bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating the Size of the U.S. Population at Risk of Severe Adverse Events from Replicating Smallpox Vaccine
Authors: Carlin Ellen P. , Giller Nichole , Katz Rebecca
Published: October 2016

Objective

To quantify the population at risk of serious adverse reactions to replicating smallpox vaccine.

Design and Sample

Conditions known or suspected to carry risk were identified via Centers for Disease Control and Prevention planning documents, other federal publications, and peer‐reviewed literature. Conditions identified were categorized as historically recognized risks or more recently recognized immunocompromised states that may pose risk. Major historical risk factors were as follows: eczema/atopic dermatitis, pregnancy, HIV, and primary immunodeficiency. More recently identified states were as follows: rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, dialysis, bone marrow transplant recipients within 24 months post‐transplant, solid‐organ transplant recipients within 3 months post‐transplant, age under 1 year, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Measures

The estimated prevalence or absolute number of affected individuals for each condition was ascertained from peer‐reviewed studies, vital statistics, and registry databases.

Results

An estimated 48,121,280 to 50,028,045 individuals (15.2–15.8% of the U.S. population) are potentially contraindicated to replicating smallpox vaccine. This rises to 119,244,531 to 123,669,327 (37.4–38.8%) if household contacts are included.

Conclusions

These figures are significant and larger than the only previously published study. Understanding this number allows for improved clinical utilization, equitable attention to the health needs of a vulnerable population, and strategic vaccine stockpiling.
Methodological bias in the seed bank flora holds significant implications for understanding seed bank community functions
Authors: Plue J. , Colas F. , Auffret A. G. , Cousins S. A. O.
Published: October 2016

Persistent seed banks are a key plant regeneration strategy, buffering environmental variation to allow population and species persistence. Understanding seed bank functioning within herb layer dynamics is therefore important. However, rather than assessing emergence from the seed bank in herb layer gaps, most studies evaluate the seed bank functioning via a greenhouse census. We hypothesise that greenhouse data may not reflect seed bank‐driven emergence in disturbance gaps due to methodological differences. Failure in detecting (specialist) species may then introduce methodological bias into the ecological interpretation of seed bank functions using greenhouse data.

The persistent seed bank was surveyed in 40 semi‐natural grassland plots across a fragmented landscape, quantifying seedling emergence in both the greenhouse and in disturbance gaps. Given the suspected interpretational bias, we tested whether each census uncovers similar seed bank responses to fragmentation.

Seed bank characteristics were similar between censuses. Census type affected seed bank composition, with >25% of species retrieved better by either census type, dependent on functional traits including seed longevity, production and size. Habitat specialists emerged more in disturbance gaps than in the greenhouse, while the opposite was true for ruderal species. Both censuses uncovered fragmentation‐induced seed bank patterns.

Low surface area sampling, larger depth of sampling and germination conditions cause underrepresentation of the habitat‐specialised part of the persistent seed bank flora during greenhouse censuses. Methodological bias introduced in the recorded seed bank data may consequently have significant implications for the ecological interpretation of seed bank community functions based on greenhouse data.
Pinewood nematode population growth in relation to pine phloem chemical composition
Authors: Pimentel C. S. , Firmino P. N. , Calvão T. , Ayres M. P. , Miranda I. , Pereira H.
Published: October 2016

The pinewood nematode,Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, native to North America (NA), is now a major invasive pine pest in Eurasia. Pine species differ greatly in their susceptibility toB. xylophilus, and differences in susceptibility might be related to differences in phytochemistry. This study addressed two major questions: (i) which plant chemical profiles (including compounds that act as plant defences and those important for nutrition) favour pinewood nematode development; and (ii) areNAand Portuguese pinewood nematodes different in their capacity to subsist on plant tissues? For this,B. xylophilusisolates fromNAand Portugal were tested on pine phloem and xylem of different pine species. It was found that unaltered pine phloem can sustain the population growth ofB. xylophilus, but only in a few cases, and this was clearly related to distinct chemical profiles in some pine species. No evidence was found of evolutionary divergence betweenB. xylophiluspopulations in Portugal andNA. The pine species with phloem on which pinewood nematodes could grow tended to have low levels of total phenols, condensed tannins, flavonoids and lignin. Evidence was also found that nutrients such as N may be important.
Lipid characterization of red alga Rhodymenia pseudopalmata (Rhodymeniales, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Peralta‐García Edith , Caamal‐Fuentes Edgar , Robledo Daniel , Hernández‐Núñez Emmanuel , Freile‐Pelegrín Yolanda
Published: October 2016

Rhodymenia pseudopalmata is a red alga that grows at the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and has been proven successful in cultivation. In this study we present the lipid composition of R. pseudopalmata collected from wild populations during three different seasons of 2013. Cultured material was also analyzed and compared in order to evaluate its value as feedstock for biotechnological uses. Thin layer chromatography, 1
H and 13
C NMR spectroscopy and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry were used to assess variations in their lipid composition. Our results showed that the dominant lipid classes were phospholipids both in wild and cultured materials. The phospholipids phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol and the glycolipid monogalactosyldiacylglycerol were present in both wild and cultured R. pseudopalmata, whereas the phospholipid lysophosphatidylcholine was only found in wild material. Fatty acids (FAs) showed a high monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs) content with oleic acid (C18:1ω9) as the dominant compound (78 and 94% of the MUFAs for wild and culture materials, respectively). Saturated FAs (SFAs) represented approximately 90% of the total fatty acid content, with palmitic acid (C16:0) reaching approximately 83% of the SFA content. Rhodymenia pseudopalmata was low in polyunsaturated FAs when compared to other red algae. Other compounds such as 1‐heptadecene, 1‐hexadecene, 15‐heptadecenal, 3‐eicosene 6,10,14‐trimethyl‐2‐pentadecanone, phytol, and heptadecane were also found. Lipid composition differences between the wild and cultured algae suggest that light and nutrients can be manipulated to modify lipid composition. Based on its lipid composition and cultivation feasibility, R. pseudopalmata could be a potential source for nutraceuticals and biofuels production.
Postrevolutionary land encroachments in Cairo: Rhizomatic urban space making and the line of flight from illegality
Authors: Furniss Jamie
Published: October 2016

After the January 2011 revolution, new and unpermitted constructions on previously empty land went up across Cairo at striking speed. This paper explores a case of such land encroachments carried out by waste collectors in the neighbourhood of Manshiet Nasser in Cairo, Egypt. It begins with theoretical debates about the production of urban space, arguing that the de Certeauian paradigm, in which urban marginals poach or hijack others' spaces evanescently, fails to account for the way such encroachments produce permanent new spaces rhizomatically alongside the pre‐existing order. The paper then turns to a close examination of the events in Manshiet Nasser. Although in a broad view the actors are marginals living in the ‘informal’ city, the conditions enabling the encroachments were such that only the wealthiest and most powerful members of the ‘community’ benefitted. In a context of generalized ‘illegality’, the squatters rely on practical norms and de facto recognitions to obtain some degree of tenure security. Since these efforts rely on and play off legal norms even as the squatters violate them, the paper argues that property rights in this context should be understood not in classificatory terms based on the legal/illegal binary, but rather through a trajectory of ‘becoming‐legal’: a ‘line of flight’ that approaches legality asymptotically.
Decoding dispossession: Eviction and urban regeneration in Johannesburg's dark buildings
Authors: Wilhelm‐Solomon Matthew
Published: October 2016

In January 2012 the residents of an inner‐city tenement building in Doornfontein, Johannesburg, were evicted on a court order. The building was situated in a post‐industrial neighbourhood in which thousands of South Africans and foreign nationals, many blind or disabled, live in unlawfully occupied buildings without access to water, basic sanitation, electricity and waste management services. Such buildings are known in policy discourse as ‘bad buildings’, and informally as ‘dark buildings’, invoking both a sense of developmental failure and spiritual insecurity. In this paper I analyse how urban renewal policies created social divisions and alliances not only among the residents of Chambers, which were channelled along nationalist lines, but also between the able‐bodied and disabled, and produced new social alliances. In particular, I document how a group of blind Zimbabweans experienced threats of violence and accusations of betrayal, as they were offered alternate accommodation by the evicting company because of their disability. I argue here that the pressures of private‐sector housing developments intersected with the insecurities and divisions of inner‐city social spaces and also fostered new alliances. Following the work of Deleuze and Guattari, I invoke the concept of ‘decoding dispossession’, proposing that ongoing evictions and dispossessions are characterized by simultaneous movements of ‘decoding and deterritorialization’ and ‘overcoding‐reterritorialization’.
The functional significance of hamstrings composition: is it really a “fast” muscle group?
Authors: Evangelidis Pavlos E. , Massey Garry J. , Ferguson Richard A. , Wheeler Patrick C. , Pain Matthew T.G. , Folland Jonathan P.
Published: October 2016

Hamstrings muscle fiber composition may be predominantly fast‐twitch and could explain the high incidence of hamstrings strain injuries. However, hamstrings muscle composition in vivo, and its influence on knee flexor muscle function, remains unknown. We investigated biceps femoris long head (BFlh) myosin heavy chain (MHC) composition from biopsy samples, and the association of hamstrings composition and hamstrings muscle volume (using MRI) with knee flexor maximal and explosive strength. Thirty‐one young men performed maximal (concentric, eccentric, isometric) and explosive (isometric) contractions. BFlh exhibited a balanced MHC distribution [mean ± SD (min‐max); 47.1 ± 9.1% (32.6–71.0%) MHC‐I, 35.5 ± 8.5% (21.5–60.0%) MHC‐IIA, 17.4 ± 9.1% (0.0–30.9%) MHC‐IIX]. Muscle volume was correlated with knee flexor maximal strength at all velocities and contraction modes (r = 0.62–0.76, P < 0.01), but only associated with late phase explosive strength (time to 90 Nm; r = −0.53, P < 0.05). In contrast, BFlh muscle composition was not related to any maximal or explosive strength measure. BFlh MHC composition was not found to be “fast”, and therefore composition does not appear to explain the high incidence of hamstrings strain injury. Hamstrings muscle volume explained 38–58% of the inter‐individual differences in knee flexor maximum strength at a range of velocities and contraction modes, while BFlh muscle composition was not associated with maximal or explosive strength.
No difference in the level of physical activity between children who have or have never sustained a fracture
Authors: Randsborg P‐H. , Røtterud J. H.
Published: October 2016

This study investigates whether children with an acute fracture have a different level of physical activity compared to children who have never sustained a fracture, as measured by the Physical Activity Questionnaire for older children (PAQ‐C). The PAQ‐C scores of 683 children (295 girls) aged 6–12 years (mean age 9.4 years) who presented to our institution with an acute fracture were compared to the PAQ‐C scores of 151 random children (81 girls) aged 6–12 years (mean 9.1 years) in the same area who had never sustained a fracture. Multivariate regression analysis was employed, controlling for age and gender. The mean PAQ‐C score of the children who presented to the institution with an acute fracture was 2.85 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.80–2.91). For the children who had never sustained a fracture, the mean PAQ‐C score was 2.78 (95% CI, 2.69–2.87). If there is a true difference in the level of physical activity between children who have or have never sustained a fracture, the PAQ‐C questionnaire is not sensitive enough to identify it.
Impact of extreme electrical fields on charge density distributions in Al3Sc alloy
Authors: Loyola Claudia , Peralta Joaquin , Broderick Scott R. , Rajan Krishna
Published: October 2016

In this study, the authors investigated how extreme electrical fields affect charge distribution of metallic surfaces and bond character at the moment of evaporation. The surface structure and neighborhood chemistry were also studied as a function of various field evaporation pathways. Density functional theory (DFT) was used to model the surface bonding and charge distribution and then correlate the DFT results with experimental results by comparing the calculated evaporation fields with atom probe tomography measurements. The evaporation fields of different surface neighborhood chemistries in L12-Al3Sc were calculated, with the Sc atoms occupying the corners of a cubic unit cell and the Al atoms occupying the face centers. Al-Al surface atoms are found via DFT to be more likely to evaporate as dimers because of the Al-Al shared charge density. In contrast, Al-Sc evaporates as single ions due to the increased density localized around the Sc atom. This difference in evaporation behavior correlates with the resistance to degradation under extreme fields. This work allows better interpretation of the atom probe data by clarifying the relationship between different evaporation events and the role of surface and subsurface chemistry.
Place specificity of the click-evoked auditory brainstem response in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
Authors: Finneran James J. , Mulsow Jason , Houser Dorian S. , Burkard Robert F.
Published: October 2016

Cochlear place specificity of the auditory brainstem response (ABR) was investigated in five bottlenose dolphins by measuring ABRs to broadband clicks presented simultaneously with masking noise having various high-pass cutoff frequencies. Click and noise stimuli were digitally compensated to account for the transmitting response of the piezoelectric transducers and any multipath propagation effects to achieve “white” or “pink” spectral characteristics. Narrowband evoked responses were derived by sequentially subtracting responses obtained with noise at lower high-pass cutoff frequencies from those obtained with noise having higher cutoff frequencies. The results revealed little contribution to the click-evoked brainstem response from frequency bands below 10 kHz and, in dolphins with full hearing bandwidth, the largest amplitude derived band evoked responses were obtained from the highest frequency bands. Narrowband latencies decreased with increasing frequency and were adequately fit with a power function exhibiting relatively large change in latency with frequency below ∼30 kHz and little change above ∼30 kHz. These data demonstrate that frequency bands below ∼10 kHz do not substantively contribute to the farfield ABR in the bottlenose dolphin when using place-specific approaches such as high-pass subtractive-masking techniques.
Detection of human adaptation during the past 2000 years
Authors: Field Yair , Boyle Evan A , Telis Natalie , Gao Ziyue , Gaulton Kyle J. , Golan David , Yengo Loic , Rocheleau Ghislain , Froguel Philippe , McCarthy Mark I. , Pritchard Jonathan K.
Published: October 2016

Identifying genes under recent selection

Evolutionary analyses aim to identify recent genetic changes that are likely to have been subject to selection. Field
et al.
present a method to identify such changes, the singleton density score, which they applied to over 3000 human genomes. Over the past ∼100 generations (2000 to 3000 years), Europeans are likely to have experienced selection for genetic variants, including those that affect skin and hair pigmentation, as well as height.

Science
, this issue p.
760
Microresonator soliton dual-comb spectroscopy
Authors: Suh Myoung-Gyun , Yang Qi-Fan , Yang Ki Youl , Yi Xu , Vahala Kerry J.
Published: October 2016

Shrinking spectrometers

Dual-comb spectroscopy is a powerful technique that uses the interference of two closely related combs to map spectroscopic features directly into a frequency domain that can be read by electronics. Suh
et al.
developed a dual-comb spectroscopy approach using combs produced by silica microresonators fabricated on a silicon chip. Perhaps high-resolution spectroscopy will soon be shrunk to the chip scale, doing away with the need for bulky spectrometers.

Science
, this issue p.
600
An integrated diamond nanophotonics platform for quantum-optical networks
Authors: Sipahigil A. , Evans R. E. , Sukachev D. D. , Burek M. J. , Borregaard J. , Bhaskar M. K. , Nguyen C. T. , Pacheco J. L. , Atikian H. A. , Meuwly C. , Camacho R. M. , Jelezko F. , Bielejec E. , Park H. , Lončar M. , Lukin M. D.
Published: October 2016

Integrated quantum nanophotonics

Technologies that exploit the rules of quantum mechanics offer a potential advantage over classical devices in terms of sensitivity. Sipahigil
et al.
combined the quantum optical features of silicon-vacancy color centers with diamond-based photonic cavities to form a platform for integrated quantum nanophotonics (see the Perspective by Hanson). They could thus generate single photons from the color centers, optically switch light in the cavity by addressing the state of the color center, and quantum-mechanically entangle two color centers positioned in the cavity. The work presents a viable route to develop an integrated platform for quantum networks.

Science
, this issue p.
847
; see also p.
835
Super-dry reforming of methane intensifies CO
2
utilization via Le Chatelier’s principle
Authors: Buelens Lukas C. , Galvita Vladimir V. , Poelman Hilde , Detavernier Christophe , Marin Guy B.
Published: October 2016

Upgrading CO
2
with methane

The use of carbon dioxide as a reactant could help to mitigate its impact on climate, but it is difficult to activate as an oxidant. Buelens
et al.
combined methane in a high-temperature “super-dry” reforming process that generates reactive carbon monoxide. Both molecules were fed into a reactor containing a nickel methane-reforming catalyst, an iron oxide solid oxygen carrier, and calcium oxide as a CO
2
sorbent. The adsorbed CO
2
was treated with an inert gas purge that shifted the equilibrium, releasing mainly CO. This isothermal process avoids carbon buildup and can be used with biogas methane that contains substantial levels of CO
2
.

Science
, this issue p.
449
Draft Genome Sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. AVP053U2 Isolated from
Styela clava
, a Tunicate Collected in Long Island Sound
Authors: deMayo James A. , Maas Kendra R. , Klassen Jonathan L. , Balunas Marcy J.
Published: October 2016

Streptomyces
sp. AVP053U2 is a marine bacterium isolated from
Styela clava
, a tunicate collected in Long Island Sound. Here, we report a draft genome for this bacterium, which was found to contain a high capacity for secondary metabolite production based on analysis and identification of numerous biosynthetic gene clusters.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Goatpox Virus Strain Gorgan Obtained Directly from a Commercial Live Attenuated Vaccine
Authors: Mathijs Elisabeth , Vandenbussche Frank , Haegeman Andy , Al-Majali Ahmad , De Clercq Kris , Van Borm Steven
Published: October 2016

This is a report of the complete genome sequence of the goatpox virus strain Gorgan, which was obtained directly from a commercial live attenuated vaccine (Caprivac, Jordan Bio-Industries Centre).
Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequence and Annotation of the
Saccharum
Hybrid Cultivar RB867515
Authors: Vidigal Pedro Marcus Pereira , Coelho Alexandre Siqueira Guedes , Novaes Evandro , Barbosa Márcio Henrique Pereira , Peternelli Luiz Alexandre
Published: October 2016

Here, we present the chloroplast genome sequence of the
Saccharum
hybrid cultivar RB867515, the most planted sugarcane cultivar in Brazil.
Child sexual assault reported to an acute sexual assault referral centre in London
Authors: Morgan Louise , Khadr Sophie , Bewley Susan
Published: October 2016

Objective

To describe demographic and assault-related characteristics of children attending an acute sexual assault referral centre in London within a week of alleged sexual assault.

Design

Retrospective case note review of all children aged 12 years and under who reported between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2013.

Main outcome measures

Age, sex, ethnicity, drugs and alcohol around the time of assault, nature of offence, relationship with perpetrator, additional violence, verbal threats, presence of injury.

Results

176 children attended; 80% were female. Perpetrators were known casually to the victim in almost half of cases (49%) and familial assault was reported in 55 cases (31%). 43% of boys and 28% of girls reported that the perpetrator was under the age of 16 years. Familial domestic violence was reported by 17%, and more boys (26%) than girls (14%) were reported to have a learning difficulty. Extragenital injury was found in 14% and anogenital injury in 17%.

Conclusions

This study provides an important overview of young children referred for forensic medical examination in the week following an allegation of sexual assault. Rates of learning difficulty and domestic violence were relatively high, and alcohol and drug use was rare. A large number of alleged perpetrators were young themselves. Additional violence was not common, and rates of injury were low. There may be important differences in sexual offences against boys and girls. Further research is necessary, as is greater case identification and referral for services.
Estimating the visibility rate of abortion: a case study of Kerman, Iran
Authors: Zamanian Maryam , Baneshi Mohammad Reza , Haghdoost AliAkbar , Zolala Farzaneh
Published: October 2016

Objectives

Abortion is a sensitive issue; many cultures disapprove of it, which leads to under-reporting. This study sought to estimate the rate of abortion visibility in the city of Kerman, Iran—that is, the percentage of acquaintances who knew about a particular abortion. For estimating the visibility rate, it is crucial to use the network scale-up method, which is a new, indirect method of estimating sensitive behaviours more accurately.

Materials and methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Kerman, Iran using various methods to ensure the cooperation of clinicians and women. A total of 222 women who had had an abortion within the previous year (74 elective, 74 medical and 74 spontaneous abortions) were recruited. Participants were asked how many of their acquaintances were aware of their abortion. Abortion visibility was estimated by abortion type. 95% CIs were calculated by a bootstrap procedure. A zero-inflated negative binomial regression analysis was conducted to assess the variables related to visibility.

Results

The visibility (95% CI) of elective, medical and spontaneous abortion was 8% (6% to 10%), 60% (54% to 66%) and 50% (43% to 57%), respectively. Women and consanguineal family were more likely to be aware of the abortion than men and affinal family. Non-family members had a low probability of knowing about the abortion, except in elective cases. Abortion type, marital status, sex of the acquaintance and closeness of the relationship were the most important determinants of abortion visibility in the final multifactorial model.

Conclusions

This study shows the visibility rate to be low, but it does differ among social network members and by the type of abortion in question. This difference might be explained through social and cultural norms as well as stigma surrounding abortion. The low visibility rate might explain the low estimates of abortion rates found in other studies.
Multilocus sequence typing ofTrichomonas vaginalisclinical samples from Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Authors: van der Veer C , Himschoot M , Bruisten S M
Published: October 2016

Objectives

In this cross-sectional epidemiological study we aimed to identify molecular profiles forTrichomonas vaginalisand to determine how these molecular profiles were related to patient demographic and clinical characteristics.

Setting

Molecular typing methods previously identified two genetically distinct subpopulations forT. vaginalis;however, few molecular epidemiological studies have been performed. We now increased the sensitivity of a previously described multilocus sequence typing (MLST) tool forT. vaginalisby using nested PCR. This enabled the typing of direct patient samples.

Participants

From January to December 2014, we collected allT. vaginalispositive samples as detected by routine laboratory testing. Samples from patients either came from general practitioners offices or from the sexually transmitted infections (STI) clinic in Amsterdam. Epidemiological data for the STI clinic patients were retrieved from electronic patient files.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was the success rate of genotyping directT. vaginalispositive samples. The secondary outcome was the relation betweenT. vaginalisgenotypes and risk factors for STI.

Results

All 7 MLST loci were successfully typed for 71/87 clinical samples. The 71 typed samples came from 69 patients, the majority of whom were women (n=62; 90%) and half (n=34; 49%) were STI clinic patients. Samples segregated into a two population structure forT. vaginalisrepresenting genotypes I and II. Genotype I was most common (n=40; 59.7%). STI clinic patients infected with genotype II reported more sexual partners in the preceding 6 months than patients infected with genotype I (p=0.028). No other associations for gender, age, ethnicity, urogenital discharge or co-occurring STIs withT. vaginalisgenotype were found.

Conclusions

MLST with nested PCR is a sensitive typing method that allows typing of direct (uncultured) patient material. Genotype II is possibly more prevalent in high-risk sexual networks.
‘Spin’ in reports of clinical research
Authors: Mahtani Kamal R
Published: October 2016

Clinical research is frequently hampered by flaws in its design or conduct. Such biases have been well documented. However, reports of clinical research may also be biased and present results in a more favourable way than they deserve or downplay harms. Such ‘spin’ in reporting has been demonstrated empirically. This short commentary summarises some of the problems with spin in reports of clinical research as well as signposts to some of the empirical evidence demonstrating its effect.
Survey of veterinary clients' perceptions of informed consent at a referral hospital
Authors: Whiting M. , Alexander A. , Habiba M. , Volk H. A.
Published: October 2016

This retrospective questionnaire study evaluates the perceptions of veterinary clients of the informed consent process and the consent form in a veterinary referral hospital. Replicating a validated perception survey from human medicine, 470 clients at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals were surveyed on their perceptions during the consenting process through postal survey examining their understanding, experience and recall of informed consent. Of the 165 responses (35 per cent response rate), the majority of clients recalled the process and signing the form; however, half of the clients did not feel in control (51 per cent) or reassured (53 per cent) by the process. There was limited understanding of the purpose of consent, with 45 per cent thinking it removed their right to compensation for negligence and 31 per cent thought the veterinarian could do something different from the agreed procedure. Sixty per cent of clients did not read the form, as they trusted their veterinarian, but 33 per cent of clients felt frightened by the process. This survey highlights the need to understand the process of consent from the client's perspective, and adapt the consenting process to incorporate this into professional communication to ensure that the professional and contractual objectives of consent are met fully.
Betalain-rich concentrate supplementation improves exercise performance and recovery in competitive triathletes
Authors: Montenegro Cristhian F. , Kwong David A. , Minow Zev A. , Davis Brian A. , Lozada Christina F. , Casazza Gretchen A.
Published: October 2016

We aimed to determine the effects of a betalain-rich concentrate (BRC) of beetroots, containing no sugars or nitrates, on exercise performance and recovery. Twenty-two (9 men and 13 women) triathletes (age, 38 ± 11 years) completed 2 double-blind, crossover, randomized trials (BRC and placebo) starting 7 days apart. Each trial was preceded by 6 days of supplementation with 100 mg·day−1 of BRC or placebo. On the 7th day of supplementation, exercise trials commenced 120 min after ingestion of 50 mg BRC or placebo and consisted of 40 min of cycling (75 ± 5% maximal oxygen consumption) followed by a 10-km running time trial (TT). Subjects returned 24 h later to complete a 5-km running TT to assess recovery. Ten-kilometer TT duration (49.5 ± 8.9 vs. 50.8 ± 10.3 min, p = 0.03) was faster with the BRC treatment. Despite running faster, average heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion were not different between treatments. Five-kilometer TT duration (23.2 ± 4.4 vs 23.9 ± 4.7 min, p = 0.003), 24 h after the 10-km TT, was faster in 17 of the 22 subjects with the BRC treatment. Creatine kinase, a muscle damage marker, increased less (40.5 ± 22.5 vs. 49.7 ± 21.5 U·L−1, p = 0.02) from baseline to after the 10-km TT and subjective fatigue increased less (–0.05 ± 6.1 vs. 3.23 ± 6.1, p = 0.05) from baseline to 24 h after the 10-km TT with BRC. In conclusion, BRC supplementation improved 10-km TT performance in competitive male and female triathletes. Improved 5-km TT performances 24 h after the 10-km TT and the attenuated increase of creatine kinase and fatigue suggest an increase in recovery while taking BRC.
Germination strategy of Allium victorialis, a wild edible plant with high commercial potential
Authors: Kamenetsky Rina , Gębura Joanna , Winiarczyk Krystyna
Published: October 2016

The spring ephemeral Allium victorialis grows naturally in Europe, Asia, and North America. Because of its pleasant taste, aroma, and nutraceutical properties, it is intensively gathered in its natural habitats by the local populations. To introduce A. victorialis as a new crop, technologies of mass-propagation and effective production must be developed. However, the biology of seed dormancy and germination in this species is not clear, and numerous attempts at controlled seed germination have not succeeded. We employed a systematic approach for seed germination of this species under controlled conditions. Two main factors, post-ripening seed age and germination temperature regimes, were studied in combination with various germination techniques. As opposed to common conceptions, our results show that the seeds of A. victorialis do not experience morphological, physical, or physiological dormancy, and are completely ready for germination immediately following ripening. Propagation of A. victorialis from seed can be performed by germination of fresh seeds at moderate (20 °C) temperatures, in a sterile planting medium with good aeration. The germination strategy, revealed in this research, opens new prospects for the development of A. victorialis as a new and useful crop.
Growth and physiology of a dominant understory shrub, Hamamelis virginiana, following canopy disturbance in a temperate hardwood forest
Authors: Taylor Benton N. , Patterson Angelica E. , Ajayi Moyosore , Arkebauer Rachel , Bao Karen , Bray Natalie , Elliott Robert M. , Gauthier Paul P.G. , Gersony Jessica , Gibson Rebecca , Guerin Marceau , Lavenhar Sara , Leland Caroline , Lemordant Léo , Liao Wenying , Melillo Jerry , Oliver Ruth , Prager Case M. , Schuster William , Schwartz Naomi B. , Shen Christa , Terlizzi Katherine Pavlis , Griffin Kevin L.
Published: October 2016

As global climatic changes increase plant susceptibility to large-scale disturbances such as drought and pathogens, understory responses to these disturbances will become increasingly important to long-term forest dynamics. To better understand understory responses to canopy disturbance, we measured changes in the growth and physiology of the dominant understory shrub, American witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana L.), in response to girdling of canopy oaks in a temperate hardwood forest of the northeastern United States. Changes in the growth and physiology of H. virginiana may be important to the regeneration of northeastern temperate forests, as this common shrub largely shapes the microenvironment for seedlings on the forest floor where it occurs. Canopy disturbance by girdling resulted in significant increases in light and soil nitrogen availability. In response to these environmental changes, basal-area growth of H. virginiana increased by an average 334%. This growth increase corresponded to significant increases in foliar nitrogen, respiration, and leaf chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations. These findings indicate improved environmental conditions and increased growth for this understory shrub following the loss of dominant canopy trees. This study suggests that following large-scale canopy disturbance, H. virginiana and shrubs like it may play an important role in competing for soil N and shading seedlings of regenerating canopy species.
Structure theorems for vector valued Siegel modular forms of degree 2 and weight detk ⊗Sym(10)
Authors: Takemori Sho
Published: October 2016

We prove the explicit structure theorems of modules [Formula: see text] of vector valued Siegel modular forms of degree [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] runs over the set of even integers or odd integers. We also check the conjecture given by Ibukiyama [Vector valued Siegel modular forms of symmetric tensor weight of small degrees, Comment. Math. Univ. St. Pauli 61 (2012) 51–75.] for modules of vector valued Siegel modular forms of degree [Formula: see text] of weights [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
A TSV Fault-Tolerant Scheme Based on Failure Classification in 3D-NoC
Authors: Ouyang Yiming , Da Jian , Wang Xiumin , Han Qianqian , Liang Huaguo , Du Gaoming
Published: October 2016

Three-dimensional (3D) integration provides many benefits including high density, high bandwidth and low power consumption. Through-silicon via (TSV), which provides communication links for dies in vertical direction, is a critical design issue in 3D integration. Nevertheless, TSV is susceptible to failure in the fabrication and bonding, which may lead to partial interconnection in vertical direction, and thus can severely increase the cost and decrease the yield. To solve this issue, this paper proposes a TSV fault-tolerant scheme based on failure classification. Specifically, a 32-bit TSV channel is divided into four groups. Based on the results of TSV testing, inter-group TSV serialization, intra-group TSV serialization and localized fault-tolerant routing are proposed to solve different TSV failure classifications. By comparing with the existing works, the experiment results show the superiority of the proposed method in improving the overall network performance with an acceptable area and power overhead.
Large random simplicial complexes, III the critical dimension
Authors: Costa A. , Farber M.
Published: October 2016

In this paper, we study the notion of critical dimension of random simplicial complexes in the general multi-parameter model described in [Random simplicial complexes, preprint (2014), arXiv:1412.5805 ; Large random simplicial complexes, I, preprint (2015), arXiv:1503.06285 ; Large random simplical complexes, II, preprint (2015), arXiv:1509.04837 ]. This model includes as special cases the Linial–Meshulam–Wallach model [Homological connectivity of random 2-complexes, Combinatorica 26 (2006) 475–487; Homological connectivity of random [Formula: see text]-complexes, Random Struct. Alogrithms 34 (2009) 408–417.] as well as the clique complexes of random graphs. We characterize the concept of critical dimension in terms of various geometric and topological properties of random simplicial complexes such as their Betti numbers, the fundamental group, the size of minimal cycles and the degrees of simplexes. We mention in the text a few interesting open questions.
Cochran's βi-invariants via twisted Whitney towers
Authors: Conant Jim , Schneiderman Rob , Teichner Peter
Published: October 2016

We show that Cochran's invariants [Formula: see text] of a [Formula: see text]-component link [Formula: see text] in the [Formula: see text]-sphere can be computed as intersection invariants of certain 2-complexes in the [Formula: see text]-ball with boundary [Formula: see text]. These 2-complexes are special types of twisted Whitney towers, which we call Cochran towers, and which exhibit a new phenomenon: A Cochran tower of order [Formula: see text] allows the computation of the [Formula: see text] invariants for all [Formula: see text], i.e. simultaneous extraction of invariants from a Whitney tower at multiple orders. This is in contrast with the order [Formula: see text] Milnor invariants (requiring order [Formula: see text] Whitney towers) and consistent with Cochran's result that the [Formula: see text] are integer lifts of certain Milnor invariants.
Cohn localization of finite group rings
Authors: Vogel Pierre
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this paper is to give a complete description of the Cohn localization of the augmentation map [Formula: see text] when [Formula: see text] is any finite group.
Reliability Analysis Based on Nonhomogeneous Continuous-Time Markov Modeling with Application to Repairable Pumps of a Power Plant
Authors: Hsu Yao , Wu Wen Fang , Huang Tai Wei
Published: October 2016

To avoid equipment breakdown that may result in power outage, equipment maintenance is very important. However, maintenance is always accompanied with cost and operating performance. Finding a balance between reducing risk of power outage and increasing cost through maintenance becomes an important issue for power plant owners. To this end, a repair-related analytical model by nonhomogeneous continuous-time Markov chain is constructed in this study. To consider the maintenance process which accords with the actual situations, we add not only the effect of time but also environmental factors for failure rate and repair rate into consideration to describe uncertainties of the process. Since it is difficult to obtain the analytic solution of transition rate in a nonhomogeneous continuous-time Markov chain, we propose a method to find the numerical solution. In the end, the failure and repair data of pumps of a local power plant are applied into the proposed model. An optimal solution in consideration of the life cycle cost under a certain availability constraint is found through the model.
Exponential ergodicity of CIR interest rate model with random switching
Authors: Tong Jinying , Zhang Zhenzhong
Published: October 2016

In this paper, we consider ergodicity of Cox–Ingersoll–Ross (CIR) interest rate model with random switching. First, we show that the CIR model with switching has a unique stationary distribution. Next, we prove that the transition semigroup for the CIR model with switching converges to the stationary distribution at an exponential rate in the Wasserstein distance. Moreover, under two particular cases, the explicit expressions for stationary distributions are presented. Finally, the central limit theorem for the CIR model with random switching is established.
Groups with few non-nilpotent subgroups
Authors: Brandl Rolf
Published: October 2016

For a group [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] denote the number of conjugacy classes of non-nilpotent subgroups of [Formula: see text]. We classify all finite groups [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text]
HEMODYNAMICS-BASED LONG-TERM PATENCY OF DIFFERENT SEQUENTIAL GRAFTING: A PATIENT-SPECIFIC MULTI-SCALE STUDY
Authors: WANG WENXIN , LIU YOUJUN , ZHAO XI , XIE JINSHENG , QIAO AIKE
Published: October 2016

Background and aims: Sequential grafting is one of the common coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. But the influence of the sequential grafting position on hemodynamics and the graft patency is still unclear. Materials and methods: The zero-dimensional/three-dimensional (0D/3D) coupling method was used to finalize the multi-scale simulation of two different sequential grafting models. First, a patient-specific 3D model was reconstructed based on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) images. Two different sequential grafts were implemented on this patient-specific 3D model by using virtual surgery. Thus, two different postoperative 3D models were built. Then, a lumped parameter model (LPM; 0D) was built based on the patient physiological data to simulate the cardiovascular system. Finally, the 0D/3D coupling method was used to perform the numerical simulation by coupling a 0D LPM of the cardiovascular system and the patient-specific 3D models. Moreover, the long-term patency of these two different sequential grafts was discussed in this paper. Results: The coronary flow rate and the graft flow were calculated and illustrated. The instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) were calculated. Postoperative iFR values increase to over 0.90 for both sequential grafts. Some hemodynamics parameters were also illustrated, such as wall shear stress (WSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI). The area of low WSS in Model 1 was much less than that in Model 2. Two regions of high OSI exist in Model 2, while only one in Model 1. Conclusions: No significant differences exist on the short-term outcomes of two models. But the long-term patency of Model 2 was worse. The Model 1 may enhance long-term patency of grafting and should be priority when the sequential grafting need to be carried out.
Decision Support Framework for Selection of 3PL Service Providers: Dominance-Based Approach in Combination with Grey Set Theory
Authors: Sen Dilip Kumar , Datta Saurav , Mahapatra Siba Sankar
Published: October 2016

Since past two decades, logistics outsourcing has got immense importance in the context of supply chain management. Logistics outsourcing or outsourcing of third party logistics (3PL) comprises involvement of outside firms to execute logistics activities of a firm efficiently. As deployment of 3PL providers has gained huge momentum in recent times, appropriate selection of 3PL providers seems indeed a necessity. The present work intends to propose a decision support framework for evaluation and selection of 3PL providers in pursuit of fulfilling various business needs. A decision support framework based on dominance measure concept integrated with grey set theory has been projected herein. Result obtained thereof has been compared to that of grey-TOPSIS. A case empirical research has also been reported. The proposed dominance-based decision support system in light of grey set theory has been conceptualized and is basically a simplified version of TODIM and PROMETHEE. It explores dominance between two alternatives with respect to a particular criterion, based on which a global dominance measure is computed to facilitate deriving ranking order of candidate 3PL providers. The proposed approach delineated in this research seems straightforward, easy to execute and can exclude complex and tedious computational steps of TODIM as well as PROMETHEE.
Antibacterial Magnetic Nanoparticles Functionalized withN-Halamine/Quaternary Ammonium Polymer Coatings
Authors: Chen Xiaoqin , Xiang Qian , Yong Chunyan , Liu Zuliang , Xing Xiaodong
Published: October 2016

The bactericidal magnetic nanoparticles were prepared by modifying magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with [Formula: see text]-halamine polymer coating and quaternary ammonium polymer coating via a two-step soap-free emulsion polymerization method. The success of the surface functionalization was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and zeta-potential measurement. The results of antibacterial tests showed that the functional MNPs exhibited excellent antibacterial efficiency against both Gram negative bacteria E. coli and Gram positive bacteria S. aureus. Meanwhile the nanoparticles could be removed easily from water by an external magnetic field after antibacterial tests.
Preparation and Characterization of Nitrogen-Containing Cellular Activated Carbon for CO2 and H2 Adsorption
Authors: Zhao Weigang , Luo Lu , Fan Mizi
Published: October 2016

New monolithic nitrogen-containing microporous cellular activated carbon was successfully prepared from phenol-urea-formaldehyde (PUF) organic foam for CO2 and H2 adsorption and was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TG), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), elemental analysis (EA), a mechanical testing machine, N2-sorption and H2/CO2 sorption. The carbon yield was approximately 50% for carbonization and the burn off for activation ranged from 40% to 56%, which linearly increased with activation time. The macroporosity corresponded to the connected network of cells with diameters ranging from 100[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m to 600[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m, and the pinholes in the cell walls had diameters ranging from 1[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m to 2[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m. The micro/mesoporosity is located at the inner surface of the cells. Thus, higher adsorption kinetics than usual from activated carbon are expected. The developed carbon with the highest [Formula: see text] (1674 m2/g) and highest [Formula: see text] (0.86[Formula: see text]cm3/g) contained 1.5% nitrogen, had a CO2 adsorption capacity of 3.53[Formula: see text]mmol/g at 298[Formula: see text]K, and had an H2 adsorption capacity of 1.9[Formula: see text]wt.% at 77[Formula: see text]K, both at atmospheric pressure (1 bar), which were among the best in activated carbons from physical activation.
Electric Field Enhanced Synthesis of Copper Hydroxide Nanostructures for Supercapacitor Application
Authors: Sepahvand S. , Ghasemi S. , Sanaee Z.
Published: October 2016

Electric field enhanced approach has been used to synthesize different copper hydroxide morphologies as high-performance supercapacitors electrode materials. Employing this efficient, simple and low cost method, various shapes such as rod, flower and cube with an average grain size of 30[Formula: see text]nm to 1[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m were obtained on the copper substrate. The results revealed that applied electric field considerably accelerates the formation time of nanostructures from several days to close to 1[Formula: see text]min, where some of the desired nanostructures were obtained even in 1[Formula: see text]s. The electrochemical properties of different morphologies were compared using cyclic voltammograms and charge/discharge tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The obtained results demonstrated that the two types of fabricated structures showed high maximum areal and specific capacitance of 42[Formula: see text]mF/cm2 and 178[Formula: see text]F/g at scan rate of 20[Formula: see text]mVs[Formula: see text], respectively, which make them excellent and promising electrode materials for supercapacitors.