bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Forming Temperature of Metastable Austenitic Stainless Steel Head Based on Strain-Induced Martensitic Transformation
Authors: Zheng Jinyang , Lu Qunjie , Wu Yingzhe , Zhang Xiao , Ding Huiming , Hui Peizi , Li Qingqing
Published: June 2019

The formation of strain-induced martensite (SIM) is found in metastable austenitic stainless steel (m-ASS) during cold forming, and the presence of SIM may cause reductions in toughness, ductility, and corrosion resistance of m-ASS. These mechanical properties can be restored and improved by proper heat treatment after forming, however, which obviously raises the manufacturing costs. One low-cost way to reduce the SIM amount during m-ASS forming is to maintain the forming temperature at an appropriate level. This paper intends to investigate an approach to determine the optimum forming temperature at which the strain-induced martensitic transformation (SIM-Tr) of m-ASS head during forming can be restrained within a limited intensity. First, static tensile tests were conducted on S30408 conventional cylindrical tensile specimens under different temperatures varying from 20 °C to 180 °C, and then the effect of deformation temperature on SIM was evaluated. Second, according to the stacking fault energy (SFE) calculation method, m-ASS's chemical composition was taken into further consideration to investigate its effect on SIM. Finally, a formula was established based on SIM and chemical composition for optimization of forming temperature. In addition, the results obtained by this formula were compared with those of the experiment by S30408 ASS head stamping tests, and the satisfactory matching is found for the proposed forming temperatures and predicted ferrite number (FN) values (readings of the Ferritescope measurement, as a representation of the amount of martensite in this study). Furthermore, an enhancement in the cryogenic impact properties and a fewer quantity of delta-ferrite in the microstructure of m-ASS heads are observed when warm stamping is performed as compared with the cold stamped head.
Evaluating the Use of Virtual Reality to Teach Introductory Concepts of Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Ostrander John K. , Tucker Conrad S. , Simpson Timothy W. , Meisel Nicholas A.
Published: June 2019

Limited academic course offerings and high barriers to incorporate industrial additive manufacturing (AM) systems into education has led to an underserved demand for a highly skilled AM workforce. In this research, virtual reality (VR) is proposed as a medium to help teach introductory concepts of AM in an interactive, scalable manner. Before implementing VR as a standard tool to teach introductory concepts of AM, we must evaluate the effectiveness of this medium for the subject. We test the hypothesis that VR can be used to teach students introductory concepts of AM in a way that is as effective as teaching the same concepts in a real-world physical setting. The research also explores differences in learning between participants who engage in a hands-on interactive lesson and participants who engage in a hands-off passive lesson. The study assesses participants’ AM knowledge through pre-/post-AM lesson evaluation. AM conceptual knowledge gained and changes in self-efficacy are evaluated to make an argument for the effectiveness of VR as an AM learning tool. Our findings in this research indicate that both interactive and passive VR may be indeed used to effectively teach introductory concepts of AM; we also found advantages to using interactive VR for improving AM self-efficacy.
Boundary Control for a Rigid-Flexible Manipulator With Input Constraints Based on Ordinary Differential Equations–Partial Differential Equations Model
Authors: Cao Fangfei , Liu Jinkun
Published: June 2019

In this paper, the dynamic model is established for the two-link rigid-flexible manipulator, which is represented by nonlinear ordinary differential equations–partial differential equations (ODEs–PDEs). Based on the nonlinear ODE–PDE model, the boundary control strategy is designed to drive the manipulator to follow a given trajectory and eliminate the vibration simultaneously. Considering actuators saturation, smooth hyperbolic tangent function is introduced for dealing with control input constraints problem. It has been rigorously proved that the nonlinear closed-loop system is asymptotically stable by using LaSalle's invariance principle. Simulation results show that the proposed controller is effective.
Exploring the Fracture Toughness of Tessellated Materials With the Discrete-Element Method
Authors: Abid Najmul , Hannard Florent , William Pro J. , Barthelat Francois
Published: June 2019

Architectured materials contain highly controlled structures and morphological features at length scales intermediate between the microscale and the size of the component. In dense architectured materials, stiff building blocks of well-defined size and shape are periodically arranged and bonded by weak but deformable interfaces. The interplay between the architecture of the materials and the interfaces between the blocks can be tailored to control the propagation of cracks while maintaining high stiffness. Interestingly, natural materials such as seashells, bones, or teeth make extensive use of this strategy. While their architecture can serve as inspiration for the design of new synthetic materials, a systematic exploration of architecture-property relationships in architectured materials is still lacking. In this study, we used the discrete element method (DEM) to explore the fracture mechanics of several hundreds of 2D tessellations composed of rigid “tiles” bonded by weaker interfaces. We explored crack propagation and fracture toughness in Voronoi-based tessellations (to represent intergranular cracking in polycrystalline materials), tessellations based on regular polygons, and tessellations based on brick-and-mortar. We identified several toughening mechanisms including crack deflection, crack tortuosity, crack pinning, and process zone toughening. These models show that periodic architectures can achieve higher toughness when compared with random microstructures, the toughest architectures are also the most anisotropic, and tessellations based on brick and mortar are the toughest. These findings are size independent and can serve as initial guidelines in the development of new architectured materials for toughness.
Proof of the Splitting Mode of Compressive Brittle Failure and Integration With General Failure Theory
Authors: Christensen Richard M.
Published: June 2019

The problem of special interest is the nature of the mode of failure in uniaxial compression at the brittle limit. This problem is known by observation to undergo a splitting mode of failure. The present work gives a full theoretical treatment and proof for this mode of failure. The general failure theory of Christensen for isotropic materials provides the basis for the derivation. The solution demonstrates the depth of technical capability that is required from the failure theory to treat such a classically difficult problem.
A new species of the genus Eustigmaeus (Berlese) (Acari: Stigmaeidae) from Manisa province, Turkey
Authors: Akyol Mustafa
Published: June 2019

A new species viz. Eustigmaeus kulaensis sp. nov., collected from soil and litter under Rubus sanctus (Rosaceae), Typha angustifolia (Typhaceae), Pinus brutia (Pinaceae) and Juglans regia (Juglandaceae) in Kula district, Manisa province, Turkey, is described and illustrated based on adult females. A key to the species of Eustigmaeus from Turkey is provided.
Draft bill reignites U.S. debate over patenting human genes
Authors: Servick Kelly
Published: June 2019

Lawmakers propose reversing Supreme Court decisions.
Mountain high: oldest clear signs of pot use
Authors: Lawler Andrew
Published: June 2019

THC levels in braziers show psychoactive marijuana use along ancient Silk Road.
Much ado about method
How We Teach Science: What's Changed, and Why It Matters
John L. Rudolph
Harvard University Press, 2019. 316 pp.
Authors: Phillips Christopher J.
Published: June 2019

Past efforts to reshape American science education offer lessons for future reformers
Catching structural transitions in liquids
Authors: Rao Feng , Zhang Wei , Ma Evan
Published: June 2019

Femtosecond pulse x-ray diffraction reveals structural changes between liquid states
Composition of the Holdfast Polysaccharide from
Caulobacter crescentus
Authors: Hershey David M. , Porfírio Sara , Black Ian , Jaehrig Bernhard , Heiss Christian , Azadi Parastoo , Fiebig Aretha , Crosson Sean
Published: June 2019

To colonize solid substrates, bacteria often deploy dedicated adhesins that facilitate attachment to surfaces.
Caulobacter crescentus
initiates surface colonization by secreting a carbohydrate-based adhesin called the holdfast. Because little is known about the chemical makeup of the holdfast, the pathway for its biosynthesis and the physical basis for its unique adhesive properties are poorly understood. This study outlines a method to extract the
C. crescentus
holdfast and describes the monosaccharide components contained within the adhesive matrix. The composition analysis adds to our understanding of the chemical basis for holdfast attachment and provides missing information needed to characterize enzymes in the biosynthetic pathway.
Association of changes in red meat consumption with total and cause specific mortality among US women and men: two prospective cohort studies
Authors: Zheng Yan , Li Yanping , Satija Ambika , Pan An , Sotos-Prieto Mercedes , Rimm Eric , Willett Walter C , Hu Frank B
Published: June 2019

Objective

To evaluate the association of changes in red meat consumption with total and cause specific mortality in women and men.

Design

Two prospective cohort studies with repeated measures of diet and lifestyle factors.

Setting

Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, United States.

Participants

53 553 women and 27 916 men without cardiovascular disease or cancer at baseline.

Main outcome measure

Death confirmed by state vital statistics records, the national death index, or reported by families and the postal system.

Results

14 019 deaths occurred during 1.2 million person years of follow-up. Increases in red meat consumption over eight years were associated with a higher mortality risk in the subsequent eight years among women and men (both P for trend<0.05, P for heterogeneity=0.97). An increase in total red meat consumption of at least half a serving per day was associated with a 10% higher mortality risk (pooled hazard ratio 1.10, 95% confidence interval 1.04 to 1.17). For processed and unprocessed red meat consumption, an increase of at least half a serving per day was associated with a 13% higher mortality risk (1.13, 1.04 to 1.23) and a 9% higher mortality risk (1.09, 1.02 to 1.17), respectively. A decrease in consumption of processed or unprocessed red meat of at least half a serving per day was not associated with mortality risk. The association between increased red meat consumption and mortality risk was consistent across subgroups defined by age, physical activity, dietary quality, smoking status, or alcohol consumption.

Conclusion

Increases in red meat consumption, especially processed meat, were associated with higher overall mortality rates.
What are the perceived target groups and occasions for wines and beers labelled with verbal and numerical descriptors of lower alcohol strength? An experimental study
Authors: Vasiljevic Milica , Couturier Dominique-Laurent , Marteau Theresa M
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Alcohol consumption is the fifth leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. The development and promotion of lower strength alcohol products may help reduce alcohol consumption and associated harms. This study assessed what a sample of UK weekly drinkers perceived to be the target groups and occasions for drinking wines and beers labelled with different verbal and numerical descriptors of lower alcohol strength.

Design and participants

3390 adults (1697 wine and 1693 beer drinkers) were sampled from a nationally representative UK panel, and participated in a between-subjects experiment in which participants were randomised to 1 of 18 groups with one of three levels of verbal descriptor (Lowvs.Super Lowvs.No verbal descriptor) and six levels of %ABV (five levels varying for wine and beer, and no level given).

Measures

The study gauged participants’ perceptions of the type of person that would find the randomised beverage appealing and the type of occasion on which the beverage is likely to be drunk at.

Results

A principal component analysis showed that participants perceived pregnant women, sportspeople and those aged 6–13 years old were the target groups for products labelled with 0%ABV or the verbal descriptorsLoworSuper Low, whereas men, women, and those aged above 18 were perceived as the target groups for products labelled with higher %ABV. Participants also rated the products labelled with 0%ABV or the verbal descriptorsLoworSuper Lowas targeting consumption on weekday lunches, whereas products labelled with higher %ABV were rated as targeting dinner/evening occasions, including parties, holidays and celebrations.

Conclusions

Lower strength products were seen as targeting non-traditional consumers (pregnant women) and occasions (weekday lunchtimes), suggesting these products may be perceived as extensions to regular strength alcoholic drinks rather than as substitutes for them.
Trends in kidney function testing in UK primary care since the introduction of the quality and outcomes framework: a retrospective cohort study using CPRD
Authors: Feakins Benjamin , Oke Jason , McFadden Emily , Aronson Jeffrey , Lasserson Daniel , O’Callaghan Christopher , Taylor Clare , Hill Nathan , Stevens Richard , Perera Rafael
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To characterise serum creatinine and urinary protein testing in UK general practices from 2005 to 2013 and to examine how the frequency of testing varies across demographic factors, with the presence of chronic conditions and with the prescribing of drugs for which kidney function monitoring is recommended.

Design

Retrospective open cohort study.

Setting

Routinely collected data from 630 UK general practices contributing to the Clinical Practice Research Datalink.

Participants

4 573 275 patients aged over 18 years registered at up-to-standard practices between 1 April 2005 and 31 March 2013. At study entry, no patients were kidney transplant donors or recipients, pregnant or on dialysis.

Primary outcome measures

The rate of serum creatinine and urinary protein testing per year and the percentage of patients with isolated and repeated testing per year.

Results

The rate of serum creatinine testing increased linearly across all age groups. The rate of proteinuria testing increased sharply in the 2009–2010 financial year but only for patients aged 60 years or over. For patients with established chronic kidney disease (CKD), creatinine testing increased rapidly in 2006–2007 and 2007–2008, and proteinuria testing in 2009–2010, reflecting the introduction of Quality and Outcomes Framework indicators. In adjusted analyses, CKD Read codes were associated with up to a twofold increase in the rate of serum creatinine testing, while other chronic conditions and potentially nephrotoxic drugs were associated with up to a sixfold increase. Regional variation in serum creatinine testing reflected country boundaries.

Conclusions

Over a nine-year period, there have been increases in the numbers of patients having kidney function tests annually and in the frequency of testing. Changes in the recommended management of CKD in primary care were the primary determinant, and increases persist even after controlling for demographic and patient-level factors. Future studies should address whether increased testing has led to better outcomes.
Nash-wo-Numa(childhood growth & development) study protocol: factors that impact linear growth in children 9 to 15 years of age in Matiari, Pakistan
Authors: Campisi Susan C , Wasan Yaqub , Soofi Sajid , Monga Suneeta , Korczak Daphne J , Lou Wendy , Soder Olle , Vandermorris Ashley , Humayun Khadija N , Mian Ayesha , Szatmari Peter , Bhutta Zulfiqar A
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Adolescence is a time of significant physical and emotional change, and there is emerging concern that adolescents living in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) may face substantial challenges in relation to linear growth and mental health. Data on the global burden of stunting after 5 years of age are limited, but estimates suggest up to 50 per cent of all adolescents in some LMIC are stunted. Additionally, many LMIC lack robust mental health care delivery systems. Pakistan has one of the world’s largest populations of adolescents (10 to 19 years) at approximately 40 million. The Nash-wo-Numa study’s primary objective is to assess the prevalence and risk factors for stunting among early adolescents in rural Pakistan. The study also aims to determine the prevalence of poor mental health and identify factors associated with common mental health concerns during the childhood to adulthood transition.

Methods

This cross-sectional study will include girls (n= 738) 9.0 to 14.9 years of age and boys (n=687) 10.0 to 15.9 years of age who live in the rural district of Matiari, Pakistan. Participants will be assessed for anthropometrical measures, puberty development, nutritional biomarkers as well as symptoms of depression, anxiety and trauma using validated scales.

Ethics and dissemination

The proposed study aims to complete the picture of child and adolescent health concerning linear growth and mental health by including puberty indicators. Ethics approval has been granted by the Ethics Review Committee at the Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan, #5251-WCH-ERC-18 and Research Ethics Board at SickKids Hospital, Toronto, Canada, #:1000060684. Study results will be presented at relevant conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT03647553; Pre-results.
Reducing the rare event: lessons from the implementation of a ventilator bundle
Authors: Chumpia Maryanne Matinee , Ganz David A , Chang Evelyn T , de Peralta Shelly S
Published: June 2019

The ventilator-associated event (VAE) is a potentially avoidable complication of mechanical ventilation (MV) associated with poor outcomes. Although rare, VAEs and other nosocomial events are frequently targeted for quality improvement efforts consistent with the creed to ‘do no harm’. In October 2016, VA Greater Los Angeles (GLA) was in the lowest-performing decile of VA medical centres on a composite measure of quality, owing to GLA’s relatively high VAE rate. To decrease VAEs, we sought to reduce average MV duration of patients with acute respiratory failure to less than 3 days by 1 July 2017. In our first intervention (period 1), intensive care unit (ICU) attending physicians trained residents to use an existing ventilator bundle order set; in our second intervention (period 2), we updated the order set to streamline order entry and incorporate new nurse-driven and respiratory therapist (RT)-driven spontaneous awakening trial (SAT) and spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) protocols. In period 1, the proportion of eligible patients with SAT and SBT orders increased from 29.9% and 51.2% to 67.4% and 72.6%, respectively, with sustained improvements through December 2017. Mean MV duration decreased from 7.2 days at baseline to 5.5 days in period 1 and 4.7 days in period 2; statistical process control charts revealed no significant differences, but the difference between baseline and period 2 MV duration was statistically significant at p=0.049. Bedside audits showed RTs consistently performed indicated SBTs, but there were missed opportunities for SATs due to ICU staff concerns about the SAT protocol. The rarity of VAEs, small population of ventilated patients and infrequent use of sedative infusions at GLA may have decreased the opportunity to achieve staff acceptance and use of the SAT protocol. Quality improvement teams should consider frequency of targeted outcomes when planning interventions; rare events pose challenges in implementation and evaluation of change.
Fast-track pathway for elective caesarean section: a quality improvement initiative to promote day 1 discharge
Authors: Bowden Sarah Joanne , Dooley William , Hanrahan Jennifer , Kanu Chidimma , Halder Suni , Cormack Caroline , O'Dwyer Sabrina , Singh Natasha
Published: June 2019

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) aims to improve perioperative care, hasten recovery to the normal physiological state and shorten length of stay (LoS). There is evidence that ERAS programmes following elective caesarean section (ELCS) confer benefit through faster return to physiological state and reduced LoS for mother and baby. Baseline audit of ELCS in 2013 revealed a mean LoS of 3 days. We piloted an ERAS discharge pathway promoting day 2 discharge, which rose from 5.0% to 40.2%. 19.2% of women went home on day 1. Many women fed back that they would prefer day 1 discharge. We hypothesised that a day 1 discharge pathway for low-risk women could benefit both women and services at our maternity unit. From October 2015, we developed a ‘fast-track pathway’ (FTP) using a Plan-Do-Study-Act approach. Between October 2015 and April 2016, we prospectively audited clinical outcomes, LoS and maternal satisfaction from all women placed on the FTP. We held regular multidisciplinary team meetings to allow contemporaneous analysis. Satisfaction was analysed by Likert scale at postoperative surveys. Women were identified in antenatal clinic after meeting predefined low-risk criteria. 27.3% of women (n=131/479) delivering by ELCS entered the FTP. 76.2% of women on the FTP were discharged on day 1. Mean LoS fell to 1.31 days. 94.2% of women who established breast feeding at day 1 were still breast feeding at 7 days. Overall satisfaction at day 7 was 4.71 on a 5-point Likert scale. 73.1% of women reported good pain control. Additional financial savings are estimated at £99 886 annually. There were no related cases of readmission. Day 1 discharge after ELCS is safe and acceptable in carefully selected, low-risk women and has high satisfaction. There may be resultant financial savings and improved flow through a maternity unit with no detected adverse effect on breast feeding, maternal morbidity or postnatal readmissions.
Importance of firearms research
Authors: Hemenway David
Published: June 2019

Click here to listen to the Podcast
The safety and efficacy of using large woven stents to treat vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia
Authors: He Xuying , Duan Chuanzhi , Zhang Jianbo , Li Xifeng , Zhang Xin , Li Zhenjun
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To characterize the safety and efficacy of large woven stents in the treatment of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 19 consecutive patients with VBD treated with large woven intracranial stent (Leo stents) between January 2016 and December 2018. The clinical symptoms and angiograms of all the patients were recorded.

Results

The patients were treated with 1–3 large Leo stents (5.5 mm x 75 mm, 5.5 mm x 50 mm, or 4.5 mm x 40 mm), with or without coiling. They had follow-up angiography and MRI between 3 months and 1 year. Digital subtraction angiography showed 16 patients with complete reconstruction of the target vessels, one patient with almost complete reconstruction, and two patients with partial reconstruction. All patients had symptomatic improvement shortly after treatment, but two patients developed recurrent dysphagia at 8 and 18 months, respectively.

Conclusions

Deployment of woven stents with or without supportive coiling may offer symptom relief and reconstruction in patients with VBD.
Examples of 4D, 𝒩 = 2 holoraumy
Authors: Gates S. James , Mak S.-N. Hazel
Published: June 2019

We provide an introduction to the concepts of holoraumy tensors, Lorentz covariant four-dimensional “Gadgets,” and Gadget angles within the context of minimal off-shell 4D, [Formula: see text] supermultiplets. This is followed by the calculation of the holoraumy tensors, Gadgets, and Gadget angles for minimal off-shell supermultiplets. Four tetrahedrons in four 3D subspaces of the holoraumy lattice space are found.
Random switching near bifurcations
Authors: Hurth Tobias , Kuehn Christian
Published: June 2019

The interplay between bifurcations and random switching processes of vector fields is studied. More precisely, we provide a classification of piecewise-deterministic Markov processes arising from stochastic switching dynamics near fold, Hopf, transcritical and pitchfork bifurcations. We prove the existence of invariant measures for different switching rates. We also study when the invariant measures are unique, when multiple measures occur, when measures have smooth densities, and under which conditions finite-time blow-up occurs. We demonstrate the applicability of our results for three nonlinear models arising in applications.
Some isomorphic big lattices and some properties of lattice preradicals
Authors: Pardo-Guerra Sebastián , Rincón-Mejía Hugo Alberto , Zorrilla-Noriega Manuel Gerardo
Published: June 2019

According to Albu and Iosif, [2, Definition 1.1] a lattice preradical is a subfunctor of the identity functor on the category [Formula: see text] of linear modular lattices, whose objects are the complete modular lattices and whose morphisms are linear morphisms. In this paper, we describe some big lattices which are isomorphic to the big lattice of lattice preradicals and we study the four classical operations that occur in the lattice of preradicals of modules over a ring [Formula: see text], namely, the join, the meet, the product and the coproduct. We show that some results about the lattice of module preradicals can be extended to the lattice of lattice preradicals. In particular, we show the existence of the equalizer, the annihilator, the coequalizer and the totalizer for a lattice preradical [Formula: see text], as well as some of their properties.
Positively graded rings which are maximal orders and generalized Dedekind prime rings
Authors: Wijayanti Indah Emilia , Marubayashi Hidetoshi , Sutopo
Published: June 2019

Let [Formula: see text] be a positively graded ring which is a sub-ring of strongly graded ring of type [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a Noetherian prime ring. We define a concept of [Formula: see text]-invariant maximal order and show that [Formula: see text] is a maximal order if and only if [Formula: see text] is a [Formula: see text]-invariant maximal order. If [Formula: see text] is a maximal order, then we completely describe all [Formula: see text]-invertible ideals. As an application, we show that [Formula: see text] is a generalized Dedekind prime ring if and only if [Formula: see text] is a [Formula: see text]-invariant generalized Dedekind prime ring. We give examples of [Formula: see text]-invariant generalized Dedekind prime rings but neither generalized Dedekind prime rings nor maximal orders.
Evaluation of photodynamic therapy and nuclear imaging potential of subphthalocyanine integrated TiO2 nanoparticles in mammary and cervical tumor cells
Authors: Yurt Fatma , Ocakoglu Kasim , Er Ozge , Soylu Hale Melis , Ince Mine , Avci Cıgır Biray , Kurt Cansu Caliskan , Sarı Fatma Aslıhan , Colak Suleyman Gokhan , Gunduz Cumhur
Published: June 2019

This study, subphthalocyanines (SubPc) and SubPc integrated TiO2nanoparticles (SubPc-TiO[Formula: see text] were synthesized as novel photosensitizers. Their PDT effects were evaluated. Furthermore, nuclear imaging potential of [Formula: see text]I-labelled SubPc/SubPc-TiO2were examined in mouse mammary carcinoma (EMT6) and cervix adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cell lines. The uptake results show that SubPc labelled with [Formula: see text]I radionuclide ([Formula: see text]I-SubPc) in EMT6 and HeLa cell lines was found to be approximately the same as in the WI38 cell line. However, the uptake values of SubPc-TiO2labelled with [Formula: see text]I ([Formula: see text]I-SubPc-TiO[Formula: see text] in EMT6 and HeLa cell lines were determined to be two times higher than in the WI38 cell line. In other words, the target/non-target tissue ratio was identified as two in the EMT6 and HeLa cell lines. [Formula: see text]I-SubPc-TiO2is promising for imaging or treatment of breast and cervix tumors. In vitro photodynamic therapy studies have shown that SubPc and SubPc-TiO2are suitable agents for PDT. In addition, SubPc-TiO2has higher phototoxicity than SubPc. As a future study, in vivo experiments will be held and performed in tumor-bearing nude mice.
meso-Free dipyrrins: Formation of assembled structures including a 2D ordered pattern
Authors: Kuno Atsuko , Nakamura Kazuto , Kikkawa Yoshihiro , Maeda Hiromitsu
Published: June 2019

Fairly planar meso-unsubstituted dipyrrins, some of which had trialkoxyphenyl moieties, were synthesized. They underwent self-assembly in less polar solvents and the derivative bearing aliphatic chains exhibited a 2D ordered pattern at the solid/liquid interface, as observed through scanning tunneling microscopy.
The geoengineering approach to the study of rivers and reservoirs
Authors: Corbett Patrick W. M. , Owen Amanda , Hartley Adrian J. , Pla-Pueyo Sila , Barreto Daniel , Hackney Chris , Kape Stephanie J.
Published: June 2019

This Special Publication contains contributions for two meetings held to explore the links between geoscience and engineering in rivers and reservoirs (surface and subsurface). The first meeting was held in Brazil and, as a result, the volume contains many contributions from Brazil. The second was held in Edinburgh, and produced contributions from modern rivers in the USA, China, India and Scotland. The geological record from Carboniferous to Recent is represented. A range of outcrop techniques are presented along with statistical techniques used to identify patterns in the time series and spatial sense. The book is intended to cover the cross-disciplinary interest in rivers and their sediments, and will interest geologists, geomorphologists, civil, geotechnical and petroleum engineers, and government agencies. Some of the papers collected here demonstrate longer term impacts of human activity on rivers and how these might change the future geological record and, more importantly in the short term, impact on the UN Global Sustainability Goals.
Analysis of soil following a police-led open area search and the recovery of a cold-case homicide grave
Authors: Donnelly L. J. , Cassella J. , Pirrie D. , Dawson L. , Blom G. , Davidson A. , Arnold P. , Harrison M. , Hope C.
Published: June 2019

Police in the UK received information that a person had been reported as missing. Despite a diligent search and investigation, the person was not found. Several years later police received intelligence giving the location of a grave believed to contain the remains of the person previously reported as missing and now believed to be a victim of homicide. This new information suggested the missing person had been murdered and their remains were buried in a shallow, unmarked grave. Following a systematic search, the murder victim's body was found at a shallow depth, less than 1 m. Following the forensic recovery of the body, soil samples were collected at, beneath the floor of the grave, along the strike of the grave, downslope and upslope. Analysis of the soil samples showed elevated levels of putrescine, at nearly 150 ppb in the soils beneath, downslope and for several metres upslope from the body at localities where detector dogs had showed an ‘interest’ before the grave was discovered. The mineralogical analysis, using integrated automated mineralogy and petrology detected the presence of diagenetic calcite in the soil profile beneath the grave. Additionally, the organic analysis detected the presence of elevated stanols at the grave and down slope.
Sparse Approximation via Generating Point Sets
Authors: Blum Avrim , Har-Peled Sariel , Raichel Benjamin
Published: June 2019

For a set
P
of
n
points in the unit ball b⊆ R

d

, consider the problem of finding a small subset
T
⊆
P
such that its convex-hull ε-approximates the convex-hull of the original set. Specifically, the Hausdorff distance between the convex hull of
T
and the convex hull of
P
should be at most ε. We present an efficient algorithm to compute such an ε′-approximation of size
k
alg
, where ε ′ is a function of ε and
k
alg
is a function of the minimum size
k
opt
of such an ε-approximation. Surprisingly, there is no dependence on the dimension
d
in either of the bounds. Furthermore, every point of
P
can be ε-approximated by a convex-combination of points of
T
that is
O
(1/ε
2
)-sparse.

Our result can be viewed as a method for sparse, convex autoencoding: approximately representing the data in a compact way using sparse combinations of a small subset
T
of the original data. The new algorithm can be kernelized, and it preserves sparsity in the original input.
Revealing Cluster Hierarchy in Gate-level ICs Using Block Diagrams and Cluster Estimates of Circuit Embeddings
Authors: Cakir Burcin , Malik Sharad
Published: June 2019

Contemporary integrated circuits (ICs) are increasingly being constructed using intellectual property blocks (IPs) obtained from third parties in a globalized supply chain. The increased vulnerability to adversarial changes during this untrusted supply chain raises concerns about the integrity of the end product. The difference in the levels of abstraction between the initial specification and the final available circuit design poses a challenge for analyzing the final circuit for malicious insertions.

Reverse engineering presents one way to help reduce the difficulty of circuit analysis and inspection. In this work, we provide a framework that given (i) a gate-level netlist of a design and (ii) a block diagram for the design with relative sizes of the blocks, outputs a matching between the partitions of the circuit and blocks in the block diagram. We first compute a geometric embedding for each node in the circuit and then apply a clustering algorithm on the embedding features to obtain circuit partitions. Each partition is then mapped to the high-level blocks in the block diagram. These partitions can then be further analyzed for malicious insertions with much reduced complexity in comparison with the full chip. We tested our algorithm on different designs with varying sizes to evaluate the efficacy of algorithm, including the open-source processor OpenSparc T1, and showed that we can successfully match over 90% of gates to their corresponding blocks.
Case Studies in Physiology: Temporal changes in determinants of aerobic performance in individual going from alpine skier to world junior champion time trial cyclist
Authors: Rønnestad Bent R. , Hansen Joar , Stensløkken Lars , Joyner Michael J. , Lundby Carsten
Published: June 2019

This paper reports temporal changes in physiological measurements of exercise performance in a young man transitioning from alpine skiing until he became a world junior champion time trial cyclist after only 3 yr of bike-specific training. At the time he became World Champion he also achieved among the highest reported maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o2max) value, 96.7 ml·min−1·kg−1, or 7,397 ml/min in absolute terms at 76.5 kg, which had increased by 29.6% from 74.6 ml·min−1·kg−1 pre-bike-specific training. After 15 mo with almost no structured exercise training, V̇o2max returned to 77.0 mL·min−1·kg−1 and was similar to the value reported before specific bike training, albeit with absolute term (6,205 ml/min) still being 11.3% higher. Part of the explanation for his athletic achievements is likely also related to the up to 20.9% improvement in Power@4 mmol/l (W). Although genetic profiles of endurance athletes have not generated data suggesting a shared genetic signature associated with elite endurance performance, this case study highlights the importance of intrinsic biological factors in elite endurance performance.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study shows that very high V̇o2max values (>70 ml·min−1·kg−1) can be found in individuals not previously specializing in aerobic training and that values of >90 ml·min−1·kg−1, as well as a cycling world junior champion title, can be achieved in such individuals with just 3 yr of dedicated exercise training.
The Prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori babA, homB, aspA, and sabA Genes and Its Relationship with Clinical Outcomes in Turkey
Authors: Yılmaz Nimet , Koruk Özer Meltem
Published: June 2019

Background and Aims. The cag A and vac A genes ofHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori)are closely associated with the pathogenicity of bacteria. However, the significance of H. pyloribabA, homB, aspA, andsabAgenes is not clear in phenotypic characteristics of virulence. This study aimed to investigate the frequency and importance of these genes in patients with H. pylori positive peptic ulcer (PU).Materials and Methods. Patients with a PU or nonulcer dyspepsia (NUD) based on the upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy findings were included in the study. Biopsy samples from antrum and corpus were cultured into Columbia agar.H pyloriwere characterized by urease, catalase, oxidase test, and gram staining. Genomic DNA was extracted and stored. ThebabA, homB, aspA, andsabAgenes were determined by using polymerase chain reaction analysis.Results. A total 214 patients were included (99 PU and 115 NUD) and H. pylori could be isolated in 82 patients (36 PU and 46 NUD). The frequency of thebabA(25% vs. 15.2%, p=0.25),homB(2.7% vs. 4.3%, p=1),aspA(69.4% vs. 73.9%, p=0.2), andsabA(2.7% vs. 10.8%, p=0.88) genotypes was not different between PU and NUD patients. There were some correlations between the presences of these genes.Conclusion. This study managed to determinebabA, homB, aspA,andsabA genes ofH. pylori by PCR. However, the frequency of these factors was not different in patients with PU and NUD. There is no role ofbabA, homB, aspA, andsabA genesfor the development of peptic ulcer in Turkish population.
Variation in the Permeability of Intact and Fractured Rocks due to Transient Disturbances in Axial Stress or Pore Pressure
Authors: Boeut Sophea , Oshima Teppei , Fujii Yoshiaki , Kodama Jun-ichi , Fukuda Daisuke , Matsumoto Hiroyuki , Uchida Kazumi , Dassanayake Anjula B. N.
Published: June 2019

A persistent increase in the permeability of rock mass caused by transient stress disturbances, if present, could explain the variation in the groundwater level in far fields, increase in petroleum production caused by earthquakes or artificial vibrations in enhanced oil recovery, and induction of earthquakes by seismic waves in intermediate and far fields. However, it has not been verified whether the transient stress disturbances induce an increase or decrease in the rock permeability. In this study, the permeability values of intact and triaxially fractured Kushiro Cretaceous sandstone and Shikotsu welded tuff were measured before and after transient axial stress or pore pressure disturbances to clarify the effects of transient stress disturbances on rock permeability. According to the experimental results, the stress disturbances showed either decreasing or increasing effects on the permeability depending on the rock type and experimental conditions. However, when focusing on the fractured rocks rather than the intact ones, which would be more important in field applications, the argillaceous Kushiro Cretaceous sandstone mainly exhibited decreasing effects and the glassy Shikotsu welded tuff mainly exhibited increasing effects.
Thermomechanical Coupling Analysis and Optimization of Metallic Thermal Protection System
Authors: Xu Qiuyi , Li Shu , Wang Li , Dong Apeng , Meng Yang
Published: June 2019

The metallic thermal protection system (MPTS) is a key technology for reducing the cost of reusable launch vehicles, offering the combination of increased durability and competitive weights when compared with other systems. A two‐stage optimization strategy is proposed in this paper to improve thermal and mechanical performance of MTPS while minimizing its weight. Sensitivity analysis is conducted to determine the influence of various design variables, and these variables are classified into two groups according to the results. Three main parameters are optimized in the first‐stage optimization, and others are optimized in the second stage. Combining the response surface method with genetic algorithm ensures the computational efficiency of this strategy. Optimum results show that the thermal insulation capability of MTPS is improved by 20% with little mass cost, validating the feasibility of this optimization strategy.
PRDM16 Represses the Pig White Lipogenesis through Promoting Lipolysis Activity
Authors: Gu Ting , Xu Guli , Jiang Chengfeng , Hou Lianjie , Wu Zhenfang , Wang Chong
Published: June 2019

The positive regulatory domain containing 16 (PRDM16) gene is a dominant transcriptional regulator that favors the “browning” of white adipocytes in rodents. Since the “browning” of white fat is important in pig in terms of producing heat fighting against cold environment, avoiding obesity, and improving meat quality, understanding the critical role that PRDM16 gene played in pig adipose “browning” and energy metabolism is of great significance. However, the constitution of pig fat differs a lot from rodents and human as they do not have brown adipose tissue (BAT) even in the newborn piglets. In this study, we isolated porcine primary preadipocytes and investigated the function of PRDM16 during preadipocytes differentiation. Our results showed that overexpression of the PR domain of PRDM16 repressed the differentiation of porcine preadipocytes, indicated by oil red O staining and the deposition of the triglyceride. Overexpression of the PR domain significantly increased the level of lipolysis and mitochondrial oxidative capacity detected by Western blotting during differentiation. Furthermore, we purified the protein coded by the PR domain and demonstrated that this protein has the H3K9me1 methyltransferase activity. In conclusion, the PR domain of the porcine PRDM16 gene repressed the mature of the porcine preadipocytes by promoting its oxidative activity.
MicroRNA Profiling of Exosomes Derived from Red Blood Cell Units: Implications in Transfusion-Related Immunomodulation
Authors: Huang Haobo , Zhu Jinfeng , Fan Liping , Lin Qiuyan , Fu Danhui , Wei Biyu , Wei Shijin
Published: June 2019

Purpose. To elucidate the microRNAs existent in exosomes derived from stored red blood cell (RBC) unit and their potential function. Materials and Methods. Exosomes were isolated from the supernatant derived from stored RBC units by sequential centrifugation. Isolated exosomes were characterized by TEM (transmission electron microscopy), western blotting, and DLS (dynamic light scattering). MicroRNA (miRNA) microarray was performed to detect the expression of miRNAs in 3 exosome samples. Results revealed miRNAs that were simultaneously expressed in the 3 exosome samples and were previously reported to exist in mature RBCs. Functions and potential pathways of some detected miRNAs were illustrated by bioinformatic analysis. Validation of the top 3 abundant miRNAs was carried out by qRT-PCR (quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction). Results. TEM and DLS revealed the mean size of the exosomes (RBC-derived) as 64.08 nm. These exosomes exhibited higher abundance of short RNA than the long RNA. 78 miRNAs were simultaneously detected in 3 exosome samples and mature RBCs. Several biological processes might be impacted by these miRNAs, through their target gene(s) enriched in a particular signalling pathway. The top 3 (abundant) miRNAs detected were as follows: miR-125b-5p, miR-4454, and miR-451a. qRT-PCR revealed higher abundance of miR-451a than others. Only miR-4454 and miR-451a abundance tended to increase with increasing storage time. Conclusion. Exosomes derived from stored RBC units possessed multiple miRNAs and, hence, could serve various functions. The function of exosomes (RBC-derived) might be implemented partly by the predominantly enriched miR-451a.
Effect of Porous Chitosan Microspheres Loaded with Platelet-Rich Plasma and Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Regeneration of Tibia Defect
Authors: Chen Qi , Zhao Ziru , Yin Guoyong
Published: June 2019

Objective. Repair of bone defects represents a grave clinical challenge because of the tremendous difficulties in the recovery of bone function and regeneration of bone loss. Therefore, we investigated the effects of platelet-rich plasma-loaded (PRP) porous chitosan microspheres (PCMs) on the differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and the proliferation and differentiation potential of BMSCs loaded by PCMs in vitro. We also established the model of bone defect repair in rat tibia to further explore the effects of PCMs loaded with PRP and BMSCs on bone regeneration. Methods. MTT assay was used to detect the proliferative ability of BMSCs after hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) treatment and the proliferative ability of BMSCs loaded by PCMs; polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), type I collagen (Col I), and type II collagen (Col II) in BMSCs after hypoxia and in BMSCs induced by PRP-loaded PCMs; PCR was used to detect the expression of Runt-associated transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and osteocalcin (OC) in the newly generated bone tissue; micro-CT scanning was applied to measure the bone mineral density and bone volume of the newly generated bone tissue in rats. Results. BMSCs still have the normal potential of proliferation and differentiation after H/R treatment. PCMs can provide a larger surface for the attachment of BMSCs, facilitating cell proliferation. Loaded by PCMs, PRP can be slowly released, effectively stimulating the differentiation of BMSCs. PCM/PRP/BMSC composites increased the expression levels of Runx2 and OC in the newly generated bone in rat tibia defect and the bone mineral density. Moreover, the composites improved the rate of regenerated bone volume. Conclusion. The application of PCM/PRP/BMSC composites is promising in the repair of tibia defects.
Free Vibrations of an Elastically Restrained Euler Beam Resting on a Movable Winkler Foundation
Authors: Zhou Qiang , Wang Tong
Published: June 2019

The traditional theory of beam on elastic foundation implies a hypothesis that the elastic foundation is static with respect to the inertia reference frame, so it may not be applicable when the foundation is movable. A general model is presented for the free vibration of a Euler beam supported on a movable Winkler foundation and with ends elastically restrained by two vertical and two rotational springs. Frequency equations and corresponding mode shapes are analytically derived and numerically solved to study the effects of the movable Winkler foundation as well as elastic restraints on beam’s natural characteristics. Results indicate that if one of the beam ends is not vertically fixed, the effect of the foundation’s movability cannot be neglected and is mainly on the first two modes. As the foundation stiffness increases, the first wave number, sometimes together with the second one, firstly decreases to zero at the critical foundation stiffness and then increases after this point.