bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome‐wide association and genome partitioning reveal novel genomic regions underlying variation in gastrointestinal nematode burden in a wild bird
Authors: Wenzel Marius A. , James Marianne C. , Douglas Alex , Piertney Stuart B.
Published: July 2015

Identifying the genetic architecture underlying complex phenotypes is a notoriously difficult problem that often impedes progress in understanding adaptive eco‐evolutionary processes in natural populations. Host–parasite interactions are fundamentally important drivers of evolutionary processes, but a lack of understanding of the genes involved in the host's response to chronic parasite insult makes it particularly difficult to understand the mechanisms of host life history trade‐offs and the adaptive dynamics involved. Here, we examine the genetic basis of gastrointestinal nematode (Trichostrongylus tenuis) burden in 695 red grouse (Lagopus lagopus scotica) individuals genotyped at 384 genome‐wide SNPs. We first use genome‐wide association to identify individual SNPs associated with nematode burden. We then partition genome‐wide heritability to identify chromosomes with greater heritability than expected from gene content, due to harbouring a multitude of additive SNPs with individually undetectable effects. We identified five SNPs on five chromosomes that accounted for differences of up to 556 worms per bird, but together explained at best 4.9% of the phenotypic variance. These SNPs were closely linked to genes representing a range of physiological processes including the immune system, protein degradation and energy metabolism. Genome partitioning indicated genome‐wide heritability of up to 29% and three chromosomes with excess heritability of up to 4.3% (total 8.9%). These results implicate SNPs and novel genomic regions underlying nematode burden in this system and suggest that this phenotype is somewhere between being based on few large‐effect genes (oligogenic) and based on a large number of genes with small individual but large combined effects (polygenic).
Molecular biology research to benefit patients with Entamoeba histolytica infection
Authors: Watanabe Koji , Petri William A.
Published: July 2015

The development of molecular microbiology has made it possible for us to deepen our understanding of the pathogenesis of amebiasis. Research using the trophozoite form of Entamoeba histolytica has clearly shown us the importance of the interface between the parasite and host cells in vitro. Immuno‐pathogenesis after excystation was similarly well advanced by the use of a novel murine model of amebic colitis. However, it is still challenging to apply these findings to clinical and epidemiological settings. This is mainly because of the lack of a complete infection animal model of amebiasis by oral–fecal infection. Moreover, in vitro experiments have predominantly been performed using the same axenic cultured strain HM‐1: IMSS isolated about 50 years ago, whereas highly diverse strains are prevalent all over the world. Translational research informed by clinical observations has the greatest potential for the development of effective interventions. Here, we highlight discoveries of the experiments designed from cohort observation and discuss remaining problems to be solved.
Hydrogen peroxide produced by NADPH oxidases increases proline accumulation during salt or mannitol stress in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Ben Rejeb Kilani , Lefebvre‐De Vos Delphine , Le Disquet Isabel , Leprince Anne‐Sophie , Bordenave Marianne , Maldiney Régis , Jdey Asma , Abdelly Chedly , Savouré Arnould
Published: July 2015

Many plants accumulate proline, a compatible osmolyte, in response to various environmental stresses such as water deficit and salinity. In some stress responses, plants generate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) that mediates numerous physiological and biochemical processes. The aim was to study the relationship between stress‐induced proline accumulation and H2O2 production.

Using pharmacological and reverse genetic approaches in Arabidopsis thaliana, we investigated the role of NADPH oxidases, Respiratory burst oxidase homologues (Rboh), in the induction of proline accumulation was investigated in response to stress induced by either 200 mM NaCl or 400 mM mannitol.

Stress from NaCl or mannitol resulted in a transient increase in H2O2 content accompanied by accumulation of proline. Dimethylthiourea, a scavenger of H2O2, and diphenylene iodonium (DPI), an inhibitor of H2O2 production by NADPH oxidase, were found to significantly inhibit proline accumulation in these stress conditions. DPI also reduced the expression level of Δ1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate synthetase, the key enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of proline. Similarly, less proline accumulated in knockout mutants lacking either AtRbohD or AtRbohF than in wild‐type plants in response to the same stresses.

Our data demonstrate that AtRbohs (A. thaliana Rbohs) contribute to H2O2 production in response to NaCl or mannitol stress to increase proline accumulation in this plant.
Molecular mechanisms underlying the entrance in secondary dormancy of Arabidopsis seeds
Authors: Ibarra Silvia E. , Tognacca Rocío S. , Dave Anuja , Graham Ian A. , Sánchez Rodolfo A. , Botto Javier F.
Published: July 2015

As seasons change, dormant seeds cycle through dormant states until the environmental conditions are favourable for seedling establishment. Dormancy cycle is widespread in the plant kingdom allowing the seeds to display primary and secondary dormancy. Several reports in the last decade have focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of primary dormancy, but our knowledge regarding secondary dormancy is limited. Here, we studied secondary dormancy induced in Arabidopsis thaliana by incubating seeds at 25 °C in darkness for 4 d. By physiological, pharmacological, expression and genetics approaches, we demonstrate that (1) the entrance in secondary dormancy involves changes in the content and sensitivity to GA, but the content and sensitivity to ABA do not change, albeit ABA is required; (2) RGL2 promotes the entrance in secondary dormancy through ABI5 action; and (3) multivariate analysis with 18 geographical and environmental parameters of accession collection place suggests that temperature is an important variable influencing the induction of secondary dormancy in nature.
Lung abscess caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Authors: Omae Takashi , Matsubayashi Tadashi
Published: July 2015

A 10‐year‐old boy with West syndrome was referred to hospital because of high fever and cough. Chest X‐ray and computed tomography showed consolidation with an abscess in the right upper lobe. Laboratory data indicated cytokine storm. Various antibacterial agents and additional corticosteroid were unable to control the hypercytokinemia, which was suppressed after cyclosporine A was started. The lung abscess remained, however, and right upper lobectomy was performed. Culture from the abscess showed no growth, while polymerase chain reaction assay indicated Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA. Serum passive agglutinin titer for M. pneumoniae was significantly elevated in the convalescent phase. These findings are strong evidence that the lung abscess was caused by M. pneumoniae infection.
The Effect of pH Values on the Synthesis, Microstructure and Photocatalytic Activity of Ce‐Bi2O3 by a Two‐Step Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Zhang Fengjun , Lu Wei , Xiao Guosheng , Liu Zhuojing , Xing Fanwei , Lyu Cong
Published: July 2015

In this study, the effect of pH values on the microstructure and photocatalytic activity of Ce‐Bi2O3 under visible light irradiation was investigated in detail. In alkaline condition (e.g. pH = 9), the as‐prepared Ce‐Bi2O3 exhibited an agglomerated status and mesoporous structures without a long‐range order. While in weak acid condition (e.g. pH = 5), the Ce‐Bi2O3 exhibited a best morphology with irregular nanosheets. Correspondingly, it possessed largest surface area (24.641 m2 g−1) and pore volume (9.825E‐02 cm3 g−1). These unique nanosheets can offer an attachment for pollutant molecules and reduce the distance of electron immigration from inner to surface, thus facilitating the separation of photoelectron and hole pairs. Compared with the pure Bi2O3, the band gap of Ce‐Bi2O3 prepared at different pH was much lower. Among them, the band gap of Ce‐Bi2O3 (pH of 5) was lowest (2.61 eV). Ce‐Bi2O3 (pH of 5) exhibited as tetragonal crystal with the bismuth oxide in the form of the composites, which could reduce the band gap width or suppress the charge‐carrier recombination, subsequently possessing great photocatalytic activity for acid orange II under visible light irradiation. After 2 h degradation under visible light, the degradation rate of acid Orange II was up to 96.44% by Ce‐Bi2O3 prepared at pH 5. Overall, it can be concluded that the pH values had effects on the microstructure and photocatalytic activity of Ce‐Bi2O3 catalysts.
What is regulation? An interdisciplinary concept analysis
Authors: Koop Christel , Lodge Martin
Published: July 2015

The concept of regulation is believed to suffer from a lack of shared understanding. Yet the maturation of the field raises the question whether this conclusion is still valid. By taking a new methodological approach toward this question of conceptual consolidation, this study assesses how regulation is conceived in the most cited articles in six social science disciplines. Four main conclusions are drawn. First, there is a remarkable absence of explicit definitions. Second, the scope of the concept is vast, which requires us to talk about regulation in rather abstract terms. Third, scholars largely agree that “prototype regulation” is characterized by interventions that are intentional and direct – involving binding standard‐setting, monitoring, and sanctioning – and exercised by public‐sector actors on the economic activities of private‐sector actors. Fourth, while there is considerable variation in research concerns, this variation cannot be attributed to disciplinary differences. Instead, our findings support the portrayal of the field as interdisciplinary, including a shared conception of regulation.
Natural history of COPD: Focusing on change in FEV1
Authors: Vestbo Jørgen , Lange Peter
Published: July 2015

The natural history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is usually described with a focus on change in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) over time as this allows for exploration of risk factors for an accelerated decline—and thus of developing COPD. From epidemiological studies we have recognized important risk factors such as smoking, exposure to biomass and occupational exposures, but we have also learnt about features such as chronic bronchitis, airway hyper‐responsiveness and asthma that seem to accelerate decline in FEV1 independent of exposures. In addition we are gradually beginning to better link early life events to subsequent risk of disease in adulthood. Although more complicated, our current understanding of COPD has come a long way from being a simple image of smoking leading to poor lungs.
Management of the Dialysis Patient with Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Boyle Suzanne M. , Jacobs Benjamin , Sayani Farzana A. , Hoffman Brenda
Published: July 2015

While patients with sickle cell disease currently constitute a very small minority of the US dialysis population (0.1%), there is anticipated growth of this group as the life expectancy of those with sickle cell disease (SCD) increases. SCD patients suffer a high burden of morbidity, which is enhanced by the presence of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). In this review, we discuss the pathophysiology of SCD and the basic tenets of its management with focus on the dialysis patient with SCD. Anemia in dialysis patients with SCD is a unique challenge. The hemoglobin target in SCD dialysis patients with ESRD should not exceed 10 g/dl. SCD patients, and particularly those on dialysis, are likely to be poorly responsive to erythropoietin‐stimulating agent (ESA) therapy and might be at increased risk for vaso‐occlusive crisis (VOC) with ESA. Iron chelation and hydroyxurea therapy require special considerations and modifications in dialysis patients with SCD. There are theoretical advantages to both hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) in SCD patients. With HD, there is a secure vascular access available for both standard and exchange blood transfusion in patients who need them. With PD, the absence of an acute rise in hematocrit with ultrafiltration (UF) might offer lower risk of VOC. During VOC, reduction in UF goals should be considered but administration of intravenous fluids should be reserved only for clear cases of volume depletion. Finally, renal transplantation appears to confer a survival advantage to dialysis in SCD patients and should be pursued when possible.
Clinical Interest of Ambulatory Assessment of Physical Activity and Walking Capacity in Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: de Müllenheim P.‐Y. , Chaudru S. , Mahé G. , Prioux J. , Le Faucheur A.
Published: July 2015

The purpose of the present review was to provide, for the first time, a comprehensive analysis and synthesis of the available studies that highlighted the clinical interest of the ambulatory assessment of either physical activity (PA) or walking capacity in patients with lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD). We identified 96 related articles published up to March 2015 through a computer‐assisted search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases. Ambulatory‐measured PA or related energy expenditure (EE) in PAD patients was performed in 87 of the 96 included studies. The main clinical interests of these measurements were (a) the assessment of PA/EE pattern; (b) the characterization of walking pattern; and (c) the control of training load during home‐based walking programs. Ambulatory‐measured walking capacity was performed in the remaining studies, using either Global Positioning System receivers or the Peripheral Arterial Disease Holter Control device. Highlighted clinical interests were (a) the assessment of community‐based walking capacity; (b) the use of new outcomes to characterize walking capacity, besides the conventional absolute claudication distance; and (c) the association with the patient's self‐perception of walking capacity. This review also provides for the clinicians step‐by‐step recommendations to specifically assess PA or walking capacity in PAD patients.
Going feral: Wild meat consumption and the uncanny in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Gressier Catie
Published: July 2015

Feral animals are commonly constructed as the scourge of the Australian landscape. The transgressive act of introduced, domestic animals going wild elicits strong emotive responses within the community, often conceived in a kind of Freudian spectre of das unheimliche (the uncanny/unhomely), as the once familiar becomes uncontrolled, strange and frightening. Meanwhile, exponential global growth in human populations, and the resulting strain on the environment and food security, is necessitating the rethinking of meat consumption. In Australia, while the stigma surrounding feral animals has historically inhibited their consumption, feral meat is regarded by a growing body of advocates as an environmentally favourable alternative to farmed meat, allowing not only the avoidance of animal suffering within the industrial agriculture model, but also benefitting ecosystems through the removal of damage‐wreaking interlopers. This paper explores the feral turn and its contemporary manifestations as a growing food movement in Melbourne.
Emplacement and resistance: Social and political complexities in development‐induced displacement in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Hemer Susan R.
Published: July 2015

This paper argues that attending to social and political factors in development‐induced displacement is critical even for projects that involve resettlement of small populations. Taking the resettlement of two villages by the Lihir Gold Mine in Papua New Guinea as a unique case study, I analyse why one village was relatively successfully resettled, while the other has been very complicated, leading to hostility and conflict. In these cases the initial focus of all concerned in reaching a resettlement agreement was on the adequacy of compensation and housing, which mimicked the focus in the literature during the 1990s on impoverishment and compensation. From the late 1990s there have been calls for greater attention to social and political aspects of displacement and resettlement. Early attention to these factors in the Lihir case, particularly the key concepts of emplacement and disemplacement, would have highlighted flaws in the resettlement agreement and would have made it easier to avert the conflict and resistance that arose.
Virological analysis of inherited chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus‐6 in three hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients
Authors: Miura H. , Kawamura Y. , Kudo K. , Ihira M. , Ohye T. , Kurahashi H. , Kawashima N. , Miyamura K. , Yoshida N. , Kato K. , Takahashi Y. , Kojima S. , Yoshikawa T.
Published: July 2015

We analyzed 3 hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients with inherited chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus‐6 (inherited CIHHV‐6). Cases 1 (inherited CIHHV‐6A) and 2 (inherited CIHHV‐6B) were inherited CIHHV‐6 recipients. Case 3 received bone marrow from a donor with inherited CIHHV‐6B. Following HSCT, HHV‐6B was isolated from Case 1. HHV‐6A and ‐6B messenger RNAs were detected in Cases 1 and 3.
Evaluation of an individual‐donation nucleic acid amplification testing algorithm for detecting hepatitis B virus infection in Chinese blood donors
Authors: Gou Hongna , Pan Yang , Ge Hongwei , Zheng Yourong , Wu Yaling , Zeng Jinfeng , Yang Zhongsi , Pan Tong , Cun Wei , Zhou Guoping , Fang Gen , Zhang Jiahong , Zhang Kuo , Zhang Rui , Sun Yu , Xie Jiehong , Li Jinming , Wang Lunan
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

This multicenter study was performed to evaluate the efficiency of a multiplex individual‐donation nucleic acid amplification technology (ID‐NAT) and discriminatory testing algorithm for detecting hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Chinese blood donors.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 1,205,796 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐nonreactive donations from 10 blood centers were tested by ID‐NAT using the Ultrio assay. Multiplex Ultrio‐reactive donations were tested in the discriminatory tests as well as in quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and in supplemental electrochemiluminescence immunoassays for HBsAg, hepatitis B surface antibody (anti‐HBs), hepatitis B e antigen, and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc). Meanwhile, a control group of 4317 Ultrio‐nonreactive donations was tested for anti‐HBc and anti‐HBs.

RESULTS

Of all donations, 2033 (0.17%) were reactive in the multiplex Ultrio assay. Among 1776 further tested samples, 548 (30.9%) were HBV discriminatory assay (dHBV)‐reactive, while 1214 (68.4%) were nonreactive. Of 472 Ultrio+ and dHBV+ samples 86.2% were qPCR positive compared to 15.0% in 1046 Ultrio+ and dHBV– samples. The proportion of anti‐HBc+ and anti‐HBs– (potentially infectious) donations was higher in 409 Ultrio+ and dHBV+ than in 1028 Ultrio+ and dHBV– samples (51.3% vs. 31.1%, p < 0.001). The yield rate of Ultrio+, dHBV+, and qPCR+ donations was estimated at 1 in 2500, but at 1 in 1100 when all supplemental tests were taken into account assuming that 44% of detected donations by Ultrio were false reactive.

CONCLUSIONS

A quarter of HBsAg‐negative Ultrio+ and dHBV– donations in China are likely given by potentially infectious low‐viral‐load occult carriers. Although this has no implication for blood safety, the testing algorithm needs to be redesigned to more efficiently discriminate between true and false NAT reactivity.
Age of blood and adverse outcomes in a maternity population
Authors: Patterson Jillian A. , Irving David O. , Isbister James P. , Morris Jonathan M. , Mayson Eleni , Roberts Christine L. , Ford Jane B.
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

In recent times there has been debate around whether longer storage time of blood is associated with increased rates of adverse outcomes after transfusion. It is unclear whether results focused on cardiac or critically ill patients apply to a maternity population. This study investigates whether older blood is associated with increased morbidity and readmission in women undergoing obstetric transfusion.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Women giving birth in hospitals in New South Wales, Australia, between July 2006 and December 2010 were included in the study population if they had received between 1 and 4 red blood cell units during the birth admission. Information on women's characteristics, transfusions, and outcomes were obtained from five routinely collected data sets including blood collection, birth, and hospitalization data. Generalized propensity score methods were used to determine the effect of age of blood on rates of severe morbidity and readmission, independent of confounding factors.

RESULTS

Transfusion data were available for 2990 women, with a median age of blood transfused of 20 days (interquartile range, 14‐27 days). There were no differences in the maximum age of blood transfused between women with and without severe morbidity (21 [14‐28] days vs. 22 [15‐30] days) and in women readmitted or not (22 [14‐28] days vs. 22 [16‐30] days). After potential confounding factors were considered, no relationship was found between the age of blood transfused and rates of severe morbidity and readmission.

CONCLUSION

Among women receiving low‐volume transfusions during a birth admission, there was no evidence of increased rates of adverse outcomes after transfusion with older blood.
COMPARISON OF THE RADIOGRAPHIC AND TRACHEOSCOPIC APPEARANCE OF THE DORSAL TRACHEAL MEMBRANE IN LARGE AND SMALL BREED DOGS
Authors: Lindl Bylicki Britany J. , Johnson Lynelle R. , Pollard Rachel E.
Published: July 2015

The etiology and clinical significance of increased radiographic opacity along the dorsal margin of the tracheal lumen has long been debated. Most often, this opacity is attributed to redundancy of the dorsal tracheal membrane (DTM), a condition that occurs with tracheal collapse. We hypothesized that the underlying etiology of this radiographic opacity differs between small breed dogs with tracheal collapse and small or large breed dogs without tracheal collapse. The purpose of this prospective, cross‐sectional study was to compare the radiographic appearance of an increased opacity within the trachea to tracheoscopy findings in a group of small and large breed dogs. A total of 17 small breed dogs and 16 large breed dogs were included. Of these, only one did not have a radiographically visible DTM. Small breed dogs were divided into groups with tracheal collapse (n = 8) and those without (n = 9) based on tracheoscopy. Tracheal collapse was absent in larger breed dogs, however both large and small breed dogs demonstrated inward invagination of the DTM. In dogs with tracheal collapse, the DTM occupied a larger percentage of the tracheal luminal height on radiographs and a larger percentage of tracheal circumference on tracheoscopy vs. dogs with an invaginated DTM on tracheoscopy and dogs with no collapse and no invagination of the DTM. Findings supported the hypothesis that increased radiographic opacity along the dorsal margin of the trachea arises from different etiologies in dogs with and without tracheal collapse.
Transient Effects of Different Ventilation Methods on Car Indoor Air Quality
Authors: Duh Feng-Chyi
Published: July 2015

This study investigated transient effects on the air quality of parked cars and moving cars with and without operating air conditioning. Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and formaldehyde concentrations were measured for comparative analysis. The results showed that simply changing the air conditioning system from internal circulation to external circulation to introduce air from outside reduces carbon dioxide concentrations by more than 50%, volatile organic compound concentrations by more than 77%, and the heat index from 0.1℃/min to less than 0.05 ℃/min. In order to conserve energy and improve car indoor air quality, this study can serve as a reference on healthy car environments.
Exploring the Role of Interaction Effects in Visual Conjoint Analysis
Authors: Sylcott Brian , Michalek Jeremy J. , Cagan Jonathan
Published: July 2015

In conjoint analysis, interaction effects characterize how preference for the level of one product attribute is dependent on the level of another attribute. When interaction effects are negligible, a main effects fractional factorial experimental design can be used to reduce data requirements and survey cost. This is particularly important when the presence of many parameters or levels makes full factorial designs intractable. However, if interaction effects are relevant, main effects design can create biased estimates and lead to erroneous conclusions. This work investigates consumer preference interactions in the nontraditional context of visual choice-based conjoint analysis, where the conjoint attributes are parameters that define a product's shape. Although many conjoint studies assume interaction effects to be negligible, they may play a larger role for shape parameters. The role of interaction effects is explored in two visual conjoint case studies. The results suggest that interactions can be either negligible or dominant in visual conjoint, depending on consumer preferences. Generally, we suggest using randomized designs to avoid any bias resulting from the presence of interaction effects.
Visualization and Motion of Curcumin Loaded Iron Oxide Nanoparticles During Magnetic Drug Targeting
Authors: Asfer Mohammed , Prasad Prajapati Ayodhya , Kumar Arun , Kumar Panigrahi Pradipta
Published: July 2015

Magnetic drug targeting (MDT) involves the localization of drug loaded iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) around the malignant tissue using external magnetic field for therapeutic purposes. The present in vitro study reports the visualization and motion of curcumin loaded IONPs (CU-IONPs) around the target site inside a microcapillary (500 × 500 μm2 square cross section), in the presence of an externally applied magnetic field. Application of magnetic field leads to transportation and aggregation of CU-IONPs toward the target site inside the capillary adjacent to the magnet. The localization/aggregation of CU-IONPs at the target site shows strong dependence on the strength of the applied magnetic field and flow rate of ferrofluid through the capillary. Such an in vitro study offers a viable for optimization and design of MDT systems for in vivo applications.
Fast Solution of Transient Elastohydrodynamic Line Contact Problems Using the Trajectory Piecewise Linear Approach
Authors: Maier Daniel , Hager Corinna , Hetzler Hartmut , Fillot Nicolas , Vergne Philippe , Dureisseix David , Seemann Wolfgang
Published: July 2015

In order to obtain a fast solution scheme, the trajectory piecewise linear (TPWL) method is applied to the transient elastohydrodynamic (EHD) line contact problem for the first time. TPWL approximates the nonlinearity of a dynamical system by a weighted superposition of reduced linearized systems along specified trajectories. The method is compared to another reduced order model (ROM), based on Galerkin projection, Newton–Raphson scheme and an approximation of the nonlinear reduced system functions. The TPWL model provides further speed-up compared to the Newton–Raphson based method at a high accuracy.
Dynamical Modeling of the “Power Ball” Considering the Transition Between the Rolling Mode and the Sliding Mode
Authors: Inoue Tsuyoshi , Takezaki Yuki , Takagi Kentaro , Okumura Kohei
Published: July 2015

The gyroscopic exercise tool which utilizes a gyroscopic effect caused by the whirling motion of a high-speed rotating body to train the antebrachial muscle is considered. When an input motion of 3–5 Hz is added to the case, the rotor spins at thousands of rpm whirling with a precession motion which is synchronous to the input motion given to the case. This tool utilizes a contact phenomenon between the rotor and the case to generate this high-speed spin motion. This paper develops its dynamical model considering the transition among noncontacting, rolling, and sliding conditions. The dynamical characteristics of its motions are numerically investigated and are also confirmed in the experiment.
Bondline Temperature Control for Joining Composites With an Embedded Heater
Authors: Smith Brandon P. , Ashrafi Mahdi , Tuttle Mark E. , Devasia Santosh
Published: July 2015

This paper applies estimation and control techniques to achieve the desired bondline temperature for out-of-autoclave, adhesive bonding of carbon-fiber composite components. Rather than heating the entire system to cure the adhesive, e.g., in an autoclave, this research uses controlled heating targeted at the bondline with an embedded heater. The main contribution of this work is control using estimates of the bondline temperature without embedded sensors and wiring (of materials not intrinsic to the system) that can lead to reduced bond strength. Sensors placed outside the bond region are used to accurately estimate the bondline temperature to within 2% of the temperature range over which the bondline temperature is changed. Experimental results show that the estimated temperature can be used with feedback to achieve the desired, bondline, time–temperature profile that is needed to cure the adhesive. Additionally, shear lap joint tensile tests show that the resulting joint strength is comparable to specimens bonded using an external heat blanket.
Elastic–Brittle–Plastic Analysis of Double-Layered Combined Thick-Walled Cylinder Under Internal Pressure
Authors: Zhu Qian , Zhao Junhai , Zhang Changguang , Li Yan , Wang Su
Published: July 2015

The elastic–brittle–plastic unified solutions of limit internal pressure are presented for double-layered combined thick-walled cylinder by the triple-shear unified strength criterion. The unified solutions obtained in this paper are especially versatile that can take into account of material brittle softening and intermediate principal stress quantitatively. The conventional existing elastic-perfectly plastic solutions, based on the Tresca yield criterion, Mises yield criterion, or twin-shear strength theory, can be categorized as special cases of the present unified solutions which can overcome their shortages. Parametric studies were carried out to evaluate the influences of various factors such as brittle softening parameter, strength theory parameter, cohesion, internal friction angle, and intermediate principal stress coefficient on the unified solutions. It is shown that proper choices of failure criterion, material behavior model, and brittle softening are significant in combined cylinder design. The new solutions can be naturally degraded to the existing formula and agree well with the results of the prevailing failure criteria. It is concluded that the unified solutions have an important practical value for the optimum design and engineering application of combined thick-walled cylinder.
Perceptual space, pleasantness and periodicity of multi-tone sounds
Authors: Töpken Stephan , Verhey Jesko L. , Weber Reinhard
Published: July 2015

Technical sounds often contain several tonal components, forming a multi-tone sound. The present study investigates the perception of multi-tone sounds consisting of two harmonic complexes with different fundamental frequencies and combination tones with frequencies that are equal to the sum of multiple integers of the two fundamentals. The experimental parameter is the ratio between the two fundamental frequencies ρ. A total of 15 synthetic multi-tone sounds are rated by 37 participants. In the first experiment, the perceptual space is assessed based on 16 adjective scales using categorical scaling. The resulting perceptual space has the four dimensions (i) pleasant, (ii) power, (iii) temporal structure, and (iv) spectral content of the sounds. In the second experiment, the pleasantness is measured with a paired comparison test. The data consistently show that sounds based on ratios of small integers (e.g., ρ=4:3) are significantly less pleasant than sounds with ratios based on large integers which were constructed by a slight detuning from a ratio of small integers. The repetition rate derived from an autocorrelation analysis of the stimuli turns out to be a good predictor of the (un-)pleasantness sensation.
U.S. NCAA Division I Female Student-Athletes’ Perceptions of an Empowerment and Social Responsibility Program
Authors: Malnati Alicia H. , Fisher Leslee A. , Zakrajsek Rebecca A. , Larsen Leslie K. , Bejar Matthew P. , Raabe Johannes J. , Fynes Jamie M.
Published: July 2015

Because alcohol abuse and sexual violence are particularly prevalent on college campuses (Coker et al., 2011), empowering female student-athletes is a vital pursuit for intercollegiate athletics (Gill, 2008; Cattaneo & Chapman, 2010). Using consensual qualitative research (Hill et al., 1997, 2005), we interviewed eight Division I female student-athletes who participated in an empowerment program about their experiences. Five domains were revealed: (a) perception of psychological empowerment, (b) perception of social empowerment, (c) perception of physical empowerment, (d) perception of biggest “takeaways,” and (e) experience of program. Findings illustrated the importance of empowering female student-athletes to believe in themselves, to act upon those beliefs, and to build community around those beliefs.
FDA as a catalyst for translation
Authors: Califf Robert M. , Ostroff Stephen
Published: July 2015

The FDA seeks to leverage modern scientific and technological knowledge to accelerate translation.
Detecting mutant huntingtin protein in HD patients
Authors: Brennand Kristen
Published: July 2015

Mutant huntingtin protein in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Huntington’s disease can seed prion-like protein propagation.
Clone wars
Authors: Nalepa Grzegorz
Published: July 2015

Dynamic expansion of genetically unstable cells drives disease outcome in aplastic anemia.
AIRE
ing out the gut
Authors: Traverso Giovanni
Published: July 2015

Loss of AIRE-mediated immune tolerance leads to paneth cell disruption in autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy.
Two-pronged approach to prevent pneumonia
Authors: Wang Taia T.
Published: July 2015

A bivalent vaccine protects against influenza virus and the bacterium
Streptococcus pneumonia.
IMG-ABC: A Knowledge Base To Fuel Discovery of Biosynthetic Gene Clusters and Novel Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Hadjithomas Michalis , Chen I-Min Amy , Chu Ken , Ratner Anna , Palaniappan Krishna , Szeto Ernest , Huang Jinghua , Reddy T. B. K. , Cimermančič Peter , Fischbach Michael A. , Ivanova Natalia N. , Markowitz Victor M. , Kyrpides Nikos C. , Pati Amrita
Published: July 2015

In the discovery of secondary metabolites, analysis of sequence data is a promising exploration path that remains largely underutilized due to the lack of computational platforms that enable such a systematic approach on a large scale. In this work, we present IMG-ABC (
https://img.jgi.doe.gov/abc
), an atlas of biosynthetic gene clusters within the Integrated Microbial Genomes (IMG) system, which is aimed at harnessing the power of “big” genomic data for discovering small molecules. IMG-ABC relies on IMG's comprehensive integrated structural and functional genomic data for the analysis of biosynthetic gene clusters (BCs) and associated secondary metabolites (SMs). SMs and BCs serve as the two main classes of objects in IMG-ABC, each with a rich collection of attributes. A unique feature of IMG-ABC is the incorporation of both experimentally validated and computationally predicted BCs in genomes as well as metagenomes, thus identifying BCs in uncultured populations and rare taxa. We demonstrate the strength of IMG-ABC's focused integrated analysis tools in enabling the exploration of microbial secondary metabolism on a global scale, through the discovery of phenazine-producing clusters for the first time in
Alphaproteobacteria
. IMG-ABC strives to fill the long-existent void of resources for computational exploration of the secondary metabolism universe; its underlying scalable framework enables traversal of uncovered phylogenetic and chemical structure space, serving as a doorway to a new era in the discovery of novel molecules.

IMPORTANCE
IMG-ABC is the largest publicly available database of predicted and experimental biosynthetic gene clusters and the secondary metabolites they produce. The system also includes powerful search and analysis tools that are integrated with IMG's extensive genomic/metagenomic data and analysis tool kits. As new research on biosynthetic gene clusters and secondary metabolites is published and more genomes are sequenced, IMG-ABC will continue to expand, with the goal of becoming an essential component of any bioinformatic exploration of the secondary metabolism world.
Renal malakoplakia mimicking a malignant renal carcinoma: a patient case with literature review
Authors: Purnell Stephanie Daniela Knights , Davis Bonnie , Burch-Smith Rhonda , Coleman Pamela
Published: July 2015

Malakoplakia, a medical, surgical, pathological and radiological enigma, is an infrequent chronic inflammatory condition that can affect many organ systems, including the gastrointestinal tract, integument, skeletal system and genitourinary tract. Review of the literature has shown that malakoplakia presents in paediatric as well as adult populations, and that it is associated with impaired immune function. Variable clinical manifestations as well as the sometimes non-specific radiological findings of malakoplakia can be misleading, making diagnosis quite difficult. We present a clinical case of renal malakoplakia mimicking a malignant renal carcinoma in a 62-year-old woman. This report highlights the importance of awareness of malakoplakia in the differential diagnosis for renal masses and renomegaly. This case can serve as a reminder that things are not always what they seem, and it reinforces the idea that unusual disease entities should be explored to aid in achieving a correct diagnosis and, thus, potentially avoid unnecessary treatment.
Congenital cystic eye with optic nerve
Authors: Holland Lee , Haridas Anjana , Phillips Gael , Sullivan Timothy
Published: July 2015

Congenital cystic eye (CCE) is a rare condition caused by failure of invagination of the optic vesicle resulting in a persistent cyst replacing the eye. An associated optic nerve attached to the cyst is a rarely reported phenomenon that has been sparsely described histologically, with no immunohistochemistry reported previously. The authors present a case of CCE with optic nerve tissue inserting into the cyst, and present the histological and immunohistochemical findings.
“Test me and treat me”—attitudes to vitamin D deficiency and supplementation: a qualitative study
Authors: Kotta Siddharth , Gadhvi Dev , Jakeways Niki , Saeed Maryum , Sohanpal Ratna , Hull Sally , Famakin Olufunke , Martineau Adrian , Griffiths Chris
Published: July 2015

Objective

Lay interest in vitamin D and the potential benefits of supplementation is considerable, but little information exists concerning lay knowledge, beliefs and attitudes towards vitamin D to inform public health initiatives and professional guidance.

Design

Qualitative focus group study.

Participants

58 adults capturing diversity in disease status, gender, age and ethnicity.

Setting

A large general practice in east London.

Results

Many respondents lacked knowledge about vitamin D, including dietary sources and government recommendations. Most were positive about sun exposure, but confused by ambiguous health messages about risks and benefits of sunshine. Medicalised views of vitamin D were prominent, notably from those in favour of supplementation, who talked of “doses”, “side effects” and “regular testing.” Fortification of food with vitamin D was controversial, with opposing utilitarian (better overall for the majority) and libertarian (freedom to choose) views.

Conclusions

Knowledge about vitamin D was limited. Clearer messages are needed about risks and benefits of sun exposure. Testing and supplementation by health professionals, while potentially useful in some high-risk groups, have contributed to a medicalised view of vitamin D. Health policy should address the public's need for clear information on sources and effects of vitamin D, including risks and benefits of sun exposure, and take account of divergent views on fortification. Professional guidance is needed on testing and supplementation to counter inappropriate medicalisation.
Feedback facilitates transfer of training with US Hispanic workers in a healthcare laundry linen facility
Authors: Lebbon Angela R , Lee Sin Chien , Johnson Douglas A
Published: July 2015

Background

This study aimed to increase safety knowledge and behaviour of US Hispanic custodial workers in healthcare through a culturally appropriate training and monitoring process.

Method

A single-group, repeated-measures, pre-test and post-test design was used to examine training effectiveness across four sets of behaviours with 23 Spanish-speaking workers.

Results

Small group, lecture-style training in Spanish with pictures and video resulted in significant improvements in knowledge and behaviour. However, additional analyses show that behavioural feedback was the critical component in improving safety behaviour during transfer of training.

Discussion

Findings from reaction, knowledge, behaviour and results measures suggest that group training and graphic feedback is culturally appropriate and effective with Hispanic workers. Further investigation is needed to understand cultural factors that facilitate effective development and delivery of safety training and feedback to US Hispanic workers.
The ischaemic constellation: an alternative to the ischaemic cascade—implications for the validation of new ischaemic tests
Authors: Maznyczka Annette , Sen Sayan , Cook Christopher , Francis Darrel P
Published: July 2015

The ischaemic cascade is the concept that progressive myocardial oxygen supply–demand mismatch causes a consistent sequence of events, starting with metabolic alterations and followed sequentially by myocardial perfusion abnormalities, wall motion abnormalities, ECG changes, and angina. This concept would suggest that investigations that detect expressions of ischaemia earlier in the cascade should be more sensitive tests of ischaemia than those that detect expressions appearing later in the cascade. However, careful review of the studies on which the ischaemic cascade is based suggests that the ischaemic cascade concept may be less well supported by the literature than assumed. In this review we explore this, discuss an alternative method for conceptualising ischaemia, and discuss the potential implications of this new approach to clinical studies and clinical practice.
Inflammation, bone loss and fracture risk in spondyloarthritis
Authors: Briot Karine , Roux Christian
Published: July 2015

Osteoporosis (ie, low bone mineral density) is common in ankylosing spondylitis, related to both systemic inflammation and decreased mobility. Vertebral fracture risk is increased; acute back pain in these patients is not always a flare-up of the disease, as it can be related to bone complications. Intervertebral disc fractures in the ankylosed spine are associated with severe neurological complications. As expected from pathophysiology, treatments effective against inflammation have a positive effect on bone, and prospective open studies have shown that tumour-necrosis-factor blockers can improve bone mineral density at the spine and the hip. There is so far no evidence of a decreased risk of fractures with such treatment.
The effects of seed source health on whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) regeneration density after wildfire
Authors: Leirfallom Signe B. , Keane Robert E. , Tomback Diana F. , Dobrowski Solomon Z.
Published: July 2015

Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.) populations are declining nearly rangewide from a combination of factors, including mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins, 1902) outbreaks, the exotic pathogen Cronartium ribicola J.C. Fisch. 1872, which causes the disease white pine blister rust, and successional replacement due to historical fire exclusion practices. With high mortality in cone-bearing whitebark pine, seed production may not be sufficient to support natural regeneration after disturbance such as wildfire. Our objective was to examine the relationship between whitebark pine seed source health and whitebark pine regeneration density in adjacent burns. We sampled regeneration and seed source health in 15 burns within six national forests and three Wilderness Areas in Montana, ranging from 5 to 23 years old. We found a significant, positive relationship between seed source health and seedling density in adjacent burns. Natural regeneration was sparse when the proportion of damaged or dead whitebark pine in the seed source exceeded 50%. Factors that influenced the presence of whitebark pine regeneration within a burn included both vegetation cover and potential solar radiation. Sites closer to seed sources had higher probabilities of seedling occurrence, but seedlings were present throughout most burns. Our results suggest that managers can prioritize restoration plantings of whitebark pine seedlings after wildfire based on the health status of the nearest seed sources.
Understanding the quantitative structure–activity relationship of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Sharma Anuradha , Piplani Poonam
Published: July 2015

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in old aged people and clinically used drugs for treatment are associated with side effects. Thus, there is a current demand for the discovery and development of new potential molecules. However, the recent advances in drug therapy have challenged the predominance of the disease. In this manuscript, an attempt has been made to develop the 2D and 3D quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models for a series of rutaecarpine, quinazolines and 7,8-dehydrorutaecarpine derivatives to obtain insights to Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. Five different QSAR models have been generated and validated using a set of 52 compounds comprising of varying scaffolds with IC50 values ranging from 11,000 nM to 0.6 nM. These AChE-specific prediction models (M1–M5) adequately reflect the structure–activity relationship of the existing AChE inhibitors. Out of all developed models, QSAR model generated using ADME properties has been found to be the best with satisfactory statistical significance (regression (r2) of 0.9309 and regression adjusted coefficient of variation [Formula: see text] of 0.9194). The QSAR models highlight the importance of aromatic moiety as their presence in the structure influence the biological activity. Additional insights on the compounds show that acyclic amines attached to side chain have lower activity than cyclic amines. The QSAR models pinpointing structural basis for the AChEIs suggest new guidelines for the design of novel molecules.
On a remarkable class of paracontact metric manifolds
Authors: Martín-Molina Verónica
Published: July 2015

We study a remarkable class of paracontact metric manifolds which have no contact metric counterpart: the paracontact metric [Formula: see text]-spaces which are not paraSasakian (i.e. have [Formula: see text]). We present explicit examples with [Formula: see text] of every possible constant rank and some with non-constant rank, which were not known to exist until recently.
Gröbner-Shirshov Basis of Quantum Groups
Authors: Yunus Gulshadam , Gao Zhenzhen , Obul Abdukadir
Published: July 2015

In this paper, by using the Ringel-Hall algebra method, we prove that the set of the skew-commutator relations of quantum root vectors forms a minimal Gröbner-Shirshov basis for the quantum groups of Dynkin type. As an application, we give an explicit basis for the types E7 and Dn.