bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phylogeny of Gracilariaceae (Rhodophyta): evidence from plastid and mitochondrial nucleotide sequences
Authors: Lyra Goia de M. , Costa Emmanuelle da S. , de Jesus Priscila B. , de Matos João Carlos G. , Caires Taiara A. , Oliveira Mariana C. , Oliveira Eurico C. , Xi Zhenxiang , Nunes José Marcos de C. , Davis Charles C.
Published: February 2015

Gracilariaceae are mostly pantropical red algae and include ~230 species in seven genera. Infrafamilial classification of the group has long been based on reproductive characters, but previous phylogenies have shown that traditionally circumscribed groups are not monophyletic. We performed phylogenetic analyses using two plastid (universal plastid amplicon and rbcL) and one mitochondrial (cox1) loci from a greatly expanded number of taxa to better assess generic relationships and understand patterns of character distributions. Our analyses produce the most well‐supported phylogeny of the family to date, and indicate that key characteristics of spermatangia and cystocarp type do not delineate genera as commonly suggested. Our results further indicate that Hydropuntia is not monophyletic. Given their morphological overlap with closely related members of Gracilaria, we propose that Hydropuntia be synonymized with the former. Our results additionally expand the known ranges of several Gracilariaceae species to include Brazil. Lastly, we demonstrate that the recently described Gracilaria yoneshigueana should be synonymized as G. domingensis based on morphological and molecular characters. These results demonstrate the utility of DNA barcoding for understanding poorly known and fragmentary materials of cryptic red algae.
Dependent Wild Bootstrap for the Empirical Process
Authors: Doukhan Paul , Lang Gabriel , Leucht Anne , Neumann Michael H.
Published: February 2015

In this paper, we propose a model‐free bootstrap method for the empirical process under absolute regularity. More precisely, consistency of an adapted version of the so‐called dependent wild bootstrap, which was introduced by Shao () and is very easy to implement, is proved under minimal conditions on the tuning parameter of the procedure. We show how our results can be applied to construct confidence intervals for unknown parameters and to approximate critical values for statistical tests. In a simulation study, we investigate the size properties of a bootstrap‐aided Kolmogorov‐Smirnov test and show that our method is competitive to standard block bootstrap methods in finite samples.
Bias Correction of Persistence Measures in Fractionally Integrated Models
Authors: Grose Simone D. , Martin Gael M. , Poskitt Donald S.
Published: February 2015

This article investigates the accuracy of bootstrap‐based bias correction of persistence measures for long‐memory fractionally integrated processes. The bootstrap method is based on the semi‐parametric sieve approach, with the dynamics in the long‐memory process captured by an autoregressive approximation. With a view to improving accuracy, the sieve method is also applied to data prefiltered by a semi‐parametric estimate of the long‐memory parameter. Both versions of the bootstrap technique are used to estimate the finite‐sample distributions of the sample autocorrelation coefficients and the impulse response coefficients and, in turn, to bias adjust these statistics. The accuracy of the resultant estimators in the case of the autocorrelation coefficients is also compared with that yielded by analytical bias adjustment methods when available. The basic sieve technique is seen to yield a reduction in the bias of both persistence measures. The prefiltered sieve produces a substantial further reduction in the bias of the estimated impulse response function, whilst the extra improvement yielded by prefiltering in the case of the sample autocorrelation function is shown to depend heavily on the accuracy of the prefilter.
Testing for Mild Explosivity and Bubbles in LME Non‐Ferrous Metals Prices
Authors: Figuerola‐Ferretti Isabel , Gilbert Christopher L. , McCrorie J. Roderick
Published: February 2015

This article applies the mildly explosive/multiple bubbles testing methodology developed by Phillips et al. (2015a, International Economic Review, forthcoming) to examine the recent time series behaviour of the six main London Metal Exchange non‐ferrous metals prices. We detect periods of mild explosivity in the cash and 3‐month futures price series in each of copper, nickel, lead, zinc and tin, but not in aluminium. We argue that convenience yield, although the formal counterpart to dividend yield in commodity markets, is not a useful basis on which to assess whether observed explosivity is indicative of bubbles. We construct other measures that suggest the observed explosivity in the non‐ferrous metals market can be associated with tight physical markets.
The Calculation of Some Limiting Distributions Arising in Near‐Integrated Models with GLS Detrending
Authors: Chambers Marcus J.
Published: February 2015

Many unit root test statistics are based on detrended data, with the method of generalized least squares (GLS) detrending being popular in the setting of a near‐integrated model. This article determines the properties of some associated limiting distributions when the GLS detrending is based on a linear time trend. A fundamental result for the moment generating function of two key functionals of the relevant stochastic process is provided and used to compute probability density functions and cumulative distribution functions, as well as means and variances, of the limiting distributions of some statistics of interest. The exact moments and percentiles of some of these distributions are compared with those obtained by simulations, and it is found that, even with a large number of replications and a large sample size, the errors resulting from the simulation methods are not negligible. Some further applications, including a comparison of limiting power functions of different unit root test statistics and the consideration of a more complicated statistic, are also provided.
Generalized Variance‐Ratio Tests in the Presence of Statistical Dependence
Authors: Nankervis John C. , Kougoulis Periklis , Coakley Jerry
Published: February 2015

This article extends and generalizes the variance‐ratio (VR) statistic by employing an estimator of the asymptotic covariance matrix of the sample autocorrelations. The estimator is consistent under the null for general classes of innovations exhibiting statistical dependence including exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity and non‐martingale difference sequence processes. Monte Carlo experiments show that our generalized test statistics have good finite sample size and superior power properties to other recently developed VR versions. In an application to two major US stock indices, our new generalized VR tests provide stronger rejections of the null than do competing VR tests.
Physical Parameter Identification of Structural Systems with Hysteretic Pinching
Authors: Zhou Cong , Chase* J. Geoffrey , Rodgers Geoffrey W. , Tomlinson Hamish , Xu Chao
Published: February 2015

This research investigates the physical parameter identification of a nonlinear hysteretic structure with pinching behavior for real‐time or rapid structural health monitoring (SHM) after a major seismic event. The identification procedure is based on the overall least squares linear regression and hypothesis testing. It is applied to a general, nonlinear slip‐lock (SL) pinching model. In particular, the hysteresis loop is reconstructed using data available from current sensor technologies. The path dependent hysteresis response is first divided into different loading and unloading subhalf cycles with a single valued function. These subhalf cycles are then assumed to be piecewise linear, and the number of segments for each subhalf cycle is identified using the sup F type test. The overall least squares linear regression is finally applied to the identified subhalf cycles to compute the regression coefficients and breakpoints that yield the elastic stiffness, plastic stiffness, and cumulative plastic deformation. The performance and robustness of the proposed method is illustrated using a single degree of freedom shear‐type reinforced concrete structure with 10% added root mean square noise and variable pinching behavior. The proposed method is shown to be computationally efficient and accurate in identifying the damage parameters within 10% of true values. These results indicate that the system is able to capture nonlinear behavior and structural parameters, such as preyielding stiffness, postyielding stiffness and cumulative plastic deformation, directly relevant to damage and performance using a computationally efficient and simple method. Finally, the method requires no user input and could thus be automated and performed in real time for each half cycle, with results available effectively immediately after an event, as well as during an event, if required.
Centrally targeted pharmacotherapy for chronic abdominal pain
Authors: Törnblom H. , Drossman D. A.
Published: February 2015

Background

Chronic abdominal pain in the context of the functional gastrointestinal disorders departs from a more traditional approach to treating gastrointestinal symptoms. Chronic abdominal pain involves a dysregulation of brain‐gut modulation of afferent signaling, so treatments directed toward the gut are not usually sufficient to achieve a clinical response. Rather the methods of treatment depend on re‐establishing central pain regulation.

Purpose

A conceptual model of predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating factors is used to explain how a situation of chronic pain develops and it provides the evidence for central neuron degeneration as relevant to this chain of events. The rationale for centrally targeted medications, in particular antidepressants, is discussed with regard to effects independent of their role in treating psychiatric disorders: with regard to downregulation of afferent pain signals and their potential role in neuron proliferation. Finally, guiding examples of which drug to use and treatment combinations involving multiple drugs, augmentation treatment, are outlined and some brief clinical cases of centrally targeted pharmacotherapy.
Factors Associated with Unintentional Injury among University Students in 26 Countries
Authors: Peltzer Karl , Pengpid Supa
Published: February 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine estimates of the incidence and social correlates of nonfatal injury among university students in 26 low‐, middle‐, and high‐income countries.

Design and Sample

Using anonymous questionnaires, data were collected in a cross‐sectional survey of 19,111 undergraduate university students (mean age 20.8, SD = 2.8) from 27 universities in 26 countries across Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Measures

Questionnaire on health risk behaviors, psychological distress, personality, social variables, and injury requiring medical treatment or missing at least one day of usual activities.

Results

The percentage of university students reporting one or more serious injuries within the past 12 months was 25.2% for all countries, in men 28.8% and women 21.1%. In multivariate logistic regression among men, socio‐demographic variables, health risk behaviors, posttraumatic stress (PTSD) symptoms, lack of personal control and lack of social support, and among women, residing on campus, health risk behaviors, PTSD symptoms, lack of personal control, and lack of social support were associated with injury incidence.

Conclusions

Several risk factors were identified which will increase the understanding of public health nurses of injuries in university communities to design programs for injury prevention programs specifically targeting university students, staff, and university health center professionals.
Effectiveness of triploidy as a management tool for reproductive containment of farmed fish: Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) as a case study
Authors: Benfey Tillmann J.
Published: February 2015

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) dominates aquaculture production in its native North Atlantic range, raising concerns about the impacts of escaped farmed fish on wild populations. While physical confinement and operational management practices have improved steadily with the development of this industry, some escapes are inevitable. In the absence of effective measures for the rapid recapture of escaped fish, the only practical method currently available to minimize their impacts on wild populations is to ensure that they are female triploids and therefore reproductively sterile. The technology for producing all‐female triploid populations of Atlantic salmon is simple and easily applied on a commercial scale, and routinely results in populations that are entirely female and >98% triploid. Aside from sterility, there are no population‐wide phenotypic effects of triploidy, although triploids do tend to perform less well than diploids with respect to commercial culture characteristics and are also less likely than escaped diploids to outcompete or displace native salmon. Some uncertainties exist with respect to their disease resistance and their potential to become reservoirs for the spread of pathogens to wild populations. If the spawning potential of escaped farmed Atlantic salmon is deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to native populations, then all‐female triploid populations could be used as an alternative to reduce risk. Research should continue to focus on improving triploid performance through breeding programmes and optimization of husbandry conditions (including nutrition, environmental conditions and fish health), with the goal of making triploids an attractive option for fish farmers.
Respiratory disease and respiratory physiology: Putting lung function into perspective: Paediatric asthma
Authors: van den Wijngaart Lara S. , Roukema Jolt , Merkus Peter J.F.M.
Published: February 2015

Dealing with paediatric asthma in daily practice, we are mostly interested in the airway function: the hallmark of asthma is the variability of airway patency. Various pulmonary function tests (PFT) can be used to quantify airway caliber in asthmatic children. The choice of the test is based on the developmental age of the child, knowledge of the diagnosis/underlying pathophysiology, clinical questions and reasoning, and treatment. PFT is performed to monitor the severity of asthma and the response to therapy, but can also be used as a diagnostic tool, and to study growth and development of the lungs and airways. This review aims to provide clinicians an overview of the differences in assessing PFT in infants and preschool children compared with older cooperative children, which tests are feasible in infants and young children, the limitations of and usefulness of these tests, and of their interpretation in these age groups.
Does Preferential Trade Benefit Poor Countries? A General Equilibrium Assessment with Nonhomothetic Preferences
Authors: Stibora Joachim , de Vaal Albert
Published: February 2015

We develop a Ricardian model of trade with nonhomothetic preferences to analyze preferential trade agreements (PTAs) among countries of different stages of economic development. The richer a country is, the more likely will PTAs improve its terms of trade, also when it is a non‐member. Rich non‐member countries are also less likely to incur welfare losses from PTAs. PTA membership only guarantees welfare gains for countries that are too poor to import the goods rich countries produce. For all other countries, the welfare effects of joining PTAs depend on the world income distribution and on the strength of comparative advantages.
Spillovers in Sports Leagues with Promotion and Relegation
Authors: Dietl Helmut , Grossmann Martin , Hefti Andreas , Lang Markus
Published: February 2015

This paper analyzes spillover effects in sports leagues that are embedded in a system of promotion and relegation. Based on a contest model of a professional sports league with a top division and a second division, we show that league prizes and club efficiencies have opposing effects; while a stronger second division that offers a higher league prize leads to a more balanced top division, the opposite is true for a stronger second division whose clubs become more cost efficient. Moreover, we demonstrate that a higher second‐division prize induces a lower investment level, but higher profits in the top division, while higher club efficiency in the second division leads to both a lower investment level and lower profits in the top division. These results have important policy implications for the organization of sports leagues.
The Economics of Long‐term Contracts in the Footballers' Labour Market
Authors: Buraimo Babatunde , Frick Bernd , Hickfang Michael , Simmons Rob
Published: February 2015

Peter Sloane's seminal article in this journal on the objectives of football clubs argued that utility maximising clubs would seek out player talent more aggressively than profit maximising clubs and that this accumulation of player talent by larger teams might need to be checked by redistribution of revenues. We suggest in this article that, in a context of rising revenues and high rewards, the pressures to acquire more and better talent so as to out‐perform other teams on the football pitch leads to a requirement for teams to practise effective contract management. Using a large dataset from the German Bundesliga, we find that players with longer term contracts perform better, ceteris paribus. Hence, selection effects in the award of long‐term contracts dominate moral hazard (shirking) effects in the Bundesliga.
Sportsman Leagues
Authors: Vrooman John
Published: February 2015

This paper compares duopsony profit‐maximization and sportsman leagues and analyzes the effects of revenue sharing in both leagues. This involves formulation of a duopsony model that compares game‐theoretic approaches and price‐taking models. This duopsony game is played in open and closed talent markets with a supply function that approaches perfect inelasticity in the limit. The analysis explores welfare optimality of competitive balance, fan preference and revenue sharing. Revenue sharing minimizes payrolls and reduces overall talent in profit‐max leagues. This leads to the conclusion that a sportsman league with optimal revenue sharing is welfare superior.
Structural contribution from the Oman ophiolite to processes of crustal accretion at the East Pacific Rise
Authors: Nicolas Adolphe , Boudier Françoise
Published: February 2015

A comprehensive model for the activity of the elementary accretion segment at fast‐spreading ridges relies on integration of structural data from the Oman ophiolite and geophysical results from the East Pacific Rise (EPR) around 9°N, which are of comparable size and spreading rates. The axial melt lens at shallow crustal level provides a link between Deval segmentation at the seafloor and a lower melt sill at Moho level, imaged at the EPR as a crustal melt zone (CMZ) and mapped in Oman as the Moho transition zone (MTZ). Both are attached to a mantle upwelling at the EPR, and to a frozen diapir in Oman. The physical link between diapiric mantle uprising at the Moho and Devals segmentation at the seafloor is the melt being injected from the mantle into the lower MTZ, ponding there, and then being released by powerful injections into the upper melt lens. The magma chamber covers the diapir at a distance of 5 km from the ridge axis.
Self‐consistent subduction initiation induced by mantle flow
Authors: Lu Gang , Kaus Boris J.P. , Zhao Liang , Zheng Tianyu
Published: February 2015

Mantle circulation in planets with strongly temperature‐dependent viscosity results in stagnant‐lid convection. It is fundamental to understand how this stagnant‐lid regime can change into a plate‐like convection regime as on the present‐day Earth. Here, we use 2D numerical models to study subduction initiation from an initial stagnant lid with laboratory‐consistent parameters and without pre‐existing weak zones or kinematic boundary conditions. Our results show that subduction can be initiated dynamically as a result of a thermal localization instability. The lithosphere may deform in a stagnant‐lid mode, an un‐necking mode, a symmetric‐subduction mode or an asymmetric‐subduction mode. The asymmetric‐subduction mode occurs only for relatively large friction angles and moderate thermal ages, and the presence of heterogeneities increases the parameter space of this mode. The limited parameter space might explain why only the present‐day Earth has plate tectonics, and suggests that the initiation of plate tectonics is more difficult than previously anticipated.
Does subduction polarity control metallogeny? The Mediterranean case
Authors: Nimis Paolo , Omenetto Paolo
Published: February 2015

The distribution of ore‐deposit types in different sectors of the circum‐Mediterranean realm that have been affected by subduction processes since the Cretaceous varies in space and time. Sectors involved in W‐directed subduction (Sardinia, Apennines–Maghrebides, Internal Betics, Tyrrhenian, Western–Eastern Carpathians) are dominated by relatively low‐sulphidation epithermal (±VMS) deposits. Orogens formed by NE‐directed subduction (Dinarides–Hellenides–Pontides–Anatolides–Taurides; DHPAT) were initially dominated by pluton‐related porphyry–skarn–high‐sulphidation epithermal associations. These distinct metallogenic styles can be related to the systematic tectono‐magmatic asymmetry of E–NE‐ and W‐directed subduction systems and are analogous to the relationship observed in circum‐Pacific belts. Exceptions to this simple pattern occurred in the DHPAT in the Cenozoic, when deposit associations typical of both E‐directed and W‐directed systems were formed. Such exceptions are interpreted to reflect superimposition of contrasting subduction trends and inheritance from earlier metallogenic stages (Apuseni) or the interference of subduction processes with subduction‐unrelated extension (Hellenides, West Anatolia).
Hospital morbidity due to paracoccidioidomycosis in Brazil (1998–2006)
Authors: Coutinho Ziadir Francisco , Wanke Bodo , Travassos Claudia , Oliveira Rosely Magalhães , Xavier Diego Ricardo , Coimbra Carlos E. A.
Published: February 2015

Objective

To analyse hospital morbidity records due to paracoccidioidomycosis in Brazil, including its nationwide distribution in time and space, as well as key epidemiological and sociodemographic characteristics.

Methods

Descriptive analysis of hospital morbidity records due to paracoccidioidomycosis covering the period January 1998 to December 2006. Hospital records were obtained from the Hospital Information System of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SIH/SUS).

Results

There were 6732 hospitalisations (82% male) due to paracoccidioidomycosis in the period, representing 4.3 per 1.0 million inhabitants. Admissions due to this mycosis were recorded in 27% of the 5560 Brazilian municipalities, covering 35% of the country. Ten municipalities concentrated 52% of all admissions. The temporal distribution of admissions for paracoccidioidomycosis showed a slight increase. The geographical analysis showed two distinct patterns of the disease: (i) traditional areas of southern and south‐eastern regions, covering 60% of admissions, and (ii) a second pattern in northern Brazil revealed a transverse band of higher concentration with about 27% of admissions, particularly along the southern border of the Amazon region.

Conclusion

This first nationwide analysis of hospitalisation due to paracoccidioidomycosis in Brazil shows that it is the most prevalent systemic mycosis in Brazil. Despite its importance, there are major deficits in its proper registry, diagnostics and treatment. The particular epidemiological and medical challenges of paracoccidioidomycosis will not be met while the disease continues to be perceived as an isolated infectious entity restricted to a few faraway regions of the globe.
Lateral suppressor and Goblet act in hierarchical order to regulate ectopic meristem formation at the base of tomato leaflets
Authors: Rossmann Susanne , Kohlen Wouter , Hasson Alice , Theres Klaus
Published: February 2015

In seed plants, new axes of growth are established by the formation of meristems, groups of pluripotent cells that maintain themselves and initiate the formation of lateral organs. After embryonic development, secondary shoot meristems form in the boundary zones between the shoot apical meristem and leaf primordia, the leaf axils. In addition, many plant species develop ectopic meristems at different positions of the plant body. In the compound tomato leaf, ectopic meristems can initiate at the base of leaflets, which are delimited by two distinct boundary zones, referred to as the proximal (PLB) and distal (DLB) leaflet boundaries. We demonstrate that the two leaflet boundaries differ from each other and that ectopic meristem formation is strictly limited to the DLB. Our data suggest that the DLB harbours a group of pluripotent cells that seems to be the launching pad for meristem formation. Initiation of these meristems is dependent on the activities of the transcriptional regulators Goblet (Gob) and Lateral suppressor (Ls), specifically expressed in the DLB. Gob and Ls act in hierarchical order, because Ls transcript accumulation is dependent on Gob activity, but not vice versa. Ectopic meristem formation at the DLB is also observed in other seed plants, like Cardamine pratensis, indicating that it is part of a widespread developmental program. Ectopic meristem formation leads to an increase in the number of buds, enhances the capacity for survival and opens the route to vegetative propagation.
The use of autologous platelet‐rich plasma in the orthopedic setting
Authors: Cohn Claudia S. , Lockhart Evelyn , McCullough J. Jeffrey
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND

Autologous platelet‐rich plasma (aPRP) is widely used with orthopedic patients to help treat injuries to tendons, cartilage, ligaments, and muscle. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted to evaluate aPRP's efficacy and compare available methods. In addition, the production and administration of aPRP were explored.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A literature search was performed. Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) in orthopedic procedures on adult patients were included and assessed for methodologic quality. The main outcomes were pain relief, increase in function, structural integrity, and “healing” based on various validated scales.

RESULTS

Twelve RCTs and one controlled cohort were included (four lateral epicondylitis, two chronic Achilles tendinopathy, two anterior cruciate ligament injury, and five rotator cuff injuries). Four trials reported some benefit from aPRP versus controls while eight trials found no benefit from aPRP applications versus control. One study had too many patients withdraw from the control arm for acceptable data interpretation. All protocols used a different aPRP formulation or method of delivery or application.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite its popularity, there are no standardized criteria that define aPRP. Different techniques yield wide variability in terms of platelet count and concentration. These variations make it difficult to compare clinical trials that use aPRP or draw conclusions concerning its clinical efficacy in orthopedic procedures. Blood bankers have experience in the production of standardized blood components. This expertise may be used to develop and implement protocols for the production and administration of aPRP, as well as quality control measures.
Evidence for recent evolution in an invasive species, Microstegium vimineum, Japanese stiltgrass
Authors: Ziska L H , Tomecek M B , Valerio M , Thompson J P
Published: February 2015

The establishment and spread of invasive plants are often associated with a ‘general‐purpose genotype’, with a corresponding high degree of phenotypic plasticity when introduced to a new environment. Evolutionary potential of invasive species following introduction should also be considered, however, as such changes can facilitate rapid range expansion. In this study, we utilised seed from three geographically distinct mid‐Atlantic populations of an invasive species, Microstegium vimineum (Japanese stiltgrass), to assess whether populations varied in their biomass and reproductive responses to light and nitrogen under neutral glasshouse conditions. To assess evolutionary adaptation, we quantified and correlated the abiotic environment from each collection location with the final biomass and seed production of that population under common glasshouse conditions. For M. vimineum, growth and reproductive responses to a common set of abiotic parameters (e.g. light) under these conditions indicated considerable phenotypic variation between and within populations. Interestingly, the degree of variation of seed production and final biomass among populations in the glasshouse was strongly correlated with growing season length and cumulative degree days recorded near each population location. These latter data indicated that M. vimineum, introduced into this region <100 years ago, may be undergoing adaptive evolution. Although additional populations of M. vimineum need to be examined, this study suggests that local evolutionary adaptation may be occurring rapidly and could, potentially, be an important aspect in the establishment and spread of this invasive species.
Revamping Amphinomidae (Annelida: Amphinomida), with the inclusion of Notopygos
Authors: Borda Elizabeth , Yáñez‐Rivera Beatriz , Ochoa Gabriela M. , Kudenov Jerry D. , Sanchez‐Ortiz Carlos , Schulze Anja , Rouse Greg W.
Published: February 2015

This study revises the taxonomic status of the formerly monotypic Archinomidae, which is nested within paraphyletic Amphinomidae according to recent phylogenetic work. We focused our taxonomic sampling to evaluate the affinities of Notopygos and genera classified as ‘fusiform’ in body shape, including Archinome and Chloeia. Prior to this study, the phylogenetic placement of Notopygos had not been evaluated. We inferred the phylogenetic relationships of Notopygos within Amphinomidae based on nuclear and mitochondrial markers, and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I genetic divergences of five Notopygos species, including the newly described Notopygos kekooa sp. n. from the Gulf of California. The phylogenetic and morphological evidence, now including Notopygos species, justified the establishment of two subfamilies within Amphinomidae. In accordance with ICZN Article 36 (Principle of Coordination), both subfamilies are presented as status novus in the nomenclature ranks.
Investigation of Tabs in Short Annular Diffusers With Swirling Flow
Authors: Cerantola D. J. , Birk A. M.
Published: February 2015

Square tabs were placed on the base of an ellipsoidal center-body (CB) in short annular diffusers. Tests were conducted in subsonic swirling flow with an inlet Reynolds number of 1 × 105. The tabs, with a projected height equivalent to the boundary layer thickness, reduced the outlet distortion and incurred a pressure penalty in the three smaller diffusers whose designs were not expected to stall. The largest area ratio (AR = 6.18) diffuser improved back pressure coefficient 4.6% with four tabs that blocked 4.7% of the inlet cross section over its bare diffuser but was 42% lower than that obtained by the AR = 2.73 diffuser with no tabs. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was useful for capturing relevant flow features that corroborated with experimental data and literature. Tabs oriented normal to the diffuser axis were less effective at influencing the flow as swirl angle increased but similar elongated wakes oriented with the flow direction were observed at all simulated swirl angles. The CFD either predicted equivalent performance due to the over-prediction associated with diffusion equaling the under-prediction associated with vorticity or over-predicted performance.
Nonlinear Response of a Microbeam Under Combined Direct and Fringing Field Excitation
Authors: Kambali Prashant N. , Pandey Ashok Kumar
Published: February 2015

Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) and Nanoelectromechanical system (NEMS) are mostly actuated by direct forcing due to electrostatic excitation. In general, the electrostatic forcing consists of two main components, the first is the direct forcing which is based on parallel plate capacitance and another is due to the fringing effects. As the size of the beam and its cross section reduces from microscale to nanoscale, the effect of direct forcing diminishes because the overlapping area also reduces. Consequently, the fringing force effect remains the only viable factor to excite the beams electrostatically. In this paper, we present the nonlinear analysis of fixed–fixed and cantilever beams subjected to the direct force excitation, the fringing force excitation, and the combined effect of direct and fringing forces. In the present configuration, while the direct forcing is achieved by applying voltage across the beam and the bottom electrode, the fringing force can be introduced by applying voltage across the beam and the symmetrically placed side electrodes. To do the analysis, we first formulate the equation of motion considering both kinds of forces. Subsequently, we apply the method of multiple scale, MMS, to obtain the approximate solution. After validating MMS with the numerical simulation, we discuss the influence of large excitation amplitude, nonlinear damping, and the nonlinear stiffness under different forcing conditions. We found that fringing force introduces parametric excitation in the system which may be used to significantly increase the response amplitude as well as frequency bandwidth. It is also found that under the influence of the fringing forces from the side electrodes, the pull-in effect can be improved. Furthermore, the present study can be used to increase the sensitivity as well as the operating frequency range of different MEMS and NEMS based sensors under combined forcing conditions.
Kinematics of a Generalized Class of Pneumatic Artificial Muscles
Authors: Krishnan Girish , Bishop-Moser Joshua , Kim Charles , Kota Sridhar
Published: February 2015

Fluid filled fiber reinforced elastomeric enclosures (FREEs) have been a popular choice for actuators in prosthetics and soft robots owing to their high power density and cost effective manufacturing. While a narrow class of FREEs known as McKibben's actuators have been extensively studied, there is a wide unexplored class that could be potentially used as actuators and soft structural members. This paper analyzes the mobility of generalized FREEs based on simple geometric relationships that result from the inextensibility of fibers and fluidic actuation. The analysis conducted can be classified into instantaneous kinematics and global or large deformation kinematics. Instantaneous kinematics reveals that the most general deformation pattern of the FREE is a screw motion about the axis of its cylinder, whose pitch is a function of fiber orientations. Furthermore, a set of fiber angles, which do not deform under volumetric actuation were identified as the locked manifold (LM). Global kinematic analysis revealed that every FREE continued to deform until its fiber configuration approached the LM. These insights were corroborated with finite element analysis (FEA) and testing for a small sample of FREE actuators.
Design of Bioimpedance Spectroscopy Instrument With Compensation Techniques for Soft Tissue Characterization
Authors: Dodde Robert E. , Kruger Grant H. , Shih Albert J.
Published: February 2015

Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) has shown significant potential in many areas of medicine to provide new physiologic markers. Several acute and chronic diseases are accompanied by changes in intra- and extracellular fluid within various areas of the human body. The estimation of fluid in various body compartments is therefore a simple and convenient method to monitor certain disease states. In this work, the design and evaluation of a BIS instrument are presented and three key areas of the development process investigated facilitating the BIS measurement of tissue hydration state. First, the benefit of incorporating DC-stabilizing circuitry to the standard modified Howland current pump (MHCP) is investigated to minimize the effect of DC offsets limiting the dynamic range of the system. Second, the influence of the distance between the bioimpedance probe and a high impedance material is investigated using finite element analysis (FEA). Third, an analytic compensation technique is presented to minimize the influence of parasitic capacitance. Finally, the overall experimental setup is evaluated through ex vivo BIS measurements of porcine spleen tissue and compared to published results. The DC-stabilizing circuit demonstrated its ability to maintain DC offsets at less than 650 μV through 100 kHz while maintaining an output impedance of 1 MΩ from 100 Hz to 100 kHz. The proximity of a bioimpedance probe to a high impedance material such as acrylic was shown to increase measured impedance readings by a factor of 4x as the ratio of the distance between the sensing electrodes to the distance between the bioimpedance probe and acrylic reached 1:3. The average parasitic capacitance for the circuit presented was found to be 712 ± 128 pF, and the analytic compensation method was shown to be able to minimize this effect on the BIS measurements. Measurements of porcine spleen tissue showed close correlation with experimental results reported in published articles. This research presents the successful design and evaluation of a BIS instrument. Specifically, robust measurements were obtained by implementing a DC-stabilized current source, investigating probe-material proximity issues and compensating for parasitic capacitance. These strategies were shown to provide tissue measurements comparable with published literature.
A Simplified and Consistent Nonlinear Transient Analysis Method for Gas Bearing: Extension to Flexible Rotors
Authors: Hassini Mohamed Amine , Arghir Mihai
Published: February 2015

A simplified, new method for evaluating the nonlinear fluid forces in air bearings was recently proposed (Hassini, M. A., and Arghir, M., 2012, “Simplified Nonlinear Transient Analysis Method for Gas Bearings,” ASME J. Tribol., 134(1), p. 011704). The method is based on approximating the frequency dependent linearized dynamic coefficients at several eccentricities, by second-order rational functions. A set of ordinary differential equations is then obtained using the inverse of Laplace transform linking the fluid forces components to the rotor displacements. Coupling these equations with the equations of motion of the rotor leads to a system of ordinary differential equations where displacements and velocities of the rotor and the fluid forces come as unknowns. The numerical results stemming from the proposed approach showed good agreement with the results obtained by solving the full nonlinear transient Reynolds equation coupled to the equation of motion of a point mass rotor. However, the method (Hassini, M. A., and Arghir, M., 2012, “Simplified Nonlinear Transient Analysis Method for Gas Bearings,” ASME J. Tribol., 134(1), p. 011704) requires a special treatment to ensure continuity of the values of the fluid forces and their first derivatives. More recently, the same authors (Hassini, M. A., and Arghir, M., 2013, “A New Approach for the Stability Analysis of Rotors Supported by Gas Bearings,” ASME Paper No. GT2013-94802) showed the benefits of imposing the same set of stable poles to the rational functions approximating the impedances. These constrains simplified the expressions of the fluid forces and avoided the introduction of false poles. The method in (Hassini, M. A., and Arghir, M., 2013, “A New Approach for the Stability Analysis of Rotors Supported by Gas Bearings,” ASME Paper No. GT2013-94802) was applied in the frame of the small perturbation analysis for calculating Campbell and stability diagrams. This approach also enhances the consistency of the fluid forces approximated with the same set of poles because they become naturally continuous over the whole bearing clearance while their increments were not. The present paper shows how easily the new formulation may be applied to compute the nonlinear response of systems with multiple degrees of freedom such as a flexible rotor supported by two air bearings.
CalDyx: An interactive self-study teaching program on calcium dynamics during excitation-contraction coupling in skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Baylor Stephen M.
Published: February 2015

Students can explore calcium signaling in slow-twitch, fast-twitch, and superfast-twitch skeletal muscle in response to action potentials.
Science Signaling
Podcast: 3 February 2015
Authors: Walker Matthew P. , Major Michael B. , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: February 2015

Wnt signaling inhibitors could be used to treat a common type of lymphoma.
A20: Belt and braces
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: February 2015

A protein that inhibits nuclear factor κB signaling also restricts NLRP3 inflammasome activity to prevent inflammation.
Surface-Engineered Dendrimeric Nanoconjugates for Macrophage-Targeted Delivery of Amphotericin B: Formulation Development andIn VitroandIn VivoEvaluation
Authors: Jain Keerti , Verma Ashwni Kumar , Mishra Prabhat Ranjan , Jain Narendra Kumar
Published: February 2015

The present study aimed to develop an optimized dendrimeric delivery system for amphotericin B (AmB). Fifth-generation (5.0G) poly(propylene imine) (PPI) dendrimers were synthesized, conjugated with mannose, and characterized by use of various analytical techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR),1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopic analysis, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Mannose-conjugated 5.0G PPI (MPPI) dendrimers were loaded with AmB and evaluated for drug loading efficiency,in vitrodrug release profile, stability, hemolytic toxicity to human erythrocytes, cytotoxicity to and cell uptake by J774A.1 macrophage cells, antiparasitic activity against intracellularLeishmania donovaniamastigotes,in vivopharmacokinetic and biodistribution profiles, drug localization index, toxicity, and antileishmanial activity. AFM showed the nanometric size of the MPPI dendrimers, with a nearly globular architecture. The conjugate showed a good entrapment efficiency for AmB, along with pH-sensitive drug release. Highly significant reductions in toxicity toward human erythrocytes and macrophage cells, without compromising the antiparasitic activity of AmB, were observed. The dendrimeric formulation of AmB showed a significant enhancement of the parasiticidal activity of AmB toward intramacrophagicL. donovaniamastigotes. In thein vitrocell uptake studies, the formulation showed selectivity toward macrophages, with significant intracellular uptake. Further pharmacokinetic and organ distribution studies elucidated the controlled delivery behavior of the formulation. The drug localization index was found to increase significantly in macrophage-rich organs.In vivostudies showed a biocompatible behavior of MPPIA, with negligible toxicity even at higher doses, and promising antileishmanial activity. From the results, we concluded that surface-engineered dendrimers may serve as optimized delivery vehicles for AmB with enhanced activity and low or negligible toxicity.
In Vitro
Activity of Five Quinolones and Analysis of the Quinolone Resistance-Determining Regions of
gyrA
,
gyrB
,
parC
, and
parE
in Ureaplasma parvum and Ureaplasma urealyticum Clinical Isolates from Perinatal Patients in Japan
Authors: Kawai Yasuhiro , Nakura Yukiko , Wakimoto Tetsu , Nomiyama Makoto , Tokuda Tsugumichi , Takayanagi Toshimitsu , Shiraishi Jun , Wasada Kenshi , Kitajima Hiroyuki , Fujita Tomio , Nakayama Masahiro , Mitsuda Nobuaki , Nakanishi Isao , Takeuchi Makoto , Yanagihara Itaru
Published: February 2015

Ureaplasma
spp. cause several disorders, such as nongonococcal urethritis, miscarriage, and preterm delivery with lung infections in neonates, characterized by pathological chorioamnionitis in the placenta. Although reports on antibiotic resistance in
Ureaplasma
are on the rise, reports on quinolone-resistant
Ureaplasma
infections in Japan are limited. The purpose of this study was to determine susceptibilities to five quinolones of
Ureaplasma urealyticum
and
Ureaplasma parvum
isolated from perinatal samples in Japan and to characterize the quinolone resistance-determining regions in the
gyrA
,
gyrB
,
parC
, and
parE
genes. Out of 28 clinical
Ureaplasma
strains, we isolated 9 with high MICs of quinolones and found a single
parC
gene mutation, resulting in the change S83L. Among 158 samples, the ParC S83L mutation was found in 37 samples (23.4%), including 1 sample harboring a ParC S83L–GyrB P462S double mutant. Novel mutations of ureaplasmal ParC (S83W and S84P) were independently found in one of the samples. Homology modeling of the ParC S83W mutant suggested steric hindrance of the quinolone-binding pocket (QBP), and
de novo
prediction of peptide structures revealed that the ParC S84P may break/kink the formation of the α4 helix in the QBP. Further investigations are required to unravel the extent and mechanism of antibiotic resistance of
Ureaplasma
spp. in Japan.
Variability of Voriconazole Plasma Concentrations after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Impact of Cytochrome P450 Polymorphisms and Comedications on Initial and Subsequent Trough Levels
Authors: Gautier-Veyret Elodie , Fonrose Xavier , Tonini Julia , Thiebaut-Bertrand Anne , Bartoli Mireille , Quesada Jean-Louis , Bulabois Claude-Eric , Cahn Jean-Yves , Stanke-Labesque Françoise
Published: February 2015

Voriconazole (VRC) plasma trough concentrations (
C
min
) are highly variable, and this could affect treatment efficacy and safety in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT). We aimed to describe the intra- and interindividual variation of VRC
C
min
throughout the course of VRC therapy and to identify the determinants of this variation. Clinical data, medications, and VRC
C
min
(
n
= 308) of 33 AHSCT patients were retrospectively collected. Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) genotypes of CYP2C19, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5 patients were retrospectively determined before allografting, and a combined genetic score was calculated for each patient. The higher the genetic score, the faster the metabolism of the patient. The VRC
C
min
inter- and intraindividual coefficients of variation were 84% and 68%, respectively. The VRC dose (
D
) was correlated to VRC
C
min
(
r
= 0.412,
P
< 0.0001) only for oral administration. The administration route and the genetic score significantly affected the initial VRC
C
min
. Considering oral therapy, patients with a genetic score of <2 had higher initial VRC
C
min
/
D
than patients with a genetic score of >2 (
P
= 0.009). Subsequent VRC
C
min
remained influenced by the genetic score (
P
= 0.004) but were also affected by pump proton inhibitor comedication (
P
< 0.0001). The high variability of VRC
C
min
in AHSCT patients is partially explained by the route of administration, treatment with pump proton inhibitors, and the combined genetic score. This study suggests the interest in combined genetic score determination to individualize
a priori
the VRC dose and underlines the need for longitudinal therapeutic drug monitoring to adapt subsequent doses to maintain the VRC
C
min
within the therapeutic range.