bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
France's Almost Public Private Schools
Authors: Bertola Giuseppe
Published: April 2017

This article uses a large and detailed dataset to characterize the enrollment and educational performance of regulated and subsidized French private schools. Individual ability reduces the probability of private secondary schooling. Structural models indeed find that both observable and unobservable initial ability matter less in private than in State schools for successful secondary school completion and access to tertiary education.
Neuronal loss, demyelination and volume change in the multiple sclerosis neocortex
Authors: Carassiti D. , Altmann D. R. , Petrova N. , Pakkenberg B. , Scaravilli F. , Schmierer K.
Published: April 2017

Aims

Indices of brain volume [grey matter, white matter (WM), lesions] are being used as outcomes in clinical trials of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). We investigated the relationship between cortical volume, the number of neocortical neurons estimated using stereology and demyelination.

Methods

Nine MS and seven control hemispheres were dissected into coronal slices. On sections stained for Giemsa, the cortex was outlined and optical disectors applied using systematic uniform random sampling. Neurons were counted using an oil immersion objective (× 60) following stereological principles. Grey and WM demyelination was outlined on myelin basic protein immunostained sections, and expressed as percentages of cortex and WM respectively.

Results

In MS, the mean number of neurons was 14.9 ± 1.9 billion vs. 24.4 ± 2.4 billion in controls (P < 0.011), a 39% difference. The density of neurons was smaller by 28% (P < 0.001) and cortical volume by 26% (P = 0.1). Strong association was detected between number of neurons and cortical volume (P < 0.0001). Demyelination affected 40 ± 13% of the MS neocortex and 9 ± 12% of the WM, however, neither correlated with neuronal loss. Only weak association was detected between number of neurons and WM volume.

Conclusion

Neocortical neuronal loss in MS is massive and strongly predicted by cortical volume. Cortical volume decline detected in vivo may be similarly indicative of neuronal loss. Lack of association between neuronal density and demyelination suggests these features are partially independent, at least in chronic MS.
Leaf rust infection reduces herbivore‐induced volatile emission in black poplar and attracts a generalist herbivore
Authors: Eberl Franziska , Hammerbacher Almuth , Gershenzon Jonathan , Unsicker Sybille B.
Published: April 2017

Plants release complex volatile blends after separate attack by herbivores and pathogens, which play many roles in interactions with other organisms. Large perennials are often attacked by multiple enemies, but the effect of combined attacks on volatile emission is rarely studied, particularly in trees.

We infested Populus nigra trees with a pathogen, the rust fungus Melampsora larici‐populina, and Lymantria dispar caterpillars alone and in combination. We investigated poplar volatile emission and its regulation, as well as the behavior of the caterpillars towards volatiles from rust‐infected and uninfected trees.

Both the rust fungus and the caterpillars alone induced volatile emission from poplar trees. However, the herbivore‐induced volatile emission was significantly reduced when trees were under combined attack by the herbivore and the fungus. Herbivory induced terpene synthase transcripts as well as jasmonate concentrations, but these increases were suppressed when the tree was additionally infected with rust. Caterpillars preferred volatiles from rust‐infected over uninfected trees.

Our results suggest a defense hormone crosstalk upon combined herbivore–pathogen attack in poplar trees which results in lowered emission of herbivore‐induced volatiles. This influences the preference of herbivores, and might have other far‐reaching consequences for the insect and pathogen communities in natural poplar forests.
How do fishery policies affect Hawaii's longline fishing industry? Calibrating a positive mathematical programming model
Authors: Sweeney Jonathan R. , Howitt Richard E. , Chan Hing Ling , Pan Minling , Leung PingSun
Published: April 2017

We present a vessel and target‐specific positive mathematical programming model (PMP) for Hawaii's longline fishing fleet. Although common in agricultural economics, PMP modeling is rarely attempted in fisheries. To demonstrate the flexibility of the PMP framework, we separate tuna and swordfish production technologies into three policy‐relevant fishing targets. We find the model most accurately predicts vessel‐specific annual bigeye catch in the Western Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO), with an accuracy of 12–35%, and a correlation between 0.30 and 0.53. To demonstrate the model's usefulness to policy makers, we simulate the impact to individual vessels from increasing and decreasing the bigeye catch limit in the WCPO by 10%. Our results suggest that such policy changes will have moderate impacts on most vessels, but large impacts on a few generating a fat‐tailed distribution. These results offer insights into the range of winners and losers resulting from changes in fishery policies, and therefore, which policies are more likely to gain widespread industry support. As a tool for fishery management, the calibrated PMP model offers a flexible and easy‐to‐use framework, capable of capturing the heterogeneous response of fishing vessels to evaluate policy changes.
Zygomaticomaxillary suture maturation: A predictor of maxillary protraction? Part I ‐ A classification method
Authors: Angelieri F. , Franchi L. , Cevidanes L. H. S. , Hino C. T. , Nguyen T. , McNamara J. A.
Published: April 2017

Structured Abstract

Objective

The aim of this study was to present a method of classifying the maturational level of the zygomaticomaxillary sutures (ZMSs).

Methods

Cone‐beam CT (CBCT) images from 74 subjects (5.6‐58.4 years) were examined to define the radiographic stages of ZMS maturation. Five stages of maturation of the ZMS were identified and defined: Stage A—uniform high‐density sutural line, with no or little interdigitation; Stage B—scalloped appearance of the high‐density sutural line; Stage C—two parallel, scalloped, high‐density lines, separated in some areas by small low‐density spaces; Stage D—fusion in the inferior portion of the suture; and Stage E—complete fusion. Intra‐ and inter‐examiner agreements were evaluated by weighted kappa tests.

Results

The intra‐ and inter‐examiners reproducibility values demonstrated substantial to almost perfect agreement. No fusion of ZMSs was observed in patients up to 10 years of age. From 10 to 15 years, all maturational stages were identified. After 15 years of age, the majority of patients showed fusion of ZMSs.

Conclusions

The classification of ZMS maturation using CBCT is a reliable method that allows the assessment of the morphology of the ZMSs in the individual patient.
Influence of pharyngeal airway respiration pressure on Class II mandibular retrusion in children: A computational fluid dynamics study of inspiration and expiration
Authors: Iwasaki T. , Sato H. , Suga H. , Takemoto Y. , Inada E. , Saitoh I. , Kakuno K. , Kanomi R. , Yamasaki Y.
Published: April 2017

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To examine the influence of negative pressure of the pharyngeal airway on mandibular retraction during inspiration in children with nasal obstruction using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method.

Setting and Sample Population

Sixty‐two children were divided into Classes I, II (mandibular retrusion) and III (mandibular protrusion) malocclusion groups.

Material and Methods

Cone‐beam computed tomography data were used to reconstruct three‐dimensional shapes of the nasal and pharyngeal airways. Airflow pressure was simulated using CFD to calculate nasal resistance and pharyngeal airway pressure during inspiration and expiration.

Results

Nasal resistance of the Class II group was significantly higher than that of the other two groups, and oropharyngeal airway inspiration pressure in the Class II (−247.64 Pa) group was larger than that in the Class I (−43.51 Pa) and Class III (−31.81 Pa) groups (P<.001). The oropharyngeal airway inspiration–expiration pressure difference in the Class II (−27.38 Pa) group was larger than that in the Class I (−5.17 Pa) and Class III (0.68 Pa) groups (P=.006).

Conclusion

Large negative inspiratory pharyngeal airway pressure due to nasal obstruction in children with Class II malocclusion may be related to their retrognathia.
Oral mycobiome in community‐dwelling elderly and its relation to oral and general health conditions
Authors: Zakaria MN , Furuta M , Takeshita T , Shibata Y , Sundari R , Eshima N , Ninomiya T , Yamashita Y
Published: April 2017

Objective

Oral fungal infection is generally associated with dysbiosis related to antibiotic use, immunodeficiency, or frailty. However, fungal colonization in a typical population without apparent symptoms and its associated conditions are poorly understood. In this study, oral fungal colonization in community‐dwelling and independently living elderly populations was evaluated and factors affecting fungal colonization were analyzed.

Subjects and Methods

The subjects (410; 181 males and 229 females) were 75–99 years of age; those under prior antibiotic use were excluded. Fungal populations in the saliva were evaluated by PCR‐based molecular techniques. Body mass index (BMI), smoking habits, and oral health conditions were examined.

Results

Salivary fungal amounts exceeded 104 CFU/ml in 63 (15.4%) of 410 subjects. Candida albicans was most frequently detected (98.4%), followed by Candida glabrata (54.0%), and Candida dubliniensis (38.1%) in those subjects with fungi at 104 CFU/ml or over. Fungi at 104 CFU/ml or over in the presence of C. glabrata or C. dubliniensis was significantly associated with low BMI.

Conclusions

Candida albicans, C. glabrata, and C. dubliniensis dominated the oral mycobiome in Japanese community‐dwelling elderly. Lower BMI might signify compromised health status and thus could result in susceptibility to specific candidiasis by C. glabrata and C. dubliniensis.
Validation of the Mandarin Chinese Version of the Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire
Authors: Quan Xiaoli , Fong Daniel Yee Tak , Leung Angela Yee Man , Liao Qin , Ruscheweyh Ruth , Chau Pui Hing
Published: April 2017

Background and Aim

The Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire (PSQ), a self‐reported scale, has been used to assess the pain sensitivity level in a Caucasian population. However, a validated Mandarin Chinese version of the PSQ is not available. This study was aimed to translate the PSQ into Mandarin Chinese (PSQ‐C) and validate it to measure pain sensitivity among Chinese people.

Methods

The English version of the PSQ has been translated into Mandarin Chinese (PSQ‐C), according to the standard steps of cross‐cultural adaptation of self‐reported scales. Three of the 17 items were revised owing to cultural adaptation. The final version was validated on a population of 182 Chinese people in Changsha City, China, during October to December 2015. The participants underwent electrical experimental pain testing. The psychometric properties of the PSQ‐C and its subscales were examined.

Results

The Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the PSQ‐C‐total, PSQ‐C‐moderate, and PSQ‐C‐minor were 0.90, 0.86, and 0.81, respectively. Acceptable test‐retest reliability, content validity, and construct validity were demonstrated. Concurrent validity was shown via significant positive correlations between PSQ‐C scores and perceived pain intensity at pain threshold and during pain stimulation with a fixed intensity. Convergent validity was shown via significant positive correlations between Pain Catastrophizing Scale scores and PSQ‐C scores. Known group validity was demonstrated via higher PSQ‐C‐total and PSQ‐C‐moderate scores among those with high neuroticism scores. These results indicate that the PSQ‐C has reasonably good psychometric properties, similar to the original English and German versions.

Conclusion

The PSQ‐C is a reliable and useful tool to assess pain sensitivity levels in a Chinese population.
Prevalence and Predictors of Patient Nonadherence to Pharmacological Acute Pain Therapy at Home After Day Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Stessel Björn , Theunissen Maurice , Marcus Marco A. , Joosten Elbert A. , van Kuijk Sander M. J. , Fiddelers Audrey A. A. , Peters Madelon L. , Hoofwijk Daisy M. N. , Buhre Wolfgang F. F. A. , Gramke Hans‐Fritz
Published: April 2017

Background

Good adherence to prescribed analgesics can be crucial to suppress or even prevent acute postoperative pain after day surgery. The aim of this study was to analyze prevalence and predictors of analgesic nonadherence after day surgery.

Methods

Elective patients scheduled for day surgery were prospectively enrolled from November 2008 to April 2010. Outcome parameters were measured by using questionnaire packages at 2 time points: 1 week preoperatively and 4 days postoperatively. The primary outcome parameter was analgesic nonadherence. Adherence was defined according to the patient's response to the questionnaire item “analgesia use as prescribed”: full adherence, “yes”; partial adherence, “yes, sometimes”; nonadherence, “no.” Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of analgesic nonadherence.

Results

A total of 1,248 patients were included. The prevalence rates of analgesic nonadherence and partial adherence were 21.6% and 20.0%, respectively, in the total study population but dropped to 9.4% and 19.8%, respectively, in patients with moderate to severe pain. Low postoperative pain intensity and short duration of surgery were the most important predictors of analgesic nonadherence. The most important preoperative predictors for analgesic nonadherence were low preoperative pain intensity, low preoperative expectations of pain, and low fear of short‐term effects of surgery.

Conclusion

Analgesic nonadherence and partial adherence are common after day surgery but decrease as average pain intensity increases. Patients at risk for analgesic nonadherence can be identified during the preoperative period based on preoperative pain intensity, preoperative expectations of pain, and fear of surgery.
S‐nitrosoglutathione spraying improves stomatal conductance, Rubisco activity and antioxidant defense in both leaves and roots of sugarcane plants under water deficit
Authors: Silveira Neidiquele M. , Marcos Fernanda C. C. , Frungillo Lucas , Moura Bárbara B. , Seabra Amedea B. , Salgado Ione , Machado Eduardo C. , Hancock John T. , Ribeiro Rafael V.
Published: April 2017

Water deficit is a major environmental constraint on crop productivity and performance and nitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule associated with many biochemical and physiological processes in plants under stressful conditions. This study aims to test the hypothesis that leaf spraying of S‐nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), an NO donor, improves the antioxidant defense in both roots and leaves of sugarcane plants under water deficit, with positive consequences for photosynthesis. In addition, the roles of key photosynthetic enzymes ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) in maintaining CO2 assimilation of GSNO‐sprayed plants under water deficit were evaluated. Sugarcane plants were sprayed with water or GSNO 100 μM and subjected to water deficit, by adding polyethylene glycol (PEG‐8000) to the nutrient solution. Sugarcane plants supplied with GSNO presented increases in the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase in leaves and catalase in roots, indicating higher antioxidant capacity under water deficit. Such adjustments induced by GSNO were sufficient to prevent oxidative damage in both organs and were associated with better leaf water status. As a consequence, GSNO spraying alleviated the negative impact of water deficit on stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rates, with plants also showing increases in Rubisco activity under water deficit.
Ethnic differences in the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnoea: Exploring non‐anatomical factors
Authors: Tahrani Abd A.
Published: April 2017

See article, page 1015
Genesis of the Tianbaoshan Polymetallic Ore District, Yanbian, NE China: Constraints from Geochronology and Isotopic Analysis
Authors: Zhang Yong , Xing Shuwen , Zhang Zengjie , Ma Yubo , Wang Yan , Ding Jianhua , Yu Zhengtao , Li Chao , Zhang Bo
Published: April 2017

The large‐scale Tianbaoshan polymetallic (Cu, Pb, Zn, and Mo) ore district in the Yanbian area of China hosts the Xinxing Pb–Zn, Lishan Pb–Zn, Dongfeng Zn–Cu (Pb), and Dongfengbeishan Mo deposits. We report zircon U–Pb and Re–Os age data, geochemical data, and zircon Hf isotope compositions of granitic rocks associated with the Tianbaoshan ore district. Zircon U–Pb dating of the Xinxing, Lishan, Dongfeng, and Dongfengbeishan granitic rocks, all of which are associated with polymetallic mineralization, yielded weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages of 272.1 ± 2.1, 272.7 ± 1.8, 272.5 ± 2.7, and 199.6 ± 1.4 Ma, respectively. The Dongfengbeishan Mo deposit yields molybdenite Re–Os model ages of 200.3 and 190.3 Ma, an isochron age of 196.5 ± 3.1 Ma, and a weighted mean model age of 194.6 ± 2.6 Ma. This suggests that mineralization took place in the ore district in two stages during the middle Permian and Early Jurassic. The intrusive rocks of these two stages are identified as medium‐ to high‐K calc‐alkaline I‐type granites. They are enriched in large ion lithophile elements, depleted in high field‐strength elements, and contain positive zircon εHf(t) values (+4.6 to +13.9), indicating the primary magma originated from the partial melting of juvenile lower crust. The granitic rocks show geochemical characteristics similar to those of coeval rocks in NE China. Based on the new geochemical data and other regional geological studies, we propose that the mineralization of the two stages of granitic rocks in the Tianbaoshan polymetallic ore district occurred in active continental margin settings, but was controlled by different geotectonic mechanisms: the subduction of the Paleo‐Asian Oceanic Plate in the middle Permian and the subduction of the Paleo‐Pacific Plate in the Early Jurassic.
Disasters as Learning Experiences or Disasters as Policy Opportunities? Examining Flood Insurance Purchases after Hurricanes
Authors: Kousky Carolyn
Published: April 2017

Flood insurance is a critical risk management strategy, contributing to greater resilience of individuals and communities. The occurrence of disasters has been observed to alter risk management choices, including the decision to insure. This has previously been explained by learning and behavioral biases. When it comes to flood insurance, however, federal disaster aid policy could also play a role since recipients of aid are required to maintain insurance. Using a database of flood insurance policies for all states on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States between 2001 and 2010, this article uses fixed effects models to examine how take‐up rates respond to the occurrence of hurricanes and tropical storms, as well as disaster declarations and aid requirements. Being hit by at least one hurricane in the previous year increases net flood insurance purchases by 7.2%. This effect dies out by three years after the storm. A presidential disaster declaration for floods increases take‐up rates by 6.7%. When disaster aid grants are made available to households, take‐up rates increase by 5%; this accounts for the majority of the increase in policies after occurrence of a hurricane. When the models are estimated taking into account which policies are required by disaster aid, hurricanes are estimated to lead to only a 1.5% increase in voluntary purchases. This overlooked federal policy that disaster aid recipients insure is responsible for a majority of insurance purchases postdisaster.
Subscales of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale differentially relate to the Big Five factors of personality
Authors: Lange Florian , Wagner Adina , Müller Astrid , Eggert Frank
Published: April 2017

The place of impulsiveness in multidimensional personality frameworks is still unclear. In particular, no consensus has yet been reached with regard to the relation of impulsiveness to Neuroticism and Extraversion. We aim to contribute to a clearer understanding of these relationships by accounting for the multidimensional structure of impulsiveness. In three independent studies, we related the subscales of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) to the Big Five factors of personality. Study 1 investigated the associations between the BIS subscales and the Big Five factors as measured by the NEO Five‐Factor Inventory (NEO‐FFI) in a student sample (N = 113). Selective positive correlations emerged between motor impulsiveness and Extraversion and between attentional impulsiveness and Neuroticism. This pattern of results was replicated in Study 2 (N = 132) using a 10‐item short version of the Big Five Inventory. In Study 3, we analyzed BIS and NEO‐FFI data obtained from a sample of patients with pathological buying (N = 68). In these patients, the relationship between motor impulsiveness and Extraversion was significantly weakened when compared to the non‐clinical samples. At the same time, the relationship between attentional impulsiveness and Neuroticism was substantially stronger in the clinical sample. Our studies highlight the utility of the BIS subscales for clarifying the relationship between impulsiveness and the Big Five personality factors. We conclude that impulsiveness might occupy multiple places in multidimensional personality frameworks, which need to be specified to improve the interpretability of impulsiveness scales.
Social status, everyday interpersonal processes, and coronary heart disease: A social psychophysiological view
Authors: Cundiff Jenny M. , Smith Timothy W.
Published: April 2017

Lower socioeconomic position is associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease. This robust gradient is found across levels of socioeconomic position and after controlling access to health care and traditional biological and behavioral risk factors. Thus, previous theory and research has examined the role of other, relatively static psychosocial factors (e.g., social isolation and negative emotional traits) that may account for this association. Utilizing an interpersonal perspective on psychosocial risk (Smith & Cundiff, ; Smith, Gallo, & Ruiz, ; Smith, Glazer, Ruiz, & Gallo, ), this review examines the role of recurring interpersonal experiences and their physiological effects as a pathway linking socioeconomic position and coronary heart disease. Specifically, we focus on proximal interpersonal experiences that may not only explain the increased prevalence of more chronic psychosocial vulnerabilities in lower socioeconomic environments and individuals but may also link those psychosocial vulnerabilities to the momentary physiological mechanisms (i.e., stress responses) that directly contribute to coronary heart disease. Recurring experiences of reduced support and increased conflict in important personal relationships, work stress, multiple aspects of interactions with higher‐status others, the effects of negative stereotypes about lower socioeconomic groups and individuals, greater use of suppressive strategies for emotion regulation and greater negative consequences for more direct and expressive social behavior, and greater engagement in perseverative cognition all plausibly combine to perpetuate psychosocial risk and produce overall greater physiological burden at lower levels of socioeconomic position.
D‐dimer level, in association with humoral responses, negatively correlates with survival of porcine islet grafts in non‐human primates with immunosuppression
Authors: Kang Hee Jung , Lee Haneulnari , Park Eun Mi , Kim Jong‐Min , Min Byoung‐Hoon , Park Chung‐Gyu
Published: April 2017

Background

Several immunosuppression (IS) regimens achieve long‐term graft survival in non‐human primates (NHPs) after porcine islet transplantation (PITx), but their success rates vary. To understand the mechanism of graft loss, we investigated the relationships between graft survival and humoral or inflammatory responses for maintenance IS in NHPs after PITx.

Methods

Islets purified from adult wild‐type pigs were intraportally transplanted into streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rhesus monkeys. Three monkeys received an IS regimen without anti‐CD154 monoclonal antibody (mAb, transplant [Tpl]‐control) and 11 received IS with anti‐CD154 mAb (Tpl‐aCD154). Blood samples were obtained weekly from the recipients until graft function ceased and weekly from three healthy monkeys (non‐Tpl‐control) for 6 months. Levels of D‐dimer, C‐reactive protein (CRP), and anti‐Galα1,3Gal (Gal) IgG, IgG1, IgG2, and IgM were measured. Liver biopsy sections were immunostained for fibrin, insulin, and human CD31.

Results

Tpl‐control monkeys had higher time‐weighted average levels (levelstwavrg) of Δanti‐Gal IgG (Δ, difference from level at day 0) and D‐dimer than Tpl‐aCD154 or non‐Tpl‐control. The levelstwavrg of Δanti‐Gal IgG, IgG1, IgG2, and IgM did not differ between Tpl‐aCD154 and non‐Tpl‐control. The levelstwavrg of D‐dimer and Δanti‐Gal IgG2 negatively correlated with graft survival. Liver biopsy sections revealed many spots of fibrin deposition inside islet grafts that were well vascularized by human CD31‐positive cells. Level of D‐dimer positively correlated with Δanti‐Gal IgG1 in Tpl‐control and with Δanti‐Gal IgG2 in Tpl‐aCD154.

Conclusions

Intravascular coagulation, in association with immune responses against xenografts, may partly contribute to loss of islet grafts in NHPs after PITx.
Detection of potentially novel paramyxovirus and coronavirus viral RNA in bats and rats in the Mekong Delta region of southern Viet Nam
Authors: Berto A. , Anh P. H. , Carrique‐Mas J. J. , Simmonds P. , Van Cuong N. , Tue N. T. , Van Dung N. , Woolhouse M. E. , Smith I. , Marsh G. A. , Bryant J. E. , Thwaites G. E. , Baker S. , Rabaa M. A. ,   the VIZIONS consortium
Published: April 2017

Bats and rodents are being increasingly recognized as reservoirs of emerging zoonotic viruses. Various studies have investigated bat viruses in tropical regions, but to date there are no data regarding viruses with zoonotic potential that circulate in bat and rat populations in Viet Nam. To address this paucity of data, we sampled three bat farms and three wet markets trading in rat meat in the Mekong Delta region of southern Viet Nam. Faecal and urine samples were screened for the presence of RNA from paramyxoviruses, coronaviruses and filoviruses. Paramyxovirus RNA was detected in 4 of 248 (1%) and 11 of 222 (4.9%) bat faecal and urine samples, respectively. Coronavirus RNA was detected in 55 of 248 (22%) of bat faecal samples; filovirus RNA was not detected in any of the bat samples. Further, coronavirus RNA was detected in 12 of 270 (4.4%) of rat faecal samples; all samples tested negative for paramyxovirus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the bat paramyxoviruses and bat and rat coronaviruses were related to viruses circulating in bat and rodent populations globally, but showed no cross‐species mixing of viruses between bat and rat populations within Viet Nam. Our study shows that potentially novel variants of paramyxoviruses and coronaviruses commonly circulate in bat and rat populations in Viet Nam. Further characterization of the viruses and additional human and animal surveillance is required to evaluate the likelihood of viral spillover and to assess whether these viruses pose a risk to human health.
Evaluation of Hydrogel Technologies for the Decontamination of 137Cs From Building Material Surfaces
Authors: Yaar Ilan , Hakmon Rony , Halevy Itzhak , Bar-Ziv Ronen , Vainblat Noah , Iflach Yacov , Assulin Maor , Avraham Tzipora , Kaminski Michael D. , Stilman Terry , Serre Shannon
Published: April 2017

One of the preparation steps for a possible radiological attack is the capability of fast and effective decontamination of critical infrastructure. This study describes the implementation of a test plan at an intermediate scale (between bench scale and large scale or wide area) to evaluate decontamination procedures, materials, technologies, and techniques for removal of radioactive material from various surfaces. Two radioisotopes were tested: cesium-137 (137Cs) and the short-lived simulant to 137Cs, rubidium-86 (86Rb). Two types of decontamination hydrogel products were evaluated: DeconGel™ and Argonne SuperGel. Tests were conducted at the assigned Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Israel Defense Forces (IDFs) Home Front Command facility, and at the Nuclear Research Center Negev (NRCN), Israel. Results from these tests indicated similar removal and operational parameters for 86Rb and 137Cs, as expected from the chemical similarity of both elements. These results proved that the short-lived radioisotope 86Rb can be used in future experiments to simulate 137Cs. Results and conclusions from these experiments are presented and compared to results from laboratory-scale experiments performed on small coupons. In general, both hydrogel decontamination products may be used as a viable option to decontaminate large surfaces in a real-world event, removing between 30% to 90% of the contamination, depending on the surface type and porosity. However, both products may leave behind absorbed contamination that will need to be addressed at a later stage. Yet, the likelihood of resuspension through use of these products is reduced.
Number of Wavevectors for Each Frequency in a Periodic Structure
Authors: Farzbod Farhad
Published: April 2017

Periodic structures have interesting acoustic and vibration properties making them suitable for a wide variety of applications. In a periodic structure, the number of frequencies for each wavevector depends on the degrees-of-freedom of the unit cell. In this paper, we study the number of wavevectors available at each frequency in a band diagram. This analysis defines the upper bound for the maximum number of wavevectors for each frequency in a general periodic structure which might include damping. Investigation presented in this paper can also provide an insight for designing materials in which the interaction between unit cells is not limited to the closest neighbor. As an example application of this work, we investigate phonon dispersion curves in hexagonal form of boron nitride to show that first neighbor interaction is not sufficient to model dispersion curves with force-constant model.
Pronation–Supination Motion Is Altered in a Rat Model of Post-Traumatic Elbow Contracture
Authors: Dunham Chelsey L. , Castile Ryan M. , Chamberlain Aaron M. , Galatz Leesa M. , Lake Spencer P.
Published: April 2017

The elbow joint is highly susceptible to joint contracture, and treating elbow contracture is a challenging clinical problem. Previously, we established an animal model to study elbow contracture that exhibited features similar to the human condition including persistent decreased range of motion (ROM) in flexion–extension and increased capsule thickness/adhesions. The objective of this study was to mechanically quantify pronation–supination in different injury models to determine if significant differences compared to control or contralateral persist long-term in our animal elbow contracture model. After surgically inducing soft tissue damage in the elbow, Injury I (anterior capsulotomy) and Injury II (anterior capsulotomy with lateral collateral ligament transection), limbs were immobilized for 6 weeks (immobilization (IM)). Animals were evaluated after the IM period or following an additional 6 weeks of free mobilization (FM). Total ROM for pronation–supination was significantly decreased compared to the uninjured contralateral limb for both IM and FM, although not different from control limbs. Specifically, for both IM and FM, total ROM for Injury I and Injury II was significantly decreased by ∼20% compared to contralateral. Correlations of measurements from flexion–extension and pronation–supination divulged that FM did not affect these motions in the same way, demonstrating that joint motions need to be studied/treated separately. Overall, injured limbs exhibited persistent motion loss in pronation–supination when comparing side-to-side differences, similar to human post-traumatic joint contracture. Future work will use this animal model to study how elbow periarticular soft tissues contribute to contracture.
Supply Chain Performance Evaluation With Rough Two-Stage Data Envelopment Analysis Model: Noncooperative Stackelberg Game Approach
Authors: Shafiee Morteza
Published: April 2017

Rapidly changing environment has affected organizations' ability to maintain viability. As a result, various criteria and uncertain situations in a complex environment encounter problems when using the traditional performance evaluation with precise and deterministic data. The purpose of this paper is to propose an applicable model for evaluating the performance of the overall supply chain (SC) network and its members. Performance evaluation methods, which do not include uncertainty, obtain inferior results. To overcome this, rough set theory (RST) was used to deal with such uncertain data and extend rough noncooperative Stackelberg data envelopment analysis (DEA) game to construct a model to evaluate the performance of supply chain under uncertainty. This applies the concept of Stackelberg game/leader–follower in order to develop models for measuring performance. The ranking method of noncooperative two-stage rough DEA model is discussed. While developing the model, which is suitable to evaluate the performance of the supply chain network and its members when it operates in uncertain situations and involves a high degree of vagueness. The application of this paper provides a valuable procedure for performance evaluation in other industries. The proposed model provides useful insights for managers on the measurement of supply chain efficiency in uncertain environment. This paper creates a new perspective into the use of performance evaluation model in order to support managerial decision-making in the dynamic environment and uncertain situations.
Symbolic Time-Series Analysis of Gas Turbine Gas Path Electrostatic Monitoring Data
Authors: Sun Jianzhong , Liu Pengpeng , Yin Yibing , Zuo Hongfu , Li Chaoyi
Published: April 2017

The aero-engine gas-path electrostatic monitoring system is capable of providing early warning of impending gas-path component faults. In the presented work, a method is proposed to acquire signal sample under a specific operating condition for on-line fault detection. The symbolic time-series analysis (STSA) method is adopted for the analysis of signal sample. Advantages of the proposed method include its efficiency in numerical computations and being less sensitive to measurement noise, which is suitable for in situ engine health monitoring application. A case study is carried out on a data set acquired during a turbojet engine reliability test program. It is found that the proposed symbolic analysis techniques can be used to characterize the statistical patterns presented in the gas path electrostatic monitoring data (GPEMD) for different health conditions. The proposed anomaly measure, i.e., the relative entropy derived from the statistical patterns, is confirmed to be able to indicate the gas path components faults. Finally, the further research task and direction are discussed.
Using a Bowed Blade to Improve the Supersonic Flow Performance in the Nozzle of a Supersonic Industrial Steam Turbine
Authors: Yao Hong , Zhou Xun , Wang Zhongqi
Published: April 2017

For solar plants, waste-energy recovery, and turbogenerators, there is a considerable amount of waste energy due to low mass flow rate. Owing to the high specific power output and large pressure ratios across the turbine, a supersonic industrial steam turbine (IST) is able to utilize the waste energy associated with low mass flow rate. Supersonic IST has fewer stages than conventional turbines and a compact and modular design, thus avoiding the excessive size and manufacturing cost of conventional IST. Given their flexible operation and ability to function with loads in the range of 50–120% of the design load, supersonic IST offers significant advantages compared to conventional IST. The strong shock-wave loss caused by supersonic flows can be reduced by decreasing the shock intensity and reducing its influence; consequently, a supersonic IST can reach higher efficiency levels. Considering the demonstrated utility of bowed blades in conventional IST, this paper presents a study of the use of bowed blades in a supersonic IST. For this purpose, first, the shock-wave structure in the supersonic flow field was analyzed and compared with experimental results. Then, four different bowed blades were designed and compared with a straight blade to study the influence of bowed blades on the shock-wave structure and wetness. The results indicate that S-shaped bowing can improve the efficiency of supersonic turbines, and the energy-loss coefficient of the stators can be decreased by 2.4% or more under various operating conditions.
Significance of a Recurring Function in Energy Transfer
Authors: Mishra Subodha
Published: April 2017

The appearance of a unique function in the energy transfer from one system to the other in different physical situations such as electrical, mechanical, optical, and quantum mechanical processes is established in this work. Though the laws governing the energy transformation and its transfer from system to system are well known, here we notice a unity in diversity; a unique function appears in various cases of energy transfer whether it is a classical or a quantum mechanical process. We consider four examples, well known in elementary physics, from the fields of electricity, mechanics, optics, and quantum mechanics. We find that this unique function is in fact the transfer function corresponding to all these physical situations, and the interesting and intriguing finding is that the inverse Laplace transform of this transfer function, which is the impulse-response function of the systems when multiplied by a factor of –½, is the solution of a linear differential equation for an “instantly forced critically damped harmonic oscillator.” It is important to note that though the physical phenomena considered are quite distinct, the underlying process in the language of impulse-response of the system in the time domain is a unique one. To the best of our knowledge we have not seen anywhere the above analysis of determining the unique function or its description as a transfer function in literature.
Low-Cost Alternative for Signal Generators in the Physics Laboratory
Authors: Pathare Shirish Rajan , Raghavendra M. K. , Huli Saurabhee
Published: April 2017

Recently devices such as the optical mouse of a computer, webcams, Wii remote, and digital cameras have been used to record and analyze different physical phenomena quantitatively. Devices like tablets and smartphones are also becoming popular. Different scientific applications available at Google Play (Android devices) or the App Store (iOS devices) make them versatile. One can find many websites that provide information regarding various scientific applications compatible with these systems. A variety of smartphones/tablets are available with different types of sensors embedded. Some of them have sensors that are capable of measuring intensity of light, sound, and magnetic field. The camera of these devices has been used to study projectile motion, and the same device, along with a sensor, has been used to study the physical pendulum. Accelerometers have been used to study free and damped harmonic oscillations and to measure acceleration due to gravity. Using accelerometers and gyroscopes, angular velocity and centripetal acceleration have been measured. The coefficient of restitution for a ball bouncing on the floor has been measured using the application Oscilloscope on the iPhone. In this article, we present the use of an Android device as a low-cost alternative for a signal generator. We use the Signal Generator application installed on the Android device along with an amplifier circuit.
Addressing students’ misconceptions about eclipses
Authors: Slater Timothy F. , Gelderman Richard
Published: April 2017

The upcoming Aug. 21, 2017, total solar eclipse, with its 70-mile wide path of totality stretching across much of North America, provides us with a unique opportunity to teach students about eclipses. One might naturally assume that students have little difficulty understanding the nature of eclipses. After all, the notion that eclipses occur when the new Moon blocks the Sun’s light from reaching Earth or, alternatively, when Earth blocks the Sun’s light from reaching the full Moon seems simple enough. However, discipline-based astronomy education research consistently shows that students struggle mightily with developing a conceptually coherent understanding of eclipses.
The kinase TPL2 activates ERK and p38 signaling to promote neutrophilic inflammation
Authors: Senger Kate , Pham Victoria C. , Varfolomeev Eugene , Hackney Jason A. , Corzo Cesar A. , Collier Jenna , Lau Vivian W. C. , Huang Zhiyu , Hamidzhadeh Kajal , Caplazi Patrick , Peng Ivan , Setiadi A. Francesca , Francis Ross , Paler-Martinez Andres , Kwon Youngsu C. , Ramirez-Carrozzi Vladimir , Sun Yonglian , Grigg Patricia W. , Roose-Girma Merone , Jeet Surinder , Barck Kai H. , Pham Anna , Ota Naruhisa , Ha Connie , Stinson Jeremy , Guillory Joseph , Tam Lucinda , Modrusan Zora , Emson Claire , McKenzie Brent S. , Townsend Michael J. , Carano Richard A. D. , Warming Søren , Vucic Domagoj , DeVoss Jason , Lee Wyne P. , Lill Jennie R. , Zarrin Ali A.
Published: April 2017

A small-molecule inhibitor of the kinase TPL2 shows efficacy in rodent models of inflammation.
Stress signals in plants
Authors: Mushegian Alexandra A.
Published: April 2017

Selective autophagy mediates the cross-talk between plant growth and stress signaling pathways.
In Vivo
Pharmacodynamic Target Assessment of Eravacycline against Escherichia coli in a Murine Thigh Infection Model
Authors: Zhao Miao , Lepak Alexander J. , Marchillo Karen , VanHecker Jamie , Andes David R.
Published: April 2017

Eravacycline is a novel fluorocycline antibiotic with potent activity against a broad range of pathogens, including strains with tetracycline and other drug resistance phenotypes. The goal of the studies was to determine which pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) parameter and magnitude best correlated with efficacy in the murine thigh infection model. Six
Escherichia coli
isolates were utilized for the studies. MICs were determined using CLSI methods and ranged from 0.125 to 0.25 mg/liter. A neutropenic murine thigh infection model was utilized for all treatment studies. Single-dose plasma pharmacokinetics were determined in mice after administration of 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg of body weight. Pharmacokinetic studies exhibited maximum plasma concentration (
C
max
) values of 0.34 to 2.58 mg/liter, area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) from time zero to infinity (AUC
0–∞
) values of 2.44 to 57.6 mg · h/liter, and elimination half-lives of 3.9 to 17.6 h. Dose fractionation studies were performed using total drug doses of 6.25 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg fractionated into 6-, 8-, 12-, or 24-h regimens. Nonlinear regression analysis demonstrated that the 24-h free drug AUC/MIC (
f
AUC/MIC) was the PK/PD parameter that best correlated with efficacy (
R
2
= 0.80). In subsequent studies, we used the neutropenic murine thigh infection model to determine if the magnitude of the AUC/MIC needed for the efficacy of eravacycline varied among pathogens. Mice were treated with 2-fold increasing doses (range, 3.125 to 50 mg/kg) of eravacycline every 12 h. The mean
f
AUC/MIC magnitudes associated with the net stasis and the 1-log-kill endpoints were 27.97 ± 8.29 and 32.60 ± 10.85, respectively.
In Vitro
Discordance with
In Vivo
Activity: Humanized Exposures of Ceftazidime-Avibactam, Aztreonam, and Tigecycline Alone and in Combination against New Delhi Metallo-β-Lactamase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Murine Lung Infection Model
Authors: Monogue M. L. , Abbo L. M. , Rosa R. , Camargo J. F. , Martinez O. , Bonomo R. A. , Nicolau D. P.
Published: April 2017

The management of infections with New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-1 (NDM)-producing bacteria remains clinically challenging given the multidrug resistant (MDR) phenotype associated with these bacteria. Despite resistance
in vitro
, ceftazidime-avibactam previously demonstrated
in vivo
activity against NDM-positive
Enterobacteriaceae
. Herein, we observed
in vitro
synergy with ceftazidime-avibactam and aztreonam against an MDR
Klebsiella pneumoniae
harboring NDM.
In vivo
, humanized doses of ceftazidime-avibactam monotherapy resulted in >2 log
10
CFU bacterial reduction; therefore, no
in vivo
synergy was observed.
Identification and Optimization of Thienopyridine Carboxamides as Inhibitors of HIV Regulatory Complexes
Authors: Nakamura Robert L. , Burlingame Mark A. , Yang Shumin , Crosby David C. , Talbot Dale J. , Chui Kitty , Frankel Alan D. , Renslo Adam R.
Published: April 2017

Viral regulatory complexes perform critical functions during virus replication and are important targets for therapeutic intervention. In HIV, the Tat and Rev proteins form complexes with multiple viral and cellular factors to direct transcription and export of the viral RNA. These complexes are composed of many proteins and are dynamic, making them difficult to fully recapitulate
in vitro
. Therefore, we developed a cell-based reporter assay to monitor the assembly of viral complexes for inhibitor screening. We screened a small-molecule library and identified multiple hits that inhibit the activity of the viral complexes. A subsequent chemistry effort was focused on a thieno[2,3-b]pyridine scaffold, examples of which inhibited HIV replication and the emergence from viral latency. Notable aspects of the effort to determine the structure-activity relationship (SAR) include migration to the regioisomeric thieno[2,3-c]pyridine ring system and the identification of analogs with single-digit nanomolar activity in both reporter and HIV infectivity assays, an improvement of >100-fold in potency over the original hits. These results validate the screening strategy employed and reveal a promising lead series for the development of a new class of HIV therapeutics.