bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compositional dependence of crystallization in Ge–Sb–Se glasses relevant to optical fiber making
Authors: Parnell Harriet , Furniss David , Tang Zhuoqi , Neate Nigel C. , Benson Trevor M. , Seddon Angela B.
Published: September 2017

For fiber‐optic mid‐infrared bio‐ and chemical‐sensing, Ge–Sb–Se glass optical fibers are more attractive than Ge–As–Se because of: (i) lowered toxicity and (ii) lower phonon energy and hence transmission to longer wavelengths, with potential to reach the spectral “fingerprint region” for molecular sensing. There is little previous work on Ge–Sb–Se fibers. Here, fibers are fabricated from two glass compositions in the GexSb10Se90−x atomic (at.) % series. Both glass compositions are of similar mean‐coordination‐number, lying in the overconstrained region, yet of different chemical composition: stoichiometric Ge25Sb10Se65 at. % and non‐stoichiometric Ge20Sb10Se70 at. %. Thermal analysis on bulk glasses has previously shown that the former exhibited the maximum glass stability of the series. However, during fiber‐drawing of Ge25Sb10Se65 at. %, the preform tip is found to undergo surface‐devitrification to monoclinic GeSe2 alone, the primary phase, no matter if the preform is an annealed, as‐melted rod or annealed, extruded rod. The heating rate of the preform‐tip to the fiber‐drawing temperature is estimated to be up to ~100°C/min to ~490°C. Lower heating rates of 10°C/min using thermal analysis, in contrast, encourage crystallization of both Sb2Se3 and GeSe2. The non‐stoichiometric: Ge20Sb10Se70 at. % composition drew successfully to low optical loss fiber, no matter whether the preform was an annealed, as‐melted rod or annealed, extruded rod.
Impact of spark plasma sintering (SPS) on mullite formation in porcelains
Authors: Lerdprom Wirat , Bhowmik Ayan , Grasso Salvatore , Zapata‐Solvas Eugenio , Jayaseelan Doni D. , Reece Michael J. , Lee William E.
Published: September 2017

The effect of the spark plasma sintering (SPS) process on mullite formation in porcelains was studied using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. SPS affected the kinetics and morphology of formed mullite. After sintering at 1100°C, unlike conventional sintering, SPS promoted the formation of mullite due to the combination of vacuum and applied pressure. Mullite crystal growth was altered by the atmosphere (vacuum), dwell time (0‐15 minutes), and temperature (1000‐1200°C). The applied pressure caused the mullite needles to orient perpendicular to the direction of the applied load. Depending on SPS dwell time, the mullite formed after sintering at 1100°C also had different crystal structure (tetragonal for short dwell time of 0‐5 minutes and orthorhombic for a long dwell time of 10‐15 minutes). Dissolution of mullite was observed at 1100°C by extending the dwell time by up to 15 minutes and the dissolved mullite reprecipitated on the small needles (~40 nm) and coarsened via Oswald ripening resulting in larger mullite needles (~60 nm).
High niobium oxide content in germanate glasses: Thermal, structural, and optical properties
Authors: Marcondes Lia Mara , Maestri Sérgio , Sousa Bianca , Gonçalves Rogeria Rocha , Cassanjes Fabia Castro , Poirier Gael Yves
Published: September 2017

Niobium alkali germanate glasses were synthesized by the melt‐quenching technique. The ternary system (90‐x)GeO2–xNb2O5–10K2O forms homogeneous glasses with x ranging from 0 to 20 mol%. Samples were investigated by DSC and XRD analysis, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, and optical absorption. Structural and physical features are discussed in terms of Nb2O5 content. The niobium content increase in the glass network strongly modifies the thermal, structural and optical properties of alkali germanate glasses. DSC, Raman and FTIR analysis suggest niobium addition promotes NbO6 groups insertion close to GeO4 units of the glass network. XRD analysis also pointed out that samples containing high niobium oxide contents exhibit preferential niobium oxide‐rich phase after crystallization after heat treatment, which is similar to orthorhombic Nb2O5. Absorption spectra revealed high transmission range between 400 nm to 6.2 μm, added to a considerably decreased hydroxyl group content as the addition of niobium in the alkali germanate network. The niobium oxide‐rich phase crystallization process was studied and activation energy was determined, as well as nucleation and crystal growth temperatures and time for obtaining transparent glass‐ceramics.
Effects of Re addition on phase stability and mechanical properties of hexagonal OsB2
Authors: Long Ying , Zou Canhui , Zheng Xin , Lin Hua‐Tay , Zhang Fenglin , Wang Chengyong , An Linan
Published: September 2017

ReB2‐type hexagonal Osmium diboride (OsB2) has been predicted to exhibit higher hardness than its orthorhombic phase, but hexagonal‐orthorhombic phase transformation occurs at temperature higher than 600°C, resulting in the decrease in its hardness. Therefore, ReB2‐type hexagonal OsB2 samples with Re addition were produced by a combination of mechanochemical method and pressureless sintering technique, and the effects of Rhenium (Re) addition on phase composition, thermal stability and mechanical properties of OsB2 were investigated in this study. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the as‐synthesized powders by high‐energy ball milling indicates the formation of hexagonal Os1‐xRexB2 solid solution with Re concentration of 5 and 10 at.% without forming a second phase. After being sintered at 1700°C, part of the hexagonal phase in OsB2 transformed to orthorhombic structure, while Os0.95Re0.05B2 and Os0.9Re0.1B2 maintained their hexagonal structure. This suggests that the thermal stability of the hexagonal OsB2 was significantly improved with the addition of Re. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photographs show that all of the as‐sintered samples exhibit a homogeneous microstructure with some pores and cracks formed throughout the samples with the relative density >90%. The measurements of micro‐hardness, nano‐hardness, and Young's modulus of the OsB2 increased with Re addition, and these properties of the sample with 5 at.% addition of Re is higher than that with 10 at.% Re.
Associations Between Falls and Driving Outcomes in Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Scott Kenneth A. , Rogers Eli , Betz Marian E. , Hoffecker Lilian , Li Guohua , DiGuiseppi Carolyn
Published: September 2017

Objectives

To examine associations between falls and subsequent motor vehicle crashes (MVCs), crash‐related injuries, driving performance, and driving behavior.

Design

Systematic review and metaanalysis.

Participants

Observational studies including drivers aged 55 and older or with a mean age of 65 and older.

Measurements

Two authors independently extracted study and participant characteristics, exposures, and outcomes and assessed risk of bias. Pooled risk estimates for MVCs and MVC‐related injuries were calculated using random‐effects models. Other results were synthesized narratively.

Results

From 3,286 potentially eligible records, 15 studies (N = 27–17,349 subjects) met inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was low to moderate, except for cross‐sectional studies (n = 3), which all had a high potential for bias. A fall history was associated with a significantly greater risk of subsequent MVC (summary risk estimate = 1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.20–1.63; I2 = 28%, N = 5 studies). One study found a significantly greater risk of MVC‐related hospitalizations and deaths after a fall (hazard ratio = 3.12, 95% CI = 1.71–5.69). Evidence was inconclusive regarding an association between falls and driving cessation and showed no association between falls and driving performance or behavior.

Conclusion

Falls in older adults appear to be a risk marker for subsequent MVCs and MVC‐related injury. Given the nature of the evidence, which is limited to observational studies, the identified associations may also result at least partly from confounding or bias. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms linking falls to crash risk and to develop effective interventions to ensure driving safety in older adults with a history of falls.
Geriatrics Literature 2016 Year in Review
Authors: Willham Kaitlin , Covinsky Kenneth , Widera Eric
Published: September 2017

We present 10 of the most effective articles from 2016 in geriatric medicine. They address wide‐ranging topics including the use of antipsychotics for delirium in palliative care, fall prevention and mobility interventions, efficacy and potential risks of testosterone, cranberry capsules and their effect on bacteriuria and pyuria, beta‐blockers after acute myocardial infarction in a nursing home population, the effect of a healthy lifestyle on disability, a goals‐of‐care intervention in individuals with advanced dementia, the benefits of regional anesthesia in hip repair, and mindfulness in chronic pain management.
Impact of Intentional Overload on Joint Stability of Internal Implant‐Abutment Connection System with Different Diameter
Authors: Lee Ji‐Hye , Lee Won , Huh Yoon‐Hyuk , Park Chan‐Jin , Cho Lee‐Ra
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the axial displacement of the implant‐abutment assembly of different implant diameter after static and cyclic loading of overload condition.

Materials and Methods

An internal conical connection system with three diameters (Ø 4.0, 4.5, and 5.0) applying identical abutment dimension and the same abutment screw was evaluated. Axial displacement of abutment and reverse torque loss of abutment screw were evaluated under static and cyclic loading conditions. Static loading test groups were subjected to vertical static loading of 250, 400, 500, 600, 700, and 800 N consecutively. Cyclic loading test groups were subjected to 500 N cyclic loading to evaluate the effect of excessive masticatory loading. After abutment screw tightening for 30 Ncm, axial displacement was measured upon 1, 3, 10, and 1,000,000 cyclic loadings of 500 N. Repeated‐measure ANOVA and 2‐way ANOVA were used for statistical analysis (α = 0.05).

Results

The increasing magnitude of vertical load and thinner wall thickness of implant increased axial displacement of abutment and reverse torque loss of abutment screw (p< 0.05). Implants in the Ø 5.0 diameter group demonstrated significantly low axial displacement, and reverse torque loss after static loading than Ø 4.0 and Ø 4.5 diameter groups (p< 0.05). In the cyclic loading test, all diameter groups of implant showed significant axial displacement after 1 cycle of loading of 500 N (p< 0.05). There was no significant axial displacement after 3, 10, or 1,000,000 cycles of loading (p= 0.603).

Conclusions

Implants with Ø 5.0 diameter demonstrated significantly low axial displacement and reverse torque loss after the cyclic and static loading of overload condition.
Rural‐Urban Differences in Medicare Quality Scores Persist After Adjusting for Sociodemographic and Environmental Characteristics
Authors: Henning‐Smith Carrie , Prasad Shailendra , Casey Michelle , Kozhimannil Katy , Moscovice Ira
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Quality scores are strongly influenced by sociodemographic characteristics and health behaviors, many of which lie outside of the clinician's control. As a result, there is vigorous debate about whether, and how, to risk‐adjust quality measures. Yet, rurality has been largely missing from this debate, even though population and environmental characteristics are demonstrably different by rurality. We addressed this gap by examining the influence of county‐level population sociodemographic, environmental, and health characteristics on 3 Medicare quality measures.

Methods

We used a cross‐sectional analysis of 2016 County Health Rankings data to estimate differences in 3 Medicare quality scores (preventable hospitalizations, HbA1c monitoring, and mammography screening) by rurality. We then adjusted for county‐level sociodemographic and environmental characteristics in multivariable regression models in order to see whether the association between rurality and quality was impacted.

Findings

Both micropolitan and noncore counties exhibited lower quality scores than metropolitan counties for all 3 measures. After adjustment, noncore counties still had poorer quality on all 3 measures, while micropolitan counties improved on 2 measures. Several county‐level sociodemographic and environmental characteristics were associated with quality, although the direction of association depended on the quality measure.

Conclusions

Differences in Medicare quality scores by rurality cannot be entirely explained by differences in population or environmental characteristics. Still, to the extent that clinicians are evaluated—and paid—based on measures that are influenced by both population sociodemographic characteristics and geographic location without adequate risk adjustment, the challenges of delivering care in rural areas will only be exacerbated.
Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to Providing Methadone Maintenance Treatment Among Rural Community Pharmacists in Southwestern Ontario
Authors: Fonseca Joseph , Chang Andrew , Chang Feng
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Misuse of opioids has become a public health concern across North America. Rural patients have limited access to methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), an opioid addiction‐treatment service that could be offered by community pharmacists. The aim of this study was to identify rural community pharmacists’ perceived barriers, motivations, and solutions to offering MMT to their patients.

Methods

One‐on‐one, semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 community pharmacists who practice in rural southwestern Ontario. Interview transcripts were analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis.

Findings

Increased workload, extended operating hours, and concerns about safety, theft, burglary, community resistance, and availability of methadone training courses were identified as pharmacist‐related barriers to providing MMT services. Professional satisfaction and community service were primary motivations for offering the service. Limited pharmacy staff availability exacerbated concerns about increased workload and security. Slower rural emergency‐response times were cited among safety concerns. Participating pharmacists felt that rural regions had fewer MMT prescribers and that rural community members had greater apprehension about addiction‐treatment services than those in urban communities. Pharmacists proposed that coordinating MMT service provision across multiple community pharmacies in the region could help improve access to treatment among their patients.

Conclusion

Rural community pharmacy practice has unique barriers to implementing and providing MMT services. A coordinated, multipharmacy approach may be an option to provide and expand MMT services in rural regions.
Systemic hypertension in cats with acute kidney injury
Authors: Cole L. , Jepson R. , Humm K.
Published: September 2017

Objective

To describe the prevalence of systemic hypertension in cats with community‐acquired acute kidney injury and investigate its relationship with disease severity.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective study of cats presenting to the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College with acute kidney injury between 2007 and 2015. Systolic blood pressure was measured using Doppler sphygmomanometry and systemic hypertension was defined pressures ê150 mmHg. Median systolic blood pressure measurement, grade of acute kidney injury (as defined by the International Renal Interest Society), serum creatinine on admission, anuria or oliguria, length of hospitalisation, survival to discharge and six‐month survival were all recorded.

Results

Forty‐six cats were included; 21/48 (48.8%) showed systemic hypertension on admission and was severe (ê180 mmHg) in 8/43 (18.6%). During the whole hospitalisation period, systemic hypertension was detected in 27/46 (58.7%) cases and severe in 13/46 (28.2%). Systemic hypertension did not appear to be statistically associated with grade of kidney injury, serum creatinine on presentation, oliguria or anuria.

Clinical Significance

Systemic hypertension is common in cats with acute kidney injury but does not appear to be associated with its severity.
Successful treatment of bilateral endogenous Fusarium solani endophthalmitis in a patient with acute lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Rizzello Ilaria , Castagnetti Fausto , Toschi Pier Giorgio , Bertaccini Patrizia , Primavera Laura , Paolucci Michela , Faccioli Luca , Spinardi Luca , Lewis Russell E. , Cavo Michele , Stanzani Marta
Published: September 2017

Fusarium spp. are an uncommon cause of fungaemia in immunocompromised and neutropenic patients that may hematogenously disseminate to the eyes. Herein, we describe a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and a prior history of extensive corticosteroid exposure who developed disseminated Fusarium solani infection following chemotherapy despite posaconazole prophylaxis. She was successfully treated with combination liposomal amphotericin B and voriconazole, intraocular injections of voriconazole, topical amphotericin B and bilateral vitrectomy. We also review published literature describing the management of endogenous Fusarium endophthalmitis in immunocompromised hosts.
Outstanding contribution to pediatric anesthesiology: An interview with Dr. Robert H. Friesen
Authors: Twite Mark D. , Ing Richard J. , Nichols Christopher S. , Yaster Myron
Published: September 2017

Dr. Robert H. Friesen, (1946–) Professor of Anesthesiology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, has played a pivotal and pioneering role in the development of pediatric and congenital cardiac anesthesiology. His transformative research included the study of the hemodynamic effects of inhalational and intravenous anesthetic agents in the newborn and the effects of anesthetic agents on pulmonary vascular resistance in patients with pulmonary hypertension. As a model clinician‐scientist, educator, and administrator, he changed the practice of pediatric anesthesia and shaped the careers of hundreds of physicians‐in‐training, imbuing them with his core values of honesty, integrity, and responsibility. Based on a series of interviews with Dr. Friesen, this article reviews a career that advanced pediatric and congenital cardiac anesthesia during the formative years of the specialties.
Xenon as an adjuvant to sevoflurane anesthesia in children younger than 4 years of age, undergoing interventional or diagnostic cardiac catheterization: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Devroe Sarah , Meeusen Roselien , Gewillig Marc , Cools Bjorn , Poesen Koen , Sanders Robert , Rex Steffen
Published: September 2017

Background

Xenon has repeatedly been demonstrated to have only minimal hemodynamic side effects when compared to other anesthetics. Moreover, in experimental models, xenon was found to be neuroprotective and devoid of developmental neurotoxicity. These properties could render xenon attractive for the anesthesia in neonates and infants with congenital heart disease. However, experience with xenon anesthesia in children is scarce.

Aims

We hypothesized that in children undergoing cardiac catheterization, general anesthesia with a combination of sevoflurane with xenon results in superior hemodynamic stability, compared to sevoflurane alone.

Methods

In this prospective, randomized, single‐blinded, controlled clinical trial, children with a median age of 12 [IQR 3‐36] months undergoing diagnostic/interventional cardiac catheterization were randomized to either general anesthesia with 50‐65vol% xenon plus sevoflurane or sevoflurane alone. The primary outcome was the incidence of intraprocedural hemodynamic instability, defined as the occurrence of: (i) a heart rate change >20% from baseline; or (ii) a change in mean arterial blood pressure >20% from baseline; or (iii) the requirement of vasopressors, inotropes, chronotropes, or fluid boluses. Secondary endpoints included recovery characteristics, feasibility criteria, and safety (incidence of emergence agitation and postoperative vomiting.

Results

After inclusion of 40 children, the trial was stopped as an a priori planned blinded interim analysis revealed that the overall rate of hemodynamic instability did not differ between groups [100% in both the xenon‐sevoflurane and the sevoflurane group. However, the adjuvant administration of xenon decreased vasopressor requirements, preserved better cerebral oxygen saturation, and resulted in a faster recovery. Xenon anesthesia was feasible (with no differences in the need for rescue anesthetics in both groups).

Conclusion

Our observations suggest that combining xenon with sevoflurane in preschool children is safe, feasible, and facilitates hemodynamic management. Larger and adequately powered clinical trials are warranted to investigate the impact of xenon on short‐ and long‐term outcomes in pediatric anesthesia.
Screening of Ethiopian sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) landraces for their performance under Striga hermonthica ‐infested conditions
Authors: Abate Mesfin , Hussien Temam , Bayu Wondimu , Reda Fasil
Published: September 2017

Striga hermonthica is a major constraint to sorghum production and productivity in sub‐Saharan Africa, Ethiopia, in particular. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the performance of 49 sorghum genotypes based on their reaction to S. hermonthica and investigate the relationships among yield and Striga resistance traits, including the Striga emergence count, area under Striga number progress curve, area under Striga severity progress curve, grain yield under infested, grain yield under non‐infested conditions and relative yield loss. The genotypes differed significantly in all measured parameters under Striga‐infested and non‐infested conditions. The genotypes ‘Birhan’, ‘Gubiye’, Wolegie, Zegerie, Nechmashila I, Woftel, Tetron and Eyssa were identified as promising ones based on grain yield and Striga‐related traits. On the other hand, the genotypes Jamyo, Bobie, Gedido, Mankebar and Zengada had moderate Striga numbers with low relative yield loss as compared with susceptible checks. The most promising variety, Zegerie, Mankebar and Zengada, out yielded the standard resistant checks ‘Birhan’ and ‘Gubiye’ under Striga infestation. Ward cluster analysis grouped the 49 sorghum genotypes in to four distinct clusters under Striga‐infested conditions. All members of clusters II and III showed the highest yielding group with the lowest to moderate Striga number, while cluster IV supported the lowest yield with the highest Striga number. Significant negative correlations were observed between yield‐ and Striga‐related traits. Highly significant and strong correlations were observed among Striga resistance indices, indicating that any of the Striga resistance parameters can be used as an indicator of resistance. The wide variations in grain yield among genotypes under Striga‐infested conditions would be invaluable genetic resources for production in Striga endemic areas of Ethiopia.
Divine forgiveness I: Emotion and punishment‐forbearance theories
Authors: Warmke Brandon
Published: September 2017

In this, the first essay in a two‐part series, I begin by distinguishing between three kinds of inquiries about divine forgiveness. I then canvass two approaches to theorizing the nature of divine forgiveness, developing them in various ways, and noting where, in my estimation, there are problems.
Photodegradation of Eumelanin and Pheomelanin and Its Pathophysiological Implications
Authors: Ito Shosuke , Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Sarna Tadeusz
Published: September 2017

Eumelanin is photoprotective for pigmented tissues while pheomelanin is phototoxic. In this review, we summarize current understanding of how eumelanin and pheomelanin structures are modified by ultraviolet A (UVA) and also by visible light and how reactive oxygen species participate in those processes. Alkaline hydrogen peroxide oxidation was employed to characterize eumelanin and benzothiazole‐type pheomelanin, giving pyrrole‐2,3,5‐tricarboxylic acid (PTCA) and thiazole‐2,4,5‐tricarboxylic acid (TTCA), respectively. Reductive hydrolysis with hydroiodic acid gives 4‐amino‐3‐hydroxyphenylalanine (4‐AHP) from the benzothiazine moiety of pheomelanin. The results show that the photoaging of eumelanin gives rise to free PTCA (produced by peroxidation in situ) and pyrrole‐2,3,4,5‐tetracarboxylic acid (PTeCA, produced by cross‐linking). The TTCA/4‐AHP ratio increases with photoaging, indicating the conversion of benzothiazine to the benzothiazole moiety. Analysis of those markers and their ratios show that both eumelanin and pheomelanin in human retinal pigment epithelium melanosomes undergo extensive structural modifications due to their lifelong exposure to blue light. Using synthetic melanins, we also found that singlet oxygen, in addition to superoxide anions, is photogenerated and quenched upon UVA irradiation. The (patho)physiological significance of those findings is discussed in relation to the tanning process, to melanomagenesis in the skin and to age‐related macular degeneration in the eyes.
Expanding the Political Psychology Toolkit: The Potential of Discursive Psychology for Understanding Contentious Political Debate at a Grassroots Level
Authors: Clark Shannon J. , Botterill Linda Courtenay
Published: September 2017

In its location at the intersection of political science and psychology, political psychology draws on many of the research techniques of both disciplines in its exploration of power, voting behavior, leadership, attitudes, and values. One hitherto relatively underutilized approach for understanding public policy debate is discursive psychology (DP). Applying this perspective to a contentious policy issue in Australia, we seek to demonstrate that this approach can add richness and depth to our understanding of how ordinary citizens engage in public policy debates. We suggest that this type of analysis can augment insights obtained from more traditional methods—such as focus groups, experimental approaches, and opinion polling—by analyzing how debates are constructed and presented at the grassroots level. This research is innovative in two ways. First, it applies a rigorous, empirical research approach to an area in which it has not previously been used: the study of public policy issues. Second, rather than analyzing the communicative practices of political leaders, we consider the rhetorical arguments made by ordinary citizens in their engagement with political issues and how they negotiate what counts as evidence. This can provide insights into how public debate can be conducted more productively and respectfully.
The Public Service Mutual: Theories of Motivational Advantage
Authors: Le Grand Julian , Roberts Jonathan
Published: September 2017

Public service mutuals are a form of employee‐led organization in which service workers spin out of the public sector to form “mutuals” that contract back with government to provide a service. This article draws on economic and psychological theory to demonstrate that mutuals can align both self‐interested and altruistic or public service motivations so as to serve the social good; moreover, by offering greater autonomy to public service professionals, mutuals are predicted to encourage energetic and persistent behaviors. In both cases, there is an advantage over alternative forms of organization such as the public sector bureaucracy, the shareholder‐owned private firm, or the nonprofit organization. The employee‐led mutual form, however, may not appeal to risk‐averse workers, its collective decision‐making systems may be inefficient, and external mechanisms may be required to ensure that organizational outcomes are always directed toward the social good.
Deep Uncertainties in Sea‐Level Rise and Storm Surge Projections: Implications for Coastal Flood Risk Management
Authors: Oddo Perry C. , Lee Ben S. , Garner Gregory G. , Srikrishnan Vivek , Reed Patrick M. , Forest Chris E. , Keller Klaus
Published: September 2017

Sea levels are rising in many areas around the world, posing risks to coastal communities and infrastructures. Strategies for managing these flood risks present decision challenges that require a combination of geophysical, economic, and infrastructure models. Previous studies have broken important new ground on the considerable tensions between the costs of upgrading infrastructure and the damages that could result from extreme flood events. However, many risk‐based adaptation strategies remain silent on certain potentially important uncertainties, as well as the tradeoffs between competing objectives. Here, we implement and improve on a classic decision‐analytical model (Van Dantzig 1956) to: (i) capture tradeoffs across conflicting stakeholder objectives, (ii) demonstrate the consequences of structural uncertainties in the sea‐level rise and storm surge models, and (iii) identify the parametric uncertainties that most strongly influence each objective using global sensitivity analysis. We find that the flood adaptation model produces potentially myopic solutions when formulated using traditional mean‐centric decision theory. Moving from a single‐objective problem formulation to one with multiobjective tradeoffs dramatically expands the decision space, and highlights the need for compromise solutions to address stakeholder preferences. We find deep structural uncertainties that have large effects on the model outcome, with the storm surge parameters accounting for the greatest impacts. Global sensitivity analysis effectively identifies important parameter interactions that local methods overlook, and that could have critical implications for flood adaptation strategies.
Segmentation of Sea Current Fields by Cylindrical Hidden Markov Models: A Composite Likelihood Approach
Authors: Ranalli Monia , Lagona Francesco , Picone Marco , Zambianchi Enrico
Published: September 2017

Motivated by segmentation issues in studies of sea current circulation, we describe a hidden Markov random field for the analysis of spatial cylindrical data, i.e. bivariate spatial series of angles and intensities. The model is based on a mixture of cylindrical densities, whose parameters vary across space according to a latent Markov field. It enables segmentation of the data within a finite number of latent classes that represent the conditional distributions of the data under specific environmental conditions, simultaneously accounting for unobserved heterogeneity and spatial auto-correlation. Further, it parsimoniously accommodates specific features of environmental cylindrical data, such as circular–linear correlation, multimodality and skewness. Because of the numerical intractability of the likelihood function, estimation of the parameters is based on composite likelihood methods and essentially reduces to a computationally efficient expectation–maximization algorithm that iteratively alternates the maximization of a weighted composite likelihood function with weights updating. These methods are tested on simulations and exploited to segment the sea surface of the Gulf of Naples by means of meaningful circulation regimes.
Power Dynamics, Supply Network Restructuring and Modernised Retailing in China: A Comparison of Two Food Staples
Authors: Wang Yue , Coe Neil M.
Published: September 2017

This paper seeks to compare the processes of supply network transformation in China resulting from the market entry of retail transnational corporations (TNCs) across two food products, fresh milk and edible oil. The analysis demonstrates significant variations in both retailer management practices and strategic responses by suppliers between the two products. These variations, in turn, are seen to derive from the inherent nature of the commodities concerned, the relative balance of supply and demand, and the pre‐existing competitive and structural conditions in the different sectors before retail TNC entry. Overall, the paper calls for a nuanced and dynamic approach to retailer power and its impacts that recognises the complexity and unevenness of supply network restructuring in emerging markets.
A protein with an unusually short PPR domain, MEF8, affects editing at over 60 Arabidopsis mitochondrial C targets of RNA editing
Authors: Diaz Michael F. , Bentolila Stephane , Hayes Michael L. , Hanson Maureen R. , Mulligan R. Michael
Published: September 2017

An RNA‐seq approach was used to investigate the role of a PLS‐subfamily pentatricopeptide repeat protein, Mitochondrial Editing Factor 8 (MEF8), on editing in Arabidopsis mitochondria and plastids. MEF8 has an intact DYW domain, but possesses an unusually short PLS repeat region of only five repeats. The MEF8 T‐DNA insertion (mef8) line exhibited reduced editing at 38 mitochondrial editing sites and increased editing at 24 sites; therefore the absence of MEF8 affects 11% of the mitochondrial editome. Notably, 60% of the matR transcripts’ sites showed a decrease of editing extent in the mef8 mutant. An E549A substitution in the MEF8 protein replaced the putatively catalytic glutamate of the HXE motif in the DYW domain. Complementation with MEF8‐E549A failed to restore editing at the main target sites but was able to restore editing at the matR transcript; it also decreased the editing extent of most of the C targets exhibiting an increase of editing extent in the mef8 mutant plant. Thus, MEF8 has two antagonistic effects on mitochondrial editing: stimulatory, which requires a catalytic glutamate for most of the targets except for the matR transcript, and inhibitory, for which glutamate is dispensable.
NYEs/SGRs‐mediated chlorophyll degradation is critical for detoxification during seed maturation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Zhongpeng , Wu Shouxin , Chen Junyi , Wang Xiaoyan , Gao Jiong , Ren Guodong , Kuai Benke
Published: September 2017

In the seed industry, chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence is often used as a major non‐invasive reporter of seed maturation and quality. Breakdown of Chl is a proactive process during the late stage of seed maturation, as well as during leaf senescence and fruit ripening. However, the biological significance of this process is still unclear. NYE1 and NYE2 are Mg‐dechelatases, catalyzing the first rate‐limiting step of Chl a degradation. Loss‐of‐function of both NYE1 and NYE2 not only results in a nearly complete retention of Chl during leaf senescence, but also produces green seeds in Arabidopsis. In this study, we showed that Chl retention in the nye1 nye2 double‐mutant caused severe photo‐damage to maturing seeds. Upon prolonged light exposure, green seeds of nye1 nye2 gradually bleached out and eventually lost their germination capacity. This organ‐specific photosensitive phenotype is likely due to an over‐accumulation of free Chl, which possesses photosensitizing properties and causes a burst of reactive oxygen species upon light exposure. As expected, a similar, albeit much milder, photosensitive phenotype was observed in the seeds of d1 d2, a green‐seed mutant defective in NYE/SGR orthologous genes in soybean. Taken together, our data suggest that efficient NYEs‐mediated Chl degradation is critical for detoxification during seed maturation.
Inactivation of Babesia microti in red blood cells and platelet concentrates
Authors: Tonnetti Laura , Laughhunn Andrew , Thorp Aaron M. , Vasilyeva Irina , Dupuis Kent , Stassinopoulos Adonis , Stramer Susan L.
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

With an increasing number of recognized transfusion‐transmitted (TT) babesiosis cases, Babesia microti is the most frequently TT parasite in the United States. We evaluated the inactivation of B. microti in red blood cells (RBCs) prepared in Optisol (AS‐5) using amustaline and glutathione (GSH) and in platelet components (PCs) in 100% plasma using amotosalen and low‐energy ultraviolet A (UVA) light.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Individual RBCs and apheresis PCs were spiked with B. microti–infected hamster RBCs (iRBCs) to a final concentration of 106 iRBCs/mL and treated with the respective inactivation systems according to the manufacturer's instruction. Samples were collected before (control) and after (test) each treatment. Dilutions of the control samples to 10−6 were inoculated into hamsters, while the test samples were inoculated neat or at 10−1 dilution. At 3 and 5 weeks postinoculation, hamsters were evaluated for B. microti infection by microscopic observation of blood smears and 50% infectivity titers (ID50) were determined. Log reduction was calculated as control log ID50 minus test log ID50.

RESULTS

Parasitemia was detected in hamsters injected with as low as 100,000‐fold diluted control samples, while no parasites were detectable in the blood smears of any hamsters receiving neat test samples. Mean log reduction was more than 5 log/mL by amustaline/GSH for RBCs and more than 4.5 log/mL by amotosalen/UVA for PCs.

CONCLUSION

B. microti was inactivated to the limit of detection in RBCs and PCs after the respective inactivation treatment. Complete inactivation of B. microti was achieved in this animal infectivity model, and pathogen reduction treatment inhibited transmission of infection.
Comparison of donor and general population demographics over time: a BEST Collaborative group study
Authors: Goldman Mindy , Steele Whitney R. , Di Angelantonio Emanuele , van den Hurk Katja , Vassallo Ralph R. , Germain Marc , O'Brien Sheila F. ,   Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion Collaborative (BEST) Investigators
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

We compared donor and general population demographics over time to provide insight into current donation patterns and the future adequacy of the blood supply.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Seventeen blood center members of the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative from 12 countries provided the number of donors and people in the general population by demographic category for 2001 and 2011, changes in age criteria, and percentage of first‐time donors. We calculated the median age of donors and the general population and determined the percentage of each group in age and sex cohorts.

RESULTS

Age criteria vary, with upper limits recently liberalized in several countries. In 2011, the percentage of first‐time donors ranged from 10% to 41%. The median age of the donor and general population increased from 2001 to 2011 in most countries, as did the percentage of the general population over 60. The youngest donor cohort is overrepresented to a variable degree; this tendency increased over time. Although still underrepresented, older donors contributed more in 2011. A large middle‐aged cohort is aging at a rate exceeding the progression of time, while 25‐ to 45‐year‐olds are relatively underrepresented.

CONCLUSIONS

All participating countries are experiencing aging of their general population. Donor demographics differ substantially between countries; this can be only partly explained by population demographics and age criteria. Many countries have an aging middle‐aged donor and population cohort and are increasingly relying on their youngest donors to contribute disproportionately to the blood supply.
Host inflammatory response to mosquito bites enhances the severity of arbovirus infection
Authors: McKimmie C.S. , Pingen M. , Bryden S.R. , Lefteri D.A.
Published: September 2017

Mosquitoes can pass disease to humans when they bite, which includes infections caused by viruses, known as arboviruses. These viruses infect many millions of people each year and include viruses that cause diseases such as Zika, dengue and chikungunya. Most such infections are usually found in the tropics, but a changing climate and globalization means their range has spread at an alarming rate. Cumulatively these viruses are highly diverse at the genetic level and include up to 90 known human pathogens. It is hard to predict the nature, timing and location of these outbreaks. Furthermore, these viruses replicate to exceptionally high levels in the blood of infected patients. Thus, arbovirus infection constitutes an increasing concern for blood transfusion services. We suggest that it is important to identify common aspects of these infections to aid diagnosis, patient stratification and develop medicines that are applicable to multiple arbovirus infections. An important stage, common to all such infections, is the inoculation of virus at mosquito bites. We have recently shown that mosquito bite inflammation, which is common to all such infections, inadvertently enhances infection. In this study, we identified key aspects of mosquito bite inflammation that are important determinants of the subsequent systemic course and clinical outcome of infection. As such, host responses to mosquito saliva may prove to be a predictor of subsequent disease severity and consequently could also be useful in risk‐stratifying blood products.
A survey of weed seed contamination of rice paddy in Cambodia
Authors: Martin R J , Van Ogtrop F , Henson Y , Broeum K , Rien R , Srean P , Tan D K Y
Published: September 2017

Cambodia has experienced a rapid shift from transplanted to hand broadcast seeded rice, with a consequent increase in seeding rates from 25–30 to 100–200 kg ha−1. To reduce costs, farmers keep their own seed for sowing with the risk of greater weed seed contamination of the sowing seed. A survey of weed seed contamination in harvested rice paddy was conducted in two provinces of Cambodia (Battambang and Takeo) at the end of the wet season in 2016. Farmers were interviewed about rice‐seeding practices, and a total of 110 farmers' fresh paddy samples were inspected for weed seed contamination from the two provinces. Sowing seed samples collected from 28 seed producer lots and 71 samples of farmer‐kept seed were also analysed for weed seed contamination. In both provinces, the majority of farmers kept their own seed or bought seed from a neighbour. Farm‐kept seed for sowing accounted for 88% of sown seed in Battambang and 89% in Takeo. Seeds of 41 different weed species from 13 plant families were found in the farmers' freshly harvested paddy samples. Overall, farmers managed to reduce the number of weed propagules by 60% and seed producers by 95%. There was no significant difference between farmer‐kept seed and seed producer/seed company seed for the total number of weed seeds present. When shown photos, farmers' rankings of the 10 most common weed species found in freshly harvested paddy did not closely correspond to the actual weed seed frequency in the paddy. When farmers were asked to rank the frequency of weeds in their fields without the option to choose from a list, they ranked the weeds differently. Farmers ranked Ischaemum rugosum, Echinochloa spp. and Fimbristylis miliacea as the three most frequent weed species in their fields. The most frequent weeds in harvested paddy, apart from weedy rice, were I. rugosum and Melochia corchorifolia. Farmers did not rank M. corchorifolia as a frequently occurring weed, and most farmers could not recognise M. corchorifolia from photographs. The priority for improved seed hygiene is to place the emphasis on assisting farmers to further improve their seed purification techniques and to caution them to inspect seed before purchasing from neighbours, seed producers and seed companies in the absence of the implementation of seed certification regulation.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of a Circumferential Groove Casing Treatment in a Low-Speed Axial Research Compressor at Different Tip Clearances
Authors: Rolfes Matthias , Lange Martin , Vogeler Konrad , Mailach Ronald
Published: September 2017

The demand of increasing pressure ratios for modern high pressure compressors leads to decreasing blade heights in the last stages. As tip clearances (TC) cannot be reduced to any amount and minimum values might be necessary for safety reasons, the TC ratios of the last stages can reach values notably higher than current norms. This can be intensified by a compressor running in transient operations where thermal differences can lead to further growing clearances. For decades, the detrimental effects of large clearances on an axial compressor's operating range and efficiency are known and investigated. The ability of circumferential casing grooves in the rotor casing to improve the compressor's operating range has also been in the focus of research for many years. Their simplicity and ease of installation are one reason for their continuing popularity nowadays, where advanced methods to increase the operating range of an axial compressor are known. In the authors' previous paper, three different circumferential groove casing treatments were investigated in a single-stage environment in the low-speed axial research compressor at TU Dresden. One of these grooves was able to notably improve the operating range and the efficiency of the single stage compressor at very large rotor TC (5% of chord length). In this paper, the results of tests with this particular groove type in a three stage environment in the low-speed axial research compressor are presented. Two different rotor TC sizes of 1.2% and 5% of tip chord length were investigated. At the small TC, the grooves are almost neutral. Only small reductions in total pressure ratio and efficiency compared to the solid wall can be observed. If the compressor runs with large TC, it notably benefits from the casing grooves. Both, total pressure and efficiency can be improved by the grooves in a similar extent as in single stage tests. Five-hole probe measurements and unsteady wall pressure measurements show the influence of the groove on the flow field. With the help of numerical investigations, the different behavior of the grooves at the two TC sizes will be discussed.
Numerical and Experimental Analyses of Static Characteristics for Liquid Annular Seals With Helical Grooves in Seal Stator
Authors: Nagai K. , Kaneko S. , Taura H. , Watanabe Y.
Published: September 2017

Numerical and experimental analyses were carried out to investigate the static characteristics of liquid annular seals with helical grooves in a seal stator. In the numerical analysis, the momentum equations with turbulent coefficients and the continuity equation, which were averaged across the film thickness, were numerically solved to obtain the leakage flow rate and the pressure distributions in the seal clearance. To accurately define the location of the step between the groove and the land regions in the calculation domain, these governing equations were expressed using an oblique coordinate system in which the directions of coordinate axes coincided with the circumferential direction and the direction along the helical grooves. The numerical analysis included the effects of both fluid inertia and energy loss due to expansion during the passage of fluid from the land region to the helical groove region and that due to contraction from the groove region to the land region. In the experimental analysis, the leakage flow rate and the fluid-film pressure distributions in the seal clearance were measured for the helically grooved seals with different helix angles of the helical groove. The numerical results of leakage flow rate and pressure distributions agree reasonably with the experimental results, which demonstrates the validity of the numerical analysis. The leakage flow rate of the helically grooved seals was influenced by two factors: fluid energy loss during passage through the step between the groove and the land, and the pumping effect by which the spinning motion of the rotor pushes the flow back upstream along the helical grooves. Under a low range of rotor spinning velocity, the leakage flow rate decreased with helix angle because the effect of fluid energy loss in the steps was significant. By contrast, under a high range of spinning velocity, the quantitative difference in the leakage flow rate due to the helix angle decreased compared to that under a low range because the reduction in the leakage flow rate due to the pumping effect was pronounced for a larger helix angle. The effects of helix angle and rotor spinning velocity on the leakage flow rate are explained qualitatively using a simplified model.