bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of an infected cementless cup with prosthetic retention and antibiotic therapy in a dog
Authors: Dan B. J. , Kim S. E. , Pozzi A.
Published: August 2014

A two‐year‐old Rottweiler presented for acute onset of a right hindlimb lameness 20 weeks after a cementless total hip replacement (THR) and 16 weeks after open reduction to address luxation of theTHR. Radiographs revealed periosteal proliferation of the medial acetabulum and a stable implant. Synovial fluid cytology was consistent with inflammatory joint fluid. Treatment consisted of surgical debridement and intravenous and oral antibiotics.THRimplants were not removed. Culture of tissue removed from theTHRsite yielded growth ofPseudomonasandStaphylococcusspecies. Lameness resolved 2 months after surgery. Twenty months after surgery, the dog was exercising normally with no clinical lameness and pelvic radiographs revealed no evidence of implant loosening and markedly decreased periosteal reaction. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of an infectedTHRsite successfully treated without prosthesis explantation in the dog.
Effects on upper airway collapsibility of presence of a pharyngeal catheter
Authors: Maddison Kathleen J. , Shepherd Kelly L. , Baker Vanessa A. , Lawther Bradley , Platt Peter , Hillman David R. , Eastwood Peter R. , Walsh Jennifer H.
Published: August 2014

Catheters that traverse the pharynx are often in place during clinical or research evaluations of upper airway function. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the presence of such catheters affects measures of upper airway collapsibility itself. To do so, pharyngeal critical closing pressure (Pcrit) and resistance upstream of the site of collapse Rus) were assessed in 24 propofol‐anaesthetized subjects (14 men) with and without a multi‐sensor oesophageal catheter (external diameter 2.7 mm) in place. Anaesthetic depth and posture were maintained constant throughout each study. Six subjects had polysomnography(PSG)‐defined obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and 18 either did not have or were at low risk of OSA. Airway patency was maintained with positive airway pressure. At intervals, pressure was reduced by varying amounts to induce varying degrees of inspiratory flow limitation. The slope of the pressure flow relationship for flow‐limited breaths defined Rus. Pcrit was similar with the catheter in and out (−1.5 ± 5.4 cmH2O and −2.1 ± 5.6 cmH2O, respectively, P = 0.14, n = 24). This remained the case both for those with PSG‐defined OSA (3.9 ± 2.2 cmH2O and 2.6 ± 1.4 cmH2O, n = 6) and those at low risk/without OSA (−3.3 ± 4.9 cmH2O and ‐3.7 ± 5.6 cmH2O, respectively, n = 18). Rus was similar with the catheter in and out (20.0 ± 12.3 cmH2O mL−1 s−1 and 16.8 ± 10.1 cmH2O mL−1 s−1, P = 0.22, n = 24). In conclusion, the presence of a small catheter traversing the pharynx had no significant effect on upper airway collapsibility in these anaesthestized subjects, providing reassurance that such measures can be made reliably in their presence.
A simple example of an indirect estimator with discontinuous limit theory in the MA(1) model
Authors: Arvanitis Stelios
Published: August 2014

Indirect estimators usually emerge from two‐step optimization procedures. Each step in such a procedure may induce complexities in the asymptotic theory of the estimator. In this note, we are occupied with a simple example in which the estimator defined by the inversion of the binding function has a ‘discontinuous’ limit theory even in cases where the auxiliary one does not. This example lives in the framework of estimation of the MA (1) parameter. The ‘discontinuities’ involve the dependence of the rate of convergence on the parameter, the non‐continuity of the limit distribution w.r.t. the parameter and the estimator's non‐regularity. We are also occupied with a more complex example where the discontinuities occur because of complexities induced in any step of the defining procedure. We present some Monte Carlo evidence on the quality of the approximations from the limit distributions. Copyright © 2014 Wiley Publishing Ltd
Time‐series models with an EGB2 conditional distribution
Authors: Caivano Michele , Harvey Andrew
Published: August 2014

A time‐series model in which the signal is buried in noise that is non‐Gaussian may throw up observations that, when judged by the Gaussian yardstick, are outliers. We describe an observation‐driven model, based on an exponential generalized beta distribution of the second kind (EGB2), in which the signal is a linear function of past values of the score of the conditional distribution. This specification produces a model that is not only easy to implement but which also facilitates the development of a comprehensive and relatively straightforward theory for the asymptotic distribution of the maximum‐likelihood (ML) estimator. Score‐driven models of this kind can also be based on conditional t distributions, but whereas these models carry out what, in the robustness literature, is called a soft form of trimming, the EGB2 distribution leads to a soft form of Winsorizing. An exponential general autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic (EGARCH) model based on the EGB2 distribution is also developed. This model complements the score‐driven EGARCH model with a conditional t distribution. Finally, dynamic location and scale models are combined and applied to data on the UK rate of inflation.
Imbalance of von Willebrand factor and its cleaving protease ADAMTS13 during systemic inflammation superimposed on advanced cirrhosis
Authors: Reuken Philipp A. , Kussmann Anna , Kiehntopf Michael , Budde Ulrich , Stallmach Andreas , Claus Ralf A. , Bruns Tony
Published: August 2014

Background & Aims

Systemic inflammation in advanced cirrhosis represents a spectrum ranging from subclinical pathological bacterial translocation and immune activation to overt bacterial infection and sepsis. We hypothesized that systemic inflammation in cirrhosis is accompanied by a failure of ADAMTS13 to control the prothrombotic function of von Willebrand factor (VWF), which is increased in portal hypertension and hepatic fibrosis.

Methods

Patients with Child A cirrhosis (n = 25), Child B/C cirrhosis without clinical features of systemic inflammation (n = 31), and Child B/C cirrhosis with overt bacterial infections or systemic inflammatory response syndrome (n = 24) were analysed for ADAMTS13 and associated parameters and were followed to determine transplant‐free survival.

Results

Plasma concentration and activity of ADAMTS13 were decreased in patients with systemic inflammation. Furthermore, ADAMTS13 inversely correlated with the extent of bacterial translocation and the severity of acute‐phase reaction. As a function of reduced ADAMTS13 activity and increased VWF antigen, plasma from patients with superimposed inflammation strongly aggregated the platelet receptor glycoprotein Ib in presence of ristocetin. VWF:RCo correlated with higher concentrations of leucocytes and lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein, organ dysfunction, augmented turnover of cross‐linked intravascular fibrin, and the occurrence of acute kidney injury during follow‐up. VWF:RCo of 390% or more predicted transplant‐free survival in univariate analysis [HR = 8.24 (3.30–20.54)] and after adjustment for MELD [HR = 3.58 (1.30–9.88)]. However, adverse outcome was not associated with the accumulation of high‐molecular weight VWF multimers.

Conclusions

Systemic inflammation complicating advanced cirrhosis is accompanied by reduced activity of ADAMTS13 promoting a prothrombotic function of VWF, which can be employed to predict clinical outcome.
The interplay of sediment characteristics, depth, water temperature, and ocean currents shaping the biogeography of lancelets (Subphylum Cephalochordata) in the NW Pacific waters
Authors: Lin Hsiu‐Chin , Chen Jen‐Ping , Chan Benny K K , Shao Kwang‐Tsao
Published: August 2014

Lancelets (or amphioxus) are often found within the soft bottom of shallow tropical and temperate seas. The present study is the first to provide a fine‐scale biogeography of five species of lancelets (Asymmetron lucayanum, Branchiostoma belcheri, Branchiostoma japonicum, Epigonichthys cultellus, and Epigonichthys maldivensis) in the NW Pacific and examine the effects of multiple environmental parameters. From multivariate analyses, the distribution and abundance patterns of lancelets were explained by a combination of factors comprising depth, temperature of the collecting month, mean temperature of the coldest month in the year, medium particle size and silt/clay ratio of the sediments. In addition, ocean currents also affect their distribution range. The major occurrence of A. lucayanum and E. maldivensis was associated with the warm Kuroshio current, but E. maldivensis exhibited higher tolerance to low salinity and low temperature, and preferred substrata of slightly larger grain size, a lower ratio of suspended sediments, and deeper water. The closely related B. belcheri and B. japonicum exhibited fine‐scale habitat differentiation, and B. japonicum was abundant along the southern coast of China, where the salinity is lower in winter because of the China Coastal Current and the substratum is composed of very coarse sand with suspended sediments. Branchiostoma belcheri occurred in low abundance and was only recorded in Northern Taiwan and the Taiwan Banks. Epigonichthys cultellus was found only at the Taiwan Banks, which had deep water, coarse sand, and a negligible amount of suspended sediments.
Mating system and environmental variation drive patterns of adaptation in Boechera spatifolia (Brassicaceae)
Authors: Lovell John T. , Grogan Kelsi , Sharbel Timothy F. , McKay John K.
Published: August 2014

Determining the relative contribution of population genetic processes to the distribution of natural variation is a major goal of evolutionary biology. Here, we take advantage of variation in mating system to test the hypothesis that local adaptation is constrained by asexual reproduction. We explored patterns of variation in ecological traits and genome‐wide molecular markers in Boechera spatifolia (Brassicaceae), a species that contains both apomictic (asexual) and sexual individuals. Using a combination of quantitative genetics, neutral genetic (SSR) and genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism, we assessed the hypothesis that asexual lineages should have reduced signatures of adaptation relative to sexual conspecifics. All three measures (traits, SSRs, SNPs) demonstrated that apomicts are genetically distinct from sexuals, regardless of population location. Additionally, phylogenetic clustering revealed that the apomictic group shared a single common ancestor. Across the landscape, sexual genome‐wide SNP variation was strongly associated with latitude (r2 > 0.9), indicating that sexual populations have differentiated across an environmental gradient. Furthermore, flowering time and growth rate, as assessed in a common garden, strongly covary with the elevation and latitude of the source population. Despite a wide geographic distribution that largely overlaps with sexual populations, there was little evidence for differentiation in molecular markers or quantitative characters among apomictic populations. Combined, these data indicated that, in contrast to asexual populations, sexual populations show evidence of local adaptation.
Sexual selection in true fruit flies (Diptera:Tephritidae): transcriptome and experimental evidences for phytochemicals increasing male competitive ability
Authors: Kumaran Nagalingam , Prentis Peter J. , Mangalam Kalimuthu P. , Schutze Mark K. , Clarke Anthony R.
Published: August 2014

In male tephritid fruit flies of the genusBactrocera, feeding on secondary plant compounds (sensu latomale lures = methyl eugenol, raspberry ketone and zingerone) increases male mating success. Ingested male lures alter the male pheromonal blend, normally making it more attractive to females and this is considered the primary mechanism for the enhanced mating success. However, the male lures raspberry ketone and zingerone are known, across a diverse range of other organisms, to be involved in increasing energy metabolism. If this also occurs inBactrocera, then this may represent an additional benefit to males as courtship is metabolically expensive and lure feeding may increase a fly's short‐term energy. We tested this hypothesis by performing comparativeRNA‐seq analysis between zingerone‐fed and unfed males ofBactrocera tryoni. We also carried out behavioural assays with zingerone‐ and cuelure‐fed males to test whether they became more active.RNA‐seq analysis revealed, in zingerone‐fed flies, up‐regulation of 3183 genes with homologues transcripts to those known to regulate intermale aggression, pheromone synthesis, mating and accessory gland proteins, along with significant enrichment of several energy metabolic pathways and gene ontology terms. Behavioural assays show significant increases in locomotor activity, weight reduction and successful mating after mounting; all direct/indirect measures of increased activity. These results suggest that feeding on lures leads to complex physiological changes, which result in more competitive males. These results do not negate the pheromone effect, but do strongly suggest that the phytochemical‐induced sexual selection is governed by both female preference and male competitive mechanisms.
The prevalence of keratoconus in a young population in Mashhad, Iran
Authors: Hashemi Hassan , Khabazkhoob Mehdi , Yazdani Negareh , Ostadimoghaddam Hadi , Norouzirad Reza , Amanzadeh Kazem , Miraftab Mohammad , Derakhshan Akbar , Yekta AbbasAli
Published: August 2014

Purpose

To determine the prevalence of keratoconus and some associated factors in the students of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran.

Method

In this cross sectional study, multistage cluster sampling was used to select the participants. All participants underwent retinoscopy, slit lamp examination, topography with the TMS‐4 and corneal assessment with the Orbscan II. The diagnosis of keratoconus was based on both clinical evidence and the results of corneal imaging.

Results

Of 1280 selected students, 1073 agreed to participate in the study, and of those who agreed, 1027 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. 42.5% of the study population was male with a mean age of 26.1 ± 2.3 years. The prevalence of keratoconus was 2.5% (n = 26) (95% confidence interval, CI 1.6–3.5). Eighteen students (69%) had bilateral keratoconus. Imaging of the cornea revealed that 70% of the keratoconics had nipple cones and the remaining had asymmetric bow‐tie patterns. The prevalence of keratoconus was not significantly associated with age or gender (p > 0.05). In a multiple logistic regression model, family history (OR = 11.4, 95% CI: 2.5–51.3) and eye rubbing (OR = 6.3, 95% CI: 1.6–24.3) were significantly correlated with keratoconus.

Conclusions

These results taken together with recent studies in the area suggest that keratoconus may have a higher prevalence in the Middle East and Asia than in Western Countries.
Identification and validation of an over‐dominant QTL controlling soybean seed weight using populations derived from Glycine max × Glycine soja
Authors: Yan Long , Li Ying‐Hui , Yang Chun‐Yan , Ren Shu‐Xin , Chang Ru‐Zhen , Zhang Meng‐Chen , Qiu Li‐Juan
Published: August 2014

Heterosis, or hybrid vigour, has been used to improve seed yield in several important crops for decades and it has potential applications in soybean. The discovery of over‐dominant quantitative trait loci (QTL) underlying yield‐related traits, such as seed weight, will facilitate hybrid soybean breeding via marker‐assisted selection. In this study, F2 and F2 : 3 populations derived from the crosses of ‘Jidou 12’ (Glycine max) × ‘ZYD2738’ (Glycine soja) and ‘Jidou 9’ (G. max) × ‘ZYD2738’ were used to identify over‐dominant QTL associated with seed weight. A total of seven QTL were identified. Among them, qSWT_13_1, mapped on chromosome 13 and linked with Satt114, showed an over‐dominant effect in two populations for two successive generations. This over‐dominant effect was further examined by six subpopulations derived from ‘Jidou12’ × ‘ZYD2738’. The seed weight for heterozygous individuals was 1.1‐ to 1.6‐fold higher than that of homozygous individuals among the six validation populations examined in different locations and years. Therefore, qSWT_13_1 may be a useful locus to improve the yield of hybrid soybean and to understand the molecular mechanism of heterosis in soybean.
Altered Expression of 3β‐HSD, CYP17 and 17β‐HSD in the Foetal Porcine Gonads in Response to Anti‐androgen Flutamide Exposure
Authors: Knapczyk‐Stwora K , Grzesiak M , Slomczynska M
Published: August 2014

Contents

We investigated whether the limited access to androgens during late prenatal period alters expression of steroidogenic enzymes involved in androgen production: 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ5‐Δ4 isomerase (3β‐HSD), cytochrome P450 17α‐hydroxylase/17,20‐lyase (CYP17) and 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (17β‐HSD1) or type 3 (17β‐HSD3) in the foetal porcine gonads. Pregnant gilts were injected with anti‐androgen flutamide (for seven days, 50 mg/day/kg bw) or corn oil (control) starting at 83 (GD90) or 101 (GD108) gestational day. To assess 3β‐HSD, CYP17 and 17β‐HSD1 or 17β‐HSD3 expression, real‐time PCR and immunohistochemistry were performed. In testes from flutamide‐treated foetuses, increased 3β‐HSD and CYP17 mRNA expression was observed in the GD90 group, while decreased 3β‐HSD and 17β‐HSD3 mRNA expression and increased CYP17 mRNA expression were found in the GD108 group. CYP17 and 17β‐HSD3 were localized in Leydig cells. Following flutamide administration, the intensity of CYP17 immunostaining was higher in both treated groups, while 17β‐HSD3 intensity was lower in the GD108 group. In ovaries from flutamide‐treated foetuses in the GD90 group, mRNA level for 3β‐HSD was elevated, but it was diminished for CYP17 and 17β‐HSD1. In the GD108 group, flutamide treatment led to lower mRNA level for 3β‐HSD but higher for CYP17. 3β‐HSD was found in granulosa cells, while CYP17 was localized within egg nests and oocytes of forming follicles. Following flutamide treatment, the intensity of 3β‐HSD and CYP17 immunostaining was higher in the GD90 and GD108 groups, respectively. Immunohistochemical staining for 3β‐HSD was restricted to the ovary. Concluding, diminished androgen action in the porcine foetal gonads during late gestation induces changes in steroidogenic enzymes expression, which may led to changes in gonadal function. However, it seems that androgens exert diverse biological effects depending on the gestational period.
Detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in Fresh and Frozen Semen from Rams in Brazil
Authors: Bezerra MJG , Cruz JALO , Kung ES , Albuquerque PPF , Kim PCP , Moraes EPBX , Pinheiro Júnior JW , Mota RA
Published: August 2014

Contents

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of genomic DNA of Toxoplasma gondii in semen samples from commercial rams in artificial insemination centres in Brazil, as well as in fresh semen from rams in the northeast of Brazil. In total, 108 semen samples were obtained from artificial insemination centres, and genomic DNA of T. gondii was detected in 24 of 108 (22.2%). The prevalence of antibodies anti‐Toxoplasma gondii among sheep on rural properties was 9.2% (10/109), and 100% of the semen samples of these animals were positive in the PCR for T. gondii DNA. The molecular identity was confirmed through sequencing, which indicated 99.9% similarity with the T. gondii DNA sequences stored in the GenBank. This study reports the first occurrence of T. gondii DNA in the semen of rams, which came from artificial insemination centres in Brazil, as well as the occurrence of T. gondii DNA in the fresh semen of naturally infected rams in the northeast of Brazil.
Protein Localization of Epidermal Growth Factor in Sheep Ovaries and Improvement of Follicle Survival and Antrum Formation In Vitro
Authors: Santos LP , Barros VRP , Cavalcante AYP , Menezes VG , Macedo TJS , Santos JMS , Araújo VR , Queiroz MAA , Matos MHT
Published: August 2014

Contents

The aims of this study were to characterize EGF protein expression in ovine ovaries and to verify the effect of EGF on the in vitro development of isolated pre‐antral follicles. After collection, ovarian tissue was fixed for immunohistochemical analysis. Additional pairs of ovaries were collected, and secondary follicles were cultured for 18 days in α‐MEM+ (control) alone or supplemented with EGF (1, 10 or 50 ng/ml). The immunostaining for EGF was observed in oocytes from pre‐antral and antral follicles, in granulosa cells of primary and secondary follicles, as well as in cumulus and mural cells of antral follicles. After 18 days, the results showed that treatment with 50 ng/ml EGF significantly increased the percentage of morphologically normal follicles compared with the control group (α‐MEM+) and significantly reduced the precocious extrusion of oocytes and increased the percentage of antral follicles compared with the control and 1 ng/ml EGF. All the treatments induced a progressive and significant increase of the follicular diameter throughout the period of culture. However, there were no significant differences in follicular diameter or in the daily growth rate among treatments. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the presence of EGF in ovine ovaries. Moreover, 50 ng/ml EGF increased the percentage of normal follicles and improved antrum formation in isolated ovine follicles after 18 days of in vitro culture.
Framework for Optimal Global Vaccine Stockpile Design for Vaccine‐Preventable Diseases: Application to Measles and Cholera Vaccines as Contrasting Examples
Authors: Thompson Kimberly M. , Duintjer Tebbens Radboud J.
Published: August 2014

Managing the dynamics of vaccine supply and demand represents a significant challenge with very high stakes. Insufficient vaccine supplies can necessitate rationing, lead to preventable adverse health outcomes, delay the achievements of elimination or eradication goals, and/or pose reputation risks for public health authorities and/or manufacturers. This article explores the dynamics of global vaccine supply and demand to consider the opportunities to develop and maintain optimal global vaccine stockpiles for universal vaccines, characterized by large global demand (for which we use measles vaccines as an example), and nonuniversal (including new and niche) vaccines (for which we use oral cholera vaccine as an example). We contrast our approach with other vaccine stockpile optimization frameworks previously developed for the United States pediatric vaccine stockpile to address disruptions in supply and global emergency response vaccine stockpiles to provide on‐demand vaccines for use in outbreaks. For measles vaccine, we explore the complexity that arises due to different formulations and presentations of vaccines, consideration of rubella, and the context of regional elimination goals. We conclude that global health policy leaders and stakeholders should procure and maintain appropriate global vaccine rotating stocks for measles and rubella vaccine now to support current regional elimination goals, and should probably also do so for other vaccines to help prevent and control endemic or epidemic diseases. This work suggests the need to better model global vaccine supplies to improve efficiency in the vaccine supply chain, ensure adequate supplies to support elimination and eradication initiatives, and support progress toward the goals of the Global Vaccine Action Plan.
Study Design in Causal Models
Authors: Karvanen Juha
Published: August 2014

The causal assumptions, the study design and the data are the elements required for scientific inference in empirical research. The research is adequately communicated only if all of these elements and their relations are described precisely. Causal models with design describe the study design and the missing‐data mechanism together with the causal structure and allow the direct application of causal calculus in the estimation of the causal effects. The flow of the study is visualized by ordering the nodes of the causal diagram in two dimensions by their causal order and the time of the observation. Conclusions on whether a causal or observational relationship can be estimated from the collected incomplete data can be made directly from the graph. Causal models with design offer a systematic and unifying view to scientific inference and increase the clarity and speed of communication. Examples on the causal models for a case–control study, a nested case–control study, a clinical trial and a two‐stage case–cohort study are presented.
Postgame elevation of cardiac markers among elite floorball players
Authors: Wedin J. O. , Henriksson A. E.
Published: August 2014

Cardiac biomarker release after exercise is well documented in endurance sports, but neither the impact of intermittent high‐intensity exercise nor the reproducibility has yet been established. Floorball, a popular sport in Scandinavia, involves intermittent periods of high‐intensity exercise. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and reproducibility of elevated cardiac marker levels among elite floorball players after two games. Twenty‐three healthy male elite floorball players of median age 19 years (range 16–34 years) participated in two standard games. Blood was drawn at three time points: pregame, immediately after, and 2 h after the game. Creatine kinase MB (CK‐MB), myoglobin, and high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT) were measured. The results showed significantly elevated median postgame values in all markers. In both games, hs‐cTnT exceeded the cutoff for myocardial damage (≥ 14 ng/L) 2 h postgame in the same six players. The major findings were that postgame cardiac hs‐cTnT values among elite floorball players were significantly elevated and reproducible. The findings imply that extended investigations should incorporate evaluation of myocardial function and myocardial perfusion during exercise to seek the clinical significance and underlying mechanisms of elevated cardiac troponin after high‐intensity exercise.
Assessing the Completeness of Bicycle Trail and Lane Features in OpenStreetMap for the United States
Authors: Hochmair Hartwig H. , Zielstra Dennis , Neis Pascal
Published: August 2014

This article assesses the completeness of bicycle trail and on‐street lane features in OpenStreetMap (OSM). Comparing OSM cycling features with reference data from local planning agencies for selected US Urbanized Areas shows that OSM bicycle trails tend to be more completely mapped than bicycle lanes. Manual evaluation of mapped cycling features in OSM and Google Maps for selected test areas within the Central Business Districts of Portland (OR) and Miami (FL) through comparison with governmental datasets, satellite imagery, and Google Street View, shows that the Bicycle layer in Google Maps can help to identify some missing or erroneously mapped OSM cycling links. However, Google Maps was also found to have some gaps in its data layers, suggesting that consultation of current trail and lane data from local planning authorities, if available, should be considered as an additional data source for bicycle related planning projects.
A Meta‐Analysis on the Return on Investment of Geospatial Data and Systems: A Multi‐Country Perspective
Authors: Trapp Natalie , Schneider Uwe A. , McCallum Ian , Fritz Steffen , Schill Christian , Borzacchiello Maria Teresa , Heumesser Christine , Craglia Max
Published: August 2014

The availability, quality and accessibility of Geographic Information (GI) have significant socio‐economic and environmental benefits, but the collection and maintenance of GI require substantial investments. Cost‐benefit assessments (CBAs) attempt to justify the costs of geospatial data investments, applying different methodologies and focusing on diverse areas. Therefore, the Returns on Investment (ROI) vary considerably across studies, regions and sectors. The objective of this study is to explain some of the variation in the average ROI of GI by conducting a meta‐analysis of 82 cost‐benefit assessments between 1994 and 2013. In a first step, CBAs are systematically reviewed and relevant information is extracted. Particular emphasis is given to investment conditions and study characteristics. In a second step, multivariate regression methods are used to assess the size, significance and direction of individual effects. The results suggest that regional factors have the largest impact on the profitability of GI. Returns in Australia and New Zealand, for example, are four times larger than in Europe. In addition, small‐scale regional investments have a 2.5 times lower return than large‐scale international investments. Overall, the expected benefits of GI investments are approximately 3.2 times larger than the costs.
Tracking the Actions and Possessions of Agents
Authors: Gelman Susan A. , Noles Nicholaus S. , Stilwell Sarah
Published: August 2014

We propose that there is a powerful human disposition to track the actions and possessions of agents. In two experiments, 3‐year‐olds and adults viewed sets of objects, learned a new fact about one of the objects in each set (either that it belonged to the participant, or that it possessed a particular label), and were queried about either the taught fact or an unrelated dimension (preference) immediately after a spatiotemporal transformation, and after a delay. Adults uniformly tracked object identity under all conditions, whereas children tracked identity more when taught ownership versus labeling information, and only regarding the taught fact (not the unrelated dimension). These findings suggest that the special attention that children and adults pay to agents readily extends to include inanimate objects. That young children track an object's history, despite their reliance on surface features on many cognitive tasks, suggests that unobservable historical features are foundational in human cognition.
Small RNA and degradome profiling reveals a role for miRNAs and their targets in the developing fibers of Gossypium barbadense
Authors: Liu Nian , Tu Lili , Tang Wenxin , Gao Wenhui , Lindsey Keith , Zhang Xianlong
Published: August 2014

microRNAs (miRNAs) are 20–24 nucleotide non‐coding small RNAs that play important roles in plant development. The stages of cotton fiber development include initiation, elongation, secondary wall thickening (SWT) and maturation. We constructed seven fiber RNA libraries representing the initiation, elongation and SWT stages. In total, 47 conserved miRNA families and seven candidate miRNAs were profiled using small RNA sequencing. Northern blotting and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses revealed the dynamic expression of miRNAs during fiber development. In addition, 140 targets of 30 conserved miRNAs and 38 targets of five candidate miRNAs were identified through degradome sequencing. Analysis of correlated expression between miRNAs and their targets demonstrated that specific miRNAs suppressed the expression of transcription factors, SBP and MYB, a leucine‐rich receptor‐like protein kinase, a pectate lyase, α‐tubulin, a UDP‐glucuronic acid decarboxylase and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 to affect fiber development. Histochemical analyses detected the biological activity of miRNA156/157 in ovule and fiber development. Suppressing miRNA156/157 function resulted in the reduction of mature fiber length, illustrating that miRNA156/157 plays an essential role in fiber elongation.
Identification of drug‐resistant subpopulations in canine hemangiosarcoma
Authors: Khammanivong A. , Gorden B. H. , Frantz A. M. , Graef A. J. , Dickerson E. B.
Published: August 2014

Canine hemangiosarcoma is a rapidly progressive disease that is poorly responsive to conventional chemotherapy. Despite numerous attempts to advance treatment options and improve outcomes, drug resistance remains a hurdle to successful therapy. To address this problem, we used recently characterized progenitor cell populations derived from canine hemangiosarcoma cell lines and grown as non‐adherent spheres to identify potential drug resistance mechanisms as well as drug‐resistant cell populations. Cells from sphere‐forming cultures displayed enhanced resistance to chemotherapy drugs, expansion of dye‐excluding side populations and altered ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter expression. Invasion studies demonstrated variability between cell lines as well as between sphere and monolayer cell populations. Collectively, our results suggest that sphere cell populations contain distinct subpopulations of drug‐resistant cells that utilize multiple mechanisms to evade cytotoxic drugs. Our approach represents a new tool for the study of drug resistance in hemangiosarcoma, which could alter approaches for treating this disease.
Histological and dermatoscopic description of sphynx cat skin
Authors: Genovese David W. , Johnson Tammy L. , Lamb Ken E. , Gram Wallace D.
Published: August 2014

Background

Histological and hair coat abnormalities of the alopecic sphynx cat have not been described in detail. The hairless allele (hr) in sphynx cats represents a mutation in the gene for keratin 71, a protein expressed in the inner root sheath of humans and mice.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To describe the histological and dermatoscopic abnormalities of sphynx cat skin.

Animals

Skin biopsies were collected from 14 sphynx cats and five cats with normal coats. Dermatoscopic examinations were performed on 11 sphynx cats and six additional control cats.

Methods

Vertical and horizontal sections of skin biopsy samples from sphynx and control cats were reviewed. Dermatoscopic images were compared between sphynx and control cats.

Results

Sphynx cat hair follicles were often small, curved and kinked and demonstrated infundibular hyperkeratosis and dilatation. Changes in the inner root sheath of sphynx cats included a poorly defined Henle's layer in addition to vacuolar‐like changes and eosinophilic globules in Huxley's layer. Dermal papillae in sphynx cat anagen bulbs lacked the normal flame shape and were surrounded by epithelial cells arranged in a disorderly manner. The degree of follicular abnormalities varied between follicles. Follicular density was similar for both sphynx cats and control animals. Sphynx cat hair shafts were misshapen, smaller in diameter and rarely medullated. Dermatoscopy revealed similar hair coat density in sphynx and control cats.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Sphynx cats demonstrated hair follicle dysplasia, with abnormal shaft production but without a decrease in follicle quantity. Abnormalities in sphynx cat follicles are similar to those in murine KRT71 mutants and suggest abnormal hair shaft keratinization.
An Investigation of Workpiece Temperature in Orthogonal Turn-Milling Compound Machining
Authors: Peng Fangyu , Liu Yizhi , Lin Sen , Yan Rong , Yang Sheng , Li Bin
Published: August 2014

A thermal model estimating workpiece temperature in orthogonal turn-milling compound machining for the case with noneccentricity between rotation axes of workpiece and tool has been established in this paper. Milling tool and machining history were discretized into infinitesimal elements of equal size to deal with complicated cutter geometry and intermittent cutting procedure. The geometries of milling tool and workpiece were analyzed to calculate the instantaneous chip thickness, axial depth of cut, and angles of cutting entry and exit. Heat source during cutting process was considered as instantaneous moving rectangular heat source and heat conducting function in infinite solid thermal conductivity was developed. Experiments measuring cutting force and workpiece temperature were launched to test validity of this model and figure out the importance of effects those factors have on workpiece temperature from variance analysis of orthogonal experiment results. Furthermore, simulations to calculate peak temperature of workpiece were carried out by this model with relevant machining parameters and the results matched conclusions from experiment well.
Flow Control Over a Circular Cylinder Using Pulsed Dielectric Barrier
Discharge Actuators
Authors: Schneck William C. , O'Brien Walter F.
Published: August 2014

Immersed bodies such as struts, vanes, and instrumentation probes in gas turbine flow systems will, except at the lowest of flow velocities, shed separated wakes. These wakes can have both upstream and downstream effects on the surrounding flow. In most applications, surrounding components are designed to be in the presence of a quasi-steady or at least nonvariant flow field. The presence of unsteady wakes has both aerodynamic and structural consequences. Active flow control of wake generation can therefore be very valuable. One means to implement active flow control is by the use of plasma actuation. Plasma actuation is the use of strong electric fields to generate ionized gas that can be actuated and controlled using the electric fields. The controlling device can be based on AC, DC, or pulsed-DC actuation. The present research was conducted using pulsed-DC from a capacitive discharge power supply. The study demonstrates the applicability of, specifically, pulsed-DC plasma flow control of the flow on a circular cylinder at high Reynolds numbers. The circular cylinder was selected because its flow characteristics are related to gas turbine flowpath phenomena, and are well characterized. Further, the associated pressure gradients are some of the most severe encountered in fluid applications. The development of effective plasma actuators at high Reynolds numbers under the influence of severe pressure gradients is a necessary step toward developing useful actuators for gas turbine applications beyond laboratory use. The reported experiments were run at Reynolds numbers varying from 50,000 to 97,000, and utilizing various pulse frequencies. Further the observed performance differences with varying electric field strengths are discussed for these Reynolds numbers. The results show that flow behaviors at high Reynolds numbers can be influenced by these types of actuators. The actuators were able to demonstrate a reduction in both wake width and momentum deficit.
Application of Unsteady Computational Fluid Dynamics Methods to Trailing Edge Cutback Film Cooling
Authors: Ravelli Silvia , Barigozzi Giovanna
Published: August 2014

The main purpose of this numerical investigation is to overcome the limitations of the steady modeling in predicting the cooling efficiency over the cutback surface in a high pressure turbine nozzle guide vane. Since discrepancy between Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) predictions and measured thermal coverage at the trailing edge was attributable to unsteadiness, Unsteady RANS (URANS) modeling was implemented to evaluate improvements in simulating the mixing between the mainstream and the coolant exiting the cutback slot. With the aim of reducing the computation effort, only a portion of the airfoil along the span was simulated at an exit Mach number of Ma2is = 0.2. Three values of the coolant-to-mainstream mass flow ratio were considered: MFR = 0.66%, 1.05%, and 1.44%. Nevertheless the inherent vortex shedding from the cutback lip was somehow captured by the URANS method, the computed mixing was not enough to reproduce the measured drop in adiabatic effectiveness η along the streamwise direction, over the cutback surface. So modeling was taken a step further by using the scale adaptive simulation (SAS) method at MFR = 1.05%. Results from the SAS approach were found to have potential to mimic the experimental measurements. Vortices shedding from the cutback lip were well predicted in shape and magnitude, but with a lower frequency, as compared to particle image velocimetry (PIV) data and flow visualizations. Moreover, the simulated reduction in film cooling effectiveness toward the trailing edge was similar to that observed experimentally.
Self-Excited Vibrations and Damping in Circulatory Systems
Authors: Hagedorn Peter , Eckstein Manuel , Heffel Eduard , Wagner Andreas
Published: August 2014

Self-excited vibrations in mechanical engineering systems are in general unwanted and sometimes dangerous. There are many systems exhibiting self-excited vibrations which up to this day cannot be completely avoided, such as brake squeal, the galloping vibrations of overhead transmission lines, the ground resonance in helicopters and others. These systems have in common that in the linearized equations of motion the self-excitation terms are given by nonconservative, circulatory forces. It has been well known for some time, that such systems are very sensitive to damping. Recently, several new theorems concerning the effect of damping on the stability and on the self-excited vibrations were proved by some of the authors. The present paper discusses these new mathematical results for practical mechanical engineering systems. It turns out that the structure of the damping matrix is of utmost importance, and the common assumption, namely, representing the damping matrix as a linear combination of the mass and the stiffness matrices, may give completely misleading results for the problem of instability and the onset of self-excited vibrations. The authors give some indications on improving the description of the damping matrix in the linearized problems, in order to enhance the modeling of the self-excited vibrations. The improved models should lead to a better understanding of these unwanted phenomena and possibly also to designs oriented toward their avoidance.
Heat Transfer Due to an Impinging Jet in a Confined Space
Authors: Nasif G. , Barron R. M. , Balachandar R.
Published: August 2014

A numerical investigation using unsteady three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations with the k-ω SST (shear stress transport) turbulent model was conducted to determine the flow and thermal characteristics of an unsubmerged axisymmetric oil jet in air, impinging normally on to a heated flat disk with finite radius, bounded by cylindrical walls kept at constant temperature. A 10 mm thick disk subjected to a high uniform heat flux was located at impingement distances ranging from 40 to 80 mm from the nozzle exit, for nozzle exit diameters of d = 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mm. The volume of fluid (VOF) method with a high-resolution interface-capturing (HRIC) scheme was implemented in STAR-CCM+. A new methodology was developed to predict the stagnation zone and local heat transfer coefficients. Contrary to previous research, it is shown that the radial extent of the stagnation zone is not fixed but depends on the gradient of radial velocity along the disk. The normalized local Nusselt number profile along the disk radius is found to be weakly dependent on Reynolds number for a given nozzle size. It is also shown that the local Nusselt number is not uniform in the stagnation region as reported by experimental studies but depends on the distribution of the near-wall radial velocity gradient. Using the computational results, new correlations to predict the dimensionless radial velocity gradient and Nusselt number have been developed. The present correlations are dimensionally balanced, eliminating a deficiency in earlier correlations noted in the literature.
Blade Design Criteria to Compensate the Flow Curvature Effects in H-Darrieus Wind Turbines
Authors: Balduzzi Francesco , Bianchini Alessandro , Maleci Riccardo , Ferrara Giovanni , Ferrari Lorenzo
Published: August 2014

Darrieus wind turbines are experiencing a renewed interest in the wind energy scenario, in particular, whenever small and medium-size installations are considered. In these contexts, the average wind speeds are generally quite low due to scale effects and therefore the most exploited design choices for the turbines are the H-shape configuration, as the entire blade can take advantage of the maximum rotational radius, and high chord to radius ratios, in order to ensure suitable Reynolds numbers on the airfoils. By doing so, the aerodynamic effects induced by the motion of the airfoils in a curved flowpath become more evident and the airfoils themselves have to be designed to compensate these phenomena if conventional design tools based on the blade element momentum (BEM) theory are used. In this study, fully unsteady 2D simulations were exploited to analyze a three-bladed H-Darrieus wind turbine in order to define the real flow structure and its effects on the turbine performance; in detail, the influence of both the virtual camber and the virtual incidence were investigated. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) results were supported by experimental data collected on full-scale models reproducing two different airfoil mountings. Finally, the proper design criteria to compensate these phenomena are proposed and their benefits on a conventional simulation with a BEM approach are discussed.
Meanline Modeling of Inlet Recirculation in Automotive Turbocharger Centrifugal Compressors
Authors: Harley Peter , Spence Stephen , Filsinger Dietmar , Dietrich Michael , Early Juliana
Published: August 2014

This study provides a novel meanline modeling approach for centrifugal compressors. All compressors analyzed are of the automotive turbocharger variety and have typical upstream geometry with no casing treatments or preswirl vanes. Past experience dictates that inducer recirculation is prevalent toward surge in designs with high inlet shroud to outlet radius ratios; such designs are found in turbocharger compressors due to the demand for operating range. The aim of the paper is to provide further understanding of impeller inducer flow paths when operating with significant inducer recirculation. Using three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and a single-passage model, the flow coefficient at which the recirculating flow begins to develop and the rate at which it grows are used to assess and correlate work and angular momentum delivered to the incoming flow. All numerical modeling has been fully validated using measurements taken from hot gas stand tests for all compressor stages. The new modeling approach links the inlet recirculating flow and the pressure ratio characteristic of the compressor. Typically for a fixed rotational speed, between choke and the onset of impeller inlet recirculation the pressure ratio rises gradually at a rate dominated by the aerodynamic losses. However, in modern automotive turbocharger compressors where operating range is paramount, the pressure ratio no longer changes significantly between the onset of recirculation and surge. Instead the pressure ratio remains relatively constant for reducing mass flow rates until surge occurs. Existing meanline modeling techniques predict that the pressure ratio continues to gradually rise toward surge, which when compared to test data is not accurate. A new meanline method is presented here which tackles this issue by modeling the direct effects of the recirculation. The result is a meanline model that better represents the actual fluid flow seen in the CFD results and more accurately predicts the pressure ratio and efficiency characteristics in the region of the compressor map affected by inlet recirculation.