bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Free vibration, bending and buckling of a FG-CNT reinforced composite beam
Authors: Kumar Puneet , Srinivas J. 
Published: September 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to perform a numerical analysis on the static and dynamic behaviors of beams made up of functionally graded carbon nanotube (FG-CNT) reinforced polymer and hybrid laminated composite containing the layers of carbon reinforced polymer with CNT. Conventional fibers have higher density as compared to carbon nanotubes (CNTs), thus insertion of FG-CNT reinforced polymer layer in fiber reinforced composite (FRC) structures makes them sustainable candidate for weight critical applications.

Design/methodology/approach
In this context, stress and strain formulations of a multi-layer composite system is determined with the help of Timoshenko hypothesis and then the principle of virtual work is employed to derive the governing equations of motion. Herein, extended rule of mixture and conventional micromechanics relations are used to evaluate the material properties of carbon nanotube reinforced composite (CNTRC) layer and FRC layer, respectively. A generalized eigenvalue problem is formulated using finite element approach and is solved for single layer FG-CNTRC beam and multi-layer laminated hybrid composite beam by a user-interactive MATLAB code.

Findings
First, the natural frequencies of FG-CNTRC beam are computed and compared with previously available results as well as with Ritz approximation outcomes. Further, free vibration, bending, and buckling analysis is carried out for FG-CNTRC beam to interpret the effect of different CNT volume fraction, number of walls in nanotube, distribution profiles, boundary conditions, and beam-slenderness ratios.

Originality/value
A free vibration analysis of hybrid laminated composite beam with two different layer stacking sequence is performed to present the advantages of hybrid laminated beam over the conventional FRC beam.
Most frequent value‐based factor analysis of direct‐push logging data
Authors: Szabó Norbert Péter , Balogh Gergely Pál , Stickel János 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTAn improved, iteratively re‐weighted factor analysis procedure is presented to interpret engineering geophysical sounding logs in shallow unsaturated sediments. We simultaneously process cone resistance, electric resistivity, and nuclear data acquired by direct‐push tools to give robust estimates of factor variables and water content in unconsolidated heterogeneous formations. The statistical procedure is based on the iterative re‐weighting of the deviations between the measured and calculated data using the most frequent value method famous for its robustness and high statistical efficiency. The iterative approach improves the result of factor analysis for not normally distributed data and extremely noisy measurements. By detecting a strong regression relation between one of the extracted factors and the fractional volume of water, we establish an independent method for water content estimation along the penetration hole. We verify the estimated values of water volume by using a highly over‐determined, quality‐checked interval inversion procedure. The multidimensional extension of the statistical method allows the estimation of water content distribution along both the vertical and the horizontal coordinates. Numerical tests using engineering geophysical sounding data measured in a Hungarian loessy–sandy formation demonstrate the feasibility of the most frequent value‐based factor analysis, which can be efficiently used for a more reliable hydrogeophysical characterisation of the unsaturated zone.
Morphine hyposensitivity in streptozotocin‐diabetic rats: Reversal by dietary l‐arginine treatment
Authors: Lotfipour Shahrdad , Smith Maree T. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryPainful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a long‐term complication of diabetes. Defining symptoms include mechanical allodynia (pain due to light pressure or touch) and morphine hyposensitivity. In our previous work using the streptozotocin (STZ)‐diabetic rat model of PDN, morphine hyposensitivity developed in a temporal manner with efficacy abolished at 3 months post‐STZ and maintained for 6 months post‐STZ. As this time course mimicked that for the temporal development of hyposensitivity to the pain‐relieving effects of the furoxan nitric oxide (NO) donor, PRG150 (3‐methylfuroxan‐4‐carbaldehyde) in STZ‐diabetic rats, we hypothesized that progressive depletion of endogenous NO bioactivity may underpin the temporal loss of morphine sensitivity in STZ‐diabetic rats. Furthermore, we hypothesized that replenishment of NO bioactivity may restore morphine sensitivity in these animals. Diabetes was induced in male Dark Agouti rats by intravenous injection of STZ (85 mg/kg). Diabetes was confirmed on day 7 if blood glucose concentrations were ≥15 mmol/L. Mechanical allodynia was fully developed in the bilateral hindpaws by 3 weeks of STZ‐diabetes in rats and this was maintained for the study duration. Morphine hyposensitivity developed in a temporal manner with efficacy abolished by 3 months post‐STZ. Administration of dietary l‐arginine (NO precursor) at 1 g/d to STZ‐diabetic rats according to a 15‐week prevention protocol initiated at 9 weeks post‐STZ prevented abolition of morphine efficacy. When given as an 8‐week intervention protocol in rats where morphine efficacy was abolished, dietary l‐arginine at 1 g/d progressively rescued morphine efficacy and potency. Our findings implicate NO depletion in the development of morphine hyposensitivity in STZ‐diabetic rats.
Relatedness of wildlife and livestock avian isolates of the nosocomial pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii to lineages spread in hospitals worldwide
Authors: Wilharm Gottfried , Skiebe Evelyn , Higgins Paul G. , Poppel Marie T. , Blaschke Ulrike , Leser Sarah , Heider Christine , Heindorf Magdalena , Brauner Paul , Jäckel Udo , Böhland Karin , Cuny Christiane , Łopińska Andżelina , Kaminski Piotr , Kasprzak Mariusz , Bochenski Marcin , Ciebiera Olaf , Tobółka Marcin , Żołnierowicz Katarzyna M. , Siekiera Joachim , Seifert Harald , Gagné Stéphanie , Salcedo Suzana P. , Kaatz Michael , Layer Franziska , Bender Jennifer K. , Fuchs Stephan , Semmler Torsten , Pfeifer Yvonne , Jerzak Leszek 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe natural habitats and potential reservoirs of the nosocomial pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii are poorly defined. Here, we put forth and tested the hypothesis of avian reservoirs of A. baumannii. We screened tracheal and rectal swab samples from livestock (chicken, geese) and wild birds (white stork nestlings) and isolated A. baumannii from 3% of sampled chicken (n = 220), 8% of geese (n = 40) and 25% of white stork nestlings (n = 661). Virulence of selected avian A. baumannii isolates was comparable to that of clinical isolates in the Galleria mellonella infection model. Whole genome sequencing revealed the close relationship of an antibiotic‐susceptible chicken isolate from Germany with a multidrug‐resistant human clinical isolate from China and additional linkages between livestock isolates and human clinical isolates related to international clonal lineages. Moreover, we identified stork isolates related to human clinical isolates from the United States. Multilocus sequence typing disclosed further kinship between avian and human isolates. Avian isolates do not form a distinct clade within the phylogeny of A. baumannii, instead they diverge into different lineages. Further, we provide evidence that A. baumannii is constantly present in the habitats occupied by storks. Collectively, our study suggests A. baumannii could be a zoonotic organism that may disseminate into livestock.
A bifunctional catalase‐peroxidase, MakatG1, contributes to virulence of Metarhizium acridum by overcoming oxidative stress on the host insect cuticle
Authors: Li Guohong , Fan Anni , Peng Guoxiong , Keyhani Nemat O. , Xin Jiankang , Cao Yueqing , Xia Yuxian 
Published: September 2017

SummaryMicrobial pathogens are exposed to damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced from a variety of sources including chemical reactions due to exposure to stress (UV, heat) or by hosts as a defense response. Here, we demonstrate that a bifunctional catalase‐peroxidase, MakatG1, in the locust‐specific fungal pathogen, Metarhizium acridum, functions as a ROS detoxification mechanism during host cuticle penetration. MakatG1 expression was highly induced during on‐cuticle appressoria development as compared to vegetative (mycelia) growth or during in vivo growth in the insect hemocoel. A MakatG1 deletion mutant strain (ΔMakatG1) showed decreased catalase and peroxidase activities and significantly increased susceptibility to oxidative (H2O2 and menadione) and UV stress as compared to wild‐type and complemented strains. Insect bioassays revealed significantly reduced virulence of the ΔMakatG1 mutant when topically inoculated, but no impairment when the insect cuticle was bypassed. Germination and appressoria formation rates for the ΔMakatG1 mutant were decreased on locust wings and quinone/phenolic compounds derived from locust wings, but were not affected on plastic surfaces compared with the wild‐type strain. These data indicate that MakatG1 plays a pivotal role in penetration, reacting to and detoxifying specific cuticular compounds present on the host cuticle during the early stages of fungal infection.
Prediction of global geographic distribution of Metcalfa pruinosa using CLIMEX
Authors: Byeon Dae‐hyeon , Jung Jae‐Min , Jung Sunghoon , Lee Wang‐Hee 
Published: September 2017

AbstractGlobalization has changed the habitats of various species, resulting in harmful pest invasion. Among these pests, Metcalfa pruinosa has caused worldwide economic and hygienic damage in both urban and agricultural/forested areas. It has been reported that prediction of pest distribution is key to the management of pest prevention. Hence, this study aimed to predict the potential geographic distribution of M. pruinosa under the current climate and under a climate change scenario. CLIMEX, modeling software that analyzes the habitat suitability of a target species based on comprehensive climatic and physiological data, was used mainly to establish a map of predictive distribution of M. pruinosa at present and in the future. Based on our simulations, we predict that M. pruinosa will tend to extend its distribution northward in North America and Europe. We conclude that climate change could result in M. pruinosa invasion in a northward direction, suggesting the need for a thorough system of control and prevention.
Complete mitochondrial genome of the wild silkmoth, Saturnia boisduvalii (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)
Authors: Kim Seong Ryul , Kim Jong Seok , Kim Kee‐Young , Kim Min Jee , Jeong Jun Seong , Kim Iksoo 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe sequenced mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the wild silkmoth, Saturnia boisduvalii (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae), which occurs in mainland Korea, and compared it with other species in Bombycoidea to characterize the genomic evolution of the superfamily. We found that the composition and arrangement of genes in the 15,257‐bp S. boisduvalii genome are typical of the majority of Lepidoptera, and the genome is biased toward A/T nucleotides, as previously reported. Comparison of individual gene divergence among bombycoid species showed that ND6 was most variable (p‐distance = 0.21), whereas COI and COII were most conserved, indicating that of all the protein‐coding genes (PCGs) ND6 appear to have evolved most rapidly. Thus, other PCGs beside COI are potential alternative markers, where scrutinized discrimination among species is required.
Nutrient and acetate amendment leads to acetoclastic methane production and microbial community change in a non‐producing Australian coal well
Authors: in 't Zandt Michiel H. , Beckmann Sabrina , Rijkers Ruud , Jetten Mike S.M. , Manefield Mike , Welte Cornelia U. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryCoal mining is responsible for 11% of total anthropogenic methane emission thereby contributing considerably to climate change. Attempts to harvest coalbed methane for energy production are challenged by relatively low methane concentrations. In this study, we investigated whether nutrient and acetate amendment of a non‐producing sub‐bituminous coal well could transform the system to a methane source. We tracked cell counts, methane production, acetate concentration and geochemical parameters for 25 months in one amended and one unamended coal well in Australia. Additionally, the microbial community was analysed with 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing at 17 and 25 months after amendment and complemented by metagenome sequencing at 25 months. We found that cell numbers increased rapidly from 3.0 × 104 cells ml−1 to 9.9 × 107 in the first 7 months after amendment. However, acetate depletion with concomitant methane production started only after 12–19 months. The microbial community was dominated by complex organic compound degraders (Anaerolineaceae, Rhodocyclaceae and Geobacter spp.), acetoclastic methanogens (Methanothrix spp.) and fungi (Agaricomycetes). Even though the microbial community had the functional potential to convert coal to methane, we observed no indication that coal was actually converted within the time frame of the study. Our results suggest that even though nutrient and acetate amendment stimulated relevant microbial species, it is not a sustainable way to transform non‐producing coal wells into bioenergy factories.
Simulation of Daily Flow Pathways, Tile‐Drain Nitrate Concentrations, and Soil‐Nitrogen Dynamics Using SWAT
Authors: Ikenberry Charles D. , Soupir Michelle L. , Helmers Matthew J. , Crumpton William G. , Arnold Jeffrey G. , Gassman Philip W. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractTile drainage significantly alters flow and nutrient pathways and reliable simulation at this scale is needed for effective planning of nutrient reduction strategies. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) has been widely utilized for prediction of flow and nutrient loads, but few applications have evaluated the model's ability to simulate pathway‐specific flow components or nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3‐N) concentrations in tile‐drained watersheds at the daily time step. The objectives of this study were to develop and calibrate SWAT models for small, tile‐drained watersheds, evaluate model performance for simulation of flow components and NO3‐N concentration at daily intervals, and evaluate simulated soil‐nitrogen dynamics. Model evaluation revealed that it is possible to meet accepted performance criteria for simulation of monthly total flow, subsurface flow (SSF), and NO3‐N loads while obtaining daily surface runoff (SURQ), SSF, and NO3‐N concentrations that are not satisfactory. This limits model utility for simulating best management practices (BMPs) and compliance with water quality standards. Although SWAT simulates the soil N‐cycle and most predicted fluxes were within ranges reported in agronomic studies, improvements to algorithms for soil‐N processes are needed. Variability in N fluxes is extreme and better parameterization and constraint, through use of more detailed agronomic data, would also improve NO3‐N simulation in SWAT. Editor's note: This paper is part of the featured series on SWAT Applications for Emerging Hydrologic and Water Quality Challenges. See the February 2017 issue for the introduction and background to the series.
Whole genome amplification and sequencing of a Daphnia resting egg
Authors: Lack Justin B. , Weider Lawrence J. , Jeyasingh Punidan D. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractResting eggs banks are unique windows that allow us to directly observe shifts in population genetics, and phenotypes over time as natural populations evolve. Though a variety of planktonic organisms also produce resting stages, the keystone freshwater consumer, Daphnia, is a well‐known model for paleogenetics and resurrection ecology. Nevertheless, paleogenomic investigations are limited largely because resting eggs do not contain enough DNA for genomic sequencing. In fact, genomic studies even on extant populations include a laborious preparatory phase of batch culturing dozens of individuals to generate sufficient genomic DNA. Here, we furnish a protocol to generate whole genomes of single ephippial (resting) eggs and single daphniids. Whole genomes of single ephippial eggs and single adults were amplified using Qiagen REPLI‐g Single Cell kit reaction, followed by NEBNext Ultra DNA Library Prep Kit for library construction and Illumina sequencing. We compared the quality of the single‐egg and single‐individual amplified genomes to the standard batch genomic DNA extraction in the absence of genome amplification. At mean 20× depth, coverage was essentially identical for the amplified single individual relative to the unamplified batch extracted genome (>90% of the genome was covered and callable). Finally, while amplification resulted in the slight loss of heterozygosity for the amplified genomes, estimates were largely comparable and illustrate the utility and limitations of this approach in estimating population genetic parameters over long periods of time in natural populations of Daphnia and also other small species known to produce resting stages.
Association between CFH, CFB, ARMS2, SERPINF1, VEGFR1 and VEGF polymorphisms and anatomical and functional response to ranibizumab treatment in neovascular age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Cobos Estefania , Recalde Sergio , Anter Jaouad , Hernandez‐Sanchez Maria , Barreales Carla , Olavarrieta Leticia , Valverde Alicia , Suarez‐Figueroa Marta , Cruz Fernando , Abraldes Maximino , Pérez‐Pérez Julian , Fernández‐Robredo Patricia , Arias Luis , García‐Layana Alfredo 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPurposeWe sought to determine if specific genetic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) influence vascular endothelial growth factor inhibition response to ranibizumab in neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).MethodsA total of 403 Caucasian patients diagnosed with exudative AMD were included. After a three‐injection loading phase, a pro re nata regimen was followed. Nine SNPs from six different genes (CFH, CFB, ARMS2, SERPINF1, VEGFR1, VEGF) were genotyped. Non‐genetic risk factors (gender, smoking habit and hypertension) were also assessed. Patients were classified as good or poor responders (GR or PR) according to functional (visual acuity), anatomical (foveal thickness measured by OCT) and fluid criteria (fluid/no fluid measured by OCT).ResultsHypertension was the environmental factor with the strongest poor response association with ranibizumab in the anatomical measure after the loading phase (p = 0.0004; OR 3.7; 95% CI, 2.4–5.8) and after 12 months of treatment (p = 10−5; OR 2.3; 95% CI, 1.5–3.4). The genetic variants rs12614 (CFB), rs699947 (VEGFA) and rs7993418 (VEGFR1) predisposed patients to a good response, while rs12603486 and rs1136287 (SERPINF1) were associated with a poor response. The protective genotype of rs800292 variant (CFH) was also associated with a poor anatomical response (p 0.0048).ConclusionAll these data suggest that genetics play an important role in treatment response in AMD patients.
Automated detection of diabetic retinopathy lesions on ultrawidefield pseudocolour images
Authors: Wang Kang , Jayadev Chaitra , Nittala Muneeswar G. , Velaga Swetha B. , Ramachandra Chaithanya A. , Bhaskaranand Malavika , Bhat Sandeep , Solanki Kaushal , Sadda SriniVas R. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPurposeWe examined the sensitivity and specificity of an automated algorithm for detecting referral‐warranted diabetic retinopathy (DR) on Optos ultrawidefield (UWF) pseudocolour images.MethodsPatients with diabetes were recruited for UWF imaging. A total of 383 subjects (754 eyes) were enrolled. Nonproliferative DR graded to be moderate or higher on the 5‐level International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy (ICDR) severity scale was considered as grounds for referral. The software automatically detected DR lesions using the previously trained classifiers and classified each image in the test set as referral‐warranted or not warranted. Sensitivity, specificity and the area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) of the algorithm were computed.ResultsThe automated algorithm achieved a 91.7%/90.3% sensitivity (95% CI 90.1–93.9/80.4–89.4) with a 50.0%/53.6% specificity (95% CI 31.7–72.8/36.5–71.4) for detecting referral‐warranted retinopathy at the patient/eye levels, respectively; the AUROC was 0.873/0.851 (95% CI 0.819–0.922/0.804–0.894).ConclusionDiabetic retinopathy (DR) lesions were detected from Optos pseudocolour UWF images using an automated algorithm. Images were classified as referral‐warranted DR with a high degree of sensitivity and moderate specificity. Automated analysis of UWF images could be of value in DR screening programmes and could allow for more complete and accurate disease staging.
Clinical relevance of retinal structure in children with laser‐treated retinopathy of prematurity versus controls – using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Stoica Florina , Chirita‐Emandi Adela , Andreescu Nicoleta , Stanciu Alina , Zimbru Cristian G. , Puiu Maria 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPurposeWe aimed to assess the macular anatomy using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT), in children born preterm who had laser‐treated retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and to investigate the relationship between structural changes in macula and visual function.MethodsThirty‐seven 3–8 years old children were included in the study in two groups: 20 children born preterm [(<34 weeks of gestation, birthweight (BW) <2000 g)] who had laser‐treated ROP in the Neonatology Department, Municipal Clinical Emergency Hospital of Timisoara, Romania; and 17 controls (children born at term, without eye disease, matched for age and gender). Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) imaging (Spectralis OCT) was performed at central fovea and 1 mm nasally.ResultsIn the ROP group (total 34 eyes), we included both eyes in 14 children, and on one eye in six other children. In the control group, both eyes for all 17 children were included. Central fovea thickness (CFT) was significantly higher in children born preterm and with laser‐treated ROP as compared to controls (275 ± 34.8 μm versus 224 ± 27.2 μm; p < 0.001). The laser‐treated eyes with ROP had mean best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) = 0.19 logMAR (20/31 Snellen); 35% had BCVA ≥0.3 logMAR (20/40 Snellen). In receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, with BCVA as static variable (category 0 = BCVA ≤0.3 logMAR), the CFT cut‐off was 257 μm (sensitivity: 0.917; specificity: 0.661; area under the curve: 0.810, p = 0.001).ConclusionYears after the laser intervention, central fovea was significantly thicker in ROP laser‐treated children born preterm when compared to controls. Central fovea thickness (CFT) correlated strongly and inversely with BW and gestational age (GA) at birth, while a CFT value above 257 μm was suggestive for suboptimal visual acuity. The proposed cut‐off value needs to be validated in future larger studies.