bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of CO2 fluxes along gradients of water saturation in irrigation canal sediments
Authors: Palmia Beatrice , Leonardi Stefano , Viaroli Pierluigi , Bartoli Marco
Published: January 2021

Hydrological intermittency affects sediment biogeochemistry, organic carbon (OC) metabolism and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission but the study of the effects of drying is generally confined to natural ecosystems. Agricultural canals are artificial, widespread elements in irrigated floodplains, and regularly subjected to water level fluctuations. The aim of this study was to quantify the CO2 emissions along water saturation gradients in artificial canals to understand the environmental factors regulating these fluxes. CO2 measurements were performed in five replicated canals within the Po River basin (Northern Italy). In each canal we analysed three sites: (i) a spot with exposed, dry sediments; (ii) a spot with inundated, saturated sediments and (iii) a spot with an intermediate level of saturation. Besides dark CO2 flux measurements, net potential nitrification and denitrification rates were measured as proxies of sediment redox potential and due to their CO2 sink and source role, respectively. We hypothesized a site-specific regulation of CO2 emission, depending on the interplay among water saturation, sediment oxidation and organic matter content. Our results suggest that desiccation stimulates mineralization processes and CO2 fluxes, that were mainly dependant on water and organic matter content and correlated with microbial N transformations. CO2 emissions tended to increase along the considered water saturation gradients, almost tripling rates from inundated, saturated (158.2 ± 24.1 mmol CO2 m−2 days−1) to dry, exposed sediments (416.5 ± 78.9 mmol CO2 m−2 days−1). Results also suggest that net potential nitrification and denitrification allow tracing the effects of drying on N microbial communities involved in CO2 fluxes. Net potential nitrification rates produce little effects on CO2 fluxes, but is a good proxy of oxygen (O2) availability, whereas potential denitrification may be responsible for variable fractions (up to 100%) of CO2 production, in wetter sediments.
Intraosseous contrast administration for emergency stroke CT
Authors: Krähling Hermann , Masthoff Max , Schwindt Wolfram , Stracke Christian Paul , Schindler Philipp
Published: January 2021

Computed tomography (CT) imaging in acute stroke is an established and fairly widespread approach, but there is no data on applicability of intraosseous (IO) contrast administration in the case of failed intravenous (IV) cannula placement. Here, we present the first case of IO contrast administration for CT imaging in suspected acute stroke providing a dedicated CT examination protocol and analysis of achieved image quality as well as a review of available literature.
Ceramic-on-ceramic articulation in press-fit total hip arthroplasty as a potential reason for early failure, what about the survivors: a ten year follow-up
Authors: van Loon J. , Vervest A. M. J. S. , van der Vis H. M. , Sierevelt I. N. , Baas D. C. , Opdam K. T. M. , Kerkhoffs G. M. M. J. , Haverkamp D.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

In press-fit total hip arthroplasty (THA), primary stability is needed to avoid micromotion and hereby aseptic loosening, the main reason for early revision. High aseptic loosening revision rates of the seleXys TH+ cup (Mathys Medical) with Ceramys ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) bearing are seen in literature. Since CoC is presumed to overcome long-term wear-related revisions, the reason for early failure of this cup is important to clarify. The aim is to investigate its ten year outcomes and differentiate between potential causes and identify risk factors for aseptic loosening.

Methods

Retrospective screening of a prospectively documented series of 315 THAs was performed. Primary outcome was cumulative incidence of cup revision due to aseptic loosening. Secondary outcomes were component revision and reoperation. Additionally, potential predictive factors for aseptic loosening were evaluated.

Results

At the median follow-up of 9.7 years [IQR 4.4; 10.3], 48 TH+ (15.2%) were revised due to aseptic loosening. Competing risk analysis showed a ten year cumulative incidence of cup revision due to aseptic loosening of 15.6% (95% CI 12.0–20.2). Stabilization of early revision rates was observed, following a high rate of respectively 81.3% (n= 39) and 95.8% (n= 46) within the first two and three years. No significant predictive factors for aseptic loosening were found.

Conclusion

The ten year results of seleXys TH+ cup with Ceramys CoC bearing showed an unacceptable high aseptic loosening rate, which stabilized over time after a high early failure incidence. This could be attributed to a problem with osseointegration during the transition of primary to definitive stability.
Ultrasound-guided hydrodilatation for adhesive capsulitis of the hip is a safe and effective treatment
Authors: Yoon Byung-Ho , Shim Jae-Chan , Lee MinKi , Oh Hyoung-Keun , Sung Yerl-Bo , Choo Suk Kyu
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Adhesive capsulitis of the hip (ACH) is likely that this condition had been previously encountered, but easily unrecognised. We investigated the clinical features of patients with ACH, the efficacy of ultrasound-guided intra-articular hydrodilatation, and the patients’ prognosis.

Methods

We enrolled 84 patients (93 hips) who visited the outpatient clinic from August 2018 to November 2019. ACH was diagnosed by restricted range of motion and sharp pain when turning with the affected leg fixed on the ground. We evaluated patient demographics and associated intra-articular pathologies found on magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) images. Injections were performed twice at two week intervals with a mixture of 0.5% lidocaine (25 mL) and triamcinolone (40 mg; 1 mL) with capsular distension under ultrasound guidance. Patients were assessed before and after treatment using a visual analogue scale (VAS), hip disability and osteoarthritis outcome score (HOOS), hip range of motion (ROM), and distance from floor to knee (DFK) when sitting in the cross-legged position.

Results

On MRA, 18 patients had abnormal findings (eight labral tears, seven abductor tendinosis, three primary arthrosis). The mean VAS decreased from 7.1 ± 1.1 to 0.8 ± 0.9 after the last injection, and the HOOS improved in all subsets. The mean DFK decreased from 17.9 ± 4.8 to 9.7 ± 2.8 cm, and passive ROM showed improvement, especially in flexion and rotation. In seven patients, symptom recurrence was reported a mean of 4.1 months after the latest injection, but no independent risk factor for recurrence was identified.

Conclusion

Based on these current observations, patients with ACH may receive relief from hip joint pain and experience improved function with a timely diagnosis and effective treatment.
The Value of Navigators in Breast Cancer Management in a South African Hospital
Authors: Čačala S. R. , Farrow H. , Makhanya S. , Couch D. G. , Joffe M. , Stopforth L.
Published: January 2021

Background

Specialist breast cancer nurses (BCNs) have improved the psychological care and follow‐up rates of breast cancer (BC) patients. This study sought to determine if breast cancer research workers (BCRWs) as de facto BCNs impacted patients' adherence to treatment by comparing groups with and without these patient navigators; hence assessing our need for BCNs.

Methods

Two groups BC patients booked for primary chemotherapy compared. Study group 1 (SG1): no BCRWs/BCNs. Study group 2 (SG2): BCRWs involvement. Assessment of numbers completing primary chemotherapy, undergoing surgery post‐neoadjuvant chemotherapy and BCRWs interventions.

Results

SG1: n = 281, 25–89y, mean 52.7y, Stage 4: 35.6%, Stage 3: 64.4%. SG2: n = 154, 21–85y, mean 52.6y, Stage 4: 47.4%, Stage 3: 43.3%, Stage 2: 9%. Primary chemotherapy not completed SG1: 40.2% (113) versus SG2: 13.5% (21); p < 0.00001. SG1: 88% not completing were lost to follow‐up. Excluding peri‐chemotherapy deaths and discontinuation: SG1: 37.1% did not complete chemotherapy versus SG2: 2.6%, p < 0.00001. SG2: BCRWs: 107 interventions for 58 (37.7%) patients. Therapeutic breast surgery SG1: 103/181 (56.9%) versus SG2: 66/81 (81.5%); p < 0.0001. SG1: main reasons for not having surgery: lost to follow‐up during (n = 58) or after (n = 9) chemotherapy. Follow‐up SG2: 12–43 months, mortality: 52% (80/154), no lost to follow‐ups. SG1: No mortality data.

Conclusions

In our setting, BC patients often do not attend or complete treatments. In this study, BCRWs as de‐facto BCNs were beneficial for BC patient care, improving chemotherapy compliance and therapeutic surgical interventions. This highlights the need for BCNs for the management of BC patients in South Africa.
Klinische und echographische Untersuchungsbefunde bei Patienten mit Carotis-Sinus-cavernosus-Fisteln
Authors: Hübner L. , Struffert T. , Mardin C. Y. , Engelhorn T. , Holbach L. , Weller J. , Hohberger B. , Gusek-Schneider G.
Published: January 2021

Hintergrund

Die Symptomatik und klinischen Befunde bei Patienten mit Carotis-Sinus-cavernosus-Fisteln sind spezifisch, können aber sehr mild ausgeprägt sein. Wir wollen das diagnostische Potenzial der Echographie der Orbita näher beleuchten.

Methoden

In die retrospektive Studie wurden 25 Patienten mit angiographisch gesicherten Fisteln eingeschlossen. Symptome, klinische Untersuchungsergebnisse und die Darstellbarkeit der V. ophthalmica superior in der orbitalen Echographie wurden gegenübergestellt.

Ergebnisse

Die häufigsten Befunde waren Hirnnervenparesen, episklerale Venenstauung oder Exophthalmus. Wurde eine orbitale Ultraschalluntersuchung durchgeführt, konnte eine erweiterte V. ophthalmica superior zu 100 % nachgewiesen werden.

Schlussfolgerung

Die schnell durchführbare Ultraschalluntersuchung liefert wertvolle Informationen zur Differenzialdiagnose eines therapieresistenten roten Auges. In Kombination mit den 3 Kardinalsymptomen episklerale Venenstauung, Exophthalmus und Hirnnervenparese lässt sich die Diagnose einer Carotis-Sinus-cavernosus-Fistel durch die Echographie untermauern. Die weiterführende Bildgebung kann schließlich zielgerichtet veranlasst werden.
Cardiac remodeling in patients with childhood-onset craniopharyngioma—results of HIT-Endo and KRANIOPHARYNGEOM 2000/2007
Authors: Sowithayasakul Panjarat , Buschmann Leona Katharin , Boekhoff Svenja , Müller Hermann L.
Published: January 2021

Hypothalamic obesity caused by childhood-onset craniopharyngioma results in long-term cardiovascular morbidity. Knowledge about clinical markers and risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity is scarce. A cross-sectional study on transthoracic echocardiographic parameters was performed to determine the associations with clinical and anthropometric parameters in 36 craniopharyngioma patients. BMI correlated with the thickness of interventricular septum in diastole (IVSd) (r = 0.604, p < 0.001) and left ventricular posterior wall thickness in diastole (LVPWd) (r = 0.460, p = 0.011). In multivariate analyses on risk factors for cardiac remodeling, sex hormone replacement therapy, BMI, and male gender were positively correlated with increased left ventricular internal diameter in diastole (LVIDd), R2 = 0.596, F = 10.323, p < 0.001. BMI and insulin resistance were selected as significant independent determinants of IVSd, produced R2 = 0.655, F = 29.441, p < 0.001. Due to a wide range of disease duration, 17 pediatric and 19 adult patients were analyzed separately. In the adult subgroup (age at study ≥ 18 years), BMI correlated with IVSd (r = 0.707, p = 0.003), LVPWd (r = 0.592, p = 0.020), and LVIDd (r = 0.571, p = 0.026). In the pediatric subgroup (age at study < 18 years), no correlation between transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) parameters and BMI was observed. Only LVIDd correlated with disease duration (r = 0.645, p < 0.001). All cardiac functions were within the normal range, indicating no association with functional impairments.

Conclusion: Cardiac remodeling in patients with craniopharyngioma correlated with the degree of hypothalamic obesity, disease duration, sex hormone replacement therapy, male gender, and insulin resistance. As echocardiography has limited sensitivity in patients with obesity, further research on more sensitive techniques for cardiac diagnostics in craniopharyngioma patients is warranted.

What is Known:•Long-term prognosis in survivors of craniopharyngioma is impaired by obesity and cardiovascular disease.•Associations between echocardiographic findings and clinical and anthropometric parameters after craniopharyngioma are not yet analyzed.

What is New:•In patients with childhood-onset craniopharyngioma, cardiac remodeling was associated with hypothalamic obesity, duration of disease, male gender sex hormone replacement, and insulin resistance.•Due to reduced echocardiographic sensitivity caused by obesity-related technical limitations, more sensitive cardiac diagnostics should be considered.
Local curvature estimates for the Laplacian flow
Authors: Li Yi
Published: January 2021

In this paper we give local curvature estimates for the Laplacian flow on closed $$G_{2}$$

G
2

-structures under the condition that the Ricci curvature is bounded along the flow. The main ingredient consists of the idea of Kotschwar et al. (J Funct Anal 271(9):2604–2630, 2016) who gave local curvature estimates for the Ricci flow on complete manifolds and then provided a new elementary proof of Sesum’s result (Sesum in Am J Math 127(6):1315–1324, 2005), and the particular structure of the Laplacian flow on closed $$G_{2}$$

G
2

-structures. As an immediate consequence, this estimates give a new proof of Lotay and Wei’s (Geom Funct Anal 27(1):165–233, 2017) result which is an analogue of Sesum’s theorem. The second result is about an interesting evolution equation for the scalar curvature of the Laplacian flow of closed $$G_{2}$$

G
2

-structures. Roughly speaking, we can prove that the time derivative of the scalar curvature $$R_{g(t)}$$

R

g
(
t
)

is equal to the Laplacian of $$R_{g(t)}$$

R

g
(
t
)

, plus an extra term which can be written as the difference of two nonnegative quantities.
The mineralogic and isotopic fingerprint of equatorial carbonates: Kepulauan Seribu, Indonesia
Authors: Utami Dwi Amanda , Reuning Lars , Hallenberger Maximillian , Cahyarini Sri Yudawati
Published: January 2021

Kepulauan Seribu is an isolated patch reef complex situated in the Java Sea (Indonesia) and is a typical example for a humid, equatorial carbonate system. We investigate the mineralogical and isotopic fingerprint of Panggang, one of the reef platforms of Kepulauan Seribu, to evaluate differences to other carbonate systems, using isotope in combination with XRD and SEM analysis. A characteristic property of shallow water (< 20 m) sediments from Kepulauan Seribu is their increased LMC content (~ 10%) derived from some genera of rotaliid foraminifers and bivalves. The relative abundance of these faunal elements in shallow waters might be related to at least temporary turbid conditions caused by sediment-laden river runoff. This influence is also evidenced by the presence of low amounts of siliciclastic minerals below the regional wave base. Kepulauan Seribu carbonates are characterized by very low δ13C and δ18O values. This is related to the isotopically depleted riverine input. The δ13CDICin riverine water is reduced by the contribution of12C from riverside mangroves. Deep atmospheric convection and intensive rains contribute18O-depleted freshwater in the river catchments, finally reducing salinity in the Java Sea. The depleted δ13C signature in carbonates is further enhanced by the lack of green algae and inorganic carbonates and abundance of coral debris. Low δ18O values in carbonates are favored by the high water temperatures in the equatorial setting. Since equatorial carbonates in SE Asia, including the Java Sea, are typically influenced by high turbidity and/or river runoff, the observed distinctively low isotope values likely are characteristic for equatorial carbonate systems in the region.
A novel emaravirus comprising five RNA segments is associated with ringspot disease in oak
Authors: Rehanek Marius , von Bargen Susanne , Bandte Martina , Karlin David G. , Büttner Carmen
Published: January 2021

We report the complete nucleotide sequence of the genome of a novel virus in ringspot-diseased common oak (Quercus robur L.). The newly identified pathogen is associated with leaf symptoms such as mottle, chlorotic spots and ringspots on diseased trees. High-throughput sequencing (HTS, Illumina RNASeq) was used to explore the virome of a ringspot-diseased oak that had chlorotic ringspots of suspected viral origin on leaves for several years. Bioinformatic analysis of the HTS dataset followed by RT-PCR enabled us to determine complete sequences of four RNA genome segments of a novel virus. These sequences showed high similarity to members of the genus Emaravirus, which includes segmented negative-stranded RNA viruses of economic importance. To verify the ends of each RNA, we conducted rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). We identified an additional genome segment (RNA 5) by RT-PCR using a genus-specific primer (PDAP213) to the conserved 3´ and 5´termini in order to amplify full-length genome segments. RNA 5 encodes a 21-kDa protein that is homologous to the silencing suppressor P8 of High Plains wheat mosaic virus. The five viral RNAs were consistently detected by RT-PCR in ringspot-diseased oaks in Germany, Sweden, and Norway. We conclude that the virus represents a new member of the genus Emaravirus affecting oaks in Germany and in Scandinavia, and we propose the name “common oak ringspot-associated emaravirus” (CORaV).
Disloziertes Dexamethason-Implantat in der Vorderkammer: ein Fallbericht
Authors: Berisha Bujar , Höflechner Lukas , Wedrich Andreas
Published: January 2021

Hintergrund

Ozurdex® (Allergan Pharmaceuticals Ireland, Westport, Co. Mayo, Irland) ist ein intravitreales Implantat von 700 mcg Dexamethason, das für die Behandlung eines Makulaödems infolge eines retinalen Venenverschlusses, einer nichtinfektiösen posterioren Uveitis und einer diabetischen Makulopathie zugelassen ist. Erhöhter Augeninnendruck sowie Trübungen der kristallinen Linse sind bekannte Komplikationen. Seltener wird in der Literatur auch die unerwünschte Migration des Implantates in die Vorderkammer (VK) beschrieben. Laut Literatur erforderten die meisten Implantatdislokationen in die VK eine operative Entfernung oder Reposition in den Glaskörperraum. Wir berichten die erfolgreiche Repositionierung eines Ozurdex®-Implantats durch die medikamentöse Erweiterung der Pupille.

Falldarstellung

Eine 79-jährige Patientin entwickelte nach einer sekundären Intraokularlinsenimplantation ein persistierendes zystoides Makulaödem am linken Auge. Dieses wurde seit 3 Jahren mit intravitrealem Ozurdex® behandelt. Bei der geplanten Kontrolle 4 Wochen nach der letzten Behandlung wurde das Ozurdex®-Stäbchen in der VK zwischen Iris und Optik der Vorderkammerlinse (VKL) festgestellt. Es erfolgte eine medikamentöse Erweiterung der Pupille, um das dislozierte Stäbchen zu mobilisieren. Die anschließende Spaltlampenuntersuchung und Fundoskopie zeigten eine Rücklagerung des Ozurdex®-Implantates in dem Glaskörperraum.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die Entfernung des Ozurdex®-Stäbchens aus der VK ist notwendig, um eine Dekompensation des Hornhautendothels zu vermeiden. Wir empfehlen vor einer chirurgischen Intervention einen Repositionsversuch des Implantats durch die medikamentöse Erweiterung der Pupille.
Systematic identification and stratification of help-seeking school-aged youth with mental health problems: a novel approach to stage-based stepped-care
Authors: Wolf Rasmus Trap , Puggaard Louise Berg , Pedersen Mette Maria Agner , Pagsberg Anne Katrine , Silverman Wendy K. , Correll Christoph U. , Plessen Kerstin Jessica , Neumer Simon-Peter , Gyrd-Hansen Dorte , Thastum Mikael , Bilenberg Niels , Thomsen Per Hove , Jeppesen Pia
Published: January 2021

We investigated whether a novel visitation model for school-aged youth with mental health problems based on a stage-based stepped-care approach facilitated a systematic identification and stratification process without problems with equity in access. The visitation model was developed within the context of evaluating a new transdiagnostic early treatment for youth with anxiety, depressive symptoms, and/or behavioural problems. The model aimed to identify youth with mental health problems requiring an intervention, and to stratify the youth into three groups with increasing severity of problems. This was accomplished using a two-phase stratification process involving a web-based assessment and a semi-structured psychopathological interview of the youth and parents. To assess problems with inequity in access, individual-level socioeconomic data were obtained from national registers with data on both the youth participating in the visitation and the background population. Altogether, 573 youth and their parents took part in the visitation process. Seventy-five (13%) youth had mental health problems below the intervention threshold, 396 (69%) were deemed eligible for the early treatment, and 52 (9%) had symptoms of severe mental health problems. Fifty (9%) youth were excluded for other reasons. Eighty percent of the 396 youth eligible for early treatment fulfilled criteria of a mental disorder. The severity of mental health problems highlights the urgent need for a systematic approach. Potential problems in reaching youth of less resourceful parents, and older youth were identified. These findings can help ensure that actions are taken to avoid equity problems in future mental health care implementations.
Single-ion conducting polymer electrolyte for Li||LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 batteries—impact of the anodic cutoff voltage and ambient temperature
Authors: Steinle Dominik , Chen Zhen , Nguyen Huu-Dat , Kuenzel Matthias , Iojoiu Cristina , Passerini Stefano , Bresser Dominic
Published: January 2021

Polymer-based electrolytes potentially enable enhanced safety and increased energy density of lithium-metal batteries employing high capacity, transition metal oxide–positive electrodes. Herein, we report the investigation of lithium-metal battery cells comprising Li[Ni0.6Mn0.2Co0.2]O2 as active material for the positive electrode and a poly(arylene ether sulfone)-based single-ion conductor as the electrolyte incorporating ethylene carbonate (EC) as selectively coordinating molecular transporter. The resulting lithium-metal battery cells provide very stable cycling for more than 300 cycles accompanied by excellent average Coulombic efficiency (99.95%) at an anodic cutoff potential of 4.2 V. To further increase the achievable energy density, the stepwise increase to 4.3 V and 4.4 V is herein investigated, highlighting that the polymer electrolyte offers comparable cycling stability, at least, as common liquid organic electrolytes. Moreover, the impact of temperature and the EC content on the rate capability is evaluated, showing that the cells with a higher EC content offer a capacity retention at 2C rate equal to 61% of the capacity recorded at 0.05 C at 60 °C.
Sex differences in the behavioral responses of dogs exposed to human chemosignals of fear and happiness
Authors: D’Aniello Biagio , Fierro Barbara , Scandurra Anna , Pinelli Claudia , Aria Massimo , Semin Gün R.
Published: January 2021

This research focuses on sex differences in the behavioral patterns of dogs when they are exposed to human chemosignals (sweat) produced in happy and fear contexts. No age, breed or apparatus-directed behavior differences were found. However, when exposed to fear chemosignals, dogs’ behavior towards their owners, and their stress signals lasted longer when compared to being exposed to happiness as well as control chemosignals. In the happy odor condition, females, in contrast to males, displayed a significantly higher interest to the stranger compared to their owner. In the fear condition, dogs spent more time with their owner compared to the stranger. Behaviors directed towards the door, indicative of exit interest, had a longer duration in the fear condition than the other two conditions. Female dogs revealed a significantly longer door-directed behavior in the fear condition compared to the control condition. Overall the data shows that the effect of exposure to human emotional chemosignals is not sex dependent for behaviors related to the apparatus, the owner or the stress behaviors; however, in the happiness condition, females showed a stronger tendency to interact with the stranger.
On standard quadratic programs with exact and inexact doubly nonnegative relaxations
Authors: Gökmen Y. Görkem , Yıldırım E. Alper
Published: January 2021

The problem of minimizing a (nonconvex) quadratic form over the unit simplex, referred to as a standard quadratic program, admits an exact convex conic formulation over the computationally intractable cone of completely positive matrices. Replacing the intractable cone in this formulation by the larger but tractable cone of doubly nonnegative matrices, i.e., the cone of positive semidefinite and componentwise nonnegative matrices, one obtains the so-called doubly nonnegative relaxation, whose optimal value yields a lower bound on that of the original problem. We present a full algebraic characterization of the set of instances of standard quadratic programs that admit an exact doubly nonnegative relaxation. This characterization yields an algorithmic recipe for constructing such an instance. In addition, we explicitly identify three families of instances for which the doubly nonnegative relaxation is exact. We establish several relations between the so-called convexity graph of an instance and the tightness of the doubly nonnegative relaxation. We also provide an algebraic characterization of the set of instances for which the doubly nonnegative relaxation has a positive gap and show how to construct such an instance using this characterization.
Preoperative predictors of dysphagia after transoral surgery
Authors: Fujiwara Kazunori , Taira Kenkichiro , Donishi Ryohei , Koyama Satoshi , Morisaki Tsuyoshi , Fukuhara Takahiro , Takeuchi Hiromi
Published: January 2021

Background

Transoral surgery (TOS) has been used to remove pharyngeal and laryngeal cancers with the objective of improving functional without worsening survival. However, there is a risk of postoperative dysphagia, which can severely impair quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the preoperative predictive factors for postoperative dysphagia in patients undergoing TOS.

Methods

One hundred and twenty patients who underwent TOS were evaluated in this study. The degree of dysphagia was evaluated using the Functional Outcome Swallowing Scale (FOSS) both preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. Those whose FOSS stage was maintained postoperatively were classified into the FOSS-M group, while those with increased FOSS stage postopratively were classified into the FOSS-I group. The following parameters were assessed before surgery: age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), forced expiratory volume in 1 s, and history of head and neck radiotherapy. Videofluoroscopy (VF) was performed preoperatively to evaluate swallowing function using the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS).

Results

The BMI of the FOSS-M group was significantly higher than that of the FOSS-I group. A history of radiotherapy was significantly more common in the FOSS-I group than in the FOSS-M group. Finally, preoperative PAS in the FOSS-M group was lower than that in the FOSS-I group.

Conclusion

This study suggested that patients with preoperative aspiration detected using VF might develop postoperative dysphagia severely. In addition, preoperative low BMI and a history of previous radiotherapy for head and neck cancer were associated with postoperative dysphagia. Objective examinations such as VF should be performed preoperatively.
Missing the point in noncommutative geometry
Authors: Huggett Nick , Lizzi Fedele , Menon Tushar
Published: January 2021

Noncommutative geometries generalize standard smooth geometries, parametrizing the noncommutativity of dimensions with a fundamental quantity with the dimensions of area. The question arises then of whether the concept of a region smaller than the scale—and ultimately the concept of a point—makes sense in such a theory. We argue that it does not, in two interrelated ways. In the context of Connes’ spectral triple approach, we show that arbitrarily small regions are not definable in the formal sense. While in the scalar field Moyal–Weyl approach, we show that they cannot be given an operational definition. We conclude that points do not exist in such geometries. We therefore investigate (a) the metaphysics of such a geometry, and (b) how the appearance of smooth manifold might be recovered as an approximation to a fundamental noncommutative geometry.
Regional entrepreneurial ecosystems: how family firm embeddedness triggers ecosystem development
Authors: Bichler Bernhard Fabian , Kallmuenzer Andreas , Peters Mike , Petry Tanja , Clauss Thomas
Published: January 2021

Regional business development is driven by family firms, which are generally deeply embedded in their region, particularly in rural areas. This study explores how family entrepreneurs’ embeddedness drives an entrepreneurial ecosystem as a regional context for innovation. For this purpose, the study brings together entrepreneurship research on embeddedness and on ecosystems, and develops the entrepreneurial ecosystem embeddedness framework to better understand the connection of entrepreneurs to their local environment along three dimensions. Analyzing qualitative interviews from the hospitality context with a pattern matching approach, we highlight the role of family entrepreneurs’ (1) horizontal embeddedness in the economic and socio-political environment, their (2) vertical embeddedness in industry regimes, in particular the family, and their (3) spatial embeddedness in the region for value creation. Thereby we contribute to a differentiated understanding of how embeddedness as a social fabric relates to entrepreneurial ecosystems. The propositions of this study recommend raising awareness for managing entrepreneurs’ embeddedness along these three dimensions since unilateral engagement and a lack of coordinated embeddedness can restrict value creation.
Investigation of an inverse thermal injection mould design methodology in dependence of the part geometry
Authors: Hopmann C. , Gerads J. , Hohlweck T.
Published: January 2021

The production of injection moulded components with low shrinkage and warpage is a constant challenge for manufacturers. The thermal design of the injection mould plays an important role for the achievable quality, especially the placement of the cooling channels. This design is usually based on empirical knowledge of the mould designers. The construction is supported iteratively by injection moulding simulations. In the case of thick-walled plastic optics with big wall thickness jumps, the shrinkage is compensated by injection compression moulding. In this process, the thin-walled areas freeze earlier and the necessary compression pressure introduces stresses into these areas which reduces the optical performance. An adapted cooling channel design can reduce these problems. At the IKV, Institute for Plastics Processing in Industry and Crafts at the RWTH Aachen University, a methodology was developed which inversely calculates the cooling requirement of the moulded part A demand-oriented cooling channel system is derived based on the computed results. The aim of the research projects is to minimise displacement and internal stresses by temperature control of the moulded parts according to the demand. In this paper, the methodology is applied to three different geometries, representing three classical parts for the injection moulding process. Three different quality areas in the mould for the inverse optimisation are defined and investigated. For each geometry the cooling channel designs are then validated in injection moulding simulations based on the results from the thermal optimisation. It can be shown that for different component geometries and thicknesses, different quality areas are advantageous and decrease the maximum warpage of the parts. For thin-walled ribbed components, a 2D approach leads to a 15% smaller displacement, for components with wall thickness jumps, all investigated quality ranges show no differences in displacement, but a surface in the middle of the part is preferred due to a 3 °C lower standard deviation of the temperature distribution.
Predictive modelling of soils’ hydraulic conductivity using artificial neural network and multiple linear regression
Authors: Williams Charles Gbenga , Ojuri Oluwapelumi O.
Published: January 2021

As a result of heterogeneity nature of soils and variation in its hydraulic conductivity over several orders of magnitude for various soil types from fine-grained to coarse-grained soils, predictive methods to estimate hydraulic conductivity of soils from properties considered more easily obtainable have now been given an appropriate consideration. This study evaluates the performance of artificial neural network (ANN) being one of the popular computational intelligence techniques in predicting hydraulic conductivity of wide range of soil types and compared with the traditional multiple linear regression (MLR). ANN and MLR models were developed using six input variables. Results revealed that only three input variables were statistically significant in MLR model development. Performance evaluations of the developed models using determination coefficient and mean square error show that the prediction capability of ANN is far better than MLR. In addition, comparative study with available existing models shows that the developed ANN and MLR in this study performed relatively better.
Optical control of transverse motion of ionization injected electrons in a laser plasma accelerator
Authors: Feng Jie , Li Yifei , Wang Jinguang , Li Dazhang , Zhu Changqing , Tan Junhao , Geng Xiaotao , Liu Feng , Chen Liming
Published: January 2021

We demonstrate an all-optical method for controlling the transverse motion of an ionization injected electron beam in a laser plasma accelerator by using the transversely asymmetrical plasma wakefield. The laser focus shape can control the distribution of a transversal wakefield. When the laser focus shape is changed from circular to slanted elliptical in the experiment, the electron beam profiles change from an ellipse to three typical shapes. The three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulation result agrees well with the experiment, and it shows that the trajectories of these accelerated electrons change from undulating to helical. Such an all-optical method could be useful for convenient control of the transverse motion of an electron beam, which results in synchrotron radiation from orbit angular momentum.
Early Monumentality in the Belize River Valley: Excavations of a Preclassic E-Group at Cahal Pech, Belize
Authors: Ebert Claire E. , McGee James , Awe Jaime J.
Published: January 2021

Recent investigations at Cahal Pech, Belize, documented a previously unrecognized Middle Preclassic (700–500 cal BC) E-Group complex. Located in an open public plaza, the monumental complex likely functioned as a forum for communal public events. In the Late Preclassic, the E-Group was replaced by an ancestor shrine where several royal tombs are located, as well as buildings separating public civic space from private elite space. These shifts in monumental construction temporally track the development of ideological manifestations of power and provide evidence for the formalization of dynastic rulership by an emerging elite class.
Comparison of Gaia and Hipparcos parallaxes of close visual binary stars and the impact on determinations of their masses
Authors: Al-Wardat Mashhoor Ahmad , Hussein Abdallah M. , Al-Naimiy Hamid M. , Barstow Martin A.
Published: January 2021

Precise measurement of the fundamental parameters of stellar systems, including mass and radius, depends critically on how well the stellar distances are known. Astrometry from space provides parallax measurements of unprecented accuracy, from which distances can be derived, initially from the Hipparcos mission, with a further refinement of that analysis provided by van Leeuwen in 2007. The publication of the Gaia DR2 catalogue promises a dramatic improvement in the available data. We have recalculated the dynamical masses of a sample of 1 700 close visual binary stars using Gaia DR2 and compared the results with masses derived from both the original and enhanced Hipparcos data. We show the van Leeuwen analysis yields results close to those of Gaia DR2, but the latter are significantly more accurate. We consider the impact of the Gaia DR2 parallaxes on our understanding of the sample of visual binaries.
The impact of Anguillicoloides crassus (Nematoda) on European eel swimbladder: histopathology and relationship between neuroendocrine and immune cells
Authors: Dezfuli Bahram Sayyaf , Maestri Chiara , Lorenzoni Massimo , Carosi Antonella , Maynard Barbara J , Bosi Giampaolo
Published: January 2021

The swimbladder functions as a hydrostatic organ in most bony fishes, including the European eel, Anguilla anguilla. Infection by the nematode Anguillicoloides crassus impairs swimbladder function, significantly compromising the success of the eel spawning migration. Swimbladders from 32 yellow eels taken from Lake Trasimeno (Central Italy) were analysed by histopathology- and electron microscopy-based techniques. Sixteen eels (50%) harboured A. crassus in their swimbladders and intensity of infection ranged from 2 to 17 adult nematodes per organ (6.9 ± 1.6, mean ± s.e.). Gross observations of heavily infected swimbladders showed opacity and histological analysis found a papillose aspect to the mucosa and hyperplasia of the lamina propria, muscularis mucosae and submucosa. Inflammation, haemorrhages, dilation of blood vessels and epithelial erosion were common in infected swimbladders. In the epithelium of parasitized swimbladders, many empty spaces and lack of apical junctional complexes were frequent among the gas gland cells. In heavily infected swimbladders, we observed hyperplasia, cellular swelling and abundant vacuolization in the apical portion of the gas gland cells. Numerous mast cells and several macrophage aggregates were noticed in the mucosal layer of infected swimbladders. We found more nervous and endocrine elements immunoreactive to a panel of six rabbit polyclonal antibodies in infected swimbladders compared to uninfected.
An unlikely partnership? New Zealand–South Korea bilateral cooperation and Antarctic order
Authors: Flamm Patrick
Published: January 2021

While the Antarctic Treaty System intended to keep Antarctica an area of international cooperation and science free from militarisation and international conflict, the region has not been completely shielded from global power transitions, such as decolonisation and the end of the Cold War. Presently, emerging countries from Asia are increasingly willing to invest in polar infrastructure and science on the back of their growing influence in world politics. South Korea has also invested heavily in its Antarctic infrastructure and capabilities recently and has been identified as an actor with economic and political interests that are potentially challenging for the existing Antarctic order. This article first assesses the extent and performance of the growing bilateral cooperation between South Korea and one of its closest partners, New Zealand, a country with strong vested interests in the status quo order. How did the cooperation develop between these two actors with ostensibly diverging interests? This article finds that what may have been a friction–laden relationship, actually developed into a win-win partnership for both countries. The article then moves on to offer an explanation for how this productive relationship was made possible by utilising a mutual socialisation approach that explores socio-structural processes around status accommodation.
Grace in action: exploring the intersection of soteriology and ethics in the letter to Titus
Authors: Henriksson Gustaf W.
Published: January 2021

This article investigates action of grace in Titus 2:11 and argues for a congeniality in this epistle with Pauline thought on grace as interpreted by John Barclay inPaul and the Gift.Barclay's disentanglement of the concept, including his newfound taxonomy for χάρις, advances Pauline studies significantly, yet it has not informed studies of the Pastoral Epistles. The article examines the juxtaposition of soteriology and ethics found in Titus 2:11–14 and 3:4–7, proposing that the subsequent passage is an elaboration of the first, which sheds light on the idiosyncratic notion of God's grace performing ethical training.
Distance–decay patterns differ between canopy and ground ant assemblages in a tropical rainforest
Authors: Antoniazzi Reuber , Viana-Junior Arleu B. , Pelayo-Martínez Jaime , Ortiz-Lozada Liliana , Neves Frederico S. , Leponce Maurice , Dáttilo Wesley
Published: January 2021

Both decreases in compositional similarity with increasing geographic distances between sites (i.e. distance–decay relationship) and vertical stratification of species composition are key issues in ecology. However, the intersection between these two trends has scarcely been investigated. Here we use identical sampling methods in the canopy and at ground level in a tropical rainforest remnant on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico to evaluate, for the first time, a distance–decay relationship within vertical strata in insect assemblages. We found that the ant assemblage was vertically stratified; ant species richness was higher at ground level than in the canopy, and the species composition differed between the two vertical strata. Moreover, we observed that β-diversity increased with geographic distance at ground level, but not in the canopy strata. However, contrary to our prediction, there was less species turnover (lower β-diversity) between vertical strata than between trees. These findings may reflect differences in the dispersal capacity and nest habit of ants from each vertical stratum, and also habitat heterogeneity on the horizontal scale, e.g. the species of sampled trees. Our results illustrate the importance of sampling more than one vertical stratum to understand the spatial distribution patterns of biological diversity in tropical rainforests.
Persistently high SARS-CoV-2 positivity rate and incidence for Hispanic/Latinos during state reopening in an urban setting: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Weng Chien-Hsiang , Saal Andrew , McGuire Daniel C. , Chan Philip A.
Published: January 2021

Hispanic/Latino populations are disproportionately impacted by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United States. The impact of state reopening on COVID-19 in this population after stay-at-home orders is unknown. We evaluated the incidence, prevalence and trends during reopening of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) at a major federally qualified health centre in Providence, Rhode Island. A total of 14 505 patients were tested for SARS-CoV-2 from 19 March to 18 August 2020, of which, data on 13 318 (91.8%) patients were available; 70.0% were Hispanic/Latino, and 2905 were positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The urban Hispanic/Latino population was almost five times more likely to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 (risk ratio 4.97, 95% CI 2.59–9.53,P< 0.001) compared to non-Hispanic White. The positivity rates among the urban Hispanic/Latino population remained >10% during all phases of reopening. The trends of the incidence rates showed similar associations to those we observed for positivity rates. Public health interventions to address SARS-CoV-2 in Hispanic/Latino communities are urgently needed, even in latter phases of state reopening.
Historical Milieu of Tribunals in South Africa: The Role of Church Tribunals
Authors: Frank Rashri Baboolal
Published: January 2021

The historical evolution of tribunals in South Africa is important in understanding the stratagem of present-day tribunals. This article attempts to take the reader on a journey from before colonisation to during and after that era. The aim is to address the historical journey of tribunals from a South African perspective, and to analyse Church tribunals regarding their functions, characteristics and daily operations through certain profound cases.
From a Colonial Chaplaincy to Responsible Governance: The Anglican Church of Australia and Its Ecclesiological Challenge
Authors: Kaye Bruce
Published: January 2021

Habits and institutions gradually emerged in earliest Christianity. They were soon enrolled in the Roman empire and subsequently into various forms of Christendom. The English Christendom lasted many centuries and in the period of empire planted the Anglican Church in Australia. This Christendom model was fractured decisively in New South Wales in the first half of the nineteenth century. The recent Royal Commission into abuse in institutions has brought to light serious abuse in the Church and associated it with a form of clericalism. The Commission identifies this issue but does not offer any analysis of its character or causes, which has the effect of diminishing the contribution that the Commission might have made to addressing the problem. A preliminary attempt is offered in this article.
Modelling viscoelastic wave phenomenon by homogenisation of the poroelasticity equations
Authors: LI Q. , SANTOSA F. , WHEELOCK B. , GOVIL K.
Published: January 2021

Poroelastic effects have been of great interest in the seismic literature as they have been identified as a major cause of wave attenuation in heterogeneous porous media. The observed attenuation in the seismic wave can be explained in part by energy loss to fluid motion in the pores. On the other hand, it is known that the attenuation is particularly pronounced in stratified structures where the scale of spatial heterogeneity is much smaller than the seismic wavelength. Understanding of poroelastic effects on seismic wave attenuation in heterogeneous porous media has largely relied on numerical experiments. In this work, we present a homogenisation technique to obtain an upscaled viscoelastic model that captures seismic wave attenuation when the sub-seismic scale heterogeneity is periodic. The upscaled viscoelastic model directly relates seismic wave attenuation to the material properties of the heterogeneous structure. We verify our upscaled viscoelastic model against a full poroelastic model in numerical experiments. Our homogenisation technique suggests a new approach for solving coupled equations of motion.