bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PME en croissance : peut-on prévoir les seuils organisationnels ?
Authors: Godener Armelle
Published: May 2014

Le mode d’organisation des entreprises en croissance est réputé évoluer dans l’urgence et dans la crise, après la survenue d’un seuil organisationnel, révélateur tardif de l’arrivée à saturation du mode d’organisation en place. La recension de la documentation existante concluant à l’absence d’informations opérationnelles en la matière, l’auteure met en avant l’intérêt de recherches visant à caractériser le moment de survenue de ces seuils sous une forme permettant à tout dirigeant de PME en croissance de prévoir leur survenue prochaine et, donc, de s’y préparer. À titre exploratoire, une étude terrain, fondée sur l’histoire de 23 PMI en croissance, a permis de mettre en évidence que ces seuils semblent surgir systématiquement dans le sillage de transformations radicales de la firme, également liées à sa croissance, qui joueraient un rôle de catalyseur.
Cartographie cognitive et accompagnement du créateur d'entreprise
Authors: Verstraete Thierry
Published: May 2014

Cette communication propose une démarche d’accompagnement des créateurs d’entreprise, des dirigeants de TPE, voire de PME. La méthode déployée s’inspire largement d’une proposition faite antérieurement et au centre de laquelle un outil suscitant un intérêt croissant en management stratégique est utilisé : la cartographie cognitive. Cette recherche a une visée opérationnelle et s’appuie pour cela sur une application menée dans une jeune entreprise du secteur de la distribution. Son objet est de tester une démarche en cinq phases pour appréhender l’univers cognitif du créateur relativement à son projet, le sensibiliser au besoin de contrôler les facteurs qu’il identifie comme importants pour l’avenir de son entreprise et l’aider dans la mise en place de systèmes et procédures de contrôle.
Les particularités et le fonctionnement des microentreprises informelles à Cuba
Authors: Su Zhan , Canipelle Éléa
Published: May 2014

Cet article étudie le développement de petites activités économiques privées au Cuba depuis que cet Etat est entré dans une «période spéciale» après l’effondrement de l'Union soviétique. Ces activités se développent en parallèle avec l'économie officielle du pays, formant un secteur informel à la cubaine. Cette recherche exploratoire, qui s'appuie sur la collecte de données sur le terrain, montre que le secteur informel cubain est une économie de survie qui prend place pour pallier l’inefficacité de l'État ou son incapacité à répondre à une forte demande. L'attitude de l'État reste assez ambiguë à l'égard de l'émergence de ce secteur privé. Fonctionnant en microréseaux, et bien que très dynamique, ce secteur n'est pas encore assez structuré. Il semble, cependant, que les activités de survie qui se développent à Cuba forment les entrepreneurs du secteur privé de demain et le futur tissu économique de l'île.
Le renouvellement du tissu productif à travers la création d'entreprises en France
Authors: Bonnet Jean
Published: May 2014

L'importance des créations d’entreprises en France depuis la fin des années 1970 résulte de la conjonction d’occasions de créations d’entreprises dans les secteurs industriels et tertiaires et d’une offre d’entrepreneurs importante. La diminution du coût d’opportunité d’entreprendre contribue au renouveau entrepreneurial puisque environ 50 % des créateurs d’entreprises sont d’anciens chômeurs. La forte reproduction sociale dans la création d’entreprises conjuguée au fait précédent nous permet d’entrevoir la diversité des motivations et des conditions de la création. Cette diversité de la création d’entreprises se retrouve à l’échelle sectorielle et à l’échelle spatiale. Les aides (financières, de conseil) contribuent à la pérennité des nouvelles entreprises. Cependant, une réflexion plus approfondie devrait être menée dans une problématique de démographie d’entreprises puisque les aides au maintien du tissu productif sont aussi une solution de rechange à la création d’entreprises par les chômeurs.
Étude qualitative et comparative sur la portée des relations entre la recherche et la communauté d'entreprises dans les pôles technologiques
Authors: March-Chordá Isidre , Yague-Perales Rosa M.
Published: May 2014

Tant par le degré de participation des agents scientifico-technologiques du milieu local que par les relations avec les entreprises implantées sur les pôles technologiques, la promotion et le développement d’espaces technopolitains sont très diversifiés selon le site et la région.

Compte tenu de cette diversité, nous avons entrepris une étude basée sur l’estimation qualitative d’une série de variables concernant le comportement des universités et centres de recherche dans 13 pôles technologiques. Cela nous a permis de conclure que l’intensité scientifique et technique à l’intérieur du pôle et la relation réelle entre les agents de recherche et les entreprises locataires sont les conditions les plus valables pour avancer vers la participation optimale de la communauté scientifico-technologique locale dans tous les domaines de la vie d’un pôle d’entreprises de haute technologie.
Contribution à un modèle pyramidal de la gestion des ressources humaines en PME
Authors: Bayad Mohamed , Nebenhaus Daniel
Published: May 2014

Les développements actuels de la recherche en PME font émerger de nouveaux concepts et modèles propres à éclairer les comportements de gestion des dirigeants de PME. En reprenant certains de ces développements, l’objectif de cet article est de proposer un modèle d’analyse de la PME qui permette une lecture de sa gestion des ressources humaines (GRH). Le dirigeant est le vecteur principal de ce modèle. Par l’impact de sa philosophie de gestion, sa vision de l’organisation et de ses finalités, il est considéré comme la clé de lecture indispensable du système de GRH en PME et, comme tel, il se situe au sommet du modèle pyramidal. Dans le cadre de ce modèle, il revient au dirigeant de construire son propre système de relations avec ses ressources humaines.
DETERMINATION OF LETHAL AND SUB-LETHAL CONCENTRATIONS OF DELTAMETHRIN IN JUNDIA (RHAMDIA QUELEN)	Determinação das concentrações letal e subletal de deltametrina em Jundiá (Rhamdia quelen)
Authors: Do Amaral Gurgel Galeb Luciana , Fredianelli Ana Carolina , Pizzolato Montanha Francisco , Mikos Jorge Daniel , Pinto D’Amico Fam Ana Laura , Mangrich Rocha Rita Maria , Gaberz Kirschnik Peter , Weber Saulo Henrique , Turra Pimpão Cláudia
Published: May 2014

Introduction: Deltamethrin (DM) is a synthetic pyrethroid toxic to vertebrates and lethal to fish at concentrations one million times lower than to mammals. It can be easily absorbed by the gills even when at low concentrations in the water, which contributes to the increased fish sensitivity. Objective: Determine the lethal and sub-lethal concentrations of DM to Jundiá (Rhamdia quelen) during 96 hours of exposure. Materials and methods: The study used 108 Jundiá fish with an average weight of 40 ± 5 g. The experiment was executed in triplicate and each set of fish was submitted to one of the following conditions: control (0 mg.L-1) and eight concentrations of DM (0.1; 0.5; 1.0; 1.5; 1.7; 2.0; 2.3; 5.0 mg.L-1). Results: Themain toxic signs observed were alterations in the respiratory, nervous and integumentary systems. The sub-lethal concentration at 96 hours was between 1.0 and 1.5 mg.L-1 and the lethal concentration was 1.7 mg.L-1. Conclusion: DM shows toxicity to Jundiá when present at ≥ 1.0 mg.L-1 in water.
CARACTERÍSTICAS DA CISTICERCOSE BOVINA E A PREVALÊNCIA NO TERRITÓRIO NACIONAL	Evolutionary characteristics of bovine cysticercosis and its national prevalence
Authors: Cardoso da Luz Patrícia Aparecida , Velludo Gomes de Soutello Ricardo , Andrighetto Cristiana , Andrade Silva Patrícia Kaliny , Silva Vera João Henrique , Tieme de Santana Andréia , Costa Peres Kenya
Published: May 2014

A cisticercose bovina é considerada um problema econômico para a exportação dos produtos cárneos brasileiros e um grave problema sanitário ao homem e aos animais. Sendo assim, realizou-se este trabalho com o objetivo de analisar as características e o ciclo da Taenia saginata e a prevalência da cisticercose bovina, bem como suas formas de infecção e controle. A metodologia do trabalho se baseou em uma revisão bibliográfica levantando dados sobre a prevalência da cisticercose em carcaças bovinas nos principais estados do país produtores de carne.De acordo com os dados apresentados nessa revisão, observou-se que a cisticercose bovina é provocada principalmente pela deposição de fezes humanas contendo ovos de T. saginata próximos a locais frequentados pelosbovinos. Isso influencia o crescimento do Cysticercus sp. no organismo do animal. A forma adulta da T. saginatase desenvolve no intestino humano quando Cysticercus sp. é ingerido em carne contaminada, reiniciando-se esseciclo. Além disso, essa enfermidade está presente em todo o território nacional, entretanto com maior prevalêncianos estados de Rio Grande do Sul (4,11%), Paraná (3,83%) e Goiás (3,23%), os quais não se enquadram na faixa aceitável para países em desenvolvimento. No estado do Paraná houve uma queda na prevalência segundo os dados atuais (2,23%). São necessárias, portanto, medidas profiláticas específicas para o controle dessa enfermidade principalmente nesses estados, diminuindo o risco à saúde pública e os prejuízos à exploração pecuária.
CLINICAL AND LABORATORY EVALUATION OF SHEEP EXPERIMENTALLY INTOXICATED WITH CROTALARIA SPECTABILIS (LEG. PAPILIONOIDEA) SEEDS	Evidências clínico-patológicas de ovinos intoxicados experimentalmente com sementes de Crotalaria spectabilis (leg. papilionoidea)
Authors: Cifuentes Sanchez Diana Consuelo , De Medeiros Gomes Simplício Kalina Mária , Antonio Borges Lucimara , Fagliari José Jurandir , Canola Julio Carlos , Hatayde Mário Roberto
Published: May 2014

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the clinical and laboratory alterations and hepatic lesions caused by the intake of Crotalaria spectabilis in sheep. Fifteen ewes (unknown breed) were used, which were allocated into three groups of 5 animals. These groups received milled C. spectabilis seeds in their feed over 28 days, with inclusion rates of 0.4% (G1), 0.6% (G2) and 1% (G3). Blood samples and hepatic biopsies for histology were drawn at: T0 (day before the seeds were included in the diet), T1 (7 days after the seeds were included), T2 (14 days), T3 (21 days) and T4 (28 days). The results were submitted to variance analysis (ANOVA) using Statistical Analysis System software (SAS), and differences between the means were compared by the Tukey posttest (p < 0.05). Only one animal from G3 presented clinical signs of intoxication at T3. The results from the hematological parameters were within the normal range for this species. Serum activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatine phosphokinase(CK) did not show significant differences among the groups, whereas gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity was significantly different between G1 (33.66 ± 25.8 U/L) and G2 (67.3 ± 14.8 U/L) at T0. Ultrasonography evaluationrevealed hepatic alterations throughout the experimental period, which was confirmed by histology. Therefore, analyses of hemogram and hepatic function alone do not have diagnostic value for C. spectabillis intoxication in sheep, and it is necessary to perform additional tests, such as ultrasonography and percutaneous liver biopsies.
COMPORTAMENTO DIURNO DE NOVILHAS EM PASTAGENS DE CLONES DE CAPIM-ELEFANTE ANÃO	Daytime behavior of heifers grazing dwarf elephant grass clones
Authors: Pires Pereira Tatiana , Modesto Elisa Cristina , Lacerda Campana Ludmila , De Miranda Gomide Carlos Augusto , Campos Paciullo Domingos Sávio , De Deus Nepomuceno Delci , Augusto Carlos Brandão de Carvalho , Oliveira Macedo Robert , De Carvalho Almeida João Carlos
Published: May 2014

O experimento foi conduzido na Embrapa Gado de Leite, em Coronel Pacheco (MG), com o objetivo de avaliar o comportamento diurno de novilhas. Os animais foram manejados em uma área de pastagem de clones de capim-elefante sob lotação intermitente, entre dezembro de 2010 e abril de 2011. Os tratamentos resultaram da combinação fatorial (2 x 2 x 2) de dois clones de capim-elefante (‘BRS Kurumi’ e CNPGL 00-1-3), duas interceptações luminosas (IL) na entrada dos animais (90 e 95%) e duas alturas de resíduo pós-pastejo (30 e 50 cm), dispostos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com três repetições. Para o pastejo foram usadas 24 novilhas mestiças Holandês x Zebu, com peso médio de 270 kg. O ajuste da densidade de lotação necessária foi feito para o rebaixamento do pasto em dois dias. As avaliações do comportamento tiveram uma duração de 10 horas, sendo feitas de 10 em 10 minutos em período diurno. O clone CNPGL 92-198-7 teve menor tempo de pastejo. O manejo com resíduo pós-pastejo de 30 cm e com intervalo de desfolha de 90% de IL resultou em maior tempo de ruminação para o clone CNPGL 00-1-3. Dessa forma, os animais tiveram dificuldade de alcançar resíduos baixos, graças aos maiores teores de FDN, FDA, celulose e lignina verificados. Recomenda-se o clone 92-198-7 para o uso sob pastejo, uma vez que os animais despenderam menor tempo para pastejo, ruminação e ócio em seus pastos.
DIAGNÓSTICO DE PARASITOS GASTROINTESTINAIS EM CÃES DO MUNICÍPIO DE BOM JESUS, PIAUÍ	Diagnosis of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs from Bom Jesus, Piaui, Brazil
Authors: Do Nascimento Sousa Farias Adriana , Da Silva Maíra , Barros Santiago Oliveira Janilda , Branco Rocha Leandro , Rodrigues dos Santos Karina
Published: May 2014

O objetivo do estudo foi investigar a prevalência de parasitos gastrointestinais de cães do município de Bom Jesus, Piauí (Brasil) mediante exames coproparasitológicos de 195 cães, de raças, idades e sexos variados, de diferentes bairros da cidade, com infecções naturais por nematódeos, cestódeos e protozoários gastrointestinais. Utilizou-se os métodos de flutuação de Willis e Mollay e de centrífugo-flutuação. Do total das amostras analisadas, 107 (54,9%) estavam positivas para pelo menos um gênero de parasitos e 88 (45,1%) amostras foram negativas. Das 107 amostras positivas foram encontrados: Ancylostoma spp. (79,4%), Giardia sp. (30,8%), Toxocara spp. (5,6%), Isospora spp. (4,7%), Dipylidium caninum (1,9%) e Trichuris spp. (0,9%). A elevada frequência (54,9%) de parasitoses intestinais encontrada no estudo ressalta a necessidade de medidas de controle, visando a melhora das condições de vida dos animais e reduzir as fontes de disseminação de zoonoses.
The Effects of the Daily Driven Distance and Age Factor on the Traffic Accidents
Authors: KALYONCUOĞLU Figen Ş. , TIĞDEMİR Mesut
Published: May 2014

Based on Turkish traffic survey data (n=5,520), driver accident rates per million kilometre-driver were compared according to the daily driven distances (DDD) for each age group as very old (65+, n=39), old (56-65, n=183), above middle-aged (36-55, n=1,875), middle-aged (26-35, n=2,204), and young (25-, n=1,219). When the accidents-per-km comparison was made in groups matched for daily exposure, there was no evidence of higher risk with increasing age. In all age groups, risk per km decreased with increasing daily driving distance. With this study the accident involvement prediction models have been obtained related to the daily driven distance with and without considering age. These models have been applied to some earlier studies. The results are quite satisfactory. The set of data of this study and the analysis controlling the daily (yearly) driving distance might make the “age” effect disappear.
Distinct and separable roles for EZH2 in neurogenic astroglia
Authors: Hwang William W , Salinas Ryan D , Siu Jason J , Kelley Kevin W , Delgado Ryan N , Paredes Mercedes F , Alvarez-Buylla Arturo , Oldham Michael C , Lim Daniel A
Published: May 2014

The epigenetic mechanisms that enable specialized astrocytes to retain neurogenic competence throughout adult life are still poorly understood. Here we show that astrocytes that serve as neural stem cells (NSCs) in the adult mouse subventricular zone (SVZ) express the histone methyltransferase EZH2. This Polycomb repressive factor is required for neurogenesis independent of its role in SVZ NSC proliferation, as Ink4a/Arf-deficiency in Ezh2-deleted SVZ NSCs rescues cell proliferation, but neurogenesis remains defective. Olig2 is a direct target of EZH2, and repression of this bHLH transcription factor is critical for neuronal differentiation. Furthermore, Ezh2 prevents the inappropriate activation of genes associated with non-SVZ neuronal subtypes. In the human brain, SVZ cells including local astroglia also express EZH2, correlating with postnatal neurogenesis. Thus, EZH2 is an epigenetic regulator that distinguishes neurogenic SVZ astrocytes, orchestrating distinct and separable aspects of adult stem cell biology, which has important implications for regenerative medicine and oncogenesis.
Development of a Logistic Regression Formula for Evaluation of Subcentimeter Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Zhang Mingbo , Zhang Yan , Fu Shuai , Lv Faqin , Tang Jie
Published: May 2014

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to build a logistic regression formula for ameliorating the diagnosis of subcentimeter thyroid nodules.

Methods

The sonographic features of 889 subcentimeter nodules were reviewed retrospectively with reference of histologic results. The diagnostic performance of each feature was evaluated. Multivariate binary logistic regression was used to develop the formula for evaluation of subcentimeter nodules, and the cutoff value was decided for recommending biopsy.

Results

The logistic regression formula was −0.029age − 2.063US1 − 0.812US2 + 1.781US3 + 1.627height‐to‐width ratio − 0.333 (for nonhypoechogenicity, US1 = 1; for hypoechogenicity, US1 = 0; for a well‐circumscribed margin, US2 = 1 and US3 = 0; for a microlobulated margin, US2 = 0 and US3 = 1; and for an irregular margin, US2 = 0 and US3 = 0). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the formula was 0.860. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the formula under the cutoff value of 0.284 were 90.9%, 54.0%, 66.4%, 85.6%, and 72.5%, respectively. With the use of the formula, 229 of 830 nodules could avoid surgery.

Conclusions

A logistic regression formula with a cutoff value could provide an objective and easy tool with effective diagnostic performance, which could improve diagnosis of subcentimeter thyroid nodules and reduce unnecessary biopsy, decreasing costs and patient discomfort.
Reliability of B‐Mode Sonography of the Abdominal Muscles in Healthy Adolescents in Different Body Positions
Authors: Linek Paweł , Saulicz Edward , Wolny Tomasz , Myśliwiec Andrzej
Published: May 2014

Objectives

The primary aim of this study was to determine the reliability of abdominal sonographic measurements in adolescents. The secondary aim was to determine whether age, sex, or body position had an impact on the reliability of abdominal muscle sonographic measurements in adolescents.

Methods

Sixty‐nine asymptomatic participants aged 10 to 15 years without any postural faults participated in the study. The participants were divided into 3 age groups: 10 to 11, 12 to 13, and 14 to 15 years, according to their sex. All participants underwent 3 measurements of the thickness of the transversus abdominis, internal oblique, and external oblique muscles on both sides of the body in the supine, sitting, and standing positions. The participants’ measurements were taken at the end of normal exhalation, and the values were recorded in millimeters.

Results

Regardless of the participant's age, sex, and body position, the results for the 3 measurements (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC3,3]) for the transversus abdominis and internal oblique ranged from 0.81 to 0.99. With reference to the external oblique, intraexaminer reliability (ICC3,3) in the supine position ranged from 0.81 to 0.98, whereas in the sitting and standing positions, it fluctuated from 0.63 to 0.96.

Conclusions

Sonography for assessment of the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles in different body positions in healthy adolescents aged 10 to 15 years was found to have reliability. To obtain high measurement reliability for the transversus abdominis and internal oblique at rest, at least 2 measurements should be performed, regardless of age, sex, or resting body position. Performing 3 measurements of the external oblique guarantees satisfactory reliability only in the supine position.
Reference Charts for Fetal Corpus Callosum Length
Authors: Cignini Pietro , Padula Francesco , Giorlandino Maurizio , Brutti Pierpaolo , Alfò Marco , Giannarelli Diana , Mastrandrea Maria Luisa , D'Emidio Laura , Vacca Lorenzo , Aloisi Alessia , Giorlandino Claudio
Published: May 2014

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to establish reference charts for fetal corpus callosum length in a convenience sample.

Methods

A prospective cross‐sectional study was conducted at the Artemisia Fetal–Maternal Medical Center between December 2008 and January 2012. Among 16,975 fetal biometric measurements between 19 weeks and 37 weeks 6 days’ gestation, 3438 measurements of the corpus callosum (20.3%) were available. After excluding 488 measurements (14.2%), a total of 2950 fetuses (85.8%) were considered and analyzed only once. Parametric and nonparametric quantile regression models were used for the statistical analysis. To evaluate the robustness of the proposed reference charts with respect to various distributional assumptions on the sonographic measurements at hand, we compared the gestational age (GA)‐specific reference curves produced by the statistical methods used.

Results

The mean corpus callosum length was 26.18 mm (SD, 4.5 mm; 95% confidence interval, 26.01–26.34 mm). The linear regression equation expressing the length of the corpus callosum as a function of GA was length (mm) = −11.17 + 1.62 × GA. The correlation between the dimension and gestation was expressed by the coefficient r = 0.83. Normal mean lengths according the parametric and nonparametric methods were defined for each week of gestation.

Conclusions

This work provides new quantile‐based reference charts for corpus callosum length measurements that may be useful for diagnosis of congenital corpus callosum anomalies in fetal life.
The Sonographic “Bright Band Sign” of Splenic Infarction
Authors: Llewellyn Michael E. , Jeffrey R. Brooke , DiMaio Michael A. , Olcott Eric W.
Published: May 2014

Objectives

To evaluate the frequency of the “bright band sign” in patients with splenic infarcts as well as control patients and to thereby assess whether the bright band sign has potential utility as a sonographic sign of splenic infarction.

Methods

Using an electronic search engine and image review, 37 patients were retrospectively identified with noncystic parenchymal splenic infarcts on sonography. Nineteen abnormal control patients with noninfarcted splenic lesions on sonography and 100 normal control patients with sonographically normal spleens were also identified. The sonographic appearance of each splenic lesion was evaluated by 2 reviewers and assessed for the bright band sign, defined as thin specular reflectors perpendicular to the sound beam within hypoechoic parenchymal lesions, and for the presence or absence of the classic sonographic appearance of splenic infarction. Possible histologic counterparts of the bright band sign were assessed in archival infarct specimens.

Results

The bright band sign was present in 34 (91.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 78.1%–98.3%) of 37 patients with splenic infarcts on sonography, including 12 (85.7%; 95% CI, 57.2%–98.2%) of 14 with classic and 22 (95.7%; 95% CI, 78.1%–99.9%) of 23 with nonclassic infarct appearances. No normal or abnormal control patients had the bright band sign. Histologic sections suggested that preserved splenic trabeculae within infarcts may generate the bright band sign.

Conclusions

The bright band sign is a potentially useful sonographic sign of splenic infarction, which may confer additional sensitivity and specificity and may be particularly helpful with infarcts having nonclassic appearances.
Enhanced Lesion‐to‐Bubble Ratio on Ultrasonic Nakagami Imaging for Monitoring of High‐Intensity Focused Ultrasound
Authors: Zhang Siyuan , Li Chong , Zhou Fanyu , Wan Mingxi , Wang Supin
Published: May 2014

Objectives

This work explored the feasibility of using ultrasonic Nakagami imaging to enhance the contrast between thermal lesions and bubbles induced by high‐intensity focused ultrasound (US) in a transparent tissue‐mimicking phantom at different acoustic power levels.

Methods

The term “lesion‐to‐bubble ratio” was proposed and defined as the ratio of the scattered power from the thermal lesion to the scattered power from the bubbles calculated in the various monitoring of images for high‐intensity focused US. Two‐dimensional radiofrequency data backscattered from the exposed region were captured by a modified diagnostic US scanner to estimate the Nakagami statistical parameter, m, and reconstruct the ultrasonic B‐mode images and Nakagami parameter images. The dynamic changes in the lesion‐to‐bubble ratio over the US exposure procedure were calculated simultaneously and compared among video photos, B‐mode images, and Nakagami images for monitoring of high‐intensity focused US.

Results

After a small thermal lesion was induced by high‐intensity focused US in the phantom, the lesion‐to‐bubble ratio values corresponding to the video photo, B‐mode image, and Nakagami image were 5.3, 1, and 9.8 dB, respectively. When a large thermal lesion appeared in the phantom, the ratio values increased to 7.2, 3, and 14 dB. During US exposure, the ratio values calculated for the video photo, B‐mode image, and Nakagami image began to increase gradually and rose to peak values of 8.3, 2.9, and 14.8 dB at the end of the US exposure.

Conclusions

This preliminary study on a tissue‐mimicking phantom suggests that Nakagami imaging may have a potential use in enhancing the lesion‐to‐bubble ratio for monitoring high‐intensity focused US. Further studies in vivo and in vitro will be needed to evaluate the potential applications for high‐intensity focused US.
Social Determinants of Health and Surgical Desirability of Outcome Ranking in Older Veterans
Authors: Jacobs Michael A. , Gao Yubo , Schmidt Susanne , Shireman Paula K. , Mader Michael , Duncan Carly A. , Hausmann Leslie R. M. , Stitzenberg Karyn B. , Kao Lillian S. , Vaughan Sarrazin Mary , Hall Daniel E.
Published: July 2024

Importance

Evaluating how social determinants of health (SDOH) influence veteran outcomes is crucial, particularly for quality improvement.

Objective

To measure associations between SDOH, care fragmentation, and surgical outcomes using a Desirability of Outcome Ranking (DOOR).

Design, Setting, And Participants

This was a cohort study of US veterans using data from the Veterans Affairs (VA) Surgical Quality Improvement Program (VASQIP; 2013-2019) limited to patients aged 65 years or older with inpatient stays between 2 and 30 days, merged with multiple data sources, including Medicare. Race and ethnicity data were retrieved from VASQIP, Medicare and Medicaid beneficiary summary files, the Veterans Health Administration Corporate Data Warehouse, and the United States Veterans Eligibility Trends and Statistics file. Data were analyzed between September 2023 and February 2024.

Exposure

Living in a highly deprived neighborhood (Area Deprivation Index >85), race and ethnicity used as a social construct, rurality, and care fragmentation (percentage of non-VA care days).

Main Outcomes and Measures

DOOR is a composite, patient-centered ranking of 26 outcomes ranging from no complication (1, best) to 90-day mortality or near-death complications (6, worst). A series of proportional odds regressions was used to assess the impact of SDOH and care fragmentation adjusted for clinical risk factors, including presentation acuity (presenting with preoperative acute serious conditions and urgent or emergent surgical procedures).

Results

The cohort had 93 644 patients (mean [SD] age, 72.3 [6.2] years; 91 443 [97.6%] male; 74 624 [79.7%] White). Veterans who identified as Black (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02-1.10; P = .048) vs White and veterans with higher care fragmentation (per 20% increase in VA care days relative to all care days: aOR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.01-1.02; P < .001) were associated with worse (higher) DOOR scores until adjusting for presentation acuity. Living in rural geographic areas was associated with better DOOR scores than living in urban areas (aOR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.91-0.96; P < .001), and rurality was associated with lower presentation acuity (preoperative acute serious conditions: aOR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.81-0.95; P = .001). Presentation acuity was higher in veterans identifying as Black, living in deprived neighborhoods, and with increased care fragmentation.

Conclusions and Relevance

Veterans identifying as Black and veterans with greater proportions of non-VA care had worse surgical outcomes. VA programs should direct resources to reduce presentation acuity among Black veterans, incentivize veterans to receive care within the VA where possible, and better coordinate veterans’ treatment and records between care sources.
Transparent, Highly Stretchable, Self‐Healing, Adhesive, Freezing‐Tolerant, and Swelling‐Resistant Multifunctional Hydrogels for Underwater Motion Detection and Information Transmission
Authors: Zhang Zeyu , Yao Aifang , Raffa Patrizio
Published: July 2024

Conductive hydrogels have emerged as fascinating materials for flexible electronics because of their integrated conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and the possibility to introduce several smart functions. However, the swelling of hydrogels in aqueous environments significantly reduces their applicability where contact with water is unavoidable. In this study, a physically cross‐linked composite hydrogel is proposed, that is transparent, highly stretchable, anti‐swelling, capable of autonomous self‐healing, adhesive, and anti‐freezing. The hydrogel is synthesized through a simple one‐step photopolymerization in a novel deep eutectic solvent (DES)/water system. Dynamic physical interactions, including hydrophobic interaction, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interactions, confer remarkable transparency (92%), self‐healing capability (up to 94%), good adhesion to a wide array of substrates (91 to 199 kPa), high toughness (1.46 MJ m−3), excellent elongation at break (up to 2064%), and resistance to swelling in water (equilibrium swelling ratio of 3% in water for 30 days) even in solutions at different pH (pH 1–11), and in other solvents. The incorporation of a DES contributes to exceptional anti‐freezing performance. The transparent sensor achieves multifunctional sensing and human motion detection with high sensitivity and stability. Notably, the sensor demonstrates information transmission underwater through stretching and pressing, showcasing its immense potential in underwater flexible devices.
Constructing Slip Stacking Diversity in Van der Waals Homobilayers
Authors: Chen Yun , Lin Jinguo , Jiang Junjie , Wang Danyang , Yu Yue , Li Shouheng , Pan Jun'an , Chen Haitao , Mao Weiguo , Xing Huanhuan , Ouyang Fangping , Luo Zheng , Zhou Shen , Liu Feng , Wang Shanshan , Zhang Jin
Published: July 2024

The van der Waals (vdW) interface provides two important degrees of freedom—twist and slip—to tune interlayer structures and inspire unique physics. However, constructing diversified high‐quality slip stackings (i.e., lattice orientations between layers are parallel with only interlayer sliding) is more challenging than twisted stackings due to angstrom‐scale structural discrepancies between different slip stackings, sparsity of thermodynamically stable candidates and insufficient mechanism understanding. Here, using transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) homobilayers as a model system, this work theoretically elucidates that vdW materials with low lattice symmetry and weak interlayer coupling allow the creation of multifarious thermodynamically advantageous slip stackings, and experimentally achieves 13 and 9 slip stackings in 1T″‐ReS2 and 1T″‐ReSe2 bilayers via direct growth, which are systematically revealed by atomic‐resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), angle‐resolved polarization Raman spectroscopy, and second harmonic generation (SHG) measurements. This work also develops modulation strategies to switch the stacking via grain boundaries (GBs) and to expand the slip stacking library from thermodynamic to kinetically favored structures via in situ thermal treatment. Finally, density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest a prominent dependence of the pressure‐induced electronic band structure transition on stacking configurations. These studies unveil a unique vdW epitaxy and offer a viable means for manipulating interlayer atomic registries.
Polymer scaffolds delineate healthy from diseased states at sites distal from the pancreas in two models of type 1 diabetes
Authors: King Jessica L. , Urie Russell R. , Morris Aaron H. , Rad Laila , Bealer Elizabeth , Kasputis Tadas , Shea Lonnie D.
Published: July 2024

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) prevention is currently limited by the lack of diagnostic tools able to identify disease before autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic β cells. Autoantibody tests are used to predict risk and, in combination with glucose dysregulation indicative of β cell loss, to determine administration of immunotherapies. Our objective was to remotely identify immune changes associated with the disease, and we have employed a subcutaneously implanted microporous poly(e‐caprolactone) (PCL) scaffold to function as an immunological niche (IN) in two models of T1D. Biopsy and analysis of the IN enables disease monitoring using transcriptomic changes at a distal site from autoimmune destruction of the pancreas, thereby gaining cellular level information about disease without the need for a biopsy of the native organ. Using this approach, we identified gene signatures that stratify healthy and diseased mice in both an adoptive transfer model and a spontaneous onset model of T1D. The gene signatures identified herein demonstrate the ability of the IN to identify immune activation associated with diabetes across models.
Advancements in non‐fullerene acceptors for organic solar cells: Brief review of research trends
Authors: Lee Minsoo , Hwang Eunhye , Kim Taehyo , Kwon Tae‐Hyuk
Published: July 2024

In the last few decades, fullerene‐based acceptors have been extensively utilized in organic solar cells (OSCs). However, OSCs based on fullerenes suffer from low photocurrent and photovoltage due to their poor light absorption capacity and limited tunability of energy levels, which impedes efficiency improvements. Recently, non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs) have enabled rapid progress in OSCs, owing to their favorable properties such as strong light absorption, facile energy level tuning, and improved charge transport characteristics. These features have led to rapid efficiency enhancements. This review discusses the latest research trends related to NFAs, covering several factors that can be applied in the development of NFAs. Finally, we suggest prospects and challenges for high‐performance NFA‐based OSCs on the path to commercialization.
Linking business sustainable development with entrepreneurial marketing practices: Evidence from small and medium enterprises in Ethiopia
Authors: Tolossa Abebe Techan , Singh Manjit , Gautam Raj Kumar
Published: July 2024

Business sustainable development (BSD) refers to practices that meet current economic, environmental, and social needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In Ethiopia, prior studies overlooked this concept when studying entrepreneurial marketing practices (EMP) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This study aimed to investigate the effect of these practices on the BSD. Employing a mixed‐methods approach, primary and secondary data from 387 SMEs (selected via stratified and simple random sampling from 5765) are analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Results demonstrate a significant, positive relationship between EMP such as innovativeness, opportunity focus, value creation, proactiveness, and sustainable development. The study underscores the necessity for SMEs to enhance marketing practices to ensure long‐term viability and competitiveness. It highlights stakeholder engagement: policymakers, local communities, and consumers as critical for aligning marketing efforts with sustainability goals. This engagement not only meets consumer expectations for ethically driven businesses but also enhances inclusive growth and community welfare. By promoting dialogue among stakeholders, SMEs drive sustainable development initiatives and advocate for policies supporting environmentally and socially responsible practices, contributing to a greener, socially conscious economy. Future research should explore mediating or moderating variables across different SME types and regions. This study's novelty lies in its insights into how EMP impact SME sustainable development within Ethiopia, offering valuable insights for strategic decision‐making and highlighting the pivotal role of entrepreneurial marketing (EM) in achieving long‐term success in dynamic markets.
Chlorine‐Modified Soluble Melem‐Based Graphitic Carbon Nitrite: Facile Synthesis, Catalytic Property and Ultrafast 2D IR Spectroscopic Characterization
Authors: Zhao Yueting , Yu Pengyun , Wang Jianping
Published: July 2024

On the basis of thermal etching bulk graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4), a mild hydrochloric acid treatment method was used in this work to produce g‐C3N4 nano‐sheets (CNNS) and further carbon nitride with chloride‐modification (CNCl). The latter has thinner layer and smaller particle size and exhibit greatly improved dispersibility and solubility in water, DMSO and other polar solvents. A typical photocatalytic reaction in solution driven by CNCl shows a significantly improved photocatalytic performance over bulk g‐C3N4 and CNNS. Steady‐state analytical tools including SEM, mass, UV‐Vis, and IR spectroscopies, and time‐resolved two‐dimensional infrared (2D IR) vibrational spectroscopy, were used together in this work. Better solubility, more flexible structure, smaller size, easier generation of free radicals and lower recombination rate of electron‐hole pair, are believed to be reasons for the superior photocatalytic performance of CNCl.
Genetic mapping and QTL analysis of multigenic resistance to powdery mildew (Podosphaera macularis) in hop (Humulus lupulus L.)
Authors: Henning John A. , Wiseman Michele S. , Gent David H. , Padgitt‐Cobb Lillian K. , Appiah‐Kubi Reginald , Hendrix David A.
Published: July 2024

Hop powdery mildew (PM) (Podosphaera macularis) causes substantial losses if left uncontrolled. Most resistant hop cultivars possess qualitative resistance based on R‐genes. One cultivar, Comet, has uncharacterized resistance that may be polygenic. This study focused on identifying genomic regions controlling PM resistance in Comet and ascertaining putative genetic mechanisms behind such resistance. A cross between Comet and susceptible male, USDA 64035M, was made. Offspring were screened for resistance under greenhouse conditions and genotyped using genotyping‐by‐sequencing. Genome‐wide analysis using mixed linear model analysis along with quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis using either composite interval mapping or stepwise regression analyses was performed to identify QTLs. All analyses identified a region on chromosome 6 covering positions 308–314 Mb on the physical map. Analysis of the putative genes within this region identified 140 genes with 27 plant resistance‐like genes found in nine clusters. Six sulfur‐rich protein genes with homology to patatins, thionins, and agglutinins were identified in two clusters. Two glucan‐endo‐1,3‐beta‐glucosidase genes were identified bordering different R‐gene clusters. Finally, putative upregulators of transcription and stress‐response genes were identified. The 10 most highly associated single‐nucleotide polymorphisms for PM resistance were subsequently developed as KASP markers. The combination of R‐gene clusters, sulfur‐rich proteins, endo‐1,3‐beta‐glucosidase genes, and stress‐response genes may be responsible for resistance to PM in the cultivar Comet.
Sodium Ion‐Conducting Electrolytes Based on Chloroaluminate Ionic Liquids and δ‐NaCl
Authors: Kumar Sumit , Raghupathy Rajesh , Vezzù Keti , Garaga Mounesha N. , Zhu Xiaoping , Greenbaum Steve , Di Noto Vito , Vittadello Michele
Published: July 2024

Sodium‐containing ionic liquids are very promising candidates as ion‐conducting materials in alternative to electrolytes based on lithium chemistry. Here we investigate a series of seven ionic liquids with formula (EMImCl/(AlCl3)1.5)/(δ‐NaCl)x (0≤x≤0.74). The salt is comprised of a disordered form of NaCl prepared by metalorganic synthesis, which assures faster dissolution in high concentration. The vibrational investigation carried out by FT‐IR spectroscopy in the medium IR region shed light on salt‐IL interactions. The ionic conductivity was investigated by Broadband Electric Spectroscopy. The direct current conductivity (σdc) profiles versus the reciprocal temperature exhibited a Vogel‐Tamman‐Fulcher behavior indicating the assistance of micro‐Brownian motions to ionic migration. The value of σdc at 25 °C for x=0.74 was found to be 1.2×10−2 S cm−1. Reversible deposition of Na and Al‐containing species take place with high Coulombic efficiency (up to 97 %) and a high Na+ cation transport number (up to 0.95). The understanding of ionic speciation was investigated in comparison with aqueous acid‐base systems exploring the benefits and limitations of such analogy. The role of a Grotthuss‐type mechanism facilitating the exchange of chlorides between acidic catenated chloroaluminate species in anionic domains of the ILs is considered.
An improved pixel circuit with low noise event rate and enhanced bright‐light sensitivity for dynamic vision sensor
Authors: Gao Zhiyuan , Zhang Ding , Shi Xiaopei , He Yanghao , Xu Jiangtao
Published: July 2024

Dynamic vision sensor (DVS) imaging quality is significantly affected by pixel noise and temporal contrast (TC), which is inversely proportional to sensitivity. To reduce the noise event rate and improve sensitivity in bright‐light conditions in the DVS pixel circuit, this paper proposes improvements to the conventional DVS pixel circuit. The proposed DVS pixel circuit adopts stacked medium‐threshold transistors instead of a single high‐threshold transistor in the photoreceptor and introduces a threshold switching circuit. Compared with the conventional DVS pixel circuit, this design increases event threshold normalized by root mean square (RMS) noise voltage, reducing the dim‐light noise bandwidth. Additionally, it achieves higher sensitivity in bright‐light conditions compared with dim‐light conditions. The proposed DVS pixel circuit is implemented in a 110‐nm complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process. Post‐simulation results show that, for photocurrents between 5 fA and 100 pA, the proposed DVS pixel circuit achieves a 35 Hz peak event rate at 15% TC, which is reduced to 3.1% of the conventional structure. For photocurrents exceeding 30 pA, the proposed structure can switch TC from 15% to 5%, maintaining a noise event rate below 0.1 Hz.
Examining the distribution of Middle Paleolithic Nubian cores relative to chert quality in southern (Nejd, Dhofar) and south‐central (Duqm, Al Wusta) Oman
Authors: Eren Metin I. , Bebber Michelle R. , Singer David , Pearson Chloe , Ortiz Joseph D. , Buchanan Briggs , Beshkani Amir , Chlachula Dominik , Dellmour Rudolf , Garba Roman , Marks Anthony E. , Usyk Vitaly , Rose Jeffrey I.
Published: July 2024

Lithic raw material properties are often invoked to explain the presence, absence, form, or ontogeny of Paleolithic stone tools. Here, we explore whether the frequency of the Middle Paleolithic Nubian core form and core‐reduction systems co‐varies with toolstone quality in two neighboring regions in Oman: the southern region of Nejd, Dhofar, and the south‐central region of Duqm, Al Wusta. Specifically, we predicted that if raw material differences were influencing the distribution of Nubian cores, the chert would be of higher quality in the southern region, where Nubian cores were frequent, and of lower quality in the south‐central region, where they were scarce. We tested this prediction by collecting 124 chert samples from 22 outcrops and then quantitatively assessed two geochemical variables that are widely thought to influence knapping: impurity amount and silica content. We also examined the mineralogical composition, and the crystallite size and lattice strain for quartz (crystalline α‐SiO2) of representative chert samples. Our results suggest that the cherts in the two regions are similar, which is not consistent with the hypothesis that lithic raw material quality contributed to Nubian core spatial distribution in Oman. We discuss potential alternative hypotheses to explain Nubian core geographic patterning, and provisionally suggest that the scarcity of Nubian cores in south‐central Oman may be due to a concomitant scarcity of toolmakers, given a lack of water availability.
The metacontrol of event segmentation—A neurophysiological and behavioral perspective
Authors: Zhou Xianzhen , Ghorbani Foroogh , Roessner Veit , Hommel Bernhard , Prochnow Astrid , Beste Christian
Published: July 2024

During our everyday life, the constant flow of information is divided into discrete events, a process conceptualized in Event Segmentation Theory (EST). How people perform event segmentation and the resulting granularity of encapsulated segments likely depends on their metacontrol style. Yet, the underlying neural mechanisms remain undetermined. The current study examines how the metacontrol style affects event segmentation through the analysis of EEG data using multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) and source localization analysis. We instructed two groups of healthy participants to either segment a movie as fine‐grained as possible (fine‐grain group) or provided no such instruction (free‐segmentation group). The fine‐grain group showed more segments and a higher likelihood to set event boundaries upon scene changes, which supports the notion that cognitive control influences segmentation granularity. On a neural level, representational dynamics were decodable 400 ms prior to the decision to close a segment and open a new one, and especially fronto‐polar regions (BA10) were associated with this representational dynamic. Groups differed in their use of this representational dynamics to guide behavior and there was a higher sensitivity to incoming information in the Fine‐grain group. Moreover, a higher likelihood to set event boundaries was reflected by activity increases in the insular cortex suggesting an increased monitoring of potentially relevant upcoming events. The study connects the EST with the metacontrol framework and relates these to overarching neural concepts of prefrontal cortex function.
Analysis of image formation in optical palpation
Authors: Jones R. , Fang Q. , Kennedy B. F.
Published: July 2024

Optical palpation is an emerging elastography technique that generates two‐dimensional images of mechanical stress at the tissue surface, with clinical applications such as intraoperative cancer detection and scar assessment. It has been implemented using various imaging systems, however, an analysis of how deformation of the sample and layer influences image formation has not been performed. Here, an analysis framework is presented, which assesses performance independently of the imaging system used. Optical palpation of varying samples and layers is simulated using finite element analysis and validated with experiments on silicone phantoms, providing a characterization of detectability, feature resolution, and contrast ratio. Using our framework, we demonstrate that computational optical palpation, which incorporates realistic assumptions of layer deformation, improves the feature resolution up to a factor of four. This framework can guide the development of optical palpation and aid in the selection of appropriate imaging system and layer properties for a given application.