bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of biofilm surface layer protein A (BslA) on the gel structure of myofibril protein from chicken breast
Authors: Ullah Niamat , Wang Xuejiao , Chen Lin , Xu Xinglian , Li Zhixi , Feng Xianchao
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Different techniques have been applied to alter myofibril protein (MP) structure, which further promotes protein–protein interactions and influencing the MP gelling characteristics. Influence of BslA from natto food (protein concentration, 30 mg mL−1; at 0.001, 0.005, 0.01, 0.05 and 0.1 g kg−1) on the characteristics of MP gel of chicken breast was investigated.

RESULTS

Results show that cooking loss significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with increased percentage of BslA. Hardness of MP gel did not significantly change at 0.01 g kg−1 BslA. Differential scanning calorimetry disclosed that MP was modified by the addition of BslA. Moreover, BslA produced a high value of storage modulus (G′) and low value of phase angle (tan δ) during heating, especially at 0.01 g kg−1. Analysis by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis proved the formation of higher‐molecular‐weight polymers by developing non‐disulfide covalent bonds between MP at 0.01 g kg−1 BslA. Surface hydrophobicity of the MP gel was decreased with increased percentage of BslA. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the increasing number of uniform cavities of MP gel with the increased percentage of BslA.

CONCLUSION

Addition of 0.01 g kg−1 BslA significantly improved the water holding capacity and rheological properties of MP by developing non‐disulfide covalent bonds. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Phenolic compounds, antioxidant potential and antiproliferative potential of 10 common edible flowers from China assessed using a simulated in vitro digestion–dialysis process combined with cellular assays
Authors: Huang Weisu , Mao Shuqin , Zhang Liuquan , Lu Baiyi , Zheng Lufei , Zhou Fei , Zhao Yajing , Li Maiquan
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Phenolic compounds could be sensitive to digestive conditions, thus a simulated in vitro digestion–dialysis process and cellular assays was used to determine phenolic compounds and antioxidant and antiproliferative potentials of 10 common edible flowers from China and their functional components.

RESULTS

Gallic acid, ferulic acid, and rutin were widely present in these flowers, which demonstrated various antioxidant capacities (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and CAA values) and antiproliferative potentials measured by the MTT method. Rosa rugosa, Paeonia suffruticosa and Osmanthus fragrans exhibited the best antioxidant and antiproliferative potentials against HepG2, A549 and SGC‐7901 cell lines, except that Osmanthus fragrans was not the best against SGC‐7901 cells. The in vitro digestion–dialysis process decreased the antioxidant potential by 33.95–90.72% and the antiproliferative potential by 13.22–87.15%. Following the in vitro digestion–dialysis process, phenolics were probably responsible for antioxidant (R2 = 0.794–0.924, P < 0.01) and antiproliferative (R2 = 0.408–0.623, P < 0.05) potential. Moreover, gallic acid may be responsible for the antioxidant potential of seven flowers rich in edible flowers.

CONCLUSION

The antioxidant and antiproliferative potential of 10 edible flowers revealed a clear decrease after digestion and dialysis along with the reduction of phenolics. Nevertheless, they still had considerable antioxidant and antiproliferative potential, which merited further investigation in in vivo studies. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Seed priming with KNO3 mediates biochemical processes to inhibit lead toxicity in maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Nawaz Fahim , Naeem Muhammad , Akram Asim , Ashraf Muhammad Y , Ahmad Khawaja S , Zulfiqar Bilal , Sardar Hasan , Shabbir Rana N , Majeed Sadia , Shehzad Muhammad A , Anwar Irfan
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Accumulation of lead (Pb) in agricultural soils has become a major factor for reduced crop yields and poses serious threats to humans consuming agricultural products. The present study investigated the effects of KNO3 seed priming (0 and 0.5% KNO3) on growth of maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings exposed to Pb toxicity (0, 1300 and 2550 mg kg−1 Pb).

RESULTS

Pb exposure markedly reduced the growth of maize seedlings and resulted in higher Pb accumulation in roots than shoots. Pretreatment of seeds with KNO3 significantly improved the germination percentage and increased physiological indices. A stimulating effect of KNO3 seed priming was also observed on pigments (chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents) of Pb‐stressed plants. Low translocation of Pb from roots to shoots caused an increased accumulation of total free amino acids and higher activities of catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase in roots as compared to shoot, which were further enhanced by exogenous KNO3 supply to prevent Pb toxicity.

CONCLUSION

Maize accumulates more Pb in roots than shoot at early growth stages. Priming of seeds with KNO3 prevents Pb toxicity, which may be exploited to improve seedling establishment in crop species grown under Pb contaminated soils. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
The changing face of petrous apicitis—a 40‐year experience
Authors: Gadre Arun K. , Chole Richard A.
Published: April 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Petrous apicitis (PA) is a rare complication of otitis media. Gradenigo syndrome, with the classic triad of otitis, deep pain, and abducens paralysis, is rarer still. The objective of this study was to determine if clinical presentation and management has changed over time.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

Forty‐four patients with PA over a 40‐year period were studied. Symptoms, signs, and management outcomes were studied. Historical review, surgical anatomy and approaches, pathology, and microbiology, and an illustrative case are included as appendices.

Results

The classical Gradenigo triad of retro‐orbital pain, otitis, and abducens palsy occurred in only six of 44 patients (13.6%). Over the 40‐year observation period, those needing surgery has decreased.

Conclusions

Antibiotics remain the primary treatment modality. Surgery is reserved for cases failing to respond to antibiotics. One of the 44 patients in this series died of his disease. Diagnosis and management algorithms based on these observations are suggested.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:195–201, 2018
Novel assessment tool based on laser speckle contrast imaging to diagnose severe ischemia in the lower limb for patients with peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Katsui Sotaro , Inoue Yoshinori , Igari Kimihiro , Toyofuku Takahiro , Kudo Toshifumi , Uetake Hiroyuki
Published: April 2017

Objective

We propose a new assessment tool to diagnose severe ischemia of the lower limb in peripheral arterial disease, using laser speckle contrast imaging to evaluate heating‐induced microcirculatory fluctuations in the proximal and distal sites of the dorsal foot.

Study Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

We recorded the slope describing the behavior of perfusion values (decrease or plateau) following the initial, heating‐induced increase in perfusion in 63 feet of patients with clinical signs of peripheral arterial disease.

Results

The plateau and decrease groups were defined as having perfusion slopes of <0.20 and ≥0.20 PU/min, respectively. Transcutaneous oxygen tension was significantly lower (P < 0.001) in the plateau than in the decrease group (8 vs. 45 mmHg), indicating more severe ischemia. The laser speckle contrast imaging thermal load test discriminated transcutaneous oxygen tension <30 mmHg with good sensitivity (78.7%) and specificity (96.2%), and an area under the curve of 0.908.

Conclusions

Both transcutaneous oxygen tension and the laser speckle contrast imaging thermal load test are useful in diagnosing severe ischemia in the foot. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:645–651, 2017. © 2017. The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation, Characterization, and Rheological Behaviors of Polysiloxanes Presenting Densely Simple and Well‐Defined Short‐Branched Chains
Authors: Liu Bozheng , Gao Xiyin , Zhao Yunfeng , Dai Lina , Xie Zemin , Zhang Zhijie
Published: April 2017

In this paper, a series of polysiloxanes, presenting different contents of densely simple and well‐defined short‐branched chains (G1–G5), are prepared by hydrosilylation of α,ω‐(dimethylvinylsiloxy)‐poly(dimethyl‐methylvinyl)siloxanes (P1–P5) with 1,1,1,3,5,5,5‐heptamethyltrisiloxane (MDHM) and characterized by1H and29Si nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, Abbe refractometry, gel permeation chromatography, and differential scanning calorimetry. The rheological behaviors of the G1–G5products are investigated to study the influences of the short‐branched chains. The rheological parameters including non‐Newtonian index (n) and the flow activation energy (ΔEη) are obtained and discussed. It is observed that the G1–G5polymers belonged to pseudoplastic fluids and the ΔEηvalues of the G1–G5products are significantly influenced by the short‐chain branching degree of the polymers.

image
Constancy regions of mixed multiplier ideals in two‐dimensional local rings with rational singularities
Authors: Alberich‐Carramiñana Maria , Àlvarez Montaner Josep , Dachs‐Cadefau Ferran
Published: April 2017

The aim of this paper is to study mixed multiplier ideals associated with a tuple of ideals in a two‐dimensional local ring with a rational singularity. We are interested in the partition of the real positive orthant given by the regions where the mixed multiplier ideals are constant. In particular we reveal which information encoded in a mixed multiplier ideal determines its corresponding jumping wall and we provide an algorithm to compute all the constancy regions, and their corresponding mixed multiplier ideals, in any desired range.
Im biologischen Container
Authors: Beck Tobias
Published: April 2017

Naturinspiriertes Bauprinzip: Anorganische Nanopartikel können mit Biomolekülen zu neuartigen Materialien kombiniert werden.
Digitalisiertung: versteckte Muster, unbekannte Korrelationen
Authors: Appel Jörg
Published: April 2017

Datenquellen zu verknüpfen und anschließend zu analysieren, kann Entscheidungen bei der Prozesssteuerung verbessern. Die richtige Datenquellenwahl macht sogar eine verbesserte Prozesstechnik selbst möglich.
Interview: „Grübeln ist mein Ausgleich zum Leistungssport“
Authors: Zbikowski Frauke
Published: April 2017

Die angehende Chemielehrerin Hannah Krüger hat mit der Hockey‐Nationalmannschaft bei den olympischen Spielen letzten Sommer in Rio de Janeiro die Bronzemedaille gewonnen. Sie berichtet, wie sie es geschafft hat, neben dem Studium Leistungssport zu treiben, und warum sie ihre Karriere bei der Nationalmannschaft beendet hat.
Bilanz BASF: nicht zufrieden, aber optimistisch
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: April 2017

Das Chemiegeschäft der BASF legte im Jahr 2016 zu, die Öl‐ und Gaserträge gingen zurück.
NLRP3 inflammasome induced liver graft injury through activation of telomere‐independent RAP1/KC axis
Authors: Liu Hui , Lo Chung Mau , Yeung Oscar Wai Ho , Li Chang Xian , Liu Xiao Bing , Qi Xiang , Ng Kevin Tak Pan , Liu Jiang , Ma Yuen Yuen , Lam Yin Fan , Lian Qizhou , Chan See Ching , Man Kwan
Published: April 2017

Acute‐phase inflammation plays a critical role in liver graft injury. Inflammasomes, multi‐molecular complexes in the cytoplasm, are responsible for initiating inflammation. Here, we aimed to explore the role of inflammasomes in liver graft injury and further to investigate the regulatory mechanism. In a clinical liver transplant cohort, we found that intragraft expression of nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes was significantly up‐regulated post‐transplantation. Importantly, overexpression of NLRP3 was strongly associated with poor liver function characterized by high levels of ALT, AST, and urea, as well as neutrophil infiltration after transplantation. The significant correlation between NLRP3 and IL‐1β mRNA levels led us to focus on one of the associated upstream regulators, telomere‐independent repressor activator protein 1 (RAP1), which was further proved to be co‐localized with NLRP3 in neutrophils. In the liver of a mouse model (hepatic ischaemia/reperfusion and hepatectomy model) and isolated neutrophils from RAP1−/− mice, the expression levels of NLRP3 and keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC) were significantly down‐regulated in contrast to those in wild types. The levels of ALT and AST, as well as the neutrophil infiltration, were also decreased by RAP1 deficiency. In our clinical validation, intragraft KC expression was associated with NLRP3 and co‐localized with RAP1 in neutrophils. Furthermore, NLRP3 inflammasomes were up‐regulated by recombinant KC in the isolated neutrophils and liver of the mouse model. Our data demonstrated that NLRP3 inflammasomes, activated by the RAP1/KC axis, played a critical role in initiating inflammation during the early stage of liver graft injury. Targeting RAP1/KC/NLRP3 inflammasomes may offer a new therapeutic strategy against liver graft injury. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Radiotherapy after high‐dose chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic cell rescue: Quality assessment of Head Start III
Authors: Wong Kenneth K. , All Sean , Waxer Jonathan , Olch Arthur J. , Venkatramani Rajkumar , Dhall Girish , Davidson Tom Belle , Zaky Wafik , Finlay Jonathan L.
Published: April 2017

Background

The use of high‐dose chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic cell rescue (AuHCR) in Head Start III is a potentially curative approach for the management of young children with central nervous system neoplasms. We report the potential influence of quality and timing of radiation therapy on the survival of patients treated on the study.

Procedure

Between 2003 and 2009, 220 children with newly diagnosed central nervous system neoplasms were enrolled on the study. Radiation therapy was indicated following AuHCR for children between 6 and 10 years old or those younger than 6 years with residual tumor preconsolidation. Records were received for 42 patients and reviewed to determine adherence to protocol treatment volume and dose guidelines. Of these patients, seven were irradiated prior to consolidation, and additional four patients who initially avoided radiation therapy after AuHCR were subsequently treated at relapse.

Results

Of the 31 patients who were fully evaluable, 2 refused radiation therapy until recurrence and 4 progressed between recovery from AuHCR and radiation therapy. Of the remaining 25 patients, 8 had violations in their indication, dose, or treatment volume. All violations occurred in patients under 6 years of age. Two patients could have avoided radiation therapy. There were 6 violations in the 23 patients who received radiation therapy for guideline indications.

Conclusion

All protocol violations occurred in patients under 6 years of age and were associated with decreased overall survival as was the time to start radiotherapy of greater than 11 weeks. When indicated, starting radiation therapy soon after neutrophil and platelet recovery may improve the outcome for these high‐risk children.
Validity of major osteoporotic fracture diagnosis codes in the Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System in Hong Kong
Authors: Sing Chor‐Wing , Woo Yu‐Cho , Lee Alan C.H. , Lam Joanne K.Y. , Chu Jody K.P. , Wong Ian C.K. , Cheung Ching‐Lung
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Large medical record databases facilitate epidemiology research in fracture. However, the validity of fracture in the databases is needed to ensure the reliability of data. We aimed to assess the validity of International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD‐9) code algorithms for identifying major osteoporotic fracture in the Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System (CDARS) in Hong Kong.

Methods

The CDARS is a database developed by the Hong Kong Hospital Authority for research purpose. We used ICD‐9 code algorithm for identifying major osteoporotic fracture, including vertebral fracture, humerus fracture, forearm/wrist fracture, and hip fracture, in CDARS in 2005–2016. As high positive predictive value (PPV) is critically important in epidemiology research, we sought to determine the PPV of fracture diagnostic code in terms of ICD‐9 relative to the radiography imaging and clinical notes. A total of 380 major osteoporotic fracture cases (vertebral fracture: 101 cases; humerus fracture: 81 cases; forearm/wrist fracture: 94 cases; and hip fracture: 104 cases) were randomly selected and validated.

Results

In 380 fracture cases, the overall PPV was 96.8%. In subgroup analysis, PPV of 100% was observed for hip, humerus, and forearm/wrist fractures, whereas PPV of 86% was observed for vertebral fracture.

Conclusions

The use of ICD‐9 code algorithm to identify major osteoporotic fracture in CDARS is a valid tool with a very high PPV. However, cautious interpretation is required when the study focuses on incident vertebral fracture. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pseudomonas eradication and clinical effectivness of Ivacaftor in four Hispanic patients with S549N
Authors: Strang Abigail , Fischer Anthony J. , Chidekel Aaron
Published: April 2017

Ivacaftor was approved for rarer class‐III CFTR mutations including S549N in 2014. Since these mutations are uncommon, ongoing reports of patient experiences with Ivacaftor and these mutations are important. This case series describes the clinical effectiveness (including airway infection status, lung function, and growth) of Ivacaftor therapy in four pediatric Hispanic patients with S549N and F508del over 24 months. In these patients, Ivacaftor was highly efficacious with no further Pseudomonas‐positive cultures despite prior chronic colonization in three patients as well as notable improvements in lung function and growth. The remarkable improvements in lung function and growth were similar to G551D patients with more striking changes in airway infection status. Pediatr Pulmonol 2017;52:E37–E39. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of walnut husk (Juglans regia L.) volatiles and the behavioural response of the invasive Walnut Husk Fly, Rhagoletis completa Cresson
Authors: Sarles Landry , Boullis Antoine , Fassotte Bérénice , Lognay Georges , Verhaeghe Agnès , Francis Frédéric , Verheggen François J
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Several European countries are important walnut (Juglans regia L.) producers. However, these countries must contend with the recent introduction of the Walnut Husk Fly, Rhagoletis completa Cresson (Diptera, Tephritidae), which is causing severe economic losses, especially in organic production. Because most Tephritid fruit flies use kairomones in their search for host plants, we hypothesise that this highly specialist species orients toward the volatile blend released by walnut husks.

RESULTS

We collected, identified, and quantified the volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) released by walnut husks from the most commonly cultivated variety in France (Franquette). Then, the behavioural response of R. completa toward synthetic odour blends was recorded in dual choice assays conducted in net cages. A total of 26 VOCs were identified, with α‐pinene, β‐pinene, trans‐linalool, eugenol, and tetradecane representing the major constituents. In the dual choice assay, male and female R. completa were strongly attracted to synthetic blend that included most of the identified husk VOCs.

CONCLUSION

When searching for a host plant, R. completa use host fruit kairomones. The potential of these semiochemicals in monitoring and management of this quarantine pest is discussed. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
(Im)Mobilities of Older Pakistani Female Migrants and Material Culture: a Multigenerational Perspective on Gift‐Giving
Authors: Ali Nazia , Suleman Rukeya
Published: April 2017

The purpose of the paper is to discuss, from a multigenerational perspective, the (im)mobilities of older Pakistani women migrants in the UK and the material culture of gift‐giving, which moves with (and without) them to and from the ancestral homeland of Pakistan. A multigenerational perspective allows us to comprehend the collective importance of the mobilities of older Pakistani female migrants in upholding the culturally significant ritualistic custom of gift‐giving. The research is situated within the theoretical context of the ‘New Mobilities Paradigm’ to understand the mobility patterns of older migrants and the mobilisation of material culture. We find that the process of coordinating and exchanging gifts leads to a great deal of physical mobility, within localities and national spaces, but also internationally across different diasporic locations. In doing so, older Pakistani women migrants perform an important role as ‘gift agents’ in the host and home countries, assuring their own social status as well as that of their families. Importantly, the resulting mobility of older Pakistani women empowers their less mobile peers to also participate in gift‐giving. This paper concludes by extending the concept of ‘mobility practices’ to include the mobility of gifts as a practice, which can compensate for physical immobility in older age due to ill‐health, fragility, or other factors. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnosis of seasonally varying regression slope coefficients and application to the MJO
Authors: Roundy Paul E.
Published: April 2017

Simple linear regression is frequently applied to diagnose relationships between time series in weather and climate. Yet, when similar calculations are applied based on data from different times of the year, the coefficients vary. This article introduces a new algorithm to estimate seasonally varying regression slope coefficients. The algorithm generates a seasonal time series of the variance of the predictor and of covariance between the predictor and the predictand. It does so by fitting the seasonal cycle and select harmonics thereof to the time series of products between the values of the predictor and the predictand and to the time series of the squares of the values of the predictor. On a given day of the year, the resulting seasonal covariance divided by the seasonal variance constitutes the best fit to the regression slope coefficient on that day. The algorithm is tested on artificial data, compared with a previous algorithm with similar intent, and then applied to the relationship between a Madden–Julian Oscillation index and global atmospheric patterns. Statistical significance is assessed through a Monte Carlo technique that randomly selects from the sample of years included in a training set.
Infrared vibrational spectra, electronic structures, and formation reactions of polypyrrolic mono‐ and bis‐actinyl complexes: A relativistic DFT study
Authors: Zheng Xiu‐Jun , Qu Ning , Xuan Li‐Chun , Pan Qing‐Jiang
Published: April 2017

The development of synthetic techniques has enabled synthesis and characterization of a series of mono and bis‐uranyl complexes of octadentate polypyrrolic macrocycles such as aryl‐lined H4LAr and anthracenyl‐linked H4L, which is complemented by theoretical investigation via extending to more toxic and radioactive transuranics. The relativistic density functional theory (DFT) study has been dedicated to twelve actinyl complexes supported by the H4L ligand. The actinides include U, Np, and Pu elements, and either one or two is rendered in complexes with oxidation states of V or VI. Calculated symmetric/asymmetric An = O stretching vibrational frequencies show the decreasing trend along U, Np, and Pu, which is consistent with calculated bond orders. The hydrogen bonds between –yl endo‐oxo and remaining hydrogen atoms of pyrrolides in mononuclear complexes cause pronounced redshift of An = O vibrational frequencies compared to those in binuclear complexes, so does the reduction from hexa‐ to pentavalent complexes. The electronic structures of actinyl complexes were calculated. For example, B‐pyUVI possesses low‐lying U(5f)‐character virtual orbitals, where f(δ) and f(ϕ) orbitals occur in low‐energy region and π‐type ones are residing further high; the σ*(U = O) and σ(U = O) orbitals are significantly split over 7 eV. The previous experimental observation that the 1:1 reactions between uranyl salts and the macrocycle tend to give a mixture of bis‐ and mono‐uranyl complexes, with bis‐ the major product, has been corroborated by computational studies of the thermodynamics of the reactions.
Evaluation of the new C‐arm guiding system ClearGuide® in an orthopaedic and trauma operating theatre
Authors: Müller Marcus Christian , Frege Sophie , Strauss Andreas Christian , Gathen Martin , Windemuth Michael , Striepens Eva Nadine
Published: April 2017

Background

The objective was to evaluate whether the new intraoperative C‐arm guiding system ClearGuide® (CG) reduces radiation exposure of the staff in an Orthopaedic and Trauma operation theatre.

Methods

Data of 95 patients CG was used were retrospectively compared using matched‐pair analysis with controls without CG. Radiation dose (RD), fluoroscopic time (FT) and operation time (OT) were analysed in ten types of operative procedures.

Results

Use of CG led to a significant reduction (p ≤ 0.05) of the RD in intramedullary nailing and plate fixation of femoral shaft fractures as well as plating of tibia shaft fractures. Concerning FT, use of CG led to a significant reduction (p ≤ 0.05) while performing kyphoplasties and plate fixation of femoral shaft fractures. Regarding OT, no statistical significance was observed.

Conclusions

CG as a simple, reproducible and intuitive communication tool for C‐arm guidance reduces intraoperative staff radiation exposure especially while fixation of long bone fractures and in spine surgery.
How are changes in exposure to job demands and job resources related to burnout and engagement? A longitudinal study among Chinese nurses and police officers
Authors: Hu Qiao , Schaufeli Wilmar B. , Taris Toon W.
Published: April 2017

This study used a person‐centered approach to examine the across‐time relationships between job demands and job resources on the one hand and employee well‐being (burnout and work engagement) on the other. On the basis of the job demands–resources model and conservation of resources (COR) theory, increases in demands and decreases in resources across time were expected to result in unfavorable changes in well‐being across time. The results of a 2‐wave study among 172 nurses and 273 police officers showed several common patterns across both samples: (a) participants who experienced an increase of demands showed a significant increase in burnout, whereas participants who reported having low resources at both measurement times also showed a significant increase in burnout; (b) participants who experienced decreasing resources reported a significant increase in burnout and a significant decrease in engagement; (c) participants who were exposed to chronic low job resources in a highly demanding environment showed a significant increase in burnout; and (d) participants who were exposed to decreased job resources in a highly demanding environment showed a significant increase in burnout.
Failover strategy for fault tolerance in cloud computing environment
Authors: Mohammed Bashir , Kiran Mariam , Maiyama Kabiru M. , Kamala Mumtaz M. , Awan Irfan‐Ullah
Published: April 2017

Cloud fault tolerance is an important issue in cloud computing platforms and applications. In the event of an unexpected system failure or malfunction, a robust fault‐tolerant design may allow the cloud to continue functioning correctly possibly at a reduced level instead of failing completely. To ensure high availability of critical cloud services, the application execution, and hardware performance, various fault‐tolerant techniques exist for building self‐autonomous cloud systems. In comparison with current approaches, this paper proposes a more robust and reliable architecture using optimal checkpointing strategy to ensure high system availability and reduced system task service finish time. Using pass rates and virtualized mechanisms, the proposed smart failover strategy (SFS) scheme uses components such as cloud fault manager, cloud controller, cloud load balancer, and a selection mechanism, providing fault tolerance via redundancy, optimized selection, and checkpointing. In our approach, the cloud fault manager repairs faults generated before the task time deadline is reached, blocking unrecoverable faulty nodes as well as their virtual nodes. This scheme is also able to remove temporary software faults from recoverable faulty nodes, thereby making them available for future request. We argue that the proposed SFS algorithm makes the system highly fault tolerant by considering forward and backward recovery using diverse software tools. Compared with existing approaches, preliminary experiment of the SFS algorithm indicates an increase in pass rates and a consequent decrease in failure rates, showing an overall good performance in task allocations. We present these results using experimental validation tools with comparison with other techniques, laying a foundation for a fully fault‐tolerant infrastructure as a service cloud environment. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Einsatz von multiplen Schwingungstilger‐Systemen an schlanken Fußgängerbrücken
Authors: Meinhardt Christian
Published: April 2017

Herrn Univ.‐Prof. em. Dr.‐Ing. Herbert Schmidt zur Vollendung seines 80. Lebensjahres gewidmet

Der Einsatz von Schwingungstilgern zur Erhöhung der Gebrauchstauglichkeit von Fußgängerbrücken gehört in der Zwischenzeit zum Standard und erlaubt den Tragwerksplanern die Realisierung filigraner Bauwerke. Im Regelfall wird ein Schwingungstilger zur Reduktion von Schwingungen in einer vertikalen oder lateralen Eigenform eingesetzt, welche in einem kritischen Frequenzbereich, also dem üblichen Bereich der Schrittfrequenzen liegen. Besonders schlanke bzw. leichte Brücken weisen jedoch zahlreiche Eigenformen innerhalb dieses kritischen Bereiches auf, so dass – will man vermeiden, dass je Eigenform in dem kritischen Frequenzbereich ein Tilgersystem appliziert wird – die Konzepte zur Applikation von Schwingungstilgern angepasst werden müssen. Weiterhin weisen schlanke Fußgängerbrücken größere Verschiebungen der Eigenfrequenzen in Abhängigkeit von der Personen‐Anzahl auf dem Brückendeck auf, so dass zusätzlich zu der Wirksamkeit für mehrere Schwingungsmoden auch eine entsprechend große Robustheit des Schwingungstilger‐Konzepts gegenüber diesen Frequenzverschiebungen erforderlich ist. In der Vergangenheit wurden multiple Schwingungstilger‐Systeme vornehmlich mit dem Ziel einer Erhöhung der Wirksamkeit passiver Systeme bei stochastischer Anregung untersucht [1], [2]. Da die dynamische Schwingantwort von schlanken Fußgängerbrücken bei Anregung durch Personen aufgrund der Anregung mehrerer Eigenfrequenzen sowie erzwungener Schwingungen im Bereich der Schrittfrequenz ebenfalls stochastische Züge aufweist, bietet es sich an, solche Konzepte ebenfalls auf Brückendecks zu applizieren. Der folgende Beitrag soll zunächst das typische Schwingungsverhalten schlanker Fußgängerbrücken an praktischen Beispielen demonstrieren. Basierend auf den gezeigten Effekten wird ein für Fußgängerbrücken optimiertes Konzept für Multiple Schwingungstilger (Multiple Tuned Mass Dampers – MTMD)‐Systeme vorgestellt. Hierzu werden die mathematischen Grundlagen zur Optimierung erläutert und Hinweise zur Auswahl abzudeckender Frequenzbereiche sowie zur Massenaufteilung und Abstimmung dargelegt. Abschließend werden Ergebnisse numerischer Berechnungen einer Seilbrückenstruktur vorgestellt, bei denen ein spezielles Augenmerk auf die Robustheit des Systems gegenüber belastungsbedingter Frequenzverschiebungen sowie der charakteristischen Belastung durch Fußgänger gelegt wurde.
Comparing the methods for quantifying the culm surface area of bamboo, Phyllostachys pubescens
Authors: Inoue Akio , Sakamoto Masahiro
Published: April 2017

We compared several methods for quantifying the culm surface area (S) of one of the most common bamboos in Japan, Phyllostachys pubescens Mazel ex Houz. Nine sample culms of P. pubescens were felled, and the true S was determined by the fine resolution analysis of the culm form (SFRA). The S was then calculated independently with the sectional measurement method from the successive diameters measured at equal intervals of one‐twentieth (S20), one‐tenth (S10), one‐fifth (S5) and one‐half (S2) of the total culm length. The S was also quantified geometrically from the total culm length and the diameter at breast height or at base by assuming that the culm form could be approximated by a cone (SDBH and SDAB). The SFRA was compared with each of the computed S values. For S10, S5 and S2, both the mean relative bias (%BIAS) and relative root mean square error (%RMSE) decreased with an increase in the number of measured diameters. The %BIAS and %RMSE of the S10 were, respectively, comparable and smaller compared to those of S20. The bias of the SDBH and SDAB suggested that the cone assumption of the culm form was violated. In conclusion, we recommend that the S should be quantified from the successive diameters measured at equal intervals of one‐tenth of the total culm length using the sectional measurement method.
Omics Approaches to Identify Potential Biomarkers of Inflammatory Diseases in the Focal Adhesion Complex
Authors: Brooks Johanne , Watson Alastair , Korcsmaros Tamas
Published: April 2017

Inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) require recurrent invasive tests, including blood tests, radiology, and endoscopic evaluation both to diagnose and assess disease activity, and to determine optimal therapeutic strategies. Simple ‘bedside’ biomarkers could be used in all phases of patient management to avoid unnecessary investigation and guide further management. The focal adhesion complex (FAC) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple inflammatory diseases, including IBD, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Utilizing omics technologies has proven to be an efficient approach to identify biomarkers from within the FAC in the field of cancer medicine. Predictive biomarkers are paving the way for the success of precision medicine for cancer patients, but inflammatory diseases have lagged behind in this respect. This review explores the current status of biomarker prediction for inflammatory diseases from within the FAC using omics technologies and highlights the benefits of future potential biomarker identification approaches.
Food restriction affects Y‐maze spatial recognition memory in developing mice
Authors: Fu Yu , Chen Yanmei , Li Liane , Wang Yumei , Kong Xiangyang , Wang Jianhong
Published: April 2017

The ambiguous effects of food restriction (FR) on cognition in rodents have been mostly explored in the aged brain by a variety of paradigms, in which either rewards or punishments are involved. This study aims to examine the effects of chronic and acute FR with varying intensities on spatial recognition memory in developing mice. We have used a Y‐maze task that is based on the innate tendency of rodents to explore novel environments. In chronic FR, mice had 70–30% chow of control for seven weeks. In acute FR, mice were food restricted for 12–48 h before the tests. We found that chronic FR had no effect on the preference of mice for novelty in the Y‐maze, but severe FR (50–30% of control) caused impairment on spatial recognition memory. The impairment significantly correlated with the slow weight growth induced by FR. Acute FR also did not affect the novelty preference of mice, but either improved or impaired the memory retention. These data suggest chronic FR impairs Y‐maze spatial recognition memory in developing mice depending on FR intensity and individual tolerability of the FR. Moreover, acute FR exerts diverse effects on the memory, either positive or negative. Our findings have revealed new insights on the effects of FR on spatial recognition memory in developing animals.
C-Tactile Mediated Erotic Touch Perception Relates to Sexual Desire and Performance in a Gender-Specific Way
Authors: Bendas Johanna , Georgiadis Janniko R. , Ritschel Gerhard , Olausson Håkan , Weidner Kerstin , Croy Ilona
Published: April 2017

Background

Unmyelinated low-threshold mechanoreceptors—the so-called C-tactile (CT) afferents—play a crucial role in the perception and conduction of caressing and pleasant touch sensations and significantly contribute to the concept of erotic touch perception.

Aim

To investigate the relations between sexual desire and sexual performance and the perception of touch mediated by CT afferents.

Methods

Seventy healthy participants (28 men, 42 women; mean age ± SD = 24.84 ± 4.08 years, range = 18–36 years) underwent standardized and highly controlled stroking stimulation that varied in the amount of CT fiber stimulation by changing stroking velocity (CT optimal = 1, 3 and 10 cm/s; CT suboptimal = 0.1, 0.3, and 30 cm/s). Participants rated the perceived pleasantness, eroticism, and intensity of the applied tactile stimulation on a visual analog scale, completed the Sexual Desire Inventory, and answered questions about sexual performance.

Outcomes

Ratings of perceived eroticism of touch were related to self-report levels of sexual desire and sexual performance.

Results

Pleasantness and eroticism ratings showed similar dependence on stroking velocity that aligned with the activity of CT afferents. Erotic touch perception was related to sexual desire and sexual performance in a gender-specific way. In women, differences in eroticism ratings between CT optimal and suboptimal velocities correlated positively with desire for sexual interaction. In contrast, in men, this difference correlated to a decreased frequency and longer duration of partnered sexual activities.

Clinical Implications

The present results lay the foundation for future research assessing these relations in patients with specific impairments of sexual functioning (eg, hypoactive sexual desire disorder).

Strengths and Limitations

The strength of the study is the combination of standardized neurophysiologic methods and behavioral data. A clear limitation of the study design is the exclusion of exact data on the female menstrual cycle and the recruitment of an inhomogeneous sample concerning sexual orientation.

Conclusion

The present results provide further evidence that unmyelinated CT afferents play a role in the complex mechanism of erotic touch perception. The ability to differentiate between CT optimal and suboptimal stimuli relates to sexual desire and performance in a gender-specific way.
Biomarkers of Inflammation Mediate an Association Between Sexual Activity and Quality of Life in Older Adulthood
Authors: Allen Mark S.
Published: April 2017

Background

Inflammatory processes underlie biological mechanisms responsible for age-related disease and quality of life. Psychological stress can activate acute-phase reactants associated with inflammation, and sexual activity can assist in the management of stress.

Aim

To test whether inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein [CRP], fibrinogen, and white blood cell [WBC] count) would mediate an association between frequency of sexual activity and quality of life in older adulthood.

Methods

Older adults from England (N = 4,554; 2,049 men, 2,505 women; mean age = 66.25 ± 8.89 years) provided blood samples and completed self-report questionnaires on sexual activity, quality of life, and health-related behavior.

Outcomes

CRP (milligrams per liter), fibrinogen (grams per liter), WBC count (109 cells/L), and quality of life (self-report).

Results

Frequency of sexual activity had a negative association with CRP and fibrinogen. An age-moderated effect also showed that frequency of sexual activity had a negative association with WBC count in older participants in the sample (>70 years of age). CRP mediated a positive association between frequency of sexual activity and quality of life. An age-moderated mediation effect also showed that WBC count mediated the association between sexual activity and quality of life in the oldest participants in the sample. All analyses controlled for demographic, anthropometric, and health-related factors.

Clinical Translation

More frequent sexual activity might be a useful auxiliary approach to lowering stress-related inflammation and improving quality of life.

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths of this study include the large sample and multiple control variables. Limitations include the cross-sectional nature of the data and some loss in sample representativeness.

Conclusion

Findings provide evidence that more sexually active older adults exhibit an anti-inflammatory status associated with a perception of higher quality of life. Further research using prospective designs and natural experimental methods is encouraged.
Who invited the librarian? Studio critiques as a site of information literacy education
Authors: Garcia Larissa , Peterson Ashley
Published: April 2017

The ACRL Framework for information literacy for higher education, the guiding document for academic instruction librarians in North America, encourages a deep connection between information literacy and discipline-specific teaching practices. In the context of art librarianship, one means of attaining this connection is via librarian participation in studio critiques. Critiques enable librarians to identify the similarities between the research process and the creative process, making information literacy relevant for art students. In two different institutional examples, the ACRL Framework provides a conceptual grounding for studio critiques as a collaborative space between librarians and faculty, where students learn lifelong information literacy and critical thinking skills that enrich their artistic work.
The legacy of the Information Competencies for Students in Design Disciplines
Authors: Opar Barbara
Published: April 2017

Information Competencies for Students in Design Disciplines compiled, for the first time in the US, a list of core information literacy skills for design students. Divided into basic, intermediate, and advanced skills in each design discipline, it helped to define and delimit information literacy skills in these subjects, and were intended to facilitate a systematic means of integrating information literacy skills into the core curriculum of design courses. Closely related to the ACRL Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education, Information Competencies were written by a group of art and design librarians (Jeanne Brown, Jane Carlin, Thomas Caswell, Edith Crowe, Maya Gervits, Susan Lewis, Alan Michelson, Barbara Opar and Jennifer Parker) and published by ARLIS/NA in 2006 (rev. 2007). This article is personal reflection by one of its authors on its legacy ten years after publication.
Is There a Correlation Between Infection Control Performance and Other Hospital Quality Measures?
Authors: O’Hara Lyndsay M. , Morgan Daniel J. , Pineles Lisa , Li Shanshan , Sulis Carol , Bowling Jason , Drees Marci , Jacob Jesse T. , Anderson Deverick J. , Warren David K. , Harris Anthony D.
Published: April 2017

Quality measures are increasingly reported by hospitals to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), yet there may be tradeoffs in performance between infection control (IC) and other quality measures. Hospitals that performed best on IC measures did not perform well on most CMS non–IC quality measures.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:736–739
Nonlinear waves with a threefold rotational symmetry in pipe flow: influence of a strongly shear-thinning rheology
Authors: Plaut Emmanuel , Roland Nicolas , Nouar Chérif
Published: April 2017

In order to model the transition to turbulence in pipe flow of non-Newtonian fluids, the influence of a strongly shear-thinning rheology on the travelling waves with a threefold rotational symmetry of Faisst & Eckhardt (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 91, 2003, 224502) and Wedin & Kerswell (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 508, 2004, pp. 333–371) is analysed. The rheological model is Carreau’s law. Besides the shear-thinning index $n_{C}$, the dimensionless characteristic time $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}$ of the fluid is considered as the main non-Newtonian control parameter. If $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}=0$, the fluid is Newtonian. In the relevant limit $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}\rightarrow +\infty$, the fluid approaches a power-law behaviour. The laminar base flows are first characterized. To compute the nonlinear waves, a Petrov–Galerkin code is used, with continuation methods, starting from the Newtonian case. The axial wavenumber is optimized and the critical waves appearing at minimal values of the Reynolds number $\mathit{Re}_{w}$ based on the mean velocity and wall viscosity are characterized. As $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}$ increases, these correspond to a constant value of the Reynolds number based on the mean velocity and viscosity. This viscosity, close to the one of the laminar flow, can be estimated analytically. Therefore the experimentally relevant critical Reynolds number $\mathit{Re}_{wc}$ can also be estimated analytically. This Reynolds number may be viewed as a lower estimate of the Reynolds number for the transition to developed turbulence. This demonstrates a quantified stabilizing effect of the shear-thinning rheology. Finally, the increase of the pressure gradient in waves, as compared to the one in the laminar flow with the same mass flux, is calculated, and a kind of ‘drag reduction effect’ is found.
Schedule Control, Work Interference With Family, and Emotional Exhaustion: A Reciprocal Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Yu Kun
Published: April 2017

The current research drew upon the resource perspective (Grzywacz & Marks, 2000; ten Brummelhuis & Bakker, 2012) and firstly focused on the reciprocal mediation relationship between schedule control, work interference with family (WIF) and emotional exhaustion. First, the present study proposed that WIF mediates the negative relationship between schedule control and emotional exhaustion, and emotional exhaustion also mediates the negative relationship between schedule control and WIF. Second, family time adequacy was expected to play an amplifying role in the first path of the two mediations. Using a sample of 563 employees and adopting hierarchical linear modelling, the three-wave study first revealed that the emotional exhaustion mediates the relationship between schedule control and WIF while WIF also mediates the schedule control-emotional exhaustion relationship, which demonstrated a reciprocal mediation. Furthermore, the relationship between schedule control and emotional exhaustion, as well as the indirect effects of schedule control on WIF via emotional exhaustion, were stronger for employees with higher family time adequacy. Implications of the findings and future directions are discussed.