bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frecuencia de quistes y tumores odontogénicos en población nicaragüense. Estudio retrospectivo a siete años
Authors: Quintana Salgado Luis Alberto , Espinoza Hernández Luis Javier , Rodríguez Vílchez José Javier , Guerrero Midence Carlos David , Rugama Díaz Harley José
Published: October 2019

Antecedentes: Los quistes y tumores odontogénicos (QTO) constituyen un grupo importante de las patologías orales. No existen datos epidemiológicos sobre la frecuencia de estas lesiones en la población nicaragüense. Objetivo: Establecer la frecuencia relativa de QTO en la población nicaragüense. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo en el que se analizaron los registros de biopsias excisionales de los años 2010 a 2016 de los departamentos de patología de los hospitales regionales de las ciudades de León, Managua, Estelí, Matagalpa y Jinotega. Se empleó la clasificación de la Organización Mundial de la Salud del 2017. El análisis fue descriptivo por medio de frecuencias relativas de las patologías estudiadas. Resultados: De un total de 13.102 reportes revisados se encontraron 109 casos (0,8 %). La distribución por sexo fue 50,9 % hombres y 49,9 % mujeres, principalmente en el intervalo de edad de 11-30 años. El quiste más frecuente fue el dentígero (69,5 %) y el tumor odontogénico más frecuente el ameloblastoma (50 %), principalmente en mandíbula. Conclusión: Este estudio proporciona información epidemiológica sobre QTO en cinco ciudades de Nicaragua, la cual es esencial para identificar grupos de riesgo y posibles factores asociados, así como para diseñar sistemas de diagnóstico diferenciales y tratamiento adecuados.
Asociación entre índices antropométricos y presencia de apnea obstructiva del sueño en adultos
Authors: Márquez Tapia Yesenia , Calderón Montalvo Gabriela , Cardier González Francis Beatriz , Hidalgo Martínez Patricia , Otero Mendoza Liliana Margarita
Published: October 2019

Antecedentes: La apnea obstructiva del sueño (AOS) es un trastorno del sueño altamente prevalente producido por una obstrucción anatómica o neuromuscular de la vía aérea superior. Propósito: Identificar la asociación entre los índices antropométricos: circunferencia de cuello (CC), perímetro abdominal e índice de masa corporal (IMC), con la presencia de AOS en adultos. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo de casos y controles en 353 individuos entre 18 y 82 años de edad con diagnóstico polisomnográfico de AOS. Se correlacionó el índice apnea hipoapnea con los índices antropométricos y los datos demográficos. El grupo control estuvo conformado por 105 adultos sin AOS y el de estudio por 248 pacientes con diagnóstico de AOS. Para determinar la asociación entre las variables se utilizaron las pruebas de Chi cuadrado de Pearson y odds ratio. Resultados Se encontró una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre el IMC y la CC, que estaban aumentados con la presencia de AOS en adultos. La presencia de AOS fue mayor en mujeres y hombres entre 56 y 82 años. Conclusiones: Las medidas antropométricas IMC y CC son factores de riesgo de AOS en adultos.
Comparison between 940 nm Laser Diode and Topical 5 % Potassium Nitrate for Tooth Desensitization. Randomized Controlled Clinical trial
Authors: Tocarruncho Oscar , Espitia Robayo Xiomara Alexandra , Ibáñez Pinilla Edgar , Ríos-Osorio Néstor Raúl
Published: October 2019

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of two dental desensitization therapies, 940 nm laser diode and potassium nitrate, in patients with dental hypersensitivity (DH) symptoms. Methods: This randomized clinical trial included 30 patients who initially underwent basic periodontal therapy and presented gingival recessions Class I and II (Miller 1985) with symptoms of DH. Subjects were randomly assigned into two groups. The first group (n = 15) received laser 940 nm application for 90 seconds on the surface of the recession and were given a tube of glycerin to be applied daily in order to avoid generating bias. Patients in the second group (n = 15) were exposed to inactive laser simulating the actual application of the laser, and they were given a desensitizing gel containing 0.5 g of potassium nitrate to be applied twice daily during 14 days. Controls were carried out at 15 minutes, 8 days, 15 days, and 4 weeks. Data obtained were filled out in an Excel table. For comparison between groups the Mann Whitney U and t student tests were used (p=0.05). Results: All patients involve in the study experienced reduction in DH (p<0.01) and differences   between the two interventions performed. Conclusions:  Laser and nitrate therapies were effective to manage DH after basic periodontal therapy. However, a statistically significant higher  sensitivity reduction was observed in laser therapy group.
Factores de riesgo modificables e inmodificables de la periodontitis: revisión narrativa
Authors: Moreno Caicedo Luisa Fernanda , Amaya Sánchez Sandra , Cruz Olivo Edison Andrés
Published: October 2019

Antecedentes: La periodontitis crónica asociada a la placa bacteriana tiene factores de riesgo modificables e inmodificables que deben tenerse en cuenta en su prevención y control. Objetivo: Analizar la evidencia disponible sobre los factores de riesgo modificables e inmodificables de la periodontitis crónica con el fin de escribir guías de manejo clínico. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de la literatura en tres bases de datos (PubMed, LiLACS y Embase) usando la siguiente combinación de términos del Medical Subejct Headings de Medline: “risk indicator OR risk factor AND chronic periodontitis”. También se buscaron artículos y literatura gris en Google Académico. Se incluyeron estudios de corte transversal, casos y controles, longitudinales, ensayos clínicos controlados y revisiones generales y sistemáticas de la literatura. Se efectuó una revisión narrativa sobre el tema con las referencias más relevantes encontradas. Resultados: Se analizaron 39 artículos que cumplieron con los criterios de la búsqueda. Entre los factores de riesgo modificables se encontraron: diabetes no controlada, obesidad, estrés, tabaquismo y placa bacteriana. Los factores de riesgo inmodificables hallados fueron: cambios hormonales, infección por VIH, neutropenia, edad, sexo, raza y genética. Los dos factores de riesgo más frecuentemente asociados, además de la placa bacteriana, fueron diabetes y tabaquismo. Conclusiones: El control de la periodontitis crónica debe basarse no solo en el control de la placa bacteriana sino también en la prevención mediante la identificación temprana y el control de factores de riesgo para evitar la aparición o el avance de esta enfermedad.
Salud bucal y funcionamiento familiar en personas del municipio Plaza de la Revolución de La Habana, Cuba
Authors: Herrera López Isis Bárbara
Published: October 2019

Antecedentes: La familia constituye el espacio por excelencia para el desarrollo de la identidad humana y es el primer grupo de socialización del individuo. En ella la persona adquiere sus primeras experiencias, hábitos, valores y concepciones del mundo, incluyendo la salud. Objetivo: Analizar el estado de salud bucal de las personas en relación con el funcionamiento familiar. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo con 84 sujetos de 20 familias pertenecientes a un consultorio odontológico del municipio Plaza de la Revolución de la ciudad de La Habana, Cuba. Los pacientes contestaron encuestas de funcionamiento familiar y hábitos bucales y recibieron evaluación clínica domiciliaria (p=0,05, Chi2). Resultados: Predominó el edentulismo (53,57 %) que fue más común en personas de familias disfuncionales. El 70,24 % tenía mala higiene bucal. La mayoría de quienes tenían buena higiene bucal (88 %) pertenecían a familias funcionales. El 51,19 % se cepillaba los dientes solo dos veces al día, principalmente en aquellos de familias disfuncionales. 22,62 % de las personas informó no consumir alimentos azucarados, la mayoría de ellos de familias funcionales. El 82,05 % acudía al estomatólogo solamente cuando tenía una urgencia y eran todos de familias disfuncionales. Conclusión: El funcionamiento familiar se asoció a la salud bucal de las personas estudiadas. Se recomienda crear programas educativos de salud bucal con un enfoque familiar.
Status of the Epidemiological Surveillance Systems for Salt and Water Fluoridation Programs in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Mutis Martha J. , Chamut Steffany , Morón Elías , Dávila Peixoto Carlos
Published: October 2019

Background: Epidemiological Surveillance Systems are part of public policies to evaluate the impact of prevention interventions or the occurrence of related health events. In Dental Public Health has been valuable the surveillance systems to follow the fluoridation programs, the prevalence of caries or the fluorosis cases. Purpose: Identify and summarize published information regard the status of fluoridation programs and their epidemiological surveillance systems in Latin America and the Caribbean region. Methods: In this narrative literature review, articles searches in Medline and LILACS, in four languages, was carried out. Results: The authors included the analysis of 291 references published by government entities, international agencies, academic institutions and other sources, and summarizing the synthesis of all findings in two tracking matrices to contribute with new knowledge for policy making and program improvement through monitory systems. The results showed 11 active programs, 18 in uncertain status, and one country projecting a future program. Only six countries that started their fluoridation programs in the mid-eighties in the twentieth century have structured or strengthened a surveillance system for their fluoridation programs. Conclusions: The authors recommend a new stage of international accompaniment by several agencies to resume fluoridation programs in countries where structural, economic, or political factors affected the implementation or continuation of fluoridation programs in the 21st century.
Tensiones en el abordaje de la salud bucal en Colombia: caso ENSAB IV
Authors: Pardo Romero Fredy Fabián , Hernández Flórez Luis Jorge , Maldonado Maldonado Lorena Alexandra
Published: October 2019

Antecedentes: El Cuarto Estudio Nacional de Salud Bucal (ENSAB IV) representa un hito en los estudios nacionales de salud en Colombia debido a que se plantea desde un enfoque teórico alternativo y crítico llamado Determinación Social del Proceso Salud Enfermedad (DSSE). Sin embargo, operacionalizar ese enfoque teórico implicó desafíos importantes y generó algunas tensiones que limitaron la perspectiva crítica y transformadora que orientaba este estudio. Objetivo: mostrar las principales tensiones y desafíos epistemológicos y prácticos en el proceso de diseño y ejecución de la ENSAB IV. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de caso triangulando información de fuentes primarias y secundarias. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a actores clave que participaron en las diferentes fases del estudio y se hizo un análisis de contenido del protocolo y el informe final del estudio. Resultados: Las principales tensiones y desafíos evidenciados fueron el cambio de instituciones y actores responsables de las fases de diseño y ejecución; la no apropiación del enfoque teórico – metodológico en los resultados y recomendaciones finales y la falta de visibilización y articulación del componente cualitativo dentro del estudio. Conclusión: La fragmentación del proceso de diseño y ejecución del estudio y el cambio de actores responsables de cada fase, generó dificultades en la operacionalización del enfoque teórico-metodológico propuesto en el diseño del ENSAB IV, tanto por la poca orientación metodológica del enfoque en sí mismo, como por la resistencia institucional a mostrar resultados sanitarios desde perspectivas críticas.
Ferrograph Analysis With Improved Particle Segmentation and Classification Methods
Authors: Wang Shuo , Wu Tonghai , Wang Kunpeng , Sarkodie-Gyan Thompson
Published: October 2019

Ferrograph analysis has been adopted over decades for determining the root causes of on-going wear faults. After decades of manual operation, this traditional technique is being driven by intelligent algorithms for automatic identification of wear debris. However, the accuracy and robustness of this algorithm remain marginalized when applied in industries due to various types and color blurry of particles. To address this issue, this paper introduces an automatic ferrograph analysis model with a segmentation method and a two-level classification strategy. In order to obtain wear particles from the color ferrograph image, an adaptive Otsu threshold is adopted in three channel images to solve the color blurry in particle segmentation. By grouping particle parameters into shape and morphology ones, a two-level identification strategy is proposed. The first one is to classify rubbing, cutting, and spherical particles, referring to the fuzzy approach degree of shape parameters. In the second level, the shape-close particles are classified with imperceptible textures and back propagation neural network (BPNN). These objective parameters are constructed by applying the principal component analysis into seven texture features and inputted into a BPNN-based model to classify fatigue and severe sliding particles. In order to train the BPNN, more than 100 ferrograph images are sampled together, whereby standard ferrograph analysis is performed on the particle identification. The performance of the identification exhibits an accuracy exceeding 90% for rubbing, cutting, and spherical particles, whereas about 80% accuracy has been registered for both severe sliding and fatigue particles.
Thermal Error Modeling of Feed Axis in Machine Tools Using Particle Swarm Optimization-Based Generalized Regression Neural Network
Authors: Li Guolong , Ke Hao , Li Chuanzhen , Li Biao
Published: October 2019

This paper demonstrates the development of a thermal error model that is applied on the feed axis of machine tools and based on the neural network. This model can accurately predict the value of the axial thermal error that appears on machine feed axis. In principle, there is the generalized regression neural network (GRNN), which has the good nonlinear mapping ability and serves to construct the error model. About variables, the data of temperature and axial thermal error of machine feed axis are the inputs and outputs, respectively. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) is a component of this model, which serves to optimize the smoothing factor in GRNN, and the particle swarm optimization-based generalized regression neural network (PSO-GRNN) model is built. From experiment, the datum is acquired from a machining centre in four different feed rates. Thereafter, the back propagation (BP) neural network model, the traditional GRNN model, and the PSO-GRNN model were established, and the data collected from the experimentation are input in three models for prediction. Compared with the other two models used in this paper, the PSO-GRNN model can maintain higher prediction accuracy at different feed speed, and the prediction accuracy of it changes less in different feed rates. The proposed model solved the problem of generalization ability of the neural network at different feed rate, which shows good performance and lays a good foundation for further research like thermal error compensation.
Sound radiation by a vibrating annular plate using radial polynomials and spectral mapping
Authors: Rdzanek Wojciech P. , Szemela Krzysztof
Published: October 2019

This study deals with sound radiation from a thin clamped annular plate. The fluid loading effect is included. Although it is a classical problem, using direct numerical integration to solve such a problem is usually troublesome and time consuming since the coupling integrals have certain singularities. Therefore, this study applies radial polynomials to improve the time efficiency of numerical calculations with no loss of accuracy. As radial polynomials are usually used for circular geometry, spectral mapping has been proposed to perform the necessary conversion from circular to annular geometry. The conversion is performed in the wavenumber domain. Spectral mapping makes it possible to efficiently obtain a number of numerical results for the acoustic power and acoustic field generated.
Physical and chemical strain-hardening during faulting in poorly lithified sandstone: The role of kinematic stress field and selective cementation
Authors: Pizzati Mattia , Balsamo Fabrizio , Storti Fabrizio , Iacumin Paola
Published: October 2019

In this work, we report the results of a multidisciplinary study describing the structural architecture and diagenetic evolution of the Rocca di Neto extensional fault zone developed in poorly lithified sandstones of the Crotone Basin, Southern Italy. The studied fault zone has an estimated displacement of ∼90 m and consists of: (1) a low-deformation zone with subsidiary faults and widely spaced deformation bands; (2) an ∼10-m-wide damage zone, characterized by a dense network of conjugate deformation bands; (3) an ∼3-m-wide mixed zone produced by tectonic mixing of sediments with different grain size; (4) an ∼1-m-wide fault core with bedding transposed into foliation and ultra-comminute black gouge layers. Microstructural investigations indicate that particulate flow was the dominant early-stage deformation mechanism, while cataclasis became predominant after porosity loss, shallow burial, and selective calcite cementation. The combination of tectonic compaction and preferential cementation led to a strain-hardening behavior inducing the formation of “inclined conjugate deformation band sets” inside the damage zone, caused by the kinematic stress field associated with fault activity. Conversely, conjugate deformation band sets with a vertical bisector formed outside the damage zone in response to the regional extensional stress field. Stable isotope analysis helped in constraining the diagenetic environment of deformation, which is characterized by mixed marine-meteoric signature for cements hosted inside the damage zone, while it progressively becomes more meteoric moving outside the fault zone. This evidence supports the outward propagation of fault-related deformation structures in the footwall damage zone.
Molecular analysis of α-thalassemia and β-thalassemia in Quanzhou region Southeast China
Authors: Zhuang Jianlong , Jiang Yuying , Wang Yuanbai , Zheng Yu , Zhuang Qianmei , Wang Junyu , Zeng Shuhong
Published: October 2019

Aims

Thalassemia is one of the most prevalent inherited disorders in south China. However, there still has no comprehensive research on molecular characterisation of α-thalassemia and β-thalassemia in the Quanzhou region of Fujian province, a city with high incidence of thalassemia in Southeast China.

Methods

A total of 11 668 cases were collected in Quanzhou region from January 2013 to June 2019. The deletions of α-thalassemia were detected by Gap-PCR, α-thalassemia and β-thalassemia mutations were detected by DNA reverse dot blot hybridisation. Rare thalassemia gene testing and DNA sequencing were performed to detect rare and novel thalassemia mutation for suspected rare thalassemia carriers.

Results

Among 11 668 subjects, 4796 (41.10%) subjects were diagnosed with thalassemia. 3298 (28.27%) subjects were α-thalassemia carriers, 26 types of α-thalassemia mutations were identified, with the common α-thalassemia genotypes being --SEA/αα (71.47%), -α3.7/αα (17.13%) and -α4.2/αα (3.49%). 1407 (12.06%) subjects were β-thalassemia carriers, 18 types of β-thalassemia mutations were identified. The common five genotypes of β-thalassemia were βIVS-II-654/βN(36.53%), βCD41-42/βN(30.28%), βCD17/βN(17.13%), βCD26/βN(5.12%) and β-28/βN(4.62%). Additionally, 91 (0.78%) subjects with composite α-thalassemia and β-thalassemia were identified. Furthermore, 9 α-thalassemia and β-thalassemia gene mutations (CAP +40–43 (-AAAC), IVS-I-1 (G>T), IVS-I-5 (G>C), SEA-HPFH, CD53 (-T), CD37 (A>G), −90 (C>T), CD3 (T>C), -α6.9) were identified for the first time in the region. Among them, CD53 (-T), CD37 (A>G) and −90 (C>T) mutations were identified for the first time in Fujian province. Moreover, CD3 (T>C), -α6.9mutations were first identified in Chinese individual.

Conclusions

Quanzhou region of South China has high incidence of thalassemia mutations. In this study, several cases of rare thalassemia mutations have been identified, providing reference for clinical consultation. The completion of this study is of great significance to strengthen the prevention and control of thalassaemia in the Quanzhou region.
Keith Charles Smith
Authors: Small Alison , Hayes Mike , Parkinson Tim
Published: October 2019

A vet who applied curiosity, courage, persistence and passion to everything he did.
Testing theoretical metapopulation conditions with genotypic data from Boreal Chorus Frogs (Pseudacris maculata)
Authors: Billerman Shawn M. , Jesmer Brett R. , Watts Alexander G. , Schlichting Peter E. , Fortin Marie-Josée , Funk W. Chris , Hapeman Paul , Muths Erin , Murphy Melanie A.
Published: October 2019

The metapopulation concept has far-reaching implications in ecology and conservation biology. Hanski’s criteria operationally define metapopulations, yet testing them is hindered by logistical and financial constraints inherent to the collection of long-term demographic data. Hence, ecologists and conservationists often assume metapopulation existence for dispersal-limited species that occupy patchy habitats. To advance understanding of metapopulation theory and improve conservation of metapopulations, we used population and landscape genetic tools to develop a methodological framework for evaluating Hanski’s criteria. We used genotypic data (11 microsatellite loci) from a purported metapopulation of Boreal Chorus Frogs (Pseudacris maculata (Agassiz, 1850)) in Colorado, U.S.A., to test Hanski’s four criteria. We found support for each criterion: (1) significant genetic differentiation between wetlands, suggesting distinct breeding populations; (2) wetlands had small effective population sizes and recent bottlenecks, suggesting populations do not experience long-term persistence; (3) population graphs provided evidence of gene flow between patches, indicating potential for recolonization; and (4) multiscale bottleneck analyses suggest asynchrony, indicating that simultaneous extinction of all populations was unlikely. Our methodological framework provides a logistically and financially feasible alternative to long-term demographic data for identifying amphibian metapopulations.
High Efficiency AlN/GaN HEMTs for Q-Band Applications with an Improved Thermal Dissipation
Authors: Kabouche Riad , Pecheux Romain , Harrouche Kathia , Okada Etienne , Medjdoub Farid , Derluyn Joff , Degroote Stefan , Germain Marianne , Gucmann Filip , Middleton Callum , Pomeroy James W. , Kuball Martin
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we demonstrate Q-band power performance of carbon doped AlN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) using a deep sub-micrometer gate length (120 nm). With a maximum drain current density ID of 1.5 A/mm associated to a high electron confinement and an extrinsic transconductance gm of 500 mS/mm, this structure shows excellent electrical characteristics. A maximum oscillation frequency fmax of 242 GHz has been observed. As a result, a state-of-the-art combination at 40 GHz of output power density (POUT = 7 W/mm) and power added efficiency (PAE) of 52% up to VDS = 25V has been obtained. The achievement of such outstanding performance is attributed to the reduced thermal resistance (RTH) as compared to the commonly used double heterostructure by means of Raman thermography.
Recent Progress in Gallium Oxide and Diamond Based High Power and High-Frequency Electronics
Authors: Hasan Md Nazmul , Swinnich Edward , Seo Jung-Hun
Published: October 2019

In recent years, the emergence of the ultrawide‐bandgap (UWBG) semiconductor materials that have an extremely large bandgap, exceeding 5eV including AlGaN/AlN, diamond, β-Ga2O3, and cubic BN, provides a new opportunity in myriad applications in electronic, optoelectronic and photonics with superior performance matrix than conventional WBG materials. In this review paper, we will focus on high power and high frequency devices based on two most promising UWBG semiconductors, β-Ga2O3 and diamond among various UWBG semiconductor devices. These two UWBG semiconductors have gained substantial attention in recent years due to breakthroughs in their growth technique as well as various device engineering efforts. Therefore, we will review recent advances in high power and high frequency devices based on β-Ga2O3 and diamond in terms of device performance metrics such as breakdown voltage, power gain, cut off frequency and maximum operating frequency.
Tensions between the appearance data of T2K and NOνA
Authors: Nizam Mohammad , Bharti Suman , Prakash Suprabh , Rahaman Ushak , Sankar S. Uma
Published: October 2019

The long baseline neutrino experiments, T2K and NO[Formula: see text]A, have taken significant amount of data in each of the four channels: (a) [Formula: see text] disappearance, (b) [Formula: see text] disappearance, (c) [Formula: see text] appearance, and (d) [Formula: see text] appearance. There is a mild tension between the disappearance and the appearance data sets of T2K. A more serious tension exists between the [Formula: see text] appearance data of T2K and the [Formula: see text] appearance data of NO[Formula: see text]A. This tension is significant enough that T2K rules out the best-fit point of NO[Formula: see text]A at 95% confidence level, whereas, NO[Formula: see text]A rules out T2K best-fit point at 90% confidence level. We explain the reason why these tensions arise. We also do a combined fit of T2K and NO[Formula: see text]A data and comment on the results of this fit.
Excited quarks production at FCC and SppC pp colliders
Authors: Sahin Mehmet , Aydin Güral , Günaydin Yusuf Oguzhan
Published: October 2019

Potential discovery, observation and exclusion limits of excited [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] quarks with gamma[Formula: see text]jet final state are researched at the multi-TeV scale colliders, FCC and S[Formula: see text]C in this paper. Both colliders, FCC and S[Formula: see text]C, show that excited [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] quarks could be discovered up to 42.1 TeV and 55.2 TeV for [Formula: see text], 30.3 TeV and 39.4 TeV for [Formula: see text] and 42.3 TeV and 55.5 TeV mass values for degenerate case [Formula: see text], respectively. The determination of the excited quarks compositeness scale is examined, which will be up to multi-PeV level. Besides these analyses, free parameters ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) are scanned from around 0.1 up to 1 that show excited quark could be discovered at dozens of TeV with even coupling constants under 0.1.
On Top-k WeightedSumAggregate Nearest and Farthest Neighbors in the L1 Plane
Authors: Wang Haitao , Zhang Wuzhou
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we study top-[Formula: see text] aggregate (or group) nearest neighbor queries using the weighted Sum operator under the [Formula: see text] metric in the plane. Given a set [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] points, for any query consisting of a set [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] weighted points and an integer [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], the top-[Formula: see text] aggregate nearest neighbor query asks for the [Formula: see text] points of [Formula: see text] whose aggregate distances to [Formula: see text] are the smallest, where the aggregate distance of each point [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] is the sum of the weighted distances from [Formula: see text] to all points of [Formula: see text]. We build an [Formula: see text]-size data structure in [Formula: see text] time, such that each top-[Formula: see text] query can be answered in [Formula: see text] time. We also obtain other results with trade-off between preprocessing and query. Even for the special case where [Formula: see text], our results are better than the previously best work, which requires [Formula: see text] preprocessing time, [Formula: see text] space, and [Formula: see text] query time. In addition, for the one-dimensional version of this problem, our approach can build an [Formula: see text]-size data structure in [Formula: see text] time that can support [Formula: see text] time queries. Further, we extend our techniques to answer the top-[Formula: see text] aggregate farthest neighbor queries, with the same bounds.
The ropelengths of knots are almost linear in terms of their crossing numbers
Authors: Diao Yuanan , Ernst Claus , Por Attila , Ziegler Uta
Published: October 2019

For a knot or link [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] be the ropelength of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be the crossing number of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we show that there exists a constant [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] for any [Formula: see text], i.e. the upper bound of the ropelength of any knot is almost linear in terms of its minimum crossing number. This result is a significant improvement over the best known upper bound established previously, which is of the form [Formula: see text]. The proof is based on a divide-and-conquer approach on 4-regular plane graphs: a 4-regular plane graph of [Formula: see text] is first repeatedly subdivided into many small subgraphs and then reconstructed from these small subgraphs on the cubic lattice with its topology preserved with a total length of the order [Formula: see text]. The result then follows since a knot can be recovered from a graph that is topologically equivalent to a regular projection of it (which is a 4-regular plane graph).
Propentdyopents: Brief history of a family of dipyrrolic pigments
Authors: Tomat Elisa
Published: October 2019

Propentdyopents are naturally occurring dipyrroles deriving from the metabolism of heme and characterized by a dipyrrin-1,9-dione motif. The unusual name propentdyopent is due to the first colorimetric method (the Stokvis reaction) for the detection of these compounds, which were initially isolated from urine samples. Upon reduction in alkaline solutions, they produced red species that were termed pentdyopents to describe with Greek numerals their absorption maximum (525 nm) in the visible range. The precursors to the red pentdyopents were thus indicated as propentdyopents.Over the course of several decades, these dipyrrolic compounds have appeared in several studies of human physiology, typically associated to conditions of abnormal heme metabolism and/or oxidative stress. Concurrently, synthetic investigations have confirmed their chemical structure, reactivity, and ability to coordinate metals as bidentate monoanionic ligands. Notably, the planar dipyrrindione platform can undergo reversible one-electron redox processes and thereby act as an electron reservoir in metal complexes. In combination with the documented ability of the carbonyl groups to act as hydrogen-bonding acceptors, the coordination chemistry of propentdyopents could lead to new applications for this old class of pigments. Furthermore, the observation of these pigments in several clinical contexts could potentially delineate a role of propentdyopents as diagnostic biomarkers. This mini-review summarizes both the chemistry and biology of propentdyopents while highlighting the ample space for new discoveries.
p-Type and n-type conductometric behaviors of octachloro-metallophthalocyanine-based heterojunctions, the key role of the metal
Authors: Ouedraogo Seydou , Coulibaly Tahirou , Meunier-Prest Rita , Bayo-Bangoura Mabinty , Bouvet Marcel
Published: October 2019

In the present work, we determined the electrical properties of octachlorinated metallophthalocyanines with Co(II) and Cu(II) ions as metal centers. We engaged them in heterojunctions, with lutetium bisphthalocyanine as a partner. Surprisingly, cobalt and copper complexes show opposite behaviors, the first being an [Formula: see text]-type material whereas the latter is a [Formula: see text]-type material, as deduced from the response of the heterojunctions towards ammonia; showing the unusual key role played by the metal center. While the LuPc[Formula: see text]/Cu(Cl[Formula: see text]Pc) complex exhibits a negative response to ammonia, the LuPc[Formula: see text]/Co(Cl[Formula: see text]Pc) complex exhibits a positive response to ammonia, with a sensitivity of 1.47% ppm[Formula: see text] at concentrations lower than 10 ppm and a limit of detection of 250 ppb. All the devices operate at room temperature and in real atmosphere.
A short note on generalized Euler–Briggs constants
Authors: Bharadwaj Abhishek T
Published: October 2019

Recently, Gun, Saha and Sinha had introduced the notion of generalised Euler–Briggs constant [Formula: see text] for a finite set of primes [Formula: see text]. In a subsequent work, Gun, Murty and Saha introduced the following [Formula: see text]-vector space [Formula: see text] and showed that [Formula: see text] In this note, we improve the lower bound, namely [Formula: see text]
On the computation of overorders
Authors: Hofmann Tommy , Sircana Carlo
Published: October 2019

The computation of a maximal order of an order in a semisimple algebra over a global field is a classical well-studied problem in algorithmic number theory. In this paper, we consider the related problems of computing all minimal overorders as well as all overorders of a given order. We use techniques from algorithmic representation theory and the theory of minimal integral ring extensions to obtain efficient and practical algorithms, whose implementation is publicly available.
Automated mineralogical profiling of soils as an indicator of local bedrock lithology: a tool for predictive forensic geolocation
Authors: Pirrie Duncan , Crean Daniel E. , Pidduck Allan J. , Nicholls Timothy M. , Awbery Roy P. , Shail Robin K.
Published: October 2019

The use of soil evidence to identify an unknown location is a powerful tool to determine the provenance of an item in an investigation. We are particularly interested in the use of these indicators in nuclear forensic cases, whereby identification of locations associated with, for example, a smuggled nuclear material, may be used to indicate the provenance of a find. The use of soil evidence to identify an unknown location relies on understanding and predicting how soils vary in composition depending on their geological/geographical setting. In this study, compositional links between the mineralogy of 40 soils and the underlying bedrock geology, as documented in local-scale geological maps, were established. The soil samples were collected from locations with broadly similar climate and land use across a range of geological settings in a ‘test bed’ 3500 km
2
area of SW England. In this region, the soils formed through chemical weathering of the bedrock, representing a worst case scenario for this type of forensic geolocation owing to the high degree of alteration of the parent rock during soil formation. The mineralogy was quantified using automated scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry analysis based on QEMSCAN technology. Soil mineralogy and texture as measured using this technique are consistent with the underlying geology as indicated by regional-scale geological mapping. Furthermore, differences between individual units of the same bedrock lithology, such as different granites, were identified by examining trace mineralogical signatures. From an investigative viewpoint, this demonstrated that rapid automated mineral profiling of soil samples could be used, in conjunction with readily available geological mapping or similar datasets, to provide indication of the areas from which a soil sample of unknown origin could, or could not, have been sourced.
Neural Rendering and Reenactment of Human Actor Videos
Authors: Liu Lingjie , Xu Weipeng , Zollhöfer Michael , Kim Hyeongwoo , Bernard Florian , Habermann Marc , Wang Wenping , Theobalt Christian
Published: October 2019

We propose a method for generating video-realistic animations of real humans under user control. In contrast to conventional human character rendering, we do not require the availability of a production-quality photo-realistic three-dimensional (3D) model of the human but instead rely on a video sequence in conjunction with a (medium-quality) controllable 3D template model of the person. With that, our approach significantly reduces production cost compared to conventional rendering approaches based on production-quality 3D models and can also be used to realistically edit existing videos. Technically, this is achieved by training a neural network that translates simple synthetic images of a human character into realistic imagery. For training our networks, we first track the 3D motion of the person in the video using the template model and subsequently generate a synthetically rendered version of the video. These images are then used to train a conditional generative adversarial network that translates synthetic images of the 3D model into realistic imagery of the human. We evaluate our method for the reenactment of another person that is tracked to obtain the motion data, and show video results generated from artist-designed skeleton motion. Our results outperform the state of the art in learning-based human image synthesis.
An Open Study to Evaluate Effectiveness and Tolerability of a Nail Oil Composed of Vitamin E and Essential Oils in Mild to Moderate Distal Subungual Onychomycosis
Authors: Alessandrini Aurora , Starace Michela , Bruni Francesca , Piraccini Bianca Maria
Published: October 2019

Background: Onychomycosis is the most common nail disease and can affect both fingernails and toenails. When possible, topical treatment is generally preferred both by patients and physicians because it is associated with lower risk of systemic side effects and drug interactions than oral antifungals, avoiding laboratory monitoring. Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, and patient’s compliance of a new topical antifungal containing vitamin E and essential oils of lime, oregano, and tea tree. Patients and Methods: We enrolled 20 patients with mild-moderate distal subungual onychomycosis due to dermatophytes or non-dermatophyte molds. The product was applied once daily on the periungual tissues and on the nail plate for 6 months. Follow-up without therapy continued for another 6 months in order to evaluate the product’s effect maintenance. Periodic evaluation of treatment efficacy was performed by standardized photography and mycological examination (KOH + culture) of the target nail at baseline (T0), after 3 months (T1) and 6 months (T2) of therapy, and after 6 months of follow-up (T3). Results: At the end of the 12-month study, the majority of patients achieved a complete cure of onychomycosis (78.5%). All patients were very satisfied by the treatment. No side effects were recorded. Conclusions: The results of our study indicate that this new topical antifungal containing vitamin E and essential oils of lime, oregano, and tea tree is an effective and safe option for topical therapy of onychomycosis. This topical antifungal nail oil restructures the nail appearance, improving patient’s adherence to therapy and reducing the risk of relapses, maintaining results over time.
N. Bernstein’s Commentary on Punica 2 and J. Littlewood’s Commentary on Punica 10
Authors: Roumpou Angeliki Nektaria
Published: October 2019

This article reviews two new commentaries on Silius Italicus’ Punica published in 2017 by Oxford University Press: by Neil Bernstein on book 2 and by Joy Littlewood on book 10. Both volumes offer an introduction, translation and commentary as well as an analysis of important thematic points. This review considers each book’s main strengths, discusses their limitations, and demonstrates their immense contribution to Flavian scholarship. Moreover, it examines the place of these two particular books in current Silian studies, considering how they inscribe themselves into current trends.
Crustacean vitellogenin: a systematic and experimental analysis of their genes, genomes, mRNAs and proteins; and perspective to Next Generation Sequencing
Authors: Jimenez-Gutierrez Stephanie , Cadena-Caballero Cristian E. , Barrios-Hernandez Carlos , Perez-Gonzalez Raul , Martinez-Perez Francisco , Jimenez-Gutierrez Laura R.
Published: October 2019

Crustacean vitellogenesis is a process that involves Vitellin, produced via endoproteolysis of its precursor, which is designated as Vitellogenin (Vtg). The Vtg gene, mRNA and protein regulation involve several environmental factors and physiological processes, including gonadal maturation and moult stages, among others. Once the Vtg gene, mRNAs and protein are obtained, it is possible to establish the relationship between the elements that participate in their regulation, which could either be species-specific, or tissue-specific. This work is a systematic analysis that compares the similarities and differences of Vtg genes, mRNA and Vtg between the crustacean species reported in databases with respect to that obtained from the transcriptome of Callinectes arcuatus, C. toxotes, Penaeus stylirostris and P. vannamei obtained with MiSeq sequencing technology from Illumina. Those analyses confirm that the Vtg obtained from selected species will serve to understand the process of vitellogenesis in crustaceans that is important for fisheries and aquaculture.
First record of Branchinectella media (Schmankewitsch, 1873) (Branchiopoda, Anostraca) in Romania
Authors: Sainz-Escudero Lucía , Stănescu Florina , Rodríguez-Flores Paula C. , García-París Mario
Published: October 2019

Romania is one of the most diverse countries for Anostraca in Europe. The Romanian Plain and the Black Sea coast are recognized as the most species-rich areas and harbour a high concentration of saline lakes and ponds. A short survey of ponds and small lakes was carried out in these areas of Romania during March 2019, with the aim of improving the knowledge of Anostraca diversity and distribution. Two species of Anostraca were found: Chirocephalus diaphanus romanicus Stoicescu, 1992, in Argeş County, and Branchinectella media (Schmankewitsch, 1873), in Constanţa County. The record of B. media is the first for Romania, increasing the known diversity of Anostraca to 17 species. This discovery highlights the high diversity of large Branchiopoda in the country.
The “Warlord Officers”: A Collective Biography of the Anguojun Officers during the Republican Period and Beyond
Authors: Kwong Chi Man
Published: October 2019

This article argues that there existed a group of modern professional officers in the warlord armies during the Republican period (1912-1949); they were caught in the middle of a political situation that distorted their career development, disrupted their intellectual growth, and undermined their group cohesion. Using the prosopographical approach and drawing on theories of military culture and professionalism, this article looks at the lives and careers of the middle and high-ranking officers of the National Pacification Army (Anguojun), as they formed the backbone of the warlord armies that controlled a substantial part of China before the Northern Expedition (1926-1928) and that played an important role in the wars in China from the 1910s to 1949. Some of these officers, despite their background, rose to high rank in the Nationalist and Communist armies; the less fortunate ones, however, were purged after 1949 by the new Communist government. It elaborates how political strife affected the lives of the professionally trained officers in China, discusses the development of modern military education in China, and sheds lights on the self-understanding of these officers, their relationship to the state and society, and the sources of their cohesion as a group.
Old Catholic Theology: An Introduction
Authors: Smit Peter-Ben
Published: October 2019

Old Catholic theology is the theology that is characteristic of the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht. Old Catholic Theology: An Introduction, authored by Peter-Ben Smit, an acknowledged expert in the field, outlines the main characteristics of and influences on Old Catholic theology, as well as the extant ecumenical relationships of the Old Catholic Churches. In doing so, it covers what may be called ‘mainstream’ Old Catholic theology, while paying attention to extant diversity within the Old Catholic tradition. Particular attention is given to the hermeneutical approach to theology, ecclesiology, sacramental theology and ecumenical theology. Old Catholic theology has come to be characterized by a sacramental understanding of the church. This is the result of ecumenical dialogue and the basis upon which the Old Catholic Churches engage in ecumenical rapprochement. Hermeneutics of Scripture and tradition plays an important role as well, given that Old Catholic Churches have developed their own form of a hermeneutics of communion.
Kilometer-Scale Climate Models: Prospects and Challenges
Authors: Schär Christoph , Fuhrer Oliver , Arteaga Andrea , Ban Nikolina , Charpilloz Christophe , Di Girolamo Salvatore , Hentgen Laureline , Hoefler Torsten , Lapillonne Xavier , Leutwyler David , Osterried Katherine , Panosetti Davide , Rüdisühli Stefan , Schlemmer Linda , Schulthess Thomas C. , Sprenger Michael , Ubbiali Stefano , Wernli Heini
Published: October 2019

Currently major efforts are underway toward refining the horizontal resolution (or grid spacing) of climate models to about 1 km, using both global and regional climate models (GCMs and RCMs). Several groups have succeeded in conducting kilometer-scale multiweek GCM simulations and decadelong continental-scale RCM simulations. There is the well-founded hope that this increase in resolution represents a quantum jump in climate modeling, as it enables replacing the parameterization of moist convection by an explicit treatment. It is expected that this will improve the simulation of the water cycle and extreme events and reduce uncertainties in climate change projections. While kilometer-scale resolution is commonly employed in limited-area numerical weather prediction, enabling it on global scales for extended climate simulations requires a concerted effort. In this paper, we exploit an RCM that runs entirely on graphics processing units (GPUs) and show examples that highlight the prospects of this approach. A particular challenge addressed in this paper relates to the growth in output volumes. It is argued that the data avalanche of high-resolution simulations will make it impractical or impossible to store the data. Rather, repeating the simulation and conducting online analysis will become more efficient. A prototype of this methodology is presented. It makes use of a bit-reproducible model version that ensures reproducible simulations across hardware architectures, in conjunction with a data virtualization layer as a common interface for output analyses. An assessment of the potential of these novel approaches will be provided.