bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INTERMEDIATED CORRUPTION
Authors: Dusha Elton
Published: July 2015

I model the role of intermediaries in corruption and examine the effects of policy on the level of intermediated corruption, price of permits, and welfare. Intermediaries with a history of being honest earn higher premiums. The frequency of corrupt transactions is inversely related to income levels. When the government increases the fraction of profits that it extracts from entrepreneurs, intermediation intensifies, as entrepreneurs are reluctant to obtain licenses through legal means. Therefore, when business costs are high, measures to combat corruption transfer value to intermediaries. Increasing the frequency of governments audits can increase the equilibrium price of permits.
Nutrient and functional properties of composite flours processed from pregelatinised barley, sprouted faba bean and carrot flours
Authors: Neme Kumera , Bultosa Geremew , Bussa Negussie
Published: July 2015

Mixture response surface methodology was used to study the effects of blending ratio (barley, faba bean and carrot) and faba bean sprout durations (1, 2 and 3 days) to improve nutrients and functional properties of bassoo (a traditional food in Ethiopia). Addition of sprouted and roasted faba bean and dried carrot flours significantly (P < 0.05) increased iron, zinc, total carotenoid (TC), water solubility index (WSI), water hydration capacity (WHC) and aw. Models generated were fitting with high coefficient of determination R2: 0.74, 0.94, 0.99, 0.99, 0.94, 0.94, 0.94, 0.96 and 0.99 for iron, zinc, TC, condensed tannin, ferric reducing power, aw, WAI, WSI and WHC, respectively. The study showed blending of pregelatinised barley, sprouted and roasted faba bean and dried carrots flours from 50% to 65%, 25% to 35% and 10% to 15%, respectively, led to achieve desired functional and nutritional quality studied.
Rheology and modelling of aqueous gum solutions commonly used in the food industry
Authors: Torres María D. , Vázquez‐Vila María J. , Pereira‐Gonçalvez Gerardo
Published: July 2015

Rheological properties of solutions prepared using xanthan (XG), locust bean (LBG) or sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) gums, and their binary mixtures were studied. The influence of shear rate, total gum content, measurement time and temperature on the apparent viscosity was investigated. In the binary mixtures, the presence of different gum ratios at several total gum content was also analysed. XG solutions were always the most stable, providing high viscosity values which rose notably with increasing gum content. XG/LBG and CMC/XG mixtures depicted high values of viscosity for very low gum amounts. Viscosity did not change with measurement time in mixtures containing XG, whereas varied with measurement temperature. This variation was lower for samples with larger total gum content. The viscosity was also modified when different gum ratios were tested. A mathematical model was proposed to evaluate the combined effect of temperature, concentration and shear rate on the apparent viscosity.
Individual and contextual antecedents of workplace aggression in aged care nurses and certified nursing assistants
Authors: Rodwell John , Demir Defne , Gulyas Andre
Published: July 2015

Employees in aged care are at high risk of workplace aggression. Research rarely examines the individual and contextual antecedents of aggression for specific types of workers within these settings, such as nurses and certified nursing assistants (CNAs). The study aimed to explore characteristics of the job demands‐resources model (JD‐R), negative affectivity (NA) and demographics related to workplace aggression for aged care workers. The survey study was based on 208 nurses and 83CNAs working within aged care. Data from each group were analysed separately using ordinal regressions. Both aged care nurses andCNAs reported high rates of bullying, external emotional abuse, threat of assault and physical assault. Elements of theJD‐Rmodel and individual characteristics were related to aggression types for both groups. Characteristics of theJD‐Rmodel,NAand demographics are important in understanding the antecedents of aggression observed among aged care workers.
Oxygen Ion Conduction in Bulk and Grain Boundaries of Nominally Donor‐Doped Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT): A Combined Impedance and Tracer Diffusion Study
Authors: Slouka Christoph , Holzlechner Gerald , Andrejs Lukas , Navickas Edvinas , Hutter Herbert , Fleig Jürgen
Published: July 2015

Oxygen ion conduction in Nd3+‐doped Pb(ZrxTi1−x)O3 (PZT) was investigated by impedance spectroscopy and 18O‐tracer diffusion with subsequent secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) analysis. Ion blocking electrodes lead to a second relaxation feature in impedance spectra at temperatures above 600°C. This allowed analysis of ionic and electronic partial conductivities. Between 600°C and 700°C those are in the same order of magnitude (10−5–10−4 S/cm) though very differently activated (2.4 eV vs. 1.2 eV for ions and electron holes, respectively). Oxygen tracer experiments showed that ion transport mainly takes place along grain boundaries with partly very high local ionic conductivities. Numerical analysis of the tracer profiles, including a near‐surface space charge zone, revealed bulk and grain‐boundary diffusion coefficients. Calculation of an effective ionic conductivity from these diffusion coefficients showed good agreement with conductivity values determined from impedance measurements. Based on these data oxygen vacancy concentrations in grain boundary and bulk could be estimated. Annealing at high temperatures caused a decrease in the grain‐boundary ionic conductivity and onset of additional defect chemical processes near the surface, most probably due to cation diffusion.
A molecular understanding of d‐homoestrone‐induced G2/M cell cycle arrest in HeLa human cervical carcinoma cells
Authors: Minorics Renáta , Bózsity Noémi , Molnár Judit , Wölfling János , Mernyák Erzsébet , Schneider Gyula , Ocsovszki Imre , Zupkó István
Published: July 2015

2‐Methoxyestradiol (ME), one of the most widely investigated A‐ring‐modified metabolites of estrone, exerts significant anticancer activity on numerous cancer cell lines. Its pharmacological actions, including cell cycle arrest, microtubule disruption and pro‐apoptotic activity, have already been described in detail. The currently tested d‐ring‐modified analogue of estrone, d‐homoestrone, selectively inhibits cervical cancer cell proliferation and induces a G2/M phase cell cycle blockade, resulting in the development of apoptosis. The question arose of whether the difference in the chemical structures of these analogues can influence the mechanism of anticancer action. The aim of the present study was therefore to elucidate the molecular contributors of intracellular processes induced by d‐homoestrone in HeLa cells. Apoptosis triggered by d‐homoestrone develops through activation of the intrinsic pathway, as demonstrated by determination of the activities of caspase‐8 and ‐9. It was revealed that d‐homoestrone‐treated HeLa cells are not able to enter mitosis because the cyclin‐dependent kinase 1‐cyclin B complex loses its activity, resulting in the decreased inactivation of stathmin and a concomitant disturbance of microtubule formation. However, unlike 2‐ME, d‐homoestrone does not exert a direct effect on tubulin polymerization. These results led to the conclusion that the d‐homoestrone‐triggered intracellular processes resulting in a cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HeLa cells differ from those in the case of 2‐ME. This may be regarded as an alternative mechanism of action among steroidal anticancer compounds.
The blood‐stained nappy
Authors: Morris Scott Adam , Brecht Marcus , Meyer Lizzie
Published: July 2015

See Answer
Effect of gestational age and blood glucose on C‐peptide excretion rate and clearance in neonates
Authors: Salis Emma R , Soelbeck Mikkel K , Reith David M , Wheeler Benjamin J , Broadbent Roland S , Medlicott Natalie J
Published: July 2015

Aims

The aim of this study was to measure urinary C‐peptide concentrations, and then calculate C‐peptide clearance (Cl), and excretion rate (UER) in neonates. In addition, the effect of gestational age (GA) and blood glucose levels (BGL) on C‐peptide UER were investigated.

Methods

Insulin concentrations in plasma and C‐peptide concentrations were measured in plasma and urine, in 20 neonates. Chemiluminescent immunoassays were used for insulin and C‐peptide measurements, with urine diluted to 40% with bovine serum albumin 1% in phosphate buffered saline. Urine volume and time of collection were recorded and used to calculate UER and Cl.

Results

The mean Cl of C‐peptide was 0.309 ± 0.329 mL/min/kg, and UER was 0.0329 ± 0.0342 pmol/min/kg. Correlations between Cl or UER and GA were not significant (P > 0.05). No significant correlation was shown between Cl or UER and BGL (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Both Cl and UER were highly variable in neonates, but were not correlated with GA. Additionally, BGL did not appear to affect C‐peptide UER and Cl. As GA and BGL did not appear to affect Cl and UER, urinary C‐peptide may provide a non‐invasive method of measuring insulin production in neonates.
Retrospective assessment of caries experience among US Naval Academy midshipmen
Authors: Stratmeyer Matthew S. , Diefenderfer Kim E. , Leiendecker Thomas M.
Published: July 2015

Objective

To assess the 4‐year caries incidence among US Naval Academy midshipmen.

Methods

Dental records (n = 300) from a total population of 1,016 midshipmen from the 2011 graduating class at US Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD, were randomly selected for review. Patients were assigned a caries risk status based on the number of caries lesions recorded at initial examination (low = 0 lesions; moderate = 1‐2 lesions; high = 3+ lesions). For each risk category, caries prevalence (DMFS, DMFT) and caries incidence were calculated based on findings recorded at the initial (E1), third year (E2), and fourth year (E3) examinations. The most significant predictors for caries incidence were determined for each risk category.

Results

Mean DMFS and DMFT were significantly different for each risk group at each examination (low < moderate < high; one‐way ANOVA, P < 0.05). Within each caries risk category, mean DMFS and DMFT increased significantly from E1 to E3 (repeated measures ANOVA, all P < 0.05). Compared with low‐risk patients, total caries incidence was over 2× greater for moderate‐risk and nearly 4× greater for high‐risk patients (one‐way ANOVA, P < 0.05). “Filled surfaces” was the most significant predictor for caries incidence among low‐risk patients; among high‐risk and all risk groups combined, the most significant predictors were “decayed surfaces” and “decayed surfaces plus incipient surfaces” (linear regression; all P < 0.047).

Conclusions

Caries experience was consistently greater for moderate‐ and high‐risk patients at all examinations. The magnitude of increase in caries experience was greater for moderate‐ and high‐risk patients. Caries history and current disease status reliably predict future caries experience in this young adult population.
The Electronic Pillory: Social Time and Hostility Toward Capital Murderers
Authors: Phillips Scott , Cooney Mark
Published: July 2015

In early modern Europe, popular hostility toward criminals could be expressed through the use of the pillory (a device in which offenders were restrained and publicly displayed). Modern electronic communications have facilitated the emergence of contemporary versions of the pillory. One such example is prodeathpenalty.com, a Web site created by supporters of capital punishment that permits members to post comments about particular executions. Most such comments are markedly hostile toward the convicted offender. But is the hostility random or patterned? A new theory by Donald Black predicts that hostility will increase with changes in social space, or the movement of social time. Testing Black's theory, we find that the number of online comments hostile to the killer and supportive of the execution increases with the degree to which the murder was a movement of relational, vertical, and cultural time. Moving beyond the electronic pillory, we argue that Black's theory has much to offer to law and society scholars.
A novel technique for bedside anorectal manometry in humans
Authors: Bharucha A. E. , Stroetz R. , Feuerhak K. , Szarka L. A. , Zinsmeister A. R.
Published: July 2015

Background

Currently, anorectal manometry (ARM), which is used to diagnose defecatory disorders and identify anal weakness in fecal incontinence (FI) is generally conducted in specialized laboratories. Our aims were to compare anorectal functions measured with high‐resolution manometry (HRM) and a novel portable manometry device.

Methods

Anal pressures at rest, during squeeze, and simulated evacuation, and rectal sensation were evaluated with portable and HRM in 20 healthy women, 19 women with constipation, and 11 with FI. The relationship between anal pressures measured with portable and HRM was assessed by the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), Bland Altman test, and paired t‐tests.

Key Results

Anal pressures at rest (CCC 0.45; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.58) and during squeeze (CCC 0.60; 95% CI: 0.46, 0.72) measured with portable and HRM were correlated and inversely associated with the risk of FI. During simulated evacuation, the CCC for rectal pressure (0.62; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.76) was greater than that for anal pressure (CCC 0.22; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.39) and the rectoanal gradient (CCC 0.22; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.41). Rectal sensory thresholds for first sensation, the desire to defecate, and urgency measured by portable and HRM were also significantly correlated between techniques. For several parameters, differences between portable and HRM were statistically significant and the Bland Altman test was positive.

Conclusions & Inferences

Anorectal pressures and rectal sensation can be conveniently measured by portable manometry and are significantly correlated with high‐resolution manometry.
Development of sofosbuvir for the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Lawitz Eric , Jacobson Ira M. , Nelson David R. , Zeuzem Stefan , Sulkowski Mark S. , Esteban Rafael , Brainard Diana , McNally John , Symonds William T. , McHutchison John G. , Dieterich Douglas , Gane Edward
Published: July 2015

The nucleotide analog NS5B polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2013 for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in combination with ribavirin or peginterferon and ribavirin. Sofosbuvir was developed to meet an urgent medical need for shorter, safer, simplified, more effective HCV treatment regimens and to reduce or eliminate the need for peginterferon. New treatment regimens were especially required for patient populations with limited treatment options, including patients who had failed prior HCV therapy, those with compensated and decompensated cirrhosis, and those who were either intolerant of or had contraindications to interferon. Sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for patients with genotype 2 or 3 HCV infection was the first approved all‐oral treatment option. Sofosbuvir is also the backbone of the first regimen available for patients awaiting liver transplantation to prevent HCV recurrence, as well as the first oral interferon‐free regimen for patients coinfected with HCV and HIV. This paper describes the development of sofosbuvir up to its original FDA approval.
Severe combined immunodeficiency—an update
Authors: Cirillo Emilia , Giardino Giuliana , Gallo Vera , D'Assante Roberta , Grasso Fiorentino , Romano Roberta , Lillo Cristina Di , Galasso Giovanni , Pignata Claudio
Published: July 2015

Severe combined immunodeficiencies (SCIDs) are a group of inherited disorders responsible for severe dysfunctions of the immune system. These diseases are life‐threatening when the diagnosis is made too late; they are the most severe forms of primary immunodeficiency. SCID patients often die during the first two years of life if appropriate treatments to reconstitute their immune system are not undertaken. Conventionally, SCIDs are classified according either to the main pathway affected by the molecular defect or on the basis of the specific immunologic phenotype that reflects the stage where the blockage occurs during the differentiation process. However, during the last few years many new causative gene alterations have been associated with unusual clinical and immunological phenotypes. Many of these novel forms of SCID also show extra‐hematopoietic alterations, leading to complex phenotypes characterized by a functional impairment of several organs, which may lead to a considerable delay in the diagnosis. Here we review the biological and clinical features of SCIDs paying particular attention to the most recently identified forms and to their unusual or extra‐immunological clinical features.
The Fear‐avoidance Components Scale (FACS): Development and Psychometric Evaluation of a New Measure of Pain‐related Fear Avoidance
Authors: Neblett Randy , Mayer Tom G. , Hartzell Meredith M. , Williams Mark J. , Gatchel Robert J.
Published: July 2015

Pain‐related fear avoidance (FA), a common problem for patients with painful medical conditions, involves pain‐related catastrophizing cognitions, hypervigilance, and avoidance behaviors, which can ultimately lead to decreased functioning, depression, and disability. Several patient‐reported instruments have been developed to measure FA, but they have been criticized for limited construct validity, inadequate item specificity, lack of cutoff scores, and missing important FA components. The Fear‐Avoidance Components Scale (FACS) is a new patient‐reported measure designed to comprehensively evaluate FA in patients with painful medical conditions. It combines important components of FA found in prior FA scales, while trying to correct some of their deficiencies, within a framework of the most current FA model. Psychometric evaluation of the FACS found high internal consistency (α = 0.92) and high test/retest reliability (r = 0.90–0.94, P < 0.01). FACS scores differentiated between 2 separate chronic pain patient samples and a nonpatient comparison group. When clinically relevant severity levels were created, FACS severity scores were highly associated with FA‐related patient‐reported psychosocial and objective lifting performance variables. These results suggest that the FACS is a psychometrically strong and reliable measure that can help healthcare providers assess FA‐related barriers to function and recovery.
Embolism spread in the primary xylem of Polystichum munitum: implications for water transport during seasonal drought
Authors: Brodersen Craig R. , Rico Christopher , Guenni Orlando , Pittermann Jarmila
Published: July 2015

Xylem network structure and function have been characterized for many woody plants, but less is known about fern xylem, particularly in species endemic to climates where water is a limiting resource for months at a time. We characterized seasonal variability in soil moisture and frond water status in a common perennial fern in the redwood understory of a costal California, and then investigated the consequences of drought‐induced embolism on vascular function. Seasonal variability in air temperature and soil water content was minimal, and frond water potential declined slowly over the observational period. Our data show that Polystichum munitum was protected from significant drought‐induced hydraulic dysfunction during this growing season because of a combination of cavitation resistant conduits (Air‐seeding threshold (ASP) = −1.53 MPa; xylem pressure inducing 50% loss of hydraulic conductivity (P50) = −3.02 MPa) and a soil with low moisture variability. High resolution micro‐computed tomography (MicroCT) imaging revealed patterns of embolism formation in vivo for the first time in ferns providing insight into the functional status of the xylem network under drought conditions. Together with stomatal conductance measurements, these data suggest that P. munitum is adapted to tolerate drier conditions than what was observed during the growing season.
Recent progress in melasma pathogenesis
Authors: Lee Ai‐Young
Published: July 2015

Melasma is a common skin pigmentation condition. Given therapeutic difficulty as one of the biggest concerns, understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of melasma becomes essential. UV irradiation, female sex hormones, and inflammatory processes are addressed as triggering factors with genetic predisposition. The mechanism of UV‐induced melanogenesis has been extensively investigated as a model system to study melasma pathogenesis. Hitherto, treatment modalities for melasma are similar to other hyperpigmentation disorders. However, individual triggering factors induce a separate pigmentation disease, whose pathogenic mechanisms and clinical phenotypes are different from the ones encountered in melasma. Fortunately, there have been ongoing updates on melasma pathogenesis with regard to major triggering factors. Presence of certain factors working independently of UV exposure and role of dermal factors and microRNAs are being identified as novel discoveries about melasma pathogenesis. In this review, the melasma pathogenesis is reviewed in association with updated and new findings.
Pediatric Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: Experience of a Tertiary Burn Center
Authors: Rizzo Julie A. , Johnson Rebekah , Cartie Richard J.
Published: July 2015

Background

Pediatric toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare and potentially fatal skin disease with a multitude of causative factors and no consensus on treatment guidelines and, as a result, it has a variety of short‐ and long‐term outcomes. We present the experience of a large specialty burn center to share our diagnostic and treatment principles.

Methods

A retrospective review from 1989 to 2010 at the Joseph M. Still Burn Center was performed to find patients with a diagnosis of Steven–Johnson syndrome (SJS) or TEN. Information was obtained on demographic and physiologic parameters such as age, race, total body surface area involved, treatments, hospital stay, and need for ventilator support.

Results

We identified SJS or TEN in 21 patients. Prescription drugs were the most common etiology (in 15 patients), with antibiotics as the most common causative agent. Histology confirmed the clinical diagnosis of TEN in 14 patients. Our treatment plan included a multidisciplinary team, early initiation of intravenous immunoglobulin, bronchoscopy, strict management of electrolyte and fluid balances, and meticulous surgical wound care. Mortality was 9.5%.

Conclusion

Our experience in treating this rare but devastating disease affords us the opportunity to share the diagnostic dilemmas we faced and the treatment principles we used to treat this unique patient population successfully.
Successful treatment of secondary graft failure following unrelated cord blood transplant with hematopoietic growth factors in a pediatric patient with Fanconi anemia
Authors: Buchbinder David , Hsieh Loan , Mahajerin Arash , Puthenveetil Geetha , Soni Amit , Nugent Diane
Published: July 2015

Graft failure following allogeneic HCT in Fanconi anemia is associated with significant mortality. Retransplantation may be considered; however, the limited toxicity profile of HGFs also makes them an option for the treatment of graft failure. We describe a five‐yr‐old female diagnosed with Fanconi anemia and marrow failure treated with HCT. The course was complicated by secondary graft failure treated successfully with HGFs including G‐CSF, EPO, and romiplostim. The outcome could be related to the intervention, but could also be the natural course of recovery, including recovering from a recent CMV infection treated with ganciclovir. We found the use of HGFs to be an effective and safe alternative to the potential complications as well as morbidity and mortality associated with the use of retransplantation.
The western segment of the suture between the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks: constraints from inherited and co‐magmatic zircons from Permian S‐type granitoids in Guangxi, South China
Authors: Qiao Long , Wang Qingfei , Li Chusi
Published: July 2015

The location of the suture between the Yangtze craton and the Cathaysia block is uncertain in the west. Three proposed locations for the western segment of the suture all go through Guangxi but are up to ~150 km apart. Inherited zircon crystals from the Darongshan Permian S‐type granitoid plutons, which are derived from the lower crust and occur north of the southernmost location for the suture, yield U–Pb ages with a major peak at ~960 Ma. The εHf(t) values of the inherited zircons with ages around the major peak vary from +6.4 to −23.4. The age distribution and Hf isotope variations of the inherited zircons are remarkably similar to those of Precambrian detrital zircon crystals from the western Cathaysia block but strikingly different from those of Precambrian detrital zircon crystals from the Yangtze craton. These results indicate that the western part of the suture is situated to the north of the Darongshan granitoid belt.
RADIOGRAPHIC AND ANATOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF DORSAL HOOF WALL LAYERS IN NONlAMINITIC HORSES
Authors: Goulet Catherine , Olive Julien , Rossier Yves , Beauchamp Guy
Published: July 2015

Early radiographic diagnosis of acute laminitis is important for treatment planning and prognosis in horses. While four histopathologic layers make up the hoof wall, only two layers are distinguished on digital radiographs of horses’ hooves. Objectives of this descriptive study were to determine which macroscopic layers correspond to the two radiographically visible layers, and to describe radiographic layer measurements in a group of clinically sound Warmblood horses. Twelve ex vivo equine hooves were examined at three different levels of the dorsal hoof wall. The four macroscopic layers were variably grouped and compared with radiographic layers. Stratum externum and stratum medium represented the superficial radiographic layer while stratum internum and dermis parietis represented the deep layer. In 27 clinically sound horses (54 thoracic feet), the superficial radiographic layer represented 64.3% ± 3.6% of the total dorsal hoof wall. Findings from this study provided baseline information for future studies of horses with acute laminitis.
Choked Gas Flow at Pore-Scale and Its Implications to Production From High-Pressure Gas Wells
Authors: Yuan Jing , Ping Chen Kang
Published: July 2015

Production from a high-pressure gas well at a high production rate encounters the risk of wellbore tensile failure when the pressure gradient of the averaged gas flow becomes large. At the pore-scale, however, when flow in just one pore is choked, gas pressure gradient at the point of choking becomes singular, leading to an unbounded average of the pressure gradient. This study investigates the choking condition for compressible gas flow in a single pore. It is found that wellbore tensile failure can occur at a much lower inlet-to-outlet pressure ratio than predicted from the macroscopic theory of porous medium flow.
Off-Nominal Component Performance in a Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Brayton Cycle
Authors: Clementoni Eric M. , Cox Timothy L. , King Martha A.
Published: July 2015

Bechtel Marine Propulsion Corporation (BMPC) is testing a supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) Brayton system at the Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory. The integrated system test (IST) is a simple recuperated closed Brayton cycle with a variable-speed turbine-driven compressor and a constant-speed turbine-driven generator using sCO2 as the working fluid designed to output 100 kWe. The main focus of the IST is to demonstrate operational, control, and performance characteristics of an sCO2 Brayton power cycle over a wide range of conditions. Therefore, the IST was designed to operate in a configuration and at conditions that support demonstrating the controllability of the closed sCO2 Brayton cycle. Operating at high system efficiency and meeting a specified efficiency target are not requirements of the IST. However, efficiency is a primary driver for many commercial applications of sCO2 power cycles. This paper uses operational data to evaluate component off-nominal performance and predict that design system operation would be achievable.
Global and Local Hydrodynamic Stability Analysis as a Tool for Combustor Dynamics Modeling
Authors: Paredes Pedro , Terhaar Steffen , Oberleithner Kilian , Theofilis Vassilis , Oliver Paschereit Christian
Published: July 2015

Coherent flow structures in shear flows are generated by instabilities intrinsic to the hydrodynamic field. In a combustion environment, these structures may interact with the flame and cause unsteady heat release rate fluctuations. Prediction and modeling of these structures are thereby highly wanted for thermo-acoustic prediction models. In this work, we apply hydrodynamic linear stability analysis to the time-averaged flow field of swirl-stabilized combustors obtained from experiments. Recent fundamental investigations have shown that the linear eigenmodes of the mean flow accurately represent the growth and saturation of the coherent structures. In this work, biglobal and local stability analyses are applied to the reacting flow in an industry-relevant combustion system. Both the local and the biglobal analyses accurately predict the onset and structure of a self-excited global instability that is known in the combustion community as a precessing vortex core (PVC). However, only the global analysis accurately predicts a globally stable flow field for the case without the oscillation, while the local analysis wrongly predicts an unstable global growth rate. The predicted spatial distribution of the amplitude functions using both analyses agrees very well to the experimentally identified global mode. The presented tools are considered as very promising for the understanding of the PVC and physics based flow control.
Effect of Roughness on Frictional Energy Dissipation in Presliding Contacts
Authors: Patil Deepak B. , Eriten Melih
Published: July 2015

A finite element model (FEM) is used to investigate the effect of roughness on the frictional energy dissipation for an elastic contact subjected to simultaneous normal and tangential oscillations. Frictional energy losses are correlated against the maximum tangential load as a power-law where the exponents show the degree of nonlinearity. Individual asperity is shown to undergo similar stick–slip cycles during a loading period. Taller asperities are found to contribute significantly to the total energy dissipation and dominate the trends in the total energy dissipation. The authors' observations for spherical contacts are extended to the rough surface contact, which shows that power-law exponent depends on stick durations individual asperity contacts experience. A theoretical model for energy dissipation is then validated with the FEM, for both spherical and rough surface contacts. The model is used to study the influence of roughness parameters (asperity density, height distribution, and fractal dimension) on magnitude of energy dissipation and power-law exponents. Roughness parameters do not influence the power-law exponents. For a phase difference of π/2 between normal and tangential oscillations, the frictional energy dissipation shows quadratic dependence on the tangential fluctuation amplitude, irrespective of the roughness parameters. The magnitude of energy dissipation is governed by the real area of contact and, hence, depends on the surface roughness parameters. Larger real area of contact results in more energy under similar loading conditions.
Different surface sensing of the cell body and nucleus in healthy primary cells and in a cancerous cell line on nanogrooves
Authors: Davidson Patricia M. , Bigerelle Maxence , Reiter Günter , Anselme Karine
Published: July 2015

Cancer cells are known to have alterations compared to healthy cells, but can these differences extend to the way cells interact with their environment? Here, the authors focused on the alignment on an array of grooves of nanometer depth using two cell types: healthy osteoprogenitor primary cells (HOP) and a cancerous osteosarcoma (SaOs-2) cell line. Another concern was how this alignment affects the cell's interior, namely, the nucleus. Based on the results, it is proposed that these two cell types respond to different size regimes: SaOs-2 cells are more sensitive to shallow grooves while HOP cells are strongly aligned with deep grooves. As a measure of the impact of cell alignment on the nucleus the orientation and elongation of the nucleus were determined. Compared to HOP cells, the cell nucleus of SaOs-2 cells is more aligned and elongated in response to grooves, suggesting a softer nucleus and/or increased force transmission. These results support the hypothesis that cancer cells have reduced nucleus rigidity compared to healthy ones and further indicate differences in sensing, which may be important during metastasis.
Theoretical investigation of an in situ k-restore process for damaged ultra-low-k materials based on plasma enhanced fragmentation
Authors: Förster Anja , Wagner Christian , Gemming Sibylle , Schuster Jörg
Published: July 2015

The authors present theoretical investigations of a k-restore process for damaged porous ultra-low-k (ULK) materials. The process is based on plasma enhanced fragmented silylation precursors to replace k-value damaging, polar Si-OH and Si-H bonds by k-value lowering Si-CH3 bonds. The authors employ density functional theory to determine the favored fragments of silylation precursors and show the successful repair of damaged bonds on our model system. This model system consists of a small set of ULK-fragments, which represent various damaged states of ULK materials. Our approach provides a fast scanning method for a wide variety of possible repair reactions. Further, the authors show that oxygen containing fragments are required to repair Si-H bonds and fragments with dangling Si-bonds are most effective to repair polar Si-OH bonds.
Virulence Factor Genes Detected in the Complete Genome Sequence of Corynebacterium uterequi DSM 45634, Isolated from the Uterus of a Maiden Mare
Authors: Rückert Christian , Kriete Martin , Jaenicke Sebastian , Winkler Anika , Tauch Andreas
Published: July 2015

The complete genome sequence of the type strain
Corynebacterium uterequi
DSM 45634 from an equine urogenital tract specimen comprises 2,419,437 bp and 2,163 protein-coding genes. Candidate virulence factors are homologs of DIP0733, DIP1281, and DIP1621 from
Corynebacterium diphtheriae
and of sialidase precursors from
Trueperella pyogenes
and
Chlamydia trachomatis
.
Characterization and Sequencing of a Genotype XII Newcastle Disease Virus Isolated from a Peacock (
Pavo cristatus
) in Peru
Authors: Chumbe Ana , Izquierdo-Lara Ray , Tataje-Lavanda Luis , Figueroa Aling , Segovia Karen , Gonzalez Rosa , Cribillero Giovana , Montalvan Angela , Fernández-Díaz Manolo , Icochea Eliana
Published: July 2015

Here, we report the first complete sequence and biological characterization of a Newcastle disease virus (NDV) isolated from a peacock in South America (NDV/peacock/Peru/2011). This isolate, classified as genotype XII in class II, highlights the need for increased surveillance of noncommercial avian species.
Draft Genome Sequence of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Strain D92/09
Authors: Da Silva Santos Ana Carolina , Rodrigues Josias
Published: July 2015

Escherichia coli
is suspected to be involved with Crohn's disease. Adherence and invasion to epithelial cells are properties commonly observed in these bacteria. Here, we present a draft genome sequence of
E. coli
D92/09, a multidrug-resistant strain, which besides showing these properties produces Shiga cytotoxin-1 and possibly other toxins.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Bacteriocin-Producing Bradyrhizobium japonicum Strain FN1
Authors: Kohlmeier MacLean G. , Yudistira Harry , Zhang Xiang Li , Fristensky Brian , Levin David B. , Sparling Richard , Oresnik Ivan J.
Published: July 2015

Bradyrhizobium japonicum
strain FN1 was found to produce bacteriocin-like zones of clearing when tested against other strains of bradyrhizbia. The genome was sequenced, and several putative bacteriocin-producing genes, in addition to the expected genes involved in nodulation and nitrogen fixation, were identified.
Draft Genome Sequence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strain NCIM3186 Used in the Production of Bioethanol from Sweet Sorghum
Authors: Sravanthi Goud Burragoni , Ulaganathan Kandasamy
Published: July 2015

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
strain NCIM3186 used in bioethanol production from sweet sorghum. The size of the genome is approximately 11.9 Mb and contains 5,347 protein-coding genes.
Draft Genome Sequences of Five Pseudomonas fluorescens Subclade I and II Strains, Isolated from Human Respiratory Samples
Authors: Scales Brittan S. , Erb-Downward John R. , LiPuma John J. , Huffnagle Gary B.
Published: July 2015

We report the draft genomes of five
Pseudomonas fluorescens
strains, isolated from clinical samples. Phylogenetic analysis places three in subclade I and two in subclade II of the
P. fluorescens
species complex. The average G+C content and genomic size are 63% and 7.1 Mbp (subclade I) and 59.6% and 6.14 Mbp (subclade II), respectively.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Lactobacillus agilis Strain Marseille
Authors: Drissi Fatima , Labas Noémie , Merhej Vicky , Raoult Didier
Published: July 2015

We report the draft genome sequence of
Lactobacillus agilis
strain Marseille, isolated from stool samples of a child suffering from kwashiorkor. This strain can use two metabolic pathways allowing the assimilation of glucose and xylose. Here, we present the first draft genome of the
Lactobacillus agilis
species.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Lactobacillus mucosae Strain Marseille
Authors: Drissi Fatima , Merhej Vicky , Blanc-Tailleur Caroline , Raoult Didier
Published: July 2015

Lactobacillus mucosae
strain Marseille, isolated from stool samples of a child suffering from a malnutrition disorder called Kwashiorkor, produces bacteriocin and seems to have specific carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms different from those of other
Lactobacillus
organisms. The draft genome sequence of this strain is presented here.
Isolation, Identification, Whole-Genome Sequencing, and Annotation of Four
Bacillus
Species, B. anthracis RIT375,
B. circulans
RIT379,
B. altitudinis
RIT380, and B. megaterium RIT381, from Internal Stem Tissue of the Insulin Plant
Costus igneus
Authors: Polter Steven J. , Caraballo Alexander A. , Lee Yin P. , Eng Wilhelm W. H. , Gan Han M. , Wheatley Matthew S. , Savka Michael A. , Thomas Bolaji N. , Hudson André O.
Published: July 2015

Here, we report the isolation, identification, whole-genome sequencing, and annotation of four
Bacillus
species from internal stem tissue of the insulin plant
Costus igneus
, grown in Puerto Rico. The plant is of medicinal importance, as extracts from its leaves have been shown to lower blood sugar levels of hyperglycemic rats.
Draft Genome Sequences of Human-Pathogenic Escherichia coli O26:H11 Strains Carrying the
stx
2
Gene Only and Circulating in France
Authors: Delannoy Sabine , Mariani-Kurkdjian Patricia , Bonacorsi Stephane , Liguori Sandrine , Ison Sarah A. , Fach Patrick
Published: July 2015

Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) O26:H11 is one of the most frequent pathogens associated with diarrhea and hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). In this report, we present the draft genome sequences of seven strains of STEC O26:H11 carrying the
stx
2a
or stx
2d
gene only and isolated in France from HUS patients.
First Insights into the Genome of
Fructobacillus
sp. EFB-N1, Isolated from Honey Bee Larva Infected with European Foulbrood
Authors: Djukic Marvin , Daniel Rolf , Poehlein Anja
Published: July 2015

European foulbrood is a worldwide disease affecting the honey bee brood. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Fructobacillus
sp. EFB-N1, which was isolated from an infected honey bee larva derived from a Swiss European foulbrood outbreak. The genome consists of 68 contigs and harbors 1,629 predicted protein-encoding genes.
Epithelial–myoepithelial carcinoma of lacrimal gland from an ex pleomorphic adenoma
Authors: Venkatesulu Bhanu Prasad , Pathy Sushmita , Vallonthaiel Archana George , Chawla Bhavna
Published: July 2015

A 47-year-old man with a history of recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the right lacrimal gland presented with rapid onset of a swelling in the right orbit. Initial imaging with CT showed that the swelling was grossly involving the extraocular muscles. Hence we had a suspicion of malignant transformation, so a radical approach in the form of right orbital exenteration with anterior skull base resection and temporalis muscle reconstruction was taken. Postoperative histology revealed epithelial–myoepithelial carcinoma, with immunopositivity for epithelial and myoepithelial components. Adjuvant radiation of 60 Gy was given with three-dimensional CT-based planning. This case portrays the importance of adjuvant treatment in recurrent pleomorphic adenoma and chance of malignant transformation in rare histologies.
Making a difference
Authors: Walter Hayley
Published: July 2015

Hayley Walters worked in mixed practice for 10 years but then realised she wanted to make more of a difference to animals' lives. She joined Animals Asia, and began a new career in animal welfare. This year, she won the ‘Vet Nurse of the Year’ category in the Ceva Animal Welfare Awards
Explanation of tension-side notch design provisions for glulam in CSA Standard 086-14
Authors: Smith Ian , Meleki Kiwelu Henry , Weckendorf Jan
Published: July 2015

Traditionally unreinforced tension-side notches at supports of glued-laminated-timber (glulam) bending members have been designed in Canada assuming shear capacity is reduced in proportion to the square of the residual depth ratio. The origin of that practice lies in World War II era studies in the USA on solid wood members. More recent research in Canada, US, and Europe has focussed on application of linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) methods to such problems, reflecting that such approaches can account for effects of variables other than notch depth ratio. Canadian wood design code CSA Standard 086 “Engineering Design in Wood” first capitalized on availability of LEFM approaches in 1994 by adopting such a method for design of sawn lumber members with tension-side notches at supports. The same was not done then for glulam members because of paucity of supporting test data. That gap has now been filled and the 2014 edition of CSA Standard 086 employs consistent LEFM based design approaches for both sawn lumber and glulam members with tension-side notches. New provisions for glulam recognize influences that notch length and shape, and how laminations in members are fabricated have on member capacities. Discussion here addresses the logic that underpins the new glulam provisions and how application of those provisions impacts design solutions. Overall impact of the new design provisions is to discourage use of relatively large tension-side notches at supports of larger glulam bending members, while not discouraging use of notches in smaller glulam members.
Cylindrically symmetric models of gravitational collapse to black holes: A short review
Authors: Mena Filipe C.
Published: July 2015

We survey results about exact cylindrically symmetric models of gravitational collapse in General Relativity. We focus on models which result from the matching of two spacetimes having collapsing interiors which develop trapped surfaces and vacuum exteriors containing gravitational waves. We collect some theorems from the literature which help to decide a priori about eventual spacetime matchings. We revise, in more detail, some toy models which include some of the main mathematical and physical issues that arise in this context, and compute the gravitational energy flux through the matching boundary of a particular collapsing region. Along the way, we point out several interesting open problems.
Optimal systolic inequalities on Finsler Möbius bands
Authors: Sabourau Stéphane , Yassine Zeina
Published: July 2015

We prove optimal systolic inequalities on Finsler Möbius bands relating the systole and the height of the Möbius band to its Holmes–Thompson volume. We also establish an optimal systolic inequality for Finsler Klein bottles of revolution, which we conjecture to hold true for arbitrary Finsler metrics. Extremal metric families both on the Möbius band and the Klein bottle are also presented.
Idiosyncratic Volatility of Small Public Firms and Entrepreneurial Risk
Authors: Brown David P. , Ferreira Miguel A.
Published: July 2015

The average idiosyncratic volatility of small public firms is a positive predictor of future stock returns. This is true for returns of both large and small firms. We consider several economic arguments for this result, including a liquidity premium, and we rule out all but one of them. Our evidence supports the entrepreneurial risk hypothesis, which states that small firms’ idiosyncratic risk is a proxy for risk faced by private business owners, who also happen to be significant shareholders of stock. Expected returns are increasing functions of entrepreneurial risk, and therefore returns are predictable using proxies for this risk, which include small-firm idiosyncratic volatility.
miR-124 Regulates the Epithelial-Restricted with Serine Box/Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Signaling Axis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Manchao , Piao Longzhu , Datta Jharna , Lang James C. , Xie Xiujie , Teknos Theodoros N. , Mapp Anna K. , Pan Quintin
Published: July 2015

Epithelial-restricted with serine box (ESX), a member of the ETS transcription factor family, is elevated and regulates EGFR in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the molecular mechanisms that contribute to ESX dysregulation remain to be elucidated. In this study, in silico analysis of the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) of ESX predicted two miR-124–binding sites. Delivery of miR-124 inhibited the 3′UTR ESX-driven reporter activity by 50% (P < 0.05) confirming ESX as a direct target of miR-124. Loss of miR-124 was found to be a frequent event in HNSCC. miR-124 expression was significantly depleted in the primary tumor compared with matched normal tissue in 100% (12/12) of HNSCC patients; relative mean miR-124 expression of 0.01197 and 0.00118 (P < 0.001, n = 12) in matched normal adjacent tissue and primary HNSCC tumor, respectively. Overexpression of miR-124 decreased ESX and EGFR levels in miR-124low/ESXhigh/EGFRhigh SCC15 HNSCC cells and reduced cell invasion, migration, proliferation, and colony formation. SCC15 cells with miR-124 restoration were less tumorigenic in vivo than miR-control SCC15 cells (70% inhibition, P < 0.01). Restoration of miR-124 in SCC15 cells enhanced the antiproliferative efficacy of the EGFR/Her2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Furthermore, recapitulation of EGFR in miR-124–overexpressing SCC15 cells was sufficient to completely block the antiproliferative effects of lapatinib and afatinib. Taken together, our work provides intriguing evidence that miR-124 is a novel therapeutic approach to reduce ESX/EGFR, and may be a tractable strategy to enhance the response rate of HNSCC patients to current anti-EGFR/Her2 therapies. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(10); 2313–20. ©2015 AACR.