bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identity development in cultural context: The role of deviating from master narratives
Authors: McLean Kate C. , Lilgendahl Jennifer P. , Fordham Chelsea , Alpert Elizabeth , Marsden Emma , Szymanowski Kathryn , McAdams Dan P.
Published: August 2017

Objective

The great majority of research on identity and personality development has focused on individual processes of development, to the relative neglect of the cultural context of development. We employ a recently articulated framework for the examination of identity development in context, centered on the construct of master narratives, or culturally shared stories.

Method

Across four studies, we asked emerging and midlife adults (N = 512) to narrate personal experiences of deviations from these master narratives.

Results

Across three quantitative studies, we show that (a) those who elaborated their deviation experiences were more likely to be in structurally marginalized positions in society (e.g., ethnic or sexual minorities); (b) those who elaborated an empowering alternative to the master narrative were more likely to be engaged in identity processes; and (c) master narratives maintain their rigidity by the frequency of their use. In study 4, using qualitative analyses, we illustrate the rigidity of master narratives, as well as the degree to which they take shape in social and group experiences.

Conclusions

These studies emphasize the importance of cultural context in considering personality and identity development.
What's interpersonal in interpersonal perception? The role of target's attachment in the accuracy of perception
Authors: Sadikaj Gentiana , Moskowitz D. S. , Zuroff David C.
Published: August 2017

Objective

We examined the influence of attachment orientation on the accuracy of perception of negative affect in close relationships. We hypothesized that tracking accuracy of perceiving negative affect (a) would be lower among perceivers and targets with higher attachment avoidance and (b) would be lowest when both the target and perceiver were high on attachment avoidance. Tracking accuracy would be (c) higher among perceivers and targets with higher attachment anxiety and (d) highest when both the target and perceiver were high on attachment anxiety.

Method

We collected data from 92 couples who reported their negative affect and perception of their partner's negative affect in interactions with each other on 20 days.

Results

Results supported the hypotheses for attachment avoidance and tracking accuracy. Tracking accuracy of perceived negative affect was low when the target was high on attachment avoidance; accuracy was lowest when both the target and the perceiver were high on attachment avoidance.

Conclusions

Lower “readability” of high avoidantly attached targets' emotions may inhibit intimacy and sensitive responding, which thereby may contribute to poor relationship outcomes.
Nutritional intake and growth velocity in preterm extremely low‐birthweight infants in Asia: Are we doing enough?
Authors: Raturi Shilpee , Zheng Qishi , Daniel Lourdes M , Shi Luming , Rajadurai Victor S , Agarwal Pratibha K
Published: August 2017

Aim

To describe nutritional practices among preterm extremely low‐birthweight (ELBW) infants and their impact on growth and to compare differences in nutritional intervention and comorbidities between those with limited growth velocity (GV < 25th percentile) and those with GV > 25th percentile.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted to assess total protein and energy intake for week 1, days 14, 21 and 28 of life. Post‐natal growth was calculated by measuring GV using an exponential model. Univariable analysis was applied to identify the potential risk factors associated with poor GV at day 28 and at discharge from hospital.

Results

The median GV from birth to day 28 was 9.84 g/kg/day and 11.87 g/kg/day for GV from birth to discharge. Increased protein and energy intake was associated with higher GV at discharge. Hypotension needing inotropes, necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), patent ductus arteriosus and chronic lung disease were significantly associated with reduced GV at discharge. Infants with NEC, hypotension needing inotropes and sepsis took a significantly longer time to achieve full enteral nutrition. A longer time to attain full enteral feeds was associated with slower GV at discharge. Small‐for‐gestational‐age babies increased from 22% at birth to 66.6% at discharge.

Conclusions

GV at discharge was positively correlated with increasing protein and energy intake in the first 28 days and adversely affected by the presence of neonatal morbidities. There was strong evidence of extra‐uterine growth restriction, with the majority of preterm ELBW infants having lower z scores at discharge compared to at birth.
Molecular and morphological delimitation and generic classification of the family Oocystaceae (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta)
Authors: Štenclová Lenka , Fučíková Karolina , Kaštovský Jan , Pažoutová Marie
Published: August 2017

The family Oocystaceae (Chlorophyta) is a group of morphologically and ultrastructurally distinct green algae that constitute a well‐supported clade in the class Trebouxiophyceae. Despite the family's clear delimitation, which is based on specific cell wall features, only a few members of the Oocystaceae have been examined using data other than morphological. In previous studies of Trebouxiophyceae, after the establishment of molecular phylogeny, the taxonomic status of the family was called into question. The genus Oocystis proved to be paraphyletic and some species were excluded from Oocystaceae, while a few other species were newly redefined as members of this family. We investigated 54 strains assigned to the Oocystaceae using morphological, ultrastructural and molecular data (SSU rRNA and rbcL genes) to clarify the monophyly of and diversity within Oocystaceae. Oonephris obesa and Nephrocytium agardhianum clustered within the Chlorophyceae and thus are no longer members of the Oocystaceae. On the other hand, we transferred the coenobial Willea vilhelmii to the Oocystaceae. Our findings combined with those of previous studies resulted in the most robust definition of the family to date. The division of the family into three subfamilies and five morphological clades was suggested. Taxonomical adjustments in the genera Neglectella, Oocystidium, Oocystis, and Ooplanctella were established based on congruent molecular and morphological data. We expect further taxonomical changes in the genera Crucigeniella, Eremosphaera, Franceia, Lagerheimia, Oocystis, and Willea in the future.
Norfloxacin is more effective than Rifaximin in avoiding bacterial translocation in an animal model of cirrhosis
Authors: Gómez‐Hurtado Isabel , Gimenez Paula , García Irma , Zapater Pedro , Francés Rubén , González‐Navajas José M. , Manichanh Chaysavanh , Ramos José M. , Bellot Pablo , Guarner Francisco , Such José
Published: August 2017

Background & Aims

Norfloxacin administration is useful in preventing bacterial infections in cirrhosis but associated to the generation of resistant species. Rifaximin is known to reach high concentrations in the intestinal lumen without generating relevant resistance in the intestinal flora. Our aim was to compare the effect of Norfloxacin and Rifaximin on intestinal flora composition, bacterial translocation and survival in cirrhotic rats.

Methods

Cirrhosis was induced in rats by oral administration of CCl4. Animals were divided into three groups: only CCl4 (group I, n = 10); CCl4 + Norfloxacin (group II, n = 17) and CCl4 + Rifaximin (group III, n = 14). Gut bacterial composition, bacterial translocation and cytokine levels were measured.

Results

Forty‐one rats were finally included. The incidence of viable and non‐viable bacterial translocation was significantly reduced in animals receiving Norfloxacin; Rifaximin also decreased the incidence of viable and non‐viable bacterial translocation, but did not reach statistical significance. Serum TNF‐α levels were significantly lower in antibiotic groups. Norfloxacin modified intestinal microbiota, depleting significantly more pathobionts than Rifaximin.

Conclusion

Norfloxacin is more effective than Rifaximin in preventing bacterial translocation in rats with cirrhosis probably because of its capacity to reduce pathobionts from intestinal microbiota.
Analytical approximations of local‐Heston volatility model and error analysis
Authors: Bompis R. , Gobet E.
Published: August 2017

This paper studies the expansion of an option price (with bounded Lipschitz payoff) in a stochastic volatility model including a local volatility component. The stochastic volatility is a square root process, which is widely used for modeling the behavior of the variance process (Heston model). The local volatility part is of general form, requiring only appropriate growth and boundedness assumptions. We rigorously establish tight error estimates of our expansions, using Malliavin calculus. The error analysis, which requires a careful treatment because of the lack of weak differentiability of the model, is interesting on its own. Moreover, in the particular case of call–put options, we also provide expansions of the Black–Scholes implied volatility that allow to obtain very simple formulas that are fast to compute compared to the Monte Carlo approach and maintain a very competitive accuracy.
Liquidity effects of trading frequency
Authors: Gayduk Roman , Nadtochiy Sergey
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we present a discrete‐time modeling framework, in which the shape and dynamics of a Limit Order Book (LOB) arise endogenously from an equilibrium between multiple market participants (agents). We use the proposed modeling framework to analyze the effects of trading frequency on market liquidity in a very general setting. In particular, we demonstrate the dual effect of high trading frequency. On the one hand, the higher frequency increases market efficiency, if the agents choose to provide liquidity in equilibrium. On the other hand, it also makes markets more fragile, in the sense that the agents choose to provide liquidity in equilibrium only if they are market neutral (i.e., their beliefs satisfy certain martingale property). Even a very small deviation from market neutrality may cause the agents to stop providing liquidity, if the trading frequency is sufficiently high, which represents an endogenous liquidity crisis (also known as flash crash) in the market. This framework enables us to provide more insight into how such a liquidity crisis unfolds, connecting it to the so‐called adverse selection effect.
Nudix‐type RNA pyrophosphohydrolase provides homeostasis of virulence factor pyocyanin and functions as a global regulator in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Kujawa Martyna , Lirski Maciej , Ziecina Mateusz , Drabinska Joanna , Modzelan Marta , Kraszewska Elzbieta
Published: August 2017

The PA0336 protein from Pseudomonas aeruginosa belongs to the family of widely distributed Nudix pyrophosphohydrolases, which catalyze the hydrolysis of pyrophosphate bonds in a variety of nucleoside diphosphate derivatives. The amino acid sequence of the PA0336 protein is highly similar to that of the RppH Nudix RNA pyrophosphohydrolase from Escherichia coli, which removes pyrophosphate from 5′‐end of triphosphorylated RNA transcripts. Trans‐complementation experiments showed that the P. aeruginosa enzyme can functionally substitute for RppH in E. coli cells indicating that, similar to RppH, the Pseudomonas hydrolase mediates RNA turnover in vivo. In order to elucidate the biological significance of the PA0336 protein in Pseudomonas cells, a PA0336 mutant strain was constructed. The mutated strain considerably increased level of the virulence factor pyocyanin compared to wild type, suggesting that PA0336 could be involved in downregulation of P. aeruginosa pathogenicity. This phenotype was reversed by complementation with the wild type but not catalytically inactive PA0336, indicating that the catalytic activity was indispensable for its biological function. Pathogenesis tests in Caenorhabditis elegans showed that the PA0336 mutant of P. aeruginosa was significantly more virulent than the parental strain, confirming further that the P. aeruginosa RNA pyrophosphohydrolase PA0336 modulates bacterial pathogenesis by down‐regulating production of virulence‐associated factors. To study the role of PA0336 further, transcriptomes of the PA0336 mutant and the wild‐type strain were compared using RNA sequencing. The level of 537 transcripts coding for proteins involved in a variety of cellular processes such as replication, transcription, translation, central metabolism and pathogenesis, was affected by the lack of PA0336. These results indicate that the PA0336 RNA pyrophosphohydrolase functions as a global regulator that influences many of transcripts including those involved in P. aeruginosa virulence.
Acaricidal activity of essential oil of Syzygium aromaticum, hydrolate and eugenol formulated or free on larvae and engorged females of Rhipicephalus microplus
Authors: FERREIRA F. M. , DELMONTE C. C. , NOVATO T. L. P. , MONTEIRO C. M. O. , DAEMON E. , VILELA F. M. P. , AMARAL M. P. H.
Published: August 2017

The cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus (Canestrini, 1888) (Ixodida: Ixodidae), is the most important ectoparasite in cattle‐breeding areas and is responsible for severe economic losses. Synthetic acaricides have been used to control this parasite. However, the need for safer products has stimulated the search for new acaricides, such as those to be obtained from medicinal plants. The essential oil of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) has many biological properties and shows great potential for use in veterinary applications. In the context of the need for new agents, this study investigated the in vitro properties of the hydrolate, essential oil and the main constituent of S. aromaticum, eugenol, in formulated and free applications against larvae and females of R. microplus. Eugenol and the essential oil caused 100% mortality in larvae at starting applications of 2.5 mg/mL and 5.0 mg/mL, respectively. The hydrolate showed no activity. Both eugenol and essential oil had good efficacy in adult immersion tests at 50 mg/mL and achieved 100% efficacy at a concentration of 100 mg/mL. The results of these tests reaffirm the important potential of clove essential oil and eugenol.
Performance of 1,3‐β‐D‐glucan for diagnosing invasive fungal diseases in children
Authors: Calitri Carmelina , Caviglia Ilaria , Cangemi Giuliana , Furfaro Elisa , Bandettini Roberto , Fioredda Francesca , Amoroso Loredana , Faraci Maura , Risso Francesco M. , Mattioli Girolamo , Moscatelli Andrea , Haupt Riccardo , Castagnola Elio
Published: August 2017

Plasma 1,3‐β‐D‐glucan (BDG) is indicated as a tool for early diagnosis of invasive fungal diseases (IFD). However, data on its diagnostic value are scarce in children. Therefore, definition of BDG test performance in paediatrics is needed. BDG was evaluated in children admitted to “Istituto Giannina Gaslini,” Genoa, Italy, who developed clinical conditions at risk for IFD. Results were analysed for sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, likelihood ratios, accuracy, informedness and probability of missing one case by a negative test. A total of 1577 BDG determinations were performed on 255 patients (49% males, median age 5.4 years). Overall 46 IFD were diagnosed, 72% proven/probable. The test performance was evaluated for 80 pg/mL, 120 pg/mL, 200 pg/mL, 350 pg/mL, 400 pg/mL cut offs. Sensitivity was always <0.80 and specificity > 0.90 only for cut offs ≥200 pg/mL. Negative predictive value was ≥0.90 for all the cut offs evaluated, while positive predictive value resulted barely 0.50 (8% IFD prevalence). Accuracy was never >0.90, and informedness was at best 0.50. The risk of missing one IFD by a negative result was < 10%. Analyses in haemato‐oncological or newborn patients did not show major differences. Detection of serum BDG does not appear a valuable adjunctive diagnostic tool for IFD in paediatrics.
Association between periodontitis and severe asthma in adults: A case–control study
Authors: Soledade‐Marques Kaliane Rocha , Gomes‐Filho Isaac Suzart , da Cruz Simone Seixas , Passos‐Soares Johelle de Santana , Trindade Soraya Castro , Cerqueira Eneida de Moraes Marcílio , Coelho Julita Maria Freitas , Barreto Maurício Lima , Costa Maria da Conceição Nascimento , Vianna Maria Isabel Pereira , Scannapieco Frank A. , Cruz Álvaro Augusto , Souza‐Machado Adelmir
Published: August 2017

Objective

To evaluate the association between periodontitis and severe asthma, with participants in treatment for severe asthma, controlled by therapy.

Methods

A case–control investigation was performed to compare 130 adults with severe asthma with 130 without asthma. Individuals with periodontitis were those with ≥4 teeth with ≥1 site with probing depth ≥4 mm, clinical attachment level ≥3 mm, and bleeding upon probing at the same site. Severe asthma diagnosis was based on Global Initiative for Asthma criteria.

Results

Association between exposure to periodontitis and severe asthma was found:ORcrude = 2.98 (95%CI: 1.74–5.11). When confounders were considered, the association between exposure to periodontitis and severe asthma was maintained:ORadjusted = 3.01–3.25. Individuals with periodontitis had about a threefold increased risk of severe asthma than those without periodontitis. Frequency of periodontitis in participants with severe asthma was greater than that of those without asthma (46.6%vs22.3%,p ≤ .05).

Conclusions

Association between periodontitis and severe asthma was observed. Further investigation is required to determine the direction of this relationship. It may be causal, but it may also be a consequence of the immunopathological process that characterizes asthma, or else, consequence of the medication used for treatment.
Importance of bicarbonate transport in pH control during amelogenesis — need for functional studies
Authors: Varga G , DenBesten P , Rácz R , Zsembery Á
Published: August 2017

Dental enamel, the hardest mammalian tissue, is produced by ameloblasts. Ameloblasts show many similarities to other transporting epithelia although their secretory product, the enamel matrix, is quite different. Ameloblasts direct the formation of hydroxyapatite crystals, which liberate large quantities of protons that then need to be buffered to allow mineralization to proceed. Buffering requires a tight pH regulation and secretion of bicarbonate by ameloblasts. Many investigations have used immunohistochemical and knockout studies to determine the effects of these genes on enamel formation, but up till recently very little functional data were available for mineral ion transport. To address this, we developed a novel 2D in vitro model using HAT‐7 ameloblast cells. HAT‐7 cells can be polarized and develop functional tight junctions. Furthermore, they are able to accumulate bicarbonate ions from the basolateral to the apical fluid spaces. We propose that in the future, the HAT‐7 2D system along with similar cellular models will be useful to functionally model ion transport processes during amelogenesis. Additionally, we also suggest that similar approaches will allow a better understanding of the regulation of the cycling process in maturation‐stage ameloblasts, and the pH sensory mechanisms, which are required to develop sound, healthy enamel.
Ontogenetic antagonism–mutualism coupling: perspectives on resilience of stage‐structured communities
Authors: Ke Po‐Ju , Nakazawa Takefumi
Published: August 2017

Organisms typically change their diets ontogenetically. Recent studies have shown that an ontogenetic diet shift undermines the resilience of stage‐structured food webs. Here, we study the integration of stage‐structured food‐web theory into theory of hybrid community (i.e. mixture of different interaction types), considering that not only diet but also interaction type often changes because of ontogenetic niche shift (e.g. the metamorphosis of pollinating insects, in which juveniles and adults are herbivores and pollinators, respectively). We developed and mathematically analysed a one‐consumer two‐resource model in which juvenile and adult consumers utilise different resources as antagonists and mutualists, respectively. Model analyses illustrated that the consumer either goes extinct or coexists with the resources depending on the initial condition when the resources have low carrying capacities while their community dynamics always converge to a single steady state when the resources have high carrying capacities. These dynamic features are different from those of the corresponding purely antagonistic module in previous studies, in which the consumer always goes extinct for low resource carrying capacities while the dynamics converge to either juvenile‐dominated or adult‐dominated state depending on the initial conditions for high resource carrying capacities. Taken together, we can suggest that ontogenetic antagonism–mutualism coupling is stabilising in that it increases the potential for species coexistence in unproductive environments while improving community resilience in productive environments. Further, these effects are generally robust to interaction nonlinearity. Beyond the previous concern of the instability in stage‐structured food‐webs, our results suggest that antagonism–mutualism coupling can play a crucial role in stabilising stage‐structured hybrid (e.g. plant–animal) communities under environmental changes. The present study represents an important first step in understanding how interaction type diversity can mediate the dynamics of stage‐structured communities.
Umbilical hernia: Influence of adhesive strapping on outcome
Authors: Hayashida Makoto , Shimozono Takashi , Meiri Satoru , Kurogi Jun , Yamashita Naoto , Ifuku Toshinobu , Yamamura Yoshiko , Tanaka Etsuko , Ishii Shigeki , Shimonodan Hidemi , Mihara Yuka , Kono Keiichiro , Nakatani Keigo , Nishiguchi Toshihiro
Published: August 2017

Background

Adhesive strapping for umbilical hernia has been re‐evaluated as a promising treatment. We evaluated the influence of adhesive strapping on the outcome of umbilical hernia.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated patients with umbilical hernia referred to the present institution from April 2011 to December 2015. Patients who were treated with adhesive strapping were compared with an observation alone group. The adhesive strapping group was also subdivided into two groups: the cure group and the treatment failure group.

Results

A total of 212 patients with umbilical hernia were referred to the present institution. Eighty‐nine patients were treated with adhesive strapping, while 27 had observation only. The cure rate in the adhesive strapping group was significantly higher than that in the observation group. The duration of treatment of the adhesive strapping group was significantly shorter than that of the observation group. In the adhesive strapping group, the patients in the cure group were treated significantly earlier than those in the treatment failure group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, even in cases of umbilical hernia non‐closure, surgical repair was easier after adhesive strapping.

Conclusion

Adhesive strapping represents a promising treatment for umbilical hernia. To achieve the best results, adhesive strapping should be initiated as early as possible.
ArabidopsisFNRL protein is an NADPH‐dependent chloroplast oxidoreductase resembling bacterial ferredoxin‐NADP+reductases
Authors: Koskela Minna M. , Dahlström Käthe M. , Goñi Guillermina , Lehtimäki Nina , Nurmi Markus , Velazquez‐Campoy Adrian , Hanke Guy , Bölter Bettina , Salminen Tiina A. , Medina Milagros , Mulo Paula
Published: August 2017

Plastidic ferredoxin‐NADP+oxidoreductases (FNRs; EC:1.18.1.2) together with bacterial type FNRs (FPRs) form the plant‐type FNR family. Members of this group contain a two‐domain scaffold that forms the basis of an extended superfamily of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) dependent oxidoreductases. In this study, we show that theArabidopsis thalianaAt1g15140 [Ferredoxin‐NADP+oxidoreductase‐like (FNRL)] is an FAD‐containing NADPH dependent oxidoreductase present in the chloroplast stroma. Determination of the kinetic parameters using the DCPIP NADPH‐dependent diaphorase assay revealed that the reaction catalysed by a recombinant FNRL protein followed a saturation Michaelis–Menten profile on the NADPH concentration withkcat = 3.2 ± 0.2 s−1,KmNADPH = 1.6 ± 0.3 μMandkcat/KmNADPH = 2.0 ± 0.4 μM−1 s−1. Biochemical assays suggested that FNRL is not likely to interact with Arabidopsis ferredoxin 1, which is supported by the sequence analysis implying that the known Fd‐binding residues in plastidic FNRs differ from those of FNRL. In addition, based on structural modelling FNRL has an FAD‐binding N‐terminal domain built from a six‐stranded β‐sheet and one α‐helix, and a C‐terminal NADP+‐binding α/β domain with a five‐stranded β‐sheet with a pair of α‐helices on each side. The FAD‐binding site is highly hydrophobic and predicted to bind FAD in a bent conformation typically seen in bacterial FPRs.
Temporal dissociation of salience and prediction error responses to appetitive and aversive taste
Authors: Hird E. J. , El‐Deredy W. , Jones A. , Talmi D.
Published: August 2017

The feedback‐related negativity (FRN), a frontocentral ERP occurring 200–350 ms after emotionally valued outcomes, has been posited as the neural correlate of reward prediction error, a key component of associative learning. Recent evidence challenged this interpretation and has led to the suggestion that this ERP expresses salience instead. Here, we distinguish between utility prediction error and salience by delivering or withholding hedonistically matched appetitive and aversive tastes, and measure ERPs to cues signaling each taste. We observed a typical FRN (computed as the loss‐minus‐gain difference wave) to appetitive taste, but a reverse FRN to aversive taste. When tested axiomatically, frontocentral ERPs showed a salience response across tastes, with a particularly early response to outcome delivery, supporting recent propositions of a fast, unsigned, and unspecific response to salient stimuli. ERPs also expressed aversive prediction error peaking at 285 ms, which conformed to the logic of an axiomatic model of prediction error. With stimuli that most resemble those used in animal models, we did not detect any frontocentral ERP signal for utility prediction error, in contrast with dominant views of the functional role of the FRN ERP. We link the animal and human literature and present a challenge for current perspectives on associative learning research using ERPs.
Redox cycling induces spermptosis and necrosis in stallion spermatozoa while the hydroxyl radical (OH•) only induces spermptosis
Authors: Martín Muñoz P , Anel‐López L , Ortiz‐Rodríguez JM , Álvarez M , de Paz P , Balao da Silva C , Rodríguez Martinez H , Gil MC , Anel L , Peña FJ , Ortega Ferrusola C
Published: August 2017

Contents

Oxidative stress is a major factor explaining sperm dysfunction of spermatozoa surviving freezing and thawing and is also considered a major inducer of a special form of apoptosis, visible after thawing, in cryopreserved spermatozoa. To obtain further insights into the link between oxidative stress and the induction of apoptotic changes, stallion spermatozoa were induced to oxidative stress through redox cycling after exposure to 2‐methyl‐1,4‐naphthoquinone (menadione), or hydroxyl radical formation after FeSO4 exposure. Either exposure induced significant increases (p < 0.05) in two markers of lipid peroxidation: 8‐iso‐PGF2α and 4‐hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE). While both treatments induced changes indicative of spermptosis (caspase‐3 activation and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential) (p < 0.01), menadione induced sperm necrosis and a dramatic reduction in motility and thiol content in stallion spermatozoa. Thus, we provided evidence that oxidative stress underlies spermptosis, and thiol content is a key factor for stallion sperm function.
Influence of hang time and location on bacterial contamination of intravenous bags in a veterinary emergency and critical care setting
Authors: Guillaumin Julien , Olp Nichole M. , Magnusson Karissa D. , Butler Amy L. , Daniels Joshua B.
Published: August 2017

Objective

To assess the rate of bacterial contamination of fluid and ports in intravenous bags in a veterinary emergency room (ER) and intensive care unit (ICU).

Design

Experimental model.

Setting

Ninety intravenous fluid bags of lactated balanced‐electrolytes solution (1 L) hung in a university hospital.

Interventions

Bags were hung in 2 different locations in the ER (sink and bins) and one location in the ICU (sink) for 11 days. Bags were punctured 3 times daily with a sterile needle to simulate clinical use. Injection ports were swabbed and 50 mL of fluid were collected in duplicates on days 0, 2, 4, 7, and 10. Aerobic bacterial cultures were performed on the fluid and injection port. Contamination was defined as bacterial growth of a similar phenotype across 2 consecutive times. Increase in the fluid contamination rate from day 0 was tested using an exact binomial test. Port contamination rate between locations was tested using Fisher's exact test.

Main Results

Combined bacterial growth on injection ports reached a mean (95% confidence interval) of 8.1 (0.005–16.2) cfu/port on day 10. The combined port contamination was 3.3%, 11.1%, 17.8%, and 31.1% on days 0, 2, 4, and 7, respectively. Port contamination was similar between ER and ICU. However, port contamination was higher in the sink versus the bins area (38.3% vs 16.7%, P = 0.032). No fluid bag was contaminated at days 0 and 2. The contamination rate of fluid bag was 1.1% and 4.4% on days 4 and 7, respectively. All bags with contaminated fluid were in the ER (6.7%, 95% exact binomial confidence interval 1.9–16.2%).

Conclusions

Injection port contamination reached 31.1% on day 7. Contamination was more likely when the bags were hung next to a sink. In our model of bag puncture, fluid contamination occurred between days 2 and 4.
Prevention of transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease with pathogen‐reduced platelets with amotosalen and ultraviolet A light: a review
Authors: Cid J.
Published: August 2017

Background and Objectives

Transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease (TA‐GVHD) is a serious complication of blood component transfusion therapy, caused by donor T lymphocytes. γ‐Irradiation or pathogen inactivation methods, capable of inactivating proliferating T cells in blood components, should be selected to prevent TA‐GVHD. This review summarizes the published evidence to support the use of pathogen‐reduced platelets with amotosalen (150 μm) and ultraviolet A light (UVA, 320–400 nm, 3 J/cm2) for preventing TA‐GVHD.

Materials and Methods

Available literature on the use of pathogen‐reduced platelets to prevent TA‐GVHD was reviewed.

Results

Observational studies, animal models, in vitro studies and mechanistic studies of pathogen‐reduced platelets with amotosalen and UVA light showed that inactivation of T cells are equal or even superior to γ‐irradiation.

Conclusion

Pathogen‐reduced platelets with amotosalen and UVA light can be used as a measure to prevent TA‐GVHD.
Red blood cell alloimmunisation: induction of immunity and potential mitigation strategies
Authors: Hendrickson J. E.
Published: August 2017

Millions of RBC units are transfused throughout the world annually. Even though each RBC unit contains multiple foreign donor antigens, only a minority of transfusion recipients will develop detectable RBC alloantibodies. Some factors that influence humoral immune responsiveness to transfused RBCs are obvious, including the necessity of being exposed to a foreign antigen that the immune system can process and present. Mathematically, however, every RBC transfusion meets those criteria. Thus, it remains unclear why some patients form alloantibodies (‘responders’), while others may be transfused hundreds of times without becoming alloimmunised (‘non‐responders’). Studies in humans have found an association with CD4+ T‐cell markers and responsiveness to transfused RBCs, and have also identified acute or chronic inflammatory disease states as risk factors for alloantibody development. Studies in animal models, which allow single variables to be isolated, have led to an understanding of the critical role played by dendritic cells in transfusion‐associated RBC alloimmunisation. Murine studies have further established that non‐responsiveness to transfused RBCs equates to antigen‐specific tolerance in some settings: alloantibodies develop to RBCs expressing some blood group antigens only when the initial RBC exposure occurs in close association with a danger signal. Additional studies are needed in humans and in animal models to further understand the complex variables that determine when and how a humoral immune response may be initiated against transfused RBC antigens, such that strategies for preventing alloimmunisation and its harmful effects in transfusion and pregnancy scenarios can be developed.
KNOWING OURSELVES AS EMBODIED, EMBEDDED, AND RELATIONALLY EXTENDED
Authors: Brown Warren S.
Published: August 2017

What does it mean to know oneself, and what is the self that one hopes to know? This article outlines the implications of an embodied understanding of persons and some aspects of the “self” that are generally ignored when thinking about our selves. The Cartesian model of body–soul (or body–mind) dualism reinforces the idea that there is within us a soul, or self, or mind that is our hidden, inner, and real self. Thus, the path to self‐knowledge is introspection. The alternative view is that persons are embodied (entirely physical creatures), embedded (formed by our physical and social environment), and at times extended (cognitively soft‐coupled to artifacts or other persons). This article emphasizes the bodily, active, contextual, relational, often simulated, and sometimes extended nature of the selves that we are, and that we hope to know.
PHILOSOPHICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, ETHICS, AND LOVE: TOWARD A NEW RELIGION AND SCIENCE DIALOGUE
Authors: Early Christian
Published: August 2017

Religion and science dialogues that orbit around rational method, knowledge, and truth are often, though not always, contentious. In this article, I suggest a different cluster of gravitational points around which religion and science dialogues might usefully travel: philosophical anthropology, ethics, and love. I propose seeing morality as a natural outgrowth of the human desire to establish and maintain social bonds so as not to experience the condition of being alone. Humans, of all animals, need to feel loved—defined as a compassionate present‐with in dynamic dyadic relation such that one experiences the sense of mattering—but that need has an equally natural tendency to be met by creating biased us‐and‐them distinctions. A “critical” natural ethics, then, is one in which we become aware of and work to undermine our tendency to reify in‐group distinctions between “us” and “them.” Religious communities that work intentionally on this can be seen, to some extent, as laboratories of love—or as sites for co‐creating knowledge in perilous times.
Numerical Simulation and Convergence Analysis of Fractional Optimization Problems With Right-Sided Caputo Fractional Derivative
Authors: Ezz-Eldien Samer S. , El-Kalaawy Ahmed A.
Published: August 2017

This paper presents an efficient approximation schemes for the numerical solution of a fractional variational problem (FVP) and fractional optimal control problem (FOCP). As basis function for the trial solution, we employ the shifted Jacobi orthonormal polynomial. We state and derive a new operational matrix of right-sided Caputo fractional derivative of such polynomial. The new methodology of the present schemes is based on the derived operational matrix with the help of the Gauss–Lobatto quadrature formula and the Lagrange multiplier technique. Accordingly, the aforementioned problems are reduced into systems of algebraic equations. The error bound for the operational matrix of right-sided Caputo derivative is analyzed. In addition, the convergence of the proposed approaches is also included. The results obtained through numerical procedures and comparing our method with other methods demonstrate the high accuracy and powerful of the present approach.
On Global, Closed-Form Solutions to Parametric Optimization Problems for Robots With Energy Regeneration
Authors: Khalaf Poya , Richter Hanz
Published: August 2017

Parametric optimization problems are considered for serial robots with regenerative drive mechanisms. A subset of the robot joints are conventional, in the sense that external power is used for actuation. Other joints are energetically self-contained passive systems that use (ultra)capacitors for energy storage. Two different electrical interconnections are considered for the regenerative drives, a distributed and a star configuration. The latter allows for direct electric energy redistribution among joints, a novel idea shown in this paper to enable higher energy utilization efficiencies. Closed-form expressions are found for the optimal manipulator parameters (link masses, link lengths, etc.) and drive mechanism parameters (gear ratios, etc.) that maximize regenerative energy storage between any two times, given motion trajectories. A semi-active virtual control strategy previously proposed is used to achieve asymptotic tracking of trajectories. Optimal solutions are shown to be global and unique. In addition, closed-form expressions are provided for the maximum attainable energy. This theoretical maximum places limits on the amount of energy that can be recovered. The results also shed light on the comparative advantages of the star and distributed configurations. A numerical example with a double inverted pendulum and cart system is provided to demonstrate the results.
A Nonlinear Damage Model of Hardening-Softening Materials
Authors: Ganjiani M.
Published: August 2017

In this paper, an elastoplastic-damage constitutive model is presented. The formulation is cast within the framework of continuum damage mechanics (CDM) by means of the internal variable theory of thermodynamics. The damage is assumed as a tensor type variable and its evolution is developed based on the energy equivalence hypothesis. In order to discriminate the plastic and damage deformation, two surfaces named as plastic and damage are introduced. The damage surface has been developed so that it can model the nonlinear variation of damage. The details of the model besides its implicit integration algorithm are presented. The model is implemented as a user-defined subroutine user-defined material (UMAT) in the abaqus/standard finite element program for numerical simulation purposes. In the regard of investigating the capability of model, the shear and tensile tests are experimentally conducted, and corresponding results are compared with those predicted numerically. These comparisons are also accomplished for several experiments available in the literature. Satisfactory agreement between experiments and numerical predictions provided by the model implies the capability of the model to predict the plastic deformation as well as damage evolution in the materials.
Micro-Computed Tomography as a Tool to Investigate the Deformation Behavior of Particulate-Filled Composite Materials
Authors: Cinar Kenan , Guven Ibrahim
Published: August 2017

Micro-computed tomography (CT) was used as a tool to investigate the deformation behavior of particulate-filled composite materials. Three different shapes of glass fillers (spherical, flake, and fiber) and filler mass fractions (5%, 10%, and 15%) were introduced to the epoxy resin. Rockwell hardness H scale indentation test was used to deform the composite material. The composite materials were scanned before and after the indentation test by using micro-CT. Displacement field for each filler type and mass fraction were measured through correlation of before and after scan data. The effects of filler type and mass fraction on the internal displacement field were investigated. It was also demonstrated that micro-CT can be used as a tool to create realistic representative volume elements (RVEs) for particulate-filled composite materials instead of randomly distributed particles within the matrix material.
Measurement and Prediction of Centrifugal Compressor Axial Forces During Surge—Part II: Dynamic Surge Model
Authors: Munari Enrico , Morini Mirko , Pinelli Michele , Brun Klaus , Simons Sarah , Kurz Rainer
Published: August 2017

The force acting on centrifugal compressors is an important parameter to be considered throughout the operating life of these turbomachines. When the compressor is operating in surge conditions, these forces can become highly dangerous for the mechanical and aerodynamic structures. This instability is usually avoided in industrial applications, but the antisurge system may not react in time when emergency shutdowns or power failures take place. During these rapid transients, surge can develop, generating unsteady forces which can harm the close clearance components of the compressor. Therefore, the capability to predict the characteristics and the dynamics of these surge forces would allow the estimation of the off-design fatigue cycles produced on these components by surge. Currently, no validated method exists to predict the frequency and amplitude of the surge forces and determine the potential damage of these components. In this paper, a lumped parameter model, developed by using the bond graph approach to predict the dynamic surge fluid-dynamic oscillations, is presented. The model requires the geometry and the steady-state performance maps of the compressor as inputs, together with the piping system configuration characteristics. The simulator is provided with a supplementary tool to estimate the axial force frequency and amplitude, taking into consideration all the contributions to the axial fluid-dynamic thrust, the stiffness-damping of the thrust bearing, and the mass of the rotor. The model was tuned and validated using the test case axial force data from the Southwest Research Institute (SWRI) facility. The model has shown good agreement with the experimental results which implies that it can offer significant information about the severity of a surge event and the quantification of the machine performance losses together with possible damage to the close clearance components. This study is a first important step that can lead to schedule optimization for maintenance and repair activities.
Microstructure Study of NiCrAlY and FeCrAlY Exposed to Superheated Steam at 800 °C
Authors: Sáez-Maderuelo Alberto , McTaggart Michael , Huang Xiao , Maffiotte César
Published: August 2017

Supercritical water-cooled reactor (SCWR) was chosen as Generation IV reactor concept in Canada to utilize Canada's expertise and technical capabilities from past research and designs. The conceptual design of Canadian SCWR has a core outlet temperature of 650 °C at 25 MPa and a peak cladding temperature as high as 800 °C. Corrosion/oxidation resistance is an important factor in material selections and also coating considerations. Most of the reported supercritical water (SCW) test data have been obtained at temperatures up to 700 °C as no autoclave exists that can operate above 700 °C at supercritical pressures and temperatures. Superheated steam (SHS) is used as a surrogate fluid to SCW in this study to evaluate two coating materials, FeCrAlY and NiCrAl, at 800 °C. The results showed that the FeCrAlY became discolored rapidly while NiCrAl still maintained some metallic sheen after 600 h. The weight change results suggest that more oxide formation took place on FeCrAlY than NiCrAl. In particular, grain boundary oxide (Al2O3) formed on FeCrAlY surface upon exposure to steam after 300 h. Further exposure caused more intragranular Al2O3 to form, in addition to magnetite formation on the grain boundary regions. For NiCrAl samples, NiO formed after steam exposure for 300 h. Spinel and (Cr,Al)2O3 were also found after 300 h along with very limited amount of Al2O3. After 600 h, Al2O3 became well developed on NiCrAl and the coverage of spinel and Cr2O3 on the surface reduced.
Robust Adaptive Synchronization of Chaotic Systems With Nonsymmetric Input Saturation Constraints
Authors: Mohammadpour Samaneh , Binazadeh Tahereh
Published: August 2017

This paper considers the robust synchronization of chaotic systems in the presence of nonsymmetric input saturation constraints. The synchronization happens between two nonlinear master and slave systems in the face of model uncertainties and external disturbances. A new adaptive sliding mode controller is designed in a way that the robust synchronization occurs. In this regard, a theorem is proposed, and according to the Lyapunov approach the adaptation laws are derived, and it is proved that the synchronization error converges to zero despite of the uncertain terms in master and slave systems and nonsymmetric input saturation constraints. Finally, the proposed method is applied on chaotic gyro systems to show its applicability. Computer simulations verify the theoretical results and also show the effective performance of the proposed controller.
Reliability Analysis for Structures With Multiple Temporal and Spatial Parameters Based on the Effective First-Crossing Point
Authors: Shi Yan , Lu Zhenzhou , Zhang Kaichao , Wei Yuhao
Published: August 2017

For efficiently estimating the dynamic failure probability of the structure with the multiple temporal and spatial parameters, a transferred limit state function technique is first proposed in this paper. By finding the effective first-crossing point which controls the failure of the structural system, the transferred technique is constructed to transform the dynamic reliability problem into a static one. For determining the effective first-crossing point, the parameter domain is first divided into different dominant domain corresponding to every parameter. Based on the parameter dominant domain, the first-crossing point about each parameter is obtained by comparing the difference value between the point on the failure boundary and the corresponding parameter upper bound. Finally, the effective first-crossing point is determined by finding the point which controls the structure failure. With the transferred technique, two strategies (including the sparse grid integration based on fourth-moment method and the maximum entropy based on dimensional reduction method) are proposed to efficiently estimate the dynamic failure probability. Several examples are employed to illustrate the significance and effectiveness of the transferred technique and the proposed methods for solving the multiple temporal and spatial parameters dynamic reliability. The results show that the proposed methods can estimate the multiple temporal and spatial parameters dynamic failure probability efficiently and accurately.