bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-channel pitch/yaw missile autopilot design using arbitrary order sliding modes based pole placement
Authors: Kada B.
Published: February 2016

The paper presents a new missile autopilot system design. The design is achieved through the pole-placement in quasi-continuous high-order sliding mode gains adjustment. Enhanced performance, strong robustness and smooth control are obtained through arbitrary increase of the number of non-oscillatory stable poles. The target application of this technique the two-channel pitch/yaw missile autopilot system is considered. Numerical simulations indicate that the arbitrary-order sliding modes based pole placement’s performance compares favourably against recently proposed high-order pole placement schemes.

The proposed arbitrary-order pole placement scheme presents a promising design tool for finite-time stabilisation and control of uncertain multivariable systems.
Optimum design of a PID controller for the adaptive torsion wing
Authors: Bourchak M. , Ajaj R. M. , Flores E. I. Saavedra , Khalid M. , Juhany K. A.
Published: February 2016

This paper presents the optimum design of a PID controller for the Adaptive Torsion Wing (ATW) using the genetic algorithm (GA) optimiser. The ATW is a thin-wall, two-spar wingbox whose torsional stiffness can be adjusted by translating the spar webs in the chordwise direction inward and towards each. The reduction in torsional stiffness allows external aerodynamic loads to deform the wing and maintain its shape. The ATW is integrated within the wing of a representative UAV to replace conventional ailerons and provide roll control. The ATW is modelled as a two-dimensional equivalent aerofoil using bending and torsion shape functions to express the equations of motion in terms of the twist angle and plunge displacement at the wingtip. The full equations of motion for the ATW equivalent aerofoil were derived using Lagrangian mechanics. The aerodynamic lift and moment acting on the aerofoil were modelled using Theodorsen’s unsteady aerodynamic theory. The equations of motion are then linearised around an equilibrium position and the GA is employed to design a PID controller for the linearised system to minimise the actuation power require. Finally, the sizing and selection of a suitable actuator is performed.
DLR natural and hybrid transonic laminar wing design incorporating new methodologies
Authors: Streit T. , Wedler S. , Kruse M.
Published: February 2016

In the present work natural laminar flow (NLF) and hybrid laminar flow (HLF) wing designs are presented which were obtained by combining new methodologies with experience and knowledge obtained with traditional laminar wing design methods. The NLF wing design is performed for wing-body configurations with backward swept wing (BSW) and forward swept wing (FSW). Initial aerofoil sections were obtained by using a new sectional conical wing method which allows the design of transonic wing sections, taking into account the effects of sweep and taper for the computational cost of a 2D method. Except for flow regions with strong 3D influence, wings constructed with these aerofoils showed an acceptably large region with laminar boundary layer and small shocks at design and specified off-design conditions. For regions close to the body and the tip a 3D inverse design method was further required. For the BSW case, due to cross flow a premature transition occurred. Therefore, a HLF panel was required to obtain a larger laminar region. A suction distribution was obtained using the suction distribution module of the automated target pressure generator (ATPG). This generator optimises the pressure distributions in terms of minimising drag while keeping certain boundary conditions constant, e.g. lift and momentum. Using the ATPG, the laminar extent of the BSW NLF design could be further improved for the inboard wing. With the new methodologies design work was reduced. They lead to a design with reserves that allow for acceptable off-design performance qualities by keeping the wing laminar over a wide range of flight conditions.
Distributed propulsion and ultra-high by-pass rotor study at aircraft level
Authors: Isikveren A. T. , Seitz A. , Bijewitz J. , Mirzoyan A. , Isyanov A. , Grenon R. , Atinault O. , Godard J.-L. , Stückl S.
Published: February 2016

This technical article discusses design and integration associated with distributed propulsion as a means of providing motive power with significantly reduced emissions and external noise for future aircraft concepts. The technical work reflects activities performed within a European Commission funded Framework 7 project entitled Distributed Propulsion and Ultra-high By-Pass Rotor Study at Aircraft Level, or, DisPURSAL. In this instance, the approach of distributed propulsion includes a Distributed Multiple-Fans Concept driven by a limited number of engine cores as well as one unique solution that integrates the fuselage with a single propulsor (dubbed Propulsive-Fuselage Concept) – both targeting entry-in-service year 2035+. Compared to a state-of-the-art, year 2000 reference aircraft, designs with tighter coupling between airframe aerodynamics and motive power system performance for medium-to-long-range operations indicated potentially a 40-45% reduction in CO2-emissions. An evolutionary, year 2035, conventional morphology gas-turbine aircraft was predicted to be –33% in CO2-emissions.
Character and interface shear strength of accreted ice on subcooled surfaces submerged in fuel
Authors: Lam J. K.-W. , Lao L. , Hammond D. W. , Power J. P.
Published: February 2016

Sudden release of accreted ice in fuel systems could pose a serious challenge in aircraft operation. The resultant snowshower may reach the filter and fuel-oil heat exchanger, causing a restriction in fuel flow to the engine. It is fundamental to have an appreciation of the character and the interface shear strength of the accreted ice in aircraft fuel systems. This helps to recognise factors for the sudden release of the accreted ice and the intensity of the consequential snowshower. An experimental study was carried out to quantify the character and the interface shear strength of accreted ice on subcooled surfaces submerged in jet fuel. Ice was accreted on naked aluminium, painted aluminium and carbon fibre composite surfaces at various subcooled temperatures. The accreted ice was akin to fresh snow and exhibited soft and fluffy attributes. The character may be expressed quantitatively in terms of the porosity and was found to be c. 0·95. The ice weakly adhered to the substrate surfaces, and the interface shear strength was found to be c. 0·36Pa and c. 2·19Pa at the top surface and at the vertical surface of a specimen block, respectively. It was not possible to detect any variation in the porosity and the interface shear strength for different types of surface finishes and differences in water affnity in fuels due to the crude approach in the estimation of these parameters.
Possibility-Based Multidisciplinary Optimisation For Electric-Powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Design
Authors: Nguyen N. V. , Lee J.-W. , Tyan M. , Lee D.
Published: February 2016

This paper describes a possibility-based multidisciplinary optimisation for electric-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) design. An in-house integrated UAV (iUAV) analysis program that uses an electric-powered motor was developed and validated by a Predator A configuration for aerodynamics, weight, and performance parameters. An electric-powered propulsion system was proposed to replace a piston engine and fuel with an electric motor, power controllers, and battery from an eco-system point of view. Moreover, an in-house Possibility-Based Design Optimisation (iPBDO) solver was researched and developed to effectively handle uncertainty variables and parameters and to further shift constraints into a feasible design space. A sensitivity analysis was performed to reduce the dimensions of design variables and the computational load during the iPBDO process. Maximising the electric-powered UAV endurance while solving the iPBDO yields more conservative, but more reliable, optimal UAV configuration results than the traditional deterministic optimisation approach. A high fidelity analysis was used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the process by verifying the accuracy of the optimal electric-powered UAV configuration at two possibility index values and a baseline.
Kinematic analysis of rock flow and deformation temperature of the Sirjan thrust sheet, Zagros Orogen, Iran
Authors: SARKARINEJAD KHALIL , KESHAVARZ SAEEDE , FAGHIH ALI , SAMANI BABAK
Published: February 2016

Microstructural, finite strain and vorticity analyses of quartz-rich mylonites were used in order to investigate kinematics of rock flow and deformation temperature in the Sirjan thrust sheet exposed in a structural window within the Sanandaj–Sirjan High Pressure – Low Temperature (HP–LT) metamorphic belt that forms part of the hinterland of the Zagros orogenic belt of Iran. A dominant top-to-the-SW sense of shear in the study area is indicated by several shear sense indicators such as asymmetric boudins, rotated porphyroclasts, mica fish and S/C fabrics. Quantitative analyses reveal approximately plane strain deformation conditions with Rxz values ranging from 2.5 to 4.3 and increasing towards the Sirjan thrust. Opening angles of quartz c-axis fabrics and recrystallization regimes suggest deformation temperatures vary from 430 to 625 ± 50°C in the hanging wall rocks. Oblique grain shape and quartz c-axis fabrics were used to estimate the degree of non-coaxiality during deformation. The obtained vorticity profile indicates a down-section increase in kinematic vorticity number (Wm) from 0.6 to 0.89. This range of vorticity numbers confirms contributions of both simple (41–68 %) and pure shear (32–59 %) deformation components. The structural characteristics of the study area ultimately were controlled by oblique motion of the Afro-Arabian plate relative to the Iranian plate.
Digital Geological Model (DGM): a 3D raster model of the subsurface of the Netherlands
Authors: Gunnink J.L. , Maljers D. , van Gessel S.F. , Menkovic A. , Hummelman H.J.
Published: February 2016

A 3D geological raster model has been constructed of the onshore of the Netherlands. The model displays geological units for the upper 500 m in 3D in an internally consistent way. The units are based on the lithostratigraphical classification of the Netherlands. This classification is used to interpret a selection of boreholes from the national subsurface database. Additional geological information regarding faults, the areal extent of each unit and conceptual genetic models have been combined in an automated workflow to interpolate the basal surfaces of each unit on 100 × 100 metre (x,y dimensions) raster cells. The combination of all interpolated basal surfaces results in a 3D Digital Geological Model (DGM) of the subsurface. A measure of uncertainty of each of these surfaces is also given. The automated workflow ensures an easily updatable subsurface model. The outputs are available for end users throughwww.dinoloket.nl.
Crafting Colonial Anxieties: Silk and the Salvation Army in British India,circa1900–1920
Authors: LALLY JAGJEET
Published: February 2016

In the early twentieth century, the Salvation Army in British India transformed its public profile and standing, shifting from being an organization seen by the state as a threat to social order, to being partner to the state in the delivery of social welfare programmes. At the same time, the Army also shaped discussion and anxieties about the precarious position of India's economy and sought to intervene on behalf of the state—or to present itself as doing so—in the rescue of India's traditional industries. The Army was an important actor in debates about the future of traditional industries such as silkworm rearing and silk weaving, and was able to mobilize public opinion to press provincial governments for resources with which to try to resuscitate and rejuvenate India's silk industry. Although the Army's sericulture initiatives failed to thwart the decline of India's silk industry, they generated significant momentum, publicity, and public attention, to some extent transforming the Army's standing in British India and beyond.
Robert Gwyn and Robert Persons: Welsh and English Perspectives on Attendance at Anglican Service
Authors: January-McCann James
Published: February 2016

This article compares and contrasts the 1580 texts A briefe discours contayning certayne reasons why Catholiques refuse to goe to Church by Robert Persons, and Gwssanaeth y Gwŷr Newydd by Robert Gwyn. Both books deal with church papism, and were written whilst the authors were in Rome together. Despite the simi-larity of theme, and the fact that the two most likely consulted each other about the work, many significant differences remain between the two texts. This article seeks to discuss these differences, and to assess what conclusions can be inferred from them as to the relative conditions of English and Welsh Catholicism, and the effect that this had on the authors’ work.
The basal ganglia within a cognitive system in birds and mammals
Authors: Petkov Christopher I. , Jarvis Erich D.
Published: February 2016

The primate basal ganglia are fundamental to Ackermann et al.'s proposal. However, primates and rodents are models for human cognitive functions involving basal ganglia circuits, and links between striatal function and vocal communication come from songbirds. We suggest that the proposal is better integrated in cognitive and/or motor theories on spoken language origins and with more analogous nonhuman animal models.
World Englishes or English as a Lingua Franca: Where does English in China stand?
Authors: Fang Fan (Gabriel)
Published: February 2016

As the English language spreads and functions as an international language, scholars have been investigating some of the ideological issues behind the function and use of English in various contexts, and have pondered the future status of this global language. From early research of World Englishes (WE) the legitimacy of post-colonial Englishes, or ‘New Englishes’, as they have been termed, has emerged in scholars’ discussions (Platt, Weber & Ho, 1984; Kachru, 1985, 1992). Some have argued that the research on WE envisages the varieties of English in the outer circle contexts, such as the varieties of English spoken in Singapore, Nigeria, and India, and that people have used those varieties of English to exhibit their own identities (Kachru, 1992; Kachru & Nelson, 2006). Therefore, WE has created ‘new paradigms and perspectives for linguistic and pedagogical research and for understanding the linguistic creativity in multilingual situations across cultures’ (Kachru, 1985: 30).
Does tropical forest fragmentation affect plant anti-herbivore defensive and nutritional traits?
Authors: Ruiz-Guerra Betsabé , Guevara Roger , Velázquez-Rosas Noé , Dirzo Rodolfo
Published: February 2016

Leaf traits of tropical tree species are known to operate as intrinsic determinants of insect herbivory. However, we know little about how habitat fragmentation affects these traits and what, if any, are the consequences of this process on herbivory. We tested the effects of forest fragmentation on the leaf traits of sapling of four light-demanding species: Acalypha diversifolia, Hampea nutricia, Myriocarpa longipes, Siparuna thecaphora, and two shade-tolerant species: Pseudolmedia glabrata and Garcinia intermedia, in Los Tuxtlas, Mexico. We also conducted an acceptability assay with a generalist herbivore Spodoptera frugiperda. Plant traits did not change with forest fragmentation, but did with plant regeneration mode and species identity. Light-demanding species had significantly higher water content, nitrogen concentration and specific leaf area than shade-tolerant species. The latter had significantly higher leaf strength, carbon concentration and carbon:nitrogen ratio. Acceptability was affected by fragmentation but only in P. glabrata; plant tissue from forest fragments was consumed 2.6 times more than that from continuous forest. We conclude that forest fragmentation did not affect leaf traits in this site.
Social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities: the impact of place of residence
Authors: McConkey Roy , Sinclair Marlene , Walsh-Gallagher Dympna
Published: February 2016

Objectives: People with intellectual disabilities are increasingly living in more domestic style accommodation, either in housing provided within a specialised campus setting or in ordinary houses in community settings. The main objective of the study was to determine if the extent of residents' involvement with their families and with the local community varied when they resided in campus settings (n = 55) or community housing (n = 51) and to investigate the main predictors of this involvement.

Method: With the resident's permission, their key-workers – mainly nurses – completed standard questionnaires that covered resident characteristics, contact with families and a range of life experiences.

Results: Although the type of accommodation did have a significant effect on residents' social inclusion in families and communities, the best predictor of this was the individual's level of dependency in personal self-care. Those who were more dependent tended to be more excluded.

Conclusions: Staff working with more dependent residents need to proactively promote their social inclusion although this could be harder to achieve for those living in campus style settings.
An Historical Perspective on Doctrine and Discipline in the Church of England
Authors: Rowell Geoffrey
Published: February 2016

Doctrinal discipline is a necessary concomitant of ministerial accountability and ecclesial integrity. When there is division in the Church the consequence of that division is expressed in articles or confessions of faith which, in the words of the Declaration of Assent, indicate how that Church ‘bears witness’ to the Christian Gospel and the faith once delivered to the saints.
The comparative role of echocardiography and MRI for identifying critical lesions in patients with single-ventricle physiology, before bidirectional cavopulmonary connection
Authors: Krupickova Sylvia , Quail Michael A. , Yates Robert , Gebauer Roman , Hughes Marina , Marek Jan
Published: February 2016

Background

In the era of multi-modality imaging, this study compared contemporary, pre-operative echocardiography and cardiac MRI in predicting the need for intervention on additional lesions before surgical bidirectional cavopulmonary connection.

Methods

A total of 72 patients undergoing bidirectional cavopulmonary connection for single-ventricle palliation between 2007 and 2012, who underwent pre-operative assessment using both echocardiography and MRI, were included. The pre-determined outcome measure was any additional surgical or catheter-based intervention within 6 months of bidirectional cavopulmonary connection. Indices assessed were as follows: indexed dimensions of right and left pulmonary arteries, coarctation of the aorta, adequacy of interatrial communication, and degree of atrioventricular valve regurgitation.

Results

Median age at bidirectional cavopulmonary connection was 160 days (interquartile range 121–284). The following MRI parameters predicted intervention: Z score for right pulmonary artery (odds ratio 1.77 (95% confidence interval 1.12–2.79, p=0.014)) and left pulmonary artery dimensions (odds ratio 1.45 (1.04–2.00, p=0.027)) and left pulmonary artery report conclusion (odds ratio 1.57 (1.06–2.33)). The magnetic resonance report predicted aortic arch intervention (odds ratio 11.5 (3.5–37.7, p=0.00006)). The need for atrioventricular valve repair was associated only with magnetic resonance regurgitation fraction score (odds ratio 22.4 (1.7–295.1, p=0.018)). Echocardiography assessment was superior to MRI for predicting intervention on interatrial septum (odds ratio 27.7 (6.3–121.6, p=0.00001)).

Conclusion

For branch pulmonary arteries, aortic arch, and atrioventricular valve regurgitation, MRI parameters more reliably predict the need for intervention; however, echocardiography more accurately identified the adequacy of interatrial communication. Approaching bidirectional cavopulmonary connection, the diagnostic strengths of MRI and echocardiography should be acknowledged when considering intervention.
Future Humanitarian Crises: Challenges for Practice, Policy, and Public Health
Authors: Burkle Frederick M.
Published: February 2016

After more than three decades of preoccupation with wars and internal political conflicts, the humanitarian community has the opportunity to re-evaluate what humanitarian crises will dominate both policy and practice in the future. In reality, these crises are already active and some are over the tipping point of recovery. These crises share the common thread of being major public health emergencies which, with a preponderance of excess or indirect mortality and morbidity dominating the consequences, requires new approaches, including unprecedented improvements and alterations in education, training, research, strategic planning, and policy and treaty agendas. Unfortunately, political solutions offered up to date are nation-state centric and miss opportunities to provide what must be global solutions. Public health, redefined as the infra-structure and systems necessary to allow communities, urban settings, and nation-states to provide physical and social protections to their populations has become an essential element of all disciplines from medicine, engineering, law, social sciences, and economics. Public health, which must be recognized as a strategic and security issue should take precedence over politics at every level, not be driven by political motives, and be globally monitored.
Prior Exposure to Major Flooding Increases Individual Preparedness in High-Risk Populations
Authors: Coulston J.E. , Deeny P.
Published: February 2016

Introduction:

July 2007 brought unprecedented levels of flooding to the United Kingdom. Health and financial implications were vast and still are emerging. Hydrological disasters will increase in frequency. Therefore, individual preparedness is paramount, as it may mitigate some of the devastating impacts of flooding. Literature on individual preparedness for flooding is scarce, so it is key that current levels of awareness, information gathering, and protective behaviors are investigated. It also is not clear whether being in a high-risk area or having recent exposure to flooding are motivational factors for preparedness.

Objectives:

The objectives of this study were to: (1) ascertain whether prior experience with flooding is a strong motivational factor for preparedness for future flooding episodes; and (2) assess preparedness in populations at high risk for flooding.

Methods:

A prospective questionnaire survey was sent to individuals living in two towns in the United Kingdom, Monmouth and Tewkesbury. Both towns are deemed to be at significant risk for flooding, and Tewkesbury was severely affected by the July 2007 flooding disaster. Data were obtained from these two populations and analyzed.

Results:

A total of 125 responses (of 200) were returned, and demographic data indicated no major differences between the two populations. The number of protective behaviors was higher from participants from Tewksbury (flood risk and exposure; p = 0.004). Participants from Tewkesbury were more likely to be aware of living in a flood-risk area and of the emergency systems present in the area, and feel prepared for future episodes of major flooding (p = 0.03, p = 0.005).

Awareness of living in a flood risk-area increased the likelihood of being knowledgeable about emergency systems and adopting protective behaviors (p = 0.0053, p = 0.043). However, feeling prepared for future episodes of flooding was not associated with a strong increase in knowledge gained to prepare for flooding or having an increased number of protective behaviors.

Conclusions:

Awareness of being at-risk for flooding is vital for self-protective behavior. Both awareness of risk and recent exposure are motivational for flood preparedness. Recent exposure to flooding increases awareness, but it is unknown how long this effect will last. Recent exposure increases the preparedness of individuals for major flooding 18 months after major flooding and, if it continues, will help mitigate the devastating health, financial, and social effects of major flooding.
Health-Related Quality of Life and Its Relationship to Neurological Outcome in Child Survivors of Stroke
Authors: Friefeld Sharon , Yeboah Ophelia , Jones Janalynn E. , deVeber Gabrielle
Published: February 2016

Background:Ischemic stroke during infancy and childhood has the potential to result in neurological impairments and affect a child's ability to function at home, school, and play. There are limited data on the effect of ischemic stroke on quality of life (QOL) of child survivors of ischemic stroke.

Objective:To examine parent and child perspectives on QOL and examine factors that correlate with reduced QOL for child survivors of stroke.

Methods:A prospective single-center cohort design was used. Participants included children 2–18 years of age surviving ischemic stroke. The Pediatric Quality of Life 4.0 Generic Inventory Scale (PedsQL) parent proxy -report (2–18 years of age) and child self-report (5–18 years of age) were completed by participants. Scores were compared with standardized normative data of healthy children and those with chronic medical conditions. Neurological deficits were measured with the Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure, a standardized evaluation for children. The relationships between stroke type, neurological deficit, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) were examined.

Results:We assessed the QOL in 84 children with arterial ischemic stroke and 16 with cerebral sinovenous thrombosis at a mean age of 8.4 (4.12) years; 4.4 (2.93) years after their stroke. Results showed that both the parent-proxy and child self-report HRQOL scores were significantly reduced (P<.01) compared with normative data of healthy children. Of greatest concern for both parents and children was the effect of stroke on school, followed by its impact on emotional and social functions. In contrast to other studies, scores in physical domain were better than those in the psychosocial domain. Multivariate analysis showed that of neurological deficits after stroke was a significant predictor of poor HRQOL (P<. 05). The children with poor neurological recovery had the lowest mean PedsQL scores and their QOL was significantly poorer compared with normative data of children with chronic health, conditions (ie, diabetes, cancer).

Conclusion:The PedsQL appears to be a promising assessment tool of HRQOL for children following stroke. Both parent and child perspectives should be included because of the potential for there to be significant differences in perspectives. Although severity of neurological outcome is a significant predictor of reduced HRQOL, it accounted for a small proportion of variance in QOL scores. Further research is required to delineate other factors that are significant predictors of outcome.
Factors Impacting the Selection of Antidepressant Treatment in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder at Risk for Nonadherence
Authors: Shelton Charles
Published: February 2016

Treatment with the newer generation antidepressants is considered generally effective for most patients with major depressive disorder when taken in accordance with treatment guidelines. However, multiple clinical studies have demonstrated that rates of patient adherence to antidepressants are inadequate, specifically with regard to long-term maintenance treatment. Tolerability issues associated with antidepressants can increase the risk for patient nonadherence and result in subsequent relapse of depressive symptoms. Comorbid symptoms of anxiety also influence psychiatrists' choice of antidepressants for patients with depression. Physicians can improve long-term patient outcomes for patients with major depressive disorder by considering the possibility of drug-drug interactions before prescribing a specific antidepressant.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT IN THE EYES OF THE ALLIES
Authors: Cullinane Michael Patrick
Published: February 2016

As Woodrow Wilson traveled across the Atlantic to negotiate the peace after World War I, Theodore Roosevelt died in Long Island. His passing launched a wave of commemoration in the United States that did not go unrivaled in Europe. Favorable tributes inundated the European press and coursed through the rhetoric of political speeches. This article examines the sentiment of Allied nations toward Roosevelt and argues that his posthumous image came to symbolize American intervention in the war and, subsequently, the reservations with the Treaty of Versailles, both endearing positions to the Allies that fueled tributes. Historians have long depicted Woodrow Wilson's arrival in Europe as the most celebrated reception of an American visitor, but Roosevelt's death and memory shared equal pomp in 1919 and endured long after Wilson departed. Observing this epochal moment in world history from the unique perspective of Roosevelt's passing extends the already intricate view of transnational relations.
DID THE UNITED STATES SCARE THE EUROPEANS? THE PROPAGANDA ABOUT THE “AMERICAN DANGER” IN EUROPE AROUND 1900
Authors: Marin Séverine Antigone
Published: February 2016

During a brief period—1898 to 1907—the “American danger” proved a powerful slogan in Europe. Propaganda campaigns were launched that targeted the new ambitions of the emerging economic power. Historians have studied this episode but only as one among many examples of anti-Americanism embedded in European intellectual traditions. This paper insists on the distinctive character of this episode. It refutes the notion of anti-Americanism as the explanation most relevant to this episode and even questions the possibility of opposing Europe to the United States at a time of constant transnational circulation inside the “Atlantic world.” Disputing the idea that a common fear of American superiority united Europeans, the study reveals how people in England, France, and Germany used the “American danger” to put forward their own ideas of the national interest, which explains why the theme did not meet with the same success in each of these countries. Finally, the author offers the hypothesis that the “American danger” was less the expression of fear—as the Yellow Peril could be—and more a rallying cry for economic circles motivated by defense of their sectional interests and by a desire for national union in a time of deep political division.
Die Entwicklung eines Sets von aufwandrelevanten Pflege­indikatoren für die Schweizer Pflegepraxis
Authors: Kleinknecht-Dolf Michael , Baumberger Dieter , Jucker Thomas , Kliem Uwe , Zimmermann Natalie , Spirig Rebecca
Published: February 2016

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Es ist bekannt, dass das SwissDRG-Tarifsystem den Pflegeaufwand nicht ausreichend berücksichtigt, weil seine Grouperkriterien die Variabilität des Pflegeaufwands innerhalb der DRG-Fallgruppen zu wenig erklären. Um eine angemessene Vergütung und Ressourcen-Allokation zu erreichen, muss der Pflegeaufwand eindeutig quantifiziert und abgebildet werden können. Ziel des vorliegenden Projekts war, ein Set aufwandrelevanter Pflegeindikatoren zu erarbeiten, von denen angenommen werden kann, dass sie in Ergänzung zu den bisherigen SwissDRG-Kriterien die Varianz des Pflegeaufwands innerhalb einzelner Fallgruppen reduzieren. Methode: Das Vorgehen umfasste verschiedene Methoden. Eine systematische Literaturrecherche, Beiträge eines Fachbeirates und Expertengremiums sowie drei Fokusgruppeninterviews mit Pflegefachpersonen und Abteilungsleitenden bildeten die Grundlage für die anschließende Synthese der aus diesen Quellen gewonnen Daten und Informationen. Ergebnisse: Ein Set von 14 aufwandrelevanten Pflegeindikatoren wurde entwickelt. Von diesen wird angenommen, dass sie die Homogenität des Pflegeaufwands in den SwissDRG-Fallgruppen verbessern können. Bevor diese Pflegeindikatoren als Grouperkriterium eingesetzt werden können, müssen sie in einer SwissDRG-konformen Weise formalisiert und empirisch geprüft werden. Schlussfolgerung: Das vorliegende Indikatorenset ist ein erster Schritt in die Richtung einer angemessenen Abbildung des Pflegeaufwands in SwissDRG-Fallgruppen. Als nächstes muss die Herausforderung bewältigt werden, dieses in eine kodierbare Form zu operationalisieren.
MicroRNA-222 regulates muscle alternative splicing through Rbm24 during differentiation of skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Cardinali B , Cappella M , Provenzano C , Garcia-Manteiga J M , Lazarevic D , Cittaro D , Martelli F , Falcone G
Published: February 2016

A number of microRNAs have been shown to regulate skeletal muscle development and differentiation. MicroRNA-222 is downregulated during myogenic differentiation and its overexpression leads to alteration of muscle differentiation process and specialized structures. By using RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) pulldown followed by RNA sequencing, combined with in silico microRNA target prediction, we have identified two new targets of microRNA-222 involved in the regulation of myogenic differentiation, Ahnak and Rbm24. Specifically, the RNA-binding protein Rbm24 is a major regulator of muscle-specific alternative splicing and its downregulation by microRNA-222 results in defective exon inclusion impairing the production of muscle-specific isoforms of Coro6, Fxr1 and NACA transcripts. Reconstitution of normal levels of Rbm24 in cells overexpressing microRNA-222 rescues muscle-specific splicing. In conclusion, we have identified a new function of microRNA-222 leading to alteration of myogenic differentiation at the level of alternative splicing, and we provide evidence that this effect is mediated by Rbm24 protein.
A monoclonal antibody against KCNK9 K+ channel extracellular domain inhibits tumour growth and metastasis
Authors: Sun Han , Luo Liqun , Lal Bachchu , Ma Xinrong , Chen Lieping , Hann Christine L. , Fulton Amy M. , Leahy Daniel J. , Laterra John , Li Min
Published: February 2016

Two-pore domain potassium (K2P) channels act to maintain cell resting membrane potential—a prerequisite for many biological processes. KCNK9, a member of K2P family, is implicated in cancer, owing to its overexpression in human tumours and its ability to promote neoplastic cell survival and growth. However, KCNK9’s underlying contributions to malignancy remain elusive due to the absence of specific modulators. Here we describe the development of monoclonal antibodies against the KCNK9 extracellular domain and their functional effects. We show that one antibody (Y4) with the highest affinity binding induces channel internalization. The addition of Y4 to KCNK9-expressing carcinoma cells reduces cell viability and increases cell death. Systemic administration of Y4 effectively inhibits growth of human lung cancer xenografts and murine breast cancer metastasis in mice. Evidence for Y4-mediated carcinoma cell autonomous and immune-dependent cytotoxicity is presented. Our study reveals that antibody-based KCNK9 targeting is a promising therapeutic strategy in KCNK9-expressing malignancies.
Temperature-feedback upconversion nanocomposite for accurate photothermal therapy at facile temperature
Authors: Zhu Xingjun , Feng Wei , Chang Jian , Tan Yan-Wen , Li Jiachang , Chen Min , Sun Yun , Li Fuyou
Published: February 2016

Photothermal therapy (PTT) at present, following the temperature definition for conventional thermal therapy, usually keeps the temperature of lesions at 42–45 °C or even higher. Such high temperature kills cancer cells but also increases the damage of normal tissues near lesions through heat conduction and thus brings about more side effects and inhibits therapeutic accuracy. Here we use temperature-feedback upconversion nanoparticle combined with photothermal material for real-time monitoring of microscopic temperature in PTT. We observe that microscopic temperature of photothermal material upon illumination is high enough to kill cancer cells when the temperature of lesions is still low enough to prevent damage to normal tissue. On the basis of the above phenomenon, we further realize high spatial resolution photothermal ablation of labelled tumour with minimal damage to normal tissues in vivo. Our work points to a method for investigating photothermal properties at nanoscale, and for the development of new generation of PTT strategy.
VAMP7 regulates constitutive membrane incorporation of the cold-activated channel TRPM8
Authors: Ghosh Debapriya , Pinto Silvia , Danglot Lydia , Vandewauw Ine , Segal Andrei , Van Ranst Nele , Benoit Melissa , Janssens Annelies , Vennekens Rudi , Vanden Berghe Pieter , Galli Thierry , Vriens Joris , Voets Thomas
Published: February 2016

The cation channel TRPM8 plays a central role in the somatosensory system, as a key sensor of innocuously cold temperatures and cooling agents. Although increased functional expression of TRPM8 has been implicated in various forms of pathological cold hypersensitivity, little is known about the cellular and molecular mechanisms that determine TRPM8 abundance at the plasma membrane. Here we demonstrate constitutive transport of TRPM8 towards the plasma membrane in atypical, non-acidic transport vesicles that contain lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1), and provide evidence that vesicle-associated membrane protein 7 (VAMP7) mediates fusion of these vesicles with the plasma membrane. In line herewith, VAMP7-deficient mice exhibit reduced functional expression of TRPM8 in sensory neurons and concomitant deficits in cold avoidance and icilin-induced cold hypersensitivity. Our results uncover a cellular pathway that controls functional plasma membrane incorporation of a temperature-sensitive TRP channel, and thus regulates thermosensitivity in vivo.
Open access resources for genome-wide association mapping in rice
Authors: McCouch Susan R. , Wright Mark H. , Tung Chih-Wei , Maron Lyza G. , McNally Kenneth L. , Fitzgerald Melissa , Singh Namrata , DeClerck Genevieve , Agosto-Perez Francisco , Korniliev Pavel , Greenberg Anthony J. , Naredo Ma. Elizabeth B. , Mercado Sheila Mae Q. , Harrington Sandra E. , Shi Yuxin , Branchini Darcy A. , Kuser-Falcão Paula R. , Leung Hei , Ebana Kowaru , Yano Masahiro , Eizenga Georgia , McClung Anna , Mezey Jason
Published: February 2016

Increasing food production is essential to meet the demands of a growing human population, with its rising income levels and nutritional expectations. To address the demand, plant breeders seek new sources of genetic variation to enhance the productivity, sustainability and resilience of crop varieties. Here we launch a high-resolution, open-access research platform to facilitate genome-wide association mapping in rice, a staple food crop. The platform provides an immortal collection of diverse germplasm, a high-density single-nucleotide polymorphism data set tailored for gene discovery, well-documented analytical strategies, and a suite of bioinformatics resources to facilitate biological interpretation. Using grain length, we demonstrate the power and resolution of our new high-density rice array, the accompanying genotypic data set, and an expanded diversity panel for detecting major and minor effect QTLs and subpopulation-specific alleles, with immediate implications for rice improvement.
A role for diatom-like silicon transporters in calcifying coccolithophores
Authors: Durak Grażyna M. , Taylor Alison R. , Walker Charlotte E. , Probert Ian , de Vargas Colomban , Audic Stephane , Schroeder Declan , Brownlee Colin , Wheeler Glen L.
Published: February 2016

Biomineralization by marine phytoplankton, such as the silicifying diatoms and calcifying coccolithophores, plays an important role in carbon and nutrient cycling in the oceans. Silicification and calcification are distinct cellular processes with no known common mechanisms. It is thought that coccolithophores are able to outcompete diatoms in Si-depleted waters, which can contribute to the formation of coccolithophore blooms. Here we show that an expanded family of diatom-like silicon transporters (SITs) are present in both silicifying and calcifying haptophyte phytoplankton, including some globally important coccolithophores. Si is required for calcification in these coccolithophores, indicating that Si uptake contributes to the very different forms of biomineralization in diatoms and coccolithophores. Significantly, SITs and the requirement for Si are absent from highly abundant bloom-forming coccolithophores, such asEmiliania huxleyi. These very different requirements for Si in coccolithophores are likely to have major influence on their competitive interactions with diatoms and other siliceous phytoplankton.
Quantum electric-dipole liquid on a triangular lattice
Authors: Shen Shi-Peng , Wu Jia-Chuan , Song Jun-Da , Sun Xue-Feng , Yang Yi-Feng , Chai Yi-Sheng , Shang Da-Shan , Wang Shou-Guo , Scott James F. , Sun Young
Published: February 2016

Geometric frustration and quantum fluctuations may prohibit the formation of long-range ordering even at the lowest temperature, and therefore liquid-like ground states could be expected. A good example is the quantum spin liquid in frustrated magnets. Geometric frustration and quantum fluctuations can happen beyond magnetic systems. Here we propose that quantum electric-dipole liquids, analogues of quantum spin liquids, could emerge in frustrated dielectrics where antiferroelectrically coupled electric dipoles reside on a triangular lattice. The quantum paraelectric hexaferrite BaFe12O19 with geometric frustration represents a promising candidate for the proposed electric-dipole liquid. We present a series of experimental lines of evidence, including dielectric permittivity, heat capacity and thermal conductivity measured down to 66 mK, to reveal the existence of an unusual liquid-like quantum phase in BaFe12O19, characterized by itinerant low-energy excitations with a small gap. The possible quantum liquids of electric dipoles in frustrated dielectrics open up a fresh playground for fundamental physics.
Structure of the poly-C9 component of the complement membrane attack complex
Authors: Dudkina Natalya V. , Spicer Bradley A. , Reboul Cyril F. , Conroy Paul J. , Lukoyanova Natalya , Elmlund Hans , Law Ruby H. P. , Ekkel Susan M. , Kondos Stephanie C. , Goode Robert J. A. , Ramm Georg , Whisstock James C. , Saibil Helen R. , Dunstone Michelle A.
Published: February 2016

The membrane attack complex (MAC)/perforin-like protein complement component 9 (C9) is the major component of the MAC, a multi-protein complex that forms pores in the membrane of target pathogens. In contrast to homologous proteins such as perforin and the cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDCs), all of which require the membrane for oligomerisation, C9 assembles directly onto the nascent MAC from solution. However, the molecular mechanism of MAC assembly remains to be understood. Here we present the 8 Å cryo-EM structure of a soluble form of the poly-C9 component of the MAC. These data reveal a 22-fold symmetrical arrangement of C9 molecules that yield an 88-strand pore-forming β-barrel. The N-terminal thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) domain forms an unexpectedly extensive part of the oligomerisation interface, thus likely facilitating solution-based assembly. These TSP1 interactions may also explain how additional C9 subunits can be recruited to the growing MAC subsequent to membrane insertion.
Activating frataxin expression by repeat-targeted nucleic acids
Authors: Li Liande , Matsui Masayuki , Corey David R.
Published: February 2016

Friedreich’s ataxia is an incurable genetic disorder caused by a mutant expansion of the trinucleotide GAA within an intronic FXN RNA. This expansion leads to reduced expression of frataxin (FXN) protein and evidence suggests that transcriptional repression is caused by an R-loop that forms between the expanded repeat RNA and complementary genomic DNA. Synthetic agents that increase levels of FXN protein might alleviate the disease. We demonstrate that introducing anti-GAA duplex RNAs or single-stranded locked nucleic acids into patient-derived cells increases FXN protein expression to levels similar to analogous wild-type cells. Our data are significant because synthetic nucleic acids that target GAA repeats can be lead compounds for restoring curative FXN levels. More broadly, our results demonstrate that interfering with R-loop formation can trigger gene activation and reveal a new strategy for upregulating gene expression.
Microbial metabolomics in open microscale platforms
Authors: Barkal Layla J. , Theberge Ashleigh B. , Guo Chun-Jun , Spraker Joe , Rappert Lucas , Berthier Jean , Brakke Kenneth A. , Wang Clay C. C. , Beebe David J. , Keller Nancy P. , Berthier Erwin
Published: February 2016

The microbial secondary metabolome encompasses great synthetic diversity, empowering microbes to tune their chemical responses to changing microenvironments. Traditional metabolomics methods are ill-equipped to probe a wide variety of environments or environmental dynamics. Here we introduce a class of microscale culture platforms to analyse chemical diversity of fungal and bacterial secondary metabolomes. By leveraging stable biphasic interfaces to integrate microculture with small molecule isolation via liquid–liquid extraction, we enable metabolomics-scale analysis using mass spectrometry. This platform facilitates exploration of culture microenvironments (including rare media typically inaccessible using established methods), unusual organic solvents for metabolite isolation and microbial mutants. UtilizingAspergillus, a fungal genus known for its rich secondary metabolism, we characterize the effects of culture geometry and growth matrix on secondary metabolism, highlighting the potential use of microscale systems to unlock unknown or cryptic secondary metabolites for natural products discovery. Finally, we demonstrate the potential for this class of microfluidic systems to study interkingdom communication between fungi and bacteria.
Chromatin-associated degradation is defined by UBXN-3/FAF1 to safeguard DNA replication fork progression
Authors: Franz André , Pirson Paul A. , Pilger Domenic , Halder Swagata , Achuthankutty Divya , Kashkar Hamid , Ramadan Kristijan , Hoppe Thorsten
Published: February 2016

The coordinated activity of DNA replication factors is a highly dynamic process that involves ubiquitin-dependent regulation. In this context, the ubiquitin-directed ATPase CDC-48/p97 recently emerged as a key regulator of chromatin-associated degradation in several of the DNA metabolic pathways that assure genome integrity. However, the spatiotemporal control of distinct CDC-48/p97 substrates in the chromatin environment remained unclear. Here, we report that progression of the DNA replication fork is coordinated by UBXN-3/FAF1. UBXN-3/FAF1 binds to the licensing factor CDT-1 and additional ubiquitylated proteins, thus promoting CDC-48/p97-dependent turnover and disassembly of DNA replication factor complexes. Consequently, inactivation of UBXN-3/FAF1 stabilizes CDT-1 and CDC-45/GINS on chromatin, causing severe defects in replication fork dynamics accompanied by pronounced replication stress and eventually resulting in genome instability. Our work identifies a critical substrate selection module of CDC-48/p97 required for chromatin-associated protein degradation in bothCaenorhabditis elegansand humans, which is relevant to oncogenesis and aging.