bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proposal of Monorhizochytrium globosum gen. nov., comb. nov. (Stramenopiles, Labyrinthulomycetes) for former Thraustochytrium globosum based on morphological features and phylogenetic relationships
Authors: Doi Kosaku , Honda Daiske
Published: May 2017

Thraustochytrium is the type genus of the family Thraustochytriaceae in the class Labyrinthulomycetes. This genus is characterized by zoospore formation, namely, shape of the cell wall of sporangia and presence or absence of a proliferous body. However, there are several issues associated with the taxonomy of this genus, and these include polyphyletic taxa and overlapping of taxonomic features among species. In particular, the first and second species, T. proliferum and T. globosum, were described based on observations of the morphological features of natural samples in the absence of culture conditions. Before addressing the taxonomic issues associated with this genus, it is important to consider the taxonomic features of each species, i.e., the life history under culture conditions and the phylogenetic position. The objective of the present study was to isolate T. globosum, the second described species in the genus Thraustochytrium, from the type locality. We successfully isolated strain NBRC 112723, which exhibited characteristic features of T. globosum. Under culture conditions, strain NBRC 112723 exhibited taxonomic features observed in other thraustochytrid species. Our molecular phylogeny indicated that this strain isolated from the type locality was located in an unidentified thraustochytrid group; moreover, some strains located in this group exhibited characteristic features of strain NBRC 112723. We clearly distinguished T. globosum based on the taxonomic criteria used to classify the T. proliferum type species. Therefore, we propose the establishment of a new genus, Monorhizochytrium, for the species T. globosum in the family Thraustochytriaceae.
Effect of pH on rheotaxis of bull sperm using microfluidics
Authors: El‐sherry TM , Abdel‐Ghani MA , Abou‐Khalil NS , Elsayed M , Abdelgawad M
Published: May 2017

Contents

The aim of the present research is to study the effect of pH values on the sperm rheotaxis properties. Semen collected from bulls was diluted with SOF medium (1:10). pH of the medium was adjusted using a digital pH meter to the following pH values: 6.0, 6.2, 6.4, 6.4, 6.8, 7.0. All kinetic parameters of sperm (n = 3,385) were determined through a computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system using microfluidic devices with controlled flow velocity. The following parameters were determined: total motility (TM%), positive rheotaxis (PR%), straightline velocity (VSL, μm/s), average path velocity (VAP, μm/s), linearity (LIN, as VSL/VCL, %), beat cross‐frequency (BCF, Hz) and curvilinear velocity (VCL, μm/s). Nitric oxide, calcium and potassium were estimated in semen at different pH values. To confirm the effect of nitric oxide and K+, we used sodium nitroprusside (an NO donor) and KCL as (a K+ donor) to see their effect on sperm PR%. The results showed no difference in TM% at pH (6–7). The PR% was the lowest at pH 6 and 7. The best parameters for the PR% were at pH 6.4–6.6. The concentration of Ca+2 did not change at different pH values. The mean NO values decreased with the increase of pH; however, the mean values of K+ increased with the increase of pH. Addition of high concentration of NO and K+ to the semen media at fixed pH level had a negative effect on TM% and PR%. In conclusion, the bull sperm had the best rheotaxis properties at pH 6.4–6.6 and sensitive to the change of seminal NO and K+.
Functional status and mortality prediction in community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Jeon Kyeongman , Yoo Hongseok , Jeong Byeong‐Ho , Park Hye Yun , Koh Won‐Jung , Suh Gee Young , Guallar Eliseo
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

Poor functional status (FS) has been suggested as a poor prognostic factor in both pneumonia and severe pneumonia in elderly patients. However, it is still unclear whether FS is associated with outcomes and improves survival prediction in community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) in the general population.

Methods

Data on hospitalized patients with CAP and FS, assessed by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scale were prospectively collected between January 2008 and December 2012. The independent association of FS with 30‐day mortality in CAP patients was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. Improvement in mortality prediction when FS was added to the CRB‐65 (confusion, respiratory rate, blood pressure and age 65) score was evaluated for discrimination, reclassification and calibration.

Results

The 30‐day mortality of study participants (n = 1526) was 10%. Mortality significantly increased with higher ECOG score (P for trend <0.001). In multivariable analysis, ECOG ≥3 was strongly associated with 30‐day mortality (adjusted OR: 5.70; 95% CI: 3.82–8.50). Adding ECOG ≥3 significantly improved the discriminatory power of CRB‐65. Reclassification indices also confirmed the improvement in discrimination ability when FS was combined with the CRB‐65, with a categorized net reclassification index (NRI) of 0.561 (0.437–0.686), a continuous NRI of 0.858 (0.696–1.019) and a relative integrated discrimination improvement in the discrimination slope of 139.8 % (110.8–154.6).

Conclusion

FS predicted 30‐day mortality and improved discrimination and reclassification in consecutive CAP patients. Assessment of premorbid FS should be considered in mortality prediction in patients with CAP.
Non-parametric Small Area Models Using Shape-Constrained PenalizedB-Splines
Authors: Wagner Julian , Münnich Ralf , Hill Joachim , Stoffels Johannes , Udelhoven Thomas
Published: May 2017

For the estimation of spruce timber reserves in individual forest districts of the German federal state Rhineland-Palatinate, small area methods are applied. A model using stock values of the state forest inventory and a canopy height model derived by airborne laser scanning is used to provide adequate estimates. Since the interaction between the variables is non-linear and must fulfil further constraints, a new spline-based small area estimation method is proposed, formulated as a quadratic programming problem. This method enables providing realistic estimates via including specialized constraints which are especially important in practice as well as more stable estimates. The applicability of the new method and the related mean-squared-error estimators is shown in a simulation study. Further, spruce timber reserves in Rhineland-Palatinate are estimated by using the new approach compared with already existing methods.
Immunoprotective Effect of Chitosan Particles on Hymenolepis nana – Infected Mice
Authors: Abdel‐Latif M. , El‐Shahawi G. , Aboelhadid S. M. , Abdel‐Tawab H.
Published: May 2017

Hymenolepis nana is the most commonly known intestinal cestode infecting mainly human. This study aimed to investigate the potential effect of chitosan particles (CSP) to enhance the immune system against H. nana infection. Determination of worm burden, egg output, histopathological changes, oxidative stress markers (lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione), goblet (GCs) and mucosal mast cells (MMCs) counts in intestinal ileum was performed. In addition, levels of intestinal mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐9, stem cell factor (SCF), type I and II interferons (IFN)‐α/ γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, mucin 2 (MUC2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOs) were investigated using real‐time PCR. The results indicated induced reductions in adult worm and egg counts in infected mice after CSP treatment. This was associated with improvement in tissue morphometric measurements and oxidative stress which were altered after infection. Expression levels of iNOs, IFN‐α, IFN‐γ, TNF‐α and IL‐9 were decreased by CSP. Conversely, expression levels of MUC2, IL‐4 and SCF increased compared to infected untreated group. In addition, GCs and MMCs counts were normalized by CSP. In conclusion, this study could indicate the immunoprotective effect of CSP against H. nana infection. This was characterized with Th2 anti‐inflammatory responses.
Quantification of skin erythema response to topical alcohol in alcohol‐intolerant East Asians
Authors: Aoki Y. , Wehage S. L. , Talalay P.
Published: May 2017

Background/Purpose

Severe alcohol intolerance characterized by flushing, headache, nausea, and tachycardia even after very modest oral alcohol consumption, is common among East Asians (Chinese, Japanese, Koreans) and has been associated with the accumulation of acetaldehyde resulting from genetic polymorphism of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). These individuals also display erythema of the skin in response to exposure to topical alcohol. We have recently observed that dietary phytochemicals such as sulforaphane can accelerate the disposal of acetaldehyde from cells and animals by inducing ALDH. The goal of this study was to quantify the erythema response of skin to topical alcohol exposure.

Methods

The erythema response of the forearm skin of healthy Japanese with unusual alcohol sensitivity evoked by a range of very low doses of alcohol (2, 4, 8, and 16 μmol/cm2) was determined by means of a chromometer, which measures a* values (red‐green scale).

Results

The magnitude of the a* response (∆a*) to alcohol was time‐ and dose‐dependent, but differed considerably among individuals. It was much higher in those individuals who claimed to be alcohol intolerant, and ∆a* was unrelated to the initial a* values of the skin prior to alcohol challenge.

Conclusion

The ∆a* index is suitable for the quantitative determination of topical alcohol‐induced erythema response, and the evaluation of effectiveness of protective strategies against erythema response.
The frequency of urinary tract infection and subclinical bacteriuria in dogs with allergic dermatitis treated with oclacitinib: a prospective study
Authors: Simpson Andrew C. , Schissler Jennifer R. , Rosychuk Rod A.W. , Moore A Russell
Published: May 2017

Background

Oclacitinib is a selective Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of canine allergic pruritus and atopic dermatitis in dogs. Glucocorticoids and ciclosporin increase urinary tract infection (UTI) frequency in dogs with inflammatory skin disease.

Objective

Prospective study to evaluate the frequency ofUTIand subclinical bacteriuria in dogs with allergic dermatitis receiving oclacitinib.

Methods

Client‐owned dogs ≥2 years of age with a history of allergic dermatitis without apparent history of urinary tract disease or predisposition toUTIwere included. Prior to enrolment, urinalysis and quantitative urine culture were performed after a washout period of at least 14 days from systemic antimicrobial drugs and 28 days for ciclosporin and systemic glucocorticoids. Dogs received oclacitinib at labelled dosing for an intended period of 180–230 days with a follow‐up urinalysis and urine culture performed regardless of urinary tract signs. Systemic antimicrobial and immune‐modulating drugs were not administered during the study.

Results

None of the 55 dogs in this study developedUTIwhile receiving oclacitinib based on follow‐up urinalysis and urine culture performed during a range of 58–280 days (mean 195 days). Two dogs developed self‐limiting abnormal urinary tract signs without urine culture or urinalysis findings consistent withUTI.

Conclusions and clinical importance

These findings indicate that bacteriuria is not an expected adverse effect in dogs treated with oclacitinib without a prior history ofUTIor predisposing condition during this treatment period. Therefore, routine urine culture is not indicated for such dogs in the absence of abnormal urinalysis or clinical signs of urinary tract disease.
Application of Improved Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm to the Parameter Optimization of a Diesel Engine With Pilot Fuel Injections
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Ogren Ryan M. , Kong Song-Charng
Published: May 2017

Modern diesel engines are charged with the difficult problem of balancing emissions and efficiency. For this work, a variant of the artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm was applied for the first time to the experimental optimization of diesel engine combustion and emissions. In this study, the employed and onlooker bee phases were modified to balance both the exploration and exploitation of the algorithm. The improved algorithm was successfully trialed against particle swarm optimization (PSO), genetic algorithm (GA), and a recently proposed PSO-GA hybrid with three standard benchmark functions. For the engine experiments, six variables were changed throughout the optimization process, including exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) rate, intake temperature, quantity and timing of pilot fuel injections, main injection timing, and fuel pressure. Low sulfur diesel fuel was used for all the tests. In total, 65 engine runs were completed in order to reduce a five-dimensional objective function. In order to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions while keeping particulate matter (PM) below 0.09 g/kW h, solutions call for 43% exhaust gas recirculation, with a late main fuel injection near top-dead center. Results show that early pilot injections can be used with high exhaust gas recirculation to improve the combustion process without a large nitrogen oxide penalty when main injection is timed near top-dead center. The emission reductions in this work show the improved ABC algorithm presented here to be an effective new tool in engine optimization.
Numerical Analysis of Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer of Flow Between Parallel Plates Having Rectangular Shape Micromixer
Authors: Shyam Sudip , Datta Aparesh , Kumar Das Ajoy
Published: May 2017

In this study, heat transfer and fluid flow of de-ionized water in two-dimensional parallel plates microchannel with and without micromixers have been investigated for various Reynolds numbers. The effects of heat transfer and fluid flow on height, diameter of micromixer, and also distance between the two micromixers are carried out in the study. Results showed that the diameter of the micromixer does not have much effect on heat transfer with a maximum enhancement of 9.5%. Whereas heat transfer gets enhanced by 85.57% when the height of the micromixer is increased from 100 μm to 400 μm, and also heat transfer gets improved by 11.45% when sb2 is increased from 4L to 5L. The separation and reattachment zone at the entry and exit of the micromixer cause the increase in heat transfer with the penalty of pressure drop. It is also found that increase of Reynolds number increases the intensity of the secondary flows leads to rapid increase in heat transfer and pressure drop. Finally, the optimized structure of micromixer is found out based on maximum heat transfer and minimum pressure drop.
Homogenization in Hydrodynamic Lubrication: Microscopic Regimes and Re-Entrant Textures
Authors: Yıldıran İ. N. , Temizer İ. , Çetin B.
Published: May 2017

The form of the Reynolds-type equation which governs the macroscopic mechanics of hydrodynamic lubrication interfaces with a microscopic texture is well-accepted. The central role of the ratio of the mean film thickness to the texture period in determining the flow factor tensors that appear in this equation had been highlighted in a pioneering theoretical study through a rigorous two-scale derivation (Bayada and Chambat, 1988, “New Models in the Theory of the Hydrodynamic Lubrication of Rough Surfaces,” ASME J. Tribol., 110, pp. 402–407). However, the resulting homogenization theory still remains to be numerically investigated. For this purpose, after a comprehensive review of the literature, three microscopic regimes of lubrication will be outlined, and the transition between these three regimes for different texture types will be extensively demonstrated. In addition to conventional textures, representative re-entrant textures will also be addressed.
Assessing the Maximum Stability of the Nonconvective Zone in a Salinity-Gradient Solar Pond
Authors: Abdullah A. A. , Lindsay K. A.
Published: May 2017

The quality of the stability of the nonconvective zone of a salinity-gradient solar pond (SGSP) is investigated for an operating protocol in which the flushing procedure exactly compensates for evaporation losses from the solar pond and its associated evaporation pond. The mathematical model of the pond uses simplified, but accurate, constitutive expressions for the physical properties of aqueous sodium chloride. Also, realistic boundary conditions are used for the behaviors of the upper and lower convective zones (LCZs). The performance of a salinity-gradient solar pond is investigated in the context of the weather conditions at Makkah, Saudi Arabia, for several thickness of upper convective zone (UCZ) and operating temperature of the storage zone. Spectral collocation based on Chebyshev polynomials is used to assess the quality of the stability of the pond throughout the year in terms of the time scale for the restoration of disturbances in temperature, salinity, and fluid velocity underlying the critical eigenstate. The critical eigenvalue is found to be real and negative at all times of year indicating that the steady-state configuration of the pond is always stable, and suggesting that stationary instability would be the anticipated mechanism of instability. Annual profiles of surface temperature, salinity, and heat extraction are constructed for various combinations for the thickness of the upper convective zone and storage zone temperature.
Revisiting the Constrained Blister Test to Measure Thin Film Adhesion
Authors: Zhu Tingting , Li Guangxu , Müftü Sinan , Wan Kai-tak
Published: May 2017

A thin film is clamped at the periphery to form a circular freestanding diaphragm before a uniform pressure, p, is applied to inflate it into a blister. The bulging membrane adheres to a rigid constraining plate with height, w0, from the nondeformed membrane. Increasing pressure expands the contact circle of radius, c. Depressurization causes shrinkage of the contact and “pull-off” or spontaneous detachment from the plate. Simultaneous measurement of (p, w0, c) allows one to determine the adhesion energy, γ. A solid mechanics model is constructed based on small strain and linear elasticity, which shows a characteristic loading–unloading hysteresis. The results are consistent with a large deformation model in the literature.
Environmental Evaluation of Product Design Alternatives: The Role of Consumer's Repair Behavior and Deterioration of Critical Components
Authors: Sabbaghi Mostafa , Behdad Sara
Published: May 2017

Consumers might be willing to repair their broken devices as long as the associated repair costs do not exceed an undesirable threshold. However, in many cases, the technological obsolescence actuates consumers to retire old devices and replace them with new ones rather than extending the product lifecycle through repair. In this paper, we aim to investigate the impact of components' deterioration profiles and consumers' repair decisions on the lifespan of devices, and then assesse the anticipated life cycle environmental impacts. A Monte Carlo simulation is developed to estimate the life cycle characteristics such as the average lifespan, the number of failed components' replacement, and the total repair cost per cycle for a laptop computer. The lifecycle characteristics estimated from simulation model further have been used in a life cycle assessment (LCA) study to quantify the environmental impact associated with different design scenarios. The results reveal the impact of product design as well as consumers' repair decisions on the product lifespan and the corresponding environmental impacts.
A Generalized Hypoid Gear Synthesized With Common Crown Rack Positioned Between Pinion and Gear Blanks
Authors: Park Nogill
Published: May 2017

A new hypoid gearing using a common crown rack is introduced. The proposed hypoid gear has no unloaded gear transmission error. The common crown rack is located at a neutral position between the pinion and gear blanks. An arbitrary generating surface inclined at a pressure angle is prescribed. The proposed hypoid gearing is in point contact, fulfilling a constant speed ratio along the curved line of action. The synthesis feasibility is numerically verified for the entire range of hypoid gears, including parallel-, intersecting-, and crossed-axis gear systems. The proposed hypoid gear is compared with the hypoid gear by Gleason method and the differences between the two are discussed.
Cyber-Empathic Design: A Data-Driven Framework for Product Design
Authors: Ghosh Dipanjan , Olewnik Andrew , Lewis Kemper , Kim Junghan , Lakshmanan Arun
Published: May 2017

A critical task in product design is mapping information from consumer to design space. Currently, this process largely depends on designers identifying and mapping psychological and consumer level factors to engineered attributes. In this way, current methodologies lack provision to test a designer's cognitive reasoning and could introduce bias when mapping from consumer to design space. In addition, current dominant frameworks do not include user–product interaction data in design decision making, nor do they assist designers in understanding why a consumer has a particular perception about a product. This paper proposes a framework—cyber-empathic (CE) design—where user–product interaction data are acquired using embedded sensors. To gain insight into consumer perceptions relative to product features, a network of psychological constructs is utilized. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is used as the parameter estimation and hypothesis testing technique, making the framework falsifiable in nature. To demonstrate effectiveness of the framework, a case study of sensor-integrated shoes is presented, where two models are compared—one survey-only and one using the cyber-empathic framework model. Covariance-based SEM (CB-SEM) is used to estimate the parameters and the fit indices. It is shown that the cyber-empathic framework results in improved fit over a survey-only SEM. This work demonstrates how low-level user–product interaction data can be used to understand and model user perceptions in a way that can support falsifiable design inference.
Stability Prediction and Step Optimization of Trochoidal Milling
Authors: Yan Rong , Li Hua , Peng Fangyu , Tang Xiaowei , Xu Jiawei , Zeng Haohao
Published: May 2017

When machining narrow grooves, corners, and other complex cavities with trochoidal milling, the irrationally large trochoidal step usually leads to chatter, while the conservative trochoidal step constrains the machining efficiency. In this paper, a stability prediction model of trochoidal milling is established to solve these problems. An approach considering trochoidal steps and spindle speeds is presented to predict stability boundary of trochoidal milling. With considering the varying cutter-workpiece engagements, the stability of trochoidal milling process is predicted by obtaining the stability lobes of different cutter location (CL) points along the trochoidal milling tool paths. Based on the proposed stability model, a trochoidal step optimization strategy is developed to improve the machining efficiency of trochoidal milling under other parameters in a given situation. Cutting experiments are performed on the machining center GMC 1600H/2 to show the effectiveness of the proposed trochoidal milling stability model. Finally, simulations are adopted to illustrate the optimization strategy.
Prediction Modeling Framework With Bootstrap Aggregating for Noisy Resistance Spot Welding Data
Authors: Park Junheung , Kim Kyoung-Yun
Published: May 2017

In resistance spot welding (RSW), data inconsistency is a well-known issue. Such inconsistent data are usually treated as noise and removed from the original dataset before conducting analyses or constructing prediction models. This may not be desirable for all design and manufacturing applications since data that are often considered noise can contain important information in determining weldment design, and proper welding conditions. In this paper, we present the Meta2 prediction framework to provide cost-effective opportunities for proper welding material and condition selection from the noisy RSW quality data. The Meta2 framework employs bootstrap aggregating with support vector regression (SVR) to improve the prediction accuracy on the noisy RSW data with computational efficiency. Hyper-parameters for SVR are selected by particle swarm optimization (PSO) with meta-modeling to reduce the computational cost. Experiments on three artificially generated noisy datasets and a real RSW dataset indicate that Meta2 is capable of providing satisfactory solutions with a noticeably reduced computational cost. The authors find Meta2 promising as a potential prediction model algorithm for this type of noisy data.
Application of advanced sampling and analysis methods to predict the structure of adsorbed protein on a material surface
Authors: Abramyan Tigran M. , Hyde-Volpe David L. , Stuart Steven J. , Latour Robert A.
Published: May 2017

The use of standard molecular dynamics simulation methods to predict the interactions of a protein with a material surface have the inherent limitations of lacking the ability to determine the most likely conformations and orientations of the adsorbed protein on the surface and to determine the level of convergence attained by the simulation. In addition, standard mixing rules are typically applied to combine the nonbonded force field parameters of the solution and solid phases of the system to represent interfacial behavior without validation. As a means to circumvent these problems, the authors demonstrate the application of an efficient advanced sampling method (TIGER2A) for the simulation of the adsorption of hen egg-white lysozyme on a crystalline (110) high-density polyethylene surface plane. Simulations are conducted to generate a Boltzmann-weighted ensemble of sampled states using force field parameters that were validated to represent interfacial behavior for this system. The resulting ensembles of sampled states were then analyzed using an in-house-developed cluster analysis method to predict the most probable orientations and conformations of the protein on the surface based on the amount of sampling performed, from which free energy differences between the adsorbed states were able to be calculated. In addition, by conducting two independent sets of TIGER2A simulations combined with cluster analyses, the authors demonstrate a method to estimate the degree of convergence achieved for a given amount of sampling. The results from these simulations demonstrate that these methods enable the most probable orientations and conformations of an adsorbed protein to be predicted and that the use of our validated interfacial force field parameter set provides closer agreement to available experimental results compared to using standard CHARMM force field parameterization to represent molecular behavior at the interface.
Growth mode of alumina atomic layer deposition on nanopowders
Authors: Manandhar Kedar , Wollmershauser James A. , Feigelson Boris N.
Published: May 2017

Alumina films were grown by atomic layer deposition in a rotary reactor on tungsten nanopowder with an average particle size of 54 nm. Films of various thicknesses were formed using trimethylaluminum and water at a reaction temperature of 110 °C by varying the number of deposition cycles from 2 to 78. The sharp contrast between the deposited alumina shell and the tungsten core in transmission electron microscopy allows for easy film thickness measurements and determination of the film thickness as a function of the deposition cycle. The growth curve shows that the rate of film thickness increase does not follow a single linear response but instead consists of three characteristically different growth phases. These phases occur in different deposition cycle regimes: phase I occurs in ≤5 cycles, phase II between 5 and ∼15 cycles, and phase III begins in ∼15 cycles and continues until at least 78 cycles. The average growth per cycle for phases I, II, and III is ∼4.5, <1, and 2 Å/cycle, respectively. The average growth per cycle for phase III is in excellent agreement with literature values for alumina growth on nanopowder and corresponds to ∼1 monolayer per cycle. The distinctly high/low average growth per cycle in phase I/phase II can be explained by the preferential contribution of added alumina in perpendicular/lateral growth of islands. Films grown from two deposition cycles include tall islands and regions which are ≤2 monolayer thick, similar to the dimpled surface of a golf ball. The amount of ≤2 monolayer thick regions decreases in areal density with an increase in the number of deposition cycles, resulting in an almost plateau followed by a linear increase in the growth curve and suggesting a transition of the growth mode. Such evolutions in growth are best described as the Stranski–Krastanov and Frank Vander Merwe type.
Dicarboxylic acids analysed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Part IV - hexanedioic acid anhydrous
Authors: Ferreira Jose M. , Trindade Gustavo F. , Watts John F. , Baker Mark A.
Published: May 2017

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) was carried out to analyse a commercially available hexanedioic acidpowder.XPSspectra were obtained using incident monochromatic Al Kα radiation at 1486.6 eV. Snapshots and scans of C 1s and O 1s core level spectra are presented. The presence of characteristiccarbon and oxygen photoelectrons allows the use these results as a reference for dicarboxylic acids.
Effects of Functional-Task Training on Older Adults With Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Pedroso Renata V. , Ayán Carlos , Fraga Francisco J. , da Silva Thays M.V. , Cancela José M. , Santos-Galduròz Ruth F.
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study was to verify the effects of functional-task training on cognitive function, activities of daily living (ADL) performance, and functional fitness in community-dwelling older adults with diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A total of 57 participants (22 functional-task training group [FTG], 21 social gathering group [SGG], 14 control group [CG]) were recruited. Participants in both intervention groups carried out three 1-hr sessions per week of a functional-task program and social gathering activities for 12 weeks. Significant improvements were observed in executive functions (TMT, t-test, p = .03) in the SGG and in upper limb strength (arm curl, t-test, p = .01) in the FTG. Functional-task training has no significant effect on cognitive function, ADL, and functional fitness among people with AD, although it may contribute to slowing down the process of deterioration this illness causes.
Engagement in Physical Activity During Recess: Gender and Grade Level Differences in the Elementary Grades
Authors: Shervey Sarah Wollersheim , DiPerna James C.
Published: May 2017

Background:

There are many purported benefits to recess including engaging in physical activity, forming positive peer relationships, and taking a break from the classroom. Current research, however, is inconclusive regarding the presence of gender and developmental differences in physical activity that takes place during recess. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in the amount of physical activity that occurs during recess across gender and grade level.

Methods:

Students from first- and sixth-grade classrooms participated in the study, and physical activity was measured using accelerometers to record the number of steps taken during recess.

Results:

A 2 × 2 factorial ANOVA indicated sixth grade males engaged in more physical activity than sixth grade females, first grade males, and first grade females.

Conclusions:

Because they are not engaging in as much physical activity as their sixth grade male counterparts, ways to help female and younger students take more steps during recess should be explored.
Physiological and Performance Measures for Baseline Concussion Assessment
Authors: Dobney Danielle M. , Thomas Scott G. , Taha Tim , Keightley Michelle
Published: May 2017

Context: Baseline testing is a common strategy for concussion assessment and management. Research continues to evaluate novel measures for potential to improve baseline testing methods. Objectives: The primary objective was to (1) determine the feasibility of including physiological, neuromuscular, and mood measures as part of baseline concussion testing protocol, (2) describe typical values in a varsity athlete sample, and (3) estimate the influence of concussion history on these baseline measures. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: Ryerson University Athletic Therapy Clinic. Participants: One hundred varsity athletes. Main Outcome Measures: Frequency and domain measures of heart rate variability, blood pressure, grip strength, profile of mood states—short form, and the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-2. Results: Physiological, neuromuscular performance, and mood measures were feasible at baseline. Participants with a history of 2 or more previous concussions displayed significantly higher diastolic blood pressure. Females reported higher total mood disturbance compared with males. Conclusions: Physiological and neuromuscular performance measures are safe and feasible as baseline concussion assessment outcomes. History of concussion may have an influence on diastolic blood pressure.
Central-acting therapeutics alleviate respiratory weakness caused by heart failure–induced ventilatory overdrive
Authors: Foster Andrew J. , Platt Mathew J. , Huber Jason S. , Eadie Ashley L. , Arkell Alicia M. , Romanova Nadya , Wright David C. , Gillis Todd E. , Murrant Coral L. , Brunt Keith R. , Simpson Jeremy A.
Published: May 2017

Drugs that penetrate the blood-brain barrier normalize ventilatory function and prevent diaphragm atrophy in heart failure.
BET bromodomain inhibition suppresses innate inflammatory and profibrotic transcriptional networks in heart failure
Authors: Duan Qiming , McMahon Sarah , Anand Priti , Shah Hirsh , Thomas Sean , Salunga Hazel T. , Huang Yu , Zhang Rongli , Sahadevan Aarathi , Lemieux Madeleine E. , Brown Jonathan D. , Srivastava Deepak , Bradner James E. , McKinsey Timothy A. , Haldar Saptarsi M.
Published: May 2017

BET bromodomain inhibition treats heart failure by blocking innate inflammatory and profibrotic gene networks.
In situ bone tissue engineering via ultrasound-mediated gene delivery to endogenous progenitor cells in mini-pigs
Authors: Bez Maxim , Sheyn Dmitriy , Tawackoli Wafa , Avalos Pablo , Shapiro Galina , Giaconi Joseph C. , Da Xiaoyu , David Shiran Ben , Gavrity Jayne , Awad Hani A. , Bae Hyun W. , Ley Eric J. , Kremen Thomas J. , Gazit Zulma , Ferrara Katherine W. , Pelled Gadi , Gazit Dan
Published: May 2017

Microbubble-enhanced, ultrasound-mediated
BMP-6
gene delivery to endogenous progenitor cells induces rapid and efficient repair of critical-sized, nonunion bone fractures in mini-pigs.
Hung over? Maybe it’s your overactive microglia
Authors: Choi Huimahn Alex
Published: May 2017

Acute ethanol intake is associated with a mild suppression of microglial activity followed by a more robust inflammatory reaction during the withdrawal period.
Quantitative Kinetic Analyses of Shutting Off a Two-Component System
Authors: Gao Rong , Stock Ann M.
Published: May 2017

Cells rely on accurate control of signaling systems to adapt to environmental perturbations. System deactivation upon stimulus removal is as important as activation of signaling pathways. The two-component system (TCS) is one of the major bacterial signaling schemes. In many TCSs, phosphatase activity of the histidine kinase (HK) is believed to play an essential role in shutting off the pathway and resetting the system to the prestimulus state. Two basic challenges are to understand the dynamic behavior of system deactivation and to quantitatively evaluate the role of phosphatase activity under natural cellular conditions. Here we report a kinetic analysis of the response to shutting off the archetype
Escherichia coli
PhoR-PhoB TCS pathway using both transcription reporter assays and
in vivo
phosphorylation analyses. Upon removal of the stimulus, the pathway is shut off by rapid dephosphorylation of the PhoB response regulator (RR) while PhoB-regulated gene products gradually reset to prestimulus levels through growth dilution. We developed an approach combining experimentation and modeling to assess
in vivo
kinetic parameters of the phosphatase activity with kinetic data from multiple phosphatase-diminished mutants. This enabled an estimation of the PhoR phosphatase activity
in vivo
, which is much stronger than the phosphatase activity of PhoR cytoplasmic domains analyzed
in vitro
. We quantitatively modeled how strong the phosphatase activity needs to be to suppress nonspecific phosphorylation in TCSs and discovered that strong phosphatase activity of PhoR is required for cross-phosphorylation suppression.

IMPORTANCE
Activation of TCSs has been extensively studied; however, the kinetics of shutting off TCS pathways is not well characterized. We present comprehensive analyses of the shutoff response for the PhoR-PhoB system that reveal the impact of phosphatase activity on shutoff kinetics. This allows development of a quantitative framework not only to characterize the phosphatase activity in the natural cellular environment but also to understand the requirement for specific strengths of phosphatase activity to suppress nonspecific phosphorylation. Our model suggests that the ratio of the phosphatase rate to the nonspecific phosphorylation rate correlates with TCS expression levels and the ratio of the RR to HK, which may contribute to the great diversity of enzyme levels and activities observed in different TCSs.
Evaluating five different loci (rbcL, rpoB, rpoC1, matK, and ITS) for DNA barcoding of Indian orchids
Authors: Parveen Iffat , Singh Hemant K. , Malik Saloni , Raghuvanshi Saurabh , Babbar Shashi B.
Published: May 2017

Orchidaceae, one of the largest families of angiosperms, is represented in India by 1600 species distributed in diverse habitats. Orchids are in high demand owing to their beautiful flowers and therapeutic properties. Overexploitation and habitat destruction have made many orchid species endangered. In the absence of effective identification methods, illicit trade of orchids continues unabated. Considering DNA barcoding as a potential identification tool, species discrimination capability of five loci, ITS, matK, rbcL, rpoB, and rpoC1, was tested in 393 accessions of 94 Indian orchid species belonging to 47 genera, including one listed in Appendix I of CITES and 26 medicinal species. ITS provided the highest species discrimination rate of 94.9%. While, among the chloroplast loci, matK provided the highest species discrimination rate of 85.7%. None of the tested loci individually discriminated 100% of the species. Therefore, multi-locus combinations of up to five loci were tested for their species resolution capability. Among two-locus combinations, the maximum species resolution (86.7%) was provided by ITS+matK. ITS and matK sequences of the medicinal orchids were species specific, thus providing unique molecular identification tags for their identification and detection. These observations emphasize the need for the inclusion of ITS in the core barcode for plants, whenever required and available.
Effect of oxidation time on the microstructure and properties of ceramic coatings prepared by microarc oxidation on 7A04 superhard aluminum alloy
Authors: Xiao Feng , Chen Hui , Miao Jingguo , Du Juan
Published: May 2017

Under the sodium aluminates’ system, microarc oxidation treatment was conducted on the superhard aluminum alloy 7A04 for different times. The microstructure of microarc oxidation ceramic layer was investigated by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The influences of different oxidation times on the adhesion strength of ceramic layer and substrate, the morphology of surface and cross-section, the phase composition and the electrochemical properties were studied. The results indicated that the connection of the coating and substrate appears to be metallurgical bonding and dense ceramic layer, and the surface is in a “volcanic vent” morphology, which is composed of [Formula: see text]-Al2O3 and little [Formula: see text]-Al2O3. The corrosion resistance of ceramic layer is improved significantly in contrast with that of the substrate.
Characteristics of Ni–Cr–Fe laser clad layers on EA4T steel
Authors: Chen Wenjing , Chen Hui , Wang Yongjing , Li Congchen , Wang Xiaoli
Published: May 2017

The Ni–Cr–Fe metal powder was deposited on EA4T steel by laser cladding technology. The microstructure and chemical composition of the cladding layer were analyzed by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The bonding ability between the cladding layer and the matrix was measured. The results showed that the bonding between the cladding layer and the EA4T steel was metallurgical bonding. The microstructure of cladding layer was composed of planar crystals, columnar crystals and dendrite, which consisted of Cr2Ni3, [Formula: see text] phase, M[Formula: see text]C6 and Ni3B phases. When the powder feeding speed reached 4 g/min, the upper bainite occurred in the heat affected zone (HAZ). Moreover, the tensile strength of the joint increased, while the yield strength and the ductility decreased.
Comparison of warm laser shock peening and laser shock peening techniques in lengthening the fatigue life of welded joints made of aluminum alloy
Authors: Su Chun , Zhou Jianzhong , Meng Xiankai , Sheng Jie
Published: May 2017

Welded joints made of 6061-T6 Al alloy were studied to evaluate warm laser shock peening (WLSP) and laser shock peening (LSP) processes. The estimation model of laser-induced surface residual stress was examined by means of experiments and numerical analysis. The high-cycle fatigue lives of welded joint specimens treated with WLSP and LSP were estimated by conducting tensile fatigue tests. The fatigue fracture mechanisms of these specimens are studied by surface integrity and fracture surface tests. Experimental results and analysis indicated that the fatigue life of the specimens processed by WLSP was higher than that with LSP. The large increase in fatigue life appeared to be the result of the larger residual stress, more uniform microstructure refinement and the lower surface roughness of the WLSP specimens.
Preparation of SnS thin films with gear-like sheet appearance by close-spaced vacuum thermal evaporation
Authors: Shao Zhangpeng , Shi Chengwu , Chen Junjun , Zhang Yanru
Published: May 2017

SnS thin films with gear-like sheet appearance were successfully prepared by close-spaced vacuum thermal evaporation using SnS powders as a source. The influence of substrate temperature on the surface morphology, chemical composition, crystal structure and optical property of SnS thin films was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and ultraviolet–visible–near infrared spectroscopy. The results revealed that serration architecture appeared obviously in the edge of the SnS sheet and the strongest peak at 2[Formula: see text]=31.63[Formula: see text] was broadened and many shoulder peaks were observed with increasing substrate temperature. The atomic ratio of Sn to S increased from 1:1.08 to 1:1.20, the grain size became slightly smaller and the optical absorption edge had a blueshift in the SnS thin film with decreasing substrate temperature.
Molecular sieving polymer for DNA/RNA separation in capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Liu Chenchen , Yamaguchi Yoshinori , Dou Xiaoming
Published: May 2017

In capillary polymer electrophoresis, the property of polymer sieving matrix dominates the migration behavior of DNA/RNA. We investigated the capillary electrophoresis of RNA ranging from 100 nt to 10,000 nt in polyacrylamide (PA) solutions with different molecular weights (Mw) and different concentrations. We observed that the resolution length (RSL) of RNA fragments was improved and the migration time was prolonged, when polymer concentration was increased. The resolution for small RNA fragments ([Formula: see text]1000 nt) was improved with the increase of polymer concentration, whereas the large ones ([Formula: see text]3000 nt) became inseparable. In addition, we estimated the smallest resolvable nucleotide length (Ls) by the plot of RSL against RNA size.
A low latency and high efficient three-dimension Network-on-Chip based on hierarchical structure
Authors: Zhu Chen , Zhao Huatao , Chen Tinghuan , Zhu Tianbo
Published: May 2017

Currently, the majority of the Network-on-Chip (NoC) researches are based on 2D algorithm or simple 3D structure. However, the congestion and faulty links in the topology can increase the latency and power consumption. In this paper, the authors try to build a novel 3D topology based on hierarchical structure and TSV links which can reduce the latency and power consumption by decreasing the hops during the process of passing the packets. We employ the C++ tool to test our method, and the results show that the performance can be improved about 21%–36% in throughput, also 3%–11% in latency.
Comparative study on the topological structure of China Education Network
Authors: Yu Ming-Min , Zhang Ning , Mao Guo-Yong
Published: May 2017

China Education Network (CEN) of year 2014 was studied as a complex network object. By searching the domain of “.edu.cn” and filtering some unexpected results, we finally get a network with 14,100,628 pages and 213,513,401 links. The topology of this network was studied to get the features such as out-degree distribution, in-degree distribution and average shortest path length. These features were compared with that of year 2007 and 2004 to observe the evolution mechanisms of CEN. According to the statistical results, it is found that some topology features of CEN such as out-degree distribution, in-degree distribution and average shortest path have changed a lot and the related reasons for these changes are given in this paper.
Immunomagnetic separation for MEMS-based biosensor of waterborne pathogens detection
Authors: Guo Jianjiang , Zhang Rongbiao
Published: May 2017

Rapid isolation and detection of special pathogens present in environmental drinking water is critical for water quality monitoring. Numerical analysis and experimental investigations on immunomagnetic capture and isolation of waterborne pathogens with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in microfluidic channel are performed. A finite-element COMSOL-based model is established to demonstrate the novel method of on-chip capturing pathogens using MNPs together with periodic pulse magnetic field. Simulation results determine the optimum magnetic pole current and switching frequency for magnetic separation. With the magnetic isolation experiment platform built up, as a pathogen example of Escherichia coli O157:H7, the performance of the method is experimentally verified. Both numerical and experimental results are found to agree reasonably well. Results of these investigations show that the capture efficiency of the immunomagnetic separation method is more than 92%, which could be encouraging for the design and optimization of MEMS-based biosensor of waterborne pathogen detection.