bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Simple Monte Carlo Method for Modeling Arborescent Polymer Production in Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor
Authors: Zhao Yutian R. , Buren Bradley D. , Puskas Judit E. , McAuley Kimberley B.
Published: June 2018

A dynamic model is developed to simulate arborescent polyisobutylene (arbPIB) production via self‐condensing vinyl copolymerization in a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR). A kinetic Monte Carlo algorithm is proposed that discretizes inflow and outflow separately from reaction steps. The model predicts dynamic changes in monomer and inimer (IM) concentrations, as well as , , and molecular weight distribution (MWD). The CSTR produces arbPIB with broader MWD, compared to a batch reactor using the same recipe and operation time. Predictions of and agree with a previous deterministic model. CSTR operation with high [IM] is unstable because large molecules tend to become even larger as time increases.
Accuracy of electronic health record data for the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in persons living with HIV and uninfected persons
Authors: Crothers Kristina , Rodriguez Carla V. , Nance Robin M. , Akgun Kathleen , Shahrir Shahida , Kim Joon , W. Soo Hoo Guy , Sharafkhaneh Amir , Crane Heidi M. , Justice Amy C.
Published: June 2018

Purpose

No prior studies have addressed the performance of electronic health record (EHR) data to diagnose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in people living with HIV (PLWH), in whom COPD could be more likely to be underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, given the higher frequency of respiratory symptoms and smoking compared with HIV‐uninfected (uninfected) persons.

Methods

We determined whether EHR data could improve accuracy of ICD‐9 codes to define COPD when compared with spirometry in PLWH vs uninfected, and quantified level of discrimination using the area under the receiver‐operating curve (AUC). The development cohort consisted of 350 participants who completed research spirometry in the Examinations of HIV Associated Lung Emphysema (EXHALE) study, a pulmonary substudy of the Veterans Aging Cohort Study. Results were externally validated in 294 PLWH who performed spirometry for clinical indications from the University of Washington (UW) site of the Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems cohort.

Results

ICD‐9 codes performed similarly by HIV status, but alone were poor at discriminating cases from non‐cases of COPD when compared with spirometry (AUC 0.633 in EXHALE; 0.651 in the UW cohort). However, algorithms that combined ICD‐9 codes with other clinical variables available in the EHR—age, smoking, and COPD inhalers—improved discrimination and performed similarly in EXHALE (AUC 0.771) and UW (AUC 0.734).

Conclusions

These data support that EHR data in combination with ICD‐9 codes have moderately good accuracy to identify COPD when spirometry data are not available, and perform similarly in PLWH and uninfected individuals.
Proteomic Analysis of Synaptoneurosomes Highlights the Relevant Role of Local Translation in the Hippocampus
Authors: Benito Itziar , Casañas Juan José , Montesinos María Luz
Published: June 2018

Several proteomic analyses have been performed on synaptic fractions isolated from cortex or even total brain, resulting in preparations with a high synaptic heterogeneity and complexity. Synaptoneurosomes (SNs) are subcellular membranous elements that contain sealed pre‐ and post‐synaptic components. They are obtained by subcellular fractionation of brain homogenates and serve as a suitable model to study many aspects of the synapse physiology. Here the proteomic content of SNs isolated from hippocampus of adult mice, a brain region involved in memory that presents lower synaptic heterogeneity than cortex, is reported. Interestingly, in addition to pre‐ and post‐synaptic proteins, proteins involved in RNA binding and translation are overrepresented in this preparation. These results validate the protocol previously reported for SNs isolation, and, as reported by other authors, highlight the relevance of local synaptic translation for hippocampal physiology.
Study of Electrical Behavior of Metal‐Semiconductor Contacts on Exfoliated MoS2 Flakes
Authors: Moun Monika , Singh Aditya , Singh Rajendra
Published: June 2018

While 2D materials have been investigated for their potential applications in nanoelectronic and optoelectronic devices, their functionality is still not fully explored due to lack of proper understanding of metal contacts on these materials. The present work pertains to the study of electrical behavior of different metals such as chromium, silver, nickel, and platinum deposited on to exfoliated MoS2 flakes. Comparative study of different metal contacts to MoS2 shows that Ag/Au exhibits good ohmic behavior with high current injection efficiency and better linearity and symmetry of I–V curves than Cr/Au and Ni/Au contacts. Specific contact resistivity is measured to be 4.54 × 10−4 Ω cm2 using transmission line measurement (TLM) for Ag/MoS2 contacts. Further, taking Ag/Au as ohmic contact, Pt/MoS2 Schottky barrier diode is fabricated with a high rectification ratio of about 900. Barrier height and ideality factor of 0.56 eV and 2.1, respectively are obtained. This study opens up the possibility of having high quality metal contacts on MoS2 with potential applications in nanoscale devices.
Reappraisal of Conduction and Hall Effect Due to Impurity Hubbard Bands in Weakly Compensated n‐GaAs
Authors: Kajikawa Yasutomo
Published: June 2018

A Hubbard‐band model is used for analyzing the low‐temperature data of Hall‐effect measurements on weakly compensated n‐GaAs samples with donor concentrations ND less than 1016 cm−3. In the model, not only the bottom Hubbard band formed from the neutral donor states but also the top Hubbard band formed from the negatively charged donor states is taken into account. Nearest‐neighbor hopping (NNH) or Efros‐Shklovskii (ES) variable‐range hopping (VRH) is assumed for conduction in the bottom Hubbard band, depending on ND, while NNH is assumed for conduction in the top Hubbard band. For the sample with ND = 1.3 × 1015 cm−3, it is shown that the Hall mobility is dominated by NNH in the top Hubbard band in the temperature range of 4–15 K while it is dominated by NNH in the bottom Hubbard band below 3 K. For this sample, it is also shown that the absolute value of the Hall coefficient is dominated by the contribution from the top Hubbard band around its peak at 4.4 K. For the samples with ND in the range of 2.7–9 × 1015 cm−3, on the other hand, it is shown that there hardly exists the temperature range in which the conduction in the top Hubbard band dominates.
Teleoperated tubular continuum robots for transoral surgery – feasibility in a porcine larynx model
Authors: Friedrich D.T. , Modes V. , Hoffmann T.K. , Greve J. , Schuler P.J. , Burgner‐Kahrs J.
Published: June 2018

Background

Evidence suggests that transoral robot‐assisted surgery is becoming increasingly common, yet current systems are incapable of sufficiently reaching the glottis or subglottic areas. This paper presents a teleoperated tubular continuum robot prototype for laryngeal surgery in a feasibility study.

Methods

A tubular continuum robot prototype is used to perform basic surgical examination in five ex vivo porcine laryngeal specimens. Standard imaging and tooling were integrated and evaluated to improve the system for future application in humans.

Results

Access to and application of the tubular continuum robot in the porcine larynx is feasible. Visualization of and accessibility to all structures of interest were successfully achieved, and minor surgical procedures such as biopsies could be performed.

Conclusions

Despite proven feasibility, there is a need for further improvements. A version with dual robot arms would be essential to realize a pre‐market prototype for further investigation in a human model.
Trust, information sharing and uncertainty: An empirical investigation into their impact on sustainability in service supply chains in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Khan Mehmood , Hussain Matloub , Papastathopoulos Avraam , Manikas Ioannis
Published: June 2018

The idea of sustainability has yet to enjoy its due share in service supply chains. There has been a dearth of literature in this area, predominantly regarding assessing the impact of collaborative attributes on supply chain sustainability. An integrated supply chain model comprising trust, information sharing and uncertainty practices is proposed here to assess their impact on the sustainability of service supply chains in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study conducts a comprehensive literature review to develop constructs and their items. Social exchange theory is used to link these constructs/variables to sustainability. These variables are linked to sustainability through social exchange theory of behaviors. Structural equation modeling is used to test five hypotheses pertaining to the impact of those constructs on sustainability. The results of this study can help managers align and prioritize their investments while targeting sustainability in their partnerships with numerous stakeholders. Several implications and limitations of the study are also outlined at the end of the paper.
Post Modification of Poly Glycidyl Azide with Ionic‐Liquid‐Based Reactive Plasticizer through Catalyst‐Free Click Reaction
Authors: Fareghi‐Alamdari Reza , Jafari Najmeh , Shahidzadeh Mansour , Zekri Negar
Published: June 2018

Glycidyl azide polymer (GAP), due to its energy, has found widespread applications in propellants. However, one of the most critical challenges in the propellants is preventing the migration of the plasticizer material from the polymeric matrix. To counter this, a covalent bond was established between GAP and propargyl imidazolium as the reactive plasticizer via click chemistry reaction. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and 1H NMR analyses were implemented to confirm that the connection has been made properly to minimize the plasticizer migration. Optimization of the amount of the reactive ionic liquid plasticizer in GAP was another issue investigated in this study. Examinations by Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses, viscometer, and heat of combustion showed that increasing the reactive plasticizer content leads to the lower glass transition temperature, the higher viscosity, and the lower GAP energy. In order to compensate for the lost energy, due to the formation of the covalent bond, a dicyanamide based ionic liquid plasticizer was synthesized as a replacement for the bromide one. It was found that in addition to the reduction of the glass transition temperature (from −50 °C to −59 °C), it was possible to achieve lower viscosity (from 7 Pa.s to 2 Pa.s) and greater propulsion energy (from 19.24 kJ/g to 21.31 kJ/g).
Measurement of Starch: Critical Evaluation of Current Methodology
Authors: McCleary Barry V. , Charmier Lucie M. J. , McKie Vincent A.
Published: June 2018

Most commonly used methods for the measurement of starch in food, feeds, and ingredients employ the combined action of α‐amylase and amyloglucosidase to hydrolyze the starch to glucose, followed by glucose determination with a glucose oxidase/peroxidase reagent. Recently, a number of questions have been raised concerning possible complications in starch analytical methods. In this paper, each of these concerns, including starch hydrolysis, isomerization of maltose to maltulose, effective hydrolysis of maltodextrins by amyloglucosidase, enzyme purity and hydrolysis of sucrose, and β‐glucans have been studied in detailed. Results obtained for a range of starch containing samples using AOAC Methods 996.11 and 2014.10 are compared and a new simpler format for starch measurement is introduced. With this method that employs a thermostable α‐amylase (as distinct from a heat stable α‐amylase) which is both stable and active at 100 °C and pH 5.0, 10 samples can be analyzed within 2 h, as compared to the 6 h required with AOAC Method 2014.10.
Oxidative stress‐mediated autophagic cell death participates in the neurotoxic effect on SH‐SY5Y cells induced by excessive iodide
Authors: Liu Hongliang , Wang Lingzhi , Zeng Qiang , Zhao Liang , Cui Yushan , Hou Changchun , Zhang Bin , Zhang Zushan , Zhang Shun , Chen Xuemin , Wang Aiguo
Published: June 2018

Excessive iodide could induce intellectual damage in children, which has attracted broad attention. To investigate the neurotoxic effect of iodide and its mechanism, a human dopaminergic neuroblastoma cell line (SH‐SY5Y) was treated with different concentrations of potassium iodide (KI). The results showed that excessive iodide could decrease cell viability, reduce glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and increase the degree of autophagy (by changing the cellular ultrastructure and raising the autophagy‐related mRNA and protein expression of LC3, Beclin1, and p62), which were correlated with the immunofluorescence labeling. Furthermore, treatment with the autophagy inhibitor 3‐methyladenine (3MA), antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) and 30 mM KI for 24 h was conducted in the following research. 3MA significantly decreased autophagy‐related mRNA and protein expression and improved cell viability, indicating that excess iodide induced autophagic cell death. In addition, oxidative stress regulated autophagy, reflected by the results that NAC decreased the mRNA and protein expression of LC3, Beclin1, and p62. In summary, autophagic cell death mediated by oxidative stress may participate in excessive iodide‐induced SH‐SY5Y cell death.
Understand your institution's responsibilities under the General Data Protection Regulations
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: June 2018

If international students from the European Union interact with any part of your website, your institution is subject to the E.U.'s comprehensive privacy rules, the General Data Protection Regulations, which went into effect May 25, 2018. The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, along with partners including the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and Educause, among others, has released a guide to help registrars and admissions officers navigate GDPR compliance.
Structural parameter identification of a 2.4 MW bottom fixed wind turbine by excitation test using active mass damper
Authors: Oh Sho , Ishihara Takeshi
Published: June 2018

While the structural damping is an important parameter in the seismic resistant design, several problems exist in the current design codes such as that the recommended values vary largely between design codes, and that the second mode damping ratio which is required in the design is usually not described. In order to evaluate the damping ratios for both first and second modes of MW‐size wind turbines, a series of excitation tests using an active mass damper were performed in this study on a 2.4 MW offshore wind turbine. First, the sinusoidal test, which gives accurate and reliable results for linear systems, is performed, and results show that the damping ratio for the fore‐aft first mode is 0.2% and the fore‐aft second mode is 2.4% for the target wind turbine. Next the free decay test, which is applicable to systems with the effect from the aerodynamic damping, is performed, and results show that the damping ratios obtained for the fore‐aft first and second mode are similar to those from the sinusoidal test. The damping ratio is 1.2% for the side‐side first mode and 3.2% for the side‐side second mode. Finally, an empirical formula for the damping ratios of first mode is proposed for wind turbines with steel towers using the results from the previous researches and the excitation tests in this study.
Possible mechanisms for fog formation over Borg El Arab airport, Egypt
Authors: Sayad Tarek , Morsy Mostafa
Published: June 2018

The main aim of this study is to identify the causes of fog formation over Borg El Arab International Airport in Egypt. The frequency of fog at this location was studied for the period 1990–2010 using a variety of statistical techniques. The relationships between fog and different meteorological factors were also studied alongside fog occurrence frequency data to determine the mechanisms and conditions which are most likely to result in the type of fog observed at the study site. Hourly ground observations of the visibility and other meteorological parameters for foggy days at the site were analysed for the period of study. The results show that the maximum frequency of fog events occurs during winter and autumn months, with the highest daily frequency in November and highest hourly frequency in December. Most of the fog events lasted for a considerable period of time, with a maximum observed event duration of 13 h in January 2007. The fog events over the study area tend to occur during the early morning, between 0100 h and 0700LT (utc + 02 h), with a peak at 0500 h. Over the period of study there is a decreasing trend in annual fog frequency over the study area. Moderate fog is the most commonly observed category of fog event for all seasons (and it occurs most frequently in November and December), while severe fog is the last commonly observed category for all seasons. Fog requires stability in the lower layer of the atmosphere, and it forms over the study area when there is a high pressure of between 1010 and 1021 hPa, a low wind speed of less than 3 ms−1, predominately northeasterly, southwesterly, southeasterly or northerly wind directions, relative humidity higher than 85%, and a dew‐point deficit of less than 3 degC. Therefore, severe, moderate, and weak fog events are highly negatively correlated with wind speed (−0.82, −0.81 and − 0.81, respectively) and dew‐point deficit (−0.69, −0.71 and − 0.66), but are positively correlated with relative humidity (0.76, 0.84 and 0.79).
Mapping of the available standards against the regulatory needs for nanomedicines
Authors: Halamoda‐Kenzaoui Blanka , Holzwarth Uwe , Roebben Gert , Bogni Alessia , Bremer‐Hoffmann Susanne
Published: June 2018

Appropriate documentary standards and reference materials are crucial building blocks for the development of innovative products. In order to support the emerging sector of nanomedicine, relevant standards must be identified and/or developed before the products will enter into the regulatory approval process. The anticipation of standardization needs requires a good understanding on the regulatory information requirements that can be triggered by the particularities of nanomedicines. However, robust datasets allowing firm conclusions on regulatory demands are not yet available due to a lack of regulatory experience with innovative products. Such a catch‐22 situation can only be advanced in an iterative process by monitoring continuously the scientific evidence and by promoting intensive knowledge exchange between all involved stakeholders. In this study, we have compiled information requirements released by regulatory scientists so far and mapped it against available standards that could be of relevance for nanomedicines. Our gap analysis clearly demonstrated that for some endpoints such as drug release/loading and the interaction of nanomedicines with the immune system no standards are available so far. The emerging nanomedicine sector could benefit from cross‐sector collaboration and review the suitability of standards that have been developed for nanomaterials used for other industrial applications. Only a concerted action of all parties can lead to a smooth translation of nanomedicines to clinical application and to the market. This is in particular important because nanotechnology‐based drug delivery systems are key for the development and implementation of personalized medicine.

This article is characterized under:

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Regulatory and Policy Issues in Nanomedicine
Microchips for macropods: First use of a microchip‐automated door by a bridled nailtail wallaby (Onychogalea fraenata)
Authors: Muns Sabrina J. , Hoy Julia M. , Murray Peter J.
Published: June 2018

Commercially available microchip‐automated devices for companion animals also have potential application with captive wildlife. To explore this potential, a captive bridled nailtail wallaby was trained to use a SureFlap Microchip Pet Door. Throughout the 62 day study the wallaby's interactions with the door increased in frequency and intensity, culminating in the repeated use of the microchip‐automated door. This was the first record of any captive macropod being trained to use a microchip‐automated device and demonstrates proof‐of‐concept that captive macropods can successfully utilize commercially available microchip‐automated devices. Further research is recommended to develop methodology and evaluation techniques for training captive macropods while also exploring intra‐ and inter‐species variations in responses.
Implications of a stop sector signal at the LHC
Authors: Pierce Aaron , Shakya Bibhushan
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Naturalness arguments suggest that the stop sector is within reach of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). We investigate how the observation of a third generation squark signal could predict masses and discovery modes of other supersymmetric particles, or potentially test the Higgs boson mass relation and the validity of the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM) at the high luminosity LHC. We illustrate these ideas in three distinct scenarios: discovery of a light stop, a sbottom signal in multileptons, and a signal of the second (heavier) stop in boosted dibosons.
Extremizers for Fourier restriction on hyperboloids
Authors: Sousa Mateus , Carneiro Emanuel , Oliveira e Silva Diogo
Published: June 2018

The

L^{2}\rightarrow L^{p}

adjoint Fourier restriction inequality on the

d

-dimensional hyperboloid

\mathbb{H}^{d} \subset \mathbb{R}^{d + 1}

holds provided

6 \leq p < \infty

, if

d = 1

, and

2(d + 2)/ d \leq p \leq 2(d + 1)/ (d−1)

, if

d \geq 2

. Quilodrán [35] recently found the values of the optimal constants in the endpoint cases

(d,p) \in \{(2,4),(2,6),(3,4)\}

and showed that the inequality does not have extremizers in these cases. In this paper we answer two questions posed in [35], namely: (i) we find the explicit value of the optimal constant in the endpoint case

(d,p) = (1,6)

(the remaining endpoint for which

p

is an even integer) and show that there are no extremizers in this case; and (ii) we establish the existence of extremizers in all non-endpoint cases in dimensions

d \in \{1,2\}

. This completes the qualitative description of this problem in low dimensions.
Investigating the Value of a Peer-To-Peer Mentoring Experience
Authors: Griffiths Kathleen , Kopanidis Foula , Steel Marion
Published: June 2018

Globalization of business skills has become critical as employers have a requirement for culturally adaptable marketing and business graduates who are “work ready” in either Australia or overseas. These students must have both discipline knowledge and soft skills including cultural competence. How students develop intercultural skills at university is discussed. Given that more than ninety percent of local university students do not participate in academic offshore experiences, a focus is on the internationalization-at-home activities that universities offer. This study looks at cross-cultural peer-to-peer mentoring. A paucity of research on the effect of these experiences further enhances the relevance of this topic. This research investigates whether Australian marketing and business students who undertake a cross-cultural peer-to-peer mentoring experience “at home” become more cross-culturally adaptable. A quasi experimental pre and post-test survey shows that this method of an “at home” cross-cultural experience has a significant effect on four of the cultural dimensions. They are Flexibility/Openness, Personal Autonomy, Perceptual Acuity and Fulfilment. This means that as a result of this study, the recommendation for future peer-to-peer mentoring experiences would be to specifically target these significant dimensions as part of the peer-to-peer mentoring agenda. The focus of their agenda on these dimensions would allow peer-to-peer mentors of different ethnicities and those mentors who are Australian born but who mentor students from different countries, to be confident that their work was directly attributable to increasing their mentees’ and their own cross-cultural adaptability. It shows that cross-cultural mentoring for marketing and other business students in an “at home” setting is an important part of preparing business and more specifically marketing students for the challenges of the global workplace.
DIVERSITY-DISTURBANCE RELATIONSHIPS IN THE LATE ARCHAIC SOUTHWEST: IMPLICATIONS FOR FARMER-FORAGER FOODWAYS – ADDENDUM
Authors: Sinensky R. J. , Farahani Alan
Published: June 2018

The following changes have been made to the originally published version of this article (Sinensky and Farahani, 2018): Supplemental Table 2 has been updated to include an attribution column, and Supplemental Text 1 and Supplemental Text 2 have been updated to reflect the change in Supplemental Table 2.
Healthcare personnel vaccination policies in michigan long-term care facilities
Authors: Kimmins Lynsey M. , Bramer Cristi A. , Chandler Jacklyn L. , Hart Adam L.
Published: June 2018

Of the 461 licensed long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in Michigan, 129 responded to the first survey of LTCF healthcare personnel (HCP) immunization policies, coverage estimates, and perceived barriers to vaccination. Survey results suggest opportunities to improve HCP vaccination through polices, education, barrier removal, and HCP immunity status tracking in licensed LTCFs in Michigan.
The Japanese food score and risk of all-cause, CVD and cancer mortality: the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study
Authors: Okada Emiko , Nakamura Koshi , Ukawa Shigekazu , Wakai Kenji , Date Chigusa , Iso Hiroyasu , Tamakoshi Akiko
Published: June 2018

Few studies have reported the association between the Japanese diet as food score and mortality. This study aimed to investigate adherence to the Japanese food score associated with all-cause, CVD and cancer mortality. A total of 58 767 (23 162 men and 34 232 women) Japanese participants aged 40–79 years, who enrolled in the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study between 1988 and 1990, were included. The Japanese food score was derived from the components of seven food groups (beans and bean products, fresh fishes, vegetables, Japanese pickles, fungi, seaweeds and fruits) based on the FFQ. The total score ranged from 0 to 7, and participants were divided into five categories based on scores (0–2, 3, 4, 5 and 6–7). Hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % CI for all-cause, CVD and cancer mortality based on sex were estimated using Cox proportional models. During the follow-up period until 2009, 11 692 participants with all-cause, 3408 with CVD and 4247 with cancer died. The multivariable HR in the 6–7 and 0–2 Japanese food score groups were 0·93 (95 % CI 0·86, 1·01) in men and 0·82 (95 % CI 0·75, 0·90) in women for all-cause mortality and 0·89 (95 % CI 0·76, 1·04) in men and 0·66 (95 % CI 0·56, 0·77) in women for CVD mortality. Our findings suggest that adherence to the Japanese food score consisting of food combinations characterised by a Japanese diet may help in preventing all-cause and CVD mortality, especially in women.
ON THE CONJUGACY PROBLEM IN CERTAIN METABELIAN GROUPS
Authors: GRYAK JONATHAN , KAHROBAEI DELARAM , MARTINEZ-PEREZ CONCHITA
Published: June 2018

We analyze the computational complexity of an algorithm to solve the conjugacy search problem in a certain family of metabelian groups. We prove that in general the time complexity of the conjugacy search problem for these groups is at most exponential. For a subfamily of groups, we prove that the conjugacy search problem is polynomial. We also show that for a different subfamily the conjugacy search problem reduces to the discrete logarithm problem.
EXOTIC FINITE FUNCTORIAL SEMI-NORMS ON SINGULAR HOMOLOGY
Authors: FAUSER DANIEL , LÖH CLARA
Published: June 2018

Functorial semi-norms on singular homology give refined ‘size’ information on singular homology classes. A fundamental example is the ℓ1-semi-norm. We show that there exist finite functorial semi-norms on singular homology that are exotic in the sense that they arenotcarried by the ℓ1-semi-norm.
HOMOTOPY TYPES OF GAUGE GROUPS OVER NON-SIMPLYCONNECTED CLOSED 4-MANIFOLDS
Authors: SO TSELEUNG
Published: June 2018

Let G be a simple, simply connected, compact Lie group, and let M be an orientable, smooth, connected, closed 4-manifold. In this paper, we calculate the homotopy type of the suspension of M and the homotopy types of the gauge groups of principal G-bundles over M when π1(M) is (1) ℤ*m, (2) ℤ/prℤ, or (3) ℤ*m*(*nj=1ℤ/prjjℤ), where p and the pj's are odd primes.
Strongly driven surface-global kinetic ballooning modes in general toroidal geometry
Authors: Zocco A. , Aleynikova K. , Xanthopoulos P.
Published: June 2018

Kinetic ballooning modes in magnetically confined toroidal plasmas are investigated putting emphasis on specific stellarator features. In particular, we propose a Mercier criterion which is purposely designed to allow for direct comparison with local flux-tube gyrokinetics simulations. We investigate the influence on the marginal frequency of the mode of a magnetic curvature which is inhomogeneous on the magnetic flux surface due to the fieldline-label dependence. This is a typical (surface) global effect present in non-axisymmetry. Finally, we propose an artificial equilibrium model that explicitly retains the fieldline-label dependence in the magnetic drift, and analyse the stability of the system by introducing a representation of the perturbations similar to the flux-bundle model of Sugamaet al. (Plasma Fusion Res., vol. 7, 2012, 2403094). The coupling of flux bundles is shown to have a stabilising effect on the most unstable local flux-tube mode.
Long-term spatiotemporal stability and dynamic changes in helminth infracommunities of spiny mice (Acomys dimidiatus) in St. Katherine's Protectorate, Sinai, Egypt
Authors: Behnke Jerzy M. , Bajer Anna , Behnke-Borowczyk Jolanta , Clisham Natalie , Gilbert Francis , Glover Aimee , Jeffery Laura , Kirk Jonathan , Mierzejewska Ewa J. , Mills Simon C. , Mohallal Eman M. E. , Padget Oliver , Wainer Ralph , Zalat Samy
Published: June 2018

The importance of parasites as a selective force in host evolution is a topic of current interest. However, short-term ecological studies of host–parasite systems, on which such studies are usually based, provide only snap-shots of what may be dynamic systems. We report here on four surveys, carried out over a period of 12 years, of helminths of spiny mice (Acomys dimidiatus), the numerically dominant rodents inhabiting dry montane wadis in the Sinai Peninsula. With host age (age-dependent effects on prevalence and abundance were prominent) and sex (female bias in abundance in helminth diversity and in several taxa including Cestoda) taken into consideration, we focus on the relative importance of temporal and spatial effects on helminth infracommunities. We show that site of capture is the major determinant of prevalence and abundance of species (and higher taxa) contributing to helminth community structure, the only exceptions beingStreptopharausspp. andDentostomella kuntzi.We provide evidence that most (notably the Spiruroidea,Protospirura muricola,Mastophorus murisandGongylonema aegypti, but with exceptions among the Oxyuroidae, e.g.Syphacia minuta), show elements of temporal-site stability, with a rank order of measures among sites remaining similar over successive surveys. Hence, there are some elements of predictability in these systems.
Nasal mites (Mesostigmata: Rhinonyssidae) in African penguins (Spheniscus demersus)
Authors: Vanstreels Ralph Eric Thijl , Proctor Heather , Snyman Albert , Hurtado Renata , Ludynia Katrin , Parsons Nola J. , Pistorius Pierre A.
Published: June 2018

Rhinonyssids are obligate haematophagous mites that parasitize the nasal cavity of vertebrates, and occur in a wide range of birds worldwide. Two species of nasal mites are known to occur in penguins: Rhinonyssus sphenisci, which has been recorded from Humboldt and Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus humboldti and S. magellanicus, respectively), and Rhinonyssus schelli, which has been recorded in Adélie and Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae and P. papua, respectively). We examined the nasal cavity of African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) that died while under care at a rehabilitation centre (N = 40) or that were found dead at breeding colonies (N = 67). Nasal mites were found in the nasal cavity and/or paranasal of sinuses of 21 penguins, some of which had signs of mild-to-moderate sinusitis. Prevalence was higher in juveniles (29%) and adults (27%) than in chicks (10%). Mean intensity was 5.9 ± 12.9 mites per infected host (range 1–60). The mites presented morphological characteristics that were at times consistent with either R. sphenisci or R. schelli, and therefore we conservatively classified them as ‘R. sphenisci sensu lato’. Our morphometric results raise the question of whether the specific status of R. schelli is justified.
Real-time dense map fusion for stereo SLAM
Authors: Pire Taihú , Baravalle Rodrigo , D'Alessandro Ariel , Civera Javier
Published: June 2018

A robot should be able to estimate an accurate and dense 3D model of its environment (a map), along with its pose relative to it, all of it in real time, in order to be able to navigate autonomously without collisions.

As the robot moves from its starting position and the estimated map grows, the computational and memory footprint of a dense 3D map increases and might exceed the robot capabilities in a short time. However, a global map is still needed to maintain its consistency and plan for distant goals, possibly out of the robot field of view.

In this work, we address such problem by proposing a real-time stereo mapping pipeline, feasible for standard CPUs, which is locally dense and globally sparse and accurate. Our algorithm is based on a graph relating poses and salient visual points, in order to maintain a long-term accuracy with a small cost. Within such framework, we propose an efficient dense fusion of several stereo depths in the locality of the current robot pose.

We evaluate the performance and the accuracy of our algorithm in the public datasets of Tsukuba and KITTI, and demonstrate that it outperforms single-view stereo depth. We release the code as open-source, in order to facilitate the system use and comparisons.
The impact of environmental and behavioural cofactors on the development of cervical disorders in HR-HPV-infected women in Serbia
Authors: Tasic D. , Lazarevic I. , Knezevic A. , Tasic L. , Pikula A. , Perisic Z. , Jovanovic T. , Cupic M.
Published: June 2018

Persistent infection with one or more highly oncogenic human papillomaviruses (HPVs) or high-risk-HPV (HR-HPV) is necessary but not a sufficient aetiological agent for the development of cervical neoplasia. A number of viral, host, environmental and behavioural factors are suggested to be associated with the progression of cervical disorder. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of environmental and behavioural cofactors on the development of cervical disorders in HR-HPV-infected women in Serbia. A total of 541 women have been tested by PCR for the presence of HPV on the cervix. HPV genotypes were determined by direct DNA sequencing. Women identified as HR-HPV-positive were further classified into four subgroups according to their cytological status. All relevant information about demographical and behavioural factors was obtained by interviewer-based questionnaire. A number of analytical and descriptive statistical methods were used for processing the data. The cofactors found to be of significance for the progression of cervical disease were older age, body mass index >25, lower educational level, long-term smoking, previous genital infections and cervical interventions. On the other hand, condom use was found to have a protective role. Information about these cofactors might be very important for the development of more efficient cancer prevention programmes and promotion of anti-HPV vaccination.
Delay from symptom onset to treatment start among tuberculosis patients in England, 2012–2015
Authors: Loutet M. G. , Sinclair C. , Whitehead N. , Cosgrove C. , Lalor M. K. , Thomas H. L.
Published: June 2018

Improving access to tuberculosis (TB) care and ensuring early diagnosis are two major aims of the WHO End TB strategy and the Collaborative TB Strategy for England. This study describes risk factors associated with diagnostic delay among TB cases in England. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of TB cases notified to the Enhanced TB Surveillance System in England between 2012 and 2015. Diagnostic delay was defined as more than 4 months between symptom onset and treatment start date. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify demographic and clinical factors associated with diagnostic delay. Between 2012 and 2015, 22 422 TB cases were notified in England and included in the study. A third (7612) of TB cases had a diagnostic delay of more than 4 months. Being female, aged 45 years and older, residing outside of London and having extra-pulmonary TB disease were significantly associated with a diagnostic delay in the multivariable model (aOR = 1.2, 1.2, 1.2, 1.3, 1.8, respectively). This study identifies demographic and clinical factors associated with diagnostic delay, which will inform targeted interventions to improve access to care and early diagnosis among these groups, with the ultimate aim of helping reduce transmission and improve treatment outcomes for TB cases in England.
Importance of transcatheter closure test for giant ventricular septal defect associated with pulmonary hypertension: a case with successful surgical repair of the defect
Authors: Shang Xiaoke , Lu Rong , Dong Nianguo
Published: June 2018

This is the first attempt to use a temporary occluder to close a giant perimembranous ventricular septal defect (32 mm), which obtains clinical evidence of good haemodynamics in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension. This may provide an alternative assessment to guide cardiac surgeons in determining a definitive treatment.
CONCEPT, PRINCIPLE, AND NORM—EQUALITY BEFORE THE LAW RECONSIDERED
Authors: Thomsen Frej Klem
Published: June 2018

Despite the attention equality before the law has received, both laudatory and critical, peculiarly little has been done to precisely define it. The first ambition of this paper is to remedy this, by exploring the various ways in which a principle of equality before the law can be understood and suggest a concise definition. With a clearer understanding of the principle in hand we are better equipped to assess traditional critique of the principle. Doing so is the second ambition of this paper. I will argue that traditional criticisms are unpersuasive, but that there is a different, powerful argument against equality before the law. The third ambition of the paper is to argue that there is a sense, overlooked by both proponents and critics, in which the principle still captures something important, albeit at the cost of shifting from intrinsic to instrumental value.
Group-Based Worry Intervention for Persecutory Delusions: an Initial Feasibility Study
Authors: Isham Louise , Grafahrend Heidemarie , Nickless Alecia , Pugh Katherine , Pleasants Steve , Smedley Nicola , Freeman Daniel , Mulligan Alison
Published: June 2018

Background: A one-to-one cognitive behavioural therapy intervention targeting worry significantly reduces both worry and persecutory delusions (Freeman et al., 2015). Aim: To adapt this intervention for group delivery and conduct a feasibility trial within routine clinical practice. Method: Thirteen participants were randomized to a weekly 8-session worry intervention group (n = 7) or wait-list control (n = 6). Results: All but one participant completed measures at all time points. Participants attended an average of six therapy sessions. Conclusions: Recruitment, retention and therapy uptake were feasible. Observed treatment effects were in the expected direction, but may be diluted compared with one-to-one interventions.
Der multimorbide Patient: Einsatz neuer oraler Antikoagulanzien bei Patienten mit chronischer Niereninsuffizienz
Authors: Mohebbi Nilufar
Published: June 2018

Zusammenfassung. Die zunehmende Lebenserwartung in den westlichen Ländern führt zu einer gleichzeitigen Zunahme chronischer Krankheiten, was mit «Multimorbidität» bezeichnet wird. Viele dieser Patienten leiden an chronischer Niereninsuffizienz (CKD) sowie thrombogenen Komorbiditäten wie z.B. Vorhofflimmern, weshalb eine orale Antikoagulation indiziert ist. Für lange Zeit standen lediglich die Vitamin-K-Antagonisten zur Verfügung. Aufgrund der unter anderem veränderten Pharmakokinetik sowie Bioverfügbarkeit dieser Medikamente bei CKD besteht jedoch gleichzeitig ein deutlich erhöhtes Blutungsrisiko. Die Einführung der direkten oralen Antikoagulanzien als neue und vielversprechende Alternative zu Vitamin-K-Antagonisten wurde daher insbesondere für die Population der CKD-Patienten mit grosser Spannung erwartet. Aufgrund der noch nicht ausreichenden Datenlage insbesondere bei älteren Patienten mit fortgeschrittener Niereninsuffizienz sollte das Risiko-Nutzen-Verhältnis vor Therapiebeginn sorgfältig evaluiert werden.
Herausforderungen der digitalen Medizin
Authors: Blaser Jürg
Published: June 2018

Zusammenfassung. Die Digitalisierung erfasst zunehmend mehr Teilbereiche, auch im Gesundheitswesen. Um den medizinischen Betrieb 365 × 24 Stunden sicherzustellen, sind immer mehr personelle und finanzielle Mittel erforderlich. Die Transformation der Papierkrankengeschichten in elektronische Patientendossiers sollte zunächst primär der Dokumentation dienen. Heute werden Klinikinformationssysteme zunehmend auch als Plattform zur Kommunikation aller am Patientenprozess beteiligten Personen verwendet – in der Schweiz jedoch meist noch ohne direkte Informationsmöglichkeiten für Patienten. Digitalisierte Prozesse werden zur Effizienzsteigerung eingesetzt, werden jedoch vermehrt auch für klinische und administrative Entscheidungsunterstützung und Qualitätssicherung genutzt. Von der Einführung des elektronischen Patientendossiers in der Schweiz 2020 verspricht man sich eine betriebsübergreifende, lückenlosere Dokumentation der Patientenbetreuung. Davon dürften insbesondere auch multimorbide Patienten profitieren, die oft in verschiedenen Institutionen und von unterschiedlichen Fachspezialisten betreut werden. Fortschritte in der künstlichen Intelligenz eröffnen auch in der Medizin Chancen. Neben der Gewährleistung des zuverlässigen Datenschutzes ist die unzureichende Interoperabilität der eingesetzten Systeme eine Herausforderung. Semantisch strukturierter, maschinenlesbarer Datenaustausch ist für eine vernetzte Dienstleistung und international kompetitive Forschung notwendig.
Possible Influence of Extreme Magnetic Storms on the Thermosphere in the High Latitudes
Authors: Deng Yue , Sheng Cheng , Tsurutani Bruce T. , Mannucci Anthony J.
Published: June 2018

Solar and interplanetary events can create extreme magnetic storms, such as the Carrington storm in 1859 with intensity up toDst ∼−1,760 nT. The influence of an idealized, smaller Carrington‐type storm on the thermosphere has been simulated using the nonhydrostatic Global Ionosphere‐Thermosphere Model. For the storm conditions we simulated, the solar windBZand velocity were −50 nT and 1,000 m/s, respectively. The corresponding cross polar cap potential reached 360 kV, and the hemispheric power was 200 GW. Consequently, the hemispheric integrated Joule heating exceeded 3,500 GW, which is more than 70 times higher than normal conditions. The thermosphere variations at high latitudes were examined through the comparison of three cases: reference, storm with geomagnetic energy enhancement only, and storm with both solar and geomagnetic energy enhancement. At 400‐km altitude, the neutral density increased by >20 times at certain locations and by >10 times globally averaged. The atmosphere experienced a temperature of 4000 K, more than 1,500 m/s horizontal wind, and exceeding 150 m/s vertical wind. In general, additional energy increase from solar irradiation resulted in 20–30% more perturbation in neutral density and temperature. The exobase (top boundary of the thermosphere) expanded to altitudes >1,000 km, and the buoyancy acceleration (difference between vertical pressure gradient force and gravity force) can be as large as 3 m/s2. The results will help to determine possible extreme responses to interplanetary coronal mass ejections for various phenomena occurring in geospace.
On the Sensitivity of Hillslope Runoff and Channel Transmission Losses in Arid Piedmont Slopes
Authors: Schreiner‐McGraw Adam P. , Vivoni Enrique R.
Published: June 2018

Channel transmission losses alter the streamflow response of arid and semiarid watersheds and promote focused groundwater recharge. This process has been primarily studied in dryland channels draining large areas that are displaced away from hillslope runoff generation. In contrast, small watersheds on arid piedmont slopes allow the investigation of interactive hillslope and channel processes that control the partitioning between surface and subsurface flows. In this study, we utilize high‐resolution, long‐term measurements of water balance components in an instrumented watershed of the Chihuahuan Desert to set up, parameterize, and test a process‐based, distributed hydrologic model modified to account for channel losses. A transient method for capturing capillary effects in channels results in simulations with a reliable representation of the watershed energy balance, soil moisture dynamics, hillslope infiltration, channel transmission (or percolation) losses, and streamflow yield over the study period. The simulation also reproduces a conceptual model of hillslope infiltration‐excess runoff generation linked to downstream channel percolation losses that depend on the rainfall event size. Model‐derived thresholds were obtained for the amount of hillslope runoff (6 mm) and rainfall (12.5 mm) necessary for streamflow yield, such that 40% of percolation occurs for small events that do not reach the outlet. Using a set of scenarios, we identify that hillslope infiltration controls the rainfall threshold necessary to initiate percolation, while channel infiltration affects the partitioning into percolation and streamflow yield. Thus, the connectivity along hillslope‐channel pathways is deemed an essential control on the streamflow generation and groundwater recharge in arid regions with complex terrain.
Correction: Author Correction: Dynamics enhanced by HCl doping triggers 60% Pauling entropy release at the ice XII–XIV transition
Authors: Köster K. W. , Fuentes-Landete V. , Raidt A. , Seidl M. , Gainaru C. , Loerting T. , Böhmer R.
Published: June 2018

Nature Communications 6: Article number: 7349 (2015); Published online 16 June 2015; Updated 20 June 2018 We became aware of a mistake related to the integration of peaks observed in our calorimetry experiments. In particular, the peak area is proportional to the heating rate. In our data analysis this proportionality factor was accidentally considered twice, namely once by the Pyris software controlling our calorimeter (Perkin Elmer, DSC8000) and once by ourselves.