bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ENGAGING CONFLICT: SUPPORTING POWER‐SHARING THROUGH CONSTRUCTIVE CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Authors: Walden Angela L. , Javdani Shabnam , Allen Nicole E.
Published: August 2014

Ideally, collaborative work combines multiple stakeholders’ resources and efforts to achieve common goals. Within collaborative settings, people from a variety of backgrounds come together to address complex social issues that are beyond the scope of any single community sector. While shared power in decision making has been established as an important feature of effective collaborative settings, our current understanding of members’ experiences of decision‐making power within such settings is limited. The present study examined data collected from Family Violence Councils to investigate the relationship between members’ perceived decision‐making power, defined as their perceived influence over the direction and agenda of the Council, and member characteristics, perceived levels of Council conflict, and conflict resolution strategies utilized by Councils. Findings from this study indicate that the utilization of “constructive” conflict resolution strategies by Councils may be a key factor to consider in effective facilitation of power sharing among members.
SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS AMONG LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER PARENTS LIVING IN METROPOLITAN AND REGIONAL AND RURAL AREAS OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
Authors: Power Jennifer , Brown Rhonda , Schofield Margot J. , Pitts Marian , McNair Ruth , Perlesz Amaryll , Bickerdike Andrew
Published: August 2014

This article explores lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) parents’ sense of connection to their families, friends, and communities. The study compares LGBT parents who live in inner metropolitan areas with those living in outer metropolitan and regional and rural areas. We also look at experiences of discrimination and being out about sexuality in various community settings. Data for this article were drawn from the Work, Love, Play study of 455 Australian or New Zealand LGBT parents. Over half the participants lived in outer metropolitan or regional and rural areas. Parents living in outer metropolitan or regional and rural areas were less likely than those living in the inner city to feel connected to their local community or to be out in community settings, while also having less contact with the LGBT community. Their children were also more likely to experience homophobic bullying or discrimination at school.
Cowden syndrome: Recognizing and managing a not‐so‐rare hereditary cancer syndrome
Authors: Mester Jessica , Eng Charis
Published: August 2014

Cowden syndrome (CS) is an autosomal dominant hereditary cancer syndrome causing increased risk for breast, thyroid, renal, uterine, and other cancers as well as benign neoplasias and neurodevelopmental concerns. Timely diagnosis of affected patients is key, as early recognition allows for high‐risk screening and other preventative measures prior to a patient enduring multiple cancer diagnoses. This review will highlight the cardinal features of CS and management recommendations for affected patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:125–130. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Complications associated with the pedicled nasoseptal flap for skull base reconstruction
Authors: Soudry Ethan , Psaltis Alkis J. , Lee Kun H. , Vaezafshar Reza , Nayak Jayakar V. , Hwang Peter H.
Published: August 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To analyze complications associated with nasoseptal flap elevation and reconstruction in endoscopic skull base surgery.

Study Design

Case series.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent nasoseptal flap procedure in our institution between 2008 and 2013.

Results

A total of 121 patients were identified with a mean follow‐up time of 10.4 months. Complications associated with this procedure occurred in 33 patients (27%). The majority of complications were related to the septal donor site and included septal perforation, cartilage necrosis, and prolonged crusting. Other complications included intraoperative injury to the flap pedicle (n = 4) or recurrent/persistent cerebrospinal fluid leak occurring in the early postoperative period (n = 7). Long‐term quality‐of‐life data assessed via Sinonasal Outcome Test‐22 questionnaires did not reveal notable differences when compared to preoperative scores.

Conclusion

The complication rate associated with nasoseptal flap elevation and inset is higher than previously described. The majority of complications became manifest beyond the immediate postoperative period and were associated with the septal donor site, including septal perforation, prolonged crusting, and cartilage necrosis. We hypothesize that donor site morbidity may be related to compromise of the contralateral septal vascular supply during the procedure. The range and frequency of complications of nasal septal flap surgery should be considered in counseling patients who may receive a nasoseptal flap for skull base reconstruction.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 125:80–85, 2015
Nutritional assessment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in routine practice: Value of weighing and bioelectrical impedance analysis
Authors: Roubeau Vincent , Blasco Hélène , Maillot François , Corcia Philippe , Praline Julien
Published: August 2014

Introduction

We evaluated clinical and bioelectrical impedance (BIA) parameters at the time of diagnosis and during follow‐up and associated these parameters with survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients.

Methods

One hundred seventeen patients were enrolled and were evaluated prospectively every 3 months. All patients underwent at least 1 BIA‐based assessment, and 73 underwent at least 2 assessments. Data regarding the site of onset, age at onset, weight, body mass index (BMI), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional rating scale score (ALSFRS), fat‐free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), and phase angle (PA) were collected.

Results

At the time of diagnosis, weight loss exceeding 5% of the premorbid weight and low PA were poor prognostic factors. During follow‐up, a decrease of PA and FFM were associated with shorter survival, regardless of weight loss.

Conclusions

These results confirm that BIA is useful to identify poor prognostic factors at the time of diagnosis and during follow‐up and thus could be used to monitor patients during follow‐up. Early identification of poor prognostic factors enables nutritional management and might improve patient survival. Muscle Nerve 51: 479–484, 2015
Behavioral side effects of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment: The role of parenting strategies
Authors: Williams Lauren K. , Lamb Karen E. , McCarthy Maria C.
Published: August 2014

Background

Behavioral and emotional difficulties are a recognised side effect of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment. Modifiable factors, such as parenting strategies, may be an appropriate target for interventions to assist families with managing their child's behavior, potentially leading to improved psychosocial and clinical outcomes. This study examined whether parenting strategies are associated with child behavioral and emotional problems in a pediatric oncology context, with the aim of establishing whether parenting is a potential modifiable target for psychosocial intervention.

Procedure

Participants included 73 parents of children aged 2–6 years who were either (i) in the maintenance phase of treatment for ALL at the Royal Children's Hospital Children's Cancer Centre, Melbourne (N = 43), or (ii) had no major medical history (healthy control group) (N = 30). Participants completed psychometrically validated questionnaires that assessed parenting strategies and child emotional and behavioral problems.

Results

Results revealed that the ALL group parents reported higher lax parenting and more spoiling and bribing of their child than the healthy control group. Results from regression models indicated that, after controlling for the significant contribution of illness status and child age on child emotional and behavioral difficulties, parental laxness and parental overprotection were significantly associated with child emotional and behavioral difficulties.

Conclusions

Supporting parents to minimise sub‐optimal parenting strategies, particularly lax parenting, may offer a fruitful avenue for future research directed toward modifiable factors associated with managing child emotional and behavioral problems in a pediatric oncology context. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:2065–2070. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anticoagulant therapy in head injury‐associated cerebral sinovenous thrombosis in children
Authors: Xavier Frederico , Komvilaisak Patcharee , Williams Suzan , Kulkarni Abhaya V. , deVeber Gabrielle , Moharir Mahendranath D.
Published: August 2014

Background

Head injury is a risk factor for cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) in children. Literature concerning head injury‐associated CSVT (HIA‐CSVT) is scarce. Data supporting safety and efficacy of anticoagulant therapy (ACT) in childhood CSVT is emerging. However, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) occurs frequently in children with HIA‐CSVT at diagnosis making initiation of ACT controversial due to the fear of worsening of ICH.

Procedure

We conducted a retrospective descriptive review of a consecutive cohort of children with HIA‐CSVT from 1998 to 2012.

Results

Twenty patients (14 males, mean age 7 years) with HIA‐CSVT were identified. Most (19/20 [95%]) had significant ICH at diagnosis. None received ACT at diagnosis. Fourteen (70%) were later (median 7 days post‐trauma, range 2–48 days) treated with ACT due to CSVT persistence (nine) and propagation (five), despite ICH in 13. None of the treated patients, including the 13 with pre‐existing ICH, had significant worsening of hemorrhage. Three (21%) treated patients had minor asymptomatic extension of their hemorrhage and further ACT was withheld. No patient died while on ACT. No patient experienced CSVT propagation on ACT. Clinical outcomes were normal (no neurologic deficits) in 5/20(25%), mild neurological deficits in 10/20(50%), and moderate‐severe neurological deficits in 5/20(25%). Small sample size did not permit assessment of the effect of ACT on outcome.

Conclusions

Anticoagulant therapy is safe in selected children with HIA‐CSVT. ICH is not an absolute contraindication to ACT in children with HIA‐CSVT. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:2037–2042. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The comparison between the effects of solvent casting and melt intercalation mixing processes on different characteristics of polylactide‐nanographite platelets composites
Authors: Narimissa Esmaeil , Gupta Rahul K. , Kao Nhol , Choi Hyoung Jin. , Bhattacharya Sati N.
Published: August 2014

This study investigates the influence of enhanced dispersion of nanographite platelets (NGP) fillers through solvent casting mixing process on rheological, electrical and thermal properties of polylactide (PLA)/NGP composites. PLA/NGP composites were fabricated at 1 to 5 wt% filler contents by means of three processing techniques: (i) dry mixing and melt intercalation; (ii) solvent casting using dichloromethane organic solvent; and (iii) combination of solvent casting and melt intercalation techniques. The extent of dispersion of nanofillers within polymer matrix was evaluated through X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis of the composites. Morphological studies of the samples revealed that the maximum extent of dispersion of NGP fillers within PLA matrix was achieved when the combination of solvent casting and melt intercalation processes occurred. Rheological analyses of the samples were indicative of deterioration in the composites produced through solvent casting mixing process. Despite of initial reduction in electrical resistivity of the composites after the addition of 1 wt% of NGP fillers, further addition of nanofillers did not exhibit a considerable enhancement in their electrical conductivity of the composites. Thermogravimetric analysis of the composites was demonstrative of enhancing impact of nanofiller loading, along with detrimental effect of solvent casting on the thermal stability of the PLA matrix. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1560–1570, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Molecular Orbital Based Design Guideline for Hypergolic Ionic Liquids
Authors: Sengupta Debasis , Vaghjiani Ghanshyam L.
Published: August 2014

Currently, monomethyl hydrazine is the most widely used hypergolic rocket fuel. Due to its high toxic vapor, there is a thrust towards developing low‐toxic hypergolic fuels. Ultra‐low vapor pressure ionic liquids are one such potential category of fuels. However, designing ionic liquid with ignition delay comparable to monomethyl hydrazine is a challenge, because fundamental understanding of the hypergolic nature of ionic liquids is far from clear. This work used the computed energy gap values between the highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMO) of the anions for a series of ionic liquids and the lowest occupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of HNO3, and variation in the computed relative heats of formation, ΔHf, of these anions to develop correlations to predict hypergol activity between an ionic liquid fuel and nitric acid as the oxidizer. The observed trends in HOMOLUMO energy gap and ΔHf values can be used successfully to verify not only hypergolicity of known systems but also the lack of this phenomenon in OH− and BF4− based ionic liquids. It was shown that through suitable substitution of electron withdrawing or electron donating groups in the anion, the energy gap and the ΔHf values could be tailored into an optimal range that would have a high probability for the new system to exhibit hypergolic reactivity. To validate our method, we suggest herein new ionic liquid structures for synthesis and experimental screening.
Trypsinogen activation as observed in accelerated molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Boechi Leonardo , Pierce Levi , Komives Elizabeth A. , McCammon J. Andrew
Published: August 2014

Serine proteases are involved in many fundamental physiological processes, and control of their activity mainly results from the fact that they are synthetized in an inactive form that becomes active upon cleavage. Three decades ago Martin Karplus's group performed the first molecular dynamics simulations of trypsin, the most studied member of the serine protease family, to address the transition from the zymogen to its active form. Based on the computational power available at the time, only high frequency fluctuations, but not the transition steps, could be observed. By performing accelerated molecular dynamics (aMD) simulations, an interesting approach that increases the configurational sampling of atomistic simulations, we were able to observe the N‐terminal tail insertion, a crucial step of the transition mechanism. Our results also support the hypothesis that the hydrophobic effect is the main force guiding the insertion step, although substantial enthalpic contributions are important in the activation mechanism. As the N‐terminal tail insertion is a conserved step in the activation of serine proteases, these results afford new perspective on the underlying thermodynamics of the transition from the zymogen to the active enzyme.
Vision‐based Simultaneous Localization and Mapping in Changing Outdoor Environments
Authors: Milford Michael , Vig Eleonora , Scheirer Walter , Cox David
Published: August 2014

For robots operating in outdoor environments, a number of factors, including weather, time of day, rough terrain, high speeds, and hardware limitations, make performing vision‐based simultaneous localization and mapping with current techniques infeasible due to factors such as image blur and/or underexposure, especially on smaller platforms and low‐cost hardware. In this paper, we present novel visual place‐recognition and odometry techniques that address the challenges posed by low lighting, perceptual change, and low‐cost cameras. Our primary contribution is a novel two‐step algorithm that combines fast low‐resolution whole image matching with a higher‐resolution patch‐verification step, as well as image saliency methods that simultaneously improve performance and decrease computing time. The algorithms are demonstrated using consumer cameras mounted on a small vehicle in a mixed urban and vegetated environment and a car traversing highway and suburban streets, at different times of day and night and in various weather conditions. The algorithms achieve reliable mapping over the course of a day, both when incrementally incorporating new visual scenes from different times of day into an existing map, and when using a static map comprising visual scenes captured at only one point in time. Using the two‐step place‐recognition process, we demonstrate for the first time single‐image, error‐free place recognition at recall rates above 50% across a day‐night dataset without prior training or utilization of image sequences. This place‐recognition performance enables topologically correct mapping across day‐night cycles.
Effect of milling time and clay content on the thermal stability of polyethylene‐clay nanocomposite
Authors: Abareshi Maryam , Zebarjad Seyed Mojtaba , Goharshadi Elaheh K.
Published: August 2014

The aim of the paper was to investigate the thermal properties of polyethylene (PE)‐clay nanocomposites prepared via the high energy ball milling (HEBM) method. The structure and morphology of the nanocomposites were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Thermal stability of all milled samples, including pure PE and PE‐clay nanocomposites was measured by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The effect of milling time and clay contents on the thermal stability of PE was investigated. The results show that the thermal stability of PE promotes with increasing milling time. Clay has two opposed functions in the thermal stability of the nanocomposite, the first one is the barrier effect to improve the thermal stability, and another one is the catalysis effect leading to a decrease of the thermal stability. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:285–292, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) restocking: Effects on abundance and spatial distribution
Authors: Guil Francisco , Higuero Rafael , Moreno‐Opo Rubén
Published: August 2014

The European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) has suffered a dramatic reduction in numbers in many parts of the Iberian Peninsula over the past 50 years. The European rabbit is a keystone species of Mediterranean ecosystems and an important game resource. Because of its role as a prey animal, it is important for the preservation of globally threatened Iberian predators. Several techniques have been used to help wild rabbit populations recover. Restocking is one of the most important techniques because of its frequent use throughout the rabbit's Mediterranean range. In the present study, we analyzed the population dynamics and spatial behavior observed between 2004 and 2007 in 6 different wild rabbit restockings with subterranean tube warrens in 3 private estates located in Extremadura (SW Spain). In all the estates, increases in spatial relevance in the rabbit population were observed, with expansions across >150 ha in one of the estates and an average of 69.86 ha 2 years after the last release. After the rabbits were restocked, they were observed continuously in 2 of the estates for 3 years after the initial release. In these high‐quality habitat sites, restockings have served as a source area. Restocking with subterranean tube warrens proved to be a suitable method for creating medium‐term sustainable populations with medium abundance (10.88 latrines/km 2 yr after the last release). This technique can be broadly applied for managing threatened species dependent on the rabbits in Mediterranean areas and for other threatened fossorial species. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Demographic responses of bighorn sheep to recreational activities: A trial of a trail
Authors: Wiedmann Brett P. , Bleich Vernon C.
Published: August 2014

Long‐term effects of anthropogenic disturbance to wildlife, and whether such effects have population‐level consequences, often are difficult to determine. In 1996, a recreational hiking trail (Maah Daah Hey Trail [Trail]) was constructed by the U.S. Forest Service through 4 geographic areas, each occupied by a distinct sub‐population of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), in western North Dakota, USA. From 2001 to 2012, we monitored distribution, recruitment rates, and abundance of female bighorn sheep in the sub‐populations to investigate responses to activities associated with the Trail, and whether demographic consequences occurred. Female bighorn sheep at Sully Creek were displaced from, and eventually abandoned, lambing habitat subjected to intensive recreational use that was erratic and unpredictable. Consequently, females inhabiting Sully Creek had lower fidelity to lambing areas than did other sub‐populations, all of which realized 100% fidelity. Further, females inhabiting Sully Creek achieved lower recruitment of young, exhibited a substantial downward trend in recruitment rate, and a decline in abundance of females compared with the other sub‐populations also exposed to the Trail, but where perturbation was less severe and human activities were consistent, predictable, and spatial separation existed between recreationists and lambing habitat. Metapopulations of bighorn sheep occurring in fragmented habitat having minimal vertical relief may be especially susceptible to sources of disturbance, which should be a consideration when recreational facilities are developed. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Diurnal and nocturnal activity budgets of zoo elephants in an outdoor facility
Authors: Horback Kristina M. , Miller Lance J. , Andrews Jeff R. M. , Kuczaj Stan A.
Published: August 2014

The present study examined the activity budgets of 15 African elephants (1 bull, 6 cows, 2 male juveniles, 2 female juveniles, and 4 male calves) living at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park during the summers of 2010 and 2011. Onsite behavioral data (n = 600 hr) were collected for approximately 12 weeks from 0400 to 0830 and 1100 to 2400 during the 2010 and 2011 summer season. Foraging was the most common behavior state during the day followed by resting, and walking. During the evening hours, the elephants spent majority of their time foraging, resting, and sleeping. The average rate of self‐maintenance behavior events (dust, wallow, etc.) increased from 0600 to 0700, 1100 to 1500, and from 1700 to 1900. Positive social behavior events (touch other, play, etc.) remained high from 0500 to 2300, with peaks at 0600, 1300, 1500, and 1900. Negative social events occurred at low rates throughout the day and night, with peaks at 0600, 1900, and 2200. The majority of positive behavior events during the daylight and nighttime hours involved the mother‐calf pairs. Furthermore, the calves and juveniles initiated approximately 60% of all social events during the daytime and 57% of all social interactions at night. The results of this study demonstrate the differences between diurnal and nocturnal activity budgets of a multi‐age and sex elephant herd in a zoological facility, which highlights the importance of managing elephants to meet their 24 hr behavioral needs. Zoo Biol. 33:403–410, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Barth syndrome without tetralinoleoyl cardiolipin deficiency: a possible ameliorated phenotype
Authors: Bowron Ann , Honeychurch Julie , Williams Maggie , Tsai‐Goodman Beverley , Clayton Nicol , Jones Lucy , Shortland Graham J. , Qureshi Shakeel A. , Heales Simon J. R. , Steward Colin G.
Published: August 2014

Barth syndrome (BTHS) is an X‐linked disorder characterised by cardiac and skeletal myopathy, growth delay, neutropenia and 3‐methylglutaconic aciduria (3‐MGCA). Patients have TAZ gene mutations which affect metabolism of cardiolipin, resulting in low tetralinoleoyl cardiolipin (CL4), an increase in its precursor, monolysocardiolipin (MLCL), and an increased MLCL/CL4 ratio. During development of a diagnostic service for BTHS, leukocyte CL4 was measured in 156 controls and 34 patients with genetically confirmed BTHS. A sub‐group of seven subjects from three unrelated families was identified with leukocyte CL4 concentrations within the control range. This had led to initial false negative disease detection in two of these patients. MLCL/CL4 in this subgroup was lower than in other BTHS patients but higher than controls, with no overlap between the groups. TAZ gene mutations in these families are all predicted to be pathological. This report describes the clinical histories of these seven individuals with an atypical phenotype: some features were typical of BTHS (five have had cardiomyopathy, one family has a history of male infant deaths, three have growth delay and five have 3‐MGCA) but none has persistent neutropenia, five have excellent exercise tolerance and two adults are asymptomatic. This report also emphasises the importance of measurement of MLCL/CL4 ratio rather than CL4 alone in the biochemical diagnosis of the BTHS.
The Incidence of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) in Patients Admitted to an Acquired Brain Injury Unit
Authors: Packer Ro
Published: August 2014

Objective: Brain injury is described as one potential cause of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV); however, there is little information regarding the actual incidence in people who have suffered a brain injury. The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence of BPPV in a group of inpatients with a brain injury and to document the pattern of recovery.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was used to collate data associated with dizziness and BPPV for all inpatients admitted to an acquired brain injury (ABI) unit over 1 year.

Results: Data from 89 individuals were collated. Forty-three individuals reported dizziness and 13 of these were clinically diagnosed with BPPV. All cases of BPPV occurred in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) with 17.6% of this diagnostic group affected. Over half the cases were diagnosed with bilateral BPPV. Seventy per cent of individuals with BPPV required multiple treatments to resolve all symptoms.

Conclusions: Forty-one per cent of the inpatients who reported dizziness, and were able to be assessed, received a clinical diagnosis of BPPV. The study highlights the high incidence of BPPV following TBI, the importance of specifically enquiring about vertigo symptoms and undertaking appropriate assessment, and the increased complexity of treating BPPV in this group.
PROCEDURAL JUSTICE AND THE PROBLEM OF INTELLECTUAL DEFERENCE
Authors: Ahlstrom-Vij Kristoffer
Published: August 2014

It is a well-established fact that we tend to underestimate our susceptibility to cognitive bias on account of overconfidence, and thereby often fail to listen to intellectual advice aimed at reducing such bias. This is the problem of intellectual deference. The present paper considers this problem in contexts where educators attempt to teach students how to avoid bias for purposes of instilling epistemic virtues. It is argued that recent research in social psychology suggests that we can come to terms with this problem in two steps, the second of which involves educators communicating their intellectual advice in a procedurally just manner. The components of the relevant form of procedural justice are specified and related to Miranda Fricker and David Coady's notions of epistemic justice. Finally, a series of objections are considered and responded to.
Exact Hausdorff and packing measures of Cantor sets with overlaps
Authors: QIU HUA
Published: August 2014

Let $K$ be the attractor of a linear iterated function system (IFS) $S_{j}(x)={\it\rho}_{j}x+b_{j},j=1,\ldots ,m$, on the real line $\mathbb{R}$ satisfying the generalized finite type condition (whose invariant open set ${\mathcal{O}}$ is an interval) with an irreducible weighted incidence matrix. This condition was recently introduced by Lau and Ngai [A generalized finite type condition for iterated function systems. Adv. Math.208 (2007), 647–671] as a natural generalization of the open set condition, allowing us to include many important overlapping cases. They showed that the Hausdorff and packing dimensions of $K$ coincide and can be calculated in terms of the spectral radius of the weighted incidence matrix. Let ${\it\alpha}$ be the dimension of $K$. In this paper, we state that $$\begin{eqnarray}{\mathcal{H}}^{{\it\alpha}}(K\cap J)\leq |J|^{{\it\alpha}}\end{eqnarray}$$ for all intervals $J\subset \overline{{\mathcal{O}}}$, and $$\begin{eqnarray}{\mathcal{P}}^{{\it\alpha}}(K\cap J)\geq |J|^{{\it\alpha}}\end{eqnarray}$$ for all intervals $J\subset \overline{{\mathcal{O}}}$ centered in $K$, where ${\mathcal{H}}^{{\it\alpha}}$ denotes the ${\it\alpha}$-dimensional Hausdorff measure and ${\mathcal{P}}^{{\it\alpha}}$ denotes the ${\it\alpha}$-dimensional packing measure. This result extends a recent work of Olsen [Density theorems for Hausdorff and packing measures of self-similar sets. Aequationes Math.75 (2008), 208–225] where the open set condition is required. We use these inequalities to obtain some precise density theorems for the Hausdorff and packing measures of $K$. Moreover, using these density theorems, we describe a scheme for computing ${\mathcal{H}}^{{\it\alpha}}(K)$ exactly as the minimum of a finite set of elementary functions of the parameters of the IFS. We also obtain an exact algorithm for computing ${\mathcal{P}}^{{\it\alpha}}(K)$ as the maximum of another finite set of elementary functions of the parameters of the IFS. These results extend previous ones by Ayer and Strichartz [Exact Hausdorff measure and intervals of maximum density for Cantor sets. Trans. Amer. Math. Soc.351 (1999), 3725–3741] and by Feng [Exact packing measure of Cantor sets. Math. Natchr.248–249 (2003), 102–109], respectively, and apply to some new classes allowing us to include Cantor sets in $\mathbb{R}$ with overlaps.
KMS states on the -algebras of reducible graphs
Authors: AN HUEF ASTRID , LACA MARCELO , RAEBURN IAIN , SIMS AIDAN
Published: August 2014

We consider the dynamics on the $C^{\ast }$-algebras of finite graphs obtained by lifting the gauge action to an action of the real line. Enomoto, Fujii and Watatani [KMS states for gauge action on ${\mathcal{O}}_{A}$. Math. Japon.29 (1984), 607–619] proved that if the vertex matrix of the graph is irreducible, then the dynamics on the graph algebra admits a single Kubo–Martin–Schwinger (KMS) state. We have previously studied the dynamics on the Toeplitz algebra, and explicitly described a finite-dimensional simplex of KMS states for inverse temperatures above a critical value. Here we study the KMS states for graphs with reducible vertex matrix, and for inverse temperatures at and below the critical value. We prove a general result which describes all the KMS states at a fixed inverse temperature, and then apply this theorem to a variety of examples. We find that there can be many patterns of phase transition, depending on the behaviour of paths in the underlying graph.
Horizontal transmission of a parasite is influenced by infected host phenotype and density
Authors: ROBERTS K. E. , HUGHES W. O. H.
Published: August 2014

Transmission is a key determinant of parasite fitness, and understanding the dynamics of transmission is fundamental to the ecology and evolution of host–parasite interactions. Successful transmission is often reliant on contact between infected individuals and susceptible hosts. The social insects consist of aggregated groups of genetically similar hosts, making them particularly vulnerable to parasite transmission. Here we investigate how the ratio of infected to susceptible individuals impacts parasite transmission, using the honey bee, Apis mellifera and its microsporidian parasite Nosema ceranae. We used 2 types of infected hosts found simultaneously in colonies; sterile female workers and sexual males. We found a higher ratio of infected to susceptible individuals in groups resulted in a greater proportion of susceptibles becoming infected, but this effect was non-linear and interestingly, the ratio also affected the spore production of infected individuals. The transmission level was much greater in an experiment where the infected individuals were drones than in an experiment where they were workers, suggesting drones may act as intracolonial ‘superspreaders’. Understanding the subtleties of transmission and how it is influenced by the phenotype of the infected/susceptible individuals is important for understanding pathogen transmission at population level, and for optimum targeting of parasite control strategies.
The introduction of dengue vaccine may temporarily cause large spikes in prevalence
Authors: PANDEY A. , MEDLOCK J.
Published: August 2014

A dengue vaccine is expected to be available within a few years. Once vaccine is available, policy-makers will need to develop suitable policies to allocate the vaccine. Mathematical models of dengue transmission predict complex temporal patterns in prevalence, driven by seasonal oscillations in mosquito abundance. In particular, vaccine introduction may induce a transient period immediately after vaccine introduction where prevalence can spike higher than in the pre-vaccination period. These spikes in prevalence could lead to doubts about the vaccination programme among the public and even among decision-makers, possibly impeding the vaccination programme. Using simple dengue transmission models, we found that large transient spikes in prevalence are robust phenomena that occur when vaccine coverage and vaccine efficacy are not either both very high or both very low. Despite the presence of transient spikes in prevalence, the models predict that vaccination does always reduce the total number of infections in the 15 years after vaccine introduction. We conclude that policy-makers should prepare for spikes in prevalence after vaccine introduction to mitigate the burden of these spikes and to accurately measure the effectiveness of the vaccine programme.
Relevance and Non-consequentialist Aggregation
Authors: KELLEHER J. PAUL
Published: August 2014

Interpersonal aggregation involves the combining and weighing of benefits and losses to multiple individuals in the course of determining what ought to be done. Most consequentialists embrace thoroughgoing interpersonal aggregation, the view that any large benefit to each of a few people can be morally outweighed by allocating any smaller benefit to each of many others, so long as this second group is sufficiently large. This would permit letting one person die in order to cure some number of mild headaches instead. Most non-consequentialists reject thoroughgoing interpersonal aggregation despite also believing it is permissible to let one person die in order to prevent many cases of paraplegia instead. Non-consequentialists defend this asymmetry largely on the basis of intuition, and some rely on the notion of relevance to formalize the grounding intuitions. This article seeks to clarify and strengthen the non-consequentialist notion of relevance by engaging with three objections to it.
POLICY GAMES, DISTRIBUTIONAL CONFLICTS, AND THE OPTIMAL INFLATION
Authors: Albonico Alice , Rossi Lorenza
Published: August 2014

This paper shows that limited asset-market participation (LAMP) generates an extra inflation bias when the fiscal and the monetary authority play strategically. A fully redistributive fiscal policy eliminates the extra inflation bias, but at the cost of reducing Ricardians' welfare. A fiscal authority that redistributes income only partially reduces the inflation bias, but raises government spending. Although a fully conservative monetary policy is necessary to get price stability, it implies a reduction in liquidity-constrained consumers' welfare, in the absence of redistributive fiscal policies. Finally, under a crisis scenario, none of the policy regimes is able to avoid the fall in economic activity when the increase in the fraction of LAMP is coupled with a negative technology shock, whereas optimal policy can avoid recession when it responds to the increase in LAMP proportion alone.
Microalgae Technology
Authors: Sun Zheng , Bi Yan-hui , Zhou Zhi-Gang
Published: August 2014

Replacing fossil fuels with biofuels is a possible strategy to solve the problems of global greenhouse gas emission and exhaustible resource depletion. The development of clean, renewable energy has attracted considerable interest from academic and industrial circles. Microalgae are regarded as the most promising cell factory for biodiesel production because of their unique properties, e.g. rapid growth rate, high cell density, great oil productivity and no competition with food production over the use of arable land. However, the high production costs mean that microalgal biofuels still have far to go to gain market acceptance in the short-term. In this chapter, recent advances in the technologies underpinning microalgae-to-biofuels systems are reviewed. Approaches towards improving the economics of microalgal oil, e.g. genetic engineering and biorefinery-based integrated production strategy, are also suggested. Technological advances and optimized production systems will determine the economic viability and environmental sustainability of algae-based biofuel.
Application of Food Waste Valorization Technology in Hong Kong
Authors: Him Kwan Tsz , Lin Carol Sze Ki , Ming Chan King
Published: August 2014

In recent years, there have been increased concerns about the disposal of food waste. The amount of food waste generated globally is staggering, with about 1.3 billion tonnes per year and the figures are rising. In Hong Kong, about 3000 tonnes of food waste have been generated every day over the past 10 years with a significant increasing trend. With the waste-to-landfill approach, huge amounts of food waste is being dumped to landfills, making food waste a significant component of municipal solid waste (MSW) and losing a potentially valuable food source or regenerated resource (e.g. energy recovery, composting and animal feed). In addition, many other environmental problems are associated with the disposal of food waste to landfill. In this chapter, attempts are made to review the current food waste disposal system in Hong Kong and some food waste valorization technologies, which have been practiced in other counties or regions, along with their advantages and limitations so as to improve the present food waste disposal system from a technological perspective. Our recommendations includes a comprehensive system to facilitate different approaches to recycle such important protein and carbon sources into valuable products from biofuels to animal feeds.
Advanced Generation of Bioenergy
Authors: Mafe Oluwakemi A. T. , Pensupa Nattha , Roberts Emily May , Du Chenyu
Published: August 2014

Bioenergy has become one of the most promising renewable energy alternatives to fossil-based energy. Many scientific tools have been developed to enhance the conversion of biomass to biofuels. Novel plant breeding and cropping technologies have been used to develop and produce energy crops to meet the growing demand for the next generation biomass feedstocks. In this chapter, the classification of biofuels based on the first and advanced generations will be covered. In addition, recent developments made in the production of cellulosic biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass will also be discussed.
High Value Chemicals and Materials Production Based on Biomass Components Separation
Authors: Chang Jie
Published: August 2014

Biomass is an important renewable energy source and can be used as a feedstock for the sustainable production of clean fuels and chemicals. The benefits of using biomass for the production of biofuels, chemicals and biomass-derived materials include reduction of the use of fossil fuels, less dependence on imported fuels, increase of income in rural areas, and reduction in carbon emissions. The direct conversion of biomass, such as gasification or pyrolysis, is difficult to get high value products and has lower conversion efficiency. Biomass is mainly composed of lignin, cellulose, and semicellulose. Recently, an innovative biorefinery process based on biomass components separation has been paid more attention. High-value chemicals production processes based on biomass components separation showed more technical and economic feasibility in renewable chemicals and materials production. In this chapter, the recent methods for selective separation of biomass components, as well as the separation conditions, have been critically reviewed.
Monitoring cellular stress responses using integrated high-frequency impedance spectroscopy and time-resolved ELISA
Authors: Charwat Verena , Joksch Martin , Sticker Drago , Purtscher Michaela , Rothbauer Mario , Ertl Peter
Published: August 2014

High-frequency impedance spectroscopy combined with time resolved biomarker quantification and multivariate data analysis enables sensitive monitoring of cell population dynamics.
An electrochemical impedance sensor based on a small molecule modified Au electrode for the recognition of a trinucleotide repeat
Authors: He Hanping , Peng Xiaoqian , Huang Min , Chang Gang , Zhang Xiuhua , Wang Shengfu
Published: August 2014

A small molecule modified sensor was developed for the detection of XGG trinucleotide repeats (X = C, T) by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
Two novel zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) as sorbents for solid-phase extraction (SPE) of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in environmental water samples
Authors: Hu Huiping , Liu Shengquan , Chen Chunyan , Wang Jianping , Zou Ying , Lin Lihua , Yao Shouzhuo
Published: August 2014

In this work, two novel ZIF materials, ZIF-7 and ZIF-11, were firstly introduced as SPE sorbents for PAHs efficient extraction and highly sensitive analysis in environmental water samples with HPLC coupled with fluorescence detection.
Geometric and redox flexibility of pyridine as a redox-active ligand that can reversibly accept one or two electrons
Authors: Lewis Richard A. , MacLeod K. Cory , Mercado Brandon Q. , Holland Patrick L.
Published: August 2014

A low-coordinate iron(i) species can reversibly reduce pyridine by one or two electrons, through changes in C–C bonding.
A new strategy to construct metal–organic frameworks with ultrahigh chemical stability
Authors: Xu Lei , Wang Jintao , Xu Yan , Zhang Zaiyong , Lu Ping , Fang Min , Li Shunli , Sun Peipei , Liu Hong-Ke
Published: August 2014

A novel 2D MOF constructed from Fe3+and an imidazoyl base porphyrin ligand, using a new strategy, has ultra-high stability and can remain in saturated (~27.5 M) NaOH solution for a week.
Diffusion NMR of molecular cages and capsules
Authors: Avram Liat , Cohen Yoram
Published: August 2014

The applications of diffusion NMR and DOSY in the field of molecular capsules and cages are reviewed focusing on the added value of using these methods when studying such systems in solution.
An integrated strategy for the conversion of cellulosic biomass into γ-valerolactone
Authors: Molinari Valerio , Antonietti Markus , Esposito Davide
Published: August 2014

A new integrated strategy for the synthesis of GVL from beechwood based on the use of 2-MeTHF and RANEY® Ni is presented.
Dual-graphite cells based on the reversible intercalation of bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anions from an ionic liquid electrolyte
Authors: Rothermel Sergej , Meister Paul , Schmuelling Guido , Fromm Olga , Meyer Hinrich-W. , Nowak Sascha , Winter Martin , Placke Tobias
Published: August 2014

We present highly promising results for the use of graphite as both electrodes in a “dual-carbon” cell. An ionic liquid-based electrolyte mixture allows stable and highly reversible ion intercalation/de-intercalation into/from the electrodes.
Transport of graphene oxide nanoparticles in saturated sandy soil
Authors: Qi Zhichong , Zhang Lunliang , Chen Wei
Published: August 2014

Graphene oxide nanoparticles can be highly mobile in saturated soils, even at high ionic strength.
Contaminants of emerging concern in fresh leachate from landfills in the conterminous United States
Authors: Masoner Jason R. , Kolpin Dana W. , Furlong Edward T. , Cozzarelli Isabelle M. , Gray James L. , Schwab Eric A.
Published: August 2014

To better understand the composition of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in landfill leachate, fresh leachate from 19 landfills was sampled across the United States during 2011.
Ex-ante life cycle assessment of polymer nanocomposites using organo-modified layered double hydroxides for potential application in agricultural films
Authors: Schrijvers Dieuwertje Louise , Leroux Fabrice , Verney Vincent , Patel Martin Kumar
Published: August 2014

The new layered double hydroxide nanoclays are assessed, considering the UV stability of polymers and their nanocomposites.
Selective modification of the β–β linkage in DDQ-treated Kraft lignin analysed by 2D NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Tran F. , Lancefield C. S. , Kamer P. C. J. , Lebl T. , Westwood N. J.
Published: August 2014

Analysis of the selective transformation of the β–β linkage in Kraft lignin using readily accessible 2D HSQC NMR protocols.
An optoelectrokinetic technique for programmable particle manipulation and bead-based biosignal enhancement
Authors: Wang Kuan-Chih , Kumar Aloke , Williams Stuart J. , Green Nicolas G. , Kim Kyung Chun , Chuang Han-Sheng
Published: August 2014

An optoelectrokinetic technique, termed Rapid Electrokinetic Patterning (REP), was used to enhance the signal in bead-based bioassays. REP can achieve various manipulation capabilities.
Concerted bioinformatic analysis of the genome-scale blood transcription factor compendium reveals new control mechanisms
Authors: Joshi Anagha , Gottgens Berthold
Published: August 2014

Transcription control insights using blood ChIP sequencing compendium.
Triazine–pyrimidine based molecular hybrids: synthesis, docking studies and evaluation of antimalarial activity
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Khan Shabana I. , Ponnan Prija , Rawat Diwan S.
Published: August 2014

A series of novel triazine–pyrimidine hybrids have been synthesized and evaluated for theirin vitroantimalarial activity.
The ultimate step towards a tailored engineering of core@shell and core@shell@shell nanoparticles
Authors: Llamosa D. , Ruano M. , Martínez L. , Mayoral A. , Roman E. , García-Hernández M. , Huttel Y.
Published: August 2014

Core@shell and core@shell@shell nanoparticles are building blocks for more sophisticated systems and a plethora of applications. The one-step generation of such complex nanoparticles is reported where the atoms of the core and shell can be easily inverted, avoiding intrinsic constraints of chemical methods.
Fe2MnSixGe1−x: influence thermoelectric properties of varying the germanium content
Authors: Reshak A. H.
Published: August 2014

The semi-classical Boltzmann theory, as implemented in the BoltzTraP code, was used to study the influence of varying the germanium content on the thermoelectric properties of the Heusler compounds, Fe2MnSixGe1−x (x = 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0).
DNA/BSA binding, DNA cleavage and electrochemical properties of new multidentate copper(ii) complexes
Authors: Sundaravadivel Elumalai , Vedavalli Sairaj , Kandaswamy Muthusamy , Varghese Babu , Madankumar Perumal
Published: August 2014

A new series of multidentate copper(ii) complexes [Cu(L1−5)](ClO4) (1–5) were synthesized and characterized for their DNA/BSA binding, DNA cleavage, cytotoxic properties and antimicrobial activities.
Enzyme-free selective determination of H2O2and glucose using functionalized CuNP-modified graphite electrode in room temperature ionic liquid medium
Authors: Babu Rajendran Suresh , Prabhu Pandurangan , Narayanan Sangilimuthu Sriman
Published: August 2014

The proposed method demonstrates a new PCFCuNP modified electrode using ionic liquid as a green electrolyte. This method also achieved highly sensitive and selective determination towards H2O2and glucose.