bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multi‐azimuth seismic refraction study for a horizontal transverse isotropic medium: physical modelling results
Authors: Tseng Cheng‐Wei , Chang Young‐Fo , Liu Jia‐Wei , Lin Chao‐Ming
Published: March 2017

To investigate the characteristics of the anisotropic stratum, a multi‐azimuth seismic refraction technique is proposed in this study since the travel time anomaly of the refraction wave induced by this anisotropic stratum will be large for a far offset receiver. To simplify the problem, a two‐layer (isotropy–horizontal transverse isotropy) model is considered. A new travel time equation of the refracted P‐wave propagation in this two‐layer model is derived, which is the function of the phase and group velocities of the horizontal transverse isotropic stratum. In addition, the measured refraction wave velocity in the physical model experiment is the group velocity. The isotropic intercept time equation of a refraction wave can be directly used to estimate the thickness of the top (isotropic) layer of the two‐layer model because the contrast between the phase and group velocities of the horizontal transverse isotropic medium is seldom greater than 10% in the Earth. If the contrast between the phase and group velocities of an anisotropic medium is small, the approximated travel time equation of a refraction wave is obtained. This equation is only dependent on the group velocity of the horizontal transverse isotropic stratum. The elastic constants A11, A13, and A33 and the Thomsen anisotropic parameter ε of the horizontal transverse isotropic stratum can be estimated using this multi‐azimuth seismic refraction technique. Furthermore, under a condition of weak anisotropy, the Thomsen anisotropic parameter δ of the horizontal transverse isotropic stratum can be estimated by this technique as well.
Time‐phase amplitude spectra based on a modified short‐time Fourier transform
Authors: Zhang Gulan
Published: March 2017

The short‐time Fourier transform allows calculation of the amplitude and initial phase distribution of the real signal as functions of time and frequency, whereas the wavelet transform allows calculation of the amplitude and instantaneous phase distribution of the real signal as functions of time and scale. However, for a complete description of the non‐stationary signal, we should obtain not only the amplitude, initial phase, and instantaneous phase distribution as functions of time and frequency simultaneously with high precision but also the amplitude distribution as a function of time and phase referred to as the time–phase amplitude spectrum. In this paper, the time–phase amplitude spectrum is presented based on the high‐precision time–frequency amplitude spectrum and initial and instantaneous phase spectra that are generated simultaneously by the proposed modified short‐time Fourier transform. To minimise the effect of noise on the high‐precision time–frequency amplitude spectrum, initial and instantaneous phase spectra, and time–phase amplitude spectrum, the modified short‐time Fourier transform is applied to the real signal reconstructed by the peak high‐precision time–frequency amplitude spectrum and the high‐precision time–frequency instantaneous phase spectrum at that location to obtain the stable high‐precision time–frequency amplitude spectrum, initial and instantaneous phase spectra, and stable time–phase amplitude spectrum. Compared with the short‐time Fourier transform and wavelet transform, the time–frequency amplitude spectrum and initial and instantaneous phase spectra obtained by the modified short‐time Fourier transform have higher precision than those obtained by the short‐time Fourier transform and wavelet transform. Analysis of synthetic data shows that the modified short‐time Fourier transform can be used not only for the calculation of the high‐precision time–frequency amplitude spectrum, initial and instantaneous phase spectra, and time–phase amplitude spectrum but also for signal reconstruction, stable high‐precision time–frequency amplitude spectrum, initial and instantaneous phase spectra, and stable time–phase amplitude spectrum. Analysis of real seismic data applications demonstrates that the stable time–phase amplitude spectrum reveals seismic events with high sensitivity and is well‐matched for seismic data processing and interpretation.
Dietetic and educational interventions improve clinical outcomes of diabetic and obese clients with mental impairment
Authors: Hunt Kerri , Stiller Kathy
Published: March 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietetic and educational interventions provided to clients with type 2 diabetes (with or without obesity) or obesity‐only residing in supported residential facilities and characterised by mental impairment.

Methods

A retrospective audit involving the retrieval of information from medical records and databases was undertaken to evaluate the effect of dietetic and educational interventions. Clinical outcomes were weight, body mass index and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels.

Results

A total of 91 clients were included, 47 with type 2 diabetes (with or without obesity) and 44 with obesity‐only. All but one had schizophrenia, an intellectual disability or another psychological condition. After interventions, the diabetic subgroup demonstrated significant decreases in weight (mean [SD] initial = 101.5 [20.7], final = 97.8 [20.6] kg, P = 0.001) and body mass index (mean [SD] initial = 35.8 [8.1], final = 34.4 [7.8] kg/m2, P = 0.001) and a non‐significant decrease in HbA1c over time. The obesity‐only subgroup showed no significant change in outcomes. Factors significantly negatively impacting at least one outcome included the presence of schizophrenia (P ≤ 0.017) and refusal of intervention(s) (P ≤ 0.048), whereas a significant positive impact was seen for a greater total number of visits to a dietitian or diabetes educator (P ≤ 0.024).

Conclusions

These results provide evidence to support the effectiveness of dietetic and educational interventions for this vulnerable client group.
Endometriosis education in schools: A New Zealand model examining the impact of an education program in schools on early recognition of symptoms suggesting endometriosis
Authors: Bush Deborah , Brick Emily , East Michael C , Johnson Neil
Published: March 2017

Background

Menstrual morbidity plays a significant role in adolescent females' lives. There are no studies to date reporting such data from menstrual health education programs in schools.

Aims

The aim of our study was to report results from an audit of a menstrual health and endometriosis education program in secondary schools and observe age patterns of young women presenting for menstrual morbidity care.

Materials and methods

Audit data from education in secondary schools and audit data of patients from an Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Coaching clinic operating in a private endometriosis specialised centre are reported.

Results

In a region of consistent delivery of the education program, student awareness of endometriosis was 32% in 2015. Overall in 2015, 13% of students experienced distressing menstrual symptoms and 27% of students sometimes or always missed school due to menstrual symptoms. Further, in one region of consistent delivery of the menstrual health education program, data show an increase in younger patients attending for specialised endometriosis care.

Conclusions

There is strong suggestive evidence that consistent delivery of a menstrual health education program in schools increases adolescent student awareness of endometriosis. In addition, there is suggestive evidence that in a geographical area of consistent delivery of the program, a shift in earlier presentation of young women to a specialised health service is observed.
Ultrasound is an effective and noninvasive method of evaluating renal swelling in infants with their first urinary tract infection
Authors: Simrén Y , Stokland E , Lagerstrand K M , Valdimarsson S , Hansson S
Published: March 2017

Aim

This study evaluated renal swelling in infants with a first urinary tract infection (UTI) by correlating renal length and volume with C‐reactive protein (CRP) and body temperature.

Methods

Ultrasounds were carried out on 104 infants at The Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden – 58 boys (mean age 3.3 months) and 46 girls (mean age 4.8 months) – during the acute phase of their UTI. A second scan was performed on 94 of them 4 weeks later. Renal length and volume were computed to standard deviation scores (SDS).

Results

The mean renal length and volume at the first ultrasound were 1.90 SDS (±1.54) and 1.67 SDS (±1.13) for the larger kidney and 0.86 SDS (±1.01) and 0.84 SDS (±0.90) for the smaller kidney. There was a significant decrease in renal length and volume between the two ultrasounds, with a mean difference of 0.96 SDS (±1.24) and 1.07 SDS (±1.10) for the larger kidney (p < 0.0001). The length and volume of the larger kidney correlated with CRP (p < 0.001), but only the renal length correlated with fever (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Early ultrasound determined renal swelling in infants with a UTI and may be a valuable noninvasive way of identifying infants with renal parenchymal involvement.
A Multi‐Analytical Approach to the Study of the Mural Paintings in the Presbytery of Santa Maria Antiqua Al Foro Romano in Rome
Authors: Amato S. R. , Bersani D. , Lottici P. P. , Pogliani P. , Pelosi C.
Published: March 2017

This paper presents the results of analyses carried out on three decorative phases of the presbytery of the church of Santa Maria Antiqua al Foro Romano in Rome: the fourth‐century ad mosaics setting bed; the Adoration of the Cross, dated to the papacy of John VII (ad 705–7); and the paintings in the apse of the Pope Paul I (ad 757–68) phase. The research allowed the characterization of the painting techniques, pigments, organic compounds and degradation products by means of a video microscope, optical microscopy, and μ‐Raman and FT–IR spectroscopy, contributing to a better understanding of the changes in the techniques and materials used throughout the centuries in one of the most relevant medieval Christian monuments in Western Europe.
Patterns of Early‐Life Social and Environmental Exposures and Child Cognitive Development, Rhea Birth Cohort, Crete, Greece
Authors: Kampouri Mariza , Kyriklaki Andriani , Roumeliotaki Theano , Koutra Katerina , Anousaki Despoina , Sarri Katerina , Vassilaki Maria , Kogevinas Manolis , Chatzi Leda
Published: March 2017

Early‐life exposures are critical for later child cognitive development. McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities (MSCA) were used to assess cognitive development of 700 preschoolers (Mage = 4.2 years), derived from the “Rhea” birth cohort, in Greece. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied on prospectively collected exposure data. Six components were extracted; five of them were associated with child cognition. Higher parental social status, preschool attendance and less TV watching, nonsmoking during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and parental involvement in child life were protective factors of child cognition at 4 years. Increased child birth order was negatively associated with child cognition. Offspring's size at birth was not associated with any cognitive outcome. These findings reveal the importance of early‐life exposures to child cognitive development.
Institutional life within an entrepreneurial region
Authors: Lowe Nichola J. , Feldman Maryann P.
Published: March 2017

Institutions are often regarded as static and unchanging, portrayed as constraints on innovation, entrepreneurship, and regional economic change. We propose an alternative perspective in order to understand how entrepreneurs experience and engage with institutions in ways that shape and help advance their collective interests. Motivated by our own research on regional entrepreneurial development, we theorize institutions as lived and interpreted experiences. We present institutional change as a creative and experimental response to emergent or competing logics. This conception of institutions has implications for how we theorize about economic transformation, recognizing that processes of institutional change are set in motion by endogenous attempts by economic actors to make sense of and act upon contradictory aspects of their varied institutional lives.
The Motif of the Irreparable: Potentiality, Contingency, and Redemption in Agamben's Theology
Authors: Willemse Arthur
Published: March 2017

The work of Giorgio Agamben relies heavily on two rather opaque notions: the messianic and the irreparable. This essay is devoted to an analysis of the latter. After surveying the existing literature, I take my cue from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's prison letters and prepare the way for my own analysis of Agamben's irreparable. In the final part of the essay, I compare the irreparable with Agamben's use of Benjamin's thought of something unforgettable. I understand the role of the irreparable in this light, since, for Agamben, it means the chance of something given up by language, something given up altogether, and as such serves as entry to the paradigmatic.
Development and evaluation of chitosan and its derivative for the shelf life extension of beef meat under refrigeration storage
Authors: Khan Imran , Tango Charles Nkufi , Oh Deog‐Hwan
Published: March 2017

The current study was aimed to study the shelf life of beef meat at refrigeration storage using novel chitosan derivative (Ch‐D). Chitosan was modified with antimicrobial monomethyl fumaric acid (MFA). The chemical structure of the resulting material was characterized by FT‐IR and HR‐XRD. The results confirmed the successful synthesis of conjugate sample. For the shelf life study, following lots were used: control (distilled water), chitosan 0.5%, Ch‐D 0.5%. The samples were kept at 4 °C for 16 days and analyzed at 4‐day intervals. Ch‐D treatment significantly reduced the total viable counts, enterobacteriaceae, lactic acid bacteria, psychrotrophic bacteria, and yeasts–moulds when compared with the chitosan and control during refrigeration storage. The peroxide value (PV) for Ch‐D was 0.19 ± 0.04 meq O2 kg−1 fat and chitosan was 0.21 ± 0.07 meq O2 kg−1 fat and showed no significant difference (P < 0.05) at the end of the storage. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARs) value for Ch‐D was 0.48 ± 0.02 mg MDA kg−1 and chitosan was 0.57 ± 0.09 mg MDA kg−1, while the carbonyl contents for Ch‐D was 3.16 ± 0.23 nm mg−1 protein and chitosan was 3.11 ± 0.16 nm mg−1 protein at 16 days of storage. Values for Ch‐D and chitosan treatments were significantly lower (P < 0.05) for all the quality attributes as compared with the control throughout storage. At the end of storage, Ch‐D treatment showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in lightness (L* = 41.54 ± 0.09) and yellowness (b* = 2.23 ± 0.04). The redness for control was high (a* = 6.12 ± 0.09) as compared with the treated samples. Based primarily on microbial counts, Ch‐D treatment extended the shelf life of beef meat by about 8 days, maintaining acceptable quality attributes.
Critical appraisal of clinical practice guidelines for adult cancer patients with febrile neutropenia
Authors: Nasr Ziad G , Abu Yousef Safae , Jibril Farah , Wilby Kyle J
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To critically appraise published international clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for management of febrile neutropenia in adult patients with cancer and to determine opportunities for improved development and reporting.

Methods

A literature search identified CPGs for adult cancer patients with febrile neutropenia. Four independent assessors evaluated each included CPG according to the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument. Standardized scores were calculated for each guideline and polled collectively. Reliability of assessment was determined using a two-way random model intraclass correlation coefficients.

Key findings

Eight CPGs were independently evaluated by four assessors. Collectively, the highest scoring domain was editorial independence (83.3), followed by clarity of presentation (55.4), scope and purpose (53.4), stakeholder involvement (53.1), rigour of development (52.7) and applicability (47.8). Overall assessments ranged from 28.6 to 96.4 of 100 possible points. Three (37.5%) guidelines were recommended for use without alterations, two (25%) guidelines were recommended with alterations, and three (37.5%) guidelines were not recommended for implementation into practice. Reliability varied between guidelines with intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.41 to 0.82.

Conclusions

Clinical practice guidelines for febrile neutropenia in adult patients with cancer were moderately rated with a 37.5% of guidelines being recommended for use in practice. Guideline developers should focus on improving CPG applicability and rigour in the development and reporting processes. Critical appraisal of guidelines should become a standard practice prior to implementation into clinical settings.
Antecedents of patients’ trust in pharmacists: empirical investigation in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Siddiqua Ayisha , Kareem Abdul Waheed , Ayan Shatha , Al Azm Lamis , Ali Sara
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To empirically identify the antecedents that influence patients trust in pharmacists.

Methods

A survey was conducted among 500 patients who visited community pharmacies in Al Ain City, United Arab Emirates. The questionnaire included the measures for constructs such as patients’ perception of pharmacist communication, pharmacists’ technical competence, medication self-efficacy, satisfaction with pharmacy and trust in pharmacists.

Key findings

The data were analysed using partial least-squares structural equation modelling approach to check the validity and reliability of the measures and to validate the proposed hypotheses of the study. Pharmacist communication, pharmacists’ technical competence, satisfaction with pharmacy and patients’ medication self-efficacy were found to significantly influence patients’ trust in pharmacists.

Conclusion

This study is the first one that has empirically identified the antecedents of trust in pharmacists. The study has established that patients’ perception of pharmacist communication and pharmacists’ technical competence positively influence trust in pharmacists as antecedents but not constitute trust itself as had been found in the previous research. Apart from enhancing pharmacists’ technical competence and communication, the pharmacy organizations and policymakers should improve patients’ satisfaction with pharmacy and patients’ medication self-efficacy to enhance patients’ trust in pharmacists.
Endogenous Insolvency in the Rothschild–Stiglitz Model
Authors: Mimra Wanda , Wambach Achim
Published: March 2017

Even 30 years after Rothschild and Stiglitz's () seminal work on competitive insurance markets with adverse selection, existence and characterization of the equilibrium outcome are still an open issue. We model a basic extension to the Rothschild and Stiglitz () model: we endogenize up‐front capital of insurers. Under limited liability, low up‐front capital gives rise to an aggregate endogenous insolvency risk, which introduces an externality among customers of an insurer (Faynzilberg, 2006). It is shown that an equilibrium with the second‐best efficient Miyazaki–Wilson–Spence allocation always exists.
Access to Transportation and Health Care Visits for Medicaid Enrollees With Diabetes
Authors: Thomas Leela V. , Wedel Kenneth R. , Christopher Jan E.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires frequent health care visits for its management. Individuals without nonemergency medical transportation often miss appointments and do not receive optimal care. This study aims to evaluate the association between Medicaid‐provided nonemergency medical transportation and diabetes care visits.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of demographic and claims data obtained from the Oklahoma Medicaid program. Participants consisted of Medicaid enrollees with diabetes who made at least 1 visit for diabetes care in a year. The sample was predominantly female and white, with an average age of 46.38 years. Two zero‐truncated Poisson regression models were estimated to assess the independent effect of transportation use on number of diabetes care visits.

Findings

Use of nonemergency medical transportation is a significant predictor of diabetes care visits. Zero‐truncated Poisson regression coefficients showed a positive association between the use of transportation and number of visits (0.6563,P< .001). Age, gender, race/ethnicity, area of residence, and presence of additional chronic conditions had independent associations with number of visits. Older enrollees were likely to make more visits than younger enrollees with diabetes (0.02382); controlling for all other factors in the model, rural residents made more visits than urban; women made fewer visits than men (‐0.09312;P< .001); and minorities made fewer visits than whites, with pronounced differences for Hispanics and Asians compared to whites.

Conclusions

Findings underscore the importance of ensuring transportation to Medicaid populations with diabetes, particularly in the rural areas where the prevalence of diabetes and complications are higher and the availability of medical resources lower than in the urban areas.
Anti‐thymocyte serum as part of an immunosuppressive regimen in treating haematological immune‐mediated diseases in dogs
Authors: Cuq B. , Blois S. L. , Mathews K. A.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To report the outcomes associated with the use of rabbit anti‐dog thymocyte serum in dogs with haematological immune‐mediated diseases.

Methods

Medical records from 2000 to 2016 of patients diagnosed with immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia, immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia and myelofibrosis were reviewed. All dogs had a severe or refractory disease and received rabbit anti‐dog thymocyte serum. Lymphocyte counts were used to monitor the immediate anti‐thymocyte effect of therapy; long‐term patient outcome was recorded.

Results

A total of 10 dogs were included. All dogs except one had a notable decrease in their lymphocyte count after rabbit anti‐dog thymocyte serum; four of nine had a decrease to less than 10% of the initial lymphocyte count and one dog reached 10·8%. All dogs were discharged from the hospital following their treatment. The dog with no alteration of lymphocyte count following therapy with rabbit anti‐dog thymocyte serum had refractory immune mediated haemolytic anemia and was euthanised within two weeks. All other cases achieved clinical remission with immunosuppressive therapy eventually being tapered (3 of 10) or discontinued (6 of 10).

Clinical Significance

Rabbit anti‐dog thymocyte serum therapy might be of interest as an adjunctive therapy in refractory immune‐mediated diseases and suppressed lymphocyte counts in most dogs.
Congenital lobar emphysema in a kitten
Authors: Blonk M. , Van de Maele I. , Combes A. , Stablay B. , De Cock H. , Polis I. , Rybachuk G. , de Rooster H.
Published: March 2017

A five‐month‐old ragdoll cat presented with severe respiratory signs, unresponsive to medical therapy. Hyperinflation of the right middle lung lobe was diagnosed with radiography and computed tomography. Lung lobectomy following a median sternotomy led to full recovery. Histopathological analysis revealed lobar emphysema and, based on the animal's age, congenital lobar emphysema was considered the most likely diagnosis.
The effect on sleep of being on‐call: an experimental field study
Authors: Ziebertz Carla M. , Beckers Debby G. J. , Van Hooff Madelon L. M. , Kompier Michiel A. J. , Geurts Sabine A. E.
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to: (i) gain more insight into the relationship between being on‐call and sleep and (ii) investigate the role of stress in this relationship. Data were collected by means of an experimental field study with a within‐subject design (two conditions, random order). Ninety‐six students participated during two consecutive nights: a reference night and a simulated on‐call night without an actual call. Participants were told they could be called at any time during the on‐call night. In the case of a call, participants had to perform online tasks for approximately 30 min. Self‐reported sleep quality and the extent to which participants experienced stress during the on‐call period were assessed by means of short questionnaires. Actigraphy was used to obtain objective sleep measures. Results for actigraphy data revealed no significant within‐person differences between conditions. However, participants reported longer sleep onset latencies, more awakenings and more wake after sleep onset during the on‐call night than during the reference night. They also reported more sleep problems and a lower overall sleep quality, and felt less recuperated after the on‐call night. Perceived stress moderated the relationship between being on‐call, on one hand, and the number of awakenings, wake after sleep onset, sleep problems and overall sleep quality, on the other hand. Results show that, even in the absence of an actual call, sleep during on‐call nights is of lower quality and has less restorative value – especially when being on‐call is experienced as stressful.
Language, Ontology, and Metaphysics
Authors: Bennett Karen
Published: March 2017

Thomas Hofweber's Ontology and the Ambitions of Metaphysics is ambitious, thought‐provoking, and a good read. It expands upon a project he's developed in several previous papers—a project that seamlessly weaves together both metaphysics and metametaphysics. The book is as much about methodology as it is about the substantive conclusions he draws about what there is. As a consequence, it is a long book that covers a lot of ground. Since I cannot do justice to all of it, I hope my fellow symposiasts will take up parts of the book that I neglect. There is a lot of good stuff in there.
The Historical Presidency: The First President and the Federal City: George Washington and the Creation of Washington, DC
Authors: Millikan Neal
Published: March 2017

Much has been written about George Washington as a presidential leader, but little attention has been given to one important aspect of the first president's administration: his role in funding and constructing the nation's new capital city in the District of Columbia. This article highlights Washington's involvement in the creation of the Federal City by focusing on the choices he faced and decisions he made regarding Washington, DC during the last six months he was in office and showing that in terms of this facet of his presidency, he was truly a hands‐on leader.
Non‐invasive quantification of ethylene in attached fruit headspace at 1 p.p.b. by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Pereira Lara , Pujol Marta , Garcia‐Mas Jordi , Phillips Michael A.
Published: March 2017

Ethylene is a gaseous plant hormone involved in defense, adaptations to environmental stress and fruit ripening. Its relevance to the latter makes its detection highly useful for physiologists interested in the onset of ripening. Produced as a sharp peak during the respiratory burst, ethylene is biologically active at tens of nl L−1. Reliable quantification at such concentrations generally requires specialized instrumentation. Here we present a rapid, high‐sensitivity method for detecting ethylene in attached fruit using a conventional gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) system and in situ headspace collection chambers. We apply this method to melon (Cucumis melo L.), a unique species consisting of climacteric and non‐climacteric varieties, with a high variation in the climacteric phenotype among climacteric types. Using a population of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from highly climacteric (‘Védrantais’, cantalupensis type) and non‐climacteric (‘Piel de Sapo’, inodorus type) parental lines, we observed a significant variation for the intensity, onset and duration of the ethylene burst during fruit ripening. Our method does not require concentration, sampling times over 1 h or fruit harvest. We achieved a limit of detection of 0.41 ± 0.04 nl L−1 and a limit of quantification of 1.37 ± 0.13 nl L−1 with an analysis time per sample of 2.6 min. Validation of the analytical method indicated that linearity (>98%), precision (coefficient of variation ≤2%) and sensitivity compared favorably with dedicated optical sensors. This study adds to evidence of the characteristic climacteric ethylene burst as a complex trait whose intensity in our RIL population lies along a continuum in addition to two extremes.
microRNAs contribute to enhanced salt adaptation of the autopolyploid Hordeum bulbosum compared with its diploid ancestor
Authors: Liu Beibei , Sun Genlou
Published: March 2017

Several studies have shown that autopolyploid can tolerate abiotic stresses better than its diploid ancestor. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is poorly known. microRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs that regulate the target gene expression post‐transcriptionally and play a critical role in the response to abiotic stresses. Duplication of the whole genome can result in the expansion of miRNA families, and the innovative miRNA–target interaction is important for adaptive responses to various environments. We identified new microRNAs induced by genome duplication, that are also associated with stress response and the distinctive microRNA networks in tetraploid and diploid Hordeum bulbosum using high‐throughput sequencing. Physiological results showed that autotetraploid Hordeum bulbosum tolerated salt stress better than its diploid. Comparison of miRNAs expression between diploid and tetraploid check (CK) and salt stress revealed that five miRNAs affected by genome doubling were also involved in salt stress response. Of these, miR528b‐3p was only detected in the tetraploid, and downregulated under salt stress relative to that in tetraploid CK. Moreover, through target prediction, it was found that miR528b‐3p was not only involved in DNA replication and repair but also participated in salt stress response. Finally, by analyzing all the differentially expressed microRNAs and their targets, we also discovered distinguished microRNAs–target regulatory networks in diploid and tetraploid, respectively. Overall, the results demonstrated the critical role of microRNAs in autopolyploid to have better tolerance salt stress.
Short and Solid Culm/RFL/APO2 for culm development in rice
Authors: Wang Juan , Wang Ruci , Wang Yueming , Zhang Li , Zhang Li , Xu Yufang , Yao Shanguo
Published: March 2017

The culm development of rice is characterized by elongation and medullary cavity (MC) formation, which are determined by node formation meristem and residual meristem, respectively. Although many factors have been shown to affect culm elongation, molecules involved in MC formation remained to be identified. In this study, we show that a point mutation in SHORT and SOLID CULM (SSC), the rice homologue of Arabidopsis LFY, resulted in plants with drastically reduced culm length and completely abolished MC formation. Analysis of transgenic plants with moderately enhanced SSC expression revealed significant decreases in plant height and MC size in contrast to slight changes in heading date, indicating that the culm developmental process is much more tightly monitored by the gene. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the differential expression of knotted‐1 like homeobox (KNOX) protein genes and gibberellin (GA) metabolic genes in the ssc mutant background, and most of the genes contained well‐conserved LFY‐binding cis‐elements that could be effectively recognized by SSC. Genetic analysis found that the reduced culm length of the mutant could be largely rescued by the GA‐accumulating mutation eui, whereas MC formation remained unchanged in the double mutant plants. Taken together, our results suggest that SSC affects culm elongation mainly through maintaining GA homeostasis, while functions in MC formation by mediating residual meristem activity possibly via the KNOX pathway. The present study provides a potential strategy for improving the culm morphology and plant architecture in rice by manipulating SSC and/or its downstream components.
HAI‐2 stabilizes, inhibits and regulates SEA‐cleavage‐dependent secretory transport of matriptase
Authors: Nonboe Annika W. , Krigslund Oliver , Soendergaard Christoffer , Skovbjerg Signe , Friis Stine , Andersen Martin N. , Ellis Vincent , Kawaguchi Makiko , Kataoka Hiroaki , Bugge Thomas H. , Vogel Lotte K.
Published: March 2017

It has recently been shown that hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor‐2 (HAI‐2) is able to suppress carcinogenesis induced by overexpression of matriptase, as well as cause regression of individual established tumors in a mouse model system. However, the role of HAI‐2 is poorly understood. In this study, we describe 3 mutations in the binding loop of the HAI‐2 Kunitz domain 1 (K42N, C47F and R48L) that cause a delay in the SEA domain cleavage of matriptase, leading to accumulation of non‐SEA domain cleaved matriptase in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). We suggest that, like other known SEA domains, the matriptase SEA domain auto‐cleaves and reflects that correct oligomerization, maturation, and/or folding has been obtained. Our results suggest that the HAI‐2 Kunitz domain 1 mutants influence the flux of matriptase to the plasma membrane by affecting the oligomerization, maturation and/or folding of matriptase, and as a result the SEA domain cleavage of matriptase. Two of the HAI‐2 Kunitz domain 1 mutants investigated (C47F, R48L and C47F/R48L) also displayed a reduced ability to proteolytically silence matriptase. Hence, HAI‐2 separately stabilizes matriptase, regulates the secretory transport, possibly via maturation/oligomerization and inhibits the proteolytic activity of matriptase in the ER, and possible throughout the secretory pathway.
Radius and ulna fracture repair with the IMEX miniature circular external skeletal fixation system in 37 small and toy breed dogs: A retrospective study
Authors: Bierens Denise , Unis Marcos D. , Cabrera Sady Y. , Kass Philip H. , Owen Tina J. , Mueller Maureen G.
Published: March 2017

Objective

To determine outcome and prognostic factors after radius and ulna fracture repair with a modified IMEX miniature circular external skeletal fixation (MCESF) in small and toy breed dogs.

Study design

Retrospective study.

Sample population

Thirty‐seven young small and toy breed dogs with 41 radial and ulnar fractures.

Methods

Records of radial and ulnar fractures repaired with a modified IMEX MCESF were reviewed. Constructs included 3‐4 complete rings, 2 threaded rods, 4 mm‐diameter nuts and 6‐8 transfixation wires. MCESF configuration, type of fracture reduction, dynamization of the apparatus, inclusion of a dowel pin, and implantation of allograft were recorded. Outcome measures included complications, limb alignment, time to clinical union, and functional outcomes, scored as excellent, good, fair, or poor.

Results

Radiographic union was achieved in 40/41 fractures. Fractures reached bony union within 33‐84 days after repair. Time to union was not influenced by the type of fracture reduction (P = .11), use of a dowel pin (P = .099), or implantation of an allograft (P = .45). Fracture dynamization delayed radiographic union (P = .0005). At implant removal, mean frontal (FPA) and mean sagittal plane alignments (SPA) were 7.9° ± 6.5° and 7.5° ± 5.8°, respectively. Limb alignment did not differ between radiographs obtained immediately after surgery and those obtained at time of radiographic union in the frontal (P = .062) or sagittal (P = .14) planes. Ninety‐five percent of cases had good‐to‐excellent outcomes, based on return to function at final re‐evaluations.

Conclusion

This modified IMEX MCESF construct provided an effective alternative to treat young small and toy breed dogs with radius and ulna fractures.
Teacher‘s Digital Skills in Relation to Their Age, Gender, Time of Usage and Training with a Tablet
Authors: Cantú-Ballesteros Lorenia , Urías-Murrieta Maricela , Figueroa-Rodríguez Sebastián , Salazar-Lugo Guillermo M.
Published: March 2017

The present studies objective was to determine the digital level capabilities of primary school teachers and their relation with certain sociodemographic factors. The focus was quantitative and a cross-sectional survey design for two or more groups was used. The sample was non-probabilistic and included 88 fifth and sixth grade teachers from 32 schools from Cd. Obregón and Navojoa, Sonora. The results showed that 65.9% of the teachers, were perceived at a intermediate level of their digital skills. That in the Operation and Concepts of ICT, the set of teachers was placed at an expert level with an average of 4.33 (0.64). While in the Communication and Collaboration, they were perceived at the level without the use of the ICT, an average of 1.78 (0.59). On their part, the test t of Student revealed significant differences between the digital skill variable and its factors: Operation and Concept of the ICT, Communication and Collaboration, and Critical Thinking and Information Management, with the contrasting variables: daily hours that the teacher destines to the use of the computer/tablet to support their subjects, weekly hours that the teacher destines to the use of the computer/tablet in the classroom to support their subjects and related training with the use of the ICT. Finally, the results are discussed as well as their possible implications.
RFID-Based Real-Time Navigation for Interventional Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Development and Evaluation of a Novel Tracking System
Authors: Güttler Felix , Heinrich Andreas , Krauß Peter , Guntermann Jonathan , de Bucourt Maximilian , Teichgräber Ulf
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the suitability of a novel radio-frequency identification (RFID)-based tracking system for intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A RFID tracking system was modified to fulfill MRI-compatibility and tested according to ASTM and NEMA. The influence of the RFID tracking system on MRI was analyzed in a phantom study using a half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbospin echo (HASTE) and true fast imaging with steady-state precession sequence (TrueFISP) sequence. The RFID antenna was gradually moved closer to the isocenter of the MR scanner from 90 to 210 cm to investigate the influence of the distance. Furthermore, the RF was gradually changed between 865 and 869 MHz for a distance of 90 cm, 150 cm, and 210 cm to the isocenter of the magnet to investigate the influence of the frequency. The specific spatial resolution was measured with and without a permanent line of sight (LOS). After the modification of the reader, no significant change of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) could be observed with increasing distance of the RFID tracking system to the isocenter of the MR scanner. Also, different radio frequencies of the RFID tracking system did not influence the SNR of the MR-images significantly. The specific spatial resolution deviated on average by 8.97 ± 7.33 mm with LOS and 11.23 ± 12.03 mm without LOS from the reference system. The RFID tracking system had no relevant influence on the MR-image quality. RFID tracking solved the LOS problem. However, the spatial accuracy of the RFID tracking system has to be improved for medical usage.
An Investigation of Heat Transfer in a Cavity Flow in the Noncontinuum Regime
Authors: Christou Chariton , Kokou Dadzie S.
Published: March 2017

Volume diffusion (or bi-velocity) continuum model offers an alternative modification to the standard Navier–Stokes for simulating rarefied gas flows. According to this continuum model, at higher Knudsen numbers the contribution of molecular spatial stochasticity increases. In this paper, we study a microcavity heat transfer problem as it provides an excellent test for new continuum flow equations. Simulations are carried out for Knudsen numbers within the slip and higher transition flow regimes where nonlocal-equilibrium and rarefaction effects dominate. We contrast the predictions by a Navier–Stokes model corrected by volume diffusion flux in its constitutive equations to that of the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method and the standard Navier–Stokes model. The results show improvement in the Navier–Stokes prediction for the high Knudsen numbers. The new model exhibits proper Knudsen boundary layer in the temperature and velocity fields.
A Comprehensive Survey on Microgrippers Design: Operational Strategy
Authors: Dochshanov Alden , Verotti Matteo , Belfiore Nicola P.
Published: March 2017

This article provides an overview of the operational strategies adopted in microgrippers design. The review covers microgrippers recently proposed in Literature, some of which have been systematically presented in a companion paper, where their topological, kinematic, and structural characteristics are discussed. In the present contribution, the prevalent actuation methods and the operational aspects are discussed: the tip displacement, the tip force, the actuation voltage, and the amplification factor are the reference parameters that are adopted to compare the different types of actuation and operational strategies. In addition, the control strategies and control algorithms currently adopted are reviewed.
A Novel Lengthwise Crowning Method for Face-Hobbed Straight Bevel Gears
Authors: Shih Yi-Pei
Published: March 2017

A recent addition to the many milling processes used in manufacturing to cut straight bevel gears (SBGs) is a new face-hobbing (FH) method that uses a virtual hypocycloid straight-lined mechanism to produce straight-lined teeth. Despite earning much attention because of its high productivity, however, this method is unable to handle lengthwise crowning on tooth surfaces, which results in poor contact performance. This paper therefore proposes a novel lengthwise crowning method, applicable on a modern six-axis computer numerical control (CNC) bevel gear cutting machine, in which the gear blank performs a swinging motion during machining. This swinging motion is enabled by machine setting modifications, which here are derived from a mathematical model of a double (profile and lengthwise) crowned gear. After the model's correctness is confirmed using ease-off and tooth contact analyses, a final investigation examines the effect of two key parameters related to contact performance indexes whose interrelations are graphed to provide a designer reference.
Nonlinear Buckling Interaction for Spherical Shells Subject to Pressure and Probing Forces
Authors: Hutchinson John W. , Thompson J. Michael T.
Published: March 2017

Elastic spherical shells loaded under uniform pressure are subject to equal and opposite compressive probing forces at their poles to trigger and explore buckling. When the shells support external pressure, buckling is usually axisymmetric; the maximum probing force and the energy barrier the probe must overcome are determined. Applications of the probing forces under two different loading conditions, constant pressure or constant volume, are qualitatively different from one another and fully characterized. The effects of probe forces on both perfect shells and shells with axisymmetric dimple imperfections are studied. When the shells are subject to internal pressure, buckling occurs as a nonaxisymmetric bifurcation from the axisymmetric state in the shape of a mode with multiple circumferential waves concentrated in the vicinity of the probe. Exciting new experiments by others are briefly described.
Probing kinetically excited hot electrons using Schottky diodes
Authors: Kulkarni Dhruva D. , Field Daniel A. , Cutshall Daniel B. , Harriss James E. , Harrell William R. , Sosolik Chad E.
Published: March 2017

Hot electron generation was measured under the impact of energetic Ar and Rb ions on Ag thin film Schottky diodes. The energy- and angular-dependence of the current measured at the backside of the device due to ion bombardment at the frontside is reported. A sharp upturn in the energy dependent yield is consistent with a kinetic emission model for electronic excitations utilizing the device Schottky barrier as determined from current–voltage characteristics. Backside currents measured for ion incident angles of ±30° are strongly peaked about 0° (normal incidence) and resemble results seen in other contexts, e.g., ballistic electron emission microscopy. Accounting for the increased transport distance for excited charges at non-normal incidence, the angular results are consistent with the accepted mean free path for electrons in Ag films.
Polyglutamine makes the switch
Authors: Mushegian Alexandra A.
Published: March 2017

In worms, a regulator of noncoding RNA directly catalyzes formation of toxic protein aggregates in the presence of polyglutamine.
Shaping the gut microbiome from the pancreas
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: March 2017

The Ca
2+
channel Orai1 in pancreatic acinar cells helps to suppress inflammation-associated bacterial strains in the gut.
Loss of Methyltransferase Function and Increased Efflux Activity Leads to Doxycycline Resistance in Burkholderia pseudomallei
Authors: Webb Jessica R. , Price Erin P. , Currie Bart J. , Sarovich Derek S.
Published: March 2017

The soil-dwelling bacterium
Burkholderia pseudomallei
is the causative agent of the potentially fatal disease melioidosis. The lack of a vaccine toward
B. pseudomallei
means that melioidosis treatment relies on prolonged antibiotic therapy, which can last up to 6 months in duration or longer. Due to intrinsic resistance, few antibiotics are effective against
B. pseudomallei
. The lengthy treatment regimen required increases the likelihood of resistance development, with subsequent potentially fatal relapse. Doxycycline (DOX) has historically played an important role in the eradication phase of melioidosis treatment. Both primary and acquired DOX resistances have been documented in
B. pseudomallei
; however, the molecular mechanisms underpinning DOX resistance have remained elusive. Here, we identify and functionally characterize the molecular mechanisms conferring acquired DOX resistance in an isogenic
B. pseudomallei
pair. Two synergistic mechanisms were identified. The first mutation occurred in a putative
S
-adenosyl-
l
-methionine-dependent methyltransferase (encoded by
BPSL3085
), which we propose leads to altered ribosomal methylation, thereby decreasing DOX binding efficiency. The second mutation altered the function of the efflux pump repressor gene,
amrR
, resulting in increased expression of the resistance-nodulation-division efflux pump, AmrAB-OprA. Our findings highlight the diverse mechanisms by which
B. pseudomallei
can become resistant to antibiotics used in melioidosis therapy and the need for resistance monitoring during treatment regimens, especially in patients with prolonged or recrudesced positive cultures for
B. pseudomallei
.