bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apple Replant Disorder of Pingyitiancha Rootstock is Closely Associated with Rhizosphere Fungal Community Development
Authors: Sun Jian , Zhang Qiang , Li Xingliang , Zhou Beibei , Wei Qinping
Published: February 2017

The aim of this study was to examine rhizosphere fungal community development in apple replant soil and a new planting soil in Beijing through a potted experiment with the apomictic triploid Pingyitiancha rootstock using the Illumina Miseq method. Steam sterilization significantly enhanced seedling growth in replant soil, while root segment addition did not enhance replant disease symptoms. The bulk soil of the replant site (ReSoil) and the new soil of the planting site (NewSoil) were sampled prior to nursery planting, and rhizosphere soils were r Qinping esampled after one growing season as RePlant and NewPlant, respectively. Approximately 48.3, 47.9, 59.8 and 68.8% of the operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were classified as Ascomycota and Basidiomycota in the community of ReSoil, New Soil, RePlant and NewPlant, respectively. Shannon indices suggested that planting apple nurseries increased the fungal diversity of rhizosphere soil in both soils. Apple replant disorder (ARD) was highly associated with an unbalanced microbial ecosystem with more saprophytic and pathogenic fungi, but less species known to produce antimicrobial metabolites, while Rhizopus, Pyrenochaeta and Eurotium were identified as the key factors in ARD.
Role of PIN1 on in vivo periodontal tissue and in vitro cells
Authors: Park K.‐H. , Cho E.‐H. , Bae W.‐J. , Kim H.‐S. , Lim H.‐C. , Park Y.‐D. , Lee M.‐O. , Cho E.‐S. , Kim E.‐C.
Published: February 2017

Background

Although expression of peptidyl‐prolyl cis/trans isomerase NIMA‐interacting 1 (PIN1) was reported in bone tissue, the precise role of PIN1 in periodontal tissue and cells remain unclear.

Material & Methods

To elucidate the roles of PIN1 in periodontal tissue, its expression in periodontal tissue and cells, and effects on in vitro 4 osteoblast differentiation and the underlying signaling mechanisms were evaluated.

Results

PIN1 was expressed in mouse periodontal tissues including periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs), cementoblasts and osteoblasts at the developing root formation stage (postnatal, PN14) and functional stage of tooth (PN28). Treatment of PIN1 inhibitor juglone, and gene silencing by RNA interference promoted osteoblast differentiation in PDLCs and cementoblasts, whereas the overexpression of PIN1 inhibited. Moreover, osteogenic medium‐induced activation of AMPK, mTOR, Akt, ERK, p38 and NF‐jB pathways were enhanced by PIN1 siRNA, but attenuated by PIN1 overexpression. Runx2 expressions were induced by PIN1 siRNA, but downregulated by PIN1 overexpression.

Conclusion

In summary, this study is the first to demonstrate that PIN1 is expressed in developing periodontal tissue, and in vitro PDLCs and cementoblasts. PIN1 inhibition stimulates osteoblast differentiation, and thus may play an important role in periodontal regeneration.
Comparison of the spread of two different volumes of contrast medium when performing ultrasound‐guided transversus abdominis plane injection in dog cadavers
Authors: Zoff A. , Laborda‐Vidal P. , Mortier J. , Amengual M. , Rioja E.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To compare, via CT imaging, the spread of different volumes of diluted iodinated contrast medium in the transversus abdominis muscle plane of dog cadavers.

Methods

Prospective, randomised study. An electro stimulation or a SonoTAP needle was inserted in plane with the ultrasound beam in the fascia between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles. A test dose of 1 ml of diluted contrast (30 mg/mL iohexol) was injected to confirm positioning, followed by 0
·
5 mL/kg (n=14) or 1 mL/kg (n=12) and the distribution of the fluid compared.

Results

Contrast medium was identified exclusively in the transversus abdominis plane in 19 of 26 dogs. In one dog, the contrast lay between the external and internal oblique muscles and partially in three dogs. Intraperitoneal contrast was detected in 6 of 26 dogs (23%). No significant differences were found in the dorso‐ventral or cranio‐caudal spread or area of distribution but a significant difference was found in the transverse spread. There was an association between poor ultrasound visualisation of the tip of the needle and intraperitoneal injection.

Clinical Significance

Injection of 1 mL/kg of diluted contrast did not result in wider cranio‐caudal spread in the transversus abdominis muscle plane of dog cadavers when compared with 0
·
5 mL/kg. Intraperitoneal injection is a risk and might be reduced with good needle visualisation.
Hepatitis B surface antigen reduction by switching from long‐term nucleoside/nucleotide analogue administration to pegylated interferon
Authors: Tamaki N. , Kurosaki M. , Kusakabe A. , Orito E. , Joko K. , Kojima Y. , Kimura H. , Uchida Y. , Hasebe C. , Asahina Y. , Izumi N. ,   Japanese Red Cross Hospital Liver Study Group
Published: February 2017

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) reduction during nucleoside/nucleotide analogue (NA) therapy is slow and an alternative strategy for patients receiving ongoing NA to facilitate HBsAg reduction is required. We investigated whether switching to pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN) after long‐term NA administration enhances HBsAg reduction. Forty‐nine patients who switched from long‐term NA to 48 weeks of PEG‐IFN alfa‐2a were studied. The mean duration of previous NA was 48 months (sequential group). A total of 147 patients who continued NA and matched for baseline characteristics were analysed for comparison (NA continuation group). The treatment response was defined as HBsAg reduction ≥1.0 logIU/mL at the end of PEG‐IFN. HBsAg reduction at week 48 was 0.81±1.1 logIU/mL in the sequential group, which was significantly higher than that in the NA continuation group (0.11±0.3 logIU/mL, P < .001). The treatment response was achieved in 29% and 2% of the sequential group and NA continuation group (P < .001), and the odds ratio of sequential therapy for the treatment response was 19 compared with the NA continuation (P < .001). In patients tested positive for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), HBeAg seroconversion was higher in the sequential group (44% vs 8%, P < .001). In HBeAg‐negative patients, only patients in the sequential group achieved HBsAg loss. No patient needed to resume NA administration because of HBV DNA increase accompanied by alanine aminotransferase flares. In summary, sequential therapy with PEG‐IFN after long‐term NA enhances the reduction of HBsAg and may represent a treatment option to promote HBsAg loss.
A retrospective study of hepatitis B mother‐to‐child transmission prevention and postvaccination serological test results of infants at risk of perinatal transmission in two counties of middle China
Authors: Yonghao G. , Pumei D. , Jianhui Y. , Jin X. , Yanyang Z. , Zhe W.
Published: February 2017

Approximately, 240 million people have chronic hepatitis B worldwide, with mother‐to‐child‐transmission (MTCT) accounting for most cases. Therefore, Henan Province, China launched a public health programme to preventMTCT. To determine the efficacy of this health programme, a survey was carried out in Huixian and Xinan counties, which are located in northern and western Henan. All infants born in these two counties between January 1, 2013 and March 31, 2014 to a mother positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were surveyed. In total, there were 438 mother‐infant pairs. A blood sample was collected from all mothers and infants and the following Hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers, antibodies, and antigens were measured:HBsAg, anti‐HBs, anti‐HBc,HBeAg, anti‐HBe, andHBV‐DNA. All mothers and 5.3% (23/438) of the infants wereHBsAg positive. All infants received three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) and the postvaccination serological test (PVST) showed that the appropriate interval forPVSTmay be 1‐8 months after the final HepB dose. Multivariable analysis showed that infants without a timely first and second dose of the HepB, with anHBeAg‐positive mother and mothers who had not received hepatitis B immune globulin during pregnancy were implicated inMTCT. The stratified analysis using maternalHBeAg as a marker showed that maternalHBeAg may be a strong risk factor forMTCT. To preventMTCTin middle China, several courses of action are recommended. The first is to optimize the screening method for the mother to allowHBeAg andHBsAg‐positive mothers to receive medical treatment during pregnancy and a timely birth dose of the vaccine to all infants. Second, all infants with anHBsAg‐positive mother should be tested for anti‐HBs andHBsAg at 7‐14 months old and any anti‐HBs‐nonresponse infants should receive an additional three dosesof the vaccine.
Comparative efficacy of metoclopramide, ondansetron and maropitant in preventing parvoviral enteritis‐induced emesis in dogs
Authors: Yalcin E. , Keser G. O.
Published: February 2017

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficiencies of selected anti‐emetic drugs (metoclopramide, ondansetron and maropitant) in preventing vomiting in the treatment of canine parvoviral enteritis. We designed a randomized, prospective clinical study. PVE quick ELISA test‐positive dogs between 4 and 12 months of age were included in the study. Each of metoclopramide, ondansetron, maropitant and control group had 8 dogs. Metoclopramide and ondansetron were administered as 0.5 mg/kg doses three times a day via intravenous route, and maropitant was administered as 1 mg/kg doses once a day subcutaneously. The number and severity of daily vomitings were recorded. All dogs were treated and monitored for five days; treatments were continued until all animals healed. Metoclopramide, ondansetron and maropitant decreased the severity of vomiting from the first day and the vomiting numbers from the third day in PVE treatment. Obtained results showed that maropitant can be used successfully such as metoclopramide and ondansetron, which are frequently used for PVE treatment. At the same time, it was discovered that metoclopramide, ondansetron and maropitant were equally effective in reducing the frequency and severity of vomiting.
Corpus Use in Language Learning: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Boulton Alex , Cobb Tom
Published: February 2017

This study applied systematic meta‐analytic procedures to summarize findings from experimental and quasi‐experimental investigations into the effectiveness of using the tools and techniques of corpus linguistics for second language learning or use, here referred to as data‐driven learning (DDL). Analysis of 64 separate studies representing 88 unique samples reporting sufficient data indicated that DDL approaches result in large overall effects for both control/experimental group comparisons (d = 0.95) and for pre/posttest designs (d = 1.50). Further investigation of moderator variables revealed that small effect sizes were generally tied to small sample sizes. Research has barely begun in some key areas, and durability/transfer of learning through delayed posttesting remains an area in need of further investigation. Although DDL research demonstrably improved over the period investigated, further changes in practice and reporting are recommended.

Open Practices

This article has been awarded Open Materials and Open Data badges. All materials and data are publicly accessible via the Open Science Framework at https://osf.io/jkktw. Learn more about the Open Practices badges from the Center for Open Science: https://osf.io/tvyxz/wiki.
Population genetics of reef coral endosymbionts (Symbiodinium, Dinophyceae)
Authors: Thornhill D. J. , Howells E. J. , Wham D. C. , Steury T. D. , Santos S. R.
Published: February 2017

Symbiodinium is a diverse genus of unicellular dinoflagellate symbionts associating with various marine protists and invertebrates. Although the broadscale diversity and phylogenetics of the Symbiodinium complex is well established, there have been surprisingly few data on fine‐scale population structure and biogeography of these dinoflagellates. Yet population‐level processes contribute strongly to the biology of Symbiodinium, including how anthropogenic‐driven global climate change impacts these symbionts and their host associations. Here, we present a synthesis of population‐level characteristics for Symbiodinium, with an emphasis on how phylogenetic affinities, dynamics within and among host individuals, and a propensity towards clonality shape patterns on and across reefs. Major inferences include the following: (i) Symbiodinium populations within individual hosts are comprised mainly of cells belonging to a single or few genetic clones. (ii) Symbiont populations exhibit a mixed mode of reproduction, wherein at least one sexual recombination event occurs in the genealogy between most genotypes, but clonal propagation predominates overall. (iii) Mutualistic Symbiodinium do not perpetually persist outside their hosts, instead undergoing turnover and replacement via the continuous shedding of viable clonal cells from host individuals. (iv) Symbiont populations living in the same host, but on different reefs, are often genetically subdivided, suggesting low connectivity, adaptation to local conditions, or prolific asexual reproduction and low effective population sizes leading to disproportionate success within and among hosts. Overall, this synthesis forms a basis for future investigations of coral symbiosis ecology and evolution as well as delimitation of species boundaries in Symbiodinium and other eukaryotic microorganisms.
Next‐generation transgenic cotton: pyramiding RNAi and Bt counters insect resistance
Authors: Ni Mi , Ma Wei , Wang Xiaofang , Gao Meijing , Dai Yan , Wei Xiaoli , Zhang Lei , Peng Yonggang , Chen Shuyuan , Ding Lingyun , Tian Yue , Li Jie , Wang Haiping , Wang Xiaolin , Xu Guowang , Guo Wangzhen , Yang Yihua , Wu Yidong , Heuberger Shannon , Tabashnik Bruce E. , Zhang Tianzhen , Zhu Zhen
Published: February 2017

Transgenic crops producing insecticidal proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are extensively cultivated worldwide. To counter rapidly increasing pest resistance to crops that produce single Bt toxins, transgenic plant ‘pyramids’ producing two or more Bt toxins that kill the same pest have been widely adopted. However, cross‐resistance and antagonism between Bt toxins limit the sustainability of this approach. Here we describe development and testing of the first pyramids of cotton combining protection from a Bt toxin and RNA interference (RNAi). We developed two types of transgenic cotton plants producing double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) from the global lepidopteran pest Helicoverpa armigera designed to interfere with its metabolism of juvenile hormone (JH). We focused on suppression of JH acid methyltransferase (JHAMT), which is crucial for JH synthesis, and JH‐binding protein (JHBP), which transports JH to organs. In 2015 and 2016, we tested larvae from a Bt‐resistant strain and a related susceptible strain of H. armigera on seven types of cotton: two controls, Bt cotton, two types of RNAi cotton (targeting JHAMT or JHBP) and two pyramids (Bt cotton plus each type of RNAi). Both types of RNAi cotton were effective against Bt‐resistant insects. Bt cotton and RNAi acted independently against the susceptible strain. In computer simulations of conditions in northern China, where millions of farmers grow Bt cotton as well as abundant non‐transgenic host plants of H. armigera, pyramided cotton combining a Bt toxin and RNAi substantially delayed resistance relative to using Bt cotton alone.
Identification of resistant sources and DNA markers linked to genomic region conferring dry root rot resistance in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Talekar Sidramappa Channappa , Lohithaswa Hirenallur Chandappa , Viswanatha Kannalli Paramashivaiah
Published: February 2017

A set of 520 chickpea germplasm lines was screened under laboratory conditions using blotter paper technique for reaction to dry root rot caused by Rhizoctonia bataticola (Taub.) Butler. The lines PG06102, BG2094 and IC552137 were identified as resistant for dry root rot. Phenotyping the mapping population consisting of 129 F2:3 progeny derived from the cross L550 × PG06102 during 2013 winter indicated monogenic inheritance of dry root rot resistance. Fifty‐two of 381 simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers polymorphic between the two parents were used to genotype F2 resistant and susceptible bulks prepared on the basis of reaction of F2:3 progeny. Four markers differentiated the resistant and susceptible bulks. All the four polymorphic markers were then assayed on the entire F2 population. Linkage analysis using 129 F2 plants revealed that two markers ICCM0299 and ICCM0120b were co‐segregating with resistance to dry root rot. These two markers appeared to have additive effects on resistance and could be potentially utilized in dry root resistance breeding programme.
Bacterial N‐formyl Peptides Reduce PMA‐ and Escherichia coli‐Induced Neutrophil Respiratory Burst in Term Neonates and Adults
Authors: Stålhammar M. E. , Douhan Håkansson L. , Sindelar R.
Published: February 2017

Neutrophil migration and respiratory burst are the prerequisite for efficient first line defense against invading microorganisms. However, migration and respiratory burst can be compromised in adults and especially in newborn infants, where sustained neutrophil accumulation, uncontrolled burst and reduced scavenging of ROS might cause inadvertent tissue damage due to uncontrolled inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the modulatory effect of the chemoattractants formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (fMLP) and IL‐8 on respiratory burst in neutrophils from term newborn infants and adults. Whole blood from the umbilical cord of 17 healthy term newborn infants delivered by caesarean section and from 17 healthy adults as reference was preincubated with fMLP or IL‐8 and stimulated with PMA or Escherichia coli bacteria. Respiratory burst was quantified by flow cytometry analysis of dihydrorhodamine 123 fluorescence. fMLP reduced the PMA‐induced respiratory burst of neutrophils from newborn infants and adults by 12% and 21%, respectively (P < 0.05). E. coli‐induced burst was also reduced by fMLP in neutrophils from newborn infants (10%; P < 0.01) and adults (6%; P < 0.05). No such changes were observed with IL‐8. Similar respiratory burst in response to single stimulus with PMA or E. coli was observed in both newborn infants and adults. fMLP reduced PMA‐ and E. coli‐induced respiratory burst of neutrophils in whole blood from term newborn infants as well as in adults. The reduced respiratory burst by fMLP might be a mechanism to reduce the detrimental effects of uncontrolled inflammation during neutrophil migration.
Fentanyl Suppresses the Survival of CD4+ T Cells Isolated from Human Umbilical Cord Blood through Inhibition of IKKs‐mediated NF‐κB Activation
Authors: Ma K. , Ma P. , Lu H. , Liu S. , Cao Q.
Published: February 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and the underlying mechanisms of fentanyl anaesthetic on T lymphocytes isolated from human umbilical cord blood in vitro. The percentages of CD4+, CD8+ and regulatory T (Treg) cells in human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (UBMC) treated with fentanyl in vitro were analysed by flow cytometry. The levels of cytokines IFN‐γ, IL‐2, IL‐4 and IL‐17 secreted by activated CD4+ T cells were measured by ELISA assays. Expressions of MAPK and NF‐κB signalling pathway proteins were determined by Western blotting. Effects of fentanyl on IKK and p65 expression promoter activities were analysed by luciferase assay. Fentanyl decreased the percentages and amounts of CD4+, CD8+ and Foxp3+Treg T lymphocyte subsets in UBMCs in a dose‐dependent manner. Fentanyl inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis of activated CD4+ T cells dose dependently. Fentanyl could not reverse the increase of cell proliferation in activated groups to be equivalent with those in inactivated group. Secretions of IFN‐γ, IL‐2 and IL‐4 cytokines were significantly decreased by moderate to high dose of fentanyl compared with controls. No significant differences were observed in protein expressions of MAPK pathway. In addition, fentanyl suppressed the IKKs‐mediated activation of NF‐κB. This study demonstrates that fentanyl exerts immunosuppressive effects on T lymphocytes obtained from UBMCs. Thus, the clinical application of fentanyl would not only relieve pain caused by surgery but regulate immune responses post‐operation possibly through inhibition of IKKs‐mediated NF‐κB activation.
Proteomic Profiling Analysis Reveals a Link between Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis and Complement Activation in Rats
Authors: Guo D. D. , Hu B. , Tang H. Y. , Sun Y. Y. , Liu B. , Tian Q. M. , Bi H. S.
Published: February 2017

Uveitis is an autoimmune disease that usually damages the vision function, leading to poor visual quality in patients. As an autoimmune ocular inflammatory disease, the pathogenesis of uveitis is associated with abnormal expression of some proteins and aberrant regulation of multiple signalling pathways. Nevertheless, the detailed mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we induced an experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) model in rats. We determined the levels of C3a and membrane attack complex C5b‐9 (soluble C5b‐9, sC5b‐9) in both plasma and aqueous humour, identified the differentially expressed proteins in plasma by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and employed bioinformatics algorithms to analyse differentially expressed proteins in EAU rat plasma. The results demonstrate that there were 168 differentially expressed plasma proteins in EAU rats versus control subjects. The levels of sC5b‐9 and C3a were elevated in the plasmas and aqueous humours of EAU rats. Gene ontology enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed proteins in EAU rat plasma were mainly involved in metabolic and immune processes. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway annotation, database for annotation, visualization and integrated discovery (DAVID) and protein–protein interaction analyses revealed that the differentially expressed proteins in EAU rat plasmas were closely associated with complement and coagulation cascades, metabolic pathways, NF‐kappa B, PI3K‐Akt, Toll‐like receptors and autophagy. Overall, the differentially expressed proteins in EAU rat plasmas are mainly involved in the complement and coagulation cascades. The pathogenesis of uveitis closely correlates with complement activation.
“They Make Me Not Wanna Have a Child”: Effects of Companion Animals on Fertility Intentions of the Childfree
Authors: Laurent‐Simpson Andrea
Published: February 2017

This article argues that for some who are childfree, the increasing perception of the companion animal as a sentient being with agency provides a deep, meaningful relationship with the power to inform fertility intentions. Qualitative, in‐depth interviews with childfree companion animal owners reveal that this relationship serves to reinforce previous fertility choices such as delaying or completely opting out of childbirth, thus affecting present household structure. This is reflected in the active choice by some participants to have companion animals instead of human children, the presence of a cost‐benefit analysis concerning animal companions and human children, and narratives that express a desire to mother or nurture as fulfilled in the relationship with the companion animal. Implications of these findings for both demography and marriage and family research in the United States are discussed.
Working Knowledge: Organizational Location and the Construction of Expert Authority in Court
Authors: O'Brien Timothy L.
Published: February 2017

Objective

This article investigates the role of organizations in the construction of expert authority by examining legal disputes about the credibility of expert witnesses who work for consulting firms, in academia, and in private practice offices and clinics.

Methods

I analyzed 472 deliberations of expert witness credibility summarized in judicial opinions from civil rights, patent infringement, and medical malpractice cases in U.S. district courts. Binary logistic regressions tested whether lawyers’ challenges to experts’ credibility or judges’ decisions to admit or exclude experts’ testimony differed according to experts’ organizational location.

Results

Challenges to experts’ credibility and decisions about their admissibility reflected the organizational context of experts’ labor. Overall, consultants were most likely and private practitioners were least likely to overcome credibility challenges and be admitted into court.

Conclusions

Legal negotiations of experts’ credibility depend on their organizational location. This suggests that organizations may also shape the attribution of expertise in other settings.
Disseminated cat‐scratch disease presenting as nausea, diarrhea, and weight loss without fever in a heart transplant recipient
Authors: Antar Annukka A. R. , Goyal Amit , Murphy Karly , Schimmel Matthew , Gilotra Nisha A. , Martin Isabella , Crane Genevieve Marie , Sciortino Christopher , Avery Robin K. , Houston Brian A.
Published: February 2017

We report the case of an afebrile 59‐year‐old heart transplant recipient presenting with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and diffuse lymphadenopathy. Lymph node biopsies revealed non‐caseating granulomatous inflammation. Cat‐scratch disease was confirmed by serologic studies, Warthin‐Starry staining, and polymerase chain reaction testing of lymph node tissue. The patient's symptoms resolved with 3 months of doxycycline. We review clinical presentations ofBartonella henselaeinfection and review diagnostic approaches forB. henselaein this patient population.
Formulaic Sequences as a Regulatory Mechanism for Cognitive Perturbations During the Achievement of Social Goals
Authors: Wray Alison
Published: February 2017

This paper explores two questions central to understanding the nature of formulaic sequences: (1) What are they for? and (2) What determines how many there are? The “Communicative Impact” model draws into a single account how language is shaped by cognitive processing on the one hand and socio‐interactional function on the other: Formulaic sequences play a range of coordinated roles in neutralizing unanticipated perturbations in the cognitive management of language, so the speaker's socio‐interactional goals can still be achieved. One role involves compensatory actions to sustain fluency. However, these actions are themselves context‐sensitive, so the balance of types of formulaic sequence will vary according to situation. The model applies equally to temporary cognitive pressure and chronic problems such as dementia and limited linguistic competency in a foreign language.
Patient outcomes and amotosalen/UVA‐treated platelet utilization in massively transfused patients
Authors: Nussbaumer W. , Amato M. , Schennach H. , Astl M. , Chen C. Y. , Lin J.‐S. , Corash L. , Benjamin R. J.
Published: February 2017

Background

Amotosalen/UVA‐treated platelet concentrates (PCs) have demonstrated efficacy for treating and preventing bleeding in clinical trials and in routine use; however, most studies were performed in haematology/oncology patients. We investigated efficacy during massive transfusion (MT) in general hospitalized patients.

Methods

Universal amotosalen/UVA treatment (INTERCEPT Blood System) of platelets was introduced at a large Austrian medical centre. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis comparing component use, in‐hospital mortality and length of stay after MT that included platelet transfusion, for two periods (21 months each) before and after implementation.

Results

A total of 306 patients had MT. Patients were mostly male (74%) and ≥18 years old (99%), including 93 liver transplant, 97 cardiac or vascular surgery and 51 trauma patients. There were no differences in demographics between the periods. Component use on the day and within 7 days of the MT event was unchanged post‐IBS implementation, except trauma patients received fewer RBCs on the day. The mean ratio of RBC:platelets:plasma on the day of the MT was close to 1:1:1 in both periods, except for liver transplants with MT who received more plasma components. Overall, in‐hospital mortality (preimplementation = 27·6% vs. postimplementation = 24·0%; P = 0·51) and median time to discharge (preimplementation = 27 vs. postimplementation = 23 days; P = 0·37) did not change, except for cardiac and vascular surgery patients who were discharged earlier.

Conclusion

The introduction of amotosalen/UVA‐treated, pathogen‐reduced PC did not adversely affect clinical outcomes in massively transfused patients in terms of blood product usage, in‐hospital mortality and length of stay for a range of clinical indications for platelet transfusion support.
Deformation of the Zurich cementless acetabular cup caused by implantation in a canine cadaver model
Authors: Panjeton Geoffrey D. , Kim Stanley E. , Chang Kelvin , Palm Lindsey S. , Ifju Peter G.
Published: February 2017

Objective

To evaluate the change in geometry of the Zurich total hip arthroplasty (THA) acetabular component after implantation.

Animals

Hemipelves from adult mix‐breed dogs weighing between 20 and 25 kg.

Methods

Digital image correlation imaging was performed prior to, immediately after, and 24 hours after impaction of Zurich THA acetabular component, and after removal of the cup from the specimen. Patterns of deformation were qualitatively described, and maximal deformations were compared between time points.

Results

All cups deformed after implantation into the hemipelves by “pinching” in a cranial‐caudal direction and dorsoventral expansion, resulting in an ellipsoid configuration to the peripheral rim. The mean ± SD maximum deformation at the rim immediately post‐impaction was 0.202 ± 0.052 mm, or approximately 0.4 mm of diametrical deformation. Deformation did not change after the 24‐hour saline bath. Impaction and subsequent extraction had a marginal effect on the original cup geometry, as maximum deformation at the rim after cup extraction was 0.074 ± 0.032 mm, relative to prior to impaction.

Conclusions

The original Zurich cup geometry is distorted as a consequence of the press‐fit mechanism. Further studies are required to determine whether deformation induced by impaction has any association with polyethylene wear rates or other prosthesis‐related complications.
Pelvic limb kinematics in the dog with and without a stifle orthosis
Authors: Torres Bryan T. , Fu Yang‐Chieh , Sandberg Gabriella S. , Budsberg Steven C.
Published: February 2017

Objective

To report a method of evaluating 3‐dimensional joint motion in dogs with a stifle orthosis.

Study design

Experimental.

Animals

Six healthy dogs.

Methods

Three‐dimensional pelvic limb joint motion was recorded with and without a stifle orthosis. Kinematic data were collected from dogs at a walk and trot for the hip, stifle, and tarsus prior to, and after application of, a stifle orthosis. Data were also obtained for the orthosis alone. Comparisons were made between the braced and unbraced limb, and between the braced limb and the orthosis alone. Complete waveforms, kinematic, and temporospatial variables were compared.

Results

Gait waveforms differed between braced and unbraced limbs for all joints and planes of motion (P < .05), as well as between the braced stifles and the orthosis alone at both a walk and trot. However, joint ROM was inconsistently altered. The effect of bracing on stifle ROM was limited to a reduced extension at the end of stance. Adjacent joint ROM was affected by the stifle orthosis. Temporospatial variables were predominantly affected while walking.

Conclusions

The restrictive motion of the stifle orthosis is not fully translated to the underlying joint, based on the limited differences between the motion of braced and unbraced stifles. This effect varies with plane of motion and phase of the gait cycle, with most changes in stifle motion being detected during the stance phase. The stifle orthosis had an equal or greater effect on the motion of adjacent joints, especially the tarsus.
Stable vectors in Moy–Prasad filtrations
Authors: Fintzen Jessica , Romano Beth
Published: February 2017

Let $k$ be a finite extension of $\mathbb{Q}_{p}$, let ${\mathcal{G}}$ be an absolutely simple split reductive group over $k$, and let $K$ be a maximal unramified extension of $k$. To each point in the Bruhat–Tits building of ${\mathcal{G}}_{K}$, Moy and Prasad have attached a filtration of ${\mathcal{G}}(K)$ by bounded subgroups. In this paper we give necessary and sufficient conditions for the dual of the first Moy–Prasad filtration quotient to contain stable vectors for the action of the reductive quotient. Our work extends earlier results by Reeder and Yu, who gave a classification in the case when $p$ is sufficiently large. By passing to a finite unramified extension of $k$ if necessary, we obtain new supercuspidal representations of ${\mathcal{G}}(k)$.
Supercritical CO2 Radial Turbine Design Performance as a Function of Turbine Size Parameters
Authors: Qi Jianhui , Reddell Thomas , Qin Kan , Hooman Kamel , Jahn Ingo H. J.
Published: February 2017

Supercritical CO2 (sCO2) cycles are considered as a promising technology for next generation concentrated solar thermal, waste heat recovery, and nuclear applications. Particularly at small scale, where radial inflow turbines can be employed, using sCO2 results in both system advantages and simplifications of the turbine design, leading to improved performance and cost reductions. This paper aims to provide new insight toward the design of radial turbines for operation with sCO2 in the 100–200 kW range. The quasi-one-dimensional mean-line design code topgen is enhanced to explore and map the radial turbine design space. This mapping process over a state space defined by head and flow coefficients allows the selection of an optimum turbine design, while balancing performance and geometrical constraints. By considering three operating points with varying power levels and rotor speeds, the effect of these on feasible design space and performance is explored. This provides new insight toward the key geometric features and operational constraints that limit the design space as well as scaling effects. Finally, review of the loss break-down of the designs elucidates the importance of the respective loss mechanisms. Similarly, it allows the identification of design directions that lead to improved performance. Overall, this work has shown that turbine design with efficiencies in the range of 78–82% is possible in this power range and provides insight into the design space that allows the selection of optimum designs.
Multiplicity of Premixed Flames Under the Effect of Heat Loss
Authors: Al-Sarairah Eman , Ghenai Chaouki , Hachicha Ahmed
Published: February 2017

We investigate numerically the effect of heat loss and strain rate on the premixed flame edges encountered in a two-dimensional counterflow configuration for Lewis number higher than one. Under nonadiabatic conditions, multiple flame edges and multiple propagation speeds (positive and negative) are discussed. Different regions of multiple propagation speeds have been revealed ranging from two to four, depending on the value of the heat loss parameter and Damkohler number, which is inversely proportional to the strain rate. A combustion wave is modeled by connecting a strongly burning flame on one side of the burner to a weakly burning flame on the other side. These combustion waves are changing with increasing Dam number into flame edges with the fact that the strongly burning flame is the dominant.
Transient Response of a SDOF System With an Inerter to Nonstationary Stochastic Excitation
Authors: Masri Sami F. , Caffrey John P.
Published: February 2017

An analytical study is presented of the covariance kernels of a damped, linear, two-degrees-of-freedom (2DOF) system which resembles a primary system that is provided with an auxiliary mass damper (AMD), in addition to an “inerter” (a device that imparts additional inertia to the vibration damper, hence magnifying its effectiveness without a significant damper mass addition). The coupled 2DOF system is subjected to nonstationary stochastic excitation consisting of a modulated white noise. An exponential function, resembling the envelope of a typical earthquake, is considered. Results of the analysis are used to determine the dependence of the peak transient mean-square response of the system on the damper/inerter tuning parameters, and the shape of the deterministic intensity function. It is shown that, under favorable dynamic environments, a properly designed auxiliary damper, encompassing an inerter with a sizable mass ratio, can significantly attenuate the response of the primary system to broad band excitations; however, the dimensionless “rise-time” of the nonstationary excitation substantially reduces the effectiveness of such a class of devices (even when optimally tuned) in attenuating the peak dynamic response of the primary system.
Heat Development and Comparison Between the Steady and Pulsating Flows Through Aluminum Foam Heat Sink
Authors: Bayomy A. M. , Saghir M. Z.
Published: February 2017

Continuous improvements in electronic devices for high-performance computers have led to a need for new and more effective methods of chip cooling. The first purpose of this study was to investigate the heat transfer development and characteristics of aluminum foam heat sink subjected to steady water flow for electronics cooling (Intel core i7 processor). The second purpose was to implement a new type of water flow through the aluminum foam, which is pulsating or oscillating flow in order to achieve more uniform temperature distribution over the electronic surfaces. The aluminum foam heat sink was subjected to a water flow covering the non-Darcy laminar flow regime (297–1353 Reynolds numbers). The bottom side of the heat sink was heated with a heat flux between 8.5 and 13.8 W/cm2. The pulsating flow frequency was ranged from 0.04 to 0.1 Hz. In addition, in order to complement the experimental studies, a numerical model was developed using finite element method and compared with the experimental data. The results revealed that the thermal entry length of the fluid flow through metal foam (porous media) is much smaller than that for laminar internal flow through empty channel. The result also showed that the local surface temperature increases along with increasing the axial flow direction for steady water flow case. On the other hand, for pulsating flow, the local temperature distributions act as a convex profile with the maximum surface temperature at the center of the test section. In addition, it was observed that the pulsating water flow through the aluminum foam heat sink achieves enhancement by 14% in the average Nusselt number and by 73% in temperature uniformity over the surface compared with steady water flow case.
A Validation Study of the Compressible Rayleigh–Taylor Instability Comparing the Ares and Miranda Codes
Authors: Rehagen Thomas J. , Greenough Jeffrey A. , Olson Britton J.
Published: February 2017

The compressible Rayleigh–Taylor (RT) instability is studied by performing a suite of large eddy simulations (LES) using the Miranda and Ares codes. A grid convergence study is carried out for each of these computational methods, and the convergence properties of integral mixing diagnostics and late-time spectra are established. A comparison between the methods is made using the data from the highest resolution simulations in order to validate the Ares hydro scheme. We find that the integral mixing measures, which capture the global properties of the RT instability, show good agreement between the two codes at this resolution. The late-time turbulent kinetic energy and mass fraction spectra roughly follow a Kolmogorov spectrum, and drop off as k approaches the Nyquist wave number of each simulation. The spectra from the highest resolution Miranda simulation follow a Kolmogorov spectrum for longer than the corresponding spectra from the Ares simulation, and have a more abrupt drop off at high wave numbers. The growth rate is determined to be between around 0.03 and 0.05 at late times; however, it has not fully converged by the end of the simulation. Finally, we study the transition from direct numerical simulation (DNS) to LES. The highest resolution simulations become LES at around t/τ ≃ 1.5. To have a fully resolved DNS through the end of our simulations, the grid spacing must be 3.6 (3.1) times finer than our highest resolution mesh when using Miranda (Ares).
Dissipative Effects of Bubbles and Particles in Shear Flows
Authors: Dinsmore Campbell , Aminfar AmirHessam , Princevac Marko
Published: February 2017

Chemical reactors, air lubrication systems, and the aeration of the oceans rely, either in part or in whole, on the interaction of bubbles and their surrounding liquid. Even though bubbly mixtures have been studied at both the macroscopic and bubble level, the dissipation field associated with an individual bubble in a shear flow has not been thoroughly investigated. Exploring the nature of this phenomenon is critical not only when examining the effect a bubble has on the dissipation in a bulk shear flow but also when a microbubble interacts with turbulent eddies near the Kolmogorov length scale. In order to further our understanding of this behavior, this study investigated these interactions both analytically and experimentally. From an analytical perspective, expressions were developed to model the dissipation associated with the creeping flow fields in and around a fluid particle immersed in a linear shear flow. Experimentally, tests were conducted using a simple test setup that corroborated the general findings of the theoretical investigation. Both the analytical and experimental results indicate that the presence of bubbles in a shear flow causes elevated dissipation of kinetic energy.
The Effect of Different Drilling Fluids on Mechanical Friction
Authors: David Ytrehus Jan , Taghipour Ali , Golchin Arash , Saasen Arild , Prakash Braham
Published: February 2017

A very important aspect in highly inclined wellbores is the mechanical friction. For extended reach drilling (ERD) and through tubing extended reach drilling (TTERD) this can be a limiting factor. Friction caused by the contact between the drill string and the well casing or borehole is dependent on the drilling weight and fluid properties. Drilling fluids play an important role in determining mechanical friction. The use of oil-based drilling fluids with higher lubricity can reduce torque and drag behavior and minimize stick and slip. Reducing mechanical friction will improve drilling efficiency in general, and will in particular enable longer reach for ERD wells. This paper presents results from experimental laboratory tests where the mechanical friction has been investigated. Friction behavior was investigated for different drilling fluids; water-based and oil-based drilling fluids both with and without solid particles. A pin on disk setup was used for these experiments where a spherical ended steel pin was slid against a rotating disk made of granite. The test results show that the mechanical friction in general is smaller with oil-based than water-based drilling fluids in the presence of solid particles.
Analytical Approach for Inverse Reconstruction of Eigenstrains and Residual Stresses in Autofrettaged Spherical Pressure Vessels
Authors: Ali Faghidian S.
Published: February 2017

The stress function approach is revisited for the inverse determination of residual stresses and eigenstrains from limited pointwise data in spherically symmetric stress state. The robust least squares technique is utilized to minimize the deviation of the measurement data from the model predictions while a full range of continuum mechanics requirements are satisfied. The application of the newly proposed spherical stress function is effectively demonstrated for two cases of analytical and numerical solutions considering different material behavior models. Also, the eigenstrains are inversely determined satisfying the equation of strain compatibility and a closed form analytical solution is presented.
The Synthesis of Function Generating Mechanisms for Periodic Curves Using Large Numbers of Double-Crank Linkages
Authors: Ali Hessein , Murray Andrew P. , Myszka David H.
Published: February 2017

This paper presents a methodology for synthesizing planar linkages to approximate any prescribed periodic function. The mechanisms selected for this task are the slider-crank and the geared five-bar with connecting rod and sliding output (GFBS), where any number of double-crank (or drag-link) four-bars are used as drivers. A slider-crank mechanism, when comparing the input crank rotation to the output slider displacement, produces a sinusoid-like function. Instead of directly driving the input crank, a drag-link four-bar may be added to drive the crank from its output via a rigid connection between the two. Driving the input of the added four-bar results in a function that modifies the sinusoid-like curve. This process can be continued through the addition of more drag-link mechanisms to the device, progressively altering the curve toward any periodic function with a single maximum. For periodic functions with multiple maxima, a GFBS is used as the terminal linkage added to the chain of drag-link mechanisms. The synthesis process starts by analyzing one period of the function to design either the terminal slider-crank or terminal GFBS. matlab's fmincon command is then utilized as the four-bars are added to reduce the structural error between the desired function and the input–output function of the mechanism. Mechanisms have been synthesized in this fashion to include a large number of links that are capable of closely producing functions with a variety of intriguing features.
Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model for the Flexural Beam With an Inflection Point in Compliant Mechanisms
Authors: Zhu Shun-Kun , Yu Yue-Qing
Published: February 2017

The pseudo-rigid-body model (PRBM) used to simulate compliant beams without inflection point had been well developed. In this paper, two types of PRBMs are proposed to simulate the large deflection of flexible beam with an inflection point in different configurations. These models are composed of five rigid links connected by three joints added with torsional springs and one hinge without spring representing the inflection point in the flexural beam. The characteristic radius factors of the PRBMs are determined by solving the objective function established according to the relative angular displacement of the two rigid links jointed by the hinge via genetic algorithm. The spring stiffness coefficients are obtained using a linear regression technique. The effective ranges of these two models are determined by the load index. The numerical result shows that both the tip locus and inflection point of the flexural beam with single inflection can be precisely simulated using the model proposed in this paper.
Series Elastic Actuators for Small-Scale Robotic Applications
Authors: Agarwal Priyanshu , Deshpande Ashish D.
Published: February 2017

Torque control of small-scale robotic devices such as hand exoskeletons is challenging due to the unavailability of miniature and compact bidirectional torque actuators. In this work, we present a miniature Bowden-cable-based series elastic actuator (SEA) using helical torsion springs. The three-dimensional (3D) printed SEA is 38 mm × 38 mm × 24 mm in dimension and weighs 30 g, excluding motor which is located remotely. We carry out a thorough experimental testing of our previously presented linear compression spring SEA (LC-SEA) (Agarwal et al. 2015, “An Index Finger Exoskeleton With Series Elastic Actuation for Rehabilitation: Design, Control and Performance Characterization,” Int. J. Rob. Res., 34(14), pp. 1747–1772) and helical torsion spring SEA (HT-SEA) and compare the performance of the two designs. Performance characterization on a test rig shows that the two SEAs have adequate torque source quality (RMSE < 12% of peak torque) with high torque fidelities (>97% at 0.5 Hz torque sinusoid) and force tracking bandwidths of 2.5 Hz and 4.5 Hz (0.2 N·m), respectively, which make these SEAs suitable for our application of a hand exoskeleton.