bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A vast amount of various invariant tori in the Nosé-Hoover oscillator
Authors: Wang Lei , Yang Xiao-Song
Published: December 2015

This letter restudies the Nosé-Hoover oscillator. Some new averagely conservative regions are found, each of which is filled with different sequences of nested tori with various knot types. Especially, the dynamical behaviors near the border of “chaotic region” and conservative regions are studied showing that there exist more complicated and thinner invariant tori around the boundaries of conservative regions bounded by tori. Our results suggest an infinite number of island chains in a “chaotic sea” for the Nosé-Hoover oscillator.
Generation of heralded single photons beyond 1100 nm by spontaneous four-wave mixing in a side-stressed femtosecond laser-written waveguide
Authors: Yan Zhizhong , Duan Yuwen , Helt L. G. , Ams Martin , Withford Michael J. , Steel M. J.
Published: December 2015

We demonstrate a monolithically integrable heralded photon source in a femtosecond laser direct written glass waveguide. The generation of photon pairs with a wide wavelength separation requires a concomitant large birefringence in the normal dispersion regime. Here, by incorporation of side-stress tracks, we produce a waveguide with a birefringence of 1.64×10−4 and propagation loss as low as 0.21 dB/cm near 980 nm. We measure photon pairs with 300 nm wavelength separation at an internal generation rate exceeding 5.05×106/s. The second order correlations indicate that the generated photon pairs are in a strongly non-classical regime.
Effect of top gate bias on photocurrent and negative bias illumination stress instability in dual gate amorphous indium-gallium-zinc oxide thin-film transistor
Authors: Lee Eunji , Chowdhury Md Delwar Hossain , Park Min Sang , Jang Jin
Published: December 2015

We have studied the effect of top gate bias (VTG) on the generation of photocurrent and the decay of photocurrent for back channel etched inverted staggered dual gate structure amorphous indium-gallium-zinc-oxide (a-IGZO) thin-film-transistors. Upon 5 min of exposure of 365 nm wavelength and 0.7 mW/cm2 intensity light with negative bottom gate bias, the maximum photocurrent increases from 3.29 to 322 pA with increasing the VTG from −15 to +15 V. By changing VTG from negative to positive, the Fermi level (EF) shifts toward conduction band edge (EC), which substantially controls the conversion of neutral vacancy to charged one (VO → VO+/VO2+ + e−/2e−), peroxide (O22−) formation or conversion of ionized interstitial (Oi2−) to neutral interstitial (Oi), thus electron concentration at conduction band. With increasing the exposure time, more carriers are generated, and thus, maximum photocurrent increases until being saturated. After negative bias illumination stress, the transfer curve shows −2.7 V shift at VTG = −15 V, which gradually decreases to −0.42 V shift at VTG = +15 V. It clearly reveals that the position of electron quasi-Fermi level controls the formation of donor defects (VO+/VO2+/O22−/Oi) and/or hole trapping in the a-IGZO /interfaces.
Band energy control of molybdenum oxide by surface hydration
Authors: Butler Keith T. , Crespo-Otero Rachel , Buckeridge John , Scanlon David O. , Bovill Edward , Lidzey David , Walsh Aron
Published: December 2015

The application of oxide buffer layers for improved carrier extraction is ubiquitous in organic electronics. However, the performance is highly susceptible to processing conditions. Notably, the interface stability and electronic structure is extremely sensitive to the uptake of ambient water. In this study we use density functional theory calculations to asses the effects of adsorbed water on the electronic structure of MoOx, in the context of polymer-fullerene solar cells based on PCDTBT. We obtain excellent agreement with experimental values of the ionization potential for pristine MoO3 (010). We find that IP and EA values can vary by as much as 2.5 eV depending on the oxidation state of the surface and that adsorbed water can either increase or decrease the IP and EA depending on the concentration of surface water.
Polymer stabilization of the smectic C-alpha* liquid crystal phase—Over tenfold thermal stabilization by confining networks of photo-polymerized reactive mesogens
Authors: Labeeb A. , Gleeson H. F. , Hegmann T.
Published: December 2015

The smectic C*-alpha (SmCα*) phase is one of the sub-phases of ferroelectric liquid crystals that has drawn much interest due to its electro-optical properties and ultrafast switching. Generally observed above the ferroelectric SmC* phase in temperature, the SmCα* commonly shows only very narrow phase temperature range of a few degree Celsius. To broaden the SmCα* phase, polymer stabilization was investigated for thermal phase stabilization. Two different reactive monomers were tested in three mixtures, and all three broadened the temperature range of the SmCα* phase from 3 °C to 39 °C. The current reversal method was used to determine the phase existence versus temperature. Moreover, the texture and network structure was studied by polarized optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, with the latter revealing the confinement of the smectic layer structure within the porous polymer network.
Measurements of Schottky barrier at the low-k SiOC:H/Cu interface using vacuum ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy
Authors: Guo X. , Pei D. , Zheng H. , King S. W. , Lin Y.-H. , Fung H.-S. , Chen C.-C. , Nishi Y. , Shohet J. L.
Published: December 2015

The band alignment between copper interconnects and their low-k interlayer dielectrics is critical to understanding the fundamental mechanisms involved in electrical leakage in low-k/Cu interconnects. In this work, vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) photoemission spectroscopy is utilized to determine the potential of the Schottky barrier present at low-k a-SiOC:H/Cu interfaces. By examining the photoemission spectra before and after VUV exposure of a low-k a-SiOC:H (k = 3.3) thin film fabricated by plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor deposition on a polished Cu substrate, it was found that photons with energies of 4.9 eV or greater can deplete accumulated charge in a-SiOC:H films, while VUV photons with energies of 4.7 eV or less, did not have this effect. These critical values were identified to relate the electric potential of the interface barrier between the a-SiOC:H and the Cu layers. Using this method, the Schottky barrier at the low-k a-SiOC:H (k = 3.3)/Cu interface was determined to be 4.8 ± 0.1 eV.
Study on collapse and folding transitions of a lattice protein using exact enumeration
Authors: Lee Jae Hwan , Kim Seung-Yeon , Lee Julian
Published: December 2015

We study the conformational transitions of proteins by using the hydrophobic-polar (HP) model on a square lattice. In contrast with previous studies that relied on sampling techniques, we conducted an exhaustive enumeration of all possible conformations to obtain the density of states so that exact physical quantities could be computed. We study the conformational transitions of three sequences with varying lengths and observe both the collapse and folding transitions. The transitions exhibit distinct characteristics that depend on the sequence.
Seals (Pinnipedia) at Norfolk Island, south-west Pacific
Authors: Shaughnessy Peter D. , Christian Margaret
Published: December 2015

Five seals were observed at Norfolk Island (29°S, 168°E) between 2000 and 2013. Two have been identified as Arctocephalus forsteri on the basis of photographs, a juvenile or weaned pup that weighed 9.5 kg and a subadult male. The nearest known aggregation of these fur seals is at Three Kings Islands (34°S, 172°E), 700 km to the south-east. Because New Zealand fur seals are increasing in abundance in New Zealand and Australia, sightings of vagrant fur seals at Norfolk Island are likely to increase.
A missing ethical competency? A review of critical reflection in health promotion
Authors: Tretheway Rebecca , Taylor Jane , O'Hara Lily , Percival Nikki
Published: December 2015

Issue addressed

There is increasing emphasis in the health promotion literature on the ethical imperative for the profession to move towards critical practice. A key challenge for health promotion is that critical practice appears both under‐developed and under‐practiced. This is evident in the omission of critical reflection from Australian and international competencies for health promotion practitioners.

Methods

A narrative literature review was undertaken to explore the current use of critical reflection in health promotion. Critical reflection models relevant to health promotion were identified and critiqued.

Results

There was a dearth of literature on critical reflection within health promotion, despite recognition of its potential to support critical practice. The discipline of critical social work provided literature on the use, effect and outcome of critical reflection in practice. The interdisciplinary critical reflection model was identified as the model most applicable to health promotion. Underpinned by critical theory, this model emphasises both critical and ethical practice.

Conclusions

Critical reflection is a core competency for health promotion practitioners to address the ethical imperative to move towards critical practice. There is a need to explore the application of a critical reflection model in health promotion to determine how it may support critical and ethical practice.
How water level management affects cladoceran assemblages in lakes lateral to a reservoir
Authors: Debastiani-Júnior José Roberto , Nogueira Marcos Gomes
Published: December 2015

This study analysed the effects of induced water level depletion for macrophyte control in a tropical reservoir on the cladoceran fauna of two differentially connected lateral lakes. One lake, Pedra Branca, is located in the right margin and has a narrow connection to the main river–reservoir channel as well as a higher proportion of submerged macrophytes. On the opposite margin is Lake Guaritá, which is shallower and has a wider connection. Samples were collected over 16 consecutive months, including periods before, during and after depletion. Both lakes showed closely related trends in depth, pH, DO, conductivity, chlorophyll, temperature, suspended matter, phosphorus, nitrogen, silicate and ammonium variation, although a wider amplitude in variation was observed in Pedra Branca. This lake also had higher cladoceran diversity and a predominance of Chydoridae, whereas Bosminidae prevailed in Guaritá. Depletion caused a reduction in richness and an increase of Bosminidae in both lakes, although this was more pronounced in Pedra Branca. The management moderately affected both lakes but continuous application of this procedure may lead to a shift in the system steady-state and a loss of diversity that could be difficult to reverse.
Community structure of deep-water decapod crustaceans below the oxygen minimum zone in the south-east Gulf of California and analysis of environmental drivers
Authors: Papiol Vanesa , Hendrickx Michel E.
Published: December 2015

Despite the ecological importance of decapod crustaceans in energy transfer in marine ecosystems, little is known on their distribution below oxygen minimum zones (OMZs). To understand the spatio-temporal dynamics of benthic and benthopelagic decapod crustaceans living below the OMZ cores, four seasonal oceanographic and sledge surveys were performed in the south-east Gulf of California at depths between 730 and 2250m. Multivariate analyses indicate the existence of three major depth-related assemblages at: 800–1000, 1000–1200 and >1200m (mean trawl depth). Benthic detritivores dominated between 800 and 1000m and benthopelagic (i.e. swimming) predators dominated deeper, where dissolved oxygen (DO) values were higher. Assemblages comprised the same species throughout the year, but aggregations of smaller organisms were observed in June. DO significantly controlled the distribution of decapod crustaceans, likely through physiological exclusion of swimming species from hypoxic waters. Besides, the combined effects of DO and temperature contributed to defining the depth ranges occupied by each species. Food derived from surface-water production modulated changes in community parameters with different time lags in the different depth-related assemblages. These findings demonstrate the vulnerability of bathyal communities to the global pattern of OMZ expansion.
Photobiology of the zoanthid Zoanthus sociatus in intertidal and subtidal habitats
Authors: Leal Miguel C. , Cruz Igor C. S. , Mendes Carlos R. , Calado Ricardo , Kikuchi Ruy K. P. , Rosa Rui , Soares Amadeu M. V. M. , Serôdio João , Rocha Rui J. M.
Published: December 2015

Intertidal environments are boundaries between marine and terrestrial ecosystems that are subject to rapid fluctuations across tidal cycles. This study investigates, for the first time, the photobiology of symbiotic zoanthids inhabiting different tidal environments: subtidal, intertidal pools and intertidal areas exposed to air during low tide. More specifically, we assessed the photochemical efficiency, Symbiodinium density and photosynthetic pigments profile of Zoanthus sociatus during low tide. Photochemical efficiency was lower and cell density higher in air exposed zoanthids. The profile of photosynthetic pigments also varied significantly among tidal habitats, particularly photoprotective pigments such as dinoxanthin and diadinoxanthin. Differences were also observed for the pigment content per cell, but the proportion of particular pigments (peridinin/chlorophyll-a and diatoxanthin+diadinoxanthin/chlorophyll-a) remained stable. Results suggest that aerial exposure conditions induce reversible downregulation of photochemical processes but no photophysiological impairment or bleaching. These findings provide a baseline for future studies addressing the prevalence of these overlooked cnidarians in environmentally dynamic reef flats.
The need for a comprehensive reassessment of the Regional Forest Agreements in Australia
Authors: Lindenmayer David B. , Blair David , McBurney Lachlan , Banks Sam C.
Published: December 2015

Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs) are State–Federal agreements underpinning the management of the majority of Australia’s commercially productive native forests. Introduced between 1997 and 2001, they were designed to deliver certainty to forest industries while, simultaneously, guaranteeing environmental protection, including the conservation of biodiversity. Using examples, we argue that RFAs in some jurisdictions have failed to do either. We strongly recommend a comprehensive reassessment of RFAs. This is needed to: (1) take into account significant new knowledge on forest ecology and management that has been gathered in the past 20 years, including updated prognoses for some critically endangered species; (2) better evaluate the full range of wood and non-wood products and services provided by forests; (3) accommodate new methods of forest inventory and more environmentally sensitive silvicultural systems; and (4) better account for the impacts of natural disturbances, such as fires, on the area available for logging, sustained yield, and forest ecosystem integrity per se. Without a substantial overhaul of the RFAs, there is a significant risk of undervaluing the full range of native forest values, exacerbating species declines, and permanently damaging forest ecosystems.
Information and Veridicality: Information Processing and the Bar-Hillel/Carnap Paradox
Authors: Fresco Nir , Michael Michaelis
Published: December 2015

Floridi’s Theory of Strongly Semantic Information posits the Veridicality Thesis (i.e., information is true). One motivation is that it can serve as a foundation for information-based epistemology being an alternative to the tripartite theory of knowledge. However, the Veridicality thesis is false, if ‘information’ is to play an explanatory role in human cognition. Another motivation is avoiding the so-called Bar-Hillel/Carnap paradox (i.e., any contradiction is maximally informative). But this paradox only seems paradoxical, if (a) ‘information’ and ‘informativeness’ are synonymous, (b) logic is a theory of inference, or (c) validity suffices for rational inference; a, b, and c are false.
Causally Interpreting Intersectionality Theory
Authors: Bright Liam Kofi , Malinsky Daniel , Thompson Morgan
Published: December 2015

Social scientists report difficulties in drawing out testable predictions from the literature on intersectionality theory. We alleviate that difficulty by showing that some characteristic claims of the intersectionality literature can be interpreted causally. The formalism of graphical causal modeling allows claims about the causal effects of occupying intersecting identity categories to be clearly represented and submitted to empirical testing. After outlining this causal interpretation of intersectional theory, we address some concerns that have been expressed in the literature claiming that membership in demographic categories can have causal effects.
Can Free Evidence Be Bad? Value of Information for the Imprecise Probabilist
Authors: Bradley Seamus , Steele Katie
Published: December 2015

This article considers a puzzling conflict between two positions that are each compelling: (a) it is irrational for an agent to pay to avoid ‘free’ evidence, and (b) rational agents may have imprecise beliefs. An important aspect of responding to this conflict is resolving the question of how rational (imprecise) agents ought to make sequences of decisions—we make explicit what the key alternatives are and defend our own approach. We endorse a resolution of the aforementioned puzzle—we privilege decision theories that merely permit avoiding free evidence over decision theories that make avoiding free information obligatory.
Galileo’s Gauge: Understanding the Empirical Significance of Gauge Symmetry
Authors: Teh Nicholas J.
Published: December 2015

This article investigates and resolves the question whether gauge symmetry can display analogs of the famous Galileo’s ship scenario. In doing so, it builds on and clarifies the work of Greaves and Wallace (“Empirical Consequences of Symmetries”) on this subject.
The Curious Case of Ethiopic Chaldean: Fraud, Philology, and Cultural (Mis)Understanding in European Conceptions of Ethiopia
Authors: Kelly Samantha
Published: December 2015

An intriguing mystery in early modern intellectual history is how and why European scholars came to designate Ethiopic, the sacred language of Ethiopia, as Chaldean. This article locates the designation’s origins in a deduction made by Vatican library personnel, partially inspired by a hoax perpetrated a quarter-century earlier. It then traces the influence of this designation on the progress of historical linguistics, where theories defending the appellation of Ethiopic as Chaldean, although often erroneous, nevertheless contributed to the accurate categorization of Ethiopic as a Semitic language, and on attitudes to Ethiopian Christianity that played a role in Catholic-Protestant polemic.
Rhetorical Delivery for Renaissance English: Voice, Gesture, Emotion, and the Sixteenth-Century Vernacular Turn
Authors: Wesley John
Published: December 2015

In the sixteenth century, perceptions of the English language changed from one of barbaric inadequacy to that of rare eloquence. Accounts for this shift tend to focus on literary or textual production, but this essay shows how these very linguistic concerns were motivated by the nonlinguistic practices appropriate to Latin rhetorical delivery(pronuntiatio et actio). The emotional contagion, legitimization of the inarticulate, cultural contextualization, and overcoming of natural physical defects that all stand at the heart of delivery here situate vernacular uplift at the corporeal level. The essay ends with an illustrative reading of William Shakespeare’sTitus Andronicus.
Calibration of surface roughness standards
Authors: Thalmann R , Nicolet A , Meli F , Picotto G B , Matus M , Carcedo L , Hemming B , Ganioglu O , De Chiffre L , Saraiva F , Bergstrand S , Zelenika S , Tonmueanwai A , Tsai C -L , Shihua W , Kruger O , de Souza M M , Salgado J A , Ramotowski Z
Published: December 2015

The key comparison EURAMET.L-K8.2013 on roughness was carried out in the framework of a EURAMET project starting in 2013 and ending in 2015. It involved the participation of 17 National Metrology Institutes from Europe, Asia, South America and Africa representing four regional metrology organisations. Five surface texture standards of different type were circulated and on each of the standards several roughness parameters according to the standard ISO 4287 had to be determined. 32 out of 395 individual results were not consistent with the reference value. After some corrective actions the number of inconsistent results could be reduced to 20, which correspond to about 5% of the total and can statistically be expected. In addition to the material standards, two softgauges were circulated, which allow to test the software of the instruments used in the comparison. The comparison results help to support the calibraton and measurement capabilities (CMCs) of the laboratories involved in the CIPM MRA.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCL, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Comparison APMP.QM-S2.1: oxygen in nitrogen at atmospheric level
Authors: Kim B M , Kim K , Jung J , Oh S , Hui L , Li H , Keat T B , Ann C H
Published: December 2015

This document describes results of the bilateral comparison of an oxygen in nitrogen gas mixture. The nominal amount-of-substance fraction was 0.2 mol/mol oxygen in nitrogen

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Variational and optimal control representations of conditioned and driven processes
Authors: Chetrite Raphaël , Touchette Hugo
Published: December 2015

We have shown recently that a Markov process conditioned on rare events involving time-integrated random variables can be described in the long-time limit by an effective Markov process, called the driven process, which is given mathematically by a generalization of Doob’s h-transform. We show here that this driven process can be represented in two other ways: first, as a process satisfying various variational principles involving large deviation functions and relative entropies and, second, as an optimal stochastic control process minimizing a cost function also related to large deviation functions. These interpretations of the driven process generalize and unify many previous results on maximum entropy approaches to nonequilibrium systems, spectral characterizations of positive operators, and control approaches to large deviation theory. They also lead, as briefly discussed, to new methods for analytically or numerically approximating large deviation functions.
Long-Term Changes in Blood Pressure After Pediatric Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Stabouli Stella , Printza Nikoleta , Dotis John , Gkogka Chrysa , Kollios Konstantinos , Kotsis Vasilios , Papachristou Fotios
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

Hypertension presents high prevalence rates following kidney transplantation (Tx). The aims of the present study were to investigate the prevalence and possible risk factors for hypertension and blood pressure (BP) control over time after pediatric kidney Tx, as well as to assess possible effects of hypertension on graft survival.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of all pediatric kidney recipients followed up in our pediatric nephrology department. Hypertension was defined as systolic and/or diastolic BP greater than the 95th percentile for age and sex, or as being on antihypertensive medication. BP control was defined as normotension while on antihypertensive medication.

RESULTS

The study population included 74 pediatric kidney recipients (median age 11 years). The prevalence of hypertension was found 77% before Tx, 82.4%, 71.7%, and 61% at 1, 5, and 10 years after Tx, respectively. Deceased donor Tx and pre-transplant hypertension on antihypertensive medication were significant risk factors for hypertension after kidney Tx over the follow-up period. BP control among patients on antihypertensive treatment was 16.7% before Tx, 43.8%, 66.7%, and 42.9% at 1, 5, and 10 years post-Tx, respectively. Hypertensive patients at 10 years post-Tx had 8.079 times higher hazard of graft loss compared to normotensives (95% CI 1.561–41.807, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Hypertension remains a frequent complication in pediatric kidney recipients even years after kidney Tx. BP control by antihypertensive treatment is unsatisfactory in about half of the patients. The adverse effects of hypertension on graft survival may appear in the long-term.
Existential distress among caregivers of patients with brain tumors: a review of the literature
Authors: Applebaum Allison J. , Kryza-Lacombe Maria , Buthorn Justin , DeRosa Antonio , Corner Geoff , Diamond Eli L.
Published: December 2015

Background

Attention to existential needs is a component of comprehensive oncologic care, and understanding these needs among informal caregivers of patients with brain tumors is necessary to provide them with comprehensive psychosocial care. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize the literature on existential distress experienced by these informal caregivers to inform the development of psychotherapeutic interventions for this population.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted using electronic medical databases. Studies that examined any element of existential distress among informal caregivers of patients with brain tumors were included. A final sample of 35 articles was reviewed.

Results

Six existential themes emerged: identity; isolation; responsibility and guilt; death anxiety; deriving meaning and personal growth; and spirituality and religion. The unique existential experience of parenting a patient with a brain tumor also emerged. Existential distress in all areas was identified as experienced early in the cancer trajectory and as a critical, unmet need.

Conclusions

Existential distress is well documented among informal caregivers of patients with brain tumors and is a significant driving force of burden. Awareness and acknowledgement of this distress, as well as interventions to ameliorate this suffering, are needed. More candid communication between health care providers and caregivers about brain tumor prognosis and caregivers' existential distress may improve their psychosocial outcomes.
Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of Propionibacterium acnes Prosthetic Shoulder Infections in Adults
Authors: Piggott Damani A. , Higgins Yvonne M. , Melia Michael T. , Ellis Brandon , Carroll Karen C. , McFarland Edward G. , Auwaerter Paul G.
Published: December 2015

Background.  Prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) significantly complicate joint arthroplasties. Propionibacterium acnes is an increasingly recognized PJI pathogen, yet limited clinical and therapeutic data exist. We sought to examine characteristics of P. acnes shoulder PJIs and compare surgical and nonsurgical management outcomes.

Methods.  A retrospective analysis of P. acnes shoulder PJIs was conducted at an academic center in Baltimore, Maryland from 2000 to 2013.

Results.  Of 24 cases of P. acnes shoulder PJIs, 92% were diagnosed after extended culture implementation; 42% in the delayed and 46% in the late postsurgical period. Joint pain and diminished function were the predominant presenting clinical signs. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein elevations occurred in 47% and 44%, respectively. All tested isolates were susceptible to β-lactams, moxifloxacin, vancomycin, and rifampin. Clindamycin resistance was identified in 6%. Of the antibiotic-only treated cases, 67% had a favorable clinical outcome compared with 71% (P = 1.0) of cases with a combined antibiotic-surgical approach. Favorable outcome with and without rifampin therapy was 73% and 60% (P = .61), respectively.

Conclusions.  Propionibacterium acnes PJI diagnoses increased with extended culture. Inflammatory markers were elevated in a minority of cases. Isolates maintained broad antimicrobial susceptibility. Compared to combined antibiotic-surgical approaches, antibiotic-only approaches were similarly successful in selected cases.
Cytomegalovirus Seroprevalence Among Children and Adolescents in Germany: Data From the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS), 2003–2006
Authors: Voigt Sebastian , Schaffrath Rosario Angelika , Mankertz Annette
Published: December 2015

Background.  Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can cause severe birth defects. The majority of children with congenital CMV are born to CMV-seropositive women; however, transmission from mother to fetus and resulting defects are more likely to occur when mothers experience seroconversion during pregnancy. The objective of this study was to provide a population-based estimate of CMV seropositivity and to identify factors that correlate with the detection of CMV-immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies.

Methods.  Cytomegalovirus-specific IgG antibodies were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 13 876 serum samples from children and adolescents (aged 1–17 years). Cytomegalovirus seroprevalence was correlated with children's age, gender, migration background, country of origin, place of birth, socioeconomic status, breast feeding, daycare attendance, order and number of siblings, and residence in East versus West Germany.

Results.  Age-adjusted seroprevalence was 27.4% (95% confidence interval, 25.8–29.0). Cytomegalovirus seroprevalence increased with age (21.5% at ages 1–2; 32.0% at ages 14–17). Cytomegalovirus seropositivity was significantly associated with migration background, country of origin and place of birth, and (among migrants only) with low socioeconomic status. Risk factors for CMV acquisition included the birth order of siblings, breastfeeding, early daycare attendance, and living in East Germany.

Conclusions.  In Germany, CMV seroprevalence increases with age, irrespective of gender. These data highlight risk factors associated with seroprevalence and help to identify a target age for the application of a CMV vaccine.
Large-scale CO (J = 4–3) mapping toward the Orion-A giant molecular cloud
Authors: Ishii Shun , Seta Masumichi , Nagai Makoto , Miyamoto Yusuke , Nakai Naomasa , Nagasaki Taketo , Arai Hitoshi , Imada Hiroaki , Miyagawa Naoki , Maezawa Hiroyuki , Maehashi Hideki , Bronfman Leonardo , Finger Ricardo
Published: December 2015

We have mapped the Orion-A giant molecular cloud in the CO (J = 4–3) line with the Tsukuba 30 cm submillimeter telescope. The map covered a 7.125 deg2 area with a 9′ resolution, including main components of the cloud such as the Orion Nebula, OMC-2/3, and L1641-N. The most intense emission was detected toward the Orion KL region. The integrated intensity ratio between CO (J = 4–3) and CO (J = 1–0) was derived using data from the Columbia–Universidad de Chile CO survey, which was carried out with a comparable angular resolution. The ratio was r4−3/1−0 ∼ 0.2 in the southern region of the cloud and 0.4–0.8 at star forming regions. We found a trend that the ratio shows higher values at the edges of the cloud. In particular, the ratio at the northeastern edge of the cloud at (l, b) ≈ (208$_{.}^{\circ}$375, −19$_{.}^{\circ}$0) shows the highest value of 1.1. The physical condition of the molecular gas in the cloud was estimated by non-LTE calculation. The result indicates that the kinetic temperature has a gradient from north (Tkin = 80 K) to south (20 K). The estimation shows that the gas associated with the edge of the cloud is warm (Tkin ∼ 60 K), dense ($n_{\mathrm{H_2}}\sim 10^{4}\:$cm−3), and optically thin, which may be explained by heating and sweeping of interstellar materials from OB clusters.
Seasonal changes in the altitudinal distribution of nocturnally migrating birds during autumn migration
Authors: La Sorte Frank A. , Hochachka Wesley M. , Farnsworth Andrew , Sheldon Daniel , Van Doren Benjamin M. , Fink Daniel , Kelling Steve
Published: December 2015

Wind plays a significant role in the flight altitudes selected by nocturnally migrating birds. At mid-latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere, atmospheric conditions are dictated by the polar-front jet stream, whose amplitude increases in the autumn. One consequence for migratory birds is that the region’s prevailing westerly winds become progressively stronger at higher migration altitudes. We expect this seasonality in wind speed to result in migrants occupying progressively lower flight altitudes, which we test using density estimates of nocturnal migrants at 100 m altitudinal intervals from 12 weather surveillance radar stations located in the northeastern USA. Contrary to our expectations, median migration altitudes deviated little across the season, and the variance was lower during the middle of the season and higher during the beginning and especially the end of the season. Early-season migrants included small- to intermediate-sized long-distance migrants in the orders Charadriiformes and Passeriformes, and late-season migrants included large-bodied and intermediate-distance migrants in the order Anseriformes. Therefore, seasonality in the composition of migratory species, and related variation in migration strategies and behaviours, resulted in a convex–concave bounded distribution of migration altitudes. Our results provide a basis for assessing the implications for migratory bird populations of changes in mid-latitude atmospheric conditions probably occurring under global climate change.
From ratites to rats: the size of fleshy fruits shapes species' distributions and continental rainforest assembly
Authors: Rossetto Maurizio , Kooyman Robert , Yap Jia-Yee S. , Laffan Shawn W.
Published: December 2015

Seed dispersal is a key process in plant spatial dynamics. However, consistently applicable generalizations about dispersal across scales are mostly absent because of the constraints on measuring propagule dispersal distances for many species. Here, we focus on fleshy-fruited taxa, specifically taxa with large fleshy fruits and their dispersers across an entire continental rainforest biome. We compare species-level results of whole-chloroplast DNA analyses in sister taxa with large and small fruits, to regional plot-based samples (310 plots), and whole-continent patterns for the distribution of woody species with either large (more than 30 mm) or smaller fleshy fruits (1093 taxa). The pairwise genomic comparison found higher genetic distances between populations and between regions in the large-fruited species (
Endiandra globosa
), but higher overall diversity within the small-fruited species (
Endiandra discolor
). Floristic comparisons among plots confirmed lower numbers of large-fruited species in areas where more extreme rainforest contraction occurred, and re-colonization by small-fruited species readily dispersed by the available fauna. Species' distribution patterns showed that larger-fruited species had smaller geographical ranges than smaller-fruited species and locations with stable refugia (and high endemism) aligned with concentrations of large fleshy-fruited taxa, making them a potentially valuable conservation-planning indicator.
Drosophilalearn efficient paths to a food source
Authors: Navawongse Rapeechai , Choudhury Deepak , Raczkowska Marlena , Stewart James Charles , Lim Terrence , Rahman Mashiur , Toh Alicia Guek Geok , Wang Zhiping , Claridge-Chang Adam
Published: December 2015

Elucidating the genetic, and neuronal bases for learned behavior is a central problem in neuroscience. A leading system for neurogenetic discovery is the vinegar flyDrosophila melanogaster; fly memory research has identified genes and circuits that mediate aversive and appetitive learning. However, methods to study adaptive food-seeking behavior in this animal have lagged decades behind rodent feeding analysis, largely due to the challenges presented by their small scale. There is currently no method to dynamically control flies’ access to food. In rodents, protocols that use dynamic food delivery are a central element of experimental paradigms that date back to the influential work of Skinner. This method is still commonly used in the analysis of learning, memory, addiction, feeding, and many other subjects in experimental psychology. The difficulty of microscale food delivery means this is not a technique used in fly behavior. In the present manuscript we describe a microfluidic chip integrated with machine vision and automation to dynamically control defined liquid food presentations and sensory stimuli. Strikingly, repeated presentations of food at a fixed location produced improvements in path efficiency during food approach. This shows that improved path choice is a learned behavior. Active control of food availability using this microfluidic system is a valuable addition to the methods currently available for the analysis of learned feeding behavior in flies.
Modeling error in experimental assays using the bootstrap principle: Understanding discrepancies between assays using different dispensing technologies
Authors: Hanson Sonya M , Ekins Sean , Chodera John D
Published: December 2015

All experimental assay data contains error, but the magnitude, type, and primary origin of this error is often not obvious. Here, we describe a simple set of assay modeling techniques based on the bootstrap principle that allow sources of error and bias to be simulated and propagated into assay results. We demonstrate how deceptively simple operations---such as the creation of a dilution series with a robotic liquid handler---can significantly amplify imprecision and even contribute substantially to bias. To illustrate these techniques, we review an example of how the choice of dispensing technology can impact assay measurements, and show how large contributions to discrepancies between assays can be easily understood and potentially corrected for. These simple modeling techniques---illustrated with an accompanying IPython notebook---can allow modelers to understand the expected error and bias in experimental datasets, and even help experimentalists design assays to more effectively reach accuracy and imprecision goals.
Evolution and devolution: Scottish legislation relevant to people with intellectual disabilities within mental health and forensic services
Authors: Douds Fergus , Haut Fabian
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the evolution of legislation relevant to people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) since the Scottish Parliament came into being in 1999; this will be particularly relevant to practitioners working with people with IDs within mental health and forensic mental health services.

Design/methodology/approach

– A descriptive review of the relevant legislation, setting this out in the chronological order in which the legislation was enacted.

Findings

– The paper demonstrates that legislative reform is a dynamic and evolving process, responsive to social, political and legal agendas.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper is limited to a description of the relevant legislation in only one part of the UK (Scotland).

Practical implications

– A helpful summary of the relevant legislation is provided which should be of particular value to readers/practitioners from outwith Scotland.

Originality/value

– The paper provides an up to date account of the legislative reform in Scotland during the period 1999-2015.
Making a difference? Ten years of managing people with intellectual disability and forensic needs in the community
Authors: de Villiers Jana , Doyle Michael
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– Nationally community services for patients with intellectual disability and forensic needs are limited, and research to guide service development for this patient group with highly complex needs is sparse. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of referrals to and case management by the multi-agency Fife Forensic Learning Disability Service (FFLDS), including demographic data, treatment, risk assessments and outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

– All referrals received between 2004 and 2014 were reviewed to identify key demographic factors and to clarify the outcome of the referrals. Risks levels and presence of factors related to ongoing risk management were identified. For those accepted, final outcomes were noted.

Findings

– In total, 145 referrals were received by FFLDS between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2014. Of these 117 were accepted for ongoing case management. In total 106 patients were discharged from FFLDS over the review period, with the vast majority remaining in community settings. Patients were overwhelmingly male, with an age range of 16-79 (mean age of 30). Approximately half of referrals were from criminal justice agencies, and sexual and violent offences predominated. Alcohol and/or illicit substance use was problematic in 49 per cent of patients.

Research limitations/implications

– FFLDS needs to consider building links with Drug and Alcohol Services, for assistance in developing expertise in managing problematic alcohol and/or illicit substance use. Links with professionals working with female offenders may increase the rate of referral of female patients.

Originality/value

– Policy and legal frameworks emphasise the need to manage people with learning disabilities and forensic needs in the least restrictive environment possible. This paper provides information on a cohort of forensic patients over a ten-year period, including characteristics and outcomes, to inform the evaluation of these frameworks and the planning of both community and in-patient services for this patient group.
The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland – a unique and influential voice
Authors: McKay Colin , Welsh Heather
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the unique and independent role of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper takes the reader through the history of the Commission, its changing status, roles and responsibilities, its influence and impact, and current priorities. It is based on details of the Commission
'
s development, narrative from current employees and published investigations and advice.

Findings

– The Mental Welfare Commission has advanced significantly since its original establishment. It plays a vital role in protecting the human rights of people in Scotland with learning disabilities and mental illness, by visiting those who are in receipt of care or treatment, investigating situations of concern, providing advice and guidance, monitoring the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 and Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 and shaping relevant policy and legislation.

Originality/value

– This paper provides an introduction to the work of the Commission, which will be of value to readers in Scotland and beyond. It illustrates its importance in preserving the rights of individuals with learning disabilities and mental illness in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and other legislation.
An agent-based supplier selection framework
Authors: Jahani Alireza , Azmi Murad Masrah Azrifah , bin Sulaiman Md. Nasir , Selamat Mohd. Hasan
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose an approach that integrates three complementary perspectives, multi-agent systems, fuzzy logic and case-based reasoning. Unsatisfied customers, information overload and high uncertainty are the main challenges that are faced by today’s supply chains. In addition, a few existing agent-based approaches are tied to real-world supply chain functions like supplier selection. These approaches are static and do not adequately take the qualitative and quantitative factors into consideration. Therefore, an agent-based framework is needed to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposed approach integrates three complementary perspectives, multi-agent systems, fuzzy logic and case-based reasoning, as a common framework. These perspectives were rarely used together as a common framework in previous studies. Furthermore, an exploratory case study in an office furniture company is undertaken to illustrate the value of the framework.

Findings

– The proposed agent-based framework evaluates supply offers based on customers’ preferences, recommends alternative products in the case of stock-out and provides a collaborative environment among agents who represent different supply chain entities. The proposed fuzzy case-based reasoning (F-CBR) approach reduces the information overload by organizing them into the relevant cases that causes less overall search between cases. In addition, its fuzzy aspect addresses the high uncertainty of supply chains, especially when there are different customers’ orders with different preferences.

Research limitations/implications

– The present study does not include the functions of inventory management and negotiation between agents. Furthermore, only the case description and case retrieval phases of the case-based reasoning approach are investigated, and the remaining phases like case retaining, case reusing and case revising are not included in the scope of this paper.

Originality/value

– This framework balances the interests of different supply chain structural elements where each of them is represented by a specific agent for better collaboration, decision-making and problem-solving in a multi-agent environment. In addition, the supplier selection and order gathering mechanisms are developed based on customers’ orders.
Diversity in team composition, relationship conflict and team leader support on globally distributed virtual software development team performance
Authors: Wickramasinghe Vathsala , Nandula Sahan
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to investigate whether diversity in team composition leads to relationship conflict, and, consequently, relationship conflict leads to team performance, and whether team leader support moderates the negative effects of relationship conflict on team performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– For the study, 216 team members working in globally distributed virtual software development projects responded. To examine the hypothesized relationships, structural equation modeling with maximum likelihood estimation was performed.

Findings

– It was found that diversity in team composition leads to relationship conflict, relationship conflict leads to team performance and team leader support moderates the latter relationship.

Practical implications

– The findings suggest the role of team leaders in reducing the harmful effect of relationship conflict on team performance. The findings imply the need of providing training to team leaders to create cohesive teams that deliver on project goals.

Originality/value

– Empirical studies on globally distributed virtual teams could provide new insights into challenges and issues associated with team composition, relationship conflict and team leader support in achieving higher levels of team performance.