bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fracture Failure Analysis of 304 Stainless Steel Bolt in Chemical Plant Onshore
Authors: Wang Jifeng , Tang Xiaoying , Yu Houde , Qiang Yaozhou , Wu Ruqing
Published: July 2013

This paper presented the fracture failure analysis of 304 stainless steel bolt that was in service in an onshore pipeline with medium pressure, normal temperature and non-corrosive. The fracture of the bolts was not due to obvious plastic deformation. Based on the scanning-electron microscope (SEM) findings, a lot of carbide distributed in boundary of the grains, which was primary Cr-carbide. All cracks were indicative of intercrystalline fracture. The corrosive element of chloride was above allowed standard as detected in fracture surface by energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS). In addition, the analysis showed that some lath martensite formed since the bolt was fabricated by cold-drawing, which made it be more sensitive to SCC. Given all that, one conclusion was drawn that the failure cause of the stainless steel bolt was attributed to intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC).
Experimental and Numerical Research on Explosion of Quick Actuating Pressure Vessels When Opening With Residual Pressure
Authors: Han Shu-xin , Liu Yan-lei , Li Wei-zhong , He Cheng-dai , Sheng Shui-ping , Gu Rong-li , Wang Fei
Published: July 2013

Quick actuating pressure vessels are widely used in chemical industry, food processing, pharmacy, etc. The explosion accident caused by residual pressure is one of the most common kinds of accidents in quick actuating pressure vessels. So, it is important to provide some reliable inspection methods, which can protect them from explosion. In this study, experiments and simulation on the explosion of quick actuating pressure vessels are preformed. The relative safe residual pressure in quick actuating pressure vessels was put forward. And a rational residual pressure for quick actuating pressure vessels should be fixed considering the safety and efficiency.
Strain-Based Fatigue Methods Using Modern Finite Element Analysis for the Assessment of Pressure Vessels Equivalent to the ASME III Code
Authors: Rawson Lindsay , Rice David
Published: July 2013

The use of ASME III Design-By-Analysis assessment methodologies pre-dates the routine use of finite element software which can make the assessment of complex 3D geometries difficult. Recent progress in computing power and software have led to the increased possibility to utilise these developments and undertake ASME III type assessments on 3D components in more efficient and less labour intensive ways. The use of finite element software and post-processing codes is now widespread and full procedures for direct shakedown analysis and whole component fatigue assessment using software applications are becoming more readily available. Utilisation of these procedures can lead to a more robust assessment in a reduced analysis time therefore leading to reduced assessment costs.

This paper focuses on the use of strain-based fatigue post-processing software to predict the fatigue life of a component. Strain-based fatigue life prediction provides a direct assessment of plasticity in the component which will lead to less conservative assessment and a less pessimistic fatigue life. Utilising this software also means a fatigue analysis of the whole model can be undertaken potentially reducing the subjectivity of any results obtained. This paper will discuss how strain-based fatigue methods can be applied to results from finite element models and how they compare to fatigue life calculations using traditional methods. Some of the practical implications of undertaking a fatigue assessment using these methods such as cycle counting for multiple transient histories are also discussed. An example based upon a typical reactor plant pressure vessel geometry using these methods is presented in this paper.
Development of Ultra Large Scale Computation for Transient Welding Deformation and Stress Using Idealized Explicit FEM Accelerated by GPU
Authors: Ikushima Kazuki , Itoh Shinsuke , Shibahara Masakazu
Published: July 2013

Numerical simulations such as Finite Element Method (FEM) are widely used as tool of structural analyses in both design and production. However, in the application of FEM to welding problems, the simulation scale is usually limited to the welding joint level. Only a few large-scale welding analyses are performed on existing research because welding problems are transient and show strong nonlinearity. In such cases, it is necessary to use static implicit FEM to achieve an accurate analysis, but the larger analysis scale requires larger memory consumption and computing time. Thus, we previously proposed idealized explicit FEM (IEFEM) to achieve shorter computing time and lower memory consumption.

Since IEFEM is based on dynamic explicit FEM, it is not needed to solve the stiffness matrix of the whole system and it is possible to analyze by only performing the calculation for each degree of freedom (DOF) and element. Such characteristic indicates that IEFEM is suitable for parallelization. Then, in this study, we developed parallelized IEFEM using a graphics processing unit (GPU). The usefulness and validity of the developed method are considered by analyzing a 3-dimensional multi-pass moving heat source problem, which is very difficult to analyze with commercial FEM software because of its analytical scale. As a result, it is found that parallelized IEFEM accelerated by a GPU can analyze a large-scale problem having over 1,000,000 DOFs on a single PC.
Elastic Follow-Up Factors to Estimate C(t) Under Secondary Loading
Authors: Lee Kuk-Hee , Kim Yun-Jae , Ainsworth Robert A. , Dean David
Published: July 2013

This paper proposes a method to determine the elastic follow-up factors for C(t)-integral under secondary stress. The rate of creep crack growth for transient creep is correlated with C(t)-integral. The elastic follow-up behaviour, which occurs in structures under secondary loading, prevents a relaxation of stress during transient creep. Thus, both the value of C(t) and creep crack growth increase with an increasing elastic follow-up. An estimation solution for C(t) has been proposed by Ainsworth and Dean based on the reference stress method. In order to predict the value of C(t) using this solution, an independent method to determine the elastic follow-up factors for cracked bodies is required. This paper proposes that the elastic follow-up factors for C(t) can be determined by elastic-plastic analyses by using the plastic-creep analogy. Finite element analyses have been performed to verify this method.
Underwater Remote Microscopic Observation Technique for 3D Curved Surface of LWR Structures
Authors: Aoike Satoru , Kurosawa Koichi , Ohmori Shinya , Tanaka Masaaki
Published: July 2013

To survey core internals simply, new microscopic observation techniques were developed. These techniques were involved the use of “Gel electrode” and “underwater microscope”. A Gel electrode can etch the surface of core internals without a watertight reservoir that makes an etching environment. The underwater microscope can be used to observe surface figures of core internals directly. These techniques were applied to the cracks detected at the shroud support of Tokai II Power Station for investigation of the cause of crack initiation. It became clear that initiation points of the detected cracks were in a nickel-base weld metal.
Shakedown and Ratcheting Assessment of a Tubeplate Using the Linear Matching Method
Authors: Reece-Barkell H. , Stevens M. , Tipping D. J. , Sole J.
Published: July 2013

Power plant components may be subject to severe ranges of pressure and temperature when in-service. As a result, significant pressure and thermal stresses may occur which are cyclic in nature. For such components it is necessary to demonstrate an acceptable creep and fatigue life. However, before any such assessment can take place it must first be demonstrated that the cyclic loading would not lead to incremental plasticity, also known as ratcheting, and ultimately plastic collapse. If ratcheting does occurs then the calculation of creep and fatigue lives based upon a steady cyclic behaviour is invalid. It is therefore useful for find out how close structures are to ratcheting.

A power plant tubeplate has been analysed using non-linear finite element methods to assess its susceptibility to ratcheting and the potential for plastic collapse to occur. This is referred to as a shakedown assessment. Finite element analysis is a traditional method for assessing shakedown, however this approach is computationally expensive. An alternative method of assessing shakedown, which is significantly more efficient, although not as well validated, is the Linear Matching Method.

In this work, both finite element analysis and the Linear Matching Method have been used on a real world problem. The objective of this work is to assess the advantages and disadvantages of the LMM when compared to traditional non-linear finite element methods.
Ratchet Boundary Evaluation and Comparison With Ratcheting Experiments Involving Strain Hardening Material Models
Authors: Indermohan H. , Reinhardt W.
Published: July 2013

Pressure components in nuclear power plants are designed to prevent the failure mechanism of incremental deformation or “ratcheting” due to the simultaneous application of mechanical loads such as pressure and cyclic loads. Design criteria using elastic methods that are specified in NB-3200 of ASME Section III Code are derived from a perfectly-plastic material model. The Code allows the use of plastic methods to demonstrate an acceptable response to cyclic loading, but does not provide clear guidance on any specific plasticity model to use.

It has been shown in previous studies that some strain hardening plasticity models are unsuitable for establishing the absence of ratcheting. In this paper, the ratchet boundary obtained from the perfectly plastic and the strain hardening Armstrong-Frederick material models are examined based on the published experimental investigations of the classical Bree problem, pipe bends under in-plane bending and tension-torsion tests. Suitable criteria for evaluating the cyclic analysis response are discussed.
Computations of Stress Intensity Factors for Deep Cracks in Plates by Using the Tetrahedral Finite Element
Authors: Okada Hiroshi , Koya Hirohito , Kawai Hiroshi , Li Yinsheng
Published: July 2013

In this paper, stress intensity factor solutions for deep half-elliptical cracks that are applicable to the structural integrity evaluations of welded structures are presented. Welded structures generally have some weld residual stresses resulting in stress corrosion crackings (SCCs). This paper describes a simple way to compute the stress intensity factors under the weld-residual stresses and the mode I stress intensity factor solutions for deep half-elliptical cracks. The residual stresses are set to vary proportional to the constant, the linear, the quadratic and the cubic functions of x which is the distance from the plate surface.

Although we use a straightforward finite element method to perform the computations, we can quickly generate the stress intensity factor solutions as we make use of automatic mesh generation program for the tetrahedral finite element. Thus, it is very tractable to generate the finite element models with cracks. Furthermore, present solutions can be compared with those of Li et al. which are also presented in PVP 2012. We conclude that present method is useful for the evaluations of SIFs of cracks under the residual stresses.
The Study of Evaluation About Safety Performance of Transportable Pressure Vessel
Authors: An Kejian , Geng Huipo , Dong Honglei , Zhang Qian , Liu Xiaoli
Published: July 2013

Collisional safety is the most important factor for all kinds of vehicle development and manufacturing. Transportable pressure vessel should satisfy the vehicle collision safety requirement, and also should insure storage tank safety. Nowadays the vehicular collision safety research focuses on passenger vehicle. The safety evaluation is mainly concerned with the vehicle structure’s integrity and passengers degree of injury. The criteria of collision about transportable pressure vessel and the safety evaluation after collision is still not determined. This paper introduces the existing safety situation and related standards in both domestic (China) and overseas locations, and points out the direction of future study of collisional safety for the transportable pressure vessel.
Considerations of the Restraint Introduced by Piping Support Friction in a Comprehensive ASME B31.3 Analysis
Authors: Antaal Bikramjit Singh , Hari Yogeshwar , Williams Dennis K.
Published: July 2013

This paper discusses the prescribed requirements contained within the ASME B31.3 Process Piping Code that specifically address the need to recognize the restraint introduced by piping support friction. The requirement for the design of sliding supports (pipe shoes) and brackets to resist the forces due to friction in addition to the loads induced by bearing is also reviewed and discussed. Questions surrounding the inclusion of the effects of utilizing the maximum coefficients of static friction and the impact of these values on equipment nozzle loadings are explored in light of the qualitative guidelines contained within WRC Bulletin 449. The restraint provided by support friction is approached through the mathematical treatment of extrema with respect to calculated nozzle loads. The calculated nozzle loads then become based upon the analyst’s choice of the largest referenced coefficients of static friction (in most cases) between the two interfacing materials under consideration. It is highly improbable that the choice of the maximum coefficients of friction at each support will exist, but rather, it is physically impossible for this “worst case” condition to occur. Recommendations for the proper treatment of the potential restraint induced by piping support friction in a Code piping analysis are tendered.
Effect of Torsion on Collapse Bending Moment for 24-Inch Diameter Schedule 80 Pipes With Wall Thinning
Authors: Hasegawa Kunio , Li Yinsheng , Bezensek Bostjan , Hoang Phuong
Published: July 2013

Piping items in power plants may experience combined bending and torsion moments during operation. Currently, there is a lack of guidance in the ASME B&PV Code Section XI for combined loading modes including pressure, torsion and bending. Finite element analyses were conducted for 24-inch diameter Schedule 80 pipes with local wall thinning subjected to tensile and compressive stresses. Plastic collapse bending moments were calculated under constant torsion moments. From the calculation results, it can be seen that collapse bending moment for pipes with local thinning subjected to tensile stress is smaller than that subjected to compressive stress. In addition, equivalent moment is defined as the root the sum of the squares of the torsion and bending moments. It is found that the equivalent moments can be approximated with the pure bending moments, when the wall thinning length is equal or less than 7.73R·t for the wall thinning depth of 75% of the nominal thickness, where R is the mean radius and t is the wall thickness of the pipe.
Ageing Management of Cast Stainless Steel Components in French PWRs
Authors: Faidy Claude
Published: July 2013

During the past 20 years many works have been done on Ageing Management Program (AMP) of Safety classed components in EDF.

To-day, EDF is starting the 3rd ten-year shutdown of all these 3-loop plants (34 plants). During the associated Safety Review, a specific task is devoted to ageing effects and management of all the safety concerned components. A large list of components has been reviewed: mechanical, civil engineering, instrumentation and control, cables, non metallic components.

Cast duplex stainless steel components are an example of these reviews. This material is used in many PWR components: elbows, pump casing, valves…A specific Ageing Management Program has been developed in France in the past 20 years in order to consider thermal ageing consequences on different components.

This program considers:

- Degradation mechanism understanding;

- Diagnostic: what are the more sensitive components;

- Monitoring in operation: thermal power;

- In-service inspection: radiography and other laboratory methods;

- Flaw evaluation and material properties;

- Replacement of elbows, alone or associated to steam generator replacement.

The paper will give a short description of each topic. In the moment EDF is planning a large replacement program of CF8M elbows to assure safety margins for 60 years of operation.
TORC1 Suppression Predicts Responsiveness to RAF and MEK Inhibition in
BRAF-
Mutant Melanoma
Authors: Corcoran Ryan B. , Rothenberg Stephen Michael , Hata Aaron N. , Faber Anthony C. , Piris Adriano , Nazarian Rosalynn M. , Brown Ronald D. , Godfrey Jason T. , Winokur Daniel , Walsh John , Mino-Kenudson Mari , Maheswaran Shyamala , Settleman Jeffrey , Wargo Jennifer A. , Flaherty Keith T. , Haber Daniel A. , Engelman Jeffrey A.
Published: July 2013

Suppression of TORC1 activity after treatment with RAF or MEK inhibitors predicts drug sensitivity in
BRAF
-mutant melanoma and can be monitored in patients.
Linking an Obesity-Associated Gene Variant, Ghrelin, and the Brain
Authors: Jastreboff Ania M.
Published: July 2013

An obesity-associated gene variant may predispose people to obesity by affecting hunger, ghrelin levels, and neural responses to food images.
The Bionic Cancer-Resistant Extracellular Matrix of the Naked Mole-Rat
Authors: Margolin Adam A.
Published: July 2013

Naked mole-rats resist cancer through a high-molecular-mass version of the extracellular matrix component hyaluronan.
Methamphetamine Enhances Cryptococcus neoformans Pulmonary Infection and Dissemination to the Brain
Authors: Patel Dhavan , Desai Gunjan M. , Frases Susana , Cordero Radames J. B. , DeLeon-Rodriguez Carlos M. , Eugenin Eliseo A. , Nosanchuk Joshua D. , Martinez Luis R.
Published: July 2013

Methamphetamine (METH) is a major addictive drug of abuse in the United States and worldwide, and its use is linked to HIV acquisition. The encapsulated fungus
Cryptococcus neoformans
is the most common cause of fungal meningitis in patients with AIDS. In addition to functioning as a central nervous system stimulant, METH has diverse effects on host immunity. Using a systemic mouse model of infection and
in vitro
assays in order to critically assess the impact of METH on
C. neoformans
pathogenesis, we demonstrate that METH stimulates fungal adhesion, glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) release, and biofilm formation in the lungs. Interestingly, structural analysis of the capsular polysaccharide of METH-exposed cryptococci revealed that METH alters the carbohydrate composition of this virulence factor, an event of adaptation to external stimuli that can be advantageous to the fungus during pathogenesis. Additionally, we show that METH promotes
C. neoformans
dissemination from the respiratory tract into the brain parenchyma. Our findings provide novel evidence of the impact of METH abuse on host homeostasis and increased permissiveness to opportunistic microorganisms.

IMPORTANCE
Methamphetamine (METH) is a major health threat to our society, as it adversely changes people’s behavior, as well as increases the risk for the acquisition of diverse infectious diseases, particularly those that enter through the respiratory tract or skin. This report investigates the effects of METH use on pulmonary infection by the AIDS-related fungus
Cryptococcus neoformans
. This drug of abuse stimulates colonization and biofilm formation in the lungs, followed by dissemination of the fungus to the central nervous system. Notably,
C. neoformans
modifies its capsular polysaccharide after METH exposure, highlighting the fungus’s ability to adapt to environmental stimuli, a possible explanation for its pathogenesis. The findings may translate into new knowledge and development of therapeutic and public health strategies to deal with the devastating complications of METH abuse.
IgG Protease Mac/IdeS Is Not Essential for Phagocyte Resistance or Mouse Virulence of M1T1 Group A
Streptococcus
Authors: Okumura Cheryl Y. M. , Anderson Ericka L. , Döhrmann Simon , Tran Dan N. , Olson Joshua , von Pawel-Rammingen Ulrich , Nizet Victor
Published: July 2013

The Mac/IdeS protein of group A
Streptococcus
(GAS) is a secreted cysteine protease with cleavage specificity for IgG and is highly expressed in the GAS serotype M1T1 clone, which is the serotype most frequently isolated from patients with life-threatening invasive infections. While studies of Mac/IdeS with recombinant protein have shown that the protein can potentially prevent opsonophagocytosis of GAS by neutrophils, the role of the protein in immune evasion as physiologically produced by the living organism has not been studied. Here we examined the contribution of Mac/IdeS to invasive GAS disease by generating a mutant lacking Mac/IdeS in the hyperinvasive M1T1 background. While Mac/IdeS was highly expressed and proteolytically active in the hyperinvasive strain, elimination of the bacterial protease did not significantly influence GAS phagocytic uptake, oxidative-burst induction, cathelicidin sensitivity, resistance to neutrophil or macrophage killing, or pathogenicity in pre- or postimmune mouse infectious challenges. We conclude that in the highly virulent M1T1 background, Mac/IdeS is not essential for either phagocyte resistance or virulence. Given the conservation of Mac/IdeS and homologues across GAS strains, it is possible that Mac/IdeS serves another important function in GAS ecology or contributes to virulence in other strain backgrounds.

IMPORTANCE
Group A
Streptococcus
(GAS) causes human infections ranging from strep throat to life-threatening conditions such as flesh-eating disease and toxic shock syndrome. Common disease-associated clones of GAS can cause both mild and severe infections because of a characteristic mutation and subsequent change in the expression of several genes that develops under host immune selection. One of these genes encodes Mac/IdeS, a protease that has been shown to cleave antibodies important to the immune defense system. In this study, we found that while Mac/IdeS is highly expressed in hypervirulent GAS, it does not significantly contribute to the ability of the bacteria to survive white blood cell killing or produce invasive infection in the mouse. These data underscore the importance of correlating studies on virulence factor function with physiologic expression levels and the complexity of streptococcal pathogenesis and contribute to our overall understanding of how GAS causes disease.
How patients want to engage with their personal health record: a qualitative study
Authors: Kerns John William , Krist Alexander H , Longo Daniel R , Kuzel Anton J , Woolf Steven H
Published: July 2013

Objective

To assess factors related to use and non-use of a sophisticated interactive preventive health record (IPHR) designed to promote uptake of 18 recommended clinical preventive services; little is known about how patients want to use or be engaged by such advanced information tools.

Design

Descriptive and interpretive qualitative analysis of transcripts and field notes from focus groups of the IPHR users and of patients who were invited but did not use the IPHR (non-users). Grounded theory techniques were then applied via an editing approach for key emergent themes.

Setting

Primary care patients in eight practices of the Virginia Ambulatory Care Outcomes Research Network (ACORN).

Participants

Three focus groups involved a total of 14 IPHR users and two groups of non-users totalled 14 participants.

Outcomes/results

For themes identified (relevance, trust and functionality) participants indicated that endorsement and use of the IPHR by their personal clinician was vital. In particular, participants’ comments linked the IPHR use to: (1) integrating the IPHR into current care, (2) promoting effective patient–clinician encounters and communication and (3) their confidence in the accuracy, security and privacy of the information.

Conclusions

In addition to patients’ stated desires for advanced functionality and information accuracy and privacy, successful adoption of the IPHRs by primary care patients depends on such technology's relevance, and on its promotion via integration with primary care practices’ processes and the patient–clinician relationship. Accordingly, models of technological success and adoption, when applied to primary care, may need to include the patient–clinician relationship and practice workflow. These findings are important for healthcare providers, the information technology industry and policymakers who share an interest in encouraging patients to use personal health records.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:NCT00589173
Daily movements and territory use by radio-collared wolves (Canis lupus) in Bialowieza Primeval Forest in Poland
Authors: Jedrzejewski Wlodzimierz , Schmidt Krzysztof , Theuerkauf Jörn , Jedrzejewska Bogumila , Okarma Henryk
Published: July 2013

Wolves (Canis lupus) (9 females and 2 males from 4 packs), were radio-tracked in a large Polish woodland in Bialowieza Primeval Forest in 19961999. Based on 360 days of radio tracking with locations taken at 30- or 15-min intervals, daily movement distances (DMDs) of wolves and their utilization of territories were analyzed. DMDs averaged 22.1 km for females and 27.6 km for males. In reproductive and subadult females, DMDs varied seasonally, with the shortest daily routes in May and the longest in autumnwinter. Little seasonal variation was observed in nonbreeding and unsuccessfully breeding adult females. An adult male covered the longest DMDs in February (mating season). The mean speed of travelling wolves was 2.2 km/h. Wolves' hunting activity affected the length and speed of their movements, both of which were higher before than after a kill was made. With growing abundance of prey, DMDs of wolves became shorter. Snow cover and rainfall had a negligible effect on wolf travel. The mean straight-line distance between consecutive daily locations (SLD) was 4.4 km, i.e., on average, 21% of the actual route covered by wolves. Daily ranges utilized by wolves averaged 21.4 km2, or 9% of the whole territory. Variation in SLDs and daily ranges was shaped predominantly by mating, breeding, and pup rearing. The pattern of territory use by wolves differed between seasons. In springsummer, their movements concentrated around the breeding den and rendezvous sites, and the areas used on consecutive days overlapped extensively. In autumnwinter, wolves moved widely and utilized their territory in a rotational way, returning to the same parts every 6 days, on average. Rotational use is related to intense patrolling and defense of territory, but may also help wolves to avoid behavioral depression of prey availability.
A NOTE ON THE LATTICE BOLTZMANN VERSUS FINITE-DIFFERENCE METHODS FOR THE NUMERICAL SOLUTION OF THE FISHER'S EQUATION
Authors: SUCCI SAURO
Published: July 2013

We assess the Lattice Boltzmann (LB) method versus centered finite-difference schemes for the solution of the advection–diffusion–reaction (ADR) Fisher's equation. It is found that the LB method performs significantly better than centered finite-difference schemes, a property we attribute to the near absence of dispersion errors.
ELECTRODEPOSITION MODELING USING COUPLED PHASE-FIELD AND LATTICE BOLTZMANN APPROACH
Authors: PATIL D. V. , PREMNATH K. N. , DESAI D. , BANERJEE SANJOY
Published: July 2013

In this paper, a coupled phase-field (PF) and lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is presented to model the multiphysics phenomenon involving electro-chemical deposition. The deposition (or dissolution) of the electrode is represented using variations of an order-parameter. The time-evolution of an order-parameter is proportional to the variation of a Ginzburg–Landau free-energy functional. Further, the free-energy densities of the two phases are defined based on a dilute or an ideal solution approximation. An efficient LBM is used to obtain the converged electro-static potential field for each physical time-step of the evolution of the PF variable. The coupled approach demonstrates the applicability of the LBM in a multiphysics scenario. The numerical validation for the coupled approach is performed by the simulation of the electrodeposition process of Cu from CuSO4solution.
COMPARING BITMAPPED MICRORNA STRUCTURE IMAGES USING MUTUAL SYMMETRY
Authors: KUIJPER ARJAN , HAVUKKALA ILKKA
Published: July 2013

We present a high-throughput method for analyzing large-scale bitmapped bio-data: processing of elongated molecular structures by 2D images and analyzing their shapes for chemoinformatics databases. Two-dimensional structure databases are transfered to bitmap images — a commonly used visualization widely spread online. Then, an efficient clustering of the molecular structures is achieved by a mutual symmetry-based binary matrix representation of the shapes. We present a method to compute the difference between two of such representations and evaluate its performance with respect to time and quality of matching. In our tests we use two bitmap databases, one containing true human microRNA folded 2D structures and one with claimed human microRNA folded 2D structures. We show the stability of the matching with respect to parameterization and orientation of the shapes. Our method enables a good automatic clustering of structures with high visual similarity.
PLANARITY OF PERMUTABILITY GRAPHS OF SUBGROUPS OF GROUPS
Authors: RAJKUMAR R. , DEVI P.
Published: July 2013

Let G be a group. The permutability graph of subgroups of G, denoted by Γ(G), is a graph with all the proper subgroups of G as its vertices and two distinct vertices in Γ(G) are adjacent if and only if the corresponding subgroups permute in G. In this paper, we classify the finite groups whose permutability graphs of subgroups are planar. In addition, we classify the finite groups whose permutability graphs of subgroups are one of outerplanar, path, cycle, unicyclic, claw-free or C4-free. Also, we investigate the planarity of permutability graphs of subgroups of infinite groups.
Specific surface area and salt weathering of limestones: a laboratory study
Authors: Alves C. , Figueiredo Carlos , Ilharco Laura M. , Fidalgo Alexandra , Maurício António , Aires-Barros Luís
Published: July 2013

Specific surface area (SSA) results are used to discuss results of salt weathering tests on two grainstones and a travertine. SSA was found to be especially useful in the understanding of the travertine’s heterogeneous behaviour (with higher SSA in the more clay-rich zones) and the conclusions can be considered transferable to travertines in general. The transferability of conclusions applies insofar as in these continental limestones the terrigenous clay-rich zones, whose composition was verified by their infrared spectra, would promote mesoporous portions that favour the migration of solutions and that are, hence, more susceptible to salt weathering. SSA did not distinguish the grainstone types (Semi-rijo and Moca Creme), which show different weight loss in the salt weathering tests (higher in Moca Creme), a result explained by the predominant macroporous (as defined by IUPAC) character of these rocks. These results suggest that petrographic studies can be employed in the definition of groups of rocks for which SSA could be used as estimator of mass loss under salt weathering conditions. Other aspects of the stone cycle are also considered for the travertine, related to the presence of a certain amount of pores of nanometre scale in this rock and the possible higher specific values of presumably more clay-rich residues from its cutting.
Ursolic acid stimulates mTORC1 signaling after resistance exercise in rat skeletal muscle
Authors: Ogasawara Riki , Sato Koji , Higashida Kazuhiko , Nakazato Koichi , Fujita Satoshi
Published: July 2013

A recent study identified ursolic acid (UA) as a potent stimulator of muscle protein anabolism via PI3K/Akt signaling, thereby suggesting that UA can increase Akt-independent mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) activation induced by resistance exercise via Akt signaling. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of UA on resistance exercise-induced mTORC1 activation. The right gastrocnemius muscle of male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 11 wk was isometrically exercised via percutaneous electrical stimulation (stimulating ten 3-s contractions per set for 5 sets), while the left gastrocnemius muscle served as the control. UA or placebo (PLA; corn oil only) was injected intraperitoneally immediately after exercise. The rats were killed 1 or 6 h after the completion of exercise and the target tissues removed immediately. With placebo injection, the phosphorylation of p70S6K at Thr389 increased 1 h after resistance exercise but attenuated to the control levels 6 h after the exercise. On the other hand, the augmented phosphorylation of p70S6K was maintained even 6 h after exercise when UA was injected immediately after exercise. A similar trend of prolonged phosphorylation was observed in PRAS40 Thr246, whereas UA alone or resistance exercise alone did not alter its phosphorylation level at 6 h after intervention. These results indicate that UA is able to sustain resistance exercise-induced mTORC1 activity.
On Exact Sequence of Semimodules over Semirings
Authors: Chaudhari Jayprakash Ninu , Bonde Dipak Ravindra
Published: July 2013

We introduce the notion of exact sequence of semimodules over semirings using maximal homomorphisms and generalize some results of module theory to semimodules over semirings. Indeed, we prove, “If is a split exact sequence of -semimodules and maximal -semimodule homomorphisms with is a strong subsemimodule of , then ”. Also, some results of commutative diagram of -semimodules and maximal -homomorphisms having exact rows are obtained.
Proposed Diagnostic Criteria for theDSM-5of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Female Adolescents: Diagnostic and Clinical Correlates
Authors: In-Albon Tina , Ruf Claudia , Schmid Marc
Published: July 2013

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is included as conditions for further study in theDSM-5. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the proposed diagnostic criteria and the diagnostic and clinical correlates for the validity of a diagnostic entity. The authors investigated the characteristics of NSSI disorder and the proposed diagnostic criteria. A sample of 73 female inpatient adolescents and 37 nonclinical adolescents (aged 13 to 19 years) was recruited. Patients were classified into 4 groups (adolescents with NSSI disorder, adolescents with NSSI without impairment/distress, clinical controls without NSSI, and nonclinical controls). Adolescents were compared on self-reported psychopathology and diagnostic cooccurrences. Results indicate that adolescents with NSSI disorder have a higher level of impairment than adolescents with other mental disorders without NSSI. Most common comorbid diagnoses were major depression, social phobia, and PTSD. There was some overlap of adolescents with NSSI disorder and suicidal behaviour and borderline personality disorder, but there were also important differences. Results further suggest that the proposedDSM-5diagnostic criteria for NSSI are useful and necessary. In conclusion, NSSI is a highly impairing disorder characterized by high comorbidity with various disorders, providing further evidence that NSSI should be a distinct diagnostic entity.
Rise of Clinical Trials Industry in India: An Analysis
Authors: Bajpai Vikas
Published: July 2013

Clinical trials industry has seen a phenomenal increase in last ten years or so, and India has emerged as one of the foremost global destinations for clinical trials. Changed intellectual property regimen after WTO has been the prime mover of the phenomenon, and maximizing profits rather than serving any altruistic motives forms the main ideological underpinning of the rise of clinical trial industry in India. The paper examines the ideological underpinnings of the rise of clinical trials industry in the country in detail and how the ruling classes of India have tried to capitalize on this as a great economic opportunity. In the process the interests of India’s poor have been the main casualty.
Long-Term Nitric Oxide Exposure Enhances Lung Cancer Cell Migration
Authors: Sanuphan Arpasinee , Chunhacha Preedakorn , Pongrakhananon Varisa , Chanvorachote Pithi
Published: July 2013

Nitric oxide (NO) found in the vicinity of lung cancer cells may play a role in the regulation of cancer cell behaviors. To explore the possible effects of NO on cell motility, human lung cancer cells were exposed to nontoxic concentrations of NO for 0–14 days, and the migratory characteristics of the cells were determined. The present study found that long-term treatment with NO significantly enhanced cell migration in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, we found that the increased migratory action was associated with the increased expression of caveolin-1 (Cav-1), which in turn activated the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and ATP-dependent tyrosine kinase (Akt) pathways. Notably, the NO-treated cells exhibited an increased number of filopodia per cell, as well as an increase in the levels of cell division cycle 42 (Cdc42) protein. Together, these results indicate that extended NO exposure has a novel effect on cell migration through a Cav-1-dependent mechanism, a finding that strengthens our understanding of cancer biology.
Simulation of Nonisothermal Consolidation of Saturated Soils Based on a Thermodynamic Model
Authors: Zhang Zhichao , Cheng Xiaohui
Published: July 2013

Based on the nonequilibrium thermodynamics, a thermo‐hydro‐mechanical coupling model for saturated soils is established, including a constitutive model without such concepts as yield surface and flow rule. An elastic potential energy density function is defined to derive a hyperelastic relation among the effective stress, the elastic strain, and the dry density. The classical linear non‐equilibrium thermodynamic theory is employed to quantitatively describe the unrecoverable energy processes like the nonelastic deformation development in materials by the concepts of dissipative force and dissipative flow. In particular the granular fluctuation, which represents the kinetic energy fluctuation and elastic potential energy fluctuation at particulate scale caused by the irregular mutual movement between particles, is introduced in the model and described by the concept of granular entropy. Using this model, the nonisothermal consolidation of saturated clays under cyclic thermal loadings is simulated in this paper to validate the model. The results show that the nonisothermal consolidation is heavily OCR dependent and unrecoverable.
An Optimal Number-Dependent Preventive Maintenance Strategy for Offshore Wind Turbine Blades Considering Logistics
Authors: Shafiee Mahmood , Patriksson Michael , Strömberg Ann-Brith
Published: July 2013

In offshore wind turbines, the blades are among the most critical and expensive components that suffer from different types of damage due to the harsh maritime environment and high load. The blade damages can be categorized into two types: the minor damage, which only causes a loss in wind capture without resulting in any turbine stoppage, and the major (catastrophic) damage, which stops the wind turbine and can only be corrected by replacement. In this paper, we propose an optimal number-dependent preventive maintenance (NDPM) strategy, in which a maintenance team is transported with an ordinary or expedited lead time to the offshore platform at the occurrence of theNth minor damage or the first major damage, whichever comes first. The long-run expected cost of the maintenance strategy is derived, and the necessary conditions for an optimal solution are obtained. Finally, the proposed model is tested on real data collected from an offshore wind farm database. Also, a sensitivity analysis is conducted in order to evaluate the effect of changes in the model parameters on the optimal solution.
Hemeoxygenase-1 Mediates an Adaptive Response to Spermidine-Induced Cell Death in Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Yang Hana , Lee Seung Eun , Kim Gun-Dong , Park Hye Rim , Park Yong Seek
Published: July 2013

Spermidine (SPD) is a ubiquitous polycation that is commonly distributed in living organisms. Intracellular levels of SPD are tightly regulated, and SPD controls cell proliferation and death. However, SPD undergoes oxidation in the presence of serum, producing aldehydes, hydrogen peroxide, and ammonia, which exert cytotoxic effect on cells. Hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) is thought to have a protective effect against oxidative stress. Upregulation of HO-1 in endothelial cells is considered to be beneficial in the cardiovascular disease. In the present study, we demonstrate that the ubiquitous polyamine, SPD, induces HO-1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). SPD-induced HO-1 expression was examined by Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Involvement of reactive oxygen species, serum amine oxidase, PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and transcription factor Nrf2 in the induction of HO-1 by SPD was also investigated. Furthermore, small interfering RNA knockdown of Nrf2 or HO-1 and treatment with the specific HO-1 inhibitor ZnPP exhibited a noteworthy increase of death of SPD-stimulated HUVECs. In conclusion, these results suggest that SPD induces PI3K/Akt-Nrf2-mediated HO-1 expression in human endothelial cells, which may have a role in cytoprotection of the cells against oxidative stress-induced death.
Solid-State 13C CP MAS NMR Spectroscopy as a Tool for Detection of (1→3, 1→6)-β-D-Glucan in Products Prepared from Pleurotus ostreatus
Authors: Fričová O. , Koval'aková M.
Published: July 2013

The 13C CP/MAS NMR solid-state NMR technique was used to detect the presence of β-D-glucan and trace compounds in samples prepared from dried, naturally grown oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) and commercially available products of dried, specially cultivated oyster mushroom and β-D-glucan isolated from this mushroom. The NMR spectra of all samples displayed signals typical for (1→3, 1→6)-β-D-glucan; however, signals which could be assigned to other trace compounds—(1→3)-α-glucan, chitin, and proteins—were also observed in the spectra. The amount of trace compounds was negligible in the commercially available products.
Maximum Norm Error Estimates of ADI Methods for a Two-Dimensional Fractional Subdiffusion Equation
Authors: Wang Yuan-Ming
Published: July 2013

This paper is concerned with two alternating direction implicit (ADI) finite difference methods for solving a two-dimensional fractional subdiffusion equation. An explicit error estimate for each of the two methods is provided in the discrete maximum norm. It is shown that the methods have the same order as their truncation errors with respect to the discrete maximum norm. Numerical results are given to confirm the theoretical analysis results.
Confusional State in HaNDL Syndrome: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Nelson Sarah
Published: July 2013

The syndrome of transient headache and neurologic deficits with cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis (HaNDL syndrome) is a self-limited condition. Confusional states are uncommonly reported as a clinical manifestation of this syndrome. Here, I report a 76-year-old female who presented with headache, confusion, and agitation with a mild CSF lymphocytosis. Other workup to determine the cause of her altered mental status was otherwise negative. The literature available in the English language on HaNDL syndrome is reviewed, including its history, pathophysiology, possible associations with migraine and stroke, and previously reported cases of confusional states in this syndrome. While HaNDL syndrome has been a described entity since the 1980s, its pathophysiology has yet to be clearly defined.
Determination of Important Parameters in Affecting the Uptake of Reactive Black 5 by Chitosan Beads through Statistical Approach
Authors: Phung Yi-Pin , Ong Siew-Teng , Keng Pei-Sin
Published: July 2013

Chitosan which can be obtained from fishery waste was studied as an alternative source to remove pollutants in the wastewater. The adsorption process of Reactive Black 5 (RB5) by chitosan was studied under batch experimental condition to identify the optimum condition in which the dye can be removed at a higher rate. The best fit kinetics model was determined to be the pseudo‐second‐order kinetics. From the isotherm study, the experimental result was better explained by Freundlich isotherm. Plackett‐Burman was employed to identify the influential variables affecting the dye uptake. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to determine the interactions between the factors and their optimum levels for maximum uptake of RB5. The optimum condition for the highest percentage uptake of RB5 dye was determined to be at pH 4, agitation rate of 200 rpm, sorbent dosage of 1.0 g, contact time of 300 minutes, and initial dye concentration of 25 mg/L.
Theoretical Analysis of the Shaft
Authors: Nanda Jajneswar , Parhi D. R.
Published: July 2013

This paper represents the dynamic response of a steel shaft which is fixed at both ends by bearing. The shaft is subjected to both axial and bending loads. The behavior of the shaft in the presence of two transverse cracks subjected to the same angular position along longitudinal direction is observed by taking basic parameters such as nondimensional depth (bi/D), nondimensional length (Li/L), and three relative natural frequencies with their relative mode shapes. The compliance matrix is calculated from the stress intensity factor for two degrees of freedom. The dynamic nature of the cracked shaft at two cracked locations at a different depth is observed. The compliance matrix is a function of crack parameters such as depth and location of crack from any one of the bearings. The three relative natural frequencies and their mode shapes at a different location and depth obtained analytical and experimental method. Multiple adaptive neurofuzzy inference system (MANFIS) methodology (an inverse technique) is used for locating the cracks at any depth and location. The input of the MANFIS is provided with the first three natural frequencies and the first three mode shapes obtained from analytical method. The predicted result of the MANFIS (relative crack location and depth) has been validated using the results from the developed experimental setup.
Does Pro12Ala Polymorphism Enhance the Physiological Role of PPARγ2?
Authors: Pereira A. C. , Oliveira R. , Castro A. C. , Fernandes R.
Published: July 2013

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) are two major public health problems that have motivated the scientific community to investigate the high contribution of genetic factors to these disorders. The peroxisome proliferator activated by gamma 2 (PPARγ2) plays an important role in the lipid metabolism. Since PPARγ2 is expressed mainly in adipose tissue, a moderate reduction of its activity influences the sensitivity to insulin, diabetes, and other metabolic parameters. The present study aims to contribute to the elucidation of the impact of the Pro12Ala polymorphism associated with T2D and obesity through a meta-analysis study of the literature that included approximately 11500 individuals, from which 3870 were obese and 7625 were diabetic. Statistical evidence supports protective effect in T2D of polymorphism Pro12Ala of PPARγ2 (OR = 0.702 with 95% CI: 0.622; 0.791,P<0.01). Conversely the same polymorphism Pro12Ala of PPARγ2 seems to favor obesity since 1.196 more chance than nonobese was found (OR = 1.196 with 95% CI: 1.009; 1.417,P<0.004). Our results suggest that Pro12Ala polymorphism enhances both adipogenic and antidiabetogenic physiological role of PPARγ. Does Pro12Ala polymorphism represent an evolutionary step towards the stabilization of the molecular function of PPARγtranscription factor signaling pathway?