bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Healthcare resource utilization and cost among males with lower urinary tract symptoms with a predominant storage component in Spain: The epidemiological, cross‐sectional MERCURY study
Authors: Errando‐Smet Carlos , Müller‐Arteaga Carlos , Hernández Marta , Lenero Enrique , Roset Montse
Published: May 2017

Aims

To assess the relationship between storage‐predominant LUTS and healthcare resource consumption and cost among males in Spain.

Methods

In this non‐interventional, cross‐sectional study, urologists enrolled males with storage‐predominant LUTS and recorded the consumption of healthcare resources (medical visits, diagnostic tests/monitoring, treatment, and hospitalizations) within the previous 6 months. The cost of healthcare resources was calculated from unit costs extracted from a Spanish eHealth database. Severity of LUTS was assessed by the Bladder Self‐Assessment Questionnaire (BSAQ) and patients were stratified by symptom score (<6 or ≥6) to assess the relationship between LUTS severity and healthcare resource consumption and cost.

Results

Among 610 enrolled patients (BSAQ symptom score <6, n = 191; BSAQ symptom score ≥6, n = 419), the majority (87.7%) consumed healthcare resources during the previous 6 months in the form of medical visits (86.2%), diagnostic tests/monitoring (83.4%), and treatment (85.9%). Patients with BSAQ symptom scores ≥6 used more healthcare resources compared with patients with BSAQ symptom scores <6. The most common treatments for LUTS were α‐blockers used as monotherapy (n = 229 [37.5%]) or in combination with antimuscarinics (n = 227 [37.2%]). The estimated median annual cost was €1070 per patient, consisting of diagnostic tests/monitoring (54.6%), medical visits (20.5%), and treatment (29.6%), and was higher in patients with BSAQ symptom score ≥6 (€1127) than in patients with BSAQ symptom score <6 (€920; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

More severe LUTS are associated with higher healthcare consumption and cost. These findings highlight the importance of symptom management in LUTS patients to help minimize healthcare consumption and cost.
Peroxidase Activity of a c‐Type Cytochrome b5 in the Non‐Native State is Comparable to that of Native Peroxidases
Authors: Hu Shan , He Bo , Du Ke‐Jie , Wang Xiao‐Juan , Gao Shu‐Qin , Lin Ying‐Wu
Published: May 2017

The design of artificial metalloenzymes has achieved tremendous progress, although few designs can achieve catalytic performances comparable to that of native enzymes. Moreover, the structure and function of artificial metalloenzymes in non‐native states has rarely been explored. Herein, we found that a c‐type cytochrome b5 (Cyt b5), N57C/S71C Cyt b5, with heme covalently attached to the protein matrix through two Cys–heme linkages, adopts a non‐native state with an open heme site after guanidine hydrochloride (Gdn⋅HCl)‐induced unfolding, which facilitates H2O2 activation and substrate binding. Stopped‐flow kinetic studies further revealed that c‐type Cyt b5 in the non‐native state exhibited impressive peroxidase activity comparable to that of native peroxidases, such as the most efficient horseradish peroxidase. This study presents an alternative approach to the design of functional artificial metalloenzymes by exploring enzymatic functions in non‐native states.
Orgel ohne Pfeifen
Authors: Mathelitsch Leopold , Verovnik Ivo
Published: May 2017

Die Hammond‐Orgel erzeugt Töne elektromechanisch. Rotierende Zahnräder induzieren in magnetischen Spulen Wechselspannungen, der resultierende Wechselstrom wird verstärkt durch Lautsprecher geschickt. Der charakteristische Orgelklang basiert auf einem Mix aus Teiltönen, deren Stärke einstellbar ist. Für einen volleren Klang sorgt das Leslie‐Kabinett. Es besitzt einen rotierenden Hochton‐Lautsprecher und eine rotierende Reflektorfläche unter dem fixierten Basstöner. Die Mischung aus Doppler‐Effekt und variierender Intensität ergibt den charakteristischen Klang.
Einsteins Fenster zum dunklen Universum
Authors: Lück Harald
Published: May 2017

Mit dem ersten direkten Nachweis von Gravitationswellen wurde nicht nur die letzte Vorhersage der Allgemeinen Relativitätstheorie bestätigt, sondern auch ein neues Fenster zur Beobachtung des Universums geöffnet. Zentrales Messinstrument ist ein Michelson‐Interferometer, das mit vielen neuen Techniken eine extrem hohe Empfindlichkeit und Genauigkeit erreicht. Die nun mögliche Gravitationswellenastronomie erlaubt es, Bereiche und Phänomene zu beobachten, die den Astronomen bisher verschlossen blieben.
Der Stau als Forschungsobjekt
Authors: Bresges André , Schadschneider Andreas
Published: May 2017

Straßenverkehr ist eine ideale Spielwiese für die Physik. Auf der Basis von empirischen Beobachtungen und Experimenten ist die Struktur der verschiedenen Verkehrszustände mittlerweile recht gut verstanden. Verschiedene Modelle aus der Physik wie Zellularautomaten liefern realitätsnahe Simulationsergebnisse von Staus. Dies hat zu interessanten Anwendungen wie Stauprognose‐Systemen geführt.
Knoten in der Magnetisierung
Authors: von Bergmann Kirsten , Kubetzka André
Published: May 2017

Magnetische Skyrmionen sind teilchenartige Knoten der Magnetisierung. Wegen ihrer besonderen topologischen und physikalischen Eigenschaften zählen sie zu den spannendsten Objekten in der festkörperphysikalischen Grundlagenforschung. Für mögliche Anwendungen in der Informationstechnologie steht zum einen die stromgetriebene Bewegung von magnetischen Skyrmionen im Fokus der aktuellen Forschung. Zum anderen werden neue Methoden und Mechanismen untersucht, um Skyrmionen lokal zu detektieren und kontrolliert zu manipulieren.
Photonenblockade aufgelöst
Authors: Fink Johannes
Published: May 2017

Phasenübergänge helfen beim Verständnis von Vielteilchensystemen in der Festkörperphysik und Fluiddynamik bis hin zur Teilchenphysik. Unserer internationalen Kollaboration ist es gelungen, einen neuartigen Phasenübergang in einem Quantensystem zu beobachten [1]. In einem Mikrowellenresonator konnte erstmals die spontane Zustandsänderung von undurchsichtig zu transparent nachgewiesen werden.
Pommes Soufflées: Ballonbildung unter Verdampfen
Authors: Vilgis Thomas A.
Published: May 2017

Pommes soufflées gelten als Highlight der gehobenen Kartoffelküche. Etwa drei Millimeter dünne Kartoffelscheiben werden in zwei Ölbädern unterschiedlicher Temperaturen zu knusprigen Kissen aufgeblasen. Dabei kontrolliert die Temperatur Garung, Rissbildung, Verdampfen und Aufblähung.
Osimertinib administration via nasogastric tube in an EGFR‐T790M‐positive patient with leptomeningeal metastases
Authors: Takeda Takayuki , Itano Hideki , Takeuchi Mayumi , Nishimi Yurika , Saitoh Masahiko , Takeda Sorou
Published: May 2017

Patients with an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation are usually administered EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) as standard‐of‐care treatment. However, acquired resistance occurs between 9 and 13 months. The T790M‐resistant mutations are the most common, and osimertinib has been found to be effective in treating EGFR‐T790M‐positive patients. A 73‐year‐old female lung cancer patient with an EGFR‐sensitizing mutation was receiving fourth‐line chemotherapy when she complained of anorexia, headache, and irritability. A lumbar puncture showed adenocarcinoma in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which led to the diagnosis of leptomeningeal metastasis. Her performance status (PS) deteriorated quickly and she also developed dysphagia. The EGFR mutation testing of the CSF demonstrated L858R+T790M double mutations, and an osimertinib suspension was subsequently administered through a nasogastric tube. The PS improved to 1, oral intake became possible after 20 days, and further improvements were observed by gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. The patient remains progression‐free for 10 months after osimertinib administration.
Flexible Device Applications of 2D Semiconductors
Authors: Gao Li
Published: May 2017

Graphene‐like single‐ or few‐layer semiconductors, such as dichalcogenides and buckled nanocrystals, possess direct and tunable bandgaps, and excellent electrical, optical, mechanical and thermal properties. This unique set of desirable properties of 2D semiconductors has triggered great interest in developing ultra‐thin 2D flexible electronic devices, which ranges from realizing better material quality and simplified fabrication processes, to improving device performance and expanding the application horizon. The most explored 2D flexible devices based on transition metal dichalcogenides and black phosphorous include field‐effect transistors, optoelectronics, electronic sensors and supercapacitors. By taking advantage of a large portfolio of materials and properties of 2D crystals, a new generation of low‐cost, high‐performance, transparent, flexible and wearable devices looks attractive and promising in advancing flexible electronic technologies.
CsI Pre‐Intercalation in the Inorganic Framework for Efficient and Stable FA1−x CsxPbI3(Cl) Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhou Ning , Shen Yiheng , Zhang Yu , Xu Ziqi , Zheng Guanhaojie , Li Liang , Chen Qi , Zhou Huanping
Published: May 2017

Engineering the chemical composition of organic and inorganic hybrid perovskite materials is one of the most feasible methods to boost the efficiency of perovskite solar cells with improved device stability. Among the diverse hybrid perovskite family of ABX3, formamidinium (FA)‐based mixed perovskite (e.g., FA1−xCsxPbI3) possesses optimum bandgaps, superior optoelectronic property, as well as thermal‐ and photostability, which is proven to be the most promising candidate for advanced solar cell. Here, FA0.9Cs0.1PbI3(Cl) is implemented as the light‐harvesting layer in planar devices, whereas a low temperature, two‐step solution deposition method is employed for the first time in this materials system. This paper comprehensively exploits the role of Cs+ in the FA0.9Cs0.1PbI3(Cl) perovskite that affects the precursor chemistry, film nucleation and grain growth, and defect property via pre‐intercalation of CsI in the inorganic framework. In addition, the resultant FA0.9Cs0.1PbI3(Cl) films are demonstrated to exhibit an improved optoelectronic property with an elevated device power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.6%, as well as a stable phase with substantial enhancement in humidity and thermal stability, as compared to that of FAPbI3(Cl). The present method is able to be further extended to a more complicated (FA,MA,Cs)PbX3 material system by delivering a PCE of 19.8%.
Effect of Cold Deformation on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a Fe–20Mn–19Cr–0.5C–0.6N High Nitrogen Austenitic Steel
Authors: Peng Mengdu , Shi Jie , Cui Bing , Sun Ting , Li Xiaoyuan , Wang Maoqiu
Published: May 2017

The effect of cold deformation on microstructure and mechanical properties of a Fe–20Mn–19Cr–0.5C–0.6N high nitrogen austenitic steel has been studied. Microstructural observations show that the low cold deformation is fully dominated by the dislocation structures, namely, pile‐ups, Taylor lattice, and dislocation cells. With further cold deformation, the effect of twinning induced plasticity and grains fragmentation play an important role during cold deformation process. At critical cold deformation reduction range of 26–36%, the microstructural transitions by dislocation planar slip and multiplication gradually transits to twinning. For mechanical properties, with the increase of cold deformation reduction, the yield strength increases from 0.52 to 1.60 GPa, being increased by three times. The flow stress–strain model of the solution‐treated specimen can be described as . In addition, the strength‐elongation product and the cold deformation reduction present a linear relationship with a correlation coefficient of −0.27 to estimate the variation rate of the strength‐elongation product during cold deformation.
A matrix variate skew‐t distribution
Authors: Gallaugher Michael P.B. , McNicholas Paul D.
Published: May 2017

Although there is ample work in the literature dealing with skewness in the multivariate setting, there is a relative paucity of work in the matrix variate paradigm. Such work is, for example, useful for modelling three‐way data. A matrix variate skew‐t distribution is derived based on a mean‐variance matrix normal mixture. An expectation‐conditional maximization algorithm is developed for parameter estimation. Simulated data are used for illustration. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biegedrillknick‐Tragverhalten von Trägern mit nachgiebigen Zwischenabstützungen an nur einem Gurt
Authors: Unterweger Harald , Kettler Markus , Loschan Sarah
Published: May 2017

Der Formelapparat zum Nachweis der Tragfähigkeit bei Biegedrillknickversagen im Eurocode EN 1993‐1‐1 setzt Zwischenabstützungen voraus, die beide Gurte starr abstützen (vollständige Verdrehbehinderung). Nachfolgend wird der in der Praxis häufige Fall untersucht, der nur einen Gurt nachgiebig aus der Trägerebene abstützt.

Auf Basis numerischer nichtlinearer Berechnungen wird gezeigt, dass nun bei den Traglastberechnungen auch höhere Eigenformen zur Beschreibung der Imperfektionsgeometrie notwendig werden, um die Tragfähigkeiten nicht zu überschätzen. Der Einfluss der Nachgiebigkeit der Zwischenabstützung auf das Tragverhalten wird umfassend dargestellt. Es wird aufgezeigt, dass die aktuellen Knick‐ bzw. Biegedrillknicklinien im Falle von starren bzw. nachgiebigen Zwischenabstützungen an nur einem Gurt die Tragfähigkeit mitunter deutlich überschätzen, sodass die Entwicklung modifizierter Nachweisregeln erforderlich wird.
Lastkollektive für Eisenbahnbrücken aus Messdaten
Authors: Schmid Johannes , Lener Gerhard
Published: May 2017

Rasante Fortschritte bei der Entwicklung von Speichermedien ermöglichen die Erfassung riesiger Datenmengen. Diese liefern bei systematischer Auswertung neue Möglichkeiten zur Bestimmung von Ermüdungslasten für Eisenbahnbrücken. Während bisher die Bildung von Lastkollektiven über vorab definierte Regelzüge und eine darauf basierende Verkehrszusammensetzung die übliche Herangehensweise war, kann die Lastkollektivbildung jetzt deutlich genauer in Kombination mit Einwirkungsdaten über längere Zeiträume gelöst werden, wenn auch rechenintensiver. Dieser Artikel zeigt praktische Ergebnisse dieser neuen Herangehensweise zur Lastkollektivbildung anhand systematischer Berechnungen am Einfeldträger samt kurzen theoretischen Erläuterungen. Die dabei von den Österreichischen Bundesbahnen zur Verfügung gestellten Achslastmessdaten liefern teils erhebliche Unterschiede zu den normativen Werten. Zudem werden für die Konstruktion relevante Anwendungsmöglichkeiten der berechneten Ergebnisse gezeigt. Teil 1 befasst sich dabei ausschließlich mit dem Schadensäquivalenzfaktor λ1, während Teil 2 die Schadensäquivalenzfaktoren λ2 und λ3 sowie den Grenzwert λmax und ein Modell zur Berücksichtigung von Verkehrsveränderungen beinhaltet.
Lastkollektive für Eisenbahnbrücken aus Messdaten
Authors: Schmid Johannes , Lener Gerhard , Eberle Robert
Published: May 2017

Rasante Fortschritte bei der Entwicklung von Speichermedien ermöglichen die Erfassung riesiger Datenmengen. Diese liefern bei systematischer Auswertung neue Möglichkeiten zur Bestimmung von Ermüdungslasten für Eisenbahnbrücken. Während bisher die Bildung von Lastkollektiven über vorab definierte Regelzüge und eine darauf basierende Verkehrszusammensetzung die übliche Herangehensweise war, kann die Lastkollektivbildung jetzt deutlich genauer in Kombination mit Einwirkungsdaten über längere Zeiträume, wenn auch rechenintensiver gelöst werden. Dieser Artikel zeigt praktische Ergebnisse dieser neuen Herangehensweise zur Lastkollektivbildung anhand systematischer Berechnungen am Einfeldträger samt kurzen theoretischen Erläuterungen. Die dabei von den Österreichischen Bundesbahnen zur Verfügung gestellten Achslastmessdaten liefern erhebliche Unterschiede zu den normativen Werten. Teil 1 befasst sich ausschließlich mit dem Schadensäquivalenzfaktor λ1 [16]. In diesem zweiten Teil werden die Schadensäquivalenzfaktoren λ2 und λ3 sowie der Grenzwert λmax und ein Modell zur Berücksichtigung von Verkehrsveränderungen erläutert.
How is a bottled water market created?
Authors: Brei Vinicius Andrade
Published: May 2017

From the 1940s until 2015, while the French population grew 60%, the bottled water per capita consumption grew 2350%, from 6 L to about 140 L per person, per year. These figures rank France as one of the biggest bottled water markets in the world. Contrary to other top water markets, most of France's population has access to good quality tap water, which is trusted and consumed by most of its citizens. I explain this paradox, analyzing the creation and development of the French bottled water market. Based on data on the history of mineral water, marketing, and consumer behavior, I describe the origins and development of this market, highlighting the most important historical events and laws that created the economic and political conditions that shaped its structure and regulation. I analyze the influence of food and beverage groups like Nestlé, Danone, and Group Castel/Alma (Neptune), demonstrating how these companies radically reshaped the market structure through aggressive strategies of merger and acquisitions of smaller companies and their brands. I also examine how their marketing strategies and actions transformed the cultural meaning of water, gradually shifting from a banal, life‐essential good into a commodity that connects to a range of different cultural images, lifestyles, and changing consumers’ tastes and behavior. I also situate bottled water markets into the wider debate of water politics and policy. WIREs Water 2018, 5:e1220. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1220

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Value of Water

Human Water > Water as Imagined and Represented
Superior Thoracic Aperture Size is Significantly Associated with Cervical Anastomotic Leakage After Esophagectomy
Authors: Mine Shinji , Watanabe Masayuki , Okamura Akihiko , Imamura Yu , Kajiyama Yoshiaki , Sano Takeshi
Published: May 2017

Background

The size of the superior thoracic aperture (STA) may be associated with the incidence of cervical anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy. Using computed tomography (CT) images, we retrospectively investigated relationships between the size of the STA and anastomotic leakage following esophagectomy using the retrosternal or posterior mediastinal reconstruction routes.

Methods

Patients who underwent cervical esophagogastrostomy after esophagectomy between 2009 and 2015 were enrolled in this retrospective study (n = 326). The size of the STA was measured at the level of the sternal notch using preoperative CT images, and it was determined as the anteroposterior diameter of the STA minus the diameter of the trachea. Associations between clinical factors, including the size of the STA, and anastomotic leakage were determined.

Results

Anastomotic leakage occurred in 44 patients (13.5%). The size of the STA ranged from 0 to 49 mm (median, 16 mm). In univariate analyses, the duration of the operation, tumor location, anastomotic procedure, and the size of the STA were significantly associated with anastomotic leakage. In multivariate analysis, only the size of the STA was independently related to leakage (odds ratio 1.05; 95% confidence interval 1.002–1.107; p = 0.027). The size of the STA affected the incidence of leakage more frequently with the posterior mediastinal route than with the retrosternal route.

Conclusions

The size of the STA was significantly associated with the incidence of anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy, especially when using the posterior mediastinal route.
The effects of a brief educational intervention on medical students’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs towards low back pain
Authors: Shaheed Christina Abdel , Graves Jane , Maher Chris
Published: May 2017

Background and aims

Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs towards low back pain (LBP) can significantly impact a health care provider’s clinical decision making. Several studies have investigated interventions designed to change practitioner attitudes and beliefs towards LBP, however no such studies involving medical students have been identified.

Methods

This study explored medical students ‚ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs towards LBP before and after a brief educational intervention on LBP. Responses from medical students (n = 93) were evaluated before and after a 15-min educational video on back pain. The intervention was developed using Camtasia™ video editor and screen recorder. Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs were measured using the “Modified Back Beliefs Questionnaire”, with items from two previously reported questionnaires on back beliefs. The questionnaire asks participants to indicate their agreement with statements about LBP on a 5-point Likert scale. Preferred responses were based on guidelines for the evidence-based management of LBP. The primary analysis evaluated total score on the nine-inevitability items of the Back Beliefs Questionnaire (“inevitability score”).

Results

Following the brief intervention there was a significant improvement in the inevitability score (post-workshop mean [SD] 20.8 [4.9] vs pre-workshop mean [SD] 26.9 [4.2]; mean difference (MD) 6.1, p < 0.001; lower score more favourable 1) and large improvements in the proportion of students providing correct responses to items on activity (pre: 49% vs post: 79%), bed rest (41% vs 75%), imaging (44% vs 74%) and recovery (25% vs 66%).

Conclusions

After watching the educational video students’ knowledge, beliefs and attitudes towards LBP improved and thus aligned more closely with evidence-based guidelines.

Implications

Medical doctors are at the forefront of managing low back pain in the community, however there is a need to strengthen musculoskeletal education in medical training programmes. The results from this research suggest educational interventions on back pain do not need to be extensive in order to have favourable outcomes on medical students’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs towards back pain. The translational effects of these changes into clinical practice are not known.
Development of a self-directed, online-learning curriculum to increase community-engaged research in clinical and translational science
Authors: Balls-Berry Joyce E. , Billings Heather , Ernste Laura , Valdez Soto Miguel , Frimannsdottir Katrin , Weavers Karen , Montori Victor M. , Patten Christi A.
Published: May 2017

Background

Medical research strives to improve health; community-engaged research (CEnR) supports translation to the community.

Methods

This article describes the use of andragogical theory to develop asynchronous CEnR training.

Results

A total of 43 researchers and community members completed at least one module. The majority (67%–100%) stated that training met their educational needs and noted a desire for more information.

Conclusion

The curriculum reinforced CEnR principles to enhance medical research.
Science Cafés: Transforming citizens to scientific citizens—What influences participants’ perceived change in health and scientific literacy?
Authors: Ahmed Syed M. , DeFino Mia , Connors Emily , Visotcky Alexis , Kissack Anne , Franco Zeno
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Science Cafés facilitated by the Clinical and Translational Science Institute of Southeast Wisconsin seek to increase health and scientific literacy through informal conversation between researchers and community members. The goal was to understand what factors have the greatest influence on attendees’ perceived changes in health and science literacy levels (PCHSL) to increase impact.

Methods

Previous research established the evaluation used in the Science Cafés to measure PCHSL. In this study, comparisons were made between (1) 2 different approaches to Science Cafés (Genomics Science Cafés or Health Science Cafés) and (2) regression models to show which factors best predicted PCHSL.

Results

The approach of the Genomics Science Cafés series to Science Cafés showed a larger impact on PCHSL. Regression models suggest SES and education significantly contributes to PCHSL.

Conclusions

Insights for program development to have greater impact on PCHSL were identified. Continuing to optimize dissemination of research findings to the public is essential for improving community health and well-being.
The principle of reflexive practice
Authors: Reich Yoram
Published: May 2017

‘Practice what you preach’ is a phrase occasionally used to refer to those not acting as they want others to act. There are countless opportunities in professional work and daily life to bring such criticism upon ourselves. While the subject is broad, this study focuses on the application of this idea in research practice, and more specifically in design research. One point of departure is the question: ‘how should we practice research if its results are products just like other products?’ The Principle of Reflexive Practice (PRP) states that considering the outcome of design research or research itself as a product, many design principles, tools, methods or knowledge are applicable to design research.

A corollary of the principle is that in order to succeed in contemporary research environments, design researchers would gain significant benefit such as improving the success rate of their research projects, if they exercise design methods and tools in designing their research. By exercising these methods, researchers would gain quick and rich feedback about the methods they develop; they would become aware of issues that require users’ perspective that could not be possible without their own practical use.

The PRP makes participants in design research aware of the reflexive opportunity in studying design that could be mobilized to advancing their practice and making their research results more effective. Notwithstanding, adopting the PRP is not easy; therefore, it is presented as a challenge to design research. Four examples of using the PRP as a guiding principle in research are presented to demonstrate its importance and benefits.
Nuclear terrorism and virtual risk: Implications for prediction and the utility of models
Authors: Downes Robert J. , Hobbs Christopher
Published: May 2017

Assessing the risk of nuclear terrorism is a challenging task due to the diversity of actors involved, variety of pathways to success, range of defensive measures employed, and the lack of detailed historical record upon which to base analysis. Numerical models developed to date vary wildly in both approach and ultimate assessment: estimates of the likelihood a nuclear terrorist attack differ by up to nine orders of magnitude. This article critiques existing efforts from the standpoint of probability theory, and proposes an alternative perspective on the utility of risk assessment in this area. Nuclear terrorism is argued to be a ‘virtual risk’ for which it is not possible to meaningfully ascribe a quantitative measure, making numerical estimates of the likelihood of nuclear terrorism misleading. Instead, we argue that focus should be placed on utilising models to identify areas of disagreement as targets for further research, with greater emphasis on understanding terrorist decision-making and adaption in response to nuclear security measures.
The stratum of random mapping classes
Authors: GADRE VAIBHAV , MAHER JOSEPH
Published: May 2017

We consider random walks on the mapping class group that have finite first moment with respect to the word metric, whose support generates a non-elementary subgroup and contains a pseudo-Anosov map whose invariant Teichmüller geodesic is in the principal stratum. For such random walks, we show that mapping classes along almost every infinite sample path are eventually pseudo-Anosov, with invariant Teichmüller geodesics in the principal stratum. This provides an answer to a question of Kapovich and Pfaff [Internat. J. Algebra Comput.25, 2015 (5) 745–798].
Wieler solenoids, Cuntz–Pimsner algebras and -theory
Authors: DEELEY ROBIN J. , GOFFENG MAGNUS , MESLAND BRAM , WHITTAKER MICHAEL F.
Published: May 2017

We study irreducible Smale spaces with totally disconnected stable sets and their associated$K$-theoretic invariants. Such Smale spaces arise as Wieler solenoids, and we restrict to those arising from open surjections. The paper follows three converging tracks: one dynamical, one operator algebraic and one$K$-theoretic. Using Wieler’s theorem, we characterize the unstable set of a finite set of periodic points as a locally trivial fibre bundle with discrete fibres over a compact space. This characterization gives us the tools to analyse an explicit groupoid Morita equivalence between the groupoids of Deaconu–Renault and Putnam–Spielberg, extending results of Thomsen. The Deaconu–Renault groupoid and the explicit Morita equivalence lead to a Cuntz–Pimsner model for the stable Ruelle algebra. The$K$-theoretic invariants of Cuntz–Pimsner algebras are then studied using the Cuntz–Pimsner extension, for which we construct an unbounded representative. To elucidate the power of these constructions, we characterize the Kubo–Martin–Schwinger (KMS) weights on the stable Ruelle algebra of a Wieler solenoid. We conclude with several examples of Wieler solenoids, their associated algebras and spectral triples.
Directed harmonic currents near hyperbolic singularities
Authors: NGUYÊN VIÊT-ANH
Published: May 2017

Let $\mathscr{F}$ be a holomorphic foliation by curves defined in a neighborhood of $0$ in $\mathbb{C}^{2}$ having $0$ as a hyperbolic singularity. Let $T$ be a harmonic current directed by $\mathscr{F}$ which does not give mass to any of the two separatrices. We show that the Lelong number of $T$ at $0$ vanishes. Then we apply this local result to investigate the global mass distribution for directed harmonic currents on singular holomorphic foliations living on compact complex surfaces. Finally, we apply this global result to study the recurrence phenomenon of a generic leaf.
Dimension of harmonic measures in hyperbolic spaces
Authors: TANAKA RYOKICHI
Published: May 2017

We show the exact dimensionality of harmonic measures associated with random walks on groups acting on a hyperbolic space under a finite first moment condition, and establish the dimension formula by the entropy over the drift. We also treat the case when a group acts on a non-proper hyperbolic space acylindrically. Applications of this formula include continuity of the Hausdorff dimension with respect to driving measures and Brownian motions on regular coverings of a finite volume Riemannian manifold.
On stable transitivity of finitely generated groups of volume-preserving diffeomorphisms
Authors: ZHANG ZHIYUAN
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we provide a new criterion for the stable transitivity of volume-preserving finite generated groups on any compact Riemannian manifold. As one of our applications, we generalize a result of Dolgopyat and Krikorian [On simultaneous linearization of diffeomorphisms of the sphere.Duke Math. J. 136(2007), 475–505] and obtain stable transitivity for random rotations on the sphere in any dimension. As another application, we show that for$\infty \geq r\geq 2$, for any$C^{r}$volume-preserving partially hyperbolic diffeomorphism$g$on any compact Riemannian manifold$M$having sufficiently Hölder stable or unstable distribution, for any sufficiently large integer$K$and for any$(f_{i})_{i=1}^{K}$in a$C^{1}$open$C^{r}$dense subset of$\text{Diff}^{r}(M,m)^{K}$, the group generated by$g,f_{1},\ldots ,f_{K}$acts transitively.
Constant slope maps on the extended real line
Authors: MISIUREWICZ MICHAŁ , ROTH SAMUEL
Published: May 2017

For a transitive countably piecewise monotone Markov interval map we consider the question of whether there exists a conjugate map of constant slope. The answer varies depending on whether the map is continuous or only piecewise continuous, whether it is mixing or not, what slope we consider and whether the conjugate map is defined on a bounded interval, half-line or the whole real line (with the infinities included).
Developing a scalable training model in global mental health: pilot study of a video-assisted training Program for Generalist Clinicians in Rural Nepal
Authors: Acharya B. , Tenpa J. , Basnet M. , Hirachan S. , Rimal P. , Choudhury N. , Thapa P. , Citrin D. , Halliday S. , Swar S. B. , van Dyke C. , Gauchan B. , Sharma B. , Hung E. , Ekstrand M.
Published: May 2017

Background.

In low- and middle-income countries, mental health training often includes sending few generalist clinicians to specialist-led programs for several weeks. Our objective is to develop and test a video-assisted training model addressing the shortcomings of traditional programs that affect scalability: failing to train all clinicians, disrupting clinical services, and depending on specialists.

Methods.

We implemented the program -video lectures and on-site skills training- for all clinicians at a rural Nepali hospital. We used Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to evaluate pre- and post-test change in knowledge (diagnostic criteria, differential diagnosis, and appropriate treatment). We used a series of ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ questions to assess attitudes about mental illness, and utilized exact McNemar's test to analyze the proportions of participants who held a specific belief before and after the training. We assessed acceptability and feasibility through key informant interviews and structured feedback.

Results.

For each topic except depression, there was a statistically significant increase (Δ) in median scores on knowledge questionnaires: Acute Stress Reaction (Δ = 20, p = 0.03), Depression (Δ = 11, p = 0.12), Grief (Δ = 40, p < 0.01), Psychosis (Δ = 22, p = 0.01), and post-traumatic stress disorder (Δ = 20, p = 0.01). The training received high ratings; key informants shared examples and views about the training's positive impact and complementary nature of the program's components.

Conclusion.

Video lectures and on-site skills training can address the limitations of a conventional training model while being acceptable, feasible, and impactful toward improving knowledge and attitudes of the participants.
The Impact of Environmental Design on Doffing Personal Protective Equipment in a Healthcare Environment: A Formative Human Factors Trial
Authors: Herlihey Tracey A. , Gelmi Stefano , Cafazzo Joseph A. , Hall Trevor N. T.
Published: May 2017

OBJECTIVE

To explore the impact of environmental design on doffing personal protective equipment in a simulated healthcare environment.

METHODS

A mixed-methods approach was used that included human-factors usability testing and qualitative questionnaire responses. A patient room and connecting anteroom were constructed for testing purposes. This experimental doffing area was designed to overcome the environmental failures identified in a previous study and was not constructed based on any generalizable hospital standard.

RESULTS

In total, 72 healthcare workers from Ontario, Canada, took part in the study and tested the simulated doffing area. The following environmental design changes were tested and were deemed effective: increasing prominence of color-coded zones; securing disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer; outlining disposal bins locations; providing mirrors to detect possible contamination; providing hand rails to assist with doffing; and restricting the space to doff. Further experimentation and iterative design are required with regard to several important features: positioning the disposal bins for safety, decreasing the risk of contamination and user accessibility; optimal positioning of mirrors for safety; communication within the team; and positioning the secondary team member for optimal awareness. Additional design suggestions also emerged during this study, and they require future investigation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the importance of the environment on doffing personal protective equipment in a healthcare setting. Iterative testing and modification of the design of the environment (doffing area) are important to enhancing healthcare worker safety.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:712–717
A Multicenter Randomized Trial to Determine the Effect of an Environmental Disinfection Intervention on the Incidence of Healthcare-Associated Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Ray Amy J. , Deshpande Abhishek , Fertelli Dennis , Sitzlar Brett M. , Thota Priyaleela , Sankar C Thriveen , Jencson Annette L. , Cadnum Jennifer L. , Salata Robert A. , Watkins Richard R. , Sethi Ajay K. , Carling Philip C. , Wilson Brigid M. , Donskey Curtis J.
Published: May 2017

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of an environmental disinfection intervention on the incidence of healthcare-associated Clostridium difficile infection (CDI).

DESIGN

A multicenter randomized trial.

SETTING

In total,16 acute-care hospitals in northeastern Ohio participated in the study.

INTERVENTION

We conducted a 12-month randomized trial to compare standard cleaning to enhanced cleaning that included monitoring of environmental services (EVS) personnel performance with feedback to EVS and infection control staff. We assessed the thoroughness of cleaning based on fluorescent marker removal from high-touch surfaces and the effectiveness of disinfection based on environmental cultures for C. difficile. A linear mixed model was used to compare CDI rates in the intervention and postintervention periods for control and intervention hospitals. The primary outcome was the incidence of healthcare-associated CDI.

RESULTS

Overall, 7 intervention hospitals and 8 control hospitals completed the study. The intervention resulted in significantly increased fluorescent marker removal in CDI and non-CDI rooms and decreased recovery of C. difficile from high-touch surfaces in CDI rooms. However, no reduction was observed in the incidence of healthcare-associated CDI in the intervention hospitals during the intervention and postintervention periods. Moreover, there was no correlation between the percentage of positive cultures after cleaning of CDI or non-CDI rooms and the incidence of healthcare-associated CDI.

CONCLUSIONS

An environmental disinfection intervention improved the thoroughness and effectiveness of cleaning but did not reduce the incidence of healthcare-associated CDI. Thus, interventions that focus only on improving cleaning may not be sufficient to control healthcare-associated CDI.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:777–783
The Licensure Issue in Consulting and I-O Psychology: A Discussion Paper
Authors: Jelley R. Blake
Published: May 2017

The Licensure of Consulting and Industrial–Organizational (I-O) Psychologists (LCIOP) Joint Task Force has been examining the controversial issue of licensing I-O and consulting psychologists since 2014. We argue that constructive engagement with licensure is important for setting the future direction of the laws and regulations that govern professional psychology. We review relevant background information, current pressures on regulators, and recent developments in this area. We outline recommendations for jurisdictions’ regulators as well the I-O and consulting psychology communities to consider, discuss, and possibly act on. Others are invited to join the constructive, sometimes vigorous discussions we have enjoyed within the LCIOP Joint Task Force.
Slip-enhanced drop formation in a liquid falling down a vertical fibre
Authors: Halpern David , Wei Hsien-Hung
Published: May 2017

For a liquid film falling down along a vertical fibre, classical theory (Kalliadasis & Chang J. Fluid Mech., vol. 261, 1994, pp. 135–168; Yu & Hinch J. Fluid Mech., vol. 737, 2013, pp. 232–248) showed that drop formation can occur due to capillary instability when the Bond number $G=\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}ga^{3}/\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FE}h_{0}$ is below the critical value $G_{c}\approx 0.60$, where $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}$ is the fluid density, $g$ is the gravitational acceleration, $a$ is the fibre radius, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FE}$ is the surface tension and $h_{0}$ is the unperturbed film thickness. However, the experiment by Quéré (Europhys. Lett., vol. 13 (8), 1990, pp. 721–726) found $G_{c}\approx 0.71$, which is slightly greater than the above theoretical value. Here we offer a plausible way to resolve this discrepancy by including additional wall slip whose amount can be measured by the slip parameter $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EC}=3\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}/h_{0}$, where $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}$ is the slip length. Using lubrication theory, we find that wall slip promotes capillary instability and, hence, enhances drop formation. In particular, when slip effects are strong ($\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EC}\gg 1$), the transition films and the drop height scale as $(c/\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EC})^{-1/3}$ and $(c/\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EC})^{2/3}$, respectively, distinct from those found by Yu & Hinch for the no-slip case where $c$ is the travelling speed. In addition, for $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EC}>1$, $G_{c}$ is found to increase with $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EC}$ according to $G_{c}\approx 0.7\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EC}^{1/3}$, offering a possible explanation why the $G_{c}$ found by Quéré is slightly greater than that predicted by the no-slip model. Using the above expression, the estimated slip length in Quéré’s experiment is found to be of the order of several micrometres, consistent with the typical slip length range 1–$10~\unicode[STIX]{x03BC}\text{m}$ for polymeric liquids such as silicone oil used in his experiment. The existence of wall slip in Quéré’s experiment is further supported by the observation that the film thinning kinetics exhibits the no-slip result $h\propto t^{-1/2}$ for early times and changes to the strong slip result $h\propto t^{-1}$, where $h$ is the film thickness. We also show that when the film is ultrathin, although capillary instability can become further amplified by strong slip effects, the instability can be arrested by the equally intensified gravity draining in the weakly nonlinear regime whose dynamics is governed by the Kuramoto–Sivashinsky equation.
A Longitudinal Study Into Indicators of Mental Health, Strengths and Difficulties Reported by Boarding Students as They Transition From Primary School to Secondary Boarding Schools in Perth, Western Australia
Authors: Mander David J. , Lester Leanne
Published: May 2017

This study examined indicators of mental health, as well as strengths and difficulties, as reported by same-age boarding and non-boarding students spanning four time points over a 2-year period as they transitioned from primary to boarding school in Western Australia (i.e., at the end of Grade 7, beginning of Grade 8, end of Grade 8, and end of Grade 9). It presents data taken from a larger longitudinal quantitative study, which included 76 male and 74 female boarding students while they were in Grades 7 to 9. Findings indicate that boarding students and non-boarding students reported significant increases in depression, anxiety, as well as emotional symptoms and hyperactivity over time, and reported significant decreases in prosocial behaviour. However, examining the boarder × time interaction, boarding students reported significantly higher levels of anxiety and stress at the end of Grade 8 compared to non-boarding students. No significant difference over time was found in depressive symptomatology between boarding and non-boarding students, whereas at the beginning of Grade 8 and end of Grade 9, boarding students reported significantly higher emotional symptoms than non-boarding students. These findings are discussed in terms of the boarding school context and possible considerations for prevention and practice are presented.
On the Dichotomy between Normal and Dwarf Ellipticals
Authors: Schombert James M.
Published: May 2017

Using images from the SDSS DR13 library, we examine the structural properties of 374 bright (classed E0 to E6) and dwarf ellipticals [classed dE(nN) to dE(N)]. The sample combines a multicolour sample of bright ellipticals (252 galaxies with $M_{\text{g}} < -20$) with a new sample of faint ellipticals (60 galaxies with $M_{\text{g}} > -20$) which overlaps the dwarf elliptical sample (62 galaxies) in luminosity and size. The faint ellipticals extend the linear structural correlations found for bright ellipticals into parameter space not occupied by dwarf ellipticals indicating a dichotomy exists between the two types. In particular, many faint ellipticals have significantly higher effective surface brightnesses compared to dwarf ellipticals which eliminates any connection at a set stellar mass. Template analysis of the three subsets of ellipticals demonstrates that the bright and faint ellipticals follow the same trends of profile shape (weak homology), but that dwarf ellipticals form a separate and distinct structural class with lower central surface brightnesses and extended isophotal radii.
Terrestrial Mollusks as Chronological Records in Brazilian Shellmounds
Authors: Macario Kita D , Tenório Maria Cristina , Alves Eduardo Q , Oliveira Fabiana M , Chanca Ingrid S , Netto Bruna , Carvalho Carla , Souza Rosa , Aguilera Orangel , Guimarães Renato B
Published: May 2017

Among other zooarchaeological remains, terrestrial snails’ shells from theThaumastusandMegalobulimusgenera are found in some Brazilian shellmounds, presenting a potential substitute for charcoal in radiocarbon dating analyses, as reliable representatives of the atmospheric carbon isotopic ratio. In this paper, we present statistically similar results of both charcoal and land snails samples from the same archaeological contexts in three settlements on the coast of Rio de Janeiro. The Manitiba I shellmound results range from 4.2 to 3.7 ka cal BP (95.4%), contemporary with the Saquarema shellmound, occupied during the period from 4.3 to 3.6 ka cal BP (95.4%). For the Usiminas shellmound, two groups of samples revealed different periods of time for two occupational layers from 2.3 to 2.1 ka cal BP (95.4%) and from 1.6 and 1.3 ka cal BP (95.4%). A model constraining each group of samples to within a single phase has a general agreement of 97% with only two outliers out of 22 dates, yielding minimum individual agreement of 74% and 7% posterior outlier probability for Saquarema shells. These are good examples of sites in which the occupation chronology can be successfully obtained by the radiocarbon dating of land snails.
ON ADDITIVE REPRESENTATION FUNCTIONS
Authors: LI YA-LI , CHEN YONG-GAO
Published: May 2017

For any finite abelian group$G$with$|G|=m$,$A\subseteq G$and$g\in G$, let$R_{A}(g)$be the number of solutions of the equation$g=a+b$,$a,b\in A$. Recently, Sándor and Yang [‘A lower bound of Ruzsa’s number related to the Erdős–Turán conjecture’, Preprint, 2016,arXiv:1612.08722v1] proved that, if$m\geq 36$and$R_{A}(n)\geq 1$for all$n\in \mathbb{Z}_{m}$, then there exists$n\in \mathbb{Z}_{m}$such that$R_{A}(n)\geq 6$. In this paper, for any finite abelian group$G$with$|G|=m$and$A\subseteq G$, we prove that (a) if the number of$g\in G$with$R_{A}(g)=0$does not exceed$\frac{7}{32}m-\frac{1}{2}\sqrt{10m}-1$, then there exists$g\in G$such that$R_{A}(g)\geq 6$; (b) if$1\leq R_{A}(g)\leq 6$for all$g\in G$, then the number of$g\in G$with$R_{A}(g)=6$is more than$\frac{7}{32}m-\frac{1}{2}\sqrt{10m}-1$.
REGULAR ORBITS OF COPRIME LINEAR GROUPS IN LARGE CHARACTERISTIC
Authors: SAMBALE BENJAMIN
Published: May 2017

We prove that a finite coprime linear group$G$in characteristic$p\geq \frac{1}{2}(|G|-1)$has a regular orbit. This bound on$p$is best possible. We also give an application to blocks with abelian defect groups.