bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic progressive lymphoedema in Friesian horses: suggestive phenotype of affected horses and genome‐wide association study
Authors: Affolter Verena K. , Dalley Brittany , Kass Philip H. , Brown Emily A. , Sonder Claudia , Bannasch Dannika L. 
Published: January 2020

BackgroundChronic progressive lymphoedema (CPL) is a disabling condition affecting various draft horse breeds, including Friesian horses.HypothesisThe high incidence of CPL in Friesian horses suggests a genetic component and a predisposing phenotype.AnimalsFor the genomic study, 26 affected and 19 control horses were evaluated. Body measurements were taken from 28 affected and nine control Friesian horses.Methods and materialsAxiom® Equine Genotyping Array with a total of 307,474 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) was used for the case/control genome‐wide association study (GWAS). Height, weight and leg measurements (seven different body measurements) were obtained and compared between groups.ResultsNo significant associations were identified with the GWAS. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in gaskin length measurements between CPL‐affected horses and controls.ConclusionThe current study suggests that the potential genetic contribution to CPL in Friesian horses is complex and may include other SNP‐associated factors. Significantly increased gaskin length of affected horses suggests a phenotype prone to developing CPL.
Integration of Structures in Students’ Design solutions: A Tool for Assessment
Authors: Sugga Prabhjot Singh , Raheja Gaurav , Chikermane Sanjay 
Published: January 2020

Traditional teaching practices are often questioned over their failure to generate interest and profound understanding of structures among students that further affect its integration in design solutions. Alternative teaching practices though claim to be more effective, need a sound evaluation measured through assessment of the level of integration of structures in design solutions- the ultimate objective of such courses. This paper evaluates the integration of structures in design solutions of architecture students. The integration assessment framework used for evaluation is based on building systems approach across three dimensions of performance, physicality and visual. It has been developed after comparing four prior frameworks with a 4-point scale and customized to suit the context of the academic environment. The framework offers flexibility in its use for different technical knowledge levels for each successive year of Bachelor of architecture program. The expert opinion followed by testing on design samples from all the program years further refined the framework. The study was then scaled up to include students from first to fourth years for three architecture schools that have completely different institutional environment. The findings revealed that including structural resolution in a design studio mandate may result in higher resolution of structures in design solutions but it is the building typology and student interest that may result in higher visual integration of structures in design solutions. Furthermore, the institutional environment effects can be seen in the setting of studio mandates where architecture school in technical campus laid more emphasis on resolutions of structures and services when compared to other architecture schools
Can Alexa, Cortana, Google Assistant and Siri save your life? A mixed-methods analysis of virtual digital assistants and their responses to first aid and basic life support queries
Authors: Picard Christopher , Smith Katherine Elizabeth , Picard Kelly , Douma Matthew John 
Published: January 2020

BackgroundVirtual digital assistants are devices that interact with the user through natural language processing and artificial intelligence. They can respond to verbal requests for first aid information. This study analyses the responses provided by the four most common devices.MethodsThis mixed-methods study employs structured interviews of the virtual digital assistants (Alexa, Cortana, Google Home and Siri) as well as descriptive statistical analyses. One hundred and twenty-three interview questions, based on 39 first aid topics, were employed. Responses were analysed for recognition and quality. Detection of query acuity was performed according to triage guidelines and response complexity was calculated.ResultsDevice performance was highly variable. Alexa and Google Home demonstrated high rates of recognition (92% vs 98% (p=0.03)) and low-to-moderate congruence with guidelines (19% vs 56% (p=0.04)). They appropriately recommended emergency response system activation 46% of the time vs 16% (p=0.01) of the time, respectively. The overall low quality responses of Cortana and Siri prohibited their analysis. Mean response complexity for Alexa was ‘grade 10’ vs ‘grade 8’ for Google Home (p<0.001).InterpretationThis is the first study to assess virtual digital assistants from a first aid and basic life support perspective, finding potential in this technology to provide life-saving instructions and activate the emergency response system. When asked common first aid related questions Google Home and Alexa outperformed Siri and Cortana. Overall, the device responses were of mixed quality ranging from the provision of factual guideline-based information to no response at all.
Importance of quality in breast cancer screening practice – a natural experiment in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Yuan Yan , Vu Khanh , Shen Ye , Dickinson James , Winget Marcy 
Published: January 2020

ObjectivesRegular breast cancer screening is a widely used cancer prevention strategy. Important quality indicators of screening include cancer detection rate, false positive rate, benign biopsy rate and post-screen invasive cancer rate. We compared quality indicators of community radiology clinics to those of ‘Screen Test’, which feature centralised batch reading and quality control processes. Both types of providers operated under a single provincial Breast Cancer Screening Programme.SettingCommunity radiology clinics are operated by independent fee-for-service radiologists serving large and small communities throughout the Canadian province of Alberta. Launched by the provincial cancer agency, the Screen Test operates two physical clinics serving metropolises and mobile units serving remote regions. Eligible women may self-refer to any provider for screening mammography.ParticipantsWomen aged 50 to 69 years who had at least one screening mammogram between July 2006 and June 2010 in Alberta were included. Women with missing health region information or prior breast cancer diagnosis were excluded.ResultsA total of 389 788 screening mammograms were analysed, of which 12.7% were performed by Screen Test. Compared with Screen Test during 2006 to 2008, community radiology clinics had a lower cancer detection rate (3.6 vs 4.6 per 1000 screens, risk ratio (RR): 0.81, 95% CI: 0.67 to 0.98) and a much higher false positive rate (9.4% vs 3.4%, RR: 2.72, 95% CI: 2.55 to 2.90). Most other performance indicators were also better in Screen Test overall and across all health regions. These performance indicators were similar during 2008 to 2010, showing no improvement with time.ConclusionsScreen Test has a quality assurance process in place and performed significantly better. This provides empirical evidence of the effectiveness of a quality assurance process and may explain some of the large differences in breast cancer screening indicators between provinces and countries with formal programmes and those without.
Metabolic syndrome in native populations living at high altitude: a cross-sectional survey in Derong, China
Authors: Huang Xiaofei , Hu Yongbo , Du Longqi , Lin Xiaolong , Wu Wenli , Fan Lijun , Li Libo , Zhong Xiaowei , Gong Qiyong , Gao Li , Kuang Weihong 
Published: January 2020

ObjectiveThe metabolic syndrome is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Little information exists on the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome at high-altitude areas in China. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its individual components at high altitude.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of 5053 adults living in Derong from elevation of 2060 to 3820 m was carried out in 2013. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the Chinese Diabetes Society criteria.ResultsThe overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 3.6% (5.9% in men and 1.8% in women) in Derong, China. Obesity and hypertension were more prevalent among adults than dyslipidaemia and hyperglycaemia at high altitude. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was higher in township than countryside residents (6.6%, 11.9% in men and 1.5% in women vs 3.0%, 4.6% in men and 1.8% in women). Men with age 30–59 years old had a much higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome than women. Men, township, middle and old age residents had a higher risk of metabolic syndrome. The risk of obesity and dyslipidaemia decreased and the risk of hypertension increased in very high altitude (≥3000 m) residents.ConclusionIn Derong, despite the relatively low prevalence of metabolic syndrome, hypertension and obesity are more prevalent in adult residents. And metabolic syndrome is more concentrated in township and male residents. These people also have a higher risk of metabolic syndrome. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a national strategy for the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome for high-risk population at high altitude in China.
What do Iranian general practitioners expect from family physician contracts?
Authors: Mohebbifar Rafat , Akbarirad Fatemeh , Ranjbar Mohammad , Rafiei Sima 
Published: January 2020

BackgroundFamily medicine has become a main prerequisite of providing primary healthcare and a main reforming strategy to ensure the delivery of efficient and high-quality health services.AimThis study aimed to investigate general practitioners’ (GP) preferences regarding family physician contract.Design and settingCross-sectional study was conducted among GPs who registered in Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MoHME) family physician plan and were working in the health network of moderately developed regions in Iran. The sample size was calculated to be 150 GPs who were randomly selected from MoHME database.MethodDeveloped questionnaire was distributed to GPs. Results were analysed by ordinal regression model.ResultsStudy results confirmed that ‘type of employer’ had the most significant effect on GPs’ preferences (β=0.86). Then attributes including ‘allocating quota for being accepted in medical specialty’ (β=0.78), ‘increased length of contract’ (β=0.00.42) and ‘capitation payment+15% bonus’ had respectively the great effects on participants’ decision. Findings also revealed that a scenario of contracting with medical council was 2.4 times more likely to be chosen by GPs compared with a scenario of contracting with a medical university. Furthermore, a scenario that allocated a quota for admission to medical specialty courses was 2.18 times more probable to be preferred by them (p<0.001).ConclusionSuccessful implementation of family medicine requires development of suitable solutions for attracting and attaining GPs in the programme. It seems that using a variety of incentives and applying them in physicians’ work contract would be helpful in this regard.
Association of metabolic NCD risk factors with oral, breast and cervical precancers and cancers in India
Authors: Kedar Ashwini , Hariprasad Roopa , Kumar Vipin , Dhanasekaran Kavitha , Mehrotra Ravi 
Published: January 2020

ObjectiveTo find an association between metabolic non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors (high blood pressure (BP), high random blood sugar (RBS) and overweight /obesity) and oral, breast, cervical cancers/precancerous or potentially malignant conditions.DesignThis is an observational study using convenience sampling. The participants were screened through opportunistic or population-based screening.SettingThe study was conducted at a health promotion clinic (HPC) located in Northern India under the Indian Council of Medical Research. HPC is a screening clinic where screening is done for hypertension (HT), diabetes mellitus (DM), obesity, and oral, breast and cervical cancers. The study was conducted between December 2016 and January 2019.ParticipantThe number of participants screened was 8352 (6712 women and 1640 men). All consenting men and women above 18 years were included. All participants were screened for oral cancer, DM, HT and obesity. All women were also screened for breast and cervical cancers. Cervical screening was done for non-pregnant women 21 years and above with history of sexual activity.ResultOral potentially malignant disease (OPMD) was the most prevalent, followed by breast cancer, oral cancer, cervical cancer and cervical precancer. High RBS had a strong association with oral cancer (OR=2.29, 95% CI 1.09 to 4.82, p=0.03) and breast cancer (OR=1.95, 95% CI 1.01 to 3.76, p=0.05). High BP had a strong association with breast cancer (OR=2.50, 95% CI 1.43 to 4.35, p<0.0001). An inverse association was noted between oral cancer and overweight/obesity (OR=0.20, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.48, p<0.0001). Current tobacco use was strongly associated with oral cancer (OR=6.51, 95% CI 3.63 to 11.67, p<0.0001) and OPMD (OR=9.82, 95% CI 8.13 to 11.86, p<0.0001). No association was elicited between the metabolic NCD risk factors and cervical cancer/precancer.ConclusionsThe study reaffirms that NCD metabolic risk factors determine oral and breast cancers. Besides NCD risk factors, current tobacco use was a strong determinant of OPMD and oral cancer. Hence, primary and primordial prevention measures to control NCD metabolic risk factors and tobacco use should move along with secondary prevention of breast and oral cancers.
The Investigation of β-Ga2O3 Schottky Diode with Floating Field Ring Termination and the Interface States
Authors: Hu Zhuangzhuang , Zhao Chunyong , Feng Qian , Feng Zhaoqing , Jia Zhitai , Lian Xiaozheng , Lai Zhanping , Zhang Chunfu , Zhou Hong , Zhang Jincheng , Hao Yue 
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we fabricated the vertical β-Ga2O3 Schottky barrier diodes with floating metal ring (FMR) edge termination structure. As the distance between the major Schottky junction and the FMR increasing, the breakdown voltage increases to 143, 161, 188 and 172 V, respectively, about 20.17%, 35.29%, 57.98% and 44.54% improvement in comparison with that without FMR. Under constant current stress, the variation of applied voltage indicates that the barrier height increases by the electron capture at the interface states while the barrier height decreases by the electron release. Furthermore, based on the excellent fitting of Gp/ω measurement data, the extracted trap levels are within the range of 0.87–0.90 eV below the conduction band edge and the corresponding trap density increases from 1.24 × 1012 cm−2 · eV−1 to 1.71 × 1013 cm−2 · eV−1, which is in good agreement with previously reported theoretical and experimental results.
Recovery and Prediction of Dynamic Precision Grip Force Control After Stroke
Authors: Pennati Gaia Valentina , Plantin Jeanette , Carment Loïc , Roca Pauline , Baron Jean-Claude , Pavlova Elena , Borg Jörgen , Lindberg Påvel G. 
Published: January 2020

Background and Purpose—
Dexterous object manipulation, requiring generation and control of finger forces, is often impaired after stroke. This study aimed to describe recovery of precision grip force control after stroke and to determine clinical and imaging predictors of 6-month performance.

Methods—
Eighty first-ever stroke patients with varying degrees of upper limb weakness were evaluated at 3 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after stroke. Twenty-three healthy individuals of comparable age were also studied. The Strength-Dexterity test was used to quantify index finger and thumb forces during compression of springs of varying length in a precision grip. The coordination between finger forces (CorrForce), along with Dexterity-score and Repeatability-score, was calculated. Anatomical magnetic resonance imaging was used to calculate weighted corticospinal tract lesion load (wCST-LL).

Results—

CorrForce, Dexterity-score, and Repeatability-score in the affected hand were dramatically lower at each time point compared with the less-affected hand and the control group, even in patients with mild motor impairment according to Fugl-Meyer assessment. Improved performance over time occurred in CorrForce and Dexterity-score but not in Repeatability-score. The Fugl-Meyer assessment hand subscale, sensory function, and wCST-LL best predicted CorrForce and Dexterity-score status at 6 months (R
2
=0.56 and 0.87, respectively). wCST-LL explained substantial variance in CorrForce (R
2
=0.34) and Dexterity-score (R
2
=0.50) at 6 months; two-point discrimination and Fugl-Meyer score accounted for considerable additional variance. Absence of recovery in CorrForce was predicted by wCST-LL >4 cc and in Dexterity-score by wCST-LL >6 cc.

Conclusions—
Findings highlight persisting deficits in the ability to grasp and control finger forces after stroke. wCST-LL was the strongest predictor of performance at 6 months, but early two-point discrimination and Fugl-Meyer score had substantial additional predictive value.

Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02878304.
Normal-Appearing White Matter Integrity Is a Predictor of Outcome After Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Sagnier Sharmila , Catheline Gwenaëlle , Dilharreguy Bixente , Linck Pierre-Antoine , Coupé Pierrick , Munsch Fanny , Bigourdan Antoine , Debruxelles Sabrina , Poli Mathilde , Olindo Stéphane , Renou Pauline , Rouanet François , Dousset Vincent , Berthoz Sylvie , Tourdias Thomas , Sibon Igor 
Published: January 2020

Background and Purpose—
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) integrity and postischemic stroke recovery in 4 main domains including cognition, mood, gait, and dependency.

Methods—
A prospective study was conducted, including patients diagnosed for an ischemic supratentorial stroke on a 3T brain MRI performed 24 to 72 hours after symptom onset. Clinical assessment 1 year after stroke included a Montreal Cognitive Assessment, an Isaacs set test, a Zazzo cancelation task, a Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, a 10-meter walking test, and a modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Diffusion tensor imaging parameters in the NAWM were computed using FMRIB (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain) Diffusion Toolbox. The relationships between mean NAWM diffusion tensor imaging parameters and the clinical scores were assessed using linear and ordinal regression analyses, including the volumes of white matter hyperintensities, gray matter, and ischemic stroke as radiological covariates.

Results—

Two hundred seven subjects were included (66±13 years old; 67% men; median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 3; interquartile range, 2–6). In the models including only radiological variables, NAWM fractional anisotropy was associated with the mRS and the cognitive scores. After adjusting for demographic confounders, NAWM fractional anisotropy remained a significant predictor of mRS (β=−0.24;
P
=0.04). Additional path analysis showed that NAWM fractional anisotropy had a direct effect on mRS (β=−0.241;
P
=0.001) and a less important indirect effect mediating white matter hyperintensity burden. Similar results were found with mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity. In further subgroup analyses, a relationship between NAWM integrity in widespread white matter tracts, mRS, and Isaacs set test was found in right hemispheric strokes.

Conclusions—
NAWM diffusion tensor imaging parameters measured early after an ischemic stroke are independent predictors of functional outcome and may be additional markers to include in studies evaluating poststroke recovery.
Overtransmission of Rossby Waves at a Lower-Layer Critical Latitude in the Two-Layer Model
Authors: Gliatto Matthew T. , Held Isaac M. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Rossby waves, propagating from the midlatitudes toward the tropics, are typically absorbed by critical latitudes (CLs) in the upper troposphere. However, these waves typically encounter CLs in the lower troposphere first. We study a two-layer linear scattering problem to examine the effects of lower CLs on these waves. We begin with a review of the simpler barotropic case to orient the reader. We then progress to the baroclinic case using a two-layer quasigeostrophic model in which there is vertical shear in the mean flow on which the waves propagate, and in which the incident wave is assumed to be an external-mode Rossby wave. We use linearized equations and add small damping to remove the critical-latitude singularities. We consider cases in which either there is only one CL, in the lower layer, or there are CLs in both layers, with the lower-layer CL encountered first. If there is only a CL in the lower layer, the wave’s response depends on the sign of the mean potential vorticity gradient at this lower-layer CL: if the PV gradient is positive, then the CL partially absorbs the wave, as in the barotropic case, while for a negative PV gradient, the CL is a wave emitter, and can potentially produce overreflection and/or overtransmission. Our numerical results indicate that overtransmission is by far the dominant response in these cases. When an upper-layer absorbing CL is encountered, following the lower-layer encounter, one can still see the signature of overtransmission at the lower-layer CL.
Evolution of the Velocity Structure in the Diurnal Warm Layer
Authors: Hughes Kenneth G. , Moum James N. , Shroyer Emily L. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe daily formation of near-surface ocean stratification caused by penetrating solar radiation modifies heat fluxes through the air–sea interface, turbulence dissipation in the mixed layer, and the vertical profile of lateral transport. The transport is altered because momentum from wind is trapped in a thin near-surface layer, the diurnal warm layer. We investigate the dynamics of this layer, with particular attention to the vertical shear of horizontal velocity. We first develop a quantitative link between the near-surface shear components that relates the crosswind component to the inertial turning of the along-wind component. Three days of high-resolution velocity observations confirm this relation. Clear colocation of shear and stratification with Richardson numbers near 0.25 indicate marginal instability. Idealized numerical modeling is then invoked to extrapolate below the observed wind speeds. This modeling, together with a simple energetic scaling analysis, provides a rule of thumb that the diurnal shear evolves differently above and below a 2 m s−1 wind speed, with limited sensitivity of this threshold to latitude and mean net surface heat flux. Only above this wind speed is the energy input sufficient to overcome the stabilizing buoyancy flux and thereby induce marginal instability. The differing shear regimes explain differences in the timing and magnitude of diurnal sea surface temperature anomalies.