bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platonic know‐how and successful action
Authors: Nawar Tamer
Published: July 2017

In Plato's Euthydemus, Socrates claims that the possession of epistēmē (usually construed as knowledge or understanding) suffices for practical success. Several recent treatments suggest that we may make sense of this claim and render it plausible by drawing a distinction between so‐called “outcome‐success” and “internal‐success” and supposing that epistēmē only guarantees internal‐success. In this paper, I raise several objections to such treatments and suggest that the relevant cognitive state should be construed along less than purely intellectual lines: as a cognitive state constituted at least in part by ability. I argue that we may better explain Socrates' claims that epistēmē suffices for successful action by attending to the nature of abilities, what it is that we attempt to do when acting, and what successful action amounts to in the relevant contexts. These considerations suggest that, contrary to several recent treatments, the success in question is not always internal‐success.
Hypertension is associated with worse cognitive function and hippocampal hypometabolism in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Moonga I. , Niccolini F. , Wilson H. , Pagano G. , Politis M. ,   the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: July 2017

Background and purpose

A growing body of evidence suggests that cardiovascular disease risk factors including hypertension may be linked to sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is well known that hypertension is associated with cerebrovascular disease and vascular dementia on the basis of vascular remodeling. However, the mechanisms linking hypertension and AD remain unclear.

Methods

We studied 197 patients with AD (86 male; mean age ± SD: 75.8 ± 7.4 years) from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database with (n = 97) and without (n = 100) hypertension. We explored associations between hypertension and clinical, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid and imaging markers of AD pathology in order to elucidate the underlying mechanisms that may link AD and hypertension.

Results

We found that patients with AD with hypertension had worse cognitive function (Alzheimer's disease Assessment Scale‐cognitive subscale, P = 0.038) and higher neuropsychiatric symptom burden (Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire, P = 0.016) compared with those without hypertension. Patients with AD with hypertension showed reduced glucose hypometabolism in the right (P < 0.001) and left (P = 0.007) hippocampus. No differences were found in magnetic resonance imaging volumetric measurements, [18F]florbetapir uptakes, plasma and cerebrospinal fluid between patients with AD with and without hypertension.

Conclusions

Although hypertension is associated with worse cognitive function, behavioural symptoms and hippocampal glucose hypometabolism, it is not associated with evidence of increased amyloid or tau pathology. Effective management of hypertension may potentially have a therapeutic role in the alleviation of symptoms in AD.
Stand dynamics modulate water cycling and mortality risk in droughted tropical forest
Authors: da Costa Antonio C. L. , Rowland Lucy , Oliveira Rafael S. , Oliveira Alex A. R. , Binks Oliver J. , Salmon Yann , Vasconcelos Steel S. , Junior João A. S. , Ferreira Leandro V. , Poyatos Rafael , Mencuccini Maurizio , Meir Patrick
Published: July 2017

Transpiration from the Amazon rainforest generates an essential water source at a global and local scale. However, changes in rainforest function with climate change can disrupt this process, causing significant reductions in precipitation across Amazonia, and potentially at a global scale. We report the only study of forest transpiration following a long‐term (>10 year) experimental drought treatment in Amazonian forest. After 15 years of receiving half the normal rainfall, drought‐related tree mortality caused total forest transpiration to decrease by 30%. However, the surviving droughted trees maintained or increased transpiration because of reduced competition for water and increased light availability, which is consistent with increased growth rates. Consequently, the amount of water supplied as rainfall reaching the soil and directly recycled as transpiration increased to 100%. This value was 25% greater than for adjacent nondroughted forest. If these drought conditions were accompanied by a modest increase in temperature (e.g., 1.5°C), water demand would exceed supply, making the forest more prone to increased tree mortality.
Headache in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: Findings From the Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Treatment Trial
Authors: Friedman Deborah I. , Quiros Peter A. , Subramanian Prem S. , Mejico Luis J. , Gao Shan , McDermott Michael , Wall Michael ,   and the NORDIC IIHTT Study Group
Published: July 2017

Objective

To characterize the phenotype, headache‐related disability, medical co‐morbidities, use of symptomatic headache medications, and headache response to study interventions in the Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Treatment Trial (IIHTT).

Methods

Patients with untreated IIH and mild vision loss enrolled in the IIHTT and randomized to acetazolamide (ACZ) and weight loss or placebo (PLB) and weight loss had prospective assessment of headache disability using the Headache Impact Test‐6 (HIT‐6) questionnaire. Subjects with headache at the baseline visit were assigned a headache phenotype using the International Classification for Headache Disorders version 3 beta (ICHD‐3b). Medication overuse was determined using the participants' reported medication use for the preceding month and ICHD‐3b thresholds for diagnosing medication overuse headache. We investigated relationships between headache disability and various other clinical characteristics at baseline and at 6 months.

Results

Headache was present in 139 (84%) of the 165 enrollees at baseline. The most common headache phenotypes were migraine (52%), tension‐type headache (22%), probable migraine (16%), and probable tension‐type headache (4%). Fifty‐one (37%) participants overused symptomatic medications at baseline, most frequently simple analgesics. A similar amount of improvement in the adjusted mean (± standard error) HIT‐6 score occurred in the ACZ (–9.56 ± 1.05) and PLB groups (–9.11 ± 1.14) at 6 months (group difference −0.45, 95% CI −3.50 to 2.60, P = .77). Headache disability did not correlate with any of the studies, variables of interest, which included: the lumbar puncture opening pressure at baseline or at 6 months, body mass index, the amount of weight lost, papilledema grade, perimetric mean deviation, or the use of hormonal contraception. Headache disability was significantly associated with patient‐reported quality of life in the physical, mental, and visual domains.

Conclusions

Headache was common, of varied character, disabling, and associated with poorer quality of life in our cohort of patients with mild visual impairment. The lack of correlation between headache disability and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure at baseline and at the end of the randomized phase of the study implies that headache in IIH may be related to factors other than intracranial hypertension, and that specific headache treatment is needed in addition to therapies directed at lowering CSF pressure.
Enhanced mechanical properties of SiC reticulated porous ceramics via adjustment of residual stress within the strut
Authors: Liang Xiong , Li Yawei , Sang Shaobai , Xu Yibiao , Chen Yuanyuan , Li Benwen , Aneziris Christos
Published: July 2017

Silicon carbide reticulated porous ceramics (SiCRPCs) with multi‐layered struts were fabricated by polymer replica technique with SiC slurry, followed by infiltrating alumina slurries containing andalusite under vacuum condition. The effects of andalusite addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of SiCRPCs were investigated, also the residual stress within the multi‐layered strut was predicted. Theoretical calculations showed that the residual tensile stress generated in the outer layer of SiCRPCs because of its larger thermal expansion coefficient of infiltration slurry than that of SiC slurry at elevated temperature. Furthermore, the addition of andalusite reduced the thermal expansion coefficient and Young's modulus of infiltration slurries, thereby significantly reducing the residual stress of the outer layer in multi‐layered struts. The reduced residual tensile stress within the outer layer was beneficial to eliminate surface cracks on the struts, thus improving the mechanical properties and thermal shock resistance of SiCRPCs.
Design and development of mini roaster for cashew nut processing
Authors: Banerjee S. , Shrivastava S. L.
Published: July 2017

Cashew nut roasting before shelling is an important treatment since this roasting operation helps to shell the nuts to extract the kernels easily without damaging the edible kernels. For large scale processing, mechanized/semi‐mechanized roasters are available, but for low capacity processors, getting an economical and low capacity roaster is a challenge. For low‐capacity processing, processors opt for open pan/flame roasting method, which causes over roasting (burnt) or under roasting of cashew nuts. The aim of this article was to design and fabricate a low‐cost, simple to operate mini cashew nut roaster, which would be applicable for small scale cashew nut processors. A drum roaster was designed and fabricated, on which the experimental trials were conducted by varying the roasting time between 1 and 7 min to determine the best roasting time, where the drum roaster surface temperature was 275 ± 25 °C. From the roasting trials, it was found that fabricated cashew nut roaster was suitable for roasting cashew nuts within 2.5 min. It was low in cost and required no skilled labors for its operation. Sensory analysis of cashew nut, roasted by developed mini cashew nut roaster was found to be acceptable. The developed small capacity roaster was found suitable to address the needs of small‐scale cashew nut processors.

Practical applications

The developed roaster was found suitable for roasting cashew nuts for small capacity processing. Based on the design provided in the paper, one could fabricate the roaster in any mechanical workshop having basic tools and welding facility.
Production of soapwort concentrate and soapwort powder and their use in Turkish delight and tahini halvah
Authors: Çam İhsan Burak , Topuz Ayhan
Published: July 2017

Soapwort extract is a traditional additive, produced by extracting soapwort roots [Gypsophila bicolor (Freyn et Sint.) Grossh] in boiling water. It is used for color, volume, and texture improvements of several foods. In this study, the optimum extraction conditions and membrane concentration for soapwort extract were determined to produce enriched soapwort powder as a stable and efficient additive in place of the traditional extract. The optimum extraction conditions were determined by using response surface method as following: root to water 1:10, average particle size 4.5 mm, and temperature at 95 °C and extraction time for 3 hr. This extract has been enriched with saponin via reverse osmosis up to 20% concentration of soluble solids. Soapwort powder, includes 4% moisture, produced from the soapwort concentrate by using the spray dryer. Some physicochemical properties of the powder were determined as 46.3 g saponin/100 g (dm), 0.36 water activity, and 7.74 μm average particle size distribution. Additionally, bulk density, spray drying recovery yield (dm), and water solubility were determined as 469 kg/m3, 87%, and 94%, respectively. The diluted soapwort concentrate and reconstituted soapwort powder were tested in production of Turkish delight and halvah in comparison to commercial soapwort extract at the same soluble solid content. Results showed that there were no statistical differences on the color and the appearance scores of all Turkish delight samples. Additionally, halvah samples produced with the reconstituted soapwort powder were the most preferred samples in sensorial analysis and these samples were determined as the best considering the structural values.

Practical applications

Soapwort extract is used as an additive in the production of traditional foods such as delight and halvah. However, this extract is susceptible to microbial proliferation, and leading to negative taste and odor problems. In addition to these problems, use of traditional extracts also cause quality losses due to the lack of standardization. New soapwort extract powder enriched by saponin has been developed by using optimized extraction, enrichment, and drying processes. In practical point of view, this product is preferably used in many food formulations such as halvah and delight in the food industry. This product has potential to be used in the cosmetics and chemical industry as well for different products. The improved production method can be also a model for industrial production.
Efficacy assessment of an intramammary treatment with a new recrystallized enrofloxacin vs ceftiofur and parenteral enrofloxacin in dairy cows with nonsevere clinical mastitis
Authors: Viveros M. , Lopez‐Ordaz R. , Gutiérrez L. , Miranda‐Calderón J. E. , Sumano H.
Published: July 2017

A recrystallized form of enrofloxacin as dehydrate‐HCl (enro‐C) was assessed for bacteriological and clinical cure efficacies in Holstein‐Friesian cows affected of nonsevere clinical mastitis. Treatments were enro‐Csusp (n = 81), treated with a pharmaceutical suspension of enro‐C/quarter; group enro‐Cpd (n = 80) treated as above, but using enro‐C powder suspended in water; group CF (n = 65), treated with ceftiofur HCl/quarter; and group enroR (n = 66), treated with standard enrofloxacin solution (5 mg/kg, intramuscular). Cows had a mean milk production of 31 L/day and were 2‐3 lactational periods old. Treatments were administered every 24 hr for 3 days. Groups treated with enro‐C exhibited statistically significant (p > .05) better clinical cure as compared to groups treated with CF or enroR (95.06%, 96.25%, 67.79%, and 57.55%, for enro‐Csusp, enro‐Cpd, CF, and enroR, respectively). In contrast, probability of bacteriological cure was not statistically different among treatments. Yet, the outstanding clinical and bacteriological cure rates obtained for enro‐C for nonsevere cases of mastitis is superior to previously reported data for parenteral enrofloxacin and other antibacterial‐intramammary treatments. Impact of using enro‐C on the rate and pattern of bacterial resistance, somatic cell counts and milk electric conductivity, must be studied. Also, the use of enro‐C for complicated cases of mastitis should be studied and milk withdrawal times must be accurately established.
Genetic variations in toll‐like receptors 7 and 8 modulate natural hepatitis C outcomes and liver disease progression
Authors: Fakhir Fatima‐Zohra , Lkhider Mustapha , Badre Wafaa , Alaoui Rhimou , Meurs Eliane F. , Pineau Pascal , Ezzikouri Sayeh , Benjelloun Soumaya
Published: July 2017

Background & Aims

The natural outcomes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) as well as the progression of the liver disease are highly variable and depend primarily on an efficient immune response. As toll‐like receptors seven (TLR7) and eight (TLR8) are important effectors of the innate immunity, this study aims to evaluate the association between TLR7 and TLR8 polymorphisms and the HCV infection outcomes in Moroccan subjects.

Methods

In this case–control study, 643 subjects including 293 mild chronic hepatitis patients, 119 with advanced liver disease (AdLD), 93 with HCV spontaneous clearance and 138 healthy controls were genotyped using TaqMan SNPs assays.

Results

Patients carrying TLR7 rs179008‐A allele were more likely to clear the virus spontaneously (P = .0001 for women, and P < .001 for men). Besides, carriage of TLR7 rs179009‐A allele was associated with a twofold increase in spontaneous viral clearance in female patients (P = .0002), but not in men. In addition, we observed that TLR7 rs179008‐T and rs179009‐G alleles increased the risk of disease progression in both sexes (P < .05). TLR8 rs3764880‐G allele was associated with spontaneous HCV clearance in both sexes (P < .0001) albeit with an apparently stronger association in males (OR = 6.02 for men vs 2.2 for women). In males, TLR8 rs3764879‐C and TLR8 rs3764880‐A alleles were significantly associated with AdLD status (P < .05).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that variations in TLR7 and TLR8 genes modulate the clearance and progression of HCV infection with different magnitudes between sexes. Our results refine, therefore, our understanding of the sex‐specific differences observed regarding the susceptibility to chronic hepatitis.
Genetic and epigenetic insight into morphospecies in a reef coral
Authors: Dimond James L. , Gamblewood Sanoosh K. , Roberts Steven B.
Published: July 2017

Incongruence between conventional and molecular systematics has left the delineation of many species unresolved. Reef‐building corals are no exception, with phenotypic plasticity among the most plausible explanations for alternative morphospecies. As potential molecular signatures of phenotypic plasticity, epigenetic processes may contribute to our understanding of morphospecies. We compared genetic and epigenetic variation in Caribbean branching Porites spp., testing the hypothesis that epigenetics—specifically, differential patterns of DNA methylation—play a role in alternative morphotypes of a group whose taxonomic status has been questioned. We used reduced representation genome sequencing to analyse over 1,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms and CpG sites in 27 samples of Porites spp. exhibiting a range of morphotypes from a variety of habitats in Belize. We found stronger evidence for genetic rather than epigenetic structuring, identifying three well‐defined genetic groups. One of these groups exhibited significantly thicker branches, and branch thickness was a better predictor of genetic groups than depth, habitat or symbiont type. In contrast, no clear epigenetic patterns emerged with respect to phenotypic or habitat variables. While there was a weak positive correlation between pairwise genetic and epigenetic distance, two pairs of putative clones exhibited substantial epigenetic differences, suggesting a strong environmental effect. We speculate that epigenetic patterns are a complex mosaic reflecting diverse environmental histories superimposed over a relatively small heritable component. Given the role of genetics in branching Porites spp. morphospecies we were able to detect with genomewide sequencing, use of such techniques throughout the geographic range of these corals may help settle their phylogeny.
Response to nitrogen addition reveals metabolic and ecological strategies of soil bacteria
Authors: Samad Md Sainur , Johns Charlotte , Richards Karl G. , Lanigan Gary J. , de Klein Cecile A. M. , Clough Timothy J. , Morales Sergio E.
Published: July 2017

The nitrogen (N) cycle represents one of the most well‐studied systems, yet the taxonomic diversity of the organisms that contribute to it is mostly unknown, or linked to poorly characterized microbial groups. While new information has allowed functional groups to be refined, they still rely on a priori knowledge of enzymes involved and the assumption of functional conservation, with little connection to the role the transformations, plays for specific organisms. Here, we use soil microcosms to test the impact of N deposition on prokaryotic communities. By combining chemical, genomic and transcriptomic analysis, we are able to identify and link changes in community structure to specific organisms catalysing given chemical reactions. Urea deposition led to a decrease in prokaryotic richness, and a shift in community composition. This was driven by replacement of stable native populations, which utilize energy from N‐linked redox reactions for physiological maintenance, with fast responding populations that use this energy for growth. This model can be used to predict response to N disturbances and allows us to identify putative life strategies of different functional and taxonomic groups, thus providing insights into how they persist in ecosystems by niche differentiation.
Amblyomma sculptum: genetic diversity and rickettsias in the Brazilian Cerrado biome
Authors: BITENCOURTH K. , AMORIM M. , DE OLIVEIRA S. V. , CAETANO R. L. , VOLOCH C. M. , GAZÊTA G. S.
Published: July 2017

Amblyomma sculptum (Ixodida: Ixodidae) Berlese, 1888 is the most important tick vector in Brazil, transmitting the bioagent of the most severe form of spotted fever (SF) in part of the Cerrado (in the states of Minas Gerais and São Paulo). In another part of the Cerrado (Central‐West region of Brazil), a milder form of SF has been recorded. However, neither the rickettsia nor the vector involved have been characterized. The aim of the current study was to analyse genetic variation and the presence of rickettsia in A. sculptum in Cerrado, from silent areas and with the milder form of SF. Samples were subjected to DNA extraction, amplification and sequencing of 12S rDNA, cytochrome oxidase subunit II and D‐loop mitochondrial genes (for tick population analyses), and gltA, htrA, ompA and gene D (sca4) genes for rickettsia researches. Exclusive haplotypes with low frequencies, high haplotype diversity and low nucleotide diversity, star‐shaped networks and significant results in neutrality tests indicate A. sculptum population expansions in some areas. Rickettsia amblyommatis, Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae and Rickettsia felis were detected. The A. sculptum diversity is not geographically, or biome delimited, pointing to a different potential in vector capacity, possibly associated with differing tick genetic profiles.
App‐based attention training: Incorporating older adults’ feedback to facilitate home‐based use
Authors: Hill Nikki L. , Mogle Jacqueline , Wion Rachel , Kitt‐Lewis Erin , Hannan John , Dick Robert , McDermott Caroline
Published: July 2017

Background

Technology‐based attention training programs have demonstrated promise in improving cognitive functioning in older adults.

Aims and objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usability and acceptability of a modified version of a mobile attention training application.

Design

A descriptive, mixed‐methods design was used to capture older adults’ feedback on the usability and acceptability of the modified attention training application.

Methods

A convenience sample of older adults (n = 12) participated in three study visits and a one‐week testing period of the modified attention training application in their homes. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all quantitative data, and an iterative content analysis was used to characterise participant responses.

Results

On average, participants rated the modified attention training application more positively than negatively in terms of usability, interest, enjoyment and satisfaction. The qualitative analyses revealed positive aspects of using the app including working through challenges, perceived benefit and helpfulness of instructions.

Conclusions

The modified attention training application was usable by and acceptable to the majority of older adults in our sample who had varying degrees of experience with mobile technology. Future development should specifically consider personal characteristics as well as individual preferences to maximise the potential of the modified attention training application.

Implications for practice

This technology may be helpful for providing memory improvement interventions to older persons with cognitive impairment who do not have access to memory clinics.
Auditory‐visual integration modulates location‐specific repetition suppression of auditory responses
Authors: Shrem Talia , Murray Micah M. , Deouell Leon Y.
Published: July 2017

Space is a dimension shared by different modalities, but at what stage spatial encoding is affected by multisensory processes is unclear. Early studies observed attenuation of N1/P2 auditory evoked responses following repetition of sounds from the same location. Here, we asked whether this effect is modulated by audiovisual interactions. In two experiments, using a repetition‐suppression paradigm, we presented pairs of tones in free field, where the test stimulus was a tone presented at a fixed lateral location. Experiment 1 established a neural index of auditory spatial sensitivity, by comparing the degree of attenuation of the response to test stimuli when they were preceded by an adapter sound at the same location versus 30° or 60° away. We found that the degree of attenuation at the P2 latency was inversely related to the spatial distance between the test stimulus and the adapter stimulus. In Experiment 2, the adapter stimulus was a tone presented from the same location or a more medial location than the test stimulus. The adapter stimulus was accompanied by a simultaneous flash displayed orthogonally from one of the two locations. Sound‐flash incongruence reduced accuracy in a same‐different location discrimination task (i.e., the ventriloquism effect) and reduced the location‐specific repetition‐suppression at the P2 latency. Importantly, this multisensory effect included topographic modulations, indicative of changes in the relative contribution of underlying sources across conditions. Our findings suggest that the auditory response at the P2 latency is affected by spatially selective brain activity, which is affected crossmodally by visual information.
Institutions and Morality Policy in Western Democracies
Authors: Studlar Donley T. , Cagossi Alessandro
Published: July 2017

This article investigates whether different political institutions such as executives, legislatures, parties, party systems, judiciaries, decentralization, constitutionalism, and referendums across 24 Western democracies are venues for debate across five individual morality policies. Using data since 1945, the article compares three theories of morality policy—(1) Policy Type leading to different institutional venues; (2) Two Worlds of religious/secular party systems; and (3) U.S./European exceptionalism. In order, the most frequently debated issues are abortion, same sex marriage, euthanasia, stem cells/assisted reproductive technology (ART), and capital punishment. There is considerable variation in the institutions and country groups that debate them although fewer differences in the Two Worlds model. Abortion, euthanasia, and same sex marriage are the most convergent issues across institutions, party systems, and country groupings while capital punishment and stem cells/ART show the most diverse patterns of deliberation. The general Policy Type model of morality policy is upheld, but varies institutionally by specific issues. The Two Worlds model is of some importance, but only on three issues. There also are regional differences between the United States, Europe, and non‐European democracies.
Community Banks and Loans for Nonmetropolitan Businesses: A Multilevel Analysis from the 2007 Survey of Business Owners
Authors: Mencken F. Carson , Tolbert Charles M.
Published: July 2017

Access to financial capital is vital for the sustainability of the local business sector in nonmetropolitan communities. In this article we develop two hypotheses and examine the impact of financial sector restructuring on the odds of using a bank loan to finance a new business or expand an existing business. Focusing on nonmetropolitan American businesses, we connect restricted tabulations of the 2007 Survey of Business Owners to data on the commuting zones (CZ) in which businesses are located. We use multilevel logistic regression models to predict the effects of community bank presence within the CZ on the odds of using a bank business loan to start or expand a business for nonmetropolitan businesses started or purchased since 2000. Net of important characteristics of the businesses and owners, we find that the greater the proportion of local banks in a nonmetropolitan CZ, the greater the odds that a conventional business loan was used to either help start a new business or expand an existing business.
State Medicaid Expansion and Citizens’ Quality of Life*
Authors: Flavin Patrick
Published: July 2017

Objectives

The U.S. Supreme Court's 2012 ruling on the Affordable Care Act was a federal exogenous shock that presented all states with the decision to continue their Medicaid program in its current form or expand it to include thousands of newly eligible recipients. This article takes advantage of this exogenous shock to evaluate the impact of Medicaid expansion on citizens’ quality of life.

Methods

I evaluate changes from 2010 to 2014 in low‐income citizens’ subjective well‐being (SWB) using Gallup‐Healthways survey data and a difference‐in‐differences estimation strategy.

Results

Average levels of SWB increased among low‐income citizens in states that expanded Medicaid eligibility compared to states that did not. In a series of placebo tests, I also demonstrate that the expansion had no effect on the SWB of middle‐ or high‐income citizens who are unlikely to directly benefit from more generous Medicaid eligibility requirements.

Conclusions

The empirical findings suggest that the expansion of Medicaid has important implications for the well‐being of low‐income Americans and, more broadly, contribute to the growing literature on how government policy choices can concretely impact the quality of life that citizens experience.
Effect of catheter size and injection rate of contrast agent on enhancement and image quality for triple‐phase helical computed tomography of the liver in small dogs
Authors: Lee Sang‐Kwon , Lee Dahae , Kim Dongeun , Cha Ahyoung , Choi Jihye
Published: July 2017

Rapid contrast injection is recommended for triple‐phase helical computed tomography (CT) of the liver. However, a large‐gauge catheter is needed for faster contrast injection and this is not practical for small breed dogs or cats. The purpose of this crossover group study was to evaluate applicability of a lower injection rate with a small‐gauge (G) catheter for triple‐phase hepatic CT in small dogs. Triple‐phase CT images were acquired for six beagle dogs using three protocols: an injection rate of 1.5 ml/s with a 24 G catheter, 3.0 ml/s with a 22 G catheter, and 4.5 ml/s with a 20 G catheter. Enhancement of the aorta, portal vein, and hepatic parenchyma was measured in each phase (arterial, portal, and delayed) and image quality was scored subjectively by two observers. Injection duration, time to scan delay, and time to peak enhancement were also recorded. Contrast injection duration decreased with a higher injection rate (n = 6, P ≤ 0.01), but time to peak enhancement and time to scan delay were not significantly affected by injection rates and catheter sizes. Contrast injection rate did not significantly affect aortic, portal, and hepatic enhancement. In addition, separation between each phase and quality of images was subjectively scored as good regardless of injection rate. Findings from the current study supported using an injection rate of 1.5 ml/s with a catheter size of 24 G for triple‐phase hepatic CT in small dogs (weight < 12 kg).
Implementation of Energy Efficiency Strategies in Cooling Towers—A Techno-Economic Analysis
Authors: Al-Hadban Y. , Sreekanth K. J. , Al-Taqi H. , Alasseri R.
Published: July 2017

This paper depicts the results of a detailed energy audit, analysis, and implementation of energy efficient operations and maintenance strategies in a large commercial mall in Kuwait. Initially, the cooling towers (CTs) operated only at high speed, and on a typical summer day, nearly one-fourth of the make-up water was used for self-cooling of air. The study based on measured data and analysis, for a period of one year, revealed that the use of variable frequency drive (VFD) could reduce the water wastage for self-cooling of air by as much as 75% and overall water consumption by 18.6% while keeping the cooling system performance at the design level. An optimization model was developed, suitable exclusively for arid climatic conditions. Implementation of various energy efficient operation and maintenance strategies (EEO&MS) with ventilation and air-conditioning (VAC), and lighting systems obtained an overall reduction of 9879 MWh/y, equivalent to a percentage reduction of 11.7% in the annual energy consumption and a 345 kW in peak power demand. The study estimated an economical benefit of 19,958 KD/y for the owners and to the Ministry of Electricity and Water, in addition to a considerable environmental benefit of deduction in CO2 emissions by 6990 t/y.
Thermodynamic and Economic Analysis of the Production of Electricity, Heat, and Cold in the Combined Heat and Power Unit With the Absorption Chillers
Authors: Szega Marcin , Żymełka Piotr
Published: July 2017

This paper presents the approach of thermoeconomic analysis of centralized cold generation in trigeneration system integrated with steam-powered absorption chillers (ACs). The analysis was conducted for real back-pressure combined heat and power (CHP) unit BC-50 and single-effect absorption refrigerators using water and lithium bromide as the working fluids. It has been assumed that the heating medium supplied to the chiller generator is technological steam from the existing steam bleeding. The calculations take into account changes of energy demand for heating and cooling for each month of the year. Mathematical simulation models of cogeneration and trigeneration systems have been developed with the commercial program for power plant simulation EBSILON Professional. System effects of heat and electricity cogeneration and cogeneration with additional cold production have been calculated compared to separate production of heat, electricity, and cold (replaced heating plant and power unit). The effect of trigeneration has been assessed quantitatively by the coefficient of the increasing cogeneration effects, which has been calculated as a ratio of chemical energy savings of fuels to the demand for heat by the consumers in the cases of trigeneration and cogeneration. This paper includes also analysis of economic effectiveness of a trigeneration system with ACs for cold agent production. The results of economic calculations show that an acceptable payback period of approximately 13 yr for a CHP and absorption system may be achieved. Discounted payback (DPB) is equal to the half of assumed operating time of the system. Sensitivity analysis shows that the most important impact on profitability is the selling price of cold and the purchase of fuel—hard coal.
Investigations on Partial Addition of n-Butanol in Sunflower Oil Methyl Ester Powered Diesel Engine
Authors: Patil Vishal V. , Patil Ranjit S.
Published: July 2017

Research focused in the present paper to evaluate the combustion, performance, and emission characteristics of refined biodiesel (refined biofuel) such as sunflower oil methyl ester (SOME) with the partial addition of n-butanol (butanol) in it. Various characteristics of butanol–SOME blends with varying volume percentage of butanol such as 5, 10, 15, and 20 in butanol–SOME blends were compared with the characteristics of neat SOME (100%) and neat diesel (100%). It is investigated that with an increase in butanol content from 5% to 20% in butanol–SOME blends at full load condition, brake-specific fuel consumption, and NOx emissions were increased by 11% and 43%, respectively, while brake thermal efficiency (BTE) was decreased by 8%. At full load condition, for all the selected fuels hydrocarbon (HC) emissions were found to be negligible, i.e., less than 0.12 g/kWh. Carbon monoxide (CO) emissions at full load condition for the four butanol–SOME blends were observed to be four to six times more than observed CO emissions in case of neat SOME and neat diesel. Various characteristics of all the selected fuels were compared in order to finalize the promising alternate sustainable renewable fuel. Thus, study reports the solution for increase in demand and price of shortly diminishing conventional diesel fuel which is widely used for power generation and also to reduce the serious issues concerned with environmental pollution due to usage of neat diesel.
A Novel Solar Cell Shallow Emitter Formation Process by Ion-Implantation and Dopant Modulation Through Surface Chemical Etching
Authors: Yang Wei-Lin , Chen Po-Hung , Wu Kun-Rui , Wang Likarn
Published: July 2017

Ion-implantation is an advanced technology to inject dopants for shallow junction formation. Due to the ion-induced sputtering effect at low implant energy where dopants tend to accumulate at the silicon surface, the excess ion doses can be easily removed via a surface chemical wet etching process. By taking advantage of the dose limitation characteristic, we proposed a novel method to form shallow emitters with various dopant densities. Two integration flows have been investigated: (1) wet etch after implantation before junction anneal and (2) wet etch after implantation and junction anneal. The two integration flows observed a difference in the density of doping impurities during the thermal process, which is related to the substrate recombination rates. Selective emitter (SE) structures with the two types of integration flows were characterized. Comparing the blanket emitter and SE structures with two types of etching methods, the device with wet etch before annealing process achieved the best effective carrier lifetime of 53.05 μs, which leads to a higher short circuit current density. Hence, this SE cell demonstrated a better blue response and shows an improvement in the conversion efficiency.
Curvature Variability Study for Small- and Large-Scale Linear Fresnel Solar Fields: A Step Toward Optimization
Authors: Benyakhlef Sara , Al Mers Ahmed , Merroun Ossama , Bouatem Abdelfattah , Ajdad Hamid , Boutammachte Noureddine , El Alj Soukaina
Published: July 2017

Reducing levelized electricity costs of concentrated solar power (CSP) plants can be of great potential in accelerating the market penetration of these sustainable technologies. Linear Fresnel reflectors (LFRs) are one of these CSP technologies that may potentially contribute to such cost reduction. However, due to very little previous research, LFRs are considered as a low efficiency technology. In this type of solar collectors, there is a variety of design approaches when it comes to optimizing such systems. The present paper aims to tackle a new research axis based on variability study of heliostat curvature as an approach for optimizing small and large-scale LFRs. Numerical investigations based on a ray tracing model have demonstrated that LFR constructors should adopt a uniform curvature for small-scale LFRs and a variable curvature per row for large-scale LFRs. Better optical performances were obtained for LFRs regarding these adopted curvature types. An optimization approach based on the use of uniform heliostat curvature for small-scale LFRs has led to a system cost reduction by means of reducing its receiver surface and height.
Experimental Study of Anisotropic Stress/Strain Relationships of Aortic and Pulmonary Artery Homografts and Synthetic Vascular Grafts
Authors: Jia Yueqian , Qiao Yangyang , Ricardo Argueta-Morales I. , Maung Aung , Norfleet Jack , Bai Yuanli , Divo Eduardo , Kassab Alain J. , DeCampli William M.
Published: July 2017

Homografts and synthetic grafts are used in surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD). Determining these materials' mechanical properties will aid in understanding tissue behavior when subjected to abnormal CHD hemodynamics. Homograft tissue samples from anterior/posterior aspects, of ascending/descending aorta (AA, DA), innominate artery (IA), left subclavian artery (LScA), left common carotid artery (LCCA), main/left/right pulmonary artery (MPA, LPA, RPA), and synthetic vascular grafts, were obtained in three orientations: circumferential, diagonal (45 deg relative to circumferential direction), and longitudinal. Samples were subjected to uniaxial tensile testing (UTT). True strain-Cauchy stress curves were individually fitted for each orientation to calibrate Fung model. Then, they were used to calibrate anisotropic Holzapfel–Gasser model (R2 > 0.95). Most samples demonstrated a nonlinear hyperelastic strain–stress response to UTT. Stiffness (measured by tangent modulus at different strains) in all orientations were compared and shown as contour plots. For each vessel segment at all strain levels, stiffness was not significantly different among aspects and orientations. For synthetic grafts, stiffness was significantly different among orientations (p < 0.042). Aorta is significantly stiffer than pulmonary artery at 10% strain, comparing all orientations, aspects, and regions (p = 0.0001). Synthetic grafts are significantly stiffer than aortic and pulmonary homografts at all strain levels (p < 0.046). Aortic, pulmonary artery, and synthetic grafts exhibit hyperelastic biomechanical behavior with anisotropic effect. Differences in mechanical properties among vascular grafts may affect native tissue behavior and ventricular/arterial mechanical coupling, and increase the risk of deformation due to abnormal CHD hemodynamics.
Variable Thumb Moment Arm Modeling and Thumb-Tip Force Production of a Human-Like Robotic Hand
Authors: Niehues Taylor D. , Deshpande Ashish D.
Published: July 2017

The anatomically correct testbed (ACT) hand mechanically simulates the musculoskeletal structure of the fingers and thumb of the human hand. In this work, we analyze the muscle moment arms (MAs) and thumb-tip force vectors in the ACT thumb in order to compare the ACT thumb's mechanical structure to the human thumb. Motion data are used to determine joint angle-dependent MA models, and thumb-tip three-dimensional (3D) force vectors are experimentally analyzed when forces are applied to individual muscles. Results are presented for both a nominal ACT thumb model designed to match human MAs and an adjusted model that more closely replicates human-like thumb-tip forces. The results confirm that the ACT thumb is capable of faithfully representing human musculoskeletal structure and muscle functionality. Using the ACT hand as a physical simulation platform allows us to gain a better understanding of the underlying biomechanical and neuromuscular properties of the human hand to ultimately inform the design and control of robotic and prosthetic hands.
Thermal Analyses of a Human Kidney and a Rabbit Kidney During Cryopreservation by Vitrification
Authors: Ehrlich Lili E. , Fahy Gregory M. , Wowk Brian G. , Malen Jonathan A. , Rabin Yoed
Published: July 2017

This study focuses on thermal analysis of the problem of scaling up from the vitrification of rabbit kidneys to the vitrification of human kidneys, where vitrification is the preservation of biological material in the glassy state. The basis for this study is a successful cryopreservation protocol for a rabbit kidney model, based on using a proprietary vitrification solution known as M22. Using the finite element analysis (FEA) commercial code ANSYS, heat transfer simulations suggest that indeed the rabbit kidney unquestionably cools rapidly enough to be vitrified based on known intrarenal concentrations of M22. Scaling up 21-fold, computer simulations suggest less favorable conditions for human kidney vitrification. In this case, cooling rates below −100 °C are sometimes slower than 1 °C/min, a rate that provides a clear-cut margin of safety at all temperatures based on the stability of rabbit kidneys in past studies. Nevertheless, it is concluded in this study that vitrifying human kidneys is possible without significant ice damage, assuming that human kidneys can be perfused with M22 as effectively as rabbit kidneys. The thermal analysis suggests that cooling rates can be further increased by a careful design of the cryogenic protocol and by tailoring the container to the shape of the kidney, in contrast to the present cylindrical container. This study demonstrates the critical need for the thermal analysis of experimental cryopreservation and highlights the unmet need for measuring the thermophysical properties of cryoprotective solutions under conditions relevant to realistic thermal histories.
Paneth cells secrete lysozyme via secretory autophagy during bacterial infection of the intestine
Authors: Bel Shai , Pendse Mihir , Wang Yuhao , Li Yun , Ruhn Kelly A. , Hassell Brian , Leal Tess , Winter Sebastian E. , Xavier Ramnik J. , Hooper Lora V.
Published: July 2017

Foiling bad bugs' sneaky tricks

Intestinal pathogens can invade host cells and disrupt critical cellular functions, including secretion. Secretion is necessary for the delivery of antimicrobial proteins that kill pathogenic bacteria. Bel
et al.
show that when intestinal epithelial cells sense an invading bacterial pathogen, they “reroute” the antimicrobial protein lysozyme through an alternative autophagy-based secretion pathway (see the Perspective by Kaser and Blumberg). This ensures lysozyme delivery to the gut lumen, which protects against further bacterial invasion. Secretory autophagy was triggered by endoplasmic reticulum stress and required signals from type 3 innate lymphoid cells. Thus, the innate immune response to gut pathogens co-opts autophagy in intestinal immune defense.

Science
, this issue p.
1047
; see also p.
976
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus horikoshii Strain 20a from Cuatro Cienegas, Coahuila, Mexico
Authors: Zarza Eugenia , Alcaraz Luis D. , Aguilar-Salinas Bernardo , Islas Africa , Olmedo-Álvarez Gabriela
Published: July 2017

We sequenced the
Bacillus horikoshii
20a genome, isolated from sediment collected in Cuatro Cienegas, Mexico. We identified genes involved in establishing antagonistic interactions in microbial communities (antibiotic resistance and bacteriocins) and genes related to the metabolism of cyanophycin, a reserve compound and spore matrix material potentially relevant for survival in an oligotrophic environment.
Draft Genome Sequences of 43
Lactobacillus
Strains from the Species
L. curvatus
,
L. fermentum
,
L. paracasei
,
L. plantarum
, L. rhamnosus, and
L. sakei
, Isolated from Food Products
Authors: Inglin Raffael C. , Meile Leo , Stevens Marc J. A.
Published: July 2017

The genome sequences of 43
Lactobacillus
strains from the species
L. curvatus
,
L. fermentum
,
L. paracasei
,
L. plantarum
,
L. rhamnosus
, and
L. sakei
were determined using Illumina MiSeq.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Rathayibacter
sp. Strain VKM Ac-2630 Isolated from Leaf Gall Induced by the Knapweed Nematode
Mesoanguina picridis
on
Acroptilon repens
Authors: Starodumova Irina P. , Tarlachkov Sergey V. , Prisyazhnaya Natalia V. , Dorofeeva Lubov V. , Ariskina Elena V. , Chizhov Vladimir N. , Subbotin Sergei A. , Evtushenko Lyudmila I. , Vasilenko Oleg V.
Published: July 2017

A draft genome sequence of
Rathayibacter
sp. strain VKM Ac-2630 was derived using Ion Torrent sequencing technology. The genome size of this strain is 3.88 Mb, with an average G+C content of 72.0%. Genomic evidence of an aerobic mode of respiration and a heterotrophic lifestyle of this bacterium was obtained.
Genome Sequence of Leuconostoc mesenteroides LK-151 Isolated from a Japanese Sake Cellar as a High Producer of
d
-Amino Acids
Authors: Kato Shiro , Oikawa Tadao
Published: July 2017

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of strain LK-151 of
Leuconostoc mesenteroides
, which was isolated from a Japanese sake cellar and has the potential to produce large amounts of
d
-amino acids, namely,
d
-Ala and
d
-Glu. The genome contains 4 genes related to
d
-amino acid production.
Microbiomes of American Oysters (
Crassostrea virginica
) Harvested from Two Sites in the Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Ossai Sylvia , Ramachandran Padmini , Ottesen Andrea , Reed Elizabeth , DePaola Angelo , Parveen Salina
Published: July 2017

In this study, we used 16S rRNA gene amplicons to describe the bacterial microbiota associated with oysters (
Crassostrea virginica
) and seawater collected from two sites in the Chesapeake Bay. The dominant bacterial groups included those belonging to the order
Pelagibacteraceae
, family
Enterobacteriaceae
, and genus
Synechococcus
. The microbiomes varied among oysters from the same site and between the two sites and months.