bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The GpsB files: the truth is out there
Authors: Lewis Richard J.
Published: December 2016

Peptidoglycan (PG), an essential stress‐bearing component of the bacterial cell wall, is synthesised by penicillin binding proteins (PBPs). PG synthesis at the cell division septum is necessary for constructing new poles of progeny cells, and cells cannot elongate without inserting new PG in the side‐wall. The cell division regulator GpsB appears to co‐ordinate PG synthesis at the septum during division and at the side‐wall during elongation in rod‐shaped and ovococcoid Gram‐positive bacteria. How the control over PG synthesis is exerted is unknown. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Rued et al. show that in pneumococci GpsB forms complexes with PBP2a and PBP2b, and that deletion or depletion of GpsB prevents closure of the septal ring that in itself is PBP2x‐dependent. Loss of GpsB can be suppressed by spontaneous mutations, including within the gene encoding the only PP2C Ser/Thr phosphatase in Streptococcus pneumoniae, indicating that GpsB plays a key – but unknown – role in protein phosphorylation in pneumococci. Rued et al. combine phenotypic and genotypic analyses of mutant strains that suggest discrepancies in the literature concerning GpsB might have arisen from accumulation of unidentified suppressors, highlighting the importance and power of strain validation and whole genome sequencing in this context.
Relaxation of DNA supercoiling leads to increased invasion of epithelial cells and protein secretion by Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Scanlan Eoin , Ardill Laura , Whelan Matthew V. X. , Shortt Claire , Nally Jarlath E. , Bourke Billy , Ó Cróinín Tadhg
Published: December 2016

Invasion of intestinal epithelial cells by Campylobacter jejuni is a critical step during infection of the intestine by this important human pathogen. In this study we investigated the role played by DNA supercoiling in the regulation of invasion of epithelial cells and the mechanism by which this could be mediated. A significant correlation between more relaxed DNA supercoiling and an increased ability of C. jejuni strains to penetrate human epithelial cells was demonstrated. Directly inducing relaxation of DNA supercoiling in C. jejuni was shown to significantly increase invasion of epithelial cells. Mutants in the fibronectin binding proteins CadF and FlpA still displayed an increased invasion after treatment with novobiocin suggesting these proteins were not essential for the observed phenotype. However, a large increase in protein secretion from multiple C. jejuni strains upon relaxation of DNA supercoiling was demonstrated. This increase in protein secretion was not mediated by outer membrane vesicles and appeared to be dependent on an intact flagellar structure. This study identifies relaxation of DNA supercoiling as playing a key role in enhancing C. jejuni pathogenesis during infection of the human intestine and identifies proteins present in a specific invasion associated secretome induced by relaxation of DNA supercoiling.
A brief primer on genomic epidemiology: lessons learned fromMycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Guthrie Jennifer L. , Gardy Jennifer L.
Published: December 2016

Genomics is now firmly established as a technique for the investigation and reconstruction of communicable disease outbreaks, with many genomic epidemiology studies focusing on revealing transmission routes ofMycobacterium tuberculosis. In this primer, we introduce the basic techniques underlying transmission inference from genomic data, using illustrative examples fromM. tuberculosisand other pathogens routinely sequenced by public health agencies. We describe the laboratory and epidemiological scenarios under which genomics may or may not be used, provide an introduction to sequencing technologies and bioinformatics approaches to identifying transmission‐informative variation and resistance‐associated mutations, and discuss how variation must be considered in the light of available clinical and epidemiological information to infer transmission.
Life history evolution, reproduction, and the origins of sex‐dependent aging and longevity
Authors: Brooks Robert C. , Garratt Michael G.
Published: December 2016

Males and females in many species differ in how they age and how long they live. These differences have motivated much research, concerning both their evolution and the underlying mechanisms that cause them. We review how differences in male and female life histories have evolved to shape patterns of aging and some of the mechanisms and pathways involved. We pay particular attention to three areas where considerable potential for synergy between mechanistic and evolutionary research exists: (1) the role of estrogens, androgens, the growth hormone/insulin‐like growth factor 1 pathway, and the mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling pathway in sex‐dependent growth and reproduction; (2) sexual conflict over mating rate and fertility, and how mate presence or mating can become an avenue for males and females to directly affect each other's life span; and (3) the link between dietary restriction and aging, and the emerging understanding that only the restriction of certain nutrients is involved and that this is linked to reproduction. We suggest that ideas about life histories, sex‐dependent selection, and sexual conflict can inform and be informed by the ever more refined and complex understanding of the mechanisms that cause aging.
Oral swirl samples – a robust source of microRNA protected by extracellular vesicles
Authors: Yap T , Vella LJ , Seers C , Nastri A , Reynolds E , Cirillo N , McCullough M
Published: December 2016

Background

MicroRNAs are small non‐coding RNAs which are dysregulated in disease states, such as oral cancer. Extracellular vesicles, a potential source of microRNA, are found in saliva.

Objective

To demonstrate that a quantifiable amount of microRNA can be isolated from oral swirl samples. Additionally, we hypothesized that extracellular vesicles may protect contained microRNA from degradation in these samples.

Method

A polyethylene glycol‐based precipitation was used for extracellular vesicle enrichment of oral swirl samples. Comparison was made between samples treated with and without RNase. Further, samples from three subjects were exposed to a range of conditions over 7 days and assessed for presence of microRNA by reverse‐transcription quantitative PCR. Extracellular vesicles from samples were identified under transmission electron microscopy.

Results

An adequate quantity of microRNA for qPCR analysis was extractable from samples despite exposure to conditions under which degradation of RNA would be expected.

Conclusion

A technique was developed to isolate an adequate quantity of microRNA for analysis from oral swirl samples. Extracellular vesicle‐associated microRNA may be protected from degradation. This technique moves towards chairside application of translational microRNA research in the field of oral cancer prognostics.
Shale oil boom and the profitability of US petroleum refiners
Authors: Walls W. D. , Zheng Xiaoli
Published: December 2016

This article provides a quantitative analysis of how the recent boom in US oil production—largely a result of shale oil production—has impacted the domestic petroleum refining industry. We quantify how domestic crude prices are related to refiners’ financial performance. The estimates suggest that since 2011 independent refiners’ profitability rose by 3 per cent for a domestic crude oil price decrease of 1 per cent, while they were not associated with domestic crude prices before 2011. The relation between refinery profitability and domestic oil prices is consistent with the results of pass‐through of relative domestic crude prices to relative refined product prices in the United States before and since the dramatic rise in shale oil production.
Effects of oil price on food prices in developing oil exporting countries: a panel autoregressive distributed lag analysis
Authors: Olayungbo David , Hassan Wale
Published: December 2016

This study focused on the relationship between oil and food prices in developing oil‐exporting countries. Annual data sets of 31 developing oil‐exporting countries were employed. The study covered a period of 13 years, spanning 2001–2013. Given the mixed stationarity processes of the variables of interest, we adopted a panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach, proposed by Pesaran et al. (2001, Journal of Applied Econometrics, 16, 289). The bound test cointegration showed a long‐run cointegration to exist between food prices and oil price in the sample countries. The long‐run result showed positive and significant effects of oil price on food prices while the short‐run effect was also positive but insignificant. We therefore conclude that oil price has a long‐run positive effect on food price and recommend that developing oil‐exporting countries should formulate long‐term agricultural policies to insulate their economies from any global food crisis that may result from oil price changes.
(ANTI)‐Anti‐Intellectualism and the Sufficiency Thesis
Authors: Carter J. Adam , Czarnecki Bolesław
Published: December 2016

Anti‐intellectualists about knowledge‐how insist that, when an agent S knows how to φ, it is in virtue of some ability, rather than in virtue of any propositional attitudpaes, S has. Recently, a popular strategy for attacking the anti‐intellectualist position proceeds by appealing to cases where an agent is claimed to possess a reliable ability to φ while nonetheless intuitively lacking knowledge‐how to φ. John Bengson and Marc Moffett and Carlotta Pavese have embraced precisely this strategy and have thus claimed, for different reasons, that anti‐intellectualism is defective on the grounds that possessing the ability to φ is not sufficient for knowing how to φ. We investigate this strategy of argument‐by‐counterexample to the anti‐intellectualist's sufficiency thesis and show that, at the end of the day, anti‐intellectualism remains unscathed.
Atmospheric CO2 mole fraction affects stand‐scale carbon use efficiency of sunflower by stimulating respiration in light
Authors: Gong Xiao Ying , Schäufele Rudi , Lehmeier Christoph Andreas , Tcherkez Guillaume , Schnyder Hans
Published: December 2016

Plant carbon‐use‐efficiency (CUE), a key parameter in carbon cycle and plant growth models, quantifies the fraction of fixed carbon that is converted into net primary production rather than respired. CUE has not been directly measured, partly because of the difficulty of measuring respiration in light. Here, we explore if CUE is affected by atmospheric CO2. Sunflower stands were grown at low (200 μmol mol−1) or high CO2 (1000 μmol mol−1) in controlled environment mesocosms. CUE of stands was measured by dynamic stand‐scale 13C labelling and partitioning of photosynthesis and respiration. At the same plant age, growth at high CO2 (compared with low CO2) led to 91% higher rates of apparent photosynthesis, 97% higher respiration in the dark, yet 143% higher respiration in light. Thus, CUE was significantly lower at high (0.65) than at low CO2 (0.71). Compartmental analysis of isotopic tracer kinetics demonstrated a greater commitment of carbon reserves in stand‐scale respiratory metabolism at high CO2. Two main processes contributed to the reduction of CUE at high CO2: a reduced inhibition of leaf respiration by light and a diminished leaf mass ratio. This work highlights the relevance of measuring respiration in light and assessment of the CUE response to environment conditions.
Evaluation of tubulin β‐3 as a novel senescence‐associated gene in melanocytic malignant transformation
Authors: Orfanidis Kyriakos , Wäster Petra , Lundmark Katarzyna , Rosdahl Inger , Öllinger Karin
Published: December 2016

Malignant melanoma might develop from melanocytic nevi in which the growth‐arrested state has been broken. We analyzed the gene expression of young and senescent human melanocytes in culture and compared the gene expression data with a dataset from nevi and melanomas. A concordant altered gene expression was identified in 84 genes when comparing the growth‐arrested samples with proliferating samples. TUBB3, which encodes the microtubule protein tubulin β‐3, showed a decreased expression in senescent melanocytes and nevi and was selected for further studies. Depletion of tubulin β‐3 caused accumulation of cells in the G2/M phase and decreased proliferation and migration. Immunohistochemical assessment of tubulin β‐3 in benign lesions revealed strong staining in the superficial part of the intradermal components, which faded with depth. In contrast, primary melanomas exhibited staining without gradient in a disordered pattern and strong staining of the invasive front. Our results describe an approach to find clinically useful diagnostic biomarkers to more precisely identify cutaneous malignant melanoma and present tubulin β‐3 as a candidate marker.
Genetic analysis of Phytophthora sojae populations in Fujian, China
Authors: Wu M. , Li B. , Liu P. , Weng Q. , Zhan J. , Chen Q.
Published: December 2016

Phytophthora sojae is a destructive soilborne pathogen causing seedling damping‐off and root rot of soybean (Glycine max). The goal of this study was to determine the genetic structure of P. sojae populations in Fujian, China. Nine microsatellite markers were used to investigate the genetic variation in 19 P. sojae populations, sampled from Fujian Province and northeastern China (Jilin and Heilongjiang Provinces) between 2002 and 2013. Overall, a low genetic diversity, Hardy–Weinberg disequilibrium, and an index (an index of association) that was significantly different from zero were detected in populations; these results were consistent with self‐fertilization and clonal modes of reproduction for this pathogen. However, using Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo approach, principal component analysis and neighbour joining (NJ) algorithm, the Fujian P. sojae populations clustered into three distinct groups, one of which included most isolates of the northeast populations. What is more, significant estimates of pairwise fixation indices (FST) were detected between most populations, especially in different clusters. It is hypothesized that the cropping system used, the limited dispersal ability, and human‐mediated gene flow may account for the observed genetic structure of P. sojae populations in Fujian, China. In addition, a high virulence frequency of the pathogen on different cultivars carrying known major R genes for resistance, and a rapid increase in virulence frequency, indicated that these major R genes should not be used to manage seedling damping‐off and root rot diseases of soybean (Glycine max).
Causal Linkages among the Product Diversification of Exports, Economic Globalization and Economic Growth
Authors: Gözgör Giray , Can Muhlis
Published: December 2016

This paper examines causal relationships between economic globalization, the three indices for product diversification of exports (Theil index, intensive margin and extensive margin) and economic growth in the unbalanced panel data framework in 139 countries over the period 1970–2010. We also consider the subgroup of the countries related to the income levels and run the panel Granger non‐causality tests for heterogeneous panels. The empirical results indicate that there is a bidirectional causal relationship between economic globalization and economic growth. There is also a significant causal relationship that runs from all three indices for the diversification of exports to economic growth. After implementing various robustness checks, we observe that diversification of exports and economic globalization are positively related with economic growth merely in the upper middle economies.
A site selection method of DNS using the particle swarm optimization algorithm
Authors: Liao Yilan , Chen Wenwen , Wu Kaichao , Li Dongyue , Liu Xin , Geng Guanggang , Su Zheng , Zheng Zheng
Published: December 2016

The Domain Name System (DNS) is an essential component of the functionality of the Internet. With the growing number of domain names and Internet users, the growing rate and number of visit quantity and analytic capacity of DNS are also proportional to the Internet users' size. This study (based on the analysis of access popularity and the distribution of massive DNS log data) aims to optimize the configuration of the DNS sites, which has become an important problem. The ArcGIS software is used to show the temporal and spatial distributions of visit source of DNS logs. This study also analyzes the influence of different sites and the dependence on DNS service in different regions of the world. This information is important to further decision‐making on new DNS site selection. This article proposes new DNS site selection solutions, using particle swarm and multi‐objective particle swarm optimization algorithms for one new site and multiple sites, respectively. The results from particle swarm optimization, genetic, and simulated annealing algorithms were compared and experimental results confirmed the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed methods. The proposed methods could also be extended to solve other layout related issues, such as onsite facility layout and road network optimization.
Improved planning of leukapheresis endpoint with customized prediction algorithm: minimizing collection days, volume of blood processed, procedure time, and citrate toxicity
Authors: Leberfinger Daniel L. , Badman Kira L. , Roig Joseph M. , Loos Tamara
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND

Increased emphasis on cost and productivity in apheresis centers calls for a proficient and predictable hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) collection. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the value of a customized predictive algorithm that estimates how many blood volumes are required to process for a targeted CD34 cell dose.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis was performed on 107 HPC collections completed on the Spectra Optia MNC from January 2013 to June 2014 in 51 patients and 12 donors. In December 2014, a prediction algorithm was implemented, designed from data acquired since January 2013, by linear regression of preapheresis CD34 cell counts (pre‐CD34) versus collected CD34 cell dose per volume blood processed.

RESULTS

CD34 collection efficiencies (CE2) of 51.9 ± 1.7% (mean ± SEM) and 57.5 ± 3.0% were observed in autologous and allogeneic procedures, respectively. After implementation of the algorithm, the mean number of collections per patient declined from 1.97 to 1.5. Accordingly, the frequency of patients requiring single‐day collections increased from 35% to 57%. All donors were collected in single procedures, although only 12.2 ± 1.1 L blood was processed, including for National Marrow Donor Program collections. Cumulative procedure time, processed blood volume, product volume, infused anticoagulant volume, and symptomatic calcium administration decreased in patients, and overcollection was limited.

CONCLUSION

A prediction algorithm can provide great value in the planning of leukapheresis, which may optimize resource utilization and capacity of the unit. In addition, predictability was facilitated by a proficient and consistent performance of the Spectra Optia MNC.
Restrictive versus liberal red blood cell transfusion strategy after hip surgery: a decision model analysis of healthcare costs
Authors: Fusaro Mario V. , Nielsen Nathan D. , Nielsen Alexandra , Fontaine Magali J. , Hess John R. , Reed Robert M. , DeLisle Sylvain , Netzer Giora
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND

Red blood cell transfusion related to select surgical procedures accounts for approximately 2.8 million transfusions in the United States yearly and occurs commonly after hip fracture surgeries. Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated lack of clinical benefit with higher versus lower transfusion thresholds in postoperative hip fracture repair patients with cardiac disease or risk factors for cardiac disease. The economic implications of a higher versus lower hemoglobin (Hb) threshold have not yet been investigated.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A decision tree analysis was constructed to estimate differences in healthcare costs and charges between a Hb transfusion threshold strategy of 8 g/dL versus 10 g/dL from the perspective of both Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as well as hospitals. Secondary outcome measures included differences in transfusion‐related adverse events.

RESULTS

Among the 133,697 Medicare beneficiaries undergoing hip fracture repair in 2012, we estimated that 45,457 patients would be anemic and at risk for transfusion. CMS would save an estimated $11.3 million to $24.3 million in payments, while hospitals would reduce charges by an estimated $52.7 million to $93.6 million if the restrictive transfusion strategy were to be implemented nationally. Additionally, rates of transfusion‐associated circulatory overload, transfusion‐related acute lung injury, acute transfusion reactions, length of stay, and mortality would be reduced.

CONCLUSIONS

This model suggests that the uniform adoption of a restrictive transfusion strategy among patients with cardiac disease and risk factors for cardiac disease undergoing hip fracture repair would result in significant reductions in clinically important outcomes with significant cost savings.
Histone deacetylase inhibitors suppress ABO transcription in vitro, leading to reduced expression of the antigens
Authors: Takahashi Yoichiro , Kubo Rieko , Sano Rie , Nakajima Tamiko , Takahashi Keiko , Kobayashi Momoko , Handa Hiroshi , Tsukada Junichi , Kominato Yoshihiko
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND

The ABO system is of fundamental importance in the fields of transfusion and transplantation and has apparent associations with certain diseases, including cardiovascular disorders. ABO expression is reduced in the late phase of erythroid differentiation in vitro, whereas histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) are known to promote cell differentiation. Therefore, whether or not HDACIs could reduce the amount of ABO transcripts and A or B antigens is an intriguing issue.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Quantitative polymerase chain reactions were carried out for the ABO transcripts in erythroid‐lineage K562 and epithelial‐lineage KATOIII cells after incubation with HDACIs, such as sodium butyrate, panobinostat, vorinostat, and sodium valproate. Flow cytometric analysis was conducted to evaluate the amounts of antigen in KATOIII cells treated with panobinostat. Quantitative chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays and luciferase assays were performed on both cell types to examine the mechanisms of ABO suppression.

RESULTS

HDACIs reduced the ABO transcripts in both K562 and KATOIII cells, with panobinostat exerting the most significant effect. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated a decrease in B‐antigen expression on panobinostat‐treated KATOIII cells. ChIP assays indicated that panobinostat altered the modification of histones in the transcriptional regulatory regions of ABO, and luciferase assays demonstrated reduced activity of these elements.

CONCLUSION

ABO transcription seems to be regulated by an epigenetic mechanism. Panobinostat appears to suppress ABO transcription, reducing the amount of antigens on the surface of cultured cells.
Inactivation of Zika virus by solvent/detergent treatment of human plasma and other plasma‐derived products and pasteurization of human serum albumin
Authors: Kühnel Denis , Müller Sebastian , Pichotta Alexander , Radomski Kai Uwe , Volk Andreas , Schmidt Torben
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND

In 2016 the World Health Organization declared the mosquito‐borne Zika virus (ZIKV) a “public health emergency of international concern.” ZIKV is a blood‐borne pathogen, which therefore causes concerns regarding the safety of human plasma–derived products due to potential contamination of the blood supply. This study investigated the effectiveness of viral inactivation steps used during the routine manufacturing of various plasma‐derived products to reduce ZIKV infectivity.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Human plasma and intermediates from the production of various plasma‐derived products were spiked with ZIKV and subjected to virus inactivation using the identical techniques (either solvent/detergent [S/D] treatment or pasteurization) and conditions used for the actual production of the respective products. Samples were taken and the viral loads measured before and after inactivation.

RESULTS

After S/D treatment of spiked intermediates of the plasma‐derived products Octaplas(LG), Octagam, and Octanate, the viral loads were below the limit of detection in all cases. The mean log reduction factor (LRF) was at least 6.78 log for Octaplas(LG), at least 7.00 log for Octagam, and at least 6.18 log for Octanate after 60, 240, and 480 minutes of S/D treatment, respectively. For 25% human serum albumin (HSA), the mean LRF for ZIKV was at least 7.48 log after pasteurization at 60°C for 120 minutes.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that the commonly used virus inactivation processes utilized during the production of human plasma and plasma‐derived products, namely, S/D treatment or pasteurization, are effective for inactivation of ZIKV.
Single‐dose intravenous iron infusion versus red blood cell transfusion for the treatment of severe postpartum anaemia: a randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Holm C. , Thomsen L. L. , Norgaard A. , Langhoff‐Roos J.
Published: December 2016

Background and Objectives

There are no randomized trials comparing intravenous iron to RBC transfusion for the treatment of severe postpartum anaemia. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of randomizing women with severe postpartum anaemia secondary to postpartum haemorrhage to RBC transfusion or intravenous iron, and to describe patient‐reported outcomes, and haematological and iron parameters.

Materials and Methods

Women with a postpartum haemorrhage exceeding 1000 ml and an Hb between 5·6 and 8·1 g/dl were randomized to 1500 mg of intravenous iron (n = 7) isomaltoside or RBC transfusion (n = 6). Participants completed the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and blood samples were drawn at inclusion, daily during the first week and at weeks 3, 8 and 12.

Results

We screened 162 women and included 13 (8%). There was no significant difference between groups in fatigue or depression scores. RBC transfusion was associated with a higher Hb on day 1, inhibition of reticulocytosis during the first week and low iron levels. Intravenous iron was associated with increased reticulocytosis during the first week, repleted iron stores and a higher Hb in weeks 3–12.

Conclusion

This pilot study shows that intravenous iron could be an attractive alternative to RBC transfusion in severe postpartum anaemia, and that a larger trial is needed and feasible.
Sport Sentiments and Stock Returns: Example of FIFA World Cups
Authors: Lee Jen-Sin , Chiu Ching-Wei
Published: December 2016

This paper investigates the relation between sport sentiments and excess stock returns, and our data is from the 17th to 20th FIFA World Cups. Many studies find the relation between sport sentiments and stock market returns. In contrast to the previous studies, this paper considers seven conditions: (1) Considering stock markets are efficient markets, this paper uses not only close price but also open price to estimate excess stock returns which is affected by game results; (2) This paper further considers that sport sentiments affect sponsors’ excess stock returns (this point is seldom discussed by the past literature); (3) This paper further considers a time-lagged effect between sport sentiments and excess stock returns. (4) This paper further considers the persistent effect of previous games result. (5) This paper further employs the samples by not only for all participant countries but also for the each of participant countries. (6) This paper further considers the conditions of extreme wins and extreme loses. (7) This paper further considers the samples of championship games to exam the relation between sport sentiments and excess stock returns. Our results find that sport sentiments does not affect stock market returns, the reason is that investors are rational in dealing with sport sentiments (FIFA World Cup) and the stock trading decisions. This paper further finds Sponsors effect hypothesis: A significant positive/ negative effect on sponsors’ excess stock returns after wins/ loses in the championship games, and this effect only occurs on the open price of the next trading day. These empirical results can offer an important information for the investors of sport sponsor stocks.
The effectiveness of psychoeducation programs following first episode psychosis: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Matoba Kei , Kajiwara Tomomi , Endo Yoshimi , Makimoto Kiyoko
Published: December 2016

Review question/objective:

The objective of this review is to establish whether psychoeducational programs can lead to improved outcomes (reduced relapse or readmission) in patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) compared with usual care. Specifically, the review question is: Are psychoeducational programs for patients with first-episode psychosis effective in improving outcomes compared with those receiving usual care?
Safety Improvement to Israel Research Reactor 2 by Increasing the Robustness of Equipment to Ground Acceleration
Authors: Biton A. , Soffer Y. , Freud R.
Published: December 2016

Nuclear facilities and in particular nuclear reactors are designed to withstand ground acceleration due to earthquake and to maintain the structures, systems, and components (SSC) safety function. The three main safety functions are shutdown, removal of residual heat, and indications of the first two. Achieving these three functions will be called a “safe path.” The Israel Research Reactor 2 (IRR2) has numerous diverse safe paths to ensure the availability of these three safety functions. Each safe path has an associated level of resistance to ground acceleration. A project for increasing the robustness of equipment to ground acceleration was initiated in order to improve the safety of the reactor and to comply with regulatory guidelines.
Crossover Jet Impingement in a Rib-Roughened Trailing-Edge Cooling Channel
Authors: Taslim Mohammad E. , Xue Fei
Published: December 2016

Airfoil trailing-edge cooling is the main focus of this study. The test section was made up of two adjacent trapezoidal channels, simulating the trailing-edge cooling cavity of a gas turbine airfoil and its neighboring cavity. Eleven racetrack-shaped holes were drilled on the partition wall between the two channels to produce 11 cross-over jets that impinged on the rib-roughened wall of the trailing-edge channel. The jets, after impinging on their respective target surface, turned toward the trailing-edge channel exit. Smooth target wall, as a baseline case, as well as four rib angles with the flow of 0 deg, 45 deg, 90 deg, and 135 deg are investigated. Cross-over holes axes were on the trailing-edge channel center plane, i.e., no tilting of the cross-over jets. Steady-state liquid crystal thermography technique was used in this study for a range of jet Reynolds number of 10,000–35,000. The test results are compared with the numerical results obtained from the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes and energy equation. Closure was attained by k–ω with shear stress transport (SST) turbulence model. The entire test rig (supply and trailing-edge channels) was meshed with variable density hexagonal meshes. The numerical work was performed for boundary conditions identical to those of the tests. In addition to the impingement heat transfer coefficients, the numerical results provided the mass flow rates through individual cross-over holes. This study concluded that: (a) the local Nusselt numbers correlate well with the local jet Reynolds numbers, (b) 90 deg rib arrangement, that is, when the cross-over jet axis was parallel to the rib longitudinal axis, produced higher heat transfer coefficients, compared to other rib angles, and (c) numerical heat transfer results were generally in good agreement with the test results. The overall difference between the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and test results was about 10%.
The Effect of Trabeculae Carneae on Left Ventricular Diastolic Compliance: Improvement in Compliance With Trabecular Cutting
Authors: Halaney David L. , Sanyal Arnav , Nafissi Navid A. , Escobedo Daniel , Goros Martin , Michalek Joel , Acevedo Pedro J. , Pérez William , Patricia Escobar G. , Feldman Marc D. , Han Hai-Chao
Published: December 2016

The role of trabeculae carneae in modulating left ventricular (LV) diastolic compliance remains unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the contribution of trabeculae carneae to the LV diastolic compliance. LV pressure–volume compliance curves were measured in six human heart explants from patients with LV hypertrophy at baseline and following trabecular cutting. The effect of trabecular cutting was also analyzed with finite-element model (FEM) simulations. Our results demonstrated that LV compliance improved after trabecular cutting (p < 0.001). Finite-element simulations further demonstrated that stiffer trabeculae reduce LV compliance further, and that the presence of trabeculae reduced the wall stress in the apex. In conclusion, we demonstrate that integrity of the LV and trabeculae is important to maintain LV stiffness and loss in trabeculae leads to more LV compliance.
Quality Modeling of Printed Electronics in Aerosol Jet Printing Based on Microscopic Images
Authors: Sun Hongyue , Wang Kan , Li Yifu , Zhang Chuck , Jin Ran
Published: December 2016

Aerosol jet printing (AJP) is a direct write technology that enables fabrication of flexible, fine scale printed electronics on conformal substrates. AJP does not require the time consuming mask and postpatterning processes compared with traditional electronics manufacturing techniques. Thus, the cycle time can be dramatically reduced, and highly personalized designs of electronics can be realized. AJP has been successfully applied to a variety of industries, with different combinations of inks and substrates. However, the quality of the printed electronics, such as resistance, is not able to be measured online. On the other hand, the microscopic image sensors are widely used for printed circuit boards (PCBs) quality quantification and inspection. In this paper, two widely used quality variables of printed electronics, resistance and overspray, will be jointly modeled based on microscopic images for fast quality assessment. Augmented quantitative and qualitative (AUGQQ) models are proposed to use features of microscopic images taken at different locations on the printed electronics as input variables, and resistance and overspray as output variables. The association of resistance and overspray can be investigated through the AUGQQ models formulation. A case study for fabricating silver lines with Optomec® aerosol jet system is used to evaluate the model performance. The proposed AUGQQ models can help assess the printed electronics quality and identify important image features in a timely manner.
Review Article: Molecular beam epitaxy of lattice-matched InAlAs and InGaAs layers on InP (111)A, (111)B, and (110)
Authors: Yerino Christopher D. , Liang Baolai , Huffaker Diana L. , Simmonds Paul J. , Lee Minjoo Larry
Published: December 2016

For more than 50 years, research into III–V compound semiconductors has focused almost exclusively on materials grown on (001)-oriented substrates. In part, this is due to the relative ease with which III–Vs can be grown on (001) surfaces. However, in recent years, a number of key technologies have emerged that could be realized, or vastly improved, by the ability to also grow high-quality III–Vs on (111)- or (110)-oriented substrates These applications include: next-generation field-effect transistors, novel quantum dots, entangled photon emitters, spintronics, topological insulators, and transition metal dichalcogenides. The first purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive review of the literature concerning growth by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) of III–Vs on (111) and (110) substrates. The second is to describe our recent experimental findings on the growth, morphology, electrical, and optical properties of layers grown on non-(001) InP wafers. Taking InP(111)A, InP(111)B, and InP(110) substrates in turn, the authors systematically discuss growth of both In0.52Al0.48As and In0.53Ga0.47As on these surfaces. For each material system, the authors identify the main challenges for growth, and the key growth parameter–property relationships, trends, and interdependencies. The authors conclude with a section summarizing the MBE conditions needed to optimize the structural, optical and electrical properties of GaAs, InAlAs and InGaAs grown with (111) and (110) orientations. In most cases, the MBE growth parameters the authors recommend will enable the reader to grow high-quality material on these increasingly important non-(001) surfaces, paving the way for exciting technological advances.
Molecular layer deposition using cyclic azasilanes, maleic anhydride, trimethylaluminum, and water
Authors: Ju Ling , Bao Bo , King Sean W. , Strandwitz Nicholas C.
Published: December 2016

Molecular layer deposition (MLD) is used to grow hybrid organic–inorganic films based on two or more self-limiting surface chemical reactions. A four-step ABCD sequence using N-(2-aminoethyl)-2,2,4-trimethyl-1-aza-2-silacyclopentane (AZ), maleic anhydride (MA), trimethylaluminum, and H2O and a three-step ABC sequence consisting of AZ, MA, and H2O are reported for growing hybrid organic–inorganic thin films. The ABCD sequence exhibited self-limiting growth behavior with a constant growth rate of 3.5 Å/cycle at 100 °C, while the growth rate of the ABC sequence increased to 90 Å/cycle after approximately 50 cycles. The growth rate using the ABC chemistry is much larger than for MLD/ALD chemistries that involve exclusively surface reactions, and displayed a strong dependence on the substrate temperature. Fourier transform infrared measurements of the as-deposited films indicated -COOH functionalities in the ABC film, and provided evidence for the reaction mechanisms. These results indicate that precursor diffusion into the ABC MLD film plays a key role in the large growth rate. The density, roughness, and dielectric constant (κ) of the films are reported in the as-deposited state and after treatment in air at temperatures up to 400 °C. The as-prepared and thermally treated ABC films with densities <1 g/cm3 and κ < 3 may be useful in applications requiring porous and low-κ films.
Reactant utilization in CVD and ALD chambers
Authors: McInerney Edward J.
Published: December 2016

In both chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and atomic layer deposition (ALD) reactors, a substantial fraction of the reactants never react at the substrate and are pumped away. To quantify this, an analytic expression for reactant utilization is derived for an axisymmetric stagnation flow reactor. The utilization is found to depend on the dimensionless Peclet and Damkohler numbers. The highest utilization is seen for CVD processes in the mass transfer limit (Da → ∞). For finite reaction rates, CVD processes always have higher utilization than ALD processes.
Lateralization of simulated sources and echoes differing in frequency based on interaural temporal differences
Authors: Dye Raymond H. , Boomer Joseph , Frankel Joleen , Hill Jacquelyn P. , Peloquin Alycia N.
Published: December 2016

This study examined listeners' ability to process interaural temporal differences (ITDs) in one of two sequential sounds when the two differed in spectral content. A correlational analysis assessed weights given to ITDs of simulated source and echo pulses for echo delays of 8–128 ms for conditions in which responses were based on the source or echo, a 3000-Hz Gaussian (target) pulse. The other (distractor) pulse was spectrally centered at 1500, 2000, 3000, 4000, or 5000 Hz. Also measured were proportion correct and proportion of responses predicted from the weights. Regardless of whether the echo or source pulse served as the target, target weight, and proportion correct increased with increasing distractor frequency, consistent with low-frequency dominance [Divenyi, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 91, 1078–1084 (1992)]. Effects of distractor frequency were observed at echo delays out to 128 ms when the source served as the target, but only out to 64 ms when the echo served as the target. At echo delays beyond 8 ms, recency effects were exhibited with higher proportions correct obtained for judgments based on the echo pulse than the source pulse.
A prediction model for two-dimensional pressure distribution from underwater shock wave focusing by an ellipsoidal reflector
Authors: Liu Lei , Guo Rui , Chen Liang , Cao Yu , Yang Yongliang , Zhao Bobo
Published: December 2016

Underwater shock wave focusing by ellipsoidal reflector is an important method for medical treatment, detection, and acoustic warfare. However, its pressure field is difficult to predict due to complicated physics. In this study, the pressure by focusing is modeled based on theories of shock wave propagation, nonlinear reflection, and nonlinear focusing, and the calculation domain is determined by approximate equations of wave fronts and lines. The pressure field during the whole process is described by combining direct and focusing pressures in the time and space domains. On this basis, the focusing behavior is simulated, and obtained pressure profiles are compared with experimental results, and the influence of reflector length on focusing performance is also discussed. The results indicate that although there are some rough assumptions, this model can simulate the underwater focusing in some detail and does a good job of predicting the pressure distribution, especially for the positive peak pressure, with an error below 10%; as the reflector length increases, the dynamic focus tends to move linearly forward to the other geometric focus, and the pressure gain increases continuously but the growth rate decreases.
Comparing the perceptual contributions of cochlear-scaled entropy and speech level
Authors: Shu Yilai , Feng Xiao-xing , Chen Fei
Published: December 2016

Cochlear-scaled entropy (CSE) has been suggested to be a reliable predictor of speech intelligibility. Previous studies showed that speech segments with high root-mean-square (RMS) levels (H-levels) contained primarily vowels, which carry important information for speech recognition. The present work compared the contributions of high-CSE (H-entropy) and H-level segments to speech intelligibility. The natural speech was edited to generate two types of noise-replaced stimuli, which preserved the same percentages of largest CSE segments and highest RMS-level segments, and played to normal-hearing listeners in a recognition experiment. Experimental results showed that the nature of the noise-replaced stimulus, H-entropy and H-level, made a small difference in intelligibility performance. CSEs and RMS levels showed a moderately high correlation (r = 0.79), suggesting that many speech segments may have both large CSEs and high RMS levels, which might account partially for the small intelligibility difference between the two types of stimuli. In addition, the vowel duration proportion differed between H-entropy and H-level segments of the same length, suggesting that vowels play different roles in contributing to the intelligibility of H-entropy and H-level stimuli.
Audibility of dispersion error in room acoustic finite-difference time-domain simulation in the presence of absorption of air
Authors: Saarelma Jukka , Savioja Lauri
Published: December 2016

The finite-difference time-domain method has gained increasing interest for room acoustic prediction use. A well-known limitation of the method is a frequency and direction dependent dispersion error. In this study, the audibility of dispersion error in the presence of air absorption is measured. The results indicate that the dispersion error in the worst-case direction of the studied scheme gets masked by the air absorption at a phase velocity error percentage of 0.28% at the frequency of 20 kHz.
Free Vibration Analysis of a New Polymer Quartz Piezoelectric Crystal Sensor Applied to Identify Chinese Liquors
Authors: Li Qiang , Gu Yu , Wang Nanfei
Published: December 2016

This paper deals with the analytical and numerical analysis of free vibration in a new polymer piezoelectric crystal sensor. A quartz piezoelectric crystal here serves as the basal material and nonmetallic polymer thin films with perforative central holes as the surface coating according to the principle of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), based on the Kirchhoff–Love plate model. A mechanical model of the new sensor was built, and its structure was a quartz piezoelectric sandwich composite circular plate with perforative central holes in the surface layers. The form of the electric potential field in the piezoelectric layer was here assumed to be such that the Maxwell static electricity equation is satisfied. The validation of the mechanical model and its analytic method is conducted by comparing the free vibration frequencies of the piezoelectric sandwich composite circular plate produced by the mechanical model’s analytical and numerical analyses performed using ANSYS software. Results show that the first 100 orders of free vibration frequency values of the mechanical model obtained by two methods, the analytical analysis and the numerical analysis, to be fit. The maximum absolute deviation rate ([Formula: see text] between the analytical solutions ([Formula: see text]) and the numerical solutions ([Formula: see text]) was found to be 6.89%. These results are important reference for the design of the new polymer quartz piezoelectric crystal sensors suitable for the identification of Chinese liquors.
Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of the Extracts of Twelve Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Endemic Ecotypes of Southern Italy before and after Cooking
Authors: Ombra Maria Neve , d’Acierno Antonio , Nazzaro Filomena , Riccardi Riccardo , Spigno Patrizia , Zaccardelli Massimo , Pane Catello , Maione Mena , Fratianni Florinda
Published: December 2016

Beans are important dietary components with versatile health benefits. We analysed the extracts of twelve ecotypes of Phaseolus vulgaris in order to determine their phenolic profiles, antioxidant activity, and the in vitro antiproliferative activity. Ultra‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (UPLC‐DAD) admitted us to detect and quantify some known polyphenols, such as gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, myricetin, formononetin, caffeic acid, and kaempferol. The antioxidant activity (AA) ranged from 1.568 ± 0.041 to 66.572 ± 3.197 mg necessary to inhibit the activity of the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical by 50% (EC50). The extracts, except those obtained from the nonpigmented samples, were capable of inhibiting the proliferation of the human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco‐2) cells, human breast cancer cells MCF‐7, and A549 NSCLC cell line. Cultivars differed in composition and concentration of polyphenols including anthocyanins; cooking affected the antioxidant activity only marginally. Qualitative and quantitative differences in phenolic composition between the groups of beans influenced the biological activities; on the other hand, we did not find significant differences on the biological activities within the same variety, before and after cooking.