bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of dermal microcirculatory occlusion under repeated mechanical loads: Implication of lymphatic impairment in pressure ulcers
Authors: Worsley Peter R. , Crielaard Hanneke. , Oomens Cees W. J. , Bader Dan L. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectivePressure ulcers are caused by prolonged mechanical loads deforming the underlying soft tissues. However, the mechanical loads for microcirculatory occlusion are unknown. The present study was designed to characterize the simultaneous response of microvascular and lymphatic structures under repeated mechanical loading.MethodsThe effects of two distinct loading/unloading cycles involving (a) incremental pressures 30, 60, and 90 mmHg and (b) three repeated cycles of 30 mmHg were evaluated on a cohort of able‐bodied volunteers. Microvascular response involved the monitoring of transcutaneous gas tensions, while dermal lymphatic activity was estimated from near‐infrared imaging. Responses were compared during each load and recovery cycle.ResultsChanges in microvascular response were dependent on the load magnitudes, with 30 mmHg resulting in a reduction in oxygen tension only, while 90 mmHg affected both oxygen and carbon dioxide values in most cases (54%). By contrast, lymphatics revealed near total occlusion at 30 mmHg. Although there were intersubject differences, temporal trends consistently revealed partial or full impairment under load, with recovery during off‐loading.ConclusionsThe pressure required to cause microcirculatory occlusion differed between individuals, with lymphatic impairment occurring at a lower pressure to that of microvascular vessels. This highlights the need for personalized care strategies and regular off‐loading of vulnerable tissues.
Why, and to What Extent, Is Sexual Infidelity Wrong?
Authors: McKeever Natasha 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSexual infidelity is widespread, but it is also widely condemned, yet relatively little philosophical work has been done on what makes it wrong and how wrong it is. In this paper, I argue that sexual infidelity is wrong if it involves breaking a commitment to be sexually exclusive, which has special significance in the relationship. However, it is not necessarily worse than other kinds of infidelity, and the context in which it takes place ought to be considered. I finish the paper by looking at how the hegemonic norm of monogamy makes infidelity both more likely and more difficult to deal with.
Maternal persistent marijuana use and cigarette smoking are independently associated with shorter gestational age
Authors: Nawa Nobutoshi , Garrison‐Desany Henri M. , Kim Yoona , Ji Yuelong , Hong Xiumei , Wang Guoying , Pearson Colleen , Zuckerman Barry S. , Wang Xiaobin , Surkan Pamela J. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundResearch assessing the effects of marijuana use on preterm birth has found mixed results, in part, due to lack of attention to the role of maternal tobacco smoking during pregnancy.ObjectivesThe study objective was to investigate whether maternal marijuana use was independently associated with gestational age, preterm birth, and two preterm birth subtypes (spontaneous vs clinician‐initiated).MethodsParticipants included 8261 mother‐newborn pairs from the Boston Birth Cohort. Information on gestational age was collected from electronic medical records. Marijuana use and tobacco smoking during pregnancy were assessed through a standard questionnaire after birth. Linear and log‐linear regression models were used to assess associations between marijuana use with and without tobacco smoking during pregnancy and the outcomes of interest.ResultsOf the 8261 mothers, 27.5% had preterm births. About 3.5% of mothers with term deliveries and 5.2% of mothers with preterm births used marijuana during pregnancy. Marijuana use and cigarette smoking were independently associated with a decrease in gestational age by 0.50 weeks (95% confidence interval [CI] −0.87, −0.13) and 0.52 weeks (95% CI −0.76, −0.28), respectively. Marijuana use during early or late pregnancy was associated with a similar decrease in gestational age by 0.50 weeks. When we examined the effects on the preterm birth subtypes, simultaneous marijuana use and tobacco smoking were associated with higher risk of spontaneous preterm birth (RR 1.64, 95% CI 1.23, 2.18). The elevated risk was not observed with clinician‐initiated preterm birth.ConclusionsIn this high‐risk US population, maternal marijuana use and cigarette smoking during pregnancy were independently associated with shorter gestational age. When we examined the effects on preterm birth subtypes, the elevated risk was only observed with spontaneous preterm birth.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Gibbs Nikki 
Published: June 2020

Applied Economics and Finance (AEF) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether AEF publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 7, Number 4 Ali Massoud, Sohag University, EgyptGetamesay Bekele Meshesha, Debre Berhan University, EthiopiaHedieh Shadmani, Fairfield University, USAHichem Maraghni, University of Taibah, TunisiaIan McFarlane, University of Reading, UKIgor Matyushenko, School of Foreign Economic Relations and Touristic Business, UkraineMagdalena Zioło, University of Szczecin, PolandMahmoud Mohammed Sabra, Al Azhar University-Gaza, PalestineMarco Muscettola, Independent Researcher-Credit Risk Manager, ItalyRajeev Rana, APB Govt. P.G. College, IndiaRamona Orastean, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, RomaniaRichard Nguyen, Alliant International University, USARomeo Victor Ionescu, Dunarea de Jos University, RomaniaShahram Fattahi, Razi University, IranSzabolcs Blazsek, Universidad Francisco Marroquín, GuatemalaVictoria Cociug, Academy of Sciences of Moldova, MoldovaZi-Yi Guo, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., USA Nikki GibbsEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Applied Economics and FinanceRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://aef.redfame.com
Design of a Novel Head Support for People With Hypermobile-Type Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome
Authors: Pierce Robert S. , Tanaka Martin L. , Ireton Candace , Church Zachary , Hudson David 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Hypermobile-type Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is characterized by connective tissue laxity resulting in excessive joint mobility. This can lead to instability of the cervical spine resulting in spinal cord compression and neck pain. People with hEDS often utilize commercially available cervical collars to provide head support, but these devices are not well-suited for this population. This work describes the development of a novel head support designed specifically to meet the needs of people with hEDS. The head support was developed using the principles of human-centered design, in which the end user is an active participant in the design process. People with hEDS were interviewed to identify limitations of existing support devices and desirable features of a new device. Input from the interviews was combined with structured design methods to generate initial designs. A prototype of a selected initial design was developed and evaluated by a person with hEDS. Feedback from this evaluation was incorporated into a second-generation design. This improved design stabilizes and supports the head while flexing to allow limited motion. It has an open, well-ventilated structure, and can be worn under clothes. By including end users in the design process, making effective use of computer-aided design and additive manufacturing processes, and gaining feedback through rapid prototyping, the product development process has been accelerated and focused on the needs of the end-user. Future work will continue to include people with hEDS as part of the design team to develop a high-functioning, affordable head support.
On the Reliability of Suction Measurements for Skin Characterization
Authors: Mueller Bettina , Elrod Julia , Distler Oliver , Schiestl Clemens , Mazza Edoardo 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
in vivo skin characterization methods were shown to be useful in the detection of microstructural alterations of the dermis due to skin diseases. Specifically, the diagnostic potential of skin suction has been widely explored, yet measurement uncertainties prevented so far its application in clinical assessment. In this work, we analyze specific factors influencing the reliability of suction measurements. We recently proposed a novel suction device, called Nimble, addressing the limitations of existing instruments, and applied it in clinical trials quantifying mechanical differences between healthy skin and scars. Measurements were performed with the commercial device Cutometer and with the new device. A set of new suction measurements was carried out on scar tissue and healthy skin, and FE-based inverse analysis was applied to determine corresponding parameters of a hyperelastic-viscoelastic material model. FE simulations were used to rationalize differences between suction protocols and to analyze specific factors influencing the measurement procedure. Tissue stiffness obtained from Cutometer measurements was significantly higher compared to the one from Nimble measurements, which was shown to be associated with the higher deformation levels in the Cutometer and the nonlinear mechanical response of skin. The effect of the contact force exerted on skin during suction measurements was quantified, along with an analysis of the effectiveness of a corresponding correction procedure. Parametric studies demonstrated the inherently higher sensitivity of displacement- over load-controlled suction measurements, thus rationalizing the superior ability of the Nimble to distinguish between tissues.
Examining the added value of microperimetry and low luminance deficit for
predicting progression in age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Wu Zhichao , Luu Chi D , Hodgson Lauren AB , Caruso Emily , Chen Fred K , Chakravarthy Usha , Arnold Jennifer J , Heriot Wilson J , Runciman Jim , Guymer Robyn H 
Published: June 2020

Purpose
To examine the added predictive value of microperimetric sensitivity and
low luminance deficit (LLD; difference between photopic and low luminance
visual acuity (VA)) to information from colour fundus photography (CFP) for
progression to late age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in individuals with
bilateral large drusen.

Methods
140 participants with bilateral large drusen underwent baseline
microperimetry testing, VA measurements and CFP. They were then reviewed at
6-monthly intervals to 36 months, to determine late AMD progression.
Microperimetry pointwise sensitivity SD (PSD), LLD and the presence of
pigmentary abnormalities on CFPs were determined. Predictive models based on
these parameters were developed and examined.

Results
Baseline microperimetry PSD and presence of pigmentary abnormalities were
both significantly associated with time to develop late AMD (p≤0.004), but LLD
was not (p=0.471). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve
(AUC) for discriminating between eyes that progressed to late AMD based on
models using microperimetry PSD (AUC=0.68) and LLD (AUC=0.58) alone was
significantly lower than that based on CFP grading for the presence of
pigmentary abnormalities (AUC=0.80; both p<0.005). Addition of
microperimetry and/or LLD information to a model that included CFP grading did
not result in any improvement in its predictive performance (AUC=0.80 for all;
all p≥0.66).

Conclusions
While microperimetry, but not LLD, was significantly and independently
associated with AMD progression at the population level, this study observed
that both measures were suboptimal at predicting progression at the individual
level when compared to conventional CFP grading and their addition to the
latter did not improve predictive performance.
Occupational radiation exposure and morbidity of circulatory disease among diagnostic medical radiation workers in South Korea
Authors: Cha Eun Shil , Zablotska Lydia B , Bang Ye Jin , Lee Won Jin 
Published: June 2020

ObjectivesWe investigated the association between low-dose external occupational radiation exposure and circulatory disease morbidity among diagnostic medical radiation workers.MethodsA cohort of 11 500 diagnostic medical radiation workers was linked with the National Dosimetry Registry data and the National Health Insurance Service data. Relative risks (RRs) were calculated to explore the association between occupational factors and circulatory disease morbidity, and excess relative risks per 100 milligray (ERR/100 mGy) were estimated to quantify the radiation dose-response relationship.ResultsOverall, there were 2270 cases of circulatory diseases during 93 696 person-years of observation (average follow-up=8.1 years). RRs for hypertension were significantly increased for individuals who started working before 2000 compared with those who started in 2005 and later. ERR/100 mGy for all circulatory diseases was 0.14 (95% CI −0.57 to 0.99). Radiation risks of cerebrovascular diseases and ischaemic heart disease were non-significantly increased with estimates of individual cumulative doses to the heart (ERR/100 mGy=3.10 (−0.75 to 11.59) and 1.22 (−0.71 to 4.73), respectively). However, ERR estimates were generally more strongly positive for female versus male workers and for younger workers versus more than 50-year-old workers.ConclusionsThis study provides little evidence in support of a positive association between occupational radiation exposure and the overall risk of circulatory disease over a short follow-up period among medical radiation workers in South Korea. However, significantly increased RR with earlier year first worked, elevated ERR in female workers and young workers should be further followed up.
CEACAM3decreases asthma exacerbations and modulates respiratory syncytial virus latent infection in children
Authors: Tsai Ching-Hui , Wu Ann Chen , Chiang Bor-Luen , Yang Yao-Hsu , Hung Shih-Pin , Su Ming-Wei , Chang Ya-Jen , Lee Yungling L 
Published: June 2020

BackgroundRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is associated with childhood asthma. Nevertheless, not all children exposed to RSV develop asthma symptoms, possibly because genes modulate the effects of RSV on asthma exacerbations.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to identify genes that modulate the effect of RSV latent infection on asthma exacerbations.MethodsWe performed a meta-analysis to investigate differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of RSV infection from Gene Expression Omnibus datasets. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) methods were applied to select single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were associated with DEGs. Gene-based analysis was used to identify SNPs that were significantly associated with asthma exacerbations in the Taiwanese Consortium of Childhood Asthma Study (TCCAS), and validation was attempted in an independent cohort, the Childhood Asthma Management Program (CAMP). Gene–RSV interaction analyses were performed to investigate the association between the interaction of SNPs and RSV latent infection on asthma exacerbations.ResultsA total of 352 significant DEGs were found by meta-analysis of RSV-related genes. We used 38 123 SNPs related to DEGs to investigate the genetic main effects on asthma exacerbations. We found that eight RSV-related genes (GADD45A, GYPB, MS4A3, NFE2, RNASE3, EPB41L3, CEACAM6andCEACAM3) were significantly associated with asthma exacerbations in TCCAS and also validated in CAMP. In TCCAS, rs7251960 (CEACAM3) significantly modulated the effect of RSV latent infection on asthma exacerbations (false-discovery rate <0.05). The rs7251960 variant was associated withCEACAM3mRNA expression in lung tissue (p for trend=1.2×10−7).CEACAM3mRNA was reduced in nasal mucosa from subjects with asthma exacerbations in two independent datasets.Conclusionsrs7251960 is an eQTL forCEACAM3, andCEACAM3mRNA expression is reduced in subjects experiencing asthma exacerbations.CEACAM3may be a modulator of RSV latent infection on asthma exacerbations.
Impact of the Suissano Health Programme on antimicrobial usage on 291 pig farms in Switzerland
Authors: Echtermann Thomas , Müntener Cedric , Sidler Xaver , Kümmerlen Dolf 
Published: June 2020

BackgroundIn 2015, in Switzerland the Suissano Health Programme was implemented in pig production to improve transparency for antimicrobial usage (AMU) and to reduce the usage of fluoroquinolones (FQ), macrolides and cephalosporins, representing highest priority critically important antimicrobials.MethodsIn the presented cohort study, the impact of the Suissano programme on the AMU of 291 pig farms between 2016 and 2017 was investigated. AMU was calculated in total numbers of defined course doses (nDCDch) for all farms in the programme. For each single farm the nDCDch/animal/year was determined for four different age categories (suckling piglets, weaned piglets, fattening pigs, sows) as well as each antimicrobial substance separately. Trends between 2016 and 2017 were investigated for all farms as well as the 25 per cent with the highest usage of antimicrobials (high users) separately.ResultsTotal AMU measured in nDCDch declined by 23 per cent between 2016 and 2017, but statistically significant differences could not be observed when comparing the data sets of the individual farms. A significantly reduced usage of FQ could be demonstrated in suckling piglets (P=0.003), weaned piglets (P=0.006) and sows (P=0.008) in 2017 compared with 2016. For high users, a significant reduction of total AMU could be shown in suckling piglets (P=0.02), weaned piglets (P=0.0004) and fattening pigs (P=0.01).ConclusionThis study demonstrated a significant reduction in the usage of FQs in suckling piglets, weaned piglets and sows as well as total AMU in suckling piglets, weaned piglets and fattening pigs on high‐usage farms.
Evolution of dark energy perturbations for Slotheon field and power spectrum
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Upala , Majumdar Debasish , Adak Debabrata 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWithin the framework of modified gravity model namely Slotheon model, inspired by the theory of extra dimensions, we explore the behaviour of Dark Energy and the perturbations thereof. The Dark Energy and matter perturbations equations are then derived and solved numerically by defining certain dimensionless variables and properly chosen initial conditions. The results are compared with those for standard quintessence model and $$\varLambda $$ΛCDM model. The matter power spectrum is obtained and also compared with that for $$\varLambda $$ΛCDM model. It appears that Dark Energy in Slotheon model is more akin to that for $$\varLambda $$ΛCDM model than the standard quintessence model.
The Role of Mapping Curve in Swarm-Like Opinion Formation
Authors: Gwizdałła Tomasz M. 
Published: June 2020

Recently, [T. M. Gwizdałła, The swarm-like update scheme for opinion formation, in Computational Collective Intelligence, eds. N. T. Nguyen, G. A. Papadopoulos, P. Jedrzejowciz, B. Trawinski and G. Vossen (Springer International Publishing, Cham, 2017), pp. 66–75.] we have proposed the scheme of performing the opinion formation simulation based on popular global optimization mechanism — the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). The basic idea was to use the interaction between two potential directions of agents’ heading: those forced by the global opinion and those forced by the opinion of neighbors/colleagues. In the proposed paper, some enhancement of the proposed model is shown. We assume that, when performing the binary PSO-like update of system, we use the generalized version of logistic function. The results are promising in the sense that the introduced change increases explicitly, the number of possible solutions.
SOS1
Gain-of-Function Variants in Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Cowan Jason R. , Salyer Lorien , Wright Nathan T. , Kinnamon Daniel D. , Amaya Pedro , Jordan Elizabeth , Bamshad Michael J. , Nickerson Deborah A. , Hershberger Ray E. 
Published: June 2020

Background:
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a genetically heterogeneous cardiac disease characterized by progressive ventricular enlargement and reduced systolic function. Here, we report genetic and functional analyses implicating the rat sarcoma signaling protein, SOS1 (Son of sevenless homolog 1), in DCM pathogenesis.

Methods:

Exome sequencing was performed on 412 probands and family members from our DCM cohort, identifying several
SOS1
variants with potential disease involvement. As several lines of evidence have implicated dysregulated rat sarcoma signaling in the pathogenesis of DCM, we assessed functional impact of each variant on the activation of ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase), AKT (protein kinase B), and JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) pathways. Relative expression levels were determined by Western blot in HEK293T cells transfected with variant or wild-type human
SOS1
expression constructs.

Results:

A rare
SOS1
variant [c.571G>A, p.(Glu191Lys)] was found to segregate alongside an A-band
TTN
truncating variant in a pedigree with aggressive, early-onset DCM. Reduced disease severity in the absence of the
SOS1
variant suggested its potential involvement as a genetic risk factor for DCM in this family. Exome sequencing identified 5 additional
SOS1
variants with potential disease involvement in 4 other families [c.1820T>C, p.(Ile607Thr); c.2156G>C, p.(Gly719Ala); c.2230A>G, p.(Arg744Gly); c.2728G>C, p.(Asp910His); c.3601C>T, p.(Arg1201Trp)]. Impacted amino acids occupied a number of functional domains relevant to SOS1 activity, including the N-terminal histone fold, as well as the C-terminal REM (rat sarcoma exchange motif), CDC25 (cell division cycle 25), and PR (proline-rich) tail domains. Increased phosphorylated ERK expression relative to wild-type levels was seen for all 6
SOS1
variants, paralleling known disease-relevant
SOS1
signaling profiles.

Conclusions:

These data support gain-of-function variation in
SOS1
as a contributing factor to isolated DCM.