bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Publication trends in micro‐CT endodontic research: a bibliometric analysis over a 25‐year period
Authors: Aksoy U. , Küçük M. , Versiani M. A. , Orhan K.
Published: October 2020

Aim

To conduct a bibliographic analysis of the research studies published in Endodontics using micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) as an analytical tool over a 25‐year period.

Methodology

The Web of Science electronic database was accessed, and an advanced search using strict criteria was undertaken from January 1995 to June 2020 for studies in the field of Endodontics that used micro‐CT as an analytical tool. A further search was conducted between January and August of 2020 for a combination of specific terms and descriptors. For each selected article, the following parameters were recorded: field of the study, analysed specimen, publication title and year, authorship, journal of publication, institution and country of origin, collaborating institutions and countries, and number of citations. The acquired data were analysed using descriptive statistics and graphical mappings.

Results

The screening process identified 877 relevant articles that were classified into 30 thematic categories. The main fields of research were root canal preparation (23.8%), root canal anatomy (17.4%), canal filling (9.2%) and root canal retreatment (7.0%). The most productive half‐decade comprised the period of 2015–2019 (n = 513; 58.5%), with the highest number of articles published in 2019 (n = 146; 16.6%). The authors who lead the list as first authors were G De‐Deus, A Keleş, F Paqué, MA Versiani and Y Gu, respectively, whilst Versiani was the most productive (n = 51). The leading countries regarding the number of studies were Brazil, China and Turkey with 236, 130 and 65 publications, respectively. The University of São Paulo (n = 90; 10.3%) followed by Wuhan University (n = 37; 4.2%) and the University of Zurich (n = 18; 2.1%) were the prominent contributors by producing the largest number of articles, whilst the University of Zurich was the most‐cited institution. The selected studies were published in 140 scientific journals, but the Journal of Endodontics and International Endodontic Journal accounted for almost 50% of the publications.

Conclusion

This bibliometric analysis portrayed an original and comprehensive view on the progress and trends of the use of micro‐CT technology in endodontic research, and enabled a deep understanding of the development process in this field over the last 25 years.
Psychological distress and self‐management behaviours among patients with chronic hepatitis B receiving oral antiviral therapy
Authors: Kong Ling‐Na , Yao Yu , Li Lin , Zhao Qing‐Hua , Wang Tian , Li Yi‐Lan
Published: October 2020

Aims

To assess the prevalence and associated factors of psychological distress among patients with chronic hepatitis B receiving oral antiviral therapy and explore the association between psychological distress and self‐management behaviours among this population.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A convenience sample of 188 patients with chronic hepatitis B receiving oral antiviral therapy was recruited from March‐October 2018 to complete a self‐report questionnaire including the Chinese version of Depression Anxiety Stress Scale‐21 and Chronic Hepatitis B Self‐Management Scale. Logistic regression analysis and hierarchical multiple regression analysis were used to determine the factors associated with psychological distress and the association between psychological distress and self‐management behaviours respectively.

Results

The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were 33.0%, 38.3% and 17.6% respectively. Depression was associated with older age, female gender, lower education level and longer treatment duration; anxiety was associated with female gender and longer treatment duration; and stress was associated with age of 31–40 years, female gender and unmarried status. There were significant associations between depression and anxiety symptoms and self‐management behaviours.

Conclusion

Psychological distress was prevalent among patients with chronic hepatitis B receiving oral antiviral therapy and had a negative impact on self‐management. Interventions targeting depression and anxiety symptoms may be beneficial to improve self‐management behaviours for this population.

Impact

This study explored the factors associated with psychological distress in patients with chronic hepatitis B receiving oral antiviral therapy. The findings showed psychological distress was more common in patients who were with older age, female, less educated, unmarried and receiving longer duration of treatment and psychological distress was significantly associated with self‐management behaviours. Nurses and other healthcare providers should provide interventions to reduce the risk of psychological distress and improve self‐management behaviours for this population.
Undervaluation and non‐financial information: Evidence from voluntary disclosure of CSR news
Authors: Benlemlih Mohammed , Ge Jingwen , Zhao Sujiao
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we examine whether stock market imperfection plays a role in a firm's decision to release non‐financial information and if so, what the underlying channels are. To address our questions, we web‐scraped corporate social responsibility (CSR) news to form a sample of publicly traded non‐financial US firms from CSRwire and explored exogeneous variation in stock valuation driven by institutional price pressure. Our empirical results show that firms facing stock market undervaluation are more likely than others to release CSR news. This effect is concentrated among firms exhibiting low levels of CSR commitment and low stock price informativeness. Finally, we provide evidence that the stock market reacts positively to CSR news released by undervalued firms and more so for undervalued firms with high information asymmetry.
A targeted phylogenetic approach helps explain New World functional diversity patterns of two eudicot lineages
Authors: Figueroa Hector , Smith Stephen A.
Published: October 2020

Aim

Large‐scale functional diversity studies typically examine isolated traits, often without phylogenetic context. Here, we integrate data from five life‐history traits with phylogeny and occurrence records to assess: (a) correlated latitudinal gradients of trait combinations; (b) which traits show phylogenetic conservatism and (c) quantitative, clade‐specific differences in trait syndromes, illustrating the phylogenetic scale of observable variation in ecological strategies.

Location

The Americas.

Taxon

Ericales (Asterids) and Fabales (Rosids).

Methods

We used publicly available trait data sets on height, seed mass, wood density, leaf mass per area (LMA) and growth form, an open‐source phylogeny, and georeferenced occurrence records to investigate functional diversity patterns. We employed phylogenetic generalized least squares and phylogenetic principal components analyses (pPCA) to assess correlated trait evolution and quantify the trait syndrome, respectively. We employed the InfoMap Ecoregions web app to cluster species by bioregions. We used standard statistical tests and randomization simulations to assess statistical significance of results.

Results

Ericales and Fabales exhibited a biogeographically consistent, phylogenetically conserved trait syndrome. Moving poleward, species exhibited progressively smaller trait values and more herbaceous and shrubby growth forms (except for LMA, which showed no consistent pattern). We quantified latitudinal variation in this trait syndrome using pPCA, and provide evidence for correlated trait evolution.

Main conclusions

We demonstrate a functional trait syndrome involving height, seed mass, wood density and growth form, but not LMA. Functional trait values showed consistent latitudinal patterns and evidence of correlated evolution, suggesting an underlying ecological strategy. Furthermore, the two clades showed quantitative differences in the manifestation of this trait syndrome. Variation in the syndrome was best observed among species from con‐ordinal families. We interpret this trait syndrome as a strategy of resource acquisition in which habitats with relatively greater soil nutrient content and a shorter growing season favour shorter stature, lower seed mass and wood density, and shrubby or herbaceous growth form.
Expansion and scale up of technology for ethanol production based on the concept of biorefinery
Authors: Sur Srija , Dave Vivek , Prakesh Anand , Sharma Prashansa
Published: October 2020

The rapid growth of industries and large number of population are considered to be the major two factors that contribute to the crisis of global energy. Biofuels are considered to be the best replacement of the energy produced from the nonrenewable fossil fuels. The use of mature technologies depicts a sear need of biomasses that it causes a competition with the food chain in case of the first generation of Bioethanol. This disadvantage was overcome by the second generation bioethanol where lignocellulosic biomass is the raw material. Algal biomass from marine environment has also gained a lot of importance in third and fourth generation of raw material for biofuel production. The main challenge arrived when scaling up became the biggest problem in the process of bioethanol production. This review mainly aims to focus on the challenges faced in the commercialization of the biofuels. Many scientists are working majorly on economic processes so as to commercialize the biofuel production techniques. Some energy and cost effective distillation process has been described in this review article, which can help in the scaling up the process to an industrial level.

Practical Applications

This review mainly aims to focus on the basic overview of the bioethanol production and the challenges faced in the commercialization of the biofuels. Many scientists around the globe are working majorly on economic processes so as to commercialize the biofuel production techniques. The review compiles the evolution of one generation biofuels from another by overcoming the disadvantages of the previous generation. This will help the young researchers to have a complete idea about significance of bioethanol production. In the present times, there are many less pollution causing and renewable natural resources that can produce bioethanol in the laboratory scale effectively. The main challenge is to produce bioethanol in large scale. Though this area for scale up technologies of the ethanol production is less explored, but there is immense scope of development and modification.
Effect of mixing method on resulting thickness of infant formula
Authors: Rush Olivia M. , Bolland Anneliese C. , Gosa Memorie M.
Published: October 2020

Previous research shows that factors such as time, temperature, nutritional make‐up of a liquid, and type of thickening agent can significantly alter the resulting thickness of liquids. This study sought to determine the effect of three distinct mixing methods on the resulting thickness of ready to feed infant formulas mixed to Mildly and Moderately Thick (International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative [IDDSI] Levels 2 and 3) with three different thickening agents. Eight commercially available infant formulas were mixed with three different thickening agents by three different mixing methods. The IDDSI Syringe Flow Test was used to categorize the thickened formulas. Chi square analyses were completed to determine the impact of mixing method on the thickened formulas. The majority (94%) of thickened formula combinations prepared to a target Mildly Thick consistency produced thickened formula that was thinner or thicker than the target. In contrast, the majority (76%) of thickened formula combinations prepared to a target Moderately Thick (IDDSI Level 3) consistency produced thickened formula that was equivalent to the target consistency. A statistically significant relationship was found between mixing methods and resulting IDDSI category for samples mixed to a target of Moderately Thick. The thickening agent and method of mixing must be considered carefully when preparing infant formulas to Mildly and Moderately Thick target IDDSI categories. Based on results of this study, it is recommended that providers utilize a clinical testing method, such as the IDDSI Syringe Flow Test, when attempting to create a Mildly Thick formula consistency.
How guilty and innocent suspects perceive the police and themselves: suspect interviews in Germany
Authors: May Lennart , Gewehr Elsa , Zimmermann Johannes , Raible Yonna , Volbert Renate
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Suspects are central participants of a police interview and can provide crucial information on the interview interactions with the interviewers. This study examined how the way suspects perceive interviews relates to (a) their reported status of being guilty or innocent and (b) their decision to confess or deny.

Methods

A total of 250 convicted offenders completed a two‐part questionnaire on their perceptions during the most recent suspect interview in which they had confessed to or denied a crime they had committed (Part 1) or not committed (Part 2).

Results

Participants reported a total of 334 police interviews – 223 for which they reported being guilty and 111 for which they reported being innocent. An exploratory factor analysis showed that three latent factors described how they viewed the interviewers and themselves: Respectful‐Open Behaviors (non‐accusatorial interviewer behaviour, and no pressure in suspects), Confession‐Oriented Tactics by the interviewer (minimization and maximization tactics), and Suspects’ Psychological Distress (insecurity, fear, and lack of self‐confidence). Suspects perceived less Psychological Distress and less Respectful‐Open Behaviors in reported innocent (vs. guilty) interview situations. In reported guilty interview situations, confessions were associated positively with Respectful‐Open Behaviors and Suspects’ Psychological Distress, whereas denials were associated positively with Confession‐Oriented Tactics. Innocent interview situations showed a positive correlation between confessions and Suspects’ Psychological Distress.

Conclusions

In this study, suspects deliver an important message to the police and the legal system: The findings substantiate the benefits of an open‐minded interviewing approach, and fail to support a confession‐oriented interrogation approach.
Learning the Law of Reflection: Event‐Related Potentials of Children Aged 6–12 during Educational Video Game Play
Authors: Schroer Joseph E. , Thomas Robin D.
Published: October 2020

This exploratory study investigated behavioral and neural correlates of spatial reasoning in 21 children aged 6–12 years‐old during educational video game play. Behavioral measures included child performance in learning the concept during the pretest, practice, and posttest portions of the game. Neural correlates using electroencephalography focused on event‐related potentials, N2 and P3, and joint‐time frequencies specifically alpha at three sites; F3, F4, and Pz. Results indicate that all of the participants exhibited naïve conceptions regarding the optics concept, and children 8–12 were successful in learning through video game play. Analyses of correct versus incorrect trials uncovered several interaction effects at the left superior frontal sulcus (F3). Suppression of alpha waves at F3 coincided with correct responses on the posttest. We conclude that suppression of alpha at F3 is essential for spatial concept learning and suggest further research into the field of optical spatial reasoning and spatial learning limitations exhibited by young children.
Analysis of the organization and expression patterns of the convergent Pseudomonas aeruginosa lasR/rsaL gene pair uncovers mutual influence
Authors: Schinner Silvia , Preusse Matthias , Kesthely Christopher , Häussler Susanne
Published: October 2020

The two adjacent genes encoding the major Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum‐sensing regulator, LasR, and its opponent, RsaL, overlap in their coding 3′ ends and produce mRNA transcripts with long untranslated 3′ ends that overlap with the sense transcripts of the gene on the opposing DNA strand. In this study, we evaluated whether the overlapping genes are involved in mutual regulatory events and studied interference by natural antisense transcripts. We introduced various gene expression constructs into a P. aeruginosa PA14 lasR/rsaL double deletion mutant, and found that although complementary RNA is produced, this does not interfere with the sense gene expression levels of lasR and rsaL and does not have functional consequences on down‐stream gene regulation. Nevertheless, expression of lasR, but not of rsaL, was shown to be enhanced if transcription was terminated at the end of the respective gene so that no overlapping transcription was allowed. Our data indicate that the natural organization with a partial overlap at the 3′ ends of the lasR/rsaL genes gives rise to a system of checks and balances to prevent dominant and unilateral control by LasR over the RsaL transcriptional regulator of opposing function.
Functional analyses of STIM1 mutations reveal a common pathomechanism for tubular aggregate myopathy and Stormorken syndrome
Authors: Peche Georges Arielle , Spiegelhalter Coralie , Silva‐Rojas Roberto , Laporte Jocelyn , Böhm Johann
Published: October 2020

Tubular aggregate myopathy (TAM) is a progressive disorder characterized by muscle weakness, cramps, and myalgia. TAM clinically overlaps with Stormorken syndrome (STRMK), combining TAM with miosis, thrombocytopenia, hyposplenism, ichthyosis, short stature, and dyslexia. TAM and STRMK arise from gain‐of‐function mutations in STIM1 (stromal interaction molecule 1) or ORAI1, both encoding key regulators of Ca2+ homeostasis, and mutations in either gene result in excessive extracellular Ca2+ entry. The pathomechanistic similarities and differences between TAM and STRMK are only partially understood. Here we provide functional in vitro experiments demonstrating that STIM1 harboring the TAM D84G or the STRMK R304W mutation similarly cluster and exert a dominant effect on the wild‐type protein. Both mutants recruit ORAI1 to the clusters, increase cytosolic Ca2+ levels, promote major nuclear import of the Ca2+‐dependent transcription factor NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells), and trigger the formation of circular membrane stacks. In conclusion, the analyzed TAM and STRMK mutations have a comparable impact on STIM1 protein function and downstream effects of excessive Ca2+ entry, highlighting that TAM and STRMK involve a common pathomechanism.
Triplanar Chevron Osteotomy: A Newly Proposed Method to Treat Hallux Valgus Deformities
Authors: Guo Jia‐liang , Dong Wei‐chong , Shang Mei‐shuang , Zhao Kuo , Li Jun‐yong , Hou Zhi‐yong , Zhang Ying‐ze
Published: October 2020

Objective

To present a novel method called triplanar chevron osteotomy to treat hallux valgus (HV).

Methods

This is a retrospective study. In this study, the CT data of HV patients with painful callosities were evaluated retrospectively between 1 June 2018 and 1 June 2020. CT data from 49 consecutive patients (59 feet) with HV were evaluated. The average age at the time of surgery was 49.6 years (range, 30–63 years). The apex of the chevron osteotomy procedure was located at the center of the first metatarsal and was defined as the line formed by the central point perpendicular to the fourth metatarsal bone. The cut planes of the plantarward oblique chevron osteotomy (POCO) were defined as follows: chevron osteotomy along with 20° of plantarward obliquity. The triplanar osteotomy incision was made using the POCO method, with the direction inclined by 10° distally. The intermetatarsal angle (IMA), the HV angle (HVA), the projection of the second metatarsal (PSM), the metatarsal protrusion index (MPI), and the metatarsal protrusion distance (MPD) were all calculated before and after the operations. The length of the first metatarsal was measured and calculated with an equation.

Results

The results showed that the HVA was significantly decreased after surgery (32.7° ± 4.6° vs 14.9° ± 2.1°, t = 25.583, P < 0.001) in the triplanar, traditional, and POCO groups. The IMA was also significantly decreased (14.7° ± 2.0°) compared with the results before surgery (8.0° ± 1.1°, t = 22.739, P < 0.001) in these groups. Compared with traditional osteotomy and POCO, there were no differences in correcting deformities on axial planes for the HVA (14.5° ± 1.7° vs 14.9° ± 2.1°, t = 1.835, P = 0.072) and IMA (8.1° ± 1.1° vs 8.0° ± 1.1°, t = −0.97, P = 0.336). There was a statistically significant decrease following surgery in terms of the PSM, MPI, and MPD after triplanar osteotomy. The length of the first metatarsal increased (10.9 ± 1.3 mm), as measured through three‐dimensional images in the triplanar osteotomy group. The length was calculated as follows: H = L2 * Tan θ ≈ L/COS β * Tan θ.

Conclusion

The new triplanar osteotomy technique is safe and effective for treating HV, and in simulation experiments reveals potential benefits of correction and preventing transfer metatarsalgia.
Functional Comparison of Horizontal Mattress Suture VersusFree‐Edge Suture in the All‐Inside Arthroscopic Broström–Gould Procedure for Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability
Authors: Feng Shi‐Ming , Han Meng , Wang Ai‐Guo , Fan Jia‐Qiang
Published: October 2020

Objective

To compare the clinical outcomes of horizontal mattress suture vs free‐edge suture in the all‐inside arthroscopic Broström–Gould procedure.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 68 chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) patients who underwent either a horizontal mattress suture or a free‐edge suture all‐inside arthroscopic Broström–Gould procedure from January 2014 to January 2017. Patients were divided into two groups based on the suture fashion during the all‐inside arthroscopic Broström–Gould procedure. In the horizontal mattress suture group (n = 31), anchor sutures were used to suture the ATFL, capsule, and inferior extensor retinaculum in horizontal mattress suture fashion. In the free‐edge suture group (n = 37), anchor sutures were used to suture the ATFL, capsule, and inferior extensor retinaculum in free‐edge suture fashion. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS), Anterior Talar Translation (ATT), the rate of return to sports, and ankle proprioceptive recovery were compared in both groups.

Results

The operative times and duration of hospitalization between the two groups were comparable (all P > 0.05). The VAS, AOFAS, ATT, the rate of return to sports, and ankle proprioceptive recovery were comparable between the horizontal mattress suture and free‐edge suture groups at 1 and 2 years after surgery. Patients of the free‐edge suture group achieved better KAFS 1 and 2 years after the surgery compared with those of the horizontal mattress suture group. In both groups, incisions were healed by first intention, and complications such as infection, implant reactions, tendon injury, and nervous or vascular injuries were not observed. The ankle proprioceptive recovery in horizontal mattress suture and free‐edge suture groups showed no significant differences at 1 and 2 years after surgery. The mean time of the return to full activity for patients in the horizontal mattress suture group was 10.38 ± 2.02 (range 8 to 12) weeks vs 8.63 ± 2.31 (range 8 to 12) weeks for those in the free‐edge suture group (P = 0.001, power = 0.907). The exercise participation rates were comparable between groups (P > 0.05). At the 2‐year follow‐up, all patients regained normal activities and ankle stability, and no recurrence of CLAI or revision surgery was recorded.

Conclusion

All‐inside arthroscopic Broström–Gould surgery for the treatment of CLAI ensures a better functional effect (KAFS) and better recovery time when free‐edge suture is used instead of horizontal mattress suture.
Root discoloration and shoot symptoms in silver birch afterPhytophthorainfectionin vitro
Authors: Hamberg L. , Poimala A. , Velmala S. , Perttunen J. , Muilu‐Mäkelä R. , Sievänen R.
Published: October 2020

There are no records of established plant pathogenicPhytophthoraspecies in Finnish forests, but they are likely in the future. Therefore, the effects ofPhytophthorainoculations on young, ca. 2‐month‐old silver birch (Betula pendula) seedling roots and shoots were investigated.

Visual inspection of dark discoloration, direct PCR and re‐isolation, and detailed root morphology analyses were used to evaluate the effects ofPhytophthorainoculation on roots. Symptoms in leaves and stems were also recorded.

Phytophthorawas successfully re‐isolated from 67% of the surface‐sterilized roots of inoculated seedlings, but not from the non‐inoculated control seedlings. Dark discolorations were found more often in the root segments of inoculated seedlings than in control seedlings. In thePhytophthora‐treated seedlings, discoloured root segments were usually linked and found primarily in the main root or lateral roots attached to it, whereas in the control seedlings a few single discoloured root segments were scattered throughout the root systems. The number of root segments was lower in the inoculated than in the control seedlings, indicating root loss afterPhytophthorainoculation. In the shoots of inoculated birches, leaf and shoot wilting was observed.

The appearance of wilting in shoots without visible dark discoloration in the base of stems indicated that symptoms originated from roots inoculated withPhytophthora.
Intraspecific variability of specific leaf area fosters the persistence of understorey specialists across a light availability gradient
Authors: Chelli S. , Ottaviani G. , Simonetti E. , Campetella G. , Wellstein C. , Bartha S. , Cervellini M. , Canullo R.
Published: October 2020

Forest understorey plants are sensitive to light availability, and different species groups can respond differently to changing light conditions. A plant trait tightly linked to light capture is specific leaf area (SLA). Studies considering the relative role of within‐ and among‐species SLA variation across different species groups (e.g. specialists and generalists) are rarely implemented in temperate forest understories varying in their maturity.

We examined community‐level SLA patterns of beech forest understories along a light availability gradient, and for habitat specialists and generalists separately. We then disentangled and quantified the contribution of intraspecific trait variability and interspecific trait differences in shaping SLA patterns.

We revealed that the increase in community‐level SLA with decreasing light availability was primarily driven by beech forest specialists (and, to a lesser extent, by forest generalists), and this pattern was mainly determined by specialists’ high intraspecific variability. Community‐level SLA was therefore formed by different responses at different organizational levels, i.e. within and among species, and for separate species groups.

This study provides insights into factors shaping the shade tolerance strategy in beech forest understorey plants; specialists persistence under putative less favourable conditions (i.e. high irradiation) may be fostered by their ability to adjust their light capture strategies intraspecifically.
Conflict Transformation: Relinquishing or Maintaining Social Identity Among Former Loyalist Combatants in Northern Ireland
Authors: Flack Patrick , Ferguson Neil
Published: October 2020

This study explored the accounts of former loyalist combatants now involved in conflict transformation, preventing violent extremism and peace‐building work. To understand how former loyalist combatants negotiate their dramatic change in context and function, we analyzed accounts of peace building through thematic analysis. The themes demonstrated that conducting conflict transformation is expressively linked to former combatant identity. The themes also demonstrate that former combatants construct identity continuity by viewing their current transformative actions as an evolution of their militant activity during the Troubles. The article concludes on the implications of these identity maintenance strategies for former combatants and, more widely, what implications this has for other militants transitioning from conflict or extremism towards peace.
Time to certify: Explaining varying efficiency of private regulatory audits
Authors: Renckens Stefan , Auld Graeme
Published: October 2020

Private regulatory programs, such as certification schemes, seek to control market access by providing greater certainty about products' credence attributes, including sustainability features of production processes. This article contributes to the literature that assesses the verification processes that determine whether private rules are being followed sufficiently by applicant rule‐targets (usually companies), and the regulatory intermediaries (auditors, assessors) that perform verification functions. By examining variation in the duration of verification processes of applicant rule‐targets, we question the assumption that within the context of a given program's design the efficiency of the verification process is invariant across time and space. We argue that the verification process can impose hurdles that are independent of rule‐targets' sustainability and their adherence to a private program's rules. Our analysis of 312 fisheries seeking Marine Stewardship Council certification shows that variation among intermediaries and objections to their certification decisions explain differences in the time it takes fisheries to receive market access.
Factors associated with the counts of selected oral microorganisms in nursing home residents
Authors: Wenger Kelsey , Pendleton Chandler , Xie Xian Jin , Caplan Daniel J. , Drake David , Marchini Leonardo
Published: October 2020

Purpose/aim

To analyze potential factors associated with levels of selected oral pathogens, as well as total aerobic bacterial species, among nursing home residents.

Materials and methods

Nursing home residents were divided into three groups (G1 included people with teeth but no dentures, G2 included people with teeth and dentures, and G3 included people with no teeth and with dentures). All participants had microbiological samples collected from their oral cavity and dentures. Counts of total aerobic bacterial species, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Actinomyces viscosus, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Candida albicans were compared among groups using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. A multivariate analysis was also performed to control other available covariates.

Results

Bivariate analysis revealed significant differences among the groups, and multivariate analysis showed that sex, the presence of natural teeth, denture wearing, oral hygiene indices, and systemic health conditions were associated with bacterial and Candida albicans log counts.

Conclusions

Presence of natural teeth and denture wearing, as well as oral hygiene, sex and systemic health conditions were associated with bacterial and Candida albicans log counts among nursing home residents.
Characterization of a novel HLA allele, DPB1*1049:01, in a pediatric patient with severe aplastic anemia
Authors: Chou‐Wu Po‐Chien , Arnold Paula Y.
Published: October 2020

Novel allele, DPB1*1049:01, is a one nucleotide variant of DPB1*03:01:01:01.
Identification of two novel HLA‐DQB1 alleles by next‐generation sequencing DQB1*04:73N and DQB1*03:19:01:02Q
Authors: Wang Jinguo
Published: October 2020

Characterization of two new DQB1 alleles by the next‐generation sequencing.
Global financial networks and entrepreneurship
Authors: Inekwe John Nkwoma
Published: October 2020

Financial network analysis can explain the extent of financial integration through the exploration of the lending and borrowing activities of firms in the international loan market. We contend that financial network will have a positive externality such that the acquisition of capital will have beneficial effects on entrepreneurship. Using the information from firms that participate in the syndicated loan market, we generate aggregate financial connectivity indexes and test our hypotheses on a panel of developing countries. The results show that financial connection relates to entrepreneurship. The connection of firms in these economies to the global community spurs entrepreneurship.
Diagnostic needle arthroscopy of the scapulohumeral joint in standing sedated horses
Authors: Pouyet Morgane , Bonilla Alvaro G.
Published: October 2020

Objective

To describe the technique to perform diagnostic standing scapulohumeral joint needle arthroscopy with a 1.2‐mm‐diameter arthroscope in horses.

Study design

Experimental study.

Animals

Eight thoracic limbs in phase 1 and six horses in phase 2.

Methods

In phase 1, the feasibility of the technique was evaluated by using a craniolateral arthroscopic approach. An evaluation of the visible structures of the scapulohumeral joint was performed with both a needle arthroscope and a 4‐mm‐diameter arthroscope. In phase 2, the technique was performed in six healthy sedated horses to validate the technique in live animals and to report any complications or limitations.

Results

In phase 1, joint evaluation was similar between arthroscopes and allowed complete evaluation of approximately the lateral half of the humeral head and the lateral glenoid rim. In phase 2, all joints were successfully accessed, and fluid extravasation was mild. Arthroscopic visualization was complete for the centrolateral aspect of the joint in all horses and either complete (3/6) or partial (3/6) for the craniolateral and caudolateral structures, respectively. The procedure was rapidly performed and well tolerated, and no postoperative complications occurred.

Conclusion

The described technique was simple and allowed direct inspection of the scapulohumeral joint. Nonetheless, the standing nature of the technique prevents evaluation of the medial aspect of the humeral head and most of the glenoid cavity.

Clinical significance

Needle arthroscopy of the scapulohumeral joint is feasible in horses and offers a diagnostic technique that may improve the surgeon's diagnostic ability for certain shoulder pathologies.
Phylogeny of Adramini (Diptera, Tephritidae) based on integrative evidence
Authors: Chen Xiaolin , Freidberg Amnon , Islam Md Sajedul , Zhu Chaodong
Published: October 2020

Species of the tribe Adramini (Tephritidae: Trypetinae) are usually slender, and some specific species have eyes borne at the ends of their long stalks. This tribe is mainly distributed in the tropics and subtropics of the Afrotropical, Oriental and Australasian Regions; relatively few species occur in the Palearctic and Nearctic Regions. The phylogeny of the tribe Adramini is presented here based on analysis of morphological and molecular information (DNA sequences of nuclear 28S rDNA, mitochondrial COI and COII, and 16S rDNA genes) for its representative species in most genera. Three monophyletic groups (Adrama‐com‐group, Pelmatops‐com‐group and Dimeringophrys‐com‐group) were discovered in the combined morphological and molecular tree. The results showed moderate support for the monophyly of Adramini and strong support for most of its genera. However, Euphranta appears to be polyphyletic. Sapadrama, Celidodacus and Euphranta are basal taxon, and Coelopacidia, Soita and Trypanophion are closely related to the stalk‐eyed fruit flies (Pelmatops + Pseudopelmatops). A hypothesis regarding the morphology–function relationships for two main groups of Adramini (Adrama‐group and Pelmatops‐group) with different evolving probabilities is inferred. Sapadrama is proposed be removed from Adramini; a new genus, Ichneumonomacula Chen gen. n. and a new species Ichneumonmacula wangyongi Chen sp. n., are recognized and described, and a key to recognize the genera of Adramini around the world is provided.
Critical Heat Flux on Curved Calandria Vessel of Indian PHWRs During Severe Accident Condition
Authors: Verma P. K. , Kulkarni P. P. , Pandey P. , Prasad S. V. , Nayak A. K.
Published: October 2020

In pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs), during an unmitigated severe accident, the absence of adequate cooling arising from multiple failures of the cooling system leads to the collapse of pressure tubes and calandria tubes, which may ultimately relocate to the lower portion of the calandria vessel (CV) forming a debris bed. Due to the continuous generation of decay heat in the debris, it will melt and form a molten pool at the bottom of the CV. The CV is surrounded by calandria vault water, which acts as a heat sink at this scenario. In-vessel corium retention (IVR) through the external reactor vessel cooling (ERVC) is conceived as an effective method for maintaining the integrity of a calandria vessel during a severe accident in a nuclear power plant. Under the IVR conditions, it is necessary to ensure that the imparted heat flux due to melt is less than the critical heat flux (CHF) at the bottom of the calandria vessel wall. To evaluate the thermal margin for IVR, experiments are performed in a prototypic curved section of calandria vessel (25o sector) of calandria vessel to determine the CHF, heat transfer coefficient, and its variation along with the curvature of calandria vessel. The effect of moderator drainpipe on CHF and the heat transfer coefficient has also been evaluated. It has been observed that the imparted heat flux is much less than the CHF at the bottom of the calandria vessel.
Numerical Study on Particles Deposition in the U-bend Ribbed Passage
Authors: Li Lin , Liu Cun-liang , Li Bing-ran , Zhu Hui-ren , Wu Zhuang , Chen Wen-bin
Published: October 2020

The accumulation of particles in the internal cooling channel reduces the cooling effectiveness of the turbine blades and even affects the safe operation of the aero engine. Discrete phase-CFD simulations of particles deposition were performed in the U-bend ribbed passage by applying Euler–Lagrange method. Reynolds Average Navier–Stokes method was used for the gas phase calculation. The realizable k–ε turbulence model and enhanced wall treatment were adopted. The discrete phase was solved by using Lagrangian with random walk model. A particle deposition model was implemented by using user-defined functions. The Reynolds numbers of 30,000, 23,000, and 15,500 were studied. Particles diameters in the range 1–20 μm were considered. The particles deposition distribution of different locations is obtained in this study, and the influence of the Reynolds numbers and particle diameters on particles deposition performance are analyzed. Results show that the first row of ribs has a protective effect on the back row of ribs. The increased Reynolds number and increased particles diameter promote the deposition of particles on the wall.
Heat Accumulation in Ultrafast Laser Scanning of Fused Silica
Authors: Shen Hong , Wang Han , Tian Chenyun
Published: October 2020

In this work, a numerical model to predict the heat accumulation of fused silica induced by ultrafast laser scanning is put forward, which is composed of an ionization model and a steady electromagnetic model. The ionization model is to obtain the energy deposition induced by single laser pulse. Subsequently, the temperature evolution during ultrafast laser scanning is estimated through the superposition of the heat impact by each laser pulse. The ablated profile from experiments is compared with the predicted profile of heat-affected zone (HAZ) to illustrate the nonthermal processing window, which is validated by Raman spectrum. The analysis of the parametric sensitivity on heat accumulation is carried out, and the laser pulse energy is the dominating factor.
Experimental Study of Temperature and Heating Power Variations on Natural Circulation Flow Phenomena in a Closed Rectangular Loop With Single Heating Channel
Authors: Bello Solomon , Gao Puzhen , Lin Yuqi
Published: October 2020

Experimental investigation has been carried out in a closed loop rectangular natural circulation facility having a single heated macro channel dimensioned and built based on concepts of similarity and scale down circuit similar to the primary loop of a Nuclear reactor. The study aims to observe and critically analyze the thermal hydraulic parameters (Temperature Variation, Heating Power rises) as it affects transfer of heat by the NC flow along its hydraulic circuit at predetermined inlet subcooled set and sustained at 40°C, 50°C, 60°C and 80°C by regulating the coolant flow rate in the secondary loop. Heating channel power varies between 7kW – 13kW to portray several conditions of the reactor power in response to temperature changes base on the inlet temperature as a way of sustaining single-Phase flow through the flow loop while suppressing instabilities in the fluid circulation. Real-time signals of thermal hydraulic responses are observed via a graphical interface for data acquisition when stable flow or self-sustained flow oscillations are achieved. Results were analyzed at the (1) inlet and outlet of heater, (2) along the heated section and (3) inlet and outlet of condenser (4) the entire Loop. Pressure drops and Flow rate with respect to Temperature Difference was also analyzed to contribute for the acquisition of important data of natural circulation phenomena to be used for the design of large scale (prototypical) NC facility.
Prediction of Extremely High Minimum Heat Flux Point During Quenching in Nanofluid
Authors: Umehara Yutaro , Okawa Tomio
Published: October 2020

In nanofluid that is a liquid containing colloidal dispersion of nanometer-sized particles, it is known that the quenching heat transfer characteristics such as TMHF (minimum heat flux temperature) is improved mainly due to modification of the surface properties caused by nanoparticle deposition during boiling. In this study, the water-based silica (SiO2) nanofluid was used to clarify the mechanisms of the quenching characteristics variation in nanofluid. The Inconel 718 rodlet (φ16 × 30mm) and SUS304 rodlet (φ15 × 30mm) were used as the test pieces. The four properties of the nanoparticle layer were measured: roughness, wettability, wickability, and thickness. Then, the temperature transient in the nanoparticle layer was calculated using the one-dimensional heat conduction equation. It was shown that the surface temperature of the nanoparticle layer should be maintained low enough for a sufficiently long time after immersing the high-temperature test piece in the nanofluid for remarkable increase in TMHF to occur.
A Laser Decontamination Technology for Radioactive Contaminated Metals
Authors: Wan Zhao , Junjie Cao , Shuai Wang , Xumin Chen , Yongling Zhang
Published: October 2020

A large number of radioactive contaminated metals will be produced during the operation and decommissioning of nuclear facilities. Laser ablation is a clean and efficient surface decontamination method for radioactive metals. This study presents experiments to select laser decontamination parameters including laser power, laser pulse width, laser scanning speed and laser focal shift, as well as the construction of a laser decontamination prototype based on a fiber laser system of high power density, which can automatically ablate the radioactive deposit layer, oxide layer and shallow surface layer of metals to get an excellent decontamination result. Depending on this equipment, some engineering application tests were conducted in a nuclear power factory to verify the technology research result and equipment. Decontamination results which evaluate by decontamination factor show that the laser decontamination technology has a good result on the decontamination of radioactive surface contaminated metals.
Neutronic and Thermal-Mechanical Coupling Schemes for Heat Pipe Cooled Reactor Designs
Authors: Ma Yugao , Liu Minyun , Han Wenbin , Xie Biheng , Chai Xiaoming , Huang Shanfang , Yu Hongxing
Published: October 2020

Space fission power systems can enable ambitious solar-system and deep-space science missions. The heat pipe cooled reactor is one of the most potential candidates for near-term space power supply, featured with safety, simplicity, reliability, and modularity. Heat pipe cooled reactors are solid-state and high temperature (up to 1500 K) reactors, where the thermal expansion is remarkable and the mechanical response significantly influences the neutronics and thermal analyses. Due to the considerable difference between heat pipe cooled reactors and traditional water reactors in the structure and design concept, the coupling solutions for light water reactors cannot be directly applied to heat pipe cooled reactor analyses. Therefore, new coupling framework and program need to consider the coupling effects among neutronics, heat transfer as well as mechanics. Based on the Monte Carlo program RMC and commercial finite element program ANSYS Mechanical APDL, this work introduces the three coupling fields of neutronics (N), thermal (T), and mechanics (M) for heat pipe cooled reactors. The neutronic and thermal-mechanical (N/T-M) coupling strategy is developed theoretically, focusing on the formulation of the nonlinear problem, iteration schemes, and relaxation methods. Besides, the finite element method and the Monte Carlo program use different meshes and geometry construction methods. The spatial mapping and geometry reconstruction are also essential for the N/T-M coupling, which is discussed and established in detail. Furthermore, the N/T-M coupling methods are applied to the preliminary self-designed 10 kWe space heat pipe cooled reactor. Coupling shows that the thermal-mechanical feedback in the solid-state reactor has negative reactivity feedback (−2007 pcm) while it has a deterioration in heat transfer due to the expansion in the gas gap.
Development and Verification of PWR Physical and Thermal Coupling Calculation Software
Authors: Li Zhigang
Published: October 2020

In order to more accurately simulate the strong neutronics physical and thermal-hydraulic coupling phenomenon in a typical PWR, ARMcc (a software for the physical thermal coupling calculation of PWR core) is developed. In the ARMcc, the physical calculation module is based on the fourth-order nodal expansion method (NEM) and nodal Green’s function method (NGFM), the thermal-hydraulic calculation module is based on one-dimensional single-phase single channel heat transfer model and one-dimensional cylinder heat conduction calculation model, and the finite volume method (FVM) and finite difference method (FDM) are used to solve one-dimensional cylinder heat conduction model in the program. Based on the typical PWR benchmark NEACRP-L-335, the steady-state coupling calculation ability of the program is verified. The key parameters of the core calculated by the program, such as critical boron concentration and core Doppler temperature, are in good agreement with the reference results. The deviation between the critical boron concentration and the reference results is less than 5 ‰. In addition, the influence of four calculation modes on the simulation of core physical thermal coupling process is studied, and the results of PARCS program are selected as reference. It is found that NGFM + FDM calculation mode can more accurately simulate the core fuel Doppler temperature, core outlet coolant temperature and core power distribution; NEM + FVM can more accurately simulate the core fuel maximum temperature.