bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Invitro digestion and absorption efficiency of homogenised milk lipids
Authors: Agiral Seyma , Ozturkoglu Budak Sebnem , Ilbasmis Tamer Sibel , Ozer Barbaros , Yazihan Nuray
Published: August 2020

The effects of homogenisation, heat treatment and their order on in vitro gastric/pancreatic digestions, and in vitro absorption of milk lipids, expressed as free fatty acids, were investigated. Milk, cream or mixture of homogenised/heat‐treated cream and skim milk were subjected to gastric digestion at pH 2 or 6, followed by pancreatic digestion and cell absorption by CaCo‐2 cells. Heat treatment after or prior to homogenisation affected in vitro digestion efficiencies of milk lipids. The presence of milk proteins led to reductions in the levels of gastric/pancreatic digestion of homogenised milk lipids. Absorption of FFA was not affected by gastric digestion pH.
(Same)‐sex in the city: Urbanisation and LGBTI rights expansion
Authors: AYOUB PHILLIP M. , KOLLMAN KELLY
Published: August 2020

Despite the notable successes of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) activism in the region, individual European countries have varied considerably in the extent and speed with which they have adopted legislation to recognise the rights of their LGBTI citizens. Scholars have often turned to modernisation theory to explain these variable outcomes and argue that high levels of national wealth are an important factor in the success of LGBTI movements. Although the correlation between modernity, economic development and tolerance of LGBTI lifestyles is often treated as a truism in the literature, scholars have paid less attention to the precise mechanisms by which the complex processes associated with modernisation facilitate policy change. Drawing on the classic works of both modernisation theory and gay and lesbian history, we examine a less explored route by which modernisation leads to the expansion of LGBTI rights. Specifically, we posit that urbanisation facilitates the adoption of rights policies by strengthening LGBTI movements and enhancing their political effectiveness. To test this proposition, we use event history analysis and an original dataset that contains measures for institutional, cultural, economic and movement variables, as well as measures of urbanisation in 44 European countries between 1980 and 2015. Our findings support the contention that urbanisation has a strong effect on the formation of LGBTI movement organisations as well as the speed with which European states adopt both same‐sex union and anti‐discrimination legislation. The relationship between urbanisation and rights expansion persists even after controlling for a country's level of wealth, religious adherence and the influence of European institutions and norms.
A review of research on plant‐based meat alternatives: Driving forces, history, manufacturing, and consumer attitudes
Authors: He Jiang , Evans Natasha Marie , Liu Huaizhi , Shao Suqin
Published: August 2020

The topic of plant‐based meat alternatives (PBMAs) has been discussed for several decades, but it has only recently become one of the hottest topics in the food and research communities. With the purpose of investigating the current situation of scientific research on PBMA and determining future research opportunities, the driving forces for PBMA development, a brief history of its progression, key technologies required for production, and the resulting consumer attitudes are summarized. Environmental, human health, and animal welfare concerns are the main factors that have driven the development of PBMA. Although its history can trace back to ancient Asian civilizations, the first generation of PBMA originated in 1960s and a new generation of PBMA designed for carnivore was developed in recently years. Structuring methods such as extrusion and shear cell techniques have been widely studied, but improvements toward the overall appearance and flavor, biological and chemical safety control, as well as the selection of protein sources are also very important for PBMA production. The consumer acceptance of PBMA remains unsatisfactory but is continually improving. Based on those knowledge, future research opportunities include developing more effective strategies for consumer education, providing more scientific evidence for the health properties of PBMA, finding more suitable protein sources to improve the quality of the final products, improving the appearance and flavor, further examining and securing the chemical safety, exploring the structure formation mechanism during the extraction or shearing processes, and developing methods and standards for a quality evaluation of PBMA.
Emerging techniques for determining the quality and safety of tea products: A review
Authors: Yu Xiao‐Lan , Sun Da‐Wen , He Yong
Published: August 2020

Spectroscopic techniques, electrochemical methods, nanozymes, computer vision, and modified chromatographic techniques are the emerging techniques for determining the quality and safety parameters (e.g., physical, chemical, microbiological, and classified parameters, as well as inorganic and organic contaminants) of tea products (such as fresh tea leaves, commercial tea, tea beverage, tea powder, and tea bakery products) effectively. By simplifying the sample preparation, speeding up the detection process, reducing the interference of other substances contained in the sample, and improving the sensitivity and accuracy of the current standard techniques, the abovementioned emerging techniques achieve rapid, cost‐effective, and nondestructive or slightly destructive determination of tea products, with some of them providing real‐time detection results. Applying these emerging techniques in the whole industry of tea product processing, right from the picking of fresh tea leaves, fermentation of tea leaves, to the sensory evaluation of commercial tea, as well as developing portable devices for real‐time and on‐site determination of classified and safety parameters (e.g., the geographical origin, grade, and content of contaminants) will not only eliminate the strong dependence on professionals but also help mechanize the production of tea products, which deserves further research. Conducting a review on the application of spectroscopic techniques, electrochemical methods, nanozymes, computer vision, and modifications of chromatographic techniques for quality and safety determination of tea products may serve as guide for other types of foods and beverages, offering potential techniques for their detection and evaluation, which would promote the development of the food industry.
Forensic Confirmation Bias: Do Jurors Discount Examiners Who Were Exposed to Task‐Irrelevant Information?*†
Authors: Kukucka Jeff , Hiley Alexa , Kassin Saul M.
Published: August 2020

Knowledge of task‐irrelevant information influences judgments of forensic science evidence and thereby undermines their probative value (i.e., forensic confirmation bias). The current studies tested whether laypeople discount the opinion of a forensic examiner who had a priori knowledge of biasing information (i.e., a defendant's confession) that could have influenced his opinion. In three experiments, laypeople (N = 765) read and evaluated a trial summary which, for some, included testimony from a forensic examiner who was either unaware or aware of the defendant's confession, and either denied or admitted that it could have impacted his opinion. When the examiner admitted that the confession could have influenced his opinion, laypeople generally discounted his testimony, as evidenced by their verdicts and other ratings. However, when the examiner denied being vulnerable to bias, laypeople tended to believe him—and they weighted his testimony as strongly as that of the confession‐unaware examiner. In short, laypeople generally failed to recognize the superiority of forensic science judgments made by context‐blind examiners, and they instead trusted examiners who claimed to be impervious to bias. As such, our findings highlight the value of implementing context management procedures in forensic laboratories so as not to mislead fact‐finders.
Changes in free amino acids of fermented minced peppers during natural and inoculated fermentation process based on HPLC‐MS/MS
Authors: Wang Yingrui , Zhou Hui , Ding Shenghua , Ye Meiling , Jiang Liwen , Wang Rongrong
Published: August 2020

Free amino acids (FAAs) participate in the synthesis of quality characteristic ingredients and taste substances in fermented minced peppers (FMPs), and they can be affected by fermentation method and time. In this study, changes in FAAs of FMP during natural fermentation (NF) and inoculated fermentation (IF) process were characterized by HPLC‐MS/MS. The results showed that a total of 20 FAAs were identified, including 8 essential amino acids (AAs), 2 semiessential AAs, and 10 nonessential AAs. Comparing with other FAAs, Gln, Arg, and Asn presented higher content in the whole NF or IF periods. The FAAs content of NF and IF samples showed similar tendency during fermentation process, which first increased and then decreased. The highest content of most FAAs in IF and NF samples was obtained on the 18‐ and 12‐day, respectively. Moreover, the FAA content in IF samples was higher than that in NF ones at the same fermentation time. The taste AAs content accounted for 23.3% to 50.0% in total FAAs, and taste activity value of bitter and umami was higher than sweet and aromatic ones. Based on principal component analysis, comprehensive analysis ranking, and heat map clustering analysis, FMP obtained by IF posed better FAAs quality than NF samples during fermentation process.

Practical Application

Free amino acids (FAAs) participate in the synthesis of quality characteristic ingredients and taste substances in fermented minced peppers (FMPs), and they can be affected by fermentation method and time. Changes in FAA varieties and level in FMP during natural fermentation (NF) and inoculated fermentation (IF) process were analyzed using HPLC‐MS/MS. Then, they were performed by principal component analysis (PCA), and clustered with the heat map. The results showed that FMP obtained by IF posed better FAAs quality than NF samples in the whole fermentation. HPLC‐MS/MS was a reliable and effective mean for determining the FAAs and could provide regulation guidelines for improving the quality of FMP during fermentation process.
Body weight and high‐fat diet are associated with epigenetic aging in female members of the BXD murine family
Authors: Sandoval‐Sierra Jose Vladimir , Helbing Alexandra H. B. , Williams Evan G. , Ashbrook David G. , Roy Suheeta , Williams Robert W. , Mozhui Khyobeni
Published: August 2020

DNA methylation (DNAm) is shaped by genetic and environmental factors and modulated by aging. Here, we examine interrelations between epigenetic aging, body weight (BW), and life span in 12 isogenic strains from the BXD family of mice that exhibit over twofold variation in longevity. Genome‐wide DNAm was assayed in 70 liver specimens from predominantly female cases, 6–25 months old, that were maintained on normal chow or high‐fat diet (HFD). We defined subsets of CpG regions associated with age, BW at young adulthood, and strain‐by‐diet‐dependent life span. These age‐associated differentially methylated CpG regions (age‐DMRs) featured distinct genomic characteristics, with DNAm gains over time occurring in sites such as promoters and exons that have high CpG density and low average methylation. CpG regions associated with BW were enriched in introns, tended to have lower methylation in mice with higher BW, and were inversely correlated with gene expression (i.e., higher mRNA levels in mice with higher BW). CpG regions associated with life span were linked to genes involved in life span modulation, including the telomerase reverse transcriptase gene, Tert, which had both lower methylation and higher expression in long‐lived strains. An epigenetic clock defined from age‐DMRs revealed accelerated aging in mice belonging to strains with shorter life spans. Both higher BW and the HFD were associated with accelerated epigenetic aging. Our results highlight the age‐accelerating effect of heavier BW. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the measure of epigenetic aging derived from age‐DMRs can predict genotype and diet‐induced differences in life span among female BXD members.
Stakeholder and merger and acquisition research: a structured literature review
Authors: Segal Simon , Guthrie James , Dumay Johannes
Published: August 2020

This paper reviews literature that links stakeholders and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to develop insights into how such research is developing, critique the research, and outline future research opportunities, not least in accounting and finance. Using a structured literature review (SLR) approach, we find such research is expanding in investigating diverse stakeholders and in analytic approaches, research methods and disciplines. With a shareholder focus, accounting and finance publications still largely ignore non‐shareholder stakeholders in researching M&A. The literature is dominated by a unidirectional analysis that primarily considers the effect M&A has on stakeholders, falls short in investigating inter‐ and intra‐stakeholder relationships and in eliciting the complex web of relationships between an M&A process and stakeholders.
The adverse events associated with combination immunotherapy in cancers: Challenges and chances
Authors: Zhuo Minglei , Chi Yujia , Wang Ziping
Published: August 2020

With the development of cancer immunotherapy, the combination strategy is becoming prevalent. Multiple relevant clinical trials are ongoing in this field. However, immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) occurred more frequently, showing a different pattern from single‐agent therapy. It is necessary for clinicians to learn about the characteristics of AEs from combination immunotherapy, and master the skills to deal with them. In this article, we reviewed presently published data about AEs from combination immunotherapy of cancers. We believe a full‐scale view about this new treatment strategy will facilitate oncologists to better understand tumor immune response. With cutting edge knowledge, an experienced team can minimize these AEs and help patients to achieve high‐quality long‐term survival.
Maternal obesity adversely affects early breastfeeding in a multicultural, multi‐socioeconomic Melbourne community
Authors: Fan Wei Qi , Molinaro Amanda
Published: August 2020

Background

Maternal breastfeeding support and maternal obesity are concerns effectively addressed at the community level. International, national and regional surveys have established that elevated maternal body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for early cessation of breastfeeding. However, the extent of these concerns in the local community is often an unknown and related to variables such as socioeconomic status, education, culture and ethnicity.

Aims

We believed that a survey of post‐natal breastfeeding and BMI status would provide a valuable insight into developing targeted local health initiatives.

Materials and Methods

In 2014, we teamed up with the Whittlesea Maternal and Child Health Service to complete a questionnaire of mothers and babies attending the eight‐week infant review. Data included: infant and maternal weight, medical conditions, breastfeeding experience and satisfaction, prime language, education level, support.

Results

Maternal obesity at eight weeks postpartum was high at 28.9%, with 63.6% of mothers being overweight or obese. Obesity was associated with a lack of higher education (P < 0.05) and with English as the prime language (P < 0.05). Breastfeeding initiation was high across all BMI categories at 98.3%. By eight weeks, 32.2% of mothers had ceased breastfeeding. Breastfeeding continuation at eight weeks was negatively correlated with elevated BMI (P < 0.01). Breastfeeding cessation in mothers with elevated BMI correlated with psycho‐social concerns (P < 0.05) and lack of previous breastfeeding experience (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Elevated maternal BMI is prevalent in our community and significantly impacts the success of breastfeeding in the early post‐natal period. The survey data have allowed targeted health responses to be developed.
A Resource‐Based Perspective on Organizational Citizenship and Counterproductive Work Behavior: The Role of Vitality and Core Self‐Evaluations
Authors: Spanouli Andromachi , Hofmans Joeri
Published: August 2020

Although results from cross‐sectional between‐person studies suggest a differentiation of employees in good and bad performers, recent studies have challenged this assumption by showing that performance is also dependent on more transient states that vary within individuals. Acknowledging that individuals do not only differ in reference to others, but also in reference to themselves, we integrated the between‐ and within‐person approach in the examination of organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and counterproductive work behavior (CWB). We propose a model informed by conservation of resources theory in which OCB and minor CWB are predicted by within‐person variation in one’s level of vitality, with these relationships being moderated by trait core self‐evaluations (CSE). Moderated multilevel Poisson regression analyses revealed that vitality was positively related with OCB and negatively with minor CWB. CSE moderated the relationship between vitality and OCB so that individuals high in CSE engaged in OCB regardless of their vitality levels; however, contrary to our expectations, CSE did not moderate the relationship between vitality and minor CWB. Together, these findings indicate a complex reality underlying the mechanisms that drive the enactment of OCB and CWB.
One‐stage fluoroscopy‐guided laparoscopic transcystic papillary balloon dilation and laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with cholecystocholedocholithiasis who previously had undergone gastrectomy for gastric cancer
Authors: Kamada Teppei , Ohdaira Hironori , Takeuchi Hideyuki , Takahashi Junji , Marukuchi Rui , Ito Eisaku , Suzuki Norihiko , Narihiro Satoshi , Hoshimoto Sojun , Yoshida Masashi , Yamanouchi Eigoro , Suzuki Yutaka
Published: August 2020

Background

Patients with a history of gastrectomy have a higher incidence of cholecystocholedocholithiasis (CCL) and related morbidities than the general population. However, the management of common bile duct (CBD) stones with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is challenging in patients after Roux‐en‐Y or Billroth II reconstruction because of the altered gastrointestinal anatomy. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of one‐stage laparoscopic transcystic papillary balloon dilation and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LTPBD+LC) in patients with previous gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included five patients with CCL who had previously undergone gastrectomy. All five underwent LTPBD+LC between May 2015 and February 2020 at our institution. The primary end‐point was complete clearance of the CBD stones.

Results

Of the 311 patients who had undergone gastrectomy for gastric cancer from December 2009 to December 2018 at our institution, six (1.9%) were later diagnosed with CCL. Five of the six patients did not need emergency biliary drainage and underwent conservative therapy and subsequent elective LTPBD+LC. LTPBD+LC was successfully performed in all cases. None of the patients required conversion to open surgery. The rate of complete clearance of the CBD stones was 100%. The mean operative time of the entire procedure was 126 minutes (range, 102‐144 minutes), and the mean blood loss was 12.4 mL (range, 1‐50 mL). There were no major perioperative complications, and the mean length of postoperative hospital stay was 4.2 days (range, 3‐7 days).

Conclusion

One‐stage LTPBD+LC may be a feasible procedure for patients with CCL who have previously undergone gastrectomy for gastric cancer.
Laparoscopic anterior resection for rectal stenosis caused by ALTA injection for internal hemorrhoids: A case report
Authors: Yoshimitsu Masanori , Egi Hiroyuki , Kaneko Mayumi , Shimomura Manabu , Hakoda Keishi , Miguchi Masashi , Kohashi Toshihiko , Hihara Jun , Hirabayashi Naoki , Ohdan Hideki
Published: August 2020

We herein report the first case of rectal stenosis that developed after internal hemorrhoid treatment with aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid (ALTA) therapy that was successfully treated by laparoscopic surgery. A 72‐year‐old man suffered from a fever and rectal stenosis after undergoing internal hemorrhoid treatment with a submucosal injection of ALTA at a previous clinic. Three months after ALTA therapy, he developed frequent mucous and bloody stools. Lower intestinal tract endoscopy revealed circumferential severe rectal stenosis. He was therefore referred to our hospital. The patient suffered from frequent stool build‐up and difficulty defecating. We performed balloon‐dilatation intervention. The stenosis was not improved at all. Five months after ALTA therapy, we performed laparoscopic low anterior resection with diverting ileostomy. Three months after the operation, ileostomy takedown was performed. The patient has experienced no rectal stenosis in the 2 years since his radical operation.
The cultural dimension of intergroup conspiracy theories
Authors: van Prooijen Jan‐Willem , Song Mengdi
Published: August 2020

Although conspiracy theories are ubiquitous across times and cultures, research has not investigated how cultural dimensions may predict conspiracy beliefs. The present research examined intergroup conspiracy beliefs in United States and Chinese samples at the peak of the trade war. In two studies (one pre‐registered; total N = 1,092), we asked US participants to what extent they believed Chinese institutions and companies were conspiring against the United states and Chinese participants to what extent they believed US institutions and companies were conspiring against China. Results revealed that such beliefs were stronger among Chinese than US participants due to higher power distance values and vertical collectivism. In particular, these cultural dimensions were associated with increased psychological involvement in intergroup conflict (as reflected by higher levels of collective narcissism and perceived outgroup threat), which in turn predicted intergroup conspiracy beliefs. Exploratory analyses suggested that particularly power distance values mediate these effects. We conclude that cultural dimensions that promote hierarchy in society are associated with increased intergroup conspiracy beliefs.
Settler‐colonialism's anti‐social contract The Wiley Invited Lecture at the 2019 annual meeting of the Canadian Association of Geographers
Authors: Mann Geoff
Published: August 2020

Contemporary liberal governance requires constant access to a historical “reset” button, a simultaneous acknowledgement and disavowal of history. This is especially so in times of emergency or crisis; we are, supposedly, “all in this together.” The political economic institutions that facilitate this false solidarity—the anti‐social contract—range from the mundane to emergency measures, but they share an origin in, and gain their legitimacy from, a key mechanism of liberal social life: contract. If contracts “settle” the past, what can build solidarity in the shadow of a past that cannot be settled?
Oral health and Obesity in Brazilian elders: A longitudinal study
Authors: Tôrres Luísa Helena do Nascimento , De Marchi Renato José , Hilgert Juliana Balbinot , Hugo Fernando Neves , Ismail Amid Ibrahim , Antunes José Leopoldo Ferreira , Sousa Maria da Luz Rosário de
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Obesity is an important risk factor for chronic diseases and can also result in greater mortality. The aim of this longitudinal study was to investigate whether poor oral health acts as a risk factor for obesity as indicated by body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC).

Methods

We included in this analysis all participants who volunteered in a cohort study entitled ‘Carlos Barbosa Cohort Study—CBCS’ in the city of Carlos Barbosa, Southern Brazil. The interview questionnaire comprised socio‐demographic information, behavioural questions and medical history. Oral examinations and anthropometric assessments were carried out. The outcome was obesity measured by both BMI (≥30 kg/m2) and WC (>0.80 for women and >0.94 for men). Variables were collected longitudinally. Those associated with the outcome and epidemiologically relevant to the conceptual framework participated in the analysis and were adjusted for socio‐demographic, behavioural, general and oral health conditions.

Results

Six hundred and thirty‐three independently living elders participated. The baseline mean age was 67.5 ± 6.1 years. Individuals who never visited a dentist (OR = 3.02, 95% CI: 1.25‐7.26) as well as participants who needed a dental prosthesis in the lower arch (OR = 4.38, 95% CI: 1.34‐14.32) were more likely to be obese, through BMI and WC measures, respectively. Edentulous participants with complete dentures in both arches (OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.06‐0.84) and those who perceived their oral health as unsatisfactory (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.19‐0.88) had a lower likelihood of being obese, according to BMI and WC measures.

Conclusions

Older persons with poor oral health may be at risk for general and central obesity, a relationship that may have important clinical implications.
Attachment‐facilitating interactions in non‐kin foster families
Authors: Molano Nuria , León Esperanza , Jiménez‐Morago Jesús M. , Román Maite , Murillo Cristina
Published: August 2020

This study aims to analyse the interaction between children in foster care and their main caregivers during a microcoded co‐construction task, focusing on the verbal and non‐verbal behaviours that the adults use to promote a secure attachment in the child. It also examines how children and caregivers' socio‐demographic variables relate to the interaction. The sample is made up of 28 Spanish children between 4 and 9 years old in long‐term non‐kin foster care and their foster families. The building task was administered to 28 dyads, composed of the child and the main caregiver in each family. Our results showed that the caregivers' use of attachment‐facilitating behaviours was frequent during the interaction. Moreover, children tended to display a positive attitude when adults used these attachment‐facilitating behaviours. We also found some differences in the interaction according to the caregivers and children's age, the child's gender and the caregivers' satisfaction with the child's development. These results offer us a better understanding of the functioning of the adult–child relationships in foster families, which helps us make more efficient interventions to improve the caregivers' sensitivity towards the children's needs and difficulties.
Fabricable Unobtrusive 3D‐QR‐Codes with Directional Light
Authors: Peng Hao , Liu Peiqing , Lu Lin , Sharf Andrei , Liu Lin , Lischinski Dani , Chen Baoquan
Published: August 2020

QR code is a 2D matrix barcode widely used for product tracking, identification, document management and general marketing. Recently, there have been various attempts to utilize QR codes in 3D manufacturing by carving QR codes on the surface of the printed 3D shape. Nevertheless, significant shape editing and modulation may be required to allow readability of the embedded 3D‐QR‐codes with good decoding accuracy. In this paper, we introduce a novel QR code 3D fabrication framework aimed at unobtrusive embedding of 3D‐QR‐codes in the shape hence introducing minimal shape modulation. Essentially, our method computes bi‐directional carvings in the 3D shape surface to obtain the black‐and‐white QR pattern. By using a directional light source, the black‐and‐white QR pattern emerges as lighted and shadow casted blocks on the shape respectively. To account for minimal modulation and elusiveness, we optimize the QR code carving w.r.t. shape geometry, visual disparity and light source position. Our technique employs a simulation of lighting phenomena through carved modules on the shape to ensure adequate contrast of the printed 3D‐QR‐code.
A Simple Discretization of the Vector Dirichlet Energy
Authors: Stein Oded , Wardetzky Max , Jacobson Alec , Grinspun Eitan
Published: August 2020

We present a simple and concise discretization of the covariant derivative vector Dirichlet energy for triangle meshes in 3D using Crouzeix‐Raviart finite elements. The discretization is based on linear discontinuous Galerkin elements, and is simple to implement, without compromising on quality: there are two degrees of freedom for each mesh edge, and the sparse Dirichlet energy matrix can be constructed in a single pass over all triangles using a short formula that only depends on the edge lengths, reminiscent of the scalar cotangent Laplacian. Our vector Dirichlet energy discretization can be used in a variety of applications, such as the calculation of Killing fields, parallel transport of vectors, and smooth vector field design. Experiments suggest convergence and suitability for applications similar to other discretizations of the vector Dirichlet energy.
Interactive Sculpting of Digital Faces Using an Anatomical Modeling Paradigm
Authors: Gruber A. , Fratarcangeli M. , Zoss G. , Cattaneo R. , Beeler T. , Gross M. , Bradley D.
Published: August 2020

Digitally sculpting 3D human faces is a very challenging task. It typically requires either 1) highly‐skilled artists using complex software packages for high quality results, or 2) highly‐constrained simple interfaces for consumer‐level avatar creation, such as in game engines. We propose a novel interactive method for the creation of digital faces that is simple and intuitive to use, even for novice users, while consistently producing plausible 3D face geometry, and allowing editing freedom beyond traditional video game avatar creation. At the core of our system lies a specialized anatomical local face model (ALM), which is constructed from a dataset of several hundred 3D face scans. User edits are propagated to constraints for an optimization of our data‐driven ALM model, ensuring the resulting face remains plausible even for simple edits like clicking and dragging surface points. We show how several natural interaction methods can be implemented in our framework, including direct control of the surface, indirect control of semantic features like age, ethnicity, gender, and BMI, as well as indirect control through manipulating the underlying bony structures. The result is a simple new method for creating digital human faces, for artists and novice users alike. Our method is attractive for low‐budget VFX and animation productions, and our anatomical modeling paradigm can complement traditional game engine avatar design packages.
Nonlinear Deformation Synthesis via Sparse Principal Geodesic Analysis
Authors: Sassen Josua , Hildebrandt Klaus , Rumpf Martin
Published: August 2020

This paper introduces the construction of a low‐dimensional nonlinear space capturing the variability of a non‐rigid shape from a data set of example poses. The core of the approach is a Sparse Principal Geodesic Analysis (SPGA) on the Riemannian manifold of discrete shells, in which a pose of a non‐rigid shape is a point. The SPGA is invariant to rigid body motions of the poses and supports large deformation. Since the Riemannian metric measures the membrane and bending distortions of the shells, the sparsity term forces the modes to describe largely decoupled and localized deformations. This property facilitates the analysis of articulated shapes. The modes often represent characteristic articulations of the shape and usually come with a decomposing of the spanned subspace into low‐dimensional widely decoupled subspaces. For example, for human models, one expects distinct, localized modes for the bending of elbow or knee whereas some more modes are required to represent shoulder articulation. The decoupling property can be used to construct useful starting points for the computation of the nonlinear deformations via a superposition of shape submanifolds resulting from the decoupling. In a preprocessing stage, samples of the individual subspaces are computed, and, in an online phase, these are interpolated multilinearly. This accelerates the construction of nonlinear deformations and makes the method applicable for interactive applications. The method is compared to alternative approaches and the benefits are demonstrated on different kinds of input data.
Data Assimilation for Full 4D PC‐MRI Measurements: Physics‐Based Denoising and Interpolation
Authors: de Hoon N. H. L. C. , Jalba A.C. , Farag E.S. , van Ooij P. , Nederveen A.J. , Eisemann E. , Vilanova A.
Published: August 2020

Phase‐Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PC‐MRI) surpasses all other imaging methods in quality and completeness for measuring time‐varying volumetric blood flows and has shown potential to improve both diagnosis and risk assessment of cardiovascular diseases. However, like any measurement of physical phenomena, the data are prone to noise, artefacts and has a limited resolution. Therefore, PC‐MRI data itself do not fulfil physics fluid laws making it difficult to distinguish important flow features. For data analysis, physically plausible and high‐resolution data are required. Computational fluid dynamics provides high‐resolution physically plausible flows. However, the flow is inherently coupled to the underlying anatomy and boundary conditions, which are difficult or sometimes even impossible to adequately model with current techniques. We present a novel methodology using data assimilation techniques for PC‐MRI noise and artefact removal, generating physically plausible flow close to the measured data. It also allows us to increase the spatial and temporal resolution. To avoid sensitivity to the anatomical model, we consider and update the full 3D velocity field. We demonstrate our approach using phantom data with various amounts of induced noise and show that we can improve the data while preserving important flow features, without the need of a highly detailed model of the anatomy.
Validity of fractal analysis of implants in individuals with healthy and diseased peri‐implant mucosa
Authors: Lang Melissa S. , Miyamoto Takanari , Nunn Martha E.
Published: August 2020

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine whether fractal analysis could discriminate the peri‐implant trabecular bone between individuals with healthy peri‐implant mucosa and peri‐implant disease using digital periapical radiographs.

Material and Methods

The electronic health records of patients with a dental implant were reviewed to determine their eligibility. One hundred four patients (aged 27–89 years) were included and divided into three groups. Group 1) Individuals with healthy peri‐implant mucosa; Group 2) Individuals with peri‐implant mucositis; or Group 3) Individuals with peri‐implantitis. The following clinical measurements for each dental implant were extracted: probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and the presence or absence of bleeding on probing (BOP). Digital periapical images of the implant were used to calculate the fractal dimension (FD) for each implant at two regions of interest (ROI). Summary statistics were calculated for mean PD, mean CAL, mean percent BOP, and mean FD by group. Differences among groups were tested using one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Spearman nonparametric correlations were tabulated for mean PD, mean CAL, mean percent BOP, and mean FD.

Results

The only measure that did not demonstrate significant differences among groups was FD (p = .559) with all other measures demonstrating a significant difference (p < .001).

Conclusions

Based on this study, FD of the peri‐implant bone calculated from a periapical radiograph does not appear to be a valid method to distinguish between healthy and diseased implants, while clinical measures of PD, CAL, and BOP are useful for the diagnosis of peri‐implant health, peri‐implant mucositis, and peri‐implantitis.
Nuclear receptor coactivator 6 promotes HTR‐8/SVneo cell invasion and migration by activating NF‐κB‐mediated MMP9 transcription
Authors: Wu Liang , Zhao Kun‐qing , Wang Wei , Cui Li‐na , Hu Lin‐li , Jiang Xiang‐xiang , Shuai Jun , Sun Ying‐pu
Published: August 2020

Objectives

NCOA6 is a transcription coactivator; its deletion in mice results in growth retardation and lethality between 8.5 and 12.5 dpc with defects in the placenta. However, the transcription factor(s) and the mechanism(s) involved in the function of NCOA6 in placentation have not been elucidated. Here, the roles of NCOA6 in human cytotrophoblast invasion and migration were studied.

Materials and Methods

Human placenta tissues were collected from normal pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by early‐onset severe preeclampsia (sPE). Immunofluorescence, RT‐qPCR and Western blotting were used to determine NCOA6 expression. Transwell invasion/migration assays were performed to explore whether NCOA6 knockdown affected human placenta‐derived HTR‐8/SVneo cell invasion/migration. Gelatin zymography was performed to examine the change in the gelatinolytic activities of secreted MMP2 and MMP9. Luciferase reporter assays were used to explore whether NCOA6 coactivated NF‐κB‐mediated MMP9 transcription.

Results

NCOA6 is mainly expressed in the human placental trophoblast column, as well as in the EVTs. HTR‐8/SVneo cell invasion and migration were significantly attenuated after NCOA6 knockdown, and the secretion of MMP9 was decreased due to transcriptional suppression. NCOA6 was further found to coactivate NF‐κB‐mediated MMP9 transcription. Moreover, expression of NCOA6 was impaired in placentas of patients complicated by early‐onset sPE.

Conclusions

Thus, we demonstrated that NCOA6 is important for cytotrophoblast invasion/migration, at least partially, by activating NF‐κB‐mediated MMP9 transcription; the downregulation of NCOA6 may contribute to the pathogenesis of early‐onset sPE.
Computed tomography‐based spiculated sign for prediction of malignancy in lung nodules: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Yu , Wang Tao , Fu Yu‐Fei , Shi Yi‐Bing
Published: August 2020

Background

Computed tomography (CT)‐based spiculated sign is a risk factor for malignancy in patients with lung nodules (LNs). The present meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of CT‐based spiculated sign as a means of differentiating between malignant and benign LNs.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase were reviewed from January 2000 to March 2020 for eligible studies. Stata v12.0 was used to conduct this meta‐analysis.

Results

We identified 19 retrospective studies for inclusion in this meta‐analysis. These studies compiled data pertaining to 8549 LNs (5547 malignant and 3003 benign). Pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR) and diagnostic odds ratios (DOR) were 0.51 (95% CI: 0.36‐0.65), 0.84 (95% CI: 0.74‐0.91), 3.15 (95% CI: 2.34‐4.23), 0.59 (95% CI: 0.47‐0.73) and 5.36 (95% CI: 3.93‐7.31), respectively. The area under curve (AUC) was 0.76. Significant heterogeneity was detected among these studies with respect to sensitivity (I2 = 98.4%, P = .00), specificity (I2 = 95.8%, P = .00), PLR (I2 = 78.9%, P = .00), NLR (I2 = 99.3%, P = .00) and DOR (I2 = 100%, P = .00). A meta‐regression analysis revealed that the country in which a study was conducted (China vs Not China) had a strong influence on reported sensitivity and specificity. No significant publication bias was detected via Deeks’ funnel plot asymmetry test (P = .191).

Conclusions

CT‐based spiculated sign can achieve moderate diagnostic performance as a means of differentiating between malignant and benign LNs.
Body image in COPD and its relation with physical activity levels, lung function and body composition: An observational study
Authors: Freire Ana Paula Coelho Figueira , Ferreira Aline Duarte , Santos Caroline Pereira , Araújo Isabela Cristina Duarte , Uzeloto Juliana Souza , Silva Bruna Spolador de Alencar , Ramos Dionei , Ramos Ercy Mara Cipulo
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Body image has been previously defined as the mental figure we have of the contours and shape of our body; and the feelings concerning these characteristics. A change in body perception can influence one’s feelings of self‐worth and compromise functional abilities. Thus, the detection of distortions in body image could be important data for clinical evaluation of subjects with COPD.

Objectives

To assess the body image perception of subjects with COPD. Also, to investigate the association between body image and levels of physical activity in these subjects.

Materials and Methods

109 subjects were recruited and divided into the COPD group and control subjects without any pulmonary conditions. For this cross‐sectional study, we performed an initial evaluation and participants were evaluated regarding physical activity level, body image (silhouette scale) and determination of body mass index (BMI). Finally, we performed the evaluation of lung function (spirometry) and body composition analysis (bioelectrical impedance).

Results

BothCOPD and control subjects presented alterations in body image. Both groups desired significantly lower BMI and weight measures, according to the silhouette scale, demonstrating body dissatisfaction (P < .05). No differences in the level body dissatisfaction were found between Control and COPD groups (P > .05). No associations between physical activity levels and body image were observed (P > .05; r = −0.24 to 0.14).

Conclusion

In conclusion, patients with COPD present significant body dissatisfaction, similar to control individuals. Furthermore, body image perception in COPD is related to body composition measurements but not to physical activity levels.
Characterisation of presentations to a community‐based specialist addiction neuropsychology service: Cognitive profiles, diagnoses and comorbidities
Authors: Gooden James R. , Cox Catherine A. , Petersen Vanessa , Curtis Ashlee , Manning Victoria , Lubman Dan I.
Published: August 2020

Introduction and Aims

Cognitive impairment is a common feature of individuals with substance‐use disorders. However, research tends to exclude highly complex clinical cases, limiting the generalisability of findings for ‘real‐world' populations. The objective of this study was to examine the complexities associated with addiction, substance use and cognitive impairment through the characterisation of client presentations to a newly established specialised addiction neuropsychology service.

Design and Methods

Retrospective case file audit. Neuropsychological assessment reports for consenting clients over a 4‐year period were de‐identified and reviewed. Cognitive domains assessed included attention, processing speed, working memory, intellectual functioning, memory and executive functioning.

Results

Of the 200 case files examined, the majority were male clients, with 11 years or lower of education and a history of daily substance use, with 30% continuing to use daily. Seventy‐one percent had a formal mental health diagnosis and 41% had reported a history of trauma. The most prevalent cognitive impairments were observed in complex attention (50%) and memory (40%). New diagnoses were conveyed in 25% of cases, comprising acquired brain injury (16%) and neurodevelopmental disabilities (9%).

Discussion and Conclusions

It is common for clients with substance use histories referred to an addiction neuropsychology service to present with complex histories including psychosocial difficulties, comorbid mental health and medical issues and cognitive impairment. As such, careful diagnostic formulations are required when multiple factors may contribute to cognitive deficits. This study highlights the importance of a state‐wide specialist addiction neuropsychology service in supporting diagnostic clarification and informing relevant treatment approaches.
Disentangling the relative roles of climate and land cover change in driving the long‐term population trends of European migratory birds
Authors: Howard Christine , Stephens Philip A. , Pearce‐Higgins James W. , Gregory Richard D. , Butchart Stuart H.M. , Willis Stephen G.
Published: August 2020

Aim

Global declines in the populations of migratory species have been attributed largely to climate change and anthropogenic habitat change. However, the relative contribution of these factors on species’ breeding and non‐breeding ranges is unclear. Here, we present the first large‐scale assessment of the relative importance of climatic conditions and land cover on both the breeding and non‐breeding grounds in driving the long‐term population trends of migratory species.

Location

Europe and Africa.

Methods

We use data on the long‐term population trends of 61 short‐ and 39 long‐distance migratory species of European breeding birds. We analyse these population trends in relation to changes in climate and land cover across species’ breeding and non‐breeding ranges over a 36‐year period, along with species’ migratory behaviour.

Results

The population trends of European migratory birds appear to be more closely related to changes in climate than changes in land cover on their breeding grounds, but the converse is true on their non‐breeding grounds. While improvements in climate suitability across the breeding ranges of short‐distance migrants led to increasing population trends, the same was not true for long‐distance migrants. The combined effects of changes in climate and land cover account for approximately 40% of the variation in migratory species’ population trends, suggesting that factors other than climate and land cover as we have measured them, such as habitat quality, also affect the population trends of migrant birds.

Main Conclusions

Over recent decades, population trends of most migrant species are most strongly related to climatic conditions on the breeding grounds but land cover change on the non‐breeding grounds. This suggests that management to stem the declines of migrant birds requires an integrated approach that considers all processes affecting migrant birds across their dynamic distributions throughout the year.
The usefulness of subxiphoid view in the evaluation of acceleration time and pulmonary hypertension in ICU patients
Authors: Gürsel Gül , Özdemir Uğur , Güney Tuba , Karaarslan Nur , Tekin Ömer , Öztürk Burcu
Published: August 2020

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is very frequent in ICUs. Estimation of systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PASP) by using tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) is impossible in 25% of patients. However, it may be possible to estimate PHT in these patients by obtaining subxiphoid imaging of short axis (SX‐SAX) and measuring pulmonary artery diameter (PAD) and right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) acceleration time (AT). We first aimed to compare the values of AT and PAD measured at the parasternal short axis view (PSAX) and SX‐SAX and then to compare AT measurements obtained in the RVOT and pulmonary artery (PA) in ICU patients.

Methods

This prospective observational study was conducted in a 7‐bed ICU of a tertiary academic teaching hospital. Measurements of TRV, PAD, and AT in parasternal and subxiphoid SAX were obtained. AT was measured in RVOT and PA locations. We measured other echocardiographic signs of PHT to assess the probability of PHT in addition to TRV measurements.

Results

The study consisted of 61 patients. TRV was measured in 85% of the patients, and SX‐SAX was visualized in 78%. The probability of PHT was high (49%) in this study population. There were agreement and no proportional bias between the measurements of PAD and AT at both SX‐SAX and PSAX. Measurements of AT in the RVOT and PA were similar, as well.

Conclusion

These results suggested that measurements of AT in the PSAX and SX‐SAX and RVOT and PA were similar in the ICU patients.