bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cement opacity and color as influencing factors on the final shade of metal‐free ceramic restorations
Authors: Carrabba Michele , Vichi Alessandro , Tozzi Gianluca , Louca Chris , Ferrari Marco
Published: April 2020

Objective

To investigate the influence of opacity and color of luting cements on the final shade of metal‐free restorations.

Materials and Methods

Five resin cement colors in combination with four different thicknesses of CAD/CAM ceramic materials were tested, and a composite substrate was used as dentin color reference (n = 3). Specimen color was measured with a spectrophotometer equipped with an integrating sphere before and after cementation (CIELAB). Cement and ceramic color and opacity (TP) were assessed by measuring the tested ceramic thickness as a 1‐mm thick disk for each of the cement shades. The differences in color were evaluated (ΔE00). Data were statistically analyzed by a Two‐Way ANOVA followed by the Tukey Test for post‐hoc comparison (P < .05) and multiple comparison Pearson's test (P < .05); the acceptability and perceptibility threshold were evaluated.

Results

Statistically significant influence was found for factors ceramic thickness and cement shade (P < .001). Perceptible and unacceptable color changes were induced on the final restoration by resin cements (ranging from ΔE00 = 0.69 ± 0.54 to ΔE00 = 5.53 ± 0.46), the correlation between factors became strong (r2 > 0.6) in case of mismatch between color and translucency of cement and ceramic. Only the clear shade in combination with the thickest ceramic, resulted in an imperceptible color change (ΔE00 = 0.69 ± 0.54).

Conclusions

The final shade of ceramic restorations can be influenced by resin cements; the magnitude of influence is related to the cement optical properties.

Clinical Significance

In order to influence the final shade of a ceramic restoration, a cement more opaque than the restorative material should be used. Conversely, in the case of a fitting shade of the restoration, a cement more translucent than the restoration should be used to avoid undesired changes.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Knowledge About One's Dementia Status
Authors: Lin Pei‐Jung , Emerson Joanna , Faul Jessica D. , Cohen Joshua T. , Neumann Peter J. , Fillit Howard M. , Daly Allan T. , Margaretos Nikoletta , Freund Karen M.
Published: April 2020

OBJECTIVES

To examine racial and ethnic differences in knowledge about oneʼs dementia status.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

The 2000 to 2014 Health and Retirement Study.

PARTICIPANTS

Our sample included 8,686 person‐wave observations representing 4,065 unique survey participants, aged 70 years or older, with dementia, as identified by a well‐validated statistical prediction model based on individual demographic and clinical characteristics.

MEASUREMENTS

Primary outcome measure was knowledge of oneʼs dementia status, as reported in the survey. Patient characteristics included race/ethnicity, age, sex, survey year, cognition, function, comorbidity, and whether living in a nursing home.

RESULTS

Among subjects identified as having dementia by the prediction model, 43.5% to 50.2%, depending on the survey year, reported that they were informed of the dementia status by their physician. This proportion was lower among Hispanics (25.9%‐42.2%) and non‐Hispanic blacks (31.4%‐50.5%) than among non‐Hispanic whites (47.7%‐52.9%). Our fully adjusted regression model indicated lower dementia awareness among non‐Hispanic blacks (odds ratio [OR] = 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.58‐0.94) and Hispanics (OR = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.43‐0.85), compared to non‐Hispanic whites. Having more instrumental activity of daily living limitations (OR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.56‐1.75) and living in a nursing home (OR = 2.78; 95% CI = 2.32‐3.32) were associated with increased odds of subjects reporting being told about dementia by a physician.

CONCLUSION

Less than half of individuals with dementia reported being told by a physician about the condition. A higher proportion of non‐Hispanic blacks and Hispanics with dementia may be unaware of their condition, despite higher dementia prevalence in these groups, compared to non‐Hispanic whites. Dementia outreach programs should target diverse communities with disproportionately high disease prevalence and low awareness. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1763‐1770, 2020.
Eosinophilic folliculitis of the scalp associated with PD‐1/PDL1 inhibitors
Authors: Rossi Alfredo , Magri Francesca , Caro Gemma , Federico Alessandro , Fortuna Maria Caterina , Soda Giuseppe , De Vincentiis Ludovica , Carlesimo Marta
Published: April 2020

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are monoclonal antibodies which target immune “checkpoints” enhancing T cell–mediated cytotoxic and antitumor responses. Together to the amazing results, these drugs are associated with some peculiar adverse events called immune‐related adverse events. Alopecia is one of these. It is usually reported to be clinically and histologically similar to alopecia areata.

Aims

We report a case of eosinophilic folliculitis of the scalp occurred during nivolumab therapy, its management and some pathogenetic hypotheses.

Patient

Herein, we report the first case of eosinophilic folliculitis of the scalp occurred during nivolumab therapy, firstly appeared as a lichen planopilaris. Topical steroids and fusidic acid cream were applied with partial benefit and a scaring outcome. No discontinuation of nivolumab was required.

Conclusion

Immune checkpoint inhibitors induced inflammatory response leads to the exposure of hair follicle antigens and a consequent loss of Immuno Privilege. We hypothesize a role of steroids in deviating a primarily lichenoid reaction toward a folliculitis.
Ophthalmoplegia with skin necrosis after a hyaluronic acid filler injection
Authors: Kim Beom‐Jun , You Hi‐Jin , Jung Ileok , Kim Deok‐Woo
Published: April 2020

Hyaluronic acid filler injection is commonly used for aesthetic purposes. However, many clinicians neglect the possibility of developing vascular occlusion and its devastating sequelae. Besides visual loss after iatrogenic ophthalmic artery occlusion, ophthalmoplegia without blindness is rare but may occur. Here, we report a 23‐year‐old woman with ptosis, lateral deviation of the right eye, and skin necrosis after hyaluronic acid filler injection. After hyaluronidase injection and steroid pulse therapy, ptosis and eye movement were completely restored. Skin necrosis was treated with a human epithelial growth factor ointment, followed by Nd:YAG laser. Complete healing with minimal scar was achieved.
Comparative skin penetration profiles of formulations including ultradeformable liposomes as potential nanocosmeceutical carriers
Authors: Izquierdo María Cecilia , Lillo Cristian R. , Bucci Paula , Gómez Gisela Eliane , Martínez Luis , Alonso Silvia del Valle , Calienni María Natalia , Montanari Jorge
Published: April 2020

Background

Ultradeformable liposomes are promising carriers for cosmeceutical actives as they can be loaded with molecules of different polarities, and they present unique penetration properties.

Aims

While those features have already been tested, we wanted to know whether their special penetration properties could be maintained after incorporation in diverse cosmetic vehicles, including commercial products already in the market.

Methods

Ultradeformable liposomes loaded with a lipophilic and a hydrophilic fluorescent probe were prepared by lipid film resuspension, followed by extrusion and incorporation to different vehicles and commercial products. Penetration was determined in human and pig skin by incubation, with the Saarbrücken penetration model, followed by the recovery of the probes or by fluorescence microscopy.

Results

The incorporation of ultradeformable liposomes to cosmetic vehicles did not alter their penetration in most of the cases for human skin explants. Pig skin penetration presented significant differences compared with human explants.

Conclusions

Ultradeformable liposomes could be useful as versatile cosmeceutical carriers in final product formulations.
Chin augmentation with the use of cannula from a single, midline entry point: Evaluation of 50 patients
Authors: Sahan Ali , Karaosmanoglu Nermin , Ozdemir Cetinkaya Pınar
Published: April 2020

Background

A chin that is of right size, shape, and contour plays a crucial role in overall facial balance and esthetically harmonious appearance. Dermal fillers have been widely used for correcting mild to moderate chin retrusion and resorption.

Aims

The aim of this study was to share our preferential technique for chin augmentation and to evaluate our results in 50 patients.

Methods

A total of 50 patients consisting of females who received hyaluronic acid injection for chin augmentation and rejuvenation were enrolled in the study. We have described chin augmentation technique with the use of cannula from a single, midline entry point.

Results

The study included 50 female patients, and the mean age was 37.56 ± 8.84 years. The median injected filler volume for augmentation of the mental area was 2.25 mL (minimum = 1, maximum = 4 mL). Four (8%) patients had ecchymosis related to the procedure.

Conclusion

Chin has a profound effect on the perception of attractiveness and is an area of concern for rejuvenation of the lower third of the face. Our preferential technique allows the practitioners to increase the likelihood of a satisfactory esthetic outcomes and minimize the risks of the procedure.
Ultrasound screening and management of vasa previa in Japan
Authors: Furuya Natsumi , Sasaki Takamichi , Homma Chika , Hasegawa Junichi , Suzuki Nao
Published: April 2020

Aim

This study aimed to clarify ultrasound screening and management for vasa previa (VP) in perinatal centers and primary facilities in Japan.

Methods

A questionnaire survey about antepartum ultrasound screening and management for VP was delivered in 2018. Questions were sent by email or post to perinatal centers and randomly selected primary hospitals or clinics throughout Japan.

Results

Seventy‐seven perinatal centers and 300 primary facilities answered. VP was screened in 85.7% of perinatal centers and 81.3% of primary facilities. The reported incidence of VP was 0.05% (86/158 323) and 0.05% (28/54 791) in perinatal centers and primary facilities, respectively. When patients were diagnosed with VP, 88.7% of primary facilities referred the patient to a tertiary hospital. Routine hospitalization (100%) and steroid administration (46%) were frequently performed in perinatal centers. The median gestational age at planned cesarean section was significantly earlier in perinatal centers (34 weeks) than in primary facilities (37 weeks). Of the 31 reported cases of VP, 30 were reported as intact survival, but 1 case required an emergency cesarean section at 38 weeks of gestation without an antenatal diagnosis, resulting in neonatal death.

Conclusion

More than 80% of obstetric facilities both perinatal centers and clinics in Japan perform ultrasound screening with for VP with similar detection rate. However, to further improve perinatal outcomes related to VP, pathophysiology and diagnosis of VP should be more widely recognized by obstetric caregivers throughout Japan.
Paludicola gen. nov. and Revision of the Species Formerly in Batrachospermum Section Turfosa (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Vis Morgan L. , Lee Janina , Eloranta Pertti , Chapuis Iara S. , Lam Daryl W. , Necchi Orlando
Published: April 2020

Since the first phylogenetic study of the order Batrachospermales, Batrachospermum was shown to be paraphyletic. Subsequently, sections of the genus have been methodically investigated using DNA sequences and morphology in order to propose new genera and delineate species. Batrachospermum section Turfosa is the last section with multiple species yet to be examined. New sequence data of specimens from Europe and the United States were combined with the sparse sequence data already available. Phylogenetic analyses using rbcL and COI‐5P sequences showed this section to be a well‐supported clade, distinct from Batrachospermum section Batrachospermum and its segregate genera. Section Turfosa is raised to the generic rank as Paludicola gen. nov. Substantial genetic variation within the genus was discovered and 12 species are recognized based on DNA sequence data as well as morphological characters and geographic distribution. The following morphological characters were applied to distinguish species: branching pattern (pseudodichotomous or irregular), whorl size (reduced or well developed), primary fascicles (curved or straight), spermatangia origin (primary or secondary fascicles), and carposporophyte arrangement (loose or dense). Previously published species were transferred to the new genus: P. turfosa, P. keratophyta, P. orthosticha, P. phangiae, and P. periploca. Seven new species are proposed as follows: P. groenbladii from Europe; P. communis, P. johnhallii, and P. leafensis from North America; and P. aquanigra, P. diamantinensis, and P. turfosiformis from Brazil. In addition, three unsequenced species in the section, P. bakarensis, P. gombakensis, and P. tapirensis, were transferred to the new genus.
Phenytoin sodium‐ameliorated gingival fibroblast aging is associated with autophagy
Authors: Kang Yi , Yang Ruhui , Wei Zhe , Zhu Daqun , Tang Tingbing , Zhu Licheng , Hu Xiaoxia , Zha Guangyu
Published: April 2020

Background and Objective

Human gingival fibrolasts aging is an important cause of periodontal disease. Phenytoin sodium (phenytoin) has a side effect of gingival hyperplasia and an effect on the autophagy progress. This study investigated whether the effect of phenytoin on aging gingival fibroblast is related to the autophagy pathway.

Material and Methods

The aging model of gingival fibroblast cell line HGF‐1 was induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and the treatment of phenytoin and 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA) was performed simultaneously. Cell viability, cell cycle, and intracellular calcium ion were measured by flow cytometry. Changes in expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), P16INK4A, P21cip1, and bFGF, P16INK4A, P21cip1, LC3II, p62, and Beclin were tested by using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunofluorescence staining.

Results

The results showed that aging HGF‐1 proliferation was inhibited by H2O2, gene, protein expression of bFGF, P16INK4A, and P21cip1 were decreased, autophagy‐related proteins LC3II, p62, and Becline were decreased, and the proportion of G0/G1 phase and intracellular calcium ion of cell cycle was increased. Phenytoin treatment could recovery above changes, but the effect of phenytoin could be blocked by 3‐MA.

Conclusion

We propose that phenytoin alleviates the aging of gingival fibroblasts induced by H2O2. This condition is related to the enhancement of autophagy pathway.
Dynamic viscoelastic behavior of bovine periodontal ligament in compression
Authors: Najafidoust Mohammad , Hashemi Ata , Oskui Iman Z.
Published: April 2020

Background and Objective

As the main connector of teeth to the surrounding bone, the periodontal ligament (PDL) plays an important role in absorption and distribution of physiological and para‐physiological loading. Despite the difference in the mechanical response of the PDL in tension and compression, little information is available on its viscoelastic behavior in compression. To explore the contribution of the fluid phase of the PDL, the aim of the present study was to measure its nonlinear time‐dependent behavior in compression.

Material and Methods

The in vitro dynamic compressive tests were carried out over a wide range of frequencies at three different preloads. Also, a generalized Maxwell model was proposed based on the experimental data to develop a viscoelastic model for subsequent computational analysis of the PDL.

Results

The higher values of loss factor in compression found in the range of 0.03‐0.4 than those of 0.04‐0.08 reported in tension, implies the focal role of the fluid phase in compressive dynamic response. Furthermore, the model parameters predicted that with an increase in preload, the role of the viscous components decrease, whereas the role of the elastic component increases.

Conclusion

The viscous effect of the PDL in compression is greater than that in tension. Also, the dependence of the relaxation modulus of the bovine PDL on the applied load indicates its nonlinear viscoelastic behavior in compression.
Association of sleep spindle characteristics with executive functioning in healthy sedentary middle‐aged and older adults
Authors: Guadagni Veronica , Byles Hannah , Tyndall Amanda V. , Parboosingh Jillian , Longman Richard Stewart , Hogan David B. , Hanly Patrick J. , Younes Magdy , Poulin Marc J.
Published: April 2020

To determine the relationship between sleep spindle characteristics (density, power and frequency), executive functioning and cognitive decline in older adults, we studied a convenience subsample of healthy middle‐aged and older participants of the Brain in Motion study. Participants underwent a single night of unattended in‐home polysomnography with neurocognitive testing carried out shortly afterwards. Spectral analysis of the EEG was performed to derive spindle characteristics in both central and frontal derivations during non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) Stage 2 and 3. Multiple linear regressions were used to examine associations between spindle characteristics and cognitive outcomes, with age, body mass index (BMI), periodic limb movements index (PLMI) and apnea hypopnea index (AHI) as covariates. NREM Stage 2 total spindle density was significantly associated with executive functioning (central: β = .363, p = .016; frontal: β = .408, p = .004). NREM Stage 2 fast spindle density was associated with executive functioning (central: β = .351, p = .022; frontal: β = .380, p = .009) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment score (MoCA, central: β = .285, p = .037; frontal: β = .279, p = .032). NREM Stage 2 spindle frequency was also associated with MoCA score (central: β = .337, p = .013). Greater spindle density and fast spindle density were associated with better executive functioning and less cognitive decline in our study population. Our cross‐sectional design cannot infer causality. Longitudinal studies will be required to assess the ability of spindle characteristics to predict future cognitive status.
Longitudinal changes in patient‐reported outcomes after artificial urinary sphincter implantation
Authors: Yokoyama Minato , Masuda Hitoshi , Ito Masaya , Waseda Yuma , Moriyama Shingo , Toide Masahiro , Uchida Yusuke , Uehara Sho , Kijima Toshiki , Yoshida Soichiro , Ishioka Junichiro , Matsuoka Yoh , Saito Kazutaka , Fujii Yasuhisa
Published: April 2020

Objective

To evaluate the time course of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) after artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation based on individual longitudinal changes of patient‐reported outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective study included 66 male patients with severe urinary incontinence who were treated with primary AUS implantation between 2009 and 2019. International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form (ICIQ‐SF) and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaires were used to evaluate continence status and LUTS preoperatively, 1, 3, and 12 months after activation, and then annually. The annual changes in scores were calculated with a linear mixed model.

Results

Of the 66 patients, 63 (95%) achieved complete or social continence (number of pads used ≤1/d) at 1 month after activation. Mean preoperative ICIQ‐SF, IPSS, and IPSS‐quality of life (QOL) score were 18.9, 14.9, and 5.4, respectively; the corresponding scores at 1 month after activation were 4.5, 9.0, and 1.7 (all P < .001), respectively. During the mean follow‐up period of 36 months, the annual changes in the scores from 1 month after activation were 0.51 (P = .002), −0.30 (P = .184), and 0.19 (P < .001), respectively. As for individual IPSS items, while incomplete emptying, frequency, urgency, and weak stream improved significantly 1 month after activation, no significant changes from 1 month after activation were observed except for longitudinal deterioration of incomplete emptying score (0.08/y, P = .029).

Conclusion

Continence status and QOL score markedly improved by AUS implantation immediately, but deteriorated over time. Improved LUTS were maintained without a worsening trend, however.
Distress and default contagion in financial networks
Authors: Veraart Luitgard Anna Maria
Published: April 2020

We develop a new model for solvency contagion that can be used to quantify systemic risk in stress tests of financial networks. In contrast to many existing models, it allows for the spread of contagion already before the point of default and hence can account for contagion due to distress and mark‐to‐market losses. We derive general ordering results for outcome measures of stress tests that enable us to compare different contagion mechanisms. We use these results to study the sensitivity of the new contagion mechanism with respect to its model parameters and to compare it to existing models in the literature. When applying the new model to data from the European Banking Authority, we find that the risk from distress contagion is strongly dependent on the anticipated recovery rate. For low recovery rates, the high additional losses caused by bankruptcy dominate the overall stress test results. For high recovery rates, however, we observe a strong sensitivity of the stress test outcomes with respect to the model parameters determining the magnitude of distress contagion.
A review of the chondrite–achondrite transition, and a metamorphic facies series for equilibrated primitive stony meteorites
Authors: Tomkins Andrew G. , Johnson Tim E. , Mitchell Jennifer T.
Published: April 2020

Here, the petrological features of numerous primitive achondrites and highly equilibrated chondrites are evaluated to review and expand upon our knowledge of the chondrite–achondrite transition, and primitive achondrites in general. A thermodynamic model for the initial silicate melting temperature and progressive melting for nearly the entire known range of oxidation states is provided, which can be expressed as Tm = 0.035Fa2−3.51Fa + 1109 (in °C, where Fa is the proportion of fayalite in olivine). This model is then used to frame a discussion of textural and mineralogical evolution of stony meteorites with increasing temperature. We suggest that the metamorphic petrology of these meteorites should be based on diffusive equilibration among the silicate minerals, and as such, the chondrite–achondrite transition should be defined by the initial point of silicate melting, not by metal–troilite melting. Evidence of silicate melting is preserved by a distinctive texture of interconnected interstitial plagioclase ± pyroxene networks among rounded olivine and/or pyroxene (depending on ƒO2), which pseudomorph the former silicate melt network. Indirectly, the presence of exsolution lamellae in augite in slowly cooled achondrites also implies that silicate melting occurred because of the high temperatures required, and because silicate melt enhances diffusion. A metamorphic facies series is defined: the Plagioclase Facies is equivalent to petrologic types 5 and 6, the Sub‐calcic Augite Facies is bounded at lower temperatures by the initiation of silicate melting and at higher temperatures by the appearance of pigeonite, which marks the transition to the Pigeonite Facies.
The effects of low‐and high‐frequency non‐invasive transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) on gastric slow waves evaluated using in vivo high‐resolution mapping in porcine
Authors: Sukasem Atchariya , Cakmak Yusuf Ozgur , Khwaounjoo Prashanna , Gharibans Armen , Du Peng
Published: April 2020

Backgrounds

Gastric motility is regulated by an electrophysiological activity called slow‐wave and neuronal innervations by the vagus nerve. Transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) has been demonstrated to have therapeutic potential for a wide range of medical conditions, including the management of gastric dysfunctions. The main objective of this study was to gain a better understanding of how non‐invasive neuromodulation influences gastric slow wave under in vivo conditions.

Methods

TaVNS protocols were applied in conjunction with 192‐channel gastric bioelectrical mapping in porcine subjects under general anesthesia. The spatiotemporal profiles of gastric slow wave were assessed under two different taVNS protocols at 10 and 80 Hz.

Key Results

The taVNS protocols effectively altered the interval and amplitude of gastric slow waves, but not the velocity or the percentage of spatial dysrhythmias. In the subjects that responded to the protocols, the 10 Hz protocol was shown to normalize slow‐wave propagation pattern in 90% of the subjects, whereas the 80 Hz protocol was shown to inhibit slow waves in 60% of the subjects.

Conclusions and Inferences

Chronic responses of gastric motility and slow waves in response to taVNS should be investigated using non‐invasive means in conscious subjects in future.
Disease dispersion as a spatial interaction: The case of Flavescence Dorée
Authors: Ay Jean‐Sauveur , Gozlan Estelle
Published: April 2020

Flavescence dorée is a serious and incurable vine disease transmitted by an insect vector. Focusing on its spatial diffusion and on its control with pesticides, this paper investigates the private strategies of wine producers and their socially optimal counterparts. The socially optimal regulation has to address two externalities regarding private treatment decisions: (a) the insufficient consideration of collective benefits from controlling the vector populations; (b) the failure to take into account environmental damage related to pesticide application. The probability of infection is estimated on French data from a spatial econometric specification. Three alternative assumptions are examined regarding producers' anticipation of the impact of their own treatment: naive, myopic, or farseeing, in increasing order of sophistication. Because of the two dimensions of externalities, no type of anticipation leads to a systematically preferable situation and optimal policy intervention requires a tax for environmental externalities and a subvention for protection externalities.

Recommendations for Resource Managers:

Current policy of compulsory treatment is justified by the positive protection externalities.

This policy is particularly appropriated if producers' anticipations are naive or myopic.

Taking into account negative externalities decreases the case for compulsory treatment.

With two externalities, sophisticated anticipations are not necessary closer to the optimum.
Changes in plant diversity and its relationship with productivity in response to nitrogen addition, warming and increased rainfall
Authors: Yue Kai , Jarvie Scott , Senior Alistair M. , Van Meerbeek Koenraad , Peng Yan , Ni Xiangyin , Wu Fuzhong , Svenning Jens‐Christian
Published: April 2020

Human‐induced global changes such as nitrogen (N) deposition, climatic warming and rainfall changes have been determined to be common drivers of current plant community dynamics. However, it is unclear if and how the individual and combined effects of these drivers differently influence plant diversity and its relationship with productivity at the global scale. Here, we performed meta‐analyses with data compiled from 133 articles, comprising >2000 effect sizes, to assess the individual and combined effects of N addition, warming and increased rainfall on plant diversity and its relationship with productivity (using aboveground biomass as a proxy). We found that N addition decreased species richness, Shannon–Wiener index (H′) and evenness, while it increased aboveground biomass. In contrast, warming and increased rainfall had no effect on diversity although both also increased aboveground biomass. The combined effects of N addition + warming and N addition + increased rainfall showed significant negative effects on plant diversity, with additive and synergistic interactions, respectively. Warming + increased rainfall did not influence plant diversity. Both the individual and combined effects on plant diversity were influenced by several moderator variables, with negative impacts of the magnitude and experimental duration on N addition effects and of latitude on N addition + warming effects. Importantly, our results showed that the greater the increase in plant productivity with long‐term N addition, the greater the decline in plant diversity, and vice versa, indicating that the commonly observed positive diversity–productivity relationship would be reduced under long‐term N addition. Our study provides new insights for the development of predictive models of plant diversity dynamics in response to multiple concurrent global change drivers, while also highlighting a consistent, strong negative effect of N addition, pointing to a clear need for reducing N deposition.
State Politics, Race, and “Welfare” as a Funding Stream: Cash Assistance Spending Under Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Authors: Fusaro Vincent A.
Published: April 2020

Race and racism have long been identified as influences on state cash assistance policy under Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF; “welfare” in the United States) and its predecessor programs. TANF is structured as a flexible block grant with a state contribution requirement and cash benefits now account for only about one‐quarter of all program expenditures. Both proportion of effort devoted to cash assistance and change over time since passage of the 1996 welfare reform law vary by state. In this article, I consider the relationship between prevalence of negative stereotyping of blacks among whites in a state and emphasis on cash assistance as a TANF expenditure priority from 1998 to 2013. I find that prevalence of stereotyping of blacks among whites is related to TANF cash assistance effort, while evidence that it is related to the rate of decline in cash assistance over time is ambiguous.
Direct and Stable Weight Adjustment in Non-Experimental Studies With Multivalued Treatments: Analysis of the Effect of an Earthquake on Post-Traumatic Stress
Authors: de los Angeles Resa María , Zubizarreta José R.
Published: April 2020

In February 2010, a massive earthquake struck Chile, causing devastation in certain parts of the country, affecting other areas, and leaving territories untouched. 2 months after the earthquake, Chile's Ministry of Social Development reinterviewed a representative subsample of its National Socioeconomic Characterization Survey, which had been completed 2 months before the earthquake, thereby creating a prospective longitudinal survey with detailed information of the same individuals before and after the earthquake. We use a new weighting method for non-experimental studies with multivalued treatments to estimate the effect of levels of exposure to the earthquake on post-traumatic stress. Unlike common weighting approaches for multivalued treatments, this new method does not require explicit modelling of the generalized propensity score and instead focuses on directly balancing the covariates across the multivalued treatments with weights that have minimum variance. As a result, the weighting estimator is stable and approximately unbiased. Furthermore, the weights are constrained to avoid model extrapolation. We illustrate this new method in a simulation study, with both categorical and continuous treatments. The results show that directly targeting balance instead of explicitly modelling the treatment assignment probabilities tends to provide the best results in terms of bias and root-mean-square error. Using this method, we estimate the effect of the intensity of the earthquake on post-traumatic stress. We implement this method in the new package msbw for R.
Human skeletal muscle fiber type percentage and area after reduced muscle use: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Vikne Harald , Strøm Vegard , Pripp Are Hugo , Gjøvaag Terje
Published: April 2020

The main objective of this systematic review was to examine the effect of reduced muscle activity on the relative number of type 1 muscle fibers (%) in the human vastus lateralis muscle. Other objectives were changes in type 2A and 2X percentages and muscle fiber cross‐sectional area. We conducted systematic literature searches in eight databases and included studies assessing type 1 fiber percentage visualized by ATPase or immunohistochemical staining before and after a period (≥14 days) of reduced muscle activity. The reduced muscle activity models were detraining, leg unloading, and bed rest. Forty‐two studies comprising 451 participants were included. Effect sizes were calculated as the mean difference between baseline and follow‐up and Generic Inverse Variance tests with random‐effects models were used for the weighted summary effect size. Overall, the mean type 1 muscle fiber percentage was significantly reduced after interventions (−1.94%‐points, 95% CI [−3.37, −0.51], P = .008), with no significant differences between intervention models (P = .86). Meta‐regression showed no effect of study duration on type 1 fiber percentage (P = .98). Conversely, the overall type 2X fiber percentage increased after reduced muscle activity (P < .001). The CSA of the muscle fiber types decreased after the study period (all P‐values < 0.001) with greater reductions in type 2 than type 1 fibers (P < .001). The result of this meta‐analysis display that the type 1 muscle fiber percentage decrease as a result of reduced muscle activity, although the effect size is relatively small.
High‐speed, two‐dimensional digital image correlation algorithm using heterogeneous (CPU‐GPU) framework
Authors: Thiagu Mullai , Subramanian Sankara J. , Nasre Rupesh
Published: April 2020

Two‐dimensional digital image correlation (2D‐DIC) is an experimental technique used to measure in‐plane displacement of a test specimen. Real‐time measurement of full‐field displacement data is challenging due to enormous computational load of the algorithm. In order to improve the computational speed, the focus of recent research works has been on the approach of parallelization across subsets within image pairs using graphics processing unit (GPU). But alternate GPU‐based parallelization approaches to improve the performance of this algorithm as per the order of data processing have not been explored. To address this research gap, our method utilizes parallelism within a subset as well as across subsets for each computation step in an iteration cycle. A heterogeneous (CPU‐GPU) framework in combination with a pyramid‐based initial values estimation for subsets (in parallel) is proposed in this work. The precompute steps of the proposed framework are implemented using CPU, whereas the main iterative steps are realized using GPU. It is demonstrated that the overall computational speed of the proposed heterogeneous framework improves by
compared to a sequential CPU‐based implementation for a pair of gray‐scale images with a resolution of
pixels. As an important milestone, feasibility to measure deformations in real time (
1 s) is manifested in this study.
Malaria parasitemia among blood donors in Uganda
Authors: Murphy Kristin J. , Conroy Andrea L. , Ddungu Henry , Shrestha Ruchee , Kyeyune‐Byabazaire Dorothy , Petersen Molly R. , Musisi Ezra , Patel Eshan U. , Kasirye Ronnie , Bloch Evan M. , Lubega Irene , John Chandy C. , Hume Heather A. , Tobian Aaron A.R.
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Malaria remains a leading transfusion associated infectious risk in endemic areas. However, the prevalence of malaria parasitemia has not been well characterized in blood donor populations. This study sought to determine the prevalence of Plasmodium in red blood cell (RBC) and whole blood (WB) units after the rainy season in Uganda.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Between May and July 2018, blood was collected from the sample diversion pouch of 1000 WB donors in Kampala and Jinja, Uganda. The RBC pellet from ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) anticoagulated blood was stored at −80°C until testing. DNA was extracted and nested PCR was used to screen samples at the genus level for Plasmodium, with positive samples further tested for species identification.

RESULTS

Malaria parasitemia among asymptomatic, eligible blood donors in two regions of Uganda was 15.4%; 87.7% (135/154) of infections were with P. falciparum, while P. malariae and P. ovale were also detected. There were 4.3% of blood donors who had mixed infection with multiple species. Older donors (>30 years vs. 17‐19 years; aPR = 0.31 [95% CI = 0.17‐0.58]), females (aPR = 0.60 [95% CI = 0.42‐0.87]), repeat donors (aPR = 0.44 [95% CI = 0.27‐0.72]) and those donating near the capital city of Kampala versus rural Jinja region (aPR = 0.49 [95% CI = 0.34‐0.69]) had a lower prevalence of malaria parasitemia.

CONCLUSIONS

A high proportion of asymptomatic blood donors residing in a malaria endemic region demonstrate evidence of parasitemia at time of donation. Further research is needed to quantify the risk and associated burden of transfusion‐transmitted malaria (TTM) in order to inform strategies to prevent TTM.
Grammatical change in South African Englishes
Authors: van Rooy Bertus
Published: April 2020

This article investigates whether grammatical change in South African English (SAfE) leads to convergence or divergence in the different varieties within SAfE. Contact between speakers of English and other languages potentially leads to divergence from varieties beyond SAfE, and to convergence within SAfE. Modal auxiliaries show convergence between White SAfE (WSAfE) and Afrikaans, but not between WSAfE and Black SAfE (BSAfE). No convergence is observed between the innovative use of the progressive in BSAfE and WSAfE, except for similar long‐term frequency increases. The omission of the complementiser that shows similar long‐term frequency changes between WSAfE, Afrikaans and BSAfE. The findings indicate that higher degrees of contact between speakers result in closer convergence, especially as far as constructional semantics are concerned, but convergent frequency changes seem to be possible without the same closeness of contact.
Complement activation at the interface of wound dressings and blood does not influence keratinocyte migration/proliferation in vitro
Authors: Denzinger Markus , Held Manuel , Daigeler Adrien , Krajewski Stefanie , Link Antonia
Published: April 2020

Recently, we reported that some wound dressings caused complement activation at the interface of wound dressing and blood. Since complement activation is associated with impaired wound healing, we investigated whether this activation of the complement cascade at the interface of wound dressings and blood does impair reepithelialization in a scratch wound healing assay. Although some samples showed higher levels of the complement activation marker SC5b‐9 in our study, reepithelialization of the samples did not significantly differ from the control group. Further studies have to clarify if complement activation at the interface of wound dressings and blood plays a relevant role in the healing process especially in long‐time experiments.
Mitochondrial ghost lineages blur phylogeography and taxonomy of Natrix helvetica and N. natrix in Italy and Corsica
Authors: Schultze Nadine , Spitzweg Cäcilia , Corti Claudia , Delaugerre Michel , Di Nicola Matteo Riccardo , Geniez Philippe , Lapini Luca , Liuzzi Cristiano , Lunghi Enrico , Novarini Nicola , Picariello Orfeo , Razzetti Edoardo , Sperone Emilio , Stellati Luca , Vignoli Leonardo , Asztalos Marika , Kindler Carolin , Vamberger Melita , Fritz Uwe
Published: April 2020

Grass snakes are widely distributed across the Western Palearctic. Recent phylogeographic studies provided evidence that three distinct parapatric species exist. Two of these occur in Italy, Natrix helvetica and N. natrix, and a contact zone between both taxa has been suggested for north‐eastern Italy. Moreover, previous investigations revealed for the Italian Peninsula a complex phylogeographic structure. Using mtDNA sequences and microsatellite loci, we examined the situation for mainland Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica. Our study confirmed the occurrence of N. natrix in north‐eastern Italy. Cline analyses revealed limited gene flow between N. helvetica and N. natrix across a narrow hybrid zone. Within N. helvetica, conflicting patterns of mitochondrial and nuclear genomic differentiation were revealed. Three nuclear genomic clusters were found; one of them corresponded to no fewer than five distinct and, in part, deeply divergent and ancient mitochondrial lineages from mainland Italy and Sicily. This cluster was paraphyletic with respect to the two remaining mitochondrial lineages, each of which matched with another nuclear genomic cluster (one from Corsica plus Sardinia and another one from western Europe north of the Alps). This unexpected pattern most likely results from mainly male‐mediated gene flow and female philopatry combined with population‐density‐dependent processes such as ‘high‐density blocking’. With respect to taxonomy, we propose to synonymize N. h. lanzai Kramer, 1970 with N. h. sicula (Cuvier, 1829), acknowledging their lacking nuclear genomic differentiation. The studied hybrid zone of N. h. helvetica and N. h. sicula in Italy is wide, with a smooth cline for nuclear markers, supporting their subspecies status. We found no evidence for the distinctiveness of the two subspecies from Corsica (N. h. corsa) and Sardinia (N. h. cetti), suggesting their synonymy, but refrain from taxonomic conclusions because of small sample sizes and the endangered status of the Sardinian taxon.
Performance Analysis of Partially Shaded Photovoltaic Array Using Magic Square View Configuration for Shade Dispersion
Authors: El Iysaouy Lahcen , Lahbabi Mhammed , Baskys Algirdas , Oumnad Abdelmajid
Published: April 2020

The power generated by the photovoltaic (PV) array is affected by the partial shading, caused by the neighboring object shadows, dirtiness, moving clouds, bird droppings, different orientation angles of PV modules, deposition of dust in modules, and the physical location of the PV module. Therefore, the PV systems exhibit multiple peaks of generated power and do not always track the maximum power point (MPP). Thus, to overcome these problems of multiple peaks, the PV panels are reconfigured using either electrical or physical reconfiguration methods. The main aim of this paper is to investigate the performance of magic square view (MSV) configuration of PV modules under partial shading conditions (PSCs). For validation, three kinds of PSCs patterns are considered and are then compared to the Total Cross Tied (TCT) and Sudoku (SDK) configurations: long and wide, short and narrow, and long and narrow. Overall, the obtained results show that the MSV configuration allows us to increase the power generated by the PV array by 34% and 7% under the three types of shadow studied as compared to the TCT and SDK configurations, respectively. The PV array configurations parameters are performed based on matlab/simulink software. The simulation and performance analysis of PV array configurations is performed with 81 PV modules of BP Solar Poly BP 380 modules.
The Effect of Stiff Foot Plate Length on Walking Gait Mechanics
Authors: Schmitthenner Dave , Sweeny Carolyn , Du Jing , Martin Anne E.
Published: April 2020

Exoskeletons are increasingly being used to treat gait pathologies. Many of these exoskeletons use a foot plate to actuate the foot, altering the effective stiffness of the foot. Stiffness of the biological foot and ankle plays an important role in the energy modulating function of the leg, so it is important to examine how a foot plate in and of itself impacts gait. Therefore, this study quantified how foot plates themselves alter the walking gait of 16 healthy young adults. The effect of the foot plate length was also examined through the use of two foot plates, one that ended at the metatarsals and one that extended past the toes, about 20% longer. Gait parameters examined included walking speed, step frequency, joint angles for the hip, knee, ankle, forefoot, and toe, ground reaction forces (GRF), and foot–ankle power. The most significant changes were caused by the full plate, which caused an average 13% decrease in the ankle range of motion (ROM) and a 23% decrease in forward GRF at push off. The shorter plate also decreased ankle ROM to a lesser degree. This indicates that the presence of a foot plate impacted foot and ankle kinematics. However, the presence of the tested foot plate had no effect on walking speed or hip or knee kinematics. This indicates that subjects were mostly able to compensate both kinematically and energetically via their foot and ankle for the increased foot stiffness due to the tested foot plate.
A Framework for Underground Gas Storage System Reliability Assessment Considering Functional Failure of Repairable Components
Authors: He Lei , Wen Kai , Gong Jing , Wu Changchun
Published: April 2020

As one of the most important means of nature gas peak shaving and energy strategic reserving, the reliability assessment of underground gas storage (UGS) system is necessary. Although many methods have been proposed for system reliability assessment, the functional heterogeneity of components and the influence of hydrothermal parameters on system reliability are neglected. To overcome these problems, we propose and apply a framework to assess UGS system reliability. Combining two-layer Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) technique with hydrothermal calculation, the framework integrates dynamic functional reliability of components into system reliability evaluation. To reflect the state transition process of repairable components and their impact on system reliability, the Markov model is introduced at system level. In order to improve the calculation speed, artificial neural network (ANN) model based on off-line MCS is established to replace the on-line MCS at components level. The proposed framework is applied to the reliability assessment and operation optimization of an UGS under different operation conditions. Compared with the traditional single-layer MCS method, the proposed method can not only reflect the variation of UGS reliability with hydrothermal parameters and operation time, but also can improve evaluation efficiency significantly.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation on Manufacturing-Induced Material Inhomogeneity in Hydrogenation Reactor Shell
Authors: Huang Song , Li You , Song Xinyi , Hui Hu , Zhong Jiru
Published: April 2020

Hydrogenation reactor services as key equipment in chemical and energy industries. Manufacturing processes of hydrogenation reactor changes its performance before long-term service but impact of manufacturing residual influence remains unclear. In this work, actual material strength distribution (MSD) in hydrogenation reactor shell was investigated. First, a hydrogenation reactor shell made from 2.25Cr1Mo0.25V was dissected to measure MSD in thickness. Then, a numerical model was proposed to predict actual material strength in hydrogenation reactor shell. The model employs both data-driven and finite element techniques to simulate material evolution during manufacturing. Third, the predict results were discussed with respect to accuracy based on experiment result. Results exhibit good agreement between predicted value and experiment outcomes. At last, impact of manufacturing residual influence on load capacity of hydrogenation reactor shell was investigated. Results indicate that fit for service (FFS) evaluation of hydrogenation reactor based on heat treatment material properties is not conservative. This work will contribute to the accurate description of hydrogenation reactor's performance.