bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal partitioning of microhabitat use among four juvenile fish species of the genusDiplodus(Pisces: Perciformes, Sparidae)
Authors: Ventura Daniele , Jona Lasinio Giovanna , Ardizzone Giandomenico
Published: September 2014

Timing, microhabitat selection and behavior from the onset of settlement to recruitment to the adult population of juvenile fishes of the genusDiplodus(Pisces: Sparidae) were investigated along a rocky coastline in the Central Mediterranean Sea. The settlement periods inDiplodus sargusandDiplodus annulariswere concentrated in spring, between late May and early June, and the recruits leave the nursery grounds in late September–October. Juvenile fishes ofDiplodus puntazzoandDiplodus vulgarisshowed a partial time overlapping, sharing the same zones in winter and early spring, from February to May. Multiple correspondence analysis showed that sea breams settle in well‐defined habitats. The smallest juveniles ofD. sargusandD. puntazzosettled primarily in the shallowest sheltered pebbly areas, located in sciaphilous crannies covered by red algae.Diplodus vulgarissettlers were observed on a wider range of substrata: rock on sand, gravel and pebbles without algal cover or large boulders, generally in deeper waters. The intermediate‐size juveniles ofD. sargus,D. puntazzoandD. vulgarisshowed a preference for rocky substrata with substantial algal cover, with arborescent structures (Phaeophyceae).Diplodus annularisjuveniles showed high fidelity to seagrass beds (Posidonia oceanica). The home range increased over time in all species, highlighting a loss of substrate specificity: larger juveniles were even observed in deeper and different microhabitats outside nursery grounds. This study suggests that shallow infra‐littoral rocky communities with photophilic algae play a key role in recruitment of sparid fishes, affecting the distribution and abundance of juvenile fishes and therefore determining the renewal of populations and the structure of adult assemblages.
Phylogeography of Ophryotrocha labronica (Polychaeta, Dorvilleidae) along the Italian coasts
Authors: Cossu Piero , Maltagliati Ferruccio , Pannacciulli Federica G. , Simonini Roberto , Massamba‐N'Siala Gloria , Casu Marco , Lardicci Claudio , Prevedelli Daniela , Castelli Alberto
Published: September 2014

Species of the genus Ophryotrocha are a well‐studied group of organisms but, despite the relatively large body of biological studies, little is known about their intra‐specific patterns of genetic diversity. In the present study, we analysed the patterns of genetic variation in samples of Ophryotrocha labronica (Polychaeta, Dorvilleidae) collected along the Italian coasts within three regions with different thermal regimes: the Northern Adriatic Sea (NAS), the Ligurian Sea (LS), and the South/Southeast Sicilian Sea (SS). A partial sequence of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene was used as a genetic marker. An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed significant genetic differentiation between the NAS and the other regions. Conversely, little or no genetic structuring was found between the LS and the SS or amongst locations within a given region. A Bayesian phylogenetic tree and a median‐joining network provided evidence for the occurrence of two highly divergent genetic lineages characterized by a high average sequence divergence (17.2%, Kimura two‐parameter distance). The spatial patterns of genetic variation found in O. labronica may reflect the signature of past expansion events of the two genetic lineages. Although the high sequence divergence suggested that cryptic speciation within O. labronica may have occurred, other traits such as the absence of reproductive isolation, pattern of phenotypic variation and habitat specificity prompted us to regard the two groups as distinct COI lineages of O. labronica.
Strong spatial structure, Pliocene diversification and cryptic diversity in the Neotropical dry forest spider Sicarius cariri
Authors: Magalhaes Ivan L. F. , Oliveira Ubirajara , Santos Fabrício R. , Vidigal Teofânia H. D. A. , Brescovit Antonio D. , Santos Adalberto J.
Published: September 2014

The Brazilian Caatinga is part of the seasonally dry tropical forests, a vegetation type disjunctly distributed throughout the Neotropics. It has been suggested that during Pleistocene glacial periods, these dry forests had a continuous distribution, so that these climatic shifts may have acted as important driving forces of the Caatinga biota diversification. To address how these events affected the distribution of a dry forest species, we chose Sicarius cariri, a spider endemic to the Caatinga, as a model. We studied the phylogeography of one mitochondrial and one nuclear gene and reconstructed the paleodistribution of the species using modelling algorithms. We found two allopatric and deeply divergent clades within S. cariri, suggesting that this species as currently recognized might consist of more than one independently evolving lineage. Sicarius cariri populations are highly structured, with low haplotype sharing among localities, high fixation index and isolation by distance. Models of paleodistribution, Bayesian reconstructions and coalescent simulations suggest that this species experienced a reduction in its population size during glacial periods, rather than the expansion expected by previous hypotheses on the paleodistribution of dry forest taxa. In addition to that, major splits of intraspecific lineages of S. cariri took place in the Pliocene. Taken together, these results indicate S. cariri has a complex diversification history dating back to the Tertiary, suggesting the history of dry forest taxa may be significantly older than previously thought.
Tag retention, wound healing, and subsequent reproductive history of southern right whales following satellite‐tagging
Authors: Best Peter B. , Mate Bruce , Lagerquist Barbara
Published: September 2014

This paper presents data from 48 resightings of 16 southern right whales that were satellite‐tagged on the South African coast in September 2001, up to and including 2012. Tag performance in terms of number of days with locations received was significantly higher in males than females, and lowest in cows with calves, and attributed to behavioral differences leading to variable degrees of antenna damage. Resightings occurred from 4 to 4,054 d after tagging: tags were retained in all whales seen within 27 mo, but were apparently shed in all but one individual seen within 36 mo of tagging. The exception was a whale that still had the tag present 11 yr after tagging. Healing at the tag site occurred gradually and within 5 yr of tagging (and 2 yr after tag shedding). No significant difference in the subsequent frequency of calving was detected between 12 tagged and 382 untagged females photographed contemporaneously, and although statistical power was low, a 21% or greater reduction in calving rate in tagged females would seem incompatible with the observations. The death of one female 3 yr after tagging was more likely attributable to a ship strike on an animal debilitated by a prolapsed uterus.
Contesting Putin's nation‐building: the ‘Muslim other’ and the challenge of the Russian ethno‐cultural alternative
Authors: Teper Yuri , Course Daniel D.
Published: September 2014

This article explains the crystallisation of a new Russian national discourse, shaped by a challenge posed to Putin's statist non‐ethnic national model by a popularly formed ethno‐cultural alternative, constructed through negation of the ‘Muslim other’. The article describes this new and previously overlooked phenomenon of Russian nationalism and explicates the social mechanism behind its formation. The article concludes that when rampant corruption exists, generating a breakdown of legal order, the ‘other’ is defined through behaviour that deviates from accepted local norms, while the contrasting normative ‘general public’ is defined as ‘Russian’. Such group definitions mean that the current process of Russian grass‐roots exclusive national consolidation is based predominantly on culturally based behavioural codes, rather than on mere ethnic or religious affiliation, as is widely believed. Additionally, a conceptual landmark discourse shift from the question of Russia's mere plausibility as a nation‐state to a focus on its ongoing definition is demonstrated.
CONTROL PATTERNS IN CONTRACTING‐OUT RELATIONSHIPS: IT MATTERS WHAT YOU DO, NOT WHO YOU ARE
Authors: DITILLO ANGELO , LIGUORI MARIANNUNZIATA , SICILIA MARIAFRANCESCA , STECCOLINI ILEANA
Published: September 2014

The contracting‐out of public services has often been accompanied by a strong academic focus on the emergence of new governance forms, and a general neglect of the processes and practices through which contracted‐out services are controlled and monitored. To fill this gap, we draw on contracting‐out and inter‐organizational control literatures to explore the adoption of control mechanisms for public service provision at the municipal level and the variables that can explain their choice. Our results, based on a survey of Italian municipalities, show that in the presence of contracting‐out, market‐, hierarchy‐, and trust‐based controls display different intensities, can coexist, and are explained by different variables. Service characteristics are more effective in explaining market‐ and hierarchy‐based controls than relationship characteristics. Trust‐based controls are the most widespread, but cannot be explained by the variables traditionally identified in contracting‐out and inter‐organizational control studies.
Changes in Quality of Life after 3 months of Usual Care in a Large Sample of Patients with Noncancer Pain: The “QOOL: Quality of Life and Pain” Study
Authors: Velázquez Rivera Ignacio , García Escobar Modesto , Moya Riera Jorge Juan , del Saz de la Torre Javier Manuel , Fenollosa Vázquez Pedro , González Mesa José Manuel , Casado Alfonso , Martín Fuentes Mayte , de Andrés Ares Javier
Published: September 2014

Large‐scale observational studies can provide useful information on changes in health outcomes over time. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 3 months of usual care on quality of life (QOL) and pain outcomes in noncancer chronic pain patients managed by pain specialists and to examine factors associated with changes in QOL. This was assessed using the EQ‐5D and pain outcomes using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). Changes in QOL and pain were studied for the overall sample and in subgroups defined by baseline pain severity. Multivariate regression was used to investigate factors associated with change on EQ‐5D. Three thousand and twenty‐nine patients were included for analysis. After 3 months of usual care, a mean of 40.9% of patients showed improvement on individual EQ‐5D dimensions, with the highest rates of improvement seen on the pain/discomfort (50.8%) and anxiety/depression (48.3%) dimensions. The EQ‐5D Index increased from a mean (SD) of 0.35 (0.2) to 0.58 (0.21) points between baseline and month 3, and the thermometer from 41.5 (19.4) to 58.7 (17.8), indicating a large effect. Improvements in QOL were larger in those with severe baseline pain. The BPI severity summary score improved from a mean (SD) of 6.5 (1.4) to 4.1 (1.7) and the interference summary score from 6.6 (1.5) to 4.2 (1.9). Changes on the BPI severity and interference scores were associated with changes in the EQ‐5D Index and thermometer. In conclusion, 3 months of usual care in noncancer pain patients led to substantial improvements in QOL and pain outcomes.
Analysis of factors affecting immune recovery and initial response to tetanus after DTaP vaccination in pediatric allogeneic HSCT patients
Authors: Boles Erin E. , Chiuzan Codruta , Ragucci Dominic , Hudspeth Michelle P.
Published: September 2014

Transfer of donor immunity after allo‐HSCT is limited, requiring re‐vaccination after HSCT. The CDC 2009 guidelines introduced earlier vaccination post‐HSCT with a uniform vaccination strategy. This study objective was to describe predictors of immune recovery and initial response to tetanus after DTaP vaccination post‐HSCT. We conducted a retrospective chart review of pediatric allo‐HSCT patients transplanted between July 1, 2007–June 30, 2012 who survived >1 yr without relapse (N = 27). Response to tetanus one month after the initial dose of DTaP was defined as a ≥4 fold increase in tetanus titers ≥1 month after vaccination. Wilcoxon rank‐sum exact test and Kruskall–Wallis tests were used to analyze CD4, CD8, and CD19 counts. Exact conditional logistic regression was utilized to analyze initial tetanus vaccination response. A statistically significant increase in median CD4, CD8, and CD19 counts occurred from six to 12 months post‐HSCT (p ≤ 0.0001, 0.005, 0.004). Only 36% of patients had initial tetanus vaccination response at first attempt post‐HSCT. None of the variables tested were statistically significant in predicting initial tetanus response to vaccination. There was no association between predictors of immune recovery or transplant variables and initial tetanus response. A uniform vaccination strategy is unlikely to provide protective antibodies for many post‐HSCT patients and should be evaluated in larger studies.
The evolutionarily conserved multifunctional glycine‐rich RNA‐binding proteins play key roles in development and stress adaptation
Authors: Ciuzan Oana , Hancock John , Pamfil Doru , Wilson Ian , Ladomery Michael
Published: September 2014

The class IV glycine‐rich RNA‐binding proteins are a distinct subgroup within the heterogenous superfamily of glycine‐rich proteins (GRPs). They are distinguished by the presence of an RNA‐binding domain in the N‐terminus; generally in the form of an RNA‐recognition motif (RRM) or a cold‐shock domain (CSD). These are followed by a C‐terminal glycine‐rich domain. Growing evidence suggests that these proteins play key roles in the adaptation of organisms to biotic and abiotic stresses including those resulting from pathogenesis, alterations in the osmotic, saline and oxidative environment and changes in temperature. Similar vertebrate proteins are also cold‐induced and involved in, e.g. hibernation, suggesting evolutionarily conserved functions. The class IV RNA‐binding GRPs are likely to operate as key molecular components of hormonally regulated development and to work by regulating gene expression at multiple levels by modifying alternative splicing, mRNA export, mRNA translation and mRNA degradation.
Statistically comparing EEG/MEG waveforms through successive significant univariate tests: How bad can it be?
Authors: Piai Vitória , Dahlslätt Kristoffer , Maris Eric
Published: September 2014

When making statistical comparisons, the temporal dimension of the EEG signal introduces problems. Guthrie and Buchwald (1991) proposed a formally correct statistical approach that deals with these problems: comparing waveforms by counting the number of successive significant univariate tests and then contrasting this number to a well‐chosen critical value. However, in the literature, this method is often used inappropriately. Using real EEG data and Monte Carlo simulations, we examined the problems associated with the incorrect use of this approach under circumstances often encountered in the literature. Our results show inflated false‐positive or false‐negative rates depending on parameters of the data, including filtering. Our findings suggest that most applications of this method result in an inappropriate familywise error rate control. Solutions and alternative methods are discussed.
Influence of community health volunteers on care seeking and treatment coverage for common childhood illnesses in the context of free health care in rural Sierra Leone
Authors: Yansaneh Aisha I. , Moulton Lawrence H. , George Asha S. , Rao Sowmya R. , Kennedy Ngozi , Bangura Peter , Brieger William R. , Kabano Augustin , Diaz Theresa
Published: September 2014

Objective

To examine whether community health volunteers induced significant changes in care seeking and treatment of ill children under five 2 years after their deployment in two underserved districts of Sierra Leone.

Methods

A pre‐test–post‐test study with intervention and comparison groups was used. A household cluster survey was conducted among caregivers of 5643 children at baseline and of 5259 children at endline.

Results

In the intervention districts, treatments provided by community health volunteers increased from 0 to 14.3% for all three conditions combined (P < 0.001). Care seeking from an appropriate provider was not statistically significant (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 0.88–2.54) between intervention and comparison districts and coverage of appropriate treatment increased in both study groups for all three illnesses. However, the presence of community health volunteers was associated with a 105% increase in appropriate treatment for pneumonia (OR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.22–3.42) and a 55% drop in traditional treatment for diarrhoea (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.21–0.96). Community health volunteers were also associated with fewer facility treatments for malaria (OR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.07–0.62).

Conclusion

After implementing free care, coverage for treatment for all three illnesses in both study groups improved. Deployment of community health volunteers was associated with a reduced treatment burden at facilities and less reliance on traditional treatments.
Manual liquid culture on simple Middlebrook 7H9 or MGIT for the diagnosis of smear‐negative pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Battaglioli T. , Soto A. , Agapito J. , Acurio V. , Van der Stuyft P.
Published: September 2014

Objectives

To compare the performance of liquid culture on simple Middlebrook 7H9 to the one of manual mycobacterial growth indicator tube (MGIT) and solid culture on Ogawa for the diagnosis of smear‐negative tuberculosis (SN‐TB) in a high‐burden, resource‐constrained setting.

Methods

Sputum samples from patients with clinical suspicion of SN‐PTB admitted to two‐third‐level hospitals in Lima between September 2005 and May 2008 were cultured in parallel on simple Middlebrook 7H9, manual MGIT and Ogawa. A case of SN‐TB was defined as one with a positive culture in any medium.

Results

Among samples from 542 patients, 151 (28%) cases of SN‐TB were identified. The sensitivity of Middlebrook 7H9 (0.76, 95% CI 0.69–0.83) was not substantially different from that of MGIT (0.85, 95% CI 0.79–0.91). Ogawa had the lowest sensitivity (0.63, 95% CI 0.55–0.71). The median turnaround time was similar for both liquid media (18 days), and it was shorter than that of Ogawa (30 days).

Conclusions

Culture on simple Middlebrook 7H9 performs almost as well as MGIT, at a probably more affordable cost. Further studies on the cost‐effectiveness of this overlooked technique should be performed.
Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Outbreak Investigation: Application of the FAO‐OIE‐WHO Four‐way Linking Framework in Indonesia
Authors: Setiawaty V. , Dharmayanti N. L. P. I. , Misriyah  , Pawestri H. A. , Azhar M. , Tallis G. , Schoonman L. , Samaan G.
Published: September 2014

WHO, FAO and OIE developed a ‘four‐way linking’ framework to enhance the cross‐sectoral sharing of epidemiological and virological information in responding to zoonotic disease outbreaks. In Indonesia, outbreak response challenges include completeness of data shared between human and animal health authorities. The four‐way linking framework (human health laboratory/epidemiology and animal health laboratory/epidemiology) was applied in the investigation of the 193rd human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection. As recommended by the framework, outbreak investigation and risk assessment findings were shared. On 18 June 2013, a hospital in West Java Province reported a suspect H5N1 case in a 2‐year‐old male. The case was laboratory‐confirmed that evening, and the information was immediately shared with the Ministry of Agriculture. The human health epidemiology/laboratory team investigated the outbreak and conducted an initial risk assessment on 19 June. The likelihood of secondary cases was deemed low as none of the case contacts were sick. By 3 July, no secondary cases associated with the outbreak were identified. The animal health epidemiology/laboratory investigation was conducted on 19–25 June and found that a live bird market visited by the case was positive for H5N1 virus. Once both human and market virus isolates were sequenced, a second risk assessment was conducted jointly by the human health and animal health epidemiology/laboratory teams. This assessment concluded that the likelihood of additional human cases associated with this outbreak was low but that future sporadic human infections could not be ruled out because of challenges in controlling H5N1 virus contamination in markets. Findings from the outbreak investigation and risk assessments were shared with stakeholders at both Ministries. The four‐way linking framework clarified the type of data to be shared. Both human health and animal health teams made ample data available, and there was cooperation to achieve risk assessment objectives.
Epidemiology of Chlamydia psittaci Infection in Racing Pigeons and Pigeon Fanciers in Beijing, China
Authors: Ling Y. , Chen H. , Chen X. , Yang X. , Yang J. , Bavoil P. M. , He C.
Published: September 2014

Over 3 million racing pigeons (Columba livia) are registered in Beijing City Center for gambling purposes. During 2008–2010, we evaluated the occurrence and prevalence of Chlamydia psittaci in racing pigeons as well as the possible zoonotic transmission to pigeon fanciers in six districts of Beijing where pigeon races are particularly popular. C. psittaci‐specific serum antibody titres were obtained from 370 pigeons and 79 fanciers using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, 206 and 67 throat swabs were, respectively, collected from pigeons and fanciers and tested for the presence of chlamydial antigen using immunofluorescence. C. psittaci‐specific serum antibody was detected in 37 of 370 pigeons and 19 of 79 fanciers. Of 206 pigeon clinical specimens, 55 were positive for C. psittaci antigen, while 16 of 67 swabs from the pigeon fanciers were positive. Based on ompA sequence analysis, the genotype of several avian and human isolates was genotype B. Thus, both high‐titre C. psittaci‐specific antibody and C. psittaci‐specific antigen were found with relatively high frequency in the pigeon flocks as well as in the pigeon fanciers. Our study suggests that C. psittaci infection is prevalent among the racing pigeon population in Beijing. Moreover, detection of serum antibodies and antigen in pigeon fanciers suggests that exposure and possible zoonotic transmission of C. psittaci from racing pigeons to humans does occur. In view of the life‐threatening respiratory illness C. psittaci may cause in humans, regulatory public health measures, to prevent further spread of the pathogen in avian populations and possible transmission to exposed humans, are urgently needed.
Passive Fuzzy Control via Fuzzy Integral Lyapunov Function for Nonlinear Ship Drum-Boiler Systems
Authors: Chang Wen-Jer , Chang Yao-Chung , Ku Cheung-Chieh
Published: September 2014

The passive fuzzy control problem is studied in this paper via line-integral fuzzy Lyapunov function for nonlinear ship drum-boiler systems with multiplicative noises. The Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy model is employed to represent the nonlinearities of the multiplicative noised nonlinear ship drum-boiler systems. For stability analysis and synthesis, the sufficient conditions are derived via line-integral fuzzy Lyapunov functions. These conditions are transformed into the linear matrix inequality (LMI) forms which can be solved by the convex optimal programming algorithm. In addition, the passivity theory is employed to deal with the effect of external disturbance in the ship drum-boiler system. Finally, a numerical example is provided to show the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed fuzzy controller design approach.
Swirler Effects on Passive Control of Combustion Noise and Instability in a Swirl-Stabilized Combustor
Authors: Borsuk Alex , Williams Justin , Meadows Joseph , Agrawal Ajay K.
Published: September 2014

High strength porous inert media (PIM) placed in the reaction zone of a swirl-stabilized lean-premixed combustor is a passive method of controlling combustion noise and instabilities. In this study, the effect of swirler location and swirl number on combustion without and with PIM has been investigated experimentally, using a methane-fueled quartz combustor at atmospheric pressure. Three axial swirlers were designed with eight vanes, a solid centerbody, and vane angles of 30, 45, and 55 deg to yield calculated swirl numbers of 0.45, 0.78, and 1.10, respectively. Swirler location was varied to obtain recess depth in the premixer tube of 0.0 cm, 2.5 cm, and 5.0 cm. A downstream bluff body was used with the recessed swirlers to stabilize the flame at the dump plane. Experiments were conducted at constant air flow rate of 300 SLPM and equivalence ratios of 0.70, 0.75, and 0.80. PIM annular rings with increasing and decreasing cross-sectional area in the flow direction were tested, referred to as diverging and converging PIM. The performance of each test case is compared by observing the flame behavior and measuring sound pressure level (SPL) with a microphone probe. Results include total SPL and SPL in one-third octave bands. PIM proved effective in mitigating combustion noise and instability for all flush-mounted swirlers with total SPL reductions of up to 7.6 dBA. The effectiveness of the PIM generally improved with increasing equivalence ratio. Combustion instability that occurred within the frequency band centered about 630 Hz was suppressed with both PIM configurations. These results confirm that PIM is an effective method to control combustion noise and instabilities in swirl-stabilized LPM combustion.
Advanced Catalytic Igniters Technology for Small Compact Engine Applications
Authors: Etemad Shahrokh , Baird Benjamin D. , Alavandi Sandeep
Published: September 2014

Development of technologies that allow small, high power density engines such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), unmanned marine vehicles (UMV), and unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) to operate on single logistic fuel such as JP-8 is one of government goals. To advance this goal, a lightweight, compact, and retrofit capable ignition source is critical. Compared to standard spark igniters and noncatalytic glow plugs, the use of catalytic glow plugs will provide benefits of lower required compression ratio, improved igniter life, reduced electrical energy requirements, and overall reduction in system weight and size. Experimental testing demonstrated a significant increase in surface temperature (160+ °C) with impingement of a fuel spray compared to a conventional glow plug with engine testing demonstrating the use of catalyst allows stable engine operation at reduced power requirements. Computational analysis was performed to provide insight into the catalyst behavior. Analytical studies suggested increased stability due to both heat release due to exothermic catalytic reaction and production of reactive species. This technology would allow high power density engines to use heavy fuels, while potentially reducing electric power supply and engine complexity and weight, both of which would allow greater range and/or payload capacity. This paper discusses the feasibility of advanced igniters technology as an enabling component for the use of heavy fuels in small, high power density internal combustion engines. The paper presents and discusses analytical investigation, experimental test results, and durability testing data in an internal combustion engine environment.
Experimental Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Online Water-Washing in Gas Turbine Compressors
Authors: Brun Klaus , Grimley Terrence A. , Foiles William C. , Kurz Rainer
Published: September 2014

An investigation of the effectiveness of online combustion turbine axial compressor washing using various purity grade waters and commercial washing detergents was performed. For this project, blade surface fouling dirt was obtained from gas turbine axial compressor blades installed at various field sites. The dirt was analyzed to determine consistency of typical blade surface fouling materials. A representative dirt formula and blade coating procedure was developed so that comparative tests could be performed using various cleaning fluids. Dirt coated blades were installed in a wind tunnel capable of simulating compressor operating conditions. A spray nozzle upstream of the blade test section was used for washing blades with five different test liquids to determine the effectiveness or advantages of any liquid. Once this testing was completed, a similar test setup was then utilized to inject a mixture of formulated fouling dirt and the various online cleaning liquids upstream of the blade into the wind tunnel to assess redeposit characteristics. The effect of high-purity water versus regular water on fouling dirt was also studied in separate residue experiments. Results indicate that spraying cleaning fluid into a flowing air stream is a viable means of cleaning a compressor blade. Each of the fluids was able to clean the test blade at both low and high air velocities and at different blade incident angles. Within the parameters/fluids tested, the results indicate that: (1) The blade cleaning is primarily a mechanical function and does not depend on the type of fluid used for cleaning. The results showed that most of the cleaning occurs shortly after the cleaning fluid is introduced into the flow stream. (2) Dirt removed from the blades may redeposit in other areas as the cleaning fluid is evaporated. Redeposit occurred in flow recirculation zones during the cleaning tests, and heated flow tests demonstrated dirt deposit in the presence of a cleaning fluid. In addition, the type of fluid used for cleaning has no effect on the redeposit characteristics of the dirt. (3) Blade erosion was not found to be a significant issue for the short durations that online water-washing was performed. However, uncontrolled water-washing (or overspray) for extended periods of time did result in measureable leading and trailing edge blade erosions.
Finite Element Method for Kinematic Analysis of Parallel Hip Joint Manipulator
Authors: Cheng Gang , Wang Song-tao , Yang De-hua , Yang Jian-hua
Published: September 2014

This paper presents a finite element method (FEM) for the kinematic solution of parallel manipulators (PMs), and this approach is applied to analyze the kinematics of a parallel hip joint manipulator (PHJM). The analysis and simulation results indicate that FEM can get accurate results of the kinematics of the PHJM, and the solution process shows that using FEM can solve nonlinear and linear kinematic problems in the same mathematical framework, which provides a theory base for establishing integrated model among different parameter models of the PHJM.
Analytic and Geometric Technique for the Singularity Analysis of Multi-Degree-of-Freedom Spherical Mechanisms
Authors: Di Gregorio Raffaele
Published: September 2014

Mechanisms' instantaneous kinematics is modeled by linear and homogeneous mappings whose coefficient matrices are also meaningful to understand their static behavior through the virtual work principle. The analysis of these models is a mandatory step during design. The superposition principle can be used for building and studying linear and homogeneous models. Here, multi-degree-of-freedom (multi-DOF) spherical mechanisms are considered. Their instantaneous-kinematics model is written by exploiting instantaneous-pole-axes' (IPA) properties and the superposition principle. Then, this general model is analyzed and an exhaustive analytic and geometric technique to identify all their singular configurations is deduced. Eventually, the effectiveness of the deduced technique is shown with two relevant case studies.
Confidence Frames and the Mastery of New Challenges in the Motivation of an Expert Skydiver
Authors: Kerr John H. , Mackenzie Susan Houge
Published: September 2014

The main objective was to further unravel the experience of motivation in an expert male skydiver by investigating: (1) his general experience of motivation and perception of the dangers of skydiving; (2) his pursuit of new challenges and learning new skills as factors in maintaining motivation; (3) evidence of a mastery-based confidence frame in his motivational experience. This was a unique case study informed by reversal theory. The participant’s perception of skydiving was that it was not a risky or dangerous activity and a primary motive for his involvement in skydiving was personal goal achievement. Maintaining control and mastery during skydiving was a key motivational element during his long career and pursuing new challenges and learning new skills was found to be important for his continued participation. Data indicated that his confidence frame was based on a telic-mastery state combination, which challenged previous reversal theory research findings and constructs.
Posterior mediastinal mass diagnosed as schwanomma with concomittant tuberculosis
Authors: Tripathi Surya Kant , Mishra Ashwini Kumar , Verma Ajay Kumar , Prakash Ved
Published: September 2014

A 21-year-old non-smoker, non-hypertensive male without diabetes was referred to our pulmonary medicine department with suspected malignant intrathoracic mass. The clinicoradiological evaluation revealed that it could be a posterior mediastinal mass. The same diagnosis was confirmed on performing CT and MRI. Benign posterior mediastinal schwanomma was suspected as it is the most common posterior mediastinal mass. It was completely resected. Histopathological examination confirmed the same. The mass was also sent for culture for mycobacterium which came out to be positive. The patient recovered from the surgery and postoperative X-ray showed complete clearance. He was treated with antitubercular treatment and responded very well.
Fatal recurrence of fulminant giant cell myocarditis and recovery after initialisation of an alternative immunosuppressive regime
Authors: Fluschnik Nina , Escher Felicitas , Blankenberg Stefan , Westermann Dirk
Published: September 2014

We report on a challenging case of a 34-year-old male patient with giant cell myocarditis (GCM) and fulminant relapse after discontinuing immunomodulatory therapy 2 years after the initial event. Specific combined immunosuppressive therapy with antithymocyte globulin (ATG), cyclosporine and high-dose glucocorticoids combined with guideline-based heart failure medication led to the recovery of GCM, improvement of systolic left ventricular function and clinical remission. This case report emphasises the importance of an immunosuppressive therapy for the prognosis and outcome and the risk of discontinuation. Most importantly, ATG seems to be one new possible potential treatment option for patients with acute GCM.
Initiation and failure mechanism of base instability of excavations in clay triggered by hydraulic uplift
Authors: Hong Y. , Ng C.W.W. , Wang L.Z.
Published: September 2014

Excavations in clay overlying an aquifer may cause catastrophic basal failure due to hydraulic uplift. Although case histories with hydraulic uplift failures are reported worldwide from time to time, the initiation and failure mechanism of the base instability are not well studied and understood. To address these two issues, dimensional analysis is firstly conducted to propose dimensionless groups (DGs) possibly relevant to this subject. Effects of these DGs on the initiation and failure mechanism of base instability are then investigated, by carrying out a series of finite element analyses, in which constitutive models and model parameters have been previously validated against centrifuge test results. It is revealed that the initiation and failure mechanism of base instability due to hydraulic uplift is mainly governed by a ratio of excavation width over the thickness of soft clay inside excavation (B/D). As excavation becomes narrower (i.e., B/D decreases), the hydraulic pressure (Pi) required to initiate uplift movement of clay inside excavation increases significantly (maximum percentage increase = 50%), due to increased effect of downward shear stress acting along soil–wall interface on basal resistance. Based on the parametric study, a calculation chart is developed for estimating Pi of excavations with varied B/D and undrained shear strength of clay. At basal failure caused by hydraulic uplift, the dominant failure mode changes from simple shear in relatively narrow excavations (i.e., B/D < 4) to combined modes of triaxial compression, triaxial extension, and simple shear in relatively wide excavations (i.e., B/D > 4).
The tail plays a major role in the differing manoeuvrability of two sibling species of mouse-eared bats (Myotis myotis and Myotis blythii)
Authors: Schmieder Daniela A. , Zsebők Sándor , Siemers Björn M.
Published: September 2014

Two sympatrically occurring bat species, the greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis (Borkhausen, 1797)) and the lesser mouse-eared bat (Myotis blythii (Tomes, 1857)) (Chiroptera, Vespertillionidae), share numerous similarities in morphology, roosting behaviour, and echolocation and are often difficult to distinguish. However, despite these similarities, their foraging behaviour is noticeably different. Our aim was to examine the extent to which these different foraging strategies reflect morphological adaptation. We assessed whether the morphology of the wing, body, and tail differed between M. myotis and M. blythii. In addition, in a laboratory experiment involving an obstacle course, we compared differences in manoeuvrability by relating them to our morphological measurements. The two species differed in their overall size, wing-tip shape, and tail-to-body length ratio. The generally smaller sized M. blythii performed better in the obstacle course and was therefore considered to be more manoeuvrable. Although differences in wing-tip shape were observed, we found the most important characteristic affecting manoeuvrability in both species to be the tail-to-body length ratio. Additionally, when we compared two bats with injured wing membranes with unharmed bats of the same species, we found no difference in manoeuvrability, even when the wing shape was asymmetric. We therefore postulate that morphometric differences between the two species in their overall size and, more importantly, in their tail-to-body length ratio are the main physical characteristics providing proof of adaptation to different foraging and feeding strategies.
Spatholobus suberectus Inhibits Osteoclastogenesis and Stimulates Chondrogenesis
Authors: Im Nam-Kyung , Lee Sung-Gyu , Lee Dong-Sung , Park Pil-Hoon , Lee In-Seon , Jeong Gil-Saeng
Published: September 2014

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of Spatholobus suberectus Dunn (SS) on the protection of chondral defect and inhibition of osteoclastogenesis. To examine these effects, we measured the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels in SW1353 chondrosarcoma cells and performed tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining in bone marrow macrophage (BMM)-derived osteoclasts. To investigate the anti-osteoarthritis (OA) effects, we assessed TNF-α-induced MMP-1, -3, -9 and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP) expression levels in SW1353 cells. We observed that SS extract significantly inhibited MMP and TIMP expression in SW1353 cells. Also, SS extract inhibited the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation. These results suggest that SS extract may have a potential in the treatment of bone loss and chondral defect by suppressing osteoclast differentiation and decreasing the expression of OA factors. Therefore, clarification of the mechanism of the action of SS extract and its active components is needed.
Equal-time consistency relations in the large-scale structure of the universe
Authors: Kehagias A. , Perrier H. , Riotto A.
Published: September 2014

Consistency relations involving the soft limit of the (n + 1)-correlator functions of dark matter and galaxy overdensities have been recently obtained, thanks to the symmetries enjoyed by the Newtonian equations of motion describing the dark matter and galaxy fluids coupled through gravity. Via an appropriate change of coordinates, the symmetries allow to go to a frame where the zero mode and the first spatial gradient of the long and linear wavelength mode of the gravitational potential have been removed. In such a case, the response of the system on short scales is a uniform displacement leading to the vanishing of the correlators in the soft limit at the equal-time. In this paper, we show that equal-time consistency relations involving the soft limit of the (n + 1)-correlator functions of dark matter can be obtained if there is a well-defined relation between the linear growth factor D(a) and the abundance of dark matter Ω, [Formula: see text]. We also discuss the consequences of the consistency relations for the halo model.
A class of Hermitian generalized Jordan triple systems and Chern–Simons gauge theory
Authors: Kamiya Noriaki , Sato Matsuo
Published: September 2014

We find a class of Hermitian generalized Jordan triple systems (HGJTSs) and Hermitian (ϵ, δ)-Freudenthal–Kantor triple systems (HFKTSs). We apply one of the most simple HGJTSs which we find to a field theory and obtain a typical u(N) Chern–Simons gauge theory with a fundamental matter.
D-branes on spaces stratified fibered over hyperbolic orbifolds
Authors: Bytsenko A. A. , Chaichian M. , Guimarães M. E. X.
Published: September 2014

We apply the methods of homology and K-theory for branes wrapping spaces stratified fibered over hyperbolic orbifolds. In addition, we discuss the algebraic K-theory of any discrete co-compact Lie group in terms of appropriate homology and Atiyah–Hirzebruch type spectral sequence with its nontrivial lift to K-homology. We emphasize the fact that the physical D-branes properties are completely transparent within the mathematical framework of K-theory. We derive criteria for D-brane stability in the case of strongly virtually negatively curved groups. We show that branes wrapping spaces stratified fibered over hyperbolic orbifolds carry charge structure and change the additive structural properties in K-homology.
Statistical problem of ideal gas in general two-dimensional regions
Authors: Song Ci , Li Wen-Du , Mwansa Pardon , Zhang Ping
Published: September 2014

In this paper, based on the conformal mapping method and the perturbation theory, we develop a method to solve the statistical problem within general two-dimensional regions. We consider some examples and the numerical results and fitting results are given. We also give the thermodynamic quantities of the general two-dimensional regions, and compare the thermodynamic quantities of the different regions.
A variational theory of zero field electrical resistivity of colossal magnetoresistive manganites (Re1-xAxMnO3)
Authors: Panwar Sunil , Kumar Vijay , Chaudhary Amit , Singh Ishwar
Published: September 2014

Using a simple variational method, we have studied the zero field electrical resistivity ρ(T) of rare earth manganites doped with alkaline earths namely Re1-xAxMnO3which exhibit colossal magnetoresistance (CMR), metal–insulator transition and many other poorly understood phenomena. We take the two band model Hamiltonian for manganites in the strong electron-lattice Jahn–Teller (JT) coupling regime. This model is constructed for the doped manganites which exhibit colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) involving a broad spin-majority (eg-spins) conduction band (b-band) as well as nearly localized spin-minority (t2g-spins) electron states (ℓ-band). Two band models involving itinerant and localized states were also suggested earlier by both experimentalists and theorists. We have also studied the temperature dependence of electrical resistivity ρ(T) at H = 0 of these materials and observed the role of the model parameters e.g. local Coulomb repulsion U, strong ferromagnetic Hund's rule coupling JHbetween egand t2gspins and hybridization V between ℓ-polarons and b-electrons of the same spins on ρ(T). We find from the resistivity results that as the temperature is lowered below a critical temperature Tc(~ 200 K), there is a sudden drop in electrical resistivity ρ(T) at H = 0 resembling with the key feature of many CMR compounds like La2/3( Pb , Ca )1/3MnO3and ( Sm1-yGdy)0.55Sr0.45MnO3at y = 0.5. This anomaly in ρ(T) arises from the onset of magnetic ordering at 200 K and vanishes on increasing V or JHvalue. T-dependence of ρ(T) is metallic-like below Tc(~ 200 K), above which it shows insulator/semiconducting-like behavior.
Analysis of drivers' characteristics in car-following theory
Authors: Zhang Geng , Sun Di-Hua , Liu Hui , Zhao Min
Published: September 2014

In recent years, the influence of drivers' behaviors on traffic flow has attracted considerable attention according to Transportation Cyber Physical Systems. In this paper, an extended car-following model is presented by considering drivers' timid or aggressive characteristics. The impact of drivers' timid or aggressive characteristics on the stability of traffic flow has been analyzed through linear stability theory and nonlinear reductive perturbation method. Numerical simulation shows that the propagating behavior of traffic density waves near the critical point can be described by the kink–antikink soliton of the mKdV equation. The good agreement between the numerical simulation and the analytical results shows that drivers' characteristics play an important role in traffic jamming transition.
Atomic study of fracture progress ofFe[110]/TMC[100] (TM=Ti,ZrandHf) semi-coherent interfaces
Authors: Li Jinchun , Song Hongquan , Qian Ping , Shen Jiang
Published: September 2014

Using first-principle calculation in combination with the Chen–Möbius inversion method, we get the interfacial potentials of the Fe [110]/ TMC [100] ( TM = Ti , Zr and Hf ) interface system. Based on the interfacial potentials, we investigate the interfacial stability, misfit dislocations and tensile fracture of the semi-coherent interfaces of Fe [110]/ TMC [100] ( TM = Ti , Zr and Hf ). The different sizes of the misfit dislocation models are employed to compare the interfacial energy. Results indicate that Fe [110]/ HfC [100] interface is more stable than Fe [110]/ TMC [100] ( TM = Ti and Zr ). The analysis of different tensile fracture processes shows that the misfit dislocations play an important role in the fractures of interfaces between iron and transitional metal carbides.