bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chewing efficiency, bite force and oral health‐related quality of life with narrow diameter implants ‐ a prospective clinical study: results after one year
Authors: Enkling Norbert , Saftig Marcus , Worni Andreas , Mericske‐Stern Regina , Schimmel Martin
Published: March 2016

Objective

This prospective study aimed to investigate the evolution of chewing efficiency, maximum voluntary bite force (MBF) and oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) in edentulous patients treated with narrow diameter implants (NDIs) over the course of 1 year.

Materials and Methods

Four NDIs (MDI®, 3M ESPE, diameter 1.8 mm) were placed interforaminally in 20 edentulous patients. They were immediately loaded by converting the existing prosthesis into an implant overdenture. Participants were examined six times pre‐ and postoperatively [baseline (BL) to week 52 (w52)]. Chewing efficiency was evaluated with a colour‐mixing ability test by evaluation of the standard deviation of hue (VOH, ViewGum©). MBF was measured using a digital force gauge. OHRQoL was determined with the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIPG49). Nonparametric Brunner–Langer models were applied for statistical testing.

Results

The study failed to demonstrate an effect on chewing efficiency. MBF increased continuously during the observation period (medians: MBF[N]@BL = 46.6 [iqr 50.1]; MBF[N]@w52 = 103.9 [iqr 76.0]; P = 0.002). OHRQoL increased steeply after implant loading and continued improving (medians: BL ∑OHIPG49 = 31 [iqr 40.0]; w4 ∑OHIPG49 = 11.5 [iqr 19.5]; w52 ∑OHIPG49 = 6 [iqr 13.0], P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The stabilisation of a lower complete prosthesis with four NDIs is a feasible minimally invasive and economical approach to improve oral function and OHRQoL, especially in elderly patients with limited bone support. Functional benefits might be more evident if patients receive chewing instructions. Larger studies need to confirm a positive effect on chewing efficiency and develop long‐term maintenance solutions if patients become frail because no easy downgrading approaches of one‐piece titanium implants exist.
Effects of grazing intensity on pollinator abundance and diversity, and on pollination services
Authors: LÁZARO AMPARO , TSCHEULIN THOMAS , DEVALEZ JELLE , NAKAS GEORGIOS , PETANIDOU THEODORA
Published: March 2016

1. Pollinating insects provide important ecosystem services and are influenced by the intensity of grazing. Based on the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis (IDH), pollinator diversity is expected to peak at intermediate grazing intensities. However, this hump‐shaped relationship is rarely found.

2. The effect of grazing intensity was tested on flower cover, on the abundance and richness of bees, hoverflies and bee flies, and on pollination services to early‐flowering bee‐pollinated Asphodelus ramosus L. For that, we used data on 11 plant–pollinator phryganic communities from Lesvos Island (Greece) widely differing in grazing intensities.

3. Flower abundance and richness showed hump‐shaped relationships with grazing intensity. Grazing affected the abundance and richness of bees and hoverflies directly and also indirectly, through changes in the flower community. Grazing influenced directly the richness but not the abundance of bee flies. Overall, pollinator abundance and richness showed hump‐shaped relationships with grazing intensity, but variations in strength (hoverfly abundance) and direction (bee community) of the effect appeared along the season. Early in the season, grazing increased bee abundance but decreased richness, resulting in increased pollen limitation in A. ramosus.

4. The effects of grazing on pollinators vary with the intensity of the disturbance, generally supporting the IDH, and the timing of land‐use activities may influence pollination services. Management strategies should include moderate grazing levels to preserve overall diversity in this area, however, the conservation of particular early bee or bee‐pollinated species may benefit from reduced grazing in early spring.
Intrathecal amantadine for prolonged spinal blockade of sensory and motor functions in rats
Authors: Tzeng Jann‐Inn , Kan Chung‐Dann , Wang Jieh‐Neng , Wang Jhi‐Joung , Lin Heng‐Teng , Hung Ching‐Hsia
Published: March 2016

We aimed to compare the hypothesized local anesthetic action of amantadine (1‐adamantanamine) with that of the known local anesthetic mepivacaine. Motor, proprioceptive, and nociceptive functions were evaluated in rats after intrathecal administration. Amantadine elicited spinal anesthesia in a dose‐related fashion and produced a better sensory‐selective action over motor blockade (P < 0.01). On the 50% effective dose (ED50) basis, the rank of potency on spinal motor, proprioceptive, and nociceptive block was mepivacaine > amantadine (P < 0.01 for the differences). Amantadine (63.5 μmol/kg) and mepivacaine (7.1 μmol/kg) produced complete spinal block of motor function, proprioception, and nociception. On an equipotent basis (ED25, ED50, and ED75), the duration of amantadine was longer (P < 0.01) than that of mepivacaine on spinal motor, proprioceptive, and nociceptive block. Our preclinical data demonstrated that amantadine was less potent than mepivacaine at producing spinal anesthesia. The spinal block duration produced by amantadine was greater than that produced by mepivacaine. Both amantadine and mepivacaine produced a markedly nociceptive‐specific blockade.
Elimination of Interferences in the Determination of Palladium, Platinum and Rhodium Mass Fractions in Moss Samples using ICP‐MS/MS
Authors: Suoranta Terhi , Bokhari Syed N. H. , Meisel Thomas , Niemelä Matti , Perämäki Paavo
Published: March 2016

Moss samples (Pleurozium schreberi) exposed to traffic‐related emission of Pd, Pt and Rh were analysed in this study. Successful elimination of interferences was achieved in the determination of Pd, Pt and Rh mass fractions in these samples using inductively coupled plasma‐tandem mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS/MS). Based on the results, a reliable determination of Pd, Pt and Rh mass fractions in microwave‐digested moss samples was obtained using ammonia (10% NH3 in He) in the collision/reaction cell when 103Rh was measured either on‐mass (103→103) or with mass‐shift (103→171) and mass‐shifts for 108Pd (108→159) and 195Pt (195→229) were used. The ICP‐MS/MS procedure was validated using BCR‐723 (road dust) as a reference material. In addition, a good agreement between the ICP‐MS/MS results and the results obtained with cloud point extraction and quadrupole ICP‐MS was observed for the moss samples.
The FlexISH assay brings flexibility to cytogenetic HER2 testing
Authors: Brockhoff Gero , Bock Maria , Zeman Florian , Hauke Sven
Published: March 2016

Aims

Fluorescence in‐situ hybridization (FISH) is the method of choice for quantitative human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) (also known as ERBB2) gene testing in invasive breast cancer. HER2 testing has great clinical impact, and is often claimed to expeditiously complete the entire diagnostic procedure for an individual patient. Against this background, the aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness and performance of a novel dual‐colour HER2/cen17 FISH assay designed to facilitate flexible (overnight) and rapid (<2 h of hybridization) FISH.

Methods and results

We quantitatively and qualitatively compared counting results and the performance of the FlexISH SPEC ERBB2/CEN 17 dual‐colour hybridization kit with well‐established HER2FISH assays, by using 90 malignant (polysomic and non‐polysomic) and 19 benign paraffin‐embedded breast tissue specimens. We used long (overnight) and short (2 h) hybridization periods, and found an excellent correlation between the FISH results obtained with FlexISH, ZytoLight and PathVysion hybridization probes.

Conclusions

The results obtained with both the short‐run and long‐run application of FlexISH are in excellent accordance with the results obtained with other commercially available FISH kits. This appears to be true in all relevant respects: signal counts, signal‐to‐noise ratio, brightness, and distinctness of HER2 and cen17 signals. As FlexISH probes can be equivalently used as a short‐run or long‐run application, the FlexISH probe kit provides the highest flexibility in terms of time and laboratory management. If required, a reliable HER2 finding can be delivered within 4.5 h, but the standard workflow (including overnight hybridization) does not negatively affect the performance, specimen quality or diagnostic result.
C‐reactive protein and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 in differential diagnosis of ascites
Authors: Abdel‐Razik Ahmed , Eldars Waleed , Elhelaly Rania , Elzehery Rasha
Published: March 2016

Background and Aim

Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) are produced mainly by the liver; the output of these markers in response to inflammatory processes may be affected in patients with hepatic dysfunction. This may explain the differences in IGF‐1 and CRP values in patients with non‐portal and portal hypertension ascites. We aimed to evaluate serum and ascitic fluid IGF‐1 and CRP as diagnostic markers in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant ascites.

Methods

In this prospective study, 398 consecutive patients with ascites were included. Serum and ascitic fluid levels of IGF‐1 and CRP were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Patients were divided into group 1, due to benign ascites (n = 324), and group 2, due to malignant ascites (n = 74). Serum and ascitic IGF‐1 were significantly increased in malignant ascites than benign ascites group [305 ± 65.7 ng/mL vs 95 ± 53.8 ng/mL; P < 0.001 and 288 ± 54.7 ng/mL vs 83.2 ± 36.7 ng/mL; P < 0.001], respectively. Serum and ascitic CRP were significantly higher in malignant ascites than benign ascites patients [12.8 ± 6.3 mg/mL vs 6.1 ± 4.9 mg/mL; P < 0.001 and 5.1 ± 2.2 mg/mL vs 1.6 ± 1.3 mg/mL; P < 0.001], respectively. At a cutoff value of 309.4 ng/mL and 7.8 mg/mL, serum IGF‐1 and CRP had (95.1%, 81%) sensitivity and (88.6%, 75.5%) specificity for detecting malignant ascites [area under the curve: 0.932, 0.845], respectively. At a cutoff value of 291.6 ng/mL and 2.6 mg/mL, ascitic IGF‐1 and CRP had (94.6%, 84%) sensitivity and (83.2%, 80.3%) specificity for detecting malignant ascites (area under the curve: 0.911, 0.893) correspondingly.

Conclusion

Elevated serum and ascitic fluid IGF‐1 and CRP levels were associated with malignant ascites.
Genetics of FTLD: overview and what else we can expect from genetic studies
Authors: Pottier Cyril , Ravenscroft Thomas A. , Sanchez‐Contreras Monica , Rademakers Rosa
Published: March 2016

Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) comprises a highly heterogeneous group of disorders clinically associated with behavioral and personality changes, language impairment, and deficits in executive functioning, and pathologically associated with degeneration of frontal and temporal lobes. Some patients present with motor symptoms including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Genetic research over the past two decades in FTLD families led to the identification of three common FTLD genes (microtubule‐associated protein tau, progranulin, and chromosome 9 open reading frame 72) and a small number of rare FTLD genes, explaining the disease in almost all autosomal dominant FTLD families but only a minority of apparently sporadic patients or patients in whom the family history is less clear. Identification of additional FTLD (risk) genes is therefore highly anticipated, especially with the emerging use of next‐generation sequencing. Common variants in the transmembrane protein 106 B were identified as a genetic risk factor of FTLD and disease modifier in patients with known mutations. This review summarizes for each FTLD gene what we know about the type and frequency of mutations, their associated clinical and pathological features, and potential disease mechanisms. We also provide an overview of emerging disease pathways encompassing multiple FTLD genes. We further discuss how FTLD specific issues, such as disease heterogeneity, the presence of an unclear family history and the possible role of an oligogenic basis of FTLD, can pose challenges for future FTLD gene identification and risk assessment of specific variants. Finally, we highlight emerging clinical, genetic, and translational research opportunities that lie ahead.

image

Genetic research led to the identification of three common FTLD genes with rare variants (MAPT, GRN, and C9orf72) and a small number of rare genes. Efforts are now ongoing, which aimed at the identification of rare variants with high risk and/or low frequency variants with intermediate effect. Common risk variants have also been identified, such as TMEM106B. This review discusses the current knowledge on FTLD genes and the emerging disease pathways encompassing multiple FTLD genes.

This article is part of the Frontotemporal Dementia special issue.
Using Disability Law to expand Academic Freedom for Disabled Researchers in the United Kingdom
Authors: Kirkham Reuben , Webster Mary , Chen Ko‐Le , Vines John
Published: March 2016

We consider the findings of a study of the experiences of Postgraduate Researchers with Disabilities and explore how this relates to academic freedom. Drawing upon the provisions of the Public Sector Equality Duty and Indirect Discrimination within the Equality Act (2010), we note that a range of existing public policy practices, such as the operation of the REF, are likely to be in breach of these obligations. We recommend revisions to existing practice that speak more widely to the general concern of academic freedom, suggesting that a consideration of anti‐discrimination law – rather than a purely intellectually focussed agenda – represents a pragmatic means towards shaping the inclusivity of higher education policy going forwards.
An Indigenous Feminist's Take On The Ontological Turn: ‘Ontology’ Is Just Another Word For Colonialism
Authors: Todd Zoe
Published: March 2016

In this article, I ask how anthropology can adopt a decolonial approach that incorporates and acknowledges the critical scholarship of Indigenous thinkers whose work and labour informs many current trends in Euro‐Western scholarship, activism and socio‐political discourse. I also query how to address ongoing structural colonialism within the academy in order to ensure that marginalised voices are heard within academic discourses.
Incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma according to hepatitis B virus genotype in Alaska Native people
Authors: Ching Lance K. , Gounder Prabhu P. , Bulkow Lisa , Spradling Philip R. , Bruce Michael G. , Negus Susan , Snowball Mary , McMahon Brian J.
Published: March 2016

Background & Aims

Most regions of the world have ≤3 co‐circulating hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes, which limits direct comparisons of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk among HBV‐infected persons by genotype. We evaluated HCC incidence by HBV genotype in a cohort of Alaska Native (AN) persons where five HBV genotypes (A, B, C, D, F) have been identified.

Methods

Our cohort comprised AN persons with chronic HBV infection identified during 1983–2012 who consented to participate in this study. Cohort persons were offered annual hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) testing and semi‐annual HCC screening. We developed a logistic regression model to compare HCC risk by genotype, adjusting for age, sex, region and HBeAg status.

Results

Among the 1235 consenting study participants, 711 (57.6%) were male, 510 (41.3%) were HBeAg positive at cohort entry and 43 (3.5%) developed HCC. The HBV genotype was known for 1142 (92.5%) persons (13.5% A, 3.9% B, 6.7% C, 56.9% D, 19.0% F). The HCC incidence/1000 person‐years of follow‐up for genotypes A, B, C, D and F was 1.3, 0, 5.5, 0.4 and 4.2 respectively. Compared with persons with HBV genotype B/D infection, the HCC risk was higher for persons with genotypes A [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 3.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14–13.74], C (aOR: 16.3, 95% CI: 5.20–51.11) and F (aOR: 13.9, 95% CI: 5.30–36.69).

Conclusion

HBV genotype is independently associated with HCC risk. AN persons with genotypes A, C and F are at higher risk compared with genotypes B or D.
Coesite in suevites from the Chesapeake Bay impact structure
Authors: Jackson John C. , Horton J. Wright , Chou I‐Ming , Belkin Harvey E.
Published: March 2016

The occurrence of coesite in suevites from the Chesapeake Bay impact structure is confirmed within a variety of textural domains in situ by Raman spectroscopy for the first time and in mechanically separated grains by X‐ray diffraction. Microtextures of coesite identified in situ investigated under transmitted light and by scanning electron microscope reveal coesite as micrometer‐sized grains (1–3 μm) within amorphous silica of impact‐melt clasts and as submicrometer‐sized grains and polycrystalline aggregates within shocked quartz grains. Coesite‐bearing quartz grains are present both idiomorphically with original grain margins intact and as highly strained grains that underwent shock‐produced plastic deformation. Coesite commonly occurs in plastically deformed quartz grains within domains that appear brown (toasted) in transmitted light and rarely within quartz of spheroidal texture. The coesite likely developed by a mechanism of solid‐state transformation from precursor quartz. Raman spectroscopy also showed a series of unidentified peaks associated with shocked quartz grains that likely represent unidentified silica phases, possibly including a moganite‐like phase that has not previously been associated with coesite.
NapM, a new nucleoid‐associated protein, broadly regulates gene expression and affects mycobacterial resistance to anti‐tuberculosis drugs
Authors: Liu Yu , Wang Hongyang , Cui Tao , Zhou Xiling , Jia Yanxia , Zhang Hua , He Zheng‐Guo
Published: March 2016

Nucleoid‐associated proteins (NAPs) play important roles in the global organization of bacterial chromosomes. However, potential NAPs and their functions are barely characterized in mycobacteria. In this study, NapM, an alkaline protein, functions as a new NAP. NapM is conserved in all of the sequenced mycobacterial genomes, and can recognize DNA in a length‐dependent but sequence‐independent manner. It prefers AT‐rich DNA and binds to the major groove. NapM possesses a clear DNA‐bridging function, and can protect DNA from DNase I digestion. NapM globally regulates the expression of more than 150 genes and the resistance of Mycobacterium smegmatis to two anti‐tuberculosis drugs, namely, rifampicin and ethambutol. An ABC transporter operon was found to be specifically responsible for the napM‐dependent ethambutol resistance of M. smegmatis. NapM also presents a similar regulation of anti‐tuberculosis drug resistance in M. tuberculosis. These results suggest that NapM is a new member of the mycobacterial NAP family. Our findings expand the range of identified NAPs and improve the understanding on the relationship between NAPs with antibiotic resistance in mycobacteria.
L‐2,3‐diaminopropionate generates diverse metabolic stresses in Salmonella enterica
Authors: Ernst Dustin C. , Anderson Mary E. , Downs Diana M.
Published: March 2016

Unchecked amino acid accumulation in living cells has the potential to cause stress by disrupting normal metabolic processes. Thus, many organisms have evolved degradation strategies that prevent endogenous accumulation of amino acids. L‐2,3‐diaminopropionate (Dap) is a non‐protein amino acid produced in nature where it serves as a precursor to siderophores, neurotoxins and antibiotics. Dap accumulation in Salmonella enterica was previously shown to inhibit growth by unknown mechanisms. The production of diaminopropionate ammonia‐lyase (DpaL) alleviated Dap toxicity in S. enterica by catalyzing the degradation of Dap to pyruvate and ammonia. Here, we demonstrate that Dap accumulation in S. enterica elicits a proline requirement for growth and specifically inhibits coenzyme A and isoleucine biosynthesis. Additionally, we establish that the DpaL‐dependent degradation of Dap to pyruvate proceeds through an unbound 2‐aminoacrylate (2AA) intermediate, thus contributing to 2AA stress inside the cell. The reactive intermediate deaminase, RidA, is shown to prevent 2AA damage caused by DpaL‐dependent Dap degradation by enhancing the rate of 2AA hydrolysis. The results presented herein inform our understanding of the effects Dap has on metabolism in S. enterica, and likely other organisms, and highlight the critical role played by RidA in preventing 2AA stress stemming from Dap detoxification.
Factors Influencing Spanish Instructors’ In‐Class Feedback Decisions
Authors: GURZYNSKI–WEISS LAURA
Published: March 2016

While oral corrective feedback is a principal focus in second language acquisition research, most studies examine feedback once it has been provided. Investigating how instructors make in‐class feedback decisions has not been thoroughly explored, despite the fact that classroom feedback occurs at the discretion of the individual language instructor and evidence from case studies that feedback provision varies greatly between instructors (recently reviewed in Lyster, Saito, & Sato, ). This study investigates how 32 instructors make their moment‐to‐moment feedback decisions in response to learner errors during natural, university‐level Spanish foreign language lessons. Each instructor had a 50‐minute grammar‐focused lesson videotaped and participated in a stimulated recall. Results reveal instructor in‐class feedback decision making to be a systematic and ordered cognitive process: Instructors who reflect on learner errors report that contextual (e.g., error type), learner (e.g., perceived student ability), and instructor factors (e.g., research background) influenced their decision whether or not to provide feedback, as well what type(s) to provide, and when. Others report having automatized their feedback practices and not reflecting on learner errors. All instructors report that their individual characteristics, specifically their native language, teaching experience, and training in second language acquisition, mediate the corrective feedback they provide.
The Effects of the Timing of Corrective Feedback on the Acquisition of a New Linguistic Structure
Authors: LI SHAOFENG , ZHU YAN , ELLIS ROD
Published: March 2016

The article reports on a study investigating the comparative effects of immediate and delayed corrective feedback in learning the English past passive construction, a linguistic structure of which the learners had little prior knowledge. A total of 120 learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) from 4 intact classes at a Chinese middle school were randomly assigned to conditions: immediate feedback, delayed feedback, task‐only, and control. The 3 experimental groups attended a 2‐hour treatment session where they performed 2 dictogloss (narrative) tasks in groups, each followed by a reporting phase in which they took turns telling the narrative to the class. The 2 feedback groups received either immediate or delayed corrective feedback in the form of a prompt, followed by recasts of utterances containing errors in their use of the target structure. No effect for the corrective feedback was found on elicited imitation test scores, but both the immediate and delayed feedback resulted in gains in grammaticality judgment test scores, with immediate feedback showing some advantage over delayed feedback. We interpret these results as showing that the feedback only aided the development of declarative/explicit knowledge and that the advantage found for immediate feedback was due to the learners using the feedback progressively in the production of new past passive sentences, whereas this did not occur in the delayed feedback condition.
Toward a Capacity Framework for Useful Student Learning Outcomes Assessment in College Foreign Language Programs
Authors: DAVIS JOHN MCEWAN
Published: March 2016

The educational impacts of mandated assessment in U.S. colleges is part of a growing research agenda focused on how methodologies of program evaluation best enable educators to improve teaching and learning. Accordingly, research has tried to identify the key aspects of evaluation/assessment ‘capacity’ in college language departments (i.e., environmental conditions and personnel factors) that seem most associated with meaningful reform and evaluation use. This article reports on a provisional framework of evaluation/assessment capacity for university foreign language (FL) programs. Factor analysis was performed on questionnaire data from 204 university language educators reporting on their program assessment activities. Results suggested a set of program‐level and institutional capacity elements grouped into 7 categories: (a) institutional support (funding, training, expertise, etc.), (b) institutional governance and leadership, (c) facilitative infrastructures (e.g., curricular maps, assessment plans), (d) program‐level support (financial, personnel resources), (e) a prevailing program ethos conducive to educational innovation, (f) pro‐assessment attitudes, and (g) high‐quality assessment activities and abilities (i.e., dimensions of assessment practice at advanced levels of skill and experience). The framework delineates a provisional set of theory‐based, empirically supported program factors linked to assessment usefulness in postsecondary FL education and provides educators a set of guidelines to develop their assessment capabilities.
Error Analysis of Support Verb Constructions in Written Spanish Learner Corpora
Authors: SALIDO MARCOS GARCÍA
Published: March 2016

This article studies the use of support verb constructions (SVCs) in the written production of learners of Spanish. SVCs are lexical combinations whose content is similar to verbal predicates but is distributed between a verb and a noun, the noun being the carrier of the core lexical meaning of the predicate. Although there is considerable agreement on the importance of these constructions in the learning process, their use in the production of learners of Spanish has so far attracted little attention. This study examines the difficulties posed to learners by this construction by means of a qualitative analysis of the errors registered in 3 samples consisting of essays by learners with 3 different mother tongues (English, Swedish, and Japanese). It focuses on 3 types of error, 2 of which—the support verb choice and the determiner choice—seem to be especially problematic due to the unpredictability of the units involved. The third type—using an SVC instead of a more idiomatic 1‐word verb—is regularly found only in the samples of the Japanese speakers, which suggests the influence of a particular mother tongue in its production.
Endothelial dysfunction biomarker, endothelial cell‐specific molecule‐1, and pediatric metabolic syndrome
Authors: Halici Iclal , Palabiyik Saziye Sezin , Guducu‐Tufekci Fatma , Ozbek‐Bilgin Asli , Cayir Atilla
Published: March 2016

Background

The aim of this study was to compare serum endothelial cell‐specific molecule‐1 (endocan) in pediatric patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and in healthy children, and to determine whether it can be used as an indicator of endothelium damage‐induced complications in pediatric MetS patients.

Methods

The study included 30 patients, aged 6–16 years, who were diagnosed with MetS. Another 30 children with no diseases were recruited as healthy controls. Endocan concentration was measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Endocan was increased almost threefold in the MetS group compared with the healthy group. Systolic arterial tension and diastolic arterial tension, serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol were higher, and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was lower, in the MetS children than in the healthy group. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), hemoglobin A1c (HBA1C), and homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) were also significantly increased in the children with MetS compared with the healthy group.

Conclusions

Serum endocan level in pediatric MetS patients could be an important indicator of cardiovascular risk in adulthood.
Health‐related quality of life, comorbidities and mortality in pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial infections: A systematic review
Authors: Yeung Man Wah , Khoo Edwin , Brode Sarah K. , Jamieson Frances B. , Kamiya Hiroyuki , Kwong Jeffrey C. , Macdonald Liane , Marras Theodore K. , Morimoto Kozo , Sander Beate
Published: March 2016

Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections are increasing in disease frequency worldwide. This systematic review examines health‐related quality of life (HRQOL), comorbidities and mortality associated with pulmonary NTM disease. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus Life Sciences, conference proceedings and Google (earliest date available to February 2015) for primary studies. Eligible studies compared populations with and without pulmonary NTM disease in high‐income jurisdictions. We excluded studies on HIV/AIDS. All languages were accepted. Two reviewers followed MOOSE and PRISMA reporting guidelines and independently appraised quality using STROBE. All studies were summarized qualitatively regardless of quality. Of 3193 citations screened, we included 17 studies mostly from Taiwan (n = 5) and the USA (n = 4). Two studies assessed HRQOL; one assessed comorbidities, 11 assessed mortality, and three assessed multiple outcomes. Populations with pulmonary NTM reported significantly worse or similar HRQOL than the general population, depending on the instruments used. Some suggested greater prevalence of having bronchiectasis (n = 2) and greater risk of developing pulmonary tuberculosis (n = 1). Most (n = 7) suggested no difference in mortality, although only one was age‐matched and gender‐matched to the general population. Four suggested NTM populations had higher mortality—two of which compared with the general population and were deemed of high quality, while two compared with non‐NTM patients from hospital. High clinical heterogeneity in study design may explain discordant results. Bias assessments and controlling for confounding were carried out poorly. No consistent trends were observed although there is suggestion of an increased health burden from respiratory diseases and increased mortality associated with pulmonary NTM disease.
Mechanics of Supplemental Drop Wire and Half‐Pin Fixation Elements in Single Ring Circular External Fixator Constructs
Authors: Lewis Ryan A. , Lewis Daniel D. , Anderson Christopher L. , Hudson Caleb C. , Coggeshall Jason D. , Iorgulescu Alex D. , Banks Scott A.
Published: March 2016

Objective

Evaluate the effects of supplemental fixation elements on the mechanical properties of a single ring circular fixator construct.

Study Design

In vitro mechanical testing.

Sample population: Five construct configurations (six replicates of each configuration) were used to stabilize a 1.6 cm diameter Delrin rod bone model.

Methods

Constructs were assembled using 66 mm complete rings, 1.6 mm olive wires, and 3.2 mm diameter half‐pins. Construct configurations tested were a base single ring construct, constructs with 1 supplemental drop wire or constructs with 1, 2, or 3 supplemental half‐pins. Constructs were loaded in axial compression, caudocranial and mediolateral bending, and torsion. Strain was measured in individual fixation elements during axial loading.

Results

A supplemental drop wire or half‐pin significantly increased bending and torsional stiffness. The supplemental half‐pin increased caudocranial stiffness significantly more than placing a drop wire. Placing a 2nd or 3rd pin afforded significantly greater increases in construct stiffness in all modes of loading, with 3 half‐pin constructs having significantly greater axial and caudocranial stiffness than 2 half‐pin constructs. Placing a single supplemental pin induced cantilever bending resulting in angular displacement of the Delrin rod during axial loading and high strain in both the fixation wire secured distal to the ring and the pin. Supplemental half‐pins incrementally reduced strain in all fixation elements and resulted in linear displacement of the Delrin rod during axial loading.

Conclusion

If using supplemental half‐pins as fixation elements, insertion of 2 or 3 pins is preferred over a single pin.
Modeling Wear of Multimaterial Composite Surfaces
Authors: Sidebottom Mark A. , Feppon Florian , Vermaak Natasha , Krick Brandon A.
Published: March 2016

Iterative numerical wear models provide valuable insight into evolving material surfaces under abrasive wear. In this paper, a holistic numerical scheme for predicting the wear of rubbing elements in tribological systems is presented. In order to capture the wear behavior of a multimaterial surface, a finite difference model is developed. The model determines pressure and height loss along a composite surface as it slides against an abrasive compliant countersurface. Using Archard's wear law, the corresponding nodal height loss is found using the appropriate material wear rate, applied pressure, and the incremental sliding distance. This process is iterated until the surface profile reaches a steady-state profile. The steady-state is characterized by the incremental height loss at each node being nearly equivalent to the previous loss in height. Several composite topologies are investigated in order to identify key trends in geometry and material properties on wear performance.
High-Temperature Tribology of AA5052/ZrB2 PAMCs
Authors: Kumar Narendra , Gautam Gaurav , Gautam Rakesh Kumar , Mohan Anita , Mohan Sunil
Published: March 2016

AA5052/ZrB2 particulate aluminum matrix composites (PAMCs) have been produced by in situ reaction of K2ZrF6 and KBF4 compounds with molten alloy at about 860 °C. Dry sliding wear and friction of composites have been investigated for a particular sliding velocity and sliding distance at different loads from ambient temperature to 200 °C. It is revealed that for a particular load and temperature, wear rate and normalized wear rate decrease with increase in the volume percentage of ZrB2 particles whereas coefficient of friction (COF) shows a reverse trend. Wear rate and COF also increase with increase in temperature for a constant load and composition. Whereas with load for a particular temperature, wear rate and wear rate per unit vol. % ZrB2 increase while COF decreases. Worn surface and wear debris morphology examined under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and profilometer to understand the wear mechanism revealed that wear mode transition takes place from mild-oxidative to severe-metallic at 100 °C for unreinforced alloy, whereas a shifting is observed in transition temperature from 100 to 150 °C for composite with 9 vol. % ZrB2 particles. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis of worn surface confirms the oxidative wear mode. Profilometry results indicate that wear surface has higher surface roughness at higher values of load and temperatures. Prior to wear and friction studies, composites were also characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and SEM for morphology and microstructural characteristics to correlate with wear results. The findings are very helpful to make the AA5052/ZrB2 composites suitable for the applications, where high-temperature wear is a limiting factor.
A Control-Theoretic Approach to Neural Pharmacology: Optimizing Drug Selection and Dosing
Authors: Kumar Gautam , Ah Kim Seul , Ching ShiNung
Published: March 2016

The induction of particular brain dynamics via neural pharmacology involves the selection of particular agonists from among a class of candidate drugs and the dosing of the selected drugs according to a temporal schedule. Such a problem is made nontrivial due to the array of synergistic drugs available to practitioners whose use, in some cases, may risk the creation of dose-dependent effects that significantly deviate from the desired outcome. Here, we develop an expanded pharmacodynamic (PD) modeling paradigm and show how it can facilitate optimal construction of pharmacologic regimens, i.e., drug selection and dose schedules. The key feature of the design method is the explicit dynamical-system based modeling of how a drug binds to its molecular targets. In this framework, a particular combination of drugs creates a time-varying trajectory in a multidimensional molecular/receptor target space, subsets of which correspond to different behavioral phenotypes. By embedding this model in optimal control theory, we show how qualitatively different dosing strategies can be synthesized depending on the particular objective function considered.
A Comparison of Two Pressure Control Concepts for Hydraulic Offshore Wind Turbines
Authors: Buhagiar Daniel , Sant Tonio , Bugeja Marvin
Published: March 2016

Current research in offshore wind turbines is proposing a novel concept of using seawater-based hydraulics for large-scale power transmission and centralized electrical generation. The objective of this paper is to investigate the control of such an open-loop circuit, where a fixed line pressure is desirable for the sake of efficiency and stability. Pressure control of the open-loop hydraulic circuit presents an interesting control challenge due to the highly fluctuating flow rate along with the nonlinear behavior of the variable-area orifice used by the pressure controller. The present analysis is limited to a single turbine and an open-loop hydraulic line with a variable-area orifice at the end. A controller is proposed which uses a combination of feed-forward compensation for the nonlinear part along with a feedback loop for correcting any errors resulting from inaccuracies in the compensator model. A numerical model of the system under investigation is developed in order to observe the behavior of the controller and the advantages of including the feedback loop. An in-depth analysis is undertaken, including a sensitivity study of the compensator accuracy and a parametric analysis of the actuator response time. Finally, a Monte Carlo analysis was carried out in order to rank the proposed controller in comparison to a simple feed-forward controller and a theoretical optimally tuned controller. Results indicate an advantageous performance of the proposed method of feedback with feed-forward compensation, particularly its ability to maintain a stable line pressure in the face of high parameter uncertainty over a wide range of operating conditions, even with a relatively slow actuation system.
Numerical Investigation of Wake Control Strategies for Maximizing the Power Generation of Wind Farm
Authors: Weipao Miao , Chun Li , Jun Yang , Yang Yang , Xiaoyun Xie
Published: March 2016

In order to maximize the total power generation of a wind farm, several control strategies based on tilt angle, yaw angle, and cone angle were investigated numerically using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. The full rotor model (FRM) of 5 MW wind turbine was used to simulate the wake in the wind farm. According to the comparison of different cases' power generations and velocity fields, the result indicates that appropriate strategies based on tilt angle and positive yaw angle have effective improvements on the power output of whole wind farm, but changing cone angle and opposite yaw angle result in negative effects.
Crack Growth Behavior of Pipes Made From Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe Material1
Authors: EL-Bagory Tarek M. A. A. , Younan Maher Y. A.
Published: March 2016

The behavior of crack growth of polymeric materials is affected by several operating conditions such as crosshead speed, specimen thickness, load line, and specimen configurations, which reverse the behavior of crack from stable to unstable crack growth behavior. The main objective of the present paper is the determination of plane strain fracture toughness (KIC) for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) used in piping water transmission systems. The dimensions of the PVC pipe are outside diameter, Do = 315 mm, standard dimensions ratio, SDR = 13.23, ratio between outside to inside radii Ro/Ri = 1.179, and pipe thickness, t = 24 mm. Curved specimens are prepared from a pipe by cutting 12 mm thickness ring segments. The curved specimens are divided into two specimen configurations, namely, curved three-point bend (CTPB) and C-shaped tension (CST) specimens. All specimens are provided artificially with a precrack. CTPB specimen is further cut into five 72 deg sectors with each being centrally notched to a depth approximately a = 0.479 of the wall thickness. CST specimen configuration is characterized by the eccentricity X = 0, and 0.5 W, of the loading holes from the bore surface. The linear elastic fracture mechanics theory (LEFM) is used to predict the plane strain fracture. The tests are carried out at room temperature, Ta equal 20 °C, and different crosshead speeds of (10–500 mm/min). The numerical analysis carried out within the frame of the present work is done using the finite element program Cosmos 2.6. Finite element method (FEM) is used to compute the stress intensity factor KQ surrounding the crack tip. The computed stress intensity factor can then be compared with that obtained by theoretical equation. The experimental fracture test results reveal that the crosshead speed has been proven to affect the mode of failure and mode of fracture. At lower crosshead speeds, the mode of failure is ductile, while at higher crosshead speeds, it is brittle. The specimen configuration also affects the fracture toughness. CST specimens show higher fracture toughness in the case of pin loading location X = 0.5W than X = 0 by about (12%). The transitional crosshead speed is affected by specimen geometry. CST specimens (CST) at X = 0 and 0.5W have higher transitional crosshead speed compared with the CTPB specimen configuration.
A Finite Element Approach by Contact Transformation for the Prediction of Structural Wear
Authors: Wu James Shih-Shyn , Lin Yi-Tsung , Lai Yuan-Lung , Ben Jar P.-Y.
Published: March 2016

Understanding of the wear behaviors between mechanical components is a significant task in engineering design. Finite element (FE) simulation may offer valuable wear information. However, longer computational time, poor data precision, and possible divergence of results are unavoidable in repetitive procedures, especially for large FE structures. To address these issues, the current method proposes a hypothesis that the strain energy is completely transferred through the contact regions of components; further that only variables on the contact surface are involved in the solution procedure. Our qualitative comparison demonstrates that the formulations in the current study are valid, offering significant implications for further application.
Effects of Particle Loading and Particle Size on Tribological Properties of Biochar Particulate Reinforced Polymer Composites
Authors: Richard S. , Selwin Rajadurai J. , Manikandan V.
Published: March 2016

In this research work, pulverized biochar obtained by the pyrolysis of rice husk is used as particulate reinforcement in unsaturated polyester matrix. The effects of the particle loading and particle size on tribological properties of the particulate composites were investigated. The average size of biochar particles obtained through pulverizing using ball-mill varied from 510 nm to 45 nm while milling for a duration ranging from 6 hrs to 30 hrs. The particle loading in the composite was varied from 0.5 wt.% to 2.5 wt.%. It was observed that the particle size and particle content played a vital role in the tribological properties of the composites. The specific wear rate of the specimen having particle loading of 2.5 wt.% with 45 nm particle size exhibited a decrease of 56.36% upon comparing with the specific wear rate of cured pure resin. The coefficient of friction of the same sample decreased by 6.42% when compared to that of a cured pure resin. The biochar particles were subjected to X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and atomic force microscope analysis for characterization. Morphological studies were performed on the worn surfaces by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and optical microscopy.
Prediction of Tribological Limits in Sliding Contacts: Flash Temperature Calculations in Sliding Contacts and Material Behavior
Authors: Kloß Heinz , Woydt Mathias
Published: March 2016

In order to achieve greater efficiency or to meet light weight requirements, components are downsized. This, however, increases the load, e.g., Hertzian or nominal contact pressures and stresses of tribosystems. This load is expressed as pa·v-value, the product of nominal contact pressure and sliding velocity. pa·v-values are an effective tool for design engineers for predicting low wear/high wear transitions. Therefore, in the present work, topographical analysis has been combined with the plasticity of micro-asperities and the flash temperatures to estimate the limits of pa·v diagrams. The central piece of this set of models presented here is the calculations for flash temperatures and contact mechanics of micro-asperities. This central piece is used to predict the performance of materials in high velocity (turbines, machinery) and low velocity (human joint) applications. It is shown that the model combination suggested here is a useful tool for screening and preselecting a candidate and new materials with respect to tribological requirements before engaging in expensive testing.
Crunch time for dark matter hunt
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: March 2016

Little confidence that biggest WIMP detector ever will find hypothesized particles.
Five-year plan boosts basic research funding
Authors: Xin Hao
Published: March 2016

Blueprint gives few details, but scientists foresee more generous grants and new facilities.
Large-scale magnetic fields at high Reynolds numbers in magnetohydrodynamic simulations
Authors: Hotta H. , Rempel M. , Yokoyama T.
Published: March 2016

The 11-year solar magnetic cycle shows a high degree of coherence in spite of the turbulent nature of the solar convection zone. It has been found in recent high-resolution magnetohydrodynamics simulations that the maintenance of a large-scale coherent magnetic field is difficult with small viscosity and magnetic diffusivity (

≲

10

12

square centimenters per second). We reproduced previous findings that indicate a reduction of the energy in the large-scale magnetic field for lower diffusivities and demonstrate the recovery of the global-scale magnetic field using unprecedentedly high resolution. We found an efficient small-scale dynamo that suppresses small-scale flows, which mimics the properties of large diffusivity. As a result, the global-scale magnetic field is maintained even in the regime of small diffusivities—that is, large Reynolds numbers.
Diversity in neural firing dynamics supports both rigid and learned hippocampal sequences
Authors: Grosmark Andres D. , Buzsáki György
Published: March 2016

Coding what is known and what is new

Do neural activity patterns during sleep reflect the replay of a novel experience or an invariant preexisting dynamic? Grosmark and Buzsáki observed that both familiar and novel aspects of learned information are replayed during synchronous bursts of activity in the hippocampus. Familiarity was encoded by fast-firing less-modifiable neurons that showed rate and sequence correlations that persisted into postlearning sleep. The novel features of an experience were represented by a different set of slowly firing and highly plastic cells.

Science
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1440
An interfacial mechanism for cloud droplet formation on organic aerosols
Authors: Ruehl Christopher R. , Davies James F. , Wilson Kevin R.
Published: March 2016

Organic contributions to cloud theory

Current theories about the formation of cloud droplets from aerosol particles containing organic components assume that the organic molecules are distributed throughout the droplet. Ruehl
et al.
show that this assumption is not always correct (see the Perspective by Noziere). During droplet nucleation, droplet diameters were 50% larger than predicted by the standard model. This suggests that the organic particles reside in a surface layer rather than in the bulk of the droplet. Models that neglect organic surface activity will thus underestimate how well organic-rich particles seed clouds.

Science
, this issue p.
1447
; see also p.
1396