bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of Ingress in Gas Turbines
Authors: Scobie James A. , Sangan Carl M. , Michael Owen J. , Lock Gary D.
Published: June 2016

This review summarizes research concerned with the ingress of hot mainstream gas through the rim seals of gas turbines. It includes experimental, theoretical, and computational studies conducted by many institutions, and the ingress is classified as externally induced (EI), rotationally induced (RI), and combined ingress (CI). Although EI ingress (which is caused by the circumferential distribution of pressure created by the vanes and blades in the turbine annulus) occurs in all turbines, RI and CI ingress can be important at off-design conditions and for the inner seal of a double-seal geometry. For all three types of ingress, the equations from a simple orifice model are shown to be useful for relating the sealing effectiveness (and therefore the amount of hot gas ingested into the wheel-space of a turbine) to the sealing flow rate. In this paper, experimental data obtained from different research groups have been transformed into a consistent format and reviewed using the orifice model equations. Most of the published results for sealing effectiveness have been made using concentration measurements of a tracer gas (usually CO2) on the surface of the stator, and—for a large number of tests with single and double seals—the measured distributions of effectiveness with sealing flow rate are shown to be consistent with those predicted by the model. Although the flow through the rim seal can be treated as inviscid, the flow inside the wheel-space is controlled by the boundary layers on the rotor and stator. Using boundary-layer theory and the similarity between the transfer of mass and energy, a theoretical model has been developed to relate the adiabatic effectiveness on the rotor to the sealing effectiveness of the rim seal. Concentration measurements on the stator and infrared (IR) measurements on the rotor have confirmed that, even when ingress occurs, the sealing flow will help to protect the rotor from the effect of hot-gas ingestion. Despite the improved understanding of the “ingress problem,” there are still many unanswered questions to be addressed.
Effect of Welding Residual Stress on the Buckling Behavior of Storage Tanks Subjected to Harmonic Settlement
Authors: Gong Jian-Guo , Yu Lei , Wang Feng , Xuan Fu-Zhen
Published: June 2016

The effect of welding residual stress on the buckling behavior of storage tanks subjected to the harmonic settlement was simulated using the shell-to-solid coupling method. In the numerical model of tanks coupled with the welding residual stress, the welding joint and its adjacent zone were modeled using the solid submodel and the zone far away from the welding joint was built by the shell submodel. Effects of welding parameters (e.g., welding velocities and welding passes) on the buckling behavior of tanks were analyzed systematically. Results indicate that the buckling strength of tanks is enhanced due to the welding residual stress. Comparatively, a slow welding velocity presents a more remarkable strengthening effect than the fast welding velocity due to a larger axial residual stress produced at the welding joint. Nevertheless, no significant difference between the double-side welding and the one-side welding for buckling strength enhancement is observed for the cases studied. This indicates that the current design method causes a conservative design without considering the welding residual stress.
A mathematical framework for virtual IMRT QA using machine learning
Authors: Valdes G. , Scheuermann R. , Hung C. Y. , Olszanski A. , Bellerive M. , Solberg T. D.
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

It is common practice to perform patient‐specific pretreatment verifications to the clinical delivery of IMRT. This process can be time‐consuming and not altogether instructive due to the myriad sources that may produce a failing result. The purpose of this study was to develop an algorithm capable of predicting IMRT QA passing rates a priori.

Methods:

From all treatment, 498 IMRT plans sites were planned in eclipse version 11 and delivered using a dynamic sliding window technique on Clinac iX or TrueBeam Linacs. 3%/3 mm local dose/distance‐to‐agreement (DTA) was recorded using a commercial 2D diode array. Each plan was characterized by 78 metrics that describe different aspects of their complexity that could lead to disagreements between the calculated and measured dose. A Poisson regression with Lasso regularization was trained to learn the relation between the plan characteristics and each passing rate.

Results:

Passing rates 3%/3 mm local dose/DTA can be predicted with an error smaller than 3% for all plans analyzed. The most important metrics to describe the passing rates were determined to be the MU factor (MU per Gy), small aperture score, irregularity factor, and fraction of the plan delivered at the corners of a 40 × 40 cm field. The higher the value of these metrics, the worse the passing rates.

Conclusions:

The Virtual QA process predicts IMRT passing rates with a high likelihood, allows the detection of failures due to setup errors, and it is sensitive enough to detect small differences between matched Linacs.
Proctalgia and colorectal stricture as the result of a 2-year transit of a retained rectal chicken bone: a case presentation and review of the literature
Authors: Elmoghrabi Adel , Mohamed Mohamed , Wong Kristoffer , McCann Michael
Published: June 2016

We report a case of a 70-year-old woman who presented with progressively increasing intensity of lower abdominal, pelvic and rectal pain of 3-day duration. She had similar symptoms intermittently over the preceding 2 years. CT of the abdomen and pelvis revealed the presence of a 3.8×0.4 cm linear foreign body in the colorectal region. History obtained from relatives recalled inadvertent ingestion of a chicken bone 2 years prior to presentation. Trials of foreign body retrieval, both manually and via rigid and flexible sigmoidoscopy, however, were unsuccessful due to the presence of obstruction by a circumferential rectal stricture. Consequently, an exploratory laparotomy was performed, with segmental resection of 17 cm of rectum and distal sigmoid. Dissection of the strictured segment revealed the presence of a chicken bone. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course, was discharged and is to continue following up on an outpatient basis.
Persistent constipation and abdominal adverse events with newer treatments for constipation
Authors: Sonu Irene , Triadafilopoulos George , Gardner Jerry D
Published: June 2016

Background

Clinical trials of several new treatments for opioid-induced constipation (OIC), chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) and constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) have focused on differences between subjects relieved of constipation with placebo and active treatment. Patients and clinicians however, are more interested in the probability these treatments provide actual relief of constipation and its associated symptoms.

Methods

We searched the medical literature using MEDLINE and Cochrane central register of controlled trials. Randomised, placebo-controlled trials that examined the use of methylnaltrexone, naloxegol, lubiprostone, prucalopride or linaclotide in adults with OIC, CIC and IBS-C were eligible for inclusion. The primary efficacy measure was relief of constipation. Adverse event data for abdominal symptoms were also analysed.

Key results and findings

25 publications were included in our analyses. The proportion of constipated individuals with active treatment was significantly lower than the proportion with placebo; however, in 15 of these 20 trials analysed, a majority of patients remained constipated with active treatment. Analyses of adverse event data revealed that the percentage of participants who experienced abdominal pain, diarrhoea and flatulence with active treatment was higher than that with placebo in the majority of trials analysed.

Conclusions

Newer pharmacological treatments for constipation are superior to placebo in relieving constipation, but many patients receiving active treatment may remain constipated. In addition, all 5 of the treatments studied are accompanied by no change or a possible increase in the prevalence of abdominal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea and flatulence.
Transboundary movements, unmonitored fishing mortality, and ineffective international fisheries management pose risks for pelagic sharks in the Northwest Atlantic
Authors: Campana Steven E.
Published: June 2016

The shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus), porbeagle (Lamna nasus), and blue shark (Prionace glauca) are three frequently caught shark species in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean. Satellite tagging studies show that all three species range widely across many national boundaries but spend up to 92% of their time on the high seas, where they are largely unregulated and unmonitored. All are caught in large numbers by swordfish and tuna fishing fleets from a large number of nations, usually unintentionally, and all are unproductive by fish standards, which makes them particularly sensitive to fishing pressure. Landing statistics that grossly underrepresent actual catches, unreported discards that often exceed landings, and high discard mortality rates are threats to the populations and roadblocks to useful population monitoring. The influence of these threats is greatly magnified by inattention and ineffective management from the responsible management agency, the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), whose prime focus is the more valuable swordfish and tuna stocks. Although practical management options are available, none will be possible if organizations like ICCAT continue to treat sharks like pests.
Fragmented national public media debate on international forest issues: a case study of Germany
Authors: Logmani Jacqueline , Krott Max , Giessen Lukas
Published: June 2016

Over the past two decades, a number of international forest-related policies have evolved at the global and regional levels. The elements of this International Forest Regime Complex, however, are not equally relevant to all countries. This study analyzes the main actors’ positions in the public media debate in Germany and identifies links to the interests of the actors. First, the study explores the international regime related forest issues. A qualitative content analysis of the public media debate in one high-quality newspaper and in internet sources of relevant state and private actors analyzes the arguments of these actors in the issues. The results show that the debate of international forestry issues is fragmented and conflicting in Germany and that the conflict between use and protection structures in the public media debate is not supported by the data. Drivers of conflicting arguments are mainly associations representing protection, as well as user interests. The ministries avoid confrontation in public. Alliances between public agencies and lobby groups are seldom. Due to the strategic use of the public media, the debate does not indicate very well the existing conflicts about the main issues of the international forest regime in Germany.
Wildlife monitoring in Finland: online information for game administration, hunters, and the wider public
Authors: Helle Pekka , Ikonen Katja , Kantola Anu
Published: June 2016

Annual, nationwide monitoring of the grouse (hunted tetraonid birds) began in Finland at the beginning of the 1960s followed by systematic counts of mammal snow tracks in the late 1980s. The wildlife triangle scheme, started in 1989, gathers game monitoring data throughout the country. The system is based on a large network of triangles made up of 4 km transects (totaling 12 km per triangle) covering the entire country. The program involves an astonishing amount of fieldwork: about 10 000 km of transect line (about half of the established transects) is studied during every summer and winter count. The riistakolmiot.fi internet service was launched for the 2014 late-summer count. Via the internet, trained hunters can record their observations in a database and follow the progress of the count during the fieldwork period. In the public section of the website, anyone can view the results of ongoing counts. The internet service speeds up the collection of observations, simplifies the storing of data, and assists in preparing and sending the summary reports. Data provided by the wildlife triangle scheme are utilized by the European Union, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and other game administrative organizations, as well as hunting clubs and the general public. Annual results of the late-summer monitoring procedure are used immediately when deciding on the restrictions to the forthcoming grouse hunting season, which is due to begin just a few weeks later.
Investigating GPDs in the framework of the double distribution model
Authors: Nazari F. , Mirjalili A.
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we construct the generalized parton distribution (GPD) in terms of the kinematical variables [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], using the double distribution model. By employing these functions, we could extract some quantities which makes it possible to gain a three-dimensional insight into the nucleon structure function at the parton level. The main objective of GPDs is to combine and generalize the concepts of ordinary parton distributions and form factors. They also provide an exclusive framework to describe the nucleons in terms of quarks and gluons. Here, we first calculate, in the Double Distribution model, the GPD based on the usual parton distributions arising from the GRV and CTEQ phenomenological models. Obtaining quarks and gluons angular momenta from the GPD, we would be able to calculate the scattering observables which are related to spin asymmetries of the produced quarkonium. These quantities are represented by [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We also calculate the Pauli and Dirac form factors in deeply virtual Compton scattering. Finally, in order to compare our results with the existing experimental data, we use the difference of the polarized cross-section for an initial longitudinal leptonic beam and unpolarized target particles [Formula: see text]. In all cases, our obtained results are in good agreement with the available experimental data.
Nature of the X(5568) — A critical Laplace sum rule analysis at N2LO
Authors: Albuquerque R. , Narison S. , Rabemananjara A. , Rabetiarivony D.
Published: June 2016

We scrutinize recent QCD spectral sum rules (QSSR) results to lowest order (LO) predicting the masses of the [Formula: see text] molecule and [Formula: see text] four-quark states. We improve these results by adding NLO and N2LO corrections to the PT contributions giving a more precise meaning on the [Formula: see text]-quark mass definition used in the analysis. We extract our optimal predictions using Laplace sum rule (LSR) within the standard stability criteria versus the changes of the external free parameters ([Formula: see text]-sum rule variable, [Formula: see text] continuum threshold and subtraction constant [Formula: see text]). The smallness of the higher order PT corrections justifies (a posteriori) the LO order results ⊕ the uses of the ambiguous heavy quark mass to that order. However, our predicted spectra in the range [Formula: see text] MeV, summarized in Table 7, for exotic hadrons built with four different flavors [Formula: see text], do not support some previous interpretations of the D0 candidate,1 [Formula: see text], as a pure molecule or a four-quark state. If experimentally confirmed, it could result from their mixing with an angle: [Formula: see text]. One can also scan the region [Formula: see text] MeV (where the [Formula: see text] might be a good candidate) and the one [Formula: see text] MeV for detecting these [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] unmixed exotic hadrons (if any) via, eventually, their radiative or [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]hadrons decays.
Quantum electrodynamics and the electron self-energy in a deformed space with a minimal length scale
Authors: Silva Apollo V. , Abreu E. M. C. , Neves M. J.
Published: June 2016

The main motivation to study models in the presence of a minimal length is to obtain a quantum field theory free of the divergences. In this way, in this paper, we have constructed a new framework for quantum electrodynamics embedded in a minimal length scale background. New operators are introduced and the Green function method was used for the solution of the field equations, i.e. the Maxwell, Klein–Gordon and Dirac equations. We have analyzed specifically the scalar field and its one loop propagator. The mass of the scalar field regularized by the minimal length was obtained. The QED Lagrangian containing a minimal length was also constructed and the divergences were analyzed. The electron and photon propagators, and the electron self-energy at one loop as a function of the minimal length was also obtained.
Higgs boson production in the U(1)B−L model at the ILC
Authors: Han Jinzhong , Yang Bingfang , Liu Ning , Li Jitao
Published: June 2016

In the framework of the minimal [Formula: see text] extension of the Standard Model, we investigate the Higgs boson production processes [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] at the International Linear Collider (ILC). We present the production cross-sections, the relative corrections and compare our results with the expected experimental accuracies for Higgs decay channel [Formula: see text]. In the allowed parameter space, we find that the effects of the three single Higgs boson production processes might approach the observable threshold of the ILC. But the Higgs signal strengths [Formula: see text] of the two double Higgs boson production processes are all out of the observable threshold so that these effects will be difficult to be observed at the ILC.
Fragmentation functions of neutral mesons π0 and k0 with Laplace transform approach
Authors: Taghavi-Shahri F. , Tehrani S. Atashbar , Zarei M.
Published: June 2016

With an analytical solutions of DGLAP evolution equations based on the Laplace transform method, we find the fragmentation functions (FFs) of neutral mesons, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] at NLO approximation. We also calculated the total fragmentation functions of these mesons and compared them with experimental data and those from global fits. The results show a good agreement between our solutions and other models and they are compatible with experimental data.
Majorana fermions in condensed-matter physics
Authors: Leggett A. J.
Published: June 2016

It is an honor and a pleasure to have been invited to give a talk in this conference celebrating the memory of the late Professor Abdus Salam. To my regret, I did not know Professor Salam personally, but I am very aware of his work and of his impact on my area of specialization, condensed matter physics, both intellectually through his ideas on spontaneously broken symmetry and more practically through his foundation of the ICTP. Since I assume that most of this audience are not specialized in condensed-matter physics, I thought I would talk about one topic which to some extent bridges this field and the particle-physics interests of Salam, namely Majorana fermions (M.F.s). However, as we shall see, the parallels which are often drawn in the current literature may be a bit too simplistic. I will devote most of this talk to a stripped-down exposition of the current orthodoxy concerning M.F.s. in condensed-matter physics and their possible applications to topological quantum computing (TQC), and then at the end briefly indicate why I believe this orthodoxy may be seriously misleading.
Global stability and Hopf bifurcation of a delayed computer virus propagation model with saturation incidence rate and temporary immunity
Authors: Dai Yunxian , Lin Yiping , Zhao Huitao , Khalique Chaudry Masood
Published: June 2016

In this paper, a delayed computer virus propagation model with a saturation incidence rate and a time delay describing temporary immune period is proposed and its dynamical behaviors are studied. The threshold value [Formula: see text] is given to determine whether the virus dies out completely. By comparison arguments and iteration technique, sufficient conditions are obtained for the global asymptotic stabilities of the virus-free equilibrium and the virus equilibrium. Taking the delay as a parameter, local Hopf bifurcations are demonstrated. Furthermore, the direction of Hopf bifurcation and the stabilities of the bifurcating periodic solutions are determined by the normal form theory and the center manifold theorem for functional differential equations (FDEs). Finally, numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate the main theoretical results.
Dynamics of pulses and spiral waves in excitable media with an anomalous diffusion
Authors: Yuan Guoyong , Bao Xueping , Yang Shiping , Wang Guangrui , Chen Shaoying
Published: June 2016

Spiral waves and pulses in the excitable medium with an anomalous diffusion are studied. In the medium with an one-sided fractional diffusion in the [Formula: see text]-direction and a normal diffusion in the [Formula: see text]-direction, a pulse, traveling along the positive [Formula: see text]-direction, has a smaller velocity, which is different from the diffusion of a source in the other media. Its propagating velocity is a linear and increasing function of the square root of diffusion parameter, whose increasing rate depends on the fractional order. A minimal value of the diffusion parameter is needed for successfully propagating pulses, and the threshold becomes large with a decrease of the fractional order. For pulse trains, the frequency-locked bands are shifted along the increasing direction of the perturbation period when the fractional order is decreased. In the propagating process of a spiral wave, the tip drift is induced by the one-sided fractional diffusion, which may be explained by analyzing the SV area in front of the tip.
Scale-free networks of the earth’s surface
Authors: Liu Gang , He Jing , Luo Kaitian , Gao Peichao , Ma Lei
Published: June 2016

Studying the structure of real complex systems is of paramount importance in science and engineering. Despite our understanding of lots of real systems, we hardly cognize our unique living environment — the earth. The structural complexity of the earth’s surface is, however, still unknown in detail. Here, we define the modeling of graph topology for the earth’s surface, using the satellite images of the earth’s surface under different spatial resolutions derived from Google Earth. We find that the graph topologies of the earth’s surface are scale-free networks regardless of the spatial resolutions. For different spatial resolutions, the exponents of power-law distributions and the modularity are both quite different; however, the average clustering coefficient is approximately equal to a constant. We explore the morphology study of the earth’s surface, which enables a comprehensive understanding of the morphological feature of the earth’s surface.
Dynamics of entanglement among the environment oscillators of a many-body system
Authors: de Paula A. L. , Freitas Dagoberto S.
Published: June 2016

In this work, we extend the discussion that began in Ref. 16 [A. L. de Paula, Jr., J. G. G. de Oliveira, Jr., J. G. P. de Faria, D. S. Freitas and M. C. Nemes, Phys. Rev. A 89 (2014) 022303] to deal with the dynamics of the concurrence of a many-body system. In that previous paper, the discussion was focused on the residual entanglement between the partitions of the system. The purpose of the present contribution is to shed some light on the dynamical properties of entanglement among the environment oscillators. We consider a system consisting of a harmonic oscillator linearly coupled to N others and solve the corresponding dynamical problem analytically. We divide the environment into two arbitrary partitions and the entanglement dynamics between any of these partitions is quantified and it shows that in the case when excitations in each partition are equal, the concurrence reaches the value 1 and the two partitions of the environment are maximally entangled. For long times, the excitations of the main oscillator are completely transferred to environment and the environment oscillators are found entangled.
The perturbed universe in the deformed algebra approach of loop quantum cosmology
Authors: Grain Julien
Published: June 2016

Loop Quantum Cosmology (LQC) is a tentative approach to model the universe down to the Planck era where quantum gravity settings are needed. The quantization of the universe as a dynamical spacetime is inspired by Loop Quantum Gravity (LQG) ideas. In addition, LQC could bridge contact with astronomical observations, and thus potentially investigate quantum cosmology modelings in the light of observations. To do so however, modeling both the background evolution and its perturbations is needed. The latter described cosmic inhomogeneities that are the main cosmological observables. In this context, we present the so-called deformed algebra approach implementing the quantum corrections to the perturbed universe at an effective level by taking great care of gauge issues. We particularly highlight that in this framework, the algebra of hypersurface deformation receives quantum corrections, and we discuss their meaning. The primordial power spectra of scalar and tensor inhomogeneities are then presented, assuming initial conditions are set in the contracting phase preceding the quantum bounce and the well-known expanding phase of the cosmic history. These spectra are subsequently propagated to angular power spectra of the anisotropies of the cosmic microwave background. It is then shown that regardless of the choice for the initial conditions inside the effective approach for the background evolution (except that they are set in the contracting phase), the predicted angular power spectra of the polarized [Formula: see text]-modes exceed the upper bound currently set by observations. The exclusion of this specific version of LQC establishes the falsifiability of the approach, though one shall not conclude here that either LQC or LQG excluded.
Some conceptual issues in loop quantum cosmology
Authors: Barrau Aurélien , Bolliet Boris
Published: June 2016

Loop quantum gravity is a mature theory. To proceed to explicit calculations in cosmology, it is necessary to make assumptions and simplifications based on the symmetries of the cosmological setting. Symmetry reduction is especially critical when dealing with cosmological perturbations. The present paper reviews several approaches to the problem of building a consistent formalism that describes the dynamics of perturbations on a quantum spacetime and tries to address their respective strengths and weaknesses. We also review the main open issues in loop quantum cosmology.
Symmetry reduced loop quantum gravity: A bird’s eye view
Authors: Ashtekar Abhay
Published: June 2016

This is a brief overview of the current status of symmetry reduced models in Loop Quantum Gravity. The goal is to provide an introduction to other more specialized and detailed reviews that follow. Since most of this work is motivated by the physics of the very early universe, I will focus primarily on Loop Quantum Cosmology and discuss quantum aspects of black holes only briefly.
A Three-Dimensional Comparative Study of the Isoparametric Graded Boundary and Finite Element Methods for Nonhomogeneous FGM Plates with Eccentric Cutouts
Authors: Ashrafi H. , Shariyat M.
Published: June 2016

In the present paper, a comparative study is presented between three-dimensional (3D) graded finite element and boundary integral equation methods capable of modeling quasi-static behaviors of heterogeneous plates with circular holes made of functionally graded materials (FGMs). The formulations are derived based on the 3D theory of elasticity. The volume fractions of the constituent materials of the FGM plates are assumed to vary through the thickness direction according to an exponential law. The graded finite element formulations are developed based on the Rayleigh–Ritz energy method. Somigliana stress identity is implemented numerically for 3D elasticity analysis of the heterogeneous isotropic plates, employing graded elements. Based on the resulting governing equations and the weighted residual technique, an effective boundary element formulation is implemented for the elastic FGM plates. To verify numerical results of the present work, several examples are provided. The comparison made for a homogenous plate shows an excellent concordance between the results.
Aptamers: A Feasible Technology in Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Soldevilla M. M. , Villanueva H. , Pastor F.
Published: June 2016

Aptamers are single-chained RNA or DNA oligonucleotides (ODNs) with three-dimensional folding structures which allow them to bind to their targets with high specificity. Aptamers normally show affinities comparable to or higher than that of antibodies. They are chemically synthesized and therefore less expensive to manufacture and produce. A variety of aptamers described to date have been shown to be reliable in modulating immune responses against cancer by either blocking or activating immune receptors. Some of them have been conjugated to other molecules to target the immune system and reduce off-target side effects. Despite the success of first-line treatments against cancer, the elevated number of relapsing cases and the tremendous side effects shown by the commonly used agents hinder conventional treatments against cancer. The advantages provided by aptamers could enhance the therapeutic index of a given strategy and therefore enhance the antitumor effect. Here we recapitulate the provided benefits of aptamers with immunomodulatory activity described to date in cancer therapy and the benefits that aptamer-based immunotherapy could provide either alone or combined with first-line treatments in cancer therapy.
Chloride Transport in Undersea Concrete Tunnel
Authors: Zhang Yuanzhu , Li Xiaozhen , Yu Guohua
Published: June 2016

Based on water penetration in unsaturated concrete of underwater tunnel, a diffusion-advection theoretical model of chloride in undersea concrete tunnel was proposed. The basic parameters including porosity, saturated hydraulic conductivity, chloride diffusion coefficient, initial water saturation, and moisture retention function of concrete specimens with two water-binder ratios were determined through lab-scale experiments. The variation of chloride concentration with pressuring time, location, solution concentration, initial saturation, hydraulic pressure, and water-binder ratio was investigated through chloride transport tests under external water pressure. In addition, the change and distribution of chloride concentration of isothermal horizontal flow were numerically analyzed using TOUGH2 software. The results show that chloride transport in unsaturated concrete under external water pressure is a combined effect of diffusion and advection instead of diffusion. Chloride concentration increased with increasing solution concentration for diffusion and increased with an increase in water pressure and a decrease in initial saturation for advection. The dominant driving force converted with time and saturation. When predicting the service life of undersea concrete tunnel, it is suggested that advection is taken into consideration; otherwise the durability tends to be unsafe.
Type IV Sacrococcygeal Teratoma Displacing the Urinary Bladder: Unique Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Eftekharzadeh Sahar , Keihani Sorena , Fareghi Mehdi , Alamsahebpour Alireza , Kajbafzadeh Abdol-Mohammad
Published: June 2016

Type IV sacrococcygeal teratoma is a rare pediatric tumor that is confined to the presacral area with no external component. The signs and symptoms often arise due to mass effect and compression of adjacent organs. Urinary retention is an uncommon presenting symptom in these patients. A wide spectrum of imaging findings may be encountered in cases with sacrococcygeal teratoma because of variability of tumor size and components. We hereby present a unique magnetic resonance urography finding in a type IV sacrococcygeal teratoma which caused bladder displacement. A meticulous and complete resection of tumor with special attention to the pelvic plexus led to preservation of normal voiding function and normal bowel function in this patient.
The Effect of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells on Full-Thickness Skin Grafts
Authors: Wang Juan , Hao Haojie , Huang Hong , Chen Deyun , Han Yan , Han Weidong
Published: June 2016

Background. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of ASCs on full-thickness skin grafts. Specifically, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of ASCs that are mediated via regulation of the phenotypes of activated macrophages. Methods. ASCs were isolated, cultured, and injected under full-thickness skin grafts in 15 rats (ASC group). An additional 15 rats served as controls (PBS group). Skin graft survival assessment and vascularization detection were assessed with H&E staining and laser Doppler blood flowmetry (LDF). The effects of ASCs on angiogenesis, anti-inflammation, collagen accumulation-promoting, and antiscarring were assessed. Results. We found that the skin graft survival rate was significantly increased in the ASC group. The neovascularization, collagen deposition, collagen type I to type III ratio, and levels of VEGF and TGF-β3 in the ASC group were markedly higher than those in the PBS group at day 14. Additionally, in the ASC group, the levels of iNOS, IL-1β, and TNF-α were remarkably decreased, whereas the levels of IL-10 and Arg-1 were substantially increased. Conclusions. Our results confirm that ASCs transplantation can effectively improve full-thickness skin graft survival. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory role of ASCs may indirectly contribute to skin graft survival via its effect on macrophage polarization.
Molecular and Phylogenetic Analysis of Bovine Papillomavirus Type 1: First Report in Iraqi Cattle
Authors: Hamad Mohammed A. , Al-Shammari Ahmed M. , Odisho Shoni M. , Yaseen Nahi Y.
Published: June 2016

This study aimed to provide the first molecular characterization of bovine papillomavirus type 1 (BPV-1) in Iraq. BPV is a widely spread oncogenic virus in Iraqi cattle and is associated with the formation of both benign and malignant lesions, resulting in notable economic losses in dairy and beef cattle. In the current study, 140 cutaneous papilloma specimens were collected from cattle in central Iraq. These samples were submitted to histopathological examination, PCR, and sequencing analysis. The histopathology revealed that the main lesion type among the specimens was fibropapilloma. BPV-1 DNA was detected in 121 of the samples (86.42%) in Iraqi cattle as the main causative agent for the disease. A partial sequence for the E2, L2 genes, and complete sequence for the E5 gene were deposited in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the presence of BPV-1 and showed that the origin of infection may be imported European cattle. Obtaining a complete E5 gene sequence enabled us to perform structural predictions. This study presents the first report of BPV-1 infection in the Iraqi cattle and contributes to extending the knowledge of the origin of the spread of this disease. The results of this study will aid in the development of appropriate control measures and therapeutic strategies.
Advanced Fireworks Algorithm and Its Application Research in PID Parameters Tuning
Authors: Xue Jun-jie , Wang Ying , Li Hao , Meng Xiang-fei , Xiao Ji-yang
Published: June 2016

Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller is one of the most widely used controllers for its property of simplicity and practicability. In order to design high-quality performances PID controllers, an Advanced Fireworks (AFW) algorithm based on self-adaption principle and bimodal Gaussian function is proposed, which is built to optimize the PID controller by parameters tuning. Firstly, a compound index of optimization performance is formulated, and then the extremal optimization method of PID control system is proposed. Secondly, a PID parameters tuning model combined with AFW is built. At last, 5 typical transfer functions are simulated to obtain optimal parameters by AFW and contrast tuning method, such as Ziegler-Nichols method, Enhanced Fireworks (EFW) algorithm, and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). Simulation results show that AFW are effective and are easily implemented methods to solve PID control problems of different transfer functions.
Sunlight-Induced Photochemical Degradation of Methylene Blue by Water-Soluble Carbon Nanorods
Authors: Bhati Anshu , Singh Anupriya , Tripathi Kumud Malika , Sonkar Sumit Kumar
Published: June 2016

Water-soluble graphitic hollow carbon nanorods (wsCNRs) are exploited for their light-driven photochemical activities under outdoor sunlight. wsCNRs were synthesized by a simple pyrolysis method from castor seed oil, without using any metal catalyst or template. wsCNRs exhibited the light-induced photochemical degradation of methylene blue used as a model pollutant by the generation of singlet oxygen species. Herein, we described a possible degradation mechanism of methylene blue under the irradiation of visible photons via the singlet oxygen-superoxide anion pathway.
Intermittent Fever, Progressive Weight Gain, and Personality Changes in a Five-Year-Old Girl: Unusual Paraneoplastic Syndrome due to Presacral Ganglioneuroma
Authors: Yang Chao , Li Chang-chun , Zhang Jun , Kong Xiang-ru , Zhao Zhenzhen , Deng Xiao-bin , Peng Liang , Wang Shan
Published: June 2016

Ganglioneuromas are rare tumors in the neuroblastoma group. Paraneoplastic syndrome (PNS) due to presacral ganglioneuromas was hardly reported in previous literature. Here, we reported that a case of a 5-year-old girl with a presacral ganglioneuroma presented with PNS, who presented with intermittent fever, progressive weight gain, and personality changes. Our report revealed intermittent fever, progressive weight gain, and personality changes may represent rare paraneoplastic syndromes in ganglioneuromas.
Joint Channel Assignment and Routing in Multiradio Multichannel Wireless Mesh Networks: Design Considerations and Approaches
Authors: Zakaria Omar M. , Hashim Aisha-Hassan A. , Hassan Wan H. , Khalifa Othman O. , Azram M. , Jivanadham Lalitha B. , Sanni Mistura L. , Zareei Mahdi
Published: June 2016

Multiradio wireless mesh network is a promising architecture that improves the network capacity by exploiting multiple radio channels concurrently. Channel assignment and routing are underlying challenges in multiradio architectures since both determine the traffic distribution over links and channels. The interdependency between channel assignments and routing promotes toward the joint solutions for efficient configurations. This paper presents an in-depth review of the joint approaches of channel assignment and routing in multiradio wireless mesh networks. First, the key design issues, modeling, and approaches are identified and discussed. Second, existing algorithms for joint channel assignment and routing are presented and classified based on the channel assignment types. Furthermore, the set of reconfiguration algorithms to adapt the network traffic dynamics is also discussed. Finally, the paper presents some multiradio practical implementations and test-beds and points out the future research directions.
Effects of Low-Flow Sevoflurane Anesthesia on Pulmonary Functions in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Doger Cihan , Kahveci Kadriye , Ornek Dilsen , But Abdulkadir , Aksoy Mustafa , Gokcinar Derya , Katar Didem
Published: June 2016

Objective. The aim of this prospective, randomized study was to investigate the effects of low-flow sevoflurane anesthesia on the pulmonary functions in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Methods. Sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classes I and II patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included in the study. Patients were randomly allocated to two study groups: high-flow sevoflurane anesthesia group (Group H,n=30) and low-flow sevoflurane anesthesia group (Group L,n=30). The fresh gas flow rate was of 4 L/min in high-flow sevoflurane anesthesia group and 1 L/min in low-flow sevoflurane anesthesia group. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), and end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration (ETCO2) were recorded. Pulmonary function tests were performed before and 2, 8, and 24 hours after surgery.Results. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of HR, MABP, SpO2, and ETCO2. Pulmonary function test results were similar in both groups at all measurement times.Conclusions. The effects of low-flow sevoflurane anesthesia on pulmonary functions are comparable to high-flow sevoflurane anesthesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Evolutionary Algorithm Geometry Optimization of Optical Antennas
Authors: Díaz de León-Zapata Ramón , González Gabriel , Flores-García Efrén , Rodríguez Ángel Gabriel , González Francisco Javier
Published: June 2016

Printed circuit antennas have been used for the detection of electromagnetic radiation at a wide range of frequencies that go from radio frequencies (RF) up to optical frequencies. The design of printed antennas at optical frequencies has been done by using design rules derived from the radio frequency domain which do not take into account the dispersion of material parameters at optical frequencies. This can make traditional RF antenna design not suitable for optical antenna design. This work presents the results of using a genetic algorithm (GA) for obtaining an optimized geometry (unconventional geometries) that may be used as optical regime antennas to capture electromagnetic waves. The radiation patterns and optical properties of the GA generated geometries were compared with the conventional dipole geometry. The characterizations were conducted via finite element method (FEM) computational simulations.
Synergistic Effect of Ferulic Acid and Z‐Ligustilide, Major Components of A. sinensis, on Regulating Cold‐Sensing Protein TRPM8 and TPRA1 In Vitro
Authors: Pan Yuwei , Zhao Guoping , Cai Zejian , Chen Fengguo , Xu Dandan , Huang Si , Lan Hai , Tong Yi
Published: June 2016

Angelica sinensis has been used to attenuate cold‐induced cutaneous vasospasm syndrome, such as Raynaud’s disease and frostbite, in China for many years. Ferulic acid (PubChem CID: 445858) and Z‐ligustilide (PubChem CID: 529865), two major components extracted from Angelica sinensis, had been reported to inhibit vasoconstriction induced by vasoconstrictors. In this study, the pharmacological interaction in regulating cold‐induced vascular smooth muscle cell contraction via cold‐sensing protein TRPM8 and TRPA1 was analyzed between ferulic acid and Z‐ligustilide. Pharmacological interaction on inhibiting [Ca2+] i influx evoked by TRPM8 agonist WS‐12 or TRPA1 agonist ASP 7663 as well as cold‐induced upregulation of TRPM8 was determined using isobolographic analysis. The isobolograms demonstrated that the combinations investigated in this study produced a synergistic interaction. Combination effect of two components in inhibiting RhoA activation and phosphorylation of MLC20 induced by WS‐12 or ASP 7663 was also being quantified. These findings suggest that the therapeutic effect of Angelica sinensis on cold‐induced vasospasm may be partially attributed to combinational effect, via TRPM8 and TPRA1 way, between ferulic acid and Z‐ligustilide.
A Modified NK Cell Degranulation Assay Applicable for Routine Evaluation of NK Cell Function
Authors: Shabrish Snehal , Gupta Maya , Madkaikar Manisha
Published: June 2016

Natural killer (NK) cells play important role in innate immunity against tumors and viral infections. Studies show that lysosome-associated membrane protein-1 (LAMP-1, CD107a) is a marker for degranulation of NK and cytotoxic T cells and its expression is a sensitive marker for the cytotoxic activity determination. The conventional methods of determination of CD107a on NK cells involve use of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) or pure NK cells and K562 cells as stimulants. Thus, it requires large volume of blood sample which is usually difficult to obtain in pediatric patients and patients with cytopenia and also requires specialized laboratory for maintaining cell line. We have designed a flow cytometric assay to determine CD107a on NK cells using whole blood, eliminating the need for isolation of PBMC or isolate NK cells. This assay uses phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) and calcium ionophore (Ca2+-ionophore) instead of K562 cells for stimulation and thus does not require specialized cell culture laboratory. CD107a expression on NK cells using modified NK cell degranulation assay compared to the conventional assay was significantly elevated (p<0.0001). It was also validated by testing patients diagnosed with familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) with defect in exocytosis. This assay is rapid, cost effective, and reproducible and requires significantly less volume of blood which is important for clinical evaluation of NK cells.
Human Activity Recognition in AAL Environments Using Random Projections
Authors: Damaševičius Robertas , Vasiljevas Mindaugas , Šalkevičius Justas , Woźniak Marcin
Published: June 2016

Automatic human activity recognition systems aim to capture the state of the user and its environment by exploiting heterogeneous sensors attached to the subject’s body and permit continuous monitoring of numerous physiological signals reflecting the state of human actions. Successful identification of human activities can be immensely useful in healthcare applications for Ambient Assisted Living (AAL), for automatic and intelligent activity monitoring systems developed for elderly and disabled people. In this paper, we propose the method for activity recognition and subject identification based on random projections from high-dimensional feature space to low-dimensional projection space, where the classes are separated using the Jaccard distance between probability density functions of projected data. Two HAR domain tasks are considered: activity identification and subject identification. The experimental results using the proposed method with Human Activity Dataset (HAD) data are presented.