bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ‘ins’ and ‘outs’ of intussusception: Where best practice reduces the need for surgery
Authors: Beasley Spencer W
Published: November 2017

Intussusception may be difficult to diagnose because the classical triad of symptoms is evident at the time of presentation in only about 20% of cases. This may lead to delays in making the correct diagnosis. The most common presenting features are colicky abdominal pain, vomiting, pallor, lethargy and listlessness. In recent years, the algorithms of management of intussusception have changed significantly: a routine plain abdominal X‐ray has been replaced by ultrasonography, previously perceived contraindications to attempting an enema reduction no longer apply, gas has largely replaced barium for enema reduction, incomplete initial reduction is an indication for a delayed repeat enema if the child is stable clinically and partial reduction has been achieved, the indications for surgery have been tightened and laparoscopy affords an alternative surgical approach. This commentary expands on the rationale behind some of the recent advances in the management of children who present with suspected intussusception.
Pharmacokinetic profile of Ceftiofur Hydrochloride Injection in lactating Holstein dairy cows
Authors: Wang J. , Peng H. , Kong J. , Zhao T. , Zhang S. , Cao X.
Published: November 2017

Ceftiofur (CEF), a broad‐spectrum third‐generation cephalosporin, exhibits a good activity against a broad range of gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacteria, including many that produce β‐lactamase. To design a rational dosage regimen for the drug in lactating Holstein dairy cows, the pharmacokinetic properties of ceftiofur hydrochloride injection were investigated in six cows after intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous administration of single dose of 2.2 mg/kg BW (body weight). Plasma concentration–time curves and relevant parameters were best described by noncompartmental analysis through WinNonlin 6.3 software. After subcutaneous administration, the absolute bioavailability was 61.12% and the T1/2λz (elimination half‐life) was 8.67 ± 0.72 hr. The Cmax (maximum plasma concentration) was 0.88 ± 0.21 μg/ml and Tmax (the time after initial injection to when Cmax occurs) was 1.50 ± 0.55 hr. The MRT (mean residence time) was 11.00 ± 0.30 hr. Following intramuscular administration, the Cmax (1.09 ± 0.21 μg/ml) was achieved at Tmax (1.20 ± 0.26 hr) with an absolute availability of 70.52%. In this study, the detailed pharmacokinetic profiles of free and total CEF showed that this drug is widely distributed and rapidly eliminated and may contribute to a better understanding of the usage of ceftiofur hydrochloride injection in Holstein dairy cows.
New insights into plants co‐existence in species‐rich communities: The pollination interaction perspective
Authors: Fantinato Edy , Del Vecchio Silvia , Giovanetti Manuela , Acosta Alicia Teresa Rosario , Buffa Gabriella
Published: November 2017

Questions

In animal‐mediated pollination, pollinators can be regarded as a limiting resource for which entomophilous plant species might interact to assure pollination, an event pivotal for their reproduction and population maintenance. At community level, spatially aggregated co‐flowering species can thus be expected to exhibit suitable suites of traits to avoid competition and ensure pollination. We explored the problem by answering the following questions: (1) are co‐flowering species specialized on different guilds of pollinators; (2) do co‐flowering pollinator‐sharing species segregate spatially; and (3) do co‐flowering pollinator‐sharing species that diverge in anther position spatially aggregate more than those that converge in anther position?

Study Site

Euganean Hills,NEItaly.

Methods

Plant composition, flowering phenology and interactions between each entomophilous plant species and pollinating insects were monitored every 15 days in 40 permanent plots placed in an area of 16 ha. We quantified the degree of flowering synchrony, pollinator‐sharing and spatial aggregation between each pair of entomophilous species. We then tested the relationship between the degree of co‐flowering, pollinator‐sharing and spatial aggregation, and between spatial aggregation and anther position.

Results

Entomophilous species converged, at least partially in flowering time, and the phenological synchronization of flowering was significantly associated with the sharing of pollinator guilds. Co‐flowering pollinator‐sharing species segregated spatially. Furthermore, co‐flowering pollinator‐sharing species that diverged in anther position aggregated more than those that converged in anther position.

Conclusions

Reproductive traits that facilitate the co‐existence of co‐flowering species include specialization on different pollinator guilds and a phenological displacement of the flowering time. Furthermore, in circumstances of increased competition due to phenological synchronization, pollinator‐sharing and spatial aggregation, the chance of effective pollination might depend on differences in anther position, resulting in a divergent pollen placement on pollinator bodies. One of the most interesting results we obtained is that the presence of one mechanism does not preclude the operation of others, and each plant species can simultaneously exhibit different strategies. Although more studies are needed, our results can provide additional information about plant–plant interactions and provide new insights into mechanisms allowing the co‐existence of a high number of plant species in local communities.
Tail regeneration in the Paleozoic tetrapod Microbrachis pelikani and comparison with extant salamanders and squamates
Authors: van der Vos W. , Witzmann F. , Fröbisch N. B.
Published: November 2017

Among extant tetrapods, salamanders are the only group capable of full limb and tail regeneration, the latter including the re‐establishment of a fully functional tail with the axial skeleton and associated musculature. Tail regeneration is associated with autotomy (self‐amputation) in some salamander taxa but is also possible in salamander taxa that lack tail autotomy. Modern squamates also frequently show tail autotomy as a defense or decoy mechanisms against predation, but contrary with salamanders, the tail skeleton is replaced by a cartilaginous rod in the regenerate and the associated musculature is rather unusual. Here, we describe details of the tail regeneration in a fossil early tetrapod, the microsaurian lepospondyl Microbrachis pelikani in comparison to two salamander species, Desmognathus monticola and D. ocoee. Two specimens of Microbrachis represent an early and a later stage of tail regeneration and clearly show that this microsaur was capable of salamander‐like tail regeneration. The differentiation of the axial skeleton proceeds in a similar way to modern salamanders from proximal to distal and in a reversed order relative to development, i.e. with an early establishment of the vertebral centra, followed by the neural arches. Moreover, the morphological analysis suggests that Microbrachis autotomized its tails along an intravertebral autotomization plane, which is similar to modern squamates but differs from intervertebral tail autotomy seen in salamanders. The findings highlight that patterns of tail autotomy evolved independently from the overall capacity to regenerate the tail and the capacity to re‐establish the axial skeleton. The phylogenetic distribution of salamander‐like tail regeneration suggests that this may represent an ancient feature of sarcopterygians, which is in line with recent data on the evolution of full limb regeneration in tetrapods.
Petrogenesis of basaltic shergottite Northwest Africa 8657: Implications for fO2 correlations and element redistribution during shock melting in shergottites
Authors: Howarth Geoffrey H. , Udry Arya , Day James M. D.
Published: November 2017

Northwest Africa (NWA) 8657 is an incompatible trace element‐enriched, low‐Al basaltic shergottite, similar in texture and chemistry to Shergotty, Zagami, and NWA 5298. It is composed of zoned pyroxene, maskelynite, merrillite, and Ti‐oxide minerals with minor apatite, silica, and pyrrhotite. Pyroxene grains are characterized by patchy zoning, with pigeonite or augite cores zoned to Fe‐rich pigeonite mantles. The cores have rounded morphologies and irregular margins. Combined with the low Ti/Al of the cores, the morphology and chemistry of the pyroxene grains are consistent with initial crystallization at depth (30–70 km) followed by partial resorption en route to the surface. Enriched rare earth element (REE) equilibrium melt compositions and calculated oxygen fugacities (fO2) conditions for pigeonite cores indicate that the original parent melts were enriched shergottite magmas that staged in chambers at depth within the Martian crust. NWA 8657 does not represent a liquid but rather entrained a proportion of pyroxene crystals from magma chambers where fractional crystallization was occurring at depth. Variation between fO2 and bulk‐rock (La/Yb)N of the enriched and intermediate shergottites suggests that oxidation conditions and degree of incompatible element enrichment in the source may not be correlated, as thought previously. Shock melt pockets are characterized by an absence of phosphates and oxide minerals. It is likely that these phases were melted during shock. REEs were redistributed during this process into maskelynite and to a lesser extent the shock melt; however, the overall normalized REE profile of the shock melt is like that of the bulk‐rock, but at lower absolute concentrations. Overall, shock melting has had a significant effect on the mineralogy of NWA 8657, especially the distribution of phosphates, which may be significant for geochronological applications of this meteorite and other Martian meteorites with extensive shock melt.
Histamine‐enhanced contractile responses of gastric smooth muscle via interstitial cells of Cajal in the Syrian hamster
Authors: Naganuma S. , Shiina T. , Yasuda S. , Suzuki Y. , Shimizu Y.
Published: November 2017

Background

Gastric motility is controlled by the autonomic and enteric nervous systems and by interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs). Although histamine is known to be released from enterochromaffin‐like cells in the gastric mucosa, its regulatory roles in gastric motility are still controversial. Therefore, we investigated the functional roles of histamine in gastric motility.

Methods

Stomach preparations from hamsters were used because the stomach of hamsters can be easily separated into the forestomach and the glandular stomach. A whole preparation of the stomach was mounted in a Magnus tube, and mechanical responses were recorded using a force transducer.

Key Results

Exogenous application of histamine had little effect on contractile activity of the glandular stomach. In contrast, the monoamine evoked regular, periodic contractions in the forestomach. An H1 receptor agonist reproduced the contractile responses and an H1 receptor antagonist blocked histamine‐evoked contractions. Atropine and tetrodotoxin did not affect the histamine‐evoked contractions. Pretreatment with drugs that inhibit the activity of ICCs abolished the effects of histamine.

Conclusion & Inferences

The findings suggest that histamine regulates gastric motility by acting on ICCs via H1 receptors in the hamster. The remarkable ability of histamine to induce rhythmic contractions would be useful for treatment of gastric dysmotility.
Demographic characteristics of teenage boys with horizontal striae distensae of the lower back
Authors: Boozalis Emily , Grossberg Anna L. , Puttgen Katherine B. , Heath Candrice R. , Cohen Bernard A.
Published: November 2017

Background

This study examines the clinical characteristics and demographics of teenage boys with horizontal striae distensae of the lower back in an outpatient setting.

Methods

Retrospective medical chart reviews and telephone survey studies were completed on an outpatient cohort of 12 boys 11 to 17 years of age with a clinical diagnosis of transverse striae distensae of the lower back at a single‐center, university‐based, pediatric dermatology practice. We evaluated the clinical features of the striae, participant demographic characteristics, and past medical history. A review of the literature concerning risk factors was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar.

Results

Of the 14 patients we contacted, 12 agreed to participate. The average age of onset for the striae was 14.3 years. All boys were above the 50th percentile in height at the time of onset. Eight (66.7%) reported a significant growth spurt before the appearance of the stretch marks. Most were asymptomatic. None of the boys had a history of unmonitored exogenous steroid use or prior infection with Bartonella henselae or Borrelia burgdorferi. Only one (8.3%) had a chronic medical condition. Eleven (91.7%) had at least one first‐degree relative with striae distensae.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that horizontal striae distensae of the lower back in adolescent boys is associated with a rapid growth spurt, tall stature, and family history of striae distensae. There is no association between this type of striae distensae and any chronic medical condition, bacterial infection, or exogenous steroid use. Thus a careful review of systems and counseling without further medical testing is reasonable management.
Coparenting dynamics: Mothers' and fathers' differential support and involvement
Authors: MURPHY SARAH E. , GALLEGOS MARTIN I. , JACOBVITZ DEBORAH B. , HAZEN NANCY L.
Published: November 2017

This study utilizes the actor–partner interdependence model to examine mothers' and fathers' support of their partner and involvement in parental decision making during coparenting interactions in relation to cooperative and competitive coparenting in a sample of 125 first‐time parents with a 24‐month‐old child. Fathers showed greater instances of support for their partner than did mothers, and mothers demonstrated higher levels of involvement in parenting decisions than did fathers. Mothers' higher support of fathers' parenting was related negatively to competitive coparenting and positively to fathers' involvement. Fathers' higher support of mothers and higher involvement in parenting decisions was related to higher cooperative coparenting. Implications for family intervention and future research are discussed.
Cost Sharing for Capacity Transfer in Cooperating Queueing Systems
Authors: Zeng Yinlian , Zhang Lianmin , Cai Xiaoqiang , Li Jun
Published: November 2017

We study the problem where independent operators of queueing systems cooperate to generate a win–win solution through capacity transfer among each other. We consider two types of costs: the congestion cost in the queueing system and the capacity transfer cost, and two types of queueing systems: M/ M/1 and M/ M/ s. Service rates are considered to be capacities in M/ M/1 and are assumed to be continuous, while numbers of servers are capacities in M/ M/ s. For the capacity transfer problem in M/ M/1, we formulate it as a convex optimization problem and identify a cost‐sharing scheme which belongs to the core of the corresponding cooperative game. The special case with no transfer cost is also discussed. For the capacity transfer problem in M/ M/ s, we formulate it as a nonlinear integer optimization problem, which we refer to as the server transfer problem. We first develop a marginal analysis algorithm to solve this problem when the unit transfer costs are equal among agents, and then propose a cost‐sharing rule which is shown to be in the core of the corresponding game. For the more general case with unequal unit transfer costs, we first show that the core of the corresponding game is non‐empty. Then, we propose a greedy heuristic to find approximate solutions and design cost allocations rules for the corresponding game. Finally, we conduct numerical studies to evaluate the performance of the proposed greedy heuristic and the proposed cost allocation rules, and examine the value of capacity transfer.
Is Inequality Underestimated in Egypt? Evidence from House Prices
Authors: van der Weide Roy , Lakner Christoph , Ianchovichina Elena
Published: November 2017

Household income surveys often fail to capture top incomes, which leads to an underestimation of income inequality. A popular solution is to combine the household survey with data from income tax records, which has been found to result in significant upward corrections of inequality estimates. Unfortunately, tax records are unavailable in many countries, including most of the developing world. In the absence of data from tax records, this study explores the feasibility of using data on house prices to estimate the top tail of the income distribution. In an application to Egypt, where estimates of inequality based on household surveys alone are low by international standards, the study finds strong evidence that inequality is indeed being underestimated by a considerable margin. The Gini index of household per capita income for urban Egypt is found to increase from 39 to 52 after correcting for the missing top tail.
Disability, social functioning and school inclusion among older children and adolescents living with HIV in Zimbabwe
Authors: Rukuni Ruramayi , McHugh Grace , Majonga Edith , Kranzer Katharina , Mujuru Hilda , Munyati Shungu , Nathoo Kusum , Gregson Celia L. , Kuper Hannah , Ferrand Rashida A.
Published: November 2017

Objective

Increasing numbers of children with HIV are surviving to adolescence and encountering multiple clinical and social consequences of long‐standing HIV infection. We aimed to investigate the association between HIV and disability, social functioning and school inclusion among 6‐ to 16‐year‐olds in Zimbabwe.

Methods

HIV‐infected children receiving antiretroviral therapy from a public‐sector HIV clinic and HIV‐uninfected children attending primary care clinics in the same catchment area were recruited. Standardised questionnaires were used to collect socio‐demographic, social functioning and disability data. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between HIV status and disability and functioning.

Results

We recruited 202 HIV‐infected and 285 HIV‐uninfected children. There was no difference in age and gender between the two groups, but a higher proportion of HIV‐infected children were orphaned. The prevalence of any disability was higher in HIV‐infected than uninfected children (37.6% vs. 18.5%, P < 0.001). HIV‐infected children were more likely to report anxiety (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.4; 95% CI 2.4, 8.1), low mood (aOR 4.2; 2.1, 8.4) and difficulty forming friendships (aOR 14.8; 1.9, 116.6) than uninfected children. Children with HIV also reported more missed school days, repeating a school year and social exclusion in class. These associations remained apparent when comparing children with HIV and disability to those with HIV but no disabilities.

Conclusions

Children with HIV commonly experience disabilities, and this is associated with social and educational exclusion. Rehabilitation and support services are needed to facilitate educational attainment and social participation in this group.
Apple fruit superficial scald resistance mediated by ethylene inhibition is associated with diverse metabolic processes
Authors: Busatto Nicola , Farneti Brian , Commisso Mauro , Bianconi Martino , Iadarola Barbara , Zago Elisa , Ruperti Benedetto , Spinelli Francesco , Zanella Angelo , Velasco Riccardo , Ferrarini Alberto , Chitarrini Giulia , Vrhovsek Urska , Delledonne Massimo , Guzzo Flavia , Costa Guglielmo , Costa Fabrizio
Published: November 2017

Fruits stored at low temperature can exhibit different types of chilling injury. In apple, one of the most serious physiological disorders is superficial scald, which is characterized by discoloration and brown necrotic patches on the fruit exocarp. Although this phenomenon is widely ascribed to the oxidation of α‐farnesene, its physiology is not yet fully understood. To elucidate the mechanism of superficial scald development and possible means of prevention, we performed an integrated metabolite screen, including an analysis of volatiles, phenols and lipids, together with a large‐scale transcriptome study. We also determined that prevention of superficial scald, through the use of an ethylene action inhibitor, is associated with the triggering of cold acclimation‐related processes. Specifically, the inhibition of ethylene perception stimulated the production of antioxidant compounds to scavenge reactive oxygen species, the synthesis of fatty acids to stabilize plastid and vacuole membranes against cold temperature, and the accumulation of the sorbitol, which can act as a cryoprotectant. The pattern of sorbitol accumulation was consistent with the expression profile of a sorbitol 6‐phosphate dehydrogenase, MdS6PDH, the overexpression of which in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants confirmed its involvement in the cold acclimation and freezing tolerance.
The soluble guanylate cyclase CYG12 is required for the acclimation to hypoxia and trophic regimes in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Düner Melis , Lambertz Jan , Mügge Carolin , Hemschemeier Anja
Published: November 2017

Oxygenic phototrophs frequently encounter environmental conditions that result in intracellular energy crises. Growth of the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in hypoxia in the light depends on acclimatory responses of which the induction of photosynthetic cyclic electron flow is essential. The microalga cannot grow in the absence of molecular oxygen (O2) in the dark, although it possesses an elaborate fermentation metabolism. Not much is known about how the microalga senses and signals the lack of O2 or about its survival strategies during energy crises. Recently, nitric oxide (NO) has emerged to be required for the acclimation of C. reinhardtii to hypoxia. In this study, we show that the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) CYG12, a homologue of animal NO sensors, is also involved in this response. CYG12 is an active sGC, and post‐transcriptional down‐regulation of the CYG12 gene impairs hypoxic growth and gene expression in C. reinhardtii. However, it also results in a disturbed photosynthetic apparatus under standard growth conditions and the inability to grow heterotrophically. Transcriptome profiles indicate that the mis‐expression of CYG12 results in a perturbation of responses that, in the wild‐type, maintain the cellular energy budget. We suggest that CYG12 is required for the proper operation of the photosynthetic apparatus which, in turn, is essential for survival in hypoxia and darkness.
Public willingness to pay a premium for uni‐material beverage container in Korea: a contingent valuation study
Authors: Park So‐Yeon , Lim Seul‐Ye , Yoo Seung‐Hoon
Published: November 2017

The use of uni‐materials can reduce the total waste generation by a high recycling rate. This study assesses the public's willingness to pay (WTP) a premium for the uni‐material beverage container (UBC) in Korea using a specific case of bottled mineral water in polyethylene terephthalate (PET). For this purpose, a contingent valuation (CV) survey of 1000 consumers was conducted to derive the additional WTP for the mineral water in UBC instead of that in non‐UBC. Given that the average price of the mineral water (500 mL) in non‐UBC was KRW 1000 (USD 0.88), the mean additional WTP a premium for that in UBC was estimated to be KRW 107 (USD 0.09). This value amounts to 10.7% of price of the mineral water in non‐UBC and can be interpreted as the public value of the UBC. The consumers in Korea are ready to pay a significant premium for UBCs.
Application of response surface methodology to optimize nitrate removal at low temperature by aerobic denitrificator Pseudomonas strain An‐1
Authors: Ren He‐Jun , Su Yu , Wang Cong , Hou Zhi‐Min , Zhou Ye , Zhou Rui
Published: November 2017

Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the conditions of nitrate removal by Pseudomonas strain AN‐1 at low temperature, which was isolated from aniline‐contaminated groundwater. A three‐factor, three‐level Box–Behnken experimental design and analysis of variance were combined with the obtained second‐order polynomial equation and applied for RSM optimization. By solving the second‐order polynomial equation and analysing the 3D response surface, a
‐N concentration of 65.29 mg/L, an initial pH of 6.65, and an initial DO of 7.53 were identified as the optimized conditions. These conditions achieved a removal percentage of 53.7485% after 48 h at 10°C, which was in good agreement with the predicted 53.8085%. This study showed the excellent ability of the Pseudomonas strain AN‐1 to degrade nitrate at low temperatures, which provided a solid foundation for the further application of this microorganism in the treatment of nitrate‐contaminated groundwater.
Activation of voltage‐dependent K+ channels strongly limits hypoxia‐induced elevation of [Ca2+]i in rat carotid body glomus cells
Authors: Wang Jiaju , Kim Donghee
Published: November 2017

Key points

We studied the role of the large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channel (BK) and voltage‐dependent K+ channels (Kv) on [Ca2+]i responses to a wide range of hypoxia at different resting cell membrane potential (Em).

BK/Kv were mostly closed at rest in normoxia. BK/Kv became basally active when cells were depolarized by elevated [KCl]o (>12 mm). Regardless of whether BK/Kv were closed or basally open, hypoxia‐induced elevation of [Ca2+]i was enhanced 2‐ to 3‐fold by inhibitors of BK/Kv.

Hypoxia‐induced elevation of [Ca2+]i was enhanced ∼2‐fold by an inhibitor of Kv2, a major Kv in rat glomus cells.

Hypoxia did not inhibit BK in inside‐out patches.

Our study supports a scheme in which activation of BK/Kv strongly limits the magnitude of hypoxia‐induced [Ca2+]i rise, with Kv having a much greater effect than BK.

Large‐conductance KCa (BK) and other voltage‐dependent K+ channels (Kv) are highly expressed in carotid body (CB) glomus cells, but their role in hypoxia‐induced excitation is still not well defined and remains controversial. We addressed this issue by studying the effects of inhibitors of BK (IBTX) and BK/Kv (TEA/4‐AP) on [Ca2+]i responses to a wide range of hypoxia at different levels of resting cell membrane potential (Em). IBTX and TEA/4‐AP did not affect the basal [Ca2+]i in isolated glomus cells bathed in 5 mm KClo, but elicited transient increases in [Ca2+]i in cells that were moderately depolarized (11–20 mV) by elevation of [KCl]o (12–20 mm). Thus, BK and Kv were mostly closed at rest and activated by depolarization. Four different levels of hypoxia (mild, moderate, severe, anoxia) were used to produce a wide range of [Ca2+]i elevation (0–700 nm). IBTX did not affect the rise in [Ca2+]i, but TEA/4‐AP strongly (∼3‐fold) enhanced [Ca2+]i rise by moderate and severe levels of hypoxia. Guangxitoxin, a Kv2 blocker, inhibited the whole‐cell current by ∼50%, and enhanced 2‐fold the [Ca2+]i rise elicited by moderate and severe levels of hypoxia. Anoxia did not directly affect BK, but activated BK via depolarization. Our findings do not support the view that hypoxia inhibits BK/Kv to initiate or maintain the hypoxic response. Rather, our results show that BK/Kv are activated as glomus cells depolarize in response to hypoxia, which then limits the rise in [Ca2+]i. Inhibition of Kv may provide a mechanism to enhance the chemosensory activity of the CB and ventilation.
Control Design of Robotic Manipulator Based on Quantum Neural Network
Authors: Abdulridha Hayder Mahdi , Hassoun Zainab Abdullah
Published: November 2017

In this study, a control system was designed to control the robot's movement (The Mitsubishi RM-501 robot manipulator) based on the quantum neural network (QNN). A proposed method was used to solve the inverse kinematics in order to determine the angles values for the arm's joints when it follows through any path. The suggested method is the QNN algorithm. The forward kinematics was derived according to Devavit–Hartenberg representation. The dynamics model for the arm was modeled based on Lagrange method. The dynamic model is considered to be a very important step in the world of robots. In this study, two methods were used to improve the system response. In the first method, the dynamic model was used with the traditional proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller to find its parameters (Kp, Ki, Kd) by using Ziegler Nichols method. In the second method, the PID parameters were selected depending on QNN without the need to a mathematical model of the robot manipulator. The results show a better response to the system when replacing the traditional PID controller with the suggested controller.
Development of Proportional–Integral–Derivative and Fuzzy Control Strategies for Navigation in Agricultural Environments
Authors: Bonadies Stephanie , Smith Neal , Niewoehner Nathan , Lee Andrew S. , Lefcourt Alan M. , Andrew Gadsden S.
Published: November 2017

Farming and agriculture is an area that may benefit from improved use of automation in order to increase working hours and improve food quality and safety. In this paper, a commercial robot was purchased and modified, and crop row navigational software was developed to allow the ground-based robot to autonomously navigate a crop row setting. A proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller and a fuzzy logic controller were developed to compare the efficacy of each controller based on which controller navigated the crop row more reliably. Results of the testing indicate that both controllers perform well, with some differences depending on the scenario.
A Comprehensive Review of Solar Milk Pasteurization System
Authors: Panchal Hitesh , Patel Jay , Chaudhary Sudhir
Published: November 2017

Solar pasteurization system is used to kill harmful bacteria present in the raw milk. It is carried out in dairy industries with the help of boiler and using wood or coal for heating of the milk. Due to the increment of global warming and its harmful effects, coal or wood should not be used for milk pasteurization system. Hence, researchers have started work on renewable energy source like solar energy for pasteurization system. Many scientists from all around the world have attempted to use solar energy for milk pasteurization system. The present review paper shows the research works carried out by researchers on milk pasteurization system. After several reviews, it has been found that solar energy is the best solution for milk pasteurization system.
Electromyography-Driven Forward Dynamics Simulation to Estimate In Vivo Joint Contact Forces During Normal, Smooth, and Bouncy Gaits
Authors: Razu Swithin S. , Guess Trent M.
Published: November 2017

Computational models that predict in vivo joint loading and muscle forces can potentially enhance and augment our knowledge of both typical and pathological gaits. To adopt such models into clinical applications, studies validating modeling predictions are essential. This study created a full-body musculoskeletal model using data from the “Sixth Grand Challenge Competition to Predict in vivo Knee Loads.” This model incorporates subject-specific geometries of the right leg in order to concurrently predict knee contact forces, ligament forces, muscle forces, and ground contact forces. The objectives of this paper are twofold: (1) to describe an electromyography (EMG)-driven modeling methodology to predict knee contact forces and (2) to validate model predictions by evaluating the model predictions against known values for a patient with an instrumented total knee replacement (TKR) for three distinctly different gait styles (normal, smooth, and bouncy gaits). The model integrates a subject-specific knee model onto a previously validated generic full-body musculoskeletal model. The combined model included six degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) patellofemoral and tibiofemoral joints, ligament forces, and deformable contact forces with viscous damping. The foot/shoe/floor interactions were modeled by incorporating shoe geometries to the feet. Contact between shoe segments and the floor surface was used to constrain the shoe segments. A novel EMG-driven feedforward with feedback trim motor control strategy was used to concurrently estimate muscle forces and knee contact forces from standard motion capture data collected on the individual subject. The predicted medial, lateral, and total tibiofemoral forces represented the overall measured magnitude and temporal patterns with good root-mean-squared errors (RMSEs) and Pearson's correlation (p2). The model accuracy was high: medial, lateral, and total tibiofemoral contact force RMSEs = 0.15, 0.14, 0.21 body weight (BW), and (0.92 < p2 < 0.96) for normal gait; RMSEs = 0.18 BW, 0.21 BW, 0.29 BW, and (0.81 < p2 < 0.93) for smooth gait; and RMSEs = 0.21 BW, 0.22 BW, 0.33 BW, and (0.86 < p2 < 0.95) for bouncy gait, respectively. Overall, the model captured the general shape, magnitude, and temporal patterns of the contact force profiles accurately. Potential applications of this proposed model include predictive biomechanics simulations, design of TKR components, soft tissue balancing, and surgical simulation.
Development of Product Recyclability Index Utilizing Design for Assembly and Disassembly Principles
Authors: Yadav Darshan P. , Patel Deep N. , Morkos Beshoy W.
Published: November 2017

Designing products for recyclability is driven by environmental and economic goals. Several design for assembly (DFA) rules and parameters can be used to gauge the recyclability index of product designs. These indices can be used for comparative analysis of the recyclability of different products. This assists the designer in making design choices related to the product's end of life. However, many of the existing recyclability indices are only available after design and manufacturing decisions are made. If such design decisions could be made earlier in the design process, when the design space is less bound, recyclability could be considered earlier. A case study is performed to determine if DFA parameters could be utilized to determine product recyclability. The parameters were obtained from existing DFA time estimate tables. The results of the study indicated that the recyclability of the product, as defined by established recyclability metrics, could be predicted through DFA measures. A negative correlation was realized between recyclability and insertion time. Components that required greater time to mate during assembly adversely affected the recyclability of the product. Conversely, handing time was found to have no predictive capability on product recyclability. These findings are used to develop a recyclability index that utilizes the DFA measures, allowing designers and engineers to determine recyclability earlier in the design process.
A Unified Analytical Method of Stress Analysis for Tubesheet—Part I: Theoretical Foundation
Authors: Zhu Hongsong
Published: November 2017

Based on a brief review of existing tubesheet (TS) design standards and the pertinent technical literature, a unified analytical method of stress analysis for fixed TS heat exchangers (HEXs), floating head and U-tube HEXs is proposed by removing the midplane symmetry (MPS) assumption, which assumes a geometric and loading plane of symmetry at the midway between the two TSs so that only half of the HEX or one TS needs be considered. The unified method can be successfully extended to the situations for different TS materials, unequal TS thicknesses, different TS edge conditions, different TS temperatures, pressures drop and dead weights on two TSs. The effects of pressure in TS perforations and temperature gradient in TS thickness direction are also considered by the unified method. Theoretical comparison shows that ASME method can be obtained from the special case of the simplified mechanical model of the unified method. Numerical comparison indicates that predictions given by the unified method agree well with finite element analysis (FEA), while ASME results are not accurate or not correct.
Design and Modeling of a Compliant Link for Inherently Safe Corobots
Authors: She Yu , Su Hai-Jun , Meng Deshan , Song Siyang , Wang Junmin
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we propose a variable width compliant link that is designed for optimal trade-off of safety and control performance for inherently safe corobots. Intentionally introducing compliance to mechanical design increases safety of corobots. Traditional approaches mostly focus on the joint compliance, while few of them study the link compliance. Here, we propose a novel method to design compliant robotic links with a safety constraint which is quantified by head injury criterion (HIC). The robotic links are modeled as two-dimensional beams with a variable width. Given a safety threshold, i.e., HIC constraint, the width distribution along the link is optimized to give a uniform distribution of HIC, which guarantees inherent safety for human operators. This solution is validated by a human–robot impact simulation program built in matlab. A static model of the variable width link is derived and verified by finite element simulations. Not only stress in the link is reduced, this new design has a better control and dynamic performance quantified by a larger natural frequency and a larger bandwidth compared with designs made of uniform beams and compliant joints (CJs). The proposed variable width link takes full advantage of the link rigidity while keeps inherent safety during a human–robot impact. This paper demonstrates that the compliant link solution could be a promising alternative approach for addressing safety concerns of human–robot interactions.
Cochlear implant simulator with independent representation of the full spiral ganglion
Authors: Grange Jacques A. , Culling John F. , Harris Naomi S. L. , Bergfeld Sven
Published: November 2017

In cochlear implant simulation with vocoders, narrow-band carriers deliver the envelopes from each analysis band to the cochlear positions of the simulated electrodes. However, this approach does not faithfully represent the continuous nature of the spiral ganglion. The proposed “SPIRAL” vocoder simulates current spread by mixing all envelopes across many tonal carriers. SPIRAL demonstrated that the classic finding of reduced speech-intelligibility benefit with additional electrodes could be due to current spread. SPIRAL produced lower speech reception thresholds than an equivalent noise vocoder. These thresholds are stable for between 20 and 160 carriers.
Acoustic occurrence detection of a newly recorded Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin population in waters southwest of Hainan Island, China
Authors: Dong Lijun , Liu Mingming , Dong Jianchen , Li Songhai
Published: November 2017

In 2014, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins were recorded for the first time in waters southwest of Hainan Island, China. In this paper, the temporal occurrence of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in this region was detected by stationary passive acoustic monitoring. During the 130-day observation period (from January to July 2016), 1969 click trains produced by Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins were identified, and 262 ten-minute recording bins contained echolocation click trains of dolphins, of which 70.9% were at night and 29.1% were during the day. A diurnal rhythm with a nighttime peak in acoustic detections was found. Passive acoustic detections indicated that the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins frequently occurred in this area and were detected mainly at night. This information may be relevant to conservation efforts for these dolphins in the near future.
‘Biased’ opioids could yield safer painrelief
Authors: Wadman Meredith
Published: November 2017

New compounds activate opioid receptor in a way that protects breathing
Full momentum- and energy-resolved spectral function of a 2D electronic system
Authors: Jang Joonho , Yoo Heun Mo , Pfeiffer L. N. , West K. W. , Baldwin K. W. , Ashoori Raymond C.
Published: November 2017

Delving deep into electronic properties

The spectral function of a material, which reflects the distribution of its electronic states as a function of momentum and energy, carries a wealth of information on its properties. However, measuring the spectral function directly is tricky, particularly in systems inaccessible to surface probes or in insulators. Jang
et al.
introduce a method dubbed momentum- and energy-resolved tunneling spectroscopy, in which electrons tunnel from a probe layer to unoccupied states in a target layer deep in a heterostructure. Because the momentum and energy of the electrons are tightly controlled, the measured tunneling probability is proportional to the spectral function of the target system.

Science
, this issue p.
901
Response to Comment on “The extent of forest in dryland biomes”
Authors: Bastin J.-F. , Mollicone D. , Grainger A. , Sparrow B. , Picard N. , Lowe A. , Castro R.
Published: November 2017

Griffith
et al
. do not question the quality of our analysis, but they question our results with respect to the definition of forest we employed. In our response, we explain why the differences we report result from a difference of technique and not of definition, and how anyone can adapt—as we did—our data set to any forest definition and tree cover threshold of interest.
The promise of plastics from plants
Authors: Hillmyer Marc A.
Published: November 2017

Plant-derived feedstocks are increasingly competitive in plastics production
Designed to degrade
Authors: Albertsson Ann-Christine , Hakkarainen Minna
Published: November 2017

Suitably designed degradable polymers can play a role in reducing plastic waste
AKAP95-mediated nuclear anchoring of PKA mediates cortisol-induced
PTGS2
expression in human amnion fibroblasts
Authors: Lu Jiangwen , Wang Wangsheng , Mi Yabing , Zhang Chuyue , Ying Hao , Wang Luyao , Wang Yawei , Myatt Leslie , Sun Kang
Published: November 2017

Nuclear signaling by the kinase PKA mediates activation of the transcription factor CREB in response to cortisol.
Papers of note in
Science Translational Medicine
9
(416)
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: November 2017

This week’s articles describe why pulmonary hypertension often arises with lung cancer; a way to interrupt the autoimmune response in type 1 diabetes; and a marker through which to screen patients for response to MSC therapy and risk for graft-versus-host disease.
Paper of note in
Science
358
(6365)
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: November 2017

This week’s article presents the structure of the NLRC4 inflammasome bound to ligand.
Community Composition and Ultrastructure of a Nitrate-Dependent Anaerobic Methane-Oxidizing Enrichment Culture
Authors: Gambelli Lavinia , Guerrero-Cruz Simon , Mesman Rob J. , Cremers Geert , Jetten Mike S. M. , Op den Camp Huub J. M. , Kartal Boran , Lueke Claudia , van Niftrik Laura
Published: November 2017

Methane is a very potent greenhouse gas and can be oxidized aerobically or anaerobically through microbe-mediated processes, thus decreasing methane emissions in the atmosphere. Using a complementary array of methods, including phylogenetic analysis, physiological experiments, and light and electron microscopy techniques (including electron tomography), we investigated the community composition and ultrastructure of a continuous bioreactor enrichment culture, in which anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) was coupled to nitrate reduction. A membrane bioreactor was seeded with AOM biomass and continuously fed with excess methane. After 150 days, the bioreactor reached a daily consumption of 10 mmol nitrate · liter
−1
· day
−1
. The biomass consisted of aggregates that were dominated by nitrate-dependent anaerobic methane-oxidizing “
Candidatus
Methanoperedens”-like archaea (40%) and nitrite-dependent anaerobic methane-oxidizing “
Candidatus
Methylomirabilis”-like bacteria (50%). The “
Ca
. Methanoperedens” spp. were identified by fluorescence
in situ
hybridization and immunogold localization of the methyl-coenzyme M reductase (Mcr) enzyme, which was located in the cytoplasm. The “
Ca
. Methanoperedens” sp. aggregates consisted of slightly irregular coccoid cells (∼1.5-μm diameter) which produced extruding tubular structures and putative cell-to-cell contacts among each other. “
Ca
. Methylomirabilis” sp. bacteria exhibited the polygonal cell shape typical of this genus. In AOM archaea and bacteria, cytochrome
c
proteins were localized in the cytoplasm and periplasm, respectively, by cytochrome staining. Our results indicate that AOM bacteria and archaea might work closely together in the process of anaerobic methane oxidation, as the bacteria depend on the archaea for nitrite. Future studies will be aimed at elucidating the function of the cell-to-cell interactions in nitrate-dependent AOM.

IMPORTANCE
Microorganisms performing nitrate- and nitrite-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation are important in both natural and man-made ecosystems, such as wastewater treatment plants. In both systems, complex microbial interactions take place that are largely unknown. Revealing these microbial interactions would enable us to understand how the oxidation of the important greenhouse gas methane occurs in nature and pave the way for the application of these microbes in wastewater treatment plants. Here, we elucidated the microbial composition, ultrastructure, and physiology of a nitrate-dependent AOM community of archaea and bacteria and describe the cell plan of “
Ca
. Methanoperedens”-like methanotrophic archaea.
Complete Mitochondrial Genome Sequence of the Human Neuroblastoma Cell Line 751-NA
Authors: Zhang Mao , Chen Jian-Long , Wang Peng-Cheng , Fu Chuan-Yi , Peng Hao
Published: November 2017

We report here for the first time the 16,566-bp mitochondrial genome sequence of the human neuroblastoma cell line 751-NA. The 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNAs, and 22 tRNAs are organized in a virtually identical fashion to a previously reported human mitochondrial genome, except that the 1,136-bp
d
-loop region is slightly variable between them.
Whole-Genome Shotgun Sequences of Three Multidrug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strains Isolated from Morocco
Authors: Lahlou Lamiaa , El Mrimar Nadia , Laamarti Meriem , Alouane Tarek , Bendahou Mohammed A. , Bssaibis Fatna , Ben Lahlou Yassine , Zegmout Adil , El Hafidi N. , ElJaoudi Rachid , Frikh Mohammed , Lemnouar Abdelhay , Elouennass Mostafa , Ibrahimi Azeddine
Published: November 2017

Tuberculosis is a contagious disease that usually attacks the lungs but sometimes attacks other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, glands, and bones. It is an endemic and major public health problem in Morocco. Tuberculosis is transmitted through the airways via the inhalation of microdroplets containing
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. We present here the whole-genome shotgun sequences of three multidrug-resistant
M. tuberculosis
strains isolated from Morocco.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Nonnodulating
Rhizobium
Species Isolated from
Agave americana
L. Rhizosphere
Authors: Ruíz-Valdiviezo Víctor Manuel , Rogel-Hernandez Marco Antonio , Guerrero Gabriela , Rincón-Molina Clara Ivette , García-Perez Luis Galdino , Gutiérrez-Miceli Federico Antonio , Villalobos-Maldonado Juan José , López-López Aline , Martinez-Romero Esperanza , Rincón-Rosales Reiner
Published: November 2017

We report here the complete genome sequence of
Rhizobium
sp. strain ACO-34A, isolated from
Agave americana
L. rhizosphere. No common
nod
genes were found, but there were
nif
genes for nitrogen fixing. A low average nucleotide identity to reported species supports its designation as a novel
Rhizobium
species that has a complete ribosomal operon in a plasmid.
Complete Genome Sequence of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii Isolated from the Gut of a Healthy Indian Adult
Authors: Bag Satyabrata , Ghosh Tarini Shankar , Das Bhabatosh
Published: November 2017

Faecalibacterium prausnitzii
is the most abundant (~4%) member of the phylum
Firmicutes
found in the colon of healthy humans. It is a strict anaerobe and plays an important role in intestinal homeostasis. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
F. prausnitzii
strain Indica.