bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platelet derived growth factor‐BB levels in gingival crevicular fluid of localized intrabony defect sites treated with platelet rich fibrin membrane or collagen membrane containing recombinant human platelet derived growth factor‐BB: A randomized clinical and biochemical study
Authors: Joshi Amruta A. , Padhye Ashvini M. , Gupta Himani S.
Published: January 2019

Background

Development of autologous and recombinant growth factor/matrix combination products represent a new emerging trend in regenerative therapeutics and have gained increasing attention as a strategy to optimize tissue regeneration. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the levels of platelet derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF‐BB) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during early healing period after the regenerative treatment of intrabony defects using beta tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) as a bone regeneration material with either platelet rich fibrin (PRF) membrane or collagen membrane (CM) treated with recombinant human PDGF‐BB (rhPDGF‐BB).

Methods

Twenty patients (13 males and 7 females) with chronic periodontitis participated in this prospective, randomized clinical and biochemical study. Each patient was randomly assigned to PRF membrane (group A) or CM incorporated with rhPDGF‐BB (group B). GCF samples were obtained on days 3, 7, 14, and 30 for evaluation of PDGF‐BB levels and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels.

Results

On days 3 and 7 following surgery, mean levels of PDGF‐BB at sites treated with PRF membrane or CM incorporated with rhPDGF‐BB as a barrier membrane were not significantly different. PDGF‐BB levels decreased significantly in samples collected on days 14 and 30 with significant differences between both the groups. ALP levels significantly increased from day 3 to day 30 but there was no difference between two groups.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of the study, both PRF membrane and CM incorporated with rhPDGF‐BB showed comparable GCF levels of PDGF‐BB initially with PRF showing more sustained levels throughout the study period.
Small beer? peer‐to‐peer lending in the craft beer sector
Authors: Mac an Bhaird Ciarán , Owen Robyn , Dodd Sarah Drakopoulou , Wilson Juliette , Bisignano Angelo
Published: January 2019

Peer‐to‐peer lending has advantages of ease of access to finance, timely and efficient delivery of funding and is particularly beneficial at a specific time in the lifecycle of the firm.
The influence of institutional environment on venture capital development in emerging economies: The example of Nigeria
Authors: Ekanem Ignatius , Owen Robyn , Cardoso Antonio
Published: January 2019

Venture capital (VC) can be nurtured in the right environment, within an emerging economy, to be attractive to private VC investment development. Venture capitalists require stable institutional frameworks, regulations, and tax regimes alongside clear exit strategies. Informal institution such as networking is important for VC development. Governments of emerging economies need to stimulate entrepreneurial awareness of equity finance through training and promotion to facilitate investment readiness.
Regiospecific methylation of all the hydroxyls in (+)‐catechin by a stepwise differentiation strategy
Authors: Hong Shan , Wang Shanshan , Cai He , Liu Songbai
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Methylated derivatives of catechins have received great attention for health beneficial effects, especially antiallergic activity. However, the scarce natural abundance of methylated catechins limits further bioactive studies. The objective of this work was to investigate regiospecific methylation of the hydroxyls of (+)‐catechin through a stepwise differentiation strategy based on electronic difference between the hydroxyl groups.

RESULTS

Selective methylation of the hydroxyls on different rings was realized by employing Meerwein salt as the methylation reagent. Preferential acylation of the phenolic hydroxyls on A and B rings allowed selective exposure of the aliphatic hydroxyl on C ring to methylation. The vicinal phenolic hydroxyls on B ring were preferentially methylated under mild basic condition due to the acidic properties. Methylation of the phenolic hydroxyls on A ring was achieved by sequential protection and deprotection operations. Finally, antioxidant activities of all the individual methylated (+)‐catechins were explored by 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) assay.

CONCLUSION

Regiospecific methylation of the phenolic and aliphatic hydroxyls was systematically achieved under mild conditions. Preparation of all the individual methylated (+)‐catechins was accomplished with a greener methylation reagent: nonvolatile Meerwein salt. This work laid a solid foundation for preparation of diverse O‐methylated catechins for bioactivity studies. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Improved survival in rectal cancer patients who are treated with long‐course versus short‐course neoadjuvant radiotherapy: A propensity‐matched analysis of the NCDB
Authors: Chapman Brandon C. , Goodman Karyn , Hosokawa Patrick , Gleisner Ana , Cowan Michelle L. , Birnbaum Elisa , Vogel Jon D.
Published: January 2019

Background

Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated comparable survival outcomes for short‐course (SCRT) and long‐course neoadjuvant radiotherapy (LCRT) in patients with rectal cancer.

Methods

Using the National Cancer Data Base (2004‐2015), a propensity score was used to match 188 patients with rectal cancer receiving SCRT to 376 patients receiving LCRT. Perioperative, oncologic, and survival outcomes were compared.

Results

Patient and clinical tumor characteristics were similar between groups. Patients in the LCRT were more likely to undergo surgery (91% vs 85%; P = 0.03). The LCRT group were more likely to have tumor (T) (56% vs 43%) and nodal (N) (25% vs 19%) downstaging, and a complete pathological response (15% vs 6%) compared with the SCRT group (all P < 0.05). Length of stay (6 vs 8 days), 30‐day (1% vs 5%) mortality, and 90‐day mortality (1% vs 10%) were significantly lower in the LCRT group (all P < 0.05). After adjusting for patient and tumor‐related characteristics, LCRT was associated with a 50% reduction in the risk of mortality compared with SCRT (hazard ratios, 0.50; 95% confidence interval, 0.35‐0.70).

Conclusions

In this analysis, LCRT was superior to SCRT in terms of tumor response to neoadjuvant therapy, perioperative mortality, and overall survival. These findings provide evidence for the use of LCRT when neoadjuvant therapy is indicated.
Synthesis and Application of Functionalized Diblock Amphiphilic Fullerene Derivatives
Authors: Liu Jikang , Li Junli , Liu Xiangfu , Zhang Zheling , Zhang Jian , Tu Guoli
Published: January 2019

A series of functionalized amphiphilic diblock fullerene derivatives C60‐4TPB, C60‐2DPE, C60‐4HTPB, C60‐PHFBS, and C60‐2BEFPE are developed and applied as the modification layers on zinc oxide (ZnO) in inverted organic solar cell (OSC) devices. By spin‐coating ZnO, the fullerene derivatives layer can reduce the work function of ZnO via modulation of the interfacial dipoles. When introducing solvent treatment by toluene during the preparation of films, the order of the fullerene derivatives layer are clearly increased, which are supported by X‐ray diffraction and contact angle of water measurements. The OSCs devices modified with those fullerene derivatives show power conversion efficiency of 8.62%, 9.21%, 8.86%, 9.14%, and 9.15% based on poly‐[4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]‐dithiophene‐alt‐3‐fluoro thieno‐[3,4‐b] thiophene‐2‐carboxylate] (PTB7‐Th) and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) blend, respectively. All the results indicate that the development of diblock amphiphilic fullerene derivatives opens a new opportunity to modify the present defects of ZnO by simultaneously modulating interfacial work functions, the wetting properties of the interlayer, and the active layer.
Mifepristone affects fertility and development in the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus
Authors: Fabbrocini Adele , Coccia Elena , D’Adamo Raffaele , Faggio Caterina , Paolucci Marina
Published: January 2019

Drugs such as oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapies are known to find their way into rivers, lakes and seas, and have the potential to affect reproduction and development of the wildlife. The knowledge of the reproductive mechanisms and their regulation in aquatic species is of fundamental importance for predicting and preventing the damage by the increasing release of such chemicals in the environment. Mifepristone, a synthetic steroid used as a drug for chemical abortion, works by blocking the effects of progesterone. Its presence in fresh and salt water has been reported, representing a danger for aquatic species. In this frame, we evaluated in both acute and chronic exposures, the effects of mifepristone on the reproductive performance of the sea urchin P. lividus. In both acute and chronic exposures, mifepristone did not affect the histological structure of the gonads. However, mifepristone administered to females caused the decrease of the percentage of normal developed plutei larvae compared with the control, whereas it did not alter sperm motility parameters and fertilization success in males. The immunohistological localization of progesterone receptor‐like immunoreactivity on the plasma membrane of oocytes and ova and the molecular weight of a progesterone receptor‐like immunoband identified by western blotting, are in agreement with a membrane progesterone receptor deducted from the genome sequence of the sea urchin
Strongylocentrotus purpuratus and suggest that in
P. lividus mifepristone actions may be mediated by a progesterone receptor.
A fully coupled simple model for unsaturated soils
Authors: Rojas Eduardo , Horta Jaime , Pérez‐Rea María L. , Hernández Christian E.
Published: January 2019

Different phenomena influence the strength and volumetric behavior of unsaturated soils. Among the most important are suction hardening, hydraulic hysteresis, and the influence of volumetric strain on the soil‐water retention curves. Fully coupled hydro‐mechanical models require including all three phenomena in their constitutive relationships. Among these phenomena, suction hardening is the most influencing as it determines the apparent preconsolidation stress, the position of the loading‐collapse yield surface, and the shift of both the isotropic consolidation and the critical state lines. In this paper, a fully coupled hydro mechanical model is presented. It is based on the modified Cam‐Clay model but includes a yield surface with anisotropic hardening that takes account of the shift of the critical state line with suction. For highly overconsolidated materials, the sub‐loading surface concept has been included in order to increase the precision of the model for these materials. The shift of the retention curves produced by volumetric strains is simulated using a hydraulic model based on the grain and current pore size distribution of the soil.
A multiscale work‐analysis approach for geotechnical structures
Authors: Xiong Hao , Yin Zhen‐Yu , Nicot François
Published: January 2019

This paper presents a second‐order work analysis in application to geotechnical problems by using a novel effective multiscale approach. To abandon complicated equations involved in conventional phenomenological models, this multiscale approach employs a micromechanically‐based formulation, in which only four parameters are involved. The multiscale approach makes it possible a coupling of the finite element method (FEM) and the micromechanically‐based model. The FEM is used to solve the boundary value problem (BVP) while the micromechanically‐based model is utilized at the Gauss point of the FEM. Then, the multiscale approach is used to simulate a three‐dimensional triaxial test and a plain‐strain footing. On the basis of the simulations, material instabilities are analyzed at both mesoscale and global scale. The second‐order work criterion is then used to analyze the numerical results. It opens a road to interpret and understand the micromechanisms hiding behind the occurrence of failure in geotechnical issues.
Does nanoclay addition always lead to amelioration? Dual effects of the nanoclay on the PA‐6/EVOH/SEBS ternary blends
Authors: Shabani Ali , Babaei Amir , Zanjanijam Ali Reza
Published: January 2019

This work presents the investigation of properties of polyamide‐6 (PA‐6)/ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH)/styrene‐ethylene‐butylene‐styrene (SEBS) ternary blends and related nanocomposites with nanoclays. In this way, the effect of the mixing protocol and nanoclay type on the morphology, mechanical, and rheological properties of the blends was comprehensively studied. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation revealed that, for the neat ternary blends, core‐shell droplets were formed in which SEBS droplets were encapsulated by EVOH phase in the PA‐6 matrix. In this regard, experimental observations were compared and discussed with the predictions of phenomenological models. According to the X‐ray diffraction analysis, the distribution and degree of dispersion of the nanoclays were significantly influenced by mixing protocol. It was demonstrated that competition between the intrinsic effect of the nanoclay on the physical properties and its inhibiting effect on the interactions between PA‐6 and EVOH phases led to some interesting observations for the rheological and mechanical properties of the ternary blends. The results revealed that optimum properties could be obtained by selecting appropriate nanoclay and mixing protocol.
Expression of PD‐1/PD‐L1 in children's classical Hodgkin lymphomas
Authors: Dilly‐Feldis Marie , Aladjidi Nathalie , Refait John K. , Parrens Marie , Ducassou Stéphane , Rullier Anne
Published: January 2019

Background

Although a prognosis of recurrent or refractory childhood Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is associated with poor outcomes despite intensive therapy, the immune checkpoint inhibitors PD‐1/PD‐L1 appear to be therapeutic alternatives for advanced adult cases. However, these pharmacotherapies are yet to be studied in a pediatric population.

Procedure

The present study measured the expression of PD‐1/PD‐L1 in diagnostic samples of children with classical HL, according to the disease course. This study included two groups of patients treated at the Department of Pediatric Oncology, Bordeaux University Hospital—a group of cured or in‐remission cases and a group of relapsed or refractory cases. Immunohistochemical analyses of anti‐PD‐1 and anti‐PD‐L1 (clone 28‐8, companion test for nivolumab) were performed on baseline and follow‐up biopsies.

Results

Of the 42 included patients, 31 were cured or in remission and 11 were categorized as relapsed or refractory. At the time of diagnosis, PD‐1 expression was low (1‐3% of intratumoral lymphocytes labeled) in <20% of cases, whereas PD‐L1 was expressed by tumor cells in all cases, and strongly (≥50%) in most cases. There were no significant differences in the expression levels of the two checkpoint molecules between the groups. Initial biopsies showed strong expression of PD‐L1, whereas expression of PD‐1 was rare.

Conclusions

The identical labeling profiles of the cured and relapsed/refractory patients suggest that comparable responses to inhibitors of the PD1/PDL1 immunological checkpoints could be expected in patients undergoing first‐, second‐, or third‐line therapy.
Polymer sequestrants for biological and environmental applications
Authors: Archer William R , Hall Brady A , Thompson Tiffany N , Wadsworth Ophelia J , Schulz Michael D
Published: January 2019

Toxic contaminates have profound consequences on both health and the environment. Consequently, effective approaches for addressing the effects of these toxicants are paramount. Here, we review recent progress in developing polymeric sequestrants for biological toxins, heavy metals and organic micropollutants. Polymers have several advantages as sequestration materials, including relatively low cost and high affinity for target compounds. As a result a number of polymer‐based toxin‐mitigation applications have been investigated. Naturally occurring toxins may be neutralized with polymers capable of binding and eliminating them from the body. Heavy metal contamination from mining operations, energy and industrial sources may also be mitigated with appropriate chelating polymers, both for environmental remediation and in chelation therapy for metal poisoning. Micropollutants such as pesticides from agriculture and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from combustion processes may also be isolated using polymeric materials. Each of these applications illustrates the capabilities of polymers for eliminating toxic contaminants, thereby facilitating greater health and sustainability. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Organocatalysis applied to the ring‐opening polymerization of β‐lactones: A brief overview
Authors: Khalil Ali , Cammas‐Marion Sandrine , Coulembier Olivier
Published: January 2019

Organocatalysis offers a number of prospects in the polymer community and presents advantages over metal based and bio‐organic methods. The use of organic molecules for performing chemical reactions is not a new concept, and any research into organocatalytic reactions builds on a respected history. Compared to the organocatalysis of large lactones, which began in the early 2000s, the examples presented here will demonstrate that few metal‐free initiating systems had been applied to β‐lactones well before the beginning of the current millennium. These metal‐free initiating systems present indisputable advantages over metal‐based processes. In the following paper, ring‐opening polymerizations (ROPs) of various β‐lactones for the preparation of poly(hydroxyalkanoate)s will be presented, as will the types of mechanisms involved, that is, zwitterionic and anionic, and cationic or supramolecular‐based ROPs. The advantages and drawbacks of the different technics will be discussed in the domain, which, for us, is important in the overall production of bioplastics. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 657–672
Two‐Dimensional Conducting Polymers: Synthesis and Charge Transport
Authors: Barpuzary Dipankar , Kim Kyoungwook , Park Moon Jeong
Published: January 2019

Current technological advances and prolific endeavors have entrenched two‐dimensional conducting polymers as the rapidly emerging interface across a diversity of functional materials for flexible electronics, sensors, ion‐exchange membranes, biotechnology, catalysis, energy storage, and conversion. Rational design and fabrication of polymeric nanostructures enriched with well‐ordered geometry are appealing and endorse significant impact on their in‐built electrical, optical, and mechanical properties. In particular, recent interest in controlled hierarchical assembly of monomers/oligomers proved the free‐standing sheet‐like structures with exotic features of high conductivity and flexibility. Yet, the ongoing research to make nanometer‐thick polymers suffers from limitations to access large‐area, mechanical stability, and high‐range internal ordering. In this perspective, we focus on the radical approaches that highlight confinement‐entitled features of two‐dimensional polymeric materials correlating to their interface or template‐assisted synthesis, structure–property relationship, charge transport properties, and future scopes for relevant practical enactments. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 1169–1176
Assessing nodality in neighbourhoods in transformation: A concept of sustainable urban form. The case study of Rahue Bajo, Osorno, Chile
Authors: Hosni Jilan , Zumelzu Antonio
Published: January 2019

Putting a value on the importance of human interaction in neighbourhoods to promote vitality, public spaces represent the hub of social control over territories. Chilean neighbourhoods have followed a transformation pattern similar to that observed in European and North American cities. This study aims to evaluate the quality of public spaces, according to users perceptions. It follows an empirical case study approach with a qualitative observation analysis. It utilizes the concept of nodality as a dimension of sustainable urban form that is defined by its size, level and type. A new perspective is highlighted to help officials progress with new tools and methods to achieve better design results. This can be seen as a step forward towards more inclusive city development and can expose the discussion of new systems of organizing cities according to people's perception and behaviour in space.
A study of surface diffusion of ternary (Cu‐Ag‐Zr) adatoms clusters for applications in thin film formation
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Hussain Fayyaz , Hayat Sardar Sikandar , Khalil Rana Muhammad Arif , Munir Tariq , Sattar Muhammad Atif , Rehman Abdul , Javid Muhammad Arshad , Ahmad Sheikh Aftab
Published: January 2019

This study presents the diffusion of heterogeneous ternary (Cu‐Ag‐Zr) adatoms clusters on Ag(111) using molecular dynamics techniques which could be important for the surface phenomena's and helpful for the ternary cluster's growth and formation of ternary alloy‐based thin films. The mechanism of nanoscale surface diffusion is investigated for 1Cu‐1Ag‐1Zr, 2Cu‐2Ag‐2Zr, 3Cu‐3Ag‐3Zr, and 4Cu‐4Ag‐4Zr clusters at temperatures 300, 500, and 700 K. The diffusion mechanism displays that the diffusion of trimer cluster exhibits hopping, sliding, and shearing at 300 K, whereas for hexamer, nonamer, and decamer, the diffusion rate is low; however, breathing, anchoring, and concentrated motion dominates. At 500 K, trimer and hexamer show the process of atomic exchange; however, the atomic exchange is not observed in the case of nonamer and decamer diffusion. The atomic exchange mechanism of Cu and Zr adatoms dominates at 700 K for all size clusters, except Ag adatoms, where Zr adatoms show a relatively more tendency. Separation and rejoining of the one and two adatoms (likely Zr adatom) are also witnessed at high temperature. The pop‐up of Ag adatoms also occurs in very short intervals over the remaining adatoms of clusters. Interestingly, during trimer diffusion, the adsorption of the Zr‐ or Cu‐adatom among the trimer cluster into the substitutional site is found. At 700 K, vacancy generation, filling of vacancies, and migration of vacancy, in the neighborhood of the adatoms cluster, also observed. Moreover, the rate of diffusion decreases with the size increase of the clusters and increases with the increase in temperature.
Aerobic Copper Catalytic Oxidation of Methylene and Arylidenebisnaphthols: A Green and Efficient Synthesis of Spironaphthalenones
Authors: Dekhici Mebrouka , Plihon Sébastien , Bar Nathalie , Villemin Didier , Elsiblani Hussein , Cheikh Nawel
Published: January 2019

Methylene and arylidene bisnaphthols can be converted into 4,5,2’,3’‐dibenzo‐3‐grisa‐2’,4’‐dien‐6’‐ones under catalytic conditions in the presence of copper(II)‐tetramethylethylenediamine [CuCl(OH)(TMEDA)]2. The reaction simply proceeds under air at room temperature and the control of stereoselectivity is total, affording the only (RR+SS) diastereoisomer.
Nano‐sized Titanium Nitride Functionalized Separator Improves Cycling Performance of Lithium Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Xu Guiyin , Yan Qing‐bo , Bai Peng , Dou Hui , Nie Ping , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: January 2019

High‐energy lithium‐sulfur batteries have been plagued by the poor cyclability due to the soluble lithium polysulfide intermediates into the organic electrolyte. Here, we design a separator functionalized by a simple coating of nanosized titanium nitride and super C65. Lithium‐sulfur batteries with the functional separator achieve a high specific capacity of 935 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.5 C, and show a super‐long cycling performance at a small degradation rate. The improvement mechanisms introduced by the new separator are further investigated by the electrochemical analysis and theoretical calculation.
Design and performance analysis of various feature selection methods for anomaly‐based techniques in intrusion detection system
Authors: Pandey Sushant Kumar
Published: January 2019

Intrusion detection system (IDS) is essential for the network; the intruder can steal sensitive information about networks. The IDS must have the ability to take care of large and real‐time data. The predicted rate must be high based on the available attribute. This work deals with a real intrusion detection problem, by its behavior. In this paper, we developed a hybrid model, which can detect intrusion by its action. We used an NSL‐KDD data set, the multiclass problem and binary problems are 25% tested. This model can be used to guess the availability of intrusion, able to determine the scope of intrusions based on the transaction of data in the network; training requires optimal features of a network transaction. The accuracy of the model is better for both binary class for the multiclass in NSL‐KDD data set. The complication of false data alarm rates is the most significant challenge in the IDS system, and it may be the low false rate or high false rate. Proposed work also addresses this problem. The first step that data will be filtered by Vote algorithm, the Information Gain will get associated with a base learner, to choose the necessary features, which directly affects the accuracy of the model. It uses the following classifier: RandomTree, REPTree, RandomForrest AdaBoostM1, Meta Pagging, DesicionStump, J48, LMT, Bagging, and Naive Bayes. On the based on the proposed model, it is observed as low false rate, high accuracy.
Novel Emission Color‐Tuning Strategies in Heteroleptic Phosphorescent Ir(III) and Pt(II) Complexes
Authors: Feng Zhao , Sun Yuanhui , Yang Xiaolong , Zhou Guijiang
Published: January 2019

Color‐tuning for phosphorescent emitters in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) across the entire visible spectrum is prerequisite to fulfil flexible full‐color displays and white solid‐state lighting. Heteroleptic 2‐phenylpyridine‐type (ppy‐type) Ir(III) and Pt(II) complexes as phosphorescent emitters have been well exploited in the electroluminescence (EL) field due to their outstanding EL performance. Furthermore, the photophysical characters of these heteroleptic Ir(III) and Pt(II) complexes are generally dominated by the nature of cyclometalating ppy‐type ligands. Accordingly, either sophisticated modification or judicious combination of different cyclometalating ppy‐type ligands will provide a wonderful platform to tune their emission color. In this personal account, we put a special emphasis on our contributions to the novel color‐tuning strategies in these heteroleptic ppy‐type Ir(III) and Pt(II) complexes. In addition, afforded by our novel color‐tuning strategies, ambipolar character or enhanced electron injection/transport (EI/ET) features can be furnished to bring high EL performances.
Establishment of a sensitive TaqMan‐based real‐time PCR assay for porcine circovirus type 3 and its application in retrospective quarantine of imported boars to China
Authors: Feng Chunyan , Wang CaiXia , Zhang Yongning , Du Fangyuan , Zhang Zhou , Xiao Fuchuan , Wang Jianchang , Lin Xiangmei , Wu Shaoqiang
Published: January 2019

Porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3) is a novel pathogen first identified in the United States in 2016. As there is a high possibility that no clinical signs of infection are observed in the host, an accurate and sensitive method is needed for quarantine on numerous live pigs especially for international pig trade. In this study, a TaqMan‐based real‐time PCR assay specifically for PCV3 was established without cross‐reactions with other non‐targeted pig viruses. The sensitivity of the current approach is about 1.5 × 101 copies μL−1 plasmid DNA while the sensitivity of the conventional PCR is about 1.5 × 102 copies μL−1 plasmid DNA. Further, this assay was applied in the retrospective quarantine on serum samples of 601 commercial live boars imported to China from the United States, France and the United Kingdom from 2011 to 2017. The results revealed that PCV3 could be detected positive in the commercial boars imported from the United States and the above‐mentioned western European countries and phylogenetic study also revealed that viral isolates were grouped with some isolates from Korea and the United States. Our study suggested that PCV3 may be prevalent globally since 2011.
Giving the Treaty a Purpose: Comparing the Durability of Treaties and Executive Agreements
Authors: Nyarko Julian
Published: January 2019

Scholars have argued that Senate-approved treaties are becoming increasingly irrelevant in the United States, because their role can be fulfilled by their close but less politically costly cousin, the congressional-executive agreement. This study demonstrates that treaties are more durable than congressional-executive agreements, supporting the view that there are qualitative differences between the two instruments. Abandoning the treaty may therefore lead to unintended consequences by decreasing the tools that the executive has available to design optimal agreements.
ON THE HARD SPHERE MODEL AND SPHERE PACKINGS IN HIGH DIMENSIONS
Authors: JENSSEN MATTHEW , JOOS FELIX , PERKINS WILL
Published: January 2019

We prove a lower bound on the entropy of sphere packings of $\mathbb{R}^{d}$ of density $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E9}(d\cdot 2^{-d})$. The entropy measures how plentiful such packings are, and our result is significantly stronger than the trivial lower bound that can be obtained from the mere existence of a dense packing. Our method also provides a new, statistical-physics-based proof of the $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FA}(d\cdot 2^{-d})$ lower bound on the maximum sphere packing density by showing that the expected packing density of a random configuration from the hard sphere model is at least $(1+o_{d}(1))\log (2/\sqrt{3})d\cdot 2^{-d}$ when the ratio of the fugacity parameter to the volume covered by a single sphere is at least $3^{-d/2}$. Such a bound on the sphere packing density was first achieved by Rogers, with subsequent improvements to the leading constant by Davenport and Rogers, Ball, Vance, and Venkatesh.
Rough or wiggly? Membrane topology and morphology for fouling control
Authors: Ling Bowen , Battiato Ilenia
Published: January 2019

During filtration in reverse osmosis membranes (ROM), the system performance is dramatically affected by membrane fouling which causes a significant decrease in permeate flux as well as an increase in the energy input required to operate the system. In this work, we develop a model, able to dynamically capture foulant evolution, that couples the transient Navier–Stokes and the advection–diffusion equations, with an adsorption–desorption equation for the foulant accumulation. The model is validated against unsteady measurements of permeate flux as well as steady-state spatial fouling patterns. For a straight channel, we derive a universal scaling relationship between the Sherwood and Bejan numbers, i.e. the dimensionless permeate flux through the membrane and the pressure drop along the channel, respectively, and generalize this result to membranes subject to morphological and/or topological modifications, i.e. whose shape (wiggliness) or surface roughness is altered from the rectangular and flat reference case. We demonstrate that a universal scaling can be identified through the definition of a modified Reynolds number, $Re^{\star }$, that accounts for the additional length scales introduced by the membrane modifications, and a membrane performance index, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D709}$, an aggregate efficiency measure with respect to both clean permeate flux and energy input required to operate the system. Our numerical simulations demonstrate that ‘wiggly’ membranes outperform ‘rough’ membranes for smaller values of $Re^{\star }$, while the trend is reversed at higher $Re^{\star }$. The proposed approach is able to quantitatively investigate, optimize and guide the design of both morphologically and topologically altered membranes under the same framework, while providing insights into the physical mechanisms controlling the overall system performance.
Thermohaline layering on the microscale
Authors: Radko Timour
Published: January 2019

A theoretical model is developed which illustrates the dynamics of layering instability, frequently realized in ocean regions with active fingering convection. Thermohaline layering is driven by the interplay between large-scale stratification and primary double-diffusive instabilities operating at the microscale – temporal and spatial scales set by molecular dissipation. This interaction is described by a combination of direct numerical simulations and an asymptotic multiscale model. The multiscale theory is used to formulate explicit and dynamically consistent flux laws, which can be readily implemented in large-scale analytical and numerical models. Most previous theoretical investigations of thermohaline layering were based on the flux-gradient model, which assumes that the vertical transport of density components is uniquely determined by their local background gradients. The key deficiency of this approach is that layering instabilities predicted by the flux-gradient model have unbounded growth rates at high wavenumbers. The resulting ultraviolet catastrophe precludes the analysis of such basic properties of layering instability as its preferred wavelength or the maximal growth rate. The multiscale model, on the other hand, incorporates hyperdiffusion terms that stabilize short layering modes. Overall, the presented theory carries the triple advantage of (i) offering an explicit description of the interaction between microstructure and layering modes, (ii) taking into account the influence of non-uniform stratification on microstructure-driven mixing, and (iii) avoiding unphysical behaviour of the flux-gradient laws at small scales. While the multiscale approach to the parametrization of time-dependent small-scale processes is illustrated here on the example of fingering convection, we expect the proposed technique to be readily adaptable to a wide range of applications.
Adverbial and attributive modification of Persian separable light verb constructions
Authors: FLEISCHHAUER JENS , NEISANI MOZHGAN
Published: January 2019

Persian makes extensive use of light verb constructions (LVCs) consisting of a non-verbal preverb and a semantically light verbal element. The current paper concentrates on LVCs with nominal preverbs (e.g.sedâ dâdan‘produce a sound’, lit. ‘sound give’) which license an attributively used adjective intervening between the two components of the construction. Such LVCs are idiomatically combining expressions, in the sense of Nunberg, Sag & Wasow (1994: 496). The individual components of idiomatically combining expressions have an identifiable meaning and combine in a non-arbitrary way. Thus, they are conceived as being formed compositionally. Evidence for this view can be taken from the fact that the attributively used adjectives function as internal modifiers, targeting only the nominal component of the LVC.

As adjectives can also be used adverbially, two modification patterns emerge: The nominal preverb is modified by an attributive modifier, or the same adjective can be used as an adverbial modifier of the whole LVC. Two corresponding interpretation patterns arise: Attributive and adverbial modification either both result in the same, or in different interpretations.

The paper makes the following claims: First, only compositionally derived LVCs license attributive modification of their nominal preverb; and second, different interpretations of the two modification patterns only result if the light verb and the preverb each license a suitable property as a target for the modifier. If, on the other hand, such a property is only licensed by the preverb, adverbial and attributive modification result in the same interpretation.
Effort valuation and psychopathology in children and adults
Authors: Nguyen Nicholas H. , Albert Avery B. , Van Orman Sarah , Forken Patricia , Blatt Steven D. , Fremont Wanda P. , Faraone Stephen V. , Glatt Stephen J.
Published: January 2019

Background

The Research Domain Criteria initiative was launched by the US National Institute of Mental Health to establish a multi-level framework for understanding psychological constructs relevant to human psychiatric disorders, and identified ‘effort valuation/willingness to work’ as a clinically useful construct worthy of further study. This construct encompasses the processes by which the cost(s) of obtaining an outcome are calculated, and the tendency to overcome response costs to obtain a reinforcer. The current study aims to examine effort valuation as a correlate of psychopathology in children and adults, and the moderating effects of sex on this relationship.

Methods

Participants were 1215 children aged 6–12 and their parents (n= 1044). All participants completed the Effort Expenditure for Rewards Task as a measure of effort expenditure. Child psychopathology was measuredviathe Child Behavior Checklist, while adult psychopathology was measuredviathe Adult Self Report. Additionally, the Social Adjustment Inventory for Children and Adolescents and Injury Behavior Checklist were used to examine child social impairments/problem behaviors.

Results

In children, significant interactions between reward sensitivity and sex were observed in association with anxiety and thought problems, specifically at low reward sensitivity levels. In adults, main effects of effort expenditure were seen in drug and alcohol abuse, where higher effort was associated with higher degrees of abuse.

Conclusions

These results establish effort valuation as a relevant psychological construct for understanding psychopathology, but with different profiles of associated psychopathology across sex in children and adults.
Two Adaptive Communication Methods for Multi-Robot Collision Avoidance
Authors: Rosenfeld Avi
Published: January 2019

Designers of robotic groups are faced with the formidable task of creating effective coordination architectures that can deal with collisions due to changing environment conditions and hardware failures. Communication between robots is a mechanism that can at times be helpful in such systems, but can also create a time, energy, or computation overhead that reduces performance. In dealing with this issue, different communication schemes have been proposed ranging from those without any explicit communication, localized algorithms, and centralized or global communicative methods. Finding the optimal communication act is typically an intractable problem in real-world problems. As a result, we argue that at times group designers should use computationally bounded team communication approaches. We propose two such approaches: an algorithm selection approach to communication whereby robots choose between a known group of communication schemes and a parameterized communication framework whereby robots can reason about how large a communication radius is needed for a given problem. Both solutions use a novel coordination cost measure, combined coordination costs, to find the appropriate level of communication within such groups. Robots can then use this measure to create adaptive communication approaches that select between communication approaches as needed during task execution. We validated this approach through conducting extensive experiments in a canonical robotic foraging domain and found that robotic groups using these adaptive methods were able to significantly increase their productivity compared to teams that used only one type of communication scheme.
A Hybrid Obstacle-Avoidance Method of Spatial Hyper-Redundant Manipulators for Servicing in Confined Space
Authors: Mu Zonggao , Liu Tianliang , Xu Wenfu , Lou Yunjiang , Liang Bin
Published: January 2019

Due to a large number of redundant degrees of freedom (DOFs), the hyper-redundant manipulator shows outstanding dexterity and adaptability in avoiding the obstacles in confined space. In this paper, a hybrid obstacle-avoidance method of spatial hyper-redundant manipulators is proposed, with both efficiency and accuracy considered. The space around an obstacle is classified into safe, warning, and dangerous zones. A two-level protection strategy is then addressed to handle the obstacle-avoidance problem from qualitative (i.e., pseudo-distance based on super-quadric function) and quantitative (i.e., Euclidean distance based on practical geometry function) perspectives, respectively. The only condition for switching between the two-level protections is the value of pseudo-distance. Then, a modified modal method, which is a trajectory planning method, is presented to plan the collision-free trajectory of the manipulator by maximizing the minimum pseudo-distance or Euclidean distance in different zones. Some parameters, including the arm-angle parameters and the equivalent link length parameters, are defined to represent the manipulator configuration. They are adjusted to avoid the obstacle, singularity, and joint limit. The simulations of 12-DOF manipulator and an experiment of 18-DOF manipulator verify the proposed methods.
Distribution of Wildlife and Illegal Human Activities in the Lampi Marine National Park (Myanmar)
Authors: Bisi Francesco , Gagliardi Alessandra , Cremonesi Giacomo , Colombo Roberto , Mazzamuto Maria Vittoria , Wauters Lucas Armand , Preatoni Damiano Giovanni , Martinoli Adriano
Published: January 2019

Asian tropical forests are among the most affected by overhunting of wildlife species. Bushmeat is not just a source of food, but is also often seen as an income source due to the increasing regional demand for wildlife products. In this study, we assess for the first time the medium- and large-size vertebrate species present in Lampi Marine National Park (Myanmar) using camera traps and opportunistic sightings, and we use data from law enforcement patrolling to identify areas where poaching activities occur. Nineteen different terrestrial vertebrate species were observed in the Park, five of which are listed as globally threatened, while illegal activities were recorded at 107 locations. We estimated wildlife and human distributions using the maximum-entropy (i.e., MaxEnt) algorithm. Human activities were widely distributed in the Park, and areas selected by people were those at lower elevations and mainly in evergreen or semi-evergreen forests where most of the species occur. These models could improve knowledge of species presence and of the potential risk to wildlife associated with human activities. The modelling of wildlife and human presence proved to be useful for identifying areas that would receive special attention during patrolling, management and conservation actions.
Does Behavioural Activation Lack Credibility Among Those Who Need It Most? A Comparison of Responses to Rationales for Behavioural Activation and Schema Therapy
Authors: Curley S. , Smout M.F. , Denson L.A.
Published: January 2019

Background: Behavioural activation (BA) is an effective front-line treatment for depression but some consumers find it unattractive or aversive, and its rationale unconvincing. Aims: To investigate whether individual differences in symptoms of depression, borderline personality pathology or adverse childhood events would: (1) influence ratings of BA treatment credibility; (2) predict credibility rating differences in comparison to schema therapy (ST) exemplifying a contrasting theoretical rationale with a significant developmental history focus; (3) a third aim was to test whether BA credibility was increased by providing research evidence of its efficacy. Method: In an online within-subjects experiment, 219 Australian community adults completed the Credibility/Expectancy Questionnaire following written descriptions of BA and ST (presentation order randomized across participants), and again for BA after receiving information about research supporting BA's efficacy. Results: Higher childhood adversity (but not severity of depression or borderline personality disorder symptoms) predicted lower BA credibility. Overall, ST was rated more credible than BA, but presenting BA evidence increased BA credibility ratings to match ST. This response was moderated by individual differences: participants with higher childhood adversity or previous therapy experience found ST more credible than BA even after receiving BA evidence. Conclusions: Individuals are not equally receptive to BA. Presenting research evidence is an effective strategy for increasing credibility, but additional intervention or tailoring the rationale is recommended for clients with significant childhood adversity.
Electronic medical orders for life-sustaining treatment in New York State: Length of stay, direct costs in an ICU setting
Authors: Serrano-Eanelli Denise , Fattakhov Emma , Krishna Murali , Embler Jill , Byrne Steven , DiBlasi Claudia , Ludwigsen Kaitlyn , Leigh Yasmin , Alamgir Hasanat
Published: January 2019

Objective

In the United States, approximately 20% patients die annually during a hospitalization with an intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Each year, critical care costs exceed $82 billion, accounting for 13% of all inpatient hospital costs. Treatment of sepsis is listed as the most expensive condition in US hospitals, costing more than $20 billion annually. Electronic Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (eMOLST) is a standardized documentation process used in New York State to convey patients’ wishes regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other life-sustaining treatments. No study to date has looked at the effect of eMOLST as an advance care planning tool on ICU and hospital costs using estimates of direct costs. The objective of our study was to investigate whether signing of eMOLST results in any reduction in length of stay and direct costs for a community-based hospital in New York State.

Method

A retrospective chart review was conducted between July 2016 and July 2017. Primary outcome measures included length of hospital stay, ICU length of stay, total direct costs, and ICU costs. Inclusion criteria were patients ≥65 years of age and admitted into the ICU with a diagnosis of sepsis. An independent samplesttest was used to test for significant differences between those who had or had not completed the eMOLST form.

Result

There were no statistical differences for patients who completed or did not complete the eMOLST form on hospital's total direct cost, ICU cost, total length of hospital stay, and total hours spent in the ICU.

Significance of results

Completing an eMOLST form did not have any effect on reducing total direct cost, ICU cost, total length of hospital stay, and total hours spent in the ICU.
Reduced Target Facilitation and Increased Distractor Suppression During Mind Wandering
Authors: Geden Michael , Staicu Ana-Maria , Feng Jing
Published: January 2019

Abstract. The perceptual decoupling hypothesis suggests a general mechanism that while mind wandering, our attention is detached from our environment, resulting in diminished processing of external stimuli. This study focused on examining two possible specific mechanisms: the global suppression of all external stimuli, and a combination of reduced target facilitation and increased distractor suppression. An attentional capture task was used in which certain trials measured distractor suppression effects and others assessed target facilitation effects. The global suppression account predicts negative impacts on both types of trials, while the combined mechanisms of reduced target facilitation and increased distractor suppression suggest that only target-present trials would be affected. Results showed no cost of mind wandering on target-absent trials, but significant distractor suppression and target facilitation effects during mind wandering on target-present trials. These findings suggest that rather than perceptual decoupling globally suppressing all stimuli, it is more selective, falling in line with evidence on strong top-down modulation.