bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of drought and heat stress on long‐term carbon fluxes of bioenergy crops grown in the Midwestern USA
Authors: Joo Eva , Hussain Mir Zaman , Zeri Marcelo , Masters Michael D. , Miller Jesse N. , Gomez‐Casanovas Nuria , DeLucia Evan H. , Bernacchi Carl J.
Published: April 2016

Perennial grasses are promising feedstocks for bioenergy production in the Midwestern USA. Few experiments have addressed how drought influences their carbon fluxes and storage. This study provides a direct comparison of ecosystem‐scale measurements of carbon fluxes associated with miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), restored native prairie and maize (Zea mays)/soybean (Glycine max) ecosystems. The main objective of this study was to assess the influence of a naturally occurring drought during 2012 on key components of the carbon cycle and plant development relative to non‐extreme years. The perennials reached full maturity 3–5 years after establishment. Miscanthus had the highest gross primary production (GPP) and lowest net ecosystem exchange (NEE) in 2012 followed by similar values for switchgrass and prairie, and the row crops had the lowest GPP and highest NEE. A post‐drought effect was observed for miscanthus. Over the duration of the experiment, perennial ecosystems were carbon sinks, as indicated by negative net ecosystem carbon balance (NECB), while maize/soybean was a net carbon source. Our observations suggest that perennial ecosystems, and in particular miscanthus, can provide a high yield and a large potential for CO2 fixation even during drought, although drought may negatively influence carbon uptake in the following year, questioning the long‐term consequence of its maintained productivity.
Vulvar Melanoma Associated with Lichen Sclerosus in a Child: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: La Spina Milena , Meli Maria Claudia , De Pasquale Rocco , Perrotta Rosario E. , Lanzafame Salvatore , Caltabiano Rosario , Lo Nigro Luca , Russo Giovanna , Di Cataldo Andrea
Published: April 2016

The authors describe the sixth pediatric case to date of primary vulvar melanoma associated with lichen sclerosus and propose a practical management for such a rare cancer.
Lymphangioma Circumscriptum: Good Clinical Response to Isotretinoin Therapy
Authors: Ayhan Erhan
Published: April 2016

Lymphangioma circumscriptum (LC) is a superficial form of lymphatic malformation that can be difficult to treat. Therapeutic approaches to LC such as laser therapy, sclerotherapy, and surgical excision give varying results. This is the first description of a case of LC successfully treated with oral isotretinoin. Further studies are needed to confirm whether this is a reproducible treatment option.
Pediatric Positional Sitting Dermatitis: A New Form of Pediatric Contact Dermatitis
Authors: Isaacs Michael J. , Strausburg Matthew B. , Mousdicas Nico
Published: April 2016

We report on four pediatric patients who presented with localized dermatitis in areas subject to repetitive friction due to their sitting positions. We propose that the cause of the eruption was irritant contact dermatitis due to frequently sitting in a crossed‐leg sitting position, an entity for which we have coined the term pediatric positional sitting dermatitis (PPSD). The goal of this report is to raise clinicians' awareness of PPSD, which to our knowledge has not been previously described, and to discuss management of these patients.
Higher expression of EpCAM is associated with poor clinical and pathological responses in breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Ohashi Ryuji , Kawahara Kiyoko , Fujii Takenori , Takei Hiroyuki , Naito Zenya
Published: April 2016

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is a standard regimen in treatment of breast cancer patients, but some are resistant to NAC. We hypothesized that breast cancer cells overexpressing epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) could be resistant to NAC, contributing to a poor prognosis. Seventy patients with breast cancer were treated with NAC. Core needle biopsy (CNB) specimens and resected tumors before and after NAC, respectively, were examined for expression of EpCAM. In resected tumors, high EpCAM expression correlated with lymphovascular invasion status and nuclear grade (P = 0.01 and 0.008, respectively), and was associated with poor pathological and clinical responses (P < 0.001). High tumoral EpCAM expression in resected tumor was independently related to a poor pathological response. Patients with high EpCAM expression before and after NAC (high‐to‐high group) showed worse pathological and clinical responses (P = 0.008 and <0.001, respectively) than the patients with high and low EpCAM expression before and after NAC, respectively (high‐to‐low group). The overall survival rate of the high‐to‐high group appeared shorter compared with the high‐to low‐group (P = 0.049). Our findings imply that higher levels of EpCAM in breast cancer may be associated with poor response to NAC via a potential chemoresistant effect.
Ethics in the communicative encounter: seriously ill patients' experiences of health professionals' nonverbal communication
Authors: Timmermann Connie , Uhrenfeldt Lisbeth , Birkelund Regner
Published: April 2016

Background

The communicative encounter has been described as a fundamental element in caring for the patients, and further, in this encounter, the nonverbal body language and the tone of speech are agued to play a crucial role.

Aim

This study explores how seriously ill hospitalised patients experience and assign meaning to the health professionals' communication with special attention to the nonverbal body language and tone of speech. The study is part of a larger study exploring how seriously ill patients experience and assign meaning to the sensory impressions in the physical hospital environment as well as to the health professionals' communication.

Method

The study is based on qualitative interviews supplemented by observations and applies Paul Ricoeur's phenomenological‐hermeneutic theory of interpretation in processing the collected data. We included twelve patients with potentially life‐threatening illnesses such as cancer, severe lung, liver and heart disease.

Findings

Through analysis and interpretation of the interviews, we identified two themes in the text: (i) Being confirmed, (ii) Being ignored and an inconvenience. The patients experienced that the health professionals' nonverbal communication was imperative for their experience of being confirmed or in contrast, their experience of being ignored and an inconvenience.

Conclusion

The health professionals' nonverbal communication proved essential for the seriously ill patients' experience of well‐being in the form of positive thoughts and emotions. Consequently, this sensory dimension of the communicative encounter represents a significant ethical element in caring for the patients.
The Role of Conviction in Personal Disease Risk Perceptions: What Can We Learn From Research on Attitude Strength?
Authors: Taber Jennifer M. , Klein William M. P.
Published: April 2016

Perceived risk for disease is included as a predictor of intentions and behavior in many health behavior theories. However, perceived risk is not always a strong predictor of intentions and behaviors. One reason may be suboptimal conceptualization and measurement of risk perceptions; in particular, research may not capture the conviction and certainty with which a risk perception is held. The rich and independent literature on attitudes might be leveraged to explore whether conviction is an important moderator of the effects of risk perceptions on intentions and behavior. Attitudes are more predictive of intentions when they are high in multiple aspects of attitude strength, including attitude certainty and being more accessible and stable over time. Working from the assumption that risk perceptions have a similar structure and function to attitudes, we consider whether factors known to strengthen the attitude–behavior correspondence might also strengthen the risk perception–behavior correspondence. Although by strict definition risk perceptions are not evaluations (a critical component of attitudes), the predictive validity of risk perceptions may be increased by attention to one's “conviction” or certainty of perceived risk. We also review recent strategies designed to improve risk perception measurement, including affective and experiential assessments of perceived risk and the importance of allowing people to indicate that they “don't know” their disease risk. The aim of this paper is to connect two disparate literatures – attitudes and persuasion in social psychology with risk perceptions in health psychology and decision science – in an attempt to stimulate more work on characteristics and proper measurement of risk perceptions.
Half‐dose ganciclovir preemptive treatment of cytomegalovirus infection after pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Ju H.Y. , Kang H.J. , Hong C.R. , Lee J.W. , Kim H. , Park K.D. , Shin H.Y. , Park J.D. , Choi E.H. , Lee H.J. , Ahn H.S.
Published: April 2016

Background

Ganciclovir (GCV) has been widely used as preemptive therapy after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), although bone marrow suppression is a known accompaniment, with secondary infection or bleeding as potential complications. Our aim was to evaluate clinical outcomes in pediatric patients with low cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigenemia levels using half the dosage of GCV generally given preemptively.

Methods

Patients received half doses of intravenous GCV (5 mg/kg once daily, 6 days/week) at CMV antigenemia levels <10/200,000 cells. At higher levels of CMV antigenemia, conventional doses of GCV (5 mg/kg every 12 h) were administered.

Results

A total of 130 patients were evaluated, detecting CMV antigenemia in 87 (66.9%). Of these patients, 74 (85.1%) were treated preemptively with half‐dose GCV, which proved effective as sole therapy in 51 (68.9%). CMV retinitis developed in 4 patients, 2 of whom initially were given half‐dose GCV. All infections resolved successfully, with no CMV‐related deaths. CMV seropositivity in recipients was the only significant risk factor for positive CMV antigenemia (hazard ratio [HR] = 10.05, P = 0.046). Compared with half‐dose GCV administration, conventional GCV dosing resulted in a higher rate of severe neutropenia, defined as absolute neutrophil count <0.5 × 109/L (HR = 4.30, P = 0.015).

Conclusion

Half‐dose GCV therapy at CMV antigenemia levels <10/200,000 cells is an effective and safe means of preemptively treating pediatric CMV infection after HSCT.
Healthcare costs and outcomes of managing β‐thalassemia major over 50 years in the United Kingdom
Authors: Weidlich Diana , Kefalas Panos , Guest Julian F.
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND

The objective was to estimate the incidence‐based costs of treating β‐thalassemia major (BTM) to the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) over the first 50 years of a patient's life in terms of healthcare resource use and corresponding costs and the associated health outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a modeling study based on information obtained from a systematic review of published literature and clinicians involved in managing BTM in the United Kingdom. A state transition model was constructed depicting the management of BTM over a period of 50 years. The model was used to estimate the incidence‐based health economic impact that BTM imposes on the NHS and patients' health status in terms of the number of quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) over 50 years.

RESULTS

The expected probability of survival at 50 years is 0.63. Of patients who survive, 33% are expected to be without any complication and the other 67% are expected to experience at least one complication. Patients' health status over this period was estimated to be a mean of 11.5 discounted QALYs per patient. Total healthcare expenditure attributable to managing BTM was estimated to be £483,454 ($720,201) at 2013/14 prices over 50 years. The cost of managing BTM could be potentially reduced by up to 37% if one in two patients had a bone marrow transplant, with an ensuing improvement in health‐related quality of life.

CONCLUSION

This analysis provides the best estimate available of NHS resource use and costs with which to inform policy and budgetary decisions pertaining to this rare disease.
Increased expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 correlates with improved outcome in canine cutaneous mast cell tumours
Authors: Pulz L. H. , Barra C. N. , Kleeb S. R. , Xavier J. G. , Catão‐Dias J. L. , Sobral R. A. , Fukumasu H. , Strefezzi R. F.
Published: April 2016

Canine mast cell tumour (MCT) is a biologically heterogeneous disease. The extracellular matrix degradation promoted by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has been studied in an attempt to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the biological behaviour of tumours. The aim of this study was to characterize the expression ofMMP‐2 and ‐9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1 and ‐2 in canine cutaneousMCTsand to evaluate their prognostic values. Immunohistochemical staining forMMP‐2,MMP‐9,TIMP‐2 andTIMP‐1 was performed in 46 canine cases ofMCTs.TIMP‐1 expression showed an independent prognostic value for post‐surgical survival and disease‐related mortality. Dogs withMCTs showing less than 22.9% mast cellTIMP‐1 positivity were more prone to die because of the disease and had a shorter post‐surgical survival. This article suggests the involvement ofTIMP‐1 inMCTprogression, by contributing to a good outcome in patients withMCTs.
Retrospective evaluation of toceranib phosphate (Palladia®) toxicity in cats
Authors: Merrick C. H. , Pierro J. , Schleis S. E. , Sones E. A. , Wright Z. M. , Regan R. C. , Siedlecki C. T. , Bergman P. J.
Published: April 2016

The purpose of this study was to describe the toxicity profile of toceranib phosphate in tumour bearing cats. Medical records were reviewed from seven institutions. Patients with incomplete medical records and those receiving concurrent chemotherapy orNSAIDs(non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory) were excluded. Fifty‐five cats met the inclusion criteria. Carcinoma was diagnosed in 55% of cases. Median oral toceranib dose was 2.7 mg kg−1and was most commonly administered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Thrombocytopenia (16.3%) and neutropenia (9.1%) were the most common haematologic toxicities. Azotemia (14.5%) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations (7.2%) were the most frequently encountered biochemical alterations. Gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity was seen in 21.8% of cats, and was lower than previously reported in dogs. The results of this study showed that treatment of cats with toceranib is well‐tolerated and toxicity is uncommon. Additional studies to define a more structured dosing schedule and to evaluate the efficacy of toceranib in the treatment of feline cancers are needed.
Differential expression of microRNAs in bovine papillomavirus type 1 transformed equine cells
Authors: Terron‐Canedo N. , Weir W. , Nicolson L. , Britton C. , Nasir L.
Published: April 2016

Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) types 1 and 2 play an important role in the pathogenesis of equine sarcoids (ES), the most common cutaneous tumour affecting horses. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non‐coding RNAs that regulate essential biological and cellular processes, have been found dysregulated in a wide range of tumours. The aim of this study was to identify miRNAs associated with ES. Differential expression of miRNAs was assessed in control equine fibroblasts (EqPalFs) and EqPalFs transformed with the BPV‐1 genome (S6‐2 cells). Using a commercially available miRNA microarray, 492 mature miRNAs were interrogated. In total, 206 mature miRNAs were differentially expressed in EqPalFs compared with S6‐2 cells. Aberrant expression of these miRNAs in S6‐2 cells can be attributed to the presence of BPV‐1 genomes. Furthermore, we confirm the presence of 124 miRNAs previously computationally predicted in the horse. Our data supports the involvement of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of ES.
Determination of liver and muscle aflatoxin B1 residues and select serum chemistry variables during chronic aflatoxicosis in broiler chickens
Authors: Hussain Zahid , Rehman Habib‐ur‐ , Manzoor Sohail , Tahir Shahida , Mukhtar Muhammad
Published: April 2016

Background

Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites of the fungus Aspergillus sp. The presence of aflatoxin in poultry feeds results in direct toxicity and economic losses, and human health hazards after consumption of contaminated liver and meat.

Objectives

The study was conducted to assess tissue residues of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), and alterations in select clinical chemistry variables in serum during chronic aflatoxicosis in broiler chicks fed different dietary levels of AFB1.

Materials and Methods

Six groups of broiler chickens were fed diets containing between 0 and 800 ppb of AFB1 for 28 days. Groups of birds were terminated on days 0, 5, 13, 15, 20, and 28, and AFB1 levels were determined by HPLC in liver and muscle. Serum activities of ALT and ALP, and total protein and albumin concentrations were determined.

Results

No AFB1 residues were detected in liver after 50 ppb AFB1, and muscle after 50 and 100 ppb AFB1 feeding. Residues above the permissible threshold (> 2.0 ng/g) were only detected in liver tissues of groups fed 400 ppb and 800 ppb AFB1 in feed. The ALT and ALP activities in treated groups were significantly higher, and total protein and albumin concentrations were significantly lower in all treated groups compared to controls.

Conclusions

Continuous feeding of AFB1 to broiler chicken at levels of 50 and 100 ppb for 28 days did not reveal measurable AFB1 residues in muscle tissues. Serum values of ALT, ALP, total protein, and albumin may serve as markers for chronic aflatoxicosis in affected poultry.
Perineural Injection of the Ethmoidal Nerve of Horses
Authors: Caruso Michael , Schumacher Jim , Henry Robert
Published: April 2016

Objective

To describe the anatomical location of the ethmoidal nerve in the equine periorbital region and to determine the accuracy of a technique used to deposit local anesthetic solution adjacent to the nerve.

Study Design

Prospective experimental study.

Animals

Adult equine cadaver heads (n=6 for preliminary dissection; n=15 [30 nerve sites] for evaluation of injection technique).

Methods

Preliminary dissections were performed to identify landmarks for injection of local anesthetic adjacent to the ethmoidal nerve. For evaluation of the injection technique a 20 gauge 6 cm spinal needle was inserted into the rostromedial aspect of the supraorbital fossa, where the caudal aspect of the zygomatic process emerges from the frontal bone caudal and medial to the globe. The needle was inserted to its hub at an angle of 110° to the long axis of the head using a protractor, in both a sagittal plane and a transverse plane, and 0.5 mL of new methylene blue dye was injected as a marker. The ethmoidal nerve was identified by dissection immediately after each injection and inspected for proximity of the dye.

Results

Dye was observed surrounding the nerve in 27 of 30 sites (90%) or lying within 5 mm of the nerve at the other 3 sites.

Conclusion

The described technique of perineural injection of the ethmoidal nerve proved reliable and simple. Anesthetizing the ethmoidal nerve may be helpful in desensitizing portions of the ipsilateral paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity innervated by the nerve when sinonasal surgery is performed in the standing horse.
Owner Evaluation of a CORA‐Based Leveling Osteotomy for Treatment of Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injury in Dogs
Authors: Kishi Erin N. , Hulse Don
Published: April 2016

Objective

To evaluate a center of rotation of angulation (CORA)‐based leveling osteotomy for cranial cruciate ligament injury in dogs.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Dogs (n=70).

Methods

Medical records (March 2011 to March 2012) of dogs diagnosed with a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury treated with a CORA‐based leveling osteotomy and stabilized using a bone plate and headless compression screw were reviewed. Radiographs were reviewed for tibial plateau angle and radiographic healing at final evaluation graded on a 5‐point scale. Follow‐up for a minimum of 6 months postoperatively was conducted by owner completion of a questionnaire regarding their dog's function after surgery. Based on owner responses, clinical outcomes were established.

Results

CORA‐based leveling osteotomy was used for 70 stifles with CCL injury. The mean time to final radiographic recheck was 107 days (range, 32–424 days). Radiographic healing scores were 42 dogs (69%) with grade 4, 17 dogs (28%) with grade 3, and 2 dogs (3%) with grade 2. The mean time to follow‐up was 11.9 months (range 6–18 months). Fifty‐four of the 70 (77%) dogs had full function, 13 (19%) had acceptable function, and 3 (4%) had unacceptable function. Complications occurred in 11 stifles (16%), including 3 incisional, 6 late‐onset meniscal tears, and 2 implant related.

Conclusion

The described method of a CORA‐based leveling osteotomy can be successfully performed for treatment of CCL injury in dogs. At the time of mid‐term and long‐term owner follow‐up, most dogs in this case series had returned to full function.
Evaluating Industrial Products in an Innovative Visual-Olfactory Environment
Authors: Bordegoni Monica , Carulli Marina
Published: April 2016

The sense of smell has a great importance in our daily life. Recently, smells have been used for marketing purposes for improving the people's mood and for communicating information about products as household cleaners and food. However, the scent design discipline can be used for creating a “scent identity” of these products not traditionally associated to a specific smell, in order to communicate their features to customers. In the area of virtual reality (VR), several researches concerned the integration of smells in virtual environments. The research questions addressed in this paper concern if virtual prototypes (VP), including smell simulation, can be used for evaluating products as effectively as studies performed in real environments, and also if smells can enhance the users' sense of presence in virtual environments. For this purpose, a VR experimental framework including a prototype of a wearable olfactory display (wOD) has been set up, and experimental tests have been carried out.
Design Optimization for Sustainable Products Under Users' Preference Changes
Authors: Afshari Hamid , Peng Qingjin , Gu Peihua
Published: April 2016

Decisions made in the early design phase enormously contribute to the performance of a product during its life cycle. Since users' preferences may change over time, a product design should be revised under the preference change. Providing accurate data for designers ensures an optimal decision for product design; this research presents a new method to assess effects of the quantified changes on product cost and development time. In addition, two models to optimize design under unexpected disturbances are proposed. Normally, optimal parameters require several search iterations in design process before finalizing a product. The design time in terms of number of iterations can be reduced by adding resources in each iteration using modern control engineering methods. However, adding resources will increase the design cost. The proposed method in this research minimizes the total product design cost and environmental impacts under changes of users' preferences. The method is validated using an example of the smartphone design. The research novelty is a method of applying quantified changes of external disturbances (such as changes in users' preferences) in the design process, addressing a real problem in industry, and proposing optimal models of products for reduced cost and environmental impacts.
Tolerance-Maps for Line-Profiles Formed by Intersecting Kinematically Transformed Primitive Tolerance-Map Elements
Authors: He Y. , Davidson J. K. , Kalish N. J. , Shah Jami J.
Published: April 2016

For the purposes of automating the assignment of tolerances during design, a math model, called the Tolerance-Map (T-Map), has been produced for most of the tolerance classes that are used by designers. Each T-Map is a hypothetical point-space that represents the geometric variations of a feature in its tolerance-zone. Of the six tolerance classes defined in the ASME/ANSI/ISO Standards, profile tolerances have received the least attention for representation in computer models. The objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive treatment of T-Map construction for any line-profile by using primitive T-Map elements and their Boolean intersection. The method requires (a) decomposing a profile into segments, each of constant curvature; (b) creating a solid-model T-Map primitive for each in a common global reference frame; and (c) combining these by Boolean intersection to generate the T-Map for a complete line-profile of any shape. Freeform portions of a profile are modeled as a series of closely spaced points and subsequent formation of short circular arc-segments, each formed from the circle that osculates to three adjacent points.
Evaluation of Mechanical Behavior and Microstructural Characteristics of Photocatalytic Concretes to Be Used as Pavement Blocks
Authors: Staub de Melo João Victor , Trichês Glicério
Published: April 2016

This paper reports the results obtained in a study on the effect of the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles on the mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics of photocatalytic concretes. In the hardened state, tests to determine the compressive strength and modulus of elasticity were carried out. Also, microstructural aspects of the samples were investigated. In the fresh state, the influence of the addition of TiO2 on the concrete compaction and conduction calorimetry curves was evaluated. The results obtained indicated a better mechanical and microstructural behavior of concrete with addition of TiO2.
Global Optimization Under Uncertainty and Uncertainty Quantification Applied to Tractor-Trailer Base Flaps
Authors: Freeman Jacob A. , Roy Christopher J.
Published: April 2016

Using a global optimization evolutionary algorithm (EA), propagating aleatory and epistemic uncertainty within the optimization loop, and using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), this study determines a design for a 3D tractor-trailer base (back-end) drag reduction device that reduces the wind-averaged drag coefficient by 41% at 57 mph (92 km/h). Because it is optimized under uncertainty, this design is relatively insensitive to uncertain wind speed and direction and uncertain deflection angles due to mounting accuracy and static aeroelastic loading. The model includes five design variables with generous constraints, and this study additionally includes the uncertain effects on drag prediction due to truck speed and elevation, steady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) approximation, and numerical approximation. This study uses the Design Analysis Kit for Optimization and Terascale Applications (DAKOTA) optimization and uncertainty quantification (UQ) framework to interface the RANS flow solver, grid generator, and optimization algorithm. The computational model is a simplified full-scale tractor-trailer with flow at highway speed. For the optimized design, the estimate of total predictive uncertainty is +15/−42%; 8–10% of this uncertainty comes from model form (computation versus experiment); 3–7% from model input (wind speed and direction, flap angle, and truck speed); and +0.0/−28.5% from numerical approximation (due to the relatively coarse, 6 × 106 cell grid). Relative comparison of designs to the no-flaps baseline should have considerably less uncertainty because numerical error and input variation are nearly eliminated and model form differences are reduced. The total predictive uncertainty is also presented in the form of a probability box, which may be used to decide how to improve the model and reduce uncertainty.
Influence of Data Scattering on Estimation of 100,000 hrs Creep Rupture Strength of Alloy 617 at 700 °C by Larson–Miller Method
Authors: Abe Fujio , Tabuchi M. , Hayakawa M.
Published: April 2016

The 100,000 hrs creep rupture strength of Alloy 617 at 700 °C is estimated by Larson–Miller method using the rupture data of longer duration than 500 hrs in the temperature range between 593 and 816 °C, corresponding to 700 ± 100 °C. The maximum time to rupture was 40,126.7 hrs. The rupture data exhibit large scattering, especially at 760 °C. After eliminating the shorter time to rupture data at 760 °C, the regression analysis gives us the Larson–Miller constant C = 12.70 and the 100,000 hrs creep rupture strength of 100 MPa at 700 °C, by Swindeman program. The present regression analysis underestimates the constant C and 100,000 hrs creep rupture strength. The linear extrapolation of log tr versus reciprocal temperature 1/T plots to 1/T = 0 gives us an average C value of Cav = 18.5, which is much larger than the constant C of 12.70 obtained by the Swindeman program. It is concluded that the origin of underestimation of the constant C and corresponding 100,000 hrs creep rupture strength is large data scattering. Using an appropriate constant C of 18.45, the 100,000 hrs creep rupture strength at 700 °C is estimated to be 123 MPa. Using the rupture data including the shorter time to rupture data at 760 °C and using C = 18.45, the 100,000 hrs creep rupture strength at 700 °C is estimated to be 116 MPa.
Determination of the Pressure Field Using Three-Dimensional, Volumetric Velocity Measurements
Authors: Pan Hansheng , Williams Sheila H. , Krueger Paul S.
Published: April 2016

Methods to determine the pressure field of vortical flow from three-dimensional (3D) volumetric velocity measurements (e.g., from a TSI V3VTM system) are discussed. The boundary pressure was determined where necessary using the unsteady Bernoulli equation for both line integration and pressure Poisson equation methods. Error analysis using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) data was conducted to investigate the effects of spatial resolution, temporal resolution, and velocity error levels. The line integration method was more sensitive to temporal resolution, while the pressure Poisson equation method was more sensitive to boundary flow conditions. The latter was generally more suitable for V3VTM velocity measurements.
Looping Dynamic Characteristics of a Pump-Turbine in the S-shaped Region During Runaway
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxi , Cheng Yongguang , Xia Linsheng , Yang Jiandong , Qian Zhongdong
Published: April 2016

During transients, hydroturbines may demonstrate some dynamic characteristics that differ from the corresponding static characteristics in steady operating conditions. To study the dynamic characteristics of a pump-turbine, we simulated the runaway transients in a model pumped-storage plant by coupling one-dimensional (1D) water conveyance system and three-dimensional (3D) pump-turbine. The results show that the runaway dynamic trajectories form loops in the S-shaped region in the unit discharge and unit torque charts of the pump-turbine, not following the corresponding static characteristics. Theoretical analysis and flow patterns comparisons illustrate that the looping trajectories are mainly caused by the successive features of transient flow patterns, namely, the transient flows in the pump-turbine are influenced by their previous status. These features induce different performances between similar dynamic operating points in different moving directions. Furthermore, through comparing the transient parameters calculated by the dynamic and static characteristics separately, we found that both methods are available to capture the unstable behaviors of the pump-turbine, but the dynamic method displays more accurate results when simulating the critical transient parameters. Therefore, in practical engineering applications, we suggest to use the static characteristics method for stability analysis while dynamic characteristics method for transient parameters, which is important for optimizing the layout of water conveyance systems.
Characteristics of Boundary-Layer Transition and Reynolds-Number Sensitivity of Three-Dimensional Wings of Varying Complexity Operating in Ground Effect
Authors: Roberts Luke S. , Finnis Mark V. , Knowles Kevin
Published: April 2016

The influence of Reynolds number on the aerodynamic characteristics of various wing geometries was investigated through wind-tunnel experimentation. The test models represented racing car front wings of varying complexity: from a simple single-element wing to a highly complex 2009-specification formula-one wing. The aim was to investigate the influence of boundary-layer transition and Reynolds-number dependency of each wing configuration. The single-element wing showed significant Reynolds-number dependency, with up to 320% and 35% difference in downforce and drag, respectively, for a chordwise Reynolds number difference of 0.81 × 105. Across the same test range, the multi-element configuration of the same wing and the F1 wing displayed less than 6% difference in downforce and drag. Surface-flow visualization conducted at various Reynolds numbers and ground clearances showed that the separation bubble that forms on the suction surface of the wing changes in both size and location. As Reynolds number decreased, the bubble moved upstream and increased in size, while reducing ground clearance caused the bubble to move upstream and decrease in size. The fundamental characteristics of boundary layer transition on the front wing of a monoposto racing car have been established.
New sample preparation method using room-temperature direct bonding in backside SIMS analysis
Authors: Akahori Seishi , Suda Taichi , Suzuki Ryu , Sameshima Junichiro , Yoshikawa Masanobu
Published: April 2016

Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) is one of the tools to investigate the dopant or impurity profiles of the semiconductor materials. In particular, the backside SIMS is a useful technique to examine the diffusion of dopant at the surface while minimizing knock-on effect. However, it is very difficult to prevent insulating samples from charging when O2+ source is used for positive secondary ion detection in magnetic sector SIMS. In order to overcome the problem, the authors have employed a new sample preparation method using a room-temperature direct bonding (RTDB). The authors investigated the depth profiling of insulating samples, which were stacked on a dielectric silicon dioxide films with silicon wafer as a magnetic sector SIMS instrument. The samples treated with and without RTDB were compared, and the results show that the depth profiles of RTDB-treated sample could be obtained no sign of charge-up in the backside SIMS analysis.
The Secreted Protein Rv1860 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Stimulates Human Polyfunctional CD8+T Cells
Authors: Satchidanandam Vijaya , Kumar Naveen , Biswas Sunetra , Jumani Rajiv S. , Jain Chandni , Rani Rajni , Aggarwal Bharti , Singh Jaya , Kotnur Mohan Rao , Sridharan Anand
Published: April 2016

We previously reported that Rv1860 protein fromMycobacterium tuberculosisstimulated CD4+and CD8+T cells secreting gamma interferon (IFN-γ) in healthy purified protein derivative (PPD)-positive individuals and protected guinea pigs immunized with a DNA vaccine and a recombinant poxvirus expressing Rv1860 from a challenge with virulentM. tuberculosis. We now show Rv1860-specific polyfunctional T (PFT) cell responses in the blood of healthy latentlyM. tuberculosis-infected individuals dominated by CD8+T cells, using a panel of 32 overlapping peptides spanning the length of Rv1860. Multiple subsets of CD8+PFT cells were significantly more numerous in healthy latently infected volunteers (HV) than in tuberculosis (TB) patients (PAT). The responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from PAT to the peptides of Rv1860 were dominated by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) secretions, the former coming predominantly from non-T cell sources. Notably, the pattern of the T cell response to Rv1860 was distinctly different from those of the widely studiedM. tuberculosisantigens ESAT-6, CFP-10, Ag85A, and Ag85B, which elicited CD4+T cell-dominated responses as previously reported in other cohorts. We further identified a peptide spanning amino acids 21 to 39 of the Rv1860 protein with the potential to distinguish latent TB infection from disease due to its ability to stimulate differential cytokine signatures in HV and PAT. We suggest that a TB vaccine carrying these and other CD8+T-cell-stimulating antigens has the potential to prevent progression of latentM. tuberculosisinfection to TB disease.
Primary malignant mesothelioma of the spermatic cord
Authors: Ahmed Zeeshan , Singh Suresh , Mangal Akshay , Mittal Alka
Published: April 2016

Primary spermatic cord malignant mesothelioma is an extremely rare tumour with only 12 cases reported so far. It is an aggressive tumour with a high recurrence rate. A 45-year-old man presented with a slow growing right inguinal swelling for the past 1 year. Physical examination revealed a well-circumscribed, hard, non-reducible swelling palpable along the medial extent of the inguinal canal with no cough impulse. Fine-needle aspiration cytology suggested metastatic carcinoma. Contrast-enhanced CT of the thorax and abdomen did not reveal any primary. Right high inguinal orchidectomy was performed at another institution. Postoperative histopathological examination (HPE) and immunohistochemistry suggested biphasic malignant mesothelioma with resected margin positive. The patient was referred to us for revision surgery and adjuvant therapy. Postoperative course was uneventful. Currently, he is undergoing radiotherapy.

Surgery is the first-line treatment. Patients should receive adjuvant radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy and long-term follow-up surveillance.
Carbimazole-induced exudative pleural effusions
Authors: Cardona Attard Carol D , Gruppetta Mark , Vassallo Josanne , Vella Sandro
Published: April 2016

Carbimazole, an antithyroid drug, is associated with a significant number of side effects, but pleuropulmonary complications are rare. We report the case of a 42-year-old Caucasian man who developed dyspnoea secondary to bilateral exudative pleural effusions while on carbimazole therapy. Extensive investigations, including a vasculitic screen, ruled out other potential causes for this patient's clinical presentation. This patient's pleural effusions gradually resolved within a few months of stopping carbimazole therapy, suggesting a role for the latter in the aetiopathogenesis of his presentation. Clinicians should consider discontinuing treatment with carbimazole and introducing alternative antithyroid therapy in this setting, once other potential causes of a pleural effusion have been systematically ruled out.
Violence Against Children Surveys (VACS): towards a global surveillance system
Authors: Chiang Laura F , Kress Howard , Sumner Steven A , Gleckel Jessie , Kawemama Philbert , Gordon Rebecca N
Published: April 2016

Objective

To describe the Violence Against Children Surveys (VACS). The survey is a national, household survey that systematically measures the prevalence, nature and consequences of sexual, physical and emotional violence against children.

Design

This report provides information about the history, implementation, ethical protections, utility, results, limitations, and future directions of the VACS work.

Results

The study has been implemented in 11 countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, providing each of these countries with baseline data and momentum to address violence against children as a public health and human rights priority. These data are novel in each country, and VACS is well poised to contribute to an existing surveillance system or be used as the basis of a periodic surveillance system.

Conclusions

Without ongoing surveillance to assess prevalence and the impact of policy, prevention and response programming, violence will likely continue to be overlooked as the linchpin public health crisis that it is, globally and in individual countries.
Use of syndromic surveillance data to monitor poisonings and drug overdoses in state and local public health agencies
Authors: Ising Amy , Proescholdbell Scott , Harmon Katherine J , Sachdeva Nidhi , Marshall Stephen W , Waller Anna E
Published: April 2016

Background

The incidence of poisoning and drug overdose has risen rapidly in the USA over the last 16 years. To inform local intervention approaches, local health departments (LHDs) in North Carolina (NC) are using a statewide syndromic surveillance system that provides timely, local emergency department (ED) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) data on medication and drug overdoses.

Objective

The purpose of this article is to describe the development and use of a variety of case definitions for poisoning and overdose implemented in NC's syndromic surveillance system and the impact of the system on local surveillance initiatives.

Design, setting, participants

Thirteen new poisoning and overdose-related case definitions were added to NC's syndromic surveillance system and LHDs were trained on their use for surveillance purposes. Twenty-one LHDs were surveyed on the utility and impact of these new case definitions.

Results/Conclusions

Ninety-one per cent of survey respondents (n = 29) agreed or strongly agreed that their ability to access timely ED data was vital to inform community-level overdose prevention work. Providing LHDs with access to local, timely data to identify pockets of need and engage stakeholders facilitates the practice of informed injury prevention and contributes to the reduction of injury incidence in their communities.
Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid increase the degradation of amyloid-β by affecting insulin-degrading enzyme
Authors: Grimm Marcus O.W. , Mett Janine , Stahlmann Christoph P. , Haupenthal Viola J. , Blümel Tamara , Stötzel Hannah , Grimm Heike S. , Hartmann Tobias
Published: April 2016

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been proposed to be highly beneficial in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD pathology is closely linked to an overproduction and accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides as extracellular senile plaques in the brain. Total Aβ levels are not only dependent on its production by proteolytic processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), but also on Aβ-clearance mechanisms, including Aβ-degrading enzymes. Here we show that the omega-3 PUFAs eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) increase Aβ-degradation by affecting insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE), the major Aβ-degrading enzyme secreted into the extracellular space of neuronal and microglial cells. The identification of the molecular mechanisms revealed that EPA directly increases IDE enzyme activity and elevates gene expression of IDE. DHA also directly stimulates IDE enzyme activity and affects IDE sorting by increasing exosome release of IDE, resulting in enhanced Aβ-degradation in the extracellular milieu. Apart from the known positive effect of DHA in reducing Aβ production, EPA and DHA might ameliorate AD pathology by increasing Aβ turnover.
Natural convection in a triangular cavity filled with a nanofluid-saturated porous medium using three heat equation model
Authors: Sabour Mahmoud , Ghalambaz Mohammad
Published: April 2016

The present study aims to examine the local thermal non-equilibrium natural convection heat and mass transfer of nanofluids in a triangular enclosure filled with a porous medium. The effect of the presence of nanoparticles and the thermal interaction between phases on the flow, temperature distribution of phases, the concentration distribution of nanoparticles as well as the Nusselt number of phases is theoretically studied. The interaction between the phases of nanoparticles and the base is taken into account by using a three thermal energy equation model while the concentration distribution of nanoparticles is modeled by Buongiorno’s model. A hot flush element is mounted at the vertical wall of the triangle enclosure to provide a constant temperature of Th while the inclined wall is at a constant temperature of Tc. A three heat equation model by considering the local thermal non-equilibrium model of nanoparticles, the porous medium, and the base fluid is developed and utilized for natural convection of nanofluids in an enclosure. The drift-flux of nanoparticles due to the nano-scale effects of thermophoresis and Brownian motion effects is addressed. The governing equations are represented in a non-dimensional form and solved by employing the finite element method. The results indicate that the increase of Rayleigh number shows a significant increase in the average Nusselt number for the base fluid phase, a less significant increase in the average Nusselt number for the solid matrix phase, and almost an insignificant effect in the average Nusselt number of the nanoparticle phase. Increasing the buoyancy ratio parameter (the ratio of mass transfer buoyancy forces to the thermal buoyancy forces) tends to reduce and increase the average Nusselt number in fluid and porous phases, respectively. An optimum value of buoyancy ratio parameter for the average Nusselt number of the nanoparticle phase is observed.
K to L shell vacancy transfer probabilities and Auger electron emission ratios for elements in the atomic range 30 ≤ Z ≤ 58
Authors: Akman Ferdi
Published: April 2016

The K to L shell vacancy transfer probabilities for some elements in the atomic range 30 ≤ Z ≤ 58 were determined using the semi-empirical values of K shell fluorescence yield and the experimental values of Kβ/Kα X-ray intensity ratio. Furthermore, the KLX/KLL and KXY/KLL Auger electrons emission ratios for the same elements were obtained using the experimental values of Kβ/Kα X-ray intensity ratio. The experiments were performed using a 241Am annular radioisotope source and a high-resolution Si(Li) semiconductor detector. The experimental values of K to L shell vacancy transfer probabilities, and KLX/KLL and KXY/KLL Auger electrons emission ratios were compared with the fitted, theoretical, semi-empirical, and other available experimental values. To the best knowledge of the author, the KLX/KLL and KXY/KLL Auger electrons emission ratios of ruthenium, palladium, and tellurium have been obtained for the first time in the present work.
The Fourier–Stieltjes algebra of a C*-dynamical system
Authors: Bédos Erik , Conti Roberto
Published: April 2016

In analogy with the Fourier–Stieltjes algebra of a group, we associate to a unital discrete twisted [Formula: see text]-dynamical system a Banach algebra whose elements are coefficients of equivariant representations of the system. Building upon our previous work, we show that this Fourier–Stieltjes algebra embeds continuously in the Banach algebra of completely bounded multipliers of the (reduced or full) [Formula: see text]-crossed product of the system. We introduce a notion of positive definiteness and prove a Gelfand–Raikov type theorem allowing us to describe the Fourier–Stieltjes algebra of a system in a more intrinsic way. We also propose a definition of amenability for [Formula: see text]-dynamical systems and show that it implies regularity. After a study of some natural commutative subalgebras, we end with a characterization of the Fourier–Stieltjes algebra involving [Formula: see text]-correspondences over the (reduced or full) [Formula: see text]-crossed product.
On a class of locally projectively flat Finsler metrics
Authors: Li Benling , Shen Zhongmin
Published: April 2016

Locally projectively flat Finsler metrics compose an important group of metrics in Finsler geometry. The characterization of these metrics is the regular case of the Hilbert’s Fourth Problem. In this paper, we study a class of Finsler metrics composed by a Riemann metric [Formula: see text] and a [Formula: see text]-form [Formula: see text] called general ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text])-metrics. We classify those locally projectively flat when [Formula: see text] is projectively flat. By solving the corresponding nonlinear PDEs, the metrics in this class are totally determined. Then a new group of locally projectively flat Finsler metrics is found.