bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A vibration probe sensor for mass flow rate measurement of gas-solid two-phase flow
Authors: Wang Chao , Yu Heyang , Zhan Ni , Kang Xubing , Zhang Jingyu
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a new vibration probe sensor for measurement of particle mass flow rate in gas–solid two phase flow.

Design/methodology/approach

A new vibration probe sensor based on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) piezoelectric film is designed. The particle impact model according to Hertz contacting theory is presented. The average amplitude, standard deviation and spectral peak at the natural frequency of the probe (21.2 kHz) of the signals acquired through experiments are chosen as characteristic quantities for further analysis.

Findings

Through experimental study of relation between three characteristic quantities and the mass flow rate and air flow velocity, a good regularity is found in the average amplitude and the spectral peaks at natural frequency of the probe. According to the particle impact model, the structure of quantitative model is built and parameters of two models are calculated from experimental data. Additionally, tests are made to estimate mass flow rate. The average errors are 5.85 and 4.26 per cent, while the maximum errors are 10.81 and 8.65 per cent. The spectral peak at natural frequency of the probe is more applicable for mass flow rate measurement.

Practical implications

The sensor designed and the quantitative models established may be used in dilute phase pneumatic conveying lines of coal-fired power plants, cement manufacturing facilities and so on.

Originality/value

First, the new sensor is designed and the quantitative models are established. Second, the spectral peak at natural frequency of the probe is found that can be used for measurement of mass flow rate.
Sensory system integration of the designed mechatronics Touch Hand
Authors: van der Riet Drew , Stopforth Riaan , Bright Glen , Diegel Olaf
Published: April 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the electronic design of the Touch Hand: a low-cost electrically powered prosthetic hand. The hand is equipped with an array of sensors allowing for position control and haptic sensation. Pressure sensors are used on the fingertips to detect grip force. A temperature sensor placed in the fingertip is used to measure the contact temperature of objects. Investigations are made into the use of cantilever vibration sensors to detect surface texture and object slippage. The hand is capable of performing a lateral grip of 3.7 N, a power grip of 19.5 N and to passively hold a weight of up to 8 kg with a hook grip. The hand is also tested on an amputee and used to perform basic tasks. The amputee took 30 min to learn how to operate the hands basic gripping functions.

Design/methodology/approach

Problems of previous prosthetic hands were investigated, followed by ways to improve or have similar capabilities, yet keeping in mind to reduce the price. The hand was then designed, simulated, developed and then tested. The hand was then displayed to public and tested with an amputee.

Findings

The Touch Hand’s capabilities with the usage of the low-cost materials, components and sensory system was obtained in the tests that were conducted. The results are shown in this paper to identify the appropriateness of the sensors for a usage while the costs are reduced. Furthermore, models were developed from the results obtained to take into account factors such as the non-slip material.

Research limitations/implications

The research was restricted to a US$1,000 budget to allow the availability of a low-cost prosthetic hand.

Practical implications

The Touch Hand had to have the ability to supply the amputee with haptic feedback while allowing the basic grasping of objects. The commercial value is the availability of an affordable prosthetic hand that can be used by amputees in Africa and other Lower-Income countries, yet allowing a more advanced control system compared to the pure mechanical systems currently available.

Social implications

The Touch Hand has the ability to give amputees affected in war situations the ability to grasp objects in a more affordable manner compared to the current available options. Feedback from amputees about the current features of the Touch Hand was very positive and it proves to be a way to improve society in Lower-Income countries in the near future. A sponsorship program is being developed to assist amputees with the costs of the Touch Hand.

Originality/value

The contributions of this research is a low-cost prototype system than can be commercialized to allow amputees in the Lower-Income countries to have the ability of a prosthetic hand. A sensory system in the hand is also explained which other low-cost prosthetic hands do not have, which includes temperature, force and vibration. Models of the sensors used that are developed and calibrated to the design of the hand are also described.
Back to the roots – dermatology in ancient Egyptian medicine
Authors: Hartmann Anke
Published: April 2016

Although ancient Greek and Roman medicine is generally considered the origin of European medicine, there is evidence in ancient Egyptian texts suggesting a precursor role of ancient Egyptian medicine in this regard. What did Greek and Roman physicians learn from their Egyptian counterparts? Of the medical papyri discovered to date, the largest and most significant – the Ebers papyrus and the Smith papyrus – originate from the beginning of the New Kingdom, however, they were – at least in part – already written during the Old Kingdom. Considering the times, the spectrum of diseases treated as well as the range of conservative and surgical treatment methods was truly astounding. Taking a medical history, performing a thorough manual examination, and assessing clinical findings constituted key components in establishing a diagnosis. Apart from hygienic aspects, skin and hair disorders, the treatment of acute and chronic wounds and injuries as well as cosmetic procedures took on an important role. Even back then, physicians sought to assess inflammatory processes with respect to their cardinal features, implement graded wound therapy, and treat diseases with allopathic drugs. The ‘channel theory’ prevalent at that time, in which the unimpeded flow of bodily fluids was considered a fundamental prerequisite for health, may likely be regarded as precursor of ancient Greek humoral pathology. The latter became the basis for the subsequently established theory of the four humors, and was thus essential for the entire field of medieval medicine.
Action observation in infancy: implications for neuro‐rehabilitation
Authors: Burzi Valentina , Tealdi Gessica , Boyd Roslyn N , Guzzetta Andrea
Published: April 2016

Action observation therapy has been found to be effective in improving hand motor function in both adults with stroke and children with unilateral cerebral palsy. We here propose a provocative hypothesis arguing that the same therapy might be effective in very early intervention in infants with unilateral or asymmetric brain damage, but through a different underlying mechanism. If the activation of motor networks induced in infancy by action observation enhances the excitability of the damaged sensorimotor cortex, it could also accelerate the maturation of the corticospinal tract and the adaptive shaping of the spinal motor circuits. This hypothesis should be explored carefully in prospective studies and, if confirmed, might support the use of action observation therapy at a much earlier time than experimented so far.
Prognostic significance of neurological signs in high‐risk infants – a systematic review
Authors: Hamer Elisa G , Hadders‐Algra Mijna
Published: April 2016

The aim of this paper was to systematically review the literature on the significance of specific neurological signs in infancy, in particular in infants at risk for developmental problems such as cerebral palsy (CP). A literature search was performed using the databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and AMED. Papers on infantile reactions (‘primitive reflexes’) and postural reactions were included if data were available allowing for calculation of sensitivity, specificity, or positive and negative predictive value for CP or atypical developmental outcome. Our search identified 23 articles on 20 different neurological signs. Properties of six neurological signs were reported in at least three different papers. The data indicated that, in early infancy, an absent Moro or plantar grasp response may be predictive for adverse developmental outcome. After early infancy, persistence of the Moro response and asymmetric tonic neck reflex was clinically significant. Prediction of a delayed emergence of the parachute reaction increases with age. Abnormal performances on the pull‐to‐sit manoeuvre and vertical suspension test have predictive significance throughout infancy. The neurological signs reviewed have some predictive value in infants at risk. For most of the signs, criteria for abnormality and significance are age‐dependent.
Instability in Parent–Child Coresidence and Adolescent Development in Urban South Africa
Authors: Marteleto Letícia J. , Cavanagh Shannon , Prickett Kate , Clark Shelley
Published: April 2016

There is widespread recognition of the importance of family stability for child development. South Africa presents an interesting context in which to study the consequences of family instability because of the traditionally fluid nature of household composition due to labor migration, child fostering, and non‐marital fertility. More recently, the HIV pandemic has added another source of instability. Within South Africa, however, patterns of instability differ markedly across racial groups. We use the Cape Area Panel Study (CAPS) data to examine the implications of changes in parent–child coresidence for educational and sexual development of young South Africans. We show that changes in maternal and paternal coresidence have implications for the timing of sexual initiation for both black and coloured adolescents. Maternal and paternal transitions also lead to poorer educational outcomes for coloured adolescents, but parental disruptions are not significantly related to educational outcomes for blacks. These findings suggest that the implications of coresidential instability vary by race, reflecting racial differences with respect to cultural, social, and economic conditions.
Respondents’ Exposure to Community‐based Services and Reported Fertility‐Regulation Behavior: A Decade of Data from the Navrongo Community Health and Family Planning Project
Authors: Jackson Elizabeth F. , Bawah Ayaga A. , Williams John E. , Phillips James F.
Published: April 2016

This article examines a decade of demographic surveillance data from rural northern Ghana linked with prospective panel survey data recording respondents’ reported fertility‐regulation behavior. We assess the impact of access to community‐based contraceptive services, reported fertility‐regulation behavior, and their interaction on the risk of a conception that results in a birth. The effects of service exposure differ by marital status. Reported use of any method to delay or avoid pregnancy appears to be more effective in reducing the risk of conception among the unmarried in areas offering community‐based contraceptive services, relative to those in areas where services are facility based. Among both married and unmarried survey respondents who state that they are not using contraception, the risk of conception is lower among women in areas with community‐based services than among women in communities without these services. The lower risk of conception among women who are receiving community‐based services and who report that they are regulating their fertility may be due to increased efficacy and duration of fertility regulation. Among women who report that they are not regulating their fertility, under‐reporting of contraceptive use in experimental areas is likely to play a role in explaining these findings.
From Wessex to India: Adapting Hardy's Tess in Trishna
Authors: Maier Sarah E.
Published: April 2016

Thomas Hardy's novels have been translated into Western film culture now for a century, and, most recently, a welcome filmic consideration of Tess of the d'Urbervilles (1891) is provided in Trishna (2010). Written and directed by Michael Winterbottom, the film is an adaptation of the tragic tale of Tess d'Urberville from Wessex into the equally difficult life of Trishna from Rajasthan, India. This article considers how Hardy's tale translates into a different, 21st century country, and how the portrait of Winterbottom's heroine and the contextual complexities found in the filmic narrative maintain – in spite of changes in place, space and character(s) – the integrity of Hardy's original novel.
Anxiety, Angst, and the Search for Hardy's Chinese Tw[a]in
Authors: Qi Shouhua
Published: April 2016

Despite the sorely noted scarcity of China allusion in the entire body of his works, Hardy remains a favorite Western author for Chinese students and scholars alike. Hastily equipped with critical apparatuses such as ecocriticism, narratology, postcolonialism, translation studies, and comparative literature, they go on a search for intertextual resonances between Hardy and Chinese authors. The search for Hardy and China “kinship” is driven by the anxiety to place Chinese literature, and indeed Chinese culture/civilization, back on an equal footing of significance with that of the West, and by the angst to find meaning and connectivity in a world that is, despite globalization, increasingly fractured. Although the result is sometimes a mixed bag of insight and impressionistic guesswork, the (re)search for Hardy and China “kinship” helps shine light on translingual and transcultural convergences despite apparent and sometimes overhyped dissonances between China and the West.
The Brazilian translations of Thomas Hardy's novels
Authors: Paganine Carolina
Published: April 2016

This paper examines the existing Brazilian Portuguese translations of Thomas Hardy's novels, drawing attention to the specific problem of dialect translation, and it also examines the general reception of Hardy's works, as exhibited in articles, prefaces, translators' notes, as well as in the translations themselves. In Brazil, Hardy started being translated in the 1940s, a period in which translation and the book industry was booming in the country because of a shortage of production in Europe during the wars. Jude and The Well‐Beloved were translated in this decade, and Tess was translated in the 1960s. There was then a gap until 2003, when a new translation of The Well‐Beloved was published. But before all that, in the 1920s, Thomas Hardy was read by a rising Brazilian intellectual, Gilberto Freyre, who became interested in how Hardy combined the regional and the universal in his works so as to expand their boundaries and reinvent the regionalist genre. In contrast, Freyre's contemporary, Sérgio Buarque de Holanda, sought in Hardy the tragic and the modern, associating these features with the universal appeal of Hardy's works and reflecting on their afterlife. With regard to the translation of dialect, this paper suggests that the earlier translators' strategies were closely connected to the view at the time of what constituted appropriate literary language, whereas the different perceptions of Hardy seem to struggle to fit his works into categories that related to domestic literary interests.
Open Patellar Tendon Tenotomy and Debridement Combined with Suture‐bridging Double‐row Technique for Severe Patellar Tendinopathy
Authors: Zhang Bo , Qu Tie‐bing , Pan Jiang , Wang Zhi‐wei , Zhang Xiao‐dong , Ren Shi‐xiang , Wen Liang , Chen Tong , Ma De‐si , Lin Yuan , Cheng Cheng‐Kung
Published: April 2016

Objective

To create a new surgical procedure for chronic severe patellar tendinopathy and to evaluate its clinical efficacy.

Methods

In this retrospective study, the data of 12 patients with severe patellar tendinopathy in 14 knees who had undergone surgical treatment at Beijing Chao‐Yang Hospital between 1 March 2009 and 1 August 2013 were analyzed. Inclusion criteria included severe patellar tendinopathy (PhaseIII), conservative therapy for more than 6 months, American Society of Anesthesiology status GradeI–II, and body mass index <30. Patients with severe osteoporosis, complete tendon disruption (PhaseIV) and those who were unable to cooperate were excluded. There were 8 men (10 knees) and 4 women (4 knees) cases. The patients’ ages ranged from 38 to 54 years (mean, 45.3 years). All surgeries had been performed by the same physician. Surgical treatment comprised incising open patellar midline tenotomy, complete debridement and suture‐bridging double‐row fixation. Isotonic and kinetic chain exercises were implemented after the second post‐operative week. A gradual increase to full weight‐bearing was allowed after the third post‐operative week and a gradual return to unrestricted use of the leg after the eighth post‐operative week. Preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and Lysholm knee scores were obtained from the medical records or at recent postoperative follow‐up visits and the results compared using Student's two‐tailed pairedt‐test.

Results

VASscores decreased by a mean of 6.7 points (range, 1.1–7.8 points) during follow‐up (minimum duration 14 months; range, 14–44 months) and Lysholm scores increased from 55.7 ± 6.5 points to 90.4 ± 6.2 points. Three cases (4 knees) achieved excellent outcomes (≥95 points) and 9 cases (10 knees) good outcomes (range, 86–94 points). No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. There were significant differences between preoperative and postoperativeVASand Lysholm scores (P< 0.01).

Conclusions

All study patients achieved good or excellent outcomes. No patellar tendon rupture or suture fixation failure occurred during follow‐up. Suture‐bridging double‐row fixation is a simple and reliable method that not only improves patients’ clinical symptoms, but also restores knee joint function.
Perioperative Period of a Hemophilia‐related Osteoarthropathy Therapeutic Regimen and Analysis of Complications
Authors: Li Ye , Weng Xi‐sheng , Lin Jin , Jin Jin , Qian Wen‐wei , Zhang Bao‐zhong , Gao Peng , Zhai Ji‐liang
Published: April 2016

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of our department's therapeutic regimen and treatment of complications during the perioperative period of hemophilia‐related osteoarthropathy.

Methods

In this retrospective study, data on 101 patients with hemophilia who had undergone operative treatment in our hospital from January 2000 to August 2014 were assessed. Ninety‐one of the patients had hemophilia A and 10 hemophilia B. All patients were male. Changes in Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), Harris and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, occurrence of complications during the perioperative period and the clinical treatment and prognosis pre‐ and postoperatively and during follow‐up were analyzed. Relevant clinical data were obtained through telephone calls, outpatient follow‐up, and medical clinical record searches.

Results

The 101 patients who were followed up (for an average of 96 months) had 147 orthopedic operations, including joint replacement, hemophilia‐related false tumor resections, and tendo‐achillis lengthening. The HSS scores for knee surgeries increased from 52 points preoperatively to 86 postoperatively, Harris scores for hip joint surgery from 26 to 87 points, respectively, and AOFAS scores for foot and ankle surgeries from 39 to 81 points, respectively. Eight patients had wound complications, four intra‐articular hematomas, two peroneal nerve injuries, one a proximal femur splitting fracture and one deep venous thrombosis.

Conclusions

Surgical treatment is a safe and reliable choice for addressing complications including hemophilia‐related osteoarthropathy given the implementation of effective measures for treatment during the perioperative period.
Circumferential Decompression via a ModifiedCostotransversectomy Approach for the Treatment of Single Level Hard Herniated Disc between T10–L1
Authors: Pei Bo , Sun Chao , Xue Ruoyan , Xue Yuan , Zhao Ying , Zong Ya‐qi , Lin Wei , Wang Pei
Published: April 2016

Objective

To describe a novel surgical strategy for circumferentially decompressing the T10–L1 spinal canal when impinged upon by single level hard thoracic herniated disc (HTHD) via a modified costotransversectomy approach.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of 26 patients (17 men, 9 women; mean age at surgery 48.5 years, range 20–77 years) who had undergone single level HTHD between T10–L1 by circumferential decompression via a modified costotransversectomy approach. The characteristics of the approach are using a posterior midline covered incision, which keeps the paraspinal muscle intact and ensures direct visualization of circumferential spinal cord decompression of single level HTHD between T10–L1.

Results

The average operative time was 208 ± 36 min (range, 154–300 min), mean blood loss 789 ± 361 mL (range, 300–2000 mL), mean preoperative and postoperative mJOA scores 5.2 ± 1.5 and 9.0 ± 1.3, respectively (t = 19.7, P < 0.05). The rate of recovery of neurological function ranged from 33.3% to 100%. The ASIA grade improved in 24 patients (92.3%) and stabilized (no grade change) in two (7.7%). MRI indicated that the cross‐sectional area of the dural sac at the level of maximum compression increased from 45.0 ± 5.8 mm2 preoperatively to 113.5 ± 6.1 mm2 postoperatively (t = 68.2, P < 0.05). Anterior tibialis muscle strength of the 15 patients with foot drop had a mean recovery rate of 95% at final follow‐up. One patient who resumed work early after the surgery showed a significantly augmented Cobb angle. One patient had transient postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage. No patients showed neurological deterioration.

Conclusions

This procedure achieves sufficient direct visualization for circumferential decompression of the spinal cord via a posterior midline covered costotransversectomy approach with friendly bleeding control and without muscle sacrifice. It is a reasonable alternative treatment option for thoracic myelopathy caused by single level HTHD between T10–L1.
Clinical Significance of a Novel Knee Joint Stability Assessment System for Evaluating Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficient Knees
Authors: Yao Zi‐long , Wang Shao‐bai , Zhang Yu , Huang Wen‐han , Shen Hong‐yuan , Ma Li‐min , Huang Hua‐yang , Xia Hong
Published: April 2016

Objective

To investigate the six degrees of freedom (6DOF) kinematics of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficient knees during gait and to explore the clinical significance of a novel knee joint stability assessment system (Opti_Knee, Innomotion, Shanghai, China) in comparison with imaging and arthroscopic examination.

Methods

Three subjects diagnosed with ACL deficient knees on the basis of preoperative MRI and CT findings were subjected to treadmill gait analysis. Motion of both knees in 6DOF was measured and analyzed with an optical joint kinematics measurement system. Arthroscopic examination, the gold standard, was performed to confirm the final diagnosis and the clinical diagnosis of ACL deficiency by imaging and motion marker techniques compared with this gold standard.

Results

Only two of the three subjects diagnosed with ACL deficiency by imaging techniques were later confirmed to have this condition by arthroscopic examination; the third was found to have an intact ACL. When the kinematics of their injured and contralateral knees were compared, abnormalities were found in the two subjects confirmed by arthroscopy to be ACL deficient However, no kinematic difference between the two knees was found in the ACL intact subject.

Conclusions

Opti_Knee (Innomotion) can detect abnormal kinematics in ACL deficient knees and thus provides an effective way of assisting the diagnosis of this condition and has potential for clinical application.
Investigation on Pressure Fluctuation Related to Mild Surge in Multistage Centrifugal Blower With Inlet Guide Vane
Authors: Hiradate Kiyotaka , Joukou Satoshi , Sakamoto Kiyohide , Shinkawa Yasushi , Uchiyama Takeshi
Published: April 2016

Centrifugal blowers are widely used for gas compression in a variety of industrial fields; however, a wider operating range is required in these machines. Investigations on the generation mechanism of unsteady flow (i.e., surge) are very important to improve the operating range. The purpose of this study is to clarify the generation mechanism of pressure fluctuations in a multistage centrifugal blower equipped with inlet guide vanes (IGVs) upstream during the first stage under the IGVs partially open condition. These pressure fluctuations occur at flowrates when the slope of the total system head curve is steeply negative. According to our previous study on the detailed unsteady pressure measurements, this pressure oscillation is supposed to be the mild surge caused by the positive slope of the head curves at the second to the last stages. The slope of the total system head curve was kept negative due to the steeply negative slope of the head curve during the first stage. Thus, the whole compression system seemed to be stable. To confirm the validity of this hypothesis, system dynamic simulations based on Greitzer's lumped-parameter model were conducted using newly measured static pressure-rise characteristic curves of each stage in a four-stage centrifugal blower. In these simulations, the pressure-rise characteristic curves of the first stage and the second to last stages were modeled as two different actuator disks, and the stabilization/destabilization effects of each stage on the system dynamic characteristics were separately taken into account under the IGVs partially open condition. The system dynamic simulation reproduced the mild surge behavior of the system under the IGVs partially open condition when the slope of the total system head curve was still kept steeply negative. The calculated amplitude and frequency of the pressure fluctuations caused by the mild surge showed satisfactory agreement with the measured ones. However, the inception flowrate of the system instability in the simulation was approximately 7% smaller than that in the measurement. From these results, we confirmed that the pressure fluctuation occurred under the IGVs partially open condition was caused by the mild surge due to the positive slope of the pressure-rise characteristic during the second to last stage. In addition, we found that this mild surge was caused by the stall of the vaned diffusers during the second to last stage.
High-Fidelity Simulations of Low-Pressure Turbines: Effect of Flow Coefficient and Reduced Frequency on Losses
Authors: Michelassi V. , Chen L. , Pichler R. , Sandberg R. , Bhaskaran R.
Published: April 2016

Large eddy simulations validated with the aid of direct numerical simulation (DNS) are used to study the concerted action of reduced frequency and flow coefficient on the performance of the T106A low-pressure turbine profile. The simulations are carried out by using a discretization in space and time that allows minimizing the accuracy loss with respect to DNS. The reference Reynolds number is 100,000, while reduced frequency and flow coefficient cover a range wide enough to provide valid qualitative information to designers. The various configurations reveal differences in the loss generation mechanism that blends steady and unsteady boundary layer losses with unsteady wake ingestion losses. Large values of the flow coefficient can alter the pressure side unsteadiness and the consequent loss generation. Low values of the flow coefficient are associated with wake fogging and reduced unsteadiness around the blade. The reduced frequency further modulates these effects. The simulations also reveal a clear trend of losses with the wake path, discussed by conducting a loss-breakdown analysis that distinguishes boundary layer from wake distortion losses.
Characterizing Wave Behavior in a Beam Experiment by Using Complex Orthogonal Decomposition
Authors: Caldwell Rickey A. , Feeny Brian F.
Published: April 2016

Complex orthogonal decomposition (COD) is applied to an experimental beam to extract the dispersive wave properties from response measurements. The beam is made of steel and is rectangular with a constant cross section. One end of the beam is free and is hung by a soft elastic cord. An impulse is applied to the free-end. The other end is buried in sand to absorb the wave as it travels from the impact site on the free-end; this effectively prevents reflections of the wave off the buried end and emulates a semi-infinite beam. The beam response is measured with an array of accelerometers, whose signals are integrated to obtain an ensemble of displacement signals. Acceleration responses are also compared in the frequency domain to predictions from the Euler–Bernoulli model. COD is applied to the displacement ensemble to obtain complex modal vectors and associated complex modal coordinates (COCs). The spatial whirl rates of nearly harmonic modal vectors are used to extract the modal wave numbers, and the temporal whirl rates of the modal coordinates are used to estimate the modal frequencies. The dispersion relationship between the frequencies and wave numbers compare favorably to those of the theoretical infinite Euler–Bernoulli beam.
A perfectly matched layer formulation for modeling transient wave propagation in an unbounded fluid–solid medium
Authors: Assi Hisham , Cobbold Richard S. C.
Published: April 2016

Wave propagation in an infinite medium can be numerically simulated by surrounding a finite region by a perfectly matched layer (PML). When the medium is heterogeneous consisting of both solids and liquids, careful consideration is needed in specifying the properties of the PML especially because parts of it lie at the solid–fluid interface. While such a situation could arise in many important fields including marine seismology, where water is in contact with earth, and in biomedical ultrasound, where soft tissue is in contact with bone, no PML formulation exists to appropriately model such coupled problems. Here, a second-order time-domain PML formulation for fluid–solid heterogeneous media in two dimensions that satisfies the interface coupling boundary condition throughout the computational domain is presented. Numerical results are given to establish the applicability and accuracy of such a PML formulation in discrete settings without causing stability issues, spurious reflections, or any other problems. In particular, the effectiveness of the PML in absorbing all kinds of bulk waves, as well as surface and evanescent waves, is studied.
Conformational photoswitching of a synthetic peptide foldamer bound within a phospholipid bilayer
Authors: De Poli Matteo , Zawodny Wojciech , Quinonero Ophélie , Lorch Mark , Webb Simon J. , Clayden Jonathan
Published: April 2016

Synthetic twists among lipids

Proteins embedded in cell membranes perform a wide variety of signaling and transport functions through conformational shifts. De Poli
et al.
examined how a much smaller, simpler construct might begin to achieve similar aims (see the Perspective by Thiele and Ulrich). Specifically, they designed an artificial peptide with a photosensitive group at one end and embedded it in a phospholipid bilayer akin to a membrane. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed how light-induced isomerization influenced conformational dynamics at the other end. The results point the way toward development of small-molecule–based switches in membrane environments.

Science
, this issue p.
575
; see also p.
520
Draft Genome Sequence of the N
2
-Fixing Cyanobacterium
Nostoc piscinale
CENA21, Isolated from the Brazilian Amazon Floodplain
Authors: Leão Tiago , Guimarães Pedro Ivo , de Melo Aline Grasielle Costa , Ramos Rommel Thiago Jucá , Leão Pedro Nuno , Silva Artur , Fiore Marli Fatima , Schneider Maria Paula Cruz
Published: April 2016

We announce here the draft genome sequence of
Nostoc piscinale
CENA21, a diazotrophic heterocyst-forming cyanobacterium isolated from the Solimões River, Amazon Basin, Brazil. It consists of one circular chromosome scaffold with 11 contigs and total size of 7,094,556 bp. Secondary metabolite annotations indicate a good source for the discovery of novel natural products.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Mycobacterium fortuitum
Isolated from Murine Brain
Authors: Singh Alok Kumar , Karaulia Pratiksha , Chopra Sidharth , Dasgupta Arunava
Published: April 2016

Mycobacterium fortuitum
subsp.
fortuitum
ATCC 6841 is a type and standard laboratory testing quality control strain. We report here the completed draft genome sequence for a strain isolated from the brains of
M. fortuitum
-infected mice.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Paenibacillus amylolyticus
Heshi-A3, Isolated from Fermented Rice Bran in a Japanese Fermented Seafood Dish
Authors: Akuzawa Sayuri , Nagaoka Junko , Kanekatsu Motoki , Kubota Eri , Ohtake Rumi , Suzuki Tomonori , Kanesaki Yu
Published: April 2016

Paenibacillus amylolyticus
strain Heshi-A3 was isolated in Fukui prefecture, Japan, from fermented rice bran in Heshiko, a traditional dish that is produced by aging salted mackerel with fresh rice bran at an ambient temperature for around 7 months to over one year. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Paenibacillus amylolyticus
strain Heshi-A3.
Role of illness in male professional football: not a major contributor to time loss
Authors: Bjørneboe John , Kristenson Karolina , Waldén Markus , Bengtsson Håkan , Ekstrand Jan , Hägglund Martin , Rønsen Ola , Andersen Thor Einar
Published: April 2016

Background

There are limited data on the nature, type and incidence of illness in football. Previous studies indicate that gastrointestinal and respiratory tract illnesses are most common.

Aim

To describe the incidence and burden of illness in male professional football.

Methods

Over the 4-year study period, 2011–2014, 73 professional football teams in Europe participated, with a total of 1 261 367 player-days recorded. All time-loss illnesses were recorded by the medical staff of each club. A recordable illness episode was any physical or psychological symptom (not related to injury) that resulted in the player being unable to participate fully in training or match play.

Results

A total of 1914 illness episodes were recorded. The illness incidence was 1.5 per 1000 player-days, meaning that, on average, a player experienced an illness episode every second season, with a median of 3 days absence per illness episode. Severe illness (absence >4 weeks) constituted 2% of all illnesses. Respiratory tract illness was the most common (58%), followed by gastrointestinal illness (38%). Respiratory tract illness, gastrointestinal illness and cardiovascular illness caused the highest illness burden.

Conclusions

The illness incidence among male professional football players is low compared with the injury incidence. We found that the highest illness burden was caused by illness to the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system.
Gravitational rescue of minimal gauge mediation
Authors: Iyer Abhishek M. , Mummidi V. Suryanarayana , Vempati Sudhir K.
Published: April 2016

Gravity mediated supersymmetry breaking becomes comparable to gauge mediated supersymmetry breaking contributions when messenger masses are close to the GUT scale. By suitably arranging the gravity contributions, one can modify the soft supersymmetry breaking sector to generate a large stop mixing parameter and a light Higgs mass of 125 GeV. In this kind of hybrid models, however, the nice features of gauge mediation like flavor conservation, etc. are lost. To preserve the nice features, gravitational contributions should become important for lighter messenger masses and should be important only for certain fields. This is possible when the hidden sector contains multiple (at least two) spurions with hierarchical vacuum expectation values. In this case, the gravitational contributions can be organized to be “just right.” We present a complete model with two spurion hidden sector where the gravitational contribution is from a warped flavor model in a Randall–Sundrum setting. Along the way, we present simple expressions to handle renormalization group equations when supersymmetry is broken by two different sectors at two different scales.
Nonminimal kinetic coupled gravity: Inflation on the warped DGP brane
Authors: Darabi F. , Parsiya A. , Atazadeh K.
Published: April 2016

We consider the nonminimally kinetic coupled version of DGP brane model, where the kinetic term of the scalar field is coupled to the metric and Einstein tensor on the brane by a coupling constant [Formula: see text]. We obtain the corresponding field equations, using the Friedmann–Robertson–Walker metric and the perfect fluid, and study the inflationary scenario to confront the numerical analysis of six typical scalar field potentials with the current observational results. We find that among the suggested potentials and coupling constants, subject to the e-folding [Formula: see text], the potentials [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] provide the best fits with both Planck+WP+highL data and Planck+WP+highL+BICEP2 data.
The quantum holonomy-diffeomorphism algebra and quantum gravity
Authors: Aastrup Johannes , Grimstrup Jesper Møller
Published: April 2016

We introduce the quantum holonomy-diffeomorphism ∗-algebra, which is generated by holonomy-diffeomorphisms on a three-dimensional manifold and translations on a space of SU(2)-connections. We show that this algebra encodes the canonical commutation relations of canonical quantum gravity formulated in terms of Ashtekar variables. Furthermore, we show that semiclassical states exist on the holonomy-diffeomorphism part of the algebra but that these states cannot be extended to the full algebra. Via a Dirac-type operator we derive a certain class of unbounded operators that act in the GNS construction of the semiclassical states. These unbounded operators are the type of operators, which we have previously shown to entail the spatial three-dimensional Dirac operator and Dirac–Hamiltonian in a semiclassical limit. Finally, we show that the structure of the Hamilton constraint emerges from a Yang–Mills-type operator over the space of SU(2)-connections.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MONOTONE QUANTILE REGRESSION METHODS FOR FINANCIAL RETURNS
Authors: CAI YUZHI
Published: April 2016

Quantile regression methods have been used widely in finance to alleviate estimation problems related to the impact of outliers and the fat-tailed error distribution of financial returns. However, a potential problem with the conventional quantile regression method is that the estimated conditional quantiles may cross over, leading to a failure of the analysis. It is noticed that the crossing over issues usually occur at high or low quantile levels, which are the quantile levels of great interest when analyzing financial returns. Several methods have appeared in the literature to tackle this problem. This study compares three methods, i.e. Cai & Jiang, Bondell et al. and Schnabel & Eilers, for estimating noncrossing conditional quantiles by using four financial return series. We found that all these methods provide similar quantiles at nonextreme quantile levels. However, at extreme quantile levels, the methods of Bondell et al. and Schnabel & Eilers may underestimate (overestimate) upper (lower) extreme quantiles, while that of Cai & Jiang may overestimate (underestimate) upper (lower) extreme quantiles. All methods provide similar median forecasts.
Balancing While Executing Competing Reaching Tasks: An Attractor-Based Whole-Body Motion Control System Using Gravitational Stiffness
Authors: Moro Federico L.
Published: April 2016

Whole-body control (WBC) systems represent a wide range of complex movement skills in the form of low-dimensional task descriptors which are projected on to the robot’s actuator space. Using these methods allow to exploit the full capabilities of the entire body of redundant, floating-base robots in compliant multi-contact interaction with the environment, to execute any single task and simultaneous multiple tasks. This paper presents an attractor-based whole-body motion control (WBMC) system, developed for torque-control of floating-base robots. The attractors are defined as atomic control modules that work in parallel to, and independently from the other attractors, generating joint torques that aim to modify the state of the robot so that the error in a target condition is minimized. Balance of the robot is guaranteed by the simultaneous activation of an attractor to the minimum effort configuration, and of an attractor to a zero joint momentum. A novel formulation of the minimum effort is proposed based on the assumption that whenever the gravitational stiffness is maximized, the effort is consequently minimized. The effectiveness of the WBMC was experimentally demonstrated with the COMAN humanoid robot in a physical simulation, in scenarios where multiple conflicting tasks had to be accomplished simultaneously.
North Korea's Politics: Path of Reclusive Tyranny
Authors: KIM Sung Chull
Published: April 2016

Kim Jong-un's obsession with full control of power and his single-minded pursuit of nuclear advancement, as seen in the fourth nuclear test in January 2016, have further isolated his country. North Korea apparently is taking a revisionist strategy: to change the rule of the game in Northeast Asia and in inter-Korean relations. North Korea exploits the Chinese dilemma of condemning the defiant behaviour but cannot abandon the country.
Prevention of gallbladder hypomotility via FATP2 inhibition protects from lithogenic diet-induced cholelithiasis
Authors: Tharp Kevin M. , Khalifeh-Soltani Amin , Park Hyo Min , Yurek David A. , Falcon Alaric , Wong Louis , Feng Rouying , Atabai Kamran , Stahl Andreas
Published: April 2016

Gallstone disease is a widespread disorder costing billions for annual treatment in the United States. The primary mechanisms underlying gallstone formation are biliary cholesterol supersaturation and gallbladder hypomotility. The relative contribution of these two processes has been difficult to dissect, as experimental lithogenic diets cause both bile supersaturation and alterations in gallbladder motility. Importantly, there is no mechanistic explanation for obesity as a major risk factor for cholelithiasis. We discovered that lithogenic diets induce ectopic triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation, a major feature of obesity and a known muscle contraction impairing condition. We hypothesized that prevention of TAG accumulation in gallbladder walls may prevent gallbladder contractile dysfunction without impacting biliary cholesterol saturation. We utilized adeno-associated virus-mediated knock down of the long-chain fatty acid transporter 2 (FATP2; Slc27A2), which is highly expressed by gallbladder epithelial cells, to downregulate lithogenic diet-associated TAG accumulation. FATP2-knockdown significantly reduced gallbladder TAG, but did not affect key bile composition parameters. Importantly, measurements with force displacement transducers showed that contractile strength in FATP2-knockdown gallbladders was significantly greater than in control gallbladders following lithogenic diet administration, and the magnitude of this effect was sufficient to prevent the formation of gallstones. FATP2-driven fatty acid uptake and the subsequent TAG accumulation in gallbladder tissue plays a pivotal role in cholelithiasis, and prevention of this process can protect from gallstone formation, even in the context of supersaturated bile cholesterol levels, thus pointing to new treatment approaches and targets.
Noncanonical WNT-5B signaling induces inflammatory responses in human lung fibroblasts
Authors: van Dijk Eline M. , Menzen Mark H. , Spanjer Anita I. R. , Middag Laurens D. C. , Brandsma Corry-Anke A. , Gosens Reinoud
Published: April 2016

COPD is a progressive chronic lung disease characterized by pulmonary inflammation. Several recent studies indicate aberrant expression of WNT ligands and Frizzled receptors in the disease. For example, WNT-5A/B ligand expression was recently found to be increased in lung fibroblasts of COPD patients. However, possible effects of WNT-5A and WNT-5B on inflammation have not been investigated yet. In this study, we assessed the regulation of inflammatory cytokine release in response to WNT-5A/B signaling in human lung fibroblasts. Primary human fetal lung fibroblasts (MRC-5), and primary lung fibroblasts from COPD patients and non-COPD controls were treated with recombinant WNT-5A or WNT-5B to assess IL-6 and CXCL8 cytokine secretion and gene expression levels. Following WNT-5B, and to a lesser extent WNT-5A stimulation, fibroblasts showed increased IL-6 and CXCL8 cytokine secretion and mRNA expression. WNT-5B-mediated IL-6 and CXCL8 release was higher in fibroblasts from COPD patients than in non-COPD controls. In MRC-5 fibroblasts, WNT-5B-induced CXCL8 release was mediated primarily via the Frizzled-2 receptor and TAK1 signaling, whereas canonical β-catenin signaling was not involved. In further support of noncanonical signaling, we showed activation of JNK, p38, and p65 NF-κB by WNT-5B. Furthermore, inhibition of JNK and p38 prevented WNT-5B-induced IL-6 and CXCL8 secretion, whereas IKK inhibition prevented CXCL8 secretion only, indicating distinct pathways for WNT-5B-induced IL-6 and CXCL8 release. WNT-5B induces IL-6 and CXCL8 secretion in pulmonary fibroblasts. In summary, WNT-5B mediates this via Frizzled-2 and TAK1. As WNT-5 signaling is increased in COPD, this WNT-5-induced inflammatory response could represent a therapeutic target.
Coffee Consumption and the Risk of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Schmit Stephanie L. , Rennert Hedy S. , Rennert Gad , Gruber Stephen B.
Published: April 2016

Background: Coffee contains several bioactive compounds relevant to colon physiology. Although coffee intake is a proposed protective factor for colorectal cancer, current evidence remains inconclusive.

Methods: We investigated the association between coffee consumption and risk of colorectal cancer in 5,145 cases and 4,097 controls from the Molecular Epidemiology of Colorectal Cancer (MECC) study, a population-based case–control study in northern Israel. We also examined this association by type of coffee, by cancer site (colon and rectum), and by ethnic subgroup (Ashkenazi Jews, Sephardi Jews, and Arabs). Coffee data were collected by interview using a validated, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire.

Results: Coffee consumption was associated with 26% lower odds of developing colorectal cancer [OR (drinkers vs. non-drinkers), 0.74; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.64–0.86; P < 0.001]. The inverse association was also observed for decaffeinated coffee consumption alone (OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.68–0.99; P = 0.04) and for boiled coffee (OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.71–0.94; P = 0.004). Increasing consumption of coffee was associated with lower odds of developing colorectal cancer. Compared with <1 serving/day, intake of 1 to <2 servings/day (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.68–0.90; P < 0.001), 2 to 2.5 servings/day (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.51–0.68; P < 0.001), and >2.5 servings/day (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.39–0.54; P < 0.001) were associated with significantly lower odds of colorectal cancer (Ptrend < 0.001), and the dose–response trend was statistically significant for both colon and rectal cancers.

Conclusions: Coffee consumption may be inversely associated with risk of colorectal cancer in a dose–response manner.

Impact: Global coffee consumption patterns suggest potential health benefits of the beverage for reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(4); 634–9. ©2016 AACR.