bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcome of left atrial appendage closure using cerebral protection system for thrombosis: no patient left behind
Authors: Limite Luca Rosario , Radinovic Andrea , Cianfanelli Lorenzo , Altizio Savino , Peretto Giovanni , Frontera Antonio , D'Angelo Giuseppe , Baratto Francesca , Marzi Alessandra , Ancona Francesco , Ingallina Giacomo , Capogrosso Cristina , Stella Stefano , Melillo Francesco , Agricola Eustachio , Della Bella Paolo , Mazzone Patrizio
Published: November 2021

Background

Left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombosis increases the risk of stroke and its management has to be assessed. The aim of the present study is to evaluate short and long‐term safety and efficacy of a standardized approach of percutaneous LAA closure (LAAC) routinely using a cerebral protection device (CPD) in patients with LAA thrombosis or sludge (LAAT).

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 14 consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation complicated by LAAT presenting in a high‐volume tertiary center. In seven patients (50%) LAAT was found after anticoagulant withdrawal for severe bleedings and in the remaining half LAAT was found despite appropriate anticoagulant therapy. All patients were treated with a standardized interventional approach of LAAC routinely using a CPD and guided by transoesophageal echocardiography.

Results

Mean age was 68 ± 14 years and nine patients (64%) were male. Mean CHA2DS2‐VASc and HAS‐BLED scores were 3.3 ± 1.6 and 2.3 ± 1.1, respectively. Six patients (42.8%) presented organized thrombi while eight LAA sludge (57.1%). In 13 patients (92.8%) CPD was positioned through a right radial arterial access. Procedural success was achieved in all patients. In one patient we assisted to embolization of the thrombus during deployment of the device in the absence of neurological consequences. During a mean follow up of 426 ± 307 days, one patient died for non‐cardiac cause while no embolic event or major bleeding were reported.

Conclusion

In an unselected cohort, LAAC with the systematic use of CPD was a feasible, safe and effective therapeutic option for LAAT both acutely and after long‐term follow‐up.
The impact of government‐mandated shared decision‐making for implantable defibrillators: A natural experiment
Authors: Rao Birju R. , Merchant Faisal M. , Abernethy Eli R. , Howard David H. , Matlock Daniel D. , Dickert Neal W.
Published: November 2021

Background

In 2018, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) mandated that patients considering implantation of an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death undergo shared decision‐making (SDM) using a decision‐aid.

Objective

To observe the impact of the CMS's mandate on core measures of SDM using a natural experiment.

Research design, subjects, and measures

Patients who underwent implantation of a primary prevention ICD within the Emory Healthcare system between 2017–2019 (pre and post SDM mandate) were surveyed. Survey domains included knowledge about the ICD, decisional conflict, values‐choice concordance, and engagement in decision‐making. Patients who had an ICD implant after the mandate were also asked about their views of the decision aid (DA). Responses of patients who had ICD implanted prior to the mandate were compared to those after the mandate using either Student t test or Chi‐Squared tests.

Results

Of 101 patients who completed the survey, 45 had an ICD placed before the mandate and 56 had an ICD placed after. There were no major differences between knowledge, decisional conflict, values choice concordance, or patient engagement. Compared to patients with ICDs placed before the mandate, patients with ICDs after the mandate were more likely to subjectively feel more informed about the benefits of the procedure but were less likely to be able to correctly identify the frequency of complications.

Conclusions

Policy effects to promote SDM that solely focus on a decision‐aid may not substantively impact patient centered care.
Central venous catheter‐related thrombosis in pediatric surgical patients: A prospective observational study
Authors: Kim Eun‐Hee , Lee Ji‐Hyun , Kim Hee‐Soo , Jang Young‐Eun , Ji Sang‐Hwan , Kang PyoYoon , Song In‐Sun , Kim Jin‐Tae
Published: November 2021

Background

Perioperative central venous catheters are required but may be associated with various complications.

Aims

The purpose of our study was to assess the incidence and perioperative risk factors for catheter‐related internal jugular vein thrombosis in pediatric surgical patients.

Methods

This prospective observational study included children under 6 years of age who were scheduled to undergo central venous catheterization of the right internal jugular vein under general anesthesia. A central venous catheter was inserted under real‐time ultrasound guidance. An investigator examined for thrombosis using ultrasonography at predetermined time points. The primary aim was the incidence of catheter‐related thrombosis from insertion until the 5th day postoperatively or the removal of the central venous catheter. The secondary aim was the determination of the risk factors for thrombosis.

Results

Eighty patients completed the study. Internal jugular vein thrombi were found in 31 patients (38.8%, 95% CI 28.0–49.4). On multiple logistic regression analyses, the number of insertion attempts was the only influencing factor for catheter‐related thrombosis (p < .001). More than two insertion attempts increased the risk of thrombosis (odds ratio 5.6; 95% CI 1.7 – 18.7, p = .004). Anesthesia time (p = .017; mean difference 166.4 min; 95% CI 55.7–277.1), intraoperative red blood cell transfusion (p = .001; median difference 21.1 ml kg−1; 95% CI 6.6–34.4), and intensive care unit stay (p = .001; median difference 100.0 h; 95% CI 48–311) differed between patients with transient thrombosis and those with thrombosis lasting for more than 3 days.

Conclusion

Internal jugular vein thrombosis was frequently detected by ultrasound following central venous catheterization in pediatric surgical patients. Multiple insertion attempts may be associated with the incidence of thrombosis. The clinical relevance of thrombi detected via ultrasound surveillance has not been determined.
More accurate measurement of temperature in potato drills increases predicted potato cyst nematode population growth
Authors: Ewing David A. , Kettle Helen , Blok Vivian C.
Published: November 2021

Potato cyst nematodes (PCN) are economically important pests of potato plants worldwide that can result in yield losses exceeding 80%, with an estimated cost of £50 million annually in the United Kingdom alone. The life cycle of PCN, and in particular the hatching of eggs and development and survival of juveniles, is sensitive to temperatures in the soil. Despite this fact, relatively little is known about temperatures inside potato drills and how these may differ to temperatures in the surrounding soil. We monitored the temperature inside potato drills at 19 sites across the United Kingdom and used a published temperature‐driven process‐based PCN life cycle model to compare predictions of PCN population dynamics driven by these temperatures to predictions based on modelled soil temperatures derived from the HadUK‐Grid climate. We found that mean soil temperatures derived from the climate model were lower than those observed inside potato drills; thus, using temperatures measured directly in potato drills resulted in increased estimates of population growth and shorter estimated generation times than when using modelled soil temperatures. This finding suggests that greater understanding of the temperature inside potato drills is required if we are to make accurate predictions about the effects of temperature on PCN populations.
Enhancing intergroup communication in healthcare: The role of the receiver
Authors: Barlow Melanie
Published: November 2021

This paper explores how the communication behaviour of another can have significant personal and professional impact and, in turn, put others in harm’s way. In healthcare, in a continual attempt to address known barriers to communication, such as fear, hierarchy and power differentials, significant human and financial resources are deployed to develop and teach new and existing methods of how to speak up. Despite the effort, speaking up remains difficult, and as a result, patients are still being harmed. The author’s personal story highlights the fact that maybe, until now, we have not been addressing the whole issue.
Rare complication of adenomyosis: acute purulent peritonitis and septicaemia in a young nulligravida
Authors: Pushpalatha Kameshwarachari , Kalra Ruchi , Singh Bharti , Devalla Anusha
Published: November 2021

Adenomyosis is a benign gynaecological condition in multiparous women during their middle age commonly presenting as pelvic pain and menorrhagia. We report a case of a 27-year-old nulligravida of Asian origin from the Indian subcontinent who presented with a huge adenomyotic uterus with mild splenomegaly, and portal cavernoma having gross ascites that developed life-threatening peritonitis and septicaemia. Endometrial aspiration done showed no atypia or malignancy and upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy done showed no dilated varices. With increasing abdominal distension, she developed tachycardia, tachypnoea, septicaemia and oliguria. Exploratory laparotomy done revealed purulent loculi, omentum and bowel adhesion around the uterus. Adnexa was not distinctly identifiable. Hysterectomy with left salpingo-oopherectomy was performed. She required ventilatory support and intensive unit care postoperatively. Histopathology examination showed adenomyosis with suppuration, right ovary endometriotic cyst and left ovary non-specific inflammation. The patient was discharged in stable condition on day 21. Adenomyosis may rarely occur in young nulligravida women as life-threatening manifestations with purulent peritonitis and septicaemia. Early exploration is crucial for diagnosis and recovery.
Job demands and resources and their relationship with satisfaction and thriving at work in a sample of Chinese doctors: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Shu'e , Shi Yu , Liu Bei , Wang Hongni , Zhao Xin , Wang Xiaohe , Sun Tao
Published: November 2021

Objectives

The current study aimed to evaluate the status quo of perceived job demands and resources respectively among Chinese doctors, to examine the mediating role of work–family conflicts in the relationship between perceived job demands and various indicators of well-being, and to test the mediating role of psychological attachment in the relationship between perceived job resources and thriving at work among Chinese doctors.

Design

A cross-sectional online survey study.

Setting

Online questionnaires were administered across 30 provinces.

Participants

A total of 2617 doctors provided sufficiently complete responses to be used in the study.

Results

Perceived job demands (M=3.843, SD=0.791) of participants were positively associated with work–family conflicts (B=0.454, p<0.001) and negatively associated with job satisfaction (B=−0.065, p<0.001) and life satisfaction (B=−0.261, p<0.001). Work–family conflicts partially mediated the relationship between job demands and life satisfaction and fully mediated the relationship between job demands and job satisfaction. Perceived job resources (M=2.474, SD=0.740) among Chinese doctors were positively associated with psychological attachment (B=0.988, p<0.001) and thriving at work (B=0.582, p<0.001). Furthermore, psychological attachment partially mediated the relationship between perceived job resources and thriving at work.

Conclusion

Doctors in China with high-level job demands tended to exhibit increased work–family conflicts, which in turn threatened their job and life satisfaction. On the contrary, doctors with greater job resources were more likely to thrive at work by increasing their degree of psychological attachment. The current study suggested that Chinese health policymakers and hospital administrators should provide a work environment with a dynamic equilibrium between doctors’ job demands and resources.
Do hospitals have a higher mortality rate on weekend admissions? An observational study to analyse weekend effect on urgent admissions to hospitals in Catalonia
Authors: Amigo Franco , Dalmau-Bueno Albert , García-Altés Anna
Published: November 2021

Background

‘Weekend effect’ is a term used to describe the increased mortality associated with weekend emergency admissions to hospital, in contrast with admission on weekdays. The objective of the present study is to determine whether the weekend effect is present in hospitals in Catalonia.

Methods

We analysed all urgent admissions in Catalonia in 2018, for a group of pathologies. Two groups were defined (those admitted on a weekday and those admitted on a weekend). We obtained mortality at 3, 7, 15 and 30 days, and applied a proportions test to both groups. Additionally, we used Cox’s regression for mortality at 30 days, using the admission on a weekend as the exposition, adjusting by socioeconomic and clinical variables. We used the hospital discharge database and the Central Registry of the Insured Population.

Results

72 427 admissions for the selected pathologies during 2018 were found. No statistically significant differences in mortality at 30 days (p=0.524) or at 15 days (p=0.119) according to the day of admission were observed. However, significant differences were found in mortality at 7 days (p=0.025) and at 3 days (p=0.002). The hazard rate associated with the weekend was 1.13 (95% CI: 1.04 to 1.23). By contrast, the adjusted HR of the weekend interaction with time was 0.99 (95% CI: 0.99 to 1.00).

Conclusions

There is a weekend effect, but it is not constant in time. This could suggest the existence of dysfunctions in the quality of care during the weekend.
Cohort profile: the Netherlands Cohort Study on Acute HIV infection (NOVA), a prospective cohort study of people with acute or early HIV infection who immediately initiate HIV treatment
Authors: Dijkstra Maartje , Prins Henrieke , Prins Jan M , Reiss Peter , Boucher Charles , Verbon Annelies , Rokx Casper , de Bree Godelieve
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) during acute or early HIV-infection (AEHI) limits the size of the viral reservoir and preserves immune function. This renders individuals who started cART during AEHI promising participants in HIV-cure trials. Therefore, we established a multicentre prospective cohort study in the Netherlands that enrols people with AEHI. In anticipation of future cure trials, we will longitudinally investigate the properties of the viral reservoir size and HIV-specific immune responses among cohort participants.

Participants

Participants immediately initiate intensified cART: dolutegravir, emtricitabine/tenofovir and darunavir/ritonavir (DRV/r). After 4 weeks, once baseline resistance data are available, DRV/r is discontinued. Three study groups are assembled based on the preparedness of individuals to participate in the extensiveness of sampling. Participants accepting immediate treatment and follow-up but declining additional sampling are included in study group 1 (‘standard’) and routine diagnostic procedures are performed. Participants willing to undergo blood, leukapheresis and semen sampling are included in study group 2 (‘less invasive’). In study group 3 (‘extended’), additional tissue (gut-associated lymphoid tissue, peripheral lymph node) and cerebrospinal fluid sampling are performed.

Findings to date

Between 2015 and 2020, 140 individuals with AEHI have been enrolled at nine study sites. At enrolment, median age was 36 (IQR 28–47) years, and 134 (95.7%) participants were men. Distribution of Fiebig stages was as follows: Fiebig I, 3 (2.1%); II, 20 (14.3%); III, 7 (5.0%); IV, 49 (35.0%); V, 39 (27.9%); VI, 22 (15.7%). Median plasma HIV RNA was 5.9 (IQR 4.7–6.7) log10 copies/mL and CD4 count 510 (IQR 370–700) cells/mm3. Median time from cART initiation to viral suppression was 8.0 (IQR 4.0–16.0) weeks.

Future plans

The Netherlands Cohort Study on Acute HIV infection remains open for participant enrolment and for additional sites to join the network. This cohort provides a unique nationwide platform for conducting future in-depth virological, immunological, host genetic and interventional studies investigating HIV-cure strategies.
Degree of personalisation in tailored activities and its effect on behavioural and psychological symptoms and quality of life among people with dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Shiyu , Zhang Anna Y , Liu Tianyin , Choy Jacky C P , Ma Maggie S L , Wong Gloria , Lum Terry
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To understand and assess the degree of personalisation of tailored activities for people with dementia (PWD); and to estimate the magnitude of the effects of levels of personalisation on reducing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), improving quality of life (QoL) and level of engagement.

Design

Systematic review with meta-analysis.

Data sources

ProQuest, PubMed, Ovid, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and CINAHL were searched from the start of indexing to May 2020.

Eligibility criteria

We included randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies assessing the effects of tailored activities for people aged 60 years or older with dementia or cognitive impairment on the outcomes of BPSD, QoL, depression and level of engagement with control groups.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two researchers screened studies, extracted data and assessed risks of bias. A rating scheme to assess the degree of personalisation of tailored activities was developed to classify tailored activities into high/medium/low groups. Effect sizes were expressed using standardised mean differences at 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Subgroup analyses were conducted to assess whether the degree of personalisation of tailored activities affected outcomes of interest.

Results

Thirty-five studies covering 2390 participants from 16 countries/regions were identified. Studies with a high-level of personalisation interventions (n=8) had a significant and moderate effect on reducing BPSD (standardised mean differences, SMD=−0.52, p<0.05), followed by medium (n=6; SMD=−0.38, p=0.071) and low-level personalisation interventions (n=6; SMD=−0.15, p=0.076). Tailored activities with a high-level of personalisation had a moderate effect size on improving QoL (n=5; SMD=0.52, p<0.05), followed by a medium level (n=3; SMD=0.41, p<0.05) of personalisation.

Conclusions

To develop high-level tailored activities to reduce BPSD and improve QoL among PWD, we recommend applying comprehensive assessments to identify and address two or more PWD characteristics in designed tailored activities and allow modification of interventions to respond to changing PWD needs/circumstances.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020168556.
Understanding the low take-up of home-based dialysis through a shared decision-making lens: a qualitative study
Authors: Noyes Jane , Roberts Gareth , Williams Gail , Chess James , Mc Laughlin Leah
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To explore how people with chronic kidney disease who are pre-dialysis, family members and healthcare professionals together navigate common shared decision-making processes and to assess how this impacts future treatment choice.

Design

Coproductive qualitative study, underpinned by the Making Good Decisions in Collaboration shared decision-model. Semistructured interviews with a purposive sample from February 2019 - January 2020. Interview data were analysed using framework analysis. Coproduction of logic models/roadmaps and recommendations.

Setting

Five Welsh kidney services.

Participants

95 participants (37 patients, 19 family members and 39 professionals); 44 people supported coproduction (18 patients, 8 family members and 18 professionals).

Findings

Shared decision-making was too generic and clinically focused and had little impact on people getting onto home dialysis. Preferences of where, when and how to implement shared decision-making varied widely. Apathy experienced by patients, caused by lack of symptoms, denial, social circumstances and health systems issues made future treatment discussions difficult. Families had unmet and unrecognised needs, which significantly influenced patient decisions. Protocols containing treatment hierarchies and standards were understood by professionals but not translated for patients and families. Variation in dialysis treatment was discussed to match individual lifestyles. Patients and professionals were, however, defaulting to the perceived simplest option. It was easy for patients to opt for hospital-based treatments by listing important but easily modifiable factors.

Conclusions

Shared decision-making processes need to be individually tailored with more attention on patients who could choose a home therapy but select a different option. There are critical points in the decision-making process where changes could benefit patients. Patients need to be better educated and their preconceived ideas and misconceptions gently challenged. Healthcare professionals need to update their knowledge in order to provide the best advice and guidance. There needs to be more awareness of the costs and benefits of the various treatment options when making decisions.
Prevalence and associated factors with sexual violence victimisation youth before, during and after the COVID-19 lockdown: a cross-sectional study in Spain
Authors: Sanz-Barbero Belén , Saurina Carme , Serra Laura , Renart Vicens Gemma , Vall-Llosera Casanovas Laura , Otero-García Laura , López María José , Perez Glòria , Vives-Cases Carmen
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To analyse the prevalence of sexual violence (SV) and associated factors in Spanish young adults in the last year and before, during and after the COVID-19 lockdown.

Design

Cross-sectional study based on the online ‘SV in Young People Survey’ (2020).

Setting

Non-institutionalised population residing in Spain.

Participants

2515 men and women aged 18–35 years old. The participants were obtained from a probability based, online closed panel of adults aged 16 or older that is representative of the non-institutionalised population. The sample designed includes quotas by sex, age, region and country of origin.

Outcomes measures and analyses

SV victimisation by sociodemographics, sexual attraction and couple-related characteristics during the past year and before, during and after the COVID-19 lockdown (March–June 2020). Prevalence ratios were calculated using robust Poisson regression models.

Results

In Spain, 8.5% of young people experienced SV during the past year. The greatest prevalence was observed in women with bisexual attraction (17.5%) and in men with homosexual attraction (14.2%). During the COVID-19 lockdown, the prevalence of SV victimisation was lower (1.9%), but unwanted intercourses increased, affecting 64.4% of those exposed to SV during the period. People with homosexual or bisexual attraction were more likely to experience SV in all of the studied periods (PRbefore: 2.01; p<0.001; PRduring: 2.63 p=0.002; PRafter: 2.67; p<0.001). Women were more likely than men to experience SV prior to the lockdown, while no cohabitation increased the likelihood to experience SV after this period

Conclusions

SV victimisation in Spanish youth is high. During COVID-19, there were changes in the magnitude of factors associated with SV. It seems that SV events decreased in people who did not live with their partners, but unwanted intercourses increased. The development of prevention strategies to address SV in youth should take into account social inequalities by sex, sexual orientation and origin.
Pylorus resection versus pylorus preservation in pancreatoduodenectomy (PyloResPres): study protocol and statistical analysis plan for a German multicentre, single-blind, surgical, registry-based randomised controlled trial
Authors: Renz Bernhard W , Adrion Christine , Klinger Carsten , Ilmer Matthias , D’Haese Jan G , Buhr Heinz-J , Mansmann Ulrich , Werner Jens
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Partial pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is the treatment of choice for various benign and malignant tumours of the pancreatic head or the periampullary region. For reconstruction of the gastrointestinal passage, two stomach-preserving PD variants exist: pylorus preservation PD (ppPD) or pylorus resection PD (prPD) with preservation of the stomach. In pancreatic surgery, delayed gastric emptying (DGE) remains a serious complication after PD with an incidence varying between 4.5% and 45%, potentially delaying hospital discharge or further treatment, for example, adjuvant chemotherapy. Evidence is lacking to assess, which variant of PD entails fewer postoperative DGE.

Methods and analysis

The protocol of a large-scale, multicentre, pragmatic, two-arm parallel-group, registry-based randomised controlled trial (rRCT) using a two-stage group-sequential design is presented. This patient-blind rRCT aims to demonstrate the superiority of prPD over ppPD with respect to the overall incidence of DGE within 30 days after index surgery in a German real-world setting. A total of 984 adults undergoing elective PD for any indication will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio. Patients will be recruited at about 30 hospitals being members of the StuDoQ|Pancreas registry established by the German Society of General and Visceral Surgery. The postoperative follow-up for each patient will be 30 days. The primary analysis will follow an intention-to-treat approach and applies a binary logistic random intercepts model. Secondary perioperative outcomes include overall severe morbidity (Clavien-Dindo classification), blood loss, 30-day all-cause mortality, postoperative hospital stay and operation time. Complication rates and adverse events will be closely monitored.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol was approved by the leading ethics committee of the Medical Faculty of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich (reference number 19-221). The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at international conferences. Study findings will also be disseminated via the website (http://www.dgav.de/studoq/pylorespres/).

Trial registration number

DRKS-ID: DRKS00018842.
Network meta-analysis for comparative effectiveness of treatments for chronic low back pain disorders: systematic review protocol
Authors: Belavy Daniel L , Diwan Ashish D , Ford Jon , Miller Clint T , Hahne Andrew J , Mundell Niamh , Tagliaferri Scott , Bowe Steven , Pedder Hugo , Saueressig Tobias , Zhao Xiaohui , Chen Xiaolong , Balasundaram Arun Prasad , Arora Nitin Kumar , Owen Patrick J
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Chronic low back pain disorders (CLBDs) present a substantial societal burden; however, optimal treatment remains debated. To date, pairwise and network meta-analyses have evaluated individual treatment modes, yet a comparison of a wide range of common treatments is required to evaluate their relative effectiveness. Using network meta-analysis, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments (acupuncture, education or advice, electrophysical agents, exercise, manual therapies/manipulation, massage, the McKenzie method, pharmacotherapy, psychological therapies, surgery, epidural injections, percutaneous treatments, traction, physical therapy, multidisciplinary pain management, placebo, ‘usual care’ and/or no treatment) on pain intensity, disability and/or mental health in patients with CLBDs.

Methods and analysis

Six electronic databases and reference lists of 285 prior systematic reviews were searched. Eligible studies will be randomised controlled/clinical trials (including cross-over and cluster designs) that examine individual treatments or treatment combinations in adult patients with CLBDs. Studies must be published in English, German or Chinese as a full-journal publication in a peer-reviewed journal. A narrative approach will be used to synthesise and report qualitative and quantitative data, and, where feasible, network meta-analyses will be performed. Reporting of the review will be informed by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidance, including the network meta-analysis extension (PRISMA-NMA). The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach for network meta-analysis will be implemented for assessing the quality of the findings.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required for this systematic review of the published data. Findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publication.

PROSPERO registration number

PROSPERO registration number CRD42020182039.
Reply to the comment by Amano on “Linear and bent triatomic molecules are not qualitatively different!”
Authors: Jensen Per
Published: November 2021

In Amano’s comment on Jensen’s paper, we notice two important misconceptions: (i) Amano overlooks the fact that all features special for a linear molecule originate in the double degeneracy in the bending motion (i.e., in the fact that for a linear triatomic molecule, the description of the bending motion must necessarily also involve the rotation about the axis of least moment of inertia, the a axis, which becomes the molecular axis at equilibrium), and (ii) the expectation value generated from the wavefunction gives an “average” value of the relevant observable (coordinate); the expectation value can, in principle, be obtained experimentally as the average of very many repeated measurements of the observable. In our previous papers on this subject, in particular the paper by Jensen discussed here, we have attempted to explain our results as coherently and “pedagogically” as we can, starting with the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, and we encourage interested readers to refer to our previous works on the subject. Thus, we maintain our assertion that the vibrationally averaged structure of a linear molecule is observed as being bent, as we have demonstrated previously from both theoretical and experimental viewpoints.
A novel non-adiabatic approach to transition crossing in a circular hadron accelerator
Authors: Giovannozzi M. , Huang L. , Huschauer A. , Franchi A.
Published: November 2021

Crossing the transition energy is always a delicate process, representing a potential source of strong perturbations of the dynamics of charged particle beams in a hadron circular accelerator. Since the first generation of multi-GeV rings, intense studies have been devoted to understanding the possible harmful mechanisms involved in transition crossing and to devise mitigation measures. Nowadays, several circular particle accelerators are successfully operating across the transition energy and this process is well mastered. In a completely different context, stable resonances of the traverse phase space have been proposed as new means of manipulating charged particle beams. While the original aim of such a proposal was multi-turn extraction from the CERN Proton Synchrotron to the Super Proton Synchrotron, many more applications have been proposed and studied in detail. In this paper, the two topics, i.e. transition crossing and stable resonances, have been brought together with the goal of providing a novel and non-adiabatic approach to perform a clean transition crossing. The idea presented here is that by judiciously using sextupoles and octupoles it is possible to generate stable islands of the horizontal phase space. These islands represent a second closed orbit whose properties can be selected independently of those of the standard, i.e. central, closed orbit. This provides a means of performing a non-adiabatic change of the transition energy experienced by the charged particles by displacing the beam between the two closed orbits.
The Oil Futures and Options Markets in 2020: The “Message from Markets”
Authors: Ronn Ehud I.
Published: November 2021

This paper considers the response of the equity and oil markets to the onset of crisis conditions after February 15, 2020. Based on derivative markets for equities and WTI (West Texas Intermediate) crude-oil futures contracts, implied equity and oil volatilities quantify the depth of the crisis and contrast it with the previous ones. The estimated Black [(1976) Journal of Financial Economics, 3, 167–179] vol skew and Merton [(1976) Journal of Financial Economics, 3, 125–144] option model parameters are able to discern between demand- and supply-side facets. The time when the futures curve is in contango identifies the beginning and, to date, conclusion of the crisis. Using the CAPM, co-movement of oil and equity prices permits computing forecasts of spot oil prices. In considering these events, we recognize the essential role of prices in financial markets: They are conveyors of information, the “Message from Markets,” in which financial theory proves useful, practical and applicable.
Temporal Hierarchical Graph Attention Network for Traffic Prediction
Authors: Huang Ling , Liu Xing-Xing , Huang Shu-Qiang , Wang Chang-Dong , Tu Wei , Xie Jia-Meng , Tang Shuai , Xie Wendi
Published: November 2021

As a critical task in intelligent traffic systems, traffic prediction has received a large amount of attention in the past few decades. The early efforts mainly model traffic prediction as the time-series mining problem, in which the spatial dependence has been largely ignored. As the rapid development of deep learning, some attempts have been made in modeling traffic prediction as the spatio-temporal data mining problem in a road network, in which deep learning techniques can be adopted for modeling the spatial and temporal dependencies simultaneously. Despite the success, the spatial and temporal dependencies are only modeled in a regionless network without considering the underlying hierarchical regional structure of the spatial nodes, which is an important structure naturally existing in the real-world road network. Apart from the challenge of modeling the spatial and temporal dependencies like the existing studies, the extra challenge caused by considering the hierarchical regional structure of the road network lies in simultaneously modeling the spatial and temporal dependencies between nodes and regions and the spatial and temporal dependencies between regions. To this end, this article proposes a new Temporal Hierarchical Graph Attention Network (TH-GAT). The main idea lies in augmenting the original road network into a region-augmented network, in which the hierarchical regional structure can be modeled. Based on the region-augmented network, the region-aware spatial dependence model and the region-aware temporal dependence model can be constructed, which are two main components of the proposed TH-GAT model. In addition, in the region-aware spatial dependence model, the graph attention network is adopted, in which the importance of a node to another node, of a node to a region, of a region to a node, and of a region to another region, can be captured automatically by means of the attention coefficients. Extensive experiments are conducted on two real-world traffic datasets, and the results have confirmed the superiority of the proposed TH-GAT model.
Improvement of the UV-Sensing Performance of Ga-Doped ZnO Nanostructures via a Wet Chemical Solution at Room Temperature
Authors: Chu Yen-Lin , Young Sheng-Joue , Chu Tung-Te , Khosla Ajit , Chiang Kuei-Yuan , Ji Liang-Wen
Published: November 2021

In this investigation, ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors (PDs) were fabricated from zinc oxide (ZnO) and Ga-doped ZnO nanostructures on a Corning glass substrate by a simple wet chemical solution method at room temperature. The prepared devices contained two-dimensional (2-D) nanosheet (NS) structures, which could provide a large surface-area-to-volume ratio for UV-sensing. The ZnO and Ga-doped ZnO materials were respectively named ZPD and ZPD-G. All of the samples revealed a hexagonal wurtzite structure and grew preferentially along the (002) crystal plane. Compared with the photoluminescence (PL) spectrum of the ZPD NSs, the corresponding spectra of the ZPD-G NSs in the 380 nm region and green emission were clearly red-shifted and the number of oxygen vacancies slightly decreased. Under 380 nm UV illumination and a 3 V applied bias, the ZnO UV PDs doped with Ga elements exhibited much higher photoresponsivity and stability compared with the un-doped ZnO PDs, indicating good electrical performance. The ZPD-G samples possessed higher rise and recovery times compared with the ZPD samples; this finding could be attributed to the ability of the former to generate numerous electrons.
Role of Slurry Additives on Chemical Mechanical Planarization of Silicon Dioxide Film in Colloidal Silica Based Slurry
Authors: Li Yue , Wang Chenwei , Zhou Jianwei , Xu Chen , Cheng Yuanshen , Tian Yuan , Cui Zhihui , Li Hongliang , Liu Qixu
Published: November 2021

Chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) is a critical process for smoothing and polishing the surfaces of various material layers in semiconductor device fabrication. The applications of silicon dioxide films are shallow trench isolation, an inter-layer dielectric, and emerging technologies such as CMOS Image Sensor. In this study, the effect of various chemical additives on the removal rate of silicon dioxide film using colloidal silica abrasive during CMP was investigated. The polishing results show that the removal rate of silicon dioxide film first increased and then decreased with an increasing concentration of K+, pH, and abrasive size. The removal rate of silicon dioxide film increased linearly as the abrasive concentration increased. The influence mechanisms of various additives on the removal rate of silicon dioxide film were investigated by constructing simple models and scanning electron microscopy. Further, the stable performance of the slurry was achieved due to the COO- chains generated by poly(acrylamide) hydrolysis weaken the attraction between abrasives. High-quality wafer surfaces with low surface roughness were also thus achieved. The desirable and simple ingredient slurry investigated in this study can effectively enhance the planarization performance, for example, material removal rates and wafer surface roughness.
Utilization of Ultrasonic Image Characteristics Combined with Endoscopic Detection on the Basis of Artificial Intelligence Algorithm in Diagnosis of Early Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer
Authors: Wang Liang , Song Hui , Wang Ming , Wang Hui , Ge Ran , Shen Yan , Yu Yongli
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of artificial intelligence algorithm combined with ultrasound endoscopy in early esophageal cancer and precancerous lesions by comparing the examination of conventional endoscopy and artificial intelligence algorithm combined with ultrasound endoscopy, and by comparing the real-time diagnosis of endoscopy and the ultrasonic image characteristics of artificial intelligence algorithm combined with endoscopic detection and pathological results. 120 cases were selected. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 80 patients who met the criteria were selected and randomly divided into two groups: endoscopic examination combined with ultrasound imaging based on intelligent algorithm processing (cascade region-convolutional neural network (Cascade RCNN) model algorithm group) and simple use of endoscopy group (control group). This study shows that the ultrasonic image of artificial intelligence algorithm is effective, and the detection performance is better than that of endoscopic detection. The results are close to the gold standard of doctor recognition, and the detection time is greatly shortened, and the recognition time is shortened by 71 frames per second. Compared with the traditional convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm, the accuracy and recall of image analysis and segmentation using feature pyramid network are increased. The detection rates of CNN model, Cascade RCNN model, and endoscopic detection alone in early esophageal cancer and precancerous lesions are 56.3% (45/80), 88.8% (71/80), and 44.1% (35/80), respectively. The detection rate of Cascade RCNN model and CNN model was higher than that of endoscopy alone, and the difference was statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of Cascade RCNN model were higher than those of CNN model, which was close to the gold standard for physician identification. This provided a reference basis for endoscopic ultrasound identification of early upper gastrointestinal cancer or other gastrointestinal cancers.
Formation Mechanism of Preferential Flow Paths and Seepage Characteristics of a Novel Growable Pile for Heap Leaching of Rare Earth
Authors: Ju Wei , Yang Jianhua , Wang Zemin , Yao Chi , Zhang Xiaobo
Published: November 2021

In the traditional heap leaching of rare earth minerals, the top of the rare earth pile is covered with leaching liquid. This creates trouble for vegetation restoration carried out timely on the top of the pile. In order to solve this trouble, a novel pile structure into which leaching liquid is laterally injected is proposed for heap leaching of rare earth. In this study, a laboratory test is carried out to study the formation and distribution of preferential ﬂow paths for the rare earth pile under a horizontal liquid injection condition. Furthermore, numerical simulations based on a dual‐permeability model are conducted to investigate the influence of the preferential ﬂow paths on the seepage characteristics in the rare earth pile. The results show that, under the horizontal liquid injection condition, the fine particles of the rare earth move away from the liquid injection end and also toward the lower part of the pile. The migration of the fine particles results in the formation and connection of macropore, thereby generating preferential ﬂow paths in the rare earth pile. The preferential ﬂow paths are mainly distributed in the lower part of the pile near the liquid injection end. This causes the fluid in the lower part of the pile to seep faster significantly than that in the upper part. Within the region where the preferential ﬂow paths develop, the seepage in the early stage of the horizontal liquid injection is dominated by preferential ﬂow. The preferential ﬂow is more significant at the locations farther away from the liquid injection end.
Low-Rank Matrix Denoising Algorithm-Based MRI Image Feature for Therapeutic Effect Evaluation of NCRT on Rectal Cancer
Authors: Hu Qin , Li Jin , Li Jun
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) on rectal cancer patients using the MRI based on low-rank matrix denoising algorithm, which was then compared with the postoperative pathological examination to evaluate its application value in tumor staging after NCRT treatment. 15 patients with rectal cancer who met the requirements of radiotherapy and chemotherapy after conventional MRI were selected as the research subjects. The conventional MRI images before and after NCRT treatment were divided in two groups. One group was not processed and set as the conventional group; the other group was processed with low-rank matrix denoising algorithm and set as the optimized group. The two groups of images were observed for the changes in the ADC value and length and thickness of the tumor before and after NCRT treatment. The two groups were compared with the pathological examination for the complete remission of pathology (pCR) after the NCRT treatment and the tumor stage results. The results showed that Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) (18.9121 and 74.9911 dB) after introducing the low-rank matrix denoising algorithm were significantly better than those before (20.1234 and 70.1234 dB) (

P
<
0.05

); there were notable differences in the tumor index data within the two groups before and after NCRT treatment (

P
<
0.05

), indicating that the NCRT treatment was effective. The pathological examination results of pCR data of the two groups were not much different (

P
>
0.05

); the examination results between the two groups were different, but no notable difference was noted (

P
<
0.05

); in the optimized group, there was no notable difference between the MRI results and the pathological examination results (

P
<
0.05

), while in the conventional group, there were notable differences in the MRI results and pathological examination results (

P
<
0.05

). In conclusion, MRI images based on low-rank matrix denoising algorithm are clearer, which can improve the diagnosis rate of patients and better display the changes of the microenvironment after NCRT treatment. It also indicates that NCRT treatment has significant clinical effects in the treatment of rectal cancer patients, which is worth promoting.
Prediction of Farmers’ Income in Hebei Province Based on the Fractional Grey Model (1,1)
Authors: Xu Yongqiang , Thien Sang Lim , Wang Kun
Published: November 2021

The problem of increasing farmers’ income has been a hot issue of social concern. Understanding the farmers’ income and the overall development trend is conducive to the rational layout of the social economy and promotes the steady development of a well-off society. Based on this, the paper selects the per capita disposable income (PCDI) of farmers’ households from 2012 to 2019 in 11 cities of Hebei Province as the research object and applies the fractional grey model (FGM (1,1)) to predict farmers’ income from 2020 to 2024. The results show that the farmers’ income will increase in the next five years. However, the growth rate of farmers’ income is slow in the areas with a large base of farmers’ income and strong in the areas with a small base of farmers’ income. The area with the highest trend in the growth rate of farmers’ income is Zhangjiakou and the lowest place is Handan. Only Shijiazhuang’s income growth rate is on the rise. Finally, suggestions are given to promote farmers’ income in Hebei Province.
Barriers to Low-Vision Rehabilitation Services for Visually Impaired Patients in a Multidisciplinary Ophthalmology Outpatient Practice
Authors: Khimani Karima S. , Battle Carissa R. , Malaya Lauren , Zaidi Aaleena , Schmitz-Brown Mary , Tzeng Huey-Ming , Gupta Praveena K.
Published: November 2021

Low-vision rehabilitation (LVR) has significant benefit in improving the quality of life of visually impaired patients. However, these services are highly underutilized in ophthalmology practices. A quality improvement study was performed to investigate barriers to LVR services for patients at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) between 2010 and 2020. Low vision was defined as the best corrected visual acuity of 20/70 or worse in the better-seeing eye or a visual field less than 20 degrees. Potential subjects were screened (n = 577) from the electronic medical record using International Classification of Disease (ICD) codes for legal blindness, impaired vision, and low vision. Chart review identified 190 subjects who met criteria for low-vision analysis. Patients who received LVR referrals to attend at least one LVR service visit from the eligible subjects were contacted for participation in phone interviews regarding their LVR experience. Practicing eye care providers (ECPs) at UTMB completed a questionnaire to capture their referral patterns. Of the eligible subjects, 64% were referred to LVR services by ECPs. Reported patient barriers included mental health issues (76%), denial of need for low-vision aid (71%), poor physical health (67%), lack of transportation (57.1%), and lack of referrals (36%). EPCs reported patient’s overall health (67%), older age (44%), lack of social support (44%), poor cognitive function (44%), and low likelihood of follow-up (44%) as barriers to referring patients to LVR. This study identified several modifiable barriers that can be addressed to access LVR services for low-vision patients. Changing referral patterns, eliminating variations in referral criteria, and increasing patient awareness and knowledge of LVR resources may tremendously improve the quality of life of low-vision patients.