bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethnic Disparities in Treatment of Chronic Pain in Individuals with Parkinson's Disease Living in the United Kingdom
Authors: Rukavina Katarina , Ocloo Josephine , Skoric Magdalena Krbot , Sauerbier Anna , Thomas Omotola , Staunton Juliet , Awogbemila Olabisi , Trivedi Dhaval , Rizos Alexandra , Chaudhuri K. Ray ,   King's Parkinson's Disease Pain Scale Group
Published: February 2022

Background

Over 80% people with Parkinson's disease (PD; PwP) live with chronic pain.

Objective

Whether ethnic disparities in receipt of appropriate analgesia exist among PwP with chronic pain living in the United Kingdom (UK).

Methods

A retrospective datamining of an existing King's PD Pain Questionnaire validation study dataset enrolling 300 PwP.

Results

69 PwP: 23 Black (57% female), 23 Asian (57% female) and 23 White (65% female) had similar pain burden on the King's PD Pain Scale. Significantly more White PwP (83%) received pain relief compared to Black (48%) and Asian (43%) PwP (p = 0.016). The difference was most evident for opioid analgesics (White 43% vs. Black 4% vs. Asian 4%, p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

Ethnic disparities in the analgesic use among PwP with chronic pain living in the UK are evident in this retrospective analysis, prompting large‐scale studies and reinforcement of interventions to tackle the impact ethnicity might have on the successful analgesia.
Wideband horizontally polarized omnidirectional antenna with small gain variation
Authors: Liu Gang , Ye Liang Hua , Wu Duo‐Long , Li Jian‐Feng
Published: February 2022

A wideband horizontally polarized omnidirectional antenna with slight gain variation is proposed. It includes four curved dipoles, two groups of parasitic strips, and a wideband feeding network. The curved dipoles are printed on a dielectric cylindrical shell in a compact size to achieve horizontally polarized omnidirectional radiation. Four parasitic strips are embedded between the dipoles to reduce the gain variation and enhance the impedance. A 35 Ω coaxial cable serving as a quarter‐wavelength impedance transformer is used to design the feeding network without increasing the overall dimension of the antenna. The bandwidth of the proposed antenna achieves 77% (2.3–5.2 GHz) for VSWR <2 and a small gain variation less than 1.6 dB over the operating band.
A dual‐supervised deformation estimation model (DDEM) for constructing ultra‐quality 4D‐MRI based on a commercial low‐quality 4D‐MRI for liver cancer radiation therapy
Authors: Xiao Haonan , Ni Ruiyan , Zhi Shaohua , Li Wen , Liu Chenyang , Ren Ge , Teng Xinzhi , Liu Weiwei , Wang Weihu , Zhang Yibao , Wu Hao , Lee Ho‐Fun Victor , Cheung Lai‐Yin Andy , Chang Hing‐Chiu Charles , Li Tian , Cai Jing
Published: February 2022

Background

Most available four‐dimensional (4D)‐magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques are limited by insufficient image quality and long acquisition times or require specially designed sequences or hardware that are not available in the clinic. These limitations have greatly hindered the clinical implementation of 4D‐MRI.

Purpose

This study aims to develop a fast ultra‐quality (UQ) 4D‐MRI reconstruction method using a commercially available 4D‐MRI sequence and dual‐supervised deformation estimation model (DDEM).

Methods

Thirty‐nine patients receiving radiotherapy for liver tumors were included. Each patient was scanned using a time‐resolved imaging with interleaved stochastic trajectories (TWIST)–lumetric interpolated breath‐hold examination (VIBE) MRI sequence to acquire 4D‐magnetic resonance (MR) images. They also received 3D T1‐/T2‐weighted MRI scans as prior images, and UQ 4D‐MRI at any instant was considered a deformation of them. A DDEM was developed to obtain a 4D deformable vector field (DVF) from 4D‐MRI data, and the prior images were deformed using this 4D‐DVF to generate UQ 4D‐MR images. The registration accuracies of the DDEM, VoxelMorph (normalized cross‐correlation [NCC] supervised), VoxelMorph (end‐to‐end point error [EPE] supervised), and the parametric total variation (pTV) algorithm were compared. Tumor motion on UQ 4D‐MRI was evaluated quantitatively using region of interest (ROI) tracking errors, while image quality was evaluated using the contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), lung–liver edge sharpness, and perceptual blur metric (PBM).

Results

The registration accuracy of the DDEM was significantly better than those of VoxelMorph (NCC supervised), VoxelMorph (EPE supervised), and the pTV algorithm (all, p < 0.001), with an inference time of 69.3 ± 5.9 ms. UQ 4D‐MRI yielded ROI tracking errors of 0.79 ± 0.65, 0.50 ± 0.55, and 0.51 ± 0.58 mm in the superior–inferior, anterior–posterior, and mid–lateral directions, respectively. From the original 4D‐MRI to UQ 4D‐MRI, the CNR increased from 7.25 ± 4.89 to 18.86 ± 15.81; the lung–liver edge full‐width‐at‐half‐maximum decreased from 8.22 ± 3.17 to 3.65 ± 1.66 mm in the in‐plane direction and from 8.79 ± 2.78 to 5.04 ± 1.67 mm in the cross‐plane direction, and the PBM decreased from 0.68 ± 0.07 to 0.38 ± 0.01.

Conclusion

This novel DDEM method successfully generated UQ 4D‐MR images based on a commercial 4D‐MRI sequence. It shows great promise for improving liver tumor motion management during radiation therapy.
The preventive effects of colony‐stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF‐1R) inhibition on bladder outlet obstruction induced remodeling
Authors: Wang Wei , Sun Wenjin , Gao Xiaoshuai , Peng Liao , Lin Lede , Xiao Kaiwen , Liu Yu , Di Xingpeng , Zhu Shiyu , Chen Huiling , Zhou Liang
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) is a common problem that can affect bladder structure and function. Currently, there is no effective drugs available to prevent BOO‐induced remodeling. Previous reports have demonstrated that the pathogenesis of BOO is associated with macrophage infiltration and polarization, which is physiologically dependent on colony‐stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF‐1R) activation. Here we utilized a highly selective CSF‐1R inhibitor, GW2580, to determine its preventive effects on BOO‐induced remodeling.

Methods

A total of 24 Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham, BOO + vehicle, and BOO + GW2580 group. GW2580 or vehicle control was administrated by oral gavage at daily doses of 40 mg/kg for 6 weeks. Bladder samples were collected for histopathology, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, western blotting, and flow cytometry analysis.

Results

Our results demonstrated that bladder fibrosis was ameliorated by GW2580 compared with the vehicle group (22.01% ± 5.13% vs. 32.15% ± 7.24%, p < 0.01). Furthermore, treatment with GW2580 induced an inhibition of macrophage infiltration (4.41% ± 1.28% vs. 13.57% ± 3.42%, p < 0.001) and M2 macrophage polarization (10.67% ± 4.15% vs. 28.59% ± 6.38%, p < 0.001). There was also a decrease of profibrotic F4/80+ α‐smooth muscle actin+ (α‐SMA+) macrophage to myofibroblast transition (9.11% ± 2.58% vs. 17.33% ± 4.01%, p < 0.001) and CD163+TGF‐β1+ cells (7.68% ± 2.10% vs. 14.17% ± 4.09%, p < 0.01) in the GW2580 group when compared with the vehicle group.

Conclusions

In summary, our findings showed that GW2580 is a worthwhile candidate for a follow‐up study to test in the treatment of BOO‐induced remodeling.
Understand microcredentials and how to implement them
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: February 2022

AVENTURA, Fla. — There are a lot of reasons you might want your institution to consider offering microcredentials. They can help your institution attract  learners, broaden its reach, and promote its brand and reputation, said Kristi Wold‐McCormick, Assistant Vice Provost and University Registrar at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Use Zoom's poll, chat features to improve online assessment
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: February 2022

For the higher ed world, Zoom became an important and all‐too‐familiar tool for meetings and presentations when the pandemic prevented in‐person interactions. Along the way, Zoom users became adept at using chat and poll features to make meetings and presentations more interactive and engaging. But have you considered poll and chat features as assessment tools?
Structural Design and Parameter Optimization of Linear Explosive Forming Projectile
Authors: Ma Tianbao , Liu Jing , Wang Qi
Published: February 2022

The development of new warhead structures is an important means to enhance the destructive ability of projectiles. Compared with the traditional projectiles, the shaped charge warhead has a better destructive effect. Based on the traditional optimization method, a multi‐objective optimization method based on an approximate model is used for the structural design of linear explosive forming projectile (LEFP). In this paper, four different methods are applied to optimize the structure of LEFP. Numerical simulations of penetration into steel target are carried out for the optimization results, and the reliability of the numerical results are verified by experiments. The results indicate that: 1) the optimization method can improve the molding effect and penetration ability of LEFP reliably; 2) the combined optimization method has obvious advantages in promoting the performance of LEFP over the single one.
Honokiol attenuate the arsenic trioxide‐induced cardiotoxicity by reducing the myocardial apoptosis
Authors: Huang An‐Liang , Yang Fan , Cheng Ping , Liao Dian‐ying , Zhou Li , Ji Xing‐Li , Peng Dou‐Dou , Zhang Li , Cheng Ting‐Ting , Ma Li , Xia Xian‐Gen
Published: February 2022

Despite advantages of arsenic trioxide (ATO) in oncological practice, its clinical applications have been hampered by severe cardiotoxicity. The general mechanism of ATO‐induced cardiotoxicity has been attributed to its damage to mitochondria, resulting in cardiac remodeling. Honokiol (HKL) is a naturally occurring compound derived from Magnolia bark. Previous studies have demonstrated that HKL exerts cardio‐protective effects on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) or chemical‐induced cardiotoxicity by counteracting the toxic effects on mitochondria. The present study was conducted to investigate whether HKL pretreatment protects against ATO‐induced cardiac oxidative damage and cell death. For the in vitro study, we evaluated the effects of ATO and/or Honokiol on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis induction in primary cultured cardiomyocytes; for the in vivo study, BALB/c mice were administrated with ATO and/or HKL for a period of 4 weeks, myocardial apoptosis, cardiac function, and cardiac remodeling (cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis) were assessed at the end of administration. Our results demonstrated Honokiol pretreatment alleviated the ATO‐induced boost in ROS concentration and the following apoptosis induction in primary cultured cardiomyocytes. In the mouse model, Honokiol pretreatment ameliorated ATO‐induced myocardial apoptosis, cardiac dysfunction, and cardiac remodeling. Collectively, these results indicated that Honokiol provide a protection against ATO‐induced cardiotoxicity by reducing mitochondrial damage. In addition, given that Honokiol has shown considerable suppressive effects on leukemia cells, our data also imply that ATO and Honokiol combination may possibly be a superior avenue in leukemia therapy.
A Review of Different Models Derived from Classical Kolmogorov, Johnson and Mehl, and Avrami (KJMA) Theory to Recover Physical Meaning in Solid‐State Transformations
Authors: Blázquez Javier S. , Romero Francisco J. , Conde Clara F. , Conde Alejandro
Published: February 2022

The classical theory of solid‐state transformation based on nucleation and growth processes, developed by Kolmogorov, Johnson and Mehl, and Avrami (KJMA theory), is widely used in many different fields of research. In KJMA theory, two parameters (the frequency factor and, particularly, the Avrami exponent) can supply information about the mechanisms involved in the transformation. Despite its apparent simplicity, on the one hand, the results derived from this theory can be strongly affected by the indetermination of experimental data (e.g., onset of the transformation). On the other hand, KJMA theory is developed for isothermal polymorphic transformations in which randomly distributed nuclei grow in convex shapes. However, several procedures have extended KJMA theory to nonisothermal regimes and to many different processes deviating from those premises. Herein, the requirements of KJMA theory and the expected deviations for these approximations are briefly discussed. In addition, some strategies are proposed for recovering physical meaning from the effective parameters deduced in several transformations including nanocrystallization and martensitic transformations for which results can be interpreted under the approximation of instantaneous growth.
Absorption and Photoluminescence of Silicon Nanocrystals Investigated by Excited State DFT: Role of Embedding Dielectric and Defects
Authors: König Dirk , Hiller Daniel , Smith Sean C.
Published: February 2022

Absorption and photoluminescence (PL) properties of silicon (Si) nanocrystals (NCs) covered with silicon dioxide () are fairly well unraveled; corresponding information for silicon nitride () coverage is scarce. We elucidate important optical and electronic features depending on the embedding dielectric and interface defect (dangling bond, DB) properties. Using density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent (TD‐) DFT for ground state (GS) and excited state (ES) properties, respectively, we compute fully ‐ and OH‐covered NCs of 11–26 Å size, enabling comparisons with experimental data. Our non‐radiative Shockley‐Read‐Hall (SRH) recombination model of DBs at NC/dielectric interfaces demonstrates that SRH recombination is substantially higher for ‐covered NCs. An ensemble TD‐DFT calculation of the eight lowest fundamental transitions accurately describes the absorption edge. Exciton binding energies are significantly smaller in ‐ versus ‐covered NCs due to the delocalizing versus self‐localizing impact of the dielectric onto the exciton. We find higher optical absorption rates for ‐embedded NCs versus ‐embedded NCs. However, SRH interface recombination renders the PL of ‐embedded NCs inferior to their ‐embedded counterparts. Finally, we explain a discrepancy in PL gaps of free‐standing oxidized versus ‐embedded NCs by considering adequate phononic boundary conditions.
Evolution and Intersection of Extended Defects and Stacking Faults in 3C‐SiC Layers on Si (001) Substrates by Molecular Dynamics Simulations: The Forest Dislocation Case
Authors: Barbisan Luca , Scalise Emilio , Marzegalli Anna
Published: February 2022

The crossing of stacking faults (SFs) (namely dislocation forests) in 3C‐SiC is experimentally probed to cause detrimental effects on the electronic properties of the layer. By means of classical molecular dynamics simulations, for the first time the evolution of two crossing partial dislocation loops is shown, revealing the mechanism that leads to the formation of a complex defect at their intersection. The obtained atomistic structure is then further refined by ab initio calculations, revealing that this defect does not cause defect states within the gap of the pristine material. The case of the intersection of two double‐dislocation loops, that is, involving double SFs, in the hypothesis that the evolution follows the same mechanism found for single‐dislocation loops is also investigated. Contrary to the single‐plane intersection, the simulations reveal that the junction formed by double‐dislocation loops does cause intragap states, thus suggesting detrimental effects on the electronic properties of the 3C‐SiC layers.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Physical Properties of BaSnS2
Authors: Gunatilleke Wilarachchige D. C. B. , May Andrew F. , Walker Angela R. Hight , Biacchi Adam J. , Nolas George S.
Published: February 2022

Phase‐pure BaSnS2, with space group P21/c, is synthesized, and the structural and physical properties are investigated. Thermal properties and optical measurements are reported for the first time. The Debye temperature and Sommerfeld coefficient are obtained from temperature‐dependent heat capacity measurements, the latter indicating that BaSnS2 is an electrical insulator. A direct bandgap of 2.4 eV is obtained from diffuse reflectance and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The findings herein lay the foundation for understanding the physical properties of this material and are part of a continuing effort to investigate previously unexplored ternary chalcogenides.
Fraternal twins—Should investors be careful?*
Authors: Rohleder Martin , Tentesch Hendrik , Weh Rene , Wilkens Marco
Published: February 2022

After analyzing portfolio differences between separate account‐mutual fund twins, we find that dissimilar “fraternal twins” show significantly lower joint performance than “identical twins.” This finding is consistent with fraternal twins competing for the limited attention of a manager while identical twins mutually profit. Furthermore, the effect is stronger for separate accounts, which is probably due to investors having the opportunity to influence managers’ investment decisions according to their preferences. These results are independent of differences in known investment constraints. However, the findings may be driven by separate account investors’ preferences for higher liquidity and lower idiosyncratic risk.
Continuous dependence of Lyapunov matrices with respect to perturbations for linear delay systems
Authors: Aliseyko Alexey
Published: February 2022

In this article, we consider general linear systems whose right‐hand sides are represented by the Riemann–Stieltjes integral with kernels given by a matrix function of bounded variation. We establish some minimal requirements on the convergence of the kernels that ensure the convergence of Lyapunov matrices of the perturbed systems. Using functional analytic approach, we analyze the continuity of the dependence of Lyapunov matrices on the right‐hand sides. Results obtained in this paper improve the previously known results for multiple delay systems and distributed delay systems. One significant advantage of our approach is that no assumption on the exponential stability is being made.
Disturbance observer‐based robust motor control enhanced by adaptive neural network in the absence of velocity measurement
Authors: Piao Minnan , Tan Panlong , Wang Ying , Sun Mingwei , Lu Biao , Chen Zengqiang
Published: February 2022

High‐precision servo motor control has been a challenging problem due to the multiple disturbances such as the friction, the load variation and the wide/narrow‐band torque disturbances. Particularly, the discontinuous and fast time‐varying friction is very difficult to be compensated, which tends to trigger the undesirable limit cycle. In addition, the friction is a function of the angular velocity, which makes the online compensation extremely hard in the absence of velocity measurement. To make the matter worse, the nonvanishing narrow‐band torque disturbances in some applications often cause residual vibrations if they are not sufficiently rejected. To address these problems, a robust motor control method, which can effectively reject the multiple disturbances without velocity measurement, is proposed in this article. To be specific, an adaptive hybrid model, which includes an adaptive neural network and a sign function, is employed to compensate the discontinuous and fast time‐varying friction dynamics. Furthermore, by incorporating the internal models of the narrow‐band disturbances into the plant, a resonant extended state observer is designed to estimate the remaining lumped disturbance. To derive the high‐order derivatives of the angular position, a fixed‐time‐convergent differentiator is employed. Different from the previous studies, elaborately designed filters are introduced in the adaptive laws. In this way, the possible degradation of transient performance and stability robustness caused by the adaptive control can be effectively avoided. The closed‐loop stability can be rigorously proved by using the Lyapunov theory. Finally, extensive experiments are performed on a servo motor to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Mainstreaming remotely sensed ecosystem functioning in ecological niche models
Authors: Regos Adrián , Gonçalves João , Arenas‐Castro Salvador , Alcaraz‐Segura Domingo , Guisan Antoine , Honrado João P.
Published: February 2022

Biodiversity is declining globally at unprecedented rates. Ecological niche models (ENMs) are one of the most widely used toolsets to appraise global change impacts on biodiversity. Here, we identify a variety of advantages of incorporating remotely sensed ecosystem functioning attributes (EFAs) into ENMs. The development of ENMs that explicitly incorporate ecosystem functioning will allow a more holistic and integrative perspective of the habitat dynamics. The synergies between the increasingly available open‐access satellite images and cloud‐based platforms for planetary‐scale geospatial analysis offer an unprecedented opportunity to incorporate ecosystem processes and disturbances (such as fires, insect outbreaks or droughts) that have been so far largely neglected in ecological niche characterization and modelling. The most paradigmatic example of EFAs is the application of time series of spectral vegetation indices related to primary productivity and carbon cycle. EFAs related to surface energy balance and water cycles derived from remote sensing products such as land surface temperature or soil moisture enable a fine‐scale characterization of the species' niche—eventually improving the predictive performance of ENMs. All these advantages confirm that a new generation of ENMs based on such EFAs would offer great perspectives to increase our ability to monitor habitat suitability trends and population dynamics. However, despite the technical advances and increasing effort of remote sensing community to develop integrative EFAs, ENMs have yet to make full profit of the most recent developments by integrating them in ENMs. A coordinated agenda for remote sensing experts and ecological modellers will be essential over the coming years to bridge the gap between remote sensing and ecology disciplines and to take full (and timely) advantage of the fast‐growing body of Earth observation data and remote sensing technologies—with special emphasis on the development and testing of new variables related to key processes driving ecosystem functioning.
Fully Printed Stretchable and Multifunctional E‐Textiles for Aesthetic Wearable Electronic Systems
Authors: Tian Bin , Fang Yuhui , Liang Jing , Zheng Ke , Guo Panwang , Zhang Xinyu , Wu Youfusheng , Liu Qun , Huang Zhida , Cao Changyong , Wu Wei
Published: February 2022

Electronic textiles (e‐textiles) that combine the wearing comfort of textiles and the functionality of soft electronics are highly demanded in wearable applications. However, fabricating robust high‐performance stretchable e‐textiles with good abrasion resistance and high‐resolution aesthetic patterns for high‐throughput manufacturing and practical applications remains challenging. Herein, the authors report a new multifunctional e‐textile fabricated via screen printing of the water‐based silver fractal dendrites conductive ink. The as‐fabricated e‐textiles spray‐coated with the invisible waterproofing agent exhibit superior flexibility, water resistance, wearing comfort, air permeability, and abrasion resistance, achieving a low sheet resistance of 0.088 Ω sq−1, high stretchability of up to 154%, and excellent dynamic stability for over 1000 cyclic testing (ε = 100%). The printed e‐textiles can be explored as strain sensors and ultralow voltage‐driven Joule heaters driven for personalized thermal management. They finally demonstrate an integrated aesthetic smart clothing made of their multifunctional e‐textiles for human motion detection and body‐temperature management. The printed e‐textiles provide new opportunities for developing novel wearable electronics and smart clothing for future commercial applications.
Fluctuations in the chemical constituents of Panax ginseng subterranean tissues with cultivation duration
Authors: Nishidono Yuto , Yahata Hina , Niwa Kotaro , Kitajima Aoi , Tezuka Yasuhiro , Watanabe Shiro , Tanaka Ken
Published: February 2022

Aim

The subterranean tissues of Panax ginseng, especially the root, have long been used in traditional Asian medicine. In traditional medicine, various formulas contain ginseng to relieve fatigue, improve splenic function, and strengthen immunity, while recent studies have reported many additional benefits, including improvement of Alzheimer's dementia. Multiple ginsenosides, polyacetylenes, and polysaccharides in ginseng root and rhizome contribute to these therapeutic activities. Most ginseng used today is cultivated and takes a long time to mature, so changes in the bioactive constituent profile with age could alter the potential health benefits. However, most studies on such age‐dependent changes in chemical composition have focused on ginsenosides. To examine the full spectrum of age‐dependent changes, the current study analyzed the contents of multiple secondary metabolites and primary metabolites in samples cultivated from one to five years.

Methods

The contents of multiple secondary metabolites such as polyacetylenes and primary metabolites such as fatty acids, sugars, and phospholipids as well as ginsenosides were determined by liquid or gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (LC/MS or GC/MS).

Results

Ginsenoside Ro and 1,2‐dilinoleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine increased substantially and progressively with number of years of cultivation. Other ginsenosides and sugars also increased with age, but with greater variability. Conversely, concentrations of falcarinol, fatty acids, and phosphatidic acid decreased with cultivation time.

Conclusion

Cultivation years may influence the specific medicinal properties and other health benefits of ginseng preparations.
Anomaly of the sixth cervical vertebra accompanied by atypical course of the vertebral artery in a dog
Authors: Korim Filip , Kuricová Mária , Lipták Tomáš , Vilhanová Zuzana , Eberlová Lada
Published: February 2022

The vertebral arteries, as the first branches from the subclavian arteries, normally enter into the transverse foramen of the sixth cervical vertebra in dogs. This case report presents the non‐standard course of the left vertebral artery and unilateral asymmetry of the sixth cervical vertebra in a 14‐year‐old female mixed breed dog. The anomaly was an incidental finding during the preparation of a corrosion cast prepared for educational and scientific purposes. The left sixth cervical vertebra transverse foramen and the ventral lamina were not developed. The left vertebral artery originated normally from the left subclavian artery, but atypically entered into the transverse foramen of the fifth cervical vertebra. On the right side, the anatomical structures of the sixth cervical vertebra and the course of the right vertebral artery were normally developed. To our knowledge, this is the first case of such an anomaly described in a dog.
Humeral intracondylar fissure in a boxer breed dog
Authors: Almeida Mariana , Yeadon Russell
Published: February 2022

A 6‐year‐old, male, boxer breed dog presented with a 1‐month history of severe, gradually progressive right thoracic limb lameness without history of trauma. Previous medication included oclacitinib for management of atopic skin disease. The dog was diagnosed with humeral intracondylar fissure (HIF) on computed tomography. Therefore, HIF should be considered as a differential diagnosis for thoracic limb lameness in this breed. Surgical stabilisation of HIF with a 4.5 mm titanium transcondylar screw placed from medial to lateral resulted in resolution of visible lameness.
Inside the Japanese Seed Industry: Its Characteristics and Implications for Agroecology
Authors: Kawai Ayako
Published: February 2022

The nature of small-scale seed companies and their role in sustaining genetic diversity are understudied in developed countries—not least Japan, which has nearly 1000 of them. In this in-depth survey, Ayako Kawai analyses findings derived from interviews with the heads of, and breeders in, three such firms. Historically, she notes, Japanese seed companies operate within close-knit networks and follow customary practices, which has helped to foster cooperation: they function as “diverse economies”, collectively agreeing on seed prices and trading as equal partners. Many of them also contribute to agrobiodiversity by maintaining open pollinated varieties, and in some rare cases, by developing new non-hybrid ones. Inevitably, these practices can put them at odds with market constraints such as the demand for mainstream traits. Kawai concludes that if free-market principles were applied wholesale to Japan’s seed industry, its predominantly value-led approach would suffer, with negative impacts on national crop diversity.
Integration of Endogenous Development Theory into the Study of Seed Governance
Authors: Nishikawa Yoshiaki
Published: February 2022

In the 1970s, the Japanese sociologist Kazuko Tsurumi developed endogenous development theory—the idea of ‘development from within’, which frames human wellbeing, ecological viability and community agency as central to sustainable modernisation. In this study of Tsurumi’s ideas vis-à-vis seed governance, Yoshiaki Nishikawa first traces the broader debate over seed systems, from polarised stances such as traditional vs modern to more nuanced mixed approaches. Nishikawa shows how Tsurumi’s thinking on values, communication, local autonomy and tradition can illuminate understanding of humanity’s relationship with seeds across cultures and regions. Many farmers, for instance, consider crop diversity and seed production as naturally integral to their stewardship of local ecologies, rather than politicised acts of sovereignty. Wise governance is based on an understanding of seeds as a biocultural legacy, and ensures that autonomy and respect are interwoven in the concept and practice of seed sovereignty.
Outer automorphism anomalies
Authors: Henning Brian , Lu Xiaochuan , Melia Tom , Murayama Hitoshi
Published: February 2022

Abstract

We discuss anomalies associated with outer automorphisms in gauge theories based on classical groups, namely charge conjugations for SU(N ) and parities for SO(2r). We emphasize the inequivalence (yet related by a flavor transformation) between two versions of charge conjugation for SU(2k), SO(2r), and E6 symmetries. The subgroups that commute with the outer automorphisms are identified. Some charge conjugations can lead to a paradox, which is resolved by the observation that they are anomalous and hence not symmetries. We then discuss anomaly matching conditions that involve the charge conjugations or parities. Interesting examples are given where the charge conjugation is spontaneously broken.
No difference in patient-reported satisfaction after 12 months between customised individually made and off-the-shelf total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Wendelspiess Séverin , Kaelin Raphael , Vogel Nicole , Rychen Thomas , Arnold Markus P.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

A subset of patients is usually not satisfied after a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Customised individually made (CIM) TKA are deemed to overcome drawbacks of classical off-the-shelf (OTS) TKA, but evidence is still sparse. The aim of this study was to compare satisfaction of patients with CIM and OTS TKA.

Methods

This prospective cohort study compared clinical and patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) between patients with CIM and OTS TKA. The primary outcome was patient satisfaction after 12 months. Secondary outcomes were the Knee Society Score (KSS), the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS-12) and the EQ-5D-3L after 4 and 12 months.

Results

Data were analysed from 74 CIM TKA and 169 OTS TKA between January 2017 and September 2020. Patients with CIM TKA were slightly younger, more often male, had a lower body mass index, a lower KSS and partially higher preoperative PROMs.

Patient satisfaction after 12 months was high and comparable (CIM 87%, OTS 89%). All PROMs improved for both groups (p < 0.001) and did not differ after 12 months (p > 0.063). The majority of patients improved above the minimal important difference (range 65 to 89%) and reported a clear overall improvement (CIM 86%, OTS 87%). The postoperative KSS, notably regarding knee stability, was higher for CIM TKA (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

No difference was found in patient satisfaction between CIM and OTS TKA after 12 months. In both groups, patient satisfaction was high and PROMs improved considerably.

Level of evidence

II, prospective cohort study.
Efficient sequential screening with informational externalities
Authors: Zik Boaz
Published: February 2022

A seller of an item faces a potential buyer whose valuation of the item depends on two private signals. It is well known that when there are informational externalities and the buyer’s private signals arrive all at once, it is impossible to implement an efficient sale. I show that if the buyer’s private signals arrive over time, then the seller can implement an efficient sale even in the presence of informational externalities. Specifically, I present a novel condition on the relationship between the buyer’s valuation and the social welfare that is necessary and sufficient for efficient sequential implementation.
Adverse drug reaction management in hospital settings: review on practice variations, quality indicators and education focus
Authors: Aung Ar Kar , Walker Steven , Khu Yin Li , Tang Mei Jie , Lee Jennifer I. , Graudins Linda Velta
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) contribute significantly to healthcare burden. However, they are largely preventable through appropriate management processes. This narrative review aims to identify the quality indicators that should be considered for routine monitoring of processes within hospital ADR management systems. It also examines the potential reasons behind variation in ADR management practices amongst HCPs, and explores possible solutions, focusing on targeted education programmes, to improve both the quality and quantity indicators of ADR management processes.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to explore relevant themes and topics concerning ADR management, quality indicators and educational interventions.

Results

Substantial variability exists in ADR management amongst healthcare professionals (HCPs) with regard to reporting rates, characteristics of ADRs reported, quality of assessment, completeness of reports and, most importantly, risk communication practices. These variable practices not only threaten patient safety but also undermine pharmacovigilance processes. To date, quality indicators to monitor ADR management practices within hospital settings remain ill-defined. Furthermore, evidence behind effective interventions, especially in the form of targeted education strategies, to improve the quality of ADR management remains limited.

Conclusions

The focus of ADR management in hospitals should be to promote patient safety through comprehensive assessment, risk communication and safe prescribing. There is a need to develop a system to define, measure and monitor the quality of ADR management. Educational strategies may help improve the quality of ADR management processes.
Paleomagnetism and rock magnetism as tools for volcanology
Authors: Lerner Geoffrey A. , Piispa Elisa J. , Bowles Julie A. , Ort Michael H.
Published: February 2022

Paleomagnetic and rock magnetic methods for studying volcanoes and their products have been developed since the second half of the twentieth century. These methods have been used to find tephra in sediment cores, date volcanic eruptions and deposits, determine emplacement temperatures of volcanic deposits, and estimate flow directions of dikes, lava flows, and pyroclastic flow deposits. In the twenty-first century, these techniques have steadily improved and expanded, resulting in more probing and precise studies of volcanoes using paleomagnetism. We believe that continual improvement of existing techniques and the increased awareness and interest in paleomagnetic methods should allow more studies to enhance the understanding of volcanic processes.
How annulus defects can act as initiation sites for herniation
Authors: Wade K. , Berger-Roscher N. , Saggese T. , Rasche V. , Wilke H.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Both posture and loading rate are key factors in the herniation process and can determine the mechanism of disc failure. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that disruption visible with HR-MRI post-testing corresponds with microstructural features and further elucidate the mechanism by which this disruption weakens the disc. This will enable us to gain new insights into the herniation process.

Methods

Thirty ovine lumbar spinal segments were subjected to combinations of four loading conditions (0–12° flexion, 0–9° lateral bending, 0–4° axial rotation, 0–1500 N axial compression) for 1000 loading cycles at 2 Hz in a dynamic disc loading simulator. The discs were scanned in an ultra-high field MRI (11.7 T) then examined using brightfield microscopy to examine their microstructure.

Results

Four discs herniated and seven discs suffered nucleus displacement. These discs contained pre-existing defects in the central posterior annulus. Generally, following testing discs contained more posterior annulus disruption, Microstructural investigation revealed there was clear correspondence between HR-MRI and microstructural observations, and that the mid-outer annular-endplate junction had failed in all discs examined in this study.

Conclusions

While all discs suffered outer annulus damage, only the discs containing pre-existing defects herniated. These pre-existing defects weakened the inner and mid annulus, allowing herniation to occur once the mid and outer annular wall was compromised. We propose this can occur during the degenerative cascade.
The influence of maternal psychological distress on the mode of birth and duration of labor: findings from the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Sanni Kuuri-Riutta , Eeva Ekholm , Noora Scheinin M. , Laura Korhonen S. , Linnea Karlsson , Hasse Karlsson
Published: February 2022

Antepartum depression, general anxiety symptoms, and pregnancy-related anxiety have been recognized to affect pregnancy outcomes. Systematic reviews on these associations lack consistent findings, which is why further research is required. We examined the associations between psychological distress, mode of birth, epidural analgesia, and duration of labor. Data from 3619 women with singleton pregnancies, from the population-based FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study were analyzed. Maternal psychological distress was measured during pregnancy at 24 and 34 weeks, using the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire-Revised 2 (PRAQ-R2) and its subscale “Fear of Giving Birth” (FOC), the anxiety subscale of the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Mode of birth, epidural analgesia, and labor duration were obtained from the Finnish Medical Birth Register. Maternal psychological distress, when captured with PRAQ-R2, FOC, and SCL-90, increased the likelihood of women having an elective cesarean section (OR: 1.04, 95%CI1.01–1.06,p = .003;OR: 1.13, 95%CI1.07–1.20,p < .001;OR: 1.06, 95%CI1.03–1.10,p = .001), but no association was detected for instrumental delivery or emergency cesarean section. A rise in both the PRAQ-R2, and FOC measurements increased the likelihood of an epidural analgesia (OR: 1.02, 95%CI1.01–1.03,p = .003;OR: 1.09, 95%CI1.05–1.12,p < .001) and predicted longer second stage of labor (OR: 1.01, 95%CI1.00–1.01,p = .023;OR: 1.03, 95%CI1.02–1.05,p < .001). EPDS did not predict any of the analyzed outcomes. The results indicate that maternal anxiety symptoms (measured using PRAQ-R2, FOC, and SCL-90) are associated with elective cesarean section. Psychological distress increases the use of epidural analgesia, but is not associated with complicated vaginal birth.
Effect of ruxolitinib on the oral mucosa of patients with steroid-refractory chronic Graft-versus-Host disease and oral involvement
Authors: Kaurinovic Martina , Delli Konstantina , Jonk Ana-Mae E. , Biswana Anouschka , Hazenberg Carin L. E. , Choi Goda , de Groot Marco R. , Morsink Linde M. , Vissink Arjan , Bellido Mar
Published: February 2022

Background

Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease (cGVHD) can impact quality of life, especially in patients with oral involvement. Half of the patients with cGVHD do not respond to first-line therapy with corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors. Ruxolitinib is effective in steroid-refractory (SR)-cGVHD cases, but the long-term effects of ruxolitinib on the oral mucosa are unknown.

Objective(s)

This study aims to assess the effect of ruxolitinib on the oral mucosa of SR-cGVHD patients with oral involvement.

Materials and methods

An observational longitudinal patient study was conducted in 53 patients with SR-cGVHD and oral involvement who were treated with ruxolitinib. The baseline condition of the oral mucosa was compared to its condition at 4 and 12 weeks after starting ruxolitinib.

Results

The overall response was 81% (43/53), with a complete response in 53% (28/53) and partial response in 28% (15/53) after 12 weeks (p < 0.001). Men and patients concurrently using immunosuppressive therapy responded better than women (p = 0.005) and patients with ruxolitinib monotherapy (p = 0.02), respectively. At a longer follow-up (median 20 months), oral symptoms were comparable to the 12-week symptoms (p = 0.78), regardless of ruxolitinib use (p = 0.83).

Conclusion

Ruxolitinib treatment of SR-cGVHD patients with oral involvement was associated with a significant response of the oral manifestations at 12 weeks.

Clinical relevance

The oral mucosa of SR-cGVHD patients is likely to improve after 4 and 12 weeks of ruxolitinib treatment. Symptom severity at baseline does not affect the response of the oral mucosa.
The Macroeconomic Imbalance Procedure at the Heart of EU Economic Governance Reform
Authors: Koll Willi , Watt Andrew
Published: February 2022

While the euro officially came into being in 1999, it was the introduction of euro notes and coins 20 years ago in January 2002 that made the common currency a tangible reality for European citizens. The circle of member states has since grown from 11 to 19, and a growing section of the population no longer has any personal experience with a “national” currency, yet the debate on the legal and institutional framework underpinning the common currency has never gone away.
Iterative multilevel assimilation of inverted seismic data
Authors: Nezhadali Mohammad , Bhakta Tuhin , Fossum Kristian , Mannseth Trond
Published: February 2022

In ensemble-based data assimilation (DA), the ensemble size is usually limited to around one hundred. Straightforward application of ensemble-based DA can therefore result in significant Monte Carlo errors, often manifesting themselves as severe underestimation of parameter uncertainties. Localization is the conventional remedy for this problem. Assimilation of large amounts of simultaneous data enhances the negative effects of Monte Carlo errors. Use of lower-fidelity models reduces the computational cost per ensemble member and therefore renders the possibility to reduce Monte Carlo errors by increasing the ensemble size, but it also adds to the modeling error. Multilevel data assimilation (MLDA) uses a selection of models forming hierarchies of both computational cost and computational accuracy, and tries to balance between Monte Carlo errors and modeling errors. In this work, we assess a recently developed MLDA algorithm, the Multilevel Hybrid Ensemble Smoother (MLHES), and introduce and assess an iterative version of this algorithm, the Iterative Multilevel Hybrid Ensemble Smoother (IMLHES). In our assessments, we compare these algorithms with conventional single-level DA algorithms with localization. To this end, a typical example of large amount of spatially distributed data, i.e. inverted seismic data, is considered and three data sets of this kind are assimilated in three different petroleum reservoir models. Qualitatively evaluating the DA outcomes, it is found that multilevel algorithms outperform their conventional single-level counterparts in obtaining the posterior statistics of both uncertain parameters and model forecasts. Additionally, it is observed that IMLHES performs better than MLHES in the same regard, and also successfully converges to the proximity of solution in a case where the considered iterative single-level algorithm did not converge to the global optimum.
Multi-objective optimisation of ultrasonically welded dissimilar joints through machine learning
Authors: Mongan Patrick G. , Modi Vedant , McLaughlin John W. , Hinchy Eoin P. , O’Higgins Ronan M. , O’Dowd Noel P. , McCarthy Conor T.
Published: February 2022

The use of composite materials is increasing in industry sectors such as renewable energy generation and storage, transport (including automotive, aerospace and agri-machinery) and construction. This is a result of the various advantages of composite materials over their monolithic counterparts, such as high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and superior fatigue performance. However, there is a lack of detailed knowledge in relation to fusion joining techniques for composite materials. In this work, ultrasonic welding is carried out on a carbon fibre/PEKK composite material bonded to carbon fibre/epoxy composite to investigate the influence of weld process parameters on the joint’s lap shear strength (LSS), the process repeatability, and the process induced defects. A 33 parametric study is carried out and a robust machine learning model is developed using a hybrid genetic algorithm–artificial neural network (GA–ANN) trained on the experimental data. Bayesian optimisation is employed to determine the most suitable GA–ANN hyperparameters and the resulting GA–ANN surrogate model is exploited to optimise the welding process, where the process performance metrics are LSS, repeatability and joint visual quality. The prediction for the optimal LSS was subsequently validated through a further set of experiments, which resulted in a prediction error of just 3%.
The Limit Empirical Spectral Distribution of Gaussian Monic Complex Matrix Polynomials
Authors: Barbarino Giovanni , Noferini Vanni
Published: February 2022

We define the empirical spectral distribution (ESD) of a random matrix polynomial with invertible leading coefficient, and we study it for complex $$n \times n$$

n
×
n

Gaussian monic matrix polynomials of degree k. We obtain exact formulae for the almost sure limit of the ESD in two distinct scenarios: (1) $$n \rightarrow \infty $$

n
→
∞

with k constant and (2) $$k \rightarrow \infty $$

k
→
∞

with n constant. The main tool for our approach is the replacement principle by Tao, Vu and Krishnapur. Along the way, we also develop some auxiliary results of potential independent interest: We slightly extend a result by Bürgisser and Cucker on the tail bound for the norm of the pseudoinverse of a nonzero mean matrix, and we obtain several estimates on the singular values of certain structured random matrices.