bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the phase diagram of Mackay icosahedra
Authors: Mravlak Marko , Schilling Tanja
Published: October 2018

Using Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate the equilibrium phase behavior of a monodisperse system of Mackay icosahedra. We define the icosahedra as polyatomic molecules composed of a set of Lennard-Jones subparticles arranged on the surface of the Mackay icosahedron. The phase diagram contains a fluid phase, a crystalline phase, and a rotator phase. We find that the attractive icosahedral molecules behave similar to hard geometric icosahedra for which the densest lattice packing and the rotator crystal phase have been identified before. We show that both phases form under attractive interactions as well. When heating the system from the dense crystal packing, there is first a transition to the rotator crystal and then another to a fluid phase.
Statistics of inverse interspike intervals: The instantaneous firing rate revisited
Authors: Kostal Lubomir , Lansky Petr , Stiber Michael
Published: October 2018

The rate coding hypothesis is the oldest and still one of the most accepted and investigated scenarios in neuronal activity analyses. However, the actual neuronal firing rate, while informally understood, can be mathematically defined in several different ways. These definitions yield distinct results; even their average values may differ dramatically for the simplest neuronal models. Such an inconsistency, together with the importance of “firing rate,” motivates us to revisit the classical concept of the instantaneous firing rate. We confirm that different notions of firing rate can in fact be compatible, at least in terms of their averages, by carefully discerning the time instant at which the neuronal activity is observed. Two general cases are distinguished: either the inspection time is synchronised with a reference time or with the neuronal spiking. The statistical properties of the instantaneous firing rate, including parameter estimation, are analyzed, and compatibility with the intuitively understood concept is demonstrated.
On the dispersion characteristics of relativistic obliquely propagating Bernstein wave in a degenerate electron plasma
Authors: Noureen S. , Abbas G. , Sarfraz M. , Ali Muddasir
Published: October 2018

The dispersion characteristics of obliquely propagating electrostatic Bernstein wave in a relativistic degenerate electron plasma is markedly different from perpendicular one. Employing linearized Vlasov-Maxwell model, the dispersion relation of obliquely propagating Bernstein wave in a relativistic degenerate electron plasma is derived. In particular, the results are obtained in the propagation range kz > kx with kx≠0. In the high frequency (ω > > k.v) and weak propagation (Ω>>k.v or k → 0) limiting cases, the generalized results reduce to the Upper hybrid wave for θ′ = 00 and Langmuir wave for θ′ = 900 (where Ω is the gyro-frequency and θ′ is the propagation angle of k with respect to x-axis). Graphical analysis is also performed to highlight the new trends in wave spectra.
Higher-order moments with turbulent length-scales and anisotropy associated with flow over dune shapes in tidal environment
Authors: Sarkar K. , Mazumder B. S.
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this research paper is to investigate the third-order moments of velocity fluctuations, turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) fluxes, turbulence dissipation rate, turbulent length scales, and Reynolds stress anisotropy in the wake regions over two artificial upstream-facing bed forms. For the structure having a smaller flow-facing slope (slanting forward-facing structure, named as SFFS), the maximum flow intermittency is 0.6% with a maximum flow reversal frequency of 0.24 Hz, whereas for the greater flow-facing sloped structure (vertical forward-facing structure, named as VFFS), up to 70% flow intermittency is noticed just downstream of the corresponding crest location with a maximum of 28 Hz flow reversal frequency. A strong negative M30 (stream-wise flux of stream-wise normal stress) and a strong positive M03 (vertical flux of vertical normal stress), implying the occurrence of ejection events, take place above the flow separation region along the generated shear layer. However, near the lee-surface, positive M30 and negative M03 imply the presence of sweep events. For both the cases, maximum of normalized TKE (κ) is generated in the vicinity of crest location, which spread over the retarding flow region near-bed of the trough and wake-flow region downstream of the crest. The production of turbulence is mainly concentrated at the interface of intense ejection and sweep dominated zones over the trough region for the VFFS case, and for the other bed form, i.e., SFFS case, maximum turbulence production is concentrated at the near-bed crest location. Near the bed, the length-scale of eddies in the inertial sub-range decreases substantially compared to that in the upstream. It is seen that in the region of negative kinetic energy production, local maximum anisotropy is found, especially for b11,22,33S and b11,22,33V components. Interestingly, at the corresponding crest points for SFFS and VFFS, maximum affinity toward the one-component isotropy is measured almost throughout the vertical height. However, a clear increasing trend in the affinity to a better isotropy; i.e., the three-dimensional isotropy is identified as the vertical height increases up to z ≈ 3 cm above the bed when a fair downstream location for the VFFS case is considered. A special look toward the investigation of possible connection of the flow region with negative TKE production with the stream anisotropy shows that a substantial increase in the degree of anisotropy (Ad) in the anisotropy invariant maps of the negative TKE production takes place for both the cases, when compared to that for the positive TKE production region.
Tomographic analysis of tangential viewing cameras (invited)
Authors: Meyer W. H. , Allen S. L. , Samuell C. M. , Fenstermacher M. E.
Published: October 2018

Many tokamaks now use visible light cameras to observe plasma-wall interactions and integrated line emission. The DIII-D coherence imaging spectroscopy diagnostic cameras image interferograms that encode line integrated velocity. By modeling the 2D camera image pixels as line of sight integrals through an axisymmetric discrete grid, it is possible to do tomographic analysis to determine the local plasma line emissivity and parallel velocity. Methods to solve the inverse problem posed by these tangential viewing cameras are presented. The inversion begins with calculation of the sparse response matrix that encompasses all the geometry and diagnostic information and reduces the process of image formation to a sparse matrix-vector multiply. This work includes techniques for determining the detailed geometry of the camera views and methods for handling physical quantities that vary spatially. Additionally, the size of the response matrix has driven the development of capability to distribute the coarse parallel calculation across a heterogeneous cluster of computers on the Energy Sciences Network. Iterative techniques are then used to solve the sparse matrix-vector linear system.
Feasibility study for Al-free 808 nm lasers with asymmetric barriers suppressing waveguide recombination
Authors: Zubov F. I. , Muretova M. E. , Asryan L. V. , Semenova E. S. , Maximov M. V. , Zhukov A. E.
Published: October 2018

The feasibility of implementation of asymmetric barriers (ABs) made of common materials for completely aluminum-free diode lasers is studied. The ABs adjoining a low-dimensional active region on both sides aim to prevent bipolar population in the waveguide layers and thus to suppress parasitic recombination therein, which in turn would enhance the efficiency and temperature-stability of the device. Our search algorithm for appropriate AB materials relies on the minimization of undesired carrier flow (electrons or holes passing through the active region toward the p- or n-type doped cladding layer, respectively), while maintaining the useful flows of hole and electron injection into the active region. Using an example of an 808-nm GaInAsP laser, it is shown that the n- and p-side ABs can be made, for instance, of GaInPSb and GaInP, respectively. In such a laser, the parasitic recombination flux can be suppressed by a factor of 60 for electrons and 200 for holes. It is found that the contribution of the indirect valleys to the electron flow through the p-side AB can be significant and even decisive in some cases. The contribution of light holes to the transmission through the ABs can also be considerable. The optimal thicknesses of the AB layers are determined and the chemical composition tolerances are estimated for a given flux suppression ratio.
Tutorial: Neuromorphic spiking neural networks for temporal learning
Authors: Jeong Doo Seok
Published: October 2018

Spiking neural networks (SNNs), as time-dependent hypotheses consisting of spiking nodes (neurons) and directed edges (synapses), are believed to offer unique solutions to reward prediction tasks and the related feedback that are classified as reinforcement learning. Generally, temporal difference (TD) learning renders it possible to optimize a model network to predict the delayed reward in an ad hoc manner. Neuromorphic SNNs—networks built using dedicated hardware—particularly leverage such TD learning for not only reward prediction but also temporal sequence prediction in a physical time domain. In this tutorial, such learning in a physical time domain is referred to as temporal learning to distinguish it from conventional TD learning-based methods that generally involve algorithmic (rather than physical) time. This tutorial addresses neuromorphic SNNs for temporal learning from scratch. It first concerns the general characteristics of SNNs including spiking neurons and information coding schemes and then moves on to temporal learning including its general concept, feasible algorithms, and its association with neurophysiological learning rules that have been intensively enriched in the last few decades.
Plane residual stress measurement using ultrasonic considering weak anisotropy of metallic material
Authors: Wang Yongqing , Li Yapeng , Liu Haibo , Zhang Xiang , Liu Yankun , Liu Kuo
Published: October 2018

Ultrasonic velocity variation (UVV) along different directions induced by material weak anisotropy will lead to residual stress measurement error using ultrasonic inevitably. In this research, the influence of weak anisotropy on residual stress measurement is analyzed theoretically and experimentally. Firstly, the in-plane acoustoelastic wave equation is modified by considering material anisotropy, which can be characterized by two in-plane anisotropic parameters. Further, an analysis model is also established to express the linear superposition of weak anisotropy and acoustoelastic effect on UVV. Based on this, a plane residual stress measurement method has been developed, which was verified using the rolling aluminum alloy plate after friction stir welding. From the comparison with hole-drilling method, it was adequate and capable to measure the plane residual stress by the relative UVV along three particular directions.
Structure and electronic properties of biomorphic carbon matrices and SiC ceramics prepared on their basis
Authors: Konchits А. A. , Shanina B. D. , Krasnovyd S. V. , Yukhymchuk V. O. , Hreshchuk O. M. , Valakh M. Ya. , Skoryk M. A. , Kulinich S. A. , Belyaev A. E. , Iarmolenko D. A.
Published: October 2018

Biomorphic carbon matrices (BCMs) were produced by pyrolysis from wood species of different forest and garden trees, after which the as-prepared BCMs were converted to SiC ceramics through their impregnation with liquid silicon and further heat-treatment. Both types of obtained samples were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman scattering (RS), and electron spin resonance (ESR) methods. The SEM data reveal that all BCM samples contain large (10–50 μm) and small (1–5 μm) micro-pores with surface densities ∼109 m−2 and 1011 m−2, respectively. Analysis of RS allowed to estimate carbon cluster sizes of about 5–11 nm depending on the sample type. The study of the electronic structure using ESR spectroscopy is carried out for BCM and SiC ceramics samples. Using theoretical analysis of the ESR spectra, it was found that spin resonance in BCMs is due to the contribution of three spin systems: free electron spins, “pseudo-free” electron spins from the tail of density states below the conduction band, and localized spins at dangling carbon bonds (DCBs). Their contributions depend on the ratio of different structural phases such as sp2-hybridized graphite-like carbon network and amorphous carbon phase. For most BCM samples, the large ESR line width is dramatically narrowed when samples are pumped out due to the exclusion of the broadening effect of molecular oxygen. The transformation of BCM into SiC by impregnation with liquid silicon can be clearly traced in the Raman spectra and in the ESR spectra. It is established that the electronic properties of synthesized SiC ceramics are due to the presence of residual graphite-like carbon nanoclusters.
A multi-term, multi-harmonic Boltzmann equation model for kinetic behavior in intense microwave and terahertz excited low temperature plasmas
Authors: Stephens Jacob Coty
Published: October 2018

A multi-term (MT), multi-harmonic (MH) decomposition of the Boltzmann equation (BE) is developed to describe electron kinetic behavior in microwave and THz excited low temperature plasmas. In the decomposition of the BE, velocity distribution functions retain an arbitrary time dependence enabling the prediction of electron kinetic behavior from an arbitrary initial condition to a steady-state periodic solution. By exploiting the time-periodic nature of the electron swarm, the MTMH-BE model is not restricted to numerically resolving the electric field cycle. The MTMH-BE model is validated via the Reid ramp model gas and the ionization model gas of Lucas and Salee. Following successful validation, the MTMH-BE model is utilized to elucidate the basic electron kinetic behavior in air at atmospheric pressure. Namely, the error associated with the effective field approximation (EFA) is explored, where it is demonstrated that for atmospheric pressure air, given a microwave frequency of 1 GHz, the EFA may result in more than a factor of two errors in the time-averaged ionization rate. In the second part of this study, the MTMH-BE model is demonstrated as a basic modeling tool for low temperature plasmas. First, the MTMH-BE model is utilized to calculate electron heating profiles from a cold initial condition. The MTMH-BE model is demonstrated to be in excellent agreement with strictly time-dependent kinetic models, including a time-dependent MT-BE model and a Monte Carlo collision model. To highlight the advantage of this work, the MTMH-BE model is used to predict the formative delay time of 95 GHz high power microwave induced breakdown. In this example, the numerical time step utilized in the MTMH-BE model is approximately six orders of magnitude larger than is possible using a strictly time-dependent MT-BE model. Overall, the MTMH-BE model presents a powerful pathway to modeling temporal kinetic behavior in microwave and THz excited low temperature plasmas.
Double-core-hole states in CH3CN: Pre-edge structures and chemical-shift contributions
Authors: Koulentianos D. , Carniato S. , Püttner R. , Goldsztejn G. , Marchenko T. , Travnikova O. , Journel L. , Guillemin R. , Céolin D. , Rocco M. L. M. , Piancastelli M. N. , Feifel R. , Simon M.
Published: October 2018

Spectra reflecting the formation of single-site double-core-hole pre-edge states involving the N 1s and C 1s core levels of acetonitrile have been recorded by means of high-resolution single-channel photoelectron spectroscopy using hard X-ray excitation. The data are interpreted with the aid of ab initio quantum chemical calculations, which take into account the direct or conjugate nature of this type of electronic states. Furthermore, the photoelectron spectra of N 1s and C 1s singly core-ionized states have been measured. From these spectra, the chemical shift between the two C 1s−1 states is estimated. Finally, by utilizing C 1s single and double core-ionization potentials, initial and final state effects for the two inequivalent carbon atoms have been investigated.
Collective modes of two-dimensional classical Coulomb fluids
Authors: Khrapak Sergey A. , Kryuchkov Nikita P. , Mistryukova Lukia A. , Khrapak Alexey G. , Yurchenko Stanislav O.
Published: October 2018

Molecular dynamics simulations have been performed to investigate in detail collective modes spectra of two-dimensional Coulomb fluids in a wide range of coupling. The obtained dispersion relations are compared with theoretical approaches based on quasi-crystalline approximation, also known as the quasi-localized charge approximation, in the plasma-related context. An overall satisfactory agreement between theory and simulations is documented for the longitudinal mode at moderate coupling and in the long-wavelength domain at strong coupling. For the transverse mode, satisfactory agreement in the long-wavelength domain is only reached at very strong coupling, when the cutoff wave-number below which shear waves cannot propagate becomes small. The dependence of the cutoff wave-number for shear waves on the coupling parameter is obtained.
Emerging superlubricity: A review of the state of the art and perspectives on future research
Authors: Baykara Mehmet Z. , Vazirisereshk Mohammad R. , Martini Ashlie
Published: October 2018

We present a review of superlubricity: the state of ultra-low friction between surfaces in relative motion. Various approaches to achieving this state are considered in a broad sense, including structural superlubricity, superlubricity via normal force control, and contact actuation, as well as thermolubricity, liquid superlubricity, and quantum lubricity. An overview of the physical fundamentals associated with each approach is presented, with particular emphasis on recent theoretical and experimental developments that constitute milestones in our scientific understanding. The review also includes a discussion of perspectives on future research in the context of existing challenges. It is projected that interest in superlubricity from the basic science and engineering communities will continue to accelerate in the near future, accompanied by a transition from fundamental studies to technologically relevant applications.
Enhanced mechanical damping induced by non-linear magnetization dynamics
Authors: Oikawa Yasuyuki , Arisawa Hiroki , Daimon Shunsuke , Saitoh Eiji
Published: October 2018

Mechanical resonance properties of a microcantilever made of a magnetic insulator have been investigated by laser-doppler vibrometry under DC magnetic fields and microwaves. At ferromagnetic resonance conditions, reduction of magnetization along the DC field was detected as a change in the mechanical resonance frequency. Above a microwave power threshold at which the change in the mechanical resonance frequency deviates from the linear dependence on the power, the mechanical damping was found to be enhanced steeply. The result suggests that the non-linear magnetization dynamics gives rise to additional dissipation in the mechanical motion.
Glucose metabolism mediates disease tolerance in cerebral malaria
Authors: Wang Andrew , Huen Sarah C. , Luan Harding H. , Baker Kelly , Rinder Henry , Booth Carmen J. , Medzhitov Ruslan
Published: October 2018

Significance

Feeding behavior changes drastically with infection and is a conserved behavioral response. However, the mechanistic aspects of how this behavior provides a survival advantage are poorly understood. Metabolic reprogramming is emerging as a mechanism by which disease tolerance is established and coordinated to the type of inflammatory insult to support tissue function. The type of metabolism required for survival of parasitic infections has not yet been explored. Here, we report that inhibition of glycolysis utilizing 2-deoxy glucose (2DG) prevented the development of cerebral malaria. The 2DG did not affect pathogen burden, degree of anemia, or cerebral inflammation. Instead, 2DG improved disease tolerance by affecting hemostasis and greatly diminished the formation of intracerebral microthrombi and hemorrhage.
Investigating effects of criterial consistency, the diversity dimension, and threshold variation in formulaic language research
Authors: Lu Xiaofei , Kisselev Olesya , Yoon Jungwan , Amory Michael D.
Published: October 2018

O’Donnell et al. (2013) considered four measures of formulaicity and reported that they produced different results concerning the effects of expertise and first/second language status on formulaic sequence usage in academic writing. The current study explores several additional methodological issues using the same dataset from O’Donnell et al. (2013). We first motivate the need for criterial consistency and investigate whether frequency- and association-based measures yield different results when they are both obtained using corpus-internal criteria. The informativeness of the diversity dimension of formulaic sequence use is then gauged by comparing the results of phrase-frame type-token ratio against those of other measures. Finally, we profile formulaic sequence distribution across quartiles of different measures to assess the effect of variable measure thresholds. Our findings highlight the criticality of issues of criterial consistency, formulaic sequence diversity, and threshold variation in formulaic language research.
Olfaction in animal behaviour and welfare.
Authors: Mota-Rojas D. , Orihuela A. , Napolitano F. , Mora-Medina P. , Orozco-Gregorio H. , Alonso-Spilsbury M.
Published: October 2018

Olfaction is the primary sensory communication mode for most mammals; social, sexual, maternal and feeding behaviours are four basic and fundamental aspects directly related to olfaction. Herein we consider these four main aspects of olfaction in a variety of mammals from the families
Ungulata
and
Carnivora
. Firstly, we provide a brief explanation on the anatomy and how olfaction is modulated. In particular, we discuss the literature in the context of recent trends in main olfactory epithelium and vomeronasal organ functions, briefly explaining the main differences between the anatomical olfactory structures of various domestic animals. Subsequently, examples of animal welfare implications of diet selection, predation, aversion, breeding and mother-young bonding behaviours are described. An ethological view of olfaction in addition to the brain structure and olfaction morphology aspects has been covered, as it offers a promising approach in the welfare of mammalian species under our care. We conclude that the knowledge of the roles played by olfaction in chemical communication may help improving housing conditions, fulfilment of feeding requirements, handling and breeding of companion, farm and zoo mammals, and promote the development of appropriate social, sexual, parental and feeding behaviours thus enhancing animal welfare.
Identification of an aldehyde oxidase involved in indole-3-acetic acid synthesis in Bombyx mori silk gland
Authors: Takei Mami , Kogure Syota , Yokoyama Chiaki , Kouzuma Yoshiaki , Suzuki Yoshihito
Published: October 2018

Auxin is thought to be an important factor in the induction of galls by galling insects. We have previously shown that both galling and nongalling insects synthesize indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) from tryptophan (Trp) via two intermediates, indole-3-acetaldoxime (IAOx) and indole-3-acetaldehyde (IAAld). In this study, we isolated an enzyme that catalyzes the last step “IAAld → IAA” from a silk-gland extract of Bombyx mori. The enzyme, designated “BmIAO1”, contains two 2Fe–2S iron–sulfur-cluster-binding domains, an FAD-binding domain, and a molybdopterin-binding domain, which are conserved in aldehyde oxidases. BmIAO1 causes the nonenzymatic conversion of Trp to IAAld and the enzymatic conversion of IAOx to IAA, suggesting that BmIAO1 alone is responsible for IAA production in B. mori. However, a detailed comparison of pure BmIAO1 and the crude silk-gland extract suggested the presence of other enzymes involved in IAA production from Trp.

Abbreviations: BA: benzoic acid; CE: collision energy; CXP: collision cell exit potential; DP: declustering potential; IAA: indole-3-acetic acid; IBI1: IAA biosynthetic inhibitor-1; IAAld: indole-3-acetaldehyde; ICA: indole-3-carboxylic acid; IAOx: indole-3-acetaldoxime; IEtOH: indole-3-ethanol; LC–MS/MS: liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry; Trp: tryptophan
Ergothioneine production with Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Takusagawa Shun , Satoh Yasuharu , Ohtsu Iwao , Dairi Tohru
Published: October 2018

To establish a reliable and practical ergothioneine (ERG) supply, we employed fermentative ERG production using Aspergillus oryzae, a fungus used for food production. We heterologously overexpressed the egt-1 and -2 genes of Neurospora crassa in A. oryzae and succeeded in producing ERG (231.0 mg/kg of media, which was 20 times higher than the wild type).

Abbreviations: ERG: ergothioneine; HER: hercynine; Cys-HER: hercynylcysteine-sulfoxide; SAM: S-adenosylmethionine; SAH: S-adenosylhomocysteine; l-His: l-histidine; l-Cys: l-cysteine; LC-ESI-MS: liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry
The Potential Implications of “Big Ag Data” for USDA Forecasts
Authors: Tack Jesse , Coble Keith H. , Johansson Robert , Harri Ardian , Barnett Barry J.
Published: October 2018

The USDA produces yield and supply estimates for many crops that influence commodity markets and are used for implementing the Title I program, Agriculture Risk Coverage. Precision agriculture advances have increased the potential for the private sector to capture near‐real time yield data, however, it is unclear whether they provide advantages in setting market positions since the samples are typically non‐random. Here, we use yield histories from a large population of corn farms to quantify biases associated with different non‐random sampling schemes for estimating aggregate yield, and demonstrate the effectiveness of benchmarking procedures for removing systematic prediction error.
Precision Inhibitory Stimulation of Individual-Specific Cortical Hubs Disrupts Information Processing in Humans
Authors: Lynch Charles J , Breeden Andrew L , Gordon Evan M , Cherry Joseph B C , Turkeltaub Peter E , Vaidya Chandan J
Published: October 2018

Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) is a promising treatment for psychiatric and neurologic conditions, but outcomes are variable across treated individuals. In principle, precise targeting of individual-specific features of functional brain networks could improve the efficacy of NIBS interventions. Network theory predicts that the role of a node in a network can be inferred from its connections; as such, we hypothesized that targeting individual-specific “hub” brain areas with NIBS should impact cognition more than nonhub brain areas. Here, we first demonstrate that the spatial positioning of hubs is variable across individuals but reproducible within individuals upon repeated imaging. We then tested our hypothesis in healthy individuals using a prospective, within-subject, double-blind design. Inhibition of a hub with continuous theta burst stimulation disrupted information processing during working-memory more than inhibition of a nonhub area, despite targets being separated by only a few centimeters on the right middle frontal gyrus of each subject. Based upon these findings, we conclude that individual-specific brain network features are functionally relevant and could leveraged as stimulation sites in future NIBS interventions.
The Clinical Impact and Cost-effectiveness of Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccination to Prevent Measles Importations Among International Travelers From the United States
Authors: Hyle Emily P , Fields Naomi F , Fiebelkorn Amy Parker , Walker Allison Taylor , Gastañaduy Paul , Rao Sowmya R , Ryan Edward T , LaRocque Regina C , Walensky Rochelle P
Published: October 2018

Background

Measles importations and the subsequent spread from US travelers returning from abroad are responsible for most measles cases in the United States. Increasing measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination among departing US travelers could reduce the clinical impact and costs of measles in the United States.

Methods

We designed a decision tree to evaluate MMR vaccination at a pretravel health encounter (PHE), compared with no encounter. We derived input parameters from Global TravEpiNet data and literature. We quantified Riskexposure to measles while traveling and the average number of US-acquired cases and contacts due to a measles importation. In sensitivity analyses, we examined the impact of destination-specific Riskexposure, including hot spots with active measles outbreaks; the percentage of previously-unvaccinated travelers; and the percentage of travelers returning to US communities with heterogeneous MMR coverage.

Results

The no-encounter strategy projected 22 imported and 66 US-acquired measles cases, costing $14.8M per 10M travelers. The PHE strategy projected 15 imported and 35 US-acquired cases at $190.3M per 10M travelers. PHE was not cost effective for all international travelers (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio [ICER] $4.6M/measles case averted), but offered better value (ICER <$100 000/measles case averted) or was even cost saving for travelers to hot spots, especially if travelers were previously unvaccinated or returning to US communities with heterogeneous MMR coverage.

Conclusions

PHEs that improve MMR vaccination among US international travelers could reduce measles cases, but are costly. The best value is for travelers with a high likelihood of measles exposure, especially if the travelers are previously unvaccinated or will return to US communities with heterogeneous MMR coverage.
Mass Drug Administration With Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine and Malaria Transmission Dynamics in The Gambia: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Mwesigwa Julia , Achan Jane , Affara Muna , Wathuo Miriam , Worwui Archibald , Mohammed Nuredin Ibrahim , Kanuteh Fatoumatta , Prom Aurelia , Dierickx Susan , di Tanna Gian Luca , Nwakanma Davis , Bousema Teun , Drakeley Chris , Van Geertruyden Jean Pierre , D’Alessandro Umberto
Published: October 2018

Background

Mass drug administration (MDA) may further reduce malaria transmission in low-transmission areas. The impact of MDA on the dynamics of malaria transmission was determined in a prospective cohort study.

Methods

Annual rounds of MDA with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) were implemented were implemented in 2014 and 2015 in six village pairs before the malaria transmission season. Blood samples were collected from residents between July and December for microscopy and nested PCR. Incidence and prevalence of infection, clinical disease, and risk of malaria reinfection post-MDA were determined.

Results

Coverage of three DP doses was 68.2% (2014) and 65.6% (2015), compliance was greater than 80%. Incidence of infection was significantly lower in 2014 (incidence rate [IR] = 0.2 per person year [PPY]) than in 2013 (IR = 1.1 PPY; P < .01); monthly infection prevalence declined in the first three months post-MDA. Clinical malaria incidence was lower in 2014 (IR = 0.1 PPY) and 2015 (IR = 0.2 PPY) than in 2013 (IR = 0.4 PPY; P < .01), but remained higher in eastern Gambia. Individuals infected before MDA had a 2-fold higher odds of reinfection post-MDA (adjusted odds ratio = 2.5, 95% confidence interval 1.5–4.3; P < .01).

Conclusions

MDA reduced malaria infection and clinical disease during the first months. The reduction was maintained in low-transmission areas, but not in eastern Gambia. Annual MDA could be followed by focal MDA targeting individuals infected during the dry season. Repeated MDA rounds, some during the dry season over larger geographical areas, may result in a more marked and sustained decrease of malaria transmission.
Monitoring regression of post-orthodontic lesions with impedance spectroscopy: a pilot study
Authors: Mortensen Diana , Gizani Sotiria , Salamara Olina , Sifakakis Iosif , Twetman Svante
Published: October 2018

Objective

To investigate if the alternating current impedance spectroscopy (ACIS) technology could be used to monitor remineralization of post-orthodontic white spot lesions (WSLs) after debonding of fixed orthodontic appliances.

Material and methods

The study group consisted of 28 adolescents (aged 12–16 years) with at least two WSLs on their maxillary incisors, canines, or first premolars at debonding. Buccal surfaces (n = 194) were visually examined and scored with modified International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) criteria and with the CarieScan Pro device by three examiners according to manufactures manual (test method). In addition, 31 surfaces with ICDAS = 0 were monitored by ACIS, serving as controls. Follow-up examinations were carried out after 8 and 16 weeks. Modified ICDAS scores, captured from digital photographs by three independent examiners, served as reference method. Four patients were lost to follow-up. Data were analysed in a mixed statistical model considering systematic effects of visit, tooth and observer, random effects of patients, and visits within patients.

Results

Over 50 per cent of all surfaces had marked WSL at baseline and the corresponding values at 8 and 16 weeks were 33 per cent and 22 per cent. The ACIS readings mirrored the visual scores; the baseline estimate (56.3) was significantly decreased after 8 weeks (P < 0.05). The lateral incisors exhibited the highest values whereas the lowest were recorded for the central incisors.

Limitations

ICDAS is not the same as a ‘true’ gold standard. The high prevalence of WSL may jeopardize the external validity.

Conclusion

The ACIS technology may to some extent be used to monitor the regression of post-orthodontic WSLs.
Does low-frequency vibration have an effect on aligner treatment? A single-centre, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lombardo Luca , Arreghini Angela , Huanca Ghislanzoni Luis T , Siciliani Giuseppe
Published: October 2018

Background

Low-frequency vibrations have been proposed as a means of accelerating tooth movement and reducing orthodontic treatment times.

Objective

To determine any differences in the accuracy of dental movement in patients treated with a low-frequency vibration aligner protocol and/or by reducing the aligner replacement interval with respect to a conventional protocol.

Design

This trial was designed as a single-centre, randomized controlled clinical trial.

Methods

Participants: Patients (aged 27.1 ± 9.0 years) who required orthodontic treatment with aligners. Randomization: Patients were randomly allocated to three arms as determined by a computer-randomization scheme. Group A were assigned a conventional protocol (aligners replaced every 14 days); group B also used a low-frequency vibration device for 20 minutes per day; group C followed the same vibration protocol but replaced their aligners every 7 days. Blinding: The operator who performed the set-up and the one who analysed the data were blinded to the group of the patients. Outcome: Pre- and post-treatment digital models were analysed using VAM software to identify the accuracy/imprecision of dental movements. One-way analysis of variance (P < 0.05) and the Bonferroni post hoc test were used to identify any statistically significant differences between the three arms in terms of the accuracy of tooth movement versus the prescription.

Results

Numbers analysed: A total of 45 patients (15 for group) were analysed (i.e. 2286 dental movements). Outcome: No statistically significant differences emerged between groups A and C in the upper arch, or among groups A, B, and C in the lower. Group B displayed significantly greater accuracy with respect to group A in upper incisor rotation (P = 0.016), and to group C in vestibulolingual (P = 0.007) and mesiodistal tipping (P = 0.029) of the upper canines, and vestibulolingual tipping of the upper molars (P = 0.0001). Harms: No adverse events or side-effects were registered.

Conclusions

Considering all tooth and movement types of the 45 participants, the mean total imprecision was 2.1 ± 0.9 degrees, with respect to a mean prescription of 5.7 ± 2.2 degrees. There was no difference in accuracy between replacing the aligners accompanied by low-frequency vibration every 7 days and replacing them every 14 days without vibration. Moreover, low-frequency vibration seemed to improve the accuracy of a conventional protocol in terms of upper incisor rotation.

Trial registration

The German Clinical Trials Register (DRK00015613).
Production choices with water markets and risk aversion: the role of initial allocations and forward trading
Authors: Bontems Philippe , Nauges Céline
Published: October 2018

We develop a theoretical model that describes risk-averse farmers’ decisions when facing production risk due to uncertain weather conditions and when irrigation water can be traded on a market. We focus on the role of initial water allocations granted to irrigated farms at the start of the season. The presence of water markets makes the future water price uncertain and hence the value of initial water allocations uncertain. We analyse the properties of this background risk and study how initial water allocations impact farmers’ land allocation decisions between an irrigated crop and a non-irrigated crop, both characterised by random expected net returns. We then extend the model by permitting irrigation water to be traded ex-ante at a known price (forward market). Finally, we illustrate our main theoretical findings using simulations. We calibrate distributions of the random variables based on observed data from the Murray–Darling Basin in Australia where a water market has been in place for several decades.
Crime News Effects and Democratic Accountability: Experimental Evidence From Repeated Exposure in a Multiweek Online Panel
Authors: Kalmoe Nathan P , Pingree Raymond J , Watson Brian , Sui Mingxiao , Darr Joshua , Searles Kathleen
Published: October 2018

Publics hold chief executives uniquely responsible for national well-being, and they learn about national conditions through news. But when news disproportionately covers problems, what happens to democratic accountability? Here, we experimentally test how leader approval changes when crime loses prominence in news for a sustained period. We create an online news environment coding real news in real time, then experimentally filter news for nationally diverse U.S. panelists over 1 week. We find causal evidence that reducing crime news raises presidential approval and depresses problem importance evaluations for crime. No other leaders are credited, and reducing all problems produces no further gains. These effects persist well after exposure but dissipate within a week. We conclude with broad implications for journalism and democratic judgment.
Nonconscious Nudges: Encouraging Sustained Goal Pursuit
Authors: Laran Juliano , Janiszewski Chris , Salerno Anthony
Published: October 2018

A person can use a variety of strategies to sustain the pursuit of a conscious goal (e.g., deliberate on the goal, monitor goal progress, increase goal commitment). However, less is known about how to sustain the pursuit of a nonconscious goal, a reality that is reflected in the common finding that nonconscious goal pursuit typically persists for only one choice episode. This research investigates two factors that help sustain the pursuit of a nonconscious goal: increasing the level of goal activation prior to goal pursuit and limiting the extent of goal deactivation after a goal-consistent behavior. When one of these two factors is present, nonconscious goal pursuit is sustained, as evidenced by a longer sequence of goal-consistent choices. Five studies compare and contrast strategies for sustaining conscious and nonconscious goal pursuit and provide insight into how the goal system manages the pursuit of a nonconscious goal. In addition, the findings inform when a consumer is more or less likely to pursue opposing goals across sequential choices (e.g., being virtuous after being indulgent).
Extent of Exclusions for Chronic Conditions in Breast Cancer Trials
Authors: Kronish Ian M , Fenn Kathleen , Cohen Laura , Hershman Dawn L , Green Paige , Jenny Lee Sung A , Suls Jerry
Published: October 2018

Experts have expressed concerns that patients with chronic conditions are being excessively excluded from cancer randomized clinical trials (RCTs), limiting generalizability. Accordingly, we queried clinicaltrials.gov to determine the extent to which patients with chronic conditions were excluded from phase III cancer trials, using National Cancer Institute-sponsored breast cancer RCTs as a test case. Two physicians independently coded for the presence of 19 prevalent chronic conditions within eligibility criteria. They also coded for exclusions based on performance status and vague criteria that could have broadly excluded patients with chronic conditions. The search identified 58 RCTs, initiated from 1993 to 2012. Overall, 88% of trials had at least one exclusion for a chronic condition, performance status, or vague criterion. The three most commonly excluded conditions were chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and ischemic heart disease. Our study demonstrated that patients with prevalent chronic conditions were commonly excluded from National Cancer Institute-sponsored RCTs.
Histopathologic Correlates of Familial Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Isolated to the Central Nervous System
Authors: Solomon Isaac H , Li Hojun , Benson Leslie A , Henderson Lauren A , Degar Barbara A , Gorman Mark P , Duncan Christine N , Lidov Hart G , Alexandrescu Sanda
Published: October 2018

Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an immune hyperactivation syndrome caused by mutations in genes associated with cytotoxic T-cell and NK-cell function. While neurological manifestations frequently accompany systemic inflammation at initial presentation, isolated central nervous system (CNS) involvement is rare, and the histological correlates are not well described. We present 3 patients (ages 5, 6, and 7 years) with CNS-isolated familial HLH, who presented with a variety of neurological symptoms and underwent brain biopsies for multifocal enhancing supratentorial and infratentorial lesions. Biopsy slides from all 3 patients revealed similar findings: perivascular lymphocytes, predominantly CD3+ T-cells (CD4>CD8) with occasional intramural infiltration of small vessels; scattered histiocytes without hemophagocytosis; parenchymal and leptomeningeal inflammation varying from mild and focal to severe and sheet-like with associated destructive lesions. There was no evidence of demyelination, neoplasia, or infection. Genetic testing identified compound heterozygous mutations in PRF1 (Patients 1 and 2) and UNC13D (Patient 3), with no evidence of systemic disease except decreased NK-cell function. All 3 patients were treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with marked improvement of symptoms. These findings combined with the poor outcomes associated with delayed diagnosis and lack of aggressive treatment highlight the need to consider HLH in the differential diagnosis of inflammatory brain lesions.
Metalogic and the Overgeneration Argument
Authors: Florio Salvatore , Incurvati Luca
Published: October 2018

A prominent objection against the logicality of second-order logic is the so-called Overgeneration Argument. However, it is far from clear how this argument is to be understood. In the first part of the article, we examine the argument and locate its main source, namely, the alleged entanglement of second-order logic and mathematics. We then identify various reasons why the entanglement may be thought to be problematic. In the second part of the article, we take a metatheoretic perspective on the matter. We prove a number of results establishing that the entanglement is sensitive to the kind of semantics used for second-order logic. These results provide evidence that by moving from the standard set-theoretic semantics for second-order logic to a semantics which makes use of higher-order resources, the entanglement either disappears or may no longer be in conflict with the logicality of second-order logic.
Evidence for diurnal periodicity of earthquakes from midnight to daybreak
Authors: Hao Jinlai , Zhang Jinhai , Yao Zhenxing
Published: October 2018

Previously, inadequate earthquake catalogs and the lack of method made it challenging, if not impossible, to determine the dominant period of earthquake occurrence. With the advent of densely distributed seismic stations in Japan since 2002, 410 642 M1.0+ earthquakes have been cataloged under the mainland within 30-km depth, which provide a superb dataset to identify the periodicity of earthquakes. We processed this catalog using time-frequency analyses and daily stacking, which are powerful in extracting weak periodical signal from strong random noises. We concentrated on the time sector from 0:00 to 6:00 (i.e. from midnight to daybreak), which is a reliable time window for much higher detectability of weak earthquakes, since it has the lowest affects from cultural noises. We successfully observed two apparent periodicities of 12- and 24-hour, which are much smaller than the fortnightly periodicity presented previously in the literature. Synthetic earth tides, after intentionally ignoring the contribution from the Moon, present similar dominant periods as the earthquakes. This may indicate that the dominant period of earthquakes is statistically associated with the Sun rather than the Moon. The daily stacking number of earthquakes using a 15-minute or 1-hour interval shows a peak around 1:30, rather than usually expected 3:00 to 4:00. In addition, bigger earthquakes show more evident variations in the stacking results, and the trend is very consistent for various lower limits of earthquake magnitude from M1.0 to M4.0. These discoveries settled the disputes on the existence of the periodicity of earthquakes since 1886 and may open a window to unravel the mystery of earthquakes.
Embedding Learning and Assessment Within Police Practice: The Opportunities and Challenges Arising from the Introduction of the PEQF in England and Wales
Authors: Wood Dominic A
Published: October 2018

This article reflects upon the development of the Policing Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF) in England and Wales and considers the implications it will have for policing degrees. Given the topic, the article is primarily forward-looking, but it draws upon the experiences of having worked closely with police for over 20 years in designing bespoke policing degree programmes. It is offered as an opinion piece. The PEQF represents a significant step change in the development of police training and education. In particular, it places tertiary education at the centre of all aspects of learning within the police organization. The article welcomes the PEQF as a significant opportunity to develop our understanding of police practice. In particular, it provides an impetus to explore ways of embedding learning and assessment within operational police practice. However, this will require both investment and a substantial change programme to ensure that police services have the appropriate infrastructure to support tertiary levels of learning and assessment. It will also require a cultural shift within both universities and police organizations. Most importantly, if the PEQF is to fulfil its potential, police services will need to embrace, promote, and enable reflective practitioners and become reflective practices in the fullest sense. If this is achieved, I argue, the policing degrees of tomorrow will be radically transformed for the better.