bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraspecific variation in embolism resistance and stem anatomy across four sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) accessions
Authors: Ahmad Hafiz B. , Lens Frederic , Capdeville Gaelle , Burlett Régis , Lamarque Laurent J. , Delzon Sylvain
Published: October 2017

Drought‐induced xylem embolism is a key process closely related to plant mortality during extreme drought events. However, this process has been poorly investigated in crop species to date, despite the observed decline of crop productivity under extreme drought conditions. Interspecific variation in hydraulic traits has frequently been reported, but less is known about intraspecific variation in crops. We assessed the intraspecific variability of embolism resistance in four sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) accessions grown in well‐watered conditions. Vulnerability to embolism was determined by the in situ flow‐centrifuge method (cavitron), and possible trade‐offs between xylem safety, xylem efficiency and growth were assessed. The relationship between stem anatomy and hydraulic traits was also investigated. Mean P50 was −3 MPa, but significant variation was observed between accessions, with values ranging between −2.67 and −3.22 MPa. Embolism resistance was negatively related to growth and positively related to xylem‐specific hydraulic conductivity. There is, therefore, a trade‐off between hydraulic safety and growth but not between hydraulic safety and efficiency. Finally, we found that a few anatomical traits, such as vessel density and the area of the vessel lumen relative to that of the secondary xylem, were related to embolism resistance, whereas stem tissue lignification was not. Further investigations are now required to investigate the link between the observed variability of embolism resistance and yield, to facilitate the identification of breeding strategies to improve yields in an increasingly arid world.
Perceptions of Risk and Vulnerability Following Exposure to a Major Natural Disaster: The Calgary Flood of 2013
Authors: Tanner Alexa , Árvai Joseph
Published: October 2017

Many studies have examined the general public's flood risk perceptions in the aftermath of local and regional flooding. However, relatively few studies have focused on large‐scale events that affect tens of thousands of people within an urban center. Similarly, in spite of previous research on flood risks, unresolved questions persist regarding the variables that might influence perceptions of risk and vulnerability, along with management preferences. In light of the opportunities presented by these knowledge gaps, the research reported here examined public perceptions of flood risk and vulnerability, and management preferences, within the city of Calgary in the aftermath of extensive flooding in 2013. Our findings, which come from an online survey of residents, reveal that direct experience with flooding is not a differentiating factor for risk perceptions when comparing evacuees with nonevacuees who might all experience future risks. However, we do find that judgments about vulnerability—as a function of how people perceive physical distance—do differ according to one's evacuation experience. Our results also indicate that concern about climate change is an important predictor of flood risk perceptions, as is trust in government risk managers. In terms of mitigation preferences, our results reveal differences in support for large infrastructure projects based on whether respondents feel they might actually benefit from them.
HIGH CANDIDATES GENERATION: A NEW EFFICIENT METHOD FOR MINING SHARE-FREQUENT PATTERNS
Authors: Nawapornanan Chayanan , Intakosum Sarun , Boonjing Veera
Published: October 2017

The share frequent patterns mining is more practical than the traditional frequent patternset mining because it can reflect useful knowledge such as total costs and profits of patterns. Mining share-frequent patterns becomes one of the most important research issue in the data mining. However, previous algorithms extract a large number of candidate and spend a lot of time to generate and test a large number of useless candidate in the mining process. This paper proposes a new efficient method for discovering share-frequent patterns. The new method reduces a number of candidates by generating candidates from only high transaction-measure-value patterns. The downward closure property of transaction-measure-value patterns assures correctness of the proposed method. Experimental results on dense and sparse datasets show that the proposed method is very efficient in terms of execution time. Also, it decreases the number of generated useless candidates in the mining process by at least 70%.
GOOD CORRELATION BETWEEN TWO DIFFERENT AUTOMATED FACTOR XIII ASSAYS AND PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Authors: Hussin Suryati , Idris Zamzuri , Abdullah Wan Zaidah
Published: October 2017

Coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) can be quantitatively measured by using modern automated coagulation analyzers. It was uncertained whether different methods of FXIII quantitative measurement are correlated. Two different analytical methods were used for comparison in this study. This study selected a neurosurgical patient population for FXIII measurement, expecting a wide spectrum of results from haemostatic changes in vivo. A correlation study between FXIII activity (Berichrom F XIII, Dade Behring Marburg GmbH) and FXIII antigen assay (HemosIL™, Instrumentation Laboratory Company, Milano Italy) was performed using two different automated coagulation analyzers and test principles. FXIII assays using these two methods were performed on blood specimen from 84 patients taken pre and post neurosurgical procedures. A total of one hundred and thirty eight blood samples were included in this correlation study. There was a significant mean different of FXIII antigen levels pre and post intracranial surgery (p< 0.05). A significant, positive and good correlation between FXIII antigen and activity assays were documented by both methods, r = 0.86, and p<0.001. FXIII antigens are correlated with FXIII activity assays indicating the reliability and robustness of both methods for quantitation of FXIII in the blood. These two methods are recommended for both diagnostic and research purposes.
STRENGTH, WATER ABSORPTION AND THERMAL COMFORT OF MORTAR BRICKS CONTAINING CRUSHED CERAMIC WASTE
Authors: Ismail Noorli , Salleh Norhafizah , Mohd Yusof Noor Faezah , Jamellodin Zalipah , Mohd Jaafar Mohd Faizal
Published: October 2017

This present study investigated the crushed ceramic waste utilisation as sand replacement in solid mortar bricks. The percentage of crushed ceramic waste used were 0% (CW0), 10% (CW10), 20% (CW20) and 30% (CW30) from the total weight of sand. The dimension prescribed of mortar bricks are 215 mm x 102.5 mm x 65 mm as followed accordance to MS 2281:2010 and BS EN 771-1:2011+A1:2015. Four (4) tests were conducted on mortar bricks namely crushing strength, water absorption, compressive strength of masonry units and thermal comfort. The incorporation of ceramic waste in all designated mortar bricks showed the increment of crushing strength between 23% and 46% at 28 days of curing and decrement water absorption between 34% and 44% was recorded corresponding to control mortar bricks. The prism test of masonry units consists of mortar bricks containing ceramic waste indicated the high increment of compressive strength at about 200% as compared to mortar brick without ceramic waste. The thermal comfort test of ceramic mortar bricks were also showed the good insulation with low interior temperature. Therefore, the ceramic waste can be utilised as a material replacement to fine aggregate in mortar brick productions due to significant outcomes performed.
Women Realizing the Zionist Idea in the Ladino Zionist-Literary Periodical El Maccabeo, 1914-1917
Authors: Dori Nitsa
Published: October 2017

This article will discuss women’s writing in the Ladino Zionist-literary periodical, El Maccabeo, during early twentieth century Thessaloniki. We will sketch the writers’ profiles, and examine their goals and the literary means used to realize them. These indices will help us evaluate women’s place in shaping Thessalonikian Jewry in general, the realization of the Zionist idea in particular, and how the articles serve as a literary and historical source for Thessalonikian Jewry during this period.Likewise, we will attempt to organize their articles along a historical-literary continuum and understand how they reflect the move from tradition to innovation.
New travelling wave solutions for fractional regularized long-wave equation and fractional coupled Nizhnik-Novikov-Veselov equation
Authors: Guner Ozkan
Published: October 2017

In this paper, solitary-wave ansatz and the (G?/G)-expansion methods have been used to obtain exact solutions of the fractional regularized long-wave (RLW) and coupled Nizhnik-Novikov-Veselov (NNV) equation. As a result, three types of exact analytical solutions such as rational function solutions, trigonometric function solutions, hyperbolic function solutions are formally derived these equations. Proposed methods are more powerful and can be applied to other fractional differential equations arising in mathematical physics.
Statistical Approach for Computational Fluid Dynamics State-of-the-Art Assessment: N-Version Verification and Validation
Authors: Stern Frederick , Diez Matteo , Sadat-Hosseini Hamid , Yoon Hyunse , Quadvlieg Frans
Published: October 2017

A statistical approach for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) state-of-the-art (SoA) assessment is presented for specified benchmark test cases and validation variables, based on the combination of solution and N-version verification and validation (V&V). Solution V&V estimates the systematic numerical and modeling errors/uncertainties. N-version verification estimates the random simulation uncertainty. N-version validation estimates the random absolute error uncertainty, which is combined with the experimental and systematic numerical uncertainties into the SoA uncertainties and then used to determine whether or not the individual codes/simulations and the mean code are N-version validated at the USoAi and USoA intervals, respectively. The scatter is due to differences in models and numerical methods, grid types, domains, boundary conditions, and other setup parameters. Differences between codes/simulations and implementations are due to myriad possibilities for modeling and numerical methods and their implementation as CFD codes and simulation applications. Industrial CFD codes are complex software with many user options such that even in solving the same application, different results may be obtained by different users, not necessarily due to user error but rather the variability arising from the selection of various models, numerical methods, and setup options. Examples are shown for ship hydrodynamics applications using results from the Seventh CFD Ship Hydrodynamics and Second Ship Maneuvering Prediction Workshops. The role and relationship of individual code solution V&V versus N-version V&V and SoA assessment are discussed.
Particulate Deposition in a Patient With Tracheal Stenosis
Authors: Taherian S. , Rahai H. R. , Bonifacio J. , Gomez B. Z. , Waddington Thomas
Published: October 2017

The presence of obstructions such as tracheal stenosis has important effects on respiratory functions. Tracheal stenosis impacts the therapeutic efficacy of inhaled medications as a result of alterations in particle transport and deposition pattern. This study explores the effects of the presence and absence of stenosis/obstruction in the trachea on air flow characteristics and particle depositions. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed on three-dimensional (3D) patient-specific models created from computed tomography (CT) images. The analyzed model was generated from a subject with tracheal stenosis and includes the airway tree up to eight generations. CT scans of expiratory and inspiratory phases were used for patient-specific boundary conditions. Pre- and post-intervention CFD simulations' comparison reveals the effect of the stenosis on the characteristics of air flow, transport, and depositions of particles with diameters of 1, 2.5, 4, 6, 8, and 10 μm. Results indicate that the existence of the stenosis inflicts a major pressure force on the flow of inhaled air, leading to an increased deposition of particles both above and below the stenosis. Comparisons of the decrease in pressure in each generation between pre- and post-tracheal stenosis intervention demonstrated a significant reduction in pressure following the stenosis, which was maintained in all downstream generations. Good agreements were found using experimental validation of CFD findings with a model of the control subject up to the third generation, constructed via additive layer manufacturing from CT images.
Interleukin-10 from CD4
+
follicular regulatory T cells promotes the germinal center response
Authors: Laidlaw Brian J. , Lu Yisi , Amezquita Robert A. , Weinstein Jason S. , Vander Heiden Jason A. , Gupta Namita T. , Kleinstein Steven H. , Kaech Susan M. , Craft Joe
Published: October 2017

Follicular regulatory T cells promote the germinal center response after viral infection through provision of IL-10.
A molecular basis of human T cell receptor autoreactivity toward self-phospholipids
Authors: Shahine Adam , Van Rhijn Ildiko , Cheng Tan-Yun , Iwany Sarah , Gras Stephanie , Moody D. Branch , Rossjohn Jamie
Published: October 2017

Structure of autoreactive CD1b-restricted T cell receptor (TCR) provides insights into lipid autoreactivity of TCRs.
A Swedish national adoption study of risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Authors: Waehrens Rasmus , Zöller Bengt , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina , Pirouzifard MirNabi
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) clusters in families, but the familial risk of IBS has not been determined in adoptees. Studying adoptees and their biological and adoptive parents is a strong study design for separating genetic from environmental causes of familial clustering. This nationwide study aimed to separate the biological (genetic) and familial environmental contribution to the familial transmission of IBS.

Methods

We performed a family study for Swedish-born adoptees born from 1951 until 1995, and their biological and adoptive parents. The Swedish Multigeneration Register was linked to the Hospital Register (inpatients and outpatients) for the period 1964–2012 and the Swedish Outpatient Care Register for 2001–2012, and the Swedish Primary Healthcare register for 1989–2012. ORs for IBS were calculated for adoptees with an affected biological parent with IBS compared with adoptees without a biological parent with IBS. The OR for IBS was also determined in adoptees with an adoptive parent with IBS compared with adoptees without an adoptive parent with IBS. Heritabilityh2(±SE) was also determined.

Results

The ORs for IBS were 1.67 in adoptees (95% CI 1.06 to 2.62) of biological parents diagnosed with IBS. The ORs for IBS were 0.88 in adoptees (95% CI 0.48 to 1.63) of adoptive parents diagnosed with IBS. The heritability was 19.5%±8.5%.

Conclusions

The present study indicates that biological (genetic) factors are important for the familial clustering of IBS. The heritability calculated is in the range from twin studies and suggests that heritability may be estimated in adoptees.
The effects of a household conditional cash transfer programme on coverage and quality of antenatal care: a secondary analysis of Indonesia’s pilot programme
Authors: Triyana Margaret , Shankar Anuraj H
Published: October 2017

Objective

To analyse the effectiveness of a household conditional cash transfer programme (CCT) on antenatal care (ANC) coverage reported by women and ANC quality reported by midwives.

Design

The CCT was piloted as a cluster randomised control trial in 2007. Intent-to-treat parameters were estimated using linear regression and logistic regression.

Setting

Secondary analysis of the longitudinal CCT impact evaluation survey, conducted in 2007 and 2009. This included 6869 pregnancies and 1407 midwives in 180 control subdistricts and 180 treated subdistricts in Indonesia.

Outcome measures

ANC component coverage index, a composite measure of each ANC service component as self-reported by women, and ANC provider quality index, a composite measure of ANC service provided as self-reported by midwives. Each index was created by principal component analysis (PCA). Specific ANC component items were also assessed.

Results

The CCT was associated with improved ANC component coverage index by 0.07 SD (95% CI 0.002 to 0.141). Women were more likely to receive the following assessments: weight (OR 1.56 (95% CI 1.25 to 1.95)), height (OR 1.41 (95% CI 1.247 to 1.947)), blood pressure (OR 1.36 (95% CI 1.045 to 1.761)), fundal height measurements (OR 1.65 (95% CI 1.372 to 1.992)), fetal heart beat monitoring (OR 1.29 (95% CI 1.006 to 1.653)), external pelvic examination (OR 1.28 (95% CI 1.086 to 1.505)), iron-folic acid pills (OR 1.42 (95% CI 1.081 to 1.859)) and information on pregnancy complications (OR 2.09 (95% CI 1.724 to 2.551)). On the supply side, the CCT had no significant effect on the ANC provider quality index based on reports from midwives.

Conclusions

The CCT programme improved ANC coverage for women, but midwives did not improve ANC quality. The results suggest that enhanced ANC utilisation may not be sufficient to improve health outcomes, and steps to improve ANC quality are essential for programme impact.
Effects of advanced life support versus basic life support on the mortality rates of patients with trauma in prehospital settings: a study protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kondo Yutaka , Fukuda Tatsuma , Uchimido Ryo , Hifumi Toru , Hayashida Kei
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Advanced life support (ALS) is thought to be associated with improved survival in prehospital trauma care when compared with basic life support (BLS). However, evidence on the benefits of prehospital ALS for patients with trauma is controversial. Therefore, we aim to clarify if ALS improves mortality in patients with trauma when compared with BLS by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of the recent literature.

Methods and analysis

We will perform searches in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for published observational studies, controlled before-and-after studies, randomised controlled trials and other controlled trials conducted in humans and published until March 2017. We will screen search results, assess study selection, extract data and assess the risk of bias in duplicate; disagreements will be resolved through discussions. Data from clinically homogeneous studies will be pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis, heterogeneity of effects will be assessed using the χ2test of homogeneity, and any observed heterogeneity will be quantified using the I2statistic. Last, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach will be used to rate the quality of the evidence.

Ethics and dissemination

Our study does not require ethical approval as it is based on findings of previously published articles. Results will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal, presentations at relevant conferences and publications for patient information.

Trial registration number

PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) registration number CRD42017054389.
Reaching consensus on reporting patient and public involvement (PPI) in research: methods and lessons learned from the development of reporting guidelines
Authors: Brett Jo , Staniszewska Sophie , Simera Iveta , Seers Kate , Mockford Carole , Goodlad Susan , Altman Doug , Moher David , Barber Rosemary , Denegri Simon , Entwistle Andrew Robert , Littlejohns Peter , Morris Christopher , Suleman Rashida , Thomas Victoria , Tysall Colin
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Patient and public involvement (PPI) is inconsistently reported in health and social care research. Improving the quality of how PPI is reported is critical in developing a higher quality evidence base to gain a better insight into the methods and impact of PPI. This paper describes the methods used to develop and gain consensus on guidelines for reporting PPI in research studies (updated version of the Guidance for Reporting Patient and Public Involvement (GRIPP2)).

Methods

There were three key stages in the development of GRIPP2: identification of key items for the guideline from systematic review evidence of the impact of PPI on health research and health services, a three-phase online Delphi survey with a diverse sample of experts in PPI to gain consensus on included items and a face-to-face consensus meeting to finalise and reach definitive agreement on GRIPP2. Challenges and lessons learnt during the development of the reporting guidelines are reported.

Discussion

The process of reaching consensus is vital within the development of guidelines and policy directions, although debate around how best to reach consensus is still needed. This paper discusses the critical stages of consensus development as applied to the development of consensus for GRIPP2 and discusses the benefits and challenges of consensus development.
Key factors of case management interventions for frequent users of healthcare services: a thematic analysis review
Authors: Hudon Catherine , Chouinard Maud-Christine , Lambert Mireille , Diadiou Fatoumata , Bouliane Danielle , Beaudin Jérémie
Published: October 2017

Objective

The aim of this paper was to identify the key factors of case management (CM) interventions among frequent users of healthcare services found in empirical studies of effectiveness.

Design

Thematic analysis review of CM studies.

Methods

We built on a previously published review that aimed to report the effectiveness of CM interventions for frequent users of healthcare services, using the Medline, Scopus and CINAHL databases covering the January 2004–December 2015 period, then updated to July 2017, with the keywords ‘CM’ and ‘frequent use’. We extracted factors of successful (n=7) and unsuccessful (n=6) CM interventions and conducted a mixed thematic analysis to synthesise findings. Chaudoir’s implementation of health innovations framework was used to organise results into four broad levels of factors: (1) ,environmental/organisational level, (2) practitioner level, (3) patient level and (4) programme level.

Results

Access to, and close partnerships with, healthcare providers and community services resources were key factors of successful CM interventions that should target patients with the greatest needs and promote frequent contacts with the healthcare team. The selection and training of the case manager was also an important factor to foster patient engagement in CM. Coordination of care, self-management support and assistance with care navigation were key CM activities. The main issues reported by unsuccessful CM interventions were problems with case finding or lack of care integration.

Conclusions

CM interventions for frequent users of healthcare services should ensure adequate case finding processes, rigorous selection and training of the case manager, sufficient intensity of the intervention, as well as good care integration among all partners. Other studies could further evaluate the influence of contextual factors on intervention impacts.
The STROBE extensions: protocol for a qualitative assessment of content and a survey of endorsement
Authors: Sharp Melissa K , Utrobičić Ana , Gómez Guadalupe , Cobo Erik , Wager Elizabeth , Hren Darko
Published: October 2017

Introduction

The STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Statement was developed in response to inadequate reporting of observational studies. In recent years, several extensions to STROBE have been created to provide more nuanced field-specific guidance for authors. The content and the prevalence of extension endorsement have not yet been assessed. Accordingly, there are two aims: (1) to classify changes made in the extensions to identify strengths and weaknesses of the original STROBE checklist and (2) to determine the prevalence and typology of endorsement by journals in fields related to extensions.

Methods and analysis

Two independent researchers will assess additions in each extension. Additions will be coded as ‘field specific’ (FS) or ‘not field specific’ (NFS). FS is defined as particularly relevant information for a single field and guidance provided generally cannot be extrapolated beyond that field. NFS is defined as information that reflects epidemiological or methodological tenets and can be generalised to most, if not all, types of observational research studies. Intraclass correlation will be calculated to measure reviewers’ concordance. On disagreement, consensus will be sought. Individual additions will be grouped by STROBE checklist items to identify the frequency and distribution of changes.

Journals in fields related to extensions will be identified through National Library of Medicine PubMed Broad Subject Terms, screened for eligibility and further distilled via Ovid MEDLINE® search strategies for observational studies. Text describing endorsement will be extracted from each journal’s website. A classification scheme will be created for endorsement types and the prevalence of endorsement will be estimated. Analyses will use NVivo V.11 and SAS University Edition.

Ethics and dissemination

This study does not require ethical approval as it does not involve human participants. This study has been preregistered on Open Science Framework.
Improving referral to psychological support unit at Saudi Red Crescent Authority in Riyadh Region
Authors: Alzahrani Ahmad Yousif , Mahmod Sabri abd Allah , Bakhamis Thamer Mohammad , Al-Surimi Khaled
Published: October 2017

The Psychological Support Unit (PSU) performance in Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) showed that only a small number of case referred seeking psychological advice and management from PSU among all SRCA employees. However, research shows that between 28% and 52% of emergency medical services (EMS) providers usually seek psychological help in various EMS cultures, where 86% of them usually suffer from critical stress. Thus, we decided to design a quality improvement project that aims to improve the referral process by increasing cases referred to the PSU at SRCA in Riyadh Region by 75% in 2 months. A multidisciplinary team has been formed to analyse the problem using quality tools including, brainstorming, fishbone diagram and flow chart of the PSU processes. Several possible reasons have been identified, such as lack of awareness among the SRCA’s employees about PSU and its services, and the concern about privacy and confidentiality during psychological consultations in the PSU, in addition to the long referring process to PSU. The team decided to test the following change ideas: increasing the awareness of employees about the PSU services, improving the privacy and confidentiality during the consultation using electronic channels, and finally re-engineering the referral process to make it lean and remove all the unnecessary steps. Several improvement interventions have been tested sequentially in three consecutive Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles on a weekly basis. The project findings demonstrated that the first change idea was successful but not reaching the target while the second change had led to huge impact exceeding our target but with short effect. On the other hand, although the third change idea of re-engineering the PSU referral process had led to negative result initially, over the following weeks of measurement the results turned to be positive and meeting our expectations. We concluded that re-engineering referral process is most effective improvement intervention among other change ideas in term of magnitude and sustainability of the effect on increasing the number of referral cases to the PSU. We recommend conducting further testing and measuring of these change ideas in other PSU across the SRCA to understand the diffident context in other regions of SRCA.
Social-media-enabled learning in emergency medicine: a case study of the growth, engagement and impact of a free open access medical education blog
Authors: Carley Simon , Beardsell Iain , May Natalie , Crowe Liz , Baombe Janos , Grayson Alan , Carden Richard , Liebig Ashley , Gray Chris , Fisher Ross , Horner Daniel , Howard Laura , Body Richard
Published: October 2017

Background

Clinicians are increasingly using social media for professional development and education. In 2012, we developed the St.Emlyn’s blog, an open access resource dedicated to providing free education in the field of emergency medicine.

Objective

To describe the development and growth of this international emergency medicine blog.

Method

We present a narrative description of the development of St.Emlyn’s blog. Data on scope, impact and engagement were extracted from WordPress, Twitter and Google Analytics.

Results

The St.Emlyn’s blog demonstrates a sustained growth in size and user engagement. Since inception in 2012, the site has been viewed over 1.25 million times with a linear year-on-year growth. We have published over 500 blog posts, each of which attracts a mean of 2466 views (range 382–69 671). The site has been viewed in nearly every country in the world, although the majority (>75%) of visitors come from the USA, UK and Australia.

This case study of an emergency medicine blog quantifies the reach and engagement of social-media-enabled learning in emergency medicine.
Investigation of the C-3-epi-25(OH)D3 of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in urban schoolchildren
Authors: Berger Samantha E. , Van Rompay Maria I. , Gordon Catherine M. , Goodman Elizabeth , Eliasziw Misha , Holick Michael F. , Sacheck Jennifer M.
Published: October 2017

The physiological relevance C-3 epimer of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (3-epi-25(OH)D) is not well understood among youth. The objective of this study was to assess whether demographic/physiologic characteristics were associated with 3-epi-25(OH)D3 concentrations in youth. Associations between 3-epi-25(OH)D3 and demographics and between 3-epi-25(OH)D3, total 25-hydroxyvitamin (25(OH)D) (25(OH)D2 + 25(OH)D3), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides were examined in racially/ethnically diverse schoolchildren (n = 682; age, 8–15 years) at Boston-area urban schools. Approximately 50% of participants had detectable 3-epi-25(OH)D3 (range 0.95–3.95 ng/mL). The percentage of 3-epi-25(OH)D3 of total 25(OH)D ranged from 2.5% to 17.0% (median 5.5%). Males were 38% more likely than females to have detectable 3-epi-25(OH)D3 concentrations. Both Asian and black race/ethnicity were associated with lower odds of having detectable 3-epi-25(OH)D3 compared with non-Hispanic white children (Asian vs. white, odds ratio (OR) 0.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14–0.53; black vs. white, OR 0.38, 95%CI 0.23–0.63, p < 0.001). Having an adequate (20–29 ng/mL) or optimal (>30 ng/mL) 25(OH)D concentration was associated with higher odds of having detectable 3-epi-25(OH)D3 than having an inadequate (<20 ng/mL) concentration (OR 4.78, 95%CI 3.23–6.94 or OR 14.10, 95%CI 7.10–28.0, respectively). There was no association between 3-epi-25(OH)D3 and blood lipids. However, when considering 3-epi-25(OH)D3 as a percentage of total 25(OH)D, total cholesterol was lower in children with percent 3-epi-25(OH)D3 above the median (mean difference −7.1 mg/dL, p = 0.01). In conclusion, among schoolchildren, sex, race/ethnicity, and total serum 25(OH)D concentration is differentially associated with 3-epi-25(OH)D. The physiological relevance of 3-epi-25(OH)D3 may be related to the 3-epi-25(OH)D3 as a percentage of total 25(OH)D and should be considered in future investigations.
Theoretical study of 2s shell photoionization and subsequent Auger decay in atomic sodium
Authors: Wang HongBin , Jiang Gang , Li Xiang Fu
Published: October 2017

The 2s inner shell photoionization (PI) of Na and Auger decay of 1s22s2p63s state in Na+ were investigated using single-configuration and multiconfiguration (MC) approximation methods. The PI cross sections from MC calculations showed excellent agreement with experimental and previous theoretical values. The configuration interaction between 1s22s2p63s and 1s22s2p64s states was essential in predicting PI cross sections. Moreover, configuration interaction played a prominent role in determination of the Auger lifetime widths of Na+ 1s22s2p63s (1S0) compared with the experiment.
Evaluation of the diversity of garden potato varieties grown in Canada using simple sequence repeat and morphology
Authors: Côté Marie-José , Leduc Lisa , Mecteau Mélanie , Yu Trevor , Guillemette Eliane , Fraser Nicole
Published: October 2017

Garden potato varieties grown on more than 1.5 ha are subject to variety registration to be sold as seed potato in Canada. Prerequisites for the registration of varieties include the pedigree and breeding history as well as a morphological description. For most varieties, no pedigree or morphological description is available, and furthermore, some groups are essentially derived from one another. Therefore, a review to determine the genetic and morphological similarities and uniqueness of some of the garden potato varieties was initiated. Seven garden potato varieties grown over the largest areas in Canada were genotyped using a set of nine microsatellite [simple sequence repeat (SSR)] markers, resulting in six distinct SSR profiles. These varieties were also grown out for morphological description, providing supplementary information for the national registration and their monitoring during the seed certification process. To further assess the genetic similarities of garden or heritage varieties, 84 potato varieties were genotyped, and the unique SSR profiles of 62 varieties and six SSR profiles shared among the other 22 varieties were added to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency potato variety reference SSR profile collection. Furthermore, a set of blue varieties were described morphologically to evaluate the nature of morphological characteristic variation of varieties sharing the same SSR profile. Although all 14 varieties grown show some morphological differences, all varieties within each group sharing an SSR profile also clustered together based on morphological characteristics.
Single and sequential applications of dicamba for the control of glyphosate-resistant common ragweed in glyphosate- and dicamba-resistant soybean
Authors: Byker Holly P. , Van Wely Annemarie C. , Soltani Nadar , Lawton Mark B. , Robinson Darren E. , Sikkema Peter H.
Published: October 2017

Confirmation of glyphosate-resistant (GR) weeds in southwestern Ontario has led to a change in weed management practices, particularly in soybean. Registered soil-applied herbicides have been identified that have activity on GR common ragweed; however, due to the long emergence period of common ragweed, additional postemergence options are required. The recent development of glyphosate- and dicamba-resistant soybean (Roundup Ready Xtend soybean) allows for the preplant and postemergence application of dicamba. Three field studies were conducted in Ontario, Canada, in a field with confirmed GR common ragweed. Glyphosate-resistant common ragweed interference resulted in 75% yield loss in soybean compared with the weed-free check. At 4 wk after application, dicamba tank-mixed with glyphosate applied preplant only, postemergence only, or preplant followed by postemergence controlled GR common ragweed up to 94%, 87%, and 99%, respectively. The availability of dicamba for use in glyphosate- and dicamba-resistant soybean will provide an additional mode of action for weed management in soybean.
ICP-MS measurement of natural radioactivity at LNGS
Authors: Nisi S. , Copia L. , Dafinei I. , Di Vacri M. L.
Published: October 2017

Rare events search experiments, like those dedicated to the direct evidence of dark matter or neutrinoless double beta decay, are among the most exciting challenges of modern physics. The sensitivity of such experiments is driven by the background, which depends substantially on the radiopurity of the materials used for the experimental apparatus. Cutting edge measurement techniques are needed for a fast, sensitive and efficient screening of these materials and the certification of their production. Trace element measurements of high sensitivity and quick execution are mandatory also in other fields like tracing the geographical origin of food, temporal and geographical assignment of cultural heritage or monitoring environmental radioactivity. This work is an overview of the inorganic mass spectrometry facility available at Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS) for radiopure material screening and is especially focused on its ICP-MS instrumentation. Analytical methods developed to achieve lowest detection limits in different types of matrix, like metals, polymers, crystals and composite materials, are also indicated. Detection limits of [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] for U and Th and [Formula: see text] for K are attained through dedicated operation conditions of the instrumentation. Details are given on the results obtained for different experiments ongoing or under construction at LNGS.
Chemical purification of lanthanides for low-background experiments
Authors: Boiko R. S.
Published: October 2017

There are many potentially active isotopes among the lanthanide elements which are possible to use for low-background experiments to search for double [Formula: see text] decay, dark matter, to investigate rare [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] decays. These kind of experiments require very low level of radioactive contamination, but commercially available compounds of lanthanides are always contamined by uranium, thorium, radium, potassium, etc. A simple chemical method based on liquid–liquid extraction has been applied for the purification of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] from radioactive traces. Detailed schemes of purification procedure are described. Measurements by using HPGe spectrometry demonstrate high efficiency in K, Ra, Th, U contaminations reduction on at least one order of magnitude.
Low background techniques toward a ZnWO4directionality experiment
Authors: Cerulli R.
Published: October 2017

The ZnWO4crystal is a very promising scintillator to investigate Dark Matter candidates able to induce just nuclear recoils by exploiting the directionality technique. In particular, the anisotropy of the light output for heavy particles in this scintillator can be considered to point out the presence — in the diurnal counting rate — of a signal produced by such Dark Matter candidates. In this paper the status of art of the performances of recently realized ZnWO4crystal scintillator is summarized and possible future improvements are discussed. Finally, the directionality approach to pursue this kind of Dark Matter investigation with the anisotropic crystal scintillator is addressed and reachable sensitivities — under given assumptions — in future experiments are discussed.
Test Focus Selection for Integration Testing
Authors: Banitaan Shadi , Nygard Kendall E. , Magel Kenneth
Published: October 2017

Object-oriented software systems contain large number of modules which make unit testing, integration testing, and system testing very difficult and challenging. While the aim of unit testing is to show that individual modules are working properly and the aim of the system testing is to determine whether the whole system meets its specifications, the aim of integration testing is to uncover errors in the interactions between system modules. However, it is generally impossible to test all connections between modules because of time and budget constraints. Thus, it is important to focus the testing on the connections presumed to be more error-prone.

The goal of this work is to guide software testers where in a software system to focus when performing integration testing to save time and resources. This paper proposes a new approach to predict and rank error-prone connections. We use method level metrics that capture both dependencies and internal complexity of methods. We performed experiments on several Java applications and used error seeding techniques for evaluation. The experimental results showed that our approach is effective for selecting the test focus in integration testing.
DYNAMIC RESPONSE OF PELVIC COMPLEX FINITE ELEMENT STUDY AND VALIDATION UNDER SIDE IMPACT
Authors: QU AILI , WANG DONGMEI , ZENG XIANGSEN , WANG QIU’GEN
Published: October 2017

Objective: To investigate and validate dynamic response of the pelvis, a finite element model of seated pelvic complex comprising of bone, ligaments, abdominal artery and soft tissue was developed and concurrently, a cadaver experiment was set up. Materials and Methods: Based on supine scanned CT images, we first developed an FE pelvic complex model and modified it to construct a seated pelvic model by anteriorly rotating the proximal femur to 90[Formula: see text]. For the cadaver experiment, a customized pelvic impact apparatus was designed and optical devices, strain gauges and pressure detectors were used to measure the pelvic response. Results: The results of the FE analysis and the cadaver tests were congruent in terms of impact force and fracture sites. Dynamic arterial response to the lateral impact showed hemodynamic instability that was displayed in pressure variation. The response of ligaments indicated that the posterior ligaments of pelvic ring experienced a larger amount of load. Conclusion: FE results provided the impact of ligaments and arteries besides impact force, compression (C) and viscous criterion (VC). Accordingly, the cadaver experiment measured arterial pressure, impact force, bone strain and compression. The compatibility between the FE and cadaver analyses demonstrates the high bio-fidelity of our pelvic complex model.
ADAPTIVE MOTION PLANNING FOR HITCR-II HEXAPOD ROBOT
Authors: ZHANG HE , WU RUI , LI CHANGLE , ZANG XIZHE , ZHU YANHE , JIN HONGZHE , ZHANG XUEHE , ZHAO JIE
Published: October 2017

Multi-legged robots have the ability to traverse rugged terrain and can surmount the obstacles, which are impossible for being overcome by wheeled robots. In this regard, six-legged (hexapod) robots are considered to provide the best combination of adequate adaptability and control complexity. Their motion planning envisages calculating sequences of footsteps and body posture, accounting for the influence of terrain shape, in order to produce the appropriate foot-end trajectory and ensure stable and flexible motion of hexapod robots on the rugged terrain. In this study, a high-order polynomial is used to describe the trajectory model, and a new motion planning theory is proposed, which is aimed at the adaptation of hexapod robots to more complex terrains. An attempt is made to elaborate the adaptive motion planning and perform its experimental verification for a novel hexapod robot HITCR-II, demonstrating its applicability for walking on the unstructured terrain.
Vibration Analysis of a Partially Connected Double-Beam System with the Transfer Matrix Method and Identification of the Slap Phenomenon in the System
Authors: Lee Jongsuh , Wang Semyung
Published: October 2017

This study concerns dynamic behavior of a partially connected double-beam system. This beam system is composed of two single beams and these beams are connected to each other by the distributed stiffness of which are located at certain regions. The governing equation of this double-beam system is composed of two fourth-order differential equations for each single beam. These two governing equations are coupled to each other by the partially distributed stiffness. And the coupling in the governing equations makes it difficult to analyze the dynamic behavior of this system. In this study, therefore, the difficulty has been overcome by using one assumption and one concept. The assumption is that the double beam is composed of two equivalent single beams. And the concept is concerned with the relative displacement between the two layers. In addition, the transfer matrix method is used to take problems concerned with discontinuity into account, which are generated by the distributed stiffness. And it is predicted that there will be the slap phenomenon in the double-beam system when the amplitude of the relative displacement is larger than the natural gap distance between the two layers. This phenomenon has been identified in experimental measurements.
Fracture Healing Assessment Based on Impact Testing: In Vitro Simulation and Monitoring of the Healing Process of a Tibial Fracture with External Fixator
Authors: Di Puccio Francesca , Mattei Lorenza , Longo Antonia , Marchetti Stefano
Published: October 2017

In clinical practice, bone healing is monitored with X-rays and manipulation. Its assessment is thus subjective, depending on the skills of the operator. Alternative and quantitative approaches have been proposed, generally based on the estimation of bone stiffness, which is known to increase with the healing process.

The present study investigates the application of experimental modal analysis to fracture healing assessment focusing on fractures treated with an external fixator. The aim is to ascertain the capability of this approach to detect changes in the bone-callus stiffness as variations in the resonant frequencies despite the presence of the fixator, which might hide the bone response. In vitro tests were performed on a tibia phantom where the healing process was simulated creating three different types of callus surrogates, using glue and resin. The resonant frequencies of the phantom with screwed pins and of the phantom with the complete fixator were estimated. Results confirm an increase in the frequencies as the simulated bone-callus stiffness increases, encouraging the application of experimental modal analysis to fracture healing monitoring. This approach can offer remarkable advantages with respect to the actual standards: being non-invasive and quantitative, it would allow a more frequent healing monitoring.
Large Amplitude Dynamic Analysis of FGM Cylindrical Shells on Nonlinear Elastic Foundation Under Thermomechanical Loads
Authors: Hadi Abbas , Ovesy Hamid Reza , Shakhesi Saeed , Fazilati Jamshid
Published: October 2017

Nonlinear dynamic characteristics of functionally graded material (FGM) cylindrical shells surrounded by nonlinear elastic foundation under axial static and lateral dynamic loads in thermal environment are investigated in the current paper. The main emphasis is on the simulation of the elastic foundation model and thermal loads. Nonlinear tri-parametric elastic foundation including linear and nonlinear parameters is used to model the reaction of the elastic foundation on the cylindrical shell. Different thermal loading scenarios are applied to the system to study the effects of thermal environment, including uniform, linear and nonlinear temperature distribution across the shell thickness. Governing equations are derived based on the Donnell’s thin shell theory. Material properties of the FGM are assumed to be variable through the shell thickness according to a power law function. Discretization of the obtained governing equations is performed using the Galerkin’s method. An averaging method and the Runge–Kutta method are applied to obtain the frequency–amplitude relation and time–deflection relation, respectively. Comprehensive numerical results are given for investigating the effects of thermo-mechanical loads, material and geometrical properties and nonlinear elastic foundation parameters on nonlinear dynamic characteristics of the functionally graded cylindrical shells (FGCSs). Present formulations are validated by comparing the results with the published data for some specific cases.