bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monte Carlo Methods for Volumetric Light Transport Simulation
Authors: Novák Jan , Georgiev Iliyan , Hanika Johannes , Jarosz Wojciech 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe wide adoption of path‐tracing algorithms in high‐end realistic rendering has stimulated many diverse research initiatives. In this paper we present a coherent survey of methods that utilize Monte Carlo integration for estimating light transport in scenes containing participating media. Our work complements the volume‐rendering state‐of‐the‐art report by Cerezo et al. [CPP*05]; we review publications accumulated since its publication over a decade ago, and include earlier methods that are key for building light transport paths in a stochastic manner. We begin by describing analog and non‐analog procedures for free‐path sampling and discuss various expected‐value, collision, and track‐length estimators for computing transmittance. We then review the various rendering algorithms that employ these as building blocks for path sampling. Special attention is devoted to null‐collision methods that utilize fictitious matter to handle spatially varying densities; we import two “next‐flight” estimators originally developed in nuclear sciences. Whenever possible, we draw connections between image‐synthesis techniques and methods from particle physics and neutron transport to provide the reader with a broader context.
A longitudinal, observational study examining the relationships of patient satisfaction with services and mental well‐being to their clinical course in young people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus during transition from child to adult health services
Authors: Gray S. , Cheetham T. , McConachie H. , Mann K. D. , Parr J. R. , Pearce M. S. , Colver A. ,   the Transition Collaborative Group
Published: June 2018

AbstractAimWe hypothesized that participant well‐being and satisfaction with services would be positively associated with a satisfactory clinical course during transition from child to adult health care.MethodsSome 150 young people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus from five diabetes units in England were recruited to a longitudinal study of transition. Each young person was visited at home four times by a research assistant; each visit was 1 year apart. Satisfaction with services (Mind the Gap; MTG) and mental well‐being (Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well‐being Scale; WEMWBS) were captured. Change in HbA1c, episodes of ketoacidosis, clinic and retinal screening attendance were used to assess clinical course. In total, 108 of 150 (72%) young people had sufficient data for analysis at visit 4.ResultsMean age at entry was 16 years. By visit 4, 81.5% had left paediatric healthcare services. Median HbA1c increased significantly (P = 0.01) from 69 mmol/mol (8.5%) at baseline to 75 mmol/mol (9.0%) at visit 4. WEMWBS scores were comparable with those in the general population at baseline and were stable over the study period. MTG scores were also stable. By visit 4, some 32 individuals had a ‘satisfactory’ and 76 a ‘suboptimal’ clinical course. There were no significant differences in average WEMWBS and MTG scores between the clinical course groups (P = 0.96, 0.52 respectively); nor was there a significant difference in transfer status between the clinical course groups.ConclusionsThe well‐being of young people with diabetes and their satisfaction with transition services are not closely related to their clinical course. Investigating whether innovative psycho‐educational interventions can improve the clinical course is a research priority.
Matrix metalloproteinase‐9, 10, and stress hyperglycaemia in acute kidney injury
Authors: Guvercin Guray , Karakus Volkan , Aksit Murat , Dere Yelda , Aktar Merve , Alpay Hasan , Bozkaya Giray , Tatar Erhan 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundThis study investigated the effect of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 and 10, and stress hyperglycaemia on the necessity of emergency renal replacement therapy (RRT) and mortality in nondiabetic geriatric patients with acute kidney injury (AKI).Materials and MethodsThe present observational and longitudinal study included 101 nondiabetic geriatric patients (age >65 years) with AKI. The serum levels of MMP‐9 and MMP‐10 were evaluated in these patients. Serum glucose level >140 mg/dL at the time of admission was accepted as stress hyperglycaemia.ResultsThe average age of patients was 81 ± 7.1 years. Stress hyperglycaemia was diagnosed in 34.6% of the cases; the majority of these cases were patients with high‐serum urea, CRP, and chronic kidney disease. The average levels of MMP‐9 and MMP‐10 were found to be 199 ± 38 and 16.5 ± 7.5 ng/mL, respectively. Thirty‐one cases (30.6%) mortality during hospitalization and 20 cases (20%) underwent emergency RRT. Multiregression analysis showed the serum urea (P < .001) and stress hyperglycaemia (P = .03) to be independently associated with mortality. Also, serum urea (P = .01), potassium level (P = .03), and MMP‐10 levels (P = .03) were independently associated with the necessity of the emergency RRT. The MMP‐9 levels exhibited no relation with the necessity of emergency RRT and mortality.ConclusionStress hyperglycaemia is a common condition among nondiabetic geriatric patients with AKI and is related to mortality. Serum MMP‐10 levels serve as an important predictor of the necessity of emergency RRT in these patients.
Effects of Lectin (ScLL) on osteoclast‐like multinucleated giant cells’ maturation—A preliminary in vitro study
Authors: Reis Manuella V. P. , de Souza Gabriela L. , Moura Camilla C. G. , da Silva Marcus V. , Souza Maria A. , Soares Priscilla B. F. , Soares Carlos J. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackground/AimLectin (ScLL) has been recently evaluated in the oral cavity due to its anti‐inflammatory activities. ScLL could be a promising agent for blocking osteoclast activity and preventing root resorption. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ScLL on the viability of the RAW 264.7 macrophage lineage, osteoclast‐like maturation and the release of TNF‐α and nitric oxide (NO).Materials and MethodsThe viability of RAW 264.7 cells was determined by MTT and Alamar Blue assays after ScLL treatment for 24 hours. ScLL effects on RANKL‐induced osteoclast‐like maturation were assessed by tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and F‐actin ring formation. The supernatant was collected to detect the release of TNF‐α using ELISA and NO using a nitrite assay.ResultsScLL suppressed osteoclast‐like maturation by decreasing TRAP activity as well as F‐actin ring formation. ScLL at 10 μg/mL showed the highest values of NO release compared with all other groups (P < .05). Lower levels of TNF‐α were found for the negative control.ConclusionsScLL at 5 μg/mL suppressed osteoclast‐like maturation in vitro and had no cytotoxic effect on RAW cell cultures.
Field evidences for the positive effects of aerosols on tree growth
Authors: Wang Xin , Wu Jin , Chen Min , Xu Xiangtao , Wang Zhenhua , Wang Bin , Wang Chengzhang , Piao Shilong , Lin Weili , Miao Guofang , Deng Meifeng , Qiao Chunlian , Wang Jing , Xu Shan , Liu Lingli 
Published: June 2018

AbstractTheoretical and eddy covariance studies demonstrate that aerosol‐loading stimulates canopy photosynthesis, but field evidence for the aerosol effect on tree growth is limited. Here, we measured in situ daily stem growth rates of aspen trees under a wide range of aerosol‐loading in China. The results showed that daily stem growth rates were positively correlated with aerosol‐loading, even at exceptionally high aerosol levels. Using structural equation modeling analysis, we showed that variations in stem growth rates can be largely attributed to two environmental variables covarying with aerosol loading: diffuse fraction of radiation and vapor pressure deficit (VPD). Furthermore, we found that these two factors influence stem growth by influencing photosynthesis from different parts of canopy. Using field observations and a mechanistic photosynthesis model, we demonstrate that photosynthetic rates of both sun and shade leaves increased under high aerosol‐loading conditions but for different reasons. For sun leaves, the photosynthetic increase was primarily attributed to the concurrent lower VPD; for shade leaves, the positive aerosol effect was tightly connected with increased diffuse light. Overall, our study provides the first field evidence of increased tree growth under high aerosol loading. We highlight the importance of understanding biophysical mechanisms of aerosol‐meteorology interactions, and incorporating the different pathways of aerosol effects into earth system models to improve the prediction of large‐scale aerosol impacts, and the associated vegetation‐mediated climate feedbacks.
Detection of the unknown components of the oral microflora of teeth with periapical radiolucencies in a Turkish population using next‐generation sequencing techniques
Authors: İriboz E. , Arıcan Öztürk B. , Kolukırık M. , Karacan İ. , Sazak Öveçoğlu H. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAimTo detect the unknown components of the oral microbiome and the effects of root canal treatment in a Turkish population and to evaluate the changes in microbial diversity in the root canals before and after treatment.MethodologySingle‐rooted central and lateral maxillary incisors with one canal were chosen from 20 patients. Baseline samples of intact intracanal microbiota were collected from 20 root canals of permanent teeth with necrotic pulps using sterile paper points. After root canal preparation, the root canals were filled with a calcium hydroxide paste for 7 days. Calcium hydroxide was removed from root canal with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and 17% EDTA using passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI). A second bacteriologic samples were taken with sterile paper points prior to root filling. The samples were processes with DNase‐I treatment using next‐generation sequencing (NGS). Reduction in bacterial numbers during root canal treatment was evaluated using real‐time quantitative PCR (qPCR). All statistical analyses were conducted using the MINITAB 17 software (Minitab Ltd. Co., Coventry, UK). A one‐sample t‐test was used to analyse the data. Statistical significance was accepted at P < 0.05.ResultsRelative abundances of Mycoplasma sp., Paludibacter sp., Tannerella sp., Prevotella spp. and an uncultured species from the order Bacteroidales decreased with root canal preparation and medication (98.7%, 99.8%, 98.8%, 97.7% and 99.3%, respectively), whilst the relative abundances of Methylobacterium sp., Corynebacterium sp. and Streptococcus infantis increased (93.1%, 94.8% and 99.4%, respectively). Considerable numbers of Streptophyta species were detected before and after treatment. The ratio of Agrobacterium sp. in the treated teeth community and the ratio of order Streptophyta in the infected canals had negative correlations with the success of bacterial elimination.ConclusionsThe combination of NGS and qPCR techniques resulted in detection of previously unknown components of the oral microbiome and the effects of root canal treatment on their relative abundance in a Turkish population.
Modeling Basic Writing Processes From Keystroke Logs
Authors: Guo Hongwen , Deane Paul D. , van Rijn Peter W. , Zhang Mo , Bennett Randy E. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe goal of this study is to model pauses extracted from writing keystroke logs as a way of characterizing the processes students use in essay composition. Low‐level timing data were modeled, the interkey interval and its subtype, the intraword duration, thought to reflect processes associated with keyboarding skills and composition fluency. Heavy‐tailed probability distributions (lognormal and stable distributions) were fit to individual students' data. Both density functions fit reasonably well, and estimated parameters were found to be robust across prompts designed to assess student proficiency for the same writing purpose. In addition, estimated parameters for both density functions were statistically significantly associated with human essay scores after accounting for total time spent writing the essay, a result consistent with cognitive theory on the role of low‐level processes in writing.
A Comparison of Experimental and Observational Approaches to Assessing the Effects of Time Constraints in a Medical Licensing Examination
Authors: Harik Polina , Clauser Brian E. , Grabovsky Irina , Baldwin Peter , Margolis Melissa J. , Bucak Deniz , Jodoin Michael , Walsh William , Haist Steven 
Published: June 2018

AbstractTest administrators are appropriately concerned about the potential for time constraints to impact the validity of score interpretations; psychometric efforts to evaluate the impact of speededness date back more than half a century. The widespread move to computerized test delivery has led to the development of new approaches to evaluating how examinees use testing time and to new metrics designed to provide evidence about the extent to which time limits impact performance. Much of the existing research is based on these types of observational metrics; relatively few studies use randomized experiments to evaluate the impact time limits on scores. Of those studies that do report on randomized experiments, none directly compare the experimental results to evidence from observational metrics to evaluate the extent to which these metrics are able to sensitively identify conditions in which time constraints actually impact scores. The present study provides such evidence based on data from a medical licensing examination. The results indicate that these observational metrics are useful but provide an imprecise evaluation of the impact of time constraints on test performance.
Lord's Wald Test for Detecting DIF in Multidimensional IRT Models: A Comparison of Two Estimation Approaches
Authors: Lee Soo , Suh Youngsuk 
Published: June 2018

AbstractLord's Wald test for differential item functioning (DIF) has not been studied extensively in the context of the multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) framework. In this article, Lord's Wald test was implemented using two estimation approaches, marginal maximum likelihood estimation and Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo estimation, to detect uniform and nonuniform DIF under MIRT models. The Type I error and power rates for Lord's Wald test were investigated under various simulation conditions, including different DIF types and magnitudes, different means and correlations of two ability parameters, and different sample sizes. Furthermore, English usage data were analyzed to illustrate the use of Lord's Wald test with the two estimation approaches.
Multiple traumatisation and subsequent psychopathology in people with intellectual disabilities and DSM‐5 PTSD: a preliminary study
Authors: Mason‐Roberts S. , Bradley A. , Karatzias T. , Brown M. , Paterson D. , Walley R. , Truesdale M. , Taggart L. , Sirisena C. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundIndividuals with intellectual disability (ID) are at greater risk of exposure to traumatic life events compared with the non‐ID population. Yet no study to date has examined the role of multiple traumatisation and subsequent psychopathology in people with ID. The aim of this study was to explore the association between multiple traumatisation and subsequent mental health.MethodsA preliminary cross‐sectional study involving 33 participants with DSM‐5 post‐traumatic stress disorder completed self‐report questionnaires on exposure to traumatic life events and post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms, anxiety, depression and general distress.ResultsA proportion of 42.4% of the sample reported multiple traumatisation, including exposure to life events in both childhood and adulthood. Those who reported exposure to life events in childhood and adulthood reported significantly higher risk of harm, depression and general psychological distress compared with those who reported exposure to life events only in adulthood.ConclusionsPreliminary results indicate that more severe psychopathology is associated with multiple traumatisation in childhood and adulthood compared with trauma experienced solely in adulthood.
The Effect of Milling Metal Versus Milling Wax on Implant Framework Retention and Adaptation
Authors: Ghodsi Safura , Pirmoazen Salma , Beyabanaki Elaheh , Rostami Mitra , Alikhasi Marzieh 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPurposeThe metal framework of implant‐supported restorations can be made using different methods. For a successful outcome, the acceptability of each method depends on the retention and fit of the restoration. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the retention and adaptation of copings fabricated using two methods: casting wax patterns made by computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology, and milling sintered chromium‐cobalt (Cr‐Co) blocks.Materials and MethodsTwenty‐four abutment analogs (height, 5.5 mm) were divided into two groups according to the framework fabrication method. In one group, wax patterns were prepared using a CAM milling machine, and they were cast with a Ni‐Cr‐Ti metal alloy. In the second group, the copings were milled from Cr‐Co blocks using a CAD/CAM milling machine. All copings were equal in contour, thickness, and internal relief and were seated on the abutment analogs after the necessary adjustments. The vertical marginal discrepancy was investigated using a silicone replica method and stereomicroscope with 75× magnification. After copings were cemented onto the abutment analogs using zinc phosphate, a tensile resistance test was performed using a universal testing machine. Mann‐Whitney U and Student's t‐test were used for statistical analyses at a significance level of 0.05.ResultsAn independent sample t‐test revealed a significant difference between the two groups for retention (p = 0.010), and the milled wax group showed higher tensile resistance compared with the milled metal group. There was also a significant difference between the two groups in marginal discrepancy (p < 0.001), with a larger marginal gap in the milled metal group compared with the milled wax group. The milled metal copings required more adjustments to fit on the abutment analogs compared with the wax milled copings (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe CAD/CAM technique for wax milling resulted in more retentive copings with better marginal and internal adaptations compared with milling the metal blocks.
Ambient temperature regulates the expression of a small set of sRNAs influencing plant development through NF‐YA2 and YUC2
Authors: Gyula Péter , Baksa Ivett , Tóth Tamás , Mohorianu Irina , Dalmay Tamás , Szittya György 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPlants substantially alter their developmental programme upon changes in the ambient temperature. The 21–24 nt small RNAs (sRNAs) are important gene expression regulators, which play a major role in development and adaptation. However, little is known about how the different sRNA classes respond to changes in the ambient temperature. We profiled the sRNA populations in four different tissues of Arabidopsis thaliana plants grown at 15°C, 21°C, and 27°C. We found that only a small fraction (0.6%) of the sRNA loci are ambient temperature‐controlled. We identified thermoresponsive microRNAs and identified their target genes using degradome libraries. We verified that the target of the thermoregulated miR169, NF‐YA2, is also ambient temperature‐regulated. NF‐YA2, as the component of the conserved transcriptional regulator NF‐Y complex, binds the promoter of the flowering time regulator FT and the auxin biosynthesis gene YUC2. Other differentially expressed loci include thermoresponsive phased siRNA loci that target various auxin pathway genes and tRNA fragments. Furthermore, a temperature‐dependent 24‐nt heterochromatic siRNA locus in the promoter of YUC2 may contribute to the epigenetic regulation of auxin homeostasis. This holistic approach facilitated a better understanding of the role of different sRNA classes in ambient temperature adaptation of plants.
Adolescents’ knowledge and perception of medicine risk
Authors: Klimaszova Zuzana , Fazekas Tomas , Kuzelova Magdalena 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundAdolescents often start to use medicines independently without having sufficient knowledge or previous experience, which can lead to the inappropriate use of medicines.MethodsAdolescents’ knowledge of medicines, perception of their effectiveness, risk of the medicines and a possible association between these terms and health status, age and gender were studied. A questionnaire‐based survey was conducted in 13–18‐year‐old adolescents in secondary school.ResultsThere were differences in adolescents’ knowledge, attitude and perception of risk of medicines related to their age, gender and, to a lesser extent, health status. Chronically ill adolescents had better knowledge about allergy medicines according to the mean score of a 5‐point Likert scale (1, strongly agree; 5, strongly disagree; 2.30 vs 2.51, P = 0.005) and they agreed to a lesser extent than healthy adolescents that rescription medicines improve their health (2.21 vs 2.05, P = 0.034). Medicine knowledge differed significantly with age (P < 0.001). Older adolescents (16–18 years old) were more knowledgeable about medicines (1.33−3.04 vs 1.64−3.71, P < 0.05) and they agreed to a lesser extent than younger adolescents (2.11−4.03 vs 1.86−3.56, P < 0.05) with statements that prescription medicines are effective and safe. Girls were more knowledgeable than boys (1.43−3.04 vs 1.64−3.14, P < 0.05) and preferred to discuss medicines with their parents.ConclusionThe level of knowledge and the perception of medicine risk are associated with the health status, age and gender of adolescents, and health‐care professionals need to be aware of this when educating adolescents.
Exploring Bioluminescence Function of the Ca2+‐regulated Photoproteins with Site‐directed Mutagenesis
Authors: Eremeeva Elena V. , Vysotski Eugene S. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractSite‐directed mutagenesis is a powerful tool to investigate the structure–function relationship of proteins and a function of certain amino acid residues in catalytic conversion of substrates during enzymatic reactions. Hence, it is not surprising that this approach was repeatedly applied to elucidate the role of certain amino acid residues in various aspects of photoprotein bioluminescence, mostly for aequorin and obelin, and to design mutant photoproteins with altered properties (modified calcium affinity, faster or slower bioluminescence kinetics, different emission color) which would either allow the development of novel bioluminescent assays or improvement of characteristics of the already existing ones. This information, however, is scattered over different articles. In this review, we systematize the findings that were made using site‐directed mutagenesis studies regarding the impact of various amino acid residues on bioluminescence of hydromedusan Ca2+‐regulated photoproteins. All key residues that have been identified are pinpointed, and their influence on different aspects of photoprotein functioning such as active photoprotein complex formation, bioluminescence reaction, calcium response and light emitter formation is discussed.