bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of wall-models to discontinuous Galerkin LES
Authors: Frère Ariane , Carton de Wiart Corentin , Hillewaert Koen , Chatelain Philippe , Winckelmans Grégoire
Published: August 2017

Wall-resolved Large-Eddy Simulations (LES) are still limited to moderate Reynolds number flows due to the high computational cost required to capture the inner part of the boundary layer. Wall-modeled LES (WMLES) provide more affordable LES by modeling the near-wall layer. Wall function-based WMLES solve LES equations up to the wall, where the coarse mesh resolution essentially renders the calculation under-resolved. This makes the accuracy of WMLES very sensitive to the behavior of the numerical method. Therefore, best practice rules regarding the use and implementation of WMLES cannot be directly transferred from one methodology to another regardless of the type of discretization approach. Whilst numerous studies present guidelines on the use of WMLES, there is a lack of knowledge for discontinuous finite-element-like high-order methods. Incidentally, these methods are increasingly used on the account of their high accuracy on unstructured meshes and their strong computational efficiency. The present paper proposes best practice guidelines for the use of WMLES in these methods. The study is based on sensitivity analyses of turbulent channel flow simulations by means of a Discontinuous Galerkin approach. It appears that good results can be obtained without the use of a spatial or temporal averaging. The study confirms the importance of the wall function input data location and suggests to take it at the bottom of the second off-wall element. These data being available through the ghost element, the suggested method prevents the loss of computational scalability experienced in unstructured WMLES. The study also highlights the influence of the polynomial degree used in the wall-adjacent element. It should preferably be of even degree as using polynomials of degree two in the first off-wall element provides, surprisingly, better results than using polynomials of degree three.
Fast-slow asymptotic for semi-analytical ignition criteria in FitzHugh-Nagumo system
Authors: Bezekci B. , Biktashev V. N.
Published: August 2017

We study the problem of initiation of excitation waves in the FitzHugh-Nagumo model. Our approach follows earlier works and is based on the idea of approximating the boundary between basins of attraction of propagating waves and of the resting state as the stable manifold of a critical solution. Here, we obtain analytical expressions for the essential ingredients of the theory by singular perturbation using two small parameters, the separation of time scales of the activator and inhibitor and the threshold in the activator's kinetics. This results in a closed analytical expression for the strength-duration curve.
Gain depletion of X-ray framing camera
Authors: Koga M. , Shiraga H.
Published: August 2017

X-ray imaging is very useful to investigate imploded core plasma in inertial fusion experiments. We can obtain information from X-ray images, such as shape, density, and temperature. An X-ray framing camera (XFC) capable of taking two-dimensional, time-resolved X-ray images is used to capture the images. In previous work, we developed a numerical model of an XFC to analyze its X-ray image. The calculated results agreed qualitatively with experimental results. However, it was not accurate enough to determine the absolute value of the signal. We thought this discrepancy was caused by gain depletion. In high energy laser experiments, high photon flux may cause gain depletion. This is a problem for accurate X-ray measurement. In this paper, we report our new model, including gain depletion. The new model is evaluated by tabletop laser experiments and high energy laser experiments. The results calculated using the new model agree quantitatively with our experimental results. Furthermore, we confirmed that gain depletion occurs in our high energy laser experiments. For quantitatively accurate X-ray intensity measurements, the XFC should be used with limited incident photon flux such that the gain linearity is guaranteed.
Transmission of oxygen radicals through free-standing single-layer and multilayer silicon-nitride and silicon-dioxide films
Authors: Choudhury F. A. , Nguyen H. M. , Sabat G. , Minkoff B. B. , Nishi Y. , Sussman M. R. , Shohet J. L.
Published: August 2017

Free radicals from processing plasmas are known to cause damage to dielectric films used in semiconductor devices. Many radicals are highly reactive and can readily interact with the material exposed to the plasma. This can modify the chemical structure of the material causing deterioration of electrical and mechanical properties of the films. This work detects the transmission of oxygen radicals through single- and double-layer silicon-nitride and silicon-dioxide freestanding films. The films were exposed to oxygen plasma. A fluorophore dye was used to detect the oxygen radicals traversing through the films. By measuring the fluorescence of the dye before and after multiple timed-plasma exposures, the transmission properties of oxygen radicals through the material were found. The results indicate that the absorption length of oxygen radicals increases with increasing plasma exposure times for Si3N4 films because the oxygen plasma oxidizes the top layer of the film and forms a less dense silicon oxynitride layer. For SiO2 films, the absorption length was found to decrease as a function of plasma exposure time because of oxidation of the SiO2 surface which leads to the formation of a denser oxide layer on the surface of the sample.
Classical electricity analysis of the coupling mechanisms between admolecule vibrations and localized surface plasmons in STM for vibration detectability
Authors: Inaoka Takeshi , Uehara Yoich
Published: August 2017

The presence of a dynamic dipole moment in the gap between the tip of a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) and a substrate, both of which are made of metal, produces a large dynamic dipole moment via the creation of localized surface plasmons (LSPLs). With regard to the vibration-induced structures that have been experimentally observed in STM light emission spectra, we have incorporated the effect of the phonon vibrations of an admolecule below the STM tip into the local response theory, and we have evaluated the enhancement of the dynamic dipole involving phonon vibrations. Our analysis shows how effectively this vibration becomes coupled with the LSPLs. This was shown using three mechanisms that considered the vibrations of a dipole-active molecule and the vibrations of a charged molecule emitting and receiving tunneling electrons. In each of the mechanisms, phonon vibrations with angular frequency ωp shifted each LSPL resonance by ℏωp or by a multiple of ℏωp. The phonon effect was negligibly small when the position of the dipole-active molecule vibrated with ωp, but it was largest and most detectable when the point charge corresponding to the admolecule at the surface of the tip vibrated with ωp. It was found that a series of LSPL resonances with or without phonon-energy shifts can be characterized by a few dominant orders of multipole excitations, and these orders become higher as the resonance energy increases.
Drip irrigation with film covering improves soil enzymes and muskmelon growth in the greenhouse
Authors: Wang Jingwei , Niu Wenquan , Dyck Miles , Zhang Mingzhi , Li Yuan
Published: August 2017

The present study evaluated responses of soil enzyme activity, soil micro-organisms, muskmelon root growth and muskmelon fruit yield and quality to different levels of film covering (full, half and no plastic film covering), drip pipe density (one pipe for one row (T1), three pipes for four rows (T3/4) and one pipe for two rows (T1/2)) and different lower limits of irrigation (60%, 70% and 80% of field capacity) in a greenhouse experiment using an orthogonal experimental design. Half film mulch cover resulted in higher muskmelon root activity (second only to full film covering) during the fruit swelling growth stage and promoted soil micro-organism growth. Compared with full and no film cover conditions, under half film cover mean soil urease activity was 25.16% and 1.46% higher, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was 18.42% and 16.89% higher and catalase activity was 24.20% and 17.24% higher respectively. Compared with T1 and T3/4, under T1/2 mean soil ALP activity was 22.36% and 5.76% higher, catalase activity was 2.45% and 10.57% higher and muskmelon root activity during the fruit swelling period was 1.13- and 3.98-fold higher respectively. Irrigation at both 60% and 80% of field capacity improved muskmelon root length and area, soil micro-organism populations and soil urease, ALP and catalase activity. In addition, half film covering, irrigation at 80% field capacity and T1/2 improved the partial factor productivity for nitrogen, yield and fruit quality of muskmelons in the greenhouse. Therefore, these conditions appear to be the most appropriate agronomic configuration for muskmelon cultivation in greenhouses.
Simple phalanx pattern leads to energy saving in cohesive fish schooling
Authors: Ashraf Intesaaf , Bradshaw Hanaé , Ha Thanh-Tung , Halloy José , Godoy-Diana Ramiro , Thiria Benjamin
Published: August 2017

Significance

Fish school structures are firstly based on social life or prey–predator interactions, but another idea has often been raised by hydrodynamicists, claiming that fish could take advantage of schooling behavior from a locomotion efficiency perspective. By using a controlled swimming experiment with real schools, the present work shows that fish swimming together effectively need a less demanding stroke rate to sustain high swimming velocities, using, however, a different collective strategy compared with the usually suggested diamond pattern predicted by vortex-based interactions. The observed strategy, simply consisting of synchronized side-by-side swimming with nearest neighbors, finally, appears to be a lot more convenient for reaching an energy-saving regime.
Assessing benefits, costs, and disparate racial impacts of confrontational proactive policing
Authors: Manski Charles F. , Nagin Daniel S.
Published: August 2017

Significance

Criminal justice policy is susceptible to controversy. Crime and policies to prevent it are inextricably tied to divergent beliefs among citizens about right and wrong, the protection of person and property, and the legacy of ill treatment of racial minorities by agents of the criminal justice system. This paper studies a model that helps to address one aspect of crime prevention policy, the use of confrontational proactive policing methods. These methods may have social benefits in crime reduction but costs in intrusion on the rights and privacy of innocent persons. The paper provides a structure for weighing these benefits and costs dispassionately, aiming to honor and achieve the sometime conflicting objectives of crime control policy in a democratic society.
Review of microbial zoonoses in slaughterhouses and identified potential critical risk points along red meat processing chain in Nigeria.
Authors: Fasanmi O. G. , Balogun F. A. , Makinde G. E. O. , Fasina F. O.
Published: August 2017

Slaughterhouses are key locations where contamination occurs along the processing chain of red meat. Bearing in mind that there are high levels of zoonotic and food-borne diseases in Nigeria, a search was conducted, with the exploration and filtration of databases and repositories of Google Scholars, African Journal Online, PubMed and ResearchGate, for scientific publications in Nigeria between 2001 and 2016; slaughterhouse/abattoir, microbial, meat-borne diseases, zoonoses, Nigeria are the search words. Abattoir flow chart was also built based on the specifications of Codex Alimentarius Commission and slaughterhouse operation experience in Nigeria. The results of this search yielded 30 articles; the potential points of contaminations and critical control points (CCP) along the processing chain were identified and substantiated with relevant references. 90% of the articles filtered are bacterial zoonoses; classified into diarrhoea and non-diarrhoea causing. The only viral abattoir zoonoses published are Swine influenza types A and B. Nine and 12 potential hazard/risk and intervention points were identified along the processing chain of red meat for slaughter slab and abattoir, respectively; and were substantiated with relevant references. Improvement in livestock health from the farms and slaughterhouse hygiene are necessary, critical limits of CCP must not be exceeded in red meat processing chain; and necessary hygiene and environmental laws should be promulgated and enforced.
Final report on AFRIMETS comparison of liquid in glass thermometer calibrations from −35 °C to 250 °C
Authors: Liedberg Hans , Ejigu Efrem Kebede , Madiba Tshifhiwa , Clou Sven du , Chibaya Blessing , Mwazi Victor , Kajane Tebogo , Mundembe Victor , Kwong Christian Ng Ha , Madeleine Gilbert
Published: August 2017

A Regional Metrology Organization (RMO) supplementary comparison of liquid in glass thermometer (AFRIMETS.T-S5) was carried out by the National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA), Zimbabwe Scientific & Industrial Research & Development Centre—National Metrology Institute (SIRDC-NMI), Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS), Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS), Namibian Standards Institute (NSI), Mauritius Standards Bureau (MSB) and Seychelles Bureau of Standards (SBS) between January and September 2016. The temperature range of the inter comparison is −35 °C to 250 °C. The results of this comparison are reported here, along with descriptions of the Artefacts used. This report also presents the uncertainty budget of each participant. The results are analysed and normalized error (En) values are reported.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCT, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for Wendelstein 7-X stellarator limiter tile analysis
Authors: Li Cong , Gierse Niels , Oelmann Jannis , Brezinsek Sebastijan , Rasinski Marcin , Prakash Dhard Chandra , Sunn Pedersen Thomas , König Ralf , Liang Yunfeng , Ding Hongbin , Linsmeier Christian
Published: August 2017

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a well-established elemental composition analysis method as well as one of the most promising candidates for in situ first wall diagnosis of fusion devices. In this work, limiter graphite tiles, which were exposed in the initial operational phase (OP1.1) of the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator to He and H plasma, are analyzed ex situ by LIBS employing a picosecond pulsed laser for the first time and compared with post mortem analysis techniques. Depth profiles of each element and 2D profile of the ratio of H and C atoms on the surface are investigated. Both H content and retention depth on the deposition dominated zone are higher than on the erosion dominated zone due to the formation of C-H co-deposition layer. The results from LIBS are in agreement with those from the cross-sectional scanning electron microscopic image and electron dispersive x-ray spectroscopy.
The Carleson Embedding Theorem with Matrix Weights
Authors: Culiuc Amalia , Treil Sergei
Published: August 2017

In this article, we prove the weighted martingale Carleson embedding theorem with matrix weights both in the domain and in the target space.
Cryospheric Science: research framework and disciplinary system
Authors: Qin Dahe , Ding Yongjian , Xiao Cunde , Kang Shichang , Ren Jianwen , Yang Jianping , Zhang Shiqiang
Published: August 2017

Cryospheric changes and their impacts have received increasing concern, extending the research to include the interactions between earth spheres and the impacts of and social adaptation to cryospheric changes. As a result, Cryospheric Science is rapidly developing. However, the research framework of Cryospheric Science has not completely been set up, and the intension and extension of Cryospheric Science are unclear. Following a literature review, the research framework for Cryospheric Science and the discipline components are analysed in this paper. We consider that Cryospheric Science is an inevitable product of international research on the earth and environmental changes as well as on human sustainable development. It will not only strengthen the linkage between the cryosphere and other earth spheres by deepening traditional research areas, but will also bring more focus on the critical roles of the cryosphere in interactions between earth spheres, and will enhance the relationship between cryospheric change and climate, ecology, hydrology, surface environment and sustainable development. The disciplinary tree of Cryospheric Science is developed following the mainstream of change-impacts adaptation. The disciplines of Cryospheric Science were teased out against characteristics of traditional branches and the developing interdisciplinary branches of cryosphere elements, which will provide reference to Cryospheric Science as it systematically grows to maturity.
When water meets iron at Earth's core–mantle boundary
Authors: Mao Ho-Kwang , Hu Qingyang , Yang Liuxiang , Liu Jin , Kim Duck Young , Meng Yue , Zhang Li , Prakapenka Vitali B , Yang Wenge , Mao Wendy L
Published: August 2017

Hydrous minerals in subducted crust can transport large amounts of water into Earth's deep mantle. Our laboratory experiments revealed the surprising pressure-induced chemistry that, when water meets iron at the core–mantle boundary, they react to form an interlayer with an extremely oxygen-rich form of iron, iron dioxide, together with iron hydride. Hydrogen in the layer will escape upon further heating and rise to the crust, sustaining the water cycle. With water supplied by the subducting slabs meeting the nearly inexhaustible iron source in the core, an oxygen-rich layer would cumulate and thicken, leading to major global consequences in our planet. The seismic signature of the D″ layer may echo the chemical complexity of this layer. Over the course of geological time, the enormous oxygen reservoir accumulating between the mantle and core may have eventually reached a critical eruption point. Very large-scale oxygen eruptions could possibly cause major activities in the mantle convection and leave evidence such as the rifting of supercontinents and the Great Oxidation Event.
Long-Term Results Following Surgical Resection of Chordomas in the Craniocervical Junction and the Upper Cervical Spine: Review of 12 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Hyun Seung-Jae , Kim Jin-Wook , Kim Ki-Jeong , Jahng Tae-Ahn , Roh Sung Woo , Ra Young-Shin , Kim Hyun-Jib , Rhim Seung-Chul
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Since chordoma is refractory to chemotherapy and conventional radiotherapy, radical surgical resection is mandatory. However, it is surgically demanding in the craniocervical junction (CCJ) and upper cervical spine.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze long-term surgical results of cervical chordomas.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 12 consecutive patients who underwent surgical treatment for CCJ or upper cervical chordomas from 2001 to 2009 in 2 academic institutions. We analyzed the progression-free survival and overall survival and compared the results between gross total resection (GTR) cases and partial resection (PR). Complications were analyzed by comparing primary and recurrent tumor. We also delineated the type of radiotherapy.

RESULTS

Of the 12 patients, 5 underwent GTR and 7 underwent PR. GTR of the tumor was achieved by intralesional piecemeal removal. No recurrence occurred in the GTR group. PR group had 6 cases of regrowth (85.7%). Ten patients (83.3%) underwent any kind of radiation therapy. There were 3 (60%) patients in the GTR group and 7 (100%) in the PR group. Compared to PR, GTR revealed a better 3-yr progression-free survival rate (100% vs 14.3%) as well as a better 3-yr overall survival rate (100% vs 71.4%). Surgical complication rate (40% for GTR vs 42.9% for PR) was not significantly different between the groups. The surgical complication rates of primary and revision surgery were 25% and 75%, respectively. Complication associated with radiation occurred in 2 patients.

CONCLUSION

Gross total intralesional piecemeal resection with perioperative radiation therapy is an acceptable strategy for CCJ and the upper cervical chordoma management.
Wheat streak mosaic virus Coat Protein Deletion Mutants Elicit More Severe Symptoms Than Wild-Type Virus in Multiple Cereal Hosts
Authors: Tatineni Satyanarayana , Elowsky Christian , Graybosch Robert A.
Published: August 2017

Previously, we reported that coat protein (CP) of Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) (genus Tritimovirus, family Potyviridae) tolerates deletion of amino acids 36 to 84 for efficient systemic infection of wheat. In this study, we demonstrated that WSMV mutants with deletion of CP amino acids 58 to 84 but not of 36 to 57 induced severe chlorotic streaks and spots, followed by acute chlorosis in wheat, maize, barley, and rye compared with mild to moderate chlorotic streaks and mosaic symptoms by wild-type virus. Deletion of CP amino acids 58 to 84 from the WSMV genome accelerated cell-to-cell movement, with increased accumulation of genomic RNAs and CP, compared with the wild-type virus. Microscopic examination of wheat tissues infected by green fluorescent protein–tagged mutants revealed that infection by mutants lacking CP amino acids 58 to 84 caused degradation of chloroplasts, resulting in acute macroscopic chlorosis. The profile of CP-specific proteins was altered in wheat infected by mutants causing acute chlorosis, compared with mutants eliciting wild-type symptoms. All deletion mutants accumulated CP-specific major protein similarly to that in wild-type virus; however, mutants that elicit acute chlorosis failed to accumulate a 31-kDa minor protein compared with wild-type virus or mutants lacking amino acids 36 to 57. Taken together, these data suggest that deletion of CP amino acids 58 to 84 from the WSMV genome enhanced accumulation of CP and genomic RNA, altered CP-specific protein profiles, and caused severe symptom phenotypes in multiple cereal hosts.
Delirium and Catatonia in Critically Ill Patients: The Delirium and Catatonia Prospective Cohort Investigation*
Authors: Wilson Jo E. , Carlson Richard , Duggan Maria C. , Pandharipande Pratik , Girard Timothy D. , Wang Li , Thompson Jennifer L. , Chandrasekhar Rameela , Francis Andrew , Nicolson Stephen E. , Dittus Robert S. , Heckers Stephan , Ely E. Wesley
Published: August 2017

Objectives:

Catatonia, a condition characterized by motor, behavioral, and emotional changes, can occur during critical illness and appear as clinically similar to delirium, yet its management differs from delirium. Traditional criteria for medical catatonia preclude its diagnosis in delirium. Our objective in this investigation was to understand the overlap and relationship between delirium and catatonia in ICU patients and determine diagnostic thresholds for catatonia.

Design:

Convenience cohort, nested within two ongoing randomized trials.

Setting:

Single academic medical center in Nashville, TN.

Patients:

We enrolled 136 critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation and/or vasopressors, randomized to two usual care sedation regimens.

Measurements and Main Results:

Patients were assessed for delirium and catatonia by independent and masked personnel using Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU and the Bush Francis Catatonia Rating Scale mapped to Diagnostic Statistical Manual 5 criterion A for catatonia. Of 136 patients, 58 patients (43%) had only delirium, four (3%) had only catatonia, 42 (31%) had both, and 32 (24%) had neither. In a logistic regression model, more catatonia signs were associated with greater odds of having delirium. For example, patient assessments with greater than or equal to three Diagnostic Statistical Manual 5 symptoms (75th percentile) had, on average, 27.8 times the odds (interquartile range, 12.7–60.6) of having delirium compared with patient assessments with zero Diagnostic Statistical Manual 5 criteria (25th percentile) present (p < 0.001). A cut-off of greater than or equal to 4 Bush Francis Catatonia Screening Instrument items was both sensitive (91%; 95% CI, 82.9–95.3) and specific (91%; 95% CI, 87.6–92.9) for Diagnostic Statistical Manual 5 catatonia.

Conclusions:

Given that about one in three patients had both catatonia and delirium, these data prompt reconsideration of Diagnostic Statistical Manual 5 criteria for “Catatonic Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition” that preclude diagnosing catatonia in the presence of delirium.
Extracorporeal Circulatory Support in Acute Coronary Syndromes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pavasini Rita , Cirillo Chiara , Campo Gianluca , Nobre Menezes Miguel , Biscaglia Simone , Tonet Elisabetta , Ferrari Roberto , Patel Brijesh V. , Price Susanna
Published: August 2017

Objectives:

Extracorporeal circulatory support is a life-saving technique, and its use is increasing in acute coronary syndromes. A meta-analysis on pooled event rate of short-term mortality and complications of acute coronary syndrome patients treated with extracorporeal circulatory support was performed.

Data Sources:

Articles were searched in MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Biomed Central.

Study Selection:

Inclusion criteria were observational studies on acute coronary syndrome patients treated with extracorporeal circulatory support. Primary outcome was short-term mortality. Secondary outcomes were extracorporeal circulatory support–related complications, causes of death, long-term mortality, and bridge therapy.

Data Extraction:

Sixteen articles were selected. Data about clinical characteristics, acute coronary syndrome diagnosis and treatment, extracorporeal circulatory support setting, outcome definitions, and event rate were retrieved from the articles. Random effect meta-analytic pooling was performed reporting results as a summary point estimate and 95% CI.

Data Synthesis:

A total of 739 patients were included (mean age, 59.8 ± 2.9). The event rate of short-term mortality was 58% (95% CI, 51–64%), 6-month mortality was affecting 24% (95% CI, 5–63%) of 1-month survivors, and 1-year mortality 17% (95% CI, 6–40%) of 6-month survivors. The event rates of extracorporeal circulatory support–related complications were acute renal failure 41%, bleeding 25%, neurologic damage in survivors 21%, sepsis/infections 21%, and leg ischemia 12%. Between causes of death, multiple organ failure and brain death affected respectively 40% and 27% of patients. Bridge to ventricular assistance device was offered to 14% of patients, and 7% received a transplant.

Conclusions:

There is still a high rate of short-term mortality and complications in acute coronary syndrome patients treated with extracorporeal circulatory support. New studies are needed to optimize and standardize extracorporeal circulatory support.
Blastomycosis Masquerading as Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia in a Nonendemic Region
Authors: Foster Gabriel P. , Fessler David , Kociol Robb , Witkin Alison , Hale Andrew
Published: August 2017

A case is presented of an otherwise healthy, middle-aged man who presented in Boston, Mass, with fever and cough and was initially diagnosed as having community-acquired pneumonia. Despite an outpatient course of azithromycin and then levofloxacin, he clinically worsened over 2 weeks, eventually developing acute respiratory distress syndrome. Alternative causes were then considered, with workup revealing severe pulmonary blastomycosis infection. Despite eventual appropriate antifungal therapy, he had advanced disease at the time of his delayed diagnosis and died because of complications of the infection. The patient’s presenting chest radiograph, potassium hydroxide preparation of bronchoscopy specimen, and silver stain of lung tissue with massive fungal disease burden are presented as clinical images.
Herpes Vegetans and Review of Verrucous Lesions of the Anogenital Region
Authors: Rashid Aatif , Nanjappa Sowmya , Dessureault Sophie , Messina Jane L. , Greene John N.
Published: August 2017

Herpes vegetans is one of the rare atypical presentations of herpes simplex virus in immunocompromised patients such as those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, which presents as an exophytic, proliferative lesion that resembles either a verrucous or a malignant growth. Patients with immunosuppression as in HIV infection may experience more frequent and more severe recurrences of genital herpes. They are also more likely to be resistant to standard antiherpetic agents such as acyclovir. Herpes simplex virus infection in patients with immune suppression such as HIV can also be atypical in morphology and present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The verrucous lesions of the anogenital region can be similar in many causes of, and it is important to look for subtle differences in appearance and use a variety of diagnostic methods to arrive at a correct diagnosis. We performed a literature review of the verrucous lesions in the anogenital region and also report a case of herpes vegetans.
Zika Virus
Authors: Anderson Jessica L.
Published: August 2017

Zika virus is a recent mosquito-borne threat, yet many providers have limited knowledge of the virus and its potential complications. Current research indicates that Zika infection is associated with severe neurological conditions such as Guillain-Barré syndrome and is causative of congenital microcephaly and other birth defects. Given increasing global travel, domestic endemic areas in Florida and Texas, and the virus' diverse transmission routes, medical providers across specialties need basic understanding of the disease and its potential complications, as well as understanding of current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
Basil A. Pruitt, Jr., MD, and the US Army Institute for Surgical Research: Five decades of science, clinical care, mentorship, and leadership
Authors: Stewart Ronald M.
Published: August 2017

Over the past half century, Dr. Basil A. Pruitt, Jr., a great citizen, surgeon, innovator, mentor, and leader, transformed our world through his dogged commitment to science and service to humanity. Dr. Pruitt’s contribution lives on in the work of the US Army Institute of Surgical Research and the surgeons, physicians and scientists he shaped and inspired.
Universal target-enrichment baits for anthozoan (Cnidaria) phylogenomics: New approaches to long-standing problems
Authors: Quattrini A.M. , Faircloth B.C. , Dueñas L.F. , Bridge T.C.L. , Brugler M. , Calixto-Botía I.F. , DeLeo D.M. , Forêt S. , Herrera S. , Lee S. , Miller D.J. , Prada C. , Rádis-Baptista G. , Ramírez-Portilla C. , Sánchez J.A. , Rodríguez E. , McFadden C.S.
Published: August 2017

Anthozoans (e.g., corals, anemones) are an ecologically important and diverse group of marine metazoans that occur from shallow to deep waters worldwide. However, our understanding of the evolutionary relationships among the ∼7500 species within this class is hindered by the lack of phylogenetically informative markers that can be reliably sequenced across a diversity of taxa. We designed and tested 16,308 RNA baits to capture 720 Ultraconserved Element loci and 1,071 exon loci. Library preparation and target enrichment was performed on 33 taxa from all orders within the class Anthozoa. Following Illumina sequencing and Trinity assembly, we recovered 1,774 of 1,791 targeted loci. The mean number of loci recovered from each species was 638 ± 222, with more loci recovered from octocorals (783 ± 138 loci) than hexacorals (475 ±187 loci). Phylogenetically informative sites ranged from 26-49% for alignments at differing hierarchical taxonomic levels (e.g., Anthozoa, Octocorallia, Hexacorallia). The percent of variable sites within each of three genera (Acropora, Alcyonium, andSinularia) for which multiple species were sequenced ranged from 4.7-30%. Maximum likelihood analyses recovered highly resolved trees with topologies matching those supported by other studies, including the monophyly of the order Scleractinia. Our results demonstrate the utility of this target-enrichment approach to resolve phylogenetic relationships from relatively old to recent divergences. Re-designing the baits with improved affinities to capture loci within each sub-class will provide a valuable toolset to address systematic questions and further our understanding of the timing of diversifications in the class Anthozoa.
Post-transcriptional remodelling is temporally deregulated during motor neurogenesis in human ALS models
Authors: Luisier Raphaelle , Tyzack Giulia E. , Hall Claire E. , Ule Jernej , Luscombe Nicholas M. , Patani Rickie
Published: August 2017

Mutations causing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) strongly implicate regulators of RNA-processing that are ubiquitously expressed throughout development. To understand the molecular impact of ALS-causing mutations on early neuronal development and disease, we performed transcriptomic analysis of differentiated human control and VCP-mutant induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) during motor neurogenesis. We identify intron retention (IR) as the predominant splicing change affecting early stages of wild-type neural differentiation, targeting key genes involved in the splicing machinery. Importantly, IR occurs prematurely in VCP-mutant cultures compared with control counterparts; these events are also observed in independent RNAseq datasets from SOD1- and FUS-mutant motor neurons (MNs). Together with related effects on 3’UTR length variation, these findings implicate alternative RNA-processing in regulating distinct stages of lineage restriction from iPSCs to MNs, and reveal a temporal deregulation of such processing by ALS mutations. Thus, ALS-causing mutations perturb the same post-transcriptional mechanisms that underlie human motor neurogenesis.

HIGHLIGHTS

Intron retention is the main mode of alternative splicing in early differentiation.

The ALS-causing VCP mutation leads to premature intron retention.

Increased intron retention is seen with multiple ALS-causing mutations.

Transcriptional programs are unperturbed despite post-transcriptional defects.

eTOC BLURB

Luisier et al. identify post-transcriptional changes underlying human motor neurogenesis: extensive variation in 3’ UTR length and intron retention (IR) are the early predominant modes of splicing. The VCP mutation causes IR to occur prematurely during motor neurogenesis and these events are validated in other ALS-causing mutations, SOD1 and FUS.
DNA sequence encodes the position of DNA supercoils
Authors: Kim Sung Hyun , Ganji Mahipal , der Torre Jaco van , Abbondanzieri Elio , Dekker Cees
Published: August 2017

The three-dimensional structure of DNA is increasingly understood to play a decisive role in gene regulation and other vital cellular processes, which has triggered an explosive growth of research on the spatial architecture of the genome. Many studies focus on the role of various DNA-packaging proteins, crowding, and confinement in organizing chromatin, but structural information might also be directly encoded in bare DNA itself. Here, we use a fluorescence-based single-molecule technique to visualize plectonemes, the extended intertwined DNA loops that form upon twisting DNA. Remarkably, we find that the underlying DNA sequence directly encodes the structure of supercoiled DNA by pinning plectonemes at specific positions. We explore a variety of DNA sequences to determine what features influence pinning, and we develop a physical model that predicts the level of plectoneme pinning in excellent agreement with the data. The intrinsic curvature measured over a range of ~70 base pairs is found to be the key property governing the supercoiled structure of DNA. Our model predicts that plectonemes are likely to localize directly upstream of prokaryotic transcription start sites, and this prediction is experimentally verifiedin vitro.Our results reveal a hidden code in DNA that helps to spatially organize the genome.
Histone locus regulation by the Drosophila dosage compensation adaptor protein CLAMP
Authors: Rieder Leila E. , Koreski Kaitlin P. , Boltz Kara A. , Kuzu Guray , Urban Jennifer A. , Bowman Sarah K. , Zeidman Anna , Jordan William T. , Tolstorukov Michael Y. , Marzluff William F. , Duronio Robert J. , Larschan Erica N.
Published: August 2017

The conserved histone locus body (HLB) assembles prior to zygotic gene activation early during development and concentrates factors into a nuclear domain of coordinated histone gene regulation. Although HLBs form specifically at replication-dependent histone loci, the cis and trans factors that target HLB components to histone genes remained unknown. Here we report that conserved GA repeat cis elements within the bidirectional histone3–histone4 promoter direct HLB formation in Drosophila. In addition, the CLAMP (chromatin-linked adaptor for male-specific lethal [MSL] proteins) zinc finger protein binds these GA repeat motifs, increases chromatin accessibility, enhances histone gene transcription, and promotes HLB formation. We demonstrated previously that CLAMP also promotes the formation of another domain of coordinated gene regulation: the dosage-compensated male X chromosome. Therefore, CLAMP binding to GA repeat motifs promotes the formation of two distinct domains of coordinated gene activation located at different places in the genome.
Crystal structure ofN-[2-(cyclohexylsulfanyl)ethyl]quinolinic acid imide
Authors: Park Hyunjin , Choi Myong Yong , Moon Cheol Joo , Kim Tae Ho
Published: August 2017

The title compound, C15H18N2O2S {systematic name: 6-[2-(cyclohexylsulfanyl)ethyl]-5H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridine-5,7(6H)-dione}, was obtained from the reaction of pyridine-2,3-dicarboxylic anhydride (synonym: quinolinic anhydride) with 2-(cyclohexylsulfanyl)ethylamine. The dihedral angle between the mean plane of the cyclohexyl ring and the quinolinic acid imide ring is 25.43 (11)°. In the crystal, each molecule forms two C—H...O hydrogen bonds and one weak C—O...π [O...ring centroid = 3.255 (2) Å] interaction with neighbouring molecules to generate a ladder structure along theb-axis direction. The ladders are linked by weak C—O...π [O...ring centroid = 3.330 (2) Å] interactions, resulting in sheets extending parallel to theabplane. The molecular structure is broadly consistent with theoretical calculations performed by density functional theory (DFT).
Fluidic actuators for separation control at the engine/wing junction
Authors: Schloesser Philipp , Meyer Michael , Schueller Martin , Weigel Perez , Bauer Matthias
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The area behind the engine/wing junction of conventional civil aircraft configurations with underwing-mounted turbofans is susceptible to local flow separation at high angles of attack, which potentially impacts maximum lift performance of the aircraft. This paper aims to present the design, testing and optimization of two distinct systems of fluidic actuation dedicated to reduce separation at the engine/wing junction.

Design/methodology/approach

Active flow control applied at the unprotected leading edge inboard of the engine pylon has shown considerable potential to alleviate or even eliminate local flow separation, and consequently regain maximum lift performance. Two actuator systems, pulsed jet actuators with and without net mass flux, are tested and optimized with respect to an upcoming large-scale wind tunnel test to assess the effect of active flow control on the flow behavior. The requirements and parameters of the flow control hardware are set by numerical simulations of project partners.

Findings

The results of ground test show that full modulation of the jets of the non-zero mass flux actuator is achieved. In addition, it could be shown that the required parameters can be satisfied at design mass flow, and that pressure levels are within bounds. Furthermore, a new generation of zero-net mass flux actuators with improved performance is presented and described. This flow control system includes the actuator devices, their integration, as well as the drive and control electronics system that is used to drive groups of actuators.

Originality/value

The originality is given by the application of the two flow control systems in a scheduled large-scale wind tunnel test.
IT internal control weaknesses and the market value of firms
Authors: Kuhn John R. , Morris Bonnie
Published: August 2017

Purpose

With computer technology fast becoming the engine that drives productivity, IT systems have become more pervasive in the daily operations of many businesses. Large, as well as small, businesses in the USA now rely heavily on IT systems to function effectively and efficiently. However, past studies have shown CEOs do not always understand how reliant their business is on IT systems. To the authors’ knowledge, no research has not yet examined if financial markets understand how IT affects the performance of businesses. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors utilize the event study method to examine how financial markets interpret weaknesses in businesses IT systems. The authors examine this in the context of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act – Section 404 requirements and utilize the internal reporting requirement in the annual financial statement filing with the Securities Exchange Commission as a proxy to evaluate how the financial markets interpret IT weaknesses.

Findings

Using an event study, the authors show that the market does not necessarily understand and respond to the effects of IT weaknesses on overall financial performance of firms and thus challenge the efficient market hypothesis theory.

Originality/value

A second contribution is methodological in nature. IS researchers thus far have been using limited market benchmarks, statistical tests, and event windows in their respective event studies of market performance. This study shows shortcomings of that approach and the necessity of expanding usage of available event analysis tools. The authors show that using more than one market benchmark and statistical test across multiple time frames uncovers the effects that using a single benchmark and test over a single window would have overlooked.
How do top- and bottom-performing companies differ in using business analytics?
Authors: Cao Guangming , Duan Yanqing
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Business analytics (BA) has attracted growing attention mainly due to the phenomena of big data. While studies suggest that BA positively affects organizational performance, there is a lack of academic research. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to examine the extent to which top- and bottom-performing companies differ regarding their use and organizational facilitation of BA.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses are developed drawing on the information processing view and contingency theory, and tested using multivariate analysis of variance to analyze data collected from 117 UK manufacture companies.

Findings

Top- and bottom-performing companies differ significantly in their use of BA, data-driven environment, and level of fit between BA and data-drain environment.

Practical implications

Extensive use of BA and data-driven decisions will lead to superior firm performance. Companies wishing to use BA to improve decision making and performance need to develop relevant analytical strategy to guide BA activities and design its structure and business processes to embed BA activities.

Originality/value

This study provides useful management insights into the effective use of BA for improving organizational performance.
Bearing temperature monitoring of a Wind Turbine using physics-based model
Authors: Cambron Philippe , Tahan Antoine , Masson Christian , Pelletier Francis
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a method to monitor a Wind Turbine’s (WT) main bearing, based on the difference between the temperature as measured by the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system (SCADA).

Design/methodology/approach

The monitoring of the main bearing is based on the difference between the measured temperature and the estimated temperature obtained from a dynamic model. The model used is based on the law of energy conservation. Several validation metrics have suggested that this model is accurate.

Findings

The Exponentially Weighted Moving Average control chart for two cases studies is used for the monitoring for the main bearing; this method has shown great potential for industrial applications. A failure was detected three weeks before the current actual alarm settings used by SCADA were able to identify the issue.

Originality/value

The proposed method is a monitoring method that can be used on most industrial wind farms and provide important information on the condition of the WTs’ main bearing.
Bibliometric review of improvements in building maintenance
Authors: Rocha Patricia , Rodrigues Rui Calejo
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the status of knowledge on the subject of building maintenance from an integrated perspective that incorporates the building lifecycle, that is, from the design stage to the end of life. This work considered the main aspects to be taken into account in determining and implementing maintenance strategies, which requires a cross-sectional view of the entire construction process. At the same time, this approach contributes to the organisation of building management.

Design/methodology/approach

Bibliometric review has been carried out to identify relevant subjects and topics about scientific production on building maintenance by analysing the contents of about 745 publications, over the last 15 years, between 2000 and 2016 (first quarter). The survey results were gradually organised into a database grouped into seven main themes which were found to be more discussed and others six emergent themes with topics on building maintenance research.

Findings

This research enabled a synthesis of the focal points in the literature on building maintenance, as well as debates among researchers and institutions in the field. The result is a view to the future regarding what issues merit further research and what content requires greater depth of understanding, allowing us to envision research directions that encompass topics and sub-topics for future development. To this end, this bibliometric study draws on knowledge developed over the last 15 years, using research studies published in refereed journals indexed in ISI/SCOPUS as its data source.

Originality/value

The novelty of this topic, and the aspect in which it differs from existing studies, is that the researchers analysed a single sub-topic: that is, content regarding maintenance. Thus, this bibliometric literature review allows us to achieve a comprehensive and integrated view of key issues developed in the field of building maintenance. The results show which topics have been more thoroughly developed and which still exhibit gaps and weaknesses. This review allows us to envision well thought out guidelines for future development that have the potential to be relevant to progress in building maintenance research. It also contributes to our understanding of the state of the art in this field of knowledge.