bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making room for new memories
Authors: Draguhn Andreas
Published: March 2018

Clearing neuronal networks from transient memory engrams during sleep consolidates memories
Natural killers join the fight against cancer
Authors: Cerwenka Adelheid , Lanier Lewis L.
Published: March 2018

An antibody overcomes cancer cell immune evasion and activates natural killer cells
Li metal battery, heal thyself
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Amartya , Jangid Manoj K.
Published: March 2018

Intermittent high-current pulses prevent battery failure
Force matters in hospital-acquired infections
Authors: Herman-Bausier Philippe , Dufrêne Yves F.
Published: March 2018

Extremely strong forces help staphylococci to colonize biomaterials and infect humans
EfrEF and the Transcription Regulator ChlR Are Required for Chlorhexidine Stress Response in Enterococcus faecalis V583
Authors: Li Farry J. , Palmer Kelli L.
Published: March 2018

Enterococcus faecalis
is an opportunistic pathogen and leading cause of health care-associated infections. Daily chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing of patients is generally regarded as an effective strategy to reduce the occurrence of health care-associated infections. It is likely that
E. faecalis
is frequently exposed to inhibitory and subinhibitory concentrations of CHG in clinical settings. The goal of this study was to investigate how the vancomycin-resistant strain
E. faecalis
V583 transcriptionally responds to and tolerates stress from CHG. We used transcriptome (microarray) analysis to identify genes upregulated by
E. faecalis
V583 in response to CHG. The genes
efrE
(EF2226) and
efrF
(EF2227), encoding a heterodimeric ABC transport system, were the most highly upregulated genes.
efrEF
expression was induced by CHG at concentrations several 2-fold dilutions below the MIC. Deletion of
efrEF
increased
E. faecalis
V583 susceptibility to CHG. We found that ChlR, a MerR-like regulator encoded by a sequence upstream of
efrEF
, mediated the CHG-dependent upregulation of
efrEF
, and deletion of
chlR
also increased chlorhexidine susceptibility. Overall, our study gives insight into
E. faecalis
stress responses to a commonly used antiseptic.
Mechanistic Basis of pH-Dependent 5-Flucytosine Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Gsaller Fabio , Furukawa Takanori , Carr Paul D. , Rash Bharat , Jöchl Christoph , Bertuzzi Margherita , Bignell Elaine M. , Bromley Michael J.
Published: March 2018

The antifungal drug 5-flucytosine (5FC), a derivative of the nucleobase cytosine, is licensed for the treatment of fungal diseases; however, it is rarely used as a monotherapeutic to treat
Aspergillus
infection. Despite being potent against other fungal pathogens, 5FC has limited activity against
Aspergillus fumigatus
when standard
in vitro
assays are used to determine susceptibility. However, in modified
in vitro
assays where the pH is set to pH 5, the activity of 5FC increases significantly. Here we provide evidence that
fcyB
, a gene that encodes a purine-cytosine permease orthologous to known 5FC importers, is downregulated at pH 7 and is the primary factor responsible for the low efficacy of 5FC at pH 7. We also uncover two transcriptional regulators that are responsible for the repression of
fcyB
and, consequently, mediators of 5FC resistance, the CCAAT binding complex (CBC) and the pH regulatory protein PacC. We propose that the activity of 5FC might be enhanced by the perturbation of factors that repress
fcyB
expression, such as PacC or other components of the pH-sensing machinery.
Secondary mania following cancer chemotherapy with capecitabine
Authors: Garg Harshit , Prakash Sathya , Deb Koushik Sinha , Chadda Rakesh Kumar
Published: March 2018

Mania-like states occurring due to neurological, metabolic or toxic conditions, without a primary mood disorder have been reported in scientific literature as secondary mania. A major clinical problem in such situations often stems from the difficulty to understand if the mood disturbance is indeed secondary to an organic cause or a coincidental primary mood disorder. Chemotherapy regimens have been associated with multiple psychiatric complications, including psychosis, mania and anxiety. Capecitabine is implicated to be associated with encephalopathy whose clinical presentation often mimics that of psychosis. However, presentations with mania have not been reported until with the capecitabine and oxaliplatin combination chemotherapy regimen. In this report, we describe a case of secondary mania in a patient suffering from carcinoma colon on treatment with chemotherapy regimen of capecitabine and oxaliplatin.
Improving quality and safety in nursing homes and home care: the study protocol of a mixed-methods research design to implement a leadership intervention
Authors: Wiig Siri , Ree Eline , Johannessen Terese , Strømme Torunn , Storm Marianne , Aase Ingunn , Ullebust Berit , Holen-Rabbersvik Elisabeth , Hurup Thomsen Line , Sandvik Pedersen Anne Torhild , van de Bovenkamp Hester , Bal Roland , Aase Karina
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Nursing homes and home care face challenges across different countries as people are living longer, often with chronic conditions. There is a lack of knowledge regarding implementation and impact of quality and safety interventions as most research evidence so far is generated in hospitals. Additionally, there is a lack of effective leadership tools for quality and safety improvement work in this context.

Methods and analysis

The aim of the ‘Improving Quality and Safety in Primary Care—Implementing a Leadership Intervention in Nursing Homes and Homecare’ (SAFE-LEAD) study is to develop and evaluate a research-based leadership guide for managers to increase quality and safety competence. The project applies a mixed-methods design and explores the implications of the leadership guide on managers’ and staffs’ knowledge, attitudes and practices. Four nursing homes and four home care services from different Norwegian municipalities will participate in the intervention. Surveys, process evaluation (interviews, observations) and document analyses will be conducted to evaluate the implementation and impact of the leadership intervention. A comparative study of Norway and the Netherlands will establish knowledge of the context dependency of the intervention.

Ethics and dissemination

The study is approved by the Norwegian Centre for Research Data (2017/52324 and 54855). The results will be disseminated through scientific articles, two PhD dissertations, an anthology, presentations at national and international conferences, and in social media, newsletters and in the press. The results will generate knowledge to inform leadership practices in nursing homes and home care. Moreover, the study will build new theory on leadership interventions and the role of contextual factors in nursing homes and home care.
Full-text publication of abstract-presented work in sport and exercise psychology
Authors: Shue Sarah , Warden Stuart
Published: March 2018

Objectives

Meetings promote information sharing, but do not enable full dissemination of details. A systematic search was conducted for abstracts presented at the 2010 and 2011 Association of Applied Sport Psychology Annual Conferences to determine the full-text dissemination rate of work presented in abstract form and investigate factors influencing this rate.

Methods

Systematic searches were sequentially conducted to determine whether the abstract-presented work had been published in full-text format in the 5 years following presentation. If a potential full-text publication was identified, information from the conference abstract (eg, results, number of participants in the sample(s), measurement tools used and so on) was compared with the full text to ensure the two entities represented the same body of work. Abstract factors of interest were assessed using logistic regression.

Results

Ninety-four out of 423 presented abstracts (22.2%) were published in full text. Odds of full-text publication increased if the abstract was from an international institution, presented in certain conference sections or presented as a lecture.

Conclusion

Those attending professional conferences should be cautious when translating data presented at conferences into their applied work because of the low rate of peer-reviewed and full-text publication of the information.
Safe burn excision prior to military repatriation: an achievable goal?
Authors: Pujji Ojas , Jeffery S L A
Published: March 2018

Burn excision is the gold standard treatment for full thickness and some deep partial thickness burns. Early burn excision (24–96 hours) has been shown to improve patient outcomes. However, in the military setting, transporting the patient to a centre which can provide this procedure can be delayed. Especially as control of airspace in the future may be hampered due to the political landscape. For this reason, focus on how to achieve safer burn excision prior to repatriation should be addressed. This paper considers the barriers to early burn excision in the military setting and offers potential solutions for the future.
Feldspathic sandstone addition and its impact on hydraulic properties of sandy soil
Authors: Jia Junchao , Zhang Pingping , Yang Xiaofeng , Zhang Xingchang
Published: March 2018

Feldspathic sandstone could be used as an effective conditioner to improve the physical quality of sandy soil, and increase the crop yield there. To determine the effects of feldspathic sandstone content on soil hydraulic properties in a sandy soil, the present study added 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100% (no sandy soil) of feldspathic sandstone to sandy soil. Changes in hydraulic parameters were investigated and the results showed addition of feldspathic sandstone increased saturated water content by 37%–61% and field capacity by 29%–44%, and decreased saturated hydraulic conductivity from 10.19 to 0.58 cm h−1of the sandy soil. Further data analysis demonstrated that with increasing content of feldspathic sandstone, the parameter n of soil water retention curve in Van Genuchten model dropped from 1.807 to 1.333. The same decreasing trend is detected in parameter a of infiltration rate (3.841–0.703) in Kostiakov formula (i = at−b) and parameter a1of wetting front (6.901–1.174) in the empirical equation (X = a1tb1). In terms of hydraulic parameters, 40% feldspathic sandstone and 60% sandy soil, optimally matching indices of loess soil, were the best mixing ratio for sandy land restoration.
Platycodin D Reverses Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy and Fibrosis in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Lin Yuan-Chuan , Lin Yu-Chen , Kuo Wei-Wen , Shen Chia-Yao , Cheng Yi-Chang , Lin Yueh-Min , Chang Ruey-Lin , Padma Vijaya V. , Huang Chih-Yang , Huang Chih-Yang
Published: March 2018

Platycodin D (PD) is the main active saponin isolated from Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) and is reported to exhibit anticancer, anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammation and anti-obesity biological effects. The current study aims to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of PD in cardiac fibrosis and for hypertrophy in spontaneous hypertension rats (SHRs) and to verify inhibition of the signaling pathway. Significant increases in the cardiac functional indices of left ventricular internal diameter end diastole (LVIDd) and left ventricular internal diameter end systole (LVIDs); the eccentric hypertrophy marker p-MEK5; concentric hypertrophy markers, such as CaMKII[Formula: see text] and calcineurin; and expression levels of NFATc3, p-GATA4 and BNP were observed in spontaneously hypertensive groups. PD treatment reversed these increases in SHRs. In addition, an increase in the fibrosis markers FGF2, uPA, MMP2, MMP9, TGF[Formula: see text]-1 and CTGF during cardiac hypertrophy was detected by western blotting analyses. These results demonstrated that PD treatment considerably attenuates cardiac fibrosis. Histopathological examination revealed that PD treatment remarkably reduced collagen accumulation in contrast to spontaneously hypertensive groups. This study clearly suggests that PD provides myocardial protection by alleviating two damaging responses to hypertension, fibrosis and hypertrophy, in the heart.
Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate-Rich Green Tea Extract Ameliorates Fatty Liver and Weight Gain in Mice Fed a High Fat Diet by Activating the Sirtuin 1 and AMP Activating Protein Kinase Pathway
Authors: Bae Ui-Jin , Park John , Park Il Woon , Chae Byung Min , Oh Mi-Ra , Jung Su-Jin , Ryu Geon-Seek , Chae Soo-Wan , Park Byung-Hyun
Published: March 2018

The prevalence of metabolic diseases has risen globally in parallel with the obesity epidemic over the past few decades. Green tea has been reported to have metabolically beneficial effects on obesity; however, the mechanism by which green tea regulates lipid metabolism is not clearly understood. Male c57BL/6 mice were fed a normal chow diet, a high-fat diet (HFD), or an HFD supplemented with various doses of epigallocatechin gallate-rich green tea extract (GTE) for 12 weeks. GTE supplementation reduced body weight gain, prevented hepatic fat accumulation, decreased hypertriglyceridemia, and improved hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in HFD-fed mice. The underlying mechanisms of these beneficial effects of GTE might involve the upregulation of sirtuin 1 and AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the downregulation of enzymes related to de novo lipogenesis. Consistent with the in vivo findings, GTE increased the expression and activity of sirtuin 1, enhanced the binding of sirtuin 1 to liver kinase B1 (LKB1) and subsequent deacetylation of LKB1, and reduced triglyceride accumulation in HepG2 cells. These results suggest the possible therapeutic potential of dietary epigallocatechin gallate-rich GTE supplementation for preventing the development and progression of hepatic steatosis and obesity.
STUDY ON CHINA’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF STRONG SUSTAINABILITY
Authors: YANG WANPING , ZHAO JINKAI
Published: March 2018

Theoretical researchers and policy makers have been using both traditional production factors and relatively new production factors to explain the different growth rates in different countries and regions. However, as pollution becomes more serious, the ecological environment gradually becomes an important part of the national (regional) development strategy. Few scholars have laid their hands on energy and environmental factors in the study of China’s economic growth. On the contrary, they have frequently considered physical and human capital accumulation as the main sources of China’s economic growth. Thus, strong sustainability should attract more attention from researchers. This article attempts to shed light on the sources of China’s economy from the perspective of strong sustainability. Employing a Cobb–Douglas production function, this paper introduces environment pollution, as a key natural capital, and energy consumption into the economic accounting framework. We also introduce government intervention, financial structure, industrial structure and degree of openness into the framework of total factor productivity to examine the effectiveness of the Chinese government’s direct and indirect participation in the markets. Then, we use the long-term growth accounting equation of China to decompose its economic growth and to analyze the decomposition results dynamically. In addition, this paper analyzes the short-term change of China’s economic growth by using a VAR model. The results revealed three facts. First, we find an inverted U-shaped relationship between the degree of openness and the industrial structure and their marginal growth effects, a U-shaped relationship between the financial structure and its marginal growth effect and a negative relationship between the government intervention and gross domestic product growth. Secondly, China’s economic development approach was still extensive and unsustainable, and it should follow a model that relies more on total factor productivity and relies less on ecological factors. China’s economic growth mainly depended on physical capital and energy consumption, and environment pollution was also a necessary byproduct of economic growth, however, the contribution of human capital and total factor productivity were small. Last but not the least, in the short term, the total factor productivity was an important source of China’s economic growth.
Potentialities of the future technical improvements in the search of rare nuclear decays by bolometers
Authors: Bellini Fabio
Published: March 2018

Bolometers are cryogenic calorimeters which feature excellent energy resolution, low energy threshold, high detection efficiency, flexibility in choice of materials, particle identification capability if operated as hybrid devices. After 30 years of rapid progresses, they represent nowadays a leading technology in several fields: particle and nuclear physics, X-ray astrophysics, cosmology. However, further and substantial developments are required to increase the sensitivity to the levels envisioned by future researches. A review of the challenges to be addressed and potentialities of bolometers in the search for rare nuclear decays is given, with particular emphasis to the neutrinoless double beta decay physics case.
Study of the cosmogenic activation in NaI(Tl) crystals within the ANAIS experiment
Authors: Villar P. , Amaré J. , Cebrián S. , Coarasa I. , García E. , Martínez M. , Oliván M. A. , Ortigoza Y. , Ortiz de Solórzano A. , Puimedón J. , Sarsa M. L. , Villar J. A.
Published: March 2018

The direct detection of galactic dark matter particles requires ultra-low background conditions. NaI(Tl) crystals are applied in the search for these dark matter particles through their interactions in the detector by measuring the scintillation signal produced. The production of long-lived isotopes in materials due to the exposure to cosmic rays on Earth’s surface can be an hazard for these ultra-low background demanding experiments, typically performed underground. Therefore, production rates of cosmogenic isotopes in all the materials present in the experimental set-up, as well as the corresponding cosmic rays exposure history, must be both well-known in order to assess the relevance of this effect in the achievable sensitivity of a given experiment.

Here, analysis of the cosmogenic studies developed from the ANAIS experiment NaI(Tl) detectors are presented. Installed inside a convenient shielding at the Canfranc Underground Laboratory just after finishing surface exposure to cosmic rays and thanks to the prompt data taking developed, identification and quantification of isotopes with half-lives of the order of tens of days were allowed, and thanks to the long-term operation of the detectors long-lived isotopes have been also identified and quantified. Main results for the activation yields of iodine and tellurium isotopes, [Formula: see text]Na, [Formula: see text]Sn, [Formula: see text]Cd, and tritium are presented in this work, together with the estimate of the production rates for their activation by cosmic nucleons while on Earth’s surface based on a selection of excitation functions over the entire energy range of cosmic nucleons.
Energy spectrum of graphene with adsorbed potassium atoms
Authors: Repetsky S. P. , Vyshyvana I. G. , Kuznetsova E. Ya. , Kruchinin S. P.
Published: March 2018

In the present work, we study the influence of adsorbed impurities, namely potassium atoms, on the energy spectrum of electrons in graphene. The electron states of the system are described in the frame of the self-consistent multiband strong-coupling model. It is shown that, at the ordered arrangement of potassium atoms corresponding to a minimum of the free energy, the gap arises in the energy spectrum of graphene. It is established that, at the potassium concentration such that the unit cell includes two carbon atoms and one potassium atom, the latter being placed on the graphene surface above a carbon atom at a distance of 0.286 nm, the energy gap is equal to [Formula: see text]0.25 eV. Such situation is realized if graphene is placed on a potassium support.
Investigation of the physical properties of two Laves phase compounds HRh2 (H = Ca and La): A DFT study
Authors: Rahaman Md. Zahidur , Rahman Md. Atikur
Published: March 2018

By using the first-principle calculations, the structural, elastic, electronic and optical properties of Laves phase intermetallic compounds CaRh2 and LaRh2 prototype with MgCu2 are investigated. The evaluated lattice parameters are consistent with the experimental values. The important elastic properties, such as bulk modulus B, shear modulus G, Young’s modulus Y and the Poisson’s ratio v, are computed by applying the Voigt–Reuss–Hill (VRH) approximation. The analysis of Pugh’s ratio exhibits the ductile nature of both the phases. Electronic conductivity is predicted for both the compounds. Most of the contribution comes from Rh-4d states. The study of bonding characteristics reveals the existence of ionic and metallic bonds in both intermetallics. The study of optical properties indicates that CaRh2 is a better dielectric material than LaRh2. Absorption quality of both the phases is good in the ultraviolet region.
First principles investigation of structural, vibrational and thermal properties of black and blue phosphorene
Authors: Arif Khalil R. M. , Ahmad Javed , Rana Anwar Manzoor , Bukhari Syed Hamad , Tufiq Jamil M. , Tehreem Tuba , Nissar Umair
Published: March 2018

In this investigation, structural, dynamical and thermal properties of black and blue phosphorene (P) are presented through the first principles calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT). These DFT calculations depict that due to the approximately same values of ground state energy at zero Kelvin and Helmholtz free energy at room-temperature, it is expected that both structures can coexist at transition temperature. Lattice dynamics of both phases were investigated by using the finite displacement supercell approach. It is noticed on the basis of harmonic approximation thermodynamic calculations that the blue phase is thermodynamically more stable than the black phase above 155 K.
An investigation on the effect of impurity position on the binding energy of quantum box under electric field with pressure and temperature
Authors: Yilmaz S. , Kirak M.
Published: March 2018

In the present study, we have studied theoretically the influences of donor impurity position on the binding energy of a GaAs cubic quantum box structure. The binding energy is calculated as functions of the position of impurity, electric field, temperature and hydrostatic pressure. The variational method is employed to obtain the energy eigenvalues of the structure in the framework of the effective mass approximation. It has been found that the impurity positions with electric field, pressure and temperature have an important effect on the binding energy of structure considered. The results can be used to manufacture semiconductor device application by manipulating the binding energy with the impurity positions, electric field, pressure and temperature.
Recollimation shocks in relativistic jets
Authors: Martí José M. , Perucho Manel , Gómez José L. , Fuentes Antonio
Published: March 2018

Recollimation shocks (RS) appear associated with relativistic flows propagating through pressure mismatched atmospheres. Astrophysical scenarios invoking the presence of such shocks include jets from AGNs and X-ray binaries and GRBs. We shall start reviewing the theoretical background behind the structure of RS in overpressured jets. Next, basing on numerical simulations, we will focus on the properties of RS in relativistic steady jets threaded by helical magnetic fields depending on the dominant type of energy. Synthetic radio maps from the simulation of the synchrotron emission for a selection of models in the context of parsec-scale extragalactic jets will also be discussed.
Could LIV/noncommutativity alleviate the cosmological constant problem?
Authors: Samsarov Andjelo
Published: March 2018

We test the hypothesis that in models with an explicit breaking of Lorentz invariance violation (LIV), the problem with the cosmological constant may, if not already be solved, then at least be partially mitigated by improving its UV behavior. Certain class of noncommutative models that have a well-defined dual momentum space geometry and in addition, setting up a suitable frame for developing the appropriate doubly (or deformed) special relativity (DSR) models are also subject to the same test.
Exploring the string axiverse and parity violation in gravity with gravitational waves
Authors: Yoshida Daiske , Soda Jiro
Published: March 2018

We show that the parametric resonance of gravitational waves (GWs) occurs due to the axion coherent oscillation and the circular polarization of GWs is induced by the Chern–Simons coupling. However, we have never observed these signatures in the data of GWs. Using this fact, we give stringent constraints on the Chern–Simons coupling constant [Formula: see text] and the abundance of the light string axion. In particular, we improved the current bound [Formula: see text] by many orders of magnitude.
TRIBOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ELECTROLESS Ni–B–Mo COATINGS AT DIFFERENT OPERATING TEMPERATURES
Authors: MUKHOPADHYAY ARKADEB , BARMAN TAPAN KUMAR , SAHOO PRASANTA
Published: March 2018

Electroless nickel coatings containing Mo possess higher thermal stability in comparison with the binary alloy variants. In a quest to achieve enhanced thermal stability of Ni–B coatings, Mo is incorporated to obtain a ternary Ni–B–Mo coating. The coatings are deposited on AISI 1040 steel and characterized using energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, X-ray diffraction method and scanning electron microscope. The coatings are observed to lie in the mid-B range with amorphous structure in as-deposited condition. On heat treatment, precipitation of crystalline Ni and its borides is observed. The typical cauliflower-like surface morphology of the deposits could be observed in scanning electron micrographs. Microhardness measurements reveal the enhanced thermal stability of Ni–B–Mo coatings. Tribological behavior of Ni–B–Mo coatings at room and elevated temperatures (100∘C, 300∘C and 500∘C) is observed on a pin-on-disc type tribo-tester by varying the applied normal load (10–50[Formula: see text]N) and rotational speed of the counterface disc (60–100[Formula: see text]rpm). The purpose of the present work is to observe the tribological behavior and associated tribo-mechanisms at different temperatures under dry sliding condition. In general, the wear of the coatings increases with an increase in applied normal load and speed at room temperature, 100∘C and 300∘C. At 500∘C, the wear increases with load but with speed it first increases up to 80[Formula: see text]rpm and then decreases. The COF does not show a similar behavior like the wear with varying load and speed at different temperatures. Instead, it is controlled by the accompanying wear mechanisms, formation of oxide debris and oxide layers of Ni and Mo. The worn surface of the coatings is examined using scanning electron microscope and EDX analysis. Back scattered images of wear tracks of Ni–B–Mo coatings at the highest levels of load (50[Formula: see text]N) and speed (100[Formula: see text]rpm) at different temperatures further reveal the oxide formation and tribochemical reactions.
OPTIMAL PORTFOLIO UNDER STATE-DEPENDENT EXPECTED UTILITY
Authors: BERNARD CAROLE , VANDUFFEL STEVEN , YE JIANG
Published: March 2018

We derive the optimal portfolio for an expected utility maximizer whose utility does not only depend on terminal wealth but also on some random benchmark (state-dependent utility). We then apply this result to obtain the optimal portfolio of a loss-averse investor with a random reference point (extending a result of Berkelaar et al. (2004) Optimal portfolio choice under loss aversion, The Review of Economics and Statistics 86 (4), 973–987). Clearly, the optimal portfolio has some joint distribution with the benchmark and we show that it is the cheapest possible in having this distribution. This characterization result allows us to infer the state-dependent utility function that explains the demand for a given (joint) distribution.
Factors Affecting Export Competitiveness of Singapore’s Manufacturing Sector: A Regression Analysis
Authors: Chew Soon-Beng , Chen Jia Hong , Hung Ming Chou , Lek Teresa Wan Ying
Published: March 2018

This paper examines the export competitiveness of the manufacturing sector in Singapore. More specifically, we examine how the existence of import content of exports, productivity gains, and profit margins affect the competitiveness of Singapore’s manufacturing exports. Using proxies such as price of exports, price of imports, unit business costs, and net operating surplus over manufacturing output, we analyze our results empirically and seek to show the significance of these variables in affecting the export competitiveness in the unique case of Singapore. As price of exports and price of imports are both expressed in Singapore dollars (SGD) and this captures the exchange rate, we can assess the impact of a stronger SGD on the export competitiveness of Singapore’s manufacturing sector. Traditional economic notions according to Mundell–Fleming model have predominantly assumed that the appreciation of local currency would stimulate imports and harm exports, vice versa. However, in the case of Singapore where there is a high import content in exports, our paper reveals that exports are not adversely affected by an appreciation of SGD. This is attributed to the direct causal relationship between import prices and export prices that helps to minimize the effects of a higher cost of export production brought about by appreciation, with lower import costs. Furthermore, the impacts of productivity growth and profit margins on export competitiveness are very small, supporting the notion that Singapore exporters are price-takers.
Reliability and validity of a new clinical test for assessment of the sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Authors: Shimpi Apurv , Hatekar Renuka , Shyam Ashok , Sancheti Parag
Published: March 2018

Background: Dysfunctional sacroiliac joint (SIJ) has been cited as a source of low backache (LBA). Numerous non-invasive clinical tests are available for its assessment having poor validity and reliability which challenges their clinical utility. Thus, introduction of a new clinical test may be necessary.

Objective: To assess reliability and validity of a new clinical test for the assessment of patients with SIJ movement dysfunction.

Methods: Forty-five subjects (23 having LBA of SIJ origin and 22 healthy asymptomatic volunteers) with mean age 28.62 [Formula: see text] 5.26 years were assessed by 2 blinded examiners for 3 different clinical tests of SIJ, including the new test. The obtained values were assessed for reliability by intraclass correlation, kappa coefficient and percentage agreement. Validity was assessed by averaging sensitivity and specificity. Positive and negative predictive values and accuracy were assessed.

Results: The new test demonstrates good intra- [Formula: see text] and inter-rater [Formula: see text] reliability with substantial agreement between raters [Formula: see text]. It has 79.9% validity, 82% sensitivity, 77% specificity, 79% positive-predictive, 80% negative-predictive value and accuracy.

Conclusion: The new “Shimpi Prone SIJ test” has a good intra- and inter-rater reliability with a substantial rater agreement and a good validity and accuracy for the assessment of patients with SIJ movement dysfunction.
Vibration control for slotted plate using structural intensity method
Authors: Du Xiangyu , Huang Rong , Vengatachalam Balaji , Liu Zishun
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we study the vibration performance of simply supported slotted plate using structural intensity (SI) method. First, the SI distribution of the slotted plate under given excitation for different slot depths is obtained using finite element methods. The SI streamline of each case shows that the SI distribution can be significantly affected by adjusting the slot depth. The optimal position of dampers which can effectively implement vibration control of slotted plate for the fixed value of exciting frequency can be obtained from the SI streamline distribution. In case of changing vibrating frequencies, a new strategy of vibration control by adding soft material (hydrogel) layers is proposed. The main advantage of this strategy is that the properties of hydrogel can be easily adjusted by changing the chemical potential, thereby achieving the desired vibration control for different excitation conditions. The effectiveness of the proposed vibration control using hydrogel layers is investigated using SI method. The SI distribution and SI streamlines of the slotted plate with the new vibration control show that the proposed strategy is convenient. Our proposed method conceptualizes a new approach toward vibration control using constrained hydrogel layer.
Numerical acoustic simulation of flow around circular cylinders based on Lattice Boltzmann method and Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings acoustic equation
Authors: Hu H. R. , Zhang C. , Wang X.
Published: March 2018

Based on the GPU acceleration technique, Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) and Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings (FW-H) acoustic equation are adopted to simulate the noise generated by flow around fixed and rotating circular cylinders when Reynolds number (Re) is 200. The results show that the sound pressure level has a peak in the vertical direction and it is higher than that in the streamwise direction. The maximum sound pressure level is significantly reduced when the cylinder rotates due to the suppression of vortex shedding compared to the case of a fixed cylinder. For tandem cylinders, the maximum sound pressure level in the vertical direction increases as the spacing ratio increases, and for parallel cylinders, it decreases as the spacing ratio increases. In addition, when using graphic processing unit (GPU), the computational efficiency is improved greatly and the speed-up reaches nearly 100.
Modeling and analysis of piezoelectric folded-beam isolator for attenuating micro-vibration in spacecraft
Authors: Luo Yajun , Zhang Yingqi , Zhang Xu , Gao Xing , Jia Kun , Xu Minglong , Ye Lin
Published: March 2018

Design, modeling, and analysis of an intelligent flexible isolation system for attenuating low-frequency micro-vibration are presented. The isolator consists of a payload platform, a supporting platform and four folded-beams with surface-bonded macro-fiber composites (MFCs). To accurately analyze the system performance, a piezoelectric finite element (FE) model is built and validated by the modal analysis results derived from ANSYS. This paper presents an attempt to widen the low-frequency isolation range for the micro-vibration using a modal frequency shift approach. The transfer functions of the active isolation system with different feedback controls are derived based on an FE model, in which feedback signals can be absolute and relative accelerations, absolute and relative displacement, relative velocity, and mixed responses. According to the numerical results, the expected performance of low-frequency vibration isolation can be easily achieved, especially by a kind of mixed responses feedback method. The time-domain simulations also show that the proposed piezoelectric isolation system exhibits a good isolation performance, endowing them with great potential for the micro-vibration restrain in aerospace application.
Diachronous Paleozoic accretion of peri-Gondwanan terranes at the Laurentian margin
Authors: Waldron John W. F. , Schofield David I. , Murphy J. Brendan
Published: March 2018

In the original Wilson cycle, the northern Appalachian–Caledonide orogen resulted from the collision of two continental masses separated by a single ocean. One of these corresponds to the modern concept of Laurentia, but the colliding continent to the east has been variously subdivided into many smaller terranes and domains, including Ganderia, Avalonia and Megumia. Using published stratigraphic evidence and detrital zircon provenance data from units of known depositional age, the timing of arrival of these units at the Laurentian margin between the Early Ordovician and Early Devonian can be constrained. Several of the accreted terranes do not extend over the entire length of the orogen, with the result that the lines separating them change character along strike from terrane-bounding sutures to simple accretionary faults. The Ganderia domain consists of at least four separate terranes that share a common origin on the continental margin of Gondwana, but were separated by back-arc oceanic crust as they crossed the Iapetus Ocean and collided diachronously with the Laurentian margin.
Size evolution of micropyrite from diagenesis to low-grade metamorphism
Authors: Cárdenes Víctor , Merinero Raúl , López-Mungira Aurora , Rubio-Ordoñez Álvaro , Pitcairn Iain K. , Cnudde Veerle
Published: March 2018

Size distribution and evolution of framboidal and euhedral microscopic crystals of pyrite (micropyrites, MPy) have been used for the last thirty years to deduce palaeo-redox conditions. The analysis of the MPy distributions can give valuable information about these palaeo-redox conditions. However, other information can also be retrieved from this type of analysis. In this work, we propose that the formation of new populations of MPy is a proxy of the transition from the anchizone to the epizone. High-resolution X-ray tomography (micro-CT) was used to determine the size distributions of MPy hosted in pelitic rocks subjected to different grades of low temperature metamorphism. These data were filtered and statistically analysed, which allowed us to find a statistical representative size distribution of the MPy present in the samples. The metamorphic grade was determined using the Kübler Index in combination with petrological and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination. The results show a relationship between metamorphic grade and MPy size distributions, and that new populations of MPy formed due to the effects of metamorphism. This new methodology for MPy size distribution has different potential applications in some fields of Earth sciences, such as palaeoenvironment reconstruction, ore mining or metamorphic petrology.
Improving Lateral Flow Assay Performance Using Computational Modeling
Authors: Gasperino David , Baughman Ted , Hsieh Helen V. , Bell David , Weigl Bernhard H.
Published: March 2018

The performance, field utility, and low cost of lateral flow assays (LFAs) have driven a tremendous shift in global health care practices by enabling diagnostic testing in previously unserved settings. This success has motivated the continued improvement of LFAs through increasingly sophisticated materials and reagents. However, our mechanistic understanding of the underlying processes that drive the informed design of these systems has not received commensurate attention. Here, we review the principles underpinning LFAs and the historical evolution of theory to predict their performance. As this theory is integrated into computational models and becomes testable, the criteria for quantifying performance and validating predictive power are critical. The integration of computational design with LFA development offers a promising and coherent framework to choose from an increasing number of novel materials, techniques, and reagents to deliver the low-cost, high-fidelity assays of the future.
Single-Molecule View of Small RNA–Guided Target Search and Recognition
Authors: Globyte Viktorija , Kim Sung Hyun , Joo Chirlmin
Published: March 2018

Most everyday processes in life involve a necessity for an entity to locate its target. On a cellular level, many proteins have to find their target to perform their function. From gene-expression regulation to DNA repair to host defense, numerous nucleic acid–interacting proteins use distinct target search mechanisms. Several proteins achieve that with the help of short RNA strands known as guides. This review focuses on single-molecule advances studying the target search and recognition mechanism of Argonaute and CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) systems. We discuss different steps involved in search and recognition, from the initial complex prearrangement into the target-search competent state to the final proofreading steps. We focus on target search mechanisms that range from weak interactions, to one- and three-dimensional diffusion, to conformational proofreading. We compare the mechanisms of Argonaute and CRISPR with a well-studied target search system, RecA.
First-Principles Statistical Mechanics of Multicomponent Crystals
Authors: Van der Ven A. , Thomas J.C. , Puchala B. , Natarajan A.R.
Published: March 2018

The importance of configurational, vibrational, and electronic excitations in crystalline solids of technological interest makes a rigorous treatment of thermal excitations an essential ingredient in first-principles models of materials behavior. This contribution reviews statistical mechanics approaches that connect a crystal's electronic structure to its thermodynamic and kinetic properties. We start with a description of a thermodynamic and kinetic framework for multicomponent crystals that integrates chemistry and mechanics, as well as nonconserved order parameters that track the degree of chemical order and group/subgroup structural distortions. The framework allows for spatial heterogeneities and naturally couples thermodynamics with kinetics. We next survey statistical mechanics approaches that rely on effective Hamiltonians to treat configurational, vibrational, and electronic degrees of freedom within multicomponent crystals. These Hamiltonians, when suitably constructed, are capable of extrapolating first-principles electronic structure calculations within (kinetic) Monte Carlo simulations, thereby enabling first-principles predictions of equilibrium and nonequilibrium materials properties at finite temperature.
Protein fermentation in the gut; implications for intestinal dysfunction in humans, pigs, and poultry
Authors: Gilbert Myrthe S. , Ijssennagger Noortje , Kies Arie K. , van Mil Saskia W. C.
Published: March 2018

The amount of dietary protein is associated with intestinal disease in different vertebrate species. In humans, this is exemplified by the association between high-protein intake and fermentation metabolite concentrations in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. In production animals, dietary protein intake is associated with postweaning diarrhea in piglets and with the occurrence of wet litter in poultry. The underlying mechanisms by which dietary protein contributes to intestinal problems remain largely unknown. Fermentation of undigested protein in the hindgut results in formation of fermentation products including short-chain fatty acids, branched-chain fatty acids, ammonia, phenolic and indolic compounds, biogenic amines, hydrogen sulfide, and nitric oxide. Here, we review the mechanisms by which these metabolites may cause intestinal disease. Studies addressing how different metabolites induce epithelial damage rely mainly on cell culture studies and occasionally on mice or rat models. Often, contrasting results were reported. The direct relevance of such studies for human, pig, and poultry gut health is therefore questionable and does not suffice for the development of interventions to improve gut health. We discuss a roadmap to improve our understanding of gut metabolites and microbial species associated with intestinal health in humans and production animals and to determine whether these metabolite/bacterial networks cause epithelial damage. The outcomes of these studies will dictate proof-of-principle studies to eliminate specific metabolites and or bacterial strains and will provide the basis for interventions aiming to improve gut health.
Maternal omega-3 PUFA supplementation prevents hyperoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension in the offspring
Authors: Zhong Ying , Catheline Daniel , Houeijeh Ali , Sharma Dyuti , Du Lizhong , Besengez Capucine , Deruelle Philippe , Legrand Philippe , Storme Laurent
Published: March 2018

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) and right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) affect 16–25% of premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), contributing significantly to perinatal morbidity and mortality. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA ω-3) can improve vascular remodeling, angiogenesis, and inflammation under pathophysiological conditions. However, the effects of PUFA ω-3 supplementation in BPD-associated PH are unknown. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of PUFA ω-3 on pulmonary vascular remodeling, angiogenesis, and inflammatory response in a hyperoxia-induced rat model of PH. From embryonic day 15, pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were supplemented daily with PUFA ω-3, PUFA ω-6, or normal saline (0.2 ml/day). After birth, pups were pooled, assigned as 12 per litter, randomly assigned to either air or continuous oxygen exposure (fraction of inspired oxygen = 85%) for 20 days, and then euthanized for pulmonary hemodynamic and morphometric analysis. We found that PUFA ω-3 supplementation improved survival, decreased right ventricular systolic pressure and RVH caused by hyperoxia, and significantly improved alveolarization, vascular remodeling, and vascular density. PUFA ω-3 supplementation produced a higher level of total ω-3 in lung tissue and breast milk and was found to reverse the reduced levels of VEGFA, VEGF receptor 2, angiopoietin-1 (ANGPT1), endothelial TEK tyrosine kinase, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and nitric oxide concentrations in lung tissue and the increased ANGPT2 levels in hyperoxia-exposed rats. The beneficial effects of PUFA ω-3 in improving lung injuries were also associated with an inhibition of leukocyte infiltration and reduced expression of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. These data indicate that maternal PUFA ω-3 supplementation strategies could effectively protect against infant PH induced by hyperoxia.
IP Controller Design for Uncertain Two‐Mass Torsional System Using Time‐Frequency Analysis
Authors: Cui Jing , Ye Jiayu , Chu Zhongyi
Published: March 2018

With the development of industrial production, drive systems are demanded for larger inertias of motors and load machines, whereas shafts should be lightweight. In this situation, it will excite mechanical vibrations in load side, which is harmful for industrial production when the motor works. Because of the complexity of the flexible shaft, it is often difficult to calculate stiffness coefficient of the flexible shaft. Furthermore, only the velocity of driving side could be measured, whereas the driving torque, the load torque, and the velocity of load side are immeasurable. Therefore, it is inconvenient to design the controller for the uncertain system. In this paper, a low‐order IP controller is designed for an uncertain two‐mass torsional system based on polynomial method and time‐frequency analysis (TFA). IP controller parameters are calculated by inertias of driving side and load side as well as the resonant frequency based on polynomial method. Therein, the resonant frequency is identified using the time‐frequency analysis (TFA) of the velocity step response of the driving side under the open‐loop system state, which can not only avoid harmful persistent start‐stop excitation signal of the traditional method, but also obtain high recognition accuracy under the condition of weak vibration signal submerged in noise. The effectiveness of the designed IP controller is verified by groups of experiments. Experimental results show that good performance for vibration suppression is obtained for uncertain two‐mass torsional system in a medium‐low shaft stiffness condition.