bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green synthesis of Au–Ag alloy nanoparticles using Lysimachia christinae polysaccharide and its application for reducing CO in cigarette mainstream smoke
Authors: Liang Miao , Zhang Guo , Li Ruili , Feng Yajie , Wang Jianmin , Hou Pei
Published: March 2019

An environmentally friendly and facile method for the synthesis of small‐sized Au–Ag alloy nanoparticles is proposed. The method involves the coreduction of HAuCl4 and AgNO3 using Lysimachia christinae polysaccharide as reductant and stabiliser at 85°C. The synthesised alloy nanoparticles with a mean diameter of 3.81 nm are stable in solution due to the stabilising effect of the polysaccharide. Furthermore, Au–Ag nanoparticles have first been introduced into cigarette filter to serve as a synergistic catalyst for reducing CO in mainstream smoke.
Fabrication and improvement of PCL/alginate/PAAm scaffold via selective laser sintering for tissue engineering
Authors: Wu Jinzhe , Yang Runhuai , Zheng Jinjin , Pan Linxin , Liu Xiaoying
Published: March 2019

In this work, porous polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds were designed and fabricated using selective laser sintering (SLS). The critical processing parameters of the SLS for PCL were optimised. This work post‐processed these PCL scaffolds to produce PCL/alginate/polyacrylamide (PAAm) scaffolds to improve their performance. The experiment mechanical property assessment showed that the sample's average elastic modulus increases from 6.99 MPa (PCL) to 12.67 MPa (PCL/alginate/PAAm), and the elongation at break of samples increases from 59% (PCL) to 112.9% (PCL/alginate/PAAm). Cell seeding and in vitro culture showed that cell viability remained above 94% over 5 days. Thus, the current study suggests that a promising strategy for the improvement of the characteristics of PCL/alginate/PAAm scaffolds and advances the potential application of SLS technique towards skeletal tissue repair.
Cu–Co‐codoped titanate/TiO2 nanocomposite thin films for enhanced visible light absorption
Authors: An Yongliang , Wang Dongjun , Yin Dongsong , Song Liang , Chen Yongsheng , Gao Kunkun
Published: March 2019

Titanate nanotube thin (TNT) films were synthesised by alkaline hydrothermal method using titanium (Ti) plates as precursors. Copper–cobalt (Cu–Co)‐codoped titanate/Ti dioxide (TiO2) nanocomposite thin films were prepared by doping Cu and Co to TNT films through ion exchange method and annealed at 500°C for 120 min. The as‐prepared nanocomposite films were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffractometer, and ultraviolet–visible absorption spectra. The results show that anatase TiO2 particles were grown on the surface of titanate nanomaterial films. The composite materials mainly consisted of anatase TiO2 particles and titanate nanotubes/nanosheets. Cu–Co‐codoped titanate/TiO2 nanocomposite thin films exhibited superior visible height adsorption property due to the reduced energy bandgap of composites introduced by additional Cu and Co 3d orbitals.
Solarp-mode damping rates: Insight from a 3D hydrodynamical simulation
Authors: Belkacem K. , Kupka F. , Samadi R. , Grimm-Strele H.
Published: March 2019

Space-borne missions such as CoRoT andKeplerhave provided a rich harvest of high-quality photometric data for solar-like pulsators. It is now possible to measure damping rates for hundreds of main-sequence and thousands of red-giant stars with an unprecedented precision. However, among the seismic parameters, mode damping rates remain poorly understood and thus barely used for inferring the physical properties of stars. Previous approaches to model mode damping rates were based on mixing-length theory or a Reynolds-stress approach to model turbulent convection. While they can be used to grasp the main physics of the problem, such approaches are of little help to provide quantitative estimates as well as a definitive answer on the relative contribution of each physical mechanism. Indeed, due to the high complexity of the turbulent flow and its interplay with the oscillations, those theories rely on many free parameters which inhibits an in-depth understanding of the problem. Our aim is thus to assess the ability of 3D hydrodynamical simulations to infer the physical mechanisms responsible for damping of solar-like oscillations. To this end, a solar high-spatial resolution and long-duration hydrodynamical 3D simulation computed with the ANTARES code allows probing the coupling between turbulent convection and the normal modes of the simulated box. Indeed, normal modes of the simulation experience realistic driving and damping in the super-adiabatic layers of the simulation. Therefore, investigating the properties of the normal modes in the simulation provides a unique insight into the mode physics. We demonstrate that such an approach provides constraints on the solar damping rates and is able to disentangle the relative contribution related to the perturbation (by the oscillation) of the turbulent pressure, the gas pressure, the radiative flux, and the convective flux contributions. Finally, we conclude that using the normal modes of a 3D numerical simulation is possible and is potentially able to unveil the respective role of the different physical mechanisms responsible for mode damping provided the time-duration of the simulation is long enough.
Optimal control of higher order differential inclusions with functional constraints
Authors: Mahmudov Elimhan N.
Published: March 2019

The present paper studies the Mayer problem with higher order evolution differential inclusions and functional constraints of optimal control theory (PFC); to this end first we use an interesting auxiliary problem with second order discrete-time and discrete approximate inclusions (PFD). Are proved necessary and sufficient conditions incorporating the Euler–Lagrange inclusion, the Hamiltonian inclusion, the transversality and complementary slackness conditions. The basic concept of obtaining optimal conditions is locally adjoint mappings and equivalence results. Then combining these results and passing to the limit in the discrete approximations we establish new sufficient optimality conditions for second order continuous-time evolution inclusions. This approach and results make a bridge between optimal control problem with higher order differential inclusion (PFC) and constrained mathematical programming problems in finite-dimensional spaces. Formulation of the transversality and complementary slackness conditions for second order differential inclusions play a substantial role in the next investigations without which it is hardly ever possible to get any optimality conditions; consequently, these results are generalized to the problem with an arbitrary higher order differential inclusion. Furthermore, application of these results is demonstrated by solving some semilinear problem with second and third order differential inclusions.
Propagation characteristics of periodic structures possessing twist and polar glide symmetries
Authors: Dahlberg Oskar , Ghasemifard Fatemeh , Valerio Guido , Quevedo-Teruel Oscar
Published: March 2019

In this article, we provide an overview of the current state of the research in the area of twist symmetry. This symmetry is obtained by introducing multiple periods into the unit cell of a periodic structure through a rotation of consecutive periodic deformations around a symmetry axis. Attractive properties such as significantly reduced frequency dispersion and increased optical density, compared to purely periodic structures, are observed. The direct link between the symmetry order and these properties is illustrated through numerical simulations. Moreover, polar glide symmetry is introduced, and is shown to provide even further control of the dispersion properties of periodic structures, especially when combined with twist symmetry. Twist symmetries can, with benefit, be employed in the development of devices for future communication networks and space applications, where fully metallic structures with accurate control of the dispersion properties are desired.
Phomopsis stem canker of sunflower in North America: correlation with climate and solutions through breeding and management
Authors: Hulke Brent S. , Markell Samuel G. , Kane Nolan C. , Mathew Febina M.
Published: March 2019

Climate change is occurring in the central US and is interacting with agroecological factors to increase biotic stress in sunflower. Certain species of Diaporthe cause Phomopsis stem canker in sunflower and other dicotyledonous weeds and crops. The increase in precipitation already observed in the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota have increased the chances of outbreaks of necrotrophic pathogens, like Diaporthe. We discuss how climate trends, combined with technological, management, and economic interactions, are correlated with increasing incidence of Phomopsis stem canker in these and adjacent areas in North America. Further, we discuss management options and the role of improved sunflower genetics in reducing Phomopsis stem canker outbreak risk.
Désensabler la plage de Saint-Martinen-Campagne, un projet partagé avec les acteurs locaux
Authors: Merle Marie , Perche Karine , Mauffrey Isabelle , Constant Maguy
Published: March 2019

Depuis l’automne 2018, un des chantiers de la centrale nucléaire de Penly consiste à désensabler une plage publique, contiguë à l’exploitation du site. Pour quelles raisons ? Comment EDF procède-t-elle ? Exemple concret d’une action en faveur de l’environnement et de la biodiversité.
Therapeutic education program for patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: feasibility and satisfaction of the participants
Authors: Chaleat-Valayer Emmanuelle , Amélie Zelmar , Marie-Hélène Boucand , Perretant Isabelle , Monique Bonjean , Pauline Occelli , Sandrine Touzet
Published: March 2019

Objectives: To describe a therapeutic education program for patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, called PrEduSED and to evaluate its feasibility and efficiency in terms of satisfaction and impact on disease management in daily life. Methods: Prospective observational study. Evaluation before, after and 6 months after PrEduSED, consisted in: CSQ-F, SF-12, HAD, QIC, FIS, Zarit, Quiz and Vignettes (knowledge and skills about the disease), satisfaction questionnaire, Goal Attainment Scales. Results: Nineteen (19) patients (89% women, mean age: 39.2) were included and 9 relatives (78% men, mean age: 44.1). Participants were generally highly satisfied with the content and the organization of PrEduSED. Knowledge about the EDS and skills significantly improved (p < 0.001 for patients, p = 0.016 for relatives). QIC score improved significantly (p = 0.047) and FIS score also for the relationships domain (p = 0.05). At the end of the program, 69% of participants thought they had achieved their goals (mainly about acquiring knowledge and managing their treatment) beyond what they had hoped for; at 6 months, 54% felt they had achieved them beyond what they hoped for. Conclusions: Real success of PrEduSED for patients with hypermobile EDS in terms of recognition, satisfaction, increase of knowledge about the disease and adaptative skills.
Intra- and Interdevice Deviation of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Trachsler Stefan , Baston Arthur , Menke Marcel
Published: March 2019

Purpose To compare 4 optical coherence tomography-angiography (OCT-A) devices for foveal avascular zone (FAZ) measurements in healthy subjects.

Methods The central retinas of 24 eyes of 12 healthy subjects were scanned with 4 different OCT-A devices (Optovue RTVue-XR, Zeiss Cirrus 5000-HD-OCT, a prototype Spectralis OCT2, Heidelberg Engineering, and Topcon DRI-OCT Triton Swept-source OCT). For the Topcon, Zeiss, and Optovue devices, 3-mm and 6-mm scans were performed. The Heidelberg device only provided 4-mm scans. En-face OCT-A images of the superficial and deep capillary plexus of the macular area were generated. The FAZ areas were measured and compared.

Results Twenty-four healthy eyes were included. OCT-A devices showed significant differences in FAZ measurements. The Zeiss OCT-A device measured the smallest values for foveal avascular area (mean 218.7 mm2), followed by the Optovue device (229.6 mm2), the Topcon device (239.3 mm2), and the Heidelberg device (250.4 mm2). Differences were statistically significant for following devices: Heidelberg versus Optovue (p < 0.001), Heidelberg versus Zeiss (p < 0.001), Topcon versus Zeiss (p < 0.001), and Optovue versus Zeiss (p = 0.046). For the Optovue device, FAZ measurements were significantly different between 3 mm (mean 220 mm2) and 6 mm (mean 239.3 mm2, p = 0.007) scans. All other devices showed no significant difference within scan modes.

Conclusion Current OCT-A devices provide images that allow such measurements, but values showed significant differences between devices and, for the Optovue instrument, even within scan modes. The data for OCTA measurements cannot be transferred interchangeably between the devices. Therefore, a patient should always be measured with the same device.
Proteinuria as a Marker for Cardiovascular Disease in Renal (Chronic Kidney Disease) Patients
Authors: Kodali Meghana , CV Sarada , B. Bhanuja , P. Kumara , B. Rajashekar , Kodali Vennela , Gunkunta Mohan , Balguri Snehitha , Keturi Shravya , HM Kavya , Voruganti Bharat , Kashetty Srija , Bandi Deepika
Published: March 2019

Background For the evaluation of total cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD; renal), the amount of protein in the urine has to be considered an important factor. For reducing proteinuria level and lowering the risk of renal, cardiovascular endpoint, this may become a crucial decision.

Materials and Methods This is a case-control study of the stage 5 CKD female patients recruited over 2 months in 2017, based on clinical and laboratory investigation. CKD was diagnosed on serum creatinine levels and stage 5 CKD depending on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculation. Coronary artery disease (CAD) was diagnosed on clinical history, electrocardiogram (ECG), and echocardiogram.

Results This study was conducted on 50 patients at the authors’ hospital. Out of these, 25 were cases and 25 constituted controls. Out of 25 controls, 13 had microalbuminuria and 12 had proteinuria and no cardiovascular disease. Out of 25 cases, 2 cases had microalbuminuria and 23 had proteinuria. More number of CKD with CAD group had proteinuria than CKD without CAD, which was statistically highly significant (p < 0.000). CKD patients with CAD had higher degree of proteinuria than those without CAD, which was statistically significant (p < 0.005).

Conclusion This study showed that proteinuria and its cardiovascular outcomes in CKD patients are correlated. For detection of CAD in CKD patients, proteinuria levels may be crucial regarding the treatment decision.
Teaching Ophthalmology Residents Clinical Optics Via a Flipped Classroom Curriculum
Authors: Tu Daniel , Park Dong-Wouk , Krisciunas Tammie , Hwang Thomas
Published: March 2019

Background Clinical optics is an essential part of ophthalmology resident education that can be challenging for both learners and teachers when taught using a lecture format. The effectiveness of a flipped classroom approach in this context has not been formally evaluated.

Objective The main purpose of this article is to compare the effectiveness of flipped classroom versus lecture-based clinical optics curricula in a graduate medical education setting.

Design Retrospective, nonrandomized, pre- and post-interventional study from 2009 to 2016.

Setting, Participants Ophthalmology residency program at the Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, an academic medical center in the United States. Participants included all ophthalmology residents able to take at least one Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessment Program (OKAP) examination during the years 2009 to 2016.

Methods The clinical optics curriculum was changed from a lecture-based series to a flipped classroom curriculum and moved from the fall to winter during the 2012 to 2013 academic year. No major changes were made to the curriculum in other subject areas during the study period. Resident performance on the OKAP annual national in-service examination for the 4 years before and after the optics curriculum change was compared. Specifically, the scaled subtest scores from the Optics, Refraction, and Contact Lens subsection were examined, while scores from the 10 nonoptics subsections served as controls.

Results Scores from 57 resident test administrations before the optics curriculum change and 59 after the optic curriculum change were available for comparison. The Optics, Refraction, and Contact Lens subsection mean scores were 50.37 ± 2.31 and 57.27 ± 2.47 before and after the optics curriculum change, respectively (mean ± 95% confidence interval). This was the only subsection score to show a statistically significant difference after the optics curriculum change (p = 0.00008).

Conclusions and Relevance In comparison to a lecture-based curriculum, a flipped classroom approach to clinical optics education was found to be associated with higher ophthalmology resident performance on the optics subsection of the OKAP examination. Our study suggests that a flipped classroom format may be more effective than traditional lectures for teaching clinical optics in a graduate medical education setting.
Distribution of Pelvic Fractures in Racing and Non-racing Sport Horses: A Retrospective Study of 86 Cases Examined in a Referral Centre
Authors: Moiroud Claire , Coudry Virginie , Denoix Jean-Marie
Published: March 2019

Objective The aim of this study was to analyse the pelvic fracture distribution and location in a referral centre caseload.

Materials and Methods Medical records of 6,717 horses examined in a referral centre over a 7-year period were reviewed to identify all horses diagnosed with a pelvic fracture. Eighty-six horses were identified and divided into three disciplines, namely Thoroughbred racehorses (TBR), Standardbred trotter racehorses (STR) and non-racing sport horses (NRSH).

Results A pelvic fracture was diagnosed in 1.3% of the cases examined during the study period. Prevalence was significantly higher in TBR (4.2%) and, regardless of the discipline, in horses under the age of 6 years (2.2%) (p < 0.01). STR were significantly younger than TBR and NRSH at the time of fracture (median ages = 1, 3 and 4 years old, respectively; p < 0.01). The fractures occurred most frequently in the ilium (44/86). No ilial wing fractures were diagnosed in STR and isolated acetabular fractures were only diagnosed in foals and yearlings. Fatigue fractures were diagnosed in TBR alone, affecting 9/22 TBR (foals and yearlings excluded) and most often located in the ilial wing (7 fatigue fractures out of the 12 ilial wing fractures) (p < 0.01). The median age of horses suffering from a pelvic fatigue fracture was 4 years.

Clinical Significance This study confirms that young horses (under the age of 6 years) as well as TBR are likely to be at higher risk of a pelvic fracture. Fatigue fractures of the ilial wing seem to be a rare condition in STR while they are more frequent in young TBR in training.
Factors Associated with Wound Complications after Open Femoral Artery Exposure for Elective Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Trinidad Bradley , Rybin Denis , Doros Gheorghe , Eslami Mohammad , Tan Tze-Woei
Published: March 2019

We identified factors that would lead to wound complications after open femoral exposure for endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (oEVAR).

Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program dataset (2005–2014), we examined the patients who underwent oEVAR. Patients were stratified on whether they developed postoperative wound complications. Comparisons were made between group with wound complications and those without and adjusted analyses performed to identify variables that independently increased the risk of wound complications.

There were 14,868 patients in the study cohort and 2.6% (384 patients) developed wound complications after EVAR. Among those with wound complications, 94% (360 patients) of patients had superficial and deep surgical site infection. Patients who had wound complication were likely to be younger (72.6 vs. 73.7 years old (p = 0.02), functionally dependent (5.4 vs. 2.5%) (p < 0.05), smoker (3 vs. 2.4%, p =0.03), female (4 vs. 2.2%), with significantly higher body mass index (31 vs. 28), and more commonly had diabetes (4 vs. 2.4%, p < 0.001) or renal failure (12 vs. 3%, p < 0.001). Although perioperative survival was similar, patients who had wound complications had significantly longer hospital length of stay (LOS) (7.3 ± 12 vs. 3.4 ± 5 days, p < 0.001).

Up to 3% patients developed wound complications after open femoral exposure during EVAR with significantly higher LOS and therefore cost utilization.
A Modified Direct Posterior Midline Approach for the Treatment of Posterior Column Tibial Plateau Fractures
Authors: Yin Zhaowei , Yang Wengbo , Gu Yanqing , Gu Qiangrong , Xu Chenyang , Yang Lei , Jiang Chunzhi , Liang Bin
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this study was to introduce a modified surgical approach for the treatment of posterior column tibial plateau fractures. Fifteen patients with posterior column fractures with or without other column fractures were included and treated with this approach between July 2015 and June 2016. The patients were followed up for 18 to 24 months (20.9 ± 1.8 months). Outcomes included neural or vascular injuries, wound complications, nonunion, plate loosening or breakage, and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scores. Bone union was observed in all cases, and the average time for bone union was 13.5 ± 1.4 weeks (11–16 weeks). No neurovascular injuries, malunion, nonunions, or plate loosening or breakages were observed. The average HSS score was 94.7 ± 4.1 (range: 84–100). The modified direct posterior midline approach can provide excellent exposure and facilitate reduction and internal fixation of posterior column fractures of the tibial plateau, including split and depressed fractures. We expect that this approach can be used as a new effective method for managing complex posterior tibial fractures.
Changing Scenario in Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes in Females—Evidence from Recent Studies
Authors: Pradhan Akshyaya , Vishwakarma Pravesh , Sethi Rishi
Published: March 2019

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) represents the most severe form of coronary artery disease (CAD) warranting urgent admission and intervention. Conventional teaching dictates that women are free from cardiovascular diseases in their reproductive age group. There is also a high prevalence of microvascular disease and atypical presentations in the fairer sex. Because of these factors, CAD is often under diagnosed and undertreated in women. They are also unfortunately underrepresented in major studies. But it is noteworthy that CAD remains the leading cause of death in both men and women alike. Evidence-based medicine and protocols have led to drastic improvement of outcomes of CAD and ACS. With close to one hundred trials presented at major cardiology meetings, it is impossible for the clinician to keep track of all of them. The authors describe briefly the recent studies in management of STEMI /ACS which have the potential to impact their daily practice. Hence, they also try to assess the impact of female gender on cardiovascular outcomes in these studies.
Parental Perceptions and Behaviors Regarding Child Weight Status among Toddlers Born Preterm
Authors: Saleska Jessica Londeree , Sheppard Kelly , Turner Abigail Norris , Boone Kelly M. , Keim Sarah A.
Published: March 2019

Objective Childhood obesity is a significant determinant of adult obesity. Among children born preterm, rapid “catch-up growth” in infancy increases the risk of later obesity. Parental perceptions of their child's weight status may compound the child's biologically heightened risk of obesity.

Study Design We performed a secondary analysis of data on parental perceptions of child weight status from a randomized controlled trial (2012–2017, n = 331 toddlers born preterm). We used the Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ) to measure parental child feeding behaviors and beliefs. We calculated the prevalence of incorrect weight estimation, and used t-tests and chi-square tests to compare sample characteristics by correct versus incorrect weight estimation. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) for factors associated with parental underestimation of child weight status.

Results Most (90%) children were of normal weight, whereas 3% were underweight and 7% were overweight. A majority (75%) of parents correctly estimated their child's weight status. Incorrect weight estimation was only associated with child's actual weight. Parents of overweight children were more likely to underestimate their child's weight status than parents of normal weight children (OR: 2.23, 95% confidence interval: 2.00–2.49). Mean CFQ scores differed by the child's actual weight status but not by the child's estimated weight status.

Conclusion Among these toddlers born preterm, significantly higher proportions of parents with underweight and overweight children incorrectly estimated their child's weight status relative to parents of normal weight children. Our findings suggest that weight underestimation could be a problem in this population, although it was not associated with changes in feeding practices.
Ataxia with Oculomotor Apraxia Type 4 with PNKP Common “Portuguese” and Novel Mutations in Two Belarusian Families
Authors: Rudenskaya Galina , Marakhonov Andrey , Shchagina Olga , Lozier Ekaterina , Dadali Elena , Akimova Irina , Petrova Nika , Konovalov Fedor
Published: March 2019

Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 4 (AOA4) is a rare autosomal recessive, PNKP-related disorder delineated in 2015 in Portugal. We diagnosed AOA4 by next generation sequencing (NGS) followed by Sanger's sequencing in three boys from two unrelated Belarusian families. In both families, one of the heterozygous PNKP mutations was c.1123G>T, common in Portuguese patients; biallelic mutations, c.1270_1283dup14 and c.1029+2T>C, respectively, were novel. These are the first reported AOA4 Slavic cases and the first with a “Portuguese” PNKP mutation outside Portugal. Distinction in two brothers was microcephaly but their disease was not severe in contrast to PNKP-related “microcephaly, seizures, and developmental delay” and reported cases with features of both phenotypes.
Comparative Evaluation of Bond Strength between Ridge Lap Surface of Acrylic Teeth and Denture Base Resin: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Sharma Eeshita , Kumar Manjit , Sharma Rohit , Bansal Ajay , Katoch Sumit
Published: March 2019

Statement of Problem Acrylic teeth are preferred to porcelain teeth in dentures as they unite chemically with denture base resin, but their fracture from denture is common.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to improve the bond strength of denture teeth to acrylic resin denture base by chemical or mechanical modification of the ridge lap surface of denture teeth.

Materials and Methods Total 100 artificial cross-linked acrylic resin central incisors were divided into five groups: group A, 20 samples without modification (control group); group B, 20 samples (ridge lap surface of teeth treated with monomer); group C, 20 samples (ridge lap surface of teeth treated with monomer and the glaze layer removed with aluminum oxide abrasive stone); group D, 20 samples (ridge lap surface of teeth treated with dichloromethane); and group E, 20 samples (dichloromethane application followed by abrasion with aluminum oxide stone on ridge lap surface of teeth). They were mounted on wax blocks, and the blocks were acrylized. The bond strength values were obtained by subjecting the samples to shear compressive load under universal testing machine.

Result The results were subjected to statistical analysis by applying analysis of variance and Bonferroni test for multiple group comparisons, and graphs were plotted. The mean value of bond strength was highest for group E (modified by aluminum oxide abrasion prior to dichloromethane application), followed by group C (modified by aluminum oxide abrasion prior to monomer application), group D (modified by dichloromethane application), group B (modified by monomer application), and lastly group A (control group). Significantly improved bond strength values were obtained in modified groups as compared with the control group.

Conclusion Dichloromethane application followed by aluminum oxide abrasion provided the highest bond strength and is recommended to prevent debonding of the teeth from the denture base.
Wavelength-selective enhancement of terahertz absorption of metallic grating/GaAs-based hybrid photoconductive detector
Authors: Yang Xiong , Wang Bingbing , Chen Yulu , Wang Xiaodong , Li Tie , Zhang Chuansheng , Zhang Haoxing , Wang Jianxiong
Published: March 2019

Terahertz (THz) technology has attracted significant research attention because it can be used for a host of applications, such as astronomical observations, security checks, material optimization, and biomedical treatment. In this work, we fabricate an extrinsic n-type GaAs photoconductive detector whose peak photoelectric response is demonstrated to be at about 255 μm. To improve device performance in a long-wave (>350 μm) domain and overcome the epitaxial-growth bottleneck, we designed hybrid structural GaAs-based photoconductive detectors on the surface of which we add subwavelength one-dimensional metallic gratings (i.e., with grating periods that range from 100 to 125 μm) and investigated the wavelength-selective enhancement of their absorption in the THz regime by using a finite-different time-domain simulation. The simulation results indicate that selective enhancement of antireflection and absorption occurs in the reflection and absorption spectra so that the peak wavelength of photoelectric response can be extended to over 400 μm and the thickness of absorption layer can be reduced to 50 μm. The electric-field intensity of the incident THz wave can be significantly enhanced near the interface between the metal gates and the absorption layer. This work can thus provide a potential scheme to fabricate high-performance THz detectors for numerous applications.
Prediction of soil organic matter using an inexpensive colour sensor in arid and semiarid areas of Iran
Authors: Raeesi Maryam , Zolfaghari Ali Asghar , Yazdani Mohammad Reza , Gorji Manouchehr , Sabetizade Marmar
Published: March 2019

Soil organic matter (SOM) plays a major role in agricultural and ecological processes. For this reason, accurate quantification of SOM is important for precision agriculture and environmental management. Inexpensive sensor technology could be a potential approach to achieving the accurate prediction of SOM. The objective of this study was to evaluate inexpensive colour sensor (Nix™ Pro) data for prediction of SOM in arid and semiarid areas of Iran. A total number of 85 and 152 soil samples from the soil surface (0–20 cm) were collected from the Semnan (arid area) and Qazvin (semiarid area) regions respectively. The nonlinear random forest (RF) method and linear regression were conducted to predict SOM using NixTM pro colour sensor data. The partial least-squares approach was also utilised to reduce the dimensions of the dataset, decrease the number of input variables and avoid multi-collinearity. Soil colour was measured in moist and dry conditions. Root mean square error (RMSE), correlation coefficient (r), r-square (R2), mean square prediction error (MSPE) and ratio of performance to interquartile distance (RPIQ) were used to assess the RF and the linear regression models for prediction of SOM. Moist sample data was used for estimation of the SOM because of the larger correlation between SOM and colour sensor data in moist than dry samples. In estimation of SOM, the RF model represented lower dispersion between the estimated and the actual values of SOM (RMSE = 0.42, 0.43, RPIQ = 2.2, 2.06 and MSPE = 0.19, 0.19 in semiarid and arid regions respectively). In contrast, more dispersion was obtained by applying the linear regression model (RMSE = 0.61 and 0.51, RPIQ = 1.47 and 1.76, and MSPE = 0.39 and 0.26 in semiarid and arid regions respectively). The RPIQ values for linear regression in arid and semiarid areas were 1.76 and 1.47 respectively. Hence, the use of a linear regression model for prediction of SOM in arid areas would result in acceptable reliability; however, its utilisation should be avoided in semiarid areas due to less reliable results.
Visualization of density variations produced by alternating-current dielectric-barrier-discharge plasma actuators using the background-oriented schlieren method
Authors: Komuro Atsushi , Ogura Nae , Ito Momoko , Nonomura Taku , Asai Keisuke , Ando Akira
Published: March 2019

Gas density perturbations generated by an alternating-current dielectric-barrier-discharge plasma actuator (ac-DBDPA) are quantitatively visualised using the background-oriented schlieren (BOS) method. A method of setting the optimum boundary condition for solving the Poisson equation in the BOS method is studied, and an integration method for the boundary condition in the vicinity of the plasma where the density change is steep is proposed. The BOS method is applied in two cases with different voltage amplitudes, and the variation in the absolute value of the density is discussed with the discharge properties. The results show a decrease in density in the synthetic jet induced by the ac-DBDPA and a spatiotemporal variation indicating a step-wise gas-heating phenomenon due to plasma discharge.
Framework of multidimensional macrobenthos biodiversity to evaluate ecological restoration in wetlands
Authors: Li Xiaoxiao , Yang Wei , Sun Tao , Su Liya
Published: March 2019

Sustaining biodiversity is a priority for ecological restoration in degraded wetlands, and biodiversity is an inherently multidimensional ecosystem property, as it includes genetic, taxonomic, functional, and other types of diversity. However, most restoration projects have only employed taxonomic diversity to assess restoration, and given the multidimensional nature of biodiversity, this may partially describe the true situation. In this paper, we constructed a multidimensional macrobenthos biodiversity framework (for genetic, taxonomic, and functional diversity), developed a holistic biodiversity index that accounted for these dimensions, and explored the consequences of freshwater restoration in a case study of this index. We found that freshwater restoration increased genetic and taxonomic diversity, but had no significant effect on functional diversity, and that the functional traits of the macrobenthos appeared to have converged on homogeneous functional traits. On the other hand, freshwater restoration had a significant positive effect on the holistic biodiversity. The relationship between ecosystem function (in macrobenthos biomass) and holistic biodiversity in the restoration areas was unimodal, with the highest biomass found at intermediate levels of holistic biodiversity. The multidimensional framework challenged the utility of using any one dimension of biodiversity as a surrogate for other dimensions. The holistic biodiversity index provided more comprehensive and holistic insights into the management of freshwater restoration projects.
The Treaty of Versailles: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Neiberg Michael S.
Published: March 2019

Signed on June 28, 1919, between Germany and the principal Allied powers, the Treaty of Versailles formally ended World War I. Problematic from the very beginning, the treaty was seen even by its contemporaries as a mediocre compromise, creating a precarious order in Europe and abroad and destined to fall short of ensuring lasting peace. The Treaty of Versailles: A Very Short Introduction explains the enormous challenges facing those who tried to put the world back together after the global destruction of World War I amid competing national interests. It analyzes the many subtle factors that influenced the treaty and shows how the treaty affected not only Europe, but also the rest of the world.
Determinants of Transmission Risk During the Late Stage of the West African Ebola Epidemic
Authors: Robert Alexis , Edmunds W John , Watson Conall H , Henao-Restrepo Ana Maria , Gsell Pierre-Stéphane , Williamson Elizabeth , Longini Ira M , Sakoba Keïta , Kucharski Adam J , Touré Alhassane , Nadlaou Sévérine Danmadji , Diallo Boubacar , Barry Mamamdou Saidou , Fofana Thierno Oumar , Camara Louceny , Kaba Ibrahima Lansana , Sylla Lansana , Diaby Mohamed Lamine , Soumah Ousmane , Diallo Abdourahime , Niare Amadou , Diallo Abdourahmane , Eggo Rosalind M
Published: March 2019

Understanding risk factors for Ebola transmission is key for effective prediction and design of interventions. We used data on 860 cases in 129 chains of transmission from the latter half of the 2013–2016 Ebola epidemic in Guinea. Using negative binomial regression, we determined characteristics associated with the number of secondary cases resulting from each infected individual. We found that attending an Ebola treatment unit was associated with a 38% decrease in secondary cases (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.38, 0.99) among individuals that did not survive. Unsafe burial was associated with a higher number of secondary cases (IRR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.10, 3.02). The average number of secondary cases was higher for the first generation of a transmission chain (mean = 1.77) compared with subsequent generations (mean = 0.70). Children were least likely to transmit (IRR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.57) compared with adults, whereas older adults were associated with higher numbers of secondary cases. Men were less likely to transmit than women (IRR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.55, 0.93). This detailed surveillance data set provided an invaluable insight into transmission routes and risks. Our analysis highlights the key role that age, receiving treatment, and safe burial played in the spread of EVD.
A superb solo, or a deviant duet? Overlapping songs in superb fairy-wrens
Authors: Taylor Claire J , Hall Michelle L , Cain Kristal E , Langmore Naomi E
Published: March 2019

Avian duets are formed when 2 birds coordinate their songs. Most research on the evolution and function of duetting has focused on species with highly coordinated duets, and less is known about the context and function of overlapping songs that are more loosely coordinated, in part due to the challenge of determining whether such vocalizations coincide by chance or through coordination between the partners. Here, we use field recordings and playback experiments to test whether breeding pairs of superb fairy-wrens, Malurus cyaneus, coordinate their territorial songs to form duets. We test 3 key characteristics of duetting; whether partners’ songs 1) overlap more than expected by chance; 2) have a stereotyped structure that occurs repeatedly and predictably in time, and 3) show evidence of a constant time lag between the contributions of the 2 participants, indicating that individuals are coordinating their songs. This is the first study to quantify the temporal precision of song between partners to investigate coordination in the Malurus genus, an important model taxon for song, sexual selection, and speciation. We found variation in the extent to which partners’ songs overlapped, with some individuals overlapping their partners’ songs more than expected by chance, no difference in structure of solo and overlapping songs, and no evidence of a consistent response interval. Thus song overlap in superb fairy-wrens meets only some criteria for duetting. We suggest that overlapping songs in this species may be due to individuals responding independently of the same stimulus and/or “call and answer” between pair members.
The second life of Plasmodium in the mosquito host: gene regulation on the move
Authors: Ruiz José L , Gómez-Díaz Elena
Published: March 2019

Malaria parasites face dynamically changing environments and strong selective constraints within human and mosquito hosts. To survive such hostile and shifting conditions, Plasmodium switches transcriptional programs during development and has evolved mechanisms to adjust its phenotype through heterogeneous patterns of gene expression. In vitro studies on culture-adapted isolates have served to set the link between chromatin structure and functional gene expression. Yet, experimental evidence is limited to certain stages of the parasite in the vertebrate, i.e. blood, while the precise mechanisms underlying the dynamic regulatory landscapes during development and in the adaptation to within-host conditions remain poorly understood. In this review, we discuss available data on transcriptional and epigenetic regulation in Plasmodium mosquito stages in the context of sporogonic development and phenotypic variation, including both bet-hedging and environmentally triggered direct transcriptional responses. With this, we advocate the mosquito offers an in vivo biological model to investigate the regulatory networks, transcription factors and chromatin-modifying enzymes and their modes of interaction with regulatory sequences, which might be responsible for the plasticity of the Plasmodium genome that dictates stage- and cell type-specific blueprints of gene expression.
A Bayesian model integration for mutation calling through data partitioning
Authors: Moriyama Takuya , Imoto Seiya , Hayashi Shuto , Shiraishi Yuichi , Miyano Satoru , Yamaguchi Rui
Published: March 2019

Motivation

Detection of somatic mutations from tumor and matched normal sequencing data has become among the most important analysis methods in cancer research. Some existing mutation callers have focused on additional information, e.g. heterozygous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) nearby mutation candidates or overlapping paired-end read information. However, existing methods cannot take multiple information sources into account simultaneously. Existing Bayesian hierarchical model-based methods construct two generative models, the tumor model and error model, and limited information sources have been modeled.

Results

We proposed a Bayesian model integration framework named as partitioning-based model integration. In this framework, through introducing partitions for paired-end reads based on given information sources, we integrate existing generative models and utilize multiple information sources. Based on that, we constructed a novel Bayesian hierarchical model-based method named as OHVarfinDer. In both the tumor model and error model, we introduced partitions for a set of paired-end reads that cover a mutation candidate position, and applied a different generative model for each category of paired-end reads. We demonstrated that our method can utilize both heterozygous SNP information and overlapping paired-end read information effectively in simulation datasets and real datasets.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/takumorizo/OHVarfinDer.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Bayesian adaptive basket trial design using model averaging
Authors: Psioda Matthew A , Xu Jiawei , Jiang Qi , Ke Chunlei , Yang Zhao , Ibrahim Joseph G
Published: March 2019

In this article, we develop a Bayesian adaptive design methodology for oncology basket trials with binary endpoints using a Bayesian model averaging framework. Most existing methods seek to borrow information based on the degree of homogeneity of estimated response rates across all baskets. In reality, an investigational product may only demonstrate activity for a subset of baskets, and the degree of activity may vary across the subset. A key benefit of our Bayesian model averaging approach is that it explicitly accounts for the possibility that any subset of baskets may have similar activity and that some may not. Our proposed approach performs inference on the basket-specific response rates by averaging over the complete model space for the response rates, which can include thousands of models. We present results that demonstrate that this computationally feasible Bayesian approach performs favorably compared to existing state-of-the-art approaches, even when held to stringent requirements regarding false positive rates.
Very Low Hepatitis C Viral Loads in Treatment-naive Persons: Do They Compromise Hepatitis C Virus Antigen Testing?
Authors: Bertisch Barbara , Brezzi Matteo , Negro Francesco , Müllhaupt Beat , Ottiger Cornelia , Künzler-Heule Patrizia , Schmid Patrick , Giudici Fabio , Clerc Olivier , Moriggia Alberto , Roelens Maroussia , Marinucci Francesco , Zehnder Cinzia , Moradpour Darius , Keiser Olivia ,   Swiss Hepatitis C Cohort Study, Negro Francesco , Kaiser Laurent , Heim Markus , Hirsch Hans , Dufour Jean-François , Semmo Nasser , Moradpour Darius , Aubert Vincent , Siegrist Hans H , Cerny Andreas , Martinetti Lucchini Gladys , Malinverni Raffaele , Semela David , Schmid Patrick , Dollenmaier Günter , Müllhaupt Beat , Probst-Müller Elsbeth , Fabbro Thomas , Rutquist Marielle , Benkert Pascal , Sluka Constantin
Published: March 2019

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antigen testing is less expensive than quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction but has lower sensitivity for very low viral load (VLVL; HCV RNA ≤3000 IU/mL). Currently the benefits of antigen testing for screening are discussed, but data on prevalence and outcomes of persons with VLVL are scarce.

Methods

We assessed prevalence and predictors of VLVL by logistic regression in treatment-naive participants in the Swiss Hepatitis C Cohort Study. We analyzed if the last viral load after VLVL was low, compared cirrhosis and mortality in persons with and without VLVL, and evaluated the number of samples with VLVL that were reactive by antigen testing.

Results

We included 2533 treatment-naive persons with available quantitative HCV RNA testing results. Overall, 133 persons (5.3%) had a VLVL. Age 18–40 years, female sex, and human immunodeficiency virus coinfection were associated with VLVL. Of 72 persons with a viral load available after VLVL, 14% had a VLVL and 17% had spontaneous viral clearance. The prevalence and incidence of cirrhosis and mortality were comparable in persons with and without VLVL; all 24 persons with VLVL and cirrhosis had excessive alcohol consumption or immunosuppression. Overall, 33% of samples with VLVL were reactive by antigen testing.

Conclusions

The frequency of VLVL was low. Among the persons who would probably be missed by antigen screening, some had a favorable disease course, but some had immunosuppression and liver cirrhosis. The benefit of HCV antigen testing for screening may be limited by the risk of missing patients with severe liver disease.