bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multispectral incoherent holography based on measurement of differential wavefront curvature
Authors: Jianwattananukul Kittiphot , Obara Masaki , Yoshimori Kyu
Published: September 2019

We propose a technique of multispectral incoherent holography. The differential wavefront curvature is measured, and the principle of Fourier transform spectrometry is applied to provide a set of spectral components of three-dimensional images and continuous spectra for spatially incoherent, polychromatic objects. This paper presents the mathematical formulation of the principle and the experimental results. Three-dimensional imaging properties are investigated based on an analytical impulse response function. The experimental and theoretical results agree well.
Seismic performance of existing water tank after condition ranking using non-destructive testing
Authors: Nayak Chittaranjan B. , Thakare Sunil B.
Published: September 2019

There has been a collaborative attempt to address the seismic vulnerability of existing structures in India after an earthquake in Bhuj, Gujarat, in 2001. Seismic diagnosis and seismic retrofit for the existing tanks have become a remarkable issue to be worked since deterioration is a cosmopolitan and natural phenomenon. It is important to know the exact reason for distress and type of distress. To manage such issues, a proper method of repair and rehabilitation with detailed plans and methodology is required. This paper is aimed at evolving systematic investigation metrology for condition ranking procedure based on the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and strengthening by various retrofitting strategies. For that case study, an existing elevated water tank is considered, which was designed according to state of the art over 40 years ago as per old Indian Standard (IS) code. The ranking assessment of the elevated service reservoir was carried out using different non-destructive tests (NDTs). DER, i.e., degree (D), extent (E) and relevancy (R) rating technique was employed to find out the condition index of the elevated service reservoir (ESR). After finding the condition ranking of the existing structure, an analysis was carried out using SAP 2000 to find the present-day seismic requirements using IS codes. After knowing the seismic demand of the water tank, various retrofitting methods were adopted for improving the drift capacity and flexural capacity of the structure. The results were finally used to address some of the critical issues of the seismic response of the retrofitted structure in terms of a time period, mode shapes, base shear, displacement, acceleration, and velocity. From the case study result of seismic retrofit for the existing elevated water tank, it is confirmed that a relatively simple seismic retrofit method is effective to keep the tank functional after an earthquake.
Experimental investigations on thermal performance characteristics of a solar cavity receiver
Authors: Bopche Santosh B. , Kumar Shobhit
Published: September 2019

The experimentation is carried out to examine the influence of receiver aperture/opening ratio (receiver’s aperture diameter to the maximum diameter ratio, d/D), glass cover thickness and inclination angle of cavity receiver on its collection efficiency for various flow rates of ordinary water as a working fluid. Experimental tests have been conducted at lower incident energy, i.e., at lower cavity wall temperatures (less than 200 °C). The aperture ratio examined encompasses values as 0.46, 0.6, 0.7, and 0.93 for water flowing at flows of 0.8, 0.65, 0.5, and 0.4 LPM that corresponds to Reynolds numbers (Re) of 1880, 1525, 1175, and 938, respectively. The glazing thicknesses of 6, 4, and 2 mm were provided at an aperture. A modified cavity-type receiver is made inclined at angles 90°, 60°, 45°, and 30° (with 90° as down-facing receiver opening and 30° as close to sideway-facing of receiver opening). The tests have been conducted for cavity surface temperatures ranging from 90° to 180 °C. It is observed that an aperture ratio of 0.6 demonstrates maximum receiver performance for the values of Reynolds number studied, while the receiver performance exhibited reducing trend with reduction in receiver tilting angle from 90° to 30°.
Intensive weight gain therapy in patients with anorexia nervosa results in improved serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) 5a and 5b isoform protein levels
Authors: Patlaka Christina , Tubic Bojan , Lång Pernilla , Paulie Staffan , Swolin-Eide Diana , Magnusson Per , Andersson Göran
Published: September 2019

Aim

Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) exists as isoforms 5a and 5b. TRAP 5a is a biomarker of chronic inflammation and influences adipose tissue and 5b associates with bone metabolism/pathologies. The aim was to investigate the association of serum TRAP 5a/5b isoforms with fat and bone markers and anthropometric parameters in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) during weight gain therapy.

Methods

Twenty-five Swedish female AN patients, age 16–24 years, were treated for 12 weeks with a high-energy diet with six meals daily. Serum TRAP 5a/5b, markers of fat/glucose metabolism, markers of bone resorption and formation were measured. Parameters of bone and body composition were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography.

Results

BMI increased from median 15.4 kg/m2 to 19.0 kg/m2, p < 0.0001. TRAP 5a and 5a/5b ratio increased but TRAP 5b decreased during the study. TRAP Δ5a and Δ5b correlated with Δinsulin and Δadiponectin, respectively. TRAP 5b correlated with trabecular density at start but not at week 12. At 12 weeks, TRAP 5b correlated with CTX, and Δ decrease in TRAP 5b correlated to Δ increase in bone-specific alkaline phosphatase.

Conclusions

This clinical interventional study resulted in increased BMI in patients with AN. The decreased TRAP 5b protein levels confirm a role for TRAP 5b as a marker of bone resorption, whereas increased TRAP 5a seemed to derive from systemic changes in bone as well as metabolic changes. The combined detection of TRAP 5a and TRAP 5b in serum could be an indicator of improved bone metabolism.

Level of evidence

Level III, prospective interventional cohort study.
Rational Construction of Hierarchically Porous Fe–Co/N-Doped Carbon/rGO Composites for Broadband Microwave Absorption
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Xu Yingchun , Fu Ruru , Zhu Huanhuan , Jiao Qingze , Feng Tongying , Feng Caihong , Shi Daxin , Li Hansheng , Zhao Yun
Published: September 2019

Developing lightweight and broadband microwave absorbers for dealing with serious electromagnetic radiation pollution is a great challenge. Here, a novel Fe–Co/N-doped carbon/reduced graphene oxide (Fe–Co/NC/rGO) composite with hierarchically porous structure was designed and synthetized by in situ growth of Fe-doped Co-based metal organic frameworks (Co-MOF) on the sheets of porous cocoon-like rGO followed by calcination. The Fe–Co/NC composites are homogeneously distributed on the sheets of porous rGO. The Fe–Co/NC/rGO composite with multiple components (Fe/Co/NC/rGO) causes magnetic loss, dielectric loss, resistance loss, interfacial polarization, and good impedance matching. The hierarchically porous structure of the Fe–Co/NC/rGO enhances the multiple reflections and scattering of microwaves. Compared with the Co/NC and Fe–Co/NC, the hierarchically porous Fe–Co/NC/rGO composite exhibits much better microwave absorption performances due to the rational composition and porous structural design. Its minimum reflection loss (RLmin) reaches − 43.26 dB at 11.28 GHz with a thickness of 2.5 mm, and the effective absorption frequency (RL ≤ − 10 dB) is up to 9.12 GHz (8.88–18 GHz) with the same thickness of 2.5 mm. Moreover, the widest effective bandwidth of 9.29 GHz occurs at a thickness of 2.63 mm. This work provides a lightweight and broadband microwave absorbing material while offering a new idea to design excellent microwave absorbers with multicomponent and hierarchically porous structures.
Retrospective Analysis of the Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiogram Utilization Patterns in the Emergency Department
Authors: Ferguson Craig , Low Gavin , Fung Christopher
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Guidelines and high-quality studies recommend using clinical decision-making (CDM) tools over clinical gestalt when evaluating a patient for pulmonary embolism. The purpose of this study is to investigate our computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) utilization patterns and identify causal factors.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of CTPA studies ordered by emergency physicians in January, April, July, and October 2017 was undertaken. All necessary information to categorize patients by Wells' score, revised Geneva score, and pulmonary embolism rule-out criteria (PERC) was collected. In addition, various bloodwork, chest radiograph, and computed tomography results were collected. This data was analysed by the Pearson chi-square test or Fisher's exact test for categorical data and independent-samples t test for continuous variables.

Results

A total of 510 CTPA studies were performed, with a mean age was 61.6 and a 50.6% female population. 136 studies (26.7%) failed to appropriately follow any CDM tool. CDM tool failure rate was dependent on whether the study was ordered from a community (14.9%) or tertiary hospital (University of Alberta Hospital, 27.9% and Royal Alexandra Hospital, 24.6%) ( P = .038). Of these 136 studies, 31 were low/moderate risk and the d-dimer was negative. The remainder were either PERC-negative or low/moderate risk without d-dimer performed. The cumulative positive pulmonary embolism rate was 12.5%. With utilization of a CDM tool, the positive pulmonary embolism rate was 15.0%, compared to 5.9% when using gestalt ( P = .026).

Conclusions

This study confirms a high rate of CDM tool use failure, and a higher positive CTPA rate for CDM tools compared to clinical gestalt.
Hypoxia-Induced Phenotypic Transformation of Corpus Cavernosum Smooth Muscle Cells After Cavernous Nerve Crush Injury by Down-Regulating P38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Expression
Authors: Chen Sixiang , Huang Xiaojun , Kong Xianghui , Sun Zhaohui , Zhao Fan , Huang Wenjie , Ye Miaoyong , Ma Ke , Tao Tingting , Lv Bodong
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Cavernosal nerve (CN) injury is commonly caused by radical prostatectomy surgery, and it might directly lead to erectile dysfunction (ED). Currently, the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family proteins in phenotypic transformation of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cell (CCSMC) after CNs injury is poorly understood.

Aim

To investigate the role of p38 MAPK in hypoxia-induced phenotypic transformation of CCSMCs after CN injury.

Methods

In total, 20 Sprague–Dawley rats (male and 8 weeks of age) were randomly divided into 2 groups, including a sham group and CNCI group. In the sham group, rats were sham-operated by identifying 2 CNs without causing direct damage to the CNs. In the CNCI group, rats were subjected to bilateral CN crush injury. CCSMCs were isolated from the normal corpus cavernosum tissues of the Sprague–Dawley rat and then cultured in 21% or 1% O2 concentration context for 48 hours.

Main Outcome Measures

Intracavernous pressure/mean arterial pressure were analyzed to measure erectile response. The impact of hypoxia on penile pathology, as well as the expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinases, the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase, and p38 MAPK, were analyzed.

Results

Compared with the sham group, the intracavernous pressure/mean arterial pressure rate and α-smooth muscle actin expression of CNCI group were decreased significantly (P = .0001; P = .016, respectively), but vimentin expression was significantly increased (P = .023). Phosphorylated p38 level in CNCI group was decreased significantly (P = .017; sham: 0.17 ± 0.005; CNCI: 0.14 ± 0.02). The CCSMCs in the normoxia group were long fusiform, whereas the morphology of CCSMCs in the hypoxia group became hypertrophic. After hypoxia for 48 hours, the expression of α-smooth muscle actin and phosphorylated p38 MAPK was decreased significantly (P = .01; P = .024, normoxia: 0.66 ± 0.18, hypoxia: 0.26 ± 0.08, respectively), and the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and collagen I was increased significantly in hypoxia group (P = .04; P = .012, respectively).

Conclusions

Hypoxia induced the phenotypic transformation of CCSMCs after CNCI might be associated with the downregulation of phosphorylated p38 MAPK.
Catalogues for an entropic collection: losses, gains and disciplinary exhaustion in the Hunterian Museum, Glasgow
Authors: PORTER DAHLIA
Published: September 2019

This essay takes the Hunterian Museum's collections, and particularly the large collection of anatomical preparations, as a case study to isolate the role of collections in disciplinary consolidation and change. I examine a large, unstudied paper archive of catalogues and inventories that strive to organize and account for objects, but more often reveal the collection's gradual transformation through continual losses and gains. This evidence indicates that while collections provide the material basis for object-based disciplines, the end of a collection does not necessarily support established or emergent disciplinary norms. As I show, it is in fact disorder in both the documentary archive and physical collections – and especially instabilities introduced by external circumstances that individuals can exploit but cannot control – that allows a collection to be mobilized, surreptitiously, for disciplinary ends.
Stewartson-layer instability in a wide-gap spherical Couette experiment: Rossby number dependence
Authors: Hoff Michael , Harlander Uwe
Published: September 2019

Instabilities of a viscous fluid between two fast but differentially rotating concentric spheres, the so-called spherical Couette flow, with a fixed radius ratio of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D702}=r_{i}/r_{o}=1/3$ are studied, where $r_{i}$ is the inner and $r_{o}$ the outer radius of the spherical shell. Of particular interest is the difference between cases where the Rossby number $Ro=(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FA}_{i}-\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FA}_{o})/\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FA}_{o}>0$ and cases with $Ro<0$, where $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FA}_{i}$ and $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FA}_{o}$ are the inner- and outer-sphere angular velocities. The basic state in both situations is an axisymmetric shear flow with a Stewartson layer situated on the tangent cylinder. The tangent cylinder is given by a cylinder that touches the equator of the inner sphere with an axis parallel to the axis of rotation. The experimental results presented fully confirm earlier numerical results obtained by Hollerbach (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 492, 2003, pp. 289–302) showing that for $Ro>0$ a progression to higher azimuthal wavenumbers $m$ can be seen as the rotation rate $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FA}_{0}$ increases, but $Ro<0$ gives $m=1$ over a large range of rotation rates. It is further found that in the former case the modes have spiral structures radiating away from Stewartson layer towards the outer shell whereas for $Ro<0$ the modes are trapped in the vicinity of the Stewartson layer. Further, the mean flow excited by inertial mode self-interaction and its correlation with the mode’s amplitudes are investigated. The scaling of the critical $Ro$ with Ekman number $E=\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}/(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FA}_{o}\,d^{2})$, where $\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}$ is the kinematic viscosity and $d$ the gap width, is well within the bounds that have been established in a number of experimental studies using cylindrical geometries and numerical studies using spherical cavities. However, the present work is the first that experimentally examines Stewartson-layer instabilities as a function of the sign of $Ro$ for the true spherical-shell geometry.
Fast Stokesian dynamics
Authors: Fiore Andrew M. , Swan James W.
Published: September 2019

We present a new method for large scale dynamic simulation of colloidal particles with hydrodynamic interactions and Brownian forces, which we call fast Stokesian dynamics (FSD). The approach for modelling the hydrodynamic interactions between particles is based on the Stokesian dynamics (SD) algorithm (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 448, 2001, pp. 115–146), which decomposes the interactions into near-field (short-ranged, pairwise additive and diverging) and far-field (long-ranged many-body) contributions. In FSD, the standard system of linear equations for SD is reformulated using a single saddle point matrix. We show that this reformulation is generalizable to a host of particular simulation methods enabling the self-consistent inclusion of a wide range of constraints, geometries and physics in the SD simulation scheme. Importantly for fast, large scale simulations, we show that the saddle point equation is solved very efficiently by iterative methods for which novel preconditioners are derived. In contrast to existing approaches to accelerating SD algorithms, the FSD algorithm avoids explicit inversion of ill-conditioned hydrodynamic operators without adequate preconditioning, which drastically reduces computation time. Furthermore, the FSD formulation is combined with advanced sampling techniques in order to rapidly generate the stochastic forces required for Brownian motion. Specifically, we adopt the standard approach of decomposing the stochastic forces into near-field and far-field parts. The near-field Brownian force is readily computed using an iterative Krylov subspace method, for which a novel preconditioner is developed, while the far-field Brownian force is efficiently computed by linearly transforming those forces into a fluctuating velocity field, computed easily using the positively split Ewald approach (J. Chem. Phys., vol. 146, 2017, 124116). The resultant effect of this field on the particle motion is determined through solution of a system of linear equations using the same saddle point matrix used for deterministic calculations. Thus, this calculation is also very efficient. Additionally, application of the saddle point formulation to develop high-resolution hydrodynamic models from constrained collections of particles (similar to the immersed boundary method) is demonstrated and the convergence of such models is discussed in detail. Finally, an optimized graphics processing unit implementation of FSD for mono-disperse spherical particles is used to demonstrated performance and accuracy of dynamic simulations of $O(10^{5})$ particles, and an open source plugin for the HOOMD-blue suite of molecular dynamics software is included in the supplementary material.
The Hybrid Discourse of the Serbian Antibureaucratic Revolution
Authors: Ivković Marjan , Petrović Trifunović Tamara , Prodanović Srđan
Published: September 2019

This article investigates the discursive logic of the antibureaucratic revolution through discourse analysis of three Serbian dailies:Politika,Borba, andVečernje Novosti.We conceptualize this discursive logic as a “hybrid discourse,” employed by Slobodan Milošević’s faction of the political elite and by prominent Serbian press outlets in their discussions and reporting on the diverse Serbian protest movements of the day. The core of the hybrid discourse, as our analysis demonstrates, consisted of the symbolic interweaving of different types of citizens’ discontent in order to present them as one single demand for societal “reform” that resonated with the agenda of the Serbian political elite. We argue that the hybrid discourse and the antibureaucratic revolution itself had a structural role related to the crisis of systemic legitimacy in Yugoslavia. The hybrid discourse performed the operation of what we term the “reversing of the symbolic fixing of antagonism between the ordinary actors’ discontents and the structurally inevitable reforms,” introducing instead the discursive fusion of the two vocabularies.
Battles and breakthroughs: representations of dementia in the British press
Authors: Bailey Annika , Dening Tom , Harvey Kevin
Published: September 2019

Media coverage of dementia can influence public and professional attitudes towards the syndrome, shaping societal knowledge of dementia and impacting how people with dementia are cared for. This paper reports on a study of news articles about dementia published in the British press in the years 2012–2017. The analysis combines the tools of corpus linguistics, a methodology for quantitatively surveying a vast amount of electronic linguistic data, with the qualitative perspectives of Critical Discourse Analysis, which seeks to uncover dominant discourses and ideologies. The most salient discourse that emerged from this analysis was the portrayal of dementia in biomedical terms, with a particular focus on the pathological processes of dementia, and pharmaceutical treatments and research. Keywords relating to this discourse are interrogated in detail, illuminating the linguistic strategies through which the pathology of dementia and people with dementia are depicted. This study highlights the challenges that this type of reporting presents to people living with dementia and their families, and points to the relevance of a discursive approach to understanding societal perceptions of dementia.
Mill's Socialism Re-examined
Authors: Persky Joseph
Published: September 2019

McCabe and Turner raise a number of perceptive points concerning my treatment of John Stuart Mill's political economy of progress and its relation to socialism. In giving context to their points this article first tries to clarify Mill's understanding of socialism as anchored in his positive classical economics. Mill the utilitarian philosopher endorses socialism, but he anticipates its arrival based on his materialist understanding of history. In this materialist context, the article argues that Mill expects the economy of worker cooperatives to advance from one focused on relational equality to one focused on luck egalitarianism. This shift is again supported by Mill's own utilitarian principles, but it is ultimately the product of what he anticipates will be the political economy of the cooperative mode of production.
Aligning the Criterion and Tests for Brain Death
Authors: BERNAT JAMES L. , DALLE AVE ANNE L.
Published: September 2019

Disturbing cases continue to be published of patients declared brain dead who later were found to have a few intact brain functions. We address the reasons for the mismatch between the whole-brain criterion and brain death tests, and suggest solutions. Many of the cases result from diagnostic errors in brain death determination. Others probably result from a tiny amount of residual blood flow to the brain despite intracranial circulatory arrest. Strategies to lessen the mismatch include improving brain death determination training for physicians, mandating a test showing complete intracranial circulatory arrest, or revising the whole-brain criterion.
Elucidation of Differential Nano-Textural Attributes for Normal Oral Mucosa and Pre-Cancer
Authors: Nawn Debaleena , Chatterjee Saunak , Anura Anji , Bag Swarnendu , Chakraborty Debjani , Pal Mousumi , Paul Ranjan Rashmi , Chatterjee Jyotirmoy
Published: September 2019

Computational analysis on altered micro-nano-textural attributes of the oral mucosa may provide precise diagnostic information about oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) instead of an existing handful of qualitative reports. This study evaluated micro-nano-textural features of oral epithelium from scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images and the sub-epithelial connective tissue from light microscopic (LM) and atomic force microscopic (AFM) images for normal and OPMD (namely oral sub-mucous fibrosis, i.e., OSF). Objective textural descriptors, namely discrete wavelet transform, gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM), and local binary pattern (LBP), were extracted and fed to standard classifiers. Best classification accuracy of 87.28 and 93.21%; sensitivity of 93 and 96%; specificity of 80 and 91% were achieved, respectively, for SEM and AFM. In the study groups, SEM analysis showed a significant (p< 0.01) variation for all the considered textural descriptors, while for AFM, a remarkable alteration (p< 0.01) was only found in GLCM and LBP. Interestingly, sub-epithelial collagen nanoscale and microscale textural information from AFM and LM images, respectively, were complementary, namely microlevel contrast was more in normal (0.251) than OSF (0.193), while nanolevel contrast was more in OSF (0.283) than normal (0.204). This work, thus, illustrated differential micro-nano-textural attributes for oral epithelium and sub-epithelium to distinguish OPMD precisely and may be contributory in early cancer diagnostics.
Transnational Solidarity with Which Muslim Women? The Case of the My Stealthy Freedom and World Hijab Day Campaigns
Authors: Rahbari Ladan , Dierickx Susan , Coene Gily , Longman Chia
Published: September 2019

The hijab has been the subject of public and academic debates that have polarized scholars, politicians, and activists. Opinions on veiling range widely: while some view veiling as an oppressive practice, others regard veiling as an expression of women's agency and empowerment. Solidarity practices, such as movements against compulsory veiling or actions encouraging non-Muslim women to temporarily wear the hijab, are some of the ways in which activists have tried to show solidarity with Muslim women. In this qualitative study, data from the content analysis of the online platforms of two media campaigns, together with in-depth interviews with Iranian women living in Belgium, were triangulated. Women's perceptions of two solidarity campaigns were explored: the anti–compulsory veiling movement My Stealthy Freedom and the pro-acceptance World Hijab Day campaign. The findings raise questions about the effectiveness of transnational feminist campaigning in solidarity with Muslim women and, more generally, how the notion of solidarity is conceptualized in feminist scholarship.
Change of style, change of mind: lawyers’ writing manners
Authors: Mercescu Alexandra
Published: September 2019

This paper explores the relationship between style and epistemology as regards the discipline of law – especially in the Romanistic tradition – and, more specifically, its resistance to interdisciplinarity. Drawing on literary theory and discourse analysis literature, the first part of this paper examines the notion of ‘style’ in relation to academic disciplines. It argues that the variety of writing styles reflects the various epistemologies underlying the different disciplinary discourses and makes interdisciplinarity difficult to implement in general. The second part of this study borrows Roland Barthes's distinction between ‘readerly’ and ‘writerly’ texts in order to show that lawyers’ writing manners hinder the ability of law to connect with other disciplines. Against the background of the two sections, this contribution will finally include a discussion on what could be done to enhance law(yers)’s capability for interdisciplinary thinking, concluding that style might be not so insignificant a place to start with.
Periodontal disease and effects of antipsychotic medications in patients newly diagnosed with schizophrenia: a population-based retrospective cohort
Authors: Hu Kai-Fang , Ho Pei-Shan , Chou Yu-Hsiang , Tsai Jui-Hsiu , Lin Chung-Hung Richard , Chuang Hung-Yi
Published: September 2019

Aim

Compared with the general population, individuals with schizophrenia have a higher risk of periodontal disease, which can potentially reduce their life expectancy. However, evidence for the early development of periodontal disease in schizophrenia is scant. The current study investigated risk factors for periodontal disease in patients newly diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Methods

We identified a population-based cohort of patients in Taiwan with newly diagnosed schizophrenia who developed periodontal disease within 1 year of their schizophrenia diagnosis. Treatment with antipsychotics and other medications was categorised according to medication type and duration, and the association between medication use and the treated periodontal disease was assessed through logistic regression.

Results

Among 3610 patients with newly diagnosed schizophrenia, 2373 (65.7%) had an incidence of treated periodontal disease during the 1-year follow-up. Female sex (adjusted odds ratios [OR] 1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20–1.63); young age (adjusted OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.98–0.99); a 2-year history of periodontal disease (adjusted OR 2.45; 95% CI 1.84–3.26); high income level (adjusted OR 2.24; 95% CI 1.64–3.06) and exposure to first-generation (adjusted OR 1.89; 95% CI 1.54–2.32) and secondary-generation (adjusted OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.11–1.58) antipsychotics, anticholinergics (adjusted OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.03–1.50) and antihypertensives (adjusted OR 1.91; 95% CI 1.64–2.23) were independent risk factors for periodontal disease. Hyposalivation – an adverse effect of first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) (adjusted OR 2.00; 95% CI 1.63–2.45), anticholinergics (adjusted OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.05–1.53) and antihypertensives (adjusted OR 1.90; 95% CI 1.63–2.22) – was associated with increased risk of periodontal disease. Therefore, hypersalivation due to FGA use (adjusted OR 0.72; 95% CI 0.59–0.88) was considered a protective factor.

Conclusions

The current study highlights that early prevention of periodontal disease in individuals with schizophrenia is crucial. Along with paying more attention to the development of periodontal disease, assessing oral health regularly, helping with oral hygiene, and lowering consumption of sugary drinks and tobacco, emphasis should also be given by physicians to reduce the prescription of antipsychotics to the extent possible under efficacious pharmacotherapy for schizophrenia.
Characterizing the Role of Wind and Dust in Traffic Accidents in California
Authors: Bhattachan Abinash , Okin Gregory S. , Zhang Junzhe , Vimal Solomon , Lettenmaier Dennis P.
Published: September 2019

Wind is a common ground transportation hazard. In arid regions, wind‐blown dust is an added risk. Here, we analyzed the relationship between accidents and wind speed, dust events to study how they may have contributed to vehicular accidents in California. The California Highway Patrol reports information about weather conditions that potentially contributed to traffic accidents, including a code for wind but not for reduced visibility due to dust. For the three counties that contain the major dust source regions in California (the Mojave Desert and the Imperial Valley), we found greater daily maximum wind speed for days with accidents coded for wind compared to all days with accidents. The percentage of people injured in accidents attributed for weather other than wind and coded for wind were the same; however, the percentage of people who died in wind‐related accidents was about double the deaths in accidents caused by weather other than wind. At ground meteorological stations closest to accidents, we found lower median minimum visibility for days with wind‐related accidents compared to all days with accidents. Across the region, wind speed recorded at ground meteorological stations increased the probability of high satellite‐derived dust optical depth values. Over the period of 2006 to 2016, the correlation between daily minimum visibility and daily maximum satellite‐estimated dust optical depth was negative. Our analysis of the correlation between dust and accidents shows that with increased wind storm and dust‐event frequency in the future, the risk of traffic incidents due to wind and dust could increase.
3D-Integrated metasurfaces for full-colour holography
Authors: Hu Yueqiang , Luo Xuhao , Chen Yiqin , Liu Qing , Li Xin , Wang Yasi , Liu Na , Duan Huigao
Published: September 2019

Metasurfaces enable the design of optical elements by engineering the wavefront of light at the subwavelength scale. Due to their ultrathin and compact characteristics, metasurfaces possess great potential to integrate multiple functions in optoelectronic systems for optical device miniaturisation. However, current research based on multiplexing in the 2D plane has not fully utilised the capabilities of metasurfaces for multi-tasking applications. Here, we demonstrate a 3D-integrated metasurface device by stacking a hologram metasurface on a monolithic Fabry–Pérot cavity-based colour filter microarray to simultaneously achieve low-crosstalk, polarisation-independent, high-efficiency, full-colour holography, and microprint. The dual functions of the device outline a novel scheme for data recording, security encryption, colour displays, and information processing. Our 3D integration concept can be extended to achieve multi-tasking flat optical systems by including a variety of functional metasurface layers, such as polarizers, metalenses, and others.
Abnormal composition of gut microbiota is associated with resilience versus susceptibility to inescapable electric stress
Authors: Zhang Kai , Fujita Yuko , Chang Lijia , Qu Youge , Pu Yaoyu , Wang Siming , Shirayama Yukihiko , Hashimoto Kenji
Published: September 2019

Increasing evidence indicates that abnormalities in the composition of gut microbiota might play a role in stress-related disorders. In the learned helplessness (LH) paradigm, ~60–70% rats are susceptible to LH in the face of inescapable electric stress. The role of gut microbiota in susceptibility in the LH paradigm is unknown. In this study, male rats were exposed to inescapable electric stress under the LH paradigm. The compositions of gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids were assessed in fecal samples from control rats, non-LH (resilient) rats, and LH (susceptible) rats. Members of the order Lactobacillales were present at significantly higher levels in the susceptible rats than in control and resilient rats. At the family level, the number of Lactobacillaceae in the susceptible rats was significantly higher than in control and resilient rats. At the genus level, the numbers of Lactobacillus, Clostridium cluster III, and Anaerofustis in susceptible rats were significantly higher than in control and resilient rats. Levels of acetic acid and propionic acid in the feces of susceptible rats were lower than in those of control and resilient rats; however, the levels of lactic acid in the susceptible rats were higher than those of control and resilient rats. There was a positive correlation between lactic acid and Lactobacillus levels among these three groups. These findings suggest that abnormal composition of the gut microbiota, including organisms such as Lactobacillus, contributes to susceptibility versus resilience to LH in rats subjected to inescapable electric foot shock. Therefore, it appears likely that brain–gut axis plays a role in stress susceptibility in the LH paradigm.
Stress-resistant corals may not acclimatize to ocean warming but maintain heat tolerance under cooler temperatures
Authors: Schoepf Verena , Carrion Steven A. , Pfeifer Svenja M. , Naugle Melissa , Dugal Laurence , Bruyn Jennifer , McCulloch Malcolm T.
Published: September 2019

Naturally heat-resistant coral populations hold significant potential for facilitating coral reef survival under rapid climate change. However, it remains poorly understood whether they can acclimatize to ocean warming when superimposed on their already thermally-extreme habitats. Furthermore, it is unknown whether they can maintain their heat tolerance upon larval dispersal or translocation to cooler reefs. We test this in a long-term mesocosm experiment using stress-resistant corals from thermally-extreme reefs in NW Australia. We show that these corals have a remarkable ability to maintain their heat tolerance and health despite acclimation to 3–6 °C cooler, more stable temperatures over 9 months. However, they are unable to increase their bleaching thresholds after 6-months acclimation to + 1 °C warming. This apparent rigidity in the thermal thresholds of even stress-resistant corals highlights the increasing vulnerability of corals to ocean warming, but provides a rationale for human-assisted migration to restore cooler, degraded reefs with corals from thermally-extreme reefs.
Metallic-mean quasicrystals as aperiodic approximants of periodic crystals
Authors: Nakakura Joichiro , Ziherl Primož , Matsuzawa Junichi , Dotera Tomonari
Published: September 2019

Ever since the discovery of quasicrystals, periodic approximants of these aperiodic structures constitute a very useful experimental and theoretical device. Characterized by packing motifs typical for quasicrystals arranged in large unit cells, these approximants bridge the gap between periodic and aperiodic positional order. Here we propose a class of sequences of 2-D quasicrystals that consist of increasingly larger periodic domains and are marked by an ever more pronounced periodicity, thereby representing aperiodic approximants of a periodic crystal. Consisting of small and large triangles and rectangles, these tilings are based on the metallic means of multiples of 3, have a 6-fold rotational symmetry, and can be viewed as a projection of a non-cubic 4-D superspace lattice. Together with the non-metallic-mean three-tile hexagonal tilings, they provide a comprehensive theoretical framework for the complex structures seen, e.g., in some binary nanoparticles, oxide films, and intermetallic alloys.
Long-read assembly of the Chinese rhesus macaque genome and identification of ape-specific structural variants
Authors: He Yaoxi , Luo Xin , Zhou Bin , Hu Ting , Meng Xiaoyu , Audano Peter A. , Kronenberg Zev N. , Eichler Evan E. , Jin Jie , Guo Yongbo , Yang Yanan , Qi Xuebin , Su Bing
Published: September 2019

We present a high-quality de novo genome assembly (rheMacS) of the Chinese rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) using long-read sequencing and multiplatform scaffolding approaches. Compared to the current Indian rhesus macaque reference genome (rheMac8), rheMacS increases sequence contiguity 75-fold, closing 21,940 of the remaining assembly gaps (60.8 Mbp). We improve gene annotation by generating more than two million full-length transcripts from ten different tissues by long-read RNA sequencing. We sequence resolve 53,916 structural variants (96% novel) and identify 17,000 ape-specific structural variants (ASSVs) based on comparison to ape genomes. Many ASSVs map within ChIP-seq predicted enhancer regions where apes and macaque show diverged enhancer activity and gene expression. We further characterize a subset that may contribute to ape- or great-ape-specific phenotypic traits, including taillessness, brain volume expansion, improved manual dexterity, and large body size. The rheMacS genome assembly serves as an ideal reference for future biomedical and evolutionary studies.
Nanocrystal superlattices as phonon-engineered solids and acoustic metamaterials
Authors: Yazdani Nuri , Jansen Maximilian , Bozyigit Deniz , Lin Weyde M. M. , Volk Sebastian , Yarema Olesya , Yarema Maksym , Juranyi Fanni , Huber Sebastian D. , Wood Vanessa
Published: September 2019

Phonon engineering of solids enables the creation of materials with tailored heat-transfer properties, controlled elastic and acoustic vibration propagation, and custom phonon–electron and phonon–photon interactions. These can be leveraged for energy transport, harvesting, or isolation applications and in the creation of novel phonon-based devices, including photoacoustic systems and phonon-communication networks. Here we introduce nanocrystal superlattices as a platform for phonon engineering. Using a combination of inelastic neutron scattering and modeling, we characterize superlattice-phonons in assemblies of colloidal nanocrystals and demonstrate that they can be systematically engineered by tailoring the constituent nanocrystals, their surfaces, and the topology of superlattice. This highlights that phonon engineering can be effectively carried out within nanocrystal-based devices to enhance functionality, and that solution processed nanocrystal assemblies hold promise not only as engineered electronic and optical materials, but also as functional metamaterials with phonon energy and length scales that are unreachable by traditional architectures.
Discrepant gut microbiota markers for the classification of obesity-related metabolic abnormalities
Authors: Zeng Qiang , Li Dongfang , He Yuan , Li Yinhu , Yang Zhenyu , Zhao Xiaolan , Liu Yanhong , Wang Yu , Sun Jing , Feng Xin , Wang Fei , Chen Jiaxing , Zheng Yuejie , Yang Yonghong , Sun Xuelin , Xu Ximing , Wang Daxi , Kenney Toby , Jiang Yiqi , Gu Hong , Li Yongli , Zhou Ke , Li Shuaicheng , Dai Wenkui
Published: September 2019

The gut microbiota (GM) is related to obesity and other metabolic diseases. To detect GM markers for obesity in patients with different metabolic abnormalities and investigate their relationships with clinical indicators, 1,914 Chinese adults were enrolled for 16S rRNA gene sequencing in this retrospective study. Based on GM composition, Random forest classifiers were constructed to screen the obesity patients with (Group OA) or without metabolic diseases (Group O) from healthy individuals (Group H), and high accuracies were observed for the discrimination of Group O and Group OA (areas under the receiver operating curve (AUC) equal to 0.68 and 0.76, respectively). Furthermore, six GM markers were shared by obesity patients with various metabolic disorders (Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, Blautia, Alistipes, Romboutsia and Roseburia). As for the discrimination with Group O, Group OA exhibited low accuracy (AUC = 0.57). Nonetheless, GM classifications to distinguish between Group O and the obese patients with specific metabolic abnormalities were not accurate (AUC values from 0.59 to 0.66). Common biomarkers were identified for the obesity patients with high uric acid, high serum lipids and high blood pressure, such as Clostridium XIVa, Bacteroides and Roseburia. A total of 20 genera were associated with multiple significant clinical indicators. For example, Blautia, Romboutsia, Ruminococcus2, Clostridium sensu stricto and Dorea were positively correlated with indicators of bodyweight (including waistline and body mass index) and serum lipids (including low density lipoprotein, triglyceride and total cholesterol). In contrast, the aforementioned clinical indicators were negatively associated with Bacteroides, Roseburia, Butyricicoccus, Alistipes, Parasutterella, Parabacteroides and Clostridium IV. Generally, these biomarkers hold the potential to predict obesity-related metabolic abnormalities, and interventions based on these biomarkers might be beneficial to weight loss and metabolic risk improvement.
Reversal of Surfactant Protein B Deficiency in Patient Specific Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Derived Lung Organoids by Gene Therapy
Authors: Leibel Sandra Lawrynowicz , Winquist Alicia , Tseu Irene , Wang Jinxia , Luo Daochun , Shojaie Sharareh , Nathan Neal , Snyder Evan , Post Martin
Published: September 2019

Surfactant protein B (SFTPB) deficiency is a fatal disease affecting newborn infants. Surfactant is produced by alveolar type II cells which can be differentiated in vitro from patient specific induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived lung organoids. Here we show the differentiation of patient specific iPSCs derived from a patient with SFTPB deficiency into lung organoids with mesenchymal and epithelial cell populations from both the proximal and distal portions of the human lung. We alter the deficiency by infecting the SFTPB deficient iPSCs with a lentivirus carrying the wild type SFTPB gene. After differentiating the mutant and corrected cells into lung organoids, we show expression of SFTPB mRNA during endodermal and organoid differentiation but the protein product only after organoid differentiation. We also show the presence of normal lamellar bodies and the secretion of surfactant into the cell culture medium in the organoids of lentiviral infected cells. These findings suggest that a lethal lung disease can be targeted and corrected in a human lung organoid model in vitro.
Renoprotective effects of a novel cMet agonistic antibody on kidney fibrosis
Authors: Kim Yong Chul , Lee Junghun , An Jung Nam , Kim Jin Hyuk , Choi Young-Wook , Li Lilin , Kwon Sang Ho , Lee Mi-Young , Lee Boeun , Jeong Jae-Gyun , Yu Seung-Shin , Lim Chun Soo , Kim Yon Su , Kim Sunyoung , Yang Seung Hee , Lee Jung Pyo
Published: September 2019

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor, cMet, activate biological pathways necessary for repair and regeneration following kidney injury. Because HGF is a highly unstable molecule in its biologically active form, we asked whether a monoclonal antibody (Ab) that displays full agonist activity at the receptor could protect the kidney from fibrosis. We attempted to determine whether the cMet agonistic Ab might reduce fibrosis, the final common pathway for chronic kidney diseases (CKD). A mouse model of kidney fibrosis disease induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction was introduced and subsequently validated with primary cultured human proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs). In kidney biopsy specimens from patients with CKD, cMet immunohistochemistry staining showed a remarkable increase compared with patients with normal renal functions. cMet Ab treatment significantly increased the levels of phospho-cMet and abrogated the protein expression of fibrosis markers such as fibronectin, collagen 1, and αSMA as well as Bax2, which is a marker of apoptosis triggered by recombinant TGF-β1 in PTECs. Remarkably, injections of cMet Ab significantly prevented kidney fibrosis in obstructed kidneys as quantified by Masson trichrome staining. Consistent with these data, cMet Ab treatment decreased the expression of fibrosis markers, such as collagen1 and αSMA, whereas the expression of E-cadherin, which is a cell-cell adhesion molecule, was restored. In conclusion, cMet-mediated signaling may play a considerable role in kidney fibrosis. Additionally, the cMet agonistic Ab may be a valuable substitute for HGF because it is more easily available in a biologically active, stable, and purified form.
Risk factors and treatment outcomes of severe Clostridioides difficile infection in Singapore
Authors: Tay H. L. , Chow A. , Ng T. M. , Lye D. C.
Published: September 2019

Severe Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is associated with poorer outcomes. We aimed to identify risk factors and treatment outcomes of severe CDI. This was a retrospective cohort study. Eligible patients from January to December 2012 were recruited. Severity definitions were in accordance with SHEA/IDSA 2010 guideline. Treatment outcomes were (1) diarrhoea persistence, (2) CDI recurrence, (3) major complications despite treatment and (4) 30-day mortality. Two hundred and seventy-two patients were included and 40% had severe CDI. High APACHE II score (aOR 1.112, 95% CI 1.014–1.219; p < 0.05), high C-reactive protein (aOR 1.011; 95% CI 1.004–1.019; p < 0.01) and carbapenem usage in past 90 days (aOR 3.259; 95% CI 1.105–9.609; p < 0.05) were independent risk factors of severe CDI. Majority received oral metronidazole as sole treatment (92.6% for mild-moderate, 83.9% for severe, 77% for severe-complicated). Diarrhoea persistence was 32% versus 50% (p < 0.01), CDI recurrence 16.6% versus 16.5% (p > 0.05), major complications 1.2% versus 11% (p < 0.001) and 30-day mortality 7.4% versus 20.2% (p < 0.01) in mild-moderate CDI and severe CDI groups respectively. Oral metronidazole for severe CDI was associated with persistent diarrhoea, major complications and mortality. Risk factors for severe CDI can guide doctors in diagnosing severe CDI earlier and instituting oral vancomycin treatment to improve outcomes from severe CDI.