bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving the Performance of a Two Way Flow Control Valve, Using a 3D CFD Modeling
Authors: Frosina Emma , Senatore Adolfo , Buono Dario , Pavanetto Michele , Olivetti Micaela , Costin Ina
Published: June 2016

The paper introduces a methodology aimed to optimize the performance of hydraulic components; in particular the design of a new two way flow control valve studying the valve internal fluid-dynamic behavior will be introduced. The methodology is based on the definition of a CFD tridimensional fluid-dynamic model. In fact, the model can help engineers to develop the best geometry, to optimize the valve performance, reducing the prototyping requirement and finally the time-to-market and, consequently, the development costs. At first, the original spool internal geometry has been evaluated and studied to tune the mathematical model and to validate it comparing its results with the data obtained through an experimental campaign.

Then, the same approach has been applied to investigate several different internal spool geometries to define the best one in all operating conditions. A limited number of solutions have been prototyped and tested to verify the mathematical model predictions, in order to find the best configuration whose performances are consistent with the assigned objective for the component.
Effect of Inclination on the Air-Water Flow in 4-Inch Pipe
Authors: Basha Mehaboob , Shaahid S. M. , Imam M. Mudasar , Ahmad Aftab , Al-Hadhrami Luai M.
Published: June 2016

Air-water two-phase flow in a pipeline often occurs in petroleum industry. It is important to study behavior of such flows in order to characterize two-phase flow in upstream production pipelines. This paper presents pressure drop measurements of air-water two-phase flow in a horizontal and inclined 4 inch diameter stainless steel pipe at different flow conditions. Experiments were carried out for different inclination angles including; 0°, 15°, 30° (upward and downward flows) and for different water-to-air volume fractions. Inlet superficial water velocities were varied from 0.3 to 3 m/s and reference pressure was set at 1 and 2 bars. For a given superficial air velocity, pressure drop has been found to increase with increase in superficial water velocity. Pressure drop was also affected by the inclination of pipe. Upward flows were associated with high pressure drops as compared to downward flows. Measured pressure drops were compared with existing empirical relations and good agreement was found.
The Effect of Longitudinal Core Flow on Trailing Vortex Stability
Authors: Allaf-Akbari Amir , Holloway A. Gordon L. , Hall Joseph
Published: June 2016

The current experimental study investigates the effect of longitudinal core flow on the formation and structure of a trailing vortex. The vortex is generated using four airfoils connected to a central hub through which a jet flow is added to the vortex core. Time averaged vorticity, circumferential velocity, and turbulent kinetic energy are studied. The statistics of vortex wandering are identified and corrections applied to the vorticity distribution.

The vortex generator used in this study was built on the basis of the design described by Beninati et al. [1]. It uses four NACA0012 airfoils connected to a central hub. The wings orientation can be adjusted such that each contributes to a strong trailing vortex on the center of the test section.

The vortex generator also had the capability to deliver an air jet directed longitudinally through a hole in the hub at the joint of the airfoils. Tests were done without the jet and with the air jet at jet velocities of 10 and 20 m/s. Planar PIV was used to measure the velocity field in the vicinity of the vortex core. The measurements were taken at 3 chords behind the vortex generator.
A Comparison of Shadowgraphy and X-Ray Computed Tomography in Liquid Spray Analysis
Authors: Lee Zachary , Eichner Daniel , Tennis Jonathan , Ryan Matthew , Sowell Tyler , Benson Michael , Van Poppel Bret , Nelson Thomas , Guzman Pablo Vasquez , Fahrig Rebecca , Eaton John , Kurman Matthew S. , Kweon Chol-Bum M.
Published: June 2016

This work examines and compares two proven techniques for assessing key characteristics of liquid sprays for combustion applications: shadowgraphy and time-averaged X-ray computed tomography (CT). Atomization has key applications in combustion as it can improve fuel efficiency, increase heat release, and decrease pollutant emissions. To improve the design of fuel injection nozzles, the ability to conduct accurate analyses of sprays is crucial. Key characteristics of the liquid spray, such as mean particle diameter, spray-cone angle, mass distribution, and penetration length give insight into the effectiveness of a nozzle. Shadowgraphy is a relatively inexpensive method that produces a two-dimensional, instantaneous image of the spray particles or spray called a shadowgram. Shadowgrams can be used for analyzing mean particle size, spray-cone angle, and location of breakup regions. X-ray CT measures the time-averaged X-ray absorption of two-dimensional projection images of spray to produce a three-dimensional reconstruction of the spray. X-ray CT can provide valuable insight into the symmetry and mass distribution of a spray; however, X-ray absorption diminishes rapidly with increased distance from nozzles, thereby limiting analysis to the regions near the nozzle. A detailed comparison of the overall effectiveness and insights yielded by the two methods illustrates the unique uses, benefits, and shortcomings of each method. The results confirm that X-ray CT scanning proves more effective in the dense, near-nozzle spray region. Shadowgraphy effectively complements the X-ray CT analysis through particle analysis. It also allows for relatively simple spray cone analysis, though it cannot provide quantitative mass distribution analysis.
Experimental Validation of Numerical Simulations of a Closed-Loop Thermosyphon Operating With Slurries of a Microencapsulated Phase-Change Material
Authors: Lamoureux Alexandre , Baliga Bantwal R. (Rabi)
Published: June 2016

Experimental validation and calibration of numerical simulations of a closed-loop thermosyphon operating under steady-state conditions with slurries of a microencapsulated phase-change material (MCPCM) suspended in distilled water are presented. The slurries exhibited a non-Newtonian, shear-thinning, power-law rheological behavior in the range of parameters considered; and the constants in the related model were calibrated using data from specially conducted experiments. The flows of these slurries in the problems of interest were laminar. Furthermore, the velocity and temperature differences between the dispersed and conveying phases of these slurries were negligibly small, so homogeneous models could be used for mathematical representations of the fluid flow and heat transfer phenomena. A hybrid numerical method was used in the simulations: detailed two-dimensional axisymmetric control-volume finite element (CVFEM) simulations of the heated and cooled sections of the thermosyphon were coupled with segmented quasi-one-dimensional finite volume (FVM) simulations of the other portions. The CVFEM and FVM used in this work are well-established. Thus, the verification of these methods is not addressed here. Rather, the details of the thermosyphon, effective properties of the MCPCM and slurries, overviews of the hybrid model and the aforementioned numerical methods, notes on the experimental calibration and validation, and some results are presented and discussed.
Compact Test Rig Design for Fans and Blowers
Authors: Epple Philipp , Semel Matthias , Willinger Bettina , Delgado Antonio
Published: June 2016

In order to develop high efficiency fans and blowers the design methods are being improved continuously. The same is valid for the modern CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) programs, which are used in the design process in order to validate the designs. However, at the end of the development process measurements at test rigs are needed in order to verify the final design. CFD is substituting to some extend EFD (Experimental Fluid Dynamics), but still EFD is the final way to evaluate a design.

Usually the universities and the industry have some test rig where measurements are done. These test rigs in general are unique and built according to a corresponding standard. However, these standards, as for example the German DIN 24 163 [1] or the European DIN EN ISO 5801 [2] prescribe only the main proportions of such test rigs while several important features are not described in detail. In particular the aerodynamic theory behind the standard is very often omitted. For example, the measurement of the pressure characteristic of a fan is performed at a pressure tab at the test chamber wall and not at the fan itself. How to assure that the pressure measured at the wall tab corresponds to the fan pressure?

In this work the relevant theory behind the design of test rigs was worked out in detail for the relevant test rig features where the standards do not explain the fluid mechanical aspects. On this basis pressure and suction side test rigs were designed and completely simulated with a commercial CFD program, Ansys CFX.

The goal was to develop compact test rigs according to the European DIN EN ISO 5801 [2] standard. It is shown in this work how the size of the test chamber influences the measuring results. Furthermore an in detail CFD study of a series of flow measurement devices, as inlet and Venturi nozzles, was performed. In such a way it was possible to show the influence of the dimensions of these devices on the accuracy of the measurements.

Finally two test rigs were built, one for suction side and the other one for pressure side measurements. Compared to other test rigs in this category in use in the industry in Germany it was possible to reduce the size of these test rigs by a factor of about two complying with the measurement uncertainty of the DIN EN ISO 5801 standard.
Calibration of a Wall-Shear-Stress Sensor Made of a Flush-Mounted Hot-Wire Over a Shallow Rectangular Slot
Authors: Medvescek James I. , Afara Samer , Mydlarski Laurent B. , Baliga Bantwal R. (Rabi)
Published: June 2016

The design, construction, and calibration of a wall-shear-stress sensor (WSSS) made of a flush-mounted hot-wire over a shallow rectangular slot are described. The rectangular slot beneath the hot-wire reduces the heat loss to the substrate and enhances the frequency response of the WSSS. The WSSS was connected to a constant-temperature anemometer (CTA) and calibrated by making measurements in fully developed flows of air in a parallel-plate channel, at three different channel heights. Initially, the square of the time-averaged voltage supplied to the hot-wire by the CTA was plotted against the time-averaged wall-shear-stress. With this practice, however, for a fixed value of the overheat ratio, even relatively small fluctuations of the ambient air temperature produced a fair amount of scatter in the calibration data, and this adverse effect was compounded by minor drifts in the electrical resistance of the hot-wire (unheated value) over the course of the measurements. For overcoming this difficulty, an alternative practice for correlating the calibration data was proposed and successfully implemented. The details of this WSSS, the proposed novel calibration practice for the WSSS, and related results are presented and discussed in this paper.
A New Parameter in Vortex Identification and Visualization: Symmetry of Vortical Flow
Authors: Nakayama Katsuyuki , Ohira Yasumasa , Yamada Shoko
Published: June 2016

The present investigation introduces a parameter to represent symmetry of a vortex. An important feature of a vortex to be identified in many fluid engineering fields is its stability derived from the flow kinematics, which is associated with the symmetry of its vortical flow. Although many vortex definitions and identification methods have been proposed in terms of various physical aspects of a vortex, such symmetry property or its identification is lacked. We focus on the flow geometry specified by the velocity gradient tensor, and show that the feature of its complex eigenvectors derives the symmetry of the vortical flow in the swirl plane. This property is invariant, and extracts the high symmetry vortex or vortical region irrespective of the intensity of the vortex. It does not require additional calculation except the complex eigenvectors, but it brings useful information of the flow state and skewness of vortices.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for identification of morphological defects and disorders in graphene devices
Authors: Aydogan Pinar , Polat Emre O. , Kocabas Coskun , Suzer Sefik
Published: June 2016

The progress in the development of graphene devices is promising, and they are now considered as an option for the current Si-based electronics. However, the structural defects in graphene may strongly influence the local electronic and mechanical characteristics. Although there are well-established analytical characterization methods to analyze the chemical and physical parameters of this material, they remain incapable of fully understanding of the morphological disorders. In this study, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) with an external voltage bias across the sample is used for the characterization of morphological defects in large area of a few layers graphene in a chemically specific fashion. For the XPS measurements, an external +6 V bias applied between the two electrodes and areal analysis for three different elements, C1s, O1s, and Au4f, were performed. By monitoring the variations of the binding energy, the authors extract the voltage variations in the graphene layer which reveal information about the structural defects, cracks, impurities, and oxidation levels in graphene layer which are created purposely or not. Raman spectroscopy was also utilized to confirm some of the findings. This methodology the authors offer is simple but provides promising chemically specific electrical and morphological information.
Heterodyne frequency‐domain multispectral diffuse optical tomography of breast cancer in the parallel‐plane transmission geometry
Authors: Ban H. Y. , Schweiger M. , Kavuri V. C. , Cochran J. M. , Xie L. , Busch D. R. , Katrašnik J. , Pathak S. , Chung S. H. , Lee K. , Choe R. , Czerniecki B. J. , Arridge S. R. , Yodh A. G.
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

The authors introduce a state‐of‐the‐art all‐optical clinical diffuse optical tomography (DOT) imaging instrument which collects spatially dense, multispectral, frequency‐domain breast data in the parallel‐plate geometry.

Methods:

The instrument utilizes a CCD‐based heterodyne detection scheme that permits massively parallel detection of diffuse photon density wave amplitude and phase for a large number of source–detector pairs (106). The stand‐alone clinical DOT instrument thus offers high spatial resolution with reduced crosstalk between absorption and scattering. Other novel features include a fringe profilometry system for breast boundary segmentation, real‐time data normalization, and a patient bed design which permits both axial and sagittal breast measurements.

Results:

The authors validated the instrument using tissue simulating phantoms with two different chromophore‐containing targets and one scattering target. The authors also demonstrated the instrument in a case study breast cancer patient; the reconstructed 3D image of endogenous chromophores and scattering gave tumor localization in agreement with MRI.

Conclusions:

Imaging with a novel parallel‐plate DOT breast imager that employs highly parallel, high‐resolution CCD detection in the frequency‐domain was demonstrated.
Nonequilibrium molecular dynamics study of ring polymer melts under shear and elongation flows: A comparison with their linear analogs
Authors: Yoon Jeongha , Kim Jinseong , Baig Chunggi
Published: June 2016

We present detailed results for the structural and rheological properties of unknotted and unconcatenated ring polyethylene (PE) melts under shear and elongation flows via direct atomistic nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. Short (C78H156) and long (C400H800) ring PE melts were subjected to planar Couette flow (PCF) and planar elongational flow (PEF) across a wide range of strain rates from linear to highly nonlinear flow regimes. The results are analyzed in detail through a direct comparison with those of the corresponding linear polymers. We found that, in comparison to their linear analogs, ring melts possess rather compact chain structures at or near the equilibrium state and exhibit a considerably lesser degree of structural deformation with respect to the applied flow strength under both PCF and PEF. The large structural resistance of ring polymers against an external flow field is attributed to the intrinsic closed-loop configuration of the ring and the topological constraint of nonconcatenation between ring chains in the melt. As a result, there appears to be a substantial discrepancy between ring and linear systems in terms of their structural and rheological properties such as chain orientation, the distribution of chain dimensions, viscosity, flow birefringence, hydrostatic pressure, the pair correlation function, and potential interaction energies. The findings and conclusions drawn in this work would be a useful guide in future exploration of the characteristic dynamical and relaxation mechanisms of ring polymers in bulk or confined systems under flowing conditions.
Dodging DeflateGate: A Case Study of Equivocation and Strategic Ambiguity in a Crisis
Authors: Clementson David E.
Published: June 2016

This case study examined the effects of equivocation in sport communication. U.S. National Football League quarterback Tom Brady held a press conference in January 2015 during a scandal. The author experimentally manipulated versions of the press conference, one with equivocal parts included (e.g., “I don’t know, I have no idea”), and one with those parts removed. Outcome measures included source credibility and perceptions of dodging questions. When Brady equivocated, participants perceived him to have more goodwill. Furthermore, his equivocal answers were not perceived as dodging the questions. This case study helps extend predictions of strategic ambiguity and equivocation theory into the field of sport communication.
Fan Mobilization and the Minnesota Sport-Stadium Campaign
Authors: Huberty Lana L. , Kellison Timothy B. , Mondello Mike
Published: June 2016

As state- and local-government subsidies to professional sport organizations have increased over the past 3 decades, economic arguments have been crafted to justify these subsidies, such as Crompton’s claims of increased community visibility, enhanced community image, stimulation of other development, and psychic income. The purpose of this study was to examine the public relations strategy of a professional sport organization campaigning to secure public funding for a new stadium. Specifically, the authors focused on the use of press releases by the Minnesota Vikings, a National Football League team, over the 3 seasons preceding the completion of their successful sport-stadium campaign. This study was timely in that these press releases were from 2010, 2011, and 2012 and the new Vikings stadium grand opening is set for 2016. Through a qualitative analysis, the authors identified the arguments made by the team to garner support for the stadium plan during the Vikings’ campaign. In all, 71 press releases were collected, examined, and coded by investigators. Findings are discussed to provide insight into these 4 alternative justification arguments.
Introducing the Question Wheel, a Circumplex Model of Communication Developed From Expert Golf Instructors
Authors: McGinnis Lee Phillip , Glibkowski Brian , Lemmon Grace
Published: June 2016

Using a grounded theory method of inquiry, this research developed a question-based framework that integrates the WH questions (what, why, when, where, who, and how) with knowledge types (structural, declarative, and procedural) and context (objective and subjective). From this integration, 3 different styles of communication (directional, analytical, and relational) and 6 associated modes of communication (procedure, action, concept, theory, metaphor, and story) emerged. These styles and modes of communication are organized around a circumplex structure, which is further dimensionalized by the WH questions. This framework is referred to as the Question Wheel of Communication, which reflects the circumplex, or circular, ordering of questions.
Physical Activity in Early Adolescence and Pulmonary Function Gain From 15 to 18 Years of Age in a Birth Cohort in Brazil
Authors: da Silva Bruna Gonçalves Cordeiro , Wehrmeister Fernando César , Quanjer Philip H. , Pérez-Padilla Rogelio , Gonçalves Helen , Horta Bernardo Lessa , Hallal Pedro Curi , Barros Fernando , Menezes Ana Maria Baptista
Published: June 2016

Background:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between physical activity from 11 to 15 years of age and pulmonary function (PF) gain from 15 to 18 years of age among adolescents in a birth cohort in Brazil.

Methods:

Longitudinal analysis of the individuals participating in the 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study. Physical activity was assessed by self-report at ages 11 and 15, spirometry was performed at ages 15 and 18 (n = 3571). Outcome variables assessed were gains in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and peak expiratory flow (PEF). Crude and adjusted linear regressions, stratified by sex, and mediation analyses were performed.

Results:

Boys who were active (leisure-time and total physical activity) at ages 11 and 15 had higher gains in FEV1, FVC, and PEF than those who were inactive. Vigorous-intensity physical activity in boys was also associated with FEV1 and FVC gains. Mediation analyses showed that height at age 18 accounted for 5% to 75% of the association between physical activity and PF gains. No significant associations were found among girls.

Conclusions:

Physical activity in early adolescence is associated with gains in PF by the end of adolescence in boys.
Fueling T cell biology
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: June 2016

Nutrient-dependent posttranslational modification of proteins supports T cell development, proliferation, and transformation.
Maximizing anti-PD1 therapy
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: June 2016

Aberrations in the untranslated region of PD1 transcripts and increased stromal CXCR2 abundance provide markers to select patients for anti-PD1 immunotherapy.
New connections: Therapeutic nanoparticles
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: June 2016

Nanoparticles can retrain the immune system and rewire cancer cells.
Staphylococcus aureus Coordinates Leukocidin Expression and Pathogenesis by Sensing Metabolic Fluxes via RpiRc
Authors: Balasubramanian Divya , Ohneck Elizabeth A. , Chapman Jessica , Weiss Andy , Kim Min Kyung , Reyes-Robles Tamara , Zhong Judy , Shaw Lindsey N. , Lun Desmond S. , Ueberheide Beatrix , Shopsin Bo , Torres Victor J.
Published: June 2016

Staphylococcus aureus
is a formidable human pathogen that uses secreted cytolytic factors to injure immune cells and promote infection of its host. Of these proteins, the bicomponent family of pore-forming leukocidins play critical roles in
S. aureus
pathogenesis. The regulatory mechanisms governing the expression of these toxins are incompletely defined. In this work, we performed a screen to identify transcriptional regulators involved in leukocidin expression in
S. aureus
strain USA300. We discovered that a metabolic sensor-regulator, RpiRc, is a potent and selective repressor of two leukocidins, LukED and LukSF-PV. Whole-genome transcriptomics,
S. aureus
exoprotein proteomics, and metabolomic analyses revealed that RpiRc influences the expression and production of disparate virulence factors. Additionally, RpiRc altered metabolic fluxes in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, glycolysis, and amino acid metabolism. Using mutational analyses, we confirmed and extended the observation that RpiRc signals through the accessory gene regulatory (Agr) quorum-sensing system in USA300. Specifically, RpiRc represses the
rnaIII
promoter, resulting in increased repressor of toxins (Rot) levels, which in turn negatively affect leukocidin expression. Inactivation of
rpiRc
phenocopied
rot
deletion and increased
S. aureus
killing of primary human polymorphonuclear leukocytes and the pathogenesis of bloodstream infection
in vivo.
Collectively, our results suggest that
S. aureus
senses metabolic shifts by RpiRc to differentially regulate the expression of leukocidins and to promote invasive disease.

IMPORTANCE
The bicomponent pore-forming leukocidins play pivotal roles in the ability of
S. aureus
to kill multiple host immune cells, thus enabling this pathogen to have diverse tissue- and species-tropic effects. While the mechanisms of leukocidin-host receptor interactions have been studied in detail, the regulatory aspects of leukocidin expression are less well characterized. Moreover, the expression of the leukocidins is highly modular
in vitro
, suggesting the presence of regulators other than the known Agr, Rot, and
S. aureus
exoprotein pathways. Here, we describe how RpiRc, a metabolite-sensing transcription factor, mediates the repression of two specific leukocidin genes,
lukED
and
pvl
, which in turn has complex effects on the pathogenesis of
S. aureus
. Our findings highlight the intricacies of leukocidin regulation by
S. aureus
and demonstrate the involvement of factors beyond traditional virulence factor regulators.
The Redundancy of Peptidoglycan Carboxypeptidases Ensures Robust Cell Shape Maintenance in Escherichia coli
Authors: Peters Katharina , Kannan Suresh , Rao Vincenzo A. , Biboy Jacob , Vollmer Daniela , Erickson Stephen W. , Lewis Richard J. , Young Kevin D. , Vollmer Waldemar
Published: June 2016

Peptidoglycan (PG) is an essential structural component of the bacterial cell wall and maintains the integrity and shape of the cell by forming a continuous layer around the cytoplasmic membrane. The thin PG layer of
Escherichia coli
resides in the periplasm, a unique compartment whose composition and pH can vary depending on the local environment of the cell. Hence, the growth of the PG layer must be sufficiently robust to allow cell growth and division under different conditions. We have analyzed the PG composition of 28 mutants lacking multiple PG enzymes (penicillin-binding proteins [PBPs]) after growth in acidic or near-neutral-pH media. Statistical analysis of the muropeptide profiles identified
dd
-carboxypeptidases (DD-CPases) that were more active in cells grown at acidic pH. In particular, the absence of the DD-CPase PBP6b caused a significant increase in the pentapeptide content of PG as well as morphological defects when the cells were grown at acidic pH. Other DD-CPases (PBP4, PBP4b, PBP5, PBP6a, PBP7, and AmpH) and the PG synthase PBP1B made a smaller or null contribution to the pentapeptide-trimming activity at acidic pH. We solved the crystal structure of PBP6b and also demonstrated that the enzyme is more stable and has a lower

K
m

at acidic pH, explaining why PBP6b is more active at low pH. Hence, PBP6b is a specialized DD-CPase that contributes to cell shape maintenance at low pH, and
E. coli
appears to utilize redundant DD-CPases for normal growth under different conditions.

IMPORTANCE
Escherichia coli
requires peptidoglycan
dd
-carboxypeptidases to maintain cell shape by controlling the amount of pentapeptide substrates available to the peptidoglycan synthetic transpeptidases. Why
E. coli
has eight, seemingly redundant
dd
-carboxypeptidases has remained unknown. We now show that one of these
dd
-carboxypeptidases, PBP6b, is important for cell shape maintenance in acidic growth medium, consistent with the higher activity and stability of the enzyme at low pH. Hence, the presence of multiple
dd
-carboxypeptidases with different enzymatic properties may allow
E. coli
to maintain a normal cell shape under various growth conditions.
A Cell Cycle-Regulated
Toxoplasma
Deubiquitinase, TgOTUD3A, Targets Polyubiquitins with Specific Lysine Linkages
Authors: Dhara Animesh , Sinai Anthony P.
Published: June 2016

The role of ubiquitin-mediated processes in the regulation of the apicomplexan cell cycle is beginning to be elucidated. The recent analysis of the
Toxoplasma
“ubiquitome” highlights the importance of ubiquitination in the parasite cell cycle. The machinery regulating the ubiquitin dynamics in
T. gondii
has remained understudied. Here, we provide a biochemical characterization of an OTU (
o
varian
tu
mor) family deubiquitinase, TgOTUD3A, defining its localization and dynamic expression pattern at various stages of the cell cycle. We further establish that TgOTUD3A has activity preference for polyubiquitin chains with certain lysine linkages—such unique activity has not been previously reported in any apicomplexan. This is particularly important given the finding in this study that
Toxoplasma gondii
proteins are modified by diverse lysine-linked polyubiquitin chains and that these modifications are very dynamic across the cell cycle, pointing toward the sophistication of the “ubiquitin code” as a potential mechanism to regulate parasite biology.
Are antihistamines effective in children? A review of the evidence
Authors: De Bruyne Pauline , Christiaens Thierry , Boussery Koen , Mehuys Els , Van Winckel Myriam
Published: June 2016

Background and aims

During the last decades, much attention has been paid to off-label and unlicensed prescriptions in paediatrics. However, on-label prescribing can also cause health issues. In this paper, the case of first-generation H1-antihistamines is investigated, notably the range of indications for which products are licensed in different European countries and the evidence base (or lack thereof) for each indication, as well as reported adverse drug reactions.

Methods

Review of the Summary of Product Characteristics of first-generation H1-antihistamines with a focus on paediatric use. This is plotted against the evidence available in the literature.

Results

This investigation shows a large variability in labelled indications and licensing ages when compared in five different European countries. Moreover, most of the indications are not based on clinical trials evaluating efficacy and safety of these drugs in children.

Conclusions

Many of the licensed indications of first-generation antihistamines do not appear to be evidence based.
Challenges in a large mixed drug overdose patient
Authors: Zhang Paige , Austin Emily , Thompson Margaret , Lin Steve
Published: June 2016

A 39-year-old homeless man was found confused and incoherent after ingesting an estimated total of 200 tablets of various medications. He presented to the emergency department with delirium, tachycardia, clonus and hyperthermia of 38.0°C. His condition worsened rapidly with his temperature rising to 39.9°C despite active cooling. The patient was subsequently sedated, intubated, paralysed and admitted to the intensive care unit, where he remained for 38 days. His initial presentation of a large mixed drug overdose manifested as serotonin syndrome, which had a protracted course complicated by ethanol withdrawal. He eventually stabilised and was transferred to the general ward, and was subsequently discharged from hospital on day 47 with continuing psychiatric care. This case demonstrates the challenges and considerations in diagnosis and management of large mixed drug overdoses where multiple toxidromes overlap.
Management of granulomatous lymphocytic interstitial lung disease in a patient with common variable immune deficiency
Authors: Pathria Mohini , Urbine Daniel , Zumberg Marc Stuart , Guarderas Juan
Published: June 2016

A 61-year-old woman presented with longstanding cough and progressive dyspnoea. She underwent an extensive evaluation and was diagnosed with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) with granulomatous lymphocytic interstitial lung disease (GLILD). She was initially treated with subcutaneous immunoglobulin therapy, having declined intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. She also declined treatment with oral glucocorticoids. Over several months, she became increasingly symptomatic and developed increased pulmonary infiltrates, pleural effusions, mediastinal adenopathy, splenomegaly, pancytopenia and ascites. An interdisciplinary team composed of an immunologist, pulmonologist and haematologist deliberated over a therapeutic management approach. The patient received a recently reported immunotherapy regimen with azathioprine and rituximab. The therapy led to rapid improvement of her constitutional and respiratory symptoms, with clinical and radiographic improvement in her interstitial lung disease, lymphadenopathy, pleural effusions and ascites. This case report reviews the literature surrounding the diagnosis and management of GLILD.
Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome lacking typical characteristics of pelvic inflammatory disease
Authors: Mitaka Hayato , Kitazono Hidetaka , Deshpande Gautam A , Hiraoka Eiji
Published: June 2016

A 23-year-old Japanese woman, previously a commercial sex worker, presented with a 2-day history of right upper quadrant (RUQ) abdominal pain, worse on deep inspiration. She had noticed increased vaginal discharge 2 months earlier and had developed dull, lower abdominal pain 3 weeks prior to presentation. Although pelvic examination and transvaginal ultrasonography revealed neither a tubal nor ovarian pathology, abdominal CT scan with contrast demonstrated early enhancement of the hepatic capsule, a finding pathognomonic for Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome (FHCS). Cervical discharge PCR assay confirmedChlamydia trachomatisinfection. This case highlights that normal gynaecological evaluation may be insufficient to rule out FHCS, for which physicians should have a high index of suspicion when seeing any woman of reproductive age with RUQ pain.
Hip morphology in elite golfers: asymmetry between lead and trail hips
Authors: Dickenson Edward , O'Connor Philip , Robinson Philip , Campbell Robert , Ahmed Imran , Fernandez Miguel , Hawkes Roger , Charles Hutchinson , Griffin Damian
Published: June 2016

Aim

During a golf swing, the lead hip (left hip in a right-handed player) rotates rapidly from external to internal rotation, while the opposite occurs in the trail hip. This study assessed the morphology and pathology of golfers’ hips comparing lead and trail hips.

Methods

A cohort of elite golfers were invited to undergo MRI of their hips. Hip morphology was evaluated by measuring acetabular depth (pincer shape=negative measure), femoral neck antetorsion (retrotorsion=negative measure) and α angles (cam morphology defined as α angle >55° anteriorly) around the axis of the femoral neck. Consultant musculoskeletal radiologists determined the presence of intra-articular pathology.

Results

55 players (mean age 28 years, 52 left hip lead) underwent MRI. No player had pincer morphology, 2 (3.6%) had femoral retrotorsion and 9 (16%) had cam morphology. 7 trail hips and 2 lead hips had cam morphology (p=0.026). Lead hip femoral neck antetorsion was 16.7° compared with 13.0° in the trail hip (p<0.001). The α angles around the femoral neck were significantly lower in the lead compared with trail hips (p<0.001), with the greatest difference noted in the anterosuperior portion of the head neck junction; 53° vs 58° (p<0.001) and 43° vs 47° (p<0.001). 37% of trail and 16% of lead hips (p=0.038) had labral tears.

Conclusions

Golfers’ lead and trail hips have different morphology. This is the first time side-to-side asymmetry of cam prevalence has been reported. The trail hip exhibited a higher prevalence of labral tears.
Study of molecular aggregation effects on the nonlinear refractive index and absorption of Oxazin 720 laser dye
Authors: Milanchian Karim , Tajalli Habib , Eyni Zahra , Zakerhamidi Mohammad Sadegh
Published: June 2016

In this experimental work, nonlinear optical properties of Oxazine 720 laser dye in acetone, dimethyl sulfoxide, ethanol, and water were studied using the z-scan method. It is found that the nonlinear behavior of Oxazine 720 dye in water is different from other organic solvents. The magnitude of the nonlinear refractive index was obtained in the order of 10−8 and 10−7 cm2/W for the 0.2 mmol/L solutions of this dye in water and other solvents, respectively. Also, it was observed that, in the aqueous solution, reverse saturation absorption occurs while, in other organic solvents, saturation absorption occurs and, near the focal point of the lens, it is converted to reverse saturation absorption. These differences in the nonlinear refractive index and nonlinear absorption changes of aqueous solution and other solutions may be due to strong aggregative behavior of dye molecules in water.
Genetics and molecular mapping of resistance toPlasmodiophora brassicaepathotypes 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8 in rutabaga (Brassica napusvar.napobrassica)
Authors: Hasan Muhammad Jakir , Rahman Habibur
Published: June 2016

Clubroot disease, caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, is a threat to the production of Brassica crops including oilseed B. napus. In Canada, several pathotypes of this pathogen, such as pathotypes 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8, were identified, and resistance to these pathotypes was found in a rutabaga (B. napus var. napobrassica) genotype. In this paper, we report the genetic basis and molecular mapping of this resistance by use of F2, backcross (BC1), and doubled haploid (DH) populations generated from crossing of this rutabaga line to a susceptible spring B. napus canola line. The F1, F2, and BC1populations were evaluated for resistance to pathotype 3, and the DH population was evaluated for resistance to pathotypes 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8. A 3:1 segregation in F2and a 1:1 segregation in BC1were found for resistance to pathotype 3, and a 1:1 segregation was found in the DH population for resistance to all pathotypes. Molecular mapping by using the DH population identified a genomic region on chromosome A8 carrying resistance to all five pathotypes. This suggests that a single gene or a cluster of genes, located in this genomic region, is involved in the control of resistance to these pathotypes.
Right–right–left extension of the Standard Model
Authors: Abbas Gauhar
Published: June 2016

A right–right–left extension of the Standard Model is proposed. In this model, SM gauge group [Formula: see text] is extended to [Formula: see text]. The gauge symmetries [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] are the mirror counterparts of the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. Parity is spontaneously broken when the scalar Higgs fields acquire vacuum expectation values (VEVs) in a certain pattern. Parity is restored at the scale of [Formula: see text]. The gauge sector has a unique pattern. The scalar sector of the model is optimum, elegant and unique.
A Comprehensive Data and Project Management Platform: A Case Study of a Central Bank
Authors: Sardar Souryajyoti , Bandyopadhyay Pulastya , Sanyal Anirban
Published: June 2016

This study considers an efficient way to manage different aspects of a Central Bank’s Data Warehousing project using a custom built data and project management platform. Although the key aspect of managing a Data Warehouse is of course data management, but simultaneously the management of on-going projects related to data integration, website, internal and external human resources, etc. are also important. Data Warehousing in Central Banks is strategically different with other Commercial Bank/Corporate Data Warehousing project in terms of functionality/purpose. A typical Data Warehouse of a Commercial Bank or Corporate body primarily consists of the data generated out of their business operations. On the other hand, a Central Bank collects data from such Commercial Banks, Corporate bodies or Regulatory bodies for regulatory or supervisory purpose along with data on various subject domains allied to central banking compiled within the organisation. As a result, management of such diverse data sources is a major challenge for every central bank. Further, the traditional project management concepts are not applicable as-it-is in the context of a Central Bank. Keeping in view these particularities, and the shortcomings of available commercial project management tools, a comprehensive Information Management System has been built in Reserve Bank of India. The development was done in-house and based on open source platform. The salient features of this system are:

(1) An all-in-one monitoring platform to monitor different aspects of Data Warehousing and Data Management project through a single window. (2) Scalability. (3) Cross-platform usability.

This study presents the background, design and development of the system in detail.
Classical and entanglement-assisted capacity of a qubit depolarizing memory channel
Authors: Mulherkar Jaideep
Published: June 2016

We study the classical and entanglement-assisted capacity of a forgetful quantum memory channel that randomly switches between two qubit depolarizing channels. We show that when the input consists of two qubits then depending on channel parameters either the maximally entangled input states or product input states achieve the two-use classical capacity. We conjecture that as the number of input qubits is increased the classical capacity approaches the product state capacity for all values of the parameters. We also derive an expression for the entanglement-assisted classical capacity of this quantum memory channel in terms of the entropy rate of a Markov chain.
AN EMPIRICAL METHOD FOR FAST PREDICTION OF RAREFIED FLOW FIELD AROUND A VERTICAL PLATE
Authors: HE TAO , WANG JIANG-FENG
Published: June 2016

Numerical study is conducted to investigate the effects of free-stream Knudsen (Kn) number on rarefied flow field around a vertical plate employing an unstructured DSMC method, and an empirical method for fast prediction of flow-field structure at different Kn numbers in a given inflow velocity is proposed. First, the flow at a velocity 7500m/s is simulated using a perfect-gas model with free-stream Kn changing from 0.035 to 13.36. The flow-field characteristics in these cases with varying Kn numbers are analyzed and a linear-expansion phenomenon as a function of the square of Kn is discovered. An empirical method is proposed for fast flow-field prediction at different Kn based on the least-square-fitting method. Further, the effects of chemical reactions on flow field are investigated to verify the applicability of the empirical method in the real gas conditions. Three of the cases in perfect-gas flow are simulated again by introducing five-species air chemical module. The flow properties with and without chemical reactions are compared. In the end, the variation of chemical-reaction flow field as a function of Kn is analyzed and it is shown that the empirical method are also suitable when considering chemical reactions.
BUBBLE BURSTING AT A FREE SURFACE IN A CLOSED DOMAIN
Authors: LIU NIAN-NIAN , ZHANG SHUAI , WANG SHI-PING
Published: June 2016

When a charge explodes underwater near a free surface, a bubble would be generated and the surface pushed up very high. Experiments have shown that the motion of the spike lags a lot behind the bubble motion. Many studies only focus on the nonlinear interaction between the bubble and free surface while the water waves afterward is mainly studied based on the linear theory. The nonlinear motion of the water wave after the bubble pulsation is seldom studied. In this study, we concerns the interaction between underwater explosion generated bubble and a free surface and its bursting at a free surface in a closed domain. Suppose that the fluid outside the bubble is incompressible, non-viscous and irrotational and the velocity potential satisfies the Laplace equation. Boundary integral method is used to solve the Laplace equation for the velocity potential. The bubble content is described by an adiabatic law. The whole process of the bubble motion and subsequently the water wave propagation will be simulated in this paper. Particular attention will be focused on the phenomenon of water wave propagation in a closed domain.
FAST DYNAMIC MESHING METHOD BASED ON DELAUNAY GRAPH AND INVERSE DISTANCE WEIGHTING INTERPOLATION
Authors: WANG YIBIN , QIN NING , ZHAO NING
Published: June 2016

A novel mesh deformation technique is developed based on the Delaunay graph mapping method and the inverse distance weighting (IDW) interpolation. The algorithm maintains the advantages of the efficiency of Delaunay-graph-mapping mesh deformation while possess the ability for better controlling the near surface mesh quality. The Delaunay graph is used to divide the mesh domain into a number of sub-domains. On each of the sub-domains, the inverse distance weighting interpolation is applied to build a much smaller sized translation matrix between the original mesh and the deformed mesh, resulting a similar efficiency for the mesh deformation as compared to the fast Delaunay graph mapping method. The paper will show how the near-wall mesh quality is controlled and improved by the new method while the computational time is compared with the original Delaunay graph mapping method.
MULTI OBJECTIVE AERODYNAMIC OPTIMIZATION USING PARALLEL NASH EVOLUTIONARY/DETERMINISTIC HYBRID ALGORITHMS
Authors: TANG ZHILI
Published: June 2016

This paper solved aerodynamic drag reduction of transport wing fuselage configuration in transonic regime by using a parallel Nash evolutionary/deterministic hybrid optimization algorithm. Two sets of parameters are used, namely globally and locally. It is shown that optimizing separately local and global parameters by using Nash algorithms is far more efficient than considering these variables as a whole.
Rate of siderite precipitation in Lake Nyos, Cameroon
Authors: Ozawa Akiko , Ueda Akira , Fantong Wilson Y. , Anazawa Katsuro , Yoshida Yutaka , Kusakabe Minoru , Ohba Takeshi , Tanyileke Greg , Hell Joseph V.
Published: June 2016

A large amount of CO
2
is stored in the deep waters of Lake Nyos, a volcanic crater lake in Cameroon. The lake is meromictic and thus anoxic in the deeper areas, where dissolved iron exists as Fe
2+
. Since 2001, a controlled degassing of the lake has been underway. The degassing brings deep water containing Fe
2+
to the lake surface as a fountain. This resulted in the formation of Fe(OH)
3
precipitates and turned the lake surface red-brown. This coloration was accelerated after the addition of two further degassing pipes in 2011. The Fe(OH)
3
precipitates sink to deeper parts of the lake, re-dissolve and are reduced back to Fe
2+
, which is thought to be precipitating as siderite.

The rates of dissolution and precipitation of siderite in Lake Nyos were examined. Fragments of siderite crystals were covered with gel (Epikote) and placed in lake water for 54 h at several depths characterized by chemical features. The change in the thickness of the crystal surface before and after the reaction was analysed by an interferometer in the laboratory. The siderite dissolves at a rate of −0.09 µm a
−1
for samples placed at a depth of 50 m, whereas precipitation took place in deeper waters. The precipitation rate of siderite increased by 0.29 µm a
−1
with an increase in depth from 100 to 200 m, and decreased to 0.25 and 0.09 µm a
−1
at depths of 208 and 210 m, respectively. However, the calculated saturation indices of siderite in the lake waters increased with depth. The objective of this study is to examine the observed rates of dissolution and precipitation of siderite and to compare them with the saturation index of siderite calculated from the chemistry of the lake water. We also discuss the change in Fe species from the oxidation of Fe
2+
to Fe
3+
at the surface and reduction to Fe
2+
and consequent precipitation as siderite in deeper parts of the lake by degassing of CO
2
from bottom water in Lake Nyos.