bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atherogenic phenotype remains in elderly diabetic patients
Authors: Yoshino Hiroshi , Hasegawa Kazuo , Yokono Koichi , Yoshino Gen
Published: April 2014

Aim

It is known that plasma low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels tend to decrease with age. Thus, most elderly diabetic patients often show normal LDL‐C levels. Therefore, the present study was carried out to examine whether elderly diabetic patients show “the atherogenic phenotype” even if their LDL‐C is not elevated.

Methods

The study participants consisted of 236 patients. They were separated into four groups according to their age (below 64 years and above 65 years) and an association of type 2 diabetes. A total of 88 middle‐aged diabetic, 34 middle‐aged non‐diabetic, 64 elderly diabetic and 50 elderly non‐diabetic participants were enrolled. LDL‐C, small dense LDL‐C (sLDL‐C) were investigated. ANOVA were used for comparison of LDL‐C, sLDL‐C and the sLDL‐C/LDL‐C ratio between the four groups. Multivariate regression analysis was carried out in order to find the independent factors associated with the sLDL‐C/LDL‐C ratio.

Results

Among the four groups, the LDL‐C of the elderly diabetic group showed lower LDL‐C levels compared with that of middle‐aged diabetic group, although the difference was not significant (128.6 ± 38.7 vs 138.4 ± 35.8 mg/dL). In contrast, sLDL‐C and the sLDL‐C/LDL‐C ratio in the elderly diabetic group were both higher than those of the elderly non‐diabetic group (47.0 ± 24.2 mg/dL and 0.36 ± 0.14 mg/dL, vs 21.4 ± 16.7 mg/dL and 0.19 ± 0.11 mg/dL, P < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that age, sex, the presence of diabetes mellitus and plasma triglyceride were the independent factors determining the sLDL‐C/LDL‐C ratio.

Discussion

It is concluded from the present data that the atherogenic phenotype remains in elderly diabetic patients even if their LDL‐C is not elevated. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 34–37.
Efficient Storage of Large MODFLOW Models
Authors: Jones Norman L. , Lemon Alan M. , Kennard Michael J.
Published: April 2014

We present a methodology for storing the bulkier portions of a set of MODFLOW input and output files in a compressed binary format using the HDF5 library. This approach results in compression ratios of up to 99% with no significant time penalty. The highly compressed format is particularly beneficial when dealing with large regional models or Monte Carlo simulations. The strategy is focused on the list‐ and array‐based portions of the input files including the cell property and recharge arrays, and is compatible with models containing parameters, including pilot points. The utilities are based on a modified version of the MODFLOW code and are, therefore, compatible with any standard MODFLOW simulation. We present used cases and instructions on how to use the utilities.
Determination of Hydraulic Conductivity from Grain‐Size Distribution for Different Depositional Environments
Authors: Rosas Jorge , Lopez Oliver , Missimer Thomas M. , Coulibaly Kapo M. , Dehwah Abdullah H.A. , Sesler Kathryn , Lujan Luis R. , Mantilla David
Published: April 2014

Over 400 unlithified sediment samples were collected from four different depositional environments in global locations and the grain‐size distribution, porosity, and hydraulic conductivity were measured using standard methods. The measured hydraulic conductivity values were then compared to values calculated using 20 different empirical equations (e.g., Hazen, Carman‐Kozeny) commonly used to estimate hydraulic conductivity from grain‐size distribution. It was found that most of the hydraulic conductivity values estimated from the empirical equations correlated very poorly to the measured hydraulic conductivity values with errors ranging to over 500%. To improve the empirical estimation methodology, the samples were grouped by depositional environment and subdivided into subgroups based on lithology and mud percentage. The empirical methods were then analyzed to assess which methods best estimated the measured values. Modifications of the empirical equations, including changes to special coefficients and addition of offsets, were made to produce modified equations that considerably improve the hydraulic conductivity estimates from grain size data for beach, dune, offshore marine, and river sediments. Estimated hydraulic conductivity errors were reduced to 6 to 7.1 m/day for the beach subgroups, 3.4 to 7.1 m/day for dune subgroups, and 2.2 to 11 m/day for offshore sediments subgroups. Improvements were made for river environments, but still produced high errors between 13 and 23 m/day.
Modeling Transient Streaming Potentials in Falling‐Head Permeameter Tests
Authors: Malama Bwalya , Revil André
Published: April 2014

We present transient streaming potential data collected during falling‐head permeameter tests performed on samples of two sands with different physical and chemical properties. The objective of the work is to estimate hydraulic conductivity (K) and the electrokinetic coupling coefficient (Cl) of the sand samples. A semi‐empirical model based on the falling‐head permeameter flow model and electrokinetic coupling is used to analyze the streaming potential data and to estimate K and Cl. The values of K estimated from head data are used to validate the streaming potential method. Estimates of K from streaming potential data closely match those obtained from the associated head data, with less than 10% deviation. The electrokinetic coupling coefficient was estimated from streaming potential vs. (1) time and (2) head data for both sands. The results indicate that, within limits of experimental error, the values of Cl estimated by the two methods are essentially the same. The results of this work demonstrate that a temporal record of the streaming potential response in falling‐head permeameter tests can be used to estimate both K and Cl. They further indicate the potential for using transient streaming potential data as a proxy for hydraulic head in hydrogeology applications.
Isotope Approach to Assess Hydrologic Connections During Marcellus Shale Drilling
Authors: Sharma Shikha , Mulder Michon L. , Sack Andrea , Schroeder Karl , Hammack Richard
Published: April 2014

Water and gas samples were collected from (1) nine shallow groundwater aquifers overlying Marcellus Shale in north‐central West Virginia before active shale gas drilling, (2) wells producing gas from Upper Devonian sands and Middle Devonian Marcellus Shale in southwestern Pennsylvania, (3) coal‐mine water discharges in southwestern Pennsylvania, and (4) streams in southwestern Pennsylvania and north‐central West Virginia. Our preliminary results demonstrate that the oxygen and hydrogen isotope composition of water, carbon isotope composition of dissolved inorganic carbon, and carbon and hydrogen isotope compositions of methane in Upper Devonian sands and Marcellus Shale are very different compared with shallow groundwater aquifers, coal‐mine waters, and stream waters of the region. Therefore, spatiotemporal stable isotope monitoring of the different sources of water before, during, and after hydraulic fracturing can be used to identify migrations of fluids and gas from deep formations that are coincident with shale gas drilling.
Spatial Periodic Boundary Condition for MODFLOW
Authors: Laattoe Tariq , Post Vincent E.A. , Werner Adrian D.
Published: April 2014

Small‐scale hyporheic zone (HZ) models often use a spatial periodic boundary (SPB) pair to simulate an infinite repetition of bedforms. SPB's are common features of commercially available multiphysics modeling packages. MODFLOW's lack of this boundary type has precluded it from being effectively utilized in this area of HZ research. We present a method to implement the SPB in MODFLOW by development of the appropriate block‐centered finite‐difference expressions. The implementation is analogous to MODFLOW's general head boundary package. The difference is that the terms on the right hand side of the solution equations must be updated with each iteration. Consequently, models that implement the SPB converge best with solvers that perform both inner and outer iterations. The correct functioning of the SPB condition in MODFLOW is verified by two examples. This boundary condition allows users to build HZ‐bedform models in MODFLOW, facilitating further research using related codes such as MT3DMS and PHT3D.
Recovery of Injected Freshwater from a Brackish Aquifer with a Multiwell System
Authors: Miotliński Konrad , Dillon Peter J. , Pavelic Paul , Barry Karen , Kremer Sarah
Published: April 2014

Herein we propose a multiple injection and recovery well system strategically operated for freshwater storage in a brackish aquifer. With the system we call aquifer storage transfer and recovery (ASTR) by using four injection and two production wells, we are capable of achieving both high recovery efficiency of injected freshwater and attenuation of contaminants through adequately long residence times and travel distances within the aquifer. The usual aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) scheme, in which a single well is used for injection and recovery, does not warrant consistent treatment of injected water due to the shorter minimum residence times and travel distances. We tested the design and operation of the system over 3 years in a layered heterogeneous limestone aquifer in Salisbury, South Australia. We demonstrate how a combination of detailed aquifer characterization and solute transport modeling can be used to maintain acceptable salinity of recovered water for its intended use along with natural treatment of recharge water. ASTR can be used to reduce treatment costs and take advantage of aquifers with impaired water quality that might locally not be otherwise beneficially used.
Monitoring Soil Water Content by Vertical Temperature Variations
Authors: Bechkit Mohamed Amine , Flageul Sébastien , Guerin Roger , Tabbagh Alain
Published: April 2014

The availability of high sensitivity temperature sensors (0.001 K sensitivity platinum resistors), which can be positioned at intervals of a few centimeters along a vertical profile in the unsaturated zone, allows short‐term in situ determinations—one day or even less—of the thermal diffusivity. The development of high data storage capabilities also makes this possible over long periods and the relative variations in thermal diffusivity allow the monitoring of the variations in water content. The processing of temperature measurements recorded at different depths is achieved by solving the heat equation, using the finite elements method, with both conductive and convective heat transfers. A first set of measurements has allowed this approach to be validated. Water content variations derived from thermal diffusivity values are in excellent agreement with TDR measurements carried out on the experimental site at Boissy‐le‐Châtel (Seine et Marne, France).
Anthropogenic Impacts on a Bedrock Aquifer at the Village Scale
Authors: Kozuskanich John C. , Novakowski Kent S. , Anderson Bruce C. , Crowe Allan S. , Balakrishnan Vimal K.
Published: April 2014

This study focuses on assessing groundwater potability in a highly complex and heterogeneous fractured bedrock aquifer having variable overburden cover. Eight monitoring wells were installed in a privately serviced lakeside village, and groundwater was routinely sampled over a 2‐year timeframe for concentration analysis of nitrate, fecal indicator bacteria, stable isotopes, and a total of 41 pharmaceutical compounds. While pollutant concentrations remained low throughout the study, the presence of fecal indicator bacteria and pharmaceuticals was noted at least once (but not always consistently) in most sampling intervals. An interpretation based on the integration of chemical, bacterial, and site characterization datasets suggests that: (1) the fracture network is complex and heterogeneous with limited vertical connectivity; (2) existing pathways are sufficient for the quick and widespread migration of surface contaminants to depth; (3) anthropogenic contaminants from both septic systems and agriculture are likely sourced in the surrounding uplands where overburden is thin; and (4) fecal contamination, as observed over the long term, is ubiquitous at the village scale. Groundwater quality is continually changing in this hydrogeologic environment and the determination of potability on the larger scale is not likely to be adequately captured with infrequent domestic well sampling (i.e., voluntary annual sampling by homeowners).
A Method for Conducting Simultaneous Convergent Tracer Tests in Multilayered Aquifers
Authors: Greswell Richard B. , Durand Véronique , Aller Maria F. , Riley Michael S. , Tellam John H.
Published: April 2014

Forced gradient tracer tests between two boreholes can be used to study contaminant transport processes at the small field scale or investigate the transport properties of an aquifer. Full depth tests, in which tracer samples are collected just from the discharge of the abstraction borehole, often give rise to breakthrough curves with multiple peaks that are usually attributed to different flow paths through the aquifer that can rarely be identified from the test results alone. Tests in selected levels of the aquifer, such as those between packer‐isolated sections of the boreholes, are time consuming, expensive; and the identification of major transport pathways is not guaranteed. We present a method for simultaneously conducting multiple tracer tests covering the full depth of the boreholes, in which tracer sampling and monitoring is carried out by a novel multilevel sampling system allowing high frequency and cumulative sampling options. The method is applied to a tracer test using fluorescein conducted in the multilayered sandstone aquifer beneath the city of Birmingham, UK, producing six well‐defined tracer breakthrough curves.
Treatment Adherence in Patients With Headache: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ramsey Rachelle R. , Ryan Jamie L. , Hershey Andrew D. , Powers Scott W. , Aylward Brandon S. , Hommel Kevin A.
Published: April 2014

Objective

To review and critically evaluate the extant research literature pertaining to adherence in youth and adults with headache and to provide recommendations for future research.

Background

This article provides the first systematic review of pediatric headache adherence and updates a previous review of treatment adherence in adults with headache.

Design

Systematic review of empirical literature.

Methods

A literature search with no date restriction was conducted using PubMed and PsycINFO electronic databases and bibliographies of relevant articles.

Results

Adherence rates in adults with headache range considerably from 25% to 94% across treatment, assessment method, and definition of adherence utilized. Methods to assess adherence included retrospective prescription claims data, paper or electronic diaries, follow‐up appointment attendance, written and verbal self‐report of general adherence, verbal self‐report of adherence over a specific amount of time via in person interview or telephone, validated adherence measures, adherence questionnaires without validation, and counselor ratings of homework. Each methodology and assessment tool demonstrated strengths and weaknesses. No studies have systematically examined medication adherence in children with headache, and the few available studies examining adherence to behavioral treatment have documented adherence rates ranging from 52% to 86%.

Conclusions

Adherence research in adults with headache is growing, but studies demonstrate a number of methodological shortcomings. Adherence research in children with headache, and adherence intervention research in both adults and children, is scant. Future research should use objective measures of adherence, consider over‐the‐counter medications and medication overuse, examine demographic, psychological, and behavioral correlates of adherence, assess adherence to botulinum toxin type A, and examine the efficacy of adherence interventions in individuals with headache.
Clinical Aspects of Headache in HIV
Authors: Sheikh Huma U. , Cho Tracey A.
Published: April 2014

Background

Headaches are commonly seen in those patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and are the most common form of pain reported among HIV patients. There have been relatively few studies attempting to determine the rates and phenotypes of the headaches that occur in patients with HIV.

Discussion

Patients with HIV are susceptible to a much broader array of secondary headache causes, sometimes with atypical manifestations due to a dampened inflammatory response. The investigation of a headache in the HIV patient should be thorough and focused on making sure that secondary and HIV‐specific causes are either ruled out or treated if present.

Conclusion

An effective treatment plan should incorporate the use of appropriate pharmacological agents along with the integration of non‐pharmacological therapies, such as relaxation and lifestyle regulation. When treating for headaches in patients with HIV, it is important to keep in mind comorbidities and other medications, especially combination antiretroviral therapy. For those with complicated headache histories, referral to a specialized headache center may be appropriate.
Persistent problems and practices in information systems development: a study of mobile applications development and distribution
Authors: Bergvall‐Kåreborn Birgitta , Howcroft Debra
Published: April 2014

The widespread uptake of mobile technologies has witnessed a re‐structuring of the mobile market with major shifts in the predominance of particular firms and the emergence of new business models. These sociotechnical trends are significant in the ways that they are influencing and shaping the working lives of software professionals. Building on prior research investigating the persistent problems and practices of systems development, this paper examines mobile applications development and distribution. A qualitative study of 60 developers based in Sweden, the UK and the USA was analysed around the interrelated problems of diversity, knowledge and structure. The analysis revealed how platform‐based development in an evolving mobile market represents significant changes at the business environment level. These changes ripple through and accentuate ongoing trends and developments, intensifying the persistent problems and challenges facing software developers.
The Economic and Gender Consequences of South Africa's Home‐based Care Policy
Authors: Hunter Nina
Published: April 2014

South Africa's approach to care provision in the era of HIV/AIDS is home‐ and community‐based care, but in reality care for ill people in the home is provided on an unpaid basis, predominantly by women. But how much do they spend on this care work, in time and money? And what economic consequences does this policy have, particularly for poorer women? This article is based on findings from a study that focuses on unpaid care provision within the home for those in late‐stage HIV/AIDS in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa, and specifically on the costs of such provision. The findings show that female caregivers are bearing the bulk of the costs of care provision for ill people within the home on an unpaid basis. Home‐based care is cost‐effective for the provincial government but not for unpaid caregivers who are subsidizing the provincial economy. While hospital care for people with HIV/AIDS has been capped, home‐based care services have not been increased to a commensurate level. Unpaid caregivers and ill people within the home are largely disconnected from the health system. The analysis clearly shows that the home‐based care policy is not resulting in appropriate or sufficient support for these individuals in need and needs to be revised.
Implementation of Web‐based argumentation in facilitating elementary school students to learn environmental issues
Authors: Wang T.H.
Published: April 2014

This research develops a Web‐based argumentation system named the Web‐based Interactive Argumentation System (WIAS). WIAS can provide teachers with the scaffolding for argumentation instruction. Students can propose their statements, collect supporting evidence and share and discuss with peers online. This research adopts a quasi‐experimental design, applying WIAS to the teaching of environmental issues, including mudslides, global warming and nuclear power. Fifty‐seven elementary school fifth graders from two classes participated in this research. With each class as a unit, they were divided into the WIAS group (n = 30) and the traditional argumentation instruction (TAI) group (n = 27). Before research, all students took the pre‐test of the ‘achievement test for environmental issues (ATEI)’ and the ‘environmental literacy scale (ELS).’ Then all students received argumentation training and six classes of argumentation instruction. Students in the WIAS group performed argumentation in the WIAS, while those in the TAI group performed argumentation in a traditional classroom. After the six‐class argumentation instruction, all students took the post‐test of the ATEI and ELS. The results show that students in the WIAS group have significantly better learning effectiveness than those in the TAI group. Students in the WIAS group also exhibited significantly better improvement in their environmental literacy.
Microbial Communities Associated with Tree Bark Foliose Lichens: A Perspective on their Microecology
Authors: Anderson O. Roger
Published: April 2014

Tree‐bark, foliose lichens occur widely on a global scale. In some locales, such as forests, they contribute a substantial amount of biomass. However, there are few research reports on microbial communities including eukaryotic microbes associated with foliose lichens. Lichens collected from tree bark at 11 locations (Florida, New York State, Germany, Australia, and the Arctic) were examined to determine the density and C‐biomass of bacteria and some eukaryotic microbes, i.e. heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNF) and amoeboid protists. A rich microbial diversity was found, including large plasmodial slime molds, in some cases exceeding 100 μm in size. The densities of HNF and amoeboid protists were each positively correlated with densities of bacteria, r = 0.84 and 0.80, respectively (p < 0.01, N = 11 for each analysis) indicating a likely bacterial‐based food web. Microbial densities (number/g lichen dry weight) varied markedly across the geographic sampling sites: bacteria (0.7–13.1 × 108), HNF (0.2–6.8 × 106) and amoeboid protists (0.4–4.6 × 103). The ranges in C‐biomass (μg/g lichen dry weight) across the 11 sites were: bacteria (8.8–158.5), HNF (0.03–0.85), and amoeboid protists (0.08–540), the latter broad range was due particularly to absence or presence of large slime mold plasmodia.
SEARCHING FOR AUTHENTICITY? UNDERSTANDING REPRESENTATION IN NETWORK GOVERNANCE: THE CASE OF FAITH ENGAGEMENT
Authors: CHAPMAN RACHAEL , LOWNDES VIVIEN
Published: April 2014

With the growth of network governance, non‐electoral forms of representation are of increasing significance. The claims of non‐elected representatives are potentially more specific, explicit, and flexible than those of their elected counterparts. The quality of such claims can be assessed in relation to ‘authenticity’, rather than traditional criteria of authorization or accountability. These propositions are explored through first‐hand accounts of ‘faith representatives’ involved in a variety of English urban governance partnerships. Representatives' claims expressed an aspiration to authenticity (which was not necessarily realized) in the sense of seeking ongoing and substantive consent from constituents, rather than assuming consent via a formalized and symbolic moment of election. Network governance may be best served by a mix of elected and non‐elected representation, based upon an understanding of their complementary characteristics and of representation itself as a relational and emergent property.
Isolation of cellular membranes from lignin‐producing tissues of Norway spruce and analysis of redox enzymes
Authors: Kärkönen Anna , Meisrimler Claudia‐Nicole , Takahashi Junko , Väisänen Enni , Laitinen Teresa , Jiménez Barboza Luis Alexis , Holmström Sami , Salonvaara Sadette , Wienkoop Stefanie , Fagerstedt Kurt V. , Lüthje Sabine
Published: April 2014

There are no earlier reports with successful isolation of plasma membranes from lignin‐forming tissues of conifers. A method to isolate cellular membranes from extracellular lignin‐producing tissue‐cultured cells and developing xylem of Norway spruce was optimized. Modifications to the homogenization buffer were needed to obtain membranes from these phenolics‐rich tissues. Membranes were separated by aqueous polymer two‐phase partitioning. Chlorophyll a determination, marker enzyme assays and western blot analyses using antibodies for each membrane type showed that mitochondrial, chloroplastic and to a certain extent also ER and Golgi membranes were efficiently diminished from the upper phase, but tonoplast and plasma membranes distributed evenly between the upper and lower phases. Redox enzymes present in the partially purified membrane fractions were assayed in order to reveal the origin of H2O2 needed for lignification. The membranes of spruce contained enzymes able to generate superoxide in the presence of NAD(P)H. Besides members of the flavodoxin and flavodoxin‐like family proteins, cytochrome b5, cytochrome P450 and several stress responsive proteins were identified by nitroblue tetrazolium staining of isoelectric focusing gels and by mass spectrometry. Naphthoquinones juglone and menadione increased superoxide production in activity‐stained gels. Some juglone‐activated enzymes were preferentially using NADH. With NADH, menadione activated only some of the enzymes that juglone did, whereas with NADPH the activation patterns were identical. Duroquinone, a benzoquinone, did not affect superoxide production. Superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase and an acidic class III peroxidase isoenzyme were detected in partially purified spruce membranes. The possible locations and functions of these enzymes are discussed.
On the Computational Modeling of Unfluidized and Fluidized Bed Dynamics
Authors: Teaters Lindsey C. , Battaglia Francine
Published: April 2014

Two factors of great importance when considering gas–solid fluidized bed dynamics are pressure drop and void fraction, which is the volume fraction of the gas phase. It is, of course, possible to obtain pressure drop and void fraction data through experiments, but this tends to be costly and time consuming. It is much preferable to be able to efficiently computationally model fluidized bed dynamics. In the present work, ANSYS Fluent® is used to simulate fluidized bed dynamics using an Eulerian–Eulerian multiphase flow model. By comparing the simulations using Fluent to experimental data as well as to data from other fluidized bed codes such as Multiphase Flow with Interphase eXchanges (MFIX), it is possible to show the strengths and limitations with respect to multiphase flow modeling. The simulations described herein will present modeling beds in the unfluidized regime, where the inlet gas velocity is less than the minimum fluidization velocity, and will deem to shed some light on the discrepancies between experimental data and simulations. In addition, this paper will also include comparisons between experiments and simulations in the fluidized regime using void fraction.
Wavelet Analysis of Experimental Blade Vibrations During Interaction With an Abradable Coating
Authors: Mandard Romain , Witz Jean-François , Desplanques Yannick , Fabis Jacky , Meriaux Jean
Published: April 2014

Minimizing the clearance between turbofan blades and the surrounding casing is a key factor to achieving compressor efficiency. The deposition of an abradable coating on casings is one of the technologies used to reduce this blade-casing clearance and ensure blade integrity in the event of blade-casing contact. Aircraft in-service conditions may lead to interactions between the blade tip and the coated casing, during which wear of the abradable coating, blade dynamics, and interacting force are critical yet little-understood issues. In order to study blade/abradable-coating interactions of a few tens of milliseconds, experiments were conducted on a dedicated test rig. The experimental data were analyzed with the aim of determining the friction-induced vibrational modes of the blade. This involved a time-frequency analysis of the experimental blade strain using continuous wavelet transform (CWT) combined with a modal analysis of the blade. The latter was carried out with two kinds of kinematic boundary conditions at the blade tip: free and modified, by imposing contact with the abradable coating. The interaction data show that the blade vibration modes identified during interactions correspond to the free boundary condition due to the transitional nature of the phenomena and the very short duration of contacts. The properties of the continuous wavelet transform were then used to identify the occurrence of blade-coating contact. Two kinds of blade/abradable-coating interactions were identified: bouncing of the blade over short time periods associated with loss of abradable material and isolated contacts capable of amplifying the blade vibrations without causing significant wear of the abradable coating. The results obtained were corroborated by high-speed imaging of the interactions.
A Novel Shell Element for Quasi-Static and Natural Frequency Analysis of Textile Composite Structures
Authors: Xu Wu , Waas Anthony M.
Published: April 2014

A shell element for analysis of textile composite structures is proposed in this paper. Based on the embedded element method and solid shell concept, the architecture, geometry, and material properties of a repeat unit cell (RUC) of textile composite are embedded in a single shell finite element. Flat and curved textile composite structures are used to apply and verify the present shell element. The deformation and natural frequency obtained by the present shell element are compared against those computed from full three-dimensional finite element analyses. It is shown that the proposed shell element is efficient, simple, and reliable for textile composite structural analysis.
An Investigation of the Impacts of Contact Parameters on Wear Coefficient
Authors: Janakiraman V. , Li S. , Kahraman A.
Published: April 2014

In this study, the wear depths under different loads, speeds, lubricant temperatures, and surface roughness amplitudes are experimentally determined using a twin-disk rolling contact setup. A point contact wear model combining a contact formulation and Archard's wear equation in an iterative manner is developed to simulate the wear process of the experiments. By matching the measured and predicted wear profiles, the wear coefficients under different operating and surface conditions are determined. It is found that the wear coefficient increases when either the load or the surface roughness amplitude increases and decreases as the lubricant pressure-viscosity coefficient increases. Within the operating ranges considered, it is observed that the lubricant pressure-viscosity coefficient is the most influential parameter on wear, the load has the least impact, and the surface roughness amplitude is in between. Lastly, a regression formula is given for the estimation of Archard's wear coefficient.
Theoretical Analysis of a Reactive Reinforcement Method for Cylindrical Explosion-Containment Vessels
Authors: Yaguang Sui , Dezhi Zhang , Shiying Tang , Jie Li , Qizhao Lin
Published: April 2014

A method for cylindrical explosion-containment vessels was presented, which used symmetrical implosion loading cooperating with the vessels to control the out-explosion loading, increasing the anti-explosion ability of explosion-containment vessels. In this study, theoretical analysis was developed first and response of cylindrical vessels loaded with implosion and out-explosion was discussed. Approximate expressions for final circumferential strain were obtained. Comparison between the theoretical calculations and the numerical simulations showed that the proposed method could effectively reduce the plastic strain of cylindrical explosion-containment vessels. The theoretical analysis introduced in this study can provide reference for related research. In addition, problems such as spall and defense of shock wave need to be solved before the presented method could be carried out in practical application.
Drag-Reducing Flows in Laminar-Turbulent Transition Region
Authors: Yang Shu-Qing , Ding Donghong
Published: April 2014

This study makes an attempt to investigate Newtonian/non-Newtonian pipe flows in a laminar-turbulent transition region, which is an extraordinarily complicated process and is not fully understood. The key characteristic of this region is its intermittent nature, i.e., the flow alternates in time between being laminar or turbulent in a certain range of Reynolds numbers. The physical nature of this intermittent flow can be aptly described with the aid of the intermittency factor γ, which is defined as that fraction of time during which the flow at a given position remains turbulent. Spriggs postulated that a weighting factor can be used to calculate the friction factor, applying its values in laminar and turbulent states. Based on these, a model is developed to empirically express the mean velocity and Reynolds shear stress in the transition region. It is found that the intermittency factor can be used as a weighting factor for calculating the flow structures in the transition region. Good agreements can be achieved between the calculations and experimental data available in the literature, indicating that the present model is acceptable to express the flow characteristics in the transition region.
Analysis of a Compressed Bistable Buckled Beam on a Flexible Support
Authors: Beharic J. , Lucas T. M. , Harnett C. K.
Published: April 2014

The bistable snap-through behavior of a compressed beam is modeled and measured experimentally as its supporting surface is bent through positive and negative curvatures. When the supporting angle of the beam exceeds a critical angle, bistability is lost and only one stable state is supported. The critical angle is controlled only by the initial compressive stress in the beam, and we report a nondimensionalized calculation method for this angle. This large-deflection nonlinear model provides design rules for low-power sensors and actuators that can measure and control surface curvature from the micro- to macroscale.
Fluid–Structure Interaction Modeling of Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines
Authors: Bazilevs Y. , Korobenko A. , Deng X. , Yan J. , Kinzel M. , Dabiri J. O.
Published: April 2014

Full-scale, 3D, time-dependent aerodynamics and fluid–structure interaction (FSI) simulations of a Darrieus-type vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) are presented. A structural model of the Windspire VAWT (Windspire energy, http://www.windspireenergy.com/) is developed, which makes use of the recently proposed rotation-free Kirchhoff–Love shell and beam/cable formulations. A moving-domain finite-element-based ALE-VMS (arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian-variational-multiscale) formulation is employed for the aerodynamics in combination with the sliding-interface formulation to handle the VAWT mechanical components in relative motion. The sliding-interface formulation is augmented to handle nonstationary cylindrical sliding interfaces, which are needed for the FSI modeling of VAWTs. The computational results presented show good agreement with the field-test data. Additionally, several scenarios are considered to investigate the transient VAWT response and the issues related to self-starting.
Influence of carrier gas on the nucleation and growth of Nb nanoclusters formed through plasma gas condensation
Authors: Bray Kevin R. , Jiao Charles Q. , DeCerbo Jennifer N.
Published: April 2014

Niobium nanoclusters with an average diameter from 2 nm to 10 nm were produced using a plasma gas condensation process. Cluster size and concentration can be tuned by controlling the sputter source current, aggregation length, and gas flow rate. In this paper, the effects of the addition of helium to the cluster growth process will be examined. Process parameters do not affect the cluster formation and growth independently; their influence on cluster formation can be either cumulative or competing. The results from the helium flow rate dependence study emphasize the competing mechanism present during these processes. Examining the nucleation and growth over a wide combination of parameters provided insight into their interactions and the impact on the growth process. This knowledge will enhance the ability to create nanoclusters with desired size dispersions.
Non-song vocalizations of pygmy blue whales in Geographe Bay, Western Australia
Authors: Recalde-Salas A. , Salgado Kent C. P. , Parsons M. J. G. , Marley S. A. , McCauley R. D.
Published: April 2014

Non-song vocalizations of migrating pygmy blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) in Western Australia are described. Simultaneous land-based visual observations and underwater acoustic recordings detected 27 groups in Geographe Bay, WA over 2011 to 2012. Six different vocalizations were recorded that were not repeated in a pattern or in association with song, and thus were identified as non-song vocalizations. Five of these were not previously described for this population. Their acoustic characteristics and context are presented. Given that 56% of groups vocalized, 86% of which produced non-song vocalizations and 14% song units, the inclusion of non-song vocalizations in passive-acoustic monitoring is proposed.
Reducing the impact of wind noise on cochlear implant processors with two microphones
Authors: Kokkinakis Kostas , Cox Casey
Published: April 2014

Behind-the-ear (BTE) processors of cochlear implant (CI) devices offer little to almost no protection from wind noise in most incidence angles. To assess speech intelligibility, eight CI recipients were tested in 3 and 9 m/s wind. Results indicated that speech intelligibility decreased substantially when the wind velocity, and in turn the wind sound pressure level, increased. A two-microphone wind noise suppression strategy was developed. Scores obtained with this strategy indicated substantial gains in speech intelligibility over other conventional noise reduction strategies tested.
Holographic description of a quantum black hole on a computer
Authors: Hanada Masanori , Hyakutake Yoshifumi , Ishiki Goro , Nishimura Jun
Published: April 2014

Black holes have been predicted to radiate particles and eventually evaporate, which has led to the information loss paradox and implies that the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics may be violated. Superstring theory, a consistent theory of quantum gravity, provides a possible solution to the paradox if evaporating black holes can actually be described in terms of standard quantum mechanical systems, as conjectured from the theory. Here, we test this conjecture by calculating the mass of a black hole in the corresponding quantum mechanical system numerically. Our results agree well with the prediction from gravity theory, including the leading quantum gravity correction. Our ability to simulate black holes offers the potential to further explore the yet mysterious nature of quantum gravity through well-established quantum mechanics.
Reconstructing the DNA Methylation Maps of the Neandertal and the Denisovan
Authors: Gokhman David , Lavi Eitan , Prüfer Kay , Fraga Mario F. , Riancho José A. , Kelso Janet , Pääbo Svante , Meshorer Eran , Carmel Liran
Published: April 2014

Methylating the Family Tree

DNA sequences show a high level of similarities between humans and ancient hominids but the degree to which there are differences between methylated regions in their genomes that may explain phenotypic differences is unclear.

Gokhman
et al.

(p.
523
, published online 17 April) demonstrate that naturally degraded methylated cytosines in ancient DNA are converted to thymines and can be used to reconstruct ancient methylomes. The results suggest differences in methylation in bone tissues between modern humans and ancient hominids in a set of genes important for limb development.
Selection of Drug Resistance-Mediating Plasmodium falciparum Genetic Polymorphisms by Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention in Burkina Faso
Authors: Somé Anyirékun Fabrice , Zongo Issaka , Compaoré Yves-Daniel , Sakandé Souleymane , Nosten François , Ouédraogo Jean-Bosco , Rosenthal Philip J.
Published: April 2014

Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC), with regular use of amodiaquine plus sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (AQ/SP) during the transmission season, is now a standard malaria control measure in the Sahel subregion of Africa. Another strategy under study is SMC with dihydroartemisinin plus piperaquine (DP).
Plasmodium falciparum
single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in
P. falciparum
crt
(
pfcrt
),
pfmdr1
,
pfdhfr
, and
pfdhps
are associated with decreased response to aminoquinoline and antifolate antimalarials and are selected by use of these drugs. To characterize selection by SMC of key polymorphisms, we assessed 13 SNPs in
P. falciparum
isolated from children aged 3 to 59 months living in southwestern Burkina Faso and randomized to receive monthly DP or AQ/SP for 3 months in 2009. We compared SNP prevalence before the onset of SMC and 1 month after the third treatment in
P. falciparum
PCR-positive samples from 120 randomly selected children from each treatment arm and an additional 120 randomly selected children from a control group that did not receive SMC. The prevalence of relevant mutations was increased after SMC with AQ/SP. Significant selection was seen for
pfcrt
76T (68.5% to 83.0%,
P
= 0.04),
pfdhfr
59R (54.8% to 83.3%,
P
= 0.0002), and
pfdhfr
108N (55.0% to 87.2%,
P
= 0.0001), with trends toward selection of
pfmdr1
86Y,
pfdhfr
51I, and
pfdhps
437G. After SMC with DP, only borderline selection of wild-type
pfmdr1
D1246 (mutant; 7.7% to 0%,
P
= 0.05) was seen. In contrast to AQ/SP, SMC with DP did not clearly select for known resistance-mediating polymorphisms. SMC with AQ/SP, but not DP, may hasten the development of resistance to components of this regimen. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT00941785.)
Full Genome Analysis of Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 Virus Isolated from Peru, 2013
Authors: Padilla Carlos , Condori Fredy , Huaringa Maribel , Marcos Pool , Rojas Nancy , Gutierrez Victoria , Cáceres Omar
Published: April 2014

The pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus has been reported in Peru since 2009. We report the whole-genome sequence analysis of a viral isolate from an infection case that occurred during an influenza outbreak in 2013. This strain shows novel hemagglutinin (HA) mutations that may cause an antigenic drift that diminishes the protective effect of the vaccine.
Draft Genome Sequence of Campylobacter corcagiensis Strain CIT045
T
, a Representative of a Novel
Campylobacter
Species Isolated from Lion-Tailed Macaques (
Macaca silenus
)
Authors: Koziel Monika , Lucid Alan , Bullman Susan , Corcoran Gerard D. , Lucey Brigid , Sleator Roy D.
Published: April 2014

Campylobacter corcagiensis
CIT045
T
(=CCUG 64942
T
, LMG 27932
T
), a new member of the
Campylobacter
genus, has recently been isolated from lion-tailed macaques in Cork, Ireland. To further characterize this new species and its potential pathogenicity, the genome sequence of
C. corcagiensis
was determined and is presented here.
Complete Genome Sequences of Eight Helicobacter pylori Strains with Different Virulence Factor Genotypes and Methylation Profiles, Isolated from Patients with Diverse Gastrointestinal Diseases on Okinawa Island, Japan, Determined Using PacBio Single-Molecule Real-Time Technology
Authors: Satou Kazuhito , Shiroma Akino , Teruya Kuniko , Shimoji Makiko , Nakano Kazuma , Juan Ayaka , Tamotsu Hinako , Terabayashi Yasunobu , Aoyama Misako , Teruya Morimi , Suzuki Rumiko , Matsuda Miyuki , Sekine Akihiro , Kinjo Nagisa , Kinjo Fukunori , Yamaoka Yoshio , Hirano Takashi
Published: April 2014

We report the complete genome sequences of eight
Helicobacter pylori
strains isolated from patients with gastrointestinal diseases in Okinawa, Japan. Whole-genome sequencing and DNA methylation detection were performed using the PacBio platform.
De novo
assembly determined a single, complete contig for each strain. Furthermore, methylation analysis identified virulence factor genotype-dependent motifs.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Virulent Streptococcus agalactiae Strain, 138P, Isolated from Diseased Nile Tilapia
Authors: Pridgeon Julia W. , Zhang Dunhua
Published: April 2014

Streptococcus agalactiae
strain 138P was isolated from the kidney of diseased Nile tilapia in Idaho during a 2007 streptococcal disease outbreak. The full genome sequence of
S. agalactiae
138P is 1,838,701 bp. The availability of this genome will allow comparative genomics analysis to identify genes for antigen discovery and vaccine development.
Genome Sequence of Streptomyces albulus PD-1, a Productive Strain for Epsilon-Poly-
l
-Lysine and Poly-
l
-Diaminopropionic Acid
Authors: Xu Zhaoxian , Xia Jun , Feng Xiaohai , Li Sha , Xu Hong , Bo Fangfang , Sun Zhuzhen
Published: April 2014

Streptomyces albulus
PD-1, a productive strain for epsilon-poly-
l
-lysine and poly-
l
-diaminopropionic acid, was isolated from soils. We present the genome sequence of
S. albulus
PD-1, which may provide abundant information regarding the production of epsilon-poly-
l
-lysine and poly-
l
-diaminopropionic acid.
Genome Sequences of Two
Pseudoalteromonas
Strains Isolated from the South China Sea
Authors: Zeng Zhenshun , Dai Shikun , Xie Yunchang , Tian Xinpeng , Li Jie , Wang Xiaoxue
Published: April 2014

Two
Pseudoalteromonas
strains, SCSIO 04301 and SCSIO 11900, were isolated from the South China Sea, and both strains form biofilms. Here we present the draft genome sequences of these two strains, which will aid the study of marine microbes that are adapted to marine sediments or are associated with eukaryotic hosts.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium austroafricanum DSM 44191
Authors: Croce Olivier , Robert Catherine , Raoult Didier , Drancourt Michel
Published: April 2014

We announce the draft genome sequence ofMycobacterium austroafricanumDSM 44191T(= E9789-SA12441T), a non-tuberculosis species responsible for opportunistic infection. The genome described here has a size of 6,772,357 bp with a G+C content of 66.79% and contains 6,419 protein-coding genes and 112 RNA genes.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium asiaticum Strain DSM 44297
Authors: Croce Olivier , Robert Catherine , Raoult Didier , Drancourt Michel
Published: April 2014

We report the draft genome sequence of
Mycobacterium asiaticum
strain DSM 44297, a tropical mycobacterium seldom responsible for human infection. The genome of
M. asiaticum
has a size of 5,935,986 bp, with a 66.03% G+C content, encoding 5,591 proteins and 81 RNAs.
Complete Genome of Bacillus megaterium Podophage Page
Authors: Lopez Mariana S. , Hodde Mary K. , Chamakura Karthik R. , Kuty Everett Gabriel F.
Published: April 2014

Bacillus megaterium
is a Gram-positive, spore-forming saprophytic inhabitant of diverse environments. It is a reservoir for industrial chemical production and is emerging as a model organism for studying sporulation and protein localization. Here, we introduce the complete genome of Page, a novel podophage infecting
B. megaterium
.