bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing Ceramic Matrix Composite Interlaminar Fracture Toughness (Mode I) Wedge Test
Authors: Abdi Frank , DorMohammadi Saber , Ahmad Jalees , Godines Cody , Morscher Gregory N. , Choi Sung , Mansour Rabih , Gonczy Steve
Published: September 2016

ASTM test standards for CMC’s Crack Growth Resistance (CGR) may exhibit a zig-zag (wavy) crack path pattern, and fiber bridging. The experimental parameters that may contribute to the difficulty can be summarized as: specimen width and thickness, interface coating thickness, mixed mode failure evolution, and interlaminar defects. Modes I crack growth resistances, GI were analytically determined at ambient temperature using wedge test, a modified double cantilever beam (DCB). Several Finite Element (FE) based Multi-scale modeling potential techniques were investigated: a) Multi-scale progressive failure analysis (MS-PFA); b) Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT). Advantages and disadvantages of each were identified. The final modeling algorithm recommended was an integrated damage and fracture evolution methodology using combined MS-PFA and VCCT.

The material tested in this study was a slurry-cast melt-infiltrated SiC/SiC composite with Tyranno ZMI fibers (Ube Industries, Kyoto, Japan) and a BN interphase. The fiber architecture consisted of eight plies of balanced 2-D woven five-harness satin. The total fiber volume fraction was about 30% with half of the fibers in the 0° direction and half in the 90° direction. All specimens had a nominal thickness of 4 mm. An alumina wedge with 18° head angle (2α) was used. In this method, a splitting force is created by inserting a vertically-moving wedge in a notch causing the arms to separate and forcing an interlaminar crack at the sharpest end of the notch The MS-PFA numerical model predicted the damage and fracture evolution and utilized the GENOA UMAT (User Material Subroutine) for Damage and FEM (Finite Element Model) stress intensity and LEFM (Linear elastic Fracture Model), Cohesive Model for Fracture. The analysis results (Fracture energy vs. crack length, Fracture energy vs. load, Fracture energy vs. crack opening displacement) matched the Mode I coupon tests and revealed the following key findings. Mode I-Wedge specimen exhibits: 1) failure mode is due to interlaminar tension (ILT) only in the interface section and a zig-zag pattern observed; 2) VCCT crack growth resistance is well matched to the test data; and 3) failure mode is a mixed mode behavior of Interlaminar tension (ILT) to interlaminar shear (ILS). The final Wedge test specimen configuration optimization includes the sensitivity of design parameters to CGR: a) wedge contact coefficient of friction; b) lever arms thickness, and c) inclined head angle, distance between the initial crack and wedge tip.
A Bi-Fidelity Approach for Uncertainty Quantification of Heat Transfer in a Rectangular Ribbed Channel
Authors: Doostan Alireza , Geraci Gianluca , Iaccarino Gianluca
Published: September 2016

This paper presents a bi-fidelity simulation approach to quantify the effect of uncertainty in the thermal boundary condition on the heat transfer in a ribbed channel. A numerical test case is designed where a random heat flux at the wall of a rectangular channel is applied to mimic the unknown temperature distribution in a realistic application. To predict the temperature distribution and the associated uncertainty over the channel wall, the fluid flow is simulated using 2D periodic steady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations. The goal of this study is then to illustrate that the cost of propagating the heat flux uncertainty may be significantly reduced when two RANS models with different levels of fidelity, one low (cheap to simulate) and one high (expensive to evaluate), are used. The low-fidelity model is employed to learn a reduced basis and an interpolation rule that can be used, along with a small number of high-fidelity model evaluations, to approximate the high-fidelity solution at arbitrary samples of heat flux. Here, the low- and high-fidelity models are, respectively, the one-equation Spalart-Allmaras and the two-equation shear stress transport k–ω models. To further reduce the computational cost, the Spalart-Allmaras model is simulated on a coarser spatial grid and the non-linear solver is terminated prior to the solution convergence. It is illustrated that the proposed bi-fidelity strategy accurately approximates the target high-fidelity solution at randomly selected samples of the uncertain heat flux.
A Parametric and Computational Aerothermal Investigation of Squealer Tip Geometry in an Axial Turbine: A Parametric Approach Suitable for Future Advanced Tip Carving Optimizations
Authors: Maral H. , Senel C. B. , Kavurmacioglu L.
Published: September 2016

A parametric computational study has been conducted in order to investigate the effect of a squealer geometry in axial flow gas turbines. Although the present investigation deals with the conventional squealer tip design, the main goal of the parametric approach is to obtain significant time savings in the computational analysis of future tip mitigation schemes. At this preliminary stage, both width and height of the conventional squealer tip have been introduced as design parameters. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis has been conducted for a linear turbine cascade arrangement. Computations have been performed for a single blade passage considering periodicity in the tangential direction with no relative motion between blade and the casing. In order to generate the mesh, an effective parametric grid generation has been performed using a multizone structured mesh. Numerical solutions have been obtained by solving the 3D, incompressible, steady and turbulent form of the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations using the general purpose solver ANSYS CFX. Two equation turbulence model, Shear Stress Transport (SST) has been used. Sixteen different squealer tip geometries were modeled parametrically and their performance has been compared in terms of both aerodynamic loss and heat transfer to blade tip. In addition to significant time savings for the squealer tip modeling and gridding, the specific parametric approach paves the way for aerothermal optimization of advanced squealer geometries such as optimized tip carving based geometries. Results obtained in this study are going to be used for the aerothermal optimization of the squealer blade tip geometry.
Effects of Circumferential Inlet Distortion on the Performance of a Transonic Fan Together With the Impact of Tip Injection
Authors: Khaleghi Hossein , Jalaly Reza
Published: September 2016

Half-annulus unsteady numerical simulations have been conducted with a 60-deg total pressure circumferential distortion in a transonic axial-flow fan. The effects of inlet distortion on the performance, stability and flow field of the test case are investigated and analyzed. Results show that the incidence angles are reduced when the blades are entering into the distorted region. Conversely, distortion increases the incidence angles onto the blades when they are leaving the distorted section. Results further reveal that the time-averaged flow field at the tip of the blade is similar with and without distortion. However, the distortion applied is found to have detrimental effects on both the stability and performance. The impacts of both annular and discrete tip injection on the endwall flow field are further studied in the current work. It is shown that endwall injection reduces the incidence angles onto the blades. Consequently, the passage shock and the leakage flow are pushed rearward, which postpones stall initiation.
Formation of planar unilamellar phospholipid membranes on oxidized gold substrate
Authors: Hasan Imad Younus , Mechler Adam
Published: September 2016

Supported planar phospholipid membranes are used in a range of biophysical measurements, typically for characterizing protein–membrane interactions. Liposome deposition is the most common method to create such membranes. The ability of liposomes to fuse into a lamellar membrane during deposition is strongly dependent on the surface chemistry; some important substrate materials such as oxidized gold do not promote liposome fusion. Circumventing this determinism poses an enduring challenge to membrane biophysics. Here, the authors show that the effect of surface chemistry can be overcome by using osmotic stress. Reproducible single bilayer coverage was achieved on oxidized gold surface from liposomes of a variety of lipid compositions, as demonstrated by quartz crystal microbalance measurements and confirmed via fluorescence microscopy imaging. The continuity of the deposit was confirmed by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. Using mixtures of di-myristoyl and di-palmitoyl lipids, it was also demonstrated that the formation of fused lamellar membranes upon osmotic stress is a sensitive function of the thermodynamic phase of the membrane.
Vocalizations produced by southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) mother-calf pairs in a calving ground off Brazil
Authors: Dombroski Julia R. G. , Parks Susan E. , Groch Karina R. , Flores Paulo A. C. , Sousa-Lima Renata S.
Published: September 2016

Aiming to gather information on southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) mother-calf pairs' vocal behavior, archival acoustic recorders were deployed at a calving area off Brazil. Manual inspection of spectrograms revealed seven call classes: upcall, downcall, down-upcall, tonal variable, tonal constant, hybrid, and pulsive calls, which are consistent with those previously described for this species in Argentina. Gunshots and warbles, vocalizations described from other right whale species, were not detected. Mean values of start, end, maximum, minimum and peak frequencies, frequency bandwidth and duration were calculated for each call class. Start and end frequencies, frequency bandwidth and duration of upcalls recorded off Brazil were compared to those from other right whale populations and species. Only mean duration of upcalls from Brazil were significantly different from upcalls from all other populations. Differences in call duration may be driven by differences in demographic factors or background noise features among study areas. The repertoire characterization presented in this study will contribute to increase the utility of passive acoustic monitoring as a tool for conservation and research of southern right whales off Brazil as it provides important baseline information on the vocal behavior of this species.
Delphinid echolocation click detection probability on near-seafloor sensors
Authors: Frasier Kaitlin E. , Wiggins Sean M. , Harris Danielle , Marques Tiago A. , Thomas Len , Hildebrand John A.
Published: September 2016

The probability of detecting echolocating delphinids on a near-seafloor sensor was estimated using two Monte Carlo simulation methods. One method estimated the probability of detecting a single click (cue counting); the other estimated the probability of detecting a group of delphinids (group counting). Echolocation click beam pattern and source level assumptions strongly influenced detectability predictions by the cue counting model. Group detectability was also influenced by assumptions about group behaviors. Model results were compared to in situ recordings of encounters with Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) and presumed pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata) from a near-seafloor four-channel tracking sensor deployed in the Gulf of Mexico (25.537°N 84.632°W, depth 1220 m). Horizontal detection range, received level and estimated source level distributions from localized encounters were compared with the model predictions. Agreement between in situ results and model predictions suggests that simulations can be used to estimate detection probabilities when direct distance estimation is not available.
A metric for predicting binaural speech intelligibility in stationary noise and competing speech maskers
Authors: Tang Yan , Cooke Martin , Fazenda Bruno M. , Cox Trevor J.
Published: September 2016

One criterion in the design of binaural sound scenes in audio production is the extent to which the intended speech message is correctly understood. Object-based audio broadcasting systems have permitted sound editors to gain more access to the metadata (e.g., intensity and location) of each sound source, providing better control over speech intelligibility. The current study describes and evaluates a binaural distortion-weighted glimpse proportion metric—BiDWGP—which is motivated by better-ear glimpsing and binaural masking level differences. BiDWGP predicts intelligibility from two alternative input forms: either binaural recordings or monophonic recordings from each sound source along with their locations. Two listening experiments were performed with stationary noise and competing speech, one in the presence of a single masker, the other with multiple maskers, for a variety of spatial configurations. Overall, BiDWGP with both input forms predicts listener keyword scores with correlations of 0.95 and 0.91 for single- and multi-masker conditions, respectively. When considering masker type separately, correlations rise to 0.95 and above for both types of maskers. Predictions using the two input forms are very similar, suggesting that BiDWGP can be applied to the design of sound scenes where only individual sound sources and their locations are available.
Geodetic measurements reveal similarities between post–Last Glacial Maximum and present-day mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet
Authors: Khan Shfaqat A. , Sasgen Ingo , Bevis Michael , van Dam Tonie , Bamber Jonathan L. , Wahr John , Willis Michael , Kjær Kurt H. , Wouters Bert , Helm Veit , Csatho Beata , Fleming Kevin , Bjørk Anders A. , Aschwanden Andy , Knudsen Per , Munneke Peter Kuipers
Published: September 2016

Present destabilization of marine-based sectors in Greenland may increase sea level for centuries to come.
The Subduction Zone Observatory takes shape
Authors: Rosen Julia
Published: September 2016

Geoscientists want large project to study dynamic and dangerous plate boundaries.
Neandertals made jewelry, proteins confirm
Authors: Wade Lizzie
Published: September 2016

“Landmark” study firmly links sophisticated artifacts from France to our extinct cousins.
China bets big on big facilities
Authors: Qiu Jane
Published: September 2016

Anchored by a powerful synchrotron, first of a series of multidisciplinary national science centers will rise by 2023.
From science to service
Authors: Goddard Lisa
Published: September 2016

Climate services are crucial for successful adaptation to current and future climate conditions
Mind the (health) gap
Health Divides Where You Live Can Kill You
Clare Bambra
Policy Press, 2016. 256 pp.
Authors: Reczek Peter R.
Published: September 2016

A geographer turns a critical eye toward regional health disparities
Toward strategic, coherent, policy-relevant arctic science
Authors: Tesar Clive , Dubois Marc-Andre , Shestakov Alexander
Published: September 2016

A modified Arctic Council could play an expanded role
A Multilaboratory, Multicountry Study To Determine Bedaquiline MIC Quality Control Ranges for Phenotypic Drug Susceptibility Testing
Authors: Kaniga Koné , Cirillo Daniela M. , Hoffner Sven , Ismail Nazir A. , Kaur Devinder , Lounis Nacer , Metchock Beverly , Pfyffer Gaby E. , Venter Amour
Published: September 2016

The aim of this study was to establish standardized drug susceptibility testing (DST) methodologies and reference MIC quality control (QC) ranges for bedaquiline, a diarylquinoline antimycobacterial, used in the treatment of adults with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Two tier-2 QC reproducibility studies of bedaquiline DST were conducted in eight laboratories using Clinical Laboratory and Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Agar dilution and broth microdilution methods were evaluated.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
H37Rv was used as the QC reference strain. Bedaquiline MIC frequency, mode, and geometric mean were calculated. When resulting data occurred outside predefined CLSI criteria, the entire laboratory data set was excluded. For the agar dilution MIC, a 4-dilution QC range (0.015 to 0.12 μg/ml) centered around the geometric mean included 95.8% (7H10 agar dilution; 204/213 observations with one data set excluded) or 95.9% (7H11 agar dilution; 232/242) of bedaquiline MICs. For the 7H9 broth microdilution MIC, a 3-dilution QC range (0.015 to 0.06 μg/ml) centered around the mode included 98.1% (207/211, with one data set excluded) of bedaquiline MICs. Microbiological equivalence was demonstrated for bedaquiline MICs determined using 7H10 agar and 7H11 agar but not for bedaquiline MICs determined using 7H9 broth and 7H10 agar or 7H9 broth and 7H11 agar. Bedaquiline DST methodologies and MIC QC ranges against the H37Rv
M. tuberculosis
reference strain have been established: 0.015 to 0.12 μg/ml for the 7H10 and 7H11 agar dilution MICs and 0.015 to 0.06 μg/ml for the 7H9 broth microdilution MIC. These methodologies and QC ranges will be submitted to CLSI and EUCAST to inform future research and provide guidance for routine clinical bedaquiline DST in laboratories worldwide.
Resistance to Mutant Group 2 Influenza Virus Neuraminidases of an Oseltamivir-Zanamivir Hybrid Inhibitor
Authors: Wu Yan , Gao Feng , Qi Jianxun , Bi Yuhai , Fu Lifeng , Mohan Sankar , Chen Yuhang , Li Xuebing , Pinto B. Mario , Vavricka Christopher J. , Tien Po , Gao George F.
Published: September 2016

Influenza virus neuraminidase (NA) drug resistance is one of the challenges to preparedness against epidemic and pandemic influenza virus infections. NA N1- and N2-containing influenza viruses are the primary cause of seasonal epidemics and past pandemics. The structural and functional basis underlying drug resistance of the influenza virus N1 NA is well characterized. Yet drug resistance of the N2 strain is not well understood. Here, we confirm that replacement of N2 E119 or I222 results in multidrug resistance, and when the replacements occur together, the sensitivity to NA inhibitors (NAI) is reduced severely. Using crystallographic studies, we showed that E119 replacement results in a loss of hydrogen bonding to oseltamivir and zanamivir, whereas I222 replacement results in a change in the hydrophobic environment that is critical for oseltamivir binding. Moreover, we found that MS-257, a zanamivir-oseltamivir hybrid inhibitor, is less susceptible to drug resistance. The binding mode of MS-257 shows that increased hydrogen bonding interactions between the inhibitor and NA active site anchor the inhibitor within the active site and allow adjustments in response to active-site modifications. Such stability is likely responsible for the observed reduced susceptibility to drug resistance. MS-257 serves as a next-generation anti-influenza virus drug candidate and serves also as a scaffold for further design of NAIs.

IMPORTANCEOseltamivir and zanamivir are the two major antiviral drugs available for the treatment of influenza virus infections. However, multidrug-resistant viruses have emerged in clinical cases, which pose a challenge for the development of new drugs. N1 and N2 subtypes exist in the viruses which cause seasonal epidemics and past pandemics. Although N1 drug resistance is well characterized, the molecular mechanisms underlying N2 drug resistance are unknown. A previous report showed that an N2 E119V/I222L dual mutant conferred drug resistance to seasonal influenza virus. Here, we confirm that these substitutions result in multidrug resistance and dramatically reduced sensitivity to NAI. We further elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying N2 drug resistance by solving crystal structures of the N2 E119V and I222L mutants and the dual mutant. Most importantly, we found that a novel oseltamivir-zanamivir hybrid inhibitor, MS-257, remains more effective against drug-resistant N2 and is a promising candidate as a next-generation anti-influenza virus drug.
Safety and efficacy of pembrolizumab in a patient with advanced melanoma on haemodialysis
Authors: Chang Rubens , Shirai Keisuke
Published: September 2016

Patients with end-stage renal disease present with a distinct challenge in oncology. Many anticancer drugs and their metabolites are excreted by the kidney, but data to guide dose and schedule adjustments in renal dialysis are scant. Pembrolizumab is an anti-programmed cell death protein 1 monoclonal antibody proven to be effective in patients with metastatic melanoma. It has demonstrated promising results and was granted US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in September, 2014 for metastatic melanoma. It was additionally approved for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer by the FDA in October, 2015. We present the first case, to the best of our knowledge, of a patient with metastatic melanoma successfully treated with pembrolizumab while on haemodialysis.
Discontinuing financial incentives for adherence to antipsychotic depot medication: long-term outcomes of a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Priebe Stefan , Bremner Stephen A , Pavlickova Hana
Published: September 2016

Objectives

In a cluster randomised controlled trial, offering financial incentives improved adherence to antipsychotic depot medication over a 1-year period. Yet, it is unknown whether this positive effect is sustained once the incentives stop.

Methods and analyses

Patients in the intervention and control group were followed up for 2 years after the intervention. Primary and secondary outcomes were assessed at 6 months and 24 months post intervention. Assessments were conducted between September 2011 and November 2014.

Results

After the intervention period, intervention and control groups did not show any statistically significant differences in adherence, neither in the first 6 months (71% and 77%, respectively) nor in the following 18 months (68%, 74%). There were no statistically significant differences in secondary outcomes, that is, adherence ≥95% and untoward incidents either.

Conclusions

It may be concluded that incentives to improve adherence to antipsychotic maintenance medication are effective only for as long as they are provided. Once they are stopped, adherence returns to approximately baseline level with no sustained benefit.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN77769281; Results.
Systematic evaluation of patient-reported outcome (PRO) protocol content and reporting in UK cancer clinical trials: the EPiC study protocol
Authors: Ahmed Khaled , Kyte Derek , Keeley Thomas , Efficace Fabio , Armes Jo , Brown Julia M , Calman Lynn , Copland Chris , Gavin Anna , Glaser Adam , Greenfield Diana M , Lanceley Anne , Taylor Rachel , Velikova Galina , Brundage Michael , Mercieca-Bebber Rebecca , King Madeleine T , Calvert Melanie
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Emerging evidence suggests that patient-reported outcome (PRO)-specific information may be omitted in trial protocols and that PRO results are poorly reported, limiting the use of PRO data to inform cancer care. This study aims to evaluate the standards of PRO-specific content in UK cancer trial protocols and their arising publications and to highlight examples of best-practice PRO protocol content and reporting where they occur. The objective of this study is to determine if these early findings are generalisable to UK cancer trials, and if so, how best we can bring about future improvements in clinical trials methodology to enhance the way PROs are assessed, managed and reported. Hypothesis: Trials in which the primary end point is based on a PRO will have more complete PRO protocol and publication components than trials in which PROs are secondary end points.

Methods and analysis

Completed National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Portfolio Cancer clinical trials (all cancer specialities/age-groups) will be included if they contain a primary/secondary PRO end point. The NIHR portfolio includes cancer trials, supported by a range of funders, adjudged as high-quality clinical research studies. The sample will be drawn from studies completed between 31 December 2000 and 1 March 2014 (n=1141) to allow sufficient time for completion of the final trial report and publication. Two reviewers will then review the protocols and arising publications of included trials to: (1) determine the completeness of their PRO-specific protocol content; (2) determine the proportion and completeness of PRO reporting in UK Cancer trials and (3) model factors associated with PRO protocol and reporting completeness and with PRO reporting proportion.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the ethics committee at University of Birmingham (ERN_15-0311). Trial findings will be disseminated via presentations at local, national and international conferences, peer-reviewed journals and social media including the CPROR twitter account and UOB departmental website (http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/cpro0r).

Trial registration number

PROSPERO CRD42016036533.
Performance of a simplified termination of resuscitation rule for adult traumatic cardiopulmonary arrest in the prehospital setting
Authors: Chiang Wen-Chu , Huang Yu-Sheng , Hsu Shu-Hsien , Chang Anna Marie , Ko Patrick Chow-In , Wang Hui-Chih , Yang Chih-Wei , Hsieh Ming-Ju , Huang Edward Pei-Chuan , Chong Kah-Meng , Sun Jen-Tang , Chen Shey-Ying , Ma Matthew Huei-Ming
Published: September 2016

Objective

The prehospital termination of resuscitation (TOR) guidelines for traumatic cardiopulmonary arrest (TCPA) was proposed in 2003. Its multiple descriptors of cases where efforts can be terminated make it complex to apply in the field. Here we proposed a simplified rule and evaluated its predictive performance.

Methods

We analysed Utstein registry data for 2009–2013 from a Taipei emergency medical service to test a simplified TOR rule that comprises two criteria: blunt trauma injury and the presence of asystole. Enrolees were adults (≥18 years) with TCPA. The predicted outcome was in-hospital death. We compared the areas under the curve (AUC) of the simple rule with each of four descriptors in the guidelines and with a combination of all four to assess their discriminatory ability. Test characteristics were calculated to assess predictive performance.

Results

A total of 893 TCPA cases were included. Blunt trauma occurred in 459 (51.4%) cases and asystole in 384 (43.0%). In-hospital mortality was 854 (95.6%) cases. The simplified TOR rule had greater discriminatory ability (AUC 0.683, 95% CI 0.618 to 0.747) compared with any single descriptor in the 2003 guidelines (range of AUC: 0.506–0.616) although the AUC was similar when all four were combined (AUC 0.695, 95% CI 0.615 to 0.775). The specificity of the simplified rule was 100% (95% CI 88.8% to 100%) and positive predictive value 100% (95% CI 96.8% to 100%). The false positive value, false negative value and decreased rate of unnecessary transport were 0% (95% CI 0% to 3.2%), 94.8% (95% CI 92.9% to 96.2%) and 16.4% (95% CI 14.1% to 19.1%), respectively.

Conclusions

The simplified TOR rule appears to accurately predict non-survivors in adults with TCPA in the prehospital setting.
Working across Europe to improve donkey welfare
Authors: Thiemann Alex , Foxcroft Andy
Published: September 2016

The UK public and veterinary profession often think of the equine charity sector as dealing with issues directly related to the UK equine population – overproduction, rehoming, shelter and welfare. However, the Donkey Sanctuary, like many UK‐based equine charities, also works in Europe and further afield to try to address a much broader range of issues, as Alex Thiemann and Andy Foxcroft explain
Empirical Modeling of Lean Adoption in Small to Medium Size Manufacturers
Authors: McLeod Alister A. , Stephens Matthew P. , McWilliams Douglas L.
Published: September 2016

The practice of lean production has been documented in detail by production and operations management specialists world-wide [B. B. Flynn, S. Sakakibara, R. G. Schroeder, K. A. Bates and E. J. Flynn, Empirical research methods in operations management, Journal of Operations Management 9(2) (1990) 250–284]. Theoretically, on the other hand, there has been little research that define and quantify what it means to be a lean manufacturer. A typological definition of what it means to be lean has in part been resolved by a model initially developed by Shah and Ward [Defining and developing measures of lean production, Journal of Operations Management 25(4) (2007) 785–805]. This definition was used to determine the underlying concepts of lean production in small to medium size manufacturers (SMMs). While most of the factors found in the Shah and Ward [Defining and developing measures of lean production, Journal of Operations Management 25(4) (2007) 785–805] study remained valid, the model developed for SMMs displayed some new factors.
The Effects of Aggregated Search Coherence on Search Behavior
Authors: Arguello Jaime , Capra Rob
Published: September 2016

Aggregated search is the task of combining results from multiple independent search systems in a single Search Engine Results Page (SERP). Aggregated search coherence refers to the extent to which different sources on the SERP focus on similar senses of an ambiguous or underspecified query. In previous studies, we found that the query senses in a set of vertical results can influence user engagement with the web results (the so-called “spillover” effect). In this work, we investigate five research questions (RQ1--RQ5) that extend our prior work. First, we investigate the extent to which results from different sources focus on different senses of an ambiguous query (RQ1). Second, we investigate how the vertical-to-web spillover effect varies across different verticals (RQ2). Then, we examine whether the level of spillover depends on the vertical position (RQ3) and on whether the vertical results are displayed with a border and different-colored background to distinguish them from the web results (RQ4). Finally, we propose a new method for displaying results from a particular vertical that are more consistent with the query senses in the web results (RQ5). We evaluate this new method based on how it influences users to make more correct decisions with respect to the web results—to engage with the web results when at least one of them is relevant and to avoid engaging with the web results otherwise. Our results show the following trends. In terms of RQ1, our analysis suggests that the top results from the web search engine are more diversified than the top results from our four different verticals considered (images, news, shopping, and video). In terms of RQ2, we found a stronger spillover effect for the images vertical than the news, shopping, and video verticals. In terms of RQ3, we found a stronger level of spillover when the vertical was positioned at the top of the SERP versus to the right side of the web results. In terms of RQ4, we found an interesting additive effect between the vertical’s position and displaying the vertical results enclosed in a border and with a different-colored background—the image vertical had no spillover when presented to the right side of the web results and with a border and background. Finally, in terms of RQ5, we found that our proposed vertical results selection approach can influence users to make more correct predictions about their level of engagement with the web results.
Fresh starts
Authors: Matsudaira Kate
Published: September 2016

Just because you have been doing it the same way doesn't mean you are doing it the right way.
Optical fibers getting full
Authors: Monroe Don
Published: September 2016

Exploring ways to push more data through a fiber one-tenth the thickness of the average human hair.
Cloud calipers
Authors: Neville-Neil George V.
Published: September 2016

Naming the next generation and remembering that the cloud is just other people's computers.
α7-nAChR agonist enhances neural plasticity in the hippocampus via a GABAergic circuit
Authors: Townsend Matthew , Whyment Andrew , Walczak Jean-Sebastien , Jeggo Ross , van den Top Marco , Flood Dorothy G. , Leventhal Liza , Patzke Holger , Koenig Gerhard
Published: September 2016

Agonists of the α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR) have entered clinical trials as procognitive agents for treating schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. The most advanced compounds are orthosteric agonists, which occupy the ligand binding site. At the molecular level, agonist activation of α7-nAChR is reasonably well understood. However, the consequences of activating α7-nAChRs on neural circuits underlying cognition remain elusive. Here we report that an α7-nAChR agonist (FRM-17848) enhances long-term potentiation (LTP) in rat septo-hippocampal slices far below the cellular EC50 but at a concentration that coincides with multiple functional outcome measures as we reported in Stoiljkovic M, Leventhal L, Chen A, Chen T, Driscoll R, Flood D, Hodgdon H, Hurst R, Nagy D, Piser T, Tang C, Townsend M, Tu Z, Bertrand D, Koenig G, Hajós M. Biochem Pharmacol 97: 576–589, 2015. In this same concentration range, we observed a significant increase in spontaneous γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) inhibitory postsynaptic currents and a moderate suppression of excitability in whole cell recordings from rat CA1 pyramidal neurons. This modulation of GABAergic activity is necessary for the LTP-enhancing effects of FRM-17848, since inhibiting GABAA α5-subunit-containing receptors fully reversed the effects of the α7-nAChR agonist. These data suggest that α7-nAChR agonists may increase synaptic plasticity in hippocampal slices, at least in part, through a circuit-level enhancement of a specific subtype of GABAergic receptor.
Neuroactive Steroids in First-Episode Psychosis: A Role for Progesterone?
Authors: Belvederi Murri Martino , Fanelli Flaminia , Pagotto Uberto , Bonora Elena , Triolo Federico , Chiri Luigi , Allegri Fabio , Mezzullo Marco , Menchetti Marco , Mondelli Valeria , Pariante Carmine , Berardi Domenico , Tarricone Ilaria
Published: September 2016

Neuroactive steroids may play a role in the pathophysiology of psychotic disorders, but few studies examined this issue. We compared serum levels of cortisol, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, and progesterone between a representative sample of first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients and age- and gender-matched healthy subjects. Furthermore, we analyzed the associations between neuroactive steroids levels and the severity of psychotic symptom dimensions. Male patients had lower levels of progesterone than controls (p=0.03). Progesterone levels were inversely associated with the severity of positive symptoms (p=0.007). Consistent with preclinical findings, results suggest that progesterone might have a role in the pathophysiology of psychotic disorders.
Magnifying Endoscopic Features of Follicular Lymphoma Involving the Stomach: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Iwamuro Masaya , Takata Katsuyoshi , Kawano Seiji , Fujii Nobuharu , Kawahara Yoshiro , Yoshino Tadashi , Okada Hiroyuki
Published: September 2016

A 70-year-old woman presented with follicular lymphoma involving the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, bone, and lymph nodes. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed multiple depressed lesions in the stomach. Examination with magnifying endoscopy showed branched abnormal vessels along with gastric pits, which were irregularly shaped but were preserved. The second case was a 45-year-old man diagnosed with stage II1follicular lymphoma with duodenal, ileal, and colorectal involvement, as well as lymphadenopathy of the mesenteric lymph nodes. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy performed six years after the diagnosis revealed multiple erosions in the gastric body and angle. Magnifying endoscopic observation with narrow-band imaging showed that the gastric pits were only partially preserved and were destroyed in most of the stomach. Branched abnormal vessels were also seen. Pathological features were consistent with follicular lymphoma in both cases. The structural differences reported between the two cases appear to reflect distinct pathologies. Disappearance of gastric pits in the latter case seems to result from loss of epithelial cells, probably due to chronic inflammation. In both cases, branched abnormal vasculature was observed. These two cases suggest that magnified observations of abnormal branched microvasculature may facilitate endoscopic detection and recognition of the extent of gastric involvement in patients with follicular lymphoma.
Case Report of a Fatal Antifreeze Ingestion with a Record High Level and Impressive Renal Crystal Deposition
Authors: Erickson Heidi L.
Published: September 2016

Ethylene glycol, methanol, and diethylene glycol are readily available in many household and commercially available products. While these alcohols are relatively nontoxic themselves, their acidic metabolites are toxic and can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Herein we report a lethal case of massive ethylene glycol ingestion in a suicide with a record high level (1254 mg/dL) and images of the histologic examination of the kidneys revealing impressive calcium oxalate crystal deposition. Autopsy findings also showed evidence of mild cerebral edema.
Validity of the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score for Detecting Undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes among General Medical Outpatients in Botswana
Authors: Omech Bernard , Mwita Julius Chacha , Tshikuka Jose-Gaby , Tsima Billy , Nkomazna Oathokwa , Amone-P’Olak Kennedy
Published: September 2016

This was a cross-sectional study designed to assess the validity of the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score for detecting undiagnosed type 2 diabetes among general medical outpatients in Botswana. Participants aged ≥20 years without previously diagnosed diabetes were screened by (1) an 8-item Finnish diabetes risk assessment questionnaire and (2) Haemoglobin A1c test. Data from 291 participants were analyzed (74.2% were females). The mean age of the participants was 50.1 (SD = ±11) years, and the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes was 42 (14.4%) with no significant differences between the gender (20% versus 12.5%,P=0.26). The area under curve for detecting undiagnosed diabetes was 0.63 (95% CI 0.55–0.72) for the total population, 0.65 (95% CI: 0.56–0.75) for women, and 0.67 (95% CI: 0.52–0.83) for men. The optimal cut-off point for detecting undiagnosed diabetes was 17 (sensitivity = 48% and specificity = 73%) for the total population, 17 (sensitivity = 56% and specificity = 66%) for females, and 13 (sensitivity = 53% and specificity = 77%) for males. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 20% and 89.5%, respectively. The findings indicate that the Finnish questionnaire was only modestly effective in predicting undiagnosed diabetes among outpatients in Botswana.
Bonding of Metal Orthodontic Attachments to Sandblasted Porcelain and Zirconia Surfaces
Authors: Mehta Amitoj S. , Evans Carla A. , Viana Grace , Bedran-Russo Ana , Galang-Boquiren Maria Therese S.
Published: September 2016

This study evaluates tensile bond strength (TBS) of metal orthodontic attachments to sandblasted feldspathic porcelain and zirconia with various bonding protocols. Thirty-six (36) feldspathic and 36 zirconia disc samples were prepared, glazed, embedded in acrylic blocks and sandblasted, and divided into three groups according to one or more of the following treatments: hydrofluoric acid 4% (HF), Porcelain Conditioner silane primer, Reliance Assure® primer, Reliance Assure plus® primer, and Z Prime™ plus zirconia primer. A round traction hook was bonded to each sample. Static tensile bond strength tests were performed in a universal testing machine and adhesive remnant index (ARI) scoring was done using a digital camera. One-way ANOVA and Pearson chi-square tests were used to analyze TBS (MPa) and ARI scores. No statistically significant mean differences were found in TBS among the different bonding protocols for feldspathic and zirconia,pvalues = 0.369 and 0.944, respectively. No statistically significant distribution of ARI scores was found among the levels of feldspathic,pvalue = 0.569. However, statistically significant distribution of ARI scores was found among the levels of zirconia,pvalue = 0.026. The study concluded that silanization following sandblasting resulted in tensile bond strengths comparable to other bonding protocols for feldspathic and zirconia surface.
The Impact of Maternal Obesity and Excessive Gestational Weight Gain on Maternal and Infant Outcomes in Maine: Analysis of Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System Results from 2000 to 2010
Authors: Baugh Nancy , Harris David E. , Aboueissa AbouEl-Makarim , Sarton Cheryl , Lichter Erika
Published: September 2016

The objective of this study is to understand the relationships between prepregnancy obesity and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) and adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Pregnancy risk assessment monitoring system (PRAMS) data from Maine for 2000–2010 were used to determine associations between demographic, socioeconomic, and health behavioral variables and maternal and infant outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed on the independent variables of age, race, smoking, previous live births, marital status, education, BMI, income, rurality, alcohol use, and GWG. Dependent variables included maternal hypertension, premature birth, birth weight, infant admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), and length of hospital stay of the infant. Excessive prepregnancy BMI and excessive GWG independently predicted maternal hypertension. A high prepregnancy BMI increased the risk of the infant being born prematurely, having a longer hospital stay, and having an excessive birth weight. Excessive GWG predicted a longer infant hospital stay and excessive birth weight. A low pregnancy BMI and a lower than recommended GWG were also associated with poor outcomes: prematurity, low birth weight, and an increased risk of the infant admitted to ICU. These findings support the importance of preconception care that promotes achievement of a healthy weight to enhance optimal reproductive outcomes.
Intracranial Capillary Hemangioma in the Posterior Fossa of an Adult Male
Authors: Nepute Jordan , Lai Jinping , Zhou Yihua
Published: September 2016

Intracranial capillary hemangioma (ICH) is a rare entity, with approximately 24 reported cases in the literature. There are only three reported cases of ICH in an adult male. In this case report, we describe the fourth documented case of ICH in an adult male and, to the best of our knowledge, the first ever documented case of ICH in the posterior fossa of an adult male. We also discuss its imaging appearance and differential diagnosis.
Heart‐Derived Stem Cells in Miniature Swine with Coronary Microembolization: Novel Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Model to Assess the Efficacy of Cell‐Based Therapy
Authors: Suzuki Gen , Young Rebeccah F. , Leiker Merced M. , Suzuki Takayuki
Published: September 2016

A major problem in translating stem cell therapeutics is the difficulty of producing stable, long‐term severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in a large animal model. For that purpose, extensive infarction was created in sinclair miniswine by injecting microspheres (1.5 × 106 microspheres, 45 μm diameter) in LAD. At 2 months after embolization, animals (n = 11) were randomized to receive allogeneic cardiosphere‐derived cells derived from atrium (CDCs: 20 × 106, n = 5) or saline (untreated, n = 6). Four weeks after therapy myocardial function, myocyte proliferation (Ki67), mitosis (phosphor‐Histone H3; pHH3), apoptosis, infarct size (TTC), myocyte nuclear density, and cell size were evaluated. CDCs injected into infarcted and remodeled remote myocardium (global infusion) increased regional function and global function contrasting no change in untreated animals. CDCs reduced infarct volume and stimulated Ki67 and pHH3 positive myocytes in infarct and remote regions. As a result, myocyte number (nuclear density) increased and myocyte cell diameter decreased in both infarct and remote regions. Coronary microembolization produces stable long‐term ischemic cardiomyopathy. Global infusion of CDCs stimulates myocyte regeneration and improves left ventricular ejection fraction. Thus, global infusion of CDCs could become a new therapy to reverse LV dysfunction in patients with asymptomatic heart failure.
Analysis of Subgrid Stabilization Method for Stokes-Darcy Problems
Authors: Nafa Kamel
Published: September 2016

A number of techniques, used as remedy to the instability of the Galerkin finite element formulation for Stokes like problems, are found in the literature. In this work we consider a coupled Stokes-Darcy problem, where in one part of the domain the fluid motion is described by Stokes equations and for the other part the fluid is in a porous medium and described by Darcy law and the conservation of mass. Such systems can be discretized by heterogeneous mixed finite elements in the two parts. A better method, from a computational point of view, consists in using a unified approach on both subdomains. Here, the coupled Stokes-Darcy problem is analyzed using equal-order velocity and pressure approximation combined with subgrid stabilization. We prove that the obtained finite element solution is stable and converges to the classical solution with optimal rates for both velocity and pressure.
Adult Onset Vitiligo: Multivariate Analysis Suggests the Need for a Thyroid Screening
Authors: Lazzeri L. , Colucci R. , Cammi A. , Dragoni F. , Moretti S.
Published: September 2016

Background. There are limited epidemiological studies evaluating the effect of age at onset on disease features in vitiligo.Objectives. To identify factors associated with adult onset vitiligo in comparison with childhood onset vitiligo.Patients and Methods. We retrospectively collected medical records of 191 patients. Such records included clinical examination, personal and familial medical history, laboratory evaluations, concomitant vitiligo treatment and drug assumption.Results. 123 patients with a disease onset after the age of 40 (adult onset vitiligo) were compared with 68 patients who developed vitiligo before the age of 12 (childhood onset vitiligo). Multivariate analysis revealed that personal history of thyroid diseases (P=0.04; OR 0.4), stress at onset (P=0.002; OR = 0.34), personal history of autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD) (P=0.003; OR = 0.23), and thyroid nodules (P=0.001; OR 0.90) were independently associated with adult onset vitiligo, whereas family history of dermatological diseases (P=0.003; OR = 2.87) and Koebner phenomenon (P<0.001; OR = 4.73) with childhood onset vitiligo. Moreover, in the adult onset group, concomitant thyroid disease preceded vitiligo in a statistically significant number of patients (P=0.014).Conclusions. Childhood onset and adult onset vitiligo have different clinical features. In particular, ATD and thyroid nodules were significantly associated with adult onset vitiligo, suggesting that a thyroid screening should be recommended in this group of patients.
A New Finite-Time Observer for Nonlinear Systems: Applications to Synchronization of Lorenz-Like Systems
Authors: Aguilar-López Ricardo , Mata-Machuca Juan L.
Published: September 2016

This paper proposes a synchronization methodology of two chaotic oscillators under the framework of identical synchronization and master-slave configuration. The proposed methodology is based on state observer design under the frame of control theory; the observer structure provides finite-time synchronization convergence by cancelling the upper bounds of the main nonlinearities of the chaotic oscillator. The above is showed via an analysis of the dynamic of the so called synchronization error. Numerical experiments corroborate the satisfactory results of the proposed scheme.
Remarks on Chern-Simons-Higgs Equations inR1+1
Authors: Huh Hyungjin , Jin Guanghui
Published: September 2016

We prove global existence of solutions to Chern-Simons-Higgs equations under the gauge conditionA1=0. We also find stationary solutions.