bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient 2D Simulation on Moving 3D Surfaces
Authors: Morgenroth D. , Reinhardt S. , Weiskopf D. , Eberhardt B.
Published: November 2020

We present a method to simulate fluid flow on evolving surfaces, e.g., an oil film on a water surface. Given an animated surface (e.g., extracted from a particle‐based fluid simulation) in three‐dimensional space, we add a second simulation on this base animation. In general, we solve a partial differential equation (PDE) on a level set surface obtained from the animated input surface. The properties of the input surface are transferred to a sparse volume data structure that is then used for the simulation. We introduce one‐way coupling strategies from input properties to our simulation and we add conservation of mass and momentum to existing methods that solve a PDE in a narrow‐band using the Closest Point Method. In this way, we efficiently compute high‐resolution 2D simulations on coarse input surfaces. Our approach helps visual effects creators easily integrate a workflow to simulate material flow on evolving surfaces into their existing production pipeline.
Interactive sound propagation for dynamic scenes using 2D wave simulation
Authors: Rosen Matthew , Godin Keith W. , Raghuvanshi Nikunj
Published: November 2020

We present a technique to model wave‐based sound propagation to complement visual animation in fully dynamic scenes. We employ 2D wave simulation that captures geometry‐based diffraction effects such as obstruction, reverberation, and directivity of perceptually‐salient initial sound at the source and listener. We show real‐time performance on a single CPU core on modestly‐sized scenes that are nevertheless topologically complex. Our key ideas are to exploit reciprocity and use a perceptual encoding and rendering framework. These allow the use of low‐frequency finite‐difference simulations on static scene snapshots. Our results show plausible audio variation that remains robust to motion and geometry changes. We suggest that wave solvers can be a practical approach to real‐time dynamic acoustics. We share the complete C++ code of our “Planeverb” system.
Effective time step restrictions for explicit MPM simulation
Authors: Sun Yunxin , Shinar Tamar , Schroeder Craig
Published: November 2020

Time steps for explicit MPM simulation in computer graphics are often selected by trial and error due to the challenges in automatically selecting stable time step sizes. Our time integration scheme uses time step restrictions that take into account forces, collisions, and even grid‐to‐particle transfers calculated near the end of the time step. We propose a novel set of time step restrictions that allow a time step to be selected that is stable, efficient to compute, and not too far from optimal. We derive the general solution for the sound speed in nonlinear isotropic hyperelastic materials, which we use to enforce the classical CFL time step restriction. We identify a single‐particle instability in explicit MPM integration and propose a corresponding time step restriction in the fluid case. We also propose a reflection‐based boundary condition for domain walls that supports separation and accurate Coulomb friction while preventing particles from penetrating the domain walls.
A Pixel‐Based Framework for Data‐Driven Clothing
Authors: Jin N. , Zhu Y. , Geng Z. , Fedkiw R.
Published: November 2020

We propose a novel approach to learning cloth deformation as a function of body pose, recasting the graph‐like triangle mesh data structure into image‐based data in order to leverage popular and well‐developed convolutional neural networks (CNNs) in a two‐dimensional Euclidean domain. Then, a three‐dimensional animation of clothing is equivalent to a sequence of two‐dimensional RGB images driven/choreographed by time dependent joint angles. In order to reduce nonlinearity demands on the neural network, we utilize procedural skinning of the body surface to capture much of the rotation/deformation so that the RGB images only contain textures of displacement offsets from skin to clothing. Notably, we illustrate that our approach does not require accurate unclothed body shapes or robust skinning techniques. Additionally, we discuss how standard image based techniques such as image partitioning for higher resolution can readily be incorporated into our framework.
A Bending Model for Nodal Discretizations of Yarn‐Level Cloth
Authors: Pizana José M. , Rodríguez Alejandro , Cirio Gabriel , Otaduy Miguel A.
Published: November 2020

To deploy yarn‐level cloth simulations in production environments, it is paramount to design very efficient implementations, which mitigate the cost of the extremely high resolution. To this end, nodal discretizations aligned with the regularity of the fabric structure provide an optimal setting for efficient GPU implementations. However, nodal discretizations complicate the design of robust and controllable bending. In this paper, we address this challenge, and propose a model of bending that is both robust and controllable, and employs only nodal degrees of freedom. We extract information of yarn and fabric orientation implicitly from the nodal degrees of freedom, with no need to augment the model explicitly. But most importantly, and unlike previous formulations that use implicit orientations, the computation of bending forces bears no overhead with respect to other nodal forces such as stretch. This is possible by tracking optimal orientations efficiently. We demonstrate the impact of our bending model in examples with controllable anisotropy, as well as ironing, wrinkling, and plasticity.
Linear Time Stable PD Controllers for Physics‐based Character Animation
Authors: Yin Zhiqi , Yin KangKang
Published: November 2020

In physics‐based character animation, Proportional‐Derivative (PD) controllers are commonly used for tracking reference motions in motor control tasks. Stable PD (SPD) controllers significantly improve the numerical stability of traditional PD controllers and support large gains and large integration time steps during simulation [TLT11]. For an articulated rigid body system with n degrees of freedom, all SPD implementations to date, however, use an O(n3) dense matrix factorization based method. In this paper, we propose a linear time algorithm for SPD computation, which is based on Featherstone's forward dynamics formulation for articulated rigid body systems in generalized coordinates [Fea14]. We demonstrate the performance advantage of our algorithm by comparing with both the conventional dense matrix factorization based method and an alternative sparse matrix factorization based method. We show that the proposed algorithm provides superior stability when controlling complex models at large time steps. We further demonstrate that our algorithm can improve the learning speed and quality of a Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) system for physics‐based character animation.
ALLSTEPS: Curriculum‐driven Learning of Stepping Stone Skills
Authors: Xie Zhaoming , Ling Hung Yu , Kim Nam Hee , van de Panne Michiel
Published: November 2020

Humans are highly adept at walking in environments with foot placement constraints, including stepping‐stone scenarios where footstep locations are fully constrained. Finding good solutions to stepping‐stone locomotion is a longstanding and fundamental challenge for animation and robotics. We present fully learned solutions to this difficult problem using reinforcement learning. We demonstrate the importance of a curriculum for efficient learning and evaluate four possible curriculum choices compared to a non‐curriculum baseline. Results are presented for a simulated humanoid, a realistic bipedal robot simulation and a monster character, in each case producing robust, plausible motions for challenging stepping stone sequences and terrains.
Guidelines for genetic monitoring of translocated plant populations
Authors: Van Rossum Fabienne , Hardy Olivier J.
Published: November 2020

Plant translocation is a useful tool for implementing assisted gene flow in recovery plans of critically endangered plant species. Although it helps to restore genetically viable populations, it is not devoid of genetic risks, such as poor adaptation of transplants and outbreeding depression in the hybrid progeny, which may have negative consequences in terms of demographic growth and plant fitness. Hence, a follow‐up genetic monitoring should evaluate whether the translocated populations are genetically viable and self‐sustaining in the short and long term. The causes of failure to adjust management responses also need to be identified. Molecular markers and fitness‐related quantitative traits can be used to determine whether a plant translocation enhanced genetic diversity, increased fitness, and improved the probability of long‐term survival. We devised guidelines and illustrated them with studies from the literature to help practitioners determine the appropriate genetic survey methods so that management practices can better integrate evolutionary processes. These guidelines include methods for sampling and for assessing changes in genetic diversity and differentiation, contemporary gene flow, mode of local recruitment, admixture level, the effects of genetic rescue, inbreeding or outbreeding depression and local adaptation on plant fitness, and long‐term genetic changes.
Using race to estimate glomerular filtration and its impact in kidney transplantation
Authors: Kuppachi Sarat , Norman Silas P. , Lentine Krista L. , Axelrod David A.
Published: November 2020

Since direct measurement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is time‐consuming and more expensive, estimated GFR (eGFR) based on measured laboratory values is widely used to determine kidney function. Commonly used formulae to calculate eGFR are dependent on variables, which include filtration markers like serum creatinine and patient characteristics including race. Medical algorithms which utilize race are increasingly being scrutinized, as race is recognized to be a social construct rather than a biologic one. eGFR calculations have important implications for kidney transplantation, both in the listing of candidates as well as in the evaluation of potential kidney donors. This review considers the specific implications of race‐based eGFR calculations on recipient evaluation and on decisions related to living kidney donation. We suggest a potential policy solution to ensure that racial and ethnic minority patients are not disadvantaged by eGFR as a result of current calculation methods.
Dose‐dependent accumulation of glucose in the intestinal wall and lumen induced by metformin as revealed by 18F‐labelled fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography‐MRI
Authors: Ito Jun , Nogami Munenobu , Morita Yasuko , Sakaguchi Kazuhiko , Komada Hisako , Hirota Yushi , Sugawara Kenji , Tamori Yoshikazu , Zeng Feibi , Murakami Takamichi , Ogawa Wataru
Published: November 2020

Aim

To investigate the relationships between various clinical variables and the metformin‐induced accumulation of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in the intestine, with distinction between the intestinal wall and lumen, in individuals with type 2 diabetes who were receiving metformin treatment and underwent 18F‐labelled FDG ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)‐MRI.

Materials and Methods

We evaluated intestinal accumulation of [18F]FDG with both subjective (a five‐point visual scale determined by two experienced radiologists) and objective analyses (measurement of the maximum standardized uptake value [SUVmax]) in 26 individuals with type 2 diabetes who were receiving metformin and underwent [18F]FDG PET‐MRI. [18F]FDG accumulation within the intestinal wall was discriminated from that in the lumen on the basis of SUVmax.

Results

SUVmax for the large intestine was correlated with blood glucose level (BG) and metformin dose, but not with age, body mass index, HbA1c level or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). SUVmax for the small intestine was not correlated with any of these variables. Visual scale analysis yielded essentially similar results. Metformin dose and eGFR were correlated with SUVmax for the wall and lumen of the large intestine, whereas BG was correlated with that for the wall. Multivariable analysis identified metformin dose as an explanatory factor for SUVmax in the wall and lumen of the large intestine after adjustment for potential confounders including BG and eGFR.

Conclusions

Metformin dose is an independent determinant of [18F]FDG accumulation in the wall and lumen of the large intestine in individuals treated with this drug.
Measuring household food security through surveys: Do the characteristics of the enumerators matter?
Authors: Pietrelli Rebecca , d’Errico Marco , Dassesse Kate
Published: November 2020

Motivation

The accuracy of food security indicators, collected through enumerated surveys, is crucial for tailoring policies and programming. Nevertheless, there is little evidence on whether the characteristics of the enumerators conducting the interviews can affect food security data.

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore the so‐called enumerator effect for an array of food security indicators that are commonly adopted for targeting, monitoring and evaluation in humanitarian and development assistance.

Approach and methods

We combine a household‐level dataset collected in northern Uganda refugee‐hosting districts with an enumerators’ dataset. We estimate the enumerator effect and its determinants for a large set of food security indicators. Additionally, we test the size of the bias, namely the percentage of households that are misallocated to be food poor.

Findings

We find that the effect of the enumerator experience within the refugee context is the most relevant to the food indicators. Additionally, obtaining sensitive information on food shortage is more difficult when the interviewer comes from a similar sociocultural background as the interviewee. Moreover, we show that the enumerator effect leads to a bias in the food poor headcount, implying distortion in the targeting.

Conclusion

Data collections must acknowledge the enumerator effect. This has consequences that can ultimately affect the number of people reached by programmes and projects in both humanitarian and development contexts.
Is Knowledge Insertion Desirable?
Authors: Tillson John
Published: November 2020

Abstract

In this article, John Tillson discusses the conditions under which what he calls “knowledge insertion” would be desirable for the one who has knowledge inserted. He argues that making use of knowledge insertion would not be cost free; in particular, it would come at the price of relationship goods realized through teacher–learner relationships, and of the achievement of learning, at least for the knowledge inserted. Despite these costs, though, Tillson concludes that knowledge insertion would most often be desirable since the losses could usually be more than compensated by the knowledge gained or would matter little so long as one realizes the relevant relationship and achievements goods to a satisfactory level at some point in one's life.
Action, Freedom, and Education: Refugees and a “New Beginning”
Authors: d'Agnese Vasco
Published: November 2020

Abstract

In the mid‐2000s, large numbers of refugees from North Africa and the Middle East sought to reach Europe to escape persecution, war, and famine. Images of children, women, and men in inhumane conditions attempting to reach the mainland began to circulate worldwide. This phenomenon culminated in 2015 with the worst immigration crisis in Europe since the end of World War II. In this study, Vasco d'Agnese draws on Hannah Arendt's work to demonstrate that refugees, in embarking on their often excruciating journeys, represent the paradigm of acting, natality, and a “new beginning,” features that, for Arendt, characterize the human experience. Starting from this premise, d'Agnese presents two refugee stories and attempts to foreground their intrinsically educational nature with two aims. The first is that engaging with these stories may help transform the traditional view of refugees as vulnerable, suffering, and needy, and instead promote a view that acknowledges refugees' actions, their agency, and that does justice to the strength, determination, and resiliency they demonstrate in taking the actions they do. The second aim is to show how the renewal of natality represented by such stories serves as a foundation for a different engagement with education. If, as Arendt argues, education is first and foremost about preserving natality, the renewal of natality seen in these refugee stories is one of the best educational examples we may find. In refugee stories, the natality of education is, in a profound sense, actualized.
Community health workers to improve adherence to anti‐seizure medication in rural South Africa: Is it cost‐effective?
Authors: Wagner Ryan G. , Norström Fredrik , Bertram Melanie Y. , Tollman Stephen , Forsgren Lars , Newton Charles R. , Lindholm Lars
Published: November 2020

Objective

Epilepsy is a common, chronic neurological disorder that disproportionately affects individuals living in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), where the treatment gap remains high and adherence to medication remains low. Community health workers (CHWs) have been shown to be effective at improving adherence to chronic medications, yet no study assessing the costs of CHWs in epilepsy management has been reported.

Methods

Using a Markov model with age‐ and sex‐varying transition probabilities, we determined whether deploying CHWs to improve epilepsy treatment adherence in rural South Africa would be cost‐effective. Data were derived using published studies from rural South Africa. Official statistics and international disability weights provided cost and health state values, respectively, and health gains were measured using quality adjusted life years (QALYs).

Results

The intervention was estimated at International Dollars ($) 123 250 per annum per sub‐district community and cost $1494 and $1857 per QALY gained for males and females, respectively. Assuming a costlier intervention and lower effectiveness, cost per QALY was still less than South Africa's Gross Domestic Product per capita of $13 215, the cost‐effectiveness threshold applied.

Significance

CHWs would be cost‐effective and the intervention dominated even when costs and effects of the intervention were unfavorably varied. Health system re‐engineering currently underway in South Africa identifies CHWs as vital links in primary health care, thereby ensuring sustainability of the intervention. Further research on understanding local health state utility values and cost‐effectiveness thresholds could further inform the current model, and undertaking the proposed intervention would provide better estimates of its efficacy on reducing the epilepsy treatment gap in rural South Africa.
Temporal variability profiling of the default mode across epilepsy subtypes
Authors: Yang Siqi , Zhang Zhiqiang , Chen Huafu , Meng Yao , Li Jiao , Li Zehan , Xu Qiang , Zhang Qirui , Fan Yun‐Shuang , Lu Guangming , Liao Wei
Published: November 2020

Objective

Epilepsies are a group of neurological disorders sharing certain core features, but also demonstrate remarkable pathogenic and symptomatic heterogeneities. Various subtypes of epilepsy have been identified with abnormal shift in the brain default mode network (DMN). This study aims to evaluate the fine details of shared and distinct alterations in the DMN among epileptic subtypes.

Methods

We collected resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from a large epilepsy sample (n = 371) at a single center, including temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE), and genetic generalized epilepsy with generalized tonic‐clonic seizures (GGE‐GTCS), as well as healthy controls (HC, n = 150). We analyzed temporal dynamics profiling of the DMN, including edge‐wise and node‐wise temporal variabilities, and recurrent dynamic states of functional connectivity, to identify abnormalities common to epilepsies as well as those specific to each subtype.

Results

The analyses revealed that hypervariable edges within the specific DMN subsystem were shared by all subtypes (all PNBS < .005), and deficits in node‐wise temporal variability were prominent in TLE (all t(243) ≤ 2.51, PFDR < .05) and FLE (all t(302) ≤ –2.65, PFDR < .05) but relatively weak in GGE‐GTCS. Moreover, dynamic states were generally less stable in patients than controls (all P’s < .001).

Significance

Collectively, these findings demonstrated general DMN abnormalities common to different epilepsies as well as distinct dysfunctions to subtypes, and provided insights into understanding the relationship of pathophysiological mechanisms and brain connectivity.
Climate‐induced variation in the demography of 14 tree species is not sufficient to explain their distribution in eastern North America
Authors: Le Squin Amaël , Boulangeat Isabelle , Gravel Dominique
Published: November 2020

Aim

Dynamic range models are proposed to investigate species distributions and to project range shifts under climate change. They are based upon the Hutchinsonian niche theory, specifying that the occurrence of a species in an environmental space should be limited to positions where the intrinsic growth rate is positive. Evaluating population growth rate is, however, difficult for physiologically structured populations, such as forest stands, owing to size‐induced individual variation in performance. Therefore, we still have a limited understanding of which aspect of tree demography contributes the most to their geographical range limit. We develop an index of demographic performance for size‐structured populations and study its variation across a climatic gradient. We then investigate the relationship between the demographic performance index and species distribution.

Location

North America (57–124° W, 26–52° N).

Time period

1963–2010.

Major taxa studied

Fourteen tree species.

Methods

We represent forest dynamics with a size‐structured population model and neighbourhood competition with the perfect plasticity approximation. We then derive the lifetime reproduction per individual, , in the absence of density dependence. Using forest inventory data, we assess how tree demography for each species varies with climate. We test the model by comparing and the probability of occurrence within species ranges.

Results

We find that both growth and mortality rates vary across species distributions, but climate explains little of the observed variation. Individual size and neighbourhood competition are the primary explanatory variables of tree demography. Finally, we find that relates weakly to the probability of occurrence, with no systematic decline in population growth rates towards the range limits.

Main conclusions

Spatial and size‐induced variation in tree growth and mortality do not explain range limits and are insufficient to enable an understanding of tree dynamics. We propose that phenomena perceived mostly at the metapopulation scale should also be considered.
Later high school start time is associated with lower migraine frequency in adolescents
Authors: Gelfand Amy A. , Pavitt Sara , Ross Alexandra C. , Szperka Christina L. , Irwin Samantha L. , Bertisch Suzanne , Stone Katie L. , Frazier Remi , Grimes Barbara , Allen I. Elaine
Published: November 2020

Objective

To determine whether high school start time is associated with headache frequency in adolescents with migraine.

Background

Adolescence is marked by a physiologic delayed circadian phase, characterized by later bedtimes and wake times. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that high schools start no earlier than 8:30 a.m., but most high schools in the United States start earlier. The study hypothesis was that adolescents with migraine whose high schools start at 8:30 a.m. or later (late group) would have lower headache frequency than those whose schools start earlier than 8:30 a.m. (early group).

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional Internet survey study of US high schoolers with migraine recruited online through social media. Comparisons were made between the late group and the early group. The primary outcome measure was self‐reported headache days/month.

Results

In total, 1012 respondents constituted the analytic set: n = 503 in the late group versus n = 509 in the early group. Mean (SD) self‐reported headache days/month was 4.8 (4.6) versus 7.7 (6.1) in the late and early groups, respectively (p < 0.001); mean difference −2.9 (95% CI −2.2 to −3.6). Mean (SD) self‐reported hours of sleep on a school night was 7.9 (0.9) versus 6.9 (1.3), p < 0.001. Adjusting for total hours of sleep, sex, taking a migraine preventive, days of acute medication use, hours of homework, grade level, and missing breakfast, mean (SD) self‐reported headache days/month remained lower in the late group than in the early group: 5.8 (95% CI 5.3–6.2) versus 7.1 (95% CI 6.7–7.4), (p < 0.001); mean difference −1.3 (95% CI −1.9 to −0.7).

Conclusion

Adolescents with migraine who attend high schools that follow AAP recommendations for start times have lower self‐reported headache frequency than those whose high schools start before 8:30 a.m. If prospective studies confirm this finding, shifting to a later high school start time may be an effective strategy for migraine prevention in adolescents.
Introducing physician associates to hospital patients: Development and feasibility testing of a patient experience‐based intervention
Authors: Taylor Francesca , Ogidi Jonathan , Chauhan Rakhee , Ladva Zeena , Brearley Sally , Drennan Vari M.
Published: November 2020

Background

Physician associates (PAs) are one of many new mid‐level health practitioner roles being introduced worldwide. They are a recent innovation in English hospitals. Patient confusion with novel mid‐level practitioner titles and roles is well documented, alongside evidence of a positive association between patients’ ability to identify practitioners and patient satisfaction. No prior research developed an intervention to introduce PAs or any other new practitioner role to hospital patients.

Objective

To develop, with patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE), an intervention for introducing the PA role to hospital patients, and to test feasibility.

Methods

Intervention development was underpinned by an experience‐based co‐design approach. Workshop participants generated ideas for introducing PAs, subsequently explored in semi‐structured interviews with hospital patients (n = 13). Interview findings were used by participants in a second workshop to design the intervention. Feasibility of the intervention was assessed in relation to its acceptability and efficacy using semi‐structured interviews with hospital patients (n = 20) and PAs (n = 3).

Results

The intervention developed was a patient information leaflet. It was considered feasible to use in the hospital setting, helpful to patients in understanding the PA role and acceptable to both patients and PAs. The intervention was also appreciated by patients for providing reassurance of care and support.

Conclusions

An experience‐based co‐design approach enabled development of an intervention tailored to patients’ experiential preferences. Positive evidence of feasibility and utility is encouraging, supporting future larger‐scale testing.

Patient and public contribution

PPIE representatives were involved in the study design, intervention development and data interpretation.
Shane Godbolt: the Charing Cross years (1970–1991)
Authors: Hague Howard
Published: November 2020

This article looks at the period in Shane's career when she was based in the library at the Charing Cross Hospital Medical School (1970–1984) and then the Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School (1984–1991), following the merger. The topics covered include audio‐visual materials and new technology, user education, staff training and development, word processing and automation in the library and Shane's involvement and activities in the wider profession.
A laboratory study to assess the formation of effluent volatile compounds and disinfection by‐products during chemomechanical preparation of infected root canals and application of activated carbon for their removal
Authors: Ioannidis K. , Batty C. , Turner C. , Smith D. , Mannocci F. , Deb S.
Published: November 2020

Aim

To assess in a laboratory setting using extracted teeth the formation of volatile compounds (VOCs) and disinfection by‐products (DBPs) in effluent aliquots, during chemomechanical preparation of artificially infected root canal specimens, and determine the role of silver‐impregnated activated carbon (Ag‐AC) in their removal.

Methodology

Single‐rooted human teeth were decoronated to obtain 15 mm‐long root specimens and a nutrient‐stressed multispecies biofilm was grown in the root canals. Specimens were randomly assigned into three groups [Group 1; instrumentation with rotary files and irrigation with sterile saline, Groups 2 and 3; instrumentation with rotary files and irrigation with 2.5% NaOCl and 17% EDTA]. A portable medical suction device was used to collect the effluent aliquots during root canal irrigation. In Groups 1 and 2, the reaction products of the collected effluents were analysed by selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT‐MS). The effluents from Group 3 were treated with Ag‐AC prior to SIFT‐MS analysis, to assess the removal capacity of Ag‐AC against the reaction products. The synthesis of Ag‐AC was characterized with scanning electron microscopy/energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). Two‐way analysis of variance (anova) with post hoc Tukey tests was used for data analysis and determination of a significant difference (P < 0.05).

Results

In Group 1, effluent VOCs and DBPs were detectable at very low levels. In Group 2, the collected effluent aliquots released high concentrations of methanol, propanol, ammonia, chloroform and formaldehyde, which were significantly greater compared to Group 1 (P < 0.001). SEM/EDS analysis confirmed impregnation of Ag within the AC matrix. The treatment of effluent aliquots with Ag‐AC (Group 3) resulted in a significant reduction in concentrations of acetone, acetic acid, propanol, acetaldehyde, acetonitrile and chloroform, compared to Group 2 (P < 0.001). The concentration levels of ethanol, methanol, ammonia and formaldehyde remained unaffected (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

In this laboratory setting using extracted human teeth, the chemomechanical preparation of artificially infected root canals resulted in the formation of toxic VOCs and DBPs as effluent suspensions. Their release during aspiration with dental suction indicates that potential environmental hazards should be investigated. The use of silver‐impregnated activated carbon had potential for the point‐of‐use treatment of post‐irrigation effluent aliquots.
Tasty words: Using frame semantics to enhance consumer liking of potato chips and apples
Authors: Johnson Tamara M. , Pfenninger Simone E.
Published: November 2020

Previous research indicates that speakers of American English chiefly use crispy when referring to dry foods and crunchy when referring to wet foods, suggesting that these near‐synonyms have different semantic frames. The present study is the first to address how speakers of American English process crispy and crunchy by investigating whether foods with frame‐semantically (in)congruent food labels influence thoughts about and taste perception of foods. Taste tests with dry and wet foods labeled (in)congruently with regards to their water content showed that while thoughts remained unaffected, the frame‐semantically incongruent context produced significantly higher taste ratings than the frame‐semantically congruent context. Further research is necessary to explain whether and to what extent these findings can be generalized to other foods and near‐synonyms.
Structure–activity relationship and molecular docking analysis of cysteine‐containing dipeptides as antioxidant and ACE inhibitory
Authors: Lu Xin , Jia Cong , Gao Jinhong , Wang Ruidan , Zhang Lixia , Sun Qiang , Huang Jinian
Published: November 2020

Comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA), comparative similarity index analysis (CoMSIA) and hologram QSAR (HQSAR) were used to identify the relationship between the structure of cysteine‐containing dipeptide with antioxidant and ACE inhibitory activity; then, molecular docking, ADME prediction and thermostability assay were applied to illustrate the performance in docking with ACE, metabolic information and thermostability of the strongest activity dipeptide. According to pIC50 of 2, 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2, 2′‐azinobis‐(3‐ethyl‐benzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonate) (ABTS), constructed CoMFA, CoMSIA and HQSAR models predicted the structural properties of carboxyl of C‐terminus impacted on the antioxidant activity. The properties of side chain of C‐terminus influenced on the ACE inhibitory activity based on CoMFA, CoMSIA and HQSAR models. As the strongest multifunctional cysteine‐containing dipeptide, CW interacted with ACE by S1 pocket, S2 pocket, Zn2+. It was promising for CW to utilise in the functional foods due to less interference in normal life activities, high oral bioavailability and stability under 70 °C.
Are we ‘sharing’ or ‘gig‐ing’? A classification system for online platforms
Authors: Maffie Michael David
Published: November 2020

There is a growing debate about the nature and extent of platform control over workers. Companies claim they are merely ‘matchmakers’ while labour advocates argue that these organisations exercise granular control over workers. Blending the fields of information science and labour relations, this article develops a classification system of sequential control to delineate between ‘high control’ and ‘low control’ platforms. In doing so, this article provides a theoretical method to distinguish ‘sharing’ versus ‘gig’ platforms and argues that worker autonomy—how platforms foreclose worker choice—can be used to understand platform control.
Quality of reporting of outcomes in trials of therapeutic interventions for pressure injuries in adults: a systematic methodological survey
Authors: Miranda Jéssica Steffany , Deonizio Arthur Pollo , Abbade Joelcio Francisco , Miot Hélio Amante , Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Thabane Lehana , Abbade Luciana P F
Published: November 2020

Randomised controlled trials of therapeutic interventions for pressure injuries should include a clear description of outcomes to increase transparency and replicability and improve the construction of scientific evidence. The objective of this study was to assess the completeness of the descriptions of the outcomes of therapeutic interventions in adults with pressure injury (PI) and factors associated with completeness. This was a systematic methodological survey. The completeness of the outcome was assessed according to five criteria: domain (title), specific measure (technique/instrument used), specific metric, or format of the outcome data of each participant that was used for analysis, aggregation (method data from each group were summarised), and time that was used for analysis. Sixty‐eight studies were included for analysis. A total of 265 outcomes were reported, and 46 trials (67.6%) had 73 primary outcomes, which were mainly intermediates/substitutes (78.8%). The main outcome evaluated was the ulcer area reduction (36.6%). Approximately 37.2% of the outcomes were incompletely reported, and the least described element was the data aggregation method (72.8%). Only 48.4% of the outcomes with the specified technique had the same reference or validation. Poor quality of reporting outcomes was associated with studies with an older year of publication and a small sample size, single‐center studies, and those sponsored by industry. PI studies use many outcomes, mostly surrogates or intermediates, and some of them are incompletely described.
Effectiveness of ultrasonic debridement on reduction of bacteria and biofilm in patients with chronic wounds: A scoping review
Authors: Kataoka Yukie , Kunimitsu Mao , Nakagami Gojiro , Koudounas Sofoklis , Weller Carolina D. , Sanada Hiromi
Published: November 2020

Chronic wounds are defined as “hard‐to‐heal” wounds that are caused by disordered mechanisms of wound healing. Chronic wounds have a high risk of infection and can form biofilms, leading to the release of planktonic bacteria, which causes persistent infections locally or remotely. Therefore, infection control and removal of the biofilm in chronic wounds are essential. Recently, ultrasonic debridement was introduced as a new method to reduce infection and promote the healing of chronic wounds. This scoping review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasonic debridement on the changes in bacteria and biofilms, and consequently the wound healing rate of chronic wounds. A total of 1021 articles were identified through the database search, and nine papers were eligible for inclusion. Findings suggest that non‐contact devices are useful for wound healing as they reduce the inflammatory response, although the bacterial load is not significantly changed. Ultrasonic debridement devices that require direct contact with the wound promote wound healing through reduction of biofilm or bacterial load. The optimum settings for ultrasonic debridement using a non‐contact device are relatively consistent, but the settings for devices that require direct contact are diverse. Further studies on ultrasonic debridement in chronic wounds are required.
Can an early mobilisation programme prevent hospital‐acquired pressure injures in an intensive care unit?: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Nieto‐García Leticia , Carpio‐Pérez Adela , Moreiro‐Barroso María Teresa , Alonso‐Sardón Montserrat
Published: November 2020

A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted to clarify the effect of an early mobilisation programme on the prevention of hospital‐acquired pressure injuries in an intensive care unit as opposed to standard care. We searched a total of 11 databases until 1 May 2020 and included seven studies (n = 7.520) related to the effect of early mobilisation protocol in the prevention of hospital‐acquired pressure injuries (five quasi‐experimental and two random comparative). The five quasi‐experimental studies were significantly heterogeneous (P = .02 for Q test and 66% for I2), and the odds ratio was 0.97 (95% CI: 0.49‐1.91) with a non‐significant statistical difference between both groups (P = .93). Our study shows inconclusive outcomes related to the effect of the implementation of an early mobility programme in the prevention of pressure injuries in critical patients. Future research is needed considering the small number of articles on the topic.
TREATMENT OF SULFONAMIDE‐RESISTANT URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS WITH A COMBINATION OF SULFONAMIDE AND TRIMETHOPRIM
Authors: Sourander Leif , Saarimaa Heikki , Arvilommi Heikki
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of treatment with a combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim on patients with long‐lasting urinary tract infections caused by bacterial strains resistant to sulfonamides. The series consisted of 55 geriatric patients with significant bacteriuria, which proved to be resistant to sulfonamide in vitro. The patients were divided into three groups. The 19 patients of the first group were treated with trimethoprim alone, the daily dose being 320 mg. The 24 patients of the second group were treated with a combination of 1.6 g of sulfamethoxazole and 320 mg of trimethoprim (Trimosulfa®, Lääke Oy) given daily in two doses during 15 days. The 12 patients of the third group were treated with sulfamethoxazole, the daily dose being 1.6 g. The effects of the treatment in the three groups were as follows: significant bacteriuria disappeared in 21 out of 24 patients treated with sulfamethoxazole‐trimethoprim, in 8 out of 19 patients treated with trimethoprim and in 1 out of 12 patients treated with sulfamethoxazole. It was concluded that combined treatment with sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim is indicated in sulfonamide‐resistant infections as well, and the treatment is significantly more effective than treatment with trimethoprim alone. The results give reason to assume that sulfonamide and trimethoprim have a synergistic effect in the treatment of urinary tract infections. The MIC values were lower for trimethoprim when the treatment was combined than when the treatment was carried out with trimethoprim alone. The differences were indicative but not significant. The serum folic acid concentration was practically unchanged after treatment with trimethoprim and with the combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim.
HEPARIN‐RELEASED BLOOD PLASMA LIPOPROTEIN LIPASE ACTIVITY IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERLIPOPROTEINEMIA
Authors: Boberg Jonas
Published: November 2020

Plasma lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity appearance in the blood stream after different doses of i.v. injection of heparin has been studied. After 100 IU of heparin/kg b.wt. LPL activity was found to rise rapidly for about 5 min and then more slowly up to a maximum activity at 20 to 40 min. The possibility that the different appearance rates might reflect several enzyme pools not equally accessible to injected heparin has been discussed. Against this background plasma LPL activity was determined both at 5 and 40 min after i.v. injection of 100 IU of heparin/kg b.wt. in subjects with a wide range of plasma triglyceride (TG) concentrations. There was no relationship either in men or women between heparin‐released plasma LPL activities and age or weight/height index. In men with normal plasma TG values on the day of heparin injection the heparin‐released LPL activities in plasma were 49 ± 2 and 100 ± 4 μmoles glycerol released pre litre plasma and minute in the early and late samples respectively. The corresponding values of 40±3 and 72±6 for men with hypertriglyceridemia were significantly lower. In women with normal plasma TG values the LPL activities 5 and 40 min after heparin were 71±4 and 127 ± 7 μmol/1 and min respectively. These values were significantly higher than the corresponding values for normal men. The women with hypertriglyceridemia had plasma LPL activities 5 and 40 min after heparin of 45 ± 7 and 85 + 10 μmol/1 and min, which were significantly lower than the corresponding values for the women with normal plasma TG concentrations. The significantly lower values of heparin‐released LPL activity found in patients with hypertriglyceridemia may reflect a removal (clearing) defect of plasma TG, which may provide an explanation of the elevated plasma TG levels in these patients.
A POPULATION STUDY ON MONOCLONAL GAMMAPATHY
Authors: Axelsson U. , Hällén J.
Published: November 2020

Serum electrophoresis included in a medical survey in 1964 of 6 995 subjects above 25 years of age revealed M‐components in 64. One had myelomatosis. Five and a half years later 16 persons had died and 9 had moved or refused to take part in this study. The concentrations of the M‐components in the remaining 39 cases were essentially unchanged. This finding suggests a benign, monoclonal gammapathy. The series represented an observation time of 247 patient‐years, during which malignant gammapathy had not developed. Among the 6 931 subjects without serum M‐components two had been hospitalized for myelomatosis during the 6 years after the mass examination. In one of these there was only a urinary discrete component and in the other the diagnosis was not well‐founded.
DRUG‐INDUCED AGRANULOCYTOSIS
Authors: Palva I. P. , Mustala O. O.
Published: November 2020

Six fatal cases including material from 40 patients with agranulocytosis are described in detail, paying special attention to the drugs given before and after the onset of symptoms and recording the absence of neutrophils. Five of the six were cases of typical acute agranulocytosis and in four of them the drug probably causing the disease was still given after the recording of the low leukocyte count. The drugs given were aminophenazone, metamizol, sulfamethoxypyridazine and carbimazole. The authors conclude that agranulocytosis is rarely a fatal disease if the administration of dangerous drugs is stopped when the first clinical signs of agranulocytosis appear. Otherwise the administration of antibiotics and corticosteroids is not life‐saving. Therefore information from patients and nurses about the first symptoms of agranulocytosis is very important when leukotoxic drugs are used.
HAEMOGLOBIN KÖLN IN A JEWISH FAMILY
Authors: Hällén J. , Charlesworth Deborah , Lehmann H.
Published: November 2020

A Jewish boy with haemolytic anaemia has been studied. His father and probably also his paternal grandfather had haemolytic anaemia. The haemolysis could be assigned to haemoglobin Köln, which constituted a part of the boy's haemoglobin. This haemoglobinopathy has not hitherto been reported in a Jewish family.
FATTY LIVER IN DIABETES
Authors: Wasastjerna C. , Reissell P. , Karjalainen J. , Ekelund P.
Published: November 2020

Cytological liver specimens from 100 diabetics have been stained by the May‐Grünwald‐Giemsa method, and with oil red O. Satisfactory smears were obtained in 91 cases. Fatty liver was found in 48%, and vacuolated nuclei in 57%. A close correlation was found between obesity and fatty liver, and some correlation between the serum triglyceride level and fatty liver. The serum cholesterol level did not correlate with the incidence of fatty liver. This was commoner in maturity‐onset diabetes than in young insulin‐treated diabetics. Nuclear vacuolation was commoner in fatty‐liver than in normal liver cells. Application of the fine‐needle aspiration biopsy technique, together with staining of the smears with oil red O, was found to be a useful method for study of the incidence of fatty liver.
ADRENERGIC α‐ AND β‐RECEPTORS IN CORONARY VESSELS IN MAN
Authors: Andersson Rolf , Holmberg Stig , Svedmyr Nils , Åberg Gunnar
Published: November 2020

The occurrence of adrenergic receptors has been investigated in vitro in isolated human coronary vessels from a newly dead 30‐year‐old man. Both noradrenaline and adrenaline easily contracted the originally atonic coronary vessels. This contraction was strengthened after blockade of the β‐receptors with a specific adrenergic β‐blocker (sotalol, MJ 1999). The contraction increased with the dosage and was completely blocked by an adrenergic α‐blocker (dibenamine). Adrenaline had a somewhat stronger contracting effect than noradrenaline. The contraction was stronger in larger coronary vessels (diameter 2 mm) than in small (diameter 0.5 mm). On coronary vessels contracted by addition of potassium chloride to a final concentration of 13 μmoles/ml, both noradrenaline and adrenaline (1.7 × 10–7 g/ml) produced relaxation, the effect of adrenaline being somewhat stronger. After adrenergic β‐blockade this relaxing effect of adrenaline and noradrenaline was completely blocked. The occurrence of both α‐ and β‐receptors has thus been shown in human coronary vessels.
CLINICAL STUDIES ON A SWEDISH MATERIAL OF PSEUDOXANTHOMA ELASTICUM
Authors: Ålinder Inger , Boström Harry
Published: November 2020

A study of 27 cases of pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) has been made from the point of view of internal medicine. This disease is hereditary and is characterized by typical manifestations of the eyes, skin, mucous membranes and cardiovascular system. Twelve patients died at the time of the investigation, two of malignant diseases, one of gastrointestinal bleeding, and nine of cardiocerebrovascular diseases. All the 15 living patients had typical skin lesions which caused only cosmetic discomfort. In most cases these skin lesions were the first symptom of the disease. Angioid streaks were found in all the patients, nearly all of whom had impairment of vision which had mostly occurred about 20 years later than the skin lesions. The patients with impaired vision also showed different degrees of macular and peripapillary atrophy and retinal‐pigment proliferation. Manifestations of cardiocerebrovascular disease appeared in many of the patients; these symptoms were recognized somewhat later than the eye lesions, but in some cases they had occurred at an early age. Gastrointestinal bleedings occurred in four patients, in one of whom they proved fatal. No characteristic abnormalities were found in the extensive laboratory survey.