bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disruption of Staphylococcus Epidermidis Biofilms by Medicinal Maggot Lucilia Sericata Excretions/Secretions
Authors: Harris Llinos G. , Bexfield Alyson , Nigam Yamni , Rohde Holger , Ratcliffe Norman A. , Mack Dietrich
Published: January 2018

Chronic infections are commonly associated with biofilms formed by bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis. With the increase in antibiotic resistant bacteria, maggot debridement therapy has been reintroduced for the treatment of chronic wounds. Studies have shown that the excretion/secretions (ES) of Lucilia sericata larvae (maggots) contain many bioactive compounds which may contribute to the efficacy of maggot therapy. The present study evaluates the effect of L. sericata ES on the formation and disruption of S. epidermidis 7457 and 5179-R1 biofilms. These strains employ either polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA) or accumulation associated protein (Aap) for intercellular adhesion.

A semiquantitative biofilm assay was used to measure the formation/disruption of S. epidermidis 7457 and 5179-R1 biofilms by ES. ES activity was characterized according to concentration, incubation time and temperature, thermal stability, and size. Immunofluorescence microscopy was used to ascertain the effect of ES on PIA and Aap.

In the presence of ES, S. epidermidis 7457 and 5179-R1 nascent bio film formation was inhibited, and pre-formed biofilms disrupted. ES activity was temperature and time dependent, inactivated by heat treatment, and disruption depended on the mechanism of intercellular adhesion. The molecule(s) responsible was >10 kDa in size and appeared to have protease or glucosaminidase activity.

ES interferes with S. epidermidis biofilm formation, specifically degrading factors employed in biofilm accumulation, which would increase bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics and the host's immune system. In purified form, ES-factors may have general applicability for the treatment or prevention of chronic biofilm infections caused by staphylococci.
OpuC – an ABC Transporter that is Associated with Staphylococcus Aureus Pathogenesis
Authors: Kiran Madanahally D. , Akiyoshi Donna E. , Giacometti Andrea , Cirioni Oscar , Scalise Giorgio , Balaban Naomi
Published: January 2018

RIP is a novel antibiotic against staphylococci. It acts at least in part by competing with RNAIII activating protein (RAP) by downregulating TRAP histidine phosphorylation, and by downregulating the expression of the Acessory Gene Regulator (agr). While much is known about the function of the agr as a quorum sensing system that regulates virulence, not much is known about TRAP. TRAP is a 167-kDa protein that is highly conserved among staphylococci and is involved in DNA protection from stress. TRAP is membrane-associated but does not have a transmembrane domain, and thus it may be bound to the membrane through other proteins. To search for these proteins, protein-protein interaction studies were carried out using a bacterial two-hybrid system, and OpuCA was discovered as a TRAP-binding protein. OpuCA is an ATP binding-cytoplasmic (ABC) domain of an OpuC ABC transporter. S. aureus OpuC– mutant strain was constructed and shown to be less tolerant to salt stress, and was defective in choline uptake. OpuC– cells were less pathogenic and showed reduced TRAP phosphorylation and agr activity, did not respond to RAP, and were defective in biofilm formation in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that OpuC acts as a transporter and also plays a role in S. aureus pathogenesis.
Novel Surface Coatings Modulating Eukaryotic Cell Adhesion and Preventing Implant Infection
Authors: Groll JÜRGEN , Fiedler JÖRG , Bruellhoff Kristina , Moeller Martin , Brenner Rolf E.
Published: January 2018

Poor osseointegration and bacterial infection are major causes of orthopedic implant failure. Both problems arise from passive unspecific protein coating that may not optimally support adhesion of osteoblastic cells and which enable bacterial adhesion that subsequently results in biofilm formation. This review addresses emerging concepts of preventing unspecific protein adsorption and biofilm formation by organic coating systems. We especially focus on recent concepts that additionally allow functionalization for preferential cell adhesion using cell adhesion mediating small peptide sequences that do not induce bacterial adherence. One promising approach that is presented and discussed within this context is the use of NCO-sP(EO-stat-PO).
Influence of Material and Microtopography on the Development of Local Infection in vivo: Experimental Investigation in Rabbits
Authors: Moriarty Thomas F. , Debefve Laurence , Boure Ludovic , Campoccia Davide , Schlegel Urs , Richards Robert G.
Published: January 2018

Polishing the surface of internal fracture fixation (IFF) implant materials can ease implant removal and reduce irritation to gliding tissues by reducing soft tissue adhesion and bony overgrowth. Thus, polishing the surface of these implants is expected to have significant clinical benefit in certain situations. The aim of the present study was to determine if polishing the surface of an IFF device influences susceptibility to infection.

The local infection rate associated with 4-hole 2.0 mm Synthes® locking compression plates (LCPs) composed of clinically available commercially pure titanium (cpTi) and titanium aluminium niobium (TAN) in their standard microrough form was compared with that of their test polished equivalents and also to clinically available electropolished stainless steel (EPSS). The LCPs were fixed in locking mode onto the tibia of mature, female New Zealand White rabbits and a clinical strain of Staphylococcus aureus was added to the implantation site. Twenty eight days after surgery the rabbits were euthanized and assessed for infection. The rank order based on descending ID50 was; polished TAN, standard TAN, standard cpTi, EPSS and finally polished cpTi, however, the ID50 values did not differ greatly between the groups with the same material. Using the LCP model in locking mode, polishing the surface of both cpTi and TAN was not found to influence the susceptibility to infection in our animal model.
Role of Antibiotic Lock Therapy for the Treatment of Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Del Pozo Jose L
Published: January 2018

Catheter-related bloodstream infections are often difficult to treat because they are caused by organisms that embed themselves in a bio film layer on the catheter surface, resulting in an increased resistance to antimicrobial agents. Systemic antibiotics are usually administered but, although generally effective in eliminating circulating bacteria, they frequently fail to sterilize the line, leaving the patient at a continuing risk of complications or recurrence. A successful approach to managing these infections requires making an appropriate decision regarding whether the catheter should be removed or retained using antibiotic lock therapy; and choosing the type and duration of antimicrobial therapy based on the type of organism and its resistance pattern. Studies that have evaluated antibiotic lock therapy have varied in the types of antibiotics and concentrations used, the addition of heparin to the solutions, and dwell times in the catheter lumen. Guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America include use of antibiotic lock therapy as a therapeutic option for intraluminal infections when the device is not removed and, although not routine, as prophylaxis for catheter-related infection in select patient populations. However, there are no published guidelines on the concentration of heparin or antibiotics that should be used, and minimal published data on the stability of heparin combinations with antibiotics. It is to be hoped that antibiotic locks will be subject to randomized controlled trials of sufficient power to confirm or refute their use.
In vitro Cytokeratin Expression Profiling of Human Oral Mucosa Substitutes Developed by Tissue Engineering
Authors: Garzón Ingrid , Serrato Deyanira , Roda Olga , Del Carmen Sánchez-Quevedo María , González-Jaranay Maximino , Moreu Gerardo , Nieto-Aguilar Renato , Alaminos Miguel , Campos Antonio
Published: January 2018

In this work we performed a study of cytokeratin (CK) expression profiling on human artificial oral mucosa developed in vitro by tissue engineering at different stages of maturation (from immature to well-developed stages) at the protein and mRNA levels. Human artificial oral mucosa was generated in the laboratory using fibrin-agarose biomaterials. As controls, we used human native normal oral mucosa and embryonic oral tissues. Our results demonstrated that human embryonic oral tissues tended to express CK8 and CK19. In contrast, monolayered bioengineered oral mucosa did not show any CK expression by immunohistochemistry whereas bilayered and multilayered artificial oral mucosa showed several markers of stratified epithelia, but did not express CK10. These results suggest that the CK expression pattern is strongly dependent on the maturation state of the artificial tissues and that the CK expression profile of our model of artificial oral mucosa was partially similar to that of the non-keratinized human adult oral mucosa. However, the expression of CK8 by the artificial oral mucosa suggests that these samples correspond to an early stage of development while kept in vitro.
Management of Left Ventricular Free Wall Rupture under Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support
Authors: Anastasiadis Kyriakos , Antonitsis Polychronis , Hadjimiltiades Stavros , Karapanagiotidis Georgios , Foroulis Christophoros , Argiriadou Helena , Papakonstantinou Christos
Published: January 2018

This is a case report of a patient with left ventricular free wall rupture after acute myocardial infarction that was managed successfully with the use of an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit for resuscitation, surgical repair and postoperative circulatory support. Conversion to conventional cardiopulmonary bypass for surgical repair was avoided. Decompression of the left ventricle during the postoperative period promotes myocardial recovery and leads to improved fixation of surgical repair.
Comparison of Fluid Status in Patients Treated by Different Modalities of Peritoneal Dialysis using Multi-Frequency Bioimpedance
Authors: Davenport Andrew , Willicombe Michelle
Published: January 2018

Background and Aims

Patients treated by peritoneal dialysis, especially those using automatic cyclers, are frequently found to be hypervolemic. To determine whether there are significant differences between the currently available modalities of peritoneal dialysis, we analyzed whether differences in transporter status and treatment modality had a discernible effect on extracellular fluid volumes as measured by multi-frequency bioimpedance.

Methods

Two hundred prevalent peritoneal dialysis patients, 48% male, mean age 54.9 yr (SD±15.6), were studied using multi-frequency bioimpedance following a standard peritoneal equilibration test; 63 patients were treated by CAPD, 29 by APD, 96 by CCPD and 12 by OCCPD.

Results

There were no differences in extracellular volumes, or extracellular volume adjusted for height, or as a ratio to total body water between the groups. As expected, extracellular volume adjusted for height depended upon bodyweight (r=0.412, p<0.001), sex (r=0.457, p<0.001) and systolic blood pressure (r=0.162, p=0.023), and extracellular volume to total body water related to the reciprocal of total daily peritoneal ultrafiltration losses (r=-0.0254, p=0.003) and urine output (-0.254, p=0.003). More importantly, on logistical regression analysis the ratio of extracellular fluid to total body fluid increased with falling albumin, F=21.5 p<0.001, increasing age, F=18.5 p<0.001, urine output F=6.46, p=0.014, total daily ultrafiltration, F=3.52 and protein intake p=0.003. Extracellular fluid adjusted for total body fluid was associated with CRP (males F=6.03, p=0.03, females F=4.438, p=0.04).

Conclusion

Patients were more likely to have an expanded extracellular fluid volume if they had reduced daily fluid losses, but also with biomarkers typically associated with poor nutrition and inflammation.
Multidisciplinary Perspectives for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases: Hydrogels for Protein Delivery and Cell-Based Drug Delivery as Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Giordano Carmen , Albani Diego , Gloria Antonio , Tunesi Marta , Batelli Sara , Russo Teresa , Forloni Gianluigi , Ambrosio Luigi , Cigada Alberto
Published: January 2018

This review presents two intriguing multidisciplinary strategies that might make the difference in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The first proposed strategy is based on the controlled delivery of recombinant proteins known to play a key role in these neurodegenerative disorders that are released in situ by optimized polymer-based systems. The second strategy is the use of engineered cells, encapsulated and delivered in situ by suitable polymer-based systems, that act as drug reservoirs and allow the delivery of selected molecules to be used in the treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. In both these scenarios, the design and development of optimized polymer-based drug delivery and cell housing systems for central nervous system applications represent a key requirement. Materials science provides suitable hydrogel-based tools to be optimized together with suitably designed recombinant proteins or drug delivering-cells that, once in situ, can provide an effective treatment for these neurodegenerative disorders. In this scenario, only interdisciplinary research that fully integrates biology, biochemistry, medicine and materials science can provide a springboard for the development of suitable therapeutic tools, not only for the treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases but also, prospectively, for a wide range of severe neurodegenerative disorders.
Evolution of Hemodialysis Access Resistance: A Longitudinal 5-Year Model using Functional Principal Components Analysis
Authors: Chin Andrew I. , Raffo William R. , Yang Xiaowei , Madison James R.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) and grafts (AVG) are the preferred accesses in hemodialysis (HD). By monitoring Access Resistance (AR) one can potentially identify problems with an established HD access, but little is known about how these changes in AR occur, or the variations between the two access types as they mature longitudinally. We postulated that AR evolves differentially between AVF and AVG, a critical aspect to further understanding of the natural history of HD accesses. To describe these changes, we applied a novel statistical methodology of Functional Principal Component (FPC) analysis.

Methods

Using ultrasound dilution flow studies, we retrospectively studied 479 functional HD accesses in which a total of 4573 assessments were made. Accounting for patient factors of age, race, gender and diabetes mellitus (DM) status, we employed a multivariate, mixed-effects model. Using the mean effects of those covariates, we then applied FPC analyses to assess the longitudinal, time-dependent changes between AVFs and AVGs over a 5-year period.

Results

Both types of upper-arm access were associated with a lower initial AR. Older age and DM were associated with a higher AR. Longitudinal AR varied significantly for both AVF and AVG, between the upper arm and lower arm. As a function of time, AVG was associated with an increasing AR. Conversely, AVF, especially upper-arm ones, demonstrated a longitudinal drop in AR.

Conclusions

Evolutionally AR can be predicted not only by the type of access, but also by the location along the arm of that access and by clinical patient factors. Longitudinal change in AR does differ between AVG and AVF. Our report provides the foundation of observed changes over time and provides insight as to how these variations are affected. We endorse ongoing surveillance to screen for clinical sequelae, even years from initial placement.
Study of influence of interlocking patterns on the mechanical performance of 3D multilayer woven composites
Authors: Umair Muhammad , Hamdani Syed Talha Ali , Asghar Muhammad Ayub , Hussain Tanveer , Karahan Mehmet , Nawab Yasir , Ali Mumtaz
Published: January 2018

Three-dimensional multilayer woven composites are mostly used in high-performance applications due to their excellent out-of-plane mechanical performance. The current research presents an experimental investigation on the mechanical behavior of three-dimensional orthogonal layer-to-layer interlock composites. The glass filament yarn and carbon tows were used as reinforcement in warp and weft directions respectively, whereas epoxy was used as a resin for composite fabrication. Three different types of orthogonal layer to layer interlock namely warp, weft, and bi-directional interlock composites were fabricated and the effect of interlocking pattern on their mechanical performance was evaluated. The evaluation of the mechanical performance was made on the basis of tensile strength, impact strength, flexural strength, and dynamic mechanical analysis of composites in warp and weft directions. It was found that warp and weft interlock composites showed better tensile behavior as compared to bi-directional interlock composite both in the warp and weft directions, due to the presence of less crimp as compared to the bi-directional interlock composite. However, the bi-directional interlock composite exhibited considerably superior impact strength and three-point bending strength as compared to the other structures under investigation. These superior properties of bi-directional interlock composites were achieved by interlocking points in warp and weft directions simultaneously, creating a more compact and isotropic structure. Tan delta values of dynamic mechanical analysis results showed that bi-directional interlock composite displayed the highest capacity of energy dissipation in the warp and weft directions while weft interlock structures displayed highest storage and loss moduli in the warp direction.
Time–temperature-dependent response and analysis of preload relaxation in bolted composite joints
Authors: Lv Jiaxin , Xiao Yi , Xue Yuande
Published: January 2018

Although mechanically fastened joints are generally considered a mature technology, significant problems still exist with their use, among which the preload loss in pretensioned bolts is a major one. This paper has investigated two key issues in structural durability design for mechanically fastened composite joints, i.e. temperature–time-dependent behavior for viscoelastic preload relaxation and prediction method for its long-term performance. Towards this purpose, a two-phase experimental program was conducted consisting of short- and long-term joint relaxation tests. Phase I monitored the short-term fastener preload relaxation (up to 36 h), with a special self-made bolt strain sensor. Phase II utilized the time–temperature superposition principle to establish a method of using short-term relaxation curves to construct the long-term master curve (accelerated test). It was found that there was a significant loss of bolt preload when temperature and initial preload increased, and the relaxation rate of composited joint was much larger than that of the metallic joint. Based on the strong temperature dependence of bolt relaxation, accelerated characterization was conducted for long-term behavior. Furthermore, to quantitatively relate the relaxation data to a model equation, a new preload prediction model was developed based on the creep total-strain theory. Comparisons of the prediction model and accelerated test results indicated that the improved model provided better accuracy than existing models such as Shivakumar–Crews’s and Hook-Norton’s models for describing the long-term preload behavior.
Introducingν-CLEAR: a latent variable approach to measuring nuclear proficiency
Authors: Smith Bradley C. , Spaniel William
Published: January 2018

The causes and consequences of nuclear proficiency are central to important questions in international relations. At present, researchers tend to use observable characteristics as a proxy. However, aggregation is a problem: existing measures implicitly assume that each indicator is equally informative and that measurement error is not a concern. We overcome these issues by applying a statistical measurement model to directly estimate nuclear proficiency from observed indicators. The resulting estimates form a new dataset on nuclear proficiency which we call ν-CLEAR. We demonstrate that these estimates are consistent with known patterns of nuclear proficiency while also uncovering more nuance than existing measures. Additionally, we demonstrate how scholars can use these estimates to account for measurement error by revisiting existing results with our measure.
Sur Le Tournant Methodologique De Pierre Bourdieu Et Le Developpement De La Methodologie Qualitative En Sociologie
Authors: Hamel Jacques
Published: January 2018

On the Methodological Evolution of Pierre Bourdieu and the Development of Qualitative Methodology in Sociology. This article concerns the “provoked and accompanied au to-analysis” presented by Pierre Bourdieu in La Misère du Monde. This latter work constitutes a true methodological experience defining, in a new manner, the epistemological break, the status attributed to common sense knowledge, the representativity and the singularity of sociology, as well as the construction of explanations as found in sociological literature. The criticism inspired by this method opens up a debate on qualitative methodology in sociology. Qualitative Methodology. La Misère du Monde, Common Sense Knowledge. Sociological Explanation.
“‘Eat, Pray, Love’ Bullshit”: Women’s Empowerment through Wellness at an Elite Professional Conference
Authors: Mickey Ethel L.
Published: January 2018

Professional women’s groups and conferences aim to improve women’s status in the workplace through networking and the exchange of resources. This article applies a critical feminist lens to one women’s conference, illustrating how the collective space paradoxically individualizes women’s career experiences. Drawing upon participant observation at the Innovative Women in Business Conference, I explore how the conference’s goal to connect businesswomen is replaced by a focus on women’s empowerment through individual control and wellness. The conference encourages women to engage in wellness practices such as egg freezing to improve their personal market value. By focusing on strategies to “have it all,” the conference reconfigures the feminist value of empowerment to convert gender inequality to an individual affair. While most women embrace the neoliberal feminism of the conference, I find that many women attendees employ tactics to resist the wellness demands, or what one attendee refers to as “‘Eat, Pray, Love’ bullshit.” This women-only conference represents a neoliberal, entrepreneurial intervention contributing to the (re)production of a self-regulating, feminist subject.
A novel amplitude-independent crack identification method for rotating shaft
Authors: Yang Laihao , Chen Xuefeng , Wang Shibin
Published: January 2018

The shaft crack is one of the most common and serious malfunctions in rotating machines and may lead to catastrophic failure if undetected in time. However, the conventional crack identification methods are amplitude-dependent and thus can be only applied to the crack identification under some specific conditions. In this paper, a novel amplitude-independent crack identification method (AiCIM) is significantly proposed to eliminate the amplitude-dependent property and promote the effectiveness of the crack identification. First and foremost, a fast time-varying vibration phenomenon of the cracked-rotor system is newly found. Through the theoretical analysis, the fast time-varying vibration mechanism of the cracked-rotor system is revealed for the first time. It is indicated that the vibration signal of the cracked-rotor system is modulated by the fast-oscillated instantaneous frequency, which is independent of the amplitude of the vibration signal. AiCIM is then put forward on the basis of the fast time-varying vibration mechanism and matching time–frequency analysis theory. Specially, the amplitude-independent instantaneous frequency of the vibration signal is extracted via the matching time–frequency analysis theory, and the time–frequency representation energy-concentration is enhanced along the instantaneous frequency trajectory. Since instantaneous frequency of the vibration signal carrying the critical fault information is employed to identify the shaft crack, AiCIM is only relevant to the phase of the vibration signal, i.e. amplitude independent. As a result, AiCIM successfully eliminates the dependence on the signal amplitude and is more sensitive to the weak crack. Both the numerical and experimental results demonstrate that AiCIM behaves best to extract the fast-oscillated feature of the fast time-varying vibration induced by the shaft crack in comparison with other time–frequency analysis methods, and AiCIM effectively suppress the effect of noises on the instantaneous frequency estimation because of its amplitude-independent property. Influences of the crack parameters on the nonlinear instantaneous frequency are finally discussed with AiCIM. This study provides a potential way to the online crack identification.
A new geometric error budget method of multi-axis machine tool based on improved value analysis
Authors: Cheng Qiang , Dong Lifang , Liu Zhifeng , Li Jiaying , Gu Peihua
Published: January 2018

The improvement of the accuracy grade of main components in the production process through balancing between function and cost helps to improve the overall accuracy of machine tools. Therefore, this paper presents an improved value analysis method and uses the method of global sensitivity analysis and geometric error correlation analysis to analyze and optimize the error parameters of a 4-axis machining tool based on the proposed method. The geometric error modeling of the 4-axis machine tool was established by using the homogeneous transformation matrices (HTMs). By using global sensitivity analysis, the degree of influence of each error parameter on the accuracy of machine tool was obtained, and functional coefficient and cost coefficient of value analysis were gained by correlation analysis. An optimization model for geometric error budget of machine tool was established according to the improved value analysis theory, and the machining accuracy of machine tool was optimized according to the improved value analysis method.
A new modularization method of heavy-duty machine tool for green remanufacturing
Authors: Cheng Qiang , Guo Yiliang , Liu Zhifeng , Zhang Guojun , Gu Peihua
Published: January 2018

The green remanufacturing constitutes a type of recycling form that adapts to ecological and economic requirements and an important part of the advanced manufacturing technology. In order to improve the green remanufacturing capacity of heavy-duty machine tools, in this paper a heavy-duty machine tool module division method for green remanufacturing was proposed. The main lines were based on the four design domains of axiomatic design and innovatively extended to the remanufacturing domain. In the design stage, the process of remanufacturing was considered. The modular clustering algorithm based on atomic theory was employed, which was associated with the correlation and similarity between the design parameters in the structure domain and the remanufacturing domain, for the ideal modules of heavy-duty machine tools to be discovered. Finally, a heavy-duty gantry milling machine is used as an example to verify the validity of the proposed method.
Sound transmission modeling and numerical analysis for automotive seal considering non-uniform compression
Authors: Zhu W-F , Zhong Y , Wang G-L , Jiang X-H
Published: January 2018

Automotive metal door panels and nonmetallic seals have complicated nonlinear interactions in their narrow mating sections, leading to non-uniform compression and complicating the sound transmission mechanism. Therefore, a new sound transmission modeling methodology and numerical analysis is developed for a refined sealing system by considering the geometrical boundaries and the non-uniform compression load. Nonlinear analysis is performed to obtain the geometrical parameters of the deformed seal, which are later input to the subsequent numerical acoustic model, by varying the compression ratios at different door locations under quantified nonlinear metal–seal interaction boundary conditions. A numerical prediction model of the sound transmission loss is constructed considering the deformed seal geometry using a double-wall-panel sound transmission model. Finite-element analysis and an infinite-element method are combined. Sound transmission loss experiments are conducted by varying the compression ratios of the seal. Experimental results are in good agreement with the numerical analysis. Furthermore, the sound transmission loss of the incident sound source with respect to a wide range of frequencies is numerically predicted for different compression magnitudes and directions using the verified methodology. This shows that the presented model and numerical methodology is valuable for optimizing the sound transmission loss performance of automotive door seals.
Driving shaft lifetime enhancement by hybrid electrification
Authors: Sezer Volkan
Published: January 2018

As a classical definition, the main aim of hybrid electric vehicle technology is to decrease the fuel consumption and emissions with the assistance of its power management algorithm. However, hybrid electric vehicles could also be optimized for fatigue minimization of the driving shaft to enhance its lifetime. To the best of our knowledge, there are no studies on hybrid electric vehicles regarding this concept. In this study, we model a conventional vehicle, convert it into hybrid electric vehicle in simulation environment, and optimize the power management algorithm by considering its driving shaft lifetime enhancement. The optimization is done by redesigning one of the previous equivalent cost minimization strategy studies, which includes a new state of charge sustaining approach. In this work, we reformulate the solution considering the assumptive torque–cycle life curve of the driving shaft instead of fuel consumption or emissions. Longitudinal vehicle model is prepared for simulations and the performance of the new strategy is compared with the conventional vehicle under the real driving cycle data. The results demonstrate a significant enhancement potential of 26% in driving shaft’s lifetime. Finally, we show the additional electric motor’s optimum torque tracking performance under a real driving cycle using the experimental testbed.
Minimizing noise from metro viaduct railway lines by means of elastic mats and fully closed noise barriers
Authors: Zhao Caiyou , Ping Wang
Published: January 2018

An adverse effect of urban elevated rail transit systems is the associated noise, which has become a source of environmental complaints. In order to effectively address this problem, an in situ experiment has been conducted on the elevated sections of Hangzhou Metro Line 1 involving three cases: a 2.2 m vertical noise barrier with integrated bed track, a 2.2 m vertical noise barrier with an elastic mat floating slab track, and a 5.1 m fully enclosed noise barrier with an elastic mat floating slab track. The noise reduction effects of the elastic mats and the two kinds of noise barriers for metro viaduct railway lines were evaluated, and the mechanisms of these countermeasures were analysed. The results show that elastic mats can effectively reduce the transmission of wheel–rail vibration energy into the bridge, thus decreasing bridge-borne noise; meanwhile, the elastic mats could lead to an increase in wheel–rail noise. An excellent noise reduction effect was achieved in the area below and near the bottom of the bridge, while an increased noise effect was observed close to the area above and near the rail surface. The fully enclosed noise barrier controlled the propagation of wheel–rail noise more effectively than the vertical noise barriers, but no difference was found between these two kinds of noise barriers in controlling bridge-borne noise.
An efficient, robust and automatic overlapping grid assembly approach for partitioned multi-block structured grids
Authors: Wang Wen , Yan Chao , Wang Sheng , Huang Yu , Yuan Wu
Published: January 2018

An efficient, robust and fully automatic grid assembly method on multi-block cell-centered structured grids for massively parallel computation is proposed in this paper. Compared with the traditional serial algorithm, the new approach eliminates the complex irregular boundaries created during the grid partition and avoids the large load imbalance caused by the large variation of grid-block overlapping. The main task of the overlapping grid assembly is to categorize all grid points into field points, fringe points and hole points. As to the main processes of the overlapping grid assembly, for hole cutting, an improved hole map method is applied to accurately identify the hole points located on the wall boundary with less memory cost. For donor search which is the most complex process on account of the irregular distribution of the partitioned multi-block structured grids in a parallel computation environment, the Alternating Digital Tree (ADT) is utilized to find out the potential donor cells quickly for query points. Besides, to achieve better overlapping quality, the wall distance criterion is implemented for overlapping optimization. In addition, two load balance algorithms are designed to solve the imbalance problem of overlapping grid assembly. Two test cases are applied to test the new overlapping grid assembly algorithm and the results show that the new overlapping grid assembly algorithm can deal with large-scale simulation of vehicles. The comparison of total time and speed-up among three algorithms manifests that the initial load balance algorithm using query point number as load criterion is not reliable while the improved load balance algorithm achieves good speed-up and least runtime. Meanwhile, the maximum proportion the improved load balance algorithm takes in one physical unsteady step in wing-pylon-store separation test case is less than 6.1%.
A model to evaluate Pauwels type III femoral neck fractures
Authors: Magone Kevin M , Owen Jonas K , Kemker Bernard P , Bloom Oliver , Martin Sidney , Atkinson Patrick
Published: January 2018

While many femoral neck fractures can be reliably treated with surgical intervention, Pauwels III femoral neck fractures in the young adult population continue to be a challenging injury, and there is no consensus on optimal treatment. As such, there are past and ongoing biomechanical studies to evaluate the fixation provided by different constructs for this inherently unstable fracture. While many investigations rely on cadavers to evaluate the biomechanical performance of a construct, significant inter-subject variability can confound the analysis. Biomechanical femur analogs are being used more frequently due to more consistent mechanical properties; however, they have not been stringently evaluated for morphology or suitability for instrumentation. This study sought to determine the variability among composite femoral analogs as well as consistently create a Pauwels III injury and instrument the analogs without the need for fluoroscopic guidance. In total, 24 fourth-generation composite femoral analogs were evaluated for femoral height, neck–shaft angle, anteversion, and cortical thickness. A method was developed to simulate a Pauwels III fracture and to prepare three different constructs: an inverted triangle of cannulated screws, a sliding hip screw, and a hybrid inverted triangle with cannulated screws and a sliding hip screw. Radiographs were utilized to evaluate the variation in implant position. All but one of the morphological parameters varied by <1%. The tip-to-apex distance for all sliding hip screw hardware was 18.8 ± 3.3 mm, and all relevant cannulated screw distances were within 5 mm of the adjacent cortex. All screws were parallel, on average, within 1.5° on anterior–posterior and lateral films. Fourth-generation composite femora were found to be morphologically consistent, and it is possible to consistently instrument the analogs without the use of fluoroscopy. This analog and hardware implantation model could serve as a screening model for new fracture repair constructs without the need for cadaveric tissues or radiologic technology.
Flow control in linear compressor cascades by inclusion of suction side dimples at varying locations
Authors: Lu Hua-wei , Yang Yi , Guo Shang , Huang Yu-xuan , Wang Hong , Zhong Jing-jun
Published: January 2018

The flow characteristics and loss behavior over an array of parallel recessed dimples on a high turning linear compressor cascade have been investigated using the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes approach. Steady simulations have been carried out at three dimple locations of 10–32%, 38–60%, 60–82% chord length of suction surface with the inlet Mach number of 0.7. Flow conditions were compared in exit loss coefficient, static pressure rise, streamline patterns, vortex structures, boundary layer parameters, and blade surface pressure between the smooth and the modified cascades. The results indicate that the dimples prior to the separation line report an overall enhancement in the aerodynamic performance in comparison to that of a smooth blade. Symmetric spanwise vortex, which energizes the boundary layer, can roll up inside the dimples. Therefore, the boundary layer with the higher momentum can bear the adverse pressure gradient, which will suppress the flow separation and associated losses. Three dimpled configurations can all eliminate the separation bubble on the suction side, but the dimples located at 60–82% chord length take the negative effect on the aerodynamic performance due to the more chaos condition in the corner separation region. The comparison results also indicate that the optimum location of dimples may exist in front of the separation bubble. Loss reduction of 18.8% and 10.8% can be achieved under the 10–32% c and 38–60% c dimple configurations, respectively.
The impact of crisis and restructuring on employment relations in banking: The cases of France, Luxembourg and Romania
Authors: Kirov Vassil N , Thill Patrick
Published: January 2018

This article discusses the dynamics of collective bargaining in the management of restructuring, drawing on the example of the banking sector in France, Luxembourg and Romania. We show that the organized decentralization of the corporatist or statist models of France and Luxembourg helped sustain employment relations systems and cushion crisis effects. Bargaining outcomes included internal mobility and training. In Romania, by contrast, disorganized decentralization meant that solutions were left to the company level and to market forces.
The mediational role of helplessness in psychological outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Mills S D , Azizoddin D , Gholizadeh S , Racaza G Z , Nicassio P M
Published: January 2018

Objective

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can result in disability and psychological distress. Although pain has been associated with depressive symptomatology and stress in SLE, a paucity of theoretical models have been used to explain the relationship between pain and psychological distress in this population. Thus, the present study examined helplessness as a mediator of the relationship between pain and psychological distress among patients with SLE.

Methods

Multiple mediation analysis was used to examine the hypothesis that learned helplessness mediates the relationship between pain and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress in a sample of patients with SLE ( N = 136) receiving medical care at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.

Results

The mean score on the Helplessness subscale was 14.5 ( SD = 5.4). Helplessness fully mediated the relationship between pain vitality and symptoms of anxiety (BCa 95% CI (−0.073, −0.015)), depression (BCa 95% CI (−0.502, −0.212)), and stress (BCa 95% CI (−0.063, −0.027)).

Conclusion

Participants reported a high level of perceived inability to control one’s disease. Helplessness fully mediated the relationship between pain and measures of anxiety, depression, and perceived stress among patients with SLE.
Critical Junctures and Conditions of Change: Exploring the Fall of Prison Populations in US States
Authors: Karstedt Susanne , Bergin Tiffany , Koch Michael
Published: January 2018

State prison populations in the United States have been regularly declining since 2009, and, at the end of 2014, the combined federal and state prison population was at its lowest level since 2005. Criminologists were caught by surprise by this development in the country that epitomized contemporary ‘mass incarceration’. Their theoretical accounts were steeped in a ‘punitive worldview’ that left no space for the stabilization and eventual decline in mass incarceration in the United States. This article focuses on policy processes, rather than structural conditions, as drivers of penal change. The article begins with an overview of theories of punishment and their shortcomings. The framework that guides our study is based on the concept of ‘critical junctures’, which are seedbeds of long-term transformative change that present opportunities and constraints for actors in the penal field. The empirical research presented here analyses the adoption of legal reforms aimed at reducing mass incarceration by the 50 US states. We find that a trifecta of conflicting actors – legal, political and public – accounts for the complex and sometimes contradictory ways in which states move towards penal reform.
The Social Intentionality of Battered Women’s Agency in Ghana
Authors: Adjei Stephen Baffour
Published: January 2018

There is a growing body of research which suggests that victims of intimate partner violence (IPV; mostly women) continue to remain in abusive relationships. Many of the Western psychological theorisations focus on battered women’s personal dispositions and/or the self-creating (individualistic) view of agency to explain why victims remain in violent relationships. These studies seem to suggest that staying in a violent relationship is a personal decision that victims make in free will, and that victims who continue to stay fail to act on their own behalf. Drawing upon the Ghanaian communal conceptualisation of personhood and the social norms of marriage and divorce, this study questions the individualistic theorisations of battered women’s decisions to stay in or leave abusive relationships. The article argues that battered women’s agency in negotiating the stay/leave decisions in abusive relationships does not only originate in an independent autonomous self, nor constituted by a person’s internal motives, but also, and even primarily, it is culturally grounded and dependent on social relations for its realisation. The article concludes that the agency of abused women in Ghana has a social intentionality, in the sense that battered women’s intentional behaviour in marital relationships is both constituted by self and constrained by their relational embeddedness.
Determinants of Innovation in Selected Manufacturing Firms in India: Role of R&D and Exports
Authors: Seenaiah K. , Rath Badri Narayan
Published: January 2018

This article examines the determinants of innovation using selected manufacturing firms in India. Our study is based on 190 manufacturing firms which were surveyed from Bengaluru and Hyderabad cities in India. The results based on panel probit model reveal that exports and R&D expenditure positively and significantly affect the innovation in case of manufacturing sector. Other key factors such as import intensity, manager’s prior experience, and conducting training sessions to the employee at firm level do positively affect the innovation activities. However, firm age and capital intensity negatively affect innovation. The results suggest the policymakers to concentrate more on export orientation policies and investing in R&D through subsidising or creating more R&D incentive projects which would significantly boost innovations in India.
Does TRIPS Drive to Productivity Growth in Indian Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Singh Jaswinder , Singh Parminder
Published: January 2018

This article endeavours to analyse the inter-firm variations in total factor productivity growth (TFPG) of Indian pharmaceutical industry during the pre-Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and post-TRIPS period by using non-parametric Malmquist productivity index (MPI). For analysis purpose, data for 30 major Indian pharmaceutical firms have been culled out from the various reports of the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) during the period of 1991–2011. The empirical results reveal that the TFPG of the 30 major Indian pharmaceutical firms recorded to be 0.02 per cent and both the technological progress and efficiency change are equally contributing to the TFPG of the firms during entire study and pre-TRIPS period. It has been observed that TFPG has marginally regressed by 0.04 per cent in the post-TRIPS period and the negative growth of the average TFPG was contributed by technical inefficiency, whereas the positive technological progress helps to cover the impact of inefficiencies on TFPG. However, the growth of efficiency remains negative throughout the study period, which has been contributed both by the scale inefficiency and by the pure inefficiency, whereas the technological progress has a favourable impact on the productivity growth of the industry during the post-TRIPS period. Therefore, it can be inferred that the managerial, technical and scale inefficiencies in Indian pharmaceutical industry should be checked in order to operate at optimal scale and achieve potential productivity growth in the post-TRIPS period.
Health System in Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Tirukoti Subba Lakshmi , Rout Himanshu Sekhar
Published: January 2018

Building health systems that are responsive to community needs particularly for the poor is essential. In view of the growing divergence both between and within the states, disaggregated studies are necessary for identification of the critical areas calling for policy intervention. In this connection, the article is an attempt to analyse the performance of healthcare system of Andhra Pradesh (AP) at district level by focusing on technical efficiency. The study is based on secondary data. Stochastic frontier model has been used for analysis. The results show that the efficiency of the public health delivery system remains low. Not all the districts with lower infant mortality rate (IMR) have efficient health systems. The disparities across districts in terms of availability of hospitals and primary health centres have an adverse impact on improving IMR in AP. Overcoming these disparities within the health system may lead to improvement of public health system at district level in AP. Further, reduction in IMR may be possible at a faster pace in the state if such efforts are coupled with steps to promote literacy particularly female literacy. This could make them empowered to demand for adequate health infrastructure and ensure better utilization of it in poorly performing districts.