bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MetaSRA: normalized sample-specific metadata for the Sequence Read Archive
Authors: Bernstein Matthew N. , Doan AnHai , Dewey Colin N.
Published: December 2016

Motivation

The NCBI’s Sequence Read Archive (SRA) promises great biological insight if one could analyze the data in the aggregate; however, the data remain largely underutilized, in part, due to the poor structure of the metadata associated with each sample. The rules governing submissions to the SRA do not dictate a standardized set of terms that should be used to describe the biological samples from which the sequencing data are derived. As a result, the metadata include many synonyms, spelling variants, and references to outside sources of information. Furthermore, manual annotation of the data remains intractable due to the large number of samples in the archive. For these reasons, it has been difficult to perform large-scale analyses that study the relationships between biomolecular processes and phenotype across diverse diseases, tissues, and cell types present in the SRA.

Results

We present MetaSRA, a database of normalized SRA sample-specific metadata following a schema inspired by the metadata organization of the ENCODE project. This schema involves mapping samples to terms in biomedical ontologies, labeling each sample with a sample-type category, and extracting real-valued properties. We automated these tasks via a novel computational pipeline.

Availability

The MetaSRA database is available athttp://deweylab.biostat.wisc.edu/metasra. Software implementing our computational pipeline is available athttps://github.com/deweylab/metasra-pipeline.

Contact

cdewey@biostat.wisc.edu
Temporal anticipation based on memory
Authors: Cravo André M. , Rohenkohl Gustavo , Santos Karin Moreira , Nobre Anna C.
Published: December 2016

The fundamental role that our long-term memories play in guiding perception is increasingly recognised, but the functional and neural mechanisms are just beginning to be explored. Though experimental approaches are being developed to investigate the influence of long-term memories on perception, these remain mostly static and neglect their temporal and dynamic nature. Here we show we show that our long-term memories can guide attention proactively and dynamically based on learned temporal associations. Across two experiments we found that detection and discrimination of targets appearing within previously learned contexts are enhanced when the timing of target appearance matches the learned temporal contingency. Neural markers of temporal preparation revealed that the learned temporal associations trigger specific temporal predictions. Our findings emphasize the ecological role that memories play in predicting and preparing perception of anticipated events, calling for revision of the usual conceptualisation of contextual associative memory as a reflective and retroactive function.
Ubiquitylation activates a peptidase that promotes cleavage and destabilization of its activating E3 ligases and diverse growth regulatory proteins to limit cell proliferation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Dong Hui , Dumenil Jack , Lu Fu-Hao , Na Li , Vanhaeren Hannes , Naumann Christin , Klecker Maria , Prior Rachel , Smith Caroline , McKenzie Neil , Saalbach Gerhard , Chen Liangliang , Xia Tian , Gonzalez Nathalie , Seguela Mathilde , Inze Dirk , Dissmeyer Nico , Li Yunhai , Bevan Michael W.
Published: December 2016

The characteristic shapes and sizes of organs are established by cell proliferation patterns and final cell sizes, but the underlying molecular mechanisms coordinating these are poorly understood. Here we characterize a ubiquitin-activated peptidase called DA1 that limits the duration of cell proliferation during organ growth inArabidopsis thaliana. The peptidase is activated by two RING E3 ligases, BB and DA2, which are subsequently cleaved by the activated peptidase and destabilized. In the case of BB, cleavage leads to destabilization by the RING E3 ligase PRT1 of the N-end rule pathway. DA1 peptidase activity also cleaves the de-ubiquitylase UBP15, which promotes cell proliferation, and the transcription factors TCP15 and TCP22, which promote cell proliferation proliferation and repress endoreduplication. We propose that DA1 peptidase activity regulates the duration of cell proliferation and the transition to endoreduplication and differentiation during organ formation in plants by coordinating the destabilization of regulatory proteins.
A reference data set of 5.4 million phased human variants validated by genetic inheritance from sequencing a three-generation 17-member pedigree
Authors: Eberle Michael A. , Fritzilas Epameinondas , Krusche Peter , Källberg Morten , Moore Benjamin L. , Bekritsky Mitchell A. , Iqbal Zamin , Chuang Han-Yu , Humphray Sean J. , Halpern Aaron L. , Kruglyak Semyon , Margulies Elliott H. , McVean Gil , Bentley David R.
Published: December 2016

Improvement of variant calling in next-generation sequence data requires a comprehensive, genome-wide catalog of high-confidence variants called in a set of genomes for use as a benchmark. We generated deep, whole-genome sequence data of 17 individuals in a three-generation pedigree and called variants in each genome using a range of currently available algorithms. We used haplotype transmission information to create a phased “Platinum” variant catalog of 4.7 million single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) plus 0.7 million small (1–50 bp) insertions and deletions (indels) that are consistent with the pattern of inheritance in the parents and 11 children of this pedigree. Platinum genotypes are highly concordant with the current catalog of the National Institute of Standards and Technology for both SNVs (>99.99%) and indels (99.92%) and add a validated truth catalog that has 26% more SNVs and 45% more indels. Analysis of 334,652 SNVs that were consistent between informatics pipelines yet inconsistent with haplotype transmission (“nonplatinum”) revealed that the majority of these variants are de novo and cell-line mutations or reside within previously unidentified duplications and deletions. The reference materials from this study are a resource for objective assessment of the accuracy of variant calls throughout genomes.
Differentiating Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells into Embryoid Bodies by Hanging-Drop Cultures
Authors: Behringer Richard , Gertsenstein Marina , Nagy Kristina Vintersten , Nagy Andras
Published: December 2016

Embryonic stem (ES) cells can develop into many types of differentiated tissues if they are placed into a differentiating environment. This can occur in vivo when the ES cells are injected into or aggregated with an embryo, or in vitro if their culture conditions are modified to induce differentiation. There are an increasing number of differentiating culture conditions that can bias the differentiation of ES cells into desired cell types. Determining the mechanisms that control ES cell differentiation into therapeutically important cell types is a quickly growing area of research. Knowledge gained from these studies may eventually lead to the use of stem cells to repair specific damaged tissues. Many times ES cell differentiation proceeds through an intermediate stage called the embryoid body (EB). EBs are round structures composed of ES cells that have undergone some of the initial stages of differentiation. EBs can then be manipulated further to generate more specific cell types. This protocol describes a method to differentiate ES cells into EBs. It produces EBs of comparable size. This aspect is important because the differentiation processes taking place inside an EB are influenced by its size.
Dead Cert: Measuring Cell Death
Authors: Crowley Lisa C. , Marfell Brooke J. , Scott Adrian P. , Boughaba Jeanne A. , Chojnowski Grace , Christensen Melinda E. , Waterhouse Nigel J.
Published: December 2016

Many cells in the body die at specific times to facilitate healthy development or because they have become old, damaged, or infected. Defects in cells that result in their inappropriate survival or untimely death can negatively impact development or contribute to a variety of human pathologies, including cancer, AIDS, autoimmune disorders, and chronic infection. Cell death may also occur following exposure to environmental toxins or cytotoxic chemicals. Although this is often harmful, it can be beneficial in some cases, such as in the treatment of cancer. The ability to objectively measure cell death in a laboratory setting is therefore essential to understanding and investigating the causes and treatments of many human diseases and disorders. Often, it is sufficient to know the extent of cell death in a sample; however, the mechanism of death may also have implications for disease progression, treatment, and the outcomes of experimental investigations. There are a myriad of assays available for measuring the known forms of cell death, including apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, necroptosis, anoikis, and pyroptosis. Here, we introduce a range of assays for measuring cell death in cultured cells, and we outline basic techniques for distinguishing healthy cells from apoptotic or necrotic cells—the two most common forms of cell death. We also provide personal insight into where these assays may be useful and how they may or may not be used to distinguish apoptotic cell death from other death modalities.
Overview of CRISPR–Cas9 Biology
Authors: Ratner Hannah K. , Sampson Timothy R. , Weiss David S.
Published: December 2016

Prokaryotes use diverse strategies to improve fitness in the face of different environmental threats and stresses, including those posed by mobile genetic elements (e.g., bacteriophages and plasmids). To defend against these elements, many bacteria and archaea use elegant, RNA-directed, nucleic acid–targeting adaptive restriction machineries called CRISPR–Cas (CRISPR-associated) systems. While providing an effective defense against foreign genetic elements, these systems have also been observed to play critical roles in regulating bacterial physiology during environmental stress. Increasingly, CRISPR–Cas systems, in particular the Type II systems containing the Cas9 endonuclease, have been exploited for their ability to bind desired nucleic acid sequences, as well as direct sequence-specific cleavage of their targets. Cas9-mediated genome engineering is transcending biological research as a versatile and portable platform for manipulating genetic content in myriad systems. Here, we present a systematic overview of CRISPR–Cas history and biology, highlighting the revolutionary tools derived from these systems, which greatly expand the molecular biologists’ toolkit.
Combinatorial refinement of thin-film microstructure, properties and process conditions: iterative nanoscale search for self-assembled TiAlN nanolamellae
Authors: Zalesak J. , Todt J. , Pitonak R. , Köpf A. , Weißenbacher R. , Sartory B. , Burghammer M. , Daniel R. , Keckes J.
Published: December 2016

Because of the tremendous variability of crystallite sizes and shapes in nanomaterials, it is challenging to assess the corresponding size–property relationships and to identify microstructures with particular physical properties or even optimized functions. This task is especially difficult for nanomaterials formed by self-organization, where the spontaneous evolution of microstructure and properties is coupled. In this work, two compositionally graded TiAlN films were (i) grown using chemical vapour deposition by applying a varying ratio of reacting gases and (ii) subsequently analysed using cross-sectional synchrotron X-ray nanodiffraction, electron microscopy and nanoindentation in order to evaluate the microstructure and hardness depth gradients. The results indicate the formation of self-organized hexagonal–cubic and cubic–cubic nanolamellae with varying compositions and thicknesses in the range of ∼3–15 nm across the film thicknesses, depending on the actual composition of the reactive gas mixtures. On the basis of the occurrence of the nanolamellae and their correlation with the local film hardness, progressively narrower ranges of the composition and hardness were refined in three steps. The third film was produced using an AlCl3/TiCl4 precursor ratio of ∼1.9, resulting in the formation of an optimized lamellar microstructure with ∼1.3 nm thick cubic Ti(Al)N and ∼12 nm thick cubic Al(Ti)N nanolamellae which exhibits a maximal hardness of ∼36 GPa and an indentation modulus of ∼522 GPa. The presented approach of an iterative nanoscale search based on the application of cross-sectional synchrotron X-ray nanodiffraction and cross-sectional nanoindentation allows one to refine the relationship between (i) varying deposition conditions, (ii) gradients of microstructure and (iii) gradients of mechanical properties in nanostructured materials prepared as thin films. This is done in a combinatorial way in order to screen a wide range of deposition conditions, while identifying those that result in the formation of a particular microstructure with optimized functional attributes.
Contrast factors of irradiation-induced dislocation loops in hexagonal materials
Authors: Balogh Levente , Long Fei , Daymond Mark R.
Published: December 2016

Irradiation-induced defects, such as dislocation loops, significantly affect the mechanical properties of structural alloys, altering slip and influencing creep and growth. As a consequence, the quantitative characterization of irradiation-influenced defect structures as a function of dose, thermal treatments and/or cold work is essential for models which predict changes in mechanical properties due to the accumulation of irradiation defects. Whole pattern diffraction line profile analysis (DLPA) is a modern tool for microstructure characterization based on first-principles physical models, well established for dislocation density measurements in plastically deformed materials. However, the DLPA procedures that have been tailored for deformed materials account for the strain anisotropy of hexagonal crystals with theoretical contrast factors calculated specifically for dislocation types generated by plasticity which, if directly applied to irradiated materials, will inherently introduce inaccuracies. In an effort to specifically address dislocation structures consisting of irradiation defects, a method was developed to calculate theoretical contrast factors for any general elliptically shaped dislocation loop. The values of the contrast factors are calculated and compiled in tables for six common elliptical 〈a〉-type and 〈c + a〉-type loops for ten hexagonal crystals, in order to provide a database for future DLPA work on irradiated materials. The use of the dislocation loop specific contrast factors is demonstrated on neutron-irradiated Zr–2.5Nb.
An endstation for resonant inelastic X-ray scattering studies of solid and liquid samples
Authors: Yin Zhong , Peters Hans-Bernhard , Hahn Ulrich , Gonschior Josef , Mierwaldt Daniel , Rajkovic Ivan , Viefhaus Jens , Jooss Christian , Techert Simone
Published: December 2016

A novel experimental setup is presented for resonant inelastic X-ray scattering investigations of solid and liquid samples in the soft X-ray region for studying the complex electronic configuration of (bio)chemical systems. The uniqueness of the apparatus is its high flexibility combined with optimal energy resolution and energy range ratio. The apparatus enables investigation of chemical analyses, which reflects the chemical imprints. The endstation is composed of a main sample chamber, a sample holder for either solid or liquid jet delivery system, and a soft X-ray grating spectrometer for 210–1250 eV with a resolving power of ∼1000. It combines for the first time liquid jet technology with a soft X-ray spectrometer based on the variable line spacing principle. This setup was commissioned at the soft X-ray beamline P04 at PETRA III of the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron in Hamburg which is currently the most brilliant storage-ring-based X-ray radiation source in the world. The first results of liquid and solid samples show that this setup allows the detection of photons across an energy range of ∼300 eV. This covers simultaneously the emission lines of life-important elements like carbon, nitrogen and oxygen in a shot-based procedure.
Hydrogen-substituted β-tricalcium phosphate synthesized in organic media
Authors: Stähli Christoph , Thüring Jürg , Galea Laëtitia , Tadier Solène , Bohner Marc , Döbelin Nicola
Published: December 2016

β-Tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) platelets synthesized in ethylene glycol offer interesting geometries for nano-structured composite bone substitutes but were never crystallographically analyzed. In this study, powder X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement revealed a discrepancy between the platelet structure and the known β-TCP crystal model. In contrast, a model featuring partial H for Ca substitution and the inversion of P1O4tetrahedra, adopted from the whitlockite structure, allowed for a refinement with minimal misfits and was corroborated by HPO42−absorptions in Fourier-transform IR spectra. The Ca/P ratio converged to 1.443 ± 0.003 (n= 36), independently of synthesis conditions. As a quantitative verification, the platelets were thermally decomposed into hydrogen-free β-TCP and β-calcium pyrophosphate which resulted in a global Ca/P ratio in close agreement with the initial β-TCP Ca/P ratio (ΔCa/P = 0.003) and with the chemical composition measured by inductively coupled plasma (ΔCa/P = 0.003). These findings thus describe for the first time a hydrogen-substituted β-TCP structure,i.e.a Mg-free whitlockite, represented by the formula Ca21 − x(HPO4)2x(PO4)14 − 2x, wherex= 0.80 ± 0.04, and may have implications for resorption properties of bone regenerative materials.
Telework: conditions that have a positive and negative impact on the work-family conflict
Authors: Solís Martín Salazar
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Various investigations have shed light on the positive and negative effects of telework on the work-family conflict. These effects might be related to the conditions under which telework is carried out. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of six variables related to telework conditions on the work-family conflict, and the number of additional hours worked beyond normal office hours.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple linear regression models are calculated with data collected from a sample of 142 teleworkers in public institutions to evaluate the effect of the above variables.

Findings

Results reveal that factors which affect work-family conflict include the space used for working at home, the presence of persons at home while someone is teleworking, the number of days of telework, the time a person has been teleworking, and the extent of responsibility a worker has outside of the work environment.

Originality/value

There is a need for research to determine the ideal conditions and situations for teleworking. This study is specifically intended to strengthen some previous findings in this area, and to provide new evidence.
Trust and satisfaction: the keys to client loyalty in mobile commerce
Authors: Jimenez Nadia , San-Martin Sonia , Azuela Jose Ignacio
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the role of four important variables in the development of customer loyalty in mobile commerce. These variables are personal (propensity to use information and communication technologies (ICTs)), transactional (opportunism), and relational (trust and satisfaction).

Design/methodology/approach

A broad sample of 1,053 mobile customers in Mexico was studied using the structural equation analysis methodology.

Findings

The results offer evidence on how trust and satisfaction can increase loyalty and motivate purchases via mobile devices. In addition, the results show evidence of the indirect effect (mediated through trust) of opportunism, and propensity to use ICTs on loyalty.

Practical implications

Achieving customer satisfaction is revealed as the main strategy enterprises should seek in order to encourage repetitive purchases via mobile devices and customer loyalty. At the same time, companies should consider that the customers most likely to use ICTs, and those who perceive less opportunism can also be very loyal as a result of a higher level of trust when making purchases using mobile devices.

Originality/value

The contributions of this paper are: (1) to analyze the generation of loyalty in mobile commerce using a conceptual model that includes variables of different theoretical perspectives and nature, both positive and negative. (2) To provide empirical evidence from a sample of mobile users who have already bought goods via mobile phone, contributing to prior literature that has focused on analyzing the behavior of mobile phone users who do not make purchases via mobile phones. (3) To study mobile commerce in an emerging market with notable potential for growth (Mexico), which has not been studied at length in previous literature.
Inventory management in food companies with statistically dependent demand
Authors: Rojas Fernando , Leiva Victor
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to propose a methodology based on random demand inventory models and dependence structures for a set of raw materials, referred to as “components”, used by food services that produce food rations referred to as “menus”.

Design/methodology/approach

The contribution margins of food services that produce menus are optimised using random dependent demand inventory models. The statistical dependence between the demand for components and/or menus is incorporated into the model through the multivariate Gaussian (or normal) distribution. The contribution margins are optimised by using probabilistic inventory models for each component and stochastic programming with a differential evolution algorithm.

Findings

When compared to the non-optimised system previously used by the company, the (average) expected contribution margin increases by 18.32 per cent when using a continuous review inventory model for groceries and uniperiodic models for perishable components (optimised system).

Research limitations/implications

The multivariate modeling can be improved by using (a) other non-Gaussian (marginal) univariate probability distributions, by means of the copula method that considers more complex statistical dependence structures; (b) time-dependence, through autoregressive time-series structures and moving average; (c) random modelling of lead-time; and (d) demands for components with values equal to zero using zero-inflated or adjusted probability distribution.

Practical implications

Professional management of the supply chain allows the users to register data concerning component identification, demand, and stock levels to subsequently be used with the proposed methodology, which must be implemented computationally.

Originality/value

The proposed multivariate methodology allows it to describe demand dependence structures through inventory models applicable to components used to produce menus in food services.
Becoming a leader-manager: a matter of training and education
Authors: Nguyen Nhien , Hansen Jens Ørding
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Responding to a call from the conference “Becoming a leader: A matter of education?”, this paper aims to raise awareness of the challenge for individuals of performing both leadership and management activities and draws attention to the need for a new approach to educating and training leader-managers.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the existing literature and discussions from the abovementioned conference, the paper questions the current approaches which either merge the leadership and management functions or treat them as mutually exclusive roles and offers instead a dual approach that emphasizes the capacity of individuals to switch mindsets.

Findings

Managing and leading are distinct activities with different goals and means that need to co-exist. Individuals should be prepared to either manage or lead depending on the situation and to change their mindset accordingly. Education and training programs should be designed for this purpose.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a dual “leading-managing mix” and discusses the challenges of its implementation by individuals. The discussion of the implications for training and education will be of value to practitioners as well as educators and training specialists.
Perspectives on informatics in the health sciences for information professionals
Authors: Frank Cervone H.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Informatics is a relatively new interdisciplinary field which is not very well understood outside of specific disciplinary communities. With a review of the history of informatics and a discussion of the various branches of informatics related to health-care practice, the paper aims to provide an overview designed to enhance the understanding of an information professional interested in this field.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is designed to provide a basic introduction to the topic of informatics for information professionals unfamiliar with the field. Using a combination of historical and current sources, the role of informatics in the health professions is explored through its history and development.

Findings

The emergence of informatics as a discipline is a relatively recent phenomenon. Informatics is neither information technology (IT) nor information science but shares many common interests, concerns and techniques with these other two fields. The role of the informaticist is to transform data to knowledge and information. Consequently, while the outcomes may be different, there are many commonalities in informatics with the work information professionals perform.

Originality/value

Most introductions to informatics assume the reader is either an IT professional or a clinical practitioner in one of the health science fields. This paper takes a unique approach by positioning the discussion of the history and application of informatics in the health sciences from the perspective of the information professional.
Optimal feedback control of twin rotor MIMO system with a prescribed degree of stability
Authors: Choudhary Santosh Kumar
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate an optimal control solution with prescribed degree of stability for the position and tracking control problem of the twin rotor multiple input-multiple output (MIMO) system (TRMS). The twin rotor MIMO system is a benchmark aerodynamical laboratory model having strongly non-linear characteristics and unstable coupling dynamics which make the control of such system for either posture stabilization or trajectory tracking a challenging task.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper first describes the dynamical model of twin rotor MIMO system (TRMS) and then it adopts linear-quadratic regulator (LQR)-based optimal control technique with prescribed degree of stability to achieve the desired trajectory or posture stabilization of TRMS.

Findings

The simulation results show that the investigated controller has both static and dynamic performance; therefore, the stability and the quick control effect can be obtained simultaneously for the twin rotor MIMO system.

Originality/value

The articles on LQR optimal controllers for TRMS can also be found in many literatures, but the prescribed degree of stability concept was not discussed in any of the paper. In this work, new LQR with the prescribed degree of stability concept is applied to provide an optimal control solution for the position and tracking control problem of TRMS.
Development of obstacle- avoiding robots using RF technology
Authors: B.B.V.L. Deepak , Nayak Soubhagya , Patra Sandip Kumar
Published: December 2016

Purpose

In the capricious span of this current millennium, there is a deafening roar in the demand for modernization in the sector of robotics and technology to perform tasks in an intelligent manner. Thus to replenish such necessities, the innovations and inventions of researchers came forward as blessings on human civilization due to their sheer ingenuity and relentless and arduous efforts with each nanosecond passed from now onwards. With the same sublime goal, same resilient endeavor, same aggressive demeanor, the paper on obstacle avoiding robots comes forward. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

It exhibits how to control a differential drive robot wirelessly by analog thumb joystick module with added obstacle avoidance protection. The variations made by the user in the control of analog thumb joystick module are fed as input to the Atmega 16 microcontroller board which further transfers it wirelessly to the robot through the radio frequency (RF) transmitting module. The Arduino mega microcontroller equipped to the robot cross-checks the instructions gained through the RF receiving module and provides power accordingly to the geared motors through the motor driver board for movement along with scanning the environment to avoid obstacles present thereby.

Findings

The improvisation of RF technology in controlling the obstacle avoiding robot has enhanced its application and reliability by leaps and bounds reducing the anxiety and tension of the human controller.

Originality/value

With more advanced algorithm and genuine deployment sensors, the idea behind this research work can be used in humanoid robots which can help immensely in going to the extremely dangerous terrains, war zones and also in human rescue operations.
Experimental investigation and analysis of factors influencing delamination and surface roughness of hybrid GFRP laminates using Taguchi technique
Authors: Jenarthanan M.P. , Lakshman Prakash A. , Jeyapaul R.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The paper aims to develop a mathematical model for delamination and surface roughness during end milling by using response surface methodology (RSM) and to determine how the input parameters (cutting speed, depth of cut, helix angle and feed rate) influence the output response (delamination and surface roughness) in machining of hybrid glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP; Abaca and Glass) composite using solid carbide end mill cutter.

Design/methodology/approach

Four-factor, three-level Taguchi orthogonal array design in RSM is used to carry out the experimental investigation. The “Design Expert 8.0” is used to analyse the data collected graphically. Analysis of variance is carried out to validate the model and for determining the most significant parameter.

Findings

The feed rate is the cutting parameter which has greater influence on delamination (88.39 per cent), and cutting speed is the cutting parameter which has greater influence on surface roughness (53.42 per cent) for hybrid GFRP composite materials. Both surface roughness and delamination increase as feed rate increases, which means that the composite damage is larger for higher feed rates.

Originality/value

Effect of milling of hybrid GFRP composite on delamination and surface roughness with various helix angles of solid carbide end mill has not been analysed yet using RSM.
Investigation of flexural properties of hollow glass microsphere filled resin-matrix composites
Authors: Qiao Yingjie , Wang Xiaodong , Zhang Xiaohong , Xing Zhipeng
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the preparation and the flexural property of hollow glass microspheres (HGMs) filled resin-matrix composites, which have been widely applied in deep-sea fields.

Design/methodology/approach

The composites with different contents of HGMs from 47 to 57 Wt.% were studied. The voids in syntactic foams and their flexural properties were investigated.

Findings

The results showed that the voids quantity increased because of the increment of HGM content, whereas the exural strength and the exural modulus decreased. The fracture mechanism of the composites was also investigated by scanning electron microscope, which indicated that the composites failed by the crack extending through the microspheres.

Research limitations/implications

The advantages of HGMs with similar hollow spheres will be further investigated in a future research.

Practical implications

Results demonstrated that the properties of the composite might be tailored for specific application conditions by changing the HGM volume fraction.

Originality/value

The HGM filled resin-matrix composite materials have their unique properties and significant application potential. In this work, the resin-HGM composites were synthesized by mechanically mixing defined quantities of HGMs into epoxy resin, by which a kind of syntactic foams with good flexural properties could be obtained.
Local industry technological capability development using outsourcing opportunities
Authors: Gewe Ameha Mulugeta , Abebe Birhanu Beshah , Azene Daniel Kitaw , Bayu Fitsum Getachew
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Technological outsourcing requires possessing the technological capability level by enterprises taking the outsourced activity and further mandates build-up capabilities. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing nations such as Ethiopia are usually equipped with low level of technological capability and could benefit from government-supported or government-initiated outsourcing networks. The current study aims to preliminarily assess performance of outsourcing initiative taken by the Hibret Manufacturing and Machine Building Industry, a subsidiary of a national corporation, in developing technological capability of SMEs in Ethiopia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a qualitative research approach through interviews with the parent company officials and owners of SMEs and site visit to these SMEs. Findings are organized in a way to draw lessons to be learned from technological outsourcing examined.

Findings

Technological learning, acquisition of new technologies, market access and process innovation are few capabilities achieved by the involved SMEs. To facilitate and harness these opportunities and further assist in policy ratification, a conceptual framework has been presented and elaborated.

Research limitations/implications

Further investigation into outsourcing procedure and biases are expected to shed further light onto the outsourcing initiative by the parent company. This study drew results from investigation of the SMEs involved. Additional investigation of other SMEs is expected to reveal additional insights.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of literature focusing on exploration of technological outsourcing in low-income developing countries, such as Ethiopia, to build SMEs’ technological capabilities. This research presents insightful contribution to strategic outsourcing to build local technological capability in developing economies.
Do grazing intensity and herbivore type affect soil health? Insights from a semi‐arid productivity gradient
Authors: Eldridge David J. , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Travers Samantha K. , Val James , Oliver Ian
Published: December 2016

Grazing is one of the most widespread forms of intensive management on Earth and is linked to reductions in soil health. However, little is known about the relative influence of herbivore type, herbivore intensity and site productivity on soil health. This lack of knowledge reduces our capacity to manage landscapes where grazing is a major land use.

We used structural equation modelling to assess the effects of recent (cattle, sheep, goats, kangaroos and rabbit dung) and historic (cattle, sheep/goat livestock tracks) herbivore activity on soil health at 451 sites across 0·5 M km2 of eastern Australia. We assessed the direct and indirect effects of increasing herbivore intensity, using dung and livestock tracks, on 15 morphological, physical and chemical attributes that are indicative of soil health, and we used these attributes to derive three indices representing the capacity of the soil to maintain its structural integrity (stability), cycle nutrients (nutrients) and maintain water flow (infiltration).

Grazing had negative effects on the three soil health indices, but these effects varied with productivity. Grazing intensity was associated with strong reductions in the stability and nutrient indices under low productivity, but these effects diminished with increasing productivity. Herbivore effects on individual attributes varied in relation to productivity level and were strongly herbivore specific, with most due to cattle grazing, and to a lesser extent, sheep, goats and rabbits. Few effects due to kangaroos or historic grazing by livestock were observed.

Synthesis and applications. Our study shows that livestock and rabbits degrade soil health through grazing, and its effects are strongest under low or moderate productivity; however, kangaroo effects are benign. Our findings support calls for resource management agencies to consider site productivity, as well as herbivore type and intensity, when developing strategies to manage grazing by livestock, and feral and native herbivores.
Mycobacterium ulcerans toxin, mycolactone may enhance host‐seeking and oviposition behaviour by Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Sanders M. L. , Jordan H. R. , Serewis‐Pond C. , Zheng L. , Benbow M. E. , Small P. L. , Tomberlin J. K.
Published: December 2016

The ecological functions of many toxins continue to remain unknown for those produced by environmental pathogens. Mycobacterium ulcerans, the causative agent of the neglected tropical disease, Buruli ulcer, produces a cytotoxic macrolide, mycolactone, whose function(s) in the environment remains elusive. Through a series of dual‐choice behaviour assays, they show that mycolactone may be an interkingdom cue for the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, seeking blood‐meals as well as oviposition sites. Results provide novel insight into the evolution between bacteria and potential vectors. While further studies are needed to determine if mycolactone is an actual signal rather than simply a cue, this discovery could serve as a model for determining roles for toxins produced by other environmental pathogens and provide opportunities for developing novel strategies for disease prevention. The relationship between M. ulcerans, mycolactone, and Ae. aegypti further suggests there could be an amplification effect for the spread of pathogens responsible for other diseases, such as yellow fever and dengue.
Informativeness of NGS Analysis for Vaginal Fluid Identification
Authors: Giampaoli Saverio , DeVittori Elisabetta , Valeriani Federica , Berti Andrea , Romano Spica Vincenzo
Published: December 2016

The identification of vaginal fluids in forensic examinations plays an important role in crime scene reconstruction. Molecular detection of vaginal bacterial communities can lead to the correct discrimination of body fluids. These kinds of studies can be performed through multiplex real‐time PCR using primers for a specific selection of bacteria. The availability of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) protocols provided for the extension of the analysis to evaluate the prokaryotes present in specimens. In this study, DNA was extracted from 18 samples (vaginal, oral, fecal, yoghurt) and analyzed by real‐time PCR and NGS. The comparison between the two approaches has demonstrated that the information developed through NGS can augment the more conventional real‐time PCR detection of a few key bacterial species to provide a more probative result and the correct identification of vaginal fluid from samples that are more forensically challenged.
Analyzing the Dynamics and Morphology of Cast‐off Pattern at Different Speed Levels Using High‐speed Digital Video Imaging
Authors: Kunz Sebastian Niko , Adamec Jiri , Grove Christina
Published: December 2016

During a bloodstain pattern analysis, one of the essential tasks is to distinguish between different kinds of applied forces as well as to estimate their level of intensity. In this study, high‐speed digital imaging has been used to analyze the formation of cast‐off patterns generated by a simulated backswing with a blood‐bearing object. For this purpose, 0.5 mL blood was applied evenly over the last 5 cm of a blade simulant. Bloodstains were created through the controlled acceleration of a backswing at different speed levels between 1.1 m/sec and 3.8 m/sec. The flight dynamics of blood droplets were captured with an Olympus® i‐Speed 3 high‐speed digital camera with a Nikon® AF Nikkor 50 mm f/1.8 D lens and analyzed using the Olympus i‐Speed 3 Viewer software. The video analysis showed that, during the backswing, blood droplets would move toward the lower end of the knifepoint and would be tangentially thrown off. These droplets impacted on the horizontal surface according to the arc of the swing. An increase in velocity led to longer cast‐off patterns with distinct morphological characteristics. Under laboratory conditions, bloodstain pattern analysis allows certain conclusions about the intensity of a backswing and provides instructions on the position of the offender. However, due to the number of unknown variables at a crime scene, such interpretation of cast‐off patterns is extremely limited and should be performed with extreme caution.
Cheiloscopy: Lip Print Inter‐rater Reliability
Authors: Furnari Winnie , Janal Malvin N.
Published: December 2016

Lip print analysis, or cheiloscopy, has the potential to join fingerprints and retinal scans as an additional method to determine human identification. This preliminary study sought to determine agreement among 20 raters, forensic odontologists, using an often referenced system that categorizes lip prints into six classes related to the dominant pattern of vertical, horizontal, and intersecting lines. Lip prints were taken from 13 individuals, and raters categorized eight distinct regions of each print. In addition to ratings made while viewing the actual prints, the raters repeated the exercise using photographs of the lip prints. Multirater kappa, a chance‐corrected measure of agreement, ranged between 0.15 for the actual prints and 0.25 for the photos, indicating only poor to fair levels of inter‐rater reliability. While these results fail to support the use of lip prints for human identification, it is possible that more intensive training may yet produce adequate levels of reliability.
Spleen tyrosine kinase inhibition blocks airway constriction and protects from Th2‐induced airway inflammation and remodeling
Authors: Tabeling C. , Herbert J. , Hocke A. C. , Lamb D. J. , Wollin S. L. , Erb K. J. , Boiarina E. , Movassagh H. , Scheffel J. , Doehn J. M. , Hippenstiel S. , Maurer M. , Gounni A. S. , Kuebler W. M. , Suttorp N. , Witzenrath M.
Published: December 2016

Background

Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) is an intracellular nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, which has been implicated as central immune modulator promoting allergic airway inflammation. Syk inhibition has been proposed as a new therapeutic approach in asthma. However, the direct effects of Syk inhibition on airway constriction independent of allergen sensitization remain elusive.

Methods

Spectral confocal microscopy of human and murine lung tissue was performed to localize Syk expression. The effects of prophylactic or therapeutic Syk inhibition on allergic airway inflammation, hyperresponsiveness, and airway remodeling were analyzed in allergen‐sensitized and airway‐challenged mice. The effects of Syk inhibitors BAY 61‐3606 or BI 1002494 on airway function were investigated in isolated lungs of wild‐type, PKCα‐deficient, mast cell‐deficient, or eNOS‐deficient mice.

Results

Spleen tyrosine kinase expression was found in human and murine airway smooth muscle cells. Syk inhibition reduced allergic airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and pulmonary collagen deposition. In naïve mice, Syk inhibition diminished airway responsiveness independently of mast cells, or PKCα or eNOS expression and rapidly reversed established bronchoconstriction independently of NO. Simultaneous inhibition of Syk and PKC revealed additive dilatory effects, whereas combined inhibition of Syk and rho kinase or Syk and p38 MAPK did not cause additive bronchodilation.

Conclusions

Spleen tyrosine kinase inhibition directly attenuates airway smooth muscle cell contraction independent of its protective immunomodulatory effects on allergic airway inflammation, hyperresponsiveness, and airway remodeling. Syk mediates bronchoconstriction in a NO‐independent manner, presumably via rho kinase and p38 MAPK, and Syk inhibition might present a promising therapeutic approach in chronic asthma as well as acute asthma attacks.
Comparison of the single dose pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of two novel oral formulations of dimethandrolone undecanoate (DMAU): a potential oral, male contraceptive
Authors: Ayoub R. , Page S. T. , Swerdloff R. S. , Liu P. Y. , Amory J. K. , Leung A. , Hull L. , Blithe D. , Christy A. , Chao J. H. , Bremner W. J. , Wang C.
Published: December 2016

Dimethandrolone (DMA, 7α,11β‐dimethyl‐19‐nortestosterone) has both androgenic and progestational activities, ideal properties for a male hormonal contraceptive. In vivo, dimethandrolone undecanoate (DMAU) is hydrolyzed to DMA. We showed previously that single oral doses of DMAU powder in capsule taken with food are well tolerated and effective at suppressing both LH and testosterone (T), but absorption was low. We compared the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of two new formulations of DMAU, in castor oil and in self‐emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS), with the previously tested powder formulation. DMAU was dosed orally in healthy adult male volunteers at two academic medical centers. For each formulation tested in this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, 10 men received single, escalating, oral doses of DMAU (100, 200, and 400 mg) and two subjects received placebo. All doses were evaluated for both fasting and with a high fat meal. All three formulations were well tolerated without clinically significant changes in vital signs, blood counts, or serum chemistries. For all formulations, DMA and DMAU showed higher maximum (p < 0.007) and average concentrations (p < 0.002) at the 400 mg dose, compared with the 200 mg dose. The powder formulation resulted in a lower conversion of DMAU to DMA (p = 0.027) compared with both castor oil and SEDDS formulations. DMAU in SEDDS given fasting resulted in higher serum DMA and DMAU concentrations compared to the other two formulations. Serum LH and sex hormone concentrations were suppressed by all formulations of 200 and 400 mg DMAU when administered with food, but only the SEDDS formulation was effectively suppressed serum T when given fasting. We conclude that while all three formulations of oral DMAU are effective and well tolerated when administered with food, DMAU in oil and SEDDS increased conversion to DMA, and SEDDS may have some effectiveness when given fasting. These properties might be advantageous for the application of DMAU as a male contraceptive.