bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subjective from the start: A critique of transformative criticism
Authors: Milliken Aimee
Published: March 2017

Objectivity has been traditionally established as an aim of science; however, its feasibility and desirability have been repeatedly called into question. In this article, I provide a brief overview of the historical context surrounding the concept of objectivity in science. I then examine Helen Longino's theory of transformative criticism as an example of an attempt to secure scientific objectivity through the social nature of the scientific process. Possible objections to this critique are discussed, and ultimately, I argue that her account falls short in securing scientific objectivity. I briefly discuss objectivity and its relationship to human sciences such as nursing. I conclude by arguing that achieving complete objectivity in science is neither possible nor desirable.
Modernism at the University
Authors: Somers Matthias
Published: March 2017

As models of academic literary study, it would appear that elocution and New Criticism could not be further apart. While elocution (the theory and art of reading aloud) supposedly belonged to a pre‐modernist, genteel type of criticism derived from traditional rhetoric, New Criticism is considered the quintessentially modern, serious, and professional type of criticism. Yet, a close look at the elocutionary tradition by means of two concise case studies – those of turn‐of‐the‐century elocutionists Samuel Silas Curry and Solomon Henry Clark – shows more similarities than differences. It is therefore argued that the demise of elocution as a mode of literary study was not caused by the revolutionary action of the New Critics, but by impersonal, institutional factors that played into the hands of New Criticism. The focus on elocution helps to raise the right questions about the complex relation between modernism and rhetoric, and about the delineation of a modernist canon by the New Critics, who supposedly adopted the anti‐rhetorical aesthetic dicta of high modernism. Yet, this article argues that the exclusion of the American “New Poets” from the modernist canon can only be explained by the same pressure of academic professionalization that had advantaged New Criticism in academia.
Involvement of the chloroplast plastoquinone pool in the Mehler reaction
Authors: Vetoshkina Daria V. , Ivanov Boris N. , Khorobrykh Sergey A. , Proskuryakov Ivan I. , Borisova‐Mubarakshina Maria M.
Published: March 2017

Light‐dependent oxygen reduction in the photosynthetic electron transfer chain, i.e. the Mehler reaction, has been studied using isolated pea thylakoids. The role of the plastoquinone pool in the Mehler reaction was investigated in the presence of dinitrophenyl ether of 2‐iodo‐4‐nitrothymol (DNP‐INT), the inhibitor of plastohydroquinone oxidation by cytochrome b6/f complex. Oxygen reduction rate in the presence of DNP‐INT was higher than in the absence of the inhibitor in low light at pH 6.5 and 7.6, showing that the capacity of the plastoquinone pool to reduce molecular oxygen in this case exceeded that of the entire electron transfer chain. In the presence of DNP‐INT, appearance of superoxide anion radicals outside thylakoid membrane represented approximately 60% of the total superoxide anion radicals produced. The remaining 40% of the produced superoxide anion radicals was suggested to be trapped by plastohydroquinone molecules within thylakoid membrane, leading to the formation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). To validate the reaction of superoxide anion radical with plastohydroquinone, xanthine/xanthine oxidase system was integrated with thylakoid membrane in order to generate superoxide anion radical in close vicinity of plastohydroquinone. Addition of xanthine/xanthine oxidase to the thylakoid suspension resulted in a decrease in the reduction level of the plastoquinone pool in the light. The obtained data provide additional clarification of the aspects that the plastoquinone pool is involved in both reduction of oxygen to superoxide anion radicals and reduction of superoxide anion radicals to H2O2. Significance of the plastoquinone pool involvement in the Mehler reaction for the acclimation of plants to light conditions is discussed.
DNA methylation of retrotransposons, DNA transposons and genes in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.)
Authors: Zakrzewski Falk , Schmidt Martin , Van Lijsebettens Mieke , Schmidt Thomas
Published: March 2017

The methylation of cytosines shapes the epigenetic landscape of plant genomes, coordinates transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, represses the activity of transposable elements (TEs), affects gene expression and, hence, can influence the phenotype. Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris), an important crop that accounts for 30% of worldwide sugar needs, has a relatively small genome size (758 Mbp) consisting of approximately 485 Mbp repetitive DNA (64%), in particular satellite DNA, retrotransposons and DNA transposons. Genome‐wide cytosine methylation in the sugar beet genome was studied in leaves and leaf‐derived callus with a focus on repetitive sequences, including retrotransposons and DNA transposons, the major groups of repetitive DNA sequences, and compared with gene methylation. Genes showed a specific methylation pattern for CG, CHG (H = A, C, and T) and CHH sites, whereas the TE pattern differed, depending on the TE class (class 1, retrotransposons and class 2, DNA transposons). Along genes and TEs, CG and CHG methylation was higher than that of adjacent genomic regions. In contrast to the relatively low CHH methylation in retrotransposons and genes, the level of CHH methylation in DNA transposons was strongly increased, pointing to a functional role of asymmetric methylation in DNA transposon silencing. Comparison of genome‐wide DNA methylation between sugar beet leaves and callus revealed a differential methylation upon tissue culture. Potential epialleles were hypomethylated (lower methylation) at CG and CHG sites in retrotransposons and genes and hypermethylated (higher methylation) at CHH sites in DNA transposons of callus when compared with leaves.
Influence of intravenous regional limb perfusion with amikacin sulfate onStaphylococcus aureusbioburden in distal limb wounds in horses
Authors: Freeland Russell B. , Morello Samantha L. , DeLombaert Melissa , Rajamanickam Victora
Published: March 2017

Objective

To quantify the influence of intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) with amikacin on bacterial bioburden in limb wounds.

Study design

In vivo, experimental.

Animals

Four adult horses.

Methods

Full thickness wounds created on each dorsal metacarpus were inoculated withStaphylococcus aureus. One forelimb was randomly assigned to cephalic vein IVRLP with amikacin on days 2, 3, and 4 post‐wounding. Biopsies on day 2 prior to IVRLP, and on days 5 and 8 were cultured to quantify wound bioburden (CFU/g). Two horses repeated the study in a crossover design, receiving IVRLP on the opposite limb (n = 6 experiments). IVRLP was performed on both forelimbs simultaneously in 3 horses at the end of the study: limbs were perfused with a volume of new methylene blue equal to that of the amikacin, through the cephalic vein or palmar digital vein. After euthanasia, wounds were photographed to subjectively assess dye diffusion.

Results

The bioburden did not differ between control and IVRLP limbs overall or at any individual time point. No difference was detected between groups in terms of frequency of positive bacterial growth at any time. Methylene blue was visible in all excised tissues after IVRLP through the palmar digital vein, but was not visible in limbs perfused through the cephalic vein.

Conclusion

IVRLP may not effectively concentrate amikacin within a wound bed and did not influenceS. aureusbioburden in an experimentally created wound infection.
The African Guide: One Year Impact and Outcomes from the Implementation of a School Mental Health Literacy Curriculum Resource in Tanzania
Authors: Kutcher Stanley , Wei Yifeng , Gilberds Heather , Brown Adena , Ubuguyu Omary , Njau Tasiana , Sabuni Norman , Magimba Ayoub , Perkins Kevin
Published: March 2017

little research is available. Schools are an ideal location in which to address mental health literacy. A Canadian school-based mental health literacy resource was adapted for application in sub-Saharan Africa called the African Guide (AG). The AG is a classroom ready curriculum resource addressing all aspects of mental health literacy. Herein we provide teacher reported activity impacts and MHL outcomes from the implementation of the AG in Tanzania. Following training, survey data addressing teacher reported AG impact and MHL outcomes was collected at three time points over a one year period. Over a period of one year, 32 teachers from 29 different schools reported that over: 4,600 students were taught MHL; 150 peer teachers were trained on the AG; 390 students approached teachers with a mental health concern; 450 students were referred to previously trained community care providers for diagnosis and treatment of Depression; and most students were considered to have demonstrated improved or very much improved knowledge, attitudes and help-seeking efficacy, with similar outcomes reported for teachers. Results of this study demonstrate a substantial positive impact on MHL related activities and outcomes for both students and teachers using the AG resource in Tanzania. Taken together with previously published research on enhancing MHL in both Malawi and Tanzania, if replicated in another setting, these results will provide additional support for the scale up of this intervention across sub-Saharan Africa.
Design and Numerical Analysis of Vibration Isolators With Quasi-Zero-Stiffness Characteristics Using Bistable Foldable Structures
Authors: Ishida Sachiko , Uchida Hiroshi , Shimosaka Haruo , Hagiwara Ichiro
Published: March 2017

In this paper, a novel vibration isolator based on a foldable cylinder with a torsional buckling pattern, which is also called Kresling's pattern, is proposed, and the performance of the proposed isolator in terms of preventing structural vibration is numerically evaluated. It is known that foldable cylinders with a torsional buckling pattern provide bistable folding motions under specific conditions. For simplification, a foldable cylinder with a torsional buckling pattern is modeled using horizontal, longitudinal, and diagonal truss elements connected by rotational joints and enforced by rigid frames, which are also called Rahmen, while maintaining the bistability of the structure. Additional linear springs are incorporated into the structure in order to obtain a nonlinear spring with quasi-zero-stiffness characteristics. It is numerically established that: (i) the resonance of the combined structure is effectively suppressed and (ii) the structure decreases the vibration response even at high frequencies when it is used around the equilibrium position at which the spring stiffness is quasi-zero.
Flexoelectric Actuation and Vibration Control of Ring Shells
Authors: Tzou Hornsen , Deng Bolei , Li Huiyu
Published: March 2017

The converse flexoelectric effect, i.e., the polarization (or electric field) gradient-induced internal stress (or strain), can be utilized to actuate and control flexible structures. This study focuses on the microscopic actuation behavior and effectiveness of a flexoelectric actuator patch laminated on an elastic ring shell. An atomic force microscope (AFM) probe is placed on the upper surface of the flexoelectric patch to induce an inhomogeneous electric field resulting in internal stresses of the actuator patch. The flexoelectric stress-induced membrane control force and bending control moment regulate the ring vibration and their actuation mechanics, i.e., transverse and circumferential control actions, are, respectively, studied. For the transverse direction, the electric field gradient quickly decays along the ring thickness, resulting in a nonuniform transverse distribution of the induced stress, and this distribution profile is not influenced by the actuator thickness. The flexoelectric-induced circumferential membrane control force and bending control moment resemble the Dirac delta functions at the AFM contact point. The flexoelectric actuation can be regarded as a localized drastic bending to the ring. To evaluate the actuation effect, dynamic responses and controllable displacements of the elastic ring with flexoelectric actuations are analyzed with respect to design parameters, such as the flexoelectric patch thickness, AFM probe radius, ring thickness, and ring radius.
Nonlinear Analysis of Bifurcation Phenomenon for a Simple Flexible Rotor System Supported by a Full-Circular Journal Bearing
Authors: Miura Tatsuya , Inoue Tsuyoshi , Kano Hiroshi
Published: March 2017

This paper demonstrates nonlinear theoretical analysis of a flexible rotor system supported by a full-circular journal bearing focusing on the bifurcation phenomenon in the vicinity of the stability limit (bifurcation point). A third-order polynomial approximation model is used for the representation of the oil film force of the journal bearing. The reduced-order model, with modes concerning the bifurcation, is deduced using the center manifold theory. The dynamical equation in the normal form relating the bifurcation which leads to the oil whirl is obtained using the normal form theory. The influences of various parameters are investigated based on the analysis of a deduced dynamical equation in the normal form. Furthermore, the validity of the derived analytical observation is confirmed by comparing it with the numerically obtained frequency response result.
Thermodynamic Considerations Regarding the Use of Exhaust Gas Recirculation for Conventional and High Efficiency Engines
Authors: Caton Jerald A.
Published: March 2017

During the last several decades, investigations of the operation of internal combustion engines utilizing exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) have increased. This increased interest has been driven by the advantages of the use of EGR with respect to emissions and, in some cases, thermal efficiency. The current study uses a thermodynamic engine cycle simulation to explore the fundamental reasons for the changes of thermal efficiency as functions of EGR. EGR with various levels of cooling is studied. Both a conventional (throttled) operating condition and a high efficiency (HE) operating condition are examined. With no EGR, the net indicated thermal efficiencies were 32.1% and 44.6% for the conventional and high efficiency engines, respectively. For the conditions examined, the cylinder heat transfer is a function of the gas temperatures and convective heat transfer coefficient. For increasing EGR, the gas temperatures generally decrease due to the lower combustion temperatures. For increasing EGR, however, the convective heat transfer coefficient generally increases due to increasing cylinder pressures and decreasing gas temperatures. Whether the cylinder heat transfer increases or decreases with increasing EGR is the net result of the gas temperature decreases and the heat transfer coefficient increases. For significantly cooled EGR, the efficiency increases partly due to decreases of the heat transfer. On the other hand, for less cooled EGR, the efficiency decreases due at least partly to the increasing heat transfer. Two other considerations to explain the efficiency changes include the changes of the pumping work and the specific heats during combustion.
Analysis of Curved Panel Flutter in Supersonic and Transonic Airflows Using a Fluid–Structure Coupling Algorithm
Authors: Mei Guanhua , Zhang Jiazhong , Kang Can
Published: March 2017

In order to accurately study the effect of curvature on panel aeroelastic behaviors, a fluid–structure coupling algorithm is adopted to analyze the curved panel flutter in transonic and supersonic airflows. First, the governing equation for the motion of the curved panel and the structure solver are presented. Then, the fluid governing equations, the fluid solver, and the fluid–structure coupling algorithm are introduced briefly. Finally, rich aeroelastic responses of the curved panel are captured using this algorithm. And the mechanisms of them are explored by various analysis tools. It is found that the curvature produces initial aerodynamic loads above the panel. Thus, the static aeroelastic deformation exists for the curved panel in stable state. At Mach 2, with its stability lost on this static aeroelastic deformation, the curved panel shows asymmetric flutter. At Mach 0.8 and 0.9, the curved panel exhibits only positive static aeroelastic deformation due to this initial aerodynamic load. At Mach 1.0, as the dynamic pressure increases, the curved panel loses its static and dynamic stability in succession, and behaves as static aeroelastic deformations, divergences, and flutter consequentially. At Mach 1.2, with its stability lost, the curved panel flutters more violently toward the negative direction. The results obtained could guide the panel design and panel flutter suppression for flight vehicles with high performances.
Performance of 2D-SWE.GE for predicting different stages of liver fibrosis, using Transient Elastography as the reference method
Authors: Bende Felix , Sporea Ioan , Sirli Roxana , Popescu Alina , Mare Ruxandra , Miutescu Bogdan , Lupusoru Raluca , Moga Tudor , Pienar Corina
Published: March 2017

Aim: To evaluate the performance of 2D shear-wave elastography from General Electric (2D-SWE.GE) for the noninvasiveassessment of liver fibrosis and to identify liver stiffness (LS) cut-off values for predicting different stages of fibrosisusing Transient Elastography (TE) as the reference method. Material and method: We included 331 consecutive subjectswith or without chronic hepatopathies in whom LS was evaluated in the same session by means of 2 elastographic techniques:TE and 2D-SWE.GE. Reliable LS measurements were defined for TE as the median value of 10 measurements with a successrate of ≥60% and an interquartile range (IQR)<30% and for 2D-SWE.GE as the median value of 10 measurements acquiredin a homogenous area and an IQR<30%. To discriminate between TE fibrosis stages we used the following cut-offs: F2- 7;F3- 9.5 and F4- 12kPa. Results: Reliable LS measurements were obtained in 95.8% subjects by 2D-SWE.GE, and 94.2%by TE (p=0.44). Based on TE cut-off values we divided our cohort into four groups: F<2: 30.1%; F=2: 10.2%; F=3: 12.2%;F=4: 47.5%. A strong correlation was found between the LS values obtained by the 2 methods: r=0.83, p<0.0001.LS valuesobtained by 2D-SWE.GE were significantly lower than those obtained by TE: 10.14±4.24 kPa vs. 16.72±13.4 kPa (p<0.0001).The best cut-off value for F≥2, F≥3 and for F=4 were 6.7, 8.2 and 9.3 kPa. Conclusions: The best 2D-SWE.GE cut-off valuesfor predicting F≥2, F≥3 and F=4 were 6.7, 8.2 and 9.3kPa.
Can fetal adrenal artery Doppler velocimetry predict delivery date in pregnant women with spontaneous preterm birth?
Authors: Carvalho Francisco Herlânio Costa , Lemos Aline Pinto , Feitosa Francisco Edson De Lucena , Feitosa Helvécio Neves , Augusto Lucas Costa Carvalho , Mota Rosa Maria Salani , Araujo Júnior Edward
Published: March 2017

Aim: To assess the accuracy of delivery date predictions made using fetal adrenal artery Doppler velocimetry in pregnant women with spontaneous preterm birth (PB) and to compare these predictions with cervical length (CL) measurements.Material and methods: A prospective study was performed with 51 pregnant women whose gestational lengths were between 24 and 36 weeks. The main outcome was the time between the Doppler velocimetry examination and delivery, categorized as delivery within 7 days or 7 days later after the examination. A receiver operating characteristics curve was performed to define the cutoffs among deliveries within 7 days for fetal adrenal artery Doppler velocimetry parameters and CL measurements.Results: The incidence of delivery within 7 days was 37.3%, with a statistically significant difference for the pulsatility index (PI; p=0.045) and resistance index (RI; p=0.030) of the fetal adrenal artery. The best cutoff values of PI and RI for predicting deliveries within 7 days were 1.65 and 0.78, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of PI, RI, and CL (20 mm) were 73.7% (95% CI: 51.9–95.5) and 56.3% (95% CI: 38.1–74.4); 68.4% (95% CI: 45.4–91.4) and 62.5% (95% CI: 44.8–80.2); and 76.5% (95% CI: 54.0–99.0) and 78.1% (95%: CI 71.1–97.7), respectively.Conclusion: Fetal adrenal artery Doppler velocimetry can predict delivery within 7 days among pregnant women in cases of spontaneous PB and this prediction is similar to the predictions made using CL measurements.
Diagnostic utility of endoscopic ultrasonography-elastography in the evaluation of solid pancreatic masses: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Lu Yi , Chen Lu , Li Chujun , Chen Honglei , Chen Jinhua
Published: March 2017

Aim: The accuracy for endoscopic ultrasonography-elastography (EUS-EG) in the evaluation of solid pancreatic masses varies greatly and the pooled results have not been updated since 2013. Also, there still lack a comprehensive comparison among EUS-EG, contrast-enhanced EUS (CE-EUS), and EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA).Material and methods: A thorough search was made for diagnostic trials investigating the role of EUS-EG in solid pancreatic masses. Meta-Disc was used to calculate the pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio and summary receiver operator characteristics. Results: Finally, 17 studies (1537 patients, 1544 lesions) were selected. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for qualitative methods were 0.97 (95%CI, 0.95-0.99) and 0.67 (95%CI, 0.59-0.74), respectively; the pooled sensitivity and specificity for strain histograms were 0.97 (95%CI, 0.95-0.98) and 0.67(95%CI, 0.61-0.73), respectively; the pooled sensitivity and specificity for strain ratio were 0.98 (95%CI, 0.96-0.99) and 0.62 (95%CI, 0.56-0.68), respectively; the pooled sensitivity and specificity for CE-EUS were 0.90 (95%CI, 0.83-0.95) and 0.76 (95%CI, 0.67-0.84), respectively; the pooled sensitivity and specificity for EUS-FNA were 0.84 (95%CI, 0.77-0.90) and 0.96(95%CI, 0.88-1.00), respectively. Conclusion: EUS-EG is reliable for distinguishing solid pancreatic masses; the sensitivity and specificity for different diagnostic methods were very close. Both EUS-EG and CE-EUS can be valuable complementary supplements for EUS-FNA.
First Draft Genome Sequences of Malaysian Clinical Isolates of Corynebacterium diphtheriae
Authors: Ahmad Norazah , Hii Shirley Yi Fen , Mohd Khalid Mohd Khairul Nizam , Abd Wahab Muhammad Adib , Hashim Rohaidah , Tang Soo Nee , Liow Yii Ling , Hamzah Hazwani , Dahalan Nurul Ain , Seradja Valentinus
Published: March 2017

Corynebacterium diphtheriae
has caused multiple isolated diphtheria cases in Malaysia over the years. Here, we report the first draft genome sequences of 15 Malaysia
C. diphtheriae
clinical isolates collected from the years 1981 to 2016.
Draft Genome Sequence of Thalassospira xiamenensis Strain MCCC 1A03042
T
Authors: Li Meiqing , Yang Shuo , Lai Qiliang , Shao Zongze
Published: March 2017

Thalassospira xiamenensis
strain MCCC 1A03042
T
was isolated from deep-sea sediment of the Indian Ocean, and it was characterized with heavy-metal arsenic tolerance. Here, we present the draft genome of strain MCCC 1A03042
T
, which contains 4,786,207 bp with a G+C content of 52.6% and 4,359 protein-coding genes.
Microsporidia: Obligate Intracellular Pathogens Within the Fungal Kingdom
Authors: Han Bing , Weiss Louis M.
Published: March 2017

Microsporidia are obligate intracellular pathogens related to Fungi. These organisms have a unique invasion organelle, the polar tube, which upon appropriate environmental stimulation rapidly discharges out of the spore, pierces a host cell’s membrane, and serves as a conduit for sporoplasm passage into the host cell. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that microsporidia are related to the Fungi, being either a basal branch or sister group. Despite the description of microsporidia over 150 years ago, we still lack an understanding of the mechanism of invasion, including the role of various polar tube proteins, spore wall proteins, and host cell proteins in the formation and function of the invasion synapse. Recent advances in ultrastructural techniques are helping to better define the formation and functioning of the invasion synapse. Over the past 2 decades, proteomic approaches have helped define polar tube proteins and spore wall proteins as well as the importance of posttranslational modifications such as glycosylation in the functioning of these proteins, but the absence of genetic techniques for the manipulation of microsporidia has hampered research on the function of these various proteins. The study of the mechanism of invasion should provide fundamental insights into the biology of these ubiquitous intracellular pathogens that can be integrated into studies aimed at treating or controlling microsporidiosis.
Thigmo Responses: The Fungal Sense of Touch
Authors: Almeida Mariana Cruz , Brand Alexandra C.
Published: March 2017

The growth and development of most fungi take place on a two-dimensional surface or within a three-dimensional matrix. The fungal sense of touch is therefore critical for fungi in the interpretation of their environment and often signals the switch to a new developmental state. Contact sensing, or thigmo-based responses, include thigmo differentiation, such as the induction of invasion structures by plant pathogens in response to topography; thigmonasty, where contact with a motile prey rapidly triggers its capture; and thigmotropism, where the direction of hyphal growth is guided by physical features in the environment. Like plants and some bacteria, fungi grow as walled cells. Despite the well-demonstrated importance of thigmo responses in numerous stages of fungal growth and development, it is not known how fungal cells sense contact through the relatively rigid structure of the cell wall. However, while sensing mechanisms at the molecular level are not entirely understood, the downstream signaling pathways that are activated by contact sensing are being elucidated. In the majority of cases, the response to contact is complemented by chemical cues and both are required, either sequentially or simultaneously, to elicit normal developmental responses. The importance of a sense of touch in the lifestyles and development of diverse fungi is highlighted in this review, and the candidate molecular mechanisms that may be involved in fungal contact sensing are discussed.
Role of the Health Department in Tuberculosis Prevention and Control—Legal and Public Health Considerations
Authors: Jeffries Carla , Lobue Phil , Chorba Terence , Metchock Beverly , Kashef Ijaz
Published: March 2017

Because tuberculosis is caused by an infectious organism that is spread from person to person through the air, public health measures are essential to control the disease. There are three priority strategies for tuberculosis prevention and control in the United States: (i) identifying and treating persons who have tuberculosis disease; (ii) finding persons exposed to infectious tuberculosis patients, evaluating them for
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
infection and disease, and providing subsequent treatment, if appropriate; and (iii) testing populations at high risk for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and treating those persons who are infected to prevent progression to disease. These strategies for prevention and control of tuberculosis are discussed in a framework containing the following important topics: historical and epidemiological context of tuberculosis control, organization of public health tuberculosis control programs, legal basis for public health authority, conducting overall planning and development of policy, identifying persons who have clinically active tuberculosis, evaluation of immigrants, managing persons who have or who are suspected of having disease, medical consultation, interjurisdictional referrals, identifying and managing persons infected with
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, providing laboratory and diagnostic services, collecting and analyzing data, and providing training and education. This chapter describes the role of the health department in the context of these components. This discussion is primarily applicable to tuberculosis prevention and control programs in the United States.
A retrospective cohort study of the association between smoking and mortality after acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Steele Lloyd , Lloyd Amelia , Fotheringham James , Sultan Ayyaz , Iqbal Javaid , Grech Ever D
Published: March 2017

Background

Several studies have shown a ‘smoker’s paradox’, where following an acute myocardial infarction, smokers have a paradoxically lower mortality than non-smokers. To date, no large study has investigated this paradox in unselected patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) managed by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) alone.

Objectives

We aimed to examine the association of smoking status and 1-year mortality in patients who had STEMI managed by primary PCI.

Methods

This retrospective study included all patients admitted with acute STEMI undergoing primary PCI in a single UK centre from January 2009 to April 2012. The survival status for all patients post-STEMI was obtained. Differences in survival by smoking status were assessed using a Kaplan-Meier curve, and after adjustment for age, gender and additional cardiovascular risk factors using a Cox regression analysis.

Results

The 1-year mortality for patients with STEMI was 149/1796 (8.3%). There were 846/1796 (47.1%) current smokers, 476/1796 (26.5%) ex-smokers and 417/1796 (23.2%) never smokers. Current smokers were approximately 10 years younger than ex-smokers and never smokers (p=0.001). A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model found no evidence of an association between mortality and smoking status after adjustment; p=0.23. Compared with never smokers, the HR (95% CI) for 1-year mortality for current smokers was 1.47 (0.90 to 2.39) and 1.08 (0.66 to 1.77) for ex-smokers.

Conclusions

In this retrospective cohort study, we found no evidence of an association between mortality and smoking status in patients with acute STEMI treated with PCI, and thus no evidence of a ‘smoker’s paradox’.
Syngenetic dynamic of permafrost of a polar desert solifluction lobe, Ward Hunt Island, Nunavut
Authors: Verpaelst Manuel , Fortier Daniel , Kanevskiy Mikhail , Paquette Michel , Shur Yuri
Published: March 2017

Repeated freeze–thaw cycles on slopes trigger sorting and solifluction mass movements, while subsequent displacement of material modifies the geomorphology of slopes as well as permafrost dynamics. This study focuses on the geomorphology and the cryostratigraphy of a polar desert stone-banked solifluction lobe with the objective to clarify the impact of slow mass movements on ground ice aggradation. The morphology of the solifluction lobe was characterized by peripheral ridges of coarse gravel, partially surrounding a depression filled with finer sediments saturated with water and covered by organics. Cryostratigraphic analysis demonstrated that the solifluction lobe’s formation led to the development of a syngenetic layer of permafrost with an ice content that varied according to the location in the lobe. The ice-rich cryofacies formed in the central depression of the lobe should act as a buffer to potential active layer deepening, slowing down its thawing, whereas the ice-poor cryofacies formed under the ridges is expected to thaw faster than the central depression under climate warming scenarios. Thawing of the ice-rich zone in the future will result in differential thaw subsidence between the ridges and the central depression of solifluction lobes, along with increased drainage through the ridges and subsequent changes in hydrology.
Impacts of lodgepole pine dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium americanum) infestation on stand structure and fuel load in lodgepole pine dominated forests in central Colorado
Authors: Ritter Scott M. , Hoffman Chad M. , Ex Seth A. , Stewart Jane E.
Published: March 2017

Parasitic plants are capable of causing substantial alterations to plant communities through impacts on individual host plants. Lodgepole pine dwarf mistletoe is an important parasite in forests of the western USA that causes reductions to productivity and is thought to alter wildland fuel complexes. These impacts are hypothesized to vary with infestation severity. To test this, we used a linear mixed modeling approach to evaluate the relationship between dwarf mistletoe infestation severity and parameters representing stand structure and surface and canopy fuels in infested lodgepole pine stands in central Colorado. Infestation severity was negatively related to live basal area, average tree size, canopy base height, canopy fuel load, and canopy bulk density, and was positively related to the loading of woody surfaces fuels greater than 0.64 cm in diameter. No relationship was detected between infestation severity and live tree density, or live crown ratio. These results confirm the long-held assumption that dwarf mistletoe increases surface fuel loading in lodgepole pine communities, but also suggest that infested stands have reduced amounts of available canopy fuel. These findings have implications for potential fire behavior and highlight the importance of dwarf mistletoe in predicting the spatial and temporal dynamics of wildland fuels.
Evaluation of state and evolution of marine fish waste composting by enzyme activities
Authors: Kazemi Khoshrooz , Zhang Baiyu , Lye Leonard M. , Zhu Zhiwen
Published: March 2017

The feasibility of using enzyme activities for indicating the state of marine fish waste composting was examined in this study and the evolution of the composting process for a 60 day period was evaluated. Results indicated that stable and mature fish waste compost has been generated. During the composting process, oxidoreductase enzyme (dehydrogenase) and hydrolase enzyme (β-glucosidase and phosphatase) activities decreased with time since available organic compounds decreased. A good correlation among enzyme activities and different physiochemical parameters including oxygen uptake rate, carbon/nitrogen ratio, and germination index led to the conclusion that both hydrolytic and dehydrogenase enzyme activities could be feasible indicators of the state and evolution of the composting process.
Panel data analysis of surface skid resistance for various pavement preventive maintenance treatments using long term pavement performance (LTPP) data
Authors: Li Qiang Joshua , Zhan You , Yang Guangwei , Wang Kelvin C.P. , Wang Chaohui
Published: March 2017

Various preventive maintenance (PM) treatments have been employed to restore pavement skid resistance for enhanced safety. This paper investigates the effectiveness of PM treatments using panel data analysis (PDA). Panel data analysis investigates the differences of cross-sectional information among treatments, but also the time-series changes within each treatment over time. Panel data with multiple years of friction data for four treatments (thin overlay, slurry seal, crack seal, and chip seal) at various climate, traffic, and pavement conditions are obtained from 255 long term pavement performance (LTPP) testing sections. Both fixed- and random-effects models are developed to evaluate pavement skid resistance performance and to identify the most influencing factors. Results from the PDA models are compared to those from traditional ordinary regression models. Slurry seal is demonstrated to be the most effective treatment. Five factors (precipitation, freezing index, humidity, traffic, and pavement age) are identified to be significant for pavement friction. Fixed-effects panel model is selected for the development of friction prediction models. This study not only demonstrates the capability of PDA for analyzing friction data with cross-sectional and time-series characteristics, but also can assist engineers in selecting the most effective PM treatments for the desired level of skid resistance to reduce traffic crashes.
An extracellular aminopeptidase encoded by the ywaD gene plays an important role in supplying nitrogen nutrition for the growth of Bacillus subtilis 168
Authors: Liu Zhongmei , Gao Xinxing , Zhou Li , Cui Wenjing , Tian Yaping , Zhou Zhemin
Published: March 2017

To investigate the physiological role of an extracellular aminopeptidase (BSAP168) encoded by the ywaD gene in Bacillus subtilis 168, we constructed the ywaD-deletion mutant (BS-AP-K). Compared with that of the wild-type strain, the maximum growth rate of BS-AP-K was reduced by 28% when grown in soybean protein medium at 37 °C, but not in Luria–Bertani medium. The impaired growth rate was more marked at higher temperature and could be compensated by supplementation of amino acid to the culture media. Further studies showed that in regards to the amino acid compositions and peptide distribution in the culture supernatants, there was an obvious difference between the culture supernatants of wild-type and BS-AP-K strains. In addition, another mutant strain (BS-AP-R) was constructed by replacing ywaD with ywaD-ΔPA to evaluate the effect of a protease-associated domain in BSAP168 on growth. All these findings indicated that BSAP168 played an important role in supplying the amino acids required for growth.
Traveling and solitary waves in monodisperse and dimer granular chains
Authors: Starosvetsky Yuli , Jayaprakash K. R. , Vakakis Alexander F.
Published: March 2017

We provide a review of propagating traveling waves and solitary pulses in uncompressed one-dimensional ([Formula: see text]) ordered granular media. The first such solution in homogeneous granular media was discovered by Nesterenko in the form of a single-hump solitary pulse with energy-dependent profile and velocity. Considering directly the discrete, strongly nonlinear governing equations of motion of these media (i.e., without resorting to continuum approximation or homogenization), we show the existence of countably infinite families of stable multi-hump propagating traveling waves with arbitrary wavelengths. A semi-analytical approach is used to study the dependence of these waves on spatial periodicity (wavenumber) and energy, and to show that in a certain asymptotic limit, these families converge to the single-hump Nesterenko solitary wave. Then the study is extended in dimer granular chains composed of alternating “heavy” and “light” beads. For a set of specific mass ratios between the light and heavy beads, we show the existence of multi-hump solitary waves that propagate faster than the Nesterenko solitary wave in the corresponding homogeneous granular chain composed of only heavy beads. The existence of these waves has interesting implications in energy transmission in ordered granular chains.
The roles of the trading time risks on stock investment return and risks in stock price crashes
Authors: Li Jiang-Cheng , Dong Zhi-Wei , Yang Guo-Hui , Long Chao
Published: March 2017

The roles of the trading time risks (TTRs) on stock investment return and risks are investigated in the condition of stock price crashes with Hushen300 data (CSI300) and Dow Jones Industrial Average (ˆDJI), respectively. In order to describe the TTR, we employ the escape time that the stock price drops from the maximum to minimum value in a data window length (DWL). After theoretical and empirical research on probability density function of return, the results in both ˆDJI and CSI300 indicate that: (i) As increasing DWL, the expectation of returns and its stability are weakened. (ii) An optimal TTR is related to a maximum return and minimum risk of stock investment in stock price crashes.
Design and Experimental Verification of 20-Pulse AC–DC Converter for Retrofit Applications and Harmonic Mitigation
Authors: Abdollahi Rohollah
Published: March 2017

This paper presents the design and analysis of a polygon-connected autotransformer based 20-pulse AC–DC converter which supplies direct torque-controlled induction motor drives (DTCIMDs) in order to have better power quality conditions at the point of common coupling. The proposed converter output voltage is accomplished via two paralleled 10-pulse AC–DC converters each of them consisting of five-phase diode bridge rectifier. An autotransformer is designed to supply the rectifiers. The design procedure of magnetics is in such a way that makes it suitable for retrofit applications where a six-pulse diode bridge rectifier is being utilized. The proposed structure improves power quality criteria at AC mains and makes them consistent with the IEEE-519 Standard requirements for [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, near-unity power factor is obtained for a wide range of DTCIMD operations. A comparison is made between six-pulse and proposed converters from the viewpoint of power quality indices. Results show that input current total harmonic distortion (THD) is less than 8% for the proposed topology at variable loads. A laboratory prototype of the proposed polygon-connected autotransformer-based 20-pulse AC–DC converter is developed and test results are presented to validate the developed design procedure and the simulation models of this AC–DC converter under varying loads.
Gaussian estimates on networks with dynamic stochastic boundary conditions
Authors: Cordoni Francesco , Di Persio Luca
Published: March 2017

In this paper we prove the existence and uniqueness for the solution to a stochastic reaction–diffusion equation, defined on a network, and subjected to nonlocal dynamic stochastic boundary conditions. The result is obtained by deriving a Gaussian-type estimate for the related leading semigroup, under rather mild regularity assumptions on the coefficients. An application of the latter to a stochastic optimal control problem on graphs, is also provided.
Exponential ergodicity for non-Lipschitz multivalued stochastic differential equations with Lévy jumps
Authors: Guan Yue , Wu Jing
Published: March 2017

We study the exponential ergodicity of diffusions generated by a multivalued stochastic differential equation with Lévy jumps when the coefficients are non-Lipschitz continuous by proving that the transition semigroup is strongly Feller and irreducible, and that it admits a unique invariant measure. This is obtained through an [Formula: see text]-convergence result, Girsanov’s theorem, coupling method combined and a stopping argument.
Dynamic Pull-In Instability of a Thermoelectromechanically Loaded Micro-Beam Based on “Symmetric Stress” Gradient Elasticity Theory
Authors: Yang L. , Fang F. , Peng J. S. , Yang J.
Published: March 2017

The dynamic pull-in instability of a thermoelectromechanically loaded micro-beam is investigated based on the “symmetric stress” gradient elasticity theory and Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. The beam is subjected to the combined action of an electric voltage, axial static force and a uniform temperature change. By employing Galerkin’s method, the nonlinear partial differential governing equation is decoupled into a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations, which are then solved using Runge–Kutta method. Numerical results show that compared with the size-dependent micro-beam model, the classical elasticity theory in which the size effect is ignored underestimates the pull-in voltage. The effects of size, temperature change, axial force, geometric nonlinearity, fringe effect, initial gap, beam length and width on the pull-in instability of the micro-beam are discussed in detail.
EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS MEDIUM, TWEEN-20 AND FLOW ON THE STABILITY OF SIROLIMUS
Authors: ZHENG QUAN , CHU ZHAOWEI , LI XIAOMING , KANG HONGYAN , YANG XIAO , FAN YUBO
Published: March 2017

Sirolimus-eluting stents have been widely used in the treatment of coronary artery disease. Prior to the clinical application, the in vitro drug release test is a mandatory requirement for the quality control of sirolimus-eluting stents. How to maintain the stability of sirolimus in the release medium is an important issue throughout the drug release research. In this study, the stability tests of sirolimus in three aqueous media (ultrapure water (UPW), normal saline (NS) and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4)) were carried out. It was found that the half-lives of sirolimus in UPW, NS and PBS (pH 7.4) were, respectively, 111.8, 43.6 and 11.5[Formula: see text]h. Tween-20 was then added to the above-mentioned three aqueous media and was shown to improve the solubility and stability of sirolimus in aqueous solutions. Under static conditions, the half-life value for sirolimus was significantly increased in the presence of Tween-20 (UPW, 3.5-fold; NS, 2.0-fold; PBS (pH 7.4), 2.7-fold). The effect of solution flow on the stability of sirolimus was also investigated in a flow loop apparatus to mimic vessel-like flow conditions. There was a significant decrease in the stability of sirolimus in aqueous media with the increase of flow rate. The results suggest that aqueous solution supplemented with Tween-20 could be used as the release medium for sirolimus-eluting stents, and that the circulation of the release medium should be controlled at low flow rate.
ESTIMATING MUSCLE FORCES AND KNEE JOINT TORQUE USING SURFACE ELECTROMYOGRAPHY: A MUSCULOSKELETAL BIOMECHANICAL MODEL
Authors: CHEN JIANGCHENG , ZHANG XIAODONG , GU LINXIA , NELSON CARL
Published: March 2017

Surface electromyography (sEMG) is a useful tool for revealing the underlying musculoskeletal dynamic properties in the human body movement. In this paper, a musculoskeletal biomechanical model which relates the sEMG and knee joint torque is proposed. First, the dynamic model relating sEMG to skeletal muscle activation considering frequency and amplitude is built. Second, a muscle contraction model based on sliding-filament theory is developed to reflect the physiological structure and micro mechanical properties of the muscle. The muscle force and displacement vectors are determined and the transformation from muscle force to knee joint moment is realized, and finally a genetic algorithm-based calibration method for the Newton–Euler dynamics and overall musculoskeletal biomechanical model is put forward. Following the model calibration, the flexion/extension (FE) knee joint torque of eight subjects under different walking speeds was predicted. Results show that the forward biomechanical model can capture the general shape and timing of the joint torque, with normalized mean residual error (NMRE) of [Formula: see text]10.01%, normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) of [Formula: see text]12.39% and cross-correlation coefficient of [Formula: see text]0.926. The musculoskeletal biomechanical model proposed and validated in this work could facilitate the study of neural control and how muscle forces generate and contribute to the knee joint torque during human movement.