bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis on grease lubrication properties of the tripod sliding universal coupling in automotive transmission shaft
Authors: Zhou Ye , Chang Degong , Li Songmei 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the grease isothermal lubrication properties of the tripod sliding universal coupling (TSUC) in automotive transmission shaft and study its impact on a variety of factors to improve its grease lubrication properties.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on the simplified geometrical model, the research of grease lubrication properties of the TSUC was analyzed, and compared with oil lubrication in same parameters. Then the effects of effective radius, frequency (vehicle speed) and amplitude (angle between intermediate shaft and input shaft) on grease isothermal lubrication properties are theoretically investigated by using multigrid methods.

Findings
The results indicate that the grease isothermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) film thickness shape and pressure distribution shape of the TSUC are similar to the oil lubrication, but the film thickness of grease lubrication is less than that of oil lubrication. Higher effective radius results in a wider pressure distribution, a lower center pressure and a thicker lubricating film. Higher frequency (vehicle speed) results in a remarkable second pressure peak and a thicker lubricating film. The effects of amplitude (angle between intermediate shaft and input shaft) and frequency have similar tendencies.

Originality/value
The numerical analysis research on grease lubrication properties of the TSUC is significant because the automotive transmission shaft is widely used. And it provides a new direction in designing TSUCs.
Climate warming as a driver of tundra shrubline advance
Authors: Myers‐Smith Isla H. , Hik David S. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Climate warming is predicted to alter ecological boundaries in high‐latitude ecosystems including the elevational or latitudinal extent of tall shrubs in Arctic and alpine tundra. Over 60 studies from 128 locations around the tundra biome have investigated shrub expansion in tundra ecosystems; however, only six studies test whether shrublines are actually advancing up hill‐slopes or northward into tundra where tall shrubs are currently absent.

We test the hypothesis that willow shrublines have expanded to higher elevations in relation to climate across a 50 × 50 km area in the Kluane Region of the southwest Yukon Territory, Canada by surveying of 379 shrubs at 14 sites and sampling of 297 of the surveyed shrubs at 10 sites. We compared growth and recruitment to climate variables to test the climate sensitivity of shrub increase using annual radial growth analysis, age distributions and repeat field surveys to estimate the current rate of shrubline advance.

We found consistent and increasing rates of recruitment of alpine willows, with estimates of faster advancing shrublines on shallower hill‐slopes. Mortality was extremely low across the elevation gradient. Aspect, elevation and species identity did not explain variation in recruitment patterns, suggesting a regional factor, such as climate, as the driver of the observed shrubline advance.

Annual radial growth of willows was best explained by variation in summer temperatures, and recruitment pulses by winter temperatures. Measured recruitment rates are ~20 ± 5 individuals per hectare per decade (M ± SE) and measured rates of increased shrub cover of ~5 ± 1% per decade (M ± SE) measured at the Pika Camp site between field surveys in 2009 and 2013. Our results suggest that shrubline will continue to advance over the next 50 years, if growing conditions remain suitable. However, if future conditions differ between summer and winter seasons, this could lead to contrasting trajectories for recruitment vs. growth, and influence the vegetation change observed on the landscape.

Synthesis. Our findings in the context of a review of the existing literature indicate that elevational and latitudinal shrublines, like treelines, are advancing in response to climate warming; however, the trajectories of change will depend on the climate drivers controlling recruitment vs. growth.
Just sick of it? Health and political trust in Western Europe
Authors: MATTILA MIKKO , RAPELI LAURI 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis article explores two theoretical possibilities for why personal health may affect political trust: the psychological‐democratic contract theory, and the role of personal experience in opinion formation. It argues that citizens with health impairments are more likely to experience the direct effects of political decisions as they are more dependent on public health services. Negative subjective evaluations of public services can lower trust levels, especially if people's expectations are high. Using European Social Survey data, the association between health and trust in 19 Western European states is analysed. The results indicate that people in poor health exhibit lower levels of trust towards the political system than people in good health. The differences in trust between those in good and poor health are accentuated among citizens with left‐leaning ideological values. The results suggest that welfare issues may constitute a rare context in which personal, rather than collective, experiences affect opinion formation.
Feasibility of Canine Detection of Mass Storage Devices: A Study of Volatile Organic Compounds Emanating from Electronic Devices Using Solid Phase Microextraction
Authors: DeGreeff Lauryn E. , Cerreta Michelle , Rispoli Mark 
Published: June 2017

AbstractDetection of canines are well‐known to be valuable in the location of contraband, such as explosives or narcotics. More recently, canines have been trained and utilized in the detection of concealed mass storage devices that might contain evidence of illegal activity such as child pornography. To lay the analytical foundation for this detection work, research was carried out to determine the volatile organic compounds associated with mass storage devices (MSD) that could be used by trained canines for detection. Headspace analysis of a variety of electronic devices was performed using solid phase microextraction (SPME) with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Analyses found several volatile compounds common to SIM and SD cards, as well as USB drives, including 2‐propenenitrile, styrene, isophorone, hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone, and 2‐furanmethanol, tetrahydro. Results indicated that mass storage devices do have a characteristic odor profile making detection with minimal false alerts feasible for trained canines.
Farm to Sensory Lab: Taste of Blueberry Fruit by Children and Adults
Authors: Mennella Julie A. , Colquhoun Thomas A. , Bobowski Nuala K. , Olmstead James W. , Bartoshuk Linda , Clark Dave 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe average American child eats fewer fruits than recommended. Although taste is the primary motivator for food intake among children, little research has systematically measured children's liking of fruit and determined whether their preferences differ from adults. We phenotyped 49 children and their mothers to determine: (1) their liking of the taste of 3 blueberry cultivars (“Arcadia,” “Keecrisp,” and “Kestrel”) from 2 harvests for which total soluble solids were determined using a handheld Brix refractometer; (2) the association between liking and blueberry sugar content; and (3) the most preferred level of fructose, one of the primary sugars in blueberry fruit. Multiple methods, identical for all participants, assessed which cultivar they liked best. Dietary intake, determined via 24‐h dietary recall, revealed most children (73%) and adults (92%) did not meet dietary guidelines for fruit intake. We found that during the 1st harvest, Keecrisp was sweeter by 4° Brix than either Arcadia or Kestrel and was the cultivar most preferred by both children and adults. For the 2nd harvest, mothers liked each of the cultivars equally, but children preferred Arcadia, which was 2° Brix sweeter than the other 2 cultivars. Like other sugars, children's most preferred concentration of fructose was significantly higher than that of adults. In sum, children appear to be more sensitive to smaller variations in sweetness than are adults. Identifying drivers of fruit preference and assessing children's liking for whole fruits are important steps in developing strategies to increase fruit consumption among children.
Comparison of Nutritional Composition, Aroma Compounds, and Biological Activities of Two Kinds of Tartary Buckwheat Tea
Authors: Guo Huimin , Yang Xiushi , Zhou Haitao , Luo Xiuxiu , Qin Peiyou , Li Jincai , Ren Guixing 
Published: June 2017

AbstractTartary buckwheat tea (TBT) is becoming increasingly popular for its unique flavor and health benefits. However, there is little information regarding the differences in nutritional quality among different kinds of TBT. Two kinds of TBT samples, whole grain tea (WGT) and whole plant tea (WPT), were collected from markets in China. The content of their nutritional compositions, including protein, amino acids, starch, fat, fatty acids, and flavonoids, as well as aroma compounds, were determined. Antioxidant and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities were also evaluated. WPT showed higher levels of protein and fat relative to WGT, but the content of essential amino acids and fatty acids was lower. WPT contained more total flavonoids with quercetin as the predominant flavonoid (81%), while rutin was the principal flavonoid compound (86%) in WGT. GC‐MS analysis indicated that there were some differences in the aroma compound profile between WGT and WPT, though 14 aroma compounds were identified in both of them with 3‐ethyl‐2,5‐dimethyl‐pyrazine as the predominant compound. In addition, WPT showed superior antioxidant and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities than WGT. However, the total flavonoid content determined in tea soup was decreased by 60% and 98% compared with that in the alcohol extracts of WGT and WPT, respectively. The antioxidant and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities of tea soup were also lowered, especially for WPT. The differences between 2 kinds of TBT might be due to the variety of raw materials and processing methods. Diversified plant materials and scientific processing technologies should be taken into account to develop a nutritional and healthy TBT product.
Lupus in the far east: a modern epidemic
Authors: Li Philip H. , Lau Chak‐Sing 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a diverse and heterogeneous disease with much variation between different ethnicities. Although more severe and prevalent in non‐Caucasian populations, the bulk of evidence regarding ‘Asian lupus’ had traditionally been extrapolated from studies on patient minorities in the West. Lupus research in Asia has since grown exponentially and now takes a leading role in improving the care for SLE patients worldwide. With recent advances, particularly from studies in population‐specific phenotyping, genome‐wide association studies, lupus nephritis and innovative treatment modalities, we now have an expanding understanding of both the basic science and clinical management of SLE. Upcoming breakthroughs from growing multi‐ethnic cohorts and international collaborations will likely bring further important ramifications for SLE management in the near future.
Prognostic model for brain metastases from lung adenocarcinoma identified with epidermal growth factor receptor mutation status
Authors: Li Hongwei , Wang Weili , Jia Haixia , Lian Jianhong , Cao Jianzhong , Zhang Xiaqin , Song Xing , Jia Sufang , Li Zhengran , Cao Xing , Zhou Wei , Han Songye , Yang Weihua , Xi Yanfen , Lian Shenming 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundSeveral indices have been developed to predict survival of brain metastases (BM) based on prognostic factors. However, such models were designed for general brain metastases from different kinds of cancers, and prognostic factors vary between cancers and histological subtypes. Recently, studies have indicated that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status may be a potential prognostic biological factor in BM from lung adenocarcinoma. Thus, we sought to define the role of EGFR mutation in prognoses and introduce a prognostic model specific for BM from lung adenocarcinoma.MethodsData of 256 patients with BM from lung adenocarcinoma identified with EGFR mutations were collected. Independent prognostic factors were confirmed using a Cox regression model. The new prognostic model was developed based on the results of multivariable analyses. The score of each factor was calculated by six‐month survival. Prognostic groups were divided into low, medium, and high risk based on the total scores. The prediction ability of the new model was compared to the three existing models.Results
EGFR mutation and Karnofsky performance status were independent prognostic factors and were thus integrated into the new prognostic model. The new model was superior to the three other scoring systems regarding the prediction of three, six, and 12‐month survival by pairwise comparison of the area under the curve.ConclusionOur proposed prognostic model specific for BM from lung adenocarcinoma incorporating EGFR mutation status was valid in predicting patient survival. Further verification is warranted, with prospective testing using large sample sizes.
Cross‐sectional relations of whole‐blood miRNA expression levels and hand grip strength in a community sample
Authors: Murabito Joanne M. , Rong Jian , Lunetta Kathryn L. , Huan Tianxiao , Lin Honghuang , Zhao Qiang , Freedman Jane E. , Tanriverdi Kahraman , Levy Daniel , Larson Martin G. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryMicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression with emerging data suggesting miRNAs play a role in skeletal muscle biology. We sought to examine the association of miRNAs with grip strength in a community‐based sample. Framingham Heart Study Offspring and Generation 3 participants (n = 5668 54% women, mean age 55 years, range 24, 90 years) underwent grip strength measurement and miRNA profiling using whole blood from fasting morning samples. Linear mixed‐effects regression modeling of grip strength (kg) versus continuous miRNA ‘Cq’ values and versus binary miRNA expression was performed. We conducted an integrative miRNA–mRNA coexpression analysis and examined the enrichment of biologic pathways for the top miRNAs associated with grip strength. Grip strength was lower in women than in men and declined with age with a mean 44.7 (10.0) kg in men and 26.5 (6.3) kg in women. Among 299 miRNAs interrogated for association with grip strength, 93 (31%) had FDR q value < 0.05, 54 (18%) had an FDR q value < 0.01, and 15 (5%) had FDR q value < 0.001. For almost all miRNA–grip strength associations, increasing miRNA concentration is associated with increasing grip strength. miR‐20a‐5p (FDR q 1.8 × 10−6) had the most significant association and several among the top 15 miRNAs had links to skeletal muscle including miR‐126‐3p, miR‐30a‐5p, and miR‐30d‐5p. The top associated biologic pathways included metabolism, chemokine signaling, and ubiquitin‐mediated proteolysis. Our comprehensive assessment in a community‐based sample of miRNAs in blood associated with grip strength provides a framework to further our understanding of the biology of muscle strength.
A post‐GWAS confirming GPAT3 gene associated with pig growth and a significant SNP influencing its promoter activity
Authors: Wang Kejun , Liu Yufang , Xu Qiao , Liu Chengkun , Wang Jve , Ding Cui , Fang Meiying 
Published: June 2017

SummaryOur previous genome‐wide association study revealed that a SNP, ASGA0040372, located upstream of glycerol‐3‐phosphate acyltransferase 3 (GPAT3), is related to growth traits in Duroc pigs. In this study, we aimed to extensively investigate the genetic variation of GPAT3 and to further verify the contribution of ASGA0040372 to growth traits and its effect on promoter activity. Our data, obtained based on gene cloning and rapid amplification of cDNA ends experiments, showed that there are 14 exons and three alternative splicing variants. Five SNPs were detected, including ASGA0040372 and four novel SNPs. Furthermore, the five SNPs obtained were used to confirm their genetic effects on pig growth by an association study in a Duroc pig population. The results indicated that three SNPs (ASGA0040372, RS331766122 and RS346215414) are highly associated with average daily gain or days to 100 kg traits (P‐value < 0.05). Subsequent analysis suggested that the promoter region of GPAT3 gene, from –950 to –500 bp, exhibited the highest activity. We also observed that ASGA0040372 (A/G) alleles have significantly different effects on promoter transcriptional activities, which leads to differential expression of GPAT3. Taken together, we conclude that the GPAT3 gene is associated with pig growth and that ASGA0040372 influences promoter activity of GPAT3 in pig.
A Complete Association of an intronic SNP rs6798742 with Origin of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7‐CAG Expansion Loci in the Indian and Mexican Population
Authors: Faruq Mohammed , Magaña Jonathan J. , Suroliya Varun , Narang Ankita , Murillo‐Melo Nadia M. , Hernández‐Hernández Oscar , Srivastava Achal K. , Mukerji Mitali 
Published: June 2017

SummarySpinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is a rare neurogenetic disorder caused by highly unstable CAG repeat expansion mutation in coding region of SCA7. We aimed to understand the effect of diverse ATXN7 cis‐element in correlation with CAG expansion mutation of SCA7. We initially performed an analysis to identify the haplotype background of CAG expanded alleles using eight bi‐allelic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) flanking an ATXN7‐CAG expansion in 32 individuals from nine unrelated Indian SCA7 families and 88 healthy controls. Subsequent validation of the findings was performed in 89 ATXN7‐CAG mutation carriers and in 119 unrelated healthy controls of Mexican ancestry. The haplotype analyses showed a shared haplotype background and C allele of SNP rs6798742 (approximately 6 kb from the 3′‐end of CAG repeats) is in complete association with expanded, premutation, intermediate, and the majority of large normal (≥12) CAG allele. The C allele (ancestral/chimp allele) association was validated in SCA7 subjects and healthy controls from Mexico, suggesting its substantial association with CAG expanded and expansion‐prone chromosomes. Analysis of rs6798742 and other neighboring functional SNPs within 6 kb in experimental datasets (Encyclopedia of DNA Elements; ENCODE) shows functional marks that could affect transcription as well as histone methylation. An allelic association of the CAG region to an intronic SNP in two different ethnic and geographical populations suggests a ‐cis factor‐dependent mechanism in ATXN7 CAG‐region expansion.
Elevated anti‐Mullerian hormone in lean women may not indicate polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: Bradbury Rachel A. , Lee Paul , Smith Howard C. 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundPolycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder with clinical features shared with functional hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (FHH).AimTo investigate the usefulness of an elevated (>40 pmol/L) anti‐Mullerian hormone (AMH) in identifying PCOS and distinguishing PCOS from FHH.Materials and methods141 patients with an elevated AMH and body mass index either <20 kg/m2 (lean) or >30 kg/m2 (obese) were selected and three subgroups analysed – obese, lean, lean with suspected FHH. FHH was diagnosed clinically, incorporating diet, weight and exercise history; confirmatory tests included pituitary MRIs, progestin challenges and endometrial thickness measurements. PCOS features of oligo/anovulation, polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOm) and hyperandrogenism were determined by clinical history, pelvic ultrasound, free androgen index and physical examination, respectively. Features of PCOS and blood levels of AMH, follicle‐stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and testosterone were compared between subgroups.ResultsOf 141 patients with elevated AMH, 76 were obese and 65 lean. Greater than one‐third of lean women had the clinical picture of FHH. Elevated AMH predicted PCOm and menstrual irregularity across all subgroups but uniquely associated with hyperandrogenism in the obese. Median AMH levels were similar among FHH and non‐FHH women. Median SHBG levels were significantly higher (111 ± 73 vs 56 ± 31, P < 0.001) in lean women with FHH compared to those without FHH.ConclusionsPCOS and FHH share common features of elevated AMH levels, oligo‐anovulation and polycystic ovarian morphology. AMH did not assist in differentiating FHH from PCOS. A higher SHBG level shows promise as a discriminatory finding in FHH.
Beyond epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition: Common suppression of differentiation programs underlies epithelial barrier dysfunction in mild, moderate, and severe asthma
Authors: Loffredo L. F. , Abdala‐Valencia H. , Anekalla K. R. , Cuervo‐Pardo L. , Gottardi C. J. , Berdnikovs S. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundEpithelial barrier dysfunction is a central feature in the pathogenesis of allergic disease. Epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been proposed as one mechanism afflicting barrier in asthma. However, genes and pathways involved in aberrant epithelial‐mesenchymal signaling, and their relationship to asthma severity, are poorly understood.MethodsWe used unbiased gene network analysis to evaluate functional convergence in epithelial gene expression signatures across multiple public access transcriptomics datasets of human asthma, followed by text mining to evaluate functional marker relevance of discovered genes. We objectively confirmed these findings in epithelial brushings and primary asthmatic epithelial cells cultured in different biological contexts.ResultsWe found a striking suppression of epithelial differentiation in asthma, overrepresented by insufficiency in insulin and Notch signaling, but with the absence of conventional EMT markers. We identified EFNB2, FGFR1, FGFR2, INSR, IRS2, NOTCH2, TLE1, and NTRK2 as novel markers central to dysregulation of epithelial‐mesenchymal signaling, but surprisingly overlooked in asthma research. We found that this “core” signature of asthma is shared by mild, moderate, and severe forms of disease, progressing with severity. Loss of epithelial differentiation induced by insulin deprivation in normal human bronchial epithelial cells cultured in organotypic conditions closely approximated gene expression in asthmatic epithelial brushings.ConclusionsThe comparative analysis of publically available transcriptomes demonstrated that epithelial barrier dysfunction in asthma is characterized by persistent underlying de‐differentiation program with complex etiology. The lasting alteration of the asthmatic epithelial cell transcriptome implicates regulation involving metabolism and epigenetics, beyond EMT driven by injury and repair in chronic inflammation.