bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anaphylaxis after disinfection with 2% chlorhexidine wand applicator
Authors: Bahal Sameer , Sharma Samriti , Garvey Lene Heise , Nagendran Vasantha
Published: August 2017

A 54-year-old man with end-stage renal failure attended for dialysis. Within seconds of applying 2% w/v chlorhexidine (ChloraPrep 3 mL Wand Applicator) to the skin surrounding the insertion point of his dialysis catheter (Tesio catheter), he developed pruritus, urticaria, shortness of breath, hypotension and reduced responsiveness. Treatment for anaphylaxis was initiated with rapid improvement of his symptoms, and he made a full recovery. Allergy to chlorhexidine was confirmed with skin testing, and the patient was warned against all future exposure to chlorhexidine. Subsequent dialysis without chlorhexidine was uneventful.
Bimaxillary concomitant hypohyperdontia in a 10-year-old child
Authors: Kariya Pratik B , Singh Sweta , Kulkarni Narayan , Arora Ankita
Published: August 2017

Numerical anomalies, either addition or deletion, are quite a common findings in human dentition. However, it is extremely rare to find both hypodontia and hyperdontia simultaneously in the same individual. This condition is referred as concomitant hypohyperdontia (CHH). Aetiology of this condition is still obscure. The prevalence of CHH has been reported to be between 0.002% and 3.1%. This case report highlights a rare occurrence of bimaxillary CHH represented by the absence of both mandibular central incisors and presence of two supernumerary teeth in the maxillary anterior segment. The rarity of such condition of mixed hypodontia as well as hyperdontia in single human dentition prompted the author to report the case.
Rare combination of left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia and omphalocele
Authors: Chee Yuet Yee , Wong Siu Chun Mabel , Wong Ming Sum Rosanna
Published: August 2017

We reported a rare case of left-sided posterolateral congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and omphalocele, which is not associated with chromosomal abnormalities or other syndromes. Omphalocele was detected antenatally (CDH was not detected in antenatal ultrasound). The patient suffered from respiratory failure secondary to severe pulmonary hypertension. As the combination of CDH and omphalocele is rare and with the abdominal content herniating into the omphalocele instead of the thorax, antenatal diagnosis of such condition can be difficult. Unlike other reported cases in the literature, our patient's respiratory condition has been improving with time and is surviving beyond the infancy period. We believe this to be the first such survival case reported in the literature.
Malpractice claims related to diagnostic errors in the hospital
Authors: Gupta Ashwin , Snyder Ashley , Kachalia Allen , Flanders Scott , Saint Sanjay , Chopra Vineet
Published: August 2017

Background

Little is known about the incidence or significance of diagnostic error in the inpatient setting. We used a malpractice claims database to examine incidence, predictors and consequences of diagnosis-related paid malpractice claims in hospitalised patients.

Methods

The US National Practitioner Database was used to identify paid malpractice claims occurring between 1 January 1999 and 31 December 2011. Patient and provider characteristics associated with paid claims were analysed using descriptive statistics. Differences between diagnosis-related paid claims and other paid claim types (eg, surgical, anaesthesia, medication) were assessed using Wilcoxon rank-sum and χ2 tests. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify patient and provider factors associated with diagnosis-related paid claims. Trends for incidence of diagnosis-related paid claims and median annual payment were assessed using the Cochran-Armitage and non-parametric trend test.

Results

13 682 of 62 966 paid malpractice claims (22%) were diagnosis-related. Compared with other paid claim types, characteristics significantly associated with diagnosis-related paid claims were as follows: male patients, patient aged >50 years, provider aged <50 years and providers in the northeast region. Compared with other paid claim types, diagnosis-related paid claims were associated with 1.83 times more risk of disability (95% CI 1.75 to 1.91; p<0.001) and 2.33 times more risk of death (95% CI 2.23 to 2.43; p<0.001) than minor injury, after adjusting for patient and provider characteristics. Inpatient diagnostic error accounted for $5.7 billion in payments over the study period, and median diagnosis-related payments increased at a rate disproportionate to other types.

Conclusion

Inpatient diagnosis-related malpractice payments are common and more often associated with disability and death than other claim types. Research focused on understanding and mitigating diagnostic errors in hospital settings is necessary.
Dog ownership supports the maintenance of physical activity during poor weather in older English adults: cross-sectional results from the EPIC Norfolk cohort
Authors: Wu Yu-Tzu , Luben Robert , Jones Andy
Published: August 2017

Background

Dog ownership has been suggested to encourage physical activity in older adults and may enhance resilience to poor environmental conditions. This study investigates the role of dog ownership and walking as a means of supporting the maintenance of physical activity in older adults during periods of inclement weather.

Methods

The analysis used data from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition Norfolk cohort. Daily physical activity (counts per minute) and minutes of sedentary behaviour were measured using accelerometers over 7 days. Three types of environmental conditions, day length, precipitation and maximum temperature, were date matched with daily physical activity. A multilevel first-order autoregressive time-series model quantified the moderating effect of self-reported dog ownership and walking on the association between physical activity and weather factors.

Results

Among the 3123 participants, 18% reported having a dog in their households and two-thirds of dog owners walked their dogs at least once a day. Regular dog walkers were more active and less sedentary on days with the poorest conditions than non-dog owners were on the days with the best conditions. In days with the worst conditions, those who walked their dogs had 20% higher activity levels than non-dog owners and spent 30 min/day less sedentary.

Conclusion

Those who walked dogs were consistently more physically active than those who did not regardless of environmental conditions. These large differences suggest that dog walking, where appropriate, can be a component of interventions to support physical activity in older adults.
Evaluation of the health impact of an urban regeneration policy: Neighbourhood Renewal in Northern Ireland
Authors: Mohan Gretta , Longo Alberto , Kee Frank
Published: August 2017

Background

Neighbourhood Renewal (NR) was launched in Northern Ireland (NI) in 2003 to revive the social, economic and physical fabric of 36 deprived communities, characterised by a legacy of sectarian conflict. This study evaluates the impact of the policy on health over a decade.

Methods

A merged panel of secondary data from the British Household Panel Survey (2001–2008) and Understanding Society (2009–2012) yields longitudinal information on respondents for 12 years.

We conducted a controlled before and after investigation for NR intervention areas (NRAs) and three control groups—two groups of comparably deprived areas that did not receive assistance and the rest of NI. Linear difference-in-difference regression was used to identify the impact of NR on mental health, self-rated health, life satisfaction, smoking and exercise. Subgroup analysis was conducted for males and females, higher and lower educated, retired, unemployed and home owner groups.

Results

NR did not have a discernible impact on mental distress. A small, non-significant trend towards a reduction in the gap of good self-rated health and life satisfaction between NRAs and controls was observed. A 10% increase in probability of rating life as satisfying was uncovered for retirees in NRAs compared with the rest of NI. Smoking in NRAs declined on par with people from control areas, so a NR influence was not obvious. A steady rise in undertaking weekly exercise in NRAs compared with controls was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Area-based initiatives may not achieve health gains beyond mainstream service provision, though they may safeguard against widening of health disparities.
Efficient and selective iron-mediated reductive Claisen rearrangement of propargyloxyanthraquinones to anthrafurandiones in ionic liquids
Authors: Nadali Samaneh , Aghapour Ghasem , Rafieepour Zahra
Published: August 2017

An efficient and rapid method is described for the reductive Claisen rearrangement of different propargyloxyanthraquinones to anthra[1,2-b]furan-6,11-diones for first time using iron powder in a mixture of two ionic liquids, namely 1-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [Hmim]BF4 and 1-benzyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride [Bzmim]Cl. The present method is able to execute single or double Claisen rearrangements of 1,4- or 1,5-bispropargyloxyanthraquinones selectively, so that the desired anthra(mono)furandiones or anthra(bis)furandiones are produced, respectively, as the major product.
FLEXSELECT: counter-herding device to reduce bycatch in crustacean trawl fisheries
Authors: Melli Valentina , Karlsen Junita D. , Feekings Jordan P. , Herrmann Bent , Krag Ludvig A.
Published: August 2017

FLEXSELECT is a simple counter-herding device that aims at reducing the bycatch of fish by scaring them away from the trawl path without affecting the catches of the target species. FLEXSELECT was tested in the Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) directed trawl fishery, as this includes bycatch of both roundfish and flatfish. Length-based data were collected for Nephrops, four roundfish species (cod (Gadus morhua), haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), whiting (Merlangius merlangus), and hake (Merluccius merluccius)), and two flatfish species (plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) and lemon sole (Microstomus kitt)), and length-based catch comparisons were performed. No significant effect on the target species, Nephrops, was detected, whereas a reduction of 39% (CI: 29%–46%) was obtained for the overall number of fish. Catches of all the six fish species examined were significantly reduced by FLEXSELECT, with the efficiency varying considerably among species and over length classes. No significant diel differences were found for either roundfish or flatfish species. FLEXSELECT prevents bycatch species from interacting with the trawl, thus most likely enhancing their survival and fitness. Moreover, its fast attachment system makes FLEXSELECT a flexible tool, adaptable to different fisheries and catch goals.
Compact static stars in minimal dilatonic gravity
Authors: Fiziev Plamen P.
Published: August 2017

In the version1 of this paper we presented for the first time the basic equations and relations for relativistic static spherically symmetric stars (SSSS) in the model of minimal dilatonic gravity (MDG). This model is locally equivalent to the f(R) theory of gravity and gives an alternative description of the effects of dark matter and dark energy using the Brans–Dicke dilaton [Formula: see text]. To outline the basic properties of the MDG model of SSSS and to compare them with general relativistic results, in this paper we use the relativistic equation of state (EOS) of neutron matter as an ideal Fermi neutron gas at zero temperature. We overcome the well-known difficulties of the physics of SSSS in the f(R) theories of gravity[Formula: see text] applying novel highly nontrivial nonlinear boundary conditions, which depend on the global properties of the solution and on the EOS. We also introduce two pairs of new notions: cosmological–energy–pressure densities and dilaton–energy–pressure densities, as well as two new EOSs for them: cosmological EOS (CEOS) and dilaton EOS (DEOS). Special attention is paid to the dilatonic sphere (in brief — disphere) of SSSS, introduced in this paper for the first time. Using several realistic EOS for neutron star (NS): SLy, BSk19, BSk20 and BSk21, and current observational two-solar-masses-limit, we derive an estimate for scalar-field-mass [Formula: see text]. Thus, the present version of the paper reflects some of the recent developments of the topic.
MCMC with strings and branes: The suburban algorithm (Extended Version)
Authors: Heckman Jonathan J. , Bernstein Jeffrey G. , Vigoda Ben
Published: August 2017

Motivated by the physics of strings and branes, we develop a class of Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms involving extended objects. Starting from a collection of parallel Metropolis–Hastings (MH) samplers, we place them on an auxiliary grid, and couple them together via nearest neighbor interactions. This leads to a class of “suburban samplers” (i.e. spread out Metropolis). Coupling the samplers in this way modifies the mixing rate and speed of convergence for the Markov chain, and can in many cases allow a sampler to more easily overcome free energy barriers in a target distribution. We test these general theoretical considerations by performing several numerical experiments. For suburban samplers with a fluctuating grid topology, performance is strongly correlated with the average number of neighbors. Increasing the average number of neighbors above zero initially leads to an increase in performance, though there is a critical connectivity with effective dimension [Formula: see text], above which “groupthink” takes over, and the performance of the sampler declines.
Flavor violating top decays and flavor violating quark decays of the Higgs boson
Authors: Ibrahim Tarek , Itani Ahmad , Nath Pran , Zorik Anas
Published: August 2017

In the Standard Model, flavor violating decays of the top quark and of the Higgs boson are highly suppressed. Further, the flavor violating decays of the top and of the Higgs are also small in MSSM and not observable in current or in near future experiment. In this work, we show that much larger branching ratios for these decays can be achieved in an extended MSSM model with an additional vector-like quark generation. Specifically, we show that in the extended model, one can achieve branching ratios for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] as large as the current experimental upper limits given by the ATLAS and the CMS Collaborations. We also analyze the flavor violating quark decay of the Higgs boson, i.e. [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Here again, one finds that the branching ratio for these decays can be as large as [Formula: see text]. The analysis is done with inclusion of the CP phases in the Higgs sector, and the effect of CP phases on the branching ratios is investigated. Specifically, the Higgs sector spectrum and mixings are computed involving quarks and mirror quarks, squarks and mirror squarks in the loops consistent with the Higgs boson mass constraint. The resulting effective Lagrangian with inclusion of the vector-like quark generation induce flavor violating decays at the tree level. In the analysis, we also include the experimental constraints from the flavor changing quark decays of the [Formula: see text] boson. The test of the branching ratios predicted could come with further data from LHC13 and such branching ratios could also be accessible at future colliders such as the Higgs factories where the Higgs couplings to fermions will be determined with greater precision.
Influence of nickel substitution on crystal structure and magnetic properties of strontium ferrite preparation via sol-gel auto-combustion route
Authors: Roohani Ebrahim , Arabi Hadi , Sarhaddi Reza
Published: August 2017

In this research, SrFe[Formula: see text]Ni[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text] (x [Formula: see text] 0 − 1) hexagonal ferrites were prepared by sol-gel auto-combustion method. Effect of Ni substitution on structural, morphological and magnetic properties of nanoparticles was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), respectively. The XRD results confirmed that all samples with x [Formula: see text] 0.5 have single phase M-type strontium ferrite structure, whereas for the SrFe[Formula: see text]Ni[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text] samples with x [Formula: see text] 0.5, the spinel NiFe2O4 phase has also appeared. The lattice parameters and crystallite sizes of the powders were concluded from the XRD data and Williamson–Hall method. Magnetic analyses showed that the coercivity of powders decreased from 5672 Oe to 639 Oe while the saturation magnetization increased from 74 emu/g to 81 emu/g with nickel substitution. The results of this study suggest that the strontium hexaferrites doped with Ni are suitable for applications in high density magnetic recording media as well as microwave devices because of their promising magnetic properties.
Band structure of one-dimensional doped photonic crystal with three level atoms using the Fresnel coefficients method
Authors: Jafari A. , Rahmat A. , Bakkeshizadeh S.
Published: August 2017

We consider a one-dimensional photonic crystal (1DPC) composed of double-layered dielectrics. Electric permittivity and magnetic permeability of this crystal depends on the incident electromagnetic wave frequency. We suppose that three level atoms have been added to the second layer of each dielectric and this photonic crystal (PC) has been doped. These atoms can be added to the layer with different rates. In this paper, we have calculated and compared the band structure of the mentioned PC considering the effect of added atoms to the second layer with different rates through the Fresnel coefficients method. We find out that according to the effective medium theory, the electric permittivity of the second layer changes. Also the band structure of PC for both TE and TM polarizations changes, too. The width of bandgaps related to “zero averaged refractive index” and “Bragg” increases. Moreover, new gap branches appear in new frequencies at both TE and TM polarizations. In specific state, two branches of “zero permittivity” gap appear in the PC band structure related to TM polarization. With increasing the amount of the filling rate of total volume with three level atoms, we observe a lot of changes in the PC band structure.
The Dirac particle in the graphene dot confined within the magnetic barriers
Authors: Yan Weixian , Zuo Kaili , Deng Lijuan
Published: August 2017

The analytical expressions for the eigenenergies and functions of the graphene quantum dot perpendicularly pierced by the different but parallel magnetic fields inside [Formula: see text] and outside [Formula: see text] dot have been derived with the ratio of the magnetic field strengths being irreducible rational [Formula: see text]. It is numerically found that the curves of eigenenergies consist of the clusters bounded by a series of the two sequential different Landau levels proportional to [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. The eigenenergies depend sensitively on the magnetic quantum numbers as well as the ratio of two different magnetic fields. The counting rules for the number of the valleys within the probability density of the wave functions have been established to interpret the interrelationship between the eigenenergies and wave functions. In addition, the crowding-in effect of the wave functions due to the increase of the eigenenergies is revealed.
Chaos to Multiple Mappings
Authors: Wang Lidong , Zhao Yingcui , Gao Yuelin , Liu Heng
Published: August 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be a compact metric space and [Formula: see text] be an [Formula: see text]-tuple of continuous selfmaps on [Formula: see text]. This paper investigates Hausdorff metric Li–Yorke chaos, distributional chaos and distributional chaos in a sequence from a set-valued view. On the basis of this research, we draw the main conclusions as follows: (i) If [Formula: see text] has a distributionally chaotic pair, especially [Formula: see text] is distributionally chaotic, the strongly nonwandering set [Formula: see text] contains at least two points. (ii) We give a sufficient condition for [Formula: see text] to be distributionally chaotic in a sequence and chaotic in the strong sense of Li–Yorke. Finally, an example to verify (ii) is given.
Nonlinear Dynamics of Z-Shaped Folding Wings with 1:1 Inner Resonance
Authors: Guo Xiangying , Zhang Yang , Zhang Wei , Sun Lin , Chen Shuping
Published: August 2017

Predicting the nonlinear vibration responses of a Z-shaped folding wing during the morphing process is a prerequisite for structural design analysis. Therefore, the present study focuses on the nonlinear dynamical characteristics of a Z-shaped folding wing. The folding wing is divided into three carbon fiber composite plates connected by rigid hinges. The nonlinear dynamic equations of the system are derived using Hamilton’s principle based on the von Kármán equations and classical laminate plate theory. The mode shape functions of the system are then obtained using finite element analysis. Galerkin’s approach is employed to discretize the partial differential governing equations into a two-degree-of-freedom nonlinear system. The case of 1:1 inner resonance is considered. The method of multiple scales is employed to obtain the averaged equations of the system. Finally, numerical simulation is performed to investigate the nonlinear dynamical characteristics of the system. Bifurcation diagrams and wave-form diagrams illustrate the different motions of the Z-shaped folding wing, including periodic and chaotic motions under given conditions. The influence of transverse excitations on the bifurcations and chaotic motion of the Z-shaped folding wing is investigated numerically.
On the Large Deviations Theorem of Weaker Types
Authors: Wu Xinxing , Wang Xiong , Chen Guanrong
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we introduce the concepts of the large deviations theorem of weaker types, i.e. type I, type I[Formula: see text], type II, type II[Formula: see text], type III, and type III[Formula: see text], and present a systematic study of the ergodic and chaotic properties of dynamical systems satisfying the large deviations theorem of various types. Some characteristics of the ergodic measure are obtained and then applied to prove that every dynamical system satisfying the large deviations theorem of type I[Formula: see text] is ergodic, which is equivalent to the large deviations theorem of type II[Formula: see text] in this regard, and that every uniquely ergodic dynamical system restricted on its support satisfies the large deviations theorem. Moreover, we prove that every dynamical system satisfying the large deviations theorem of type III is an [Formula: see text]-system.
Interplay between antimagnetic and collective rotation in 58Fe
Authors: Peng J.
Published: August 2017

The self-consistent tilted axis cranking covariant density functional theory based on the point-coupling interaction PC-PK1 is applied to investigate the possible existence of antimagnetic rotation in the nucleus [Formula: see text]Fe. The observed data for Bands 3 and 4 are reproduced well with two assigned configurations. It is found that the interplay between antimagnetic rotation and collective motion plays an essential role in both bands due to the presence of considerable deformation. In particular, for Band 4, collective rotation is dominant in the competition with antimagnetic rotation. Moreover, it is shown that the behavior of the ratios between the dynamic moments of inertia and the [Formula: see text] values reflects the interplay between antimagnetic and collective rotation.
STATIONARY DISTRIBUTION OF THE VOLUME AT THE BEST QUOTE IN A POISSON ORDER BOOK MODEL
Authors: MUNI TOKE IOANE
Published: August 2017

We develop a Markovian model that deals with the volume offered at the best quote of an electronic order book. The volume of the first limit is a stochastic process whose paths are periodically interrupted and reset to a new value, either by a new limit order submitted inside the spread or by a market order that removes the first limit. Using applied probability results on killing and resurrecting Markov processes, we derive the stationary distribution of the volume offered at the best quote. All proposed models are empirically fitted and compared, stressing the importance of the proposed mechanisms.
Motion of an integral curve of a Hamiltonian dynamical system and the evolution equations in 3D
Authors: Bayrakdar T. , Ergin A. A.
Published: August 2017

We show that all of the nonstretching curve motions specified in the Frenet–Serret frame in the literature can be described by the time evolution of an integral curve of a Hamiltonian dynamical system such that the underlying curve is a geodesic curve on a leaf of the foliation determined by the Poisson structure in three dimensions. As an illustrative example, we show that the focusing version of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation and the complex modified Korteweg–de Vries (mKdV) equation are obtained in this way.
Is China Becoming a Hegemonic Challenge in Latin America and the Caribbean? A Political Economy Analysis of the Nicaragua Interoceanic Canal Project
Authors: SU YEN-PIN , VARGAS DELGADO OSCAR-RENÉ
Published: August 2017

In this article, we provide a theoretical and empirical evaluation of the argument that China is becoming a hegemonic challenge in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). We argue that, while there is a trend that China has become increasingly dominant in the economic affairs of LAC, the perceived strength of China as a challenger to the U.S. hegemony is shaped by different strategies of Chinese involvement. Focusing on the financing arrangement for infrastructure projects, our case study of the Nicaragua Interoceanic Canal project shows that the challenge that China has posed to the U.S. hegemony might not be as strong as expected. We analyze the controversies revolving around the Canal project and examine how local communities have responded to the project. We conclude that, while the Nicaragua Interoceanic Canal project is ambitious, its success depends on how much support the PRC government and Chinese banks provide and how well the Nicaraguan government addresses the various concerns of the local communities.
A mathematical model for the dynamics and MCMC analysis of tomato bacterial wilt disease
Authors: Remo Flavia , Luboobi Livingstone S. , Mabalawata Isambi Sailon , Nannyonga Betty K.
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we formulate and analyze a mathematical model to investigate the transmission dynamics of tomato bacterial wilt disease (TBWD) in Mukono district, Uganda. We derive the basic reproduction number [Formula: see text] and prove the existence of a disease-free equilibrium point which is globally stable if [Formula: see text] and an endemic equilibrium which exists if [Formula: see text]. Model parameters are estimated using the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods and robustness tested. The model parameters were observed to be identifiable. Numerical simulations show that soil solarization and sensitization of farmers can help to eliminate the disease in Uganda. A modified tomato bacterial wilt model with control terms is formulated.
New bounds on the decycling number of generalized de Bruijn digraphs
Authors: Kuo Jyhmin , Fu Hung-Lin
Published: August 2017

A set of vertices of a graph whose removal leaves an acyclic graph is referred as a decycling set, or a feedback vertex set, of the graph. The minimum cardinality of a decycling set of a graph [Formula: see text] is referred to as the decycling number of [Formula: see text]. For [Formula: see text], the generalized de Bruijn digraph [Formula: see text] is defined by congruence equations as follows: [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we give a systematic method to find a decycling set of [Formula: see text] and give a new upper bound that improve the best known results. By counting the number of vertex-disjoint cycles with the idea of constrained necklaces, we obtain new lower bounds on the decycling number of generalized de Bruijn digraphs.
Dynamics at the Boundary of Game Theory and Distributed Computing
Authors: Jaggard Aaron D. , Lutz Neil , Schapira Michael , Wright Rebecca N.
Published: August 2017

We use ideas from distributed computing and game theory to study dynamic and decentralized environments in which computational nodes, or decision makers, interact strategically and with limited information. In such environments, which arise in many real-world settings, the participants act as both economic and computational entities. We exhibit a general non-convergence result for a broad class of dynamics in asynchronous settings. We consider implications of our result across a wide variety of interesting and timely applications: game dynamics, circuit design, social networks, Internet routing, and congestion control. We also study the computational and communication complexity of testing the convergence of asynchronous dynamics. Our work opens a new avenue for research at the intersection of distributed computing and game theory.
Tight Kernel Bounds for Problems on Graphs with Small Degeneracy
Authors: Cygan Marek , Grandoni Fabrizio , Hermelin Danny
Published: August 2017

Kernelization is a strong and widely applied technique in parameterized complexity. In a nutshell, a kernelization algorithm for a parameterized problem transforms in polynomial time a given instance of the problem into an equivalent instance whose size depends solely on the parameter. Recent years have seen major advances in the study of both upper and lower bound techniques for kernelization, and by now this area has become one of the major research threads in parameterized complexity.

In this article, we consider kernelization for problems on
d
-degenerate graphs, that is, graphs such that any subgraph contains a vertex of degree at most
d
. This graph class generalizes many classes of graphs for which effective kernelization is known to exist, for example, planar graphs,
H
-minor free graphs, and
H
-topological-minor free graphs. We show that for several natural problems on
d
-degenerate graphs the best-known kernelization upper bounds are essentially tight. In particular, using intricate constructions of weak compositions, we prove that unless coNP ⊆ NP/poly:

• D
ominating
S
et
has no kernels of size
O
(
k

(
d
−1)(
d
−3)−ε

) for any ε > 0. The current best upper bound is
O
(
k
(d+1)
2
).

• I
ndependent
D
ominating
S
et
has no kernels of size
O
(
k

d
−4−ε

) for any ε > 0. The current best upper bound is
O
(
k

d
+1

).

• I
nduced
M
atching
has no kernels of size
O
(
k

d
−3−ε

) for any ε > 0. The current best upper bound is
O
(

k
d

).

To the best of our knowledge, D
ominating
S
et
is the the first problem where a lower bound with superlinear dependence on
d
(in the exponent) can be proved.

In the last section of the article, we also give simple kernels for C
onnected
V
ertex
C
over
and C
apacitated
V
ertex
C
over
of size
O
(

k
d

) and
O
(
k

d
+1

), respectively. We show that the latter problem has no kernels of size
O
(
k

d
−ε

) unless coNP ⊆ NP/poly by a simple reduction from
d
-E
xact
S
et
C
over
(the same lower bound for C
onnected
V
ertex
C
over
on
d
-degenerate graphs is already known).
WHO ARE THE SMARTPHONE USERS?
Authors: Zhao Sha , Ramos Julian , Tao Jianrong , Jiang Ziwen , Li Shijian , Wu Zhaohui , Pan Gang , Dey Anind K.
Published: August 2017

Understanding smartphone users is fundamental for creating better smartphones, improving the smartphone usage experience, and generating generalizable and reproducible research. However, smartphone manufacturers and most of the mobile computing research community make a simplifying assumption that all smartphone users are similar or, at best, constitute a small number of user types, based on their behaviors. Manufacturers design phones for the broadest audience and hope they work for all users. Researchers mostly analyze data from smartphone-based user studies and report results without accounting for the many diff erent groups of people that make up the user base of smartphones. We challenge these elementary characterizations of smartphone users and show evidence of the existence of a much more diverse set of users. We analyzed one month of application usage from 106,762 Android users and discovered 382 distinct types of users based on their application usage behaviors, using our own two-step clustering and feature ranking selection approach, and gave a meaningful label to the users in each cluster, such as Screen Checkers and Young Parents. Our results have profound implications on the reproducibility and reliability of mobile computing studies, design and development of applications, determination of which apps should be pre-installed on a smartphone and, in general, on the smartphone usage experience for diff erent types of users.
Epidemics (Especially Ebola)
Authors: Abramowitz Sharon
Published: August 2017

Anthropology's response to the West African Ebola epidemic was one of the most rapid and expansive anthropological interventions to a global health emergency in the discipline's history. This article sets forth the size and scale of the anthropological response and describes the protagonists, interventions, and priorities for anthropological engagement. It takes an inclusive approach to anthropological praxis by engaging with the work of nonanthropologist “allies,” including qualitative researchers, social workers, and allied experts. The article narrates how the concept of “anthropology” came to serve as a semantic marker of solidarity with local populations, respect for customary practices and local sociopolitical realities, and an avowed belief in the capacities of local populations to lead localized epidemic prevention and response efforts. Of particular consideration is the range of complementary and conflicting epistemological, professional, and critical engagements held by anthropologists. The article also discusses how to assess anthropological “impact” in epidemics.
Lipid Droplet Biogenesis
Authors: Walther Tobias C. , Chung Jeeyun , Farese Robert V.
Published: August 2017

Lipid droplets (LDs) are ubiquitous organelles that store neutral lipids for energy or membrane synthesis and act as hubs for metabolic processes. Cells generate LDs de novo, converting cells to emulsions with LDs constituting the dispersed oil phase in the aqueous cytoplasm. Here we review our current view of LD biogenesis. We present a model of LD formation from the ER in distinct steps and highlight the biology of proteins that govern this biophysical process. Areas of incomplete knowledge are identified, as are connections with physiology and diseases linked to alterations in LD biology.
Felon Disenfranchisement
Authors: Aviram Hadar , Bragg Allyson , Lewis Chelsea
Published: August 2017

Crime control and prisons have featured prominently in electoral campaigns, yet currently and formerly incarcerated people are a profoundly disenfranchised constituency in the United States. This article examines the extent to which this population and its concerns have been excluded from American electoral politics. Starting with the philosophical debate on the extent of the right to vote, the article examines the scope of felon disenfranchisement in the United States, including comparative perspectives, policies in states that allow voting within prisons, and eligibility to run for office with a criminal record. The article also examines the problematic underlying issue of racial exclusion via felon disenfranchisement; the impact of disenfranchisement on civic engagement and recidivism; and the perspectives of disenfranchised, formerly incarcerated people. The article ends with thoughts on the prospects of bipartisan reform of voting rights.
A New Paradigm for Hadronic Parity Nonconservation and Its Experimental Implications
Authors: Gardner Susan , Haxton W.C. , Holstein Barry R.
Published: August 2017

The primary experimental goal of studies of hadronic parity nonconservation (PNC) has long been the isolation of the isovector weak nucleon–nucleon interaction, expected to be dominated by long-range pion exchange and enhanced by the neutral current. In meson-exchange descriptions, this interaction, together with an isoscalar interaction generated by [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] exchange, dominates most observables. Both amplitudes have been used to compare and check the consistency of experiments, yet no evidence for isovector hadronic PNC has been found. We argue that the emphasis on isovector hadronic PNC was misplaced. The large-[Formula: see text] expansion provides an alternative and theoretically better-motivated simplification of effective field theories (EFTs) of hadronic PNC, separating the five low-energy constants (LECs) into two of leading order (LO) and three of next-to-next-to-leading order (N[Formula: see text]LO). We show that this large-[Formula: see text] LEC hierarchy accurately describes all existing data on hadronic PNC and discuss opportunities to further test the predicted large-[Formula: see text] LEC hierarchy. This formalism—combined with future experiments—could lead to rapid progress in the next 5 years. We discuss the impact of anticipated new results and describe future experiments that can yield more precise values of the LO LECs and help to isolate the N[Formula: see text]LO [Formula: see text] 10% corrections.
Involvement of connexin 43 phosphorylation and gap junctional communication between smooth muscle cells in vasopressin-induced ROCK-dependent vasoconstriction after hemorrhagic shock
Authors: Yang Guangming , Peng Xiaoyong , Wu Yue , Li Tao , Liu Liangming
Published: August 2017

We examined the roles played by gap junctions (GJs) and the GJ channel protein connexin 43 (Cx43) in arginine vasopressin (AVP)-induced vasoconstriction after hemorrhagic shock and their relationship to Rho kinase (ROCK) and protein kinase C (PKC). The results showed that AVP induced an endothelium-independent contraction in rat superior mesenteric arteries (SMAs). Blocking the GJs significantly decreased the contractile response of SMAs and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to AVP after shock and hypoxia. The selective Cx43-mimetic peptide inhibited the vascular contractile effect of AVP after shock and hypoxia. AVP restored hypoxia-induced decrease of Cx43 phosphorylation at Ser262 and gap junctional communication in VSMCs. Activation of RhoA with U-46619 increased the contractile effect of AVP. This effect was antagonized by the ROCK inhibitor Y27632 and the Cx43-mimetic peptide. In contrast, neither an agonist nor an inhibitor of PKC had significant effects on AVP-induced contraction after hemorrhagic shock. In addition, silencing of Cx43 with siRNA blocked the AVP-induced increase of ROCK activity in hypoxic VSMCs. In conclusion, AVP-mediated vascular contractile effects are endothelium and myoendothelial gap junction independent. Gap junctions between VSMCs, gap junctional communication, and Cx43 phosphorylation at Ser262 play important roles in the vascular effects of AVP. RhoA/ROCK, but not PKC, is involved in this process.
Preserved right ventricular integrity in a new telemetric rat model of severe pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Schreiber Catharina , Eilenberg Magdalena , Kiss Attila , Bergmeister Helga , Podesser Bruno , Mascherbauer Julia , Bonderman Diana
Published: August 2017

Telemetric monitoring of hemodynamic parameters has become an established standard in experimental models of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). To that purpose, a dedicated catheter is usually implanted through the right ventricular wall of study animals. Drawbacks of this standard technique are as follows: obtained pressures are from the right ventricle and therefore only surrogates for pulmonary arterial pressures, and furthermore, right ventricular myocardium is always damaged to a certain degree. To overcome shortcomings of standard hemodynamic assessment, we modified an established rat model, where severe PAH is induced by left-sided pneumonectomy plus monocrotaline injection. We describe here a novel telemetry catheter implantation technique, where the device is advanced into the pulmonary artery via the remaining stump and the transmitter is placed in a subcutaneous pocket. A total of 105 rats were operated with a median (range) implantation time of 50 (30–88) min and an excellent perioperative survival of 93%. After monocrotaline induction on day 7, animals developed severe PAH with mean ± SD pressures of 75.9 ± 18.6 (systolic), 55.0 ± 18.0 (mean), and 42.1 ± 21.3 mmHg (diastolic) after 4 wk. Postmortem, the animals showed severe right ventricular hypertrophy, and histological analysis confirmed excessive medial hypertrophy and intimal hyperplasia, both characteristic features of human PAH. Comparison of the new telemetric model with standard microtip catheterization did not show relevant measurement differences. We established the first experimental animal model for PAH with preserved right ventricular integrity that allows direct telemetric monitoring of real-time systolic, mean, and diastolic pressures in the main pulmonary artery of freely moving rats.
Prenatal hypoxia and placental oxidative stress: linkages to developmental origins of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Aljunaidy Mais M. , Morton Jude S. , Cooke Christy-Lynn M. , Davidge Sandra T.
Published: August 2017

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR, a pregnancy complication where the fetus does not reach its genetic growth potential) is a leading cause of fetal morbidity and mortality with a significant impact on population health. IUGR is associated with gestational hypoxia; which can lead to placental oxidative stress and fetal programming of cardiovascular disease. Mitochondria are a major source of placental oxidative stress and may provide a therapeutic target to mitigate the detrimental effects of placental oxidative stress on pregnancy outcomes. A nanoparticle-mediated delivery of a mitochondrial antioxidant to the placenta is a potential novel approach that may avoid unwanted off-target effects on the developing offspring.
Aerobic exercise elevates markers of angiogenesis and macrophage IL-6 gene expression in the subcutaneous adipose tissue of overweight-to-obese adults
Authors: Van Pelt Douglas W. , Guth Lisa M. , Horowitz Jeffrey F.
Published: August 2017

Alterations in the inflammatory state, metabolic function, and structure of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) can impact the development of insulin resistance in obesity. Exercise can improve metabolic health in obesity, but the effects of exercise on SAT are not well known. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of acute exercise and habitual exercise training on mRNA expression of markers of lipid metabolism, inflammation, fibrosis, and hypoxia/angiogenesis in SAT, as well as adipocyte cell size. We recruited overweight-to-obese adults who exercised regularly (ACTIVE: n = 8) or were sedentary (SED: n = 12). The groups were well matched for age (27 ± 1 vs. 24 ± 2 yr), body mass index (29 ± 1 vs. 27 ± 1 kg/m2), and body composition (30 ± 1 vs. 29 ± 1% body fat), but as expected, cardiorespiratory fitness was greater in ACTIVE vs. SED (V̇o2peak: 51 ± 3 vs. 42 ± 1 ml·kg fat-free mass−1·min−1; P = 0.01). Abdominal SAT biopsy samples were obtained before and 1 h after a single session of aerobic exercise (60 min at ~65% V̇o2peak). The exercise session increased SAT mRNA expression of VEGFA, an important regulator of angiogenic processes, in both groups. In addition, SAT from ACTIVE subjects had greater mRNA expression of the endothelial cell marker CD31 compared with SED, which may be a cumulative effect of the transient increases in VEGFA with regular exercise. We also magnetically sorted CD14+ immune cells from SAT samples and found that IL-6 expression was elevated in ACTIVE compared with SED. In conclusion, exercise initiates increases in factors related to angiogenic processes and may promote alterations in macrophage inflammation in SAT.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Acute exercise in overweight/obese adults increased subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) mRNA expression of VEGFA, an important regulator of angiogenesis and capillary growth. In addition, subjects that regularly exercise had elevated SAT CD31 mRNA expression and elevated IL-6 mRNA in adipose tissue macrophages compared with nonexercisers. This study demonstrates that aerobic exercise may alter processes related to whole body metabolic outcomes in obesity, such as angiogenesis and immune response, in the SAT of overweight/obese adults.
Imaging IGF-I uptake in growth plate cartilage using in vivo multiphoton microscopy
Authors: Serrat Maria A. , Ion Gabriela
Published: August 2017

Bones elongate through endochondral ossification in cartilaginous growth plates located at ends of primary long bones. Linear growth ensues from a cascade of biochemical signals initiated by actions of systemic and local regulators on growth plate chondrocytes. Although cellular processes are well defined, there is a fundamental gap in understanding how growth regulators are physically transported from surrounding blood vessels into and through dense, avascular cartilage matrix. Intravital imaging using in vivo multiphoton microscopy is one promising strategy to overcome this barrier by quantitatively tracking molecular delivery to cartilage from the vasculature in real time. We previously used in vivo multiphoton imaging to show that hindlimb heating increases vascular access of large molecules to growth plates using 10-, 40-, and 70-kDa dextran tracers. To comparatively evaluate transport of similarly sized physiological regulators, we developed and validated methods for measuring uptake of biologically active IGF-I into proximal tibial growth plates of live 5-wk-old mice. We demonstrate that fluorescently labeled IGF-I (8.2 kDa) is readily taken up in the growth plate and localizes to chondrocytes. Bioactivity tests performed on cultured metatarsal bones confirmed that the labeled protein is functional, assessed by phosphorylation of its signaling kinase, Akt. This methodology, which can be broadly applied to many different proteins and tissues, is relevant for understanding factors that affect delivery of biologically relevant molecules to the skeleton in real time. Results may lead to the development of drug-targeting strategies to treat a wide range of bone and cartilage pathologies.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This paper describes and validates a novel method for imaging transport of biologically active, fluorescently labeled IGF-I into skeletal growth plates of live mice using multiphoton microscopy. Cellular patterns of fluorescence in the growth plate were completely distinct from our prior publications using biologically inert probes, demonstrating for the first time in vivo localization of IGF-I in chondrocytes and perichondrium. These results form important groundwork for future studies aimed at targeting therapeutics into growth plates.