bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The study of sewing damage and defects in garments
Authors: Choudhary Awadhesh Kumar , Sikka Monica Puri , Bansal Payal
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this review paper is to define the dominating factors (such as fiber, yarn, fabric structure, sewing thread, sewing needle and machine parameters) that affect the seam damages and causing defects. It also describes the various explanations of sewing defects in garment production and critically analyzes them for optimum selection of parameters and speeds for minimizing such faults. Hence, the knowledge of various factors which affect the sewing damages/defects will be helpful for garment manufacturers/researchers to know influence of the parameters and control the quality of producing seam.

Design/methodology/approach

This section is not applicable for a review paper.

Findings

Sewing damages such as needle cut and other sewing damages/defects are studied mostly in woven fabric. There are very few studies conducted on knitted fabric sewing damages/defects. The sewing damage problems do not have single solution that is capable of removing these damages in fabric. All the determined and affecting parameters related to fiber, yarn, fabric construction, sewing thread and sewing machine must be examined to design appropriate remedial measurement related to machine design, fabric parameters and sewing thread. This could help in minimizing or eliminating the needle cut and other sewing damage problems.

Originality/value

It is an original review work and is helpful for garment manufacturers/researchers to reduce the defects and be able to produce good quality seam.
Retracted: Blockade of ONECUT2 expression in ovarian cancer inhibited tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis
Authors: Lu Tongyi , Wu Binhua , Yu Yunfei , Zhu Wenhui , Zhang Simin , Zhang Yinmei , Guo Jiaying , Deng Ning
Published: May 2018

One cut homeobox 2 (ONECUT2 or OC‐2) is a newly discovered transcription factor. Aberrant expression of OC‐2 is closely related to cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. In this study, we found that OC‐2 expression was upregulated in ovarian adenocarcinoma cells, by Western blot analysis. The results of immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of OC‐2 was also increased in malignant ovarian cancer tissue. In order to explore the role of OC‐2 in the development of ovarian cancer, siRNAs that specifically targets OC‐2 were designed. The siRNA targeting OC‐2 could effectively inhibit the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) expression, but silence and overexpression of VEGFA did not affect OC‐2 expression. In addition, OC2‐siRNA could block the proliferation, migration, and invasion, and inhibit epithelial–mesenchymal transition and the AKT/ERK signaling pathway, of human ovarian cancer cells in vitro. In a mouse model of ovarian cancer xenograft tumors, OC2‐siRNA could significantly inhibit tumor cell growth and the tumor inhibition rate reached approximately 73%. The results of immunohistochemistry showed that the densities of microvessels stained with CD31, the expression of OC‐2 and VEGFA were significantly decreased in tumors. These data indicated that OC‐2 was an upstream regulator of VEGFA and silencing OC‐2 could inhibit ovarian cancer angiogenesis and tumor growth.
Potential of electric bicycles to improve the health of people with Type 2 diabetes: a feasibility study
Authors: Cooper A. R. , Tibbitts B. , England C. , Procter D. , Searle A. , Sebire S. J. , Ranger E. , Page A. S.
Published: May 2018

Aim

To explore in a feasibility study whether ‘e‐cycling’ was acceptable to, and could potentially improve the health of, people with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Twenty people with Type 2 diabetes were recruited and provided with an electric bicycle for 20 weeks. Participants completed a submaximal fitness test at baseline and follow‐up to measure predicted maximal aerobic power, and semi‐structured interviews were conducted to assess the acceptability of using an electric bicycle. Participants wore a heart rate monitor and a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver in the first week of electric bicycle use to measure their heart‐rate during e‐cycling.

Results

Eighteen participants completed the study, cycling a median (interquartile range) of 21.4 (5.5–37.7) km per week. Predicted maximal aerobic power increased by 10.9%. Heart rate during electric bicycle journeys was 74.7% of maximum, compared with 64.3% of maximum when walking. Participants used the electric bicycles for commuting, shopping and recreation, and expressed how the electric bicycle helped them to overcome barriers to active travel/cycling, such as hills. Fourteen participants purchased an electric bicycle on study completion.

Conclusions

There was evidence that e‐cycling was acceptable, could increase fitness and elicited a heart rate that may lead to improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors in this population. Electric bicycles have potential as a health‐improving intervention in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Executive function as a risk factor for incisor trauma
Authors: Nyquist Jillian M. , Phillips Ceib , Stein Margot , Koroluk Lorne D.
Published: May 2018

Background/Aim

Executive function is the ability to guide behavior to achieve goals or complete tasks. This study explored the relationship between executive function, as assessed by the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function Parent Form Questionnaire (BRIEF®) and incisor trauma.

Material and Methods

This study included children in the mixed dentition with recent incisor trauma (n = 28) and a control group (n = 30) without recent incisor trauma. Subjects' parents completed the BRIEF®, while a clinical examination assessed subjects' occlusal relationships. Parents also completed a custom questionnaire that investigated their child's medical history and daily activities. Fisher exact and unpaired t tests compared BRIEF® scores, occlusal characteristics, medical history, and reported daily activities of the 2 groups.

Results

The trauma group had a greater percentage of participants with a Class II dental relationship (P = .01). There was no significant difference between groups with respect to mean BRIEF® t‐scores within the Global Executive Composite. There was a statistically significant difference between groups with respect to the percentage of subjects with clinically significant (≥65) BRIEF® t‐scores within the Inhibit (P = .05) and Emotional Control (P = .02) subscales and Behavioral Regulation Index (P = .02). There were no statistically significant differences between groups with respect to age, gender, overbite, overjet, medical history, body mass index, or daily activities.

Conclusions

Children in the mixed dentition with a Class II dental relationship are at greater risk for incisor injury, as well as those involved in outdoor activities. Specific executive dysfunctions such as impulsivity and poor emotional control may increase the risk for incisor trauma.
Revising ‘Bloody foreigners!’
Authors: Grossman Richard S.
Published: May 2018

Leslie Hannah argues, among other things, that the series on par value of UK‐listed equities that I presented in an article published in the Economic History Review in 2015 is deeply flawed. Although I would quibble with some of Hannah's points, his main conclusion is correct: many of the series in ‘Bloody foreigners!’ are, in fact, flawed and require substantial revision. In this note, I explain the source of the errors and the steps I have taken to correct them in the preparation of subsequent work.
Making short‐term study abroad count—Effects on German language skills
Authors: Schenker Theresa
Published: May 2018

This study investigated the effects of an intensive summer program on students’ writing, reading, listening, vocabulary, and grammar skills. The program consisted of 4 weeks at the U.S. home institution and 4 weeks in Berlin, Germany, and offered the equivalent of two college‐level, second‐year German classes in one summer. During the last three summers, students’ language skills were assessed before and after each summer program using the DIALANG assessment tool. Data were also collected from students participating in the regular‐semester classes, and the outcomes of students in fourth‐semester German were compared to those of students in the summer program. Data revealed that the summer students made statistically significant improvements in all language areas from before to after the program. They outperformed the students who completed the regular courses at home in the areas of vocabulary and listening but achieved lower levels in reading. The results suggest that intensive summer programs that combine at‐home courses and a short‐term stay abroad have positive effects on students’ second language skills and can provide a viable option for students who are unable to spend longer periods in the target country.
Using urban geology: a field guide to Morpeth Railway Station, northern England
Authors: Donovan Stephen K.
Published: May 2018

A railway station might not seem an obvious subject as a geological locality. Yet with ease of access (just catch a train), the geology of the building stones of a railway station offers certain advantages in the age of inaccessible quarries, and tiresome health and safety paperwork. Hammers can be left at home, and eyes, hand lenses, cameras and compass‐clinometers may all be applied for non‐destructive investigation.
Marked accumulation of fluorodeoxyglucose and inflammatory cells expressing glucose transporter‐3 in immunoglobulin G4‐related autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Araki Toshihiro , Arinaga‐Hino Teruko , Koga Hironori , Akiba Jun , Ide Tatsuya , Okabe Yoshinobu , Kuwahara Reiichiro , Amano Keisuke , Yasumoto Makiko , Kawaguchi Toshihiro , Sano Tomoya , Kondou Reiichiro , Kurata Seiji , Mitsuyama Keiichi , Torimura Takuji
Published: May 2018

Immunoglobulin (Ig)G4‐related autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a recently proposed subtype that responds well to steroid treatment; however, its pathogenesis remains unclear. We report here a 65‐year‐old Japanese woman with skin itching and lip swelling. She had liver injury with jaundice, which persisted despite stopping anti‐allergic agents. Blood chemistry revealed highly elevated serum IgG and IgG4 (535 mg/dL) levels, and positive anti‐nuclear antibody. The diagnosis of AIH was based on liver biopsy. Notably, the IgG4+/IgG+ cell ratio was 85%. On fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography, robust signal intensity was found in the liver, and in enlarged lymph nodes and salivary glands with confirmed IgG4+ cell infiltration. Immunofluorescence analysis of the liver biopsy specimen indicated clear expression of glucose transporter‐3 (Glut‐3) in IgG4+ inflammatory cells infiltrating into the portal area. This is the first report of simultaneous strong accumulation of FDG and Glut‐3 expression in IgG4‐related AIH, which might aid in elucidating the pathogenesis of this disease.
New records of angular rough sharks Oxynotus centrina in the coastal waters of Malta, with observations on post‐capture resilience and release behaviour
Authors: Koehler L.
Published: May 2018

One male and one female angular rough sharks Oxynotus centrina were caught south‐east of Malta between May and June at a depth of 60–100 m < 5 km from shore. The immature female (total length, LT 565 mm) was landed dead but the male (535 mm LT) was found alive. This communication presents important biological observations on post‐capture recovery and release behaviour of this species.
Optimal Dynamic Capital Requirements
Authors: MENDICINO CATERINA , NIKOLOV KALIN , SUAREZ JAVIER , SUPERA DOMINIK
Published: May 2018

We characterize welfare maximizing capital requirement policies in a quantitative macrobanking model with household, firm, and bank defaults calibrated to Euro Area data. We optimize on the level of the capital requirements applied to each loan class and their sensitivity to changes in default risk. We find that getting the level right (so that bank failure risk remains contained) is of foremost importance, while the optimal sensitivity to default risk is positive but typically smaller than under Basel internal ratings based (IRB) formulas. Starting from low levels, savers and borrowers benefit from higher capital requirements. At higher levels, only savers prefer tighter requirements.
Gender Equality and Restless Sleep Among Partnered Europeans
Authors: Maume David J. , Hewitt Belinda , Ruppanner Leah
Published: May 2018

Sleep is situated in the work–family nexus and can be shaped by national norms promoting gender equality. The authors tested this proposition using individual data from the European Social Survey matched to a country‐level measure of gender equality. In individual‐level models, women's sleep was more troubled by the presence of children in the home and partners' unemployment, whereas men's restless sleep was associated with their own unemployment and worries about household finances. In country‐level models, the authors find that in nations that empower women and elevate their status, men and women alike report sounder sleep, and the gender gap in restless sleep is significantly reduced among those living in gender‐equal countries. This study adds to the understanding of gender differences in sleep quality and provides new evidence on the importance of the national context in shaping the pattern of gender inequality in the domestic sphere.
Use of cancellous bone grafting to promote granulation tissue in a distal limb wound in a dog
Authors: Barnes K. , Lanz O. , Barry S. , Aulakh K.
Published: May 2018

A 5‐year‐old female spayed Shetland sheepdog presented for evaluation of bandage sores on the left pelvic limb after a splint was placed to stabilise a digit fracture incurred approximately 2 weeks previously. Multiple areas of necrosis were identified upon bandage removal. After debridement of devitalised tissue, a 4 cm wound on the plantar surface of the metatarsal bones (with exposed bone and tendons) remained. The Papineau technique (which involves removal of infected or necrotic tissue, placement of autogenous cancellous bone graft within a wound, and delayed skin closure) was used to treat this wound. Use of bone graft in this manner aims to promote early granulation tissue formation and reduce the time until wound reconstruction can be performed. Autogenous cancellous bone graft was harvested from the proximal humerus and placed within the metatarsal wound. Once a healthy granulation tissue bed was noted to cover the bone graft, a meshed full thickness skin graft was placed. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the Papineau technique being used for this purpose in a dog.
Supply Chain and Marketing Integration: Tension in Frontline Social Networks
Authors: Stolze Hannah J. , Mollenkopf Diane A. , Thornton LaDonna , Brusco Michael J. , Flint Daniel J.
Published: May 2018

Supply chain integration, social network research, and network theories have proliferated over the last 10 years in supply chain research. Network theories provide a broad base for understanding how firms, functions, and teams work together but at the foundation of all networks are individuals and their connections (ties). This research elaborates on supply chain integration through the lens of network theory, focusing on frontline individuals’ decision‐making and behaviors as the foundation for understanding cross‐functional integration and firm‐level outcomes. Two studies, utilizing social network and inductive qualitative methods drawing on grounded theory and ethnography, show that the execution of marketing and supply chain strategies is dependent on the empowerment and integration of a manufacturer's frontline employees in retail supply chains. Empowerment is found to be the result of a network of multiple relationships. Tension mounts when frontline employees are disconnected from cross‐functional management sources in their organization and instead turn to each other to solve problems that arise in their retail channels. The results highlight the importance of relational embeddedness and empowerment in affecting internal supply chain integration.
Responding to food, environment and health challenges by changing meat consumption behaviours in consumers
Authors: Stubbs R. J. , Scott S. E. , Duarte C.
Published: May 2018

Current meat consumption levels impact environment and health, highlighting a need to reduce meat consumption and increase that of plant‐based alternative proteins. There appears to be a lack of awareness amongst consumers as to how meat consumption affects health and climate change, which is likely to undermine intention to change. Of those who intend to change, many do not translate that intention to reduce meat consumption into behaviour change. Consumers appear open to the notion of reducing meat consumption but lack the knowledge, motivation or capability to make such changes. For many, meat eating is a traditional social practice, re‐enforced by economics, ecological, technological and institutional factors, including media and marketing. Many food choices are not logical reasoned actions but subconscious, automatic, rapid decisions, relying on heuristic processing and heavily influenced by contextual cues. Promising targets for changing individual consumption patterns could focus on closing the awareness‐intention and intention‐behaviour gaps. Modifying contextual determinants of food choice, highlighting personally relevant internal motivators related to individual requirements, and aligning such messages with positive re‐enforcement about animal welfare and environment would close the awareness‐intention gap. A framework of reference for a healthy, sustainable diet, improvements in the range, sensory attributes, convenience and ease of use of meat substitutes, reduction in the meat portion components of ready meals (by substitution with other foods), reformulation of processed products to include a greater proportion of non‐meat proteins, economic incentives and emphasis on the benefits to environment and animal welfare could reduce the intention‐behaviour gap. Better alignment of environmental and health messages would concentrate public health messages and effort to create a market environment that facilitates sustainable food choices to produce moderate population level wide‐scale changes in plant protein consumption, with significant impact on health and environmental outcomes.
Are doctors nutritionists? What is the role of doctors in providing nutrition advice?
Authors: Adamski M. , Gibson S. , Leech M. , Truby H.
Published: May 2018

Diet and nutritional status impact on health outcomes. The global rise of diet‐related non‐communicable diseases plus the double burden of obesity and malnutrition means that it is imperative more than ever that all healthcare professionals are able to provide at least basic evidence‐based nutrition advice. Improving an individual's diet requires more than just information provision, it requires consistent and long‐term support to change and maintain new behaviours. Doctors acknowledge that nutrition plays a crucial role in health and agree that providing nutrition advice is part of their role. However, providing sufficiently detailed nutrition advice that is relevant to a patient's health goals, useful for the patient, and that results in measurable changes, is not common in practice settings. Numerous challenges and barriers have been identified for why doctors do not provide nutrition recommendations to their patients. A lack of nutrition education and training, time constraints during appointments, and patients who have access to an ever‐growing body of nutrition and health information via the Internet and social media, together may explain why doctors tend not to include nutrition advice in their care plans. This paper outlines both short‐ and long‐term strategies for improving doctors' engagement with nutrition interventions and collaborative working with dietitians in the context of collaborative care. Having doctors support and advocate for evidenced‐based nutrition practice is a crucial element of the World Health Organization's Decade of Action on Nutrition achieving measurable success.
Phytosterol‐based edible oleogels: A novel way of replacing saturated fat in food
Authors: Matheson A. , Dalkas G. , Clegg P. S. , Euston S. R.
Published: May 2018

This article presents a summary of recent results relating to phytosterol oleogels. Oleogels represent a novel way of replacing saturated fat in food, whilst phytosterols have been shown to actively lower low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐ cholesterol levels. There are a number of technical challenges to exploiting phytosterol oleogels, including a high sensitivity to water. To facilitate their incorporation into food, the fundamental physiochemical processes which mediate the formation of these gels and two different approaches to produce phytosterol oleogels that are stable in the presence of water were explored as part of the recent Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)–Diet and Health Research Industry Club (DRINC)–funded Edible Oleogels for Reduction of Saturated Fat project. This report summarises the findings, which will support the development of healthier food products that are lower in saturated fat and acceptable to consumers.
Exploitation of European Union Framework Programme results in food, health and wellbeing by small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises: The ‘Quantify Life – Feed Yourself’ (QuaLiFY) project
Authors: Astley S. ,   the QuaLiFY consortium
Published: May 2018

Many European Union Framework Programme‐funded projects and networks have developed tools, knowledge and data that are not being exploited to their full potential. Quantify Life – Feed Yourself (QuaLiFY) sought to capitalise on these resources by making them available to small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises delivering personalised dietary advice services to consumers directly or via healthcare. This study describes how QuaLiFY supported the development of scientifically validated, personalised dietary advice tools and services through development of a federated information and communication technology infrastructure (Quisper), based on open source coding, and tested personalised dietary advice approaches amongst target groups, including overweight young people and dietitians supporting people with type 2 diabetes.
Genetic examination of the type specimen of Ulva australis suggests that it was introduced to Australia
Authors: Hanyuda Takeaki , Kawai Hiroshi
Published: May 2018

‘Ana‐aosa’, one of the most common marine green algae in Japan, was described as Ulva pertusa Kjellman in 1897 from Hakodate in northern Japan. Ulva pertusa was considered to be a temperate species, with its native distributional range restricted to northeastern Asia. Although this species has been reported from various regions outside northeastern Asia, these records have been explained as non‐indigenous populations. Recently, on the basis of genetic data and nomenclatural priority, U. pertusa was synonymized with U. australis Areschoug, a species described in 1851 from specimens collected in South Australia. Based on genetic studies, Australian populations identified as U. pertusa had been considered to have originated from Japan. However, the published genetic data on U. australis in Australia have been based only on recent collections and no historical specimens have been examined. We tested the hypothesis that native (true) U. australis is an independent species of very similar morphology to U. pertusa, but that its natural domination of shoreline habitats has been suppressed by introduced populations of U. pertusa from Asia. In the present study, we extracted DNA from the type specimen of U. australis housed in the Swedish Museum of Natural History (S) and obtained DNA sequences of the chloroplast rbcL gene and the nuclear rDNA ITS2 region. Our results show that U. australis and U. pertusa are genetically virtually identical, confirming that U. pertusa is a synonym of U. australis. This suggests that the introduction of U. australis to Australia occurred by the middle of the 19th century, when the type was collected and before there was a direct shipping route between Japan and Australia. We speculate that the introduction of U. australis to Australia occurred as a secondary introduction from non‐indigenous populations in northeastern Asia, but not directly from Japan.
Contrasting duplication patterns reflect functional diversities of ubiquitin and ubiquitin‐like protein modifiers in plants
Authors: Hua Zhihua , Doroodian Paymon , Vu William
Published: May 2018

Ubiquitin (Ub) and Ub‐like proteins, collectively forming the ubiquiton family, regulate nearly all aspects of cellular processes via post‐translational modifications. Studies devoted to specific members suggested a large expansion of this family in plants; however, a lack of systematic analysis hinders the comparison of individual members at both evolutionary history and functional divergence levels, which may provide new insight into biological functions. In this work, we first retrieved a total of 5856 members of 17 known ubiquiton subfamilies in 50 plant genomes by searching both prior annotations and missing loci in each genome. We then applied this list to analyze the duplication history of major ubiquiton subfamilies in plants. We show that autophagy‐related protein 8 (ATG8), membrane‐anchored Ub‐fold (MUB), small Ub‐like modifier (SUMO) and Ub loci encode 88% of the plant ubiquiton family. Although whole genome duplications (WGDs) significantly expanded the family, we discovered contrasting duplication patterns both in species and in subfamilies. Within the family, the ATG8 and MUB members were primarily duplicated through WGDs, whereas a significant number of Ub and SUMO loci were generated through retroposition and tandem duplications, respectively. Although Ub coding regions are highly conserved in plants, promoter activity analysis demonstrated lineage‐specific expression patterns of polyUb genes in Oryza sativa (rice) and Arabidopsis, confirming their retroposition origin. Based on the theory of dosage balance constraints, our study suggests that ubiquiton members duplicated through WGDs play crucial roles in plants, and that the regulatory pathways involving ATG8 and MUB are more conserved than those controlled by Ub and SUMO.
Proposal of Simplified J-Integral Evaluation Method for a Through Wall Crack in SFR Pipe Made of Mod.9Cr-1Mo Steel
Authors: Wakai Takashi , Machida Hideo , Arakawa Manabu , Kikuchi Koichi
Published: May 2018

A simplified J-integral evaluation method applicable to unstable failure analysis in Leak Before Break (LBB) assessment of Sodium-cooled Fast Reactor (SFR) in Japan was proposed. Mod.9Cr-1Mo steel is supposed to be a candidate material for the coolant systems of SFR in Japan. This steel has relatively high yield strength and poor fracture toughness comparing to those of conventional austenitic stainless steels. In addition, SFR pipe has small thickness and large diameter. Furthermore, in SFR, primary stresses are insignificant and displacement controlled secondary stresses are predominant. Therefore, the load balance in such piping system changes by crack extension and R6 (2-parameter) method (hereinafter “2-parameter method”) [1] using J-integral is applicable to unstable failure analysis for the pipes under such loading conditions. As a J-integral evaluation method for circumferential through-wall crack in a cylinder, EPRI has proposed a fully plastic solution method. However, the geometry of SFR pipe and material characteristics of Mod.9Cr-1Mo steel exceed the applicable range of EPRI’s method. Therefore, a series of elastic, elasto-plastic and plastic finite element analyses (FEA) were performed for a pipe with a circumferential through-wall crack to propose a J-integral evaluation method applicable to such loading conditions. J-integrals obtained from the FEA were resolved into elastic, local plastic and fully plastic components. Each component was expressed as a function of analytical parameter, such as pipe geometries, crack size, material characteristics and so on. As a result, a simplified J-integral evaluation method was proposed. The method enables to conduct 2-parameter method using J-integral without any fracture mechanics knowledge.
Techniques for Simulating Creep Damage Evolution at Welds With Emphasis on Evaluating Longitudinal Seam Peaking in High-Temperature Piping Systems
Authors: Prueter Phillip E.
Published: May 2018

Realistically simulating the creep response of welded components can help quantify the risk associated with operating inservice, high-temperature equipment and can validate new component designs in the power generation and petrochemical industries. Detailed finite element analysis (FEA) is employed in this study and is coupled with generalized, non-linear creep simulation techniques to investigate the elevated temperature response of welds. Depending on original heat treatment, creep damage progression is known to be accelerated by the mismatch in properties of the base metal, weld deposit, and heat affected zone (HAZ). This mismatch results in stress intensification that can accelerate creep damage near a weldment (typically in or adjacent to the HAZ). In this paper, the effect of implementing an elastic damage parameter that adjusts the stiffness of the material as a function of creep damage is examined. This type of damage mechanics model has a significant impact on the predicted damage evolution near weld deposits and can realistically mimic observed in-service failures. Additionally, commentary on different creep damage failure criteria is provided. The simulations presented utilize the Materials Properties Council (MPC) Omega creep methodology, with particular emphasis on the behavior of high-temperature, low chrome (1-1/4 Cr 1/2 Mo) piping with longitudinal weld seam peaking.

Application of these techniques to high-temperature, low chrome piping is relevant as there have been numerous related catastrophic failures in the power generation and petrochemical industries attributed to weld seam peaking. Commonly, weld peaking occurs during fabrication due to angular misalignment of rolled plate. Furthermore, for many fusion-welded piping fabrication standards, no tolerance for peaking is specified. Local peaking can induce significant local bending stresses, and for components that operate in the creep regime, the presence of peaking can lead to an increased risk for creep crack initiation, propagation, and eventual rupture. An overview of some well-known historical low chrome piping failures is provided in this paper, and a literature review on existing creep analysis and peaking measurement methodologies is offered. Additionally, the remaining life of low chrome piping systems is estimated and the sensitivity in results to variations in key parameters is highlighted; these parameters include operating temperature, magnitude of peaking, and the effect of heat treatment. The simulation techniques discussed in this paper are not only valuable in estimating remaining life of in-service components, but detailed analysis can help establish recommended weld seam peaking fabrication tolerances, appropriate manufacturing practices, and practical inspection intervals for high-temperature piping systems.
Gene expression kinetics governs stimulus-specific decoration of the
Salmonella
outer membrane
Authors: Hong Xinyu , Chen H. Deborah , Groisman Eduardo A.
Published: May 2018

Activation of the same genes with different kinetics elicits distinct modifications of the
Salmonella
outer membrane.
An Iterative, Synthetic Approach To Engineer a High-Performance PhoB-Specific Reporter
Authors: Stoudenmire Julie L. , Essock-Burns Tara , Weathers Erena N. , Solaimanpour Sina , Mrázek Jan , Stabb Eric V.
Published: May 2018

Transcriptional reporters can be powerful tools for assessing when a particular regulator is active; however, native promoters may not be ideal for this purpose. Optimal reporters should be specific to the regulator being examined and should maximize the difference between the “on” and “off” states; however, these properties are distinct from the selective pressures driving the evolution of natural promoters. Synthetic promoters offer a promising alternative, but our understanding often does not enable fully predictive promoter design, and the large number of alternative sequence possibilities can be intractable. In a synthetic promoter region with over 34 billion sequence variants, we identified bases correlated with favorable performance by screening only 83 candidates, allowing us to rationally constrain our design. We thereby generated an optimized reporter that is induced by PhoB and used it to explore the low-phosphate response of
V. fischeri
. This promoter design strategy will facilitate the engineering of other regulator-specific reporters.
Preferred Hexoses Influence Long-Term Memory in and Induction of Lactose Catabolism by Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Zeng Lin , Chen Lulu , Burne Robert A.
Published: May 2018

Bacteria prioritize sugar metabolism via carbohydrate catabolite repression, which regulates global gene expression to optimize the catabolism of preferred substrates. Here, we report an unusual long-term memory effect in certain
Streptococcus mutans
strains that alters adaptation to growth on lactose after prior exposure to glucose or fructose. In strain GS-5, cells that were first cultured on fructose and then transferred to lactose displayed an exceptionally long lag (>11 h) and slower growth compared to cells first cultured on glucose or cellobiose, which displayed a reduction in lag phase by as much as 10 h. When grown on lactose, mutants lacking the cellobiose-phosphotransferase (PTS) or phospho-β-glucosidase lost the accelerated growth associated with prior culturing on glucose. The memory effects of glucose or fructose on lactose catabolism were not as profound in strain UA159, but the lag phase was considerably shorter in mutants lacking the glucose-PTS EII
Man
. Interestingly, when
S. mutans
was cultivated on lactose, significant quantities of free glucose accumulated in the medium, with higher levels found in the cultures of strains lacking EII
Man
, glucokinase, or both. Free glucose was also detected in cultures that were utilizing cellobiose or trehalose, albeit at lower levels. Such release of hexoses by
S. mutans
is likely of biological significance as it was found that cells required small amounts of glucose or other preferred carbohydrates to initiate efficient growth on lactose. These findings suggest that
S. mutans
modulates the induction of lactose utilization based on its prior exposure to glucose or fructose, which can be liberated from common disaccharides.

IMPORTANCE
Understanding the molecular mechanisms employed by oral bacteria to control sugar metabolism is key to developing novel therapies for management of dental caries and other oral diseases. Lactose is a naturally occurring disaccharide that is abundant in dairy products and commonly ingested by humans. However, for the dental caries pathogen
Streptococcus mutans
, relatively little is known about the molecular mechanisms that regulate expression of genes required for lactose uptake and catabolism. Two peculiarities of lactose utilization by
S. mutans
are explored here: (i)
S. mutans
excretes glucose that it cleaves from lactose, and (ii) prior exposure to certain carbohydrates can result in a long-term inability to use lactose. The study begins to shed light on how
S. mutans
may utilize bet hedging to optimize its persistence and virulence in the human oral cavity.
Influenza A Virus Infection Triggers Pyroptosis and Apoptosis of Respiratory Epithelial Cells through the Type I Interferon Signaling Pathway in a Mutually Exclusive Manner
Authors: Lee SangJoon , Hirohama Mikako , Noguchi Masayuki , Nagata Kyosuke , Kawaguchi Atsushi
Published: May 2018

Respiratory epithelial cell death by influenza virus infection is responsible for the induction of inflammatory responses, but the exact cell death mechanism is not understood. Here we showed that influenza virus infection induces apoptosis and pyroptosis in normal or precancerous human bronchial epithelial cells. Apoptosis was induced only in malignant tumor cells infected with influenza virus. In human precancerous respiratory epithelial cells (PL16T), the number of apoptotic cells increased at early phases of infection, but pyroptotic cells were observed at late phases of infection. These findings suggest that apoptosis is induced at early phases of infection but the cell death pathway is shifted to pyroptosis at late phases of infection. We also found that the type I interferon (IFN)-mediated JAK-STAT signaling pathway promotes the switch from apoptosis to pyroptosis by inhibiting apoptosis possibly through the induced expression of theBcl-xLanti-apoptotic gene. Further, the inhibition of JAK-STAT signaling repressed pyroptosis but enhanced apoptosis in infected PL16T cells. Collectively, we propose that type I IFN signaling pathway triggers pyroptosis but not apoptosis in the respiratory epithelial cells in a mutually exclusive manner to initiate proinflammatory responses against influenza virus infection.

IMPORTANCERespiratory epithelium functions as a sensor of infectious agents to initiate inflammatory responses along with cell death. However, the exact cell death mechanism responsible for inflammatory responses by influenza virus infection is still unclear. We showed that influenza virus infection induced apoptosis and pyroptosis in normal or precancerous human bronchial epithelial cells. Apoptosis was induced at early phases of infection, but the cell death pathway was shifted to pyroptosis at late phases of infection under the regulation of type I IFN signaling to promote proinflammatory cytokine production. Taken together, our results indicate that the type I IFN signaling pathway plays an important role to induce pyroptosis but represses apoptosis in the respiratory epithelial cells to initiate proinflammatory responses against influenza virus infection.
Novel Strategy To Adapt Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Virus E1 Carrying
env
from an RV144 Volunteer to Rhesus Macaques: Coreceptor Switch and Final Recovery of a Pathogenic Virus with Exclusive R5 Tropism
Authors: Scinto Hanna B. , Gupta Sandeep , Thorat Swati , Mukhtar Muhammad M. , Griffiths Anthony , Delgado Jennifer , Plake Elizabeth , Vyas Hemant K. , Strickland Amanda , Byrareddy Siddappa N. , Montefiori David C. , LaBranche Celia , Pal Ranajit , Treece Jim , Orndorff Sharon , Ferrari Maria Grazia , Weiss Deborah , Chenine Agnes-Laurence , McLinden Robert , Michael Nelson , Kim Jerome H. , Robb Merlin L. , Rerks-Ngarm Supachai , Pitisuttithum Punnee , Nitayaphan Sorachai , Ruprecht Ruth M.
Published: May 2018

Understanding the protective principles that lead to a safe, effective vaccine against HIV in nonhuman primate (NHP) models requires test viruses that allow the evaluation of anti-HIV envelope responses. Reduced HIV acquisition risk in RV144 has been linked to nonneutralizing IgG antibodies with a range of effector activities. Definitive experiments to decipher the mechanisms of the partial protection observed in RV144 require passive-immunization studies in NHPs with a relevant test virus. We have generated such a virus by inserting
env
from an RV144 placebo recipient into a SHIV backbone with HIV-like LTRs. The final SHIV-E1p5 isolate, grown in rhesus monkey peripheral blood mononuclear cells, was mucosally transmissible and pathogenic. Earlier SHIV-E passages showed a coreceptor switch, again mimicking HIV biology in humans. Thus, our series of SHIV-E strains mirrors HIV transmission and disease progression in humans. SHIV-E1p5 represents a biologically relevant tool to assess prevention strategies.
Experimental Evolution as a High-Throughput Screen for Genetic Adaptations
Authors: Cooper Vaughn S.
Published: May 2018

Experimental evolution is a method in which populations of organisms, often microbes, are founded by one or more ancestors of known genotype and then propagated under controlled conditions to study the evolutionary process. These evolving populations are influenced by all population genetic forces, including selection, mutation, drift, and recombination, and the relative contributions of these forces may be seen as mysterious.
Anterior cerebral artery embolism during thrombectomy increases disability and mortality
Authors: Chalumeau Vanessa , Blanc Raphaël , Redjem Hocine , Ciccio Gabriele , Smajda Stanislas , Desilles Jean-Philippe , Botta Daniele , Escalard Simon , Boisseau William , Maïer Benjamin , Labreuche Julien , Obadia Mickaël , Piotin Michel , Mazighi Mikael
Published: May 2018

Objective

During thrombectomy, thromboembolic migration in previously unaffected territory may occur and is not systematically notified. We report our data on the incidence, predictors, and clinical outcome of anterior cerebral artery emboli (ACAE).

Methods

From a prospectively collected thrombectomy database of consecutive patients with anterior circulation stroke between January 2012 and December 2016, 690 angiographic images were analyzed to assess ACAE. The primary outcome was a favorable outcome, defined as a 3 month modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2 or equal to the pre-stroke score.

Results

ACAE occurred in 65 patients (9.4%; 95% CI 7.2% to 11.6%). Internal carotid artery occlusion (tandem or terminal), Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score <7, increasing number of passes, and use of stent retriever alone (compared with distal aspiration alone or combined with stent retriever) were found to be independent predictors of ACAE. Compared with patients without ACAE, patients with ACAE had lower rates, with an adjusted OR (95% CI) of 0.48 (0.25 to 0.92; P=0.027) for favorable outcome and 0.49 (0.25 to 0.96; P=0.038) for early neurologic improvement. ACAE was significantly associated with a higher mortality (adjusted OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.03 to 3.61; P=0.039) and intracranial hemorrhagic complications (adjusted OR 2.45; 95% CI 1.33 to 4.47; P=0.004). Despite a successful reperfusion modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2b–3 at the end of the procedure, a favorable outcome was reached in 30% of patients with ACAE compared with 52.4% in the other patients (OR 0.39; 95% CI 0.19 to 0.78; P=0.008).

Conclusions

Procedural ACAE was not an uncommon condition, and was associated with increased mortality and disability rates, regardless of the success of reperfusion.
Effects of baricitinib on radiographic progression of structural joint damage at 1 year in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and an inadequate response to conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs
Authors: van der Heijde Desirée , Dougados Maxime , Chen Ying-Chou , Greenwald Maria , Drescher Edit , Klar Rena , Xie Li , de la Torre Inmaculada , Rooney Terence P , Witt Sarah L , Schlichting Douglas E , de Bono Stephanie , Emery Paul
Published: May 2018

Background

Baricitinib was efficacious in a 24-week phase III study in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and an inadequate response to conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) (csDMARDs) (RA-BUILD).

Objectives

To evaluate radiographic progression of structural joint damage in RA-BUILD patients over 48 weeks of baricitinib treatment in the long-term extension study, RA-BEYOND.

Methods

In RA-BUILD, patients were randomised to placebo, baricitinib 2 mg or 4 mg once daily, with rescue possible from week 16. Patients completing RA-BUILD and entering RA-BEYOND continued to receive the baricitinib dose received at the end of RA-BUILD. Patients receiving placebo were switched to baricitinib 4 mg in RA-BEYOND. Joint damage was measured using the van der Heijde modified total Sharp score. To account for missing scores and scores obtained after rescue, switch or discontinuation of study drug, data were analysed using (1) linear extrapolation (LE) and (2) observed/last observation carried forward (LOCF). The observed/LOCF method used all available observed data, including after rescue or switch, with patients analysed according to original treatment assignment.

Results

Using LE, radiographic progression at 24 and 48 weeks was statistically significantly lower for both baricitinib 2 or 4 mg compared with placebo. Only baricitinib 4 mg demonstrated statistically significant inhibition of progressive radiographic joint damage compared with patients initially randomised to placebo using observed/LOCF at week 48.

Conclusions

Once daily oral baricitinib inhibited radiographic progression of structural joint damage in patients with an inadequate response or intolerance to csDMARDs over 48 weeks. The most robust benefit was seen for the 4 mg dose.
Plasma pentraxin 3 and glucose kinetics following acute high-intensity interval exercise versus continuous moderate-intensity exercise in healthy men
Authors: Slusher Aaron L. , Whitehurst Michael , Maharaj Arun , Dodge Katelyn M. , Fico Brandon G. , Mock J. Thomas , Huang Chun-Jung
Published: May 2018

Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is mainly synthesized and released by neutrophils to help regulate innate immunity. While plasma PTX3 concentrations are associated with improved glucose metabolism and overall metabolic health, there is evidence that significant elevations in plasma glucose downregulate circulating levels of PTX3. To examine whether this relationship would be altered in response to exercise, this study investigated the kinetics of the plasma glucose and PTX3 responses following high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and continuous moderate-intensity exercise (CMIE). It was hypothesized that the increased concentrations of plasma glucose following HIIE compared with CMIE would be associated with an attenuated plasma PTX3 response. Eight healthy male subjects participated in both HIIE and CMIE protocols administered as a randomized, counterbalanced design. Linear mixed models for repeated measures revealed that the overall plasma glucose response was greater following HIIE compared with CMIE (protocol × time effect: p = 0.037). Although the plasma PTX3 response was higher only at 19 min into HIIE compared with CMIE (protocol × time effect: p = 0.013), no relationships were observed between plasma glucose and PTX3 either at baseline or in response to both exercise protocols, as indicated by the area under the curve “with respect to increase” analysis. Our results indicate that exercise-mediated plasma PTX3 concentrations are independent of the plasma glucose response. In addition, the present study suggests that the neutrophil-mediated innate immune response, as indicated by plasma PTX3 response, may be activated earlier during HIIE compared with CMIE.
Parameter assessment for virtual Stackelberg game in aerodynamic shape optimization
Authors: Wang Jing , Xie Fangfang , Zheng Yao , Zhang Jifa
Published: May 2018

In this paper, parametric studies of virtual Stackelberg game (VSG) are conducted to assess the impact of critical parameters on aerodynamic shape optimization, including design cycle, split of design variables and role assignment. Typical numerical cases, including the inverse design and drag reduction design of airfoil, have been carried out. The numerical results confirm the effectiveness and efficiency of VSG. Furthermore, the most significant parameters are identified, e.g. the increase of design cycle can improve the optimization results but it will also add computational burden. These studies will maximize the productivity of the effort in aerodynamic optimization for more complicated engineering problems, such as the multi-element airfoil and wing-body configurations.