bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased Susceptibility to Atrial Fibrillation Secondary to Atrial Fibrosis in Transgenic Goats Expressing Transforming Growth Factor‐β1
Authors: POLEJAEVA IRINA A. , RANJAN RAVI , DAVIES CHRISTOPHER J. , REGOUSKI MISHA , HALL JUSTIN , OLSEN AARON L. , MENG QINGGANG , RUTIGLIANO HELOISA M. , DOSDALL DEREK J. , ANGEL NATHAN A. , SACHSE FRANK B. , SEIDEL THOMAS , THOMAS AARON J. , STOTT RUSTY , PANTER KIP E. , LEE PAMELA M. , VAN WETTERE ARNAUD J. , STEVENS JOHN R. , WANG ZHONGDE , MACLEOD ROB S. , MARROUCHE NASSIR F. , WHITE KENNETH L.
Published: July 2016

AF Susceptibility in TGF‐β1 Transgenic Goats

Introduction

Large animal models of progressive atrial fibrosis would provide an attractive platform to study relationship between structural and electrical remodeling in atrial fibrillation (AF). Here we established a new transgenic goat model of AF with cardiac specific overexpression of TGF‐β1 and investigated the changes in the cardiac structure and function leading to AF.

Methods and Results

Transgenic goats with cardiac specific overexpression of constitutively active TGF‐β1 were generated by somatic cell nuclear transfer. We examined myocardial tissue, ECGs, echocardiographic data, and AF susceptibility in transgenic and wild‐type control goats. Transgenic goats exhibited significant increase in fibrosis and myocyte diameters in the atria compared to controls, but not in the ventricles. P‐wave duration was significantly greater in transgenic animals starting at 12 months of age, but no significant chamber enlargement was detected, suggesting conduction slowing in the atria. Furthermore, this transgenic goat model exhibited a significant increase in AF vulnerability. Six of 8 transgenic goats (75%) were susceptible to AF induction and exhibited sustained AF (>2 minutes), whereas none of 6 controls displayed sustained AF (P < 0.01). Length of induced AF episodes was also significantly greater in the transgenic group compared to controls (687 ± 212.02 seconds vs. 2.50 ± 0.88 seconds, P < 0.0001), but no persistent or permanent AF was observed.

Conclusion

A novel transgenic goat model with a substrate for AF was generated. In this model, cardiac overexpression of TGF‐β1 led to an increase in fibrosis and myocyte size in the atria, and to progressive P‐wave prolongation. We suggest that these factors underlie increased AF susceptibility.
Practitioner Review: School‐based interventions in child mental health
Authors: Paulus Frank W. , Ohmann Susanne , Popow Christian
Published: July 2016

Background

School‐based interventions (SBIs) are well‐established and effective treatments for improving child mental health. Specific school‐based topics include prevention (Tier I–III) and interventions (e.g. cognitive–behavioural programmes and daily report cards).

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search in five commonly used online databases (ERIC, MEDLINE, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO and PSYNDEX) for English‐language articles published between 1993 and 2015. Additional sources included reference lists of relevant articles and book chapters.

Results

We identified a number of successful behavioural or cognitive–behavioural programmes yielding moderate to strong effects for a range of emotional and behavioural problems. The implementation of these programmes and the collaboration of the involved settings (school and home) and persons are important factors for their effectiveness under real‐life conditions.

Conclusions

Effective SBIs are valuable tools for students with mental health problems if evidence‐based cognitive–behavioural interventions are applied and rules of translational algorithms and implementation science are respected.
Development of model for the estimation of direct flood damage including the movable property
Authors: Zabret K. , Hozjan U. , Kryžanowsky A. , Brilly M. , Vidmar A.
Published: July 2016

In recent decades, an increase in flood damage has been observed; therefore, the assessment of potential damage is becoming more important. Estimation of potential flood damage can be achieved with various existing models. However, their transferability is questionable and the actual availability of input data is often limited. To overcome these shortcomings, a new model has been developed to effectively estimate flood damage in Croatia. The proposed model uses only publicly available data such as the CORINE data set and information from censuses. The model was developed in an open source Geographic Information System programme. Validation of the model's performance was performed using data from the extreme May 2014 flood that occurred in the Balkan Peninsula. Furthermore, the model has already been used in practice and has proven to be user‐friendly due to the minimum input required from open source data, allowing for insights to be gained from data updates.
Effect of an extra layer of hydrophobic resin on the microleakage of Cl V composite resin restorations with a universal adhesive system
Authors: Bahari Mahmoud , Mohammadi Narmin , Alizadeh Oskoee Parnian , Savadi Oskoee Siavash , Davoodi Farnaz
Published: July 2016

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the application of a hydrophobic resin on the microleakage of Cl V composite resin restorations using a universal adhesive system applied in the self‐etch (SE) and etch‐and‐rinse (ER) modes.

Method

Cl V cavities were prepared on the buccal surfaces of 64 human premolar teeth and divided into four groups (n = 16): ER, ER with hydrophobic resin (ERH), SE, and SE with hydrophobic resin (SEH). Microleakage at occlusal and gingival margins was evaluated using 0.5% methylene blue dye penetration technique under stereomicroscope at 40 × magnification. Data were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U‐tests (P < 0.05).

Results

At the enamel margins, the ER group had significantly less microleakage than the SE and SEH groups (P < 0.001), but had no significant difference compared with the ERH group (P > 0.05). There was also no statistically‐significant difference between the SE and SEH groups (P > 0.05). At the dentinal margins, the SE group had significantly less microleakage compared with the ER (P < 0.001) and ERH groups (P = 0.005). Furthermore, microleakage of the SEH group was significantly less than the SE group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Applying an extra layer of hydrophobic resin significantly decreased microleakage in the SE mode at the dentinal margin, but had no significant effect in the ER mode.
Overweight and obesity among children at risk of intellectual disability in 20 low and middle income countries
Authors: Savage A. , Emerson E.
Published: July 2016

Background

Children with intellectual disability (ID) in high income countries are at significantly greater risk of obesity than their non‐disabled peers. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in 3 to 4‐year‐old children who are/are not at risk of ID in low and middle income countries.

Method

Secondary analysis of Round 4 and 5 UNICEF Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) from 20 low and middle income countries that included a total of 83 597 3 to 4‐year‐old children.

Results

Few differences in risk of overweight or obesity were apparent between 3 and 4‐year‐old children identified as being at risk/not at risk of ID in 20 low and middle income countries. In the two countries where statistically significant differences were observed, prevalence of overweight/obesity was lower among children at risk of ID.

Conclusions

These results stand in stark contrast to evidence from high income countries which suggest that children with ID are at significantly increased risk of obesity when compared to their non‐intellectually disabled peers.
Lumpy Investment, Lumpy Inventories
Authors: BACHMANN RÜDIGER , MA LIN
Published: July 2016

The link between the microenvironment (frictions and heterogeneity) and the macroeconomic dynamics of general equilibrium macromodels is influenced by exactly how general equilibrium closes the model. We make this observation concrete using the recent literature on how nonconvex capital adjustment costs influence aggregate investment dynamics. We introduce inventories into a two‐sector lumpy investment model and find that nonconvex capital adjustment costs dampen and propagate investment impulse responses, more so than without inventories. With two means of transferring consumption into the future, fixed capital and inventories, the tight link between aggregate saving and fixed capital investment is broken.
Complex patterns of tooth replacement revealed in the fruit bat (Eidolon helvum)
Authors: Popa Elena M. , Anthwal Neal , Tucker Abigail S.
Published: July 2016

How teeth are replaced during normal growth and development has long been an important question for comparative and developmental anatomy. Non‐standard model animals have become increasingly popular in this field due to the fact that the canonical model laboratory mammal, the mouse, develops only one generation of teeth (monophyodonty), whereas the majority of mammals possess two generations of teeth (diphyodonty). Here we used the straw‐coloured fruit bat (Eidolon helvum), an Old World megabat, which has two generations of teeth, in order to observe the development and replacement of tooth germs from initiation up to mineralization stages. Our morphological study uses 3D reconstruction of histological sections to uncover differing arrangements of the first and second‐generation tooth germs during the process of tooth replacement. We show that both tooth germ generations develop as part of the dental lamina, with the first generation detaching from the lamina, leaving the free edge to give rise to a second generation. This separation was particularly marked at the third premolar locus, where the primary and replacement teeth become positioned side by side, unconnected by a lamina. The position of the replacement tooth, with respect to the primary tooth, varied within the mouth, with replacements forming posterior to or directly lingual to the primary tooth. Development of replacement teeth was arrested at some tooth positions and this appeared to be linked to the timing of tooth initiation and the subsequent rate of development. This study adds an additional species to the growing body of non‐model species used in the study of tooth replacement, and offers a new insight into the development of the diphyodont condition.
Answer to IM‐16‐0459
Authors: Lindqvist P. G. , Olsson H.
Published: July 2016

Click here to view the Letter to the Editor by Dr. Torres
Social Network Typologies of Black and White Married Couples in Midlife
Authors: Fiori Katherine L. , Rauer Amy J. , Birditt Kira S. , Brown Edna , Jager Justin , Orbuch Terri L.
Published: July 2016

Although research shows that conjoint social networks are associated with well‐being among newlyweds, little is known about how these network types are linked to marital quality and psychological well‐being for long‐term married couples and about potential race differences in their configurations and associations. Using a pattern‐centered approach to examine the social networks of 91 White and 62 Black couples in their 16th year of marriage, this study revealed four couple network types (friend‐focused, wife family‐focused, bilateral family‐focused, and diverse). Results suggested that spouses in the wife family‐focused network type (characterized by above‐average contact with the wife's family and below average contact with the husband's family and with nonkin) reported the lowest positive marital quality and highest negative marital quality. The association of network type with negative marital quality was also moderated by gender and race. The findings highlight the importance of considering the meaningful complexity within couples' shared networks.
The Neoclassical Approach to Induced Technical Change: From Hicks to Acemoglu
Authors: Brugger Florian , Gehrke Christian
Published: July 2016

This survey article provides a critical overview of the development of the neoclassical theory of induced technical change. From Hicks's introduction of the concept in his Theory of Wages up to the recent literature the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed models and the contexts in which they have been developed are outlined. It is shown that induced technical change has been invoked to explain various long‐run distribution conundrums which could not be explained with standard neoclassical growth theory. The importance of induced technical change for the long‐run distribution of income cannot be doubted. Nevertheless, we show that neoclassical models of induced technical change are still unsatisfactory in a number of respects.
The Staphylococcus aureus group II biotin protein ligase BirA is an effective regulator of biotin operon transcription and requires the DNA binding domain for full enzymatic activity
Authors: Henke Sarah K. , Cronan John E.
Published: July 2016

Group II biotin protein ligases (BPLs) are characterized by the presence of an N‐terminal DNA binding domain that functions in transcriptional regulation of the genes of biotin biosynthesis and transport. The Staphylococcus aureus Group II BPL which is called BirA has been reported to bind an imperfect inverted repeat located upstream of the biotin synthesis operon. DNA binding by other Group II BPLs requires dimerization of the protein which is triggered by synthesis of biotinoyl‐AMP (biotinoyl‐adenylate), the intermediate in the ligation of biotin to its cognate target proteins. However, the S. aureus BirA was reported to dimerize and bind DNA in the absence of biotin or biotinoyl‐AMP (Soares da Costa et al. (2014) Mol Microbiol 91: 110–120). These in vitro results argued that the protein would be unable to respond to the levels of biotin or acceptor proteins and thus would lack the regulatory properties of the other characterized BirA proteins. We tested the regulatory function of the protein using an in vivo model system and examined its DNA binding properties in vitro using electrophoretic mobility shift and fluorescence anisotropy analyses. We report that the S. aureus BirA is an effective regulator of biotin operon transcription and that the prior data can be attributed to artifacts of mobility shift analyses. We also report that deletion of the DNA binding domain of the S. aureus BirA results in loss of virtually all of its ligation activity.
Posaconazole: an emerging therapeutic option for invasive rhino‐orbito‐cerebral mucormycosis
Authors: Manesh Abi , John Ajoy O. , Mathew Binu , Varghese Lalee , Rupa Vedantam , Zachariah Anand , Varghese George M.
Published: July 2016

Posaconazole has significant activity against the Mucormycetes. However, data are limited on the clinical efficacy of posaconazole for treating rhino‐orbito‐cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM). The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of posaconazole in patients with ROCM. We included 12 consecutive adult patients admitted with ROCM and treated with posaconazole between January 2010 and February 2015. The main outcome of the study was the overall success rate (i.e. either complete or partial response) at the end of treatment. We also assessed serum posaconazole concentrations in a subgroup of patients. Of the 12 patients who received posaconazole, eight patients (66.6%) had complete resolution with median follow‐up of 6.5 months (range 2–24 months). Two patients (16.6%) had significant reduction of disease and two (16.6%) had marked residual disease on follow‐up. Uncontrolled diabetes was the predisposing factor in all except one patient. One patient developed diarrhoea on posaconazole, which settled without discontinuation of the drug. Posaconazole appears to be a safe and effective antifungal agent in diabetic patients with ROCM, especially in those who have toxicity with polyene therapy.
Status of cardiopulmonary resuscitation curricula for nursing students: A questionnaire study
Authors: Kim So Sun , Roh Young Sook
Published: July 2016

In this study, we explored the status of curricula for nursing students and identified the priorities for curricula improvement using importance–performance analysis. A cross‐sectional, descriptive survey was conducted, which included 62 instructors in charge of resuscitation training. The participants completed the self‐administered, 32‐item Resuscitation Curricula Attributes Importance–Performance Scale. With Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, an importance–performance analysis matrix was created. There was a significant overall mean difference between importance and performance in all 32 items, with “recognition of arrest rhythms” showing the largest difference. Importance–performance analysis suggests that the priorities for improvement are “nursing record documentation” and “recognition of arrest rhythms”. The development of cardiopulmonary resuscitation curricula should focus on attributes that are expected of practitioners and are relevant to current healthcare environment needs.
Toilet Instruments: Symbols of Dissent?
Authors: Crummy Nina
Published: July 2016

A set of mid‐first‐century AD toilet instruments from Silchester includes tweezers in the form of a sheathed sword and a lanceolate nail‐cleaner with iron core. Other tweezers from the same site confirm the set was made by an innovative local smith. Linking the set to the general sword‐ and spear‐shaped forms and indigenous use of nail‐cleaners, the question is raised of how far these small personal items reflected British disaffection immediately after the conquest, and particularly with the disarmament of the Atrebates and other tribes.
Supraventricular and Ventricular Arrhythmias Are Related to the Type of Myotonic Dystrophy but Not to Disease Duration or Neurological Status
Authors: BIENIAS PIOTR , ŁUSAKOWSKA ANNA , CIURZYŃSKI MICHAŁ , RYMARCZYK ZUZANNA , IRZYK KATARZYNA , KURNICKA KATARZYNA , KAMIŃSKA ANNA , PRUSZCZYK PIOTR
Published: July 2016

Background

Patients with myotonic muscular dystrophy (dystrophia myotonica, DM) are at risk of sudden cardiac death due to diverse arrhythmias, especially progressive atrioventricular (AV) conduction abnormalities. However, there are limited data on supraventricular and potentially life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmias, especially according to type 1 and type 2 DM.

Methods

A group of 94 unselected consecutive patients with genetically confirmed DM and 45 healthy controls underwent electrocardiography, echocardiography, and 24‐hour Holter monitoring. DM1 was diagnosed in 51, while DM2 in 43 patients (with mean age of 37.3 ± 12.5 and 48.3 ± 13.3 years, respectively).

Results

DM1 subjects presented more frequently intraventricular conduction defects (29.4% vs 6.6%, P = 0.0003) and first‐degree AV block (25.0% vs 4.6%, P = 0.008) than DM2 patients. Nonsustained supraventricular tachycardia (37.2% vs 3.8%, P = 0.001) and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia and/or R‐on‐T ventricular beats (23.2% vs 7.8%, P = 0.04) were more frequently observed in DM2 than in DM1. No relationship between disease duration and neurological status and occurrence of arrhythmias was observed. Multivariate analysis showed that independent predictor for bradyarrhythmias occurrence was DM1 only (odds ratio [OR] 6.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.0–20.8, P = 0.002), while for supraventricular or ventricular arrhythmias occurrence it was DM2 (OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.5–11.4, P = 0.007) and increased age (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.05–1.15, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

In the relatively large groups of DM1 and DM2 patients, we observed frequent various arrhythmias, which warrant their close cardiac monitoring. DM1 subjects when compared to DM2 presented more frequently intraventricular and AV conduction defects. However, all types of tachyarrhythmias (except atrial fibrillation) were more frequently observed in DM2 patients.
Debunking Morality: Lessons from the EAAN Literature
Authors: Moon Andrew
Published: July 2016

This article explores evolutionary debunking arguments as they arise in metaethics against moral realism and in philosophy of religion against naturalism. Both literatures have independently grappled with the question of which beliefs one may use to respond to a potential defeater. In this article, I show how the literature on the argument against naturalism can help clarify and bring progress to the literature on moral realism with respect to this question. Of note, it will become clear that the objection that the moral realist begs the question, when appealing to the truth of some of her moral beliefs, is unsuccessful.
Monitoring the reproductive physiology of six‐banded armadillos (Euphractus sexcinctus, Linnaeus, 1758) through different techniques
Authors: Campos LB , Peixoto GCX , Lima GL , Castelo TS , Silva AM , Freitas CIA , Silva AR
Published: July 2016

Contents

The aim of this study was to monitor the oestrous cycle using vaginal cytology, ultrasound and measurement of hormone levels associated with the modification of external genitalia in female Euphractus sexcinctus. Five adult female six‐banded armadillos were used for the study. Every three days, we chemically restrained the animals with a combined dose of ketamine and xylazine for 90 days. On each occasion, we conducted vaginal cytology and monitored the alterations in the vulval appearance. In addition, we obtained blood samples for serum estradiol and progesterone analysis and evaluated the ovaries by ultrasonography (8 MHz). As results, at least two entire cycles were monitored per female as based on external oestrous signs. We determined that six‐banded armadillos' oestrous cycle lasts 23.5 ± 3.12 days, comprising 8.8 ± 1.4 days for oestrogen phase, in which we verified vaginal bloody discharge, vulvar oedema, presence of mucus and ease of introduction of the swab. During oestrus, females presented an oestrogen peak of 240.66 ± 12.69 pg ml−1, on average, with a positive visualization of ovary follicles by ultrasound. The progesterone phase lasts 15.62 ± 2.1 days, characterized by the absence of bloody secretion and difficulty in introducing the swab; there was verification of a progesterone plateau of 10.83 ± 1.86 ng ml−1, on average, with identification of corpora lutea in 60% of the ovaries. This is apparently the first description of the six‐banded armadillos' oestrous cycle, which proves the efficiency of a multiparametric analysis to monitor it.
Restricted most powerful Bayesian tests for linear models
Authors: Goddard Scott D. , Johnson Valen E.
Published: July 2016

Uniformly most powerful Bayesian tests (UMPBTs) are a new class of Bayesian tests in which null hypotheses are rejected if their Bayes factor exceeds a specified threshold. The alternative hypotheses in UMPBTs are defined to maximize the probability that the null hypothesis is rejected. Here, we generalize the notion of UMPBTs by restricting the class of alternative hypotheses over which this maximization is performed, resulting in restricted most powerful Bayesian tests (RMPBTs). We then derive RMPBTs for linear models by restricting alternative hypotheses to g priors. For linear models, the rejection regions of RMPBTs coincide with those of usual frequentist F‐tests, provided that the evidence thresholds for the RMPBTs are appropriately matched to the size of the classical tests. This correspondence supplies default Bayes factors for many common tests of linear hypotheses. We illustrate the use of RMPBTs for ANOVA tests and t‐tests and compare their performance in numerical studies.
Cisgendered Organizations: Trans Women and Inequality in the Workplace
Authors: Yavorsky Jill E.
Published: July 2016

This article responds to calls to better understand how intersecting “inequality regimes” operate in organizations. Through in‐depth interviews with 25 white trans women about their workplace experiences, my analyses highlight how trans women navigate relational practices that are simultaneously gendered and cisgendered—that is, practices that maintain cultural connections between sex and gender and maintain gender as immutable. Findings demarcate three distinct mechanisms by which cisgenderism, a system that devalues women and trans people, operates and strengthens hierarchical privileges at work: (1) double‐bind constraints; (2) fluid biases of cissexism and sexism; and (3) group practices of privilege and subordination. In the first regard, analyses reveal unique double binds that trans women face—binds that dictate contradictory feminine and masculine ideal worker expectations but also expectations of gender authenticity. Second, I find that trans women often hover between two subordinate statuses (i.e., gender and transgender status) in a given workday, a fact that prods a more fluid conception of cisgenderism. Finally, this study highlights how cis men collectively mobilize through group practices to repair cisgender system breaches. All three dimensions are critical for understanding the production of workplace inequality between not only trans women and cis men, but all feminine‐identified workers.
“Making It Work”: The Vital Role of Commissioning in Nuclear Power Programs
Authors: Moore John H.
Published: July 2016

This paper presents an overview of the duties of a nuclear power plant (NPP) commissioning organization and its special relationship with both the early stages of an NPP project and the long-term operation of such power plants. Decisions made early in the design and procurement process need to be understood by commissioning staff, and their implications need to be incorporated into commissioning programs. Commissioning programs also need to take the steps needed to baseline plant-component ageing programs to facilitate the long-term NPP operation.
Film Cooling Modeling for Gas Turbine Nozzles and Blades: Validation and Application
Authors: Andrei Luca , Innocenti Luca , Andreini Antonio , Facchini Bruno , Winchler Lorenzo
Published: July 2016

The design of modern gas turbines cooling systems cannot be separated from the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the accurate estimation of the effect of film cooling. Nevertheless, a complete modeling of film cooling holes within the computational domain requires an effort both from the point of view of the mesh creation and from computational time. It is here proposed a new way to model the film cooling (FCM), capable of representing the effect of the coolant at hole exit. This is possible due to the introduction of local source terms near the hole exit in a delimited portion of the domain, avoiding the meshing process of perforations. The goal is to provide a reliable and accurate tool to simulate film-cooled turbine blades and nozzles without having to explicitly mesh the holes. The model was subjected to an intensive validation campaign, composed of two phases. During the first one, FCM results are compared to experimental data and numerical results (obtained with complete cooling holes meshing) on a series of test cases reproducing flat plate cooling configurations for different coolant conditions (in terms of blowing and density ratio). In the second phase, a film-cooled vane test case has been studied, in order to consider a real injection system and flow conditions: FCM predictions are compared to an in-house developed correlative approach and full conjugate heat transfer (CHT) results. Finally, a comparison between FCM predictions and experimental data was performed on an actual nozzle of a GE Oil & Gas heavy-duty gas turbine, in order to prove the feasibility of the procedure. The presented film cooling model (FCM) proved to be a feasible and reliable tool, able to evaluate adiabatic effectiveness, simplifying the design phase avoiding the meshing process of perforations.
A Robust Modification to the Universal Cavitation Algorithm in Journal Bearings
Authors: Miraskari Mohammad , Hemmati Farzad , Jalali Alireza , Alqaradawi M. Y. , Gadala Mohamed S.
Published: July 2016

In the current study, a modified fast converging, mass-conserving, and robust algorithm is proposed for calculation of the pressure distribution of a cavitated axially grooved journal bearing based on the finite volume discretization of the Adams/Elrod cavitation model. The solution of cavitation problem is shown to strongly depend on the specific values chosen for the lubricant bulk modulus. It is shown how the new proposed scheme is capable of handling the stiff discrete numerical system for any chosen value of the lubricant bulk modulus (β) and hence a significant improvement in the robustness is achieved compared to traditionally implemented schemes in the literature. Enhanced robustness is shown not to affect the accuracy of the obtained results, and the convergence speed is also shown to be considerably faster than the widely used techniques in the literature. Effects of bulk modulus, static load, and mesh size are studied on numerical stability of the system by means of eigenvalue analysis of the coefficient matrix of the discrete numerical system. It is shown that the impact of static load and mesh size is negligible on numerical stability compared to dominant significance of varying bulk modulus values. Common softening techniques of artificial bulk modulus reduction is found to be tolerable with maximum two order of magnitudes reduction of β to avoid large errors of more than 3–40% in calculated results.
Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication Analysis of Finite Line Contact Problem With Consideration of Two Free End Surfaces
Authors: Zhang Haibo , Wang Wenzhong , Zhang Shengguang , Zhao Ziqiang
Published: July 2016

Elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) analysis in finite line contacts is usually modeled by a finite-length roller contacting with a half-space, which ignores effect of the two free boundaries existing in many applications such as gears or roller bearings. This paper presents a semi-analytical method, involving the overlapping method and matrix formation, for EHL analysis in the finite line contact problem to consider the effect of two free end surfaces. Three half-spaces with mirrored loads to be solved are overlapped to cancel out the stresses at expected surfaces, and three matrices can be obtained and reused for the same finite-length space. The isothermal Reynolds equation is solved to obtain the pressure distribution and the fast Fourier transform (FFT) is used to speed up the elastic deformation and stress related calculation. Different line contact situations, including straight rollers, tapered rollers, and Lundberg profile rollers, are discussed to explore the effect of free end surfaces.
Laser Reflection as a Simple Prospect Tool for Nondestructive Quality Control of Charged Lapping Plates
Authors: Mayen-Mondragon Rodrigo , Avila-Herrera Carlos Alberto , Herrera-Gomez Alberto , Yanez-Limon Jose Martin , Ramirez-Bon Rafael
Published: July 2016

In the present work, a simple laser/detector-based system was assembled and mounted in situ at the production line of the Hitachi hard-disk recording-head facilities in Mexico. The system was set to scan the surface of rotating lapping plates charged during time windows of varying lengths. The specular-reflection component was measured as a function of angular distance along the plate surface. The optical system showed enough sensitivity to follow the incorporation of abrasive into the plate surface. Moreover, two different charging stages were identified. Relevant topographical information could also be extracted. For example, the data distribution skewness was used to identify major surface defects, such as scratches. The reflection-signal spatial pattern was matched to that of the lapping plate topographer (LPT) surface profile by means of a coherence-spectrum analysis. The system assembly is relatively straightforward and it occupies little space. Thus, it could become a compact multitask substitute or complement of larger equipment at the manufacturing line. Note that even when the data analysis performed has led to promising results, the technique still needs to be fine-tuned in order to increase its precision and reliability.
Dynamic Analysis of an Automotive Belt-Drive System With a Noncircular Sprocket by a Modified Incremental Harmonic Balance Method
Authors: Wang X. F. , Zhu W. D.
Published: July 2016

A dynamic model of an automotive belt-drive system with a noncircular sprocket instead of a round sprocket is developed in this work to study the effect of reducing the angular variation of camshafts. There are two submodels in the belt-drive system, which are an engine model and a belt-drive model, and they are decoupled to simplify the analysis. When the belt-drive system operates at a steady-state, it is described by a nonlinear model with forced excitation, which can be approximated by a linear model with combined parametric and forced excitations. Steady-state responses of the engine and belt-drive models are calculated by a modified incremental harmonic balance method that incorporates fast Fourier transform and Broyden's method, which is efficient and accurate to obtain a periodic response of a multi-degree-of-freedom system. Steady-state responses of the angular variation of camshafts with different values of sprocket parameters are compared to investigate their optimal values to reduce the angular variation of camshafts. The optimal eccentricity and installation angle are larger and smaller than those from the kinematic model, respectively, which is consistent with published experimental results. This study first shows from a dynamic point of view why use of a noncircular sprocket can reduce the angular variation of camshafts in the operating speed of an engine. Simulation of a speed-up procedure for different sprocket parameters shows results that are consistent with steady-state responses. The belt-drive model developed in this work can be used to select sprocket parameters to minimize the angular variation of camshafts and numerically evaluate the dynamic performance of a belt-drive system with a given design of sprocket parameters.
Dynamic Behavior of Finite Coupled Mindlin Plates With a Blocking Mass
Authors: Wang XianZhong
Published: July 2016

A power flow analysis of finite coupled Mindlin plates with a blocking mass at the junction of the coupled plates is investigated using the method of reverberation-ray matrix (MRRM). An exact solution is derived by the plate equations of motion to satisfy the boundary condition. The wave amplitude coefficients are obtained from the continuity conditions at driving force locations, and the line junction of two plates connected at an arbitrary angle. The blocking mass located at the junction of the two plates is modeled as a Timoshenko beam. The dynamic responses of the finite coupled Mindlin plates are verified by comparing with finite element method (FEM) results. The effects of the connected angles, blocking mass, and structural damping on the input power and transmitted power are calculated and analyzed. Numerical simulations of the finite coupled Mindlin plates with a blocking mass show that the present method can predict the dynamic behavior.
Internal and contextual cues to tone perception in Medʉmba
Authors: Franich Kathryn H.
Published: July 2016

This study presents results of an identification experiment with speakers of Medʉmba, a Grassfields Bantu language, aimed at evaluating the relative effects of f0 and duration in cuing tonal contrasts, as well as the role of lexical vs non-speech pitch contexts in biasing tone perception. Results show that duration is a cue for tone perception, with the influence of duration strongest where target f0 values were lower. Lexical tone perception is also sensitive to the identity of a preceding lexical tone, but not to the presence of a preceding non-speech pure tone.
Concert hall acoustics: Repertoire, listening position, and individual taste of the listeners influence the qualitative attributes and preferences
Authors: Lokki Tapio , Pätynen Jukka , Kuusinen Antti , Tervo Sakari
Published: July 2016

Some studies of concert hall acoustics consider the acoustics in a hall as a single entity. Here, it is shown that the acoustics vary between different seats, and the choice of music also influences the perceived acoustics. The presented study compared the acoustics of six unoccupied concert halls with extensive listening tests, applying two different music excerpts on three different seats. Twenty eight assessors rated the halls according to the subjective preference of the assesors and individual attributes with a paired comparison method. Results show that assessors can be classified into two preference groups, which prioritize different perceptual factors. In addition, the individual attributes elicited by assessors were clustered into three latent classes.
Draft Genome Sequence of an
Enterococcus thailandicus
Strain Isolated from Bovine Feces
Authors: Beukers Alicia G. , Zaheer Rahat , Goji Noriko , Cook Shaun R. , Amoako Kingsley K. , Chaves Alexandre V. , Ward Michael P. , McAllister Tim A.
Published: July 2016

Here, we report the first draft genome sequence of
Enterococcus thailandicus
isolated from the feces of feedlot cattle in Southern Alberta.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Diaphorina citri-associated C virus
, a Novel Putative RNA Virus of the Asian Citrus Psyllid,
Diaphorina citri
Authors: Nouri Shahideh , Salem Nidà , Falk Bryce W.
Published: July 2016

We present here the complete nucleotide sequence and genome organization of a novel putative RNA virus identified in field populations of the Asian citrus psyllid,
Diaphorina citri
, through sequencing of the transcriptome followed by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). We tentatively named this virus
Diaphorina citri-associated C virus
(DcACV). DcACV is an unclassified positive-sense RNA virus.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Rhizobium
sp. GHKF11, Isolated from Farmland Soil in Pecan Grove, Texas
Authors: Iyer Rupa , Damania Ashish
Published: July 2016

Rhizobium
sp. GHKF11 is an organophosphate-degrading bacterial strain that was isolated from farmland soil in Pecan Grove, Texas, USA. In addition to a capacity for pesticide degradation, GHKF11 shares conserved traits with other
Rhizobium
spp., including heavy metal resistance and transport genes that may have significant agricultural biotechnology applications.
Draft Genome Sequence and Complete Plasmid Sequence of
Acinetobacter lwoffii
F78, an Isolate with Strong Allergy-Protective Properties
Authors: Fritzenwanker Moritz , Hain Torsten , Kesper Dörthe A. , Harb Hani , Renz Harald , Domann Eugen
Published: July 2016

The hygiene hypothesis states that the tremendous increase in atopic diseases correlates significantly with less contact to microbes in childhood. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Acinetobacter lwoffii
F78, a rural cowshed isolate with strong allergy-protective properties that contains an 8,579-bp plasmid.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Herbinix luporum
SD1D, a New Cellulose-Degrading Bacterium Isolated from a Thermophilic Biogas Reactor
Authors: Koeck Daniela E. , Maus Irena , Wibberg Daniel , Winkler Anika , Zverlov Vladimir V. , Liebl Wolfgang , Pühler Alfred , Schwarz Wolfgang H. , Schlüter Andreas
Published: July 2016

A novel cellulolytic bacterial strain was isolated from an industrial-scale biogas plant. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of the strain SD1D showed 96.4% similarity to
Herbinix hemicellulosilytica
T3/55
T
, indicating a novel species within the genus
Herbinix
(family
Lachnospiraceae
). Here, the complete genome sequence of
Herbinix luporum
SD1D is reported.
Whole-Genome Sequence of
Chlamydia gallinacea
Type Strain 08-1274/3
Authors: Hölzer Martin , Laroucau Karine , Creasy Heather Huot , Ott Sandra , Vorimore Fabien , Bavoil Patrik M. , Marz Manja , Sachse Konrad
Published: July 2016

The recently introduced bacterial species
Chlamydia gallinacea
is known to occur in domestic poultry and other birds. Its potential as an avian pathogen and zoonotic agent is under investigation. The whole-genome sequence of its type strain, 08-1274/3, consists of a 1,059,583-bp chromosome with 914 protein-coding sequences (CDSs) and a plasmid (p1274) comprising 7,619 bp with 9 CDSs.
Genome Sequence of
Bibersteinia trehalosi
Strain Y31 Isolated from the Pneumonic Lung of a Bighorn Sheep
Authors: Kugadas Abirami , Humann Jodi L. , Pierlé Sebastián Aguilar , Srikumaran Subramaniam , Brayton Kelly A.
Published: July 2016

Here, we report the genome sequence for
Bibersteinia trehalosi
strain Y31, isolated from the lungs of a bighorn sheep (
Ovis canadensis
) that had succumbed to pneumonia, which exhibits proximity-dependent inhibition (PDI) of
Mannheimia haemolytica
. The sequence will be used to understand the mechanism of PDI for these organisms.
Epidural pneumatosis associated with spontaneous pneumomediastinum: a rare complication of diabetic ketoacidosis
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed , Healy Mary-Louise , O'Shea Donal , Crowley Rachel K
Published: July 2016

Pneumomediastinum and epidural pneumatosis are rare complications of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). These result from the emesis and hyperventilation associated with DKA which lead to alveolar rupture and air escape into the mediastinal and epidural spaces. These complications are often asymptomatic and resolve with the correction of the underlying metabolic abnormality. Oesophageal contrast studies are only required if oesophageal perforation is suspected in patients presenting with persistent vomiting and chest pain. We report the rare association of pneumomediastinum and epidural pneumatosis complicating DKA in a 19-year-old female patient.
My working week: John Innes
Authors: Innes John
Published: July 2016

In the first of a new series of features for Vet Record Careers, John Innes describes a recent working week as referrals director for CVS and a RCVS specialist in small animal orthopaedics.
Investigating the ability ofPseudomonas fluorescensUW4 to reduce cadmium stress inLactuca sativavia an intervention in the ethylene biosynthetic pathway
Authors: Albano Lucas J. , Macfie Sheila M.
Published: July 2016

A typical plant response to any biotic or abiotic stress, including cadmium (Cd), involves increased ethylene synthesis, which causes senescence of the affected plant part. Stressed plants can experience reduced ethylene and improved growth if they are inoculated with bacteria that have the enzyme ACC deaminase, which metabolizes the ethylene precursor ACC (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate). We investigated whether one such bacterium, Pseudomonas fluorescens UW4, reduces the production of ethylene and improves the growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) sown in Cd-contaminated potting material (PRO-MIX® BX). Plants were inoculated with the wild-type P. fluorescens UW4 or a mutant strain that cannot produce ACC deaminase. Cadmium-treated plants contained up to 50 times more Cd than did control plants. In noninoculated plants, Cd induced a 5-fold increase in ethylene concentration. The wild-type bacterium prevented Cd-induced reductions in root biomass but there was no relationship between Cd treatment and ethylene production in inoculated plants. In contrast, when the concentration of ethylene was plotted against the extent of bacterial colonization of the roots, increased colonization with wild-type P. fluorescens UW4 was associated with 20% less ethylene production. Ours is the first study to show that the protective effect of this bacterium is proportional to the quantity of bacteria on the root surface.
Independent Component Analysis-Support Vector Machine-Based Computer-Aided Diagnosis System for Alzheimer’s with Visual Support
Authors: Khedher Laila , Illán Ignacio A. , Górriz Juan M. , Ramírez Javier , Brahim Abdelbasset , Meyer-Baese Anke
Published: July 2016

Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems constitute a powerful tool for early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but limitations on interpretability and performance exist. In this work, a fully automatic CAD system based on supervised learning methods is proposed to be applied on segmented brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from Alzheimer’s disease neuroimaging initiative (ADNI) participants for automatic classification. The proposed CAD system possesses two relevant characteristics: optimal performance and visual support for decision making. The CAD is built in two stages: a first feature extraction based on independent component analysis (ICA) on class mean images and, secondly, a support vector machine (SVM) training and classification. The obtained features for classification offer a full graphical representation of the images, giving an understandable logic in the CAD output, that can increase confidence in the CAD support. The proposed method yields classification results up to 89% of accuracy (with 92% of sensitivity and 86% of specificity) for normal controls (NC) and AD patients, 79% of accuracy (with 82% of sensitivity and 76% of specificity) for NC and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 85% of accuracy (with 85% of sensitivity and 86% of specificity) for MCI and AD patients.
Global and Local Oriented Edge Magnitude Patterns for Texture Classification
Authors: Dong Jun , Yuan Xue , Xiong Fanlun
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we propose a gray-scale texture descriptor, name the global and local oriented edge magnitude patterns (GLOEMP), for texture classification. GLOEMP is a framework, which is able to effectively combine local texture, global structure information and contrast of texture images. In GLOEMP, the principal orientation is determined by Histogram of Gradient (HOG) feature, then each direction is respectively shown in detail by a local binary patterns (LBP) occurrence histogram. Due to the fact that GLOEMP characterizes image information across different directions, it contains very abundant information. The global-level rotation compensation method is proposed, which shifts the principal orientation of the HOG to the first position, thus allowing GLOEMP to be robust to rotations. In addition, gradient magnitudes are used as weights to add to the histogram, making GLOEMP robust to lighting variances as well, and it also possesses a strong ability to express edge information. The experimental results obtained from the representative databases demonstrate that the proposed GLOEMP framework is capable of achieving significant improvement, in some cases reaching classification accuracy of 10% higher than over the traditional rotation invariant LBP method.
Lattice spanners of low degree
Authors: Dumitrescu Adrian , Ghosh Anirban
Published: July 2016

Let [Formula: see text] denote the degree [Formula: see text] dilation of a point set [Formula: see text] in the domain of plane geometric spanners. If [Formula: see text] is the infinite square lattice, it is shown that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. If [Formula: see text] is the infinite hexagonal lattice, it is shown that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. All our constructions are planar lattice tilings constrained to degree [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text].
The singular success of SQL
Authors: Helland Pat
Published: July 2016

SQL has a brilliant future as a major figure in the pantheon of data representations.
Open source software no longer optional
Authors: Anthes Gary
Published: July 2016

Open development and sharing of software gained widespread acceptance 15 years ago, and the practice is accelerating.
Chilling the messenger
Authors: Neville-Neil George V.
Published: July 2016

Keeping ego out of software-design review.
Adaptive computation
Authors: Forrest Stephanie , Mitchell Melanie
Published: July 2016

John H. Holland's general theories of adaptive processes apply across biological, cognitive, social, and computational systems.