bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced properties of photovoltaic devices tailored with novel supramolecular structures based on reduced graphene oxide nanosheets grafted/functionalized with thiophenic materials
Authors: Agbolaghi Samira , Ebrahimi Sara , Massoumi Bakhshali , Abbaspoor Saleheh , Sarvari Raana , Abbasi Farhang
Published: September 2017

For verifying the influence of donor–acceptor supramolecules on photovoltaic properties, different hybrids were designed and used in organic solar cells. In this respect, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was functionalization with 2‐thiophene acetic acid (rGO‐f‐TAA) and grafted with poly(3‐dodecylthiophene) (rGO‐g‐PDDT) and poly(3‐thiophene ethanol) (rGO‐g‐PTEt) to manipulate orientation of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) assemblies. Face‐on, edge‐on, and flat‐on orientations were detected for assembled P3HTs on rGO and its functionalized and grafted derivatives, respectively. Alteration of P3HT orientation from face‐on to flat‐on enhanced current density (Jsc), fill factor (FF), and power conversion efficiency (PCE) and thus Jsc = 7.11 mA cm−2, FF = 47%, and PCE = 2.14% were acquired. By adding phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) to active layers composed of pre‐designed P3HT/rGO, P3HT/rGO‐f‐TAA, P3HT/rGO‐g‐PDDT, and P3HT/rGO‐g‐PTEt hybrids, photovoltaic characteristics further improved, demonstrating that supramolecules appropriately mediated in P3HT:PC71BM solar cells. Phase separation was more intensified in best‐performing photovoltaic systems. Larger P3HT crystals assembled onto grafted rGOs (95–143 nm) may have acted as convenient templates for the larger and more intensified phase separation in P3HT:PCBM films. The best performances were reached for P3HT:P3HT/rGO‐g‐PDDT:PCBM (Jsc = 9.45 mA cm−2, FF = 54%, and PCE = 3.16%) and P3HT:P3HT/rGO‐g‐PTEt:PCBM (Jsc = 9.32 mA cm−2, FF = 53%, and PCE = 3.11%) photovoltaic systems. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 1877–1889
Overcoming barriers to a successful transition from pediatric to adult care
Authors: Goralski Jennifer L. , Nasr Samya Z. , Uluer Ahmet
Published: September 2017

As life expectancy for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) has increased dramatically, so has the need for a guided, structured transition from pediatric to adult‐focused care. A formalized transition program allows for seamless transfer of patients between providers, helping to ensure continuity of care, and avoid potential declines associated with inconsistent medical care. New CF Center guidelines issued by the CFF strongly recommend that each center establish a transition program for age‐appropriate transition to an adult CF clinic. In this article, we explore the remaining barriers to establishing a transition program in a CF Center and offer examples of several successful models. We describe CFF‐sponsored and other initiatives that exist to support centers in establishing a transition program and discuss the need for ongoing research in this area.
Performance of a tracheostomy removal protocol for pediatric patients in rehabilitation after acquired brain injury: Factors associated with timing and possibility of decannulation
Authors: Pozzi Marco , Galbiati Sara , Locatelli Federica , Clementi Emilio , Strazzer Sandra
Published: September 2017

Objectives

We assessed the performance of a tracheostomy decannulation protocol privileging safety over quickness, in pediatric patients undergoing rehabilitation from severe acquired brain injury. We analyzed factors associated with decannulation timing and possibility and examined cases of failure.

Hypothesis

A safe decannulation protocol should minimize failures.

Study Design

Retrospective observational study.

Patient Selection

Patients aged 0‐17 admitted to rehabilitation with tracheostomy in the last 15 years (n = 123).

Methodology

We collected data on clinical and respiratory conditions at admittance, during the first rehabilitation stay and following follow‐up controls. We described the sample and tested associations of several factors with the possibility to decannulate patients during either the first stay or follow‐up. We described failures, defined as the cases in which tracheostomy tube had to be placed back immediately or after less than 1 month from removal.

Results

At admittance, 93.5% patients were dysphagic and 37.9% had respiratory complications (mainly accumulation of supraglottic secretions). At first discharge, dysphagia was reduced (62.1%) and respiratory complications increased (41.1%). Tracheostomy was removed during the first stay in 55.3% patients, during follow‐up in 13%, without failures among the 80 patients who followed the protocol. Four decannulations performed against protocol recommendations resulted in three failures. Decannulation was mainly prevented by the persistence of respiratory complications and dysphagia that constituted a relevant risk of aspiration and suffocation; decannulation was mainly postponed because of respiratory complications and breath‐holding spells in very young children.

Conclusions

By applying a decannulation protocol that privileges safety over quickness, we encountered no failure. Respiratory complications and dysphagia that lead to supraglottic stagnation, and breath‐holding spells, are key elements to consider before performing decannulation in pediatric patients.
Lung clearance index (LCI) as a predictor of exercise limitation among CF patients
Authors: Avramidou Vasiliki , Hatziagorou Elpis , Kampouras Asterios , Hebestreit Helge , Kourouki Eleana , Kirvassilis Fotis , Tsanakas John
Published: September 2017

Introduction

FEV1 is often considered the gold standard to monitor lung disease in cystic fibrosis (CF). Recently, there has been increasing interest in multiple breath washout (MBW) and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) as alternative or even more sensitive techniques. However, limited data exist on associations among the above methods.

Aim

To evaluate the correlations between outcome measures of MBW and CPET and to examine if ventilation inhomogeneity can predict exercise intolerance.

Subjects and methods

Ninety‐seven children and adults with CF (47 males, mean [range] age 14.9 (6.6; 26.7) years, mean FEV1: 90.8% predicted, mean lung clearance index [LCI]: 11.4, and mean peak oxygen uptake [VO2peak]: 82.4% predicted) performed spirometry, MBW, and CPET on the same day during their admission or outpatient visit.

Results

LCI, m1/m0, and m2/m0 (P < 0.001) as well as VO2peak%, breathing reserve (BR), minute ventilation (VE)/VO2 (P < 0.001), and VE/carbon dioxide release (VCO2) (P = 0.006) correlated significantly with FEV1%. LCI, m1/m0, and m2/m0 correlated with VO2peak (P ≤ 0.001), VE (L/min) (P < 0.05), BR (P < 0.01), VE/VO2 (P < 0.001), and VE/VCO2 (P < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed that LCI could predict BR% (P < 0.001, r2:0.272) and VE/VO2 (P < 0.001, r2: 0.207) while LCI and FRC could predict VO2peak% P < 0.001, r2: 0.216) and VE/VCO2 (P < 0.001, r2: 0.226).

Conclusion

Ventilation inhomogeneity as indicated by increased LCI is associated with less efficient ventilation during strenuous exercise and negatively impacts exercise capacity in CF.
Hyperthermal Effect of Infrared Irradiation on Aqueous Dispersion of Carbon Nanotubes and Their Penetration Into Drosophila melanogaster Larvae
Authors: Gurova Olga A. , Dubatolova Tatyana D. , Shlyakhova Elena V. , Omelyanchuk Leonid V. , Okotrub Alexander V.
Published: September 2017

Dispersions of chemically modified multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are investigated by interacting of near‐infrared (NIR) laser irradiation power of 500 mW to determine the efficiency of heating. The resulting dispersions with modified CNTs are fed into the larva of Drosophila melanogaster, containing green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter whose expression (synthesis of protein) is activated by hsp70 promoter. After NIR irradiation, it is found that organs of larvae gave GFP signal. The presence of a signal is associated with heating of organs to the heat shock temperature due to CNTs penetration. Thus, the experiment provides validation that nanotubes can penetrate into living Drosophila body. It is shown that the CNTs length and modification affect the penetration efficiency.
Polar Quassinoids in Standardized Eurycoma longifolia Extract Formulated into a Lipid‐Based Solid Dispersion to Improve Rat Sperm Count
Authors: Ma Hai‐Qiu , Ebrahimi Forough , Low Bin‐Seng , Khan Nurzalina Abdul Karim , Chan Kit‐Lam
Published: September 2017

Eurycoma longifolia Jack is popularly sought in Southeast Asian countries for traditional remedies to improve sexual performance and fertility. 13α(21)‐Epoxyeurycomanone and eurycomanone, two major quassinoids in a root extract (TAF2) were reported to improve rat spermatogenesis and fertility. Unfortunately, these quassinoids possess low bioavailability because of high aqueous solubility and low lipid membrane permeability. Often, other possible barriers may be P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) efflux in the gut and presystemic hepatic metabolism. The present study attempted to solve these problems by formulating a lipid‐based solid dispersion (TAF2‐SD) of optimized mixture of TAF2 and emulsifiers, which was then orally administered to rats prior to sperm count analysis. The TAF2‐SD‐treated rats showed significantly twofold (p < 0.001) and fourfold (p < 0.001) higher sperm count than did TAF2‐treated and vehicle‐treated (control) rats, respectively. The study also demonstrated no significant in vitro ileal absorption changes of the quassinoids by P‐gp efflux inhibitors and concentration change or secondary metabolite formation upon in vitro incubation with rat liver homogenates, suggesting that P‐gp‐mediated efflux and presystemic metabolism were not limiting their bioavailability. Further study on orally TAF2‐treated rats confirmed that the area under the curve and bioavailability curve of each quassinoid in the absence and presence of ketoconazole were unchanged. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A global potential energy surface and time‐dependent quantum wave packet calculation of Au + H2 reaction
Authors: Yuan Meiling , Li Wentao , Yuan Jiuchuang , Chen Maodu
Published: September 2017

A global potential energy surface (PES) corresponding to the ground state of AuH2 system has been constructed based on 22 853 ab initio energies calculated by the multireference configuration interaction method with a Davidson correction. The neural network method is used to fit the PES, and the root mean square error is only 1.87 meV. The topographical features of the novel global PES are compared with previous PES which is constructed by Zanchet et al. (Zanchet PES). The global minimum energy reaction paths on the two PESs both have a well and a barrier. Relative to the Au + H2 reactants, the energy of well is 0.316 eV on the new PES, which is 0.421 eV deeper than Zanchet PES. The calculation of Au(2S) + H2(X1Σg+) → AuH(X1Σ+) + H(2S) dynamical reaction is carried out on new PES, by the time‐dependent quantum wave packet method (TDWP) with second order split operator. The reaction probabilities, integral cross‐sections (ICSs) and differential cross‐sections are obtained from the dynamics calculation. The threshold in the reaction is about 1.46 eV, which is 0.07 eV smaller than Zanchet PES due to the different endothermic energies on the two PESs. At low collision energy (<2.3 eV), the total ICS is larger than the result obtained on Zanchet PES, which can be attributed to the difference of the wells and endothermic energies.
Simulated Raman spectra of four tetraphenylbutadiene polymorphs
Authors: Della Valle Raffaele Guido , Venuti Elisabetta , Salzillo Tommaso , Brillante Aldo , Masino Matteo , Girlando Alberto
Published: September 2017

We report a combined experimental and theoretical investigation on the Raman spectra of the polymorphs α, β, γ, and δ of 1,1,4,4‐tetraphenyl‐1,3‐butadiene (TPB), in the region of the intramolecular modes. The interpretation of the polarized spectra is supported by ab‐initio calculations for the isolated molecules and by lattice dynamics calculations for the crystals. The calculations reproduce the peculiar, and surprisingly large, differences among the spectra of the various polymorphs. The phenyl groups of 1,1,4,4‐tetraphenyl‐1,3‐butadiene may arrange themselves around the butadiene skeleton in 2 stable conformers, which have either inversion (Ci) or 2‐fold (C2) symmetry and therefore exhibit intramolecular vibrations with quite different Raman selection rules and spectra. The compound forms 4 crystalline polymorphs (α, β, γ, and δ) with different combinations of Ci and C2 conformers, and correspondingly different intramolecular spectra. The theoretical calculations provide a quantitative analysis of the various spectra.
Comparison of algorithms for automated femur fracture reduction
Authors: Suero Eduardo M. , Westphal Ralf , Citak Musa , Hawi Nael , Liodakis Emmanouil , Omar Mohamed , Krettek Christian , Stuebig Timo
Published: September 2017

Purpose

We designed an experiment to determine the comparative effectiveness of computer algorithms for performing automated long bone fracture reduction.

Methods

Automated reduction of 10 3D fracture models was performed using two computer algorithms, random sample matching (RANSAM) and Z‐buffering (Z‐Buffer), and one of five options of post‐processing: none; iterative closest point algorithm (ICP); ICP‐X1; ICP‐X2; and ICP‐X3. We measured the final alignment between the two fragments for each algorithm and post‐processing option.

Results

The RANSAM algorithm combined with postprocessing algorithm ICP‐X1 or ICP‐X3 resulted in the most accurate fracture reduction in the translational plane. No discernible difference was observed in the rotational plane. Automated reduction had more accurate translational displacement than telemanipulated manual reductions.

Conclusion

This study supports the use of the RANSAM algorithm for automated fracture reduction procedures. The use of ICP algorithms provides further optimization of the initial reduction.
Sequential LMI approach for the design of a BMI‐based robust observer state feedback controller with nonlinear uncertainties
Authors: Wang Yan , Rajamani Rajesh , Zemouche* Ali
Published: September 2017

This paper aims at developing a robust observer–based estimated state feedback control design method for an uncertain dynamical system that can be represented as a linear time‐invariant system connected with an integral quadratic constraint–type nonlinear uncertainty. Traditionally, in existing design methodologies, a convex semidefinite constraint is obtained at the cost of conservatism and unrealistic assumptions. This paper avoids such assumptions and formulates, the design of the robust observer state feedback controller as the feasibility problem of a bilinear matrix inequality (BMI) constraint. Unfortunately, the search for a feasible solution of a BMI constraint is an NP‐hard problem in general. The applicability of a linearization method, such as the variable change method and the congruence transformation, depends on the specific structure of the problem at hand and cannot be generalized. This paper transforms the feasibility analysis of the BMI constraint into an eigenvalue problem and applies the convex‐concave–based sequential linear matrix inequality optimization method to search for a feasible solution. Furthermore, an augmentation of the sequential linear matrix inequality algorithm to improve its numerical stability is presented. In the application part, a vehicle lateral control problem is presented to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed algorithm to a real‐world estimated state feedback control design problem and the necessity of the augmentation for numerical stability.
Green Solid Electrolyte with Cofunctionalized Nanocellulose/Graphene Oxide Interpenetrating Network for Electrochemical Gas Sensors
Authors: Zhang Jing , Jiang Gaopeng , Goledzinowski Maciej , Comeau Felix J. E. , Li Kecheng , Cumberland Timothy , Lenos Jared , Xu Pan , Li Matthew , Yu Aiping , Chen Zhongwei
Published: September 2017

A cofunctionalized cellulose/graphene oxide (GO) proton‐conducting solid electrolyte with a 3D interpenetrating network structure is developed in an efficient and green strategy, and successfully applied in an electrochemical gas sensor for the detection of alcohol, namely an alcohol fuel‐cell sensor. With grafted sulfonic acid groups onto the surface of cellulose nanofibers and GO nanosheets, the membrane is endowed with proton conductivity along both the through‐plane and the in‐plane ion‐transport channels. The alcohol fuel‐cell sensor equipped with cofunctionalized cellulose/GO membrane demonstrates great responses to ethanol vapor at different concentrations, showing excellent linearity and sensitivity, as well as low ethanol‐detection limits approaching 25 ppm. This novel concept of developing a cofunctionalized cellulose/GO membrane opens a promising route for the application of ion‐conducting solid electrolyte in electrochemical devices, particularly in electrochemical gas sensors.
The Glidant Properties of Cyperus esculentus, L (Tigernut) Starch in Metronidazole Tablet Formulation
Authors: Agboola Busola S. , Ajala Tolulope O. , Odeku Oluwatoyin A.
Published: September 2017

The glidant property of starch obtained from the tubers of Cyperus esculentus, L is evaluated in comparison with purified talc and aerosil in metronidazole tablet formulation. C. esculentus starch is characterized using material, proximate, FTIR, and rheological properties in comparison with corn starch BP. Metronidazole granules are prepared using wet granulation method, the granules are mixed with glidants (1–4% w/w) for 5 min and the flow characteristics determined. Tablets are compressed with a single punch machine at predetermined loads and evaluated using mechanical and release properties. The results shows that the proximate and material properties of C. esculentus are significantly different (p < 0.05) from corn starch in fat content, particle size, carr's index, water absorption capacity, and solubility. The FTIR revealed functional groups similar to that of corn starch while rheological profiles revealed that the starch will be able to withstand heat during tablet compression. The granules after the addition of glidants shows excellent flow according to Hausner ratio and Carr's index values. C. esculentus starch improved the flowabilty of granules used for the tablet formulations thus enhancing production process and outcome. The tablets with the highest balance of mechanical and release properties were those containing 2% w/w of C. esculentus starch and the difference is significantly higher in comparison to tablets containing other glidants. The results shows that C. esculentus starch could be suitable as a glidant in pharmaceutical tablet formulations.
Concise Review: Conceptualizing Paralogous Stem-Cell Niches and Unfolding Bone Marrow Progenitor Cell Identities
Authors: Chen Kevin G. , Johnson Kory R. , McKay Ronald D.G. , Robey Pamela G.
Published: September 2017

Lineage commitment and differentiation of skeletal stem cells/bone marrow stromal cells (SSCs/BMSCs, often called bone marrow-derived “mesenchymal stem/stromal” cells) offer an important opportunity to study skeletal and hematopoietic diseases, and for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Currently, many studies in this field have relied on cell lineage tracing methods in mouse models, which have provided a significant advancement in our knowledge of skeletal and hematopoietic stem-cell niches in bone marrow (BM). However, there is a lack of agreement in numerous fundamental areas, including origins of various BM stem-cell niches, cell identities, and their physiological roles in the BM. In order to resolve these issues, we propose a new hypothesis of “paralogous” stem-cell niches (PSNs); that is, progressively altered parallel niches within an individual species throughout the life span of the organism. A putative PSN code seems to be plausible based on analysis of transcriptional signatures in two representative genes that encode Nes-GFP and leptin receptors, which are frequently used to monitor SSC lineage development in BM. Furthermore, we suggest a dynamic paralogous BM niche (PBMN) model that elucidates the coupling and uncoupling mechanisms between BM stem-cell niches and their zones of active regeneration during different developmental stages. Elucidation of these PBMNs would enable us to resolve the existing controversies, thus paving the way to achieving precision regenerative medicine and pharmaceutical applications based on these BM cell resources.
Liquid Phase Selective Catalytic Oxidation of Oleic Acid to Azelaic Acid Using Air and Transition Metal Acetate Bromide Complex
Authors: Hajra Bhaskar , Sultana Nazmun , Guria Chandan , Pathak Akhilendra K. , Saxena Vinod K.
Published: September 2017

Industrially important di‐carboxylic acids are synthesized from mono‐carboxylic unsaturated and unsaturated fatty acids. In this study, the aim is to perform the simultaneous catalytic oxidative C=C cleavage of oleic acid (OA) to azelaic acid and pelargonic acid, and oxidation of the terminal methyl group in pelargonic acid to azelaic acid using cobalt‐ and manganese‐acetate as catalyst, hydrogen bromide as co‐catalyst and air in acetic acid at elevated pressure (2.8–5.8 barg) and temperature (353–383 K). Oxygen solubility is determined under varying pressure, temperature and OA loading. The effect of OA loading, pressure and temperature on OA conversion and azelaic acid selectivity is studied by varying one variable at a time; however, the presence of the synergistic effect of the catalyst and co‐catalyst is investigated by central composite design assisted response surface methodology. Oxidation of terminal methyl group in saturated fatty acid is also confirmed by the oxidation of stearic acid to octadecanedioic acid using identical oxidation conditions of OA. Oxidation products of fatty acids are quantified by gas chromatographic analysis. The innovation of the work is thus the ability of the catalytic system to perform a total oxidation of a terminal methyl group of the hydrocarbon chain. OA oxidation kinetics relating to catalyst and co‐catalyst concentration along with oxygen solubility at elevated temperature and pressure is established. The frequency factor and activation energy for OA oxidation is determined using the Arrhenius equation.
Getting off the carousel: Exploring the wicked problem of curriculum reform
Authors: Hawick Lorraine , Cleland Jennifer , Kitto Simon
Published: September 2017

Introduction Making substantial changes to the form and delivery of medical education is challenging. One reason for this may be misalignment between existing conceptualizations of curricula and curriculum reform in medical education, with the former perceived as ‘complex’ yet the latter as linear. Reframing curriculum reform as a process-driven, complex entity may enhance the possibility of change. To explore the utility of this approach, we carried out an exploratory case study of curriculum reform in a real-life context.

Methods We used a qualitative case study approach. Data were collected from 17 interviews with senior faculty involved in curriculum reform in one medical school plus document analysis of approximately 50 documents and files, to provide background, context, and aid triangulation.

Results Data coding and analysis was initially inductive, using thematic analysis. After themes were identified, we applied the ‘wicked problem’ framework to highlight aspects of the data. This paper focuses on two main analytic themes. First, that multiple players hold different views and values in relation to curriculum reform, resulting in various influences on the process and outcomes of reform. Second, ‘solutions’ generate consequences which go beyond the anticipated advantages of curriculum reform.

Discussion This is the first empirical study of curriculum reform in medical education which uses the wicked problem framework to conceptually illuminate the complex processes which occur in relation to reform. Those involved in reform must be reflective and attentive to the possibility that persistent and emerging challenges may be a result of wicked problems.
Robustness of ergodic properties of non-autonomous piecewise expanding maps
Authors: TANZI MATTEO , PEREIRA TIAGO , VAN STRIEN SEBASTIAN
Published: September 2017

Recently, there has been an increasing interest in non-autonomous composition of perturbed hyperbolic systems: composing perturbations of a given hyperbolic map$F$results in statistical behaviour close to that of$F$. We show this fact in the case of piecewise regular expanding maps. In particular, we impose conditions on perturbations of this class of maps that include situations slightly more general than what has been considered so far, and prove that these are stochastically stable in the usual sense. We then prove that the evolution of a given distribution of mass under composition of time-dependent perturbations (arbitrarily—rather than randomly—chosen at each step) close to a given map$F$remains close to the invariant mass distribution of$F$. Moreover, for almost every point, Birkhoff averages along trajectories do not fluctuate wildly. This result complements recent results on memory loss for non-autonomous dynamical systems.
Weighted Birkhoff ergodic theorem with oscillating weights
Authors: FAN AI-HUA
Published: September 2017

We consider sequences of Davenport type or Gelfond type and prove that sequences of Davenport exponent larger than$\frac{1}{2}$are good sequences of weights for the ergodic theorem, and that the ergodic sums weighted by a sequence of strong Gelfond property are well controlled almost everywhere. We prove that for any$q$-multiplicative sequence, the Gelfond property implies the strong Gelfond property and that sequences realized by dynamical systems can be fully oscillating and have the Gelfond property.
Modelling of an actuated elastic swimmer
Authors: Piñeirua M. , Thiria B. , Godoy-Diana R.
Published: September 2017

We study the force production dynamics of undulating elastic plates as a model for fish-like inertial swimmers. Using a beam model coupled with Lighthill’s large-amplitude elongated-body theory, we explore different localised actuations at one extremity of the plate (heaving, pitching and a combination of both) in order to quantify the reactive and resistive contributions to the thrust. The latter has the form of a quadratic drag in large Reynolds number swimmers and has recently been pointed out as a crucial element in the thrust force balance. We validate the output of a weakly nonlinear solution to the fluid–structure model using thrust force measurements from an experiment with flexible plates subjected to the three different actuation types. The model is subsequently used in a self-propelled configuration – with a skin friction model that balances thrust to produce a constant cruising speed – to map the reactive versus resistive thrust production in a parameter space defined by the aspect ratio and the actuation frequency. We show that this balance is modified as the frequency of excitation changes and the response of the elastic plate shifts between different resonant modes, the pure heaving case being the most sensitive to the modal response with drastic changes in the reactive/resistive contribution ratio along the frequency axis. We analyse also the role of the phase lag between the heaving and pitching components in the case of combined actuation, showing in particular a non-trivial effect on the propulsive efficiency.
Analytical and experimental investigation into the effects of leading-edge radius on gust–aerofoil interaction noise
Authors: Ayton Lorna J. , Chaitanya Paruchuri
Published: September 2017

This paper investigates the effects of local leading-edge geometry on unsteady aerofoil interaction noise. Analytical results are obtained by extending previous work for parabolic leading edges to leading edges of the form $x^{m}$ for $0<m<1$. Rapid distortion theory governs the interaction of an unsteady vortical perturbation with a rigid aerofoil in compressible steady mean flow that is uniform far upstream. For high-frequency gusts interacting with aerofoils of small total thickness this allows a matched asymptotic solution to be obtained. This paper mainly focusses on obtaining the analytic solution in the leading-edge inner region, which is the dominant term in determining the total far-field acoustic directivity, and contains the effects of the local leading-edge geometry. Experimental measurements for the noise generated by aerofoils with different leading-edge nose radii in uniform flow with approximate homogeneous, isotropic turbulence are also presented. Both experimental and analytic results predict that a larger nose radius generates less overall noise in low-Mach-number flow. By considering individual terms in the analytic solution, this paper is able to propose reasons behind this result.
Dietary zinc addition influenced zinc and lipid deposition in the fore- and mid-intestine of juvenile yellow catfishPelteobagrus fulvidraco
Authors: Chen Guang-Hui , Hogstrand Christer , Luo Zhi , Zhang Dian-Guang , Ling Shi-Cheng , Wu Kun
Published: September 2017

The present study explored the mechanisms of dietary Zn influencing Zn and lipid deposition in the fore- and mid- intestine in yellow catfishPelteobagrus fulvidraco, and investigated whether the mechanism was intestinal-region dependent. For this purpose, yellow catfish were fed three diets containing Zn levels of 8·83, 19·20 and 146·65 mg Zn/kg, respectively. Growth performance, intestinal TAG and Zn contents as well as activities and mRNA expression of enzymes and genes involved in Zn transport and lipid metabolism in the fore- and mid-intestine were analysed. Dietary Zn increased Zn accumulation as well as activities of Cu-, Zn-superoxide dismutase and ATPase in the fore- and mid-intestine. In the fore-intestine, dietary Zn up-regulated mRNA levels of ZnT1, ZnT5, ZnT7, metallothionein (MT) and metal response element-binding transcription factor-1 (MTF-1), but down-regulated mRNA levels of ZIP4 and ZIP5. In the mid-intestine, dietary Zn up-regulated mRNA levels of ZnT1, ZnT5, ZnT7, MT and MTF-1, but down-regulated mRNA levels of ZIP4 and ZIP5. Dietary Zn reduced TAG content, down-regulated activities of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), malic enzyme (ME) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) activities, and reduced mRNA levels of 6PGD, G6PD, FAS, PPARγand sterol-regulator element-binding protein (SREBP-1), but up-regulated mRNA levels of carnitine palmitoyltransferase IA, hormone-sensitive lipase (HSLa), adipose TAG lipase (ATGL) and PPARαin the fore-intestine. In the mid-intestine, dietary Zn reduced TAG content, activities of G6PD, ME, isocitrate dehydrogenase and FAS, down-regulated mRNA levels of 6PGD, G6PD, FAS, acetyl-CoA carboxylase a, PPARγand SREBP-1, but up-regulated mRNA expression of HSLa, ATGL and PPARγ. The reduction in TAG content following Zn addition was attributable to reduced lipogenesis and increased lipolysis, and similar regulatory mechanisms were observed between the fore- and mid-intestine.
Determination of dietary iron requirements by full expression of iron-containing cytochrome c oxidase in the heart of broilers from 22 to 42 d of age
Authors: Liao Xiudong , Ma Chunyan , Lu Lin , Zhang Liyang , Luo Xugang
Published: September 2017

The present study was carried out to determine dietary Fe requirements for the full expression of Fe-containing enzyme in broilers chicks from 22 to 42 d of age. At 22 d of age, 288 Arbor Acres male chicks were randomly assigned to one of six treatments with six replicates and fed a basal maize–soyabean-meal diet (control, containing 47·0 mg Fe/kg) or the basal diet supplemented with 20, 40, 60, 80 or 100 mg Fe/kg from FeSO4.7H2O for 21 d. Regression analysis was performed to estimate the optimal dietary Fe level using quadratic models. Liver cytochrome c oxidase (Cox), heartCoxand kidney succinate dehydrogenase mRNA levels as well as heart COX activity were affected (P<0·08) by dietary Fe level, and COX mRNA level and activity in heart of broilers increased quadratically (P<0·03) as dietary Fe level increased. The estimates of dietary Fe requirements were 110 and 104 mg/kg for the full expression ofCoxmRNA and for its activity in the heart of broilers, respectively. The results from this study indicate that COX mRNA level and activity in the heart are new and sensitive criteria to evaluate the dietary Fe requirements of broilers, and the dietary Fe requirements would be 104–110 mg/kg to support the full expression of COX in the heart of broiler chicks from 22 to 42 d of age, which are higher than the current National Research Council Fe requirement (80 mg/kg) of broiler chicks from 1 to 21 d or 22 to 42 d of age.
PREVALENCE AND INCIDENCE OF FOUR COMMON BEAN ROOT ROTS IN UGANDA
Authors: PAPARU P. , ACUR A. , KATO F. , ACAM C. , NAKIBUULE J. , MUSOKE S. , NKALUBO S. , MUKANKUSI C.
Published: September 2017

Root rots are one of the main biotic constraints to common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production, causing losses estimated at 221 000 metric tons a year in sub-Saharan Africa. Until recently, root rots in Ugandan common bean agroecologies were mostly caused by Pythium and Fusarium spp., especially in high altitude areas. But now, severe root rots are observed in low and medium altitude agroecologies characterized by dry and warm conditions. The objective of our study was therefore to ascertain the current prevalence and incidence of common bean root rot diseases in Ugandan common bean agroecologies. Our results show that root rots were present in all seven agroecologies surveyed. Overall, the most rampant root rot was southern blight caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc., followed by root rots caused by Fusarium spp., Pythium spp. and Rhizoctonia solani, respectively. Our study clearly showed the influence of environmental conditions on the prevalence and incidence of common bean root rots. While Fusarium and Pythium root rots are favoured under low air temperature and high air humidity in highland areas, high incidence of southern blight is favoured by warm and moist conditions of lowland areas. The prevalence and incidence of common bean root rots was mapped, providing a reliable baseline for future studies. Similarly, hotspots identified for common bean root rots will be a very useful resource for evaluation of germplasm and breeding lines for resistance to root rots.
Food and the gut: relevance to some of the autisms
Authors: Whiteley Paul
Published: September 2017

Complex, diverse and rarely appearing without comorbidity, the autism spectrum disorders continue to be a source of research interest. With core symptoms variably impacting on social communication skills, the traditional focus of many research efforts has centred on the brain and how genetic and environmental processes impact on brain structure, function and/or connectivity to account for various behavioural presentations. Alongside emerging ideas on autistic traits being present in various clinical states, the autisms, and the overrepresentation of several comorbid conditions impacting on quality of life, other research avenues have opened up. The central role of the brain in relation to autism may be at least partially influenced by the functions of other organs. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract represents an important biological system pertinent to at least some autism. The notion of a gut–brain–behaviour axis has garnered support from various findings: an overrepresentation of functional and pathological bowel states, bowel and behavioural findings showing bidirectional associations, a possible relationship between diet, GI function and autism and recently, greater focus on aspects of the GI tract such as the collected gut microbiota in relation to autism. Gaps remain in our knowledge of the functions of the GI tract linked to autism, specifically regarding mechanisms of action onward to behavioural presentation. Set however within the context of diversity in the presentation of autism, science appears to be moving towards defining important GI-related autism phenotypes with the possibility of promising dietary and other related intervention options onward to improving quality of life.
Predator visits to acclimatization pens: implications for the soft-release of gallinaceous birds
Authors: Keiter David A. , Ruzicka Rebekah E.
Published: September 2017

Predator visitation to acclimatization or soft-release pens containing captive translocated animals has the potential to cause sub-lethal effects or physical injury that could influence post-release survival and establishment. No previous study has examined potential interactions between captive and resident animals during pre-release holding periods. We monitored seven holding pens containing wild-caught northern bobwhite Colinus virginianus or scaled quail Callipepla squamata in the Rolling Plains Ecoregion of Texas, USA, using remote camera systems. Our objectives were to determine if resident predator species and conspecifics visited holding pens, and to characterize visits by species, frequency, duration and behaviour. We recorded visitation to holding pens by four potential predator species. Although most visits by mammalian predators were short in duration, northern raccoons Procyon lotor were observed spending extended periods of time at holding pens. We also recorded resident scaled quail and northern bobwhite quail visiting holding pens containing conspecifics. We recommend that future studies using a soft-release technique in which captive animals are held at the release site consider the potential impacts of predator visitation to holding pens, and methods to mitigate those impacts.
Biological function of Dictyocaulus viviparus asparaginyl peptidase legumain-1 and its suitability as a vaccine target
Authors: HOLZHAUSEN JULIA , HAAKE CLAAS , SCHICHT SABINE , HINSE PETRA , JORDAN DANIELA , KREMMER ELISABETH , STRUBE CHRISTINA
Published: September 2017

The present study characterized the biological function of the asparaginyl peptidase legumain-1 (LEG-1) of the bovine lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus and its suitability as a recombinant vaccine against dictyocaulosis. Quantitative real-time PCR and immunoblot analysis revealed LEG-1 to be almost exclusively transcribed and expressed in parasitic lungworm stages. Immunohistochemistry localized the enzyme in the parasite's gut, which was confirmed by immunoblots detecting LEG-1 in the gut as well as male testes. LEG-1 was recombinantly (rLEG-1) expressed in the yeast Pichia pastoris and subsequently analysed in activity assays for its enzyme functions and substrate specificity. For sufficient functionality, rLEG-1 needed trans-activation through D. viviparus cathepsin L-2, indicating a novel mechanism of legumain activation. After trans-activation, rLEG-1 worked best at pH 5·5 and 35–39 °C and cleaved a legumain-specific artificial substrate as well as the natural substrates bovine collagen types I and II. In a clinical vaccination trial, rLEG-1 did not protect against challenge infection. Results of in vitro characterization, transcription pattern and localization enhance the presumption that LEG-1 participates in digestion processes of D. viviparus. Since rLEG-1 needs trans-activation through a cathepsin, it is probably involved in an enzyme cascade and therefore remains interesting as a candidate in a multi-component vaccine.
FINDING EXPECTED REVENUES IN G-NETWORK WITH SIGNALS AND CUSTOMERS BATCH REMOVAL
Authors: Matalytski Mikhail , Kopats Dmitry
Published: September 2017

The paper provides an analysis of G-network with positive customers and signals when signals arriving to the system move customer to another system or destroy in it a group of customers, reducing their number to a random value that is given by a probability distribution. The signal arriving to the system, in which there are no positive customers, does not exert any influence on the queueing network and immediately disappears from it. Streams of positive customers and signals arriving to each of the network systems are independent. Customer in the transition from one system to another brings the latest some revenue, and the revenue of the first system is reduced by this amount. A method of finding the expected revenues of the systems of such a network has been proposed. The case when the revenues from transitions between network states are deterministic functions depending on its states has been considered. A description of the network is given, all possible transitions between network states, transition probabilities, and revenues from state transitions are indicated. A system of difference-differential equations for the expected revenues of network systems has been obtained. To solve it, we propose a method of successive approximations, combined with the method of series. It is proved that successive approximations converge to the stationary solution of such a system of equations, and the sequence of approximations converges to a unique solution of the system. Each approximation can be represented as a convergent power series with an infinite radius of convergence, the coefficients of which are related by recurrence relations. Therefore, it is convenient to use them for calculations on a PC. The obtained results can be applied in forecasting losses in information and telecommunication systems and networks from the penetration of computer viruses into it and conducting computer attacks.
Chlamydia psittaci(psittacosis) as a cause of community-acquired pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: HOGERWERF L. , DE GIER B. , BAAN B. , VAN DER HOEK W.
Published: September 2017

Psittacosis is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by the transmission of the bacteriumChlamydia psittacifrom birds to humans. Infections in humans mainly present as community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). However, most cases of CAP are treated without diagnostic testing, and the importance ofC. psittaciinfection as a cause of CAP is therefore unclear. In this meta-analysis of published CAP-aetiological studies, we estimate the proportion of CAP caused byC. psittaciinfection. The databases MEDLINE and Embase were systematically searched for relevant studies published from 1986 onwards. Only studies that consisted of 100 patients or more were included. In total, 57 studies were selected for the meta-analysis.C. psittaciwas the causative pathogen in 1·03% (95% CI 0·79–1·30) of all CAP cases from the included studies combined, with a range between studies from 0 to 6·7%. For burden of disease estimates, it is a reasonable assumption that 1% of incident cases of CAP are caused by psittacosis.
Conditions affecting the timing and magnitude of Hendra virus shedding across pteropodid bat populations in Australia
Authors: PÁEZ D. J. , GILES J. , MCCALLUM H. , FIELD H. , JORDAN D. , PEEL A. J. , PLOWRIGHT R. K.
Published: September 2017

Understanding infection dynamics in animal hosts is fundamental to managing spillover and emergence of zoonotic infections. Hendra virus is endemic in Australian pteropodid bat populations and can be lethal to horses and humans. However, we know little about the factors driving Hendra virus prevalence in resevoir bat populations, making spillover difficult to predict. We use Hendra virus prevalence data collected from 13 000 pooled bat urine samples across space and time to determine if pulses of prevalence are periodic and synchronized across sites. We also test whether site-specific precipitation and temperature affect the amplitude of the largest annual prevalence pulses. We found little evidence for a periodic signal in Hendra virus prevalence. Although the largest amplitude pulses tended to occur over winter, pulses could also occur in other seasons. We found that Hendra virus prevalence was weakly synchronized across sites over short distances, suggesting that prevalence is driven by local-scale effects. Finally, we found that drier conditions in previous seasons and the abundance of Pteropus alecto were positively correlated with the peak annual values of Hendra virus prevalence. Our results suggest that in addition to seasonal effects, bat density and local climatic conditions interact to drive Hendra virus infection dynamics.
Urban Emotions Behind the Veil: An Early-Twentieth Century Muslim Wedding in Shahjahanabad
Authors: ROBB MEGAN EATON
Published: September 2017

While scholarship on pardah nashīn or veiled women in South Asia has emphasized the links between women's ritual and urban landscape, what has received less attention is the ways that domestic spaces, affective work performed in those spaces, and material culture of the home were instrumental in mapping the South Asian city during the late colonial period. Aesthetic decisions, gift-giving, and performative critiques of the public rituals of marriage acted as loci for the self-fashioning of both the colonial-era city and women's modern selves. Through close reading of an account of the customs of Delhi by a pardah nashīn woman S. Begum Dehlavi, this article shows that veiled women mapped the city through their consumption and exchange of goods, as well as through the construction and affirmation of a complex web of families in the city.
THE POLITICS OF FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND CAPITAL ACCUMULATION
Authors: Matsuoka Tarishi , Naito Katsuyuki , Nishida Keigo
Published: September 2017

This paper considers the political economy of financial development in an overlapping generations model that incorporates credit market imperfections, and shows that income inequality is a determinant of financial and economic development. Individuals have an opportunity to start an investment project at a fixed cost, but their income to finance the cost is unequal. The government proposes a policy financed by taxation that mitigates credit market imperfections, the implementation of which is determined through majority voting. The policy benefits middle-income individuals who can start the investment only after the implementation of the policy. The policy is, however, against the interest of the rich who wish to block such new entry, and that of the poor who wish to avoid the tax burden. Whether the policy obtains majority support depends on income inequality. High income inequality makes the policy hard to implement, which causes financial and economic underdevelopment.
Personal Factors Underlying Resilience in Adolescence: Cross-Cultural Validity of the Prince-Embury Model
Authors: Villasana Mercedes , Alonso-Tapia Jesús , Ruiz Miguel A.
Published: September 2017

Resiliency personality factors are supposed to underlie resilience. To get evidence on this supposition, the Prince-Embury scales (PES) for adolescents were adapted to the Spanish population. Then, the relationship between theresiliencyvariablessense of mastery,sense of relatednessandemotional reactivity-assessed with the PES- withresilience-assessed with theSubjective Resilience Questionnaire(SRQ)- were analyzed, as well as the role of social integration within this relationship. Data from 1083 adolescents were analyzed using confirmatory techniques (CFA, PALV). CFA of PES displayed a good fit to the model (CFI: .95). Path-analysis showed thatsense of masteryandemotional reactivitypredict resilience as expected, but also that, contrary to expectations based on Prince-Embury’s theory, sense of relatedness and resilience are not related, either directly, or through social integration. Being related and socially integrated probably favors well-being, but it may not favor resilience unless associated to Sense of Mastery, at least in adolescence.
When Less Is More: Opening the Door to Simpler Climate Models
Authors: Polvani L. , Clement A. , Medeiros B. , Benedict J. , Simpson I.
Published: September 2017

Earth system models are resource intensive and complex. To cut through this complexity, the Community Earth System Model project will now be embracing a hierarchy of simpler climate models.