bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrieval of aerosol microphysical parameters based on a few optical parameters from lidar
Authors: Li Siwen , Di Huige , Zhang Xingqi , Xin Wenhui , Zeng Nan , Ma Hui , Li Yan , Hua Dengxin
Published: December 2021

Aerosol optical parameters detected by multiwavelength lidar can be used for the retrieval of the aerosol particle size distribution and aerosol microphysical properties (AMP). Based on the retrieval for AMPs using standard principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm, the influence of the number of optical parameters on the PCA retrieval results is studied. Four optical parameters (3β + α) or three optical parameters (3β) are selected for retrieval instead of five optical parameters (3β + 2α), respectively. The results show that three optical parameters and four optical parameters can be used for the retrieval of AMPs. For 3β + α, the accuracy of effective radius and volume concentration (VC) are 37% and 56%, respectively. For 3β, the accuracy of effective radius and VC are 37% and 74% respectively. The sensitivity analysis of the PCA algorithm with less than five optical parameters is also discussed, and this method is applied to the retrieval of cloud base particle size distribution.
Edge‐enhancement densenet for X‐ray fluoroscopy image denoising in cardiac electrophysiology procedures
Authors: Luo Yimin , Ma Yingliang , O’ Brien Hugh , Jiang Kui , Kohli Vikram , Maidelin Sesilia , Saeed Mahrukh , Deng Emily , Pushparajah Kuberan , Rhode Kawal S.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Reducing X‐ray dose increases safety in cardiac electrophysiology procedures but also increases image noise and artifacts which may affect the discernibility of devices and anatomical cues. Previous denoising methods based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have shown improvements in the quality of low‐dose X‐ray fluoroscopy images but may compromise clinically important details required by cardiologists.

Methods

In order to obtain denoised X‐ray fluoroscopy images whilst preserving details, we propose a novel deep‐learning‐based denoising framework, namely edge‐enhancement densenet (EEDN), in which an attention‐awareness edge‐enhancement module is designed to increase edge sharpness. In this framework, a CNN‐based denoiser is first used to generate an initial denoising result. Contours representing edge information are then extracted using an attention block and a group of interacted ultra‐dense blocks for edge feature representation. Finally, the initial denoising result and enhanced edges are combined to generate the final X‐ray image. The proposed denoising framework was tested on a total of 3262 clinical images taken from 100 low‐dose X‐ray sequences acquired from 20 patients. The performance was assessed by pairwise voting from five cardiologists as well as quantitative indicators. Furthermore, we evaluated our technique's effect on catheter detection using 416 images containing coronary sinus catheters in order to examine its influence as a pre‐processing tool.

Results

The average signal‐to‐noise ratio of X‐ray images denoised with EEDN was 24.5, which was 2.2 times higher than that of the original images. The accuracy of catheter detection from EEDN denoised sequences showed no significant difference compared with their original counterparts. Moreover, EEDN received the highest average votes in our clinician assessment when compared to our existing technique and the original images.

Conclusion

The proposed deep learning‐based framework shows promising capability for denoising interventional X‐ray fluoroscopy images. The results from the catheter detection show that the network does not affect the results of such an algorithm when used as a pre‐processing step. The extensive qualitative and quantitative evaluations suggest that the network may be of benefit to reduce radiation dose when applied in real time in the catheter laboratory.
Morbidities and mortality of diagnosed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) over the youth lifespan: A population‐based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Diallo Fatoumata Binta , Pelletier Éric , Vasiliadis Helen‐Maria , Rochette Louis , Vincent Annick , Palardy Sylvain , Lunghi Carlotta , Gignac Martin , Lesage Alain
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of ADHD, and related comorbidities, mortality, and type of health service use among children and young adults, using different case definitions.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based retrospective cohort study between 2000 and 2018, using the Quebec Integrated Chronic Disease Surveillance System (QICDSS) database. All residents aged less than 25 years eligible for health insurance coverage were included. We compared outcomes of three indicators (morbidity, services use and mortality) according two different algorithms of ADHD definitions, to the general population.

Results

The cumulative prevalence of ADHD has risen steadily over the past decade, reaching 12.6% in 2017–2018. People with ADHD have a higher prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities, make greater use of medical, mental health services, and are hospitalized more often. The comparison of prevalence between the two algorithms and the general population for the three indicators showed that the cohort having one claim was very close to that with two or more, and statistically significant higher to that of people without ADHD.

Conclusion

This finding support that a single claim algorithm for ADHD can be used for case definition. More research is needed on the impact of potentially effective treatments in improving consequences of ADHD.
Pilot study of a novel transmembranous electromyography device for assessment of oral cavity and oropharyngeal muscles
Authors: Menon Deepak , Mansfield Perry , Cordice Derrick , Studer Chris , O'Leary Michael , Sheean Geoffrey , Bril Vera
Published: December 2021

Introduction/Aims

Electromyography (EMG) can provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology of oropharyngeal muscles in various disease states, but the invasive nature of the conventional needle EMG (nEMG) has its limitations in this setting. We aimed to examine the inter‐rater reliability (IRR) of a novel transmembranous EMG (tmEMG) sensor as a non‐invasive technique for assessment of oral cavity and oropharyngeal muscles for neuromuscular pathology.

Methods

The study was a prospective, cohort, pilot study with blinded data analysis in healthy participants (n = 6), patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (n = 5) and bulbar amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) (n = 5). Each patient underwent sampling from bilateral palatoglossus (PG) and genioglossus (GG), using both tmEMG and nEMG. IRR was expressed as percentage agreement and prevalence‐adjusted bias‐adjusted kappa coefficient (PABAK).

Results

Substantial IRR was found for participants with ALS (81.6%, PABAK 0.63) and OSA (78.8%, PABAK 0.61), and in healthy participants (87.1%, PABAK 0.74). A better IRR was seen with tmEMG (95.7%, PABAK 0.92) than with nEMG (73.9%, PABAK 0.48) for healthy participants and also for those with OSA. Studies from GG had higher IRR than PG. Only one participant had a minor adverse event (sore throat).

Discussion

The current study shows that analysis of PG and GG in both healthy and disease states using tmEMG has high IRR compared with nEMG analysis. Further validation studies can be undertaken to test its utility in analysis of oral cavity and oropharyngeal muscles.
Opinions on Pneumocystis jirovecii prophylaxis in autoimmune neuromuscular disorders
Authors: Claytor Benjamin , Li Yuebing
Published: December 2021

Pneumocystis jirovecii (PJ) is ubiquitously present in the environment and capable of causing an interstitial pneumonia in immunocompromised subjects. It has been advocated that routine prophylaxis against PJ be given to patients with autoimmune neuromuscular conditions that require prolonged use of corticosteroid therapy and/or other immunosuppressive agents. Available data, however, suggest that the risk of PJ infection in patients with autoimmune neuromuscular diseases is extremely low and the widespread use of prophylactic therapy is likely unnecessary. Comorbidities, including intestinal lung disease, prolonged lymphopenia, low CD4 count, parenchymal organ failure, and active cancer status, appear to increase the risk for PJ infection, and it is our opinion that these risk factors should be considered to determine the risk of PJ infection and the requirement for prophylaxis.
COVID‐19 infection in patients with late‐onset Pompe disease
Authors: Avelar Jennifer , Wencel Marie , Chumakova Anastasia , Mozaffar Tahseen
Published: December 2021

Introduction/Aims

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 2019 (SARS‐CoV2/COVID‐19) is frequently more severe in individuals with pre‐existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. The impact on patients with neuromuscular disorders is of concern, but remains largely unknown. Late‐onset Pompe disease (LOPD) is a lysosomal‐storage disorder characterized by progressive skeletal and respiratory muscle degeneration. Mortality is typically caused by respiratory failure. We examined the impact of COVID‐19 on these patients.

Methods

This is a case series of four patients with LOPD who contracted COVID‐19.

Results

All patients had a mild/moderate illness from COVID‐19 and did not require hospitalization. Neurological worsening occurred in one, with no change in physical ability in the other three, and respiratory symptoms remained stable in all four.

Discussion

COVID‐19 infection can result in a benign course in some patients with LOPD. However, individuals with LOPD remain at high risk and should receive COVID‐19 vaccinations and exercise precautions to avoid exposure to COVID‐19 infection.
Traces of iron impurities in copper sources can be a poison to Cu(In, Ga)Se2 solar cells
Authors: Ma Zengyang , Gao Duoqi , Zhang Junjun , Liu Xinxin , Li Jianmin , Gong Junbo , Xiao Xudong
Published: December 2021

It has been widely accepted that the diffusion of iron from stainless steel substrates has detrimental impact on Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cell performance. However, the effect of traces of iron impurities in copper sources can be neglected all the time. In this work, 99.97% purity copper which contains only 0.03% iron was used to fabricate CIGS devices. Compared to the copper of 99.99% purity, it has been showed that this 0.03% difference in purity can lead to a 70% efficiency improvement for CuGaSe2 (CGS), 35% efficiency improvement for normal band gap CIGS, and 29% efficiency improvement for narrow band gap CIGS. These results revealed that traces of iron impurities in copper sources can be a fatal poison to CIGS solar cells.
The price of anarchy in loss systems
Authors: Anily Shoshana , Haviv Moshe
Published: December 2021

Assume a multi‐server memoryless loss system. Each server is associated with a service rate and a value of service. Customers from a common Poisson arrival process are routed to the servers in an unobservable way, where the goal is to maximize the long‐run expected reward per customer (which is the service value times the probability that the customer is not blocked). We first solve this problem under two criteria: social optimization and Nash equilibrium. Our main result is that the price of anarchy, defined as the ratio between the expected gain under the two criteria, is bounded by . We also show, via examples, that this bound is tight for any number of servers.
Analysis of job burnout, satisfaction and work‐related depression among neurological and neurosurgical nurses in Poland: A cross‐sectional and multicentre study
Authors: Ślusarz Robert , Filipska Karolina , Jabłońska Renata , Królikowska Agnieszka , Szewczyk Maria T. , Wiśniewski Adam , Biercewicz Monika
Published: December 2021

Aim

This study investigated the status of job burnout, work‐related depression and job satisfaction among neurological and neurosurgical nurses in Poland.

Design

A cross‐sectional and multicentre study.

Methods

The sample consisted of 206 neurological and neurosurgical nurses, all of whom completed a self‐report questionnaire designed by the authors.

Results

The results revealed a work‐related burnout incidence of 32%, colleague‐related burnout incidence of 44.2% and patient‐related burnout incidence of 22.8%. Nurses working in neurological departments were statistically over three times more likely to struggle with colleague‐related burnout than nurses working in neurosurgical departments were. Further, work‐related burnout was higher in people aged above 54 years than those in the youngest age category. Nonetheless, 71.8% of the nurses expressed satisfaction with their work. In sum, our results indicated that job burnout is common among registered nurses and that personal (age) and workplace (type of ward, distance to work, experience and shift work) factors contributed to symptoms of burnout.
Serial case report of high seizure threshold patients that responded to the lengthening of pulse width in ECT
Authors: Katagai Hiroshi , Yasui‐Furukori Norio , Kawashima Hirotsugu , Suwa Taro , Tsushima Chieko , Sato Yoshiteru , Shimoda Kazutaka , Tasaki Hiroichi
Published: December 2021

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been used as an effective treatment modality for psychiatric disorders. In patients with high seizure thresholds, augmentation strategies are considered such as changing anesthetic agents, hyperventilation, and premedication with theophylline. We tried to switch to “long (1.5 ms)” brief pulse ECT in all six patients from October 2020. The successful induction of effective seizures with “long” brief pulse stimulation in five of six patients who could not be treated adequately with standard ECT. In the current situation in cases in which brief pulse ECT, with the maximum dose did not lead to effective seizures, “long” brief pulse waves may be a promising option.
A comparison of confounder selection and adjustment methods for estimating causal effects using large healthcare databases
Authors: Benasseur Imane , Talbot Denis , Durand Madeleine , Holbrook Anne , Matteau Alexis , Potter Brian J. , Renoux Christel , Schnitzer Mireille E. , Tarride Jean‐Éric , Guertin Jason R.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Confounding adjustment is required to estimate the effect of an exposure on an outcome in observational studies. However, variable selection and unmeasured confounding are particularly challenging when analyzing large healthcare data. Machine learning methods may help address these challenges. The objective was to evaluate the capacity of such methods to select confounders and reduce unmeasured confounding bias.

Methods

A simulation study with known true effects was conducted. Completely synthetic and partially synthetic data incorporating real large healthcare data were generated. We compared Bayesian adjustment for confounding (BAC), generalized Bayesian causal effect estimation (GBCEE), Group Lasso and Doubly robust estimation, high‐dimensional propensity score (hdPS), and scalable collaborative targeted maximum likelihood algorithms. For the hdPS, two adjustment approaches targeting the effect in the whole population were considered: Full matching and inverse probability weighting.

Results

In scenarios without hidden confounders, most methods were essentially unbiased. The bias and variance of the hdPS varied considerably according to the number of variables selected by the algorithm. In scenarios with hidden confounders, substantial bias reduction was achieved by using machine‐learning methods to identify proxies as compared to adjusting only by observed confounders. hdPS and Group Lasso performed poorly in the partially synthetic simulation. BAC, GBCEE, and scalable collaborative‐targeted maximum likelihood algorithms performed particularly well.

Conclusions

Machine learning can help to identify measured confounders in large healthcare databases. They can also capitalize on proxies of unmeasured confounders to substantially reduce residual confounding bias.
Photo‐differential scanning calorimetry parameter study of photopolymers used in digital light synthesis
Authors: Bachmann Joel , Schmölzer Stefan , Ruderer Matthias A. , Fruhmann Gabriele , Hinrichsen Olaf
Published: December 2021

Photopolymers for 3D printing belong to the largest material group used in additive manufacturing. One suitable characterization method is the photo‐differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) method, since UV light is used both as a probe in photo‐DSC measurements and for the curing process in digital light synthesis (DLS). The photo‐DSC method determines the speed and heat of the photopolymerization reaction, so it is an excellent method for characterizing the chemical process in DLS. In addition, the setup has been optimized in such a way that the photo‐DSC parameters used meet typical DLS process conditions. In particular, both the overlapping of the wavelengths of the light source and the photoinitiator and the similarity of the light intensities are very important. In this study, the commonly used dual curing, urethane methacrylate, DLS resin RPU 70 is thoroughly characterized. Several photo‐DSC experiments demonstrate the influence of wavelength, light intensity, temperature, relative humidity, and oxygen concentration in the atmosphere used on the curing process. Using the typical DLS parameters for light intensity and wavelength, the chemical reaction is mainly influenced by the oxygen concentration. The exposure time for vat photopolymerization processes decreases with decreasing oxygen concentration, which is why inert printing processes could have a positive effect on printing times. Additionally, it is shown that this method is also suitable for other DLS resins.
Gone with the wind: Ventjet is a new engineering model for atmospheric dispersion
Authors: Miller Derek , Vyazmina Elena , Shen Amy , Lutostansky Elizabeth
Published: December 2021

Modeling atmospheric dispersion of flammable and toxic gases is very common in the industry. There is a large spectrum of different models, from Gaussian, Integral, up to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models. However, these simple engineering models (Gaussian, Integral) do not always correctly estimate the dispersion of gases with a density higher than air. The purpose of this paper is to present an alternative/new model Ventjet dedicated to the atmospheric dispersion of various gases, including light gases (hydrogen, methane, etc.), neutral gases (nitrogen, oxygen), and heavy gases (CO2, LNG, etc.). Ventjet takes into account various weather condition profiles, namely neutral D and stable F. The effect of the ground is also integrated into Ventjet. Ventjet can be used for various releases, including vertical, angled, and even into the wind. Ventjet has been broadly validated versus multiple measurements from wind tunnel and field experiments, as well as CFD simulations.
Insecticide seed treatment against corn leafhopper: helping protect grain yield in critical plant growth stages
Authors: Neves Taline NC , Foresti Josemar , Silva Paulo R , Alves Elcio , Rocha Renato , Oliveira Camila , Picanço Marcelo C , Pereira Eliseu JG
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

The corn leafhopper, Dalbulus maidis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), spreads maize stunt pathogens and requires timely and effective crop protection. We determined the interaction between maize phenology and the vector feeding/infection period by stunt pathogens with the residual efficacy of neonicotinoid insecticidal seed treatments. Greenhouse‐ and field‐grown maize plants, seed‐treated with clothianidin or imidacloprid insecticides, were infested during seven growth stages with corn leafhoppers reared under controlled conditions on maize plants displaying infection symptoms by both spiroplasma (corn stunt spiroplasma, Spiroplasma kunkelii) and phytoplasma (maize bushy phytoplasma) pathogens.

RESULTS

In the greenhouse and field settings, seed treatment reduced the stunt disease symptoms and corn yield loss during the VE–V4 maize growth stages and caused no phytotoxicity. The neonicotinoid seed treatment reduced 20–60% of the yield losses from the corn stunt disease until the V4 growth stage. Infestation by infective corn leafhoppers in the V12 maize growth stage caused a 25–30% yield loss irrespective of seed treatment, yet no stunt disease symptom was evident. Nonetheless, corn yield losses and visual stunt symptoms as rated by a nine‐category ordinal scale were strongly correlated (r = 0.79, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

These results reinforce that maize plants are more susceptible to leafhopper stunt disease during the VE–V4 growth stages (emergence to the fourth‐leaf stage). Seed treatment helps reduce the damage in the early growth stages (VE–V2), although supplemental control measures depending on leafhopper population density may be needed from VE–V12 to protect yield losses from the maize stunt condition. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
First‐principles investigation of the (HfSe2)4−n–(HfSSe)n (n = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4) lateral heterostructures
Authors: Van On Vo , Guerrero‐Sanchez J. , Ponce‐Pérez R. , Rivas‐Silva J. F. , Cocoletzi Gregorio H. , Hoat D. M.
Published: December 2021

In this work, we investigate the structural, electronic, and optical properties of the and Janus HfSSe monolayers, and their lateral heterostructures (LHSs) (HfSe2)4−n–(HfSSe)n (n = 1, 2, and 3) using first‐principles calculations. Stability of these two‐dimensional (2D) materials is examined through phonon dispersion curves and cohesive energy. Besides, small heat of formation suggests the feasibility of experimental synthesis of the LHSs. Calculated electronic band structures indicate an indirect gap semiconductor nature of all materials at hand, where the energy gap decreases slightly from (HfSe2)4–(HfSSe)0 to (HfSe2)0–(HfSSe)4 as a result of the increase of Coulomb effect. Moreover, the LHSs formation makes possible the indirect–direct gap transition, which can be achieved by applying proper external strain to the lattice. Energy gap of the H22‐system shows a strong strain‐dependence, increasing with tensile strain and decreasing with compressive strain. The semiconductor–metal transition may be induced at strain strengths of −6% and −8%. Optical calculations indicate a wide absorption band from visible to ultraviolet regime with large absorption coefficient. Our findings introduce new 2D LHSs with tunable properties for application in optoelectronic nano devices.
Achieving cultural resonance: Four strategies toward rallying support for entrepreneurial endeavors
Authors: Soublière Jean‐François , Lockwood Christi
Published: December 2021

Research Summary

We theorize the strategies that entrepreneurial actors employ to instill their endeavors with culturally resonant meanings and rally the support of key audiences (investors, analysts, or customers). In extant cultural entrepreneurship research, endeavors are assumed to achieve resonance and gain support when actors deploy the culture they share with their targeted audiences. But what if actors and audiences hold cultural repertoires that poorly overlap? We consider actors' efforts to “mobilize” and “enrich” the repertoires of both parties. Specifically, we introduce a typology identifying four strategies: anchoring, retooling, channeling, and seeding. Viewing culture as an engine of stability and change, we contend that each strategy addresses a distinct tension that actors must skillfully balance. We develop propositions to explain how and when actors manage these tensions.

Managerial Summary

Entrepreneurs must explain their endeavors in terms that audiences (investors, analysts, or customers) will understand and value. We know that entrepreneurs do so by telling stories and performing other symbolic actions, or by revising their stories and actions. However, prior insights assume a preexisting fit between what entrepreneurs and audiences value. How is this fit created? We identify four strategies by which entrepreneurs leverage a preexisting fit, and foster greater fit. We explain how entrepreneurs leverage a preexisting fit by presenting endeavors in familiar terms, and guiding audiences' interpretations. We explain how entrepreneurs foster greater fit by learning what audiences value, and educating audiences about their endeavors' value. Considering the inherent tension that each strategy entails, we explain how and when entrepreneurs use these strategies.
Corporate directors as heterogeneous network pipes: How director political ideology affects the interorganizational diffusion of governance practices
Authors: Gupta Abhinav , Wowak Adam J. , Boeker Warren
Published: December 2021

Research Summary

Scholars have long recognized that interlocking directors act as conduits (or “pipes”) in the interorganizational diffusion of governance practices. Yet, this research generally depicts interlocks as homogenous, overlooking the possibility that directors differ in their beliefs about a given practice. Our study explores this idea in the context of the spread of two practices—lone‐insider board structures and CEO‐chair separation—across S&P 500 firms from 1997 to 2016. We theorize and show that politically conservative directors are more likely to transmit the lone‐insider structure, whereas politically liberal directors are likelier to transmit the CEO‐chair separation structure. We further illustrate that these effects are stronger when the focal firm faces shareholder pressure for governance reform, and weaker when the institutional norms curtail director discretion.

Managerial Summary

Prior research suggests that corporate directors who sit on multiple boards cause those firms to learn from each other and adopt similar practices. Yet, directors differ in their views on governance practices, which means that they should also differ in their propensity to act as “pipes” in this diffusion process. We argue and show that interlocking directors' political ideologies influence this process, such that conservative directors are likelier to transmit the lone‐insider board structure (where the CEO is the only firm employee on the board), whereas liberal directors are likelier to transmit the practice that separates the CEO and board chair roles. These differences are most evident when firms' shareholders exert pressure for governance reform, although they have diminished somewhat since the 2002 Sarbanes‐Oxley Act.
Effect of Carbon and Titanium Variations in Fe‐Based Heat‐Resistant Superalloy A286 on TiC and η Phase Formation
Authors: Qurashi Muhammad Saqlain , Zhao Yajun , Dong Chuang , Zhang Xiaoyang , Wang Lianchao , Li Ying , Wan Peng
Published: December 2021

Fe‐based heat‐resistant A286 superalloy is an age‐hardened austenitic stainless steel. Age‐hardening is greatly affected by TiC particles and η‐Ni3Ti phases. Herein, the evolution of TiC and η (hcp‐Ni3Ti) precipitations is investigated in six different A286 alloys with simultaneous variations of C and Ti contents, such as 0.00C–2.38Ti, 0.02C–2.46Ti, 0.04C–2.54Ti, 0.05C–2.58Ti, 0.06C–2.62Ti, and 0.08C–2.69Ti wt%. During microstructure evolution from solutioning state (900 °C for 2 h) to aging state (720 °Cfor 16 h), nodular/needle‐like TiC (fcc) and platelet lamellar structures of eta (η (hcp‐Ni3Ti)) phases are observed in the austenitic matrix of superalloys. Statistical analysis of TiC and eta phases after microstructural examination indicates that mean size goes up to 3.3 and 6.8 μm2 in 0.08C–2.69Ti wt% alloy, respectively. Yield strength and ultimate tensile strength are increased from 350 to 510 MPa and 530 to 650 MPa as a result of the strengthening mechanism of TiC from 0.00C–2.38Ti to 0.08C–2.69Ti wt% alloys, respectively. However, precipitation of these phases leads to brittleness of the alloys and elongation decreases from 20% to 12% with the increment of these phases. The strengthening mechanism is explained by stress–strain curves and fracture topography.
Fentanyl patch versus tramadol for the control of postoperative pain in canine ovariectomy and mastectomy
Authors: Cicirelli Vincenzo , Aiudi Giulio G. , Mrenoshki Daniela , Lacalandra Giovanni M
Published: December 2021

Objectives

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the postoperative analgesic efficacy of fentanyl patches versus subcutaneous tramadol after canine ovariectomy, with and without unilateral mastectomy.

Materials and methods

A total of 40 female dogs were included in the present study, all of which were domesticated, healthy and 4–12 years of age. The animals were divided into four groups (n = 10 per group) based on the surgery and the analgesic protocol used: the TO group only underwent ovariectomy, and received postoperative tramadol; the TM group underwent both ovariectomy and mastectomy, and received postoperative tramadol; the FO group only underwent ovariectomy, and received fentanyl patches; and the FM group underwent both ovariectomy and mastectomy, and received fentanyl patches. Postoperative pain was evaluated every 4 h for 24 h using a numeric analogue scale (NAS) and a modified Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale Short Form (CMPS‐SF).

Results

The results of the present study showed that patients in all four groups tolerated postoperative surgical stress well. Analysis of variance for repeated measures did not show significant differences in the NAS scores and in Glasgow CMPS‐SF between groups in terms of pain scores or rescue analgesia.

Clinical significance

These results indicated that the analgesic effect of the fentanyl patch was similar to that of subcutaneous (SC) tramadol in female dogs after ovariectomy, with and without unilateral mastectomy, suggesting that the fentanyl patch may represent a valid supplementary tool for the control of postoperative pain in animals after surgery.
Thermal stability of filler‐based ethylene/vinyl acetate/vinyl alcohol terpolymer in nitroplasticizer oxidative environment
Authors: Yang Dali , Henderson Kevin C. , Pacheco Robin M. , Hubbard Kevin M. , Devlin David J.
Published: December 2021

To study the thermal stability of ethylene/vinyl acetate/vinyl alcohol (EVA‐OH) composite with filler particles, systematic thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) investigation was conducted in both nonisothermal and isothermal modes. The effect of polymer concentration on the aging behavior of EVA‐OH was investigated in the nitroplasticizer (NP) environment. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to probe chemical structural changes in the EVA‐OH polymer before and after thermal aging. The results suggest that filler addition accelerates the rate of NP exudation out of the EVA‐OH composites and deteriorates the thermal stability of NP at moderate temperatures (up to 70°C). The degradation of NP, in turn, accelerates the degradation of EVA‐OH polymer in its composite form through oxidation and hydrolysis indicating the importance of antioxidants in such phase blends.
Polymicrogyria in a miniature poodle dog: Clinical and MRI findings
Authors: Sarrà‐Rovira Marc , Carrera Ines , Maeso Christian , Montoliu Patrícia
Published: December 2021

Polymicrogyria is a brain congenital anomaly characterised by multiple small gyri with abnormal cortical lamination. Although commonly described in humans, only two case reports in dogs have been published, including a total of nine standard poodles and one golden retriever. This case report presents a miniature poodle with polymicrogyria, which differs from previous reported cases in clinical presentation, extent of lesion and survival time. Furthermore, to the authors’ knowledge, this is the first description of susceptibility‐weighted imaging sequences acquisition in canine polymicrogyria, which showed the presence of an abnormal vessel pattern. The increasing availability of high‐field magnetic resonance imaging for companion animals will provide more information about vascular anomalies in polymicrogyria and other congenital brain malformations.
Paraneoplastic hypertrophic osteopathy in a Great Dane with rib sarcoma
Authors: Einwaller Joy , Esmieu Shanti , Sanchez Ferran Valls
Published: December 2021

An 8‐year‐old female‐spayed Great Dane was referred for further investigation of a 1‐month history of stiff gait, pain on palpation of the limbs, weight loss and pyrexia.

Investigations revealed a generalized soft tissue swelling along the long axis of the forelimbs and to a smaller extent on the hindlimbs. CT identified a mixed osteolytic and osteoproliferative mass originating from the second right rib. CT also showed characteristic features of hypertrophic osteopathy along the forelimbs and proximal hindlimbs. Cytology of the rib mass was consistent with an aggressive sarcoma.

To the authors’ knowledge, this is only the second documented case of hypertrophic osteopathy associated with rib sarcoma without evidence of lung metastasis.
Successful treatment with oral alfacalcidol supplementation for nutritional hypocalcaemia with protein‐losing enteropathy in a dog
Authors: Tamura Yu , Terakado Kunihiko , Neo Sakurako , Igarashi Hirotaka , Hisasue Masaharu
Published: December 2021

Protein‐losing enteropathy is characterised by panhypoproteinaemia, mainly associated with small intestinal diseases. A homemade ultralow‐fat diet is effective for the short‐term treatment of protein‐losing enteropathy, especially if it is caused by intestinal lymphangiectasia. However, ultralow‐fat diet provides poor nutritional balance, including low calcium and vitamin D contents. A 7‐year‐old, neutered, female chihuahua showing repeated diarrhoea and panhypoproteinaemia was diagnosed with intestinal lymphangiectasia based on the dog's endoscopic histopathology. The dog was treated with immunosuppressants and ultralow‐fat diet. After 1.5 years of ultralow‐fat diet treatment, a transient seizure suspected to be associated with hypocalcaemia (albumin‐corrected total calcium: 5.9 mg/dl) occurred, with suspected nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, despite calcium carbonate administration. Oral alfacalcidol (active vitamin D3) was initiated. The hypocalcaemia improved within 28 days. Therefore, an oral alfacalcidol supplement should be considered as a reasonable therapeutic strategy in canine intestinal lymphangiectasia with hypocalcaemia.
Detecting scale anomaly in chiral phase transition of QCD: new critical endpoint pinned down
Authors: Kawaguchi Mamiya , Matsuzaki Shinya , Tomiya Akio
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Violation of scale symmetry, scale anomaly, being a radical concept in quantum field theory, is of importance to comprehend the vacuum structure of QCD, and should potentially contribute to the chiral phase transition in thermal QCD, as well as the chiral and U(1) axial symmetry. Though it should be essential, direct evidence of scale anomalies has never been observed in the chiral phase transition. We propose a methodology to detect a scale anomaly in the chiral phase transition, which is an electromagnetically induced scale anomaly: apply a weak magnetic field background onto two-flavor massless QCD with an extremely heavy strange quark, first observe the chiral crossover; second, adjusting the strange quark mass to be smaller and smaller, observe the second-order chiral phase transition, and then the first-order one in the massless-three flavor limit. Thus, the second-order chiral phase transition, observed as the evidence of the quantum scale anomaly, is a new critical endpoint. It turns out that this electromagnetic scale anomaly gets most operative in the weak magnetic field regime, rather than a strong field region. We also briefly address accessibility of lattice QCD, a prospected application to dense matter system, and implications to astrophysical observations, such as gravitational wave productions provided from thermomagnetic QCD-like theories.
Understanding Micropolar Theory in the Earth Sciences I: The Eigenfrequency $$\omega _r$$
Authors: Abreu Rafael , Durand Stephanie
Published: December 2021

Even though micropolar theories are widely applied for engineering applications such as the design of metamaterials, applications in the study of the Earth’s interior still remain limited and in particular in seismology. This is due to the lack of understanding of the required elastic material parameters present in the theory as well as the eigenfrequency $$\omega _r$$

ω
r

which is not observed in seismic data. By showing that the general dynamic equations of the Timoshenko’s beam is a particular case of the micropolar theory we are able to connect micropolar elastic parameters to physically measurable quantities. We then present an alternative micropolar model that, based on the same physical basis as the original model, circumvents the problem of the original eigenfrequency $$\omega _r$$

ω
r

laking in seismological data. We finally validate our model with a seismic experiment and show it is relevant to explain observed seismic dispersion curves.
Sensitivity analysis of temperature in heated soft tissues with respect to time delays
Authors: Majchrzak E. , Kałuża G.
Published: December 2021

Axisymmetric tissue region heated by an external heat flux is considered. The mathematical model is based on the dual-phase lag equation supplemented by appropriate boundary and initial conditions. This equation, in relation to the Pennes’ equation, has two additional parameters, namely the relaxation time and the thermalization time. The aim of this research is to estimate the temperature changes due to changes of these parameters. To achieve this, sensitivity analysis methods are used. The basic problem and additional ones related to the sensitivity functions are solved using the implicit scheme of the finite difference method. The performed computations show that the temperature changes caused by changes in the relaxation and thermalization times are larger for higher values of the external heat flux and shorter times of its action.
Differencing strategies for SLR observations at the Wettzell observatory
Authors: Herrera Pinzón Iván , Rothacher Markus , Riepl Stefan
Published: December 2021

The precise estimation of geodetic parameters using single- and double-differenced SLR observations is investigated. While the differencing of observables is a standard approach for the GNSS processing, double differences of simultaneous SLR observations are practically impossible to obtain due to the SLR basic principle of observing one satellite at a time. Despite this, the availability of co-located SLR telescopes and the use of the alternative concept of quasi-simultaneity allow the forming of SLR differences under certain assumptions, thus enabling the use of these processing strategies. These differences are in principle almost free of both, satellite- and station-specific error sources, and are shown to be a valuable tool to obtain relative coordinates and range biases, and to validate local ties. Tested with the two co-located SLR telescopes at the Geodetic Observatory Wettzell (Germany) using SLR observations to GLONASS and LAGEOS, the developed differencing approach shows that it is possible to obtain single- and double-difference residuals at the millimetre level, and that it is possible to estimate parameters, such as range biases at the stations and the local baseline vector with a precision at the millimetre level and an accuracy comparable to traditional terrestrial survey methods. The presented SLR differences constitute a valuable alternative for the monitoring of the local baselines and the estimation of geodetic parameters.
Long-term satisfaction of patients after laparoscopic and robotic-assisted hysterectomy
Authors: Gitas Georgios , Alkatout I. , Proppe L. , Hanker L. , Allahqoli L. , Grimbizis G. , Rody A. , Werner N. , Sommer S. , Baum S.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Da-Vinci-Xi is the most recent device used in gynecologic robotic surgery. The aim of the present study was to compare the long-term satisfaction of patients who had undergone conventional laparoscopic hysterectomy or robotic assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy using the Da-Vinci-Xi surgical system.

Methods

All hysterectomies performed at the University Hospital of Luebeck from 2018 to 2019 were reviewed. Postoperative outcomes were compared between women who had undergone total hysterectomy with da Vinci Xi (n = 42) or conventional laparoscopy (n = 97). Postoperative outcomes included pain, elimination of complaints after surgery, bladder function, sexual function, satisfaction with the cosmetic outcome, positive experiences after robotic surgery, and satisfaction with the surgeon’s preoperative explanation. Obese patients were evaluated separately in a subgroup analysis.

Results

Both groups had similar baseline characteristics and complication rates. Preoperative complaints subsided after surgery in a little more than 90% of patients. No significant differences were noted between groups in this regard (p = 0.262), or with reference to postoperative pain after one week (p = 0.866) and one month (p = 0.580), stress incontinence (p = 0.343), sexual function (p = 0.766) and the cosmetic outcome of the abdominal incisions (p = 0.273). The majority of patients who had undergone robotic surgery (96.8%) would be willing to undergo the procedure again if necessary. The subgroup analysis of obese patients revealed no significant differences.

Conclusion

The Da-Vinci-Xi device did not improve the long-term surgical satisfaction of normal-weight or obese patients who underwent hysterectomy compared with patients who underwent conventional laparoscopy performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons.
Gestural interaction and reading skills: a case study of people with Down syndrome
Authors: Torres-Carrion Pablo , González-González Carina , Bravo César Bernal , Infante-Moro Alfonso
Published: December 2021

People with Down syndrome present cognitive difficulties that affect their reading skills. In this study, we present results about using gestural interaction with the Kinect sensor to improve the reading skills of students with Down syndrome. We found improvements in the visual association, visual comprehension, sequential memory, and visual integration after this stimulation in the experimental group compared to the control group. We also found that the number of errors and delay time in the interaction decreased between sessions in the experimental group.
The Professional Logic of Sustainability Managers: Finding Underlying Dynamics
Authors: Borglund Tommy , Frostenson Magnus , Helin Sven , Arbin Katarina
Published: December 2021

The role of the Sustainability Manager (SM) is expanding. Whether SMs are turning into a new profession is under debate. Pointing to the need for a distinct professional logic to qualify as a profession, we identify what is contained within a professional logic of SMs. Through analyzing ambiguities present in the role of the SMs, we show that there is no specific distinct professional logic of SMs, but rather a meta-construct building on market, bureaucratic, and sustainability logics. In addition, we point to the complex configurations of and relationships between these underlying logics. The complexities also explain why the SMs differ from traditional professions and why it is problematic to talk about a ‘SM profession’. Rather, SMs are ‘organizational professionals’. The article builds on 21 interviews with SMs working for Swedish companies.
Self-Perceived Quality of Life in Spanish-Speaking Women with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Hidalgo Paula Morales , Martínez María Merino , González Angélica Gutiérrez , Petisco Lola Garrote , Forcadell Carol Amat , D’Agostino Cynthia I. , de la Varga Laura Pérez
Published: December 2021

Perceived personal wellbeing tends to be lower in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), especially in the case of women. To develop the present study, the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI-A) was administered to a Spanish-speaking sample of women with ASD (N = 401) and self-diagnosed ASD (N = 343), women without ASD (N = 373) and men with ASD (N = 65) to compare their self-perceptions. Women with ASD showed significantly lower wellbeing rates than women in the control group for the total PWI-A and across all the domains, and there were no significant differences when compared with self-diagnosed women with ASD and men with ASD. Autism explained between 24 and 26% of the decline in the PWI-A total score, with life achievement, future security, safety and relationships being the domains most highly correlated with the total. These findings are an effective contribution to improving diagnosis and professional intervention in women with ASD.
Refractive index sensitivity of Au nanostructures in solution and on the substrate
Authors: Hegde Hemant Ramakant , Chidangil Santhosh , Sinha Rajeev K.
Published: December 2021

In this work, we present the synthesis and surface immobilization of Au nanostars, Au nanocubes and Au nanorods for localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)-based refractometric sensing applications. Au nanostructures exhibiting LSPR peak positions in 500–900 nm spectral range were prepared by seed-mediated synthesis method. The refractive index (RI) sensitivity of all these nanostructures in the colloidal solution were measured and the sample exhibiting highest sensitivity in each category were immobilized on the glass substrate. The surface immobilized nanostructures were investigated for RI sensing. Au nanostars having LSPR peak position at 767 nm exhibited highest RI sensitivity of 484 nm/RIU in solution and 318 nm/RIU on the substrate. This study gives an outline for selecting the Au nanostructures for developing plasmonic sensing platforms.
Convergence results for some piecewise linear solvers
Authors: Radons Manuel , Rump Siegfried M.
Published: December 2021

Let A be a real $$n\times n$$

n
×
n

matrix and $$z,b\in \mathbb R^n$$

z
,
b
∈

R
n

. The piecewise linear equation system $$z-A\vert z\vert = b$$

z
-
A
|
z
|
=
b

is called an absolute value equation. In this note we consider two solvers for uniquely solvable instances of the latter problem, one direct, one semi-iterative. We slightly extend the existing correctness, resp. convergence, results for the latter algorithms and provide numerical tests.