bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finite Element Analysis of the Unsteady Thrust Characteristics of Pulse Detonation Engines
Authors: Joshi Dibesh D. , Lu Frank K.
Published: June 2016

A general, dynamical approach developed a high-fidelity, finite element model of a pulse detonation engine (PDE). The approach deconvolved the structural response due to cyclic acceleration that would be measured by a load cell, thereby obtaining the actual thrust that is produced. The model was excited with pressure pulses that simulated actual detonation pressure characteristics at different frequencies. A two-step process was developed. In the first step, the system dynamics was established and validated by deconvolving from a known input in the form of pressure pulses from which the reconstructed thrust output was obtained. The second step required that the deconvolved thrust be compensated for system acceleration. This step required the effective mass and induced acceleration to be determined which then yielded an inertial load that has to be removed from the reconstructed thrust to obtain the actual thrust. The compensated thrust values were expressed in the form of specific impulse for the PDE which compared well with a priori pulsed thrust loading.
Evaluating Gas Turbine Performance Using Machine-Generated Data: Quantifying Degradation and Impacts of Compressor Washing
Authors: Igie Uyioghosa , Diez-Gonzalez Pablo , Giraud Antoine , Minervino Orlando
Published: June 2016

Gas turbine (GT) operators are often met with the challenge of utilizing and making meaning of the vast measurement data collected from machine sensors during operation. This can easily be about 576 × 106 data points of gas path measurements for one machine in a base load operation in a year, if the width of the data is 20 columns of measured and calculated parameters. This study focuses on the utilization of large data in the context of quantifying the degradation that is mostly related to compressor fouling, in addition to investigations on the impact of offline and online compressor washing. To achieve this, four GT engines operating for about 3.5 years with 51 offline washes and 1184 occasions of online washes were examined. This investigation includes different wash frequencies, liquid concentrations, and one engine operation without online washing (only offline). This study has involved correcting measurement data not only just with compressor inlet temperatures (CITs) and pressures but also with relative humidity (RH). turbomatch, an in-house GT performance simulation software has been implemented to obtain nondimensional factors for the corrections. All of the data visualization and analysis have been conducted using tableau analytics software, which facilitates the investigation of global and local events within an operation. The concept of using of handles and filters is proposed in this study, and it demonstrates the level of insight to the data and forms the basis of the outcomes obtained. This work shows that during operation, the engine performance is mostly deteriorating, though to varying degrees. Online washing also showed an influence on this, reducing the average degradation rate each hour by half, when compared to the engine operating only with offline washing. Hourly marginal improvements were also observed with an increased average wash frequency of nine hours and a similar outcome obtained when the washing solution is 2.3 times more concentrated. Clear benefits of offline washes are also presented, alongside the typically obtainable values of increased power output after a wash, also in relation to the number of operating hours before a wash.
Time-resolved ion flux and impedance measurements for process characterization in reactive high-power impulse magnetron sputtering
Authors: Lundin Daniel , Čada Martin , Hubička Zdenĕk
Published: June 2016

A new planar ion flux probe, based on the Sobolewski method for time-resolved plasma characterization in inherently noisy pulsed plasma discharges, has been developed. The probe was evaluated in a high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) process, which is a promising ionized physical vapor deposition technique based on pulsed plasma discharges used to engineer thin films with improved properties. Both nonreactive (pure Ar) and reactive (Ar/O2) deposition processes were investigated using a Ti sputtering target. It was found that the process exhibited a nearly hysteresis-free and stable transition region at the chosen deposition conditions. Time-resolved measurements of the absolute ion flux impinging on the probe placed at the substrate position, as well as of the probe sheath impedance, were recorded in the metal, transition, and compound modes during the HiPIMS pulse. Gradual changes in the measured ion flux, as well as the impedance, were seen when transiting from the metal mode to the compound (poisoned) mode. It is therefore suggested that this type of robust plasma probe can potentially be used for reactive process control, where the user would like to stably operate in the transition region over long periods of time.
Deep traps and instabilities in AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors on Si substrates
Authors: Polyakov Alexander Y. , Smirnov N. B. , Turutin A. V. , Shemerov I. S. , Ren Fan , Pearton S. J. , Johnson J. Wayne
Published: June 2016

Deep traps were studied in multiple-finger AlGaN/GaN transistors with broad periphery by means of current–voltage and capacitance–voltage characteristics, reverse deep level transient spectroscopy, deep level transient spectroscopy with electrical (DLTS) and optical DLTS injection, and current DLTS (CDLTS) with gate voltage and drain voltage pulsing. Deep electron traps with activation energies of 0.25, 0.36, 0.56, and 0.8–0.9 eV are found to be responsible for variations in threshold current with applied gate bias. These traps also give rise to current transients observed at different temperatures in CDLTS. The 0.25 and 0.56 eV centers are most likely located at the AlGaN/GaN interface. The 0.25 eV state is believed to be nitrogen vacancy-related, the 0.36 eV level is of unknown origin, the 0.56 eV level is likely due to point defects enhanced in the presence of dislocations, and responsible for low luminescence efficiency of nonpolar n-GaN and for degradation of GaN transistors and light-emitting diodes and light-emitting diodes, while the 0.8 eV-level has been attributed to either interstitial Ga or N. Hole-trap-like relaxations in CDLTS were observed at temperatures higher than ∼300 K and attributed to hole traps near Ev + 0.9 eV located in the buffer layer. These have previously been assigned to either gallium vacancy-oxygen acceptor complexes (VGa-O)2− or carbon on nitrogen site acceptor (CN−) complexes. These results show that the stability of GaN-based high electron mobility transistors on Si is still dominated by the high concentration of point defects present in the material.
Time reversal for localization of sources of infrasound signals in a windy stratified atmosphere
Authors: Lonzaga Joel B.
Published: June 2016

Time reversal is used for localizing sources of recorded infrasound signals propagating in a windy, stratified atmosphere. Due to the convective effect of the background flow, the back-azimuths of the recorded signals can be substantially different from the source back-azimuth, posing a significant difficulty in source localization. The back-propagated signals are characterized by negative group velocities from which the source back-azimuth and source-to-receiver (STR) distance can be estimated using the apparent back-azimuths and trace velocities of the signals. The method is applied to several distinct infrasound arrivals recorded by two arrays in the Netherlands. The infrasound signals were generated by the Buncefield oil depot explosion in the U.K. in December 2005. Analyses show that the method can be used to substantially enhance estimates of the source back-azimuth and the STR distance. In one of the arrays, for instance, the deviations between the measured back-azimuths of the signals and the known source back-azimuth are quite large (−1° to −7°), whereas the deviations between the predicted and known source back-azimuths are small with an absolute mean value of <1°. Furthermore, the predicted STR distance is off only by <5% of the known STR distance.
A study of ribbing effect on the vibration response and transmission of an L-shaped plate
Authors: Lin Tian Ran , Tan Jiwen , Zhou Yifan , Jiang Jingliang , Zhang Kai
Published: June 2016

This paper presents an analytical solution for the vibration response of a ribbed L-shaped plate using a modal expansion solution approach. The analytical model is then employed to study the ribbing effect on vibration reduction and transmission between the two plate components of the L-shaped plate. It is found that for the system considered in the study, a rib inserted between the excitation force and the source plate can lead to a large vibration reduction for both source and receiving plates except at a frequency band near the fundamental resonant frequency of the rib where the rib's flexural stiffness is negligible. A reduced vibration transmission to the receiving plate can also be achieved by placing a rib near the plate/plate junction, attributed to the increased moment impedance at the coupling after the rib insertion. Increasing the rib's flexural stiffness under this condition can further reduce vibration transmission in the low frequency bands while increasing the rib's mass can lead to a reduced vibration transmission in the higher frequency bands. The insights obtained from this study are relevant to vibration control of structures such as transformer tanks and machine covers.
Protease Inhibitors Do Not Affect Antibody Responses to Pneumococcal Vaccination
Authors: De La Rosa Indhira , Munjal Iona M. , Rodriguez-Barradas Maria , Yu Xiaoying , Pirofski Liise-anne , Mendoza Daniel
Published: June 2016

HIV+subjects on optimal antiretroviral therapy have persistently impaired antibody responses to pneumococcal vaccination. We explored the possibility that this effect may be due to HIV protease inhibitors (PIs). We found that in humans and mice, PIs do not affect antibody production in response to pneumococcal vaccination.
HTLV-1-associated myelopathy in a solid organ transplant recipient
Authors: Montesdeoca Andrade Maria Jose , Correa Diaz Edgar Patricio , Buestán Maria Eugenia
Published: June 2016

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1) is endemic in Japan, the Caribbean and in South American countries such as Ecuador. This virus is the cause of HTLV-1-associated myelopathy or tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), a myelopathy characterised by chronic progressive paraparesis, spasticity and urinary symptoms. We report the case of a 40-year-old man who received a kidney transplant from a living donor and developed HAM/TSP, 24 months after transplant. The diagnosis was confirmed by detection of HTLV-1 in blood and cerebrospinal fluid by the ELISA and Western Blot tests. For myelopathy, the patient was treated with pulse methylprednisolone, but had poor response to treatment. We recommend that all patients receiving transplants and their donors who come from endemic countries be given a mandatory screening for HTLV-1 through an ELISA test, in an effort to inform candidates for renal transplantation of the potential risk of infection and the development of this disease.
Factors influencing Malawian women's willingness to self-collect samples for human papillomavirus testing
Authors: Esber Allahna , McRee Annie-Laurie , Norris Turner Abigail , Phuka John , Norris Alison
Published: June 2016

Background

Malawi has the highest incidence of cervical cancer in the world. Only 3% of Malawian women have ever been screened for cervical cancer. Self-collection of samples for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing could increase screening among under-screened and hard-to-reach populations. However, little is known about the acceptability of self-collection in rural African settings.

Aim

We aimed to characterise Malawian women's willingness to self-collect vaginal samples for HPV testing and to identify potential barriers.

Design

We used data from the baseline wave of a community-based cohort study, collected from July 2014 to February 2015.

Setting

Participants were enrolled from the catchment area of a clinic in rural Lilongwe District, Malawi.

Methods

We enrolled women aged 15–39 years (n=824). Participants answered questions assessing willingness to self-collect a sample for HPV testing, concerns about testing and other hypothesised correlates of willingness to self-collect.

Results

Two-thirds (67%) of the women reported willingness to self-collect a vaginal sample in their homes. Awareness of cervical cancer, supportive subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and clinician recommendations were all positively associated with increased willingness to self-collect samples for HPV testing. Identified barriers to self-testing endorsed by women included: concerns that the test might hurt (22%), that they might not do the test correctly (21%), and that the test might not be accurate (17%).

Conclusions

This study suggests that self-collection for HPV testing could be an acceptable cervical cancer screening method in this rural population. Findings identify modifiable beliefs and barriers that can inform the development of effective screening programmes.
Experimental evaluation of stent retrievers’ mechanical properties and effectiveness
Authors: Machi Paolo , Jourdan Franck , Ambard Dominique , Reynaud Cedric , Lobotesis Kyriakos , Sanchez Mathieu , Bonafé Alain , Costalat Vincent
Published: June 2016

Background

Five randomized controlled trials recently appeared in the literature demonstrating that early mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke is significantly related to an improved outcome. Stent retrievers are accepted as the most effective devices for intracranial thrombectomy.

Objective

To analyze the mechanical properties of stent retrievers, their behavior during retrieval, and interaction with different clots and to identify device features that might correlate with the effectiveness of thrombus removal.

Materials and methods

All stent retrievers available in France up to June 2015 were evaluated by mechanical and functional tests aimed at investigating the variation of their radial force and their behavior during retrieval. Devices were also tested during in vitro thrombectomies using white and red experimental thrombi produced with human blood. Functional tests and in vitro thrombectomies were conducted using a rigid 3D printed vascular model.

Results

Mechanical tests showed a variation in radial force during retrieval for each stent. A constant radial force during retrieval was related to continuous cohesion over the vessel wall and a higher rate of clot removal efficacy. All stent retrievers failed when interacting with white large thrombi (diameter ≥6 mm).

Conclusions

None of the tested devices were effective in removing white clots of large diameter (≥6 mm). Constant radial force during retrieval allows constant cohesion to the vessel wall and pressure over the clot; such features allow for a higher rate of clot removal.
Dynamic cervical lung herniation causing dysphagia in a puppy
Authors: Coutu Maureen Paige , Rousset Nicolas , Cosford Kevin
Published: June 2016

A five‐week old pug presented for dysphagia and a fluctuant cervical swelling. Bilateral cervical cranial lung herniation was diagnosed with radiology, fluoroscopy and CT. Fluoroscopy demonstrated compression of the cervical oesophagus by the lung apices. Hyperinflation of the cranial lung lobes and collapse of the associated lobar bronchi was observed on CT. Congenital lobar emphysema (CLE) was the presumed cause of lung herniation. The condition progressed and the patient died at home. No postmortem examination was performed. This is the first report of suspected CLE causing lung herniation and the first report of dysphagia associated with this condition.
Favourable long‐term outcome of granulomatous colitis involving two Escherichia coli strains with multiple antimicrobial resistances in a French bulldog in Germany
Authors: Mueller Maximilliane , Dahlem Dorothee Petra , Henrich Manfred , Neiger Reto , Schmitz Silke
Published: June 2016

A two‐year‐old female French bulldog was presented for chronic large bowel diarrhoea. The dog had been suspected to have granulomatous colitis, but no improvement was noted with enrofloxacin treatment. Diagnosis was confirmed by histology and fluorescent in situ hybridisation. Isolated Escherichia coli strains showed multiple resistances to antimicrobials, including enrofloxacin. Treatment with potentiated amoxicillin and cefovecin resulted in complete resolution of clinical signs within two weeks and treatment was continued for a total of eight weeks. The dog had no signs of large bowel diarrhoea and gained 2 kg of bodyweight within 10 months. This is the first case report of a French bulldog with granulomatous colitis with a favourable long‐term outcome despite colonisation with multiresistant adherent‐invasive E coli. This case highlights the importance of antimicrobial sensitivity testing from colonic mucosal biopsy samples in canine granulomatous colitis. It should raise awareness of this disease in continental Europe.
Rapamycin alleviates oxidative stress-induced damage in rat erythrocytes
Authors: Singh Abhishek Kumar , Singh Sandeep , Garg Geetika , Rizvi Syed Ibrahim
Published: June 2016

An imbalanced cellular redox system promotes the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that may lead to oxidative stress-mediated cell death. Erythrocytes are the best-studied model of antioxidant defense mechanism. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of the immunosuppressant drug rapamycin, an inducer of autophagy, on redox balance of erythrocytes and blood plasma of oxidatively challenged rats. Male Wistar rats were oxidatively challenged with HgCl2(5 mg/kg body mass (b.m.)). A significant (p < 0.05) induction in ROS production, plasma membrane redox system (PMRS), intracellular Ca2+influx, lipid peroxidation (LPO), osmotic fragility, plasma protein carbonyl (PCO) content, and plasma advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and simultaneously significant reduction in glutathione (GSH) level and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) were observed in rats exposed to HgCl2. Furthermore, rapamycin (0.5 mg/kg b.m.) provided significant protection against HgCl2-induced alterations in rat erythrocytes and plasma by reducing ROS production, PMRS activity, intracellular Ca2+influx, LPO, osmotic fragility, PCO content, and AOPP and also restored the level of antioxidant GSH and FRAP. Our observations provide evidence that rapamycin improves redox status and attenuates oxidative stress in oxidatively challenged rats. Our data also demonstrate that rapamycin is a comparatively safe immunosuppressant drug.
Semi-empirical elastic–thermoviscoplastic model for clay
Authors: Kurz David , Sharma Jitendra , Alfaro Marolo , Graham Jim
Published: June 2016

Clays exhibit creep in compression and shear. In one-dimensional compression, creep is commonly known as “secondary compression” even though it is also a significant component of deformations resulting from shear straining. It reflects viscous behaviour in clays and therefore depends on load duration, stress level, the ratio of shear stress to compression stress, strain rate, and temperature. Research described in the paper partitions strains into elastic (recoverable) and plastic (nonrecoverable) components. The plastic component includes viscous strains defined by a creep rate coefficient ψ that varies with plasticity index and temperature (T), but not with stress level or overconsolidation ratio (OCR). Earlier elastic–viscoplastic (EVP) models have been modified so that ψ = ψ(T) in a new elastic–thermoviscoplastic (ETVP) model. The paper provides a sensitivity analysis of simulated results from undrained (CIŪ) triaxial compression tests for normally consolidated and lightly overconsolidated clays. Axial strain rates range from 0.15%/day to 15%/day, and temperatures from 28 to 100 °C.
The Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Slt2 mitogen-activated protein kinase ortholog, SMK3, is required for infection initiation but not lesion expansion
Authors: Bashi Zafer Dallal , Gyawali Sanjaya , Bekkaoui Diana , Coutu Cathy , Lee Leora , Poon Jenny , Rimmer S. Roger , Khachatourians George G. , Hegedus Dwayne D.
Published: June 2016

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) play a central role in transferring signals and regulating gene expression in response to extracellular stimuli. An ortholog of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall integrity MAPK was identified in the phytopathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Disruption of the S. sclerotiorum Smk3 gene severely reduced virulence on intact host plant leaves but not on leaves stripped of cuticle wax. This was attributed to alterations in hyphal apical dominance leading to the inability to aggregate and form infection cushions. The mutation also caused loss of the ability to produce sclerotia, increased aerial hyphae formation, and altered hyphal hydrophobicity and cell wall integrity. Mutants had slower radial expansion rates on solid media but more tolerance to elevated temperatures. Loss of the SMK3 cell wall integrity MAPK appears to have impaired the ability of S. sclerotiorum to sense its surrounding environment, leading to misregulation of a variety of functions. Many of the phenotypes were similar to those observed in S. sclerotiorum adenylate cyclase and SMK1 MAPK mutants, suggesting that these signaling pathways co-regulate aspects of fungal growth, physiology, and pathogenicity.
Dimensional effects on the density of states in systems with quasi-relativistic dispersion relations and potential wells
Authors: Pokraka A. , Dick R.
Published: June 2016

Motivated by the recent discoveries of materials with quasi-relativistic dispersion relations, we determine densities of states in materials with low dimensional substructures and relativistic dispersion relations. We find that these dimensionally hybrid systems yield quasi-relativistic densities of states that are a superposition of the corresponding two- and three-dimensional densities of states.
A new mass scale, implications on black hole evaporation and holography
Authors: burikham Piyabut , Dhanawittayapol Rujikorn , Wuthicharn Taum
Published: June 2016

We consider a new mass scale [Formula: see text] constructed from dimensional analysis by using [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and discuss its physical interpretation. Based on the Generalized Uncertainty Relation, a black hole with age comparable to the universe would stop radiating when the mass reaches a new mass scale [Formula: see text] at which its temperature corresponds to the mass [Formula: see text]. Black hole remnants could have masses ranging from a Planck mass to a trillion kilograms. Holography persists even when the uncertainty relation is modified to the Minimum Length Uncertainty Relation (MLUR). The remnant black hole entropy is proportional to the surface area of the black hole in unit of the Planck area in arbitrary noncompact dimensions.
Level spins of superdeformed bands in A ∼ 80 mass region
Authors: Dadwal Anshul , Mittal H. M. , Sharma Neha
Published: June 2016

The models variable moment of inertia (VMI), two-parameter [Formula: see text] formula and Harris [Formula: see text] expansion have been applied to 16 rotational superdeformed bands in the [Formula: see text] mass region to obtain band head spin [Formula: see text]. The band head spins of these 16 bands in the [Formula: see text] mass region are predicted by least-squares fitting method. Intraband [Formula: see text]-rays energies are fitted in these models to extract model parameters so as to obtain a minimum root mean square (RMS) deviation between calculated and the observed transition energies. The calculated transition energies depend upon the prescribed spins. When a legitimate band head spin is assigned, the calculated transition energies are in good agreement with the observed transition energies.
Fault Diagnosis for Actuators in a Class of Nonlinear Systems Based on an Adaptive Fault Detection Observer
Authors: Guo Runxia , Guo Kai , Gan Quan , Zhang Junwei , Dong Jiankang , Bai Lanping
Published: June 2016

The problem of actuators’ fault diagnosis is pursued for a class of nonlinear control systems that are affected by bounded measurement noise and external disturbances. A novel fault diagnosis algorithm has been proposed by combining the idea of adaptive control theory and the approach of fault detection observer. The asymptotical stability of the fault detection observer is guaranteed by setting the adaptive adjusting law of the unknown fault vector. A theoretically rigorous proof of asymptotical stability has been given. Under the condition that random measurement noise generated by the sensors of control systems and external disturbances exist simultaneously, the designed fault diagnosis algorithm is able to successfully give specific estimated values of state variables and failures rather than just giving a simple fault warning. Moreover, the proposed algorithm is very simple and concise and is easy to be applied to practical engineering. Numerical experiments are carried out to evaluate the performance of the fault diagnosis algorithm. Experimental results show that the proposed diagnostic strategy has a satisfactory estimation effect.
PCR-Based Molecular Diagnosis of Hepatitis Virus (HBV and HDV) in HCV Infected Patients and Their Biochemical Study
Authors: Riaz Muhammad Nasir , Faheem Muhammad , Anwar Muhammad Ayaz , Raheel Ummar , Badshah Yasmeen , Akhtar Hashaam , Tamanna Kosar , Tahir Muhammad , Sadaf Zaidi Najam us Sahar , Qadri Ishtiaq
Published: June 2016

Seroprevalence of HCV indicates that HCV is found in more than 10% of HBV- or HDV-infected patients worldwide leading to liver disease. Here we show HBV and HDV coinfection association with HCV infected Pakistani patients, study of disease severity, and possible interpretation of associated risk factors in coinfected patients. A total of 730 liver diseased patients were included, out of which 501 were found positive for HCV infection via PCR. 5.1% of patients were coinfected with HBV while 1% were coinfected with HBV and HDV both. LFTs were significantly altered in dually and triply infected patients as compared to single HCV infection. Mean bilirubin, AST, and ALT levels were highest (3.25 mg/dL, 174 IU/L, and 348 IU/L) in patients with triple infection while dual infection LFTs (1.6 mg/dL, 61 IU/L, and 74 IU/L) were not high as in single infection (1.9 mg/dL, 76 IU/L, and 91 IU/L). The most prominent risk factor in case of single (22%) and dual infection (27%) group was “reuse of syringes” while in triple infection it was “intravenous drug users” (60%). It is concluded that HBV and HDV coinfections are strongly associated with HCV infected Pakistani patients and in case of severe liver disease the possibility of double and triple coinfection should be kept in consideration.
Thermodynamics of Charged Rotating Dilaton Black Branes Coupled to Logarithmic Nonlinear Electrodynamics
Authors: Sheykhi A. , Dehghani M. H. , Kord Zangeneh M.
Published: June 2016

We construct a new class of charged rotating black brane solutions in the presence of logarithmic nonlinear electrodynamics with complete set of the rotation parameters in arbitrary dimensions. The topology of the horizon of these rotating black branes is flat, while due to the presence of the dilaton field the asymptotic behavior of them is neither flat nor (anti-)de Sitter [(A)dS]. We investigate the physical properties of the solutions. The mass and angular momentum of the spacetime are obtained by using the counterterm method inspired by AdS/CFT correspondence. We derive temperature, electric potential, and entropy associated with the horizon and check the validity of the first law of thermodynamics on the black brane horizon. We study thermal stability of the solutions in both canonical and grand-canonical ensemble and disclose the effects of the rotation parameter, nonlinearity of electrodynamics, and dilaton field on the thermal stability conditions. We find the solutions are thermally stable forα<1, while forα>1the solutions may encounter an unstable phase, whereαis dilaton-electromagnetic coupling constant.
NLRP3 Activation Was Regulated by DNA Methylation Modification duringMycobacterium tuberculosisInfection
Authors: Wei Meili , Wang Lu , Wu Tao , Xi Jun , Han Yuze , Yang Xingxiang , Zhang Ding , Fang Qiang , Tang Bikui
Published: June 2016

Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) infection activates the NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages and dendritic cells. Much attention has been paid to the mechanisms for regulation of NLRP3 against Mtb. However, whether epigenetic mechanisms participated in NLRP3 activation is still little known. Here we showed that NLRP3 activation was regulated by DNA methylation modification. Mtb infection promoted NLRP3 activation and inflammatory cytokines expression. NLRP3 promoter was cloned and subsequently identified by Dual-Luciferase Reporter System. The results showed that NLRP3 promoter activity was decreased after methylation by DNA methylaseSssIin vitro. Meanwhile, DNA methyltransferases inhibitor DAC could upregulate the expression of NLRP3. Furthermore, promoter region of NLRP3 gene was demethylated after Mtb H37Rv strain infection. These data revealed that DNA methylation was involved in NLRP3 inflammasome activation during Mtb infection and provided a new insight into the relationship between host and pathogens.
A Gauged Open 2-Brane String in thep-Brane Background
Authors: Sarvi Fahimeh , Monemzadeh Majid , Abarghouei Nejad Salman
Published: June 2016

We make a gauge theory from the Openp-brane system and map it into the Open 2-Brane one. Due to the presence of second-class constraints in this model, we encounter some problems during the procedure of quantization. In this regard, considering boundary conditions as Dirac conditions, one can drive the constrained structure of the model at first. Then, with the help of BFT formalism of constraint systems, the Open 2-Brane model is embedded into an extended phase space. For this purpose, we introduce some tensor fields to convert ungauged theory into the gauged one. This is the novel part of our research, while mostly scalar and vector fields are used to convert second-class constraints into first ones.
Plant Growth Biostimulants Based on Different Methods of Seaweed Extraction with Water
Authors: Godlewska Katarzyna , Michalak Izabela , Tuhy Łukasz , Chojnacka Katarzyna
Published: June 2016

We explored two methods for obtaining aqueous extracts: boiling and soaking of Baltic seaweeds (EB and ES, resp.). Algal extracts were characterized in terms of polyphenols, micro- and macroelements, lipids content, and antibacterial properties. The utilitarian properties were examined in the germination tests onLepidium sativumfor three extract dilutions (0.5, 2.5, and 10%). It was found that the extracts were similar in micro- and macroelement concentrations. Water was proved to be a good solvent to extract phenolic compounds. The algal extract produced by soaking biomass did not show inhibitory effect onEscherichia coliandStaphylococcus aureus. Only the boiled extract had an inhibitory activity againstE. coli. Germination tests revealed a positive influence of the bioproducts on the cultivated plants. In the group treated with 10% EB, plants were 13% longer than in the control group; the content of elements B, Mo, Zn, and Na in the group treated with 10% ES was higher by 76%, 48%, 31%, and 59% than in the control group, respectively; the content of chlorophyll was 2.5 times higher in 0.5% ES than in the control group. Extracts showed the slight impact on the morphology of plants.
ROSA/LSTF Tests and RELAP5 Posttest Analyses for PWR Safety System Using Steam Generator Secondary-Side Depressurization against Effects of Release of Nitrogen Gas Dissolved in Accumulator Water
Authors: Takeda Takeshi , Ohnuki Akira , Kanamori Daisuke , Ohtsu Iwao
Published: June 2016

Two tests related to a new safety system for a pressurized water reactor were performed with the ROSA/LSTF (rig of safety assessment/large scale test facility). The tests simulated cold leg small-break loss-of-coolant accidents with 2-inch diameter break using an early steam generator (SG) secondary-side depressurization with or without release of nitrogen gas dissolved in accumulator (ACC) water. The SG depressurization was initiated by fully opening the depressurization valves in both SGs immediately after a safety injection signal. The pressure difference between the primary and SG secondary sides after the actuation of ACC system was larger in the test with the dissolved gas release than that in the test without the dissolved gas release. No core uncovery and heatup took place because of the ACC coolant injection and two-phase natural circulation. Long-term core cooling was ensured by the actuation of low-pressure injection system. The RELAP5 code predicted most of the overall trends of the major thermal-hydraulic responses after adjusting a break discharge coefficient for two-phase discharge flow under the assumption of releasing all the dissolved gas at the vessel upper plenum.
Sandwich Structured Composites for Aeronautics: Methods of Manufacturing Affecting Some Mechanical Properties
Authors: Krzyżak Aneta , Mazur Michał , Gajewski Mateusz , Drozd Kazimierz , Komorek Andrzej , Przybyłek Paweł
Published: June 2016

Sandwich panels are composites which consist of two thin laminate outer skins and lightweight (e.g., honeycomb) thick core structure. Owing to the core structure, such composites are distinguished by stiffness. Despite the thickness of the core, sandwich composites are light and have a relatively high flexural strength. These composites have a spatial structure, which affects good thermal insulator properties. Sandwich panels are used in aeronautics, road vehicles, ships, and civil engineering. The mechanical properties of these composites are directly dependent on the properties of sandwich components and method of manufacturing. The paper presents some aspects of technology and its influence on mechanical properties of sandwich structure polymer composites. The sandwiches described in the paper were made by three different methods: hand lay-up, press method, and autoclave use. The samples of sandwiches were tested for failure caused by impact load. Sandwiches prepared in the same way were used for structural analysis of adhesive layer between panels and core. The results of research showed that the method of manufacturing, more precisely the pressure while forming sandwich panels, influences some mechanical properties of sandwich structured polymer composites such as flexural strength, impact strength, and compressive strength.
Approximation of Analytic Functions by Solutions of Cauchy-Euler Equation
Authors: Jung Soon-Mo
Published: June 2016

We investigate the approximation properties of a special class of twice continuously differentiable functions by solutions of the Cauchy-Euler equation.
Combined V-Y Fasciocutaneous Advancement and Gluteus Maximus Muscle Rotational Flaps for Treating Sacral Sores
Authors: Han Hyun Ho , Choi Eun Jeong , Moon Suk Ho , Lee Yoon Jae , Oh Deuk Young
Published: June 2016

The sacral area is the most common site of pressure sore in bed-ridden patients. Though many treatment methods have been proposed, a musculocutaneous flap using the gluteus muscles or a fasciocutaneous flap is the most popular surgical option. Here, we propose a new method that combines the benefits of these 2 methods: combined V-Y fasciocutaneous advancement and gluteus maximus muscle rotational flaps. A retrospective review was performed for 13 patients who underwent this new procedure from March 2011 to December 2013. Patients’ age, sex, accompanying diseases, follow-up duration, surgical details, complications, and recurrence were documented. Computed tomography was performed postoperatively at 2 to 4 weeks and again at 4 to 6 months to identify the thickness and volume of the rotational muscle portion. After surgery, all patients healed within 1 month; 3 patients experienced minor complications. The average follow-up period was 13.6 months, during which time 1 patient had a recurrence (recurrence rate, 7.7%). Average thickness of the rotated muscle was 9.43 mm at 2 to 4 weeks postoperatively and 9.22 mm at 4 to 6 months postoperatively (p=0.087). Muscle thickness had not decreased, and muscle volume was relatively maintained. This modified method is relatively simple and easy for reconstructing sacral sores, provides sufficient padding, and has little muscle donor-site morbidity.
A Three-Phase Multiobjective Mechanism for Selecting Retail Stores to Close
Authors: Chen Rong-Chang , Suen Shu-Ping
Published: June 2016

To operate a successful and growing business, a retail store manager has to make tough decisions about selectively closing underperforming stores. In this paper, we propose using a three-phase multiobjective mechanism to help retail industry practitioners determine which stores to close. In the first phase, a geographic information system (GIS) andk-means clustering algorithm are used to divide all the stores into clusters. In the second phase, stores can be strategically selected according to the requirements of the company and the attributes of the stores. In the third phase, a neighborhood-based multiobjective genetic algorithm (NBMOGA) is utilized to determine which stores to close. To examine the effectiveness of the proposed three-phase mechanism, a variety of experiments are performed, based partly on a real dataset from a stock-list company in Taiwan. Results from the experiments show that the proposed three-phase mechanism can help efficiently decide which store locations to close. In addition, the neighborhood radius has a considerable influence on the results.
On Harvesting Energy from Tree Trunks for Environmental Monitoring
Authors: Souza Cleonilson P. , Carvalho Fabrício B. S. , Silva Filype A. N. , Andrade Hening A. , Silva Nathália de V. , Baiocchi Orlando , Müller Ivan
Published: June 2016

This work describes an experimental study on the possibilities of harvesting energy from tree trunks in order to power sensor nodes for environmental monitoring, particularly in wild forests. As the trunk of a living tree can be divided into isothermal subvolumes, which are generally referred to as annual rings, and the trunk is a good heat storage material, depending on the tree dimensions and its species, it can potentially offer different temperature gradients according to the tree trunk depths. The hypothesis is to consider the application of this temperature gradient on the faces of a Peltier cell to obtain electrical energy. In order to evaluate this hypothesis, a wireless sensor network was developed for measuring internal temperature of trunks from different trees. The experimental results show that it is possible to obtain a sufficient temperature gradient to harvest energy from tree trunks. Additionally, it is also shown that it is possible to harvest thermal energy during the day and during the night while photovoltaic cell only works under sunlight.
Cardiac Arrest and Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Case of Medical Heuristics
Authors: Ajayi Tokunbo , Okudo Jerome
Published: June 2016

Insufficient clinical data from patients is a major cause of errors in medical diagnostics. In an attempt to make a diagnosis, initial clinical information provided to the physician may be overly relied on as the only information required in making diagnosis leading to anchoring. Failure to rely on differential diagnoses in spite of new signs and symptoms or rethinking of initial hypothesis may lead to fixation on a certain diagnosis, which may lead to significant morbidity and mortality. In the event that there is an anchoring heuristic, like in our patient, it is important to consider differential diagnoses; however, it is not wrong to rely on some form of anchor. We report a case of a 62-year-old male with a history of multiple medical conditions and a history of acetaminophen overdose who presented to the hospital with large amounts of coffee ground emesis. He was subsequently transferred to the liver transplant center on discovery that he was in fulminant hepatic failure and died two days later in spite of aggressive medical treatment.
Esophageal Microperforation due to Calcified Mediastinal Lymph Node Leading to Tracheoesophageal Fistula
Authors: Dwivedi Sankalp , Schrickel E. Brooke , Siddiqui Fayez , O’Brien John , Kruer James
Published: June 2016

A 42-year-old male presented with worsening gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms and cough. The clinical symptoms during the early course of illness were striking for aspiration pneumonia. He was given a prescription of proton pump inhibitors and antibiotics. Rapid decline in the clinical condition with worsening respiratory status was noted. Worsening symptoms of fever, cough, and chest pain prompted further diagnostic work-up suggesting esophageal microperforation. Esophagogram was found to be suggestive of tracheoesophageal fistula. The tracheoesophageal fistula was due to subcarinal lymph node of nontuberculous origin.
Pathophysiology of Motor Dysfunction in Parkinson’s Disease as the Rationale for Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation
Authors: Magrinelli Francesca , Picelli Alessandro , Tocco Pierluigi , Federico Angela , Roncari Laura , Smania Nicola , Zanette Giampietro , Tamburin Stefano
Published: June 2016

Cardinal motor features of Parkinson’s disease (PD) include bradykinesia, rest tremor, and rigidity, which appear in the early stages of the disease and largely depend on dopaminergic nigrostriatal denervation. Intermediate and advanced PD stages are characterized by motor fluctuations and dyskinesia, which depend on complex mechanisms secondary to severe nigrostriatal loss and to the problems related to oral levodopa absorption, and motor and nonmotor symptoms and signs that are secondary to marked dopaminergic loss and multisystem neurodegeneration with damage to nondopaminergic pathways. Nondopaminergic dysfunction results in motor problems, including posture, balance and gait disturbances, and fatigue, and nonmotor problems, encompassing depression, apathy, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances, pain, and autonomic dysfunction. There are a number of symptomatic drugs for PD motor signs, but the pharmacological resources for nonmotor signs and symptoms are limited, and rehabilitation may contribute to their treatment. The present review will focus on classical notions and recent insights into the neuropathology, neuropharmacology, and neurophysiology of motor dysfunction of PD. These pieces of information represent the basis for the pharmacological, neurosurgical, and rehabilitative approaches to PD.
Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 as a Marker for Plaque Rupture and a Predictor of Adverse Clinical Outcome in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: An Optical Coherence Tomography Study
Authors: Kobayashi Nobuaki , Takano Masamichi , Hata Noritake , Kume Noriaki , Tsurumi Masafumi , Shirakabe Akihiro , Okazaki Hirotake , Shibuya Junsuke , Shiomura Reiko , Nishigoori Suguru , Seino Yoshihiko , Shimizu Wataru
Published: June 2016

Objectives: The present study sought to clarify the relationship between matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels and plaque morphology demonstrated by optical coherence tomography (OCT), and to examine their prognostic impacts in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: MMP-9 levels were measured for patients with ACS (n = 249). Among 249 patients, 120 with evaluable OCT images were categorized into patients with ruptured plaques (n = 65) and those with nonruptured plaques (n = 55) on the basis of culprit lesion plaque morphology demonstrated by OCT. Results: MMP-9 levels on admission were significantly higher in the rupture group than in the nonrupture group (p = 0.029). Although creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) on admission was comparable between the groups, peak CK-MB was higher in the rupture group than in the nonrupture group (p < 0.001). By receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal cut-off value of MMP-9 to detect ruptured plaques was 65.5 ng/ml (p = 0.029). There was a nonstatistically significant trend toward increased cardiac death at 2 years (5.9 vs. 1.0%, p = 0.059) in patients with high MMP-9 (≥65.5 ng/ml) compared to those with low MMP-9 (<65.5 ng/ml). Conclusions: MMP-9 can differentiate ACS with ruptured plaques from nonruptured plaques, and MMP-9 may be a valuable predictor of long-term cardiac mortality in patients with ACS reflecting plaque rupture.
Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Standard of Care and Future Perspectives
Authors: Holch Julian , Stintzing Sebastian , Heinemann Volker
Published: June 2016

Palliative chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer has undergone substantial changes in recent years. The implementation of modern biologicals in the treatment has substantially improved overall survival up to 30 months. With the increasing number of therapeutic options, the question of optimal treatment sequence arises, which is addressed in current studies like FIRE 4 or STRATEGIC-1. Furthermore, clinical and molecular biomarkers to predict efficacy and tolerability are urgently needed. Today, the detection of activating RAS mutations is the only validated biomarker which precludes patients from anti-EGFR treatment. The detection of BRAF mutation V600E is associated with a very poor prognosis corresponding to a survival of 9-12 months. Prospective trials evaluating an optimal approach to this subgroup are still missing. First results from strategies targeting the aberrant signal transduction are promising and require further validation. Despite the advances so far, life expectancy unfortunately continues to be limited in the majority of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. New strategies are needed to improve the prognosis. To this end, the identification of Her2/neu as a potential target and first experiences with checkpoint inhibition in patients with mismatch repair-deficient tumors are promising and also require further validation.
A Patient with Refractory Psoriasis Who Developed Sebaceous Carcinoma on the Neck during Cyclosporine Therapy and Showed Rapid Progression
Authors: Shima Tomoko , Yamamoto Yuki , Okuhira Hisako , Mikita Naoya , Furukawa Fukumi
Published: June 2016

We report a patient who developed sebaceous carcinoma on the neck during therapy with immunosuppressive agents (cyclosporine, corticosteroid, methotrexate) for refractory psoriasis vulgaris, which showed rapid enlargement, leading to a fatal outcome. Multiple-organ metastases were detected. Weekly carboplatin + paclitaxel therapy resulted in the disappearance of tumor cells, but the patient died of febrile neutropenia. The development of sebaceous carcinoma is rare among psoriasis patients receiving immunosuppressive agents including cyclosporine.