bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supporting same‐sex mothers in the Nordic child health field: a systematic literature review and meta‐synthesis of the most gender equal countries
Authors: Wells Michael B , Lang Sarah N
Published: July 2016

Aims and objectives

To explore the needs of and support given to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and inter‐sex parents within the Nordic child health field.

Background

The number of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and inter‐sex parents is growing around the world. However, they face fear, discrimination and heteronormativity within the child health field. The Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland) rank as the most gender equal countries in the world; therefore, they may support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and inter‐sex parents to a greater extent.

Design

Systematic literature review and meta‐synthesis.

Method

A systematic search was conducted for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and inter‐sex parents' experiences in the child health field, which consists of prenatal, labour and birth, postnatal and child health clinics, using PubMed, PsychInfo, Sociological Abstracts and CINAHL, as well as searching the grey literature, from 2000–2015. Ten articles were included. A quality assessment and a meta‐synthesis of the articles were performed.

Results

Nearly all studies were qualitative, and most articles had at least one area of insufficient reporting. Only two countries, Sweden and Norway, had lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and inter‐sex parents reporting on the child health field. However, gay, bisexual, transgender and inter‐sex parents' perspectives were nonexistent in the literature; therefore, the results all relate to same‐sex mothers. Five themes were found: Acceptance of Same‐sex Mothers, Disclosing Sexual Orientation, Heteronormative Obstacles, Co‐mothers are Not Fathers, and Being the Other Parent.

Conclusions

Same‐sex mothers are generally accepted within the Nordic child health field, but they still face overt and covert heteronormative obstacles, resulting in forms of discrimination and fear. Co‐mothers feel invisible and secondary if they are not treated like an equal parent, but feel noticed and important when they are given equal support.

Relevance to clinical practice

Changes at the organisational and personnel levels can be made to better support same‐sex mothers and co‐mothers. Recognising both parents benefits the whole family.
Response to Dr. Gerald M Reaven: good news for patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia: statins are not diabetogenic in this disease
Authors: Vuorio A. , Strandberg T. E. , Schneider W. J. , Kovanen P. T.
Published: July 2016

Click here to view the Letter to the Editor by Dr. Reaven
Species delimitation and phylogeographic analyses in the Ectocarpus subgroup siliculosi (Ectocarpales, Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Montecinos Alejandro E. , Couceiro Lucia , Peters Akira F. , Desrut Antoine , Valero Myriam , Guillemin Marie‐Laure
Published: July 2016

The genus Ectocarpus (Ectocarpales, Phaeophyceae) contains filamentous algae widely distributed in marine and estuarine habitats of temperate regions in both hemispheres. While E. siliculosus has become a model organism for genomics and genetics of the brown macroalgae, accurate species delineation, distribution patterns and diversity for the genus Ectocarpus remain problematic. In this study, we used three independent species delimitation approaches to generate a robust species hypothesis for 729 Ectocarpus specimens collected mainly along the European and Chilean coasts. These approaches comprised phylogenetic reconstructions and two bioinformatics tools developed to objectively define species boundaries (General Mixed Yule Coalescence Method and Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery). Our analyses were based on DNA sequences of two loci: the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 and the nuclear internal transcribed spacer 1 of the ribosomal DNA. Our analyses showed the presence of at least 15 cryptic species and suggest the existence of incomplete lineage sorting or introgression between five of them. These results suggested the possible existence of different levels of reproductive barriers within this species complex. We also detected differences among species in their phylogeographic patterns, range and depth distributions, which may suggest different biogeographic histories (e.g., endemic species or recent introductions).
The Moderating Role of Product Categories in the Relationship between Online Fulfillment, Procurement, and Consumer Repurchase Intention: A Hierarchical Analysis
Authors: Wan Xiang , Huang Xiaowen , Dong Yan
Published: July 2016

This study investigates how the number of product categories moderates the effects of consumers' satisfaction with order procurement and order fulfillment on their repurchase intention at online retail stores. We collected empirical data from an online rating website and constructed a multilevel dataset at both the transaction level and the store level. Employing hierarchical linear modeling on a sample of 11,554 observations at 146 online retailers, we find significant interaction effects on consumer repurchase intention between product category number and consumer satisfaction with both online order procurement and fulfillment processes, but with different signs. These findings offer guidance to online retailers when allocating their limited resources to procurement‐related and fulfillment‐related investments.
Effect of Fenoldopam Continuous Infusion on Glomerular Filtration Rate and Fractional Excretion of Sodium in Healthy Dogs
Authors: Kelly K.L. , Drobatz K.J. , Foster J.D.
Published: July 2016

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common problem in small‐animal patients and carries a guarded prognosis with substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly in oligoanuric dogs. Fenoldopam, a selective dopamine agonist, has been shown to increase urine output in healthy dogs and cats; however, the mechanism of action is unknown.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To evaluate the effect of fenoldopam infusion on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and fractional excretion of sodium (FeNa) in healthy dogs.

Animals

Ten healthy, privately owned dogs.

Methods

Randomized, crossover design with negative control. Ten healthy dogs were given fenoldopam diluted in 5% dextrose (D5W) as a continuous IV infusion of 0.8 μg/kg/min for 5 hours and a control infusion of D5W alone, 7 days apart. Glomerular filtration rate was measured by exogenous iohexol clearance, beginning 1 hour after the start of the fenoldopam infusion. Fractional excretion of sodium (FeNa) was measured before and after the infusion. Glomerular filtration rate and change in FeNa were compared between treatment days.

Results

Fenoldopam infusion resulted in a significantly increased (P= .0166) GFR (median GFR, 3.33 mL/min/kg) in healthy dogs compared with D5W infusion (median GFR, 2.71 mL/kg/min). Fenoldopam also resulted in a significantly increased (P= .0148) FeNa (mean change, 0.106), whereas infusion of D5W alone did not (mean change, 0.016).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

In healthy dogs, fenoldopam significantly increased GFR and FeNa compared with infusion of D5W alone. No adverse effects were seen.
The effects of clopidogrel and omeprazole on platelet function in normal dogs
Authors: Thames B. E. , Lovvorn J. , Papich M. G. , Wills R. , Archer T. , Mackin A. , Thomason J.
Published: July 2016

Omeprazole is used concurrently with clopidogrel to reduce gastrointestinal adverse effects. In humans, the concurrent use of these two drugs can reduce the antiplatelet efficacy of clopidogrel. Our objective was to determine the effects of omeprazole and clopidogrel on platelet function in healthy dogs. A crossover study utilized turbidimetric aggregometry (ADP and collagen) and the PFA‐100® with the collagen/ADP cartridge to evaluate platelet function in eight healthy dogs during the administration of clopidogrel (1 mg/kg/24 h p.o.), omeprazole (1 mg/kg/24 h p.o.), and a combination of clopidogrel and omeprazole. Drug metabolite concentrations were also measured. Compared to pretreatment, on Days 3 and 5, with ADP as the agonist, there was a significant decrease in maximum amplitude on aggregometry for both clopidogrel and clopidogrel/omeprazole groups. The following revealed no significant differences between clopidogrel and clopidogrel/omeprazole groups when compared on Days 3 and 5: maximum amplitude on aggregometry with ADP or collagen agonists, and PFA‐100® closure times. When compared to the clopidogrel group, clopidogrel metabolite concentrations in the clopidogrel/omeprazole group were significantly higher on Days 3 and 5. The concurrent administration of omeprazole and clopidogrel in healthy dogs was associated with an increase in the plasma concentration of an inactive metabolite of clopidogrel, but does not significantly alter the antiplatelet effects of clopidogrel.
Predation risk between cannibalistic aeshnid dragonflies influences their functional response on a larval salamander prey
Authors: Anderson T. L.
Published: July 2016

In size‐structured populations of predators, the threat of cannibalism can influence behavior of prey that are attempting to avoid predation by larger conspecifics, including reducing their foraging rates. Such behavioral responses subsequently release basal prey of both cannibal and non‐cannibal predators from predation risk. However, whether the non‐consumptive effects of cannibalism on conspecific predators varies with basal heterospecific prey density is relatively unexplored. I conducted a laboratory study in plastic containers to test whether cannibalism risk influenced the functional response of dragonflies while foraging on three different densities of larval salamander prey. Dragonfly predators foraged with a Type II functional response, and when exposed to cannibalism cues, per capita feeding rates were lower at high prey densities. Salamander prey mortality rates declined with increasing prey densities, but the presence of cannibalism risk did not influence this pattern. Overall, this study shows that functional response curves of predators can vary in response to whether cannibalism risk is present in their environment across a small range of prey densities. Incorporating synergistic effects of multiple processes, such as non‐consumptive risk factors and prey density, may help further elucidate the processes that structure both predator and prey population dynamics.
Molecular mechanisms and the conflict between courtship and aggression in three‐spined sticklebacks
Authors: Sanogo Yibayiri O. , Bell Alison M.
Published: July 2016

In nature, animals often face conflicting demands. For example, breeding males must attract a mate but at the same time be ready to defend against rivals. The molecular mechanisms by which the brain resolves behavioural trade‐offs are largely unknown. In this study, we compared the brain transcriptional responses of territorial male three‐spined sticklebacks to a mating opportunity with a female and to a territorial challenge by a rival male. We focused on the diencephalon and the cerebellum, two regions of the brain implicated in courtship and aggression. There was a set of genes that were differentially expressed in response to both a courtship opportunity and a territorial challenge. Closer inspection of the direction of regulation revealed that genes that were downregulated in response to a courtship opportunity were upregulated in response to a territorial challenge and vice versa. Our study reveals some of the potential molecular mechanisms underlying behavioural trade‐offs between sex and aggression, along with a possible solution to the conflict via social context‐dependent gene regulation.
Movements of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Authors: Citta John J. , Quakenbush Lori T. , Frost Kathryn J. , Lowry Lloyd , Hobbs Roderick C. , Aderman Helen
Published: July 2016

We describe the annual distribution of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) in Bristol Bay, Alaska, using data from 31 satellite‐linked transmitters during 2002–2011. Bristol Bay has one of the largest and best studied Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) fisheries in the world, allowing us to link the seasonal distribution of belugas to that of salmon. During salmon migrations, beluga movements were restricted to river entrances. Belugas generally did not relocate to different river entrances or change bays during peak salmon periods. However, the location of belugas was not related to the number of salmon passing counting towers, suggesting that belugas were either selecting locations that were good for catching salmon or there were simply more salmon than belugas needed to supply their nutritional needs. The distribution of belugas expanded after salmon runs ended, and was greatest in winter when belugas ranged beyond the inner bays, traveling as far west as Cape Constantine. Belugas continued to frequent the inner bays in winter whenever sea ice conditions allowed, e.g., when winds moved sea ice offshore; however, they were never located south of the southern ice edge in open water or outside of Bristol Bay.
ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE SIX‐LIKE4 (RSL4) promotes root hair elongation by transcriptionally regulating the expression of genes required for cell growth
Authors: Vijayakumar Priya , Datta Sourav , Dolan Liam
Published: July 2016

ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE SIX‐LIKE4 (RSL4) is necessary and sufficient for root hair elongation in Arabidopsis thaliana. Root hair length is determined by the duration for which RSL4 protein is present in the developing root hair. The aim of this research was to identify genes regulated by RSL4 that affect root hair growth.

To identify genes regulated by RSL4, we identified genes whose expression was elevated by induction of RSL4 activity in the presence of an inhibitor of translation.

Thirty‐four genes were identified as putative targets of RSL transcriptional regulation, and the results suggest that the activities of SUPPRESSOR OF ACTIN (SAC1), EXOCSYT SUBUNIT 70A1 (EXO70A1), PEROXIDASE7 (PRX7) and CALCIUM‐DEPENDENT PROTEIN KINASE11 (CPK11) are required for root hair elongation.

These data indicate that RSL4 controls cell growth by controlling the expression of genes encoding proteins involved in cell signalling, cell wall modification and secretion.
Waist‐to‐height ratio, body mass index and waist circumference for screening paediatric cardio‐metabolic risk factors: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Lo K. , Wong M. , Khalechelvam P. , Tam W.
Published: July 2016

Waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR) is superior to body mass index and waist circumference for measuring adult cardio‐metabolic risk factors. However, there is no meta‐analysis to evaluate its discriminatory power in children and adolescents. A meta‐analysis was conducted using multiple databases, including Embase and Medline. Studies were included that utilized receiver‐operating characteristics curve analysis and published area under the receiver‐operating characteristics curves (AUC) for adiposity indicators with hyperglycaemia, elevated blood pressure, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome and other cardio‐metabolic outcomes. Thirty‐four studies met the inclusion criteria. AUC values were extracted and pooled using a random‐effects model and were weighted using the inverse variance method. The mean AUC values for each index were greater than 0.6 for most outcomes including hypertension. The values were the highest when screening for metabolic syndrome (AUC > 0.8). WHtR did not have significantly better screening power than other two indexes in most outcomes, except for elevated triglycerides when compared with body mass index and high metabolic risk score when compared with waist circumference. Although not being superior in discriminatory power, WHtR is convenient in terms of measurement and interpretation, which is advantageous in practice and allows for the quick identification of children with cardio‐metabolic risk factors at an early age.
Spatiotemporal patterns of duck nest density and predation risk: a multi‐scale analysis of 18 years and more than 10 000 nests
Authors: Ringelman Kevin M. , Eadie John M. , Ackerman Joshua T. , Sih Andrew , Loughman Daniel L. , Yarris Gregory S. , Oldenburger Shaun L. , McLandress M. Robert
Published: July 2016

Many avian species are behaviorally‐plastic in selecting nest sites, and may shift to new locations or habitats following an unsuccessful breeding attempt. If there is predictable spatial variation in predation risk, the process of many individuals using prior experience to adaptively change nest sites may scale up to create shifting patterns of nest density at a population level. We used 18 years of waterfowl nesting data to assess whether there were areas of consistently high or low predation risk, and whether low‐risk areas increased, and high‐risk areas decreased in nest density the following year. We created kernel density maps of successful and unsuccessful nests in consecutive years and found no correlation in predation risk and no evidence for adaptive shifts, although nest density was correlated between years. We also examined between‐year correlations in nest density and nest success at three smaller spatial scales: individual nesting fields (10–28 ha), 16‐ha grid cells and 4‐ha grid cells. Here, results were similar across all scales: we found no evidence for year‐to‐year correlation in nest success but found strong evidence that nest density was correlated between years, and areas of high nest success increased in nest density the following year. Prior research in this system has demonstrated that areas of high nest density have higher nest success, and taken together, our results suggest that ducks may adaptively select nest sites based on the local density of conspecifics, rather than the physical location of last year's nest. In unpredictable environments, current cues, such as the presence of active conspecific nests, may be especially useful in selecting nest sites. The cues birds use to select breeding locations and successfully avoid predators deserve continued attention, especially in systems of conservation concern.
Family‐based social determinants and child health: Cross‐sectional study
Authors: Protano Carmela , Valeriani Federica , Macedonio Alessandro , Cammarota Flavia , Romano Spica Vincenzo , Orsi Giovanni Battista , Vitali Matteo
Published: July 2016

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between urbanization of residential area, parent education level, employment status, overweight/obesity, physical activity, and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), in a sample of healthy Italian school‐age children (5–11 years).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted on 432 children resident, respectively, in a highly urban and in a rural area (Latium Region) in 2014. Information on children and families were obtained via questionnaire.

Results

One‐third of children were overweight or obese, 15% did not participate in any sport outside school, and more than one‐third were exposed to ETS in the domestic environment. Living in a rural area (adjusted OR, 2.55; 95%CI: 1.18–5.52) and lower maternal education (adjusted OR, 2.32; 95%CI: 1.03–5.27) were significant predictors of overweight/obese status. Moreover, lower maternal education level (adjusted OR, 2.74; 95%CI: 1.40–5.33) and paternal education level (adjusted OR, 3.06; 95%CI: 1.54–6.07) were significant predictors of ETS exposure.

Conclusions

It is essential to investigate the reasons underlying the higher frequency of overweight/obesity in children living in rural environments compared with those in urban areas; and preventative actions should be designed to be easily understood by those with lower education levels.
A consortium of non‐rhizobial endophytic microbes from Typha angustifolia functions as probiotic in rice and improves nitrogen metabolism
Authors: Saha C. , Mukherjee G. , Agarwal‐Banka P. , Seal A.
Published: July 2016

Endophytic microbes isolated from plants growing in nutrient‐deficient environments often possess properties that improve nutrition of agriculturally important plants. A consortium of non‐rhizobial endophytic microbes isolated from a macrophyte Typha angustifolia growing in the marginal wetlands associated with a Uranium mine was characterized for their beneficial effect on rice and the mechanisms of growth promotion were investigated.

The microbes were identified and characterized for their potential plant growth promoting (PGP) properties. Effect of these microbes on nitrogen (N)‐metabolism of rice was tested as Typha endophytes were predominantly (N)‐fixing. Relative N‐use efficiency and expression of genes involved in N‐uptake and assimilation were investigated in treated plants.

Evidence of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of dinitrogen reductase gene was observed within the consortium from a Pseudomonas stutzeri strain. The consortium behaved as plant probiotic and showed substantial growth benefits to Typha, their natural host as well as to rice. Typha endophytes colonized rice endosphere significantly increasing biomass, shoot length and chlorophyll content in rice plants both under N‐sufficient and N‐deficient conditions. N‐uptake and assimilation genes were upregulated in plants treated with the endophytes even after three weeks post infection.

Our results suggested, HGT of nitrogen‐fixation trait to be highly prevalent among endophytes isolated from nutrient‐poor habitats of the uranium mine. A long‐term nitrogen deficiency response in the treated plants was elicited by the consortium improving N‐uptake, assimilation and relative N‐use efficiency of rice plants. This appeared to be at least one of the main strategies of plant growth promotion.
Large‐scale functional brain connectivity during emotional engagement as revealed by beta‐series correlation analysis
Authors: Kang Daesung , Liu Yuelu , Miskovic Vladimir , Keil Andreas , Ding Mingzhou
Published: July 2016

It has been hypothesized that the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is a hub in the network that mediates appetitive responses whereas the amygdala is thought to mediate both aversive and appetitive processing. Both structures may facilitate adaptive responses to emotional challenge by linking perception, attention, memory, and motor circuits. We provide an initial exploration of these hypotheses by recording simultaneous EEG‐fMRI in eleven participants viewing affective pictures. MPFC‐ and amygdala‐seeded functional connectivity maps were generated by applying the beta‐series correlation method. The mPFC‐seeded correlation map encompassed visual regions, sensorimotor areas, prefrontal cortex, and medial temporal lobe structures, exclusively for pleasant content. For the amygdala‐seeded correlation map, a similar set of distributed brain areas appeared in the unpleasant‐neutral contrast, with the addition of structures such as the insula and thalamus. A substantially sparser network was recruited for the pleasant‐neutral contrast. Using the late positive potential (LPP) to index the intensity of emotional engagement, functional connectivity was found to be stronger in trials with larger LPP. These results demonstrate that mPFC‐mediated functional interactions are engaged specifically during appetitive processing, whereas the amygdala is coupled to distinct sets of brain regions during both aversive and appetitive processing. The strength of these interactions varies as a function of the intensity of emotional engagement.
Behavioral Public Administration: Combining Insights from Public Administration and Psychology
Authors: Grimmelikhuijsen Stephan , Jilke Sebastian , Olsen Asmus Leth , Tummers Lars
Published: July 2016

Behavioral public administration is the analysis of public administration from the micro‐level perspective of individual behavior and attitudes by drawing on insights from psychology on the behavior of individuals and groups. The authors discuss how scholars in public administration currently draw on theories and methods from psychology and related fields and point to research in public administration that could benefit from further integration. An analysis of public administration topics through a psychological lens can be useful to confirm, add nuance to, or extend classical public administration theories. As such, behavioral public administration complements traditional public administration. Furthermore, it could be a two‐way street for psychologists who want to test the external validity of their theories in a political‐administrative setting. Finally, four principles are proposed to narrow the gap between public administration and psychology.
Exogenous paraoxonase‐1 during oocyte maturation improves bovine embryo development in vitro
Authors: Rincón JAA , Madeira EM , Campos FT , Mion B , Silva JF , Absalón‐Medina VA , Butler WR , Corrêa MN , Pegoraro LMC , Schneider A
Published: July 2016

Contents

Paraoxonase‐1 (PON1) is an enzyme found in serum and follicular fluid that protects cell membrane and circulating lipids against oxidative damage. The aims of this study were to measure the direct effects of recombinant PON1 (rPON1) on bovine oocyte maturation at the molecular level (gene expression) and to measure the carry‐over effects of PON1 on pre‐implantation embryo development in vitro. COCs were submitted to IVM with the addition of 0.0, 0.02, 0.04 and 0.08 mg ml−1 of rPON1, corresponding to an average PON1 arylesterase enzyme activity of 2.2 ± 0.4, 15.5 ± 1.5, 30.2 ± 3.0 and 57.9 ± 5.0 U ml−1, respectively. The results indicated that addition of rPON1 during IVM improved embryo development in a dose‐dependent manner as D7 embryo development was 22.2%, 29.4%, 32.2% and 37.0% for the treatment groups, respectively (p = 0.02). In conclusion, addition of PON1 enzyme during IVM exerted dose‐related positive effects on embryo development rates to blastocysts.
A Welfare State for Whom? A Group‐based Account of the Austrian Freedom Party's Social Policy Profile
Authors: Ennser‐Jedenastik Laurenz
Published: July 2016

What explains the social policy profile of populist radical right parties (PRRPs)? Building on the argument made by Mudde (2007) that socio‐economic policies are secondary elements within the populist radical right ideology, this paper conjectures that the primary elements of that ideology (nativism, authoritarianism, and populism) structure the PRRP's attitudes in the social policy domain. Based on a discussion of the PRRP's core ideology a number of expectations are derived as to which groups should be viewed as deserving or undeserving of support. These expectations are examined through an analysis of the social policies put forward in the election manifestos of the Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ) between 1983 and 2013. The analysis confirms most of the expectations and highlights an important shift in the FPÖ's social policy agenda, from welfare populist arguments and some retrenchment proposals under Jörg Haider to strong welfare chauvinism after the leadership change in 2005.
Long‐term effects of organic manure and manufactured fertilizer additions on soil quality and sustainable productivity of finger millet under a finger millet–groundnut cropping system in southern India
Authors: Sathish A. , Ramachandrappa B. K. , Shankar M. A. , Srikanth Babu P. N. , Srinivasarao CH. , Sharma K. L.
Published: July 2016

In a 20‐yr‐old long‐term experiment, the impact of continuous application of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers on soil quality and the sustainability of finger millet production was conducted on two cropping systems: finger millet and finger millet–groundnut on an Alfisol of semi‐arid southern India. The study was conducted from 1992 to 2011 at the All India Coordinated Research Project for Dryland Agriculture, UAS, Bangalore, using a randomized block design. The treatments comprised of T1: control [no fertilizer and no farmyard manure (FYM) applied], T2: FYM 10 t/ha, T3: FYM 10 t/ha + 50% of recommended NPK (50:50:25 kg/ha), T4: FYM 10 t/ha + 100% of recommended NPK and T5: 100% recommended NPK. Comparison of long‐term yield data between treatments was used to calculate a ‘sustainability yield index’ (SYI), which was greatest for T4 (FYM 10 t/ha + 100% of recommended NPK), in both rotational (0.68) and monocropping (0.63) situations. Soil quality indices were determined using principal component analysis linear scoring functions. The key indicators which contributed to the soil quality index (SQI) under rotation were organic C; potentially available N; extractable P, K and S; exchangeable Ca and Mg; dehydrogenase activity and microbial biomass C and N. The largest SQI (7.29) was observed in T4 (FYM 10 t/ha + 100% NPK), and the smallest (3.70) SQI was for the control. Application of 10 t/ha FYM together with NPK (50:50:25 kg/ha) sustained a mean yield of 3884 kg/ha.
Hepatitis E viral loads in plasma pools for fractionation
Authors: Baylis Sally A. , Corman Victor M. , Ong Edgar , Linnen Jeffrey M. , Nübling C. Micha , Blümel Johannes
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

It is now recognized that blood donors may be silently infected with hepatitis E virus (HEV) and that plasma pools used in the manufacture of plasma‐derived medicinal products may also contain detectable virus RNA. The occurrence of HEV‐infected blood and plasma donors can vary considerably depending on local epidemiology.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Manufacturing plasma pools from North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia were examined for the presence of HEV using transcription‐mediated amplification of HEV RNA; confirmatory testing was performed using real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and sequencing.

RESULTS

A total of 484 pools were tested. Asian pools were most frequently positive for HEV RNA and had higher viral loads, although none exceeding 300 IU/mL, and the sequenced strains (n = 5) clustered with Genotype 4, including one significantly divergent sequence. Only HEV Genotype 3 was identified in North American (n = 5) and European (n = 5) pools. There was no evidence of HEV in any pools tested from the Middle East.

CONCLUSIONS

HEV was detected in manufacturing plasma pools from three different continents; viral loads were low—consistent with large pool sizes and moderate levels of HEV viremia at the individual donation level—but are nevertheless informative for risk assessment of plasma‐derived medicinal products. Where sequencing was possible, analysis confirmed the presence of viruses consistent with locally circulating genotypes in the respective regions. The absence of HEV in Middle Eastern pools is consistent with the low prevalence of HEV in this region, likely due to low pork consumption.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—USE OF RADIOGRAPHY, COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY, AND ENDOSCOPY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF ESOPHAGEAL PERFORATION BY AN EXTRA‐LUMINAL TRACHEAL RING PROSTHESIS IN A GOLDEN RETRIEVER
Authors: Paradise Hayley , Mathews Kyle G. , Cohen Eli B.
Published: July 2016

A 6‐year‐old neutered male, Golden retriever presented with regurgitation and excitement‐induced coughing. Two years prior, extra‐thoracic tracheal collapse was diagnosed and extra‐luminal tracheal ring prostheses were placed. Radiographs at presentation showed mineralized and undulant cervical tracheal cartilages. A dorsally broad‐based soft tissue opacity bulged into the caudal cervical tracheal lumen. Esophageal dysmotility and barium accumulation were identified at this level on contrast esophography. Computed tomography showed migration of a prosthetic tracheal ring, resulting in perforation of the esophagus. Hair, foreign material, and dynamic tracheal narrowing were identified on esophagoscopy and tracheoscopy, respectively. Esophagostomy and foreign body removal were performed.
Different Rule-based Control Schemes for a Series Hydraulic Hybrid Vehicle
Authors: Vu Tri-Vien
Published: July 2016

In a hybrid hydraulic vehicle, the hydraulic accumulator is used as the secondary power source in addition to the engine to propel the vehicle. Since the accumulator is a passive power source, it will be only used to compensate the difference between the power demand and the power delivery by the engine. Obviously, the main energy consumption is the engine. Hence a straightforward strategy to improve the fuel economy is to reduce the engine operating period. In contrast, because of the low energy density characteristic, the accumulator can only afford the required power in a short period. As a consequence, the hydraulic hybrid vehicle has been concluded only suitable for start-stop-and-go driving pattern. This paper present different rule-based control schemes for a 3.5- ton series hydraulic hybrid truck. The simulation results indicate that by applying suitable control scheme, the proposed series hydraulic hybrid system offers improvements of fuel economy for both urban and highway driving condition. The improvement is of 42.67% and 36.56% for urban and highway driving conditions, respectively in comparison with the corresponding conventional vehicle.
OPN‐a induces muscle inflammation by increasing recruitment and activation of pro‐inflammatory macrophages
Authors: Many Gina M. , Yokosaki Yasuyuki , Uaesoontrachoon Kitipong , Nghiem Peter P. , Bello Luca , Dadgar Sherry , Yin Ying , Damsker Jesse M. , Cohen Heather B. , Kornegay Joe N. , Bamman Marcas M. , Mosser David M. , Nagaraju Kanneboyina , Hoffman Eric P.
Published: July 2016

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

What is the functional relevance of OPN isoform expression in muscle pathology?

What is the main finding and its importance?

The full‐length human OPN‐a isoform is the most pro‐inflammatory isoform in the muscle microenvironment, acting on macrophages and myoblasts in an RGD‐integrin‐dependent manner. OPN‐a upregulates expression of tenascin‐C (TNC), a known Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) agonist. Blocking TLR4 signalling inhibits the pro‐inflammatory effects of OPN‐a, suggesting that a potential mechanism of OPN action is by promoting TNC–TLR4 signalling.

Although osteopontin (OPN) is an important mediator of muscle remodelling in health and disease, functional differences in human spliced OPN variants in the muscle microenvironment have not been characterized. We thus sought to define the pro‐inflammatory activities of human OPN isoforms (OPN‐a, OPN‐b and OPN‐c) on cells present in regenerating muscle. OPN transcripts were quantified in normal and dystrophic human and dog muscle. Human macrophages and myoblasts were stimulated with recombinant human OPN protein isoforms, and cytokine mRNA and protein induction was assayed. OPN isoforms were greatly increased in dystrophic human (OPN‐a > OPN‐b > OPN‐c) and dog muscle (OPN‐a = OPN‐c). In healthy human muscle, mechanical loading also upregulated OPN‐a expression (eightfold; P < 0.01), but did not significantly upregulate OPN‐c expression (twofold; P > 0.05). In vitro, OPN‐a displayed the most pronounced pro‐inflammatory activity among isoforms, acting on both macrophages and myoblasts. In vitro and in vivo data revealed that OPN‐a upregulated tenascin‐C (TNC), a known Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) agonist. Inhibition of TLR4 signalling attenuated OPN‐mediated macrophage cytokine production. In summary, OPN‐a is the most abundant and functionally active human spliced isoform in the skeletal muscle microenvironment. Here, OPN‐a promotes pro‐inflammatory signalling in both macrophages and myoblasts, possibly through induction of TNC–TLR4 signalling. Together, our findings suggest that specific targeting of OPN‐a and/or TNC signalling in the damaged muscle microenvironment may be of therapeutic relevance.
Experimental Study of Fluid Phase Equilibrium Along Thermodynamically Optimized Interface of a Stored Liquid Container
Authors: Rakshit Dibakar , Narayanaswamy Ramesh , Thiagarajan K. P.
Published: July 2016

This experimental study presents the thermal optimization of a storage container partially filled with liquid (water) with an ullage region above the liquid composed of water vapor and air. The basic purpose of this thermal optimization was to qualitatively explore the design conditions that minimize the heat leaks from the storage tank to the external environment at a lower temperature than the liquid in the storage container. Two symbiotic physical parameters—interfacial mass transfer and the entropy generated by the system—influence the thermal performance of the storage container. These two symbiotic physical parameters were simultaneously considered when optimizing the system. The mass transfer estimation involved the determination of (i) the liquid–vapor interfacial temperature, (ii) the fractional concentration of the evaporating liquid present in the gaseous state, and (iii) the surface area of the liquid–vapor interface. The entropy of the system was estimated separately by considering the entropy of the diabatic saturated liquid and the ullage vapor. A synergistic objective function was subsequently composed based on the penalty involved in deviation from the individual optima, thus determining a holistic optimum. The results show that stored liquids exhibit better second-law efficiency in open containers than in containers that are closed by a lid. The primary factor that influences this optimum is the lid condensation that occurs in closed containers at the 50% filling level.
A Study of Shellside Condensation of a Hydrocarbon in the Presence of Noncondensable Gas on Twisted Elliptical Tubes
Authors: Gu H. F. , Chen Q. , Wang H. J. , Zhang Z.
Published: July 2016

Experimental data were collected for one smooth round tube bundle and three twisted elliptical tube bundles using a kerosene mixture as a condensing vapor and air as a noncondensable gas. Experimental results showed that heat transfer for the twisted tubes was enhanced by a factor of 1.5–3 as compared to the plain tubes, depending on the specific tube geometry and process conditions. Heat transfer enhancement was found to increase with decreasing twist pitch, increasing tube ellipticity, and increasing mass flow rate. The presence of noncondensable gas was observed to significantly decrease condensation heat transfer performance due to the increase in mass diffusion resistance and lowering of the vapor condensation temperature at the vapor–liquid interface. Using the heat and mass transfer analogy method, a correlation for the condensation heat transfer coefficient of the mixture has been developed from the experimental data. Comparisons show that the predicative accuracy of the new correlation is within ±25% for the majority of experimental data.
Periodicity and Stability in Transverse Motion of a Nonlinear Rotor-Bearing System Using Generalized Harmonic Balance Method
Authors: Liu Zhiwei , Wang Yuefang
Published: July 2016

Many rotor assemblies of industrial turbomachines are supported by oil-lubricated bearings. It is well known that the operation safety of these machines is highly dependent on rotors whose stability is closely related to the whirling motion of lubricant oil. In this paper, the problem of transverse motion of rotor systems considering bearing nonlinearity is revisited. A symmetric, rigid Jeffcott rotor is modeled considering unbalanced mass and short bearing forces. A semi-analytical, seminumerical approach is presented based on the generalized harmonic balance method (GHBM) and the Newton–Raphson iteration scheme. The external load of the system is decomposed into a Fourier series with multiple harmonic loads. The amplitude and phase with respect to each harmonic load are solved iteratively. The stability of the motion response is analyzed through identification of eigenvalues at the fixed point mapped from the linearized system using harmonic amplitudes. The solutions of the present approach are compared to those from time-domain numerical integrations using the Runge–Kutta method, and they are found to be in good agreement for stable periodic motions. It is revealed through bifurcation analysis that evolution of the motion in the nonlinear rotor-bearing system is complicated. The Hopf bifurcation (HB) of synchronous vibration initiates oil whirl with varying mass eccentricity. The onset of oil whip is identified when the saddle-node bifurcation of subsynchronous vibration takes place at the critical value of parameter.
Finite Element Analysis of the Effects of Thermally Grown Oxide Thickness and Interface Asperity on the Cracking Behavior Between the Thermally Grown Oxide and the Bond Coat
Authors: Jiang Jishen , Xu Bingqian , Wang Weizhe , Adjei Richard Amankwa , Zhao Xiaofeng , Liu Yingzheng
Published: July 2016

Finite element simulations based on an interface cohesive zone model (CZM) have been developed to mimic the interfacial cracking behavior between the α−Al2O3 thermally grown oxide (TGO) and the aluminum-rich Pt–Al metallic bond coat (BC) during cooling from high temperature to ambient temperature. A two-dimensional half-periodic sinusoidal geometry corresponding to interface undulation is modeled. The effects of TGO thickness and interface asperity on the stress distribution and the cracking behavior are examined by parametric studies. The simulation results show that cracking behavior due to residual stress and interface asperity during cooling process leads to stress redistribution around the rough interface. The TGO thickness has strong influence on the maximum tensile stress of TGO and the interfacial crack development. For the sinusoidal asperities, there exists a critical amplitude above which the interfacial cracking is energetically favored. For any specific TGO thickness, crack initiation is dominated by the amplitude while crack propagation is restricted to the combine actions of the wavelength and the amplitude of the sinusoidal asperity.
Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis of an Icosahedron Frame which Exhibits Chaotic Behavior
Authors: Just Lucas W. , DeLuca Anthony M. , Palazotto Anthony N.
Published: July 2016

The research question addressed is whether a lighter than air vehicle (LTAV), which uses an internal vacuum to become positively buoyant, can be designed to provide extended loiter for U.S. Air Force applications. To achieve a vacuum, internal gases are evacuated from the vessel, which creates a dynamic response in the supporting structural frame. This paper considers the frame of an icosahedron shaped LTAV subject to external atmospheric pressure evacuated at varying rates. A static finite element analysis documented in previous research revealed a snapback phenomenon in the frame members under certain loading conditions. A nonlinear chaotic response was observed when a dynamic analysis was conducted with the same boundary conditions used in the static analysis. The chaotic response for a variety of boundary conditions, generated by varying the rate of evacuation, similar to a ramp input, is determined. An analysis of the dynamic response is determined nonlinearly using a method that relies on a reference point distribution of external pressures to distribute the surface force across the frame. A novel method of combining the power spectral density with a Lyapunov exponent was used to determine the degree of nonlinearity and chaotic response for each boundary condition examined.
Approaches for Reduced-Order Modeling of Electrically Actuated von-Karman Microplates
Authors: Saghir Shahid , Younis M.I.
Published: July 2016

This article presents and compares different approaches to develop reduced-order models for the nonlinear von-Karman rectangular microplates actuated by nonlinear electrostatic forces. The reduced-order models aim to investigate the static and dynamic behavior of the plate under small and large actuation forces. A fully clamped microplate is considered. Different types of basis functions are used in conjunction with the Galerkin method to discretize the governing equations. First, we investigate the convergence with the number of modes retained in the model. Then for validation purpose, a comparison of the static results is made with the results calculated by a nonlinear finite element model. The linear eigenvalue problem for the plate under the electrostatic force is solved for a wide range of voltages up to pull-in. Results among the various reduced-order modes are compared and are also validated by comparing to results of the finite-element model. Further, the reduced-order models are employed to capture the forced dynamic response of the microplate under small and large vibration amplitudes. Comparison of the different approaches is made for this case.
Identification of a Subsystem Located in The Complex Dynamical Systems Subjected to Random Loads
Authors: Jamroziak Krzysztof , Bocian Miroslaw , Kulisiewicz Maciej
Published: July 2016

The paper presents a new way to determine some dynamical properties of materials modeled by the so-called degenerate system. The system is an element (subsystem) of any complex multidegree-of-freedom system. This subsystem follows from assumption of standard rheological model of stress–strain law of the materials. It is assumed that on the complex system act a set of random excitation forces. For this coincidence, a so-called energy balance equation was developed and was used to create a suitable identification method. The equations were derived for any differentiable function of elasticity. The stationary random process of the system response was assumed in the whole algorithm. As it was proved, in this case, instead of calculating appropriate fields of the hysteresis loop of suitable signals, an application of average values of the input and output signals and their proper combinations can be used. It is assumed that the elastic damping interaction force in the complex dynamical subsystem is described by the function F(x,x˙), in which x is a deformation of the identified degenerated element and denotes a relative displacement between some appropriate neighboring masses of the system. Some numerical examples of the application are shown.
Rapid Consolidation and Curing of Vacuum-Infused Thermoset Composite Parts
Authors: Garofalo James , Walczyk Daniel , Kuppers Jaron
Published: July 2016

The capabilities of specialized elastomeric tooling (SET), a low-cost and low-energy autoclave alternative for consolidating and curing thermoset and thermoplastic composite parts made of “prepreg” material, are expanded to allow vacuum infusion of dry fiber preforms through a simple demonstration project. In this case, SET was designed to allow vacuum infusion of a flat five-ply, woven carbon fiber preform with epoxy resin, consolidate under uniform pressure in a press, and thermally cure while still under load. As expected, parts made using this process were thinner, showed slight increases in stiffness and strength, and had less surface voids as consolidation pressure was increased. Curing temperature/time has no significant effect on part quality. This expanded SET process was further characterized through a full-factorial set of experiments with replicates and quality metrics measured, such as stiffness, strength, surface roughness, and composite volume fractions. Future work will include the design and fabrication of tooling for a realistic part shape.
Development of Stress Intensity Factors for Cracks With Large Aspect Ratios in Pipes and Plates
Authors: Li Yinsheng , Hasegawa Kunio , Udagawa Makoto
Published: July 2016

The stress intensity factors (SIFs) for pipes containing semi-elliptical surface cracks with large aspect ratios were calculated by finite-element analysis (FEA). The cracks were circumferential and axial surface cracks inside the pipes. The parameters of the SIFs are crack aspect ratio, crack depth, and the ratio of pipe radius to wall thickness. In comparing SIFs for plates and pipes, it can be clarified that SIFs for both plates and thin pipes with t/Ri ≤ 1/10 are almost the same, and the SIFs for plates can be used as a substitute for pipes with t/Ri ≤ 1/10, where t is the pipe wall thickness, and Ri is the inner radius of the pipe. This means that it is not necessary to provide SIF solutions for pipes with t/Ri ≤ 1/10, and it is suggested that the number of tables for influence coefficient values for pipes can be significantly reduced.