bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enteric neural stem cell therapies for enteric neuropathies
Authors: McCann C. J. , Thapar N.
Published: April 2018

Background

Enteric neuropathies exist as a wide range of human disorders which impact on gastrointestinal motility. Current standard therapies for enteric neuropathies are limited to surgical resection or manipulation (eg, myotomy) of affected gut segments or medical management including both therapy (eg, prokinetic pharmacotherapy) and support such as parenteral nutrition. However, such treatments often result in poor prognosis and significant morbidity. The current limitations in treatment options for enteric neuropathies underline the need for alternative approaches to treat these devastating diseases. Recent advances have highlighted the potential of enteric neural stem cells as a possible treatment option for regenerative medicine, in such cases.

Purpose

The purpose of this review is to provide an up‐to‐date synopsis of the enteric neural stem cell research field. Here, we review in detail the initial characterization of enteric neural stem cells, early preclinical studies validating their use in murine models through to the most recent findings of therapeutic rescue of diseased gut tissue. We additionally pose a number of questions regarding these recent findings which will need to be addressed prior to clinical translation of this exciting cellular therapeutic.
Can very early music interventions promote at‐risk infants’ development?
Authors: Virtala Paula , Partanen Eino
Published: April 2018

Music and musical activities are often a natural part of parenting. As accumulating evidence shows, music can promote auditory and language development in infancy and early childhood. It may even help to support auditory and language skills in infants whose development is compromised by heritable conditions, like the reading deficit dyslexia, or by environmental factors, such as premature birth. For example, infants born to dyslexic parents can have atypical brain responses to speech sounds and subsequent challenges in language development. Children born very preterm, in turn, have an increased likelihood of sensory, cognitive, and motor deficits. To ameliorate these deficits, we have developed early interventions focusing on music. Preliminary results of our ongoing longitudinal studies suggest that music making and parental singing promote infants’ early language development and auditory neural processing. Together with previous findings in the field, the present studies highlight the role of active, social music making in supporting auditory and language development in at‐risk children and infants. Once completed, the studies will illuminate both risk and protective factors in development and offer a comprehensive model of understanding the promises of music activities in promoting positive developmental outcomes during the first years of life.
Interaction strength and stability in stage‐structured food web modules
Authors: Nilsson Karin A. , McCann Kevin S. , Caskenette Amanda L.
Published: April 2018

There has been a long‐standing debate on what creates stability in food webs. One major finding is that weak interactions can mute the destabilizing potential of strong interactions. Considering that stage structure is common in nature, that existing studies on stability that include population stage structure point in different directions, and the recent theoretical developments in the area of stage structure, there is a need to address the effects of population stage structure in this context. Using simple food web modules, with stage structure in an intermediate consumer, we here begin to theoretically investigate the effects of stage structure on food web stability. We found a general correspondence to previous results such that strong interactions had destabilizing effects and weak interactions that result in decreased energy flux had stabilizing effects. However, we also found a number of novel results connected to stage structure. Interestingly, weak interactions can be destabilizing when they excite other interactions. We also found that cohort cycles and predator–prey cycles did not respond in the same way to increasing interactions strength. We found that the combined effects of two predators feeding on the same prey can strongly destabilize a system. Consistent with previous studies, we also found that stage‐specific feeding can create a refuge effect that leads to a lack of strong destabilization at high interaction strength. Overall, stage structure had both stabilizing and destabilizing aspects. Some effects could be explained by our current understanding of energetic processes; others need additional consideration. Additional aspects such as shunting of energy between stages, control of biomass fluxes, and interactions between lags and energy flux, should be considered.
Spatial scales of population synchrony of two competing species: effects of harvesting and strength of competition
Authors: Jarillo Javier , Sæther Bernt‐Erik , Engen Steinar , Cao Francisco J.
Published: April 2018

Theoretical analyses of single‐species models have revealed that the degree of synchrony in fluctuations of geographically separated populations increases with increasing spatial covariation in environmental fluctuations and increased interchange of individuals, but decreases with local strength of density dependence. Here we extend these results to include interspecific competition between two species as well as harvesting. We show that the effects of interspecific competition on the geographical scale of population synchrony are dependent on the pattern of spatial covariation of environmental variables. If the environmental noise is uncorrelated between the competing species, competition generally increases the spatial scale of population synchrony of both species. Otherwise, if the environmental noises are strongly correlated between species, competition generally increases the spatial scale of population synchrony of at least one, but also often of both species. The magnitude of these spatial scaling effects is, however, strongly influenced by the dispersal capacity of the two competing species. If the species are subject to proportional harvesting, this may synchronise population dynamics over large geographical areas, affecting the vulnerability of harvested species to environmental changes. However, the strength of interspecific competition may strongly modify this effect of harvesting on the spatial scale of population synchrony. For example, harvesting of one species may affect the spatial distribution of competing species that are not subject to harvesting. These analytical results provide an important illustration of the importance of applying an ecosystem rather than a single‐species perspective when developing harvest strategies for a sustainable management of exploited species.
Flexible framing: Analysing innovative austerity talk from a cultural perspective
Authors: Overmans Tom
Published: April 2018

This article examines how local policy elites conceptualize and communicate potential innovations to overcome the fiscal crisis. Four austerity frames based on cultural theory are developed: an individualist, hierarchist, egalitarian and fatalist frame. Two expectations are tested by tracing frame usage in austerity speeches by the leadership in Birmingham, Cologne and Rotterdam. First, the modest contribution of the individualist frame in NPM‐sceptic Cologne is confirmed, but no evidence is found of individualist dominance in NPM‐minded Birmingham. Second, it is shown that leaders in Birmingham and Rotterdam combine elements of multiple frames so as to create a new promising narrative which opens up routes towards innovation. The importance of ‘frame flexibility’ is stressed to deal with the complexities of coping with the fiscal crisis in ways that are logical (given available views) and innovative (exploring alternative views), and highlight the importance of further developing understandings of such (municipal) coping.
Sources of Productivity Growth Dynamics: Is Japan Suffering From Baumol's Growth Disease?
Authors: Nishi Hiroshi
Published: April 2018

This study examines the sources of labor productivity growth dynamics in Japan (1970–2010) and investigates the extent to which Japanese economic performance has been affected by Baumol's growth disease (BGD). We find that BGD silently undermines Japanese economic growth. However, the magnitude is miniscule, and consequently the aggregate labor productivity growth rate has not been decreasing monotonically. We also explore how BGD is arising and why it is small in the Japanese economy. BGD is weak because (1) the positive Baumol growth effect is also working in certain services sectors and (2) BGD is not a durable phenomenon: even if a sector begins to suffer from BGD, it is likely to recover quickly.
Revising the FP Quality of Care Framework in the Context of Rights‐based Family Planning
Authors: Jain Anrudh K. , Hardee Karen
Published: April 2018

Nearly three decades ago, Bruce articulated a client‐centered quality of care (QoC) framework for family planning services. The term quality has since then been used in many rights‐based frameworks for health, reproductive health, and family planning. This commentary compares the concept of quality used in many of these frameworks to reconcile the elements of the FP QoC framework with the use of quality in various rights frameworks. We propose five modifications to the original FP QoC framework to better align it with the treatment of quality in the rights‐based approaches and the way quality in family planning has been applied in practice.
Climate change skepticism as a psychological coping strategy
Authors: Haltinner Kristin , Sarathchandra Dilshani
Published: April 2018

This article explores current sociological scholarship on climate skepticism and, drawing on recent literature in social psychology and behavioral science, presents an argument for future research on the relationship between emotion, information aversion, and climate denial. We extrapolate and unite these disconnected bodies of scholarship to argue that strong emotions such as fear may drive climate change skepticism and denial among some adherents. By partnering the scholarship outlined above with advances in research on conspiracy ideation, we argue that climate change skepticism and denial is, at least in some cases, a form of an exaggerated ostrich effect, whereby adherents are so driven to avoid learning about a specific problem; they actively seek to construct an alternative, safer, narrative. Given this predisposition, attempting to challenge such skepticism with information is counterproductive. As such, this paper presents alternative possibilities for communicating research findings on climate change.
Blood utilisation in a developing society: what is the best index of efficiency?
Authors: Charles K. S. , De Freitas L. , Ramoutar R. , Goolam R. , Juman S. , Murray D. , Jhingai R. , Chantry A.
Published: April 2018

Objectives

To assess blood usage for elective surgery in a developing country as a first step towards developing a maximum surgical blood‐ordering schedule (MSBOS).

Background

Cross‐match:transfusion (C/T) ratio, transfusion index (Ti) and transfusion ratio (T%) are standard indices of efficient blood usage for elective surgical procedures. The MSBOS assigns surgical procedures to Group and Cross Match (GXM) and Group and Save (G&S) categories. Non‐use probability (NUP) is the percentage of blood that is requested but not used. Trinidad and Tobago (TTO) has a transfusion service that predominantly uses family replacement (F/R) donors.

Materials/Methods

C/T ratio, Ti, T% and NUP were retrospectively calculated for 304 elective surgical procedures performed at a tertiary medical institution in TTO between 1st January and 15th May 2013.

Results

For 17 types of surgical procedure, C/T ratio was <2·5 for 10, T% ≥ 30 for 10 and Ti ≥ 0·5 for 12, suggesting efficiency, significant blood use and a requirement for GXM for most operations. However, the majority of these procedures qualify for G&S when performed under conditions that guarantee ready access to blood in an emergency. A substantial proportion of issued blood was returned unused to the blood bank, giving an NUP of 39·7%.

Conclusion

NUP was the most sensitive measure of efficiency. C/T ratio, T% and Ti must be interpreted in the context of the blood donation system. An internationally accepted value of NUP that equates to efficient blood use should be adopted.
Song recorded near a super-group of humpback whales on a mid-latitude feeding ground off South Africa
Authors: Gridley T. , Silva M. F. P. , Wilkinson C. , Seakamela S. M. , Elwen S. H.
Published: April 2018

Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are well known for their complex song which is culturally transmitted and produced by males. However, the function of singing behavior remains poorly understood. Song was observed from 57 min of acoustic recording in the presence of feeding humpback whales aggregated in the near-shore waters on the west coast of South Africa. The structural organization of the song components, lack of overlap between song units, and consistency in relative received level suggest the song was produced by one “singer.” The unusual timing and location of song production adds further evidence of plasticity in song production.
Interface waves in multilayered plates
Authors: Li Bing , Li Ming-hang , Lu Tong
Published: April 2018

In this paper, the characteristic equation of interface waves in multilayered plates is derived. With a reasonable assumption undertaken for the potential functions of longitudinal and shear waves in the nth layer medium, the characteristic equation of interface waves in the N-layered plate is derived and presented in a determinant form. The particle displacement and stress components are further presented in explicit forms. The dispersion curves and wave structures of interface waves in both a three-layered Al-Steel-Ti and a four-layered Steel-Al-Steel-Ti plate are displayed subsequently. It is observed in dispersion curves that obvious dispersion occurs on the low frequency band, whereas the phase velocities converge to the corresponding true Stoneley wave mode velocities at high frequency, and the number of interface wave modes equals the number of interfaces in multilayered plates (if all individual interfaces satisfy the existence condition of Stoneley waves). The wave structures reveal that the displacement components of interface waves are relatively high at interfaces, and the amplitude distribution varies from frequency to frequency. In the end, a similarly structured three-layered Al-Steel-Ti plate is tested. In this experiment, theoretical group velocity and experimental group velocity are compared. According to the discussion and comparison, the predicted group velocities are in good agreement with the experimental results. Thus, the theory of interface wave in multilayered plates is proved. As a result, the proposed theoretical approach represents a leap forward in the understanding of how to promote the characteristic study and practical applications of interface waves in multilayered structures.
The noise susceptibility of various speech bands
Authors: Yoho Sarah E. , Apoux Frédéric , Healy Eric W.
Published: April 2018

The degrading influence of noise on various critical bands of speech was assessed. A modified version of the compound method [Apoux and Healy (2012) J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 132, 1078–1087] was employed to establish this noise susceptibility for each speech band. Noise was added to the target speech band at various signal-to-noise ratios to determine the amount of noise required to reduce the contribution of that band by 50%. It was found that noise susceptibility is not equal across the speech spectrum, as is commonly assumed and incorporated into modern indexes. Instead, the signal-to-noise ratio required to equivalently impact various speech bands differed by as much as 13 dB. This noise susceptibility formed an irregular pattern across frequency, despite the use of multi-talker speech materials designed to reduce the potential influence of a particular talker's voice. But basic trends in the pattern of noise susceptibility across the spectrum emerged. Further, no systematic relationship was observed between noise susceptibility and speech band importance. It is argued here that susceptibility to noise and band importance are different phenomena, and that this distinction may be underappreciated in previous works.
Echolocation click source parameters of Australian snubfin dolphins (Orcaella heinsohni)
Authors: de Freitas Mafalda , Smith Joshua N. , Jensen Frants H. , Beedholm Kristian , Madsen Peter T.
Published: April 2018

The Australian snubfin dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni) is endemic to Australian waters, yet little is known about its abundance and habitat use. To investigate the feasibility of Passive Acoustic Monitoring for snubfin dolphins, biosonar clicks were recorded in Cygnet Bay, Australia, using a four-element hydrophone array. Clicks had a mean source level of 200 ± 5 dB re 1 μPa pp, transmission directivity index of 24 dB, mean centroid frequency of 98 ± 9 kHz, and a root-mean-square bandwidth of 31 ± 3 kHz. Such properties lend themselves to passive acoustic monitoring, but are comparable to similarly-sized delphinids, thus requiring additional cues to discriminate between snubfins and sympatric species.
Displacement of a bubble by acoustic radiation force into a fluid–tissue interface
Authors: Koruk Hasan , Choi James J.
Published: April 2018

Microbubbles in an ultrasound beam experience a primary Bjerknes force, which pushes the microbubbles against a fluid–tissue interface and deforms the tissue. This interaction has been used to measure tissue elasticity and is a common interaction in many therapeutic and diagnostic applications, but the mechanisms of deformation, and how the deformation dynamic depends on the bubble and ultrasound parameters, remain unknown. In this study, a mathematical model is proposed for the displacement of a bubble onto a fluid–tissue interface and the tissue deformation in response to the primary Bjerknes force. First, a model was derived for static loading and the model's prediction of bubble-mediated tissue displacement and stresses in tissue were explored. Second, the model was updated for dynamic loading. The results showed that the bubble is both displaced by the applied force and changes its shape. The bubble displacement changes nonlinearly with the applied force. The stress values in tissue are quite high for a distance within one radius of the bubble from the bubble surface. The model proposed here is permissible in human tissue and can be used for biomedical ultrasound applications, including material characterization.
tuf
Gene Sequence Variation in Bifidobacterium longum subsp.
infantis
Detected in the Fecal Microbiota of Chinese Infants
Authors: Lawley Blair , Centanni Manuela , Watanabe Jun , Sims Ian , Carnachan Susan , Broadbent Roland , Lee Pheng Soon , Wong Khai Hong , Tannock Gerald W.
Published: April 2018

Members of the bacterial genus
Bifidobacterium
generally dominate the fecal microbiota of infants. The species
Bifidobacterium longum
is prevalent, but the
B. longum
subsp.
longum
and
B. longum
subsp.
infantis
strains that are known to colonize the infant bowel are not usually differentiated in microbiota investigations. These subspecies differ in their capacities to metabolize human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) and may have different ecological and symbiotic roles in humans. Quantitative PCR provides a quick analytical method by which to accurately ascertain the abundances of target species in microbiotas and microcosms. However, amplification targets in DNA extracted from samples need to be dependably differential. We evaluated the
tuf
gene sequence as a molecular target for quantitative PCR measurements of the abundances of
B. longum
subsp.
infantis
and
B. longum
subsp.
longum
in fecal microbiotas. This approach resulted in the detection of a
tuf
gene variant (operational taxonomic unit 49 [OTU49]) in Chinese infants that has sequence similarities to both
B. longum
subsp.
infantis
and
B. longum
subsp.
longum
. We compared the genome sequence and growth and transcriptional characteristics of an OTU49 isolate cultured in HMO medium to those of other
B. longum
subsp.
infantis
cultures. We concluded from these studies that OTU49 belongs to
B. longum
subsp.
infantis
, that dependable quantitative PCR (qPCR) differentiation between the
B. longum
subspecies cannot be achieved by targeting
tuf
gene sequences, and that functional genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism might be better targets because they delineate ecological functions.

IMPORTANCE
High-throughput DNA sequencing methods and advanced bioinformatics analysis have revealed the composition and biochemical capacities of microbial communities (microbiota and microbiome), including those that inhabit the gut of human infants. However, the microbiology and function of natural ecosystems have received little attention in recent decades, so an appreciation of the dynamics of gut microbiota interactions is lacking. With respect to infants, rapid methodologies, such as quantitative PCR, are needed to determine the prevalences and proportions of different bifidobacterial species in observational and microcosm studies in order to obtain a better understanding of the dynamics of bifidobacterial nutrition and syntrophy, knowledge that might be used to manipulate the microbiota and perhaps ensure the better health of infants.
Association of serum orosomucoid with 30-min plasma glucose and glucose excursion during oral glucose tolerance tests in non-obese young Japanese women
Authors: Tsuboi Ayaka , Minato Satomi , Yano Megumu , Takeuchi Mika , Kitaoka Kaori , Kurata Miki , Yoshino Gen , Wu Bin , Kazumi Tsutomu , Fukuo Keisuke
Published: April 2018

Objective

Inflammatory markers are elevated in insulin resistance (IR) and diabetes. We tested whether serum orosomucoid (ORM) is associated with postload glucose, β-cell dysfunction and IR inferred from plasma insulin kinetics during a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

Research design and methods

75 g OGTTs were performed with multiple postload glucose and insulin measurements over a 30–120 min period in 168 non-obese Japanese women (aged 18–24 years). OGTT responses, serum adiponectin and high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) were cross-sectionally analyzed by analysis of variance and then Bonferroni’s multiple comparison procedure. Stepwise multivariate linear regression analyses were used to identify most important determinants of ORM.

Results

Of 168 women, 161 had normal glucose tolerance. Postload glucose levels and the area under the glucose curve (AUCg) increased in a stepwise fashion from the first through the third ORM tertile. In contrast, there was no or modest, if any, association with fat mass index, trunk/leg fat ratio, adiponectin, hsCRP, postload insulinemia, the Matsuda index and homeostasis model assessment IR. In multivariable models, which incorporated the insulinogenic index, the Matsuda index and HOMA-IR, 30 min glucose (standardized β: 0.517) and AUCg (standardized β: 0.495) explained 92.8% of ORM variations.

Conclusions

Elevated circulating orosomucoid was associated with elevated 30 min glucose and glucose excursion in non-obese young Japanese women independently of adiposity, IR, insulin secretion, adiponectin and other investigated markers of inflammation. Although further research is needed, these results may suggest a clue to identify novel pathways that may have utility in monitoring dysglycemia within normal glucose tolerance.
Residential proximity to livestock farms is associated with a lower prevalence of atopy
Authors: Borlée Floor , Yzermans C Joris , Krop Esmeralda J M , Maassen Catharina B M , Schellevis François G , Heederik Dick J J , Smit Lidwien A M
Published: April 2018

Objectives

Exposure to farm environments during childhood and adult life seems to reduce the risk of atopic sensitisation. Most studies have been conducted among farmers, but people living in rural areas may have similar protective effects for atopy. This study aims to investigate the association between residential proximity to livestock farms and atopy among non-farming adults living in a rural area in the Netherlands.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 2443 adults (20–72 years). Atopy was defined as specific IgE to common allergens and/or total IgE ≥100 IU/mL. Residential proximity to livestock farms was assessed as 1) distance to the nearest pig, poultry, cattle or any farm, 2) number of farms within 500 m and 1000 m, and 3) modelled annual average fine dust emissions from farms within 500 m and 1000 m. Data were analysed with multiple logistic regression and generalised additive models.

Results

The prevalence of atopy was 29.8%. Subjects living at short distances from farms (<327 m, first tertile) had a lower odds for atopy compared with subjects living further away (>527 m, third tertile) (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.98). Significant associations in the same direction were found with distance to the nearest pig or cattle farm. The associations between atopy and livestock farm exposure were somewhat stronger in subjects who grew up on a farm.

Conclusions

Living in close proximity to livestock farms seems to protect against atopy. This study provides evidence that protective effects of early-life and adult farm exposures may extend beyond farming populations.
Acute changes in muscle thickness and pennation angle in response to work-matched concentric and eccentric isokinetic exercise
Authors: Vieira Amilton , Blazevich Anthony , Souza Nuno , Celes Rodrigo , Alex Savio , Tufano James J. , Bottaro Martim
Published: April 2018

Acute changes in muscle architecture influenced by muscle swelling might be associated with chronic adaptations to resistance exercise, including skeletal muscle growth. Concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) muscle actions both play a role in hypertrophic processes, but the influence of each on acute indices of muscle swelling (i.e., muscle thickness (MT) and pennation angle (PA)) remains relatively unknown. Therefore, this study compared the acute changes in MT and PA in response to work-matched CON versus ECC isokinetic exercise. Twelve university-aged students performed 2 bouts of maximal isokinetic knee extensions at 120°·s−1 on the same day: 50 CON followed by a work-matched ECC bout (∼5000 J; 28 ± 5 reps) with the contralateral limb. Ultrasound images were captured from the middle and distal sites of the vastus lateralis before and immediately after each exercise bout. From these images, MT and PA were measured. Middle and distal MT (11% and 14%, respectively; p < 0.001) and middle PA (39%, p < 0.001) increased only after CON. In addition, changes in MT were strongly related to the amount of total work performed (r = 0.76) during CON. Our results suggest that when the workload is matched between CON and ECC muscle actions performed at a moderate velocity, CON actions seem to be a more potent stimulus for inducing acute changes in MT and PA.
The phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway and glycogen synthase kinase-3 positively regulate the activity of metal-responsive transcription factor-1 in response to zinc ions
Authors: Andéol Yannick , Bonneau Jessica , M. Gagné Laurence , Jacquet Kevin , Rivest Véronique , Huot Marc-Étienne , Séguin Carl
Published: April 2018

Metal-responsive transcription factor-1 (MTF-1) is a metal-regulatory transcription factor essential for induction of the genes encoding metallothioneins (MTs) in response to transition metal ions. Activation of MTF-1 is dependent on the interaction of zinc with the zinc fingers of the protein. In addition, phosphorylation is essential for MTF-1 transactivation. We previously showed that inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) abrogated Mt expression and metal-induced MTF-1 activation in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) HepG2 and mouse L cells, thus showing that the PI3K signaling pathway positively regulates MTF-1 activity and Mt gene expression. However, it has also been reported that inhibition of PI3K has no significant effects on Mt expression in immortalized epithelial cells and increases Mt expression in HCC cells. To further characterize the role of the PI3K pathway on the activity of MTF-1, transfection experiments were performed in HEK293 and HepG2 cells in presence of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), mTOR–C1, and mTOR–C2 inhibitors, as well as of siRNAs targeting Phosphatase and TENsin homolog (PTEN). We showed that inhibition of the mTOR–C2 complex inhibits the activity of MTF-1 in HepG2 and HEK293 cells, while inhibition of the mTOR–C1 complex or of PTEN stimulates MTF-1 activity in HEK293 cells. These results confirm that the PI3K pathway positively regulates MTF-1 activity. Finally, we showed that GSK-3 is required for MTF-1 activation in response to zinc ions.
EXPERIMENTAL COMPARISON BETWEEN PROPORTIONAL AND PWM-SOLENOID VALVES CONTROLLED SERVOPNEUMATIC POSITIONING SYSTEMS
Authors: Rahman Ramhuzaini Abd. , Sepehri Nariman
Published: April 2018

The performance of the Dynamical Adaptive Backstepping-Sliding Mode Control (DAB-SMC) scheme for positioning of a pneumatic cylinder regulated by two types of PWM-solenoid valves is experimentally investigated. The goal is to study the compromise in controller’s performance as the system moves from using a proportional valve to employing the low-cost PWM-solenoid valves. Sinusoidal and multiple-step inputs are used as the reference position trajectories. Experimental results show that the DAB-SMC scheme works best with the proportional valve. The performance, however, deteriorates by more than twofold, once the system utilizes PWM-solenoid valves of 3/2-way or 2/2-way configurations. From this study, trade-off between performances of different types of valves applied on a DAB-SMC scheme-controlled servo positioning system is successfully documented. This information helps to configure appropriate servo-pneumatic system for positioning applications.
DEVELOPMENT OF AN ARTICULATION ROBOT ARM
Authors: Su Kuo-Lan , Weng Jian-Fu , Guo Jr-Hung , Cai Kai-Lu
Published: April 2018

This article describes the design of an articulation robot arm with seven joints. The control core of the robot arm is the module-based system built using the Mitsubishi Q series programming logical controller (PLC). The robot arm contains seven AC servomotors, seven driver devices, a vision system and a PLC control system. The PLC-based controller programs the motion trajectory of the gripper to catch or hold the objects and finish the assigned tasks. Kinect system (Asus Xtion Pro-Live, or called RGB-D sensor) acts as the vision system to recognize shape and color of each object. During the experiments, we found that the robot arm recognizes the shape and color of each object, and catches each object moving to the assigned box with the same color.
ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS FOR INNOVATIVE DESK LAMP CONCEPTUAL DESIGN
Authors: Liu Nien-Te , Wu Chang-Tzuoh , Li Jia-Cin
Published: April 2018

Desk lamp designers tend to focus on the structure of lamps and not consider the option of incorporating new, innovative designs. Creative functional elements and innovative illustrations for desk lamps are proposed in this study. The main creative functional elements are lamp shades, bases, hinges, and pipes. There are three connecting types for these main creative functional elements: the assembled type, the composite type, and the integrated type. These principles are applied to create three creative functional elements and three connecting types that are subsequently used to generate three innovative conceptual designs.
DYNAMIC MODELING OF LONG SPAN NEW MATERIAL CABLE ROBOT
Authors: Sohrabi Sobhan , Daniali Hamid M. , Fathi Ali Reza
Published: April 2018

Cable driven parallel manipulator (CDPM) is a robotic mechanism which utilize multiple actuated cables to manipulate objects. It offers some advantages over the conventional parallel manipulators, such as higher load to weight ratio and larger workspace. These advantages are more evident if one uses composite materials for the cables of CDPM. This study aims at dynamic analysis and trajectory path planning of long-span CDPM by taking into accounts the effects of mass, curvature, flexibility and viscoelastic behavior of its new material cables. The dynamic analysis of the CDPM shows that its end effector vibrates throughout its desired trajectory which leads to an oscillatory pose error. An optimization algorithm is used here for the error suppression of the path planning problem.
MAGNETOSTATIC FIELD ANALYSIS OF DC COMMUTATOR MOTORS WITH GEAR-TEETH ON THE ROTOR
Authors: Chen Guan-Chen , Yan Hong-Sen
Published: April 2018

This paper presents the open-circuit magnetostatic field analysis of a DC commutator motor by applying 1-D and 2-D equivalent magnetic circuit methods. For the 1-D and 2-D equivalent magnetic circuit method, the average air-gap flux density of a DC commutator motor and magnetic flux in every node are derived respectively, and the validity is verified by the finite-element analysis. The Carter’s coefficient is applied to model the permeance of the slot and gear-teeth space. The differences of the air-gap flux density are 3.21% and 3.06% for 1-D and 2-D methods, respectively. The flux linkages, back-EMF constants, cogging torques, electromagnetic torques, and torque ripples of the two gear profiles with feasible number of teeth integrated on the rotor are analyzed to verify the effects of gear profiles. The result shows that the gear-teeth integrated on the motor act as dummy slots, which reduce the cogging torque and torque ripple by 92.02% and 50.14 %, respectively.
ENTROPY GENERATION FOR A NON-NEWTONIAN SHEAR THINNING FLUID WITH VISCOUS HEATING EFFECTS
Authors: Imal Muharrem , Ozalp Coskun , Yaniktepe Bulent , Mehdi-Rashidi Mohammed , Hurdogan Ertac
Published: April 2018

This paper reports the entropy generation of a two-dimensional, non-isothermal, steady, hydrodynamically and thermally fully-developed flow of an incompressible, non-Newtonian shear thinning fluid between two infinite parallel plates. The inelastic fluid is modeled by a two parameter Carreau constitutive equation with an exponential temperature dependence of viscosity. Temperature dependence of the fluid is modeled through Arrhenius law. Momentum and energy balance equations, which govern the flow, are coupled, and this nonlinear boundary value problem is solved numerically using a Pseudospectral method based on the Chebyshev polynomials. The effect of various flow controlling parameters on velocity, temperature and entropy generation is analyzed. The results indicated that Brinkman number and activation energy have opposite effects on entropy generation due to heat transfer. In contrast to the power-law index, an increase in the material time constant results in a decrease in the Bejan Number.
EMPIRICAL STUDY ON WORK–FAMILY CONFLICT AMONG HONG KONG FEMALE EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS (SEN)
Authors: LAW LAI-KUEN
Published: April 2018

With the recent education reforms in Hong Kong, students with special education needs (SEN) are gradually returning to mainstream schools. There are high expectations on the next generation, especially in terms of education achievements to build a successful path for growth; however, when children have SEN that affect their learning, what problems are faced by their working mothers? Findings provide an overview of the latest work–family conflict situation faced by working mothers of children with SEN. Given the financial burden, they suffer from high work–family conflict, as they are forced to work but are also required to spend more time helping their children.
GEOGRAPHIC DISTANCE, INCOME AND CHARITABLE GIVING: EVIDENCE FROM CHINA
Authors: WENG QIAN , HE HAORAN
Published: April 2018

Using data from a nationwide donation program and a follow-up survey, this paper examines how geographic distance between donors and recipients and the capability to give measured by donors’ income affect the amount of charitable giving (conditioned on having given). We find that an increase in geographic distance significantly reduces donation amounts for 15% of the donors. The sensitivity of donation to distance decreases with total monthly disposable income for 62% of the donors. We further find that donation amounts increase with donors’ income for 4% of the donors when evaluating at the mean or median distance.
Anisotropy effects on baryogenesis in f(R) theories of gravity
Authors: Aghamohammadi A. , Hossienkhani H. , Saaidi Kh.
Published: April 2018

We study the f(R) theory of gravity in an anisotropic metric and its effect on the baryon number-to-entropy ratio. The mechanism of gravitational baryogenesis based on the CPT-violating gravitational interaction between derivative of the Ricci scalar curvature and the baryon-number current is investigated in the context of the f(R) gravity. The gravitational baryogenesis in the Bianchi type I (BI) Universe is examined. We survey the effect of anisotropy of the Universe on the baryon asymmetry from the point of view of the f(R) theories of gravity and its effect on [Formula: see text] for radiation dominant regime.
Proper projective symmetry in LRS Bianchi type V spacetimes
Authors: Shabbir Ghulam , Mahomed K. S. , Mahomed F. M. , Moitsheki R. J.
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we investigate proper projective vector fields of locally rotationally symmetric (LRS) Bianchi type V spacetimes using direct integration and algebraic techniques. Despite the non-degeneracy in the Riemann tensor eigenvalues, we classify proper Bianchi type V spacetimes and show that the above spacetimes do not admit proper projective vector fields. Here, in all the cases projective vector fields are Killing vector fields.
Generalized Kähler geometry and current algebras in classical N=2 superconformal WZW model
Authors: Parkhomenko S. E.
Published: April 2018

I examine the Generalized Kähler (GK) geometry of classical [Formula: see text] superconformal WZW model on a compact group and relate the right-moving and left-moving Kac–Moody superalgebra currents to the GK geometry data using biholomorphic gerbe formulation and Hamiltonian formalism. It is shown that the canonical Poisson homogeneous space structure induced by the GK geometry of the group manifold is crucial to provide [Formula: see text] superconformal [Formula: see text]-model with the Kac–Moody superalgebra symmetries. Then, the biholomorphic gerbe geometry is used to prove that Kac–Moody superalgebra currents are globally defined.
Statistical description of massless excitations within a sphere with a linear equation of state and the dark energy case
Authors: Viaggiu S.
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we continue the investigations present in Refs. 1–3. In particular, we extend the theorem proved in Ref. 3 to any massless excitation in a given spherical box. As a first interesting result, we show that it is possible, contrary to the black hole case studied in detail in Refs. 1–3, to build macroscopic configurations with a dark energy equation of state. To this purpose, by requiring a stable configuration, a macroscopic dark fluid is obtained with an internal energy [Formula: see text] scaling as the volume [Formula: see text], but with a fundamental correction looking like [Formula: see text] motivated by quantum fluctuations. Thanks to the proposition in Sec. 3 (and in Ref. 3 for gravitons), one can depict the dark energy in terms of massless excitations with a discrete spectrum. This fact opens the possibility to test a possible physical mechanism converting usual radiation into dark energy in a macroscopic configuration, also in a cosmological context. In fact, for example, in a Friedmann flat universe with a cosmological constant, particles are marginally trapped at the Hubble horizon for any given comoving observer.
Effects of volume and topographic parameters on rockfall travel distance: a case study from NW Himalayas, Pakistan
Authors: Basharat Muhammad , Kashif Muhammad , Sarfraz Yasir
Published: April 2018

This paper presents an analysis of rockfall travel distance for incidents along the roads of the Abbottabad and Mansehra Districts, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Data for 121 rockfall events ranging from 100 m
3
to 10 000 m
3
volume were gathered during field investigations and used to facilitate an assessment of parameters such as height of fall, travel angle, travel distance and rockfall volume. The relationship between the height of fall and travel distance was investigated using well-established empirical approaches published in the literature. This analysis showed that travel angle decreased with increase in the rockfall volume, but that there was a weak correlation between the volume of rockfall and travel distance. A strong positive relationship between the travel distance and the height of fall was also identified. Comparison of the rockfall events identified during this study and existing data published from other regions in the world shows that the characteristics of the rockfalls are largely consistent with those identified by previous investigations. The study findings provide a useful set of data for empirical analyses that may be used for hazard and risk assessment in the region.
A longitudinal study of IP Anycast
Authors: Cicalese Danilo , Rossi Dario
Published: April 2018

IP anycast is a commonly used technique to share the load of a variety of global services. For more than one year, leveraging a lightweight technique for IP anycast detection, enumeration and geolocation, we perform regular IP monthly censuses. This paper provides a brief longitudinal study of the anycast ecosystem, and we additionally make all our datasets (raw measurements from PlanetLab and RIPE Atlas), results (monthly geolocated anycast replicas for all IP/24) and code available to the community.
Impact of Crack on Stability of Slope with Linearly Increasing Undrained Strength
Authors: Li Bing , Zhang Fei , Wang Di
Published: April 2018

This paper presents a procedure for assessment of the impact of tension crack on stability of slope in clays with linearly increasing undrained strength. The procedure is based on the limit equilibrium method with variational extremization. The distribution of the normal stress over slip surface is mathematically obtained for slopes in clays with the linearly increasing undrained strength and then used to determine the tension crack for clays with zero tensile strength. The seismic effect is also included using the pseudostatic approach. Closed-form solutions to the minimum safety factor and the maximum crack depth can be derived and given in the form of chart for convenient use. The results demonstrate a significant effect of the tension crack on the stability of steep slopes, especially for strong seismic conditions. In this situation, neglecting the impact of tension crack in traditional ϕ=0 analyses may overestimate the slope safety. The most adverse location of the tension crack can be also determined and presented in the charts, which may be useful in designing reinforcements and remedial measures for slope stabilization.
Study on ADRC Parameter Optimization Using CPSO for Clamping Force Control System
Authors: Li Fengping , Zhang Zhengya , Armaou Antonios , Xue Yao , Zhou Sijia , Zhou Yuqing
Published: April 2018

Clamping force control system is essential for clamping tasks that require high precision. In this paper, Active Disturbance Rejection Controller (ADRC) is applied for clamping force control system, aiming to achieve higher control precision. Furthermore, the CPSO-ADRC system is proposed and implemented by optimizing the critical parameters of ordinary ADRC using chaos particle swarm optimization (CPSO) algorithm. To verify the effectiveness of CPSO-ADRC, Particle Swarm Optimization- (PSO-) ADRC is introduced as a comparison. The simulation results show that the CPSO-ADRC can effectively improve the control quality with faster dynamic response and better command tracking performance compared to ordinary ADRC and PSO-ADRC.
Searches for Massive Graviton Resonances at the LHC
Authors: Obikhod T. V. , Petrenko I. A.
Published: April 2018

The Standard Model problems lead to the new theories of extra dimensions: Randall-Sundrum model, Arkani-Hamed-Dimopoulos-Dvali model, and TeV-1 model. In the framework of these models, with the help of computer program Pythia8.2, the production cross sections for Kaluza-Klein particles at various energies at the LHC were calculated. The generation of monojet events from scalar graviton emission was considered for number of extra dimensions (n=2, 4, and 6) for the energy at the LHC 14 TeV. The graviton production processes through the gluon-gluon, quark-gluon, and quark-quark fusion processes are also studied and some periodicity was found in the behavior of the graviton mass spectrum. Production cross sections multiplied by branching fractions were calculated for the massive graviton, G, within Randall-Sundrum scenario and the most probable processes of graviton decay at 13 TeV, 14 TeV, and 100 TeV were counted.
Mutation Spectrum of the ABCA4 Gene in a Greek Cohort with Stargardt Disease: Identification of Novel Mutations and Evidence of Three Prevalent Mutated Alleles
Authors: Smaragda Kamakari , Vassiliki Kokkinou , George Koutsodontis , Polixeni Stamatiou , Christoforos Giatzakis , Anastasios Anastasakis , Minas Aslanides Ioannis , Stavrenia Koukoula , Theoni Panagiotoglou , Ioannis Datseris , Miltiadis Tsilimbaris K.
Published: April 2018

Aim. To evaluate the frequency and pattern of disease-associated mutations of ABCA4 gene among Greek patients with presumed Stargardt disease (STGD1). Materials and Methods. A total of 59 patients were analyzed for ABCA4 mutations using the ABCR400 microarray and PCR-based sequencing of all coding exons and flanking intronic regions. MLPA analysis as well as sequencing of two regions in introns 30 and 36 reported earlier to harbor deep intronic disease-associated variants was used in 4 selected cases. Results. An overall detection rate of at least one mutant allele was achieved in 52 of the 59 patients (88.1%). Direct sequencing improved significantly the complete characterization rate, that is, identification of two mutations compared to the microarray analysis (93.1% versus 50%). In total, 40 distinct potentially disease-causing variants of the ABCA4 gene were detected, including six previously unreported potentially pathogenic variants. Among the disease-causing variants, in this cohort, the most frequent was c.5714+5G>A representing 16.1%, while p.Gly1961Glu and p.Leu541Pro represented 15.2% and 8.5%, respectively. Conclusions. By using a combination of methods, we completely molecularly diagnosed 48 of the 59 patients studied. In addition, we identified six previously unreported, potentially pathogenic ABCA4 mutations.
Electric Conductivity and Piezoresistivity of Carbon Nanotube Artificial Skin Based on the Design of Mesh Structure
Authors: Ma Xin , Li Wen , Wang Liting , Cao Xiaona
Published: April 2018

This paper introduces a new method of sensing pressure by using carbon nanotube yarns which are embedded in artificial skin, based on the design of the mesh structure. With the sensing technology, a kind of mesh model has been established for piezoresistive effect detection of carbon nanotube yarns in artificial skin. By analyzing the sensing characteristics of carbon nanotube yarns, we can conclude that the artificial skin embedded with yarns in a mesh model could be used for sensing pressure. It may cover the surface of the robot and has significant theoretical as well as practical value for intelligent robot research in the future.