bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging role of high‐resolution imaging in the detection of renal osteodystrophy
Authors: Sharma Ashish K , Masterson Rosemary , Holt Stephen G , Toussaint Nigel D
Published: April 2016

The term renal osteodystrophy refers to changes in bone morphology induced by chronic kidney disease (CKD) and represents the skeletal component of the entity ‘chronic kidney disease – mineral and bone disorder’. Changes in turnover, mineralization, mass and microarchitecture impair bone quality, compromising strength and increasing susceptibility to fractures. Fractures are more common in CKD compared with the general population and result in increased morbidity and mortality. Screening for fracture risk and management of renal osteodystrophy are hindered by the complex, and still only partially understood, pathophysiology and the inadequacy of currently available diagnostic methods. Bone densitometry and bone turnover markers, although potentially helpful, have significant limitations in patients with CKD, and the ‘gold standard’ test of bone biopsy is infrequently performed in routine clinical practice. However, recent advances in high‐resolution bone microarchitecture imaging may offer greater potential for quantification and assessment of bone structure and strength and, when used in conjunction with serum biomarkers, may allow non‐invasive testing for a diagnostic virtual bone biopsy.
An ancient and conserved function for Armadillo‐related proteins in the control of spore and seed germination by abscisic acid
Authors: Moody Laura A. , Saidi Younousse , Gibbs Daniel J. , Choudhary Anushree , Holloway Daniel , Vesty Eleanor F. , Bansal Kiran Kaur , Bradshaw Susan J. , Coates Juliet C.
Published: April 2016

Armadillo‐related proteins regulate development throughout eukaryotic kingdoms. In the flowering plant Arabidopsis thaliana, Armadillo‐related ARABIDILLO proteins promote multicellular root branching. ARABIDILLO homologues exist throughout land plants, including early‐diverging species lacking true roots, suggesting that early‐evolving ARABIDILLOs had additional biological roles.

Here we investigated, using molecular genetics, the conservation and diversification of ARABIDILLO protein function in plants separated by c. 450 million years of evolution.

We demonstrate that ARABIDILLO homologues in the moss Physcomitrella patens regulate a previously undiscovered inhibitory effect of abscisic acid (ABA) on spore germination. Furthermore, we show that A. thaliana ARABIDILLOs function similarly during seed germination. Early‐diverging ARABIDILLO homologues from both P. patens and the lycophyte Selaginella moellendorffii can substitute for ARABIDILLO function during A. thaliana root development and seed germination.

We conclude that (1) ABA was co‐opted early in plant evolution to regulate functionally analogous processes in spore‐ and seed‐producing plants and (2) plant ARABIDILLO germination functions were co‐opted early into both gametophyte and sporophyte, with a specific rooting function evolving later in the land plant lineage.
Powdery mildew suppresses herbivore‐induced plant volatiles and interferes with parasitoid attraction in Brassica rapa
Authors: Desurmont Gaylord A. , Xu Hao , Turlings Ted C. J.
Published: April 2016

The co‐occurrence of different antagonists on a plant can greatly affect infochemicals with ecological consequences for higher trophic levels. Here we investigated how the presence of a plant pathogen, the powdery mildew Erysiphe cruciferarum, on Brassica rapa affects (1) plant volatiles emitted in response to damage by a specialist herbivore, Pieris brassicae; (2) the attraction of the parasitic wasp Cotesia glomerata and (3) the performance of P. brassicae and C. glomerata. Plant volatiles were significantly induced by herbivory in both healthy and mildew‐infected plants, but were quantitatively 41% lower for mildew‐infected plants compared to healthy plants. Parasitoids strongly preferred Pieris‐infested plants to dually‐infested (Pieris + mildew) plants, and preferred dually infested plants over only mildew‐infected plants. The performance of P. brassicae was unaffected by powdery mildew, but C. glomerata cocoon mass was reduced when parasitized caterpillars developed on mildew‐infected plants. Thus, avoidance of mildew‐infested plants may be adaptive for C. glomerata parasitoids, whereas P. brassicae caterpillars may suffer less parasitism on mildew‐infected plants in nature. From a pest management standpoint, the concurrent presence of multiple plant antagonists can affect the efficiency of specific natural enemies, which may in turn have a negative impact on the regulation of pest populations.
Pancreatic Panniculitis in an 18‐Month‐Old with Complete DiGeorge Syndrome
Authors: Aivaz Ohara , Radfar Arash , Kirkorian Anna Yasmine
Published: April 2016

Pancreatic panniculitis, characterized by tender, erythematous subcutaneous nodules occurring most commonly on the lower extremities, occurs in 2% of cases of pancreatic disease. We present a rare case of pancreatic panniculitis in a child with complete DiGeorge syndrome.
Fetal Alcohol Exposure and PHACE Syndrome: A Case and Autopsy Report
Authors: Oza Vikash S. , Feigenbaum Dana F. , Jacquot Cyril , Hess Christopher P. , Siegel Dawn , Frieden Ilona J.
Published: April 2016

This report describes the clinical, radiologic, and autopsy findings of a newborn with PHACE syndrome (posterior fossa malformations, hemangioma, arterial anomalies, cardiac defects, and eye anomalies) and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. To our knowledge, the concurrence of these conditions has not been reported in the literature.
Unusual Manifestations of Familial Juvenile Colloid Milium in Two Siblings
Authors: Alshami Mohammad Ali
Published: April 2016

Juvenile colloid milium is an extremely rare degenerative dermatosis of the dermal connective tissue manifesting before puberty. This chronic skin condition, detected primarily in sun‐exposed areas, is clinically characterized by the development of translucent, yellowish papules and plaques containing gelatinous material and by the presence of eosinophilic, fissured material in the papillary dermis. We present two cases of juvenile colloid milium, in a 13‐year‐old girl and her 10‐year‐old brother; the condition emerged in both at approximately 6 years of age and progressively worsened. They both presented with multiple yellowish, translucent, firm, flat papules and plaques mainly over the face on the cheeks and on the perioral and periocular areas in a unique linear pattern.
Improving periodontal outcomes: merging clinical and behavioral science
Authors: Wilder Rebecca S. , Bray Kimberly S.
Published: April 2016

New data indicate that periodontal diseases are much more prevalent than previously thought, which means that there are large numbers of patients who will need to be diagnosed and treated for periodontal disease in a general dental practice. Oral hygiene procedures performed by patients between office visits are important for gingival health. No particular type of toothbrush has consistently been shown to have superior plaque‐removal ability over another. Although studies on powered brushes have shown evidence for efficacy of biofilm removal and increased patient compliance, they are of short duration, making evaluation of long‐term effects difficult to achieve. Interdental cleaning with dental floss can be effective but it is technique‐sensitive. Interdental brushes have been shown to be superior to floss in plaque index scores, but not in gingival inflammation reduction. A systematic review of oral irrigation reported a beneficial adjunctive effect on bleeding and gingival indices and pocket depth. Antimicrobials in mouthrinses and toothpastes have shown significant reductions in plaque and gingivitis when used correctly. Even though it is considered essential for patients to utilize biofilm‐removal techniques on a frequent basis, studies on adherence show that approximately 30–60% of health information is forgotten within 1 h, and 50% of health recommendations are not followed. Incorporating psychosocial aspects of behavioral change, including well‐established counseling strategies, such as motivational interviewing, may elicit improved patient outcomes.
Impact of weekend admission on in‐hospital mortality in severe community‐acquired pneumonia patients in Japan
Authors: Uematsu Hironori , Kunisawa Susumu , Yamashita Kazuto , Fushimi Kiyohide , Imanaka Yuichi
Published: April 2016

Background and objective

Little is known about the consequences of weekend admission on the quality of care in patients with severe community‐acquired pneumonia. We compared the outcomes of weekend versus weekdays' admission for these patients on risk‐adjusted mortality.

Methods

Using a large nationwide administrative database, we analysed patients with severe pneumonia who had been hospitalized in 1044 acute care hospitals between 2012 and 2013. We compared risk‐adjusted in‐hospital mortality of guideline‐concordant care between patients admitted weekdays and patients admitted on weekends.

Results

The study sample comprised 17 342 patients admitted on weekdays and 6190 patients admitted on weekends. The mortality rate of the weekend admission group was significantly higher than that of the weekday admission group (23.7% vs 20.5%; P < 0.001). Even after adjusting for baseline patient severity and need for urgent care, weekend admissions were associated with higher mortality (odds ratio: 1.10; 95% confidence interval: 1.02–1.19). The implementation rates of guideline‐concordant microbiological tests (including sputum cultures and urine antigen tests) were significantly lower in the weekend admission group. These tests were found to be associated with lower in‐hospital mortality.

Conclusion

Our findings showed that weekend admission was associated with increased mortality in patients with severe community‐acquired pneumonia in Japan. This may have been influenced by lower implementation of microbiological testing.
In Search of Perfect Foresight? Policy Bias, Management of Unknowns, and What Has Changed in Science Policy Since the Tohoku Disaster
Authors: Mochizuki Junko , Komendantova Nadejda
Published: April 2016

The failure to foresee the catastrophic earthquakes, tsunamis, and nuclear accident of 2011 has been perceived by many in Japan as a fundamental shortcoming of modern disaster risk science. Hampered by a variety of cognitive and institutional biases, the conventional disaster risk management planning based on the “known risks” led to the cascading failures of the interlinked disaster risk management (DRM) apparatus. This realization led to a major rethinking in the use of science for policy and the incorporations of lessons learned in the country's new DRM policy. This study reviews publicly available documents on expert committee discussions and scientific articles to identify what continuities and changes have been made in the use of scientific knowledge in Japanese risk management. In general, the prior influence of cognitive bias (e.g., overreliance on documented hazard risks) has been largely recognized, and increased attention is now being paid to the incorporation of less documented but known risks. This has led to upward adjustments in estimated damages from future risks and recognition of the need for further strengthening of DRM policy. At the same time, there remains significant continuity in the way scientific knowledge is perceived to provide sufficient and justifiable grounds for the development and implementation of DRM policy. The emphasis on “evidence‐based policy” in earthquake and tsunami risk reduction measures continues, despite the critical reflections of a group of scientists who advocate for a major rethinking of the country's science‐policy institution respecting the limitations of the current state science.
A New Class of Two‐Layer Green–Naghdi Systems with Improved Frequency Dispersion
Authors: Duchêne V. , Israwi S. , Talhouk R.
Published: April 2016

We introduce a new class of Green–Naghdi type models for the propagation of internal waves between two (1 + 1)‐dimensional layers of homogeneous, immiscible, ideal, incompressible, and irrotational fluids, vertically delimited by a flat bottom and a rigid lid. These models are tailored to improve the frequency dispersion of the original bi‐layer Green–Naghdi model, and in particular to manage high‐frequency Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities, while maintaining its precision in the sense of consistency. Our models preserve the Hamiltonian structure, symmetry groups, and conserved quantities of the original model. We provide a rigorous justification of a class of our models thanks to consistency, well‐posedness, and stability results. These results apply in particular to the original Green–Naghdi model as well as to the Saint–Venant (hydrostatic shallow water) system with surface tension.
Toward a Personalized Science of Emotion Regulation
Authors: Doré Bruce P. , Silvers Jennifer A. , Ochsner Kevin N.
Published: April 2016

The ability to successfully regulate emotion plays a key role in healthy development and the maintenance of psychological well‐being. Although great strides have been made in understanding the nature of regulatory processes and the consequences of deploying them, a comprehensive understanding of emotion regulation that can specify what strategies are most beneficial for a given person in a given situation is still a far‐off goal. In this review, we argue that moving toward this goal represents a central challenge for the future of the field. As an initial step, we propose a concrete framework that (i) explicitly considers emotion regulation as an interaction of person, situation, and strategy, (ii) assumes that regulatory effects vary according to these factors, and (iii) sets as a primary scientific goal the identification of person‐, situation‐, and strategy‐based contingencies for successful emotion regulation. Guided by this framework, we review current questions facing the field, discuss examples of contextual variation in emotion regulation success, and offer practical suggestions for continued progress in this area.
Implicit Measures of Attitudes and Political Voting Behavior
Authors: Friese Malte , Smith Colin Tucker , Koever Marton , Bluemke Matthias
Published: April 2016

Implicit measures have contributed to the prediction of behavior in numerous domains including the political realm. Some theoretical arguments suggest that implicit measures are unlikely to substantially improve the prediction of political voting behavior. Other arguments are more optimistic, especially regarding the prediction of undecided voters' behavior. Here, we review the evidence regarding the extent to which implicit measures improve the prediction of political voting behavior beyond explicit self‐report measures. Results reveal that implicit measures are often statistically significant predictors. However, the inclusion of an implicit measure leads to modest or even no improvement of the overall accuracy of the original prediction. We conclude that implicit measures are likely to be practically relevant for predicting voting behavior only if researchers can identify new approaches. Related findings in political psychology may pave the way as they demonstrate that implicit measures can contribute unique knowledge not accounted for in other ways.
How Common Is the Common Core? A Global Analysis of Math Teaching and Learning
Authors: Khaliqi David
Published: April 2016

The U.S. educational system is undergoing rapid and substantial changes with many states grappling with the adoption of the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics (CCSSM). Important research questions remain unanswered regarding the potential efficacy of the CCSSM to improve student math performance compared with students around the globe. This article utilized TIMSS 2007 8th‐grade math assessment results and curricular frameworks to (1) measure the degree of overlap between the CCSSM and TIMSS standards, and (2) use this finding to create a predictive model to determine the potential efficacy of the CCSSM in improving the U.S. 8th‐grade student math performance compared with six culturally matched, TIMSS‐assessed countries, provinces, and states. Comparisons of CCSSM and TIMSS‐assessed jurisdictions show that the CCSSM holds many items in common with TIMSS‐assessed jurisdictions, but lacks rigor in some key areas. The CCSSM deficiencies include algebraic knowledge and problem solving at the 8th‐grade level, and are a significant detractor from the CCSSM when compared with TIMSS.
Identification of the novel HLA‐A*01:200 allele by sequence‐based typing in a Croatian individual
Authors: Maskalan M. , Grubic Z. , Jankovic K. Stingl , Cepulic B. Golubic , Zunec R.
Published: April 2016

The new allele HLA‐A*01:200 differs from A*01:12 by four nucleotide substitutions in exon 3.
ADAMTS13 autoantibodies cloned from patients with acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: 2. Pathogenicity in an animal model
Authors: Ostertag Eric M. , Bdeir Khalil , Kacir Stephen , Thiboutot Michelle , Gulendran Gayathri , Yunk Lenka , Hayes Vincent M. , Motto David G. , Poncz Mortimer , Zheng X. Long , Cines Douglas B. , Siegel Don L.
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND

Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a potentially fatal disease in which ultralarge von Willebrand factor (UL‐VWF) multimers accumulate as a result of autoantibody inhibition of the VWF protease, ADAMTS13. Current treatment is not specifically directed at the responsible autoantibodies and in some cases is ineffective or of transient benefit. More rational, reliable, and durable therapies are needed, and a human autoantibody‐mediated animal model would be useful for their development. Previously, TTP patient anti‐ADAMTS13 single‐chain variable‐region fragments (scFv's) were cloned that inhibited ADAMTS13 proteolytic activity in vitro and expressed features in common with inhibitory immunoglobulin G in patient plasma. Here, pathogenicity of these scFv's is explored in vivo by transfecting mice with inhibitory antibody cDNA.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Hydrodynamic tail vein injection of naked DNA encoding human anti‐ADAMTS13 scFv was used to create sustained ADAMTS13 inhibition in mice. Accumulation of UL‐VWF multimers was measured and formation of platelet (PLT) thrombi after focal or systemic vascular injury was examined.

RESULTS

Transfected mice expressed physiological plasma levels of human scFv and developed sustained ADAMTS13 inhibition and accumulation of unprocessed UL‐VWF multimers. Induced focal endothelial injury generated PLT thrombi extending well beyond the site of initial injury, and systemic endothelial injury induced thrombocytopenia, schistocyte formation, PLT thrombi, and death.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate for the first time the ability of human recombinant monovalent anti‐ADAMTS13 antibody fragments to recapitulate key pathologic features of untreated acquired TTP in vivo, validating their clinical significance and providing an animal model for testing novel targeted therapeutic approaches.
Methods for external disinfection of blow fly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) eggs prior to use in wound debridement therapy
Authors: Brundage Adrienne L. , Crippen Tawni L. , Tomberlin Jeffery K.
Published: April 2016

Maggot debridement therapy (MDT) is the use of the larval stage of flies (i.e., Calliphoridae) to remove necrotic tissue and disinfect wounds. Effective MDT requires aseptic technique to prevent the unintentional introduction of pathogenic bacteria into a wound to be debrided; yet the external surface of Calliphoridae eggs is often heavily contaminated with bacteria. Studies of external disinfection of dipteran eggs have been reported, but neither their efficacy nor effect on egg viability has been adequately assessed. The present study evaluated the efficacy of ten disinfection techniques involving immersion, rinse, or a combination of both in formalin, Lysol, formaldehyde, bleach, ethanol, Sporgon, or benzalkonium chloride. All techniques resulted in significant decreases in culturable, aerobic bacterial load on Lucilia cuprina eggs. For L. cuprina, a 10 minute 3% Lysol immersion was the most efficacious, disinfecting 96.67% of egg samples, while resulting in 31.84% egg mortality. The 5% formalin immersion was least efficacious, disinfecting only 3.33% of L. cuprina egg samples, while resulting in 33.51% egg mortality. A formaldehyde immersion, one of the most commonly used disinfection techniques, was moderately effective, disinfecting 66.7% of egg samples, while resulting in 40.16% egg mortality. For Chrysomya rufifacies and Cochliomyia macellaria egg samples, the 10 minute 3% Lysol immersion disinfected 100% of the samples, and for Lucilia sericata, 80% of egg samples, while resulting in 33.97%, 7.34%, and 36.96% egg mortality, respectively. H2CO disinfected 16.67% of Ch. rufifacies, 26.67% of C. macellaria, and 56.67% of L. sericata egg samples, while resulting in 21.98%, 10.18%, and 32.19% egg mortality, respectively. Due to its high disinfection efficacy and relatively low egg mortality, a 10 minutes 3% Lysol immersion is recommended for sterilizing Calliphoridae eggs prior to rearing of larvae for use in MDT.
Study of Water Droplet Removal on Etched-Metal Surfaces for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Flow Channel
Authors: Shimpalee S. , Lilavivat V.
Published: April 2016

Within a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), the transport route of liquid water begins at the cathode catalyst layer, and then progresses into the gas diffusion layer (GDL) where it then goes into the flow channel. At times, significant accumulation of liquid droplets can be seen on either side of the membrane on the surface of the flow channel. In this work, liquid water and the flow dynamics within the transport channel were examined experimentally, with the channel acting as an optical window. Ex situ interpretations of the liquid water and flow patterns inside the channel were established. Liquid water droplet movements were analyzed by considering the change of the contact angle with different flow rates. Also, various surface roughness of stainless steel was used to determine the relationships between flow rate and the contact angles. When liquid water is found within the gas channels of PEMFCs, the channels' characteristic changes become more dominant and it becomes more of a necessity to monitor the effects. Physical motion of water droplets in the flow channels of PEMFCs is important. The surface roughness properties were used to describe the contact angle and the droplet removal force on the stainless steel flow channel.
Wind Climate Parameters for Wind Turbine Fatigue Load Assessment
Authors: Stensgaard Toft Henrik , Svenningsen Lasse , Moser Wolfgang , Dalsgaard Sørensen John , Lybech Thøgersen Morten
Published: April 2016

Site-specific assessment of wind turbine design requires verification that the individual wind turbine components can survive the site-specific wind climate. The wind turbine design standard, IEC 61400-1 (third edition), describes how this should be done using a simplified, equivalent wind climate established from the on-site distribution functions of the horizontal mean wind speeds, the 90% quantile of turbulence along with average values of vertical wind shear and air density and the maximum flow inclination. This paper investigates the accuracy of fatigue loads estimated using this equivalent wind climate required by the current design standard by comparing damage equivalent fatigue loads estimated based on wind climate parameters for each 10 min time-series with fatigue loads estimated based on the equivalent wind climate parameters. Wind measurements from Boulder, CO, in the United States and Høvsøre in Denmark have been used to estimate the natural variation in the wind conditions between 10 min time periods. The structural wind turbine loads have been simulated using the aero-elastic model FAST. The results show that using a 90% quantile for the turbulence leads to an accurate assessment of the blade root flapwise bending moment and a conservative assessment of the tower bottom for-aft bending moment and low speed shaft torque. Currently, IEC 61400-1 (third edition) neglects the variation in wind shear by using the average value. This may lead to a nonconservative assessment of blade root flapwise fatigue loads, which are sensitive to wind shear. The results in this paper indicate that using a 75% quantile for the wind shear at each wind speed bin leads to an appropriate, but conservative, assessment of the fatigue loads. However, care should be taken when using this approach for components where low or negative wind shears can lead to large fatigue loads. This is the case for some drivetrain components where a lower quantile may be required.
Blended Spaces for Integrated Creativity and Play in Design and Engineering Processes
Authors: Wendrich Robert E.
Published: April 2016

The umpire whispers: “Please Play.” We sort of play. But it is all hypothetical, somehow. Even the “we” is theory: I never get quite to see the distant opponent, for all the apparatus of the game (Wallace, 2011, Infinite Jest, Hachette, UK). We find no reason to abandon the notion of play as a distinct and highly important factor in the world's life and doings. All play means something. If we call the active principle that makes up the essence of play, “instinct,” we explain nothing; if we call it “mind” or “will” we say too much. However, we may regard it, the very fact that play has a meaning implies a nonmaterialistic quality in the nature of the thing itself (Huizinga, 2014, Homo Ludens, Ils 86, Routledge, London.). This paper builds on the notion of integration of creativity and play in design and engineering environments. We show results of ongoing research and experimentation with cyber-physical systems (CPS) and multimodal interactions. The use of computational tools for creative processing and idea generation in design and engineering are mostly based on commonly available 2D or 3D CAD programs, applications, and systems. Computer-generated creativity is mostly based on combinatorial power and computational algorithms of the intrinsic system duly orchestrated by the user to manifest outcomes on a variety of processes. However, integrated game-based CPS ecosystems could enhance the uptake of play, imagination, and externalization within the design and engineering process.
Freehand Gesture and Tactile Interaction for Shape Design
Authors: Bordegoni Monica , Covarrubias Mario , Caruso Giandomenico , Cugini Umberto
Published: April 2016

This paper presents a novel system that allows product designers to design, experience, and modify new shapes of objects, starting from existing ones. The system allows designers to acquire and reconstruct the 3D model of a real object and to visualize and physically interact with this model. In addition, the system allows designer to modify the shape through physical manipulation of the 3D model and to eventually print it using a 3D printing technology. The system is developed by integrating state-of-the-art technologies in the sectors of reverse engineering, virtual reality, and haptic technology. The 3D model of an object is reconstructed by scanning its shape by means of a 3D scanning device. Then, the 3D model is imported into the virtual reality environment, which is used to render the 3D model of the object through an immersive head mounted display (HMD). The user can physically interact with the 3D model by using the desktop haptic strip for shape design (DHSSD), a 6 degrees of freedom servo-actuated developable metallic strip, which reproduces cross-sectional curves of 3D virtual objects. The DHSSD device is controlled by means of hand gestures recognized by a leap motion sensor.
Forced Air Cooling of Shape-Memory Alloy Actuators for a Prosthetic Hand
Authors: Taylor Fergus , Au ChiKit
Published: April 2016

This research paper presents the development of nonconventional actuation technology for use in a prosthetic hand. Shape-memory alloy (SMA) is used for the actuation. SMA is a material which contracts when heated and relaxes when cooled and has a work density 25 times greater than traditional electric motor actuators. A compact SMA actuator array, position sensors, and power electronics are developed. A proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller is used to control the contraction of the actuators. Forced air cooling is implemented to improve actuation frequency. The performance of an actuator is demonstrated in dynamic and static position experiments. The static position control of the actuator is found to remain within 0.7% (70 μm) of the setpoint during initial oscillation and then within 0.15% (15 μm) after oscillations subside. The dynamic position control experiment finds that the forced air cooling reduces actuation frequency from 9.5 s to 3.5 s. This results in an actuation frequency comparable to current commercial prosthetics. When compared with the most advanced commercial devices, this actuator array provides improvements in terms of cost, noise, and weight. All of which are important acceptance criteria for prosthetic hand users.
Stream of Variation Modeling and Analysis for Compliant Composite Part Assembly— Part II: Multistation Processes
Authors: Zhang Tingyu , Shi Jianjun
Published: April 2016

Part I of this paper (Zhang and Shi, 2015, “Stream of Variation Modeling and Analysis for Compliant Composite Part Assembly—Part I: Single-Station Processes,” ASME J. Manuf. Sci. Eng.,) has studied the variation modeling and analysis of compliant composite part assembly in a single-station process. In practice, multiple assembly stations are involved in assembling the final product. This paper aims to develop a variation propagation model for stream of variation analysis in a multistation assembly process for composite parts. This model takes into account major variation factors, including part manufacturing error (PME), fixture position error (FPE), and relocation-induced error (RIE). With the help of a finite element method (FEM), a state space model (SSM) is established to represent the relationships between the sources of variation and the final assembly variation. The developed methodology is illustrated by using a case study of three composite laminated plates assembled in a two-station assembly system. The validity of the developed SSM is verified by Monte Carlo simulation (MCS), which is implemented on the basis of FEM. The SSM provides a potential application for diagnosis of variation sources and variation reduction.
Freeman Scholar Review: Passive and Active Skin-Friction Drag Reduction in Turbulent Boundary Layers
Authors: Perlin Marc , Dowling David R. , Ceccio Steven L.
Published: April 2016

A variety of skin-friction drag reduction (FDR) methods for turbulent boundary layer (TBL) flows are reviewed. Both passive and active methods of drag reduction are discussed, along with a review of the fundamental processes responsible for friction drag and FDR. Particular emphasis is given to methods that are applicable to external hydrodynamic flows where additives are diluted by boundary layer entrainment. The methods reviewed include those based on engineered surfaces (riblets, large eddy breakup devices (LEBUs), and superhydrophobic surfaces (SHS)), those based on additives (polymer injection and gas injection), and those based on morphological alterations in the boundary layer flow (air layers and partial cavity formation). A common theme for all methods is their disruption of one or more of the underlying physical processes responsible for the production of skin-friction drag in a TBL. Opportunities and challenges for practical implementation of FDR techniques are also discussed.
Numerical Implementation of Detached-Eddy Simulation on a Passenger Vehicle and Some Experimental Correlation
Authors: Sterken L. , Sebben S. , Löfdahl L.
Published: April 2016

This study presents an implementation of delayed detached-eddy simulation (DDES) on a full-scale passenger vehicle for three configurations with the use of commercial software harpoon (mesher) and ansys fluent (solver). The methodology aims to simulate the flow accurately around complex geometries at relevantly high Re numbers for use in industrial applications, within an acceptable computational time. Geometric differences between the three configurations ensure significant drag changes that have a strong effect on the wake formation behind the vehicle. Therefore, this paper focuses on the analysis of the base wake region. At first, the paper evaluates the performance of the DDES, where it verifies the different operating conditions of the flow around the vehicle with respect to the DDES definition. In a second step, the numerical results are correlated with force measurements and time-averaged flow field investigations, conducted in the Volvo Cars aerodynamic wind tunnel (WT). The comparison confirms a good agreement between the experiments and the simulations. The resolved flow scales obtained by DDES give a further insight into differences in the wake flow characteristics between the configurations related to their contribution to drag.
Impact of Blockage on the Hydrodynamic Performance of Oscillating-Foils Hydrokinetic Turbines
Authors: Gauthier Etienne , Kinsey Thomas , Dumas Guy
Published: April 2016

This paper describes a study of the impact of confinement on the hydrodynamic performance of oscillating-foils hydrokinetic turbines (OFHT). This work aims to contribute to the development of standards applying to marine energy converters. These blockage effects have indeed to be taken into account when comparing measurements obtained in flumes, towing tanks, and natural sites. This paper provides appropriate correction formula to do so for OFHT based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations performed at a Reynolds Number Re = 3 × 106 for reduced frequencies between f* = 0.08 and f* = 0.22 considering area-based blockage ratios ranging from ε = 0.2% to 60%. The need to discriminate between the vertical and horizontal confinement and the impact of the foil position in the channel are also investigated and are shown to be of second-order as compared to the overall blockage level. As expected, it is confirmed that the power extracted by the OFHT increases with the blockage level. It is further observed that for blockage ratio of less than ε = 40%, the power extracted scales linearly with ε. The approach proposed to correlate the performance of the OFHT in different blockage conditions uses the correction proposed by Barnsley and Wellicome and assumes a linear relation between the power extracted and the blockage. This technique is shown to be accurate for most of the practical operating conditions for blockage ratios up to 50%.
Beware the yellow slimming pill: fatal 2,4-dinitrophenol overdose
Authors: Holborow Alexander , Purnell Richard M , Wong Jenny Frederina
Published: April 2016

An industrial chemical, 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), has found use as a weight loss drug. It is extremely toxic in overdose and has a narrow therapeutic window with significant interindividual variability in metabolism. The rise in internet-based sales and distribution of this drug has seen an increased incidence of both accidental and intentional overdose presenting to emergency departments across the UK. No antidote currently exists and overdose is often fatal despite management based on current recommendations. We report a case of intentional overdose of DNP in a young man and discuss the current treatment guidelines. The case highlights the need for an increased awareness among frontline medical staff of the effects of DNP poisoning and questions the need for a more aggressive approach in the management of acute toxicity.
The design and evaluation of a system for improved surveillance and prevention programmes in resource-limited settings using a hospital-based burn injury questionnaire
Authors: Peck Michael , Falk Henry , Meddings David , Sugerman David , Mehta Sumi , Sage Michael
Published: April 2016

Background

Limited and fragmented data collection systems exist for burn injury. A global registry may lead to better injury estimates and identify risk factors. A collaborative effort involving the WHO, the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, the CDC and the International Society for Burn Injuries was undertaken to simplify and standardise inpatient burn data collection. An expert panel of epidemiologists and burn care practitioners advised on the development of a new Global Burn Registry (GBR) form and online data entry system that can be expected to be used in resource-abundant or resource-limited settings.

Methods

International burn organisations, the CDC and the WHO solicited burn centre participation to pilot test the GBR system. The WHO and the CDC led a webinar tutorial for system implementation.

Results

During an 8-month period, 52 hospitals in 30 countries enrolled in the pilot and were provided the GBR instrument, guidance and a data visualisation tool. Evaluations were received from 29 hospitals (56%).

Key findings

Median time to upload completed forms was <10 min; physicians most commonly entered data (64%), followed by nurses (25%); layout, clarity, accuracy and relevance were all rated high; and a vast majority (85%) considered the GBR ‘highly valuable’ for prioritising, developing and monitoring burn prevention programmes.

Conclusions

The GBR was shown to be simple, flexible and acceptable to users. Enhanced regional and global understanding of burn epidemiology may help prioritise the selection, development and testing of primary prevention interventions for burns in resource-limited settings.
Improved estimates of phytoplankton community composition based on in situ spectral fluorescence: use of ordination and field-derived norm spectra for the bbe FluoroProbe
Authors: Harrison Joel W. , Howell E. Todd , Watson Susan B. , Smith Ralph E.H.
Published: April 2016

The use of spectral fluorometers for assessing phytoplankton concentrations and taxonomic composition in aquatic environments is increasingly common. However, the accuracy of such assessments suffers because the necessary norm spectra (spectral fingerprints) are derived using selected taxa and laboratory conditions that may not adequately represent the taxa and environmental conditions in the study area. Ordination analysis of raw fluorescence data has been proposed as a better means of interpreting spectral fluorescence data. We applied nonmetric multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis to raw in situ fluorescence data from Sturgeon Bay, a small, mesotrophic embayment of Georgian Bay (Lake Huron) to obtain system-specific norm spectra for the bbe FluoroProbe. The revised spectra gave improved estimates of phytoplankton taxonomy (root mean square error of 10% versus 14%) and of dissolved organic carbon and chlorophyll a concentrations. While promising, this method should be further explored in other systems with different and (or) weaker gradients in phytoplankton biomass and taxonomic composition.
Depth distribution of mineralizable nitrogen pools in contrasting soils in a semi-arid climate
Authors: Dessureault-Rompré Jacynthe , Zebarth Bernie J. , Burton David L. , Grant Cynthia A.
Published: April 2016

A better understanding of the depth distribution of soil mineralizable nitrogen (N) pools is important to improve prediction of net soil N mineralization. However, our understanding of the depth distribution of these N pools under the semi-arid conditions of western Canada is limited. This study examined the depth distribution of soil mineralizable N pools (kS, the rate constant of a nondepleting zero-order stable N pool, and NL, the size of a depleting first-order labile N pool) of six sites in western Canada chosen to vary with respect to soil zone, soil texture, and cropping system. The depth distribution of mineralizable N pools varied substantially among sites, indicating that this distribution needs to be considered in making predictions of net soil N mineralization. A single regression equation including soil total nitrogen (STN), Pool I (a labile mineralizable N pool determined through a 14-day aerobic incubation), and soil pH explained 67% of the variation in kS across sites and soil depths. In addition, 95% of the variation in NL was explained by a regression model with Pool I. Thus, although the depth distribution of soil mineralizable N pools can vary substantially among sites, the mineralizable N parameters can be adequately predicted across sites and soil depths from simple soil properties. Comparison with a study using surface soils under humid conditions in New Brunswick suggests that the relationship between NL and Pool I is applicable across a wide range of soils, climatic zones, and cropping systems, whereas the regression model to predict kS varied with climatic zone, perhaps reflecting different pedogenic processes stabilizing the organic matter in these climatic zones.
Local operators in kinetic wealth distribution
Authors: Andrecut M.
Published: April 2016

The statistical mechanics approach to wealth distribution is based on the conservative kinetic multi-agent model for money exchange, where the local interaction rule between the agents is analogous to the elastic particle scattering process. Here, we discuss the role of a class of conservative local operators, and we show that, depending on the values of their parameters, they can be used to generate all the relevant distributions. We also show numerically that in order to generate the power-law tail, an heterogeneous risk aversion model is required. By changing the parameters of these operators, one can also fine tune the resulting distributions in order to provide support for the emergence of a more egalitarian wealth distribution.
GLOBAL FINANCIAL INTEGRATION AND CENTRAL BANK POLICIES IN SMALL, OPEN ECONOMIES
Authors: GUDMUNDSSON MÁR
Published: April 2016

Global financial integration intensified in the period leading up to the Great Financial Crisis, as was witnessed by the growth of cross-border banking, capital flows, and gross external capital positions. For small, open economies (SOEs) that have lifted restrictions on capital movements, global financial integration seems to have undermined the scope for independent monetary policy, even if these countries had adopted a flexible exchange rate regime. Monetary policy transmission was weakened through the interest rate channel, as long-term rates in SOEs became increasingly correlated with long rates in large, advanced countries. The exchange rate channel was unstable, however, with exchange rates diverging from fundamentals as uncovered interest rate parity failed to hold over relevant periods and capital flows were volatile. These tendencies can contribute to monetary and financial instability when they interact badly with other economic and financial risks that can face small, open, and financially integrated economies. This was the case in Iceland. A fundamental rethinking of policy frameworks and tools has been underway in SOEs in the wake of the crisis. Potential policy instruments include foreign exchange intervention, enhanced prudential rules on foreign exchange risks, macroprudential tools, better alignment of fiscal and monetary policy, and even selective capital flow management tools.
Quantum key distribution protocol using random bases
Authors: Meslouhi A. , Amellal H. , Hassouni Y. , El Baz M. , El Allati A.
Published: April 2016

In order to enhance the quantum key distribution (QKD) security, a new protocol, “QKDPRB” based on random bases is proposed. It consists of using standard encoding bases moving circularly with a variable rotational angle [Formula: see text] which depends on angular velocity [Formula: see text]; thus, the traditional bases turn into relative ones. To prove the security and the efficiency of the protocol, we present a universal demonstration which proves a high level security of the proposed protocol, even in the presence of the intercept and resend attack. Finally, the QKDPRB may improve the security of QKD.
A combined model for pseudo-rapidity distributions in Cu–Cu collisions at BNL-RHIC energies
Authors: Jiang Z. J. , Wang J. , Huang Y.
Published: April 2016

The charged particles produced in nucleus–nucleus collisions come from leading particles and those frozen out from the hot and dense matter created in collisions. The leading particles are conventionally supposed having Gaussian rapidity distributions normalized to the number of participants. The hot and dense matter is assumed to expand according to the unified hydrodynamics, a hydro model which unifies the features of Landau and Hwa–Bjorken model, and freeze out into charged particles from a time-like hypersurface with a proper time of [Formula: see text]. The rapidity distribution of this part of charged particles can be derived analytically. The combined contribution from both leading particles and unified hydrodynamics is then compared against the experimental data performed by BNL-RHIC-PHOBOS Collaboration in different centrality Cu–Cu collisions at [Formula: see text] and 62.4[Formula: see text]GeV, respectively. The model predictions are consistent with experimental measurements.
A MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR THE DYNAMICS OF BANANA XANTHOMONAS WILT WITH VERTICAL TRANSMISSION AND INFLORESCENCE INFECTION
Authors: NAKAKAWA JULIET , MUGISHA JOSEPH Y. T. , SHAW MICHAEL W. , KARAMURA ELDAD
Published: April 2016

A mathematical model for Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW) spread by insect vector is presented. The model incorporates inflorescence infection and vertical transmission from the mother corm to attached suckers, but not tool-based transmission by humans. Expressions for the basic reproduction number [Formula: see text] are obtained and it is verified that disease persists, at a unique endemic level, when [Formula: see text]. From sensitivity analysis, inflorescence infection rate and roguing rate were the parameters with most influence on disease persistence and equilibrium level. Vertical transmission parameters had less effect on persistence threshold values. Parameters were approximately estimated from field data. The model indicates that single stem removal is a feasible approach to eradication if spread is mainly via inflorescence infection. This requires continuous surveillance and debudding such that a 50% reduction in inflorescence infection and 2–3 weeks interval of surveillance would eventually lead to full recovery of banana plantations and hence improved production.
A Modified Particle Swarm Optimization Based on Eagle Foraging Behavior
Authors: Chiu Jinn-Tong , Lin Ching-Hai
Published: April 2016

Inspired by the eagle’s four distinctive foraging behaviors, namely searching, exploring, striking, and killing, we present a new variant of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), which is called the Eagle-Foraging Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm (EFPSO). The EFPSO hybridizes the PSO algorithm, a space identification scheme, and a local search technique.

We chose nine benchmark problems, each with different functional characteristics, to validate the EFPSO performance. First, we solve these problems with 10 and 30 dimensions. The results show that the EFPSO can find the solution that is closest to each problem’s exact solution. Second, we perform EFPSO for several highly challenging functions with dimensions up to 500. Finally, we use the EFPSO to design a cantilevered beam with 10 variables to minimize the volume of material required to construct the beam.