bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproductive aspects of the Atlantic angel shark Squatina dumeril in the southern Caribbean Sea
Authors: Tagliafico A. , Rangel S. , Broadhurst M. K.
Published: September 2017

The maturity and reproduction of the Atlantic angel shark Squatina dumeril were assessed using 77 females (29·2–110·4 cm total length; LT) and 269 males (58·7–108·2 cm LT) harvested by artisanal gillnetters off Venezuela. The biased sex ratio implied segregation or sex‐specific gear selectivity. Based on the development of the reproductive tract, 50% LT at sexual maturity (LT50, mean ± s.e.) for females and males were estimated at 86·14 ± 0·64 and 81·55 ± 0·12 cm, respectively. Uterine fecundity ranged between one and six and with a maximum embryo size of 25·7 cm LT. Gravid females were observed from August to December, including those close to parturition and while the gestation period was not confirmed, the size of ovarian follicles among some specimens implied protraction. The low fecundity of the species supports close monitoring of catches.
Marine depth use of sea trout Salmo trutta in fjord areas of central Norway
Authors: Eldøy S. H. , Davidsen J. G. , Thorstad E. B. , Whoriskey F. G. , Aarestrup K. , Næsje T. F. , Rønning L. , Sjursen A. D. , Rikardsen A. H. , Arnekleiv J. V.
Published: September 2017

The vertical behaviour of 44 veteran sea trout Salmo trutta (275–580 mm) in different marine fjord habitats (estuary, pelagic, near shore with and without steep cliffs) was documented during May–February by acoustic telemetry. The swimming depth of S. trutta was influenced by habitat, time of day (day v. night), season, seawater temperature and the body length at the time of tagging. Mean swimming depth during May–September was 1·7 m (individual means ranged from 0·4 to 6·4 m). Hence, S. trutta were generally surface oriented, but performed dives down to 24 m. Mean swimming depth in May–September was deeper in the near‐shore habitats with or without steep cliffs (2·0 m and 2·5 m, respectively) than in the pelagic areas (1·2 m). May–September mean swimming depth in all habitats was slightly deeper during day (1·9 m) than at night (1·2 m), confirming that S. trutta conducted small‐scale diel vertical movements. During summer, S. trutta residing in near‐shore habitat progressively moved deeper over the period May (mean 1·1 m) to August (mean 4·0 m) and then reoccupied shallower areas (mean 2·3 m) during September. In winter (November and February), individuals residing in the innermost part of the fjords were found at similar average depths as they occupied during the summer (mean 1·3 m). The swimming depths of S. trutta coincide with the previously known surface orientation of salmon lice Lepeophtheirus salmonis. Combined with previous studies on horizontal use of S. trutta, this study illustrates how S. trutta utilize marine water bodies commonly influenced by anthropogenic factors such as aquaculture, harbours and marine constructions, marine renewable energy production or other human activity. This suggests that the marine behaviour of S. trutta and its susceptibility to coastal anthropogenic factors should be considered in marine planning processes.
Uncertainties of Domestic Road Freight Statistics: Insights for Regional Material Flow Studies
Authors: Courtonne Jean‐Yves , Longaretti Pierre‐Yves , Dupré Denis
Published: September 2017

Freight statistics are at the core of many studies in the field of industrial ecology because they depict the physical interdependencies of territories and allow links to be made worldwide between production and consumption. Recent studies have focused increasingly on subnational scales, often relying on domestic freight data. In this perspective, this article analyses the uncertainties of the French domestic road freight survey, road being by far the most common mode of transport in the country. Based on a statistical analysis of the survey, we propose a model to estimate the uncertainty of any given domestic road transport flow. We also assess uncertainty reduction when averaging the flows over several years, and obtain for instance a 30% reduction for a three‐year average. We then study the impact of the uncertainties on regional material flow studies such as the economy‐wide material flow analysis of the Bourgogne region. Overall the case studies advocate for a systematic assessment of freight uncertainties, as neither the disaggregation level nor the quantities traded are good enough predictors. This justifies the need for an easy‐to‐implement estimation model. Finally, basic comparison with the German and Swedish surveys tends to indicate that the main conclusions presented in this article are likely to be valid in other European countries.
Design and Performance Assessment of Innovative Eco‐Efficient Support Structures for Additive Manufacturing by Photopolymerization
Authors: Díaz Lantada Andrés , de Blas Romero Adrián , Sánchez Isasi Álvaro , Garrido Bellido Diego
Published: September 2017

The continued expansion of additive manufacturing (AM) techniques, evolving from its initial role as a rapid prototyping method, toward effective resources for generating final products, is reshaping the production sector and its needs. The development of systematic methodologies for the generation of mechanically optimized support structures for AM processes is an important issue which impacts the eco‐efficiency and quality of final parts. The shift from regular lattice support structures and complex support meshes, toward bioinspired support structures, using, for instance, tree‐like and fractal geometries, may provide feasible solutions with optimal ratios between mechanical performance and quantity of material used. In a similar way as biomimetics has provided revolutionary solutions to fields including architecture, mechanical engineering, and civil engineering, it may well impact the field of solid freeform fabrication. The possibilities relate not just to aspects related to part geometries and final applications (as is already happening), but also in manufacturing challenges such as the problem of obtaining eco‐efficient and reliable supports. In this article, we summarize a recently developed methodology, in the framework of the European Union (EU) “ToMax” Project, for the generation of bioinspired fractal or tree‐like support structures and provide six application examples, starting with very simple geometries and generalizing the process for more complex parts. Eco‐efficiency is assessed by a final comparative study using support structures generated with conventional software.
Functional changes in the neural retina occur in the absence of mitochondrial dysfunction in a rodent model of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Masser Dustin R. , Otalora Laura , Clark Nicholas W. , Kinter Michael T. , Elliott Michael H. , Freeman Willard M.
Published: September 2017

Diabetic retinopathy is a neurovascular diabetes complication resulting in vision loss. A wealth of literature reports retinal molecular changes indicative of neural deficits, inflammation, and vascular leakage with chronic diabetes, but the mechanistic causes of disease initiation and progression are unknown. Microvascular mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage leading to mitochondrial dysfunction has been proposed to drive vascular dysfunction in retinopathy. However, growing evidence suggests that neural retina dysfunction precedes and may cause vascular damage. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that neural mtDNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction are an early initiating factor of neural diabetic retinopathy development in a rat streptozotocin‐induced, Type I diabetes model. Mitochondrial function (oxygen consumption rates) was quantified in retinal synaptic terminals from diabetic and non‐diabetic rats with paired retinal structural and function assessment (optical coherence tomography and electroretinography, respectively). Mitochondrial genome damage was assessed by identifying mutations and deletions across the mtDNA genome by high depth sequencing and absolute mtDNA copy number counting through digital PCR. Mitochondrial protein expression was assessed by targeted mass spectrometry. Retinal functional deficits and neural anatomical changes were present after 3 months of diabetes and prevented/normalized by insulin treatment. No marked dysfunction of mitochondrial activity, maladaptive changes in mitochondrial protein expression, alterations in mtDNA copy number, or increase in mtDNA damage was observed in conjunction with retinal functional and anatomical changes. These results demonstrate that neural retinal dysfunction with diabetes begins prior to mtDNA damage and dysfunction, and therefore retinal neurodegeneration initiation with diabetes occurs through other, non‐mitochondrial DNA damage, mechanisms.

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INFORMATION THEORETIC APPROACHES IN ECONOMICS
Authors: Yang Jangho
Published: September 2017

Economics has seen a recent rise in interest in information theory as an alternative framework to the conventional notion of equilibrium as a fixed state, such as Walrasian market‐clearing general equilibrium. The information theoretic approach is predicated on the notion of statistical equilibrium (SE) that takes a distribution over all possible states as an equilibrium, and therefore predicts the endogenous fluctuations of the system along with its central tendency simultaneously. For this reason, SE approaches can explain the observed data without relying on arbitrary assumptions about random noise and provide useful insights for many interesting economic problems that conventional methods have not been able to satisfactorily deal with. In this paper, we review the key elements of information theory focusing on the notions and applications of entropy and SE in economics, particularly paying attention to how entropy concepts open up a new frontline of economic research.
Preterm birth rates in Japan from 1979 to 2014: Analysis of national vital statistics
Authors: Sakata Soyoko , Konishi Shoko , Ng Chris Fook Sheng , Watanabe Chiho
Published: September 2017

Aim

Secular trends of preterm birth in Japan between 1979 and 2014 were examined to determine whether changes could be explained by a shift in the distribution of maternal age at delivery and parity and/or by changes in age‐specific preterm birth rates.

Methods

Live birth data for 1979 to 2014 were obtained from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Analyses were limited to singleton children born in Japan (n = 43 632 786). Preterm birth was defined using two cut‐offs at < 37 or < 34 weeks of gestation. Crude and standardized rates of preterm birth were calculated for firstborn and later‐born singletons by maternal age at delivery for specific time periods.

Results

Throughout the study period, the rates of preterm birth (both at < 37 and < 34 weeks of gestation) were higher among mothers aged 20 and younger, and mid‐30s and older, compared to mothers in their 20s or early 30s. The rates of preterm birth at < 37 (but not at < 34) weeks decreased for mothers aged in their late 30s and 40s, and increased for mothers in their 20s and early 30s. Standardized rates of preterm birth showed a secular increase for preterm births at < 37 but not < 34 weeks of gestation.

Conclusion

The rates of preterm birth among mothers aged in their 20s and early 30s increased between 1979 and 2014, which contributed to the secular increase in rates of preterm birth at < 37 weeks.
The effects of seasonal affective disorder and alcohol abuse on sleep and snoring functions in a population‐based study in Finland
Authors: Morales‐Muñoz Isabel , Koskinen Seppo , Partonen Timo
Published: September 2017

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a recurrent depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern. In addition to some specific symptoms such as sad mood, low energy or carbohydrate craving, this mood disorder is also characterized by the presence of sleeping problems and alcohol disorders. Interestingly, there is a strong link between alcohol use and sleeping deficits. Although previous studies have focused extensively on the sleep patterns in SAD patients and patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD), no research has yet been conducted on subjects with comorbid SAD and AUD. The aim of this study was to examine the differences in sleep functioning between subjects with SAD, AUD and SAD+AUD. A total of 4554 Finnish subjects from the population‐based Health 2011 survey were interviewed, and of these 2430 individuals completed all the questionnaires. We selected those participants who fulfilled the criteria for SAD (n = 298), AUD (n = 359), SAD+AUD (n = 69), controls 1 (no current alcohol use, n = 226) and controls 2 (current alcohol use but not AUD, n = 1445). Controls with a history of alcohol abuse were excluded (n = 33). All the participants completed the EuroQoL five‐dimensions questionnaire (EQ‐5), the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ), the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and several questions about sleeping, based on the Basic Nordic Sleep Questionnaire (BNSQ). Our results showed that those subjects with SAD+AUD reported the highest levels of subjective sleeping problems compared to controls, SAD and AUD. These findings suggest the relevance of examining the comorbidity of SAD and AUD when studying sleep functioning in these groups of patients.
Psychodynamic day treatment programme for patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: Dynamics and predictors of therapeutic change
Authors: Pec Ondrej , Bob Petr , Pec Jan , Hrubcova Adela
Published: September 2017

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to test whether a psychodynamically based group psychotherapeutic programme might improve symptoms, social functions, or quality of life in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and to investigate factors that might predict clinical improvement or dropouts from the programme.

Design

A quantitative prospective cohort study.

Methods

We have investigated 81 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who participated in a 9‐month psychodynamically based psychotherapeutic day programme. The patients were assessed at the beginning and end of the programme, and then at 1‐year follow‐up. The assessment included psychotic manifestations (HoNOS), quality of life (WHOQOL‐BREF), demographic data, and daily doses of medication. 21 patients dropped out from the programme, and 46 patients succeeded in undergoing follow‐up assessment.

Results

The psychotic manifestations (self‐rating version of HoNOS) and quality of life measured with WHOQOL‐BREF (domains of social relationships and environment) were significantly improved at the end of the programme and at follow‐up. However, the manifestations on the version for external evaluators of HoNOS were improved only at follow‐up. Years of psychiatric treatment, number of hospitalizations or suicide attempts, and experience of relationships with a partner were negatively related to clinical improvement, whereas symptom severity, current working, or study activities were related positively.

Conclusions

The results show that a group psychodynamic programme may improve the clinical status and quality of life of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. This type of programme is more beneficial for patients with higher pre‐treatment symptom severity and the presence of working or study activities.

Practitioner points

A psychodynamically based group programme improves the clinical status and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Data indicate that changes on the subjective level are detectable by the end of the programme, while changes on the objective level are detectable at follow‐up assessment.

Symptom severity and working or study activities are positively related to the clinical improvement in this type of programme, while a high number of years in psychiatric treatment or psychiatric hospitalizations are negatively related.

The doses of medication (antipsychotics or antidepressants) show no significant relationship to clinical improvement.
Genotyping‐by‐sequencing through transcriptomics: implementation in a range of crop species with varying reproductive habits and ploidy levels
Authors: Malmberg M. Michelle , Pembleton Luke W. , Baillie Rebecca C. , Drayton Michelle C. , Sudheesh Shimna , Kaur Sukhjiwan , Shinozuka Hiroshi , Verma Preeti , Spangenberg German C. , Daetwyler Hans D. , Forster John W. , Cogan Noel O.I.
Published: September 2017

The application of genomics in crops has the ability to significantly improve genetic gain for agriculture. Many marker‐dense tools have been developed, but few have seen broad adoption in plant genomics due to issues of significant variations of genome size, levels of ploidy, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) frequency and reproductive habit. When combined with limited breeding activities, small research communities and scant sequence resources, the suitability of popular systems is often suboptimal and routinely fails to effectively balance cost‐effectiveness and sample throughput. Genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) encompasses a range of protocols including resequencing of the transcriptome. This study describes a skim GBS‐transcriptomics (GBS‐t) approach developed to be broadly applicable, cost‐effective and high‐throughput while still assaying a significant number of SNP loci. A range of crop species with differing levels of ploidy and degree of inbreeding/outbreeding were chosen, including perennial ryegrass, a diploid outbreeding forage grass; phalaris, a putative segmental allotetraploid outbreeding forage grass; lentil, a diploid inbreeding grain legume; and canola, an allotetraploid partially outbreeding oilseed. GBS‐t was validated as a simple and largely automated, cost‐effective method which generates sufficient SNPs (from 89 738 to 231 977) with acceptable levels of missing data and even genome coverage from c. 3 million sequence reads per sample. GBS‐t is therefore a broadly applicable system suitable for many crops, offering advantages over other systems. The correct choice of subsequent sequence analysis software is important, and the bioinformatics process should be iterative and tailored to the specific challenges posed by ploidy variation and extent of heterozygosity.
Point cloud refinement with self‐calibration of a mobile multibeam lidar sensor
Authors: Nouira Houssem , Deschaud Jean‐Emmanuel , Goulette François
Published: September 2017

Lidar sensors are widely used in mobile mapping systems. With recent developments, these sensors provide large volumes of data which are necessary for some applications that require a high level of detail. Multibeam lidar sensors can provide this level of detail, but need a specific calibration routine to provide the best precision possible. Because they have multiple beams, the calibration of such sensors is difficult and is not well represented in the literature. This work presents an automatic method for the optimisation of the calibration parameters of a multibeam lidar sensor mounted on a mobile platform. The proposed approach does not require any calibration target, and only uses information from the acquired point clouds, which makes it simple to use. The goal of the optimisation is to find calibration parameters that will improve the structure of the data. At the end of the automatic process, a confidence value is provided for the calibration parameters found.
Macroalgae reduces survival of nursery‐rearedAcroporacorals in the Florida reef tract
Authors: van Woesik Robert , Ripple Kayla , Miller Steven L.
Published: September 2017

Recent declines in coral populations along the Florida reef tract have prompted the establishment of coral restoration programs which raise coral species, such as the threatenedAcropora cervicornis, in nurseries ready for outplanting. Large numbers of nursery‐reared coral colonies have been outplanted along the Florida reef tract in recent years, yet few studies have characterized benthic habitats that are considered optimal for colony survival. In 2016, we surveyed 23A. cervicornisrestoration sites, located at six different reefs in the upper Florida Keys. We examined the condition of the outplanted corals and quantified the benthic assemblages adjacent to the outplanted coral colonies. We found that whereA. cervicornissurvived for more than 1 year, the substrate significantly supported less brown macroalgae of the genusDictyotathan at sites whereA. cervicornishad died. Coral survival was highest at sites with less than 15%Dictyotacover. These results suggest that the habitat conditions that supportedDictyotaspp. were not conducive toA. cervicornisgrowth and survival. Restoration practitioners should avoid attaching nursery‐raised corals to substrate withDictyotaspp. cover greater than 15%.
Fuming with rage! Do members of low status groups signal anger more than members of high status groups?
Authors: Owuamalam Chuma Kevin , Rubin Mark
Published: September 2017

Owuamalam, Weerabangsa, Karunagharan and Rubin found that Malaysians associate people in low status groups with anger more than their higher status counterparts: the hunchback heuristic. But is this belief accurate? Here, we propose the alternative possibility that members of low‐status groups might deliberately suppress anger to counter this stigma, while members of high‐status groups might disinhibit their anger to assert their superiority. To test these propositions, we manipulated undergraduate students’ relative group status by leading them to believe that provocative comments about their undergraduate social identity came from a professor (low‐status condition) or a junior foundation year student (high‐status condition). Using eye‐tracking, we then measured their gaze durations on the comments, which we used as a physiological signal of anger: dwelling (Experiment 1). Results revealed that dwelling was significantly greater in the high‐status condition than in the low‐status condition. Experiment 2 conceptually replicated this pattern using a self‐report method and found that the suppression‐disinhibition effect occurred only when reputational concerns were strong.
“Authentically Black, and Truly Catholic”: A survey of the study on Black Catholics
Authors: Winstead Kevin
Published: September 2017

Black Roman Catholics have been a contributing community to American culture as far back as the nation's founding. Despite nearly three million Black Catholics in the United States today, sociological research has given little consideration to this community. This review makes a case for more sociological focus on Black Catholicism. I review the available sociological research on Black Catholics and include a review of scholarship on Black Catholics from outside the discipline. I argue for the sociological importance of Black Catholicism to the examination of race, religion, and identity formation.
Effects of Digital Storytelling in Mathematics Instruction on Academic Achievement and Examination of Teacher-Student Opinions on the Process
Authors: Özpinar İlknur , Gökçe Semirhan , Yenmez Arzu Aydoğan
Published: September 2017

Storytelling is a popular instrument used in every domain of natural and social interaction for human communication and commonly used in classrooms to enrich the learning experience. With the use of technological tools in every field of our daily lives, its use in educational environments has become inevitable and in parallel with the development of these tools, digital stories have started to replace traditional storytelling. Digital storytelling offers advantages such as providing diverse applications in the classroom environment, personalizing the learning experience, being interesting, helping difficult subjects explained, addressing real-life-related situations, supporting active learning, allowing for the creation of costless learning environments, and improving motivation and achievement. Materializing a course such as mathematics in which abstract concepts are given, helping students use the learned information with stories and associate it with daily life, developing activities to make learning environments enjoyable when learning and applying by taking students away from the traditional understanding of instruction are considered some of the most important duties of teachers in this process. In accordance with the related considerations, this study aims to investigate the effects of mathematics courses instructed by association with digital storytelling on 8th-grade students’ academic achievements and the teacher and student opinions on the application process. The study using the quasi-experimental method was conducted with 58 students. The Achievement Test, written opinion forms to receive student opinions and interview form for teacher were prepared by the researchers to this end. At the end of the study, although no statistically significant differences were found between the groups in the posttest and the delayed-posttest in terms of academic achievement score averages of the students in the experimental group were found to be higher than the score averages of the students in the control group. The results achieved in this study show that digital storytelling is a powerful instrument to create more interesting and enjoyable learning environments which facilitate association with daily life, allow for effective learning and participation. It was also stated that the students and the mathematics teacher had positive opinions on use of digital stories in the courses and its contribution to the courses.
Bad reduction of genus curves with CM jacobian varieties
Authors: Habegger Philipp , Pazuki Fabien
Published: September 2017

We show that a genus $2$ curve over a number field whose jacobian has complex multiplication will usually have stable bad reduction at some prime. We prove this by computing the Faltings height of the jacobian in two different ways. First, we use a known case of the Colmez conjecture, due to Colmez and Obus, that is valid when the CM field is an abelian extension of the rationals. It links the height and the logarithmic derivatives of an $L$-function. The second formula involves a decomposition of the height into local terms based on a hyperelliptic model. We use the reduction theory of genus $2$ curves as developed by Igusa, Liu, Saito, and Ueno to relate the contribution at the finite places with the stable bad reduction of the curve. The subconvexity bounds by Michel and Venkatesh together with an equidistribution result of Zhang are used to bound the infinite places.
Passive Thermal Management of Photovoltaic Modules—Mathematical Modeling and Simulation of Photovoltaic Modules
Authors: Hassabou Abdelhakim , Abotaleb Ahmed , Abdallah Amir
Published: September 2017

Operation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems under high temperatures and high humidity represents one of the major challenges to guarantee higher system’s performance and reliability. The PV conversion efficiency degrades considerably at higher temperatures, while dust accumulation on PV module together with atmospheric water vapor condensation may cause a thick layer of mud that is difficult to be removed. Therefore, thermal management in hot climates is crucial for reliable application of PV systems to prevent the efficiency to drop due to temperature rise. This research focuses on the utilization of phase-change materials (PCM) for passive thermal management of solar systems. The main focus is to explore the effect of utilization of PCM-based cooling elements on the thermal behavior of solar PV modules. This paper presents the mathematical modeling and validation of PV modules. Both simulation and experimental data showed that the significant increase in PV peak temperature in summer affects the module’s efficiency, and consequently produced power, by 3% compared to standard testing condition (STC) as an average over the entire day, while it goes up to 8% and 10% during peak noon hours in winter and summer, respectively.
A Model for the Mullins Effect in Multinetwork Elastomers
Authors: Bacca Mattia , Creton Costantino , McMeeking Robert M.
Published: September 2017

Double and triple network (TN) elastomers can be made by infusing monomers into a single network (SN) polymer, causing it to swell, and then polymerizing and cross-linking the monomers. The result is a double network (DN) elastomer in which one network is stretched and the other is in hydrostatic compression. TN systems are made by repeating the process starting with the DN material. The multinetwork (MN) elastomers exhibit a Mullins effect in which softening occurs upon a first cycle of loading, with the elastomer stiffness recovered above the previous maximum strain. The Mullins effect is attributed to rupture of the stretched network, eliminating the constraint on the compressed network, thereby motivating straining at the lower stiffness of the remaining material. A model for this process is developed, based on the previous work of Horgan et al. (2004, “A Theory of Stress Softening of Elastomers Based on Finite Chain Extensibility,” Proc. R. Soc. A, 460(2046), pp. 1737–1754). In the proposed model, a composite stiffness for the MN system is developed and a damage process introduced to degrade the contribution of the stretched network. The damage model is designed to account for the progressive elimination of chains that are most highly loaded in the stretched network, so that the undamaged stiffness is restored when the strain rises above levels previously experienced. The proposed model reproduces the behavior of the Mullins effect in the MN system.
A Semiautomatic, Cleaning Room Grinding Method for the Metalcasting Industry
Authors: Wang Danni , Peters Frank E. , Frank Matthew C.
Published: September 2017

This paper presents a semi-automated grinding system for the postprocessing of metalcastings. Grinding is an important procedure in the “cleaning room” of a foundry, where the removal of gate contacts, parting line flash, surface defects, and weld-repaired areas is performed, and almost always manually. While the grinding of repetitive locations on medium to high production castings can be automated using robotics or otherwise, it is not as practical for larger castings (e.g., > 200 kg) that are typically produced in smaller production volumes. Furthermore, automation is even more challenging in that the locations of the required grinding are not a constant depending on the unique conditions and anomalies of each pouring of a component. The proposed approach is intended for a simple x−y−z positioner (gantry) device with a feedback controlled grinding head that enables automated path planning. The process begins with touch probing of the surfaces that contain the anomaly requiring grinding, and then the system automatically handles the path planning and force control to remove the anomaly. A layer-based algorithm for path planning employs a search-and-destroy technique where the surrounding geometry is interpolated across the grind-requiring surface patch. In this manner, each unique condition of the casting surface after initial torch or saw cutting can be handled cost effectively without the need for human shaping and the egregious ergonomic problems associated. Implementation of the proposed grinding control is prototyped at a lab scale to demonstrate the feasibility and versatility of this strategy. The average error for the prototype was on the order of 0.007 in (0.2 mm) with a flatness of the ground surface within 0.035 in (0.9 mm), which is within the cleaning room grinding requirements, as per ISO and ASTM dimensional and surface tolerance requirements. A significant contribution of the work is the layer-based algorithm that allows an effective automation of the process planning for grinding, avoiding robot programming or numerical control code generation altogether. This is a key to addressing the largely unknown and unpredictable conditions of, for example, the riser contact surface removal area on a metalcasting.
Unit Cell Synthesis for Design of Materials With Targeted Nonlinear Deformation Response
Authors: Satterfield Zachary , Kulkarni Neehar , Fadel Georges , Li Gang , Coutris Nicole , Castanier Matthew P.
Published: September 2017

A systematic unit cell synthesis approach is presented for designing metamaterials from a unit cell level, which are made out of linearly elastic constitutive materials to achieve tunable nonlinear deformation characteristics. This method is expected to serve as an alternative to classical Topology Optimization methods (solid isotropic material with penalization or homogenization) in specific cases by carrying out unit cell synthesis and subsequent size optimization (SO). The unit cells are developed by synthesizing elemental components with simple geometries that display geometric nonlinearity under deformation. The idea is to replace the physical nonlinear behavior of the target material by adding geometric nonlinearities associated with the deforming entities and thus, achieve large overall deformations with small linear strains in each deformed entity. A case study is presented, which uses the proposed method to design a metamaterial that mimics the nonlinear deformation behavior of a military tank track rubber pad under compression. Two unit cell concepts that successfully match the nonlinear target rubber compression curve are evaluated. Conclusions and scope for future work to develop the method are discussed.
Miniature Autoclave and Double Bellows Loading Device for Material Testing in Future Reactor Concept Conditions—Case Supercritical Water
Authors: Penttilä Sami , Moilanen Pekka , Karlsen Wade , Toivonen Aki
Published: September 2017

The presented work consists of a test setup study of a new pneumatic material testing device based on double bellows (DBs) loading device and with miniature autoclaves enabling applications at temperature and pressure up to 650 °C and 35 MPa, respectively. It has been demonstrated that it is technically feasible to carry out well defined and controlled material testing in the supercritical water (SCW) environment using this testing system. By using this type of system, it makes possible to investigate the intrinsic role of the applied stress on the deformation behavior of material in light water reactor (LWR) conditions and also in other harsh environments like SCW conditions. In addition, the compactness and versatility of the setup makes this system particularly attractive for deployment in a hot-cell for testing of irradiated materials.
Tailoring age hardening of Ti1−xAlxN by Ta alloying
Authors: Grossmann Birgit , Jamnig Andreas , Schalk Nina , Czettl Christoph , Pohler Markus , Mitterer Christian
Published: September 2017

The microstructure, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of arc evaporated Ti1-x-yAlxTayN hard coatings were systematically investigated by varying the Ta content in the range of 0 ≤ y ≤ 0.231. A combination of differential scanning calorimetry and vacuum annealing up to 1500 °C with subsequent x-ray diffraction analysis and nanoindentation measurements provided comprehensive insight into the microstructural evolution of the coatings and the resulting impact on their mechanical properties. With the addition of Ta to the metastable Ti1−xAlxN solid solution, spinodal decomposition and wurtzite phase formation are shifted to higher temperatures. Consequently, the temperature range where Ta-alloyed coatings maintain their hardness is extended up to 1000 °C.
NLRP3, keep it down so we can hear
Authors: Philips Jennifer A.
Published: September 2017

A gain-of-function mutation in
NLRP3
is associated with cochlear inflammation and hearing loss.
Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus aureus PX03, an Acetoin-Producing Strain with a Small-Sized Genome
Authors: Zhang Ge , Wang Qian , Su Yulong , Li Shugui , Liu Haobao
Published: September 2017

Staphylococcus aureus
PX03 can produce acetoin efficiently. Here, we present a 2.38-Mb assembly of its genome sequence, which might provide further insights into the molecular mechanism of its acetoin biosynthesis to further improve its biotechnological applications.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Human-Pathogenic Fungus Scedosporium boydii
Authors: Duvaux Ludovic , Shiller Jason , Vandeputte Patrick , Dugé de Bernonville Thomas , Thornton Christopher , Papon Nicolas , Le Cam Bruno , Bouchara Jean-Philippe , Gastebois Amandine
Published: September 2017

The opportunistic fungal pathogen
Scedosporium boydii
is the most common
Scedosporium
species in French patients with cystic fibrosis. Here we present the first genome report for
S. boydii
, providing a resource which may enable the elucidation of the pathogenic mechanisms in this species.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Corynebacterium kefirresidentii
SB, Isolated from Kefir
Authors: Blasche Sonja , Kim Yongkyu , Patil Kiran R.
Published: September 2017

The genus
Corynebacterium
includes Gram-positive species with a high G+C content. We report here a novel species,
Corynebacterium kefirresidentii
SB, isolated from kefir grains collected in Germany. Its draft genome sequence was remarkably dissimilar (average nucleotide identity, 76.54%) to those of other
Corynebacterium
spp., confirming that this is a unique novel species.
Complete Genome Sequence of Nervous Necrosis Virus Isolated from Orange-Spotted Grouper (
Epinephelus coioides
) in Taiwan
Authors: Chien Ming-Hui , Vo Thi Tuyet Minh , Wu Shaw-Yun , Lin Cheng-Hui
Published: September 2017

The genome sequence of nervous necrosis virus strain KS1 isolated from orange-spotted grouper (
Epinephelus coioides
) was cloned and analyzed. The viral genome is composed of two single-stranded positive-sense RNA molecules, RNA1 and RNA2. Phylogenetic analysis shows that the virus strain KS1 belongs to the red-spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus genotype.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. XY006, an Endophyte Isolated from Tea (
Camellia sinensis
)
Authors: Shan Wenna , Liu Huihui , Zhou Ying , Yu Xiaomin
Published: September 2017

Streptomyces
sp. XY006 is an endophytic bacterium isolated from the young leaf material of the tea plant (
Camellia sinensis
). The draft genome consists of 8.2 Mb and encodes 7,415 putative open reading frames. This strain is found to contain a high capacity for the production of natural products.
Complete Genome Sequences of Bordetella pertussis Isolates with Novel Pertactin-Deficient Deletions
Authors: Weigand Michael R. , Peng Yanhui , Cassiday Pamela K. , Loparev Vladimir N. , Johnson Taccara , Juieng Phalasy , Nazarian Elizabeth J. , Weening Keeley , Tondella M. Lucia , Williams Margaret M.
Published: September 2017

Clinical isolates of the respiratory pathogen
Bordetella pertussis
in the United States have become predominantly deficient for the acellular vaccine immunogen pertactin through various independent mutations. Here, we report the complete genome sequences for four
B. pertussis
isolates that harbor novel deletions responsible for pertactin deficiency.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Subgenotype of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Strain JX/CH/2016, Isolated in Jiangxi, China
Authors: Zhang Fanfan , Song Deping , Ye Yu , Guo Nannan , Zhang Min , Li Hao , Lei Dan , Gong Wang , Luo Suxian , Huang Dongyan , Tang Yuxin
Published: September 2017

We sequenced the complete genome of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) strain JX/CH/2016. Phylogenetic analysis based on the sequences of the open reading frame 5 (ORF5) gene revealed that this strain belongs to subgenotype IV. This is the first report of the complete genome sequence of PRRSV-IV.
Caveolin-1 expression as a prognostic marker in triple negative breast cancers of Asian women
Authors: Yeong Joe , Thike Aye Aye , Ikeda Murasaki , Lim Jeffrey Chun Tatt , Lee Bernett , Nakamura Seigo , Iqbal Jabed , Tan Puay Hoon
Published: September 2017

Background

Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are defined by their lack of oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Although heterogeneous, the majority are aggressive and treatment options are limited. Caveolin acts as tumour suppressor or promoter depending on the cancer type.

Aim

In this study, we aimed to determine if the expression levels of the candidate biomarker caveolin-1 on stromal or tumour cells were associated with clinicopathological parameters and disease outcomes in TNBCs from an ethnically diverse cohort of Asian women.

Methods

Tumour specimens from 699 women with TNBC were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis of the frequency and intensity of caveolin-1 expression in tumour and stromal cells. A subset of 141 tumour samples also underwent Nanostring measurement ofCAV1mRNA. Results were correlated with clinicopathological parameters and disease outcomes.

Results

Expression of caveolin-1 in stromal cells was observed in 14.4% of TNBC cases. TNBCs of the basal-like phenotype (85% of samples) were significantly more likely to exhibit stromal cell caveolin-1 expression (p=0.028), as were those with a trabecular growth pattern (p=0.007). Lack of stromal caveolin-1 expression in both TNBCs and those with the basal-like phenotype was significantly associated with worse overall survival (p=0.009 and p=0.026, respectively): accordingly, increasing mRNA levels ofCAV1in TNBC samples predicted better overall survival. Caveolin-1 expression on TNBC tumour cells was not associated with clinical outcome.

Conclusion

Stromal, but not tumoural, caveolin-1 expression is significantly associated with survival in Asian women with TNBC.
HIV seroconversion among Baltimore City residents tested at a mobile van programme
Authors: Puryear Sarah , Burnett Phyllis , Page Kathleen R , Muvva Ravikiran , Chaulk Patrick , Ghanem Khalil G , Monroe Anne
Published: September 2017

Background

Many individuals with HIV in the USA are unaware of their diagnosis, and therefore cannot be engaged in treatment services, have worse clinical outcomes and are more likely to transmit HIV to others. Mobile van testing may increase HIV testing and diagnosis. Our objective was to characterise risk factors for HIV seroconversion among individuals using mobile van testing.

Methods

A case cohort study (n=543) was conducted within an HIV surveillance dataset of mobile van testing users with at least two HIV tests between September 2004 and August 2009 in Baltimore, Maryland. A subcohort (n=423) was randomly selected; all additional cases were added from the parent cohort. Cases (n=122 total, two from random subcohort) had documented seroconversion at the follow-up visit. A unique aspect of the analysis was use of Department of Corrections data to document incarceration between the times of initial and subsequent testing. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare HIV transmission risk factors between individuals who seroconverted and those who did not.

Results

One hundred and twenty-two HIV seroconversions occurred among 8756 individuals (1.4%), a rate higher than that in Baltimore City Health Department’s STD Clinic clients (1%). Increased HIV seroconversion risk was associated with men who have sex with men (MSM) (HR 32.76, 95% CI 5.62 to 191.12), sex with an HIV positive partner (HR 70.2, 95% CI 9.58 to 514.89), and intravenous drug use (IDU) (HR 5.65, 95% CI 2.41 to 13.23).

Conclusions

HIV testing is a crucial first step in the HIV care continuum and an important HIV prevention tool. This study confirmed the need to reach high-risk populations (MSM, sex with HIV-positive individuals, individuals with IDU) and to increase comprehensive prevention services so that high-risk individuals stay HIV uninfected. HIV testing in mobile vans may be an effective outreach strategy for identifying infection in certain populations at high risk for HIV.
R&D, FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS AND PRODUCTIVITY: EVIDENCE FROM THE CHINESE INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES
Authors: XU MINGLI , YANG WEI , PANG LIRANG , KONG DONGMIN
Published: September 2017

Using a unique dataset from National Bureau of Statistics of China, we estimate the total factor productivity (TFP) of enterprise and explore the relationship among research and development expenditures (R&D), financial constraints and TFP. We find that: First, R&D has a significantly lagged effect on the improvement of TFP. Second, the R&D fails to improve the contemporaneous productivity and negatively impacts on contemporaneous TFP. Third, financial constraints significantly reduce the improvement effect of R&D on TFP, and this kind of marginal effect has significant difference between state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and private enterprises (Non-SOEs). This study offers important policy implications by showing that: First, firms can obtain long-term benefits from continuous R&D expenditures. Second, the government should release appropriate policies to ease financial constraints, especially for the Non-SOEs.
Low background techniques in liquid scintillator detectors
Authors: Miramonti Lino
Published: September 2017

Many neutrino physics experiments use organic liquid scintillators, which present a unique advantage: enormous masses (in the order of tens ktons) with very low radioactive background can be reached by assembling a detector with organic liquid scintillators. Thanks to the very fast decay rate, it is possible to localize the event in space and time and discriminate it from the background signals. Furthermore, organic liquid scintillators are very efficient in alfa/beta discrimination and offer the possibility to dissolve solvents in the chemical compounds to enhance the signal.
Temperature diagnostics of plasma under optically-thin conditions
Authors: Zhen Zhiqiang , He Jian
Published: September 2017

For temperature diagnostics of plasma, using the silicon spectral lines emitted from the solar transition region, under the optically-thin conditions, we discuss temperature diagnostics of the quiet sun in some typical features. For the silicon IV 112.8325 nm and 140.2770 nm spectral lines, using the observed intensity ratio, we calculate the temperature of faint cell center, average cell center, average quiet sun, average network, bright network and very bright network of the quiet sun, and results are in good agreement with those predicted at the [Formula: see text] ionization equilibrium temperature of formation of the silicon IV, and we discuss the temperature when the observed intensity varies from 0.05 to 0.2. This investigation will be significant for temperature diagnostics of plasma under the optically-thin conditions.
The H(n)-Gordian complex of knots
Authors: Zhang Kai , Yang Zhiqing , Lei Fengchun
Published: September 2017

In this paper, the [Formula: see text]-Gordian complex of knots is defined. The authors show that for any knot [Formula: see text] and any positive integer [Formula: see text], there is a finite set of knots of size [Formula: see text] containing [Formula: see text], such that the [Formula: see text]-Gordian distance between any two knots in this set is 1 for all [Formula: see text].
Introducing Team Learning in a Developing Economy: Students’ Experiences of Experiential Entrepreneurship Education in Namibia
Authors: Arpiainen Riitta-Liisa , Tynjälä Päivi
Published: September 2017

Entrepreneurship is considered to be a driving force behind nations’ economic development, and entrepreneurship education’s role is essential in shaping entrepreneurial attitudes, skills and culture. The objective of this study was to investigate students’ experiences of entrepreneurship education in a developing economy, especially as regards learning in and through teams. The research project was conducted in Namibia, where the challenges to breaking out of poverty are huge. Methodologically, the study was based on qualitative thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews (2009–2014) of higher education students ([Formula: see text]) taking part in an action-based, experiential entrepreneurship programme. In the analysis of students’ teamwork experiences, five main themes related to learning in and through teams emerged — the first three relating to individuals, the fourth to the team, and the fifth to wider social relations: (i) psychological safety, (ii) tolerance of uncertainty, (iii) strengthening of self-efficacy, (iv) strengthening of team-efficacy, and (v) understanding of others and other cultures. The outcomes may be utilised in establishing, developing and planning similar entrepreneurship education programmes across different cultural settings in developing economies.