bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The modified HoVert (mHoVert) method improves diagnostic certainty compared to the St John's protocol for alopecia biopsy specimens: A retrospective single center study
Authors: Adams Laura , Amphlett Alexander , Gardette Emma , Deroide Florence , Jones Jennifer
Published: May 2023

Background

Access to vertical and transverse sections of a punch biopsy specimen improves the diagnosis of alopecia. Both two biopsy specimen and single‐punch biopsy specimen techniques to visualize both transverse and vertical sections have been described. Their comparative diagnostic certainty is not known. We aimed to assess the diagnostic certainty of a modified HoVert (mHoVert) method, without direct immunofluorescence (DIF), compared to the St John's protocol, a two‐biopsy technique with DIF.

Methods

Fifty‐seven cases of alopecia processed using the St John's protocol and 60 cases of alopecia processed using mHoVert were reviewed. Diagnoses made were rated as certain/probable, possible, or uncertain, depending on the language in the histopathology report. Cases processed by the St John's protocol had final diagnosis and DIF result recorded.

Results

In the mHoVert group, significantly more diagnoses were certain/probable (66%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 57%–75%), compared to 46% (95% CI: 36%–56%) of diagnoses in the St John's protocol group (p = 0.005). DIF result did not affect the final diagnosis in any of the 57 cases reviewed.

Conclusions

DIF is not required in the diagnosis of most cases of alopecia. The mHoVert method provides more certain/probable diagnoses than the St John's protocol and can reduce cost and patient morbidity.
Interpersonal theory of suicide and stressful life events in a clinical sample of adolescents in Spain
Authors: Caro‐Cañizares Irene , Vila María Marín , Durán Pacheco Juan I. , Carballo Juan J.
Published: May 2023

Aims

The interpersonal theory of suicide (ITPS) provides a theoretical model for suicidal behaviour. It includes two interpersonal variables, thwarted belongingness (TB) and perceived burdensomeness (PB). This study tested the relationship between ITPS interpersonal variables and suicide risk (presence/absence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts throughout life) in a clinical sample of Spanish adolescents. We also assessed the potential mediation effect of these variables in the well‐established relationship between stressful life events (SLE) and suicide risk.

Methods

We recruited 147 adolescents aged 11–17 from the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Outpatient Services of the Jiménez Díaz Foundation (Madrid, Spain). Different questionnaires were administered to assess suicidal behaviour and SLE (SITBI, The Stressful Life Events Scale) and to calculate proxy measures for ITPS interpersonal factors (SDQ, STAXI‐NA, CDI).

Results

TB and PB significantly correlated with suicide risk. PB played a mediating role in the relationship between SLE and suicide risk: adolescents reporting SLE were more likely to enact suicide behaviours when they experienced higher PB. Patients scoring higher PB were more likely to receive more intense treatment but tended to abandon intervention promptly.

Conclusions

ITPS seems useful for predicting suicide risk in an adolescent clinical sample. The results suggest an important role for PB in the SLE‐suicide risk relationship and may impact the treatment process. Our exploratory findings should be addressed in future studies.
Dental students' clinical and academic experience during placement in a UK tertiary care children's hospital
Authors: Strang Alexander M. , Gartshore Laura M.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

There are well‐recognized difficulties across UK dental schools in recruiting paediatric patients who are willing to attend, have manageable dental disease, and do not require the behaviour management skills of an experienced dentist. This presents a concern for the skill development of the future workforce. At the School of Dentistry in Liverpool, the challenge to enable students to develop these core skills is supported by attendance at a tertiary care children's hospital. The present study investigates whether attendance of final‐year dental students at a children's hospital affects perceptions of their surgical experience, self‐reported preparation for working independently as a dentist, and understanding of specialist care.

Materials and Methods

A self‐administered online survey was distributed to final‐year dental students (2020–2021). Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered using mixed item formats for descriptive analysis. Questions addressed themes including experience of primary tooth exodontia, understanding of general anaesthetic dental care and multidisciplinary patient management.

Results

The response rate was 90% (n = 66). Attendance was beneficial to student learning and experience; responders reported increased surgical experience, self‐confidence and understanding of multidisciplinary care. Students developed insight into future career pathways.

Conclusion

The present study supports the use of external clinic rotations, known as outreach placements, for dental student training. The findings support existing literature demonstrating the value of outreach placements in providing an experience not available in dental school environments. Dental students' perceptions of their surgical experience, knowledge of specialist care, and preparedness for independent practice may be enhanced by attendance to outreach placements.
Canadians' travel knowledge acquisition during the pandemic: A cognitive mediation model approach
Authors: Huang Shuyue , Liang Lena Jingen , Choi Hwansuk Chris , Pang Sharon F. H.
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to improve Canada's preparedness to rejuvenate the economy in public health crises by understanding how potential tourists acquire knowledge using the cognitive mediation model. We examined the effect of media motivations (i.e., surveillance gratification and anticipated interaction) in predicting two types of subjective knowledge (i.e., pandemic knowledge and travel health knowledge) through the mediation of media attention and elaboration. The study results supported all hypotheses except for the relationships between surveillance gratification and media attention, and media attention and travel health knowledge. This study provides implications for destination marketing organizations to understand Canadians' travel decisions during the pandemic.
Efficient, stable, broadband cyan‐emitting Ca‐substituted Ba9Lu2Si6O24:Eu2+ with multisite luminescence for NUV‐wLEDs
Authors: Cao Min , Tian Junhang , Zhuang Weidong , Liu Ronghui , Liu Yuanhong , Chen Guantong , Wang Limin , Wang Jianwei
Published: May 2023

In order to develop an efficient and stable broadband cyan phosphor for full spectrum white lighting emitting diodes (wLEDs), novel Ba9Lu2Si6O24:Eu2+, xCa2+ is designed and synthesized. Ca‐substitution induces Eu2+ ions into Lu3+ crystallographic site, which achieve rare nonequivalent cation substitution of Eu2+. Effects of Ca‐substitution on crystal structure of matrix and phosphor are investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and density functional thoery (DFT). Ba9Lu2Si6O24:Eu2+, xCa2+ can be effectively excited by with near‐ultraviolet (NUV) and exhibit broadband cyan emission with full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 119.7 nm at x = 0.2, due to the multisite luminescence centers. For the sample x = 0.2, the internal quantum efficiency is 92.61%, and the luminous intensity at 423 K remains 89% of that measured at room temperature. The rigid structure of [SiO4]‐[LuO6]‐[SiO4] doped with Eu2+ ion makes Ca‐substituted samples exhibit excellent luminescence efficiency and thermal stability. Our work develops a significant strategy based on multisite cation regulation to explore NUV‐excited broadband cyan phosphors for full spectrum wLEDs.
A new approach to protect and extend longevity of the thermal barrier coating by an impermeable layer of silicon nitride
Authors: Bakkar Said , Zucha Elora , Beam Joseph , Flanagan Will H , Dixit Satish , Hossain Tim Z
Published: May 2023

A sample representation of a gas turbine engine blade, consisting of a nickel superalloy substrate with a deposited thermal barrier coating (TBC), was covered with silicon nitride, Si3N4, as an impermeable layer using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). The silicon nitride layer was used to seal the topcoat of yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) surface of the TBC to mitigate calcium–magnesium–aluminum–silicon oxide (CMAS) attack. CMAS testing was carried out on the covered and uncovered surfaces by melting a ratio of 25 mg/cm2 of CMAS powder onto the surface of each sample in a furnace at 1100°C for 1 h. The conformal surface reaction of the sealed layer confirmed no cracking or delamination at high temperatures. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs confirmed that the surface of YSZ was successfully sealed. The new coating of silicon nitride was shown to be a viable solution and technique to significantly block CMAS infiltration in porous thermal barrier coatings.
Severity of the Omicron SARS‐CoV‐2 variant compared with the previous lineages: A systematic review
Authors: Arabi Maryam , Al‐Najjar Yousef , Mhaimeed Nada , Salameh Mohammad A. , Paul Pradipta , AlAnni Jamal , Abdelati Ali A. , Laswi Ibrahim , Khanjar Bushra , Al‐Ali Dana , Elshafeey Abdallah , Mhaimeed Omar , Burney Zain , D'Souza Ashton , Sinha Pratyaksha , Bhatti Mohammad , Pillai Krishnadev V. , Homssi Moayad , Bshesh Khalifa , Yagan Lina , Zakaria Dalia
Published: May 2023

The Omicron variant was first detected in October 2021, which evolved from the original SARS‐CoV‐2 strain and was found to possess many mutations. Immune evasion was one of the notable consequences of these mutations. Despite Omicron exhibiting increased transmissibility, the rates of hospitalizations and deaths among patients infected with this variant were substantially lower when compared to other strains. However, concluding that the Omicron variant is less severe than other variants of SARS‐CoV‐2 requires consideration of multiple factors, including the vaccination status of infected patients as well as any previous infections with other variants. This review compiled data about any reported indicators of severity in Omicron‐infected patients, including studies comparing Omicron with other variants while adjusting for confounders. A comprehensive search was conducted using different databases to target any studies about Omicron. In total, 62 studies met our inclusion criteria and were included in this study. Many studies reported a significantly reduced risk of hospitalization, ICU admission, need for oxygenation/ventilation, and death in Omicron‐infected patients compared to patients infected with other variants, such as Delta. Some studies, however, reported comparable severity in Omicron infected patients as to other variants emphasizing a substantial risk for severe illness. Furthermore, the COVID‐19 vaccines were less effective against Omicron relative to previous lineages, except after receiving the booster dose. One study recommended vaccination during pregnancy, which may help prevent future cases of severe SARS‐CoV‐2 pneumonia in neonates and young infants due to the transfer of humoral response from the mother.
Effect of staining layer on roughness after progressive wear of monolithic ceramics
Authors: de Matos Jefferson David Melo , da Rocha Scalzer Lopes Guilherme , Queiroz Daher Antonio , Campos Tiago Moreira Bastos , de Carvalho Ramos Nathalia , Bottino Marco Antonio
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate staining layer behavior applied to high‐translucency zirconia (YZHT), feldspathic ceramics (FD), and zirconia‐reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) surfaces against different antagonists.

Methods and Materials

Monolithic ceramic discs (n = 120) (ø 12 mm; thickness, 1.2 mm; ISO 6872) were obtained, 30 from YZHT and FD, and 60 from ZLS CAD/CAM blocks (staining layer applied before or after the crystallization procedure). The specimens were divided into 12 subgroups (n = 10) according to the antagonists: steatite, polymer‐infiltrated ceramic, or zirconia. Mechanical cycling (1.5 × 104 cycles; 15 N; horizontal displacement, 6 mm; 1.7 Hz) and flexural strength tests (1 mm/min–1000 kg cell) were performed. The differences between final and initial roughnesses (Ra, Rz, and Rsm), the mass loss, and the flexural strength data were individually analyzed by two‐way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05).

Results

The roughnesses of all ceramics did not present a statistically significant difference before wear simulation: Ra (p = 0.3348), Rz (p = 0.5590), and Rsm (p = 0.5330). After the wear simulation, the Ra parameter was not affected by an interaction between ceramic and antagonist (p = 0.595). The Rz and Rsm parameters were affected only by the antagonist pistons (both, p = 0.000). The ceramics used in this study showed statistically significant differences in mass loss after the wear test (p < 0.0001). The additional firing (2 steps) of the ZLS2 led to a higher lost mass quantity.

Conclusion

All ceramics presented similar initial roughnesses and similar roughnesses after the wear simulation. The zirconia antagonist showed better performance against ceramics with high crystalline content.

Clinical Significance

It is clear that restorative materials must be carefully selected by dental practitioners according to indications, properties, and antagonists. The steatite antagonist, that is, an enamel analog, showed better performance against vitreous ceramics, while the zirconia antagonist showed better performance against ceramics with high crystalline content. Wear affects the surface roughnesses of the ceramics. Additional firing for the staining of the zirconia‐reinforced lithium silicate ceramic led to a greater loss of mass.
Investigating the compressibility and flowability of cocoa powders: A solution for chocolate industry
Authors: Ali Muhammad Azhar , Shaari Nor Shazwani , Yamin Muhammad , Sahar Amna , Yusof Yus Aniza
Published: May 2023

The flowability and compressibility properties were determined for two types of cocoa powders, which are used commercially in chocolate industries; alkalized and natural cocoa powders. Physical and flow properties have a very significant role in the flow behavior, which relates to the handling, transportation, and storage of bulk powders. Throughout the research, it was observed that the properties of both cocoa powders are similar. The objectives of this work are to compare the compressibility and flowability between alkalized and natural cocoa powders and to design the minimum opening size of hopper for mass flow based on their flow properties. Jenike's mathematical methodology is applied during the research for the design of conical hoppers for mass flow. Besides, powder flow analysis using powder flow analyzer is one of the testing methodologies in this research. In addition, direct shear box tests were performed with three different normal stresses. The alkalized cocoa powder needs 1.366 m in diameter for the opening of the hopper, while the natural cocoa powder needs 1.531 m. From the results of the study conducted, it was concluded that both cocoa powders are very cohesive and have poor flow properties. This research reveals that the physical and flow properties of two main types of cocoa powder contributed a lot to the process of hopper design, enhance process understanding, and also applicable for analyzing the powder behavior at any stage in industry.

Practical applications

Cocoa powder is the essential ingredient of chocolate manufacturing and other food industry having a chocolate‐like flavor including beverages, biscuits, desserts, and so forth. In chocolate industry, the flow behavior of cocoa powders can affect manufacturing efficiency, which directly affects the production capacity and product quality in terms of its weight and content uniformity. In this study, the critical design parameters such as hopper angle and size of opening were determined to improve the flowability of cocoa powders when passes through hopper. The findings of the present study make it possible for an accurate estimation of a correct intersection with the hopper flow factor line and effective angle of internal friction (δ), extrapolating the powder flow function ff curve to obtain hopper opening size for each cocoa powder for better flowability.
Defining potential targets of prenatal androgen excess: Expression analysis of androgen receptor on hypothalamic neurons in the fetal female mouse brain
Authors: Watanabe Yugo , Fisher Lorryn , Campbell Rebecca E. , Jasoni Christine L.
Published: May 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a female endocrine disorder that is associated with prenatal exposure to excess androgens. In prenatally androgenized (PNA) mice that model PCOS, GABAergic neural transmission to and innervation of GnRH neurons is increased. Evidence suggests that elevated GABAergic innervation originates in the arcuate nucleus (ARC). We hypothesized that GABA‐GnRH circuit abnormalities are a direct consequence of PNA, resulting from DHT binding to androgen receptor (AR) in the prenatal brain. However, whether prenatal ARC neurons express AR at the time of PNA treatment is presently unknown. We used RNAScope in situ hybridization to localize AR mRNA (Ar)‐expressing cells in healthy gestational day (GD) 17.5 female mouse brains and to assess coexpression levels in specific neuronal phenotypes. Our study revealed that less than 10% of ARC GABA cells expressedAr. In contrast, we found that ARC kisspeptin neurons, critical regulators of GnRH neurons, were highly colocalized withAr. Approximately 75% of ARCKiss1‐expressing cells also expressedArat GD17.5, suggesting that ARC kisspeptin neurons are potential targets of PNA. Investigating other neuronal populations in the ARC we found that ~50% of pro‐opiomelanocortin (Pomc) cells, 22% of tyrosine hydroxylase (Th) cells, 8% of agouti‐related protein (Agrp) cells and 8% of somatostatin (Sst) cells expressAr. Lastly, RNAscope in coronal sections showedArexpression in the medial preoptic area (mPOA), and the ventral part of the lateral septum (vLS). TheseAr‐expressing regions were highly GABAergic, and 22% of GABA cells in the mPOA and 25% of GABA cells in the vLS also expressedAr. Our findings identify specific neuronal phenotypes in the ARC, mPOA, and vLS that are androgen sensitive in late gestation. PNA‐induced functional changes in these neurons may be related to the development of impaired central mechanisms associated with PCOS‐like features.
Category of upper eyelid morphology and the preferred double eyelid shape in Asians according to questionnaire survey
Authors: Zhao Sinan , Zheng Dongfeng , Wang Shuqin , Yan Xin , Ge Huaqiang , Tan Qian
Published: May 2023

Background

The morphological classification of the upper eyelid in Asian people is complex and diverse and usually not consistent with what we know well.

Aims

To improve the classification of upper eyelid morphology and investigate the preferred double eyelid shape by Asian people.

Methods

An investigation of 640 patients' preferences for double eyelid shape was conducted, and the pre‐ and post‐operative effects were assessed. The shapes of the natural eyelids of 247 people (485 eyes) who provided real photographs of the eyelids were counted. The chi‐square test was used to analyze the differences.

Results

There were 10 eyelid shapes: single eyelid, parallel‐shaped double eyelid, fan‐shaped double eyelid, parallel fan‐shaped double eyelid, opened fan‐shaped double eyelid, crescent‐shaped double eyelid, hidden‐shaped double eyelid, horizontal‐shaped double eyelid, triangle‐shaped double eyelid, and multiple‐fold eyelid. The difference in the shape of the natural eyelid between males and females was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The most popular eyelid shapes were single eyelid (24.9%), open fan‐shaped double eyelid (21.0%), fan‐shaped double eyelid (16.3%), and hidden‐shaped double eyelid (12.6%). Men and women preferred a parallel fan‐shaped double eyelid (18.0%), a parallel‐shaped double eyelids (17.0%), and an open fan‐shaped double eyelids (18.1%).

Conclusions

The most popular upper eyelid shapes were single eyelid, open fan‐shaped double eyelid, and fan‐shaped double eyelid. The parallel fan‐shaped, parallel‐shaped, and open fan‐shaped double eyelid were favored by men and women.
Fatigue behavior of multilayer ceramic structures in traditional and reverse layering designs
Authors: Contreras Lisseth Patricia Claudio , Rodrigues Camila Silva , Zucuni Camila Pauleski , Valandro Luiz Felipe , Marocho Susana Maria Salazar , de Melo Renata Marques
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study evaluated the fatigue failure load (FFL) and the number of cycles for fatigue failure (CFF) of traditional (porcelain layer up) and reversed (zirconia layer up) designs of porcelain‐veneered zirconia samples prepared with heat‐pressing or file‐splitting techniques.

Materials and Methods

Zirconia discs were prepared and veneered with heat‐pressed or machined feldspathic ceramic. The bilayer discs were bonded onto a dentin‐analog according to the bilayer technique and sample design: traditional heat‐pressing (T‐HP), reversed heat‐pressing (R‐HP), traditional file‐splitting with fusion ceramic (T‐FC), reversed file‐splitting with fusion ceramic R‐FC), traditional file‐splitting with resin cement (T‐RC), and reversed file‐splitting with resin cement (R‐RC). The fatigue tests were performed using the stepwise approach at 20 Hz, 10,000 cycles/step, step‐size of 200 N starting at 600 N, and proceeding until failure detection or up to 2600 N if enduring. The failure modes (from radial and/or cone cracks) were analyzed in a stereomicroscope.

Results

The reversed design decreased the FFL and CFF of bilayers prepared with heat‐pressing and file‐splitting with fusion ceramic. The T‐HP and T‐FC reached the highest results, which were statistically similar between them. The bilayers prepared by the file‐splitting with resin cement (T‐RC and R‐RC) were similar to the R‐FC and R‐HP groups regarding FFL and CFF. Almost all reverse layering samples failed by radial cracks.

Conclusions

The reverse layering design did not improve the fatigue behavior of porcelain veneered zirconia samples. The three bilayer techniques behaved similarly when used in the reversed design.
Mild‐to‐moderate obstructive sleep apnea and mortality risk in a general population sample: The modifying effect of age and cardiovascular/cerebrovascular comorbidity
Authors: Vgontzas Alexandros N. , Karagkouni Efthalia , He Fan , Li Yun , Karataraki Maria , Fernandez‐Mendoza Julio , Bixler Edward O.
Published: May 2023

About 5.4%–45.7% of the general population has mild‐to‐moderate obstructive sleep apnea (mmOSA), which is highly comorbid with cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular diseases (CBVD). We examined the association between mmOSA and all‐cause mortality and the modifying effect of age and CBVD. A total of 1681 adults 20–88 years old from the Penn State Adult Cohort (PSAC) (41.9% male) were followed up for 20.1 ± 6.2 years for all‐cause mortality. Mild and moderate OSA were defined as an apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) 5–14.9 and 15–29.9 events/hour, respectively. CBVD was defined as a report of a physician diagnosis or treatment for heart disease and/or stroke. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate all‐cause mortality adjusted for confounders. All‐cause mortality risk was significantly increased in the mmOSA group in young and middle‐aged adults (<60 years) (HR = 1.59, 95%CI 1.08–2.04) but not in older adults (≥60 years) (HR = 1.05, 95%CI 0.80–1.39). A synergistic effect between mmOSA and CBVD was stronger in those <60 years (HR = 3.82, 95%CI 2.25–6.48 in <60 years vs 1.86 95%CI 1.14–3.04 in ≥60 years). There was an additive effect between moderate OSA and hypertension in <60 but not in those ≥60 years. Mild OSA was associated with all‐cause mortality only in the presence of CBVD. Mortality risk is increased in young and middle‐aged adults with moderate OSA, whereas the mortality risk associated with mild OSA is elevated only, regardless of age, in the presence of comorbid CBVD. AHI cut‐offs warranting treatment of mmOSA may need to be adjusted based on age and comorbidities.
MHC class II genes mediate susceptibility and resistance to coronavirus infections in bats
Authors: Schmid Dominik W. , Meyer Magdalena , Wilhelm Kerstin , Tilley Tatiana , Link‐Hessing Thomas , Fleischer Ramona , Badu Ebenezer K. , Nkrumah Evans Ewald , Oppong Samuel Kingsley , Schwensow Nina , Tschapka Marco , Baldwin Heather J. , Vallo Peter , Corman Victor M. , Drosten Christian , Sommer Simone
Published: May 2023

Understanding the immunogenetic basis of coronavirus (CoV) susceptibility in major pathogen reservoirs, such as bats, is central to inferring their zoonotic potential. Members of the crypticHipposiderosbat species complex differ in CoV susceptibility, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are the best understood genetic basis of pathogen resistance, and differences in MHC diversity are one possible reason for asymmetrical infection patterns among closely related species. Here, we aimed to link asymmetries in observed CoV (CoV‐229E, CoV‐2B and CoV‐2Bbasal) susceptibility to immunogenetic differences amongst fourHipposiderosbat species. From the 2072 bats assigned to their respective species using the mtDNAcytochrome bgene, members of the most numerous and ubiquitous species,Hipposideros caffer D, were most infected with CoV‐229E and SARS‐related CoV‐2B. Using a subset of 569 bats, we determined that much of the existent allelic and functional (i.e. supertype) MHC DRB class II diversity originated from common ancestry. One MHC supertype shared amongst all species, ST12, was consistently linked to susceptibility with CoV‐229E, which is closely related to the common cold agent HCoV‐229E, and infected bats and those carrying ST12 had a lower body condition. The same MHC supertype was connected to resistance to CoV‐2B, and bats with ST12 were less likely be co‐infected with CoV‐229E and CoV‐2B. Our work suggests a role of immunogenetics in determining CoV susceptibility in bats. We advocate for the preservation of functional genetic and species diversity in reservoirs as a means of mitigating the risk of disease spillover.
A deep learning framework based on improved self‐supervised learning for ground‐penetrating radar tunnel lining inspection
Authors: Huang Jian , Yang Xi , Zhou Feng , Li Xiaofeng , Zhou Bin , Lu Song , Ivashov Sergey , Giannakis Iraklis , Kong Fannian , Slob Evert
Published: May 2023

It is not practical to obtain a large number of labeled data to train a supervised learning network in tunnel lining nondestructive testing with ground‐penetrating radar (GPR). To decrease the dependence of supervised learning on the number of labeled data, an improved self‐supervised learning algorithm—self‐attention dense contrastive learning (SA‐DenseCL)—is proposed and incorporated with a mask region‐convolution neural network (Mask R‐CNN), which is trained by unlabeled and labeled GPR data. The proposed SA‐DenseCL adds a self‐attention‐based relevant projection head to the DenseCL architecture of self‐supervised learning, capturing the spatially continuing information between adjacent GPR traces. In the workflow, some unlabeled GPR images are used to pre‐train the SA‐DenseCL network for feature extraction and obtaining the backbone weights, which is superior to the conventional pre‐training methods of supervised learning pre‐trained by ImageNet images. The weights of the pre‐trained backbone are then used to initialize the Mask R‐CNN through transfer learning. Subsequently, a limited number of labeled GPR images are used to fine‐tune the Mask R‐CNN for automatically identifying the locations of the reinforcement bars and voids and estimating the secondary lining thickness. The experimental results show that the average precision reaches 96.70%, 81.04%, and 94.67% in identifying reinforcement bar locations, detecting void defects, and estimating secondary lining thickness, respectively, which outperform the conventional methods that use ImageNet‐based supervised learning or GPR image‐based DenseCL for initializing the Mask R‐CNN backbone weights. It is observed that the improved self‐supervised learning‐based framework can improve the detection and estimation accuracy in GPR tunnel lining inspection.
‘The True Love of the People and the Motherland’: The concept of socialist patriotism, socialist nation and anti‐nationalism in Hungary in the 1960s and 1970s
Authors: Pap Milán
Published: May 2023

In the late 1950s, the concept of socialist patriotism in Hungary was reformulated as a basic political concept in the ideology and propaganda of state socialism. The definite appropriation of Leninist contraposition of socialist patriotism and bourgeois nationalism became paramount in the second half of the 1950s because of the nationalist sentiments of the 1956 revolution. I trace the history of the concept of socialist patriotism in the 1960s and 1970s in socialist Hungary. During this period, socialist patriotism served as a slightly undetermined, yet didactic counter‐concept to set against ‘bourgeois nationalism’ which was characterised as a xenophobic sense of nation. From the late 1960s, the doctrine of socialist patriotism confronted a new ideological enemy: supra‐nationalism or cosmopolitanism. In the mid‐1970s, a new ideological equilibrium was elaborated in Hungary between socialist patriotism and proletarian internationalism, which served the economic and political integration of the Eastern bloc countries. In this sense, socialist patriotism was meant to express a link with socialist political order, its achievements and its institutions, in contrast to the ethnic character and revanchist tendencies of nationalism.
Effects of cancer‐associated fibroblasts deletion using HSVtk suicide system in OSCC
Authors: Ye Chuanjin , Zhang Xiaoxin , Wang Yuhan , Jing Yue , Song Yuxian , Celentano Antonio , Ni Yanhong
Published: May 2023

Objective

To evaluate the biological characteristics of oral cancer cells co‐cultured with cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs)‐HSVtk and to assess the reliability of the CAFs‐HSVtk suicide system in a co‐culture model.

Methods

CAFs were lentivirus‐transfected with PCDH‐HSVtk. Ganciclovir (GCV) was added and the survival rates of the CAFs‐HSVtk were measured. In parallel with the selective elimination of CAFs, comparison was made of the effects of CAF‐HSVtk on tumor cell proliferation/migration in a CAFs‐tumor co‐cultural system. Cell death of co‐cultured oral cancer cells was evaluated by flow cytometry.

Results

Q‐PCR analysis showed that the expression of HSVtk in the CAFs‐HSVtk group was significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.01). The survival rates of CAFs‐HSVtk with GCV were significantly reduced (p < 0.01). Following selective depletion of CAFs‐HSVtk, the growth and migration rates of oral cancer cells co‐cultured with CAFs‐HSVtk were reduced in a mixture ratio of 1:2 (p < 0.01, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Enhanced proliferation and migration rates of oral cancer cells in co‐culture were seriously impaired after deleting CAFs using the HSVtk suicide system, while oral tumor cell death was not affected. Therefore, CAFs‐HSVtk can be utilized as a valid model for CAF signature identification.
Evaluation of oral health‐related quality of life in children with acute lymphocytic leukemia/acute myelocytic leukemia: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kilic Munevver , Gunen Yilmaz Sevcihan , Kockopru Zehra Merve
Published: May 2023

Objective

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy, used to treat childhood hematological malignancies (acute lymphocytic leukemia [ALL] and acute myelocytic leukemia [AML]) can negatively affect oral tissues and organs. This study aimed to evaluate the oral health‐related quality of life in children with ALL/AML.

Materials and Methods

A total of 99 children, including 49 undergoing ALL/AML (41 with ALL and eight with AML) and 50 healthy volunteers, were included in this cross‐sectional study. The mean age of the entire study group was 78.63 ± 34.41 months. The mean age of the ALL/AML and control groups was 87.12 ± 35.04 and 70.95 ± 34.85 months, respectively. The Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (SOHI), the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT/dmft) index, and the Turkish version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS‐T) were administered to all children. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 22.0). The Pearson chi‐square and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare demographic data.

Results

The age and gender distributions of the two groups were similar. According to ECOHIS‐T, the children in the ALL/AML group had significantly more loss of function (eating, drinking, sleeping, etc.) than those in the control group.

Conclusions

Oral health and self‐care were negatively affected by childhood ALL/AML and its treatment.
High‐power laser photobiomodulation therapy for immediate pain relief of refractory oral mucositis
Authors: Finfter Ori , Cohen Refael , Hanut Aiham , Gavish Lilach , Zadik Yehuda
Published: May 2023

Purpose

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of high‐power (class IV) laser photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy for immediate pain relief due to oral mucositis (OM) refractory to recommended first‐line therapy.

Methods

This retrospective study included 25 cancer patients with refractory chemotherapy‐ or radiotherapy‐induced OM (16 and 9 patients, respectively) that were treated for pain relief with an intraoral InGaAsP diode laser (power density = 1.4 W/cm2). Pain was self‐assessed immediately before and after laser treatment using a 0‐to‐10 numeric rating scale ([NRS], “0” = no pain, “10” = intolerable pain).

Results

Patients reported an immediate decrease in pain following 94% (74 of 79) of the PBM sessions, in 61% (48 sessions) the pain reduction was over 50%, and in 35% (28 sessions) the initial pain was completely eliminated. There were no reports of increased pain post‐PBM. For chemotherapy and radiotherapy‐treated patients, mean reduction in pain NRS post‐PBM was 4.8 ± 2.5 (p < 0.001) and 4.5 ± 2.8 (p = 0.001), indicating a post‐PBM reduction of 72% and 60% of the initial pain level, respectively. The analgesic benefit of PBM remained for a mean of 6.0 ± 5.1 days. One patient reported a transient burning sensation after one PBM session.

Conclusions

High‐power laser PBM may provide nonpharmacologic, patient‐friendly, long‐lasting, rapid pain relief for refractory OM.
Identification of genomic regions linked to blast (Pyricularia grisea) resistance in pearl millet
Authors: Pujar Mahesh , Kumar Sushil , Sharma Rajan , Ramu Punna , Babu Raman , Gupta Shashi K.
Published: May 2023

Blast disease causes serious economic yield losses in pearl millet. Identification and introgression of genomic regions associated with blast resistance can help to develop resistant cultivars to minimize yield losses incurred from blast outbreaks. In this study, 384 advanced pearl millet genotypes were screened against six blast pathotype‐isolates (major pearl millet growing agro‐ecologies of India), namely, Pg 45, Pg 118, Pg 138, Pg 186, Pg 204 and Pg 232. Analysis of variance showed significant (P < .001) variation among genotypes for blast reaction (susceptible to resistance). ICMR 08111 and ICMR 10888 genotypes showed resistance to all six blast pathotypes. A genome‐wide association study performed with 264,241 single nucleotide polymorphic markers could successfully identify 15 SNPs (P = 1.26 × 10−7to 9.22 × 10−12) underlying the genomic regions governing blast‐resistance across five different chromosomes. The SNPs reported had a significant association in at least two of the three models tested (GLM, MLM and Farm CPU). These SNPs can be used in pearl millet‐resistant breeding programmes after their function has been validated across different genetic backgrounds.
Disruption to left inferior frontal cortex modulates semantic prediction effects in reading and subsequent memory: Evidence from simultaneous TMS‐EEG
Authors: Silcox Jack W , Mickey Brian , Payne Brennan R.
Published: May 2023

Readers use prior context to predict features of upcoming words. When predictions are accurate, this increases the efficiency of comprehension. However, little is known about the fate of predictable and unpredictable words in memory or the neural systems governing these processes. Several theories suggest that the speech production system, including the left inferior frontal cortex (LIFC), is recruited for prediction but evidence that LIFC plays a causal role is lacking. We first examined the effects of predictability on memory and then tested the role of posterior LIFC using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). In Experiment 1, participants read category cues, followed by a predictable, unpredictable, or incongruent target word for later recall. We observed a predictability benefit to memory, with predictable words remembered better than unpredictable words. In Experiment 2, participants performed the same task with electroencephalography (EEG) while undergoing event‐related TMS over posterior LIFC using a protocol known to disrupt speech production, or over the right hemisphere homologue as an active control site. Under control stimulation, predictable words were better recalled than unpredictable words, replicating Experiment 1. This predictability benefit to memory was eliminated under LIFC stimulation. Moreover, while an a priori ROI‐based analysis did not yield evidence for a reduction in the N400 predictability effect, mass‐univariate analyses did suggest that the N400 predictability effect was reduced in spatial and temporal extent under LIFC stimulation. Collectively, these results provide causal evidence that the LIFC is recruited for prediction during silent reading, consistent with prediction‐through‐production accounts.
Lifelong learning in community healthcare: Testing competence after learning activities in a blended learning space
Authors: Bing‐Jonsson Pia Cecilie , Førsund Linn Hege , Hansen Stålesen Jarle , Vabo Nesland Birgitte , Lindholm Ina Cecilie , Rugsland Espegren Olga
Published: May 2023

Aims and Objectives

This study reports from a municipality in Norway that implemented a competence enhancement programme for all its institutional nursing staff during the COVID‐19 pandemic to fill identified competence gaps.

Background

Many Norwegian municipalities are experiencing a demand for expanded community healthcare services due to an increase in elderly patients and patients with extensive and complex needs. At the same time, most municipalities are striving to recruit and keep competent health personnel. New ways of organising and increasing the competence of the workforce may help ensure that the healthcare delivered corresponds to patients' changing needs.

Design and Methods

Nursing staff were encouraged to complete targeted competence enhancing activities with the aim of enhancing their competence in identified areas. The learning activities were blended and consisted of e‐learning courses, lectures, supervision, vocational training and meetings with a superior. Competence was measured before and after the competence enhancing activities (n = 96). The STROBE checklist was applied.

Results

The results provide insight into the competence development of registered nurses and assistant nurses in institutional community health services. They show that the implementation of a workplace‐based blended learning programme improved competence significantly, especially for assistant nurses.

Conclusions

Offering workplace‐based competence enhancing activities seems to be a sustainable way of facilitating lifelong learning among nursing staff. Facilitation of learning activities in a blended learning space may enhance accessibility and increase the potential for participation. A combination of reorganisation of roles and simultaneous competence enhancing activities can ensure that both managers and nursing staff prioritise filling competence gaps.
Conditions of submarine levéed channel inception: Examination by flume experiments
Authors: Poppeschi Justine , Nakata Kazushi , Naruse Hajime
Published: May 2023

Submarine levéed channels are often observed in submarine fans, although submarine fans without continuous levéed channels are also common depending on the composition of supplied sediments, particularly the proportion of muddy/sandy materials. However, parameters governing the inception of levéed channels have not yet been studied. Furthermore, depositional levéed channel topography has not been simulated in experimental flumes in any previous study conducted with dilute flows (flow concentration <10%). Herein, four experimental series were conducted (Series A, B, C and D) to simulate depositional submarine channels and to study their formative conditions. A mixture of sediment and saline water was used in the experiments, and both the width of an outlet diffuser and flow discharge rate were varied in the experimental series. A topography composed of a channel with two ridges resembling natural depositional submarine channels with levées was formed in all experiments. Comparisons between the experimental topographies and natural submarine fans revealed that two of the four experimental series produced channel levées with length to width ratios similar to those produced by natural systems. An experiment with half the outlet size produced a channel two times deeper (4.5 cm against 2.0 cm and 2.2 cm) as compared to other experiments. The flow discharge rate and outlet width were half of those observed in Series A and B. Furthermore, salt was removed from the initial mixture for one of the experiments, resulting in high natural levées with a short channel. This study demonstrated that dilute flows could form purely depositional channel levées without precursor or resultant erosive features. In addition, results revealed that the formation of submarine channels is related to two factors: channel width and muddy suspended sediment.
Putting Research on LGBTQ+ Youth in Schools to Use: The Stories and Numbers Project1
Authors: Bishop Meg D. , Gonzales Rachel A. , Russell Stephen T.
Published: May 2023

Publicly engaged social science can help to maximize research use for program and policy change toward equity. In what follows, we describe The Stories and Numbers Project as an example of publicly engaged research that moves the robust science of supporting LGBTQ+ (and all) students beyond the university and into the public sphere. We provide an overview of LGBTQ+ young people's experiences of their school climate and the science of LGBTQ+‐supportive safe school strategies to contextualize the need for the Project. We discuss the theoretical foundations of the Project, as well as the experiences and resources that made the Project possible. We outline our multi‐pronged strategy for research dissemination to LGBTQ+ students and key nodes of their social networks. Finally, we conclude with the lessons learned from the Stories and Numbers Project, and how they can be leveraged to activate research for social change.
The politics of disaggregated family policy: The role of party ideology and women's political representation in governments
Authors: Wiß Tobias , Wohlgemuth Felix
Published: May 2023

Although affluent democracies experienced family policy expansion, there are remarkable country differences. Whilst some countries focus on policies supporting the male breadwinner model such as family allowances, others prioritise gender equality supporting public childcare. We explain this variation by arguing for governments as key actors in parliamentary democracies and test two sets of explanations: party ideology and women's representation. Our error correction models covering 16 affluent parliamentary democracies between 1991 and 2015 reveal that non‐left rather than left parties matter for family policy. Secular centre and Christian‐Democratic parties promote father‐specific leave, whilst secular right parties reduce spending on childcare and family allowances as well as father‐specific leave. The share of female ministers is associated with higher childcare expenses, and instead of women's share, the gender of the family affairs minister affects father‐specific leave expansions.
Duration of continuous cropping with straw return affects soil organic carbon
Authors: Zhang Jun , Zhang Fenghua , Chang Handa
Published: May 2023

Understanding the impact of continuous cropping with straw return on soil organic matter functional groups is of great importance for maintaining chemical stabilization of SOC in arid regions. Infrared spectral characteristics of cotton field soil with different continuous cropping durations (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 years) were determined with Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy for fields in Manasi River Basin, Xinjiang province, China. The effects of continuous cropping duration on the stability and chemical composition of soil organic carbon (SOC) were analysed. The results indicate an initial increase in the SOC, soil particulate organic carbon (POC), and mineral‐associated organic carbon (MOC) content of soil under continuous cropping with straw return. However, as continuous cropping duration increased, the levels of SOC, POC, and MOC in soil began to decrease. The soil POC content and POC/MOC were highest after 5 years of straw return, and started to decrease as the continuous cropping duration increased. The SOC and MOC contents were highest after 10 years of continuous cropping, and were 3.30 and 1.84 times higher than the control, respectively. As continuous cropping duration increased, the relative peak intensities for polysaccharides and aromatic groups in soil organic matter decreased, while the relative peak intensities for aliphatic compounds and hydroxyketone increased. In conclusion, continuous cropping with straw return in cotton fields promotes SOC but only for about 10 years. An increase in straw return duration boosts the degree of esterification in soil organic matter. Moreover, enhanced protection by mineral binding was observed for soil organic matter, increasing organic matter stabilization. This study aimed to provide an empirical foundation for the management of the SOC pool and the establishment of rational straw return practices for cotton fields in arid areas.