bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fashion Activism Evaluation and Application of Fashion Activism Strategies to Ease Transition Towards Sustainable Consumption Behaviour
Authors: Hirscher Anja-Lisa
Published: April 2016

This study discusses emerging design activities in the fashion industry and their implications for motivating sustainable consumption. The paper provides an insight into the broad opportunities of fashion activism for designers. As the basis for discussion and evaluation of the research questions, the author has compared the applicability of the bespoken strategies with selected findings from her own empirical case study. The case study entails two participatory clothing design workshops with 'half-way' products. The main research question elaborates on whether fashion activism can be considered as a tool for designers to help consumers defeat their desire to constantly consume more. This involves three sub-questions. First, how effective is fashion activism as a tool in raising awareness for sustainability issues in the fashion industry? Secondly, do participatory design processes and enabling solutions help the consumer gain new skills and develop a greater appreciation towards his/her products? This implies that the user can become his/her own designer and maker, and thereby possibly change his/her own behaviour and attitude through a deeper understanding of the production process. Therefore, and thirdly, can fashion activism ease the transition towards sustainable consumption? The final discussion will focus on the evidence gathered by the comparison of fashion activism strategies and the author's own research. The empirical case study has offered insight into the objectives of fashion activism specifically through half-way products. The findings positively confirm the expected advantages of half-way products. The half-way garments seem to ease the first step for user involvement. In addition, the research highlights the importance that consumers understand products and production. This understanding is a key factor for sustainable fashion consumption.
Environmental and Ethical Perceptions Related to Clothing Labels Among Norwegian Consumers
Authors: Laitala Kirsi , Klepp Ingun Grimstad
Published: April 2016

Norwegian consumers know little about eco-labeled garments as almost none are available on the market. Therefore, consumers who want to make environmentally sound choices have to act based on other information. This article discusses the environmental and ethical perceptions of Norwegian consumers that are related to fiber content, maintenance, size, and country of origin labels. The analysis draws conclusions from a research project where in-depth interviews were used to collect qualitative data on consumer attitudes, knowledge, and habits. The results show that several different types of labels on textiles can be connected with environmental impact, both directly and indirectly. Sometimes wrong assumptions are made, such as when all natural fibers are considered to be always more sustainable than synthetics. The country of origin label is even used to evaluate the production conditions or quality. The care label affects selection of laundry method and has great environmental consequences, yet it is not usually perceived to include environmental information. Ill-fitting clothing is an important disposal reason, and many respondents wish for consequent size labeling and more information on the clothing fit.
Apparel Sustainability from a Local Perspective
Authors: DeLong Marilyn , Goncu-Berk Gozde , Bye Elizabeth , Wu Juanjuan
Published: April 2016

This research takes a bottoms-up approach to sustainable practices of designers within one industry in a specific locale. In researching sustainability in the apparel industry, one must consider the fashion system in which apparel designers operate. This research examines apparel designers in Minnesota and their perspectives about best practices that will encourage sustainability. Designers from a variety of small to large size businesses are interviewed and the results are analyzed to identify present and future contributions with regards to sustainability in apparel design. Processes that take into account the local context of sustainability enable a shared understanding with potential for mutually acceptable approaches to address the issues.
Extraction of Natural Dye from Kigelia pinnata and Its Application on Pashmina (Cashmere) Fabric
Authors: Sharma Kuldeep K. , Pareek Pawan K. , Raja A. S. M. , Temani Priyanka , Kumar Ajay , Shakyawar D. B. , Sharma Mahesh C.
Published: April 2016

The present study details attempts made to extract purified natural dye from the heartwood of Kigelia pinnata to dye cashmere fabrics. From the different extracted compounds, lapachol is identified as a viable dye source and the compound is characterized by using analytical and spectral (UV- Vis, IR, 1H NMR) data. The isolated lapachol is used to dye cashmere fabric alone and also with different mordants, such as aluminium sulphate, stannous chloride and ferrous sulphate. The dye produces bright reddish brown colours on fabric with reproducibility. The addition of different mordants during dyeing imparts very good fastness properties on the cashmere fabric.
A Review of Yarn Appearance Evaluation Based on Image Analysis Technology
Authors: Fang Heng , Xin Binjie , Liu Xiaoxia
Published: April 2016

This paper presents an overview of the yarn appearance evaluation methods based on image processing technology in recent years. A comparison of these new digital solutions and the traditional yarn appearance evaluation methods is made in detail with an introduction of the related systems, algorithms and principles. The future development of yarn appearance evaluation is also analyzed. Yarn hairiness, as the key parameter of yarn appearance, is the focus of evaluating yarn appearance. The reported methods can be classified into traditional test methods and digital image methods. The former include four main methods (weighting, electrostatic, microscopic counting, and photoelectric measurement methods). Both the advantages and disadvantages of the traditional test methods and digital image methods have been summarized and discussed in this paper. The aim of this work is to provide a good reference platform for researchers to provide knowledge on the history of the measurement methods of yarn appearance and utilize these methods to evaluate yarn appearance.
Perfume Finishing of Cotton/Polyester Fabric Cross-linked with DMDHEU in Presence of Softeners
Authors: Ibrahim N. A. , El-Sayed Z. M. , Fahmy H. M. , Hassabo A. G. , Abo-Shosha M. H.
Published: April 2016

The inclusion of softeners (20 g/l), namely, Siligen VN (silicon based), Basosoft SWK (cationic), or Leomin NI (nonionic), in a dimethyloldihydroxy ethylene urea (DMDHEU, 50 g/l) finishing formulation of 65/35 cotton/polyester blended fabric, enhances the resiliency of the fabric, which is expressed as the dry wrinkle recovery angle (WRA). The fabric acquires the ability to keep a rose oil fragrance upon storage up to 3 months. Improving the WRA and acquiring the ability to keep the fragrance can be descendingly arranged as follows: Siligen VN>Basosoft SWK>Leomin NI. Increasing the Siligen VN concentration (0-30 g/l) in the finishing formulation is accompanied by a small increase in the WRA, and a noticeable enhancement in the ability to keep the rose oil fragrance upon storage. By increasing the rose oil concentration (100-300 g/l) in a perfumed bath of cross-linked/Siligen VN, the softened fabric is accompanied by a slight drop in the WRA, and a decreasing ability to keep the fragrance up to 3 months.

However, the extent of the fragrance is higher at higher rose oil concentrations, regardless of the storage time. The ability of the fabric to keep the fragrance can be attributed to solubilization and/or encapsulation of the perfume in the oleophilic segments of the softener, and its slow release with time, so that the smell can be sensed. This ability decreases after increasing the storage time up to 3 months, and depending on the type of perfume oil used, is descendingly arranged as follows: jasmine oil > rose oil > sandal oil.
Novel Azo disperse Dyes with Cyclohexene moiety for Dyeing Polyester and Nylon Fabrics
Authors: Metwally M.A , Khalifa M.E , Gaffer H.E , El-Bially S.F
Published: April 2016

Treatment of diethyl 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-methyl-6-oxocyclohex-4-ene-1,1-dicarboxylate (1) with hydrazine hydrate in ethanol affords the corresponding indazole derivative (2). Coupling of 2 with diazotized aromatic amines furnishes the corresponding new azo compounds (3). Compound 1 is subjected to a Japp-Klingemann reaction in an alkaline medium, where hydrazones (4) are formed. Treatment of 4 with hydrazine hydrate and phenylhydrazine in ethanol gives the corresponding new azo compounds (5 and 6, respectively). The structures of all compounds are confirmed by elemental and spectral analyses. Compounds 3-6 are applied as disperse dyes for dyeing polyester and nylon fabrics, and their characteristics and fastness properties have been measured.
MY IDEA
Authors: Falconer Alex
Published: April 2016

Boxing clever How a struggling startup overcame setbacks to disrupt its way to success
COURAGE, CAR AND COMMUNICATION: A TOOLKIT TO LEAD THROUGH CHANGE
Authors: Jolly Richard
Published: April 2016

Richard Jolly offers ten key pieces of advice on how to lead a company through times of change
THREE WAYS OUR WORKING CULTURE IS OUT OF DATE
Authors: Gratton Lynda
Published: April 2016

In preparing for the future of work, Lynda Gratton calls for mindset evolution over a radical revolution
GETTING TO GRIPS WITH DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Authors: Birkinshaw Julian , Robbins Peter , Ryan Johnny
Published: April 2016

Even mature companies can use startup tactics. Peter Robbins, Julian Birkinshaw and Johnny Ryan examine The Irish Times
SHOULD FIRMS SAVE OR INVEST THEIR WAY OUT OF CRISES?
Authors: Ioannou Ioannis
Published: April 2016

Ioannis Ioannou looks at the curious incident of the dog that didn't bark
Habitat preference of the striped legless lizard: Implications of grazing by native herbivores and livestock for conservation of grassland biota
Authors: Howland Brett W. A. , Stojanovic Dejan , Gordon Iain J. , Fletcher Don , Snape Melissa , Stirnemann Ingrid A. , Lindenmayer David B.
Published: April 2016

Across the globe, many species of reptile are threatened with extinction, with changes in grazing pressure as a significant factor in their decline. Few studies have investigated the role of native herbivores, yet studying natural grazers may provide insight into natural grazing regimes, not apparent in studies of domestic livestock. In this study, we investigate the habitat requirements of a threatened Australian grassland reptile, the striped legless lizard,Delma impar, in grasslands grazed by a native herbivore, the eastern grey kangarooMacropus giganteus.Delma imparappears sensitive to habitat change resulting from altered grazing intensity, but a lack of information hinders implementation of appropriate grazing regimes. To address this gap, we investigated habitat preferences ofD. imparat multiple spatial scales across a grazing gradient. We found that the occurrence ofD. imparwas not affected by the size of grassland remnants, but was negatively related to the density of native grazers. This result was likely a consequence of the negative effect of high grazing intensity on grass structural complexity, as the probability of encountering aD. imparwas positively related to grass structural complexity at the fine scale (1 m2). We recommend that conservation efforts should avoid high intensity grazing (equivalent to > 1.3 kangaroos/ha), yet ensure enough grazing disturbance is maintained to promote the formation of complex grass structures. We also recommend that small floristically degraded and fragmented grassland habitat should be included in conservation efforts. These recommendations will likely benefit a number of faunal species in grasslands grazed by domestic and native grazers. Importantly, our data highlight the need for managing grazing regimes, even in environments dominated by native herbivores.
Titanium: a review on exposure, release, penetration, allergy, epidemiology, and clinical reactivity
Authors: Fage Simon W. , Muris Joris , Jakobsen Stig S. , Thyssen Jacob P.
Published: April 2016

Exposure to titanium (Ti) from implants and from personal care products as nanoparticles (NPs) is common. This article reviews exposure sources, ion release, skin penetration, allergenic effects, and diagnostic possibilities. We conclude that human exposure to Ti mainly derives from dental and medical implants, personal care products, and foods. Despite being considered to be highly biocompatible relative to other metals, Ti is released in the presence of biological fluids and tissue, especially under certain circumstances, which seem to be more likely with regard to dental implants. Although most of the studies reviewed have important limitations, Ti seems not to penetrate a competent skin barrier, either as pure Ti, alloy, or as Ti oxideNPs. However, there are some indications of Ti penetration through the oral mucosa. We conclude that patch testing with the available Ti preparations for detection of typeIVhypersensitivity is currently inadequate for Ti. Although several other methods for contact allergy detection have been suggested, including lymphocyte stimulation tests, none has yet been generally accepted, and the diagnosis of Ti allergy is therefore still based primarily on clinical evaluation. Reports on clinical allergy and adverse events have rarely been published. Whether this is because of unawareness of possible adverse reactions to this specific metal, difficulties in detection methods, or the metal actually being relatively safe to use, is still unresolved.
Messung der gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität bei erwachsenen Patienten mit birkenpollenassoziierter Nahrungsmittelallergie
Authors: Beyer Susanne , Franke Annegret , Simon Jan Christoph , Treudler Regina
Published: April 2016

Hintergrund

: Der „Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire – Adult Form“ (FAQLQ‐AF) ist der erste frei verfügbare Fragebogen zur Erfassung der gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität (health‐related quality of life; HRQL) bei Erwachsenen mit Nahrungsmittelallergie (NMA). Wir präsentieren Daten zur Validierung der deutschsprachigen Version sowie zur HRQL bei Patienten mit birkenpollenassoziierter NMA.

Patienten und Methodik

: Die niederländische Version des FAQLQ‐AF (Skala 1–7, kein – extremer Einfluss) wurde ins Deutsche übersetzt. Dreiundsiebzig Patienten mit anamnestisch vorhandener birkenpollenassoziierter NMA (52 Frauen, medianes Alter 43 Jahre) beantworteten Fragen zu Auslösern und Symptomen der NMA sowie den FAQLQ‐AF. Konstruktvalidität, diskriminative Validität sowie interne Konsistenz des FAQLQ‐AF wurden gemessen.

Ergebnisse

: Häufigste auslösende Nahrungsmittel waren: Äpfel (78 %), Haselnüsse (75 %), Sojadrinks (55 %) und Karotten (52 %). Ausschließlich ein orales Allergiesyndrom (OAS) gaben 30 % an, 64 % ein OAS mit weiteren Symptomen, 6 % nur weitere Nicht‐OAS‐Symptome. Der deutschsprachige FAQLQ‐AF zeigte eine sehr gute Konstruktvalidität (Korrelation mit food allergy independent measure [FAIM]: r = 0,81; p < 0,001) und eine exzellente interne Konsistenz (Cronbachs α = 0,98). Der mittlere FAQL‐AF Gesamtwert lag bei 3,7 (± 1,6). Der deutschsprachige FAQLQ‐AF zeigte bei Frauen, älteren Patienten und solchen mit vielfältigen relevanten Nahrungsmittelallergenen eine stärkere Beeinträchtigung der HRQL.

Schlussfolgerung

: Der deutschsprachige FAQLQ‐AF ist ein zuverlässiges und valides Messinstrument um die HRQL bei Patienten mit birkenpollenassoziierter NMA zu messen.
Developing body representations in early life: combining somatosensation and vision to perceive the interface between the body and the world
Authors: Bremner Andrew J
Published: April 2016

This article lays out the computational challenges involved in constructing multisensory representations of the body and the interface between the body and the external world. It then provides a review of the most pertinent empirical literature regarding the ontogeny of such representational abilities in early life, focussing especially on ability to make spatiotemporal links between bodily events transduced by vision and somatosensation (cutaneous touch and proprioception), and the ability to use multisensory bodily cues to locate tactile stimuli. Findings from infants, children, and blind adults point towards a trajectory of development in early life in which infants and children, as a result of sensory experience, learn new ways of combining cues concerning the body arising from vision and somatosensation, in order to best represent the layout of their limbs and sensory events occurring on their limbs in relation to the external environment.
Training in Portuguese non‐profit organizations: the quest towards professionalization
Authors: Carvalho Ana , Melo Solange , Ferreira Ana Paula
Published: April 2016

The non‐profit sector is increasingly important, both in terms of the services rendered to society and level of employment provided. As part of a move towards the professionalization of the sector, training is seen as a vital tool for capacity building. Although the training practices of non‐profits are fairly well documented in countries like Australia, the UK and the USA, this is not so in Portugal. We provide an overview of the training practices of Portuguese non‐profit organizations, and identify indicators of professionalization that influence training investment. We find wide variation among organizations in this sector, both in terms of training provision and expenditure, and in the management practices implemented. We also find that the presence of a professional manager and formalized policies, especially those related to performance, are significantly associated with higher levels of training, suggesting that professionalization has beneficial effects on training in the non‐profit sector.
The changing circumstance of atrial fibrillation ‐ progress towards precision medicine
Authors: Camm A. J. , Savelieva I. , Potpara T. , Hindriks G. , Pison L. , Blömstrom‐Lundqvist C.
Published: April 2016

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the general population is between 1% and 2% in the developed world and is higher in men than in women. The arrhythmia occurs much more commonly in the elderly, and the estimated lifetime risk of developingAFis one in four for men and women aged 40 years and above. Projected data from multiple population‐based studies in theUSAand Europe predict a two‐ to threefold increase in the number ofAFpatients by 2060. The high lifetime risk ofAFand increased longevity underscore the important public health burden posed by this arrhythmia worldwide.AFhas multiple aetiologies and a broad variety of presentations. The primary pathologies underlying or promoting the occurrence ofAFvary more than for any other cardiac arrhythmia, ranging from autonomic imbalance to organic heart disease and metabolic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, hyperthyroidism and kidney disease, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and participation in endurance sports. Biomarkers are increasingly being investigated and, together with clinical and genetic factors, will eventually lead to a clinically valuable detailed classification ofAFwhich will also incorporate pathophysiological determinants and mechanisms of the arrhythmia. In turn, this will allow the development and application of precision medicine to this troublesome arrhythmia.
Wide variation in estimates of global prevalence and burden of chronic hepatitis B and C infection cited in published literature
Authors: Basnayake S. K. , Easterbrook P. J.
Published: April 2016

To evaluate the extent of heterogeneity in global estimates of chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) cited in the published literature, we undertook a systematic review of the published literature. We identified articles from 2010 to 2014 that had cited global estimates for at least one of ten indicators [prevalence and numbers infected with HBV, HCV, HIV‐HBV or HIV‐HCV co‐infection, and mortality (number of deaths annually) for HBV and HCV]. Overall, 488 articles were retrieved: 239 articles cited a HBV‐related global estimate [prevalence (n = 12), number infected (n = 193) and number of annual deaths (n = 82)]; 280 articles had HCV‐related global estimates [prevalence (n = 86), number infected (n = 203) and number of annual deaths (n = 31)]; 31 had estimates on both HBV and HCV; 54 had HIV‐HBV co‐infection estimates [prevalence (n = 42) and number co‐infected (n = 12)]; and 68 had estimates for HIV‐HCV co‐infection [prevalence (n = 40) and number co‐infected (n = 28)]. There was considerable heterogeneity in the estimates cited and also a lack of consistency in the terminology used. Although 40% of 488 articles cited WHO as the source of the estimate, many of these were from outdated or secondary sources. Our findings highlight the importance of clear and consistent communication from WHO and other global health agencies on current consensus estimates of hepatitis B and C burden and prevalence, the need for standardisation in their citation, and for regular updates.
Effect of a New Annular Incision on Biomechanical Properties of the Intervertebral Disc
Authors: Fu Ling‐jie , Chen Chang‐sheng , Xie You‐zhuan , Yang Jian‐wei , Sun Xiao‐jiang , Zhang Pu
Published: April 2016

Objective

To compare the biomechanical properties of a novel annular incision technique, an oblique incision made approximately 60° to the spinal column, with the traditional transverse and longitudinal annular slit incision in an ex vivo sheep lumbar spine model.

Methods

Sixteen sheep lumbar spines were used for the current ex vivo biomechanical comparative study. Functional spine unit (FSU) specimens composed of two vertebrae and one disc in the middle was cut from the whole lumbar spine. Annular slit incisions of 5 mm were made in different directions with a 15‐blade knife at the intervertebral disc, following which partial discectomy was performed to produce the following groups: control with no incision, transverse slit, longitudinal slit and oblique slit groups. The specimens were then subjected to flexion‐extension, lateral bending, axial rotation and compression tests.

Results

As expected, the control group showed the least range of motion (ROM) in the flexion‐extension test. The oblique slit group showed a trend toward a smaller ROM than the transverse and longitudinal groups in 1, 2, 3 and 5 Nm flexion‐extension tests; these differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). In addition, the transverse (5.80° ± 0.20°), longitudinal (5.77° ± 0.67°) and oblique (5.47° ± 0.43°) slit groups showed a significantly larger ROM than the control group (3.22° ± 0.28°) in 2 Nm lateral bending tests (P < 0.05). Compared with the transverse and longitudinal groups, the oblique group also showed a trend toward a smaller ROM in lateral bending tests (P > 0.05). Following increments in the axial torsion force, the ROM was greater in all four experimental groups than the ROM with 1 Nm axial torsion. Furthermore, a significantly smaller axial rotational ROM was found in the oblique than the transverse group for 1 and 5 Nm force (P < 0.05). With increase in the axial force to 5 Nm, the ROM in the oblique slit group (4.71° ± 0.52°) was significantly smaller than that in the transverse group (7.25° ± 0.46°, P < 0.05), but not significantly different from that of the longitudinal slit group (5.84° ± 0.23°, P > 0.05). Comparable ultimate loads to failure were found in the oblique, transverse and longitudinal groups; the highest ultimate load to failure being in the control group (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The novel oblique slit annular incision to the intervertebral disc showed a trend toward better biomechanical properties than the traditional transverse and longitudinal slit incisions.
Acute exacerbation of COPD
Authors: Ko Fanny W. , Chan Ka Pang , Hui David S. , Goddard John R. , Shaw Janet G. , Reid David W. , Yang Ian A.
Published: April 2016

The literature of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is fast expanding. This review focuses on several aspects of acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) including epidemiology, diagnosis and management. COPD poses a major health and economic burden in the Asia‐Pacific region, as it does worldwide. Triggering factors of AECOPD include infectious (bacteria and viruses) and environmental (air pollution and meteorological effect) factors. Disruption in the dynamic balance between the ‘pathogens’ (viral and bacterial) and the normal bacterial communities that constitute the lung microbiome likely contributes to the risk of exacerbations. The diagnostic approach to AECOPD varies based on the clinical setting and severity of the exacerbation. After history and examination, a number of investigations may be useful, including oximetry, sputum culture, chest X‐ray and blood tests for inflammatory markers. Arterial blood gases should be considered in severe exacerbations, to characterize respiratory failure. Depending on the severity, the acute management of AECOPD involves use of bronchodilators, steroids, antibiotics, oxygen and noninvasive ventilation. Hospitalization may be required, for severe exacerbations. Nonpharmacological interventions including disease‐specific self‐management, pulmonary rehabilitation, early medical follow‐up, home visits by respiratory health workers, integrated programmes and telehealth‐assisted hospital at home have been studied during hospitalization and shortly after discharge in patients who have had a recent AECOPD. Pharmacological approaches to reducing risk of future exacerbations include long‐acting bronchodilators, inhaled steroids, mucolytics, vaccinations and long‐term macrolides. Further studies are needed to assess the cost‐effectiveness of these interventions in preventing COPD exacerbations.
Dense clusters of primes in subsets
Authors: Maynard James
Published: April 2016

We prove a generalization of the author’s work to show that any subset of the primes which is ‘well distributed’ in arithmetic progressions contains many primes which are close together. Moreover, our bounds hold with some uniformity in the parameters. As applications, we show there are infinitely many intervals of length$(\log x)^{{\it\epsilon}}$containing$\gg _{{\it\epsilon}}\log \log x$primes, and show lower bounds of the correct order of magnitude for the number of strings of$m$congruent primes with$p_{n+m}-p_{n}\leqslant {\it\epsilon}\log x$.
Passive Vibration Control Based on Embedded Acoustic Black Holes
Authors: Zhao Liuxian
Published: April 2016

This paper uses finite element method to simulate the passive vibration control which is able to improve the overall performance and the operational bandwidth. The vibration control is based on dynamic structural tailoring achieved via acoustic black holes (ABH) with the local thickness varying according to power-law profile. The ABH is a passive technique which uses properties of wave propagation in structures with gradual decrease of thickness that leads to the decrease of phase and group velocities of flexural waves, which makes the ABH has the ability to reduce the structural vibrations after the wave pass through the ABH. However, because real manufacturing cannot develop ABH with zero residual thickness, this nonzero residual thickness will induce the corresponding reflection coefficients are far from zero. In this paper, two types of damping mechanism are attached to the surface of plate: (1) damping layers and (2) coupled electro–mechanical system in order to reduce the structure vibrations. The effects of different number of ABHs, different thickness of damping layers, and different configurations of electrical circuitry are also explored. In this study, the performances of ABH-based passive and semipassive vibration control are explored using numerical simulations of a two-dimensional plate with embedded ABHs. Results show that the ABH based design can enhance the performance of vibration control under steady-state response.
Improved Methodologies for Time-Resolved Heat Transfer Measurements, Demonstrated on an Unshrouded Transonic Turbine Casing
Authors: Collins Matthew , Chana Kam , Povey Thomas
Published: April 2016

The high pressure (HP) rotor tip and over-tip casing are often life-limiting features in the turbine stages of current gas turbine engines. This is due to the high thermal load and high temperature cycling at both low and high frequencies. In the last few years, there have been numerous studies of turbine tip heat transfer. Comparatively fewer studies have considered the over-tip casing heat transfer. This is in part, no doubt, due to the more onerous test facility requirements to validate computational simulations. Because the casing potential field is dominated by the passing rotor, to perform representative over-tip measurements a rotating experiment is an essential requirement. This paper details the measurements taken on the Oxford turbine research facility (OTRF), an engine-scale rotating turbine facility which replicates engine-representative conditions of Mach number, Reynolds number, and gas-to-wall temperature ratio. High density arrays of miniature thin-film heat-flux gauges were used with a spatial resolution of 0.8 mm and temporal resolution of ∼120 kHz. The small size of the gauges, the high frequency response, and the improved processing methods allowed very detailed measurements of the heat transfer in this region. Time-resolved measurements of TAW and Nu are presented for the casing region (−30% to +125% CAX) and compared to other results in the literature. The results provide an almost unique data set for calibrating computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools for heat transfer prediction in this highly unsteady environment dominated by the rotor over-tip flow.
An Adaptive Observer for Recirculation-Based Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Abeysiriwardena Singith , Das Tuhin
Published: April 2016

In this paper, we present an observer design for online estimation of species concentrations in recirculation-based solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems with integrated reformers. For the system considered, on-board reforming of methane results in mixture of several species of different concentrations along the fuel path. The presence of a fuel reformer gives way to coupling of system equations, in turn, increasing species interactions and complexity of the state equations. The knowledge of concentration of species at key locations in the fuel cell can help prevent cell damage and improve longevity. In this regard, the use of sensors to determine species concentration is an invasive process which is expensive to both utilize and maintain. While existing observers are designed either for chemical reactors or for a fuel cell exclusively, the proposed strategy aims to improve on that by considering a combined reformer and fuel cell and designing a nonlinear adaptive observer using readily measured concentrations and selected variables. For estimating certain critical indicators, such as fuel utilization, state transformations have been used in the design to obtain a more versatile and computationally efficient reduced order observer. The study develops detailed stability analysis of the observers and quantifies the effect of uncertainties on observer performance.
A Simplified Method for Discrete-Time Repetitive Control Using Model-Less Finite Impulse Response Filter Inversion
Authors: Teo Yik R. , Fleming Andrew J. , Eielsen Arnfinn A. , Tommy Gravdahl J.
Published: April 2016

Repetitive control (RC) achieves tracking and rejection of periodic exogenous signals by incorporating a model of a periodic signal in the feedback path. To improve the performance, an inverse plant response filter (IPRF) is used. To improve robustness, the periodic signal model is bandwidth-limited. This limitation is largely dependent on the accuracy of the IPRF. A new method is presented for synthesizing the IPRF for discrete-time RC. The method produces filters in a simpler and more consistent manner than existing best-practice methods available in the literature, as the only variable involved is the selection of a windowing function. It is also more efficient in terms of memory and computational complexity than existing methods. Experimental results for a nanopositioning stage show that the proposed method yields the same or better tracking performance compared to existing methods.
Complement and microglia mediate early synapse loss in Alzheimer mouse models
Authors: Hong Soyon , Beja-Glasser Victoria F. , Nfonoyim Bianca M. , Frouin Arnaud , Li Shaomin , Ramakrishnan Saranya , Merry Katherine M. , Shi Qiaoqiao , Rosenthal Arnon , Barres Ben A. , Lemere Cynthia A. , Selkoe Dennis J. , Stevens Beth
Published: April 2016

Too much cleaning up

The complement system and microglia seek out and destroy unwanted cellular debris for the peripheral immune system as well as excess synapses in the developing brain. Hong
et al.
now show how the system may go haywire in adults early in the progression toward Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aberrant synapse loss is an early feature of Alzheimer's and correlates with cognitive decline. In mice susceptible to AD, complement was associated with synapses, and microglial function was required for synapse loss. The authors speculate that aberrant activation of this “trash disposal” system underlies AD pathology.

Science
, this issue p.
712
Draft Genome Sequences of Seven Multidrug-Resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
Strains, Isolated from Respiratory Samples in Spain
Authors: Labrador-Herrera Gema , Álvarez Rocío , López-Rojas Rafael , Smani Younes , Cebrero-Cangueiro Tania , Rueda Antonio , Pérez Florido Javier , Pachón Jerónimo , Pachón-Ibáñez María Eugenia
Published: April 2016

The draft genome sequences of seven multidrug-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
clinical strains belonging to sequence types ST-208 and ST-218 are reported in this study. They were isolated from tracheobronchial aspirate of mechanically ventilated adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit of a Spanish tertiary hospital during 2010 to 2011.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Human Cytomegalovirus Strain AD169 Bacterial Artificial Chromosome Clone
Authors: Ostermann Eleonore , Spohn Michael , Indenbirken Daniela , Brune Wolfram
Published: April 2016

The complete sequence of the human cytomegalovirus strain AD169 (variant ATCC) cloned as a bacterial artificial chromosome (AD169-BAC, also known as HB15 or pHB15) was determined. The viral genome has a length of 230,290 bp and shows 52 nucleotide differences compared to a previously sequenced AD169
var
ATCC clone.
Complete Genome Sequence of Porcine Circovirus Strain YiY-3-2-H5 with a Novel Insertion, Isolated from Hunan Province, China
Authors: Gong Qian , Hu Yi , Zhan Yang , Wang Dongliang , Wang Naidong , Chen Guanyu , Wang Aibing , Yang Yi
Published: April 2016

The complete genome of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) strain YiY-3-2-H5 contains a cytidine insertion at position 962 in open reading frame 1. This insertion causes a reading frameshift of the rep gene, and thereafter a premature stop codon is present at the 3′ terminal end of this gene.
Complete Genome Sequence of Hepatitis B Virus Genotype E: The First Molecular Characterization from an Imported Case in Mexico
Authors: Escobar-Escamilla Noé , Fragoso-Fonseca David Esaú , Arreguín-Porras Dulce María , Esteban-Valencia María del Carmen , Corona-Valdespino Estela , Falcón-Acosta Jaime Israel , Vázquez-Campuzano Roberto , Garcés-Ayala Fabiola , Ortiz-Alcantara Joanna María , López-Martinez Irma , Diaz-Quiñonez José Alberto , Ramírez-González José Ernesto
Published: April 2016

Hepatitis B virus infection is currently a global public health problem. Here, we present the first characterization and complete genome sequence of a strain belonging to genotype E in Mexico, obtained from a foreign carrier with chronic infection.
Holes in the Hologenome: Why Host-Microbe Symbioses Are Not Holobionts
Authors: Douglas Angela E. , Werren John H.
Published: April 2016

The advent of relatively inexpensive tools for characterizing microbial communities has led to an explosion of research exploring the diversity, ecology, and evolution of microbe-host systems. Some now question whether existing conceptual frameworks are adequate to explain microbe-host systems. One popular paradigm is the “holobiont-hologenome,” which argues that a host and its microbiome evolve as a single cooperative unit of selection (i.e., a superorganism). We argue that the hologenome is based on overly restrictive assumptions which render it an approach of little research utility. A host plus its microbiome is more effectively viewed as an ecological community of organisms that encompasses a broad range of interactions (parasitic to mutualistic), patterns of transmission (horizontal to vertical), and levels of fidelity among partners. The hologenome requires high partner fidelity if it is to evolve as a unit. However, even when this is achieved by particular host-microbe pairs, it is unlikely to hold for the entire host microbiome, and therefore the community is unlikely to evolve as a hologenome. Both mutualistic and antagonistic (fitness conflict) evolution can occur among constituent members of the community, not just adaptations at the “hologenome” level, and there is abundant empirical evidence for such divergence of selective interests among members of host-microbiome communities. We believe that the concepts and methods of ecology, genetics, and evolutionary biology will continue to provide a well-grounded intellectual framework for researching host-microbiome communities, without recourse to the limiting assumption that selection acts predominantly at the holobiont level.
ACL injuries in men's professional football: a 15-year prospective study on time trends and return-to-play rates reveals only 65% of players still play at the top level 3 years after ACL rupture
Authors: Waldén Markus , Hägglund Martin , Magnusson Henrik , Ekstrand Jan
Published: April 2016

Background

Studies investigating the development of ACL injuries over time in football are scarce and more data on what happens before and after return to play (RTP) are needed.

Aim

To investigate (1) time trends in ACL injury rates, (2) complication rates before return to match play following ACL reconstruction, and (3) the influence of ACL injury on the subsequent playing career in male professional football players.

Methods

78 clubs were followed between 2001 and 2015. Time trend in ACL injury rate was analysed using linear regression. ACL-injured players were monitored until RTP and tracked for 3 years after RTP.

Results

We recorded 157 ACL injuries, 140 total and 17 partial ruptures, with a non-significant average annual increase in the ACL injury rate by 6% (R2=0.13, b=0.059, 95% CI −0.04 to 0.15, p=0.20). The match ACL injury rate was 20-fold higher than the training injury rate (0.340 vs 0.017 per 1000 h). 138 players (98.6%) with a total rupture underwent ACL reconstruction; all 134 players with RTP data (4 players still under rehabilitation) were able to return to training, but 9 of them (6.7%) suffered complications before their first match appearance (5 reruptures and 4 other knee surgeries). The median layoff after ACL reconstruction was 6.6 months to training and 7.4 months to match play. We report 3-year follow-up data for 106 players in total; 91 players (85.8%) were still playing football and 60 of 93 players (65%) with ACL reconstruction for a total rupture played at the same level.

Conclusions

The ACL injury rate has not declined during the 2000s and the rerupture rate before return to match play was 4%. The RTP rate within a year after ACL reconstruction was very high, but only two-thirds competed at the highest level 3 years later.
General practitioners' perspectives on the management of gout: a qualitative study
Authors: Jeyaruban Andrew , Soden Muriel , Larkins Sarah
Published: April 2016

Background

Many quantitative studies globally have identified suboptimal management of gout.

Purpose

To explore management of gout from the perspective of general practitioners (GPs), while identifying the barriers and possible strategies for improvement.

Study design

This descriptive qualitative study used semistructured interviews with 14 purposely selected GPs from four separate general practices in Townsville. The questions focused on management strategies, practicalities in managing gout, barriers and possible strategies to improve management.

Results

Indomethacin was commonly reported to be used in acute gout with progression to allopurinol after the acute stage had subsided. There were differences with the initial allopurinol dose and follow-up periods. GPs reported lack of patient adherence to allopurinol and lifestyle modifications, mainly due to lack of education. Most suggested the need for allied health input and improved patient education.

Conclusions

Tailor-made plan in terms of education and lifestyle advice could help adherence to gout management.
Experimental study on water evaporation from compacted clay using environmental chamber
Authors: Song Wei-Kang , Cui Yu-Jun , Tang Anh Minh , Ding Wen-Qi , Wang Qiong
Published: April 2016

Water evaporation induces large volume change for clayey soils, often causing problems to geotechnical and geoenvironmental constructions. To better understand this process, an evaporation test on a compacted clay was conducted in a large-scale environmental chamber under controlled atmospheric conditions. Atmospheric parameters (wind speed, air temperature, and relative humidity) and the response of soil parameters (volumetric water content, temperature, soil suction as well as desiccation cracks) were monitored. The results show that the soil temperature is strongly related to the air conditions, evaporation process, and desiccation cracks. Unlike for sand, the evolution of volumetric water content is governed by both the high water retention capacity of clay and the effect of cracks. A three-stage evolution can be observed for not only the actual evaporation rate, but also the surface crack ratio. Thus, the surface crack ratio can be considered as one important parameter in the evaporation analysis taking into account the effect of desiccation cracks.
Pound–Rebka result within the framework of YARK theory
Authors: Yarman Tolga , Kholmetskii Alexander , Arik Metin , Yarman Ozan
Published: April 2016

We herein show that the classical Pound–Rebka (P-R) result is furnished within the framework of Yarman–Arik–Kholmetskii gravitation theory, which we will call YARK in short, in terms of the energy shift of resonant γ-radiation under Earth’s gravitational field. Previous successes of YARK in satisfactorily dealing with the precession of the perihelion of Mercury, gravitational redshift, Shapiro delay, lensing effect, anomalous light-bending of gamma quanta, dark energy, accelerated cosmic expansion, analytical derivation of the Hubble constant, and additional time dilation in Mössbauer rotor setups makes it further applicable to past experiments like P-R that has so far been thought to validate the general theory of relativity (GTR). We discuss the P-R outcome of YARK and compare it with what is furnished by GTR.
China's Economy: Adjusting to a Sustained Slowdown in Uncertain Structural Transition
Authors: WONG John
Published: April 2016

China's economy ended 2015 with 6.9% growth, basically no different from the 7% target set. However, the slowdown had gathered momentum, despite the central bank's six rounds of interest and four rounds of reserves requirement ratio cuts. The 2016 growth is likely to be even lower. China has started its restructuring with several critical transitions taking place simultaneously. For 2016, the two dominant issues are the serious debt problem and exchange rate stability.
Dextran functionalization enhances nanoparticle-mediated siRNA delivery and silencing
Authors: Vocelle Daniel , Chesniak Olivia M. , Malefyt Amanda P. , Comiskey Georgina , Adu-Berchie Kwasi , Smith Milton R. , Chan Christina , Walton S. Patrick
Published: April 2016

Understanding the endocytosis and intracellular trafficking of short interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery vehicle complexes remains a critical bottleneck in designing siRNA delivery vehicles for highly active RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapeutics. In this study, we show that dextran functionalization of silica nanoparticles enhanced uptake and intracellular delivery of siRNAs in cultured cells. Using pharmacological inhibitors for endocytotic pathways, we determined that our complexes are endocytosed via a previously unreported mechanism for siRNA delivery in which dextran initiates scavenger receptor-mediated endocytosis through a clathrin/caveolin-independent process. Our findings suggest that siRNA delivery efficiency could be enhanced by incorporating dextran into existing delivery platforms to activate scavenger receptor activity across a variety of target cell types.
Skeletal muscle phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine are related to insulin sensitivity and respond to acute exercise in humans
Authors: Newsom Sean A. , Brozinick Joseph T. , Kiseljak-Vassiliades Katja , Strauss Allison N. , Bacon Samantha D. , Kerege Anna A. , Bui Hai Hoang , Sanders Phil , Siddall Parker , Wei Tao , Thomas Melissa , Kuo Ming Shang , Nemkov Travis , D'Alessandro Angelo , Hansen Kirk C. , Perreault Leigh , Bergman Bryan C.
Published: April 2016

Several recent reports indicate that the balance of skeletal muscle phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) is a key determinant of muscle contractile function and metabolism. The purpose of this study was to determine relationships between skeletal muscle PC, PE and insulin sensitivity, and whether PC and PE are dynamically regulated in response to acute exercise in humans. Insulin sensitivity was measured via intravenous glucose tolerance in sedentary obese adults (OB; n = 14), individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D; n = 15), and endurance-trained athletes (ATH; n = 15). Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were obtained at rest, immediately after 90 min of cycle ergometry at 50% maximal oxygen consumption (V̇o2 max), and 2-h postexercise (recovery). Skeletal muscle PC and PE were measured via infusion-based mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry analysis. ATH had greater levels of muscle PC and PE compared with OB and T2D ( P < 0.05), with total PC and PE positively relating to insulin sensitivity (both P < 0.05). Skeletal muscle PC:PE ratio was elevated in T2D compared with OB and ATH ( P < 0.05), tended to be elevated in OB vs. ATH ( P = 0.07), and was inversely related to insulin sensitivity among the entire cohort ( r = −0.43, P = 0.01). Muscle PC and PE were altered by exercise, particularly after 2 h of recovery, in a highly group-specific manner. However, muscle PC:PE ratio remained unchanged in all groups. In summary, total muscle PC and PE are positively related to insulin sensitivity while PC:PE ratio is inversely related to insulin sensitivity in humans. A single session of exercise significantly alters skeletal muscle PC and PE levels, but not PC:PE ratio.