bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-polypectomy bleeding in the English National Health Service Bowel Cancer Screening Programme
Authors: Derbyshire Edmund , Hungin Pali , Nickerson Claire , Rutter Matthew
Published: July 2017

Background and study aims Colonoscopic polypectomy reduces colorectal cancer incidence, but is associated with complications including post-polypectomy bleeding (PPB). PPB ranges in severity from minor to life-threatening, making interpretation and comparison difficult. No previous studies have examined PPB rate according to a standardized severity grading system. We aimed to determine the PPB rate stratified by severity grading, explore factors that contribute to PPB severity grading, and describe PPB management.

Methods Data relating to PPB were prospectively collected from all colonoscopies performed in one region of the English NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP) from 06/12/2010 to 15/07/2014. PPB was defined and stratified into major, intermediate, and minor according to BCSP standardized definitions based on the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy adverse events lexicon.

Results A total of 15 285 colonoscopies (23 766 polypectomies) were analyzed. The PPB rate per colonoscopy was 0.44 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.34 – 0.54) and the rate per polypectomy was 0.29 % (95 %CI 0.20 – 0.38); 2.9 % of PPBs were major and 42.6 % were intermediate. Repeat endoscopy occurred in 27.9 % and was the most common reason for bleeding being categorized as of intermediate severity, although therapy was applied in only 36.8 % of these cases. A therapeutic intervention was significantly more common in patients with PPB who had either a hemoglobin drop ≥ 2 g/dL and/or a blood transfusion (P = 0.04, relative risk 3.47, 95 %CI 1.05 – 11.52).

Conclusions This study specifically examined colonoscopic PPB rate, stratified using standardized criteria. The rates of PPB were low, with the majority of PPB being of minor severity. Current stratification of PPB severity combines measures of bleed severity with interventions. Using only hemoglobin drop ≥ 2 g/dL and/or blood transfusion as markers of PPB severity may simplify stratification, and allow a better assessment of the necessity and impact of an intervention.
Calculating the adenoma detection rate in screening colonoscopies only: Is it necessary? Can it be gamed?
Authors: Rex Douglas , Ponugoti Prasanna
Published: July 2017

Background Current recommendations are to calculate the adenoma detection rate (ADR) in screening colonoscopies only. The need to confine the measure to screening has not been established.

Methods We retrospectively assessed our quality database for whether calculating ADR from screening, surveillance, and diagnostic colonoscopies (overall ADR) would alter conclusions about the performance of colonoscopists, compared to using an ADR based only on screening colonoscopies. We also prospectively tested the extent to which one physician could corrupt the screening-only ADR by changing the procedure indication after reviewing the examination findings.

Results For 15 physicians, screening ADRs differed from the overall ADR by a mean of 2.6 percentage points (range 0 – 6.9 percentage points). Using the overall ADR rather than screening ADR changed the ADR from just below to just above the recommended screening threshold for one physician. In the prospective assessment, a single expert colonoscopist utilized indication gaming in patients with both screening and diagnostic indications and was able to increase his apparent screening-only ADR from 48.4 % to 55.1 %.

Conclusions Use of an overall ADR rather than screening-only ADR could simplify ADR measurement, increase the number of examinations available to measure ADR, seldom affect whether a doctor meets recommended ADR thresholds, and eliminate the potential for gaming the ADR by changing the colonoscopy indication.
Colorectal endoscopic full-thickness resection using a novel, flat-base over-the-scope clip: a prospective study
Authors: Backes Yara , Kappelle Wouter , Berk Luuk , Koch Arjun , Groen John , de Vos tot Nederveen Cappel Wouter , Schwartz Matthijs , Kerkhof Marjon , Siersema Peter , Schröder Roland , Tan T. , Lacle Miangela , Vleggaar Frank , Moons Leon ,   on behalf of the T1 CRC Working Group
Published: July 2017

Background and study aims We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a new, flat-based over-the-scope clip (Padlock Clip) for colorectal endoscopic full-thickness resection (eFTR).

Patients and methods We prospectively included 26 patients with lesions < 20 mm. Indications for eFTR were re-resection of the scar of a low risk malignant polyp (n = 11), recurrent adenoma in a non-lifting scar (n = 10), non-lifting polyp (n = 4), and an adenoma located in a diverticulum (n = 1).

Results Technical success rate and full-thickness resection rate were 100 % (26/26) and 92 % (24/26), respectively. Median procedure time was 43 minutes (IQR 27 – 56). No complications occurred during the procedure; 3 complications (12 %) occurred within 48 hours, of which one was a perforation requiring laparoscopic suturing. Specimen volumes from eFTR of scar tissue where the original polyp had been ≥ 20 mm (n = 13) were smaller compared with those from non-scar resections or scars where the original polyps had been < 20 mm (n = 13) (median 0.8 vs. 1.5 cm3, P = 0.03).

Conclusions In this first series of colorectal eFTR using the Padlock Clip, feasibility was demonstrated. It was relatively safe in view of surgery as the alternative treatment, but could still benefit from technical refinement. Future studies should explore for which indication this technique is most suitable.

Trial registration: NTR5562 (Dutch Trial Register).
Metamorphic hemispherical microphone array for three-dimensional acoustics
Authors: Biswas Shantonu , Reiprich Johannes , Cohrs Thaden , Stauden Thomas , Pezoldt Joerg , Jacobs Heiko O.
Published: July 2017

This article describes the realization of a metamorphic stretchable microphone array, which can be inflated by air to morph from a planar to a hemispherical shape. The array undergoes morphological changes to adjust their receive characteristic. To realize this device, a metamorphic printed circuit board technology (m-PCB) is described. The resulting products are millimeter-thin stretchable silicone embedded and electrically interconnected electronic structures with mechanical properties, which resemble a silicone membrane. The microphone array is used to localize a sound source in a 3D space. The results of the planar orientation (resting shape), and the 3D hemispherical orientation after air inflation are compared. The inflated hemispherical microphone array proofs to be better for 3D acoustic localization and/or beam-forming.
Low-order statistics of effective permittivity and electric field fluctuations in two-phase heterostructures
Authors: Shamoon D. , Lasquellec S. , Brosseau C.
Published: July 2017

Understanding the collective, low-frequency dielectric properties of heterostructures is a major goal in condensed matter. In 1935, Bruggeman [Ann. Phys. Lpz. 24, 636 (1935)] conceived the concept of an effective medium approximation (EMA) involving a decoupling between the low-order statistics of the electric field fluctuations and the characteristic length scales. We report on and characterize, via finite element studies, the low-order statistics effective permittivity of two-phase 2D and 3D random and deterministic heterostructures as geometry, phase permittivity contrast, and inclusion content are varied. Since EMA analytical expressions become cumbersome even for simple shapes and arrangements, numerical approaches are more suitable for studying heterostructures with complex shapes and topologies. Our numerical study verifies the EMA analytic predictions when the scales are well-separated. Our numerical study compares two approaches for calculating effective permittivity by explicit calculations of local average fields and energy as geometry, phase permittivity contrast, and inclusion content are varied. We study the conditions under which these approaches give a reliable estimate of permittivity by comparing with 2D/3D EMA analytical models and duality relation. By considering 2D checkerboards which consist of a multitude of contiguous N × N square cells, the influence of the internal length scale (i.e., N) on permittivity is discussed.
Properties of the water to boron nitride interaction: From zero to two dimensions with benchmark accuracy
Authors: Al-Hamdani Yasmine S. , Rossi Mariana , Alfè Dario , Tsatsoulis Theodoros , Ramberger Benjamin , Brandenburg Jan Gerit , Zen Andrea , Kresse Georg , Grüneis Andreas , Tkatchenko Alexandre , Michaelides Angelos
Published: July 2017

Molecular adsorption on surfaces plays an important part in catalysis, corrosion, desalination, and various other processes that are relevant to industry and in nature. As a complement to experiments, accurate adsorption energies can be obtained using various sophisticated electronic structure methods that can now be applied to periodic systems. The adsorption energy of water on boron nitride substrates, going from zero to 2-dimensional periodicity, is particularly interesting as it calls for an accurate treatment of polarizable electrostatics and dispersion interactions, as well as posing a practical challenge to experiments and electronic structure methods. Here, we present reference adsorption energies, static polarizabilities, and dynamic polarizabilities, for water on BN substrates of varying size and dimension. Adsorption energies are computed with coupled cluster theory, fixed-node quantum Monte Carlo (FNQMC), the random phase approximation, and second order Møller-Plesset theory. These wavefunction based correlated methods are found to agree in molecular as well as periodic systems. The best estimate of the water/h-BN adsorption energy is −107±7 meV from FNQMC. In addition, the water adsorption energy on the BN substrates could be expected to grow monotonically with the size of the substrate due to increased dispersion interactions, but interestingly, this is not the case here. This peculiar finding is explained using the static polarizabilities and molecular dispersion coefficients of the systems, as computed from time-dependent density functional theory (DFT). Dynamic as well as static polarizabilities are found to be highly anisotropic in these systems. In addition, the many-body dispersion method in DFT emerges as a particularly useful estimation of finite size effects for other expensive, many-body wavefunction based methods.
Dimers of formic acid: Structures, stability, and double proton transfer
Authors: Farfán Paola , Echeverri Andrea , Diaz Estefanía , Tapia Juan David , Gómez Sara , Restrepo Albeiro
Published: July 2017

A stochastic search of the potential energy surface for the formic acid dimers results in 21 well-defined minima. A number of structures are reported here for the first time, others have already been experimentally detected or computationally predicted. Four types of different hydrogen bonds (HBs) are at play stabilizing the clusters: primary C=O⋯ H—O and H—O⋯ H—O and secondary C=O⋯ H—C and H—O⋯ H—C HBs corresponding to well-characterized bonding paths are identified. A novel C=O⋯ C stabilizing interaction is also reported. The double proton transfer reaction is calculated to occur in a synchronous fashion, with an energy barrier smaller than the energy needed to break up the dimers.
Nanolayering around and thermal resistivity of the water-hexagonal boron nitride interface
Authors: Akıner Tolga , Mason Jeremy K. , Ertürk Hakan
Published: July 2017

The water-hexagonal boron nitride interface was investigated by molecular dynamics simulations. Since the properties of the interface change significantly with the interatomic potential, a new method for calibrating the solid-liquid interatomic potential is proposed based on the experimental energy of the interface. The result is markedly different from that given by Lorentz-Berthelot mixing for the Lennard-Jones parameters commonly used in the literature. Specifically, the extent of nanolayering and interfacial thermal resistivity is measured for several interatomic potentials, and the one calibrated by the proposed method gives the least thermal resistivity.
The stabilization of the rocksalt structured tantalum nitride
Authors: Hu Shuanglin , Xu Canhui , Lao Yuanxia , Wang Yuan , Zhang Haibin , Zhang Guo-Jun , Yang Jinlong
Published: July 2017

The stabilization mechanisms of rocksalt (NaCl) structured tantalum nitride (TaN) were studied with first-principles calculations. The NaCl structured TaN bulk crystal was calculated to be dynamically unstable at zero temperature and at several experimental accessible temperatures and pressures. By applying the phonon modulation method following the imaginary frequency modes and energy-volume scan, a tetragonal structured TaN was finally found dynamically stable and lower in energy. The low concentration vacancies or dopants did not help to stabilize the NaCl structured TaN crystal. The tetragonal structured TaN was found to transform to the NaCl-like structure when the crystal grain size was reduced to the nano-scale. It indicated that the size of crystal grains may play an important role in the stability of the NaCl structured TaN.
Resonant inelastic x-ray scattering and photoemission measurement of O2: Direct evidence for dependence of Rydberg-valence mixing on vibrational states in O 1s → Rydberg states
Authors: Gejo T. , Oura M. , Tokushima T. , Horikawa Y. , Arai H. , Shin S. , Kimberg V. , Kosugi N.
Published: July 2017

High-resolution resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) and low-energy photoemission spectra of oxygen molecules have been measured for investigating the electronic structure of Rydberg states in the O 1s → σ* energy region. The electronic characteristics of each Rydberg state have been successfully observed, and new assignments are made for several states. The RIXS spectra clearly show that vibrational excitation is very sensitive to the electronic characteristics because of Rydberg-valence mixing and vibronic coupling in O2. This observation constitutes direct experimental evidence that the Rydberg-valence mixing characteristic depends on the vibrational excitation near the avoided crossing of potential surfaces. We also measured the photoemission spectra of metastable oxygen atoms (O*) from O2 excited to 1s → Rydberg states. The broadening of the 4p Rydberg states of O* has been found with isotropic behavior, implying that excited oxygen molecules undergo dissociation with a lifetime of the order of 10 fs in 1s → Rydberg states.
Arm retraction dynamics of entangled star polymers: A forward flux sampling method study
Authors: Zhu Jian , Likhtman Alexei E. , Wang Zuowei
Published: July 2017

The study of dynamics and rheology of well-entangled branched polymers remains a challenge for computer simulations due to the exponentially growing terminal relaxation times of these polymers with increasing molecular weights. We present an efficient simulation algorithm for studying the arm retraction dynamics of entangled star polymers by combining the coarse-grained slip-spring (SS) model with the forward flux sampling (FFS) method. This algorithm is first applied to simulate symmetric star polymers in the absence of constraint release (CR). The reaction coordinate for the FFS method is determined by finding good agreement of the simulation results on the terminal relaxation times of mildly entangled stars with those obtained from direct shooting SS model simulations with the relative difference between them less than 5%. The FFS simulations are then carried out for strongly entangled stars with arm lengths up to 16 entanglements that are far beyond the accessibility of brute force simulations in the non-CR condition. Apart from the terminal relaxation times, the same method can also be applied to generate the relaxation spectra of all entanglements along the arms which are desired for the development of quantitative theories of entangled branched polymers. Furthermore, we propose a numerical route to construct the experimentally measurable relaxation correlation functions by effectively linking the data stored at each interface during the FFS runs. The obtained star arm end-to-end vector relaxation functions Φ(t) and the stress relaxation function G(t) are found to be in reasonably good agreement with standard SS simulation results in the terminal regime. Finally, we demonstrate that this simulation method can be conveniently extended to study the arm-retraction problem in entangled star polymer melts with CR by modifying the definition of the reaction coordinate, while the computational efficiency will depend on the particular slip-spring or slip-link model employed.
Nearest-neighbour distribution of distances in crystals from extended X-ray absorption fine structure
Authors: Fornasini P. , Grisenti R. , Dapiaggi M. , Agostini G. , Miyanaga T.
Published: July 2017

Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) is a powerful probe of the distribution of nearest-neighbour distances around selected atomic species. We consider here the effect of vibrational disorder in crystals. The potential of EXAFS for the accurate evaluation of the coefficient of bond thermal expansion and its temperature dependence is discussed, with the aim of stimulating and facilitating the comparison with the results from total scattering experiments. The meaning of the distribution asymmetry in crystals and its connection with the effective potential anharmonicity and the bond expansion is quantitatively explored by comparing the results for a number of different systems. The extent of the relative atomic vibrations perpendicular to the bond direction and the perpendicular to parallel anisotropy are correlated with the extent of lattice negative thermal expansion as well as with the ionic mobility in superionic crystals.
Curving flat space-time by deformation quantization?
Authors: Much Albert
Published: July 2017

We use a deformed differential structure to obtain a curved metric by a deformation quantization of the flat space-time. In particular, by setting the deformation parameters to be equal to physical constants, we obtain the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) model for inflation and a deformed version of the FRW space-time. By calculating classical Einstein-equations for the extended space-time, we obtain non-trivial solutions. Moreover, in this framework, we obtain the Moyal-Weyl, i.e., a constant non-commutative space-time, as a consistency condition.
Domain structures of (Li,Na)NbO3 epitaxial films
Authors: Fujii Ichiro , Kohori Akihiro , Adachi Hideaki , Wada Takahiro
Published: July 2017

The domain structures of (LixNa1-x)NbO3 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.13) epitaxial films on SrRuO3/(001) SrTiO3 substrates were studied by laser scanning microscopy and reciprocal space mapping. The stripe domains with in-plane antiferroelectric polarization of an orthorhombic P phase were observed at x = 0. At x = 0.05 and 0.10, the crystal phase was changed to an orthorhombic Q phase and the domain structure was changed to a mixture of stripe domains with in-plane ferroelectric polarization and thick line-like domains with out-of-plane ferroelectric polarization. At x = 0.13, the line-like domain pattern was altered to a leaf-like domain pattern and out-of-plane ferroelectric polarization of a rhombohedral N phase was induced in the stripe domains. After an electric field was applied along an out-of-plane direction, some of the stripe domains with the in-plane polarization of the P phase at x = 0 and those with the in-plane polarization of the Q phase at x = 0.05 were switched to domains with out-of-plane polarization of the Q phase. On the other hand, stripe domains with out-of-plane ferroelectric polarization of the N phase were formed in the line-like and stripe domains of the Q phase at x = 0.10. At x = 0.13, most domains changed to stripe domains of the N phase. The relationship between the domains and the remanent polarization was discussed.
Phase field modeling of rapid crystallization in the phase-change material AIST
Authors: Tabatabaei Fatemeh , Boussinot Guillaume , Spatschek Robert , Brener Efim A. , Apel Markus
Published: July 2017

We carry out phase field modeling as a continuum simulation technique in order to study rapid crystallization processes in the phase-change material AIST (Ag4In3Sb67Te26). In particular, we simulate the spatio-temporal evolution of the crystallization of a molten area of the phase-change material embedded in a layer stack. The simulation model is adapted to the experimental conditions used for recent measurements of crystallization rates by a laser pulse technique. Simulations are performed for substrate temperatures close to the melting temperature of AIST down to low temperatures when an amorphous state is involved. The design of the phase field model using the thin interface limit allows us to retrieve the two limiting regimes of interface controlled (low temperatures) and thermal transport controlled (high temperatures) dynamics. Our simulations show that, generically, the crystallization velocity presents a maximum in the intermediate regime where both the interface mobility and the thermal transport, through the molten area as well as through the layer stack, are important. Simulations reveal the complex interplay of all different contributions. This suggests that the maximum switching velocity depends not only on material properties but also on the precise design of the thin film structure into which the phase-change material is embedded.
Where technology meets ecology: acoustic telemetry in contemporary Australian aquatic research and management
Authors: Taylor Matthew D. , Babcock Russ C. , Simpfendorfer Colin A. , Crook David A.
Published: July 2017

Acoustic telemetry is used to investigate a diverse suite of questions regarding the biology and ecology of a range of aquatic species, and is an important tool for fisheries and conversation management. Herein we present a brief review of the Australian acoustic telemetry literature in the context of key areas of progress, drawing from several recent studies and identifying areas for future progress. Acoustic telemetry has been increasingly used in Australia over the past decade. This has included substantial investment in a national acoustic array and the associated development of a national acoustic telemetry database that enables tag deployment and detection data to be shared among researchers (the Integrated Marine Observing System Animal Tracking Facility). Acoustic telemetry has contributed to important areas of management, including public safety, design and management of marine protected areas, the use of closures in fisheries management, informing environmental flow regimes and the impacts of fisheries enhancements, and is most powerful when used as a complementary tool. However, individual variability in movement often confounds our ability to draw general conclusions when attempting to characterise broad-scale patterns, and more work is required to address this issue. This overview provides insight into the important role that acoustic telemetry plays in the research and management of Australian aquatic ecosystems. Application of the technology transcends aquatic environments and bureaucracies, and the patterns revealed are relevant to many of the contemporary challenges facing decision makers with oversight of aquatic populations or ecosystems.
Detection and quantification of inbreeding depression for complex traits from SNP data
Authors: Yengo Loic , Zhu Zhihong , Wray Naomi R. , Weir Bruce S. , Yang Jian , Robinson Matthew R. , Visscher Peter M.
Published: July 2017

Significance

Inbreeding depression (ID) is the reduction of fitness in offspring of related parents. This phenomenon can be quantified from SNP data through a number of measures of inbreeding. Our study addresses two key questions. How accurate are the different methods to estimate ID? And how and why should investigators choose among the multiple inbreeding measures to detect and quantify ID? Here, we compare the behaviors of ID estimates from three commonly used SNP-based measures of inbreeding and provide both theoretical and empirical arguments to answer these questions. Our work illustrates how to analyze SNP data efficiently to detect and quantify ID, across species and traits.
Circadian repressors CRY1 and CRY2 broadly interact with nuclear receptors and modulate transcriptional activity
Authors: Kriebs Anna , Jordan Sabine D. , Soto Erin , Henriksson Emma , Sandate Colby R. , Vaughan Megan E. , Chan Alanna B. , Duglan Drew , Papp Stephanie J. , Huber Anne-Laure , Afetian Megan E. , Yu Ruth T. , Zhao Xuan , Downes Michael , Evans Ronald M. , Lamia Katja A.
Published: July 2017

Significance

Nuclear receptors (NRs) are ligand-sensing transcription factors that are crucial for the proper regulation of mammalian development, physiology, and metabolism. Their ligand-binding capability makes NRs attractive drug targets, but can also lead to the adverse side effects of prescription drugs. Our research contributes to a better understanding of how NRs are regulated in a time-of-day–dependent manner by a component of the circadian clock, cryptochrome, and is foundational to further research aiming to make drug administration routines more effective and safer.
Pea and bean breeding.
Authors: Biddle A. J.
Published: July 2017

This chapter discusses pea, faba beans and Phaseolus breeding. Whilst all three species have many similarities, the range of types and varieties that have been used and are currently grown have developed from programmes of selection of suitable plant types that have been grown in different environments and geography. Breeding techniques are still based on traditional crossing techniques, though this is difficult in Vicia where cross-pollination by insects can affect the production of pure line breeding material, but there has been little or no commercial investment in genetic manipulation to produce suitable varieties. However, the identification of marker technology is helping to make significant advances, especially in pest and disease resistance.
Harvesting, nutritional value and uses.
Authors: Biddle A. J.
Published: July 2017

Peas, faba beans and Phaseolus beans are used in a wide variety of ways, either fresh, where the immature pods or seeds are harvested and used as a vegetable, or processed, either by freezing or by canning, and as dried pulses as food ingredients or flour, or rehydrated and cooked. Cooked pulses may also be canned on their own or in mixtures, or processed in some other form. Dried pulses are also used in animal feed manufacture, either milled or heat processed with or without the seed coat, and fed to most types of livestock and in aquaculture. In all instances, the requirements for high-quality produce is important from a human health aspect but also economically in the processing. Each crop has its own particular set of operations to ensure an acceptable product, whether the product is consumed or marketed in a fresh state or processed at home or at a factory. In the case of dried pulses, the product must be harvested and stored in a safe environment before marketing. In this chapter, each crop is considered firstly in the fresh vegetable form and secondly in the dried pulse form.
Orchard management.
Authors: Arquero O. , Jarvis-Shean K.
Published: July 2017

An almond orchard is a dynamic structure made up of the trees over a fixed infrastructure defined by the planting distance. The dynamic structure of the trees will be defined by the training and pruning systems adopted and will be additionally affected by the orchard management. Therefore, this chapter will concentrate on the three main aspects of orchard planting: tree training and pruning, and soil management (tillage, no tillage with bare soil and vegetative cover).
Effect of Gd on physics properties of the dual-phase Ni–Mn–Ga-based alloys
Authors: Guifu Dong , Zhang Q. Q. , Gao L. , Gao Z. Y. , Zhao Y. M.
Published: July 2017

The microstructure, martensitic transformation (MT) and shape memory effect (SME) of the dual-phase Ni58Mn25Ga17− xGd x ( x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1) alloys have been investigated. The results show that the refined the grain size and adjust the distribution of γ phase by added rare earth Gd in the Ni58Mn25Ga17− xGd x alloys. With increasing Gd content, the MT temperatures of Ni58Mn25Ga17− xGd x alloys first gradually decrease and then increase with the increasing content of Gd, reaching their minimum values when the content of Gd is 0.5 at.-%. In addition, the Ni58Mn25Ga16.9Gd0.1 has a SME of 5.1% owing to the favourable γ phase distribution, which is mainly attributable to the γ phase grain refined and weaken resistance of reverse MT.
One-pot conjugated linoleic acid production from castor oil by Rhizopus oryzae lipase and resting cells of Lactobacillus plantarum
Authors: Khaskheli Abid Ali , Talpur Farah Naz , Cebeci Aydin Aysun , Jawaid Sana , Surhio Muhammad Ali , Afridi Hassan Imran
Published: July 2017

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has attracted as novel type of fatty acids having unusual health-promoting properties such as anticarcinogenic and antiobesitic effects. The present work employed castor oil as substrate for one-pot production of CLA using washed cells of Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) and lipases as catalysts. Among the screened lipases, the lipase Rhizopus oryzae (ROL) greatly assisted resting cells to produce CLA. Mass spectral analysis of the product showed that two major isomers of CLA were produced in the reaction mixture i.e. cis-9, trans-11 56.55% and trans-10, cis-12 43.45%. Optimum factors for CLA synthesis were found as substrate concentration (8 mg/mL), pH (6.5), washed cell concentration (12% w/v), and incubation time of 20 h. Hence, the combination of ROL with L. plantarum offers one pot production of CLA selectively using castor oil as a cost-effective substrate.
Differences in forearm strength, endurance, and hemodynamic kinetics between male boulderers and lead rock climbers
Authors: Fryer S. , Stone K. J. , Sveen J. , Dickson T. , España‐Romero V. , Giles D. , Baláš J. , Stoner L. , Draper N.
Published: July 2017

This study examined differences in the oxygenation kinetics and strength and endurance characteristics of boulderers and lead sport climbers. Using near infrared spectroscopy, 13‐boulderers, 10‐lead climbers, and 10‐controls completed assessments of oxidative capacity index and muscle oxygen consumption (m⩒O2) in the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP), and extensor digitorum communis (EDC). Additionally, forearm strength (maximal volitional contraction MVC), endurance (force–time integral FTI at 40% MVC), and forearm volume (FAV and ΔFAV) was assessed. MVC was significantly greater in boulderers compared to lead climbers (mean difference = 9.6, 95% CI 5.2–14 kg). FDP and EDC oxidative capacity indexes were significantly greater (p = .041 and. 013, respectively) in lead climbers and boulderers compared to controls (mean difference = −1.166, 95% CI (−3.264 to 0.931 s) and mean difference = −1.120, 95% CI (−3.316 to 1.075 s), respectively) with no differences between climbing disciplines. Climbers had a significantly greater FTI compared to controls (mean difference = 2205, 95% CI= 1114–3296 and mean difference = 1716, 95% CI = 553–2880, respectively) but not between disciplines. There were no significant group differences in ΔFAV or m⩒O2. The greater MVC in boulderers may be due to neural adaptation and not hypertrophy. A greater oxidative capacity index in both climbing groups suggests that irrespective of climbing discipline, trainers, coaches, and practitioners should consider forearm specific aerobic training to aid performance.
Regional autonomy in rich regions: evidence from Ajara, Georgia
Authors: O’Brochta William
Published: July 2017

Previous models of individuals’ preferences for decentralization have focused on either economic- or identity-based motivations. In some cases, however, elites in rich regions with high inequality prefer decentralization contrary to their economic preferences. This paper proposes a model to explain these instances by focusing on the preferences of self-interested elites who manipulate a strong regional identity for personal gain. I develop the hypothesis that a strong regional economy, combined with a regional identity, provides the incentive for and the mechanism by which elites prefer decentralization. I test this hypothesis using the puzzling case of Ajara, Georgia, a rich region with high inequality and a strong regional identity where elites, contrary to expectations, pushed for decentralization. Results suggest that regional identities are used by elites in order to seize on a strong economy for personal gain. This motivates future study on the interaction between regional economies and identity.
What should we maximize?
Authors: Lazari‐Radek Katarzyna de , Singer Peter
Published: July 2017

Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism, a theory that tells us that the right act is the one that has the best consequences. But how do we understand ‘best consequences’? ‘What should we maximize?’ describes the Experience Machine—a thought experiment devised in 1974 by the American philosopher Robert Nozick in order to refute hedonism. It then compares the answers given to the question by hedonism, preference utilitarianism, and pluralist consequentialism. Whether pleasure is the only intrinsic value, as hedonistic utilitarians hold, or one of several intrinsic values, as some pluralist consequentialists hold, we need to say more about what it is and how it is related to happiness.
Ibn Bâjjah
Authors: Montada Josep Puig
Published: July 2017

Abû Bakr Muhammad Ibn al-Saʾigh Ibn Bâjjah was known as Avempace by the medieval Latin philosophers. He was born in Zaragoza around 1080, died in Fez in 1139 ce, and had a chequered life, he lived first in Zaragoza under the rule of the Banu Hud, an Arab family, that was toppled by the Almoravid dynasty. Zaragoza fell into Christian hands and he had to leave, after which he served the Almoravids in other places of the Iberian peninsula and Morocco. Avempace was outstanding in poetry, music, medicine and sciences. He followed the Aristotelian tradition in logic, and was influenced by Alfarabi (d. c. 950 ce) in its interpretation. He was first in al-Andalus to comment on Aristotle’s works with original readings but he also composed books to express his own philosophy.
Karst Caves
Authors: Parise Mario
Published: July 2017

Karst refers to the processes of chemical dissolution and mechanical erosion acting on soluble rocks (mainly carbonates and evaporites), and to the surface and subsurface landforms thus produced. In their book Karst Hydrogeology and Geomorphology, Derek Ford and Paul Williams state that about 20 percent of the emerged Earth’s surface is karst, with caves representing a typical and well-known expression (see Ford and Williams 2007, cited under Karst Hydrogeology: The Importance of Karst Aquifers). Together with caves, karst lands are characterized by underground drainages and by scarce presence of water running at the surface. Water, rather than flowing on the ground as watercourses and rivers, rapidly infiltrates underground through networks of fissures and conduits, which combine to the diffuse flow in recent carbonates, giving origin to the complex systems of karst caves. Karst environments and caves have been of interest to humans since the earliest civilizations—for water supply, as settlements or areas of protection, or to bury the dead. Some of the more ancient testimonies of art are within caves, such as those in several caverns of the Mediterranean area (including, to mention the most remarkable, Lascaux and Chauvet in France, Altamira in Spain, and Porto Badisco in Italy). Karst research, which is linked to caving exploration, had a great impulse in the second half of the 20th century. Caves have been recognized as a very precious and peculiar environment, where traces of the past, in terms of sediments (see Sasowsky and Mylroie 2004, cited under Cave Deposits) or evidence of paleoclimate (see Fairchild and Baker 2012, cited under Contribution to Paleoclimatic Studies), have been preserved, often in great detail, in contrast to what occurs at Earth’s surface, where most of it is being destroyed, canceled, or covered by later processes. As a consequence, the classical studies about speleogenesis (that is, the origin of caves) and on geomorphology of the underground settings have developed in integration with those by researches in other disciplines, covering, among others, cave sediments, biospeleology and microbiology, and dating of speleothems for paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental studies. Further, the expansion of built-up environments and construction in karst lands resulted in the interaction among natural hazards in karst and society, as pointed out in Parise and Gunn 2007 (under Karst Hazards), and Gutiérrez, et al. 2014 (under Human Impacts and Land Management in Karst), bringing to general attention the issue of fragility of karst, due to its peculiar hydrologic and hydrogeological features. As a matter of fact, Goldscheider and Drew 2007 (under Karst Hydrogeology: The Importance of Karst Aquifers) documents that karst aquifers are of high quality and represent between 20 and 25 percent of the world’s drinking resources, but that they are also extremely vulnerable and potentially threatened by a variety of forms of pollution.
Comprehensive photometric study of an extremely low mass ratio deep contact binary in the globular cluster M 4
Authors: Li Kai , Hu Shaoming , Chen Xu , Guo Difu
Published: July 2017

A comprehensive photometric study and an investigation of the orbital period variation of V53 in the globular cluster M 4 are presented. The photometric study reveals that the mass ratio and the contact degree of V53 are q ∼ 0.078 and f ∼ 69%, respectively. The observed variation in the light curve can be explained by adjusting the spot parameters. V53 belongs to extreme mass ratio (q ≤ 0.25), deep contact (f ≥ 50%) binaries, and its mass ratio is close to the minimum mass ratio predicted by theoretical studies, making it a potential object for studying the evolution of binaries and the formation of blue stragglers and FK Com-type stars. The orbital period of V53 shows a long-term decrease at a rate of dp/dt = 5.89(±0.02) × 10−8 d yr−1. This secular period decrease may be caused by the combination of mass transfer from the more massive component to the less massive component and an angular momentum loss via magnetic braking. As this mass transfer and angular momentum loss continues, V53 will ultimately evolve into a single fast-rotation star. By studying the statistics of all the contact binaries in globular clusters that have been analyzed, we found a possible correlation between the contact degree and whether or not a contact binary is a blue straggler. A contact binary is likely to become a blue straggler when its fill-out factor is more than 46.25(±2.05)%. More samples should be introduced to confirm this preliminary result in the future.
Two- and three-dimensional wide-field weak lensing mass maps from the Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program S16A data
Authors: Oguri Masamune , Miyazaki Satoshi , Hikage Chiaki , Mandelbaum Rachel , Utsumi Yousuke , Miyatake Hironao , Takada Masahiro , Armstrong Robert , Bosch James , Komiyama Yutaka , Leauthaud Alexie , More Surhud , Nishizawa Atsushi J , Okabe Nobuhiro , Tanaka Masayuki
Published: July 2017

We present wide-field (167 deg2) weak lensing mass maps from the Hyper Supreme-Cam Subaru Strategic Program (HSC-SSP). We compare these weak lensing based dark

matter maps with maps of the distribution of the stellar mass associated with luminous red galaxies. We find a strong correlation between these two maps with a correlation coefficient of ρ = 0.54 ± 0.03 (for a smoothing size of 8΄). This correlation is detected even with a smaller smoothing scale of 2΄ (ρ = 0.34 ± 0.01). This detection is made uniquely possible because of the high source density of the HSC-SSP weak lensing survey ($\bar{n}\sim 25\:$arcmin−2). We also present a variety of tests to demonstrate that our maps are not significantly affected by systematic effects. By using the photometric redshift information associated with source galaxies, we reconstruct a three-dimensional mass map. This three-dimensional mass map is also found to correlate with the three-dimensional galaxy mass map. Cross-correlation tests presented in this paper demonstrate that the HSC-SSP weak lensing mass maps are ready for further science analyses.
Morphological, Pathogenic, and Molecular Characterization of Colletotrichum acutatum Isolates Causing Almond Anthracnose in Spain
Authors: López-Moral Ana , Raya-Ortega Maria Carmen , Agustí-Brisach Carlos , Roca Luis F. , Lovera Maria , Luque Francisca , Arquero Octavio , Trapero Antonio
Published: July 2017

Almond anthracnose is a serious and emerging disease in several countries. All isolates causing almond anthracnose have been assigned to the Colletotrichum acutatum species complex, of which only C. fioriniae and C. godetiae have been associated with the disease to date. Here, we characterized Colletotrichum isolates from almond fruit affected by anthracnose in the Andalusia region. Two Colletotrichum isolates causing olive anthracnose were included for comparison. Morphological characteristics were useful for separating the isolates into groups based on colony morphology. Pathogenicity tests in almond, olive, and apple fruit showed differences in virulence and some degree of pathogenic specialization among isolates. Molecular characterization allowed clear identification of the Colletotrichum isolates tested. The olive isolates were identified as C. godetiae and C. nymphaeae, both previously identified in Andalusian olive orchards. Two phylogenetic species were identified among the almond isolates: C. godetiae, with gray colonies, which is well known in other countries, and C. acutatum, with pink-orange colonies. This species identification differs from those of pink-colony subpopulations described in other countries, which are C. fioriniae. Therefore, this study is also the first report of a new species of Colletotrichum causing almond anthracnose within the C. acutatum species complex.
Coniella vitis sp. nov. Is the Common Pathogen of White Rot in Chinese Vineyards
Authors: Chethana K. W. T. , Zhou Y. , Zhang W. , Liu M. , Xing Q. K. , Li X. H. , Yan J. Y. , Chethana K. W. T. , Hyde K. D.
Published: July 2017

Grape white rot is a common disease and causes considerable yield losses in many grape-growing regions when environmental conditions are favorable. We surveyed grape white rot in five provinces in China and collected 27 isolates from diseased grape tissues. Multigene phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2), the 28S large subunit of nuclear ribosomal RNA (LSU), partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene (TEF 1-α), and partial histone 3 gene (HIS), coupled with genealogical concordance phylogenetic species recognition and morphological observations, revealed that Coniella vitis sp. nov. and C. diplodiella are the causal agents of grape white rot in China. Koch’s postulates were performed on Vitis vinifera cv. Summer Black in a greenhouse. These results confirmed the pathogenicity on grapes, as symptoms were reproduced, and also indicated significant variations in the virulence among C. vitis isolates. This work provides evidence that C. vitis is the main pathogen of grape white rot in China and also provides an optimized multigene backbone for resolving Coniella species.
Current review of prepubertal vaginal bleeding
Authors: Dwiggins Maggie , Gomez-Lobo Veronica
Published: July 2017

Purpose of review

Prepubertal vaginal bleeding raises many concerns and evaluation and diagnosis may prove difficult for many providers. We aim to provide a comprehensive review and recent updates for those practitioners who care for these patients.

Recent findings

Prompt management in the case of prepubertal vaginal bleeding is indicated, especially to rule out malignancy or abuse. If a child is reluctant to undergo examination, or if the extent of injury or source of bleeding cannot be determined, examination under anesthesia and vaginoscopy is recommended. Use of vaginoscopy allows for clear visualization of the vagina and cervix without distorting hymenal anatomy, as well as diagnosis and removal of a foreign body and evaluation of mucosal damage caused. In the case of sexual abuse, providers specifically trained in pediatrics need to be present, and safety of the patient should always be ensured.

Careful history taking and targeted examination may lead to diagnosis in the case of prepubertal vaginal bleeding. However, in more difficult cases, practitioners should not hesitate to examine a patient in the operating room using general anesthesia to elicit the cause. Although sexual abuse and malignancy are always on the differential, most causes of bleeding are benign and easily treated.
Elimination of Anterior Corneal Steepening With Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty in a Patient With Fuchs Dystrophy and Keratoconus: Implications for IOL Calculation
Authors: Gupta Reena , Kinderyte Ruta , Jacobs Deborah S. , Jurkunas Ula V.
Published: July 2017

Purpose:

To report a case of coexistent Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) and keratoconus (KCN) in which there was normalization of corneal topography after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).

Methods:

Retrospective medical record review.

Results:

Preoperative findings revealed a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 with −1.00 − 2.50 × 147, topographic maximum keratometry of 50.8 D with inferior steeping, and confluent guttae in the left eye. Medical record review revealed myopic shift, but little change in keratometry or corneal thickness over the previous 3 years. The patient developed epithelial edema with contact lens trial, highlighting endothelial dysfunction and eliminating the option of contact lenses for visual rehabilitation. Combined DMEK and cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation was undertaken. Postoperatively, best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 with only spherical correction. Elimination of stromal edema led to flattening of maximum anterior keratometry to 46.3 D and reduction of total corneal refractive power (TCRP) by 4.4 D. There was an unanticipated postoperative refractive error of +3.75 D consistent with this normalization of corneal topography.

Conclusions:

This is the first case report of the role of DMEK in normalizing corneal topography in coexistent FECD and KCN. The potential impact of DMEK on anterior curvature and TCRP must be considered in intraocular lens power calculation for cataract surgery in patients with FECD and KCN.
Implementation of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines
Authors: Mukherjee Vikramjit , Evans Laura
Published: July 2017

Purpose of review

Early identification and appropriate management of sepsis improves outcomes. Despite convincing data showing the benefits of early recognition and treatment of sepsis and septic shock, implementation of such evidence-based therapy is suboptimal. This review describes methods that have been shown to improve bedside application of the evidence-based guidelines.

Recent findings

The Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) has developed guidelines for the management of severe sepsis and septic shock. The initial SSC guidelines were published in 2004; as evidence continued to evolve, the guidelines were updated, with the most recent iteration published in 2016. Guidelines by themselves can take years to change clinical practice. To affect more rapid change, the SSC guidelines are filtered into bundles to impact behavior change in a simple and uniform way.

Implementation of the SSC bundles revolves around practice improvement measures. Hospitals that have successfully implemented these bundles have consistently shown improved outcomes and reductions in healthcare spending. Finally, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has approved SSC bundle compliance as a core measure, and hospitals in the United States are mandated to collect and report their data regularly to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.