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Petrova NL, Whittam A, MacDonald A, Ainarkar S, Donaldson AN, Bevans J, Allen J, Plassmann P, Kluwe B, Ring F, Rogers L, Simpson R, Machin G, Edmonds ME. Reliability of a novel thermal imaging system for temperature assessment of healthy feet. J Foot Ankle Res 2018; 11:22. [PMID: 29854007 PMCID: PMC5975531 DOI: 10.1186/s13047-018-0266-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thermal imaging is a useful modality for identifying preulcerative lesions (“hot spots”) in diabetic foot patients. Despite its recognised potential, at present, there is no readily available instrument for routine podiatric assessment of patients at risk. To address this need, a novel thermal imaging system was recently developed. This paper reports the reliability of this device for temperature assessment of healthy feet. Methods Plantar skin foot temperatures were measured with the novel thermal imaging device (Diabetic Foot Ulcer Prevention System (DFUPS), constructed by Photometrix Imaging Ltd) and also with a hand-held infrared spot thermometer (Thermofocus® 01500A3, Tecnimed, Italy) after 20 min of barefoot resting with legs supported and extended in 105 subjects (52 males and 53 females; age range 18 to 69 years) as part of a multicentre clinical trial. The temperature differences between the right and left foot at five regions of interest (ROIs), including 1st and 4th toes, 1st, 3rd and 5th metatarsal heads were calculated. The intra-instrument agreement (three repeated measures) and the inter-instrument agreement (hand-held thermometer and thermal imaging device) were quantified using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) and the 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Both devices showed almost perfect agreement in replication by instrument. The intra-instrument ICCs for the thermal imaging device at all five ROIs ranged from 0.95 to 0.97 and the intra-instrument ICCs for the hand-held-thermometer ranged from 0.94 to 0.97. There was substantial to perfect inter-instrument agreement between the hand-held thermometer and the thermal imaging device and the ICCs at all five ROIs ranged between 0.94 and 0.97. Conclusions This study reports the performance of a novel thermal imaging device in the assessment of foot temperatures in healthy volunteers in comparison with a hand-held infrared thermometer. The newly developed thermal imaging device showed very good agreement in repeated temperature assessments at defined ROIs as well as substantial to perfect agreement in temperature assessment with the hand-held infrared thermometer. In addition to the reported non-inferior performance in temperature assessment, the thermal imaging device holds the potential to provide an instantaneous thermal image of all sites of the feet (plantar, dorsal, lateral and medial views). Trial registration Diabetic Foot Ulcer Prevention System NCT02317835, registered December 10, 2014
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Pilkington SM, Crowhurst R, Hilario E, Nardozza S, Fraser L, Peng Y, Gunaseelan K, Simpson R, Tahir J, Deroles SC, Templeton K, Luo Z, Davy M, Cheng C, McNeilage M, Scaglione D, Liu Y, Zhang Q, Datson P, De Silva N, Gardiner SE, Bassett H, Chagné D, McCallum J, Dzierzon H, Deng C, Wang YY, Barron L, Manako K, Bowen J, Foster TM, Erridge ZA, Tiffin H, Waite CN, Davies KM, Grierson EP, Laing WA, Kirk R, Chen X, Wood M, Montefiori M, Brummell DA, Schwinn KE, Catanach A, Fullerton C, Li D, Meiyalaghan S, Nieuwenhuizen N, Read N, Prakash R, Hunter D, Zhang H, McKenzie M, Knäbel M, Harris A, Allan AC, Gleave A, Chen A, Janssen BJ, Plunkett B, Ampomah-Dwamena C, Voogd C, Leif D, Lafferty D, Souleyre EJF, Varkonyi-Gasic E, Gambi F, Hanley J, Yao JL, Cheung J, David KM, Warren B, Marsh K, Snowden KC, Lin-Wang K, Brian L, Martinez-Sanchez M, Wang M, Ileperuma N, Macnee N, Campin R, McAtee P, Drummond RSM, Espley RV, Ireland HS, Wu R, Atkinson RG, Karunairetnam S, Bulley S, Chunkath S, Hanley Z, Storey R, Thrimawithana AH, Thomson S, David C, Testolin R, Huang H, Hellens RP, Schaffer RJ. A manually annotated Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis (kiwifruit) genome highlights the challenges associated with draft genomes and gene prediction in plants. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:257. [PMID: 29661190 PMCID: PMC5902842 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4656-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Most published genome sequences are drafts, and most are dominated by computational gene prediction. Draft genomes typically incorporate considerable sequence data that are not assigned to chromosomes, and predicted genes without quality confidence measures. The current Actinidia chinensis (kiwifruit) ‘Hongyang’ draft genome has 164 Mb of sequences unassigned to pseudo-chromosomes, and omissions have been identified in the gene models. Results A second genome of an A. chinensis (genotype Red5) was fully sequenced. This new sequence resulted in a 554.0 Mb assembly with all but 6 Mb assigned to pseudo-chromosomes. Pseudo-chromosomal comparisons showed a considerable number of translocation events have occurred following a whole genome duplication (WGD) event some consistent with centromeric Robertsonian-like translocations. RNA sequencing data from 12 tissues and ab initio analysis informed a genome-wide manual annotation, using the WebApollo tool. In total, 33,044 gene loci represented by 33,123 isoforms were identified, named and tagged for quality of evidential support. Of these 3114 (9.4%) were identical to a protein within ‘Hongyang’ The Kiwifruit Information Resource (KIR v2). Some proportion of the differences will be varietal polymorphisms. However, as most computationally predicted Red5 models required manual re-annotation this proportion is expected to be small. The quality of the new gene models was tested by fully sequencing 550 cloned ‘Hort16A’ cDNAs and comparing with the predicted protein models for Red5 and both the original ‘Hongyang’ assembly and the revised annotation from KIR v2. Only 48.9% and 63.5% of the cDNAs had a match with 90% identity or better to the original and revised ‘Hongyang’ annotation, respectively, compared with 90.9% to the Red5 models. Conclusions Our study highlights the need to take a cautious approach to draft genomes and computationally predicted genes. Our use of the manual annotation tool WebApollo facilitated manual checking and correction of gene models enabling improvement of computational prediction. This utility was especially relevant for certain types of gene families such as the EXPANSIN like genes. Finally, this high quality gene set will supply the kiwifruit and general plant community with a new tool for genomics and other comparative analysis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-4656-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Humphry RC, Wright G, Rich WJ, Simpson R. Acute Proptosis and Blindness in a Patient with Orbital Phycomycosis. J R Soc Med 2018; 82:304-5. [PMID: 2754689 PMCID: PMC1292144 DOI: 10.1177/014107688908200523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Jani BD, Simpson R, Lawrence M, Simpson S, Mercer SW. Acceptability of mindfulness from the perspective of stroke survivors and caregivers: a qualitative study. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2018; 4:57. [PMID: 29497560 PMCID: PMC5827989 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-018-0244-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Depression is very common among stroke survivors with estimated prevalence rates of approximately 33% among stroke survivors, but treatment options are limited. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an effective treatment for depression generally, but benefits in stroke patients are unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of delivering MBSR to stroke survivors and their caregivers in the community. We conducted a study to gain views of MBSR as a potential treatment option among stroke survivors and their caregivers in the community. Methods Participants were recruited from an urban community in Scotland (UK) using newspaper adverts, social media and support groups run by health charities. A 2-h MBSR taster session was delivered by two experienced mindfulness instructors, followed by focus group sessions with all participants on their user experience and suggestions for MBSR modifications for stroke survivors. The focus group sessions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcript data were analysed thematically using the framework approach. Results The study sample consisted of 28 participants (16 females); there were 21 stroke survivors (11 females) and 7 caregivers (5 females). The median age for participants was 60 years.Most participants described the MBSR taster session as a positive experience. The main challenge reported was trying to maintain focus and concentration throughout the MBSR session. Some participants expressed reservations about the duration of standard mindfulness course sessions, suggesting a preference for shorter sessions. The potential for achieving better control over negative thoughts and emotions was viewed as a potential facilitator for future MBSR participation. Participants suggested having an orientation session prior to starting an 8-week course as a means of developing familiarity with the MBSR instructor and other participants. Conclusion It was feasible to recruit 21 stroke survivors and 7 caregivers for MBSR taster sessions in the community. A shorter MBSR session and an orientation session prior to the full course are suggestions for potential MBSR modifications for stroke survivors, which needs further research and evaluation.
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Simpson S, Mercer S, Simpson R, Lawrence M, Wyke S. Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Young Offenders: a Scoping Review. Mindfulness (N Y) 2018; 9:1330-1343. [PMID: 30294385 PMCID: PMC6153893 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-018-0892-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Youth offending is a problem worldwide. Young people in the criminal justice system have frequently experienced adverse childhood circumstances, mental health problems, difficulties regulating emotions and poor quality of life. Mindfulness-based interventions can help people manage problems resulting from these experiences, but their usefulness for youth offending populations is not clear. This review evaluated existing evidence for mindfulness-based interventions among such populations. To be included, each study used an intervention with at least one of the three core components of mindfulness-based stress reduction (breath awareness, body awareness, mindful movement) that was delivered to young people in prison or community rehabilitation programs. No restrictions were placed on methods used. Thirteen studies were included: three randomized controlled trials, one controlled trial, three pre-post study designs, three mixed-methods approaches and three qualitative studies. Pooled numbers (n = 842) comprised 99% males aged between 14 and 23. Interventions varied so it was not possible to identify an optimal approach in terms of content, dose or intensity. Studies found some improvement in various measures of mental health, self-regulation, problematic behaviour, substance use, quality of life and criminal propensity. In those studies measuring mindfulness, changes did not reach statistical significance. Qualitative studies reported participants feeling less stressed, better able to concentrate, manage emotions and behaviour, improved social skills and that the interventions were acceptable. Generally low study quality limits the generalizability of these findings. Greater clarity on intervention components and robust mixed-methods evaluation would improve clarity of reporting and better guide future youth offending prevention programs.
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Kanapathy M, Simpson R, Madden L, Thrasivoulou C, Mosahebi A, Becker DL, Richards T. Upregulation of epidermal gap junctional proteins in patients with venous disease. Br J Surg 2017; 105:59-67. [DOI: 10.1002/bjs.10653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Leg ulceration is a feared complication of venous insufficiency. It is not known whether varicose veins predispose skin to poor wound healing. The expression pattern of gap junctional protein connexin, a known marker of poor wound healing, was investigated across various stages of venous disease.
Methods
Patients undergoing intervention for varicose veins were assessed according to the Clinical Etiologic Anatomic Pathophysiologic (CEAP) classification of varicose veins. Paired 4-mm punch biopsies were taken from above the ankle (pathological) and above the knee (control). Tissues were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, and for connexin 43, connexin 30 and connexin 26.
Results
Forty-eight paired biopsies were taken (12 each for CEAP class C0, C2, C4 and C6). The pathological skin showed progressive epithelial hyperthickening, an increase in the number and depth of rete ridges, increased inflammation and loss of dermal architecture with disease progression from C4 onwards. The overall absolute connexin expression and mean connexin expression per cell in the pathological skin similarly increased across the CEAP classes from as early as C2. Increasing levels of connexin in control skin were also noted, indicating progression of the disease proximally. Connexin 43 expression showed the strongest positive correlation between pathological and control skin.
Conclusion
Connexins were overexpressed in patients with simple varicose veins, with a stepwise increased expression through venous eczema to ulceration. Connexin 43 is a potential biomarker for venous disease. This finding suggests that varicose veins predispose skin to poor wound healing. Surgical relevanceThe overexpression of connexins, a family of gap junctional proteins, is known to cause poor healing in venous leg ulceration. It is not known whether there is any association with superficial venous disease. Here, connexin proteins were overexpressed in patients with uncomplicated varicose veins, before histological skin changes. Connexin could be a biomarker of venous disease progression.
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Galaz P, Valdenegro M, Ramírez C, Nuñez H, Almonacid S, Simpson R. Effect of drum drying temperature on drying kinetic and polyphenol contents in pomegranate peel. J FOOD ENG 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Simpson R, Mair FS, Mercer SW. Mindfulness-based stress reduction for people with multiple sclerosis - a feasibility randomised controlled trial. BMC Neurol 2017; 17:94. [PMID: 28511703 PMCID: PMC5434553 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-017-0880-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a stressful condition. Mental health comorbidity is common. Stress can increase the risk of depression, reduce quality of life (QOL), and possibly exacerbate disease activity in MS. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) may help, but has been little studied in MS, particularly among more disabled individuals. Methods The objective of this study was to test the feasibility and likely effectiveness of a standard MBSR course for people with MS. Participant eligibility included: age > 18, any type of MS, an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) </= 7.0. Participants received either MBSR or wait-list control. Outcome measures were collected at baseline, post-intervention, and three-months later. Primary outcomes were perceived stress and QOL. Secondary outcomes were common MS symptoms, mindfulness, and self-compassion. Results Fifty participants were recruited and randomised (25 per group). Trial retention and outcome measure completion rates were 90% at post-intervention, and 88% at 3 months. Sixty percent of participants completed the course. Immediately post-MBSR, perceived stress improved with a large effect size (ES 0.93; p < 0.01), compared to very small beneficial effects on QOL (ES 0.17; p = 0.48). Depression (ES 1.35; p < 0.05), positive affect (ES 0.87; p = 0.13), anxiety (ES 0.85; p = 0.05), and self-compassion (ES 0.80; p < 0.01) also improved with large effect sizes. At three-months post-MBSR (study endpoint) improvements in perceived stress were diminished to a small effect size (ES 0.26; p = 0.39), were negligible for QOL (ES 0.08; p = 0.71), but were large for mindfulness (ES 1.13; p < 0.001), positive affect (ES 0.90; p = 0.54), self-compassion (ES 0.83; p < 0.05), anxiety (ES 0.82; p = 0.15), and prospective memory (ES 0.81; p < 0.05). Conclusions Recruitment, retention, and data collection demonstrate that a RCT of MBSR is feasible for people with MS. Trends towards improved outcomes suggest that a larger definitive RCT may be warranted. However, optimisation changes may be required to render more stable the beneficial treatment effects on stress and depression. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02136485; trial registered 1st May 2014. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12883-017-0880-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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McLean G, Lawrence M, Simpson R, Mercer SW. Mindfulness-based stress reduction in Parkinson's disease: a systematic review. BMC Neurol 2017; 17:92. [PMID: 28506263 PMCID: PMC5433018 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-017-0876-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) is increasingly being used to improve outcomes such as stress and depression in a range of long-term conditions (LTCs). While systematic reviews on MBSR have taken place for a number of conditions there remains limited information on its impact on individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS Medline, Central, Embase, Amed, CINAHAL were searched in March 2016. These databases were searched using a combination of MeSH subject headings where available and keywords in the title and abstracts. We also searched the reference lists of related reviews. Study quality was assessed based on questions from the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. RESULTS Two interventions and three papers with a total of 66 participants were included. The interventions were undertaken in Belgium (n = 27) and the USA (n = 39). One study reported significantly increased grey matter density (GMD) in the brains of the MBSR group compared to the usual care group. Significant improvements were reported in one study for a number of outcomes including PD outcomes, depression, mindfulness, and quality of life indicators. Only one intervention was of reasonable quality and both interventions failed to control for potential confounders in the analysis. Adverse events and reasons for drop-outs were not reported. There was also no reporting on the costs/benefits of the intervention or how they affected health service utilisation. CONCLUSION This systematic review found limited and inconclusive evidence of the effectiveness of MBSR for PD patients. Both of the included interventions claimed positive effects for PD patients but significant outcomes were often contradicted by other results. Further trials with larger sample sizes, control groups and longer follow-ups are needed before the evidence for MBSR in PD can be conclusively judged.
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Ramírez C, Astorga V, Nuñez H, Jaques A, Simpson R. Anomalous diffusion based on fractional calculus approach applied to drying analysis of apple slices: The effects of relative humidity and temperature. J FOOD PROCESS ENG 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/jfpe.12549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Wood K, Lawrence M, Jani B, Simpson R, Mercer SW. Mindfulness-based interventions in epilepsy: a systematic review. BMC Neurol 2017; 17:52. [PMID: 28320349 PMCID: PMC5360054 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-017-0832-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mindfulness based interventions (MBIs) are increasingly used to help patients cope with physical and mental long-term conditions (LTCs). Epilepsy is associated with a range of mental and physical comorbidities that have a detrimental effect on quality of life (QOL), but it is not clear whether MBIs can help. We systematically reviewed the literature to determine the effectiveness of MBIs in people with epilepsy. METHODS Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, CINAHL, Allied and Complimentary Medicine Database, and PsychInfo were searched in March 2016. These databases were searched using a combination of subject headings where available and keywords in the title and abstracts. We also searched the reference lists of related reviews. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. RESULTS Three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 231 participants were included. The interventions were tested in the USA (n = 171) and China (Hong Kong) (n = 60). Significant improvements were reported in depression symptoms, quality of life, anxiety, and depression knowledge and skills. Two of the included studies were assessed as being at unclear/high risk of bias - with randomisation and allocation procedures, as well as adverse events and reasons for drop-outs poorly reported. There was no reporting on intervention costs/benefits or how they affected health service utilisation. CONCLUSION This systematic review found limited evidence for the effectiveness of MBIs in epilepsy, however preliminary evidence suggests it may lead to some improvement in anxiety, depression and quality of life. Further trials with larger sample sizes, active control groups and longer follow-ups are needed before the evidence for MBIs in epilepsy can be conclusively determined.
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Machin G, Whittam A, Ainarkar S, Allen J, Bevans J, Edmonds M, Kluwe B, Macdonald A, Petrova N, Plassmann P, Ring F, Rogers L, Simpson R. A medical thermal imaging device for the prevention of diabetic foot ulceration. Physiol Meas 2017; 38:420-430. [DOI: 10.1088/1361-6579/aa56b1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Towey C, Easton C, Simpson R, Pedlar C. Conventional and novel body temperature measurement during rest and exercise induced hyperthermia. J Therm Biol 2017; 63:124-130. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2016.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Cornejo I, Cornejo G, Ramírez C, Almonacid S, Simpson R. Inverse method for the simultaneous estimation of the thermophysical properties of foods at freezing temperatures. J FOOD ENG 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Simpson R, Cutler TE, Danly CR, Espy MA, Goglio JH, Hunter JF, Madden AC, Mayo DR, Merrill FE, Nelson RO, Swift AL, Wilde CH, Zocco TG. Comparison of polystyrene scintillator fiber array and monolithic polystyrene for neutron imaging and radiography. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2016; 87:11D830. [PMID: 27910305 DOI: 10.1063/1.4962040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The neutron imaging diagnostic at the National Ignition Facility has been operating since 2011 generating neutron images of deuterium-tritium (DT) implosions at peak compression. The current design features a scintillating fiber array, which allows for high imaging resolution to discern small-scale structure within the implosion. In recent years, it has become clear that additional neutron imaging systems need to be constructed in order to provide 3D reconstructions of the DT source and these additional views need to be on a shorter line of sight. As a result, there has been increased effort to identify new image collection techniques that improve upon imaging resolution for these next generation neutron imaging systems, such as monolithic deuterated scintillators. This work details measurements performed at the Weapons Neutron Research Facility at Los Alamos National Laboratory that compares the radiographic abilities of the fiber scintillator with a monolithic scintillator, which may be featured in a future short line of sight neutron imaging systems.
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Hahn E, Velazquez-Martin J, Somani S, Payne D, Waldron J, Krema H, Simpson R, Laperriere N, Chung C. Hypofractionated Palliative Radiation Therapy for Choroidal Metastases: Clinical Outcomes and Predictors of Overall Survival. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2016.06.1908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Dovey K, Burdon S, Simpson R. Creative leadership as a collective achievement: An Australian case. MANAGEMENT LEARNING 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/1350507616651387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In this article, we examine the construct of ‘leadership’ through an analysis of the social practices that underpinned the Australian Broadcasting Corporation television production entitled The Code. Positioning the production within the neo-bureaucratic organisational form currently adopted by the global television industry, we explore new conceptualisations of the leadership phenomenon emerging within this industry in response to the increasingly complex, uncertain and interdependent nature of creative work within it. We show how the polyarchic governance regime characteristic of the neo-bureaucratic organisational form ensures broadcaster control and coordination through ‘hard power’ mechanisms embedded in the commissioning process and through ‘soft power’ relational practices that allow creative licence to those employed in the production. Furthermore, we show how both sets of practices (commissioning and creative practices) leverage and regenerate the relational resources – such as trust, commitment and resilience – gained from rich stakeholder experience of working together in the creative industries over a significant period of time. Referencing the leadership-as-practice perspective, we highlight the contingent and improvisational nature of these practices and metaphorically describe the leadership manifesting in this production as a form of ‘interstitial glue’ that binds and shapes stakeholder interests and collective agency.
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Duarte Y, Chaux A, Lopez N, Largo E, Ramírez C, Nuñez H, Simpson R, Vega O. Effects of Blanching and Hot Air Drying Conditions on the Physicochemical and Technological Properties of Yellow Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis
Var. Flavicarpa) by-Products. J FOOD PROCESS ENG 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/jfpe.12425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Simpson R, Danly C, Glebov VY, Hurlbut C, Merrill FE, Volegov PL, Wilde C. Solid polystyrene and deuterated polystyrene light output response to fast neutrons. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2016; 87:043513. [PMID: 27131680 DOI: 10.1063/1.4947515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The Neutron Imaging System has proven to be an important diagnostic in studying DT implosion characteristics at the National Ignition Facility. The current system depends on a polystyrene scintillating fiber array, which detects fusion neutrons born in the DT hotspot as well as neutrons that have scattered to lower energies in the surrounding cold fuel. Increasing neutron yields at NIF, as well as a desire to resolve three-dimensional information about the fuel assembly, have provided the impetus to build and install two additional next-generation neutron imaging systems. We are currently investigating a novel neutron imaging system that will utilize a deuterated polystyrene (CD) fiber array instead of standard hydrogen-based polystyrene (CH). Studies of deuterated xylene or deuterated benzene liquid scintillator show an improvement in imaging resolution by a factor of two [L. Disdier et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 75, 2134 (2004)], but also a reduction in light output [V. Bildstein et al., Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res., Sect. A 729, 188 (2013); M. I. Ojaruega, Ph.D. thesis, University of Michigan, 2009; M. T. Febbraro, Ph.D. thesis, University of Michigan, 2014] as compared to standard plastic. Tests of the relative light output of deuterated polystyrene and standard polystyrene were completed using 14 MeV fusion neutrons generated through implosions of deuterium-tritium filled capsules at the OMEGA laser facility. In addition, we collected data of the relative response of these two scintillators to a wide energy range of neutrons (1-800 MeV) at the Weapons Neutrons Research Facility. Results of these measurements are presented.
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Ko JJ, Siever JE, Hao D, Simpson R, Lau HY. Adenoid cystic carcinoma of head and neck: clinical predictors of outcome from a Canadian centre. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 23:26-33. [PMID: 26966401 DOI: 10.3747/co.23.2898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Adenoid cystic carcinoma (acc) is often treated with surgery, with or without adjuvant radiation therapy (rt). We evaluated disease characteristics, treatments, and potentially prognostic variables in patients with acc. METHODS Our retrospective analysis considered consecutive cases of acc presenting at a tertiary care hospital between 2000 and 2014. Factors predictive of overall survival (os) and disease-free survival (dfs) were identified by univariate analysis. RESULTS The 60 patients analyzed had a mean age of 58 years (range: 22-88 years), with a 2:1 female:male ratio. Tumour locations included the major salivary glands (40% parotid, 17% submandibular and sublingual), the oro-nasopharyngeal cavity (27%), and other locations (16%). Of the 60 patients, 35 (58%) received surgery with adjuvant rt; 12 (20%), rt only; 13 (22%), surgery only. Of 18 patients (30%) who experienced a recurrence within 5 years, 3 (5%) developed local recurrence only, and the remaining 15 (25%), distant metastasis. The 5-year os and dfs were 64.5% [95% confidence interval (ci): 45.9% to 78.1%] and 46.2% (95% ci: 29.7% to 61.2%) respectively. In patients without recurrence, 5-year os was 77% (95% ci: 52.8% to 89.9%), and in patients with recurrence, it was 42.7% (95% ci: 15.8% to 67.6%). Patients treated with rt only had a 5-year os of 9.2%. Predictors of 5-year dfs were TNM stage, T stage, nodal status, treatment received, and margin status; age, nodal status, treatment received, and margin status predicted 5-year os. CONCLUSIONS Despite surgery and rt, one third of patients with acc experience distant recurrence. Patients whose tumours are not amenable to surgery have a poor prognosis, indicating a need for alternative approaches to improve outcomes.
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Moreno J, Espinoza C, Simpson R, Petzold G, Nuñez H, Gianelli M. Application of ohmic heating/vacuum impregnation treatments and air drying to develop an apple snack enriched in folic acid. INNOV FOOD SCI EMERG 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ifset.2015.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Seki JT, Sakurai N, Moldenhauer S, Dam J, Atenafu EG, Yip PM, Mazzulli T, Henderson T, Pendergrast J, Cserti C, Velazquez JP, Simpson R, Felluga G, Messner HA, Lipton JH. Human albumin eye drops as a therapeutic option for the management of keratoconjunctivitis sicca secondary to chronic graft-versus-host disease after stem-cell allografting. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 22:e357-63. [PMID: 26628876 DOI: 10.3747/co.22.2620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Keratoconjunctivitis sicca from chronic graft-versus-host disease (cgvhd) after allogeneic stem cell transplantation is common, leading to severe corneal damage and blindness if not treated. We retrospectively examined the efficacy and safety of pooled human albumin eye drops (haeds) for symptom relief in 40 stem-cell transplantation patients after other alternatives had failed. METHODS The Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 4.0) and the cgvhd grading scale were used to compare response in the patients during January 2000 and July 2013. In addition, on days 1 and 30, the haeds were subjected to quality assurance testing for sterility, oncotic pressure, albumin measurement, viscosity, pH, and purity by protein electrophoresis. RESULTS Use of haeds resulted in symptom relief for 37 patients (92.5%); 3 patients (7.5%) failed to improve with use of haeds (p ≤ 0.0001). Of the 37 patients having symptom relief, 7 (19%) improved from grade 3 to no dry eye symptoms. Proportionately, post-treatment symptom improvement by two grade levels, from 3 to 1 (70%), was significantly higher than improvement by one grade level, from 3 to 2 (11%) or from 2 to 1 (19%, p ≤ 0.0001). Time to symptom relief ranged from 2 weeks to 28 weeks. Of the 40 patients, 38 (95%) had no adverse reactions. Days 1 and 30 quality assurance testing results were equivalent. CONCLUSIONS Complications of keratoconjunctivitis sicca were well managed and well tolerated with haeds when other remedies failed. Quality assurance testing confirmed that haeds were safe and stable in extreme conditions.
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Simpson R, Christensen K, Danly C, Fatherley VE, Fittinghoff D, Grim GP, Izumi N, Jedlovec D, Merrill FE, Skulina K, Volegov P, Wilde C. Demonstration of a time-integrated short line of sight neutron imaging system for inertial confinement fusion. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2015; 86:125112. [PMID: 26724078 DOI: 10.1063/1.4938543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The Neutron Imaging System (NIS) is an important diagnostic for understanding implosions of deuterium-tritium capsules at the National Ignition Facility. While the detectors for the existing system must be positioned 28 m from the source to produce sufficient imaging magnification and resolution, recent testing of a new short line of sight neutron imaging system has shown sufficient resolution to allow reconstruction of the source image with quality similar to that of the existing NIS on a 11.6 m line of sight. The new system used the existing pinhole aperture array and a stack of detectors composed of 2 mm thick high-density polyethylene converter material followed by an image plate. In these detectors, neutrons enter the converter material and interact with protons, which recoil and deposit energy within the thin active layer of the image plate through ionization losses. The described system produces time-integrated images for all neutron energies passing through the pinhole. We present details of the measurement scheme for this novel technique to produce energy-integrated neutron images as well as source reconstruction results from recent experiments at NIF.
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Simpson R, Ramírez C, Birchmeier V, Almonacid A, Moreno J, Nuñez H, Jaques A. Diffusion mechanisms during the osmotic dehydration of Granny Smith apples subjected to a moderate electric field. J FOOD ENG 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2015.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Simpson R, Quale J, Stylianides N, Carlson G, Soop M. MON-PP275: Fluid Therapy in Current Surgical Daily Practice: An Analysis of the Magnitude and Causes of Perioperative Fluid Excess. Clin Nutr 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/s0261-5614(15)30707-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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