bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transforming the Cement Industry into a Key Environmental Infrastructure for Urban Ecosystem: A Case Study of an Industrial City in China
Authors: Cao Xin , Wen Zongguo , Tian Haikui , De Clercq Djavan , Qu Lili
Published: July 2017

Under the dual pressure of environmental constraints and increasingly thin profit margins, the cement industry in China is in a predicament. To alleviate the environmental and the economic pressure of the cement industry and to tackle the problem of delayed environmental infrastructure construction, this article introduced an urban ecosystem in which the cement industry was transformed into an effective complement to environmental infrastructure. The Xinfeng Cement Industrial Park in China, which has a production capacity of 5 million tonnes per annum (Mt/a) of clinker, was chosen as a case study. Our methodology involved proposing technologies to develop an efficient cement plant‐centered urban ecosystem; evaluating its environmental and economic performance; identifying barriers in its promotion; and proposing supportive policies. Results showed that the city's waste recycling ratio rose from about 50% to 70%, saving 0.6 Mt/a of coal equivalent and reducing about 3.0 Mt/a of resulting carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The life span of the city's landfill site was extended by about 30 years. The total investment was 3.2 billion yuan (about US$480 million),1 with an average payback period of 3 years. The Xinfeng Cement Industrial Park was transformed from an energy‐intensive consumer and a significant CO2 emitter to a key industrial waste recycler, a crucial municipal waste co‐processor, an important new building material supplier, and a potential energy producer. Last, the “not‐in‐my‐back‐yard” (NIMBY) effect from constructing new environmental infrastructure was also avoided.
A model of genital herpes simplex virus Type 1 infection in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Aravantinou Meropi , Frank Ines , Arrode‐Bruses Geraldine , Szpara Moriah , Grasperge Brooke , Blanchard James , Gettie Agegnehu , Derby Nina , Martinelli Elena
Published: July 2017

Background

Although HSV‐2 is the major cause of genital lesions, HSV‐1 accounts for half of new cases in developed countries.

Methods

Three healthy SHIV‐SF162P3‐infected Indian rhesus macaques were inoculated with 4×108 pfu of HSV‐1 twice, with the second inoculation performed after the vaginal mucosa was gently abraded with a cytobrush.

Results

HSV‐1 DNA was detected in vaginal swabs 5 days after the second but not the first inoculation in all three macaques. An increase in inflammatory cytokines was detected in the vaginal fluids of the animals with no or intermittent shedding. Higher frequency of blood α4β7high CD4+ T cells was measured in the animals with consistent and intermitted shedding, while a decrease in the frequency of CD69+ CD4+ T cells was present in all animals.

Conclusions

This macaque model of genital HSV‐1 could be useful to study the impact of the growing epidemic of genital HSV‐1 on HIV infection.
Identification of novel simian endogenous retroviruses that are indistinguishable from simian retrovirus (SRV) on current SRV diagnostic assays
Authors: Grant Richard , Keele Brandon , Kuller LaRene , Watanabe Robin , Perret Alex , Smedley Jeremy
Published: July 2017

Simian betaretroviruses include the well‐known exogenous simian retroviruses (SRV‐1 through SRV‐8), and some closely related simian endogenous retroviruses (SERV). Here, we characterized two new viral genomes, which appear to represent novel SERVs but have characteristics of both SRV and SERV highlighting the need to develop new assays providing molecular and serologic differentiation of SERV and SRV to avoid false positives.
Safety and efficacy of percutaneous intramyocardial bone marrow cell injection for chronic myocardial ischemia: Long‐term results
Authors: Rodrigo Sander F. , Mann Imke , van Ramshorst Jan , Beeres Saskia L. , Zwaginga Jaap Jan , Fibbe Willem E. , Bax Jeroen J. , Schalij Martin J. , Atsma Douwe E.
Published: July 2017

Background

Intramyocardial injection of bone marrow cells (BMC) in refractory angina patients with chronic myocardial ischemia has shown to be safe and improve clinical status during short‐term follow‐up. However, scarce data are available on long‐term (>12 months) safety and efficacy. Therefore, the occurrence of clinical events and the long‐term clinical effects of intramyocardial BMC injection were evaluated in patients with chronic myocardial ischemia up to 10 years after treatment.

Methods and Results

Patients (n = 100, age 64 ± 9 years, male 88%) with chronic myocardial ischemia who underwent intramyocardial BMC injection between 2004 and 2010 were evaluated. During yearly outpatient clinic visits, the occurrence of clinical events was documented. In addition, clinical status was assessed according to the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) score and quality of life was measured using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire. These parameters were evaluated at baseline and during the first year, followed by cross‐sectional long‐term follow‐up which was performed in 2011 and 2014. No adverse events considered related to the procedure occurred during 10 years of follow‐up. Observed annual mortality rate and annual myocardial infarction rate were 3.8% and 1.9% per year, respectively. When compared to baseline, CCS class and quality of life remained significantly better during 5‐year follow‐up after BMC treatment (both P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The present long‐term follow‐up study shows that intramyocardial BMC injection in patients with chronic myocardial ischemia is safe and improves both angina complaints and quality of life up to 5 years after BMC treatment.
Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for primary immunodeficiency syndromes: A 5‐year single‐centre experience
Authors: Norman Melissa , David Clementine , Wainstein Brynn , Ziegler John B , Cohn Richard , Mitchell Richard , O'Brien Tracey , Russell Susan , Trahair Toby , Trickett Annette , Frith Katie , Gray Paul
Published: July 2017

Aim

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a central therapy in the treatment of primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs). Over the past 5 years, outcomes have been greatly improved due to earlier diagnosis, improved donor availability, advancements in graft manipulation and the use of less toxic preparative regimens. We present a 5‐year audit of HSCT for PID at a single Australian tertiary hospital.

Methods

Retrospective case note review identified diagnosis, pre‐transplant medical morbidity, transplant protocol, engraftment, adverse events, post‐transplant immune reconstitution and general health.

Results

A total of 22 patients with PID underwent 24 HSCTs at our institution between 2012 and 2016. The most common indications were severe combined immunodeficiency, chronic granulomatous disease and familial haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, with a genetic diagnosis in all but two patients. Reduced intensity or reduced toxicity conditioning was used in 91% of cases, and 75% of the donors were unrelated. Transplant‐related mortality at day +100 was 9.5%, and cumulative overall survival was 86%. There were three mortalities, all secondary to viral infection, one of which occurred in the context of graft failure. Two patients remained on immune support, with the remainder achieving adequate immune reconstitution.

Conclusions

The outcomes for HSCT for PIDs performed at Sydney Children's Hospital were in line with the world's best practice. HSCT should be considered a potential therapeutic option for all Australian PID patients with a valid disease indication.
The Impact of Information Technology on New Product Development Performance
Authors: Mauerhoefer Timo , Strese Steffen , Brettel Malte
Published: July 2017

Many managers expect a substantial impact of digitization on new product development (NPD) as it is an information‐intensive business process. Therefore, a better understanding of how information technology (IT) might improve the NPD process is important for both theory and practice. Drawing on the IT business value literature, this study develops a comprehensive conceptual model to investigate empirically how IT and non‐IT organizational antecedents translate into NPD IT capabilities and competences and how these are related with NPD performance. Based on survey data from German NPD managers, this study offers several insights. First, it shows that the development of superior NPD IT capabilities and competences depends on the ability to acquire and deploy suitable IT (i.e., firm‐level IT capabilities) and on appropriate strategic, structural, and cultural conditions ensured by a strong top management focus on NPD IT (i.e., executive champion for NPD IT). This study hence contributes empirical evidence to the NPD and the IT business value literature by expanding research on complementary resources. Second, this study addresses limitations regarding the conceptualization of NPD IT capabilities and their relationship with further sources of competitive advantage arising from NPD IT tool usage by considering both the effectiveness and the frequency of usage as well as the relationship between both. Third, this research updates the measurement of NPD IT tool usage effectiveness (i.e., IT leveraging competence) to account for technological developments. Moreover, this study reveals that the effectiveness of NPD IT tool usage is positively associated with NPD performance. It also highlights that the dissemination of IT tools does not directly increase NPD performance, but that NPD IT tool use frequency is an important antecedent of IT leveraging competence. For managers, this paper offers empirical evidence that firm‐wide IT capabilities and a focus on NPD IT are important predictors of NPD performance.
Effect of pumping pressure on onset of lactation after caesarean section: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Zhang Feng , Yang Yahui , Bai Ting , Sun Lele , Sun Mingzhu , Shi Xueling , Zhu Meng , Ge Meijuan , Xia Haiou
Published: July 2017

Caesarean section is associated with weaker newborn suction pressure. This nonblinded, randomized trial explored the effect of suction pressures generating by a breast pump on mothers' onset of lactation and milk supply after caesarean section. A high pressure group (−150 mmHg), a low pressure group (−100 mmHg), and a control group (none) were generated under computer random assignment with concealed allocation in 2 tertiary hospitals. The breast pumping began within 2 hr after caesarean operation (6 times a day and 30 min per time) until onset of lactation. The primary outcomes were the timing of onset of lactation, milk supply, and mother's satisfaction in lactation, using both intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol analyses. The secondary endpoints were the pumping‐related pain, nipple injury, and maternal fatigue. All 164 women randomized were included in analysis. The breast pumping at −150 mmHg optimally advanced the timing of the onset of lactation and increased daytime milk supply. The pumping also appeared to boost mothers' confidence in lactation. The results in the per‐protocol population (n = 148) were consistent with those of intention‐to‐treat population (n = 164). However, the pumping aggravated maternal nipple pain and fatigue, though there was no statistical significance. The findings suggest that a higher pumping pressure within the range of normal vaginally born infant suction could promote onset of lactation and milk supply among mothers giving birth by caesarean section. The pumping could also enhance mothers' confidence in breastfeeding.
Structural basis for substrate selection by the translocation and assembly module of the β‐barrel assembly machinery
Authors: Bamert Rebecca S. , Lundquist Karl , Hwang Hyea , Webb Chaille T. , Shiota Takoya , Stubenrauch Christopher J. , Belousoff Mathew J. , Goode Robert J. A. , Schittenhelm Ralf B. , Zimmerman Richard , Jung Martin , Gumbart James C. , Lithgow Trevor
Published: July 2017

The assembly of proteins into bacterial outer membranes is a key cellular process that we are only beginning to understand, mediated by the β‐barrel assembly machinery (BAM). Two crucial elements of that machinery are the core BAM complex and the translocation and assembly module (TAM), with each containing a member of the Omp85 superfamily of proteins: BamA in the BAM complex, TamA in the TAM. Here, we used the substrate protein FimD as a model to assess the selectivity of substrate interactions for the TAM relative to those of the BAM complex. A peptide scan revealed that TamA and BamA bind the β‐strands of FimD, and do so selectively. Chemical cross‐linking and molecular dynamics are consistent with this interaction taking place between the first and last strand of the TamA barrel domain, providing the first experimental evidence of a lateral gate in TamA: a structural element implicated in membrane protein assembly. We suggest that the lateral gates in TamA and BamA provide different environments for substrates to engage, with the differences observed here beginning to address how the TAM can be more effective than the BAM complex in the folding of some substrate proteins.
New findings on phosphodiesterases, MoPdeH and MoPdeL, in Magnaporthe oryzae revealed by structural analysis
Authors: Yang Li‐Na , Yin Ziyi , Zhang Xi , Feng Wanzhen , Xiao Yuhan , Zhang Haifeng , Zheng Xiaobo , Zhang Zhengguang
Published: July 2017

The cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signalling pathway mediates signal communication and sensing during infection‐related morphogenesis in eukaryotes. Many studies have implicated cAMP as a critical mediator of appressorium development in the rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae. The cAMP phosphodiesterases, MoPdeH and MoPdeL, as key regulators of intracellular cAMP levels, play pleiotropic roles in cell wall integrity, cellular morphology, appressorium formation and infectious growth in M. oryzae. Here, we analysed the roles of domains of MoPdeH and MoPdeL separately or in chimeras. The results indicated that the HD and EAL domains of MoPdeH are indispensable for its phosphodiesterase activity and function. Replacement of the MoPdeH HD domain with the L1 and L2 domains of MoPdeL, either singly or together, resulted in decreased cAMP hydrolysis activity of MoPdeH. All of the transformants exhibited phenotypes similar to that of the ΔMopdeH mutant, but also revealed that EAL and L1 play additional roles in conidiation, and that L1 is involved in infectious growth. We further found that the intracellular cAMP level is important for surface signal recognition and hyphal autolysis. The intracellular cAMP level negatively regulates Mps1‐MAPK and positively regulates Pmk1‐MAPK in the rice blast fungus. Our results provide new information to better understand the cAMP signalling pathway in the development, differentiation and plant infection of the fungus.
Vector competence of northern and southern European Culex pipiens pipiens mosquitoes for West Nile virus across a gradient of temperatures
Authors: Vogels C. B. F. , Göertz G. P. , Pijlman G. P. , Koenraadt C. J. M.
Published: July 2017

In Europe, West Nile virus (WNV) outbreaks have been limited to southern and central European countries. However, competent mosquito vectors and susceptible bird hosts are present in northern Europe. Differences in temperature and vector competence of mosquito populations may explain the absence of WNV outbreaks in northern Europe. The aim of the present study was to directly compare vector competence of northern and southern European Culex pipiens (Cx. p.) pipiens mosquitoes for WNV across a gradient of temperatures. WNV infection and transmission rates were determined for two Cx. p. pipiens populations originating from The Netherlands and Italy, respectively. Mosquitoes were orally exposed by providing an infectious bloodmeal, or by injecting WNV (lineage 2) in the thorax, followed by 14‐day incubation at 18, 23, or 28 °C. No differences in infection or transmission rates were found between the Cx. p. pipiens populations with both infection methods, but WNV transmission rates were significantly higher at temperatures above 18 °C. The absence of WNV outbreaks in northern Europe cannot be explained by differences in vector competence between Cx. p. pipiens populations originating from northern and southern Europe. This study suggests that low temperature is a key limiting factor for WNV transmission.
Nurse prescribing in Spain: The law and the curriculum
Authors: Romero‐Collado Angel , Raurell‐Torreda Marta , Zabaleta‐Del‐Olmo Edurne , Rascon‐Hernan Carolina , Homs‐Romero Erica
Published: July 2017

Abstract

In this cross‐sectional study, we explored course content related to pharmacology and/or healthcare products and supplies in all nursing degree programs in Spain. Changes in nurse‐prescribing legislation in Spain require that nurses take a certification course before prescribing over‐the‐counter products and medications. Using a cross‐sectional descriptive study, between July and September 2014, the degree programs of all centers that offer a degree in nursing in Spain were examined, selecting those with course information available online. All centers offered at least one pharmacology course. One‐third of the required courses had content related to pharmacology and healthcare products/supplies. The analysis showed that the course content and training received during the current nursing degree program provides the knowledge and skills needed to prescribe healthcare products/supplies and medications that do not now require a doctor's prescription, without the need for additional training and certification. It is essential that government regulation of nursing education be aligned with nursing competencies, curriculum standards, clinical practice, and evidence‐based research to provide the maximum level of confidence for nursing professionals and their patients.
Coping experience of health concerns and physical disability for older Chinese people: A qualitative, descriptive study
Authors: Mei He , Turale Sue
Published: July 2017

In this qualitative, descriptive study, we explored the perspectives of older, community‐dwelling Chinese people regarding their experiences of coping with a physical disability and their health concerns. Twenty participants were interviewed in‐depth, and data were analyzed using content analysis. Five themes with 13 subthemes emerged that described older people's experiences of coping with health concerns and disability: (i) ignoring health concerns; (ii) managing self; (iii) seeking medical help; (iv) living with physical disability; and (v) relying on limited resources. Most participants did not have sufficient access to health services due to physical disability and financial deficits, so they tended to ignore their health conditions or tackle them independently before seeking medical help. At the same time, they were impacted on by social and cultural factors. Policies are required that offer more resources to community‐dwelling people with disabilities in China.
Modal Objectivity1
Authors: Clarke‐Doane Justin
Published: July 2017

It is widely agreed that the intelligibility of modal metaphysics has been vindicated. Quine's arguments to the contrary supposedly confused analyticity with metaphysical necessity, and rigid with non‐rigid designators.2But even if modal metaphysics is intelligible, it could be misconceived. It could be that metaphysical necessity is not absolute necessity – the strictest real (non‐epistemic, non‐deontic) notion of necessity – and that no proposition of traditional metaphysical interest is necessary in every real sense. If there were nothing otherwise “uniquely metaphysically significant” about metaphysical necessity, then paradigmatic metaphysical necessities would be necessary in one sense of “necessary”, not necessary in another, and that would be it. The question of whether they were necessary simpliciter would be like the question of whether the Parallel Postulate is true simpliciter – understood as a pure mathematical conjecture, rather than as a hypothesis about physical spacetime. In a sense, the latter question has no objective answer. In this article, I argue that paradigmatic questions of modal metaphysics are like the Parallel Postulate question. I then discuss the deflationary ramifications of this argument. I conclude with an alternative conception of the space of possibility. According to this conception, there is no objective boundary between possibility and impossibility. Along the way, I sketch an analogy between modal metaphysics and set theory.
Situations and Responsiveness to Reasons*
Authors: Sartorio Carolina
Published: July 2017

Some classical studies in social psychology suggest that we are more sensitive to situational factors, and less responsive to reasons, than we normally recognize we are. In recent years, moral responsibility theorists have examined the question whether those studies represent a serious threat to our moral responsibility. A common response to the “situationist threat” has been to defend the reasons‐responsiveness of ordinary human agents by appeal to a theory of reasons‐responsiveness that appeals to patterns of counterfactual scenarios or possible worlds. In this paper I identify a problem with that response and I offer a better solution.
Interacting effects of genetic variation for seed dormancy and flowering time on phenology, life history, and fitness of experimental Arabidopsis thaliana populations over multiple generations in the field
Authors: Taylor Mark A. , Cooper Martha D. , Sellamuthu Reena , Braun Peter , Migneault Andrew , Browning Alyssa , Perry Emily , Schmitt Johanna
Published: July 2017

Major alleles for seed dormancy and flowering time are well studied, and can interact to influence seasonal timing and fitness within generations. However, little is known about how this interaction controls phenology, life history, and population fitness across multiple generations in natural seasonal environments.

To examine how seed dormancy and flowering time shape annual plant life cycles over multiple generations, we established naturally dispersing populations of recombinant inbred lines of Arabidopsis thaliana segregating early and late alleles for seed dormancy and flowering time in a field experiment. We recorded seasonal phenology and fitness of each genotype over 2 yr and several generations.

Strong seed dormancy suppressed mid‐summer germination in both early‐ and late‐flowering genetic backgrounds. Strong dormancy and late‐flowering genotypes were both necessary to confer a winter annual life history; other genotypes were rapid‐cycling. Strong dormancy increased within‐season fecundity in an early‐flowering background, but decreased it in a late‐flowering background. However, there were no detectable differences among genotypes in population growth rates.

Seasonal phenology, life history, and cohort fitness over multiple generations depend strongly upon interacting genetic variation for dormancy and flowering. However, similar population growth rates across generations suggest that different life cycle genotypes can coexist in natural populations.
Rhetoric and Recollection: Recounting the George W. Bush Administration's Case for War in Iraq
Authors: Bahador Babak , Moses Jeremy , Lafi Youmans William
Published: July 2017

President George W. Bush and his administration presented a variety of justifications for the 2003 Iraq war. Academic literature and journalism about the communication campaign emphasized two reasons: Iraq's alleged weapons of mass destruction program and links to terrorism. Drawing on the first systematic content analysis of the administration's official speeches and statements, this study recounts a more complex, changing campaign with surprising findings. Other justifications, such as international law, human rights, and freedom, were at times more common than the most recalled reasons. This article also explores individual officials' arguments and changes over time in response to key events.
Age‐related shifts in hemispheric dominance for syntactic processing
Authors: Leckey Michelle , Federmeier Kara D.
Published: July 2017

Recent ERP data from young adults have revealed that simple syntactic anomalies elicit different patterns of lateralization in right‐handed participants depending upon their familial sinistrality profile (whether or not they have left‐handed biological relatives). Right‐handed participants who do not have left‐handed relatives showed a strongly lateralized response pattern, with P600 responses following left‐hemisphere‐biased presentations and N400 responses following right‐hemisphere‐biased presentations. Given that the literature on aging has documented a tendency to change across adulthood from asymmetry of function to a more bilateral pattern, we tested the stability of this asymmetric response to syntactic violations by recording ERPs as 24 older adults (age 60+) with no history of familial sinistrality made grammaticality judgments on simple two‐word phrases. Results showed that the asymmetric pattern observed in right‐handed adults without familial sinistrality indeed changes with age, such that P600 responses come to be elicited not only with left‐hemisphere‐biased but also with right‐hemisphere‐biased presentations in older adults. These findings suggest that, as with many other cognitive functions, syntactic processing becomes more bilateral with age.
Use of native and non‐native shrimp (Penaeidae, Dendrobranchiata) in world shrimp farming
Authors: Fernández de Alaiza García Madrigal Rafael , da Silva Ubiratã de Assis Teixeira , Tavares Camila Prestes dos Santos , Ballester Eduardo Luis Cupertino
Published: July 2017

The 2013 global farmed shrimp production totalled 4.3 million tons, whereas the production ofLitopenaeus vannameias non‐native species represented the 64% of that amount. The risks of introducing non‐native or exotic species are a growing environmental concern. Therefore, the objective of this study was to discuss updated information about the introduction of non‐native species and to evaluate the efficiency indicators of non‐native species in contrast to native ones. The results of a systematic revision of the publications about shrimp farming are presented, comparing the zootechnical performance of native and non‐native species, with the use of meta‐analysis tools. The conducted search returned 4680 results, corresponding to the articles that included one of the criteria previously established by the present work. Seven publications, which included 22 studies, met the requirements for the meta‐analysis. The effect size calculated was positive, meaning that, according to the considered data, the use of non‐native species resulted generally in higher values of growth rate in relation to the native species observed. Other aspects like the emergence and dissemination of the main viral diseases affecting global shrimp farming were also revised. We conclude that, although the advantages of using non‐native species, especiallyL. vannamei, over native species are clear, there are enough compelling evidences to support the viability of small‐scale native species farming. We also discussed why big companies, governments and associations related to the production and commerce of farmed shrimp should finance and support the development of native species farming.
Predictors of Emerging Suicide Death Among Military Personnel on Social Media Networks
Authors: Bryan Craig J. , Butner Jonathan E. , Sinclair Sungchoon , Bryan Anna Belle O. , Hesse Christina M. , Rose Andree E.
Published: July 2017

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States and is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. military. Previous research suggests that data obtained from social media networks may provide important clues for identifying at‐risk individuals. To test this possibility, the social media profiles from 315 military personnel who died by suicide (n = 157) or other causes (n = 158) were coded for the presence of stressful life situations (i.e., triggers), somatic complaints or health issues (i.e., physical), maladaptive or avoidant coping strategies (i.e., behaviors), negative mood states (i.e., emotion), and/or negative cognitive appraisals (cognition). Content codes were subsequently analyzed using multilevel models from a dynamical systems perspective to identify temporal change processes characteristic of suicide death. Results identified temporal sequences unique to suicide, notably social media posts about triggers followed by more posts about cognitions, posts about cognitions followed by more posts about triggers, and posts about behaviors followed by fewer posts about cognitions. Results suggest that certain sequences in social media content may predict cause of death and provide an estimate of when a social media user is likely to die by suicide.
Golgi α1,4‐fucosyltransferase of Arabidopsis thaliana partially localizes at the nuclear envelope
Authors: Rips Stephan , Frank Manuel , Elting Annegret , Offenborn Jan Niklas , von Schaewen Antje
Published: July 2017

We analyzed plant‐derived α1,4‐fucosyltransferase (FucTc) homologs by reporter fusions and focused on representatives of the Brassicaceae and Solanaceae. Arabidopsis thaliana AtFucTc‐green fluorescent protein (GFP) or tomato LeFucTc‐GFP restored Lewis‐a formation in a fuctc mutant, confirming functionality in the trans‐Golgi. AtFucTc‐GFP partly accumulated at the nuclear envelope (NE) not observed for other homologs or truncated AtFucTc lacking the N‐terminus or catalytic domain. Analysis of At/LeFucTc‐GFP swap constructs with exchanged cytosolic, transmembrane and stalk (CTS), or only the CT regions, revealed that sorting information resides in the membrane anchor. Other domains of AtFuctc also contribute, since amino‐acid changes in the CT region strongly reduced but did not abolish NE localization. By contrast, two N‐terminal GFP copies did, indicating localization at the inner nuclear membrane (INM). Tunicamycin treatment of AtFucTc‐GFP abolished NE localization and enhanced overlap with an endosomal marker, suggesting involvement of N‐glycosylation. Yet neither expression in protoplasts of Arabidopsis N‐glycosylation mutants nor elimination of the N‐glycosylation site in AtFucTc prevented perinuclear accumulation. Disruption of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐to‐Golgi transport by co‐expression of Sar1(H74L) trapped tunicamycin‐released AtFucTc‐GFP in the ER, however, without NE localization. Since recovery after tunicamycin‐washout required de novo‐protein synthesis, our analyses suggest that AtFucTc localizes to the NE/INM due to interaction with an unknown (glyco)protein.
Effects of a Program of Sport Schools on Development of Social and Psychomotor Skills of People with Autistic Spectrum Disorders: A Pilot Project
Authors: López José María , Moreno-Rodríguez Ricardo , Alcover Carlos-María , Garrote Inmaculada , Sánchez Sergio
Published: July 2017

Individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) present learning difficulties and limited performance of social skills, besides lower motor skills performance in comparison with their peers. Owing to these difficulties, most of children with ASD are at risk of social exclusion or a poor inclusion due to their behavior, mainly playing with other partners, understanding play and leisure as a main performance area for children and their main occupation during childhood (defining occupation from occupational therapy point of view). Therefore, learning rules of a well-known game such as football, together with social skills training can help avoid exclusion and improve social life of people with ASD. Two of the main objectives pursued by this study are: first, to favor football practice among children with different abilities, as well as their future inclusion in the rest of social sports schools performing the activities at the same level as their peers; and, secondly, to facilitate comprehensive development for young people in order to improve their quality of life, moreover, the creation of healthy and sporting habits.It is now presented a pilot project (n=5) in which the actions carried out during the training program are analyzed along with the results achieved after 24 one-hour-session. In general terms, the results obtained are positive with the best scores in psychomotor and social skills at the end of the programs, being conscious of this study’s limitations.
Liquid Slippage in Confined Flows: Effect of Periodic Micropatterns of Arbitrary Pitch and Amplitude
Authors: Kumar Avinash , Datta Subhra , Kalyanasundaram Dinesh
Published: July 2017

The recently confirmed violation of the no-slip boundary condition in the flow of small-molecule liquids through microchannels and nanochannels has technological implications such as friction reduction. However, for significant friction reduction at low cost, the microchannel wall needs to be chemically inhomogeneous. The direct fluid dynamic consequence of this requirement is a spatial variation in the local degree of liquid slippage. In this work, the pressure-driven flow in a channel with periodically patterned slippage on the channel walls is studied using a spectrally accurate semi-analytical approach based on Fourier decomposition. The method puts no restrictions on the pitch (or wavelength) and amplitude of the pattern. The predicted effective slip length in the limits of small pattern amplitude and thick channels is found to be consistent with previously published results. The effective degree of slippage decreases with the patterning amplitude. Finer microchannels and longer pattern wavelengths promote slippage.
Optimal Operational Scheduling of Renewable Energy Sources Using Teaching–Learning Based Optimization Algorithm by Virtual Power Plant
Authors: Javad Kasaei Mohammad , Gandomkar Majid , Nikoukar Javad
Published: July 2017

In recent years, a large number of renewable energy sources (RESs) have been added into modern distribution systems because of their clean and renewable property. Nevertheless, the high penetration of RESs and intermittent nature of some resources such as wind power and photovoltaic (PV) cause the variable generation and uncertainty of power system. In this condition, one idea to solve problems due to the variable output of these resources is to aggregate them together. A collection of distributed generations (DGs) such as wind turbine (WT), PV panel, fuel cell (FC), and any other sources of power, energy storage systems, and controllable loads that are aggregated together and are managed by an energy management system (EMS) are called a virtual power plant (VPP). The objective of the VPP in this paper is to minimize the total operating cost for a 24-h period. To solve the problem, a metaheuristic optimization algorithm, teaching–learning based optimization (TLBO), is proposed to determine optimal management of RESs, storage battery, and load control in a real case study.
Robust Flat Filtering Control of a Nonlinear Manipulator-Direct Current Motor System
Authors: Sira-Ramírez H. , Zurita-Bustamante E. W. , Luviano-Juárez A.
Published: July 2017

This paper presents a linear robust output reference trajectory tracking controller, addressed here as a flat filtering controller (FFC), for nonlinear differentially flat systems. Here, we illustrate the controller's performance, via digital computer simulations and, also, via laboratory experiments, carried out on a single link-direct current (DC) motor driven robot manipulator undergoing a reference trajectory tracking task. The proposed linear FFC only requires the output to be regulated of the composite system and none of the internal states of the resulting third-order nonlinear system. The controller is designed on the basis of a drastic simplification of the combined single link-DC motor dynamics to a, perturbed, third-order pure integration system. This demonstrates the robustness of the proposed scheme with respect to ignored nonlinear state-dependent, endogenous, disturbances and, also, to independent unstructured exogenous disturbances inevitable in an experimental setup. Simulation and experimental results, as well as comparisons with other controllers, are presented.
Nanoparticle Aggregation in Ionic Solutions and Its Effect on Nanoparticle Translocation Across the Cell Membrane
Authors: Yue Kai , Tang Jue , Tan Hongzheng , Lv Xiaoxing , Zhang Xinxin
Published: July 2017

Nanoparticle (NP) aggregation can not only change the unique properties of NPs but also affect NP transport and membrane penetration behavior in biological systems. Coarse-grained (CG) molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed in this work to investigate the aggregation behavior of NPs with different properties in ionic solutions under different temperature conditions. Four types of NPs and NP aggregates were modeled to analyze the effects of NP aggregation on NP translocation across the cell membrane at different temperatures. Hydrophilic modification and surface charge modification inhibited NP aggregation, whereas stronger hydrophobicity and higher temperature resulted in a higher degree of NP aggregation and a denser structure of NP aggregates. The final aggregation percentage of hydrophobic NPs in the NaCl solution at 37 °C is 87.5%, while that of hydrophilic NPs is 0%, and the time required for hydrophobic NPs to reach 85% aggregation percentage at 42 °C is 6 ns, while it is 9.2 ns at 25 °C. The counterions in the solution weakened the effect of surface charge modification, thereby realizing good dispersity. High temperature could promote the NP membrane penetration for the same NP, while it also could enhance the NP aggregation which would increase the difficulty in NP translocation across cell membrane, especially for the hydrophobic NPs. Therefore, suitable surface modification of NPs and temperature control should be comprehensively considered in promoting NP membrane penetration in biomedical applications.
Thermal and Fluid Transport in Micro-Open-Cell Metal Foams: Effect of Node Size
Authors: Yang Xiaohu , Li Yang , Zhang Lianying , Jin Liwen , Hu Wenju , Jian Lu Tian
Published: July 2017

Open-cell metal foams exhibit distinctive advantages in fluid control and heat transfer enhancement in thermal and chemical engineering. The thermofluidic transport characteristics at pore scale such as topological microstructure and morphological appearance significantly affect fluid flow and conjugated heat transfer in open-cell metal foams, important for practically designed applications. The present study employed an idealized tetrakaidecahedron unit cell (UC) model to numerically investigate the transport properties and conjugated heat transfer in highly porous open-cell metal foams (porosity—0.95). The effects of foam ligaments and nodes (size and cross-sectional shape) on thermal conduction, fluid flow, and conjugated heat transfer were particularly studied. Good agreement was found between the present predictions and the results in open literature. The effective thermal conductivity was found to decrease with increasing node-size-to-ligament ratio, while the permeability and volume-averaged Nusselt number were increased. This indicated that the effects of node size and shape upon thermofluidic transport need to be considered for open-cell metal foams having high porosities.
The Role of Neck Muscle Activities on the Risk of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in American Football
Authors: Jin Xin , Feng Zhaoying , Mika Valerie , Li Haiyan , Viano David C. , Yang King H.
Published: July 2017

Concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), is frequently associated with sports activities. It has generally been accepted that neck strengthening exercises are effective as a preventive strategy for reducing sports-related concussion risks. However, the interpretation of the link between neck strength and concussion risks remains unclear. In this study, a typical helmeted head-to-head impact in American football was simulated using the head and neck complex finite element (FE) model. The impact scenario selected was previously reported in lab-controlled incident reconstructions from high-speed video footages of the National Football League using two head-neck complexes taken from Hybrid III dummies. Four different muscle activation strategies were designed to represent no muscle response, a reactive muscle response, a pre-activation response, and response due to stronger muscle strength. Head kinematics and various head/brain injury risk predictors were selected as response variables to compare the effects of neck muscles on the risk of sustaining the concussion. Simulation results indicated that active responses of neck muscles could effectively reduce the risk of brain injury. Also, anticipatory muscle activation played a dominant role on impact outcomes. Increased neck strength can decrease the time to compress the neck and its effects on reducing brain injury risks need to be further studied.
Modal Damping Ratio and Optimal Elastic Moduli of Human Body Segments for Anthropometric Vibratory Model of Standing Subjects
Authors: Gupta Manoj , Gupta T. C.
Published: July 2017

The present study aims to accurately estimate inertial, physical, and dynamic parameters of human body vibratory model consistent with physical structure of the human body that also replicates its dynamic response. A 13 degree-of-freedom (DOF) lumped parameter model for standing person subjected to support excitation is established. Model parameters are determined from anthropometric measurements, uniform mass density, elastic modulus of individual body segments, and modal damping ratios. Elastic moduli of ellipsoidal body segments are initially estimated by comparing stiffness of spring elements, calculated from a detailed scheme, and values available in literature for same. These values are further optimized by minimizing difference between theoretically calculated platform-to-head transmissibility ratio (TR) and experimental measurements. Modal damping ratios are estimated from experimental transmissibility response using two dominant peaks in the frequency range of 0–25 Hz. From comparison between dynamic response determined form modal analysis and experimental results, a set of elastic moduli for different segments of human body and a novel scheme to determine modal damping ratios from TR plots, are established. Acceptable match between transmissibility values calculated from the vibratory model and experimental measurements for 50th percentile U.S. male, except at very low frequencies, establishes the human body model developed. Also, reasonable agreement obtained between theoretical response curve and experimental response envelop for average Indian male, affirms the technique used for constructing vibratory model of a standing person. Present work attempts to develop effective technique for constructing subject specific damped vibratory model based on its physical measurements.
Design of Dynamic Systems Using Surrogate Models of Derivative Functions
Authors: Deshmukh Anand P. , Allison James T.
Published: July 2017

Optimization of dynamic systems often requires system simulation. Several important classes of dynamic system models have computationally expensive time derivative functions, resulting in simulations that are significantly slower than real time. This makes design optimization based on these models impractical. An efficient two-loop method, based on surrogate modeling, is presented here for solving dynamic system design problems with computationally expensive derivative functions. A surrogate model is constructed for only the derivative function instead of the simulation response. Simulation is performed based on the computationally inexpensive surrogate derivative function; this strategy preserves the nature of the dynamic system, and improves computational efficiency and accuracy compared to conventional surrogate modeling. The inner-loop optimization problem is solved for a given derivative function surrogate model (DFSM), and the outer loop updates the surrogate model based on optimization results. One unique challenge of this strategy is to ensure surrogate model accuracy in two regions: near the optimal point in the design space, and near the state trajectory in the state space corresponding to the optimal design. The initial evidence of method effectiveness is demonstrated first using two simple design examples, followed by a more detailed wind turbine codesign problem that accounts for aeroelastic effects and simultaneously optimizes physical and control system design. In the last example, a linear state-dependent model is used that requires computationally expensive matrix updates when either state or design variables change. Results indicate an order-of-magnitude reduction in function evaluations when compared to conventional surrogate modeling. The DFSM method is expected to be beneficial only for problems where derivative function evaluation expense, and not large problem dimension, is the primary contributor to solution expense (a restricted but important problem class). The initial studies presented here revealed opportunities for potential further method improvement and deeper investigation.
Stationary Response of Multidegree-of-Freedom Strongly Nonlinear Systems to Fractional Gaussian Noise
Authors: Lü Qiang Feng , Deng Mao Lin , Zhu Wei Qiu
Published: July 2017

The stationary response of multidegree-of-freedom (MDOF) strongly nonlinear system to fractional Gaussian noise (FGN) with Hurst index 1/2 < H < 1 is studied. First, the system is modeled as FGN-excited and -dissipated Hamiltonian system. Based on the integrability and resonance of the associated Hamiltonian system, the system is divided into five classes: partially integrable and resonant, partially integrable and nonresonant, completely integrable and resonant, completely integrable and nonresonant, and nonintegrable. Then, the averaged fractional stochastic differential equations (SDEs) for five classes of quasi-Hamiltonian systems with lower dimension and involving only slowly varying processes are derived. Finally, the approximate stationary probability densities and other statistics of two example systems are obtained by numerical simulation of the averaged fractional SDEs to illustrate the application and compared with those from original systems to show the advantages of the proposed procedure.
Genome Sequence of Zymomonas mobilis subsp.
mobilis
NRRL B-1960
Authors: Chacon-Vargas Katherine , Chirino Alexandra A. , Davis Meghan M. , Debler Sophia A. , Haimer Wynn Raphael , Wilbur Justin J. , Mo Xiaoli , Worthing Baxter W. , Wainblat Ethan G. , Zhao Shu , Gibbons John G.
Published: July 2017

Zymomonas mobilis
subsp.
mobilis
is an efficient ethanol producer with application for industrial production of biofuel. To supplement existing
Z. mobilis
genomic resources and to facilitate genomic research, we used Oxford Nanopore and Illumina sequencing to assemble the complete genome of the beer spoilage isolate
Z. mobilis
subsp.
mobilis
strain NRRL B-1960.
Genome Sequence of the Dichloromethane-Degrading Bacterium
Hyphomicrobium
sp. Strain GJ21
Authors: Bringel Françoise , Postema Christiaan P. , Mangenot Sophie , Bibi-Triki Sabrina , Chaignaud Pauline , Farhan Ul Haque Muhammad , Gruffaz Christelle , Hermon Louis , Louhichi Yousra , Maucourt Bruno , Muller Emilie E. L. , Nadalig Thierry , Lajus Aurélie , Rouy Zoé , Médigue Claudine , Barbe Valérie , Janssen Dick B. , Vuilleumier Stéphane
Published: July 2017

The genome sequence of
Hyphomicrobium
sp. strain GJ21, isolated in the Netherlands from samples of environments contaminated with halogenated pollutants and capable of using dichloromethane as its sole carbon and energy source, was determined.
Draft Genome Sequence of Enterococcus faecalis DD14, a Bacteriocinogenic Lactic Acid Bacterium with Anti-
Clostridium
Activity
Authors: Belguesmia Yanath , Leclère Valérie , Duban Matthieu , Auclair Eric , Drider Djamel
Published: July 2017

We report the draft genome sequence of
Enterococcus faecalis
DD14, a strain isolated from meconium of a healthy newborn at Roubaix Hospital (France). The strain displayed antagonism against a set of Gram-positive bacteria through concomitant production of lactic acid and bacteriocin. The genome has a size of 2,893,365 bp and a 37.3% G+C ratio and is predicted to contain at least 2,755 coding sequences and 62 RNAs.