bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of non‐thermal atmospheric pressure plasma application on wound healing after gingivectomy
Authors: Kusakci‐Seker Basak , Demirayak‐Akdemir Melike
Published: May 2020

Recent studies have indicated the potential benefits of Non‐thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTAPP) as a novel therapeutic approach. The purpose of the current study was thus to assess the effect of NTAPP on gingival wound healing. Fifteen patients with bilaterally symmetrical gingival hyperplasia were included in the study. After gingivectomy and gingivoplasty, the left‐hand side of the symmetrical surgical area was irradiated with NTAPP (plasma jet kINPen 11). Digital photographs of the gingival wounds were taken at baseline and days 3, 7, and 14. Wound epithelialisation was evaluated. Landry Wound Healing Index (WHI) scores and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were also recorded. There were significant differences between the epithelialisation of the NTAPP‐treated sites and the control sites after the surgical procedures. The NTAPP‐treated sites had significantly smaller stained surface areas compared with the control sites on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th days (P < .05). The NTAPP‐treated sites had better WHI scores than the control sites throughout the follow‐up period (P < .05). It can be concluded that NTAPP enhances epithelialisation and stimulates wound healing after gingivectomy and gingivoplasty. However, further clinical studies with larger sample sizes are needed to determine the exact benefits of NTAPP for gingival wound healing.
Hafnium silicate formation during the reaction of β‐cristobalite SiO2 and monoclinic HfO2 particles
Authors: Deijkers Jeroen A. , Wadley Haydn N.G.
Published: May 2020

Hafnium silicate (HfSiO4; hafnon) is under consideration as an environmental barrier coating material for high‐temperature applications. However, its rate of formation from mixtures of monoclinic HfO2 and crystalline (β‐cristobalite) SiO2 powders is unknown. Here it has been synthesized and its formation rate measured during their solid‐state reaction at temperatures from 1250°C to 1400°C. Rietveld refinement of X‐ray diffraction patterns indicates that at 1250°C the hafnon phase fraction increases linearly with time, while at the highest reaction temperature, the hafnon phase fraction exhibited a parabolic dependence upon time. Between these two limiting temperatures, a region of linear behavior preceded a transition to parabolic kinetics, with the transition occurring at an earlier time as the reaction temperature increased. Arrhenius relations fitted the kinetics of hafnium silicate formation in both the linear and parabolic regimes. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that the reaction proceeded by diffusion of SiO2 into HfO2, similar to the mechanism by which zirconium silicate has been formed from vitreous SiO2 and tetragonal ZrO2. The initial linear rate of reaction is consistent with the growth of the contact area between the SiO2 and HfO2 particles combined with rapid permeation of the Si4+ and O2− through the initial, incompletely formed hafnon. After a thin hafnon layer had formed between the reactants, the rate of hafnium silicate growth slowed and further growth was governed by the rate of diffusion of Si4+ and O2− through the reaction product consistent with the observed parabolic dependence of the phase fraction upon time.
Additive manufacturing of polymer‐derived ceramic matrix composites
Authors: O'Masta Mark R. , Stonkevitch Ekaterina , Porter Kayleigh A. , Bui Phuong P. , Eckel Zak C. , Schaedler Tobias A.
Published: May 2020

This study presents a fabrication method and identifies processing bounds for additively manufacturing (AM) ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), comprising a silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) ceramic matrix. A digital light projection printer was used to photopolymerize a siloxane‐based preceramic resin containing inert ceramic reinforcement. A subsequent pyrolysis converted the preceramic polymer to SiOC. Particle reinforcements of 0 to 40% by volume in the green state were uniformly dispersed in the printed samples to study their effects on pyrolysis mass loss and shrinkage, and CMC notch sensitivity and strength. Both particle and whisker reinforcements toughened the glassy SiOC matrix (1 MPa m1/2), reaching values >3 MPa m1/2. Bending strengths of >300 MPa (>150 MPa (g cm−3)−1) and a Weibull modulus of 10 were measured on AM samples without surface finish. We identified two pore formation mechanisms that placed processing bounds on sample size and reinforcement volume fraction. Methods for increasing these bounds are discussed. With properties commensurate to traditionally processed technical ceramics, the presented process allows for free‐form fabrication of high‐performance AM CMC components.
Cold plasma‐assisted shape‐shifting of a flat two‐dimensional wheat xerogel and its morphological behavior
Authors: Gupta Vidhi , T K Ranjitha Gracy , Stephen Jaspin , Radhakrishnan Mahendran
Published: May 2020

This study aims at integrating food material with food processing to develop edible shape‐changing foods and investigate the effect of cold plasma treatment on their functionality. The anisotropic structure of the xerogel was obtained by sessile drop drying of the hydrogel. Xerogel discs were exposed to glow discharge plasma at 7.32 W for 5 min. For harnessing shape transformation, ethyl cellulose (constraint material) was applied in a single circle pattern. Upon immersing in hot water shape transformation takes place, and increases in bending curvature, angle, and height were observed for both the samples. The plasma treatment led to surface etching (ablation) of the xerogel. This resulted in better adhesion between constraint material and xerogel and therefore, more bending of plasma‐treated xerogel was observed than the untreated ones signifying a positive effect of cold plasma on shape transformation. Consequently, this method can be explored for the application in four‐dimensional food materials.

Practical applications

Designing flat two‐dimensional materials capable of undergoing shape transformation into a three‐dimensional configuration during cooking/frying, is an innovative area of research which could facilitate in reducing shipping and packaging costs as well as to engineer user‐customized interactive food materials. Detachment of constraint material from xerogel can be rectified by using cold plasma technique. This engineered shape transformation technique may help in food processing industries through the introduction of four‐dimensional printed food materials.
Effect of magnesium sulfate on baroreflex during acute hypoxemia in chronically instrumented fetal sheep
Authors: Yasuda Shun , Kyozuka Hyo , Nomura Yasuhisa , Fujimori Keiya
Published: May 2020

Aim

To investigate the effects of magnesium sulfate on fetal baroreflex in normoxemia or acute fetal hypoxemia.

Methods

Fetal baroreflex response was elicited using phenylephrine (30 μg) in saline and magnesium sulfate in 8 chronically treated and instrumented fetal sheep. Hypoxemia was induced using nitrogen gas inflow for 30 min. Baroreflex, calculated as the ratio of the fetal heart rate change to the mean arterial pressure, was monitored after magnesium sulfate administration and in rapid and nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep states. Baroreflex was assessed in response to hypoxemia in control groups in both the rapid and NREM sleep states.

Results

Baroreflex was not significantly affected by saline, magnesium sulfate and rapid or NREM sleep states in normoxemic sheep. Hypoxemia increased the baroreflex in the saline‐treated group (hypoxemic vs normoxemic rapid eye movement sleep: 4.37 ± 2.48 vs 2.72 ± 0.83; P < 0.05; hypoxemic vs normoxemic NREM sleep: 4.30 ± 1.47 vs 3.15 ± 0.83; P < 0.001). Magnesium sulfate decreased the baroreflex in the hypoxemic fetuses (magnesium sulfate hypoxemic vs. control normoxemic fetuses: 1.42 ± 0.92 vs 3.15 ± 0.83, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The hypoxemic fetal sheep, from the ewes that were receiving magnesium sulfate, showed a significantly reduced in the baroreflex response. In clinical practice, baroreflex‐related decelerations in hypoxemic fetuses of mothers receiving magnesium sulfate should be carefully interpreted.
Effective combination of lymphatico‐venous anastomosis and negative pressure wound therapy for lymphocyst: A Case Study
Authors: Shimono Ayano , Sakuma Hisashi , Watanabe Shiho , Kono Hikaru
Published: May 2020

Lymphorrhea and lymphocysts are complications that occur after lymph node dissection or biopsy and are difficult to treat. Conventional treatments for lymphocysts are not always effective. For instance, lymphatico‐venous anastomosis has a limited treatment efficacy when the cyst wall is thickened, and negative pressure wound therapy is limited by the installation site and longer treatment times. To overcome these individual shortcomings, we aimed to assess whether a combination of both interventions would be effective. In this study, we report the application of a lymphatico‐venous anastomosis combined with negative pressure wound therapy for treating bilateral inguinal lymph nodes and pelvic lymph node dissection following treatment of vaginal cancer. Short‐term improvements were observed with no recurrence of lymphocysts at 1‐year follow‐up.
Can preoperative inflammatory markers differentiate endometrial cancer from complex atypical hyperplasia/endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia?
Authors: Selen Sevgi , Kilic Fatih , Kimyon Comert Gunsu , Unsal Mehmet , Kilic Cigdem , Karalok Alper , Turkmen Osman , Turan Taner
Published: May 2020

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify the differences between complex atypical hyperplasia/endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (CAH/EIN) and endometrioid‐type grade 1 endometrial cancer in terms of preoperative systemic inflammatory markers and to evaluate the effectiveness of such markers in predicting cancer.

Methods

Between January 2005 and September 2018, a total of 372 patients with final histopathologic diagnoses of CAH/EIN (n = 143) and endometrioid‐type grade 1 endometrial cancer (n = 229) were included in the study. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and platelet distribution width (PDW) were used as preoperative inflammatory markers. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to assess the diagnostic prediction of NLR, PLR and PDW values to distinguish the two groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed by regrouping the patients according to the cut‐off values found in the ROC analysis.

Results

The univariate analysis revealed that advanced age, decreases in PDW and also PLR could be predictors of cancer. The cut‐off values were as ≤48.9% for PDW and ≤133.3 for PLR. The values defined using ROC analysis were found to be statistically significant for PDW and PLR in identifying endometrioid grade 1 endometrial cancer. For PDW, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 52.8%, 62.2%, 68.9% and 45.5%, respectively (P = 0.001); for PLR, those were 55.9%, 59.4%, 68.8% and 45.7%, respectively (P = 0.005). In multivariate analysis, advanced age (>53 years), low PDW (≤48.9%) and low PLR (≤133.3) were related to statistically significant odds ratio for diagnostic prediction to differentiate endometrioid grade 1 cases from CAH/EIN of 8.01 (P < 0.001), 1.79 (P = 0.019) and 1.73 (P = 0.025), respectively.

Conclusions

The PLR and PDW values in the preoperative blood parameters could be used to differentiate endometrial cancer from precancerous lesions.
The Neoclassical Firm Under Moral Hazard
Authors: Rauh Michael T.
Published: May 2020

We develop a model of the neoclassical firm under moral hazard with endogenous capital and employment and perfectly competitive capital, labor and product markets. We assume that effort becomes harder to measure as the firm gets larger and the exogenous parameters are affiliated. The model explains why incentives decline but wages rise with firm size, the mixed evidence on the risk‐reward tradeoff, and the positive correlation between wages and profits. In the long run, incentives are increasing in risk via endogenous capital. Finally, the model makes novel predictions about the relationship between incentives and labor market conditions.
Spinal Cord Cavernous Malformations: MRI Commonly Shows Adjacent Intramedullary Hemorrhage
Authors: Panda Ananya , Diehn Felix E. , Kim Dong Kun , Bydon Mohamad , Goyal Anshit , Benson John C. , Carr Carrie M. , Rinaldo Lorenzo , Flemming Kelly D. , Lanzino Giuseppe
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There is a relative paucity of radiology literature on spinal cord cavernous malformations (SCMs). We hypothesized that the classic MRI features of cavernous malformations are not highly prevalent. The purpose was to review MR imaging findings of SCMs with a focus on prevalence of hemorrhagic features, including adjacent intramedullary hemorrhage at initial presentation.

METHODS

In this single‐institution study, 78 SCMs in 76 patients diagnosed on imaging/pathology were retrospectively evaluated for size, location, cord expansion, exophytic component, popcorn morphology, signal characteristics, including T1 weighted (T1w) and T2w rims, blood‐fluid levels, and adjacent intramedullary hemorrhage. Intramedullary hemorrhage was defined as centrally and/or eccentrically located linear or flame shaped non‐edematous signal abnormality extending longitudinally away from SCMs, distinct from lesional rim.

RESULTS

Sixty‐three percent (49/78) of SCMs measured <1 cm in length, 78% (61/78) extended to the cord surface, 65% (51/78) were expansile, and 32% (25/78) were exophytic. Popcorn morphology was seen in 15% (12/78) on T1w and 22% (17/78) on T2w. Internal blood‐fluid levels were evident in 4% (3/78). Sixty‐nine percent (54/78) showed T2w hypointense rims; the T2w rim was complete/near‐complete in 37% (29/78). A rim on T1w was visible in 49% (38/78); this was hyperintense in 58% (22/38). Adjacent intramedullary hemorrhage was seen in 45/78 (58%), was most commonly bidirectional in 67% (30/45) and eccentric in 68% (30/44). Cord edema was seen in 22% (17/78); 53% (9/17) also demonstrated intramedullary hemorrhage with edema.

CONCLUSIONS

The classically described popcorn morphology, internal blood‐fluid levels, and complete/near‐complete T2w hypointense rims are often absent on MRIs in SCMs. Adjacent intramedullary hemorrhage is frequently present, often eccentric and bidirectional.
Evaluation of the masticatory biomechanical function in Down syndrome and its Influence on sleep disorders, body adiposity and salivary parameters
Authors: Gomes Mônica Fernandes , Giannasi Lilian Chrystiane , Fillietaz‐Bacigalupo Elaine , de Mancilha Gabriela Pinto , de Carvalho Silva Gabriela Raine , Soviero Laura Dias , da Silva Gabriella Yasmin Santos , Nazario Letícia de Miguel , Dutra Marignês Theotonio dos Santos , Silvestre Pedro Ribeiro , de Oliveira Luis Vicente Franco , Nacif Sérgio Roberto , de Oliveira Ezequiel Fernandes , Serafim Irene Moreira , Pereira Bruna Dicieri , Greca Amanda Reis , Goulart Maria das Graças Vilela , Rode Sigmar de Mello , Tanaka Marcia Hiromi , Koga‐Ito Cristiane Yumi , Amorim José Benedito de Oliveira , Salgado Miguel Angel Castillo
Published: May 2020

Objective

To evaluate the phenotypic features of the masticatory biomechanics in atypical subjects with Down syndrome (DS). Its influence was analysed on sleep disorders, body adiposity and its risks, and some physicochemical properties of saliva.

Methods

Seventy subjects were enrolled to assess masticatory biomechanical function and divided into two groups: DS and control groups. Electrical activities of the masseter and temporal muscles (at rest and in maximum voluntary clench‐MVC), maximum bite force‐MBF and maximum mouth opening‐MMO were investigated. Among the atypical subjects, just 24 participants underwent the anthropometry, the polysomnography II and the saliva testing (salivary flow rate‐SFR, buffer capacity‐BC and salivary cortisol levels, morning/SC‐AM and night/SC‐PM).

Results

MVC and MBF values showed high statistical significance in the control group (P < .001) than in the DS group of 35. MMO values were slightly increased in the DS group in relation to the control group. Overweight and obesity were found in both genders. Atypical women showed higher risk to develop cardiovascular‐metabolic diseases than in atypical men. OSA severe was 20% for atypical women and 42.8% for atypical men, whereas snoring index was present in all genders. SFR was reduced in 100% of atypical subjects (hyposalivation in 10% women and 28.5% men). Furthermore, 100% BC, 66.6% SC‐AM and 91.6% SC‐PM showed normal patterns.

Conclusion

Masseter and temporal muscle hypotonia was found in all atypical subjects with DS. This muscle dysfunction strongly was related to overweight/obesity, risks for development of cardiovascular/metabolic diseases, OSA severity, successive snoring episodes and salivary flow reduction in DS.
Clinical Study of the Influence of Ambient Lighting Conditions on the Mesh Quality of an Intraoral Scanner
Authors: Revilla‐León Marta , Subramanian Sai Ganesh , Özcan Mutlu , Krishnamurthy Vinayak Raman
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To compute the effect of ambient light illuminance settings on the mesh quality of the digital scans accomplished in a subject.

Material and methods

A subject was recruited. The maxillary dentition did not present any dental restoration. A prosthodontist recorded different complete‐arch maxillary digital scans by using an IOS (TRIOS 3; 3Shape) under 4 different illuminance light conditions namely chair light at 10,000‐lux illuminance (CL group), room light at 1000‐lux illuminance (RL group), natural light at 500‐lux illuminance (NL group), and no light at 0‐lux luminosity (ZL group). Ten digital scans for each group were consecutively obtained. Mesh quality was examined using the iso2mesh MATLAB package. Shapiro‐Wilk test revealed a nonnormally distributed data. Kruskal‐Wallis one‐way ANOVA, and pair‐wise comparison were selected to evaluate the data (α = 0.05).

Results

Significant differences in mesh quality values were measured among the groups (p < 0.001). Pair‐wise comparisons revealed that significant difference was found across all pairs of lighting groups, except for the RL‐NL comparison (p = 0.279). However, the CL condition obtained the highest mean values, followed by RL and NL groups, and the lowest mean values were obtained on the ZL lighting condition.

Conclusions

Chair light at 10,000‐lux illuminance condition is recommended to maximize the quality mesh values of the IOS system tested (TRIOS 3; 3Shape).
Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia in children: A review
Authors: Lopez Robert N , Day Andrew S
Published: May 2020

Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia is an uncommon condition that usually presents early in childhood. This incurable condition is consequent to underlying lymphatic abnormalities that lead to loss of lymphatic contents into the intestinal lumen. This article outlines an approach to the assessment of children presenting with characteristic features and consideration of other conditions that could lead to enteric protein loss. An overview of the management of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia is outlined.
Effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 and temperature on the management of powdery mildew of zucchini
Authors: Gullino Maria Lodovica , Tabone Giulia , Gilardi Giovanna , Garibaldi Angelo
Published: May 2020

The impact of combined environmental factors, such as temperature and CO2, on the control of the powdery mildew of zucchini, caused by Podosphaera xanthii, and of different control measures has been studied on plants grown in phytotrons. Five experimental trials were conducted, and the powdery mildew severity of both treated and untreated zucchini plants was found to be significantly affected by the interaction between temperature (three different regimes: 16–18; 18–22; 22–26°C), CO2 (two concentrations: 400–450 and 800–850 ppm) and the treatments. However, at the end of the trials, the efficacy of all the products was not affected by the different, tested environmental conditions. Sulphur consistently provided the highest disease control (75%–85% efficacy). Among the resistant inducers that were tested, calcium oxide was the most effective, in terms of powdery mildew control under all the conditions tested in phytotrons, reducing disease severity from 46% to 61%. Foliar applications of phosphite (14%–28% efficacy), Ampelomyces quisqualis (12%–23% efficacy) and potassium silicate (13%–24% efficacy) only slightly reduced the disease severity for all the tested temperature regimes and CO2 concentrations, compared to the untreated control. The results obtained under our experimental conditions show that a possible increase in CO2 concentration and temperature, which is expected for the next few years, should not influence the efficacy of the tested resistance inducers or of sulphur against powdery mildew on zucchini. Moreover, the suppressive effect of calcium oxide is in light of its possible use in greenhouses for zucchini powdery mildew control under 400–450 ppm of CO2 and under enriched condition of 800–850 ppm of CO2.
Cryptic Haploid Stages in the Life Cycle of Leathesia marina (Chordariaceae, Phaeophyceae) Under In Vitro Culture
Authors: Poza Ailen M. , Santiañez Wilfred John E. , Croce M. Emilia , Gauna M. Cecilia , Kogame Kazuhiro , Parodi Elisa R.
Published: May 2020

We evaluated the life cycle of Leathesia marina through molecular analyses, culture studies, morphological observations, and ploidy measurements. Macroscopic sporophytes were collected from two localities in Atlantic Patagonia and were cultured under long‐day (LD) and short‐day (SD) conditions. Molecular identification of the microscopic and macroscopic phases was performed through the cox3 and rbcL genes and the phylogeny was assessed on the basis of single gene and concatenated datasets. Nuclear ploidy of each phase was estimated from the DNA contents of individual nuclei through epifluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Molecular results confirmed the identity of the Argentinian specimens as L. marina and revealed their conspecificity with L. marina from New Zealand, Germany, and Japan. The sporophytic macrothalli (2n) released mitospores from plurilocular sporangia, which developed into globular microthalli (2n), morphologically similar to the sporophytes but not in size, constituting a generation of small diploid thalli, with a mean fluorescent nuclei cross‐sectional area of 3.21 ± 0.7 μm2. The unilocular sporangia released meiospores that developed two morphologically different types of microthalli: erect branched microthalli (n) with a nuclear area of 1.48 ± 0.07 µm2 that reproduces asexually, and prostrate branched microthalli (n) with a nuclear area of 1.24 ± 0.10 µm2 that reproduces sexually. The prostrate microthalli released gametes in LD conditions, which merged and produced macroscopic thalli with a nuclear cross‐sectional area of 3.45 ± 0.09 µm2. Flow cytometry confirmed that the erect and prostrate microthalli were haploid and that the globular microthalli and macrothalli were diploid.
Same‐day surgery may reduce the risk of losing pain perception in dogs with thoracolumbar disc extrusion
Authors: Martin S. , Liebel F. X. , Fadda A. , Lazzerini K. , Harcourt‐Brown T.
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To compare the proportions of dogs with thoracolumbar disc extrusion that lose pelvic limb pain perception if surgery is performed on the day of admission or delayed overnight. To describe the outcome of those dogs that deteriorate to lose pain perception.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective, single centre study on 273 client‐owned dogs with thoracolumbar disc extrusion and intact pain perception, but inability to walk unaided on their pelvic limbs. Dogs were subdivided into two groups: early surgery (spinal decompression between their examination at day of admission and the following morning), and delayed surgery (did not undergo surgery between admission and the following morning). The proportion of dogs that lost pelvic limb pain perception overnight was compared between the early and delayed surgery groups.

Results

Seven of 151 dogs in the early surgery group lost pain perception overnight compared to 15 of 122 in the delayed surgery group (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.025). Number‐needed‐to‐treat analysis suggested that 14 dogs (95% confidence interval: 7–106 dogs) need early surgery to prevent one losing pain perception overnight. Five of the seven dogs that lost pain perception in the early surgery group recovered pain perception by 3 weeks post‐operatively, compared to eight of 14 in the delayed group.

Clinical Significance

This study suggests that an overnight delay before spinal decompression increases the risk of clinically meaningful deterioration in dogs unable to walk following thoracolumbar disc extrusion.
Macroevolutionary patterns in seed component mass and different evolutionary trajectories across seed desiccation responses
Authors: Chen Si‐Chong , Wu La‐Mei , Wang Bo , Dickie John B.
Published: May 2020

Seed coat and seed reserve show substantial mass variation, play different roles in plant life strategies and are shaped by different selective forces. However, remarkably little is known about the macroevolution of the relative allocation in seed components and its influence on important ecophysiological processes.

Using phylogenetic comparative methods and evolutionary modelling approaches, we modelled mass changes in seed components along individual lineages for 940 species and compared the patterns across seed desiccation responses.

Seed component allocation was driven primarily by changes in reserve mass rather than coat mass, as evolutionary rates in reserve mass significantly outpaced those in coat mass. Although the scaling patterns between reserve mass and coat mass were similar across desiccation responses, desiccation‐sensitive seeds allocated more and evolved faster in reserve compared to desiccation‐tolerant seeds.

The findings emphasize the relative importance of reserve to coat in the evolution of plant reproductive strategies, revealing potential ecological advantages gained by enlarged reserve. As the first quantification of the evolutionary tempo and mode of seed component mass, our study allows a detailed interpretation of evolutionary pathways underlying seed storage behaviours and advances the understanding of the evolution of desiccation sensitivity in seeds.
Outcomes of Femoral Neck Fractures Treated with Cannulated Internal Fixation in Elderly Patients: A Long‐Term Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Ju Fa‐xin , Hou Rui‐xing , Xiong Jin , Shi Hong‐fei , Chen Yi‐xin , Wang Jun‐fei
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the long‐term efficacy of cannulated internal fixation in patients who sustain femoral neck fracture (FNF) and risk factors influencing the outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed data from 73 elderly patients aged ≥60 years old, hospitalized for FNF and treated with cannulated internal fixation between August 2008 and July 2016. The inclusion criteria were: (i) patients aged ≥60 years; (ii) patients with recent femoral neck fracture, with times of injury ranging from 12–72 h; and (iii) patients who underwent Garden II–IV closed reduction and internal fixation. Patients were classified based on the Garden fracture type and Pauwels angle. Clinical data and radiographs before and after the surgery were collected. Subsequently, surgery was performed with the patient in supine position, under general or lumbar epidural anesthesia. Closed reduction was performed until satisfactory fracture reduction quality was achieved. The weight of all included patients were <75 kg, and thus, minimal internal fixation was performed. The ischemic necrosis of the femoral head was diagnosed by considering the symptoms, signs, and radiological findings. Harris hip scores were used to evaluate postoperative recovery of hip function. Furthermore, relationships between Garden fracture type and necrosis rate of the femoral head, Pauwels angle and necrosis rate of the femoral head, Garden fracture type and Harris hip score, and age and Harris hip score were analyzed.

Results

The mean duration of surgery was 1 ± 0.17 h and blood loss for all the patients was approximately 15 mL. The included patients were followed up for 13–128 months, with an average follow‐up of 61 months. Among the included 73 patients, 65 (89.0%) exhibited satisfactory union, seven (9.6%) had femoral head necrosis, and one (1.4%) had nonunion. For seven patients with femoral head necrosis, there were two, two, and three patients classified as Garden IV, Garden III, and Garden II, respectively, and two and five patients classified as Pauwels II and Pauwels III, respectively. Among the seven cases, four underwent hip replacement. Garden fracture type was not significantly associated with femoral head necrosis (χ2 = 0.44, P > 0.05) or Harris score (χ2 = 1.43, P > 0.05). Patients with Pauwels I (0%) and II (4.3%) fractures exhibited a significantly lower necrosis rate than those with Pauwels III fractures (41.7%) (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Cannulated internal fixation was more suitable for older Chinese patients with Pauwels I/II fractures than those with Pauwels III fractures.
I'm afraid! Children's experiences of being anesthetized
Authors: Andersson Lisbet , Karlsson Katarina , Johansson Pauline , Almerud Österberg Sofia
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Children experience anesthetization as stressful, and many preoperative measures have been tested for reducing their anxiety. There is, however, little research about children's own experiences and thoughts about being anesthetized.

Aims

The aim of the present study was thus to explain and understand the meaning of being anesthetized as experienced by children.

Methods

A qualitative lifeworld hermeneutic approach was used. Data were collected through nonparticipant video observations, field notes, and interviews. The participants were children (n = 28) aged 4‐13 years who required general elective minor surgery performed in four Swedish hospitals.

Results

The four interpreted themes describe the children's experiences of being anesthetized: Being powerless, Striving for control, Experiencing an ambiguous comprehensibility, and Seeking security. The children struggled with anxiety as a result of their inability to protect themselves from perceived external threats while being anesthetized. In order to meet their needs, it would be beneficial for them to receive appropriate information in a calm, supportive, and protective environment.

Conclusion

The reasons for children experiencing anxiety when being anesthetized are multifaceted, and this study highlights the importance of listening to each child's own voice and striving to create an individually adapted caring and safe environment with as much protection as possible.
Toward a multifaceted understanding of Lareau's “sense of entitlement”: Bridging sociological and psychological constructs
Authors: Golann Joanne W. , Darling‐Aduana Jennifer
Published: May 2020

In her influential ethnographic study, Lareau proposed that intensive middle‐class parenting strategies produce in children a “sense of entitlement” that can be used to gain advantages in schools and other institutional settings. In this article, we review both sociological and psychological studies to propose a multifaceted understanding of a sense of entitlement that challenges the assumption that the consequences of entitlement are exclusively positive. We also compare “sense of entitlement” with four psychological constructs—academic entitlement, help‐seeking, interpersonal control, and agentic engagement—that provide critical clues for subsequent empirical efforts. Our study highlights the benefits of bridging sociological and psychological work, not only to connect related disciplines and concepts, but also to assess and refine theory.
Social Network Analysis for Coronavirus (COVID‐19) in the United States
Authors: Yum Seungil
Published: May 2020

Objectives

This study explores how public key players play an important role in social networks for coronavirus (COVID‐19).

Methods

This study employs social network analyses based on 2,864 Twitter users and 2,775 communications of Twitter.

Results

This study finds that President Trump plays the most important role in social networks among the top 20 key players for both in‐degree centrality and content in tweets. Second, Donald Trump and Barak Obama show the opposite result for the in‐degree centrality and follower analysis. The result shows that the topic‐based networks and the person‐based networks play a different role in social networks. This study demonstrates that the presidents, the World Health Organization (WHO) and its regional offices, the Centers for Disease Control, and news channels play a crucial role in the news of COVID‐19 for people. Key players, such as Donald Trump, Barack Obama, and BBC, are located in the central networks. In contrast, U.S. news channels and WHO and its regional offices have independent channels.

Conclusions

Governments should understand the characteristics of public key players to provide information for COVID‐19 in a timely manner.
Contrast‐enhanced voiding urosonography: A new, radiation‐free, alternative method for imaging of urinary bladder and urethra in healthy dogs
Authors: Trikoupi Georgia , Papadopoulou Paraskevi , Papadopoulou Frederica , Theodoridis Alexandros , Papazoglou Lysimachos , Patsikas Michael
Published: May 2020

Contrast‐enhanced voiding urosonography (CE‐VUS) has been generally considered as a promising tool to diagnose vesicoureteral reflux and abnormalities in lower urinary tract in human patients, especially in children. The purpose of this prospective study is to evaluate the quality of images of the urinary bladder and urethra obtained by CE‐VUS using a second‐generation ultrasound contrast agent (SonoVue®) in healthy dogs and to investigate the safety profile of SonoVue® after intravesical administration. Eighty‐four CE‐VUS examinations with SonoVue® were successfully performed in both unsedated (39/84) and sedated (45/84) dogs. Contrast‐enhanced voiding urosonography examination of urinary bladder was technically successful in all (84/84) dogs. The image quality was not considered adequate in five (5/84) dogs including three dogs in whom layering of contrast media during filling phase was observed and two dogs with premature destruction of microbubbles. In these five dogs, the problem was readily recognized and corrected such that the procedure was still successfully undertaken. The assessment of the urethra during spontaneous micturition was successfully performed in all (84/84) dogs in whom voiding was elicited during the examination. No side effects were observed after intravesical application of SonoVue®. This study demonstrates that CE‐VUS is a feasible and valuable technique to evaluate low urinary tract morphology and function in dogs. Based on our review of the literature, there are no published reports about the use of this method in dogs.
Impact of persulphate mixed with paper sludge on activated sludge dewaterability
Authors: Wang Sen , Cheng Saige , Xiao Xueli , Lai Fan
Published: May 2020

FeSO4 was used to activate K2S2O8 mixed with paper sludge to condition activated sludge, and its effect on sludge dewaterability was investigated. Interaction effects of various parameters on sludge dewaterability were investigated and analysed by considering the moisture content of cake, specific resistance to filtration (SRF) and capillary suction time (CST) as indicators and the Box–Behnken design of response surface methodology (RSM). Results indicated that the moisture content of cake, SRF and CST decreased from 74.52 to 69.57%, 25.39 × 1012 to 11.80 × 1012 m/kg and 199.8 to 146.4 s, respectively, under optimal conditions. RSM results presented that only 0.13% of the response values cannot be interpreted with this model, and the three‐factor interaction was observed to be significant. Additionally, sludge dewaterability mechanism observed that K2S2O8 mixed with paper sludge used the strong oxidising properties of SO4−• to crack sludge flocs. Fine fibres and calcium carbonate in the paper sludge played important roles as the skeleton support in the sludge filtration process, and the internal moisture was rapidly eliminated.
Variations in received levels on a sound and movement tag on a singing humpback whale: Implications for caller identification
Authors: Stimpert Alison K. , Lammers Marc O. , Pack Adam A. , Au Whitlow W. L.
Published: May 2020

Bio-logging devices are advancing the understanding of marine animal behavior, but linking sound production and behavior of individual baleen whales is still unreliable. Tag placement potentially within the near field of the sound source creates uncertainty about how tagged animal sounds will register on recorders. This study used data from a tagged singing humpback whale to evaluate this question of how sound levels present on a tag when calls are produced by a tagged animal. Root-mean-square (rms) received levels (RLs) of song units ranged from 112 to 164 dB re 1 μPa rms, with some, but not all, of the lower frequency units registering on the tag's 800 Hz accelerometer sensor. Fifty-nine percent of recorded units measured lower acoustic RLs than previously reported source levels for humpback song, but signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) were 30–45 dB during periods of the dive with low noise. This research highlights that tag RL does not alone predict caller identity, argues for higher SNR thresholds if using SNR to inform decisions about the source of a call, and provides a baseline for future research identifying diagnostic properties of tagged animal calls in cetacean bioacoustic tag datasets.
Core progress in AI has stalled in some fields
Authors: Hutson Matthew
Published: May 2020

When tuned up, old algorithms can match the abilities of their successors.
Sick chinchillas languish at farms that supply researchers
Authors: Wadman Meredith
Published: May 2020

Years of animal welfare violations documented by USDA.
Revisiting rights in an ever-evolving world
The Coming Good Society
William F. Schulz and Sushma Raman
Harvard University Press, 2020. 328 pp.
Authors: Greenbaum Dov
Published: May 2020

Data and genetic privacy join proposed privileges for nonhumans, robots, and nature
The Length of Lipoteichoic Acid Polymers Controls Staphylococcus aureus Cell Size and Envelope Integrity
Authors: Hesser Anthony R. , Matano Leigh M. , Vickery Christopher R. , Wood B. McKay , Santiago Ace George , Morris Heidi G. , Do Truc , Losick Richard , Walker Suzanne
Published: May 2020

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) is a common cause of community- and hospital-acquired infections and is responsible for a large fraction of deaths caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
S. aureus
is surrounded by a complex cell envelope that protects it from antimicrobial compounds and other stresses. Here, we show that controlling the length of an essential cell envelope polymer, lipoteichoic acid, is critical for controlling
S. aureus
cell size and cell envelope integrity. We also show that genes involved in LTA length regulation are required for resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics in MRSA. The proteins encoded by these genes may be targets for combination therapy with an appropriate beta-lactam.
Comparison of Two Commercial Molecular Tests and a Laboratory-Developed Modification of the CDC 2019-nCoV Reverse Transcriptase PCR Assay for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Moore Nicholas M. , Li Haiying , Schejbal Debra , Lindsley Jennifer , Hayden Mary K.
Published: May 2020

We compared the ability of 2 commercial molecular amplification assays (RealTime SARS-CoV-2 on the
m
2000 [abbreviated ACOV; Abbott] and ID Now COVID-19 [abbreviated IDNOW; Abbott]) and a laboratory-developed test (modified CDC 2019-nCoV reverse transcriptase PCR [RT-PCR] assay with RNA extraction by eMag [bioMérieux] and amplification on QuantStudio 6 or ABI 7500 real-time PCR system [abbreviated CDC COV]) to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA in upper respiratory tract specimens.
Butyrate Reprograms Expression of Specific Interferon-Stimulated Genes
Authors: Chemudupati Mahesh , Kenney Adam D. , Smith Anna C. , Fillinger Robert J. , Zhang Lizhi , Zani Ashley , Liu Shan-Lu , Anderson Matthew Z. , Sharma Amit , Yount Jacob S.
Published: May 2020

Butyrate is a lipid produced by intestinal bacteria. Here, we newly show that butyrate reprograms the innate antiviral immune response mediated by type I interferons (IFNs). Many of the antiviral genes induced by type I IFNs are repressed in the presence of butyrate, resulting in increased virus infection and replication. Our research demonstrates that metabolites produced by the gut microbiome, such as butyrate, can have complex effects on cellular physiology, including dampening of an inflammatory innate immune pathway resulting in a proviral cellular environment. Our work further suggests that butyrate could be broadly used as a tool to increase growth of virus stocks for research and for the generation of vaccines.
Delayed presentation of acute ischemic strokes during the COVID-19 crisis
Authors: Schirmer Clemens M , Ringer Andrew J , Arthur Adam S , Binning Mandy J , Fox W Christopher , James Robert F , Levitt Michael R , Tawk Rabih G , Veznedaroglu Erol , Walker Melanie , Spiotta Alejandro M
Published: May 2020

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted established care paths worldwide. Patient awareness of the pandemic and executive limitations imposed on public life have changed the perception of when to seek care for acute conditions in some cases. We sought to study whether there is a delay in presentation for acute ischemic stroke patients in the first month of the pandemic in the US.

Methods

The interval between last-known-well (LKW) time and presentation of 710 consecutive patients presenting with acute ischemic strokes to 12 stroke centers across the US were extracted from a prospectively maintained quality database. We analyzed the timing and severity of the presentation in the baseline period from February to March 2019 and compared results with the timeframe of February and March 2020.

Results

There were 320 patients in the 2-month baseline period in 2019, there was a marked decrease in patients from February to March of 2020 (227 patients in February, and 163 patients in March). There was no difference in the severity of the presentation between groups and no difference in age between the baseline and the COVID period. The mean interval from LKW to the presentation was significantly longer in the COVID period (603±1035 min) compared with the baseline period (442±435 min, P<0.02).

Conclusion

We present data supporting an association between public awareness and limitations imposed on public life during the COVID-19 pandemic in the US and a delay in presentation for acute ischemic stroke patients to a stroke center.
Forest bioenergy harvesting changes carbon balance and risks biodiversity in boreal forest landscapes
Authors: Repo Anna , Eyvindson Kyle , Halme Panu , Mönkkönen Mikko
Published: May 2020

Climate solutions relying on forest bioenergy may be in conflict with carbon sequestration and storage by forests as well as conservation of biodiversity. We quantified effects of forest-residue harvesting for bioenergy on both forest carbon balance and biodiversity in a boreal forest landscape. Through a modeling framework, we simulated forest development in four real watersheds with three scenarios: (i) with and (ii) without forest-residue harvesting and (iii) set aside to study the conservation potential of these landscapes in the future without management. We simulated changes in the forest carbon stocks and in the quality and quantity of deadwood resources for 100 years and combined this information with the information on species habitat associations based on expert judgements. In this study, current practices of slash and stump harvesting reduced forest carbon stocks and deadwood volumes at the landscape scale and, consequently, halved the emissions savings that can be obtained with bioenergy. In addition, logging-residue harvesting reduced 15%–21% of the combined species conservation capacity of the landscape for red-listed, saproxylic species compared with forest management without bioenergy harvesting. Furthermore, the results indicated a potential conflict between areas of high bioenergy potential and high conservation potential.
The DeLeaves: a UAV device for efficient tree canopy sampling
Authors: Charron Guillaume , Robichaud-Courteau Thomas , La Vigne Hughes , Weintraub Samantha , Hill Andy , Justice Douglas , Bélanger Nicolas , Lussier Desbiens Alexis
Published: May 2020

Tree canopy sampling is critical in many forestry-related applications, including ecophysiology, foliar nutrient diagnostics, remote sensing model development, genetic analysis, and biodiversity monitoring and conservation. Many of these applications require foliage samples that have been exposed to full sunlight. Unfortunately, current sampling techniques are severely limited in cases where site topography (e.g., rivers, cliffs, canyons) or tree height (i.e., branches located above 10 m) make it time-consuming, expensive, and possibly hazardous to collect samples. This paper reviews the recent developments related to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based tree sampling and presents the DeLeaves tool, a new device that can be installed under a small UAV to efficiently sample small branches in the uppermost canopy (i.e., <25 mm stem diameter, <500 g total weight, any orientation). Four different sampling campaigns using the DeLeaves tool are presented to illustrate its real-life use in various environments. So far, the DeLeaves tool has been able to collect more than 250 samples from over 20 different species with an average sampling time of 6 min. These results demonstrate the potential of UAV-based tree sampling to greatly enhance key tasks in forestry, botany, and ecology.
Wear behavior of B4C reinforced Al 6063 matrix composite electrodes fabricated by stir casting method
Authors: Mathalai Sundaram C. , Radha Krishnan B. , Harikishore S. , Vijayan V.
Published: May 2020

The objective of the present study was to predict the surface topological characteristics of Al–B4C composite electrodes and oil hardened, non-shrinking (OHNS) die steel in the electrical discharge machining (EDM) process. The surface characteristics of the composite electrodes were evaluated using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and EDAX analysis. The surface roughness and hardness of the OHNS die steel were measured using a Stylus probe and Brinell hardness tester, respectively. The composite electrodes were prepared with Al 6063 and B4C materials. In the stir casting process, the two materials were mixed at the molten state at different compositions. The chemical composition of the composite electrodes were analyzed by SEM and EDAX testing. The surface roughness of the OHNS steel was measured using a Brinell hardness tester. Based on SEM and EDAX results, 92% Al 6063, 8% B4C produced the best surface roughness in OHNS die steel.
The Cayley transform in complex, real and graded K-theory
Authors: Bourne Chris , Kellendonk Johannes , Rennie Adam
Published: May 2020

We use the Cayley transform to provide an explicit isomorphism at the level of cycles from van Daele [Formula: see text]-theory to [Formula: see text]-theory for graded [Formula: see text]-algebras with a real structure. Isomorphisms between [Formula: see text]-theory and complex or real [Formula: see text]-theory for ungraded [Formula: see text]-algebras are a special case of this map. In all cases, our map is compatible with the computational techniques required in physical and geometrical applications, in particular, index pairings and Kasparov products. We provide applications to real [Formula: see text]-theory and topological phases of matter.