bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Diverticulitis with Prolonged Spondyloarthritis: An Analysis of the ASAS-COMOSPA International Cohort
Authors: Derakhshan Mohammad , Goodson Nicola , Packham Jonathan , Sengupta Raj , Molto Anna , Marzo-Ortega Helena , Siebert Stefan ,   BRITSpA and the ASAS-COMOSPA Investigators
Published: February 2019

This study examined the relationship between spondyloarthritis (SpA) duration and gastrointestinal comorbidities other than inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We evaluated the association between SpA duration and upper gastrointestinal ulcers, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and diverticulitis using data from a large international cross-sectional study. Binary regression models were created, adjusted for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, steroids, IBD history and country. Subgroup analysis was performed by disease phenotype. The data of 3923 participants were analysed. The prevalence of gastrointestinal conditions were 10.7% upper gastrointestinal ulcers; 4.7% viral hepatitis and 1.5% diverticulitis. While SpA duration was not associated with upper gastrointestinal ulcers, HBV or HCV, longer SpA duration was significantly associated with diverticulitis (odds ratios (OR) = 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–1.34), reflecting an 18% increase for every five years of SpA duration. Other significant associations with diverticulitis were age and high alcohol intake but not medication history. In subgroup analyses, the association was strongest with those with axial SpA. The reasons for this association of increased diverticulitis with disease duration in SpA, especially those with axial disease, are unclear but may reflect shared underlying gut inflammation. Diverticulitis should be considered, in addition to IBD, when SpA patients present with lower gastrointestinal symptoms.
Changes in Farmland Ownership in Oregon, USA
Authors: Horst Megan
Published: February 2019

The ownership of agricultural land has important implications for food systems, the environment, farmer livelihoods, and rural economies, communities, and landscapes. This article examines the changing ownership of agricultural lands in the United States, specifically focusing on Oregon, a state with a history of family farm ownership. I first review historical and recent trends in farmland ownership, including private enclosure, consolidation, investor purchase, development, and rising farmland prices. Next, I examine the county records for all Oregon farm properties that sold between 2010 and 2015. I provide summary statistics about the volume and pace of transactions, price per acre, and the type of owner. I also offer brief cases on top purchasers, attempting to understand their intentions with the farm properties. The findings demonstrate a rapid turnover in Oregon farmland and high prices, though that varies across the state. Agricultural corporations, investment companies, and real estate and development interests are buying large amounts of farmland. I conclude by offering reflections on the implications of the changing ownership and direction for further research.
Adhesion and Friction for Three Tire Tread Compounds
Authors: Tolpekina T. V. , Persson B. N. J.
Published: February 2019

We study the adhesion and friction for three tire tread rubber compounds. The adhesion study is for a smooth silica glass ball in contact with smooth sheets of the rubber in dry condition and in water. The friction studies are for rubber sliding on smooth glass, concrete, and asphalt road surfaces. We have performed the Leonardo da Vinci-type friction experiments and experiments using a linear friction tester. On the asphalt road, we also performed vehicle breaking distance measurements. The linear and non-linear viscoelastic properties of the rubber compounds were measured in shear and tension modes using two different Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) instruments. The surface topography of all surfaces was determined using stylus measurements and scanned-in silicon rubber replicas. The experimental data were analyzed using the Persson contact mechanics and rubber friction theory.
Effect of Different Pressures on Microstructure and Mechanical Performance of F-III Fibers in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Fluid
Authors: Ding Xiaoma , Kong Haijuan , Qiao Mengmeng , Hu Zhifeng , Yu Muhuo
Published: February 2019

F-III fibers were treated at different pressures in supercritical carbon dioxide fluid and all samples including untreated and treated F-III fibers were characterized by a mechanical performance tester, wide-angle X-ray scattering and small-angle X-ray scattering. By studying the relationship between mechanical performance and microstructural changes of the samples, it was found that microstructural change was the main cause of variation in mechanical performance. Results revealed that the maximum tensile strength and modulus of F-III fibers were acquired at 14 MPa within the pressure range of 8 MPa to 16 MPa when the temperature, tension and time were 250 °C, 6 g·d−1 and 40 min, respectively. Correspondingly, the microstructures of the samples, including the phase fraction, crystal size, orientation factor, fibril radius, fibril length and misorientation angle, have been investigated. It was fortunate that the supercritical carbon dioxide fluid could be used as a medium during the hot-stretch process to improve the mechanical performance of F-III fibers, although the treatment temperature was lower than the glass transition temperature of the F-III fibers.
Mathematical Models as Tools to Predict the Release Kinetic of Fluorescein from Lyotropic Colloidal Liquid Crystals
Authors: Paolino Donatella , Tudose Andra , Celia Christian , Di Marzio Luisa , Cilurzo Felisa , Mircioiu Constantin
Published: February 2019

In this study, we investigated the release kinetic of fluorescein from colloidal liquid crystals made from monoglyceride and different non-ionic surfactants. The crystals were physicochemically characterized and the release experiments were carried out under the sink conditions, while mathematical models were described as extrapolations from solutions of the diffusion equation, in different initial and boundary conditions imposed by pharmaceutical formulations. The diffusion equation was solved using Laplace and Fourier transformed functions for release kinetics from infinite reservoirs in a semi-infinite medium. Solutions represents a general square root law and can be applied for the release kinetic of fluorescein from lyotropic colloidal liquid crystals. Akaike, Schwartz, and Imbimbo criteria were used to establish the appropriate mathematical model and the hierarchy of the performances of different models applied to the release experiments. The Fisher statistic test was applied to obtain the significance of differences among mathematical models. Differences of mathematical criteria demonstrated that small or no significant statistic differences were carried out between the various applied models and colloidal formulations. Phenomenological models were preferred over the empirical and semi-empirical ones. The general square root model shows that the diffusion-controlled release of fluorescein is the mathematical models extrapolated for lyotropic colloidal liquid crystals.
A Classification of Symmetric (1, 1)-Coherent Pairs of Linear Functionals
Authors: Dueñas Ruiz Herbert , Marcellán Francisco , Molano Alejandro
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we study a classification of symmetric ( 1 , 1 ) -coherent pairs by using a symmetrization process. In particular, the positive-definite case is carefully described.
Some New Generalization of Darbo’s Fixed Point Theorem and Its Application on Integral Equations
Authors: Das Anupam , Hazarika Bipan , Kumam Poom
Published: February 2019

In this article, we propose some new fixed point theorem involving measure of noncompactness and control function. Further, we prove the existence of a solution of functional integral equations in two variables by using this fixed point theorem in Banach Algebra, and also illustrate the results with the help of an example.
Some Mann-Type Implicit Iteration Methods for Triple Hierarchical Variational Inequalities, Systems Variational Inequalities and Fixed Point Problems
Authors: Ceng Lu-Chuan , Yang Xiaoye
Published: February 2019

This paper discusses a monotone variational inequality problem with a variational inequality constraint over the common solution set of a general system of variational inequalities (GSVI) and a common fixed point (CFP) of a countable family of nonexpansive mappings and an asymptotically nonexpansive mapping in Hilbert spaces, which is called the triple hierarchical constrained variational inequality (THCVI), and introduces some Mann-type implicit iteration methods for solving it. Norm convergence of the proposed methods of the iteration methods is guaranteed under some suitable assumptions.
A Study of Generalized Laguerre Poly-Genocchi Polynomials
Authors: Khan Nabiullah , Usman Talha , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy
Published: February 2019

A variety of polynomials, their extensions, and variants, have been extensively investigated, mainly due to their potential applications in diverse research areas. Motivated by their importance and potential for applications in a variety of research fields, numerous polynomials and their extensions have recently been introduced and investigated. In this paper, we introduce generalized Laguerre poly-Genocchi polynomials and investigate some of their properties and identities, which were found to extend some known results. Among them, an implicit summation formula and addition-symmetry identities for generalized Laguerre poly-Genocchi polynomials are derived. The results presented here, being very general, are pointed out to reduce to yield formulas and identities for relatively simple polynomials and numbers.
Friction Stir Welding of Dissimilar Aluminum Alloy Combinations: State-of-the-Art
Authors: Patel Vivek , Li Wenya , Wang Guoqing , Wang Feifan , Vairis Achilles , Niu Pengliang
Published: February 2019

Friction stir welding (FSW) has enjoyed great success in joining aluminum alloys. As lightweight structures are designed in higher numbers, it is only natural that FSW is being explored to join dissimilar aluminum alloys. The use of different aluminum alloy combinations in applications offers the combined benefit of cost and performance in the same component. This review focuses on the application of FSW in dissimilar aluminum alloy combinations in order to disseminate research this topic. The review details published works on FSWed dissimilar aluminum alloys. The detailed summary of literature lists welding parameters for the different aluminum alloy combinations. Furthermore, auxiliary welding parameters such as positioning of the alloy, tool rotation speed, welding speed and tool geometry are discussed. Microstructural features together with joint mechanical properties, like hardness and tensile strength measurements, are presented. At the end, new directions for the joining of dissimilar aluminum alloy combinations should guide further research to extend as well as to improve the process, which is expected to raise further interest on the topic.
Feed Restriction Reveals Distinct Serum Metabolome Profiles in Chickens Divergent in Feed Efficiency Traits
Authors: Metzler-Zebeli Barbara U. , Siegerstetter Sina-Catherine , Magowan Elizabeth , Lawlor Peadar G. , O’Connell Niamh E. , Zebeli Qendrim
Published: February 2019

Restrictive feeding influences systemic metabolism of nutrients; however, this impact has not been evaluated in chickens of diverging feed efficiency. This study investigated the effect of ad libitum versus restrictive feeding (85% of ad libitum) on the serum metabolome and white blood cell composition in chickens of diverging residual feed intake (RFI; metric for feed efficiency). Blood samples were collected between days 33 and 37 post-hatch. While serum glucose was similar, serum uric acid and cholesterol were indicative of the nutritional status and chicken’s RFI, respectively. Feed restriction and RFI rank caused distinct serum metabolome profiles, whereby restrictive feeding also increased the blood lymphocyte proportion. Most importantly, 10 amino acids were associated with RFI rank in birds, whereas restrictive feeding affected almost all detected lysophosphatidylcholines, with 3 being higher and 6 being lower in restrictively compared to ad libitum fed chickens. As indicated by relevance networking, isoleucine, lysine, valine, histidine, and ornithine were the most discriminant for high RFI, whereas 3 biogenic amines (carnosine, putrescine, and spermidine) and 3 diacyl-glycerophospholipids (38:4, 38:5, and 40:5) positively correlated with feed intake and body weight gain, respectively. Only for taurine, feed intake mostly explained the RFI-associated variation, whereas for most metabolites, other host physiological factors played a greater role for the RFI-associated differences, and was potentially related to insulin-signaling, phospholipase A2, and arachidonic acid metabolism. Alterations in the hepatic synthesis of long-chain fatty acids and the need for precursors for gluconeogenesis due to varying energy demand may explain the marked differences in serum metabolite profiles in ad libitum and restrictively fed birds.
Weinreb Amides as Directing Groups for Transition Metal-Catalyzed C-H Functionalizations
Authors: Kalepu Jagadeesh , Pilarski Lukasz T.
Published: February 2019

Weinreb amides are a privileged, multi-functional group with well-established utility in classical synthesis. Recently, several studies have demonstrated the use of Weinreb amides as interesting substrates in transition metal-catalyzed C-H functionalization reactions. Herein, we review this part of the literature, including the metal catalysts, transformations explored so far and specific insights from mechanistic studies.
Fabrication of Electrospun Polymer Nanofibers with Diverse Morphologies
Authors: Wang Chenyu , Wang Jun , Zeng Liangdan , Qiao Ziwen , Liu Xiaochen , Liu He , Zhang Jin , Ding Jianxun
Published: February 2019

Fiber structures with nanoscale diameters offer many fascinating features, such as excellent mechanical properties and high specific surface areas, making them attractive for many applications. Among a variety of technologies for preparing nanofibers, electrospinning is rapidly evolving into a simple process, which is capable of forming diverse morphologies due to its flexibility, functionality, and simplicity. In such review, more emphasis is put on the construction of polymer nanofiber structures and their potential applications. Other issues of electrospinning device, mechanism, and prospects, are also discussed. Specifically, by carefully regulating the operating condition, modifying needle device, optimizing properties of the polymer solutions, some unique structures of core–shell, side-by-side, multilayer, hollow interior, and high porosity can be obtained. Taken together, these well-organized polymer nanofibers can be of great interest in biomedicine, nutrition, bioengineering, pharmaceutics, and healthcare applications.
The Effect of Randomly Providing Nutri-Score Information on Actual Purchases in Colombia
Authors: Mora-García Claudio A. , Tobar Luisa Fernanda , Young Jeremy C.
Published: February 2019

Recently, front-of-package (FOP) food labeling systems have captured the attention of researchers and policy makers. Several Latin American governments are currently considering employing different FOP labeling systems. However, there is much need for more research-based evidence in these countries. In this paper, we study whether food-purchasing decisions and the nutritional qualities of those purchases are influenced by randomly informing some customers and not others about an FOP label known as Nutri-Score. We also separate the information effect from the effect of being aware of the system. We combined a randomized field intervention in a university cafeteria in Bogotá, Colombia with data from an after-purchase survey and receipts. We found that randomly providing information on Nutri-Score increased total expenditure by $0.18. Additional spending on healthier items was 21% or $0.26 higher, with no change for less healthy items. Expenditure estimates were higher among customers who were aware of the system’s existence. Customers in the study were also 10% more likely to buy a healthier item than control customers were, and the concentration of protein in their purchases was greater. Information on the Nutri-Score system increased the store’s sales. This potential financial incentive may facilitate the implementation of Nutri-Score.
Predictors of Lifestyle Intervention Attrition or Weight Loss Success in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Who Are Overweight or Obese
Authors: Moran Lisa J. , Noakes Manny , Clifton Peter , Buckley Jon , Brinkworth Grant , Thomson Rebecca , Norman Robert J.
Published: February 2019

Background/objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition in reproductive-aged women. Weight management is a first-line treatment for PCOS according to international evidence-based guidelines. However, the factors associated with attrition or success in weight loss interventions are not known for women with PCOS. The objective of this study was to identify characteristics associated with attrition and weight loss success in women with PCOS and overweight or obesity undergoing weight loss interventions. Methods: Four randomised controlled clinical weight loss trials comprising energy restricted diets and/or exercise interventions of 2–8 months duration. The interventions were conducted over 2001–2007 in outpatient clinical research centres with n = 221 premenopausal women with PCOS and overweight/obesity recruited through community advertisement. The main outcome measures were attrition and ≥5% weight loss at 2 months and study completion. Results: Weight loss was 5.7 ± 2.9 kg at 2 months and 7.4 ± 5.3 kg after study completion (p < 0.001). Attrition was 47.1% and ≥5% weight loss occurred in 62.5% and 62.7% of women at 2 months and study completion respectively. Baseline depressive symptoms (OR 1.07 95% CI 0.88, 0.96, p = 0.032) and lower appointment attendance by 2 months (OR 0.92 95% CI 0.88, 0.96, p < 0.001) were independently associated with attrition. Lower appointment attendance over the whole study was independently associated with not achieving ≥5% weight loss at study completion (OR 0.95 95% CI 0.92, 0.99, p = 0.020). Conclusions: Despite high attrition, successful weight loss was achieved by 63% of women with PCOS in a clinical research setting. Higher baseline depressive symptoms were associated with greater attrition and higher appointment attendance was associated with lower attrition and greater weight loss success. These finding have implications for development of successful weight management programs in PCOS.
Temporal Distribution Measurement of the Parametric Spectral Gain in a Photonic Crystal Fiber Pumped by a Chirped Pulse
Authors: Fourcade-Dutin Coralie , Imperio Antonio , Dauliat Romain , Jamier Raphael , Muñoz-Marco Hector , Pérez-Millán Pere , Maillotte Hervé , Roy Philippe , Bigourd Damien
Published: February 2019

The temporal distribution of the spectral parametric gain was experimentally investigated when a chirped pump pulse was injected into a photonic crystal fiber. A pump-probe experiment was developed and the important characteristics were measured as the chirp of the pump, the signal pulse, and the gain of the parametric amplifier. We highlight that the amplified spectrum depends strongly on the instantaneous pump wavelength and that the temporal evolution of the wavelength at maximum gain is not monotonic. This behavior is significantly different from the case in which the chirped pump has a constant peak power. This measurement will be very important to efficiently include parametric amplifiers in laser systems delivering ultra-short pulses.
Sinicizing Religions, Sinicizing Religious Studies
Authors: Vermander Benoît
Published: February 2019

From 2015 onwards, “sinicizing religions” has become the mantra of China’s religious policy, inspiring new regulations and constraining the functioning of religious organizations. After summarizing the “sinicization” doctrine and policy, this paper examines how Chinese scholars in religious studies position themselves in such a context. It reviews the developments of the field after 1979; it appraises the complex interplay between the scholarly community and policy makers; it examines how scholars in religious studies now respond to the official policy, as they strive to balance descriptive and prescriptive assessments. It shows how the search for ideal-types as well as for ‘sinicized’ typologies and methodologies partly function as an adaptative tactic. The need to answer political imperatives revives older debates on religious forms and functions, and, to some extent, stirs theoretical imagination. However, political constraints make it difficult for scholars to focus on current religious trends, as they find it safer to debate on a somewhat atemporal model of “Chinese religion”.
Bioenergy Intensity and Its Determinants in European Continental Countries: Evidence Using GMM Estimation
Authors: Alsaleh Mohd , Abdul-Rahim A. S.
Published: February 2019

This study contributes to the existing literature by examining bioenergy intensity and its related factors in European continental countries (ECC). Through its focus on European continental (EC), this study extends the existing literature, which mainly covers nationwide studies. The current paper aims to investigate the variables of bioenergy intensity in the ECC during the term 2005–2013, construct its economic variables, and evaluate the volume and significance level of the impact of each variable on bioenergy intensity. To successfully achieve this analysis, a generalised method of moments estimator (GMM) was designed for ECC. The estimated models show that available bioenergy for final consumption has a positive impact on bioenergy intensity in ECC. The largest influence on bioenergy intensity was evaluated for the annual growth of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), followed by the investment and referral that the scale and construction of this economic variable should be taken into consideration and applied as a precious bioenergy regulation and policy instruments for developing bioenergy intensity and efficiency.
Credible Regression Approaches to Forecast Mortality for Populations with Limited Data
Authors: Bozikas Apostolos , Pitselis Georgios
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we propose a credible regression approach with random coefficients to model and forecast the mortality dynamics of a given population with limited data. Age-specific mortality rates are modelled and extrapolation methods are utilized to estimate future mortality rates. The results on Greek mortality data indicate that credibility regression contributed to more accurate forecasts than those produced from the Lee–Carter and Cairns–Blake–Dowd models. An application on pricing insurance-related products is also provided.
Advances in Fire Debris Analysis
Authors: Sigman Michael E. , Williams Mary R.
Published: February 2019

The practice of forensic fire debris analysis and data interpretation in operational (i [...]
Influence of Musculoskeletal System Dysfunction Degree on Psychophysiological Indicators of Paralympic Athletes
Authors: Kozina Zhanneta , Lytovchenko Maryna , Safronov Danylo , Boichuk Yurii , Chaika Olena , Shepelenko Tatiana , Polianskyi Anton , Protsevskiy Victor , Peretyaha Lyudmila , Konnova Maya
Published: February 2019

The purpose of the work was to identify the influence of functional class and degree of damage to extremities on psychophysiological indicators of Paralympians. The study involved 33 elite athletes with musculoskeletal system disorders of the 6 (n = 15) and 10 (n = 18) functional classes in table tennis, aged 21–25 years old. Parameters characteristic for determining the psychophysiological state and typological characteristics of the nervous system were analyzed with the help of computer programs for psychophysiological testing. We determined the latent time of simple and complex reactions in different testing modes. Dispersion analysis was also used. We applied single-factor multidimensional dispersion analysis: one-way analysis of variance and General Linear Model, Multivariate. The indicators of psychophysiological testing were applied as dependent variables. The values of the functional class of athletes were used as the independent variable. To study the influence of damage degree of the upper or lower extremities on psychophysiological indicators, the extremities damage degree was applied as an independent variable. The time in the Paralympic 6 functional class to reach the minimum signal exposure in feedback mode was significantly longer compared with the 10 Paralympic functional class (p < 0.05). Comparing psychophysiological indicators when Paralympians are divided into groups more differentiated than functional classes (that is, according to the nature of the disease or the degree of limb lesions), significant differences were found in all psychophysiological indicators between the athletes of different groups. The greatest impact on psychophysiological indicators was a lesion of the lower extremities. The training of Paralympians in table tennis should consider the reaction rate indicators. In addition, when improving the functional classification of Paralympians in table tennis, a more differentiated approach should be taken when considering their capabilities, including psychophysiological indicators. During training and functional classification of Paralympic athletes in table tennis, it is important to consider their functional class as well as the degree of damage to upper and lower extremities and the level of psychophysiological functioning.
The Fantasy of the Grand Inga Hydroelectric Project on the River Congo
Authors: Warner Jeroen , Jomantas Sarunas , Jones Eliot , Ansari Md. Sazzad , de Vries Lotje
Published: February 2019

The Congo River is the deepest in the world and second-longest in Africa. Harnessing its full hydropower potential has been an ongoing development dream of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and its more powerful regional allies. If completed, the Grand Inga complex near Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC, will be the largest dam project in the world. Its eight separate dams (Inga 1–8) are envisioned to be “lighting up and powering Africa”. Opponents claim, however, that the rewards will be outsourced to corporate mining interests rather than meeting the needs of the local population, and that the project is flawed economically, socially and environmentally. The planned construction of the Inga dams and associated infrastructure has been stuck in limbo since it was mooted in the 1960s; a fantasy rather than a reality. This article attempts to analyse the rivalry underlying the Grand Inga scheme beyond the “pro” and “contra” reports. Embracing Lacanian psychoanalysis and triangulating multiple sources, we seek to unmask Grand Inga as a potent fantasy. Whilst exhibiting its purpose to serve as a screen to protect both proponents of and opponents to the dam from encountering their own self-deception, we conclude the scheme to be at its most powerful whilst the dream remains unfulfilled.
Negotiating Water and Technology—Competing Expectations and Confronting Knowledges in the Case of the Coca Codo Sinclair in Ecuador
Authors: Teräväinen Tuula
Published: February 2019

Recent and on-going mega-hydraulic development in the global South implies profound socio-technical, ecological, territorial and cultural transformations at different levels and spaces of society. The transformations often involve conflicts and also new governance arrangements between different knowledge regimes, local practices and national and global frameworks of climate mitigation, water resources management and the green economy. Significantly, they also entail varying expectations concerning the meaning of water and the political promises of technology in advancing more sustainable futures. Drawing on sociological science and technology studies, particularly the sociology of expectations, this article analyses competing, parallel and confronting expectations regarding water and technology that different actors produce, negotiate and contest in the context of the recently launched 1500 MW hydropower megaproject Coca Codo Sinclair in Ecuador. It takes expectations as performative as they may shape and challenge policies, discourses, social interactions, institutions and power relations. By analysing and comparing these expectations, the article scrutinises the socio-technical imaginaries and related knowledge regimes they represent, derive from and support, and what kinds of repercussions these have in terms of water resources management in particular and sustainability governance in general.
GPs’ management of polypharmacy and therapeutic dilemma in patients with multimorbidity: a cross-sectional survey of GPs in France
Authors: Carrier Hélène , Zaytseva Anna , Bocquier Aurélie , Villani Patrick , Verdoux Hélène , Fortin Martin , Verger Pierre
Published: February 2019

Background

GPs are confronted with therapeutic dilemmas in treating patients with multimorbidity and/or polypharmacy when unfavourable medication risk–benefit ratios (RBRs) conflict with patients’ demands.

Aim

To understand GPs’ attitudes about prescribing and/or deprescribing medicines for patients with multimorbidity and/or polypharmacy, and factors associated with their decisions.

Design and setting

Cross-sectional survey in 2016 among a national panel of 1266 randomly selected GPs in private practice in France.

Method

GPs’ opinions and attitudes were explored using a standardised questionnaire including a case vignette about a female treated for multiple somatic diseases, sleeping disorders, and chronic pain. Participants were randomly assigned one of eight versions of this case vignette, varying by patient age, socioprofessional status, and stroke history. Backward selection was used to identify factors associated with GPs’ decisions about drugs they considered inappropriate.

Results

Nearly all (91.4%) responders felt comfortable or fairly comfortable deprescribing inappropriate medications, but only 34.7% decided to do so often or very often. In the clinical vignette, most GPs chose to discontinue symptomatic medications (for example, benzodiazepine, paracetamol/tramadol) because of unfavourable RBRs. When patients asked for ketoprofen for persistent sciatica, 94.1% considered this prescription risky, but 25.6% would prescribe it. They were less likely to prescribe it to older patients (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.36 to 0.63), or those with a stroke history (AOR 0.55, 95% CI = 0.42 to 0.72).

Conclusion

In therapeutic dilemmas, some GPs choose to prioritise patients’ requests over iatrogenic risks. GPs need pragmatic implementation tools for handling therapeutic dilemmas, and to improve their skills in medication management and patient engagement in such situations.
Back to the future: Why we need enzymology to build a synthetic metabolism of the future
Authors: Erb Tobias J
Published: February 2019

Biology is turning from an analytical into a synthetic discipline. This is especially apparent in the field of metabolic engineering, where the concept of synthetic metabolism has been recently developed. Compared to classical metabolic engineering efforts, synthetic metabolism aims at creating novel metabolic networks in a rational fashion from bottom-up. However, while the theoretical design of synthetic metabolic networks has made tremendous progress, the actual realization of such synthetic pathways is still lacking behind. This is mostly because of our limitations in enzyme discovery and engineering to provide the parts required to build synthetic metabolism. Here I discuss the current challenges and limitations in synthetic metabolic engineering and elucidate how modern day enzymology can help to build a synthetic metabolism of the future.
Magnetic Field Structure of Dense Cores Using Spectroscopic Methods
Authors: Auddy Sayantan , Myers Philip C. , Basu Shantanu , Harju Jorma , Pineda Jaime E. , Friesen Rachel K.
Published: February 2019

We develop a new “core field structure” (CFS) model to predict the magnetic field strength and magnetic field fluctuation profile of dense cores using gas kinematics. We use spatially resolved observations of the nonthermal velocity dispersion from the Green Bank Ammonia survey along with column density maps from SCUBA-2 to estimate the magnetic field strength across seven dense cores located in the L1688 region of Ophiuchus. The CFS model predicts the profile of the relative field fluctuation, which is related to the observable dispersion in the direction of the polarization vectors. Within the context of our model, we find that all of the cores have a transcritical mass-to-flux ratio.
Calculation of the Rate of the C+ + HF → CF+ + H Reaction: Implications for Fluorine Chemistry in the Interstellar Medium
Authors: Dagdigian Paul J. , Kłos Jacek , Wolfire Mark , Neufeld David A.
Published: February 2019

The chemistry of fluorine in the interstellar medium is primarily dependent on a few key reactions. Fluorine is unique among the elements because the F atom is the only light atom that can react exothermically with molecular hydrogen to form its hydride, HF. The only other fluorine-containing molecule of significant abundance is the CF+ ion, which is formed by the reaction of HF with C+ ions and is destroyed mainly by dissociative recombination. The observation of both HF and CF+ in molecular gas clouds offers an opportunity for a critical test of models for interstellar fluorine chemistry. Previous modeling calculations yielded an abundance of CF+ relative to that of HF too high compared to the measured relative interstellar abundances of these species by a factor of 1.4–4. In previous modeling calculations, the rate coefficient for the C+ + HF → CF+ + H reaction was estimated through a modified Langevin model. In the present work, rate coefficients for both spin–orbit states of the C+ ion are obtained from cross sections recently computed by Dagdigian & Kłos for this reaction through quantum statistical calculations. Their computed reaction rate coefficient is lower by a factor of ∼2 than the modified Langevin result. This lower value of the rate coefficient for the C+ + HF reaction has been employed here in new modeling of fluorine chemistry. These calculations yield an abundance of CF+ relative to that for HF in much better agreement with the astronomical observations.
A Wide-field Photometric Survey of Globular Clusters in the Peculiar Early-type Galaxy M85
Authors: Ko Youkyung , Lee Myung Gyoon , Park Hong Soo , Lim Sungsoon , Sohn Jubee , Hwang Narae , Park Byeong-Gon
Published: February 2019

We survey globular clusters (GCs) in M85 using ugi-band images of a 1° × 1° field obtained with the MegaCam at the 3.6 m Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope. We identify 1318 GC candidates with 20.0 mag < g
0 < 23.5 mag in the entire survey region. Their radial number density profile is well fit by a Sérsic profile with n = 

and effective radius R
e,GCS = 4.′14 (=22 kpc), showing that the candidates at R < 20′ are mostly genuine GCs in M85. We estimate the total number of GCs, N(total) = 

, and the specific frequency,

. The overall color distribution of the GCs in M85 is bimodal, but the GCs in the central region at R < 2′ do not show a bimodal distribution clearly. The radial number density profile and surface number density map of the blue GCs (BGCs) show more extended structures than those of the red GCs (RGCs). The spatial distributions of both BGCs and RGCs are elongated, similar to that of the galaxy stellar light. The number fraction of the RGCs in the central region is much smaller compared to those in other early-type galaxies of similar luminosity. The mean (g − i)0 color of the RGCs in M85 is about 0.1 mag bluer than typical values for other Virgo early-type galaxies of similar luminosity, indicating that a significant fraction of the RGCs in M85 may be younger than typical GCs. These results indicate that M85 might have undergone a major wet merger recently.
An online global database of Hemiptera -Phytoplasma-Plant biological interactions
Authors: Trivellone Valeria
Published: February 2019

Phytoplasmas are phloem-limited plant pathogenic bacteria in the class Mollicutes transmitted by sap-feeding insect vectors of the Order Hemiptera. Vectors still have not yet been identified for about half of the 33 known phytoplasma groups and this has greatly hindered efforts to control the spread of diseases affecting important crops. Extensive gaps of knowledge on actual phytoplasma vectors and on the plant disease epidemiology prevent our understanding of the basic underlying biological mechanisms that facilitate interactions between insects, phytoplasmas and their host plants.

This paper presents a complete online database of Hemiptera-Phytoplasma-Plant (HPP) biological interactions worldwide, searchable via an online interface. The raw data are available through Zenodo at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.2532738. The online database search interface was created using the 3I software (Dmitriev 2006) which enhances data usability by providing a customised web interface (http://trivellone.speciesfile.org/) that provides an overview of the recorded biological interactions and ability to discover particular interactions by searching for one or more phytoplasma, insect or plant taxa. The database will facilitate synthesis of all available and relevant data on the observed associations between phytoplasmas and their insect and plant hosts and will provide useful data to generate and test ecological and evolutionary hypotheses.
Complementary role of cardiac computed tomography angiography in the diagnosis of prosthetic aortic valve endocarditis and septic coronary embolism - a case report
Authors: Van den Boogert Thomas Pieter Willem , Claessen Bimmer Elisabeth Peter Marie , Robbers-Visser Danií«lle , Henriques José Paulo Simào , Planken Robrecht Nils
Published: February 2019

A 73-year old man presented with a posterolateral ST-elevated myocardial infarction 9 months after biological aortic valve replacement for aortic valve stenosis. Invasive coronary angiography showed a filling defect across the left main coronary artery bifurcation extending into the left anterior descending artery and the ramus circumflex. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a thickened prosthesis leaflet with signs of slight stenosis. Cardiac computed tomography angiography showed a mass on the left coronary cusp of the valve prosthesis, suggestive for vegetation or thrombus. The scan also revealed central luminal filling defects, indicative for thrombus or septic emboli. Blood cultures proved positive for Propionibacterium acnes, therefore the patient was treated for prosthetic valve endocarditis. Computed tomography angiography offers high diagnostic accuracy for detecting infective endocarditis and renders complementary information about valvular anatomy, coronary artery disease and the extension of infections.
Trans-Radial Embolization of Bleeding Renal Angiomyolipoma in Pregnant 30-Year-Old Female - A Case Report
Authors: Scharf Zachary , Momah-Ukeh Ifechi , Kim Alexander Y.
Published: February 2019

Trans-radial access offers several unique advantages and is being used more frequently for interventional radiology procedures. We report the use of trans-radial arterial access to embolize a large bleeding angiomyolipoma in a 30-year-old pregnant patient presenting in the first trimester. Trans-radial approach was chosen to minimize the effects of radiation on the fetus. Subsequent postprocedural pregnancy course was uneventful with stability of the angiomyolipoma and no further hemorrhage. This case highlights the benefits of trans-radial embolotherapy in gravid patients to reduce the risk of radiation exposure to the fetus.
Première approche micromorphologique de la fin de l’occupation néolithique d’un amas coquillier de la côte omanaise : données préliminaires sur les modes d’occupation du site de RH-5 dans la seconde moitié du 4e millénaire BCE
Authors: Béguier Irène , Marcucci Lapo Gianni
Published: February 2019

Les amas coquilliers préhistoriques situés sur la côte omanaise interrogent sur les modes de vie des communautés de pêcheurs-cueilleurs au cours du Néolithique. Dans la recherche actuelle, l’hypothèse d’une tendance à la sédentarisation est énoncée au regard de certaines données archéologiques et paléoenvironnementales, de datations radiocarbones ou encore d’analyses géochimiques isotopiques. La question du mode de vie de ces groupes côtiers, en termes d’aménagement et de fonctionnement de l’espace, a motivé la réalisation d’une analyse micromorphologique sur une portion du site néolithique de RH-5, localisé sur la rive occidentale du golfe d’Oman. Cette approche inédite pour les amas coquilliers du golfe Persique révèle, à hauteur de la séquence stratigraphique étudiée qui se rapporte chronologiquement à la seconde moitié du 4e millénaire BCE, une occupation continue caractérisée par des espaces intérieurs soignés, des espaces extérieurs fréquentés et une zone de parcage d’ovicapridés.
Assèchement et dégradation des sols durant le Subatlantique : vers un niveau repère antique dans le Nord-Est de la France (Lorraine, Alsace) ?
Authors: Gebhardt Anne , Champougny Anaïs , Wuscher Patrice
Published: February 2019

Dans le Grand Est de la France, les opérations
d’archéologie préventive mettent fréquemment au jour un petit réseau
polygonal de faible amplitude. Associé à des digitations blanchâtres
il a souvent été interprété comme un réseau de petites fentes de gel
périglaciaires. Mais à l’occasion de quatre fouilles archéologiques,
nous avons noté que ce réseau s’est développé dans un sédiment mis en
place entre la fin de l'Âge du Fer et le haut Moyen Âge. Ces
observations remettent en question l’origine périglaciaire
systématique de ce type de réseau. Après avoir passé en revue les
différentes modalités de formation de telles digitations polygonales,
l’hypothèse d’un développement de fentes de sécheresse lors de stress
hydrique holocène au sein de sédiments argilo-limoneux saturés en eau
est défendue. Enfin une discussion sur l’origine de cette dessiccation
montre qu’elle semble liée à la conjonction de processus anthropiques
et d'une oscillation climatique.
From Smart-Cities to Smart-Communities
Authors: De Filippi Francesca , Coscia Cristina , Guido Roberta
Published: February 2019

Nowadays, through ICT supports and their applications, the concept of smart cities has evolved into smart communities, where the collaborative relationship between citizens and public administration generates multi-dimensional impacts: urban sites are living labs and agents of innovation and inclusion. As a first step, this article aims to critically review the state of the art of the assessment methods of these impacts through a set of synthetic indicators; the second step is to elaborate a specific framework to evaluate quality of life through a set of impact indicators for smart communities and inclusive urban processes. According to some referenced authors, cities and communities are smart if they perform well in six smart categories: smart economy; smart people; smart governance; smart mobility; smart environment; and smart living. Considering a recent experiment carried out in Turin (Italy), the authors propose a methodology, whose trial is ongoing, based on a hierarchical multiscale framework defining a set of smart community indicators.
The Paradigms of Blockchain Technology
Authors: Bhadoria Robin Singh , Agasti Vaibhav
Published: February 2019

The invention of blockchain technology has paved the way for the decentralization of existing systems. Blockchains have consistently delivered prominent applications, particularly in the finance sector. The most popular application of blockchain is cryptocurrency. Blockchain technology however has a variety of applications beyond cryptocurrencies. This article discusses the basics of blockchain technology along with some of its potential applications. With the rising use of this technology, the security of these systems is a major concern. The security threats and risks to blockchain systems are also reviewed along with the tools and methodologies to prevent and handle it in more sophisticated manner.
Modeling and Calculation of Thermochemical Characteristics of Crystalline Vanadium Oxides under Standard Conditions
Authors: Gruba Oksana N. , Dvoryashina Julia S.
Published: February 2019

The possibility of applying a hyperbolic model for calculating thermodynamic characteristics (the standard molar heat capacity, standard molar entropy) to the V–O system is shown. For calculation of the molar specific heat and entropy within the bounds of the model the general concept has been used: a thermodynamic parameter is divided into two components. The first component depends on the molar mass of a compound, the second one is determined by inter particle interaction. The dependence of the inverse value for the interaction heat capacity (entropy) on composition is of linear character within one region of quasi-equilibrium solid solutions (one region combines compounds with the same or similar structure type).The use of the model allowed refining the available experimental data on vanadium oxides and predicting the values of thermodynamic characteristics for compounds poorly studied in experiment.
Peculiarities of Microstructure Changing on Outer Surface of Carbon Steel Wire at Combined Deformational Processing by Drawing with Torsion
Authors: Stolyarov Alexey , Nikitenko Olga , Soloveva Natalya S.
Published: February 2019

Drawing is the basic operation of wire manufacturing. At drawing a wire contacts with a die resulting in decrease of its diameter. During this interaction wire microstructure changes, especially on the contact area between a die and a wire. Specificity of microstructure changing on outer surface of carbon steel wire at drawing and its combination with torsion is presented in the paper. Using optical microscopy, it was found out that in the outer surface of carbon steel wire a narrow layer of highly deformed grains is formed. It is shown that thickness of this layer depends on the deformational processing intensity and is very specific depending on carbon content of the wire.
Reasons for Breakage of Welding Rod and Wire
Authors: Sychkov Alexandr , Tulupov O.N. , Moller Alexandr
Published: February 2019

Reasons for breakage of welding rod and wire at drawing are analyzed. It is shown that the basic reason for breakage is microphysical tree-like segregation which is caused by irrational addition of boron-containing material at after-furnace treatment, low effectiveness of steel continuous casting process, unproven technology of metal electromagnetic agitation in a mold at continuous casting. Peculiarities of alloyed elements liquation, both in welding rod and wire are studied. It is shown that non-uniformity of boron, manganese and silicon distributions in the longitudinal and transversal welding rod cross sections will become the main reason for increasing wire breakage during further drawing.