bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypoelliptic Diffusions: Filtering and Inference from Complete and Partial Observations
Authors: Ditlevsen Susanne , Samson Adeline
Published: December 2018

The statistical problem of parameter estimation in partially observed hypoelliptic diffusion processes is naturally occurring in many applications. However, because of the noise structure, where the noise components of the different co-ordinates of the multi-dimensional process operate on different timescales, standard inference tools are ill conditioned. We propose to use a higher order scheme to approximate the likelihood, such that the different timescales are appropriately accounted for. We show consistency and asymptotic normality with non-typical convergence rates. When only partial observations are available, we embed the approximation in a filtering algorithm for the unobserved co-ordinates and use this as a building block in a stochastic approximation expectation–maximization algorithm. We illustrate on simulated data from three models: the harmonic oscillator, the FitzHugh–Nagumo model used to model membrane potential evolution in neuroscience and the synaptic inhibition and excitation model used for determination of neuronal synaptic input.
Towards improved control of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Eberhardson Michael , Hedin Charlotte R. H. , Carlson Marie , Tarnawski Laura , Levine Yaakov A. , Olofsson Peder S.
Published: December 2018

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by activation of both the innate and adaptive immune system in genetically susceptible individuals, resulting in chronic intestinal inflammation. The triggers that initiate and perpetuate this continuous inflammation are the subject of much speculation and research, although the central role of the intestinal microbiota is recognized, and is even a target for treatment in some circumstances. The mainstay of modern IBD treatment is suppression of the immune response towards as yet unspecified antigens, and conventional therapy includes corticosteroids, 5‐aminosalicylic acid (5‐ASA), thiopurines and methotrexate. Reducing activity of specific mediators has proven efficacious, including adhesion molecules, such as the gut‐homing integrin α4β7 expressed on the surface of circulating immune cells, and cytokines, such as tumour necrosis factor α (TNF‐α). This has been achieved using biologic agents including monoclonal antibodies. Recent discoveries in immunology and neuroscience have revealed that signals in the peripheral nervous system regulate inflammation, including levels of TNF‐α. The understanding of the mechanisms of the neuro‐immune communication involved in inflammation control in the gut is evolving, but is as yet incomplete. Clinical studies using implanted vagus nerve stimulators for treatment of IBD show encouraging results. Accordingly, the neural reflex control of inflammation is emerging as a potential therapeutic target in treatment of IBD. Here, we review current therapeutic options and neural reflex control of gut immunity in the context of intestinal inflammation.
Patterns in autobiographical reminiscing among early adults: Implications for forgiveness and self‐compassion
Authors: Booker Jordan A.
Published: December 2018

The ways early adults recount autobiographical experiences are associated with adjustment. Most prior research on autobiographical reminiscing has taken a variable‐oriented approach to examine relations of reminiscing variables with outcomes. The present study takes a person‐oriented approach to (a) identify systematic within‐individual patterns of reminiscing across multiple autobiographical memories; and (b) examine whether these patterns of reminiscing are uniquely related to self‐compassion and forgiveness. Participants were early adults (18 to 24 years) from undergraduate (n = 221) and community (n = 145) contexts. Participants self‐reported forgiveness and self‐compassion and described three autobiographical memories about past challenges: (a) a time they hurt someone else; (b) a time they were hurt by someone; and (c) a time they experienced a personal setback. Each memory was rated for positive self‐meaning (personal growth) and distancing of the current self from the past event (subjective distancing). Cluster analyses showed three subgroup patterns for personal growth and five subgroup patterns for subjective distancing. Participants displaying a pattern of higher personal growth across memories reported the highest forgiveness. Findings point to meaningful heterogeneity in autobiographical reminiscing and support the utility of a person‐oriented approach in providing a holistic view of early adults’ approaches for recollecting lived experiences.
Identification of two novel KIR3DL1 subtypes, KIR3DL1*0010104 and KIR3DL1*0010105
Authors: Jia Jie , Lin Keqin , Sun Hao , Dai Jie‐Jie , Yang Zhao‐Qing
Published: December 2018

KIR3DL1*0010104 and KIR3DL1*0010105 share a common 4 bp deletion in their intron 2.
Monitoring the microbial contamination of donor cornea during all preservation phases: A prospective study in the Eye Bank of Rome
Authors: Vignola Rossella , Giurgola Laura , Colabelli Gisoldi Rossella Anna Maria , Gaudio Mariarosa , D’Amato Tóthová Jana , Pocobelli Augusto
Published: December 2018

Background

In most European eye banks, human donor corneas are microbiologically tested after storage in organ culture conditions, and the tissues that are free of contamination are distributed for transplantation. In this prospective study, 100 donor corneas were tested for microbial contamination after cold storage, corneal culture and corneal deswelling at the Eye Bank of Rome.

Methods

Samples of cold storage medium (EUSOL‐C), corneal culture medium (TISSUE‐C) and deswelling medium (CARRY‐C) were tested after three, seven and one days of corneal storage, respectively. The CARRY‐C medium, used to transport the cornea to the operation theatre, was retested 1 day after transplantation. The TISSUE‐C and CARRY‐C media were also tested after removing antimicrobial and antifungal agents using a dedicated device.

Results

We found 67% of the EUSOL‐C samples were contaminated mainly by Staphylococcus spp, 14% of TISSUE‐C media were contaminated by bacteria and fungi and 3% of CARRY‐C media by Staphylococcus spp The analysis performed after removing the antimicrobial and antifungal agents showed growth in three additional TISSUE‐C samples (S viridans, S haemolyticus and E faecalis) and one CARRY‐C (S cerevisiae and P acnes).

Conclusion

Tissue contamination was unexpectedly high on arrival to the eye bank, indicating the need to review and update decontamination procedures during tissue recovery, and renew training for the recovery teams. Storing donor corneas in organ culture conditions significantly reduced the microorganism burden. Using devices to remove antimicrobial and antifungal agents from samples before testing can increase the sensitivity of the standard microbiological method, and thus help further reduce the risk of microbial transmission.
The role of deforestation on American cutaneous leishmaniasis incidence: spatial‐temporal distribution, environmental and socioeconomic factors associated in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Rodrigues Maria Gabriela de Almeida , Sousa José Diego de Brito , Dias Ádila Liliane Barros , Monteiro Wuelton Marcelo , Sampaio Vanderson de Souza
Published: December 2018

Objective

To analyse the temporal and spatial distribution as well as the environmental and socioeconomic factors associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis incidence in the state of Amazonas, Brazil from 2007 to 2015.

Methods

Spatial and temporal distribution was evaluated from sequential thematic maps of the mean incidence rates of the disease. A negative binomial regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association of the factors studied with the mean incidence rate of ACL.

Results

The average proportion of deforestation was negatively associated with the average incidence rate of cutaneous leishmaniasis in municipalities (β = −2.178; P = 0.019; 95%CI −3.996, −0.361), and the health system performance index (effectiveness) (β = −0.852; P = 0.008; 95%CI −1.481, −0.225). Conversely, the municipal human development index (MHDI) was a factor positively related to the average incidence among the municipalities (β = 7.728; P = 0.003; 95%CI 2.716, 12.738).

Conclusion

Our study shows the important impact of socioeconomic and environmental factors on ACL incidence in the Amazonas State.
Gender exploitative and gender transformative aspects of employing Health Extension Workers under Ethiopia's Health Extension Program
Authors: Jackson Ruth , Kilsby Di , Hailemariam Assefa
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To apply a gender lens to Ethiopia's Health Extension Program and the role of Health Extension Workers (HEWs).

Methods

Interviews with 45 HEWs and four focus group discussions with 14 of the same HEWS from three regions in rural Ethiopia: Afar Region; Tigray Region (Adwa Woreda); and two locations in Southern Nations, Nationalities and People's Region (Aleta Wondo Woreda and Kafa Zone). Two focus group discussions were conducted in Afar Region with 17 Women Extension Workers employed by Afar Pastoralist Development Association.

Results

Using the Gender Equality Continuum as a gender analysis tool, we found that Ethiopia's Health Extension Program is gender aware by directly linking improved health outcomes for women and their empowerment. However, for HEWs who inhabit a gendered space and place from home to district health centres, there can be unexpected consequences that accommodate existing gender inequalities, are blind to them and perhaps even generate new forms of exploitation.

Conclusions

The Health Extension Program could have more transformative outcomes for HEWs and also for communities if changing gender norms was given more attention and constraints to gender equality were reduced. Community Health Worker (CHW) programs should focus on better understanding on the role of gender for CHWs across health systems.
Minimal residual disease in lymph nodes after achievement of complete remission predicts time to relapse in dogs with large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Chalfon Carmit , Martini Valeria , Comazzi Stefano , Aresu Luca , Stefanello Damiano , Riondato Fulvio , Ferrari Roberta , Marconato Laura
Published: December 2018

Most dogs with large B‐cell lymphoma (LBCL) that undergo chemotherapy and achieve clinical complete remission (CR) eventually relapse. However, time to relapse (TTR) is unpredictable. The aims of this prospective study were to assess the influence of post‐chemotherapy lymph node (LN) infiltration by large CD21+ cells using flow cytometry (FC) on TTR, and to establish a cut‐off value of prognostic significance. Dogs with newly‐diagnosed, completely staged LBCL in CR after treatment were enrolled. Minimal residual disease (MRD) analysis by FC was performed on LN aspirates. TTR was calculated between MRD and relapse. Thirty‐one dogs were enrolled: 4% had stage V disease, and diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma was the most common histotype (74%). Based on LN infiltration at MRD evaluation, three groups were created: (a) acellular samples, (b) ≤0.5% infiltration and (c) >0.5% infiltration. Overall median TTR was 154 days (range, 31‐1974): 22 (71%) dogs relapsed during the study period, whereas 9 (29%) dogs did not. The difference among the three groups was significant (P = 0.042 log‐rank test): median TTR was not reached for dogs with LN infiltration ≤0.5% (range, 195‐429 days), 164 days (range 63‐1974) for dogs with acellular LN samples, and 118 days (range, 31‐232) for dogs with LN infiltration >0.5%. These results demonstrate that MRD assessment by FC on LN aspirates in dogs with LBCL in clinical CR predicts TTR. LN infiltration by >0.5% large CD21+ cells after treatment is an unfavourable prognostic factor.
Case Study: Preventing and Resolving Conflict Between Bahamian Nationals and the Haitian Diaspora that Reside in The Bahamas
Authors: D Knowles Abdul
Published: December 2018

Conflict between Haiti and its Caribbean neighbors often arises because of its large migrant population. In The Bahamas, ethnic, cultural and political reasons have resulted in conflict between Haitians and Bahamians. Bahamians regard Haitians as culturally, ethnically and economically inferior. Haitians are thought to deprive Bahamian nationals of government resources. This has resulted in intolerance and discrimination towards Haitians by Bahamian locals and government bodies. As a result, the basic human rights of Haitians are violated. Stereotypes and mistreatment of Haitians have resulted in anti-Bahamian sentiment and mistrust. Without mediation via international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the joint-initiatives between the Bahamian and Haitian government will continue to fail. As a result, the ongoing conflict between both groups risks escalating to mass violence.
μ‐Opioid receptors in primary sensory neurons are essential for opioid analgesic effect on acute and inflammatory pain and opioid‐induced hyperalgesia
Authors: Sun Jie , Chen Shao‐Rui , Chen Hong , Pan Hui‐Lin
Published: December 2018

Key points

μ‐Opioid receptors (MORs) are expressed peripherally and centrally, but the loci of MORs responsible for clinically relevant opioid analgesia are uncertain.

Crossing Oprm1flox/flox and AdvillinCre/+ mice completely ablates MORs in dorsal root ganglion neurons and reduces the MOR expression level in the spinal cord.

Presynaptic MORs expressed at primary afferent central terminals are essential for synaptic inhibition and potentiation of sensory input by opioids.

MOR ablation in primary sensory neurons diminishes analgesic effects produced by systemic and intrathecal opioid agonists and abolishes chronic opioid treatment‐induced hyperalgesia.

These findings demonstrate a critical role of MORs expressed in primary sensory neurons in opioid analgesia and suggest new strategies to increase the efficacy and reduce adverse effects of opioids.

The pain and analgesic systems are complex, and the actions of systemically administered opioids may be mediated by simultaneous activation of μ‐opioid receptors (MORs, encoded by the Oprm1 gene) at multiple, interacting sites. The loci of MORs and circuits responsible for systemic opioid‐induced analgesia and hyperalgesia remain unclear. Previous studies using mice in which MORs are removed from Nav1.8‐ or TRPV1‐expressing neurons provided only an incomplete and erroneous view about the role of peripheral MORs in opioid actions in vivo. In the present study, we determined the specific role of MORs expressed in primary sensory neurons in the analgesic and hyperalgesic effects produced by systemic opioid administration. We generated Oprm1 conditional knockout (Oprm1‐cKO) mice in which MOR expression is completely deleted from dorsal root ganglion neurons and substantially reduced in the spinal cord, which was confirmed by immunoblotting and immunocytochemical labelling. Both opioid‐induced inhibition and potentiation of primary sensory input were abrogated in Oprm1‐cKO mice. Remarkably, systemically administered morphine potently inhibited acute thermal and mechanical nociception and persistent inflammatory pain in control mice but had little effect in Oprm1‐cKO mice. The analgesic effect of intrathecally administered morphine was also profoundly reduced in Oprm1‐cKO mice. Additionally, chronic morphine treatment‐induced hyperalgesia was absent in Oprm1‐cKO mice. Our findings directly challenge the notion that clinically relevant opioid analgesia is mediated mostly by centrally expressed MORs. MORs in primary sensory neurons, particularly those expressed presynaptically at the first sensory synapse in the spinal cord, are crucial for both opioid analgesia and opioid‐induced hyperalgesia.
Manipulation of mechanical ventilatory constraint during moderate intensity exercise does not influence dyspnoea in healthy older men and women
Authors: Molgat‐Seon Yannick , Ramsook Andrew H. , Peters Carli M. , Schaeffer Michele R. , Dominelli Paolo B. , Romer Lee M. , Road Jeremy D. , Guenette Jordan A. , Sheel A. William
Published: December 2018

Key points

The perceived intensity of exertional breathlessness (i.e. dyspnoea) is higher in older women than in older men, possibly as a result of sex‐differences in respiratory system morphology.

During exercise at a given absolute intensity or minute ventilation, older women have a greater degree of mechanical ventilatory constraint (i.e. work of breathing and expiratory flow limitation) than their male counterparts, which may lead to a greater perceived intensity of dyspnoea.

Using a single‐blind randomized study design, we experimentally manipulated the magnitude of mechanical ventilatory constraint during moderate‐intensity exercise at ventilatory threshold in healthy older men and women. We found that changes in the magnitude of mechanical ventilatory constraint within the physiological range had no effect on dyspnoea in healthy older adults.

When older men and women perform moderate intensity exercise, mechanical ventilatory constraint does not contribute significantly to the sensation of dyspnoea.

We aimed to determine the effect of manipulating mechanical ventilatory constraint during submaximal exercise on dyspnoea in older men and women. Eighteen healthy subjects (aged 60–80 years; nine men and nine women) completed two days of testing. On day 1, subjects were assessed for pulmonary function and performed a maximal incremental cycle exercise test. On day 2, subjects performed three 6‐min bouts of cycling at ventilatory threshold, in a single‐blind randomized manner, while breathing: (i) normoxic helium‐oxygen (HEL) to reduce the work of breathing (Wb) and alleviate expiratory flow limitation (EFL); (ii) through an inspiratory resistance (RES) of ∼5 cmH2O L−1 s−1 to increase Wb; and (iii) ambient air as a control (CON). Oesophageal pressure, diaphragm electromyography, and sensory responses (category‐ratio 10 Borg scale) were monitored throughout exercise. During the HEL condition, there was a significant decrease in Wb (men: –21 ± 6%, women: –17 ± 10%) relative to CON (both P < 0.01). Moreover, if EFL was present during CON (four men and five women), it was alleviated during HEL. Conversely, during the RES condition, Wb (men: 42 ± 19%, women: 50 ± 16%) significantly increased relative to CON (both P < 0.01). There was no main effect of sex on Wb (P = 0.59). Across conditions, women reported significantly higher dyspnoea intensity than men (2.9 ± 0.9 vs. 1.9 ± 0.8 Borg scale units, P < 0.05). Despite significant differences in the degree of mechanical ventilatory constraint between conditions, the intensity of dyspnoea was unaffected, independent of sex (P = 0.46). When older men and women perform moderate intensity exercise, mechanical ventilatory constraint does not contribute significantly to the sensation of dyspnoea.
A Quantitative Evaluation Method for Impeller-Volute Tongue Interaction and Application to Squirrel Cage Fan With Bionic Volute Tongue
Authors: Wang Ke , Ju Yaping , Zhang Chuhua
Published: December 2018

The impeller–volute tongue interaction strongly influences the aerodynamic performance of squirrel cage fan. To quantitatively evaluate the level of impeller–volute tongue interaction, we propose two parameters, i.e., recirculated flow coefficient and reversed flow coefficient based on a careful inspection of flow pattern near the volute tongue of a squirrel cage fan. Inspired by the good aerodynamic characteristics of owl wing, particular effort is made to develop a bionic design of volute tongue to improve the impeller–volute tongue match. The aerodynamic performances of both the squirrel cage fans with original volute tongue (OVT) and bionic volute tongue (BVT) are numerically and experimentally analyzed. The results show that, by employing the bionic design of volute tongue, the squirrel cage fan can achieve higher aerodynamic performance than that with OVT. Better match between impeller and volute tongue is obtained with smaller recirculated flow coefficient and reversed flow coefficient, validating the effectiveness of the proposed parameters to quantitatively evaluate the level of impeller–volute tongue interaction. In addition, the bionic design of volute tongue is beneficial for the improvement of flow quality and for the relief of abrupt pressure variation and axial nonuniformity of flow near the volute tongue. This work is helpful for a deep understanding of complex flow pattern in squirrel cage fan.
A Novel Method to Determine the Discharge Coefficient of Constant Section Nozzles Under Compressible Dynamic Flow Conditions
Authors: Comas A. , Rio-Cano C. , Bergada J. M.
Published: December 2018

The present paper introduces a novel transient experimental method employed to determine the discharge coefficient of constant section nozzles of small diameters of 1–3 mm and with a length/diameter ratio of around one. Flow is considered to be real and compressible; the discharge process was analyzed at relatively high pressures, the fluid used was N2. Based on the experimental data, a generalized expression characterizing the discharge coefficient for nozzles of different diameters, lengths, and fluid conditions was developed. In order to check the precision of the analytical equation presented, experimental upstream reservoir pressure decay was compared with the temporal pressure decay obtained using the new analytical equation. Good correlation was achieved for pressure differentials up to 7.6 MPa. Despite the fact that the procedure established can be extended to other gases and nozzle configurations, so far the equation presented to estimate the discharge coefficient, can only be applied to orifices with length to diameter ratios of around one.
Study of a Cavitating Venturi Tube by Lumped Parameters
Authors: Cruz Samuel , Godínez Francisco A. , Navarrete Margarita
Published: December 2018

The hydrodynamic cavitation in a Venturi tube is studied both theoretically and experimentally. A lumped parameter model was developed to describe the accumulation and dissipation of energy in the biphasic flow as a function of the bubble population characteristics (mean volume, standard deviation, and void fraction). Resistance, capacitance, inductance, and frequency lumped-parameters were identified applying the fluid conservation equations (mass and momentum) along with electrical/hydraulic analogies. Experiments with 1,2-propanediol were carried out in a hydraulic circuit composed of valves, a pump, and a Venturi nozzle. The acoustic noise generated (at different cavitation regimes) by the passage of the fluid through the tube was acquired with a piezoelectric sensor. After processing the experimental signals, the system frequency at each operation condition was determined. Plausible estimations of the void fraction were obtained at different experimental frequencies by evaluating a theoretical expression of the frequency lumped-parameter. This semi-empirical technique might be a low-cost alternative when the void fraction of a flow needs to be determined and tomography devices are not available.
Correlations for the Choked Mass and Momentum Flux Density Considering Real-Gas Thermodynamics
Authors: Banholzer Matthias , Pfitzner Michael
Published: December 2018

The choked mass flux density and the choked momentum flux density for the nonideal fluids methane and nitrogen have been calculated using the Soave–Redlich–Kwong equation of state (EoS). For the computation a steady, one-dimensional (1D), isenthalpic and isentropic flow is assumed. The developed algorithm for the calculation of the choked flow properties includes a bounded multidimensional Newton method. A possible second phase emerging in the critical nozzle area is excluded using the saturation properties of the considered fluids. The critical ratios of pressure, density, temperature, and speed of sound are discussed and compared to other publications. Formulations of the choked mass flux density and the choked momentum flux density explicit in Tr, pr, and Zr are given valid for different reduced pressures and temperatures depending on the fluid. Additional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are carried out in order to validate the findings of the algorithm and the proposed correlations.
A Novel Microlaser-Based Plasmonic-Polymer Hybrid Resonator for Multiplexed Biosensing Applications
Authors: Manzo Maurizio , Schwend Ryan
Published: December 2018

Whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonators exhibit a high quality factor Q and a small mode volume; they usually exhibit high resolution when used as sensors. The light trapped inside a polymeric microcavity travels through total internal reflection generating the WGMs. A laser or a lamp is used to power the microlaser by using a laser dye embedded within the resonator. The excited fluorescence of the dye couples with the optical modes. The optical modes (laser modes) are seen as sharp peaks in the emission spectrum with the aid of an optical interferometer. The position of these optical modes is sensitive to any change in the morphology of the resonator. However, the laser threshold of these microlasers is of few hundreds of microjoules per square centimeter (fluence) usually. In addition, the excitation wavelength's light powering the device must be smaller than the microlasers size. When metallic nanoparticles are added to the microlaser, the excited surface plasmon couples with the emission spectrum of the laser dye. Therefore, the fluorescence of the dye can be enhanced by this coupling; this in turn, lowers the power threshold of the microlaser. Also, due to a plasmonic effect, it is possible to use smaller microlasers. In addition, a new sensing modality is enabled based on the variation of the optical modes' amplitude with the change in the morphology's microlaser. This opens a new avenue of low power consumption microlasers and photonics multiplexed biosensors.
Nanoparticle Emissions From Metal-Assisted Chemical Etching of Silicon Nanowires for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Fenfen , Gao Xianfeng , Ma Lulu , Yuan Chris
Published: December 2018

As one of the most promising anode materials for high-capacity lithium ion batteries (LIBs), silicon nanowires (SiNWs) have been studied extensively. The metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) is a low-cost and scalable method for SiNW synthesis. Nanoparticle emissions from the MACE process, however, are of grave concerns due to their hazardous effects on both occupational and public health. In this study, both airborne and aqueous nanoparticle emissions from the MACE process for SiNWs with three sizes of 90 nm, 120 nm, and 140 nm are experimentally investigated. The prepared SiNWs are used as anodes of LIB coin cells, and the experimental results reveal that the initial discharge and charge capacities of LIB electrodes are 3636 and 2721 mAh g−1 with 90 nm SiNWs, 3779 and 2712 mAh g−1 with 120 nm SiNWs, and 3611 and 2539 mAh g−1 with 140 nm SiNWs. It is found that for 1 kW h of LIB electrodes, the MACE process for 140 nm SiNWs produces a high concentration of airborne nanoparticle emissions of 2.48 × 109 particles/cm3; the process for 120 nm SiNWs produces a high mass concentration of aqueous particle emissions, with a value of 9.95 × 105 mg/L. The findings in this study can provide experimental data of nanoparticle emissions from the MACE process for SiNWs for LIB applications and can help the environmental impact assessment and life cycle assessment of the technology in the future.
Reliability Analysis of Pipelines With Local Corrosion Defects Under External Pressure
Authors: Teixeira A. P. , Palencia O. G. , Guedes Soares C.
Published: December 2018

This paper aims at assessing the reliability of pipelines with local corrosion defects subjected to external pressure. Several collapse strength models are calibrated and then used to formulate the reliability problem of corroded pipelines. Model uncertainty factors are derived for the various collapse strength models based on available experimental results to better predict the effect of local corrosion defects on the reduction of the collapse strength of pipelines. The model uncertainty factor is defined as function of the depth of the local corrosion defect and calibrates the overconservative predictions of collapse strength models that deal with the effect of corrosion defects by considering a uniform reduction of the pipe thickness. The collapse strength models together with the corresponding model uncertainty factors are then used to formulate the reliability problem of pipelines with local corrosion defects subjected to external pressure. Parametric and sensitivity analyses are performed for different levels of corrosion damages to identify the influence of the various parameters on the collapse probability of corroded pipelines under external pressure. Finally, an approach is suggested to calibrate a design code formulation that is conservative when the minimum pipe thickness is used to represent a local corrosion defect. The approach consists of identifying an equivalent depth of the corrosion defect, corresponding to an intermediate thickness of the corroded pipeline larger than the minimum thickness, that adjusts the design code to match the safety levels of the collapse strength model calibrated to the experimental results.
Scale Effect in Ice Flexural Strength
Authors: Aly Mohamed , Taylor Rocky , Bailey Dudley Eleanor , Turnbull Ian
Published: December 2018

Ice flexural strength is an important parameter in the assessment of ice loads on the hulls of ice-class ships, sloped offshore structures, and sloped bridge piers. While scale effects in compressive ice strength are well known, there has been debate as to the extent of scale effects in ice flexural strength. To investigate scale effects during flexural failure of both freshwater and saline ice, a comprehensive up-to-date database of beam flexural strength measurements has been compiled. The database includes 2073 freshwater ice beam tests with beam volumes between 0.00016 and 2.197 m3, and 2843 sea ice beam tests with volumes between 0.00048 and 59.87 m3. The data show a considerable decrease in flexural strength as the specimen size increases, when examined over a large range of scales. Empirical models of freshwater ice flexural strength as a function of beam volume, and of saline ice as function of beam and brine volumes have been developed using regression analysis. For freshwater ice, the scale-dependent flexural strength is given as: σf=839(V/V1)−0.13 For sea ice, the dependence of flexural strength has been modeled as: σ=1324(V/V1)−0.054e−4.969vb. Probabilistic models based on the empirical data were developed based on an analysis of the residuals, and can be used to enhance probabilistic analysis of ice loads where ice flexural strength is an input.
Response of an Aluminum Stiffened Plate Under Extreme Slamming Loadings1
Authors: Liu Bin , Villavicencio R. , Liu Kun , Zhu Ling , Guedes Soares C.
Published: December 2018

The slamming phenomenon often occurs when the bottom of a ship hits the seawater with a relatively high velocity in irregular waves. In extreme sea conditions, the slam-induced dynamic loads can be quite large resulting in local structural damages and/or global deformation of the panels, in particular when ships face head sea waves with high forward speed. In this respect, high-speed vessels are affected by the slamming phenomenon as they are built with thin steel plates or aluminum. The paper presents finite element simulations performed with the explicit ls-dyna solver of an aluminum stiffened plate subjected to extreme slamming loadings so as to evaluate the large plastic deformation and failure of the stiffened plate and the effect of the heat affected zone (HAZ) due to the welding using the mechanical properties of an aluminum alloy grade 5083-H116. The outcomes of this study identify the parameters that have importance when estimating the extent of structural deformation due to slamming loads.
An Experimental Study of Friction and Wear Characteristics of Sunflower and Soybean Oil Methyl Ester Under the Steady-State Conditions by the Four-Ball Wear Testing Machine
Authors: Barsari Mahmoud Amiri Nazari , Shirneshan Alireza
Published: December 2018

According to that the fuel pump and injectors of the diesel engines are lubricated by the fuel itself, so the lubrication property of the fuels is an important issue in internal combustion engines. Biodiesel is one of the most famous biofuels that can be used in diesel engines. In this research, wear characteristics of biodiesel derived from sunflower and soybean oil blends were investigated. The five fuel blends were tested under steady-state conditions (with durations of 1500 and 3600 s) at four different rotational speeds of 600, 900, 1200, and 1500 rpm. An optical microscope was also applied to check out the worn surfaces of the balls. The results indicated that wear and friction as tribological properties were reduced with the increase in the rotating speed under the steady-state condition. It was found that with an increase in the biodiesel concentration, the friction coefficient was reduced at lower rotating speeds due to free fatty acids, monoglycerides, and diglycerides as the components of biodiesel which help improve the lubrication properties of biodiesel and reduce the friction more than that of other blends. However, in higher rotational speeds, friction and wear of fuel blends included biodiesel increased due to reduced viscosity as the causes of oxidation which helps in the exposure of biodiesel to air at higher temperature. So, B100 has better lubricity properties compared to other fuel blends at lower rotational speeds, and better performance belongs to B20 at higher rotational speeds.
Effect of Surface Nanocrystallization Pretreatment on the Tribological Properties of Plasma Nitrided AISI 316 L Stainless Steel Under Boundary Lubrication
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Yue Wen , Kang Jiajie , Zhu Lina , Fu Zhiqiang , Wang Chengbiao
Published: December 2018

It has been proved that surface nanocrstallization pretreatment is beneficial to plasma nitriding of steel by enhancing nitrogen diffusion, while the tribological properties of the nitrided nanostructured steel under boundary lubrication are not clear. In this work, AISI 316 L stainless steel with and without ultrasonic cold forging technology (UCFT) pretreatment was plasma nitrided at 500 °C for 4 h. The effects of UCFT pretreatment on the microstructure and properties of the nitrided layer and the tribochemical interactions between the nitrided layer and friction modifier molybdenum dithiocarbamate (MoDTC) and antiwear additive zinc dialkyldithio-phosphate (ZDDP) were investigated using SRV tribometer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), vickers hardness tester, optical microscope, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Surface analyses confirm the formation of a 20 μm thick nitrided layer on the UCFT-pretreated sample and it had higher hardness than that on the unpretreated sample. Furthermore, the nitrided UCFT-pretreated sample presented better synergetic effect with MoDTC and ZDDP on tribological behaviors than the nitrided unpretreated sample. This is attributed to the higher contents of Mo, S, Zn, P, and MoS2/MoO3 ratio in the tribofilms on the nitrided UCFT-pretreated sample.
RADVis: A Software Tool for the Visual Investigation of Raw Accelerometry Data
Authors: Straczkiewicz Marcin , Urbanek Jacek , Harezlak Jaroslaw
Published: December 2018

The authors employed MATLAB to develop the Raw Accelerometry Data Visualization (RADVis) tool for the examination of the raw accelerometry data collected with GENEActiv and ActiGraph devices. The graphical user interface provided enables efficient exploration of the acceleration signals without advanced computational skills. RADVis allows plotting of the tri-axial data, vector magnitude, and statistical summaries of the subsets of up to two different signals. Visual comparisons between the zoomed-in fragments of the signals are enabled via the drop-down menus and user-selected zoom-in parameters. In this technical note, we demonstrate the utility of RADVis on sample data collected during a pilot study of walking and car driving.
Phonon localization in heat conduction
Authors: Luckyanova M. N. , Mendoza J. , Lu H. , Song B. , Huang S. , Zhou J. , Li M. , Dong Y. , Zhou H. , Garlow J. , Wu L. , Kirby B. J. , Grutter A. J. , Puretzky A. A. , Zhu Y. , Dresselhaus M. S. , Gossard A. , Chen G.
Published: December 2018

Anderson localization in phonon heat conduction is observed in GaAs/AlAs superlattices with ErAs nanodots.
Interleaved atom interferometry for high-sensitivity inertial measurements
Authors: Savoie D. , Altorio M. , Fang B. , Sidorenkov L. A. , Geiger R. , Landragin A.
Published: December 2018

Interleaved atom interferometry brings high sensitivity and temporal resolution to cold-atom inertial sensors.
Human IFN-γ immunity to mycobacteria is governed by both IL-12 and IL-23
Authors: Martínez-Barricarte Rubén , Markle Janet G. , Ma Cindy S. , Deenick Elissa K. , Ramírez-Alejo Noé , Mele Federico , Latorre Daniela , Mahdaviani Seyed Alireza , Aytekin Caner , Mansouri Davood , Bryant Vanessa L. , Jabot-Hanin Fabienne , Deswarte Caroline , Nieto-Patlán Alejandro , Surace Laura , Kerner Gaspard , Itan Yuval , Jovic Sandra , Avery Danielle T. , Wong Natalie , Rao Geetha , Patin Etienne , Okada Satoshi , Bigio Benedetta , Boisson Bertrand , Rapaport Franck , Seeleuthner Yoann , Schmidt Monika , Ikinciogullari Aydan , Dogu Figen , Tanir Gonul , Tabarsi Payam , Bloursaz Mohammed Reza , Joseph Julia K. , Heer Avneet , Kong Xiao-Fei , Migaud Mélanie , Lazarov Tomi , Geissmann Frédéric , Fleckenstein Bernhard , Arlehamn Cecilia Lindestam , Sette Alessandro , Puel Anne , Emile Jean-François , van de Vosse Esther , Quintana-Murci Lluis , Di Santo James P. , Abel Laurent , Boisson-Dupuis Stéphanie , Bustamante Jacinta , Tangye Stuart G. , Sallusto Federica , Casanova Jean-Laurent
Published: December 2018

Human IFN-γ–dependent immunity to mycobacteria is less compromised in IL-12Rβ2 or IL-23R deficiency than IL-12Rβ1 deficiency.
Tuberculosis and impaired IL-23–dependent IFN-γ immunity in humans homozygous for a common
TYK2
missense variant
Authors: Boisson-Dupuis Stéphanie , Ramirez-Alejo Noe , Li Zhi , Patin Etienne , Rao Geetha , Kerner Gaspard , Lim Che Kang , Krementsov Dimitry N. , Hernandez Nicholas , Ma Cindy S. , Zhang Qian , Markle Janet , Martinez-Barricarte Ruben , Payne Kathryn , Fisch Robert , Deswarte Caroline , Halpern Joshua , Bouaziz Matthieu , Mulwa Jeanette , Sivanesan Durga , Lazarov Tomi , Naves Rodrigo , Garcia Patricia , Itan Yuval , Boisson Bertrand , Checchi Alix , Jabot-Hanin Fabienne , Cobat Aurélie , Guennoun Andrea , Jackson Carolyn C. , Pekcan Sevgi , Caliskaner Zafer , Inostroza Jaime , Costa-Carvalho Beatriz Tavares , de Albuquerque Jose Antonio Tavares , Garcia-Ortiz Humberto , Orozco Lorena , Ozcelik Tayfun , Abid Ahmed , Rhorfi Ismail Abderahmani , Souhi Hicham , Amrani Hicham Naji , Zegmout Adil , Geissmann Frédéric , Michnick Stephen W. , Muller-Fleckenstein Ingrid , Fleckenstein Bernhard , Puel Anne , Ciancanelli Michael J. , Marr Nico , Abolhassani Hassan , Balcells María Elvira , Condino-Neto Antonio , Strickler Alexis , Abarca Katia , Teuscher Cory , Ochs Hans D. , Reisli Ismail , Sayar Esra H. , El-Baghdadi Jamila , Bustamante Jacinta , Hammarström Lennart , Tangye Stuart G. , Pellegrini Sandra , Quintana-Murci Lluis , Abel Laurent , Casanova Jean-Laurent
Published: December 2018

Homozygosity for the P1104A missense variant of the TYK2 Janus kinase is common monogenic etiology of primary tuberculosis.
An Extracytoplasmic Function Sigma Factor Controls Cellulose Utilization by Regulating the Expression of an Outer Membrane Protein in
Cytophaga hutchinsonii
Authors: Wang Xia , Zhang Weixin , Zhou Hong , Chen Guanjun , Liu Weifeng
Published: December 2018

The common cellulolytic bacterium
Cytophaga hutchinsonii
uses a unique but poorly understood strategy in order to make use of cellulose. Throughout the process of cellulosic biomass breakdown, outer membrane proteins are thought to play key roles; this is evidenced by CHU_1276, which is required for the utilization of cellulose. However, the regulatory mechanism of its expression is not yet known. We found and characterized an extracytoplasmic function σ factor that is involved in coordinating the cellulolytic response of
C. hutchinsonii
by directly regulating the expression of
CHU_1276
. This study makes a contribution to our understanding of the regulatory mechanism used by
C. hut
chinsonii
in order to adjust its genetic programs and so deal with novel environmental cues.
Hsp90 Is Essential for Chl1-Mediated Chromosome Segregation and Sister Chromatid Cohesion
Authors: Khurana Nidhi , Bakshi Sayan , Tabassum Wahida , Bhattacharyya Mrinal K. , Bhattacharyya Sunanda
Published: December 2018

Recently, Hsp90 functional loss has been linked to aneuploidy; however, until now none of the components of sister chromatid cohesion (SCC) have been demonstrated as the putative clients of Hsp90. In this study, we have established that Chl1, the protein which is involved in maintaining sister chromatid cohesion as well as in preventing chromosome loss, is a direct client of Hsp90. Thus, with understanding of the molecular mechanism, how Hsp90 controls the cohesion machinery might reveal new insights which can be exploited further for attenuation of tumorigenesis.
Fucosylated Human Milk Oligosaccharides and N-Glycans in the Milk of Chinese Mothers Regulate the Gut Microbiome of Their Breast-Fed Infants during Different Lactation Stages
Authors: Bai Yaqiang , Tao Jia , Zhou Jiaorui , Fan Qingjie , Liu Man , Hu Yuqi , Xu Yao , Zhang Lilong , Yuan Jieli , Li Wenzhe , Ze Xiaolei , Malard Patrice , Guo Zhimou , Yan Jingyu , Li Ming
Published: December 2018

Human milk glycans provide a broad range of carbon sources for gut microbes in infants. Levels of protein glycosylation in human milk vary during lactation and may also be affected by the stages of gestation and lactation and by the secretor status of the mother. This was the first study to evaluate systematically dynamic changes in human milk oligosaccharides and fucosylated N-glycans in the milk of Chinese mothers with different secretor statuses during 6 months of lactation. Given the unique single nucleotide polymorphism site (rs1047781, A385T) on the fucosyltransferase 2 gene among Chinese populations, our report provides a specific insight into the milk glycobiome of Chinese mothers, which may exert effects on the gut microbiota of infants that differ from findings from other study cohorts.
PIBIDS syndrome in two Brazilian siblings
Authors: Abagge Kerstin Taniguchi , Haupenthal Felipe , Felber Gabriella Yamashita , Raskin Salmo
Published: December 2018

Trichothiodystrophy is a rare condition associated with autosomal recessive or X-linked dominant variants in the ERCC2, ERCC3, GTF2H5, MPLKIP, RNF113A or GTF2E2 genes. The genes associated to photosensitive trichothiodystrophy encode subunits of transcription factor IIH, involved in the nucleotide excision repair pathway. The disease is characterised by cysteine-deficient brittle hair along with other neuroectodermal abnormalities. It has a variable clinical expression and some cases might be associated with photosensitivity, resulting in the acronym PIBIDS (photosensitivity,ichthyosis,brittle hair,intellectual impairment,decreased fertilityandshort stature). We report clinical findings of two siblings diagnosed with trichothiodystrophy associated with marked photosensitivity.
Optic neuritis caused by the re-emerging great masquerader
Authors: Nolan Nathanial S , Gibbons Laura E , Hepburn Madihah A , Elkeeb Ahmed , Regunath Hariharan
Published: December 2018

A 49-year-old Caucasian woman presented with subacute headache and right eye pain associated with scotoma, blurred vision and photophobia. MRI was suggestive of optic neuritis of the right optic nerve and she was treated with steroids. Due to persistent symptoms, a lumbar puncture was performed and cerebrospinal fluid analysis was positive for venereal disease research laboratory and rapid plasma reagin titres. On further history, she recalled experiencing an illness associated with diffuse rash, likely secondary syphilis, 1–2 months prior. She tested negative for HIV. She was treated with intravenous penicillin for 2 weeks following which she experienced improvement in symptoms.
Acute on chronic anaemia with a haemoglobin of 18 g/L (1.8 g/dL) and haematocrit of 7.2%
Authors: Haferkamp Shelly Fay , Cherukuri Sundar Venkata , Valasareddi Sri Laxmi , Skandhan Amith
Published: December 2018

Anaemia can present with symptoms of fatigue, shortness of breath, weakness, malaise, tachycardia and skin pallor. If left untreated, this can progress to life-threatening complications such as arrhythmias, cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial infarction. In this report, a 43-year-old woman, who was ambulatory with no exertional dysponea, presented with weakness, fatigue, bilateral lower extremity oedema and intermittent right sided chest pain for several months. This patient was subsequently found to have a haemoglobin of 18 g/L (1.8 g/dL) and haematocrit of 7.2%. She was admitted to the hospital and treated with seven units of blood. CT scan showed a 9.6 cm uterine fibroid in addition to a 5.9×5.4 cm mass near the right kidney, which was later diagnosed as metastatic carcinoid tumour. This case deserves attention due to the importance of looking for multiple causes of blood loss and the effects of low haemoglobin levels.
Multiple melanoma in a burns scar
Authors: Cantwell Phillip , Brooks Adrian
Published: December 2018

It is well known that up to 2% of chronic burn scar lesions can transform into malignant tumours, however, melanoma formation at these sites is extremely rare. This case report describes a burns case, which progressed to four melanomas in a 78-year-old male patient’s little finger, 40 years after the initial incident. The patient underwent 3 mm punch biopsies, then digital amputation of the finger with pathology-proven melanoma. Histopathology investigation demonstrated three melanoma in situ and one invasive melanoma with a Breslow thickness of 1 mm. These findings are rare with few reports of melanoma in burn scars in the literature. This case report highlights the vigilance required from clinicians when performing skin examinations, and the importance of biopsies to newly pigmented lesions.
IgA nephropathy with diffuse alveolar haemorrhage
Authors: Miyazaki Shinichi , Hattori Akiko , Kuno Yasumasa , Ikeda Takuya
Published: December 2018

Immunoglobulin (Ig)A nephropathy is the most common cause of primary glomerulonephritis worldwide. While IgA nephropathy has been associated with a variety of other diseases, pulmonary complications are extremely rare. A 58-year-old man presented with a 2-week history of fever and exertional dyspnoea. A chest imaging revealed bilateral consolidation predominantly in upper lungs. Laboratory findings showed elevated serum creatinine with proteinuria and haematuria. Flexible bronchoscopy revealed diffuse alveolar haemorrhage, and IgA nephropathy was confirmed on a renal biopsy. He received prednisone with good effect. This case highlights the need to consider IgA nephropathy in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary renal syndrome.
Bishop-Koop jejunostomy in an adult following proximal small bowel anastomotic breakdown
Authors: Dickson-Lowe Richard Alexander , Pienaar Zandri , Buitendag Johannes Jacobus Petrus , Oosthuizen George
Published: December 2018

This case involves a proximal penetrating small bowel injury and the use of a Bishop-Koop anastomosis in a 33-year-old man. This case highlights the use of alternative methods used to prevent a proximal small bowel stoma in a rural setting. The Bishop-Koop anastomosis was originally designed for neonates in cases of intestinal anomalies such as atresia, volvulus and apple-peel syndrome. A literature search for the use of the Bishop-Koop anastomosis in adults, although scanty, is included in this article. We believe this article will benefit readers and that this method may be considered in breakdown of proximal small bowel injuries, to prevent a high-output stoma.