bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extensively hydrolyzed casein formula alone or with L. rhamnosus GG reduces β‐lactoglobulin sensitization in mice
Authors: Aitoro Rosita , Simeoli Raffaele , Amoroso Antonio , Paparo Lorella , Nocerino Rita , Pirozzi Claudio , di Costanzo Margherita , Meli Rosaria , De Caro Carmen , Picariello Gianluca , Mamone Gianfranco , Calignano Antonio , Nagler Cathryn R. , Berni Canani Roberto
Published: December 2016

Background

Extensively hydrolyzed casein formula (EHCF) has been proposed for the prevention and is commonly used for the treatment of cow's milk allergy (CMA). The addition of the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) to EHCF may induce faster acquisition of tolerance to cow's milk. The mechanisms underlying this effect are largely unexplored. We investigated the effects of EHCF alone or in combination with LGG on β‐lactoglobulin (BLG) sensitization in mice.

Methods

Three‐week‐old C3H/HeOuJ mice were sensitized by oral administration of BLG using cholera toxin as adjuvant at weekly intervals for 5 weeks (sensitization period). Two experimental phases were conducted: (i) EHCF or EHCF+LGG given daily, starting 2 weeks before the sensitization period and then given daily for 5 weeks and (ii) EHCF or EHCF+LGG given daily for 4 weeks, starting 1 week after the sensitization period. Diet free of cow's milk protein was used as control. Acute allergic skin response, anaphylactic symptom score, body temperature, intestinal permeability, anti‐BLG serum IgE, and interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10, IL‐13, IFN‐γ mRNA expression were analyzed. Peptide fractions of EHCF were characterized by reversed‐phase (RP)‐HPLC, MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry, and nano‐HPLC/ESI‐MS/MS.

Results

Extensively hydrolyzed casein formula administration before or after BLG‐induced sensitization significantly reduced acute allergic skin reaction, anaphylactic symptom score, body temperature decrease, intestinal permeability increase, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, and anti‐BLG IgE production. EHCF increased expression of IFN‐γ and IL‐10. Many of these effects were significantly enhanced by LGG supplementation. The peptide panels were similar between the two study formulas and contained sequences that could have immunoregulatory activities.

Conclusions

The data support dietary intervention with EHCF for CMA prevention and treatment through a favorable immunomodulatory action. The observed effects are significantly enhanced by LGG supplementation.
Nationwide Survey of Stevens–Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis in Children in the United States
Authors: Okubo Yusuke , Nochioka Kotaro , Testa Marcia A.
Published: December 2016

Although Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are serious, life‐threatening reactions to drug therapies, no efforts have been made to investigate the comprehensive change in epidemiology with respect to age, sex, and race and ethnicity in children. The risk of death was 0.3% to 1.5%, and the highest hospitalization rates were in children 15 to 19 years of age, boys, and black children. The highest proportions of hospitalizations were children with very low household income, those with private insurance, and those treated at large urban teaching hospitals in the West. A significant winter–autumn predominance was observed.
Kinetic Isotope Effects and Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange Reveal Large Conformational Changes During the Catalysis of the Clostridium acetobutylicum Spore Photoproduct Lyase
Authors: Yang Linlin , Adhikari Jagat , Gross Michael L. , Li Lei
Published: December 2016

Spore photoproduct lyase (SPL) catalyzes the direct reversal of a thymine dimer 5‐thyminyl‐5,6‐dihydrothymine (i.e. the spore photoproduct (SP)) to two thymine residues in germinating endospores. Previous studies suggest that SPL from the bacterium Bacillus subtilis (Bs) harbors an unprecedented radical‐transfer pathway starting with cysteine 141 proceeding through tyrosine 99. However, in SPL from the bacterium Clostridium acetobutylicum (Ca), the cysteine (at position 74) and the tyrosine are located on the opposite sides of a substrate‐binding pocket that has to collapse to bring the two residues into proximity, enabling the C→Y radical passage as implied in SPL(Bs). To test this hypothesis, we adopted hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX‐MS) to show that C74(Ca) is located at a highly flexible region. The repair of dinucleotide SP TpT by SPL(Ca) is eight‐fold to 10‐fold slower than that by SPL(Bs); the process also generates a large portion of the aborted product TpTSO2−. SPL(Ca) exhibits apparent (DV) kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) of ~6 and abnormally large competitive (DV/K) KIEs (~20), both of which are much larger than the KIEs observed for SPL(Bs). All these observations indicate that SPL(Ca) possesses a flexible active site and readily undergoes conformational changes during catalysis.
On the benefits of living in clumps: a case study on Polytrichastrum formosum
Authors: Zajączkowska U. , Grabowska K. , Kokot G. , Kruk M.
Published: December 2016

The study concerns the mechanics and water relationships of clumps of a species of endohydric moss, Polytrichastrum formosum.

Anatomical and morphological studies were done using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Experiments on waterdrop capture and their distribution to adjacent shoots within a moss clump were performed with the experimental set‐up for the droplet collision phenomena and ultra‐high speed camera. The mechanical strength of the moss clump was tested on an electromechanical testing machine.

During the process of moss clump wetting, the falling water drops were captured by the apical stem part or leaves, then flowed down while adhering to the gametophore and never lost their surface continuity. In places of contact with another leaf, the water drop stops there and joins the leaves, enabling their hydration. Mathematical analysis of anatomical images showed that moss stems have different zones with varying cell lumen and cell wall/cell radius ratios, suggesting the occurrence of a periodic component structure. Our study provides evidence that the reaction of mosses to mechanical forces depends on the size of the clump, and that small groups are clearly stronger than larger groups.

The clump structure of mosses acts as a net for falling rain droplets. Clumps of Polytrichastrum having overlapping leaves, at the time of loading formed a structure similar to a lattice. The observed reaction of mosses to mechanical forces indicates that this phenomenon appears to be analogous to the ‘size effect on structural strength’ that is of great importance for various fields of engineering.
Beyond counting stillbirths to understanding their determinants in low‐ and middle‐income countries: a systematic assessment of stillbirth data availability in household surveys
Authors: Christou Aliki , Dibley Michael J. , Raynes‐Greenow Camille
Published: December 2016

Objective

To systematically map data availability for stillbirths from all countries with Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) surveys to outline the limitations and challenges with using the data for understanding the determinants and causes of stillbirths, and for cross‐country comparisons.

Methods

We assessed data sources from the DHS programme website, including published DHS reports and their associated questionnaires for surveys completed between 2005 and 2015.

Results

Between 2005 and 2015, the DHS programme completed 114 surveys across 70 low‐ and middle‐income countries. Ninety‐eight (86.0%) surveys from 66 countries collected stillbirth data adequately to calculate a stillbirth rate, while 16 surveys from 12 countries did not. The method used to count stillbirths varied; 96 (84.2%) surveys used a live birth history with a reproductive calendar, while 16 (14.0%) surveys from 12 countries did a full pregnancy history. Based on assessment of questionnaires, antenatal and delivery care information for stillbirths was only available in 15 surveys (13.2%) from 12 countries (17.1%). Data on maternal conditions/complications were captured in 17 surveys (16.0%), but only in six could these be linked to stillbirths. Data on other recognised risk factors were scarce, varying considerably across surveys. Upon further examination of data sets from surveys with maternity care data on non‐live births, we found incomplete capture of these data; only two surveys had adequately and completely collected these for stillbirths.

Conclusion

Substantial variation exists in DHS surveys in the measurement of stillbirths, with limited scope to examine risk factors or causes. Without immediate improvements, our understanding of country‐specific trends and determinants for stillbirths will remain hampered, limiting the development and prioritisation of programmatic interventions to prevent these deaths.
Paediatric HUS Cases Related to the Consumption of Raw Milk Sold by Vending Machines in Italy: Quantitative Risk Assessment Based on Escherichia coli O157 Official Controls over 7 years
Authors: Giacometti F. , Bonilauri P. , Piva S. , Scavia G. , Amatiste S. , Bianchi D. M. , Losio M. N. , Bilei S. , Cascone G. , Comin D. , Daminelli P. , Decastelli L. , Merialdi G. , Mioni R. , Peli A. , Petruzzelli A. , Tonucci F. , Liuzzo G. , Serraino A.
Published: December 2016

A quantitative risk assessment (RA) was developed to estimate haemolytic‐uremic syndrome (HUS) cases in paediatric population associated with the consumption of raw milk sold in vending machines in Italy. The historical national evolution of raw milk consumption phenomenon since 2008, when consumer interest started to grow, and after 7 years of marketing adjustment, is outlined. Exposure assessment was based on the official Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 (STEC) microbiological records of raw milk samples from vending machines monitored by the regional Veterinary Authorities from 2008 to 2014, microbial growth during storage, consumption frequency of raw milk, serving size, consumption preference and age of consumers. The differential risk considered milk handled under regulation conditions (4°C throughout all phases) and the worst time–temperature field handling conditions detected. In case of boiling milk before consumption, we assumed that the risk of HUS is fixed at zero. The model estimates clearly show that the public health significance of HUS cases due to raw milk STEC contamination depends on the current variability surrounding the risk profile of the food and the consumer behaviour has more impact than milk storage scenario. The estimated HUS cases predicted by our model are roughly in line with the effective STEC O157‐associated HUS cases notified in Italy only when the proportion of consumers not boiling milk before consumption is assumed to be 1%. Raw milk consumption remains a source of E. coli O157:H7 for humans, but its overall relevance is likely to have subsided and significant caution should be exerted for temporal, geographical and consumers behaviour analysis. Health education programmes and regulatory actions are required to educate people, primarily children, on other STEC sources.
Development of Technologies and Safety Systems for Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors in India
Authors: Banerjee S. , Gupta H. P.
Published: December 2016

The technology of pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs) which was developed with prime objectives of using natural uranium fuel, implementing on power fuelling, utilizing mined uranium most effectively, and achieving excellent neutron economy has demonstrated impressive performance in terms of high capacity factors and an impeccable safety record. The safety features and several technology advancements evolved over the years in which Indian contributions that are considerable are briefly discussed in the first part of the paper. Unique features of PHWR such as flexibility of fuel management, distribution of pressure boundaries in multiple pressure tubes (PTs), and a large inventory of coolant-moderator heat sink in close proximity of the core provide inherent safety and fuelling options to these reactors. PHWRs, in India have demonstrated to have the advantage of lower capital cost per megawatt even in small size reactors. Low burn up associated with natural uranium fuel, higher level of tritium in the heavy water coolant, and a slightly positive coolant void coefficient in present generation PHWRs have all been addressed in the design of advanced heavy water reactor (AHWR). The merit of adopting closed fuel cycle with partitioning of minor actinides in reducing the burden of radio-toxicity of nuclear waste and of deploying light water reactors (LWRs) in tandem with PHWRs in the evolving nuclear fuel cycle in India are also discussed.
Risk Analysis of Reactor Pressure Vessels Considering Modeling-Induced Uncertainties
Authors: Riley Matthew E. , Hoffman William M.
Published: December 2016

Uncertainties in simulation models arise not only from the parameters that are used within the model, but also due to the modeling process itself—specifically the identification of a model that most accurately predicts the true physical response of interest. In risk-analysis studies, it is critical to consider the effect that all forms of uncertainty have on the overall level of uncertainty. This work develops an approach to quantify the effect of both parametric and model-form uncertainties. The developed approach is demonstrated on the assessment of the fatigue-based risk associated with a reactor pressure vessel subjected to a thermal shock event.
Experimental Investigation on Heat Transfer Performance of a Flat Plate Heat Pipe With MWCNTS-Acetone Nanofluid
Authors: Hao Xiaohong , Peng Bei , Chen Yi , Xie Gongnan
Published: December 2016

This paper experimentally investigates how different mass concentration and aspect ratio multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) acetone nanofluid affects the heat transfer performance of a flat plate heat pipe (FPHP). Different mass concentration and aspect ratio MWCNTs-acetone nanofluids are prepared without any surfactants or additives using the two-step method. Aspect ratios of MWCNTs are 666 (M1) and 200 (M2), respectively, and their according mass concentrations are 0.002, 0.005, 0.01, and 0.015 wt. %, respectively. The thermal resistance and wall temperature of the FPHP are experimentally obtained when the above-mentioned nanofluids are used as working fluid. The results showed that different mass concentration affects the heat transfer performance, therefore, there is an optimal MWCNTs-acetone nanofluid mass concentration (about 0.005wt. %). Also, the results showed that the thermal resistances of the FPHP with M1-acetone nanofluid (0.005 wt. %) and M2-acetone nanofluid (0.005 wt. %) are reduced 40% and 16%, respectively. Based on the above experimental phenomenon, this paper discusses the reasons for enhancement and decrement of heat transfer performance of the different mass concentration. For the M1-acetone nanofluid, the investigated FPHP has a thermal resistance of 0.26 °C/W and effective thermal conductivity 3212 W/m k at a heat input of 160 W. For the M2-acetone nanofluid, the investigated FPHP has a thermal resistance of 0.33 °C/W and effective thermal conductivity 2556 W/m k at a heat input of 150 W. The nanofluid FPHP investigated here provides a new approach in designing a high efficient next generation heat pipe cooling devices.
Heterogeneous Multisensor Fusion for Mobile Platform Three-Dimensional Pose Estimation
Authors: Deilamsalehy Hanieh , Havens Timothy C. , Manela Joshua
Published: December 2016

Precise, robust, and consistent localization is an important subject in many areas of science such as vision-based control, path planning, and simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM). To estimate the pose of a platform, sensors such as inertial measurement units (IMUs), global positioning system (GPS), and cameras are commonly employed. Each of these sensors has their strengths and weaknesses. Sensor fusion is a known approach that combines the data measured by different sensors to achieve a more accurate or complete pose estimation and to cope with sensor outages. In this paper, a three-dimensional (3D) pose estimation algorithm is presented for a unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in an unknown GPS-denied environment. A UAV can be fully localized by three position coordinates and three orientation angles. The proposed algorithm fuses the data from an IMU, a camera, and a two-dimensional (2D) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) using extended Kalman filter (EKF) to achieve accurate localization. Among the employed sensors, LiDAR has not received proper attention in the past; mostly because a two-dimensional (2D) LiDAR can only provide pose estimation in its scanning plane, and thus, it cannot obtain a full pose estimation in a 3D environment. A novel method is introduced in this paper that employs a 2D LiDAR to improve the full 3D pose estimation accuracy acquired from an IMU and a camera, and it is shown that this method can significantly improve the precision of the localization algorithm. The proposed approach is evaluated and justified by simulation and real world experiments.
An Efficient Approach of Time-Optimal Trajectory Generation for the Fully Autonomous Navigation of the Quadrotor
Authors: Dong Wei , Ding Ye , Huang Jie , Zhu Xiangyang , Ding Han
Published: December 2016

In this work, a time-optimal trajectory generation approach is developed for the multiple way-point navigation of the quadrotor based on the nonuniform rational B-spline (NURBS) curve and linear programming. To facilitate this development, the dynamic model of the quadrotor is formulated first. Then, the geometric trajectory regarding multiple way-point navigation is constructed based on the NURBS curve. With the constructed geometric trajectory, a time-optimal interpolation problem is imposed considering the velocity, acceleration, and jerk constraints. This optimization problem is solved in two steps. In the first step, a preliminary result is obtained by solving a linear programming problem without jerk constraints. Then by introducing properly relaxed jerk constraints, a second linear programming problem is formulated based on the preliminarily obtained result, and the time-optimal problem can be fully solved in this way. Subsequently, a nonlinear trajectory tracking controller is developed to track the generated trajectory. The feasibilities of the proposed trajectory generation approach as well as the tracking controller are verified through both simulations and real-time experiments. With enhanced computational efficiency, the proposed approach can generate trajectory for an indoor environment with the smooth acceleration profile and moderate velocity V≈1 m/s in real-time, while guaranteeing velocity, acceleration, and jerk constraints: Vmax=1 m/s, Amax=2 m/s2, and Jmax=5 m/s3. In such a case, the trajectory tracking controller can closely track the reference trajectory with cross-tracking error less than 0.05 m.
Finite-Time Disturbance Observer Design and Attitude Tracking Control of a Rigid Spacecraft
Authors: Lan Qixun , Qian Chunjiang , Li Shihua
Published: December 2016

This paper considers the problem of finite-time disturbance observer (FTDO) design and the problem of FTDO based finite-time control for systems subject to nonvanishing disturbances. First of all, based on the homogeneous systems theory and saturation technique, a continuous FTDO design approach is proposed. Then, by using the proposed FTDO design approach, a FTDO is constructed to estimate the disturbances that exist in a rigid spacecraft system. Furthermore, based on a baseline finite-time control law and a feedforward compensation term produced by the FTDO, a composite controller is constructed for the rigid spacecraft system. It is shown that the proposed composite controller will render the rigid spacecraft track the desired attitude trajectory in a finite-time. Simulation results are included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control approach.
Modeling of External Metal Loss for Corroded Buried Pipeline
Authors: Othman Siti Rabeah , Yahaya Nordin , Noor Norhazilan Md , Sing Lim Kar , Zardasti Libriati , Rashid Ahmad Safuan A
Published: December 2016

A statistical predictive model to estimate the time dependence of metal loss (ML) for buried pipelines has been developed considering the physical and chemical properties of soil. The parameters for this model include pH, chloride content, caliphate content (SO), sulfide content, organic content (ORG), resistivity (RE), moisture content (WC), clay content (CC), plasticity index (PI), and particle size distribution. The power law-based time dependence of the ML was modeled as P = ktv, where t is the time exposure, k is the metal loss coefficient, and v is the corrosion growth pattern. The results were analyzed using statistical methods such as exploratory data analysis (EDA), single linear regression (SLR), principal component analysis (PCA), and multiple linear regression (MLR). The model revealed that chloride (CL), resistivity (RE), organic content (ORG), moisture content (WC), and pH were the most influential variables on k, while caliphate content (SO), plasticity index (PI), and clay content (CC) appear to be influential toward v. The predictive corrosion model based on data from a real site has yielded a reasonable prediction of metal mass loss, with an R2 score of 0.89. This research has introduced innovative ways to model the corrosion growth for an underground pipeline environment using measured metal loss from multiple pipeline installation sites. The model enables predictions of potential metal mass loss and hence the level of soil corrosivity for Malaysia.
Finite Difference-Based Cellular Automaton Technique for Structural and Fluid–Structure Interaction Applications
Authors: Kwon Y. W.
Published: December 2016

A new cellular automaton technique was developed based on the finite difference scheme to analyze structures such as beams and plates as well as the acoustic wave equation. The technique uses rules for a cell, and the rules are applied to all the cells repeatedly. The technique is very easy to write a computer code and computationally efficient. Like the standard cellular automaton, many different boundary conditions can be applied easily to the new technique. The technique was applied to both structural and fluid–structure interaction problems. The fluid domain was modeled as either the acoustic medium without flow using the newly developed cellular automaton rules or the fluid flow medium using the lattice Boltzmann technique. Multiple example problems were presented to demonstrate the new technique. Those included dynamic analyses of beams and plates, acoustic wave problems, and coupled fluid–structure interaction problems.
Investigations on Bluff Bodies as Improved Vortex Shedders Placed Inside a Circular Pipe
Authors: Venugopal A. , Agrawal Amit , Prabhu S. V.
Published: December 2016

In the present study, we visualize the turbulent wake of various bluff bodies placed inside a circular pipe. The objective is to identify shapes which are strong vortex generators and incur minimum irrecoverable pressure loss. The shapes of the bluff bodies are chosen such that they exhibit distinct separation point for strong and stable vortex shedding. The dye used for flow visualization is a shear-thickening and high extension viscosity fluid, which can sustain turbulent separated flows. The planar illumination of the flow field with laser sheet improves the visibility of coherent structures for qualitative and quantitative assessment of the images. The vortex shedding frequency, wake width, and vortex formation length are computed from image analysis. The results highlight that streamlined shapes possess lower wake width and larger vortex formation length, whereas blunt shapes (like triangle and trapezoid) show a larger wake width and a shorter vortex formation length. The vortex shedding frequency is also measured with a piezoelectric sensor to aid flow visualization studies. The optimum location of the piezoelectric sensor is explained based on the vortex formation length to obtain high amplitude signals. Among all the shapes studied, trapezoidal bluff body appears to be the most appropriate shape with strong and stable vortex shedding. This information is useful in the design of vortex flowmeters and other similar applications.
Role of Capillary and Thermocapillary Forces in Laser Polishing of Metals
Authors: Zhang Chi , Zhou Jing , Shen Hong
Published: December 2016

As one of emerging novel surface treatment techniques, laser polishing offers a cost-effective and efficient solution to reduce surface roughness of precision components at micro-/mesoscale. Although it has been applied for industrial and biomedical purposes, the underlying mechanism has not been fully revealed. This paper presents a study to understand the basic fundamentals of continuous wave fiber laser polishing of Ti6Al4V samples. A two-dimensional numerical model that coupled heat transfer and fluid flow is developed to illustrate the molten flow behavior. The roles of capillary and thermocapillary flow in the process of laser polishing are investigated to assist the understanding of the contributions of surface tension (capillary force) and Marangoni effect (thermocapillary force) in the polishing process. Capillary force dominates the molten pool at the initial stage of melting, while thermocapillary force becomes predominant when the molten pool fully develops.
Predicting the Force Needed to Create a Compression Seal in an Ultrathin Elastoviscoplastic Membrane
Authors: McNeff Patrick S. , Paul Brian K.
Published: December 2016

In this paper, a finite element model is developed, and experimentally validated, for predicting the force required to produce a compression seal between a polycarbonate sealing boss and a 25-μm thick elastoviscoplastic hemodialysis membrane. This work leverages previous efforts to determine the conditions for hermetic sealing in a microchannel hemodialyzer fabricated using hot-embossed polycarbonate microchannel laminae containing sealing boss features. Methods are developed for mechanically characterizing the thin elastoviscoplastic hemodialysis membrane. The experimental data for assessing the depth of penetration into the membrane as a function of force show an R2 value of 0.85 showing good repeatability. The average percent error was found to be −8.0% with a range between −21.9% and 4.4% error in the strain region of interest.
Dynamic Analysis and Wear Prediction of Planar Five-Bar Mechanism Considering Multiflexible Links and Multiclearance Joints
Authors: Wang Gengxiang , Liu Hongzhao
Published: December 2016

Effects of wear and member flexibility on the dynamic performance of a planar five-bar mechanism with joint-clearance are investigated. The equation of motion of the mechanism is derived based on the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF). In order to enhance the accuracy of the contact force, the slope of the load–displacement curve of the cylindrical joint with clearance is used. The contact deformation couples the joint wear to the contact state. The contact force model of Flores and coworkers is improved, by the introduction of the stiffness coefficient. The wear depth is predicted by using the Archard's wear model. Simulations show that the multiclearance joints can generate stronger contact forces relative to single clearance joint case. This leads to more severe wear in the joint. However, the mechanism with multiple flexible links can absorb more of the energy arising from the clearance joint, and this improves the wear phenomenon.
Sequential Multi-Objective Optimization for Lubrication System of Gasoline Engines With Bilevel Optimization Structure
Authors: Zhang Jizhou , Qiu Yu , Li Mian , Xu Min
Published: December 2016

The lubrication system is one of the most important subsystems in gasoline internal combustion engines (ICEs), which provides hydrodynamic lubrication for friction pairs. The performance of the lubrication system affects the performance of the engine directly. The objective of this work is to reduce the friction loss of the engine and the driven power of the oil pump through design optimization. Two most important oil consumers in the lubrication system are investigated using multibody dynamics (MBD) and elastohydrodynamics (EHD). Considering that MBD and EHD analyses are time-consuming, Kriging is applied to establish the approximation models for bearings. Multi-objective optimization of bearings based on approximation models is formulated and conducted. Given the difference among multiple cylinders in the engine, a bilevel optimization framework is used to perform bearing optimization. The oil consumption and the friction loss of the bearings are reduced within the entire speed range. After that, the pipe diameters of the lubrication system are optimized with optimized bearings to reduce the flow resistance. With the optimization of both bearings and lubrication pipes in a sequential manner, the oil pressure is maintained at the baseline level while the oil pump size is reduced, and the driven power is averagely dropped over the entire speed range.
Control of Tip Leakage in a High-Pressure Turbine Cascade Using Tip Blowing
Authors: Volino Ralph J.
Published: December 2016

Blowing from the tip of a turbine blade was studied experimentally to determine if total pressure loss could be reduced. Experiments were done with a linear cascade in a low-speed wind tunnel. Total pressure drop through the blade row and secondary velocity fields in the passage between two blades were measured. Cases were documented with various blowing hole configurations on flat and squealer tipped blades. Blowing normal to the tip was not helpful and in some cases increased losses. Blowing from the bottom of a squealer cavity provided little benefit. With a flat tip, blowing from holes located near and inclined toward the pressure side generally reduced total pressure drop by reducing the effect of the tip leakage vortex. Holes near the axial location of maximum loading were most helpful, while holes closer to the leading and trailing edges were not as effective. Higher jet velocity resulted in larger total pressure drop reduction. With a tip gap of 1.5% of axial chord, jets with a velocity 1.5 times the cascade inlet velocity had a significant effect. A total pressure drop reduction of the order 20% was possible using a jet mass flow of about 0.4% of the main flow. Jets were most effective with smaller tip gaps, as they were more able to counter the leakage flow.
Color Doppler ultrasound characteristics after subinguinal microscopic varicocelectomy
Authors: Akand Murat , Koplay Mustafa , Islamoglu Necat , Altintas Emre , Kilic Ozcan , Gul Murat , Kulaksizoglu Haluk , Sivri Mesut , Goktas Serdar
Published: December 2016

Aim: The present study evaluated the effect of differences in the peak systolic velocity (PSV) and resistive index (RI) in the testicular artery (TA), capsular artery (CA), and intratesticular artery (ITA) after microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy (MSV) on postoperative pain and semen parameters. Patients and Methods: Scrotal color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) measurements were made in 33 patients (age 18-31 years) prior to MSV and 3 and 6 months after MSV. Pain was recorded using a visual analog scale and sperm concentration was determined to analyze the predictive value of the CDUS parameters regarding surgical outcome. Results: A significant decrease in pain scores was observed in most patients at both follow-ups. The first postoperative CDUS revealed a significant increase in the TA-PSV (p<0.001) and a decrease in the TA-RI (p=0.002) and CARI (p=0.006). The second postoperative CDUS also revealed a significant increase in the TA-PSV and a decrease in the TA-RI, and the PSV in the ITA and CA and RI in the ITA and CA were significantly different from the values obtained pre-operatively and at the first follow-up. A negative correlation was found between the pain level and TA-PSV (r=-0.433, p=0.012), whereas sperm concentration positively correlated with both the TA-PSV and CA-PSV (r=0.534, p=0.001 and r=0.455, p=0.008, respectively).Conclusions: The PSV and RI are useful parameters for detecting changes in testicular microhemodynamics after MSV. In addition, the TA-PSV and CA-PSV can be used to predict improvements in pain and sperm concentration.
Acoustic radiation force impulse elastosonography of placenta in maternal red blood cell alloimmunization: a preliminary and descriptive study
Authors: Cetin Orkun , Karaman Erbil , Arslan Harun , Akbudak Ibrahim , Yıldızhan Recep , Kolusarı Ali
Published: December 2016

Aims: Maternal red blood cell alloimmunization is an important cause of fetal morbidity and mortality in the perinatal period, despite well-organized prophylaxis programs. The objective of the study was to evaluate placental elasticity by using Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) in Rhesus (Rh) alloimmunized pregnant women with hydropic and nonhydropic fetuses and to compare those with healthy pregnant women. Material and methods: This case-control and descriptive study comprised twenty-eight healthy pregnant women, 14 Rh alloimmunized pregnant women with nonhydropic fetuses, and 16 Rh alloimmunized pregnant women with hydropic fetuses in the third trimester of pregnancy. Placental elasticity measurements were performed by ARFI elastosonography at the day of delivery. The maternal characteristics and neonatal outcomes of the patients were also noted. Results: The highest mean placental ARFI scores were observed in Rh alloimmunized pregnant women with hydropic fetuses (1.13 m/s) (p=0.001). Healthy controls and Rh alloimmunized pregnant women with nonhydropic fetuses had similar mean placenta ARFI scores (0.84 m/s, 0.88 m/s, respectively) (p<0.05). Conclusions: Based on the present findings, the placenta becomes stiffer in Rh alloimmunized pregnancies complicated with hydrops fetalis. The increased placental ARFI scores may be a supplemental marker for adverse pregnancy outcomes, additional to Doppler evaluation of middle cerebral artery. This data should be confirmed with a large sample size and prospective studies by using serial measurements of ARFI elastosonography in maternal red blood cell alloimmunization.
Shear wave elastography imaging for detecting malignant lesions of the liver: a systematic review and pooled meta-analysis
Authors: Jiao Yang , Dong Fajin , Wang Hui , Zhang Lei , Xu Jinfeng , Zheng Jing , Fan Haibo , Gan Hanjing , Chen Lixin , Li Min
Published: December 2016

Aim: To investigate the clinical utility of shear wave elastography (SWE) imaging in the identification of malignant and benign lesions of the liver lesions by conducting a meta-analysis. Material and methods: The Cochrane library, Embase and Pubmed were searched for relevant studies with publication data through February 2016. Studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of SWE in the identification of malignant and benign lesions of the liver using SWE technology were selected. The cytology, histology or clinical imaging was used as the reference standard. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, likelihood ratio, and the area under hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curve (HSROC) were used to examine the diagnostic accuracy. Results: A total of 9 cohort studies involving 1046 liver lesions (malignant 679) from 968 patients were identified. All of the 9 studies were prospective studies. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio of SWE in differentiating malignant and benign liver lesions were 82.2% (95% CI: 73.4–88.5), 80.2% (95% CI: 73.3–85.7), 4.159 (95% CI: 2.899–5.966), 0.222 (95% CI: 0.140–0.352), and 18.749 (95% CI: 8.746–40.195), respectively. The area under the HSROC curve was 87% (95% CI: 84–90). Conclusions: This meta-analysis indicates that SWE is useful in evaluating the stiffness of liver lesions and in differentiating between malignant and benign lesions. Due to the high sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio, SWE can be considered as a useful complement to conventional ultrasonography.
Added value of two-dimensional shear wave elastography to ultrasonography for staging common femoral vein thrombi
Authors: Pan Fu-shun , Tian Wen-shuo , Luo Jia , Liu Ming , Liang Jin-yu , Xu Ming , Zheng Yan-ling , Xie Xiao-yan
Published: December 2016

prove the performance for staging common femoral vein thrombi (CFVT). Material and methods: A total of 194 consecutive patients with CFVT who underwent US and 2D-SWE were enrolled. These patients were categorized into three groups according to CFVT duration: Stage A (≤14 days), Stage B (14 days to 6 months), and Stage C (≥6 months). The diagnostic performance was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: Among all US features, CFV diameter ratio of thrombosed leg to contralateral leg (CFVD_ratio) showed the highest AUC in predicting Stage A and Stage C (0.87 and 0.84, respectively). The diagnostic performance of 2D-SWE value of CFVT (CFVT_E) is comparable with that of CFVD_ratio for Stage A (AUC: 0.85, p=0.630), whereas inferior to that of CFVD_ratio for Stage C (AUC: 0.73, p=0.026). Combining CFVD_ratio with CFVT_E showed lower performance in predicting Stage A (AUC: 0.81, p=0.021) and Stage C (AUC: 0.67, p<0.0001) relative to CFVD_ratio alone. However, this combination increased the specificity from 80.3% to 92.7% (p<0.0001) without a significant reduction of sensitivity (from 77.2% to 70.2%, p=0.371) for predicting Stage A. Conclusions: Adding 2D-SWE to US did not improve the diagnostic performance for staging CFVT compared with US alone. However, the combination improved the specificity in predicting CFVT less than 14 days without loss of sensitivity.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of (AlTi)xN1-x films by magnetic-field-enhanced high power impulse magnetron sputtering
Authors: Tian Xiubo , Ma Yinghe , Hu Jian , Bi Mingkang , Gong Chunzhi , Chu Paul K.
Published: December 2016

Compared to conventional direct current magnetron sputtering, high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) gives rise to higher plasma activity which can be exploited to deposit films with the preferred microstructure and higher critical load, but in practice, most of the electrons are not effectively utilized and lost to the anode (chamber wall). In order to achieve higher ion flux to substrate and denser microstructure of the films, an external magnetic field is introduced. In our HiPIMS system, a coil around the magnetron target induces larger enhancement effects, and the substrate current can be increased by a factor of 2 or more if the proper current flows through the coil to intensify and confine the glow discharge. The magnetic-field-enhanced HiPIMS technology is adopted to produce (AlTi)xN1-x films with smooth surfaces and better mechanical properties such as surface hardness and a larger coil current produces films with lower friction. The improvement is attributed to enhanced glow discharge, more nitrogen incorporation, and intense ion bombardment.
Tris(dimethylamido)aluminum(III): An overlooked atomic layer deposition precursor
Authors: Buttera Sydney C. , Mandia David J. , Barry Seán T.
Published: December 2016

Aluminum oxide and aluminum nitride-containing films were grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) and plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PE-ALD) by employing an under-utilized tris(dimethylamido)aluminum(III) precursor. This compound has not been reported as a precursor for ALD of alumina previously, and has only been reported as an AlN precursor for a thermal process using ammonia as a coreagent. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrates its excellent volatility and thermal stability, both of which are ideal characteristics for an ALD precursor. Aluminum oxide films were deposited thermally using water as a coreagent. By x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the films appeared nearly pristine with only adventitious carbon on the surface accumulated postdeposition that was easily removed with 2 min of Ar+ sputtering. The rest of the films contained a very low 1.4% impurity of carbon. Aluminum nitride films were attempted using the same aluminum precursor with nitrogen plasma as a coreagent; they contained large amounts of oxygen due to ambient exposure, possible oxidation during characterization, or the presence of incidental oxygen during the deposition of AlN, which allowed the formation of an aluminum oxynitride. Though the composition was not stoichiometrically AlN, the films also contained ∼1% carbon impurities, which is an improvement over many other AlN films reported, particularly those using TMA as a precursor. This precursor shows great promise for the deposition of low-impurity or impurity-free aluminum nitride by PE-ALD.
Isokinetic Evaluation of the Hip Flexor and Extensor Muscles: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zapparoli Fabricio Yuri , Riberto Marcelo
Published: December 2016

Introduction:

Isokinetic dynamometry testing is a safe and reliable method accepted as the “gold standard” in the evaluation of muscle strength in the open kinetic chain. Isokinetic hip examinations face problems in the standardization of the position of the equipment axis, in the individual being examined, and in the adjustment of the lever arm and in stabilization strategies for the patients during the tests. Identification of the methodologic procedures with best reproducibility is also needed.

Objective:

To review the literature to evaluate the parameters used for the isokinetic evaluation of the hip flexor and extensor muscles and its reproducibility.

Methods:

This is a systematic literature review of the Cochrane, LILACS, PEDro, PubMed, and SciELO databases. The inclusion criteria were articles on the evaluation of hip flexor and/or extensor muscular strength with an isokinetic dynamometer and articles that analyzed the ICC or Pearson’s reproducibility. The information extracted was positioning of the patient; positioning of the dynamometer axis; positioning of the lever arm; angular speed; sample size, pathology; type of contraction; and ICC and Pearson’s results.

Results:

204 articles were found, from which 14 were selected that evaluated hip flexor and extensor muscles, involving 550 individuals who were submitted to an isokinetic hip evaluation. Five articles obtained the best result in reproducibility and had their methodology analyzed.

Conclusion:

To obtain better reproducibility of the isokinetic evaluation of the hip flexor and extensor muscles, the following recommendations must be followed: the individual must be positioned in the supine position and the dynamometer axis must be aligned with the greater trochanter of the femur. The positioning of the lever arm must be in the most distal region of the thigh possible. The angular speed used to analyze torque peak and muscle work was 60°/s, and to evaluate the muscle power it was 180°/s, with concentric and eccentric contractions being analyzed.
The Dynatron Solaris® Ultrasound Machine: Slower Heating Than Textbook Recommendations at 3 MHz, 1.0 W/cm2
Authors: Gange Kara N. , Kjellerson Michael C. , Berdan Christiane J.
Published: December 2016

Context: Therapeutic ultrasound clinical parameters are provided in many modality textbooks based on research performed with the Omnisound brand. Literature exists to support variability in heating rates with different manufacturers. It is unknown if the Dynatron Solaris heats at rates consistent with textbook recommendations. Objective: Determine the rate of tissue-temperature increases in the medial triceps surae with the Dynatron Solaris® 708 ultrasound unit. Design: 3 × 13 repeated measures. Independent variables were tissue depth (1.0, 1.75, and 2.5 cm) and time (13 time periods throughout the treatment). Setting: Research laboratory. Participants: 30 healthy volunteers (female = 11, male = 19; age 21.30 ± 1.95 y; adipose thickness = 0.54 ± 0.15 cm). Intervention: Three thermocouples were inserted into the medial triceps surae at 1.0, 1.75, and 2.5-cm depths. A continuous 3-MHz, 1.0-W/cm2 for 20 minutes ultrasound treatment was performed with a Dynatron Solaris 708 machine. Main Outcome Measures: Intramuscular tissue-temperature increases at each depth throughout the 20-min treatment. Results: There was a significant main effect of depth (F2,52 = 29.76, P < 0.001) and time (F12,312 = 181.59, P < .001) and a significant interaction between times and depths (F24,624 = 15.49, P < .001). The 1.0-cm depth increased 4.22 ± 1.58°C in 6 min (0.70°C/min rate), the 1.75-cm depth increased 3.93 ± 1.94°C in 10 min (0.39°C/min rate), and the 2.5-cm depth increased 3.60 ± 1.86°C in 20 min (0.18°C/min rate). Conclusions: The rate of tissue-temperature increase varied at each depth and the 1.0-cm depth was the only rate similar to textbooks. Clinicians will not reach tissue-temperature goals using Omnisound textbook parameters on the Dynatron Solaris 708 at depths greater than 1.0 cm, which may affect clinicians, educators, and state-certification exams.
The Effect of Contralateral Exercise on Patient Pain and Range of Motion
Authors: Fermin Smokey , Larkins Lindsay , Beene Sarah , Wetzel David
Published: December 2016

Clinical Scenario: Pain and range of motion (ROM) deficits are 2 issues that are commonly treated by clinicians. In certain instances, clinicians are tasked with treating patients who report with both pain and limited mobility. Currently, clinicians utilize a variety of different methods to combat pain and ROM limitations, but in singularity. However, contralateral exercises (CEs) may be a viable option that can have an effect on pain, ROM, or simultaneous effect on both. Clinical Question: For patients with pain and/or ROM deficits, will CE decrease pain and increase ROM? Summary of Findings: CE can have a significant effect on ipsilateral muscle activation, strength, as well as available motion on the contralateral limb. However, there is limited research on CE that explores effects on pain. Clinical Bottom Line: According to current evidence, CE can be a feasible option for clinicians trying to increase a patient’s ROM. Furthermore, there can be enhanced effects on stability, muscle strength, and muscle activation due to CE. Strength of Recommendation: Studies that have been included are a level of 4 or higher based on Center for Evidence Based Medicine. However, future studies both of higher levels and variability should be conducted.
Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in Treating Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Jazzo Samuel F. , Scribner Daniel , Shay Stephanie , Kim Kyung-Min
Published: December 2016

Clinical Scenario: Osteochondral lesions (OCLs) of the talus can result from ankle sprains which are the most common injury in the physically active. Recently, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been used to develop an innovate treatment for OCLs of the talus. Clinical Question: Do PRP injections improve self-reported pain and ankle function in patients with OCL of the talus? Summary of Key Findings: 3 randomized controlled trials were included. One of the studies compared a single dose of PRP to a single dose of hyaluronic acid (HA) or saline when added as an adjunct to microfracture surgery. Another study compared a group receiving a single dose of PRP after microfracture surgery to a group that only received microfracture surgery. The last study compared a series of 3 PRP injections to a series of 3 HA injections. In all 3 studies PRP appeared to be more effective in pain and function outcomes than comparison treatments. The superior outcomes of PRP were demonstrated at times as short as 4 weeks and as long as 25 months. Clinical Bottom Line: There is moderate to strong evidence that PRP produces favorable, short-term, pain and function results compared to HA, saline, and/or microfracture surgery alone. Strength of Recommendation: Level 2.