bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Active space of grasshopper mouse vocalizations (Onychomys) in relation to woody plant encroachment
Authors: Green Dana M. , Mull Nathaniel , Scolman Tucker , Griffiths Grace , Pasch Bret 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The efficacy of animal acoustic communication depends on signal transmission through an oft-cluttered environment. Anthropogenic-induced changes in vegetation may affect sound propagation and thus habitat quality, but few studies have explored this hypothesis. In the southwestern United States, fire suppression and cattle grazing have facilitated displacement of grasslands by pinyon-juniper woodlands. Northern grasshopper mice (Onychomys leucogaster) inhabit regions impacted by juniper encroachment and produce long-distance vocalizations to advertise their presence to conspecifics. In this study, we coupled acoustic recordings and electrophysiological measurements of hearing sensitivity from wild mice in the laboratory with sound transmission experiments of synthesized calls in the field to estimate the active space (maximum distance that stimuli are detected) of grasshopper mouse vocalizations. We found that mice can detect loud (85 dB SPL at 1 m) 11.6 kHz vocalizations at 28 dB SPL. Sound transmission experiments revealed that signal active space is approximately 50 m. However, we found no effect of woody plant encroachment on call propagation because juniper and woody plant density were inversely associated and both present barriers to a 9 cm mouse advertising at ground level. Our data indicate that woody plant encroachment does not directly impact the efficacy of grasshopper mouse communication, but vegetation shifts may negatively impact mice via alternative mechanisms. Identifying the maximum distance that vocalizations function provides an important metric to understand the ecological context of species-specific signalling and potential responses to environmental change.
Searching for a Dialogue
Authors: Delle Donne Carlo 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The paper aims to examine the linguistic relationship between patients and physicians in the context of the therapeutic relationship. It focuses on the Hippocratic treatises and offers a detailed commentary of a controversial passage of Ancient Medicine par. 2.3. The dialogical model of Ancient Medicine is found to be centred on the patient’s experience; this same idealized model of relation is documented in Plato’s Laws. In the second part of the article the author examines some linguistic peculiarities of medical discourse, such as the use of comparisons and metaphors, and a passage from Galen’s On the Affected Parts that reports the case of a young patient and the difficulties inherent in the dialogue between patient and physician.
Proletarian and Revolutionary Literature in a Transnational Perspective (1920–1940)
Authors: Glinoer Anthony 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Simultaneously an emblematic and ambiguous case of engaged literature, proletarian and revolutionary writings from 1920–1940 have been the focus of numerous studies: whether they be in Germany, France, the United States or Soviet Russia, the principal actors have been identified, certain works have been republished, and the ways in which these movements were first encouraged and then dismantled by the Communist International in the interest of the only accepted socialist realism have been demonstrated. However, the transnational and even global dimensions of this movement and the profound similarities among institutional processes carried out in different countries have been overlooked. Drawing on little-known critical sources from the Francophone world, this article reworks the terrain and presents the state of institutional sites of proletarian and revolutionary literature. To this end, small groups, magazines, and associations will be considered in order to shed new light on this era when, across the globe, workers turned into writers.
Kierkegaard lesen, gegen und mit Adorno – Von der objektlosen Innerlichkeit zur Selbstbesinnung durch das Andere / From Objectless Inwardness to Self-reflection through the Other
Authors: Yoshida Keisuke 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard’s thought has often been regarded as a philosophy of inwardness, especially within the German-speaking world. Theodor W. Adorno takes an ambivalent attitude toward this view: He criticizes Kierkegaard’s conception of subjectivity as ‘objectless inwardness’, while pointing to its potential for self-reflection that enables the subject to recognize its relationship to the outside world. Beginning from this ambivalent interpretation, this study aims to read Kierkegaard against and with Adorno. First, it clarifies that Kierkegaard does not remain in a closed ‘objectless’ conception of inwardness. Second, it explores how Kierkegaard conceives of inward self-reflection on remorse for sin, which is brought about through the ‘other’ and makes the subject confront its own reality. Thus, Kierkegaard’s concept of inwardness not only overcomes its objectlessness, but also implies a subjective self-reflection through the ‘other’, which can lead to social critique.
An Assessment of Concurrency in Evapotranspiration Trends across Multiple Global Datasets
Authors: Kim Seokhyeon , Anabalón Alfonso , Sharma Ashish 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWhile broad consensus exists that temperatures are increasing, there is uncertainty surrounding the direction of change manifested in actual evapotranspiration (ET) worldwide. This study assessed trends in ET across the land surface using 11 widely used global datasets for a 32-yr study period. To demonstrate the agreement and disagreement of trends, the spatial distribution, concurrence, correlation, and similitude were estimated. The results showed that while the global average trend in ET is −0.072 mm month−1 yr−1, the trends from individual datasets show a wide range of differences in magnitudes and directions. The considerable differences in the trends in each dataset were found to be weakly correlated with each other and highly divergent in their distribution and direction. No single dataset was sufficiently similar to another to offer a fair representation of trends. In a dynamic trend analysis using a 10-yr moving window over the study period, high concurrence in the significant trends throughout the datasets was found to be rare for each time period. In general, the global data concurrence became negative by 1997 but rebounded to positive toward the end of the study period. In terms of spatial tendency, some regions were more prone to change the direction of their significant trends within the study period. This result shows a high inconsistency in the location and direction of significant ET trends, implying that selection of an ET dataset should consider its spatiotemporal uncertainty before use for any water balance study aiming to infer hydrological change over time.
Subseasonal Forecast of Surface Air Temperature Using Superensemble Approaches: Experiments over Northeast Asia for 2018
Authors: Zhu Shoupeng , Zhi Xiefei , Ge Fei , Fan Yi , Zhang Ling , Gao Jianyun 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBridging the gap between weather forecasting and climate prediction, subseasonal to seasonal (S2S) forecasts are of great importance yet currently of relatively poor quality. Using the S2S Prediction Project database, the study evaluates products derived from four operational centers of CMA, KMA, NCEP, and UKMO, and superensemble experiments including the straightforward ensemble mean (EMN), bias-removed ensemble mean (BREM), error-based superensemble (ESUP), and Kalman filter superensemble (KF), in forecasts of surface air temperature with lead times of 6–30 days over northeast Asia in 2018. Validations after the preprocessing of a 5-day running mean suggest that the KMA model shows the highest skill for either the control run or the ensemble mean. The nonequal weighted ESUP is slightly superior to BREM, whereas they both show larger biases than EMN after a lead time of 22 days. The KF forecast constantly outperforms the others, decreasing mean absolute errors by 0.2°–0.5°C relative to EMN. Forecast experiments of the 2018 northeast Asia heat wave reveal that the superensembles remarkably improve the raw forecasts featuring biases of >4°C. The prominent advancement of KF is further confirmed, showing the regionally averaged bias of ≤2°C and the hit rate of 2°C reaching up to 60% at a lead time of 22 days. The superensemble techniques, particularly the KF method of dynamically adjusting the weights in accordance with the latest information available, are capable of improving forecasts of spatiotemporal patterns of surface air temperature on the subseasonal time scale, which could extend the skillful prediction lead time of extreme events such as heat waves to about 3 weeks.
Uniportal thoracoscopic surgical management using a suture traction for primary pneumothorax
Authors: Fiorelli Alfonso , Cascone Roberto , Carlucci Annalisa , Natale Giovanni , Freda Chiara , Bove Mary , Messina Gaetana , Liguori Giovanni , Santini Mario 
Published: November 2020

Background We devised a new strategy using suture traction to facilitate the management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax during uniportal thoracoscopy. To test its validity, we compared the outcomes of our modified technique with those of conventional three-port thoracoscopy. Methods This retrospective study included all 43 consecutive patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax undergoing thoracoscopy between January 2017 and December 2019. They were divided within two groups: uniportal thoracoscopy using suture traction ( n = 21) and conventional 3-port thoracoscopy ( n = 22). Postoperative pain, paresthesia, patient satisfaction, and surgical outcomes were compared to test the validity of our technique. Results There were no significant differences in operative time (47 ± 4.8 vs. 43 ± 7.9 min), number of staples used (2.5 ± 0.9 vs. 2.3 ± 0.6), postoperative drainage (235 ± 15 vs. 240 ± 19 mL), chest tube drainage time (3.2 ± 0.8 vs. 3.4 ± 1.8 days), and hospital stay (4.2 ± 1.2 vs. 4.3 ± 0.9 days). However, uniportal thoracoscopy was associated with less pain at 24 ( p = 0.01), 48 ( p = 0.02), and 72 h ( p = 0.03) postoperatively, less paresthesia at 24 ( p = 0.03), 48 ( p = 0.02), and 72 h ( p = 0.02) postoperatively, and greater patient satisfaction at 24 ( p = 0.04), 48 ( p = 0.02), and 72 h ( p = 0.02) postoperatively. Conclusions Our technique may facilitate the use of uniportal thoracoscopy for treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax, reducing neurological sequelae and improving patient satisfaction compared to the traditional three-port thoracoscopy.
Exploring the Yield Spread Between Sukuk and Conventional Bonds in Malaysia
Authors: Asmuni Nurin Haniah , Tan Ken Seng 
Published: November 2020

This article aims to shed light on the differences in yield rate between conventional bond and sukuk in the Malaysian market. We find that the historical yield rates for the government-issued sukuk is significantly higher than the conventional bond. Conversely, there is a slight yield spread discount between the corporate-issued sukuk and bonds for all rating classes. We conclude that liquidity factor can mainly explain the positive yield spread on the government-issued sukuk. We also illustrate the effect of tax and expenses on asset pricing, which may contribute to the yield spread discount for corporate issuance. JEL Classification: E43, G12, G13
Intraoperative Site Vancomycin Powder Application in Infected Diabetic Heel Ulcers With Calcaneal Osteomyelitis
Authors: Brodell James D. , Kozakiewicz Lauren N. , Hoffman Samantha L. , Oh Irvin 
Published: November 2020

Background: Intraoperative site application of vancomycin powder has been found to be beneficial in foot and ankle surgery among diabetic patients undergoing elective procedures. However, there are concerns for risks such as selection of multidrug-resistant bacteria, local tissue irritation, and increased wound complications. The clinical utility of intraoperative site vancomycin powder application in infected diabetic foot ulcer surgery is unknown. We aimed to report the clinical outcomes of partial or total calcanectomy for diabetic heel ulcer (DHU) and determine if intraoperative site application of vancomycin powder placement at the time of wound closure leads to improved clinical outcomes. Methods: A current procedural terminology query (CPT 28120: partial excision bone; talus or calcaneus) was run that identified 35 patients representing 38 calcanectomies performed secondary to infected DHU with calcaneal osteomyelitis. An initial group of 25 patients did not receive intraoperative site vancomycin powder, whereas the following 13 cases received intraoperative site vancomycin powder. Demographics, clinical characteristics, comorbidities, operative complications, unexpected return to the operating room (RTOR), and revision amputations were recorded for each patient. Average follow-up was 26.1 (6.5-51.6) months. Results: There was a significantly higher rate of RTOR among the vancomycin powder cohort (VANC) relative to the no-vancomycin cohort (No-VANC) (84.6% vs 36.0%, P = .038). Of the 13 VANC patients, 3 healed the wound and did not require RTOR, 2 underwent below-knee amputation (BKA), 2 received irrigation and debridement (I&D), and 6 underwent revision or total calcanectomies. Of the 25 No-VANC patients, 17 healed the wound, 4 underwent BKAs, 1 received an I&D, and 2 required revision or total calcanectomy. There was a trend toward increased rates of revision calcanectomy and BKA among the VANC cohort, but this was not statistically significant (61.5% vs 28.0%, P = .079). Conclusion: Partial or total calcanectomies for the management of infected DHU resulted in an overall healing rate of 50.0%, unplanned RTOR and revision calcanectomy rate of 39.5%, and a limb salvage rate of 82.6%. We found no clinical benefit with the intraoperative site application of vancomycin powder. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective case control study.
Reducing chemotherapy administration time on an inpatient oncology unit
Authors: Nguyen Trung V , Ononogbu Onyebuchi J , Egwim Oliver U , Saffari Farnoush , Ferrer Jamie 
Published: November 2020

Purpose Due to the multifaceted chemotherapy workflow within the hospital, many patients often experience delays in receiving their treatment. This study aims to evaluate the causes for chemotherapy administration delays and implement new methods to reduce delays from order release to chemotherapy administration on an inpatient oncology unit at a community-focused academic medical center. Methods In this prospective quality improvement study, we developed a process map to track baseline time stamps and utilized performance improvement tools to identify causes for chemotherapy delays. Based on recognized areas for improvement, the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model was used to implement one cycle of interventions. Chemotherapy orders were collected, and benchmark time stamps were documented from the electronic medical record. Results The primary outcome for the number of chemotherapy delays, based on compliance rate, was reduced from 63/100 (63.0%) to 48/100 (48.0%), a 15% reduction (p = 0.046). Our primary outcome of chemotherapy delays, based on our institutional benchmark of <3 hours, did not show statistical significance. Median time from chemotherapy order release to administration decreased from 7.08 hours at baseline to 6.10 hours post-intervention, a 13.8% reduction (p < 0.0001). Median verification, preparation, and delivery times were all reduced post-intervention by 13.0% (p < 0.0001), 3.9% (p = 0.024), and 14.8% (p < 0.0001) respectively. Conclusions This study allowed our institution to evaluate our current practice and reformulate the chemotherapy administration process. With the continuing education on the chemotherapy administration process and additional PDSA cycle interventions, it will help standardize our process and ultimately continue to reduce chemotherapy delays.
Oedipism: An unusual case of auto-enucleation including mechanism of avulsion
Authors: Okafor Linda , Choudry Abid , Mudhar Hardeep S , Sandramouli Soupramanien 
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Self-inflicted enucleation, also known as auto-enucleation (AE) or Oedipism, is an uncommon and severe form of ocular injury which presents as an ophthalmic and psychiatric emergency. Usually known to occur with untreated psychosis, this case is a rare report which demonstrates AE as a result of a subsequently diagnosed drug induced psychosis. We report the clinical presentation, management and for the first time a detailed speculative account about the mechanism of AE, based on our clinicopathologic findings. Case report: A 53-year old Afro-Caribbean patient was arrested following an altercation and was incarcerated awaiting arraignment. The patient had no previous psychiatric history but tested positive for cannabis, opiates and cocaine as well as admitting to illicit drug use in the community. Whilst in custody, the patient self-enucleated his right eye. The patient declined consent to eye examination and was subsequently admitted under section 2 of the Mental Health Act. After full work-up including Goldmann visual fields and magnetic resonance imaging, he underwent right orbital exploration under anesthetic where AE was confirmed whilst the left eye showed evidence of attempted enucleation. The residual tenons and conjunctiva was subsequently repaired without placement of an orbital implant in the right orbit. The globe was sent for histology which revealed clues to the potential mechanism of auto-enucleation. Conclusion: This case is unique as it offers an alternative presentation to those most commonly reported in the current literature, highlights the sparsity of literature detailing the mechanism of AE and stimulates discussion around various potential systemic etiological differential diagnoses, management strategies and complications of AE.
Iris thickness measurements in patients with diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Demirtas Önder , Pekel Gökhan , Pekel Evre , Cetin Ebru Nevin 
Published: November 2020

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate iris alterations in diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods: Sixty-nine eyes of 69 patients were recruited and three groups of patients were examined: proliferative DR ( n = 25), non-proliferative DR ( n = 21) and healthy controls ( n = 23). Macular optical coherence tomography (OCT), anterior segment iris OCT, and slit lamp digital camera photographs were taken. The thicknesses of the iris at a distance of 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm from pupil margin were measured via iris OCT. Iris crypt count, furrow extent, color tone and collarette/diameter ratio were measured by means of anterior segment photography. Visual acuity, refractive error, intraocular pressure, and numbers of intravitreal injections were also recorded. Results: The iris thickness measurements at 1 mm from pupil margin were significantly correlated with the macular thickness measurements ( r = 0.32, p = 0.016). In the proliferative DR group, total number of injections were significantly correlated with the iris thickness measurements at 1 mm ( r = 0.25, p = 0.04). The iris thickness measurements at distances 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm from the pupil margin were similar in all of the groups ( p > 0.05). Iris thickness did not correlate with age, intra-ocular pressure and collarette iris ratio in all the participants ( p > 0.05). Conclusion: Iris thickness is similar in diabetic patients and healthy controls. Meanwhile, iris thickness near the pupillary margin is positively correlated with macular thickness.
Topical corticosteroids in Acanthamoeba keratitis: Friend or foe?
Authors: Wouters Karlijn A , Verhoekx Jennifer SN , van Rooij Jeroen , Wubbels René , van Goor Arnoud T 
Published: November 2020

Background/Aims: To analyse the effect of topical corticosteroids before start of anti-amoebic therapy (AAT) in Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) on final visual outcome and to identify factors that affect the outcome. Methods: A retrospective case control study of the medical records of patients diagnosed with AK at the Rotterdam Eye Hospital between 2003 and 2017 was performed. Patient demographic and clinical data were collected. The outcomes of patients treated with topical corticosteroids before the start of AAT were compared with those not treated with topical corticosteroids. Univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted. Results: A total of 109 patients was diagnosed with AK, with a mean follow-up time of 18 months. The use of corticosteroids was associated with a delay in diagnosis and thereby the start of AAT. In the non-steroids group, mean diagnostic delay was 23 days versus 62 days in the steroids group ( p < 0.001). We found a statistically significant effect of pre-AAT steroid use on disease severity stage ( p < 0.001). Also, a suboptimal visual outcome (⩽20/80) was seen significantly more frequent in the steroids group, as was the need for an urgent penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and for the total need of surgeries. Conclusion: Use of corticosteroids before the start of AAT is associated with a suboptimal visual outcome, a significantly higher risk for a PK and a significantly more severe disease stage. It is important to continuously consider a differential diagnosis in a keratitis of unknown cause and to use corticosteroids cautiously before a definite diagnosis.
Safety and efficacy of Mynx vascular closure device for the closure of common femoral artery access after ipsilateral stent placement
Authors: Hwang Jin Ho , Park Sang Woo , Yang Woo Young , Kwon Yong Wonn , Min Jeeyoung , Jang Hyemin , Kim Jun Seok 
Published: November 2020

Introduction: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of the Mynx vascular closure device (VCD) for arteriotomy closure after stent placement near the common femoral artery (CFA) access site. Methods: A total of 88 patients (73 men; mean age, 72 ± 9.2 years; 136 procedures) who underwent closure of CFA arteriotomy using the Mynx VCD after stent placement in proximal superficial femoral artery (SFA) with antegrade approach, or in common or external iliac artery with retrograde approach were retrospectively studied. Technical success and access site complication were evaluated. Body mass index (BMI), platelet count, international normalized ratio, prior history of ipsilateral CFA access, access direction, degree of CFA calcification, stent location and diameter, total procedure time, and sheath size were analyzed to evaluate their relationship with technical failure and development of bleeding complications. Results: Technical success was achieved in 94.9% (129/136) patients. The mean time to hemostasis was 0.7 ± 1.8 min. Technical failure was significantly associated with low BMI ( p = 0.001). Other variables presented no significant relationship with technical failure and development of complications. Ultrasonography on the day after the procedure revealed that 8 (5.9%) patients had hematoma. Conclusions: Mynx VCD for arteriotomy closure is feasible and provides hemostatic safety after stent placement near antegrade or retrograde CFA access. However, Mynx VCD may have a poor technical success rate among patients with low BMI.