bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Identification of Fluid-Elastic Coupling Forces on a Square Tube Bundle Subjected to Single-Phase Cross-Flow
Authors: Piteau Philippe , Delaune Xavier , Borsoi Laurent , Antunes Jose
Published: December 2016

The importance of fluid-elastic coupling forces in tube bundle vibrations is well documented and can hardly be over-emphasized, in view of their damaging potential. Even when adequate tube supports are provided to suppress fluid-elastic instabilities, the flow-coupling forces still affect the dynamical tube responses and remain a significant issue, in particular concerning the vibro-impact motions of tubes assembled using clearance supports. Therefore, the need remains for more advanced models of fluid-elastic coupling, as well as for experimental flow-coupling coefficients to feed and validate such models. In this work, we report an extensive series of experiments performed at CEA-Saclay leading to the identification of stiffness and damping fluid-elastic coefficients, for a 3×5 square tube bundle (D = 30 mm, P/D = 1.5) subjected to single-phase transverse flow. The bundle is rigid, except for the central tube which is mounted on a flexible suspension (two parallel steel blades) allowing for translation motions of the tube in the lift direction. The system is thus single-degree of freedom, allowing fluid-elastic instability to arise through a negative damping mechanism. The flow-coupling stiffness and damping coefficients, Kf(Vr) and Cf(Vr), are experimentally identified as functions of the reduced velocity Vr. Identification is achieved on the basis of changes in tube vibration frequency and reduced damping as a function of flow velocity, assuming a constant fluid added mass. In the present experiments, coefficient identification is performed well beyond the instability boundary, by using active control, thereafter allowing exploration of a significant range of flow velocity. The modal frequency and the modal mass of the system are respectively modified by changing the tube suspension stiffness, and/or by adding a mass to the system. We can thus assert how the fluid-elastic coefficients change, for this configuration, with these two system parameters, all other parameters being kept constant. The results obtained from the configurations tested suggest that formulations for coefficient reduction may be improved, in order to better collapse the identified data.
Hardened Enclosure Design for High Pressure Extreme Temperature Pneumatic Seal Test Fixture
Authors: Wesevich James W. , Dunn Peter E. , Hansen Eric J. , Gage Eric N.
Published: December 2016

This paper discusses the design of a hardened enclosure for high pressure extreme temperature (HPET) pneumatic testing of seals. The seal test fixture is located within a blast-fragment barrier (BFB) in case of a failure of the test fixture. The BFB is located within a hardened test room since the BFB has a 1-in annulus air gap to allow for cabling access to the test fixture, through which shock and gas pressure can propagate out into the room. A 30.5in3 (0.51) volume charged with 15,000psi (1034bar) of compressed nitrogen under a temperature range of −50°F to 400°F was used to produce the worst-case energy release in the event of a catastrophic failure of the seal fixture.

In order to assess the structural capacities of the BFB and test room, an equivalent axisymmetric computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the test fixture, BFB, and test room was used to estimate the fragment velocity and applied blast load time histories to the BFB and test room. The BFB was assessed using non-linear dynamic finite element analysis. All of the materials are modeled using a plasticity-based piecewise linear hardening constitutive model, with rate dependency and softening, fit to each material yield, tensile, and elongation limit. The seal fixture generated fragment interactions with the interior surfaces of the BFB model using slideline and pinball contact algorithms.
Flaw Evaluation at Pipe Weld Connecting Two 90° Elbows
Authors: Dawson Brad , Houston Eric , McGill Robert
Published: December 2016

ASME Code Case N-513-4 allows evaluation of flaws in elbows to be treated as straight pipe if the flaw is located within a distance √Rt from the weld centerline, provided the elbow is welded to straight pipe. In addition, N-513-4 provides guidance for evaluation of flaws in elbows when the flaw is remote from the weld, but this approach may be increasingly conservative for flaw locations closer to the weld. For the instance where a flaw evaluation is necessary at a weld adjoining a 90° elbow to another 90° elbow, it is not clear if the stress distribution would be significantly different from a weld connecting a 90° elbow to straight pipe. This paper will employ finite element models to examine the stress distribution near elbow-to-elbow welds under a moment load and compares the results to straight pipe. The results of this paper may be used as a supporting basis to modify the Code Case guidance in a future revision.
A Study on the Wall Thickness and Life Time or Life Cycle of High-Pressure Cylinders for Automotive Vehicles Under Pressure Circulation Conditions
Authors: Yuan Yi-wen , Fu Ming-hai , Li Yu , Yang Bo
Published: December 2016

NGV’s (Natural Gas Vehicle) are known for their energy-saving and environment-friendly advantages. The high-pressure cylinder for automotive vehicles (hereinafter cylinder) is the main energy supply unit of an NGV. Therefore, the Life time or Life Cycle of the cylinder is closely related to vehicle safety performance. Pressure cycle test is, as a test that simulates the cylinder filling process, the most realistic and effective method to evaluate cylinder Life time or Life Cycle. To simulate the actual situation of cylinder use, there are two types of Pressure cycle tests: Pressure cycle test under filling conditions and Pressure cycle test under overload conditions (LBB Mode). To meet the market demand for reduced vehicle mass, most cylinder manufacturers in China tend to reduce cylinder weight by improving cylinder material. strength and reducing cylinder wall thickness. Few manufacturers, however, pay attention to the relation between cylinder Life time or Life Cycle and cylinder thickness reduced by strength improvement. In this paper, Pressure cycle tests are conducted on cylinders with the same specification but various wall thickness values to calculate and analyze the Life time or Life Cycle values. This paper is trying to discover the inherent law between cylinder material. strength, wall thickness and Life time or Life Cycle, to put forward the viewpoint that analysis design or test verification can be adopted in cylinder wall thickness design, to build the wall thickness design model for a widely-used cylinder model, and to lay the theoretical basis for lightweight cylinder design under safe conditions.
Uncertainty Sampling of Weld Residual Stress Fields in Probabilistic Analysis: Part II — Examples
Authors: Kurth Robert E. , Sallaberry Cédric J. , Brust Frederick W. , Kurth Elizabeth A. , Benson Michael L. , Rudland David L.
Published: December 2016

NRC Standard Review Plan (SRP) 3.6.3 describes Leak-Before-Break (LBB) assessment procedures that can be used to assess compliance with the 10CFR50 Appendix A, GDC-4 requirement that primary system pressure piping exhibit an extremely low probability of rupture. SRP 3.6.3 does not allow for assessment of piping systems with active degradation mechanisms, such as Primary Water Stress Corrosion Cracking (PWSCC) which is currently occurring in systems that have been granted LBB approvals.

US NRC staff, working cooperatively with the Electric Power Research Institute through a memorandum of understanding, conducted a multi-year project that focused on the development of a viable method and approach to address the effects of PWSCC in primary piping systems approved for LBB. This project, called eXtremely Low Probability of Rupture (xLPR) [1], defined the requirements necessary for a modular-based probabilistic fracture mechanics assessment tool to directly assess compliance with the regulations.

Using the lessons learned from the pilot study, the production version of this code, designated as Version 2.0, focused on those primary piping systems previously approved for LBB. In this version the appropriate fracture mechanics-based models are employed to model the physical cracking behavior and a variety of computational options are provided to characterize, categorize and propagate problem uncertainties.

One of the most influential uncertainty on risk in the xLPR code is the one associated with weld residual stresses (WRS). WRS plays a key role in both crack initiation and crack growth. PWSCC is mainly driven by tensile stresses, whose major contributors are the tensile weld residual stresses that develop during fabrication of the piping system.

Handling the uncertainty involved with WRS within a probabilistic framework is quite challenging. A companion paper presents the selected approach to represent uncertainty within the framework of the xLPR code while respecting a set of requirements in term of smoothness of profile, efficiency of (potential) importance sampling and (for axial WRS) equilibrium. This paper illustrate with examples the implementation of the described methods into xLPR v2.0.
Corrosion of Coated Pipe Samples: An Overview and Statistical Analysis of NBS-API Data
Authors: Daigle Olivier , Pandey Mahesh D.
Published: December 2016

The National Bureau of Standards (NBS) had undertaken a comprehensive study of underground soil corrosion of iron pipes and plates. The maximum pit depth data for different types of wrought iron and carbon steel pipes have been widely analyzed and utilized in the corrosion literature. There is another important but relatively obscure data set about the testing of pipes with bituminous coating that NBS carried out in collaboration with the American Petroleum Institute (API). This program tested dozens of coatings on operating line pipes as well as short sections of pipes at 15 soil sites over a 10 year period (1930–1940). This paper presents an overview of this data and presents statistical analysis of protection offered by coatings.
Fitness-for-Service Assessment of Calandria Tube to Liquid Injection Shutdown System Nozzle Contact in a CANDU Reactor
Authors: Liu Cheng , Tulk Eric , Scarth Douglas , Micuda Larry
Published: December 2016

In CANDU1 reactors, calandria tubes are used to separate the fuel channels from the moderator. The Liquid Injection Shutdown System (LISS) nozzles, which contain holes for discharging neutron-absorbing liquid into the moderator, are arranged perpendicularly in the gap between adjacent rows of calandria tubes. Both calandria tubes and LISS nozzles sag during service due to creep, with the more heavily loaded calandria tubes sagging relatively more. When contact between a calandria tube and a LISS nozzle has been detected by in-service inspection, or is predicted to occur, a fitness-for-service assessment is permitted by CSA Standard N285.4 to demonstrate acceptability of continued operation until the end of the next periodic inspection interval, provided that the fitness-for-service assessment is acceptable to the Regulatory Authority. A fitness-for-service assessment has been recently performed for a calandria tube and a LISS nozzle that were predicted to contact at a future time. The assessment has demonstrated that for an evaluation period of three years after the predicted contact time, the structural integrity of the calandria tube and the LISS nozzle is maintained, both components will continue to function in accordance with their design requirements, and their contact will not result in contact between the calandria tube and a pressure tube.
Method for Developing Variable Axial Loading in Thick Walled Pressure Vessels
Authors: Smith Lucas B. , Wheeler Philip C. , Vigilante Gregory N.
Published: December 2016

Traditional hydraulic fatigue testing is performed on open ended cylindrical sections of pressure vessels to establish their fatigue life. Typically only hoop loading of the pressure vessels is required to determine fatigue life. However, for some specific geometries and service conditions a more complex test is required. It has been confirmed that certain geometries have experienced circumferential cracking because of combined, nearly equivalent axial loading and hoop loading. Consequently, a test fixture was engineered, designed, built and tested by US Army - Benét Laboratories / ARDEC to replicate the service loading condition. Simultaneous axial / hoop fatigue testing results in a more realistic representation of service loading conditions and a more accurate determination of fatigue life for these non-typical cases.
Experimentally-Benchmarked Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations of an Array of Heated Rods Within a Square-Cross-Section Helium-Filled Pressure Vessel
Authors: Maharjan Dilesh , Hadj-Nacer Mustafa , Chalasani Narayana R. , Greiner Miles
Published: December 2016

An experimental apparatus was constructed, consisting of an 8×8 array of electrically-heated rods held in a square array by stainless-steel spacer plates near their ends. The rod/plate assembly was enclosed within a square-cross-section helium-filled aluminum pressure vessel and the rods were oriented vertically. The apparatus simulates the region between two consecutive spacer plates of a used nuclear fuel assembly within a vertical dry storage canister. Rod, spacer plate, and enclosure wall temperatures were measured using thermocouples in a matrix of nine experiments with total rod heat generation rates of 100, 300, and 500 W, and nominal helium pressures of 1, 2, and 3 atm.

Steady-state simulations representing the experiment were performed, which include heat generation within the rods, conduction within the solid elements, as well as buoyancy-induced motion within, and natural convection and radiation heat transfer across, helium-filled regions. These were compared to the experimental results to assess the accuracy of the computational model for a range of boundary conditions.

The comparison between the simulated and measured data showed that the simulations systematically under predict the hotter rod temperatures and over predict the cooler ones. Linear regression showed that 95% of the simulated temperatures are within 4.26°C of the correlation values.
Applications of Welding to Repair Irradiated Reactor Internals
Authors: Lunceford Wayne , Palm Nathan , Willis Eric , Tatman Jonathan , McCracken Steven
Published: December 2016

As the existing light water reactor (LWR) fleet ages, the weldability of structural materials used to construct the reactor pressure vessels (RPVs) and reactor internals is diminished. The decrease in the weldability in austenitic and ferritic materials is attributed to the formation of helium in the material microstructure. Helium (He) generation occurs during the service life of irradiated reactor internals from neutron transmutation reactions of boron and nickel in these materials. Welding on irradiated materials, if performed without appropriate consideration of fluence exposure and helium generation, can result in a heat affected zone cracking phenomenon termed helium induced cracking (HeIC). The heat input associated with welding is a major factor affecting the coalescence of the generated helium along grain boundaries. As the material cools, the tensile stresses generated from welding can cause cracking to occur along grain boundaries weakened by helium bubble coalescence. In some cases, the preferred or only method of repair or replacement of a reactor internal component is welding. For components located in regions of low thermal fluence, the welding process implementation may be relatively straightforward and only heat input control may be required. However, in high thermal fluence regions, weld repair of irradiated reactor internal components is complicated by the presence of high concentrations of helium and significant care must be taken in welding process selection and heat input control. This paper highlights envisioned applications for weld repair on irradiated reactor internals. It also summarizes recently completed guidance published by the EPRI Materials Reliability Program (MRP) and EPRI BWR Vessel and Internals Project (BWRVIP) which provides an improved basis for plants to assess the weldability of components at various locations within the reactor.
Numerical Simulation on Manufacturing of Pressure Vessel for Shock Food Processing Using Explosive Forming
Authors: Iyama Hirofumi , Nishi Masatoshi , Higa Yoshikazu , Shimojima Ken , Higa Osamu , Itoh Shigeru
Published: December 2016

The explosive forming is a characteristic forming method. An underwater shock wave is generated by underwater explosion of the explosive. A metal plate is affected high strain rate by the shock loading and is formed along a metal die. Although this method has the advantage of mirroring the shape of the die, a free forming was used in this paper. An expensive metal die is not necessary for this free forming. It is possible that a metal plate is formed with simple supporting parts. However, the forming shape is depend on the shock pressure distribution act on the metal plate. This pressure distribution is able to change by the shape of explosive, a mass of explosive and a shape of pressure vessel. On the other hand, we need the pressure vessel for food processing by the underwater shock wave. Therefore, we propose making the pressure vessel by the explosive forming. One design suggestion of pressure vessel made of stainless steel was considered. However, we cannot decide suitable conditions, the mass of the explosive and the distance between the explosive and the metal plate to make the pressure vessel. In order to decide these conditions, we have tried the numerical simulation of this explosive forming. The basic simulation method was ALE (Arbitrary Laglangian Eulerian) method. Mie-Grümeisen EOS (equation of state), JWL EOS, Johnson-Cook constitutive equation for a material model were applied in the numerical simulation. In this paper, the underwater pressure contours to clear the propagations of the underwater shock wave, forming processes and deformation velocity of the metal plate is shown and it will be discussed about those results.
The Effects of Corrosion Pattern and Trench Fill on the Ovalization of Buried Steel Pipe
Authors: Abatt F. George , Antaki George , Kassar Maher
Published: December 2016

Because there is no closed-form solution to predict ovalization of buried pipe with an uneven pattern of wall loss that is subjected to soil and surface loads, a conservative screening approach has been to assume a uniform wall loss around the pipe circumference, with a wall thickness equal to the thinnest, most corroded spot. To improve on this grossly conservative approach, this paper numerically studies the effects of uneven corrosion patterns around the circumference on the ovality of the pipe, using finite element simulation of the corroded pipe and surrounding soil. A second topic addressed in this paper is the effect of trench fill material on the ovality of the pipe, in the case where the trench fill has different soil moduli, caused by variations in compaction or materials, including controlled low-strength material (CLSM).
Dynamic Analysis of NPP Piping Systems and Components With Viscoelastic Dampers Subjected to Severe Earthquake Motions
Authors: Tamura Ichiro , Kuramasu Masashi , Barutzki Frank , Fischer Daniel , Kostarev Victor , Berkovskiy Alexey , Vasiliev Peter , Inoue Takuma , Okita Shunsuke , Namita Yoshio
Published: December 2016

In Shimane nuclear power plant of Chugoku Electric Power Co., a number of safety improvements are planned to be implemented aiming for the highest level of safety in the world to be achieved. One of the new safety measures is the application of viscoelastic dampers for seismic protection of safety related piping system and components.

High performance of viscoelastic dampers has been confirmed by direct testing of the piping natural scale model at the shaking table subjected to severe seismic accelerations up to 20 m/s2.

However, viscoelastic dampers as a dynamic protection device have frequency-dependent dynamic characteristics, which are difficult to reproduce in the frame of conventional seismic analysis based typically on the use of response spectrum method.

For example, the dynamic properties of viscoelastic dampers exhibit nonlinear dependence on dissipation energy, shear rate of viscous fluid, and temperature.

Method for Seismic analysis of systems with viscoelastic dampers (SAVD-Method) is one of the analytical approaches capable of considering the dynamic properties and nonlinear behavior of viscoelastic dampers.

The SAVD-Method is a comparatively simple but reliable approach for dynamic analysis of a piping system and components with viscoelastic dampers.

Frequency-dependent dynamic characteristics of the viscoelastic dampers are able to be modeled by a four-parameter Maxwell model.

To consider the nonlinearity of the dynamic properties of viscoelastic dampers, the Maxwell model parameters were determined for different usage conditions in conjunction with the adjustment dependent on the energy dissipation criteria.

Direct comparison of the shaking table measurements and analysis according to SAVD-method shows good matching of results for all controlled parameters and levels of seismic excitation.
Functional Failure in Filament-Wound Composite Pipe: A Parametric Sensitivity Analysis Approach
Authors: Arif Abul Fazal M. , AlOmari Ahmed S. , Pashah Sulaman S.
Published: December 2016

The performance of filament-wound FRP composite is dependent on the properties of constituent materials (i.e. fiber, matrix and fiber-matrix interface) as well as on the manufacturing and design parameters (e.g. fiber lay-up, laminate stacking sequence, mandrel diameter, winding tension, winding time, fiber wet-out, etc.). In the first part of this work, we present a sensitivity analysis approach to ascertain the degree of influence of various mechanical and material design parameters on the structural failure of the composite laminated pipes. In the second part, sensitivity analysis results were used to design pipes with improved mechanical strength.
Limiting Flaw Size Evaluation for Welded Austenitic Stainless Steels: A Comparison of Section XI Appendix C and Appendix H Approaches
Authors: Broussard John E.
Published: December 2016

Paragraph IWB-3641 of Section XI [1] permits the use of Nonmandatory Appendix C or H to perform the analytical evaluation of flaws in austenitic and ferritic piping. When considering welded austenitic material, Appendix C does not include the welding residual stress as an input to the calculations for maximum allowable flaw length and depth. In contrast, Appendix H does include the welding residual stress when the K′r coordinate on the failure assessment diagram curve is calculated for austenitic materials. This paper calculates the maximum allowable axial and circumferential flaws in a welded austenitic component subject to internal pressure loads using Appendix C procedures and using Appendix H procedures. The results are compared to investigate cases where a flaw may be acceptable using one set of procedures and not acceptable using the other.
Technical Basis for Stress Levels Needed to Mitigate PWSCC in Alloy 82/182/600
Authors: Bamford Warren , White Glenn , Fyfitch Stephen
Published: December 2016

The level of stress at which stress corrosion cracking can occur in nickel-based alloys is a key factor in assessing the effectiveness of methods that have been proposed to mitigate such cracking. As various mitigation methods have different approaches and capabilities, the stress limit specified for each case has varied. This paper will review the available data on this subject and develop a consistent basis for defining the stress levels that would be required to initiate stress corrosion cracking in these materials. This paper may be applied to improve the consistency of the requirements of the various mitigation methods involving stress improvement.
Quantifying gas emissions from the “Millennium Eruption” of Paektu volcano, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea/China
Authors: Iacovino Kayla , Ju-Song Kim , Sisson Thomas , Lowenstern Jacob , Kuk-Hun Ri , Jong-Nam Jang , Kun-Ho Song , Song-Hwan Ham , Oppenheimer Clive , Hammond James O. S. , Donovan Amy , Liu Kosima W. , Kum-Ran Ryu
Published: December 2016

Measurements of S and other volatiles during pre-eruptive crystallization suggest high gas flux during the 946 CE Paektu eruption.
A conducting polymer with enhanced electronic stability applied in cardiac models
Authors: Mawad Damia , Mansfield Catherine , Lauto Antonio , Perbellini Filippo , Nelson Geoffrey W. , Tonkin Joanne , Bello Sean O. , Carrad Damon J. , Micolich Adam P. , Mahat Mohd M. , Furman Jennifer , Payne David , Lyon Alexander R. , Gooding J. Justin , Harding Sian E. , Terracciano Cesare M. , Stevens Molly M.
Published: December 2016

Researchers develop sutureless conductive patch with enhanced biostability and effect on heart conduction velocity.
Generation of influenza A viruses as live but replication-incompetent virus vaccines
Authors: Si Longlong , Xu Huan , Zhou Xueying , Zhang Ziwei , Tian Zhenyu , Wang Yan , Wu Yiming , Zhang Bo , Niu Zhenlan , Zhang Chuanling , Fu Ge , Xiao Sulong , Xia Qing , Zhang Lihe , Zhou Demin
Published: December 2016

Genetic code expansion and orthogonal translation machinery are used to generate live, attenuated viral vaccines.
Arrested development
A Prescription for Change The Looming Crisis in Drug Development
Michael Kinch
UNC Press, 2016. 351 pp.
Authors: Painter George
Published: December 2016

Financial and regulatory pressures threaten the discovery of new medicines
The Linear Ubiquitin Assembly Complex Modulates Latent Membrane Protein 1 Activation of NF-κB and Interferon Regulatory Factor 7
Authors: Wang Ling , Wang Yujia , Zhao Juan , Ren Junping , Hall Kenton H. , Moorman Jonathan P. , Yao Zhi Q. , Ning Shunbin
Published: December 2016

Recently, linear ubiquitin assembly complex (LUBAC)-mediated linear ubiquitination has come into focus due to its emerging role in activation of NF-κB in different biological contexts. However, the role of LUBAC in LMP1 signaling leading to NF-κB and interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7) activation has not been investigated. We show here that RNF31, the key component of LUBAC, interacts with LMP1 and IRF7 in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed cells and that LUBAC stimulates linear ubiquitination of NEMO and IRF7. Consequently, LUBAC is required for LMP1 signaling to full activation of NF-κB but inhibits LMP1-stimulated IRF7 transcriptional activity. The protein levels of RNF31 and LMP1 are correlated in EBV-transformed cells. Knockdown of RNF31 in EBV-transformed IB4 cells by RNA interference negatively regulates the expression of the genes downstream of LMP1 signaling and results in a decrease of cell proliferation. These lines of evidence indicate that LUBAC-mediated linear ubiquitination plays crucial roles in regulating LMP1 signaling and functions.

IMPORTANCE
We show here that LUBAC-mediated linear ubiquitination is required for LMP1 activation of NF-κB but inhibits LMP1-mediated IRF7 activation. Our findings provide novel mechanisms underlying EBV-mediated oncogenesis and may have a broad impact on IRF7-mediated immune responses.
A Protective Role for Interleukin-1 Signaling during Mouse Adenovirus Type 1-Induced Encephalitis
Authors: Castro-Jorge Luiza A. , Pretto Carla D. , Smith Asa B. , Foreman Oded , Carnahan Kelly E. , Spindler Katherine R.
Published: December 2016

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), an inflammatory cytokine and IL-1 receptor ligand, has diverse activities in the brain. We examined whether IL-1 signaling contributes to the encephalitis observed in mouse adenovirus type 1 (MAV-1) infection, using mice lacking the IL-1 receptor (Il1r1−/−mice).Il1r1−/−mice demonstrated reduced survival, greater disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), higher brain viral loads, and higher brain inflammatory cytokine and chemokine levels than control C57BL/6J mice. We also examined infections of mice defective in IL-1β production (Pycard−/−mice) and mice defective in trafficking of Toll-like receptors to the endosome (Unc93b1−/−mice).Pycard−/−andUnc93b1−/−mice showed lower survival (similar toIl1r1−/−mice) than control mice but, unlikeIl1r1−/−mice, did not have increased brain viral loads or BBB disruption. Based on the brain cytokine levels, MAV-1-infectedUnc93b1−/−mice had a very different inflammatory profile from infectedIl1r1−/−andPycard−/−mice. Histological examination demonstrated pathological findings consistent with encephalitis in control and knockout mice; however, intranuclear viral inclusions were seen only inIl1r1−/−mice. A time course of infection of control andIl1r1−/−mice evaluating the kinetics of viral replication and cytokine production revealed differences between the mouse strains primarily at 7 to 8 days after infection, when mice began succumbing to MAV-1 infection. In the absence of IL-1 signaling, we noted an increase in the transcription of type I interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes. Together, these results indicate that IL-1 signaling is important during MAV-1 infection and suggest that, in its absence, increased IFN-β signaling may result in increased neuroinflammation.

IMPORTANCEThe investigation of encephalitis pathogenesis produced by different viruses is needed to characterize virus and host-specific factors that contribute to disease. MAV-1 produces viral encephalitis in its natural host, providing a good model for studying factors involved in encephalitis development. We investigated the role of IL-1 signaling during MAV-1-induced encephalitis. Unexpectedly, the lack of IL-1 signaling increased the mortality and inflammation in mice infected with MAV-1. Also, there was an increase in the transcription of type I IFN-stimulated genes that correlated with the observed increased mortality and inflammation. The findings highlight the complex nature of encephalitis and suggests that IL-1 has a protective effect for the development of MAV-1-induced encephalitis.
Contribution of the long-term care insurance certificate for predicting 1-year all-cause readmission compared with validated risk scores in elderly patients with heart failure
Authors: Takahashi Kayo , Saito Makoto , Inaba Shinji , Morofuji Toru , Aisu Hiroe , Sumimoto Takumi , Ogimoto Akiyoshi , Ikeda Shuntaro , Higaki Jitsuo
Published: December 2016

Objectives

Readmission is a common and serious problem associated with heart failure (HF). Unfortunately, conventional risk models have limited predictive value for predicting readmission. The recipients of long-term care insurance (LTCI) are frail and have mental and physical impairments. We hypothesised that adjustment of the conventional risk score with an LTCI certificate enables a more accurate appreciation of readmission for HF.

Methods

We investigated 452 patients with HF who were followed up for 1 year to determine all-cause readmission. We obtained their clinical and socioeconomic data, including LTCI. The three clinical risk scores used in our evaluation were Keenan (2008), Krumholz (2000) and Charlson (1994). We used net reclassification improvement (NRI) to assess the incremental benefit.

Results

Patients with LTCI were significantly older, and had a higher prevalence of cerebrovascular disease and dementia than those without LTCI. One-year all-cause readmission (n=193, 43%) was significantly associated with all risk scores, receiving LTCI and the category of LTCI. Receiving LTCI was associated with readmission independent of all risk scores (HR, 1.59 to 1.63; all p<0.01). Adding LTCI to all risk scores led to a significantly improved reclassification, which was observed in the subgroup of patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (≥50%) but not in the subgroup with reduced ejection fraction (<50%).

Conclusions

Possession of an LTCI certificate was independently associated with 1-year all-cause readmission after adjusting for validated clinical risk scores in patients with HF. Adding LTCI status significantly improved the model performance for readmission risk, particularly in patients with HF and preserved ejection fraction.
The Devonian Horn River Group and the basal Imperial Formation of the central Mackenzie Plain, N.W.T., Canada: multiproxy stratigraphic framework of a black shale basin
Authors: Kabanov Pavel , Gouwy Sofie A.
Published: December 2016

This study proposes six new lithostratigraphic units and redefines two others within the Horn River Group (HRG), a shale-dominated succession recently prospected for shale hydrocarbons. Its lower Hare Indian Formation rests on a drowning unconformity. In the SOB area (the area between Norman Wells and the Keele tectonic zone), this formation consists of the Bluefish black shale, Francis Creek grey shale, and Prohibition Creek black shale members. The latter two are lateral equivalents of the grey shale Bell Creek Member (updated definition) in the northern part of the study area. The overlying Canol Formation in the SOB area is divided into the Vermillion Creek and Dodo Canyon members. The Prohibition – Dodo Canyon package is ≥100 m thick and composed of brittle siliceous mudrocks with median SiO2 68%–79%, Al2O3 6%–9%, varying amount of calcite and dolomite, and type I–II kerogen with median TOC 4.5%. The thin Canol Formation blanketing Kee Scarp carbonate banks is identified as its Dodo Canyon Member. The latter is a “sweet bed” for fracking with median SiO2 75%–79%, TOC 5.1%, and trace-metal signatures indicating strongest anoxia in the section. The Mirror Lake Member in the base of the overlying Imperial Formation consists of soft illite-rich grey shales with minor siderite and dolomite. The overlying Loon Creek Member is composed of Canol-like black shale facies in its basal part and less organic-rich, lighter-colored shales and siltstones above. The Loon Creek Member is partly coeval with an overlying succession of sandstones and siltstones of the Canyon Member in its updated definition. Conodont data do not indicate significant time gaps between lithostratigraphic units. The majority of standard conodont zones from the uppermost Eifelian (ensensis Zone) up to the middle Frasnian (punctata Zone) are recognized. Assemblages of the hemiansatus and semialternans/latifossatus zones are missing probably owing to scarcity of conodont samples. The base of the HRG approximates the Eifelian–Givetian boundary, and the Hare Indian Formation is mostly Givetian. The Vermillion Creek Member spans the Givetian–Frasnian boundary. In places where thick Kee Scarp carbonates aggrade on thick sections of the Bell Creek Member, the Kee Scarp – Canol contact is found within the transitans Zone and the Middle Frasnian punctata Zone conodont assemblage is found in the basal part of the Dodo Canyon Member. The main part of the Dodo Canyon Member and basal beds of the Imperial Formation remain undated.
Quanta of geometry and unification
Authors: Chamseddine Ali H.
Published: December 2016

This is a tribute to Abdus Salam’s memory whose insight and creative thinking set for me a role model to follow. In this contribution I show that the simple requirement of volume quantization in spacetime (with Euclidean signature) uniquely determines the geometry to be that of a noncommutative space whose finite part is based on an algebra that leads to Pati–Salam grand unified models. The Standard Model corresponds to a special case where a mathematical constraint (order one condition) is satisfied. This provides evidence that Salam was a visionary who was generations ahead of his time.
Commutator-based linearization of N = 1 nonlinear supersymmetry
Authors: Tsuda Motomu
Published: December 2016

We consider the linearization of N = 1 nonlinear supersymmetry (NLSUSY) based on a commutator algebra in Volkov–Akulov (VA) NLSUSY theory. We show explicitly that U(1) gauge and scalar supermultiplets in addition to a vector supermultiplet with general auxiliary fields in linear SUSY theories are obtained from a same set of bosonic and fermionic functionals (composites) which are expressed as simple products of the powers of a Nambu–Goldstone fermion and a fundamental determinant in the NLSUSY theory.
Compatibility between the Ginzburg–Landau model and finite-temperature quantum field theory
Authors: Calza T. C. A. , Cardoso F. L. , Cardoso L. G. , Linhares C. A.
Published: December 2016

The formalism of finite-temperature quantum field theory, as developed by Matsubara, is applied to a Hamiltonian of N scalar fields with a quartic self-interaction at large N. A renormalized expression in the lowest quantum approximation is obtained for the squared mass m2 of the field, as a function of the temperature T, from which we study the process of spontaneous symmetry breaking. We find that in a range of values around the critical temperature Tc, the squared mass can be approximated by a linear relation m2 [Formula: see text] (T − Tc). We thus demonstrate the compatibility of the finite-temperature formalism for scalar fields, in the vicinity of criticality, with respect to the Ginzburg–Landau model. We also discuss the effects caused by the presence of a chemical potential and of an external magnetic field applied to the finite-temperature system, which however do not affect the linearity of the relation between the squared mass and the temperature.
Diboson excess and Z′-predictions via left–right nonlinear Higgs
Authors: Shu Jing , Yepes Juan
Published: December 2016

The excess events reported by the ATLAS collaboration in the WZ-final state, and by the CMS collaboration in the e[Formula: see text]e[Formula: see text]jj, Wh and jj-final states, may be induced by the decays of a heavy boson W[Formula: see text] in the 1.8–2 TeV mass range, here modeled via the larger local group SU(2)L × SU(2)R × U(1)[Formula: see text] in a nonlinear dynamical Higgs scenario. The W[Formula: see text]-production cross-section at the 13 TeV LHC is around 700–1200 fb. This framework also predicts a heavy Z[Formula: see text] boson with a mass of 2.5–4 TeV, and some decay channels testable in the LHC Run II. We determine the cross-section times branching fractions for the dijet, dilepton and top-pair Z[Formula: see text]-decay channels at the 13 TeV LHC around 2.3, 7.1, 70.2 fb, respectively, for M[Formula: see text] = 2.5 TeV, while one/two orders of magnitude smaller for the dijet/dilepton and top-pair modes at M[Formula: see text] = 4 TeV. Nonzero contributions from the effective operators, and the underlying Higgs sector of the model, will induce sizeable enhancement in the W[Formula: see text]W[Formula: see text] and Zh-final states that could be probed in the future LHC Run II.
Hyperbolic deformation of a gauge field theory and the hierarchy problem
Authors: Cartas-Fuentevilla R. , Escalante-Hernandez A. , Herrera-Aguilar A.
Published: December 2016

The problem of the gauge hierarchy is brought up in a hypercomplex scheme for a [Formula: see text] field theory; in such a scheme, a compact gauge group is deformed through a [Formula: see text]-parameter that varies along a noncompact internal direction, transverse to the [Formula: see text] compact one, and thus an additional [Formula: see text] gauge symmetry is incorporated. This transverse direction can be understood as an extra internal dimension, which will control the spontaneous symmetry breakdown, and will allow us to establish a mass hierarchy. In this mechanism, there is no brane separation to be estabilized as in the braneworld paradigm, however, a different kind of fine-tuning is needed in order to generate the wished electroweak/Planck hierarchy. By analyzing the effective self-interactions and mass terms of the theory, an interesting duality is revealed between the real and hybrid parts of the effective potential. This duality relates the weak and strong self-interaction regimes of the theory, due to the fact that both mass terms and self-coupling constants appear as one-parameter flows in [Formula: see text]. Additionally, the [Formula: see text]-deformation will establish a flow for the electromagnetic coupling that mimics the renormalization group flow for the charge in QED.
Irreversible work versus fidelity susceptibility for infinitesimal quenches
Authors: Paganelli Simone , Apollaro Tony J. G.
Published: December 2016

We compare the irreversible work produced in an infinitesimal sudden quench of a quantum system at zero temperature with its ground state fidelity susceptibility, giving an explicit relation between the two quantities. We find that the former is proportional to the latter but for an extra term appearing in the irreversible work which includes also contributions from the excited states. We calculate explicitly the two quantities in the case of the quantum Ising chain, showing that at criticality they exhibit different scaling behaviors. The irreversible work, rescaled by square of the quench’s amplitude, exhibits a divergence slower than that of the fidelity susceptibility. As a consequence, the two quantities obey also different finite-size scaling relations.
Towards Using Tiny Sensors with Heat Balancing Criteria for Child Care Reminders
Authors: Poon Geoffrey , Kwan Kin Chung , Pang Wai-Man , Choi Kup-Sze
Published: December 2016

Raising children is challenging and requires lots of care. Parents always have to provide proper care to their children in time, like hydration and clothing. However, it is difficult to always stay alert or be aware of the care required at proper moments. One reason is that parents nowadays are busy. This especially applies to single parent, or the one who needs to raise multiple children.

This paper presents the use of an integrated multi-sensors together with a mobile application to help keep track of unusual situations concerning a child. By monitoring the changes in surrounding temperature, motions, and air pressure acquired from the sensors, our mobile application can infer the physiological needs of the children with the heat equilibrium assumption. As the thermal environment in the human body is mainly governed by the heat balance equation, we fuse all available sensor readings to the equation so as to estimate the change in situation of a child over a certain period of time. Our system can then notify the parents of the necessary care, including hydration, dining, clothing and ear barotrauma relieving. The proposed application can greatly relieve some of the mental load and pressure of the parents in taking care of children.
BlogSearch: Semantic Services for Aggregating and Searching Blog Articles
Authors: Papadakis Nikos , Kondylakis Haridimos , Kalaentzis Anastasios , Komporakis Ioannis , Deligiannis Ioannis A. , Steiakaki Malvina , Alexiou George , Atsalaki Xanthoula
Published: December 2016

The advent of new web technologies and the explosion of available information online led to an information overload. During this information revolution blogs have become considerably mainstream as a media of providing news. Although there are several arguments about their validity and credibility the large amount of blogs currently available require the usage of advanced techniques for the collection, analysis, mining and efficient querying of the available information. To this direction we present BlogSearch, a novel platform allowing aggregating, indexing and searching blog articles. The information is modelled using a novel RDF/S Ontology named Blogs Ontology and published as Linked Open Data. In addition, two sets of APIs are provided for inserting, updating and searching information whereas the platform provides also graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for searching and inserting information. To the best of our knowledge our platform is the only one currently available publishing blog articles as Linked Open Data and simultaneously providing APIs and GUIs for aggregating, inserting and searching articles.
Functional at scale
Authors: Eriksen Marius
Published: December 2016

Applying functional programming principles to distributed computing projects.
Containers push toward the mayfly server
Authors: Edwards Chris
Published: December 2016

The container revolution represents a large-scale shift in thinking about multitasking systems.
A view to the future
Authors: Hoffmann Leah
Published: December 2016

Takeo Kanede, recipient of the 2016 Kyoto prize for advanced technology for pioneering contributions to computer vision and robotics, sees respect as an important part of quality of life technology initiatives.
Fibrinogen: A Marker in Predicting Diabetic Foot Ulcer Severity
Authors: Li X. H. , Guan L. Y. , Lin H. Y. , Wang S. H. , Cao Y. Q. , Jiang X. Y. , Wang Y. B.
Published: December 2016

Aims. To examine whether fibrinogen levels are a valuable biomarker for assessing disease severity and monitoring disease progression in patients with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU).Methods. A retrospective study was designed to examine the utility of fibrinogen in estimating disease severity in patients with DFU admitted to our hospital between January 2015 and January 2016. In total, 152 patients with DFU were enrolled in the study group, and 52 age and gender matched people with diabetes but no DFU were included as the control group. DFU severity was assessed using Wagner criteria.Results. Patients with DFU were divided into 2 subgroups based on the Wagner criteria. Mean fibrinogen values were significantly higher in patients with DFU grade ≧ 3 compared to those with DFU grades 1-2 (5.23 ± 1.37 g/L versus 3.61 ± 1.04 g/L). Using ROC statistic, a cut-off value of 5.13 g/L indicated the possible amputation with a sensitivity of 81.8% and a specificity of 78.9% (positive predictive value [PPV] 78.6%, negative predictive value [89.0%]). Fibrinogen values were found to be correlated with CRP levels, neutrophil, and WBC count.Conclusions. Fibrinogen levels might be a valuable tool for assessing the disease severity and monitoring the disease progression in patients with DFU.
Uniqueness of Solutions to a Nonlinear Elliptic Hessian Equation
Authors: Li Siyuan
Published: December 2016

Through an Alexandrov-Fenchel inequality, we establish the general Brunn-Minkowski inequality. Then we obtain the uniqueness of solutions to a nonlinear elliptic Hessian equation onSn.
Neuronal Changes in the Diabetic Cornea: Perspectives for Neuroprotection
Authors: Bikbova Guzel , Oshitari Toshiyuki , Baba Takayuki , Yamamoto Shuichi
Published: December 2016

Diabetic neuropathy is associated with neurotrophic ulcerations of the skin and cornea. Decreased corneal sensitivity and impaired innervation lead to weakened epithelial wound healing predisposing patients to ocular complications such as corneal infections, stromal opacification, and surface irregularity. This review presents recent findings on impaired corneal innervation in diabetic individuals, and the findings suggest that corneal neuropathy might be an early indicator of diabetic neuropathy. Additionally, the recent findings for neuroprotective and regenerative therapy for diabetic keratopathy are presented.