bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stabilized Implicit Cosimulation Method: Solver Coupling With Algebraic Constraints for Multibody Systems
Authors: Schweizer Bernhard , Li Pu , Lu Daixing , Meyer Tobias
Published: May 2015

In this manuscript, an implicit cosimulation method is analyzed, where the solvers are coupled by algebraic constraint equations. We discuss cosimulation approaches on index-2 and on index-1 level and investigate constant, linear and quadratic approximation functions for the coupling variables. The key idea of the method presented here is to discretize the Lagrange multipliers between the macrotime points (extended multiplier approach) so that the coupling equations and their time derivatives can simultaneously be fulfilled at the macrotime points. Stability and convergence of the method are investigated in detail. Following the stability analysis for time integration schemes based on Dahlquist's test equation, an appropriate cosimulation test model is used to examine the numerical stability of the presented cosimulation method. Discretizing the cosimulation test model by means of a linear cosimulation approach yields a system of linear recurrence equations. The spectral radius of the recurrence equation system characterizes the numerical stability of the underlying cosimulation method. As for time integration methods, 2D stability plots are used to graphically illustrate the stability behavior of the coupling approach.
Efficient Models of Three-Dimensional Tilting Pad Journal Bearings for the Study of the Interactions Between Rotor and Lubricant Supply Plant
Authors: Rindi Andrea , Rossin Stefano , Conti R. , Frilli A. , Galardi E. , Meli E. , Nocciolini D. , Pugi L.
Published: May 2015

In many industrial applications, tilting pad journal bearings (TPJBs) are increasingly used because they are very suitable both for high-speed and high external loads. Their study is fundamental in rotating machines and a compromise between accuracy and numerical efficiency is mandatory to achieve reliable results in a reasonable time. This paper mainly focuses on the development of efficient three-dimensional (3D) models of TPJBs, in order to contemporaneously describe both the rotor dynamics of the system and the lubricant supply plant in long simulations (from the initial transient phase to the steady-state condition). Usually, these two aspects are studied separately, but their interactions must be considered if an accurate description of the whole system is needed. The proposed model architecture considers all the six degrees-of-freedom (DOFs) between supporting structures and rotors and can be applied to different types of TJPB layout with different lubricant supply plants. In this research activity, the whole model has been developed and validated in collaboration with Nuovo Pignone General Electric S.p.a. which provided the required technical and experimental data.
Manufacturing Service Management in Cloud Manufacturing: Overview and Future Research Directions
Authors: Tao Fei , Zhang Lin , Liu Yongkui , Cheng Ying , Wang Lihui , Xu Xun
Published: May 2015

As a new service-oriented manufacturing paradigm, cloud manufacturing (CMfg) has experienced rapid development in the past five years. The research on its theories, key technologies, developments, and applications still keeps attracting attentions from more and more researchers. One of the most important issues to its improvements and quality of service (QoS) is the manufacturing service management (MSM). CMfg aims to realize the full-scale sharing, free circulation and transaction, and on-demand use of various manufacturing resource and capabilities in the form of manufacturing service. Without the effective operation and technical support of MSM, the implementation of CMfg and its aim cannot be achieved. It is therefore necessary to summarize the existing works and technologies on MSM in CMfg. This paper first provides a brief overview of CMfg and then focuses on the problem of MSM in CMfg from the service lifecycle perspective. The advances on MSM technology from eleven aspects are investigated and summarized. Finally, future research directions are identified and discussed. It is evident that the future MSM in CMfg is closely related to Internet of things (IoT), big data, and cloud computing.
The Effect of Nonuniform Under-Rib Convection on Reactant and Liquid Water Distribution in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Jithesh P. K. , Sundararajan T. , Das Sarit K.
Published: May 2015

The performance of a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell strongly depends on the nature of reactant distribution and the effectiveness of liquid water removal. In this work, three different configurations of a mixed flow distributor are studied analytically and numerically to find out the effect of nonuniform under-rib convection on reactant and liquid water distribution in the cell. In a mixed flow distributor, the rate of under-rib convection is found to be different under each rib in the same flow sector which results in different rates of removal of liquid water. This helps to retain some water to hydrate the membrane, whereas the excess is removed to avoid flooding. It is found that under-rib convection aids to get better reactant distribution, reduces pressure drop, and provides better control over liquid water removal which is helpful in developing efficient water management strategies for PEM fuel cells.
Numerical Investigation of the Effect of Knock on Heat Transfer in a Turbocharged Spark Ignition Engine
Authors: Rostampour Arman , Toosi Ali Nassiri
Published: May 2015

This investigation deals with the EF7 (TC) engine, a dual fuel engine equipped with a turbocharger system, consequently with a high probability of knock inception. In this study, an operating cycle of the engine was simulated using KIVA-3V code. Some modifications were carried out on the KIVA method of calculating pressure in the intake port in order to simulate turbocharger pressure correctly. Auto-ignition and knock were then simulated using the auto-ignition integral model. The modified code and the simulation were verified using three different methods; in-cylinder average pressure, gas temperature of the exhaust port, and auto-ignition timing. The simulation results using the auto-ignition integral model, as compared with the experimental data, proved to be reasonably accurate. Following this validation, the effect of the knock phenomenon on the engine heat transfer through the walls was investigated. The simulations showed that the rate of heat transfer through the walls under knocking conditions is about 2.2 times higher than that under normal conditions. However, it was also shown that the total heat transfer increases about 15%.
Hepatic portal venous gas and portal venous thrombosis following colonoscopy in a patient with terminal ileal Crohn's disease
Authors: Ma Adler Shing Chak , Ewing Iain , Murray Charles Daniel , Hamilton Mark Ian
Published: May 2015

A 27-year-old man developed extensive hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG) shortly after staging colonoscopy for active, ulcerating, terminal ileal Crohn’s disease. Non-operative management was instigated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and thromboprophylaxis. Radiology at 72 h demonstrated resolution of HPVG but revealed fresh non-occlusive left portal vein thrombus. Anticoagulation with warfarin was continued for 1 year, during which the thrombus initially progressed and then organised with recanalisation of the portal vein. There were no long-term clinical consequences. HPVG has previously been documented as a rare complication of inflammatory bowel disease and endoscopic intervention. We hypothesise that the barotrauma sustained during endoscopy, in association with active ulceration and mucosal friability, predisposes to the influx of gas and bacteria into the portal system. We describe successful non-operative management of HPVG in this setting and draw attention to an additional complication of portal venous thrombosis, highlighting the importance of thromboprophylaxis and serial radiological examination.
Paraneoplastic encephalopathy: an unusual presenting feature of bladder cancer metastasis
Authors: Thanarajasingam Gita , Milone Margherita , Kohli Manish
Published: May 2015

A 73-year-old woman with a history of localised transitional cell cancer (TCC) of the bladder, resected 22 years prior, presented with tremor, gait unsteadiness and cognitive deficits. Basic neurological workup was negative and CT of the abdomen revealed recurrent TCC with a solitary pelvic metastasis. She was treated with surgical resection of her tumour and immunosuppression. Her symptoms resolved, and it was felt her presentation was consistent with paraneoplastic encephalopathy in the setting of bladder cancer metastasis. She has remained disease and symptom free over 5 years of follow-up. This case report reviews the mechanism, clinical features and treatment of paraneoplastic neurological syndromes, and discusses briefly the management of oligometastatic recurrent bladder cancer.
Chest pain in the recovery room, following topical intranasal cocaine solution use
Authors: Rhidian Rhys , Greatorex Ben
Published: May 2015

On awakening in the recovery room after a general anaesthetic for ear, nose and throat surgery, a 28-year-old woman reported central chest pain. She had received topical nasal cocaine solution preoperatively. She required intravenous opioids and sublingual glyceryl trinitrate before the pain settled. There was no evidence of significant myocardial injury and the patient was discharged later that day. The use of topical nasal cocaine solution in anaesthesia and its adverse myocardial effects are discussed.
Maximal power output during incremental cycling test is dependent on the curvature constant of the power–time relationship
Authors: Souza Kristopher Mendes , de Lucas Ricardo Dantas , do Nascimento Salvador Paulo Cesar , Guglielmo Luiz Guilherme Antonacci , Caritá Renato Aparecido Corrêa , Greco Camila Coelho , Denadai Benedito Sérgio
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the maximal power output (Pmax) during an incremental test was dependent on the curvature constant (W′) of the power–time relationship. Thirty healthy male subjects (maximal oxygen uptake = 3.58 ± 0.40 L·min−1) performed a ramp incremental cycling test to determine the maximal oxygen uptake and Pmax, and 4 constant work rate tests to exhaustion to estimate 2 parameters from the modeling of the power–time relationship (i.e., critical power (CP) and W′). Afterwards, the participants were ranked according to their magnitude of W′. The median third was excluded to form a high W′ group (HIGH, n = 10), and a low W′ group (LOW, n = 10). Maximal oxygen uptake (3.84 ± 0.50 vs. 3.49 ± 0.37 L·min−1) and CP (213 ± 22 vs. 200 ± 29 W) were not significantly different between HIGH and LOW, respectively. However, Pmax was significantly greater for the HIGH (337 ± 23 W) than for the LOW (299 ± 40 W). Thus, in physically active individuals with similar aerobic parameters, W′ influences the Pmax during incremental testing.
Removing the big rip singularity from anisotropic universe in super string theory
Authors: Sepehri Alireza , Pradhan Anirudh , Amirhashchi Hassan
Published: May 2015

Recently, various observational data predict the possibility that dark energy could be in the form of phantom field. The positive phantom-energy density grows without limit with the expansion of the Universe and leads to a big-rip singularity at a finite future time. The main question arises: what is the origin of the big rip singularity in a four-dimensional Universe? To answer this question, in this paper, we propose a new model in super string theory that allows taking into account the Dirac and vector string tachyon in addition to the scalar one, which stretches between branes and antibranes. In this model, scalar and Dirac string tachyons cancel each other’s effects and the only effect induced by the vector tachyon can be observed in density and pressures of the universe. We observe that different scale factors, pressures, and dark energy equation of state parameters are produced in different directions because of inhomogeneous tachyon dynamics and consequently one anisotropic universe is formed. Also, these observations are given in terms of effective tachyon potential and the separation between branes and antibranes. Thus, we have shown that the expansion of the anisotropic Universe is controlled by the vector string tachyon and evolves from the non-phantom phase to the phantom one and consequently, the phantom-dominated era of the universe accelerates and ends up in a big-rip singularity.
The Many Facets of Chaos
Authors: Sander Evelyn , Yorke James A.
Published: May 2015

There are many ways that a person can encounter chaos, such as through a time series from a lab experiment, a basin of attraction with fractal boundaries, a map with a crossing of stable and unstable manifolds, a fractal attractor, or in a system for which uncertainty doubles after some time period. These encounters appear so diverse, but the chaos is the same in all of the underlying systems; it is just observed in different ways. We describe these different types of chaos. We then give two conjectures about the types of dynamical behavior that is observable if one randomly picks out a dynamical system without searching for a specific property. In particular, we conjecture that from picking a system at random, one observes (1) only three types of basic invariant sets: periodic orbits, quasiperiodic orbits, and chaotic sets; and (2) that all the definitions of chaos are in agreement.
Competitive Modes for the Detection of Chaotic Parameter Regimes in the General Chaotic Bilinear System of Lorenz Type
Authors: Mallory Kristina , Van Gorder Robert A.
Published: May 2015

We study chaotic behavior of solutions to the bilinear system of Lorenz type developed by Celikovsky and Vanecek [1994] through an application of competitive modes. This bilinear system of Lorenz type is one possible canonical form holding the Lorenz equation as a special case. Using a competitive modes analysis, which is a completely analytical method allowing one to identify parameter regimes for which chaos may occur, we are able to demonstrate a number of parameter regimes which admit a variety of distinct chaotic behaviors. Indeed, we are able to draw some interesting conclusions which relate the behavior of the mode frequencies arising from writing the state variables for the Celikovsky–Vanecek model as coupled oscillators, and the types of emergent chaotic behaviors observed. The competitive modes analysis is particularly useful if all but one of the model parameters are fixed, and the remaining free parameter is used to modify the chaos observed, in a manner analogous to a bifurcation parameter. Through a thorough application of the method, we are able to identify several parameter regimes which give new dynamics (such as specific forms of chaos) which were not observed or studied previously in the Celikovsky–Vanecek model. Therefore, the results demonstrate the advantage of the competitive modes approach for detecting new parameter regimes leading to chaos in third-order dynamical systems.
Synthetic Modeling of Autonomous Learning with a Chaotic Neural Network
Authors: Funabashi Masatoshi
Published: May 2015

We investigate the possible role of intermittent chaotic dynamics called chaotic itinerancy, in interaction with nonsupervised learnings that reinforce and weaken the neural connection depending on the dynamics itself. We first performed hierarchical stability analysis of the Chaotic Neural Network model (CNN) according to the structure of invariant subspaces. Irregular transition between two attractor ruins with positive maximum Lyapunov exponent was triggered by the blowout bifurcation of the attractor spaces, and was associated with riddled basins structure. We secondly modeled two autonomous learnings, Hebbian learning and spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) rule, and simulated the effect on the chaotic itinerancy state of CNN. Hebbian learning increased the residence time on attractor ruins, and produced novel attractors in the minimum higher-dimensional subspace. It also augmented the neuronal synchrony and established the uniform modularity in chaotic itinerancy. STDP rule reduced the residence time on attractor ruins, and brought a wide range of periodicity in emerged attractors, possibly including strange attractors. Both learning rules selectively destroyed and preserved the specific invariant subspaces, depending on the neuron synchrony of the subspace where the orbits are situated. Computational rationale of the autonomous learning is discussed in connectionist perspective.
Charge dynamics and "in plane" magnetic field I: Rashba–Dresselhauss interaction, Majorana fermions and Aharonov–Casher theorems
Authors: Cirilo-Lombardo Diego Julio
Published: May 2015

The two-dimensional charge transport with parallel (in plane) magnetic field is considered from the physical and mathematical point of view. To this end, we start with the magnetic field parallel to the plane of charge transport, in sharp contrast to the configuration described by the theorems of Aharonov and Casher where the magnetic field is perpendicular. We explicitly show that the specific form of the arising equation enforces the respective field solution to fulfill the Majorana condition. Consequently, as soon any physical system is represented by this equation, the rise of fields with Majorana type behavior is immediately explained and predicted. In addition, there exists a quantized particular phase that removes the action of the vector potential producing interesting effects. Such new effects are able to explain due to the geometrical framework introduced, several phenomenological results recently obtained in the area of spintronics and quantum electronic devices. The quantum ring as spin filter is worked out in this framework and also the case of the quantum Hall effect.
Cartan's soldered spaces and conservation laws in physics
Authors: Kouneiher Joseph , Barbachoux Cécile
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we will introduce a generalized soldering p-forms geometry, which can be the right framework to describe many new approaches and concepts in modern physics. Here we will treat some aspects of the theory of local cohomology in fields theory or more precisely the theory of soldering-form conservation laws in physics. We provide some illustrative applications, primarily taken from the Einstein equations of general theory of relativity and Yang–Mills theory. This theory can be considered to be a generalization of Noether's theory of conserved current to differential forms of any degree. An essential result of this, is that the conservation of the energy–momentum in general relativity, is linked to the fact that the vacuum field equations are equivalent to the integrability conditions of a first-order system of differential equations. We also apply the idea of the soldered space and the integrability conditions to the case of Yang–Mills theory. The mathematical framework, where these intuitive considerations would fit naturally, can be used to describe also the dynamics of changing manifolds.
The 2D Gross–Neveu model for pseudovector fermions and tachyonic mass generation
Authors: Oikonomou V. K.
Published: May 2015

Based on early theoretical work on tachyonic fermions we shall study a modification of the Gross–Neveu model in two dimensions. We shall see that the theory results to the dynamical generation of real and imaginary masses. These imaginary masses indicate the possibility that tachyonic solutions (or instabilities) could exist in the theory. The implications of a tachyonic neutrino coming from astrophysical sources are critically discussed. Moreover, we present a toy model that consists of an U(2, 2) invariant Dirac Lagrangian. This theory can have tachyonic masses as solutions. A natural mass splitting between the solutions is a natural outcome of the formalism.
Bifurcation and attractor of the stochastic Rabinovich system with jump
Authors: Liu Yongjian , Li Lijie , Wang Xiong
Published: May 2015

In this paper, the bifurcation and attractor of the stochastic Rabinovich system with jump are discussed, and some new results for the system are presented. First, the sufficient condition and necessary condition for stochastic stability of the system are given. Second, the estimation of the global attractive set of system is obtained. The existence of random attractors of the stochastic Rabinovich system with jump is also discussed. Finally, stochastic bifurcation behavior for the system is analyzed. It is hoped that the investigation of this paper can help understanding the rich dynamic of the stochastic Rabinovich system and the true geometrical structure of the original amazing Rabinovich attractor.
First-principles investigation of possible martensitic transformation and magnetic properties of Heusler-type Pt2-xMn1+xIn alloys
Authors: Feng Lin , Zhang Wenxing , Liu Enke , Wang Wenhong , Wu Guangheng
Published: May 2015

The phase stability, electronic structure and magnetism of Pt 2-x Mn 1+x In (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1) alloys are studied by first-principles calculations. The possible magnetic martensitic transformation in this series has been investigated. For all the five compounds, the energy minimums occur around c/a = 1.30, and the energy differences between the austenitic and martensitic phases are large enough to overcome the resistance of phase transformation. By comparing the electronic structures of austenitic and martensitic phases, we can find that the phase stability is enhanced by the martensitic transformation. The magnetic structures of the austenitic and martensitic phases are also discussed.
Thermoelectric Properties of Solution Synthesized Nanostructured Materials
Authors: Finefrock Scott W. , Yang Haoran , Fang Haiyu , Wu Yue
Published: May 2015

Thermoelectric nanocomposites made by solution synthesis and compression of nanostructured chalcogenides could potentially be low-cost, scalable alternatives to traditional solid-state synthesized materials. We review the progress in this field by comparing the power factor and/or the thermoelectric figure of merit, ZT, of four classes of materials: (Bi,Sb)2(Te,Se)3, PbTe, ternary and quaternary copper chalcogenides, and silver chalcogenides. We also discuss the thermal conductivity reduction associated with multiphased nanocomposites. The ZT of the best solution synthesized materials are, in several cases, shown to be equal to or greater than the corresponding bulk materials despite the generally reduced mobility associated with solution synthesized nanocomposites. For the solution synthesized materials with the highest performance, the synthesis and processing conditions are summarized to provide guidance for future work.
Job Creation, Job Destruction, and Productivity Growth: The Role of Young Businesses
Authors: Haltiwanger John
Published: May 2015

Recent improvements in the data infrastructure at US statistical agencies have dramatically enhanced the ability to measure and study job creation and job destruction. The longitudinal data now permit the tracking of all firms and establishments in the US private sector in a comprehensive and integrated manner. This allows researchers to distinguish between the contribution of new firms and that of new establishments. In addition, firm entry, growth, and survival dynamics can be tracked in terms of organic changes instead of changes associated with mergers and acquisitions or other forms of business ownership changes. These new developments have led to a burgeoning literature on US firm dynamics. The recent literature has especially focused on the role of young businesses for job and productivity growth. The findings from that literature are the focus of the current article. The recent developments are discussed in light of the large literature on firm dynamics (in terms of both theory and empirics) that has developed over the past few decades.
A Mathematician's Odyssey
Authors: Bodmer Walter
Published: May 2015

In this overview of my research, I have aimed to give the background as to how I came to be involved in my various areas of interest, with an emphasis on the early phases of my career, which largely determined my future directions. I had the enormous good fortune to have worked under two of the most outstanding scientists of the twentieth century, R.A. Fisher and Joshua Lederberg. From mathematics and statistics, I went to population genetics and the early use of computers for modeling and simulation. Molecular biology took me into the laboratory and eventually to somatic cell genetics and human gene mapping. One chance encounter led me into the HLA field and another led me into research on cancer, especially colorectal cancer. On the way, I became a champion of the Human Genome Project and of the need for scientists to help promote the public understanding of science.
Mendelian Randomization: New Applications in the Coming Age of Hypothesis-Free Causality
Authors: Evans David M. , Davey Smith George
Published: May 2015

Mendelian randomization (MR) is an approach that uses genetic variants associated with a modifiable exposure or biological intermediate to estimate the causal relationship between these variables and a medically relevant outcome. Although it was initially developed to examine the relationship between modifiable exposures/biomarkers and disease, its use has expanded to encompass applications in molecular epidemiology, systems biology, pharmacogenomics, and many other areas. The purpose of this review is to introduce MR, the principles behind the approach, and its limitations. We consider some of the new applications of the methodology, including informing drug development, and comment on some promising extensions, including two-step, two-sample, and bidirectional MR. We show how these new methods can be combined to efficiently examine causality in complex biological networks and provide a new framework to data mine high-dimensional studies as we transition into the age of hypothesis-free causality.
Corrosion of Zirconium Alloys Used for Nuclear Fuel Cladding
Authors: Motta Arthur T. , Couet Adrien , Comstock Robert J.
Published: May 2015

During operation, nuclear fuel rods are immersed in the primary water, causing waterside corrosion and consequent hydrogen ingress. In this review, the mechanisms of corrosion and hydrogen pickup and the role of alloy selection in minimizing both phenomena are considered on the basis of two principal characteristics: the pretransition kinetics and the loss of oxide protectiveness at transition. In zirconium alloys, very small changes in composition or microstructure can cause significant corrosion differences so that corrosion performance is strongly alloy dependent. The alloys show different, but reproducible, subparabolic pretransition kinetics and transition thicknesses. A mechanism for oxide growth and breakup based on a detailed study of the oxide structure can explain these results. Through the use of the recently developed coupled current charge compensation model of corrosion kinetics and hydrogen pickup, the subparabolic kinetics and the hydrogen fraction can be rationalized: Hydrogen pickup increases when electron transport decreases, requiring hydrogen ingress to close the reaction.
Chemosensory Receptor Specificity and Regulation
Authors: Dalton Ryan P. , Lomvardas Stavros
Published: May 2015

The senses provide a means by which data on the physical and chemical properties of the environment may be collected and meaningfully interpreted. Sensation begins at the periphery, where a multitude of different sensory cell types are activated by environmental stimuli as different as photons and odorant molecules. Stimulus sensitivity is due to expression of different cell surface sensory receptors, and therefore the receptive field of each sense is defined by the aggregate of expressed receptors in each sensory tissue. Here, we review current understanding on patterns of expression and modes of regulation of sensory receptors.
Molecular Mechanisms of Nematode-Nematophagous Microbe Interactions: Basis for Biological Control of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes
Authors: Li Juan , Zou Chenggang , Xu Jianping , Ji Xinglai , Niu Xuemei , Yang Jinkui , Huang Xiaowei , Zhang Ke-Qin
Published: May 2015

Plant-parasitic nematodes cause significant damage to a broad range of vegetables and agricultural crops throughout the world. As the natural enemies of nematodes, nematophagous microorganisms offer a promising approach to control the nematode pests. Some of these microorganisms produce traps to capture and kill the worms from the outside. Others act as internal parasites to produce toxins and virulence factors to kill the nematodes from within. Understanding the molecular basis of microbe-nematode interactions provides crucial insights for developing effective biological control agents against plant-parasitic nematodes. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the interactions between nematodes and nematophagous microorganisms, with a focus on the molecular mechanisms by which nematophagous microorganisms infect nematodes and on the nematode defense against pathogenic attacks. We conclude by discussing several key areas for future research and development, including potential approaches to apply our recent understandings to develop effective biocontrol strategies.
Effects of the Great Recession: Health and Well-Being
Authors: Burgard Sarah A. , Kalousova Lucie
Published: May 2015

The existing evidence linking recessions to individual and population health presents a puzzle. Some studies show that people who experience the kinds of labor market, housing, and asset shocks that proliferate in recessions suffer negative health consequences, whereas other studies show that mortality rates fall when the economy worsens. This review synthesizes evidence from these distinct research traditions in light of emerging findings from the Great Recession of 2007–2009. It traces pathways by which macroeconomic changes “get under the skin” and generate contradictory aggregate- and individual-level consequences. Research on the longer-term health effects of recessions could be strengthened by integrating theoretical and analytical approaches from sociology. These include a multilevel perspective that considers how individuals cope with recessions as members of families and communities embedded in different policy environments, and attention to cascades of recessionary shocks, individuals' strategies for coping with them, and the way these intersect with health trajectories.
Is Racism a Fundamental Cause of Inequalities in Health?
Authors: Phelan Jo C. , Link Bruce G.
Published: May 2015

We previously proposed that socioeconomic status (SES) is a fundamental cause of health inequalities and, as such, that SES inequalities in health persist over time despite radical changes in the diseases, risks, and interventions that happen to produce them at any given time. Like SES, race in the United States has an enduring connection to health and mortality. Our goals here are to evaluate whether this connection endures because systemic racism is a fundamental cause of health inequalities and, in doing so, to review a wide range of empirical data regarding racial differences in health outcomes, health risks, and health-enhancing resources such as money, knowledge, power, prestige, freedom, and beneficial social connections. We conclude that racial inequalities in health endure primarily because racism is a fundamental cause of racial differences in SES and because SES is a fundamental cause of health inequalities. In addition to these powerful connections, however, there is evidence that racism, largely via inequalities in power, prestige, freedom, neighborhood context, and health care, also has a fundamental association with health independent of SES.
CANDU Safety R&D Status, Challenges, and Prospects in Canada
Authors: Shen W. , Doyle F.
Published: May 2015

In Canada, safe operation of CANDU (CANada Deuterium Uranium; it is a registered trademark of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited) reactors is supported by a full-scope program of nuclear safety research and development (R&D) in key technical areas. Key nuclear R&D programs, facilities, and expertise are maintained in order to address the unique features of the CANDU as well as generic technology areas common to CANDU and LWR (light water reactor). This paper presents an overview of the CANDU safety R&D which includes background, drivers, current status, challenges, and future directions. This overview of the Canadian nuclear safety R&D programs includes those currently conducted by the COG (CANDU Owners Group), AECL (Atomic Energy of Canada Limited), Candu Energy Inc., and the CNSC (Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission) and by universities via UNENE (University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering) sponsorship. In particular, the nuclear safety R&D program related to the emerging CANDU ageing issues is discussed. The paper concludes by identifying directions for the future nuclear safety R&D.
Towards the Application of Atorvastatin to Intensify Proapoptotic Potential of Conventional Antileukemic AgentsIn Vitro
Authors: Żołnierczyk Jolanta D. , Kaźmierczuk Arleta , Hikisz Paweł , Cebula-Obrzut Barbara , Wawrzyniak Ewa , Błoński Jerzy Z. , Misiewicz Małgorzata , Robak Paweł , Smolewski Piotr , Kiliańska Zofia M.
Published: May 2015

It has been previously revealed that statins used at high concentrations display antileukemic potential towards chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells. However, their usage alone in clinical practice may be limited due to possible side effects of high doses of these drugs. On the other hand, combined treatment of leukemia with statins and the conventional chemotherapeutics is questionable because of unknown influence of the first on the standard treatment results. This study has revealed thatin vitroatorvastatin increases the proapoptotic potential of cladribine and mafosfamide in CLL cells isolated from peripheral blood of patients. Moreover, a preincubation with the above statin sensitizes leukemic cells to CM-induced apoptosis even at small concentrations of the drug. The usage of atorvastatin together with or followed by the conventional chemotherapy should be considered as therapeutic option for the treatment for this leukemia. Interestingly, CM-resistant patients might have the biggest benefits from atorvastatin administration.
Antimicrobial Resistance Profile and Genotypic Characteristics ofStreptococcus suisCapsular Type 2 Isolated from Clinical Carrier Sows and Diseased Pigs in China
Authors: Zhang Chunping , Zhang Zhongqiu , Song Li , Fan Xuezheng , Wen Fang , Xu Shixin , Ning Yibao
Published: May 2015

Streptococcus suisserotype 2 is an important zoonotic pathogen. Antimicrobial resistance phenotypes and genotypic characterizations ofS. suis2 from carrier sows and diseased pigs remain largely unknown. In this study, 96 swineS. suistype 2, 62 from healthy sows and 34 from diseased pigs, were analyzed. High frequency of tetracycline resistance was observed, followed by sulfonamides. The lowest resistance ofS. suis2 forβ-lactams supports their use as the primary antibiotics to treat the infection of serotype 2. In contrast, 35 of 37S. suis2 with MLSBphenotypes were isolated from healthy sows, mostly encoded by theermBand/or themefAgenes. Significantly lower frequency ofmrp+/epf+/sly+ was observed among serotype 2 from healthy sows compared to those from diseased pigs. Furthermore, isolates from diseased pigs showed more homogeneously genetic patterns, with most of them clustered in pulsotypes A and E. The data indicate the genetic complexity ofS. suis2 between herds and a close linkage among isolates from healthy sows and diseased pigs. Moreover, many factors, such as extensive use of tetracycline or diffusion of Tn916withtetM, might have favored for the pathogenicity and widespread dissemination ofS. suisserotype 2.
Fabrication of Fe-6.5wt%Si Ribbons by Melt Spinning Method on Large Scale
Authors: Liang Y. F. , Wang S. , Li H. , Jiang Y. M. , Ye F. , Lin J. P.
Published: May 2015

Melt spinning method has been widely applied for fabrication of Fe-based amorphous/nanocrystalline ribbons in industry. Compared with Fe-based amorphous/nanocrystalline alloys, Fe-6.5wt%Si high silicon steel is of low cost and has comparable excellent soft magnetic properties. Due to higher melting point and absence of supercooled liquid region, fabrication of Fe-6.5wt%Si ribbons is very hard and is only on lab scale. In this paper, we report that large scale fabrication of Fe-6.5wt%Si ribbons was successful and microstructures, ordered structures, and mechanical and soft magnetic properties of the ribbons were investigated. Due to rapid solidification rate, the ribbons were of ultrafine grains, and low degree of order and exhibited some extent of bending and tensile ductility. After heat treatment, excellent soft magnetic properties were obtained. Due to near-zero magnetostriction, the ribbons are promising to be used in electric devices with high frequencies where low noises are required.
A Systematic Analysis of Candidate Genes Associated with Nicotine Addiction
Authors: Liu Meng , Li Xia , Fan Rui , Liu Xinhua , Wang Ju
Published: May 2015

Nicotine, as the major psychoactive component of tobacco, has broad physiological effects within the central nervous system, but our understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying its neuronal effects remains incomplete. In this study, we performed a systematic analysis on a set of nicotine addiction-related genes to explore their characteristics at network levels. We found that NAGenes tended to have a more moderate degree and weaker clustering coefficient and to be less central in the network compared to alcohol addiction-related genes or cancer genes. Further, clustering of these genes resulted in six clusters with themes in synaptic transmission, signal transduction, metabolic process, and apoptosis, which provided an intuitional view on the major molecular functions of the genes. Moreover, functional enrichment analysis revealed that neurodevelopment, neurotransmission activity, and metabolism related biological processes were involved in nicotine addiction. In summary, by analyzing the overall characteristics of the nicotine addiction related genes, this study provided valuable information for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying nicotine addiction.
Vitamin D Binding Protein Is Not Involved in Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kalousova Marta , Dusilova-Sulkova Sylvie , Zakiyanov Oskar , Kostirova Milada , Safranek Roman , Tesar Vladimir , Zima Tomas
Published: May 2015

Objective. This study was designed to evaluate vitamin D status with separate determination of 25-OH D2and 25-OH D3and its relationship to vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and long-term haemodialysis patients (HD).Methods. 45 CKD patients, 103 HD patients, and 25 controls (C) were included. Plasma vitamin D concentrations were determined using chromatography and VDBP in serum and urine in CKD using enzyme immunoassay.Results. Plasma vitamin D levels were lower in CKD (30.16 ± 16.74 ng/mL) and HD (18.85 ± 15.85 ng/mL) versus C (48.72 ± 18.35 ng/mL),P<0.0001. 25-OH D3was the dominant form of vitamin D. Serum VDBP was higher in CKD (273.2 ± 93.8 ug/mL) versus C (222 ± 87.6 ug/mL) and HD (213.8 ± 70.9 ug/mL),P=0.0003. Vitamin D/VDBP ratio was the highest in C and the lowest in HD; however, there was no correlation between vitamin D and VDBP. Urinary concentration of VDBP in CKD (0.25 ± 0.13 ug/mL) correlated with proteinuria(r=0.43,P=0.003).Conclusions. Plasma levels of vitamin D are decreased in CKD patients and especially in HD patients. 25-OH D3was the major form of vitamin D. Despite urinary losses of VDBP, CKD patients had higher serum VDBP concentrations, indicating compensatory enhanced production. Vitamin D binding protein is not involved in vitamin D deficiency.
Multimodality MRI Findings in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Chen Hui Juan , Zhang Long Jiang , Lu Guang Ming
Published: May 2015

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) suffer from a number of complex neurological complications including vascular damage and cognitive dysfunction. It is of great significance to detect the neurological complications and improve the prognosis of ESRD patients. Many new noninvasive MRI techniques have been steadily used for the diagnosis of occult central nervous system complications in ESRD patients. This gives an opportunity to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of these neurological disorders. This paper is a review that presents the MRI findings of occult brain damage in ESRD patients, outlines the applications of advanced MRI techniques, and introduces a brief perspective in this study field.
A Rare Cutaneous Adnexal Tumor: Malignant Proliferating Trichilemmal Tumor
Authors: Alici Omer , Keles Musa Kemal , Kurt Alper
Published: May 2015

Proliferating trichilemmal tumors (PTTs) are neoplasms derived from the outer root sheath of the hair follicle. These tumors, which commonly affect the scalp of elderly women, rarely demonstrate malignant transformation. Although invasion of the tumors into neighboring tissues and being accompanied with anaplasia and necrosis are accepted as findings of malignancy, histological features may not always be sufficient to identify these tumors. The clinical behavior of the tumor may be incompatible with its histological characteristics. Squamous-cell carcinoma should certainly be considered in differential diagnosis because of its similarity in morphological appearance with PTT. Immunostaining for CD34, P53, and Ki-67 is a useful adjuvant diagnostic method that can be used in differential diagnosis aside from morphological findings. In this study, we aimed to present the case of a 52-year-old female patient with clinicopathological features. We reported a low-grade malignant proliferating trichilemmal tumor in this patient and detected no relapse or metastasis in a 24-month period of follow-up.
Fabrication and Properties of High‐Content Keratin/Poly (Ethylene Oxide) Blend Nanofibers Using Two‐Step Cross‐Linking Process
Authors: Liu Yong , Yu Xia , Li Jia , Fan Jie , Wang Meng , Lei Tong-Da , Liu Jian , Huang Dongwei
Published: May 2015

High‐content keratin/poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) (90/10) blend nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning combined with a two‐step cross‐linking process. The keratin/PEO aqueous solution was firstly mixed with ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDE) as cross‐linker and then electrospun into nanofibers. The resulting nanofibrous mats were cross‐linked with EGDE vapor to decrease the solubility of nanofibers in water. The morphologies and properties of electrospun fibers were investigated by SEM, FTIR, TG, XRD, and contact angle testing, respectively. The results showed that the morphologies of nanofibers were uniform at the fiber average diameter of 300 nm with negligible bead defects by adding EGDE to keratin/PEO solutions. The cross‐linking results showed that EGDE vapor could improve the hydrophobic property of blended nanofibers. The crystallinity of the keratin/PEO blend nanofiber mat increased from 13.14% for the uncross‐linked sample to 21.54% and 35.15% for the first cross‐linked and second cross‐linked samples, respectively. Free defect nanofiber mats with high keratin content producing from this two‐step cross‐linking process are particularly promising for tissue engineering and cell‐seeded scaffold.
Predicting Homogeneous Pilus Structure from Monomeric Data and Sparse Constraints
Authors: Xiao Ke , Shu Chuanjun , Yan Qin , Sun Xiao
Published: May 2015

Type IV pili (T4P) and T2SS (Type II Secretion System) pseudopili are filaments extending beyond microbial surfaces, comprising homologous subunits called “pilins.” In this paper, we presented a new approach to predict pseudo atomic models of pili combining ambiguous symmetric constraints with sparse distance information obtained from experiments and based neither on electronic microscope (EM) maps nor on accuratea priorisymmetric details. The approach was validated by the reconstruction of the gonococcal (GC) pilus fromNeisseria gonorrhoeae, the type IVb toxin-coregulated pilus (TCP) fromVibrio cholerae, and pseudopilus of the pullulanase T2SS (the PulG pilus) fromKlebsiella oxytoca. In addition, analyses of computational errors showed that subunits should be treated cautiously, as they are slightly flexible and not strictly rigid bodies. A global sampling in a wider range was also implemented and implied that a pilus might have more than one but fewer than many possible intact conformations.
Nucleosome Organization around Pseudogenes in the Human Genome
Authors: Liu Guoqing , Feng Fen , Zhao Xiujuan , Cai Lu
Published: May 2015

Pseudogene, disabled copy of functional gene, plays a subtle role in gene expression and genome evolution. The first step in deciphering RNA-level regulation of pseudogenes is to understand their transcriptional activity. So far, there has been no report on possible roles of nucleosome organization in pseudogene transcription. In this paper, we investigated the effect of nucleosome positioning on pseudogene transcription. For transcribed pseudogenes, the experimental nucleosome occupancy shows a prominent depletion at the regions both upstream of pseudogene start positions and downstream of pseudogene end positions. Intriguingly, the same depletion is also observed for nontranscribed pseudogenes, which is unexpected since nucleosome depletion in those regions is thought to be unnecessary in light of the nontranscriptional property of those pseudogenes. The sequence-dependent prediction of nucleosome occupancy shows a consistent pattern with the experimental data-based analysis. Our results indicate that nucleosome positioning may play important roles in both the transcription initiation and termination of pseudogenes.
The Effects of Educational Campaigns and Smoking Bans in Public Places on Smokers’ Intention to Quit Smoking: Findings from 17 Cities in China
Authors: Luo Biao , Wan Liang , Liang Liang , Li Tieshan
Published: May 2015

Despite the perceived success of educational campaigns and smoking bans in public places in China, the actual effects have not been investigated. This study examines the effects of the two policies by major characteristics of smokers and whether the affected smokers have intention to quit smoking. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 17 cities in China and 16,616 participants were selected using multistage stratified sampling. Logistic regression models were used to examine the effects of educational campaigns and smoking bans in public places on their intention to quit smoking. Results show that the Chinese government should try every means to build its tobacco control publicity and implement various forms of public educational campaigns to enhance smokers’ knowledge of the health consequences of smoking. In addition, China should emphasize the enforcement of the existing smoking prohibitions and regulations by implementing local tobacco control legislation and total prohibitions in all public places and workplaces.