bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fused deposition modeling five-axis additive manufacturing: machine design, fundamental printing methods and critical process characteristics
Authors: Shen Hongyao , Diao Huaidong , Yue Shuhua , Fu Jianzhong 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
The staircase effect and support structure under overhanging geometry are two inherent weaknesses that reduces the surface quality and induces material waste. This paper aims to design a five-axis fused deposition modeling system with interference-free nozzle to solve the problems.

Design/methodology/approach
To facilitate the application of five-axis printing machine, three new printing methods are proposed according to different geometries and application requirements, which include tangential direction printing, normal sculpture printing and compatible printing.

Findings
The static flow beading characteristic is researched to establish the criterion for switching the mode between three-axis printing and five-axis printing. Experiment proves the critical point existing and 51° is the critical point at the given parameters. The concept of dynamic flow beading is proposed. The relationship between equivalent volume and roughness is established based on elaborate experiments, which helps to figure out the boundary between safe area and beading area under different parameters of layer thickness and nozzle diameter.

Originality/value
Three new printing methods are proposed according to different geometries and application requirements, which include tangential direction printing, normal sculpture printing and compatible printing. Considering the special movement situation during five-axis printing process, the dynamic flow beading issue is proposed. The relationship between equivalent volume and roughness is established based on elaborate experiments, which helps to figure out the boundary between safe area and beading area under different parameters of layer thickness and nozzle diameter.
Temperature determines the diversity and structure of N2O‐reducing microbial assemblages
Authors: Wu Bo , Liu Feifei , Weiser Michael D. , Ning Daliang , Okie Jordan G. , Shen Lina , Li Juan , Chai Benli , Deng Ye , Feng Kai , Wu Liyou , Chen Shouwen , Zhou Jizhong , He Zhili 
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Micro‐organisms harbouring the nosZ gene convert N2O to N2 and play a critical role in reducing global N2O emissions. As higher denitrifier diversity can result in higher denitrification rates, here we aimed to understand the diversity, composition and spatial structure of N2O‐reducing microbial assemblages in forest soils across a large latitudinal and temperature gradient.

We sequenced nosZ gene amplicons of 126 soil samples from six forests with mean annual soil temperatures (MAST) ranging from 3.7 to 25.3°C and tested predictions of the metabolic theory of ecology (MTE) and metabolic‐niche theory (MNT). As predicted, α‐diversity of nosZ communities increased with increasing MAST, within‐site β‐diversity decreased and two (pH and soil moisture) of the three niche widths examined were larger with increasing MAST.

We calculated β‐nearest taxon distance and Raup–Crick metric to quantify the relative influence of the assembly processes determining nosZ assemblage structure. Environmental selection was the primary process driving assemblage structure in all six forests. Homogenizing dispersal was also important at one site, which could be explained by the site's much lower variability in soil chemistry.

We used canonical correspondence analysis and multiple regression on matrices to examine relationships between nosZ communities and environmental factors, and found that temperature and spatial distance were significant predictors of nosZ assemblage structure.

Overall our results support both theories (MTE and MNT) tested, showing that higher temperatures are correlated with higher local diversity, wider niche breadths and lower within‐site turnover rates.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Plant population success across urban ecosystems: A framework to inform biodiversity conservation in cities
Authors: Kowarik Ingo , von der Lippe Moritz 
Published: March 2018

Abstract

In a rapidly urbanising world, the ability of plant species to survive and build self‐sustaining populations in urban environments is increasingly important for biodiversity conservation. Yet, the contribution of cities to biodiversity conservation remains unclear because ecologists have studied biodiversity patterns, largely without considering the population establishment of plants and the ways in which different kinds of urban ecosystems harbour native and endangered plant species. These limitations can mislead conservation policies for cities.

To better understand how urban ecosystems can contribute to biodiversity conservation, we propose a framework that links the population status (casual or established) of plant species with ecosystem novelty and highlights barriers to population establishment in different types of urban ecosystems, from natural remnants to novel ecosystems.

To quantify the relative importance of natural remnants vs. human‐shaped ecosystems for the conservation of self‐sustaining urban plant populations. we re‐analyse a unique dataset from a metropolitan region in Europe with information on the population status of 1,199 plant species.

Results demonstrate that urban ecosystems harbour many established native and endangered species although a considerable share (37%) of species of conservation concern are confined to natural remnants. In hybrid and immature novel ecosystems, high species numbers reflect many species with only casual populations. The role of novel ecosystems as habitats for native and endangered plant species increases as novel ecosystems mature.

Synthesis and applications. General information about plant species richness in urban environments may mislead conservation policies as different kinds of urban ecosystems can play different roles in harbouring species of conservation concern. Moreover, presence/absence data can mask establishment failures of species. This proposed framework helps to distinguish between casual and established populations of plant species, and highlights barriers to population persistence in urban ecosystems, reflecting different land uses and land use histories over time. Revealing the role of natural remnants vs. hybrid vs. novel ecosystems as habitats for species of conservation concern illustrates opportunities for biodiversity conservation in all urban ecosystems and can support setting priorities for conservation.
Old Wine in Private Equity Bottles? The Resurgence of Contract‐for‐Deed Home Sales in US Urban Neighborhoods
Authors: Immergluck Dan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis article describes the reemergence, in the wake of the mortgage crisis, of a predatory financial practice in predominantly black neighborhoods in the US: the contract for deed (CFD). The CFD has a notorious urban history; it was a focus of social justice organizing in 1960s Chicago, which helped lay the groundwork for advocacy that culminated in two important laws in the US: the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 and the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977. This article places the reemergence of the CFD in the post‐crisis cycle of housing investment and disinvestment, estimates the minimum scale of CFD ownership, and examines the geography of a well‐known CFD seller in the Atlanta area. As policymakers in the US took efforts to restrict predatory lending fueled by private‐label securitization following the subprime crisis, capital markets shifted toward private equity financiers who provided a new supply of lightly regulated capital for urban housing markets. Predominantly black neighborhoods became prey for high‐return schemes meant to extract as much cash flow out of vulnerable residents as possible, offering them the illusion of homeownership. The findings show that the CFD seller focused on black neighborhoods and suggests that its profits from this activity have been quite lucrative.
Sodium Threshold in Model Reduced and Low Fat Oil‐in‐Water Emulsion Systems
Authors: Cox Ginnefer O. , Lee Soo‐Yeun 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSodium and fat reduction in the diet are key factors in the nutrition management of hypertensive individuals. Several reduced and lower fat foods have higher amounts of sodium than their regular fat counterparts, which contradict sodium and fat reduction goals for hypertensive individuals. The objective of this research was to determine the threshold of sodium in a model reduced and low fat oil‐in‐water emulsion system analogous to salad dressings, so as to identify a reduction level of sodium that may not compromise consumer acceptability. Thirty panelists used the R‐index by rating method to evaluate a model reduced fat emulsion system with 7 sodium concentrations (175, 200, 230, 265, 305, and 350 mg) and a model low fat emulsion system with 6 sodium concentrations (160, 170, 180, 190, and 200 mg). For both emulsion systems, 30 g servings of each concentration were presented to panelists. Panelists received 10 replicates of noise and signal samples for both fat levels. The group sodium threshold for the reduced and low fat emulsions was 241.11 and 183.56 mg, respectively. Results indicate saltiness perception is increased when fat content is decreased, and threshold for sodium in the reduced fat emulsion system is higher than the low fat emulsion system with lower fat content. Study findings show opportunities for sodium reduction in reduced and low fat food emulsion systems, particularly additional reductions of sodium without consumer detection.Practical ApplicationStudy results demonstrated sodium difference thresholds for the reduced and low fat emulsions were at levels lower than the mean sodium content found in comparable processed food emulsion systems. Results indicate sodium content can potentially be decreased in reduced and lower fat food emulsion systems without consumer detection. Having insight for where consumers are able to detect a difference in sodium levels within reduced and low fat food systems can contribute to a successful reduction of sodium in reduced and lower fat food systems and benefit individuals requiring reductions of sodium and fat in processed food systems.
Rapid Assessment of Hydrologic Performance of Low Impact Development Practices under Design Storms
Authors: Yang Yang , Chui Ting Fong May 
Published: March 2018

AbstractLow impact development (LID) practices are often applied to compensate for surface imperviousness caused by urban development. These practices can mitigate flood risk by reducing runoff volume and peak flow and by delaying the time to peak flow. To select a suitable LID practice type and its surface area during the preliminary design process, it is necessary to rapidly estimate the hydrologic performance of various LID designs under design storms. This study provides a method and a toolbox for rapid assessment of the hydrologic performance of various LID practices, which can be useful to developers for establishment of preliminary LID designs. The hydrologic performance of three common types of LID practices (i.e., green roofs, bioretention cells, and infiltration trenches) under various design storms is first simulated using the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM). The results are then presented as performance curves on a unit storage basis. Look‐up tables are further developed to assist the comparison and selection of the LID alternatives for various hydrologic performance targets. To facilitate SWMM modeling, a MATLAB toolbox is developed to automate the process of input modification, model simulation, result extraction, and postprocessing. Finally, the sensitivity of the look‐up curves to design storm types and design specifications of bioretention cells is also analyzed, and the assumptions used in the development of these look‐up curves are validated.
Factors associated with the efficacy of smoking cessation treatments and predictors of smoking abstinence in EAGLES
Authors: West Robert , Evins A. Eden , Benowitz Neal L. , Russ Cristina , McRae Thomas , Lawrence David , St Aubin Lisa , Krishen Alok , Maravic Melissa C. , Anthenelli Robert M. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimsTo assess (1) how far the efficacies of front‐line smoking cessation pharmacotherapies vary as a function of smoker characteristics and (2) associations between these characteristics and success of smoking cessation attempts.DesignProspective correlational study in the context of a double‐blind randomized trial. The outcome was regressed individually onto each covariate after adjusting for treatment, and then a forward stepwise model constructed. Treatment moderator effects of covariates were tested by treatment × covariate interactions.SettingHealth service facilities in multiple countries.ParticipantsData came from 8120 smokers willing to make a quit attempt, randomized to varenicline, bupropion, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or placebo in Evaluating Adverse Events in a Global Smoking Cessation Study (EAGLES) between 30 November 2011 and 13 January 2015.MeasurementsSmoker characteristics measured at baseline were country, psychiatric history, sex, age, body mass index (BMI), ethnic group, life‐time suicidal ideation/behaviour, anxiety, depression, aggression, psychotropic medication, history of alcohol/substance use disorder, age of starting smoking, cigarette dependence [Fagerström Test for Cigarette Dependence (FTCD)] and prior use of study medicines. Outcome was biochemically confirmed continuous abstinence at weeks 9–24 from start of treatment.FindingsNo statistically significant treatment × covariate interactions were found. Odds of success were associated independently positively with age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.01; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.00, 1.01], BMI (1.01; 95% CI = 1.00, 1.02) and age of starting smoking (1.03; 95% CI = 1.02, 1.04). Odds were associated independently negatively with US (versus non‐US) study site (0.53; 95% CI = 0.46, 0.61), black (versus white) ethnic group (0.57; 95% CI = 0.45, 0.72), mood disorder (0.85; 95% CI = 0.73, 0.99), anxiety disorder (0.71; 95% CI = 0.55, 0.90) and psychotic disorder (0.73; 95% CI = 0.50, 1.07), taking psychotropic medication (0.81; 95% CI = 0.68, 0.95), FTCD (0.89; 95% CI = 0.87, 0.92) and previous use of NRT (0.78; 95% CI = 0.67, 0.91).ConclusionsWhile a range of smoker characteristics—including psychiatric history, cigarette dependence and prior use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)—are associated with lower cessation rates, they do not substantially influence the efficacy of varenicline, bupropion or NRT.
Response of periodontium to mineral trioxide aggregate and Biodentine: a pilot histological study on humans
Authors: Tirone F , Salzano S , Piattelli A , Perrotti V , Iezzi G. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate for the first time the histological response of human periodontium to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine.MethodsSix patients scheduled for implant full‐arch rehabilitation were randomly assigned to one of the two test groups: MTA or Biodentine treatment. For each patient, two teeth scheduled for strategic extraction were randomly assigned either to the test or to the control treatment. A lateral perforation was drilled on the root and either repaired with MTA/Biodentine or filled with gutta‐percha(control). Three months later, the teeth were extracted along with the coronal third of the alveolar bone and a portion of gingival tissue, while performing implant placement, and processed for histological analysis.ResultsBiodentine resulted in less extrusion into the periodontal environment. All the materials showed good biocompatibility. A new mineralized cementum‐like tissue incorporating periodontal fibres was visible in all cases treated with MTA. A small amount of new mineralized tissue was found in two Biodentine cases but not in control cases. Biodentine resulted in less damage to the periodontal ligament.ConclusionsBioactivity and biocompatibility of MTA were confirmed in human models. Biodentine proved to be biocompatible, but it seems not to induce cementum regeneration.
Cultural adaptation and validation of the Chinese version of the expanded prostate cancer index composite
Authors: Lee Tsz Kin , Poon Darren M.C. , Ng Anthony C.F. , Ho Terrence , Singh‐Carlson Savitri , Joffres Michel , Oshan Gurpreet , Kohli Jagbir , Kwan Winkle 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimThe expanded prostate cancer index composite (EPIC) is a widely adopted instrument for the quality of life of patients with prostate cancer. We aimed to create a Chinese version of EPIC to further research in the Chinese‐speaking population.MethodsA prototype was created by forward–backward translations and revisions. During cultural adaptation, 15 participants were interviewed after they had completed the prototype. A few issues highlighted included confusion related to the question format, subject non‐familiarity with the Chinese term for “hot flashes,” and the use of the Chinese term for “breast” as a strictly female body part. A pilot version was created based on the cultural adaptation findings. Validation of the pilot version was performed by having 50 participants complete the Chinese EPIC and EORTC QLQ‐c30 twice within a 4‐week period. Test–retest reliability (Pearson's correlations and difference distribution) and internal consistency (Cronbach'sα) were measured using SAS version 9.4.ResultsTest–retest reliability values for the urinary, bowel, sexual and hormone domains were 0.71, 0.51, 0.51 and 0.66, respectively; subscale test–retest reliability ranged between 0.29 and 0.82. Internal consistency for domains was good with Cronbach'sαranging from 0.76 to 0.78 for the initial test and 0.67 to 0.85 for the retest. The performance of this version of EPIC was comparable to the validated EORTC QLQ‐C30.ConclusionThe EPIC questionnaire was successfully translated into Chinese and was culturally adapted. The resultant Chinese version has high reliability and validity and will be an important tool for research on quality of life in the Chinese population.
Grabbing Land for Equitable Development? Reengineering Land Dispossession through Securitising Land Development Rights in Chongqing
Authors: Zhang Yunpeng 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis article examines the securitisation of land development rights under the dipiao scheme in Chongqing, China. It argues that this instrument is based on the dispossession and exploitation of rural households but these unequal relations have been concealed and naturalised through the complex geographies and temporalities of dispossessory arrangements, financing mechanisms and discursive tactics. By overcoming political barriers to land commodification and dispossession in this way, the Chongqing government has expanded the frontier of commodifiable land and sustained a land‐based, urban‐centric and debt‐financed accumulation. Instead of narrowing the urban–rural divide, this instrument reproduces and solidifies it. On this basis, the article argues that conceptual and political innovations for inclusive and equitable development needs to shift the attention from land to people.
Meta‐Analysis of Time in Therapeutic Range in Continuous‐Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Patients Receiving Warfarin
Authors: Martinez Brandon K. , Yik Brenda , Tran Raymond , Ilham Sabrina , Coleman Craig I. , Jennings Douglas L. , Baker William L. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractContinuous‐flow left ventricular assist devices (CF‐LVADs) prolong survival in advanced heart failure patients. Anticoagulation control is critical in CF‐LVAD patients due to increased thromboembolic and bleeding risk. We assessed the quality of INR control in CF‐LVAD patients measured by time in therapeutic range (TTR). We performed a systematic literature search of MEDLINE and SCOPUS through July 2017 to identify studies evaluating TTR in anticoagulated adult CF‐LVAD patients. Data on key characteristics and the TTR end point were then extracted from each study by two investigators using a standardized tool. Using a Hartung‐Knapp random effects model, a weighted mean TTR estimate with accompanying 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. Statistical heterogeneity was estimated using the I2 statistic. Five published studies were included. All studies were single‐center, retrospective investigations that calculated TTR using the Rosendaal method. Sample sizes ranged from 11 to 115 patients (total of 270 patients) with durations of follow‐up ranging from 9 to 76 person‐years. On meta‐analysis, CF‐LVAD patients had a weighted mean TTR of 46.6% (95% CI: 36.0–57.3%, I2 = 94%). This suggests that warfarin is difficult to manage in CF‐LVAD patients, which may contribute to high rates of bleeding and thromboembolic complications.
Cat‐scratch disease: ocular manifestations and treatment outcome
Authors: Habot‐Wilner Zohar , Trivizki Omer , Goldstein Michaella , Kesler Anat , Shulman Shiri , Horowitz Josepha , Amer Radgonde , David Ran , Ben‐Arie‐Weintrob Yael , Bakshi Erez , Almog Yehoshua , Sartani Gil , Vishnevskia‐Dai Vicktoria , Kramer Michal , Bar Asaf , Kehat Rinat , Ephros Moshe , Giladi Michael 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPurposeTo characterize cat‐scratch disease (CSD) ocular manifestations and visual outcome and evaluate the effect of systemic antibiotics and corticosteroids on final visual acuity (VA).MethodsMulticentre retrospective cohort study. Medical records of 86 patients with ocular disease (107 eyes) of 3222 patients identified in a national CSD surveillance study were reviewed.ResultsMean age was 35.1 ± 14.2 years. Median follow‐up was 20 weeks (range 1–806 weeks). Of 94/107 (88%) eyes with swollen disc, 60 (64%) had neuroretinitis at presentation, 14 (15%) developed neuroretinitis during follow‐up, and 20 (21%) were diagnosed with inflammatory disc oedema. Optic nerve head lesion, uveitis, optic neuropathy and retinal vessel occlusion were found in 43 (40%), 38 (36%), 34 (33%) and 8 (7%) eyes, respectively. Good VA (better than 20/40), moderate vision loss (20/40–20/200) and severe vision loss (worse than 20/200) were found in 26/79 (33%), 35/79 (44%) and 18/79 (23%) eyes at baseline and in 63/79 (80%), 11/79 (14%) and 5/79 (6%) eyes at final follow‐up, respectively (p < 0.001). Significant VA improvement (defined as improvement of ≥3 Snellen lines at final follow‐up compared to baseline) occurred in 12/24 (50%) eyes treated with antibiotics compared with 14/16 (88%) eyes treated with antibiotics and corticosteroids (p = 0.02). Multivariate logistic regression was suggestive of the same association (odds ratio 7.0; 95% CI 1.3–37.7; p = 0.024).ConclusionOptic nerve head lesion is a common and unique manifestation of ocular CSD. Most patients improved and had final good VA. Combined antibiotics and corticosteroid treatment was associated with a better visual outcome.