bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of inter-turn short circuit fault considering loop current on the electromagnetic field of permanent magnet synchronous motor
Authors: Qiu Hongbo , Yu Wenfei , Yuan Shuai , Tang Bingxia , Yang Cunxiang
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The impact of the loop current (LC) on the motor magnetic field in the analysis of the inter-turn short circuit (ITSC) fault is always ignored. This paper made a comparative study on the electromagnetic field of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM). The purpose of this study is to explore the necessary of the LC existing in the fault analysis and the electromagnetic characteristics of the PMSM with the ITSC fault when taking into account the LC.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the finite element method (FEM), the fault model was established, and the magnetic density of the fault condition was analyzed. The induced electromotive force (EMF) and the LC of the short circuit ring were studied. The three-phase induced EMF and the unbalance of the three-phase current under the fault condition were studied. Finally, a prototype test platform was built to obtain the data of the fault.

Findings

The influence of the fault on the magnetic density was obtained. The current phase lag when the ITSC fault occurs causes the magnetic enhancement of the armature reaction. The mechanism that LC hinders the flux change was revealed. The influence of the fault on the three-phase-induced EMF symmetry, the three-phase current balance and the loss was obtained.

Originality/value

The value of the LC in the short circuit ring and the influence of it on the motor electromagnetic field were obtained. On the basis of the electromagnetic field calculation model, the sensitivity of the LC to the magnetic density, induced EMF, current and loss were analyzed.
Modeling of spatial uncertainties in the magnetic reluctivity
Authors: Jankoski Radoslav , Römer Ulrich , Schöps Sebastian
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a computationally efficient approach for the stochastic modeling of an inhomogeneous reluctivity of magnetic materials. These materials can be part of electrical machines such as a single-phase transformer (a benchmark example that is considered in this paper). The approach is based on the Karhunen–Loève expansion (KLE). The stochastic model is further used to study the statistics of the self-inductance of the primary coil as a quantity of interest (QoI).

Design/methodology/approach

The computation of the KLE requires solving a generalized eigenvalue problem with dense matrices. The eigenvalues and the eigenfunction are computed by using the Lanczos method that needs only matrix vector multiplications. The complexity of performing matrix vector multiplications with dense matrices is reduced by using hierarchical matrices.

Findings

The suggested approach is used to study the impact of the spatial variability in the magnetic reluctivity on the QoI. The statistics of this parameter are influenced by the correlation lengths of the random reluctivity. Both, the mean value and the standard deviation increase as the correlation length of the random reluctivity increases.

Originality/value

The KLE, computed by using hierarchical matrices, is used for uncertainty quantification of low frequency electrical machines as a computationally efficient approach in terms of memory requirement, as well as computation time.
Synergic calculation method of voltage stability L indicator for multi-area power network
Authors: Zhang Anan , Zhang Fan , Li Zhi , Li Qian , Zhang Xuliang , Wang Jing
Published: May 2017

Purpose

With the growing scale of power grids, integrated power grids often contain multiple areas. When the control centre of each regional grid conducts an assessment of local voltage stability, the calculation is always based on the local regional power grid model. However, less consideration is given to a detailed model of the entire network, which may lead to a large calculation error. Under the premise of ensuring the data and information security of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition between different regional power grid operation control centres, the purpose of this paper is to reduce calculation error simply by using the data of a local power network.

Design/methodology/approach

According to the calculation methodology of “decomposition and coordination” and the power balance equation of an interconnected power grid, an improved radial equivalent independent (REI) equivalent method, which can reflect the dynamic characteristics of interconnected power grids to a certain extent, is proposed in this paper. A mathematical model of multi-area-grid L indicator synergic computing is derived as well.

Findings

With the calculation of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard grids and an actual grid model, it is proven that the method proposed in this paper can significantly improve the accuracy of the regional power grid L indicator calculation and achieve the synergic computing of a multi-area power system L indicator, without an increase in data interaction among the regional power grids.

Originality/value

The indicator of voltage stability among multi-area was obtained by using the improved REI equivalent method with the change of the load participation factor. Particularly, the coordinated calculation method can be implemented on a local power grid without knowledge of all the parameters of its interconnection, which can avoid possible leakage of confidential data and information of the system owners.
Successive-over-relaxation based recursive Bayesian approach for power system configuration identification
Authors: Ahmad Fiaz , Rasool Akhtar , Ozsoy Esref Emre , Sabanoviç Asif , Elitas Meltem
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose successive-over-relaxation (SOR) based recursive Bayesian approach (RBA) for the configuration identification of a Power System. Moreover, to present a comparison between the proposed method and existing RBA approaches regarding convergence speed and robustness.

Design/methodology/approach

Swift power network configuration identification is important for adopting the smart grid features like power system automation. In this work, a new SOR-based numerical approach is adopted to increase the convergence speed of the existing RBA algorithm and at the same time maintaining robustness against noise. Existing RBA and SOR-RBA are tested on IEEE 6 bus, IEEE 14 bus networks and 48 bus Danish Medium Voltage distribution network in the MATLAB R2014b environment and a comparative analysis is presented.

Findings

The comparison of existing RBA and proposed SOR-RBA is performed, which reveals that the latter has good convergence speed compared to the former RBA algorithms. Moreover, it is robust against bad data and noise.

Originality value

Existing RBA techniques have slow convergence and are also prone to measurement noise. Their convergence speed is effected by noisy measurements. In this paper, an attempt has been made to enhance convergence speed of the new identification algorithm while keeping its numerical stability and robustness during noisy measurement conditions. This work is novel and has drastic improvement in the convergence speed and robustness of the former RBA algorithms.
Unified integro-differential equation for efficient dispersive FDTD simulations
Authors: Ramadan Omar
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to derive a unified formulation for incorporating different dispersive models into the explicit and implicit finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, dispersive integro-differential equation (IDE) FDTD formulation is presented. The resultant IDE is written in the discrete time domain by applying the trapezoidal recursive convolution and central finite differences schemes. In addition, unconditionally stable implicit split-step (SS) FDTD implementation is also discussed.

Findings

It is found that the time step stability limit of the explicit IDE-FDTD formulation maintains the conventional Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy (CFL) constraint but with additional stability limits related to the dispersive model parameters. In addition, the CFL stability limit can be removed by incorporating the implicit SS scheme into the IDE-FDTD formulation, but this is traded for degradation in the accuracy of the formulation.

Research limitations/implications

The stability of the explicit FDTD scheme is bounded not only by the CFL limit but also by additional condition related to the dispersive material parameters. In addition, it is observed that implicit JE-IDE FDTD implementation decreases as the time step exceeds the CFL limit.

Practical implications

Based on the presented formulation, a single dispersive FDTD code can be written for implementing different dispersive models such as Debye, Drude, Lorentz, critical point and the quadratic complex rational function.

Originality/value

The proposed formulation not only unifies the FDTD implementation of the frequently used dispersive models with the minimal storage requirements but also can be incorporated with the implicit SS scheme to remove the CFL time step stability constraint.
Resistive torque in permanent magnet couplings operating through a conductive wall
Authors: Rezek Matsumoto Thomas , Chabu Ivan
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an analytical approach to determine the resistive torque caused by a conductive wall between the rotors of axial permanent magnet couplings. In this configuration, relative motion between the coupling rotors and the wall generates a resistive torque that is a consequence of the induced eddy currents in this barrier. Therefore, such induced resistive torque implies a reduction in the permanent magnet coupling performance, that is, its torque transmission capacity.

Design/methodology/approach

The developed resistive torque analytical formulation was based on eddy-current brakes of previous studies. To validate the proposed method, tests were conducted in a prototype and results were compared with analytical ones.

Findings

The analytical method showed a good correlation with the experiment data. Furthermore, a major degradation of the coupling capability to transmit torque was found because of the conductive wall presence, enhancing the importance of predicting such phenomenon when designing these devices.

Originality/value

A novel direct assessment of the resistive torque while in motion is presented in this paper. These measurements were of great importance to accurately compare the analytical and experimental data.
Design and implementation of piezoelectric energy harvesting circuit
Authors: Savarimuthu Kirubaveni , Sankararajan Radha , Murugesan Sudha
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the design of a piezoelectric vibration energy generator with a power conditioning circuit to power a wireless sensor node. Frequency and voltage characterization of the piezoelectric energy harvester is performed. A single-stage AC–DC power converter that integrates the rectification and boosting circuit is designed, simulated and implemented in hardware.

Design/methodology/approach

The designed power conditioning circuit incorporates bridgeless boost rectification, a lithium ion battery as an energy storage unit and voltage regulation to extract maximum power from PZT-5H and to attain higher efficiency. The sensor node is modelled in active and sleep states on the basis of the power consumption. Dynamic modelling of the lithium ion battery with its state of charging and discharging is analysed.

Findings

The test result shows that the energy harvester produces a maximum power of 65.9 mW at the resonant frequency of 21.4 Hz. The designed circuit will operate even at a minimum input voltage of 0.5 V. The output from the harvester is rectified, boosted to a 7-V DC output and regulated to 3.3 V to the power C_Mote wireless sensor node. The conversion efficiency of the circuit is improved to 70.03 per cent with a reduced loss of 19.76 mW.

Originality/value

The performance of the energy harvester and the single-stage power conditioning circuit is analysed. Further, the design and implementation of the proposed circuit lead to an improved conversion efficiency of 70.03 per cent with a reduced loss of 19.76 mW. The vibration energy harvester is integrated with a power conditioning circuit to power a wireless sensor node C_Mote. The piezoelectric vibration energy harvester is implemented in real time to power C_Mote.
Foreign player migration and athletic success in Greek football
Authors: Travlos Antonios K. , Dimitropoulos Panagiotis , Panagiotopoulos Stylianos
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the migration of foreign football players that participated in the elite football championship in Greece and the impact of this migratory channel on the athletic success of the football clubs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzed a database of all migrant and local athletes that participated in the professional Greek football championship over the period 2001-2013 and performed descriptive and regression analyses.

Findings

The regression analyses revealed a positive and significant statistical relation between the investment in foreign talents and the position of the clubs in the championship; however, this impact was more intense for foreign athletes after the formation of the Greek Super League (SL) in 2007 but on the contrary native athletes seem to contribute less to the athletic success than their foreign counterparts.

Practical implications

The findings indicated that valuable resources where spent after SL formation for the acquisition of foreign well-trained athletes. Therefore, this study corroborated arguments in previous research that a basic reason for foreign player migration in football is the increased revenues accrued from the media and sponsors. The study also provided useful policy implications for football managers for improving their decisions on this matter.

Originality/value

The present study fills a gap in the empirical literature and contributes significantly on the ongoing debate about the international athletes’ migration and its impact on athletic success.
Some physicochemical properties and mineral contents of stirred yoghurts containing different fruit marmalades
Authors: Temiz Hasan , Tarakçı Zekai , Yarilgaç Tarik , Dağ Beşir
Published: May 2017

In this study chemical properties and mineral levels of yoghurts containing different fruit marmalades were investigated. Cherry laurel, loquat fruit and kiwi marmalade were used to make the stirred yoghurts, and the calcium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, manganese, iron, zinc, copper, boron, lead, nickel, molybdenum, chromium, cadmium, cobalt levels were determined by an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP–OES). The total solid, fat, ash, pH, viscosity and syneresis contents of the yoghurt samples changed between 13.85–21.02%, 2.45–2.90%, 0.82–0.94%, 4.11–4.22, 2104–2454 cP and 42.0–47.0 mL/100 g, respectively. The mean concentrations in the yoghurts of these minerals were 104.66–118.94 calcium, 95.81–112.42 phosphorus and 13.47–15.04 magnesium as mg/100 g, 235.00–254.00 iron, 429.00–453.00 zinc and 70.45–122.90 copper as μg/100 g. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) was calculated on the basis of the intake of one yoghurt portion (125 g).
Improving patient safety: The impact of an outpatients' electronic handover system in a tertiary dermatology department
Authors: Poon Flora , Martyres Raymond , Denahy Anthony , Varigos George
Published: May 2017

Background/Objectives

Electronic medical records (EMR) can improve quality healthcare, patient safety and streamline workflow to improve efficiency of a department. Despite the known benefits and difficulties of EMR systems, there is limited data on the impact and definable effectiveness it can have within a dermatology unit. We present an outpatients' EMR known as an electronic handover system (EHS) from its inception, delivery and audit of its use in evaluating the true impact.

Methods

An audit of the EHS was conducted from 1 March to 31 August 2014. Quantitative data evaluating the type of jobs entered and completed, overdue tasks, patient workload and phone consultations were conducted. Qualitative data was assessed via a pilot survey assessing users' perspectives of the EHS evaluating communication, clinician‐patient relationship and administrative tasks.

Results

Altogether 754 jobs were entered for 411 dermatology outpatients using the EHS. Most tasks concerned following up bloods and swabs (38%) or biopsies (36%). Overall, 51 jobs were not completed by the specified due dates and 188 phone consultations were performed. Compared with pre‐EHS data, clinic review patients fell by 16%, with a modest increase (2%) in the number of new patients seen. The survey results show that most respondents believed that EHS improved communication, did not affect the clinician–patient relationship and they were more confident in their practice knowing there was a recording system for follow up.

Conclusion

The dermatology EHS has provided a reliable system for following up all outpatient results. The potential benefits range from clinical, organisational and health research, which, from our experience, demonstrates improved patient follow‐up care.
Inflammatory bowel disease is presenting sooner after immigration in more recent US immigrants from Cuba
Authors: Damas O. M. , Avalos D. J. , Palacio A. M. , Gomez L. , Quintero M. A. , Deshpande A. R. , Sussman D. A. , McCauley J. L. , Lopez J. , Schwartz S. J. , Abreu M. T.
Published: May 2017

Background

Despite a rising incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Hispanics in the United States, there are no studies examining the relationship between immigrant generation and IBD onset among Hispanics.

Aims

To determine whether age of IBD diagnosis, time from immigration to IBD diagnosis and IBD phenotype, differed across immigration periods in South Florida Cuban immigrants.

Methods

This was a cohort of consecutively identified Cuban‐born adults who developed IBD in the United States and were followed in gastroenterology (GI) clinic. We divided time cohorts of immigration by historical relevance: before 1980, 1980‐1994 and 1995‐to‐present. We examined differences across time cohorts in diagnosis age, time from immigration to IBD diagnosis, and IBD phenotype (ie, IBD type, disease location).

Results

A total of 130 Cuban patients with IBD were included. Age of IBD diagnosis was older in Cubans arriving before 1980 than in those arriving between 1980‐1994 or after 1995 (44.7 vs 33.79 and 33.71, respectively, P<.0001). Time between immigration and diagnosis was shorter in patients arriving to the US after 1980 (31.77 years, Standard deviation (SD) 12.83 (<1980) vs 17.13 years, SD 8.55 (1980‐1994) and 8.30 years, SD 4.72 (1995‐to‐present). IBD phenotype, including type of IBD, disease location and surgeries, did not differ significantly across time cohorts.

Conclusions

Our study describes changing patterns of IBD onset following immigration in Cubans, suggesting that environmental changes either in the United States, Cuba or both are resulting in faster IBD onset in younger immigrant generations. These studies can inform the search for environmental triggers that may result in IBD.
Dual en bloc technique for adult renal transplantation
Authors: Tran Kim Chi , Li David , Taqi Ali , Sener Alp , McAlister Vivian C. , Luke Patrick P.
Published: May 2017

Introduction

We describe and provide follow‐up for a novel simplified technique permitting dual en bloc (DEB) transplantation of adult organs using single in situ arterial and venous anastomoses.

Methods

Twenty‐two adult DEB transplants were performed at our center between 2001 and 2012, utilizing 44 kidneys en bloc. Results were compared with 20 solitary transplants from expanded criteria donors (ECD) associated with lower terminal serum creatinines and Remuzzi biopsy scores vs DEB group. Adult DEB implants had donor inferior vena cava connected to recipient external iliac vein and “Y” arterial interposition graft anastomosed to the recipient iliac artery. Ureters were conjoined prior to implantation as a single patch into the recipient bladder.

Results

Mean operative time was 206±57 minutes in DEB vs 180±30 minutes in single transplants (P<.05). Delayed graft function rate was 23% vs 25% in both groups. At 12‐month follow‐up, mean serum creatinine was 152±66 μmol/L vs in 154±52 μmol/L DEB and single kidney transplant recipients, respectively (P=NS). Three‐year overall and graft specific survival were 86% and 84% in the DEB group, respectively (P=NS). Complication rates were similar between groups.

Conclusions

This DEB renal transplantation technique is safe and effective in adults. By employing techniques used to conjoin organ vasculature ex vivo, the number of in situ anastomoses is reduced, thereby minimizing operative ischemic time and potential for complications associated with extensive vascular dissection.
Characteristics associated with non‐disclosure of Type 2 diabetes at work
Authors: Olesen K. , Cleal B. , Skinner T. , Willaing I.
Published: May 2017

Aim

To explore factors associated with non‐disclosure of Type 2 diabetes to employers among Danish workers with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A total of 705 workers with Type 2 diabetes completed a Danish cross‐sectional survey. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the associations between background characteristics and probability of non‐disclosure of diabetes to the employer. The models were mutually adjusted for background characteristics, socioeconomic‐, diabetes‐ and work‐related factors.

Results

Among the participants, 23% had not disclosed their Type 2 diabetes to their current employer. Non‐disclosure was associated with more sickness absence, more years with diabetes, greater use of diabetic medication, higher educational level and a perception of not being respected by superior. Personal traits such as gender, age and well‐being were not associated with disclosure.

Conclusions

Among the feasible targets for interventions, good psychosocial work environment was associated with disclosure.
Water diversion reduces abundance and survival of two Mediterranean cyprinids
Authors: Merciai Roberto , Bailey Larissa L. , Bestgen Kevin R. , Fausch Kurt D. , Zamora Lluís , Sabater Sergi , García‐Berthou Emili
Published: May 2017

Water flow is a fundamental characteristic required for the ecological integrity of stream ecosystems. However, populations of many freshwater fishes in the Mediterranean region are threatened by man‐induced drought due to water diversion. Mark‐recapture methodology is an effective tool for estimating fish abundance and survival probability, but it has been seldom used with Mediterranean freshwater fish. We tagged over 2,400 individuals of two threatened cyprinids (Mediterranean barbel Barbus meridionalis and Catalan chub Squalius laietanus) inhabiting an Iberian stream affected by water diversion, and used mark‐recapture methods to evaluate the effects of flow, temperature and depth on their apparent survival and abundance at hydrologically altered and perennial reaches. Based on estimates over the summer drying season, survival of Mediterranean barbel was more than six times higher in an upstream reach with permanent flow than a middle reach impacted by water diversion. Water depth was the most important habitat feature accounting for differences in survival, with both barbel and chub exhibiting higher survival and abundance at permanent sites farther downstream where flow had been restored and in an unaltered tributary. Our results show clear negative impacts of water diversion on fish populations. Both species, but particularly barbel, have life‐cycle characteristics that may allow populations to recover quickly if natural streamflow was restored by conserving water and reducing water diversion.
Growth and physiological responses of Quercus brantii seedlings inoculated with Biscogniauxia mediterranea and Obolarina persica under drought stress
Authors: Ghanbary E. , Tabari Kouchaksaraei M. , Mirabolfathy M. , Modarres Sanavi S. A. M. , Rahaie M.
Published: May 2017

Charcoal canker of oak is a common disease in the western regions of Iran, which has widely spread due to climate change and increasing drought in recent years. Biscogniauxia mediterranea and Obolarina persica are known as two agents of oak charcoal canker in Zagros forests causing the dieback of oak trees. The effects of charcoal disease agent pathogens on the growth and physiological response of two‐year‐old seedlings of Quercus brantii were evaluated under drought stress in greenhouse over a period of nine months. Survival was 21.7% lower in seedlings inoculated with B. mediterranea subjected to drought stress compared with control treatment. The length of lesions on stems was 68% more under charcoal pathogens in drought stressed compared with the length of lesions caused by charcoal pathogens only. On the other hand, stem lesion length caused by B. mediterranea was 25% greater than those caused by O. persica. Some morphophysiological characteristics were affected by charcoal pathogens alone and/or in combination with drought. Diameter, height and biomass decreased the most in seedlings inoculated with charcoal pathogens under drought stress. Pathogenic agents alone and in combination with drought stress reduced photosynthetic rates, stomatal conductance, transpiration, the maximum Rubisco activity (Vcmax), maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and xylem water potential. In general, drought increased the aggressiveness of fungus and intensification of their destructive effects in Quercus brantii. Moreover, there was no significant difference between the effect of B. mediterranea and O. persica on the morphophysiological parameters studied.
Development of a novel flow cytometric immunobead array to quantify VWF: Ag and VWF: GPIbR and its application in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Yan Bin , Xu Mengqiao , Zhao Yunxiao , Guo Haijun , Xia Lijun , Ruan Changgeng , Zhao Yiming
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Both von Willebrand disease (VWD) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) involve quantitative and qualitative changes in von Willebrand factor (VWF). Our objective was to develop a rapid and precise flow cytometric immunobead array (FCIA) to quantify VWF antigen (VWF:Ag) and ristocetin‐triggered platelet glycoprotein Ib binding (VWF:GPIbR) and apply it in a clinical setting.

Methods

Microbeads, coated with monoclonal antibodies for SZ29 or SZ151 IgG, were incubated with diluted plasma. VWF‐binding microbeads were detected with FITC‐conjugated sheep‐anti‐human VWF IgG by flow cytometry. Plasma VWF:Ag and VWF:GPIbR levels in normal controls (CTL; n=105), patients with VWD (n=21), and patients with AMI (n=146) were tested by FCIA and ELISA in parallel. ADAMTS13 activity and VWF multimer analyses were also implemented.

Results

Our novel FCIA showed a strong correlation with the ELISA results (VWF:Ag, r=.855; VWF:GPIbR, r=.813). The intra‐assay coefficient variations (CVs) of VWF:Ag‐FCIA and VWF:GPIbR‐FCIA were 9.2% and 7.7%, respectively, and the interassay CVs were 12.6% and 13.5%, respectively. Plasma VWF:Ag and VWF:GPIbR levels were significantly higher in patients with AMI than in CTL (P<.0001), whereas the ratios of ADAMTS13/VWF:Ag and ADAMTS13/VWF:GPIbR were significantly lower (P<.0001). Levels of plasma ultra‐large VWF (UL‐VWF) were dramatically increased in patients with AMI.

Conclusions

The novel VWF:Ag and VWF:GPIbR‐FCIA assays were found to be simpler, more specific, and more accurate than the classical ELISA method. In addition, elevated VWF:GPIbR and UL‐VWF may contribute to the pathogenesis of AMI.
Two new leafhopper genera of the Alebroides genus group (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae) from China, with a key to genera of the group
Authors: Xu Ye , Lu Sihan , Wang Yuru , Dietrich Christopher H. , Qin Daozheng
Published: May 2017

Two new microleafhopper genera in the Alebroides genus group, Nulliata Lu, Xu & Qin, gen. nov., based on the type species N. rubrostriata Lu, Xu & Qin, sp. nov., and Inflatopina Lu, Dietrich & Qin, gen. nov., based on the type species I. intonsa Lu, Dietrich & Qin, sp. nov., are described from southwest China. Five known species in the Alebroides sohii species group are transferred to Inflatopina as new combinations. Keys to genera of the Alebroides genus group and species of Inflatopina are given.
Bulk‐filled posterior resin restorations based on stress‐decreasing resin technology: a randomized, controlled 6‐year evaluation
Authors: van Dijken Jan W. V. , Pallesen Ulla
Published: May 2017

This randomized study evaluated a flowable resin composite bulk‐fill technique in posterior restorations and compared it intraindividually with a conventional 2‐mm resin composite layering technique over a 6‐yr follow‐up period. Thirty‐eight pairs of Class II restorations and 15 pairs of Class I restorations were placed in 38 adults. In all cavities a single‐step self‐etch adhesive (Xeno V) was applied. In the first cavity of each pair, the flowable resin composite (SDR) was placed, in bulk increments of up to 4 mm. The occlusal part was completed with a layer of nanohybrid resin composite (Ceram X mono). In the second cavity of each pair, the hybrid resin composite was placed in 2‐mm increments. The restorations were evaluated using slightly modified US Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria at baseline and then annually for a time period of 6 yr. After 6 yr, 72 Class II restorations and 26 Class I restorations could be evaluated. Six failed Class II molar restorations, three in each group, were observed, resulting in a success rate of 93.9% for all restorations and an annual failure rate (AFR) of 1.0% for both groups. The AFR for Class II and Class I restorations in both groups was 1.4% and 0%, respectively. The main reason for failure was resin composite fracture.
Variability in prescription opioid intake and reinforcement amongst 129 substrains
Authors: Jimenez S. M. , Healy A. F. , Coelho M. A. , Brown C. N. , Kippin T. E. , Szumlinski K. K.
Published: May 2017

Opioid abuse in the United States has reached epidemic proportions, with treatment admissions and deaths associated with prescription opioid abuse quadrupling over the past 10 years. Although genetics are theorized to contribute substantially to inter‐individual variability in the development, severity and treatment outcomes of opioid abuse/addiction, little direct preclinical study has focused on the behavioral genetics of prescription opioid reinforcement and drug‐taking. Herein, we employed different 129 substrains of mice currently available from The Jackson Laboratory (129S1/SvlmJ, 129X1/SvJ, 129S4/SvJaeJ and 129P3/J) as a model system of genetic variation and assayed mice for oral opioid intake and reinforcement, as well as behavioral and somatic signs of dependence. All substrains exhibited a dose‐dependent increase in oral oxycodone and heroin preference and intake under limited‐access procedures and all, but 129S1/SvlmJ mice, exhibited oxycodone reinforcement. Relative to the other substrains, 129P3/J mice exhibited higher heroin and oxycodone intake. While 129X1/SvJ exhibited the highest anxiety‐like behavior during natural opioid withdrawal, somatic and behavior signs of precipitated withdrawal were most robust in 129P3/J mice. These results demonstrate the feasibility and relative sensitivity of our oral opioid self‐administration procedures for detecting substrain differences in drug reinforcement/intake among 129 mice, of relevance to the identification of genetic variants contributing to high vs. low oxycodone reinforcement and intake.
Freedom of information in times of crisis: The case of Mexico's war on drugs
Authors: Almanzar Tanya , Aspinwall Mark , Crow David
Published: May 2017

Transparency guarantees in Mexico presented a serious challenge to its 2007–2012 war on drugs. We use an original database of access to information requests, including both petitions for information and appeals to IFAI. We conduct statistical tests on the databases, finding that transparency is lower on security issues, as expected, but that there are unexpected variations between security agencies, and over time. We then conduct a content analysis of freedom of information requests to determine what drives agency responses, finding that security agencies developed various techniques to deflect petitions for information, such as falsely claiming that information has been provided when it has not, claiming that the information is outside the competence of the agency, that it does not exist, or that it is already in the public domain. Also there are significant differences in transparency between security agencies, possibly explained by their operational roles.
Migraine Nurses in Primary Care: Costs and Benefits
Authors: van den Berg Jan S.P. , Steiner Timothy J. , Veenstra Petra J.L. , Kollen Boudewijn J.
Published: May 2017

Objective

We examined the costs and benefits of introducing migraine nurses into primary care.

Background

Migraine is one of the most costly neurological diseases.

Methods

We analyzed data from our earlier nonrandomized cohort study comparing an intervention group of 141 patients, whose care was supported by nurses trained in migraine management, and a control group of 94 patients receiving usual care. Estimates of per‐person direct costs were based on nurses' salaries and referrals to neurologists. Indirect costs were estimated as lost productivity, including numbers of days of absenteeism or with <50% productivity at work due to migraine, and notional costs related to lost days of household activities or days of <50% household productivity. Analysis was conducted from the payer's perspective.

Results

After 9 months the direct costs were €281.11 in the control group against €332.23 in the intervention group (mean difference −51.12; 95% CI: −113.20‐15.56; P = .134); the indirect costs were €1985.51 in the control group against €1631.75 in the intervention group (mean difference 353.75; 95% CI: −355.53‐1029.82; P = .334); and total costs were €2266.62 in the control group, against €1963.99 in the intervention group (mean difference 302.64; 95% CI: −433.46‐1001.27; P = .438). When costs attributable to lost household productivity were included, total costs increased to €6076.62 in the control group and €5048.15 in the intervention group (mean difference 1028.47; 95% CI: −590.26‐2603.67; P = .219).

Conclusion

Migraine nurses in primary care seemed in this study to increase practice costs but decrease total societal costs. However, it was a nonrandomized study, and the differences did not reach significance. For policy‐makers concerned with headache‐service organization and delivery, the important messages are that we found no evidence that nurses increased overall costs, and investment in a definitive study would therefore be worthwhile.
Critical Business Ethics: From Corporate Self‐interest to the Glorification of the Sovereign Pater
Authors: Rhodes Carl , Pullen Alison
Published: May 2017

Research in critical business ethics has demonstrated how economic self‐interest is the primary reason that businesses adopt nominally ethical practices. After reviewing this body of research, the authors propose that it can be further developed by questioning its conception of self‐interest, by exploring its non‐economic dimensions and by reconsidering the meaning of the ‘self’ that is said to have such interests. Drawing insights from feminist theory and political theology, the paper interrogates corporate business ethics as a public glorification of corporate power based on a patriarchal conception of the corporation. Genealogically rooted in early Christian ceremonial practices used to glorify God the Father, this is a glorification for the sake of glory rather than just for the sake of commercial ends. The authors further argue that corporate business ethics is rendered as the feminized servant of the sovereign corporate patriarch, always at hand to glorify the master. The meaning of corporate business ethics is hence one where the feminine is not absent, but rather is servile to a masculinity conceived in relation to domination, greatness and sovereignty. Collectively, this shows how the power wielded and desired by corporate business ethics far exceeds the pursuit of financial self‐interest; it is also related to modelling the corporation on a male God. The paper concludes by considering how research in critical business ethics can be extended through forms of inquiry that destabilize the ethical glorification of the corporation, and displace its masculinist privilege.
Endothelial microparticles released by activated protein C protect beta cells through EPCR/PAR1 and annexin A1/FPR2 pathways in islets
Authors: Kreutter Guillaume , Kassem Mohamad , El Habhab Ali , Baltzinger Philippe , Abbas Malak , Boisrame‐Helms Julie , Amoura Lamia , Peluso Jean , Yver Blandine , Fatiha Zobairi , Ubeaud‐Sequier Geneviève , Kessler Laurence , Toti Florence
Published: May 2017

Islet transplantation is associated with early ischaemia/reperfusion, localized coagulation and redox‐sensitive endothelial dysfunction. In animal models, islet cytoprotection by activated protein C (aPC) restores islet vascularization and protects graft function, suggesting that aPC triggers various lineages. aPC also prompts the release of endothelial MP that bear EPCR, its specific receptor. Microparticles (MP) are plasma membrane procoagulant vesicles, surrogate markers of stress and cellular effectors. We measured the cytoprotective effects of aPC on endothelial and insulin‐secreting Rin‐m5f β‐cells and its role in autocrine and paracrine MP‐mediated cell crosstalk under conditions of oxidative stress. MP from aPC‐treated primary endothelial (EC) or β‐cells were applied to H2O2‐treated Rin‐m5f. aPC activity was measured by enzymatic assay and ROS species by dihydroethidium. The capture of PKH26‐stained MP and the expression of EPCR were probed by fluorescence microscopy and apoptosis by flow cytometry. aPC treatment enhanced both annexin A1 (ANXA1) and PAR‐1 expression in EC and to a lesser extent in β‐cells. MP from aPC‐treated EC (eMaPC) exhibited high EPCR and annexin A1 content, protected β‐cells, restored insulin secretion and were captured by 80% of β cells in a phosphatidylserine and ANXA1‐dependent mechanism. eMP activated EPCR/PAR‐1 and ANXA1/FPR2‐dependent pathways and up‐regulated the expression of EPCR, and of FPR2/ALX, the ANXA1 receptor. Cytoprotection was confirmed in H2O2‐treated rat islets with increased viability (62% versus 48% H2O2), reduced apoptosis and preserved insulin secretion in response to glucose elevation (16 versus 5 ng/ml insulin per 10 islets). MP may prove a promising therapeutic tool in the protection of transplanted islets.
The efficacy of early language intervention in mainstream school settings: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fricke Silke , Burgoyne Kelly , Bowyer‐Crane Claudine , Kyriacou Maria , Zosimidou Alexandra , Maxwell Liam , Lervåg Arne , Snowling Margaret J. , Hulme Charles
Published: May 2017

Background

Oral language skills are a critical foundation for literacy and more generally for educational success. The current study shows that oral language skills can be improved by providing suitable additional help to children with language difficulties in the early stages of formal education.

Methods

We conducted a randomized controlled trial with 394 children in England, comparing a 30‐week oral language intervention programme starting in nursery (N = 132) with a 20‐week version of the same programme starting in Reception (N = 133). The intervention groups were compared to an untreated waiting control group (N = 129). The programmes were delivered by trained teaching assistants (TAs) working in the children's schools/nurseries. All testers were blind to group allocation.

Results

Both the 20‐ and 30‐week programmes produced improvements on primary outcome measures of oral language skill compared to the untreated control group. Effect sizes were small to moderate (20‐week programme: d = .21; 30‐week programme: d = .30) immediately following the intervention and were maintained at follow‐up 6 months later. The difference in improvement between the 20‐week and 30‐week programmes was not statistically significant. Neither programme produced statistically significant improvements in children's early word reading or reading comprehension skills (secondary outcome measures).

Conclusions

This study provides further evidence that oral language interventions can be delivered successfully by trained TAs to children with oral language difficulties in nursery and Reception classes. The methods evaluated have potentially important policy implications for early education.
Editorial: The continuing contributions of MTA over nearly two decades to initial attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder pharmacotherapy and long‐term clinical course
Authors: Bloch Michael H.
Published: May 2017

The initial results of the Multimodal Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (MTA) trial had profound effects on the way that Attention‐Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is managed clinically. Children from the original MTA cohort as well as a control group have been followed longitudinally for well over a decade and are beginning to provide important data regarding the long‐term clinical course, treatment and consequences of ADHD into adulthood. Two articles in this issue of JCPP highlight important contributions from the MTA cohort. Swanson et al. highlights the potential long‐term effects of stimulants on height whereas Sibley et al. highlights the importance of using multiple informants in assessing adulthood ADHD symptoms similar to children and suggest that current DSM criteria for ADHD may be overly stringent.
Application of low‐frequency sonophoresis and reduction of antibiotics in the aquatic systems
Authors: Cobo Labarca C , Radinger J , Schöning V , Ariav R , Jung R , Thompson K D , Kloas W , Knopf K
Published: May 2017

A major concern in aquaculture is the use of chemical therapeutics, such as antibiotics, because of their impact on the environment as well as on the fish product. As a potential tool for reducing antibiotic use, we tested the application of low‐frequency ultrasound as a method for enhancing antibiotic uptake. Rainbow trout juveniles (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were exposed to two different concentrations of oxytetracycline (OTC), flumequine (FLU) and florfenicol (FLO), administered by bath after the application of ultrasound. After exposure, concentrations of these substances were measured in the liver and blood of treated fish. Results showed that the ultrasound treatment can significantly increase the uptake for all three antibiotics. The uptake of OTC for example, in fish exposed to an OTC concentration of 20 mg L−1 after prior treatment with ultrasound, was similar to the OTC concentrations in their liver and blood to fish exposed to 100 mg L−1 without sonication. For FLU and FLO, the use of ultrasound caused significant differences of uptake in the liver at high antibiotic concentrations. This suggests that the use of ultrasound as a technique to deliver antibiotics to fish can ultimately reduce the amount of antibiotics discharged into the aquatic environment.
Patient‐reported dietetic care post hospital for free‐living patients: a Canadian Malnutrition Task Force Study
Authors: Keller H. , Payette H. , Laporte M. , Bernier P. , Allard J. , Duerksen D. , Gramlich L. , Jeejeebhoy K.
Published: May 2017

Background

Transitions out of hospital can influence recovery. Ideally, malnourished patients should be followed by someone with nutrition expertise, specifically a dietitian, post discharge from hospital. Predictors of dietetic care post discharge are currently unknown. The present study aimed to determine the patient factors independently associated with 30‐days post hospital discharge dietetic care for free‐living patients who transitioned to the community.

Methodology

Nine hundred and twenty‐two medical or surgical adult patients were recruited in 16 acute care hospitals in eight Canadian provinces on admission. Eligible patients could speak English or French, provide their written consent, were anticipated to have a hospital stay of ≥2 days and were not considered palliative. Telephone interviews were completed with 747 (81%) participants using a standardised questionnaire to determine whether dietetic care occurred post discharge; 544 patients discharged to the community were included in the multivariate analyses, excluding those who were admitted to nursing homes or rehabilitation facilities. Covariates during and post hospitalisation were collected prospectively and used in logistic regression analyses to determine independent patient‐level predictors.

Results

Dietetic care post discharge was reported by 61/544 (11%) of participants and was associated with severe malnutrition [Subjective Global Assessment category C: odd's ratio (OR) 2.43 (1.23–4.83)], weight loss post discharge [(OR 2.86 (1.45–5.62)], comorbidity [(OR 1.09 (1.02–1.17)] and a dietitian consultation on admission [(OR 3.41 (1.95–5.97)].

Conclusions

Dietetic care post discharge occurs in few patients, despite the known high prevalence of malnutrition on admission and discharge. Dietetic care in hospital was the most influential predictor of post‐hospital care.
An exercise path to preventing Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Coulson Elizabeth J. , Bartlett Perry F.
Published: May 2017

Read the highlighted article ‘Exercise and BDNF reduce Aβ production by enhancing α-secretase processing of APP’ on page 286.
Mineralocorticoid receptor associates with pro‐inflammatory bias in the hippocampus of spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Brocca M. E. , Pietranera L. , Meyer M. , Lima A. , Roig P. , de Kloet E. R. , De Nicola A. F.
Published: May 2017

Damage observed in the hippocampus of the adult spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) resembles the neuropathology of mineralocorticoid‐induced hypertension, supporting a similar endocrine dysfunction in both entities. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that increased expression of the hippocampal mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in SHR animals is associated with a prevalent expression of pro‐inflammatory over anti‐inflammatory factors. Accordingly, in the hippocampus, we measured mRNA expression and immunoreactivity of the MR and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction and histochemistry. We also measured serum‐glucocorticoid‐activated kinase 1 (Sgk1 mRNA), the number and phenotype of Iba1+ microglia, as well as mRNA expression levels of the pro‐inflammatory factors cyclo‐oxygenase 2 (Cox2), Nlrp3 inflammasome and tumour necrosis factor α (Tnfα). Expression of anti‐inflammatory transforming growth factor (Tgf)β mRNA and the NADPH‐diaphorase activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) were also determined. The results showed that, in the hippocampus of SHR rats, expression of MR and the number of immunoreactive MR/GR co‐expressing cells were increased compared to Wistar‐Kyoto control animals. Expression of Sgk1, Cox2, Nlrp3 and the number of ramified glia cells positive for Iba1+ were also increased, whereas Tgfβ mRNA expression and the NADPH‐diaphorase activity of NOS were decreased. We propose that, in the SHR hippocampus, increased MR expression causes a bias towards a pro‐inflammatory phenotype characteristic for hypertensive encephalopathy.