bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of an Industrial Sensor Coating System on a Rolls-Royce Jet Engine for Temperaure Detection
Authors: Feist J.P. , Sollazzo P.Y. , Berthier S. , Charnley B. , Wells J.
Published: July 2018

This article demonstrates the feasibility of implementing an entire sensor coating system – thermal barrier coatings – on an operating engine and successfully detecting highly precise measurements. These coatings were first used on jet engines in the 1970s and are now a common feature on power generation turbines. In the experimental design, an advanced optical probe was specifically manufactured, characterized, and implemented to enable remote detection of a moving phosphorescent spot at speeds up to 350 m/s. The comparison of the sensor coating system with a standard thermocouple measuring the temperature in the exhaust gas stream revealed that the precision of the new system was similar to that of the thermocouple and was of the order of 5K. The calibration error was estimated to be of the same order. The Viper engine results demonstrate the capability of such a system to provide precise temperature readings in the most difficult environment of a gas turbine.
Rheology of magnetic alginate hydrogels
Authors: Gila-Vilchez Cristina , Bonhome-Espinosa Ana B. , Kuzhir Pavel , Zubarev Andrey , Duran Juan D. G. , Lopez-Lopez Modesto T.
Published: July 2018

Magnetic hydrogels are becoming increasingly in demand for technical and biomedical applications, especially for tissue engineering purposes. Among them, alginate-based magnetic hydrogels emerge as one of the preferred formulations, due to the abundance, low cost, and biocompatibility of alginate polymers. However, their relatively slow gelation kinetics provokes strong particle settling, resulting in nonhomogeneous magnetic hydrogels. Here, we study magnetic hydrogels prepared by a novel two-step protocol that allows obtaining macroscopically homogeneous systems, consisting of magnetic microparticles embedded within the alginate network. We describe a comprehensive characterization (morphology, microstructure, and mechanical properties under shear stresses) of the resulting magnetic hydrogels. We pay special attention to the effects of particle volume fraction (up to 0.33) and strength of the magnetic field on the viscoelastic properties of the magnetic hydrogels. Our results indicate that magnetic hydrogels are strongly strengthened against shear stresses as magnetic particle concentration and applied field intensity increase. Finally, we report an adaptation of the two-step protocol for the injection of the magnetic hydrogels that might be adequate for implementation in vivo. Interestingly, injected magnetic hydrogels present similar morphology and mechanical properties to noninjected hydrogels. To conclude, we report magnetic alginate hydrogels with adequate homogeneity and injectability character. These characteristics, together with the broad range of their mechanical properties, make them perfect candidates for cutting-edge technology.
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport in Male Athletes: A Commentary on Its Presentation Among Selected Groups of Male Athletes
Authors: Burke Louise M. , Close Graeme L. , Lundy Bronwen , Mooses Martin , Morton James P. , Tenforde Adam S.
Published: July 2018

Low energy availability (LEA) is a key element of the Female Athlete Triad. Causes of LEA include failure to match high exercise energy expenditure (unintentional) or pathological behaviors of disordered eating (compulsive) and overzealous weight control programs (misguided but intentional). Recognition of such scenarios in male athletes contributed to the pronouncement of the more inclusive Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) syndrome. This commentary describes the insights and experience of the current group of authors around the apparently heightened risk of LEA in some populations of male athletes: road cyclists, rowers (lightweight and open weight), athletes in combat sports, distance runners, and jockeys. The frequency, duration, and magnitude of the LEA state appear to vary between populations. Common risk factors include cyclical management of challenging body mass and composition targets (including “making weight”) and the high energy cost of some training programs or events that is not easily matched by energy intake. However, additional factors such as food insecurity and lack of finances may also contribute to impaired nutrition in some populations. Collectively, these insights substantiate the concept of RED-S in male athletes and suggest that a specific understanding of a sport, subpopulation, or culture may identify a complex series of factors that can contribute to LEA and the type and severity of its outcomes. This commentary provides a perspective on the range of risk factors that should be addressed in future surveys of RED-S in athletic populations and targeted for specific investigation and modification.
Injury Surveillance of Nonprofessional Salsa Dance
Authors: Domene Pablo A. , Stanley Michelle , Skamagki Glykeria
Published: July 2018

Background: The investigation sought to (1) establish the extent of injuries, (2) determine the odds of sustaining an injury, and (3) calculate the injury incidence rate in nonprofessional salsa dance.Methods: Salsa dancers completed an anonymous web-based survey containing 11 demographic background and 10 (1 y retrospective) injury history questions.Results: The response rate was 77%. The final sample of respondents included 303 women and 147 men, of which 22% and 14%, respectively, sustained ≥1 injury during salsa dance in the past year. The odds of injury was 2.00 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14–3.50) times greater (P < .05) for women than for men. Age, body mass index, and salsa dance experience were also found to be significant (allPs < .05) predictors of injury. The injury incidence rate for women and men was 1.1 (95% CI, 0.9–1.4) and 0.5 (95% CI, 0.3–0.7) injuries per 1000 hours of exposure, respectively.Conclusions: This is the first study to have described salsa dancers in terms of their injury history profile. Results indicate that the likelihood of sustaining an injury during this physical activity is similar to that of ballroom, but lower than that of Spanish, aerobic, and Zumba®, dance.
In-Line Half-Kneeling as a Motor Control Test of Core Stability: Known-Groups Validity and Reliability
Authors: Werner David M. , Barrios Joaquin A.
Published: July 2018

Context: Core stability is considered critical for the successful execution of rehabilitative and athletic tasks. Although no consensus definition exists, different components related to core stability have been identified. An important component is the domain of motor control. There are few clinical tests assessing the motor control component of core stability (MCCS). Objective: To evaluate the interrater reliability and known-groups validity of a novel test of MCCS, the in-line half-kneeling test. The test is aimed at assessing MCCS by challenging the ability to maintain a static position with minimized contributions from the distal extremities over a minimized base of support. Design: Cross-sectional group comparison study. Setting: Laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 75 participants (25 individuals with a history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, 25 uninjured Division 1 collegiate athletes, and 25 uninjured controls) were recruited from a university community. Intervention: Participants were video recorded while performing the in-line half-kneeling test for 120 seconds bilaterally. Three observers independently viewed each video to determine if individuals broke form during each test using 2 dichotomous criteria. Main Outcome Measures: Cohen’s kappa was used to assess interrater reliability, and chi-square tests of independence were used to compare break rates between groups. Results: Good-to-excellent interrater reliability (.732–.973) was seen between the 3 observers. Chi-square tests of independence revealed different break rates between all 3 groups. Compared to break rate for the reference control group (11/25—44%), those with a history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction broke at a higher rate (18/25—72%), whereas the uninjured collegiate athletes broke at a lower rate (4/25—16%). Conclusions: The in-line half-kneeling test is a reliable test between raters that can differentiate between groups expected to differ in MCCS.
Knee Surgery Is Associated With Greater Odds of Knee Osteoarthritis Diagnosis
Authors: Thomas Abbey C. , Simon Janet E. , Evans Rachel , Turner Michael J. , Vela Luzita I. , Gribble Phillip A.
Published: July 2018

Context: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) frequently develops following knee injury/surgery. It is accepted that knee injury/surgery precipitates OA with previous studies examining this link in terms of years after injury/surgery. However, postinjury OA prevalence has not been examined by decade of life; thereby, limiting our understanding of the age at which patients are diagnosed with posttraumatic knee OA. Objective: Evaluate the association between the knee injury and/or surgical history, present age, and history of receiving a diagnosis of knee OA. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: Online survey. Participants: A total of 3660 adults were recruited through ResearchMatch©. Of these, 1723 (47.1%) were included for analysis due to history of (1) knee surgery (SURG: n = 276; age = 53.8 [15.3] y; and body mass index [BMI] = 29.9 [8.0] kg/m2), (2) nonsurgical knee injury (INJ: n = 449; age = 46.0 [15.6] y; and BMI = 27.5 [6.9] kg/m2), or (3) no knee injury (CTRL: n = 998; age = 44.0 [25.2] y; and BMI = 26.9 [6.6] kg/m2). Respondents were subdivided by decade of life (20–29 through 70+). Intervention: An electronic survey regarding knee injury history, treatment, and diagnosis of knee OA. Main Outcome Measures: Binary logistic regression determined the association between knee surgical status and OA by decade of life. Participants with no histories of OA or lower-extremity injury were the referent categories. BMI was a covariate in all analyses. Results: SURG respondents were more likely to report having knee OA than CTRL for all age groups (odds ratios: 11.43–53.03; P < .001). INJ respondents aged 30 years and older were more likely to have OA than CTRL (odds ratios: 2.99–14.22; P < .04). BMI influenced associations for respondents in their 50s (P = .001) and 60s (P < .001) only. Conclusions: INJ increased the odds of reporting a physician diagnosis of knee OA in adults as young as 30 to 39 years. Importantly, SURG yielded 3 to 4 times greater odds of being diagnosed with knee OA compared with INJ in adults as young as 20 to 29 years. Delaying disease onset in these young adults is imperative to optimize the quality of life long term after surgery.
Return to Play Following Nonoperative Treatment of Partial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries in Professional Baseball Players: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Cascia Nicole , Uhl Tim L. , Hettrich Carolyn M.
Published: July 2018

Clinical Scenario: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries are highly prevalent in professional baseball players with the success of operative management being well known in the literature. Return to play (RTP) rates following nonoperative management of partial UCL injuries in professional baseball players are not well established in the literature. With a UCL tear being a potential career-ending injury, it is imperative that the best treatment option is provided to these throwing athletes. There is an increase in the incidence of UCL surgical rates and a lack of general agreement on nonoperative treatment of partial UCL injuries as reported by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons in 2017. There is also a lack of clarity on when to initiate rehabilitation, which may be due to the limited amount of studies reporting success of RTP rates and time to RTP following conservative interventions of partial UCL injuries. Evidence on the RTP rates seen following conservative management of partial UCL tears injuries can help guide health care providers in deciding on the best treatment option for professional baseball athletes who desire to return to their athletic careers. These rates of RTP will add valuable objective input when determining if conservative management is the best choice. To determine the current evidence, inclusion criteria for the literature search consisted of RTP rates following conservative treatment in professional baseball players between inception and 2018. Clinical Question: Is there evidence for successful RTP rates in professional baseball players following conservative treatment of a UCL injury? Summary of Key Findings: Three retrospective studies met the inclusion criteria and were included. Of those, 2 reported RTP rates following a nonoperative rehabilitation program of a UCL injury, whereas 1 reported RTP rates after injection therapy in subjects who attempted a trial of conservative treatment. All 3 studies considered location and grade of UCL tear. Successful RTP rates (66%–100%) were reported in professional baseball players following nonoperative treatment of partial UCL injuries. Clinical Bottom Line: Current evidence supports high success with RTP rates up to 100% after nonoperative treatment of grade 1 UCL injuries in professional baseball players and between 66% and 94% for a grade 2 and above. Strength of Recommendation: There is level C evidence for high RTP rates following nonoperative treatment of partial UCL injuries in professional baseball players.
Dual-spindle formation in zygotes keeps parental genomes apart in early mammalian embryos
Authors: Reichmann Judith , Nijmeijer Bianca , Hossain M. Julius , Eguren Manuel , Schneider Isabell , Politi Antonio Z. , Roberti M. Julia , Hufnagel Lars , Hiiragi Takashi , Ellenberg Jan
Published: July 2018

It takes two to tango

Fusion of egg and sperm combines the genetic material of both parents in one cell. In mammals, including humans, each parental genome is initially confined in a separate pronucleus. For the new organism to develop, the two genomes must be spatially coordinated so that the first embryonic division can create two cells that combine both genomes in one nucleus. Reichmann
et al.
found that at the beginning of the first division, two microtubule spindles organize the maternal and paternal chromosomes and subsequently align to segregate the parental genomes in parallel (see the Perspective by Zielinska and Schuh). Failure of spindle alignment led to two-celled embryos with more than one nucleus per cell. Dual-spindle assembly in the zygote thus offers a potential mechanistic explanation for division errors frequently observed in human embryos in the fertility clinic.

Science
, this issue p.
189
; see also p.
128
The HIV Integrase Inhibitor Raltegravir Inhibits Felid Alphaherpesvirus 1 Replication by Targeting both DNA Replication and Late Gene Expression
Authors: Pennington Matthew R. , Voorhees Ian E. H. , Callaway Heather M. , Dehghanpir Shannon D. , Baines Joel D. , Parrish Colin R. , Van de Walle Gerlinde R.
Published: July 2018

The rise of drug-resistant herpesviruses is a longstanding concern, particularly among immunocompromised patients. Therefore, therapies targeting viral proteins other than the DNA polymerase that may be less likely to lead to drug-resistant viruses are urgently needed. Using FeHV-1, an alphaherpesvirus closely related to HHV-1 that similarly causes ocular herpes in its natural host, we found that the HIV integrase inhibitor raltegravir targets different stages of the virus life cycle beyond DNA replication and that it does so without developing drug resistance under the conditions tested. This shows that the drug could provide a viable strategy for the treatment of herpesvirus infections.
The association between sleep duration, sleep quality, and food consumption in adolescents: A cross-sectional study using the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey
Authors: Min Chanyang , Kim Hyung-Jong , Park Il-Seok , Park Bumjung , Kim Jin-Hwan , Sim Songyong , Choi Hyo Geun
Published: July 2018

Objective

This study examined the relationship between sleep duration, sleep quality and food consumption among adolescents.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Data from the 2014 and 2015 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey were used.

Participants

Participants aged 12–18 years (n=118 462 (59 431 males and 59 031 females)) were selected.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Sleep duration, sleep quality and the frequencies of fruits, soda, soft drinks, fast food, instant noodle, confectionaries, vegetables and milk consumption.

Results

Short sleep durations (<6 hours) were associated with higher soft drinks and confectionaries intake than longer sleep durations (9+ hours) (adjusted ORs (AORs) (95% CIs) for ≥5 times a week for soft drinks: 1.73 (1.57 to 1.91) and confectionaries: 1.32 (1.20 to 1.46); p<0.001). Poor sleep quality, with 7–8 hours of sleep, was associated with a lower intake of fruits, vegetables and milk (AORs (95% CIs) for ≥5 times a week for fruits: 0.71 (0.65 to 0.77); vegetables: 0.66 (0.58 to 0.75); and milk: 0.80 (0.74 to 0.86); each p<0.001), and higher intake of soda, soft drinks, fast food, instant noodle and confectionaries (AORs (95% CIs) for ≥5 times a week for soda: 1.55 (1.40 to 1.70); soft drinks: 1.58 (1.43 to 1.73); fast food: 1.97 (1.65 to 2.35); instant noodle: 1.55 (1.37 to 1.76); and confectionaries: 1.30 (1.18 to 1.43); each p<0.001) than good sleep quality of the same duration.

Conclusion

Short sleep durations and poor sleep quality might be associated with higher consumption of unhealthier foods, such as sugar-sweetened beverages, fast food, instant noodle and confectionaries, and associated with lower consumption of fruits, vegetables and milk.
Introducing an electronic tracking tool into daily multidisciplinary discharge rounds on a medicine service: a quality improvement project to reduce length of stay
Authors: Meo Nicholas , Paul Evan , Wilson Christopher , Powers Janice , Magbual Marinette , Miles Kari Mae
Published: July 2018

Background

Inefficient coordination of care around discharge can increase length of stay, lead to ineffective transitions and contribute an unnecessary cost burden to patients and hospital systems. Multidisciplinary discharge rounds can improve situational awareness among team members leading to more efficient and better coordinated care. This project aimed to standardise the daily discharge rounds occurring on a medicine service to reduce length of stay. Participants included physicians, nurses and social workers.

Methods

A key driver diagram was developed to understand drivers of length of stay. Improving multidisciplinary care coordination was targeted as an initial area of focus. Stakeholder interviews were held to understand current participants challenges with the daily discharge rounds process. Baseline assessment included a review of discharges for 6 weeks before the initial intervention. A Plan Do Study Act quality improvement framework was used to implement change.

Intervention

An electronic tool was developed which highlighted critical information to be captured during discharge rounds on each current inpatient in a standardised fashion. Information was reviewed and solicited from care teams by a facilitator, then edited and displayed in real time to all team members by a scribe.

Results

The average length of stay decreased by 1.4 days (p<0.05), an improvement of 21.1%. There was no measured increase on readmission rate during the intervention period.

Conclusion

An electronic tool to standardise information gathered among team members in daily discharge rounds led to improvements in length of stay. Multidisciplinary discharge rounds are an important venue for discharge planning across inpatient care teams and efforts to optimise communication between team members can improve care.
Pericardial mass in a 71-year-old man
Authors: Grazzini Giulia , Calistri Linda , Nardi Cosimo
Published: July 2018

Clinical introduction

A 71-year-old man, with a history of chronic aortic regurgitation and negative follow-up after bladder cancer resection 10 months before, had an aortic valve surgery. Two months after, a mass near the right side of the heart had been detected by transthoracic echocardiography performed for dyspnoea, without a cough or fever. The quality of ultrasound images did not allow for an appropriate evaluation due to the outcomes of the sternotomy and the presence of calcified pachypleurite. In order to evaluate this finding, coronary CT (CCT) (figure 1A,B) and positron-emission tomography with 2-[18F] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG-PET) (figure 1C) were performed. Finally, a cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) was requested (figure 1D–F, see online supplementary videos).

Figure 1

(A) Short axis image of early contrast enhancement phase coronary CT (CCT); (B) short axis of delayed phase of the same CCT; (C) lesion on positron-emission tomography with 2-[18F] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose image (white arrow); CMR short axis (D) T2-weighted image with fat saturation; (E) T1-weighted image with fat-saturation; (F) T1-weighted image without fat-saturation.

Question

Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis of the pericardial mass?

Primary pericardial tumour.

Pericardial metastasis.

Intrapericardial abscess.

Intrapericardial haematoma.
XRCC2 mutation causes meiotic arrest, azoospermia and infertility
Authors: Yang Yongjia , Guo Jihong , Dai Lei , Zhu Yimin , Hu Hao , Tan Lihong , Chen Weijian , Liang Desheng , He Jingliang , Tu Ming , Wang Kewei , Wu Lingqian
Published: July 2018

Background

Meiotic homologous recombination (HR) plays an essential role in gametogenesis. In most eukaryotes, meiotic HR is mediated by two recombinase systems: ubiquitous RAD51 and meiosis-specific DMC1. In the RAD51-mediated HR system, RAD51 and five RAD51 paralogues are essential for normal RAD51 function, but the role of RAD51 in human meiosis is unclear. The knockout of Rad51 or any Rad51 paralogue in mice exhibits embryonic lethality. We investigated a family with meiotic arrest, azoospermia and infertility but without other abnormalities.

Methods

Homozygosity mapping and whole-exome sequencing were performed in a consanguineous family. An animal model carrying a related mutation was created by using a CRISPR/Cas9 system.

Results

We identified a 1 bp homozygous substitution (c.41T>C/p.Leu14Pro) on a RAD51 paralogue, namely, XRCC2, in the consanguineous family. We did not detect any XRCC2 recessive mutation in a cohort of 127 males with non-obstructive-azoospermia. Knockin mice with Xrcc2-c.T41C/p.Leu14Pro mutation were generated successfully by the CRISPR/Cas9 method. The homozygotes survived and exhibited meiotic arrest, azoospermia, premature ovarian failure and infertility.

Conclusion

A XRCC2 recessive mutation causing meiotic arrest and infertility in humans was duplicated with knockin mice. Our results revealed a new Mendelian hereditary entity and provided an experimental model of RAD51-HR gene defect in mammalian meiosis.
Long-term effects on income and sickness benefits after work-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy and individual job support: a pragmatic, multicentre, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Øverland Simon , Grasdal Astrid Louise , Reme Silje Endresen
Published: July 2018

Background

There is moderate quality evidence that integrating work-directed interventions and components from psychological therapies reduces sickness absence in the medium term. We aimed to extend this evidence by examining objectively ascertained income and work participation status up to 4 years after an intervention to improve outcomes among people who struggle with work from common mental disorder.

Methods

The intervention combined components from cognitive behavioural therapy with principles from supported employment, and compared its efficacy with usual care. Outcomes were derived from registry data with no attrition, in a pragmatic multisite randomised controlled trial (N=1193).

Results

The intervention group had higher income, higher work participation and more months without receiving benefits over the 10-month to 46-month long-term follow-up period after end of treatment, but differences were not statistically significant. For the group on long-term benefits at inclusion, effect sizes were larger and statistically significant.

Conclusion

There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the primary outcome in the total population. In a secondary analysis for the subgroup most at risk of permanent work exclusion, long-term outcomes were favourable in the intervention group compared with usual care. The results support integrated work and health services for people on the severe end of work participation challenges.

Trial registration number

NCT01146730.
Looking for a new test of general relativity in the solar system
Authors: Tartaglia Angelo , Esposito Giampiero , Battista Emmanuele , Dell’Agnello Simone , Wang Bin
Published: July 2018

This paper discusses three matter-of-principle methods for measuring the general relativity correction to the Newtonian values of the position of collinear Lagrangian points L1 and L2 of the Sun–Earth-satellite system. All approaches are based on time measurements. The first approach exploits a pulsar emitting signals and two receiving antennas located at L1 and L2, respectively. The second method is based on a relativistic positioning system based on the Lagrangian points themselves. These first two methods depend crucially on the synchronization of clocks at L1 and L2. The third method combines a pulsar and an artificial emitter at the stable points L4 or L5 forming a basis for the positioning of the collinear points L1 and L2. Further possibilities are mentioned and the feasibility of the measurements is considered.
Rotational effects on the Casimir energy in the space–time with one extra compactified dimension
Authors: Santos L. C. N. , Barros C. C.
Published: July 2018

In this paper we study the quantization of a massless scalar field in a rotating frame. In particular, we obtain the Casimir energy in a space–time with one extra compactified dimension for a rotating observer. We consider a uniformly rotating system on the circle S1 and present an equation for spin-0 bosons where noninertial effects can be taken into account. It is shown that the spectrum of the scalar field depends on the angular velocity of the rotating system and in this way, positive and negative modes can be defined through an appropriate choice of the angular velocity. We show that noninertial effects restrict the physical region of the space–time where particles can be placed, and furthermore that the Casimir energy in the space–time with one extra compactified dimension is shifted by these effects. In addition, we pointed out that rotating effects modify the length of the extra dimension for a co-rotating observer in this kind of space–time.
Recognition of unimodal map germs from the plane to the plane by invariants
Authors: Aslam Saima , Binyamin Muhammad Ahsan , Pfister Gerhard
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we characterize the classification of unimodal maps from the plane to the plane with respect to [Formula: see text]-equivalence given by Rieger in terms of invariants. We recall the classification over an algebraically closed field of characteristic [Formula: see text]. On the basis of this characterization, we present an algorithm to compute the type of the unimodal maps from the plane to the plane without computing the normal form and also give its implementation in the computer algebra system Singular.
On the parameter spaces of some Böröczky configurations
Authors: Farnik Łucja , Kabat Jakub , Lampa-Baczyńska Magdalena , Tutaj-Gasińska Halszka
Published: July 2018

Böröczky configurations of lines have been recently considered in connection with the problem of the containment between symbolic and ordinary powers of ideals. Here, we describe parameter families of Böröczky configurations of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] lines and investigate rational points of these parameter spaces.
Spectroscopic study on the molecular polar arrangement and anchoring mechanism in crystalline DR1 films deposited on ITO by electric field assisted PVD process
Authors: Herman H. , Siregar R. E. , Tjia M. O.
Published: July 2018

We report the results of a systematic study for the elucidation of detailed molecular arrangements in Disperse Red 1(DR1) films prepared by electric field assisted physical vapor deposition (EFA-PVD) method on ITO substrate with varied field strength. Aside from confirming the periodic molecular chain structure reported previously, the electric field induced increase of crystallinity is corroborated by the enhanced crystalline appearance in the SEM images of the films deposited with increased applied field up to a certain limit. The optical spectroscopic measurements in both the transmission and reflection modes clearly show that instead of the anti-parallel polar arrangement found previously in films deposited without the applied electric field, it is the parallel arrangements of molecular aggregates that are found in the currently produced films which offer its potential application for the generation of second harmonic (SH) light. A detailed analysis of the additional FTIR-RAS data further reveals the formation of hydrogen bondings in the head-to-tail stacking along the molecular chain responsible for its periodic structure, as well as those between the DR1 hydroxyl end groups and the oxide components in the ITO substrate which provides the molecular immobilizing or anchoring mechanism for the deposited films. This explains in turn, the improved film stability and the formation of the highly desirable parallel polar arrangement of the DR1 molecules in the deposited films, promising for SHG and other related nonlinear optical (NLO) applications.
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy measurement for liquids: Experimental configurations and sample preparations
Authors: Harun Hanin Athirah , Zainal Roslinda
Published: July 2018

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is an analytical spectroscopy technique that offers precise quantitative chemical analysis using high energy laser pulse. Although LIBS has been linked as an analytical technique with no sample preparation, this case may be a boundary in preventing it from being a more advanced technique. Regardless of LIBS countless contributions in providing measurements for solid samples, the future applications of LIBS can be explored with the aid of sample preparation methods. This review highlights the previous works of researchers that have proposed and improved various configuration methods specifically targeting to upgrade the LIBS measurements of liquid samples.
The synergistic reaction of Ag deposition and Ce dopant to modify TiO2-based nanomaterials for efficient light photocatalysis
Authors: Hua Chenghe , Dong Xiaoli , Wang Xiuying , Zhang Xiufang , Ma Hongchao
Published: July 2018

The Ce/TiO2 (Ce/Ti) and Ag/Ce/TiO2 (Ag/Ce/Ti) nanomaterials were successfully synthesized by hydrolysis method. The products were characterized by a variety of characteristic techniques to investigate their phases, morphologies, structures, optical and electronic properties and photocatalytic performance. The DRS, PL and PEC indicated that the introduction of Ce and Ag resulted in a stronger light absorption and an effective charge separation. The photocatalytic performance of both Ce/Ti and Ag/Ce/Ti were evaluated for degrading reactive blue K-NR under simulated sunlight irradiation. The results demonstrated that Ce[Formula: see text] ion doping and Ag deposition synergetic interaction effectively enhance the TiO2 photocatalytic activity ascribed to the improved photogenerated electron–hole pairs separation, enhanced light absorption and large surface area. Considering their good performance, the Ag/Ce/Ti photocatalyst can be applied in organic pollutants treatment in water and environmental purification.
Multiparty privacy in social media
Authors: Such Jose M. , Criado Natalia
Published: July 2018

Online privacy is not just about what you disclose about yourself, it is also about what others disclose about you.
Accelerating GPU betweenness centrality
Authors: McLaughlin Adam , Bader David A.
Published: July 2018

Graphs that model social networks, numerical simulations, and the structure of the Internet are enormous and cannot be manually inspected. A popular metric used to analyze these networks is Betweenness Centrality (BC), which has applications in community detection, power grid contingency analysis, and the study of the human brain. However, these analyses come with a high computational cost that prevents the examination of large graphs of interest.

Recently, the use of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) has been promising for efficient processing of unstructured data sets. Prior GPU implementations of BC suffer from large local data structures and inefficient graph traversals that limit scalability and performance. Here we present a hybrid GPU implementation that provides good performance on graphs of arbitrary structure rather than just scale-free graphs as was done previously. Our methods achieve up to 13× speedup on high-diameter graphs and an average of 2.71× speedup overall compared to the best existing GPU algorithm. We also observe near linear speedup when running BC on 192 GPUs.
Differential contribution of chronic binge alcohol and antiretroviral therapy to metabolic dysregulation in SIV-infected male macaques
Authors: Ford Stephen M. , Simon Peter Liz , Berner Paul , Cook Garth , Vande Stouwe Curtis , Dufour Jason , Bagby Gregory , Nelson Steve , Molina Patricia E.
Published: July 2018

The incidence of alcohol use disorder (AUD) is higher among people living with HIV (PLWH). The advent and continued development of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly reduced mortality, shifting the course of HIV infection to a chronic illness. However, this is associated with an increased incidence of comorbid conditions, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular complications. Using a nonhuman primate model of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection, previous studies have demonstrated that chronic binge alcohol (CBA) administration decreases whole body insulin responsiveness, irrespective of ART administration. The objective of the current study was to determine the effects of CBA and ART on insulin-sensitive peripheral tissues before the development of overt clinical symptoms of SIV disease. Our results show that CBA reduced omental adipocyte cell size, increased collagen expression, and decreased the in vitro differentiation potential of adipose-derived stem cells. In contrast, it did not alter skeletal muscle or omental or hepatic expression of insulin signaling proteins. However, ART significantly decreased skeletal muscle expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog, total mechanistic target of rapamycin, and ribosomal protein S6. In addition, ART increased hepatic phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase α and increased gene expression of key enzymes required for gluconeogenesis and fatty acid synthesis. These findings suggest that CBA and ART differentially promote adverse metabolic effects in an organ-specific manner that may underlie insulin resistance associated with alcohol, SIV, and ART. Whether this is translated in PLWH with AUD remains to be determined.
Effect of Surface Coating on Bond Strength between Etched Feldspar Ceramic and Resin-Based Luting Agents
Authors: Sebben Jader , Canevese Volni A. , Alessandretti Rodrigo , Pereira Gabriel K. R. , Sarkis-Onofre Rafael , Bacchi Ataís , Spazzin Aloísio O.
Published: July 2018

This study evaluated adhesive protocols (silane, silane and unfilled resin, and universal adhesive) of bond strength between feldspar ceramic and resin-based luting agents (RBLAs). Thirty ceramic disks were embedded into acrylic resin, polished, etched, and randomly divided into 6 groups: S-RC: silane (S) and light-cured resin cement (RC) (RelyX Veneer; 3M ESPE); SB-RC: S followed by bond (B) (Clearfil SE Bond, Kuraray) and RC; UA-RC: universal adhesive (UA) (Single Bond Universal; 3M ESPE) and RC; flowable composite resin (F) was used on groups S-F, SB-F, and UA-F, and luting agent cylinders were built. The response variables (n=20) were microshear bond strength (MPa), characteristic strength (σ0, MPa), and Weibull modulus (m). The RC groups presented similar bond strengths regardless of whether or not bond was used. The S-F group with only silane application showed the highest bond strength, while the universal adhesive showed the lowest bond strength. The reliability was only affected in the UA-RC group, which was lower than the S-F group. Silane application is fundamental since the universal adhesive only decreased the bond strength between the feldspar ceramic and the RBLAs. Overall, the use of unfilled resin did not positively influence bond strength.
Evaluation of Rock Quality of Tunnel Wall Rock Based on Rough Set Theory and Unascertained Measurement Theory
Authors: Huang Changfu , Tian Shuguang , Li Qun , Huang Jun
Published: July 2018

A method for classification of the tunnel wall rock is established based on the rough set theory and unascertained measurement theory. The saturated uniaxial compressive strength, rock mass integrity index, structural surface condition, seepage measurement of groundwater, and the angle between the hole axis and main structural surface are selected as the evaluation indexes. The problem of weight coefficients for these evaluation indexes is converted into that of significance estimating on the attributes in the rough set theory. The proposed method is verified by the wall rock data of Yuanyanghui tunnel. The results show that the proposed method has an excellent performance in good agreement with the practical situation of wall rock and is feasible to classify the wall rock. Finally, the proposed method is applied to Xihualing tunnel of Zhu-Yong Expressway. The results are basically the same as those from Delphi-ideal point method, set pair analysis method, and the actual situation, which proves that the rough set theory and unascertained measurement theory are effective for classification of the wall rock.
High-Fat Diet and Alcohol Intake Promotes Inflammation and Impairs Skin Wound Healing in Wistar Rats
Authors: Rosa Daiane Figueiredo , Sarandy Mariáurea Matias , Novaes Rômulo Dias , Freitas Mariella Bontempo , do Carmo Gouveia Pelúzio Maria , Gonçalves Reggiani Vilela
Published: July 2018

The wound-healing process is complex and remains a challenging process under the influence of several factors, including eating habits. As improper diets may lead to disorders such as dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation, potentially affecting the tissue ability to heal, we decided to investigate the effect of a high-fat diet and alcohol intake on the inflammatory process and skin wound healing in Wistar rats. Male rats (n=30) were individually housed in cages with food and water ad libitum (registration number 213/2014). After anesthesia, at day 40, three circular wounds (12 mm diameter) were made on the back of each animal, which were then randomly assorted into five treatment groups: C1 (control 1)—water via gavage and standard chow diet; C2 (control 2)—water (no gavage) and standard chow diet; AL (alcohol)—water (no gavage) and alcohol (40%) via gavage and standard chow diet; HF (high fat)—water (no gavage) and high-fat diet (50%); and HF + AL (alcohol/high fat)—water (no gavage), alcohol (40%) via gavage, and high-fat diet. Animals were treated for 61 days. Every seven days, the area and the rate of wound contraction were evaluated. Tissue samples were removed for histopathological analysis and biochemical analyses. Our results showed that wound contraction was not complete in the HF + AL rats. Two specific indices of wound-healing impairment (total cell number and levels of the inflammatory cytokine TGF-β) were increased in the HF + AL rats. We also observed decreased type I and III collagen fibers in the HF, AL, and HF + AL groups and increased oxidative stress markers in the same groups. We suggest that a high-fat diet combined with alcohol intake contributed to delayed skin wound healing through increase of the inflammatory phase and promoting oxidative stress, which may have led to morphological alterations and impaired matrix remodeling.
Multistep Wind Speed and Wind Power Prediction Based on a Predictive Deep Belief Network and an Optimized Random Forest
Authors: Sun Zexian , Sun Hexu , Zhang Jingxuan
Published: July 2018

A variety of supervised learning methods using numerical weather prediction (NWP) data have been exploited for short-term wind power forecasting (WPF). However, the NWP data may not be available enough due to its uncertainties on initial atmospheric conditions. Thus, this study proposes a novel hybrid intelligent method to improve existing forecasting models such as random forest (RF) and artificial neural networks, for higher accuracy. First, the proposed method develops the predictive deep belief network (DBN) to perform short-term wind speed prediction (WSP). Then, the WSP data are transformed into supplementary input features in the prediction process of WPF. Second, owing to its ensemble learning and parallelization, the random forest is used as supervised forecasting model. In addition, a data driven dimension reduction procedure and a weighted voting method are utilized to optimize the random forest algorithm in the training process and the prediction process, respectively. The increasing number of training samples would cause the overfitting problem. Therefore, the k-fold cross validation (CV) technique is adopted to address this issue. Numerical experiments are performed at 15-min, 30-min, 45-min, and 24-h to indicate the superiority and signal advantages compared with existing methods in terms of forecasting accuracy and scalability.
Is It Coincidence or Consequence for a Case with Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome Overlapping SLE to Develop an Immune Complex Nephropathy Followed by a Nonimmune Complex Podocytopathy?
Authors: Yoo Jinil , Villanueva Hugo , Kaliamurthy Manimaran , Kang John , Lwin Lin
Published: July 2018

Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) may occur in a primary form or in association with SLE and seldom presents with nephrotic syndrome (NS). We present a case with APS who developed recurrent NS 6 years apart. The first episode of NS occurred with biopsy findings consistent with lupus nephritis (LN) class V (membranous) with no clear evidence of SLE, and responded to a remission with steroids and MMF. On the 2nd episode, the biopsy revealed negative immunofluorescent (IF) study for immune complexes and EM findings of complete effacement of foot processes and acellular debris in thickened capillary walls, compatible with healed previous episode of membranous LN and minimal change disease (MCD), a nonimmune complex podocytopathy. The 2nd episode responded to a partial remission, primarily with a short-term steroid therapy, and subsequently developed serologic evidence of SLE. Now there is growing evidence that a subset of SLE patients with NS are found to have MCD, likely due to podocyte injury caused by nonimmune complex pathway, called lupus podocytopathy. In LN, serial kidney biopsies often show transformation from one to another class of immune complex-induced glomerular lesions; however there are rare reports describing transformation of an immune complex to a nonimmune complex LN. Since the pathogenic mechanism of lupus podocytopathy is not delineated, and so far there are no reports on transformation of membranous LN, an immune complex nephropathy, to a nonimmune complex lupus podocytopathy, it still remains as a question whether our case with APS overlapping SLE had a concomitant membranous LN and lupus podocytopathy, or consequential membranous LN and lupus podocytopathy 6 years apart.
Management of Acute Gastroenteritis in Children: A Systematic Review of Anthroposophic Therapies
Authors: Schwermer Melanie , Längler Alfred , Fetz Katharina , Ostermann Thomas , Zuzak Tycho Jan
Published: July 2018

Background: Acute gastroenteritis in children accounts for about 10% of hospital admissions and is still one of the major causes of death worldwide. As many children are treated with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and anthroposophic medicine, respectively, especially in Europe, the aim of this review was to descriptively present published anthroposophic therapies applied for the treatment of acute gastroenteritis in childhood. Methods: A complex search strategy recording a broad spectrum of CAM therapies was developed to identify anthroposophic therapy options for the treatment of gastroenteritis in children. The search was conducted in 4 general scientific as well as 3 CAM-specific databases. Results: In total, 3,086 articles were identified and screened for anthroposophic related content. The majority of hits deal with nutritional/dietary therapies. Articles considering anthroposophic approaches constitute only 3.1% (7/227) of all CAM-related articles. Among these articles 2 observational studies, 3 experience reports and 2 reviews were identified. In the experience reports, a variety of anthroposophic remedies was recommended but mostly unsupported by scientific evidence. However, observational studies for the anthroposophic medications, Bolus alba comp. and Gentiana comp., were detected. Additionally, studies investigating the efficacy and safety of Chamomilla, Ipecacuanha, Podophyllum or Tormentilla preparations in homeopathy and phytomedicine, respectively, were presented. Conclusions: Most CAM-associated therapies for gastroenteritis in childhood comprise dietary recommendations. Studies concerning anthroposophic approaches and medications, respectively, are deficient. The results of this study underline that effort is needed to evaluate anthroposophic therapies in a clinical setting.
Endoscopic Valve Removal >180 Days since Implantation in Patients with Severe Emphysema
Authors: Gompelmann Daniela , Gerovasili Vasiliki , Kontogianni Konstantina , Schuhmann Maren , Eberhardt Ralf , Herth Felix J.F. , Polke Markus
Published: July 2018

Background: Valve implantation provides a reversible effective therapy in a selected group of emphysema patients. Knowing predictors for successful therapy, the rate of treatment failure has decreased. Some patients, however, do not benefit, so that the valves may have to be removed. Objectives: To assess implant-related events, complications during valve removal, and clinical outcome after endoscopic procedure. Methods: The data of 76 consecutive emphysema patients who underwent valve removal > 6 months since implantation were collected. Results: Seventy-six patients (mean age 62 years, 54% male) underwent removal of all valves after a mean time of 624 days (193–3,043 days) since implantation. Granulation tissue was observed in 39.5% (30/76) and significant secretion in 34.2% (26/76). In 5.3% (4/76), valve removal was complicated requiring another bronchoscopy in 2 of them. In 5.3% (4/76) of the patients, one valve could not be removed and remained in situ. Bleeding requiring intervention occurred in 3.9% (3/76) during valve removal. Following bronchoscopy, there was a need for antibiotics in 34.2% (26/76), glucocorticosteroids in 1.3% (1/76), and both in 6.6% (5/76) due to productive cough or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation. Due to respiratory failure, invasive ventilation or noninvasive ventilation was necessary in 2.6% (2/76) and 6.6% (5/76), respectively, following procedure. No statistical significant change in lung function was observed following valve removal. Conclusions: Valve removal after > 6 months since implantation is feasible and associated with an acceptable safety profile. However, close monitoring of these patients with limited pulmonary reserve is recommended with particular attention to COPD exacerbations and respiratory failure.