bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A GPU-based solution for fast calculation of the betweenness centrality in large weighted networks
Authors: Fan Rui , Xu Ke , Zhao Jichang
Published: December 2017

Betweenness, a widely employed centrality measure in network science, is a decent proxy for investigating network loads and rankings. However, its extremely high computational cost greatly hinders its applicability in large networks. Although several parallel algorithms have been presented to reduce its calculation cost for unweighted networks, a fast solution for weighted networks, which are commonly encountered in many realistic applications, is still lacking. In this study, we develop an efficient parallel GPU-based approach to boost the calculation of the betweenness centrality (BC) for large weighted networks. We parallelize the traditional Dijkstra algorithm by selecting more than one frontier vertex each time and then inspecting the frontier vertices simultaneously. By combining the parallel SSSP algorithm with the parallel BC framework, our GPU-based betweenness algorithm achieves much better performance than its CPU counterparts. Moreover, to further improve performance, we integrate the work-efficient strategy, and to address the load-imbalance problem, we introduce a warp-centric technique, which assigns many threads rather than one to a single frontier vertex. Experiments on both realistic and synthetic networks demonstrate the efficiency of our solution, which achieves 2.9× to 8.44× speedups over the parallel CPU implementation. Our algorithm is open-source and free to the community; it is publicly available throughhttps://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.4542405. Considering the pervasive deployment and declining price of GPUs in personal computers and servers, our solution will offer unprecedented opportunities for exploring betweenness-related problems and will motivate follow-up efforts in network science.
Molecular evolution of virulence genes and non-virulence genes in clinical, natural and artificial environmentalLegionella pneumophilaisolates
Authors: Zhan Xiao-Yong , Zhu Qing-Yi
Published: December 2017

Background

L. pneumophilais the main causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease. Free-living amoeba in natural aquatic environments is the reservoir and shelter forL. pneumophila.From natural water sources,L. pneumophilacan colonize artificial environments such as cooling towers and hot-water systems, and then spread in aerosols, infecting the susceptible person. Therefore, molecular phylogeny and genetic variability ofL. pneumophilafrom different sources (natural water, artificial water, and human lung tissue) might be distinct because of the selection pressure in different environments. Several studies researched genetic differences betweenL. pneumophilaclinical isolates and environmental isolates at the nucleotide sequence level. These reports mainly focused on the analysis of virulence genes, and rarely distinguished artificial and natural isolates.

Methods

We have used 139L. pneumophilaisolates to study their genetic variability and molecular phylogeny. These isolates include 51 artificial isolates, 59 natural isolates, and 29 clinical isolates. The nucleotide sequences of two representative non-virulence (NV) genes (trpA, cca) and three representative virulence genes (icmK, lspE, lssD) were obtained using PCR and DNA sequencing and were analyzed.

Results

Levels of genetic variability including haplotypes, haplotype diversity, nucleotide diversity, nucleotide difference and the total number of mutations in the virulence loci were higher in the natural isolates. In contrast, levels of genetic variability including polymorphic sites, theta from polymorphic sites and the total number of mutations in the NV loci were higher in clinical isolates. A phylogenetic analysis of each individual gene tree showed three to six main groups, but not comprising the sameL. pneumophilaisolates. We detected recombination events in every virulence loci of natural isolates, but only detected them in theccalocus of clinical isolates. Neutrality tests showed that variations in the virulence genes of clinical and environmental isolates were under neutral evolution. TrpAandccaloci of clinical isolates showed significantly negative values of Tajima’s D, Fu and Li’s D* and F*, suggesting the presence of negative selection in NV genes of clinical isolates.

Discussion

Our findingsreinforced the point that the natural environments were the primary training place forL. pneumophilavirulence, and intragenic recombination was an important strategy in the adaptive evolution of virulence gene. Our study also suggested the selection pressure had unevenly affected these genes and contributed to the different evolutionary patterns existed between NV genes and virulence genes. This work provides clues for future work on population-level and genetics-level questions about ecology and molecular evolution ofL. pneumophila,as well as genetic differences of NV genes and virulence genes between this host-range pathogen with different lifestyles.
Clinically Early Gastric Cancer: Features and Treatment Strategy
Authors: Lee Si-Hak , Choi Cheol Woong , Kim Su Jin , Kim Dae-Hwan , Choi Chang In , Jeon Tae-Yong , Kim Dong-Heon , Hwang Sun Hwi
Published: December 2017

This study aimed to clarify the clinicopathologic features and explore treatment strategies for patients with pathologically confirmed advanced gastric cancer (AGC) diagnosed as clinically early gastric cancer (cEGC) before surgery. We included 955 patients who were treated by curative gastrectomy between 2008 and 2013; 42 patients had cEGC. The clinicopathologic features of the patients with cEGC were compared with those of patients with early gastric cancer (EGC); AGC; cancer of the muscularis propria (MP cancer, gastric cancer invading the muscularis propria of the stomach); or SM3 cancer (gastric cancer invading all 3 parts of the submucosal layer). Patients with cEGC had more tumor lymph node metastasis; more lymphatic invasion; and more perineural invasion (all P < 0.001) compared with those with EGC. Patients with cEGC had more tumor lymph node metastasis (P = 0.017) than did patients with SM3. Compared with patients with AGC or MP cancer, patients with cEGC were more likely to be operated on using a laparoscopic procedure and less likely to receive lymph node dissection. Multivariate analysis showed that gross type III [odds ratio (OR), 12.92; P < 0.001] and tumor location (middle body, OR, 2.691; P = 0.009) were significant predictors of cEGC before surgery. Although patients with cEGC had clinicopathologic features similar to those of patients with MP cancer, they were treated like patients with SM3 cancer (e.g., limited use of lymphadenectomy). These findings suggest that patients with cEGC should be given a more aggressive treatment strategy.
Trimetazidine Increases Cell Survival and Inhibits the Activation of Inflammatory Response in Sodium Taurocholate–Induced Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Işık Sevil , Şengül Neriman , Töre Fatma , Aydın Cemalettin , Aslan Açelya , Uçar Gülberk , Fırat Tülin , Kükner Aysel , Bayram Recep , Demirbağ Ali Eba , Oruğ Taner
Published: December 2017

Objective:

To evaluate the therapeutic effects of trimetazidine (TMZ) in an experimental acute pancreatitis (AP) model induced with sodium taurocholate (STC).

Summary of Background Data:

At present, AP is considered a disease with no specific treatment. Preventing mitochondrial dysfunction in acinar cells may be an option for specific treatment of AP. TMZ is an anti-ischemic drug with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mitochondrial modulatory effects.

Methods:

Rats were divided into 4 groups. AP was induced in the AP (n = 7) and AP + TMZ (n = 7) groups by an injection of 4% sodium taurocholate to the pancreatic duct. The sham (n = 6) and drug (n = 6) groups were designated as control groups. The AP + TMZ and drug groups were administered TMZ. Samples were taken at 72 hours, and histopathologic changes as well as biochemical parameters were analyzed.

Results:

Serum amylase, tissue myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde levels, serum cytokine levels, and mast cell degranulation rates were elevated after induction of AP, whereas tissue antioxidant enzyme activities and cell viability rates [determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay] decreased. These parameters were found to be different in the AP group compared with those in all other groups (P < 0.05). A significant improvement of all parameters was achieved with the TMZ treatment of AP. Histologically, significant differences were found between the AP and AP + TMZ groups in terms of leukocyte infiltration, necrosis, and apoptotic cell counts.

Conclusions:

In this study, we demonstrated that TMZ treatment protected the mitochondrial function and prevented the activation of the inflammatory cascade in the sodium taurocholate–induced AP model.
Azo Dyes, 2. Anionic Dyes
Authors: Hunger Klaus , Mischke Peter , Rieper Wolfgang , Zhang Shufen
Published: December 2017

The article contains sections titled:

1.
Introduction

2.
Acid Azo Dyes

2.1.
Wool Dyes

2.1.1.
Monoazo Dyes

2.1.2.
Disazo Dyes

2.1.3.
Chrome Dyes

2.1.4.
Metal‐Complex Dyes

2.2.
Polyamide Dyes

2.3.
Silk Dyes

2.4.
Leather Dyes

2.5.
Azo Food Dyes
Ion Mobility Spectrometry in Forensic Science
Authors: Joshi Monica
Published: December 2017

Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is an analytical technique that has primarily been used as a trace chemical monitor in the field. The benefits of IMS as a field detector are its simplicity, sensitivity, fast analysis times, portability, ruggedness, and its operation at ambient pressures. IMS has successfully been used for many years to detect traces of explosives at airports and other security checkpoints; illicit drugs in prisons, cargo, and in border security. The military have long used IMS for detection of chemical warfare agents. Innovations in drift tubes, nonradioactive ion sources, and hyphenated IMS techniques in recent years have expanded the range of forensic applications. A sample introduced into the IMS undergoes atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and the resulting product ions are separated by their mobilities in the drift tube. Several factors such as temperature, humidity, concentration and presence of interferences can affect the ionization and separation process. This article describes the principles of IMS, developments in technology, and their implications for forensic science. IMS trends in detection of explosives, illicit drugs, and chemical warfare agents are discussed. The article also provides an overview of some unconventional applications and some interesting emerging forensic applications of IMS.
Field
F
ourier Transform‐Infrared Instrumentation
Authors: Heikkilä Antti S.
Published: December 2017

Field‐portable Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) instrumentation for gas analysis is a fast‐developing field with many applications within the scientific community and across several industries. Design features and requirements for field instruments are discussed, together with an introduction to FT‐IR spectrometer design and operation and multivariate chemometrics used to quantitatively analyze FT‐IR spectra for gas concentration. Discussion of operating procedures and quality assurance protocols is given together with application examples.
Toxicogenomic Evaluation Using the Zebrafish Model System
Authors: Horzmann Katharine A. , Freeman Jennifer L.
Published: December 2017

Toxicogenomics is the study of the alterations in the genome after exposure to xenobiotics such as environmental toxicants, pharmaceuticals, or other chemical agents. Toxicogenomics encompasses the study and evaluation of the genome (genomics); alterations in DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA expression (epigenome); gene expression (transcriptome); alterations in protein levels (proteome); and changes in metabolites and small molecules (metabolome). Techniques and technologies ranging from microarrays and next‐generation sequencing have made genome‐wide evaluations more accessible, and the refinement of the fields of metabolomics, proteomics, and epigenomics offers the potential for comprehensive evaluations of toxicity. The zebrafish biomedical model is particularly amenable to toxicogenomic analyses due to a sequenced genome, short generational period, ease of genetic manipulation, and ability for high‐throughput assays. Zebrafish have been used for toxicogenomic evaluation of environmental toxicants and ecotoxicity, endocrine disrupting chemicals, metals, and in pharmaceutical drug development. This article reviews the history of zebrafish in ‘‐omics’ research and provides examples of toxicogenomic techniques.
Glass Bead Sample Preparation forXRF
Authors: Nakayama Kenichi , Wagatsuma Kazuaki
Published: December 2017

X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) is often used for bulk elemental analysis. A commercial apparatus equipped with automatic calculation software can obtain semiquantitative composition values of major and minor elements in a solid sample without sample preparation. However, reliable and traceable determination requires strict analytic procedures including appropriate sample preparation and a favored calibration curve method. The glass bead sample preparation technique is much better suited for such determination than direct measurement of a solid sample with no sample preparation or powdered sample preparation such as pressed briquettes and loose powder. The fluorescent X‐ray intensity varies with physical and chemical factors such as heterogeneity of the measured sample and matrix effects including X‐ray absorption and enhancement on the measured specimen. These interfering factors can be largely overcome using glass bead sample preparation including sample fusion with a borate matrix. Then homogeneous specimens of sample and standard can be prepared easily for oxidizing samples such as geochemical igneous rock, environmental soil, archaeological ceramics, and industrial raw materials such as iron ore. This article presents details of glass bead sample preparation for reliable and accurate results. Calibration curve methods with appropriate standards, especially synthetic standard glass beads with chemical reagents, are also described.
Agrobacterium‐Mediated Transformation of Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus)
Authors: Bates Ruth , Craze Melanie , Wallington Emma J.
Published: December 2017

Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) is a commercially important member of the Brassicacea family. It is grown for its edible and industrial oils as well as for animal feed. Genetic transformation technology has been used to study gene function and produce oilseed rape with improved agronomic characteristics. This protocol describes a method for the Agrobacterium tumefaciens–mediated transformation of oilseed rape cotyledonary petioles. The method is reproducible and has been used to transform both spring and winter cultivars. Modifications have been made to the rooting stage, which have reduced the vitrification of shoots. This has not only increased the number of phenotypically normal shoots but has also resulted in an increase in transformation efficiency, concomitant with a dramatic reduction in the number of escapes regenerated. Transformation frequencies typically range from 5% to 10%, with an average of 12% using doubled haploid model varieties, but a maximum efficiency of 20% has been achieved. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Bird collision with power lines: estimating carcass persistence and detection associated with ground search surveys
Authors: Borner L. , Duriez O. , Besnard A. , Robert A. , Carrere V. , Jiguet F.
Published: December 2017

The quantification of bird mortality due to collision with power lines is complicated by the heterogeneity of survey methods used and the bias related to searching for carcasses on the ground (e.g., carcass persistence and imperfect detection by observers). To estimate the bias associated with ground search surveys, we conducted three 30‐d trials to test carcass persistence by placing and monitoring carcasses of red‐legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) and common pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) below power lines at 14 sites. We also conducted two detection experiments, testing the ability of 19 observers to detect bird carcasses. We used survival analysis and generalized linear mixed‐effects models to investigate the effects of site, habitat, carcass size, and survey period on both carcass persistence and detection. We also investigated the effect of carcass age on carcass persistence and the effect of the observer on carcass detection. Our findings show significant variations in carcass persistence between sites and survey periods, as well as significant interaction between these variables. The daily carcass persistence probability was highly variable between sites, with an up to eightfold variation. Carcass detection increased with increasing carcass size and was significantly affected by the microhabitat surrounding the carcass; it also varied between observers. These findings suggest that both carcass persistence and detection vary strongly and unpredictably at a small scale. As a result, conservation managers should be encouraged to conduct carcass persistence and detection experiments on sites where they aim to produce unbiased estimates of bird mortality below power lines, and these trials should be carried out in conditions similar to the mortality survey. A large‐scale, unbiased, and accurate estimate of bird collision mortality due to power lines may require substantial field effort, with a survey frequency of more than once a week.
Impact of salinity and nutrients on salt marsh stability
Authors: Alldred Mary , Liberti Anne , Baines Stephen B.
Published: December 2017

Belowground growth in coastal plants is critical for marsh stability and the ability of coastal wetlands to keep pace with sea‐level rise. Quantifying the effects of nutrient loading on belowground plant growth is an ongoing controversy in wetland research, with previous experiments demonstrating both positive and negative impacts. Moreover, salinity may also decrease belowground growth through sulfide toxicity, or plants may increase root growth to oxidize sediments and respond to sulfide stress. Because salinity influences plant nitrogen assimilation and sediment nitrogen retention, salinity and nitrogen may interact to influence belowground plant growth. We sampled an urban‐to‐rural land‐use gradient of 11 Spartina alterniflora marshes on Long Island, New York, to look for correlates of belowground biomass. We found that belowground biomass was related positively to salinity and negatively to extractable nitrogen content in sediments. Total belowground plant biomass was reduced by 60–70% in high‐nitrogen marshes and enhanced by as much as 70% in high‐salinity marshes. Further, we found no evidence of interaction between salinity and nitrogen, indicating that these factors were independently related to belowground plant growth. Our results indicate that chronic eutrophication and increasing salinity resulting from sea‐level rise are likely to have opposing effects on future marsh stability.
Controls of reburn severity vary with fire interval in the Klamath Mountains, California,USA
Authors: Grabinski Zawisza S. , Sherriff Rosemary L. , Kane Jeffrey M.
Published: December 2017

Over the past few decades, the frequency and number of large fires has increased in the western United States following a paucity of fire activity in many forests during most of the 20th century. Areas of repeated burning are of particular interest for understanding where there may be qualitative shifts in fire severity and the ecological consequences related to ecosystem resilience and climate change. In the context of recent increases in fire activity, we evaluated the relative importance of potential factors contributing to reburn severity (fire severity in areas that have burned twice) from 1985 to 2012 in the Klamath Mountains ecoregion of California. A unique component of our study was the evaluation of different scales of analysis within the ecoregion. The variables prior burn severity (continuous relative difference‐normalized burn ratio values from 1 to 1300), time since fire, biophysical setting, and average monthly weather were evaluated using generalized additive models to identify the relative importance of factors related to reburn severity patterns for 28 individual repeat fires (>375 ha), shorter (<15 yr) and longer (≥19 yr) fire interval categories, and across all repeat fires combined (79,112 ha). We found that evaluation of all repeat fires combined had masked important trends occurring across individual reburn areas of study particularly when dominated by one or more large fires. Averaging the variance of reburn severity explained across individual reburn areas (equal representation) yielded more explanatory power of predictor variables compared to the composite of all reburn areas combined. Over the period of analysis, topographic controls were relatively consistent regardless of fire interval, but vegetation characteristics had a stronger relationship than weather on reburn severity at longer fire intervals compared to shorter intervals. Likewise, we found greater similarity between prior and reburn severity at longer fire intervals than at shorter fire intervals. Our results underscore the presence of a self‐reinforcing pattern of fire severity related to the biophysical setting in the Klamath Mountains ecoregion, but also highlight the importance of spatial and temporal scale of evaluation and the interactions of vegetation characteristics, time since fire, and fire weather on reburn fire severity.
Forecasting consequences of changing sea ice availability for Pacific walruses
Authors: Udevitz Mark S. , Jay Chadwick V. , Taylor Rebecca L. , Fischbach Anthony S. , Beatty William S. , Noren Shawn R.
Published: December 2017

The accelerating rate of anthropogenic alteration and disturbance of environments has increased the need for forecasting effects of environmental change on fish and wildlife populations. Models linking projections of environmental change with behavioral responses and bioenergetic effects can provide a basis for these forecasts. There is particular interest in forecasting effects of projected reductions in sea ice availability on Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens). Declining extent of summer sea ice in the Chukchi Sea has caused Pacific walruses to increase use of coastal haulouts and decrease use of more productive offshore feeding areas. Such climate‐induced changes in distribution and behavior could ultimately affect the status of the population. We developed behavioral models to relate changes in sea ice availability to adult female walrus movements and activity levels, and adapted previously developed bioenergetics models to relate those activity levels to energy requirements and the ability to meet those requirements. We then linked these models to general circulation model projections of future ice availability to forecast autumn body condition for female walruses during mid‐ and late‐century time periods. Our results suggest that as sea ice becomes less available in the Chukchi Sea, female walruses will spend more time in the southwestern region of that sea, less time resting, and less time foraging. Median forecasted autumn body masses were 7–12% lower in future scenarios than during recent times, but posterior distributions broadly overlapped and median forecasted seasonal mass losses (15–34%) were comparable to seasonal mass losses routinely experienced by other pinnipeds. These seasonal reductions in body condition would be unlikely to result in demographic effects, but if walruses were unable to rebuild endogenous reserves while wintering in the Bering Sea, cumulative effects could have implications for reproduction and survival, ultimately affecting the status of the Pacific walrus population. Our approach provides a general framework for forecasting consequences of the broad range of environmental changes and anthropogenic disturbances that may affect bioenergetics through behavioral responses or changes in prey availability.
Leaf litter additions enhance stream metabolism, denitrification, and restoration prospects for agricultural catchments
Authors: O'Brien Jonathan M. , Warburton Helen J. , Graham S. Elizabeth , Franklin Hannah M. , Febria Catherine M. , Hogsden Kristy L. , Harding Jon S. , McIntosh Angus R.
Published: December 2017

Globally intensive agriculture has both increased nitrogen pollution in adjacent waterways and decreased availability of terrestrially derived carbon frequently used by stream heterotrophs in nitrogen cycling. We tested the potential for carbon additions via leaf litter from riparian restoration plantings to act as a tool for enhancing denitrification in agricultural streams with relatively high concentrations of nitrate (1.3–8.1 mg/L) in Canterbury, New Zealand. Experimental additions of leaf packs (N = 200, mass = 350 g each) were carried out in 200‐m reaches of three randomly selected treatment streams and compared to three control streams receiving no additional leaf carbon. Litter additions increased ecosystem respiration in treatment streams compared to control streams but did not affect gross primary production, indicating the carbon addition boosted heterotrophic activity, a useful gauge of the activities of microbes involved in denitrification. Bench‐top assays with denitrifying enzymes using acetylene inhibition techniques also suggested that the coarse particulate organic matter added from leaf packs would have provided substrates suitable for high rates of denitrification. Quantifying denitrification directly in experimental reaches by open‐channel methods based on membrane inlet mass spectrophotometry indicated that denitrification was around three times higher in treatment streams where litter was added compared to control streams. We further assessed the potential for riparian plantings to reduce large‐scale downstream nitrogen losses through increasing in‐stream denitrification by modeling the effects of increasing riparian vegetation cover on nitrogen fluxes. Here, we combined estimates of in‐stream ecosystem processes derived from our experiment with a network model of catchment‐scale nitrogen retention and removal based on empirical measurements of nitrogen flux in this typical agricultural catchment. Our model indicated leaf inputs associated with increased riparian cover had the potential to double the catchment level rate of denitrification, offering a promising way to mitigate nitrate pollution in agricultural streams. Altogether, our study indicates that overcoming carbon limitation and boosting heterotrophic processes will be important for reducing nitrogen pollution in agricultural streams and that combining empirical approaches for predictions suggests there are large potential benefits from riparian re‐vegetation efforts at catchment scales.
Cenerimod, a novel selective S1P1 receptor modulator with unique signaling properties
Authors: Piali Luca , Birker‐Robaczewska Magdalena , Lescop Cyrille , Froidevaux Sylvie , Schmitz Nicole , Morrison Keith , Kohl Christopher , Rey Markus , Studer Rolf , Vezzali Enrico , Hess Patrick , Clozel Martine , Steiner Beat , Bolli Martin H. , Nayler Oliver
Published: December 2017

Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1) modulators sequester circulating lymphocytes within lymph nodes, thereby preventing potentially pathogenic autoimmune cells from exiting into the blood stream and reaching inflamed tissues. S1P1 receptor modulation may thus offer potential to treat various autoimmune diseases. The first nonselective S1P1‐5 receptor modulator FTY720/fingolimod/Gilenya® has successfully demonstrated clinical efficacy in relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. However, cardiovascular, hepatic, and respiratory side‐effects were reported and there is a need for novel S1P1 receptor modulators with better safety profiles. Here, we describe the discovery of cenerimod, a novel, potent and selective S1P1 receptor modulator with unique S1P1 receptor signaling properties and absence of broncho‐ and vasoconstrictor effects ex vivo and in vivo. Cenerimod dose‐dependently lowered circulating lymphocyte counts in rats and mice after oral administration and effectively attenuated disease parameters in a mouse experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) model. Cenerimod has potential as novel therapy with improved safety profile for autoimmune diseases with high unmet medical need.
High‐Risk Palliative Care Patients’ Knowledge and Attitudes about Hereditary Cancer Testing and DNA Banking
Authors: Quillin John M. , Emidio Oluwabunmi , Ma Brittany , Bailey Lauryn , Smith Thomas J. , Kang In Guk , Yu Brandon J. , Owodunni Oluwafemi Patrick , Abusamaan Mohammed , Razzak Rab , Bodurtha Joann N.
Published: December 2017

Even at the end of life, testing cancer patients for inherited susceptibility may provide life‐saving information to their relatives. Prior research suggests palliative care inpatients have suboptimal understanding of genetic importance, and testing may be underutilized in this clinical setting. These conclusions are based on limited research. This study aimed to estimate genetic testing prevalence among high‐risk palliative care patients in a National Cancer Institute‐designated comprehensive cancer center. We also aimed to understand these patients’ understanding of, and attitudes toward, hereditary cancer testing and DNA banking. Palliative care in‐patients with cancer completed structured interviews, and their medical records were reviewed. Among patients at high risk for hereditary cancer, we assessed history of genetic testing/DNA banking; and related knowledge and attitudes. Among 24 high‐risk patients, 14 (58.3%) said they/their relatives had genetic testing or they had been referred for a genetics consultation. Of the remaining 10 patients, seven (70%) said they would “probably” or “definitely” get tested. Patients who had not had testing were least concerned about the impact of future testing on their family relationships; two (20%) said they were “extremely concerned” about privacy related to genetic testing. Of patients without prior testing, five (50%) said they had heard or read “a fair amount” about genetic testing. No high‐risk patients had banked DNA. Overall, 23 (95.8%) said they had heard or read “almost nothing” or “relatively little” about DNA banking. Written materials and clinician discussion were most preferred ways to learn about genetic testing and DNA banking. Overall, this study demonstrates underutilization of genetics services at the end of life continues to be problematic, despite high patient interest.
Employee Anonymous Online Dissent: Dynamics and Ethical Challenges for Employees, Targeted Organisations, Online Outlets, and Audiences
Authors: Ravazzani Silvia , Mazzei Alessandra
Published: December 2017

This article aims to enhance understanding of employee anonymous online dissent (EAOD), a controversial phenomenon in contemporary digital environments. We conceptualise and scrutinise EAOD as a communicative and interactional process among four key actors: dissenting employees, online outlet administrators, audiences, and targeted organisations. This multi-actor, dialectical process encompasses actor-related tensions that may generate unethical consequences if single voices are not brought out and confronted. Appropriating a Habermasian ethical and discursive lens, we examine and disentangle three particular challenges emerging from the EAOD process: lack of accountability and potential opportunism; equal participation and resolution of actor-related tensions; and organisational participation and internalisation of dissent. We show that EAOD can initiate plural dialogue that helps co-construct and balance different voices within an informal and noninstitutionalised context for interaction and public deliberation. We conclude our inquiry by offering reflections on practical implications and a research agenda for further investigation.
Evaluating mental health service use during and after emergency department visits in a multisite cohort of Canadian children and youth
Authors: Cappelli Mario , Cloutier Paula , Newton Amanda S. , Fitzpatrick Eleanor , Ali Samina , Dong Kathryn A. , Gray Clare , Kennedy Allison , Lyons John S. , Polihronis Christine , Rosychuk Rhonda J.
Published: December 2017

Objectives

The goal of this study was to examine the mental health needs of children and youth who present to the emergency department (ED) for mental health care and to describe the type of, and satisfaction with, follow-up mental health services accessed.

Methods

A 6-month to 1.5-year prospective cohort study was conducted in three Canadian pediatric EDs and one general ED, with a 1-month follow-up post-ED discharge. Measures included 1) clinician rating of mental health needs, 2) patient and caregiver self-reports of follow-up services, and 3) interviews regarding follow-up satisfaction. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and the Fisher’s exact test to compare sites.

Results

The cohort consisted of 373 children and youth (61.1% female; mean age 15.1 years, 1.5 standard deviation). The main reason for ED presentations was a mental health crisis. The three most frequent areas of need requiring action were mood (43.8%), suicide risk (37.4%), and parent-child relational problems (34.6%). During the ED visit, 21.6% of patients received medical clearance, 40.9% received a psychiatric consult, and 19.4% were admitted to inpatient psychiatric care. At the 1-month post-ED visit, 84.3% of patients/caregivers received mental health follow-up. Ratings of service recommendations were generally positive, as 60.9% of patients obtained the recommended follow-up care and 13.9% were wait-listed.

Conclusions

Children and youth and their families presenting to the ED with mental health needs had substantial clinical morbidity, were connected with services, were satisfied with their ED visit, and accessed follow-up care within 1-month with some variability.
Ergodic boundary representations
Authors: BOYER A. , LINK G. , PITTET CH.
Published: December 2017

We prove a von Neumann-type ergodic theorem for averages of unitary operators arising from the Furstenberg–Poisson boundary representation (the quasi-regular representation) of any lattice in a non-compact connected semisimple Lie group with finite center.
A necessary and sufficient condition for a matrix equilibrium state to be mixing
Authors: MORRIS IAN D.
Published: December 2017

Since the 1970s there has been a rich theory of equilibrium states over shift spaces associated to Hölder-continuous real-valued potentials. The construction of equilibrium states associated to matrix-valued potentials is much more recent, with a complete description of such equilibrium states being achieved by Feng and Käenmäki [Equilibrium states of the pressure function for products of matrices.Discrete Contin. Dyn. Syst.30(3) (2011), 699–708]. In a recent article [Ergodic properties of matrix equilibrium states.Ergod. Th. & Dynam. Sys.(2017), to appear] the author investigated the ergodic-theoretic properties of these matrix equilibrium states, attempting in particular to give necessary and sufficient conditions for mixing, positive entropy, and the property of being a Bernoulli measure with respect to the natural partition, in terms of the algebraic properties of the semigroup generated by the matrices. Necessary and sufficient conditions were successfully established for the latter two properties, but only a sufficient condition for mixing was given. The purpose of this note is to complete that investigation by giving a necessary and sufficient condition for a matrix equilibrium state to be mixing.
Purely infinite labeled graph -algebras
Authors: JEONG JA A , KANG EUN JI , PARK GI HYUN
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we consider pure infiniteness of generalized Cuntz–Krieger algebras associated to labeled spaces $(E,{\mathcal{L}},{\mathcal{E}})$. It is shown that a $C^{\ast }$-algebra $C^{\ast }(E,{\mathcal{L}},{\mathcal{E}})$ is purely infinite in the sense that every non-zero hereditary subalgebra contains an infinite projection (we call this property (IH)) if $(E,{\mathcal{L}},{\mathcal{E}})$ is disagreeable and every vertex connects to a loop. We also prove that under the condition analogous to (K) for usual graphs, $C^{\ast }(E,{\mathcal{L}},{\mathcal{E}})=C^{\ast }(p_{A},s_{a})$ is purely infinite in the sense of Kirchberg and Rørdam if and only if every generating projection $p_{A}$, $A\in {\mathcal{E}}$, is properly infinite, and also if and only if every quotient of $C^{\ast }(E,{\mathcal{L}},{\mathcal{E}})$ has property (IH).
Factors promoting and inhibiting sustained impact of a mental health task-shifting program for HIV providers in Ethiopia
Authors: Jerene D. , Biru M. , Teklu A. , Rehman T. , Ruff A. , Wissow L.
Published: December 2017

Background.

Task-shifting mental health into general medical care requires more than brief provider training. Generalists need long-term support to master new skills and changes to work context are required to sustain change in the face of competing priorities. We examined program and context factors promoting sustainability of a mental health task-shifting training for hospital-based HIV providers in Ethiopia.

Methods.

Convergent mixed-methods quasi-experimental study. Sustained impact was measured by trained/not-trained provider differences in case detection and management 16 months following the end of formal support. Factors related to sustainability were examined through interviews with trained providers.

Results.

Extent of sustained impact: Trained providers demonstrated modest but better agreement with standardized screeners (greater sensitivity with similar specificity). They were more likely to request that patients with mental health problems return to see them v. making a referral. Factors promoting sustainability (reported in semi-structured interviews): provider belief that the treatments they had learned were effective. New interactions with on-site mental health staff were a source of ongoing learning and encouragement. Factors diminishing sustainability: providers feelings of isolation when mental health partners left for work elsewhere, failure to incorporate mental health indicators into administrative data, to re-stock staff education materials, and to build formal mechanisms for generalist-mental health staff interaction.

Conclusions.

An intervention seen as feasible and effective, and promotion of relationships across professional lines, helped generalists sustain new skills. Failure to address key system context issues made use of the skills unsustainable as external supports ended.
How Party Systems Shape Local–National Gender Gaps
Authors: Fortin-Rittberger Jessica , Eder Christina , Kroeber Corinna , Marent Vanessa
Published: December 2017

Women’s representation is highest in local assemblies in some countries, while others display the largest share of female office-holders at the national level. Drawing on a new data set mapping the representation of women at all four levels of government in Germany during the 2000s, we argue that differences in party system configurations across echelons explain these distinct patterns and provide evidence for this claim. We show that left-wing parties, the main source of female office-holders, perform better at higher echelons, while minor parties and independent representatives, which favour male candidacy, win more seats at the lowest levels of government.
Attending to adult ADHD: a review of the neurobiology behind adult ADHD
Authors: Alexander L. , Farrelly N.
Published: December 2017

Background

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common disorder in childhood, which progresses to adulthood in about a fifth of cases. For various reasons, adult ADHD is a disorder not comprehensively assessed by psychiatrists, not least because the biological underpinnings are only recently being unmasked.

Aims

This selective review targets psychiatrists without a background in neuroscience and aims to describe the neurobiological basis of ADHD.

Methods

In total, 40 articles from a PubMed search were selected for inclusion based on sample population and methodology (neuroimaging studies). Studies focussing on adult participants were selected preferentially for inclusion. Seminal articles relevant to childhood populations were included for the purpose of understanding general concepts around ADHD.

Results

The neuropathology of ADHD is not rooted in a single anatomical area, but in multiple parallel and intersecting pathways, which have demonstrated impaired functional connectivity in ADHD brains. Dysfunction in executive function, reward processing, attention networks and default networks play major roles in the neuropathology of this condition. Biological findings vary between individuals, with some showing greater dysfunction at cortical levels and others at subcortical levels, which is in keeping with its clinical heterogeneity.

Conclusion

Improved symptomatology in adulthood is linked to a number of factors. Maturation of the prefrontal cortex in early adulthood contributes to symptom attenuation in many cases, meaning that individuals with cortical dysfunction are more likely to grow out of symptoms, whereas individuals with subcortical dysfunction may be less likely to do so. There is emerging evidence for a similar but distinct disorder arisingde novoin adulthood.
Motion Model and Speed Control of the Cross-Stream Active Mooring System for Tracking Short-Term Meandering to Maximize Ocean Current Power Generation
Authors: Tsao C. C. , Feng A. H.
Published: December 2017

This paper analyzes the speed of lateral movement of the Cross-stream Active Mooring (CSAM) system in an ocean current and its control methods in order to study the system's capability of tracking short term meandering of ocean currents for maximizing power generation capacity. The CSAM concept for marine current power features a hydro sail system that can deploy generator turbines transversely across streams in a marine current. The hydro sail system can further adjust the horizontal position of the turbines, by changing the angle of attack of the hydro sail, to actively track fast streams in the marine current to increase power generation capacity. A two-step motion model with analytical formulas was developed and analysis based on mechanics indicated that the simplified model is adequate to estimate the system speed. Using an example system, it was estimated that the proposed active mooring system is capable of matching typical lateral speed of short term meandering and tracking fast streams in an ocean current without any external propulsion other than controlling the angle of attack of the hydro sails. Methods of controlling the system speed of moving from one location to another were also developed.
Analytical Study of Delamination in Multilayered Two-Dimensional Functionally Graded Non-Linear Elastic Beams
Authors: Rizov V. I.
Published: December 2017

The present paper is focused on the delamination fracture in a multilayered two-dimensional functionally graded beam configuration which exhibits non-linear behavior of the material. The beam is loaded by two longitudinal forces applied at the beam free ends. The beam contains a delamination crack which is located symmetrically with respect to the beam mid-span. The delamination is studied analytically in terms of the strain energy release rate. TheJ-integral approach is applied for verification of the analysis of the strain energy release rate. The solution derived is valid for a beam made of an arbitrary number of layers. It is assumed that each layer has individual thickness and material properties. Also, the material is two-dimensional functionally graded in the cross-section of each layer. The solution obtained can be applied for a delamination crack located arbitrary along the height of the beam cross-section. It is shown that the solution is very convenient for investigating the influences of material gradients and crack location on the delamination fracture behavior. The results obtained can be used for optimization of multilayered two-dimensional functionally graded structural members and components with respect to their delamination fracture performance.
Three Dimensional MHD Ferrous Nanofluid Flow Over a Sheet of Variable Thickness in Slip Flow Regime
Authors: Kumar R. , Raju C. S. K. , Sekhar K. R. , Reddy G. V.
Published: December 2017

In the present paper, we analyzed the effects of magnetic field on the three dimensional flow of a nanofluid having the suspension of ferrous nano-particles within the framework of a non-uniformly thicked sheet in a slip flow regime. The sheet of variable thickness is assumed to be stretched in horizontal and transverse directions. The effects of thermophoretic forces and Brownian motion have also been incorporated into the governing equations. The RK-Fehlberg-integration scheme with shooting technique is employed to resolve the altered governing non-linear differential equations. Velocity, temperature and concentration profiles are presented and discussed for two cases namely uniform thickness stretching sheet UTSS (n = 1) and variable thickness stretching sheet VTSS (n ≠ 1), and skin friction coefficient, reduced Nusselt number and Sherwood number are computed and analyzed through tables. The results reveal that heat and mass transfer processes over slendering sheet matches with those over a flat sheet in the presence of slip flow regime.
Thriving at work as a mediator of the relationship between workplace support and life satisfaction
Authors: Zhai Qingguo , Wang Saifang , Weadon Helen
Published: December 2017

Conservation of resources theory is employed to examine the effect of workplace support on thriving at work and the mediation of thriving at work on the workplace support and life satisfaction relationship using data on white-collar workers in China. We find that workplace support is positively related to thriving at work and thriving at work is positively related to life satisfaction. We also find that thriving at work fully mediates the relationship between life satisfaction and supervisor support, while the relationship between life satisfaction and coworker support is partially mediated by thriving at work. Consistent with the COR caravan and spillover hypothesis, we conclude that thriving at work is a mechanism that transmits the positive effects of workplace support on life satisfaction. The research findings suggest that an increase in workplace support can benefit both individuals and organizations by improving individuals’ thriving at work and life satisfaction.