bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An integrated model of real estate market responses to coastal flooding
Authors: Chandra‐Putra Handi , Andrews Clinton J.
Published: November 2019

Understanding and improving how humans adapt to climate change are priorities in our research community, and coastal settlements are good places to study adaptation. Severe storm events and sea‐level rise are threatening coastal communities with increasing levels of flood damage. Because ownership of coastal assets is distributed among many private and public actors, both individual property owners and public officials must take adaptive actions. This paper introduces an integrated agent‐based and hedonic pricing modeling system to simulate coastal real estate market performance under non‐equilibrium conditions that reflect the effects of storm events. The modeling system, which is used for policy analysis, is calibrated to conditions in two towns in Monmouth County, New Jersey, USA, which were badly damaged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The key findings are that (a) coastal real estate markets capitalize flood risk into property values but this discount diminishes rapidly as time passes between storm events, and (b) there is a distinct equity versus efficiency tradeoff in designing public policies to reduce the cost to society of coastal flooding. Stringent regulation of building practices reduces flood damage but drives away poorer home buyers and owners, whereas informational and incentive‐based policies are fairer but less effective. Hands‐off, market‐based retreat from risky areas is socially costly but allows less wealthy people to remain at the shore, albeit in vulnerable situations. Managed retreat should emphasize improved recreational access to coastal amenities while discouraging people from living there.
Expansion microscopy for the analysis of centrioles and cilia
Authors: SAHABANDU N. , KONG D. , MAGIDSON V. , NANJUNDAPPA R. , SULLENBERGER C. , MAHJOUB M.R. , LONCAREK J.
Published: November 2019

Centrioles are vital cellular structures that organise centrosomes and cilia. Due to their subresolutional size, centriole ultrastructural features have been traditionally analysed by electron microscopy. Here we present an adaptation of magnified analysis of the proteome expansion microscopy method, to be used for a robust analysis of centriole number, duplication status, length, structural abnormalities and ciliation by conventional optical microscopes. The method allows the analysis of centriole's structural features from large populations of adherent and nonadherent cells and multiciliated cultures. We validate the method using EM and superresolution microscopy and show that it can be used as an affordable and reliable alternative to electron microscopy in the analysis of centrioles and cilia in various cell cultures.

Lay Description

Centrioles are microtubule‐based structures organised as ninefold symmetrical cylinders which are, in human cells, ∼500 nm long and ∼230 nm wide. Centrioles assemble dozens of proteins around them forming centrosomes, which nucleate microtubules and organise spindle poles in mitosis. Centrioles, in addition, assemble cilia and flagella, two critically important organelles for signalling and motility. Due to centriole small size, electron microscopy has been a major imaging technique for the analysis of their ultrastructural features. However, being technically demanding, electron microscopy it is not easily available to the researchers and it is rarely used to collect large datasets. Expansion microscopy is an emerging approach in which biological specimens are embedded in a swellable polymer and isotopically expanded several fold. Physical separation of cellular structures allows the analysis of, otherwise unresolvable, structures by conventional optical microscopes. We present an adaptation of expansion microscopy approach, specifically developed for a robust analysis of centrioles and cilia. Our protocol can be used for the analysis of centriole number, duplication status, length, localisation of various centrosomal components and ciliation from large populations of cultured adherent and nonadherent cells and multiciliated cultures. We validate the method against electron microscopy and superresolution microscopy and demonstrate that it can be used as an accessible and reliable alternative to electron microscopy.
Iron potentiates microglial interleukin‐1β secretion induced by amyloid‐β
Authors: Nnah Israel C. , Lee Chih‐Hao , Wessling-Resnick Marianne
Published: November 2019

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by accumulation of amyloid‐beta (Aβ) senile plaques in patients’ brain tissues. Elevated levels of interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β) have been identified in cerebrospinal fluid of living AD patients and in animal models of AD. Increased expression of IL‐1β and iron accumulation have been identified in microglial cells that cluster around amyloid plaques in AD mouse models and post‐mortem brain tissues of AD patients. The goals of this study were to determine the effects of Aβ on the secretion of IL‐1β by microglial cells and whether iron status influences this pro‐inflammatory signaling cue. Immortalized microglial (IMG) cells were incubated with Aβ with or without iron. qRT‐PCR and western blot analyses showed that Aβ induces biosynthesis of IL‐1β by IMG cells. IMG cells secrete the mature form of IL‐1β in a caspase 1‐dependent manner. Incubation with iron provoked a greater pro‐inflammatory response. Inhibition of the iron transporter divalent metal transporter 1 protected IMG cells against Aβ‐induced inflammation. Potentiation of Aβ‐elicited IL‐1β induction by iron was also antagonized by ROS inhibitors, supporting the model that divalent metal transporter 1‐mediated iron loading and subsequent increase in ROS contribute to the inflammatory effects of Aβ in microglia. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence microscopy indicate that iron enhances Aβ activation of NF‐κB signaling to promote IL‐1β synthesis. These results support the hypothesis that Aβ stimulates IL‐1β expression by activating NF‐κB signaling in microglia cells. Most importantly, iron appears to exacerbate the pro‐inflammatory effects of Aβ to increase IL‐1β levels.

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Radiofrequency therapy in esthetic dermatology: A review of clinical evidences
Authors: Bonjorno Andreia Regina , Gomes Tatiana Bertacin , Pereira Marli Crisitna , de Carvalho Camila Miranda , Gabardo Marilisa Carneiro Leão , Kaizer Marina R. , Zielak João Cesar
Published: November 2019

Background

Chronological skin aging causes the modification of genetic material through enzymes and proteins changes. The process reduces cellular proliferation, along with loss of tissue elasticity, reduced ability to regulate aqueous exchanges, and inefficient tissue replication. Appearance is negatively affected by cumulative changes in coloration, texture, and elasticity over time. The increase in the population's average life expectancy boosts the search for cosmetic therapies that can delay aging, mostly for the noninvasive modalities. Among the various options, radiofrequency therapy is a technique that can help reduce the effects of skin aging.

Aim

Therefore, this study aims to review clinical evidence provided by scientific literature on the benefits of using radiofrequency therapy in reducing skin aging effects.

Methods

A review of the literature concerning skin aging, characteristics of radiofrequency therapy, and radiofrequency therapy in the treatment of skin laxity and mechanism of action was conducted using PubMed.

Results

The included studies have suggested that the mechanism of radiofrequency action is heating the dermis while preserving the epidermis. This heating causes immediate collagen denaturation, which is followed by the formation of new collagen, naturally providing skin tightening and greater elasticity.

Conclusion

Even when used as single therapeutic modality, radiofrequency seems to meet the expectations in reducing the effects of skin aging.
Sexual satisfaction and self‐esteem in women with acne
Authors: Beisert Maria , Pilarczyk Katarzyna , Zakrzewska Marzenna , Pawlaczyk Mariola
Published: November 2019

Background

A significant number of problems related to mental and social functioning is a common occurrence in patients with acne.

Aims

The aim of our study was to determine how acne affects self‐esteem and sexual satisfaction in the affected women.

Patients/Methods

The study was conducted among 90 women, aged 18‐51 years (mean 30.29 ± 7.10), diagnosed with acne. Demographic data, medical history and information concerning their sexual life were obtained from all study participants. After dermatological assessment of lesion location and severity, all subjects completed the following questionnaires: Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale, Sexual Self‐Esteem Inventory, Body Attitudes Questionnaire, and Whitley Sexual Satisfaction Inventory.

Results

Two factors—lesion severity and self‐assessment of the body—proved to shape the sexual satisfaction of women, but the influence turned out to be mediated through self‐esteem.

Conclusion

Acne proves to play an important negative role in female sexuality and satisfaction.
Metoprolol protects against myocardial infarction by inhibiting miR-1 expression in rats
Authors: Qin Wei , Zhang Longyin , Li Zhange , Xiao Dan , Zhang Yue , Yang Huan , Zhang Haiying , Xu Chaoqian , Zhang Yong
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Metoprolol is regarded as a first-line medicine for the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI). However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the involvement of miR-1 in the pharmacological function of metoprolol.

Methods

In vivo MI model was established by left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) ligation. The effects of metoprolol on infarct size and cardiac dysfunction were determined by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining and cardiac echocardiography, respectively. In vitro oxidative stress cardiomyocyte model was established by H2O2 treatment. The effect of metoprolol on the expression of miR-1 and connexin43 (Cx43) was quantified by real-time PCR and western blot, respectively. The intercellular communication was evaluated by lucifer yellow dye diffusion.

Key findings

Left anterior descending ligation-induced MI injury was markedly attenuated by metoprolol as shown by reduced infarct size and better cardiac function. Metoprolol reversed the up-regulation of miR-1 and down-regulation of Cx43 in MI heart. Moreover, in H2O2-stimulated cardiomyocytes, overexpression of miR-1 abolished the effects of metoprolol on Cx43 up-regulation and increased intercellular communication, indicating that miR-1 may be a necessary mediator for the cardiac protective function of metoprolol.

Conclusions

Metoprolol relieves MI injury via suppression miR-1, thus increasing its target protein Cx43 and improving intercellular communication.
Immunophenotypic characterization and clinical outcome in cats with lymphocytosis
Authors: Rout Emily D. , Labadie Julia D. , Curran Kaitlin M. , Yoshimoto Janna A. , Avery Anne C. , Avery Paul R.
Published: November 2019

Background

Lymphocytosis is relatively common in cats, but few studies describe lymphocyte populations or the clinical course associated with different immunophenotypic expansions.

Hypothesis/Objectives

We hypothesized that cats frequently develop non‐neoplastic lymphocytosis and that different neoplastic immunophenotypes have variable prognoses. We aimed to characterize the lymphocyte expansions in a large population of cats with lymphocytosis and to assess clinical presentation and outcome in a subset.

Animals

Three cohorts of cats older than 1 year with lymphocytosis (>6000/μL) were examined to define immunophenotypic categories (n = 146), evaluate outcome (n = 94), and determine prevalence of immunophenotypes (n = 350).

Methods

Retrospective study of cats with blood submitted for flow cytometry. Medical records (n = 94) were reviewed for clinical data, treatment, and survival information.

Results

Five major immunophenotypic categories were identified: B cell, heterogeneous (≥2 lineages expanded), CD4+ T cell, CD4−CD8− (double negative [DN]) T cell, and CD5‐low‐expressing T cell. B‐cell and heterogeneous phenotypes were more consistent with a non‐neoplastic process, having polyclonal antigen receptor gene rearrangements, younger age at presentation, lower lymphocyte counts, and prolonged survival. The neoplastic phenotypes, CD4+ T cell, DN T cell, and CD5 low T cell, had different median survival times (752 days [n = 37], 271 days [n = 7], 27.5 days [n = 12], respectively). Among CD4+ T‐cell cases, cats with abdominal lymphadenopathy, intestinal involvement, or both and females had shorter survival. Among 350 cats with lymphocytosis, CD4+ T‐cell lymphocytosis was most common, followed by heterogeneous and B‐cell phenotypes.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Neoplastic CD4+ T‐cell lymphocytosis is common in cats and has a prolonged clinical course compared to aberrant T‐cell phenotypes. Cats with heterogeneous and B‐cell lymphocyte expansions commonly have non‐neoplastic disease.
Do exonerees face employment discrimination similar to actual offenders?
Authors: Kukucka Jeff , Applegarth Heather K. , Mello Abby L.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Given that criminal offenders face employment discrimination (Ahmed & Lang, 2017,IZA Journal of Labor Policy,6) and wrongly convicted individuals are stereotyped similarly to offenders (Clow & Leach, 2015,Legal and Criminological Psychology,20, 147), we tested the hypothesis that exonerees – despite their innocence – face employment discrimination comparable to actual offenders.

Methods

Experienced hiring professionals (N = 82) evaluated a job application that was identical apart from the applicant's criminal history (i.e., offender, exoneree, or none).

Results

As predicted, professionals formed more negative impressions of both the exoneree and offender – but unexpectedly, they stereotyped exonerees and offenders somewhat differently. Compared to the control applicant, professionals desired to contact more of the exoneree's references, and they offered the exoneree a lower wage.

Conclusions

Paradoxically, exonerees may be worse off than offenders to the extent that exonerees also face employment discrimination but have access to fewer resources. As the exoneree population continues to grow, research can and should inform policies and legislation in ways that will facilitate exonerees’ reintegration.
Changes in transcription start sites of Zap1‐regulated genes during zinc deficiency: Implications for HNT1 gene regulation
Authors: Tatip Supinda , Taggart Janet , Wang Yirong , MacDiarmid Colin W. , Eide David J.
Published: November 2019

Changes in RNA are often poor predictors of protein accumulation. One factor disrupting this relationship are changes in transcription start sites (TSSs). Therefore, we explored how alterations in TSS affected expression of genes regulated by the Zap1 transcriptional activator of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Zap1 controls their response to zinc deficiency. Among over 80 known Zap1‐regulated genes, several produced long leader transcripts (LLTs) in one zinc status condition and short leader transcripts (SLTs) in the other. Fusing LLT and SLT transcript leaders to green fluorescent protein indicated that for five genes, the start site shift likely has little effect on protein synthesis. For four genes, however, the different transcript leaders greatly affected translation. We focused on the HNT1 gene. Zap1 caused a shift from SLT HNT1 RNA in zinc‐replete cells to LLT HNT1 RNA in deficient cells. This shift correlated with decreased protein production despite increased RNA. The LLT RNA contains multiple upstream open reading frames that can inhibit translation. Expression of the LLT HNT1 RNA was dependent on Zap1. However, expression of the long transcript was not required to decrease SLT HNT1 mRNA. Our results suggest that the Zap1‐activated LLT RNA is a “fail‐safe” mechanism to ensure decreased Hnt1 protein in zinc deficiency.
The renaissance of sausage: The role of Kranjska sausage in the contemporary process of reconstructing the Slovenian nation
Authors: Mlekuž Jernej
Published: November 2019

The article discusses the contemporary reconstruction of the Kranjska sausage as a national dish by exploring different actors in this process. This representative culinary object played a significant role in the formation and development of Slovene national consciousness from the Spring of Nations onward, faced devaluation in socialist era and experienced a renaissance in the new millennium, when it was also given a role in the project of the construction of the nation‐state. The modern rebirth of the Kranjska sausage is presented as an interrelated and complex process due to many factors: the efforts of an influential ethnologist, the role of an institution dedicated to the Kranjska sausage, and other persons, groups, and institutions with different objectives, ideas, and understandings. The article conceptualizes nationalizing as an everyday practice, as a network, or collection of people, practices, places, institutions, ideologies, objects, technologies, and ideas that define people's subjectivity and shape their actions and imaginations.
Development and validation of a Chinese‐language instrument measuring empowerment needs of patients after a percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: He Ping‐ping , Shen Qian‐qian , Chen Ye‐shi , Yu Juping , Li Zhao‐xia , Ouyang Xin‐ping
Published: November 2019

Patient empowerment has been shown to have some positive impacts on self‐efficacy, self‐esteem, and recovery. However, information about the empowerment needs of patients after a percutaneous coronary intervention is scarce. The aim of this study was to develop a Chinese‐language instrument to measure empowerment needs of such patients. The initial instrument was generated based on a literature review and interviews with patients after a percutaneous coronary intervention procedure. Content validity was tested with a panel of experts using the Delphi method. In total, 226 patients were recruited for psychometric tests using the revised instrument. Expert authority coefficient was 0.92, and content validity index was 0.95. The internal consistency reliability was demonstrated by Cronbach's α coefficients (0.86 for the total score, 0.66–0.74 for the dimensions). The newly developed 19‐item, five‐dimension instrument has shown satisfactory validity (face/content validity and construct validity) and internal consistency reliability. The instrument could help clinical nurses who have close contact with patients after a percutaneous coronary intervention to gain a better understanding of their empowerment needs and could help develop appropriate health education to address such needs.
Patterns of patient coping following hospital discharge from medical and surgical units: A pilot study
Authors: Hodgins Marilyn J. , Filiatreault Sarah , Keeping‐Burke Lisa , Logan Susan M.
Published: November 2019

A pilot study was conducted to determine the feasibility of a longitudinal investigation of patients' coping during the early postdischarge period. Recruitment was conducted on a general medical unit and a surgical orthopedic unit. Forty‐four participants were recruited with 95% retention. Demographic characteristics plus measures of discharge risk and perceived readiness (expected coping) were collected before discharge. Measures of coping (experienced) and the use of supports and services were collected on the first day postdischarge, the end of the first week, and during weeks 3 and 5. Considerable variability was evident in coping scores, and not all participants exhibited improvement over time. Four patterns of coping were identified: ongoing recovery, initial shock, bumpy road, and progressive decline. Further investigation is required to validate the observed coping patterns. A better understanding of conditions affecting patient coping during the transition from hospital to home will support efforts to reduce unplanned use of acute care services.
Rapid Discovery of Potential Drugs for Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head Based on Gene Expression Omnibus Database and Connectivity Map
Authors: Luo Di , Liang Xue‐zhen , Xu Bo , Liu Jin‐bao , Wei Chuan‐fu , Li Gang
Published: November 2019

Objective

To use Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database coupled with Connectivity Map (CMap) databases to screen potential therapeutic drugs for osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) rapidly.

Methods

Raw genetic data with accession number GSE74089 that contained eight hip articular cartilage specimens from four ONFH patients and four healthy controls were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and were then integrated using R to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Subsequently, to identify several potential small molecular compounds that were most strongly negatively correlated with ONFH, a search query of DEGs was explored by using CMap.

Results

Filtering revealed 1937 DEGs with log (fold‐change) ≥1 and adjust P value < 0.001. Finally, a network of candidate targets for ONFH with 135 nodes and 660 edges was constructed through network topology analysis, including 96 up‐regulated genes and 39 down‐regulated genes. Several significant gene functions and signaling pathways associated with pathological processes of ONFH were identified via gene enrichment analysis. Based on the CMap database, some potential small molecular components that may be possible to counteract the effects of molecular signal imbalance for ONFH were identified. Neostigmine bromide with low CMap score and P value and specificity score was predicted to be the most candidate compound, involved in the “positive regulation of stem cell proliferation,” “regulation of protein autophosphorylation,” “VEGF signaling pathway,” and “ECM‐receptor interaction.”

Conclusions

The GEO and CMap databases can be effectively used in understanding the molecular changes in ONFH and provide a systematic manner to identify potential drugs for ONFH prevention and treatment. However, additional clinical and experimental research of the candidate compound is warranted.
Successful cryoablation of dual atrioventricular nodal nonreentrant tachycardia: First reported cases
Authors: González‐Torrecilla Esteban , Ávila‐Alonso Pablo
Published: November 2019

We describe two consecutive adult males with incessant dual atrioventricular nodal nonreentrant tachycardia and associated severe cardiomyopathy. After invasive diagnosis, this is the first published report showing the successful outcome of this rare tachycardia with effective cryoablation. Cryothermal lesions in the roof of the proximal coronary sinus and right midseptal area lead to complete resolution of the tachycardia‐mediated cardiomyopathy in the mid‐term follow‐up of our patients.
Parallel attentional facilitation of features and objects in early visual cortex
Authors: Adamian Nika , Andersen Søren K. , Hillyard Steven A.
Published: November 2019

Selective attention can enhance the processing of attended features across the entire visual field. Attention also spreads within objects, enhancing all internal locations and task‐irrelevant features of selected objects. Here, we examine the extent to which attentional enhancement of a feature spreads across attended and unattended objects. Two fully overlapping counter‐rotating bicolored surfaces of light and dark random dots were presented on a gray background of intermediate luminance. This stimulus creates a percept of two separate semitransparent surfaces and allows the measurement of feature‐ and object‐based selections while controlling spatial attention. On each trial, human participants attended to a subset of dots defined by feature (luminance polarity) and object (surface) in order to detect brief episodes of radial motion while ignoring any events in the unattended groups of dots. Attentional selection was assessed by means of steady‐state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) and behavioral measures. SSVEP amplitudes recorded at medial occipital electrode sites were modulated both by surface‐based and luminance polarity‐based selection in a manner consistent with independent multiplicative enhancement of attentional effects in different dimensions in early visual cortex. This finding supports the view that feature‐based attention spreads across object boundaries, at least at an early stage of processing. However, SSVEPs elicited at more lateral electrode sites showed a hierarchical pattern of selection, potentially reflecting the binding of surface‐defining features with luminance features to enable surface‐based attention.
A study of skin characteristics with long‐term sleep restriction in Korean women in their 40s
Authors: Jang Sue Im , Lee Myeongryeol , Han Jiyeon , Kim Jeonghwan , Kim A Reum , An Ji Soo , Park Jin O. , Kim Beom Joon , Kim Eunjoo
Published: November 2019

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated increased pore size and darkening skin color with total sleep deprivation. There are many studies of skin characteristics with short‐term sleep restriction, but there are few studies on skin characteristics when sleep is restricted more than three consecutive days. This study evaluated skin changes with sleep limited to 4 hours per night for six nights.

Materials and Methods

The study included 32 Korean women in their 40s. Skin hydration, desquamation, barrier recovery, texture, gloss, transparency, elasticity, crow's feet, frown lines, and color were measured. Individual sleep time was monitored by smartwatches. Subjects slept 8 hours per night for six nights in week one and 4 hours per night for six nights in week two.

Results

Skin hydration was significantly reduced after 1 day of sleep deprivation, and it continued to decrease. Skin gloss, desquamation, transparency, elasticity, and wrinkles were significantly aggravated after 1 day of sleep deprivation. Skin texture was significantly aggravated on the fourth day of sleep restriction. Elasticity was most affected by reduced sleep, with a standardized coefficient of −.320, indicating a significant decrease over time as compared to other characteristics.

Conclusion

Skin hydration was gradually decreased with sleep restriction. Skin texture did not change after only 1 day of sleep restriction. It is a new finding that elasticity decreases more than other skin characteristics with prolonged sleep restriction.
German Goes Global Studies
Authors: Hock Lisabeth , Peterson Brent
Published: November 2019

Both of the participants in this dialogue are professors of German, and both were involved in recent efforts to develop Global Studies programs at their institutions. While one teaches at a small, private, liberal arts college and the other at a large, urban, public research university, both participated in these projects with the pragmatic desire to help boost enrollments in German classes and with the humanistic goal of situating deep cultural knowledge of German‐speaking countries and the German language within a broader global context. In their discussion, they address how their institutions came to the idea of creating a Global Studies program, the process involved in designing it, the sources of help and resistance they encountered along the way, and how Global Studies is now benefitting their German programs.
Flexible chromosome painting based on multiplex PCR of oligonucleotides and its application for comparative chromosome analyses in Cucumis
Authors: Bi Yunfei , Zhao Qinzheng , Yan Wenkai , Li Mengxue , Liu Yuxi , Cheng Chunyan , Zhang Lu , Yu Xiaqing , Li Ji , Qian Chuntao , Wu Yufeng , Chen Jinfeng , Lou Qunfeng
Published: November 2019

Chromosome painting is a powerful technique for chromosome and genome studies. We developed a flexible chromosome painting technique based on multiplex PCR of a synthetic oligonucleotide (oligo) library in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L., 2n = 14). Each oligo in the library was associated with a universal as well as nested specific primers for amplification, which allow the generation of different probes from the same oligo library. We were also able to generate double‐stranded labelled oligos, which produced much stronger signals than single‐stranded labelled oligos, by amplification using fluorophore‐conjugated primer pairs. Oligos covering cucumber chromosome 1 (Chr1) and chromosome 4 (Chr4) consisting of eight segments were synthesized in one library. Different oligo probes generated from the library painted the corresponding chromosomes/segments unambiguously, especially on pachytene chromosomes. This technique was then applied to study the homoeologous relationships among cucumber, C. hystrix and C. melo chromosomes based on cross‐species chromosome painting using Chr4 probes. We demonstrated that the probe was feasible to detect interspecies chromosome homoeologous relationships and chromosomal rearrangement events. Based on its advantages and great convenience, we anticipate that this flexible oligo‐painting technique has great potential for the studies of the structure, organization, and evolution of chromosomes in any species with a sequenced genome.
Measuring the spatial price differences in China with regional price parity methods
Authors: Chen Menggen , Wang Yan , Rao D. S. Prasada
Published: November 2019

The measurement of prices has been an important field in economics, and a spatial price index is very useful in comparing the standards of living and well‐being across regions in a country. This paper intends to measure the regional price parities (RPPs) across different provincial areas in China with an urban sample of 140 goods and services in 2015 according to the framework of the International Comparison Program (ICP) methodology. The results show that the RPPs that were estimated with commonly used approaches, such as the Gini–Éltetö–Köves–Szulc (GEKS), Geary–Khamis (GK) and weighted country product dummy (WCPD), are only slightly different. The RPPs of three regions including Guangdong, Shanghai and Zhejiang are greater than 1 (with Beijing = 1), while the other 27 regions are all lower than 1, which represents price levels that are less than Beijing. In the extrapolation of the RPPs from 2000 to 2014, a significant descending trend is found for the standard deviation series of the RPPs over time that shows that the price differences across regions decreased during the extrapolating period. This finding provides evidence of a phenomenon of spatial price converging in China. Finally, a study on the deflation of provincial aggregates with the RPPs reveals that the spatial price adjustment will change the ranks or relative importance of different regions in the country. Especially, the measurement of income inequality proves that the Gini coefficients of provincial income deflated by the RPPGEKS are all lower than the Gini coefficients of unadjusted incomes.
Partial analytical validation of the VetScan cPL rapid test
Authors: Steiner Joerg M. , Guadiano Phillip , Gomez Robynne R. , Suchodolski Jan S. , Lidbury Jonathan A.
Published: November 2019

Background

Serum canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) concentrations have become the standard laboratory test used to diagnose canine pancreatitis. Recently, a new point‐of‐care assay for cPLI, the VetScan cPL rapid test (VetScan cPL), has become available, but analytical validation data have not yet been published.

Objective

This study aimed to perform a partial analytical validation of the VetScan cPL.

Methods

Leftover serum samples from a diagnostic laboratory were used. Adherence to the manufacturer's guidelines, linearity, repeatability, and reproducibility were evaluated. Results of the VetScan cPL were correlated with the Spec cPL results.

Results

Observed‐to‐expected ratios for dilutional parallelism ranged from 77.4% to 162.9% (mean 119.3%). Intra‐assay and inter‐assay variabilities ranged from 16.9% to 36.7% (mean 25.1%) and from 14.1% to 51.2% (mean 31.8%), respectively. Adherence to the manufacturer's specification regarding results within ± 60 µg/L of the Spec cPL result was only achieved for 39% of the measurements. The VetScan cPL and Spec cPL correlation showed a Spearman'srof .758 for 29 data pairs.

Conclusions

Under the conditions of this study, the VetScan cPL did not adhere to the manufacturer's specifications for most measurements. Also, the VetScan cPL showed suboptimal linearity and was not precise. In conclusion, the VetScan cPL failed basic analytical validation.
Molecular basis of human neutrophil antigen 2 (HNA‐2) expression
Authors: Bayat Behnaz
Published: November 2019

HNA‐2 is a neutrophil‐specific antigen located on GPI‐anchored glycoprotein CD177. HNA‐2 is absent from the neutrophil surface of 3–5% of normal individuals, known as HNA‐2null individuals. The exposure of HNA‐2null individuals to HNA‐2‐positive neutrophils during pregnancy, transfusion or transplantation induces immunization against HNA‐2 and production of isoantibodies. These isoantibodies are involved in the mechanism of neonatal alloimmune neutropenia (NAIN), transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) and graft rejection. The presence of CD177 on a neutrophil surface of HNA‐2‐positive individuals follows a bimodal expression that categorizes the circulating neutrophils into HNA‐2‐positive and HNA‐2‐negative subsets. The lack of HNA‐2 (in HNA‐2null individuals) is associated with the presence of a missense mutation, CD177*c.787A>T in exon 7 (Lysine 263 Stop) of the CD177 gene. This mutation alone or in combination with CD177*c.997delG has been introduced as the main reason for the absence of CD177 in HNA‐2null individuals. A pseudogene (CD177P1) is located downstream of the CD177 gene. The conversion of exon 7 of CD177P1 into CD177 is responsible for the generation of the CD177*c.787A>T missense mutation. Genotyping has identified HNA‐2null individuals that are heterozygous for the CD177*c.787A>T mutation without CD177*c.997delG, indicating the presence of a complementary mechanism regulating CD177 expression. In HNA‐2null individuals and those with atypical CD177 expression, a CD177*c.1291G>A polymorphism in combination with CD177*c.787A>T has been recently described. Altogether, these data indicate a complex compound mechanism for the regulation of CD177 expression on the neutrophil surface. This manuscript will summarize recent findings on CD177 expression and highlights the CD177 functions on neutrophil surface.
Healing characteristics of acellular porcine corneal stroma following therapeutic keratoplasty
Authors: Li Saiqun , Deng Yuqing , Tian Bishan , Huang Haixiang , Zhang Henan , Yang Ruhui , Zhong Jing , Wang Bowen , Peng Lulu , Yuan Jin
Published: November 2019

Background

Acellular porcine corneal stroma (APCS) has proven to be a promising alternative to traditional corneal grafts. This prospective case series was conducted to further investigate the healing characteristics of APCS following keratoplasty.

Methods

Twenty‐seven patients undergoing APCS implantation to treat infectious keratitis were included. The patients were followed up for 12 months after surgery. The main outcome measures included visual acuity, corneal transparency, graft thickness, and cellular and nerve regeneration.

Results

In the operated eyes, the best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA, in logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution [logMAR] units) increased from 1.23 ± 0.95 logMAR before surgery to 0.23 ± 0.18 logMAR at 12 months after surgery (P < .001). The contrast sensitivity was still evidently reduced, especially at higher spatial frequencies. Gradual transparency improvement was observed in APCS grafts post‐operatively. After implantation, the APCS graft thickness initially increased (day 1 = 592.41 ± 52.69 µm) but then continuously decreased until 3 months after surgery (1 month = 449.26 ± 50.38 µm; 3 months = 359.63 ± 34.14 µm, P < .001). Graft reepithelialization was completed within 1 week. In the in vivo confocal microscopy scans, host keratocytes began to repopulate the APCS grafts between 3 and 6 months post‐operatively; subbasal nerve regeneration was only noted in 18.52% (5/27) of the eyes by 12 months after surgery.

Conclusions

Acellular porcine corneal stroma functions as an effective alternative to human corneal tissue in lamellar keratoplasty. However, APCS is somewhat different from fresh human cornea in term of the post‐operative healing process, which warrants the attention of both clinicians and patients.
Modification and Extension of Screening Criteria for Fatigue Analysis
Authors: Shen Jun , Lu Mingwan , Wang Zhenyu , Peng Heng , Liu Yinghua
Published: November 2019

ASME Code VIII-2-2019 and previous versions provided three screening criteria for fatigue analysis. From edition 2004 to 2019, the design factor for material allowable stress decreased and the considered range of permissible cyclic number for design fatigue curve extended. However, screening criteria are almost unchanged except one restriction: If the specified number of cycles is greater than 106, then the screening criteria are not applicable and a fatigue analysis is required. In this paper, percentage limit of the design pressure in method A is modified and the specified number of cycles is extended. Some revision suggestions are also proposed to broaden the applicable range of the screening criterion.
Large-Deflection Analysis of General Beams in Contact-Aided Compliant Mechanisms Using Chained Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model
Authors: Jin Mohui , Yang Zhou , Ynchausti Collin , Zhu Benliang , Zhang Xianmin , Howell Larry L.
Published: November 2019

The nonlinear analysis and design of contact-aided compliant mechanisms (CCMs) are challenging. This paper presents a nonlinear method for analyzing the deformation of general beams that contact rigid surfaces in CCMs. The large deflection of the general beam is modeled by using the chained pseudo-rigid-body model. A geometry constraint from the contact surface is developed to constrain the beam’s deformed configuration. The contact analysis problem is formulated based on the principle of minimum potential energy and solved using an optimization algorithm. Besides, a novel technique based on the principle of work and energy is proposed to calculate the reaction force/moment of displacement-loaded cases. Several analysis examples of the compliant mechanisms with straight or curved beams are used to verify the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method and technique can evaluate the deformation of beam-based CCMs and the reaction force/moment with acceptable accuracy, respectively.
Sliding Wear of WC-Ni-Based Self-Lubricating Composites With the Addition of Fullerene-Like WS2 Nanoparticles Against WC-Ni Cermet
Authors: Wu Bin , Wang Jin-hua , Zhong Liang , Huang Xin-yang
Published: November 2019

In this work, WC-Ni-based composites with fullerene-like WS2 nanoparticles were fabricated by pulsed electric current sintering. High pressure could assist in low-temperature sintering of the composite. The sliding wear behavior of the composites against WC-Ni counterbodies was also studied in reciprocating ball-on-plate mode. The friction coefficient of the composite was reduced by the incorporated lubricant. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray elemental mapping further suggest that the friction reduction is attributed to the formation of a mixed tribofilm on the wear tracks supported by the underlying densified matrix. Wear mechanisms are also discussed here.
Inlet Flow Incidence Effects on the Thermal Performance of Showerhead Cooling in a Nozzle Vane Cascade
Authors: Abdeh H. , Barigozzi G. , Perdichizzi A. , Henze M. , Krueckels J.
Published: November 2019

In the present paper, the influence of inlet flow incidence on the thermal performance of a film cooled linear nozzle vane cascade is assessed. Tests have been carried out on a cooled cascade, featuring a showerhead cooling system made of 4 rows of cylindrical holes. The cascade was tested by varying the inlet flow angle in the range ±20° at a high inlet turbulence intensity level (Tu1 = 9%) and at a constant inlet Mach number of 0.12. The thermal characterization of vane leading edge region was obtained through adiabatic film cooling effectiveness measurements. Vane load distributions supported the discussion of the results. Varying the incidence angle in either positive or negative angles, the thermal protection on the vane is reduced while the maximum protection happened at 0° incidence case.
A Parametric Investigation of Vane Showerhead Film Cooling by PSP Technique
Authors: Abdeh H. , Barigozzi G. , Ravelli S. , Rouina S.
Published: November 2019

In this study a parametric analysis of the thermal performance of a nozzle vane cascade with a showerhead cooling system made of four rows of cylindrical holes was carried out by using the Pressure Sensitive Paint (PSP) technique. Coolant-to-mainstream blowing ratio (BR), density ratio (DR), main flow isentropic exit Mach number (Ma2is) and turbulence intensity level (Tu1) were the considered parameters. The cascade was tested in an atmospheric wind tunnel at Ma2is values ranging from 0.2 to 0.6, with an inlet turbulence intensity level of 1.6% and 9%, at variable injection conditions of BR = 2.0, 3.0, 4.0. Moreover, the influence of DR on the leading edge film cooling performance was investigated: testing was carried out at DR = 1.0, using nitrogen as foreign gas, and DR = 1.5, with carbon dioxide serving as coolant. In the near-hole region, higher BR and Ma2is resulted in higher effectiveness, while higher mainstream turbulence intensity reduced the thermal coverage in between the rows of holes, whatever the BR. Further downstream along the vane pressure side, the effectiveness was negatively affected by rising BR, but positively influenced by lowering the mainstream turbulence intensity. Moreover, a decrease in DR caused a reduction in the film cooling performance, whose extent depends on the injection condition.
Studies of Hybrid Titanium Compressor Blisks for Gas Turbine Engines Manufactured Using Additive Technologies
Authors: Magerramova Liubov , Klimova-Korsmik Olga , Turichin Gleb , Volkov Mikhael , Guschina Marina
Published: November 2019

Compressor blisks for gas turbine engines (GTE) are usually produced by machining from a single forging. Significant time and costs are required for this method of production.

This article proposes a method for manufacturing a hybrid compressor wheel — the disk part of which consists of a deformable titanium alloy and blades made of a powder alloy — using one of the most productive additive technologies — direct laser deposition. With this blisk production method, the material utilization decreases sharply, and the time required decreases from several months to several days.
Development and Testing of a FuelFlex Dry-Low-NOx Micromix Combustor for Industrial Gas Turbine Applications With Variable Hydrogen Methane Mixtures
Authors: Funke H. H.-W. , Beckmann N. , Abanteriba S.
Published: November 2019

The negative effects on the earth’s climate make the reduction of the potent greenhouse gases carbon-dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) an imperative of the combustion research. Hydrogen based gas turbine systems are in the focus of the energy producing industry, due to their potential to eliminate CO2 emissions completely as combustion product, if the fuel is produced from renewable and sustainable energy sources. Due to the difference in the physical properties of hydrogen-rich fuel mixtures compared to common gas turbine fuels, well established combustion systems cannot be directly applied for Dry Low NOx (DLN) hydrogen combustion.

The paper presents initial test data of a recently designed low emission Micromix combustor adapted to flexible fuel operation with variable fuel mixtures of hydrogen and methane. Based on previous studies, targeting low emission combustion of pure hydrogen and dual fuel operation with hydrogen and syngas (H2/CO 90/10 vol.%), a FuelFlex Micromix combustor for variable hydrogen methane mixtures has been developed.

For facilitating the experimental low pressure testing the combustion chamber test rig is adapted for flexible fuel operation. A computer-controlled gas mixing facility is designed and installed to continuously provide accurate and homogeneous hydrogen methane fuel mixtures to the combustor. An evaluation of all major error sources has been conducted. In the presented experimental studies, the integration-optimized FuelFlex Micromix combustor geometry is tested at atmospheric pressure with hydrogen methane fuel mixtures ranging from 57 vol.% to 100 vol.% hydrogen in the fuel. For evaluating the combustion characteristics, the results of experimental exhaust gas analyses are applied.

Despite the design compromise, that takes into account the significantly different fuel and combustion properties of the applied fuels, the initial results confirm promising operating behaviour, combustion efficiency and pollutant emission levels for flexible fuel operation. The investigated combustor module exceeds 99.4% combustion efficiency for hydrogen contents of 80–100% in the fuel mixture and shows NOx emissions less than 4 ppm corrected to 15 vol.% O2 at the design point.
Hot Gas Corrosion and its Influence on the Thermal Cycling Performance of Suspension Plasma Spray TBCs
Authors: Jonnalagadda Krishna Praveen , Zhang Pimin , Gupta Mohit , Li Xin-Hai , Lin Peng Ru
Published: November 2019

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) manufactured with suspension plasma spray (SPS) are promising candidates for use in gas turbines due to their high strain tolerance during thermal cyclic fatigue (TCF). However, corrosion often occurs alongside thermal fatigue and coating durability under these conditions is highly desirable. The current study focuses on understanding the corrosion behavior and its influence on the thermal cyclic fatigue life of SPS TBCs. Corrosion tests were conducted at 780 °C using a mixed-gas (1SO2-0.1CO-20CO2-N2(bal.) in vol. %) for 168h. They were later thermally cycled between 100–1100 °C with a 1h hold time at 1100 °C. Corrosion test results indicated that the damage predominantly started from the edges and a milder damage was observed at the center. Nickel sulfide was observed on top of the top coat and also in the columnar gaps of the top coat. Chromium oxides were observed inside the top coat columnar gaps but close to the bond coat/top coat interface. They were believed to reduce the strain tolerance of SPS TBCs to an extent and also amplify the thermal mismatch stresses during TCF tests. This, together with a fast growth of alumina during the TCF, resulted in a significant drop in the TCF life compared to the standard TCF tests.
The Increasing Complexity of Corrosion in Gas Turbines
Authors: Shifler David A.
Published: November 2019

Removal of fuel sulfur assumes that hot corrosion events will subsequently end in shipboard and aero gas turbine engines. Most papers in the literature since the 1970s consider Na2SO4 and SO3 as the primary reactants causing hot corrosion. However, several geographical sites around the world have relatively high pollutant levels (particulate matter, SO2, etc.) that have the potential to initiate high-temperature corrosion. The deposit chemistry influencing hot corrosion is more complex consisting of multiple sulfates and silicates with the addition of chlorides in a marine environment. Sulfur species may still enter a ship combustion chamber as contaminants via air intake or with seawater entrained in air entering through the ship air intake.

High levels of impurities (SO2) above 2 ppm can lead to hot corrosion attack. Research is needed to determine how sulfate salt mixtures and air impurities influence hot corrosion in marine and non-marine conditions. Other impurities such as phosphorus, lead, chlorides, sand, and unburned carbon may lower salt melting temperatures, alter the sulfate activity, or change the solution chemistry and acidity/basicity that leads to accelerating hot corrosion. Other issues need to be considered in non-metallic materials system.