrum. The interaction of the boundary driven Alfvén waves with the medium generates reflections most efficiently when their wavelength is comparable to the spatial scale of the density perturbations. For our monotonic driver, this leads to the generation of quasi-periodic oscillations. The periods of oscillation of the propagating Alfvén waves is no longer only associated with the driver. Additional periodicities may be associated with one or more characteristic spatial scales in the density profile, or with beating between other spectral components. Multiple wave reflections cause oscillatory power to be retained at low altitudes, increasing opportunities to contribute to heating at those locations.
Galaxy formation in the Santa Cruz semi-analytic model compared with IllustrisTNG – I. Galaxy scaling relations, dispersions, and residuals at z = 0
Authors: Gabrielpillai Austen , Somerville Rachel S , Genel Shy , Rodriguez-Gomez Vicente , Pandya Viraj , Yung L Y Aaron , Hernquist Lars 
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT
We present the first results from applying the Santa Cruz semi-analytic model (SAM) for galaxy formation on merger trees extracted from a dark matter only version of the IllustrisTNG (TNG) simulations. We carry out a statistical comparison between the predictions of the Santa Cruz SAM and TNG for a subset of central galaxy properties at z = 0 with a focus on stellar mass, cold and hot gas mass, star formation rate (SFR), and black hole (BH) mass. We find fairly good agreement between the mean predictions of the two methods for stellar mass functions and the stellar mass versus halo mass (SMHM) relation, and qualitatively good agreement between the SFR or cold gas mass versus stellar mass relation and quenched fraction as a function of stellar mass There are greater differences between the predictions for hot (circumgalactic) gas mass and BH mass as a function of halo mass. Going beyond the mean relations, we also compare the dispersion in the predicted scaling relations, and the correlation in residuals on a halo-by-halo basis between halo mass and galaxy property scaling relations. Intriguingly, we find similar correlations between residuals in SMHM in the SAM and in TNG, suggesting that these relations may be shaped by similar physical processes. Other scaling relations do not show significant correlations in the residuals, indicating that the physics implementations in the SAM and TNG are significantly different.
Neurophenomenal structuralism. A philosophical agenda for a structuralist neuroscience of consciousness
Authors: Lyre Holger 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe program of “neurophenomenal structuralism” is presented as an agenda for a genuine structuralist neuroscience of consciousness that seeks to understand specific phenomenal experiences as strictly relational affairs. The paper covers a broad range of topics. It starts from considerations about neural change detection and relational coding that motivate a solution of the Newman problem of the brain in terms of spatiotemporal relations. Next, phenomenal quality spaces and their Q-structures are discussed. Neurophenomenal structuralism proclaims a homomorphic mapping of the structures of self-organized neural maps in the brain onto Q-structures, and it will be demonstrated how this leads to a new and special version of structural representationalism about phenomenal content. A methodological implication of neurophenomenal structuralism is that it proposes measurement procedures that focus on the relationships between different stimuli (as, for instance, similarity ratings or representational geometry methods). Finally, it will be shown that neurophenomenal structuralism also has strong philosophical implications, as it leads to holism about phenomenal experiences and serves to reject inverted qualia scenarios.
Malignancies in adult kidney transplant candidates and recipients: current status
Authors: Serkies Krystyna , Dębska-Ślizień Alicja , Kowalczyk Anna , Lizakowski Sławomir , Małyszko Jolanta 
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT
Posttransplant malignancies, particularly recurrent and de novo, in solid organs including kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) are a significant complication associated with substantial mortality, largely attributed to the long-term immunosuppression necessary to maintain allograft tolerance. Older age at transplantation and oncogenic virus infection along with pretransplant malignancies are among the main factors contributing to the risk of cancer in this population. As the mean age of transplant candidates rises, the rate of transplant recipients with pretransplant malignancies also increases. The eligibility criteria for transplantation in patients with prior cancer have recently changed. The overall risk of posttransplant malignancies is at least double after transplantation, including KTRs, relative to the general population, and is most pronounced for skin cancers associated with UV radiation and virally mediated tumors. The risk of renal cell carcinoma is specifically increased in the kidney transplant population. The therapy for cancer in transplant patients is associated with risk of higher toxicity, and graft rejection and/or impairment, which poses a unique challenge in its management. Reduction of immunosuppression and the use of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors are common after cancer diagnosis, although optimal immunosuppression for transplant recipients with cancer remains undefined. Suboptimal cancer treatment contributing to a worse prognosis has been reported for malignancies in this population. In this article, we focus on the prevalence and outcomes of posttransplant malignancies, cancer therapy including a short overview of immunotherapy, cancer screening and prevention strategies, and immunosuppression as a cancer risk factor. The 2020/2021 recommendations of the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes and the American Society of Transplantation for transplant candidates with a history of cancer are presented.
Recycled Crustal Components of the Iceland Plume Centre: Ultra-Dehydrated Crust and Oxidised Water-Bearing Fertile Mantle
Authors: Holm Paul Martin , Berthoty Patrik , Søager Nina 
Published: August 2022

AbstractPrimitive basalts erupted mainly above the proposed centre of the Iceland plume have been analysed geochemically. The data shed light on the distribution of plume heterogeneities and constrain their nature and origin. Low-Ca (down to 1420 ppm) olivine macrocrysts and chromite inclusions in Snæfell rocks of the eastern flank zone indicate that the magmas were hydrous (c. 2 wt% H2O) and relatively oxidised (fO2 = c. ΔQMF+1). Al-in-olivine crystallisation temperatures indicate that magmas from central Iceland magmas are not hotter than from other parts of Iceland. Some Gæsafjöll rocks with high Nb/U = 110–120 from the northern rift zone (NRZ) represent magmas widespread in Iceland that are also characterised by low Ba/La and high La/U, La/Th, Nb/Th and Ce/Pb. They reflect a mantle component with Nb/U ≈ 200 present in many basalts of all rift zones. This mantle apparently consists of peridotite refertilised by ultra-dehydrated recycled oceanic crust (ROC). This component is in clear contrast to the main source of the Snæfell magmas, which is modelled to be peridotite strongly refertilised by enriched ROC more hydrous than Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalt. In contrast to more-depleted rift zone melts, which are extracted from depths just below the thin rifted lithosphere, some rift zone basalts are extracted deeper and produced by intermediate degrees of melting of the two types of refertilised mantle. Snæfell-type melts are common in the NRZ and eastern rift zones (ERZ) and most strongly present at Upptyppingar. Mixing of magmas is indicated at crustal levels. Mantle melting may be modelled for homogeneous sources of peridotite or olivine websterite. Double-spike Pb isotope analyses suggest that the depleted mantle sources of the ERZ basalts together with Snæfell and high-Nb/U sources, both with 206Pb/204Pb = 18.3–18.6, Δ207Pb ≈ 0 and Δ208Pb = 20–30, explain both ERZ and NRZ magmas, except for Theistareykir. They are distinct from magmas of the western rift zone, which is characterised by melt contributions from a differently enriched mantle with more radiogenic lead, negative Δ207Pb, Δ208Pb ≈ 0. This difference in type of enriched mantle suggests that the Iceland mantle plume is laterally zoned.
The reproducibility of COVID-19 data analysis: paradoxes, pitfalls, and future challenges
Authors: Serio Clelia Di , Malgaroli Antonio , Ferrari Paolo , Kenett Ron S 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
In the midst of the COVID-19 experience, we learned an important scientific lesson: knowledge acquisition and information quality in medicine depends more on “data quality” rather than “data quantity.” The large number of COVID-19 reports, published in a very short time, demonstrated that the most advanced statistical and computational tools cannot properly overcome the poor quality of acquired data. The main evidence for this observation comes from the poor reproducibility of results. Indeed, understanding the data generation process is fundamental when investigating scientific questions such as prevalence, immunity, transmissibility, and susceptibility. Most of COVID-19 studies are case reports based on “non probability” sampling and do not adhere to the general principles of controlled experimental designs. Such collected data suffers from many limitations when used to derive clinical conclusions. These include confounding factors, measurement errors and bias selection effects. Each of these elements represents a source of uncertainty, which is often ignored or assumed to provide an unbiased random contribution. Inference retrieved from large data in medicine is also affected by data protection policies that, while protecting patients’ privacy, are likely to reduce consistently usefulness of big data in achieving fundamental goals such as effective and efficient data-integration. This limits the degree of generalizability of scientific studies and leads to paradoxical and conflicting conclusions. We provide such examples from assessing the role of risks factors. In conclusion, new paradigms and new designs schemes are needed in order to reach inferential conclusions that are meaningful and informative when dealing with data collected during emergencies like COVID-19.
4E-BP1 counteracts human mesenchymal stem cell senescence via maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis
Authors: He Yifang , Ji Qianzhao , Wu Zeming , Cai Yusheng , Yin Jian , Zhang Yiyuan , Zhang Sheng , Liu Xiaoqian , Zhang Weiqi , Liu Guang-Hui , Wang Si , Song Moshi , Qu Jing 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Although the mTOR-4E-BP1 signaling pathway is implicated in aging and aging-related disorders, the role of 4E-BP1 in regulating human stem cell homeostasis remains largely unknown. Here, we report that the expression of 4E-BP1 decreases along with the senescence of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Genetic inactivation of 4E-BP1 in hMSCs compromises mitochondrial respiration, increases mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and accelerates cellular senescence. Mechanistically, the absence of 4E-BP1 destabilizes proteins in mitochondrial respiration complexes, especially several key subunits of the complex III including UQCRC2. Ectopic expression of 4E-BP1 attenuates mitochondrial abnormalities and alleviates cellular senescence in 4E-BP1-deficient hMSCs as well as in physiologically aged hMSCs. These findings together demonstrate that 4E-BP1 functions as a geroprotector to mitigate human stem cell senescence and maintain mitochondrial homeostasis, particularly for the mitochondrial respiration complex III, thus providing a new potential target to counteract human stem cell senescence.
CZECH RADIOGRAPHERS’ PERCEPTION OF ETHICAL ASPECTS OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION
Authors: Zölzer Friedo , Lotterová Zuzana , Skalická Zuzana Freitinger 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
This study assessed the perception of ethics by 40 radiographers and 30 radiography students in the Czech Republic. Most respondents confirmed that they considered the topic to be important for their profession. The majority of radiographers, but only few students, had encountered some ethical dilemma during their work. Almost all were aware of the existence of a Code of Ethics for radiographers, and the majority had at least some ethics education during their professional training. Our findings differ from those of similar surveys in the USA published in 2013 and 2015. In these, two-thirds of the respondents stated that they had not received any instruction in ethics during their training, and one-third indicated that they had witnessed unethical behaviour in their profession. We conclude that the ethics education of Czech radiographers makes them more aware of ethical problems when they encounter them.
RADIATION DAMAGE TO DNA PLASMIDS IN THE PRESENCE OF BOROCAPTATES
Authors: Jamborová Zuzana , Pachnerová Brabcová Kateřina , Jelínek Michaelidesová Anna , Zahradníček Oldřich , Danilová Irina , Ukraintsev Egor , Kundrát Pavel , Štěpán Václav , Davídková Marie 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Boron derivatives have great potential in cancer diagnostics and treatment. Borocaptates are used in boron neutron capture therapy and potentially in proton boron fusion therapy. This work examines modulation effects of two borocaptate compounds on radiation-induced DNA damage. Aqueous solutions of pBR322 plasmid containing increasing concentrations of borocaptates were irradiated with 60Co gamma rays or 30 MeV protons. Induction of single and double DNA strand breaks was investigated using agarose gel electrophoresis. In this model system, representing DNA without the intervention of cellular repair mechanisms, the boron derivatives acted as antioxidants. Clinically relevant boron concentrations of 40 ppm reduced the DNA single strand breakage seven-fold. Possible mechanisms of the observed effect are discussed.
PRECAUTION IN THE USE OF EFFECTIVE DOSE IN CORONARY CT ANGIOGRAPHY
Authors: Bárdyová Zuzana , Horváthová Martina , Gomola Igor , Neuschl Vladimír , Šimková Jana 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The effective dose is a quantity used in clinical practice for statistical evaluation of the radiation dose of patients undergoing different types of examinations. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a specific examination whose calculated effective dose may be subject to several biases. For this reason, it is important to consider factors (different examination techniques, heart rate and patient habitus) that may influence its resulting value. Another critical factor is the methodological procedure for calculating the effective dose and cardiac-specific coefficient used to estimate effective dose from the dose-length product in computed tomography. Because CCTA is increasingly used in cardiology, it is recommended that the chest coefficient be replaced with a new cardiac coefficient when calculating the effective dose.
CURRENT TRENDS OF RADIATION PROTECTION EQUIPMENT IN INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY
Authors: Budošová Darina , Horváthová Martina , Bárdyová Zuzana , Balázs Tibor 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Interventional radiology represents subspecialty of radiology, which does not use imaging modalities only for diagnostics, but mostly for therapeutic purposes. Realisation of interventional procedures is done through X-rays, which replaces direct visual control done by interventional radiologist or cardiologist. For the targeted reduction of the radiation exposure, the interventional radiology staff use personal protective equipment. Usually, aprons with lead-equivalent are used, which provide protection for 75% of the radiosensitive organs. As the eye lens and thyroid gland belong to the radiosensitive organs, lead eyeglasses and thyroid collar are commonly used for their protection. Cap and gloves with lead-equivalent can be utilised as an additional personal protective equipment, that is commercially available. Innovative protection systems, such as mobile radiation protection cabin and suspended radiation protection, have been designed to ensure better radiation protection and safety. These systems provide the comfort for the interventional radiologists at work, while offering better protection against ionising radiation.
MODELING THE SPATIAL RESOLUTION AND FLIGHT ALTITUDE DEPENDENCE OF THE RESPONSE IN RADIOMETRIC MONITORING USING UAV
Authors: Klusoň Jaroslav 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The result interpretation of a terrain airborne radiometric monitoring depends, among others, on the spatial resolution of the measurement (i.e. the area from which the value of the measured quantity is averaged) and on the altitude dependence of the response of the measuring device. For the needs of monitoring using unmanned aerial vehicles, the approximate values of these parameters were determined by stochastic calculations for selected model conditions. Calculations were of natural background components (K, U and Th) and the surface contamination with radionuclides emitting energies was in the range of 0.3–3 MeV. The dependence on the source radius was modeled in the range of 2–450 m and flight altitude dependence was modeled in the range of 1–30 m. The modeled dependencies are used to refine the interpretation of experimental data, or to optimize the planning of monitoring the flight routes, according to specified monitoring objectives.
DETERMINATION OF URANIUM AND THORIUM SURFACE DISTRIBUTION IN GEOLOGICAL SAMPLES: COMPARISON OF TABLETOP MACRO AND MICRO-XRF SCANNING
Authors: Trojek Tomáš , Trojková Darina , Mikysek Petr 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
This paper describes the identification and quantification of uranium, thorium and other chemical elements in a low-grade uranium ore, using macro and micro-X-ray fluorescence scanning. The result of such scanning is their surface distribution determined in flat samples. The basic parameters of both setups are described. The investigation was focused mainly on the improvement of the lateral resolution in the laboratory tabletop macro-XRF and its comparison with micro-XRF scanning. A standard reference material NIST 610 was used as a homogeneous reference silicate material of a known composition. The measurements have demonstrated how the macro-XRF with a quite wide X-ray beam can be competitive with the micro-XRF scanning. The capabilities of both devices were established, utilizing measurements of selected uranium-bearing sediments samples, from the Břevniště deposit in the Czech Republic.
COMPARISON OF OSL AND TL DOSEMETERS WITH DATA COLLECTED AT THE MT25 CYCLIC ELECTRON ACCELERATOR
Authors: Cimmino Anna , Ambrožová Iva , Motta Silvia , Versaci Roberto , Olšovcová Veronika , Chvátil David , Olšanský Václav , Truneček Roman , Velyhan Andriy , Stránský Vojtěch , Šolc Jaroslav 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The Microtron MT25 is a cyclic electron accelerator with a Kapitza resonator, maximum beam energy of 25 MeV, standard repetition frequency of 423 Hz, pulse length of 3.5 μs and mean current of 30 μA. Studies at conventional particle accelerators allow to understand the response of dosemeters in known and controllable radiation fields. Subsequently, it is possible to develop models and predict their behavior in complex radiation fields, such as those generated at laser and FLASH facilities. Therefore, response of thermally and optically stimulated luminescence detectors outside of the beam was studied at the Microtron MT25. The detectors were placed on a Plexiglas phantom inside a lead and iron bunker to shield-off background radiation. In addition, GAFChromic™ films and track detectors were used. Two irradiations were performed: with and without an 8-cm thick polyethylene moderator. This paper presents a comparison of the responses of the different detection systems.
RESPONSE OF PLASTIC TRACK DETECTOR OF THE TASTRAK TYPE TO NEUTRONS OF PU–BE SOURCE
Authors: Vrban Branislav , Lüley Jakub , Čerba Štefan , Nečas Vladimír 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The solid-state nuclear track detectors are widely used in a variety of nuclear physics experiments and radiation protection. The paper presents the first results of the newly acquired TASLImage™ neutron dosimetry system at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava. A comparison of experimental and calculated responses of a TASTRAK plastic nuclear track detector to neutron spectrum of Pu–Be source is presented. The ambient dose equivalents determined by the TASLImage™ system are compared with the ones measured by the NuDET-ENE neutron detector based on the use of ZnS(Ag) scintillator covered with a thin film of 6LiF thermal neutron converter accommodated inside the HDPE moderator. The first results are concluded, and further research needs are identified.