bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Game Between a Terrorist and a Passive Defender
Authors: Baron Opher , Berman Oded , Gavious Arieh
Published: October 2017

In the last two decades, terrorism has become a major issue around the world. We analyze a continuous conflict between a terrorist (Terrorist) and a passive defender (Defender). Defender is passive because her actions can influence only the costs (damages) when Terrorist attacks. We focus on high‐trajectory fire attacks and passive responses to them in the conflict between Israel and the various terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip in accordance with scientific principles. We first consider three sources of data on this part of the conflict and based on these data we make several observations on the sustainability of cease fires, the use of technologies, different attacks, and the frequency of attacks, using high‐trajectory fire. To explain these observations, we present several stylized game theoretical models. Specifically, we consider single‐ and multi‐period games. In each period, Terrorist may attack Defender, who may in turn try to prevent damage. We show that given this conflict's political situation, our models are in agreement with the observations from the data. We also present an extension that considers an active defender. This extension also agrees with the observations from the data.
Intracranial source activity (eLORETA) related to scalp‐level asymmetry scores and depression status
Authors: Smith Ezra E. , Cavanagh James F. , Allen John J. B.
Published: October 2017

Frontal EEG alpha asymmetry provides a promising index of depression risk, yet very little is known about the neural sources of alpha asymmetry. To identify these sources, this study examined alpha asymmetry using a distributed inverse solution: exact low resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (eLORETA). Findings implicated a generator in lateral midfrontal regions that contributed to both surface asymmetry and depression risk. Participants with any lifetime history of depressive episodes were characterized by less left than right activity in the precentral gyrus and midfrontal gyrus. Anhedonia accounted for a significant portion of the relationship between alpha asymmetry and lifetime major depressive disorder. Results are suggestive of convergence between motivational and capability models of asymmetry and replicate results from experimental studies in a large resting‐state data set. The capability model of frontal alpha asymmetry is contextualized in terms of motor preparedness following emotional mobilization.
Is attention enhanced following performance errors? Testing the adaptive control hypothesis
Authors: Compton Rebecca J. , Heaton Elizabeth C. , Gaines Averi
Published: October 2017

The present study tested whether people adaptively sharpen attentional focus following performance mistakes, as predicted by current theories of cognitive control. Participants completed a reverse Stroop task in which target stimuli were preceded by an informative spatial cue. Cue validity and Stroop interference effects on performance were robust, but neither effect was altered by commission of an error on the prior trial, as predicted by the adaptive control model. Likewise, a prior error did not enhance cue‐evoked spatial asymmetries in EEG, nor did it enhance validity effects on neural responses evoked by targets. Instead, errors were followed by poorer overall performance and generalized arousal, as measured by generally suppressed EEG alpha power in postresponse and cue‐to‐target intervals following errors compared to correct responses. Results support an alternative theory that post‐error changes in neural activity and performance reflect arousal, orienting, or cognitive bottlenecking rather than adaptive control of attention.
Does regulating remuneration affect the market value of European Union banks? Large versus small/medium sized banks
Authors: Díaz Díaz Belén , García‐Ramos Rebeca , García Olalla Myriam
Published: October 2017

The aim of this paper was to analyze equity market reactions to the mandatory European Union regulation of remuneration policies in financial institutions. Using event study methodology, we investigated market reactions to the first European Directive on compensation policies after the financial crisis using a sample of 124 banks operating in the European Union. We divided the sample into two groups according to bank size considering four criteria: the US Dodd‐Frank Act 2010, the Liikanen Report 2012, Global Systemically Important Banks 2011, and the European Central Bank 2014. We found strong evidence of an average negative market reaction to compensation regulation. Moreover, this negative reaction is stronger for large banks than for small/medium sized banks.
Risks of Allergic Contact Dermatitis Elicited by Nickel, Chromium, and Organic Sensitizers: Quantitative Models Based on Clinical Patch Test Data
Authors: Bogen Kenneth T. , Garry Michael R.
Published: October 2017

Risks of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) from consumer products intended for extended (nonpiercing) dermal contact are regulated by E.U. Directive EN 1811 that limits released Ni to a weekly equivalent dermal load of ≤0.5 μg/cm2. Similar approaches for thousands of known organic sensitizers are hampered by inability to quantify respective ACD‐elicitation risk levels. To help address this gap, normalized values of cumulative risk for eliciting a positive (“≥+”) clinical patch test response reported in 12 studies for a total of n = 625 Ni‐sensitized patients were modeled in relation to observed ACD‐eliciting Ni loads, yielding an approximate lognormal (LN) distribution with a geometric mean and standard deviation of GMNi = 15 μg/cm2 and GSDNi = 8.0, respectively. Such data for five sensitizers (including formaldehyde and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) were also ∼LN distributed, but with a common GSD value equal to GSDNi and with heterogeneous sensitizer‐specific GM values each defining a respective ACD‐eliciting potency GMNi/GM relative to Ni. Such potencies were also estimated for nine (meth)acrylates by applying this general LN ACD‐elicitation risk model to respective sets of fewer data. ACD‐elicitation risk patterns observed for Cr(VI) (n = 417) and Cr(III) (n = 78) were fit to mixed‐LN models in which ∼30% and ∼40% of the most sensitive responders, respectively, were estimated to exhibit a LN response also governed by GSDNi. The observed common LN‐response shape parameter GSDNi may reflect a common underlying ACD mechanism and suggests a common interim approach to quantitative ACD‐elicitation risk assessment based on available clinical data.
Influence of Risk Perception on Attitudes and Norms Regarding Electronic Cigarettes
Authors: Trumbo Craig W.
Published: October 2017

The use of electronic cigarettes has grown substantially over the last few years. Currently, about 4% of adults use electronic cigarettes, about 16% of high school students report use in the past 30 days, as do approximately 11–25% of college students. A hallmark of the reduction in tobacco use has been the shift in social norms concerning smoking in public. Such norms may also drive views on acceptability of public electronic cigarette use. While normative factors have been given attention, little substantive application of the literature on risk perception has been brought to bear. The overall aim of this study was to place a cognitive–affective measure of risk perception within a model that also includes social cues for e‐cigarettes, addictiveness beliefs, and tobacco use to predict perceived social acceptability for public use of e‐cigarettes. To do so, a cross‐sectional study using an online survey was conducted among a sample of undergraduate students at a Western university (n = 395). A structural equation model showed that the acceptability of public e‐cigarette use was influenced by social cues, beliefs about addiction, and cognitive risk perception, even after controlling for nicotine use. What is revealed is that cognitive assessment of e‐cigarette risk and perception of addictiveness had a suppressing effect on perceived acceptability of public vaping, while greater exposure to social cues exerted a countervailing effect. This is evidence of the role that risk perception and social norms may play in the increases in electronic cigarette use that have been observed.
Testing the auto‐abrasion hypothesis for dust production using diatomite dune sediments from the Bodélé Depression in Chad
Authors: Bristow Charlie S. , Moller Torsten H.
Published: October 2017

This study examines the role of quartz sand in the production of dust using mixtures of quartz sand from the Sahara and diatomite aggregates from the Bodélé Depression in Chad. An aeolian abrasion chamber is used to reproduce the physical processes of aeolian abrasion and test the hypothesis that the breakdown of saltating diatomite flakes as they collide in saltation, and with the surface, is the most prolific mechanism of dust production (auto‐abrasion). This hypothesis is tested against the competing hypothesis that a hard, higher‐density quartz sand impactor is required to abrade fine‐grained sediments to generate dust. The results show that dust can be produced by a mixture of saltating diatomite and quartz sand particles. However, quartz sand is not required for saltating aggregates to produce dust. Indeed, these results, which used a mixture of very coarse‐grained aggregate (1 to 2 mm diameter) with fine quartz sand, indicate that the addition of quartz sand can decrease dust production. For a very coarse aggregate (1 to 2 mm), a pure diatomite aggregate produced the most dust, although using a coarse‐grained aggregate (0·5 to 1·0 mm) with a mixture of 20% quartz and 80% aggregate was found to produce the most dust overall. The results of this study confirm the auto‐abrasion hypothesis for the breakdown of diatomite particles in the Bodélé Depression, which is the single biggest source of atmospheric mineral dust on Earth.
The influence of media use on layperson monetary policy knowledge in Germany
Authors: Hayo Bernd , Neuenkirch Edith
Published: October 2017

We analyse German citizens’ knowledge about monetary policy and the European Central Bank (ECB), as well as the public's use of mass communication media to obtain information about the ECB. We find that a person's own desire to be informed about the ECB, together with the use of various media channels to keep informed, are decisive for both (1) own perception of knowledge about the ECB and (2) actual level of knowledge. The media‐related influence varies with a person's level of education and is stronger for subjective knowledge. Women are significantly less interested in or knowledgeable about both topics.
The difference, system and ‘Double‐D’ GMM panel estimators in the presence of structural breaks
Authors: Chowdhury Rosen Azad , Russell Bill
Published: October 2017

The effects of structural breaks in dynamic panels are more complicated than in time series models as the bias can be either negative or positive. This paper focuses on the effects of mean shifts in otherwise stationary processes within an instrumental variable panel estimation framework. We show the sources of the bias and a Monte Carlo analysis calibrated on United States bank lending data demonstrates the size of the bias for a range of auto‐regressive parameters. We also propose additional moment conditions that can be used to reduce the biases caused by shifts in the mean of the data.
Towards global space geodetic mapping of the dynamic deformation field after great earthquakes
Authors: Grenerczy Gyula , Jámbor Tamás , Stein Seth , Farkas Péter , Ferenc Marcell
Published: October 2017

GPS systems can be used as seismometers by sampling ground positions to detect travelling seismic waves. Data from dense geodetic networks near large earthquakes have been used to improve magnitude estimates, for tsunami warning, and to better understand the rupture processes. Here, we present 1 Hz GPS records of the March 11th, 2011, Mw = 9.0 Tohoku earthquake at unprecedented teleseismic distances. The spatial and temporal variations of the three‐dimensional GPS displacement vector field show various body waves, Love and Rayleigh surface waves along the direct path, and Love waves from the more than 31 000 km long major arc path. These results suggest that seismic wavefields can be mapped at teleseismic distances globally using space geodesy and could thus be used for source and structural studies. Data from numerous real‐time kinematic GPS networks could be combined to show the displacement field, giving unparalleled views of Earth's response to large earthquakes.
Different mutational function of low‐ and high‐linear energy transfer heavy‐ion irradiation demonstrated by whole‐genome resequencing of Arabidopsis mutants
Authors: Kazama Yusuke , Ishii Kotaro , Hirano Tomonari , Wakana Taeko , Yamada Mieko , Ohbu Sumie , Abe Tomoko
Published: October 2017

Heavy‐ion irradiation is a powerful mutagen that possesses high linear energy transfer (LET). Several studies have indicated that the value of LET affects DNA lesion formation in several ways, including the efficiency and the density of double‐stranded break induction along the particle path. We assumed that the mutation type can be altered by selecting an appropriate LET value. Here, we quantitatively demonstrate differences in the mutation type induced by irradiation with two representative ions, Ar ions (LET: 290 keV μm−1) and C ions (LET: 30.0 keV μm−1), by whole‐genome resequencing of the Arabidopsis mutants produced by these irradiations. Ar ions caused chromosomal rearrangements or large deletions (≥100 bp) more frequently than C ions, with 10.2 and 2.3 per mutant genome under Ar‐ and C‐ion irradiation, respectively. Conversely, C ions induced more single‐base substitutions and small indels (<100 bp) than Ar ions, with 28.1 and 56.9 per mutant genome under Ar‐ and C‐ion irradiation, respectively. Moreover, the rearrangements induced by Ar‐ion irradiation were more complex than those induced by C‐ion irradiation, and tended to accompany single base substitutions or small indels located close by. In conjunction with the detection of causative genes through high‐throughput sequencing, selective irradiation by beams with different effects will be a powerful tool for forward genetics as well as studies on chromosomal rearrangements.
Parental‐genome dosage effects on the transcriptome of F1 hybrid triploid embryos of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Fort Antoine , Tuteja Reetu , Braud Martin , McKeown Peter C. , Spillane Charles
Published: October 2017

Genomic imprinting in the seed endosperm could be due to unequal parental‐genome contribution effects in triploid endosperm tissue that trigger parent‐of‐origin specific activation and/or silencing of loci prone to genomic imprinting. To determine whether genomic imprinting is triggered by unequal parental‐genome contribution effects, we generated a whole‐genome transcriptome dataset of F1 hybrid triploid embryos (as mimics of F1 hybrid triploid endosperm). For the vast majority of genes, the parental contributions to their expression levels in the F1 triploid hybrid embryos follow a biallelic and linear expression pattern. While allele‐specific expression (ASE) bias was detected, such effects were predominantly parent‐of‐origin independent. We demonstrate that genomic imprinting is largely absent from F1 triploid embryos, strongly suggesting that neither triploidy nor unequal parental‐genome contribution are key triggers of genomic imprinting in plants. However, extensive parental‐genome dosage effects on gene expression were observed between the reciprocal F1 hybrid embryos, particularly for genes involved in defence response and nutrient reservoir activity, potentially leading to the seed size differences between reciprocal triploids. We further determined that unequal parental‐genome contribution in F1 triploids can lead to overexpression effects that are parent‐of‐origin dependent, and which are not observed in diploid or tetraploid embryos in which the parental‐genome dosage is balanced. Overall, our study demonstrates that neither triploidy nor unequal parental‐genome contribution is sufficient to trigger imprinting in plant tissues, suggesting that genomic imprinting is an intrinsic and unique feature of the triploid seed endosperm.
Rational points on hyperelliptic curves having a marked non-Weierstrass point
Authors: Shankar Arul , Wang Xiaoheng
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we consider the family of hyperelliptic curves over$\mathbb{Q}$having a fixed genus$n$and a marked rational non-Weierstrass point. We show that when$n\geqslant 9$, a positive proportion of these curves have exactly two rational points, and that this proportion tends to one as$n$tends to infinity. We study rational points on these curves by first obtaining results on the 2-Selmer groups of their Jacobians. In this direction, we prove that the average size of the 2-Selmer groups of the Jacobians of curves in our family is bounded above by 6, which implies a bound of$5/2$on the average rank of these Jacobians. Our results are natural extensions of Poonen and Stoll [Most odd degree hyperelliptic curves have only one rational point, Ann. of Math. (2)180(2014), 1137–1166] and Bhargava and Gross [The average size of the 2-Selmer group of Jacobians of hyperelliptic curves having a rational Weierstrass point, inAutomorphic representations and$L$-functions, Tata Inst. Fundam. Res. Stud. Math., vol. 22 (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, 2013), 23–91], where the analogous results are proved for the family of hyperelliptic curves with a marked rational Weierstrass point.
Tonic inhibition of brown adipose tissue sympathetic nerve activity via muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the rostral raphe pallidus
Authors: Conceição Ellen Paula Santos , Madden Christopher J. , Morrison Shaun F.
Published: October 2017

Key points

A tonically active, muscarinic cholinergic inhibition of rostral raphe pallidus (rRPa) neurons influences thermogenesis of brown adipose tissue (BAT) independent of ambient temperature conditions.

The tonically active cholinergic input to rRPa originates caudal to the hypothalamus.

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) activation in rRPa contributes to the inhibition of BAT sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) evoked by activation of neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM).

The RVLM is not the sole source of the muscarinic cholinergic input to rRPa.

Activation of GABA receptors in rRPa does not mediate the cholinergic inhibition of BAT SNA.

We sought to determine if body temperature and energy expenditure are influenced by a cholinergic input to neurons in the rostral raphe pallidus (rRPa), the site of sympathetic premotor neurons controlling thermogenesis of brown adipose tissue (BAT). Nanoinjections of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) agonist, oxotremorine, or the cholinesterase inhibitor, neostigmine (NEOS), in the rRPa of anaesthetized rats decreased cold‐evoked BAT sympathetic nerve activity (SNA, nadirs: −72 and −95%), BAT temperature (Tbat, −0.5 and −0.6°C), expired CO2 (Exp. CO2, −0.3 and −0.5%) and heart rate (HR, −22 and −41 bpm). NEOS into rRPa reversed the increase in BAT SNA evoked by blockade of GABA receptors in rRPa. Nanoinjections of the mAChR antagonist, scopolamine (SCOP), in the rRPa of warm rats increased BAT SNA (peak: +1087%), Tbat (+1.8°C), Exp. CO2 (+0.7%), core temperature (Tcore, +0.5°C) and HR (+54 bpm). SCOP nanoinjections in rRPa produced similar activations of BAT during cold exposure, following a brain transection caudal to the hypothalamus, and during the blockade of glutamate receptors in rRPa. We conclude that a tonically active cholinergic input to the rRPa inhibits BAT SNA via activation of local mAChR. The inhibition of BAT SNA mediated by mAChR in rRPa does not depend on activation of GABA receptors in rRPa. The increase in BAT SNA following mAChR blockade in rRPa does not depend on the activity of neurons in the hypothalamus or on glutamate receptor activation in rRPa.
Eastern Arctic ambient noise on a drifting vertical array
Authors: Ozanich Emma , Gerstoft Peter , Worcester Peter F. , Dzieciuch Matthew A. , Thode Aaron
Published: October 2017

Ambient noise in the eastern Arctic was studied from April to September 2013 using a 22 element vertical hydrophone array as it drifted from near the North Pole (89° 23′N, 62° 35′W) to north of Fram Strait (83° 45′N, 4° 28′W). The hydrophones recorded for 108 min/day on six days per week with a sampling rate of 1953.125 Hz. After removal of data corrupted by non-acoustic transients, 19 days throughout the transit period were analyzed. Noise contributors identified include broadband and tonal ice noises, bowhead whale calling, seismic airgun surveys, and earthquake T phases. The bowhead whale or whales detected are believed to belong to the endangered Spitsbergen population, and were recorded when the array was as far north as 86° 24′N. Median power spectral estimates and empirical probability density functions along the array transit show a change in the ambient noise levels corresponding to seismic survey airgun occurrence and received level at low frequencies and transient ice noises at high frequencies. Median power for the same periods across the array shows that this change is consistent in depth. The median ambient noise for May 2013 was among the lowest of the sparse reported observations in the eastern Arctic but comparable to the more numerous observations of western Arctic noise levels.
A cross-linguistic study of speech modulation spectra
Authors: Varnet Léo , Ortiz-Barajas Maria Clemencia , Erra Ramón Guevara , Gervain Judit , Lorenzi Christian
Published: October 2017

Languages show systematic variation in their sound patterns and grammars. Accordingly, they have been classified into typological categories such as stress-timed vs syllable-timed, or Head-Complement (HC) vs Complement-Head (CH). To date, it has remained incompletely understood how these linguistic properties are reflected in the acoustic characteristics of speech in different languages. In the present study, the amplitude-modulation (AM) and frequency-modulation (FM) spectra of 1797 utterances in ten languages were analyzed. Overall, the spectra were found to be similar in shape across languages. However, significant effects of linguistic factors were observed on the AM spectra. These differences were magnified with a perceptually plausible representation based on the modulation index (a measure of the signal-to-noise ratio at the output of a logarithmic modulation filterbank): the maximum value distinguished between HC and CH languages, with the exception of Turkish, while the exact frequency of this maximum differed between stress-timed and syllable-timed languages. An additional study conducted on a semi-spontaneous speech corpus showed that these differences persist for a larger number of speakers but disappear for less constrained semi-spontaneous speech. These findings reveal that broad linguistic categories are reflected in the temporal modulation features of different languages, although this may depend on speaking style.
Preclinical modeling highlights the therapeutic potential of hematopoietic stem cell gene editing for correction of SCID-X1
Authors: Schiroli Giulia , Ferrari Samuele , Conway Anthony , Jacob Aurelien , Capo Valentina , Albano Luisa , Plati Tiziana , Castiello Maria C. , Sanvito Francesca , Gennery Andrew R. , Bovolenta Chiara , Palchaudhuri Rahul , Scadden David T. , Holmes Michael C. , Villa Anna , Sitia Giovanni , Lombardo Angelo , Genovese Pietro , Naldini Luigi
Published: October 2017

Preclinical studies establish the conditions for safe and effective correction of SCID-X1 by targeted gene editing of hematopoietic stem cells.
Check twice, cut once—Improved CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing accuracy
Authors: Byrne Leah C.
Published: October 2017

Based on observations of the mechanism underlying target discrimination, researchers have developed highly accurate variants of CRISPR-Cas9.
Less is more for anticancer therapy combinations
Authors: Miller Miles A.
Published: October 2017

Withdrawal of MAPK inhibition sensitizes cancer cells to DNA repair–targeting drugs.
Lurking culprits
Authors: Miner Jonathan J.
Published: October 2017

IL-17–producing T cells persist in resolved psoriatic skin lesions.
Using comprehensive geriatric assessment for quality improvements in healthcare of older people in UK care homes: protocol for realist review within Proactive Healthcare of Older People in Care Homes (PEACH) study
Authors: Zubair Maria , Chadborn Neil H , Gladman John R F , Dening Tom , Gordon Adam L , Goodman Claire
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Care home residents are relatively high users of healthcare resources and may have complex needs. Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) may benefit care home residents and improve efficiency of care delivery. This is an approach to care in which there is a thorough multidisciplinary assessment (physical and mental health, functioning and physical and social environments) and a care plan based on this assessment, usually delivered by a multidisciplinary team. The CGA process is known to improve outcomes for community-dwelling older people and those in receipt of hospital care, but less is known about its efficacy in care home residents.

Methods and analysis

Realist review was selected as the most appropriate method to explore the complex nature of the care home setting and multidisciplinary delivery of care. The aim of the realist review is to identify and characterise a programme theory that underpins the CGA intervention. The realist review will extract data from research articles which describe the causal mechanisms through which the practice of CGA generates outcomes. The focus of the intervention is care homes, and the outcomes of interest are health-related quality of life and satisfaction with services; for both residents and staff. Further outcomes may include appropriate use of National Health Service services and resources of older care home residents. The review will proceed through three stages: (1) identifying the candidate programme theories that underpin CGA through interviews with key stakeholders, systematic search of the peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed evidence, (2) identifying the evidence relevant to CGA in UK care homes and refining the programme theories through refining and iterating the systematic search, lateral searches and seeking further information from study authors and (3) analysis and synthesis of evidence, involving the testing of the programme theories.

Ethics and dissemination

The PEACH project was identified as service development following submission to the UK Health Research Authority and subsequent review by the University of Nottingham Research Ethics Committee. The study protocols have been reviewed as part of good governance by the Nottinghamshire Healthcare Foundation Trust. We aim to publish this realist review in a peer-reviewed journal with international readership. We will disseminate findings to public and stakeholders using knowledge mobilisation techniques. Stakeholders will include the Quality Improvement Collaboratives within PEACH study. National networks, such as British Society of Gerontology and National Care Association will be approached for wider dissemination.

Trial registration number

The realist review has been registered on International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO 2017: CRD42017062601).
Association between home visiting interventions and First Nations families’ health and social outcomes in Manitoba, Canada: protocol for a study of linked population-based administrative data
Authors: Brownell Marni D , Nickel Nathan C , Enns Jennifer E , Chartier Mariette , Campbell Rhonda , Phillips-Beck Wanda , Chateau Dan , Burland Elaine , Santos Rob , Katz Alan
Published: October 2017

Introduction

First Nations people are descendants of Canada’s original inhabitants. In consequence of historical and ongoing structural injustices, many First Nations families struggle with challenging living conditions, including high rates of poverty, poor housing conditions, mental illness and social isolation. These risk factors impede caregivers’ abilities to meet their children’s basic physical and psychosocial needs. Home visiting programmes were developed to support child developmental health in families facing parenting challenges. However, whether home visiting is an effective intervention for First Nations families has not been examined. We are evaluating two home visiting programmes in Manitoba, Canada, to determine whether they promote nurturing family environments for First Nations children.

Methods and analysis

This research builds on new and established relationships among academic researchers, government decision-makers and First Nations stakeholders. We will link health, education and social services data from the Manitoba Population Research Data Repository to data from two home visiting programmes in Manitoba. Logistic regression modelling will be used to assess whether programme participation is associated with improved child developmental health, better connections between families and social services, reduced instances of child maltreatment and being taken into out-of-home care by child welfare and reduced inequities for First Nations families. Non-participating individuals with similar sociodemographic characteristics will serve as comparators. We will use an interrupted time series approach to test for differences in outcomes before and after programme implementation and a propensity score analysis to compare differences between participants and non-participants.

Ethics and dissemination

Approvals were granted by the Health Information Research Governance Committee of the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba and the University of Manitoba Health Research Ethics Board. Our integrated knowledge translation approach will involve disseminating findings through government and community briefings, developing lay summaries and infographics, presenting at academic conferences and publishing in scientific journals.
Improving monitoring of diabetic complications in home care patients
Authors: Alam Wahila , Syamala Shirmila , Al Hamad Hanadi , George Sybil , Kunnunmal Noorudeen , Abdelfattah Fatma , Chinamma Sunita , Al-Sulaiti Essa
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus can lead to microvascular and macrovascular complications. Early detection of complications is necessary to prevent end-organ damage and reduce diabetes-related morbidity. In Qatar, the Home Health Care Services of Hamad Medical Corporation caters to about 1000 patients, who solely depend on home healthcare physicians for primary care coordination, which includes management of chronic medical illnesses such as diabetes, stroke, hypertension and anaemia. Due to physician shortage, different physicians new to home care cover patients on different days. This leads to inconsistency of monitoring for many chronic conditions including diabetes and its complications. In this context, we conducted a quality improvement project to improve compliance to monitoring of diabetes complications in Home Healthcare Services by the implementation of a checklist.

Methods

We initially collected baseline data on monitoring of diabetes complications by chart review. Quality improvement principles and methods were employed to develop a checklist-based intervention to improve screening of diabetes complications by healthcare staff.

Results

Following the intervention, checklist completion rate improved from 0%–36% in 3 months to 63% in 2 years. The healthcare staff’s knowledge of monitoring for diabetes complications improved significantly across all monitored parameters. Furthermore, the percentage of patients being monitored for diabetes complications (ie, outcomes) also improved substantially. Monitoring for proteinuria and diabetic retinopathy improved from 10% and 17% at baseline to 85% and 74% 2 years postintervention, respectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, quality improvement methods were successfully used to improve monitoring of diabetes complications according to international guidelines in a very vulnerable population.
Waveform capnography: an alternative to physician gestalt in determining optimal intubating conditions after administration of paralytic agents
Authors: Scoccimarro Anthony , West Jason R , Kanter Marc , Caputo Nicholas D
Published: October 2017

Purpose

We sought to evaluate the utility of waveform capnography (WC) in detecting paralysis, by using apnoea as a surrogate determinant, as compared with clinical gestalt during rapid sequence intubation. Additionally, we sought to determine if this improves the time to intubation and first pass success rates through more consistent and expedient means of detecting optimal intubating conditions (ie, paralysis).

Methods

A prospective observational cohort study of consecutively enrolled patients was conducted from April to June 2016 at an academic, urban, level 1 trauma centre in New York City. Nasal cannula WC was used to determine the presence of apnoea as a surrogate measure of paralysis versus physician gestalt (ie, blink test, mandible relaxation, and so on).

Results

One hundred patients were enrolled (50 in the WC group and 50 in the gestalt group). There were higher proportions of failure to determine optimal intubating conditions (ie, paralysis) in the gestalt group (32%, n=16) versus the WC group (6%, n=3), absolute difference 26, 95% CI 10 to 40. Time to intubation was longer in the gestalt group versus the WC group (136 seconds vs 116 seconds, absolute difference 20 seconds 95% CI 14 to 26). First pass success rates were higher in the WC group verses the gestalt group (92%, 95% CI 85 to 97 vs 88%, 95% CI 88 to 95, absolute difference 4%, 95% CI 1 to 8).

Conclusion

These preliminary results demonstrate WC may be a useful objective measure to determine the presence of paralysis and optimal in tubating conditions in RSI.
Competitive interactions between gray triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) and red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) in laboratory and field studies in the northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Simmons Carrie M. , Szedlmayer Stephen T.
Published: October 2017

Field removal and laboratory studies examined competitive interactions between gray triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) and red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus). In field studies, all gray triggerfish and red snapper were counted and sizes estimated on 24 reef sites. Gray triggerfish were then removed from half of these reef sites, resulting in significantly fewer gray triggerfish on the removal reefs at the start of the experiment. After 7 months the experiment ended and reef sites were resurveyed. Gray triggerfish decreased on both treatments, while the mean number of red snapper did not differ between treatments; however, there were significantly more small (<400 mm total length) red snapper on reefs where gray triggerfish were removed. In seven laboratory growth trials (30 to 35 days each), red snapper held with gray triggerfish had significantly lower growth rates and numerous bite marks compared with red snapper alone. These competitive interactions indicate that management efforts to rebuild and increase gray triggerfish populations may have unintentional negative effects on red snapper populations, particularly for smaller fish.
Snyder-type space–times, twisted Poincaré algebra and addition of momenta
Authors: Meljanac S. , Meljanac D. , Mignemi S. , Štrajn R.
Published: October 2017

We discuss a generalization of the Snyder model compatible with undeformed Lorentz symmetries, which we describe in terms of a large class of deformations of the Heisenberg algebra. The corresponding deformed addition of momenta, the twist and the R-matrix are calculated to first order in the deformation parameters for all models. In the particular case of the Snyder realization, an analytic formula for the twist is obtained.
Comments on the paper “The zitterbewegung region”
Authors: Sidharth B. G. , Das Abhishek
Published: October 2017

In light of a recent paper, we revisit the Compton scale region and point out that in this region there is stochastic behavior which can be modeled by Ito’s method. All these lead to a QCD and quark-like behavior completely consistent with known empirical facts.
Design of 6-gon-Shaped Notch Filter for Cognitive Radio Applications
Authors: Maheswari A. Uma , Latha K.
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a 6-gon-shaped bandpass and notch filters for Cognitive Radio (CR) applications. The bandpass filter consists of a 6-gon-shaped multiple mode resonator with interdigital coupling at both ends. The notch filter is derived from bandpass filter by embedding four identical Embedded Open Stubs (EOS) nearby the multiple mode resonators that introduce narrow band suppression in the desired passband. Such bandpass filter with notching band is required in practical CR systems in order to effectively sense the spectrum and avoid the interference between the systems working in same environment with the same frequency. The filter is simulated using an electromagnetic solver, IE3D. The group delay obtained for bandpass filter is below 0.2[Formula: see text]ns. With the above structural features, the overall dimension of the filter is [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm2 and the fractional bandwidth (FBW) of the proposed bandpass filter is more than 100% with optimal performances in terms of insertion loss, return loss, group delay and phase.
A Self-Clocked Resistive CMOS Smart Temperature Sensor for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Tang Xian , Pun Kong Pang
Published: October 2017

A self-clocked smart temperature sensor that can be fully integrated and self-contained is introduced in this paper for the first time. The sensor is based on resistive temperature sensing and time-to-digital conversion (TDC). An on-chip RC-based simple oscillator is proposed as the clock source of the sensor. The period of the proposed oscillator tracks the time output of the sensing circuit so that its variation due to RC spread does not affect the temperature sensor’s final digital output. Monte-Carlo simulations show that the sensor achieves an error within [Formula: see text]1.9/[Formula: see text]1.21[Formula: see text]C over a temperature range from 0[Formula: see text]C to 100[Formula: see text]C after two-point calibration.
Full-Wave Bridge Rectifier with CMOS Pass Transistors Configuration
Authors: Jain Prateek , Joshi Amit
Published: October 2017

An effortless, more efficient full-wave bridge rectifier is introduced with minimum distortion. Efficient and exploratory combinations of CMOS logic are not only utilized to design full-wave bridge rectifier, but also as pass transistors configurations at the input. The particular CMOS logic (used to design core rectifier circuit) is a collective form of SDG-NMOS and SGS-PMOS. SDG-NMOS refers to a shorted drain gate n-channel metal oxide semiconductor. SGS-PMOS refers to shorted gate to source p-channel metal oxide semiconductor. Due to the utilization of renovated MOS configuration after the replacement of the diode, the efficiency of the full-wave bridge rectifier is increased up to 11% compared to p-n junction diode based full wave bridge rectifier. The proposed full wave bridge rectifier is a comparably low power circuit. The proposed CMOS based full-wave bridge rectifier is optimized at 45-nm CMOS technology. Cadence experimental simulation and implementations of the leakage power and efficiency demonstrate better consistency through the proposed circuit.
The time measurement problem in quantum cosmology
Authors: Kajuri Nirmalya
Published: October 2017

In the canonical approach to quantization of gravity, one often uses relational clock variables and an interpretation in terms of conditional probabilities to overcome the problem of time. In this essay, we show that these suffer from serious conceptual issues.
CONNECTEDNESS OF SELF-AFFINE SETS WITH PRODUCT DIGIT SETS
Authors: LIU JING-CHENG , LUO JUN JASON , TANG KE
Published: October 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be an expanding lower triangular matrix and [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be the associated self-affine set. In the paper, we generalize some connectedness results on self-affine tiles to self-affine sets and provide a necessary and sufficient condition for [Formula: see text] to be connected.
GBT-Based Vibration Analysis Using the Exact Element Method
Authors: Bebiano Rui , Eisenberger Moshe , Camotim Dinar , Gonçalves Rodrigo
Published: October 2017

Generalized Beam Theory (GBT), intended to analyze the structural behavior of prismatic thin-walled members and structural systems, expresses the member deformed configuration as a combination of cross-section deformation modes multiplied by the corresponding longitudinal amplitude functions. The determination of the latter, often the most computer-intensive step of the analysis, is almost always performed by means of GBT-based “conventional” 1D (beam) finite elements. This paper presents the formulation, implementation and application of the so-called “exact element method” in the framework of GBT-based elastic free vibration analyses. This technique, originally proposed by Eisenberger (1990), uses the power series method to solve the governing differential equations and obtains the vibration eigenvalue problem from the boundary terms. A few illustrative numerical examples are presented, focusing mainly on the comparison between the combined accuracy and computational effort associated with the determination of vibration solutions with the exact and conventional GBT-based (finite) elements. This comparison shows that the GBT-based exact element method may lead to significant computational savings, particularly when the vibration modes exhibit large half-wave numbers.
Isogeometric Stress, Vibration and Stability Analysis of In-Plane Laminated Composite Structures
Authors: Faroughi S. , Shafei E. , Schillinger D.
Published: October 2017

We present a computational study that develops isogeometric analysis based on higher-order smooth NURBS basis functions for the analysis of in-plane laminated composites. Focusing on the stress, vibration and stability analysis of angle-ply and cross-ply 2D structures, we compare the convergence of the strain energy error and selected stress components, eigen-frequencies and buckling loads according to overkill solutions. Our results clearly demonstrate that for in-plane laminated composite structures, isogeometric analysis is able to provide the same accuracy at a significantly reduced number of degrees of freedom with respect to standard [Formula: see text] finite elements. In particular, we observe that the smoothness of spline basis functions enables high-quality stress solutions, which are superior to the ones obtained with conventional finite elements.
Vibration Analysis of Third-Order Shear Deformable FGM Beams with Elastic Support by Chebyshev Collocation Method
Authors: Wattanasakulpong Nuttawit , Bui Tinh Quoc
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we present new results of natural frequencies for the functionally graded beams based on Chebyshev collocation method and the third-order shear deformation theory (TSDT), without requiring any shear correction factors. The beams are assumed to be elastically supported by translational and rotational springs, or simply known as elastically restrained ends. The material compositions of the beams across the gradient direction are described by different mathematical models including the simple power law, exponential and Mori–Tanaka models, and their effects on the response of beams are analyzed. We first present the Chebyshev collocation formulation of the coupled differential equations of motion for free vibration of FGM beams considering different boundary conditions, and then verify the results obtained by the proposed approach against reference ones. A parametric study is also performed for parameters such as thickness, spring constant factor, material volume fraction index, etc. The present numerical results reveal that the proposed method can offer accurate frequency results for the FGM beams as compared with those available in the literature. The results also indicate that the spring constant factors have a significant effect on the frequencies of the beams.
Simplified Approach Based on the Natural Period of Vibration for Considering Second-Order Effects on Reinforced Concrete Frames
Authors: Reis Daniel G. , Siqueira Gustavo H. , Vieira Luiz C. M. , Ziemian Ronald D.
Published: October 2017

Recent studies have demonstrated the existence of a relationship between a structures susceptibility to second-order effects and its natural period of vibration ([Formula: see text]) given that both these properties are fundamentally dependent on the structure stiffness and mass properties. The main advantage of the use of this characteristic is that [Formula: see text] can be obtained easily by the existing structural analysis software. In this study, different formulations are developed in order to propose an amplification factor ([Formula: see text]) to multiply first-order analysis results and satisfactorily obtain results of a second-order analysis. These formulations are based on D’Alembert’s principle, Rayleighs method, and the use of generalized coordinates to represent the dynamic displacement of flexible structures. It is observed that [Formula: see text] provides values closer to and in fact, more conservatively than, those obtained by the conventional simplified methods currently used by structural design engineers. Thus, the amplification factor [Formula: see text], which is based on the natural period of vibration, is proposed to be used as (i) an indicator of a structure susceptibility to second-order effects and (ii) an amplification factor to describe the second-order effects on reinforced concrete frames.
RESEARCH ON BIOMECHANICS PROPERTIES AND HEMODYNAMICS PERFORMANCE OF THE CONVERTIBLE VENA CAVA FILTER
Authors: FENG HAIQUAN , WANG KUN , QIU HONGRAN , WANG DONG
Published: October 2017

This paper reveals the biomechanical properties and hemodynamics performance of the convertible vena cava filter while it was in the process of implantation and conversion in the blood vessels. This paper uses the finite element method and computational fluid dynamics to analyze the interaction mechanism and influence of the convertible vena cava filter while the filter was in the process of implantation and conversion in the blood vessels. Additionally, six pigs were used as experimental samples to verify the effects of the filter in the blood vessels. The computer-aided simulation results showed that it was easier to cause damage to the vessel wall prior to the filter being converted into support. On the contrary, the stress, the peak value of the blood vessel’s stress, the outlet velocity, and the supporting stiffness were reduced after the conversion. Due to the intimal hyperplasia, the supporting element was easy to fix on the inner surface of the blood vessels, which was helpful for the correct positioning of the filter after the conversion. Meanwhile, the animal experiments proved that the surface of inferior vena cava wall was relatively smooth, and the filter did not cause vascular wall rupture. The computer-aided simulation and animal experiments proved the reasonability of the structure of the filter design, and that the filter has good biomechanical properties. The results will provide more scientific reference for the clinical treatment and design of the filter.