bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advances on plant–pathogen interactions from molecular toward systems biology perspectives
Authors: Peyraud Rémi , Dubiella Ullrich , Barbacci Adelin , Genin Stéphane , Raffaele Sylvain , Roby Dominique
Published: November 2016

In the past 2 decades, progress in molecular analyses of the plant immune system has revealed key elements of a complex response network. Current paradigms depict the interaction of pathogen‐secreted molecules with host target molecules leading to the activation of multiple plant response pathways. Further research will be required to fully understand how these responses are integrated in space and time, and exploit this knowledge in agriculture. In this review, we highlight systems biology as a promising approach to reveal properties of molecular plant–pathogen interactions and predict the outcome of such interactions. We first illustrate a few key concepts in plant immunity with a network and systems biology perspective. Next, we present some basic principles of systems biology and show how they allow integrating multiomics data and predict cell phenotypes. We identify challenges for systems biology of plant–pathogen interactions, including the reconstruction of multiscale mechanistic models and the connection of host and pathogen models. Finally, we outline studies on resistance durability through the robustness of immune system networks, the identification of trade‐offs between immunity and growth and in silico plant–pathogen co‐evolution as exciting perspectives in the field. We conclude that the development of sophisticated models of plant diseases incorporating plant, pathogen and climate properties represent a major challenge for agriculture in the future.
Iron deficiency and thrombocytosis
Authors: Holbro A. , Volken T. , Buser A. , Sigle J. P. , Halter J. P. , Passweg J. R. , Tichelli A. , Infanti L.
Published: November 2016

According to many textbooks, iron deficiency (ID) is associated with reactive thrombocytosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between serum ferritin levels and platelet counts in a large cohort of healthy blood donors. We included all whole blood and apheresis donors aged 18 years or older with at least one ferritin measurement and one platelet count performed at the same visit between 1996 and 2014. A total of 130 345 blood counts and ferritin measurements obtained from 22 046 healthy donors were analysed. Overall, no correlation between serum ferritin and platelet count was observed (r = −0.03, ρ = 0.04 for males, and r = 0.01, ρ = −0.02 for females, respectively). Associations remained clinically negligible after adjusting for age, time since previous blood donation, number of donations and restricting the analysis to ferritin deciles. In this large, retrospective single‐centre study, correlations between low ferritin and platelet count in a large and homogeneous cohort of healthy donors were negligible. Further studies in patients with more severe anaemia and patients with inflammation are warranted.
Tortoise (Reptilia, Testudinidae) radiations in Southern Africa from the Eocene to the present
Authors: Hofmeyr Margaretha D. , Vamberger Melita , Branch William , Schleicher Alfred , Daniels Savel R.
Published: November 2016

Africa, inclusive of the West Indian Ocean islands, harbours 11 of the world's 16 extant testudinid genera. Fossil records indicate that testudinids originated in Asia and dispersed first to North America and Europe (Early Eocene) and later to Africa (Late Eocene). We used mitochondrial (1870 bp) and nuclear (1416 bp) DNA sequence data to assess whether molecular data support the late cladogenesis of Southern African testudinid lineages. Our results revealed strong support for the monophyly of a clade consisting of Kinixys, the two Malagasy genera and four Southern African genera (Psammobates, Stigmochelys, Homopus and Chersina). Kinixys diverged from this clade in the Late Palaeocene, suggesting that testudinids occupied Africa at an earlier date than indicated by fossil records. The Southern African tortoises consist of three, strongly supported clades: Psammobates + Stigmochelys; the five‐toed Homopus + Chersina; and the four‐toed Homopus. Due to the paraphyly of Homopus, we propose the taxonomic resurrection of Chersobius for the five‐toed Homopus species (boulengeri, signatus and solus). Cladogenesis at the genus level occurred mainly in the Eocene, with Chersina and Chersobius diverging in the Oligocene. The latter divergence coincided with species‐level radiations within Homopus (areolatus and femoralis) and Psammobates (oculifer, geometricus and tentorius). Our phylogeny could not resolve relationships within Psammobates, indicating rapid speciation between the Late Oligocene and Early Miocene. The Chersobius species were the last to diverge in the Early to Mid‐Miocene. By the Mid‐Miocene, P. tentorius started to differentiate into four lineages instead of the three recognized subspecies: P. t. tentorius, P. t. trimeni and two P. t. verroxii subclades occurring north and south of the Orange River, respectively. Terminal radiations in several taxa suggest the existence of cryptic species and a more diverse tortoise fauna than currently recognized. Factors contributing to this diversity may include the early origin of African testudinids and climatic fluctuations over a heterogeneous landscape.
Phylogeny and diversification of the cloud forest Morpho sulkowskyi group (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae) in the evolving Andes
Authors: Nattier Romain , Capdevielle‐Dulac Claire , Cassildé Catherine , Couloux Arnaud , Cruaud Corinne , Lachaume Gilbert , Lamas Gerardo , Silvain Jean‐François , Blandin Patrick
Published: November 2016

The monophyletic Morpho sulkowskyi butterfly group, endemic of Andean cloud forests, was studied to test the respective contributions of Mio‐Pliocene intense uplift period and Pleistocene glacial cycles on Andean biodiversity. We sampled nine taxa covering the whole geographical range of the group. Two mitochondrial and two nuclear genes were analysed using a Bayesian method. We established a dated phylogeny of the group using a relaxed clock method and a wide‐outgroup approach. To discriminate between two hypotheses, we used a biogeographical probabilistic method. Results suggest that the ancestor of the M. sulkowskyi group originated during the Middle–Late Miocene uplift of the Eastern Cordillera in northern Peru. Biogeographical inference suggests that the M. sulkowskyi and Morpho lympharis clades diverged in the northern Peruvian Andes. The subsequent divergences, from the Late Miocene to the Late Pliocene, should have resulted from a dispersal towards the Northern Andes (M. sulkowskyi clade), after the closure of the West Andean Portal separating the Central and Northern Andes, and a southwards dispersal along the Peruvian and Bolivian Eastern Cordilleras (M. lympharis clade). Only a few divergences occurred at the very end of the Pliocene or during the Pleistocene, a period when the more recent uplifts interfered with Pleistocene glacial cycles.
Resource Letter ANP-1: Advances in Neutrino Physics
Authors: Goodman Maury C.
Published: November 2016

Three of the twelve fundamental fermions in particle physics are neutrinos. It was long thought that neutrinos might be massless, but we now know through the phenomenon of neutrino oscillations that neutrinos have mass. This resource letter will cover the history of the growth in our knowledge about neutrinos since they were first proposed in the 1930s, and also covers some up the upcoming experiments which will further our understanding of neutrino properties. Results from experiments are described that use various sources of neutrinos including nuclear reactors, cosmic rays, accelerators, and supernovae. In this resource letter, the resources that can be used to trace the past, present, and anticipated future advances in neutrino physics are reviewed.
More than Meets the Eye – Infrared Cameras in Open-Ended University Thermodynamics Labs
Authors: Melander Emil , Haglund Jesper , Weiszflog Matthias , Andersson Staffan
Published: November 2016

Educational research has found that students have challenges understanding thermal science. Undergraduate physics students have difficulties differentiating basic thermal concepts, such as heat, temperature, and internal energy. Engineering students have been found to have difficulties grasping surface emissivity as a thermal material property. One potential source of students’ challenges with thermal science is the lack of opportunity to visualize energy transfer in intuitive ways with traditional measurement equipment. Thermodynamics laboratories have typically depended on point measures of temperature by use of thermometers (detecting heat conduction) or pyrometers (detecting heat radiation). In contrast, thermal imaging by means of an infrared (IR) camera provides a real-time, holistic image. Here we provide some background on IR cameras and their uses in education, and summarize five qualitative investigations that we have used in our courses.
Visualization of Harmonic Series in Resonance Tubes Using a Smartphone
Authors: Jaafar Rosly , Ayop Shahrul Kadri , Ismail@Illias Ahmad Tarmimi , Hon Kok Keng , Daud Anis Nazihah Mat , Hashim Mohd Helmy
Published: November 2016

Because sound waves are such an abstract concept in physics, hands-on activities are often recommended to improve students’ understanding and strengthen their knowledge. However, most schools do not have sufficiently sophisticated measuring instruments to perform sound wave experiments. Recently, researchers used smartphones as oscilloscopes, signal generators, and spectrum analyzers for sound wave experiments. Here we provide a complement to these ideas, developing an affordable smartphone-based sound wave experiment kit to visualize the harmonic series in resonant tubes. It is based on Kundt’s tube, which was originally used to determine the mechanical properties of unknown metal rods and acoustical properties of gases. We also use it to demonstrate the difference in particles’ distribution in harmonic series in both-closed-end, one-closed-end, and both-open-end tubes.
Buoys and Springs – Building Connections Between Math and Physics
Authors: Tenhoff Amanda C. , Gerenz Adam J. , Jalkio Jeffrey A.
Published: November 2016

Students often tend to compartmentalize material learned in school. While we see this phenomenon within our own classes, it is even more apparent that students have difficulty making connections between their math and physics courses. We believe that hands-on experiments are particularly useful in helping students make these connections. In this paper we present several possible experiments that use buoyancy to help students grasp both the similarities between different forces and the physical interpretation of the integration and differentiation techniques learned in their math classes. These experiments can also be used to introduce computational methods and 3D printing.
Reboot: Major League Soccer’s 2018 Relaunch of Chivas USA as the Los Angeles Football Club
Authors: Manning R. Douglas
Published: November 2016

The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) will begin play in 2018 as a new franchise in Major League Soccer (MLS). LAFC will replace Chivas USA as the second MLS franchise in the Los Angeles area. Chivas USA competed in 10 seasons of MLS, beginning with the 2005 season. Chivas USA was modeled after its parent organization, Club Deportivo Guadalajara (otherwise known as Guadalajara or Chivas Guadalajara) of the first-division Mexican League. MLS is highly regarded for its diversity initiatives, and Chivas USA was to focus on reaching the large Hispanic/Latino audience in the Los Angeles area. The club played alongside the Los Angeles Galaxy, one of MLS’s inaugural franchises, in the Home Depot Center (now StubHub Center) in Carson, California.
Understanding the delayed prescribing of antibiotics for respiratory tract infection in primary care: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Ryves R , Eyles C , Moore M , McDermott L , Little P , Leydon G M
Published: November 2016

Objective

To identify general practitioner (GP) views and understanding on the use of delayed prescribing in primary care.

Design

Qualitative semistructured telephone interview study.

Setting

Primary care general practices in England.

Participants

32 GPs from identified high-prescribing and low-prescribing general practices in England.

Method

Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with GPs identified from practices within clinical commissioning groups with the highest and lowest prescribing rates in England. A thematic analysis of the data was conducted to generate themes.

Results

All GPs had a good understanding of respiratory tract infection (RTI) management and how the delayed prescribing approach could be used in primary care. However, GPs highlighted factors that were influential as to whether delayed prescribing was successfully carried out during the consultation. These included the increase in evidence of antimicrobial resistance, and GPs' prior experiences of using delayed prescribing during the consultation. The patient–practitioner relationship could also influence treatment outcomes for RTI, and a lack of an agreed prescribing strategy within and between practices was considered to be of significance to GPs. Participants expressed that a lack of feedback on prescribing data at an individual and practice level made it difficult to know if delayed prescribing strategies were successful in reducing unnecessary consumption. GPs agreed that coherent and uniform training and guidelines would be of some benefit to ensure consistent prescribing throughout the UK.

Conclusions

Delayed prescribing is encouraged in primary care, but is not always implemented successfully. Greater uniformity within and between practices in the UK is needed to operationalise delayed prescribing, as well as providing feedback on the uptake of antibiotics. Finally, GPs may need further guidance on how to answer the concerns of patients without interpreting these questions as a demand for antibiotics, as well as educating the patient about antimicrobial resistance and supporting a good patient–practitioner relationship.
Social networks of men who have sex with men and their implications for HIV/STI interventions: results from a cross-sectional study using respondent-driven sampling in a large and a small city in Tanzania
Authors: Ross Michael W , Larsson Markus , Jacobson Jerry , Nyoni Joyce , Agardh Anette
Published: November 2016

Objective

Men who have sex with men (MSM) in sub-Saharan Africa remain hidden and hard to reach for involvement in HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) services. The aim of the current study was to describe MSM social networks in a large and a small Tanzanian city in order to explore their utility for peer-based healthcare interventions.

Methods

Data were collected through respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in Dar es Salaam (n=197) and in Tanga (n=99) in 2012 and 2013, using 5 and 4 seeds, respectively. All results were adjusted for RDS sampling design.

Results

Mean personal network size based on the number of MSM who were reported by the participants, as known to them was 12.0±15.5 in Dar es Salaam and 7.6±8.1 in Tanga. Mean actual RDS network size was 39.4±31.4 in Dar es Salaam and 25.3±9.7 in Tanga. A majority (97%) reported that the person from whom they received the recruitment coupon was a sexual partner, close friend or acquaintance. Homophile in recruitment patterns (selective affiliation) was present for age, gay openness, and HIV status in Dar es Salaam, and for sexual identification in Tanga.

Conclusions

The personal network sizes and existence of contacts between recruiter and referral indicate that it is possible to use peer-driven interventions to reach MSM for HIV/STI interventions in larger and smaller sub-Saharan African cities. The study was reviewed and approved by the University of Texas Health Science Center's Institutional Review Board (HSC-SPH-10-0033) and the Tanzanian National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR/HQ/R.8a/Vol. IX/1088).
Impact of a pharmacist-delivered discharge and follow-up intervention for patients with acute coronary syndromes in Qatar: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zidan Amani , Awaisu Ahmed , Kheir Nadir , Mahfoud Ziyad , Kaddoura Rasha , AlYafei Sumaya , El Hajj Maguy Saffouh
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Secondary cardiovascular risk reduction therapy (consisting of an aspirin, a β-blocker, an ACE inhibitor or an angiotensin II receptor blocker and a statin) is needed for all patients with ACS. Less than 80% of patients with ACS in Qatar use this combination after discharge. This study is aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of clinical pharmacist-delivered intervention at discharge and tailored follow-up postdischarge on decreasing hospital readmissions, emergency department (ED) visits and mortality among patients with ACS.

Methods and analysis

A prospective, randomised controlled trial will be conducted at the Heart Hospital in Qatar. Patients are eligible for enrolment if they are at least 18 years of age and are discharged from any non-surgical cardiology service with ACS. Participants will be randomised into 1 of 3 arms: (1) ‘control’ arm which includes patients discharged during weekends or after hours; (2) ‘clinical pharmacist delivered usual care at discharge’ arm which includes patients receiving the usual care at discharge by clinical pharmacists; and (3) ‘clinical pharmacist-delivered structured intervention at discharge and tailored follow-up postdischarge’ arm which includes patients receiving intensive structured discharge interventions in addition to 2 follow-up sessions by intervention clinical pharmacists. Outcomes will be measured by blinded research assistants at 3, 6 and 12 months after discharge and will include: all-cause hospitalisations and cardiac-related hospital readmissions (primary outcome), all-cause mortality including cardiac-related mortality, ED visits including cardiac-related ED visits, adherence to medications and treatment burden. Percentage of readmissions between the 3 arms will be compared on intent-to-treat basis using χ2test with Bonferroni's adjusted pairwise comparisons if needed.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was ethically approved by the Qatar University and the Hamad Medical Corporation Institutional Review Boards. The results shall be disseminated in international conferences and peer-reviewed publications.

Trials registration number

NCT02648243; pre-results.
Positive predictive value of cardiovascular diagnoses in the Danish National Patient Registry: a validation study
Authors: Sundbøll Jens , Adelborg Kasper , Munch Troels , Frøslev Trine , Sørensen Henrik Toft , Bøtker Hans Erik , Schmidt Morten
Published: November 2016

Objective

The majority of cardiovascular diagnoses in the Danish National Patient Registry (DNPR) remain to be validated despite extensive use in epidemiological research. We therefore examined the positive predictive value (PPV) of cardiovascular diagnoses in the DNPR.

Design

Population-based validation study.

Setting

1 university hospital and 2 regional hospitals in the Central Denmark Region, 2010–2012.

Participants

For each cardiovascular diagnosis, up to 100 patients from participating hospitals were randomly sampled during the study period using the DNPR.

Main outcome measure

Using medical record review as the reference standard, we examined the PPV for cardiovascular diagnoses in the DNPR, coded according to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision.

Results

A total of 2153 medical records (97% of the total sample) were available for review. The PPVs ranged from 64% to 100%, with a mean PPV of 88%. The PPVs were ≥90% for first-time myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, stable angina pectoris, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, takotsubo cardiomyopathy, arterial hypertension, atrial fibrillation or flutter, cardiac arrest, mitral valve regurgitation or stenosis, aortic valve regurgitation or stenosis, pericarditis, hypercholesterolaemia, aortic dissection, aortic aneurysm/dilation and arterial claudication. The PPVs were between 80% and 90% for recurrent myocardial infarction, first-time unstable angina pectoris, pulmonary hypertension, bradycardia, ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation, endocarditis, cardiac tumours, first-time venous thromboembolism and between 70% and 80% for first-time and recurrent admission due to heart failure, first-time dilated cardiomyopathy, restrictive cardiomyopathy and recurrent venous thromboembolism. The PPV for first-time myocarditis was 64%. The PPVs were consistent within age, sex, calendar year and hospital categories.

Conclusions

The validity of cardiovascular diagnoses in the DNPR is overall high and sufficient for use in research since 2010.
Post hoc evaluation of a common-sense intervention for asthma management in community pharmacy
Authors: Watkins Kim , Seubert Liza , Schneider Carl R , Clifford Rhonda
Published: November 2016

Objectives

The aim was to evaluate a common-sense, behavioural change intervention to implement clinical guidelines for asthma management in the community pharmacy setting.

Design

The components of the common-sense intervention were described in terms of categories and dimensions using the Intervention Taxonomy (ITAX) and Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs) using the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW), Capability, Opportunity and Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) System and Behaviour Change Techniques Taxonomy (BCTTv1). The retrospective application of these existing tools facilitated evaluation of the mechanism, fidelity, logistics and rationale of the common-sense intervention.

Intervention

The initial intervention study was conducted in 336 community pharmacies in the metropolitan area of Perth, Western Australia. Small-group workshops were conducted in 25 pharmacies; 162 received academic detailing and 149 acted as controls. The intervention was designed to improve pharmacy compliance with guidelines for a non-prescription supply of asthma reliever medications.

Results

Retrospective application of ITAX identified mechanisms for the short-acting β agonists intervention including improving knowledge, behavioural skills, problem-solving skills, motivation and self-efficacy. All the logistical elements were considered in the intervention design but the duration and intensity of the intervention was minimal. The intervention was delivered as intended (as a workshop) to 13.4% of participants indicating compromised fidelity and significant adaptation. Retrospective application of the BCW, COM-B system and BCTTv1 identified 9 different behaviour change techniques as the rationale for promoting guideline-based practice change.

Conclusions

There was a sound rationale and clear mechanism for all the components of the intervention but issues related to logistics, adaptability and fidelity might have affected outcomes. Small group workshops could be a useful implementation strategy in community pharmacy, if logistical issues can be overcome and less adaptation occurs. Duration, intensity and reinforcement need consideration for successful wider implementation. Further qualitative evaluations, triangulation of research and evaluations across interventions should be used to provide a greater understanding of unresolved issues.
Physical activity and incident asthma in adults: the HUNT Study, Norway
Authors: Brumpton Ben M , Langhammer Arnulf , Ferreira Manuel A R , Chen Yue , Mai Xiao-Mei
Published: November 2016

Objective

We aimed to investigate the associations of physical activity and change in physical activity with incident asthma in a cohort of Norwegian adults.

Design

We conducted a prospective cohort study using data on self-reported physical activity from 3 waves of the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study. Physical activity was reported at the first and second surveys (1985–1986 and 1995–1997). Physical activity was defined from the second survey as inactive or active and the active group was further defined as very low, low, moderate and high. Change in physical activity was defined from the first and second surveys.

Setting

A large population-based health survey in Norway.

Participants

We followed 18 894 adults over 11 years who were free from asthma at baseline in 1995–1997.

Outcome

Incident asthma was reported in the third survey (2006–2008).

Results

The cumulative incidence of asthma was 3.6% over the 11 years. The adjusted OR for incident asthma among active participants compared with inactive participants was 0.95 (95% CI 0.69 to 1.34). The adjusted OR for those who were active in the first or second survey versus those who were inactive in both surveys was 0.64 (95% CI 0.34 to 1.38); however, this association was strongly attenuated in sensitivity analysis (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.38 to 3.09).

Conclusions

We did not observe statistically significant associations of physical activity or change in physical activity with incident asthma in adults over the 11-year follow-up.
Identifying progression predictors of breast ductal carcinoma in situ
Authors: Yeong Joe , Thike Aye Aye , Tan Puay Hoon , Iqbal Jabed
Published: November 2016

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) refers to neoplastic epithelial cells proliferating within the mammary ducts of the breast, which have not breached the basement membrane nor invaded surrounding tissues. Traditional thinking holds that DCIS represents an early step in a linear progression towards invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). However, as only approximately half of DCIS cases progress to IDC, important questions around the key determinants of malignant progression need to be answered. Recent studies have revealed that molecular differences between DCIS and IDC cells are not found at the genomic level; instead, altered patterns of gene expression and post-translational regulation lead to distinct transcriptomic and proteomic profiles. Therefore, understanding malignant progression will require a different approach that takes into account the diverse tumour cell extrinsic factors driving changes in tumour cell gene expression necessary for the invasive phenotype. Here, we review the roles of the tumour stroma (including mesenchymal cells, immune cells and the extracellular matrix) and myoepithelial cells in malignant progression and make a case for a more integrated approach to the study and assessment of DCIS and its progression, or lack thereof, to invasive disease.
Colorectal Cancer is A Leading Cause of Cancer Incidence and Mortality among Adults Younger than 50 Years in the Usa: A Seer-Based Analysis with Comparison to Other Young-Onset Cancers
Authors: Bhandari Abhishek , Woodhouse Melissa , Gupta Samir
Published: November 2016

Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality are rising among young adults. Our aim was to contrast the relative incidence and mortality of CRC to other common cancers among young adults in the USA. We used Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry data to compare cancer site-specific and age-specific mortality and incident rates for adults younger than age 50. We summarized extracted data, both overall, and stratified by sex. We found CRC was the third leading cause of cancer death among adults younger than age 50, after breast and lung cancer (1.67 cases per 100,000). Among young women, CRC was the fourth leading cause of cancer death (1.51 per 100,000). Among young men, CRC was the second leading cause of cancer death (1.82 cases per 100,000). CRC was the second most incident cancer among young adults for men and women combined. Among men, CRC was the second most incident cancer after age 30, with 4.9, 9.0, 16.4, and 30.8 cases per 100,000 for ages 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, and 45–49 years, respectively. Among women, CRC incidence was similar with 4.2, 7.6, 15.3, and 25.9 cases per 100,000 for ages 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, and 45–49 years, respectively. These results show that CRC is a leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality among young adults in the USA, relative to other cancers. Given trends toward increasing rates of CRC among young adults, strategies for identifying individuals at risk for young-onset CRC who might benefit from early age of screening initiation merit investigation.
Republished: A technical consideration when using flow diversion for recurrent aneurysms following stent-assisted coiling
Authors: Mascitelli Justin R , Wei Daniel , Oxley Thomas J , Kellner Christopher P , Shoirah Hazem , De Leacy Reade A , Mocco J , Fifi Johanna T
Published: November 2016

Flow diversion (FD) is a treatment option for recurrent aneurysms including following stent-assisted coiling (SAC), although this approach is both ‘off-label’ and unproven. A technical challenge of FD placement may involve the microwire catching on the tines of the previously placed stent or potentially going ‘in-out-in’ from the central axis of the stent. We report a case and technique that assures the wire has safely remained within the central axis of the stent. The procedure was performed in standard fashion except that the intermediate catheter was passed completely through the previously placed stent after the microwire/microcatheter had crossed. The large diameter of the intermediate catheter assured that the microwire did not go ‘in-out-in’. The intermediate catheter was completely withdrawn from the stent and the FD was placed in standard fashion. This technique may help to achieve complete FD opening and prevent thromboembolic complications associated with incomplete FD opening.
Preliminary safety analysis of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in persons with chronic stroke
Authors: Carl Daniel L. , Boyne Pierce , Rockwell Bradley , Gerson Myron , Khoury Jane , Kissela Brett , Dunning Kari
Published: November 2016

The purpose of this study was to assess safety via electrocardiographic (ECG), blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and orthopedic responses to 3 different high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols in persons with stroke. Eighteen participants (10 male; 61.9 + 8.3 years of age; 5.8 + 4.2 years poststroke) completed a symptom-limited graded exercise test (GXT) with ECG monitoring to screen for eligibility and determine HR peak. The 3 HIIT protocols involved repeated 30 s bursts of treadmill walking at maximum speed alternated with rest periods of 30 s (P30), 1 min (P60), or 2 min (P120). Sessions were performed in random order and included 5 min warm up, 20 min HIIT, and 5 min cool down. Variables measured included ECG activity, BP, HR, signs and symptoms of cardiovascular intolerance, and orthopedic concerns. Generalized linear mixed models and Tukey–Kramer adjustment were used to compare protocols using p < 0.05. No signs or symptoms of cardiovascular intolerance, significant arrhythmias, ST segment changes, or orthopedic responses resulted in early termination of any HIIT session. HIIT elicited HRs in excess of 88% of measured HRpeak including 6 (P30), 8 (P60), and 2 (P120) participants eliciting a HR response above their GXT HRpeak. Both maximum BP and HR were significantly higher in P30 and P60 relative to P120. Preliminary data indicate that persons with chronic stroke who have been prescreened with an ECG stress test, a symptom-limited GXT, and a harness for fall protection may safely participate in HIIT, generating substantially higher HRs than what is seen in traditional moderate intensity training.
Diosmin attenuates radiation-induced hepatic fibrosis by boosting PPAR-γ expression and hampering miR-17-5p-activated canonical Wnt–β-catenin signaling
Authors: Hasan Hesham Farouk , Abdel-Rafei Mohamed Khairy , Galal Shereen Mohamed
Published: November 2016

Background: Liver fibrosis is one of the major complications from upper right quadrant radiotherapy. MicroRNA-17-5p (miR-17-5p) is hypothesized to act as a regulator of hepatic stellate cell (HSCs) activation by activation of the canonical Wnt–β-catenin pathway. Diosmin (Dios), a citrus bioflavonoid, is known to possess potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. Purpose: To explore the molecular mechanisms that underlie radiation-induced liver fibrosis, and to evaluate the possible influence of Dios on the miR-17-5p–Wnt–β-catenin signaling axis during fibrogenesis provoked by irradiation (IRR) in rats. Also, the effect of Dios on hepatic peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) expression as a regulator for HSC activation was considered. Methods: We administered 100 mg·(kg body mass)–1·day–1(per oral) of Dios were administered to IRR-exposed rats (overall dose of 12 Gy on 6 fractions of 2 Gy each) for 6 successive weeks. Results: Data analysis revealed that Dios treatment mitigated oxidative stress, enhanced antioxidant defenses, alleviated hepatic inflammatory responses, abrogated pro-fibrogenic cytokines, and stimulated PPAR-γ expression. Dios treatment repressed the miR-17-5p activated Wnt–β-catenin signaling induced by IRR. Moreover, Dios treatment restored the normal hepatic architecture and reversed pathological alterations induced by IRR. Conclusion: We hypothesize that the stimulation of PPAR-γ expression and interference with miR-17-5p activated Wnt–β-catenin signaling mediates the antifibrotic properties of Dios.
Partial k-Anonymity for Privacy-Preserving Social Network Data Publishing
Authors: Liu Peng , Bai Yan , Wang Lie , Li Xianxian
Published: November 2016

With the popularity of social networks, privacy issues with regard to publishing social network data have gained intensive focus from academia. We analyzed the current privacy-preserving techniques for publishing social network data and defined a privacy-preserving model with privacy guarantee [Formula: see text]. With our definitions, the existing privacy-preserving methods, [Formula: see text]-anonymity and randomization can be combined together to protect data privacy. We also considered the privacy threat with label information and modify the [Formula: see text]-anonymity technique of tabular data to protect the published data from being attacked by the combination of two types of background knowledge, the structural and label knowledge. We devised a partial [Formula: see text]-anonymity algorithm and implemented it in Python and open source packages. We compared the algorithm with related [Formula: see text]-anonymity and random techniques on three real-world datasets. The experimental results show that the partial [Formula: see text]-anonymity algorithm preserves more data utilities than the [Formula: see text]-anonymity and randomization algorithms.
Characterizing Individualized Coding Contributions of OSS Developers from Topic Perspective
Authors: Wang Zhongjie , Perry Dewayne E. , Xu Xiaofei
Published: November 2016

Developers participating in an open source software (OSS) project make contributions to the project at different levels and aspects. Their underlying technical interests, expertise, and working habits are indirectly delineated by their personal contributions. This paper is to discover the individualized contribution features of developers by latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) approach. Dominant latent topics of each developer and the corresponding topic coverage degree are extracted from the source codes committed to the project repository, and such topic model is validated to be feasible for representing the individualized contribution features by statistics tests. Four types of topic evolution patterns are observed from the commit history of a developer. Temporal locality is partially exhibited in the topic evolution but there usually exhibit drastic changes between time-adjacent contributions of a developer. Respective proportions of the four evolution patterns and the degree of temporal locality in the topic evolution delineate a developer’s individualized working habits in the time dimension. It is also proved that the correlation among the topic models of different developers is not equivalent to the real social collaborations among them. The outcome of this study would help OSS project coordinators get deep understanding on the work preferences and behavioral patterns of team members, thus facilitate project coordination activities such as task allocations.
On the spin excitation energy of the nucleon in the Skyrme model
Authors: Adam C. , Sanchez-Guillen J. , Wereszczynski A.
Published: November 2016

In the Skyrme model of nucleons and nuclei, the spin excitation energy of the nucleon is traditionally calculated by a fit of the rigid rotor quantization of spin/isospin of the fundamental Skyrmion (the hedgehog) to the masses of the nucleon and the Delta resonance. The resulting, quite large spin excitation energy of the nucleon of about [Formula: see text] is, however, rather difficult to reconcile with the small binding energies of physical nuclei, among other problems. Here, we argue that a more reliable interval of values for the spin excitation energy of the nucleon, compatible with many physical constraints is between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The fit of the rigid rotor to the Delta, on the other hand, is problematic in any case, because it implies the use of a nonrelativistic method for a highly relativistic system.
The effect of shell closure on the thermodynamic properties of 207Pb and 89Y
Authors: Dehghani V. , Forozani Gh. , Benam Kh.
Published: November 2016

Nuclear level densities of [Formula: see text]Pb and [Formula: see text]Y are calculated using the Lipkin–Nogami (LN) method and Bradeen–Cooper–Schrieffer (BCS) model. It is revealed that the calculated nuclear level densities are highly matched with the experimental data of Oslo group. The excitation energy and entropy are calculated for mentioned nuclei. In the case of two studied nuclei the characteristic of being magic for the number of neutrons or protons causes the decrease of the excitation energy and entropy contribution of magic system at low temperatures.
Exponential convergence rates for weighted sums in noncommutative probability space
Authors: Choi Byoung Jin , Ji Un Cig
Published: November 2016

We study exponential convergence rates for weighted sums of successive independent random variables in a noncommutative probability space of which the weights are in a von Neumann algebra. Then we prove a noncommutative extension of the result for the exponential convergence rate by Baum, Katz and Read. As applications, we first study a large deviation type inequality for weighted sums in a noncommutative probability space, and secondly we study exponential convergence rates for weighted free additive convolution sums of probability measures.
Catalytic reduction of proton, oxygen and carbon dioxide with cobalt macrocyclic complexes
Authors: Mase Kentaro , Aoi Shoko , Ohkubo Kei , Fukuzumi Shunichi
Published: November 2016

The conversion of solar energy into chemical energy by the reduction of small molecules provides a promising solution for the effective energy storage and transport. In this manuscript, we have highlighted our recent researches on the catalysis of cobalt-macrocycle complexes for the reduction of O2, proton and CO2. We have successfully clarified the reaction mechanisms of catalytic O2 reduction with cobalt phthalocyanine (Co[Formula: see text](Pc)) and cobalt chlorin (Co[Formula: see text](Ch)) based on detailed kinetic study under homogeneous conditions. The presence of proton-accepting moieties on these macrocyclic ligands enhances the electron-accepting ability, leading to the efficient catalytic two-electron reduction of O2 to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O[Formula: see text] with high stability and less overpotential in acidic solutions. When Co[Formula: see text](Ch) is adsorbed on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and employed as an electrocatalyst, CO2 was successfully reduced to form CO with a Faradaic efficiency of 89% at an applied potential of -1.1 V vs. NHE in an aqueous solution. Finally, photocatalytic H2 evolution was attained from ascorbic acid with Co[Formula: see text](Ch) as a catalyst and [Ru(bpy)3][Formula: see text] (bpy [Formula: see text] 2,2[Formula: see text]-bipyridine) as a photocatalyst via a one-photon two-electron process.
Controlled preparation of ZnS nanoparticle arrays in Langmiur monolayer of an unsymmetrical phthalocyaninato zinc complex: Synthesis, organization and semiconducting properties
Authors: Chen Kai , Wu Yanling , Kong Xia , Zhang Pingshun , Sun Feifei , Chen Yanli , Jiang Jianzhuang
Published: November 2016

A new unsymmetrical phthalocyaninato zinc complex with typical amphiphilic nature, namely 2,3-di(4-hydroxyphenoxy)-9,10,16,17,24,25-hexakis([Formula: see text]-octyloxy)phthalocyaninato zinc, Zn[Pc(OC8H[Formula: see text](OPhOH)2], has been designed, synthesized, and characterized by a range of spectroscopic methods. The Langmuir monolayer of this amphiphilic complex has been used as not only an organic template but also as a good functional organic material to produce the monodispersed nanoparticles of Zn[Pc(OC8H[Formula: see text](OPhOH)2]/ZnS nanocomposite. In addition, multilayer pure and hybrid films have also been obtained by depositing monolayers of the amphiphilic complex and Zn[Pc(OC8H[Formula: see text](OPhOH)2]/ZnS nanocomposite, respectively, using the Langmuir–Shäfer (LS) method. Surface pressure-area isotherms, UV-vis spectroscopic, and XRD studies indicate that the molecules adopted a face-to-face configuration and edge-on orientation in both the multilayer pure LS and Zn[Pc(OC8H[Formula: see text](OPhOH)2]/ZnS hybrid films. In particular, current–voltage (I–V) measurements reveal the superior conductivity of the Zn[Pc(OC8H[Formula: see text](OPhOH)2]/ZnS hybrid film nanocomposites to that of the stand-alone films, and this is due to the existence of the densely packed molecular architecture in the film matrix and the large interfacial area between the two components. These characteristics remove the charge transporting bottleneck by creating an interpenetrating consistent thin film of hybrid materials. The result sheds lights on new ways for developing organic-inorganic hybrid nanostructures with good semiconducting properties.
WALKING PARALLEL PATHS OR TAKING THE SAME ROAD? THE EFFECT OF COLLABORATIVE INCENTIVES IN INNOVATION CONTESTS
Authors: BOSS VIKTORIA , KLEER ROBIN , VOSSEN ALEXANDER
Published: November 2016

We examine the role of participants’ interactions in innovation contests. In contrast to the dominant view of a competitive organisation of innovation contests, we suggest that, especially for ideation projects, a collaborative setting may be beneficial in terms of the amount of ideation activity and the quality of the generated ideas. Using two experiments, we show the usefulness of a collaborative approach when two particular conditions are met: first, the overall effort must be compensated according to performance criteria in such a way that participants are aware of the impact of their actions. Thus, the reward mechanism has to ensure that all contributors to a specific idea benefit from their involvement. Second, the host has to provide feedback throughout the contest to make it clear for participants what idea(s) to focus on. Our results show that, while the elaboration effort can be increased by introducing a collaborative reward mechanism alone, the best results are achieved when both conditions are met.
Benefits of Coordinated Water Resource System Planning in the Cauca-Magdalena River Basin
Authors: Rasche Livia , Schneider Uwe A. , Lobato Martha Bolívar , Diego Ruth Sos Del , Stacke Tobias
Published: November 2016

The Magdalena watershed in Colombia is the most densely populated and economically important region in the country. While Colombia is generally classified as a water-rich country, it is expected that water shortages will occur in the future without adequate planning and investments in water management infrastructures. Currently, even though all instruments required for an integrated water resource management are present in Colombia, they are employed independently from each other and thus not very efficient. To estimate the potential benefits of a more coordinated water management planning, especially in consideration of projected changes in water availability and demand in the near future, we developed a constrained welfare maximization model of the watershed (CAMARI). We ran the model with three different scenarios of future water availability, based on RCPs 2.6, 4.5 and 6.0, and with two planning modes: coordinated and uncoordinated. The results show that a coordinated planning of investments in water management infrastructures increases welfare by 2–18% over the next century in the Magdalena river basin, which corresponds to average annual savings from US$ 610 million to US$ 6.4 billion. Benefits increase as water availability decreases. Our results also show that water demand from the agricultural sector is projected to rise in future, which further underlines the necessity for robust governance mechanisms to keep conflicts between sectors to a minimum.
A Fine-Grain, Uniform, Energy-Efficient Delay Element for 2-Phase Bundled-Data Circuits
Authors: Singhvi Ajay , Moreira Matheus T. , Tadros Ramy N. , Calazans Ney L. V. , Beerel Peter A.
Published: November 2016

Contemporary digitally controlled delay elements (DEs) trade off power overheads and delay quantization error (DQE). This article proposes a new programmable DE that provides a balanced design that yields low power with moderate DQE even under process, voltage, and temperature variations. The element employs and leverages the advantages offered by a 28nm fully depleted silicon on insulator technology, using back body biasing to add an extra dimension to its programmability. To do so, a novel generic delay shift block is proposed, which enables incorporating both fine and coarse delays in a single DE that can be easily integrated into digital systems, which is an advantage over hybrid DEs that rely on analog design.
A Multimodal Approach to Assessing User Experiences with Agent Helpers
Authors: Clark Leigh , Ofemile Abdulmalik , Adolphs Svenja , Rodden Tom
Published: November 2016

The study of agent helpers using linguistic strategies such as vague language and politeness has often come across obstacles. One of these is the quality of the agent's voice and its lack of appropriate fit for using these strategies. The first approach of this article compares human vs. synthesised voices in agents using vague language. This approach analyses the 60,000-word text corpus of participant interviews to investigate the differences of user attitudes towards the agents, their voices and their use of vague language. It discovers that while the acceptance of vague language is still met with resistance in agent instructors, using a human voice yields more positive results than the synthesised alternatives. The second approach in this article discusses the development of a novel multimodal corpus of video and text data to create multiple analyses of human-agent interaction in agent-instructed assembly tasks. The second approach analyses user spontaneous facial actions and gestures during their interaction in the tasks. It found that agents are able to elicit these facial actions and gestures and posits that further analysis of this nonverbal feedback may help to create a more adaptive agent. Finally, the approaches used in this article suggest these can contribute to furthering the understanding of what it means to interact with software agents.