bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isogeometric analysis of free vibration of framed structures: comparative problems
Authors: Rauen Mateus , Machado Roberto Dalledone , Arndt Marcos
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to check the efficiency of isogeometric analysis (IGA) by comparing its results with classical finite element method (FEM), generalized finite element method (GFEM) and other enriched versions of FEM through numerical examples of free vibration problems.

Design/methodology/approach

Since its conception, IGA was widely applied in several problems. In this paper, IGA is applied for free vibration of elastic rods, beams and trusses. The results are compared with FEM, GFEM and the enriched methods, concerning frequency spectra and convergence rates.

Findings

The results show advantages of IGA over FEM and GFEM in the frequency error spectra, mostly in the higher frequencies.

Originality/value

Isogeometric analysis shows a feasible tool in structural analysis, with emphasis for problems that requires a high amount of vibration modes.
Using the buck-interleaved buck–boost converter to implement a step-up/down inverter
Authors: Chang Chien-Hsuan , Cheng Hung-Liang , Chang En-Chih
Published: June 2017

Purpose

A typical photovoltaic grid-connection power system usually consists of multi-stage converters to perform multiple functions simultaneously. To simplify system configuration, reduce cost and improve conversion efficiency, this paper aims to develop a buck–boost-type inverter. The proposed inverter has both step-up and step-down functions, so that it is suitable for applications with wide voltage variation. As only one power switch operates with high frequency at one time, switching losses can significantly be reduced.

Design/methodology/approach

A step-up/down inverter is developed by adopting a buck-interleaved buck–boost (BuIBB) DC-DC converter and connecting with an H-bridge unfolding circuit with line-commutated operation.

Finding

The proposed circuit can work functionally as either a buck-type or boost-type inverter, so that partial energy can be directly delivered to output to improve efficiency. The input current is shared by two inductors, leading to the reduction of current stresses.

Research limitations/implications

To apply the proposed inverter to micro-inverter applications in the future, developing a step-up/down inverter with a higher conversion ratio will be considered.

Practical implications

A laboratory prototype is built accordingly to verify the feasibility of the proposed inverter. The experimental results are presented to show the effectiveness.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a step-up/down inverter by using the BuIBB converter, which is innovatively studied.
Intelligent wheeled mobile robots for blind navigation application
Authors: Wu Ter-Feng , Tsai Pu-Sheng , Hu Nien-Tsu , Chen Jen-Yang
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Visually impaired people have long been living in the dark. They cannot realize the colorful world with their vision, so they rely on hearing, touch and smell to feel the space they live in. Lacking image information, they face challenges in the external environment and barrier spaces. They face danger that is hundreds of times higher than that faced by normal people. Especially during outdoor activities, they can only explore the surrounding environment aided by their hearing and crutches and then based on a vague impression speculate where they are located. To let the blind confidently take each step, this paper proposes sticking the electronic tag of the radio-frequency identification (RFID) system on the back of guide bricks.

Design/methodology/approach

Thus, the RFID reader, ultrasonic sensor and voice chip on a wheeled mobile robot link the front end to the crutch. Once the blind person nears a guide brick, the RFID will read the message on the tag through the voice broadcast system, and a voice will inform the visually impaired person of the direction to walk and information of the surrounding environment. In addition, the CMOS image sensor set up in the wheeled mobile robot is used to detect the black marking on the guide brick and to guide the blind to walk forward or turn around between the two markings. Finally, the lithium battery charging control unit was installed on the wheeled mobile robot. The ATtiny25 microcontroller conducts the battery charge and discharge control and monitoring of the current battery capacity.

Findings

The development of this system will let visually impaired people acquire environmental information, road guidance function and nearby traffic information.

Originality/value

Through rich spatial environment messages, the blind can have the confidence and courage to go outside.
Pad attitude adjusting moment in large multi-pocket pivoted pad used in static oil journal bearing
Authors: Ma Xizhi , Li Miaomiao
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Large scale is a trend of the ball mill, so the loads on their bearings become very large, bearing operating conditions turn into more severe. The moment of inertia to their pivot of the pad increase significantly, so it leads to the difficult of the pad attitude adjustment and makes the pad tilting angles time response slow, the key factor to effects attitude adjustment is the oil film moment to the pad pivot at unbalance position. the oil film moment and its effect factors must be studied in the design of the bearing used in ball mill.

Design/methodology/approach

Models about the lubrication of multi-pocket pivoted pad hydrostatic bearing is established, the complicated relationship of the oil flow rate between the oil pockets are taken into account. Finite differential method is used to solv the model, and theroy of finite element method is use to calculate the oil flow rate out of the pocket edges. Newton’s methods are used to determine the pressure of pockets.The pad tilting moment to its pivot is numerically analyzed.

Findings

The tilting moment to its pivot is set as an indicator of the ability for a pad to adjust its attitude. The effects of the diameter of throttling capillary and the pocket area on the attitude adjusting capacity is studied. Relations between the attitude adjustment capacity for a pad and there effects factors are presented.

Practical implications

The methods and results have the special reference to the design and operation of multiple pockets tilted pad hydrostatic journal bearing.

Originality/value

Methods to studied the pad attitude adjustment are given in the article for the multi-pocket pivot pad hydrostatic beairng.The influence factors on pad attitude adjusting capacity are discussed for a this specail kind hydrostatic bearing, the how the factors influence the pad tilting angle adjustment are presented.
Tilt angle effects on the performance of micropolar lubricated noncircular journal bearings
Authors: Rashidi Meybodi R. , Zare Mehrjardi M. , Rahmatabadi A.D.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study tilt angle effects as design parameters of noncircular bearings, on the linear dynamic analyses of micropolar lubricated circular, two, three and four lobe journal bearings.

Design/methodology/approach

Reynolds equation in dynamic state is modified considering the micropolarity characteristics of lubricant, and it is solved using generalized differential quadrature method. The perturbed components of the dynamic pressure are extracted based on the linear dynamic model. To explain the transient state of the governing equation, through the linear dynamic approach, the whirling motion of rotor around the steady state position is assumed to be harmonic.

Findings

It is observed from the results that tilt angle has significant effects on the steady state and stability performance of lobed journal bearings. It may be selected suitably to improve the performance of rotor-bearing system, while all other lubricant properties and noncircular bearing design parameters are kept fixed. Results show that among the three types of bearings considered, the dynamic performance of two lobe bearings are more affected by the variation of tilt angle.

Originality/value

The present study is mainly concerned with the effects of tilt angle as a design parameter on the stability performance of a hydrodynamic noncircular journal bearing lubricated with micropolar fluid.
Effect of gas slip on the behavior of the aerostatic guideway
Authors: Chen Dongju , Han Jihong , Huo Chen , Fan Jinwei , Cheng Qiang
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to better understand the dynamic characteristics of an aerostatic slider caused by a gas film, and the impact of a gas film slip on the load capacity, stiffness and dynamic stiffness of the guideway is studied.

Design/methodology/approach

In theory, the Navier velocity slip model is introduced for fluid continuous flow equation to calculate the flow state in the micro-state; in experimental techniques, the stiffness experiment of the guideway by digital inductance meter is performed under different loadings, which are used to inspect the simulation results.

Findings

The maximum value of bearing stiffness in the condition of considering that the gas slip is larger than that of not considering the gas slip, and the gas film clearance of maximum bearing stiffness in the condition of considering the gas slip is less than that of not considering the gas slip. This is verified by the measurement of the stiffness of the guideway.

Originality/value

This paper mostly studies the influence of the gas slip effects on the performance of the aerostatic guideway, which will make a certain contribution to the guideway stability and the machining precision of the machine tool.
Assessment of tribological behavior and physicochemical properties alterations of polytetrafluoroethylene imposed by wear test
Authors: do Vale Joao Luiz , da Silva Carlos Henrique , da Silva Cruz Carlos M.G.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to discuss the tribological behavior of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and property changes imposed by wear tests.

Design/methodology/approach

Long-duration dry wear tests were carried out in a sliding bearing on shaft tribometer. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses were performed in the PTFE in its original condition and after the tests.

Findings

The wear products merged in multilayer films and were expelled out of the test sequence. Through DSC and FTIR analyses in the polymeric material, before and after tests, it was possible to verify an increase of the crystallinity degree of PTFE, as well as absence of crystalline fusion of the material. The wear products presented changes in the infrared spectra, which suggests the occurrence of some bonds of hydrogen and oxygen.

Originality/value

It was verified on correlation that fibril mechanism, which occurred during PTFE wear, and its crystallinity degree increase. Also, analysis of PTFE wear products showed CO and CH bonds, which were imposed by wear test.
Effect of partial grooving on the performance of hydrodynamic journal bearing
Authors: Shinde Anil B. , Pawar Prashant M.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This study aims to improve the performance of hydrodynamic journal bearings through partial grooving on the bearing surface.

Design/methodology/approach

Bearing performance analysis is numerically carried out using the thin film flow physics of COMSOL Multiphysics 5.0 software. Initially, the static performance analysis is carried out for hydrodynamic journal bearing system with smooth surface, and the results of the same are validated with results from the literature. In the later part of the paper, the partial rectangular shape micro-textures are modeled on bearing surface. The effects of partial groove pattern on the bearing performance parameters, namely, fluid film pressure, load carrying capacity, frictional power loss and frictional torque, are studied in detail.

Findings

The numerical results show that the values of maximum fluid film pressure, load carrying capacity, frictional power loss and frictional torque are considerably improved due to deterministic micro-textures. Bearing surface with partial groove along 90°-180° region results in 81.9 per cent improvement in maximum fluid film pressure and 75.9 per cent improvement in load carrying capacity as compared with smooth surface of journal bearing, with no increase in frictional power loss and frictional torque. Maximum decrease in frictional power loss and frictional torque is observed for partially grooving along 90°-360° region. The simulations are supported by proof-of-concept experimentation.

Originality/value

This study is useful in the appropriate selection of groove parameters on bearing surface to the bearing performance characteristics.
Influence of water contamination in gear lubricants on wear and micro-pitting performance of case carburized gears
Authors: Engelhardt Christian , Witzig Jochen , Tobie Thomas , Stahl Karsten
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Water can alter the performance of modern gear lubricants by influencing the flank load carrying capacity of gears significantly. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of water contaminations in different kinds of base oils on the micro-pitting and wear performance of case carburized gears.

Design/methodology/approach

Concerning micro-pitting and wear, tests, based mostly on the following standardized tests, are performed on a Forschungsstelle fuer zahnraeder und getriebebau (FZG)-back-to-back gear test rig: micro-pitting short test Graufleckenkurztest (GFKT) according to DGMK 575 (screening test), micro-pitting test Graufleckentest (GT) according to FVA 54/7 (load stage test and endurance test) and Slow-speed wear test according to DGMK 377. To investigate the effect of water on the gear load carrying capacity dependent on different types of base oils, two polyglycol oils (PG1 and PG2), a polyalphaolefin oil, a mineral oil and an ester oil E are used. Each of these oils are common wind turbine gear oils with a viscosity ISO VG-220. Additionally, a manual transmission fluid with a viscosity of society of automotive engineers (SAE) 75W-85 is tested.

Findings

Considering the micro-pitting and wear performance, a significant decrease caused by water contaminations could not be detected. Regarding pitting damages, a generally negative influence was observed. This influence was differently distinctive for different base oil types. Especially non-polar lubricants seem to be affected negatively. The documented damages of the tooth flanks confirm this observation. While typical pitting damages appeared in test runs with polar lubricants, the disruption in test runs with non-polar lubricants was more extensive. Based on the experimental investigations, a general model of the damaging mechanisms of water contaminations in lubricants was derived. It is split into three partitions: interaction lubricant–water (effect of water on the molecular structure of base oils and additives), chemical-material-technological (especially corrosive reactions) and tribological influence (effect of water droplets in the contact zone). It has to be considered that the additive package of lubricants affects the influence of water contaminations on the flank load carrying capacity distinctively. An influence of water on the micro-pitting and wear performance in other than the given lubricants cannot be excluded.

Originality/value

While former research work was focused more on the effects of water in mineral oils, investigations concerning different types of base oils as well as different types of damages were carried out within this research project.
Removal and tribological behaviors of waxy deposition layer in cleaning process
Authors: Guo Yanbao , Liu Shuhai , Tan Guibin , Yang Liu , Wang Deguo
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The wax deposition in oil wells and pipelines is very viciously negative to the petroleum extraction and crude oil transportation, and it even causes severe blockage accident. This study aims to describe cleaning experiments performed on wax deposition of different deposition layer and experimental conditions to investigate the removal and tribological properties and chip formation.

Design/methodology/approach

An optical arrangement was used to visually record the cleaning process, whereas the friction forces were measured by a custom-built tribometer. Various measurements were performed with tool rake angles of 45° and −30° and cleaning depths from 1 to 5 mm.

Findings

Results from experiments and modeling suggest that the transition of chip was dependent on rake angle, wax performance and cleaning depth. While the cleaning depth increased, the friction and cleaning resistant force also increased. With the increase of cleaning depth, the wax layer cleaning quantity increased and the chip strengthened; hence, the curvature radius of chip was enhanced to form platy chip. The chip of wax–oil mixture was discontinuous units, and it was easy to adhere on the rake face with the increasing depth of cut. With an increase in cleaning depth, the friction and cleaning-resistant force also increased.

Originality/value

It is concluded that for effectively cleaning and stabilizing of pipeline cleaning machine, different cleaning parameters should be applied to accommodate wax layer or wax–oil mixture.
Design and development of a robotic self-transfer device for wheelchair users
Authors: Hari Krishnan R. , Pugazhenthi S.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Wheelchair users face great difficulty in transferring themselves from one surface to another, for example from wheelchair to a toilet commode. In such cases, mostly a caregiver’s assistance may be required, but it affects one’s dignity. The purpose of this paper is to develop a robotic self-transfer device, which is aimed at offering privacy and independence to people with lower limb disabilities in performing daily activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The device, attached to a powered wheelchair, is useful in transferring a user from a wheelchair to a toilet commode or any other surface following simple and natural transfer procedure without the need of any caregiver. The user can achieve transfer by operating joysticks. The device employs two linear actuators and a motor to accomplish the transfer. Trials were carried out to test the performance of the device by involving potential beneficiaries.

Findings

The device could successfully transfer the participants from a wheelchair to a chair with less effort in less than a minute. The results of the trials show that the participants felt comfortable in using the device. It was also found that the device is superior to other existing transfer systems in terms of comfort and operation.

Originality/value

The existing self-transfer systems are alternative solutions that serve the purpose of mobility coupled with self-transfer. Instead of developing an alternative mobility solution, this paper proposes a novel design of a self-transfer device that can be used as an attachment to wheelchair.
Toward evidence-based HR
Authors: van der Togt Jorrit , Rasmussen Thomas Hedegaard
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Sharing a practitioner perspective on the current value, challenges and future direction of HR analytics, from experience in a Fortune 500 company, to contribute to the development of the field in practice and academia. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Perspective/position paper with practical findings.

Findings

HR analytics – i.e., applied management/OE science – clearly adds value when a number of pre-conditions are met. The value goes beyond talent outcomes, and applies to profits, cyber security, safety, and other outcomes.

Practical implications

HR/OE practitioners and academia should continue to work together, and consider both clear monetary value and change management when working toward evidence-based HR and evidence-based management.

Social implications

The approach increases the impact of for- and non-profit organizations, giving higher impact at lower cost, via more efficient and effective use of human capital and also removes biases present in approaches that are not evidence-based.

Originality/value

Few very large companies have shared their experiences building up HR analytics, and this paper does exactly that from a large company that has invested heavily in HR analytics and is considered a front-runner globally (Shell). This showcases to practitioners and researchers what HR analytics can be, provided proper investments are made, and practitioners and researchers work together – i.e., what the impact of HR analytics is and what the challenges and pitfalls are.
Abiotic environmental variation drives virulence evolution in a fish host–parasite geographic mosaic
Authors: Mahmud Muayad A. , Bradley Janette E. , MacColl Andrew D. C.
Published: June 2017

Parasite virulence varies greatly. Theory predicts that this arises from parasites optimising a trade‐off between the mortality they inflict on current hosts, and their transmission to future hosts. The effect of the environment on this co‐evolution is rarely considered.

Geographic mosaics are fertile systems for studying co‐evolution, but again, the diversity of outcomes is often assumed to result from co‐evolutionary dynamism, rather than being moulded by the environment.

Here, we quantify variation in virulence among lakes in a geographic mosaic of co‐evolution between a trematode ectoparasite (Gyrodactylus arcuatus) and its three‐spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) host.

Virulence varies greatly in this system, and parasites are generally locally adapted to their hosts.

Parasites are also locally adapted to the water in their own lake, and virulence is strongly related to lake pH, the dominant axis of abiotic environmental variation in this system.

These results suggest that the evolution of virulence can be substantially affected by the abiotic environment, which has important implications for understanding co‐evolution. There are also implications for the evolutionary management of disease, e.g. ectoparasites in aquaculture, the impacts of which might be expected to reduce given ongoing acidification of aquatic ecosystems.

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Reproductive ecology of Viola mirabilis var. subglabra representing intermediate flowering characteristics between stemless and stemmed Viola
Authors: Shinohara Yoshinori , Yamagishi Hiroki , Hayamizu Masato , Onishi Ohjiro , Ohara Masashi
Published: June 2017

Viola (Violaceae) is one of the largest genera in angiosperms. This genus is essentially classified into stemless and stemmed groups based on growth morphology. However, Viola mirabilis var. subglabra is an exception in having intermediate flowering characteristics; cleistogamous (CL) flowers are formed in the axils of stem leaves, whereas chasmogamous (CH) flowers arise from basal rosettes (radical CH (CH(r)) flowers) and also in the axils of the stem (axially CH (CH(a)) flowers). To understand why the pattern of flower production varies in this Viola species, flower production was investigated in 10 Japanese populations from Hokkaido to the western part of Honshu in 2014 and 2015. Furthermore, flower characteristics were also compared between CH(r) and CH(a) flowers in Hokkaido. In this species, the production of CH flowers varied among individuals, and they were categorized into three groups, individuals that produced (i) only CH(r) flowers, (ii) only CH(a) flowers and (iii) both CH flowers. The frequency of these groups differed among populations, but some individuals changed the category between 2014 and 2015. Thus, the production of CH(r) and CH(a) flowers plastically changes depending on individual conditions and/or environmental factors. On the other hand, CH(r) and CH(a) flowers differed in flower size and flowering phenology. These results suggest that two types of CH flowers may play different roles in reproduction in each population, but fruit sets and seed sets did not differ between two types of CH flowers.
A Sacred Space for Women: Hymnody in Emma Hale Smith's Theology
Authors: Cope Rachel
Published: June 2017

Emma Smith oversaw the compilation of the first Mormon hymnal in 1835 and then prepared a second hymnal in 1841. This article contextualises and discusses Smith's significant assignment, and considers how a woman's hymn selections influenced early Mormonism. It also considers what Smith's hymnals reveal about her own life story and what her life story reveals about her hymn selections. While Smith's first hymnal highlights the emphasis she placed on immediately establishing a city of Zion in preparation for the millennial reign of a triumphal Christ, her second hymnal underscores the need to develop and foster a personal relationship with a merciful Saviour. Smith's 1835 hymnal emphasises being a Zion people immediately, whereas her 1841 hymnal, compiled in the context of intense personal and collective trials and religious persecution, highlights the importance of striving to become a more Zion‐like people over time. The different doctrinal emphases reflects their respective Mormon cultures at the time of compilation, and captures how the church responded to and grappled with its failure to establish Zion immediately. As a compiler of hymns, Smith clearly plays a significant role in Mormon history, while also demonstrating how women could impact their particular religious communities.
A Case of Nonfatal Intoxication Associated with the Recreational use of Diphenidine
Authors: Gerace Enrico , Bovetto Elena , Corcia Daniele Di , Vincenti Marco , Salomone Alberto
Published: June 2017

Diphenidine is a dissociative drug that shows several psychotropic effects including euphoria, shifts in perception of reality, hallucinations, and transient anterograde amnesia. In this study, a case of acute intoxication occurring after diphenidine intake is reported. A 30‐year‐old Caucasian male was hospitalized after he was found in a confused and agitated state and unable to communicate. The physical examination displayed tachycardia, miotic pupils, and increased both body temperature and respiratory rate. After a liquid–liquid extraction procedure, GC/MS analysis revealed the presence of diphenidine in plasma and urine at concentrations of 308 and 631 ng/mL, respectively. Methylphenidate and diclazepam were also detected in the plasma. The clinical progress of the patient was favorable, and his symptoms were cured with a symptomatic treatment. The combined circumstantial elements and toxicological results of the case reported revealed the occurrence of an acute intoxication ascribable to the recreational abuse of diphenidine.
Identification of Eight Synthetic Cannabinoids, Including 5F‐AKB48 in Seized Herbal Products Using DART‐TOF‐MS and LC‐QTOF‐MS as Nontargeted Screening Methods
Authors: Moore Katherine N. , Garvin Demetra , Thomas Brian F. , Grabenauer Megan
Published: June 2017

Synthetic cannabinoids are sprayed onto plant material and smoked for their marijuana‐like effects. Clandestine manufacturers modify synthetic cannabinoid structures by creating closely related analogs. Forensic laboratories are tasked with detection of these analog compounds, but targeted analytical methods are often thwarted by the structural modifications. Here, direct analysis in real time coupled to accurate mass time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (DART‐TOF‐MS) in combination with liquid chromatography quadruple time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC‐QTOF‐MS) are presented as a screening and nontargeted confirmation method, respectively. Methanol extracts of herbal material were run using both methods. Spectral data from four different herbal products were evaluated by comparing fragmentation pattern, accurate mass and retention time to available reference standards. JWH‐018, JWH‐019, AM2201, JWH‐122, 5F‐AKB48, AKB48‐N‐(4‐pentenyl) analog, UR144, and XLR11 were identified in the products. Results demonstrate that DART‐TOF‐MS affords a useful approach for rapid screening of herbal products for the presence and identification of synthetic cannabinoids.
Identification of a Carbonized Body Using Implanted Surgical Plates: The Importance of Computed Tomography
Authors: Andrade Vanessa Moreira , Stibich Christian Abreu , de Santa Martha Paulo Maurício , de Almeida Casimiro Abreu Possante , Vieira Andrea de Castro Domingos
Published: June 2017

In addition to clinical examination, forensic odontologists can use diagnostic imaging as an auxiliary method for identification. This paper reports a case where forensic odontologists from the Afrânio Peixoto Legal Medicine Institute in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) positively identified a carbonized and partially calcined body using oral and maxillofacial imaging. The cadaver showed several metallic plates fixed with metallic screws on bones of the neurocranium and viscerocranium. Family members provided spiral computed tomography scans of the skull and a panoramic radiograph that were acquired after an accident that required surgical procedures. Comparative analysis between the clinical exam and the maxillofacial images demonstrated complete coincidence, confirming the victim's identity. Dactyloscopy, which is the most commonly used method of identification, was not possible because of the body carbonization. Thus, diagnostic imaging, especially computed tomography, was essential for elucidation of this case.
Diurnal variation in outcomes after out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest in Asian communities: The Pan‐Asian Resuscitation Outcomes Study
Authors: Kim Yun Jeong , Ryoo Hyun Wook , Shin Sang Do , Song Kyoung Jun , Ro Young Sun , Lee Kyung Won , Ma Matthew Huei‐Ming , Ko Patrick Chow‐In , Gan Han Nee , Shahidah Nur
Published: June 2017

Objective

The present study aimed to determine whether the time of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is associated with survival rate and neurological outcome after OHCA, as well as to compare the effect size of time of OHCA across six Asian regions.

Methods

We collected data from the Pan‐Asian Resuscitation Outcomes Study registry, six Asian regions (Tokyo, Osaka, Aichi, Seoul, Taipei and Singapore) from 2009 to 2012. Adult OHCA cases were divided depending on the arrest time: I (00.01–06.00 hours), II (06.01–12.00 hours), III (12.01–18.00 hours) and IV (18.01–24.00 hours). Using a multivariable logistic regression analysis, we compared the outcomes of survival and good neurological recovery.

Results

Of 65 413 cases treated by the emergency medical service, 36 706 (56.1%) cases were analysed. There was the lowest OHCA incidence in time block I. Compared with time block I, the adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the standardised survival rate were 1.6 (1.3–1.9) in time block II, 1.4 (1.2–1.7) in time block III and 1.2 (1.0–1.4) in time block IV. Regarding the good neurological recovery rate, compared with time block I, the adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were 1.9 (1.5–2.4) in time block II, 1.7 (1.3–2.1) in time block III and 1.4 (1.1–1.7) in time block IV. However, in the subgroup analysis, there were regional differences between Japan and the other regions.

Conclusions

We found diurnal similarities in OHCA occurrence, as well as differences in survival rate and good neurological recovery rate among Asian regions.
Ames Test to Detect Mutagenicity of 2‐Alkylcyclobutanones: A Review
Authors: Barbezan Angélica B. , Martins Regiane , Bueno Jennifer B. , Villavicencio Anna Lúcia C.H.
Published: June 2017

Food irradiation is an effective and safe method for preservation and long‐term storage, and it is approved for use in over 60 countries for various applications in a wide variety of food products. This process is performed by use of accelerated electron beams, X‐rays, or gamma radiation (60Co or 137Cs). 2‐Alkylcyclobutanones (2‐ACBs) are the only known radiolytic products generated from foods that have fatty acids (triglycerides) and are subjected to irradiation. Since the 1990s toxicological safety studies of 2‐ACBs have been conducted extensively through synthetic compounds, then and tests to determine if the compounds have any mutagenic activity are strictly necessary. The Ames test was chosen by many researchers to assess the mutagenicity of 2‐ACBs. The test uses distinct bacterial cell lines Salmonella typhimurium to detect point mutations at sites guanine–cytosine (G–C) and Escherichia coli to detect point mutations at sites adenine–thymine (A–T). This bibliographic research aims to bring together all the results obtained and a comparison and cell lines used, type of plates, and solvents. This research showed that no mutagenic activity was observed in any of the cell lines and concentrations evaluated by the works of authors, so the 2‐ACBs compounds showed no mutagenic substance in concentrations detectable by the Ames test.
Challenges in Model Development for Meat Composition Using Multipoint NIR Spectroscopy from At‐Line to In‐Line Monitoring
Authors: Dixit Y. , Casado‐Gavalda Maria P. , Cama‐Moncunill R. , Cullen P. J. , Sullivan Carl
Published: June 2017

This study evaluates the efficiency of multipoint near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict the fat and moisture content of minced beef samples both in at‐line and on‐line modes. Additionally, it aims at identifying the obstacles that can be encountered in the path of performing in‐line monitoring. Near‐infrared (NIR) reflectance spectra of minced beef samples were collected using an NIR spectrophotometer, employing a Fabry‐Perot interferometer. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) models based on reference values from proximate analysis yielded calibration coefficients of determination of 0.96 for both fat and moisture. For an independent batch of samples, fat was estimated with a prediction coefficient of determination of 0.87 and 0.82 for the samples in at‐line and on‐line modes, respectively. All the models were found to have good prediction accuracy; however, a higher bias was observed for predictions under on‐line mode. Overall results from this study illustrate that multipoint NIR systems combined with multivariate analysis has potential as a process analytical technology (PAT) tool for monitoring process parameters such as fat and moisture in the meat industry, providing real‐time spectral and spatial information.
Effects of 4 Probiotic Strains in Coculture with Traditional Starters on the Flavor Profile of Yogurt
Authors: Tian Huaixiang , Shen Yongbo , Yu Haiyan , He Yujie , Chen Chen
Published: June 2017

To study the influence of probiotics on the flavor profile of yogurt, 4 probiotics, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus casei, were cofermented with traditional starters. The changes of bacterial growth, acid contents and volatile compounds of yogurt were investigated during fermentation and refrigerated storage. The strains that exhibited a low growth rate in milk did not significantly affect the bacterial population dynamics, acidity, or organic acid content during fermentation and storage. However, high viability and enhancement of postacidification were clearly observed in the samples that contained strains with a high growth rate in milk, particularly L. casei. A total of 45 volatile compounds, detected in most samples, were identified by headspace solid‐phase micro‐extraction followed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Among these compounds, ketones and aldehydes were the most abundant. The presence of either L. rhamnosus or L. plantarum did not significantly affect the major volatile compounds, while contributions of L. casei and L. acidophilus were found in the formation of minor volatile metabolites. Electronic nose measurements exhibited a good discrimination of samples that contained different probiotics during refrigerated storage.
Reprogramming progeria fibroblasts re‐establishes a normal epigenetic landscape
Authors: Chen Zhaoyi , Chang Wing Y. , Etheridge Alton , Strickfaden Hilmar , Jin Zhigang , Palidwor Gareth , Cho Ji‐Hoon , Wang Kai , Kwon Sarah Y. , Doré Carole , Raymond Angela , Hotta Akitsu , Ellis James , Kandel Rita A. , Dilworth F. Jeffrey , Perkins Theodore J. , Hendzel Michael J. , Galas David J. , Stanford William L.
Published: June 2017

Ideally, disease modeling using patient‐derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) enables analysis of disease initiation and progression. This requires any pathological features of the patient cells used for reprogramming to be eliminated during iPSC generation. Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a segmental premature aging disorder caused by the accumulation of the truncated form of Lamin A known as Progerin within the nuclear lamina. Cellular hallmarks of HGPS include nuclear blebbing, loss of peripheral heterochromatin, defective epigenetic inheritance, altered gene expression, and senescence. To model HGPS using iPSCs, detailed genome‐wide and structural analysis of the epigenetic landscape is required to assess the initiation and progression of the disease. We generated a library of iPSC lines from fibroblasts of patients with HGPS and controls, including one family trio. HGPS patient‐derived iPSCs are nearly indistinguishable from controls in terms of pluripotency, nuclear membrane integrity, as well as transcriptional and epigenetic profiles, and can differentiate into affected cell lineages recapitulating disease progression, despite the nuclear aberrations, altered gene expression, and epigenetic landscape inherent to the donor fibroblasts. These analyses demonstrate the power of iPSC reprogramming to reset the epigenetic landscape to a revitalized pluripotent state in the face of widespread epigenetic defects, validating their use to model the initiation and progression of disease in affected cell lineages.
Relationship between native and exotic plant species at multiple savannah sites
Authors: Masocha Mhosisi , Dube Timothy
Published: June 2017

We tested whether the recently proposed two‐part measure of degree of invasion (DI) of a community relating exotic proportion of cover to exotic proportion of richness can characterize patterns of plant invasions at multiple savannah sites in Southern Africa. Regression analysis was performed on transformed data to assess how this two‐part measure of DI compares to other metrics of community invasibility. The results indicate that at the plot level, the absolute cover of exotics was not significantly related to native cover for three sites out of four assessed (R2 ≤ 0.17; P > 0.05). Also, at all four sites, no significant relationships were detected between native and exotic plant richness at both the 1‐m2 and 400‐m2 plot scales. By contrast, significant (P < 0.05) positive linear relationships were observed between exotic proportion of richness and exotic proportion of cover at all sites (R2 was as high as 0.67 and 0.97 for two sites). Our results indicate that the new two‐part measure of DI is able to characterize patterns of plant invasions across plant communities in African savannahs.
A possible role of stem cells in nasal polyposis
Authors: Klimek L. , Koennecke M. , Mullol J. , Hellings P. W. , Wang D.Y. , Fokkens W. , Gevaert P. , Wollenberg B.
Published: June 2017

Since its discovery, the understanding of stem/progenitor cells raised dramatically in the last decade. Their regenerative potential is important to develop new therapeutic applications, but the identification advanced much faster than our understanding of stem/progenitor cells. In nasal polyposis, little is known about stem cells/progenitor cells and their ability. However, the further characterization of stem cells/progenitor cells may provide new treatment options for combating nasal polyposis. This review highlights the knowledge of the current literature about stem cells/progenitor cells in nasal polyposis and how this may be exploited in the development of novel treatment strategies.
Mechanisms of exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction in athletes: Current perspectives and future challenges
Authors: Couto M. , Kurowski M. , Moreira A. , Bullens D. M. A. , Carlsen K.‐H. , Delgado L. , Kowalski M. L. , Seys S. F.
Published: June 2017

The evidence of exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) without asthma (EIBwA) occurring in athletes led to speculate about different endotypes inducing respiratory symptoms within athletes. Classical postulated mechanisms for bronchial obstruction in this population include the osmotic and the thermal hypotheses. More recently, the presence of epithelial injury and inflammation in the airways of athletes was demonstrated. In addition, neuronal activation has been suggested as a potential modulator of bronchoconstriction. Investigation of these emerging mechanisms is of major importance as EIB is a significant problem for both recreational and competitive athletes and is the most common chronic condition among Olympic athletes, with obvious implications for their competing performance, health and quality of life. Hereby, we summarize the latest achievements in this area and identify the current gaps of knowledge so that future research heads toward better defining the etiologic factors and mechanisms involved in development of EIB in elite athletes as well as essential aspects to ultimately propose preventive and therapeutic measures.
Reproductive hormones and metabolic syndrome in 24 testicular cancer survivors and their biological brothers
Authors: Bandak M. , Jørgensen N. , Juul A. , Lauritsen J. , Kier M. G. G. , Mortensen M. S. , Oturai P. S. , Mortensen J. , Hojman P. , Helge J. W. , Daugaard G.
Published: June 2017

Testicular cancer survivors have impaired gonadal function and increased risk of metabolic syndrome when compared to healthy controls. However, because of the fetal etiology of testicular cancer, familial unrelated healthy men might not be an optimal control group. The objective of this study was to clarify if testicular cancer survivors have impaired gonadal function and increased risk of metabolic syndrome when compared to their biological brothers. A cross‐sectional study of testicular cancer survivors (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02240966) was conducted between 2014 and 2016. Of 158 testicular cancer survivors included, 24 had a biological brother who accepted to participate in the study. Serum levels of reproductive hormones and prevalence of metabolic syndrome according to International Diabetes Federation Criteria and National Cholesterol Education Program (Adult Treatment Panel III) criteria comprised the main outcome measures of the study. Median age was similar in testicular cancer survivors and their biological brothers [44 years (IQR 39–50) vs. 46 (40–53) years respectively (p = 0.1)]. In testicular cancer survivors, follow‐up since treatment was 12 years (7–19). Serum levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle‐stimulating hormone were elevated (p ≤ 0.001), while total testosterone, free testosterone, inhibin B and anti‐Müllerian hormone were lower (p ≤ 0.001) in testicular cancer survivors than in their biological brothers. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was similar and apart from HDL‐cholesterol, which was lower in testicular cancer survivors (p = 0.01); there were no differences in the individual components of the metabolic syndrome between testicular cancer survivors and their brothers. In conclusion, gonadal function was impaired in testicular cancer survivors, while we did not detect any difference in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome between testicular cancer survivors and their biological brothers.
Endothelial alterations in 712 keratoconus patients
Authors: Goebels Susanne , Eppig Timo , Seitz Berthold , Szentmàry Nòra , Cayless Alan , Langenbucher Achim
Published: June 2017

Purpose

To investigate the effect of the severity of keratoconus on the corneal endothelium using specular microscopy.

Methods

Seven hundred and twelve eyes from the Homburg Keratoconus Center (HKC) database were included in this retrospective study. Corneal endothelium was evaluated using the Tomey EM‐3000 specular microscope. Keratoconus‐related topographic and tomographic data were obtained from Scheimpflug‐based tomography (Oculus Pentacam® HR). Eyes were classified into stages 0 (healthy) to 4 (severe keratoconus) according to the Topographic Keratoconus Classification (TKC). Subgroups were analysed based on contact lens (CL) type (none/rigid/soft).

Results

The frequencies of keratoconus stages 0/1/2/3/4 according to TKC were 169/94/206/166/77. The endothelial cell density (ECD) for the endothelial cell area for TKC 0/1/2/3/4 was 2611/2624/2557/2487/2401 cells per mm² and the coefficient of variation (CV) was 40.9/40.0/41.6/46.2/49.0%, respectively. The more severe the keratoconus stage, the lower the endothelial cell count (p < 0.001) and the higher the CV (p < 0.001). No contact lens wearing was noted in 207 eyes (NoCL), rigid CL in 200 (RCL) and soft CL in 54 (SCL). CD for NoCL/RCL/SCL was 2523/2533/2644 per mm² and CV was 41.8/54.1/43.1%, respectively. A significant difference in CV was found between NoCL and RCL (p = 0.02), and no significant difference in CV was found between NoCL and SCL (p = 0.07). Endothelial cell density (ECD) did not differ significantly between NoCL and RCL or SCL.

Conclusion

Endothelial cell density (ECD) decreases and CV increases significantly with increasing tomographic severity of keratoconus. In patients with RCL compared to eyes without CL wear, we found a statistically significantly higher CV in the endothelial cell size.
Showcasing the sovereignty of non‐self‐governing islands: New Caledonia
Authors: Prinsen Gerard , Lafoy Yves , Migozzi Julien
Published: June 2017

Since 1983, no non‐self‐governing island connected to a (neo‐) colonial European or American metropole has acquired full Westphalian sovereignty and these islands continue to operate within constitutional frameworks that connect them to these metropoles. Large majorities in referendums on several of these islands have rejected full sovereignty. This paper opens with a review of the essential elements of the concept of sovereignty in a historical and global context, before studying how sovereignty is unfolding in new forms in non‐self‐governing islands in the Pacific and the Caribbean. As a case study, an analysis is presented of how pro‐France (loyaliste) and pro‐independence (indépendantiste) parties in New Caledonia are negotiating sovereignty with France. Evidence is given of how these New Caledonian parties are creatively using classic Westphalian signifiers of sovereignty normally reserved for sovereign states such as flags, diplomatic representations and international treaties, while still negotiating New Caledonia's sovereignty with France. This suggests that in contrast to Westphalian sovereignty, a unique ‘Islandian’ concept of sovereignty is emerging. Islands that are not sovereign in a Westphalian sense can creatively disassemble and reassemble signifiers of Westphalian sovereignty to strengthen their continuous negotiations with their metropoles and their neighbours.