bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The last glaciation of the Arctic volcanic island Jan Mayen
Authors: Lyså Astrid , Larsen Eiliv A. , Anjar Johanna , Akçar Naki , Ganerød Morgan , Hiksdal Asbjørn , Van Der Lelij Roelant , Vockenhuber Christof
Published: October 2020

The volcanic island of Jan Mayen, remotely located in the Norwegian‐Greenland Sea, was covered by a contiguous ice cap during the Late Weichselian. Until now, it has been disputed whether parts of the island south of the presently glaciated Mount Beerenberg area were ever glaciated. Based on extensive field mapping we demonstrate that an ice cap covered all land areas and likely also extended onto the shallow shelf areas southeast and east of the island. Chronological interpretations are based on K‐Ar and 40Ar/39Ar dating of volcanic rocks, cosmogenic nuclide (36Cl) surface exposure dating of bedrock and glacial erratics, and radiocarbon dating. We argue that ice growth started after 34 ka and that an initial deglaciation started some 21.5–19.5 ka in the southern and middle parts of the island. In the northern parts, closer to the present glaciers, the deglaciation might have started later, as evidenced by the establishment of vegetation 17–16 cal. ka BP. During full glaciation, the ice cap was likely thickest over the southern part of the island. This may explain a seemingly delayed deglaciation compared with the northern parts despite earlier initial deglaciation. In a broader context, the new knowledge of the Late Weichselian of the island contributes to the understanding of glaciations surrounding the North Atlantic and its climate history.
Respiratory symptoms of exposure to substances in the workplace among Bulgarian dentists
Authors: Stoeva Iliyana
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Dentists are exposed to a variety of airborne chemicals that can act as irritants and sensitizers and may give rise to work‐related respiratory symptoms. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms of exposure to substances in the workplace and associated risk factors in Bulgarian dentists.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed among Bulgarian dentists by using a self‐report questionnaire. A direct acyclic graph (DAG) was elaborated to illustrate the direct and indirect causal pathways between exposure to irritants and/or allergens from dental environment and work‐related respiratory symptoms among dentists. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted in order to investigate the relationship between sex, work experience, daily exposure to chemicals from dental environment, history of atopic disorder and work‐related respiratory symptoms.

Results

A total of 4675 dentists completed the questionnaire (response rate 48.1%). The prevalence of self‐reported work‐related respiratory symptoms was 20.7%. The most common repeated causes of respiratory reactions were disinfectants (65.7%) and materials based on acrylic resins (29.7%). Factors associated with work‐related respiratory symptoms are personal history of asthma (odds ratio (OR) 2.50, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.71‐3.64), work experience >20 years (OR 2.17, 95% CI: 1.74‐2.70) and female gender (OR 2.14, 95% CI: 1.81‐2.56).

Conclusion

Work‐related respiratory symptoms are frequent among dentists and indicate a need for efforts to establish effective programmes and techniques of reducing or eliminating direct exposure to airborne chemicals in the dental environment.
Disentangling a web of causation: An ethnographic study of interlinked patient barriers to planned dental visiting, and strategies to overcome them
Authors: van der Zande Marieke M. , Exley Catherine , Wilson Samantha A. , Harris Rebecca V.
Published: October 2020

Objective

To explore barriers to planned dental visiting, investigating how barriers interlink, how they accumulate and change, and how individuals envisage overcoming their combination of barriers through personal strategies.

Methods

An ethnographic study was conducted of adult urgent dental care attenders who did not have a dentist, including 155 hours of nonparticipant observations, 97 interviews and 19 follow‐up interviews in six urgent dental care settings. Data were analysed using constant comparison, first identifying barriers and personal strategies to overcome them, and subsequently analysing interlinks between barriers and personal strategies.

Results

Accounts of barriers to planned dental visiting encompassed multiple barriers, which related to socioeconomic circumstances as well as experiences of oral health care. Barriers were multi‐layered and more difficult to overcome when occurring together. Personal strategies to overcome diverse barriers often hinged on increasing importance of oral health to individuals, yet this was not always sufficient. The combination of barriers participants experience was dynamic, changing due to personal, family, or employment circumstances, and with increasing severity of barriers over time. Over time, this could lead to higher cost, and additional barriers, particularly embarrassment.

Conclusion

Barriers to planned dental visiting are complex, multi‐layered and change over time, constituting a ‘web of causation’. This adds a novel perspective to the literature on barriers to dental visiting, and requires that researchers, dental practitioners and policy makers remain open to barriers’ interlinked effects, changes in primacy among individual patients’ barriers, and their accumulation over time to better support uptake of planned dental visiting.
Changes and determinants of unmet oral health treatment need
Authors: Torppa‐Saarinen Eeva , Tolvanen Mimmi , Lahti Satu , Suominen Anna Liisa
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Our aim was to describe the nature and determinants of the changes in unmet treatment need between the years 2000 and 2011 after a major oral healthcare reform and a wider supply of subsidized care.

Methods

The study used a longitudinal sample (n = 3838) of adults who had participated in both the Health 2000 and 2011 surveys (BRIF 8901). Those reporting self‐assessed treatment need without having visited a dentist in the previous 12 months were categorized as having unmet treatment need. Two logistic regression models were applied to determine the effects of predisposing and enabling factors on change in unmet treatment need. Model 1 was conducted among those who reported unmet treatment need in 2000 and evaluated the determinants for improvement. Model 2 was conducted among those who did not have unmet treatment need in 2000 to evaluate the risk factors for having unmet treatment need by 2011.

Results

Unmet treatment need was reported by 25% of the participants in 2000 and by 20% in 2011. Those with unmet treatment need in 2000 were less likely to report improvement by 2011 if they had poor subjective oral health, basic or intermediate education level, or poor perceived economic situation in 2000. Those who did not have unmet treatment need in 2000 were more likely to have it in 2011 if they were males or from northern Finland and less likely to if they came from central Finland or were older.

Conclusions

The wider supply of subsidized oral health care during the study years did not lead to complete elimination of treatment need. The determinants of unmet treatment need, such as low or intermediate education level and perceived economic difficulties, should be used in targeting the services at those with treatment need to achieve better oral health outcomes.
Time‐Warped Foveated Rendering for Virtual Reality Headsets
Authors: Franke Linus , Fink Laura , Martschinke Jana , Selgrad Kai , Stamminger Marc
Published: October 2020

Rendering in real time for virtual reality headsets with high user immersion is challenging due to strict framerate constraints as well as due to a low tolerance for artefacts. Eye tracking‐based foveated rendering presents an opportunity to strongly increase performance without loss of perceived visual quality. To this end, we propose a novel foveated rendering method for virtual reality headsets with integrated eye tracking hardware. Our method comprises recycling pixels in the periphery by spatio‐temporally reprojecting them from previous frames. Artefacts and disocclusions caused by this reprojection are detected and re‐evaluated according to a confidence value that is determined by a newly introduced formalized perception‐based metric, referred to as confidence function. The foveal region, as well as areas with low confidence values, are redrawn efficiently, as the confidence value allows for the delicate regulation of hierarchical geometry and pixel culling. Hence, the average primitive processing and shading costs are lowered dramatically. Evaluated against regular rendering as well as established foveated rendering methods, our approach shows increased performance in both cases. Furthermore, our method is not restricted to static scenes and provides an acceleration structure for post‐processing passes.
Growth arrest–specific 2 protein family: Structure and function
Authors: Zhang Nan , Zhao Chunyan , Zhang Xinxin , Cui Xiaoteng , Zhao Yan , Yang Jie , Gao Xingjie
Published: October 2020

Members of the growth arrest–specific 2 (GAS2) protein family consist of a putative actin‐binding (CH) domain and a microtubule‐binding (GAR) domain and are considered miniversions of spectraplakins. There are four members in the GAS2 family, viz. GAS2, GAS2L1, GAS2L2 and GAS2L3. Although GAS2 is defined as a family of growth arrest–specific proteins, the significant differences in the expression patterns, interaction characteristics and biological issues or diseases among the different GAS2 family members have not been systemically reviewed to date. Therefore, we summarized the available evidence on the structures and functions of GAS2 family members. This review facilitates a comprehensive molecular understanding of the involvement of the GAS2 family members in an array of biological processes, including cytoskeleton reorganization, cell cycle, apoptosis and cancer development.
Comparing short‐term outcomes between conus medullaris and cauda equina surgical techniques of selective dorsal rhizotomy
Authors: Duffy Elizabeth A , Hornung Alexander L , Chen Brian Po‐Jung , Munger Meghan E , Aldahondo Nanette , Krach Linda E , Novacheck Tom F , Schwartz Michael H
Published: October 2020

Aim

To compare short‐term outcomes between conus medullaris (conus) and cauda equina (cauda) selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) techniques in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

Method

This was a retrospective review of SDR at a single center from 2013 to 2017. Gait and functional outcome measures were assessed at no more than 18 months pre‐SDR (baseline) and 8 to 36 months post‐SDR (follow‐up). Transient complications during inpatient stay were quantified.

Results

In total, 21 and 59 children underwent conus and cauda SDR respectively. Ashworth Scale scores were nearly normalized at follow‐up. Most physical examination and functional measures exhibited similar baseline to follow‐up responses for both groups. From baseline to follow‐up, sagittal plane knee kinematics for both groups significantly improved (p<0.01) by 11° at initial contact, 9° to 10° in stance phase, and 4° in swing phase. Sagittal plane ankle kinematics improved more for the cauda group than the conus group in both stance phase (10° vs 2°, p<0.01) and swing phase (13° vs 3°, p<0.01). Post‐surgical complications were similar between groups.

Interpretation

Conus and cauda SDR techniques resulted in similar short‐term outcomes except in ankle kinematics at follow‐up. The cauda group exhibited a large improvement towards dorsiflexion, while there was residual equinus in the conus group despite Ashworth Scale scores normalizing equally in both groups.

What this paper adds

Conus and cauda selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) resulted in mostly similar short‐term gait and functional outcomes.

Conus SDR resulted in residual equinus dynamically, despite normalized spasticity measures.

Post‐surgical complications were mostly similar between SDR techniques.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND THE MARGINS OF TRADE: ARE THE LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES DIFFERENT?
Authors: Mora Jesse , Olabisi Michael
Published: October 2020

We show that for the least‐developed countries (LDCs), the number of exporters is relatively more important than the average exporter size for explaining both export growth and economic development. To guide our analysis, we develop a theoretical model that links the impact of productivity shocks to institutional differences between country groups. Empirically, we find a positive relationship between the extensive margin and economic development for LDCs, but not for middle‐income and high‐income economies; and, on the intensive margin, the relationship is strongest for high‐income countries. The findings imply that the drivers of export growth and economic development for the poorest countries differ significantly from growth drivers in other country groups.( JEL F12, F43, O47)
PRICED OUT: AGGREGATE INCOME SHOCKS AND SCHOOL PRICING IN THE CHILEAN VOUCHER MARKET
Authors: Feigenberg Benjamin
Published: October 2020

This paper studies private school market behavior. If school quality is a normal good and schools have market power, profit‐maximizing schools may lower enrollment when incomes rise given parents' preferences for small class sizes and high‐socioeconomic status (SES) classmates. To demonstrate the possibility of such a response, I present simulations based on a stylized model of school pricing. Using data on local income variation in Chile, I show that positive income shocks cause private school prices to rise and enrollments to fall. Enrollment declines are concentrated among low‐SES students, who do not experience the same test score gains as their higher‐SES peers. (JEL I24, L1, O15)
Outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 in patients with neuromyelitis optica and associated disorders
Authors: Louapre Céline , Maillart Elisabeth , Papeix Caroline , Zeidan Sinead , Biotti Damien , Lepine Zoé , Wahab Abir , Zedet Mickael , Labauge Pierre , Tilikete Caroline , Pique Julie , Tourbah Ayman , Mathey Guillaume , Dimitri Boulos Dalia , Branger Pierre , Kremer Laurent Daniel , Marignier Romain , Collongues Nicolas , De Seze Jérôme
Published: October 2020

Background

Outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody‐associated disease (MOGAD), often treated with immunosuppressive therapies, are still unknown.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter, retrospective, observational cohort study among all French expert centers for neuromyelitis optica and related disorders. Patients with NMOSD or MOGAD included in the study received a confirmed or highly suspected diagnosis of COVID‐19 between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2020. Main outcome was COVID‐19 severity score assessed on a seven‐point ordinal scale ranging from 1 (not hospitalized with no limitations on activities) to 7 (death).

Results

Fifteen cases (mean [SD] age: 39.3 [14.3] years, 11 female) were included. Five patients (33.3%) were hospitalized, all receiving rituximab. A 24‐year‐old patient with positive aquaporine‐4 antibody, with obesity as comorbidity, needed mechanical ventilation. Outpatients were receiving anti‐CD20 (5), mycophenolate mofetil (3) or azathioprine (3). They were younger (mean [SD] age: 37.0 [13.4] years), with a longer disease duration (mean [SD]: 8.3 [6.3] years) and had a lower expanded disability severity score (EDSS) score (median [range] EDSS: 2.5 [0–4]) relative to patients requiring hospitalization (mean [SD] age: 44.0 [16.4] years, mean [SD] disease duration: 5.8 [5.5] years, median [range] EDSS: 4 [0–6.5]).

Conclusions

COVID‐19 outcome was overall favorable in this cohort. Larger international studies are needed to identify risk factors of severe COVID‐19; however, we recommend personal protective measures to reduce risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in this immunocompromised population.
Immune privilege of skin stem cells: What do we know and what can we learn?
Authors: Agudo Judith
Published: October 2020

The skin forms a barrier that prevents dehydration and keeps us safe from pathogens. To ensure proper function, the skin possesses a myriad of stem cell populations that are essential for maintenance and repair upon damage. In order to protect, the skin is also an active immunological site, with abundant resident immune cells and strong recruitment of even more immune cells during wounding or infection. Such active and strong immunity makes the skin susceptible to a diverse spectrum of autoimmune diseases, such as vitiligo and alopecia areata. Conversely, despite constant immune surveillance, the skin is also a tissue where frequent malignancies occur, which suggests that immune evasion must also take place. Skin stem cells play a crucial role during both regeneration and tumorigenesis. How immune cells, and in particular T cells, interact with skin stem cells and the implications this crosstalk has in skin disease (both autoimmunity and cancer) is not fully understood. Uncovering the mechanisms governing immune‐stem cells interactions in the skin is critical for the development of new therapeutic strategies to safeguard susceptible cells during autoimmunity and, conversely, to improve cancer immunotherapy. Here, I will discuss how distinct skin stem cell populations are attacked by, or conversely, cloaked from immune cells, and the implications their differences have in autoimmunity and cancer.
Anisotropic fracture and energy dissipation characteristics of interbedded marble subjected to multilevel uniaxial compressive cyclic loading
Authors: Wang Yu , Han Jianqiang , Ren Junyu , Li Changhong
Published: October 2020

This work aims to investigate the anisotropic fracture and energy dissipation characteristics of marbles cored along an angle of 0°, 30°, 60° and 90° with respect to interbed planes and subjected to multilevel cyclic loading conditions. Rock fatigue deformation, strength, lifetime and dissipated energy first decrease and then increase with increasing interbed orientation, and they get to the minimum for the sample at a 30° interbed orientation. Rock stiffness degradation is significant with the increase of cyclic level, and the stiffness evolution is affected by the interbed structure. The incremental rate of dissipated energy becomes faster with increase of cyclic loading level, and it presents an abrupt increasing trend at the last cyclic loading level. A damage evolution model was first established based on dissipated energy to describe the two‐phase damage accumulation characteristics. It suggests that the proposed model fits to the testing data well and favourably represents the non‐linear characteristics of damage accumulation.
Multiple life‐stage connectivity of Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) across the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska
Authors: Sadorus Lauri L. , Goldstein Esther D. , Webster Raymond A. , Stockhausen William T. , Planas Josep V. , Duffy‐Anderson Janet T.
Published: October 2020

Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) is managed as a single stock throughout the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) and eastern Bering Sea (BS), but biogeographical barriers and the potential for differential impacts of climate change may alter habitat use and distributions, and restrict connectivity between these ecosystems. To improve our understanding of larval dispersal pathways and migrations of young fish within and between GOA and BS, we (a) examined potential pelagic larval dispersal and connectivity between the two basins using an individual‐based biophysical model (IBM) focusing on years with contrasting climatic conditions and (b) tracked movement of fish up to age‐6 years using annual age‐based distributions and a spatiotemporal modeling approach. IBM results suggest that the Aleutian Islands constrain connectivity between GOA and BS, but that large island passes serve as pathways between these ecosystems. The degree of connectivity between GOA and BS is influenced by spawning location such that an estimated 47%–58% of simulated larvae from the westernmost GOA spawning location arrived in the BS, with progressive reductions in connectivity from spawning grounds further east. From the results of spatial modeling of 2‐ to 6‐year‐old fish, we can infer ontogenetic migration from the inshore settlement areas of eastern BS toward Unimak Pass and GOA. The pattern of larval dispersal from GOA to BS, and subsequent post‐settlement migrations back from BS toward GOA, provides evidence of circular, multiple life stage, connectivity between these ecosystems, regardless of climatic variability or year‐class strength.
Distinctively altered lignin biosynthesis by site‐modification of OsCAD2 for enhanced biomass saccharification in rice
Authors: Zhang Guifen , Wang Lingqiang , Li Xukai , Bai Shuming , Xue Yali , Li Zihui , Tang Shang‐wen , Wang Yanting , Wang Youmei , Hu Zhen , Li Ping , Peng Liangcai
Published: October 2020

Crop straws represent enormous biomass resource convertible for biofuels and bioproducts, but lignocellulose recalcitrance restricts its saccharification for commercial utility. Despite genetic modification of lignin biosynthesis being attempted to reduce recalcitrance in bioenergy crops, it remains challenging to optimize lignin deposition without an unacceptable yield penalty. Based on gene expression analysis and phylogenetic tree profiling, a cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase gene (OsCAD2) as the target for genetic engineering of lignin biosynthesis in rice was selected in this study. Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, independent homozygous transgenic lines with precise site mutation of OsCAD2, which showed slightly reduced lignin levels but markedly decreased p‐hydroxyphenyl (H) contents in lignin by 34% and increased guaiacyl (G) contents by 16%, compared to the wild type were generated in this study. Under mild alkali pretreatment (1% NaOH, 50°C), the OsCAD2 site‐modified lines showed effective lignin extraction up to 70% (of total lignin) from mature rice straws, which caused either significantly increased biomass porosity and cellulose accessibility or remarkably reduced cellulase adsorption to lignin in pretreated lignocellulose residues. These consequently led to almost complete biomass enzymatic saccharification with increased hexoses yields by 61%–72% in the modified lines, being much higher than those of the lignin‐altered lines reported in previous studies. Hence, this study has demonstrated a novel genetic engineering strategy to reduce lignocellulose recalcitrance with minimized biomass loss for cost‐effective biomass conversion to bioethanol in rice and bioenergy crops.
HIV prevalence and HIV clinical outcomes of transgender and gender‐diverse people in England
Authors: Kirwan PD , Hibbert M , Kall M , Nambiar K , Ross M , Croxford S , Nash S , Webb L , Wolton A , Delpech VC
Published: October 2020

Objectives

We provide the first estimate of HIV prevalence among trans and gender‐diverse people living in England and compare outcomes of people living with HIV according to gender identity.

Methods

We analysed a comprehensive national HIV cohort and a nationally representative self‐reported survey of people accessing HIV care in England (Positive Voices). Gender identity was recorded using a two‐step question co‐designed with community members and civil society. Responses were validated by clinic follow‐up and/or self‐report. Population estimates were obtained from national government offices.

Results

In 2017, HIV prevalence among trans and gender‐diverse people was estimated at 0.46–4.78 per 1000, compared with 1.7 (95% credible interval: 1.6–1.7) in the general population. Of 94 885 people living with diagnosed HIV in England, 178 (0.19%) identified as trans or gender‐diverse. Compared with cisgender people, trans and gender‐diverse people were more likely to be London residents (57% vs. 43%), younger (median age 42 vs. 46 years), of white ethnicity (61% vs. 52%), under psychiatric care (11% vs. 4%), to report problems with self‐care (37% vs. 13%), and to have been refused or delayed healthcare (23% vs. 11%). Antiretroviral uptake and viral suppression were high in both groups.

Conclusions

HIV prevalence among trans and gender‐diverse people living in England is relatively low compared with international estimates. Furthermore, no inequalities were observed with regard to HIV care. Nevertheless, trans and gender‐diverse people with HIV report poorer mental health and higher levels of discrimination compared with cisgender people.
Examining Chile's unique food marketing policy: TV advertising and dietary intake in preschool children, a pre‐ and post‐ policy study
Authors: Jensen Melissa L. , Carpentier Francesca Dillman , Adair Linda , Corvalán Camila , Popkin Barry M. , Taillie Lindsey Smith
Published: October 2020

Background

The Chilean government implemented the first phase of a comprehensive marketing policy in 2016, restricting child‐directed marketing of products high in energy, total sugars, sodium or saturated fat (hereafter “high‐in”).

Objectives

To examine the role that high‐in TV food advertising had in the effect of the policy on consumption of high‐in products between 2016 and 2017.

Methods

Dietary data were obtained from 24‐hour diet recall measured in 2016 (n = 940) and 2017 (n = 853), pre‐ and post‐policy, from a cohort of 4 to 6 years children. Television use was linked to analyses of food advertisements to derive individual‐level estimates of exposure to advertising. A multilevel mediation analysis examined direct and indirect effects of the policy through advertising exposure.

Results

Children's high‐in food consumption and advertising exposure declined significantly from 2016 to 2017 (P < .01). Consumption changes were not significantly mediated by changes in advertising exposure, which might suggest other elements of the Chilean Law potentially driving decreases in consumption to a greater extent than TV ads.

Conclusions

Preschoolers' exposure to high‐in advertising and consumption of high‐in products decreased post‐policy. Further research is needed to understand how marketing changes will relate to dietary changes after full implementation of the law and in the long term.
What Do Unions Do to Work Design? Computer Use, Union Presence, and Tayloristic Jobs in Britain
Authors: Eisele Simon , Schneider Martin R.
Published: October 2020

The task framework has focused on employee survey data to analyze how computer use changes the content of jobs. In this article, we add another factor of work design, namely trade union presence. Using data from the UK Skills and Employment Surveys for the period 1997–2012, we find that union presence is associated with more Tayloristic jobs involving less autonomy, lower relevance of problem solving, and more control. In line with theory, the union effect moves in the opposite direction to the effect of computer use. The article has two important general implications. First, the Tayloristic/holistic distinction is an instructive dichotomy to evaluate changes in work design. Second, the presence of unions may induce managers to design jobs in Tayloristic ways in order to curb union bargaining power.
A continuous districting model focusing on intra‐ and inter‐zonal squared distances and its Voronoi‐based heuristic
Authors: Morimoto Keitaro , Tanaka Ken‐ichi
Published: October 2020

We consider the problem of dividing a given convex polygon into p convex polygons called zones, each of which receives a designated land area. The position and shape of each zone is determined so that intra‐ and inter‐zonal trips for the resulting zones are conducted efficiently. To evaluate the compactness of the resulting zones, we derive the average squared distance between two points uniformly distributed in each zone, as well as the average squared distance between two points uniformly distributed in two zones. The weighted sum of these measures is used as the objective function, and a Voronoi‐based heuristic algorithm is proposed that iteratively updates the positions of p generator points placed inside a convex polygon. The method is used to divide several regular polygons, and the results show that zones become (i) rounded when intra‐zonal trips are prioritized and (ii) elongated with longer boundary lines when inter‐zonal trips are prioritized.
Depolarization electric field and poling voltage‐modulated Pb,La(Zr,Ti)O3‐based self‐powered ultraviolet photodetectors
Authors: Zhang Ying , Chen Jian , Cai Yixing , Zhang Qingfeng , Lu Yinmei , Huang Haitao , He Yunbin
Published: October 2020

Traditional self‐powered ultraviolet photodetectors, which are usually designed based on p‐n junction interfacial effects, exhibit low responsivity and specific detectivity because the photogenerated electrons and holes cannot be separated effectively. Unlike wide band‐gap semiconductor materials, ferroelectrics have large remnant polarization and thus high depolarization electric field throughout the whole bulk region, which can cause effective separation of photogenerated electrons and holes. Based on this, in this study, we prepare Pb0.93La0.07(Zr1‐xTix)0.9825O3 (PLZT) ferroelectric thin films with large remnant polarization and self‐powered ultraviolet photodetectors with Au/PLZT/FTO structure. The results indicate that the photoelectric response performances of the detectors improve as the remnant polarization of the PLZT thin film and positive poling voltage increase. By adjusting the Ti content, due to large remnant polarization of 47.4 μC/cm2 in the PLZT thin films with 80 mol% Ti, the corresponding photodetector exhibits the best self‐powered ultraviolet photoelectric response with the high photo/dark current ratio of 2600, responsivity of 2.05 mA/W, specific detectivity of 5.45 × 1010 Jones, and fast response speed (rise time of 18 ms). These values are superior to those of recently reported self‐powered ultraviolet photodetectors.
Genetic analysis of functional longevity in a complete diallel crossing experiment involving four maternal rabbit lines
Authors: Ragab Mohamed , Baselga Manuel , EL Nagar Ayman G. , Mínguez Carlos , Pablo Sánchez Juan
Published: October 2020

In a diallel cross between four maternal lines of rabbits, the four maternal lines and the corresponding crossbred females (does) were evaluated concerning functional longevity, estimating their crossbreeding components. Sixteen genetic groups were produced by using four maternal lines of rabbit (A, V, H and LP (L)). The groups were distributed over 4 Spanish farms. In all farms, the V line was present as the reference group. A total of 7,211 does’ longevity records were recorded. Using a Cox proportional hazard model of fixed effects, survival analysis was performed to study longevity analysing the hazard of death or culling. Does from lines A, H and V had similar risks of death or of being culled, and they were more susceptible compared with those from line L. The lowest hazard was associated with L line does. No significant differences were found between the average of all crosses and the V line except when comparing the V line to the cross between A and H lines, favouring the former (1.30 higher risk of replacement for AH animals). Significant differences between reciprocal crosses were observed between VH and HV, in favour of HV (0.72 of relative risk of replacement) and between LH and HL, in favour of HL (0.76 of relative risk). Line V had the highest risk due to the direct genetic effects, and these differences were significant with the lines H (1.40 of relative risk) and L (1.43 of relative risk). The differences in maternal genetic effects were small and not significant except between lines H and V in favour of V line (0.75 of relative risk). The estimated direct heterosis effects do not always follow the same trend but they showed the importance of the crossing between specialized lines to produce crossbred does for intensive meat rabbit production.
A supplemental computer‐assisted intervention programme to prevent early reading difficulties in Spanish learners: A stratified random control trial
Authors: Giménez Almudena , Bordoy Soraya , Sánchez Auxiliadora , López‐Zamora Miguel , Sopena Josep M. , Luque Juan L.
Published: October 2020

Difficulties in implementing effective instruction for at‐risk students arise from two challenges: the transfer of evidence‐based knowledge and the lack of economic resources. Computer‐assisted programmes offer a suitable solution, providing quality instruction using low‐cost resources. Thirty‐two first‐grade students with early learning difficulties were identified and paired based on at least three of the pre‐intervention reading measures (reading efficiency of monosyllabic and disyllabic items, words, pseudowords and text reading speed). Each pair was assigned to one of two different intervention programmes: a computer‐assisted intervention programme (CAIP) focused on syllables or the programme provided by the Spanish State School Assistance Services (SSAS). Every week, the CAIP participants received in pairs four 15‐min training sessions on syllable decoding plus one 30‐min group comprehension session. The CAIP was delivered by trainee students. The SSAS programme typically consisted of a 1‐hr individual or in small groups sessions per week delivered by trained practitioners. Both programmes were administered for 11 weeks. The CAIP intervention showed better results than the SSAS intervention for both decoding and comprehension, with moderate to large effect sizes.
The prevalence and severity of periodontal disease in Mainland China: Data from the Fourth National Oral Health Survey (2015–2016)
Authors: Jiao Jian , Jing Wudi , Si Yan , Feng Xiping , Tai Baojun , Hu Deyu , Lin Huancai , Wang Bo , Wang Chunxiao , Zheng Shuguo , Liu Xuenan , Rong Wensheng , Wang Weijian , Li Wenjing , Meng Huanxin , Wang Xing
Published: October 2020

Aim

To evaluate periodontal conditions in adults in mainland China based on data from the 4th National Oral Health Survey.

Materials and methods

Data of adult subjects (35‐ to 44‐year‐old group [N = 4409], 55‐ to 64‐year‐old group [N = 4622], and 65‐ to 74‐year‐old group [N = 4428]) were analysed. Demographic, socio‐economic, personal habit, dental history, and health attitude data were obtained using a questionnaire. Periodontal condition was assessed using the standardized case definitions of the 2018 classification scheme. A multivariate analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between periodontitis severity and age, smoking status, gender, and region using generalized additive models after adjusting for confounders.

Results

The frequency of subjects with periodontitis was 52.8%, 69.3%, and 64.6% in the three age groups, respectively. The frequency of subjects with severe periodontitis (stage III or IV) was 10.6%, 37.3%, and 43.5% in the three age groups, respectively. The severity of periodontal disease was positively associated with age. Current and former smokers exhibited significantly greater disease severity than non‐smokers after adjustment for confounders. No significant difference of severity was found between males and females.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of the study, the prevalence of periodontitis is very high among adults in mainland China. Periodontal status is associated with age and smoking status.
Modeling and optimization of microwave puffing of rice using artificial neural network and genetic algorithm
Authors: Dash Kshirod Kumar , Das Sushant Kumar
Published: October 2020

A genetic algorithm based on artificial neural network (ANN) modeling was developed for the microwave puffing of preconditioned rice. The microwave puffing method was analyzed in order to find out the effect of microwave power, puffing time, butter level, and sodium bicarbonate level on the expansion ratio and puffing percentage of puffed rice. ANN modeling was applied between the independent and dependent variables and 4‐7‐2 architecture was selected as the best ANN architecture with mean squared error value ranging between 1.138 and 1.839. The optimized conditions obtained from the hybrid ANN‐GA approach were 850 W of microwave power, 35 s of puffing time, 5.26% of butter, and 1.46% of sodium bicarbonate. The optimum combination of independent variables resulted in maximum expansion ratio and percentage puffing of 8.4 and 94.37%, respectively. The relative deviations between the experimental and ANN‐GA model predicted values for expansion ratio and percentage puffing were 1.42 and 1.04%, respectively. The micrograph analysis showed that the parboiled rice had closely packed swollen starch granules with a fused endosperm, while large porous structured vacuoles were found in puffed rice. This study would provide a simple and efficient way to obtain crispy puffed rice by using a domestic microwave oven.

Practical Applications

Microwave puffing produces low fat ready to eat healthy products than the deep fat fried product. The microwave generates rapid heat and mass transfer in the food product resulting in the puffed product of desirable porous structure. Evaluation of optimal microwave puffing conditions will produce puffed rice with high sensory value and nutritional value. On this basis, the present study emphasized the effects of processing parameters and the potential of two additives, that is, butter and sodium bicarbonate, for microwave puffing of rice. The impact of various processing and operating conditions of microwave puffing of rice was analyzed. This research would make a way to make puffed rice at the domestic level in a quicker and easier process. This process would develop a suitable package containing preconditioned rice kernel with butter and sodium bicarbonate to obtain ready to eat puffed rice by using a domestic microwave oven.
Management of recurrent granulosa cell tumor of the ovary: Contemporary literature review and a proposal of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy as novel therapeutic option
Authors: Yasukawa Maya , Matsuo Koji , Matsuzaki Shinya , Dainty Louis A. , Sugarbaker Paul H.
Published: October 2020

Granulosa cell tumors of the ovary (GCT) are the most common type of sex cord stromal tumors. Although most of patients are diagnosed at early stage and has favorable 5‐year overall survival rate, 16–23% of GCT ultimately develop recurrent disease. Recurrences are characterized by disseminated peritoneal metastasis. The treatment options include systemic chemotherapy, secondary CRS or palliative localized radiation therapy have not yet standardized due to the rarity of disease. Aggressive CRS followed up by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has been shown to provide benefit in other peritoneal disease but limited data available for recurrent GCT. We have a case of recurrent Adult‐type GCT (AGCT) who was treated with CRS followed by HIPEC with mitomycin C and doxorubicin. The patient has no evidence of recurrence for approximately 11 years. An electronic search of the PubMed database with the following search terms: GCT, HIPEC showed that there were total 21 patients with recurrent GCT treated in seven different studies and 13 of 21 (61.9%) patients had no evidence of disease during follow‐up ranging from 6 to 100 months. Three patients (14.2%) died of the disease. Six studies used cisplatin for HIPEC. At least 76.2% (16 of 21, data not available for five patients) had complete cytoreduction with total 16 cases of perioperative complications but no perioperative mortality was observed. Although further investigation is needed, we propose that CRS and HIPEC can be an effective therapeutic option for recurrent GCT at experienced institutions.
Effects of past environmental tobacco smoke exposure on the menstrual cycle and menstrual phase‐related symptoms: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Sakai Hiroko , Ohashi Kazutomo
Published: October 2020

Aim

This study examined the effects of current and past environmental tobacco smoke exposure on the menstrual cycle and menstrual phase‐related symptoms in nonsmoking Japanese women of child‐bearing age.

Methods

Of 5000 women who agreed to participate, 3935 were analyzed (932 smokers, 2326 nonsmokers, and 677 past smokers). Nonsmokers were divided into three groups based on smoking status and environmental tobacco smoke exposure: nonsmokers without exposure (n = 352), nonsmokers with past exposure (n = 1196) and nonsmokers with current exposure (n = 778). Participants completed a questionnaire on background characteristics, environmental tobacco smoke exposure (location and relationship to smokers), abnormal menstrual cycle, days of menstrual cycle and menstrual cycle‐related symptoms experienced in the past 3 months (assessed by the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire).

Results

Mean age was 29.7 ± 7.0 (20–44) years. Compared with nonsmokers without environmental tobacco smoke exposure, current smokers had the highest risk of an abnormal menstrual cycle (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.74 [1.194–2.545]), followed by nonsmokers with past exposure (adjusted OR, 1.70 [1.171–2.464]), past smokers (adjusted OR, 1.60 [1.081–2.366]) and nonsmokers with current environmental tobacco smoke exposure (adjusted OR, 1.49 [0.901–1.212]). Irrespective of environmental tobacco smoke exposure, current smokers reported significantly more severe premenstrual and menstrual symptoms than nonsmokers, and nonsmokers with past environmental tobacco smoke exposure had significantly more severe premenstrual and menstrual symptoms than nonsmokers without environmental tobacco smoke exposure.

Conclusion

Past environmental tobacco smoke exposure, especially during childhood or adolescence, might harm women's reproductive health when they reach reproductive age.
Patient and caregiver perspectives on sleep in dialysis
Authors: De Silva Iresha , Evangelidis Nicole , Hanson Camilla S. , Manera Karine , Guha Chandana , Scholes‐Robertson Nicole , Craig Jonathan C. , Johnson David , Cho Yeoungiee , Viecelli Andrea K. , Tong Allison ,   for the SONG‐HD, SONG‐PD initiative
Published: October 2020

Sleep disturbances are common among patients receiving dialysis and are associated with an increased risk of mortality and morbidity, and impaired quality of life. Despite being highly prioritised by patients, sleep problems remain under‐diagnosed and inadequately managed. The aim of the present study was to describe the perspectives of patients receiving dialysis and their caregivers on sleep. We extracted qualitative data on sleep from 26 focus groups, two international Delphi surveys, and two consensus workshops involving 644 patients and caregivers from 86 countries as part of the Standardised Outcomes in Nephrology‐Haemodialysis and ‐Peritoneal Dialysis (SONG‐HD/SONG‐PD) initiatives. The responses were from patients aged ≥18 years receiving haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, and their caregivers. We analysed the data using thematic analysis with five themes identified: constraining daily living (with subthemes of: battling intrusive tiredness, exacerbating debilitating conditions, broken and incapacitated); roadblocks in relationships (unable to meet family needs, antipathy due to misunderstanding, wreaking emotional havoc); burden on caregivers (stress on support persons, remaining alert to help); losing enjoyment (limiting social contact, disempowerment in life); and undermining mental resilience (aggravating low mood, diminishing coping skills, reducing functional ability). Sleep disturbances are exhausting for patients on dialysis and pervade all aspects of their lives including the ability to do daily tasks, and maintaining relationships, mental and emotional well‐being. Better assessment and management of sleep problems in dialysis is needed, which may lead to improvements in overall health and quality of life.
Evaluation of changes in the epidemiology of leptospirosis in dogs after introduction of a quadrivalent antileptospiral vaccine in a highly endemic area
Authors: Francey Thierry , Schweighauser Ariane , Reber Antonella , Schuller Simone
Published: October 2020

Background

Since 2003, a marked increase in leptospirosis serogroup Australis has been observed in dogs in Switzerland. In 2013, a new quadrivalent antileptospiral vaccine (L4) was introduced, adding serogroups Australis and Grippotyphosa to Canicola and Icterohaemorrhagiae of the previous bivalent vaccines (L2).

Objective

To examine whether introduction of L4 was associated with decreased incidence of leptospirosis and decreased odds for dogs with acute kidney injury (AKI) to be diagnosed with leptospirosis.

Animals

Four hundred and sixty‐nine dogs with AKI presented to a referral hospital, including 269 dogs with leptospirosis and 200 controls with other causes.

Methods

Descriptive section: disease incidence was evaluated for 3 consecutive periods: before (PRE, 2011‐2012), transition (TRANS, 2013‐2014), and after introduction of L4 (POST, 2015‐2017). Analytical section: variables associated with a diagnosis of leptospirosis were investigated in a case‐control study using multivariable logistic regression, and focusing on vaccination.

Results

The number of dogs diagnosed with leptospirosis (AKI‐L) decreased from 56.5 (PRE) to 15.7 (POST) cases/year while controls increased from 16.5 to 38.0 cases/year. Control dogs (AKI‐nL) showed a decrease in L2 vaccination (100% to 26%) and an increase in L4 vaccination (0% to 70%). The odds ratio for vaccinated dogs to be diagnosed with leptospirosis was 0.11 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.06‐0.22; P < .001) for L4 and 2.08 (0.58‐7.42; P = .26) for L2.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The introduction of L4 was associated with a marked decrease in dogs with leptospirosis and AKI in Switzerland. Use of the L4 vaccine was associated with significantly decreased odds of disease.
Incidence and prevalence of acute hepatitis E virus infection in patients with suspected Drug‐Induced Liver Injury in the Spanish DILI Registry
Authors: Sanabria‐Cabrera Judith , Sanjuán‐Jiménez Rocío , Clavijo Encarnación , Medina‐Cáliz Inmaculada , González‐Jiménez Andrés , García‐Cortés Miren , Ortega‐Alonso Aida , Jiménez‐Pérez Miguel , González‐Grande Rocío , Stephens Camilla , Robles‐Díaz Mercedes , Lucena M Isabel , Andrade Raúl J. ,   the Spanish DILI Registry
Published: October 2020

Background and Aims

Drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) presents with a wide phenotypic spectrum requiring an extensive differential diagnosis. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is not systematically ruled out during acute hepatitis assessment in Spain. The aims of this study were to establish the role of HEV infection and its phenotypic presentation in patients initially suspected of DILI and to determine the anti‐HEV seroprevalence rate.

Methods

An analysis of 265 patients with suspected DILI and considered for enrolment in the Spanish DILI Registry and 108 controls with normal liver profiles was undertaken. Anti‐HEV Immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies were analysed in serum from all subjects. In those with serum samples extracted within 6 months from liver damage onset (n = 144), HEV antigen (Ag) and anti‐HEV IgM antibodies were tested in duplicate by ELISA. In addition, RT‐PCR was performed externally in eight patients.

Results

Out of 144 patients, 12 (8%) were positive for anti‐HEV IgM, mean age was 61 years. Underlying hepatic diseases (OR = 23.4, P < .001) and AST peak >20 fold upper limit of normal (OR = 10.9, P = .002) were associated with the diagnosis of acute hepatitis E. The overall anti‐HEV IgG seroprevalence rate was 35%, evenly distributed between patients with suspected DILI (34%), and controls (39%).

Conclusions

HEV seroprevalence and acute hepatitis E rates are relatively high in Spain. A search for active HEV infection is therefore advised in patients assessed for suspicion of DILI, particularly in patients with underlying liver diseases and high transaminase levels.