bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weak ternary interval evaluation of fatigue life and its application to mining dump truck
Authors: Ma Xiaokui , Gu Zhengqi , Mi Chengji , Jin Xiangzhong
Published: July 2020

A method of weak ternary interval (TI) evaluation of fatigue life is proposed in this study to reasonably evaluate the nonprobabilistic reliability considering the interval uncertainty. The conventional interval is extended into a TI by introducing an expected value, that is, a value without uncertainty, as the third parameter of the interval to deal with the deviation between the expected value and the median value of the interval. Next, the TI of fatigue life is evaluated by introducing an index of attitude in the exponential function to weaken the unimportant upper bound and deal with the overconservative lower bound. Therefore, the evaluation is reflected in the form of an equivalent fatigue life as an indicator of the nonprobabilistic reliability. Next, the TIs of the fatigue parameters are obtained with limited fatigue test data from a practical engineering application. Finally, the proposed method is applied to a mining dump truck frame to demonstrate its significance and validity.
Understanding the effects of recreational catch‐and‐release angling on an increasingly important foreign fishing tourism species, the giant African threadfin Polydactylus quadrifilis (Cuvier)
Authors: Butler Edward Claude , Childs Amber‐Robyn , Duncan Murray Ian , Potts Warren Mason
Published: July 2020

Foreign fishing tourism (FFT) is becoming increasingly popular in the developing world, where it often coexists alongside other important sectors involving domestic recreational anglers and dependant artisanal and subsistence fishing communities. Therefore, it is important that FFT operations use effective catch‐and‐release (C&R) angling to minimise negative impacts to locally important fishery species. Using reflex action mortality predictors (RAMPs) and physiological stress indicators, this study assessed the impacts of C&R angling within the FFT fishery targeting Polydactylus quadrifilis (Cuvier) on the Kwanza Estuary, Angola. Air exposure (cumulative link model (CLM): Z = 3.99, p < 0.01) and its interaction with fight time (Z = −2.377, p = 0.02) significantly predicted increased motor impairment. Handling practices were particularly important for larger reproductively valuable individuals as fish size was positively correlated with fight (Spearman's rank: r = 0.85, p < 0.01) and total times (r = 0.70, p < 0.01). Therefore, large fish should be handled in the water and a maximum air exposure time of 40 s is recommended for smaller fish. It is suggested that RAMP assessments can provide quick and effective tests for C&R‐driven impairment and provisions should be made for impaired individuals to recover adequately before release.
Mosses modify effects of warmer and wetter conditions on tree seedlings at the alpine treeline
Authors: Lett Signe , Teuber Laurenz M. , Krab Eveline J. , Michelsen Anders , Olofsson Johan , Nilsson Marie‐Charlotte , Wardle David A. , Dorrepaal Ellen
Published: July 2020

Climate warming enables tree seedling establishment beyond the current alpine treeline, but to achieve this, seedlings have to establish within existing tundra vegetation. In tundra, mosses are a prominent feature, known to regulate soil temperature and moisture through their physical structure and associated water retention capacity. Moss presence and species identity might therefore modify the impact of increases in temperature and precipitation on tree seedling establishment at the arctic‐alpine treeline. We followed Betula pubescens and Pinus sylvestris seedling survival and growth during three growing seasons in the field. Tree seedlings were transplanted along a natural precipitation gradient at the subarctic‐alpine treeline in northern Sweden, into plots dominated by each of three common moss species and exposed to combinations of moss removal and experimental warming by open‐top chambers (OTCs). Independent of climate, the presence of feather moss, but not Sphagnum, strongly supressed survival of both tree species. Positive effects of warming and precipitation on survival and growth of B. pubescens seedlings occurred in the absence of mosses and as expected, this was partly dependent on moss species. P. sylvestris survival was greatest at high precipitation, and this effect was more pronounced in Sphagnum than in feather moss plots irrespective of whether the mosses had been removed or not. Moss presence did not reduce the effects of OTCs on soil temperature. Mosses therefore modified seedling response to climate through other mechanisms, such as altered competition or nutrient availability. We conclude that both moss presence and species identity pose a strong control on seedling establishment at the alpine treeline, and that in some cases mosses weaken climate‐change effects on seedling establishment. Changes in moss abundance and species composition therefore have the potential to hamper treeline expansion induced by climate warming.
A historiography of populism and neopopulism in Latin America
Authors: Conniff Michael L.
Published: July 2020

For over a half‐century, Latin American and other scholars have written reams and held innumerable conferences about the populist style of politics in the region. Historians quickly joined in with their theories, methods, and perspectives. Most literature focused on the classic period from the 1930s to 1970s, when populism dominated many nations' governments. In the 1980s and 1990s, as the region rebounded from military dictatorship, new leaders using populist methods won office and instituted economic policies in line with neoliberalism. This reappearance, called neopopulism, sparked new interest in the subject. Finally, after 2000, numerous left‐leaning politicians gave rise to a radical phase of neopopulism that lasted over a decade. This essay follows historians' and social scientists' work documenting and analyzing these phenomena.
The ability of lactic acid bacteria strains to remove di‐n‐butyl phthalate in simulated food matrices
Authors: Zhao Lili , Pan Xin , Yang Qingxiang , Zhao Ruixiang , Li Xinlei
Published: July 2020

In this study, DBP (Di‐n‐butyl phthalate) was used as an example to evaluate the plasticiser‐binding ability of lactic acid bacteria strains (LABs). Three strains of Lactobacillus plantarum 121, Leuconostoc mesenteroides DM12 and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM were selected from LABs to test their DBP binding ability in different simulated food matrices. The results indicated that starch, gelatinised starch and glucose could significantly promote the DBP binding efficiencies of LABs. Low‐concentration proteins (<5%) increased the binding rates. However, denatured protein had no significant effect on the DBP binding ability. On the contrary, amino acids reduced the binding rates. AFM detection results indicated that the cell morphology of LAB binding with DBP had no change after treated in gastrointestinal digestive simulation systems. Collectively, the LABs could be employed as a biological detoxification agent for human and animals by eliminating plasticiser from foods, feeds and digestive tract in the future.
MicroRNA miR‐927 targets the juvenile hormone primary response gene Krüppel homolog1 to control Drosophila developmental growth
Authors: He Q. , Zhang Y. , Dong W.
Published: July 2020

Krüppel homolog1 (Kr‐h1) is a juvenile hormone (JH) response transcriptional factor that transduces JH signalling to repress insect metamorphosis in both hemimetabolous and holometabolous insects. While few studies about microRNAs (miRNAs) downregulating Kr‐h1 expression to mediate insect metamorphosis have been demonstrated in hemimetabolous insects, the miRNAs that target the Kr‐h1 of holometabolous insects have not been reported. Here, we identified two miR‐927 binding sites within the 3′UTR region of Kr‐h1 in Drosophila melanogaster, and miR‐927 was found to downregulate the expression of Kr‐h1. The expression profiles of miR‐927 and Kr‐h1 displayed relatively opposite pattern during most of the larval development stages. Overexpression of miR‐927 in the fat body significantly decreased the expression of Kr‐h1 and resulted in reduced oviposition, increased mortality, delayed pupation, and reduced pupal size. Notably, the co‐overexpression of Kr‐h1 rescued the developmental and growth defects associated with miR‐927 overexpression, indicating that Kr‐h1 is a biologically relevant target of miR‐927. Moreover, the expression of miR‐927 was found to be repressed by JH and its receptor Met/gce, forming a positive regulatory loop of JH signalling. Overall, our studies support a conserved role for the JH/miRNA/Kr‐h1 regulatory axis in growth control during insect development.
Expression, purification and characterization of three odorant binding proteins from the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella
Authors: Cai L. , Cheng X. , Qin J. , Xu W. , You M.
Published: July 2020

Odorant binding proteins (OBPs) are critical components in insect olfactory systems where they bind, solubilize and transport odorant molecules to receptors. Here, we cloned three OBPs (PxylGOBP1, PxylGOBP2 and PxylOBP24) from the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, one of the most destructive pests of cruciferous crops. These three OBPs were expressed in Escherichia coli as recombinant proteins, purified and characterized by fluorescence binding assays with 39 ligands including sex pheromone and plant‐derived chemical compounds. PxylGOBP1 and PxylGOBP2 showed significantly different binding affinities to theses ligands, suggesting distinct binding preferences of these two general odorant binding proteins. PxylOBP24 showed no or extremely low binding activities to selected ligands, suggesting it may be involved in non‐olfactory functions. Circular dichroism spectral results demonstrated that PxylGOBP1 and PxylGOBP2 shared similar secondary structures while PxylOBP24 was significantly different. This study improves our knowledge of insect OBPs, which will assist in a better understanding of insect olfactory system and developing more environmentally friendly pest control strategies for P. xylostella.
Behavioral heterogeneity in return expectations across equity style portfolios
Authors: Stork Philip A. , Vidojevic Milan , Zwinkels Remco C. J.
Published: July 2020

We estimate a heterogeneous agent model on five prominent equity investment styles—value, size, profitability, investment, and momentum—and find evidence for behavioral heterogeneity in expected return formation. Our model features two groups of boundedly rational investors, fundamentalists and chartists, whose demand functions for the investment styles depend on their respective expected style return forecasts. The fundamentalists form return expectations using a model based on time‐varying stock‐level characteristics and dynamic factor premia, and the chartists do so based on heuristics commonly employed by technical analysts, such as moving average rules. Our results cast doubt on the theories that assume perfect rationality of the representative agent in financial markets, and give support to the behavioral theories with heterogeneous agents.
Negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi‐d) with V. A. C. VeraFlo in traumatic, surgical, and chronic wounds—A helpful tool for decontamination and to prepare successful reconstruction
Authors: Diehm Yannick F. , Loew Julia , Will Patrick A. , Fischer Sebastian , Hundeshagen Gabriel , Ziegler Benjamin , Gazyakan Emre , Kneser Ulrich , Hirche Christoph
Published: July 2020

For nearly two decades, Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) has been used for temporary wound coverage as well as wound bed preparation. The addition of instillation and dwell time as an adjunct to NPWT (NPWTi‐d) enables wound bed cleaning and improved wound bed granulation. Thirty patients with different types of colonised wounds (traumatic, surgical, and chronic) were treated with NPWTi‐d using saline for instillation. Patient data, microbiological data and wound characteristics were collected and analysed. Endpoints were bacterial decontamination (count and type), effect on wound bed granulation, and successful reconstruction. Additionally, subgroup analyses for traumatic, surgical, and chronic wounds as well as patients pretreated with conventional NPWT or isolated gram‐positive or negative germs were performed. NPWTi‐d was applied on average for 13 days with a total hospitalisation time of 51 days. After NPWTi‐d, decontaminated wounds were detected in 23% of cases. The number of different bacteria as well as bacterial count could be significantly reduced from 2.38 to 1.16 and 3.9 to 1.3, respectively. This was similar for all subgroups except surgical wounds, in which NPWTi‐d did not lead to a significant reduction of the bacterial count. NPWTi‐d resulted in a significant stimulation of granulation tissue. Successful reconstruction was achieved in 90% of cases. NPWTi‐d enabled wound pre‐conditioning by powerfully reducing or decontaminating the bacterial load and spectrum in most of the wounds. The wound bed integrity was re‐established to prepare successful reconstruction.
More effective crack self‐healing capability of SiCf/SiC‐B4C with Al2O3 modified under wet environment
Authors: Shan Qingliang , Xue Yudong , Hu Jianbao , Xu Qiankun , Ma Qian , Zeng Shenghui , Lian Jiawei , Wang Yewei , Shui Anze
Published: July 2020

Aluminum oxide has been introduced into SiCf/(SiC + B4C) composites to improve the crack self‐healing property in O2/H2O atmosphere. The observation of the surface and interior morphologies of the oxidized composites reveal that Al2O3 can lead to rapid self‐healing of cracks, which will effectively block the oxidation of interior interphase and fiber. Further investigation reveals that Al2O3 plays an important role in impeding the crystallization of SiO2 and limiting the volatilization of B2O3. It is beneficial to form self‐healing fluid glass phase and improve glass phase stability. Under these circumstances, the pre‐crack can be healed more effectively, which is advantageous for composites to remain high strength retention rate.
Roles of local reactivity on the solid‐state addition reaction kinetics
Authors: Cho Sang‐Hee , Senna Mamoru
Published: July 2020

A predominant factor of the diffusion‐controlled kinetics of a solid‐state addition reaction using powder is the particle size of the reactants, into which the other chemical species are migrating. However, diffusion‐controlled kinetic equations are seldom satisfactorily applicable even when the effects of particle size are thoroughly accounted. One of the representative nongeometrical items affecting the solid‐state reaction process is the reactivity of solids (ROS), which has not been accounted in any of the established kinetic equations. Change in ROS is the consequence of the imperfections of the crystalline solids. In this study, we try to discuss the effects of ROS on the solid‐state reaction kinetics. A typical solid‐state addition reaction, formation of BaTiO3 from the equimolar mixture of TiO2 and BaCO3, was chosen as a model. For this reaction, the rate‐determining step is established to be the diffusion of Ba2+ ions into TiO2. Since the defect concentration is known to be higher at the near‐surface region, the local distribution of ROS that is discussed here is based on a simple core‐shell model of the host TiO2 particles with higher reactivity at the shell part. The ratio of the rate of diffusion within the shell part relative to that of the core (factor n), and the ratio of shell thickness, Rs, relative to the particle radius, Rp, (factor g) were chosen as main parameters to be iterated. By systematically varying these two factors, n and g, we succeeded in minimizing the fluctuation of apparent diffusion rate constant by the particle size. Despite the oversimplified model and lacking experimental evidences of the hypothetical parameters, the present proposal may pave the way to introduce ROS and its local distribution into the reaction kinetics. We also discussed the effects of second phases by comparing the same reaction process observed from the decomposition of the reactant and formation of the products.
Building Bridges to Housing for homeless adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities: outcomes of a cross‐sector intervention
Authors: Reid Nadine , Kron Amie , Lamanna Denise , Wen Sophia , Durbin Anna , Rajakulendran Thanara , Lunsky Yona , Roy Sylvain , DuBois Denise , Stergiopoulos Vicky
Published: July 2020

Background

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have high rates of homelessness. This observational study evaluates Bridges to Housing, a cross‐sector intervention offering immediate access to housing and supports to this population in Toronto, Canada.

Methods

Twenty‐six participants, enrolled between April 2016 and December 2017, were assessed at baseline, six and 12 months post‐enrolment. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear modelling evaluated quality of life (QOL) and service needs outcomes. Twenty‐one service users and providers participated in semi‐structured interviews between August 2017 and June 2018 to elicit their experiences of the intervention, which were analysed thematically.

Results

Twelve months post‐enrolment, 24 participants were successfully housed and reported increased QOL scores (F(2,43) = 13.73, p = <.001) and decreased perceived unmet service needs (Wald χ2(2) = 12.93, p = .002). Individual‐, intervention‐ and system‐level characteristics facilitated housing stability in this population.

Conclusions

Cross‐sector approaches can improve outcomes for homeless adults with IDD and may have an important role in supporting this marginalized population.
Developing a flipped learning approach to support student engagement: A design‐based research of secondary school mathematics teaching
Authors: Lo Chung Kwan , Hew Khe Foon
Published: July 2020

The overarching goal of this research project is to develop a set of theoretical and empirical based design principles to support student engagement in flipped mathematics learning. We used a design‐based research approach in which a series of studies was conducted in a secondary school. First, an analysis of practical problems was performed via exploratory studies (Studies 1A and 1B), randomized experiments (Studies 2A and 2B), and a literature review (Study 3). Second, a basic flipped lesson prototype was developed based on our empirical findings and relevant theoretical work of student engagement and self‐determination theory. Third, we refined and evaluated our practice with two empirical studies (Studies 4 and 5). Finally, we reflected on each stage of our research project to produce a set of design principles for future practice. This study thus contributes to our knowledge of methods to support student engagement in flipped mathematics learning.
Salvage of an epicardial lead in a pacemaker‐dependent patient with Fontan palliation using an IS‐1 extender
Authors: Aronis Konstantinos N. , Mettler Bret A. , Love Charles J. , de la Uz Caridad M.
Published: July 2020

We present a case report of severed epicardial atrial lead salvage using an IS‐1 lead extender. A 37‐year‐old male with single ventricle physiology, Fontan palliation, sinus node dysfunction, recurrent atrial tachycardias, and atrial fibrillation resulting in failing Fontan physiology presented with failure of the atrial pacing lead. The patient was initially paced with an epicardial system that had to be removed due to pocket infection, and the epicardial leads were cut and abandoned. Given his significant sinus node dysfunction he required atrial pacing to allow for rhythm control. The failing Fontan physiology of the patient precluded him from undergoing surgery for epicardial lead placement or a complex intravascular lead placement procedure (although anatomically feasible). We considered the option of salvaging the existing epicardial atrial leads to provide atrial pacing, allowing for rhythm control and improvement of his failing Fontan physiology as a bridge to a more permanent pacing solution. This case report is important because it demonstrates how a lead extender can be used to salvage a severed pacemaker lead. This may be useful for patients in whom implantation of new leads is not promptly feasible due to patient anatomy and/or clinical status.
Molecular and functional characterization of the flightin gene in the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis
Authors: Yuan Rui‐ling , Zheng Chuan‐wei , Chen Peng , Du Chun‐hua , Wang Yi‐xuan , Feng Dan , Ong Su‐Ping , Xu Jin
Published: July 2020

Flightin is a protein in flight muscles and is crucial for the flight capacity. Flightin also has been proposed as a protein with deep ancestry and functions outside of flight muscles. However, functional and molecular characterization of flightin achieved so far is mainly in flight muscles of Drosophila. Here, we cloned the flightin (Bd‐flightin) gene and tested its expression and function in Bactrocera dorsalis, an important migratory pest. Phylogenetic analysis based on flightin orthologs revealed that the divergence of flightin is consistent with the taxonomic classification of insects. Motif analysis indicated obvious variations in flightin orthologs, which may have occurred during speciation and functional differentiation. The expression is quite low during egg and larval stages, which largely increased during pupal stage and then peaked at the beginning of the adult stage. Bd‐flightin also showed tissue‐ and age‐specific expression patterns during adult stage. The relative expression level is low in wing, head, ovary and testis, which is relatively higher in leg and abdominal wall and much higher in thorax. Injection of late pupae and newly eclosed adults with 1 μg flightin dsRNA per insect both significantly reduced the expression of flightin and the flight capacity in males and females. In addition, silencing the expression of flightin also decreased the weight ratio of thorax and whole‐body. These results suggested that flightin plays important roles in flight muscle development and flight function in B. dorsalis, which can potentially be used to control the flight behaviour of the fruit fly.
Testing muzzle and ploy devices to reduce predation of bees by Asian hornets
Authors: Bonnefond Laura , Paute Sandrine , Andalo Christophe
Published: July 2020

Since its accidental introduction in 2004, the Asian yellow‐legged hornet (Vespa velutina) has quickly spread in France. V. velutina specializes in the emblematic honeybee, Apis mellifera which are unable to protect their colonies efficiently against this fierce new predator. Here, we investigated whether two defence devices, a ploy and a muzzle, can protect bee colonies. Our results showed that neither device was able to reduce the number of hornets present in front of the hive or their predation efficiency (i.e. the number of captured bees). However, we found more flying bees and a smaller bee carpet in the presence of a muzzle, evidence that this very cheap method of protection can reduce the hornets’ impact on the activity of the bee colony and thus probably enabling its survival. We also showed that the number of agonistic interactions among V. velutina individuals increased with the number of hornets but without influencing the predation rate in our experimental conditions. The threat to honey bees is now well described, but the Asian yellow‐legged hornet very likely has an impact on another insect species that has been the subject of far fewer studies: The native European hornet (Vespa cabro). Monitoring of several apiaries suggests that high densities of both V. velutina and V. crabro are exclusive and that the two species are engaged in an exploitative competition interaction. We are thus already in a position to underline the need for combined protection, as well as for further studies to better understand the ecology of V. velutina, to reduce the damage they cause.
Bayesian estimation of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of a qPCR and a bacteriological culture method for Piscirickettsia salmonis in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in Chile
Authors: Laurin Emilie , Gardner Ian A. , Peña Andrea , Rozas‐Serri Marco , Gayosa Jorge , Neumann Heise Joaquin , Mardones Fernando O.
Published: July 2020

Early detection of piscirickettsiosis is an important purpose of government‐ and industry‐based surveillance for the disease in Atlantic salmon farms in Chile. Real‐time qPCRs are currently used for surveillance because bacterial isolation is inadequately sensitive or rapid enough for routine use. Since no perfect tests exist, we used Bayesian latent class models to estimate diagnostic sensitivity (DSe) and specificity (DSp) of qPCR and culture using separate two‐test, single‐population models for three farms (n = 148, 151, 44). Informative priors were used for DSp (culture (beta(999,1); qPCR (beta(98,2)), and flat priors (beta 1,1) for DSe and prevalence. Models were run for liver and kidney tissues combined and separately, based on the presence of selected gross‐pathological signs. Across all models, qPCR DSe was 5‐ to 30‐fold greater than for culture. Combined‐tissue qPCR median DSe was highest in Farm 3 (sampled during P. salmonis outbreak (DSe = 97.6%)) versus Farm 1 (DSe = 85.6%) or Farm 2 (DSe = 83.5%), both sampled before clinical disease. Median DSe of qPCR was similar for liver and kidney, but higher when gross‐pathological signs were evident at necropsy. High DSe and DSp and rapid turnaround‐time indicate that the qPCR is fit for surveillance programmes and diagnosis during an outbreak. Targeted testing of salmon with gross‐pathological signs can enhance DSe.
Short contribution on adaptive behaviour of flood‐prone companies: A pilot study of Dresden‐Laubegast, Germany
Authors: Jehmlich Caroline , Hudson Paul , Thieken Annegret H.
Published: July 2020

Integrated flood management strategies consider property‐level precautionary measures as a vital part. Whereas this is a well‐researched topic for residents, little is known about the adaptive behaviour of flood‐prone companies although they often settle on the ground floor of buildings and are thus among the first affected by flooding. This pilot study analyses flood responses of 64 businesses in a district of the city of Dresden, Germany that experienced major flooding in 2002 and 2013. Using standardised survey data and accompanying qualitative interviews, the analyses revealed that the largest driver of adaptive behaviour is experiencing flood events. Intangible factors such as tradition and a sense of community play a role for the decision to stay in the area, while lacking ownership might hamper property‐level adaptation. Further research is also needed to understand the role of insurance and governmental aid for recovery and adaptation of businesses.
Improvement of wrinkles and skin tightening using TriPollar® radiofrequency with Dynamic Muscle Activation (DMA™)
Authors: Gold Michael H. , Biron Julie
Published: July 2020

Background

Radiofrequency (RF) energy promotes skin renewal by inducing tissue remodeling through dermal heating and neocollagenesis.

Aim

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a medical esthetic system that combines simultaneously TriPollar® RF energy with Dynamic Muscle Activation (DMA™) for improving facial skin tightness and wrinkles.

Methods

A prospective, open‐label study. Eleven subjects (mean age, 43 years; Fitzpatrick skin type II‐IV) with Fitzpatrick Elastosis Scale (FES) score 3‐6 were treated. The participants underwent six weekly treatments. Effectiveness of the treatments was evaluated at 1 and 3 months follow‐ups after the last treatment, using the FES and evaluator‐ and subject‐rated Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Treatment safety and tolerance were evaluated as well. Pain was evaluated on a visual analog scale (VAS) of 0‐10.

Results

Treatment was safe, with minimal pain (VAS score less than 1), no adverse events, and no downtime. At 1 and 3 months follow‐up evaluation, mean physician‐rated FES statistically significantly improved from baseline (4.63 ± 0.88) by 2.27 ± 0.45 for both time points (P < .0001). According to investigator GAI scale at 3 months follow‐up evaluations, 81.8% of patients were improved and 18.2% were much improved in fine lines, wrinkles and skin tightness.

Conclusions

Treatment with RF TriPollar® combined with DMA™ is effective and well‐tolerated treatment for improving skin tightness and reducing wrinkles.
Safety Transformation and the Structure of the Financial System
Authors: DIAMOND WILLIAM
Published: July 2020

This paper studies how a financial system that is organized to efficiently create safe assets responds to macroeconomic shocks. Financial intermediaries face a cost of bearing risk, so they choose the least risky portfolio that backs their issuance of riskless deposits: a diversified pool of nonfinancial firms' debt. Nonfinancial firms choose their capital structure to exploit the resulting segmentation between debt and equity markets. Increased safe asset demand yields larger and riskier intermediaries and more levered firms. Quantitative easing reduces the size and riskiness of intermediaries and can decrease firm leverage, despite reducing borrowing costs at the zero lower bound.
Learning From Disagreement in the U.S. Treasury Bond Market
Authors: GIACOLETTI MARCO , LAURSEN KRISTOFFER T. , SINGLETON KENNETH J.
Published: July 2020

We study risk premiums in the U.S. Treasury bond market from the perspective of a Bayesian econometrician who learns in real time from disagreement among investors about future bond yields. Notably, disagreement has substantial predictive power for yields, and 's risk premiums are less volatile than those in the analogous model without learning. 's forecasts are substantially more accurate than the consensus forecasts of market professionals, particularly following U.S. recessions. The predictive power of disagreement is distinct from the (much weaker) one of inflation and output growth. Rather, it appears to reflect uncertainty about future fiscal policy.
Epidemiological studies regarding hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: A review
Authors: Iwama Noriyuki , Ishikuro Mami , Tanaka Kosuke , Satoh Michihiro , Murakami Takahisa , Metoki Hirohito
Published: July 2020

A hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP) is defined as hypertension emerging after 20 weeks of gestation and resolving up to 12 weeks post‐partum, and occurs in about 5% of all pregnancies. Complications associated with HDP have poor prognoses, and maternal deaths attributable to HDP are predicted to exceed 70 000 per year worldwide. Understanding the pathogenesis and risk factors of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is important, and they are often investigated in observational studies. Given that therapeutic interventions cannot be controlled in observed studies, it is necessary to interpret which factors correspond to exposure and which factors correspond to confounding and intermediate factors in each study. From the Babies and their parents' longitudinal observation in the Suzuki Memorial Hospital on Intrauterine period study, blood pressure in early pregnancy was not only predictive of a child's birthweight, but the trajectory was also associated with the birthweight. From the larger‐scale birth cohort studies currently conducted in Japan will provide the novel potential risk factors of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and preventive strategies of them. In Japan, observational or intervention studies are just beginning to emerge. The continuation of both a distinctive cohort and a large cohort is needed, and the development of good quality intervention trials based on the results of observational studies is important.
Impact of anxiety levels on difficulty of intrauterine insemination and treatment outcomes
Authors: Kan Ozgur , Gorkem Umit , Baser Emre , Alkilic Aysegul
Published: July 2020

Aim

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of anxiety on intrauterine insemination (IUI) results in couples with unexplained infertility. Second, the relationship between difficulty level of IUI procedure and anxiety were investigated.

Methods

A total of 100 women undergoing first IUI treatment were enrolled into this prospective cross‐sectional study. Participants were asked to complete the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) before the IUI procedure and classified into two groups according to the anxiety score (minimal anxiety; BAI score <8, n = 73 and mild‐to‐moderate anxiety; BAI score ≥8, n = 27). Cervical condition was evaluated with speculum and presence of congenital anomalies, extensive leucorrhea or polypoid lesions were classified as unfavorable cervix. All of the patients were evaluated for difficulty of IUI and asked to state the severity of their pain with a visual analog scale after the procedure. Clinical pregnancy rates were also analyzed.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of pregnancy rates (12.3% vs 14.8%, P = 0.743). visual analog scale score was significantly higher in mild‐to‐moderate anxiety group (P = 0.002). Anxiety levels were higher in patients with difficult IUI (10.5 vs 4.3, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, higher BAI scores (odds ratio: 1.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.0–1.2, P = 0.01) and unfavorable cervical condition (odds ratio: 3.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.2–10.7, P = 0.01) emerged as independent predictors for difficulty of IUI.

Conclusion

Evaluation of anxiety before IUI might help to predict difficulty of IUI and related pain. Although anxiety increases the difficulty of IUI, it does not affect pregnancy outcomes of the treatment.
Medications and addictive substances potentially inducing or attenuating sleep bruxism and/or awake bruxism
Authors: de Baat Cees , Verhoeff Merel C. , Ahlberg Jari , Manfredini Daniele , Winocur Ephraim , Zweers Petra , Rozema Fred , Vissink Arjan , Lobbezoo Frank
Published: July 2020

Bruxism is a repetitive jaw‐muscle activity characterised by clenching or grinding of the teeth and/or by bracing or thrusting of the mandible. It can occur during sleep, indicated as sleep bruxism, or during wakefulness, indicated as awake bruxism. Exogenous risk indicators of sleep bruxism and/or awake bruxism are, among others, medications and addictive substances, whereas also several medications seem to have the potential to attenuate sleep bruxism and/or awake bruxism. The objective of this study was to present a narrative literature on medications and addictive substances potentially inducing or aggravating sleep bruxism and/or awake bruxism and on medications potentially attenuating sleep bruxism and/or awake bruxism. Literature reviews reporting evidence or indications for sleep bruxism and/or awake bruxism as an adverse effect of several (classes of) medications as well as some addictive substances and literature reviews on medications potentially attenuating sleep bruxism and/or awake bruxism were used as starting point and guidelines to describe the topics mentioned. Additionally, two literature searches were established on PubMed. Three types of bruxism were distinguished: sleep bruxism, awake bruxism and non‐specified bruxism. Generally, there are insufficient evidence‐based data to draw definite conclusions concerning medications and addictive substances inducing or aggravating sleep bruxism and/or awake bruxism as well as concerning medications attenuating sleep bruxism and/or awake bruxism. There are insufficient evidence‐based data to draw definite conclusions concerning medications and addictive substances inducing or aggravating sleep bruxism and/or awake bruxism as well as concerning medications attenuating sleep bruxism and/or awake bruxism.
Impact of oral health service expansion funding at health centers in the United States
Authors: Nguyen Vy , Daniel Marlon , Joskow Renée , Lu Connie , Chen Xiao , Zhou Weihao , Lin Sue , Sripipatana Alek , Nair Suma , Pourat Nadereh
Published: July 2020

Objectives

This study aims to assess the impact of Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) investment in oral health through the HRSA FY16 Oral Health Service Expansion (OHSE) funding on workforce, access, and quality in health centers (HCs) from 2015 to 2017.

Methods

Analyses were conducted using data from the Uniform Data System from 2015 and 2017, and the 2015 Area Health Resource File. Change in indicators of oral health workforce, access, and quality of care by the receipt of OHSE funding received by HCs in 2016 were examined. Regression models for 1,345 HCs were developed to conduct a difference‐in‐difference analyses of the comparative change from 2015 to 2017 in the dependent variables among OHSE and non‐OHSE awardees while controlling for confounders.

Results

OHSE awardees showed a significant difference in the oral health workforce with a higher mean number increase by 0.6 full time equivalent (FTE) dentists, 0.4 dental hygienists, 1.1 dental assistants, and 2.3 for other dental staff compared to non‐OHSE awardees. Compared to non‐OHSE awardees, OHSE awardees showed a mean increase of 712 dental patients served who received 1,402 dental visits, representing a 9‐percentage point increase in the percentage of HCs that had an oral health program and a 3‐percentage point increase in the ratio of dental patients to total patients.

Conclusions

Funding dedicated to oral health service expansion in HCs may result in outcomes ranging from increasing workforce to reduction in access and financial barriers. Retrospective analysis demonstrated improved capacity for oral healthcare delivery attributable to HRSA support to HCs.
Treatment of nasal tumours in dogs: a review
Authors: Mortier J. R. , Blackwood L.
Published: July 2020

Nasal tumours are common neoplasms in dogs and often represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to their confined location within the nasal cavities. The main goal of this review is to extract the most relevant information from a wide and often confusing evidence‐based medicine on the treatment of canine nasal tumours and conclude with current recommendations. This report highlights the different therapeutic modalities available and describes their technical aspects, interests and limitations. Megavoltage radiotherapy, as the most recent treatment and standard of care, is particularly examined, especially the different types of radiotherapy units, the main protocols used and their advantages and limits. Newer and non‐conventional treatments are also discussed.
Mast cell tumours in dogs less than 12 months of age: a multi‐institutional retrospective study
Authors: Rigas K. , Biasoli D. , Polton G. , Finotello R. , Murphy S. , Di Palma S. , Starkey M. , Verganti S.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To describe the clinicopathological and genetic characteristics of mast cell tumours in dogs less than 12 months old.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective review of dogs aged less than 12 months when diagnosed with mast cell tumours at three referral hospitals in the UK.

Results

Sixteen pure‐bred dogs were included, of which 11 were female. The median age at first presentation and diagnosis were 7.6 and 9 months, respectively. In 13 dogs the mast cell tumours were cutaneous and in three they were subcutaneous. Four cutaneous mast cell tumours were described as high‐grade (Patnaik or Kiupel) and nine were Patnaik grade II; three had mitotic index of >5 in 10 high‐power fields. Of the three subcutaneous tumours, two had an infiltrative growth pattern and one had mitotic index of 10per10 high‐power fields. Of 10 tested dogs, seven had c‐kit mutations in exon 11 and Ki‐67 score was above the cut‐off value in nine. Four of 12 cases showed evidence of metastasis in the regional lymph nodes. After varying treatment protocols, all patients were alive and disease free at a median of 1115 days after diagnosis.

Clinical Significance

The prognosis of mast cell tumours in dogs less than a year old appears better than the adult counterparts, even without extensive treatment.
Seed skin grafts for reconstruction of distal limb defects in 15 dogs
Authors: Crowley J. D. , Hosgood G. , Appelgrein C.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To report the surgical technique of seed skin grafting and clinical application for reconstruction of wounds on the distal limb of client‐owned dogs.

Materials and Methods

Medical records from The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University were retrospectively reviewed for dogs requiring reconstruction using seed grafting for distal limb skin defects between January 2009 and May 2020.

Results

Fifteen dogs were included. Grafting was performed on distal limb wounds at or below the carpus or tarsus, following trauma (n = 12) or neoplasia excision (n = 3). Complete epithelialisation with minimal contracture was recorded at a median of 4 weeks (range 3 to 8 weeks) after implantation. Median follow‐up was 37 months (range 3 to 55 months) after grafting. Postoperative complications included epidermal inclusion cyst in two dogs. Good functional outcome with acceptable cosmesis despite sparse hair growth was achieved in all cases.

Clinical Significance

Seed grafting is a simple technique that can be used reliably to reconstruct wounds on the distal limb in dogs where other reconstructive techniques are not suitable. Complete epithelialisation with sparse hair growth, good long‐term functional outcome and minimal complications can be expected.
Factors affecting respiratory system compliance in anaesthetised mechanically ventilated healthy dogs: a retrospective study
Authors: Asorey I. , Pellegrini L. , Canfrán S. , Ortiz‐Díez G. , Aguado D.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To determine the influence of several factors on respiratory system compliance in volume‐controlled mechanically ventilated healthy anaesthetised dogs.

Materials and Methods

Review of 100 dogs anaesthetised for elective surgeries between 2015 and 2016. Dogs were mechanically ventilated with a respiratory rate adjusted to maintain normocapnia and a fraction of inspired oxygen of 50%. Body weight, body condition score, age, thoracic shape, time in spontaneous ventilation before volume‐controlled ventilation, time with a fraction of inspired oxygen of 100% until starting mechanical ventilation, type of surgery and patient position were recorded. Respiratory system compliance, expressedperkg of bodyweight, was recorded every 15 minutes following initiation of volume‐controlled ventilation.

Results

Baseline respiratory system compliance was 1.3 ± 0.3 mL/cmH2O/kg and was reduced by high body condition score and barrel‐shaped thorax but not by age, type of surgery or patient position, time in spontaneous ventilation nor time with a fraction of inspired oxygen of 100%.

Clinical Significance

Respiratory system compliance is lower in overweight and barrel‐chested dogs and should be taken into account during monitoring of lung function and ventilation management under general anaesthesia.
Difficulties and Expectations of Future Education Professionals in the Learning of the Mind Map
Authors: Muñoz González Juan Manuel , Sampedro Requena Begoña Esther , Hidalgo Ariza María Dolores
Published: July 2020

The following research focuses on the mind maps learning strategy used by future education professionals as a resource that encourages planning, reflection, self‐control, and meta‐cognition in the development of knowledge, and that improves creativity, practicality, and systematicity when organizing the information. The aim of this work is to analyze the difficulties and troubles found by future education professionals during their learning of mind maps and their repercussion regarding their expectations of use in their future work as teachers. For this purpose, a quantitative methodology was adopted through the use of a questionnaire created ad hoc. This instrument was utilized to collect the students' assessment of the feelings experienced at the beginning of the mind maps learning process, the difficulties throughout this process and the expectations regarding the use of this technique. The main results of the study show that the difficulties for learning mind maps are a predicting factor of the feelings experienced during the beginning of the learning process. However, these feelings do not condition the expectations of use of the students in any shape or form.
Normative reference values for esophageal high‐resolution manometry in healthy adults: A systematic review
Authors: Alcala Gonzalez Luis G. , Oude Nijhuis Renske A. B. , Smout Andreas J. P. M. , Bredenoord Albert J.
Published: July 2020

Background and purpose

Establishing normative values of high‐resolution esophageal manometry is necessary for accurate interpretation and comparison of measurements. In this systematic review, we aimed to summarize normal values for different esophageal high‐resolution manometry systems. Moreover, we assessed the effect of body position, bolus consistency, and provocative maneuvers on these normative thresholds. We searched Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from January 1st, 2006, to January 20th, 2020, for studies that reported normative data of high‐resolution manometry in healthy volunteers. We assessed methodological quality of the included studies and planned a descriptive analysis. We analyzed data from 54 articles describing normative thresholds in high‐resolution manometry using solid‐state or water‐perfused systems. Forty‐six studies performed the manometry study in the supine position with liquid swallows, whereas sixteen studies described normative values in the upright position. Twelve studies assessed normative values for different bolus consistencies, and nine studies evaluated different provocative maneuvers. There is a considerable variety of normative values for esophageal high‐resolution manometry depending on the equipment used and the protocols performed to obtain measurements. This should be taken into account when evaluating measurements in clinical practice and when comparing results of published research studies.
From discipline to control in nursing practice: A poststructuralist reflection
Authors: McIntyre Jonathan R. S. , Burton Candace , Holmes Dave
Published: July 2020

The everyday expressions of nursing practices are driven by their entanglement in complex flows of social, cultural, political and economic interests. Early expressions of trained nursing practice in the United States and Europe reflect claims of moral, spiritual and clinical exceptionalism. They were both imposed upon—and internalized by—nursing pioneers. These claims were associated with an endogenous narrative of discipline and its physical manifestation in early nursing schools and hospitals, which functioned as “total institutions.” By contrast, the external forces—diffuse yet pervasive—impacting upon contemporary nursing more closely align with the power dynamics explored in Gilles Deleuze's concept of the Society of Control. The example of sensor technology and telemetric monitoring of nurses’ locations in the clinical setting exemplifies the intense presence of surveillance, performance metrics and the “rationalization” of nursing practice. It falls upon nurses to recognize, accept or challenge these dynamics in order to shape the future of nursing practice into a discipline which embodies our values and priorities.