bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols Catalyzed by V2O5Rods Decorated on Graphene Oxide
Authors: Anbu Nagaraj , Ruby Kamalam Maniveldoss Beaula , Sethuraman Kunjithapatham , Dhakshinamoorthy Amarajothi 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe present work reports the preparation of two different nanocomposites, namely, 5 wt% V2O5rods supported on graphene oxide (GO) (GV1) and 10 wt% V2O5rods supported on GO (GV2). These nanocomposites are prepared by mixing V2O5precursor and GO suspension with the assistance of sonication method as a non conventional source of energy. The structural features of these nanocomposites are characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Raman, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), atomic force microscope (AFM) and UV‐Visible spectroscopy. These analyses confirm the existence of V2O5rods decorated on GO sheets. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of these nanocomposites is examined in the aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol under mild reaction conditions. The observed catalytic data indicate that the present experimental conditions afford complete conversion of benzyl alcohol with 100% selectivity to benzaldehyde with GV2 as a solid catalyst. On the other hand, this catalyst is also effective to promote secondary alcohol oxidation to its corresponding carbonyl compound, thus demonstrating wide substrate scope. The reusability experiments indicate that the activity is decreased in consecutive recycles in the aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol. On the other hand, the process is heterogeneous in nature as evidenced by hot filtration experiment.
Effect of Lithium Doping on the Structures and CO2 Adsorption Properties of Metal‐Organic Frameworks HKUST‐1
Authors: Zhou Lingling , Niu Zhaodong , Jin Xu , Tang Lihong , Zhu Liping 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe metal‐organic framework HKUST‐1 was modified by lithium doping to enhance its CO2 adsorption property. An optimal CO2 adsorption capacity was achieved as a lithium nitrate solution with a moderate concentration was used as the doping agent in the modified HKUST‐1. The chemical and crystalline structures of the modified HKUST‐1 were characterized in detail. It was found that the crystalline structures and morphologies of HKUST‐1 were well preserved after lithium doping. Also, the lithium doping did not deteriorate the thermal stability of HKUST‐1. Based on the experimental results of CO2 adsorption by in‐situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, a possible mechanism of CO2 adsorption in the lithium doped HKUST‐1 was proposed. It is believed that the incorporation of lithium has enhanced the interaction between CO2 molecules and the metal‐organic frameworks. As a result, the CO2 adsorption capacity greatly increased. These findings and insights are helpful to the development of high‐performance materials for CO2 adsorption in the future.
Empirical evaluation of an entropy‐based approach to estimation variation of software development effort
Authors: El Koutbi Salma , Idri Ali , Abran Alain 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAs effort estimation has gained increasing attention, most of the techniques proposed have focused on the accuracy of effort estimates. Yet no clear conclusions have been drawn on which techniques perform best in all contexts. We propose an entropy‐based approach to effort estimate variation caused by measurement and model error sources whatever the effort estimation technique used. The proposed approach was empirically evaluated by exploring three entropy formulae, four interpolation methods, and two analogy‐based effort estimation approaches (crisp and fuzzy analogy) over seven datasets using the Jackknife evaluation method.The obtained results show that the three entropy formulae have in general the same positive influence on the performance of the entropy‐based approach measured in terms of absolute error of effort deviation. In addition, the spline interpolation outperformed all other interpolation methods, using any of the entropy formulae. Moreover, achievement percentages of the best variants of our approach closely approximated those of the Gaussian distribution confirming that the Gaussian distribution is useful for characterizing effort estimate variation.
Simultaneous Suprapubic Lipectomy and Penile Prosthesis Implantation
Authors: Shaeer Osama , Shaeer Kamal , AbdelRahman Islam Fathi 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Introduction
A shorter penis is a frequent complaint following penile prosthesis implantation (PPI), and a large redundant suprapubic fat pad can conceal the penis and possibly compromise patient and partner satisfaction with length.

Aim
To evaluate feasibility and outcome of same-session, same-incision, PPI and suprapubic lipectomy (SPL).

Methods
In 22 patients, SPL was performed through an abdominal crease incision. Through the same incision, the superficial perineal pouch was opened to gain access to the base of the penis. Penile prosthesis was implanted (semirigid in 16 patients and girth-expanding 3-piece inflatable in 6). Scarpa’s fascia, subcutaneous fat, and the abdominal crease skin incision were closed.

Main Outcome Measure
Evaluation was in terms of implant survival, preoperative vs postoperative patient and partner satisfaction with penile length on a 5-point rating scale, subjective opinion over penile length postoperatively, compared with recall of erect length before erectile dysfunction (ED) had set in (longer, same, or shorter), and penile length with the implant rigid, compared in the supine and standing positions postoperatively (pubic skin to tip, using a rigid ruler).

Results
No infections or extrusions or mechanical failures were encountered. There was a 53.3% increase in patient satisfaction with length comparing preoperative (2.55 ± 0.67) to postoperative (4.77 ± 0.43) ratings, P &lt; .0001. Partner satisfaction showed a 40.2% increase, from 1.77 ± 0.61 to 4.41 ± 0.50, P &lt; .0001. 19 of 22 patients reported that postoperative length was longer than their recall of erect length before ED had set in, and 3 patients reported that length was the same. With the implant rigid, there was no statistically significant difference in visible length between the supine and standing positions (14.1 cm ± 2.3 and 13.9 cm ± 2.3, respectively, P = .38).

Clinical Implications
Patients with refractory ED and a concealed penis can be counseled as to the option of simultaneous SPL and PPI (SPL-PPI), a modification that may help avoid patient and partner dissatisfaction with length.

Strength & Limitations
Strengths include objective evaluation of the efficacy of the procedure by comparing supine and standing penile length. Limitations of the current study include inability to evaluate erect length preoperatively owing to refractory ED, and subjectivity of patient and partner opinion.

Conclusion
Same-incision SPL-PPI appears to be a safe and effective procedure, with high patient and partner satisfaction rates.
Morphological and molecular characterization of Megalobatrachonema hainanensis sp. nov. (Nematoda: Ascaridida), with phylogenetic position of Megalobatrachonema in Cosmocercoidea
Authors: Chen H.-X. , Zhang L.-P. , Li L. 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
The genus Megalobatrachonema is a rare group of nematode parasites within Ascaridida. The systematic status of Megalobatrachonema in the superfamily Cosmocercoidea (Ascaridida) has long been controversial. The relationship of Megalobatrachonema and Chabaudgolvania remains unsolved. In the present study, a new species of Megalobatrachonema, M. hainanensis sp. nov., was described based on specimens collected in Amolops hainanensis (Boulenger) and Hylarana spinulosa (Smith) (Amphibia: Anura) from Hainan Island, China. The large ribosomal DNA (28S) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) were also sequenced for molecular identification and phylogenetic study. Phylogenetic analyses using maximum likelihood (ML) inference and Bayesian inference (BI) based on 28S and ITS1 sequence data, respectively, supported that Megalobatrachonema is a member of the family Kathlaniidae. In addition, the genetic comparison and phylogenetic results based on ITS1 sequence data also supported that the genus Chabaudgolvania should be considered as a synonym of Megalobatrachonema.
Reward shaping for knowledge-based multi-objective multi-agent reinforcement learning
Authors: Mannion Patrick , Devlin Sam , Duggan Jim , Howley Enda 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe majority of multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) implementations aim to optimize systems with respect to a single objective, despite the fact that many real-world problems are inherently multi-objective in nature. Research into multi-objective MARL is still in its infancy, and few studies to date have dealt with the issue of credit assignment. Reward shaping has been proposed as a means to address the credit assignment problem in single-objective MARL, however it has been shown to alter the intended goals of a domain if misused, leading to unintended behaviour. Two popular shaping methods are potential-based reward shaping and difference rewards, and both have been repeatedly shown to improve learning speed and the quality of joint policies learned by agents in single-objective MARL domains. This work discusses the theoretical implications of applying these shaping approaches to cooperative multi-objective MARL problems, and evaluates their efficacy using two benchmark domains. Our results constitute the first empirical evidence that agents using these shaping methodologies can sample true Pareto optimal solutions in cooperative multi-objective stochastic games.
Active and passive surveillance for bat lyssaviruses in Italy revealed serological evidence for their circulation in three bat species
Authors: Leopardi S. , Priori P. , Zecchin B. , Poglayen G. , Trevisiol K. , Lelli D. , Zoppi S. , Scicluna M. T. , D'Avino N. , Schiavon E. , Bourhy H. , Serra-Cobo J. , Mutinelli F. , Scaravelli D. , De Benedictis P. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe wide geographical distribution and genetic diversity of bat-associated lyssaviruses (LYSVs) across Europe suggest that similar viruses may also be harboured in Italian insectivorous bats. Indeed, bats were first included within the passive national surveillance programme for rabies in wildlife in the 1980s, while active surveillance has been performed since 2008. The active surveillance strategies implemented allowed us to detect neutralizing antibodies directed towards European bat 1 lyssavirus in six out of the nine maternity colonies object of the study across the whole country. Seropositive bats were Myotis myotis, M. blythii and Tadarida teniotis. On the contrary, the virus was neither detected through passive nor active surveillance, suggesting that fatal neurological infection is rare also in seropositive colonies. Although the number of tested samples has steadily increased in recent years, submission turned out to be rather sporadic and did not include carcasses from bat species that account for the majority of LYSVs cases in Europe, such as Eptesicus serotinus, M. daubentonii, M. dasycneme and M. nattereri. A closer collaboration with bat handlers is therefore mandatory to improve passive surveillance and decrypt the significance of serological data obtained up to now.
A cardiac hydatid cyst mimicking a pericardial tumour in a paediatric case
Authors: Oner Taliha , Korun Oktay , Celebi Ahmet 
Published: December 2018

AbstractCardiac hydatid cysts are a rare presentation of hydatid cyst disease in the body, with a reported cardiac involvement rate of <2%. The left ventricle is the most common site of cardiac involvement. Here, we report a patient with a hydatid cyst that ruptured into the pericardium after producing an aneurysm on the right ventricular free wall, appearing as fibrinated fluid and a solid mass lesion in the pericardium. Our aim in this case report was to emphasise that the possibility of a hydatid cyst should not be overlooked in the differential diagnosis of pericardial tumours.
Percentage depth dose fragmentation for investigating and assessing the photon beam dosimetry quality
Authors: Bencheikh Mohamed , Maghnouj Abdelmajid , Tajmouati Jaouad 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAimThe purpose of this study is to introduce a new approach to assess the dosimetry quality of photon beam with energy and irradiation field size. This approach is based on percentage depth dose (PDD) fragmentation for investigating the dosimetry quality.Materials and methodsFor the investigation of the dosimetry quality of 6 and 18 MV photon beams, we have proceeded to fragment the PDD at different field sizes. This approach checks the overall PDD and is not restricted to the exponential decay regions, as per the International Atomic Energy Agency Technical Reports Series No 398 and the American Association of Physicist in Medicine Task Group 51 recommendations.Results and discussionThe 6 MV photon beam deposited more energy in the target volume than the 18 MV photon beam. The dose delivered by the 6 MV beam is greater by a factor of 1·5 than that delivered by the 18 MV beam in the build-up region and the dose delivered by the 6 MV beam is greater by a factor of 2·6 than that delivered by the 18 MV beam in the electronic equilibrium and the exponential decay regions.ConclusionThe dose measured at different points of the beam is higher for 6 MV than for 18 MV photon beam. Therefore, the 6 MV beam is more dosimetrically efficient than the 18 MV beam. Using the proposed approach, we can assess the dosimetry quality by taking into account overall PDD not only in the exponential decay region but also in the field.
Fairness in drug prices: do economists think differently from the public?
Authors: Trujillo Antonio J. , Karmarkar Taruja , Alexander Caleb , Padula William , Greene Jeremy , Anderson Gerard 
Published: December 2018

AbstractUsing dual-entitlement theory as the guide, we conducted a survey of economists from the National Bureau of Economic Research asking them a series of questions about the fairness of drug prices in the United States. Public opinion surveys have repeatedly shown that the public perceives drug prices to be unfair, but economists trained in laws of supply and demand may have different perceptions. Three hundred and ten senior economists responded to our survey. Forty-five percent agreed that drug prices were unfair when people, specifically low-income individuals, could not afford their prescription medications. Sixty-five percent oppose a dollar threshold, or upper limit, on drug prices. The economists recommend the most promising policy change would be to provide the government additional negotiating power and price controls would moderately impact investment in pharmaceutical research and development.
Glacial Iron Sources Stimulate the Southern Ocean Carbon Cycle
Authors: Laufkötter C. , Stern Alon A. , John Jasmin G. , Stock Charles A. , Dunne John P. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIcebergs and glacial meltwater have been observed to significantly affect chlorophyll concentrations, primary production, and particle export locally, yet the quantitative influence of glacial iron on the carbon cycle of the Southern Ocean remains unknown. We analyze the impact of icebergs and glacial meltwater on the Southern Ocean carbon cycle in a global Earth System Model. We consider several simulations spanning low and high bounds of current estimates of glacial iron concentration. We find that a high glacial iron input produces the best agreement with observed iron and chlorophyll distributions. These high glacial iron input results indicate that about 30% of the Southern Ocean particle export production, that is, the flux of particulate organic matter through the 100 m depth level, is driven by glacial iron sources. This export production is associated with an uptake of 0.14 Pg carbon per year, which reduces carbon outgassing in the Southern Ocean by 30%.
A Clustering Preprocessing Framework for the Subannual Calibration of a Hydrological Model Considering Climate‐Land Surface Variations
Authors: Lan T. , Lin K. R. , Liu Z. Y. , He Y. H. , Xu C. Y. , Zhang H. B. , Chen X. H. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractOne model structural deficiency is that some dynamic characteristics (such as seasonal dynamics) in catchment conditions are not explicitly represented by hydrological models. This study integrates data mining techniques to develop a clustering preprocessing framework for the subannual calibration of hydrological models to simulate seasonal dynamic behaviors. The proposed framework aims to solve the problems caused by missing processes and deficiencies of hydrological models, providing guidance for future model development. A set of climatic‐land surface indices is provided and preprocessed using the maximal information coefficient and the principal component analysis. Two clustering operations are performed based on the preprocessed climatic index and land‐surface index systems. Hydrological data are clustered into subannual periods for calibration. The parameters are independently optimized for each subperiod using a modified parallel calibration scheme and are then combined to generate a continuous simulation. The framework is applied in calibrating the TOPMODEL. The results show that the performance of the model with a clustering preprocessing framework in the middle‐ and low‐flow conditions is significantly improved without reducing the simulation accuracy for high flows. The transposability of the model parameters from the calibration to validation period has been improved significantly as well. The anomalous parameter values may be attributed in part to the convergence problem when using an optimization algorithm. Though well applied in the TOPMODEL, the framework has the potential to be used in other hydrological models.
Genome-wide study of hair colour in UK Biobank explains most of the SNP heritability
Authors: Morgan Michael D. , Pairo-Castineira Erola , Rawlik Konrad , Canela-Xandri Oriol , Rees Jonathan , Sims David , Tenesa Albert , Jackson Ian J. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractNatural hair colour within European populations is a complex genetic trait. Previous work has established that MC1R variants are the principal genetic cause of red hair colour, but with variable penetrance. Here, we have extensively mapped the genes responsible for hair colour in the white, British ancestry, participants in UK Biobank. MC1R only explains 73% of the SNP heritability for red hair in UK Biobank, and in fact most individuals with two MC1R variants have blonde or light brown hair. We identify other genes contributing to red hair, the combined effect of which accounts for ~90% of the SNP heritability. Blonde hair is associated with over 200 genetic variants and we find a continuum from black through dark and light brown to blonde and account for 73% of the SNP heritability of blonde hair. Many of the associated genes are involved in hair growth or texture, emphasising the cellular connections between keratinocytes and melanocytes in the determination of hair colour.
Near-zero effective impedance with finite phase velocity for sensing and actuation enhancement by resonator pairing
Authors: Kim Kiyean , Park Chung Il , Lee Hyuk , Kim Yoon Young 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIn spite of the extensive studies of zero-index metamaterials, the realization of zero impedance with finite phase velocity has not been explored. Here, we show that this extreme case, realized by elaborately-tuned paired resonators, can effectively enhance sensing and actuation. To explain the formation mechanism of the near-zero effective impedance with finite phase velocity by paired resonators at a target frequency, a theory using an equivalent model based on mechanical longitudinal waves is developed. If the frequency of the extreme property is further tuned at a Fabry–Pérot resonance frequency, highly efficient enhancement is possible. Experiments using a piezoceramic transducer (PZT) installed on the plate region bounded by two resonators confirm that the proposed extreme property mechanism highly enhances the sensing and actuation outputs of the transducer.
Northern forest tree populations are physiologically maladapted to drought
Authors: Isaac-Renton Miriam , Montwé David , Hamann Andreas , Spiecker Heinrich , Cherubini Paolo , Treydte Kerstin 
Published: December 2018

AbstractNorthern forests at the leading edge of their distributions may not show increased primary productivity under climate warming, being limited by climatic extremes such as drought. Looking beyond tree growth to underlying physiological mechanisms is fundamental for accurate predictions of forest responses to climate warming and drought stress. Within a 32-year genetic field trial, we analyze relative contributions of xylem plasticity and inferred stomatal response to drought tolerance in regional populations of a widespread conifer. Genetic adaptation leads to varying responses under drought. Trailing-edge tree populations produce fewer tracheids with thicker cell walls, characteristic of drought-tolerance. Stomatal response explains the moderate drought tolerance of tree populations in central areas of the species range. Growth loss of the northern population is linked to low stomatal responsiveness combined with the production of tracheids with thinner cell walls. Forests of the western boreal may therefore lack physiological adaptations necessary to tolerate drier conditions.
Epigenetic silencing of Lgr5 induces senescence of intestinal epithelial organoids during the process of aging
Authors: Uchida Ryoei , Saito Yoshimasa , Nogami Kazuki , Kajiyama Yohei , Suzuki Yukana , Kawase Yasuhiro , Nakaoka Toshiaki , Muramatsu Toshihide , Kimura Masaki , Saito Hidetsugu 
Published: December 2018

AbstractTo understand the molecular features underlying stem cell aging, we established intestinal epithelial organoids derived from both young and aged mice and investigated alterations in their senescence and epigenetic status. Senescence-related changes including accumulation of senescence-associated β-galactosidase and up-regulation of Cdkn1a (p21) by DNA demethylation were observed in intestinal epithelial organoids derived from aged mice. We also demonstrated that the important stem cell marker Lgr5 was epigenetically silenced by trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27, inducing suppression of Wnt signaling and a decrease of cell proliferation in organoids from aged mice. We further treated intestinal epithelial organoids from aged mice with nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a key NAD+ intermediate. As a result, the organoids showed a higher NAD+ level, increased cell proliferative ability, activation of Lgr5 and suppression of senescence-associated genes, indicating that treatment with NMN could ameliorate senescence-related changes in intestinal epithelia. These findings suggest that organoids derived from aged animals could be a powerful research tool for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying stem cell aging and for development of some form of anti-aging intervention, thus contributing to prolongation of healthy life expectancy.