bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Onboard Device Encapsulation With Two-Phase Cooling
Authors: Young S. J. , Janssen D. , Wenzel E. A. , Shadakofsky B. M. , Kulacki F. A.
Published: June 2017

Onboard liquid cooling of electronic devices is demonstrated with liquid delivered externally to the point of heat removal through a conformal encapsulation. The encapsulation creates a flat microgap above the integrated circuit (IC) and delivers a uniform inlet coolant flow over the device. The coolant is Novec™ 7200, and the electronics are simulated with a resistance heater on a 1:1 scale. Thermal performance is demonstrated at power densities of ∼1 kW/cm3 in the microgap. Parameters investigated are pressure drop, average device temperature, heat transfer coefficient, and coefficient of performance (COP). Nusselt numbers for gap sizes of 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 mm are reduced to a dimensionless correlation. With low coolant inlet subcooling, two-phase heat transfer is seen at all mass flows. Device temperatures reach 95 °C for power dissipation of 50–80 W (0.67–1.08 kW/cm3) depending on coolant flow for a gap of 0.5 mm. Coefficients of performance of ∼100 to 70,000 are determined via measured pressure drop and demonstrate a low pumping penalty at the device level within the range of power and coolant flow considered. The encapsulation with microgap flow boiling provides a means for use of higher power central processing unit and graphics processing unit devices and thereby enables higher computing performance, for example, in embedded airborne computers.
New species of the family Steganacaridae (Acari, Oribatida, Phthiracaroidea) from Northeast China with keys to known species of Austrophthiracarus and Hoplophthiracarus from the Palaearctic Region

Authors: Liu Dong , Wu Donghui
Published: June 2017

In this study, two new species of steganacarid mites (Oribatida: Phthiracaroidea) from Northeast China, Austrophthiracarus setiformis Liu sp. nov. and Hoplophthiracarus acuminatus Liu sp. nov., are described and illustrated. Keys to known species of Austrophthiracarus and Hoplophthiracarus from the Palaearctic Region are provided to facilitate further studies of these groups.
A relationship between processing speech in noise and dysarthric speech
Authors: Borrie Stephanie A. , Baese-Berk Melissa , Van Engen Kristin , Bent Tessa
Published: June 2017

There is substantial individual variability in understanding speech in adverse listening conditions. This study examined whether a relationship exists between processing speech in noise (environmental degradation) and dysarthric speech (source degradation), with regard to intelligibility performance and the use of metrical stress to segment the degraded speech signals. Ninety native speakers of American English transcribed speech in noise and dysarthric speech. For each type of listening adversity, transcriptions were analyzed for proportion of words correct and lexical segmentation errors indicative of stress cue utilization. Consistent with the hypotheses, intelligibility performance for speech in noise was correlated with intelligibility performance for dysarthric speech, suggesting similar cognitive-perceptual processing mechanisms may support both. The segmentation results also support this postulation. While stress-based segmentation was stronger for speech in noise relative to dysarthric speech, listeners utilized metrical stress to parse both types of listening adversity. In addition, reliance on stress cues for parsing speech in noise was correlated with reliance on stress cues for parsing dysarthric speech. Taken together, the findings demonstrate a preference to deploy the same cognitive-perceptual strategy in conditions where metrical stress offers a route to segmenting degraded speech.
Role of the JNK Pathway in Varicella-Zoster Virus Lytic Infection and Reactivation
Authors: Kurapati Sravya , Sadaoka Tomohiko , Rajbhandari Labchan , Jagdish Balaji , Shukla Priya , Ali Mir A. , Kim Yong Jun , Lee Gabsang , Cohen Jeffrey I. , Venkatesan Arun
Published: June 2017

Mechanisms of neuronal infection by varicella-zoster virus (VZV) have been challenging to study due to the relatively strict human tropism of the virus and the paucity of tractable experimental models. Cellular mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) have been shown to play a role in VZV infection of nonneuronal cells, with distinct consequences for infectivity in different cell types. Here, we utilize several human neuronal culture systems to investigate the role of one such MAPK, the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), in VZV lytic infection and reactivation. We find that the JNK pathway is specifically activated following infection of human embryonic stem cell-derived neurons and that this activation of JNK is essential for efficient viral protein expression and replication. Inhibition of the JNK pathway blocked viral replication in a manner distinct from that of acyclovir, and an acyclovir-resistant VZV isolate was as sensitive to the effects of JNK inhibition as an acyclovir-sensitive VZV isolate in neurons. Moreover, in a microfluidic-based human neuronal model of viral latency and reactivation, we found that inhibition of the JNK pathway resulted in a marked reduction in reactivation of VZV. Finally, we utilized a novel technique to efficiently generate cells expressing markers of human sensory neurons from neural crest cells and established a critical role for the JNK pathway in infection of these cells. In summary, the JNK pathway plays an important role in lytic infection and reactivation of VZV in physiologically relevant cell types and may provide an alternative target for antiviral therapy.

IMPORTANCE
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) has infected over 90% of people worldwide. While primary infection leads to the typically self-limiting condition of chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant in the nervous system and may reactivate later in life, leading to shingles or inflammatory diseases of the nervous system and eye with potentially severe consequences. Here, we take advantage of newer stem cell-based technologies to study the mechanisms by which VZV infects human neurons. We find that the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway is activated by VZV infection and that blockade of this pathway limits lytic replication (as occurs during primary infection). In addition, JNK inhibition limits viral reactivation, exhibiting parallels with herpes simplex virus reactivation. The identification of the role of the JNK pathway in VZV infection of neurons reveals potential avenues for the development of alternate antiviral drugs.
Interplay of PA-X and NS1 Proteins in Replication and Pathogenesis of a Temperature-Sensitive 2009 Pandemic H1N1 Influenza A Virus
Authors: Nogales Aitor , Rodriguez Laura , DeDiego Marta L. , Topham David J. , Martínez-Sobrido Luis
Published: June 2017

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) cause seasonal epidemics and occasional pandemics, representing a serious public health concern. It has been described that one mechanism used by some IAV strains to escape the host innate immune responses and modulate virus pathogenicity involves the ability of the PA-X and NS1 proteins to inhibit the host protein synthesis in infected cells. It was reported that for the 2009 pandemic H1N1 IAV (pH1N1) only the PA-X protein had this inhibiting capability, while the NS1 protein did not. In this work, we have evaluated, for the first time, the combined effect of PA-X- and NS1-mediated inhibition of general gene expression on virus pathogenesis, using a temperature-sensitive, live-attenuated 2009 pandemic H1N1 IAV (pH1N1 LAIV). We found that viruses containing PA-X and NS1 proteins that simultaneously have (PA
WT
+
/NS1
MUT
+
) or do not have (PA
MUT
−
/NS1
WT
−
) the ability to block host gene expression showed reduced pathogenicity
in vivo
. However, a virus where the ability to inhibit host protein expression was switched between PA-X and NS1 (PA
MUT
−
/NS1
MUT
+
) presented pathogenicity similar to that of a virus containing both wild-type proteins (PA
WT
+
/NS1
WT
−
). Our findings suggest that inhibition of host protein expression is subject to a strict balance, which can determine the successful progression of IAV infection. Importantly, knowledge obtained from our studies could be used for the development of new and more effective vaccine approaches against IAV.

IMPORTANCE
Influenza A viruses (IAVs) are one of the most common causes of respiratory infections in humans, resulting in thousands of deaths annually. Furthermore, IAVs can cause unpredictable pandemics of great consequence when viruses not previously circulating in humans are introduced into humans. The defense machinery provided by the host innate immune system limits IAV replication; however, to counteract host antiviral activities, IAVs have developed different inhibition mechanisms, including prevention of host gene expression mediated by the viral PA-X and NS1 proteins. Here, we provide evidence demonstrating that optimal control of host protein synthesis by IAV PA-X and/or NS1 proteins is required for efficient IAV replication in the host. Moreover, we demonstrate the feasibility of genetically controlling the ability of IAV PA-X and NS1 proteins to inhibit host immune responses, providing an approach to develop more effective vaccines to combat disease caused by this important respiratory pathogen.
A protocol for prospective studies of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, leptin and body mass index in relation to cutaneous melanoma incidence and survival
Authors: Stenehjem Jo Steinson , Grimsrud Tom K , Rees Judith R , Vos Linda , Babigumira Ronnie , Veierød Marit B , Robsahm Trude Eid
Published: June 2017

Introduction

The incidence and mortality rates of cutaneous melanoma (CM) are increasing among fair-skinned populations worldwide. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the principal risk factor for CM, but is also the main source of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), which has been associated with reduced risk and better prognosis of some cancer types. However, both low and high 25(OH)D levels have been associated with increased risk of CM. Obesity as measured by body mass index (BMI) is associated with risk of several cancers and has also been suggested as a risk factor for CM, and may also be related to insufficient 25(OH)D and/or high leptin levels. Moreover, contracting a CM diagnosis has been associated with increased risk of developing second cancer. We aim to study whether low prediagnostic serum levels of 25(OH)D, high prediagnostic levels of BMI and high serum leptin levels influence CM incidence, Breslow thickness and CM mortality, and risk of second cancer and survival after a CM diagnosis.

Methods and analysis

Cohort and nested case–control studies will be carried out using the population-based Janus Serum Bank Cohort (archival prediagnostic sera, BMI, smoking and physical activity), with follow-up from 1972 to 2014. Additional data will be received from the Cancer Registry of Norway, the national Cause of Death Registry, Statistics Norway (education and occupation) and exposure matrices of UVR. Time-to-event regression models will be used to analyse the cohort data, while the nested case–control studies will be analysed by conditional logistic regression. A multilevel approach will be applied when incorporating group-level data.

Ethics and dissemination

The project is approved by the Regional Committee for Medical Research Ethics and is funded by the Norwegian Cancer Society. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, at scientific conferences and in the news media.
Does attendance at a specialist antenatal clinic improve clinical outcomes in women with class III obesity compared with standard care? A retrospective case-note analysis
Authors: Denison Fiona C , MacGregor Heather , Stirrat Laura I , Stevenson Kerrie , Norman Jane E , Reynolds Rebecca M
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To determine whether attendance at a specialised multidisciplinary antenatal clinic for women with class III obesity (BMI >40 kg/m2) is associated with improved clinical outcomes compared with standard antenatal care.

Design

Retrospective cohort study using routinely collected data from electronic patient record.

Setting

Community and hospital based antenatal care.

Participants

Women with a singleton pregnancy with class III obesity booked for antenatal care and delivered in one of two hospitals in NHS Lothian, Scotland, UK between 2008 and 2014. Maternal and offspring outcomes were compared in women who attended a specialised obesity clinic (n=511) compared with standard antenatal care (n=502).

Main outcome measures

Included stillbirth, low birth weight, gestational diabetes, induction of labour and caesarean section.

Results

Compared with standard care, women receiving specialist care were less likely to have a stillbirth (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.97) and a low birthweight baby (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.99) and more likely to be screened for (100% vs 73.6%; p<0.001) and diagnosed with (26.0% vs 12.5%; p<0.001) gestational diabetes, to require induction of labour (38.4% vs 29.9%; p=0.009), an elective (20.3% vs 17.7%; p<0.001) and emergency (23.9% vs 20.3%; p<0.001) caesarean section and attend antenatal triage one or more times during pregnancy (77.7% vs 53.1%; p<0.001). Women attending the specialist clinic had a higher BMI (44.5 kg/m2(4.3) vs 43.2 kg/m2(3.1); p<0.001) and were more likely to be nulliparous (46.0% vs 24.9%; p<0.001). There were no other differences in maternal demographic or maternal and offspring outcomes between groups.

Conclusions

Attendance at a specialised antenatal clinic for obesity is associated with reduced rates of stillbirth and low birth weight and improved detection of gestational diabetes. The improvement in clinical outcomes is associated with an increase in healthcare attendance to obstetric triage and clinical interventions including induction of labour and caesarean section.
The REAnimation Low Immune Status Markers (REALISM) project: a protocol for broad characterisation and follow-up of injury-induced immunosuppression in intensive care unit (ICU) critically ill patients
Authors: Rol Mary-Luz , Venet Fabienne , Rimmele Thomas , Moucadel Virginie , Cortez Pierre , Quemeneur Laurence , Gardiner David , Griffiths Andrew , Pachot Alexandre , Textoris Julien , Monneret Guillaume
Published: June 2017

Introduction

The host response to septic shock is dynamic and complex. A sepsis-induced immunosuppression phase has recently been acknowledged and linked to bad outcomes and increased healthcare costs. Moreover, a marked suppression of the immune response has also been partially described in patients hospitalized in intensive care unit (ICU) for severe trauma or burns. It has been hypothesized that immune monitoring could enable identification of patients who might most benefit from novel, adjunctive immune-stimulating therapies. However, there is currently neither a clear definition for such injury-induced immunosuppression nor a stratification biomarker compatible with clinical constraints.

Methods and analysis

We set up a prospective, longitudinal single-centre clinical study to determine the incidence, severity and persistency of innate and adaptive immune alterations in ICU patients. We optimized a workflow to describe and follow the immunoinflammatory status of 550 patients (septic shock, severe trauma/burn and major surgery) during the first 2 months after their initial injury. On each time point, two immune functional tests will be performed to determine whole-blood TNF-α production in response toex vivolipopolysaccharide stimulation and the T lymphocyte proliferation in response to phytohaemagglutinin. In addition, a complete immunophenotyping using flow cytometry including monocyte HLA-DR expression and lymphocyte subsets will be obtained. New markers (ie, levels of expression of host mRNA and viral reactivation) will be also evaluated. Reference intervals will be determined from a cohort of 150 age-matched healthy volunteers. This clinical study will provide, for the first time, data describing the immune status of severe ICU patients over time.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from the institutional review board (no 69HCL15_0379) and the French National Security agency for drugs and health-related products. Results will be disseminated through presentations at scientific meetings and publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

Clinicaltrials.gov Registration number:NCT02638779. Pre-results.
Intrathecal baclofen therapy in paediatrics: a study protocol for an Australian multicentre, 10-year prospective audit
Authors: Stewart Kirsty , Hutana Gavin , Kentish Megan
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Increasing clinical use of Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) in Australian tertiary paediatric hospitals, along with the need for standardised assessment and reporting of adverse events, saw the formation of the Australian Paediatric ITB Research Group (APIRG). APIRG developed a National ITB Audit tool designed to capture clinical outcomes and adverse events data for all Australian children and adolescents receiving ITB therapy.

Methods and analysis

The Australian ITB Audit is a 10 year, longitudinal, prospective, clinical audit collecting all adverse events and assessment data across body functions and structure, participation and activity level domains of the ICF. Data will be collected at baseline, 6 and 12 months with ongoing capture of all adverse event data. This is the first Australian study that aims to capture clinical and adverse event data from a complete population of children with neurological impairment receiving a specific intervention between 2011 and 2021. This multi-centre study will inform ITB clinical practice in children and adolescents, direct patient selection, record and aid decision making regarding adverse events and investigate the impact of ITB therapy on family and patient quality of life.

Ethics and dissemination

This project was approved by the individual Human Research Ethics committees at the six Australian tertiary hospitals involved in the study. Results will be published in various peer reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences.

Trial registration number

ACTRN 12610000323022; Pre-results.
Primary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator in patients with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Barakat Amr F , Saad Marwan , Elgendy Akram Y , Mentias Amgad , Abuzaid Ahmed , Mahmoud Ahmed N , Elgendy Islam Y
Published: June 2017

Objectives

The objective of this meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) is to evaluate the role of primary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in patients with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy (NICM).

Setting

A meta-analysis of RCTs performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines.

Data sources

The PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for relevant articles.

Participants

A total of 5 RCTs with 2573 patients with NICM were included.

Intervention

Primary prevention ICD, compared with medical therapy alone.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

All-cause mortality (primary outcome) and sudden cardiac death (SCD, secondary outcome).

Data analysis

Summary estimate HR were constructed using the random-effect DerSimonian and Laird’s model. Multiple study-level subgroup analyses were performed, and interaction was tested using random-effect analysis.

Results

Compared with medical therapy alone, ICD placement was associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR 0.79; 95% CI 0.64 to 0.93; p<0.001; I2=0%) at a mean follow-up of 4.2 years. The risk of SCD was also lower with ICD placement (RR 0.47; 95% CI 0.30 to 0.73; p=0.001; I2=0%) compared with control. On subgroup analyses, there was a suggestion of possible effect modification by age, in which benefit was observed in age group <60 years (HR 0.64; 95% CI 0.47 to 0.89), but not with age ≥60 years (HR 0.82; 95% CI 0.65 to 1.03) (Pinteraction=0.058), but not with other study-level variables.

Conclusions

Compared with medical therapy alone, primary prevention ICD therapy in patients with NICM is associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality, especially in younger patients. Future dedicated studies are needed to investigate the role of primary prevention ICD in the elderly population.

PROSPEROregistrationnumber

PROSPERO CRD42016052010.
Group clinics for young adults with diabetes in an ethnically diverse, socioeconomically deprived setting (TOGETHER study): protocol for a realist review, co-design and mixed methods, participatory evaluation of a new care model
Authors: Papoutsi Chrysanthi , Hargreaves Dougal , Colligan Grainne , Hagell Ann , Patel Anita , Campbell-Richards Desirée , Viner Russell M , Vijayaraghavan Shanti , Marshall Martin , Greenhalgh Trisha , Finer Sarah
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Young adults with diabetes often report dissatisfaction with care and have poor diabetes-related health outcomes. As diabetes prevalence continues to rise, group-based care could provide a sustainable alternative to traditional one-to-one consultations, by engaging young people through life stage-, context- and culturally-sensitive approaches. In this study, we will co-design and evaluate a group-based care model for young adults with diabetes and complex health and social needs in socioeconomically deprived areas.

Methods and analysis

This participatory study will include three phases. In phase 1, we will carry out a realist review to synthesise the literature on group-based care for young adults with diabetes. This theory-driven understanding will provide the basis for phase 2, where we will draw on experience-based co-design methodologies to develop a new, group-based care model for young adults (aged <25 years, under the care of adult diabetes services). In phase 3, we will use a researcher-in-residence approach to implement and evaluate the co-designed group clinic model and compare with traditional care. We will employ qualitative (observations in clinics, patient and staff interviews and document analysis) and quantitative methods (eg, biological markers, patient enablement instrument and diabetes distress scale), including a cost analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

National Health Service ethics approval has been granted (reference 17/NI/0019). The project will directly inform service redesign to better meet the needs of young adults with diabetes in socioeconomically deprived areas and may guide a possible cluster-randomised trial, powered to clinical and cost-effectiveness outcomes. Findings from this study may be transferable to other long-term conditions and/or age groups. Project outputs will include briefing statements, summaries and academic papers, tailored for different audiences, including people living with diabetes, clinicians, policy makers and strategic decision makers.

Registration details

PROSPERO (CRD42017058726).
Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH): where we are now and where to go next
Authors: Mader Reuven , Verlaan Jorrit-Jan , Eshed Iris , Jacome Bruges-Armas , Puttini Piercarlo Sarzi , Atzeni Fabiola , Buskila Dan , Reinshtein Eyal , Novofastovski Irina , Fawaz Abdallah , Kurt de Vlam , Baraliakos Xenofon
Published: June 2017

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a well-recognised entity characterised by calcifications and ossifications of the entheses affecting mainly the spine and peripheral sites. DISH is still insufficiently investigated and understood. The objective of this report is to highlight the present limitations of our understanding of the condition and suggest future research paths.
A Risk-Averse Newsvendor Model Under Trade Credit Contract with CVaR
Authors: Chen Jianxin , Zhou Yong-Wu
Published: June 2017

A supply chain with a supplier and a risk-averse retailer is considered in the paper under trade credit contract. The retailer as newsvendor faces a non-negative random demand and the supplier provides the trade credit for the risk-averse retailer with budget constraints. Different from the existing research, in a conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) framework, the optimal ordering quantity and wholesale price are obtained. Analytical results are obtained for the newsvendor retailer’s optimal ordering quantity and supplier’s optimal wholesale price under CVaR measure. Sensitivity analysis is also yielded. It is found that the optimal ordering quantity decreases as the degree of risk aversion increases. Furthermore, we analyze the effect of the initial budget of retailer and the wholesale price on the order quantity decision. This paper also finds that the trade credit contract could create value for a risk-averse supply chain with budget constraints. Finally, to compare with the existing results the theoretical analysis and numerical examples are illustrated.
Solving the Periodic Edge Routing Problem in the Municipal Waste Collection
Authors: Triki Chefi
Published: June 2017

In many municipal waste collection systems, it is necessary to extend the planning horizon to more than one working day. This can happen, for example, in the collection of some recyclable articles. In this case, some of the streets must be served every day but others need only once every two days service. In this paper, we focus on planning the routing of the collection vehicles while extending the planning horizon to two working days. We propose a simple, but effective, heuristic approach and we carry out extensive computational experiments to evaluate its performance. We also apply our method to solve a real-case application related to the collection of recyclable wastes in a small Italian city.
An Ideal Software Release Policy for an Improved Software Reliability Growth Model Incorporating Imperfect Debugging with Fault Removal Efficiency and Change Point
Authors: Chatterjee Subhashis , Shukla Ankur
Published: June 2017

This paper presents a general software reliability growth model (SRGM) based on non-homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP) and optimal software release policy with cost and reliability criteria. The main motive of this study is to develop a software release time decision model considering maintenance cost and warranty cost under fuzzy environment. In previous studies, maintenance cost has been defined either in terms of warranty cost or fault debugging cost. In reality, maintenance cost includes the cost of free patches, updates, technical support and future enhancement. Also, it is possible that maintenance process causes the removal of software faults in the operational phase including the faults which occur outside the warranty period or warranty definition. In other words, warranty action may be included the maintenance action, but not the converse. Considering this fact, maintenance cost and warranty cost are defined separately in the proposed study. Initially, an SRGM has been proposed with the revised concept of imperfect debugging phenomenon considering fault removal efficiency (FRE). Furthermore, the effect of changes in various environmental factors on models parameters has been taken into account. Numerical examples based on real software failure data sets have been given to analyze the performance of the proposed models.
Weyl semimetal and topological numbers
Authors: Elbistan Mahmut
Published: June 2017

Generalized Dirac monopoles in momentum space are constructed in even [Formula: see text] dimensions from the Weyl Hamiltonian in terms of Green’s functions. In [Formula: see text] dimensions, the (unit) charge of the monopole is equal to both the winding number and the Chern number, expressed as the integral of the Berry curvature. Based on the equivalence of the Chern and winding numbers, a chirally coupled and Lorentz invariant field theory action is studied for the Weyl semimetal phase. At the one loop order, the effective action yields both the chiral magnetic effect and the anomalous Hall effect. The Chern number appears as a coefficient in the conductivity, thus emphasizes the role of topology. The anomalous contribution of chiral fermions to transport phenomena is reflected as the gauge anomaly with the Pfaffian invariant [Formula: see text]. Relevance of monopoles and Chern numbers for the semiclassical chiral kinetic theory is also discussed.
Thermal transport in layered structure of YBa2Cu3O7−δ superconductors
Authors: Sharma Rakhi , Indu B. D.
Published: June 2017

The heat transfer study in YBa2Cu3O[Formula: see text] superconductors structures is focused on the influence of the effect of scattering events in cross-plane and in-plane references. Understanding the mechanism of controlling the thermal conductivity of layered superconductors is an area of interest for nano microelectronics and thermo-electronic technological applications. The model of the thermal conduction, and phonon transport perpendicular and parallel to the layers of YBa2Cu3O[Formula: see text] are developed. It has been justified via numerical estimation and found substantial diminution in thermal conductivities in both in-plane and cross-plane directions of layered cuprate superconductors.
Approach to equilibrium of a quantum system and generalization of the Montroll–Shuler equation for vibrational relaxation of a molecular oscillator
Authors: Kenkre V. M. , Chase M.
Published: June 2017

The approach to equilibrium of a quantum mechanical system in interaction with a bath is studied from a practical as well as a conceptual point of view. Explicit memory functions are derived for given models of bath couplings. If the system is a harmonic oscillator representing a molecule in interaction with a reservoir, the generalized master equation derived becomes an extension into the coherent domain of the well-known Montroll–Shuler equation for vibrational relaxation and unimolecular dissociation. A generalization of the Bethe–Teller result regarding energy relaxation is found for short times. The theory has obvious applications to relaxation dynamics at ultra-short times as in observations on the femtosecond time scale and to the investigation of quantum coherence at those short times. While vibrational relaxation in chemical physics is a primary target of the study, another system of interest in condensed matter physics, an electron or hole in a lattice subjected to a strong DC electric field that gives rise to well-known Wannier–Stark ladders, is naturally addressed with the theory. Specific system–bath interactions are explored to obtain explicit details of the dynamics. General phenomenological descriptions of the reservoir are considered rather than specific microscopic realizations.
Small inertia regularization of an anisotropic aggregation model
Authors: Evers Joep H. M. , Fetecau Razvan C. , Sun Weiran
Published: June 2017

We consider an anisotropic first-order ODE aggregation model in two dimensions and its approximation by a second-order relaxation system. The relaxation model contains a small parameter [Formula: see text], which can be interpreted as inertia or (non-dimensionalized) response time. We examine rigorously the limit [Formula: see text] of solutions to the relaxation system. Of major interest is how discontinuous (in velocities) solutions to the first-order model are captured in the zero-inertia limit. We find that near such discontinuities, solutions to the second-order model perform fast transitions within a time layer of size [Formula: see text]. We validate this scale with numerical simulations.
Mathematical modelling of cancer invasion: The multiple roles of TGF-β pathway on tumour proliferation and cell adhesion
Authors: Bitsouni Vasiliki , Chaplain Mark A. J. , Eftimie Raluca
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we develop a non-local mathematical model describing cancer cell invasion and movement as a result of integrin-controlled cell–cell adhesion and cell–matrix adhesion, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-[Formula: see text]) effect on cell proliferation and adhesion, for two cancer cell populations with different levels of mutation. The model consists of partial integro-differential equations describing the dynamics of two cancer cell populations, coupled with ordinary differential equations describing the extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and the production and decay of integrins, and with a parabolic PDE governing the evolution of TGF-[Formula: see text] concentration. We prove the global existence of weak solutions to the model. We then use our model to explore numerically the role of TGF-[Formula: see text] in cell aggregation and movement.
Parallel Multi-Label Propagation Based on Influence Model and Its Application to Overlapping Community Discovery
Authors: Qiu Qirong , Guo Wenzhong , Chen Yuzhong , Guo Kun , Li Rongrong
Published: June 2017

Finding communities in networks is one of the challenging issues in complex network research. We have to deal with very large networks that contain billions of vertices, which makes community discovery a computationally intensive work. Moreover, communities usually overlap each other, which greatly increases the difficulty of identifying the boundaries of communities. In this paper, we propose a parallel multi-label propagation algorithm (PMLPA) that enhances traditional multi-label propagation algorithm (MLPA) in two ways. First, the critical steps of MLPA are parallelized based on the MapReduce model to get higher scalability. Second, new label updating strategy is used to automatically determine the most valuable labels of each vertex. Furthermore, we study the improvement of PMLPA through considering the influence of vertices and labels on label updating. In this way, the importance of each label can be described with higher precision. Experiments on artificial and real networks prove that the proposed algorithms can achieve both high discovering accuracy and high scalability.
A Note on a Two-Sided Discrete-Concave Market with Possibly Bounded Salaries
Authors: Farooq Rashid , Mahmood Ayesha
Published: June 2017

This paper deals with a many-to-many matching model with discrete-concave value functions and possibly bounded salaries. We extend the model of Fujishige and Tamura [(2007) Math. Oper. Res. 32, 136–155] by generalizing the payoff functions. We introduce weighted income and payments. To find a pairwise strictly stable outcome in our model, we propose an algorithm. We give a new method to modify salary vector in each iteration of the algorithm.
Damage Assessment of Subway Station Columns Subjected to Blast Loadings
Authors: Yan Q. S.
Published: June 2017

With the increasing threat of terrorism attack, the probability of explosion inside the subway is very large. Reinforced concrete columns are the main supporting members of subway stations. If the columns of a subway station were subjected to near-field explosions, their damages can affect the safety of the subway after explosion. By using the finite element method, this paper established a coupling “explosive-air-concrete” model and verified the feasibility of the model through experiments. This model can be used in the damage assessment of subway station columns in terms of the bearing capacity, by which the damage of a reinforced concrete column can be divided into different levels. Furthermore, the effect of different parameters on the damage and bearing capacity of the subway station is discussed. The results demonstrate that the stirrup reinforcement ratio of a reinforced concrete is the key factor in determining the column damage under blast loadings. The present study therefore provides a key reference for assessing the damage of subway structures after terrorist attack.
Regularized vibrational energies prediction and potential energy function study for some interhalogen diatomic molecules
Authors: Fu Jia , Zhan Jie , Fan Qun Chao , Li Hui Dong , Fan Zhi Xiang , Xu Yong Gen
Published: June 2017

Full vibrational energies and corresponding analytical potential energy functions (APEFs) for [Formula: see text] of ClF, [Formula: see text] of ICl, [Formula: see text] of IBr, and [Formula: see text]of IF are obtained by four-term variational algebraic energy-consistent method [VAECM(4)]. Three major methods are used to handle the regularization problems and make the results more reliable: (1) physical constraints like progressive dissociation behavior are used to overcome overfitting problems; (2) reasonable variational method is used to expand the experimental dataset and make the model optimization much faster; and (3) validation dataset is used to further enhance the reliability. After these treatments, our results agree well with experiment and have a good physical converged behavior in molecular dissociation and asymptotic region. This study provides important reference data for the related molecules.
An effective iterative method to build the Naimark extension of rank-n POVMs
Authors: Pozza Nicola Dalla , Paris Matteo G. A.
Published: June 2017

We revisit the problem of finding the Naimark extension of a probability operator-valued measure (POVM), i.e. its implementation as a projective measurement in a larger Hilbert space. In particular, we suggest an iterative method to build the projective measurement from the sole requirements of orthogonality and positivity. Our method improves existing ones, as it may be employed also to extend POVMs containing elements with rank larger than one. It is also more effective in terms of computational steps.
Nonlinear analysis of a non-Fourier heat conduction problem in a living tissue heated by laser source
Authors: Noroozi Mohammad Javad , Goodarzi Majid
Published: June 2017

The effect of laser, as a heat source, on a one-dimensional finite living tissue was studied in this paper. The dual phase lagging (DPL) non-Fourier heat conduction model was used for thermal analysis. The thermal conductivity was assumed temperature-dependent, resulting in a nonlinear equation. The obtained equations were solved using the approximate-analytical Adomian decomposition method (ADM). It was concluded that the nonlinear analysis was important in non-Fourier heat conduction problems. Moreover, a good agreement between the present nonlinear model and experimental result was obtained.
Interleukin-33 induces growth-regulated oncogene-α expression and secretion in human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Yamamoto Masayoshi , Umebashi Katsuyuki , Tokito Akinori , Imamura Junichi , Jougasaki Michihisa
Published: June 2017

Although interleukin-33 (IL-33), a member of the IL-1 cytokine family, plays proinflammatory roles in immune cells as an “alarmin,” little is known regarding the biological actions of IL-33 on vascular endothelial cells. To investigate the effects of IL-33 on vascular endothelial cells, we first screened the IL-33-regulated proteins in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) using a dot blot array and observed that IL-33 markedly increased growth-regulated oncogene-α (GRO-α), a chemokine that is also known as chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1). Real-time reverse transcription PCR and ELISA demonstrated that IL-33 induced GRO-α expression and secretion in HUVECs in a dose- and a time-dependent manner. Western immunoblot assay revealed that IL-33 activated the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK). In addition, translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 to the nucleus of HUVECs was observed by IL-33 stimulation. Furthermore, treatment with pharmacological inhibitors against ERK1/2 (PD98059), JNK (SP600125), or NF-κB (BAY11-7085) significantly suppressed IL-33-induced GRO-α gene expression and secretion from HUVECs. Moreover, immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that IL-33 and GRO-α coexpressed in the endothelium of human carotid atherosclerotic plaque. Taken together, the present study indicates that IL-33 localized in the human atherosclerotic plaque increases GRO-α mRNA expression and protein secretion via activation of ERK1/2, JNK, and NF-κB in HUVECs, suggesting that IL-33 plays an important role in the pathophysiology and development of atherosclerosis.
Effect of Nickel Content on the Corrosion Resistance of Iron-Nickel Alloys in Concentrated Hydrochloric Acid Pickling Solutions
Authors: Alharthi Nabeel , Sherif El-Sayed M. , Abdo Hany S. , Zein El Abedin S.
Published: June 2017

The effect of Ni content on the resistance against corrosion of Fe-36% Ni and Fe-45% Ni alloys in 1 M hydrochloric acid pickling solution was reported. Various electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques such as potentiodynamic cyclic polarization (CPP), open-circuit potential (OCP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiostatic current-time (PCT), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) have been employed. CPP measurements indicated that the corrosion current and corrosion rate recorded lower values for the alloy that had higher nickel content. OCP curves proved that the presence of high Ni content shifts the absolute potential to the positive potential direction. EIS results revealed that the surface and polarization resistances were much higher for the alloy with higher Ni content. PCT curves also showed that the absolute currents were lower for Fe-45% Ni alloy. All results were in good agreement with others and confirmed clearly that the corrosion resistance in HCl solutions for Fe-45% Ni alloy was higher than that obtained for Fe-45% Ni alloy.
A Condensed Introduction to the Doubly Fed Induction Generator Wind Energy Conversion Systems
Authors: Mwaniki Julius , Lin Hui , Dai Zhiyong
Published: June 2017

The increase in wind power penetration, at 456 GW as of June 2016, has resulted in more stringent grid codes which specify that the wind energy conversion systems (WECS) must remain connected to the system during and after a grid fault and, furthermore, must offer grid support by providing reactive currents. The doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) WECS is a well-proven technology, having been in use in wind power generation for many years and having a large world market share due to its many merits. Newer technologies such as the direct drive gearless permanent magnet synchronous generator have come up to challenge its market share, but the large number of installed machines ensures that it remains of interest in the wind industry. This paper presents a concise introduction of the DFIG WECS covering its construction, operation, merits, demerits, modelling, control types, levels and strategies, faults and their proposed solutions, and, finally, simulation. Qualities for the optimal control strategy are then proposed. The paper is intended to cover major issues related to the DFIG WECS that are a must for an overview of the system and hence serve as an introduction especially for new entrants into this area of study.
Adaptive NN Control for Multisteering Plane Aircraft with Dead Zone or Backlash Input Nonlinearity
Authors: Meng Xiang-fei , Wang Ying , Lv Mao-long
Published: June 2017

Considering that many factors such as actuator input dead zone, backlash, and external disturbance could affect the exactness of trajectory tracking, therewith a robust adaptive neural network control scheme on the basis of control allocation is proposed for the sake of tracking control of multisteering plane aircraft with actuator input dead zone or backlash nonlinearity. First of all, an actuator input dead zone or backlash nonlinearity control assignment model is established and the control allocation equation is derived. Secondly, the system nonlinear uncertainty is compensated by means of radial basis function neural network, and a robust term is introduced to achieve robustness against external disturbance and system errors. Finally, by utilizing Lyapunov stability theorem, it has been proved that all the signals in the closed‐loop system are bounded, and the tracking error converges to a small residual set asymptotically. Simulation results on ICE101 multisteering plane aircraft demonstrate the outstanding tracking performance and strong robustness as well as effectiveness of the proposed approach, which can effectively overcome the adverse influence of dead zone, backlash nonlinearity, and external disturbance on the system.
Large Cholesterol Granuloma of the Middle Ear Eroding into the Middle Cranial Fossa
Authors: Kuruma Tessei , Tanigawa Tohru , Uchida Yasue , Tetsuya Ogawa , Ueda Hiromi
Published: June 2017

Background. Cholesterol granuloma of the middle ear is extremely rare in comparison to cholesterol granuloma of the petrous apex but sometimes shows an aggressive course.Case Report. We report herein a case involving a large, aggressive cholesterol granuloma of the middle ear that eroded the middle cranial fossa. A 64-year-old woman presented with pain in the left ear and hearing loss. Cholesterol granuloma was finally diagnosed from diffusion-weighted imaging, and cortical mastoidectomy was performed with canal wall down tympanoplasty type III. Recovery was uneventful recovery and the patient well at the 3-year follow-up.Conclusion. This case demonstrates the rare but clinically important pathology of aggressive cholesterol granuloma of the middle ear.
Behavioural Problems in Children with 46XY Disorders of Sex Development
Authors: M. Selveindran Nalini , Syed Zakaria Syed Zulkifli , Jalaludin Muhammad Yazid , Rasat Rahmah
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study is to determine the behavioural problems of children with 46XY disorders of sex development (DSD) with genital ambiguity and to identify the risk factors that may influence behaviour. The 27 participants (aged 6–18 years) consisted of 21 patients raised as boys and 6 patients raised as girls. Control data were obtained from a representative sibling of each patient who was matched for age and gender. The study tool used was the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL), which is a parent-administered questionnaire. The analysis of the behavioural scores revealed that the patient group had poorer scores in the total, externalizing, and internalizing realms. This group also had poorer scores in the anxious-depressed, social, and rule-breaking realms as compared to the control group. In addition, the XY-F group had higher scores (more pathological) than the XY-M group, although the difference in the scores was not statistically significant. A comparison of the prevalence of patients with scores in the clinical range with that of the control group was not statistically significant. These findings support the current recommendations that psychological counselling should be an integral part of the professional support offered to patients with DSD.
Removal of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cr from Yangtze Estuary Using thePhragmites australisArtificial Floating Wetlands
Authors: Huang Xiaofeng , Zhao Feng , Yu Gao , Song Chao , Geng Zhi , Zhuang Ping
Published: June 2017

Contamination of heavy metals would threaten the water and soil resources; phytoremediation can be potentially used to remediate metal contaminated sites. We constructed thePhragmites australisartificial floating wetlands outside the Qingcaosha Reservoir in the Yangtze Estuary. Water characteristic variables were measured in situ by using YSI Professional Pro Meter. Four heavy metals (copper, zinc, lead, and chromium) in both water and plant tissues were determined. Four heavy metals in estuary water were as follows: 0.03 mg/Kg, 0.016 mg/Kg, 0.0015 mg/Kg, and 0.004 mg/Kg. These heavy metals were largely retained in the belowground tissues ofP. australis. The bioaccumulation (BAF) and translation factor (TF) value of four heavy metals were affected by the salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen. The highest BAF of each metal calculated was as follows: Cr (0.091 in winter) > Cu (0.054 in autumn) > Pb (0.016 in summer) > Zn (0.011 in summer). Highest root-rhizome TF values were recorded for four metals: 6.450 for Cu in autumn, 2.895 for Zn in summer, 7.031 for Pb in autumn, and 2.012 for Cr in autumn. This indicates that theP. australisAFW has potential to be used to protect the water of Qingcaosha Reservoir from heavy metal contamination.