bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radiological, stereological, and microscopic evaluation of the quality of canal fillings in oval‐shaped root canals prepared with self‐adjusting file
Authors: Uzunoglu Emel , Ilgın Can , Yuruker Sinan , Görduysus Melahat 
Published: December 2015

SummaryThe aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of the canal fillings performed by thermoplastic technique (Herofill) and cold lateral condensation (CLC) techniques in oval shaped canals following self‐adjusting file (SAF) preparation using radiological, stereological, and microscopic evaluation methods. Twelve pairs of oval‐shaped root canals were prepared with SAF and filled using CLC (n = 12) or the Herofill system (n = 12). The quality of the root canal filling was evaluated by (i) scoring bidirectional storage phosphor plate images, (ii) stereological (volumetric) analysis of cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) images, and (iii) microscopic analysis of the cross‐sectioned area of the canal and gutta‐percha via image analysis software. Chi‐square test, t‐test, and Mann–Whitney U‐tests were used respectively (p < 0.05) for the aforementioned evaluations. 58.33% of the fillings (total n = 24) that were found to be sufficient in a bucco‐lingual (BL) projection were considered insufficient in the mesio‐distal (MD) projection according to radiological scoring. The difference in the findings between the two types of projections (BL and MD) was significant (p < 0.05). The results of the stereological evaluation of CBCT images and image analysis of cross‐sections showed no statistically significant difference between the CLC and Herofill (p > 0.05). Herofill was not superior to cold lateral compaction. Stereology can be used to obtain unbiased information about the volume of root canal fillings. Both filling techniques failed to achieve the desirable goal of 0% empty volume in all of the cases and all evaluation systems confirmed this result. SCANNING 38:427–433, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Probabilistic logic programming on the web
Authors: Riguzzi Fabrizio , Bellodi Elena , Lamma Evelina , Zese Riccardo , Cota Giuseppe 
Published: December 2015

SummaryWe present the web application ‘cplinton SWI‐Prolog for SHaring that allows the user to write (SWISH)' Probabilistic Logic Programs and submit the computation of the probability of queries with a web browser. The application is based on SWISH, a web framework for Logic Programming. SWISH is based on various features and packages of SWI‐Prolog, in particular, its web server and its Pengine library, that allow to create remote Prolog engines and to pose queries to them. In order to develop the web application, we started from the PITA system, which is included incplint, a suite of programs for reasoning over Logic Programs with Annotated Disjunctions, by porting PITA to SWI‐Prolog. Moreover, we modified the PITA library so that it can be executed in a multi‐threading environment. Developing ‘cplinton SWISH’ also required modification of the JavaScript SWISH code that creates and queries Pengines. ‘cplinton SWISH’ includes a number of examples that cover a wide range of domains and provide interesting applications of Probabilistic Logic Programming. By providing a web interface tocplint, we allow users to experiment with Probabilistic Logic Programming without the need to install a system, a procedure that is often complex, error prone, and limited mainly to the Linux platform. In this way, we aim to reach out to a wider audience and popularize Probabilistic Logic Programming. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New insights into a complex fungal pathogen: the case of Paracoccidioides spp.
Authors: Gonzalez Angel , Hernandez Orville 
Published: December 2015

AbstractParacoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis endemic to Latin America, with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and P. lutzii being the causal agents of this disorder. Several issues have been raised in the 100 years since its discovery and in this article we discuss features of this fascinating fungal pathogen, including its biology, eco‐epidemiology and aspects of its pathogenicity. We also consider some of its virulence determinants, the most recent advances in the study of its metabolic pathways and the molecular and genetic research tools developed for this research. We also review the animal models used to study host–fungal interactions and how the host defence mechanisms against this pathogen work. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time for helping
Authors: Danilov Anastasia , Vogelsang Timo 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis study investigates whether individuals engage in prosocial behavior when it requires an investment of their time, but not money. In a laboratory experiment with rigorous anonymity arrangements, senders receive their payoff at the beginning. They may then engage in a tedious task to increase the earnings of exogenously disadvantaged recipients who otherwise receive no earnings. We find that senders are willing to sacrifice time to benefit recipients. Whether or not the recipient is present in the laboratory during the working time does not alter this decision. However, in a treatment variation some senders also display antisocial behavior.
Selective familiarity deficits in otherwise cognitively intact aging individuals with genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Schoemaker Dorothee , Poirier Judes , Escobar Sophia , Gauthier Serge , Pruessner Jens 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIntroductionFamiliarity has been associated with integrity of the rhinal cortex. Thus, impairment in familiarity is expected in very early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele is a major risk factor for AD. Here, we investigated the effect of the APOE ε4 status on familiarity in cognitively normal aging individuals.MethodsEighty‐one individuals aged between 55 and 80 years, 21 carriers and 60 noncarriers, were used in these analyses. A cognitive evaluation was performed on all participants to document the absence of objective cognitive deficits. The effect of APOE ε4 status on familiarity was tested using independent sample t test and an analysis of covariance controlling for age, gender, and education.ResultsThe groups did not differ in term of age, education, and male/female ratio. APOE ε4 carriers showed a significant reduction in familiarity. No other cognitive deficit was observed in the group of ε4 carriers, relative to noncarriers.DiscussionAPOE ε4 is associated with a reduction in familiarity in the absence of other cognitive deficits. These results suggest that performance in familiarity could represent an early cognitive marker for individuals at risk of AD.
Evaluation of the inflammatory response induced by different materials in the treatment of perianal fistulas: experimental study in rats
Authors: Galvão Mariana Ocampos , dos Santos Carlos Henrique Marques , Falcão Gustavo Ribeiro 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe medical literature has no study evaluating the effectiveness of different materials used as setons in the treatment of perianal fistulas; therefore, there is no evidence of availability of a more effective material than others for this purpose.
Objective To evaluate the inflammatory response induced by different materials used as seton in perianal fistulas in rats.
Method Thirty Wistar rats, which were initially submitted for the construction of a perianal fistula by passing transfixing steel wire into the anal canal, were used. The rats were kept for 30 days; after this period, and with confirmation of the formation of the perianal fistula, the setons were introduced (10 rats – cotton thread #0; 10 rats – rubber; and 10 rats – silastic); after 30 days the animals were euthanized, and then the area of the fistula repaired by the seton was resected, and the material retrieved was submitted to histological analysis. The results were analyzed statistically.
Results The mean degree of inflammatory process observed by histological analysis after 30 days was 2.3 for the cotton group; 1 for the rubber group; and 1.2 for the silastic group.
Conclusion A greater inflammatory response was observed in the group treated with a cotton seton. In the remaining groups, a lower inflammatory response, with equal intensity for rubber and silastic-treated rats, was noted.
A meta‐analytic synthesis of the question–behavior effect
Authors: Spangenberg Eric R. , Kareklas Ioannis , Devezer Berna , Sprott David E. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAsking people a question about performing a target behavior influences future performance of that behavior. While contextually robust and methodologically simple, this “question–behavior effect” reveals theoretical complexity as evidenced by the large number of proposed explanations for the effect. Furthermore, considerable heterogeneity exists regarding the “question” used to elicit the effect and the variety of different types of target “behaviors” for which the effect has manifested. A meta‐analytic synthesis of 104 question‐behavior studies across 51 published and unpublished papers is presented. Grouping proposed theories for the effect into four overarching categories, we derive and test systematic predictions regarding potential moderators of conceptual and practical significance. Our findings provide varying degrees of support for four different theoretical mechanisms (attitudes, consistency, fluency and motivations) proposed to underlie the effect. Insights into these mechanisms are presented and outstanding gaps in our understanding are identified as opportunities for future research.
HOW A SINGLE-FACTOR CAPM WORKS IN A MULTI-CURRENCY WORLD
Authors: Thomson Robert , Şahin Şule , Reddy Taryn 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIn this paper, a single-factor multi-currency (SFM) capital-asset pricing model (SFM-CAPM) is developed. The advantage in using a single-factor model is that it does not treat currency risks as carrying different weight from investment risks; regardless of its source, risk is measured as variance, and weighted accordingly. The aim of this paper is primarily to give actuaries a way ahead in the use of the single-factor CAPM in a multi-currency world for the purposes of the stochastic modelling of the assets and liabilities of long-term financial institutions, such as pension funds, particularly for the purposes of liability-driven investments and market-consistent valuation, and the application of the model has been designed with that intention. However, it is envisaged that the model will also be of interest to other practitioners. The paper's major original contribution to the literature is its proof that, for a single-factor CAPM to work in a multi-currency world, there is a necessary condition. The theory is applied to two major currencies and two minor currencies, namely the US dollar, the UK pound, the South African rand and the Turkish lira.
Coping Behavior and Risk of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Federal Disaster Responders
Authors: Loo George T. , DiMaggio Charles J. , Gershon Robyn R. , Canton David B. , Morse Stephen S. , Galea Sandro 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundOur knowledge about the impact of coping behavior styles in people exposed to stressful disaster events is limited. Effective coping behavior has been shown to be a psychosocial stress modifier in both occupational and nonoccupational settings.MethodsData were collected by using a web-based survey that administered the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist–Civilian, General Coping Questionnaire-30, and a supplementary questionnaire assessing various risk factors. Logistic regression models were used to test for the association of the 3 coping styles with probable PTSD following disaster exposure among federal disaster responders.ResultsIn this sample of 549 study subjects, avoidant coping behavior was most associated with probable PTSD. In tested regression models, the odds ratios ranged from 1.19 to 1.26 and 95% confidence intervals ranged from 1.08 to 1.35. With control for various predictors, emotion-based coping behavior was also found to be associated with probable PTSD (odds ratio=1.11; 95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.22).ConclusionThis study found that in disaster responders exposed to traumatic disaster events, the likelihood of probable PTSD can be influenced by individual coping behavior style and other covariates. The continued probability of disasters underscores the critical importance of these findings both in terms of guiding mental health practitioners in treating exposed disaster responders and in stimulating future research. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:108–117)
Preventing plane-assisted suicides through the lessons of research on homicide and suicide–homicide
Authors: Rice Timothy R , Sher Leo 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveThe Germanwings 9525 incident drew significant attention to the ‘plane-assisted suicide’ construct, yet little scientific literature exists on this topic. This paper reviews the available literature and applies lessons from the suicide-homicide and men’s mental health literature to better understand this construct from a scientific perspective.MethodsA systematic review of the relevant clinical literature was undertaken.ResultsMultiple lines of evidence suggests the applicability and relevance of suicide-homicide research and men’s mental health to the plane-assisted suicide phenomenon. Plane-assisted suicides occur within an overwhelmingly male, middle aged population who, in addition to suicide, commit large scale acts of murder. Issues of divorce, separation, and threats to masculinity appear integral to an effective prevention program.ConclusionFurther research in the understanding of plane-assisted suicide as a product of neuropsychiatric disorder may advance such prevention efforts and have the opportunity to reduce the loss of life in future tragedies.
Increasing profitability and water use efficiency of triple rice crop production in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Authors: NHẪN P. P. , HÒA L. V. , QUÍ C. N. , HUY N. X. , HỮU T. P. , MACDONALD B. C. T , TƯỜNG T. P. 
Published: December 2015

SUMMARYRice production in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam is threatened by future water scarcity caused by changing rainfall patterns and increasing irrigation costs. To improve resilience of the triple rice farming system to future climate-related stresses, profitability needs to be increased through water use efficiency, fertilizer management and planting methods.During four cropping seasons in 2011–13, alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation was applied in the triple rice production area within An Giang Province, Vietnam. An issue with the application of AWD is the prevalence of acid sulphate soils in the Mekong Delta. Three types of irrigation management were tested; continuously flooded (CF) where the water in the paddy was maintained at 5 cm; AWD where the water level was allowed to fall to 15 cm below the ground surface, at which point the field was irrigated until the water level was at 1 cm above the ground surface (designated −15 cm); AWD where the water level was allowed to fall to 30 cm below the ground surface before irrigation until the water level was at 1 cm above the ground surface (designated −30 cm). Two further experiments were also undertaken which examined the planting method (transplant v. direct sowing) and phosphorus rate on rice yield. There was no effect on yield caused by P fertilizer rate and irrigation management in any year, and there was no significant effect on soil pH or salinity caused by irrigation management. Overall net profitability was greatest for the AWD treatments because of the reduction in pumping and labour costs in the dry season. Transplanted rice improved yields, but the labour cost reduced overall profitability. The study shows that AWD (−15 cm) can be safely applied in acid sulphate soil areas within the triple rice areas of An Giang Mekong Delta and saved at least 0·27 of total irrigated water quantity used during three of the six cropping seasons. The increased profitability of the AWD rice production system will help to improve the resilience of triple rice cropping systems to future water scarcity.
Industry Expertise of Independent Directors and Board Monitoring
Authors: Wang Cong , Xie Fei , Zhu Min 
Published: December 2015

AbstractWe examine whether the industry expertise of independent directors affects board monitoring effectiveness. We find that the presence of independent directors with industry experience on a firm’s audit committee significantly curtails firms’ earnings management. In addition, a greater representation of independent directors with industry expertise on a firm’s compensation committee reduces chief executive officer (CEO) excess compensation, and a greater presence of such directors on the full board increases the CEO turnover-performance sensitivity and improves acquirer returns from diversifying acquisitions. Overall, the evidence is consistent with the hypothesis that having relevant industry expertise enhances independent directors’ ability to perform their monitoring function.
Implementation of Hamada principle in calculations of nested 3-D equilibria
Authors: Zakharov Leonid E. 
Published: December 2015

Plasma confinement is based on the use of nested toroidal magnetic surfaces. In axisymmetric configurations the nestedness is provided by the existence of a flux function describing the magnetic surfaces explicitly. In the case of a three-dimensional magnetic field, the nested surfaces represent an exception. More typically, magnetic islands are formed on the resonant surfaces. The islands could degrade the plasma performance. The rigorous condition for the existence of nested surfaces without islands was formulated by Hamada (Nucl. Fusion, vol. 2, 1962, pp. 23–37) but was not implemented directly into numerical codes used, for example, for designing the stellarator configurations. This paper introduces a method of implementation of the Hamada principle in numerical algorithms. The proposed approach allows for simple linearized equilibrium equations (LEE) and potentially very efficient three-dimensional calculations of nested equilibria.
Real-time estimation of the hospitalization fatality risk of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in Hong Kong
Authors: WONG J. Y. , WU P. , LAU E. H. Y. , TSANG T. K. , FANG V. J. , HO L.-M. , COWLING B. J. 
Published: December 2015

SUMMARYDuring the early stage of an epidemic, timely and reliable estimation of the severity of infections are important for predicting the impact that the influenza viruses will have in the population. We obtained age-specific deaths and hospitalizations for patients with laboratory-confirmed H1N1pdm09 infections from June 2009 to December 2009 in Hong Kong. We retrospectively obtained the real-time estimates of the hospitalization fatality risk (HFR), using crude estimation or allowing for right-censoring for final status in some patients. Models accounting for right-censoring performed better than models without adjustments. The risk of deaths in hospitalized patients with confirmed H1N1pdm09 increased with age. Reliable estimates of the HFR could be obtained before the peak of the first wave of H1N1pdm09 in young and middle-aged adults but after the peak in the elderly. In the next influenza pandemic, timely estimation of the HFR will contribute to risk assessment and disease control.
High-dose-rate brachytherapy boost in prostate cancer: a New Zealand case series
Authors: Chin John K. L. , Rantshilane Kenanao D. , Chin Paul K. L. , Chaudhuri Anupam , Tyrie Leanne K. , Hartopeanu Cristian G. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to report the survival outcomes and late toxicity of high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDRBT) boost for dose escalation in patients with intermediate-to-high-risk prostate cancer.Materials and methodsRetrospective data were collected from 137 patients who had undergone definitive radiotherapy for prostate cancer between 2006 and 2010. All patients had external-beam radiotherapy (median dose 46Gy) and HDRBT. Brachytherapy dose was 19Gy in two fractions (6 hours apart) with one implant using Ir-192.ResultsThere were 94 high-risk and 43 intermediate-risk patients (NCCN classification). The median follow-up period was 60 months. The 5-year biochemical progression-free survival was 92 and 76% for intermediate- and high-risk groups, respectively. Prostate cancer-specific survival for the intermediate-risk group was 100% and for the high-risk group it was 92% at 5 years. For the entire cohort, the 5-year rate of urethral stricture formation was 13%, and the 5-year rate of late grade 2 and grade 3 gastrointestinal toxicity was 4·7 and 4·6%, respectively. There was no grade 3 or greater genitourinary toxicity.FindingsOur data add to the growing body of literature supporting the use of HDRBT in prostate cancer. Late toxicity rates were marginally higher than that expected.
Electronic band structure, optical, dynamical and thermodynamic properties of cesium chloride (CsCl) from first-principles
Authors: Bingol Suat , Erdinc Bahattin , Akkus Harun 
Published: December 2015

The geometric structural optimization, electronic band structure, total density of states for valence electrons, density of states for phonons, optical, dynamical, and thermodynamical features of cesium chloride have been investigated by linearized augmented plane wave method using the density functional theory under the generalized gradient approximation. Ground state properties of cesium chloride are studied. The calculated ground state properties are consistent with experimental results. Calculated band structure indicates that the cesium chloride structure has an indirect band gap value of 5.46 eV and is an insulator. From the obtained phonon spectra, the cesium chloride structure is dynamically stable along the various directions in the Brillouin zone. Temperature dependent thermodynamic properties are studied using the harmonic approximation model.
Climate change and agricultural development: a challenge for water management.
Authors: Hoanh C. T. , Johnston R. , Smakhtin V. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract

Freshwater-related risks of climate change increase significantly with increasing global temperatures. Globally, the negative impacts of future climate change on freshwater systems are expected to outweigh the benefits, and agriculture and irrigation, as the largest consumers of water globally, are most at risk. This book analyses the potential impacts of climate change on water for agriculture, and the adaptation strategies in water management to deal with these impacts, drawing on global assessments and regional studies. This chapter introduces the book, sets the scene for research on climate change in agricultural water management, and synthesizes the issues, methodologies and findings in the chapters to follow. Chapters 2 and 3 provide an overview of global assessment of climate change impacts and water requirement for future agriculture. Chapters 4-7 provide analyses of crop water requirements in four case studies in developing countries. Chapters 8 and 9 are studies of irrigation management under sea-level rise in Vietnam's Mekong Delta. Chapters 10-12 discuss examples of adaptation alternatives such as water-saving techniques and groundwater exploitation, and related policy settings. The last chapter links the dominant approach of uncertainty presented in the climate change discourse with policy discussions on climate adaptation strategies.
Black Holes: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Blundell Katherine 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Black holes are a constant source of fascination to many due to their mysterious nature. Black Holes: A Very Short Introduction addresses a variety of questions, including what a black hole actually is, how they are characterized and discovered, and what would happen if you came too close to one. It explains how black holes form and grow—by stealing material that belongs to stars—as well as how many there may be in the Universe. It also explores the large black holes found in the centres of galaxies, and how black holes power quasars and lie behind other spectacular phenomena in the cosmos.