bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liner Design to Reduce Unburned Hydrocarbon Exhaust Emissions
Authors: Wang Paul S. , Chen Allen Y.
Published: January 2019

Large natural gas engines that introduce premixed fuel and air into the engine cylinders allow a small fraction of fuel to evade combustion, which is undesirable. The premixed fuel and air combust via flame propagation. Ahead of the flame front, the unburned fuel and air are driven into crevices, where conditions are not favorable for oxidation. The unburned fuel is a form of waste and a source of potent greenhouse gas emissions. A concept to vent unburned fuel into the crankcase through built-in slots in the liner during the expansion stroke has been tested. This venting process occurs before the exhaust valve opens and the unburned fuel sent into the crankcase can be recycled to the intake side through a closed crankcase ventilation system. The increased communication between the cylinder and the crankcase changes the ring pack dynamics, which results in higher oil consumption. Oil consumption was measured using a sulfur tracer technique. Careful design is required to achieve the best tradeoff between reductions in unburned hydrocarbon emissions and oil control.
Investigation of the Effect of Electrode Surface Roughness on Spark Ignition
Authors: Morovatiyan Mohammadrasool , Shahsavan Martia , Shen Mengyan , Mack J. Hunter
Published: January 2019

Lean-burn engines are important due to their ability to reduce emissions, increase fuel efficiency, and mitigate engine knock. In this study, the surface roughness of spark plug electrodes is investigated as a potential avenue to extend the lean flammability limit of natural gas. A nano-/micro-morphology modification is applied on surface of the spark plug electrode to increase its surface roughness. High-speed Z-type Schlieren visualization is used to investigate the effect of the electrode surface roughness on the spark ignition process in a premixed methane-air charge at different lean equivalence ratios. In order to observe the onset of ignition and flame kernel behavior, experiments were conducted in an optically accessible constant volume combustion chamber at ambient pressures and temperatures. The results indicate that the lean flammability limit of spark-ignited methane can be lowered by modulating the surface roughness of the spark plug electrode.
Experimental Comparison of GCI and Diesel Combustion in a Medium-Duty Opposed-Piston Engine
Authors: Hanson Reed , Salvi Ashwin , Redon Fabien , Regner Gerhard
Published: January 2019

The Achates Power Inc. (API) Opposed Piston (OP) Engine architecture provides fundamental advantages that increase thermal efficiency over current poppet valve 4 stroke engines. In this paper, combustion performance of diesel and gasoline compression ignition (GCI) combustion in a medium duty, OP engine are shown.

By using GCI, NOx and/or soot reductions can be seen compared to diesel combustion at similar or increased thermal efficiencies. The results also show that high combustion efficiency can be achieved with GCI combustion with acceptable noise and stability over the same load range as diesel combustion in an OP engine.
Controls Development and Vehicle Drive Cycle Analysis of Integrated Turbocompounding, Electrification and Supercharging System (ITES)
Authors: Joshi Satyum , Koehler Erik , Dahodwala Mufaddel , Franke Michael , Naber Jeffrey D.
Published: January 2019

Integrated Turbocompounding, Electrification and Supercharging (ITES) is a novel approach for integrated implementation of technologies aimed at reduction of fuel consumption in a single unit. The ITES system optimally manages the power flow between the turbocompound turbine, secondary compressor, 48V electric motor/generator and engine by employing a planetary gear set. The unified approach delivers a substantial reduction in both expense and space claim while improving the overall system efficiency in comparison to the independent implementation of each of these individual technologies.

As part of a previous development effort the ITES system functionality was validated through engine drive cycle simulation primarily utilizing the 48V motor generator unit for power split turbocompounding, power split supercharging and engine torque assist. In this latest development phase, the functionality of ITES system has been evaluated on a vehicle level model through a vehicle drive cycle simulation. First, a supervisory control strategy was developed for the ITES system to facilitate start-stop, regenerative braking and engine torque assist functionality using the ITES motor/generator unit. Next, a GT-Suite engine model developed for a downsized engine with the ITES unit applied, along with an appropriate control strategy, was integrated in to a class 6/7 vocational vehicle 1D model. The model was then simulated over the GHG Phase 2 ARB cycle and the fuel economy was compared to that of vehicle model with only the baseline engine configuration. Finally, the battery capacity was optimized to maximize vehicle fuel economy and battery life.
Characterization of the Effect of Exhaust Back Pressure on Crank Angle-Resolved Exhaust Exergy in a Diesel Engine
Authors: Mahabadipour H. , Partridge K. R. , Jha P. R. , Srinivasan K. K. , Krishnan S. R.
Published: January 2019

To enable efficient exhaust waste energy recovery (WER), it is important to characterize the exergy available in engine exhaust flows. In a recent article (Mahabadipour et al. (2018), Applied Energy, Vol. 216, pp. 31–44), the authors introduced a new methodology for quantifying crank angle-resolved exhaust exergy (including its thermal and mechanical components) for the two exhaust phases, viz., the “blowdown” phase and the “displacement” phase. The present work combines experimental measurements with GT-SUITE simulations to investigate the effect of exhaust back-pressure (Pb) on crank angle-resolved exhaust exergy in a single-cylinder research engine (SCRE). To this end, Pb values of 1, 1.4, and 1.8 bar are considered for conventional diesel combustion on the SCRE. Furthermore, the effect of boost pressure (Pin) between 1.2 to 2.4 bar on the thermal and mechanical components of exhaust exergy are reported at different Pb. The exergy available in the blowdown and the displacement phases of the exhaust process are also quantified. Regardless of Pin, with increasing Pb, the cumulative exergy percentage in the blowdown phase reduced uniformly. For example, at Pin = 1.5 bar and 1500 rpm engine speed, the cumulative exergy percentage in the blowdown phase decreased from 34% to 17% when Pb increased from 1 bar to 1.8 bar. The percentage of fuel exergy available as exhaust exergy was quantified. For instance, this normalized cumulative exergy in the exhaust increased from 10% to 21% when Pb increased from 1 bar to 1.8 bar at 1200 rpm. Finally, although the present work focused on exhaust exergy results for diesel combustion in the SCRE, the overall methodology can be easily adopted to study exhaust exergy flows in different engines and different combustion modes to enable efficient exhaust WER.
Systematic Uncertainty Considerations in the Comparison of Experimental and Computed Cylinder Pressure and Heat Release Histories
Authors: Partridge K. R. , Jha P. R. , Mahabadipour H. , Srinivasan K. K. , Krishnan S. R.
Published: January 2019

Computational simulations of engine combustion processes are increasingly relied upon to lead the design of advanced IC engines. Both computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations as well as thermodynamics-based phenomenological 0D or 1D gas dynamics simulations are examples of current simulation strategies. Before simulations can be utilized to guide the design process, they must be validated with experimental results. Typically, the experimental data used for validation of computational simulations include in-cylinder pressure and apparent heat release rate (AHRR) histories. However, the process of comparison of experimental and simulated pressure and AHRR curves is largely qualitative; therefore, the validation process is mostly visual. In the present work, the authors introduce a framework for quantifying uncertainties in experimental pressure data, as well as uncertainties in the “average” AHRR curve that is derived from ensemble-averaged cylinder pressure histories. Predicted AHRR curves from CFD simulations are also quantitatively compared with the experimental AHRR bounded by “uncertainty bands” in the present work.
Assessing the Impact of Thermal Barrier Coatings on Charge Temperature Stratification Within a Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition Engine
Authors: O’Donnell Ryan , Powell Tommy , Filipi Zoran , Hoffman Mark
Published: January 2019

The application of a Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC) to combustion chamber surfaces within a Low Temperature Combustion (LTC) engine alters conditions at the gas-wall boundary and affects the temperature field of the interior charge. Thin, low-conductivity, TBCs (∼150μm) exhibit elevated surface temperatures during late compression and expansion processes. This temperature ‘swing’ reduces gas-to-wall heat transfer during combustion and expansion, alters reaction rates in the wall affected zones, and improves thermal efficiency. In this paper, Thermal Stratification Analysis (TSA) is employed to quantify the impact of Thermal Barrier Coatings on the charge temperature distribution within a gasoline-fueled Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) engine. Using an empirically derived ignition delay correlation for HCCI-relevant air-to-fuel ratios, an autoignition integral is tracked across multiple temperature ‘zones’. Charge mass is assigned to each zone by referencing the Mass Fraction Burn (MFB) profile from the corresponding heat release analysis. Closed-cycle temperature distributions are generated for baseline (i.e., ‘metal’) and TBC-treated engine configurations. In general, the TBC-treated engine configurations are shown to maintain a higher percentage of charge mass at temperatures approximating the isentropic limit.
Cycle-to-Cycle NO and NOx Emissions From a HSDI Diesel Engine
Authors: Leach Felix , Davy Martin , Peckham Mark
Published: January 2019

Engine-out NOx emissions from diesel engines continue to be a major topic of research interest. While substantial understanding has been obtained of engine-out (i.e. before any aftertreatment) NOx formation and reduction techniques, not least EGR which is now well established and fitted to production vehicles, much less data are available on cycle resolved NOx emissions. In this work, crank-angle resolved NO and NOx measurements have been taken from a high-speed light duty diesel engine at test conditions both with and without EGR. These have been combined with 1D data of exhaust flow and this used to form a mass average of NO and NOx emissions per cycle. These results have been compared with combustion data and other emissions. The results show that there is a very strong correlation (R2 > 0.95) between the NOx emitted per cycle and the peak cylinder pressure of that cycle. In addition, the crank-angle resolved NO and NOx measurements also reveal that there is a difference in NO : NO2 ratio (where NO2 is assumed to be the difference between NO and NOx) during the exhaust period, with proportionally more NO2 being emitted during the blowdown period compared to the rest of the exhaust stroke.
High temperature deuterium enrichment using TiC coated vanadium membranes
Authors: Fuerst Thomas F. , Taylor Chase N. , Shimada Masashi , Way J. Douglas , Wolden Colin A.
Published: January 2019

The current technology for hydrogen isotope separation requires enormous capital investment and energy consumption. Palladium-based membranes exhibit hydrogen isotope selectivity and provide a continuous method of isotope enrichment but have high material costs. Here, the authors investigate the potential of titanium carbide thin films coated on vanadium as a low-cost alternative, which enabled operation at high temperatures. Protium and deuterium exhibited nominally identical solubility in TiC coated vanadium over a range of 500–700 °C. Permeation tests from 600 to 700 °C revealed that protium permeated faster than deuterium, with the separation factor decreasing from 1.34 to 1.15 with increasing temperature. XPS depth-profiling showed a distinct interface between the TiC layer and the V foil in as-fabricated membranes. However, post-test analysis revealed significant V diffusion through TiC and segregation to the surface. Surface limitations resulting from this degradation accounted for changes in flux and may explain why the separation factor was lower than the value of 1.42 expected from high temperature interstitial diffusion of protium/deuterium in vanadium.
Born approximation of acoustic radiation force and torque on soft objects of arbitrary shape
Authors: Jerome Thomas S. , Ilinskii Yurii A. , Zabolotskaya Evgenia A. , Hamilton Mark F.
Published: January 2019

When the density and compressibility of an object are similar to the corresponding properties of the surrounding fluid and the incident sound field is a standing wave, the Born approximation may be used to calculate the acoustic radiation force and torque on an object of arbitrary shape. The approximation consists of integration over the monopole and dipole contributions to the force acting at each point within the region occupied by the object. The method is applied to axisymmetric objects, for which the force and torque may be expressed as a single integral along the axis of symmetry. The integral is evaluated analytically for spheres and cylinders. The accuracy of the Born approximation is assessed by comparison with complete solutions for compressible spheres and prolate spheroids that are based on expansions of the incident, scattered, and transmitted fields in terms of eigenfunctions of the corresponding separable coordinate system. Results are presented for objects with various densities and compressibilities relative to the surrounding fluid, as well as different shapes, sizes, and orientations of the object with respect to the standing wave field. The method also accommodates spatial variations of the density and compressibility within the object.
Peripheral nerve transfers change target muscle structure and function
Authors: Bergmeister Konstantin D. , Aman Martin , Muceli Silvia , Vujaklija Ivan , Manzano-Szalai Krisztina , Unger Ewald , Byrne Ruth A. , Scheinecker Clemens , Riedl Otto , Salminger Stefan , Frommlet Florian , Borschel Gregory H. , Farina Dario , Aszmann Oskar C.
Published: January 2019

Surgical nerve transfers lead to superior regeneration and specific muscular changes for potentially improved prosthesis control.
Genetic and pharmacological interventions in the aging motor nervous system slow motor aging and extend life span in
C. elegans
Authors: Li Guang , Gong Jianke , Liu Jie , Liu Jinzhi , Li Huahua , Hsu Ao-Lin , Liu Jianfeng , Xu X.Z. Shawn
Published: January 2019

Inhibiting the BK channel SLO-1 in the aging nervous system promotes both life span and health span in
C. elegans
.
Quantifying the Holocaust: Hyperintense kill rates during the Nazi genocide
Authors: Stone Lewi
Published: January 2019

Data-driven approach reveals unexpected hyperintense kill rates during extreme 100-day period of the Nazi genocide.
Rapid isotopic exchange in nanoparticles
Authors: Chakraborty Papri , Nag Abhijit , Natarajan Ganapati , Bandyopadhyay Nayanika , Paramasivam Ganesan , Panwar Manoj Kumar , Chakrabarti Jaydeb , Pradeep Thalappil
Published: January 2019

Rapid isotopic exchange reveals the solution-state dynamics existing in nanoparticles, very similar to that in H
2
O and D
2
O.
Filaments of galaxies as a clue to the origin of ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays
Authors: Kim Jihyun , Ryu Dongsu , Kang Hyesung , Kim Suk , Rey Soo-Chang
Published: January 2019

Filaments of galaxies, connected to the Virgo Cluster, around the TA hotspot, may be a clue for the origin of hotspot UHECRs.
High-speed transport of liquid droplets in magnetic tubular microactuators
Authors: Lei Wenwei , Hou Guanglei , Liu Mingjie , Rong Qinfeng , Xu Yichao , Tian Ye , Jiang Lei
Published: January 2019

We report a simple, additive-free method to fabricate asymmetric magnetic tubular microactuators for high-speed liquid transport.
MRGPR-mediated activation of local mast cells clears cutaneous bacterial infection and protects against reinfection
Authors: Arifuzzaman Mohammad , Mobley Yuvon R. , Choi Hae Woong , Bist Pradeep , Salinas Cristina A. , Brown Zachary D. , Chen Swaine L. , Staats Herman F. , Abraham Soman N.
Published: January 2019

Selective activation of local mast cells promotes healing of bacterial skin infections and protects against reinfection.
Intra- versus intergroup variance in collective behavior
Authors: Knebel D. , Ayali A. , Guershon M. , Ariel G.
Published: January 2019

Individual variance generates unique group properties when locusts swarm.
It’s all in the wrist
Authors: Tully Hannah M.
Published: January 2019

Motor patterns measured by wrist actigraphy differentiate epileptic seizures from nonepileptic spells.
Structure-Activity Relationships of Wollamide Cyclic Hexapeptides with Activity against Drug-Resistant and Intracellular
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Khalil Zeinab G. , Hill Timothy A. , De Leon Rodriguez Luis M. , Lohman Rink-Jan , Hoang Huy N. , Reiling Norbert , Hillemann Doris , Brimble Margaret A. , Fairlie David P. , Blumenthal Antje , Capon Robert J.
Published: January 2019

Wollamides are cyclic hexapeptides, recently isolated from an Australian soil
Streptomyces
isolate, that exhibit promising
in vitro
antimycobacterial activity against
Mycobacterium bovis
Bacille Calmette Guérin without displaying cytotoxicity against a panel of mammalian cells. Here, we report the synthesis and antimycobacterial activity of 36 new synthetic wollamides, collated with all known synthetic and natural wollamides, to reveal structure characteristics responsible for
in vitro
growth-inhibitory activity against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(H37Rv, H37Ra, CDC1551, HN878, and HN353).
Screening the Pathogen Box for Identification of New Chemical Agents with Anti-
Fasciola hepatica
Activity
Authors: Machicado Claudia , Soto Maria Pia , Timoteo Olga , Vaisberg Abraham , Pajuelo Monica , Ortiz Pedro , Marcos Luis A.
Published: January 2019

Fascioliasis is an infectious parasitic disease distributed globally and caused by the liver fluke
Fasciola hepatica
or
F. gigantica
. This neglected tropical disease affects both animals and humans, and it represents a latent public health problem due to the significant economic losses related to its effects on animal husbandry.
Biochemical and Immunological Evaluation of Recombinant CS6-Derived Subunit Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Vaccine Candidates
Authors: Poole Steven T. , Maciel Milton , Dinadayala Premkumar , Dori Kathleen E. , McVeigh Annette L. , Liu Yang , Barry Eileen , Grassel Christen , Prouty Michael G. , Renauld-Mongénie Geneviève , Savarino Stephen J.
Published: January 2019

CS6, a prevalent surface antigen expressed in nearly 20% of clinical enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) isolates, is comprised of two major subunit proteins, CssA and CssB. Using donor strand complementation, we constructed a panel of recombinant proteins of 1 to 3 subunits that contained combinations of CssA and/or CssB subunits and a donor strand, a C-terminal extension of 16 amino acids that was derived from the N terminus of either CssA or CssB.
SalmonellaFimbrial Protein FimH Is Involved in Expression of Proinflammatory Cytokines in a Toll-Like Receptor 4-Dependent Manner
Authors: Uchiya Kei-ichi , Kamimura Yurie , Jusakon Ayumi , Nikai Toshiaki
Published: January 2019

Type 1 fimbriae are proteinaceous filamentous structures present on bacterial surfaces and are mainly composed of the major fimbrial protein subunit FimA and the adhesive protein FimH, which is located at the tip of the fimbrial shaft. Here, we investigated the involvement of type 1 fimbriae in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in macrophages infected withSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium.
Transcriptional Regulation of
icaADBC
by both IcaR and TcaR in
Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Hoang Tra-My , Zhou C. , Lindgren J. K. , Galac M. R. , Corey B. , Endres J. E. , Olson M. E. , Fey P. D.
Published: January 2019

Staphylococcus epidermidis
is a commensal bacterium that resides on our skin. As a commensal, it protects humans from bacterial pathogens through a variety of mechanisms. However, it is also a significant cause of biofilm infections due to its ability to bind to plastic. Polysaccharide intercellular adhesin is a significant component of biofilm, and we propose that the expression of this polysaccharide is beneficial in certain host niches, such as providing extra strength when the bacterium is colonizing the lumen of a catheter, and detrimental in others, such as colonization of the skin surface. We show here that fine-tuning of
icaADBC
transcription, and thus PIA synthesis, is mediated via two transcriptional repressors, IcaR and TcaR.
The Major RNA-Binding Protein ProQ Impacts Virulence Gene Expression in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Westermann Alexander J. , Venturini Elisa , Sellin Mikael E. , Förstner Konrad U. , Hardt Wolf-Dietrich , Vogel Jörg
Published: January 2019

The protein ProQ has recently been discovered as the centerpiece of a previously overlooked “third domain” of small RNA-mediated control of gene expression in bacteria. As
in vitro
work continues to reveal molecular mechanisms, it is also important to understand how ProQ affects the life cycle of bacterial pathogens as these pathogens infect eukaryotic cells. Here, we have determined how ProQ shapes
Salmonella
virulence and how the activities of this RNA-binding protein compare with those of Hfq, another central protein in RNA-based gene regulation in this and other bacteria. To this end, we apply global transcriptomics of pathogen and host cells during infection. In doing so, we reveal ProQ-dependent transcript changes in key virulence and host immune pathways. Moreover, we differentiate the roles of ProQ from those of Hfq during infection, for both coding and noncoding transcripts, and provide an important resource for those interested in ProQ-dependent small RNAs in enteric bacteria.
Colin Campbell Anderson
Authors: Lowe Morag
Published: January 2019

A farm animal vet who embraced all aspects of rural veterinary practice.
Application of η-expansion technique to the φ3-theory in arbitrary dimension
Authors: Pismensky A. L.
Published: January 2019

The [Formula: see text]-theory in the Euclidean space of arbitrary dimension is considered in the present paper. The method of [Formula: see text]-expansion in frames of conformal bootstrap equations is used. As one knows, there is an [Formula: see text]-expansion technique that allows one to calculate the critical exponent in the form of a series in [Formula: see text], the deviation of the space dimension from the logarithmic one. However, the given series in [Formula: see text] is divergent, and it is not possible to extend it analytically to arbitrary dimension. To solve the problem, we propose using the [Formula: see text]-expansion: we construct series in powers of the Fisher’s exponent [Formula: see text] or a parameter [Formula: see text] expressed through the Fisher’s exponent and we obtain some approximate equation for [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text].
Rail defect inspection based on coupled structural–acoustic analysis
Authors: Yao Wenqing , Yang Yuan , Zhao Kai , Wei Xiaoyuan , Zhang Lei , Zhai Mingjing , Rao Feng
Published: January 2019

The inspection of rail defects is of importance in high-speed railway operation and maintenance. As a highly efficient method for both nondestructive testing and structural health monitoring of the rail, ultrasonic guided waves (UGWs) inspection provide increased sensitivity to smaller defects. These advantages can be fully exploited only if the complexities of UGWs propagation between the medium of air and rail are unveiled and managed for the given inspection method. The development and validation of modeling procedure for the rail based on coupled structural–acoustic model is presented in this paper. Acoustic–structure interaction between air and rail is simulated based on COMSOL Multiphysics software. The transient response and natural characteristics of UGWs in the rail was computed and predicted. Moreover, the displacement distribution of UGWs in the defective rail and nondefective rail are analyzed both in time and frequency domain. A feasible method for detecting small defects in the rail is proposed in the paper. The results indicated that a defect of 8 mm in rail head can be inspected effectively using UGWs with frequencies of 40 kHz and above. And for small defects in rail web, the X-crystallographic direction ultrasonic transducer should be chosen for inspection.
Effect of heat treatment on microstructure and wear resistance of high manganese steel surfacing layer
Authors: Pu Juan , Li Zhipeng , Hu Qingxian , Wang Yuxin
Published: January 2019

The high manganese steel surfacing layer was deposited on Q235 steel by flux-cored wire gas shielded welding. The as-welded surfacing layer was heated at 1050[Formula: see text]C and quenched in the water, then was tempered at 300[Formula: see text]C. The microstructure, hardness and wear resistance of as-welded surfacing layer and that after heat treatment were comparatively analyzed. The results showed that compared with the as-welded surfacing layer, a large number of fine carbides dispersed in the austenite matrix for the surfacing layer after heat treatment. Meanwhile, the hardness and wear resistance of surfacing layer were slightly improved. The furrow in the abrasive wear for surfacing layer was shallower. Under the action of work hardening, the hardness of high manganese steel surfacing layer gradually increased while the loss weight decreased with the wear time less than 30 min. The hardness of surfacing layer reached the maximum and the loss weight of wear remained unchanged when the wear time was 30–60 min.
Arc characteristics and metal transfer behavior of CMT+P process for Q235 steel of titanium-steel composite plate
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhu Zhongyin , Gou Guoqing , Peng Lin , Liu Yali , Yang Tao , Gao Wei
Published: January 2019

The cold metal transfer (CMT) with addition of pulses (CMT[Formula: see text]P) process is a new CMT welding method. This paper uses a high-speed camera and electrical signal synchronization acquisition system to perform a CMT[Formula: see text]P welding test on a 10 mm thick Q235 steel plate, and performs arc characteristic and droplet transfer behavior in the welding process. It has been founded that under relatively small currents and voltages, the CMT[Formula: see text]P transfer mode is a combination of a projected transfer mode with one droplet in the pulse period and a short circuit transfer mode during the CMT period. The process is stable with little spatter; at relatively large currents and voltages, the transition mode is the combination of pulse transfer, spray transfer and short circuit transfer. It results in one or more droplets that enter the pool both in pulse transfer in the spray transfer mode during the pulse period and in the short circuit transfer mode during the CMT period in a weld cycle.
Impact of heat therapy on recovery after eccentric exercise in humans
Authors: Kim Kyoungrae , Kuang Shihuan , Song Qifan , Gavin Timothy P. , Roseguini Bruno T.
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of heat therapy (HT) on functional recovery, the skeletal muscle expression of angiogenic factors, macrophage content, and capillarization after eccentric exercise in humans. Eleven untrained individuals (23.8 ± 0.6 yr) performed 300 bilateral maximal eccentric contractions of the knee extensors. One randomly selected thigh was treated with five daily 90-min sessions of HT, whereas the opposite thigh received a thermoneutral intervention. Peak isokinetic torque of the knee extensors was assessed at baseline and daily for 4 days and fatigue resistance was assessed at baseline and 1 and 4 days after the eccentric exercise session. Muscle biopsies were obtained 2 wk before and 1 and 5 days after the eccentric exercise bout. There were no differences between thighs in the overall recovery profile of peak torque. However, the thigh exposed to HT had greater fatigue resistance than the thigh exposed to the thermoneutral intervention. The change from baseline in mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was higher at day 1 in the thigh exposed to HT. Protein levels of VEGF and angiopoietin 1 were also significantly higher in the thigh treated with HT. The number of capillaries around type II fibers decreased similarly in both thighs at day 5. Exposure to HT had no impact on macrophage content. These results suggest that HT accelerates the recovery of fatigue resistance after eccentric exercise and promotes the expression of angiogenic factors in human skeletal muscle.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We investigated whether exposure to local heat therapy (HT) accelerates recovery after a bout of eccentric exercise in humans. Compared with a thermoneutral control intervention, HT improved fatigue resistance of the knee extensors and enhanced the expression of the angiogenic mediators vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin 1. These results suggest that HT hastens functional recovery and enhances the expression of regulatory factors involved in muscle repair after eccentric exercise in humans.
Ribosome specialization and its potential role in the control of protein translation and skeletal muscle size
Authors: Chaillou Thomas
Published: January 2019

The ribosome is typically viewed as a supramolecular complex with constitutive and invariant capacity in mediating translation of mRNA into protein. This view has been challenged by recent research revealing that ribosome composition could be heterogeneous, and this heterogeneity leads to functional ribosome specialization. This review presents the idea that ribosome heterogeneity results from changes in its various components, including variations in ribosomal protein (RP) composition, posttranslational modifications of RPs, changes in ribosomal-associated proteins, alternative forms of rRNA, and posttranscriptional modifications of rRNAs. Ribosome heterogeneity could be orchestrated at several levels and may depend on numerous factors, such as the subcellular location, cell type, tissue specificity, the development state, cell state, ribosome biogenesis, RP turnover, physiological stimuli, and circadian rhythm. Ribosome specialization represents a completely new concept for the regulation of gene expression. Specialized ribosomes could modulate several aspects of translational control, such as mRNA translation selectivity, translation initiation, translational fidelity, and translation elongation. Recent research indicates that the expression of Rpl3 is markedly increased, while that of Rpl3l is highly reduced during mouse skeletal muscle hypertrophy. Moreover, Rpl3l overexpression impairs the growth and myogenic fusion of myotubes. Although the function of Rpl3 and Rpl3l in the ribosome remains to be clarified, these findings suggest that ribosome specialization may be potentially involved in the control of protein translation and skeletal muscle size. Limited data concerning ribosome specialization are currently available in skeletal muscle. Future investigations have the potential to delineate the function of specialized ribosomes in skeletal muscle.
Fracture Strength and Stress Distribution in Premolars Restored with Cast Post-and-Cores or Glass-Fiber Posts Considering the Influence of Ferule
Authors: Bacchi Atais , Caldas Ricardo Armini , Schmidt Daniel , Detoni Mauricio , Matheus Albino Souza  , Cecchin Doglas , Farina Ana Paula
Published: January 2019

Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of ferule and the post type on the fracture strength and stress distribution in premolars. Materials and Methods. Forty human mandibular premolars were decoronated, allocated in four groups, and restored as follows: CPC-NF: cast post-and-core and absence of ferule; CPC-F: cast post-and-core and presence of ferule; FPC-NF: glass-fiber posts and absence of ferule; FPC-F: glass-fiber posts and presence of ferule. The fracture strength (FS) and failure patterns were evaluated. Finite element analysis (FEA) evaluated the stress distribution. Results. FS did not differ between CPCs and FPC either in presence or in absence of ferule. The presence of ferule increased FS with both post types. Mean values of FS for ferule groups were higher than functional or parafunctional loads reported in literature, which was not the case for FPC-NF when compared to parafunctional loads. FEA with a functional load showed slightly higher compressive stresses in dentin in the group CPC-NF, which was much lower than the compressive strength of dentin. Lower percentage of catastrophic failures was observed in nonferule groups irrespective of post type, which was explained by the stress concentration in the cervical root region when FEA with the FS load was simulated. Conclusion. Ferule effect was shown to be more important than post type in the analysis. Both posts showed potential to withstand functional loads irrespective of presence of ferule. However, the mean FS was lower than parafunctional loads for FPC in the absence of ferule.
Pseudo-Elastic Analysis with Permanent Set in Carbon-Filled Rubber
Authors: Huang LiHong , Yang Xiaoxiang , Gao Jianhong
Published: January 2019

Via cyclic loading and unloading tests of natural/styrene-butadiene rubber (NSBR) blends at room temperature, the effects of the stretching, rate, temperature, and volume fraction of carbon black in the filled rubber on a permanent set (residual strain) were studied. The results showed that increasing the stretching, rate, and volume fraction of carbon black and reducing the temperature yielded greater residual strain. The uniaxial tensile behaviors of composites with the Mullins effect and residual strain were simulated using the ABAQUS software according to the aforementioned data. An Ogden-type constitutive model was derived, and the theory of pseudo-elasticity proposed by Ogden and Roxburgh was used in the model. It was found that the theory of pseudo-elasticity and the Ogden constitutive model are applicable to this composite, and if combined with plastic deformation, the models are more accurate for calculating the residual strain after unloading.
Electrochemotherapy: A Review of Current Status, Alternative IGP Approaches, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Esmaeili Nazila , Friebe Michael
Published: January 2019

The efficiency of electroporation (EP) has made it a widely used therapeutic procedure to transfer cell killing substances effectively to the target site. A lot of researches are being done on EP-based cancer treatment techniques. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is the first EP-based application in the field of drug administration. ECT is a local and nonthermal treatment of cancer that combines the use of a medical device with pharmaceutical agents to obtain local tumor control in solid cancers. It involves the application of eight, 100µs, pulses at 1 or 5000 Hz frequency and specified electric field (V/cm) with a median duration of 25 minutes. The efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs increases by applying short and intense electrical pulses. Several clinical studies proposed ECT as a safe and complementary curative or palliative treatment option (curative intent of 50% to 63% in the treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)) to treat a number of solid tumors and skin malignancies, which are not suitable for conventional treatments. It is used currently for treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous lesions, without consideration of their histology. On the contrary, it is also becoming a practical method for treatment of internal, deep-seated tumors and tissues. A review of this method, needed instruments, alternative image-guided procedures (IGP) approaches, and future perspectives and recommendations are discussed in this paper.
CO2-Philic [EMIM][Tf2N] Modified Silica in Mixed Matrix Membrane for High Performance CO2/CH4 Separation
Authors: Shafie Siti Nur Alwani , Liew Wen Xuan , Md Nordin Nik Abdul Hadi , Bilad Muhammad Roil , Sazali Norazlianie , Putra Zulfan Adi , Wirzal Mohd Dzul Hakim
Published: January 2019

Separation of carbon dioxide (CO2) from methane (CH4) using polymeric membranes is limited by trade-off between permeability and selectivity as depicted in Robeson curve. To overcome this challenge, this study develops membranes by incorporating silica particles (Si) modified with [EMIM][Tf2N] ionic liquid (IL) at different IL:Si ratio to achieve desirable membrane properties and gas separation performance. Results show that the IL:Si particle has been successfully prepared, indicated by the presence of fluorine and nitrogen elements, as observed via Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer (XPS). Incorporation of the modified particles into membrane has given prominent effects on morphology and polymer chain flexibility. The mixed matrix membrane (MMM) cross-section morphology turns rougher in the presence of IL:Si during fracture due to higher loadings of silica particles and IL. Furthermore, the MMM becomes more flexible with IL presence due to IL-induced plasticization, independent of IL:Si ratio. The MMM with low IL content possesses CO2 permeance of 34.60 ± 0.26 GPU with CO2/CH4 selectivity of 85.10, which is far superior to a pure polycarbonate (PC) and PC-Sil membranes at 2 bar, which surpasses the Robeson Upper Bound. This higher CO2 selectivity is due to the presences of CO2-philic IL within the MMM system.
Effects of Water on Pore Structure and Thermal Conductivity of Fly Ash-Based Foam Geopolymers
Authors: Cui Yong , Wang Dongmin
Published: January 2019

The influence of the water-to-solid ratio (W/S) on the viscosity, pore characteristics, bulk density, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity of foamed fly ash-based geopolymers with thermal conductivity less than 0.065 W/(m·K) was investigated, and their properties and cost analysis were also compared with that of foamed ordinary Portland cement (OPC). When the W/S varied from 0.38 to 0.5, the apparent viscosity of geopolymer paste 15 min after the preparation decreased significantly from 168 Pa·s to 6 Pa·s. The increasing W/S ratio contributed to the rise of the number of microcapillaries (φ < 50 nm) and macrocapillaries (50 nm < φ < 50 μm) but contributed to the decline of artificial air pores (φ > 50 μm). The refinement of pore characteristics lowered the 28 d thermal conductivity of foamed geopolymers from 0.06 W/(m·K) to 0.048 W/(m·K). Although the slight increase of total porosity of foamed geopolymers from 89% to 92% with the increase of the W/S ratio weakened their 28 d compressive strength from 0.75 MPa to 0.45 MPa, this strength still meets the Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) based Foam Insulation Board standard of JC/T2200-2013 (>0.4 MPa for 0.25 g/cm3). The production cost of foamed geopolymers was slightly higher by 1.1–1.5 times than that of foamed OPC. However, considering the more beneficial effect of environmental load reductions and better mechanical and thermal properties of foamed geopolymers than those of foamed OPC, slightly higher cost would be acceptable for practical application.
A Novel Seismic Risk Analysis Method for Structures with Both Random and Convex Set Mixed Variables: Case Study of a RC Bridge
Authors: Liu Xiao-Xiao , Wang Yuansheng
Published: January 2019

Assessing the demand hazards of structures is requested in the framework of performance‐based earthquake engineering. An efficient method for estimating the seismic risk of structures is proposed in this paper. The relationship between multiple limit capacities and corresponding response parameters is denoted by using a generalized multidimensional limit state equation. The limit states of different components are described as random and convex mixed variables. The seismic responses of different components are considered dependent and follow a multidimensional lognormal distribution. The mathematical formula of multidimensional demand hazards of structures is then derived through combining the seismic fragility function and the seismic hazard curve. The proposed method is used to perform the demand hazard analysis and the parameter sensitivity analysis of a multispan continuous concrete girder bridge, selecting column ductility and bearing displacement as the two‐dimensional seismic response parameters obtained by Incremental Dynamic Analysis. The results demonstrate that the coefficient of variation and correlation coefficient N, which are involved in the limit state equation, have an impact on the evaluation of the demand hazards.
Biological Analysis of Gene Expression and Clinical Variables Suggest FZD1 as a Novel Biomarker for Patients with Kashin-Beck Disease, an Endemic Osteoarthritis in China
Authors: Wang Xi , Ning Yujie , Zhang Pan , Yang Lei , Li Cheng , Zhou Rong , Guo Xiong
Published: January 2019

Clinical variables contribute to the severity of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD). However, it is unclear if there is a correlation between gene expression and clinical variables. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 100 patients with KBD and 100 healthy controls from KBD-endemic areas to identify differentially expressed genes in KBD. Correlation analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed using gene expression and clinical parameters. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the expression of related proteins in articular cartilage tissues. Thirty-nine differentially expressed genes were identified in patients with KBD. Nine differentially expressed genes were correlated with the metacarpal length/metacarpal breadth index. FZD1 was identified as having statistical significance in establishing the regression model of clinical parameters and gene expression. FZD1 expression levels were remarkably reduced in patients with KBD. Our results indicate that FZD1 could be involved in the pathological process of phalanges tuberositas and brachydactylia and may provide new insight into the pathogenesis of articular cartilage destruction observed in patients with KBD.
Parental Perceptions of Child’s Medical Care and Neighborhood and Child’s Behavioral Risk Factors for Obesity in U.S. Children by Body Mass Index Classification
Authors: Vaccaro Joan A. , Zarini Gustavo G. , Huffman Fatma G.
Published: January 2019

Environmental factors, preventive medical care, and behaviors play a role in childhood obesity. This study used the National Survey of Children’s Health, 2011-2012, for 42,828 children, ages 10–17 years. Greater percent of children in the overweight/obese category performed no moderate-to-vigorous physical activity: 11.9 (10.6, 13.3) as compared to children in the underweight/normal weight category: 9.7 (8.9 10.6). No moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with no preventive medical care, inadequate or no health care, parents reporting higher percent of no parks or playgrounds, and unsafe and unsupportive neighborhoods. Odds ratios of overweight/obesity were higher for males [OR = 2.06 (1.64, 2.60)], Hispanics [OR = 1.49 (1.17, 1.90)], non-Hispanic Black females [OR = 1.59 (1.20, 2.08)], younger females [OR10–12 yrs. = 1.35 (1.03, 1.79) and OR13–15 yrs. = 1.4. (1.06, 1.89) vs. OR = 1.0016-17 yrs.], children with high television viewing [OR0-1 hr./day = 0.72 (0.61, 0.86); OR>1 to <4 hrs./day 0.84 (0.72, 0.99) = vs. OR = 1.00≥ 4 hrs./day,] and lower categories of physical activity [OR 0 days/wk. = 1.38 (1.13, 1.62); OR1–3 days/wk. = 1.14 (1.22, 1.62) vs. OR7 days/wk. = 1.00], higher poverty, smoke exposure, and parental perception of their neighborhood as unsupportive. Promoting preventive medical care and neighborhood cooperation may have potential to lower childhood obesity.
Single Remote Sensing Multispectral Image Dehazing Based on a Learning Framework
Authors: Shao Shuai , Guo Yongfei , Zhang Zeshu , Yuan Hangfei
Published: January 2019

Given that a single remote sensing image dehazing is an ill‐posed problem, this is still a challenging task. In order to improve the visibility of a single hazy remote sensing multispectral image, we developed a novel and effective algorithm based on a learning framework. A linear regression model with the relevant features of haze was established. And the gradient descent method is applied to the learning model. Then a hazy image accurate transmission map is obtained by learning the coefficients of the linear model. In addition, we proposed a more effective method to estimate the atmospheric light, which can restrain the influence of highlight areas on the atmospheric light acquisition. Compared with the traditional haze removal methods, the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can achieve better visual effect and color fidelity. Both subjective evaluation and objective assessments indicate that the proposed method achieves a better performance than the state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Estimation of Cement Asphalt Mortar Disengagement Degree Using Vehicle Dynamic Response
Authors: Shi Hui , Zhu Liqiang , Shi Hongmei , Yu Zujun
Published: January 2019

Cement asphalt mortar (CA) disengagement of a ballastless track will induce changes of dynamic response of a passing vehicle, which can accordingly be used to estimate the disengagement degree. In this paper, a novel method called CA mortar disengagement degree estimation algorithm (CMDEA) is proposed through an analysis of wheel acceleration of a passing vehicle. The disengagement degree estimation is transformed into an optimization problem by regarding the CA mortar disengagement degree as a parameter of a vehicle‐track coupling model. An improved genetic algorithm with a shifting window is employed for the parameter optimization, which is split into a number of phases and whose initial values are given in terms of a priori probabilities. The accuracy and robustness of the estimation are discussed, and the results are compared with regular genetic algorithm. The simulation results show that CMDEA can estimate CA mortar degrees with an acceptable accuracy. Meanwhile, the proposed algorithm has the advantages of a lower error value and much shorter computation time. Moreover, the robustness of the algorithm under different vehicle speeds, track irregularities, and signal noise levels is also verified.
Polypharmacy Leading to Priapism in HIV Patient with Schizoaffective Disorder: A CYP450 Cascade
Authors: Sharma Vinod , Sharma Aditi
Published: January 2019

With increasing trend of polypharmacy, there are higher chances of drug-drug interactions leading to adverse effects, especially in psychiatric patients with co-morbid chronic medical problems. This case demonstrates a schizoaffective 30-year-old male on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) who reported an incident of priapism potentially caused by an interaction between previously prescribed atypical antipsychotic, trazodone, norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), HAART, and newly added selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This case emphasizes obtaining careful medication history, understanding cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme and its subtypes, and discouraging polypharmacy. Clinicians must educate their patients about different sexual side effects as these can be socially stigmatizing and can further deteriorate mental health symptoms.