bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Silver nanoparticles enhanced luminescence and stability of CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dots in borosilicate glass
Authors: Zhang Ke , Zhou Dacheng , Qiu Jianbei , Long Zhangwen , Zhu Rui , Wang Qi , Lai Junan , Wu Hao , Zhu Congcong 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSeries of silver nanoparticles (NPs) embedded CsPbBr3 quantum dots (QDs) glass was synthesized via the melt‐quench method. Ag NPs and CsPbBr3 QDs coexist in the TEM image of the Ag‐doped glass sample. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra show that the 0.1 molar ratio Ag2O‐doped sample had a PL intensity 2.37 times than the undoped sample. This increase is generated by localized surface plasmon resonance coupling between the Ag NPs and CsPbBr3 QDs. Excessive Ag doping weakens the PL intensity due to spectral self‐absorption of the Ag NP surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Self‐adsorption of SPR is detrimental to luminescence properties because it increases the amount of photogenerated charge carriers, which proceed through nonradiative relaxation pathways. In addition, stability results of Ag NP‐doped‐CsPbBr3 QD glass show that they have excellent stability. This study on Ag NP‐doped‐CsPbBr3 QD glass provides a new idea for the future development of perovskite QD optoelectronic devices.
Evaluation of technology use in education: Findings from a critical analysis of systematic literature reviews
Authors: Lai Jennifer W. M. , Bower Matt 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBecause the educational technology research literature is so broad, it is difficult for researchers to acquire an accurate sense of the issues and trends across the entire field. There has not been any recent effort to synthesize or critically analyse the systematic reviews in the area of educational technology. This study analysed 73 systematic literature reviews, including meta‐analyses, focused on the evaluation of technology in educational contexts, in order to holistically understand the impact of learning technology use across different aspects of evaluation. Among these reviews, the most common theme examined was learning outcomes (89%), followed by affective elements (45%), behaviours (25%), technological elements (21%) and teaching/pedagogical aspects (19%). Most of the reviews found that the use of technology improved learning outcomes and affective perceptions. Approaches involving interaction, gamification, constructivism, student‐centred learning and feedback were most effective. The analysis highlighted the need for more reviews focusing on multiple aspects of learning technology evaluation, on school level education and on the use of technology in naturalistic (non‐interventional) settings. Critical reflections are also cast on the methods used to conduct systematic reviews in the educational technology field.
Adjunctive laser or antimicrobial photodynamic therapy to non‐surgical mechanical instrumentation in patients with untreated periodontitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Salvi Giovanni E. , Stähli Alexandra , Schmidt Julia C. , Ramseier Christoph A. , Sculean Anton , Walter Clemens 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAimTo compare the adjunctive effects of lasers or antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) to non‐surgical mechanical instrumentation alone in untreated periodontitis patients.Materials and MethodsTwo focused questions were addressed using the Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome criteria as follows: in patients with untreated periodontitis, (a) does laser application provide adjunctive effects on probing pocket depth (PPD) changes compared with non‐surgical instrumentation alone? and (b) does application of aPDT provide adjunctive effects on PPD changes compared with non‐surgical instrumentation alone? Both randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) were included. Results of the meta‐analysis are expressed as weighted mean differences (WMD) and reported according to the PRISMA guidelines.ResultsOut of 1,202 records, 10 articles for adjunctive laser and 8 for adjunctive aPDT were included. With respect to PPD changes, 1 meta‐analysis including 2 articles (total n = 42; split‐mouth design) failed to identify a statistically significant difference (WMD = 0.35 mm; 95%CI: −0.04/0.73; p = .08) in favour of adjunctive aPDT (wavelength range 650–700 nm). In terms of adjunctive laser application, a high variability of clinical outcomes at 6 months was noted. Two articles included patient‐reported outcomes and 10 reported on the presence/absence of harms/adverse effects.ConclusionsAvailable evidence on adjunctive therapy with lasers and aPDT is limited by (a) the low number of controlled studies and (b) the heterogeneity of study designs. Patient‐reported benefits remain to be demonstrated.
Regenerative surgical treatment of furcation defects: A systematic review and Bayesian network meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Jepsen Søren , Gennai Stefano , Hirschfeld Josefine , Kalemaj Zamira , Buti Jacopo , Graziani Filippo 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAimsTo investigate the clinical performance of regenerative periodontal surgery in the treatment of furcation defects versus open flap debridement (OFD) and to compare different regenerative modalities.Material and MethodsA systematic search was conducted to identify RCTs evaluating regenerative surgical treatment of furcations with a minimum of 12‐month follow‐up. Three authors independently reviewed, selected and extracted data from the search conducted and assessed risk of bias. Primary outcomes were tooth loss, furcation improvement (closure/conversion) (FImp), gain of horizontal bone level (HBL) and attachment level (HCAL). Secondary outcomes were gain in vertical attachment level (VCAL), probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction, PROMs and adverse events. Data were summarized into Bayesian standard and network meta‐analysis in order to estimate direct and indirect treatment effects and to establish a ranking of treatments.ResultsThe search identified 19 articles, reporting on 20 RCTs (19 on class II, 1 on class III furcations) with a total of 575 patients/787 defects. Tooth loss was not reported. Furcation closure ranged between 0% and 60% (10 trials), and class I conversion from 29% to 100% (six trials). Regenerative techniques were superior to OFD for FImp (OR = 20.9; 90% CrI = 5.81, 69.41), HCAL gain (1.6 mm), VCAL gain (1.3 mm) and PPD reduction (1.3 mm). Bone replacement grafts (BRG) resulted in the highest probability (Pr = 61%) of being the best treatment for HBL gain. Non‐resorbable membranes + BRG ranked as the best treatment for VCAL gain (Pr = 75%) and PPD reduction (Pr = 56%).ConclusionsRegenerative surgery of class II furcations is superior to OFD. FImp (furcation closure or class I conversion) can be expected for the majority of defects. Treatment modalities involving BRG are associated with higher performance.
Hand eczema: treatment
Authors: Elsner P. , Agner T. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractHand eczema is a highly prevalent, multietiological disease with a wide spectrum of severity and chronicity. The treatment of hand eczema, especially in severe and chronic cases, is a challenge to the dermatologist requiring not only diagnostic and therapeutic, but also excellent patient communication skills. This review discusses the spectrum of therapeutic options for hand eczema, the evidence for their efficacy and safety, and proposes a stepwise approach of intensity of treatment depending on disease severity and chronicity. In the near future, hand eczema patients may benefit from new therapeutic principles such as biologics for the treatment of atopic eczema and topical Janus Kinase inhibitors.
Effect of ultrasound‐ethanol pretreatment on drying kinetics, quality parameters, functional group, and amino acid profile of apple slices using pulsed vacuum drying
Authors: Amanor‐Atiemoh Robert , Zhou Cunshan , Abdullaleef Taiye Mustapha , Sarpong Frederick , Wahia Hafida , Amoa‐Owusu Abigail , Ma Haile , Chen Li 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe influence of ultrasound‐ethanol (US‐E) pretreatment durations (10, 20, and 30 min) on apple slices dried with varied temperatures (60, 70, and 80°C) using pulsed vacuum dryer was investigated. The results showed that untreated sample (control) took 375, 325, and 225 min to achieve a constant weight of drying whereas drying time for 30 US‐E samples were 275, 225, and 175 min, indicating that 30 US‐E reduced the total drying time by 26.66, 30.77, and 22.22% at 60, 70, and 80°C, respectively. Moisture effective diffusivity and activation energy were in the range of 1.98–4.08 × 10−8 m2/s and 12.58–23.43 kJ/mol, respectively. Color (L*, a*, b*) and texture were affected significantly (p < .05) at high temperature and longer US‐E. Shorter US‐E duration and lower temperature could preserve most functional groups. Also, total free amino acid values were significantly higher at lower temperature and longer US‐E pretreatment.Practical applicationsDrying time, nutrient retention, and energy efficiency are at the heart of the food industry. The remarkable reduction obtained in the drying time as well as retaining of some functional groups (nutrients composition) with the use of ultrasound‐ethanol as a pretreatment for pulsed vacuum dryer indicates that this technique will serve a great purpose in food processing industries. This in effect will reduce production cost thereby making the business operations of food processors competitive as it provides value proposition to their customers.
Priority setting for adult malnutrition and nutritional screening in healthcare: a James Lind Alliance
Authors: Jones D. J. , Baldwin C. , Lal S. , Stanmore E. , Farrer K. , Connolly E. , Weekes C. E. , Anderson L. , Murphy J. , Gillespie L. , Welsh N. , Ogden M. , McDevitt M. , Day R. , Lynne S. , Paulden P. , Gronlund T. , Burden S. T. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundMalnutrition is one the greatest global health challenges of our generation, leading to the increased utilisation of healthcare resources, as well as morbidity and mortality. Research has primarily been driven by industry, academia and clinical working groups and has had little involvement from patients and carers. The project described in the present study aimed to establish a priority setting partnership allowing patients, carers and healthcare professionals an opportunity to influence the research agenda.MethodsA national survey was conducted to gather malnutrition uncertainties and identify key issues (i.e. areas within scope where an evidence‐base is lacking) from those with experience of malnutrition. Uncertainties were analysed according to themes. Similar questions were grouped and summary questions were developed. A second survey was conducted and respondents were asked to choose their 10 most important summary questions. A workshop was conducted to finalise the top 10 research priorities from the most frequently indicated uncertainties on the interim survey.ResultsOverall, 1128 uncertainty questions were submitted from 268 people. The interim survey had 71 responses and a list of the top 26 questions was generated for the workshop. There were 26 questions discussed, ranked and agreed by healthcare professionals, carers and patients at the workshop. The top 10 research priorities were then chosen. These included questions on oral nutritional supplements, vulnerable groups, screening, community care, use of body mass index and technology.ConclusionsThe top 10 research priorities in malnutrition and nutritional screening have been identified from a robust process involving patients, carers and healthcare professionals.
Home‐grown food and the benefits of sharing: The “intergenerational pact” in postsocialist Moldova
Authors: Piras Simone 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe policy literature on postsocialist Europe tends to frame smallholders' practices of food self‐provisioning and sharing as driven by necessity and proposes land consolidation to increase productivity and efficiency. However, these practices generate nonfinancial benefits, which need to be accounted for. In this paper, I test the socio‐economic relevance of these practices in the Republic of Moldova, the country with the highest density of farming households in Europe and whose government has embraced the rural modernization agenda to integrate into the EU economic space. I carry out quantitative estimates using the household budget survey and complement the results with qualitative insights from an original smallholder survey. I find that food self‐provisioning and sharing are positively related to subjective well‐being and that there is an “intergenerational pact,” with home‐grown food flowing from late‐adulthood smallholders to urban‐based young families and the vulnerable elderly. A counterfactual analysis shows that poverty and inequality would be higher in the absence of donated food, especially in urban areas. The preservation of smallholder farming through widespread access to land could thus help fight poverty and provide social benefits vis‐à‐vis land consolidation.
Spiny keratoderma: Report of three cases
Authors: de Azevedo Thales Pereira , Sodré Celso Tavares , Santangelo Christiana de Lima , Quintella Danielle Carvalho , Cuzzi Tullia , Ramos‐e‐Silva Marcia 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundSpiny keratoderma shows “music box spine” keratotic papules limited to the palms and soles and these lesions do not cause any trouble besides the cosmetic impairment and the sensation of roughness of hands and soles.AimTo present cases and review the literature on spiny keratoderma.Patients/Methods, ResultsThree cases of spiny keratoderma are presented. The first case is a 52‐year‐old man with protein S deficiency presented with multiple spiny keratotic papules on palms and soles for more than 30 years, referring to remove them with a razor blade. The second case is an 84‐year‐old man who was hospitalized due to a rectal adenocarcinoma diagnosed 2 months before and presented multiples papules on palms and soles that were present for more than 50 years, with worsening after being bedridden. The third case is a 59‐year‐old woman who had since birth together with relatives the same type of spiny keratotic papules on palms and soles.ConclusionThe authors discuss the epidemiologic data and differential diagnosis of spiny keratoderma, as well as the related literature. Associations with systemic disease or malignancy occur in some acquired cases. It is important to distinguish from other palmoplantar keratodermas as some of that can be linked to cutaneous and internal malignancies. To date, no cases of spiny keratoderma in patients with protein S deficiency and only one case of association with rectal carcinoma have been reported.
Familial hypercholesterolemia and elevated lipoprotein(a): double heritable risk and new therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Vuorio A. , Watts G. F. , Schneider W. J. , Tsimikas S. , Kovanen P. T. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThere is compelling evidence that the elevated plasma lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels increase the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in the general population. Like low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, Lp(a) particles contain cholesterol and promote atherosclerosis. In addition, Lp(a) particles contain strongly proinflammatory oxidized phospholipids and a unique apoprotein, apo(a), which promotes the growth of an arterial thrombus. At least one in 250 individuals worldwide suffer from the heterozygous form of familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), a condition in which LDL‐cholesterol (LDL‐C) is significantly elevated since birth. FH‐causing mutations in the LDL receptor gene demonstrate a clear gene‐dosage effect on Lp(a) plasma concentrations and elevated Lp(a) levels are present in 30‐50% of patients with HeFH. The cumulative burden of two genetically determined pro‐atherogenic lipoproteins, LDL and Lp(a), is a potent driver of ASCVD in HeFH patients. Statins are the cornerstone of treatment of HeFH, but they do not lower the plasma concentrations of Lp(a). Emerging therapies effectively lower Lp(a) by as much as 90% using RNA‐based approaches that target the transcriptional product of the LPA gene. We are now approaching the dawn of an era, in which permanent and significant lowering of the high cholesterol burden of HeFH patients can be achieved. If outcome trials of novel Lp(a)‐lowering therapies prove to be safe and cost‐effective, they will provide additional risk reduction needed to effectively treat HeFH and potentially lower the CVD risk in these high‐risk patients even more than currently achieved with LDL‐C lowering alone.
The accuracy of artificial and natural light measurements by actigraphs
Authors: Joyce Daniel S. , Zele Andrew J. , Feigl Beatrix , Adhikari Prakash 
Published: December 2019

AbstractActigraphs are the reference standard for measuring light exposure in human non‐laboratory experiments due to their portability and long battery lives. However, actigraphs typically have a limited illuminance operating range not representative of real‐world conditions, and for many actigraphs, the accuracy of their light measurement has not been verified independently. We assessed the illuminances recorded by Activinsights GENEActiv Original and Philips Actiwatch 2 actigraphs in comparison to a calibrated, laboratory‐standard photometer, under both artificial light‐emitting diode (LED) and natural sunlight illuminations that might be encountered by a person under real‐world conditions. We show that in response to ~20,000 lux white LED light, the GENEActiv and Actiwatch 2 underestimate illuminance by recording 50% and 25% of the true value, respectively. Under ~30,000 lux sunlight, the GENEActiv readily saturates whereas the Actiwatch 2 reports ~46% of the true illuminance. These underestimations are highly linear and we provide correction factors to estimate the illuminance levels of the ambient environment measured by the actigraphs. We also evaluate the application of neutral density filters for extending the operating range of both devices in natural sunlight illuminations (as high as 30,000 lux during our measurements) and demonstrate that this may be a viable approach for increasing the operating range of the Actiwatch 2 but not the GENEActiv. We conclude that both actigraphs provide good performance in monitoring the temporal patterning of light, whereas the absolute illuminance values require correction to accurately evaluate the effects of light intensity on human health and behaviours.
A unique case with positive anti‐myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody presenting multiple brain lesions
Authors: Matsumoto Namiko , Sato Kota , Hishikawa Nozomi , Kawahara Yuko , Takemoto Mami , Ohta Yasuyuki , Yamashita Toru , Fujii Kentaro , Kurozumi Kazuhiko , Date Isao , Takahashi Toshiyuki , Abe Koji 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe accurate diagnosis of anti‐myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody‐associated diseases is sometimes challenging due to its various central nervous system (CNS) lesions. Here, we report a 22‐year‐old man with positive anti‐MOG antibody presenting multiple brain lesions including a brainstem tumefactive demyelinating lesion (TDL), cortical edematous lesions, and a periventricular white matter lesion. These variety of lesions made the diagnosis challenging, especially because TDL is quite rare among MOG antibody‐associated disease patients. The present case suggests the importance to check anti‐MOG antibody for patients presenting atypical multiple CNS lesions.
Auxin‐induced actin cytoskeleton rearrangements require AUX1
Authors: Arieti Ruthie S. , Staiger Christopher J. 
Published: December 2019

Summary

The actin cytoskeleton is required for cell expansion and implicated in cellular responses to the phytohormone auxin. However, the mechanisms that coordinate auxin signaling, cytoskeletal remodeling and cell expansion are poorly understood. Previous studies examined long‐term actin cytoskeleton responses to auxin, but plants respond to auxin within minutes. Before this work, an extracellular auxin receptor – rather than the auxin transporter AUXIN RESISTANT 1 (AUX1) – was considered to precede auxin‐induced cytoskeleton reorganization.

In order to correlate actin array organization and dynamics with degree of cell expansion, quantitative imaging tools established baseline actin organization and illuminated individual filament behaviors in root epidermal cells under control conditions and after indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) application. We evaluated aux1 mutant actin organization responses to IAA and the membrane‐permeable auxin 1‐naphthylacetic acid (NAA).

Cell length predicted actin organization and dynamics in control roots; short‐term IAA treatments stimulated denser and more parallel, longitudinal arrays by inducing filament unbundling within minutes. Although AUX1 is necessary for full actin rearrangements in response to auxin, cytoplasmic auxin (i.e. NAA) stimulated a lesser response.

Actin filaments became more ‘organized’ after IAA stopped elongation, refuting the hypothesis that ‘more organized’ actin arrays universally correlate with rapid growth. Short‐term actin cytoskeleton response to auxin requires AUX1 and/or cytoplasmic auxin.
Mind‐wandering: A philosophical guide
Authors: Irving Zachary C. , Glasser Aaron 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPhilosophers have long been fascinated by the stream of consciousness – thoughts, images, and bits of inner speech that dance across the inner stage. Yet for centuries, such ‘mind‐wandering' was deemed private and thus resistant to empirical investigation. Recent developments in psychology and neuroscience have reinvigorated scientific interest in the stream of thought. Despite this flurry of progress, scientists have stressed that mind‐wandering research requires firmer philosophical foundations. The time is therefore ripe for the philosophy of mind‐wandering. Our review begins with a foundational question: What is mind‐wandering? We then investigate the significance of mind‐wandering for general philosophical topics, namely, mental action, introspection, and the norms of thinking and attention.
Whole‐genome sequence analysis reveals candidate genomic footprints and genes associated with reproductive traits in Thoroughbred horse
Authors: Asadollahpour Nanaei Hojjat , Ayatollahi Mehrgardi Ahmad , Esmailizadeh Ali 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe primary objective of most horse breeding operations was to maximize reproductive efficiency and minimize the cost of producing live foals. Here, we compared individual horses from the Thoroughbred population (n = 17), known as a horse breed with poor reproductive performance, with other six horse populations (n = 28), to detect genomic signatures of positive selection underlying of reproductive traits. A number of protein‐coding genes with significant (p‐value <.01) higher FST values (616 genes) and a lower value for nucleotide diversity (π) (310 genes) were identified. The results of our study revealed some candidate genes such as IGFBP2, IGFBP5, GDF9, BRINP3 and GRID1 are possibly associated with functions influencing reproductive traits. These genes may have been under selection due to their essential roles in reproduction performance in horses. The candidate selected genes identified in this work should be of great interest for future research into genetic architecture of traits relevant to horse breeding programmes.