bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying and Controlling for Variation in Canid Harvest Data
Authors: Bauder Javan M. , Allen Maximilian L. , Ahlers Adam A. , Benson Thomas J. , Miller Craig A. , Stodola Kirk W.
Published: July 2020

An accurate understanding of harvest trends is required for effective wildlife management. Trapper harvest data represent valuable long‐term data for evaluating patterns and trends for wildlife species at broad spatiotemporal scales. Inferring accurate trends from harvest data, however, first requires identifying and controlling for confounding factors that vary independent of abundance. We investigated trends in 43 years of trapper harvest data (1976–2018) from Illinois, USA, for red fox (Vulpes vulpes), gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), and coyote (Canis latrans) while controlling for factors that may affect trapper effort, including number of effective (i.e., successful) trappers, pelt price, gasoline price, winter unemployment, and winter weather conditions. Annual trapper harvest for red and gray foxes declined and was affected by gasoline price and winter unemployment, whereas annual trapper harvest for coyotes increased and was not strongly affected by other covariates. After adjusting for pelt price, harvest of red foxes was relatively stable, but harvest of gray foxes declined and harvest of coyotes increased. Effects of covariates on harvest per successful trapper varied by species; nevertheless, we detected an increasing trend for coyotes and decreasing trends for gray foxes and red foxes. Concordance across indices for gray foxes and coyotes was consistent with hypothesized declines for gray foxes and increases for coyotes in the midwestern United States. Trends for red foxes varied depending on how we accounted for potential confounding factors and it is unclear if these trends suggest population declines or distribution shifts to urban areas with reduced trapping susceptibility. Our results highlight the importance of understanding sources of variation in harvest data and that their effects can vary across species. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Prevalence of Synchronous ESCN in Head and Neck Cancer: A Single‐Institution Perspective
Authors: Thakur Kuldeep , Singh Chirom A. , Thakar Alok , Kakkar Aanchal , Sikka Kapil , Kumar Rajeev , Sharma Suresh C.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

The primary objective was to determine the prevalence of synchronous esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. The secondary objective was to determine risk factors for the development of synchronous esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCN).

Study Design: Cross sectional observation study.

Methods

A prospective cross sectional, observational study on consecutive 300 newly diagnosed oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients who underwent trans‐nasal esophageal endoscopy with white light imaging and narrow band imaging.

Results

Among 300 patients, index HNSCCs were located in the oral cavity (n = 154, 51.3%), oropharynx (n = 63, 21%), larynx (n = 53, 17.7%), and hypopharynx (n = 30, 10%). The prevalence of synchronous ESCN was 2.7% (n = 8), including four low‐grade, two high‐grade dysplasia, and two squamous cell carcinomas. On logistic regression analysis, moderate to heavy alcohol consumption (OR 8.7, P = .01) and primary HNSCC involving supraglottis [(OR 12.5, P = .02) were risk factors for synchronous ESCN. The association of pyriform sinus carcinoma and synchronous ESCN was of borderline significance (P = .054, OR 10.92).

Conclusion

The prevalence of synchronous ESCN in HNSCC was 2.7%. Routine trans‐nasal esophagoscopy should be performed in all newly diagnosed patients with carcinoma of the supraglottis and pyriform sinus, and those with consumption of moderate to heavy alcohol for the screening of synchronous ESCN.

Level of Evidence

2b Laryngoscope, 131:E807–E814, 2021
Type I Thyroplasty Using a Titanium Implant Combined With Modified Arytenoid Adduction
Authors: Matsushima Koji
Published: July 2020

View Video S1 Laryngoscope, 2020
Flexible Humidity and Pressure Sensors Realized by Molding and Inkjet Printing Processes with Sandwich Structure
Authors: Yang Congcong , Abodurexiti Ayinuer , Maimaitiyiming Xieraili
Published: July 2020

Flexible and wearable devices are important parts toward the realization of artificial intelligence and have an irreplaceable advantage over traditional rigid sensors. In this work, a film with double surface structure is prepared by using sandpaper and the leather with a rhombic structure as a mold, thereby obtaining a sandwich structure resistive type pressure sensor, which has high sensitivity (77.78 kPa−1, 24 Pa minimum detection) and wide detection range (0.024–230 kPa). The sensors have fast response time (30 ms) and high reliability over 5000 repetitive cycles. The humidity sensor is printed on the top layer of the sensor by using screen printing and inkjet printing technique, and the sandwich structure humidity and pressure sensor is obtained. The humidity sensors show the sensitivities of 0.137/%, 1.57/%, and 11.145/% in the relative humidity range from 25 to 55%, 55 to 70%, and 70 to 80%, respectively. Such sensors not only have excellent capabilities in pressure and humidity detection, but also avoid the complex process of multiple single‐function devices stacked on each other. The applications of sensors in monitoring artery pulse waves, detecting spatial pressure distribution, and sweat is demonstrated.
A dictionary‐based graph‐cut algorithm for MRI reconstruction
Authors: Xu Jiexun , Pannetier Nicolas , Raj Ashish
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Compressive sensing (CS)‐based image reconstruction methods have proposed random undersampling schemes that produce incoherent, noise‐like aliasing artifacts, which are easier to remove. The denoising process is critically assisted by imposing sparsity‐enforcing priors. Sparsity is known to be induced if the prior is in the form of theLp(0 ≤p≤ 1)norm. CS methods generally use a convex relaxation of these priors such as theL1norm, which may not exploit the full power of CS. An efficient, discrete optimization formulation is proposed, which works not only on arbitraryLp‐norm priors as some non‐convex CS methods do, but also on highly non‐convex truncated penalty functions, resulting in a specific type of edge‐preserving prior. These advanced features make the minimization problem highly non‐convex, and thus call for more sophisticated minimization routines.

Theory and methods

The work combines edge‐preserving priors with random undersampling, and solves the resulting optimization using a set of discrete optimization methods called graph cuts. The resulting optimization problem is solved by applying graph cuts iteratively within a dictionary, defined here as an appropriately constructed set of vectors relevant to brain MRI data used here.

Results

Experimental results with in vivo data are presented.

Conclusion

The proposed algorithm produces better results than regularized SENSE or standard CS for reconstruction of in vivo data.
Clinical Outcomes in Critically Ill Children With Excess Weight: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Costa Caroline Abud Drumond , Mattiello Rita , Forte Gabriele Carra , Andrades Gabriela Rupp Hanzen , Crestani Francielly , Dalenogare Izadora Petruk , Einloft Paulo Roberto , Bruno Francisco , Tonial Cristian Tedesco , Garcia Pedro Celiny Ramos
Published: July 2020

Background

Because of its high prevalence and negative impact on quality of life and longevity, overweight in childhood and adolescence is a major public health concern. The objective of the present study was to determine whether excess weight is associated with clinical outcomes in critically ill children and adolescents admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

Method

This retrospective cohort study was performed with children and adolescents admitted to a PICU over 3 years. Nutrition status was classified based on the body mass index z‐score for age, following World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. The following outcomes were assessed: mortality, need for mechanical ventilation, length of admission, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

Results

Of 1468 patients admitted during the study period, 1407 were included in the study: 956 (68.0%) had adequate weight, 228 (16.2%) were overweight, and 223 (15.8%) were underweight. Associations were detected between most variables and all nutrition categories (underweight, adequate weight, and overweight). In the descriptive analysis, mortality was more prevalent in nutrition status extremes (extremely underweight or overweight). An independent association between nutrition status and mortality was not detected in any category.

Conclusion

Nutrition status was not independently associated with poor outcomes. However, overweight should be considered a potential risk factor for adverse clinical outcomes in PICU admissions.
Psychometric properties of dementia attitudes scale, dementia knowledge assessment tool 2 and confidence in dementia scale in a Greek sample
Authors: Gkioka Mara , Tsolaki Magdalini , Papagianopoulos Sotirios , Teichmann Birgit , Moraitou Despina
Published: July 2020

Aim

Τo validate the Greek version of the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Tool 2, the Dementia Attitudes Scale and Confidence in Dementia Scale.

Design

A quantitative cross‐sectional design was applied for translation and validation. The STROBE checklist for observational research has been followed to this survey.

Method

Two hundred and twelve students from the School of Psychology (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki). Psychometric properties were assessed through construct validity (principal component analysis), internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and convergent validity.

Results

High internal reliability was found for Confidence in Dementia Scale (α = 0.85), adequate reliability for Dementia Attitudes Scale (α = 0.74) and acceptable reliability for Dementia Knowledge Assessment Tool 2 (α = 0.68). Construct validity was satisfactory for Dementia Attitudes Scale (two factors: social comfort and knowledge). The convergent validity was supported to this survey. All three tools are reliable and valid to measure knowledge, confidence and attitudes towards dementia in Greek research context.
Adequacy of care provision in long‐term home nursing arrangements: A triangulation of three perspectives
Authors: Seidlein Anna‐Henrikje , Buchholz Maresa , Salloch Sabine , Buchholz Ines
Published: July 2020

Background

A growing proportion of older people in Germany receive long‐term care from informal and professional caregivers at home. Their personal assessment of the individual care situation is scarcely considered.

Aim

This study aimed to explore the subjective views of care recipients, informal and professional caregivers on the adequacy of care provision in long‐term home care arrangements.

Design and Methods

Qualitative semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with ten care recipients, ten professional caregivers and eight informal caregivers to capture their perspectives on the adequacy of the care received and delivered. Qualitative content analysis was applied using MAXQDA software.

Results

All groups highlighted that they perceive an underprovision of care, even though their explanations differed. The underprovision was mainly described regarding the quality rather than quantity of services. It occurs especially in interpersonal relationships and social inclusion, where the gap between the self‐perceived current situation and the desires of those affected is most prominent. The ambivalent impact of home care on social participation becomes apparent. Perceptions of an overprovision of care range from the view that it appears mainly with respect to informal care to the statement that it is currently non‐existent or generally impossible. Misprovision of care is experienced as serious whenever the interviewees face the challenge of preserving existing abilities or regaining certain skills.
Family composition and living arrangements—Cross‐sectional study on family involvement to self‐managed rehabilitation of people with coronary artery disease
Authors: Tuomisto Sonja , Koivula Meeri , Åstedt‐Kurki Päivi , Helminen Mika
Published: July 2020

Aim

To describe the family composition and living arrangements of persons diagnosed with coronary artery disease and those relationships to family involvement in self‐managed rehabilitation.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Data were collected with postal questionnaire from persons diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD) by using the Family Involvement in Rehabilitation (FIRE) scale. It measures family members' promotion of patients' rehabilitation and issues encumbering rehabilitation in family. Statistical methods were used to analyse the data.

Results

Patients' gender and having children in the family were predictors of issues encumbering rehabilitation in the family. But when examining living arrangements, patients who lived with a spouse or underage children had a better environment for recovery than those who lived alone or with adult children. More attention should be paid to targeting appropriate support for persons with coronary artery disease and their family members during the rehabilitation phase.
Design of a chattering‐free integral terminal sliding mode approach for DFIG‐based wind energy systems
Authors: Morshed Mohammad Javad , Fekih Afef
Published: July 2020

This article proposes a Fuzzy Second Order Integral Terminal Sliding Mode (FSOITSM) control approach for DFIG‐based wind turbines subject to grid faults and parameter variations. Since traditional terminal sliding mode control (SMC) suffers from singularity, a novel integral terminal sliding manifold is proposed to eliminate chattering and improve the wind turbine's performance in the presence of faults and disturbances. A fuzzy system is proposed to auto‐tune the controllers' gains and ensures the invariance of the sliding surfaces even under heavy uncertainties, thus further improving the reliability and performance of the proposed controller. The performance of the proposed approach was assessed under various operating conditions. A comparison analysis with a standard SMC approach as well as the state of the art in voltage sag mitigation was also carried over. Reliability, robustness, and power availability under faulty grid conditions are among the main features of the proposed approach. In addition, the proposed approach exhibited chattering free dynamics and enabled the finite time convergence of the sliding manifold and overcame the singularity problem associated with standard TSMC.
Tomographic description of the root canal system of mandibular first premolars in Colombian population
Authors: Alfonso‐Rodríguez Camilo A. , Garzón Bello Ingrid , Luisa Muñoz Ana , Jaimes Monroy Gustavo , Guevara Elías , Palacios Luis Gabriel , Quiroga Juan Carlos
Published: July 2020

Introduction

The success of endodontic treatment depends on a good knowledge of the root canal system. Aim: The purpose of this study was to describe the anatomical configuration of mandibular first premolars using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a group of Colombian population according to Vertucci's classification, as well as the frequency of the presence of anatomical variations.

Materials and Methods

A descriptive study was carried out using 100 mandibular first premolars to obtain CBCT images. The root length, root curvature, configuration of the root canals, number and location of the apical foramen, and shape of the entrance orifice to the root canal were analyzed.

Results

The average length of the mandibular first premolars was 21.16 mm, and 33% showed different grades of the curvature. The most frequent configuration was type I (53%), and the least common were types VII and VIII (1%). Eighty‐three teeth had some anatomical variations, and the apical foramen was located laterally in 38%. There was a high incidence of oval canals 1C1 (67%), followed by 1A1 (27%).

Conclusion

A mixture of phenotypes leads to multiple anatomical variations in mandibular first premolars between individuals within a population. Herein, CBCT provided useful information about root canal anatomical variations of mandibular first premolars in Colombian population. Type I was the most frequently found configuration, and anatomical variations occurred more frequently in the middle third.
Targeting the KDM4B–AR–c‐Myc axis promotes sensitivity to androgen receptor‐targeted therapy in advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Tang Dong‐E , Dai Yong , He Jia‐Xi , Lin Lie‐Wen , Leng Qi‐Xin , Geng Xin‐Yan , Fu De‐Xue , Jiang Hao‐Wu , Xu Song‐Hui
Published: July 2020

The histone demethylase KDM4B functions as a key co‐activator for the androgen receptor (AR) and plays a vital in multiple cancers through controlling gene expression by epigenetic regulation of H3K9 methylation marks. Constitutively active androgen receptor confers anti‐androgen resistance in advanced prostate cancer. However, the role of KDM4B in resistance to next‐generation anti‐androgens and the mechanisms of KDM4B regulation are poorly defined. Here we found that KDM4B is overexpressed in enzalutamide‐resistant prostate cancer cells. Overexpression of KDM4B promoted recruitment of AR to the c‐Myc (MYC) gene enhancer and induced H3K9 demethylation, increasing AR‐dependent transcription of c‐Myc mRNA, which regulates the sensitivity to next‐generation AR‐targeted therapy. Inhibition of KDM4B significantly inhibited prostate tumor cell growth in xenografts, and improved enzalutamide treatments through suppression of c‐Myc. Clinically, KDM4B expression was found upregulated and to correlate with prostate cancer progression and poor prognosis. Our results revealed a novel mechanism of anti‐androgen resistance via histone demethylase alteration which could be targeted through inhibition of KDM4B to reduce AR‐dependent c‐Myc expression and overcome resistance to AR‐targeted therapies. © 2020 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A conditional mouse expressing an activating mutation in NRF2 displays hyperplasia of the upper gastrointestinal tract and decreased white adipose tissue
Authors: Bowman Brittany M , Montgomery Stephanie A , Schrank Travis P , Simon Jeremy M , Ptacek Travis S , Tamir Tigist Y , Mulvaney Kathleen M , Weir Seth J , Nguyen Tuong T , Murphy Ryan M , Makowski Liza , Hayes D Neil , Chen Xiaoxin L , Randell Scott H , Weissman Bernard E , Major Michael B
Published: July 2020

Activation of the nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (NFE2L2 or NRF2) transcription factor is a critical and evolutionarily conserved cellular response to oxidative stress, metabolic stress, and xenobiotic insult. Deficiency of NRF2 results in hypersensitivity to a variety of stressors, whereas its aberrant activation contributes to several cancer types, most commonly squamous cell carcinomas of the esophagus, oral cavity, bladder, and lung. Between 10% and 35% of patients with squamous cell carcinomas display hyperactive NRF2 signaling, harboring activating mutations and copy number amplifications of the NFE2L2 oncogene or inactivating mutations or deletions of KEAP1 or CUL3, the proteins of which co‐complex to ubiquitylate and degrade NRF2 protein. To better understand the role of NRF2 in tumorigenesis and more broadly in development, we engineered the endogenous Nfe2l2 genomic locus to create a conditional mutant LSL‐Nrf2E79Q mouse model. The E79Q mutation, one of the most commonly observed NRF2‐activating mutations in human squamous cancers, codes for a mutant protein that does not undergo KEAP1/CUL3‐dependent degradation, resulting in its constitutive activity. Expression of NRF2 E79Q protein in keratin 14 (KRT14)‐positive murine tissues resulted in hyperplasia of squamous cell tissues of the tongue, forestomach, and esophagus, a stunted body axis, decreased weight, and decreased visceral adipose depots. RNA‐seq profiling and follow‐up validation studies of cultured NRF2E79Q murine esophageal epithelial cells revealed known and novel NRF2‐regulated transcriptional programs, including genes associated with squamous cell carcinoma (e.g. Myc), lipid and cellular metabolism (Hk2, Ppard), and growth factors (Areg, Bmp6, Vegfa). These data suggest that in addition to decreasing adipogenesis, KRT14‐restricted NRF2 activation drives hyperplasia of the esophagus, forestomach, and tongue, but not formation of squamous cell carcinoma. © 2020 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk factors for mixed chimerism in children with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis after reduced toxicity conditioning
Authors: Wustrau Katharina , Greil Johann , Sykora Karl‐Walter , Albert Michael H. , Burkhardt Birgit , Lang Peter , Meisel Roland , Wössmann Wilhelm , Beier Rita , Schulz Ansgar , Bader Peter , Chada Martin , Kühl Jörn‐Sven , Schlegel Paul‐Gerhardt , Speckmann Carsten , Gruhn Bernd , Seidel Markus , Wawer Angela , Ozga Ann‐Kathrin , Janka Gritta , Ehl Stephan , Müller Ingo , Lehmberg Kai
Published: July 2020

Background

Reduced toxicity conditioning for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation of patients with hemophagocyticlymphohistiocytosis (HLH) results in favorable survival, however at the expense of relevant rates of mixed chimerism. Factors predisposing to mixed chimerism remain to be determined.

Procedure

Patients with primary HLH transplanted 2009‐2016 after treosulfan‐ or melphalan‐based conditioning regimens were analyzed in a retrospective multicenter study for survival, engraftment, chimerism, and adverse events. Mixed chimerism was considered substantial if < 25% donor chimerism occurred and/or if secondary cell therapy was administered. Donor type, graft source, type of alkylating agent, type of serotherapy, and remission status were analyzed as potential risk factors in a multivariable logistic regression model.

Results

Among 60 patients, engraftment was achieved in 95%, and the five‐year estimated overall survival rate was 75%. Prevalence of any recipient chimerism was 48%. Substantial recipient chimerism was recorded in 32% of patients. Secondary post‐HSCT cell therapy was administered in 30% of patients. A human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐mismatched donor (< 10/10) was the only significant risk factor for the occurrence of substantial recipient chimerism (P = 0.01; odds ratio, 5.8; CI 95%, 1.5‐26.3).

Conclusion

The use of an HLA‐matched donor is the most important factor to avoid substantial recipient chimerism following treosulfan ‐or melphalan‐based conditioning in primary HLH.
Peptides in Plasma, Urine, and Dialysate: Toward Unravelling Renal Peptide Handling
Authors: He Tianlin , Pejchinovski Martin , Mullen William , Beige Joachim , Mischak Harald , Jankowski Vera
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The peptidomes of spent hemodialysate, urine, and plasma are investigated, to shed light on peptide handling in the kidney.

Experimental Design

Fifteen plasma, 15 urine, and 13 spent hemodialysate samples are collected from age‐ and sex‐matched subjects with chronic kidney disease. Peptide identification and quantification are performed with capillary electrophoresis‐coupled mass spectrometry.

Results

A total of 6278 urinary peptides, 1743 plasma peptides, and 1727 peptides from spent hemodialysate are detected. Of these, sequences can be assigned to 1580, 419, and 352 peptides, respectively. A strong correlation in peptide abundance between urine and spent hemodialysate (p = 3 × 10−21, Rho = 0.52), a moderately strong correlation between spent hemodialysate and plasma (p = 4.5 × 10−5, Rho = 0.30), and no significant correlation between urine and plasma (p = 0.11, Rho = 0.094) are found. Collagen and fibrinogen alpha peptides are highly abundant in all three body fluids. In spent hemodialysate, thymosin ß4 is one of the most abundant peptides, which is shown to be negatively associated with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (Rho = −0.39, p‐value = 3.9 × 10−81).

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

The correlation of peptide abundance in these three body fluids is lower than expected, supporting the hypothesis that tubular reabsorption has a major impact on urinary peptide content. Further investigation of thymosin ß4 in hemodialysis is thus warranted.
Transmissivity and Reflectivity of a Transverse‐Electric Polarized Wave Incident on a Microcavity Containing Strongly Coupled Excitons with In‐plane Uniaxially Oriented Transition Dipole Moments
Authors: Le Roux Florian , Taylor Robert Anthony , Bradley Donal Donat Conor
Published: July 2020

This work examines the reflectivity and transmissivity of a transverse‐electric (TE) polarized wave incident on a microcavity containing strongly coupled excitons with in‐plane uniaxially oriented transition dipole moments, and a different interpretation to a previous report is presented. The propagation of the electric field inside the cavity is discussed, and a distinction is made between two different physical cases: the first, previously observed, and the second, which enables the interpretation of measurements carried out on a microcavity containing an oriented layer of liquid‐crystalline poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene). In all cases, the reflected and transmitted electric fields derive from photons leaking parallel and perpendicular to the transition dipole moment orientation.
Oral contraceptives and clozapine
Authors: Lam Y. W. Francis
Published: July 2020

Although clozapine is highly effective in managing patients with treatment‐resistant schizophrenia, its pharmacokinetic profile can be altered by multiple patient‐specific factors, including drug‐drug interaction. The elimination of clozapine in humans is primarily mediated by several drug‐metabolizing enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4. Oral contraceptives containing estrogen have been shown to inhibit CYP1A2 and CYP2C19.
[3+3] Cycloaddition of Azomethine Imine: Synthesis of Bi‐ or Tricyclic N‐Heterocycle
Authors: Das Tapas , Sau Madan , Daripa Bishnu , Karmakar Dipanjan , Chakraborty Sayan
Published: July 2020

Synthesis of six‐membered bicyclic, tricyclic or tetracyclic N‐heterocycles are important due to enormous use of such scaffolds in bioactive natural products, agrochemicals and in pharmaceuticals. [3+3] cycloaddition of azomethine imine for the construction of such heterocycles is less explored but also a genuine approach with the other method like [4+2] and [2+2+2] cycloaddition. Hence, the literature survey in this area is utmost significant. The delights and difficulties of [3+3] cycloaddition of azomethine imine have been deliberated thoroughly to elucidate this highly mounting field in this literature study. Herein, we report a vast synthetic method [base catalyzed, metal catalyzed (racemic and asymmetric), phosphine catalyzed, NHC and Lewis acid catalyzed] for the synthesis of di, tri and tetra‐nitrogen containing heterocycles via [3+3] cycloadditon reaction of azomethine imine.
Evaluation of bacterial kill in human roots infected with Enterococcus faecalis biofilm following 980 nm laser activation of chlorhexidine
Authors: Jiang Anna P. , Ipe Deepak S. , Love Robert M. , George Roy
Published: July 2020

Effectiveness of root canal disinfection greatly determines the success of endodontic treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bacterial killing efficacy of chlorhexidine (CHX) activated with a Gemni 980 nm diode laser. Bacterial kill at the apical one third of the endodontically prepared roots were assessed using the 3D fluorescent microscope (SZX16) after staining the tooth with BacLight SYTO 9 (Live/Dead). The percentage of bacterial kill was calculated by measuring the total amount of green pixels (live bacteria) and red pixels (dead bacteria) using the Image color summarizer image color statistics and clustering program (Circos—Circular Genome Visualization/Martin Krzywinski). The 3D fluorescent ex‐vivo tooth model allowed real time measurement of the percentage of bacterial kill at specified time points by capturing the bacterial kill on the external surface of the root, hence indicating the amount of penetration of the irrigation solution through the radicular dentine. Compared to CHX alone, both Endoactivator and diode laser treatment groups showed significantly better bacterial kill following a 72‐hour study period (P > .05). However, of clinical importance is the larger number of bacteria killed with laser assisted irrigation immediately following treatment when compared to the use of CHX alone.
A Pyrene‐based Probe for Antimony with Special Excimer Fluorescence
Authors: Wang Yijia , Huang Yuansong , Wang Lili , Ni Huagang , Cao Zhihai , Wu Minghua
Published: July 2020

Py‐IPH, a pyrene‐based fluorogen with good thermal and mechanical stability was simply prepared by the Schiff base reaction and applied in the detection of antimony. Py‐IPH presented special excimer fluorescence in the mixture of THF and water with 80 % of water, and exhibited perfect fluorescent response to antimony. The mechanism was demonstrated to be the increasing speed of the formation of pyrene excimers in the system owing to the coordination between antimony and IPH group in Py‐IPH. Moreover, based on the special interaction between Py‐IPH and antimony, it could distinguish antimony with other cations well with high specificity and selectivity.
The Revolution Continues: Sudanese Women’s Activism
Authors: Nugdalla Sarah O.
Published: July 2020

This chapter historicizes the evolution of Sudanese women’s activism beginning with the facets of the former regime's Islamization project. It highlights how women’s bodies and ideas of morality and respectability are employed by the state as sites of control, effectively revealing the key mobilizing points of the Sudanese women’s movement post-1989. The chapter examines the ways in which the political context in Sudan has influenced space for activism and explores responses to the erasure of civic space. In uncovering the overlooked nuances emerging from the #FallThatIsAll movement, the chapter engages with the change in discourse surrounding women’s activism and underlines the sustenance of feminist resistance as constant, be it under oppressive regimes or popular uprisings.
Sememe Knowledge Representation
Authors: Liu Zhiyuan , Lin Yankai , Sun Maosong
Published: July 2020

Linguistic Knowledge Graphs (e.g., WordNet and HowNet) describe linguistic knowledge in formal and structural language, which can be easily incorporated in modern natural language processing systems. In this chapter, we focus on the research about HowNet. We first briefly introduce the background and basic concepts of HowNet and sememe. Next, we introduce the motivations of sememe representation learning and existing approaches. At the end of this chapter, we review important applications of sememe representation.
Probing new physics with long-range neutrino interactions: an effective field theory approach
Authors: Bolton Patrick D. , Deppisch Frank F. , Hati Chandan
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We investigate forces induced by the exchange of two light neutrinos be- tween Standard Model (SM) fermions in the presence of effective operators parametrising physics beyond the SM. We first set up a general framework in which we derive the long-range potential mediated by weakly interacting neutrinos in the SM, retaining both spin-independent and spin-dependent terms. We then derive neutrino-mediated potentials when there are vector, scalar and tensor non-standard interactions present as well as an exotic neutrino magnetic moment. Examining the phenomenology of such long-range potentials in atomic scale laboratory experiments, we derive upper bounds on the Wilson coefficients of the effective operators and compare these to those from processes such as charged lepton flavour violation.
Measurement of energy flow, cross section and average inelasticity of forward neutrons produced in $$ \sqrt{s} $$ = 13 TeV proton-proton collisions with the LHCf Arm2 detector
Authors:   The LHCf collaboration, Adriani O. , Berti E. , Bonechi L. , Bongi M. , D’Alessandro R. , Detti S. , Haguenauer M. , Itow Y. , Kasahara K. , Menjo H. , Muraki Y. , Ohashi K. , Papini P. , Ricciarini S. , Sako T. , Sakurai N. , Sato K. , Tamura T. , Tiberio A. , Torii S. , Tricomi A. , Turner W.C. , Ueno M.
Published: July 2020

Abstract

In this paper, we report the measurement of the energy flow, the cross section and the average inelasticity of forward neutrons (+ antineutrons) produced in$$ \sqrt{s} $$s= 13 TeV proton-proton collisions. These quantities are obtained from the inclusive differential production cross section, measured using the LHCf Arm2 detector at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. The measurements are performed in six pseudorapidity regions: three of them (η >10.75, 8.99< η <9.21 and 8.80< η <8.99), albeit with smaller acceptance and larger uncertainties, were already published in a previous work, whereas the remaining three (10.06< η <10.75, 9.65< η <10.06 and 8.65< η <8.80) are presented here for the first time. The analysis was carried out using a data set acquired in June 2015 with a corresponding integrated luminosity of 0.194 nb−1. Comparing the experimental measurements with the expectations of several hadronic interaction models used to simulate cosmic ray air showers, none of these generators resulted to have a satisfactory agreement in all the phase space selected for the analysis. The inclusive differential production cross section forη >10.75 is not reproduced by any model, whereas the results still indicate a significant but less serious deviation at lower pseudorapidities. Depending on the pseudorapidity region, the generators showing the best overall agreement with data are either SIBYLL 2.3 or EPOS-LHC. Furthermore, apart from the most forward region, the derived energy flow and cross section distributions are best reproduced by EPOS-LHC. Finally, even if none of the models describe the elasticity distribution in a satisfactory way, the extracted average inelasticity is consistent with the QGSJET II-04 value, while most of the other generators give values that lie just outside the experimental uncertainties.
Accounting for the effect of heterogeneous plastic deformation on the formability of aluminium and steel sheets
Authors: Small N. R. , Williams D. K. , Roy R. , Hazra S. K.
Published: July 2020

Forming limit curves characterise “mean” failure strains of sheet metals. Safety levels from the curves define the deterministic upper limit of the processing and part design window, which can be small for high strength, low formability materials. Effects of heterogeneity of plastic deformation, widely accepted to occur on the microscale, are neglected. Marciniak tests were carried out on aluminium alloys (AA6111-T4, NG5754-O), dual-phase steel (DP600) and mild steel (MS3). Digital image correlation was used to measure the effect of heterogeneity on failure. Heterogeneity, based on strain variance, was modelled with the 2-component Gaussian mixture model, and a framework was proposed to (1) identify the onset of necking and to (2) re-define formability as a probability to failure. The results were “forming maps” in major-minor strain space of contours of constant probability (from probability,P= 0 toP= 1), which showed how failure risk increased with major strain. The contour bands indicated the unique degree of heterogeneity in each material. NG5754-O had the greatest width (0.07 strain) in plane strain and MS3 the lowest (0.03 strain). This novel characterisation will allow engineers to balance a desired forming window for a component design with the risk to failure of the material.
Long-term mesh complications and reoperation after laparoscopic mesh sacrohysteropexy: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Izett-Kay Matthew L. , Aldabeeb Dana , Kupelian Anthony S. , Cartwright Rufus , Cutner Alfred S. , Jackson Simon , Price Natalia , Vashisht Arvind
Published: July 2020

Introduction and hypothesis

The paucity of long-term safety and efficacy data to support laparoscopic mesh sacrohysteropexy is noteworthy given concerns about the use of polypropylene mesh in pelvic floor surgery. This study is aimed at determining the incidence of mesh-associated complications and reoperation following this procedure.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional postal questionnaire study of women who underwent laparoscopic mesh sacrohysteropexy between 2010 and 2018. Potential participants were identified from surgical databases of five surgeons at two tertiary urogynaecology centres in the UK. The primary outcome was patient-reported mesh complication requiring removal of hysteropexy mesh. Secondary outcomes included other mesh-associated complications, reoperation rates and Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) in prolapse symptoms. Descriptive statistics and Kaplan–Meier survival analyses were used.

Results

Of 1,766 eligible participants, 1,121 women responded (response proportion 63.5%), at a median follow-up of 46 months. The incidence of mesh complications requiring removal of hysteropexy mesh was 0.4% (4 out of 1,121). The rate of chronic pain service use was 1.8%, and newly diagnosed systemic autoimmune disorders was 5.8%. The rate of reoperation for apical prolapse was 3.7%, and for any form of pelvic organ prolapse it was 13.6%. For PGI-I, 81.4% of patients were “much better” or “very much better”.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic mesh sacrohysteropexy has a low incidence of reoperation for mesh complications and apical prolapse, and a high rate of patient-reported improvement in prolapse symptoms. With appropriate clinical governance measures, the procedure offers an alternative to vaginal hysterectomy with apical suspension. However, long-term comparative studies are still required.
Natural Variation in Physicochemical Profiles and Bacterial Communities Associated with Aedes aegypti Breeding Sites and Larvae on Guadeloupe and French Guiana
Authors: Hery Lyza , Guidez Amandine , Durand Audrey-Anne , Delannay Christelle , Normandeau-Guimond Josiann , Reynaud Yann , Issaly Jean , Goindin Daniella , Legrave Grégory , Gustave Joel , Raffestin Stéphanie , Breurec Sebastien , Constant Philippe , Dusfour Isabelle , Guertin Claude , Vega-Rúa Anubis
Published: July 2020

Aedes aegypti develop in aquatic habitats in which mosquito larvae are exposed to physicochemical elements and microorganisms that may influence their life cycle and their ability to transmit arboviruses. Little is known about the natural bacterial communities associated with A. aegypti or their relation to the biotic and abiotic characteristics of their aquatic habitats. We characterized the physicochemical properties and bacterial microbiota of A. aegypti breeding sites and larvae on Guadeloupe and in French Guiana. In addition, we explored whether geographic location, the type of breeding site and physicochemical parameters influenced the microbiota associated with this mosquito species. We used large-scale 16S rRNA gene sequencing of 160 breeding sites and 147 pools of A. aegypti larvae and recorded 12 physicochemical parameters at the sampled breeding sites. Ordination plots and multiple linear regression were used to assess the influence of environmental factors on the bacterial microbiota of water and larvae. We found territory-specific differences in physicochemical properties (dissolved oxygen, conductivity) and the composition of bacterial communities in A. aegypti breeding sites that influenced the relative abundance of several bacteria genera (e.g., Methylobacterium, Roseoccocus) on the corresponding larvae. A significant fraction of the bacterial communities identified on larvae, dominated by Herbiconiux and Microvirga genera, were consistently enriched in mosquitoes regardless the location. In conclusion, territory-specific differences observed in the biotic and abiotic properties of A. aegypti breeding sites raise concern about the impact of these changes on pathogen transmission by different A. aegypti populations.
Impact of metal ions on PCR inhibition and RT-PCR efficiency
Authors: Kuffel Agnieszka , Gray Alexander , Daeid Niamh Nic
Published: July 2020

Inhibition of PCR by metal ions can pose a serious challenge in the process of forensic DNA analysis. Samples contaminated with various types of metal ions encountered at crime scenes include swabs from metal surfaces such as bullets, cartridge casings, weapons (including guns and knives), metal wires and surfaces as well as bone samples which contain calcium. The mechanism behind the impact of metal ions on DNA recovery, extraction and subsequent amplification is not fully understood. In this study, we assessed the inhibitory effects of commonly encountered metals on DNA amplification. Of the nine tested metals, zinc, tin, iron(II) and copper were shown to have the strongest inhibitory properties having IC50 values significantly below 1 mM. In the second part of the study, three commercially available DNA polymerases were tested for their susceptibility to metal inhibition. We found that KOD polymerase was the most resistant to metal inhibition when compared with Q5 and Taq polymerase. We also demonstrate how the calcium chelator ethylene glycol-bis(2-aminoethylether)-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) can be used as an easy and non-destructive method of reversing calcium-induced inhibition of PCR reactions.
Analysis of Austrian COVID-19 deaths by age and sex
Authors: Posch Martin , Bauer Peter , Posch Alexander , König Franz
Published: July 2020

We analyze the age and sex distribution of the reported COVID-19 deaths in Austria. In accordance with international studies, the Austrian data also suggests that the risk of death increases substantially with age. The observed age dependency of the proportions of registered COVID-19 deaths in relation to the population sizes in the age groups is approximately exponential, similar to the age dependency of the general age specific mortality rate. Furthermore, we compare the general age specific mortality rate in Austria with the estimates of the SARS-CoV‑2 infection fatality rate by Ferguson et al. (2020). The parallels to the general age specific mortality rates do not imply that COVID-19 does not pose an additional risk. On the contrary, it follows from the structure and magnitude of the infection fatality rate that it is substantial, especially for higher age groups. However, since in many cases persons with severe pre-existing conditions are affected, it is not yet possible to estimate what effects COVID-19 will have on life expectancy.
Recommendations for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Wiedemann Dominik , Bernardi Martin H. , Distelmaier Klaus , Goliasch Georg , Hengstenberg Christian , Hermann Alexander , Holzer Michael , Hoetzenecker Konrad , Klepetko Walter , Lang György , Lassnigg Andrea , Laufer Günther , Magnet Ingrid A. M. , Markstaller Klaus , Röggla Martin , Rössler Bernhard , Schellongowski Peter , Simon Paul , Tschernko Edda , Ullrich Roman , Zimpfer Daniel , Staudinger Thomas ,   COVID-19 ECMO Research Group Medical University of Vienna
Published: July 2020

The pandemic from the SARS-CoV‑2 virus is currently challenging healthcare systems all over the world. Maintaining appropriate staffing and resources in healthcare facilities is essential to guarantee a safe working environment for healthcare personnel and safe patient care. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) represents a valuable therapeutic option in patients with severe heart or lung failure. Although only a limited proportion of COVID-19 patients develop respiratory or circulatory failure that is refractory to conventional treatment, it is of utmost importance to clearly define criteria for the use of ECMO in this steadily growing patient population. The ECMO working group of the Medical University of Vienna has established the following recommendations for ECMO support in COVID-19 patients.
Accurate quadrature of nearly singular line integrals in two and three dimensions by singularity swapping
Authors: af Klinteberg Ludvig , Barnett Alex H.
Published: July 2020

The numerical method of Helsing and co-workers evaluates Laplace and related layer potentials generated by a panel (composite) quadrature on a curve, efficiently and with high-order accuracy for arbitrarily close targets. Since it exploits complex analysis, its use has been restricted to two dimensions (2D). We first explain its loss of accuracy as panels become curved, using a classical complex approximation result of Walsh that can be interpreted as “electrostatic shielding” of a Schwarz singularity. We then introduce a variant that swaps the target singularity for one at its complexified parameter preimage; in the latter space the panel is flat, hence the convergence rate can be much higher. The preimage is found robustly by Newton iteration. This idea also enables, for the first time, a near-singular quadrature for potentials generated by smooth curves in 3D, building on recurrences of Tornberg–Gustavsson. We apply this to accurate evaluation of the Stokes flow near to a curved filament in the slender body approximation. Our 3D method is several times more efficient (both in terms of kernel evaluations, and in speed in a C implementation) than the only existing alternative, namely, adaptive integration.
Closing a mental account: the realization effect for gains and losses
Authors: Merkle Christoph , Müller-Dethard Jan , Weber Martin
Published: July 2020

How do risk attitudes change after experiencing gains or losses? For the case of losses, Imas (Am Econ Rev 106:2086–2109, 2016) shows that subsequent risk-taking behavior depends on whether these losses have been realized or not. After a realized loss, individuals’ risk-taking decreases, whereas it increases after an unrealized (paper) loss. He refers to this asymmetry as the realization effect. In this study, we derive theoretical predictions for risk-taking after paper and realized gains, and for investment opportunities with different skewness. We experimentally test these predictions and, at the same time, replicate Imas’ original study. Independent of a prior gain or loss, we show that subsequent risk-taking is higher when outcomes remain unrealized. However, we find no evidence of a realization effect for non-positively skewed lotteries. While the first result suggests that the effect is more general, the second result reveals its boundary conditions.
Path Analysis of the Relationship Between Optimism, Humor, Affectivity, and Marital Satisfaction Among Infertile Couples
Authors: Ostovar Shahla , Griffiths Mark D. , Raeisi Tayebeh , Hashim Intan Hashimah Mohd
Published: July 2020

Marital satisfaction is an important factor for establishing a family relationship, feeling satisfied, and living happily together. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between optimism, humor, positive and negative affect, and marital satisfaction among infertile couples. The sample comprised 80 infertile Iranian couples (n = 160) who visited infertility clinics. Participants completed a series of Persian versions of psychometric scales related to optimism (Attributional Style Questionnaire), humor (Humor Styles Questionnaire), marital satisfaction (Enrich Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire), positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA) (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule). The obtained result of Smart PLS statistical analysis confirmed the significant positive correlation between optimism and humor with marital satisfaction and high PA and low NA. Moreover, the findings also provided an adequate fit of the model. The findings demonstrated that infertile couples high in optimism and humor have higher levels of marital satisfaction and high PA and low PA. Based on the study’s findings, interventions for facilitating optimism and humor among infertile couples are discussed.