bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A DFT study of the mechanism and selectivities of the [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction between 3‐(benzylideneamino)oxindole and trans‐β‐nitrostyrene
Authors: Sobhi Chafia , Khorief Nacereddine Abdelmalek , Djerourou Abdelhafid , Ríos‐ Gutiérrez Mar , Domingo Luis R.
Published: September 2016

The mechanism and regioselectivities and stereoselectivities of the [3 + 2] cycloaddition (32CA) reaction of 3‐(benzylideneamino) oxindole (AY) and trans‐β‐nitrostyrene have been studied using both B3LYP and ωB97XD density functional theory methods together with the standard 6‐31G(d) basis set. Four reactive pathways associated with the ortho and meta regioselective channels and endo and exo stereoselective approaches modes have been explored and characterized. While the B3LYP functional fails to predict the experimental regioselectivity, the ωB97XD one succeeds to predict the experimentally observed meta regioselectivity favoring the formation of meta/endo cycloadduct as the major isomer. Inclusion of solvent effects increases the regioselectivity and decreases the experimentally observed stereoselectivity. Analysis of the density functional theory global reactivity indices and the Parr functions of the reagents in its ground state allows explaining the reactivity and the meta regioselectivity of this zwitterionic‐type 32CA reaction, which account for the high polar character of this reaction. Non‐covalent interaction analysis of the most favorable meta/endo transition state structure reveals that the formation of a hydrogen‐bond between 1 nitro oxygen and the AY N–H hydrogen is responsible for the selectivity experimentally found in this polar zwitterionic‐type 32CA reaction.
Evaluation of field resistance to Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. in Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. The relationship with strigolactones
Authors: Mohemed Nasreldin , Charnikhova Tatsiana , Bakker Evert J , van Ast Aad , Babiker Abdelgabar GT , Bouwmeester Harro J
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

Significant losses in sorghum biomass and grain yield occur in sub‐Saharan Africa owing to infection by the root‐parasitic weed Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. One strategy to avoid these losses is to adopt resistant crop varieties. For further delineation of the role of germination stimulants in resistance, we conducted a field experiment employing six sorghum genotypes, in eastern Sudan, and in parallel analysed the strigolactone levels in the root exudates of these genotypes under controlled conditions in Wageningen.

RESULTS

The root exudates of these genotypes displayed large differences in strigolactone composition and Striga‐germination‐inducing activity. Korokollow, Fakimustahi and Wadfahel exuded the highest amounts of 5‐deoxystrigol. Fakimustahi was by far the highest sorgomol producer, and Wadbaco and SRN39 produced the highest amount of orobanchol. The concentration of 5‐deoxystrigol in the root exudate showed a significant positive correlation with in vitro Striga germination and was positively associated with Striga infection in the field experiments, whereas orobanchol was negatively associated with Striga infection in the field experiments.

CONCLUSION

For the first time a close association is reported between strigolactone levels analysed under laboratory conditions and Striga infection in the field in sorghum genotypes. These genotypes may be used for further study of this resistance mechanism and for the introgression of the low germination trait in other sorghum varieties to breed for a strigolactone composition with low stimulant activity. The use of such improved varieties in combination with other Striga management tools could possibly alleviate the current Striga problem on the African continent. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Nanostructuring GaN thin film for enhanced light emission and extraction
Authors: Nayak Sanjay Kumar , Shamoon Danish , Ghatak Jay , Shivaprasad Sonnada Math
Published: September 2016

We demonstrate here that nanostructuring of GaN thin film significantly enhances the band‐edge emission, due to structural and geometrical effects. Films of increasing roughness are formed by kinetic control in a PA‐MBE system and their morphological, structural and optical properties are compared by complementary characterization probes. The nanowall configuration with largest pore size (215 nm) shows a two orders of magnitude enhancement of integrated PL intensity in comparison to a GaN epilayer. Finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulation is performed to explain the role of total internal reflection and scattering on light extraction. The extended defects terminate proximal to interface, leading to most regions of the nanowalls are defect free, enhancing light generation. The observation of broad HRXRD rocking curves is attributed to a mosaicity that originates due to mutual misorientation of the nanowalls. Thus, the low dislocation density in the nanowalls and their suitable geometry promotes high light emission and extraction, respectively, offering this nanostructure as a potential material for high brightness LED fabrication.
The Chicxulub impact and its different hydrogeological effects on Prehispanic and Colonial settlement in the Yucatan peninsula
Authors: Normark Johan
Published: September 2016

The Chicxulub impact ~66 million years ago and subsequent geological processes have created different hydrogeological regimes in the Yucatan peninsula, Mexico. These regimes have affected settlement patterns on local and regional scales. This study focuses on the intersection between three of these regimes; the Buried Ejecta within Saline Intrusion Zone, the Albion Formation, and the Ticul Fault Zone. Lake Chichancanab is located in the intersection between these zones. The Prehispanic settlement east of Chichancanab, in the Cochuah region, is distributed evenly whereas the Colonial period settlement of the same area largely stays within the Buried Ejecta within Saline Intrusion Zone. Colonial socioeconomic conditions and the Church limited the Spanish control of the Cochuah region, partially because groundwater access became increasingly more important during the Colonial period. WIREs Water 2016, 3:871–884. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1170

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change

Human Water > Water Governance
Narratives in climate change discourse
Authors: Fløttum Kjersti , Gjerstad Øyvind
Published: September 2016

‘Stories’ used to communicate climate change knowledge shape opinions and preferences, and analyzing such narratives can help explain how they are constructed and how they influence us on personal and societal scales. The narrative perspective makes it possible to identify the presence or absence of typical components in a ‘story,’ such as initial situation, complication, reaction(s), resolution, and final situation, and to identify different actors or narrative characters (heroes, villains, victims). This article reviews the notions of narratives and frames, describes narrative analysis generally and more specifically how a text linguistic perspective can benefit from and contribute to the Narrative Policy Framework in narrative analysis. It illustrates how different approaches can be applied as analytical tools to explore the effects of conflicting narratives (frames) on public opinion of and attitudes towards climate change. Applied to various text genres, the analysis identifies different components of the ‘stories,’ at overarching levels of the text as a whole and at microlevels such as sentences. This may have rhetorical implications, as controversial points of view can be hidden from critical assessment through the condensation of narrative components into short expressions. When exposed to conflicting ‘stories,’ people get a diverse picture of climate change, a diversity which may, however, also lead to confusion about how to react. Concerning the narrative characters, recent research indicates that a clear hero role has a large persuasive impact. More experiments testing how people interpret various narratives should be undertaken in an interdisciplinary perspective, combining social science, and linguistic approaches. WIREs Clim Change 2017, 8:e429. doi: 10.1002/wcc.429

This article is categorized under:

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Communication
Wireless monitoring algorithm for wind turbine blades using Piezo‐electric energy harvesters
Authors: Lim Dong‐Won , Mantell Susan C. , Seiler Peter J.
Published: September 2016

Wind turbine blade failure can be catastrophic and lead to unexpected power interruptions. In this paper, a Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) algorithm is presented for wireless monitoring of wind turbine blades. The SHM algorithm utilizes accumulated strain energy data, such as would be acquired by piezoelectric materials. The SHM algorithm compares the accumulated strain energy at the same position on the three blades. This exploits the inherent triple redundancy of the blades and avoids the need for a structural model of the blade. The performance of the algorithm is evaluated using probabilistic metrics such as detection probability (True Positive) and false alarm rate (False Positive). The decision time is chosen to be sufficiently long that a particular damage level can be detected even in the presence of system sensor noise and wind variations. Finally, the proposed algorithm is evaluated with a case study of a utility‐scale turbine. The noise level is based on measurements acquired from strain sensors mounted on the blades of a Clipper Liberty C96 turbine. Strain energy changes associated with damage from matrix cracking and delamination are simulated with a finite element model. The case study demonstrates that the proposed algorithm can detect damage with a high probability based on a decision time period of approximately 50–200 days. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolation of Phosphinoimino‐2‐imidazoline
Authors: Chong Che Chang , Ganguly Rakesh , Li Yongxin , Kinjo Rei
Published: September 2016

The phosphinoimino‐2‐imidazoline 4 was synthesized by a salt elimination reaction between LiNIPr [NIPr = 1,3‐bis(2,6‐(diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin‐2‐ylidenamino)] and 2‐chloro‐1,3,2‐diazaphospholene. DFT study revealed that the HOMO of 4 involves the lone pair orbitals on the P atom and the N atom at the exocyclic P–N bond. Compound 4 displays selectivity in coordinating to acids. Thus, the N atom at the exocyclic P–N bond coordinates to a hard acid (HCl) which eventually led to the cleavage of the P–N bond, while the central P atom forms a dative bond with a soft Lewis acid, BH3.
Psychological autopsy of seventy high school suicides: Combined qualitative/quantitative approach
Authors: Zalsman G. , Siman Tov Y. , Tzuriel D. , Shoval G. , Barzilay R. , Tiech Fire N. , Sherf M. , John Mann J.
Published: September 2016

Objective

Suicide is the leading cause of death among Israeli youths but data on causes are scarce. This study used psychological autopsies of 70 Israeli school students who committed suicide during 2004–2011, attempting to determine the causes.

Methods

Four narratives of the self were identified (qualitative analysis) and compared (quantitative analysis): (1) regressive: functioning and mood deteriorated continuously (45%); (2) tragic: doing well until rapid decline around suicidal crisis (20%); (3) unstable: peaks and crises throughout life (20%); and (4) stable: long lasting state of adverse living circumstances (15%). Functioning, mental disorders, stressful life events and substance abuse were examined.

Results

A representative profile of the suicide-completer emerged. Suicidality in the tragic narrative involved shorter crisis, fewer risk factors and less psychopathology than the other narratives, also better general functioning and better school performance. Though decrease in functioning was evident in all groups, in the tragic group it tended to be disregarded.

Conclusion

This study presents an in-depth analysis of a unique suicide population of high school students. A combined methodology of qualitative and quantitative analyses reveals a distinct subpopulation of suicidal adolescents with little or no overt psychopathology that poses a challenge to suicide prevention strategies.
Novel psychoactive substances: An investigation of temporal trends in social media and electronic health records
Authors: Kolliakou A. , Ball M. , Derczynski L. , Chandran D. , Gkotsis G. , Deluca P. , Jackson R. , Shetty H. , Stewart R.
Published: September 2016

Background

Public health monitoring is commonly undertaken in social media but has never been combined with data analysis from electronic health records. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the emergence of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) in social media and their appearance in a large mental health database.

Methods

Insufficient numbers of mentions of other NPS in case records meant that the study focused on mephedrone. Data were extracted on the number of mephedrone (i) references in the clinical record at the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, London, UK, (ii) mentions in Twitter, (iii) related searches in Google and (iv) visits in Wikipedia. The characteristics of current mephedrone users in the clinical record were also established.

Results

Increased activity related to mephedrone searches in Google and visits in Wikipedia preceded a peak in mephedrone-related references in the clinical record followed by a spike in the other 3 data sources in early 2010, when mephedrone was assigned a ‘class B’ status. Features of current mephedrone users widely matched those from community studies.

Conclusions

Combined analysis of information from social media and data from mental health records may assist public health and clinical surveillance for certain substance-related events of interest. There exists potential for early warning systems for health-care practitioners.
Systematic review of dementia prevalence and incidence in United States race/ethnic populations
Authors: Mehta Kala M. , Yeo Gwen W.
Published: September 2016

Objective

To identify incidence and prevalence of dementia in racial and ethnic populations in the United States.

Methods

A systematic review of literature.

Results

A total of 1215 studies were reviewed; 114 were included. Dementia prevalence rates reported for age 65+ years from a low of 6.3% in Japanese Americans, 12.9% in Caribbean Hispanic Americans, 12.2% in Guamanian Chamorro and ranged widely in African Americans from 7.2% to 20.9%. Dementia annual incidence for African American (mean = 2.6%; SD = 1%; range, 1.4%–5.5%) and Caribbean Hispanic populations were significantly higher (mean, 3.6%; SD, 1.2%; range, 2.3%–5.3%) than Mexican American and Japanese Americans and non‐Latino white populations (0.8%–2.7%), P < .001.

Conclusions

Data are needed for American Indian, most Asian, and Pacific Islander populations. Disaggregation of large race/ethnic classifications is warranted due to within‐population heterogeneity in incidence and prevalence. African American and Caribbean Hispanic studies showed higher incidence of dementia. A nationwide approach is needed to identify communities at high risk and to tailor culturally appropriate services accordingly.
The warmth of our regrets: Managing regret through physiological regulation and consumption
Authors: Rotman Jeff D. , Lee Seung Hwan (Mark) , Perkins Andrew W.
Published: September 2016

This research suggests that experiencing action regret induces a change in psychological and physical warmth, motivating individuals to ameliorate that change via interaction with objects that are perceived to be physically or psychologically opposite in temperature. Experiment 1 revealed individuals experiencing action regret felt more self‐conscious emotions, and subsequently preferred cold (versus hot) drinks. Experiment 2 replicated this effect and ruled out arousal as a possible alternative explanation. Experiment 3 furthered this link by demonstrating that those feeling more self‐conscious emotions felt warmer and subsequently preferred cold (versus hot) drinks. Finally, experiment 4 found that advertisements manipulated for temperature (e.g., cold climate) mitigated the psychological effects of action regret. We interpret the results of these four studies within the emerging field of embodied cognition, which argues that our understanding of emotional concepts is grounded in, and can be influenced by, physical experiences.
Screening for Sexual Dysfunction by Medical Students
Authors: Alimena Stephanie , Lewis Judy
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Despite the widespread effects of sexual dysfunction on health, sexual problems are not routinely addressed by physicians. Attitudes toward sexual dysfunction screening have not yet been evaluated in medical students.

Aim

To evaluate the frequency of screening for sexual dysfunction by medical students, their attitudes toward screening, and factors that influence whether medical students discuss sexual problems with patients.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted by online questionnaire. Participants were U.S. medical student members of the American Medical Student Association.

Main Outcome Measures

Demographic information, frequency of screening for sexual problems at annual examinations, importance of screening, and screening practices of role models were assessed.

Results

In total 369 participants completed demographic information and additional questions (mean age = 26.5 ± 4.3 years, range = 21–52). Most students believed it was important to screen for sexual dysfunction (mean = 7.8 ± 2.0); however, 16.1% never screened patients. Importance and frequency of screening were correlated with how often the student's role model screened (r = 0.400, P < .001; r = 0.582, P < .001, respectively). Other significant relationships with screening importance were students interested in obstetrics and gynecology or urology (t = −2.166, P = .031), students earlier in their training (F = 3.608, P = .014), those who had observed a preceptor screen a patient (t = −2.298, P = .022), and those screened by their own clinician (t = −2.446, P = .015). Students reported increased screening frequency if they had observed any preceptor screen a patient (t = −7.678, P < .001), believed that their medical school curriculum provided enough training in screening techniques (t = −3.281, P = .001), and had themselves been screened by a clinician (t = −4.557, P < .001). There were no differences by age, sex, or religion.

Conclusion

Medical students do not routinely screen patients for sexual dysfunction despite believing it is in the physician's scope of practice. These results highlight the importance of role modeling and curriculum in increasing screening practices.
Determine of the optimal number of cycles of docetaxel in the treatment of metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Shen Yuan‐Chi , Chiang Po‐Hui , Luo Hao‐Lun , Chuang Yao‐Chi , Chen Yen‐Ta , Kang Chih‐Hsiung , Hsu Chun‐Chien , Lee Wei‐Ching , Cheng Yuan‐Tso
Published: September 2016

To determine the optimal number of cycles of docetaxel for metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer, we retrospectively collected 73 patients receiving varying numbers of docetaxel plus prednisolone and analyzed the clinical outcomes including overall survival, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) response, and adverse events. The study included 33 patients receiving ≤ 10 cycles of docetaxel and 40 patients receiving > 10 cycles. Patients receiving > 10 cycles were younger than those who received ≤ 10 cycles. There was no statistical significant difference in overall survival between the two groups (log‐rank test, p = 0.75). Adverse effects were more common among patients receiving ≥ 10 cycles of treatment. A PSA flare‐up was observed among six patients (8.2%); the median duration of the PSA surge was 3 weeks (range, 3–12 weeks). The overall survival rates in patients with PSA flare‐up were comparable with the patients having PSA response. We concluded that at least four cycles of docetaxel should be administered in metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer patients in order not to cease treatment prematurely from potentially beneficial chemotherapy. However, administering > 10 cycles does not result in any further improvement in survival and is associated with more adverse effects.
The Clinical Efficacy for Two‐Level Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections
Authors: Singh Jaspal R. , Cardozo Eliana , Christolias George C.
Published: September 2016

Background

Epidural steroid injections have been used in combination with other modalities for the treatment of lumbar radicular pain. The literature has shown that 1‐level lumbar fluoroscopically guided transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESIs) are effective in decreasing pain and morbidity; however, the efficacy of 2‐level TFESIs has not been investigated, although they are performed by many practitioners in the treatment of lumbar radicular pain.

Objectives

To assess the clinical effectiveness of 2‐level TFESIs in patients with unilateral, single‐level lumbar radicular pain. In addition, a subgroup analysis was performed based on disk herniation location.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort.

Setting

Outpatient physiatry pain practice.

Patients

A total of 721 patients were included in this study having undergone a two‐level transforaminal epidural steroid injection.

Methods

The study group included patients who underwent a 2‐level lumbar TFESI. Patients presented for lumbar radicular pain as the result of disk herniation with or without radiculopathy and were scheduled to receive a lumbar TFESI at L3 or below. Of this group, only those that underwent a 2‐level TFESIs were included in the study, and data analysis was carried out on this group.

Main Outcome Measures

Subjects were assessed with a pain numerical rating scale (NRS 0‐10) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) before TFESI and at 2‐week and 2‐month follow‐up. Responders were defined as greater that 50% reduction in NRS or greater than 40% reduction in ODI.

Results

A total of 57.7% of patients were responders in terms of NRS (P < .05, confidence interval 53.6%‐61.9%) and 51.7% responded in ODI at 2‐month follow‐up (P < .05 [confidence interval 47.5%‐55.9%]). In addition, patients with complete pain relief (defined as 0/10 on NRS) were noted at both 2‐week (n = 239, 33%) and 2‐month (n = 130, 18%) follow‐up. In subgroup analysis, the paracentral/subarticular disk group had an increased number of responders, 66.0% in NRS and 64.0% in ODI at 2‐month follow‐up (P < .05).

Conclusions

Two‐level TFESIs are effective in the management of radicular pain, but more research is needed to evaluate the utility of this treatment compared with single‐level TFESI. Our study showed a greater improvement in pain and function as a result of 2‐level TFESIs in the setting of paracentral/subarticular disk herniations.

Level of Evidence

IV
Lineamientos generales para el diseño de un modelo intercultural de atención a la salud de inmigrantes mayas yucatecos en San Francisco, California
Authors: Villanueva Villanueva Nancy Beatriz , Güémez Pineda Miguel Antonio
Published: September 2016

Presentamos los resultados de la primera fase del proyecto de investigación aplicada “Conectando mundos”, cuyos objetivos son incrementar el acceso de los inmigrantes mayas yucatecos radicados en SanFrancisco, California, a los servicios de salud y contribuir a mejorar la calidad de estos servicios, mediante el diseño e implementación de un modelo de atención que favorezca el entendimiento entre pacientes y profesionales y disminuya las experiencias discriminatorias. En esta fase realizamos trabajo de campo en el lugar de origen de estos migrantes (Oxkutzcab, Yucatán) para obtener la información pertinente paraelaborar dicho modelo de atención. A partir del análisis de los datos y de tres conceptos teóricos de interculturalidad dilucidamos los lineamientos generales para el diseño de ese modelo de atención intercultural ala salud, desde una noción de interculturalidad respetuosa y abierta a los saberes y prácticas diferentes, sin asumir a priori a los conocimientos médicos occidentales como mejores.
Publicación desde el pregrado en Latinoamérica: dificultades y factores asociados en estudiantes de Medicina
Authors: Sánchez-Duque Jorge A. , Gómez-González José F. , Rodríguez-Morales Alfonso J.
Published: September 2016

Introducción: La enseñanza de investigación científica durante el pregrado representa un pilar fundamental en el desarrollo integral del estudiante, que debe ser una prioridad en todas las universidades.Objetivo: Identificar factores asociados a la publicación científica en estudiantes de Medicina de Latinoamérica.
Método: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. Los participantes de un curso extracurricular dirigido por una sociedad científica respondieron continuamente durante 8 semanas a unos cuestionarios diseñados por el comité editor del curso.
Resultados: Se incluyeron 141 estudiantes; el 79,43% pertenecía a una sociedad científica, el 48,94% había presentado al menos un trabajo en un congreso, mientras que el 19,15% tenía al menos una publicación científica; los estudios transversales y las cartas al editor son el principal tipo de publicación, con una prevalencia del 37 y el 33%, respectivamente.
Conclusiones: El número de publicaciones en las cuales se incluyen estudiantes de Medicina en Latinoamérica es bajo. Pertenecer a sociedades científicas, principalmente a aquellas que cuentan con revistas estudiantiles, aumenta la probabilidad de tener una mayor producción científica.
Design of the NL‐ENIGMA study: Exploring the effect of Souvenaid on cerebral glucose metabolism in early Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Scheltens Nienke M.E. , Kuyper Ingrid S. , Boellaard Ronald , Barkhof Frederik , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Broersen Laus M. , Lansbergen Marieke M. , van der Flier Wiesje M. , van Berckel Bart N.M. , Scheltens Philip
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Alzheimer's disease is associated with early synaptic loss. Specific nutrients are known to be rate limiting for synapse formation. Studies have shown that administering specific nutrients may improve memory function, possibly by increasing synapse formation. This Dutch study explores the Effect of a specific Nutritional Intervention on cerebral Glucose Metabolism in early Alzheimer's disease (NL‐ENIGMA, Dutch Trial Register NTR4718, http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=4718). The NL‐ENIGMA study is designed to test whether the specific multinutrient combination Fortasyn Connect present in the medical food Souvenaid influences cerebral glucose metabolism as a marker for improved synapse function.

Methods

This study is a double‐blind, randomized controlled parallel‐group single‐center trial. Forty drug‐naive patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia with evidence of amyloid deposition are 1:1 randomized to receive either the multinutrient combination or placebo once daily. Main exploratory outcome parameters include absolute quantitative positron emission tomography with 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (including arterial sampling) and standard uptake value ratios normalized for the cerebellum or pons after 24 weeks.

Discussion

We expect the NL‐ENIGMA study to provide further insight in the potential of this multinutrient combination to improve synapse function.
Vitamin E family: Role in the pathogenesis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Boccardi Virginia , Baroni Marta , Mangialasche Francesca , Mecocci Patrizia
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Vitamin E family, composed by tocopherols and tocotrienols, is a group of compounds with neuroprotective properties. The exact role in the pathogenesis and the benefit of vitamin E as treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are still under debate.

Methods

A literature search in PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane databases has been carried out. All types of studies, from bench and animal models to clinical, were included.

Results

High plasma vitamin E levels are associated with better cognitive performance, even if clear evidence of their ability to prevent or delay cognitive decline in AD is still lacking. Each vitamin E form is functionally unique and shows specific biological functions. Tocotrienols seem to have superior antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties compared with tocopherols.

Discussion

The benefit of vitamin E as a treatment for AD is still under debate, mainly because of the inconsistent findings from observational studies and the methodological limitations of clinical trials.
Characterization of sets of limit measures of a cellular automaton iterated on a random configuration
Authors: HELLOUIN DE MENIBUS BENJAMIN , SABLIK MATHIEU
Published: September 2016

The asymptotic behaviour of a cellular automaton iterated on a random configuration is well described by its limit probability measure(s). In this paper, we characterize measures and sets of measures that can be reached as limit points after iterating a cellular automaton on a simple initial measure. In addition to classical topological constraints, we exhibit necessary computational obstructions. With an additional hypothesis of connectivity, we show these computability conditions are sufficient by constructing a cellular automaton realizing these sets, using auxiliary states in order to perform computations. Adapting this construction, we obtain a similar characterization for the Cesàro mean convergence, a Rice theorem on the sets of limit points, and we are able to perform computation on the set of measures, i.e. the cellular automaton converges towards a set of limit points that depends on the initial measure. Last, under non-surjective hypotheses, it is possible to remove auxiliary states from the construction.
Healthcare Personnel Attire and Devices as Fomites: A Systematic Review
Authors: Haun Nicholas , Hooper-Lane Christopher , Safdar Nasia
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

Transmission of pathogens within the hospital environment remains a hazard for hospitalized patients. Healthcare personnel clothing and devices carried by them may harbor pathogens and contribute to the risk of pathogen transmission.

OBJECTIVE

To examine bacterial contamination of healthcare personnel attire and commonly used devices.

METHODS

Systematic review.

RESULTS

Of 1,175 studies screened, 72 individual studies assessed contamination of a variety of items, including white coats, neckties, stethoscopes, and mobile electronic devices, with varied pathogens includingStaphylococcus aureus,including methicillin-resistantS. aureus, gram-negative rods, and enterococci. Contamination rates varied significantly across studies and by device but in general ranged from 0 to 32% for methicillin-resistantS. aureusand gram-negative rods.Enterococcuswas a less common contaminant. Few studies explicitly evaluated for the presence ofClostridium difficile.Sampling and microbiologic techniques varied significantly across studies. Four studies evaluated for possible connection between healthcare personnel contaminants and clinical isolates with no unequivocally direct link identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Further studies to explore the relationship between healthcare personnel attire and devices and clinical infection are needed.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2016;1–7
Influence of large-scale accelerating motions on turbulent pipe and channel flows
Authors: Hwang Jinyul , Lee Jin , Sung Hyung Jin
Published: September 2016

Direct numerical simulation data from turbulent pipe and channel flows at$\mathit{Re}_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}\approx 930$are used to investigate their statistical difference by focusing on large-scale motions (LSMs). The contribution to the bulk production of turbulent kinetic energy shows marked differences in the overlap and core regions. These discrepancies arise from the dominant contributions of the LSMs ($\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}_{x}>3\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}$) to the Reynolds shear stress in the channel flow. The spectrum of the net Reynolds shear force reveals that the LSMs accelerate the mean flow in the overlap region. The net force spectrum is further decomposed into the spectra of velocity–vorticity correlations,$\langle v\unicode[STIX]{x1D714}_{z}\rangle$and$\langle -w\unicode[STIX]{x1D714}_{y}\rangle$, which are related to the advective vorticity transport and the change-of-scale effect, respectively. The dominance of large-scale accelerating motions (LSAMs) in the overlap region of the channel flow is due to the contribution of$\langle -w\unicode[STIX]{x1D714}_{y}\rangle$at longer wavelengths ($\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}_{x}>3\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}$), The LSAMs are related to the long low-speed regions, and these regions are longer and wider in the channel flow than in the pipe flow. Due to the pipe curvature, the spanwise size of the LSMs is restricted by neighbouring LSMs and the spanwise velocity fluctuations are reduced. The contribution of$\langle -w\unicode[STIX]{x1D714}_{y}\rangle$to the acceleration is prominent in the channel flow, leading to the dominance of the LSAMs associated with the change-of-scale effect.
Nusselt Number as Composite Functions of Aspect Ratio and Wall Inclination in Parallelogram Microchannels with Three Types of Thermal Boundary Conditions
Authors: Liou T.-M. , Wang H. , Chan S.-P.
Published: September 2016

In this study, attention is focused on the numerical simulations of laminar fluid flow and heat transfer in straight smooth-walled parallelogram channels with various aspect ratios (α) and inclined angles (θ). The Reynolds number (Re), characterized by the channel hydraulic diameter and the working fluid of water, is fixed at 100. The examinedαandθrange from 1 to 10 and 45° to 90°, respectively. Their effects on the thermal fluid features are explored under three thermal boundary conditions: constant wall temperature (TBC), constant axial heat transfer rate with constant peripheral temperature (H1BC), and constant wall heat flux (H2BC). The SIMPLE algorithm is employed for velocity–pressure coupling with the algebraic multigrid method, while the second-order upwind scheme is utilized for spatial discretization in pressure term; the momentum and energy equations are solved with a QUICK scheme; Least Squares Cell-Based Gradient Evaluation is applied for predicting scalar values at the cell faces and for computing secondary diffusion terms and velocity derivatives. One of the new findings is that there exists a critical value ofθ= 70° below which the Nusselt number under H2BC increases with increasingαwhereas beyond which the trend reverses, a result distinct from those computed with TBC and H1BC. Moreover, TBC is found to be a time-saving alternative to H1BC. Furthermore, both Nusselt numbers under the three thermal boundary conditions and friction factor timesReare successfully and compactly correlated with α andθto offer useful reference for designing micro-cooling channels.
Replacing monitored glaciers undergoing extinction: a new measurement series on La Mare Glacier (Ortles-Cevedale, Italy)
Authors: CARTURAN LUCA
Published: September 2016

Glacier mass balance is a key variable for the monitoring strategies of the Earth climate system, but the continuation of long-term observations is now endangered by the impending extinction of several monitored glaciers. It is therefore advisable to start new observations on neighbouring glaciers that are more likely to survive into the next few decades. These glaciers will be located at higher altitude, have larger elevation range, thus preserving an accumulation area and have good spatial representativeness. Glaciers with these characteristics may pose some problems and are more demanding for mass-balance measurements and calculations, due to their size and presence of remote and inaccessible areas, further complicated by the complex morphology and high-lateral gradients of mass balance. I present the new mass-balance series for La Mare Glacier, started in 2003 to replace the long-term monitored and rapidly vanishing Careser Glacier in the Ortles-Cevedale Group (Eastern Italian Alps). Direct glaciological mass-balance observations have been complemented by measurements with the hydrological method and, as recommended by the World Glacier Monitoring Service, validated using the geodetic method. The collected data are useful for testing and optimising two techniques proposed in the literature for extrapolating measurements to inaccessible areas.
Llandovery (early Silurian) crinoids from Hiiumaa Island, western Estonia
Authors: Ausich William I. , Wilson Mark A.
Published: September 2016

Rhuddanian crinoid faunas are poorly known globally, making this new fauna from the Hilliste Formation of western Estonian especially significant. The Hilliste fauna is the oldest Silurian fauna known from the Baltica paleocontinent, thus this is the first example of the crinoid recovery fauna after the Late Ordovician mass extinction. Hiiumaacrinus vinni n. gen. n. sp., Protaxocrinus estoniensis n. sp., Eomyelodactylus sp., calceocrinids, and five holdfast types are reported here. Although the fauna has relatively few taxa, it is among the most diverse Rhuddanian faunas known. Similar to other Rhuddanian crinoid faunas elsewhere, the Hilliste crinoid fauna contains crinoids belonging the Dimerocrinitidae, Taxocrinidae, Calceocrinidae, and Myelodactylidae; most elements of the new fauna are quite small, perhaps indicative of the Lilliput Effect.
Local Stellar Kinematics from RAVE data—VII. Metallicity Gradients from Red Clump Stars
Authors: Taş Ö. Önal , Bilir S. , Seabroke G. M. , Karaali S. , Ak S. , Ak T. , Bostancı Z. F.
Published: September 2016

We investigate the Milky Way Galaxy’s radial and vertical metallicity gradients using a sample of 47 406 red clump stars from the RAdial Velocity Experiment Data Release 4. Distances are calculated by adopting Ks-band absolute magnitude as −1.54±0.04 mag for the sample. The metallicity gradients are calculated with their current orbital positions (Rgc and Z) and with their orbital properties (Rm and zmax): d[Fe/H]/dRgc = −0.047±0.003 dex kpc−1 for |Z| ≤ 0.5 kpc and d[Fe/H]/dRm = −0.025±0.002 dex kpc−1 for zmax ≤ 0.5 kpc. This reaffirms the radial metallicity gradient in the thin disc but highlights that gradients are sensitive to the selection effects caused by the difference between Rgc and Rm. The radial gradient is flat in the distance interval 0.5-1 kpc from the plane and then becomes positive greater than 1 kpc from the plane. The radial metallicity gradients are also eccentricity dependent. We showed that d[Fe/H]/dRm = −0.089±0.010, −0.073±0.007, −0.053±0.004 and −0.044±0.002 dex kpc−1 for ep ≤ 0.05, ep ≤ 0.07, ep ≤ 0.10 and ep ≤ 0.20 sub-samples, respectively, in the distance interval zmax ≤ 0.5 kpc. Similar trend is found for vertical metallicity gradients. Both the radial and vertical metallicity gradients are found to become shallower as the eccentricity of the sample increases. These findings can be used to constrain different formation scenarios of the thick and thin discs.
Invalid Ballots and Electoral Competition
Authors: Aldashev Gani , Mastrobuoni Giovanni
Published: September 2016

In close elections, a sufficiently high share of invalid ballots—if driven by voter mistakes or electoral fraud—can jeopardize the electoral outcome. We study how the closeness of electoral race relates to the share of invalid ballots, under the traditional paper-ballot hand-counted voting technology. Using a large micro-level data set from the Italian parliamentary elections in 1994–2001, we find a strong robust negative relationship between the margin of victory of the leading candidate over the nearest rival and the share of invalid ballots. We argue that this relationship is not driven by voter mistakes, protest, or electoral fraud. The explanation that garners most support is that of rational allocation of effort by election officers and party representatives, with higher rates ofdetectionof invalid ballots in close elections.
COMPACTNESS OF SPACES OF CONVEX AND SIMPLE QUADRILATERALS
Authors: GONZÁLEZ AHTZIRI , LÓPEZ-LÓPEZ JORGE L.
Published: September 2016

The space of shapes of quadrilaterals can be identified with $\mathbb{CP}^{2}$. We deal with the subset of $\mathbb{CP}^{2}$ corresponding to convex quadrilaterals and the subset which corresponds to simple (that is, without self-intersections) quadrilaterals. We provide a complete description of the topological closures in $\mathbb{CP}^{2}$ of both spaces. Although the interior of each space is homeomorphic to a disjoint union $\mathbb{R}^{4}\sqcup \mathbb{R}^{4}$, their closures are topologically different. In particular, the boundary of the space corresponding to convex quadrilaterals is homeomorphic to a pair of three-dimensional spheres glued along a Möbius strip while the boundary of the space corresponding to simple quadrilaterals is more complicated.
Folate intakes from diet and supplements may place certain Canadians at risk for folic acid toxicity
Authors: Mudryj Adriana N. , de Groh Margaret , Aukema Harold M. , Yu Nancy
Published: September 2016

To examine the prevalence of folate inadequacy and toxicity based on usual intakes from food and supplements, as well as biomarkers of folate, secondary data analyses were performed using cross-sectional, nationally representative data from the Canadian Community Health Survey, Cycle 2.2 (n32 776), as well as biomarker data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey, Cycles 1, 2 and 3 (n15 754). On the basis of unfortified food sources, Canadians would struggle to consume adequate amounts of folate. When folate intakes from all food sources were considered, the overall prevalence of folate inadequacy was low across all age/sex groups, with the exception of females >70 years. However, >10 % of supplement users were above the tolerable upper intake level, increasing to almost 18 % when overage factors were accounted for. In addition, between 20 and 52 % of supplement users had elevated erythrocyte folate concentrations, depending on the cut-off used. Results from this study suggest that insufficient dietary intakes of folate in Canadians have been ameliorated because of the fortification policy, although folate inadequacy still exists across all age groups. However, supplement users appear to be at an increased risk of folic acid (FA) overconsumption as well as elevated erythrocyte folate. As such, the general population should be informed of the potential risks of FA overconsumption resulting from supplement use. This study suggests a need for more careful assessment of the risks and benefits of food fortification, particularly fortification above mandated levels, and FA supplement use in the general population.
Survival and reproduction ofOnthophagus landolti(Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) exposed to ivermectin residues in cattle dung
Authors: Pérez-Cogollo L.C. , Rodríguez-Vivas R.I. , Reyes-Novelo E. , Delfín-González H. , Muñoz-Rodríguez D.
Published: September 2016

Two bioassays were conducted in parallel to assess the effects of cattle treated with either 1% ivermectin (IVM) or 3.15% IVM (dosed at 0.2 and 0.63 mg kg−1, respectively) on reproduction and survival ofOnthophagus landoltiHarold. Adult beetles were exposed 10 days to faeces of treated cattle starting at: one day before treatment (controls), 3, 6, 14, 28 and 35 days post-treatment. Adult survival ofO. landoltiwas not affected by either of the two treatments. Faecal residues of 1% IVM almost completely suppressed fecundity of beetles at 3, 6 and 14 days post-treatment (dPT), and reduced fecundity ofO. landoltiat 28 dPT ( 38.3%), relative to controls. Meanwhile, IVM residues after treatment with 3.15% IVM almost completely suppressed fecundity of beetles at 3, 6, 14 and 28 dPT, and reduced fecundity ofO. landoltiat 35 dPT (80.9%), relative to controls. Larval survival was significantly reduced only at 3 dPT with 1% IVM. Meanwhile, treatment with 3.15% IVM significantly reduced larval survival at 6, 14 and 28 dPT. Larval mortality was recorded only in L-I and L-II instars. Moreover, in both bioassays, most of the L-I and L-II specimens that survived showed signs of toxicity. In conclusion, residual IVM in cattle faeces after treatment with injectable IVM has a detrimental effect on the fecundity of adultO. landoltiup to 4 weeks post-treatment and on the subsequent larval survival.
Assessing the impact of global warming on worldwide open field tomato cultivation through CSIRO-Mk3·0 global climate model
Authors: SILVA R. S. , KUMAR L. , SHABANI F. , PICANÇO M. C.
Published: September 2016

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most important vegetable crops globally and an important agricultural sector for generating employment. Open field cultivation of tomatoes exposes the crop to climatic conditions, whereas greenhouse production is protected. Hence, global warming will have a greater impact on open field cultivation of tomatoes rather than the controlled greenhouse environment. Although the scale of potential impacts is uncertain, there are techniques that can be implemented to predict these impacts. Global climate models (GCMs) are useful tools for the analysis of possible impacts on a species. The current study aims to determine the impacts of climate change and the major factors of abiotic stress that limit the open field cultivation of tomatoes in both the present and future, based on predicted global climate change using CLIMatic indEX and the A2 emissions scenario, together with the GCM Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)-Mk3·0 (CS), for the years 2050 and 2100. The results indicate that large areas that currently have an optimum climate will become climatically marginal or unsuitable for open field cultivation of tomatoes due to progressively increasing heat and dry stress in the future. Conversely, large areas now marginal and unsuitable for open field cultivation of tomatoes will become suitable or optimal due to a decrease in cold stress. The current model may be useful for plant geneticists and horticulturalists who could develop new regional stress-resilient tomato cultivars based on needs related to these modelling projections.
Reproductive biology of the commercial sea cucumberAthyonidium chilensis(Holothuroidea: Dendrochirotida) in southern Chile
Authors: Peters-Didier Josefina , Pardo Luis Miguel , Garrido Orlando , Gallardo Carlos S.
Published: September 2016

Reproductive aspects of the sea cucumberAthyonidium chilensiswere studied over a year in Valdivia, Chile, through gonad index (GI) analysis, macro- and microscopic analysis of the gonads, fecundity and size at first sexual maturity estimations. We also explored the reliability of live size estimators for their use in fisheries.Athyonidium chilensisshowed continuous gametogenesis and spawning individuals could be found throughout the year. However, spring was the main reproductive time, where an important GI decrease coincided with enhanced spawning activity evidenced through histology. GIs recovered in summer, and new signs of enhanced spawning activity were observed towards autumn (April 2008). GI peaks were observed in August 2007 and March 2008 for females (22.8 and 24.4% respectively) and September 2007 and March 2008 for males (31.9 and 25.9% respectively). Low mean GIs occurred in May and December 2007 for females (15.2 and 11.6% respectively) and May and October 2007 for males (12.7 and 14.1% respectively). Males reached sexual maturity at a smaller size than females (males: 21.2 g, females: 43.7 g eviscerated weight), and mature females showed a high mean absolute fecundity for a species with lecithotrophic larval development (6.31 × 105± 1.97 × 105SD). For fisheries, we recommend a minimum catch size over 237.89 g drained weight to ensure that caught individuals are sexually mature. This study provides relevant information for the conservation and fishery management ofA. chilensis. Continuous gametogenesis and high fecundity make this species particularly suitable for aquaculture in southern Chile.