bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caregiver Perspectives on Psychosocial Care in Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HCT)
Authors: Kazak Anne E. , Swain Avi Madan , Pai Ahna L. H. , Canter Kimberly , Carlson Olivia , Vega Gabriela , Joffe Naomi , Deatrick Janet
Published: April 2019

Objective: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is an intensive treatment with known psychosocial effects throughout treatment and beyond. This study reports how caregivers of children undergoing HCT describe the psychosocial care that their family received and which elements they found most helpful. Method: Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with 12 parents of children who had HCT, purposefully selected based on varying levels of psychosocial risk, 4 from each of 3 study institutions. Constant comparative analysis was used to identify themes as part of an iterative analytic process. Participants also completed a card sort, and count data were calculated to identify psychosocial care preferences. Results: Four themes were identified: (a) Social support is essential across the transplant process; (b) care should be offered to the whole family; (c) access to and communication with an interdisciplinary team is essential; and (d) care should be sensitive to financial burden experienced by the family. Participants strongly endorsed interventions addressing anxiety and traumatic stress in caregivers during and after HCT. Conclusions: The themes reflect parents’ profound psychosocial needs. The interventions they selected reflect diverse approaches and inform the development of clinical pathways for patients undergoing HCT and their families. The findings highlight important clinical practice implications, including the need for universal psychosocial risk screening, the provision of systematic care starting at the universal level, and care pathways that outline treatments for families with higher and more specific areas of risk.

Implications for Impact Statement

Children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and their families have significant psychosocial needs throughout the course of treatment and beyond. This article presents the perspectives of caregivers on key elements of psychosocial care and specific intervention approaches.
The assessment of cadmium, chromium, copper, and nickel tolerance and bioaccumulation by shrub plant Tetraena qataranse
Authors: Usman Kamal , Al-Ghouti Mohammad A. , Abu-Dieyeh Mohammed H.
Published: April 2019

Heavy metals constitute some of the most significant environmental contaminants today. The abundance of naturally growingTetraena qataransearound Ras Laffan oil and gas facilities in the state of Qatar reflects its toxitolerant character. This study examined the desert plant’s tolerance to Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb relative to soil concentration. Analysis by inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) showed that the plant biomass accumulates higher Cd, Cr, Cu and Ni concentration than the soil, particularly in the root. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) of all metals in the root and shoot indicates the plant’s capacity to accumulate these metals. Cd had a translocation factor (TF) greater than one; however, it is less than one for all other metals, suggesting that the plant remediate Cd by phytoextraction, where it accumulates in the shoot and Cr, Cu and Ni through phytostabilization, concentrating the metals in the root. Metals phytostabilization restrict transport, shield animals from toxic species ingestion, and consequently prevent transmission across the food chain. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis further corroborates ICP-OES quantitative data. Our results suggest thatT. qataranseis tolerant of Cd, Cr, Cu, and Ni. Potentially, these metals can accumulate at higher concentration than shown here; hence,T. qataranseis a suitable candidate for toxic metals phytostabilization.
Molecular Characterization and Comparative Genomics of Clinical Hybrid Shiga Toxin-Producing and Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC/ETEC) Strains in Sweden
Authors: Bai Xiangning , Zhang Ji , Ambikan Anoop , Jernberg Cecilia , Ehricht Ralf , Scheutz Flemming , Xiong Yanwen , Matussek Andreas
Published: April 2019

Hybrid E. coli pathotypes are representing emerging public health threats with enhanced virulence from different pathotypes. Hybrids of Shiga toxin-producing and enterotoxigenic E. coli (STEC/ETEC) have been reported to be associated with diarrheal disease and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in humans. Here, we identified and characterized four clinical STEC/ETEC hybrids from diarrheal patients with or without fever or abdominal pain and healthy contact in Sweden. Rare stx2 subtypes were present in STEC/ETEC hybrids. Stx2 production was detectable in stx2a and stx2e containing strains. Different copies of ETEC virulence marker, sta gene, were found in two hybrids. Three sta subtypes, namely, sta1, sta4 and sta5 were designated, with sta4 being predominant. The hybrids represented diverse and rare serotypes (O15:H16, O187:H28, O100:H30, and O136:H12). Genome-wide phylogeny revealed that these hybrids exhibited close relatedness with certain ETEC, STEC/ETEC hybrid and commensal E. coli strains, implying the potential acquisition of Stx-phages or/and ETEC virulence genes in the emergence of STEC/ETEC hybrids. Given the emergence and public health significance of hybrid pathotypes, a broader range of virulence markers should be considered in the E. coli pathotypes diagnostics, and targeted follow up of cases is suggested to better understand the hybrid infection.
Localised anthropogenic wake generates a predictable foraging hotspot for top predators
Authors: Lieber Lilian , Nimmo-Smith W. Alex M. , Waggitt James J. , Kregting Louise
Published: April 2019

With rapid expansion of offshore renewables, a broader perspective on their ecological implications is timely to predict marine predator responses to environmental change. Strong currents interacting with man-made structures can generate complex three-dimensional wakes that can make prey more accessible. Whether localised wakes from man-made structures can generate predictable foraging hotspots for top predators is unknown. Here we address this question by quantifying the relative use of an anthropogenically-generated wake by surface foraging seabirds, verified using drone transects and hydroacoustics. We show that the wake of a tidal energy structure promotes a localised and persistent foraging hotspot, with seabird numbers greatly exceeding those at adjacent natural wake features. The wake mixes material throughout the water column, potentially acting like a prey conveyer belt. Our findings highlight the importance of identifying the physical scales and mechanisms underlying predator hotspot formation when assessing the ecological consequences of installing or removing anthropogenic structures.
Electrodeposition of indium from non-aqueous electrolytes
Authors: Monnens Wouter , Deferm Clio , Sniekers Jeroen , Fransaer Jan , Binnemans Koen
Published: April 2019

Indium(iii) is electrodeposited from organic electrolytes, in which indium(i) occurs as an intermediate species, and disproportionates to indium(iii) and indium(0) in the form of nanoparticles.
Allylic azides: synthesis, reactivity, and the Winstein rearrangement
Authors: Carlson Angela S. , Topczewski Joseph J.
Published: April 2019

Allylic azides are useful synthetic intermediates, the Winstein rearrangement complicates usage, and mechanistic knowledge can enable selectivity.
Melatonin decorated 3D-printed beta-tricalcium phosphate scaffolds promoting bone regeneration in a rat calvarial defect model
Authors: Miao Yali , Chen Yunhua , Liu Xiao , Diao Jingjing , Zhao Naru , Shi Xuetao , Wang Yingjun
Published: April 2019

3D-printed β-TCP scaffolds decorated with melatoninviadopamine mussel-inspired chemistry enhance the osteogenesis andin vivobone regeneration.
Pyrrolidine ring puckering and prolyl amide bond configurations of 2-methyl-allo-hydroxyproline-based dipeptides
Authors: Tiwari Vinay Shankar , Singh Gajendra , Gurudayal Gurudayal , Ampapathi Ravi Sankar , Haq Wahajul
Published: April 2019

Synthesis and conformational studies of C-2 methylatedd- andl-allo-hydroxyproline containing dipeptides are described.
Fluoroalkenylation of boronic acids via an oxidative Heck reaction
Authors: Lee Da Seul , Cho Eun Jin
Published: April 2019

A fluoroalkenylation of boronic acids with fluoroalkyl alkenes has been developed.
Hyaluronic acid-mediated multifunctional iron oxide-based MRI nanoprobes for dynamic monitoring of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Luo Yu , Li Yuehua , Li Jing , Fu Caixia , Yu Xiangrong , Wu Li
Published: April 2019

HA-Fe3O4 NPs hold enormous promise for highly efficient pancreatic tumor diagnosis as well as being CD44-mediated MR imaging contrast agents.
Effects of Pt metal loading on the atomic restructure and oxygen reduction reaction performance of Pt-cluster decorated Cu@Pd electrocatalysts
Authors: Bhalothia Dinesh , Lin Cheng-Yang , Yan Che , Yang Ya-Tang , Chen Tsan-Yao
Published: April 2019

Galvanic replacement dominates the structure of Pt decorated Cu@Pd nanoparticles. With proper Pt loading, it converts Cu@Pd-Pt from a surface disordered structure to multiple twin particles (MTPS) and gain the highest stability in the oxygen reduction reaction among the experimental samples.
Auditory-Perceptual Rating of Connected Speech in Aphasia
Authors: Casilio Marianne , Rising Kindle , Beeson Pélagie M. , Bunton Kate , Wilson Stephen M.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Auditory-perceptual assessment, in which trained listeners rate a large number of perceptual features of speech samples, is the gold standard for the differential diagnosis of motor speech disorders. The goal of this study was to investigate the feasibility of applying a similar, formalized auditory-perceptual approach to the assessment of language deficits in connected speech samples from individuals with aphasia.

Method

Twenty-seven common features of connected speech in aphasia were defined, each of which was rated on a 5-point scale. Three experienced researchers evaluated 24 connected speech samples from the AphasiaBank database, and 12 student clinicians evaluated subsets of 8 speech samples each. We calculated interrater reliability for each group of raters and investigated the validity of the auditory-perceptual approach by comparing feature ratings to related quantitative measures derived from transcripts and clinical measures, and by examining patterns of feature co-occurrence.

Results

Most features were rated with good-to-excellent interrater reliability by researchers and student clinicians. Most features demonstrated strong concurrent validity with respect to quantitative connected speech measures computed from AphasiaBank transcripts and/or clinical aphasia battery subscores. Factor analysis showed that 4 underlying factors, which we labeled Paraphasia, Logopenia, Agrammatism, and Motor Speech, accounted for 79% of the variance in connected speech profiles. Examination of individual patients' factor scores revealed striking diversity among individuals classified with a given aphasia type.

Conclusion

Auditory-perceptual rating of connected speech in aphasia shows potential to be a comprehensive, efficient, reliable, and valid approach for characterizing connected speech in aphasia.
Comparative study of multi‐objective finite set predictive control methods with new max–min strategy applied on a seven‐level packed U‐cell inverter
Authors: Abedi Pahnehkolaei Seyed Mehdi , Vahedi Hani , Alfi Alireza , Al‐Haddad Kamal
Published: April 2019

This article studies the design and implementation of multi‐objective predictive control (MO‐PC) of a grid‐connected seven‐level packed U‐cell (PUC7) inverter for minimising the line current total harmonic distortion (THD) and capacitor voltage error simultaneously. The weighting factor method is usually used as a simple method for solving the control problem in the literature. However, there are some difficulties and shortcomings in the calculation of weighting factors. Here, max–min selection strategy with together priority is adopted to reduce these deficiencies and improves the system performance. The switch model of the PUC inverter is derived and then applied in designing the MO‐PC for grid‐connected applications, where a controlled active or reactive power is injected into the utility. A comparative study among three strategies of weighting factor, fuzzy decision‐making and max–min selection is performed to distinguish the proposed method superiority. Experimental results are given to validate the practicality of the applied controller in regulating the line current and capacitor voltage of the grid‐connected PUC7 inverter.
The increasing of maximum lake water temperature in lowland lakes of central Europe: case study of the Polish Lakeland
Authors: Ptak Mariusz , Sojka Mariusz , Kozłowski Michał
Published: April 2019

The paper presents the results of time-related changes in maximum temperatures in lakes. The analysis was carried out on the basis of 9 lakes located in the northern part of Poland. The analysis was based on daily water and air temperatures in the period 1971–2015. Mann–Kendall's and Sen's tests were applied to determine the directions and rates of change of maximum air and water temperatures. The average increase of maximum water temperature in analysed lakes was found to be 0.39 °C dec–1, while the warming trend of the maximum air temperature was 0.48 °C dec–1. Cluster analysis (CA) was used to group lakes characterised by similar changes of maximum water temperature. The first group included five lakes in which the values of the maximum temperature trends were 0.41 °C dec–1. In the second cluster the average value of maximum water temperature increase was smaller than in the first cluster (0.36 °C dec–1). Comparing the results of cluster analysis with morphometric data show that in the first cluster lakes are having a greater average depth, maximum depth and water transparency in comparison to the lakes of the second cluster.
Oral malignant melanoma: History of malignant degeneration of a pigmented lesion
Authors: Mellouli Nour , Sioud Samah , Garma Maroua , Chokri Abdellatif , Hamdi Habib , Selmi Jamil
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Oral malignant melanoma (OMM) is a rare malignant lesion of the oral mucosa. It accounts for 0.5% of oral cavity cancers and less than 1% of all melanomas. Most cases arise on the palate or gingiva. OMM is caused by unknown factors. Benign pigmentation may precede the neoplasm by several years. The malignant transformation of benign melanosis is poorly understood. Observation: The aim of this work is to present a new clinical case of oral malignant melanoma which appeared on benign melanosis with a brief review of the literature. A 37-year-old woman presented with a blackish pigmented plaque that covered the hard palate and vestibular maxillary gingiva and a soft, friable 2 cm nodule with ulcerated surface next to the 11, 12 and 13. Fifteen years ago, the patient underwent a biopsy that was in favor of benign melanosis. Unfortunately, the patient was followed for one year and then was lost. Recently, in front of the rapidity of the extension of the lesion, she came again. After biopsy, a final diagnosis of OMM is retained. Commentaries: OMM is often asymptomatic. It presents usually as a 1.5–4 cm, blackish grey, irregular, flat or nodular lesion. The neoplasm can appear on apparently normal oral mucosa and may be preceded by benign pigmented lesions. Few articles discussed malignant transformation of benign melanosis. OMM is characterized by its poor prognosis. The treatment of choice for OMM remains surgery with wide clear margins. Conclusion: Close monitoring is needed to detect signs of transformation and to early diagnose melanoma.
Performance evaluation of rough thrust pad bearing under thermo-elastohydrodynamic lubrication using an improved iterative method
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Azam Mohammad Sikandar , Ghosh Subrata Kumar , Khan Hasim
Published: April 2019

The asperities present on interacting surfaces of a bearing influence the film formation when the oil film becomes thinner and thinner. The aim of this article is to study the effect of stochastic roughness on bearing performance under thermo-piezoviscous and elastic condition using an average flow model. To investigate the present operating conditions, progressive mesh densification method as a fast and simple algorithm has been applied. The results obtained indicate that transverse roughness generates higher pressure compared to other orientational roughness at various film thicknesses. Maximum pressure, mass flow rate and load capacity are larger in transverse roughness compared to other orientational roughness for all values of hydrodynamic roughness parameters. A large sensitivity in load capacity for transverse orientation compared to longitudinal at higher film thickness and small film thickness ratios are witnessed. The frictional coefficient in longitudinal orientation is large compared to transverse orientation at all values of film thickness ratio and step ratios. Materials with low elastic modulus undergo large deformation, resulting in generation of two sharp pressure peaks. These results may possess good acceptability to practical applications for studying the effect of surface roughness under thermo-elastohydrodynamic lubrication condition.
A one-dimensional stage un-stacking approach to reveal flow angles and speeds in a multistage axial compressor at the design operating point
Authors: Koh Fu Hai Alan , Ng Yin Kwee Eddie
Published: April 2019

Stage stacking methods commonly use a one-dimensional (1D) through flow analysis at the mean line to design individual axial compressor stages and stack these to form a multistage axial compressor. This phase of design exerts a great influence on each stage's pressure and temperature ratio. The design process for an individual stage is usually guided by design values and rules developed in previous designs. This study develops a 1D stage un-stacking method (SUSM), which uses a minimal set of data from an actual axial compressor, while reducing the needed number of assumptions. Proceeding from the premise that an actual axial compressor design fulfills all thermodynamic requirements, velocity triangle requirements and design guidelines simultaneously, this proposed SUSM calculates the pressure, temperature, velocities and flow angles as a set of dependent data at each stage of the axial compressor. In approximating a possible axial compressor design for the LM2500 gas turbine that achieves the known pressure ratio distribution, the suggested stage loading coefficient (SLC) distribution is more appropriately considered an initial well-informed estimate and further improvements to this SUSM are needed to infer the actual SLC distributions used.
Stabilization of a viscoelastic Timoshenko beam fixed into a moving base
Authors: Berkani Amirouche , Tatar Nasser-eddine
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we are concerned with a cantilevered Timoshenko beam. The beam is viscoelastic and subject to a translational displacement. Consequently, the Timoshenko system is complemented by an ordinary differential equation describing the dynamic of the base to which the beam is attached to. We establish a control force capable of driving the system to the equilibrium state with a certain speed depending on the decay rate of the relaxation function.
Educare : interactions soignantes à domicile. Un outil d’observation pour évaluer la centration sur la personne
Authors: Walger Olivier , Haberey-Knuessi Véronique , Schindler Mélinée
Published: April 2019

Contexte : Cet article s’inscrit dans une étude longitudinale contrôlée à travers laquelle nous avons émis l’hypothèse selon laquelle une éducation thérapeutique centrée sur la personne donnait plus de satisfaction aux professionnels de la santé qu’une éducation thérapeutique biomédicale centrée sur la maladie ou le traitement. Pour tester l’hypothèse, nous avions besoin d’un outil d’observation des interactions soignantes à domicile. Objectifs : Construire et valider un nouvel outil d’observation des interactions soignantes à domicile. Méthodes : Nous nous sommes inspirés du Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS) initié par Debra Roter, pour élaborer cet outil dont nous avons ensuite testé la fidélité à travers l’analyse de sa concordance interne. Résultats : Nous avons observé 25 soignants, 72 patients et 223 soins. La fidélité varie entre un α de Cronbach de 0,23 à 0,81 en fonction des dimensions analysées, avec une moyenne de 0,58. L’analyse de la régression entre les réactions des clients et les interventions des soignants corrobore une certaine validité de construit. Discussion : Bien que partiellement fidèle, cet outil nous semble un instrument pertinent pour analyser les interactions des soignants centrés sur la personne dans le cadre des soins à domicile. Son contenu doit encore être amélioré afin d’augmenter sa fidélité. Conclusion : Cet outil contribue à la mise en évidence d’interactions soignantes réellement centrées sur la personne à domicile tout en identifiant les méthodes et les éléments qui les favorisent.
Wie geht man mit dem Sterbewunsch eines psychisch kranken Patienten um, der bei einem Verein für Sterbehilfe angemeldet ist?
Authors: Spitzer Ursula S. , Linnemann Christoph
Published: April 2019

Der Behandlung psychischer Erkrankungen liegen in Deutschland und in der Schweiz die gleichen Kenntnisse über Pathogenese und Wirkmechanismus der jeweiligen Therapieoptionen zugrunde. Unterschiede im ärztlichen Handeln ergeben sich aufgrund der unterschiedlichen Ausgestaltung einiger Rechtsnormen, wobei die Möglichkeit in der Schweiz, das Leben auch mit Beihilfe Dritter beenden zu dürfen, einen wesentlichen Unterschied darstellt. Dies ist weder in Deutschland noch weltweit anderswo legal. Durch Inanspruchnahme eines Laien, der bereit ist, aktiv Sterbehilfe zu leisten, ist es in der Schweiz rechtlich möglich, den Todeszeitpunkt selbst zu bestimmen. Die Beihilfe zum Suizid, wenn sie nicht aus selbstsüchtigen Beweggründen erfolgt ist, ist nach Artikel 115 des Strafgesetzbuches straffrei. Die Anzahl der in der Schweiz erfolgten Suizide hat in den letzten 30 Jahren abgenommen auf 1029 Fälle im Jahr 2014. Zugleich ist die Anzahl der assistierten Suizide auf zuletzt knapp 1000 Fälle pro Jahr angestiegen. Mittlerweile gibt es mehrere Vereine, die eine Sterbebegleitung für Schweizer und Nicht-Schweizer anbieten, wobei meistens eine somatische Erkrankung ursächlich für den Sterbewunsch ist. Bei 3 % ist jedoch eine Depression die zugrunde liegende Erkrankung, und psychiatrische Gutachten werden durchgeführt, um die Urteilsfähigkeit attestieren zu können. Dabei wird grundsätzlich zunächst davon ausgegangen, dass eine Person urteilsfähig ist. Die Urteilsunfähigkeit muss aktiv zugesprochen bzw. bewiesen werden, was beim gutachterlich tätigen Psychiater, der Suizidalität als Symptom psychiatrischer Erkrankungen ansonsten behandelt, aufgrund seiner beruflichen Erfahrungen eine Voreingenommenheit bewirken kann, die schon vor der Begutachtung besteht und diese wesentlich beeinflusst.
Human Reproductive Cell Cryopreservation, Storage, Handling, and Transport: Risks and Risk Management
Authors: Alikani Mina , Parmegiani Lodovico
Published: April 2019

Millions of human oocytes and embryos are stored in thousands of locations across the globe. This inventory continues to grow as cryopreservation becomes more successful and more widely applied. The results of studies assessing pregnancy and neonatal outcomes following frozen embryo transfer (FET) have been encouraging, showing lower incidences of small for gestational age neonates and preterm birth compared with fresh transfers. However, many of these studies have also shown that the odds of large for gestational age births and macrosomia are higher after FET. The origin of these conditions remains unclear. Cryostorage presents many potential risks to the cryopreserved cells/tissues, including loss of viability and contamination, but risks are faced also by care providers—for example, injury and financial liability—and by patients—for example, accidental loss of their reproductive tissues, the burden of embryos they no longer wish to use and failing to meet their contractual obligations. Studies are urgently needed to explore and understand all dimensions of cryostorage to help ART clinics develop effective strategies to manage associated risks. The future of cryostorage, as for many other areas of ART and medicine, is automation.
Life Interrupted: The Nature and Consequences of Cryostasis
Authors: Malter Henry
Published: April 2019

Cryopreservation and associated cryostorage has become a well-established technique in both basic and clinical science. When the potentially lethal consequences of freezing itself are ameliorated, existence at cryogenic temperatures seems to be a form of true viable stasis that can persist for long periods of time. Natural cryopreservation and revival after long-term periods in cryostasis is reality in many species. While some evidence exists for imperfections in artificial cryopreservation protocols and storage, these protocols are for the most part successful and compatible with efficient restoration of vitality in a variety of biomaterial after freezing. Clinical protocols in use for cryopreserving and storing gametes and embryos in human-assisted reproduction are similarly well proven and supported by a large body of basic science and clinical outcome data.
Safe Storage of Gametes and Embryos: No Time for Complacency
Authors: Tomlinson Mathew
Published: April 2019

Recent serious untoward incidents in the field of assisted reproduction have once again highlighted the need for vigilance and in particular improved risk management in relation to the cryopreservation of gametes and embryos. Despite increasing levels of regulation and the requirement to adhere to total quality management practices, catastrophic incidents such as the death of an employee or the loss of a freezer full of patient embryos or sperm continue to occur sufficiently frequently for the industry to be concerned and highlight the need to make practices considerably safer. Potential losses through litigation could be considerable if the gamete or embryo bank is found to be negligent and fails to provide the necessary resources and implement recognizable control measures, which may include suitable facilities with adequate ventilation and oxygen monitoring, competent staff, and an appropriate level of well-maintained equipment; round-the-clock emergency procedures, early warning systems to deal with a failing vessel; and contingency to mitigate losses within a failing vessel and validated procedures which are embedded into the organization which lead to a high-quality end product, for example, frozen embryo while permitting a safe system of work. Since cross-contamination incidents have occurred in other disciplines such as blood cryostorage, which have led to the transmission of viral disease, the biological safety of the end product also requires careful consideration despite the fact that no similar incident appears to have come to light in the field of reproductive medicine. Implementation of risk reduction measures may include screening for blood borne viruses and possibly bacterial infection, careful selection of appropriate packaging plastics, and consideration as to whether packaging is suitable for immersion in liquid nitrogen. If not, vapor phase storage may be considered as additional mitigation. In the light of recent events, centers should place risk management of their cryofacilities and service high on the agenda and ensure that it becomes integral to future objective setting and business planning.
Evaluation of Marginal Adaptation of MTA, Biodentine, and MTA Plus as Root-End Filling Materials—An SEM Study
Authors: Bansal Rajinder , Bansal Manu , Matta Mandeep , Walia Shilpa , Kaur Baljeet , Sharma Nishant
Published: April 2019

Objective This study aimed to evaluate adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Biodentine, and MTA Plus when used as root-end restorative materials using scanning electron microscope.

Materials and Methods Forty-five extracted teeth with one root canal were cleaned and sectioned at cementoenamel junction, maintaining a standardized length of 15 mm. Chemomechanical preparation and obturation was done in all the samples, and access was restored with glass ionomer cement (GIC). Root-end cavities were prepared in all the samples after 3-mm apical root end was resected. Forty-five samples were divided into three groups with 15 samples each. Root apices were filled with ProRoot MTA in group I, Biodentine in group II, and MTA Plus in group III. The sample teeth were sectioned for examination of gaps at the margins using scanning electron microscope. The data collected were put to statistical analysis by one-way ANOVA (analysis of variance) and post hoc tests.

Results The minimum margin gap score of 2.44 μm was observed in group II (Biodentine), whereas maximum gap score of 5.63 μm was observed in group I (ProRoot MTA); 4.92 μm mean margin gap score was observed in group III (MTA Plus).

Conclusion Biodentine showed least margin gap at the interface, so it can be considered as the best root-end filling material, whereas, MTA Plus can be considered as a substitute to ProRoot MTA as a root-end filling material.
Cluster perturbation theory. I. Theoretical foundation for a coupled cluster target state and ground-state energies
Authors: Pawłowski Filip , Olsen Jeppe , Jørgensen Poul
Published: April 2019

We introduce a new class of perturbation models—the cluster perturbation (CP) models—where the major drawbacks of Møller-Plesset perturbation theory and coupled cluster perturbation theory have been eliminated. In CP theory, we consider a target excitation space relative to the Hartree-Fock state and partition the target excitation space into a parent and an auxiliary excitation space. The zeroth-order state is a coupled cluster (CC) state in the parent excitation space, and the target state is either a cluster linear or a CC state in the target excitation space. In CP theory, perturbation series are determined in orders of the CC parent state similarity-transformed fluctuation potential for the energy and for a molecular property, where the zeroth-order term in the series is the energy or a molecular property for the CC parent state and where the series formally converge to the energy or a molecular property for the target state. In CP theory, we use a generalized order concept, where the zeroth-order component of the extended parent-state Jacobian contains a fluctuation potential contribution, and use this new generalized order to treat internal relaxation in the parent excitation space at zeroth order and hence remove it from the perturbation calculation. Even more importantly, using this new generalized order concept, CP series can be determined for molecular properties of ground and excited states and for transition properties between these states, including excitation energies and energies of the excited states. The applicability of CP theory to both the energy and molecular properties and numerical results for the CP energy and molecular property series demonstrate the superiority of CP theory compared to previous perturbation models. Low-order corrections in the CP perturbation series can be expected soon to become state-of-the-art electronic structure models for the determination of energies and molecular properties of target-state quality for single-configuration dominated molecular systems.
Cluster perturbation theory. IV. Convergence of cluster perturbation series for energies and molecular properties
Authors: Pawłowski Filip , Olsen Jeppe , Jørgensen Poul
Published: April 2019

The theoretical foundation has been developed for establishing whether cluster perturbation (CP) series for the energy, molecular properties, and excitation energies are convergent or divergent and for using a two-state model to describe the convergence rate and convergence patterns of the higher-order terms in the CP series. To establish whether the perturbation series are convergent or divergent, a fictitious system is introduced, for which the perturbation is multiplied by a complex scaling parameter z. The requirement for convergent perturbation series becomes that the energy or molecular property, including an excitation energy, for the fictitious system is an analytic, algebraic function of z that has no singularities when the norm |z| is smaller than one. Examples of CP series for the energy and molecular properties, including excitation energies, are also presented, and the two-state model is used for the interpretation of the convergence rate and the convergence patterns of the higher-order terms in these series. The calculations show that the perturbation series effectively become a two-state model at higher orders.
Soft x-ray spectroscopic endstation at beamline 08U1A of Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility
Authors: Liu Haigang , Cao Jiefeng , Wang Yong , Chen Zhenhua , Yu Huaina , Zhang Lijuan , Xu Zijian , Guo Zhi , Zhang Xiangzhi , Zhen Xiangjun , Zou Ying , Tai Renzhong
Published: April 2019

A spectroscopic endstation with magnetic field, voltage, and low temperature control has been installed and commissioned at the soft X-ray beamline 08U1A of Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, which can obtain a magnetic field up to ±0.53 T, applied current and bias voltage, and cryogenic temperatures down to 14 K with a Gifford-McMahon cycle cryocooler. The endstation can perform soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy methods including total electron yield, fluorescence yield, and X-ray excited optical luminance. Combined with an elliptically polarized undulator and the in situ conditions, the endstation can effectively perform X-ray magnetic circular and linear dichroism experiments in the soft X-ray range between photon energies of 250 and 2000 eV.
Electromagnetic coupling effect in the complex integrated channel of hypersonic vehicles and experimental verification
Authors: Shi Lei , Yao Bo , Zhao Lei , Liu Yanming , Li Xiaoping
Published: April 2019

The communication link of hypersonic vehicles suffers in a complex electromagnetic channel environment with the multipath effect, large Doppler effect caused by the high speed of the hypersonic vehicles, and parasitic modulation caused by vortex turbulence of dynamic plasma sheath. The inherent coupling relationship between these effects exists even though they are with different physical generation mechanisms, which will seriously affect the reception effect of the communication signal from the perspective of the wireless channel. This study investigates the electromagnetic coupling relation between the hypersonic spatial channel and the dynamic plasma sheath channel. The coupling relation is derived in the frequency domain, and the integrated channel simulation model is established as well. Theoretical simulation results demonstrate that the harmonic spectral lines of the plasma sheath power spectrum are moved to the right with the line-of-sight Doppler frequency shift. The spectral spread of the hypersonic spatial channel is coupled to the channel power spectrum of the plasma sheath that forms multiple spectrum extension areas. The new spectral extensions caused by coupling effect will make the traditional narrowband matching receive mode face enormous challenges. The electromagnetic coupling effect in the integrated channel is also verified through channel sounding experiments on ground integrated channel emulation environment composed of plasma simulation device and wireless channel simulator. The deep understanding of this coupling effect is essential to wireless channel modeling and design of adaptive reception methods for hypersonic vehicles.
On the formalization of asynchronous first passage algorithms
Authors: Sbailò Luigi , Delle Site Luigi
Published: April 2019

Formalization of first passage schemes is revisited, and the emerging conceptual contradiction is underlined. We then show why, despite such a contradiction, the numerical results are not explicitly affected. Through a different formalization of the problem, we recast the current principles of the algorithm in a more solid conceptual framework and numerical evidence gives further justification to our claims.
Propagation properties of sub-millimeter waves in foggy conditions
Authors: Golovachev Y. , Etinger A. , Pinhasi G. A. , Pinhasi Y.
Published: April 2019

The propagation of millimeter (MMW) and submillimeter (terahertz, THz) waves in the atmosphere is subject to absorptive and dispersive effects. The resulting attenuation and temporal group delay increase in cloudy and hazy weather. In this work, the effects of water droplets suspended in the air on the propagation of electromagnetic radiation in submillimeter waves are studied theoretically and experimentally. A comparison is made between the link budget in THz frequencies and the expected attenuation for free space optics (FSO) links. Using the modified millimeter-wave propagation model, the frequency-dependent attenuation and group delay are expressed in terms of the complex refractivity of the atmospheric medium. The theory is employed to study the effect of fog and clouds on the accuracy of a frequency-modulated continuous-wave high-resolution radar operating at 330 GHz. In an experiment, the propagation of MMW was studied in a controlled fog chamber for various ranges of visibility, even below 1 m. The resulting attenuation and group delay of submillimeter waves were measured, while the properties of fog (optical visibility distance and water content) were monitored using FSO techniques. Apart from attenuation, the incremental group delay caused by fog also affected the accuracy of the radar. The experimental results were compared with those of an analytical model and were in good agreement even for very low visibility in very foggy conditions. Dispersive effects should be considered in the design of remote sensing radars operating in the MMW and THz regimes.
Investigation of near-surface defects of nanodiamonds by high-frequency EPR and DFT calculation
Authors: Peng Z. , Biktagirov T. , Cho F. H. , Gerstmann U. , Takahashi S.
Published: April 2019

Nanodiamonds (NDs) hosting nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers are a promising platform for quantum sensing applications. Sensitivity of the applications using NV centers in NDs is often limited due to the presence of paramagnetic impurity contents near the ND surface. Here, we investigate near-surface paramagnetic impurities in NDs. Using high-frequency (HF) electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, the near-surface paramagnetic impurity within the shell of NDs is probed and its g-value is determined to be 2.0028(3). Furthermore, HF electron-electron double resonance-detected nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and a first principles calculation show that a possible structure of the near-surface impurity is the negatively charged vacancy V−. The identification of the near-surface impurity by the present investigation provides a promising pathway to improve the NV properties in NDs and the NV-based sensing techniques.
Control of solution wettability on fine-textured crystalline silicon surface to obtain high-quality passivation for solar cells
Authors: Nguyen Cong Thanh , Ohdaira Keisuke , Matsumura Hideki
Published: April 2019

We developed a suitable chemical cleaning procedure for a fine-textured crystalline silicon (c-Si) surface which was prepared by the microparticle-assisted texturing (MPAT) process. This cleaning is a key to obtaining high-quality surface passivation by catalytic chemical vapor deposition (Cat-CVD) of silicon nitride (SiNx)/amorphous silicon (a-Si) stacked layers. In the cleaning, hydrofluoric acid (HF) solutions were used for surface oxide removal. Due to the weak wettability of the solution on the c-Si surface, the oxide layer was not entirely removed, leading to a bad surface passivation. We controlled the wettability of the solutions by adding methanol with different mixing ratios. We named this technique as the methanol-assisted cleaning (MAC) process. As a result, the effective minority carrier lifetime (τeff) increased from a few milliseconds to ∼7.8 ms, corresponding to an extremely low surface recombination velocity (SRV) of ∼0.6 cm/s, when the mixing ratio is ∼50 vol. %. Note that τeff reaches almost a world-record value for textured c-Si passivated by Cat-CVD SiNx/a-Si. Since the HF solution is widely used in industry for cleaning the Si surface, the control of its wettability becomes a promising and fundamental application.
An interaction-asymptotic region decomposition method for general state-to-state reactive scatterings
Authors: Zhao Hailin , Umer Umair , Hu Xixi , Xie Daiqian , Sun Zhigang
Published: April 2019

A single set of coordinates, which is optimal for both asymptotic product and reactant, is difficult to find in a state-to-state reactive scattering calculation using the quantum wave packet method. An interaction-asymptotic region decomposition (IARD) method was proposed in this work to solve this “coordinate problem.” In the method, the interaction region and asymptotic regions are applied with the local optimal coordinate system, i.e., hyperspherical and corresponding Jacobi coordinates. The IARD method is capable of efficiently and accurately accomplishing a calculation with a grid box for the Jacobi coordinate R extending several hundred bohrs for both reactant and product arrangements. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the IARD method with the reaction of H + HD, which is the simplest direct reaction, and F + HD, which is a typical reaction involving resonances with products of extremely slow translational energy and requires extremely long absorbing potential in all channels.
Fast ion driven drift instability in reversed shear plasmas
Authors: Kang B. J. , Hahm T. S.
Published: April 2019

It is shown that electron drift waves can be destabilized by trapped fast ions produced by a fusion reaction because a significant fraction of those particles reverses their precession direction in reversed shear plasmas toward the electron diamagnetic direction and can resonate with the electron drift wave. We perform a local stability analysis and calculate the consequent quasi-linear transport caused by this new instability using bounce-averaged gyrokinetic equations in toroidal geometry and under fusion reactor conditions. We consider the equilibrium distribution function of fast ions as the slowing down distribution and compare with the equivalent Maxwellian case for illustration. The instability occurs when the temperature profile of fast ions peaks sufficiently compared to the density profile, and the magnetic shear is strongly negative. The resulting particle flux of fast ions is outward, while the particle flux of main hydrogenic ions can be inward.
Coexistence of acoustic waves and turbulence in low Mach number compressible flows
Authors: Cerretani J. , Dmitruk P.
Published: April 2019

In this work, direct numerical simulations of the compressible fluid equations in turbulent regimes are performed. The behavior of the flow is either dominated by purely turbulent phenomena or by the generation of sound waves in it. Previous studies suggest that three different types of turbulence may happen at the low Mach number limit in polytropic flows: Nearly incompressible, modally equipartitioned compressible, and compressible wave. The distinction between these types of turbulence is investigated here applying different kinds of forcing. Scaling of density fluctuations with Mach number, comparison of the ratio of transverse velocity fluctuations to longitudinal fluctuations, and spectral decomposition of fluctuations are used to distinguish the nature of these solutions. From the study of the spatio-temporal spectra and correlation times, we quantify the contribution of the waves to the total energy of the system. Also, in the dynamics of a compressible flow, three associated correlation times are considered: the non-linear time of local interaction between scales, the sweeping time or non-local time of large scales on small scales, and the time associated with acoustic waves (sound). We observed that different correlation times dominate depending on the wave number (k), the Mach number, and the type of forcing.
Probing the band alignment in rectifying SrIrO3/Nb:SrTiO3 heterostructures
Authors: Kim B. S. Y. , Birkhölzer Y. A. , Feng X. , Hikita Y. , Hwang H. Y.
Published: April 2019

We have examined the band alignment in SrIrO3/Nb:SrTiO3 (001) heterojunctions at room temperature using three independent techniques: current–voltage and capacitance–voltage measurements and internal photoemission spectroscopy. We find near-ideal rectifying behavior across the junction, which provides the opportunity to establish the band alignment via Schottky barrier height extractions in the metal-semiconductor junction approximation. The Schottky barrier height deduced from these measurements agrees well with each other within ∼14%, with an average value of 1.44 ± 0.11 eV. These results provide a foundation for designing oxide heterostructures to harness the strong spin-orbit coupling and electrochemical properties of strontium iridate.
Characterizing nonlocal dispersion compensation in deployed telecommunications fiber
Authors: Grieve James A. , Shi Yicheng , Poh Hou Shun , Kurtsiefer Christian , Ling Alexander
Published: April 2019

Propagation of broadband photon pairs over deployed telecommunication fibers is used to achieve nonlocal dispersion compensation without the deliberate introduction of negative dispersion. This is made possible by exploiting time-energy entanglement and the positive and negative dispersive properties of the fiber. We demonstrate the preservation of photon timing correlations after transmission over two multi-segment 10 km spans of deployed fiber and up to 80 km of laboratory-based fiber.
Highly-accurate density-virial-coefficient values for helium, neon, and argon at 0.01 ○C determined by dielectric-constant gas thermometry
Authors: Gaiser Christof , Fellmuth Bernd
Published: April 2019

The dielectric-constant gas thermometer of Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) developed for measuring the Boltzmann constant with a relative uncertainty of 1.9 parts per million was used for determining the virial coefficients of the three noble gases, helium, neon, and argon, at the triple point of water (0.01 ○C). For this purpose, isotherms were measured up to a maximum pressure of 7 MPa. The evaluation of the highly accurate data by fitting is required to derive an extended working equation for the dependence of the gas pressure on the dielectric constant. The following values have been obtained for the second B and third C virial coefficients, with the standard uncertainties given in parentheses as a multiple of the last digit, considering literature data for the dielectric virial coefficients: helium: BDCGTHe0.01 ○C=11.925715 cm3/mol, CDCGTHe0.01 ○C=113.4958 cm6/mol2; neon: BDCGTNe0.01 ○C=10.994528 cm3/mol, CDCGTNe0.01 ○C=215.815 cm6/mol2; argon: BDCGTAr0.01 ○C=−21.233144 cm3/mol, CDCGTAr0.01 ○C=1143.339 cm6/mol2. These values are compared with the results of the latest ab initio calculations of the second and third virial coefficients.