bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flow compressibility effects around an open-wheel racing car
Authors: Keogh J. , Doig G. , Diasinos S.
Published: February 2016

A numerical investigation has been conducted into the influence of flow compressibility effects around an open-wheeled racing car. A geometry was created to comply with 2012 F1 regulations. Incompressible and compressible CFD simulations were compared – firstly with models which maintained Reynolds number as Mach number increased, and secondly allowing Mach number and Reynolds number to increase together as they would on track. Results demonstrated significant changes to predicted aerodynamic performance even below Mach 0·15. While the full car coefficients differed by a few percent, individual components (particularly the rear wheels and the floor/diffuser area) showed discrepancies of over 10% at higher Mach numbers when compressible and incompressible predictions were compared. Components in close ground proximity were most affected due to the ground effect. The additional computational expense required for the more physically-realistic compressible simulations would therefore be an additional consideration when seeking to obtain maximum accuracy even at low freestream Mach numbers.
Optimising the yaw motion cues available from a short stroke hexapod motion platform
Authors: Hodge S.J. , Perfect P. , Padfield G.D. , White M.D.
Published: February 2016

This paper presents findings from research conducted at the University of Liverpool aimed at optimising the motion cues available from a short-stroke hexapod motion platform. Piloted simulation experiments were conducted to gather both objective and subjective measures of pilot performance and motion fidelity for a typical helicopter low-speed yaw axis capture task. These measures included subjective ratings taken for the first time using a new motion fidelity rating scale. During the experiment four baseline configurations were presented to the pilot; – No motion, Rotational-only motion, Translational-only motion and Rotational + Translational motion, and within these baseline configurations various values of motion filter gains were examined. The key findings from the experiment show that the most acceptable motion fidelity was obtained when congruent cues were presented in both the rotational and translational axes. A possible explanation for this result is postulated to lie within the relative motion perception thresholds of the human semicircular canals. These results contrast with previous research which suggested that yaw axis motion cues were of less importance than translational motion cues.
Fuel flow-rate modelling of transport aircraft for the climb flight using genetic algorithms
Authors: Baklacioglu T.
Published: February 2016

In this study, development of a new fuel flow rate model for the climbing phase of flight was achieved using a genetic algorithm (GA) method. Two modelling approaches were performed using real flight data records (FDRs) from a medium-weight transport-category aircraft. The first model considered the dependency of fuel consumption only with respect to altitude, whereas the effects of both altitude and true airspeed (TAS) were included in the second model. The proposed models are improvements on existing models because the relationship between fuel flow rate, flight altitude, and TAS can be deduced using the derived formulations. Both modelling approaches were found to provide accurate results after performing an error analysis for fuel flow rate values. It was clear that incorporating the TAS effect into the second model enhanced the accuracy of the model, but the first model was also found to be appropriate for practical usage.
A fast procedure for the design of composite stiffened panels
Authors: Bisagni C. , Vescovini R.
Published: February 2016

This paper describes the analysis and the minimum weight optimisation of a fuselage composite stiffened panel made from carbon/epoxy material and stiffened by five omega stringers. The panel investigated inside the European project MAAXIMUS is studied using a fast tool, which relies on a semi-analytical procedure for the analysis and on genetic algorithms for the optimisation. The semi-analytical approach is used to compute the buckling load and to study the post-buckling response. Different design variables are considered during the optimisation, such as the stacking sequences of the skin and the stiffener, the geometry and the cross-section of the stiffener. The comparison between finite element and fast tool results reveals the ability of the formulation to predict the buckling load and the post-buckling response of the panel. The reduced CPU time necessary for the analysis and the optimisation makes the procedure an attractive strategy to improve the effectiveness of the preliminary design phases.
Validation of CFD simulations for X-31 wind-tunnel models
Authors: Ghoreyshi M. , Kim A. D. H. , Jirasek A. , Lofthouse A. J. , Cummings R. M.
Published: February 2016

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has become an attractive method of choice in the design of many aerospace vehicles because of advances in numerical algorithms and convergence acceleration methods. However, the flow around an advanced fighter aircraft is complicated and usually unsteady due to the presence of vortex-dominated flows. The accuracy and predictability of conventional turbulence models for these applications may be questionable and therefore results obtained from these models must be validated and evaluated on the basis of experimental data from wind tunnels and/or flight tests. This work aims to validate CFD simulations of X-31 wind-tunnel models with and without a belly-mounted sting. The sting setup facilitates forced sinusoidal oscillations in one of three modes of: pitch, yaw, and roll. However, the results show that measured aerodynamic data are altered by the turbulent wake behind the sting, even at small angles of attack. The high angle-of-attack flow around the X-31 is also very complicated and unsteady due to canard and wing vortices. Therefore, validation of CFD models for predicting these complex flows can be a very challenging task. The X-31 wind-tunnel experiments were carried out in the German Dutch low-speed wind tunnel at Braunschweig and include aerodynamic force and moment measurement as well as span-wise pressure distributions at locations of 60% and 70% chord length. This data set is used to validate the Cobalt and Kestrel flow solvers and the results are similar and match quiet well with experiments for small to moderate angles of attack. The main discrepancies between CFD and measurements occur close to the wing tip, where leading-edge flaps are located.
Examples of applications of the peridynamic theory to the solution of static equilibrium problems
Authors: Zaccariotto M. , Luongo F. , sarego G. , Galvanetto U.
Published: February 2016

Peridynamics is a recently proposed continuum theory based on a non local approach and formulated with integral equations. The theory is suitable for dealing with crack propagation in solid materials. The original peridynamic formulation regarded dynamic problems and was adapted to the static case mainly using a relaxation method by introducing a substantial amount of numerical damping in the time integration. In the present work the implementation of the theory within an implicit code for static crack propagation phenomena based on the Newton-Raphson method is presented and applied to several examples of static crack propagation equilibrium problems. Results obtained with the newly developed procedure are presented for various structural configurations, with different boundary and load conditions and quantitatively compared to published data.
Understanding of flow features over a typical crew module at Mach 4
Authors: Desikan S. L. N. , Patil M. M. , Subramanian S.
Published: February 2016

This paper presents the numerical simulations of flowfield over a typical Crew Module at Mach 4 for different angles-of-attack ranging from 0 to –25°. Detailed flow features such as contour of density gradient over the model, numerical oil flow and near wake vortex structures are captured very well in the present simulations. The location of the sonic line and its behaviour due to angles-of-attack is also captured in the simulations. TheCPdistribution on the windward and leeward side shows excellent match with the experimental results. Also, the prediction of aerodynamic coefficients shows very good agreement with the experimental results. The numerical simulation predictsCMcg,CNandCAwithin 8%, 4% and 3·5% respectively with respect to experimental values.
Multidisciplinary design and optimisation of conceptual rotorcraft powerplants for operational performance and environmental impact
Authors: Ali F. , Tzanidakis K. , Goulos I. , Pachidis V. , d’Ippolito R.
Published: February 2016

This paper demonstrates the application of an integrated rotorcraft multidisciplinary design and optimisation framework, deployed for the purpose of preliminary design and assessment of optimum regenerative powerplant configurations for rotorcraft applications. The proposed approach comprises a wide-range of individual modelling theories applicable to rotorcraft flight dynamics, gas turbine engine performance and weight estimation as well as a physics-based stirred reactor model, for the rapid estimation of various gas turbine gaseous emissions. A single-objective Particle Swarm Optimiser is coupled with the aforementioned rotorcraft design framework. The overall methodology is deployed for the design and optimisation of a reference multipurpose Twin-Engine-Light civil rotorcraft, modelled after the Bo105 helicopter, which employs two Rolls-Royce Allison 250-C20B turboshaft engines. Through the implementation of a single-objective optimisation strategy, notionally based optimum engine design configurations are acquired in terms of engine weight, mission fuel burn and mission gaseous emissions inventory at constant technology level.

The acquired optimum regenerative engine configurations are subsequently deployed for the design of conceptual rotorcraft regenerative engine configurations, targeting improved mission fuel economy, enhanced payload-range capability as well as overall environmental impact, while maintaining the respective rotorcraft airworthiness requirements. The proposed methodology essentially constitutes as an enabler for designing rotorcraft powerplants within realistic, three-dimensional operations and towards realising their associated design trade-offs at mission level.
Intake ground vortex and computational modelling of foreign object ingestion
Authors: MacManus D.G. , Slaby M.
Published: February 2016

When an aero-engine is operating on the ground the formation of a potent inlet ground vortex can arise which has the ability to ingest foreign object debris. The ingestion of foreign objects can cause notable damage to engine components as well as overall performance degradation. The assessment of foreign object ingestion has been conducted using a combination of computational fluid dynamics, analytical modelling and an Euler-Lagrange uncoupled discrete phase particle tracking method. The flow fields for a full-scale aero-engine have been simulated for a range of ground clearances and intake velocity ratios under crosswind conditions. The sensitivity of the debris ingestion thresholds and characteristics to particle size and material density has been evaluated. The characteristics of the ingestion location within the intake are also considered for a range of operating conditions and particle parameters.
Autonomous obstacle avoidance for fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: de Ruiter A. H. J. , Owlia S.
Published: February 2016

This paper investigates a method for autonomous obstacle avoidance for fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), utilising potential fluid flow theory. The obstacle avoidance algorithm needs only compute the instantaneous local potential velocity vector, which is passed to the flight control laws as a direction command. The approach is reactive, and can readily accommodate real-time changes in obstacle information. UAV manoeuvring constraints on turning or pull-up radii, are accounted for by approximating obstacles by bounding rectangles, with wedges added to their front and back to shape the resulting fluid pathlines. It is shown that the resulting potential flow velocity field is completely determined by the obstacle field geometry, allowing one to determine a non-dimensional relationship between obstacle added wedge-length and the corresponding minimum pathline radius of curvature, which can then be readily scaled in on-board implementation. The efficacy of the proposed approach has been demonstrated numerically with an Aerosonde UAV model.
Simulation and system identification of helicopter dynamics using support vector regression
Authors: Manso S.
Published: February 2016

This paper provides an overview of techniques developed for the application of support vector regression in the domain of simulation and system identification of helicopter dynamics. A generic high fidelity FLIGHTLAB helicopter model is used to train and validate a number of pitch response SVR models. These models are then trained using flight data from a Sikorsky Seahawk helicopter. The SVR simulation results show significant promise in the ability to represent aspects of a helicopter’s dynamics at a high fidelity. To achieve this, it is important to provide the SVR kernel with knowledge of past inputs that encompass the delay characteristics of the helicopter dynamic system. In this case, the use of nonlinear auto regressive eXogenous input network architecture achieves this goal. Good performance was achieved using input data that encompassed between 300 to 500ms worth of historic response.
CFD simulation of flapped rotors
Authors: Dehaeze F. , Baverstock K. D. , Barakos G. N.
Published: February 2016

The use of active trailing edge flaps on rotors may lead to performance benefits as well as noise and vibration reduction. In this work, computational fluid dynamics, using the HMB2 solver, is used to assess the effect of the trailing edge flaps on the whole flight domain of a modern main rotor. Starting from a baseline blade design, multiple techniques are demonstrated. The flap is first assessed using 2D pitching aerofoil simulations, followed by dMdt simulations, that account for the simultaneous variations of pitch and Mach around the azimuth. It was shown that enhanced lift was obtained while inspection of the moment coefficient showed negative damping for the flap for a limited set of conditions. Due to the 2D formulation, dMdt computations are fast to perform and can be used to inform codes predicting the rotor performance. The flap was then assessed in hover, and only allowed for limited improvement in blade performance at high thrust. In forward flight, the flap was actuated at a frequency of 1 per revolution, and was found to have a strong effect on the loads on the retreating side. The effect on the moments was even stronger. The flight envelope of the blade was explored, and clean and flapped cases were compared. The most noticeable changes occur at high and medium thrust. The CFD method was found to be efficient and robust, without any substantial penalties in CPU time, due to the flap modelling, over the tested conditions.
Design and construction of aeroelastic wind tunnel models
Authors: Stenfelt G. , Ringertz U.
Published: February 2016

The design and building of accurately scaled aeroelastic wind-tunnel models is difficult, time consuming and very costly. With the increasing usefulness of computational methods for predicting aeroelastic phenomena, few complex models have been built in recent years. New fighter aircraft projects are also becoming more and more scarce, and transport aircraft have essentially the same configuration since half a decade. This also significantly reduces the need for aeroelastic wind-tunnel models. However, there still is an interest in the results from aeroelastic testing. In some cases new and radical configurations may warrant wind-tunnel testing and in other cases complex phenomena arising in fight testing may need carefully performed experiments to resolve problems. However, there is definitely a trend towards building models and performing testing in the support of the development of computational methods.

The developments in computer technology do not only improve the computational methods for aeroelasticity. Modern Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing techniques can significantly improve the quality and efficiency of the design and build process for aeroelastic models. There have also been some recent improvements in measurement techniques which have proven very useful for testing of aeroelastic wind-tunnel models. The paper will present some new design and build techniques developed for the manufacturing of a large scale wind-tunnel model of a canard delta wing fighter aircraft configuration. In the build process fiber-reinforced composites will be used, hence, challenges and possible solutions concerning the ability to produce a model with well defined material properties and fiber angles will be discussed. Further challenges arise when both measurement equipment and adjustable control surfaces should be attached inside the model using techniques that are possible to describe with computational methods. In addition, equipment, such as pressure taps, and control surface mechanics need to fit and function in a flexible structure. As a result, the above requirements will lead to necessary compromises in the design, hence, the paper will present the choices taken during the build process and for which reasons. The use of an optical positioning measurement system will also be discussed for both the validation of model properties and non-contact measurement of model deformations during wind-tunnel testing.
Les simulations sont-elles des expériences numériques?
Authors: JEBEILE JULIE
Published: February 2016

Certains philosophes ont défendu qu’une analogie existait entre simulations et expériences. Mais, une fois que l’on a reconnu quelques similitudes entre elles, peut-on réellement conclure qu’en vertu de celles-ci les simulations produisent de nouvelles connaissances empiriques comme les expériences? Je soutiens que ces similitudes donnent tout au plus à l’utilisateur d’une simulation l’illusion qu’il a affaire à une expérience, mais ne peuvent fonder sérieusement une analogie entre simulation et expérience. Cependant il ne faudrait pas conclure que l’expérience est épistémologiquement supérieure à la simulation. J’analyse les cas pour lesquels simulation et expérience engendrent également des connaissances nouvelles.
Trace fossils and tropical karst
Authors: DONOVAN STEPHEN K.
Published: February 2016

Two crinoid pluricolumnals from Permian rocks of Timor show similar patterns of external pitting. Platycrinitid sp. preserves circular, parabolic pits that do not cross-cut between columnals, some have raised rims and at least one columnal shows a growth deformity. These pits are interpreted as the trace fossil Oichnus paraboloides Bromley. Crinoid sp. indet. has particularly dense pits cross-cutting columnals on one side of the pluricolumnal only and extending onto the contiguous limestone; it is a Holocene microkarstic solution feature. Care must be taken to separate true bioerosive trace fossils from modern microkarstic features in limestones in the tropics.
Lower Wenlock black shales in the northern Holy Cross Mountains, Poland: sedimentary and geochemical controls on the Ireviken Event in a deep marine setting
Authors: SMOLAREK JUSTYNA , TRELA WIESŁAW , BOND DAVID P. G. , MARYNOWSKI LESZEK
Published: February 2016

The stratigraphic variability and geochemistry of Llandovery/Wenlock (L/W) Series boundary sediments in Poland reveals that hemipelagic sedimentation under an anoxic/euxinic water column was interrupted by low-density bottom currents or detached diluted turbid layers that resulted in intermittent seafloor oxygenation. Total organic carbon values and inorganic proxies throughout the Wilków 1 borehole section suggest variable redox conditions. U/Mo ratios > 1 throughout much of the Aeronian and Telychian stages, together with an absence of pyrite framboids, suggest oxygenated conditions prevailed. However, elevated total organic carbon near the Aeronian/Telychian boundary, together with increased U/Th and V/(V + Ni) ratios and populations of small pyrite framboids are consistent with the development of dysoxic/anoxic conditions at that time. U/Th, V/Cr and V/(V + Ni) ratios, as well as Uauthigand Mo concentrations, suggest that during the Ireviken black shale deposition, bottom-water conditions deteriorated from oxic during Telychian time to mostly suboxic/anoxic immediately prior to the L/W boundary, before a brief reoxygenation at the end of the Ireviken black shale sedimentation in the Sheinwoodian Stage. Rapid fluctuations in U/Mo during the Ireviken Event are characteristic of fluctuating redox conditions that culminated in an anoxic/euxinic seafloor in Sheinwoodian time. Following Ireviken black shale deposition, conditions once again became oxygen deficient with the development of a euxinic zone in the water column. The Aeronian to Sheinwoodian deep-water redox history was unstable, and rapid fluctuations of the chemocline across the L/W Series boundary probably contributed to the Ireviken Event extinctions, which affected mainly pelagic and hemipelagic fauna.
The Impoverishment of the Sea. A Critical Summary of the Experimental and Statistical Evidence bearing upon the Alleged Depletion of the Trawling Grounds
Authors: Garstang Walter
Published: February 2016

In the present essay I have endeavoured to bring together the most precise and reliable evidences available as to the recent and present condition of the great trawl and line fisheries of England and Wales. Both these fisheries depend for their success upon the same fundamental conditions, viz. the abundance of fish upon the bed of the sea. They may rightly, therefore, be grouped together under the single head of “bottom fisheries,” in contrast to the fisheries for herrings, mackerel, and pilchards, which are “surface fisheries.” From the nature of the case, even great fluctuations in the annual produce of the latter fisheries scarcely excite surprise, but a fairly constant yield is tacitly expected of the bottom fisheries, when the same apparatus is employed, owing to the greater uniformity in the conditions of life on the sea-floor.
The specificity of Pavlovian regulation is associated with recovery from depression
Authors: Huys Q. J. M. , Gölzer M. , Friedel E. , Heinz A. , Cools R. , Dayan P. , Dolan R. J.
Published: February 2016

Background

Changes in reflexive emotional responses are hallmarks of depression, but how emotional reflexes make an impact on adaptive decision-making in depression has not been examined formally. Using a Pavlovian-instrumental transfer (PIT) task, we compared the influence of affectively valenced stimuli on decision-making in depression and generalized anxiety disorder compared with healthy controls; and related this to the longitudinal course of the illness.

Method

A total of 40 subjects with a current DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of major depressive disorder, dysthymia, generalized anxiety disorder, or a combination thereof, and 40 matched healthy controls performed a PIT task that assesses how instrumental approach and withdrawal behaviours are influenced by appetitive and aversive Pavlovian conditioned stimuli (CSs). Patients were followed up after 4–6 months. Analyses focused on patients with depression alone (n= 25).

Results

In healthy controls, Pavlovian CSs exerted action-specific effects, with appetitive CSs boosting active approach and aversive CSs active withdrawal. This action-specificity was absent in currently depressed subjects. Greater action-specificity in patients was associated with better recovery over the follow-up period.

Conclusions

Depression is associated with an abnormal influence of emotional reactions on decision-making in a way that may predict recovery.
‘They really get you motivated’: Experiences of a life-first employment programme from the perspective of long-term unemployed Australians
Authors: WALKER RUTH , BROWN LYNSEY , MOSKOS MEGAN , ISHERWOOD LINDA , OSBORNE KATY , PATEL KATE , KING DEB
Published: February 2016

Long-term unemployment can negatively impact health and well-being, and is a central focus of governments seeking to address poverty and social exclusion. Little is known about how individuals experience programmes aimed at addressing long-term unemployment and consequently the client-centred indicators of ‘success’. In-depth interviews were carried out with 31 long-term unemployed individuals engaged in a ‘life-first’ programme integrating vocational assistance with intensive personal strengths-based support. The participants in this programme faced multiple disadvantages including employment and educational barriers as well as a range of significant personal issues. They equated successful outcomes in the programme with receiving a wealth of psychosocial and practical assistance in addition to vocational support, and having a case manager who approached these issues as a whole. Findings suggest that, in order to provide the best chance of gaining and maintaining employment, programmes should address, in tandem, personal and vocational barriers facing those who are long-term unemployed.
Virginia Farmers' Soil Conservation Decisions: An Application of Tobit Analysis
Authors: Norris Patricia E. , Batie Sandra S.
Published: February 2016

Using data from a survey of farm operators in two Virginia counties, the authors analyze farmers' soil conservation decisions. Results indicate that financial factors, including income and debt, are the most important influences on the sample farmers' use of conservation practices. Additional factors such as perception of erosion, education level, off-farm employment, and tenancy also influence conservation expenditures. Factors influencing conservation tillage acreage differ from those influencing expenditures for other conservation practices. In particular, age and race of the operator and on-farm erosion potential are significantly related to the use of conservation tillage but not other practices. These results are discussed in terms of their implications for conservation programs.
Incidence of West Nile virus infection in the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area during the 2012 epidemic
Authors: WILLIAMSON P. C. , CUSTER B. , BIGGERSTAFF B. J. , LANCIOTTI R. S. , SAYERS M. H. , EASON S. J. , DIXON M. R. , WINKELMAN V. , LANTERI M. C. , PETERSEN L. R. , BUSCH M. P.
Published: February 2016

The 2012 West Nile virus (WNV) epidemic was the largest since 2003 and the North Texas region was the most heavily impacted. We conducted a serosurvey of blood donors from four counties in the Dallas–Fort Worth area to characterize the epidemic. Blood donor specimens collected in November 2012 were tested for WNV-specific antibodies. Donors positive for WNV-specific IgG, IgM, and neutralizing antibodies were considered to have been infected in 2012. This number was adjusted using a multi-step process that accounted for timing of IgM seroreversion determined from previous longitudinal studies of WNV-infected donors. Of 4971 donations screened, 139 (2·8%) were confirmed WNV IgG positive, and 69 (1·4%) had IgM indicating infection in 2012. After adjusting for timing of sampling and potential seroreversion, we estimated that 1·8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·5–2·2] of the adult population in the Dallas–Fort Worth area were infected during 2012. The resulting overall estimate for the ratio of infections to reported WNV neuroinvasive disease (WNND) cases was 238:1 (95% CI 192–290), with significantly increased risk of WNND in older age groups. These findings were very similar to previous estimates of infections per WNND case, indicating no change in virulence as WNV evolved into an endemic infection in the United States.
Multimodality cardiac imaging in Turner syndrome
Authors: Mortensen Kristian H. , Gopalan Deepa , Nørgaard Bjarne L. , Andersen Niels H. , Gravholt Claus H.
Published: February 2016

Congenital and acquired cardiovascular diseases contribute significantly to the threefold elevated risk of premature death in Turner syndrome. A multitude of cardiovascular anomalies and disorders, many of which deleteriously impact morbidity and mortality, is frequently left undetected and untreated because of poor adherence to screening programmes and complex clinical presentations. Imaging is essential for timely and effective primary and secondary disease prophylaxis that may alleviate the severe impact of cardiovascular disease in Turner syndrome. This review illustrates how cardiovascular disease in Turner syndrome manifests in a complex manner that ranges in severity from incidental findings to potentially fatal anomalies. Recommendations regarding the use of imaging for screening and surveillance of cardiovascular disease in Turner syndrome are made, emphasising the key role of non-invasive and invasive cardiovascular imaging to the management of all patients with Turner syndrome.
Analysis of Patient Load Data From the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan
Authors: Morimura Naoto , Katsumi Atsushi , Koido Yuichi , Sugimoto Katsuhiko , Fuse Akira , Asai Yasfumi , Ishii Noboru , Ishihara Toru , Fujii Chiho , Sugiyama Mitsugi , Henmi Hiroshi , Yamamoto Yasuhiro
Published: February 2016

Introduction:

Past history of mass casualties related to international football games brought the importance of practical planning, preparedness, simulation training, and analysis of potential patient presentations to the forefront of emergency research.

Methods:

The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare established the Health Research Team (HRT-MHLW) for the 2002 FIFA World Cup game (FIFAWC). The HRT-MHLW collected patient data related to the games and analyzed the related factors regarding patient presentations.

Results:

A total of 1,661 patients presented for evaluation and care from all 32 games in Japan. The patient presentation rate per 1,000 spectators per game was 1.21 and the transport-to-hospital rate was 0.05. The step-wise regression analysis identified that the patient presentations rate increased where access was difficult. As the number of total spectators increased, the patient presentation rate decreased. (p <0.0001, r = 0.823, r2 = 0.677).

Conclusion:

In order to develop mass-gathering medical-care plans in accordance with the types and sizes of mass gatherings, it is necessary to collect data and examine risk factors for patient presentations for a variety of events.
Prehospital Rapid Sequence Intubation in an Emergency Medical Services System with Two Advanced Life Support Providers
Authors: Merlin Mark A. , Safdar Huma , Calabrese Susan , Lewinsky Alex , Manfre Joseph , Pelt Stephen Van , Marques-Baptista Andreia
Published: February 2016

Objective:

A rapid sequence intubation (RSI) method was introduced to a university-based emergency medical services (EMS) system. This is a report of the initial experience with the first 50 patients in a unique, two-tiered, two-advanced life support (ALS) providers system.

Methods:

The data were evaluated prospectively after an extensive RSI training period, consisting of didactic information and skills performance. Fifty consecutive patient records that documented the procedure were abstracted. Data abstracted included end-tidal CO2, heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse oximetry at various time intervals. Intubation success rates and number of attempts were documented. The consistency of proper documentation also was noted on patient care records.

Results:

No differences were noted in heart rate prior to RSI and one and five minutes after the RSI procedure was begun. No differences in blood pressure at one and five minutes were noted. Statistically significant improvements were found in pulse oximetry comparing prior to RSI and one minute after (p < 0.001; 95% CI = 3.15–11.41) as well as prior to RSI and five minutes after RSI was started (p < 0.0002; 95% CI = 4.60–13.33). No differences were observed in end-tidal CO2 at one and five minutes. Overall intubation success rate was 96%, with 82% on first attempt and 92% on two or less attempts. Documentation for individual vitals was consistently <75%.

Conclusions:

Patients had no significant worsening of vital signs during the RSI procedure and mild improvement in pulse oximetry. Intubation success rates were consistent with national averages. Proper documentation was lacking in more than one quarter of the charts. These data add to a body of literature that raises further concerns regarding prehospital RSI.
International Consensus on Key Concepts and Data Definitions for Mass-gathering Health: Process and Progress
Authors: Turris Sheila A. , Steenkamp Malinda , Lund Adam , Hutton Alison , Ranse Jamie , Bowles Ron , Arbuthnott Katherine , Anikeeva Olga , Arbon Paul
Published: February 2016

Mass gatherings (MGs) occur worldwide on any given day, yet mass-gathering health (MGH) is a relatively new field of scientific inquiry. As the science underpinning the study of MGH continues to develop, there will be increasing opportunities to improve health and safety of those attending events. The emerging body of MG literature demonstrates considerable variation in the collection and reporting of data. This complicates comparison across settings and limits the value and utility of these reported data. Standardization of data points and/or reporting in relation to events would aid in creating a robust evidence base from which governments, researchers, clinicians, and event planners could benefit. Moving towards international consensus on any topic is a complex undertaking. This report describes a collaborative initiative to develop consensus on key concepts and data definitions for a MGH “Minimum Data Set.” This report makes transparent the process undertaken, demonstrates a pragmatic way of managing international collaboration, and proposes a number of steps for progressing international consensus. The process included correspondence through a journal, face-to-face meetings at a conference, then a four-day working meeting; virtual meetings over a two-year period supported by online project management tools; consultation with an international group of MGH researchers via an online Delphi process; and a workshop delivered at the 19thWorld Congress on Disaster and Emergency Medicine held in Cape Town, South Africa in April 2015. This resulted in an agreement by workshop participants that there is a need for international consensus on key concepts and data definitions.

TurrisSA,SteenkampM,LundA,HuttonA,RanseJ,BowlesR,ArbuthnottK,AnikeevaO,ArbonP.International consensus on key concepts and data definitions for mass-gathering health: process and progress.Prehosp Disaster Med.2016;31(2):220–223.
A Nonparametric Analysis of Efficiency for a Sample of Kansas Beef Cow Farms
Authors: Featherstone Allen M. , Langemeier Michael R. , Ismet Mohammad
Published: February 2016

Competitive pressures in the cow-calf sector increased in 1995 because of a decline of 27% in calf prices. Technical, allocative, and scale efficiency measures were used to examine the competitiveness of a sample of Kansas beef cow farms. On average, the farms were 78% technically efficient, 81% allocatively efficient, and 95% scale efficient. Enterprise profitability was correlated positively with the efficiency measures. Inefficiency was related to herd size and degree of specialization. Producers should focus on using capital, feed, and labor more efficiently rather than increasing their size. Increased concentration of the cow-calf sector will not result in large cost savings given the current technology.
Price Expectations and Supply Response in the Thoroughbred Yearling Market
Authors: Neibergs J. Shannon , Thalheimer Richard
Published: February 2016

Limited information is available concerning price determination in the thoroughbred yearling market. A recursive model incorporating price expectations and biological constraints is used to estimate supply and demand functions for thoroughbred horses. Empirical results characterize a market with inelastic supply and elastic demand that converges to equilibrium under static conditions. Purses were identified as the most influential variable impacting price. Comparative statics illustrate the effectiveness of purses as a policy instrument for the thoroughbred industry. Federal tax policy also was found to have a significant impact on the decisions to breed or invest in thoroughbred yearlings.
Analytical STEM Study of P-Doped Silicon Nanocrystals Exhibiting Mid-Infrared Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance
Authors: Jeong J.S. , Rowe D.J. , Kortshagen U.R. , Mkhoyan K.A.
Published: February 2016

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.
Atomic Force Microscopy Study of Atherosclerosis Progression in Arterial Walls
Authors: Timashev Peter S. , Kotova Svetlana L. , Belkova Galina V. , Gubar’kova Ekaterina V. , Timofeeva Lidia B. , Gladkova Natalia D. , Solovieva Anna B.
Published: February 2016

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Here we suggest a novel approach for tracking atherosclerosis progression based on the use of atomic force microscopy (AFM). Using AFM, we studied cross-sections of coronary arteries with the following types of lesions: Type II—thickened intima; Type III—thickened intima with a lipid streak; Type IV—fibrotic layer over a lipid core; Type Va—unstable fibrotic layer over a lipid core; Type Vc—very thick fibrotic layer. AFM imaging revealed that the fibrotic layer of an atherosclerotic plaque is represented by a basket-weave network of collagen fibers and a subscale network of fibrils that become looser with atherosclerosis progression. In an unstable plaque (Type Va), packing of the collagen fibers and fibrils becomes even less uniform than that at the previous stages, while a stable fibrotic plaque (Vc) has significantly tighter packing. Such alterations of the collagen network morphology apparently, led to deterioration of the Type Va plaque mechanical properties, that, in turn, resulted in its instability and propensity to rupture. Thus, AFM may serve as a useful tool for tracking atherosclerosis progression in the arterial wall tissue.
Die Konstruktion von Berufsbildern bei Fachfrauen/-männern Gesundheit und dipl. Pflegefachpersonen
Authors: Robin Dominik , Schaffert René
Published: February 2016

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Mit Inkrafttreten des neuen Gesetzes zur Berufsbildung (2004) haben die Ausbildungen im Pflegebereich in der Schweiz eine grundlegende Umstrukturierung erfahren. Diese Veränderungen zeigen unter anderem Auswirkungen auf die Berufsbilder. Ziel: Ziel dieses Beitrags ist es aufzuzeigen, wie die Berufsbilder in den Beschreibungen von Fachfrauen/-männern Gesundheit und dipl. Pflegefachpersonen nach der Schaffung von neuen Ausbildungsgängen und der generellen Neugestaltung des Berufsfeldes konstruiert werden. Methode: In 110 Leitfadeninterviews wurden schweizweit berufseinsteigende Fachfrauen/-männer Gesundheit und dipl. Pflegefachpersonen mit einem HF- sowie einem Bachelor-Abschluss zum Berufsbild befragt. Die Antworten der Befragten wurden mittels einer qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse und vor dem Hintergrund der Theorie von Berger und Luckmann (1977) ausgewertet. Ergebnisse: Aus den Interviews geht hervor, dass Berufsbilder in der Wechselwirkung gesellschaftlicher Zuschreibungen und individueller Aneignungs- und Überarbeitungsprozesse entstehen. Die Berufseinsteigenden sind herausgefordert, ihr eigenes Berufsbild mit einem als fehlend oder unpassend wahrgenommen gesellschaftlichen Bild auszubalancieren und Stereotypisierungen zu korrigieren. Schlussfolgerung: Die Differenzierung zwischen den Berufen und verschiedenen Ausbildungen sollte weiter vorangetrieben werden und es sollte auf eine Verbesserung der öffentlichen Wahrnehmung der Berufe im Pflegebereich hingearbeitet werden.
c-Met and CREB1 are involved in miR-433-mediated inhibition of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition in bladder cancer by regulating Akt/GSK-3β/Snail signaling
Authors: Xu X , Zhu Y , Liang Z , Li S , Xu X , Wang X , Wu J , Hu Z , Meng S , liu B , Qin J , Xie L , Zheng X
Published: February 2016

Emerging evidence has suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs) have an important role in tumor development and progression by regulating diverse cellular pathways. Here we describe the function and regulation network of miR-433 in bladder cancer (BCa). miR-433 is frequently downregulated in BCa tissues compared with adjacent non-cancerous tissues. Epigenetic mechanisms may be involved in the regulation of miR-433 expression. Enforced expression of miR-433 significantly inhibits proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion in BCa cells. In addition, miR-433 inhibits the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in BCa cells by regulating c-Met/Akt/GSK-3β/Snail signaling pathway. Both c-Met and CREB1 are downstream target genes of miR-433. CREB1 can also indirectly regulate c-Met/Akt/GSK-3β/Snail signaling via MITF. Furthermore, CREB1 expression is an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in patients with BCa. Finally, there appears to exist a reciprocal regulation between c-Met and miR-433/miR-409-3p. Taken together, this study reveals that miR-433-c-MET/CREB1-Akt/GSK-3β/Snail signaling is critical to EMT in BCa. Targeting the pathway described here may open up new prospects to restrict metastatic progression of BCa.
FGF1 C-terminal domain and phosphorylation regulate intracrine FGF1 signaling for its neurotrophic and anti-apoptotic activities
Authors: Delmas E , Jah N , Pirou C , Bouleau S , Le Floch N , Vayssière J-L , Mignotte B , Renaud F
Published: February 2016

Fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) is a prototypic member of the FGFs family overexpressed in various tumors. Contrarily to most FGFs, FGF1 lacks a secretion peptide signal and acts mainly in an intracellular and nuclear manner. Intracellular FGF1 induces cell proliferation, differentiation and survival. We previously showed that intracellular FGF1 induces neuronal differentiation and inhibits both p53- and serum-free-medium-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells. FGF1 nuclear localization is required for these intracellular activities, suggesting that FGF1 regulates p53-dependent apoptosis and neuronal differentiation by new nuclear pathways. To better characterize intracellular FGF1 pathways, we studied the effect of three mutations localized in the C-terminal domain of FGF1 (i.e., FGF1K132E, FGF1S130A and FGF1S130D) on FGF1 neurotrophic and anti-apoptotic activities in PC12 cells. The change of the serine 130 to alanine precludes FGF1 phosphorylation, while its mutation to aspartic acid mimics phosphorylation. These FGF1 mutants kept both a nuclear and cytosolic localization in PC12 cells. Our study highlights for the first time the role of FGF1 phosphorylation and the implication of FGF1 C-terminal domain on its intracellular activities. Indeed, we show that the K132E mutation inhibits both the neurotrophic and anti-apoptotic activities of FGF1, suggesting a regulatory activity for FGF1 C terminus. Furthermore, we observed that both FGF1S130A and FGF1S130D mutant forms induced PC12 cells neuronal differentiation. Therefore, FGF1 phosphorylation does not regulate FGF1-induced differentiation of PC12 cells. Then, we showed that only FGF1S130A protects PC12 cells against p53-dependent apoptosis, thus phosphorylation appears to inhibit FGF1 anti-apoptotic activity in PC12 cells. Altogether, our results show that phosphorylation does not regulate FGF1 neurotrophic activity but inhibits its anti-apoptotic activity after p53-dependent apoptosis induction, giving new insight into the poorly described FGF1 intracrine/nuclear pathway. The study of nuclear pathways could be crucial to identify key regulators involved in neuronal differentiation, tumor progression and resistances to radio- and chemo-therapy.
ANP32B deficiency impairs proliferation and suppresses tumor progression by regulating AKT phosphorylation
Authors: Yang S , Zhou L , Reilly P T , Shen S-M , He P , Zhu X-N , Li C-X , Wang L-S , Mak T W , Chen G-Q , Yu Y
Published: February 2016

The acidic leucine-rich nuclear phosphoprotein 32B (ANP32B) is reported to impact normal development, with Anp32b-knockout mice exhibiting smaller size and premature aging. However, its cellular and molecular mechanisms, especially its potential roles in tumorigenesis, remain largely unclear. Here, we utilize 'knockout' models, RNAi silencing and clinical cohorts to more closely investigate the role of this enigmatic factor in cell proliferation and cancer phenotypes. We report that, compared with Anp32b wild-type (Anp32b+/+) littermates, a broad panel of tissues in Anp32b-deficient (Anp32b−/−) mice are demonstrated hypoplasia. Anp32b−/− mouse embryo fibroblast cell has a slower proliferation, even after oncogenic immortalization. ANP32B knockdown also significantly inhibits in vitro and in vivo growth of cancer cells by inducing G1 arrest. In line with this, ANP32B protein has higher expression in malignant tissues than adjacent normal tissues from a cohort of breast cancer patients, and its expression level positively correlates with their histopathological grades. Moreover, ANP32B deficiency downregulates AKT phosphorylation, which involves its regulating effect on cell growth. Collectively, our findings suggest that ANP32B is an oncogene and a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment.
Origin of the spin Seebeck effect in compensated ferrimagnets
Authors: Geprägs Stephan , Kehlberger Andreas , Coletta Francesco Della , Qiu Zhiyong , Guo Er-Jia , Schulz Tomek , Mix Christian , Meyer Sibylle , Kamra Akashdeep , Althammer Matthias , Huebl Hans , Jakob Gerhard , Ohnuma Yuichi , Adachi Hiroto , Barker Joseph , Maekawa Sadamichi , Bauer Gerrit E. W. , Saitoh Eiji , Gross Rudolf , Goennenwein Sebastian T. B. , Kläui Mathias
Published: February 2016

Magnons are the elementary excitations of a magnetically ordered system. In ferromagnets, only a single band of low-energy magnons needs to be considered, but in ferrimagnets the situation is more complex owing to different magnetic sublattices involved. In this case, low lying optical modes exist that can affect the dynamical response. Here we show that the spin Seebeck effect (SSE) is sensitive to the complexities of the magnon spectrum. The SSE is caused by thermally excited spin dynamics that are converted to a voltage by the inverse spin Hall effect at the interface to a heavy metal contact. By investigating the temperature dependence of the SSE in the ferrimagnet gadolinium iron garnet, with a magnetic compensation point near room temperature, we demonstrate that higher-energy exchange magnons play a key role in the SSE.
Transplanted neurons integrate into adult retinas and respond to light
Authors: Venugopalan Praseeda , Wang Yan , Nguyen Tu , Huang Abigail , Muller Kenneth J. , Goldberg Jeffrey L.
Published: February 2016

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) degenerate in diseases like glaucoma and are not replaced in adult mammals. Here we investigate whether transplanted RGCs can integrate into the mature retina. We have transplanted GFP-labelled RGCs into uninjured rat retinas in vivo by intravitreal injection. Transplanted RGCs acquire the general morphology of endogenous RGCs, with axons orienting towards the optic nerve head of the host retina and dendrites growing into the inner plexiform layer. Preliminary data show in some cases GFP+ axons extending within the host optic nerves and optic tract, reaching usual synaptic targets in the brain, including the lateral geniculate nucleus and superior colliculus. Electrophysiological recordings from transplanted RGCs demonstrate the cells’ electrical excitability and light responses similar to host ON, ON–OFF and OFF RGCs, although less rapid and with greater adaptation. These data present a promising approach to develop cell replacement strategies in diseased retinas with degenerating RGCs.