bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying the fitness consequences of sex in complex natural environments
Authors: Rushworth Catherine A. , Brandvain Yaniv , Mitchell-Olds Tom
Published: October 2020

In the natural world, sex prevails, despite its costs. Although much effort has been dedicated to identifying the intrinsic costs of sex (e.g., the cost of males), few studies have identified the ecological fitness consequences of sex. Furthermore, correlated biological traits that differ between sexuals and asexuals may alter these costs, or even render the typical costs of sex irrelevant. We conducted a large-scale, multisite, reciprocal transplant using multiple sexual and asexual genotypes of a native North American wildflower to show that sexual genotypes have reduced lifetime fitness, despite lower herbivory. We separated the effects of sex from those of hybridity, finding that overwinter survival is elevated in asexuals regardless of hybridity, but herbivores target hybrid asexuals more than nonhybrid asexual or sexual genotypes. Survival is lowest in homozygous sexual lineages, implicating inbreeding depression as a cost of sex. Our results show that the consequences of sex are shaped not just by sex itself, but by complex natural environments, correlated traits, and the identity and availability of mates.
Herausforderungen von Hochhausgründungen in Gebieten mit glazial geprägten Böden
Authors: Mittag Jens , Richter Thomas , Schädlich Bert , Hao Peng
Published: October 2020

Die wirtschaftliche und sichere Dimensionierung von Hochhausgründungen in Berlin erfordert eine realistische Prognose der zu erwartenden Baugrundverformungen sowohl für das Bauwerk selbst als auch für die vorhandene Nachbarbebauung. In diesem Zusammenhang kommt der Berücksichtigung der eiszeitlichen Vorbelastung und der dadurch bedingten Erhöhung der Bodensteifigkeit eine besondere Bedeutung zu. In diesem Beitrag werden verschiedene Ansätze für die Ableitung von Bodensteifigkeiten anhand von Setzungsmessungen an ausgeführten Bauwerken in Berlin verglichen. Es wird gezeigt, dass mit den Steifigkeiten auf Basis der Korrelationen nach Eurocode (EC) 7‐2 die In‐situ‐Steifigkeit der Berliner Böden deutlich unterschätzt wird. Eine realistischere Abbildung der Steifigkeitsverhältnisse ist mit den Werten der TEV Gesteinseigenschaften und einem von den Autoren entwickelten Steifigkeitsansatz möglich. In diesen Ansätzen wird neben der Lagerungsdichte bzw. Konsistenz auch die Genese der Bodenschichten im Hinblick auf die eiszeitliche Vorbelastung berücksichtigt.
Prediction of trust propensity from intrinsic brain morphology and functional connectome
Authors: Feng Chunliang , Zhu Zhiyuan , Cui Zaixu , Ushakov Vadim , Dreher Jean‐Claude , Luo Wenbo , Gu Ruolei , Wu Xia , Krueger Frank
Published: October 2020

Trust forms the basis of virtually all interpersonal relationships. Although significant individual differences characterize trust, the driving neuropsychological signatures behind its heterogeneity remain obscure. Here, we applied a prediction framework in two independent samples of healthy participants to examine the relationship between trust propensity and multimodal brain measures. Our multivariate prediction analyses revealed that trust propensity was predicted by gray matter volume and node strength across multiple regions. The gray matter volume of identified regions further enabled the classification of individuals from an independent sample with the propensity to trust or distrust. Our modular and functional decoding analyses showed that the contributing regions were part of three large‐scale networks implicated in calculus‐based trust strategy, cost–benefit calculation, and trustworthiness inference. These findings do not only deepen our neuropsychological understanding of individual differences in trust propensity, but also provide potential biomarkers in predicting trust impairment in neuropsychiatric disorders.
Association between external and internal lymphedema and chronic dysphagia following head and neck cancer treatment
Authors: Jeans Claire , Ward Elizabeth C. , Brown Bena , Vertigan Anne E. , Pigott Amanda E. , Nixon Jodie L. , Wratten Chris , Boggess May
Published: October 2020

Background

To examine the relationship between chronic external and internal head and neck lymphedema (HNL) and swallowing function in patients following head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment.

Methods

Seventy‐nine participants, 1‐3 years post treatment were assessed for external HNL using the MD Anderson Cancer Centre Lymphedema Rating Scale, and internal HNL using Patterson's Radiotherapy Edema Rating Scale. Swallowing was assessed via instrumental, clinical and patient‐reported outcome measures.

Results

HNL presented as internal only (68%), combined external/internal (29%), and external only (1%). Laryngeal penetration/aspiration was confirmed in 20%. Stepwise multivariable regression models, that accounted for primary site, revealed that a higher severity of external HNL and internal HNL was associated with more severe penetration/aspiration (P < .004 and P = .006, respectively), diet modification (P < .001 both), and poorer patient‐reported outcomes (P = .037 and P = .014, respectively).

Conclusion

Increased swallowing issues can be expected in patients presenting with more severe external HNL and/or internal HNL following HNC treatment.
Beyond the screening: The need for health systems intervention for prevention and management of sickle cell disease among tribal population of India
Authors: Geethakumari Konathala , Kusuma Yadlapalli S. , Babu Bontha V.
Published: October 2020

Globally, sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the major public health problems. In India, it is more prevalent in tribal communities. Tribal communities are socio‐economically disadvantaged and constitute 8.6% of India's population. The health and health care seeking of these communities is very poor. Though efficacious interventions are available to manage SCD, they are not reaching these people and no comprehensive programme is in place. The objective of this analysis is to demonstrate the burden of SCD among the tribes in two Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, as a case and to highlight the need for public health intervention and health systems strengthening in the country to prevent and manage SCD. One in 10 persons of tribal population of these states carries Hb S gene. A substantial number of children are born every year with the condition. Mostly, the research is limited to screening. Hence, a programme with early detection and an appropriate referral system should be developed. The primary health care system should be strengthened to screen and manage SCD persons with good disease management practices and appropriate community mobilisation activities. The programme should partner with traditional healers and community leaders. People should be encouraged to seek treatment; and counselling for prevention. The study warrants human‐centric approaches during the interventions to address the possible threat of fear of being stigmatised. Thus, the transition of evidence‐based interventions into the programme and practice can improve the lives of people with SCD, particularly the tribal population.
CEO power and earnings management: Dual roles of foreign shareholders in Vietnamese listed companies
Authors: Le Hanh Thi My , Kweh Qian Long , Ting Irene Wei Kiong , Nourani Mohammad
Published: October 2020

Using a sample of Vietnamese listed companies from 2007–2016, this study examines the impact of CEO power on earnings management. This work also explores how the association between CEO power and earnings management differs between companies with high foreign ownership (FOR) and low FOR. Our fixed‐effects panel regression analyses reveal that CEO power significantly and positively affects earnings management, whereas FOR can control earnings management. However, when the sample is split into companies with high and low FOR, the significantly positive effect of CEO power is evident only in the group with high FOR, thereby suggesting that CEO power works positively on earnings management given high FOR. These results remain qualitatively the same when the composite CEO power is replaced with individual measures of CEO power. Overall, policymakers with an oversight function should be aware of the potential dual roles of foreign investors.
Inflation in the G7 and the expected time to reach the reference rate: A nonparametric approach
Authors: da Cunha Cabral Inês , Nicolau João
Published: October 2020

This paper explores the inflation dynamics of the G7 from 1999 to mid‐2018 by determining the expected time so that inflation rates revert to the reference rate. Overall, this research reports four main findings. Firstly, there is evidence that the convergence of inflation to the 2% tends to be slower for negative fluctuations. Secondly, the results hint that sometimes larger deviations are tackled at a higher speed and the flat structures advocate for tolerance bands while also supporting price stickiness. Thirdly, though sharing the same monetary policy, the euro area countries exhibit different patterns of convergence. Fourthly, the cluster hierarchy for negative variations reflects the G7 geographic location.
Intrusion detection systems using classical machine learning techniques vs integrated unsupervised feature learning and deep neural network
Authors: Rawat Shisrut , Srinivasan Aishwarya , Ravi Vinayakumar , Ghosh Uttam
Published: October 2020

Security analysts and administrators face a lot of challenges to detect and prevent network intrusions in their organizations, and to prevent network breaches, detecting the breach on time is crucial. Challenges arise while detecting unforeseen attacks. This work includes a performance comparison of classical machine learning approaches that require vast feature engineering, vs integrated unsupervised feature learning and deep neural networks on the NSL‐KDD dataset. Various trials of experiments were run to identify suitable hyperparameters and network configurations of machine learning models. The DNN using 15 features extracted using Principal Component analysis (PCA) was the most effective modeling method. The further analysis using the Software Defined Networking features also presented a good accuracy using Deep Neural network.
Genotoxicity and neonatal subchronic toxicity assessment of a novel mixture of the human‐identical milk oligosaccharides lacto‐N‐fucopentaose I and 2′‐fucosyllactose
Authors: Phipps Kirt R. , Lynch Barry , Stannard Diane R. , Gilby Ben , Baldwin Nigel , Mikš Marta Hanna , Lau Annette , Röhrig Christoph H.
Published: October 2020

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are a complex group of bioactive molecules largely observed in human breast milk but also occurring in limited amounts in other mammalian milks. Advances in biotechnology have enabled production of human‐identical milk oligosaccharides (HiMOs), structurally identical molecules to HMOs found naturally in human milk, intended for addition to infant formula to more closely replicate breast milk. Biosynthesis of a novel mixture of two major HMOs, lacto‐N‐fucopentaose I and 2′‐fucosyllactose (LNFP‐I/2′‐FL), recently became possible. To support the safety of LNFP‐I/2′‐FL for use in infant formula and other foods, it was subject to a safety assessment comprising a bacterial reverse mutation test, an in vitro mammalian cell micronucleus test, and a 90‐day oral gavage study in neonatal rats. In the 90‐day study (the first HiMO study to include the new endocrine‐sensitive endpoints described in the 2018 version of OECD Test Guideline 408), LNFP‐I/2′‐FL was administered by oral gavage to neonatal rats once daily (from Day 7 of age) for 90 consecutive days, at doses up to 5000 mg/kg bw/day, followed by a 4‐week recovery period. Concurrent reference controls received 5000 mg/kg bw/day of the approved infant formula ingredient oligofructose. LNFP‐I/2′‐FL was nongenotoxic in vitro. The highest dose tested (5000 mg/kg bw/day) was established as the no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level in the 90‐day study, as there were no test article‐related adverse effects on clinical observations, body weight, food consumption, clinical pathology, and organ weights nor any noteworthy macroscopic or microscopic findings. This supports the safety of LNFP‐I/2′‐FL for its intended uses in food.
“Hey, we also have something to say”: A qualitative study of Portuguese adolescents’ and young people's experiences under COVID‐19
Authors: Branquinho Cátia , Kelly Colette , Arevalo Lourdes C. , Santos Anabela , Gaspar de Matos Margarida
Published: October 2020

Objective

(1) To give adolescents and youth a voice and listen to the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in their lives; (2) to identify their coping strategies; (3) present lessons learned to be better prepared for future pandemics.

Methods

Six hundred and seventeen participants from 16 to 24 years old (M = 19.2 years; F = 19.1 years) answered the online questionnaire during the pandemic lockdown. Sociodemographic data were analyzed with SPSS version 26 and qualitative data with MAXQDA 2020. Engel's Biopsychosocial model supported the analysis and data presentation.

Results

in terms of impacts, stands out: biological—headaches and muscle pain; psychological—more time to perform pleasant and personal development activities, but more symptoms of depression, anxiety, and loneliness, longer screen time, and more substance use; social—increase of family conflicts and disagreements, loss of important life moments, contacts, and social skills, but it allows a greater selection of friendships. Regarding coping strategies, the importance of facing these times with a positive perspective, carrying out pleasurable activities, keeping in touch with family and friends, and establishing routines are emphasized. As lessons for future pandemics, the importance of respecting the norms of the Directorate‐General for Health, the need for the National Health System to be prepared, as well as teachers and students for online learning, and studying the possibility of establishing routines with the support of television.

Conclusions

This study illustrates adolescents and young people's perception of the impacts of the pandemic upon them, as well as their competence to participate in the issues that directly affect them. Priorities to mitigate the impact of future pandemics are presented.
Down‐regulated FOXA1 in early‐onset pre‐eclampsia induces apoptosis, and inhibits migration and invasion of trophoblast cells
Authors: Zhu Juan , Wei Yunjian , Wang Zhen , Jie Qiuling , Sun Fei , Li Qi , Long Ping , Huang Yuanhua , Yu Yanhong , Ma Yanlin
Published: October 2020

Background

Pre‐eclampsia (PE) is a major cause of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. Abnormal invasion of trophoblast cells is a major pathogenesis observed in PE. In the present study, we aimed to explore the association between forkhead box A1 (FOXA1) and early‐onset pre‐eclampsia (EOPE) and to determine the effects of FOXA1 on trophoblast cell apoptosis, migration and invasion.

Methods

Clinical data and placentas of patients with EOPE and normal pregnant women were collected in the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College. The protein expression levels of FOXA1 in the clinical samples were evaluated by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The effects of FOXA1 knockdown on HTR‐8/SVneo cell apoptosis, migration and invasion were evaluated by flow cytometry, wound healing and transwell invasion assays, respectively.

Results

The western blot and immunohistochemical analysis showed that FOXA1 protein expression in placenta of EOPE group was significantly lower than that of normal group. The expression of FOXA1 in the placentas of EOPE and normal pregnant women was negatively correlated with systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. The expression of FOXA1 in EOPE and normal pregnant women was positively correlated with gestation weeks at delivery and neonatal birthweight. In vitro functional studies showed that silencing FOXA1 increased apoptosis, and inhibited the migration and invasion of HTR‐8/SVneo cells.

Conclusions

Down‐regulation of FOXA1 in the placentas may indicate poor prognosis of EOPE. Silencing of FOXA1 induced apoptosis in trophoblast cells, and impaired the migratory and invasive capacity of trophoblast cells. FOXA1 may represent a potential therapeutic target for EOPE.
Risk factors for loss to follow‐up among at‐risk HIV negative men who have sex with men participating in a research cohort with access to pre‐exposure prophylaxis in coastal Kenya
Authors: Wahome Elizabeth W , Graham Susan M , Thiong’o Alexander N , Mohamed Khamisi , Oduor Tony , Gichuru Evans , Mwambi John , van der Elst Elise M , Sanders Eduard J
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Retention in preventive care among at‐risk men who have sex with men (MSM) is critical for successful prevention of HIV acquisition in Africa. We assessed loss to follow‐up (LTFU) rates and factors associated with LTFU in an HIV vaccine feasibility cohort study following MSM with access to pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in coastal Kenya.

Methods

Between June 2017 and June 2019, MSM cohort participants attending a research clinic 20 km north of Mombasa were offered daily PrEP and followed monthly for risk assessment, risk reduction counselling and HIV testing. Participants were defined as LTFU if they were late by >90 days for their scheduled appointment. Participants who acquired HIV were censored at diagnosis. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate adjusted Hazard Ratio (aHR) of risk factors for LTFU.

Results and discussion

A total of 179 participants with a median age of 25.0 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 23.0 to 30.0) contributed a median follow‐up time of 21.2 months (IQR: 6.5 to 22.1). Of these, 143 (79.9%) participants started PrEP and 76 (42.5%) MSM were LTFU, for an incidence rate of 33.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 26.9 to 42.2) per 100 person‐years. Disordered alcohol use (aHR: 2.3, 95% CI, 1.5 to 3.7), residence outside the immediate clinic catchment area (aHR: 2.5, 95% CI, 1.3 to 4.6 for Mombasa Island; aHR: 1.8, 95% CI, 1.0 to 3.3 for south coast), tertiary education level or higher (aHR: 2.3, 95% CI, 1.1 to 4.8) and less lead‐in time in the cohort prior to 19 June 2017 (aHR: 3.1, 95% CI, 1.8 to 5.6 for zero to three months; aHR: 2.4, 95% CI, 1.2 to 4.7 for four to six months) were independent predictors of LTFU. PrEP use did not differ by LTFU status (HR: 1.0, 95% CI, 0.6 to 1.5). Psychosocial support for men reporting disordered alcohol use, strengthened engagement of recently enrolled participants and focusing recruitment on areas close to the research clinic may improve retention in HIV prevention studies involving MSM in coastal Kenya.

Conclusions

About one in three participants became LTFU after one year of follow‐up, irrespective of PrEP use. Research preparedness involving MSM should be strengthened for HIV prevention intervention evaluations in coastal Kenya.
A more responsive, multi‐pronged strategy is needed to strengthen HIV healthcare for men who have sex with men in a decentralized health system: qualitative insights of a case study in the Kenyan coast
Authors: van der Elst Elise M , Mudza Rita , Onguso Justus M , Kiirika Leonard , Kombo Bernadette , Jahangir Nassim , Graham Susan M , Operario Don , Sanders Eduard J
Published: October 2020

Introduction

HIV healthcare services for men who have sex with men (MSM) in Kenya have not been openly provided because of persistent stigma and lack of healthcare capacity within Kenya’s decentralized health sector. Building on an evaluation of a developed online MSM sensitivity training programme offered to East and South African healthcare providers, this study assessed views and responses to strengthen HIV healthcare services for MSM in Kenya.

Methods

The study was conducted between January and July 2017 in Kilifi County, coastal Kenya. Seventeen policymakers participated in an in‐depth interview and 59 stakeholders, who were purposively selected from three key groups (i.e. healthcare providers, implementing partners and members of MSM‐led community‐based organizations) took part in eight focus group discussions. Discussions aimed to understand gaps in service provision to MSM from different perspectives, to identify potential misconceptions, and to explore opportunities to improve MSM HIV healthcare services. Interviews and focus group discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis.

Results

Participants’ responses revealed that all key groups navigated diverse challenges related to MSM HIV health services. Specific challenges included priority‐setting by county government staff; preparedness of leadership and management on MSM HIV issues at the facility level; data reporting at the implementation level and advocacy for MSM health equity. Strong power inequities were observed between policy leadership, healthcare providers and MSM, with MSM feeling blamed for their sexual orientation. MSM agency, as expressed in their actions to access HIV services, was significantly constrained by county context, but can potentially be improved by political will, professional support and a human rights approach.

Conclusions

To strengthen HIV healthcare for MSM within a decentralized Kenyan health system, a more responsive, multi‐pronged strategy adaptable and relevant to MSM’s healthcare needs is required. Continued engagement with policy leadership, collaboration with health facilities, and partnerships with different community stakeholders are critical to improve HIV healthcare services for MSM.
Association of age with healthcare needs and engagement among Nigerian men who have sex with men and transgender women: cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses from an observational cohort
Authors: Ramadhani Habib O , Crowell Trevor A , Nowak Rebecca G , Ndembi Nicaise , Kayode Blessing O , Kokogho Afoke , Ononaku Uchenna , Shoyemi Elizabeth , Ekeh Charles , Adebajo Sylvia , Baral Stefan D , Charurat Manhattan E
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Young men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) face stigmas that hinder access to healthcare. The aim of the study was to understand age‐related determinants of healthcare needs and engagement among MSM and TGW.

Methods

The TRUST/RV368 cohort provides integrated prevention and treatment services for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) tailored to the needs of sexual and gender minorities. MSM and TGW aged ≥16 years in Abuja and ≥18 years Lagos, Nigeria, completed standardized behavioural questionnaires and were tested for HIV, Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) every three months for up to 18 months. Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for associations of age and other factors with outcomes of interest upon enrolment, including HIV care continuum steps – HIV testing, ART initiation and viral suppression <1000 copies/mL. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for associations with incident infections.

Results

Between March 2013 and February 2019, 2123 participants were enrolled with median age 23 (interquartile range 21 to 27) years. Of 1745 tested, 865 (49.6%) were living with HIV. HIV incidence was 11.6/100 person‐years [PY], including 23.1/100PY (95% CI 15.5 to 33.1) among participants aged 16 to 19 years and 23.8/100 PY (95% CI 13.6 to 39.1) among TGW. Compared to participants aged ≥25 years, those aged 16 to 19 years had decreased odds of prior HIV testing (aOR 0.40 [95% CI 0.11 to 0.92]), disclosing same‐sex sexual practices to healthcare workers (aOR 0.53 [95% CI 0.36 to 0.77]) and receiving HIV prevention information (aOR 0.60 [95% CI 0.41 to 0.87]). They had increased odds of avoiding healthcare (aOR 1.94 [95% CI 1.3 to 2.83]) and engaging in transactional sex (aOR 2.76 [95% CI 1.92 to 3.71]). Age 16 to 19 years was independently associated with increased incidence of HIV (aHR 4.09 [95% CI 2.33 to 7.49]), NG (aHR 3.91 [95% CI 1.90 to 8.11]) and CT (aHR 2.74 [95% CI 1.48 to 5.81]).

Conclusions

Young MSM and TGW demonstrated decreased healthcare engagement and higher incidence of HIV and other STIs as compared to older participants in this Nigerian cohort. Interventions to address unique obstacles to healthcare engagement by adolescents and young adults are needed to curb the spread of HIV and other STIs among MSM and TGW in Nigeria.
Two cases of carbonic anhydrase VA deficiency—An ultrarare metabolic decompensation syndrome presenting with hyperammonemia, lactic acidosis, ketonuria, and good clinical outcome
Authors: Marwaha Ashish , Ibrahim Judy , Rice Taylor , Hamwi Nadia , Rupar Charles Anthony , Cresswell David , Prasad Chitra , Schulze Andreas
Published: October 2020

The combination of neonatal hyperammonemia, lactic acidosis, ketonuria, and hypoglycemia is pathognomonic for carbonic anhydrase VA (CA‐VA) deficiency. We present two cases of this rare inborn error of metabolism. Both newborns with South Asian ancestry presented with a metabolic decompensation characterized by hyperammonemia, lactic acidosis and ketonuria; one also had hypoglycemia. Standard metabolic investigations (plasma amino acids, acylcarnitine profile, and urine organic acids) were not indicative of a specific organic aciduria or fatty acid oxidation defect but had some overlapping features with a urea cycle disorder (elevated glutamine, orotic acid, and low arginine). Hyperammonemia was treated initially with nitrogen scavenger therapy and carglumic acid. One patient required hemodialysis. Both have had a favorable long‐term prognosis after their initial metabolic decompensation. Genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis of carbonic anhydrase VA (CA‐VA) deficiency due to biallelic pathogenic variants in CA5A. These cases are in line with 15 cases previously described in the literature, making the phenotypic presentation pathognomonic for this ultrarare (potentially underdiagnosed) inborn error of metabolism with a good prognosis.
Evaluating the robustness of snow climate indicators using a unique set of parallel snow measurement series
Authors: Buchmann Moritz , Begert Michael , Brönnimann Stefan , Marty Christoph
Published: October 2020

Snow on the ground is an important climate variable which is normally measured either as snow depth or height of new snow. Like any other meteorological variable, manually measured snow is prone to local influences, changes in the environment or procedure of the measurements. In order to investigate the robustness of snow measurement series towards such non‐climatic changes, a unique set of parallel manual snow measurements over 25 years from 23 station pairs between 490 and 1800 m a.s.l. was compiled. A sensitivity analysis based on typical snow climate indicators (e.g., mean snow depth, sum of new snow) from these parallel time series was carried out to find the most robust snow climate indicators for climatological analyses. Results show that there are only small differences in the sensitivity of the various snow climate indicators with regards to local changes. However, the indicators number of days with snow on the ground as well as the maximum snow depth are least affected by local influences and changes at station level. Median values of all station pairs reveal relative differences of about 7% for the number of days with snow cover and 11–16% for all other indicators. However, in extreme cases, the deviations within a single station pair can reach 25–40%.
Clinical and volumetric analysis of peri‐implant soft tissue augmentation using an acellular dermal matrix: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Papi Piero , Penna Diego , Di Murro Bianca , Pompa Giorgio
Published: October 2020

Background

The role of keratinized mucosa in promoting peri‐implant health is controversial, however recent evidence support the use of soft tissue augmentation procedures around dental implants. Soft tissue substitutes have been proposed to replace autogenous connective tissue grafts, therefore the aims of this study are to report clinical and volumetric three‐dimensional changes in mucosal thickness (MT) 1 year after treatment with an acellular dermal matrix (ADM).

Methods

Soft tissue augmentation was performed at second‐stage surgery in the premolar maxillary area with an ADM. MT was assessed prior to implant placement and 1, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Digital linear and volumetric measurements were recorded at baseline and after 1 and 12 months. Furthermore, clinical parameters (Probing Pocket Depths, Bleeding On Probing, Plaque Index) and marginal bone loss were also recorded. Esthetic outcomes of treatment were evaluated objectively using the Pink Esthetic Score and through patient reported outcomes.

Results

Twelve patients were enrolled in this prospective study. Post‐hoc analysis of the assessments with Tukey's honestly significant difference adjustment revealed that the MT had increased significantly from baseline to 1 month (P < 0.001), 6 months (P < 0.001) and 12 months (P < 0.001), and remained stable between 6 months and 12 months (P > 0.05). Based on the volumetric evaluation, a shrinkage of 23.31% occurred from 1 month to 12 months (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

A significant increase in MT was reported after 1 year, with a mean gain of 1.25 mm. Soft tissues were stable, with no statistically significant differences between 6 months and 1 year.
Novel powder electroluminescent device enabling control of emission color by thermal response
Authors: Tsuneyasu Shota , Takeda Naoki , Satoh Toshifumi
Published: October 2020

We demonstrated the emission of multicolored light from a powder electroluminescent device using a thermochromic material through temperature control. At 20°C, the emission of a sapphire blue light was observed. Upon increasing the temperature, the color of the thermochromic materials changed, leading to sky‐blue emission.
Destination image perception patterns of tourist typologies
Authors: Ceylan Demet , Çizel Beykan , Karakaş Hatice
Published: October 2020

Conceptual and empirical typologies comprising the intersection of personal and social characteristics of tourists have similarities and differences with respect to image perception of a destination. This study examines characteristics that distinguish tourist typologies formed by the intersection of the all‐inclusive holiday experience and destination familiarity. Multiple correspondence analysis reveals differences in clusters in terms of attitudes and demographic factors influencing destination image of tourist typologies. This study aims to present patterns of tourist typologies' image perception for tourist typologies based on empirical data. Based on the findings of this study, practitioners of tourism may divert or channel their marketing efforts to well‐defined target segments.
Sex‐Specific Elk Resource Selection during the Anthrax Risk Period
Authors: Yang Anni , Proffitt Kelly M. , Asher Valpa , Ryan Sadie J. , Blackburn Jason K.
Published: October 2020

Anthrax, caused by the spore‐forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is a zoonosis affecting animals and humans globally. In the United States, anthrax outbreaks occur in wildlife and livestock, with frequent outbreaks in native and exotic wildlife species in Texas, livestock outbreaks in the Dakotas, and sporadic mixed outbreaks in Montana. Understanding where pathogen and host habitat selection overlap is essential for anthrax management. Resource selection and habitat use of ungulates may be sex‐specific and lead to differential anthrax exposure risks across the landscape for males and females. We evaluated female elk (Cervus canadensis) resource selection in the same study areas as male elk in a previous anthrax risk study to identify risk of anthrax transmission to females and compare transmission risk between females and males. We developed a generalized linear mixed‐effect model to estimate resource selection for female elk in southwest Montana during the June to August anthrax transmission risk period. We then predicted habitat selection of female and male elk across the study area and compared selection with the distribution of anthrax risk to identify spatial distributions of potential anthrax exposure for the male and female elk. Female and male elk selected different resources during the anthrax risk period, which resulted in different anthrax exposure areas for females and males. The sex‐specific resource selection and habitat use could infer different areas of risk for anthrax transmission, which can improve anthrax and wildlife management and have important public health and economic implications. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
An Investigation of Factors Influencing Bear Spray Performance
Authors: Smith Tom S. , Wilder James M. , York Geoffrey , Obbard Martyn E. , Billings Blake W.
Published: October 2020

Several studies have documented the effectiveness of bear spray in protecting users from aggressive bears. Bear spray failures, however, have also been reported along with speculation regarding the influences of temperature, wind, repeated canister use, and canister age on spray efficacy. We designed lab and field experiments to document the influence that temperature, wind, repeated discharges from the same canister, and canister age have on bear spray performance. To determine the influence of temperature on spray performance, we recorded canister head pressures at temperatures ranging from −23°C to 25°C and found a strong, positive linear relationship. Even at the lowest temperature tested (−23°C), bear spray had a range >4 m, though the plume was narrow and the spray was not well aerosolized. As canister temperature increased, head pressure, plume distance, and dispersion increased. We used computational fluid dynamics modeling and simulated the effect that headwinds, crosswinds, and tailwinds of varying speeds had on spray performance. Even under high headwind and crosswind scenarios (>10 m/sec), sprays reached targets that were approximately 2 m directly in front of the user. Crosswinds affected spray plume distance similar to headwinds, but the effect was not as pronounced. Tailwinds improved spray performance with respect to speed and distance. By weighing unused canisters ≤18 years old, brands tested lost weight ranging from 0.65 g/year to 1.92 g/year, presumably because of propellant that escaped canister seals. We also documented that bear spray head pressure declines in a logarithmic, not linear, fashion; over half of a new (7‐sec spray time) canister's pressure was lost in the first 1 second of spray. We recommend not test‐firing cans, keeping cans warm when in the cold, and retiring them when ≥4 years of age. Our results provide no compelling reason to not carry bear spray in all areas where bears occur, even if it is windy or cold. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Embolization of Internal Carotid Artery Branches in Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma
Authors: Gargula Stéphane , Saint‐Maurice Jean‐Pierre , Labeyrie Marc‐Antoine , Eliezer Michael , Jourdaine Clément , Kania Romain , Wassef Michel , Adle‐Biassette Homa , Houdart Emmanuel , Herman Philippe , Verillaud Benjamin
Published: October 2020

Objective

Preoperative embolization of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is usually performed by the occlusion of branches of the external carotid artery (ECA). However, a significant proportion of JNAs also receive blood from the internal carotid artery (ICA). The objective of this study was to report on the feasibility and clinical impact of superselective embolization of ICA branches in complex cases of JNA.

Methods

This was a single‐center retrospective study of all patients operated on for JNA between 2000 and 2018. The patients treated with embolization of branches of the ICA were identified. The results in terms of complications, intraoperative blood loss, and rate of residual disease were analyzed and compared to those of a control group of patients treated only with embolization of ECA branches and matched by age, stage, angiographic pattern, surgical approach, and previous surgery.

Results

Ninety‐two patients were included. Embolization of branches of the ICA was attempted in 14 cases of advanced or recurrent tumors and was ultimately possible in nine cases. There were no complications after embolization. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 1428 mL. Residual disease was found in three cases (33%). There was no significant difference compared with the control group (mean intraoperative blood loss = 1355 mL, residual disease = 4 (44%); all P > .05).

Conclusion

In this retrospective study, we report the feasibility of superselective embolization of ICA branches in selected cases of JNA. There was no observed benefit of this technique in terms of intraoperative bleeding or decreased risk of residual disease.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E775–E780, 2021
Efficacy of Ultrasound‐Guided Needle Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Kikuchi‐Fujimoto Disease
Authors: Park Sang Gyu , Koo Hye Ryoung , Jang Kiseok , Myung Jae Kyung , Song Chang Myeon , Ji Yong Bae , Park Jeong Seon , Tae Kyung
Published: October 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration cytology (US‐FNAC) is a well‐established procedure performed to establish the diagnosis of Kikuchi‐Fujimoto disease (KFD). Ultrasound‐guided core needle biopsy (US‐CNB) is an alternative diagnostic tool for KFD. However, the efficacy of US‐CNB is not well evaluated. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of US‐CNB and compare it with that of US‐FNAC in the diagnosis of KFD.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

We analyzed 170 patients who were diagnosed with KFD between January 2009 and May 2019. US‐FNAC, US‐CNB, and excisional biopsy were performed in 47, 114, and 9 patients, respectively. Diagnostic accuracies of US‐FNAC and US‐CNB were analyzed and compared.

Results

Of the 170 patients, 45 and 125 were men and women, respectively. The mean age was 26.9 ± 9.1 years. The most common symptom was cervical lymphadenopathy, followed by fever, headache, and myalgia. The diagnosis of KFD was established primarily by US‐FNAC in 21 (44.7%) of the 47 patients, by US‐CNB in 109 (95.6%) of the 114 patients, and by excisional biopsy in all 9 patients. There was no specific major complication related to US‐FNAC and US‐CNB.

Conclusion

US‐CNB can be considered safe and effective and used as the primary modality for the pathological diagnosis of KFD.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 131:E1519–E1523, 2021
An analysis of revising article processing charges for open access journals between 2018 and 2020
Authors: Asai Sumiko
Published: October 2020

While open access journals provide readers with articles at no charge, there is growing concern about increasing article processing charges (APCs) that authors or research institutes pay to publish their work. This study examines the determinants of APC changes for 231 open access journals independently launched by two large publishers, namely, BMC (formerly BioMed Central) and Hindawi. The results indicate that most BMC journals raised their APCs between 2018 and 2020, while the charges for about half of Hindawi journals were lower in 2020 than in 2018. This study reveals that BMC raised the APCs for journals with higher citation scores, while Hindawi did not consider citation score as a factor in revising charges. Assuming that authors are insensitive to APCs when selecting a journal to submit their articles but are more likely to submit to a highly cited journal, BMC's strategy may increase the economic burden on authors and research institutes funding the publication.
Remarks on Gitik's model and symmetric extensions on products of the Lévy collapse
Authors: Banerjee Amitayu
Published: October 2020

We improve on results and constructions by Apter, Dimitriou, Gitik, Hayut, Karagila, and Koepke concerning large cardinals, ultrafilters, and cofinalities without the axiom of choice. In particular, we show the consistency of the following statements from certain assumptions: the first supercompact cardinal can be the first uncountable regular cardinal, all successors of regular cardinals are Ramsey, every sequence of stationary sets in is mutually stationary, an infinitary Chang conjecture holds for the cardinals , and all are singular. In each of the cases, our results either weaken the hypotheses or strengthen the conclusions of known proofs.
Highly Strong and Transparent Ionic Conductive Hydrogel as Multifunctional Sensors
Authors: Yu Jie , Dang Chao , Liu Hongchen , Wang Ming , Feng Xiao , Zhang Cunzhi , Kang Jian , Qi Haisong
Published: October 2020

Ionic conductive hydrogels as promising materials have become focus of artificial soft tissue or soft stretchable electronic devices. Especially, the next‐generation flexible electronics greatly require achieving multifunction simultaneously. Herein, a transparent hydrogel with high mechanical properties (1.73 MPa for mechanical stress, 630% for mechanical strain) and excellent ionic conductivity is fabricated based on a fully physical cross‐linked network. The stiff long polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) chains as a skeleton to form a “hard” network and the short polyacrylic acid (PAA) chains regard as the “soft” network. Moreover, the biomaterial β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) as physical cross‐linkers is used in the “hard–soft” hybrid networks. The construction of “soft and hard” structure is successful to integrate the good transparency, remarkable mechanical properties, and outstanding sensitivity (strain, pressure, pH, and organic solvent) together for assembling multiple sensors, which hold a promising practical development value in the domain of soft wearable electronics and sensing materials in the future.
One‐Step Multicomponent Polymerizations for the Synthesis of Multifunctional AIE Polymers
Authors: Su Xiang , Gao Qingqing , Wang Dong , Han Ting , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: October 2020

As a new class of functional luminescent materials, polymers with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) feature attract much attention because of their advantages of efficient solid‐state fluorescence, excellent processability, structural diversity, and multifunctionalities. Among all polymerization methods toward AIE polymers, multicomponent polymerizations (MCPs) exhibit the merits of simple operation, good atom economy, high polymerization efficiency, broad functional‐group tolerance, etc. In this feature article, the recent progress on the development of one‐step MCPs for the synthesis of AIE polymers is highlighted. The representative functionalities of the resulting AIE polymers are illustrated. Perspectives on the challenges and future development directions of this field are also discussed.
Influence of heated forming tools on corrosion behavior of high strength aluminum alloys
Authors: Heider B. , Scharifi E. , Engler T. , Oechsner M. , Steinhoff K.
Published: October 2020

In this study forming tools temperated at 24 °C and 350 °C were used to systematically investigate the influence of different cooling rates on the mechanical and corrosion properties of a high strength aluminum alloy AA7075 within a novel thermo‐mechanical process that combines forming and quenching simultaneously. The samples formed within heated tools reveal higher ductility and lower material strength compared to the parts processed in cold tools. In addition, the corrosion behavior changed between samples formed with 24 °C forming tools and 350 °C forming tools, respectively. Through cyclic polarization in chloride containing aqueous media a change in the hysteresis and shift of open circuit potential was observed. Metallographic investigation revealed that there was also a very different corrosion morphology for the samples formed within the heated tools. No change in average grain size could be detected but changes of the microstructure in subgrain scale that occur during the forming within the heated tools are responsible for this effect. In further research, the effect of various cooling rates on mechanical and corrosion behavior and the microstructure will be investigated by variation of the forming tool temperature.
Comparison of Patient and Expert Perceptions of the Attainment of Research Milestones in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Kane Patrick Bodilly , Benjamin Daniel M. , Barker Roger A. , Lang Anthony E. , Sherer Todd , Kimmelman Jonathan
Published: October 2020

Background

Commentators suggest that patients have unrealistic expectations about the pace of research advances and that such expectations interfere with patient decision‐making.

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare expert expectations about the timing of research milestone attainment with those of patients who follow Parkinson's disease (PD) research.

Methods

Patients with PD and experts were asked to provide forecasts about 11 milestones in PD research in an online survey. PD experts were identified from a Michael J. Fox Foundation database, highly ranked neurology centers in the United States and Canada, and corresponding authors of articles on PD in top medical journals. Patients with PD were recruited through the Michael J. Fox Foundation. We tested whether patient forecasts differed on average from expert forecasts. We also tested whether differences between patient forecasts and the average expert forecasts were associated with any demographic factors.

Results

A total of 256 patients and 249 PD experts completed the survey. For 9 of the 11 milestones, patients' forecasts were on average higher than those of experts. Only exercise therapy met our 10% difference threshold for practical significance. Education was the only demographic that predicted patient deviations from expert forecasts on milestone forecasts. Patients offered significantly higher forecasts than experts that the clinical trials used in milestone queries would report positive primary outcomes.

Conclusions

Differences between patient and expert expectations about research milestones were generally minor, suggesting that there is little cause for concern that patients who follow PD research are unduly swayed by inaccurate representations of research advancement in the media or elsewhere. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Henry–Gronwall type q‐fractional integral inequalities
Authors: Ben Makhlouf Abdellatif , Kharrat Mohamed , Hammami Mohamed Ali , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: October 2020

The study of q‐difference equations has gained intensive interest in the last years. It has been shown that these types of equations have numerous applications in diverse fields and thus have evolved into multidisciplinary subjects. In this paper, the q‐fractional integral inequalities of Henry–Gronwall type are presented. By using inequality technique related to the quantum calculus, such integral inequalities are suggested. Furthermore, an applications to q‐fractional integral equations is also given.
Discrete Chebyshev polynomials for nonsingular variable‐order fractional KdV Burgers' equation
Authors: Heydari Mohammad Hossein , Avazzadeh Zakieh , Cattani Carlo
Published: October 2020

In this article, nonlinear variable‐order (VO) fractional Korteweg‐de Vries (KdV) Burgers' equation with nonsingular VO time fractional derivative is introduced and discussed. The approximate solution of the expressed problem is obtained in the form of a series expansion in terms of the shifted discrete Chebyshev polynomials (CPs) with great accuracy. The method is a computational procedure based on the collocation technique and the shifted discrete CPs together with their operational matrices (ordinary and VO fractional derivatives). The main advantage of the designed approach is that it provides a global solution for the problem. In order to examine the efficiency of the designed algorithm, some numerical problems have been provided. The obtained solutions confirm that the present method is computationally effective and sufficiently accurate in solving this equation.