bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association of hormone signalling genes, transcription and changes in shoot anatomy during moso bamboo growth
Authors: Li Long , Cheng Zhanchao , Ma Yanjun , Bai Qingsong , Li Xiangyu , Cao Zhihua , Wu Zhongneng , Gao Jian
Published: May 2017

Moso bamboo is a large, woody bamboo with the highest ecological, economic and cultural value of all the bamboo types and accounts for up to 70% of the total area of bamboo grown. However, the spatiotemporal variation role of moso bamboo shoot during growth period is still unclear. We found that the bamboo shoot growth can be divided into three distinct periods, including winter growth, early growth and late growth based on gene expression and anatomy. In the early growth period, lateral buds germinated from the top of the bamboo joint in the shoot tip. Intercalary meristems grew vigorously during the winter growth period and early growth period, but in the late growth period, mitosis in the intercalary meristems decreased. The expression of cell cycle‐associated genes and the quantity of differentially expressed genes were higher in early growth than those in late growth, appearing to be influenced by hormonal concentrations. Gene expression analysis indicates that hormone signalling genes play key roles in shoot growth, while auxin signalling genes play a central role. In situ hybridization analyses illustrate how auxin signalling genes regulate apical dominance, meristem maintenance and lateral bud development. Our study provides a vivid picture of the dynamic changes in anatomy and gene expression during shoot growth in moso bamboo, and how hormone signalling‐associated genes participate in moso bamboo shoot growth.
Sequencing of bulks of segregants allows dissection of genetic control of amylose content in rice
Authors: Wambugu Peterson , Ndjiondjop Marie‐Noelle , Furtado Agnelo , Henry Robert
Published: May 2017

Amylose content (AC) is a key quality trait in rice. A cross between Oryza glaberrima (African rice) and Oryza sativa (Asian rice) segregating for AC was analysed by sequencing bulks of individuals with high and low AC. SNP associated with the granule bound starch synthase (GBSS1) locus on chromosome 6 were polymorphic between the bulks. In particular, a G/A SNP that would result in an Asp to Asn mutation was identified. This amino acid substitution may be responsible for differences in GBSS activity as it is adjacent to a disulphide linkage conserved in all grass GBSS proteins. Other polymorphisms in genomic regions closely surrounding this variation may be the result of linkage drag. In addition to the variant in the starch biosynthesis gene, SNP on chromosomes 1 and 11 linked to AC was also identified. SNP was found in the genes encoding the NAC and CCAAT‐HAP5 transcription factors that have previously been linked to starch biosynthesis. This study has demonstrated that the approach of sequencing bulks was able to identify genes on different chromosomes associated with this complex trait.
Characterization of field‐scale dryland salinity with depth by quasi‐3d inversion of DUALEM‐1 data
Authors: Huang J. , Kilminster T. , Barrett‐Lennard E. G. , Triantafilis J.
Published: May 2017

To understand the limitations of saline soil and determine best management practices, simple methods need to be developed to determine the salinity distribution in a soil profile and map this variation across the landscape. Using a field study in southwestern Australia, we describe a method to map this distribution in three dimensions using a DUALEM‐1 instrument and the EM4Soil inversion software. We identified suitable parameters to invert the apparent electrical conductivity (ECa – mS/m) data acquired with a DUALEM‐1, by comparing the estimates of true electrical conductivity (σ – mS/m) derived from electromagnetic conductivity images (EMCI) to values of soil electrical conductivity of a soil‐paste extract (ECe) which exhibited large ranges at 0–0.25 (32.4 dS/m), 0.25–0.50 (18.6 dS/m) and 0.50–0.75 m (17.6 dS/m). We developed EMCI using EM4Soil and the quasi‐3d (q‐3d), cumulative function (CF) forward modelling and S2 inversion algorithm with a damping factor (λ) of 0.07. Using a cross‐validation approach, where we removed one in 15 of the calibration locations and predicted ECe, the prediction was shown to have high accuracy (RMSE = 2.24 dS/m), small bias (ME = −0.03 dS/m) and large Lin's concordance (0.94). The results were similar to those from linear regression models between ECa and ECe for each depth of interest but were slightly less accurate (2.26 dS/m). We conclude that the q‐3d inversion was more efficient and allowed for estimates of ECe to be made at any depth. The method can be applied elsewhere to map soil salinity in three dimensions.
Gone to Stamford Bridge? Influence of Foreign Football and Its Digital Coverage on Youths in Abeokuta, Nigeria
Authors: Adesina Kola , Obalanlege Adeyemi , Togunwa Lekan
Published: May 2017

This study investigates the influence of foreign football and its digital coverage among youths in Abeokuta. It examines the values portrayed by internet/satellite technology, the extent to which these values affect Nigerian youths, and the extent to which Nigerian youths’ exposure to foreign football through the internet/satellite technology affects their commitment to Nigerian football.The study employed qualitative method of Focus Group Discussion (FGD), using discussion guide to source data from youth in Abeokuta South and Abeokuta North Local Government Areas.Among others, the study discovered that major values promoted by internet technology such as technical companionship, global citizenship and technological determinism enhances western values and interests, and have undermined to a very large extent the citizenship values of Nigerian youths. Nigerian youths have practically abandoned their citizenship values such as love and loyalty to the country, patriotism and commitment to national ideas, and have embraced the values promoted by the internet with their passion for foreign football.The main findings recognises Nigerian youths interest in European football was motivated by good organization, adequate and quality facilities and good football on the field of play; hence Nigerian youths abandoned Nigerian football due to poor management, inadequate and poor facilities and insecurity at match venues, among other factors.Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that Nigerian football should be overhauled. There is need for proper funding to fix facilities like quality stadia, provision of security at match venues and ensure proper administration of the games. Youth football should be revived in Nigeria and grassroots football should be re-introduced at primary and secondary school levels to discover raw talents. Adequate arrangement should be made for marketing and sponsorship programmes, including live coverage of football events on the Nigeria television network.
Fractional Derivatives in Interval Analysis
Authors: Cottone Giulio , Santoro Roberta
Published: May 2017

In this paper, interval fractional derivatives are presented. We consider uncertainty in both the order and the argument of the fractional operator. The approach proposed takes advantage of the property of Fourier and Laplace transforms with respect to the translation operator, in order to first define integral transform of interval functions. Subsequently, the main interval fractional integrals and derivatives, such as the Riemann–Liouville, Caputo, and Riesz, are defined based on their properties with respect to integral transforms. Moreover, uncertain-but-bounded linear fractional dynamical systems, relevant in modeling fractional viscoelasticity, excited by zero-mean stationary Gaussian forces are considered. Within the interval analysis framework, either exact or approximate bounds of the variance of the stationary response are proposed, in case of interval stiffness or interval fractional damping, respectively.
Interaction Between Coexisting Orbits in Impact Oscillators
Authors: Suda Narasimha , Banerjee Soumitro
Published: May 2017

Impact oscillators exhibit an abrupt onset of chaos close to grazing due to the square-root singularity in their discrete time maps. In practical applications, this large-amplitude chaotic vibration needs to be avoided. It has been shown that this can be achieved if the ratio of the natural frequency of the oscillator ω0 and the forcing frequency is an even integer. But, in practice, it is difficult to set a parameter at such a precise value. We show that in systems with square-root singularity (prestressed impacting surface), there exists a range of ω0 around the theoretical value over which the chaotic orbit does not occur, and that this is due to an interplay between the main attractor and coexisting orbits. We show that this range of forcing frequency has exponential dependence on the amount of prestress as well as on the stiffness ratio of the springs.
A Review of Electrically-Assisted Manufacturing With Emphasis on Modeling and Understanding of the Electroplastic Effect
Authors: Ruszkiewicz Brandt J. , Grimm Tyler , Ragai Ihab , Mears Laine , Roth John T.
Published: May 2017

Increasingly strict fuel efficiency standards have driven the aerospace and automotive industries to improve the fuel economy of their fleets. A key method for feasibly improving the fuel economy is by decreasing the weight, which requires the introduction of materials with high strength to weight ratios into airplane and vehicle designs. Many of these materials are not as formable or machinable as conventional low carbon steels, making production difficult when using traditional forming and machining strategies and capital. Electrical augmentation offers a potential solution to this dilemma through enhancing process capabilities and allowing for continued use of existing equipment. The use of electricity to aid in deformation of metallic materials is termed as electrically assisted manufacturing (EAM). The direct effect of electricity on the deformation of metallic materials is termed as electroplastic effect. This paper presents a summary of the current state-of-the-art in using electric current to augment existing manufacturing processes for processing of higher-strength materials. Advantages of this process include flow stress and forming force reduction, increased formability, decreased elastic recovery, fracture mode transformation from brittle to ductile, decreased overall process energy, and decreased cutting forces in machining. There is currently a lack of agreement as to the underlying mechanisms of the electroplastic effect. Therefore, this paper presents the four main existing theories and the experimental understanding of these theories, along with modeling approaches for understanding and predicting the electroplastic effect.
Macrophage function in tissue repair and remodeling requires IL-4 or IL-13 with apoptotic cells
Authors: Bosurgi Lidia , Cao Y. Grace , Cabeza-Cabrerizo Mar , Tucci Andrea , Hughes Lindsey D. , Kong Yong , Weinstein Jason S. , Licona-Limon Paula , Schmid Edward T. , Pelorosso Facundo , Gagliani Nicola , Craft Joseph E. , Flavell Richard A. , Ghosh Sourav , Rothlin Carla V.
Published: May 2017

Local macrophage clean-up

Infection, especially by helminths or bacteria, can cause tissue damage (see the Perspective by Bouchery and Harris). Minutti
et al.
studied mouse models of helminth infection and fibrosis. They expressed surfactant protein A (a member of the complement component C1q family) in the lung, which enhanced interleukin-4 (IL-4)-mediated proliferation and activation of alveolar macrophages. This activation accelerated helminth clearance and reduced lung injury. In the peritoneum, C1q boosted macrophage activation for liver repair after bacterial infection. By a different approach, Bosurgi
et al.
discovered that after wounding caused by migrating helminths in the lung or during inflammation in the gut of mice, IL-4 and IL-13 act only in the presence of apoptotic cells to promote tissue repair by local macrophages.

Science
, this issue p.
1076
, p.
1072
; see also p.
1014
A maternal-effect selfish genetic element in
Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Ben-David Eyal , Burga Alejandro , Kruglyak Leonid
Published: May 2017

Selfish genetic interactions in nematodes

Identifying the effects and evolution of selfish genetic elements can be difficult because of their biased inheritance. Ben-David
et al.
identified a selfish genetic element that drives maternal-effect lethality in the nematode
Caenorhabditis elegans
(see the Perspective by Phadnis). This incompatibility stems from the interaction between a maternally deposited toxin and a zygotically expressed antidote. Interestingly, the antidote is encoded by the gene
pha-1
, which has been described as an essential gene in embryonic development.

Science
, this issue p.
1051
; see also p.
1013
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Phage, vB_Kpn_IME260
Authors: Xing Shaozhen , Pan Xiangchun , Sun Qiang , Pei Guangqian , An Xiaoping , Mi Zhiqiang , Huang Yong , Zhao Baohua , Tong Yigang
Published: May 2017

Klebsiella pneumoniae
is the most common clinically important opportunistic bacterial pathogen and its infection is often iatrogenic. Its drug resistance poses a grave threat to public health. The genomic data reported here comprise an important resource for research on phage therapy in the control of drug-resistant bacteria.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Livestock-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Strain Staphylococcus aureus subsp.
aureus
08S00974 (Sequence Type 398)
Authors: Makarova Olga , Johnston Paul , Walther Birgit , Rolff Jens , Roesler Uwe
Published: May 2017

We report here the complete genome sequence of the livestock-associated methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
strain 08S00974 from sequence type 398 (ST398 LA-MRSA) isolated from a fatting pig at a farm in Germany.
New Sequence Types of Vibrio parahaemolyticus Isolated from a Malaysian Aquaculture Pond, as Revealed by Whole-Genome Sequencing
Authors: Foo Soon Man , Eng Wilhelm Wei Han , Lee Yin Peng , Gui Kimberly , Gan Han Ming
Published: May 2017

The acquisition of
Photorhabdus
insect-related (Pir) toxin-like genes in
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
has been linked to hepatopancreatic necrosis disease in shrimp. We report the whole-genome sequences of genetically virulent and avirulent
V. parahaemolyticus
isolated from a Malaysian aquaculture pond and show that they represent previously unreported sequence types of
V. parahaemolyticus
.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Endophytic Plant Growth-Promoting Escherichia coli USML2
Authors: Tharek Munirah , Sim Kee-Shin , Khairuddin Dzulaikha , Amir Hamzah Ghazali , Najimudin Nazalan
Published: May 2017

Escherichia coli
strain USML2 was originally isolated from the inner leaf tissues of surface-sterilized phytopathogenic-free oil palm (
Elaeis guineensis
Jacq.). We present here the whole-genome sequence of this plant-endophytic strain. The genome consists of a single circular chromosome of 4,502,758 bp, 4,315 predicted coding sequences, and a G+C content of 50.8%.
Complete Coding Sequence of a Case of Chikungunya Virus Imported into Australia
Authors: Huang Bixing , Pyke Alyssa T. , McMahon Jamie , Warrilow David
Published: May 2017

A case of chikungunya virus infection was imported from India into Australia in late 2016. Infection was diagnosed by real-time reverse transcription-PCR and confirmed by culture isolation and genome sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis of the genome sequence indicated that the virus grouped with the east/central/south African genotype.
Fifteen-minute consultation in the normal child: Challenges relating to sexuality and gender identity in children and young people
Authors: O’Neill Thomas , Wakefield Justin
Published: May 2017

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) young people face several challenges in their daily lives, including specific healthcare inequalities. Negative societal attitudes towards sexual and gender minorities, and the effects of regular experiences of bullying and homophobia/transphobia exacerbate the normal trials and tribulations of childhood and adolescence. Barriers to accessing healthy activities, such as sport, are created by perceived stigma and real-life experiences. Healthcare environments are by default heteronormative and contribute to the isolation and exclusion of LGBT+ young people. Paediatricians are well placed to act on these healthcare inequalities and to advocate for LGBT+ youth, through simple changes to individual practice as well as system-wide improvements.
The clinical conundrum of diagnosing and treating systemic sarcoidosis in a high TB burden area
Authors: Thulasidoss Krishnadas , Asokan Lavanya , Chandra Piyush , Rejliwal Pravinkumar
Published: May 2017

A 53-year-old woman from Southern India presented with weight loss, anorexia, fever and asthenia. Whole body positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET-CT) showed fluorodeoxyglucose-avid mediastinal and abdominal lymphadenopathy with hepatic, splenic, parotid and lacrimal glandular inflammations. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of subcarinal lymph node showed non-caseating granulomas. Initial serum ACE level was elevated but with normal calcium. Despite the suspicion of sarcoidosis, a trial of antituberculosis therapy was started empirically due to similar presentations of disseminated tuberculosis (TB) in this high endemic area. The patient subsequently deteriorated and was admitted with symptomatic hypercalcaemia. Her subsequent ACE levels were very high, supportive of a diagnosis of systemic sarcoidosis. She was given steroid pulse therapy, and 5 months later had fully recovered. This case highlights the challenges faced by physicians in high TB-endemic areas when managing granulomatous diseases as they are concerned about missing TB, the difficulties in diagnosing sarcoidosis and the role of pulse steroid therapy.
Intra-abdominal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour (IMT) mimicking gonadal mass in a male infant with undescended testes
Authors: Shukla Sanjeev Kumar , Parashar Shivya
Published: May 2017

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour (IMT) is a rare benign neoplastic tumour, originally described as an inflammatory pseudotumor. Only a single case of IMT in the spermatic cord associated with undescended testes has been reported. We present a rare case of abdominal IMT in a male infant with undescended bilateral testes. The abdominopelvic mass was suspected to be a gonadal malignancy due to empty scrotal sac but proved to be otherwise on histopathology. Mass was completely resected and orchiopexy was performed for both undescended normal-appearing testes. The patient developed a recurrent mass 2 months later involving the left spermatic cord and the left testicle. Radical surgery was performed with removal of the left testicle and spermatic cord. The patient was disease-free at 1-year follow-up.
A seizure-induced T8 burst fracture re-presenting as an acute abdomen
Authors: Smith Radford Arran James , Poland Nigel , Cope Simon
Published: May 2017

A male aged 44 years presented to the emergency department with a 1-week history of intermittent right-sided abdominal pain radiating to the midline. Examination demonstrated a tender right upper quadrant with voluntary guarding and a low grade fever. One week previously, he had been admitted to hospital after an isolated, self-terminating seizure secondary to an deliberate venlafaxine overdose. His upper abdominal symptoms started immediately postseizure but at the time were attributed to musculoskeletal chest pain by the discharging team. Acute cholecystitis was suspected, but liver function tests, amylase and an erect chest radiograph were unremarkable.

The abdominal pain responded well to morphine, permitting a thorough reassessment of the patient, which revealed midthoracic spine tenderness, previously undetected. Prior to this, the patient had not complained of any back pain. A CT scan confirmed a burst fracture of T8 requiring urgent transfer to the local spinal unit for posterior stabilisation.
Long-term outcomes of the Boston type I keratoprosthesis in eyes with previous herpes simplex virus keratitis
Authors: Fry Melinda , Aravena Carolina , Yu Fei , Kattan Jaffer , Aldave Anthony J
Published: May 2017

Purpose

To report the long-term outcomes of the Boston type I keratoprosthesis (Kpro) in eyes with prior herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis.

Methods

Retrospective review of all Kpro procedures performed by a single surgeon from 1 May 2004 to 1 January 2015.

Results

13 of 173 Kpro procedures were performed in 11 eyes with prior HSV keratitis. There was not a significant difference in the percentage of eyes with and without prior HSV keratitis with preoperative (9% vs 8%, p=1.00) or postoperative (57% vs 60%, p=1.00) corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) ≥20/200 or in the percentage of contralateral eyes with preoperative CDVA ≥20/50 (55% vs 30%, p=0.18). While several postoperative complications occurred approximately twice as often in eyes with prior HSV keratitis, including persistent epithelial defect (63.6% vs 34.1%; p=0.10), corneal infiltrate (27.3% vs 12.3%; p=0.17) and sterile vitritis (18.2% vs 9.4%; p=0.31), only cystoid macular oedema (45.5% vs 12.3%; p=0.01) was significantly more common. Similarly, while the Kpro retention failure rate in eyes with prior HSV keratitis was twice than that in eyes without it (0.15 vs 0.07 per year), the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.09).

Conclusion

As greater than half of patients with unilateral HSV keratitis undergoing Kpro implantation have CDVA ≥20/50 in the contralateral eye, and as the Kpro retention failure rate in eyes with prior HSV keratitis is twice than that in eyes without prior HSV keratitis, caution should be exercised when considering Kpro implantation in these patients.
Value of pulmonary artery pressure in predicting in-hospital and one-year mortality after valve replacement surgery in middle-aged and aged patients with rheumatic mitral disease: an observational study
Authors: Jiang Lei , Wei Xue-biao , He Peng-cheng , Feng Du , Liu Yuan-hui , Liu Jin , Chen Ji-yan , Yu Dan-qing , Tan Ning
Published: May 2017

Objectives

To investigate the role of pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) in predicting in-hospital death after valve replacement surgery in middle-aged and aged patients with rheumatic mitral disease.

Design

An observational study.

Setting

Guangdong General Hospital, China.

Participants

1639middle-aged and aged patients (mean age 57±6 years) diagnosed with rheumatic mitral disease, undergoing valve replacement surgery and receiving coronary angiography and transthoracic echocardiography before operation, were enrolled.

Interventions

All participants underwent valve replacement surgery and received coronary angiography before operation.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

In-hospital death and 1-year mortality after operation.

Methods

Included patients were divided into four groups based on the preoperative PAP obtained by echocardiography: group A (PAP≤30 mm Hg); group B (>30 mm Hg50 mm Hg70 mm Hg). The relationship between PAP and in-hospital death and cumulative rate of 1-year mortality was evaluated.

Results

In-hospital mortality rate increased gradually but significantly as the PAP level increased, with 1.9% in group A (n=268), 2.3% in group B (n=771), 4.7% in group C (n=384) and 10.2% in group D (n=216) (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that PAP>70 mm Hg was an independent predictor of in-hospital death (OR=2.93, 95% CI 1.61 to 5.32, p<0.001). PAP>52.5 mm Hg had a sensitivity of 60.3% and specificity of 67.7% in predicting in-hospital death (area under the curve=0.672, 95% CI 0.602 to 0.743, p<0.001). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that patients with PAP>52.5 mm Hg had higher 1-year mortality after operation than those without (log-rank=21.51, p<0.001).

Conclusions

PAP could serve as a predictor of postoperative in-hospital and 1-year mortality after valve replacement surgery in middle-aged and aged patients with rheumatic mitral disease.
Understanding the implementation and adoption of an information technology intervention to support medicine optimisation in primary care: qualitative study using strong structuration theory
Authors: Jeffries Mark , Phipps Denham , Howard Rachel L , Avery Anthony , Rodgers Sarah , Ashcroft Darren
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Using strong structuration theory, we aimed to understand the adoption and implementation of an electronic clinical audit and feedback tool to support medicine optimisation for patients in primary care.

Design

This is a qualitative study informed by strong structuration theory. The analysis was thematic, using a template approach. An a priori set of thematic codes, based on strong structuration theory, was developed from the literature and applied to the transcripts. The coding template was then modified through successive readings of the data.

Setting

Clinical commissioning group in the south of England.

Participants

Four focus groups and five semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 participants purposively sampled from a range of stakeholder groups (general practitioners, pharmacists, patients and commissioners).

Results

Using the system could lead to improved medication safety, but use was determined by broad institutional contexts; by the perceptions, dispositions and skills of users; and by the structures embedded within the technology. These included perceptions of the system as new and requiring technical competence and skill; the adoption of the system for information gathering; and interactions and relationships that involved individual, shared or collective use. The dynamics between these external, internal and technological structures affected the adoption and implementation of the system.

Conclusions

Successful implementation of information technology interventions for medicine optimisation will depend on a combination of the infrastructure within primary care, social structures embedded in the technology and the conventions, norms and dispositions of those utilising it. Future interventions, using electronic audit and feedback tools to improve medication safety, should consider the complexity of the social and organisational contexts and how internal and external structures can affect the use of the technology in order to support effective implementation.
Testosterone Treatment and Cardiovascular and Venous Thromboembolism Risk: What is ‘New’?
Authors: Corona G , Dicuio M , Rastrelli G , Maseroli E , Lotti F , Sforza A , Maggi M
Published: May 2017

In men, testosterone (T) production declines as a function of ageing. Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) is the most commonly used term to indicate this age-related condition. In LOH, the relative clinical significance and the potential benefit of testosterone treatment (TTh) are still the subject of strong criticisms in the scientific community. The debate is further complicated by the recent position statement of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emphasizing that, in LOH, the benefits and safety of TTh have not been fully established. Hence, the FDA required a labeling change to inform patients about a possible increased cardiovascular (CV) risk of TTh. Similar considerations were previously released by the FDA and by Health Canada concerning a TTh-related venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk. In this review, we will summarize the available evidence concerning a possible link among TTh and CV and VTE risks. For this purpose, data derived from epidemiological studies analyzing relationships between the aforementioned risks and endogenous T levels will be analyzed. In addition, evidence deriving from interventional studies including pharmacoepidemiological and placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials (RCTs) will be examined. Our analysis shows that available data do not support an increased CV risk related to TTh. Similar considerations can be drawn for the relationship between TTh and VTE. The previously reported cases of TTh-related VTE were frequently related to a previously undiagnosed thrombophilia-hypofibrinolysis status. Hence, an anamnestic screening for thrombophilia before starting TTh is recommended, just as it is for the use of oral contraceptives.
Variations in nitrogen, phosphorus, and δ15N in Sphagnum mosses along a climatic and atmospheric deposition gradient in eastern Canada
Authors: Živković Tatjana , Disney Kristina , Moore Tim R.
Published: May 2017

We examined concentrations of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) and δ15N value in Sphagnum sections Acutifolia and Cuspidata inhabiting hummocks and hollows from eight bogs along a transect from ∼45 to ∼55°N in Ontario and Quebec. The N concentration in Sphagnum declined from south to north, correlating with a decrease in atmospheric N deposition. Although the overall N concentration was larger in hollows than hummocks, the pattern was inconsistent across the sites. There was a proportionally larger decline in P concentration from south to north and an overall larger P concentration in hollows than hummocks, but there were inconsistent differences across the sites. The N:P ratio ranged from 12:1 to 29:1, driven primarily by the variation in P concentration. Ratios of N and P concentration in Sphagnum capitulum:stem averaged 1.2:1, suggesting nutrient resorption from stem to capitulum during growth; the ratio rose with increasing N and P concentration in the capitulum. The δ15N value of Sphagnum rose from ∼−6‰ in the south to ∼−1‰ in the north, correlated with the decrease in Sphagnum N concentration and with a rise in the water table. We interpret this to indicate a greater dependence on N2-fixation for N acquisition in the northern and wetter sites.
Removal of free carbon and crystal structure change of amorphous silica fume by calcination
Authors: Tie Shengnian , Zhang Shaohong
Published: May 2017

The calcination process was used to remove free carbon and to change the structure of amorphous microsilica powder. The results show that the carbon content in amorphous silica powder strongly depends on the calcination temperature. When the calcination temperature is higher than 900[Formula: see text]C, the free carbon content, SiO2 content and weight loss of microsilica powder tend to be stable, with values of 0.05%, 83.8% and 4.8%, respectively. The crystalline structure, particle size and morphology start changing at a calcination temperature of 850[Formula: see text]C. When the calcination temperature is higher than 900[Formula: see text]C, the amorphous microsilica powder is fully crystallized. The morphology of the silica fume kept its original spherical shape under 850[Formula: see text]C, while above 850[Formula: see text]C the microsilica powder recrystallizes. These results provide a basis for chemical removal of metal impurities in the preparation of high-purity silica powder.
Designing a new three-dimensional periodic cellular auxetic material
Authors: Zhou Yiyi , Chen Lianmen
Published: May 2017

Auxetics are materials showing a negative Poisson’s ratio. Early research found several categories of auxetic materials in the chemical field. Later research identified the fundamental mechanism generating this behavior is rotation; a variety of two-dimensional auxetic material have been generated accordingly. Nevertheless, the successful example of three-dimensional auxetic material is still rare. This paper introduces a new design of three-dimensional periodic cellular auxetic material based on geometrical and mechanical methodology. The projections of the optimized periodic modules in two horizontal directions are geometrically same with auxetic hexahedral poem, so that the optimized periodic material can perform auxetic in both two horizontal directions under vertical compression. Parametric model is simulated to prove the design.
The influence on the average number of optical phonons in an asymmetrical Gaussian potential polar slab of semiconductors
Authors: Wang Xiu-Qing
Published: May 2017

The relationship of an asymmetrical Gaussian potential among average number of optical phonons N, temperature T and slab thickness d, in a polar slab was investigated using linear combination operator and unitary transformation methods. The results showed that the phonon frequency [Formula: see text] increases with increased temperature T, but the average number of optical phonons N and temperature T decreases with increased slab thickness d.
Vanadium sesquioxide (V2O3)-based semiconducting temperature sensitive resistors for uncooled microbolometers
Authors: Abdel-Rahman Mohamed , Alduraibi Mohammad , Zia Muhammad Fakhar , Bahidra Esme , Alasaad Amr
Published: May 2017

This paper reports on a semiconducting resistor material based on vanadium sesquioxide (V2O3) with electrical resistivity and temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) appropriate for microbolometer applications. In this work, V2O3-based semiconducting resistor material was synthesized and electrically characterized. The developed material was prepared by annealing, in O2 and N2 atmospheres, a cascaded multilayer structure composed of V2O3 (10 nm) and V (5 nm) room temperature sputter coated thin films. The developed 55 nm thin film microbolometer resistor material possessed high temperature sensitivity from 20[Formula: see text]C to 45[Formula: see text]C with a TCR of −3.68%/[Formula: see text]C and room temperature resistivity of 0.57 [Formula: see text] for O2 annealed samples and a TCR of −3.72%/[Formula: see text]C and room temperature resistivity of 0.72 [Formula: see text] for N2 annealed samples. The surface morphologies of the synthesized thin films were studied using atomic force microscopy showing no significant post-growth annealing effect on the smoothness of the samples surfaces.
A novel semi-quantum secret sharing scheme based on Bell states
Authors: Yin Aihan , Wang Zefan , Fu Fangbo
Published: May 2017

A semi-quantum secret sharing (SQSS) scheme based on Bell states is proposed in this paper. The sender who can perform any relevant quantum operations uses Bell states to share the secret keys with her participants that are limited to perform classical operations on the transmitted qubits. It is found that our scheme is easy to generalize from three parties to multiparty and more efficient than the previous schemes [Q. Li, W. H. Chan and D. Y. Long, Phys. Rev. A 82 (2010) 022303; L. Z. Li, D. W. Qiu and P. Mateus, J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 26 (2013) 045304; C. Xie, L. Z. Li and D. W. Qiu, Int. J. Theor. Phys. 54 (2015) 3819].
Quantum thermodynamics and canonical typicality
Authors: Facchi Paolo , Garnero Giancarlo
Published: May 2017

We present here a set of lecture notes on quantum thermodynamics and canonical typicality. Entanglement can be constructively used in the foundations of statistical mechanics. An alternative version of the postulate of equal a priori probability is derived making use of some techniques of convex geometry.
Quantum fluctuation relations
Authors: Facchi Paolo , Garnero Giancarlo , Ligabò Marilena
Published: May 2017

We present here a set of lecture notes on exact fluctuation relations. We prove the Jarzynski equality and the Crooks fluctuation theorem, two paradigmatic examples of classical fluctuation relations. Finally, we consider their quantum versions, and analyze analogies and differences with the classical case.
Differential calculus on manifolds with boundary applications
Authors: Ciaglia Florio Maria , Cosmo Fabio Di , Laudato Marco , Marmo Giuseppe
Published: May 2017

This paper contains a set of lecture notes on manifolds with boundary and corners, with particular attention to the space of quantum states. A geometrically inspired way of dealing with these kind of manifolds is presented, and explicit examples are given in order to clearly illustrate the main ideas.
Dirac operators on the S3 and S2 spheres
Authors: Cosmo Fabio di , Zampini Alessandro
Published: May 2017

We describe both the Hodge–de Rham and the spin manifold Dirac operator on the spheres [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], following the formalism introduced by Kähler, and exhibit a complete spectral resolution for them in terms of suitably globally defined eigenspinors.
Localization in quantum field theory
Authors: Balachandran A. P.
Published: May 2017

In non-relativistic quantum mechanics, Born’s principle of localization is as follows: For a single particle, if a wave function [Formula: see text] vanishes outside a spatial region [Formula: see text], it is said to be localized in [Formula: see text]. In particular, if a spatial region [Formula: see text] is disjoint from [Formula: see text], a wave function [Formula: see text] localized in [Formula: see text] is orthogonal to [Formula: see text].

Such a principle of localization does not exist compatibly with relativity and causality in quantum field theory (QFT) (Newton and Wigner) or interacting point particles (Currie, Jordan and Sudarshan). It is replaced by symplectic localization of observables as shown by Brunetti, Guido and Longo, Schroer and others. This localization gives a simple derivation of the spin-statistics theorem and the Unruh effect, and shows how to construct quantum fields for anyons and for massless particles with “continuous” spin.

This review outlines the basic principles underlying symplectic localization and shows or mentions its deep implications. In particular, it has the potential to affect relativistic quantum information theory and black hole physics.
Yang–Mills matrix mechanics and quantum phases
Authors: Pandey Mahul , Vaidya Sachindeo
Published: May 2017

The [Formula: see text] Yang–Mills matrix model coupled to fundamental fermions is studied in the adiabatic limit, and quantum critical behavior is seen at special corners of the gauge field configuration space. The quantum scalar potential for the gauge field induced by the fermions diverges at the corners, and is intimately related to points of enhanced degeneracy of the fermionic Hamiltonian. This in turn leads to superselection sectors in the Hilbert space of the gauge field, the ground states in different sectors being orthogonal to each other. The [Formula: see text] Yang–Mills matrix model coupled to two Weyl fermions has three quantum phases. When coupled to a massless Dirac fermion, the number of quantum phases is four. One of these phases is the color-spin locked phase.

This paper is an extended version of the lectures given by the second author (SV) at the International Workshop on Quantum Physics: Foundations and Applications, Bangalore, in February 2016, and is based on [1].
Sums of multivariate polynomials in finite subgroups
Authors: Leonetti Paolo , Marino Andrea
Published: May 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be a commutative ring, [Formula: see text] a multivariate polynomial, and [Formula: see text] a finite subgroup of the group of units of [Formula: see text] satisfying a certain constraint, which always holds if [Formula: see text] is a field. Then, we evaluate [Formula: see text], where the summation is taken over all pairwise distinct [Formula: see text]. In particular, let [Formula: see text] be a power of an odd prime, [Formula: see text] a positive integer coprime with [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] integers such that [Formula: see text] divides [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] does not divide [Formula: see text] for all non-empty proper subsets [Formula: see text]; then [Formula: see text] where the summation is taken over all pairwise distinct [Formula: see text]th residues [Formula: see text] modulo [Formula: see text] coprime with [Formula: see text].
Feature weighted clustering for user profiling
Authors: Cufoglu Ayse , Lohi Mahi , Everiss Colin
Published: May 2017

Personalization is the adaptation of the services to fit the user’s interests, characteristics and needs. The key to effective personalization is user profiling. Apart from traditional collaborative and content-based approaches, a number of classification and clustering algorithms have been used to classify user related information to create user profiles. However, they are not able to achieve accurate user profiles. In this paper, we present a new clustering algorithm, namely Multi-Dimensional Clustering (MDC), to determine user profiling. The MDC is a version of the Instance-Based Learner (IBL) algorithm that assigns weights to feature values and considers these weights for the clustering. Three feature weight methods are proposed for the MDC and, all three, have been tested and evaluated. Simulations were conducted with using two sets of user profile datasets, which are the training (includes 10,000 instances) and test (includes 1000 instances) datasets. These datasets reflect each user’s personal information, preferences and interests. Additional simulations and comparisons with existing weighted and non-weighted instance-based algorithms were carried out in order to demonstrate the performance of proposed algorithm. Experimental results using the user profile datasets demonstrate that the proposed algorithm has better clustering accuracy performance compared to other algorithms. This work is based on the doctoral thesis of the corresponding author.
Automatic LOD selection using viewpoint entropy
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Kang Fengju , Gu Hao
Published: May 2017

Discrete Level of Detail (LOD) strategy is an effective solution for balancing the inherent contradiction between quality and speed in computer graphics. However, application of this strategy requires both the appropriate selection approach and the visually comfortable transition procedure to reduce the popping effects introduced by switching between different levels. In this paper, a novel automatic LOD selection method based on viewpoint entropy was proposed. Firstly, the traditional calculation method of viewpoint entropy contained in a scene was improved for the preprocessing of LOD models. Then, the runtime rendering scheme combined with our selection method was designed for balance of frame rate during real-time rendering, and a novel smoothing LOD transition strategy based on Alternate Frame Rendered (ALR) was put forward for elimination of popping effects. Finally, an example of complex scene combined with our proposal was researched to verify its real-time performance and ability in holding continuity of rendered images. Experimental studies show the effectiveness for stabilizing frame rate and improvements in reducing loss of continuity.
Large-scale engineering geomorphological mapping as an additional tool in the assessment of earthworks for transport infrastructure
Authors: Laimer Hans J.
Published: May 2017

Although large-scale engineering geomorphological mapping is an important method in site investigations for new traffic route construction projects, it has only a very modest place in transport infrastructure maintenance management. It should be seen as an useful additional tool in the engineering stability assessment of earthworks, which is currently based on geotechnical and geophysical investigation methods. The geomorphologist must map all geomorphological features and constructional defects that impair the stability of an earthwork and its surroundings. For the application to man-made landforms existing geomorphological map legends have to be extended to constructional symbols.
Towards Visualization Recommendation Systems
Authors: Vartak Manasi , Huang Silu , Siddiqui Tarique , Madden Samuel , Parameswaran Aditya
Published: May 2017

Data visualization is often used as the first step while performing a variety of analytical tasks. With the advent of large, high-dimensional datasets and significant interest in data science, there is a need for tools that can support rapid visual analysis. In this paper we describe our vision for a new class of visualization systems, namely visualization recommendation systems, that can automatically identify and interactively recommend visualizations relevant to an analytical task. We detail the key requirements and design considerations for a visualization recommendation system. We also identify a number of challenges in realizing this vision and describe some approaches to address them.
Intersection type calculi of bounded dimension
Authors: Dudenhefner Andrej , Rehof Jakob
Published: May 2017

A notion of
dimension
in intersection typed λ-calculi is presented. The dimension of a typed λ-term is given by the minimal
norm
of an
elaboration
(a proof theoretic decoration) necessary for typing the term at its type, and, intuitively, measures intersection introduction as a resource.

Bounded-dimensional intersection type calculi are shown to enjoy subject reduction, since terms can be elaborated in non-increasing norm under β-reduction. We prove that a multiset interpretation (corresponding to a non-idempotent and non-linear interpretation of intersection) of dimensionality corresponds to the number of simultaneous constraints required during search for inhabitants. As a consequence, the inhabitation problem is decidable in bounded multiset dimension, and it is proven to be EXPSPACE-complete. This result is a substantial generalization of inhabitation for the rank 2-fragment, yielding a calculus with decidable inhabitation which is independent of rank.

Our results give rise to a new criterion (dimensional bound) for subclasses of intersection type calculi with a decidable inhabitation problem, which is orthogonal to previously known criteria, and which should have immediate applications in synthesis. Additionally, we give examples of dimensional analysis of fragments of the intersection type system, including conservativity over simple types, rank 2-types, and normal form typings, and we provide some observations towards dimensional analysis of other systems. It is suggested (for future work) that our notion of dimension may have semantic interpretations in terms of of reduction complexity.
Analyzing divergence in bisimulation semantics
Authors: Liu Xinxin , Yu Tingting , Zhang Wenhui
Published: May 2017

Some bisimulation based abstract equivalence relations may equate divergent systems with non-divergent ones, examples including weak bisimulation equivalence and branching bisimulation equivalence. Thus extra efforts are needed to analyze divergence for the compared systems. In this paper we propose a new method for analyzing divergence in bisimulation semantics, which relies only on simple observations of individual transitions. We show that this method can verify several typical divergence preserving bisimulation equivalences including two well-known ones. As an application case study, we use the proposed method to verify the HSY collision stack to draw the conclusion that the stack implementation is correct in terms of linearizability with lock-free progress condition.
Java generics are turing complete
Authors: Grigore Radu
Published: May 2017

This paper describes a reduction from the halting problem of Turing machines to subtype checking in Java. It follows that subtype checking in Java is undecidable, which answers a question posed by Kennedy and Pierce in 2007. It also follows that Java's type checker can recognize any recursive language, which improves a result of Gill and Levy from 2016. The latter point is illustrated by a parser generator for fluent interfaces.
Type directed compilation of row-typed algebraic effects
Authors: Leijen Daan
Published: May 2017

Algebraic effect handlers, introduced by Plotkin and Power in 2002,

are recently gaining in popularity as a purely functional approach to

modeling effects. In this article, we give a full overview of

practical algebraic effects in the context of a compiled

implementation in the Koka language. In particular, we show how

algebraic effects generalize over common constructs like exception

handling, state, iterators and async-await. We give an effective type

inference algorithm based on extensible effect rows using scoped

labels, and a direct operational semantics. Finally, we show an

efficient compilation scheme to common runtime platforms (like

JavaScript) using a type directed selective CPS translation.