bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Migraine Screening in Primary Eye Care Practice: Current Behaviors and the Impact of Clinician Education
Authors: Nguyen Bao N. , Singh Sumeer , Downie Laura E. , McKendrick Allison M.
Published: August 2020

Background

Migraine is underdiagnosed and undertreated. Optometrists are primary eye care providers, who regularly encounter people with migraine as an incidental finding during routine eye examinations, or when patients present to rule out whether visual or ocular problems are contributing to headache symptoms. Knowledge and use of a migraine screening tool in optometric practice is, therefore, important to be able to identify and refer people with migraine for appropriate management.

Objective

We sought to investigate optometrists’ current behaviors regarding screening for migraine, and to assess the effectiveness of an educational resource in promoting the use of a 3‐item validated migraine screening questionnaire, the ID‐Migraine.

Methods

We first conducted a cross‐sectional study using a survey to assess optometrists’ current knowledge and behaviors about migraine screening and willingness to participate in a pilot implementation program. Participants who provided their contact details were invited to watch an online educational resource about a validated migraine screening tool. After 6 weeks, these participants were invited to participate in a follow‐up cohort study involving a survey to assess the effectiveness of the educational resource.

Results

Ninety‐eight optometrists completed the initial survey as part of the cross‐sectional study. We found that most optometrists actively asked patients about migraine (79/98 respondents, 81%) as part of routine eye examinations and self‐rated themselves as confident in identifying migraine (71/98 respondents, 72%). However, the majority (90/98 respondents, 92%) were not aware of any validated migraine screening tools. Seventy‐eight respondents provided their contact details to receive information about the subsequent cohort study. In response to the follow‐up study survey (31/78 participants, 40%), 45% (14/31 respondents) of participants self‐reported using the ID‐Migraine tool after watching our educational video, and most of these participants (12/14 respondents, 86%) were likely or extremely likely to continue to use the tool in their practice.

Conclusions

From our initial cross‐sectional survey, we conclude that optometrists do not currently use validated screening tools for migraine and as such, there is an opportunity for continuing professional development in this area. Our follow‐up cohort study demonstrates that educating optometrists on the importance and utility of a validated migraine screening tool is achievable with a relatively simple, low‐time investment intervention (an online educational video). Such education may result in improved identification of migraine, which may lead to improved management.
Finding useful cancer information may reduce cancer information overload for Internet users
Authors: Serçekuş Pınar , Gencer Hatice , Özkan Sevgi
Published: August 2020

Background

An excessive overload of information causes an ineffective management of information, stress and indefiniteness. Furthermore, this situation can prevent persons from learning and making conscious decisions.

Objective

This study aims to determine the cancer information overload (CIO) and the factors related to it in adults who are Internet users.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study with 482 Internet users was conducted. The data were collected by using an Introductory Information Form and the Cancer Information Overload Scale.

Results

It was found that the Internet was the most used information source (62.2%). The CIO of those with a university level education was found to be high (P = 0.012). It was found that the CIO of individuals who used the Internet (P = 0.031) and newspapers/magazines (P = 0.004) as sources of information was high compared with those who did not use these sources. It was determined from the information obtained that those who found the information to be beneficial and enough had a low CIO (P = 0.004, P = 0.00).

Conclusion

Health literacy around cancer information is challenging for frequent Internet users. Health professionals, information specialists and librarians should orient people to reliable sources.
A large‐scale survey of bird plumage colour aberrations reveals a collection bias in Internet‐mined photographs
Authors: Zbyryt Adam , Mikula Peter , Ciach Michał , Morelli Federico , Tryjanowski Piotr
Published: August 2020

Birds with plumage colour aberrations are of interest to both the general public and scientists. However, due to their rarity in nature, information on the presence of colour aberrations is rarely found in the peer‐reviewed literature. Exploration of public observations using modern information technologies such as Internet‐based search engines could facilitate cost‐effective and rapid broad‐scale collection of data on phenotypic aberrations in animals but may also be prone to the same problems as fieldwork, including systematic collection bias. We used Google Images and also asked birdwatchers and ornithologists, via naturalists' forums and social media, to collate a unique dataset of photographs of 936 aberrantly coloured birds of 74 species from Poland. Phylogenetically informed analyses, which included species both with and without reported colour aberrations, revealed that the number of colour aberrations was higher in species with larger populations in Poland, those with larger body size, and those associated with human settlements. Colour aberrations were also more often reported for species with a wider habitat breadth and those which do not migrate over long distances. Habitat openness and diet type were not related to the number of colour aberrations across species in multivariate models. Our study emphasizes not only the power of novel sources to collect large datasets on relatively rare phenotypic aberrations in animals but also the importance of vigilance when using data mined from public sources because the observed patterns may reflect collection bias rather than the nature of the studied phenomena.
Biochemical property and gel‐forming ability of surimi‐like material from goat meat
Authors: Chaijan Manat , Srirattanachot Kesinee , Panpipat Worawan
Published: August 2020

Biochemical and gel properties of surimi‐like material from goat meat (SMGM) as affected by washing solutions including tap water, NaCl, sodium bicarbonate, aluminium sulphate and sodium pyrophosphate, with the same ionic strength of 0.15 for all salt solutions, were investigated. Three‐cycle washing (cold solution/water/water; mince:solution ratio of 1:5; 10 min/cycle) was used. Washing solutions differently altered the pH, Ca2+‐ATPase activity, reactive sulfhydryl, TCA‐soluble peptide, total volatile base nitrogen (TVB‐N), myoglobin, lipid and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) content of SMGM. Washing can eliminate undesirable lipid, myoglobin, TVB‐N and TCA‐soluble peptide from goat meat. SMGM washed with water and NaCl can form stable gels whereas SMGM washed with bicarbonate, pyrophosphate and aluminium sulphate formed very mushy gel/aggregate with high released water. SMGM gels particularly that washed with NaCl had higher breaking force, deformation and whiteness with lower TBARS content, species odour and expressible drip than unwashed mince. Therefore, SMGM can be optimally produced by washing with NaCl solution.
El futuro del trabajo: Hacer frente a los retos mundiales del cambio demográfico y la automatización
Authors: ABELIANSKY Ana L. , ALGUR Eda , BLOOM David E. , PRETTNER Klaus
Published: August 2020

Sobre la base de estimaciones y proyecciones de 2010‐2020, se proyectan las necesidades mundiales de creación de empleo en 2020‐2030 teniendo en cuenta las previsiones de crecimiento demográfico y participación laboral, los objetivos en cuanto a control del desempleo y las tendencias en cuanto a automatización, por edad, por género y por grupos de países según su nivel de renta. Serán necesarios 340 millones de nuevos puestos en el próximo decenio según estas estimaciones, debido en mayor medida a la evolución demográfica que a la automatización.
Polish migrant settlement without political integration in the United Kingdom and Ireland: a comparative analysis in the context of Brexit and thin European citizenship
Authors: Fanning Bryan , Kloc‐Nowak Weronika , Lesińska Magdalena
Published: August 2020

Following EU enlargement in 2004, the United Kingdom and Ireland experienced large‐scale migration from Poland and other new EU states. The Poles who migrated to both jurisdictions were demographically similar and have faced similar challenges although these have begun to diverge in the context of Brexit. Previous research emphasized the intentional unpredictability of many Polish migrants who deferred decisions whether to settle or return which appears to account for limited political incorporation in both the Irish and UK cases prior to Brexit. This literature also examined how such migrants have become socially embedded but not politically integrated. Drawing on surveys conducted in Ireland and the UK during 2018, we highlight predicaments arising from the thin nature of EU citizenship which allowed for free movement but has neglected political integration. In the Irish case, we suggest that EU migrants, including Poles, are likely to remain detached from citizenship and political participation.
Value of information sharing in supply chain under promotional competition
Authors: Tai Pham Duc , Duc Truong Ton Hien , Buddhakulsomsiri Jirachai
Published: August 2020

In this paper, the value of information sharing is measured in a two‐stage supply chain consisting of a manufacturer and two retailers. These retailers compete in a market with multiple customer segments, including loyal, switching, and stockpiling ones, by using a promotional pricing strategy. With this setting, the differences in total supply chain profits are quantified under no information sharing, and information sharing with and without disclosure agreements. It is found that while sharing information with a nondisclosure agreement is always valuable, this might not be the case for a disclosure one. In addition, the conditions, where information sharing with the disclosure agreement is beneficial, have been analytically determined. Then, the measurements of information sharing value under varying model parameters are explored, both numerically and analytically. The results provide useful managerial insights on when an information sharing agreement offers the most benefits.
Determination of atomistic deformation of tricalcium silicate paste with high‐volume fly ash
Authors: Jee Hyeonseok , Im Sumin , Kanematsu Manabu , Suzuki Hiroshi , Morooka Satoshi , Taku Koyama , Machida Akihiko , Bae Sungchul
Published: August 2020

We examined the effect of incorporating high‐volume fly ash on the atomic arrangement and interatomic deformation behavior of calcium silicate hydrates in tricalcium silicate paste upon exposure to external forces. The interatomic structural changes and strains under compressive load were assessed using synchrotron in situ high‐energy X‐ray scattering‐based atomic pair distribution function analysis. Three different types of strains, which were (a) macroscopic strains from gauges on the surfaces of specimen, (b) strains in a reciprocal space (Bragg peak shift), and (c) strains in real space (PDF peak shift), were compared to each other. All monitored and calculated strains for tricalcium silicate‐fly ash (50 wt% fly ash) paste were compared with the counterparts of the pure tricalcium silicate paste. Pair distribution function analysis in the range of r < 10 Å indicated that the atomic arrangement of tricalcium silicate‐fly ash was similar to that of synthetic calcium silicate hydrates followed by that of pure tricalcium silicate paste. Moreover, the pair distribution function refinement results revealed that the calcium silicate hydrate structure in tricalcium silicate‐fly ash paste was similar to tobermorite 11 Å, unlike that in pure tricalcium silicate paste. The interatomic strain of tricalcium silicate‐fly ash in the real space (r < 20 Å) was smaller than that of tricalcium silicate under compression, which suggested that the incompressibility of calcium silicate hydrates at atomistic scale was enhanced by the incorporation of fly ash into it. This was likely to be caused by the increased silicate polymerization of calcium silicate hydrates, which was attributed to the increase in the amount of silicate in their structure via the addition of fly ash.
Good palliative nursing care: Design and validation of the palliative nursing care quality scale (PNCQS)
Authors: Zulueta Egea Mar , Prieto‐Ursúa María , Bermejo Toro Laura
Published: August 2020

Aims

Develop and psychometrically assess the Palliative Nursing Care Quality Scale (PNCQS, escala de Calidad del Cuidado Enfermero Paliativo, CCEP, in Spanish). An interview‐based qualitative study (1) was conducted to verify construct validity evidence, with psychometric properties of reliability and validity verified by two quantitative studies (2 & 3).

Design

Quantitative instrumental, correlational, and cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Study 1 was carried out with 10 key informants. For Study 2, a sample of 103 nursing professionals was obtained and 176 nurses from palliative care resources in Spain participated in Study 3. Data were collected between May 2017 – May 2018.

Results

Evidence of adequate reliability (internal consistency) and validity was found. The confirmatory factor model yielded a single latent factor for the 20 items, with adequate goodness‐of‐fit indices. The convergent validity data showed that the highest correlations were with the Dedication subscale of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale and the Personal Growth subscale of Psychological Well‐being, with values of 0.35 and 0.34, respectively (p < 0.01 in both cases).

Conclusion

The scale shows good psychometric properties, with high internal consistency and evidence of internal and convergent validity.

Impact

Proposing a valuable instrument which identifies good nursing in different areas of palliative care while also establishing quality indicators to guide nursing practice entails the recognition of autonomy in care. The resulting work tool can be used to systematize the assessment of nursing care in a process of open and continuous improvement.
Whole genome analyses revealed genomic difference between European taurine and East Asian taurine
Authors: Chen Qiuming , Shen Jiafei , Hanif Quratulain , Chen Ningbo , Huang Yongzhen , Dang Ruihua , Lan Xianyong , Chen Hong , Lei Chuzhao
Published: August 2020

European taurine and East Asian taurine are two main clades in Bos taurus, but their genomic differences are not clearly elucidated. Here, we sequenced 16 Mongolian cattle genomes and compared them to the 92 genomes of 10 representative breeds worldwide. We found the highest LD level in Mishima cattle and the fastest LD decay in European taurine. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Mongolian, Hanwoo and Mishima cattle were clustered into East Asian taurine. From selective sweep, gene annotation, functional enrichment and differential expression analysis, we identified selective signals including genes and/or pathways related to rapid growth and large body size in European taurine, and superior meat quality in East Asian taurine. Our findings will help us understand the evolutionary history and formation process of the breeds and provide theoretical materials regarding the genetic mechanism underlying breed characteristics and molecular breeding programmes of the taurine clades in the future.
Monitoring and implementation of salt reduction initiatives in Africa: A systematic review
Authors: Tekle Dejen Yemane , Santos Joseph Alvin , Trieu Kathy , Thout Sudhir Raj , Ndanuko Rhoda , Charlton Karen , Hoek Annet C. , Huffman Mark D. , Jan Stephen , Webster Jacqui
Published: August 2020

This systematic review aims to document salt consumption patterns and the implementation status and potential impact of salt reduction initiatives in Africa, from studies published between January 2009 and November 2019. Studies were sourced using MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library electronic databases, and gray literature. Of the 887 records retrieved, 38 studies conducted in 18 African countries were included. Twelve studies measured population salt intake, 11 examined salt level in foods, 11 assessed consumer knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, 1 study evaluated a behavior change intervention, and 3 studies modeled potential health gains and cost savings of salt reduction interventions. The population salt intake studies determined by 24‐hour urine collections showed that the mean (SD) salt intake in African adults ranged from 6.8 (2.2) g to 11.3 (5.4) g/d. Salt levels in foods were generally high, and consumer knowledge was fairly high but did not seem to translate into salt lowering behaviors. Modeling studies showed that interventions for reducing dietary sodium would generate large health gains and cost savings for the health system. Despite this evidence, adoption of population salt reduction strategies in Africa has been slow, and dietary consumption of sodium remains high. Only South Africa adopted legislation in 2016 to reduce population salt intake, but success of this intervention has not yet been fully evaluated. Thus, rigorous evaluation of the salt reduction legislation in South Africa and initiation of salt reduction programs in other African countries will be vital to achieving the targeted 30% reduction in salt intake by 2025.
Increased body fat mass reduces the association between fructosamine and glycated hemoglobin in obese type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Vergès Bruno , Rouland Alexia , Baillot‐Rudoni Sabine , Brindisi Marie‐Claude , Duvillard Laurence , Simoneau Isabelle , Legris Pauline , Petit Jean‐Michel , Bouillet Benjamin
Published: August 2020

Obesity is increasing in patients with type 2 diabetes. A possible reduced association between fructosamine and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in obese individuals has been previously discussed, but this has never been specifically evaluated in type 2 diabetes, and the potential influence of body fat mass and fat distribution has never been studied. We studied 112 type 2 diabetes patients with assessment of fat mass, liver fat and fat distribution. Patients with body mass index (BMI) above the median (34.9 kg/m2), versus BMI below the median, had a correlation coefficient between fructosamine and HbA1c significantly reduced (r = 0.358 vs r = 0.765). In the whole population, fructosamine was correlated negatively with BMI and fat mass. In multivariate analysis, fructosamine was associated with HbA1c (positively) and fat mass (negatively), but not with BMI, liver fat or fat distribution. The association between fructosamine and HbA1c is significantly reduced in the most obese type 2 diabetes patients, and this is mostly driven by increased fat mass.
A new biological method to control Anobium punctatum, by using the parasitoid wasp Spathius exarator
Authors: Auer Judith , Opitz Christine , Kassel Alexander
Published: August 2020

Biological pest control by means of beneficial organisms is for long part of agriculture and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). A new and efficient strategy to control the most common timber pest species in churches and museums, the furniture beetle Anobium punctatum (De Geer) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae), is based on the parasitoid wasp species Spathius exarator (Linnaeus) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Once this braconid wasp detects its host species beneath the surface, it pierces the wood with its ovipositor to lay one single egg onto the beetle larva. After hatching, the wasp larva feeds on the beetle larva thereby killing it. Afterwards, it pupates and emerges through a self‐gnawed hole as an adult wasp. The tiny, 0.5‐mm‐wide exit hole can easily be distinguished from the 1‐ to 2‐mm‐wide exit hole of A. punctatum. Laboratory tests revealed that female wasps have an average life span of 85 days and produce a total of 24 offspring, when nutrition is provided. Between 2012 and 2019, braconid wasps were introduced into 54 different A. punctatum infested buildings. Treatment success was monitored by examining exit holes of new beetles and wasps thereby calculating corresponding parasitism rates. After the first year of treatment, parasitism rates were significantly higher with a mean value of 0.15 when compared to untreated objects with a natural parasitism and a mean value of 0.08 (n = 54). Following treatment of three objects over a period of eight years, parasitism rates continuously increased from 0.02 up to 0.31. In a church organ, which was treated during this period, the monitoring revealed a complete suppression of pest activity. These data prove that this biological method of pest control is an efficient, sustainable and non‐toxic option to manage the common furniture beetle.
Surgeon's practices and beliefs in Australia and New Zealand regarding the donor site wound for paediatric skin grafts
Authors: McBride Craig A , Patel Bhaveshkumar , Kimble Roy M , Stockton Kellie A
Published: August 2020

Aim

Children's burns care in Australasia is performed by paediatric surgeons and by plastic surgeons. The aim was to determine practices regarding the donor site wound (DSW), and to explore any differences by training scheme or nature of unit (paediatric vs. mixed).

Methods

Online survey of Australasian burns surgeons.

Results

Forty surgeons responded. 23/40 paediatric surgeons, 23/40 worked in a stand‐alone children's burns unit. All used powered dermatomes. Alginates were the most common DSW dressing. Idealised dressings favour patient factors over cost. Plastic, and mixed‐practice, surgeons use a broader range of dermatome settings in children >1 year. Mixed practice surgeons use thicker settings. All surgeons see pain as a common DSW problem. Paediatric surgeons recognise itch as a problem.

Conclusions

While there are differences related to training scheme and the mix of patients being treated, there is a broader commonality of practice.
Distribution and content of calcium and potassium in eucalyptus leaves infected with Calonectria pteridis
Authors: Soares Thaissa de Paula Farias , Ferreira Maria Alves , Pozza Adélia Aziz Alexandre , Pozza Edson Ampélio , Mafia Reginaldo Gonçalves
Published: August 2020

Calonectria leaf spot, caused by Calonectria pteridis, is a serious problem in Eucalyptus crops in both nursery and the field. Under ideal conditions, the disease can cause severe defoliation. It is known that calcium and potassium are directly related to the plant's resistance to pathogens. Thus, the knowledge of how a balanced fertilization of Ca and K interferes in the distribution of these nutrients at the infection site would contribute to elucidate the resistance of the plant related to its nutrition. This study investigated the effect of calcium and potassium fertilizer application on the content and distribution of these nutrients in the symptomatic leaf area, transition zone and asymptomatic leaf area over time. Eucalyptus seedlings were grown in nutrient solution under different Ca and K treatments (6 mmol/L K + 4 mmol/L Ca, 6 mmol/L K + 8 mmol/L Ca and 9 mmol/L K + 12 mmol/L Ca) and inoculated with C. pteridis. Leaves were removed at 24, 48 and 72 hr after inoculation (hai) and evaluated by X‐ray microanalysis. The highest calcium content among the different leaf areas was observed in the symptomatic area, and the levels in this area increased over time, with the highest mean value observed at 72 hai in the 6K + 8Ca treatment. In the other treatments, the mean calcium content peaked at 48 hai and then decreased. A similar pattern in asymptomatic tissue was observed for potassium in the 6K + 8Ca treatment. Fertilization with calcium and potassium directly affected the demand and availability of nutrients at different times during infection. These results demonstrate that plant defence responses and their continuity over time during infection rely on balanced calcium and potassium fertilization because these nutrients are directly involved in plant resistance to the pathogen.
Effects of disturbance and alien plants on the phylogenetic structure of riverine communities
Authors: Liendo Diego , Biurrun Idoia , Campos Juan Antonio , García‐Mijangos Itziar , Pearman Peter B.
Published: August 2020

Questions

Phylogenetic analyses provide important insights in the study of biological invasions. Previous studies have shown contrasting effects of alien species on the phylogenetic structure of recipient communities. In this study, we focus on two riparian plant communities with contrasting natural disturbance regimes: riparian forests and river bar communities. We ask whether these communities differ in alpha diversity and degree of plant invasion. Further, are the phylogenetic diversity (PD) and structure of these habitats related to the level of plant invasion?

Location

Northern Spain.

Methods

We determined level of plant invasion in forest and river bar vegetation plots, and calculated PD using mean pairwise distance (MPD) and mean nearest taxon distance (MNTD). We applied null models to analyse the phylogenetic structure of plots, and we tested whether inclusion of alien plant species was associated with differences in observed phylogenetic structure.

Results

River bar plots experienced more invasion than forest plots, but the level of invasion was only related to the PD of native species in forests. Most plots had random phylogenetic structure, with a minority of plots tending to phylogenetic overdispersion in forests and to phylogenetic clustering in river bars. MPD increased with the inclusion of alien plant species in forest plots, suggesting phylogenetic overdispersion, while no such pattern was detected with MNTD. MPD increased slightly with increasing invasion in river bar plots, suggesting reduced clustering, while MNTD values decreased with increasing invasion, suggesting the opposite trend.

Conclusions

Invasion by alien plants is differentially associated with phylogenetic structure in riparian habitats with different disturbance levels. Our results contrast with those of previous studies of plant invasion of riparian communities, which suggests geographic and ecological variation in the relationship between invasion and phylogenetic community structure in riparian systems. Research is needed to identify the causal factors underlying this variation.
Climate change reshapes the drivers of false spring risk across European trees
Authors: Chamberlain Catherine J. , Cook Benjamin I. , Morales‐Castilla Ignacio , Wolkovich E. M.
Published: August 2020

Temperate forests are shaped by late spring freezes after budburst – false springs – which may shift with climate change. Research to date has generated conflicting results, potentially because few studies focus on the multiple underlying drivers of false spring risk.

Here, we assessed the effects of mean spring temperature, distance from the coast, elevation and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) using PEP725 leafout data for six tree species across 11 648 sites in Europe, to determine which were the strongest predictors of false spring risk and how these predictors shifted with climate change.

All predictors influenced false spring risk before recent warming, but their effects have shifted in both magnitude and direction with warming. These shifts have potentially magnified the variation in false spring risk among species with an increase in risk for early‐leafout species (i.e. Aesculus hippocastanum, Alnus glutinosa, Betula pendula) compared with a decline or no change in risk among late‐leafout species (i.e. Fagus sylvatica, Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus robur).

Our results show how climate change has reshaped the drivers of false spring risk, complicating forecasts of future false springs, and potentially reshaping plant community dynamics given uneven shifts in risk across species.
Amylose in starch: towards an understanding of biosynthesis, structure and function
Authors: Seung David
Published: August 2020

Starch granules are composed of two distinct glucose polymers – amylose and amylopectin. Amylose constitutes 5–35% of most natural starches and has a major influence over starch properties in foods. Its synthesis and storage occurs within the semicrystalline amylopectin matrix of starch granules, this poses a great challenge for biochemical and structural analyses. However, the last two decades have seen vast progress in understanding amylose synthesis, including new insights into the action of GRANULE BOUND STARCH SYNTHASE (GBSS), the major glucosyltransferase that synthesises amylose, and the discovery of PROTEIN TARGETING TO STARCH1 (PTST1) that targets GBSS to starch granules. Advances in analytical techniques have resolved the fine structure of amylose, raising new questions on how structure is determined during biosynthesis. Furthermore, the discovery of wild plants that do not produce amylose revives a long‐standing question of why starch granules contain amylose, rather than amylopectin alone. Overall, these findings contribute towards a full understanding of amylose biosynthesis, structure and function that will be essential for future approaches to improve starch quality in crops.
Visual interaction of 2nd to 5th order Zernike aberration terms with vertical coma
Authors: Hu Chuan , Ravikumar Ayeswarya , Hastings Gareth D , Marsack Jason D
Published: August 2020

Purpose

In order to better understand the optical consequence of residual aberrations during conventional rigid contact lens wear in keratoconus, this study aimed to quantify the visual interaction between positive vertical coma (C(3, −1)) and other individual 2nd to 5th radial order Zernike aberration terms.

Methods

The experiment proceeded in two parts. First, two levels of C(3, −1) (target term) were simulated. Individual Zernike aberration terms from the 2nd to 5th radial orders (test terms) were combined in 0.05‐µm steps a) from −2.00 µm to +2.00 µm with +1.00 µm of C(3, −1) and b) from −1.00 µm to +1.00 µm with +0.50 µm of C(3, −1). The resulting combinations were used to calculate the logarithm of the visual Strehl ratio (logVSX) and predict the relative beneficial or deleterious impact of the interaction. Second, for test terms where an interaction was predicted to provide more than a 0.25 logVSX benefit compared to C(3, −1) alone, high contrast logMAR acuity charts were constructed (simulating the manner in which the test + target term combinations would impact the retinal image of the chart), and randomly read by three well‐corrected, typically‐sighted individuals through a 3.0‐mm diameter artificial pupil.

Results

When combined with positive C(3, −1), C(3, −3), C(4, −4), C(5, −5), C(5, −3), and C(5, −1) exhibited better visual image quality compared with C(3, −1) alone. Ratios of the test terms to target term providing maximal benefit remained constant for both +0.50 µm and +1.00 µm of C(3, −1). C(3, −3) and C(5, −1) had the largest predicted beneficial effect, with the maximal effect for +1.00 µm of C(3, −1) occurring with +0.35 µm of C(5, −1) and −1.00 µm of C(3, −3). When individuals read letter charts convolved with the point spread function derived from C(3, −1) combined with C(3, −3) and C(3, −1) combined with C(5, −1), the maximal beneficial effect was 0.27 logMAR (13.5 letters) for C(3, −3) and 0.36 logMAR (18 letters) for C(5, −1).

Conclusions

While most interactions reduced visual image quality, combinations of C(3, −3) (vertical trefoil) and C(5, −1) (vertical secondary coma) provided a clinically relevant beneficial effect in the presence of C(3, −1) (vertical coma) which was demonstrated in both through‐focus simulation and chart reading tests. Future work will examine whether these effects persist in the presence of the entire spectrum of residual aberrations seen in the eyes of individuals with keratoconus.
The predictive value of the Pleth Variability Index on fluid responsiveness in spontaneously breathing anaesthetized children—A prospective observational study
Authors: Weber Frank , Rashmi Bharat K. , Karaoz‐Bulut Gülhan , Dogger Jaap , de Heer Iris J. , Prasser Christopher
Published: August 2020

Background

In children, the preoperative hydration status is an important part of the overall clinical assessment. The assumed preoperative fluid deficit is often routinely replaced during induction without knowing the child's actual fluid status.

Aim

We investigated the predictive value of the Pleth Variability Index as a measure of fluid responsiveness in spontaneously breathing anesthetized children.

Methods

Pleth Variability Index, stroke volume and Cardiac Index, measured by electrovelocimetry, mean blood pressure, and heart rate were recorded during anesthesia induction in 50 pediatric patients <6 years. Baseline values were compared to values recorded after administration of 10 mL/kg of Ringer's lactate and during two passive leg raising tests (before and after fluid administration). Fluid responsiveness was defined as an increase of ≥10% in stroke volume.

Results

Only in fluid responsive patients, Pleth Variability Index values were higher before fluid administration than thereafter (21.4 ± 5.9% vs 15.0 ± 9.4%, 95% CI of difference 1.1 to 11.8%, P = .02). Pleth Variability Index values at baseline were higher in fluid responders (21.4 ± 5.9%) than in fluid nonresponders (15.3 ± 7.7%), 95% CI of difference 1.6 to 10.6%, P = .009. The area under the receiver operating curve indicating fluid responsiveness was 0.781 (95% CI 0.623 to 0.896, P = .0002), with the highest sensitivity (82%) and specificity (70%) at a Pleth Variability Index of >15% (Positive predictive value 2.71 (95% CI: 1.4 to 5.2)). Only in fluid responders, the Pleth Variability Index decreased during passive leg raising, while stroke volume increased.

Conclusions

The Pleth Variability Index may be of additional value to predict fluid responsiveness in spontaneously breathing anesthetized children. A significant overlap in baseline Pleth Variability Index values between fluid responsive and nonfluid responsive patients does not allow a reliable recommendation as to a cut off value.
UVC Germicidal Units: Determination of Dose Received and Parameters to be Considered for N95 Respirator Decontamination and Reuse
Authors: Kohli Indermeet , Lyons Alexis B. , Golding Bob , Narla Shanthi , Torres Angeli E. , Parks‐Miller Angela , Ozog David , Lim Henry W. , Hamzavi Iltefat H.
Published: August 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic has resulted in an international shortage of personal protective equipment including N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs), resulting in many institutions using ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) technology for N95 FFR decontamination. To ensure proper decontamination, it is crucial to determine the dose received by various parts of the FFR in this process. Recently, our group customized a UVGI unit for N95 decontamination. With experimental and theoretical approach, this manuscript discusses the minimum dose received by various parts of the N95 respirator after one complete decontamination cycle with this UVGI unit. The results demonstrate that all parts of the N95 FFR received at least 1 J cm−2 after one complete decontamination cycle with this unit. As there are a variety of UVGI devices and different types of FFRs, this study provides a model by which UVC dose received by different areas of the FFRs can be accurately assessed to ensure proper decontamination for the safety of healthcare providers.
LncRNA‐MALAT1 regulates proliferation and apoptosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells via miR‐205‐PTK7 pathway
Authors: Song Yuan , Guo Ning‐Hong , Zheng Ji‐Fu
Published: August 2020

Long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) MALAT1 has been confirmed to function as an oncogene in various solid tumors. MALAT1 level has been shown to be upregulated in relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients, but the mechanism is unclear. This study aims to investigate the functional roles and underlying mechanisms of MALAT1 in ALL. MALAT1 and miR‐205 expression were assessed by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). MTT assay and flow cytometry were performed to evaluate cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. Protein level of protein tyrosine kinase‐7 (PTK7) was detected by Western blot assay. Dual luciferase reporter assay was conducted to confirm the binding of MALAT1 and miR‐205, as well as miR‐205 and PTK7. The levels of MALAT1 and PTK7 were upregulated in ALL samples. In contrast, miR‐205 level was downregulated in ALL in ALL samples. Moreover, MALAT1 silencing or miR‐205 overexpression restrained proliferation and promoted apoptosis of ALL cells. Mechanistically, MALAT1 sponged miR‐205 to regulate PTK7 expression. In summary, MALAT1 affected ALL cell proliferation and apoptosis via regulating miR‐205‐PTK7 axis. Our results suggest that MALAT1‐miR‐205‐PTK7 axis participates in the proliferation and apoptosis of ALL, which may provide a potential treatment target for ALL.
IRONing out stress problems in crops: a homeostatic perspective
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Tirthankar , Prasad Manoj
Published: August 2020

Iron (Fe) is essential for plant growth and therefore plays a key role in influencing crop productivity worldwide. Apart from its central role in chlorophyll biosynthesis and oxidative phosphorylation (electron transfer), it is an important constituent of many enzymes involved in primary metabolism. Fe has different accessibilities to the roots in the rhizosphere depending upon whether it is ferrous (soluble) or ferric (insoluble) oxidation stages, which in turn, determine two kinds of Fe uptake strategies employed by the plants. The reduction strategy is exclusively found in non‐graminaceous plants wherein the ferrous Fe2+ is absorbed and translocated from the soil through specialized transporters. In contrast, the chelation strategy (widespread in graminaceous plants) relies on the formation of Fe (III)‐chelate complex as the necessary requirement of Fe uptake. Once inside the cell, Fe is translocated, compartmentalized and stored through a common set of physiological processes involving many transporters and enzymes whose functions are controlled by underlying genetic components, so that a fine balance of Fe homeostasis is maintained. Recently, molecular and mechanistic aspects of the process involving the role of transcription factors, signaling components, and cis‐acting elements have been obtained, which has enabled a much better understanding of its ecophysiology. This mini‐review summarizes recent developments in our understanding of Fe transport in higher plants with particular emphasis on crops in the context of major agronomically important abiotic stresses. It also highlights outstanding questions on the regulation of Fe homeostasis and lists potentially useful genes/regulatory pathways that may be useful for subsequent crop improvement under the stresses discussed through either conventional or transgenic approaches.
Reduced photosynthesis in Arabidopsis thalianaatpme17.2 and atpae11.1 mutants is associated to altered cell wall composition
Authors: Roig‐Oliver Margalida , Rayon Catherine , Roulard Romain , Fournet François , Bota Josefina , Flexas Jaume
Published: August 2020

The cell wall is a complex and dynamic structure that determines plants' performance by constant remodeling of its compounds. Although cellulose is its major load‐bearing component, pectins are crucial to determine wall characteristics. Changes in pectin physicochemical properties, due to pectin remodeling enzymes (PRE), induce the rearrangement of cell wall compounds, thus, modifying wall architecture. In this work, we tested for the first time how cell wall dynamics affect photosynthetic properties in Arabidopsis thaliana pectin methylesterase atpme17.2 and pectin acetylesterase atpae11.1 mutants in comparison to wild‐type Col‐0. Our results showed maintained PRE activities comparing mutants with wild‐type and no significant differences in cellulose, but cell wall non‐cellulosic neutral sugars contents changed. Particularly, the amount of galacturonic acid (GalA) – which represents to some extent the pectin cell wall proportion – was reduced in the two mutants. Additionally, physiological characterization revealed that mutants presented a decreased net CO2 assimilation (AN) because of reductions in both stomatal (gs) and mesophyll conductances (gm). Thus, our results suggest that atpme17.2 and atpae11.1 cell wall modifications due to genetic alterations could play a significant role in determining photosynthesis.
Burglary in London: Insights from Statistical Heterogeneous Spatial Point Processes
Authors: Povala Jan , Virtanen Seppo , Girolami Mark
Published: August 2020

To obtain operational insights regarding the crime of burglary in London, we consider the estimation of the effects of covariates on the intensity of spatial point patterns. Inspired by localized properties of criminal behaviour, we propose a spatial extension to mixtures of generalized linear models from the mixture modelling literature. The Bayesian model proposed is a finite mixture of Poisson generalized linear models such that each location is probabilistically assigned to one of the groups. Each group is characterized by the regression coefficients, which we subsequently use to interpret the localized effects of the covariates. By using a blocks structure of the study region, our approach enables specifying spatial dependence between nearby locations. We estimate the proposed model by using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods and we provide a Python implementation.
Cellular metabolism dictates T cell effector function in health and disease
Authors: Kolan Shrikant S. , Li Gaoyang , Wik Jonas A. , Malachin Giulia , Guo Shuai , Kolan Pratibha , Skålhegg Bjørn S.
Published: August 2020

In a healthy person, metabolically quiescent T lymphocytes (T cells) circulate between lymph nodes and peripheral tissues in search of antigens. Upon infection, some T cells will encounter cognate antigens followed by proliferation and clonal expansion in a context‐dependent manner, to become effector T cells. These events are accompanied by changes in cellular metabolism, known as metabolic reprogramming. The magnitude and variation of metabolic reprogramming are, in addition to antigens, dependent on factors such as nutrients and oxygen to ensure host survival during various diseases. Herein, we describe how metabolic programmes define T cell subset identity and effector functions. In addition, we will discuss how metabolic programs can be modulated and affect T cell activity in health and disease using cancer and autoimmunity as examples.
Social Comparisons in Real Time: A Field Experiment of Residential Electricity and Water Use*
Authors: Kažukauskas Andrius , Broberg Thomas , Jaraitė Jūratė
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we carry out a field experiment that contributes in two important ways to the literature on how social comparisons affect residential energy and water use. First, we study a social comparison treatment that is continuous and communicated via pre‐installed in‐home displays, which are salient and updated in real time. Second, we estimate the effects of provision of social comparisons on two different resources – electricity and water – in the same experimental setting. We find that, on average, our social comparison reduces daily residential energy consumption by 6.7 percent but has no effect on overall residential water use.
Predicting cumulative load during running using field‐based measures
Authors: Backes Anne , Skejø Sebastian Deisting , Gette Paul , Nielsen Rasmus Østergaard , Sørensen Henrik , Morio Cédric , Malisoux Laurent
Published: August 2020

The main objective was to investigate whether the cumulative load of the lower limbs, defined as the product of external load and step rate, could be predicted using spatiotemporal variables gathered with a commercially available wearable device in running. Therefore, thirty‐nine runners performed two running tests at 10 and 12 km/h, respectively. Spatiotemporal variables (step rate, ground contact time, and vertical oscillation) were collected using a commercially available wearable device. Kinetic variables, measured with gold standard equipment (motion capture system and instrumented treadmill) and used for the calculation of a set of variables representing cumulative load, were peak vertical ground reaction force (peak vGRF), vertical instantaneous loading rate (VILR), vertical impulse, braking impulse, as well as peak extension moments and angular impulses of the ankle, knee and hip joints. Separate linear mixed‐effects models were built to investigate the prediction performance of the spatiotemporal variables for each measure of cumulative load. BMI, speed, and sex were included as covariates. Predictive precision of the models ranged from .11 to .66 (R2m) and .22 to .98 (R2c), respectively. Greatest predictive performance was obtained for the cumulative peak vGRF (R2m = .66, R2c = .97), VILR (R2m = .43, R2c = .97), braking impulse (R2m = .52, R2c = .98), and peak hip extension moment (R2m = .54, R2c = .90). In conclusion, certain variables representing cumulative load of the lower limbs in running can be predicted using spatiotemporal variables gathered with a commercially available wearable device.
Presidential Versus Parliamentary Systems: Where Do Female Entrepreneurs Thrive?
Authors: Goel Rajeev K. , Nelson Michael A.
Published: August 2020

Objective

This article examines whether female managers and female owners of firms are better empowered in presidential or parliamentary democracies. Parliamentary democracies might be more responsive to the demands of special interest groups, while government decision making might be more streamlined in presidential democracies.

Methods

We use firm‐level data from the World Bank for more than 100 emerging and developing nations and employ the logistic estimation procedure.

Results

Results show that female owners of firms thrive in presidential democracies, but the effects on female managers were largely statistically insignificant. Other interesting findings include both female managers and female owners facing special challenges in nations with greater gender inequality, with female owners benefiting in nations with a larger informal sector.

Conclusions

Our results show that the type of democracy is relevant in female entrepreneurship, with female owners of firms thriving in presidential democracies, but not necessarily female managers.