bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenetics in natural animal populations
Authors: Hu J. , Barrett R. D. H.
Published: June 2017

Phenotypic plasticity is an important mechanism for populations to buffer themselves from environmental change. While it has long been appreciated that natural populations possess genetic variation in the extent of plasticity, a surge of recent evidence suggests that epigenetic variation could also play an important role in shaping phenotypic responses. Compared with genetic variation, epigenetic variation is more likely to have higher spontaneous rates of mutation and a more sensitive reaction to environmental inputs. In our review, we first provide an overview of recent studies on epigenetically encoded thermal plasticity in animals to illustrate environmentally‐mediated epigenetic effects within and across generations. Second, we discuss the role of epigenetic effects during adaptation by exploring population epigenetics in natural animal populations. Finally, we evaluate the evolutionary potential of epigenetic variation depending on its autonomy from genetic variation and its transgenerational stability. Although many of the causal links between epigenetic variation and phenotypic plasticity remain elusive, new data has explored the role of epigenetic variation in facilitating evolution in natural populations. This recent progress in ecological epigenetics will be helpful for generating predictive models of the capacity of organisms to adapt to changing climates.
An Evolutionary Concept Analysis of Compassion Fatigue
Authors: Sorenson Claire , Bolick Beth , Wright Karen , Hamilton Rebekah
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to fill the need for an updated concept analysis of compassion fatigue.

Methods

This review used Rodgers’ Evolutionary Model to direct the analysis of 25 papers published between 2005 and 2015. This review focused strictly on healthcare providers in the formal healthcare setting.

Conclusions

The authors provided an analysis of the evolution of compassion fatigue and identified surrogate terms, attributes and defining characteristics, and antecedents and consequences of the term, true to Rodgers’ Evolutionary Model. Related terms are also discussed and a brief case model is provided.

Clinical Relevance

A better understanding of compassion fatigue will allow researchers and clinicians to identify its causes, prevention, and treatment. This could impact the rate at which healthcare providers leave clinical practice and their ability to compassionately engage with patients.
Next‐generation sequencing of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in odontogenic myxomas
Authors: Santos Jean Nunes , Sousa Neto Ernesto Santos , França Josiane Alves , Diniz Marina Gonçalves , Moreira Rennan Garcias , Castro Wagner Henriques , Gomez Ricardo Santiago , de Sousa Silvia Ferreira , Gomes Carolina Cavalieri
Published: June 2017

Background

Mutations previously considered drivers of malignant neoplasms also occur in benign tumors. From the biological perspective, the study of malignant and benign neoplasms is equally relevant. The study of rare tumors contributes to the understanding of the more common ones, as both could share the same hallmark genetic drivers. The identification of driver mutations in benign tumors is facilitated by the fact that they harbor quiet genomes. Pathogenic mutations have being described in benign epithelial odontogenic tumors, such as ameloblastomas and adenomatoid odontogenic tumors. However, the molecular pathogenesis of odontogenic myxoma (OM), a benign aggressive ectomesenchymal tumor, is still poorly characterized, precluding the development of personalized therapy. Aiming to find druggable genetic mutations, we investigated in OM mutations in 50 genes commonly mutated in cancer.

Methods

We used targeted next‐generation sequencing to interrogate over 2,800 COSMIC mutations in OM.

Results

Missense single nucleotide variants were detected in KDR, TP53, PIK3CA, KIT, JAK3; however, these did not include pathogenic mutations.

Conclusion

These aggressive tumors do not harbor pathogenic mutations in genes commonly mutated in human cancers or if they do, these mutations probably occur in a low proportion of cases.
Effect of Split‐File Digital Workflow on Crown Margin Adaptation
Authors: Sheridan Ryan R. , Verrett Ronald , Haney Stephan , Schoolfield John
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) is becoming increasingly integrated into dental practice workflow at a pace that exceeds scientific validation. The aim of this study is to evaluate a complete digital split‐file protocol relative to segmental digital and analog techniques for restoring a single maxillary anterior edentulous space with custom abutment and crown.

Materials and Methods

Four treatment workflows were assessed: complete digital (CD), segmental digital (SD), milled wax (AM), and heat pressed and hand waxed (AH) and heat pressed. The CD workflow “split” an abutment and crown into separate files to fabricate a zirconia abutment and both zirconia/lithium disilicate crown restorations. The SD workflow scanned the existing abutment for design of segmental restorations in zirconia, lithium disilicate, and milled wax (AM). The AH specimens were conventionally hand waxed. Both the AM and AH specimens were heat pressed with lithium disilicate. All restorations were evaluated with standardized measurements using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as manufactured without internal adjustments and after manual adjustment. The number of adjustments, adjustment time, and location of adjustments were recorded. One‐way ANOVA with repeated measures was used to report geometric means with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

The mean marginal gap after adjustment of the CD group was 69 μm, with an upper bound (UB) of 79 μm and a lower bound (LB) of 60 μm. SD group mean was 26 μm with an UB of 31 μm and LB of 22 μm. The AM group mean was 32 μm, with an UB of 49 μm and a LB of 20 μm; AH group mean of 26 μm with an UB of 34 μm and a LB of 20 μm. The SD, AM, and AH workflows were statistically similar (p = 1.000), and the CD workflow was statistically greater than the other three (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The split‐file (CD) protocol results in marginal gap size within clinical standards after adjustment; however, 52 of the 60 digitally produced restorations showed a horizontal marginal offset that required adjustment for proper contours.
The Effect of Temporary Cement Cleaning Methods on the Retention of Crowns
Authors: Song Mi‐Young , An Hongseok , Park Eun‐Jin
Published: June 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of temporary cement cleaning methods on the retention of cemented crowns using zinc phosphate cement and resin‐modified glass ionomer cement.

Materials and Methods

Forty titanium specimens were fabricated to simulate prepared molars with minimally retentive taper. The Ni‐Cr cast crowns were fabricated, temporarily cemented, and separated. The specimens were divided into four groups according to the temporary cement cleaning method (n = 10) as follows: control group (no temporary cementation), orange solvent group, ultrasonic cleaning group, and air‐abrasion group. After the cleaning procedures, the specimens were cemented with definitive cements (zinc phosphate cement and resin‐modified glass ionomer, RMGI, cement) and subjected to thermocycling (5000 cycles, 5‐55°C, dwell time, 10 seconds). The tensile bond strength of each specimen was measured using a universal testing machine, and the results were analyzed using the Kruskal‐Wallis and Mann‐Whitney U test (α = 0.05).

Results

When cemented with zinc phosphate cement, the statistical analysis showed that the value of the air‐abrasion group was significantly higher than those of the other groups (p < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference among the other groups. When cemented with RMGI cement, the air‐abrasion group showed the lowest value, and the control group showed the highest value (p < 0.01). The difference between the ultrasonic cleaning group and the orange solvent group was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The use of temporary cement did not have a significant influence on retention of permanently cemented crowns when zinc phosphate cement was used for permanent cementation. Airborne‐particle abrasion after provisional cementation improved retention of crowns cemented with zinc phosphate cement; however, the use of temporary cement significantly decreased retention of permanently cemented crowns when RMGI cement was used regardless of the temporary cement cleaning method.
Impact of Denture Cleansing Solution Immersion on Some Properties of Different Denture Base Materials: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Al‐Thobity Ahmad M. , Gad Mohammed , ArRejaie Aws , Alnassar Talal , Al‐Khalifa Khalifa S.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of several denture cleansing solutions on the color stability, surface roughness, and flexural strength of three denture base materials.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐seven specimens were prepared using heat‐polymerized (HP) denture base material, 27 using autopolymerized (AP) denture base material, and 27 using visible‐light‐polymerized (VLP) denture base, creating a total of 81 specimens. The specimens were randomly divided into three groups (n = 27): the distilled water group (DWG), Corega group (CG), and Renew group (RG). Color changes (ΔE), surface roughness (Ra, nm), and flexural strength (MPa) of each specimen were measured using a spectrophotometer, an optical profilometer, and a universal testing machine, respectively. The results were statistically analyzed using a one‐way ANOVA and a post hoc Tukey's test (α = 0.05).

Results

The only statistically significant color change detected was in the VLP resin treated with Corega and Renew. There was a significant increase in the surface roughness of all denture resin groups after immersion in Corega. Immersion in Renew significantly increased surface roughness only in the HP and AP specimens. The only significant reduction in flexural strength was detected in the HP resin after immersion in Corega (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that Corega has a significantly greater negative impact than distilled water on the flexural strength of HP resin base materials. Renew significantly increased the surface roughness of AP and HP, while Corega increased the surface roughness of all resin materials.
Computed tomographic features of urinary bladder torsion in two dogs
Authors: Ricciardi M. , Campanella A. , Martino R.
Published: June 2017

Urinary bladder torsion is rare in dogs. It is characterised by rotation of the organ along its longitudinal axis and is potentially life‐threatening because of urinary flow obstruction with subsequent urine retention, hydroureter, hydronephrosis and azotaemia. This report describes the computed tomographic features of urinary bladder torsion in two dogs. In both cases, the hallmark indicative of torsion was the “whirl sign,” originating from the twisted pelvic urethra and urinary bladder neck encircling the ureters, blood vessels and bladder ligaments in a characteristic spiral pattern. The imaging features correlated well with surgical findings, demonstrating high sensitivity of computed tomography in the preoperative diagnosis of urinary bladder torsion.
Complexities of gene expression patterns in natural populations of an extremophile fish (Poecilia mexicana, Poeciliidae)
Authors: Passow Courtney N. , Brown Anthony P. , Arias‐Rodriguez Lenin , Yee Muh‐Ching , Sockell Alexandra , Schartl Manfred , Warren Wesley C. , Bustamante Carlos , Kelley Joanna L. , Tobler Michael
Published: June 2017

Variation in gene expression can provide insights into organismal responses to environmental stress and physiological mechanisms mediating adaptation to habitats with contrasting environmental conditions. We performed an RNA‐sequencing experiment to quantify gene expression patterns in fish adapted to habitats with different combinations of environmental stressors, including the presence of toxic hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and the absence of light in caves. We specifically asked how gene expression varies among populations living in different habitats, whether population differences were consistent among organs, and whether there is evidence for shared expression responses in populations exposed to the same stressors. We analysed organ‐specific transcriptome‐wide data from four ecotypes of Poecilia mexicana (nonsulphidic surface, sulphidic surface, nonsulphidic cave and sulphidic cave). The majority of variation in gene expression was correlated with organ type, and the presence of specific environmental stressors elicited unique expression differences among organs. Shared patterns of gene expression between populations exposed to the same environmental stressors increased with levels of organismal organization (from transcript to gene to physiological pathway). In addition, shared patterns of gene expression were more common between populations from sulphidic than populations from cave habitats, potentially indicating that physiochemical stressors with clear biochemical consequences can constrain the diversity of adaptive solutions that mitigate their adverse effects. Overall, our analyses provided insights into transcriptional variation in a unique system, in which adaptation to H2S and darkness coincide. Functional annotations of differentially expressed genes provide a springboard for investigating physiological mechanisms putatively underlying adaptation to extreme environments.
A novel RNA polymerase‐binding protein that interacts with a sigma‐factor docking site
Authors: Wang Erickson Anna F. , Deighan Padraig , Chen Shanshan , Barrasso Kelsey , Garcia Cinthia P. , Martínez‐Lumbreras Santiago , Alfano Caterina , Krysztofinska Ewelina M. , Thapaliya Arjun , Camp Amy H. , Isaacson Rivka L. , Hochschild Ann , Losick Richard
Published: June 2017

Sporulation in Bacillus subtilis is governed by a cascade of alternative RNA polymerase sigma factors. We previously identified a small protein Fin that is produced under the control of the sporulation sigma factor σF to create a negative feedback loop that inhibits σF‐directed gene transcription. Cells deleted for fin are defective for spore formation and exhibit increased levels of σF‐directed gene transcription. Based on pull‐down experiments, chemical crosslinking, bacterial two‐hybrid experiments and nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shift analysis, we now report that Fin binds to RNA polymerase and specifically to the coiled‐coil region of the β′ subunit. The coiled‐coil is a docking site for sigma factors on RNA polymerase, and evidence is presented that the binding of Fin and σF to RNA polymerase is mutually exclusive. We propose that Fin functions by a mechanism distinct from that of classic sigma factor antagonists (anti‐σ factors), which bind directly to a target sigma factor to prevent its association with RNA polymerase, and instead functions to inhibit σF by competing for binding to the β′ coiled‐coil.
Mechanistic insight into acrylate metabolism and detoxification in marine dimethylsulfoniopropionate‐catabolizing bacteria
Authors: Wang Peng , Cao Hai‐Yan , Chen Xiu‐Lan , Li Chun‐Yang , Li Ping‐Yi , Zhang Xi‐Ying , Qin Qi‐Long , Todd Jonathan D. , Zhang Yu‐Zhong
Published: June 2017

Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) cleavage, yielding dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and acrylate, provides vital carbon sources to marine bacteria, is a key component of the global sulfur cycle and effects atmospheric chemistry and potentially climate. Acrylate and its metabolite acryloyl‐CoA are toxic if allowed to accumulate within cells. Thus, organisms cleaving DMSP require effective systems for both the utilization and detoxification of acrylate. Here, we examine the mechanism of acrylate utilization and detoxification in Roseobacters. We propose propionate‐CoA ligase (PrpE) and acryloyl‐CoA reductase (AcuI) as the key enzymes involved and through structural and mutagenesis analyses, provide explanations of their catalytic mechanisms. In most cases, DMSP lyases and DMSP demethylases (DmdAs) have low substrate affinities, but AcuIs have very high substrate affinities, suggesting that an effective detoxification system for acylate catabolism exists in DMSP‐catabolizing Roseobacters. This study provides insight on acrylate metabolism and detoxification and a possible explanation for the high Km values that have been noted for some DMSP lyases. Since acrylate/acryloyl‐CoA is probably produced by other metabolism, and AcuI and PrpE are conserved in many organisms across all domains of life, the detoxification system is likely relevant to many metabolic processes and environments beyond DMSP catabolism.
Anidulafungin for the treatment of candidaemia caused byCandida parapsilosis: Analysis of pooled data from six prospective clinical studies
Authors: Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P. , Bassetti Matteo , Nucci Marcio , Capparella Maria Rita , Yan Jean L. , Aram Jalal , Hogan Patricia A.
Published: June 2017

Concerns with echinocandin use for infections caused byCandida parapsilosiscomplex species have driven the need for data to support echinocandin clinical efficacy in such patients. Data from six prospective studies were pooled to assess efficacy and safety of anidulafungin in patients with candidaemia caused byC. parapsilosis. Patient‐level data were pooled from patients with microbiologically confirmed candidaemia due toC. parapsilosistreated with anidulafungin. Patients received a 200 mg intravenous (IV) loading dose of anidulafungin (day 1) and 100 mg daily thereafter.IVtreatment could be switched to oral azole therapy after ≥5 or ≥10 days. Primary endpoint was global response at end ofIVtherapy (EOIVT). Seventy patients had candidaemia caused byC. parapsilosis. Global response was 77.1% (95%CI: 67.3, 87.0) atEOIVTand 70.0% (95%CI: 59.3, 80.7) at end of treatment. Three of 55 isolates (withMICs available) were resistant to anidulafungin (MIC≥8 mg/L). All‐cause mortality was 5.7% (n=4/70) by day 14 and 14.3% (n=10/70) by day 28.IVanidulafungin was effective for the treatment ofC. parapsilosiscandidaemia in this population, consistent with efficacy previously demonstrated for otherCandidaspecies. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers:NCT00496197,NCT00548262,NCT00537329,NCT00689338,NCT00806351,NCT00805740).
3D Printing Technology in Planning Thumb Reconstructions with Second Toe Transplant
Authors: Zang Cheng‐wu , Zhang Jian‐lei , Meng Ze‐zu , Liu Lin‐feng , Zhang Wen‐zhi , Chen Yong‐xiang , Cong Rui
Published: June 2017

Objective

To report preoperative planning using 3D printing to plan thumb reconstructions with second toe transplant.

Methods

Between December 2013 and October 2015, the thumbs of five patients with grade 3 thumb defects were reconstructed using a wrap‐around flap and second toe transplant aided by 3D printing technology. CT scans of hands and feet were analyzed using Boholo surgical simulator software (www.boholo.com). This allowed for the creation of a mirror image of the healthy thumb using the uninjured thumb. Using 3D images of the reconstructed thumb, a model of the big toe and the second toe was created to understand the dimensions of the donor site. This model was also used to repair the donor site defect by designing appropriate iliac bone and superficial circumflex iliac artery flaps. The polylactic acid model of the donor toes and reconstructed thumb was produced using 3D printing. Surgically, the wrap‐around flap of the first dorsal metatarsal artery and vein combined with the joint and bone of the second toe was based upon the model donor site. Sensation was reconstructed by anastomosing the dorsal nerve of the foot and the plantar digital nerve of the great toe. Patients commenced exercises 2 weeks after surgery.

Results

All reconstructed thumbs survived, although partial flap necrosis occurred in one case. This was managed with regular dressing changes. Patients were followed up for 3–15 months. The lengths of the reconstructed thumbs are 34–49 mm. The widths of the thumb nail beds are 16–19 mm, and the thickness of the digital pulp is 16–20 mm. The thumb opposition function was 0–1.5 cm; the extension angle was 5°–20° (mean, 16°), and the angle of flexion was 38°–55° (mean, 47°). Two‐point discrimination was 9–11 mm (mean, 9.6 mm). The reconstructed thumbs had good appearance, function and sensation. Based on the criteria set forth by the Standard on Approval of Reconstructed Thumb and Finger Functional Assessment of the Chinese Medical Association, the results were considered excellent for four cases and good for one case. The success rate was 100%.

Conclusions

When planning a wrap‐around flap and second toe transplant to reconstruct a thumb, both the donor and recipient sites can be modeled using 3D printing. This can shorten the operative time by supplying digital and accurate schematics for the operation. It can also optimize the function and appearance of the reconstructed thumb while minimizing damage to the donor site.
Prediction of Edge Displacement due to Image Contrast
Authors: Seo Suyoung
Published: June 2017

This study proposes a method to predict the amount of edge displacement (ED) caused by brightness difference in imaging. ED is a measure of the deviation of imaged edges from their true edge locations in the real world. A set of target sheets were designed to obtain reference lines and collect edge profiles for a given image contrast. A total of 330 target‐sheet images of varying contrast and camera‐to‐object distances were used, with their EDs estimated using a Gaussian function. The EDs and pixel values of dark and light areas either side of an edge were then used as observations to predict EDs at a regular grid of pixel values using kriging, which is shown to be an effective method to fit the ED observations to a surface with high prediction accuracy. In addition, simulations indicate the need to correct EDs for accurate space intersection.
Automatic Measurement of Control Points for Aerial Image Orientation
Authors: Berveglieri Adilson , Tommaselli Antonio M. G.
Published: June 2017

This paper presents an automatic workflow for measuring natural ground control points (GCPs) in aerial images. The approach is based on the acquisition of multi‐scale fisheye vertical terrestrial images over distinguishable areas to automatically generate georeferenced image patches. These are matched with aerial images using correspondence techniques and then used as ground control. The technique was assessed using a bundle block adjustment, indicating an accuracy based on check points of approximately 1/5 of the ground sample distance (GSD) in planimetry and 1 GSD in elevation. Automatic GCP measurements thus improved the final accuracy in comparison with manual measurement.
Non‐housekeeping, non‐essential GroEL (chaperonin) has acquired novel structure and function beneficial under stress in cyanobacteria
Authors: Nakamoto Hitoshi , Kojima Kouji
Published: June 2017

GroELs which are prokaryotic members of the chaperonin (Cpn)/Hsp60 family are molecular chaperones of which Escherichia coli GroEL is a model for subsequent research. The majority of bacterial species including E. coli and Bacillus subtilis have only one essential groEL gene that forms an operon with the co‐chaperone groES gene. In contrast to these model bacteria, two or three groEL genes exist in cyanobacterial genomes. One of them, groEL2, does not form an operon with the groES gene, whereas the other(s) does. In the case of cyanobacteria containing two GroEL homologs, one of the GroELs, GroEL1, substitutes for the native GroEL in an E. coli cell, but GroEL2 does not. Unlike the E. coli GroEL, GroEL2 is not essential, but it plays an important role which is not substitutable by GroEL1 under stress. Regulation of expression and biochemical properties of GroEL2 are different/diversified from GroEL1 and E. coli GroEL in many aspects. We postulate that the groEL2 gene has acquired a novel, beneficial function especially under stresses and become preserved by natural selection, with the groEL1 gene retaining the original, house‐keeping function. In this review, we will focus on difference between the two GroELs in cyanobacteria, and divergence of GroEL2 from the E. coli GroEL. We will also compare cyanobacterial GroELs with the chloroplast Cpns (60α and 60β) which are thought to be evolved from the cyanobacterial GroEL1. Chloroplast Cpns appear to follow the different path from cyanobacterial GroELs in the evolution after gene duplication of the corresponding ancestral groEL gene.
Safety of the use of group A plasma in trauma: the STAT study
Authors: Dunbar Nancy M. , Yazer Mark H. ,   on behalf of the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative and the STAT Study Investigators
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Use of universally ABO‐compatible group AB plasma for trauma resuscitation can be challenging due to supply limitations. Many centers are now using group A plasma during the initial resuscitation of traumatically injured patients. This study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of this practice on mortality and hospital length of stay (LOS).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Seventeen trauma centers using group A plasma in trauma patients of unknown ABO group participated in this study. Eligible patients were group A, B, and AB trauma patients who received at least 1 unit of group A plasma. Data collected included patient sex, age, mechanism of injury, Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS) probability of survival, and number of blood products transfused. The main outcome of this study was in‐hospital mortality differences between group B and AB patients compared to group A patients. Data on early mortality (≤24 hr) and hospital LOS were also collected.

RESULTS

There were 354 B and AB patients and 809 A patients. The two study groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, TRISS probability of survival, and total number of blood products transfused. The use of group A plasma during the initial resuscitation of traumatically injured patients of unknown ABO group was not associated with increased in‐hospital mortality, early mortality, or hospital LOS for group B and AB patients compared to group A patients.

CONCLUSION

These results support the practice of issuing thawed group A plasma for the initial resuscitation of trauma patients of unknown ABO group.
Comparison of haemostatic function of PAS‐C–platelets vs. plasma–platelets in reconstituted whole blood using impedance aggregometry and thromboelastography
Authors: van Hout F. M. A. , Bontekoe I. J. , de Laleijne L. A. E. , Kerkhoffs J.‐L. , de Korte D. , Eikenboom J. , van der Bom J. G. , van der Meer P. F.
Published: June 2017

Background and Objectives

There are concerns about the haemostatic function of platelets stored in platelet additive solution (PAS). Aim of this study was to compare the haemostatic function of PAS‐C–platelets to plasma–platelets in reconstituted whole blood.

Materials and Methods

In our experiment, whole blood was reconstituted with red blood cells, solvent–detergent (SD) plasma and either PAS‐C–platelets or plasma–platelets (n = 7) in a physiological ratio. On storage days 2, 5, 8 and 13, the agonist‐induced aggregation (multiple electrode aggregometry), clot formation (thromboelastography) and agonist‐induced CD62P responsiveness (flow cytometry) were measured.

Results

Samples with PAS‐C–platelets showed significantly lower aggregation than plasma–platelets when induced with adenosine diphosphate, −6 U (95% confidence interval: −8; −4) or thrombin receptor‐activating protein, −15 U (−19; −10). Also when activated with collagen and ristocetin, the PAS‐C–platelets showed less aggregation, although not statistically significant. All samples with PAS‐C–platelets showed significantly lower agonist‐induced CD62P responsiveness than samples with plasma–platelets. However, there was no difference regarding all TEG parameters.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that the function – aggregation and CD62P responsiveness – of PAS‐C–platelets in reconstituted whole blood is inferior to that of plasma–platelets, which may have implications in the setting of massive transfusions.
Development of a web‐based application and multicountry analysis framework for assessing interdicted infections and cost‐utility of screening donated blood for HIV, HCV and HBV
Authors: Custer B. , Janssen M. P. , Hubben G. , Vermeulen M. , van Hulst M.
Published: June 2017

Background and Objectives

Most countries test donations for HIV, HCV and HBV using serology with or without nucleic acid testing (NAT). Cost‐utility analyses provide information on the relative value of different screening options. The aim of this project was to develop an open access risk assessment and cost‐utility analysis web‐tool for assessing HIV, HCV and HBV screening options (http://www.isbtweb.org/working-parties/transfusion-transmitted-infectious-diseases/). An analysis for six countries (Brazil, Ghana, the Netherlands, South Africa, Thailand and USA) was conducted.

Materials and Methods

Four strategies; (1) antibody assays (Abs) for HIV and HCV + HBsAg, (2) antibody assays that include antigens for HIV and HCV (Combo) + HBsAg, (3) NAT in minipools of variable size (MP NAT) and (4) individual donation (ID) NAT can be evaluated using the tool. Country‐specific data on donors, donation testing results, recipient outcomes and costs are entered using the online interface. Results obtained include the number infections interdicted using each screening options, and the (incremental and average) cost‐utility of the options.

Results

In each of the six countries evaluated, the use of antibody assays is cost effective or even cost saving. NAT has varying cost‐utility depending on the setting, and where adopted, the incremental cost‐utility exceeds any previously defined or proposed threshold in each country.

Conclusion

The web‐tool allows an assessment of infectious units interdicted and value for money of different testing strategies. Regardless of gross national income (GNI) per capita, countries appear willing to dedicate healthcare resources to blood supply safety in excess of that for other sectors of health care.
The impact of vaccination on RBC alloimmunization in a murine model
Authors: Natarajan P. , Santhanakrishnan M. , Tormey C. A. , Hendrickson J. E.
Published: June 2017

Emerging data in animal models and humans suggest that pathogen‐associated and damage‐associated molecular patterns variably impact RBC alloantibody formation. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that vaccinations may enhance immune responses to transfused RBCs. The Pneumovax23 vaccine decreased the magnitude of anti‐KEL alloimmunization in a murine model, whereas the hepB vaccine did not impact the response; RBC transfusion did not alter immune responses to either vaccine. These data highlight the complexities of the intersection of innate and adaptive immunity and suggest that future studies investigating the pathways through which inflammation impacts alloimmunization are warranted.
Lack of linear correlation between dynamic and steady‐state cerebral autoregulation
Authors: de Jong Daan L. K. , Tarumi Takashi , Liu Jie , Zhang Rong , Claassen Jurgen A. H. R.
Published: June 2017

Key points

For correct application and interpretation of cerebral autoregulation (CA) measurements in research and in clinical care, it is essential to understand differences and similarities between dynamic and steady‐state CA.

The present study found no correlation between dynamic and steady‐state CA indices in healthy older adults.

There was variability between individuals in all (steady‐state and dynamic) autoregulatory indices, ranging from low (almost absent) to highly efficient CA in this healthy population.

These findings challenge the assumption that assessment of a single CA parameter or a single set of parameters can be generalized to overall CA functioning. Therefore, depending on specific research purposes, the choice for either steady‐state or dynamic measures or both should be weighed carefully.

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between dynamic (dCA) and steady‐state cerebral autoregulation (sCA). In 28 healthy older adults, sCA was quantified by a linear regression slope of proportionate (%) changes in cerebrovascular resistance (CVR) in response to proportionate (%) changes in mean blood pressure (BP) induced by stepwise sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and phenylephrine (PhE) infusion. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured at the internal carotid artery (ICA) and vertebral artery (VA) and CBF velocity at the middle cerebral artery (MCA). With CVR = BP/CBF, Slope‐CVRICA, Slope‐CVRVA and Slope‐CVRiMCA were derived. dCA was assessed (i) in supine rest, analysed with transfer function analysis (gain and phase) and autoregulatory index (ARI) fit from spontaneous oscillations (ARIBaseline), and (ii) with transient changes in BP using a bolus injection of SNP (ARISNP) and PhE (ARIPhE). Comparison of sCA and dCA parameters (using Pearson's r for continuous and Spearman's ρ for ordinal parameters) demonstrated a lack of linear correlations between sCA and dCA measures. However, comparisons of parameters within dCA and within sCA were correlated. For sCA slope‐CVRVA with Slope‐CVRiMCA (r = 0.45, P < 0.03); for dCA ARISNP with ARIPhE (ρ = 0.50, P = 0.03), ARIBaseline (ρ = 0.57, P = 0.03) and PhaseLF (ρ = 0.48, P = 0.03); and for GainVLF with GainLF (r = 0.51, P = 0.01). By contrast to the commonly held assumption based on an earlier study, there were no linear correlations between sCA and dCA. As an additional observation, there was strong inter‐individual variability, both in dCA and sCA, in this healthy group of elderly, in a range from low to high CA efficiency.
Analyses of the Load Following Capabilities of Brayton Helium Gas Turbine Cycles for Generation IV Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Gad-Briggs A. , Pilidis P. , Nikolaidis T.
Published: June 2017

The control system for generation IV nuclear power plant (NPP) design must ensure load variation when changes to critical parameters affect grid demand, plant efficiency, and component integrity. The objective of this study is to assess the load following capabilities of cycles when inventory pressure control is utilized. Cycles of interest are simple cycle recuperated (SCR), intercooled cycle recuperated (ICR), and intercooled cycle without recuperation (IC). First, part power performance of the IC is compared to results of the SCR and ICR. Subsequently, the load following capabilities are assessed when the cycle inlet temperatures are varied. This was carried out using a tool designed for this study. Results show that the IC takes ∼2.7% longer than the ICR to reduce the power output to 50% when operating in design point (DP) for similar valve flows, which correlates to the volumetric increase for the IC inventory storage tank. However, the ability of the IC to match the ICR's load following capabilities is severely hindered because the IC is most susceptible to temperature variation. Furthermore, the IC takes longer than the SCR and ICR to regulate the reactor power by a factor of 51 but this is severely reduced, when regulating NPP power output. However, the IC is the only cycle that does not compromise reactor integrity and cycle efficiency when regulating the power. The analyses intend to aid the development of cycles specifically gas-cooled fast reactors (GFRs) and very high temperature reactors (VHTRs), where helium is the coolant.
Saturated Pool Nucleate Boiling on Heat Transfer Surface With Deposited Sea Salts
Authors: Uesawa Shinichiro , Koizumi Yasuo , Shibata Mitsuhiko , Yoshida Hiroyuki
Published: June 2017

Seawater was injected into the reactor cores following the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station. Saturated pool nucleate boiling heat transfer experiments with NaCl solution, natural seawater, and artificial seawater as well as distilled water were performed to examine the effects of salts on boiling heat transfer. The heat transfer surface was made of a printed copper circuit board. The boiling phenomena were recorded with a high-speed video camera. The surface-temperature distribution was measured with an infrared camera. In the experiments, the concentrations of the NaCl solutions and the artificial seawater were varied over a range of 3.5–10.0 wt. %. Boiling curves were well predicted with the Rohsenow correlation although large coalescent bubble formation was inhibited in the NaCl, natural seawater, and artificial seawater experiments. Deposits of calcium sulfate (CaSO4) on the heat transfer surface were observed in the experiments with artificial seawater. This formation of a deposit layer resulted in the initiation of a slow surface-temperature excursion at a heat flux lower than the usual critical heat flux (CHF). A unique relationship was confirmed between the salt concentrations of the artificial seawater in the bulk fluid and the vaporization rate at the surface at which the slow surface-temperature excursion initiated. This relationship suggested that if the bulk concentration of sea salts in the seawater exceeded 11 wt. %, the deposition of calcium sulfate on the heat transfer surface occurred even if the heat flux was zero.
A Mixed-Kernel-Based Support Vector Regression Model for Automotive Body Design Optimization Under Uncertainty
Authors: Fang Yudong , Zhan Zhenfei , Yang Junqi , Liu Xu
Published: June 2017

Finite element (FE) models are commonly used for automotive body design. However, even with increasing speed of computers, the FE-based simulation models are still too time-consuming when the models are complex. To improve the computational efficiency, support vector regression (SVR) model, a potential approximate model, has been widely used as the surrogate of FE model for crashworthiness optimization design. Generally, in the traditional SVR, when dealing with nonlinear data, the single kernel function-based projection cannot fully cover data distribution characteristics. In order to eliminate the application limitations of single kernel SVR, a method for reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) based on mixed-kernel-based SVR (MKSVR) is proposed in this research. The mixed kernel is constructed based on the linear combination of radial basis kernel function and polynomial kernel function. Through the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, the parameters of the mixed kernel SVR are optimized. The proposed method is demonstrated through a representative analytical RBDO problem and a vehicle lightweight design problem. And the comparitive studies for SVR and MKSVR in application indicate that MKSVR surpasses SVR in model accuracy.
A Discussion on Material Removal Mechanisms in Grinding of Cemented Carbides
Authors: Wirtz Christian , Mueller Sebastian , Mattfeld Patrick , Klocke Fritz
Published: June 2017

In the literature, cemented carbides are described as hard and brittle materials. The material removal mechanisms in grinding of brittle materials, such as cemented carbides, significantly differ from the material removal mechanisms of ductile materials [1–3]. The material removal mechanisms in grinding of ductile materials are comparatively well investigated in comparison to the material removal mechanisms in grinding of brittle materials. In the existing literature, it has been shown that the material removal mechanisms in grinding of cemented carbides can be ductile or brittle. The present material removal mechanisms are dependent on the thermomechanical stress collective, which acts on the surface zone of the cemented carbides. In this paper, the material removal mechanisms in grinding of cemented carbides are discussed fundamentally. In order to analyze the occurring material removal mechanisms in grinding of cemented carbides, single grain cutting tests were carried out. Subsequent to the tests, the surface zone of the cemented carbide has been analyzed in detail. Therefore, scanning electron micrographs have been made to analyze the workpiece surface to identify the transition from predominantly ductile to predominantly brittle material behavior. Furthermore, focused ion beam (FIB) preparation, which has minimum invasive influence on the subsurface, was applied in order to get an insight into the surface zone. The FIB lamellae have been analyzed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to get a better understanding of the impact of material removal mechanisms on the surface zone. The drawn conclusions contribute to an improved process understanding in grinding of cemented carbides.
A Methodology to Synthesize Gearbox and Control Design for Increased Power Production and Blade Root Stress Mitigation in a Small Wind Turbine1
Authors: Khakpour Nejadkhaki Hamid , Lall Amrita , Hall John F.
Published: June 2017

Large wind turbines typically have variable rotor speed capability that increases power production. However, the cost of this technology is more significant for small turbines, which have the highest cost-per-watt of energy produced. This work presents a low-cost system for applications where cost and reliability are of concern. The configuration utilizes the fixed-speed squirrel cage induction generator. It is combined with a variable ratio gearbox (VRG) that is based on the automated-manual automotive transmission. The design is simple, low cost and implements reliable components. The VRG increases efficiency in lower wind speeds through three discrete rotor speeds. In this study, it is implemented with active blades. The contribution of this work is a methodology that synthesizes the selection of the gearbox ratios with the control design. The design objectives increase the power production while mitigating the blade stress. Top-down dynamic programming reduces the computational expense of evaluating the performance of multiple gearbox combinations. The procedure is customizable to the wind conditions at an installation site. A case study is presented to demonstrate the ability of the strategy. It employs a 300 kW wind turbine drivetrain model that simulates power production. Two sets of wind data representing low and high wind speed installation sites were used as the input. The results suggest a VRG can improve energy production by up to 10% when the system operates below the rated wind speed. This is also accompanied by a slight increase in the blade-root stress. When operating above the rated speed, the stress decreases through the optimal selection of gear combinations.
Optimal Design of Panel Reinforcements With Ribs Made of Plates
Authors: Zhang Shanglong , Norato Julián A.
Published: June 2017

The stiffness of plate structures can be significantly improved by adding reinforcing ribs. In this paper, we are concerned with the stiffening of panels using ribs made of constant-thickness plates. These ribs are common in, for example, the reinforcement of ship hulls, aircraft wings, pressure vessels, and storage tanks. Here, we present a method for optimally designing the locations and dimensions of rectangular ribs to reinforce a panel. The work presented here is an extension to our previous work to design structures made solely of discrete plate elements. The most important feature of our method is that the explicit geometry representation provides a direct translation to a computer-aided design (CAD) model, thereby producing reinforcement designs that conform to available plate cutting and joining processes. The main contributions of this paper are the introduction of two important design and manufacturing constraints for the optimal rib layout problem. One is a constraint on the minimum separation between any two ribs to guarantee adequate weld gun access. The other is a constraint that guarantees that ribs do not interfere with holes in the panel. These holes may be needed to, for example, route components or provide access, such as a manhole. We present numerical examples of our method under different types of loadings to demonstrate its applicability.
An Evolutionary Soft-Add Topology Optimization Method for Synthesis of Compliant Mechanisms With Maximum Output Displacement
Authors: Liu Chih-Hsing , Huang Guo-Feng , Chen Ta-Lun
Published: June 2017

This paper presents an evolutionary soft-add topology optimization method for synthesis of compliant mechanisms. Unlike the traditional hard-kill or soft-kill approaches, a soft-add scheme is proposed in this study where the elements are equivalent to be numerically added into the analysis domain through the proposed approach. The objective function in this study is to maximize the output displacement of the analyzed compliant mechanism. Three numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that the optimal topologies of the analyzed compliant mechanisms are in good agreement with previous studies. In addition, the computational time can be greatly reduced by using the proposed soft-add method in the analysis cases. As the target volume fraction in topology optimization for the analyzed compliant mechanism is usually below 30% of the design domain, the traditional methods which remove unnecessary elements from 100% turn into inefficient. The effect of spring stiffness on the optimized topology has also been investigated. It shows that higher stiffness values of the springs can obtain a clearer layout and minimize the one-node hinge problem for two-dimensional cases. The effect of spring stiffness is not significant for the three-dimensional case.
Identification, Estimation, and Control for Linear Uncertain Systems Using Measurements of Higher-Order Derivatives
Authors: Shao Zilong , Zheng Gang , Efimov Denis , Perruquetti Wilfrid
Published: June 2017

In this paper, the problem of output control for linear uncertain systems with external perturbations is studied. First, it is assumed that the output available for measurement is only the higher-order derivative of the state variable, instead of the state variable itself (for example, the acceleration for a second-order plant), and the measurement is also corrupted by noise. Then, via series of integration, an identification algorithm is proposed to identify all unknown parameters of the model and all unknown initial conditions of the state vector. Finally, two control algorithms are developed, adaptive and robust; both provide boundedness of trajectories of the system. The efficiency of the obtained solutions is demonstrated by numerical simulation.
Geometric Construction-Based Realization of Planar Elastic Behaviors With Parallel and Serial Manipulators
Authors: Huang Shuguang , Schimmels Joseph M.
Published: June 2017

This paper addresses the passive realization of any selected planar elastic behavior with a parallel or a serial manipulator. Sets of necessary and sufficient conditions for a mechanism to passively realize an elastic behavior are presented. These conditions completely decouple the requirements on component elastic properties from the requirements on mechanism kinematics. The restrictions on the set of elastic behaviors that can be realized with a mechanism are described in terms of acceptable locations of realizable elastic behavior centers. Parallel–serial mechanism pairs that realize identical elastic behaviors (dual elastic mechanisms) are described. New construction-based synthesis procedures for planar elastic behaviors are developed. Using these procedures, one can select the geometry of each elastic component from a restricted space of kinematically allowable candidates. With each selection, the space is further restricted until the desired elastic behavior is achieved.
Complete Genome of
Avian coronavirus
Vaccine Strains Ma5 and BR-I
Authors: Brandão Paulo E. , Taniwaki Sueli A. , Berg Mikael , Hora Aline S.
Published: June 2017

Avian coronavirus
(AvCoV) is a ubiquitous multiple-serotype pathogen of poultry, and its control is mainly based on the use of vaccines. We report here the previously unknown full genomes of the Ma5 (27,652 nucleotides [nt]) and BR-I (27,618 nt) AvCoV vaccine strains of the GI-1 (Massachusetts) and GI-11 (Brazil) types.