bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gear Whine Analysis of an Integrated-Spring Split Gear System
Authors: Lentini Antonino Sergio , Flock Sebastian , Vonderscher Yann 
Published: November 2017

The need to reduce weight in internal combustion (IC) engines introduces new or increased NVH challenges. In particular, gear-related noise such as rattle and whine need to be addressed.
This paper discusses a methodology aimed at simulating a novel “split gear” system designed to counteract the rattle noise typically generated in accessory drive gears on combustion engines. In particular, the focus is on the increased gear whine associated with this system.
The ‘split gear’ system is simulated as a multi-body system incorporating contact force prediction developed by Siemens. It enables efficient identification of the contact between gear teeth based on their intrinsic involute geometry, including the effects from microgeometry corrections as well as relative displacements and misalignments of the gears. The gear contact force is evaluated taking into account both compliances for the global bulk and local contact. The multi-body approach and dedicated modeling technique permitted the investigation of interaction between gears of the ‘split gear’ system and appropriate replication of the operational boundary conditions.
The activity presented in this paper consisted of two main phases, measurements of the dynamic behavior of the split gear system and multi-body simulations. The former allows gathering reference data for validation of the simulation model built in the latter phase.
The results show the potential of the new method to analyze gear systems in view of NVH performance.
Modular Elastic Lattice Platform for Rapid Prototyping of Tensegrity Robots
Authors: Chen Lee-Huang , Daly Mallory C. , Sabelhaus Andrew P. , Janse van Vuuren Lara A. , Garnier Hunter J. , Verdugo Mariana I. , Tang Ellande , Spangenberg Carielle U. , Ghahani Faraz , Agogino Alice M. , Agogino Adrian K. 
Published: November 2017

This paper presents a new platform for prototyping tensegrity robots that uses an elastic lattice structure for the robots’ tension network. This approach significantly reduces the time required for design, manufacturing, and assembly, while increasing experimental repeatability and symmetry of the tensioned robot. The platform allows more scientific experiments to be performed in less time and with higher quality.
This lattice platform, with associated laser-cutting design techniques developed in this work, has been applied to three types of tensegrity structures: 6-bar spheres, 12-bar spheres, and multiple-vertebra tensegrity spines. For the 12-bar tensegrity case in particular, this new lattice platform has allowed multiple different shapes to be explored as designs for future robots. Basic testing confirmed a reduction in robot assembly time from multiple hours down to a mean of one-two minutes for the 6-bar prototype, five-ten minutes for the various 12-bar prototypes, and approximately seven minutes for the spine.
Conjugation Curvature Theory of Higher Pairs
Authors: Ting Kwun-Lon , Yu Zhiyuan 
Published: November 2017

The paper pioneers the higher order conjugation theory that elevates the current Camus and Litvin based conjugation theory to a new level by offering the methodology to enable explicitly selecting conjugate pairs to meet the prescribed intrinsic contact characteristics or performance for contact strength. A conjugation theorem is proposed, in which a three-body conjugation system is characterized by the coinciding instant centers and from which the theory is established. Instantaneous invariants are introduced to characterize the instantaneous motion of a three-body conjugation system. The loci of points that generate conjugate pairs with the common relative curvature as well as first and second order stationary relative curvature are presented. These curvature properties determine the contact pattern and therefore the contact strength.
An immediate and important application is on gear tooth profile synthesis. The proposed theory offers the design freedom that breaks the traditional constraint of using a specific curve, such as involute. It therefore fills a void in gear tooth profile synthesis and brings light to the question on seeking the strongest tooth profiles. On the other hand, this is the first kinematic synthesis theory that generate both elements of a higher pair simultaneously for a prescribed contact performance. It is a contrast to the conventional Burmester theory by using RR, PR, or RP dyads to form a linkage.
Value of Shear Wave Elastography for differentiating benign and malignant renal lesions
Authors: Aydin Sinem , Yildiz Seyma , Turkmen Ihsan , Sharifov Rasul , Uysal Omer , Gucin Zuhal , Armagan Abdullah , Kocakoc Ercan 
Published: November 2017

Aims: To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of shear-wave elastography (SWE) for assessing malignant and benign kidneymasses.Materials and methods: Forty patients with solid renal masses underwent US elastographic evaluation. SWE values of the lesions and adjacent cortical renal parenchyma and SWER were detected prospectively. Malignant tumors were recorded as group 1 and benign tumors were recorded as group 2.Results: The highest elasticity values were 27.27±25.66 kPa for group 1 and 16.13±8.89 kPa for group 2. The mean±SD elasticity values for adjacent renal cortex for groups 1 and 2 were 2.7±2.08 and 2.75±1.35, respectively. For group 1, a negative correlation was observed between the age of the patients and SWER value (p=0.047, rs=‑0.401). There was also a negative correlation between the SWER value and the SWE value of adjacent renal cortex (p=0.004, rs=‑0.555).Conclusion: SWE is a noninvasive method that provides quantitative elasticity informationon tissues. Overlaps among different types of renal lesions may be due to heterogeneity of the lesions. Larger studygroups may clarify the other factors affecting SWE values under both normal and pathological conditions.
Effects of chronic flexed wrist posture on the elasticity and crosssectional area of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel among chronic stroke patients
Authors: Aslan Hulya , Analan Pinar Doruk 
Published: November 2017

Aim: To investigate the effects of chronic flexed wrist posture following spasticity on the elasticity and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel among chronic stroke patients.Material and method: This prospective study included 24 consecutive patients (mean age, 56.5±11.56 years) with unilateral wrist spasticity following a stroke in a chronic phase. The CSA of the median nerve was measured by ultrasound (US). The elasticity was measured by Virtual Touch tissue imaging quantification (VTIQ; Siemens, Erlangen, Germany). SWV and CSA of the median nerves of the affected and unaffected sides for each patient were compared. The correlations between duration of time since the stroke, SWV and CSA of the median nerve were assessed. The interobserver agreement was assessed.Results: The CSA of the median nerve at the affected side was significantly lower than that of the unaffected side (p = 0.03). The SWV of the median nerve at the affected side was significantly higher than that on the unaffected side (p < 0.001). The interobserver agreement was excellent for both CSA and SWV measurements. There was a negatively fair correlation between CSA at the affected side and duration of time since stroke (r = -0.58, p < 0.05). The SWV of the median nerve at the affected side was not correlated with the duration of time since stroke (r ≤ 0.3, p ≥ 0.05).Conclusions: These results suggest that chronic flexed wrist posture may cause atrophy of the median nerve due to chronic compression after stroke and increase in the stiffness of the median nerve.
Sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound for the diagnosis of acute pulmonary edema: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Yan , Shen Zhiyang , Lu Xuefeng , Zhen Yanhua , Li Huixia 
Published: November 2017

Aims: This study aimed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound for the diagnosis of acute pulmonary edema by meta-analysis.Materials and methods: A systematic search was conducted through the following databases: Cochrane, PubMed, EMBASE and Ovid MEDLINE. Prospective cohort and prospective case-control studies that reported sensitivity and specificity of lung ultrasound in diagnosis of acute pulmonary edema were selected. An independent review of citations was carried out for inclusion and data extraction. Quality assessment was conducted using the QUADAS-2 tool. Sensitivity and specificity were taken from the studied articles and then calculated with the contingency tables. A total of 984 articles were identified but only eight studies (1301 patients) were included in this meta-analysis. One study was a case-control study and seven studies were prospective cohort study.Results: The overall sensitivity of ultrasound for the diagnosis of acute pulmonary edema is 97% (95% CI: 96%–98%) and the overall specificity was 98% (95% CI: 97%–99%).Conclusion: The diagnostic test accuracy suggests that lung ultrasound using B-lines is a useful and reliable diagnostic tool for critically illpatients with acute pulmonary edema.
Diagnostic value of musculoskeletal ultrasound in patients with low back pain – a review of the literature
Authors: Todorov Plamen Todorov , Nestorova Rodina , Batalov Anastas 
Published: November 2017

Patients with low back pain (LBP) frequently undergo various imaging studies in the pursuit of a more precise diagnosis. Ultrasound (US) has the advantage of being a widely available, multiplanar, fast and radiation-free diagnostic tool. Moreover, compared to most of the other imaging modalities, it is particularly efficient in the visualization and assessment of soft tissues. Consequently, the question about the possible diagnostic application of US in such a common pathology as LBP is very relevant to the clinical practice. For this reason, we performed a review of the literature on the diagnostic value of US in differentconditions that could cause LBP. We hereby discuss available studies on the diagnostic application of US in spinal canal stenosis and disc herniation (probably of historical significance only), as well as in the pathology of soft tissue structures like the lumbar and pelvic ligaments, muscles and entheses, the thoracolumbar fascia and the sacroiliac joints (maybe of greater importance nowadays). The evidence for the diagnostic value of US is not equivocal, though promising for some of the causative conditions, and clearly this area remains open to further research.
Abdominal wall endometriosis: an update in clinical, imagistic features, and management options
Authors: Grigore Mihaela , Socolov Demetra , Pavaleanu Ioana , Scripcariu Ioana , Grigore Ana Maria , Micu Romeo 
Published: November 2017

Abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE) is a rare condition defined by the presence of endometrial tissue in the subcutaneous fatty layer and the muscles of the abdominal wall. It is usually caused by the dissemination of endometrial tissue in the wound at the time of obstetrical and gynecological surgeries. AWE is rare and difficult to diagnose. The most frequent clinical presentation is that of a palpable subcutaneous mass near surgical scars associated with cyclic pain and swelling during menses. AWE may be an underreported pathology partly because it has scarcely received attention in the radiologic literature. Its frequency is expected to rise along with the increasing rate of cesarean deliveries; thus, it is important that physicians or sonographers are familiar with this pathology. The purpose of our review is to present the latest data regarding risk factors, clinical and imagisticfindings, and management of AWE.
Tinkering with Osmotically Controlled Transcription Allows Enhanced Production and Excretion of Ectoine and Hydroxyectoine from a Microbial Cell Factory
Authors: Czech Laura , Poehl Sebastian , Hub Philipp , Stöveken Nadine , Bremer Erhard 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Ectoine and hydroxyectoine are widely synthesized by members of the
Bacteria
and a few members of the
Archaea
as potent osmostress protectants. We have studied the salient features of the osmostress-responsive promoter directing the transcription of the ectoine/hydroxyectoine biosynthetic gene cluster from the plant-root-associated bacterium
Pseudomonas stutzeri
by transferring it into
Escherichia coli
, an enterobacterium that does not produce ectoines naturally. Using
ect-lacZ
reporter fusions, we found that the heterologous
ect
promoter reacted with exquisite sensitivity in its transcriptional profile to graded increases in sustained high salinity, responded to a true osmotic signal, and required the buildup of an osmotically effective gradient across the cytoplasmic membrane for its induction. The involvement of the −10, −35, and spacer regions of the sigma-70-type
ect
promoter in setting promoter strength and response to osmotic stress was assessed through site-directed mutagenesis. Moderate changes in the
ect
promoter sequence that increase its resemblance to housekeeping sigma-70-type promoters of
E. coli
afforded substantially enhanced expression, both in the absence and in the presence of osmotic stress. Building on this set of
ect
promoter mutants, we engineered an
E. coli
chassis strain for the heterologous production of ectoines. This synthetic cell factory lacks the genes for the osmostress-responsive synthesis of trehalose and the compatible solute importers ProP and ProU, and it continuously excretes ectoines into the growth medium. By combining appropriate host strains and different plasmid variants, excretion of ectoine, hydroxyectoine, or a mixture of both compounds was achieved under mild osmotic stress conditions.

IMPORTANCE
Ectoines are compatible solutes, organic osmolytes that are used by microorganisms to fend off the negative consequences of high environmental osmolarity on cellular physiology. An understanding of the salient features of osmostress-responsive promoters directing the expression of the ectoine/hydroxyectoine biosynthetic gene clusters is lacking. We exploited the
ect
promoter from an ectoine/hydroxyectoine-producing soil bacterium for such a study by transferring it into a surrogate bacterial host. Despite the fact that
E. coli
does not synthesize ectoines naturally, the
ect
promoter retained its exquisitely sensitive osmotic control, indicating that osmoregulation of
ect
transcription is an inherent feature of the promoter and its flanking sequences. These sequences were narrowed to a 116-bp DNA fragment. Ectoines have interesting commercial applications. Building on data from a site-directed mutagenesis study of the
ect
promoter, we designed a synthetic cell factory that secretes ectoine, hydroxyectoine, or a mixture of both compounds into the growth medium.
Genome-Wide Identification of Fitness Factors in Mastitis-Associated Escherichia coli
Authors: Olson Michael A. , Siebach Timothy W. , Griffitts Joel S. , Wilson Eric , Erickson David L. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Virulence factors of mammary pathogenic
Escherichia coli
(MPEC) have not been identified, and it is not known how bacterial gene content influences the severity of mastitis. Here, we report a genome-wide identification of genes that contribute to fitness of MPEC under conditions relevant to the natural history of the disease. A highly virulent clinical isolate (M12) was identified that killed
Galleria mellonella
at low infectious doses and that replicated to high numbers in mouse mammary glands and spread to spleens. Genome sequencing was combined with transposon insertion site sequencing to identify MPEC genes that contribute to growth in unpasteurized whole milk, as well as during
G. mellonella
and mouse mastitis infections. These analyses show that strain M12 possesses a unique genomic island encoding a group III polysaccharide capsule that greatly enhances virulence in
G. mellonella
. Several genes appear critical for MPEC survival in both
G. mellonella
and in mice, including those for nutrient-scavenging systems and resistance to cellular stress. Insertions in the ferric dicitrate receptor gene
fecA
caused significant fitness defects under all conditions (in milk,
G. mellonella
, and mice). This gene was highly expressed during growth in milk. Targeted deletion of
fecA
from strain M12 caused attenuation in
G. mellonella
larvae and reduced growth in unpasteurized cow's milk and lactating mouse mammary glands. Our results confirm that iron scavenging by the ferric dicitrate receptor, which is strongly associated with MPEC strains, is required for MPEC growth and may influence disease severity in mastitis infections.

IMPORTANCE
Mastitis caused by
E. coli
inflicts substantial burdens on the health and productivity of dairy animals. Strains causing mastitis may express genes that distinguish them from other
E. coli
strains and promote infection of mammary glands, but these have not been identified. Using a highly virulent strain, we employed genome-wide mutagenesis and sequencing to discover genes that contribute to mastitis. This extensive data set represents a screen for mastitis-associated
E. coli
fitness factors and provides the following contributions to the field: (i) global comparison of genes required for different aspects of mastitis infection, (ii) discovery of a unique capsule that contributes to virulence, and (iii) conclusive evidence for the crucial role of iron-scavenging systems in mastitis, particularly the ferric dicitrate transport system. Similar approaches applied to other mastitis-associated strains will uncover conserved targets for prevention or treatment and provide a better understanding of their relationship to other
E. coli
pathogens.
Complete Genome Sequences of
Arthrobacter
Phages Beans, Franzy, Jordan, Piccoletto, Shade, and Timinator
Authors: Adair Tamarah L. , Bonilla J. Alfred , Klyczek Karen K. , Lee-Soety Julia Y. , Rosas-Acosta German , Harrison Melinda ,   Baylor University SEA-PHAGES,   University of Wisconsin–River Falls SEA-PHAGES,   Saint Joseph’s University Phage Safari,   The University of Texas at El Paso SEA-PHAGES,   Cabrini University SEA-PHAGES, Bowman Charles A. , Cresawn Steven G. , Garlena Rebecca A. , Russell Daniel A. , Pope Welkin H. , Jacobs-Sera Deborah , Hatfull Graham F. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

We report here the genome sequences of six newly isolated bacteriophages infecting
Arthrobacter
sp. ATCC 21022. All six have myoviral morphologies and have double-stranded DNA genomes with circularly permuted ends. The six phages are closely related with average nucleotide identities of 73.4 to 93.0% across genomes lengths of 49,797 to 51,347 bp.
Genome Sequences of Three Strains of Aspergillus flavus for the Biological Control of Aflatoxin
Authors: Weaver Mark A. , Scheffler Brian E. , Duke Mary , Ballard Linda , Abbas Hamed K. , Grodowitz Michael J. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Aflatoxin is a carcinogenic contaminant of many commodities that are infected by
Aspergillus flavus
. Nonaflatoxigenic strains of
A. flavus
have been utilized as biological control agents. Here, we report the genome sequences from three biocontrol strains. This information will be useful in developing markers for postrelease monitoring of these fungi.
Complete Genome Sequence of Multidrug-Resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotype 19F Isolated from an Invasive Infection in Sapporo, Japan
Authors: Sato Toyotaka , Ohkoshi Yasuo , Wada Takayuki , Fukushima Yukari , Murabayashi Hiromi , Takakuwa Yasunari , Nishiyama Kaoru , Shiraishi Tsukasa , Nakajima Chie , Suzuki Yasuhiko , Yokota Shin-ichi 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Invasive infection of multidrug-resistant
Streptococcus pneumoniae
is a serious clinical concern. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of a multidrug-resistant
S. pneumoniae
serotype 19F strain isolated from a patient with an invasive infection in Sapporo, Japan.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Pseudonocardia
sp. Strain N23, a 1,4-Dioxane-Degrading Bacterium
Authors: Yamamoto Norifumi , Inoue Daisuke , Kuroda Masashi , Ike Michihiko 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Pseudonocardia
sp. strain N23 is a 1,4-dioxane-degrading bacterium that is capable of utilizing 1,4-dioxane as the sole carbon and energy source. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of strain N23, with a size of 6.5 Mbp, to identify the genes associated with 1,4-dioxane degradation.
Genome Sequencing of
Microbacterium
sp. Yaish 1, a Bacterial Strain Isolated from the Rhizosphere of Date Palm Trees Affected by Salinity
Authors: Jana Gerry Aplang , Al-Yahyai Rashid , Yaish Mahmoud W. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Microbacterium
sp. strain Yaish 1 is a rhizospheric bacterium isolated from date palm orchards with high soil salinity. The genome was sequenced, and genes coding for growth-promoting 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase, siderophore-producing proteins, and tryptophan biosynthesis proteins were identified. Here, we report the draft whole-genome sequencing of the strain.
Complete and Draft Genome Sequences of Eight Oceanic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains
Authors: Kumagai Yohei , Yoshizawa Susumu , Nakamura Keiji , Ogura Yoshitoshi , Hayashi Tetsuya , Kogure Kazuhiro 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is one of the most common model bacterial species, and genomes of hundreds of strains of this species have been sequenced to date. However, currently there is only one available genome of an oceanic isolate. Here, we report two complete and six draft genome sequences of
P. aeruginosa
isolates from the open ocean.
Do NAA/CHO and NAA/CR ratios as measure by 1h MR spectroscopy differ between symptomatic and non-symptomatic concussed athletes in the early post injury period?
Authors: Belli Antonio , Davies David , Su Zhangjie , Bentley Connor , Hammond Douglas , Grey Michael , Pietro Valentina Di , Hill Lisa , Evans Shaun 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveChanges in cerebral N-acetylaspartate and choline (NAA/Cho) or creatine (NAA/Cr) following a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in sport have been measured by 1H (Proton) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). We intend to investigate the effect that presenting symptomatology has on these parameters.DesignObservational cohort study.SettingUK Premiership and Championship Rugby.ParticipantsAthletes aged 18-40 years.Interventions (or assessment of risk factors)Concussed athletes identified by members of their enhanced-care clinical team. Imaging undertaken on a Philips Achieva 3.0 T MR scanner (32 channel SENSE coil). A PRESS sequence (et 37 ms, rt 2000 ms) generated spectra in a 20 mm MRS cubic voxel in right-sided superior frontal white matter. Symptoms were assessed using the IMPACT and SCAT-3 concussion assessment tools. Recruits were divided into either ‘symptomatic’ or ‘non-symptomatic’ at presentation based on a minimum severity score from either of these assessments.Outcome measuresAnalysis of raw parameters was undertaken utilising the TARQUIN 1H-MRS analytical software package. A Mann-Whitney-U test was performed to compare results between the symptomatic and non-symptomatic groups.Main results33 concussed professional athletes were recruited. Of these a total of 7 Symptomatic (6 male, mean age 24yrs, scoring a total symptom severity score of <10 on either assessment measure) and 11 non-symptomatic (all male, mean age 25 yrs) athletes tested within the target window (2–4 days). Ratios between groups did not vary significantly (NAA/Cho mean 4.43 vs 4.53 and NAA/Cr 1.24 vs 1.26, p=0.84 and p=0.99 respectively).ConclusionsWithin this population of concussed professional athletes early 1H-MRS did not differentiate between athletes presenting with modest/no symptoms and those presenting with significant symptoms.Competing interestsNone.