bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peri‐implant diseases and conditions: Consensus report of workgroup 4 of the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri‐Implant Diseases and Conditions
Authors: Berglundh Tord , Armitage Gary , Araujo Mauricio G. , Avila‐Ortiz Gustavo , Blanco Juan , Camargo Paulo M. , Chen Stephen , Cochran David , Derks Jan , Figuero Elena , Hämmerle Christoph H.F. , Heitz‐Mayfield Lisa J.A. , Huynh‐Ba Guy , Iacono Vincent , Koo Ki‐Tae , Lambert France , McCauley Laurie , Quirynen Marc , Renvert Stefan , Salvi Giovanni E. , Schwarz Frank , Tarnow Dennis , Tomasi Cristiano , Wang Hom‐Lay , Zitzmann Nicola
Published: June 2018

A classification for peri‐implant diseases and conditions was presented. Focused questions on the characteristics of peri‐implant health, peri‐implant mucositis, peri‐implantitis, and soft‐ and hard‐tissue deficiencies were addressed.

Peri‐implant health is characterized by the absence of erythema, bleeding on probing, swelling, and suppuration. It is not possible to define a range of probing depths compatible with health; Peri‐implant health can exist around implants with reduced bone support.

The main clinical characteristic of peri‐implant mucositis is bleeding on gentle probing. Erythema, swelling, and/or suppuration may also be present. An increase in probing depth is often observed in the presence of peri‐implant mucositis due to swelling or decrease in probing resistance. There is strong evidence from animal and human experimental studies that plaque is the etiological factor for peri‐implant mucositis.

Peri‐implantitis is a plaque‐associated pathological condition occurring in tissues around dental implants, characterized by inflammation in the peri‐implant mucosa and subsequent progressive loss of supporting bone. Peri‐implantitis sites exhibit clinical signs of inflammation, bleeding on probing, and/or suppuration, increased probing depths and/or recession of the mucosal margin in addition to radiographic bone loss.

The evidence is equivocal regarding the effect of keratinized mucosa on the long‐term health of the peri‐implant tissue. It appears, however, that keratinized mucosa may have advantages regarding patient comfort and ease of plaque removal.

Case definitions in day‐to‐day clinical practice and in epidemiological or disease‐surveillance studies for peri‐implant health, peri‐implant mucositis, and peri‐implantitis were introduced. The proposed case definitions should be viewed within the context that there is no generic implant and that there are numerous implant designs with different surface characteristics, surgical and loading protocols. It is recommended that the clinician obtain baseline radiographic and probing measurements following the completion of the implant‐supported prosthesis.
Immune deployment increases larval vulnerability to predators and inhibits adult life‐history traits in a dragonfly
Authors: Moore Michael P. , Lis Cassandra , Martin Ryan A.
Published: June 2018

While deploying immune defences early in ontogeny can trade‐off with the production and maintenance of other important traits across the entire life cycle, it remains largely unexplored how features of the environment shape the magnitude or presence of these lifetime costs. Greater predation risk during the juvenile stage may particularly influence such costs by (1) magnifying the survival costs that arise from any handicap of juvenile avoidance traits and/or (2) intensifying allocation trade‐offs with important adult traits. Here, we tested for predator‐dependent costs of immune deployment within and across life stages using the dragonfly, Pachydiplax longipennis. We first examined how larval immune deployment affected two traits associated with larval vulnerability to predators: escape distance and foraging under predation risk. Larvae that were induced to mount an immune response had shorter escape distances but lower foraging activity in the presence of predator cues. We also induced immune responses in larvae and reared them through emergence in mesocosms that differed in the presence of large predatory dragonfly larvae (Aeshnidae spp.). Immune‐challenged larvae had later emergence overall and lower survival in pools with predators. Immune‐challenged males were also smaller at emergence and developed less sexually selected melanin wing coloration, but these effects were independent of predator treatment. Overall, these results highlight how mounting an immune defence early in ontogeny can have substantial ecological and physiological costs that manifest both within and across life stages.
Inactivated Piscine orthoreovirus vaccine protects against heart and skeletal muscle inflammation in Atlantic salmon
Authors: Wessel Øystein , Haugland Øyvind , Rode Marit , Fredriksen Børge N. , Dahle Maria K. , Rimstad Espen
Published: June 2018

Heart‐ and skeletal muscle inflammation (HSMI) caused by infection with Piscine orthoreovirus (PRV) is one of the most common viral diseases in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in Norway, and disease outbreaks have been reported in most countries with large‐scale Atlantic salmon aquaculture. Currently there is no vaccine available for protection against HSMI, partly due to the lack of a cell line for efficient virus propagation. Erythrocytes are the primary target cells for PRV in vivo and a potential source for isolation of PRV particles. In this study, PRV was purified from infected erythrocytes, inactivated and used in a vaccination trial against HSMI. A single immunization with adjuvanted, inactivated PRV induced protection against HSMI in Atlantic salmon infected by virus injection 6 weeks later, while a moderate protection was obtained in fish infected through natural transmission, i.e. cohabitation. The PRV vaccine significantly reduced PRV loads and histopathological lesions typical for HSMI compared to the unvaccinated control group. This is the first demonstration of protective vaccination against PRV, and promising for future control of HSMI in Atlantic salmon aquaculture.
Ecological and histopathological aspects of Didymodiclinus sp. (Trematoda: Didymozoidae) parasite of the dusky grouper, Epinephelus marginatus (Osteichthyes: Serranidae), from the western Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Polinas Marta , Mele Salvatore , Padrós Francesc , Merella Paolo , Antuofermo Elisabetta , Gouraguine Adam , Reñones Olga
Published: June 2018

The dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus (Lowe) is an ecologically and commercially important fish species of the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastal rocky habitats. Despite records of didymozoid infections in several grouper species, the identification and pathogenesis of these parasites in E. marginatus are lacking. The aim of this study is to characterize the didymozoids of E. marginatus, particularly their mechanisms of infection and histopathological features. Dusky groupers (n = 205) were caught off Majorca Island (western Mediterranean Sea) and examined for parasites. Of the fish sampled, 45% were infected with white and yellow didymozoid capsules and brown nodules, found on the gills and pseudobranchs. Parasite abundance had a strong positive relationship with the fish length; only fish larger than 20 cm were infected, suggesting infection via consumption of an intermediate host, for which E. marginatus size was a limiting factor. The capsules contained two convoluted viable adult trematodes, identified as Didymodiclinus sp., in close contact with host capillary vessels, with no evidence of the tissue inflammatory response. Conversely, nodules containing degraded parasites were surrounded by an intense inflammatory infiltrate. The findings suggest that Didymodiclinus sp. have the potential to evade the host's immune system by inhibiting the inflammatory response.
The Moderating Role of Tangibility in Synchronous Innovation in Services
Authors: Alexiev Alexander S. , Janssen Matthijs , den Hertog Pim
Published: June 2018

A synchronous pattern of innovation as between technological and management innovation, for example, can help firms improve their performance. This article explores this idea with respect to servitizing companies that introduce service delivery innovation as a means of gaining competitive advantage. It finds that the degree of tangibility, an indicator of the firm’s position on the product–service continuum, affects whether and how managers recognize the need for management innovation when introducing service delivery innovation. Using a socio‐technical perspective in conjunction with insights from managerial cognition, the relationship between management innovation and two central types of service delivery innovation—technological and customer interface—is examined. Tangibility shapes the managerial cognitive structures that are related to the enterprise’s technical and social subsystems in a paradigm that is capable of demonstrating contrasting effects. Technological delivery innovation is related to management innovation in firms with high tangibility. Customer interface delivery innovation, on the other hand, relates to management innovation in firms with low tangibility. This study uses a sample of diverse firms with varying degrees of tangibility to provide support for this theory.
Mapping potential Anopheles gambiae s.l. larval distribution using remotely sensed climatic and environmental variables in Baringo, Kenya
Authors: Amadi J. A. , Ong'amo G. O. , Olago D. O. , Oriaso S. O. , Nyamongo I. K. , Estambale B. B. A.
Published: June 2018

Anopheles gambiae s.l. (Diptera: Culicidae) is responsible for the transmission of the devastating Plasmodium falciparum (Haemosporida: Plasmodiidae) strain of malaria in Africa. This study investigated the relationship between climate and environmental conditions and An. gambiae s.l. larvae abundance and modelled the larval distribution of this species in Baringo County, Kenya. Mosquito larvae were collected using a 350‐mL dipper and a pipette once per month from December 2015 to December 2016. A random forest algorithm was used to generate vegetation cover classes. A negative binomial regression was used to model the association between remotely sensed climate (rainfall and temperature) and environmental (vegetation cover, vegetation health, topographic wetness and slope) factors and An. gambiae s.l. for December 2015. Anopheles gambiae s.l. was significantly more frequent in the riverine zone (P < 0.05, r = 0.59) compared with the lowland zone. Rainfall (b = 6.22, P < 0.001), slope (b = − 4.81, P = 0.012) and vegetation health (b = − 5.60, P = 0.038) significantly influenced the distribution of An. gambiae s.l. larvae. High An. gambiae s.l. abundance was associated with cropland and wetland environments. Effective malaria control will require zone‐specific interventions such as a focused dry season vector control strategy in the riverine zone.
Quantitative analysis of anxiety levels of nursing students studying bioscience in Australia
Authors: Mortimer‐Jones Sheila M. , Wall Peter G. , Russell Susan
Published: June 2018

Nursing students traditionally find bioscience difficult and anxiety provoking. This has important ramifications, as anxiety can hinder comprehension and lead to poor exam performance. The aim of the present study was to assess whether there was any difference between the anxiety levels of nursing students during their bioscience laboratory classes compared to their clinical laboratory classes. Students were recruited from a first year Bachelor of Nursing program. The self‐report State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (short form) was administered at the start of all classes throughout the semester. Anxiety scores of students between the units were compared using pairedt‐tests, and repeated‐measures analysis of variance was used to measure anxiety scores within units over time. There were no significant differences in anxiety scores in the bioscience and clinical classes; however, the students were significantly more anxious in the theory classes. These findings suggest that nursing students do not find the subject of bioscience any more anxiety provoking than other nursing subjects. Bioscience educators should continue to focus on the integration of bioscience with nursing practice, while broader anxiety‐reduction strategies throughout the curriculum should be implemented.
A methodological review of qualitative longitudinal research in nursing
Authors: SmithBattle Lee , Lorenz Rebecca , Reangsing Chuntana , Palmer Janice L. , Pitroff Gail
Published: June 2018

Qualitative longitudinal research (QLR) provides temporal understanding of the human response to health, illness, and the life course. However, little guidance is available for conducting QLR in the nursing literature. The purpose of this review is to describe the methodological status of QLR in nursing. With the assistance of a medical librarian, we conducted a thorough search circumscribed to qualitative, longitudinal nursing studies of patients’ and care‐givers’ experiences published between 2006 and 2016. The methodological quality of the 74 reviewed studies varied tremendously; many reports lacked sufficient detail in reporting on sampling and attrition, retention strategies, and data collection and analysis, making it difficult for readers to evaluate the credibility and transferability of study findings. Based on the strengths and limitations of the studies reviewed and findings in the literature, we provide recommendations for enhancing the reporting of the research process as a supplement to the standards for qualitative research more broadly. These recommendations are offered in the spirit of encouraging dialogue among colleagues and assisting journal reviewers and editors in their evaluation of QLR.
Comparison of ICD shock rates in Japanese and non‐Japanese patients in the PainFree SST study
Authors: Kurita Takashi , Ando Kenji , Ueda Marehiko , Shizuta Satoshi , Okamura Hideo , Matsumoto Naoki , Gerritse Bart , Fagan Dedra H. , Schloss Edward J. , Meijer Albert , Auricchio Angelo , Sterns Laurence D. , Okumura Ken ,   on behalf of the PainFree SST investigators
Published: June 2018

Background

The PainFree Smart Shock Technology (SST) study showed a low implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) inappropriate shock rate. However, the majority of patients were from Western countries with patient characteristics different from those in Japan. ICD shock rates using the novel SST algorithms in Japanese patients are still unknown.

Methods

All 2,770 patients in the PainFree SST study (Japan [JPN]: N = 181, other geographies [OJPN]: N = 2,589) were included in this analysis.

Results

Japanese patients had higher average left ventricular ejection fraction (P < 0.0001), higher prevalence of secondary prevention indications (P < 0.0001), nonischemic cardiomyopathy (P < 0.0001), and permanent atrial fibrillation (P < 0.0001). The appropriate shock rate at 12 months was not different between JPN and OJPN: 6.4% and 6.3%, respectively (P = 0.95). The inappropriate shock rate at 12 months was significantly higher in Japanese patients (2.9% vs 1.7%, P = 0.017). However, after propensity score matching to adjust for the difference in baseline characteristics, the difference in inappropriate shock rate was not statistically significant (P = 0.51).

Conclusions

There was no difference in the appropriate shock rate between Japan and other geographies. The inappropriate shock rate in Japan was low, although it was slightly higher compared to other geographies due to baseline characteristics, including a higher prevalence of permanent AF. There was not a statistically significant difference after adjusting for baseline characteristics.
Phylogenetic relationships, biogeography and diversification of Coenonymphina butterflies (Nymphalidae: Satyrinae): intercontinental dispersal of a southern Gondwanan group?
Authors: Kodandaramaiah Ullasa , Braby Michael F. , Grund Roger , Müller Chris J. , Wahlberg Niklas
Published: June 2018

The origins, evolutionary history and diversification of the Australian butterfly fauna are poorly known and uncertain. Two competing hypotheses have been proposed to explain the occurrence of butterflies on this isolated continental landmass. The common view is that all Australian butterflies entered the continent relatively recently from the northern hemisphere via Southeast Asia and/or mainland New Guinea (i.e. northern dispersal origin hypothesis). The alternative view is that part or all of the Australian butterfly fauna ultimately evolved in remnant or Southern Gondwana when Australia was connected to South America through Antarctica (i.e. Southern Gondwanan origin hypothesis). However, robust phylogenies with strong support for monophyly are lacking for the majority of Australian endemic butterfly lineages, thereby precluding determination of their systematic relationships and hence their geographic origins. Here, we use molecular data to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships of the globally distributed butterfly subtribe Coenonymphina (Satyrinae: Satyrini). This group represents a major component of the butterfly fauna of the wider Australasian region, with 19 genera and 71 species endemic to the region. Dating estimates extrapolated from secondary calibration sources indicate that the subtribe arose c. 48 Ma (95% credibility interval, 52–42 Ma), and the crown group first diverged in the Eocene (c. 44 Ma, 95% credibility interval 51–37 Ma). Rapid speciation events subsequently followed around the Eocence–Oligocene boundary, resulting in a near‐hard polytomy comprising short basal branches with nodes that are difficult to resolve. Based on strongly supported phylogenetic relationships and estimates of divergence times, we conclude that the group probably had its origin in the fragment of Southern Gondwana consisting of Australia, Antarctica and South America. However, we are unable to rule out the northern dispersal scenario, particularly as Coenonymphina are closely related to a set of predominantly Asian lineages. Dispersal and extinction events following the final break‐up of Gondwana have played a pivotal role in shaping the extant distributions of the group.
Effects of 5% sodium chloride ophthalmic ointment on thickness and morphology of the normal canine cornea
Authors: Samuel Michelle , Thomasy Sara M. , Calderon Allison S. , Kass Philip H. , Collins Keith , Murphy Christopher J.
Published: June 2018

Objective

To determine the effect of 5% sodium chloride ophthalmic ointment (5% NaCl) on thickness and morphology of the normal canine cornea using ultrasonic pachymetry (USP), in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM), and Fourier‐domain optical coherence tomography (FD‐OCT).

Methods

Five healthy laboratory Beagles received ophthalmic examinations includingUSP,IVCM, andFD‐OCTprior to and at fixed intervals following treatment. The right and left eyes were treated with 5% NaCl and artificial tears ophthalmic ointment (AT), respectively, every 2 hours for 4 treatments/d (days 2‐9), and then hourly for 7 treatments/d (day 10). Treatment groups were statistically compared using mixed‐effects linear regression.

Results

Treatment with 5% NaCl resulted in a 12 μm decrease in corneal thickness from baseline (P < .001), while there was no significant difference in corneal thickness between values obtained at baseline and following treatment withAT(P = .82). Epithelial cell density significantly increased from baseline (530 ± 52 cells/mm2) to 577 ± 43 and 567 ± 15 cells/mm2with 5% NaCl andAT, respectively (P = .003 and .005, respectively). However, keratocyte cell density in the anterior and posterior stroma and endothelial cell density did not significantly differ following treatment with 5% NaCl orATointment (P > .05).

Conclusions

Short‐term topical treatment with 5% NaCl decreased corneal thickness in normal dogs with no observable changes in corneal morphology or signs of ocular toxicity.
Response to Comment on “Sterilizing immunity in the lung relies on targeting fungal apoptosis-like programmed cell death”
Authors: Shlezinger Neta , Irmer Henriette , Dhingra Sourabh , Beattie Sarah R. , Cramer Robert A. , Braus Gerhard H. , Sharon Amir , Hohl Tobias M.
Published: June 2018

Aouacheria
et al
. question the interpretation of contemporary assays to monitor programmed cell death with apoptosis-like features (A-PCD) in
Aspergillus fumigatus
. Although our study focuses on fungal A-PCD for host immune surveillance and infectious outcomes, the experimental approach incorporates multiple independent A-PCD markers and genetic manipulations based on fungal rather than mammalian orthologs to circumvent the limitations associated with any single approach.
Combating deforestation: From satellite to intervention
Authors: Finer Matt , Novoa Sidney , Weisse Mikaela J. , Petersen Rachael , Mascaro Joseph , Souto Tamia , Stearns Forest , Martinez Raúl García
Published: June 2018

Near–real-time monitoring and response are possible
The Victorian dynamo
The Ascent of John Tyndall: Victorian Scientist, Mountaineer, and Public Intellectual
Roland Jackson
Oxford University Press, 2018. 592 pp.
Authors: Dry Sarah
Published: June 2018

A long-awaited biography does justice to John Tyndall, a pioneering climate researcher and science advocate
Feel the dielectric force
Authors: Kalinin Sergei V.
Published: June 2018

The dielectric constant of water confined in nanoscale channels is far below that of bulk water
Ethylphenol Formation by Lactobacillus plantarum: Identification of the Enzyme Involved in the Reduction of Vinylphenols
Authors: Santamaría Laura , Reverón Inés , de Felipe Félix López , de las Rivas Blanca , Muñoz Rosario
Published: June 2018

The presence of volatile phenols is considered a major organoleptic defect of several fermented alcoholic beverages. The biosynthesis of these compounds has been mainly associated withBrettanomyces/Dekkerayeasts. However, the potential importance of lactic acid bacteria in volatile phenol spoilage is emphasized by reports describing a faster ethylphenol production by these bacteria than by yeasts. The genetic identification of the bacterial vinylphenol reductase involved in volatile phenol production provides new insights into the role of lactic acid bacteria in the production of these off flavors. The development of a molecular method for the detection of ethylphenol-producing bacteria could be helpful to design strategies to reduce the bacterial production of vinylphenols in fermented foods.
Femoral nerve paralysis complicating a post-traumatic iliopsoas haematoma
Authors: Nefiss Mouadh , Tebourbi Anis , Ben Maatoug Aymen , Bouzidi Ramzi
Published: June 2018

Paralysis of the femoral nerve secondary to iliopsoas haematoma is a rare post-traumatic complication. Because of the large differential diagnosis, a high level of suspicion is required for its early recognition. Treatment modalities are controversial due to the rarity of this entity. An 18-year-old student presented with complete paralysis of the knee extensors and a sensory deficit on the anterior side of the thigh 5 weeks after a sport accident. MRI of the lesser pelvis showed an iliopsoas haematoma. Surgical decompression was performed and recovery was complete at 6 months of follow-up.
Representativeness of a digitally engaged population and a patient organisation population with rheumatoid arthritis and their willingness to participate in research: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Costello Ruth , Jacklin Clare , Jameson Evans Matthew , McBeth John , Dixon William G
Published: June 2018

Objectives

To describe (1) the representativeness of (a) users of an online health community (HealthUnlocked.com (HU)) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and (b) paid members of an RA patient organisation, the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS), compared with the general RA population; and (2) the willingness of HU users with RA to participate in types of research (surveys, use of an app or activity tracker, and trials).

Methods

A pop-up survey was embedded on HU to determine the characteristics of users and their willingness to participate in research. An anonymous data set of NRAS member characteristics was provided by the NRAS (N=2044). To represent the general RA population, characteristics of people with RA were identified from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) (N=20 594). Cross-sectional comparisons were made across the three groups.

Results

Compared with CPRD, HU respondents (n=615) were significantly younger (49% aged below 55 years compared with 23% of CPRD patients), significantly more deprived (21% in the most deprived Townsend quintile compared with 12% of CPRD patients) and had more recent disease, with 62% diagnosed between 2010 and 2016 compared with 37% of CPRD patients. NRAS members were more similar to the CPRD, but significantly under-represented those aged 75 years or over and over-represented those aged 55–75 years compared with the CPRD. High proportions of HU users were willing to participate in future research of all types.

Conclusions

NRAS members were broadly representative of the general RA population. HU users were younger, more deprived and more recently diagnosed. HU users were willing to participate in most types of research.
Bilateral distal ureteral transection in the setting of blunt trauma
Authors: Raygor Desiree , Cunningham James , Costa Joseph , Crandall Marie , Skarupa David
Published: June 2018

A 69-year-old obese man was involved in a high-speed head-on motor vehicle collision. He was tachycardic and normotensive on arrival. He subsequently developed hemodynamic instability requiring blood transfusion. On examination he had bilateral pneumothoraces, an anterior-posterior compression (APC) pelvic fracture, an open wound at the left groin, and gross hematuria after Foley catheter placement.

CT imaging revealed hemoperitoneum, right hepatic lobe grade II lacerations, splenic laceration, mesenteric root injury with extravasated contrast, intraperitoneal and extraperitoneal bladder rupture, bilateral ureteral injuries at the level of the pelvic inlet (see figure 1), APC pelvic fracture, bilateral rib fractures, pneumothoraces, and pulmonary contusions.

Figure 1

CT of the abdomen and pelvis with cystogram. Delayed images demonstrating accumulation of contrast in the retroperitoneum arising from the right and left ureter at the level of the pelvic brim. Extraluminal contrast from the intraperitoneal bladder injury is also identified.

He underwent emergent exploratory laparotomy. Exploration confirmed the injuries noted on the CT scan. Hepatorrhaphy with abdominal and preperitoneal pelvic packing was performed. A large anterior bladder wall injury was visualized. Neither ureteral orifice was seen. The right ureter was completely transected at the level of the pelvic brim. The left ureter was decompressed and the full extent of its injury was not determined; however, the bladder injury left concern for a distal avulsion. The patient continued to be in shock.

What would you do?

Reconstruct the urinary bladder and reimplant bilateral ureters.

Ligate the ureter and prepare for pelvic embolization and nephrostomy tubes.

Continue to explore looking for the full extent of the left ureter.

Externalize the ureters to the abdominal wall with the open abdomen.
A Computational Model for the Neural Representation and Estimation of the Binocular Vector Disparity from Convergent Stereo Image Pairs
Authors: Chessa Manuela , Solari Fabio
Published: June 2018

The depth cue is a fundamental piece of information for artificial and living beings who interact with the surrounding environment in order to handle objects and to avoid obstacles: in such situations, the disparity patterns, which arise when agents fixate objects, are vector fields. We propose a biologically-inspired computational model to estimate dense horizontal and vertical disparity maps by exploiting the cortical paradigms of the primate visual system: in particular, we aim to model the disparity sensitivity of the V1–MT visual pathway. The proposed model is based on a first processing stage composed of a bank of spatial band-pass filters and a static nonlinearity, mimicking complex binocular cells. Then, subsequent pooling stages and decoding strategies allow the model to estimate the vector disparity, after having represented it as a population of MT-like units. We assess the proposed model by using standard benchmarking stereo images, the Middlebury dataset, and specific stereo images that have horizontal and vertical disparities, which characterize the stimuli produced by active vision systems. Moreover, we systemically analyze how the different processing stages affect the model performance, and we discuss their implications for the neural modeling.
Thermosize effects in a q-deformed fermion gas model
Authors: Senay Mustafa , Kibaroglu Salih
Published: June 2018

We study the the high-temperature thermodynamic properties of the q-deformed fermion gas model by taking into account of the size effect of the gas particles. Starting from the logarithm of the grand partition function of the model, we calculate several thermodynamic functions of the model such as internal energy, entropy, and Helmholtz free energy by means of the deformation parameter q. Furthermore, the influences of the fermionic q-deformation on the thermosize effect in the confined deformed quantum gas systems such as the Seebeck-like and Peltier-like thermosize effects are discussed. Especially, we focus on the absorbed or released heat of the model in the Peltier-like thermosize effect. In the light of the results obtained in this work, we can conclude that the present q-deformed fermion model can be used to desing the new types of the micro-/nano-scaled quantum heat engines.
Quantum harmonic oscillator with time-dependent mass
Authors: Ramos-Prieto I. , Espinosa-Zuñiga A. , Fernández-Guasti M. , Moya-Cessa H. M.
Published: June 2018

We use the Fourier operator to transform a time-dependent mass quantum harmonic oscillator into a frequency-dependent one. Then we use Lewis–Ermakov invariants to solve the Schrödinger equation by using squeeze operators. Finally, we give two examples of time dependencies: quadratically and hyperbolically growing masses.
Nonsingular Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Control for Spinning Missiles Based on Extended State Observer
Authors: Bao Xue , Wang Dazhi
Published: June 2018

A backstepping nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode control with the extended state observer (ESO) is proposed for the uncertain factors of nonlinear spinning missile. Based on Lyapunov stability theory, the virtual control as sliding mode is taken in the backstepping design and then the tracking differentiator (TD) is employed to eliminate the “explosion of terms”. In the last step of the backstepping design, nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode control is utilized to drive the angular velocity tracking error to converge to the origin in a finite period of time. To estimate the chattering phenomenon caused by disturbance influence variable in the system, an ESO is applied to estimate and compensate the impact from uncertainties and disturbances. The stability of the closed-loop system is proved. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed control method and the stability of the controller.
Redundant-Signed-Digit-Based High Speed Elliptic Curve Cryptographic Processor
Authors: Shah Yasir A. , Javeed Khalid , Azmat Shoaib , Wang Xiaojun
Published: June 2018

In this paper, a high speed elliptic curve cryptographic (ECC) processor for National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recommended prime [Formula: see text] is proposed. The modular arithmetic components in the proposed ECC processor are highly optimized at both architectural level and circuit level. Redundant-signed-digit (RSD) arithmetic is adopted in the modular arithmetic components to avoid lengthy carry propagation delay. A high speed modular multiplier is designed based on an efficient segmentation and pipelining strategy. The clock cycle count is reduced as result of the segmentation, whereas operating frequency and throughput are significantly increased due to the pipelining. An optimized pipelined architecture for modular division is also presented which is suitable for the design of ECC processor using projective coordinates. The Joye’s double and add (DAA) algorithm based on [Formula: see text]-only common [Formula: see text] (co-[Formula: see text]) coordinate is adopted at the system level for its regular and efficient behavior. The proposed ECC processor is flexible and can be implemented using any field programmable gate array (FPGA) family or standard cell libraries. The proposed ECC processor executes a single elliptic curve (EC) point multiplication (PM) operation in 0.47[Formula: see text]ms at a maximum frequency of 327[Formula: see text]MHz on Virtex-6 FPGA. The implementation results demonstrate that the proposed ECC processor outperforms the other contemporary designs reported in the literature in terms of speed and [Formula: see text] metrics.
Design and Implementation of New Topology for Nonisolated DC–DC Microconverter with Effective Clamping Circuit
Authors: Premkumar M. , Sumithira T. R.
Published: June 2018

This paper presents nonisolated DC–DC converter which suits for solar photovoltaic (PV) applications. The DC–DC converter proposed in this paper utilizes coupled inductor, voltage boost capacitor and passive clamp circuit to achieve desired voltage gain and the passive clamp circuit will help the converter to accomplish high efficiency. To minimize the voltage spike/ringing across MOSFET drain-source and to recover the coupled inductor leakage energy, the RCD clamp circuit is used. The voltage lift capacitor along with the clamp circuit helps in increasing the voltage gain of the converter. The proposed converter offers low voltage stress on MOSFET and diode, low-coupled inductor turns ratio with low duty cycle. The converter is analyzed and simulated with PLECS standalone simulating environment for all aspects of the clamp circuit. The simulation results are compared with RCD and other clamping circuits to verify the performance of the proposed converter. The converter is also compared with active clamping to discuss the effectiveness of passive clamping circuit. To track the maximum power from the solar PV module, the conventional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques are used. The prototype is designed and implemented for 150W and experimental results are verified.
Hopf Bifurcation of Z2-Equivariant Generalized Liénard Systems
Authors: Wu Yusen , Guo Laigang , Chen Yufu
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we consider a class of Liénard systems, described by [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text] symmetry. Particular attention is given to the existence of small-amplitude limit cycles around fine foci when [Formula: see text] is an odd polynomial function and [Formula: see text] is an even function. Using the methods of normal form theory, we found some new and better lower bounds of the maximal number of small-amplitude limit cycles in these systems. Moreover, a complete classification of the center conditions is obtained for such systems.
Controlling Fractal Diffusion of Differently-Sized Soot Particles
Authors: Sun Jie , Qiao Wei , Liu Shuai
Published: June 2018

Fractal diffusion of soot particles is widespread in nature. We propose a mathematical model of interference control for diffusion systems of differently-sized soot particles that can be used to predict and control fractal diffusion. The effect of the source of the interference on diffusion is investigated by analyzing the numerical relationship between the growth probability and the different interferences, a nonlinear logarithm interference and an internal source. Simulation demonstrates the effective control of fractal diffusion for differently-sized soot particles. Meanwhile, analyzing the multifractal spectra of soot particle aggregates under different controlling parameters lends to a quantitative description of the impact on the morphology and distribution of aggregated soot particles due to environmental interferences. This is useful not only for selecting controlling parameters and regions, but also for further developing studies into the kinetics of soot particle diffusion and the improvement of aggregation mechanisms.
Nuclear structure and decay properties of Nd isotopes
Authors: Ouhachi M. , Oudih M. R. , Fellah M. , Allal N. H.
Published: June 2018

Using the Hartree–Fock–Bogoliubov mean-field theory, the ground-state structural and decay properties of Nd isotopes are investigated from the proton-rich side up to the neutron drip-line. Quantities such as binding energies per nucleon, one and two-neutron separation energies, rms charge radii, and quadrupole deformation parameters have been calculated. Compared with the relativistic mean-field results, the present calculations are in better agreement with the available experimental data. The results show clearly the signature of a shape transition at [Formula: see text] and an abrupt increase in the deformation near the neutron drip-line. Further, the possible decay modes like alpha, cluster and [Formula: see text]-decay are analyzed in a unified fission model and phenomenological formulas. Overall, a good agreement is achieved between the calculated and experimental [Formula: see text]-values and half-lives wherever available. The most likely decay modes are thus identified throughout the isotopic chain.
Which Individual Characteristics are Associated with Academic Entrepreneurship? Evidence from Estonia
Authors: Mõttus Maksim , Lukason Oliver , Varblane Urmas
Published: June 2018

This study aims to find out how academic workers’ characteristics are associated with their ownership in firms. It is based on quantitative data for the whole population of academic staff from Estonian public universities. Variables portraying age, academic field, professorship, number of publications and research grants are applied in analysing academic workers having ownership in firms. The results indicate that being a professor, having Science as the primary academic field, and a larger number of publications increase the likelihood of academic ownership while a larger number of grants decreases it. The age of academic worker is not a significant determinant of the likelihood of academic ownership.
Developing Technology Roadmapping Combinational Framework by Meta Synthesis Technique
Authors: Sareminia Saba , Hasanzadeh Alireza , Elahi Shaaban , Montazer Gholamali
Published: June 2018

In recent years, technological advances have motivated industries, companies and even governments to look for an improved alignment between strategic objectives and technology management, preferably through the application of structured and flexible approaches that use techniques such as technology roadmapping. There are a lot of studies that have presented various models, processes and frameworks to develop technology roadmap and more studies have developed roadmaps based on these contributions. Most of these studies have mentioned that the roadmapping process must be customized in every case. Accordingly, having a model or a framework that represents the most prominent findings of these studies in one view is so helpful for customizing the process. But there is no research that accumulates previous studies and achieving this purpose. This paper presents the outcomes of a Meta-synthesis review of technology roadmapping literature that was published between 1997 and 2016 (73 papers) and develops a framework from important roadmapping components which affected the roadmapping process and roadmaps. Finally, the components of the proposed framework have been evaluated by survey benefiting from experts’ opinion and Shannon’s entropy technique.
A novel cobalt ion implanted pyridylporphyrin/graphene oxide assembly for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Luo Qiang , Zhu Kun , Kang Shi-Zhao , Qin Lixia , Han Sheng , Li Guodong , Li Xiangqing
Published: June 2018

By facilely pre-implanting Co[Formula: see text] ions in the graphene oxide, a novel 5,15-diphenyl-10,20-di(4-pyridyl)porphyrin pillared graphene oxide was fabricated by means of electrostatic interaction and coordination interaction. It was shown that the morphology and the structure of graphene oxide and pyridylporphyrin nanocomposite were modified by introducing Co[Formula: see text] ions on the interface between graphene oxide and pyridylporphyrin. Furthermore, it was found that the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity over the Co[Formula: see text] ions implanted in the graphene oxide and pyridylporphyrin nanocomposite was evidently higher than in the graphene oxide and pyridylporphyrin nanocomposite without Co[Formula: see text]. This confirmed that strong interaction and efficient electron transfer between pyridylporphyrin and graphene oxide are the important reasons for the enhanced photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution. Subsequently, this technique will be a simple and efficient approach to optimize the transfer pathway of photogenerated electrons and to improve photocatalytic performance by implanting metal ions in the interface of nanocomposites.
Flower-like MoS2 Nanospheres: A Promising Material with Good Microwave Absorption Property in the Frequency Range of 8.2–12.4 GHz
Authors: Su Xiaolei , Ning Jing , Jia Yan , Liu Yi
Published: June 2018

MoS2 nanospheres have been synthesized by a hydrothermal method at various reaction times using sodium molybdate and thioacetamide as the sulfur source and reducing agent, respectively. The prepared MoS2 nanospheres have been characterized by XRD, SEM and vector network analyzer, respectively. Results show that the prepared MoS2 samples were the flower-like nanospheres and the powder size increased with increasing reaction time. The real part ([Formula: see text]) and imaginary part ([Formula: see text]) of permittivity of the prepared MoS2 nanospheres increased as the reaction time increased initially and decreased afterwards. When the reaction time was 20[Formula: see text]h, the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] reached the maximum values, 8.25–8.05 and 4.1–3.85, respectively. The minimum reflection loss value of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dB was achieved at 8.3[Formula: see text]GHz for the synthesized MoS2 nanospheres with reaction time of 16[Formula: see text]h. All the samples with matching thicknesses of 2–4[Formula: see text]mm presented wider effective absorption bandwidths ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dB) in the frequency range of 8.2–12.4[Formula: see text]GHz.
MOF-Derived Porous CeO2−x/C Nanorods and Their Applications in Uric Acid Biosensor
Authors: Luo Jinbao , Cui Jiewu , Wang Yan , Yu Dongbo , Qin Yongqiang , Zheng Hongmei , Hong Yu , Zhang Yong , Wu Yucheng
Published: June 2018

Selectivity is significant to the practical applications of electrochemical biosensors in clinical and diagnostic field. In this paper, porous CeO[Formula: see text]/C nanorods (NRs) derived from Ce-based metal organic framework (MOF) were synthesized and employed as substrate to construct uric acid biosensors with high sensitivity and selectivity at low working potential. The morphology, microstructures and elemental states of as-prepared samples were investigated by SEM, XRD, TEM and XPS systematically. It was found that a great amount of oxygen vacancies was introduced into the interstitial of CeO2and nonstoichiometric CeO2/C (CeO[Formula: see text]/C) nanorods based on Ce-MOF were formed under calcination in Ar atmosphere. The increased oxygen vacancies enabled the negatively shifting of the working potential towards H2O2detection for CeO[Formula: see text]/C nanorods, favoring the construction of biosensors based on the detection of H2O2. Uric biosensors based on CeO[Formula: see text]/C NRs exhibited a high sensitivity of 220.0[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]A[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mM[Formula: see text] and a linear range from 50[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M to 1000[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M at working potential of [Formula: see text]0.4[Formula: see text]V versus SCE. It also exhibited superior selectivity toward interferents coexisting with uric acid in urine due to the low working potential.
Nitrogen Defects-Rich 0D/2D α-Fe2O3/g-C3N4 Z-Scheme Photocatalyst for Enhanced Photooxidation and H2 Evolution Efficiencies
Authors: Zhao Chaocheng , Wang Shuaijun , Yan Qingyun , Dong Pei , Wang Yongqiang , Liu Fang , Li Lin
Published: June 2018

Rational design and construction of Z-scheme photocatalysts have received much attention in the fields of organic pollutants degradation and H2 evolution because of their potentials to solve the current environmental and energy crises. Herein, a novel nitrogen defects-rich 0D/2D [Formula: see text]-Fe2O3/g-C3N4 Z-scheme photocatalyst was fabricated via a one-pot co-pyrolysis method. Quantum-sized [Formula: see text]-Fe2O3 dots with a diameter of approximately 5[Formula: see text]nm were uniformly distributed on the surface of 2D g-C3N4. Besides, the prepared 0D/2D [Formula: see text]-Fe2O3/g-C3N4 composites exhibited excellent RhB degradation ability and simultaneous H2 evolution efficiency. In comparison with 2D g-C3N4, the RhB degradation rate and H2 evolution catalyzed by 0D/2D [Formula: see text]-Fe2O3/g-C3N4 were enhanced 3.9 and 1.8 times, respectively. The improved photoredox activity was predominantly attributed to the formation of the nitrogen defects and a Z-scheme heterojunction. This study provides novel insights into the design and fabrication of nitrogen defects-rich g-C3N4-based Z-scheme photocatalysts for the simultaneous environmental purification and H2 evolution.
Multiscale cohesive zone modeling and simulation of high-speed impact, penetration, and fragmentation
Authors: Wang Chao , Lyu Dandan
Published: June 2018

In this work, a multiscale cohesive zone model (MCZM) is developed to simulate the high-speed penetration induced dynamic fracture process such as fragmentation in crystalline solids. This model describes bulk material as a local quasi-continuum medium which follows the Cauchy–Born rule while cohesive zone element is governed by an interface depletion potential, such that the cohesive zone constitutive descriptions are genetically consistent with that of bulk element. This multiscale method proved to be effective in describing material inhomogeneities and it is constructed and implemented in a cohesive finite element Galerkin weak formulation. Numerical simulations of high-speed penetration with different shape of penetrators, i.e., square, circle and parabola nose penetrators are performed. Results show that the proposed MCZM can successfully capture spall fracture, the penetration process and different characteristics of fragmentation under different shape of penetrators.