bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2D: 4D, Lateralization and Strength in Handball Players
Authors: Eler Nebahat , Eler Serdar
Published: April 2018

Lateralization, which is also known as hand preference, and 2D:4D finger ratio is a sign of prenatal testosterone and known to be associated with strength. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between 2D: 4D, lateralization and hand grip strength in relation to hand and forearm that are thought to be effective in handball in elite handball players. 67 female and 67 male elite players participated in this study. The height, weight, body-mass index and hand preference of these athletes have been identified and 2D: 4D finger measurements and hand grip strength tests were performed. When identifying the preferences regarding lateralization, the hand distribution preference was determined by the Oldfield questionnaire and evaluated using the Geschwind score. After photocopy images of the two hands of the athletes were taken, their finger lengths were measured Hand grip strength was determined by a Jamar hydraulic dynamometer. Strong correlation was found especially between 2D: 4D and dominant hand grip strength in male and female elite handball players. The ratio of left-handedness due to the positions of players during the game among male and female athletes has been found to be higher than that of the general population. With regard to gender, 2D: 4D was found to be lower in males than females but hand grip was found to be higher in males than females. Besides, a significant correlation between height and BMI with 2D:4D, sport age, height, body weight and hand grip strength was found. This study emphasizes the importance of 2D: 4D, handgrip strength and hand preference in handball.
Building an adiabatic quantum computer simulation in the classroom
Authors: Rodríguez-Laguna Javier , Santalla Silvia N.
Published: April 2018

We present a didactic introduction to adiabatic quantum computation (AQC) via the explicit construction of a classical simulator of quantum computers. This constitutes a suitable route to introduce several important concepts for advanced undergraduates in physics: quantum many-body systems, quantum phase transitions, disordered systems, spin-glasses, and computational complexity theory.
Effect of audibility on better-ear glimpsing as a function of frequency in normal-hearing and hearing-impaired listeners
Authors: Rana Baljeet , Buchholz Jörg M.
Published: April 2018

Better-ear glimpsing (BEG) is an auditory phenomenon that helps understanding speech in noise by utilizing interaural level differences (ILDs). The benefit provided by BEG is limited in hearing-impaired (HI) listeners by reduced audibility at high frequencies. Rana and Buchholz [(2016). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 140(2), 1192–1205] have shown that artificially enhancing ILDs at low and mid frequencies can help HI listeners understanding speech in noise, but the achieved benefit is smaller than in normal-hearing (NH) listeners. To understand how far this difference is explained by differences in audibility, audibility was carefully controlled here in ten NH and ten HI listeners and speech reception thresholds (SRTs) in noise were measured in a spatially separated and co-located condition as a function of frequency and sensation level. Maskers were realized by noise-vocoded speech and signals were spatialized using artificially generated broadband ILDs. The spatial benefit provided by BEG and SRTs improved consistently with increasing sensation level, but was limited in the HI listeners by loudness discomfort. Further, the HI listeners performed similar to NH listeners when differences in audibility were compensated. The results help to understand the hearing aid gain that is required to maximize the spatial benefit provided by ILDs as a function of frequency.
Inter- and intra-speaker variability in the production of voiceless nasal consonants
Authors: Hoffmann Maureen
Published: April 2018

This study uses both acoustic and aerodynamic data to investigate variation in the realization of phonemically voiceless nasal consonants, which have been found to differ cross-linguistically. In particular, it examines the timing of voicing and oral and nasal air flow during production of voiceless nasal consonants in both word-initial and word-medial positions in Hakha Chin, a Tibeto-Burman language spoken in western Burma/Myanmar. Comparing three other Tibeto-Burman languages, Bhaskararao and Ladefoged (1991) found two distinct patterns in the production of voiceless nasal consonants, which varied by language, but reported general consistency among speakers of the same language. Results of the present study show considerable variation in the realization of voiceless nasals, both between individual speakers and even between individual tokens produced by the same speaker. This high degree of variability may be linked to the relatively weak acoustic cues for place of articulation among nasal consonants in general and for voiceless nasals in particular.
Rapid sea level rise in the aftermath of a Neoproterozoic snowball Earth
Authors: Myrow P. M. , Lamb M. P. , Ewing R. C.
Published: April 2018

A fast-melting snowball

The Marinoan “snowball Earth” glaciation covered most of the planet in ice. The surface melted only when enough carbon dioxide had accumulated in the atmosphere to trap the Sun's warmth. Melting must have occurred rapidly, but just how fast has been a topic of conjecture. Myrow
et al.
analyzed the wave ripples preserved in tidally deposited siltstones of the Elatina Formation, South Australia, to determine that sea level must have risen at the astounding rate of nearly 30 centimeters per year during the melting epoch, or roughly 100 times the rate that it is rising today.

Science
, this issue p.
649
Cell type transcriptome atlas for the planarian
Schmidtea mediterranea
Authors: Fincher Christopher T. , Wurtzel Omri , de Hoog Thom , Kravarik Kellie M. , Reddien Peter W.
Published: April 2018

Mapping the planarian transcriptome

A cell type's transcriptome defines the active genes that control its biology. Two groups used single-cell RNA sequencing to define the transcriptomes for essentially all cell types of a complete animal, the regenerative planarian
Schmidtea mediterranea.
Because pluripotent stem cells constantly differentiate to rejuvenate any part of the body of this species, all developmental lineages are active in adult animals. Fincher
et al.
determined the transcriptomes for most, if not all, planarian cell types, including some that were previously unknown. They also identified transition states and genes governing positional information. Plass
et al.
used single-cell transcriptomics and computational algorithms to reconstruct a lineage tree capturing the developmental progressions from stem to differentiated cells. They could then predict gene programs that are specifically turned on and off along the tree, and they used this approach to study how the cell types behaved during regeneration. These whole-animal transcriptome “atlases” are a powerful way to study metazoan biology.

Science
, this issue p.
eaaq1736
, p.
eaaq1723
Natural selection interacts with recombination to shape the evolution of hybrid genomes
Authors: Schumer Molly , Xu Chenling , Powell Daniel L. , Durvasula Arun , Skov Laurits , Holland Chris , Blazier John C. , Sankararaman Sriram , Andolfatto Peter , Rosenthal Gil G. , Przeworski Molly
Published: April 2018

Selection, recombination, and hybrid evolution

Hybridization is an important force in evolution. The effects of hybridization across the whole genome are not understood. Using a fine-scale genetic map, Schumer
et al.
examined local ancestry in replicate natural hybrid populations of swordtail fish. Each parental species contributes different proportions of genetic material to the genomes of their descendants. Genes from the “minor” (less well-represented) parent occur in regions of the genome that are subject to higher recombination rates and where there are fewer potentially deleterious genes. Neanderthal ancestry in human genomes shows similar patterns.

Science
, this issue p.
656
Draft Whole-Genome Sequences of Three Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Farmed Deer in New Zealand
Authors: Browne A. Springer , Biggs Patrick J. , Elliott Alice , Jaros Patricia , French Nigel P. , Midwinter Anne C.
Published: April 2018

Escherichia coli
bacteria commonly colonize the gastrointestinal tracts of farmed ruminants. Cattle are a well-recognized reservoir of zoonotic
E. coli
; we report here, however, the draft genome sequences of three diarrheagenic
E. coli
strains isolated from farmed red deer (
Cervus elaphus
) in the Manawatu region of New Zealand.
Subclinical Cytomegalovirus Infection Is Associated with Altered Host Immunity, Gut Microbiota, and Vaccine Responses
Authors: Santos Rocha Clarissa , Hirao Lauren A. , Weber Mariana G. , Méndez-Lagares Gema , Chang W. L. William , Jiang Guochun , Deere Jesse D. , Sparger Ellen E. , Roberts Jeffrey , Barry Peter A. , Hartigan-O'Connor Dennis J. , Dandekar Satya
Published: April 2018

Subclinical viral infections (SVI), including cytomegalovirus (CMV), are highly prevalent in humans, resulting in lifelong persistence. However, the impact of SVI on the interplay between the host immunity and gut microbiota in the context of environmental exposures is not well defined. We utilized the preclinical nonhuman primate (NHP) model consisting of SVI-free (specific-pathogen-free [SPF]) rhesus macaques and compared them to the animals with SVI (non-SPF) acquired through natural exposure and investigated the impact of SVI on immune cell distribution and function, as well as on gut microbiota. These changes were examined in animals housed in the outdoor environment compared to the controlled indoor environment. We report that SVI are associated with altered immune cell subsets and gut microbiota composition in animals housed in the outdoor environment. Non-SPF animals harbored a higher proportion of potential butyrate-producing
Firmicutes
and higher numbers of lymphocytes, effector T cells, and cytokine-producing T cells. Surprisingly, these differences diminished following their transfer to the controlled indoor environment, suggesting that non-SPFs had increased responsiveness to environmental exposures. An experimental infection of indoor SPF animals with CMV resulted in an increased abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria, validating that CMV enhanced colonization of butyrate-producing commensals. Finally, non-SPF animals displayed lower antibody responses to influenza vaccination compared to SPF animals. Our data show that subclinical CMV infection heightens host immunity and gut microbiota changes in response to environmental exposures. This may contribute to the heterogeneity in host immune response to vaccines and environmental stimuli at the population level.

IMPORTANCE
Humans harbor several latent viruses that modulate host immunity and commensal microbiota, thus introducing heterogeneity in their responses to pathogens, vaccines, and environmental exposures. Most of our understanding of the effect of CMV on the immune system is based on studies of children acquiring CMV or of immunocompromised humans with acute or reactivated CMV infection or in ageing individuals. The experimental mouse models are genetically inbred and are completely adapted to the indoor laboratory environment. In contrast, nonhuman primates are genetically outbred and are raised in the outdoor environment. Our study is the first to report the impact of long-term subclinical CMV infection on host immunity and gut microbiota, which is evident only in the outdoor environment but not in the indoor environment. The significance of this study is in highlighting the impact of SVI on enhancing host immune susceptibility to environmental exposures and immune heterogeneity.
Use of Quick Response (QR) coded bracelets and cards for the improvement of cortisol deficiency/Addison’s disease management: an audit of quality of care of the management of steroid deficiency in acute illness
Authors: Colman Andrew W , Sellick Jack F K , Weaver Jolanta Urszula
Published: April 2018

Background

An adrenal crisis is a rare but life-threatening condition in which hydrocortisone and fluid resuscitation must be given promptly to prevent hypotensive shock and death. A clinical audit assessed healthcare professionals’ experience of adrenal crisis management and if there was a need for immediate access to clinical guidelines. The proposed system in which a patient-worn Quick Response (QR) coded bracelet provides healthcare professionals with web-based clinical information in acute settings was explored for the management of adrenal crisis.

Methods

Fifty-four healthcare professionals, 21 doctors, 12 nurses, 15 paramedics and 6 dentists completed a questionnaire about the care, confidence in managing an adrenal crisis and the feasibility of using a QR-coded bracelet designed and linked to a website dedicated to patient information on steroid replacement therapy we have developed.

Results

37% of healthcare professionals have never seen and 59% have never managed an adrenal crisis. The median confidence score (1—low to 7—high) in managing an adrenal crisis varied for doctors, nurses, paramedics and dentists between 5, 2, 4.5 and 1.5, respectively. 94% of healthcare professionals thought the proposed QR code-linked system was useful and 84% would use it in an acute setting. The median usability score (1—low to 7—high) for the QR code-linked system for healthcare professionals was 6.5 out of 7.

Conclusion

There is a clinical need to improve the acute management of adrenal crisis and QR code-linked information was desired by healthcare professionals. QR code-linked information may allow patients with rare diseases presenting acutely to receive improved management through immediate access to treatment protocols.
Health and Prevention Enhancement (H-PEACE): a retrospective, population-based cohort study conducted at the Seoul National University Hospital Gangnam Center, Korea
Authors: Lee Changhyun , Choe Eun Kyung , Choi Ji Min , Hwang Yunji , Lee Young , Park Boram , Chung Su Jin , Kwak Min-Sun , Lee Jong-Eun , Kim Joo Sung , Park Sue Kyung , Cho Sang-Heon
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The Health and Prevention Enhancement (H-PEACE) study was designed to investigate the association of diagnostic imaging results, biomarkers and the predisease stage of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as malignancies and metabolic diseases, in an average-risk population in Korea.

Participants

This study enrolled a large-scale retrospective cohort at the Healthcare System Gangnam Center, Seoul National University Hospital, from October 2003 to December 2014.

Findings to date

The baseline and follow-up information collected in the predisease stage of NCDs allows for evaluation of an individual’s potential NCD risk, which is necessary for establishing personalised prevention strategies. A total of 91 336 health examinees were included in the cohort, and we repeatedly measured and collected information for 50.9% (n=46 484) of the cohort members. All participants completed structured questionnaires (lifestyle, medical history, mini-dietary assessment index, sex-specific variables and psychiatric assessment), doctors’ physical examinations, laboratory blood and urine tests and digital chest X-ray imaging. For participants with available data, we also obtained information on specific diagnostic variables using advanced diagnostic tests, including coronary CT for coronary calcium scores, colonoscopy and brain MRI. Furthermore, 17 455 of the participants who provided informed consent and donated blood samples were enrolled into the Gene-environmental interaction and phenotype study, a subcohort of the H-PEACE, from October 2013, and we analysed genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism array data for 6579 of these blood samples.

Future plans

The data obtained from this cohort will be used to facilitate advanced and accurate diagnostic techniques related to NCDs while considering various phenotypes. Potential collaborators can access the dataset after receiving approval from our institutional review board. Applications can be submitted on the study homepage (http://en-healthcare.snuh.org/HPEACEstudy).
Effectiveness of the facility-based maternal near-miss case reviews in improving maternal and newborn quality of care in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Lazzerini Marzia , Richardson Sonia , Ciardelli Valentina , Erenbourg Anna
Published: April 2018

Objectives

The maternal near-miss case review (NMCR) has been promoted by WHO as an approach to improve quality of care (QoC) at facility level. This systematic review synthesises evidence on the effectiveness of the NMCR on QoC and maternal and perinatal health outcomes in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Methods

Studies were searched for in six electronic databases (MEDLINE, Index Medicus, Web of Science, the Cochrane library, Embase, LILACS), with no language restrictions. Two authors independently screened papers and selected them for inclusion and independently extracted data. Maternal mortality was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included any outcome informing on any of the six dimensions of QoC: efficacy, safety, efficiency, equity, accessibility and timely care, acceptability and patient-centred care.

Results

Out of 24 822 papers retrieved, 17 studies from 11 countries were included. Maternal mortality measured before and after the implementation of the NMCR cycle significantly decreased (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.98, eight studies, 55 573 043 women; I2=39%). A statistically significant reduction in the incidence of uterine rupture, postpartum haemorrhage and maternal sepsis was observed in three out of six studies. Ten studies reporting on maternal care process all showed some significant improvement when measured against predefined standards. All studies reported that the NMCR resulted in some amelioration of the facility structure (physical structure, staffing, equipment, training, organisation of care). Newborn outcomes were overall poorly reported; four studies showed no significant difference in perinatal mortality. Patient satisfaction and equity were also poorly reported.

Conclusions

Policy makers may consider implementing the maternal NMCR cycle approach among strategies aiming at improving QoC and reducing maternal mortality and morbidity in LMIC. Future studies should better document the effectiveness of the NMCR cycle particularly on outcomes reflecting patient-centred care and cost-effectiveness.
Obesity and eating disorders in integrative prevention programmes for adolescents: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Leme Ana Carolina Barco , Thompson Debbe , Lenz Dunker Karin Louise , Nicklas Theresa , Tucunduva Philippi Sonia , Lopez Tabbetha , Vézina-Im Lydi-Anne , Baranowski Tom
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Obesity and eating disorders are public health problems that have lifelong financial and personal costs and common risk factors, for example, body dissatisfaction, weight teasing and disordered eating. Obesity prevention interventions might lead to the development of an eating disorder since focusing on weight may contribute to excessive concern with diet and weight. Therefore, the proposed research will assess whether integrating obesity and eating disorder prevention procedures (‘integrated approach’) do better than single approach interventions in preventing obesity among adolescents, and if integrated approaches influence weight-related outcomes.

Methods and analysis

Integrated obesity and eating disorder prevention interventions will be identified. Randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental trials reporting data on adolescents ranging from 10 to 19 years of age from both sexes will be included. Outcomes of interest include body composition, unhealthy weight control behaviours and body satisfaction measurements. MEDLINE/PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science and SciELO will be searched. Data will be extracted independently by two reviewers using a standardised data extraction form. Trial quality will be assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration criteria. The effects of integrated versus single approach intervention studies will be compared using systematic review procedures. If an adequate number of studies report data on integrated interventions among similar populations (k>5), a meta-analysis with random effects will be conducted. Sensitivity analyses and meta-regression will be performed only if between-study heterogeneity is high (I2≥75%).

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval will not be required as this is a systematic review of published studies. The findings will be disseminated through conference presentations and peer-reviewed journals.
Physical work exposure, chronic musculoskeletal pain and risk of insomnia: longitudinal data from the HUNT study, Norway
Authors: Skarpsno Eivind Schjelderup , Nilsen Tom Ivar Lund , Sand Trond , Hagen Knut , Mork Paul Jarle
Published: April 2018

Objectives

To prospectively investigate (i) the association of physical work demands and work-related physical fatigue with risk of insomnia symptoms and (ii) if these associations are influenced by chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Methods

Prospective study on a working population of 8563 women and 7598 men participating in the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (Norway) who reported no insomnia at baseline in 1995–1997. Occurrence of insomnia symptoms was assessed at follow-up in 2006–2008. A Poisson regression model was used to calculate adjusted risk ratios (RRs) for insomnia symptoms with 95% CI.

Results

Compared with workers without work-related physical fatigue, women and men who reported that they were always fatigued had RRs of insomnia of 2.34 (95% CI 1.72 to 3.18) and 2.47 (95% CI 1.59 to 3.83), respectively. Overall, physical work demands was not associated with risk of insomnia, although men who reported heavy physical work had an RR of 0.67 (95% CI 0.47 to 0.97) compared with men with mostly sedentary work. Compared with the reference group of workers without work-related physical fatigue and no chronic pain, analyses of joint effects showed that women with excessive work-related fatigue had an RR of 4.20 (95% CI 2.95 to 5.98) if they reported chronic pain and an RR of 1.67 (95% CI 0.87 to 3.18) if they did not. Corresponding RRs in men were 3.55 (95% CI 2.11 to 5.98) and 2.13 (95% CI 1.07 to 4.25).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that there is an interplay between work-related physical fatigue and musculoskeletal pain that should receive particular attention in the prevention of insomnia in working populations.
Trend in the affordability of tobacco products in Bangladesh: findings from the ITC Bangladesh Surveys
Authors: Nargis Nigar , Stoklosa Michal , Drope Jeffrey , Fong Geoffrey T , Quah Anne C K , Driezen Pete , Shang Ce , Chaloupka Frank J , Hussain A K M Ghulam
Published: April 2018

Background

The price of tobacco products in relation to the income of tobacco users—affordability—is recognised as a key determinant of tobacco use behaviour. The effectiveness of a price increase as a deterrent to tobacco use depends on how much price increases in relation to the income of the potential users. The aim of this paper is to examine the distribution of and trends in the affordability of tobacco products in Bangladesh.

Method

Using four waves of International Tobacco Control Survey data on Bangladesh, this study measures affordability of tobacco products at the individual level as the ratio of self-reported price and self-reported income. The trends in affordability by brand categories of cigarettes and of bidi and smokeless tobacco are estimated using multivariate linear regression analysis.

Results

Despite significant increase in price, the affordability of cigarettes increased between 2009 and 2014–2015 due to income growth outpacing price increase. The increase was disproportionately larger for more expensive brands. The affordability of bidis increased over this period as well. The affordability of smokeless tobacco products remained unchanged between 2011–2012 and 2014–2015.

Conclusion

The tax increases that were implemented during 2009–2015 were not enough to increase tobacco product prices sufficiently to outweigh the effect of income growth, and to reduce tobacco consumption. The findings from this research inform policymakers that in countries experiencing rapid economic growth, significant tax increases are needed to counteract the effect of income growth, in order for the tax increases to be effective in reducing tobacco use.
Achieving Canadian physical activity guidelines is associated with better vascular function independent of aerobic fitness and sedentary time in older adults
Authors: O’Brien Myles W. , Robinson Susan A. , Frayne Ryan , Mekary Said , Fowles Jonathon R. , Kimmerly Derek S.
Published: April 2018

Canadian physical activity guidelines recommend older adults accumulate 150 min of weekly moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Older adults who are insufficiently active may have reduced blood vessel health and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. We tested this hypothesis in 11 older adults who did (7 female; age, 65 ± 5 years; MVPA, = 239 ± 81 min/week) and 10 older adults who did not (7 female; age, 68 ± 9 years; MVPA, 95 ± 33 min/week) meet MVPA guidelines. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in the brachial (BA) and popliteal (POP) arteries, as well as nitroglycerin-mediated dilation (NMD; endothelial-independent dilation) in the POP were assessed via ultrasonography. Aerobic fitness (peak oxygen uptake) was determined using a graded, maximal cycle ergometry test via indirect calorimetry. MVPA and sedentary time were assessed over 5 days using the PiezoRx and activPAL, respectively. There were no differences in peak oxygen uptake (26 ± 10 vs. 22 ± 10 mL O2/(kg·min); p = 0.26) or sedentary time (512 ± 64 vs. 517 ± 76 min/day; p = 0.87) between groups; however, those who achieved the MVPA guidelines had a higher BA-FMD (5.1% ± 1.3% vs. 3.6% ± 1.7%; p = 0.03), POP-FMD (2.6% ± 1.1% vs. 1.3% ± 0.8%; p = 0.006), and POP-NMD (5.1% ± 1.7% vs. 3.3% ± 2.1%; p = 0.04). In the pooled sample, MVPA was moderately correlated to both BA-FMD (r = 0.53; p = 0.01) and POP-NMD (r = 0.59; p = 0.005), and strongly correlated to POP-FMD (r = 0.85; p < 0.001). Collectively, our results provide supporting evidence that meeting MVPA guidelines is associated with better vascular function and may reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in older adults. Furthermore, these data suggest that weekly MVPA time may have a greater impact on blood vessel function than aerobic fitness and weekly sedentary time.
Inhibition of miR-182-5p protects cardiomyocytes from hypoxia-induced apoptosis by targeting CIAPIN1
Authors: Zhang Yunsong , Fang Jun , Ma Huiwen
Published: April 2018

Myocardial infarction (MI), a type of ischemic heart disease, is generally accompanied by apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. MicroRNAs play the vital roles in the development and physiology of MI. Here, we established a downregulation model of miR-182-5p in H9c2 cells under hypoxic conditions to investigate the potential molecular mechanisms for miR-182-5p in hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis (HICA). RT-qPCR indicated that miR-182-5p levels exhibit a time-dependent increase in the rate of apoptosis induced by hypoxia. The results from the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) assays indicated that cardiomyocyte injury noticeably increased after exposure to hypoxia. Meanwhile, hypoxia dramatically increased the apoptosis rate [which was reflected in the results from the annexin V – propidium iodide (PI) assay], enhanced caspase-3 activity, and reduced the expression of Bcl-2. Downregulation of miR-182-5p can significantly reverse hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte injury or apoptosis. Importantly, bioinformatic analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay revealed that CIAPIN1 (cytokine-induced apoptosis inhibitor 1) was a direct functional target of miR-182-5p, and that inhibition of miR-182-5p can lead to an increase in CIAPIN1 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, the knockdown of CIAPIN1 with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) efficiently abolished the protective effects of miR-182-5p inhibitor on HICA, demonstrating that miR-182-5p plays a pro-apoptotic role in cardiomyocytes under hypoxic conditions by downregulating CIAPIN1. Collectively, our results demonstrate that miR-182-5p may serve an underlying target to prevent cardiomyocytes from hypoxia-induced injury or apoptosis.
Effects of genetic polymorphisms on the sulfation of dehydroepiandrosterone and pregnenolone by human cytosolic sulfotransferase SULT2A1
Authors: Abunnaja Maryam S. , Alherz Fatemah A. , El Daibani Amal A. , Bairam Ahsan F. , Rasool Mohammed I. , Gohal Saud A. , Kurogi Katsuhisa , Suiko Masahito , Sakakibara Yoichi , Liu Ming-Cheh
Published: April 2018

The cytosolic sulfotransferase (SULT) SULT2A1 is known to mediate the sulfation of DHEA as well as some other hydroxysteroids such as pregnenolone. The present study was designed to investigate how genetic polymorphisms of the human SULT2A1 gene may affect the sulfation of DHEA and pregnenolone. Online databases were systematically searched to identify human SULT2A1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Of the 98 SULT2A1 non-synonymous coding SNPs identified, seven were selected for further investigation. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to generate cDNAs encoding these seven SULT2A1 allozymes, which were expressed in BL21 Escherichia coli cells and purified by glutathione-Sepharose affinity chromatography. Enzymatic assays revealed that purified SULT2A1 allozymes displayed differential sulfating activity toward both DHEA and pregnenolone. Kinetic analyses showed further differential catalytic efficiency and substrate affinity of the SULT2A1 allozymes, in comparison with wild-type SULT2A1. These findings provided useful information concerning the effects of genetic polymorphisms on the sulfating activity of SULT2A1 allozymes.
The combination of indirubin and isatin attenuates dextran sodium sulfate induced ulcerative colitis in mice
Authors: Gao Wenyan , Zhang Luding , Wang Xiaoqian , Yu Li , Wang Changhong , Gong Yang
Published: April 2018

Indirubin and isatin have been used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases due to their anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effect of indirubin and isatin on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC). UC was induced by the administration of 3% (w/v) DSS solution, and then the model mice were administered indirubin (10 mg/kg body mass) and (or) isatin (10 mg/kg body mass) by gavage once daily for 7 days. The results showed that indirubin and isatin, individually or combined, significantly inhibited weight loss, lowered disease activity index (DAI), ameliorated pathological changes, decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory mediators and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, increased the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines and Foxp3, suppressed CD4+ T cell infiltration, and inhibited oxidative stress and epithelial cell apoptosis. Additionally, indirubin and isatin, both individually and combined, can also inhibit activation of the NF-κB and MAPK pathways induced by DSS. The protective effect of combination therapy against UC was superior to that of single-agent treatment. These results suggest that indirubin combined with isatin attenuates DSS-induced UC, and changes to the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways may mediate the protective effects of indirubin and isatin in UC.
Mechanical analysis and interpretation of excavation damage zone formation around deep tunnels within massive rock masses using hybrid finite–discrete element approach: case of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) Underground Research Laboratory (URL) test tunnel
Authors: Vazaios I. , Vlachopoulos N. , Diederichs M.S.
Published: April 2018

The construction of an underground opening leads to changes in the in situ stress regime surrounding the excavation. The opening influences the rock mass owing to the redistribution of the stresses and results in the disturbance of the surrounding ground. At great depths, massive to slightly or moderately fractured rock masses are usually encountered, and under high stresses, they are more likely to behave in a brittle manner during an excavation. While constitutive models have been developed and proposed for the numerical simulation of such excavations using continuum mechanics, this brittle response cannot be simulated accurately enough, since the material behaviour is governed by fracture initiation and propagation. On the contrary, discontinuum approaches are more suitable in such cases. For the purposes of this paper, the brittle behaviour of hard, massive rock masses and the associated spalling failure mechanisms were simulated by employing a finite–discrete element method (FDEM) approach using Irazu software. The generated numerical model was utilized to replicate field conditions based on the observations at the Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) Underground Research Laboratory (URL) test tunnel located in Pinawa, Manitoba, Canada. The model results are compared with field observation data to explicitly demonstrate the suitability of the method.
Climatic drivers of genotype–environment interactions in lodgepole pine based on multi-environment trial data and a factor analytic model of additive covariance
Authors: Ukrainetz Nicholas K. , Yanchuk Alvin D. , Mansfield Shawn D.
Published: April 2018

The optimum deployment of select material from tree breeding programs is affected by the presence of genotype–environment interactions (G × E) and further complicated by future climate change. Here, we analyzed tree height data from 28 progeny test sites in a multi-environment trial (MET) dataset for two testing cycles of the lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Douglas ex Loudon) breeding program in British Columbia to characterize one approach to investigating the climatic variables influencing G × E and the potential impacts of climate change. Linear mixed model analysis was conducted using an approximate reduced animal model with a factor analytic (FA) variance model to estimate the complex additive (co)variance structure. Test sites were grouped according to patterns of G × E, and climate modelling was employed to project historical and future deployment zones for each group. Based on these findings, it appears that breeding groups with historically wide deployment zones from northern environments will become less important as the climate warms, and therefore investment should be directed toward southern breeding groups, which will be useful across a very wide geographic range in the near to mid-term future.
Kinematic Analysis of Spatial Mechanisms by Means of Constant-Distance Equations
Authors: Osman M.O.M. , Segev D.
Published: April 2018

The concept and use of constant-distance equations for the kinematic analysis of linkages are presented. The procedure is based on the fact that a constant-distance equation is formulated, wherever the distance between two pair-centers of a rigid link remains constant throughout its motion. This results in a much simpler kinematic analysis of the linkage. To illustrate the procedure and the feasibility of the method, the cases of spatial RRRR– and RGCR-mechanisms with coupler points are considered. The technique is well suited to digital computer analysis of complex mechanisms; extensions to dimensional synthesis as well as to dynamic and mobility analysis are possible.
Analytical Investigation of the Characteristics of the Co-Flowing Velocity Sensor
Authors: duPlessis M. P. , Wang R. L. , Hayes W. F.
Published: April 2018

An analytical finite-difference method is used to predict the linearity and sensitivity of a co-flowing air velocity sensor. The sensor, conceived, developed and tested at the National Research Council consists of a 0.023-in. inside diameter nozzle and receiver assembly which, when placed in a free-stream of unknown velocity, can be used to measure that free-stream velocity. For a certain range of jet and stream velocities the measured pressure from the receiver is linearly related to the free-stream velocity. With known jet supply pressures the analysis predicts jet exit velocities and the dynamic recovery pressure in the receiver for different values of free-stream velocities. The predictions compare well with variable density wind tunnel experimental results covering free-stream air velocities, temperatures and pressures of 50-720 ft/sec, −40°C to +20°C and 400-750 mm. Hg abs., respectively, and sensor jet nozzle exit velocities of 50-500 ft/sec.
Influence of Nonlinearities on the Behavior of Parametrically Excited Articulated Pipes Conveying Fluid
Authors: Rousselet J. , Herrmann G.
Published: April 2018

This paper presents the analysis of a system of articulated pipes hanging vertically under the influence of gravity. The liquid, driven by a slightly fluctuating pressure, circulates through the pipes.

Similar systems have been analysed in the past by numerous authors but a common feature of their work is that the behavior of the fluid flow is prescribed, rather than left to be determined by the laws of motion. This leads to a linear formulation of the problem which can not predict the behavior of the system for finite amplitudes of motion.

A circumstance in which this behavior is important arises in the stability analysis of the system in the neighbourhood of critical velocities, that is, flow velocities at which the system starts to flutter. Hence, the purpose of the present study was to investigate in greater detail the region close to critical velocities in order to find by how much these critical velocities would be affected by the amplitudes of motion.

This led to a set of three coupled-nonlinear equations, one of which represents the motion of the fluid. In the mathematical development, use is made of a scheme which permits the uncoupling of the modes of motion of damped nonconservative dynamic systems.

Results are presented showing the importance of the nonlinearities considered.
Designing Quick-Return Mechanisms for Optimum Cost and Transmission Characteristics
Authors: Rao A.C.
Published: April 2018

The four-bar crank-lever mechanism can be designed as a quick-return mechanism for a given time ratio and angle of oscillation. Such mechanisms must possess good force transmission characteristics and their cost of production must be minimum. The design of a quick-return mechanism for minimum cost and good quality of force transmission for a specified time ratio and angle of oscillation is presented. An example problem is solved.
Solution for Free-Surface Flow in Porous Media Using Rayleigh-Ritz Expansions
Authors: Rasmussen Henning
Published: April 2018

Free-surface flow can be modelled by the Laplace equation for the velocity potential and a nonlinear first-order partial differential equation for the free surface. The potential problem is reformulated as a variational problem and then solved approximately by a Rayleigh-Ritz expansion. The free-surface equation is solved using finite differences. The procedure is applied to a particular problem, and excellent results are obtained.
Edge Weld Cooling Rates
Authors: Oddy A.S. , Bibby M.J.
Published: April 2018

Numerical modelling techniques are used to investigate the effect of heat source shape on the cooling rate (at 700 C) of edge welds. Cooling rates are determined for point, line, planar and volume heat sources. These, in turn, are compared to experimental values and to cooling rates calculated by the traditional Adams[1] relationship where the heal source is approximated by a line of no volume and infinite temperature. The experience presented in this investigation provides a basis for rationalizing the effect of heat source approximations on the 700 C cooling rate calculated by traditional methods.
A Diagonal Mass Matrix with Full Convergence Rate for Finite Element Dynamical Problems
Authors: Van Overmeire Marc
Published: April 2018

This paper presents a simple criterion for the construction of a diagonal mass matrix, which preserves the convergence rate of the consistent mass matrix.
Influence Functions in the Numerical Analysis of Bending of Thin Elastic Plates
Authors: Mohsen Mohammed F.N. , Al-Gadhib Ali A. , Baluch Mohammed H.
Published: April 2018

A numerical method for the linear analysis of thin plates of arbitrary plan form and subjected to arbitrary loading and boundary conditions is presented in this paper. This method is an extension of the Wu-Altiero method [1] where use has been made of the force influence function for an infinite plate, whereas the work contained in this paper is based on the use of the moment influence function of an infinite plate. The technique basically involves embedding the real plate into a fictitious infinite plate for which the moment influence function is known. N points are prescribed at the plate boundary at which the boundary conditions for the original problem are collocated by means of 2N fictitious moments placed around contours outside the domain of the real plate. A system of 2N linear algebraic equations in the unknown moments is obtained. The solution of the system yields the unknown moments. These may in turn be used to compute deflection, moments or shear at any point in the thin plate.

Finally, the method is extended to include influence functions of both concentrated forces and concentrated moments. This is obtained by applying concentrated moments and forces simultaneously on the contours located outside the domain of the plate.
Probabilistic Analysis of the Surface Grinding Process
Authors: Younis M.A. , Alawi H.
Published: April 2018

The surface grinding process is simulated by developing a special purpose computer package, where the grinding wheel surface is presented statistically by a Rayleigh distribution, and by using the Monte Carlo techniques. The effect of the grinding wheel profile and the kinematic input parameters on the internal parameters of the process and the workpiece surface roughness have been investigated. These are strongly related to the input parameters (νs,νw,a). The investigation shows that the active cutting edges represent only a small percentage of the total cutting edges (2% - 12%).
Vibration and Damping Analysis of Curved Multilayered Beams
Authors: Vaswani J. , Asnani N.T. , Nakra B.C.
Published: April 2018

Governing equations of motion for a general curved multilayered beam with alternate elastic and viscoelastic layers, subjected to harmonic excitation are derived using an energy method. A solution for simply supported end conditions has been obtained, to determine the resonant frequencies and associated system loss factors of beams with 3, 5 and 7 layers. Both constant size and constant weight criteria have been used for comparison.
On A Formulation of the Elastic Stability Equations of Circular Cylindrical Shells Under Variable Internal Pressure
Authors: Urrutia-Galicia J.L. , Sherbourne A.N.
Published: April 2018

The mathematical model of the stability analysis of circular cylindrical shells under arbitrary internal pressure is presented. The paper consists of a direct analysis of the equilibrium modes in the neighbourhood of the unperturbed principal equilibrium path. The final stability condition results in a completely symmetric differential operator which is then compared with current theories found in the literature.
Basic Equations of Dynamic Elastic Stability for Thin-Walled Structural Members Subjected to Follower Loads and Their Application to Non-Conservative Torque Problems
Authors: Aida Tadayoshi
Published: April 2018

The basic equations and the boundary conditions, in which the effect of an initial torsional moment Mz0 is included, and needed for the analysis of the dynamic elastic stability of thin-walled structural members subjected to follower loads are derived by introducing the concept of initial stress and using the principle of virtual work. The stability problems of columns with a channel section subjected to a non-conservative torque are investigated in terms of numerical examples.
A Tubeless V-Trough Solar Concentrator
Authors: Abdulhadi M. Issa
Published: April 2018

An analytical, experimental investigation of the thermal performance of a tubeless V-trough concentrator has been carried out. Considering the energy balance on the receiver plate, a mathematical expression is developed from which the receiver plate mean temperature can be evaluated for each time interval. The good agreement between the experimental results and the analytical predictions indicate that the construction of a tubeless absorber panel might be valuable and the analytical approach might have the potential for further extensions. It has been found, according to the expermental investigation, that the fluid outlet temperatures vary between 69°C and 91 °C from 10:30 a.m. on up to the termination of operation in the late afternoon. This qualifies the V-trough to be a reliable source for providing temperatures in this range that can be utilized in heating and cooling applications.
Contact Between Two Beams of Finite Length
Authors: Dryden John R.
Published: April 2018

An analysis using beam theory to find the contact area between two beams of finite length is presented and explicit formulae for the contacting length are given. The effect of transverse beam compressibility is qualitatively found by analyzing the contact between a beam and an elastic foundation.
Influence of Non-Propagating Cracks on Conservative Buckling of Columns
Authors: Al-Shayea Naser A.R. , Baluch Mohammed H. , Azad Abul K.
Published: April 2018

This paper deals with the conservative buckling of columns in the presence of non-propagating cracks. A single non-propagating crack has been modelled as an elastic rotational spring of stiffness l/c, where c is the additional compliance due to the presence of the crack. Both static and kinetic methods of elastic stability have been used and results are presented for several column end conditions and crack parameters.
On the Stability of Motion of Several Types of Heavy Symmetric Gyroscopes with Damping Torques
Authors: Ge Z.-M. , Wu M.-H.
Published: April 2018

The sufficient conditions for the stability of a “temporarily” sleeping top with damping torque in three cases and the stability of regular precession and permanent rotation of a heavy symmetric gyroscope with damping torque and motor torque in four cases arc obtained by Liapunov’s direct method.
Vibration of a Cantilever with Bilinear Hysteresis
Authors: Szulewski J. , Cleghorn W.L.
Published: April 2018

This paper presents a vibrational analysis of a two layer beam with weak hysteresis caused by structural damping between layers. Analysis was performed using the Krylov-Bogoliubov-Mitropolski asymtotic method. Qualitative results in the form of plots relating to free, steady-state and nonstationary vibration are presented.
SCREW-THEORY BASED METHODS FOR SOLVING THE INVERSE INSTANTANEOUS KINEMATICS OF 6 DOF MANIPULATORS
Authors: Fenton R.G. , Shi Xiaolun
Published: April 2018

Determination of joint velocities from a given Jacobian matrix and end-effector velocities requires an efficient and accurate algorithm. In this paper, two methods are introduced for this purpose, and compared with three existing methods on the basis of computational efficiency, accuracy, sensitivity to joint position errors and near-degenerate configurations, and capability of dealing with singular configurations. It is found that the two sequential screw-decomposition methods based on Gram-Schmidt Decompositions are the most efficient and computationally accurate methods, and they can also be effectively utilized to cope with singular configurations of the manipulators.