bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unified Neural Encoding of BTFs
Authors: Rainer Gilles , Ghosh Abhijeet , Jakob Wenzel , Weyrich Tim
Published: July 2020

Realistic rendering using discrete reflectance measurements is challenging, because arbitrary directions on the light and view hemispheres are queried at render time, incurring large memory requirements and the need for interpolation. This explains the desire for compact and continuously parametrized models akin to analytic BRDFs; however, fitting BRDF parameters to complex data such as BTF texels can prove challenging, as models tend to describe restricted function spaces that cannot encompass real‐world behavior. Recent advances in this area have increasingly relied on neural representations that are trained to reproduce acquired reflectance data. The associated training process is extremely costly and must typically be repeated for each material. Inspired by autoencoders, we propose a unified network architecture that is trained on a variety of materials, and which projects reflectance measurements to a shared latent parameter space. Similarly to SVBRDF fitting, real‐world materials are represented by parameter maps, and the decoder network is analog to the analytic BRDF expression (also parametrized on light and view directions for practical rendering application). With this approach, encoding and decoding materials becomes a simple matter of evaluating the network. We train and validate on BTF datasets of the University of Bonn, but there are no prerequisites on either the number of angular reflectance samples, or the sample positions. Additionally, we show that the latent space is well‐behaved and can be sampled from, for applications such as mipmapping and texture synthesis.
Illumination‐Guided Furniture Layout Optimization
Authors: Vitsas N. , Papaioannou G. , Gkaravelis A. , Vasilakis A. A.
Published: July 2020

Lighting plays a very important role in interior design. However, in the specific problem of furniture layout recommendation, illumination has been either neglected or addressed with empirical or very simplified solutions. The effectiveness of a particular layout in its expected task performance can be greatly affected by daylighting and artificial illumination in a non‐trivial manner. In this paper, we introduce a robust method for furniture layout optimization guided by illumination constraints. The method takes into account all dominant light sources, such as sun light, skylighting and fixtures, while also being able to handle movable light emitters. For this task, the method introduces multiple generic illumination constraints and physically‐based light transport estimators, operating alongside typical geometric design guidelines, in a unified manner. We demonstrate how to produce furniture arrangements that comply with important safety, comfort and efficiency illumination criteria, such as glare suppression, under complex light‐environment interactions, which are very hard to handle using empirical or simplified models.
Single Sensor Compressive Light Field Video Camera
Authors: Hajisharif Saghi , Miandji Ehsan , Guillemot Christine , Unger Jonas
Published: July 2020

This paper presents a novel compressed sensing (CS) algorithm and camera design for light field video capture using a single sensor consumer camera module. Unlike microlens light field cameras which sacrifice spatial resolution to obtain angular information, our CS approach is designed for capturing light field videos with high angular, spatial, and temporal resolution. The compressive measurements required by CS are obtained using a random color‐coded mask placed between the sensor and aperture planes. The convolution of the incoming light rays from different angles with the mask results in a single image on the sensor; hence, achieving a significant reduction on the required bandwidth for capturing light field videos. We propose to change the random pattern on the spectral mask between each consecutive frame in a video sequence and extracting spatio‐angular‐spectral‐temporal 6D patches. Our CS reconstruction algorithm for light field videos recovers each frame while taking into account the neighboring frames to achieve significantly higher reconstruction quality with reduced temporal incoherencies, as compared with previous methods. Moreover, a thorough analysis of various sensing models for compressive light field video acquisition is conducted to highlight the advantages of our method. The results show a clear advantage of our method for monochrome sensors, as well as sensors with color filter arrays.
A Survey of Multifragment Rendering
Authors: Vasilakis A. A. , Vardis K. , Papaioannou G.
Published: July 2020

In the past few years, advances in graphics hardware have fuelled an explosion of research and development in the field of interactive and real‐time rendering in screen space. Following this trend, a rapidly increasing number of applications rely on multifragment rendering solutions to develop visually convincing graphics applications with dynamic content. The main advantage of these approaches is that they encompass additional rasterised geometry, by retaining more information from the fragment sampling domain, thus augmenting the visibility determination stage. With this survey, we provide an overview of and insight into the extensive, yet active research and respective literature on multifragment rendering. We formally present the multifragment rendering pipeline, clearly identifying the construction strategies, the core image operation categories and their mapping to the respective applications. We describe features and trade‐offs for each class of techniques, pointing out GPU optimisations and limitations and provide practical recommendations for choosing an appropriate method for each application. Finally, we offer fruitful context for discussion by outlining some existing problems and challenges as well as by presenting opportunities for impactful future research directions.
State‐of‐the‐art in Automatic 3D Reconstruction of Structured Indoor Environments
Authors: Pintore Giovanni , Mura Claudio , Ganovelli Fabio , Fuentes‐Perez Lizeth , Pajarola Renato , Gobbetti Enrico
Published: July 2020

Creating high‐level structured 3D models of real‐world indoor scenes from captured data is a fundamental task which has important applications in many fields. Given the complexity and variability of interior environments and the need to cope with noisy and partial captured data, many open research problems remain, despite the substantial progress made in the past decade. In this survey, we provide an up‐to‐date integrative view of the field, bridging complementary views coming from computer graphics and computer vision. After providing a characterization of input sources, we define the structure of output models and the priors exploited to bridge the gap between imperfect sources and desired output. We then identify and discuss the main components of a structured reconstruction pipeline, and review how they are combined in scalable solutions working at the building level. We finally point out relevant research issues and analyze research trends.
Major central nervous system complications after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: A large retrospective study on 888 consecutive adult patients
Authors: Mannina Daniele , Berneking Laura , Both Anna , Timm Wiebke , Urbanowicz Tatiana , Wolschke Christine , Ayuketang Ayuk Francis , Fischer Nicole , Fiehler Jens , Grzyska Ulrich , Rösner Sabine , Choe Chi‐Un , Kröger Nicolaus , Christopeit Maximilian
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Major complications affecting the central nervous system (CNS) present a challenge after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT).

Methods

Incidence, risk factors, and outcome were retrospectively analyzed in 888 patients in a monocentric study.

Results

Cumulative incidence (CI) of major CNS complications at 1 year was 14.8% (95%CI 12.3%‐17.2%). Median follow‐up is 11 months. CNS complications were documented in 132 patients: in 36 cases, classified metabolic; 26, drug‐related neurotoxicity (14 attributed to cyclosporine A, 4 to antilymphocyte globulin); 11, cerebrovascular (ischemic n = 8, bleeding n = 3); 9, infections; 9, psychiatric; and 9, malignant. The cause of CNS symptoms remained unclear for 37 patients (28%). Multivariate analysis demonstrated an association of CNS complication with patient age (P < .001). The estimated OS of patients with any CNS complication was significantly lower than in patients without neurological complications (P < .001), and the CI of non‐relapse mortality (NRM) was higher for patients with CNS complication (P < .001). A significant negative impact on survival can only be demonstrated for metabolic CNS complications and CNS infections (NRM, P < .0001 and P = .0003, respectively), and relapse (P < .0001).

Conclusion

CNS complications after allo‐SCT are frequent events with a major contribution to morbidity and mortality. In particular, the situations of unclear neurological complications need to be clarified by intensive research.
The relative importance of plasticity versus genetic differentiation in explaining between population differences; a meta‐analysis
Authors: Stamp Megan A. , Hadfield Jarrod D.
Published: July 2020

Both plasticity and genetic differentiation can contribute to phenotypic differences between populations. Using data on non‐fitness traits from reciprocal transplant studies, we show that approximately 60% of traits exhibit co‐gradient variation whereby genetic differences and plasticity‐induced differences between populations are the same sign. In these cases, plasticity is about twice as important as genetic differentiation in explaining phenotypic divergence. In contrast to fitness traits, the amount of genotype by environment interaction is small. Of the 40% of traits that exhibit counter‐gradient variation the majority seem to be hyperplastic whereby non‐native individuals express phenotypes that exceed those of native individuals. In about 20% of cases plasticity causes non‐native phenotypes to diverge from the native phenotype to a greater extent than if plasticity was absent, consistent with maladaptive plasticity. The degree to which genetic differentiation versus plasticity can explain phenotypic divergence varies a lot between species, but our proxies for motility and migration explain little of this variation.
Spatial resolution and location impact group structure in a marine food web
Authors: Ohlsson Mikael , Eklöf Anna
Published: July 2020

Ecological processes in food webs depend on species interactions. By identifying broad‐scaled interaction patterns, important information on species' ecological roles may be revealed. Here, we use the group model to examine how spatial resolution and proximity influence group structure. We examine a data set from the Barents Sea, with food webs described for both the whole region and 25 subregions. We test how the group structure in the networks differ comparing (1) the regional metaweb to subregions and (2) subregion to subregion. We find that more than half the species in the metaweb change groups when compared to subregions. Between subregions, networks with similar group structure are spatially related. Interestingly, although species overlap is important for similarity in group structure, there are notable exceptions. Our results highlight that species ecological roles vary depending on fine‐scaled differences in the patterns of interactions, and that local network characteristics are important to consider.
In vivo characterization of minipig skin as a model for dermatological research using multiphoton microscopy
Authors: Alex Aneesh , Chaney Eric J. , Žurauskas Mantas , Criley Jennifer M. , Spillman Darold R. , Hutchison Phaedra B. , Li Joanne , Marjanovic Marina , Frey Steve , Arp Zane , Boppart Stephen A.
Published: July 2020

Minipig skin is one of the most widely used non‐rodent animal skin models for dermatological research. A thorough characterization of minipig skin is essential for gaining deeper understanding of its structural and functional similarities with human skin. In this study, three‐dimensional (3‐D) in vivo images of minipig skin was obtained non‐invasively using a multimodal optical imaging system capable of acquiring two‐photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) images simultaneously. The images of the structural features of different layers of the minipig skin were qualitatively and quantitatively compared with those of human skin. Label‐free imaging of skin was possible due to the endogenous fluorescence and optical properties of various components in the skin such as keratin, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAD(P)H), melanin, elastin and collagen. This study demonstrates the capability of optical biopsy techniques, such as TPEF and FLIM, for in vivo non‐invasive characterization of cellular and functional features of minipig skin, and the optical image‐based similarities of this commonly utilized model of human skin. These optical imaging techniques have the potential to become promising tools in dermatological research for developing a better understanding of animal skin models, and for aiding in translational pre‐clinical to clinical studies.
Further insight into the neurobehavioral pattern of children carrying the 2p16.3 heterozygous deletion involving NRXN1: Report of five new cases
Authors: Alfieri Paolo , Scibelli Francesco , Sinibaldi Lorenzo , Valeri Giovanni , Caciolo Cristina , Novello Roberta Lucia , Novelli Antonio , Digilio Maria Cristina , Tartaglia Marco , Vicari Stefano
Published: July 2020

Increasing evidence links heterozygosity for NRXN1 gene deletions to a clinically wide spectrum of neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, and neurological disorders. However, to date, the neurocognitive and social communication features of children carrying this genomic rearrangement have not been assessed in detail. The cognitive and behavioral profiles of five children carrying a heterozygous NRXN1 deletion were investigated through systematic assessment of the cognitive and developmental levels, adaptive profile and presence of behavioral symptoms and autistic features. Furthermore, four transmitting parents were assessed by means of cognitive, psychopathological and parental stress tests. A below‐average cognitive level was documented in all children, and defective adaptive levels were observed in four of them. Three of the five children were diagnosed as having autism spectrum disorder in comorbidity with intellectual disability/global developmental delay, with a major impairment in social communication skills. The remaining two children presented with isolated intellectual disability and an unclassifiable neurodevelopmental disorder, respectively. This study provide data contributing to a more accurate characterization of the neurobehavioral phenotype of individuals carrying heterozygous NRXN1 deletions. This analysis indicates that these structural rearrangements are associated with a variable expression of neuropsychiatric symptoms, and cast some doubts about the incomplete penetrance of the disorder.
What drives the labor share of income in South Korea? A regional analysis
Authors: Kim David , Kim Woo‐Yung
Published: July 2020

This study takes a regional approach to analyzing what drives labor's share of income for South Korea over 2000–2014. First, we document empirically that changes in the labor share within a region are the dominant component of the change in the aggregate labor share of national income. To study the dynamic determinants of the labor share of income at the regional level, a panel vector autoregression (PVAR) model is estimated to examine how the regional labor share responds to innovations in an array of variables suggested by theoretical models. Consistent with theory, we confirm that technology, capital intensity and market concentration are the key variables explaining the labor share dynamics. Furthermore, we analyze the effects of trade openness and R&D expenditures on the regional labor share. Interestingly, we find that the labor share shows a different pattern of responses to the identified shocks depending upon the type of regions, that is, whether it is in the metropolitan or provincial areas. We also discuss the implications of our results for both theory and policy.
TAXATION IN MATCHING MARKETS
Authors: Dupuy Arnaud , Galichon Alfred , Jaffe Sonia , Kominers Scott Duke
Published: July 2020

We analyze the effects of taxation in two‐sided matching markets where agents have heterogeneous preferences over potential partners. Our model provides a continuous link between models of matching with and without transfers. Taxes generate inefficiency on the allocative margin, by changing who matches with whom. This allocative inefficiency can be nonmonotonic, but is weakly increasing in the tax rate under linear taxation if each worker has negative nonpecuniary utility of working. We adapt existing econometric methods for markets without taxes to our setting, and estimate preferences in the college‐coach football market. We show through simulations that standard methods inaccurately measure deadweight loss.
Determining the seasonality of respiratory syncytial virus in Slovenia
Authors: Grilc Eva , Prosenc Trilar Katarina , Lajovic Jaro , Sočan Maja
Published: July 2020

Background

In Slovenia, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) surveillance is based on national laboratory data. The weeks with more than 10% of samples tested positive compose RSV epidemic season. The use of real‐time multiplex PCR, which identifies other respiratory pathogens in parallel with RSV, caused more testing but the percentage of RSV positives lowered. The 10% threshold was reached with delay, which raised concern about its suitability for defining RSV seasonality.

Methods

To describe the seasonality of RSV, the onset, offset and duration of the RSV epidemic season across 10 years (from week 40, 2008/2009 to week 39, 2017/2018), four calculative methods were deployed including moving epidemic method, MEM, and epidemiological parameters were compared.

Results

In 10 years, 10 969 (12%) out of 90 264 samples tested positive for RSV. The number of tested samples increased remarkably from the first to last season with a drop in the percentage of positive samples from 23% to 10%. The onset of RSV epidemic varied considerably regardless of the calculative method used (from 10 to 13 weeks). The unevenness in the RSV epidemic season end was also observed. The average duration of RSV epidemic season was the shortest when moving epidemic method has been used (15.7 weeks) and longest with ≥3% method (22.9 weeks).

Conclusion

The ≥3% calculative method could be used as an early warning of the RSV season. However, ≥7% calculative method was found to be reliable enough to define the epidemiological parameters of an ongoing season and to support public health response. The potential of the moving epidemic method should be further explored.
Rationale for participation in venous leg ulcer clinical research: Patient interview study
Authors: Weller Carolina D. , Richards Catelyn , Turnour Louise , Team Victoria
Published: July 2020

Recruitment to wound care clinical trials is challenging and a better understanding of patient decisions to participate has the potential to influence recruitment success. We conducted 31 semi‐structured telephone interviews of patients who participated in the Aspirin in Venous Leg Ulcer (ASPiVLU) randomised controlled trail (RCT) or ASPiVLU cohort study. Data were coded and analysed using thematic analysis. We identified four key themes: (a) “I participated to help others”; (b) “I participated in research to thank those who cared for me”; (c) “I participated to receive better care”; and (d) “I participated to have a say on what works.” These themes became basic elements for the Rationale for Research Participation Framework that we have developed to improve the participant recruitment process for clinical trials in wound care.
Determining the liquidus viscosity of glass‐forming liquids through differential scanning calorimetry
Authors: Zheng Qiuju , Zheng Jinfeng , Solvang Mette , Yue Yuanzheng , Mauro John C.
Published: July 2020

Viscosity at the liquidus temperature (TL), ηL, is a critical parameter for the design of new glasses, particularly for industrial glass production where crystallization must be suppressed. However, a direct viscometric determination of ηL for a glass‐forming system is difficult due to crystallization. Here we propose an alternative approach for determining ηL through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Specifically, DSC is used to measure both the viscosity curve and liquidus temperature of a glass‐forming system and then derive its ηL value. The ηL values determined using DSC are found to be in excellent agreement with those measured through viscometry. The DSC approach is applicable to various glass‐forming systems covering a wide range of fragilities and ηL values spanning over five orders of magnitude. Other advantages of this approach are its accuracy and small sample requirements.
Avian developmental rates are constrained by latitude and migratoriness – A global analysis
Authors: Minias Piotr , Włodarczyk Radosław
Published: July 2020

Aim

It has long been recognized that tropical bird species demonstrate a wide range of traits characteristic for slow life histories, as indicated by lower investment in reproduction, slower senescence or slower physiological pace of life. Nevertheless, evidence for latitudinal variation in avian developmental rates has, so far, been inconclusive and based on limited geographic or phylogenetic sampling. The aim of this study was to test for global associations of avian developmental rates with latitude and migratoriness.

Location

Global.

Taxon

Birds.

Methods

We compiled data on developmental (incubation and fledging) periods of 3,500 passerine and non‐passerine bird species distributed worldwide, which represented nearly all extant avian orders and families. Associations of developmental periods with latitude and migratoriness were analysed with phylogenetically informed comparative models that controlled for major sources of variation in developmental rates (body mass, clutch size, and developmental mode across altricial‐precocial spectrum).

Results

Our analyses provided support for a negative latitudinal gradient in the duration of fledging, but not incubation period. After controlling for latitude, we also found that migratory birds showed faster developmental rates than resident species. Finally, we found that developmental rates were nonlinearly associated with clutch size (fastest developmental rates at intermediate clutch size) and that duration of fledging period had higher evolutionary lability than incubation period.

Main conclusions

Our global comparative analysis provided convincing and phylogenetically robust evidence for a long‐held hypothesis on latitudinal variation in avian developmental rates, although the pattern was apparent only at the post‐embryonic stage of development (fledging period). This challenges a common belief on longer incubation periods in tropics and indicates that incubation and fledging periods may differently respond to external environmental factors, which can possibly be driven by their different evolutionary lability. The results may contribute to our understanding of biogeographic variation in species diversity.
PREDICTING SYSTEMATIC RISK WITH MACROECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL VARIABLES
Authors: Cenesizoglu Tolga , Ibrushi Denada
Published: July 2020

We analyze the predictive power of several macroeconomic and financial indicators in forecasting quarterly realized betas of 30 industry and 25 size and book‐to‐market portfolios. We model realized betas as autoregressive processes of order 1 and include lagged values of macroeconomic and financial indicators as exogenous predictor variables. In out‐of‐sample forecasting exercises, forecasts using bond market variables as exogenous predictors statistically outperform forecasts from a benchmark model without any exogenous predictors. These forecasts based on bond market variables also economically outperform benchmark forecasts by providing better performance in hedging the market risk of portfolios.
JUMPS, NEWS, AND SUBSEQUENT RETURN DYNAMICS: AN INTRADAY STUDY
Authors: Xiao Yuewen , Yin Xiangkang , Zhao Jing
Published: July 2020

We detect jumps in a high‐frequency price series of exchange‐traded funds (ETFs) that track the broad indexes of U.S. equity markets. Although many jumps (43%) are related to macroeconomic news, more jumps (57%) are not. No‐news jumps are followed by significant return reversals for at least 60 minutes. The return dynamics after news‐related jumps vary with the news characteristics. Scheduled‐news jumps are followed by reversals, whereas unscheduled‐news jumps are followed by momentum. Whether related to news or not, negative jumps are followed by stronger return reversals than are positive jumps.
Cohort study of Helicobacter pylori infection and the risk of incident osteoporosis in women
Authors: Kim Tae Jun , Lee Hyuk , Min Yang Won , Min Byung‐Hoon , Lee Jun Haeng , Rhee Poong‐Lyul , Kim Jae J
Published: July 2020

Background and Aim

Previous studies suggested an association between Helicobacter pylori infection and osteoporosis; however, large‐scale longitudinal studies are lacking to elucidate this association.

Methods

A cohort study of 10 482 women without osteoporosis at baseline who participated in a repeated health‐screening examination including an H. pylori‐specific immunoglobulin G antibody test was conducted to evaluate the association between H. pylori and osteoporosis development. Osteoporosis was diagnosed using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry.

Results

During the 77 515.3 person‐years of follow‐up, women with H. pylori infection had a higher rate of incident osteoporosis than those who were uninfected. In a multivariable model adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI), menopausal status, smoking status, regular exercise, comorbidities (including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, stroke, or ischemic heart disease), and concomitant medications, the hazard ratio (HR) for incident osteoporosis in women with H. pylori infection compared with that in women without infection was 1.23 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–1.45). The association between H. pylori and osteopenia development was also evident. In the multivariable analysis, menopause (HR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.31–2.16) and increasing age (HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.06–1.08) were identified as significant risk factors for osteoporosis, whereas higher BMI (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.81–0.87) was a protective factor for the risk of osteoporosis.

Conclusions

In this cohort study, H. pylori infection was associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis, independent of risk factors and confounding factors.
Three‐dimensional reconstruction of the luminal structure of human seminal vesicle
Authors: Lee Je‐Sung , Yeo In‐Seung , Lee Hye‐In , Park Jung‐Ah , Koh Ki‐Seok , Song Wu‐Chul
Published: July 2020

The seminal vesicles are the glands of male reproductive organs that produce the fluid and nutrient constituents of semen. It has been believed for a long time that the lumen of a seminal vesicle was a single‐coiled tubular structure with irregular diverticula. There are several previous reports on the symmetry, differences in morphological sizes and classification of the seminal vesicles. However, a three‐dimensional‐coiled tubular structure is difficult to understand using a classical anatomical methodology, and hence, three‐dimensional reconstruction is needed to understand the structure of the lumen. Thirty‐one seminal vesicles harvested from 21 formalin‐embalmed cadavers were investigated. The seminal vesicle along with the ampulla of the ductus deferens was separated, and the length and width of each seminal vesicle were measured. The vesicles were then embedded in coloured paraffin, and the resulting paraffin block was sectioned transversely and photographed at an interval of 500 μm, with the sectioned surfaces then utilized in three‐dimensional reconstruction performed by ‘Reconstruct’ software. The mean length and width of the seminal vesicles were 39.4 mm and 13.4 mm, respectively, and the right seminal vesicle was a little larger than the one on the left. The size differed from previous reports, while the luminal structure was similar to the classification of Aboul‐azm (Archives of Andrology, 3, 1979, 287–292) but differed from that of Pereira (AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology, 69, 1953, 361–379). The seminal vesicles typically comprised about 9 curls and had about 12 diverticula. The seminal vesicles resembled a skein of coral rather than comprising a single strand. These findings will help in improving the understanding of pathophysiologies of the seminal vesicles, such as recurrent inflammation of the gland.
From neoliberalism to national developmentalism? Contested agrarian imaginaries of a postneoliberal future for food and farming
Authors: Tilzey Mark
Published: July 2020

This review examines three recent books that address the relationship between neoliberalism and agribusiness, on the one hand, and the demise of smallholder farming, traditional diets and the rise of diet‐related chronic illness, on the other. The first, by Timothy Wise, adopts what may be characterized as an ‘agrarian populist’ stance, constructing a universal binary between trans‐nationalizing agribusiness and a unified family farm sector. Protagonists from the latter are seen to embody the future, using agroecology to feed the world sustainably in a time of climate crisis. This is not a consistently propeasant stance, however; Wise seems rather to advocate a ‘farmer road’ to national capitalist development. The other two books, by Alyshia Galvez and Gerardo Otero, cover quite similar ground to one another, looking explicitly at the rise of neoliberalism, the decline of traditional farming and diets and the rise of processed food‐related diseases. Unlike ‘agrarian populists’, both authors privilege the state and ‘class struggle’ (sensu lato) in analysing the dynamics of neoliberalism, free trade agreements and food policies. Normatively, both see the state as pivotal in generating policies centred around smaller scale farming and the production of nutritious food for all. For Otero, like Wise, these policies seem to be tied to a form of national developmentalism as an escape route from neoliberalism. For Galvez, the future is less clear‐cut—although by inclination ‘propeasant’, she does not exclude elements of national developmentalism in envisioning a postneoliberal world.
Mechanisms to increase cascade testing in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer: Impact of introducing standardized communication aids into genetic counseling
Authors: Garcia Christine , Sullivan Mackenzie W. , Lothamer Heather , Harrison Kara M. , Chatfield Lindsay , Thomas Martha H. , Modesitt Susan C.
Published: July 2020

Aim

Precancer identification of women with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) could prevent 20% of these ovarian cancers. The objective was to determine whether standardized Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE) materials are acceptable, improve knowledge of HBOC and increase disclosure to family members.

Methods

A prospective cohort of women with breast or ovarian cancer was identified prior to genetic testing. Subjects completed a baseline knowledge survey and were provided three communication aids. Knowledge, acceptability and communication to family members were reassessed at 6 months and compared to a retrospective cohort who had undergone genetic testing for breast or ovarian cancer prior to the intervention. The primary outcome was increase in HBOC knowledge, requiring 20 pre‐ and postknowledge scores to detect a 10% difference.

Results

Forty women were enrolled. The median age at cancer diagnosis was 50 years and 55% had a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Though subjects found the resources acceptable, knowledge scores did not improve after their use. Disclosure rates were of no different between cohorts (83% preintervention vs 77% postintervention, P = 0.26) though there was an increase in deleterious mutation carriers, 0% (0/6) preintervention vs 100% (22/22) postintervention. Rates of subsequent testing in relatives were low in both preintervention and postintervention cohorts (0% vs 4.5%).

Conclusion

Inclusion of standardized communication tools is acceptable to patients. Knowledge did not improve after their use. In deleterious mutation carriers, disclosure rates increased postintervention.
Semen supports growth of Candida albicans: A putative risk factor for recurrence of vulvovaginal infections?
Authors: Rolo Joana , Caixeirinho Patrícia , Gomes‐Ruivo Patrícia , Gaspar Carlos , Fernandes Isaac , Palmeira‐de‐Oliveira Rita , Martinez‐de‐Oliveira José , Palmeira‐de‐Oliveira Ana
Published: July 2020

Aim

Vulvovaginal candidosis (VVC) is the second most common vaginal infection (20–25%), and about 90% of all VVC cases are caused by Candida albicans. Unprotected sexual intercourse has been implicated as one of the risk factors that lead to an outbreak of VVC. To further investigate the relevance of this particular risk factor, in this study, we aim to evaluate the effect of human semen in the promotion of the growth of C. albicans.

Methods

The disposable amount of 41 samples of semen obtained from infertility patients were included in this study, with informed consent. The spermogram and physical characteristics of the samples were performed at the Unit; this information was provided with the anonymity of the samples. Samples were inoculated with a calibrated suspension of C. albicans ATCC 10231 in culture media. After the incubation time, C. albicans CFU/mL was determined.

Results

We found that semen allowed the growth of C. albicans (4.30 ± 1.00 CFU/mL), but not as much as the culture medium (9.45 ± 1.90 CFU/mL). Interestingly, we found that the increase in viscosity impaired significantly C. albicans growth. In addition, in what respects to the rate of multiplication of C. albicans in semen, we observed two different trends. However, we found no relation between these and the physical characteristics of the semen samples in which these behaviors were differently observed.

Conclusion

Semen has the ability to sustain C. albicans growth, but further studies are needed to elucidate its role in VVC.
Response to Tiako and Stanford
Authors: Gower B. A. , Adele Fowler L. , Fernandez J. R.
Published: July 2020

Click here to view the Review Symposium by Gower & Fowler
Concurrent administration with multivalent metal cation preparations or polycationic polymer preparations inhibits the absorption of raltegravir via its chelation
Authors: Enoki Yuki , Suzuki Norihiro , Ito Motoyasu , Uchiyama Eri , Kishi Nagomi , Ito Chihiro , Kitahiro Yuki , Sakamoto Kazuki , Taguchi Kazuaki , Yokoyama Yuta , Kizu Junko , Matsumoto Kazuaki
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Raltegravir (RAL) that can form chelates with multivalent metal cations shows lateral interactions with multivalent metal cation and polycationic polymer. We investigated the interactions of RAL with multivalent metal cation preparations, Al(OH)3 and LaCO3, and polycationic polymer preparations, bixalomer (Bxl) and sevelamer (Svl).

Methods

Immediately before the oral administration of 40 mg/kg RAL, the rats were administered orally with the vehicle, Al(OH)3, LaCO3, Bxl, or Svl, and the time course of RAL serum concentration was followed. The in vitro binding affinity of RAL with multivalent metal cation and polycationic polymer was also evaluated using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC).

Results

When Al(OH)3, LaCO3, Bxl, or Svl was concomitantly administered with RAL, the maximum concentration and area under the curve were significantly lower than those when RAL was administered alone. ITC showed the interaction of RAL with Al(OH)3 as an enthalpy-driven reaction and its interactions with LaCO3 and Bxl as entropy–enthalpy mixed reactions.

Conclusions

The interaction of RAL with Al(OH)3, LaCO3, Bxl, or Svl can inhibit RAL absorption into the gastrointestinal tract, and thus, the multivalent metal cation and polycationic polymer are the modifying factors that can affect RAL pharmacokinetics.
Circadian rhythms and obesity: Timekeeping governs lipid metabolism
Authors: Li Yuying , Ma Jie , Yao Kang , Su Wenxuan , Tan Bie , Wu Xin , Huang Xingguo , Li Tiejun , Yin Yulong , Tosini Gianluca , Yin Jie
Published: July 2020

Almost all living organisms have evolved autoregulatory transcriptional‐translational feedback loops that produce oscillations with a period of approximately 24‐h. These endogenous time keeping mechanisms are called circadian clocks. The main function of these circadian clocks is to drive overt circadian rhythms in the physiology of the organisms to ensure that main physiological functions are in synchrony with the external environment. Disruption of circadian rhythms caused by genetic or environmental factors has long‐term consequences for metabolic health. Of relevance, host circadian rhythmicity and lipid metabolism are increasingly recognized to cross‐regulate and the circadian clock‐lipid metabolism interplay may involve in the development of obesity. Multiple systemic and molecular mechanisms, such as hormones (ie, melatonin, leptin, and glucocorticoid), the gut microbiome, and energy metabolism, link the circadian clock and lipid metabolism, and predictably, the deregulation of circadian clock‐lipid metabolism interplay can increase the risk of obesity, which in turn may exacerbate circadian disorganization. Feeding time and dietary nutrients are two of key environmental Zeitgebers affecting the circadian rhythm‐lipid metabolism interplay, and the influencing mechanisms in obesity development are highlighted in this review. Together, the characterization of the clock machinery in lipid metabolism aimed at producing a healthy circadian lifestyle may improve obesity care.
Clinical pharmacokinetics and outcomes of oral fluconazole therapy in dogs and cats with naturally occurring fungal disease
Authors: KuKanich Kate , KuKanich Butch , Lin Zhoumeng , Rankin Amy J. , Hanzlicek Andrew S. , Palerme Jean‐Sebastien , Bach Jonathan , Cook Audrey K. , Juracek Amy , Joo Hyun
Published: July 2020

This multi‐institutional study was designed to determine the clinical pharmacokinetics of fluconazole and outcomes in client‐owned dogs (n = 37) and cats (n = 35) with fungal disease. Fluconazole serum concentrations were measured. Pharmacokinetic analysis was limited to animals at steady state (≥72 hr of treatment). The mean (range) body weight in 31 dogs was 25.6 (2.8–58.2) kg and in 31 cats was 3.9 (2.4–6.1) kg included in pharmacokinetic analyses. The dose, average steady‐state serum concentrations (CSS), and oral clearance in dogs were 14.2 (4.5–21.3) mg/kg/d, 26.8 (3.8–61.5) µg/mL, and 0.63 ml min−1 kg−1, respectively, and in cats were 18.6 (8.2–40.0) mg/kg/d, 32.1 (1.9–103.5) µg/mL, and 0.61 ml min−1 kg−1, respectively. Random inter‐animal pharmacokinetic variability was high in both species. Two dogs had near twofold increases in serum fluconazole when generic formulations were changed, suggesting lack of bioequivalence. Median CSS for dogs and cats achieving clinical remission was 19.4 and 35.8 µg/ml, respectively. Starting oral doses of 10 mg/kg q12h in dogs and 50–100 mg total daily dose in cats are recommended to achieve median CSS associated with clinical remission. Due to the large pharmacokinetic variability, individualized dose adjustments based on CSS (therapeutic drug monitoring) and treatment failure should be considered.
Lasting modulation of human cortical swallowing motor pathways following thermal tongue stimulation
Authors: Magara Jin , Watanabe Masahiro , Tsujimura Takanori , Hamdy Shaheen , Inoue Makoto
Published: July 2020

Background

Thermal tactile oropharyngeal stimulation has been clinically used to facilitate swallowing initiation in dysphagic patients. We previously demonstrated that thermal stimulation applied to the oral cavity provokes an immediate excitability in pharyngeal motor cortex. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether thermal stimulation can produce longer lasting effects on the corticopharyngeal neural pathway.

Methods

Healthy volunteers (n = 8/12) underwent baseline pharyngeal motor evoked potential (PMEP) measurements evoked by transcranial magnetic stimulation. In the first experiment, subjects received thermal stimulation alternating 30 seconds of 15 and 36°C applied to the tongue surface for either 10 minutes, 5 minutes, or sham. In the second experiment, one of three intermittent thermal stimulus patterns was delivered: cold (alternating 30 seconds of 15 and 36°C), warm (continuous 36°C), or hot (alternating 30 seconds of 45 and 36°C) for 10 minutes. In both experiments, PMEP were remeasured every 15 minutes up to 60 minutes following thermal stimulation.

Key Results

Repeated measures ANOVA for each stimulus time in the first experiment showed a significant increased change in PMEP amplitude at 30 minutes following only 10‐minute stimulation compared with sham (P < .05). In the second experiment, we found that cold stimulation was more effective than the other stimulation (P < .05) at increasing PMEP amplitudes.

Conclusions and Inferences

Ten‐minute cold stimulation on the tongue can induce a delayed (30 minutes) increase in pharyngeal cortical excitability, providing a clinically useful therapeutic window for its application in dysphagic patients.
Virtual reality training enhances gait poststroke: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ghai Shashank , Ghai Ishan , Lamontagne Anouk
Published: July 2020

Virtual reality (VR)–based interventions are gaining widespread attention for managing neurological disorders such as stroke. A metastatistical consensus regarding the intervention is strongly warranted. In this study, we attempt to address this gap in the literature and provide the current state of evidence for the effects of VR on gait performance. We conducted both between‐ and within‐group meta‐analyses to provide a state of evidence for VR. Moreover, we conducted a search adhering to PRISMA guidelines on nine databases. Out of 1866 records, 32 studies involving a total of 809 individuals were included in this review. Considering all included studies, significant enhancements in gait parameters were observed with VR‐based interventions compared with conventional therapy. A between‐group meta‐analysis reported beneficial significant medium effects of VR training on cadence (Hedge's g = 0.55), stride length ((STrL; Hedge's g = 0.46), and gait speed (Hedge's g = 0.30). Similarly, a within‐group meta‐analysis further revealed positive medium effects of VR on cadence (Hedge's g = 0.76), STrL (Hedge's g = 0.61), and gait speed (Hedge's g = 0.69). Additional subgroup analyses revealed beneficial effects of joint application of VR and robot‐assisted gait training on gait speed (Hedge's g = 0.50). Collectively, findings from this review provide evidence for the effectiveness of VR‐based gait training for stroke survivors.
Magnitude and duration of excess of post‐exercise oxygen consumption between high‐intensity interval and moderate‐intensity continuous exercise: A systematic review
Authors: Panissa Valéria L. G. , Fukuda David H. , Staibano Victor , Marques Marcelo , Franchini Emerson
Published: July 2020

The present systematic review examined the effect of exercise intensity (high‐intensity interval exercise [HIIE] vs. moderate‐intensity continuous exercise [MICE] vs. sprint interval exercise [SIE]) on excess post‐exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). Twenty‐two studies were included in the final evaluation. The retrieved investigations were split into studies that analysed short‐duration (until 3 h) and long‐duration (more than 3 h) EPOC. Studies that subtracted the baseline energy expenditure (EE) were analysed separately from those that did not. Most short‐duration evaluations that subtracted baseline EE reported higher EPOC for HIIE (average of ~136 kJ) compared with MICE (average of ~101 kJ) and higher values for SIE (average of ~241 kJ) compared with MICE (average of ~151 kJ). The long‐duration evaluations resulted in greater EPOC for HIIE (average of ~289 kJ) compared with MICE (average of ~159 kJ), while no studies comparing SIE versus MICE provided appropriate values. EE from EPOC seems to be greater following HIIE and SIE compared with MICE, and long‐duration evaluations seem to present higher values than short‐duration evaluations. Additionally, more standardized methodologies are needed in order to determine the effective EPOC time following these protocols.
Cutaneous lipomas and macrocephaly as early signs of PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome
Authors: Martin Hélène , Bessis Didier , Bourrat Emmanuelle , Mazereeuw‐Hautier Juliette , Morice‐Picard Fanny , Balguerie Xavier , Chiaverini Christine ,   Groupe de Recherche de la Société Française de Dermatologie Pédiatrique
Published: July 2020

Background

The diagnosis of PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (PHTS) is difficult in children because they usually do not meet diagnostic criteria. The objective of our study was to characterize lipoma as an early presentation of PHTS.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of children with PHTS diagnosed in French academic hospitals from 2000 to 2019. We included patients presenting at least one lipoma and PTEN‐related disorder confirmed genetically.

Results

Thirteen children were included (mean age 5.5 years [range 2.5‐16]). All children had solitary (n = 5) or multiple (n = 8) lipomas, all located on the trunk. Clinical examination revealed macrocephaly in all patients. Genital lentiginosis was found in all patients in whom genitalia were examined (n = 6).

Conclusions

In addition to the classical presentation of PHTS with neurological disorders and macrocephaly, some patients, especially the youngest ones, have an initial dermatologic presentation with multiple lipomas. Search for penile freckling and macrocephaly in these patients allows for the diagnosis of PHTS. Lipomatosis should be a major diagnostic criterion in children.
Auditory attentional biases in young males with physical stature dissatisfaction
Authors: Cai Wenguan , Wang Lili , Chen Tingji , Zhao Song , Feng Chengzhi , Feng Wenfeng
Published: July 2020

The attentional biases toward body‐related information for individuals with weight concerns and eating disorders have been well documented. However, our knowledge of the attentional biases toward body‐related information for subjects with physical stature concerns is only at the beginning. And the research on the auditory attentional biases for individuals with physical stature concerns is rare. The identification of attentional biases may provide an impetus for interventions to reduce distress among height dissatisfied individuals. Therefore, the present study investigated the neural mechanisms of attentional bias toward auditory physical stature‐related words among height dissatisfied young males by using event‐related potential recordings. Forty‐four young male participants screened by Negative Physical Self Scale‐Stature Concerns subscale (NPS‐S) were assigned into an experimental group with high levels of height dissatisfaction (HHD) and a control group with low levels of height dissatisfaction (LHD). Task irrelevant auditory tall‐related words, short‐related words and neutral words were presented unilaterally to the participants as the cue in a cue‐target paradigm. Participants were required to respond to the visual target preceded by the task‐irrelevant auditory cue. The results found that significantly larger N2ac was elicited by tall‐related words than short‐related words and neutral words only for the HHD group, but not for the LHD group. LPCpc amplitudes did not differ significantly by the functions of word types and experimental groups. These results suggest an attentional orienting bias toward auditory tall‐related words for young males with high levels of height dissatisfaction.