bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Middle Powers to Entrepreneurial Powers in World Politics: Brazil’s Successes and Failures in International Crises
Authors: de Sá Guimarães Feliciano , de Almeida Maria Hermínia Tavares
Published: September 2017

This article uses the concept of entrepreneurial powers to discuss how and under what circumstances Brazil successfully accomplishes its goals in international crises. The concept of entrepreneurial power focuses on systematic evidence of middle-power behavior and its relation to foreign policy tools. Brazil resorts to three agency-based foreign policy tools that are the substance of its entrepreneurial power. These instruments are always mediated by a structural condition, the dominant power pivotal position in the crisis. This study applies qualitative comparative analysis methodology to 32 international crises since the early 1990s in which Brazil played a role. It finds that for regional crises, the use of only one agency-based tool is sufficient for success, regardless of the dominant power position; and for global crises, the use of only one agency-based tool is a necessary and sufficient condition for Brazil to accomplish its goals, despite the dominant power position on the issue.
Some aspects of the biology of Nile perch, Lates niloticus, in the open waters of Lake Victoria, Kenya
Authors: Yongo Edwine , Outa Nicholas , Kito Keiko , Matsushita Yoshiki
Published: September 2017

Samples (6404) of Nile perch were collected monthly from commercial catches between June 2014 and June 2015. The total length (cm), weight (g) and sex of fish were all determined in the field, with 3771 (59%) being male and 2059 (32%) being female fish, for an overall sex ratio of 1.83:1.00 (male: female). The average length and weight for all fish were 55.38 ± 0.14 cm TL and 2355.10 ± 22.30 g, respectively. The size of male fish ranged from 15.5 to 128.5 cm TL and weighed between 190 and 25 000 g, whereas that of female ranged from 21.0 to 130.0 cm TL and weighed between 124 and 25 800 g. The value of the regression slope b of the length–weight relationship was equal to 3.04. The mean (±SD) condition factor for all fish was 1.23 ± 0.13. The condition factor was different in the length groups, with the highest (1.32 ± 0.13) and lowest (1.12 ± 0.20) values recorded in length groups 100–110 and <30 cm TL, respectively. The highest and lowest condition factors were recorded between January and March, respectively. The length–weight relationship and condition of Nile perch in Lake Victoria have deteriorated greatly, this finding being linked to the reduction of its prey species in the lake.
Novel coordination of lipopolysaccharide modifications in Vibrio cholerae promotes CAMP resistance
Authors: Herrera Carmen M. , Henderson Jeremy C. , Crofts Alexander A. , Trent M. Stephen
Published: September 2017

In the environment and during infection, the human intestinal pathogen Vibrio cholerae must overcome noxious compounds that damage the bacterial outer membrane. The El Tor and classical biotypes of O1 V. cholerae show striking differences in their resistance to membrane disrupting cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs), such as polymyxins. The classical biotype is susceptible to CAMPs, but current pandemic El Tor biotype isolates gain CAMP resistance by altering the net charge of their cell surface through glycine modification of lipid A. Here we report a second lipid A modification mechanism that only functions in the V. cholerae El Tor biotype. We identify a functional EptA ortholog responsible for the transfer of the amino‐residue phosphoethanolamine (pEtN) to the lipid A of V. cholerae El Tor that is not functional in the classical biotype. We previously reported that mildly acidic growth conditions (pH 5.8) downregulate expression of genes encoding the glycine modification machinery. In this report, growth at pH 5.8 increases expression of eptA with concomitant pEtN modification suggesting coordinated regulation of these LPS modification systems. Similarly, efficient pEtN lipid A substitution is seen in the absence of lipid A glycinylation. We further demonstrate EptA orthologs from non‐cholerae Vibrio species are functional.
Testing the performance of a prototype lateral flow device using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in high‐risk patients
Authors: Castillo Caroline G. , Kauffman Carol A. , Zhai Jingyi , Jiang Hui , Agozino Stephanie M. , Miceli Marisa H.
Published: September 2017

The diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) increasingly relies on non‐culture‐based biomarkers in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. The Aspergillus lateral flow device (LFD) is a rapid immunoassay that uses a novel Aspergillus monoclonal antibody to gain specificity. The objective of the study is to compare specificity and sensitivity of the prototype LFD and the galactomannan (GM) enzyme immunoassay in BAL fluid in high‐risk patients. A total of 114 BAL samples from 106 patients at high risk for IPA were studied: 8 patients had proven/probable IPA, 16 had possible IPA and 82 did not have IPA. In patients with proven/probable IPA, specificity of LFD was 94% and GM was 89%; sensitivity of LFD was 38% and GM was 75%. Negative predictive value (NPV) for LFD was 94% and for GM was 98%; positive predictive value (PPV) was 38% for both tests. The use of anti‐mould prophylaxis did not affect specificity but resulted in decreased NPV of both LFD and GM. Union and intersection analysis showed no improvement in the performance by using both tests. Among patients at risk for IPA, the diagnostic performance of LFD and GM in BAL fluid appears comparable; specificity is high, but sensitivity of both LFD and GM is poor.
Management considerations in the failing renal allograft
Authors: Lea‐Henry Tom , Chacko Bobby
Published: September 2017

Summary at a Glance

This paper provides a balanced and thoughtful review of the management of patients with failing renal allografts, including the discussion relating to the adjustment and timely discontinuation of immunosuppression.
Neuropathological comorbidity associated with argyrophilic grain disease
Authors: Yokota Osamu , Miki Tomoko , Ikeda Chikako , Nagao Shigeto , Takenoshita Shintaro , Ishizu Hideki , Haraguchi Takashi , Kuroda Shigetoshi , Terada Seishi , Yamada Norihito
Published: September 2017

Argyrophilic grain disease (AGD) is a common four‐repeat tauopathy in elderly people. While dementia is a major clinical picture of AGD, recent studies support the possibility that AGD may be a pathological base in some patients with mild cognitive impairment, late‐onset psychosis, bipolar disorder and depression. AGD often coexists with various other degenerative changes. The frequency of AGD in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) cases was reported to range from 18.8% to 80%. The frequency of AGD in corticobasal degeneration (CBD) cases tends to be higher than that in PSP cases, ranging from 41.2% to 100%. Conversely, in our previous study of the frequencies of mild PSP and CBD pathologies in AGD cases, five of 20 AGD cases (25%) had a few Gallyas‐positive tufted astrocytes, six cases (30%) had a few granular/fuzzy astrocytes, and one case (5.0%) had a few Gallyas‐positive astrocytic plaques in the putamen, caudate nucleus and/or superior frontal gyrus. Both Gallyas‐positive tufted astrocytes and Gallyas‐negative tau‐positive granular/fuzzy astrocytes preferentially developed in the putamen, caudate nucleus and superior frontal cortex in AGD cases, being consistent with the predilection sites of Gallyas‐positive tufted astrocytes in PSP cases. Further, in AGD cases, the quantities of Gallyas‐positive tufted astrocytes, overall tau‐positive astrocytes, and tau‐positive neurons in the subcortical nuclei and superior frontal cortex were significantly correlated with Saito AGD stage, respectively. The frequency of AGD in AD cases was reported to reach up to 25% when using four‐repeat tau immunohistochemistry. Pretangles are essential pathologies in AGD; however, the Braak stage of three‐repeat tau‐positive NFTs, which may indicate mild AD pathology or primary age‐related tauopathy, was not correlated with Saito AGD stage. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility that coexisting AGD may impact clinical and radiological features in cases of other degenerative diseases.
Management of atrophic mandible fractures: an updated comprehensive review
Authors: Emam H.A. , Ferguson H.W. , Jatana C.A.
Published: September 2017

Objectives

With advances in healthcare leading to longer life expectancy, the edentulous geriatric population is increasing. Expectantly, head and neck trauma surgeons will encounter atrophic (edentulous) mandible fractures in their practice. The objectives of this paper are to review the prevalence, etiology, and diagnosis of atrophic mandible fractures with a descriptive discussion on the different methods of treatment.

Materials and Methods

The review included a search using PubMed (National Library of Medicine, NCBI) and Medline from 1950–2016 with keywords such as “atrophic mandible” with the addition of the words fracture and computerised guided technology and Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP).

Results

This search produced 499 articles. Of those 499 articles, 18 were included in this critical review. Management discussion identified papers to provide the most powerful evidence in the decreasing order of strength by cohort studies, case‐control studies, surveys, and case‐series. The update provides new information on virtual surgical planning that will assist in time under general anaesthesia for complex case management.

Conclusions

A comprehensive update reviewed all forms of treatment from soft diet to open reduction with computerised technology to provide head and neck trauma surgeons a better basis for clinical management of these fractures.
A HD‐ZIP III gene, PtrHB4, is required for interfascicular cambium development in Populus
Authors: Zhu Yingying , Song Dongliang , Xu Peng , Sun Jiayan , Li Laigeng
Published: September 2017

Wood production is dependent on the activity of the vascular cambium, which develops from the fascicular and interfascicular cambia. However, little is known about the mechanisms controlling how the vascular cambium is developed in woody species. Here, we show that PtrHB4, belonging to the Populus HD‐ZIP III family, plays a critical role in the process of vascular cambium development. PtrHB4 was specifically expressed in shoot tip and stem vascular tissue at an early developmental stage. Repression of PtrHB4 caused defects in the development of the secondary vascular system due to failures in interfascicular cambium formation. By contrast, overexpression of PtrHB4 induced cambium activity and xylem differentiation during secondary vascular development. Transcriptional analysis of PtrHB4 repressed plants indicated that auxin response and cell proliferation were affected in the formation of the interfascicular cambium. Taken together, these results suggest that PtrHB4 is required for interfascicular cambium formation to develop the vascular cambium in woody species.
Outcomes of Berlin Heart EXCOR® pediatric ventricular assist device support in patients with restrictive and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Su Jennifer A. , Menteer Jondavid
Published: September 2017

The outcomes of pediatric ventricular assist device support in patients with diastolic heart failure have not been well described. This study reviews the North American experience with Berlin Heart EXCOR® ventricular assist device implants in children with such physiology. The Berlin Heart clinical database was reviewed. Patients with primary diastolic dysfunction are included in this study. Twenty pediatric patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy (n = 13), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (n = 3), or congenital heart disease with restrictive physiology (n = 4) who were supported with EXCOR® were identified. Of these, nine (45%) were successfully bridged to transplant, one (5%) weaned from support, and 10 (50%) died after support was withdrawn. Of patients under age 3 years (n = 13), 38.5% survived, whereas those aged 3 or older (n = 7) had 71.4% survival (P = .35). Biventricular assist device (BiVAD) patients experienced a 27.3% survival, vs 77.8% for patients with left ventricular assist device only (P = .07). Primary causes of death included stroke, infection, acidosis, multisystem organ failure, and bleeding. Pediatric patients with diastolic heart failure comprise a high‐risk population for mechanical circulatory support. However, half of patients with this physiology have been successfully supported to explant with EXCOR®. The trends toward higher mortality for younger patients and those receiving BiVAD support warrant consideration.
Inclusion of sepsis and hypoxaemia in mortality prediction of hospitalized patients with community‐acquired pneumonia – Reply
Authors: Vestjens Stefan M.T. , Spoorenberg Simone M.C. , van de Garde Ewoudt M.W. , Bos Willem Jan W.
Published: September 2017

See Letter
Small airway disease: A different phenotype of early stage COPD associated with biomass smoke exposure
Authors: Zhao Dongxing , Zhou Yumin , Jiang Changbin , Zhao Zhuxiang , He Fang , Ran Pixin
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

Chronic exposure to biomass smoke (BS) can significantly compromise pulmonary function and lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To determine whether BS exposure induces a unique phenotype of COPD from an early stage, with different physiopathological features compared with COPD associated with smoking (cigarette‐smoke (CS) COPD), we assessed the physiopathology of early COPD associated with BS exposure (BS COPD) by incorporating spirometry, high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) imaging, bronchoscopy and pathological examinations.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, we recruited 29 patients with BS COPD, 31 patients with CS COPD and 22 healthy controls, including 12 BS‐exposed subjects who did not smoke and 10 healthy smokers without BS exposure. Spirometry, HRCT scans, bronchoscopy and bronchial mucosa biopsies were performed to assess lung function, emphysema and air trapping, as well as the pathological characteristics and levels of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF).

Results

Among COPD patients with mild‐to‐moderate airflow limitation, BS exposure caused greater small airway dysfunction in BS COPD patients, although these patients had less emphysema and air trapping, as detected by HRCT (P < 0.05). We also observed significantly thicker basement membranes and greater endobronchial pigmentation in BS COPD than in CS COPD (P < 0.05). Moreover, patients with BS COPD exhibited greater macrophage and lymphocyte infiltration but reduced neutrophil infiltration in their BALF (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

We used both radiology and pathology to document a distinct COPD phenotype associated with BS exposure. This is characterized by small airway disease.
The Diary of the Swiss Leonhard Thurneysser and Black Africans in Renaissance Lisbon
Authors: Jerosch Herold Bernardo
Published: September 2017

An excerpt of a German 16th Century manuscript is presented together with it's translation. The author is presumed to be Leonhard Thurneysser zum Thurn (Basel 1531–Cologne 1596), who claims to have started writing it in Lisbon as a guest of the Portuguese humanist Damião de Góis about 1555/56. The excerpt deals with black Africans as observed by the author in Lisbon. It contains detailed descriptions of their bodies and their habits. Furthermore it describes how they were sold as slaves on the streets of Lisbon. He also speculates about the reasons for their blackness, resorting to alchemy and astrology. Based on a letter from the emperor of Ethiopia he mentions the ties between Ethiopia and Portugal as well as with the Roman Church.
Dynamic prediction of mortality among patients in intensive care using the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score: a joint competing risk survival and longitudinal modeling approach
Authors: Musoro Jammbe Z , Zwinderman Aeilko H , Abu‐Hanna Ameen , Bosman Rob , Geskus Ronald B
Published: September 2017

In intensive care units (ICUs), besides routinely collected admission data, a daily monitoring of organ dysfunction using scoring systems such as the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score has become practice. Such updated information is valuable in making accurate predictions of patients' survival. Few prediction models that incorporate this updated information have been reported. We used follow‐up data of ICU patients who either died or were discharged at the end of hospital stay, without censored cases. We propose a joint model comprising a linear mixed effects submodel for the development of longitudinal SOFA scores and a proportional subdistribution hazards submodel for death as end point with discharge as competing risk. The two parts are linked by shared latent terms. Because there was no censoring, it was straightforward to fit our joint model using available software. We compared predictive values, based on the Brier score and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, from our model with those obtained from an earlier modeling approach by Toma et al. [Journal of Biomedical Informatics 40, 649, (2007)] that relied on patterns discovered in the SOFA scores over a given period of time.
St. Louis encephalitis virus possibly transmitted through blood transfusion—Arizona, 2015
Authors: Venkat Heather , Adams Laura , Sunenshine Rebecca , Krow‐Lucal Elisabeth , Levy Craig , Kafenbaum Tammy , Sylvester Tammy , Smith Kirk , Townsend John , Dosmann Melissa , Kamel Hany , Patron Roberto , Kuehnert Matthew , Annambhotla Pallavi , Basavaraju Sridhar V. , Rabe Ingrid B. ,   SLEV Transmission Investigation Team
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

St. Louis encephalitis virus is a mosquito‐borne flavivirus that infrequently causes epidemic central nervous system infections. In the United States, blood donors are not screened for St. Louis encephalitis virus infection, and transmission through blood transfusion has not been reported. During September 2015, St. Louis encephalitis virus infection was confirmed in an Arizona kidney transplant recipient. An investigation was initiated to determine the infection source.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The patient was interviewed, and medical records were reviewed. To determine the likelihood of mosquito‐borne infection, mosquito surveillance data collected at patient and blood donor residences in timeframes consistent with their possible exposure periods were reviewed. To investigate other routes of exposure, organ and blood donor and recipient specimens were obtained and tested for evidence of St. Louis encephalitis virus infection.

RESULTS

The patient presented with symptoms of central nervous system infection. Recent St. Louis encephalitis virus infection was serologically confirmed. The organ donor and three other organ recipients showed no laboratory or clinical evidence of St. Louis encephalitis virus infection. Among four donors of blood products received by the patient via transfusion, one donor had a serologically confirmed, recent St. Louis encephalitis virus infection. Exposure to an infected mosquito was unlikely based on the patient's minimal outdoor exposure. In addition, no St. Louis encephalitis virus‐infected mosquito pools were identified around the patient's residence.

CONCLUSION

This investigation provides evidence of the first reported possible case of St. Louis encephalitis virus transmission through blood product transfusion. Health care providers and public health professionals should maintain heightened awareness for St. Louis encephalitis virus transmission through blood transfusion in settings where outbreaks are identified.
The first reported case of concurrent trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole–induced immune hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia
Authors: Linnik Yevgeniy A. , Tsui Edison W. , Martin Isabella W. , Szczepiorkowski Zbigniew M. , Denomme Gregory A. , Gottschall Jerome L. , Hill John M. , Dunbar Nancy M.
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Drug‐induced immune hemolytic anemia (DIIHA) and drug‐induced immune thrombocytopenia (DIIT) are rare but dangerous complications of pharmacotherapy that may be underrecognized in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients due to overlap of signs and symptoms with those of more common disease processes.

CASE REPORT

A 61‐year‐old woman with NK‐cell deficiency and GATA‐2–associated myelodysplastic syndrome, status post–recent allogeneic HSCT (Day +58), presented with 3 days of acute‐onset severe back pain, muscle cramps, and increasingly dark urine. She was found to be anemic, thrombocytopenic, and in acute renal failure. On admission, the direct antiglobulin test was positive for complement (C3) only. After careful review of her medication list, the possibility of DIIHA was raised. She had started taking trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMP‐SMX) for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia prophylaxis 24 days prior on a weekend dose schedule. Serologic tests on peripheral blood samples were performed using standard methods. Drug studies were performed at an immunohematology reference laboratory.

RESULTS

The patient's serum showed hemolysis of donor red blood cells in the presence of TMP‐SMX and also TMP‐SMX–induced platelet antibodies. The patient was treated with transfusions, hemodialysis, and immunosuppressive agents. Her clinical condition improved and she was discharged after 8 days in stable condition.

CONCLUSION

This case describes the first reported concurrent DIIHA and DIIT due to TMP‐SMX–induced antibodies in an HSCT patient. DIIHA and DIIT can present a diagnostic challenge in the setting of intermittent medication dosing.
Increased frequency of CD45 negative T cells (T zone cells) in older Golden retriever dogs
Authors: Hughes K. L. , Labadie J. D. , Yoshimoto J. A. , Dossey J. J. , Burnett R. C. , Avery A. C.
Published: September 2017

T zone lymphoma (TZL) is characterized by the clonal expansion of T cells lacking expression of the pan‐leukocyte antigen CD45 (TZ cells). A strong breed predisposition is observed in Golden retrievers. This study aimed to confirm aberrant CD45 mRNA expression and determine if Golden retrievers without clinical lymphoma have an increased frequency of circulating TZ cells. Gene expression analysis on confirmed TZL cases showed a significant decrease in CD45 expression compared to normal dogs. Peripheral blood samples from senior dogs, 242 Golden retrievers and 42 non‐Golden retrievers, without evidence of lymphoproliferative disease were assessed for the presence of TZ cells by flow cytometry. Thirty‐one percent of Golden retrievers had TZ cells compared to 14% of non‐Golden retrievers. Thirty‐four percent of Golden retrievers with TZ cells had a clonal T cell receptor gamma (TRG) gene rearrangement. Interestingly, 20% of Golden retrievers without TZ cells also had a clonal TRG rearrangement. Golden retrievers may have an increased risk of TZL due to an increased frequency of TZ cells.
Diluted sodium hypochlorite (bleach) in dogs: antiseptic efficacy, local tolerability and in vitro effect on skin barrier function and inflammation
Authors: Banovic Frane , Olivry Thierry , Bäumer Wolfgang , Paps Judy , Stahl Jessica , Rogers Ana , Jacob Megan
Published: September 2017

Background

Diluted sodium hypochlorite represents an inexpensive and widely available topical antiseptic, but there are no tolerability and efficacy data in veterinary dermatology.

Objectives

To determine the in vivo antibacterial effect and tolerability of topical diluted bleach application and to assess its in vitro effect on skin barrier lipids and anti‐inflammatory properties on keratinocytes.

Methods

Topical hypochlorite at 0.05% and tap water were applied to both sides of the thorax of four healthy dogs. The anti‐inflammatory effect on canine keratinocytes was determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction; skin barrier integrity was assessed by evaluating stratum corneum lipid changes in canine stratified epidermal constructs.

Results

The cell viability of primary keratinocytes treated with water and diluted hypochlorite at 0.005 and 0.01%, reduced the percentage of viable cells by 10%. The exposure of primary keratinocytes to 0.005% diluted hypochlorite significantly reduced the induction of inflammatory genes chemokine ligand‐2 (CCL2; P = 0.015) and thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC/CCL17, P = 0.032). There were no changes in skin lipid ceramide and nonceramide fractions in stratified epidermal constructs cultured for 17 days with 0.05% hypochlorite. Topical hypochlorite at 0.05% and tap water were well‐tolerated without signs of skin irritation. Although a marked reduction in bacterial counts was seen within 20 min of diluted bleach application compared to the tap water control, this was only marginally significant (P = 0.06).

Conclusions and clinical importance

The results indicate that a topical diluted bleach solution, at either 0.05 or 0.005% hypochlorite concentrations, is a well‐tolerated antiseptic that also exhibits anti‐inflammatory properties.
Comparative seed germination study across alien grapes (Vitis, Vitaceae) in Europe
Authors: Orsenigo S , Ardenghi N M G , Vagge I , Cauzzi P , Müller J V , Mondoni A
Published: September 2017

Alien grape (Vitis, Vitaceae) species and recently described hybrids are recognised as major environmental weeds in southern Europe, based on their tendency to spread into natural and semi‐natural habitats, often behaving as invasive species. Despite a high number of agronomic, genetic and phytopathological studies on Vitis cultivars, regeneration from seed has been poorly investigated, although it plays a key role in plant distribution and evolution. To this end, in this study we exposed seeds of eight wild grapes in Europe (three species and five nothospecies, including the native Vitis vinifera), to different temperature treatments in the laboratory. Fresh seeds from all studied taxa were dormant and germinated only after cold and/or warm plus cold stratification, but showing significant differences between the species. Seeds of V. vinifera showed an intermediate complex morphophysiological dormancy, while all other tested Vitis taxa exhibited a deep complex morphophysiological dormancy. Dark conditions reduced the germination percentage in Vitis labrusca, Vitis riparia and V. vinifera and their hybrids, and alternating temperatures elicited the highest germination percentages in all populations. Our results demonstrated for the first time that Vitis hybrids are capable of regeneration by seed, even in the absence of dispersal by animals. The germination processes studied here help understand the current expansion of alien Vitis taxa in Europe outside the viticultural areas. Consequently, germination requirements contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying alien Vitis taxa establishment and invasion.
Effect of ensiling and in sacco digestion on the viability of seeds of selected weed species
Authors: Piltz J W , Stanton R A , Wu H
Published: September 2017

The germinability and viability of mature seeds of five grass (Hordeum spp., Bromus diandrus, Vulpia spp., Avena fatua and Lolium rigidum) and seven broad‐leaved weed species (Echium spp., Physalis hederifolia, Solanum elaeagnifolium, Raphanus raphanistrum, Marrubium vulgare and Malva parviflora) that were either untreated, ensiled for a minimum of three months, underwent 48 h in sacco digestion in steers or ensiled prior to digestion were tested for germinability and viability. Ensiling and digestion both reduced seed viability, although the extent varied with species. The effect of ensiling was generally greater compared with digestion and differed between years for some species. Ensiling or ensiling plus digestion rendered all seeds of Hordeum spp., B. diandrus, Vulpia spp., A. fatua, Echium spp., P. hederifolia (in one year only), S. elaeagnifolium, R. raphanistrum and M. vulgare non‐viable; ensiling and ensiling plus digestion reduced viability of L. rigidum by 74.4% and 92.7% respectively. Viability of M. parviflora displayed the greatest tolerance to damage, with seed viability reduced on average by 31.4%, 27.6% and 27.4% for ensiling, digestion and ensiling plus digestion treatments respectively. These results indicate that ensiling can provide an effective non‐chemical weed management option, as a component of an integrated weed management package, for certain weed species responsible for significant crop and pasture production losses in Australian and world temperate and Mediterranean agricultural systems.
Passive Extraction of Dynamic Transfer Function From Arbitrary Ambient Excitations: Application to High-Speed Rail Inspection From Wheel-Generated Waves
Authors: Lanza di Scalea Francesco , Zhu Xuan , Capriotti Margherita , Liang Albert Y. , Mariani Stefano , Sternini Simone
Published: September 2017

The general topic of this paper is the passive reconstruction of an acoustic transfer function from an unknown, generally nonstationary excitation. As recently shown in a study of building response to ground shaking, the paper demonstrates that, for a linear system subjected to an unknown excitation, the deconvolution operation between two receptions leads to the Green's function between the two reception points that is independent of the excitation. This is in contrast to the commonly used cross-correlation operation for passive reconstruction of the Green's function, where the result is always filtered by the source energy spectrum (unless it is opportunely normalized in a manner that makes it equivalent to a deconvolution). This concept is then applied to high-speed ultrasonic inspection of rails by passively reconstructing the rail's transfer function from the excitations naturally caused by the rolling wheels of a moving train. A first-generation prototype based on this idea was engineered using noncontact air-coupled sensors, mounted underneath a test railcar, and field tested at speeds up to 80 mph at the Transportation Technology Center (TTC), Pueblo, CO. This is the first demonstration of passive inspection of rails from train wheel excitations and, to the authors' knowledge, the first attempt ever made to ultrasonically inspect the rail at speeds above ∼30 mph (that is the maximum speed of common rail ultrasonic inspection vehicles). Once fully developed, this novel concept could enable regular trains to perform the inspections without any traffic disruption and with great redundancy.
Core-Skin Disbond Detection in a Composite Sandwich Panel Using Guided Ultrasonic Waves
Authors: Schaal Christoph , Mal Ajit
Published: September 2017

Advanced composite materials are being increasingly used in state-of-the-art aircraft and aerospace structures due to their many desirable properties. However, such composite materials are highly susceptible to developing internal damage. Thus, safe operation of such structures requires a comprehensive program of effective nondestructive inspection and maintenance of their critical load bearing components before the defects grow and become unstable, resulting in failure of the entire structure. Ultrasonic guided wave-based methods have the potential to significantly improve current inspection techniques for large plate-like structural components due to the waves' large propagation range and sensitivity to defects in their propagation path. The application of guided waves for nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of real structures, however, requires a thorough understanding of the characteristics of guided waves in composite structures in the presence and absence of any defects. In this paper, the interaction of guided waves with a core–skin disbond in a composite sandwich panel is studied using a semi-analytical method, numerical simulations, and laboratory experiments. It is shown that the disbond causes complex mode conversion at its leading and trailing edges. The theoretical findings are verified with laboratory experiments, and the applicability of the proposed pitch–catch setup for NDE of complex composite structures for damage detection is discussed.
Nondestructive Evaluation of Porosity Content in the Curved Corner Section of Composite Laminates Using Focused Ultrasonic Waves
Authors: Okahara Takuma , Biwa Shiro , Kuraishi Akira
Published: September 2017

The feasibility of utilizing focused ultrasonic waves for the nondestructive evaluation of porosity content in curved corner sections of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) laminate structures is investigated numerically as well as experimentally. For this purpose, two-dimensional (2D) finite element simulations are carried out to clarify the wave propagation behavior and the reflection characteristics when the nonfocused or focused ultrasonic wave impinges on the corner section of unidirectional and quasi-isotropic CFRP laminates from the inner side via water. The corresponding reflection measurements are carried out for the CFRP corner specimens in the pulse-echo mode using nonfocusing, point-focusing, and line-focusing transducers. The numerical simulations and the experiments show that the use of focused ultrasonic waves is effective in obtaining clearly distinguishable surface and bottom echoes from the curved corner section of CFRP laminates. The influence of the porosity content on the reflection waveforms obtained with different types of transducers is demonstrated experimentally. The experimental results indicate that the porosity content of the CFRP corner section can be evaluated based on the amplitude ratio of the surface and bottom echoes obtained with focusing transducers, if the calibration relation is appropriately established for different ply stacking sequences.
Drilling Riser Model Test for Software Verification
Authors: Yin Decao , Lie Halvor , Russo Massimiliano , Grytøyr Guttorm
Published: September 2017

Marine drilling riser is subject to complicated environmental loads which include top motions due to mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU), wave loads, and current loads. Cyclic dynamic loads will cause severe fatigue accumulation along the drilling riser system, especially at the subsea wellhead (WH). Statoil and BP have carried out a comprehensive model test program on drilling riser in MARINTEK's Towing Tank in February 2015. The objective is to validate and verify software predictions of drilling riser behavior under various environmental conditions by the use of model test data. Six drilling riser configurations were tested, including different components such as upper flex joint (UFJ), tensioner, marine riser, lower marine riser package (LMRP), blow-out preventer (BOP), lower flex joint (LFJ), buoyancy elements, and seabed boundary model. The drilling riser models were tested in different load conditions. Measurements were made of microbending strains and accelerations along the riser in both in-line (IL) and crossflow (CF) directions. Video recordings were made both above and under water. In this paper, the test setup and test program are presented. Comparisons of results between model test and RIFLEX simulation are presented on selected cases. Preliminary results show that the drilling riser model tests are able to capture the typical dynamic responses observed from field measurement, and the comparison between model test and RIFLEX simulation is promising.
Discrete Vibration Stability Analysis With Hydromechanical Specific Energy
Authors: Mirani Ankit A. , Samuel Robello
Published: September 2017

Drill-bit vibrations and bit wear have been identified as the two major causes for premature polycrystalline diamond-compact (PDC) bit failure and difficulty in accurately predicting PDC bit performance. The objective of this paper is to present a new approach to drilling optimization by developing an algorithm that defines and generates a constrained stable rotary speed (RPM)–weight-on-bit (WOB) working domain for a given system as opposed to the traditional RPM–WOB charts. The algorithm integrates the dynamic-stability model for bit vibrations with the bit-performance model for degraded bits. This study addresses the issues of dynamic-bit stability under torsional and lateral vibrations coupled with bit wear. The approach presented in this paper involves performing two separate analyses: vibration stability and bit-wear performance analysis. The optimum operating conditions are estimated at each depth of the drilling interval, taking into consideration the effect of bit wear and bit vibrations. Because the bit wears continuously while penetrating the rocks, discretization of depth is necessary for effective simulation. Discretization is done by dividing the drilling interval into subintervals of the desired length. Vibration-stability analysis and bit-wear performance analysis are preformed separately at every subinterval and then integrated over the discrete interval. For every subinterval, a WOB–RPM domain is determined within which the given system is dynamically stable (for vibrations), and the bit wear does not exceed the maximum allowable wear (MAW) for the section of the drilling interval selected. A unique concept to relate the fractional change in hydromechanical specific energy (HMSE) to the fractional change in bit wear has also been put forward that further constraints the WOB–RPM stable working domain. The new coupled vibration-stability chart, including the maximum rate of penetration (ROP), narrows down the conventional chart and provides different regions of operational stability. It has also been found that as the compressive strength of the rock increases, the bit-gauge friction factor also increases, which results in a compressed or reduced allowable working domain, both from the vibration-stability analysis and bit-performance analysis. Simple guidelines have been provided using the new stability domain chart to estimate the operating range for real-time optimization.
A Robust Three-Phase Isenthalpic Flash Algorithm Based on Free-Water Assumption
Authors: Li Ruixue , Andy Li Huazhou
Published: September 2017

Isenthalpic flash is a type of flash calculation conducted at a given pressure and enthalpy for a feed mixture. Multiphase isenthalpic flash calculations are often required in compositional simulations of steam-based enhanced oil recovery methods. Based on a free-water assumption that the aqueous phase is pure water, a robust and efficient algorithm is developed to perform isenthalpic three-phase flashes. Assuming that the feed is stable, we first determine the temperature by solving the energy conservation equation. Then, the stability test on the feed mixture is conducted at the calculated temperature and the given pressure. If the mixture is found unstable, two-phase and three-phase vapor–liquid–aqueous isenthalpic flash can be simultaneously initiated without resorting to stability tests. The outer loop is used to update the temperature by solving the energy conservation equation. The inner loop determines the phase fractions and compositions through a three-phase free-water isothermal flash. A two-phase isothermal flash will be initiated if an open feasible region in the phase fractions appears in any iteration during the three-phase flash or any of the ultimately calculated phase fractions from the three-phase flash do not belong to [0,1]. A number of example calculations for water/hydrocarbon mixtures are carried out, demonstrating that the proposed algorithm is accurate, efficient, and robust.
The diagnostic value of shear wave elastography for parathyroid lesions and comparison with cervical lymph nodes
Authors: Polat Ahmet Veysel , Ozturk Mesut , Akyuz Behic , Celenk Cetin , Kefeli Mehmet , Polat Cafer
Published: September 2017

Aims: The aim of this study was to prospectively assess the feasibility of the Virtual Touch tissue imaging quantification (VTIQ) method of shear wave elastography (SWE) for the discrimination of parathyroid lesions and to compare the lesions’ stiffness with that of cervical lymph nodes.Materials and methods: SWE using VTIQ was performed on 66 patients with 87 histopathologically proven parathyroid lesions (54 parathyroid adenomas and 33 parathyroid hyperplasia) and 29 patients with 31 inflammatory cervical lymph nodes. The mean SWVs of the lesions were compared and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate diagnostic performance.Results: The mean SWV of parathyroid adenomas (2.16±0.33 m/s) differed significantly from those of parathyroid hyperplasia and lymph nodes (1.75±0.28 m/s and 1.86±0.37 m/s respectively, p<0.001). Selecting a cutoff value of 1.92 m/s for diagnosing adenoma led to 80% sensitivity and 82% specificity (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.832 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.742–0.921], p< 0.001).Conclusions: The VTIQ method of SWE can contribute to the differentiation of parathyroid adenoma from parathyroid hyperplasia and cervical lymphnodes.
How and when does an anticancer drug leave its binding site?
Authors: Tiwary Pratyush , Mondal Jagannath , Berne B. J.
Published: September 2017

We use atomistic simulations to elucidate the unbinding time scales and mechanisms of the cancer drug dasatinib from host kinase.
Fabrication of fillable microparticles and other complex 3D microstructures
Authors: McHugh Kevin J. , Nguyen Thanh D. , Linehan Allison R. , Yang David , Behrens Adam M. , Rose Sviatlana , Tochka Zachary L. , Tzeng Stephany Y. , Norman James J. , Anselmo Aaron C. , Xu Xian , Tomasic Stephanie , Taylor Matthew A. , Lu Jennifer , Guarecuco Rohiverth , Langer Robert , Jaklenec Ana
Published: September 2017

Technology used for computer chip manufacturing is combined with soft lithography to produce small polymeric structures.
Thirst-associated preoptic neurons encode an aversive motivational drive
Authors: Allen William E. , DeNardo Laura A. , Chen Michael Z. , Liu Cindy D. , Loh Kyle M. , Fenno Lief E. , Ramakrishnan Charu , Deisseroth Karl , Luo Liqun
Published: September 2017

A cell type in the median preoptic nucleus integrates water intake over time and controls thirst behavior in mice.
Response to Comment on “The complex effects of ocean acidification on the prominent N
2
-fixing cyanobacterium
Trichodesmium
”
Authors: Shi Dalin , Shen Rong , Kranz Sven A. , Morel François M. M. , Hong Haizheng
Published: September 2017

Hutchins
et al
. question the validity of our results showing that under fast growth conditions, the beneficial effect of high CO
2
on
Trichodesmium
is overwhelmed by the deleterious effect of the concomitant decrease in ambient and cellular pH. The positive effect of acidification reported by Hutchins and co-workers is likely caused by culture conditions that support suboptimal growth rates.
Neurons that drive and quench thirst
Authors: Gizowski Claire , Bourque Charles W.
Published: September 2017

Median preoptic neurons modulate water intake and the urge to drink
A disease-linked
ULBP6
polymorphism inhibits NKG2D-mediated target cell killing by enhancing the stability of NKG2D ligand binding
Authors: Zuo Jianmin , Willcox Carrie R. , Mohammed Fiyaz , Davey Martin , Hunter Stuart , Khan Kabir , Antoun Ayman , Katakia Poonam , Croudace Joanne , Inman Charlotte , Parry Helen , Briggs David , Malladi Ram , Willcox Benjamin E. , Moss Paul
Published: September 2017

A disease-associated variant of an activating ligand engages receptors so strongly that it impairs NK cell–mediated killing.
Type I Interferon Signaling to Dendritic Cells Limits Murid Herpesvirus 4 Spread from the Olfactory Epithelium
Authors: Lawler Clara , Stevenson Philip G.
Published: September 2017

Murid herpesvirus 4 (MuHV-4) is a B cell-tropic gammaherpesvirus that can be studied
in vivo
. Despite viral evasion, type I interferons (IFN-I) limit its spread. After MuHV-4 inoculation into footpads, IFN-I protect lymph node subcapsular sinus macrophages (SSM) against productive infection; after peritoneal inoculation, they protect splenic marginal zone macrophages, and they limit MuHV-4 replication in the lungs. While invasive infections can be used to test specific aspects of host colonization, it is also important to understand natural infection. MuHV-4 taken up spontaneously by alert mice enters them via olfactory neurons. We determined how IFN-I act in this context. Blocking IFN-I signaling did not increase neuronal infection but allowed the virus to spread to the adjacent respiratory epithelium. In lymph nodes, a complete IFN-I signaling block increased MuHV-4 lytic infection in SSM and increased the number of dendritic cells (DC) expressing viral green fluorescent protein (GFP) independently of lytic infection. A CD11c
+
cell-directed signaling block increased infection of DC only. However, this was sufficient to increase downstream infection, consistent with DC providing the main viral route to B cells. The capacity of IFN-I to limit DC infection indicated that viral IFN-I evasion was only partly effective. Therefore, DC are a possible target for IFN-I-based interventions to reduce host colonization.

IMPORTANCE
Human gammaherpesviruses infect B cells and cause B cell cancers. Interventions to block virus binding to B cells have not stopped their infection. Therefore, we must identify other control points that are relevant to natural infection. Human infections are difficult to analyze. However, gammaherpesviruses colonize all mammals. A related gammaherpesvirus of mice reaches B cells not directly but via infected dendritic cells. We show that type I interferons, an important general antiviral defense, limit gammaherpesvirus B cell infection by acting on dendritic cells. Therefore, dendritic cell infection is a potential point of interferon-based therapeutic intervention.
A Quorum-Sensing System That Regulates Streptococcus pneumoniae Biofilm Formation and Surface Polysaccharide Production
Authors: Junges Roger , Salvadori Gabriela , Shekhar Sudhanshu , Åmdal Heidi A. , Periselneris Jimstan N. , Chen Tsute , Brown Jeremy S. , Petersen Fernanda C.
Published: September 2017

Quorum sensing regulates bacterial social behaviors by production, secretion, and sensing of pheromones. In this study, we characterized a new quorum-sensing system of the Rgg/SHP class in
S. pneumoniae
D39. The system was found to directly induce the expression of a single gene cluster comprising the gene for the SHP pheromone and genes with putative functions in capsule synthesis. Capsule size, as measured by dextran exclusion, was increased by SHP exposure in R36A, an unencapsulated derivative of D39. In the encapsulated parent strain, overexpression of the gene cluster increased capsule size, supporting the role of Rgg/SHP in the synthesis of surface polysaccharides. Further, we found that biofilm formation on epithelial cells was reduced by overexpression of the system and increased in a mutant with an
rgg
deletion. Placing surface polysaccharide expression under quorum-sensing regulation may enable
S. pneumoniae
to tune interactions with the host and other bacteria in accordance with environmental and cell density conditions.