bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in Selected HIV Care Continuum Outcomes Among People Residing in Rural, Urban, and Metropolitan Areas—28 US Jurisdictions
Authors: Nelson John A. , Kinder Anna , Johnson Anna Satcher , Hall H. Irene , Hu Xiaohong , Sweet Donna , Guido Alyssa , Katner Harold , Janelle Jennifer , Gonzalez Maribel , Paz Natalia Martínez , Ledonne Charlotte , Henry Jason , Bramel Theresa , Harris Jeanne
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The HIV care continuum is used to monitor success in HIV diagnosis and treatment among persons living with HIV in the United States. Significant differences exist along the HIV care continuum between subpopulations of people living with HIV; however, differences that may exist between residents of rural and nonrural areas have not been reported.

Methods

We analyzed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National HIV Surveillance System data on adults and adolescents (≥13 years) with HIV diagnosed in 28 jurisdictions with complete reporting of HIV‐related lab results. Lab data were used to assess linkage to care (≥1 CD4 or viral load test ≤3 months of diagnosis), retention in care (≥2 CD4 and/or viral load tests ≥3 months apart), and viral suppression (viral load <200 copies/mL) among persons living with HIV. Residence at diagnosis was grouped into rural (<50,000 population), urban (50,000‐499,999 population), and metropolitan (≥500,000 population) categories for statistical comparison. Prevalence ratios and 95% CI were calculated to assess significant differences in linkage, retention, and viral suppression.

Findings

Although greater linkage to care was found for rural residents (84.3%) compared to urban residents (83.3%) and metropolitan residents (81.9%), significantly lower levels of retention in care and viral suppression were found for residents of rural (46.2% and 50.0%, respectively) and urban (50.2% and 47.2%) areas compared to residents of metropolitan areas (54.5% and 50.8%).

Conclusions

Interventions are needed to increase retention in care and viral suppression among people with HIV in nonmetropolitan areas of the United States.
Sperm Motilities in Waigieu Seaperch, Psammoperca waigiensis: Effects of Various Dilutions, pH, Temperature, Osmolality, and Cations
Authors: Le Minh Hoang , Pham Hung Quoc
Published: September 2016

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of varying dilutions, pH, temperature, osmolality, and cations on sperm motility parameters in waigieu seaperch, Psammoperca waigiensis. The maximum velocity of average in path (VAP), percentage of motile cells (MOT), and duration of sperm motility (DSM) were observed when semen was diluted in artificial seawater (ASW) at a ratio of 1:100 (144.9 ± 0.6 µm/sec, 95.6 ± 0.4%, and 230.3 ± 2.3 sec, respectively), at 30 C (142.0 ± 0.6 µm/sec, 93.6 ± 0.4%, and 238.3 ± 0.9 sec, respectively), and pH 8 (144.8 ± 0.6 µm/sec, 93.3 ± 0.4%, and 234.0 ± 1.5 sec, respectively). Maximum VAP, MOT, and DSM were obtained in each solution containing 0.6 M NaCl (143.8 ± 1.0 µm/sec, 91.3 ± 2.0%, and 230.6 ± 4.2 sec, respectively), 0.6 M KCl (135.1 ± 3.1 µm/sec, 91.1 ± 3.1%, and 230.3 ± 3.7sec, respectively), 0.2M CaCl2 (105.3 ± 4.7μm/sec, 47.9 ± 2.7%, and 120.7 ± 1.3 sec, respectively), 0.2 M MgCl2 (107.3 ± 3.0 m/s, 42.1 ± 3.3%, and 120.3 ± 4.8 sec, respectively), and osmolality of 400 mOsm/kg (145.1 ± 2.5 µm/sec, 93.0 ± 2.1%, and 346.5 ± 4.4s, respectively). We used these mediums as artificial insemination media for fertilizing matured eggs. The results showed that the fertilization and hatching rates in 0.6 M NaCl (75.3 ± 0.6% and 57.0 ± 2.4%, respectively), ASW (70.8 ± 1.2% and 51.2 ± 1.8%, respectively), or 400 mOsm/kg (72.9 ± 1.8% and 55.3 ± 1.6%, respectively) were higher than that in seawater (63.9 ± 1.2% and 39.2 ± 3.9%, respectively). In conclusion, using 0.6 M NaCl, ASW, or 400 mOsm/kg as an artificial insemination medium is effective for fertilizing of waigieu seaperch.
Linear and Non‐Linear Granger Causality Between Short‐Term and Long‐Term Interest Rates: A Rolling Window Strategy
Authors: Rahimi Azadeh , Chu Ba M. , Lavoie Marc
Published: September 2016

In this article, a rolling window strategy is used to detect the linear and non‐linear Granger causality relationships between the U.S. federal funds rate and the 10‐year government bond rate, during different time horizons, investigating whether these causalities change with the passing of time. For linear Granger causality tests, we apply the Toda and Yamamoto () approach and for non‐linear ones we use a non‐linear Granger causality test introduced by Diks and Panchenko (). Our findings show that during nearly all time periods there is a significant two‐way Granger causality relationship between these two interest rates.
Supernatants of irritable bowel syndrome mucosal biopsies impair human colonic smooth muscle contractility
Authors: Guarino M. P. , Barbara G. , Cicenia A. , Altomare A. , Barbaro M. R. , Cocca S. , Scirocco A. , Cremon C. , Emerenziani S. , Stanghellini V. , Cicala M. , Severi C.
Published: September 2016

Background

Changes in intestinal motility are likely to contribute to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) pathophysiology. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of IBS mucosal supernatants on human colonic muscle contractility.

Methods

Supernatants were obtained from biopsies of 18 IBS patients—nine with constipation (IBS‐C) and nine with diarrhea‐predominant IBS (IBS‐D)—and nine asymptomatic subjects, used as controls. Colonic circular smooth muscle strips or isolated cells (SMC) were exposed to control or IBS supernatants. Spontaneous phasic contractions on strips and morphofunctional parameters on cells were evaluated in basal conditions and in response to acetylcholine (Ach). Incubation with IBS supernatants was also conducted in the presence of antagonists and inhibitors (namely histamine, protease and prostaglandin antagonists, nuclear factor‐kappa B inhibitor, catalase, NADPH oxidase inhibitor, and the cAMP‐ and/or cGMP‐cyclase inhibitors).

Key Results

Exposure to IBS‐C and IBS‐D supernatants induced a significant reduction in basal tone and Ach‐elicited contraction of muscle strips and a significant shortening and impairment of Ach contraction of SMCs. The NADPH oxidase inhibitor prevented the effect of supernatants, while the protease antagonist only IBS‐C effect. No effect was observed with the other antagonists and inhibitors. Dilution of IBS‐D supernatants partially restored the effects only on SMCs, whereas dilution of IBS‐C supernatants significantly reverted the effects on muscle strips and Ach‐elicited response on SMC.

Conclusions & Inferences

Supernatants from mucosal biopsies of IBS patients reduce colonic contractility. The observed impairment was concentration dependent, likely occurring through intracellular oxidative stress damage, involving different neuromotor mechanisms depending on the IBS subtype.
The feasibility, usability, and clinical utility of traditional paper food and symptom journals for patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Zia J. K. , Chung C.‐F. , Schroeder J. , Munson S. A. , Kientz J. A. , Fogarty J. , Bales E. , Schenk J. M. , Heitkemper M. M.
Published: September 2016

Background

Paper food and gastrointestinal (GI) symptom journals are used to help irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients determine potential trigger foods. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, usability, and clinical utility of such journals as a data collection tool. A secondary aim was to explore a method for analyzing journal data to describe patterns of diet and symptoms.

Methods

Participants (N=17) were asked to log three sets of 3‐day food and symptom journals over a 15‐day period. Feasibility was evaluated by journal completion rates, symptom logging compliance, and logging fatigability. The feasibility, usability, and clinical utility of journaling were also assessed by a customized evaluation and exit interview. For each journal, regression analyses were conducted to examine relationships between key meal nutrients and subsequent symptoms.

Key Results

Most participants were young (mean age 35±12) Caucasian (N=13) women (N=14). Journal completion rates were 100% for all participants with no logging fatigability. Over half perceived paper journaling of food and symptoms as feasible, usable, and clinically useful. Thirteen participants demonstrated a strong association with at least one symptom and meal nutrient. Patterns of associations differed among participants.

Conclusions and Inferences

Paper journaling of food and GI symptoms for 9 days over a 15‐day period appeared to be a feasible and usable data collection tool for IBS patients. Over half perceived journaling as at least somewhat clinically useful. Findings from this study support the anecdote that food trigger(s) and associated symptom(s) vary for each individual.
The added diagnostic value of postreflux swallow‐induced peristaltic wave index and nocturnal baseline impedance in refractory reflux disease studied with on‐therapy impedance‐pH monitoring
Authors: Frazzoni M. , de Bortoli N. , Frazzoni L. , Tolone S. , Furnari M. , Martinucci I. , Mirante V. G. , Marchi S. , Savarino V. , Savarino E.
Published: September 2016

Background

On‐therapy impedance‐pH monitoring in proton pump inhibitor (PPI)‐refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) yielded conflicting results. We aimed to assess the diagnostic value of postreflux swallow‐induced peristaltic wave (PSPW) index and mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) in PPI‐refractory heartburn.

Methods

On‐therapy impedance‐pH tracings from 189 consecutive patients with PPI‐refractory heartburn were blindly reviewed. Patients were subdivided into refractory reflux esophagitis (RRE), healed reflux esophagitis (HRE), non‐erosive reflux disease (NERD), and functional heartburn (FH) according to endoscopic and conventional impedance‐pH findings. The diagnostic accuracy of PSPW index and MNBI in separating NERD from FH was assessed with receiver‐operating‐characteristic (ROC) analysis. Objectively documented persistent reflux remission at 3‐year follow‐up in 53 patients who underwent laparoscopic fundoplication served to evaluate PSPW index and MNBI as independent predictors of PPI‐refractory GERD confirmed by positive surgical outcome.

Key Results

Median PSPW index and MNBI values were significantly lower in 39 RRE (16%; 1145 Ω) than in 41 HRE (25%; 1741 Ω) and in 68 NERD (29%; 2374 Ω) patients, and in all three GERD subgroups compared to 41 FH cases (67%; 3488 Ω) (P<.008). At ROC analysis, comparing NERD to FH the area under the curve was 0.886 with PSPW index and 0.677 with MNBI (P=.005). PSPW index was an independent predictor of PPI‐refractory GERD (odds ratio 0.6983, P=.012).

Conclusions & Inferences

At on‐therapy impedance‐pH monitoring, PSPW index and MNBI efficiently distinguish PPI‐refractory NERD from FH. The PSPW index represents an independent predictor of PPI‐refractory GERD.
Midterm Results of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators in Children and Young Adults from a Single Center in Turkey
Authors: AYKAN HAYRETTIN HAKAN , KARAGOZ TEVFIK , GULGUN MUSTAFA , ERTUGRUL ILKER , AYPAR EBRU , OZER SEMA , ALEHAN DURSUN , CELIKER ALPAY , OZKUTLU SUHEYLA
Published: September 2016

Background

Despite concerns about complications with the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), it is effective for the prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD). We aimed to analyze our midterm experience with ICD in children and young adults.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients who were implanted with an ICD between 2001 and 2014. Demographic characteristics, clinical information, shock features, and complications for all patients with ICD were analyzed. The study population was divided into two groups: early‐era patients implanted before 2008, and late‐era patients implanted after 2008.

Results

Sixty‐nine patients (median age: 12 years, median follow‐up: 52 months) were implanted with an ICD. Diagnostic categories were channelopathy (56.6%), cardiomyopathy (36.2%), congenital heart disease (5.8%), and other (1.4%). We performed implantation for primary prevention in 66.6% (39.3% in early‐era patients and 85.4% in late‐era patients). Thirty‐one (44.9%) received 139 appropriate shocks (66% of total shocks) while 14 (20.2%) received 71 inappropriate shocks. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the use of appropriate shocks in the primary (66.7%) versus the secondary (72.2%) prevention groups. The incidence of appropriate and inappropriate shock was 66.7% and 33.3% in the primary prevention group, and 72.2% and 27.8% in the secondary prevention group, respectively. Two patients died, although only one death was the result of a lead problem.

Conclusions

Although lead integrity problems, inappropriate shocks, and infections are significant issues, ICD therapy appears to be a safe, effective, and necessary option for the prevention of SCD in both children and young adults.
Prescription Patterns and the Cost of Migraine Treatments in German General and Neurological Practices
Authors: Jacob Louis , Kostev Karel
Published: September 2016

Objectives

The aim of this study was to analyze prescription patterns and the cost of migraine treatments in general practices (GPs) and neurological practices (NPs) in Germany.

Methods

This study included 43,149 patients treated in GPs and 13,674 patients treated in NPs who were diagnosed with migraine in 2015. Ten different families of migraine therapy were included in the analysis: triptans, analgesics, anti‐emetics, beta‐blockers, antivertigo products, gastroprokinetics, anti‐epileptics, calcium channel blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, and other medications (all other classes used in the treatment of migraine including homeopathic medications). The share of migraine therapies and their costs were estimated for GPs and NPs.

Results

The mean age was 44.4 years in GPs and 44.1 years in NPs. Triptans and analgesics were the 2 most commonly prescribed families of drugs in all patients and in the 9 specific subgroups. Interestingly, triptans were more commonly prescribed in NPs than in GPs (30.9% to 55.0% vs. 30.0% to 44.7%), whereas analgesics were less frequently given in NPs than in GPs (11.5% to 17.2% vs. 35.3% to 42.4%). Finally, the share of patients who received no therapy was higher in NPs than in GPs (33.9% to 58.4% vs. 27.5% to 37.9%). The annual cost per patient was €66.04 in GPs and €94.71 in NPs. Finally, the annual cost per patient increased with age and was higher in women and in individuals with private health insurance coverage than in men and individuals with public health insurance coverage.

Conclusion

Triptans and analgesics were the 2 most commonly prescribed drugs for the treatment of migraine. Furthermore, approximately 30% to 40% of patients did not receive any therapy. Finally, the annual cost per patient was higher in NPs than in GPs.
Non‐selective cation channel activity of aquaporin AtPIP2;1 regulated by Ca2+ and pH
Authors: Byrt Caitlin S. , Zhao Manchun , Kourghi Mohamad , Bose Jayakumar , Henderson Sam W. , Qiu Jiaen , Gilliham Matthew , Schultz Carolyn , Schwarz Manuel , Ramesh Sunita A. , Yool Andrea , Tyerman Steve
Published: September 2016

The aquaporin AtPIP2;1 is an abundant plasma membrane intrinsic protein in Arabidopsis thaliana that is implicated in stomatal closure, and is highly expressed in plasma membranes of root epidermal cells. When expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, AtPIP2;1 increased water permeability and induced a non‐selective cation conductance mainly associated with Na+. A mutation in the water pore, G103W, prevented both the ionic conductance and water permeability of PIP2;1. Co‐expression of AtPIP2;1 with AtPIP1;2 increased water permeability but abolished the ionic conductance. AtPIP2;2 (93% identical to AtPIP2;1) similarly increased water permeability but not ionic conductance. The ionic conductance was inhibited by the application of extracellular Ca2+ and Cd2+, with Ca2+ giving a biphasic dose–response with a prominent IC50 of 0.32 mм comparable with a previous report of Ca2+ sensitivity of a non‐selective cation channel (NSCC) in Arabidopsis root protoplasts. Low external pH also inhibited ionic conductance (IC50 pH 6.8). Xenopus oocytes and Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing AtPIP2;1 accumulated more Na+ than controls. Establishing whether AtPIP2;1 has dual ion and water permeability in planta will be important in understanding the roles of this aquaporin and if AtPIP2;1 is a candidate for a previously reported NSCC responsible for Ca2+ and pH sensitive Na+ entry into roots.
Decitabine prior to salvaged unrelated cord blood transplantation for refractory or relapsed childhood acute leukemia
Authors: Zhou Haixia , Zheng Changcheng , Zhu Xiaoyu , Tang Baolin , Tong Juan , Zhang Xuhan , Zhang Lei , Liu Huilan , Sun Zimin
Published: September 2016

No clinical studies have investigated the role of decitabine as a part of the myeloablative conditioning regimen prior to UCBT for refractory or relapsed childhood AL in patients in NR status. The aim of this study was to identify the potential benefits of decitabine as a prior therapy before salvaged unrelated UCBT for refractory or relapsed childhood AL. Eight consecutive patients with childhood refractory/relapsed AL were enrolled in our study between 2013 and 2014. All patients were in NR status before the time of transplant and had features associated with poor outcomes, such as CNSL, MDS‐AML, high WBC count at diagnosis, and hypodiploid status (FLT3+/ITD+). Additionally, all patients had one of the following disease statuses: PIF, multiple relapse, or early relapse. All transplants were performed with decitabine as part of the myeloablative conditioning regimen, which was decitabine+Flu/Bu/CY±BCNU or decitabine+Ara‐c/BU/CY2±BCNU. A total of seven patients (7 of 8) achieved neutrophil engraftment and platelet engraftment, and one patient experienced primary graft failure. All eight patients (100%) developed PES at a median of 7 days. Three patients developed stage II‐IV acute GVHD at a median of 18 days. Additionally, three patients developed chronic GVHD, but it was not extensive in any of those three patients. The median follow‐up time after CBT was 19.9 months (range, 9.2–30.7 months). The estimated probability of OS was 75%. Two patients (2 of 8) experienced a testis relapse, and two patients (2 of 8) died. Our experience suggests that the additional application of decitabine as part of the myeloablative conditioning regimen prior to UCBT for refractory or relapsed childhood AL among patients who are not in remission is safe and might be an effective treatment option.
Immune killing of newborn Trichinella larvae by human leucocytes
Authors: Venturiello S.M. , Giambartolomei G.H. , Costantino S.N.
Published: September 2016

The capacity of human leucocytes from normal donors to kill the newborn larvae of the nematode Trichinella spiralis in vitro, in the presence of serum from infected individuals, was studied using newborn larvae (NBL) less than 2 h of age or NBL that had been maintained in culture at 37°C for 20 h. Neutrophils and monocytes attached to newborn Trichinella larvae and killed them, regardless of their age. When eosinophils were used, 20 h old NBL were killed whereas 2 hold NBL were not. Complement was essential in the cytotoxic effect of leucocytes. These results indicate that host defence against T. spiralis in humans may be a complex mechanism in which different cell types can be involved. They also show that the age of maturation of the NBL is of paramount importance in the antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity reaction.
The first report of the potentially harmful diatom Pseudo‐nitzschia caciantha from Australian coastal waters
Authors: Ajani Penelope , Kim Jin H. , Han Myung Soo , Murray Shauna A.
Published: September 2016

The diatom Pseudo‐nitzschia is a significant component of coastal waters worldwide and a producer of the potent neurotoxin, domoic acid. Sixteen species belonging to this genus have been reported from Australian waters, but the potentially toxic species
P. caciantha
has not been previously known from this region. Two clonal strains of
P. caciantha
were isolated from Coogee Beach, south‐east Australia, and the morphological, molecular and toxicological evidence for this species delineation were examined using light and transmission electron microscopy, phylogenetic analysis based on sequences of the second internal transcribed spacer and domoic acid production as measured by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The results unambiguously confirmed that these isolates are the potentially toxic species
P. caciantha
, being only the second report of this species in the Southern Hemisphere. The potential for further hidden
Pseudo‐nitzschia
diversity in these waters is considerable.
Does Increasing Ethnic Representativeness Reduce Police Misconduct?
Authors: Hong Sounman
Published: September 2016

This article examines whether representative bureaucracy improves organizational integrity using evidence from English and Welsh police forces that implemented ambitious targets to increase the share of ethnic minority officers during 2000–2010. The evidence shows an association between an increase in police force ethnic minority representation and a subsequent reduction in police misconduct. An increase in representativeness is also shown to be associated with a decrease in the share of black complainants but not with a change in the ethnicity of those subject to complaints. This evidence suggests that diversifying a bureaucratic workforce to reflect the community it serves may effectively catalyze bureaucratic integrity. In turn, improved organizational integrity influences bureaucrats’ attitudes and behaviors toward minority citizens, resulting in greater satisfaction among minority constituents. Representative bureaucracy may be an effective internal means of controlling administrative power for the good of the citizenry.
Social Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship, Collectivism, and Everything in Between: Prototypes and Continuous Dimensions
Authors: Schneider Aaron
Published: September 2016

This article uses prototypes and continuous dimensions to place social entrepreneurship in relation to other organizational forms. This approach is more fruitful than classical attempts to stipulate essential characteristics and establish boundaries. A prototype and continuous dimension approach allows consideration of the way social entrepreneurship functions similarly to and differently from related concepts, such as traditional entrepreneurship, public social services, and collectivism. These categories can be distinguished according to the degree to which control over the way value is created, allocated, and distributed occurs socially or entrepreneurially. This approach offers the additional advantage of making the concept more precise, as subdimensions clarify the relationship to practices such as volunteerism and theories such as antidevelopment. By mapping the network of organizational forms in which social entrepreneurship can be located, we can focus on the viability and advisability of different ways of solving social problems.
Barriers to HIV Cure
Authors: Stein J. , Storcksdieck genannt Bonsmann M. , Streeck H.
Published: September 2016

Since the beginning of the epidemic, more than 70 million people have been infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and about 38 million have died from acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)‐related illnesses. While the discovery of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in the mid 90's has saved millions of lives, a complete eradication of HIV is still not possible as HIV can persist for decades in a small reservoir of latently infected cells. Once reactivated, these latently infected cells can actively produce viral particles. Recent studies suggest that several sanctuaries exist within infected individuals where HIV can remain undetected by the immune system. These cellular, anatomical and microanatomical viral reservoirs represent a major obstacle for the eradication of HIV. Here we review recent findings on potential sanctuaries of HIV and address potential avenues to overcome these immunological barriers.
Characterization of a novel HLA‐DRB1 allele, HLA‐DRB1*13:215, in an Italian bone marrow donor
Authors: Fornaciari S. , Sciarrino R. , Curcio M. , Scatena F. , Mariotti M. L.
Published: September 2016

One nucleotide substitution at residue 142 of the HLA‐DRB1*13:01:01 results in a new allele, HLA‐DRB1*13:215.
Cresyl violet: a superior fluorescent lysosomal marker
Authors: Ostrowski Philip P. , Fairn Gregory D. , Grinstein Sergio , Johnson Danielle E.
Published: September 2016

We have characterized cresyl violet as a membrane‐permeant fluorophore that localizes to lysosomes and acidic vacuoles of budding yeast, Drosophila, human, murine and canine cells. An acidotropic weak base, cresyl violet is shown to be virtually insensitive to physiological alkali and divalent cations. Because of its unique spectral properties, it can be used in combination with green, red and far‐red fluorophores, is less susceptible to photobleaching than alternative acidotropic probes, and does not undergo photoconversion. At concentrations that yield bright labeling of acidic compartments, cresyl violet does not alter the organellar pH nor does it affect the buffering capacity. Its affordability, together with its chemical and spectral properties, make cresyl violet a superior lysosomal marker devoid of many of the negative characteristics associated with other lysosomal probes.
Dynamic Global Linkages of the BRICS Stock Markets with the United States and Europe Under External Crisis Shocks: Implications for Portfolio Risk Forecasting
Authors: Hammoudeh Shawkat , Kang Sang Hoon , Mensi Walid , Nguyen Duc Khuong
Published: September 2016

Crisis shocks often lead to changes in the interdependence across stock markets and thus affect risk assessment and management. This paper investigates the extent to which the global financial crisis of 2008–09, which was triggered by the US subprime crisis in 2007, and the European debt crisis that started at the end of 2009, affects the interdependence of the leading emerging markets of the BRICS countries with those of the United States and Europe. Our empirical analysis makes use of the FIAPARCH model combined with the Dynamic Equicorrelation (DECO‐FIAPARCH), which allows for the estimation of market linkage for a large group of countries as a whole, while controlling for asymmetric volatility and long memory. The results reveal the presence of important changes in the time‐varying linkages of the BRICS stock markets with the US and European ones. In particular, the average linkages have significantly been higher between 2007 and the first half of 2012 than the remaining part of the sample, and there is also evidence of a structural change around the Lehman Brothers collapse. We also show the effects of these stylised facts on portfolio risk assessment and forecasting.
Techniques and Indications for Intraoperative Ultrasound in Horses
Authors: Stack John D. , Cousty Matthieu , Sanders Ruth , David Florent
Published: September 2016

Objective

To describe our experience using intraoperative ultrasound for various conditions in horses.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Sample Population

Horses (n=113).

Methods

Medical records including surgical reports at 2 equine hospitals (2007–2013) were reviewed to identify ultrasound‐assisted surgeries. The diagnosis, reasons for using intraoperative ultrasound, the technique employed, and the surgical procedure performed (e.g., synovial endoscopy, cut‐down, resection, dissection, curettage, and implant placement/removal) were recorded for each surgery. Intraoperative ultrasound was used to mark the optimal site for skin incision or to guide instrumentation within the tissues. The incision site was marked on the skin with staples. Depth soundings were taken on the ultrasound, using the caliper‐measuring tool to facilitate dissection. For each surgery, the primary specialist surgeon (ACVS or ECVS) retrospectively recorded whether intraoperative ultrasound was helpful, unhelpful, or harmful.

Results

Intraoperative ultrasound was rated helpful in 105/113 (93%) of surgeries, unhelpful in 7/113 (6%), and harmful in 1/113 (1%) of surgeries.

Conclusion

Intraoperative ultrasound can be a useful adjunct to surgical techniques for various conditions in horses.
Development of a high‐throughput method for real‐time assessment of cellular metabolism in intact long skeletal muscle fibre bundles
Authors: Li Rui , Steyn Frederik J. , Stout Michael B. , Lee Kevin , Cully Tanya R. , Calderón Juan C. , Ngo Shyuan T.
Published: September 2016

Key points

We developed a method that allows for real‐time assessment of cellular metabolism in isolated, intact long skeletal muscle fibre bundles from adult mice.

This method can be used to study changes in mitochondrial function and fuel utilisation in live skeletal muscle fibre bundles.

Our method enables flexibility in experimental design and high‐throughput assessment of mitochondrial parameters in isolated skeletal muscle fibre bundles.

Extensor digitorum longus (EDL) fibre bundles obtained from chronic high‐fat diet fed mice had lower basal oxygen consumption under FCCP‐induced maximal respiration, when compared to control chow‐fed mice.

EDL fibre bundles obtained from chronic high‐fat diet fed mice had enhanced mitochondrial oxidation capacity under FCCP‐induced maximal respiration, when compared to control chow‐fed mice.

Metabolic dysfunction in skeletal muscle contributes to the aetiology and development of muscle diseases and metabolic diseases. As such, assessment of skeletal muscle cellular bioenergetics provides a powerful means to understand the role of skeletal muscle metabolism in disease and to identify possible therapeutic targets. Here, we developed a method that allows for the real‐time assessment of cellular respiration in intact skeletal muscle fibre bundles obtained from the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle of adult mice. Using this method, we assessed the contribution of ATP turnover and proton leak to basal mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate (OCR). Our data demonstrate that the mitochondria in EDL fibres are loosely coupled. Moreover, in the presence of carbonyl cyanide‐p‐trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP), we show that palmitate exposure induced comparable peak OCR and higher total OCR in EDL fibre bundles when compared to pyruvate exposure, suggesting that fatty acids might be a more sustainable fuel source for skeletal muscle when mitochondria are driven to maximal respiration. Application of this method to EDL fibre bundles obtained from chronic high‐fat diet fed mice revealed lower basal OCR and enhanced mitochondrial oxidation capacity in the presence of FCCP when compared to the chow‐diet fed control mice. By using a 96‐well microplate format, our method provides a flexible and efficient platform to investigate mitochondrial parameters of intact skeletal muscle fibres obtained from adult mice.
Obesity‐induced lymphatic dysfunction is reversible with weight loss
Authors: Nitti Matthew D. , Hespe Geoffrey E. , Kataru Raghu P. , García Nores Gabriela D. , Savetsky Ira L. , Torrisi Jeremy S. , Gardenier Jason C. , Dannenberg Andrew J. , Mehrara Babak J.
Published: September 2016

Key points

Obesity induces lymphatic leakiness, decreases initial lymphatic vessel density, impairs collecting vessel pumping and decreases transport of macromolecules.

Obesity results in perilymphatic inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and accumulation of T cells and macrophages.

Deleterious effects of obesity on the lymphatic system correlate with weight gain.

Weight loss restores lymphatic function in obese animals and decreases perilymphatic iNOS and inflammatory cell accumulation.

Although clinical and experimental studies have shown that obesity results in lymphatic dysfunction, it remains unknown whether these changes are permanent or reversible with weight loss. In the current study, we used a mouse model of diet‐induced obesity to identify putative cellular mechanisms of obesity‐induced lymphatic dysfunction, determine whether there is a correlation between these deleterious effects and increasing weight gain, and finally examine whether lymphatic dysfunction is reversible with diet‐induced weight loss. We report that obesity is negatively correlated with cutaneous lymphatic collecting vessel pumping rate (r = –0.9812, P < 0.0005) and initial lymphatic vessel density (r = –0.9449, P < 0.005). In addition, we show a significant positive correlation between weight gain and accumulation of perilymphatic inflammatory cells (r = 0.9872, P < 0.0005) and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS; r = 0.9986, P < 0.0001). Weight loss resulting from conversion to a normal chow diet for 8 weeks resulted in more than a 25% decrease in body weight and normalized cutaneous lymphatic collecting vessel pumping rate, lymphatic vessel density, lymphatic leakiness, and lymphatic macromolecule clearance (all P < 0.05). In addition, weight loss markedly decreased perilymphatic inflammation and iNOS expression. Taken together, our findings show that obesity is linearly correlated with lymphatic dysfunction, perilymphatic inflammation and iNOS expression, and that weight loss via dietary modification effectively reverses these deleterious effects.
Step Ring-Based Three-Dimensional Path Planning Via Graphics Processing Unit Simulation for Subtractive Three-Dimensional Printing
Authors: Wu Zhengkai , Tucker Thomas M. , Nath Chandra , Kurfess Thomas R. , Vuduc Richard W.
Published: September 2016

In this paper, both software model visualization with path simulation and associated machining product are produced based on the step ring-based three-axis path planning to demo model-driven graphics processing unit (GPU) feature in tool path planning and 3D image model classification by GPU simulation. Subtractive 3D printing (i.e., 3D machining) is represented as integration between 3D printing modeling and computer numerical control (CNC) machining via GPU simulated software. Path planning is applied through visualization of surface material removal in high-resolution and 3D path simulation via ring selective path planning based on accessibility of path through pattern selection. First, the step ring selects critical features to reconstruct computer-aided design (CAD) design model as stereolithography (STL) voxel, and then, local optimization is attained within interested ring area for time and energy saving of GPU volume generation as compared to global automatic path planning with longer latency. The reconstructed CAD model comes from an original sample (GATech buzz) with 2D image information. CAD model for optimization and validation is adopted to sustain manufacturing reproduction based on system simulation feedback. To avoid collision with the produced path from retraction path, we pick adaptive ring path generation and prediction in each planning iteration, which may also minimize material removal. Moreover, we did partition analysis and G-code optimization for large-scale model and high density volume data. Image classification and grid analysis based on adaptive 3D tree depth are proposed for multilevel set partition of the model to define no cutting zones. After that, accessibility map is computed based on accessibility space for rotational angular space of path orientation to compare step ring-based pass planning verses global path planning of all geometries. Feature analysis via central processing unit (CPU) or GPU processor for GPU map computation contributes to high-performance computing and cloud computing potential through parallel computing application of subtractive 3D printing in the future.
Evaluating Rigid and Semiflexible Fiber Orientation Evolution Models in Simple Flows
Authors: Lambert Gregory M. , Baird Donald G.
Published: September 2016

As American vehicle fuel efficiency requirements have become more stringent due to the CAFE standards, the auto industry has turned to fiber reinforced polymer composites as replacements for metal parts to reduce weight while simultaneously maintaining established safety standards. Furthermore, these composites may be easily processed using established techniques such as injection molding and compression molding. The mechanical properties of these composites are dependent on, among other variables, the orientation of the fibers within the part. Several models have been proposed to correlate fiber orientation with the kinematics of the polymer matrix during processing, each using various strategies to account for fiber interactions and fiber flexing. However, these all require the use of empirical fitting parameters. Previous work has obtained these parameters by fitting to orientation data at a specific location in an injection-molded part. This ties the parameters to the specific mold design used. Obtaining empirical parameters is not a trivial undertaking and adds significant time to the entire mold design process. Considering that new parameters must be obtained any time some aspect of the part or mold is changed, an alternative technique that obtains model parameters independent of the mold design could be advantageous. This paper continues work looking to obtain empirical parameters from rheological tests. During processing, the fiber–polymer suspension is subjected to a complex flow with both shear and extensional behavior. Rather than use a complex flow, this study seeks to isolate and compare the effects of shear and extension on two orientation models. To this end, simple shear and planar extension are employed, and the evolution of orientation from a planar random initial condition is tracked as a function of strain. Simple shear was imparted using a sliding plate rheometer designed and fabricated in-house. A novel rheometer tool was developed and fabricated in-house to impart planar extension using a lubricated squeeze flow technique, where a low-viscosity Newtonian lubricant is applied to the solid boundaries to minimize the effect of shearing due to the no-slip boundary condition. The Folgar–Tucker model with a strain reduction factor is used as a rigid fiber model and compared against a bead–rod model (a semiflexible model) proposed by Ortman. Both models are capable of predicting the data, with the bead–rod model performing slightly better. Orientation occurs at a much faster rate under startup of planar extension and also attains a much higher degree of flow alignment when compared with startup of steady shear.
Industry 4.0 and Cloud Manufacturing: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Liu Yongkui , Xu Xun
Published: September 2016

Information technologies with their strong penetration can provide effective solutions for addressing the challenges faced by the manufacturing industry. Leveraging information technologies to enhance the competitiveness of the manufacturing industry has become a prominent trend worldwide. In this context, two important concepts for manufacturing—Industry 4.0 and cloud manufacturing—have been proposed. Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution, which is characterized by the widespread application of cyber-physical systems (CPS) in the manufacturing environment. Cloud manufacturing is a new service-oriented business paradigm based on the cloud concept and method. Since their inception, there has been a great deal of attention from both academia and industry. However, to date, they have largely been addressed in isolation. The fact is that, although being proposed from different perspectives and embracing different ideas, they each have some key features that can benefit one another. In order to better understand these two concepts, there is a need to compare them and clarify their relationship. To this end, this paper presents basic ideas of Industry 4.0 and cloud manufacturing, gives a brief overview of their current research, and provides a detailed comparative analysis of them from different perspectives.
Emissions of a Wet Premixed Flame of Natural Gas and a Mixture With Hydrogen at High Pressure
Authors: Stathopoulos P. , Kuhn P. , Wendler J. , Tanneberger T. , Terhaar S. , Paschereit C. O. , Schmalhofer C. , Griebel P. , Aigner M.
Published: September 2016

It is generally accepted that combustion of hydrogen and natural gas mixtures will become more prevalent in the near future, to allow for a further penetration of renewables in the European power generation system. The current work aims at the demonstration of the advantages of steam dilution, when highly reactive combustible mixtures are used in a swirl-stabilized combustor. To this end, high-pressure experiments have been conducted with a generic swirl-stabilized combustor featuring axial air injection to increase flashback safety. The experiments have been conducted with two fuel mixtures, at various pressure levels up to 9 bar and at four levels of steam dilution up to 25% steam-to-air mass flow ratio. Natural gas has been used as a reference fuel, whereas a mixture of natural gas and hydrogen (10% hydrogen by mass) represented an upper limit of hydrogen concentration in a natural gas network with hydrogen enrichment. The results of the emissions measurements are presented along with a reactor network model. The latter is applied as a means to qualitatively understand the chemical processes responsible for the observed emissions and their trends with increasing pressure and steam injection.
Short Helical Combustor: Dynamic Flow Analysis in a Combustion System With Angular Air Supply
Authors: Ariatabar B. , Koch R. , Bauer H.-J.
Published: September 2016

A novel gas turbine combustor is investigated by means of a global flow analysis. Its main feature is the helical arrangement of the burners, which allows the utilization of the high angular momentum of the flow from compressor, so that the length of the flame tube and the number of NGV can be reduced. The concept was studied in Ariatabar et al. (2016, “Short Helical Combustor: Concept Study of an Innovative Gas Turbine Combustor With Angular Air Supply,” ASME J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power, 138(3), p. 031503) based on similarity considerations and a kinematic assessment of the simulated flow in various combustor models. For the best configuration found in the previous work, the exit mean flow angle was lower than the half of its initial value at the combustor inlet. The reason for this unwanted decay of the initial high angular momentum flux was not clear. In the present work, the underlying physics of the strong reduction of the mean flow angle is elucidated by analysis of the integral balance equation of angular momentum. It is shown that the flow in the vicinity of the burners is governed by inertial forces associated with an asymmetric pressure distribution on the sidewall and the combustor dome. The friction and turbulent mixing phenomena are found to have marginal effects on the flow pattern. To compare mean flow quantities of different combustor designs, a physically consistent averaging method is introduced, which can also be applied to a conventional combustor to assess different swirl configurations regarding the resulting flow pattern, mixing performance, and total pressure loss.
Effect of Exit Pressure Pulsation on the Performance and Stability Limit of a Turbocharger Centrifugal Compressor
Authors: Barrera-Medrano Maria Esperanza , Newton Peter , Martinez-Botas Ricardo , Rajoo Srithar , Tomita Isao , Ibaraki Seiichi
Published: September 2016

It is well known that compressor surge imposes a significant limit on the flow range of a turbocharged internal combustion engine. The centrifugal compressor is commonly placed upstream of the inlet manifold, and hence, it is exposed to the intermittent flow regime of the inlet valves. Surge phenomena have been well studied over the past decades, and there still remains limited information with regard to the unsteady impact caused by the inlet valves. This study presents an experimental evaluation of such a situation. Engine representative pulses are created by a downstream system comprising a large volume, two rotating valves, a throttle valve, and the corresponding pipe network. Different pulsation levels are characterized by means of their frequency and the corresponding amplitude at the compressor inlet. The stability limit of the system under study is evaluated with reference to the parameter B proposed by Greitzer (1976, “Surge and Rotating Stall in Axial Flow Compressors—Part II: Experimental Results and Comparison With Theory,” ASME J. Eng. Power, 98(2), pp. 199–211; 1976, “Surge and Rotating Stall in Axial Flow Compressors—Part I: Theoretical Compression System Model,” ASME J. Eng. Power, 98(2), pp. 190–198). B describes the dynamics of the compression system in terms of volume, area, equivalent length, and compressor tip speed as well as the Helmholtz frequency of the system. For a given compressor, as B goes beyond a critical value, the system will exhibit surge as the result of the flow instability progression. The reduced frequency analysis shows that the scroll diffuser operates in an unsteady regime, while the impeller is nearly quasi-steady. In the vicinity of the surge point, under a pulsating flow, the instantaneous operation of the compressor showed significant excursions into the unstable side of the surge line. Furthermore, it has been found that the presence of a volume in the system has the greatest effect on the surge margin of the compressor under the unsteady conditions.
Dynamics Modeling and Trajectory Tracking Control of a Quadrotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Ding Xilun , Wang Xueqiang , Yu Yushu , Zha Changliu
Published: September 2016

Nowadays, the quadrotor is becoming a popular platform in the academic field and the commercial area. Many prototypes have been developed for different applications. In this paper, we present the design and development of a quadrotor system with the function of aerial surveillance for trajectory tracking. Kinematics and dynamics models of the quadrotor are given by Newton–Euler method. A nonlinear controller based on trajectory linearization control approach is designed to stabilize the quadrotor. This controller is divided into two parts as the guidance controller and the attitude controller, which control the translational motion and rotational motion, respectively. A quadrotor prototype is developed to implement the controller. A control strategy is provided for the autonomous flight with procedures of mission planning, trajectory generation, control, and hardware. Simulation tests are used to validate the robustness and the performance of the controller. Several flight experiments have been implemented outdoors. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed controller performs well in trajectory tracking mission, and the appointed functions of this quadrotor system also work well.
A Study on Mechanical Properties and Strengthening Mechanisms of AA5052/ZrB2 In Situ Composites
Authors: Kumar Narendra , Gautam Gaurav , Gautam Rakesh Kumar , Mohan Anita , Mohan Sunil
Published: September 2016

In the present study, in situ reaction technique has been employed to prepare AA5052 matrix composites reinforced with different vol. % of ZrB2 particles (i.e., 0, 4.5, and 9 vol. %). Composites have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) to confirm the in situ formation of ZrB2 particles in the matrix. Optical Microscopy (OM) studies reveal the refinement of aluminum-rich phase due to the presence of ZrB2 particles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies reveal size and distribution of ZrB2 particles while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals the presence of dislocations in the matrix around ZrB2 particles. Hardness and tensile testing of composites have been carried out at room temperature to evaluate the mechanical properties. The results reveal the improvement in hardness and strength with increased amount of ZrB2 particles. Strength of AA5052/ZrB2 in situ composites has been analyzed by various strengthening mechanism models. The analysis revealed that Orowan and Solid solution strengthening mechanisms are the predominant mechanism for high strength composites. Theoretical yield strength is about 6–10% higher than the experimental values due to clustering tendency of ZrB2 particles.