bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel hybrid epsilon-constraint and NSGA-II method for bi-objective restructuring hierarchical facility location problem
Authors: Yavari Mohammad , Mousavi-Saleh Mohammad , Jabbarzadeh Armin
Published: September 2024

Purpose

A multi-objective mixed-integer linear program (MILP) model is developed to address this problem. The primary objective is to minimize the total restructuring cost, while the secondary objective aims to enhance the customer service level. To tackle the NP-hard nature of the problem, the non-dominated sorted genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) and a hybrid NSGA-II with the ɛ-constraint method are employed. The hybrid method combines the strengths of the ɛ-constraint method with NSGA-II. Various performance metrics, including the number of Pareto solutions (NPS), normalized set coverage and spacing metrics, are utilized to compare the characteristics of the non-dominated fronts obtained by NSGA-II and the hybrid methods.

Design/methodology/approach

The Restructuring Facility Location Problem involves the closure, resizing or opening of a group of facilities and the assignment of customers to these selected facilities. The objective is to provide the required service to customers while minimizing the overall restructuring costs. This paper introduces a novel multi-objective model for hierarchical facilities called the Multi-Objective Restructuring Hierarchical Facility Location Problem (MO-RHFLP). The model specifically includes primary- and secondary-level facilities, with the primary facility offering broad coverage. In MO-RHFLP, customers within the coverage range of the primary facility can receive service from there.

Findings

The results demonstrate that the NSGA-II-based method performs well in terms of normalized set coverage and spacing metrics. However, the hybrid method outperforms NSGA-II in these aspects. Additionally, the hybrid method achieves a mutation in the NPS metric.

Originality/value

The present study, from three perspectives, has continued the way of the previous studies in restructuring channels. First, the multi-objective problem of restructuring the bi-level network executed in this study contains both levels of the network opening, closing and resizing. Taking a different perspective, the MO-RHFLP problem is introduced through the formulation of a multi-objective MILP model. This model serves as a framework for addressing the MO-RHFLP. By developing the hybrid ɛ-constraint method with NSGA-II, we solve the proposed problem.
Artificial intelligence advancements in procurement: transforming organizational buying behavior
Authors: Osmonbekov Talai , Johnston Wesley J. , Donthu Naveen
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to discuss the potential of AI to impact organizational buying behavior. Potential impacts on organizational communication, Organizational Buying Center (OBC) structure and dynamics are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is conceptual in nature and uses narrative literature review to develop testable propositions derived from a technology overview and incorporates existing organizational buying behavior theory.

Findings

The article's conclusion suggests that significant changes are likely due to the adoption of AI. The nature of organizational buying is anticipated to undergo a shift toward increased reliance on AI-generated input. Additionally, it is expected that the size of OBCs may decrease, with reduced vertical and lateral involvement, while promoting greater coordination and less conflict among members.

Originality/value

This paper aims to conceptualize the effects of AI technology adoption on organizational buying situations and the structure and dynamics of OBCs. For practitioners, this conceptualization may equip them to navigate the impacts of the AI technological advancements effectively.
Do overconfident CEOs add to corporate stock returns through their risk reporting practice?
Authors: Hassanein Ahmed , Abdelrasheed Hosam , Elzahar Hany
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore how the degree of chief executive officer (CEO) overconfidence influences the reporting of risk information. Likewise, it delves into how overconfident CEOs shape the usefulness of such risk disclosures, specifically in terms of their relationship with abnormal corporate stock returns.

Design/methodology/approach

It examined FTSE350 shares-firms from 2010 to 2018. The textual analysis using a bag-of-words approach with the Nudist 6 QSR software package codes the quantity and tone of risk reporting in the UK firms. The study used a metric based on the firm's capital expenditure rate relative to its industry median in the same year to assess the degree of firm’s CEO overconfidence. The abnormal return of stock reflects the investors' reaction to the quantity and tone of risk disclosure.

Findings

UK firms differ considerably in their willingness to share risk information with investors, with a slight tendency toward pessimism in risk reporting. Likewise, firms with high (low) overconfident CEOs disseminate higher (lower) levels of risk reporting. Also, overconfident CEOs provide more positive than negative risk news. Besides, the quantity risk reporting does not impact the abnormal stock return of the corporation. However, the positive risk news has a higher (lower) impact on enhancing the stock return in firms with low (high) overconfident CEOs. Finally, negative risk news tends to have an inverse consequence on the company's stock returns. However, this effect is more pronounced for companies led by highly overconfident CEOs compared to those with less overconfident CEOs.

Practical implications

Stakeholders should be aware that risk reports of firms with overconfident CEOs may exhibit a potential bias toward positive news. Likewise, boards of directors and governance mechanisms should be mindful of the consequences of CEO overconfidence in risk reporting and ensure that risk disclosures accurately reflect the true risk profile of the company.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to delve into the consequences of CEOs' overconfidence in terms of risk disclosure in the UK. It goes beyond investigating the level or quantity of risk disclosure and also considers the tone of risk reporting, i.e. the messages communicated through the reporting. Likewise, it explores how CEO overconfidence can affect the value-relevance of risk disclosure, shedding light on the role of CEO characteristics in shaping investor perceptions and decision-making.
Farmers' cooperation to improve water quality under scientific uncertainty: A lab‐in‐the‐field experiment
Authors: Angioloni Simone , Cerroni Simone
Published: September 2024

Cooperation amongst natural resource users is key to manage ecosystems sustainably and achieve environmental goals proposed by policy and regulations. This paper focuses on the impact that livestock farming can have on the quality of a water body and investigates farmers' willingness to cooperate to preserve water quality under two different sources of uncertainty and four different degrees of uncertainty. The first source relates to the level of water quality that must be guaranteed in a river catchment to avoid irreversible deterioration of aquatic ecosystems (threshold uncertainty, i.e. with catastrophic consequences). The second source relates to the financial losses that farmers will experience in the long run if they fail to cooperate (impact uncertainty). To this end, a lab‐in‐the‐field experiment was conducted with livestock farmers of Northern Ireland. A local public good game with threshold uncertainty was framed around an agri‐environmental scheme designed to create ungrazed buffer zones for water quality preservation. Results indicate that uncertainty generally hampers farmers' cooperation and the provision of information geared to reduce uncertainty enhances it. Impact uncertainty has a milder negative impact on cooperation than threshold uncertainty. Risk preferences and probability weighting do not influence cooperation, while loss aversion has an influence on cooperation.
Synthesis of Novel Soritin Sulfonamide Derivatives as Potential α‐Glucosidase Inhibitor and Their Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Inayatsyah Nurul Alam , Ridhwan Mohamad Jemain Mohamad , Aznirulhisham Alim Alsukor , Rasol Nurulfazlina Edayah , Kasim Noraini , Imran Syahrul
Published: September 2024

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is linked to various factors causing cardiovascular diseases, with uncontrolled postprandial hyperglycemia being a direct contributor. α‐Glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs) aid in reducing postprandial hyperglycemia, potentially mitigating cardiovascular risks. In order to synthesize novel chemical scaffolds with possible α‐glucosidase inhibition activity, a series of novel soritin sulfonamide derivatives were synthesized. The soritin hydrazide was treated with various aryl sulfonyl chlorides to obtain targeted compounds (1–16). Findings suggested that all compounds have better α‐glucosidase inhibition compared to standard drugs, acarbose (2187.00 ± 1.25 μM) and 1‐deoxynojirimycin (334.90 ± 1.10 μM), with IC50 values ranging from 3.81 ± 1.67 μM to 265.40 ± 1.58 μM. The most potent analog was Compound 13, a trichloro phenyl substituted compound, with IC50 value of 3.81 ± 1.67 μM. Structure–activity relationship (SAR) showed that introducing an additional chlorine group into the parent nucleus increases the potency. The docking studies validated that Compound 13 established hydrogen bonds with the active site residues Asp214, Glu276, and Asp349, while being further stabilized by hydrophobic interactions, providing an explanation for its high potency.
Synthesis, Antioxidant Activity, and Molecular Docking of Novel Paeoniflorin Derivatives
Authors: Ni Jiating , Yang Meng , Zheng Xinyue , Wang Mingtao , Xiao Qian , Han Hua , Dong Peiliang
Published: September 2024

Paeoniflorin (PF) is one of the active constituents of the traditional Chinese medicine Paeoniae Radix Rubra and has been actively explored in the pharmaceutical area due to its numerous pharmacological effects. However, severe difficulties such as limited bioavailability and low permeability limit its utilization. Therefore, this study developed and synthesized 25 derivatives of PF, characterized them by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HR‐MS, and evaluated their antioxidant activity. Firstly, the antioxidant capacity of PF derivatives was investigated through DPPH radical scavenging experiment, ABTS radical scavenging experiment, reducing ability experiment, and O2.− radical scavenging experiment. PC12 cells are routinely used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of medicines, therefore we utilize it to establish a cellular model of oxidative stress. Among all derivatives, compound 22 demonstrates high DPPH radical scavenging capacity, ABTS radical scavenging ability, reduction ability, and O2.− radical scavenging ability. The results of cell tests reveal that compound 22 has a non‐toxic effect on PC12 cells and a protective effect on H2O2‐induced oxidative stress models. This might be due to the introduction of 2, 5‐difluorobenzene sulfonate group in PF, which helps in scavenging free radicals under oxidative stress. Western blot and molecular docking indicated that compound 22 may exert antioxidant activity by activating Nrf2 protein expression. As noted in the study, compound 22 has the potential to be a novel antioxidant.
Physical exercise‐induced circAnks1b upregulation promotes protective endoplasmic reticulum stress and suppresses apoptosis via miR‐130b‐5p/Pak2 signaling in an ischemic stroke model
Authors: Yang Xiaofeng , Mu Yating , Feng Yifeng , Li Mingyue , Hu Haojie , Zhang Xiaoya , Zuo Zejie , Wu Rui , Xu Jinghui , Zheng Fang , He Xiaofei , Hu Xiquan , Zhang Liying
Published: September 2024

Aims

Physical exercise (PE) can accelerate post‐stroke recovery. This study investigated contributions of circRNAs to PE‐induced improvements in post‐stroke neurological function.

Methods

Rats subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion were left sedentary or provided running‐wheel access for 4 weeks during recovery. CircRNAs from peri‐infarct cortex were identified by high‐throughput sequencing, and interactions with miRNAs by immunoprecipitation, fluorescence in suit hybridization, and dual‐luciferase reporter assays. In vivo circRNA knockdown was achieved using shRNA‐AAVs and in vitro overexpression by plasmid transfection. Transmission electron microscopy, western blotting, and TUNEL assays were conducted to explore circRNA contributions to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and neuronal apoptosis. CircRNA levels were measured in plasma from stroke patients by qRT‐PCR and associations with neurological scores assessed by Pearson's correlation analysis.

Results

PE upregulated circAnks1b, reduced infarct volume, and mitigated neurological dysfunction, while circAnks1b knockdown exacerbated neurological dysfunction and increased infarct size despite PE. CircAnks1b sponged miR‐130b‐5p, thereby disinhibiting Pak2 expression. Conversely, Pak2 downregulation disrupted PE‐mediated protective ER stress, leading to reduced IRE1/XBP1 and heightened apoptosis. Plasma circAnks1b was higher in stroke patients receiving PE than sedentary patients and correlated negatively with neurological scores.

Conclusions

CircAnks1b upregulation may be an effective therapeutic strategy for post‐stroke recovery.
Better dead than shorn. The killing of Chlodomer’s sons and the character of Queen Clotilde
Authors: Westenholz Willum
Published: September 2024

This article studies the portrayal of the character of Clotilde in Gregory of Tours’s Decem libri historiarum with particular attention paid to the killing of Chlodomer’s sons (3.18). It argues that this, along with other episodes attested in Fredegar, is a contaminations from a tradition in which Clotilde was portrayed as a virago in contrast to the quasi‐hagiographical Tours tradition on which Gregory in the main depended. This creates an internal tension in her character that later authors, both scholarly and belletristic, have either attempted to minimize or to bring into the foreground in their own narratives.
Caring organizational cultures and the future of work
Authors: Saks Alan M. , Gruman Jamie A.
Published: September 2024

There is substantial evidence that workplaces of the future will be dominated by an increase in advanced technology. This trend might lead to the objectification and dehumanization of employees and other stakeholders who interact with organizations as impersonal operations and procedures become normative and employees are subordinated to technology. This also means that the needs of employees and other stakeholders will be changing and organizations must respond if they are to be effective and successful in the future. In this paper, we argue that in order to counteract the dehumanizing effects of technology, organizations of the future need to be more caring and this requires building a culture of care in which the organization places a high priority on the needs and well‐being of employees, managers, customers, and the community in which it operates. We provide a multiple‐stakeholder perspective of organizational care and explain how care and concern can move up, down, around, and outside organizations and the positive consequences of care for organizations and all stakeholders. The paper also offers suggestions for future research and practice on organizational care and caring organizational cultures.
Coordination contract design for a two‐echelon supply chain considering risk aversion and yield uncertainties
Authors: Cai Jianhu , Cao Zhengang , Zhang Xiaoyang , Jia Lishuang , Xu Jie
Published: September 2024

This study establishes a two‐echelon supply chain (SC) wherein the supplier and the manufacturer suffer from yield uncertainty, and the supplier has a risk‐averse attitude. The SC members’ optimal input quantity and order quantity are investigated. On this basis, the revenue‐sharing and subsidy contracts are introduced to achieve SC coordination. The findings indicate that the two contracts are valid on SC coordination, and there exists a one‐to‐one relationship between these two contracts. Moreover, the two contracts can achieve the same utility allocation between the SC members under specific conditions. Overall, our findings help the SC members develop more efficient cooperation mechanisms.
The Power of Calling: How Founder CEOs Drive Ambidexterity and Innovation in Firms
Authors: Pan Jingzhou , Hmieleski Keith M. , Ma Bin , Lysova Evgenia I. , Tang Ziyang , Huang Xu
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the phenomenon of founder CEOs playing an inordinately crucial role in achieving firm innovation performance. While existing research compares the effectiveness of founder and non‐founder CEOs, the reasons behind founder CEOs’ advantage in achieving high innovation performance remain unclear. Building on upper echelons theory, this study explores micro‐foundations underlying this phenomenon. We propose that CEO founder status positively influences innovation performance through the application of ambidextrous firm strategy, with such effects being moderated by the extent to which CEOs experience a sense of calling for their work. Based on data from 200 small‐ and medium‐sized high‐tech enterprises in China, we find that founder, as compared to non‐founder, CEOs have a more positive relationship with innovation performance, mediated by ambidextrous firm strategy, and this effect is strengthened by calling for their work. These findings provide new insights regarding how and when a ‘founder advantage’ is most likely to be achieved regarding innovation performance. Moreover, by focusing on Chinese firms, this study responds to calls for expanding management research beyond Western contexts, enriching our understanding of founder CEOs and innovation in diverse cultural settings.
IgA nephropathy: Correlation between pathologic findings and complement activation
Authors: Haas Mark
Published: September 2024

Summary at a glance

Complement plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy. Kidney biopsies with IgA nephropathy show glomerular immune complex deposits with evidence of complement activation by the alternative pathway and in a subset of cases the mannose binding lectin pathway. The recent development of specific drugs targeting these complement pathways represent a potentially important new approach to treating IgA nephropathy.
My journey on the path to understanding IgA nephropathy: From bench to bedside
Authors: Tomino Yasuhiko
Published: September 2024

When Berger et al. first reported IgA nephropathy in 1968, the prognosis was generally thought to be benign. However, as more case data were accumulated, it became evident that not all patients with IgA nephropathy necessarily had a good prognosis. IgA nephropathy has a significant morbidity, culminating in end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) in about 40% of patients without treatment within 20 years of the diagnosis. Although almost 20% of patients remain stable in their renal function, 30%–40% of patients develop ESKD from its onset. The important factors of renal outcome in patients with IgA nephropathy is the severity of histopathological findings, heavy proteinuria, long duration of proteinuria, haematuria and hypertension.
Mucosal targeting in IgA nephropathy targeting the gut associated lymphoid tissue
Authors: Barratt Jonathan
Published: September 2024

IgA nephropathy is a mucosally driven disease and new therapeutic approaches are specifically targeting the mucosal production of IgA in the hope that this will lead to a reduction in circulating IgA immune complexes and mesangial IgA deposition. In this lecture, I discuss the rationale for targeting the mucosal immune system of the gut and the existing data from clinical trials supporting such an approach as a disease modifying treatment for IgA nephropathy.
Ablation of Supraventricular Arrhythmias With as Low as Reasonably Achievable X‐Ray exposure (AALARA)
Authors: Amin Mohammad , Abdrakhmanov Ayan , Kropotkin Evgeniy , Traykov Vasil , Salló Zoltán , Gellér László , Lorgat Faizel , Sapelnikov Oleg , Toman Ondrej , Al‐Muti Khalid , Aljaabari Mohamed , Bystriansky Adrian , Környei László , Mujović Nebojša , Simons Stefanie , Szegedi Nándor
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The reduction of fluoroscopic exposure during catheter ablation of supraventricular arrhythmias is widely adopted by experienced electrophysiology physicians with a relatively short learning curve and is becoming the standard of care in many parts of the world. While observational studies in the United States and some parts of Western Europe have evaluated the minimal fluoroscopic approach, there are scarce real‐world data for this technique and the generalizability of outcomes in other economic regions.

Method

The AALARA study is a prospective, observational, multicenter, and multinational open‐label study. Patients were recruited from 13 countries across Central Eastern Europe, North and South Africa, the Middle East, and the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States), with different levels of operator expertise using minimal fluoroscopic exposure techniques. Data on radiation exposure, procedural success, complications, recurrence, and quality of life changes were collected and analyzed.

Result

A total of 680 patients were enrolled and followed for 6 months. The majority were ablation naïve with the commonest arrhythmia ablated being typical AVNRT (58%) followed by Atrial Flutter (23%). Zero fluoroscopy exposure was observed in almost 90% of the cases. Fluoroscopy was most commonly used during the ablation phase of the procedure. We observed a high acute success rate (99%), a low complication rate (0.4%), and a 6‐month recurrence rate of 3.8%. There was a significant improvement in the patient's symptoms and quality of life as measured by patient global assessment.

Conclusion

The routine use of a 3D mapping system during right‐sided ablation was associated with low radiation exposure and associated with high acute success rate, low complications, and recurrence rate along with significant improvement in quality of life. The data confirm the reproducibility of this approach in real‐world settings across different healthcare systems, and operator experience supporting this approach to minimize radiation exposure without compromising efficacy and safety.

Trial Registration

NCT04716270
In‐Hospital Outcomes of Ventricular Tachycardia Catheter Ablation in the Presence of Intra‐Cardiac Thrombus
Authors: Margolis Gilad , Nov Carmel , Kazatsker Mark , Kobo Ofer , Roguin Ariel , Leshem Eran
Published: September 2024

Background

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) catheter ablation in the presence of intracardiac thrombi was evaluated in very few studies.

Objectives

To investigate in‐hospital outcomes of VT ablation in the presence of an intracardiac thrombus, in a large inpatient US registry.

Methods

Using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, patients who underwent non‐elective VT catheter ablations in the United States between 2016 and 2019 were identified using ICD‐10 codes. Sociodemographic, clinical data, in‐hospital procedures, and outcomes as well as in‐hospital mortality were collected. In‐hospital outcomes were compared using propensity score (PS) matching analysis with a 1:3 ratio between patients with and without intracardiac thrombus.

Results

A weighted total of 15,725 admissions for non‐elective VT ablation were included in the study, of which 190 (1.2%) had a discharge diagnosis of intracardiac thrombus. Patients with intracardiac thrombus had a higher comorbidity burden and were more likely to have ischemic cardiomyopathy and a diagnosis of cardiac aneurysm. In PS analysis, the presence of intracardiac thrombus was significantly associated with higher rates of any in‐hospital complications (42.1% vs. 19.3%, p < 0.009), driven by higher periprocedural cerebrovascular accident and vascular injury events. In‐hospital mortality rates were not significantly different between the groups.

Conclusions

In patients undergoing non‐elective VT ablation, intracardiac thrombus was associated with higher rates of in‐hospital complications, but not higher in‐hospital mortality. These findings suggest that intracardiac thrombus should not contraindicate VT ablation when deemed necessary, while efforts should be made to decrease potential complications.
Earning trust in intergroup contexts: The interplay of perceived warmth and competence
Authors: Wei Cong , Wu Ziyi , Dang Jianning , Liu Li
Published: September 2024

Previous research on intergroup trust has focused predominantly on trustors' dispositional profiles while overlooking the pivotal role of perceptions of the target outgroup and their intricate interactions. Building on the “Big‐Two” model of social perception, four studies (N = 802) examined the proposition that intergroup trust is a joint function of the target outgroup's perceived warmth and competence. Studies 1 and 2 investigated how American and Chinese people's perceptions of each other regarding warmth and competence impact their mutual trust, respectively. Study 3 manipulated social perceptions of a virtual group by presenting warmth‐ and competence‐related cues and captured the resulting intergroup trust behavior. Study 4 examined intergroup trust toward four natural groups generally perceived to have different levels of warmth and competence in both cooperative and competitive contexts. Consistent with our theoretical predictions, perceived warmth promoted intergroup trust only when the target outgroup was perceived as competent. Alternatively, the sign of perceived competence's role in predicting intergroup trust depended primarily on perceived warmth. These findings underscore the indispensability of both warmth and competence in shaping intergroup trust and have implications for international conflict resolution and peacekeeping.
How do multidimensional energy justices work?: Specifying the role of anthropocentric and ecological justice in the acceptance of solar energy
Authors: Jeon Sehyeok , Kim Seoyong , Kim Miri
Published: September 2024

This study analyzed the acceptance of solar energy in terms of energy justice. The critical issue of energy supply, demand, and transition is a process of social redistribution of risks from old to new energy systems. The question of the appropriate distribution of risks for the energy system is closely related to energy justice. Previous studies are limited in empirically testing whether or not energy justice can contribute to the acceptance of new energy system. In addition, previous studies have heavily depended on energy justice in terms of anthropocentric type. Anthropocentric definitions of energy justice have focused primarily on the benefits and costs allocated only to humans. Such an anthropocentric view of justice lacks consideration of the value of various ecological beings. Therefore, this study aims to shed light on the role of not only four anthropocentric types of energy justices but also on for four ecological ones in the acceptance of solar energy. The analysis reveals that recognitive justice, generational justice, deep ecological justice, social ecological justice, and distributional justice positively influence the acceptance of solar energy, whereas procedural justice, restorative justice, and eco‐socialist justice have no effect on it. In particular, this study found that recognitive justice moderates the effect of personal norms on acceptance of solar energy, whereas restorative justice moderates the effect of knowledge on it.
Governing climate change in a changing world
Authors: Westman Linda
Published: September 2024

This commentary reflects on a longstanding interdisciplinary exchange across geography and political science, which has crystallised into the scholarship on climate governance. This debate has fundamentally shaped ideas on how climate change can be managed as a societal challenge and with what consequences. The analysis briefly maps the emergence of climate governance as a concept and its progressive embedding in climate policy discourse. Next, the discussion reflects on how the application of associated frameworks may become increasingly ‘stretched’, as theoretical toolkits travel far beyond the settings in which they were developed.
Effects of topical 0.5% tropicamide and 1% atropine on pupil diameter, intraocular pressure, and tear production, in healthy pet rabbits
Authors: Cabrero María , Guyonnet Alexandre , Mercado Laura , Andrejak‐Benit Juliette , Meric Tristan , Bourguet Aurélie
Published: September 2024

Objective

To evaluate the effects of topical application of 0.5% tropicamide and 1% atropine on pupil diameter (PD), intraocular pressure (IOP), and tear production (TP) in healthy pet rabbits.

Animals Studied

Ten healthy client‐owned rabbits.

Procedures

A prospective, randomized, blinded, crossover study was conducted. Each animal received one drop of 0.5% tropicamide or 1% atropine in a randomly selected eye. PD, IOP, and TP were evaluated before drug instillation and at 0.25 h, 0.5 h, 0.75 h, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, 8 h, 10 h, 12 h, 24 h, 36 h, 48 h, 60 h, and 72 h post‐instillation. Data were analyzed using a paired two‐sample repeated measures T‐test with Bonferroni correction.

Results

In both tropicamide and atropine treated eyes, the mean PD significantly increased from 15 min until 12 h after treatment with a maximum PD at 45 min (+2.7 mm and + 2.4 mm respectively). Following tropicamide and atropine instillation, IOP increased significantly in treated eyes at 45 min (+2.9 mmHg) and 15 min (+5.2 mmHg) respectively, compared to untreated eyes. No significant effects were found on TP, in both tropicamide and atropine treated eyes at any time. No effects were observed in the untreated eyes on any of the parameters evaluated for both drugs.

Conclusions

Topical treatment with 0.5% tropicamide and 1% atropine induced mydriasis in healthy pet rabbits and could be considered as effective options when mydriatic/cycloplegic drugs are required.
Contrast computed tomography dacryocystorhinography identifies nasolacrimal duct obstruction secondary to chronic dental disease in two chinchilla langeria
Authors: Hisey Erin A. , Rodriguez Paula , Tarbert Danielle K. , Paul‐Murphy Joanne R. , Hendrickson Carli , Brust Kelsey , Maggs David J. , Leonard Brian C.
Published: September 2024

Objective

To determine the impact of chronic dental disease on the nasolacrimal duct of chinchillas using contrast CT dacryocystorhinography.

Animals Studied

Two 12‐year‐old female chinchillas with uni‐ or bilateral ocular discharge and a history of chronic, moderate (Chinchilla 1, one‐year) or severe (Chinchilla 2, three‐years) dental disease.

Procedures

Contrast CT dacryocystorhinography was performed to identify abnormalities in the nasolacrimal duct and dentition, and to correlate those changes.

Results

Chinchilla 1 had a focal soft tissue attenuating expansion of the maxillary bone rostral to the first left premolar interpreted as possible abscessation causing deviation of the nasolacrimal duct over its dorsomedial margin. The right nasolacrimal duct appeared normal. Chinchilla 2 had periapical abscessation of a retained subgingival left maxillary incisor fragment which extended into the nasal cavity causing focal narrowing and distal dilation of the left nasolacrimal duct. Complete contrast infusion of the right nasolacrimal duct could not be completed on Chinchilla 2. A focal area of superficial corneal fibrosis ipsilateral to the obstructed nasolacrimal duct was also identified in Chinchilla 2. Treatment consisted of occlusal adjustments to correct the coronal elongation, systemic antibiotics (metronidazole and either marbofloxacin or azithromycin), and topical tear replacement therapy and diclofenac as needed. Ocular discharge decreased in both chinchillas but did not resolve long‐term in either animal.

Conclusions

Chronic dental disease including periapical abscessation in chinchillas can obstruct the nasolacrimal duct, leading to impaired tear drainage. Management of dental disease is crucial to maintain patency of the nasolacrimal duct.
Characteristics and diagnostic performance of nonechoplanar diffusion‐weighted imaging in detecting canine tympanokeratoma (cholesteatoma)
Authors: Coeuriot Charlotte , Gaillot Hugues , Agoulon Albert , Madec Stephane , Michel Guillaume , Prelaud Pascal , Briand Amaury , Bensignor Emmanuel , Bruet Vincent , Abadie Jérôme , Ruel Yannick , Fusellier Marion
Published: September 2024

Tympanokeratomas (cholesteatomas) are destructive keratinic masses of the middle ear that are often treated surgically. In humans, nonechoplanar (non‐EP) diffusion‐weighted (DW) MRI is efficient in diagnosing tympanokeratomas and differentiating recurrent tympanokeratomas from granulation or fibrous tissue after surgery. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the characteristics of non‐EP DWI of histologically or cytologically confirmed canine tympanokeratomas, (2) determine the performance of non‐EP DW images, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map and ADC values in discriminating between tympanokeratomas and other causes of otitis media in dogs, and (3) find an optimal ADC cut‐off value. Medical records of dogs diagnosed on MRI with otitis media in two veterinary hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. Sixty‐two ears with a cytological or pathological diagnosis of either tympanokeratoma (36/62) or nontympanokeratoma otitis media (26/62) were selected. Diffusion‐weighted images had an accuracy of 77.4%, a sensitivity of 94.4%, and a specificity of 53.8% for the detection of tympanokeratoma. The ADC value of middle ear content ranged from 517 to 1355.10−6 mm2/s in tympanokeratoma and from 454 to 2447 × 10−6 mm2/s in nontympanokeratoma otitis media. An ADC value below 916 × 10−6 mm2/s interpreted as a tympanokeratoma yielded an accuracy of 78.7%, a sensitivity of 92.6%, and a specificity of 60%. In the study population, combined qualitative analysis of DW images and ADC maps was the most effective method for diagnosing tympanokeratomas with an accuracy of 80.9%, a sensitivity of 92.6%, and a specificity of 65%.
Automorphism groups of cubic fivefolds and fourfolds
Authors: Yang Song , Yu Xun , Zhu Zigang
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we introduce notions of partitionability and characteristic sets of homogeneous polynomials and give a complete classification of groups faithfully acting on smooth cubic fivefolds. Specifically, we prove that there exist 20 maximal ones among all such groups. As an application, we classify all possible subgroups of the automorphism groups of smooth cubic fourfolds.
Eddy Current Flaw Imaging Using Micro-Sensor Arrays
Authors: Xue Jianhua , Ramalingam S. , Shi Zheng
Published: September 2024

Eddy current micro-sensors and array sensors have been developed to detect small flaws of the form nucleated in the initiation phases of fatigue cracking in highly stressed mechanical components. Resolution limit sought for this task is of the order of 100 μm and lower. Photo-lithography, and wet and dry etching techniques were used to fabricate micro-sensors on Si wafers and Kapton substrates. These sensors were used with flux-focusing pole pieces to inspect test samples containing model flaws. Flaw images obtained are presented and discussed. It is shown that eddy current flaw imaging with micro-sensors can provide flaw detection with a spatial resolution better than 100 μm. Array sensors have also been developed to reduce the inspection time and cost without any loss in spatial resolution. It is shown that automation-compatible, disposable, eddy current micro-sensors are now within reach for reliable small flaw detection.
An Intelligent Component Health Monitoring System: A Building Block for a Distributed Approach to Machinery Health Assessment
Authors: Nickerson G. William , Lally Richard W.
Published: September 2024

A transition to condition-based maintenance in military and commercial applications is critical for economic survival. Technology to enable a robust diagnostic and prognostic capability for machinery health assessment is necessary to make the transition and is rapidly evolving. An opportunity exists to step to the next plateau in machinery health assessment by distributing the conversion of data to information at the lowest possible level in the system hierarchy. This paper describes an approach to decompose plants and platforms into a hierarchy of building blocks and architecture for machinery health monitoring uniquely suited to this application. The distributed architecture described is enabled by rapid developments in embedded computer, software, and sensor applications that can be exploited to enable high-performance, cost-effective machinery health assessment systems.
Micro Control Valves by Making Use of Electro-Rheological Fluids (Control of One-Link Manipulator With the Micro ER Valve)
Authors: Kondoh Yutaka , Yokota Shinichi
Published: September 2024

A three-port micro control valve by making use of electro-rheological (ER) fluids is proposed and fabricated, whose size is 12 × 12 × 12mm. Static and dynamic characteristics of the micro valve are examined. The valve can produce load pressure change of 0.35MPa at maximum electric field strength of 5kV/mm. In addition, the micro valve is applied to control a one-link manipulator with a small-sized artificial rubber-muscle-type actuator. The effectiveness of the micro valve is experimentally demonstrated for use in fluid servo systems.
A Piezoelectric Micropump Using Resonance Drive: Proposal of Resonance Drive and Basic Experiments on Pump Characteristics
Authors: Park Jung-Ho , Yoshida Kazuhiro , Yokota Shinichi
Published: September 2024

In this study, a piezoelectric micropump using resonance drive is proposed and fabricated. Fabricated piezoelectric micropump basically consists of a bellows acting as a reciprocating pump chamber, a multilayered PZT actuator for oscillating the bellows and normally closed cantilever type of two check valves. Frequency characteristics of flow rate and pressure are investigated with different amount of additional mass. Furthermore, output characteristics of the pump are investigated when a bellows is attached to the outlet as a varying load. Through those experiments, it is ascertained that the maximum flow rate with no load pressure is about 100mm3/s, the maximum output pressure is about 0.25MPa and the maximum output power of the fabricated pump is about 4mW. As a result, the feasibility of the piezoelectric micropump with resonance drive is confirmed.
Power Transmission System Design: Modeling the Comparative Performance of Hydraulic and Electric Drives
Authors: Monaghan Aelred M. , Tilley Derek G. , Chapple Peter J.
Published: September 2024

Advancements in technology have resulted in an increasing range of power transmission drive options. Therefore it is becoming increasingly difficult to select the most appropriate drive for a particular application. This paper describes the initial findings of an investigation into the design and analysis of power transmission systems. A technique is presented, based on computer simulation, which allows the comparative performance of alternative systems to be evaluated.

The simulation work required the development of computer models to represent the drive system components. The modeling algorithms adopted for the hydraulic and electric motors are described.

Results of a computer study investigating the relative efficiency of three alternative rotary drive systems are presented. The three systems considered were a basic valve controlled hydraulic circuit, a load sensing hydraulic circuit and an inverter fed induction motor drive system. The study demonstrates the ability of the computer simulation technique to predict and compare the performance of compering power transmission systems, thus providing a powerful analytical tool for the system designer.
CAD of Hydraulic Manifold Blocks Using an Object-Oriented Approach
Authors: Wong P. K. , Chuen C. W. , Leung T. P.
Published: September 2024

In a hydraulic power system, the manifold blocks are usually tailor-made. Computer-aided design of these manifold blocks will facilitate the production of these systems. An object-oriented approach in the design of these blocks has advantages that modifications of the component physical dimensions can easily be incorporated into the scheme without difficulties. An object-oriented model to represent the behaviour and the design knowledge of hydraulic power circuits and components is used in this design methodology. The class reconstruction principle enables the class structures of fluid power sub-circuits and components to be defined and expanded in a rigorous manner. With the aid of object-oriented modelling philosophy, it is extended to manifold block design, which can be viewed both as an object placing problem and as a routing-design problem. In order to provide a computer-aided engineering solution to these problems, some design rules and algorithms have been proposed and implemented in designing hydraulic manifold blocks. This approach can be used to construct a 3D path connection algorithm for manifold block design and to support many other design activities.
Spatial and Dynamic Characterization of the Interaction of Staphylococcus Aureus Alpha-Toxin With Cell Membranes
Authors: Merchant Fatima A. , Toner Mehmet
Published: September 2024

Genetically engineered pore-forming proteins such as the H5 mutant of the staphylococcal aureus α-toxin, have been specially designed to achieve controlled and reversible plasma membrane permeabilization. Hence, quantitative information regarding the dynamics of poration is critical for designing applications employing α-toxins for the permeabilization of cell membranes. We have employed immunofluorescence imaging techniques in conjunction with viability assays to elucidate the spatial and temporal interactions of α-toxin with living cells. This information would aid in the design and development of better permeabilization protocols that effectively utilize the toxin to achieve efficient poration of a large number of cells.
Intracellular Calcium Dynamics During Photolysis
Authors: Busch N. A. , Reiken S. R. , Toner Mehmet , Yarmush M. L.
Published: September 2024

The objective of this investigation was to gain a deeper understanding of the intracellular events which precede photolysis of cells. A model system, consisting of malignant melanoma cells pre-treated with the calcium sensitive fluorescent dye, Fluo-3, was used to examine the intracellular calcium dynamics in single-cell photolysis experiments. Exposure of the cells to 632nm laser light in the presence of photosensitizer, tin chlorin e6, resulted in a rise in intracellular calcium. The increase in intracellular calcium was blocked using a variety of calcium channel blocking agents, including verapamil, nifedipine and nickel. Treatment with the channel blockers was also effective in either decreasing or eliminating cell death despite the presence of lethal doses of photosensitizer and irradiation. These results show that intracellular calcium rises prior to plasma membrane lysis, and that this early rise in intracellular calcium is necessary for membrane rupture.
Numerical Modeling of Transport Processes During Protein Crystallization
Authors: Gray Elizabeth L. , Chait Arnon
Published: September 2024

We present results from preliminary research on evaporation kinetics and transport during protein crystallization. Our focus has been on understanding and quantifying the dynamics of the vapor diffusion process, the technique by which the majority of both space-grown and earth-grown protein crystals are produced. In the vapor diffusion process, an aqueous solution containing protein is allowed to evaporate within a closed cell, thereby increasing the protein concentration and causing subsequent nucleation and growth. The rate of evaporation is a complex function of the pre-determined process parameters. Present methodologies are largely inadequate to describe the role of each parameter and its relative importance in achieving a desired evaporation rate curve. In this work we present initial results from a comprehensive numerical model of the process that includes all relevant physics. We systematically investigate the role of different modes of transport in each phase (natural convection and diffusion) and explore process sensitivities to external parameters that are user-defined. Full, large scale numerical simulations of the governing equations for the transport of heat and mass in the droplet and the vapor gap are simultaneously solved and results are presented and compared to data obtained from careful experiments. We demonstrate that natural convection even in earth gravity does not contribute to the evaporation process. We also show that very small fluctuations in temperature can cause significant variations in evaporation rates. Finally, we explore issues that are important for accurate simulations of this seemingly simple, yet complex process of protein crystallization.
Development of a Novel Microwave Cavity to Vitrify Biological Tissues for Use in Surgical Transplantation
Authors: Gao D. Y. , Jackson T. , Zhang W.
Published: September 2024

The objective of this study is to test a hypothesis that the coupled interaction of microwave radiation and cryoprotectant concentration can significantly influence ice formation in cryopreservation media during the cooling process. Test samples consisted of a series of solutions with ethylene glycol (a cryoprotectant) concentration ranging from 3 to 5.5 M. A specific microwave resonant cavity was built and utilized to provide an intense oscillating electric field. Solutions were simultaneously exposed to this electric field and cooled to −196°C by immersion in liquid nitrogen. Control samples were similarly submerged in liquid nitrogen but without the microwave field. The amount of ice formation was determined by analysis of digital images of the samples. It was found that ice formation was greatly reduced in the presence of microwave irradiation. For example, ice formation could be reduced by roughly 56% in 3.5 molar ethylene glycol solutions. An average reduction of 66% was observed in 4.5 molar solutions. Statistical analysis indicated that main effects of microwave and ethylene glycol concentration as well as interaction between these two factors significantly (p < 0.01) influenced ice formation amount, confirming the hypothesis. This preliminary study suggested that a combined use of microwave irradiation and cryoprotectant might be a potential approach to control ice formation in cells/tissues during cooling process and to enhance vitrification of these biomaterials for long-term preservation.
Methodology for Modeling the Response of Temperature Probes in Convective Media
Authors: da Rocha Adson F. , Valvano Jonathan W.
Published: September 2024

This paper discusses the dynamic behavior of probes embedded in convective media during temperature measurements. It will be shown that in certain conditions the temperature measured by a probe can be written as the convolution of the true temperature with the impulse response of the probe. We present a general method to find the natural response of any kind of probe, and then we present results for a more realistic 1-D model for the thermistor probe in a thermodilution catheter. The results of these analyzes can be applied to enhance the dynamic response of temperature measurements made by probes in convective media.