bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coupling of TRPV6 and TMEM16A in epithelial principal cells of the rat epididymis
Authors: Gao Da Yuan , Zhang Bao Li , Leung Matthew C.T. , Au Simon C.L. , Wong Patrick Y.D. , Shum Winnie W.C.
Published: August 2016

The epididymis establishes a congenial environment for sperm maturation and protection. Its fluid is acidic, and the calcium concentration is low and declines along the length of the epididymal tubule. However, our knowledge of ionic currents and mechanisms of calcium homeostasis in rat epididymal epithelial cells remains enigmatic. In this study, to better understand calcium regulation in the epididymis, we use the patch-clamp method to record from single rat cauda epididymal principal cells. We detect a constitutively active Ca2+ current with characteristics that match the epithelial calcium channel TRPV6. Electrophysiological and pharmacological data also reveal a constitutively active calcium-activated chloride conductance (CaCC). Removal of extracellular calcium attenuates not only the TRPV6-like conductance, but also the CaCC. Lanthanide block is time dependent such that the TRPV6-like component is inhibited first, followed by the CaCC. The putative CaCC blocker niflumic acid partially inhibits whole-cell currents, whereas La3+ almost abolishes whole-cell currents in principal cells. Membrane potential measurements reveal an interplay between La3+-sensitive ion channels and those that are sensitive to the specific TMEM16A inhibitor tannic acid. In vivo perfusion of the cauda epididymal tubule shows a substantial rate of Ca2+ reabsorption from the luminal side, which is dose-dependently suppressed by ruthenium red, a putative blocker of epithelial Ca2+ channels and CaCC. Finally, we discover messenger RNA for both TRPV6 and TMEM16A in the rat epididymis and show that their proteins colocalize in the apical membrane of principal cells. Collectively, these data provide evidence for a coupling mechanism between TRPV6 and TMEM16A in principal cells that may play an important role in the regulation of calcium homeostasis in the epididymis.
Multi-color magnetic particle imaging for cardiovascular interventions
Authors: Haegele Julian , Vaalma Sarah , Panagiotopoulos Nikolaos , Barkhausen Jörg , Vogt Florian M , Borgert Jörn , Rahmer Jürgen
Published: August 2016

Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) uses magnetic fields to visualize the spatial distribution of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIOs). Guidance of cardiovascular interventions is seen as one possible application of MPI. To safely guide interventions, the vessel lumen as well as all required interventional devices have to be visualized and be discernible from each other. Until now, different tracer concentrations were used for discerning devices from blood in MPI, because only one type of SPIO could be imaged at a time. Recently, it was shown for 3D MPI that it is possible to separate different signal sources in one volume of interest, i.e. to visualize and discern different SPIOs or different binding states of the same SPIO. The approach was termed multi-color MPI. In this work, the use of multi-color MPI for differentiation of a SPIO coated guide wire (Terumo Radifocus 0.035″) from the lumen of a vessel phantom filled with diluted Resovist is demonstrated. This is achieved by recording dedicated system functions of the coating material containing solid Resovist and of liquid Resovist, which allows separation of their respective signal in the image reconstruction process. Assigning a color to the different signal sources results in a differentiation of guide wire and vessel phantom lumen into colored images.
A bistable belief dynamics model for radicalization within sectarian conflict
Authors: Chuang Yao-Li , D’Orsogna Maria , Chou Tom
Published: August 2016

We introduce a two-variable lattice model to describe conflict within communities. Our model includes polarization and radicalization of individuals, each of which harbors a continuous belief variable and a discrete radicalization level describing their tolerance to others. A novel feature of our work is the incorporation of a bistable radicalization process that models memory-dependent social behavior and that may explain contradicting observations on the role of social segregation in exacerbating or alleviating conflicts. We further include institutional influence, such as through propaganda or education, and examine its effectiveness. In some parameter regimes, we find that institutional influence may suppress radicalization and allow for social conformity and appeasement over time. In other cases, institutional intervention may be counterproductive and exacerbate the spread of radicalization within a non-homogeneous population. In such instances, our analysis implies that social segregation may be a viable option against sectarian conflict.
Executive Summary: Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Aspergillosis: 2016 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America
Authors: Patterson Thomas F. , Thompson George R. , Denning David W. , Fishman Jay A. , Hadley Susan , Herbrecht Raoul , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P. , Marr Kieren A. , Morrison Vicki A. , Nguyen M. Hong , Segal Brahm H. , Steinbach William J. , Stevens David A. , Walsh Thomas J. , Wingard John R. , Young Jo-Anne H. , Bennett John E.
Published: August 2016

It is important to realize that guidelines cannot always account for individual variation among patients. They are not intended to supplant physician judgment with respect to particular patients or special clinical situations. IDSA considers adherence to these guidelines to be voluntary, with the ultimate determination regarding their application to be made by the physician in the light of each patient's individual circumstances.
Deep Learning-based Pipeline to Recognize Alzheimer’s Disease using fMRI Data
Authors: Sarraf Saman , Tofighi Ghassem
Published: August 2016

Over the past decade, machine learning techniques and in particular predictive modeling and pattern recognition in biomedical sciences, from drug delivery systems to medical imaging, have become one of the most important methods of assisting researchers in gaining a deeper understanding of issues in their entirety and solving complex medical problems. Deep learning is a powerful machine learning algorithm in classification that extracts low- to high-level features. In this paper, we employ a convolutional neural network to distinguish an Alzheimers brain from a normal, healthy brain. The importance of classifying this type of medical data lies in its potential to develop a predictive model or system in order to recognize the symptoms of Alzheimers disease when compared with normal subjects and to estimate the stages of the disease. Classification of clinical data for medical conditions such as Alzheimers disease has always been challenging, and the most problematic aspect has always been selecting the strongest discriminative features. Using the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and the famous architecture LeNet-5, we successfully classified functional MRI data of Alzheimers subjects from normal controls, where the accuracy of testing data reached 96.85%. This experiment suggests that the shift and scale invariant features extracted by CNN followed by deep learning classification represents the most powerful method of distinguishing clinical data from healthy data in fMRI. This approach also allows for expansion of the methodology to predict more complicated systems.
Perception Enhancement Using Visual Attributes in Sequence Motif Visualization
Authors: Weiying Kok , Bee Oon Yin , Kion Lee Nung
Published: August 2016

Sequence logo is a well-accepted scientific method to visualize the conservation characteristics of biological sequence motifs. Previous studies found that using sequence logo graphical representation for scientific evidence reports or arguments could seriously cause biases and misinterpretation by users. This study investigates on the visual attributes performance of a sequence logo in helping users to perceive and interpret the information based on preattentive theories and Gestalt principles of perception. A survey was conducted to gather users’ opinion after being presented with several alternative design details to perform selected tasks on motif analysis. Analysis of results showed that there are improvements needed on the use of colour, negative space, size, and arrangement of the nucleotides, richness of information and interactivity aspect in a sequence logo visualization. These improvements can alleviate biases and misinterpretation of the results in sequence logo visualization.
Host-selected mutations converging on a global regulator drive an adaptive leap by bacteria to symbiosis
Authors: Pankey M. Sabrina , Foxall Randi L. , Ster Ian M. , Perry Lauren A. , Schuster Brian M. , Donner Rachel A. , Coyle Matthew , Cooper Vaughn S. , Whistler Cheryl A.
Published: August 2016

Even though eukaryote health relies on beneficial symbionts, host defenses targeting pathogens create substantial obstacles for the establishment of these essential partnerships. To reveal mechanisms of symbiotic adaptation, we experimentally evolved ecologically distinct bioluminescentVibrio fischerithroughEuprymna scolopessquid light organs. Serial passaging ofV. fischeripopulations through squid hosts produced eight distinct mutations in thebinKsensor kinase gene that conferred an exceptional selective advantage demonstrated through both empirical and theoretical analysis. Squid-adaptivebinKalleles promoted colonization and immune evasion behavior which was mediated by symbiotic polysaccharide (Syp).binKvariation also produced metabolic convergence with native symbionts, and altered quorum sensing and luminescence. Preexisting coordination of symbiosis traits facilitated an efficient solution where altered function of a regulator was the key to unlock multiple colonization barriers. These results identify a genetic basis for microbial adaptability and underscore the importance of hosts as selective agents that shape emergent symbiont populations.

Impact statement

Squid selection on non-nativeVibrio fischeridrove rapid adaptation through convergent mutations of large effect, unmasking preexisting coordinate regulation of symbiosis.

Major subject areas, keywords, and research organism(s)

Major subject area: Genomics and evolutionary biology
Synchronizing Progression of Schizosaccharomyces pombe Cells from Prophase through Mitosis and into S Phase with nda3-KM311 Arrest Release
Authors: Hagan Iain M. , Grallert Agnes , Simanis Viesturs
Published: August 2016

Here, we describe how the rapid reversibility of the nda3-KM311 cold-sensitive β-tubulin mutation was optimized by Mitsuhiro Yanagida’s laboratory to synchronize mitotic progression in an entire cell population. The inability to form microtubules following the loss of β-tubulin function at 20°C triggers the spindle assembly checkpoint, which arrests mitotic progression. Restoration of β-tubulin function by rewarming to 30°C (or higher) releases the arrest, generating a highly synchronous progression through mitosis. The viability of nda3-KM311 strains at 30°C makes it feasible to generate double mutants between nda3-KM311 and any temperature-sensitive mutant that can also grow at 30°C. These double mutants can be used in reciprocal shift analyses, in which cold-induced early mitotic arrest is relieved by a shift to 36°C, which then inactivates the product of the second mutant gene. The addition of microtubule depolymerizing drugs before the return to 36°C will maintain checkpoint signaling at 36°C transiently, permitting analysis of the impact of temperature-sensitive mutations on checkpoint function. Silencing the checkpoint of nda3-KM311-arrested cells at 20°C through chemical inhibition of aurora kinase is a powerful way to study checkpoint recovery pathways and mitotic exit without anaphase.
Determining the Stage of the Estrous Cycle in Female Mice by Vaginal Smear
Authors: Gonzalez Gabriel
Published: August 2016

Female mice undergo a 3- to 5-d, hormonally controlled estrous cycle. The estrous cycle is divided into different stages, including diestrus, proestrus, estrus, and metestrus. These stages can easily be determined by examining washes or cell smears of the vagina. Determining the stage of the estrous cycle may be important for setting up matings, identifying receptive females for artificial insemination, and analyzing phenotypes of the female reproductive tract.
On the effective ionic radii for ammonium
Authors: Sidey Vasyl
Published: August 2016

A set of effective ionic radii corresponding to different coordination numbers (CNs) and compatible with the radii system by Shannon [Acta Cryst.(1976), A32, 751–767] has been derived for ammonium: 1.40 Å (CN = IV), 1.48 Å (CN = VI), 1.54 Å (CN = VIII) and 1.67 Å (CN = XII). The bond-valence parametersr0= 2.3433 Å andB= 0.262 Å have been determined for ammonium–fluorine bonds.
Self-assembly modes of glycyrrhetinic acid esters in view of the crystal packing of related triterpene molecules
Authors: Langer Dominik , Wicher Barbara , Szczołko Wojciech , Gdaniec Maria , Tykarska Ewa
Published: August 2016

The crystal structures of three ester derivatives of glycyrrhetinic acid (GE) are reported. X-ray crystallography revealed that despite differences in the size of the ester substituents (ethyl, isopropyl and 2-morpholinoethyl) the scheme of molecular self-assembly is similar in all three cases but differs significantly from that observed in other known GE esters. According to our analysis, the two basic patterns of self-assembly of GE esters observed in their unsolvated crystals correspond to two distinct orientations of the ester groups relative to the triterpene backbone. Moreover, comparison of the self-assembly modes of GE esters in their unsolvated forms with the supramolecular organization of GE and carbenoxolone in their solvated crystals revealed that ester substituents replace solvent molecules hydrogen bonded to the COOH group at the triterpene skeleton, resulting in similar packing arrangements of these compounds.
Modulated crystal structure of InMo4O6
Authors: Schultz Peter , Simon Arndt , Oeckler Oliver
Published: August 2016

The (3 + 1)-dimensional modulated crystal structure of the metal-rich cluster compound InMo4O6was solved and refined from single-crystal data in the superspace groupP4/mbm(00γ)00ss[q= 0, 0, 0.1536 (4);a= 9.6664 (9),c= 2.8645 (3) Å;R1(all) = 0.046,wR(all) = 0.076]. The crystal structure is closely related to the NaMo4O6structure type. It is built from rods of Mo6clusters condensedvia transedges. These form channels parallel to [001], in which In6and In7oligomers alternate. Weak diffuse planes parallel to (001)* interconnect the satellite reflections; they occur due to two-dimensional rod disorder of the In oligomer chains.
Crystal structure prediction of rigid molecules
Authors: Elking Dennis M. , Fusti-Molnar Laszlo , Nichols Anthony
Published: August 2016

A non-polarizable force field based on atomic multipoles fit to reproduce experimental crystal properties andab initiogas-phase dimers is described. The Ewald method is used to calculate both long-range electrostatic and 1/r6dispersion energies of crystals. The dispersion energy of a crystal calculated by a cutoff method is shown to converge slowly to the exact Ewald result. A method for constraining space-group symmetry during unit-cell optimization is derived. Results for locally optimizing 4427 unit cells including volume, cell parameters, unit-cell r.m.s.d. and CPU timings are given for both flexible and rigid molecule optimization. An algorithm for randomly generating rigid molecule crystals is described. Using the correct experimentally determined space group, the average and maximum number of random crystals needed to find the correct experimental structure is given for 2440 rigid single component crystals. The force field energy rank of the correct experimental structure is presented for the same set of 2440 rigid single component crystals assuming the correct space group. A complete crystal prediction is performed for two rigid molecules by searching over the 32 most probable space groups.
Heat transfer and friction factor in a dimple-pin fin wedge duct with various dimple depth and converging angle
Authors: Luo Lei , Wang Chenglong , Wang Lei , Sunden Bengt Ake , Wang Songtao
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– The dimple is adopted into a pin fin wedge duct which is widely used in modern gas turbine vane cooling structure trailing edge region. The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of dimple depth and duct converging angle on the endwall heat transfer and friction factor in this pin fin wedge duct.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is carried out by using the numerical simulations. The diameter of dimples is the same as the pin fin diameter with an inline manner arrangement in relation to the pin fin. The ratio between dimple depth and dimple diameter is varied from 0 to 0.3 and the converging angle is ranging from 0° to 12.7°. The Reynolds number is between 10,000 and 50,000. Results of the endwall Nusselt number, friction factor, and flow structures are included. For convenience of comparison, the pin fin wedge duct with a converging angle of 12.7° without dimples is considered as the baseline.

Findings

– It is found that the dimples can effectively enhance the endwall heat transfer due to the impingement on the dimple surface, reattachment downstream the dimple and recirculation in front of the pin fin leading edge. By increasing the converging angle, the heat transfer is also increased but with a large friction factor penalty. In addition, the heat transfer enhancement for deep depth cases is 1.57 times higher than that of the low depth case. The thermal performance indicates that the intensity of heat transfer enhancement depends upon the dimple depth and converging angle.

Originality/value

– It suggests that the endwall heat transfer in a pin fin wedge duct can be increase by the adoption of dimples. The optimal dimple relative depth is 0.2 with low friction factor and high heat transfer performance.
Effect of airfoil leading edge waviness on flow structures and noise
Authors: Zhang Man , Frendi Abdelkader
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– The tubercles at the leading edge of Humpback Whale flippers have been shown to increase aerodynamic efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to compute the flow structures and noise signature of a NACA0012 airfoil with and without leading edge waviness, and located in the wake of a cylinder using the hybrid RANS-LES method.

Design/methodology/approach

– The mean flow Mach number is 0.2 and the angle of attack used is 2°. After benchmarking the method using existing experimental results, unsteady computations were then carried-out on both airfoil geometries and for a 2° angle of attack.

Findings

– Results from these computations confirmed the aerodynamic benefits of the leading edge waviness. Moreover, the wavy leading edge airfoil was found to be at least 4 dB quieter than its non-wavy counterpart. In-depth analysis of the computational results revealed that the wavy leading edge airfoil breaks up the large coherent structures which are then convected at higher speeds down the trough region of the waviness in agreement with previous experimental observations. This result is supported by both the two-point and space-time correlations of the wall pressure.

Research limitations/implications

– The limitations of the current findings reside in the fact that both the Reynolds number and the flow Mach number are low, therefore not applicable to aircrafts. In order to extend the study to practical aircrafts one needs huge grids and large computational resources.

Practical implications

– The results obtained here could have a huge implications on the design of future aircrafts and spacecrafts. More specifically, the biggest benefit from such redesign is the reduction of acoustic signature as well as increased efficiency in fuel consumption.

Social implications

– Reducing acoustic signature from aircrafts has been a major research thrust for NASA and Federal Aviation Administration. The social impact of such reduction would be improved quality of life in airport communities. For military aircrafts, this could results in reduced detectability and hence saving lives.

Originality/value

– Humpback Whales have been studied by various researchers to understand the effects of leading edge “tubercles” on flow structures. What is new in this study is the numerical confirmation of the effects of the tubercles on the flow structures and the resulting noise radiations. It is shown through the use of two-point correlations and space-time correlations that the flow structures in the trough area are indeed vortex tubes.
Numerical solutions of non-alignment stagnation-point flow and heat transfer over a stretching/shrinking surface in a nanofluid
Authors: Pop Ioan , Naganthran Kohi , Nazar Roslinda
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse numerically the steady stagnation-point flow of a viscous and incompressible fluid over continuously non-aligned stretching or shrinking surface in its own plane in a water-based nanofluid which contains three different types of nanoparticles, namely, Cu, Al2O3 and TiO2.

Design/methodology/approach

– Similarity transformation is used to convert the system of boundary layer equations which are in the form of partial differential equations into a system of ordinary differential equations. The system of similarity governing equations is then reduced to a system of first-order differential equations and solved numerically using the bvp4c function in Matlab software.

Findings

– Unique solution exists when the surface is stretched and dual solutions exist as the surface shrunk. For the dual solutions, stability analysis has revealed that the first solution (upper branch) is stable and physically realizable, while the second solution (lower branch) is unstable. The effect of non-alignment is huge for the shrinking surface which is in contrast with the stretching surface.

Practical implications

– The results obtained can be used to explain the characteristics and applications of nanofluids, which are widely used as coolants, lubricants, heat exchangers and micro-channel heat sinks. This problem also applies to some situations such as materials which are manufactured by extrusion, production of glass-fibre and shrinking balloon. In this kind of circumstance, the rate of cooling and the stretching/shrinking process play an important role in moulding the final product according to preferable features.

Originality/value

– The present results are original and new for the study of fluid flow and heat transfer over a stretching/shrinking surface for the problem considered by Wang (2008) in a viscous fluid and extends to nanofluid by using the Tiwari and Das (2007) model.
Interaction of surface radiation with natural convection in tall vertical cavities heated by a linear heat flux
Authors: El Moutaouakil Lahcen , Zrikem Zaki , Abdelbaki Abdelhalim
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– A detailed numerical study is conducted on the effect of surface radiation on laminar natural convection in a tall vertical cavity filled with air. The cavity is heated and cooled, through its two vertical walls, by a linear or uniform heat flux q(y) and by a constant cold temperature, respectively. The horizontal walls are considered adiabatic. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The radiosity method is employed to calculate the net radiative heat exchanges between elementary surfaces, while the finite volume method is implemented to resolve the governing equations of the fluid flow.

Findings

– For each heat flux q(y) (ascending, descending or uniform), the effect of the emissivity ε (0ε1) on the local, average and maximum temperatures of the heated wall is determined as a function of the average Rayleigh number Ram
(103Ram
6×104) and the cavity aspect ratio A (10A80). The effect of the coupling on the flow structures, convective and radiative heat transfers is also presented and analyzed. Overall, it is shown that surface radiation significantly reduces the local and average temperatures of the heated wall and therefore reduces the convective heat transfer between the active walls.

Practical implications

– The studied configuration is of practical interest in several areas where overheating must be avoided. For this purpose, a simple design tool is developed to estimate the mean and the maximum temperatures of the hot wall in different operating conditions (Ram, A et ε).

Originality/value

– The originality lies in the study of the interaction between surface radiation and natural convection in tall cavities submitted to a non-uniform heat flux and a constant cold temperature on the active walls. Also, the development of an original simplified calculation procedure for the hot wall temperatures.
Outpatient clinic waiting time, provider communication styles and satisfaction with healthcare in India
Authors: Mehra Payal
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of extended waiting time on patients’ perceptions of provider communication skills and in-clinic satisfaction, in three major cities in India.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 625 patients were interviewed. The multivariate general linear model was used to determine the causality and relationship between the independent and the dependent variable. A moderation analysis was also conducted to assess waiting time role as a potential moderator in doctor-patient communication.

Findings

– Results show that patients with higher waiting time were less satisfied with health care quality. Male patients and patients of male providers were more affected by extended waiting time than female patients and patients of female providers. The advanced regression analysis, however, suggests weak support for waiting time and its effect on overall satisfaction with clinic quality. Waiting time did not moderate the relationship between satisfaction with dominant communication style, and overall satisfaction at the outpatient clinic.

Research limitations/implications

– A cross-sectional study does not easily lend itself to explaining causality with certainty. Thus, sophisticated techniques, such as structural equation modelling may also be utilized to assess the influence of extended waiting time on satisfaction with healthcare at outpatient clinics.

Practical implications

– Findings are relevant for providers as the onus is on them to ensure patient satisfaction. They should initiate a workable waiting time assessment model at the operational level.

Originality/value

– There has been a relatively lesser focus on patient waiting time in patient-provider satisfaction studies. In India, this aspect is still vastly unexplored especially in the context of outpatient clinics. Gender wise pattern of patient satisfaction and waiting time is also missing in most studies.
Performance indicators: healthcare professionals’ views
Authors: Gu Xiuzhu , Itoh Kenji
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to capture factors behind professional views of indicator usefulness as a common structure for assessing healthcare performance and their important characteristics to design limited key performance indicators (PIs) for holistic hospital management.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two surveys were conducted using self-administered questionnaires, in which hospital manager/staff respondents were asked to rate the 52 PIs’ usefulness. In total, 228 manager and 894 staff responses were collected.

Findings

– Eight factors were elicited from manager and staff responses as performance measures with 72 percent cumulative variance accounted for. Hospital managers and staff showed similar performance measure perceptions: high-utility acknowledgment on safety, operational efficiency and patient/employee satisfaction but relatively low-employee development concerns. Manager indicator usefulness perceptions were rather homogeneous and significantly higher than staff for almost all performance measures.

Practical implications

– Homogeneous manager views mean that a single key PI set for hospital management may be established regardless of hospital attributes. The following aspects may be measures that should be managed in a healthcare organization based on their key PIs: patient/employee safety, operational efficiency, financial effectiveness and patient/employee satisfaction.

Originality/value

– This is a pilot study on hospital management PIs in Japan. The eight-dimensional factor structure and findings about healthcare provider perceptions may be useful for healthcare management.
Hollow Blades for Small Wind Turbines Operating at High Altitudes
Authors: Pourrajabian Abolfazl , Afshar Peyman Amir Nazmi , Mirzaei Masoud , Ebrahimi Reza , Wood David H.
Published: August 2016

Since the air density reduces as altitude increases, operation of small wind turbines (SWTs), which usually have no pitch adjustment, remains challenging at high altitudes due largely to the reduction of starting aerodynamic torque. By reducing the moment of inertia through the use of hollow blades, this study aims to speed up the starting while maintaining the structural integrity of the blades and high output power. A horizontal axis turbine with hollow blades was designed for two sites in Iran with altitude of 500 m and 3000 m. The design variables are the distributions of the chord, twist, and shell thickness and the improvement of output power and starting are the design goals. Blade-element momentum (BEM) theory was employed to calculate these goals and beam theory was used for the structural analysis to investigate whether the hollow timber blades could withstand the aerodynamic and centrifugal forces. A combination of the goals formed the objective function and a genetic algorithm (GA) was used to find a blade whose output power at a predetermined tip speed ratio (TSR) and the starting performance were high while the stress limit was met. The results show that hollow blades have starting times shorter than solid ones by approximately 70%. However, in the presence of generator resistive torque, the algorithm could not find a blade for an altitude of 3000 m. To solve that problem, the tip speed ratio was added to other design variables and another optimization was done which led to the optimal blades for both altitudes.
Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Return Channel Vane Aerodynamics With Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Vanes
Authors: Hildebrandt A. , Schilling F.
Published: August 2016

The present paper deals with the numerical and experimental investigation of the effect of return channel (RCH) dimensions of a centrifugal compressor stage on the aerodynamic performance. Three different return channel stages were investigated, two stages comprising three-dimensional (3D) return channel blades and one stage comprising two-dimensional (2D) RCH vanes. The analysis was performed regarding both the investigation of overall performance (stage efficiency, RCH total pressure loss coefficient) and detailed flow-field performance. For detailed experimental flow-field investigation at the stage exit, six circumferentially traversed three-hole probes were positioned downstream the return channel exit in order to get two-dimensional flow-field information. Additionally, static pressure wall measurements were taken at the hub and shroud pressure and suction side (SS) of the 2D and 3D return channel blades. The return channel system overall performance was calculated by measurements of the circumferentially averaged 1D flow field downstream the diffuser exit and downstream the stage exit. Dependent on the type of return channel blade, the numerical and experimental results show a significant effect on the flow field overall and detail performance. In general, satisfactory agreement between computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-prediction and test-rig measurements was achieved regarding overall and flow-field performance. In comparison with the measurements, the CFD-calculated stage performance (efficiency and pressure rise coefficient) of all the 3D-RCH stages was slightly overpredicted. Very good agreement between CFD and measurement results was found for the static pressure distribution on the RCH wall surfaces while small CFD-deviations occur in the measured flow angle at the stage exit, dependent on the turbulence model selected.
A Fully Coupled Fluid–Structure Interaction Model for Foil Gas Bearings
Authors: Zhang Wei , Alahyari Abbas A. , Chiappetta Louis
Published: August 2016

Foil gas bearings are self-acting, compliant-surface hydrodynamic bearings that usually use air or other process gas as their working fluid or lubricant. Foil gas bearings are made of one or more bump foils, which are compliant surfaces of corrugated metal, and one or more layers of top foil. Because foil gas bearing performance parameters, such as load capacity, are dominated by foil material and foil geometric designs, numerical models have been developed to predict the bearing's performance based on these characteristics. However, previous models often simplify bump foil as elastic foundation with constant stiffness and neglect top foil altogether. Further, they typically use the Reynolds equation to simplify the fluid solution. In this study, ansys software is used to build a 3D, fully coupled, fluid–structure interaction (FSI) model for a foil gas bearing to predict the key performance parameters such as load capacity and journal attitude angle. The model's results show good agreement with previously published test data. This not only demonstrates the feasibility of 3D fully coupled fluid–structure interaction model for a conventional foil bearing using commercial codes, but also shows modeling capability for future generations of foil gas bearing.
PTPN22 inhibition resets defective human central B cell tolerance
Authors: Schickel Jean-Nicolas , Kuhny Marcel , Baldo Alessia , Bannock Jason M. , Massad Christopher , Wang Haowei , Katz Nathan , Oe Tyler , Menard Laurence , Soulas-Sprauel Pauline , Strowig Till , Flavell Richard , Meffre Eric
Published: August 2016

Inhibiting the human autoimmunity risk factor PTPN22 restores B cell tolerance in a humanized mouse.
Immune perturbations in HIV-1–infected individuals who make broadly neutralizing antibodies
Authors: Moody M. Anthony , Pedroza-Pacheco Isabela , Vandergrift Nathan A. , Chui Cecilia , Lloyd Krissey E. , Parks Robert , Soderberg Kelly A. , Ogbe Ane T. , Cohen Myron S. , Liao Hua-Xin , Gao Feng , McMichael Andrew J. , Montefiori David C. , Verkoczy Laurent , Kelsoe Garnett , Huang Jinghe , Shea Patrick R. , Connors Mark , Borrow Persephone , Haynes Barton F.
Published: August 2016

Individuals infected with HIV-1 who produce broadly neutralizing antibodies have a distinct immunological landscape.
A Sociology of Power: My Intellectual Journey
Authors: Castells Manuel
Published: August 2016

This is an autobiographical review of the published research that I did over five decades of my academic life, from 1965 to 2015. It highlights the common thread that brings together my intellectual project through a great diversity of topics: the quest for a grounded theory of power. The review presents the gradual emergence of this theory without disguising the difficulties and contradictions in its development. I consider power relationships to be the foundational relationships of society in all domains. Here, I show how my research used this approach to study urban structure and spatial dynamics; the uses and consequences of information technologies; the process of globalization; the formation of a new social structure, the network society; and the interaction between communication and power in a digital environment. Finally, I propose a network theory of power in the network society, the society we are in.
Sequential Treatments with Tongsai and Bufei Yishen Granules Reduce Inflammation and Improve Pulmonary Function in Acute Exacerbation‐Risk Window of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Rats
Authors: Lu Xiaofan , Li Ya , Li Jiansheng , Wang Haifeng , Wu Zhaohuan , Li Hangjie , Wang Yang
Published: August 2016

Background. Sequential treatments of Chinese medicines for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) risk window (RW) have benefits for preventing reoccurrences of AEs; however, the effects on pulmonary function, pulmonary, and systemic inflammatory biomarkers remain unclear. Methods. Cigarette‐smoke/bacterial infections induced rats were randomized into Control, COPD, AECOPD, Tongsai Granule/normal saline (TSG/NS), moxifloxacin + salbutamol/NS (MXF+STL/NS), TSG/Bufei Yishen Granule (BYG), MXF+STL/STL, and TSG+MXF+STL/BYG+STL groups and given corresponding medicine(s) in AE‐ and/or RW phase. Body temperature, pulmonary function, blood cytology, serum amyloid A (SAA) and C‐reactive protein (CRP), pulmonary histomorphology and myeloperoxidase (MPO), polymorphonuclear (PMN) elastase, interleukins IL‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐10, and tumor necrosis factor‐ (TNF‐) α expressions were determined. Results. Body temperature, inflammatory cells and cytokines, SAA, CRP, and pulmonary impairment were higher in AECOPD rats than stable COPD, while pulmonary function declined and recovered to COPD level in 14–18 days. All biomarkers were improved in treated groups with shorter recovery times of 4–10 days, especially in TSG+MXF+STL/BYG+STL group. Conclusion. Sequential treatments with Tongsai and Bufei Yishen Granules, during AECOPD‐RW periods, can reduce inflammatory response and improve pulmonary function and shorten the recovery courses of AEs, especially the integrated Chinese and Western medicines.
Periodicity, Stability, and Boundedness of Solutions to Certain Second Order Delay Differential Equations
Authors: Ademola A. T. , Ogundare B. S. , Ogundiran M. O. , Adesina O. A.
Published: August 2016

The behaviour of solutions to certain second order nonlinear delay differential equations with variable deviating arguments is discussed. The main procedure lies in the properties of a complete Lyapunov functional which is used to obtain suitable criteria to guarantee existence of unique solutions that are periodic, uniformly asymptotically stable, and uniformly ultimately bounded. Obtained results are new and also complement related ones that have appeared in the literature. Moreover, examples are given to illustrate the feasibility and correctness of the main results.
Orbital Metastasis of Breast Cancer Mimicking Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Tabai Mayara , Hazboun Igor Moreira , Sakuma Emerson Taro Inoue , Sampaio Marcelo Hamilton , Sakano Eulalia
Published: August 2016

Introduction. A range of traumatic, vascular, inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic processes can affect the orbit and its structures. In the area of otolaryngology, the rhino-orbital-cerebral involvement of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis can affect the orbit, which may look like initially a rhinosinusitis or even mimic malignancy.Case Presentation. Female patient, 32 years old, with headache and ocular proptosis. She was using prednisone in immunosuppressive doses for a year and had breast cancer treated three years earlier. The initial CT scan showed opacification of the sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses, left intraorbital involvement and contrast impregnation in the cavernous sinus. The biopsy resulted positive for invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast.Discussion. The initial CT scan of our patient showed both signs of early changes of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (IFR) and possible metastatic involvement. The intracranial extension and ocular involvement are usually the most common signs of IFR (first hypothesis). Among metastases at the orbit and the eye, breast and lung carcinomas are the most frequent.Conclusion. Although several studies on the differential diagnosis of orbital lesions exist, especially when it concerns the involvement of the nasal cavity, the diagnosis by imaging is still a challenge.
Hierarchical Brokering with Feedback Control Framework in Mobile Device-Centric Clouds
Authors: Chen Chao-Lieh , Chen Chao-Chun , Chen Chun-Ting
Published: August 2016

We propose a hierarchical brokering architecture (HiBA) and Mobile Multicloud Networking (MMCN) feedback control framework for mobile device-centric cloud (MDC2) computing. Exploiting the MMCN framework and RESTful web-based interconnection, each tier broker probes resource state of its federation for control and management. Real-time and seamless services were developed. Case studies including intrafederation energy-aware balancing based on fuzzy feedback control and higher tier load balancing are further demonstrated to show how HiBA with MMCN relieves the embedding of algorithms when developing services. Theoretical performance model and real-world experiments both show that an MDC2 based on HiBA features better quality in terms of resource availability and network latency if it federates devices with enough resources distributed in lower tier hierarchy. The proposed HiBA realizes a development platform for MDC2 computing which is a feasible solution to User-Centric Networks (UCNs).
Effects of Solution-Based Fabrication Conditions on Morphology of Lead Halide Perovskite Thin Film Solar Cells
Authors: Barnett Jeremy L. , Cherrette Vivien L. , Hutcherson Connor J. , So Monica C.
Published: August 2016

We present a critical review of the effects of processing conditions on the morphology of methylammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) perovskite solar cells. Though difficult to decouple from synthetic and film formation effects, a single morphological feature, specifically grain size, has been evidently linked to the photovoltaic performance of this class of solar cells. Herein, we discuss experimental aspects of optimizing the (a) temperature and time of annealing, (b) spin-coating parameters, and (c) solution temperature of methylammonium iodide (MAI) solution.
Synovial Lipomatosis of the Glenohumeral Joint
Authors: Beyth Shaul , Safran Ori
Published: August 2016

Synovial lipomatosis (also known as lipoma arborescens) is a rare and benign lesion affecting synovium-lined cavities. It is characterized by hyperplasia of mature fat tissue in the subsynovial layer. Although the most commonly affected site is the knee joint, rarely additional locations such as tendon sheath and other joints are involved. We present a case of synovial lipomatosis of the glenohumeral joint in a 44-year-old man. The clinical data radiological studies and histopathologic results are described, as well as a review of the current literature.
Identification of Common Bacterial Pathogens Causing Meningitis in Culture-Negative Cerebrospinal Fluid Samples Using Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Khater Walaa Shawky , Elabd Safia Hamed
Published: August 2016

Background. Meningitis is a serious communicable disease with high morbidity and mortality rates. It is an endemic disease in Egypt caused mainly byStreptococcus pneumoniae,Neisseria meningitidis, andHaemophilus influenzae. In some settings, bacterial meningitis is documented depending mainly on positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture results or CSF positive latex agglutination test, missing the important role of prior antimicrobial intake which can yield negative culture and latex agglutination test results. This study aimed to utilize molecular technology in order to diagnose bacterial meningitis in culture-negative CSF samples.Materials and Methods. Forty culture-negative CSF samples from suspected cases of bacterial meningitis were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) for the presence oflytA,bexA, andctrAgenes specific forStreptococcus pneumoniae,Haemophilus influenzae, andNeisseria meningitidis, respectively.Results. Positive real-time PCR results forStreptococcus pneumoniaewere detected in 36 (90%) of culture-negative CSF samples while no positive results forHaemophilus influenzaeorNeisseria meningitidiswere detected. Four (10%) samples were negative by real-time PCR for all tested organisms.Conclusion. The use of molecular techniques as real-time PCR can provide a valuable addition to the proportion of diagnosed cases of bacterial meningitis especially in settings with high rates of culture-negative results.
Practical Soil-Shallow Foundation Model for Nonlinear Structural Analysis
Authors: Leblouba Moussa , Al Toubat Salah , Ekhlasur Rahman Muhammad , Mugheida Omer
Published: August 2016

Soil-shallow foundation interaction models that are incorporated into most structural analysis programs generally lack accuracy and efficiency or neglect some aspects of foundation behavior. For instance, soil-shallow foundation systems have been observed to show both small and large loops under increasing amplitude load reversals. This paper presents a practical macroelement model for soil-shallow foundation system and its stability under simultaneous horizontal and vertical loads. The model comprises three spring elements: nonlinear horizontal, nonlinear rotational, and linear vertical springs. The proposed macroelement model was verified using experimental test results from large-scale model foundations subjected to small and large cyclic loading cases.
EVASEP: A Noninterventional Study Describing the Perception of Neurologists, Patients, and Caregivers on Caregivers’ Role in the Support of Patients Suffering from Multiple Sclerosis Treated with Subcutaneous Interferon Beta 1a
Authors: Donzé Cécile , Lenne Bruno , Jean Deleglise Anne-Sophie , Kempf Christian , Bellili Yasmine , Hautecoeur Patrick
Published: August 2016

Background. The perception of the role of caregivers for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is important but poorly studied, particularly in patients with low levels of disability.Objectives. To describe the perceptions of the role of caregivers from the perspective of the caregiver, the patient, and neurologists.Methods. This observational study was conducted in France on patients with relapsing remitting MS treated with subcutaneous (SC) interferon-β-1a (IFN-β-1a) for more than 24 months.Results. Caregiver, patients, and neurologists all considered providing moral support and fighting against the disease as the most important role of the care provider. Moral support was considered significantly more important by caregivers than the patients and neurologists (p=0.002) and caregivers considered their role in helping patients to fight disease more important than did the neurologists (p=0.006). Knowledge of disease and available treatments were less important among support providers than patients (p=0.007andp=0.001).Conclusion. There are many unmet needs in the perception of the role of caregivers for people with MS which need to be addressed to deliver the most effective care package for patients and to support the needs of the support provider.
Predictive Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer: From the Single Therapeutic Target to a Plethora of Options
Authors: Rodrigues Daniela , Longatto-Filho Adhemar , Martins Sandra F.
Published: August 2016

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent cancers and is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Treatments used for CRC may include some combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. The current standard drugs used in chemotherapy are 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin in combination with irinotecan and/or oxaliplatin. Most recently, biologic agents have been proven to have therapeutic benefits in metastatic CRC alone or in association with standard chemotherapy. However, patients present different treatment responses, in terms of efficacy and toxicity; therefore, it is important to identify biological markers that can predict the response to therapy and help select patients that would benefit from specific regimens. In this paper, authors review CRC genetic markers that could be useful in predicting the sensitivity/resistance to chemotherapy.